‘Juaning” leaves P1.022B worth of damages in Albay
…relief, rehab and recovery underway
by Marlon A. Loterte
LEGAZPI CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- More than P1 billion worth of damages were recorded in Albay due to tropical storm ‘Juaning’ on Tuesday that brought heavy rains triggering floods in a massive scale, mudflows and landslides in all localities in the province.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said today that ‘Juaning’ left a total of P1,021,927,899.66 worth of destruction in agricultural crops, livestock and infrastructure in all the three cities and 15 municipalities of the province.
Salceda bared that an estimated P951,456,000 worth of public infrastructures, including roads, bridges, dikes, and irrigation canals were destroyed by raging flood waters, mudflows, and landslides.
Roads heavily damaged were in Albay’s first engineering district, including Polangui, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, and third’s Malilipot, Malinao and portion of Tabaco City.
Damages to agriculture and livestock were pegged at P70.4 million in production losses in 13,339 hectares of rice, corn and vegetables crops with 7,795 farmers affected across the province.
The tropical storm, according to records of Albay PDRRMC left the province with nine people dead, one still missing and affected some 107,934 families or 557,448 persons. Some 56,955 families or 295,179 people are now housed in various evacuation centers across the province.
Meanwhile, Salceda has also declared the province an “open city”, with Albay now under the state of calamity, for prospective donors to augment the emergency relief assistance of the provincial government to thousands of affected families displaced by the recent calamity.
With “open city” declaration, donors can go directly to areas the identified and chose to provide assistance in any form even without coordinating with the local governments.
“This is to fast track relief assistance efforts, especially to those who needed them most, the like of foods, medicine, personal hygiene kit, blankets, among others complementing the already on-going relief operations of the provincial government’s social welfare and humanitarian service offices,” Salceda said. (MAL, PIA V)
Prices of commodities in Catanduanes remain stable in the wake of calamity
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 29 (PIA)- Supply and prices of rice, instant noodles and canned sardines are adequate and stable based on monitoring conducted at the warehouses of three distributors and major grocery stores here.
There are no movements in prices in basic commodities viz-a-viz the monitoring conducted before Tropical Storm "Juaning" hit the province.
There were no noted shortage of supplies and attempts to manipulate prices with the expected restoration of transportation.
The economy has not been adversely affected and is expected to function normally. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
P16.7 M damages to agriculture brought by typhoon Juaning in Camarines Norte
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 29 (PIA) – Some P16.7 million worth of damages to agriculture in this province brought by typhoon Juaning based on the initial reports of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) of the provincial government.
In a report submitted to the office of Governor Edgardo Tallado a total of 2,674.68 hectares of palay and high value crops were ruined by typhoon juaning amounting to P16.5 million while 21.75 hectares were the fishery damages worth more than P200 thousand.
Of the 2,674.68 hectares, 2,406.88 were damages to palay amounting to almost P6.5 million in the town of Basud, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, San Vicente, Sta. Elena, Talisay and Vinzons wherein 2,348 farmers are affected.
On the high value crops/vegetables, 267.8 hectares were affected amounting to more P10 million.
On the fishery damages in the towns of Vinzons and Basud with P200 thousand damages including 10 units of pencage.
Acting Provincial Agriculturist, Francia Pajares said that of the 2,674.68 hectares of palay and high value crops 2,479.25 have a chance of recovery.
The OPAg is continuously conducting monitoring in the other areas that were also affected by the said typhoon.
The said initial reports was also submitted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in order to include in the rehabilitation program of the agency.
It will be recalled that the province has declared partial state of calamity due to said typhoon last Wednesday (July 20) and approved P1.7 million from the P8 million allocated calamity fund chaired by Vice Governor Jonah Pimentel.
The province has recorded 6 deaths, 4 injured and 4,917 families (24,196 persons) affected by typhoon juaning. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)
DPWH Spearheads Clearing Operation
by Lizel S. Macatangay
BARAS, Canaman, Camarines Sur, July 29 (PIA)--- The roads are now cleared with fallen trees, broken electric and telephone lines and of any debris that would remind the wrath that typhoon Juaning has left the province of Camarines Sur. This is through the concerted efforts made by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) , Camarines Sur V, District Engineering Office under District Engineer Willard Atutubo.
Even on the height of the said typhoon, Atutubo has already directed his men, particularly the First Engineering District’s maintenance crew to stay vigilant and stand by for any untoward accident that might need the crew’s assistance. He has positioned his men in every strategic location along the National Highway for them to immediately respond to any cry for help.
Part of the district’s jurisdiction covers the stretch of the Maharlika highway encompassing the Milaor-Naga Boundary up to the Sipocot-Libmanan periphery which are both an in demand route for travelers. Atutubo has also allotted maintenance crew at the Pasacao-Danao and the Pili-Minalabac roads where motorists are mostly bound towards the Albay area. These are flood-prone areas where motorists and their vehicles might get stucked during the typhoon.
He also assured the public that all proper procedures are carried out to guarantee a safe road for road runners. Atutubo has also reactivated the District’s Disaster team to specifically focus on any inconvenient occurrences that might affect the motorists.
The prompt and quick action of works that the DPWH has implemented bears a positive fruit, with no accident reported along the main thoroughfares of their area of jurisdiction while typhoon Juaning was pounding the province with his intermittent rain and heavy rainfall.
Atutubo said that this is one of their commitments pursuant to President Benigno Aquino’s order under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management, and that is to ensure the protection and welfare of the people, particularly during disasters or emergencies. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Provincial Inter-Agency Anti Child Labor committee reports accomplishments
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, JULY 29 (PIA) -- In a special meeting held here today at Mango Grill, the Sorsogon Provincial Inter-Agency Anti Child Labor Committee (SPIAACLC) and Sagip Batang Mangagawa Quick Action Team reported on the accomplishments and activities conducted for the first two quarters of this year.
The Department of Labor and Employment through its provincial field officer, Imelda Romanillos convened the members for the reporting and assessment of activities and interventions provided by member agencies to see where the SPIAACLC is now in terms of the resolution of concerns and issues regarding anti- child labor practices observed and reported to the committee.
The concerns that were ventilated were the identification of the anti-labor practices observed in some areas or local government units where the interventions of the SPIAACLC like the children divers in Matnog, some children employed as domestic helpers and some children who are also being exploited by parents in asking for alms in the streets.
According to Romanillos the concerns raised by some member- agencies in the identification of where these children are used as child laborers were discussed and the interventions to be provided were also taken up during the first quarter meeting.
The first quarter meeting of the SPIAACIC according to Romanillos was attended by 15 members member agencies comprising of the Deartment of Education Sorsogon City, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, National Council for the Welfare of Children, Public Employment Service Office, LGU Pilar, Department of Justice, Green Valley Development Inc., Philippine Ports Authority -Bulan, Sorsogon Provincial Management Office, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine national Police, National Statistics Office and the Department of Labor and Employment held here at the City of Sorsogon.
Here the objective and activities were planned up to December of this year and how this plan was to be implemented.
The second quarterly meeting was held in Matnog. It gave the newly organized Matnog Inter Agency Anti-Child Labor Committee (MIAACLC) an orientation on the guidelines provided and stipulated in the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL).
Meanwhile according to Romanillos, because of the prevalence of child labor in the municipality of Pilar specially in the port, way back 2005 the local government through its Sanggunian Bayan has enacted a municipal ordinance on the regulation of employment of children which is the Municipal Ordinance No 007, series of 2005 and the creation of the Pilar Sagip Batang Mangagawa Quick Action Team created through the Executive Order No.05, series of 2011 which also took effect June 14, 20ll.
During the discussion on the PPACL frameworK, this ordinance was taken up so as to provide the Pilar Inter Agency Anti-Child Labor Committee a more thorough complementation in terms of enforcement and was shared to the member agencies for replication in other municipalities.
An advocacy on PPACL with the members of the barangays was also conducted last June 24 at barangay Binanuahan, Pilar, Sorsogon with the same topics discussed.
In the evaluation meeting, Romanillos solicited the member agencies inputs as to the other activities scheduled this August. (PIA-SORSOGON)
In the local government of Pilar the same local counter part of the SPIAACLC was organized and they were also provided orientation on the basic topics like the PPACL Framework, RA 9232, RA 9208 and this was presented through the assistance of the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. headed by Evely Ubaldo. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
SONA Live Point in Albay, July 25... Albay Gov. Joey Salceda (with microphone), joined by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, underlines permanent sustainable resettlement for communities in disaster prone areas and provided with support services, besides preemptive evacuation to attain 'zero casualty', in mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction programs and measures in the province. Good governance showcases education, health, climate change adaptation, tourism, local economy, among others as major priorities in the development of the province. (MAL, PIA V)
BIR collects P2.3 billion for first semester of 2011
By Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, July 28 (PIA) - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here has reported today that the seven revenue district offices of the tax agency were able to collect a total of P2.33 billion during the first six months of 2011.
In her report during a press conference held at the BIR regional office last Monday, Ma. Theresa A. Aycardo, assistant chief of the collection division, however said that the collection was short by P123,786,735.77 or 5.04 percent of the P2.45 billion goal for the period.
She said that the slow down in the implementation of government infrastructure projects in the region during the period and the lower wholesale and retail sales of business establishments related to building and construction affected the ability to of the agency to collect more than the goal.
Aycardo said that 67 percent of the collections were derived from income tax which reached P1.55 billion or P134,493,557.28 more than the P1,41 billion goal or an increment of 9.49 percent.
While value Added tax (VAT) collected for the same period was 31 percent below the goal of P829,955.000.00 which only reached P568,360,800.72 or a lower by P261,594,199.28 compared to the goal.
“ It is this type of tax that is being collected from contractors of government infrastructure projects and wholesale and retail business establishment.” Aycardo explained.
While there was a decline in the collection of VAT, there was on the other hand an increase in the collection from percentage tax which reached P111,911,474.08 or 11.91 percent increase over the goal of P99,999,000.00 or an increment of of P11,912,474.08.
On excise tax collection, the Bureau had a 308.84 percent increase in its collection from its goal of P599,000 or an increment of P1,849,960 due to the collection from mining activities in Matnog Sorsogon, Aycardo explained.
Meanwhile, BIR regional director Atty. Diosdao R. Mendoza said that they are optimistic that they will be able to meet this year’s P4.9 billion tax collection goal during the second semester because the government according to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad will accelerate the implementation of its infrastructure projects during the third and fourth quarter of 2011.
During the the past four years BIR Bicol has consistently overshot its yearly collection goal according to Mendoza. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)
OWWA Bicol awarded scholarships to 57 more scholars
LEGAZPI CITY, July 28 (PIA/OWWA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 5 (OWWA Bicol) awarded last Monday (July 25) scholarship grants under the OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) to 57 college students who are children of OFWs. Prior to the awarding ceremony, Welfare Officer Mayan Trilles oriented the new scholars and their parents about the responsibilities of both the scholars and OWWA under the program.
OFWDSP is one of the two new scholarship programs of OWWA under the Aquino administration, giving priority to OFWs who earn less than US$400 a month, or roughly P17,000. With this program, an OWWA scholar gets P10,000 per semester until graduation to cover tuition fees and other school-related expenses. The scholars should enroll in any CHED-priority four to five-year course, in any school of their choice within the Bicol Region. As of June 2011, OWWA Bicol maintains 26 OFWDSP scholars and this year’s batch of new scholars brings the total to 83, region-wide.
Regional Director Jocelyn O. Hapal opened the orientation with a remark that OWWA shares and support the OFWs’ dream of providing education to the children, emphasizing how a college degree can ensure a better future, without resorting to overseas employment as the only option. She assures the continuity of the scholarship regardless of the return to the country of the OFWs who opted to retire after finishing contracts, who seek other livelihood in the country after a breach of contract because of problems at the worksite abroad, or even those who were displaced by calamities and civil unrest while working abroad.
Along with OFWDSP scholars, scholarship grants were also awarded to children of OFWs who died while working abroad. This group of children, one in every family of deceased OFWs, will be sponsored from elementary until college graduation, on top of the livelihood assistance of P15,000 and death and burial benefits of P120,000 to P220,000.
As of this date, OWWA Bicol maintains 149 scholars in elementary, high school and college. (MAL/BJCBonnet, OWWA V)
Provincial Health Team formulates roll out Philhealth continuous registration strategies
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Team (PHT) conducted an evaluation and planning of a roll out activitity of the continuous implementation of the Philhealth registration here last week at ST Lopez Hall of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (PHO) presided by Dr. Edgar Garcia. provincial health officer.
The team is comprised of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Department of Health (DOH), Philhealth Provincial Field Office, city and provincial Department of Education Superintendents, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Inputs of the different partner agencies were assessed and Dr. Napoleon Arevalo facilitated the discussion as to the merits of the strategies implemented during the Philhealth Sabado II activity last June 25.
According to Alfredo Jubilo, while the provincial target was not achieved as it was hoped, very commendable were the efforts provided by health workers and he assistance both in manpower and logistics of the local government units in the two venues, Sorsogon City and Castilla.
Immediate concerns were raised to strengthen and sustain the implementation of the continuous registration roll out activity of the Philhealth which according to Dr Arevalo is more DepEd focused.
Dr. Virgilio Real, DepEd City Schools Division Superintendent said that the need to strengthen the Information Education Campaign (IEC) in all schools by orienting the city and provincial schools personnel is a must and it was scheduled last July 26 while orientation of media practitioners was scheduled August 5.
He also suggested that as part of the planned roll out activity will be the distribution of Philhealth forms that should be made available from July 25 onwards. He said that based on school population, Philhealth has to provide 30,000 pieces of survey forms for the city and 116,000 Philhealth survey forms for the province.
Meanwhile the establishment of Philhealth Desks (PDs) should be done province wide according to Dr. Real and IEC materials together with Philhealth survey forms be made available at the PDs.
Provincewide establishments of PDs is scheduled from August 29-31 to include also the orientation of personnel who will be assigned in the PDs.
To strengthen the IEC, Dr. Real also suggested that 528 tarpaulins be provided for posting in all school to provide an intensive information campaign awareness of the activity.
Jubilo said that this will be recommended to the Philhealth regional office V since this entails quite a big amount and the results of the recommendation will be immediately relayed to the PHT..
Other activities like radio hopping, Parent Teacher Association Conference (PTAC) and coordination with local government units will be an add on year round activities that will be started this first week of August as agreed by the members of the Provincial Health Team (PHT).
A monitoring and evaluation activity was also included and a monthly meeting will also be called as the need arises as suggested by Dr. Garcia.
The PHT scheduled the posting of tarpaulins in all schools province wide to be done simultaneously this August 18.
Mandated agencies assigned to conduct certain activities will inform the PHT as to the collegial implementation. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
"Green Sorsogon", stakeholders' commitment to the National Greening Program Regional Summit
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- Various stakeholders from the province of Sorsogon led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) participated to the National Greening Program (NGP) Regional Summit held last week at La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center, Legaspi City.
The province of Sorsogon during the output presentation in the NGP regional summit presented their NGP Road map plan for action with a commitment for a Green Sorsogon.
A total of 440 hectares will be planted with 150,00 seedlings within the first 6 months of this year starting July in support to the government's NGP.
This was the commitment submitted by both the DENR - PENRO and CENRO office here as earlier planned with initial previous consultation before the summit with various stakeholders comprising of national government line agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations, peoples organization to include indigenous groups.
The areas to be planted will be composed of the Protected Areas, the Excess Areas, the Indigenous People Ancestral Domain and the Community Based Forest Management areas.
Forester Renato P. Camacho, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of the DENR provincial office here said that the NGP as a government mechanism for a sustainable environment will come up with consultative meetings again with other agencies and other basic sectors in the manner of the massive planting to be conducted so that the commitment of the province for a Green Sorsogon will be achieved by 2016.
The areas to be planted as mapped out by both the PENRO and CENRO office here in detail have provided the proposed sites and seedlings to be planted. 190 hectares will be planted with 52,500 seedlings for the Protected Area site, for the Excess Areas targetted was 90 hectares with 45,000 seedlings to be planted and for the Ancestral Domain / Indigenous People it will cover 10 hectares with 5,000 seedlings to be planted.
Forester Crisanta Marlen P. Rodriguez, CENRO officer in charge said that in the Protected Area sites 40 hectares will be covered in San Roque Maricrum Bacon; 60 hectares in Lajong Juban; 5 hectares in Marifosque Pilar.
Also in the protected area in Magallanes 30 hectares will also be utilized for planting and in San Roque ,Bulusan at the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) 40 hectares will also be planted and another 40 hectares in San Francisco also in the BVNP..A total of 235 hectares will be planted in identified protected area reservation sites.
Meanwhile for the CBFM identified areas were barangay Amomonting in Castilla with 30 has; barangay Incarizan in Magallanes with 50 has and CSC Holders with 20 has in barangay Lipata Bulan with a total of 100 has in all.
For the IP/ Ancestral Domain the NCIP Tribal Group in Naburacan Matnog has also identified 10 has for planting.
The excess areas mainly were identiified in the 250,000 reservation site at the Energy Development Corporation with 20 has at barangay Osiao Bacon Disrtict ; 20 has at barangay Tublijon, Sorsogon City; 20 has at La Union, Castilla ; 20 has at barangay Canjale in Castilla ; and another 20 has in barangay Maypangi, Castilla
"We are committed to pursue the greening of Sorsogon as vowed by our partner agencies, NGOs, POs and other stakeholders" Rodriguez implied during the summit.
"In fact this pre-identification of sites and the number of seedlings needed were already discussed during the preliminaries prior to this event in our office in consultation with these various stakeholders" she said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
By Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, July 28 (PIA) - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here has reported today that the seven revenue district offices of the tax agency were able to collect a total of P2.33 billion during the first six months of 2011.
In her report during a press conference held at the BIR regional office last Monday, Ma. Theresa A. Aycardo, assistant chief of the collection division, however said that the collection was short by P123,786,735.77 or 5.04 percent of the P2.45 billion goal for the period.
She said that the slow down in the implementation of government infrastructure projects in the region during the period and the lower wholesale and retail sales of business establishments related to building and construction affected the ability to of the agency to collect more than the goal.
Aycardo said that 67 percent of the collections were derived from income tax which reached P1.55 billion or P134,493,557.28 more than the P1,41 billion goal or an increment of 9.49 percent.
While value Added tax (VAT) collected for the same period was 31 percent below the goal of P829,955.000.00 which only reached P568,360,800.72 or a lower by P261,594,199.28 compared to the goal.
“ It is this type of tax that is being collected from contractors of government infrastructure projects and wholesale and retail business establishment.” Aycardo explained.
While there was a decline in the collection of VAT, there was on the other hand an increase in the collection from percentage tax which reached P111,911,474.08 or 11.91 percent increase over the goal of P99,999,000.00 or an increment of of P11,912,474.08.
On excise tax collection, the Bureau had a 308.84 percent increase in its collection from its goal of P599,000 or an increment of P1,849,960 due to the collection from mining activities in Matnog Sorsogon, Aycardo explained.
Meanwhile, BIR regional director Atty. Diosdao R. Mendoza said that they are optimistic that they will be able to meet this year’s P4.9 billion tax collection goal during the second semester because the government according to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad will accelerate the implementation of its infrastructure projects during the third and fourth quarter of 2011.
During the the past four years BIR Bicol has consistently overshot its yearly collection goal according to Mendoza. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)
OWWA Bicol awarded scholarships to 57 more scholars
LEGAZPI CITY, July 28 (PIA/OWWA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 5 (OWWA Bicol) awarded last Monday (July 25) scholarship grants under the OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) to 57 college students who are children of OFWs. Prior to the awarding ceremony, Welfare Officer Mayan Trilles oriented the new scholars and their parents about the responsibilities of both the scholars and OWWA under the program.
OFWDSP is one of the two new scholarship programs of OWWA under the Aquino administration, giving priority to OFWs who earn less than US$400 a month, or roughly P17,000. With this program, an OWWA scholar gets P10,000 per semester until graduation to cover tuition fees and other school-related expenses. The scholars should enroll in any CHED-priority four to five-year course, in any school of their choice within the Bicol Region. As of June 2011, OWWA Bicol maintains 26 OFWDSP scholars and this year’s batch of new scholars brings the total to 83, region-wide.
Regional Director Jocelyn O. Hapal opened the orientation with a remark that OWWA shares and support the OFWs’ dream of providing education to the children, emphasizing how a college degree can ensure a better future, without resorting to overseas employment as the only option. She assures the continuity of the scholarship regardless of the return to the country of the OFWs who opted to retire after finishing contracts, who seek other livelihood in the country after a breach of contract because of problems at the worksite abroad, or even those who were displaced by calamities and civil unrest while working abroad.
Along with OFWDSP scholars, scholarship grants were also awarded to children of OFWs who died while working abroad. This group of children, one in every family of deceased OFWs, will be sponsored from elementary until college graduation, on top of the livelihood assistance of P15,000 and death and burial benefits of P120,000 to P220,000.
As of this date, OWWA Bicol maintains 149 scholars in elementary, high school and college. (MAL/BJCBonnet, OWWA V)
Provincial Health Team formulates roll out Philhealth continuous registration strategies
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Team (PHT) conducted an evaluation and planning of a roll out activitity of the continuous implementation of the Philhealth registration here last week at ST Lopez Hall of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (PHO) presided by Dr. Edgar Garcia. provincial health officer.
The team is comprised of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Department of Health (DOH), Philhealth Provincial Field Office, city and provincial Department of Education Superintendents, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Inputs of the different partner agencies were assessed and Dr. Napoleon Arevalo facilitated the discussion as to the merits of the strategies implemented during the Philhealth Sabado II activity last June 25.
According to Alfredo Jubilo, while the provincial target was not achieved as it was hoped, very commendable were the efforts provided by health workers and he assistance both in manpower and logistics of the local government units in the two venues, Sorsogon City and Castilla.
Immediate concerns were raised to strengthen and sustain the implementation of the continuous registration roll out activity of the Philhealth which according to Dr Arevalo is more DepEd focused.
Dr. Virgilio Real, DepEd City Schools Division Superintendent said that the need to strengthen the Information Education Campaign (IEC) in all schools by orienting the city and provincial schools personnel is a must and it was scheduled last July 26 while orientation of media practitioners was scheduled August 5.
He also suggested that as part of the planned roll out activity will be the distribution of Philhealth forms that should be made available from July 25 onwards. He said that based on school population, Philhealth has to provide 30,000 pieces of survey forms for the city and 116,000 Philhealth survey forms for the province.
Meanwhile the establishment of Philhealth Desks (PDs) should be done province wide according to Dr. Real and IEC materials together with Philhealth survey forms be made available at the PDs.
Provincewide establishments of PDs is scheduled from August 29-31 to include also the orientation of personnel who will be assigned in the PDs.
To strengthen the IEC, Dr. Real also suggested that 528 tarpaulins be provided for posting in all school to provide an intensive information campaign awareness of the activity.
Jubilo said that this will be recommended to the Philhealth regional office V since this entails quite a big amount and the results of the recommendation will be immediately relayed to the PHT..
Other activities like radio hopping, Parent Teacher Association Conference (PTAC) and coordination with local government units will be an add on year round activities that will be started this first week of August as agreed by the members of the Provincial Health Team (PHT).
A monitoring and evaluation activity was also included and a monthly meeting will also be called as the need arises as suggested by Dr. Garcia.
The PHT scheduled the posting of tarpaulins in all schools province wide to be done simultaneously this August 18.
Mandated agencies assigned to conduct certain activities will inform the PHT as to the collegial implementation. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
"Green Sorsogon", stakeholders' commitment to the National Greening Program Regional Summit
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- Various stakeholders from the province of Sorsogon led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) participated to the National Greening Program (NGP) Regional Summit held last week at La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center, Legaspi City.
The province of Sorsogon during the output presentation in the NGP regional summit presented their NGP Road map plan for action with a commitment for a Green Sorsogon.
A total of 440 hectares will be planted with 150,00 seedlings within the first 6 months of this year starting July in support to the government's NGP.
This was the commitment submitted by both the DENR - PENRO and CENRO office here as earlier planned with initial previous consultation before the summit with various stakeholders comprising of national government line agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations, peoples organization to include indigenous groups.
The areas to be planted will be composed of the Protected Areas, the Excess Areas, the Indigenous People Ancestral Domain and the Community Based Forest Management areas.
Forester Renato P. Camacho, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of the DENR provincial office here said that the NGP as a government mechanism for a sustainable environment will come up with consultative meetings again with other agencies and other basic sectors in the manner of the massive planting to be conducted so that the commitment of the province for a Green Sorsogon will be achieved by 2016.
The areas to be planted as mapped out by both the PENRO and CENRO office here in detail have provided the proposed sites and seedlings to be planted. 190 hectares will be planted with 52,500 seedlings for the Protected Area site, for the Excess Areas targetted was 90 hectares with 45,000 seedlings to be planted and for the Ancestral Domain / Indigenous People it will cover 10 hectares with 5,000 seedlings to be planted.
Forester Crisanta Marlen P. Rodriguez, CENRO officer in charge said that in the Protected Area sites 40 hectares will be covered in San Roque Maricrum Bacon; 60 hectares in Lajong Juban; 5 hectares in Marifosque Pilar.
Also in the protected area in Magallanes 30 hectares will also be utilized for planting and in San Roque ,Bulusan at the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) 40 hectares will also be planted and another 40 hectares in San Francisco also in the BVNP..A total of 235 hectares will be planted in identified protected area reservation sites.
Meanwhile for the CBFM identified areas were barangay Amomonting in Castilla with 30 has; barangay Incarizan in Magallanes with 50 has and CSC Holders with 20 has in barangay Lipata Bulan with a total of 100 has in all.
For the IP/ Ancestral Domain the NCIP Tribal Group in Naburacan Matnog has also identified 10 has for planting.
The excess areas mainly were identiified in the 250,000 reservation site at the Energy Development Corporation with 20 has at barangay Osiao Bacon Disrtict ; 20 has at barangay Tublijon, Sorsogon City; 20 has at La Union, Castilla ; 20 has at barangay Canjale in Castilla ; and another 20 has in barangay Maypangi, Castilla
"We are committed to pursue the greening of Sorsogon as vowed by our partner agencies, NGOs, POs and other stakeholders" Rodriguez implied during the summit.
"In fact this pre-identification of sites and the number of seedlings needed were already discussed during the preliminaries prior to this event in our office in consultation with these various stakeholders" she said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Response, recovery and rehabilitation for Albay underway after “Juaning”
LEGAZPI CITY, July 27 (PIA) – Albay disaster managers maintains optimism that the province will be restored to has it been before as if tropical storm Juaning did not hit the area and bringing the life of Albayanos back to normal.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said that besides measures undertaken before and during the severe weather system that devastated the province, rehabilitation and recovery will be in full throttle after damage assessment has been undertaken by different offices of the provincial government concerned and other agencies.
Salceda has already ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and other humanitarian health service offices of the province to immediately assess the impact of the recent disaster on health and come up with measures to prevent diseases that may arise from the severe weather condition, especially floodings.
According to Salceda, the provincial health personnel will conduct an onsite assessment of the community to ensure the prevention of any possible outbreak of diseases due to water contamination
Salceda also said the provincial government, as a policy, also provided free hospitalization during calamity.
The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), Albay Provincial Health Office and Department of Health (DOH) V, are working very closely during emergency to provide all health care and medical services to Albayanos, particularly to all displaced individuals.”
The Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) was also conducting clearing operations all over the province since early today (Wednesday, July 27) while power supply has been in some areas.
In Albay, at least seven people were reported dead due to the tropical storm Juaning.
Albay PDRRMC reported on Tuesday that three children died in a landslide in Barangay Gabon, Polangui town after their houses were buried and crushed along with fallen trees.
Two victims were also reported in Pioduran after their house was crushed by fallen coconut trees, one person was electrocuted in Tiwi town, while a man with his motorcycle was washed away by rampaging floodwaters in Daraga town.
It also cited that three fishermen were also reported missing in Rapu-Rapu, an island town in Albay.
The disaster council reported some 107,938 families were evacuated in Albay, including affected by floods, 56,384; landslides, 13,322; lahar, 5,348; and strong winds destroying houses made of light materials totaling to 32,884 families.
The entire province was affected with reports of massive floods, landslides, and many homes destroyed. Most of these affected families temporarily evacuated to the nearest and safer grounds, residences, barangay halls, chapels or day care centers.
On the onslaught of the tropical depression, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) V has dispatched service personnel clearing main highways and roads across the province to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially disaster operations responding to the needs of the residents.
The agency has continued operations today assessing possible damages on roads, bridges and other government infrastructures, according to DPWH V information officer Lucy Castaneda.
Respective social welfare and development offices of the different cities and towns meanwhile carried out pre-emptive evacuation limiting casualties in areas and provided emergency relief assistance to displaced families.
The Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) V, and Albay PDRRMC dispatched disaster response and rescue teams early Tuesday to Polangui town and evacuated families from low lying areas.
Maritime assets of the Navy were also on rescue operations looking for five missing fishermen from Rapu-Rapu is an island town in Albay and Baras, Catanduanes.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is set to distribute relief goods to disaster stricken areas, with Navforsol to facilitate some 2,000 packs in Malinao town that was badly devastated by the tropical storm.
“Navforsol has pledged commitment and will continue to do so in emergency and relief efforts in critical areas and place all floating assets in alert augmenting the ongoing relief operations of the local government,” said Captain Abraham Celzo, commander of the Navy command based here. (MAL, PIA V)
Feature Story:
Awareness of people in Sorsogon in DRR, a positive trait for mitigation
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, JULY 27 (PIA).... "It's a regular working day today and resumption of classes were observed here in the province of Sorsogon", Manro Jayco, action officer of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) said in a short message sent here today.
"We are glad that today, people here in Sorsogon are well aware of the effects of calamities not only because of fear but also because of knowledge now on how to act immediately , proactively and go for voluntary evacuation without people from government telling them", Jayco expressed.
With the programs of disaster risk reduction now integrated in schools together with proper dissemination conducted in almost all barangays in the province, there is now a heightened awareness in communities identified as highly vulnerable to do immediate evacuation as an immediate pre-emptive policy and as an institutionalized protol in the PDRRMC.
Media assistance and regular communication with updated information provided specially by providing a link with PAGASA weather daily report, people everyday are provided weather situations. They are even made more aware with hotlines provided so that they can ask and be made aware now of disaster risk reduction strategies.
"People here now in our province are aware on what to do which is the highest form of mitigation, Jayco explained.
Local chief executives in the province of Sorsogon have also developed a protocol of text messaging and open line communications.
Barangays that are highly vulnerable have posted maps where to go for safety and constant reminders are also provided to all municipal action officers of all Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Councils (MDDRCs) through regular meetings, trainings and now text messaging.
"We have also placed the PDRRMC signages now in vulnerable areas identified .This has been done on the first week of July this year specially on the areas where people have to be careful" Jayco said.
"Because Sorsogon has been identified by almost all global communities working on disaster risk reduction strategies and has been among those areas closely watched by international agencies working in DRR specially in the Climate Change impact, people here and the local government units have been very aware that any weather disturbance reported, they personally and collectively now should act based on the preemptive measure instituted by the local government units.
Local government units have spot maps in strategic areas in their barangays of places, number of persons most likely be affected and what should be the corresponding action implemented, all these were gained through the assistance and intervention of international communities provided to the province almost for 6 years now." Jayco explained.
The radio stations group here also spearheaded by the Kapisanan Ng Mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) together with local television stations have forged commitment with government agencies like the Philippine Information Agency in the immediate information assistance and urgent concerns that need public dissemination.
According to Jose Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office (SPDRMO) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also here present in the province like Green Valley, Coastal Core and Face through their manpower and logistics interventions strengthened coordinations were also enhanced with vulnerable communities.They have also assisted the province in the continuous trainings, community mapping and established local protocols specially in evacuation procedures.
The Department of Public Works and Highways have also maintained the clearing of trees together with SORECO I and II in the national and provincial roads as early as June in time for the celebration of Disaster Risk Reduction Month this July.
As early as 5:00 PM last Monday, the Philippine Coastguard here through Lt. JG Ronnie Ong has sent short messaging system (SMS) to partner agencies of the situation of the Roro points and immediate interventions by required agencies were also initiated from communication, road clearings and other needed assistance.
The Department of Public Works and Highways have also maintained the safety measures together with SORECO I and II specially the cutting of branches of trees that pose danger to the electric lines in the national and provincial roads as early as June in time for the celebration of Disaster Risk Reduction Month this July.
Basically, today according to Jayco they are glad that the province provided local communities more trainings and learnings aside from the installation of certain equipments like rain gauges in areas prone to landslides and flooding like Magallanes, Juban, Donsol and Irosin,
" What is very heartwarming now is the right attitude towards disaster risk reduction prevention and the attitude of the people of Sorsogon to become resilient in conditions like natural calamities.In fact this morning as observed even fallen branches were already cleaned from major thorough fares and the garbage trucks were busy loading them, Today here ,seemed just an ordinary day",Jayco stressed. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
LEGAZPI CITY, July 27 (PIA) – Albay disaster managers maintains optimism that the province will be restored to has it been before as if tropical storm Juaning did not hit the area and bringing the life of Albayanos back to normal.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said that besides measures undertaken before and during the severe weather system that devastated the province, rehabilitation and recovery will be in full throttle after damage assessment has been undertaken by different offices of the provincial government concerned and other agencies.
Salceda has already ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and other humanitarian health service offices of the province to immediately assess the impact of the recent disaster on health and come up with measures to prevent diseases that may arise from the severe weather condition, especially floodings.
According to Salceda, the provincial health personnel will conduct an onsite assessment of the community to ensure the prevention of any possible outbreak of diseases due to water contamination
Salceda also said the provincial government, as a policy, also provided free hospitalization during calamity.
The Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), Albay Provincial Health Office and Department of Health (DOH) V, are working very closely during emergency to provide all health care and medical services to Albayanos, particularly to all displaced individuals.”
The Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) was also conducting clearing operations all over the province since early today (Wednesday, July 27) while power supply has been in some areas.
In Albay, at least seven people were reported dead due to the tropical storm Juaning.
Albay PDRRMC reported on Tuesday that three children died in a landslide in Barangay Gabon, Polangui town after their houses were buried and crushed along with fallen trees.
Two victims were also reported in Pioduran after their house was crushed by fallen coconut trees, one person was electrocuted in Tiwi town, while a man with his motorcycle was washed away by rampaging floodwaters in Daraga town.
It also cited that three fishermen were also reported missing in Rapu-Rapu, an island town in Albay.
The disaster council reported some 107,938 families were evacuated in Albay, including affected by floods, 56,384; landslides, 13,322; lahar, 5,348; and strong winds destroying houses made of light materials totaling to 32,884 families.
The entire province was affected with reports of massive floods, landslides, and many homes destroyed. Most of these affected families temporarily evacuated to the nearest and safer grounds, residences, barangay halls, chapels or day care centers.
On the onslaught of the tropical depression, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) V has dispatched service personnel clearing main highways and roads across the province to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially disaster operations responding to the needs of the residents.
The agency has continued operations today assessing possible damages on roads, bridges and other government infrastructures, according to DPWH V information officer Lucy Castaneda.
Respective social welfare and development offices of the different cities and towns meanwhile carried out pre-emptive evacuation limiting casualties in areas and provided emergency relief assistance to displaced families.
The Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) V, and Albay PDRRMC dispatched disaster response and rescue teams early Tuesday to Polangui town and evacuated families from low lying areas.
Maritime assets of the Navy were also on rescue operations looking for five missing fishermen from Rapu-Rapu is an island town in Albay and Baras, Catanduanes.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is set to distribute relief goods to disaster stricken areas, with Navforsol to facilitate some 2,000 packs in Malinao town that was badly devastated by the tropical storm.
“Navforsol has pledged commitment and will continue to do so in emergency and relief efforts in critical areas and place all floating assets in alert augmenting the ongoing relief operations of the local government,” said Captain Abraham Celzo, commander of the Navy command based here. (MAL, PIA V)
Feature Story:
Awareness of people in Sorsogon in DRR, a positive trait for mitigation
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, JULY 27 (PIA).... "It's a regular working day today and resumption of classes were observed here in the province of Sorsogon", Manro Jayco, action officer of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) said in a short message sent here today.
"We are glad that today, people here in Sorsogon are well aware of the effects of calamities not only because of fear but also because of knowledge now on how to act immediately , proactively and go for voluntary evacuation without people from government telling them", Jayco expressed.
With the programs of disaster risk reduction now integrated in schools together with proper dissemination conducted in almost all barangays in the province, there is now a heightened awareness in communities identified as highly vulnerable to do immediate evacuation as an immediate pre-emptive policy and as an institutionalized protol in the PDRRMC.
Media assistance and regular communication with updated information provided specially by providing a link with PAGASA weather daily report, people everyday are provided weather situations. They are even made more aware with hotlines provided so that they can ask and be made aware now of disaster risk reduction strategies.
"People here now in our province are aware on what to do which is the highest form of mitigation, Jayco explained.
Local chief executives in the province of Sorsogon have also developed a protocol of text messaging and open line communications.
Barangays that are highly vulnerable have posted maps where to go for safety and constant reminders are also provided to all municipal action officers of all Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Councils (MDDRCs) through regular meetings, trainings and now text messaging.
"We have also placed the PDRRMC signages now in vulnerable areas identified .This has been done on the first week of July this year specially on the areas where people have to be careful" Jayco said.
"Because Sorsogon has been identified by almost all global communities working on disaster risk reduction strategies and has been among those areas closely watched by international agencies working in DRR specially in the Climate Change impact, people here and the local government units have been very aware that any weather disturbance reported, they personally and collectively now should act based on the preemptive measure instituted by the local government units.
Local government units have spot maps in strategic areas in their barangays of places, number of persons most likely be affected and what should be the corresponding action implemented, all these were gained through the assistance and intervention of international communities provided to the province almost for 6 years now." Jayco explained.
The radio stations group here also spearheaded by the Kapisanan Ng Mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) together with local television stations have forged commitment with government agencies like the Philippine Information Agency in the immediate information assistance and urgent concerns that need public dissemination.
According to Jose Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office (SPDRMO) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also here present in the province like Green Valley, Coastal Core and Face through their manpower and logistics interventions strengthened coordinations were also enhanced with vulnerable communities.They have also assisted the province in the continuous trainings, community mapping and established local protocols specially in evacuation procedures.
The Department of Public Works and Highways have also maintained the clearing of trees together with SORECO I and II in the national and provincial roads as early as June in time for the celebration of Disaster Risk Reduction Month this July.
As early as 5:00 PM last Monday, the Philippine Coastguard here through Lt. JG Ronnie Ong has sent short messaging system (SMS) to partner agencies of the situation of the Roro points and immediate interventions by required agencies were also initiated from communication, road clearings and other needed assistance.
The Department of Public Works and Highways have also maintained the safety measures together with SORECO I and II specially the cutting of branches of trees that pose danger to the electric lines in the national and provincial roads as early as June in time for the celebration of Disaster Risk Reduction Month this July.
Basically, today according to Jayco they are glad that the province provided local communities more trainings and learnings aside from the installation of certain equipments like rain gauges in areas prone to landslides and flooding like Magallanes, Juban, Donsol and Irosin,
" What is very heartwarming now is the right attitude towards disaster risk reduction prevention and the attitude of the people of Sorsogon to become resilient in conditions like natural calamities.In fact this morning as observed even fallen branches were already cleaned from major thorough fares and the garbage trucks were busy loading them, Today here ,seemed just an ordinary day",Jayco stressed. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
LGU Naga spearheads week-long activities for PWDs
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 26 (PIA) ---- One of the highlights of this week’s celebration in line with the commemoration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week was the first ever blood letting activity exclusively for Persons with Disability or PWDs.
The activity was held at the Roco library, just within the City Hall compound on July 19. Under the theme:” Dugo ng May Kapansanan, Alay Sa Bayan,” more or less seventeen (17) diiferently-abled individuals trooped in the venue and shared the most important lifeline found in every human being – the human blood.
The event was participated in by members of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) –Camarines Sur Chapter, Office of Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio thru the Naga City Blood Program and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), SpEd personnel and other stakeholders. The blood collected totaling to 450cc, was turned over to the PRC for safekeeping.
The local government of Naga, thru its Chief Executive, Mayor John Bongat in support of the PWDs cause, has laid down various activities which commenced last weekend and will end this coming Saturday, July 23. One of which is the assessment or validation of PWD in preparation for ID issuance. On Thursday, July 21, will also markthe PDAO anniversary where a simultaneous Ground Breaking of future PDAO site will also be conducted. There will also be a forum on the same date to discuss the nutrition of PWDs.
On Friday, June 22, there will be a distribution of eye glasses at the Roco Library and a poster making contest conveying the theme of this week’s celebration. The culminating activity will be on Saturday, July 23 where a fun walk will be spearheaded by officers and members of Liga ng mga Barangay, BAPDA Chapters, PDAO, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, METRO PESO and other attached agencies.
Program proper will continue at SM City Naga Activity Center in the afternoon which will simultaneous with the Mobile COMELEC registration/ validation for PWDS.
This week’s over all theme: “Making the Rights real for Filipinos With Disability,” endeavors to promote awareness on the rights of Persons with Disability and intensify campaign towards disability prevention and rehabilitation.
The annual celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebrated every 3rd week of July is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 361, series of 2002 as amended by Administrative Order No. 35 series of 2002. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 26 (PIA) ---- One of the highlights of this week’s celebration in line with the commemoration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week was the first ever blood letting activity exclusively for Persons with Disability or PWDs.
The activity was held at the Roco library, just within the City Hall compound on July 19. Under the theme:” Dugo ng May Kapansanan, Alay Sa Bayan,” more or less seventeen (17) diiferently-abled individuals trooped in the venue and shared the most important lifeline found in every human being – the human blood.
The event was participated in by members of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) –Camarines Sur Chapter, Office of Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio thru the Naga City Blood Program and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), SpEd personnel and other stakeholders. The blood collected totaling to 450cc, was turned over to the PRC for safekeeping.
The local government of Naga, thru its Chief Executive, Mayor John Bongat in support of the PWDs cause, has laid down various activities which commenced last weekend and will end this coming Saturday, July 23. One of which is the assessment or validation of PWD in preparation for ID issuance. On Thursday, July 21, will also markthe PDAO anniversary where a simultaneous Ground Breaking of future PDAO site will also be conducted. There will also be a forum on the same date to discuss the nutrition of PWDs.
On Friday, June 22, there will be a distribution of eye glasses at the Roco Library and a poster making contest conveying the theme of this week’s celebration. The culminating activity will be on Saturday, July 23 where a fun walk will be spearheaded by officers and members of Liga ng mga Barangay, BAPDA Chapters, PDAO, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, METRO PESO and other attached agencies.
Program proper will continue at SM City Naga Activity Center in the afternoon which will simultaneous with the Mobile COMELEC registration/ validation for PWDS.
This week’s over all theme: “Making the Rights real for Filipinos With Disability,” endeavors to promote awareness on the rights of Persons with Disability and intensify campaign towards disability prevention and rehabilitation.
The annual celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebrated every 3rd week of July is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 361, series of 2002 as amended by Administrative Order No. 35 series of 2002. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Monday, July 25, 2011
DENR V conducts orientation on integrated coastal management for LGUs of Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, JULY 25 (PIA) -- A total of 60 participants attended the two-day orientation training here this week at the Tentyard Hotel on the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) for Local Government Units in the province of Sorsogon.
Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) RO 5, the training intends to capacitate the participants on how to harmonize the existing ICM plans of the 16 local government units in a more integrated manner through the identification and integration of certain new policies with regards to tourism opportunities, climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms and come up with a common ICM vision as stipulated on the new ICM guidlines, the EO 533.
Identification of the existing resources, practices, threats, and opportunities for development in a more long-term sustainable development plan were given a very significant consideration focusing in the areas for development that will form part of the LGU's vision to formulate an integrated coastal management working draft.
"We are here to guide our planners and various stakeholder specially the local governments units of the province of Sorsogon to assess, formulate and come up with a more long-term sustainable ICM plans that will incorporate and see the value of the coastal resources they have here in the province of Sorsogon" Director Robert Jara, Philippine representative to the Partnership for Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEM-SEA) said.
Director Jara explained that the two-day training is one of the several steps initiated by DENR V to eventually gather needed basic information, data and situation of the current coastal resources state,also in relation to the implication of solid waste management and how this can be integrated in the ICM plans properly by the stakeholders in the LGUs with the new provided issuance of EO 533.
"One of the main goals of this training too is to find out how these existing plans now being implemented by our local LGUs in the management of their coastal resources be assessed and evaluated on the premise ot the EO 533', Jara said. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
11 infrastructure projects underway to support 4Ps beneficiaries
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 25 (PIA) -– Some 11 infrastructure projects worth P15.5 million are underway in support to the health and education needs primarily of 2,983 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the town of Paracale this province.
In an interview during the media tour, DSWD Paracale Area Coordinator Luz Buenaobra said that the 11 infrastructure projects are the 4 school buildings, 2 water system (level 2), 2 day care centers, 2 health centers and 1 barangay road.
She said that of the P15.5 M , P10.8 M was under the PODER y Prosperidad de la Communidad while the remaining P4.7 M was funded by the local government of Paracale.
She said that the 4 school buildings are being constructed in barangays of Tugos, Lagnig, Malaguit and Poblacion Sur; in barangay Batobalani and Poblacion Norte are the 2 day care centers, barangay Bagumbayan and Bacal for 2 health centers, barangay Malacbang and Gumaos for 2 water system (level 2) and 1barangay road in Casalugan all in Paracale town.
DSWD Regional Information Officer Evelyn Jerusalem said projects will served as supply side of the 4Ps where DSWD adopts a community driven and development processes and principles of the KALAHI-CIDSS and now PODER y Prosperidad de la Communidad funded by Agencia Española de Cooperacion International para el Desarollo (AECID) in partnership with the government. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)
Justice on Wheels in Naga City
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 25 (PIA) -- As part of the Department of Justice’s effort to render a speedy and swift justice to all, especially to the members of the marginalized sector, the enhanced Justice on Wheels program veered its direction to Naga City to finally put a closure to various unsolved cases.
During the one-day deliberation inside the bus that resembles a court room, sixty accused were finally handed down their respective sentences based on the merit of their individual cases. No less than the Deputy Court Administrator and member of the Committee on Justice on Wheels of the Supreme Court, Hon. Nimfa Cuesta Vilches spearheaded the said activity.
Executive Judge Jaime Contreras of RTC Branch 25, together with other prosecutors and members of the regional trial court, also served as local counterparts during the court hearings and mobile court-annexed mediation which was held at the City Hall Compound at J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City.
The Justice on Wheels and the Increasing Access to Justice by the Poor Program is meant to prove that class and social status should not be a hindrance in handling down swift justice to all.
Poverty either should not be a deterrent to achieve a fair dealing during a court trial.
A medical-dental and legal aid activity was also conducted at the Naga City District Jail at Del Rosario, Naga City. Part of the activity is also an information dissemination campaign for the barangay officials, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other segments of the society to raise their awareness on their rights and how to exercise it.
In between the lectures, various concerns were also raised, like the different laws concerning women and children, mediation, conciliation, small claims settlement and rules governing the environment.
The government is confident that with the presence of the courts driven to serve the populace better, through the mobile courts dubbed as justice on wheels, the much elusive cry for truth and the poor people’s plight to be heard, will finally find its way in our justice system.
It aims to prove that a conspiracy to suppress justice has no place in our legal system. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Provincial Health Office recognizes top 5 LGU Measles- Rubella implementors
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- In an evaluation-conference meeting held here today at Jane's Restaurant, the Sorsogon Provincial Health Partnership Team (SPHPT) gave the evaluation on the implementation of the province of Sorsogon in the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Implementation Activity (MR-SIA).
According to Charito Diaz, MR-SIA coordinator of the Provincial Health Office here, said that the purpose of the meeting was also to update all health implementors of the milestones gained in the implementation of the program and also to share and exchange experiences regarding the issues and concerns ventilated during the implementation of the activity.
She also said that this meeting is also a call for celebration and commendation to all health workers specially the 5 top local government unit - implementors who will be given recognition.
According to Diaz, this years 5 top local government implementor of the MR-SIA program with 100% accomplishment were the municipalities of Matnog and Sta Magdalena followed by the municipality of Juban with 99% implementation and the local government of Donsol and Pilar with 98% implementation coverage.
The office of Sorsogon 1st district representative, Congressman Salvador Escudero III have provided gift inventives to the 5 top LGU implementor together with the Sorsoganon Kita group, a non governmental organization who will handle this year's Kasanggayhan Festival activities.
The top performers were also made to share their experiences in the implementation of the program. Their sharing showed that several of the best practices implemented in the success of the program were more on the full support of the local government executives especially regarding logistics, manpower and mobility.
Dr. Edwin Garcia, provincial health officer of the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office (PHO) also commended the commitment of all the Vaccination Teams (VTs) who conducted regular daily assessment of what transpired during the day after their activity.
Meanwhile Dr. Liduvina Dorion, assistant provincial health officer explained that the target of the provincial health MR-SIA showed some disparity in the implementation because of the difference between the target population provided by DOH as against the actual population in the barangays or in the local government unit as to the projected clientile vis-a-vis the actual clientile.
"This has to be corrected and given right accurate data", Dorion said.
Diaz also shared that the Bicol Region ranked third in the national level implementation while in the regional level Sorsogon has satisfactorily carried out the program. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, JULY 25 (PIA) -- A total of 60 participants attended the two-day orientation training here this week at the Tentyard Hotel on the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) for Local Government Units in the province of Sorsogon.
Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) RO 5, the training intends to capacitate the participants on how to harmonize the existing ICM plans of the 16 local government units in a more integrated manner through the identification and integration of certain new policies with regards to tourism opportunities, climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms and come up with a common ICM vision as stipulated on the new ICM guidlines, the EO 533.
Identification of the existing resources, practices, threats, and opportunities for development in a more long-term sustainable development plan were given a very significant consideration focusing in the areas for development that will form part of the LGU's vision to formulate an integrated coastal management working draft.
"We are here to guide our planners and various stakeholder specially the local governments units of the province of Sorsogon to assess, formulate and come up with a more long-term sustainable ICM plans that will incorporate and see the value of the coastal resources they have here in the province of Sorsogon" Director Robert Jara, Philippine representative to the Partnership for Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEM-SEA) said.
Director Jara explained that the two-day training is one of the several steps initiated by DENR V to eventually gather needed basic information, data and situation of the current coastal resources state,also in relation to the implication of solid waste management and how this can be integrated in the ICM plans properly by the stakeholders in the LGUs with the new provided issuance of EO 533.
"One of the main goals of this training too is to find out how these existing plans now being implemented by our local LGUs in the management of their coastal resources be assessed and evaluated on the premise ot the EO 533', Jara said. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
11 infrastructure projects underway to support 4Ps beneficiaries
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 25 (PIA) -– Some 11 infrastructure projects worth P15.5 million are underway in support to the health and education needs primarily of 2,983 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the town of Paracale this province.
In an interview during the media tour, DSWD Paracale Area Coordinator Luz Buenaobra said that the 11 infrastructure projects are the 4 school buildings, 2 water system (level 2), 2 day care centers, 2 health centers and 1 barangay road.
She said that of the P15.5 M , P10.8 M was under the PODER y Prosperidad de la Communidad while the remaining P4.7 M was funded by the local government of Paracale.
She said that the 4 school buildings are being constructed in barangays of Tugos, Lagnig, Malaguit and Poblacion Sur; in barangay Batobalani and Poblacion Norte are the 2 day care centers, barangay Bagumbayan and Bacal for 2 health centers, barangay Malacbang and Gumaos for 2 water system (level 2) and 1barangay road in Casalugan all in Paracale town.
DSWD Regional Information Officer Evelyn Jerusalem said projects will served as supply side of the 4Ps where DSWD adopts a community driven and development processes and principles of the KALAHI-CIDSS and now PODER y Prosperidad de la Communidad funded by Agencia Española de Cooperacion International para el Desarollo (AECID) in partnership with the government. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)
Justice on Wheels in Naga City
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 25 (PIA) -- As part of the Department of Justice’s effort to render a speedy and swift justice to all, especially to the members of the marginalized sector, the enhanced Justice on Wheels program veered its direction to Naga City to finally put a closure to various unsolved cases.
During the one-day deliberation inside the bus that resembles a court room, sixty accused were finally handed down their respective sentences based on the merit of their individual cases. No less than the Deputy Court Administrator and member of the Committee on Justice on Wheels of the Supreme Court, Hon. Nimfa Cuesta Vilches spearheaded the said activity.
Executive Judge Jaime Contreras of RTC Branch 25, together with other prosecutors and members of the regional trial court, also served as local counterparts during the court hearings and mobile court-annexed mediation which was held at the City Hall Compound at J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City.
The Justice on Wheels and the Increasing Access to Justice by the Poor Program is meant to prove that class and social status should not be a hindrance in handling down swift justice to all.
Poverty either should not be a deterrent to achieve a fair dealing during a court trial.
A medical-dental and legal aid activity was also conducted at the Naga City District Jail at Del Rosario, Naga City. Part of the activity is also an information dissemination campaign for the barangay officials, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other segments of the society to raise their awareness on their rights and how to exercise it.
In between the lectures, various concerns were also raised, like the different laws concerning women and children, mediation, conciliation, small claims settlement and rules governing the environment.
The government is confident that with the presence of the courts driven to serve the populace better, through the mobile courts dubbed as justice on wheels, the much elusive cry for truth and the poor people’s plight to be heard, will finally find its way in our justice system.
It aims to prove that a conspiracy to suppress justice has no place in our legal system. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Provincial Health Office recognizes top 5 LGU Measles- Rubella implementors
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- In an evaluation-conference meeting held here today at Jane's Restaurant, the Sorsogon Provincial Health Partnership Team (SPHPT) gave the evaluation on the implementation of the province of Sorsogon in the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Implementation Activity (MR-SIA).
According to Charito Diaz, MR-SIA coordinator of the Provincial Health Office here, said that the purpose of the meeting was also to update all health implementors of the milestones gained in the implementation of the program and also to share and exchange experiences regarding the issues and concerns ventilated during the implementation of the activity.
She also said that this meeting is also a call for celebration and commendation to all health workers specially the 5 top local government unit - implementors who will be given recognition.
According to Diaz, this years 5 top local government implementor of the MR-SIA program with 100% accomplishment were the municipalities of Matnog and Sta Magdalena followed by the municipality of Juban with 99% implementation and the local government of Donsol and Pilar with 98% implementation coverage.
The office of Sorsogon 1st district representative, Congressman Salvador Escudero III have provided gift inventives to the 5 top LGU implementor together with the Sorsoganon Kita group, a non governmental organization who will handle this year's Kasanggayhan Festival activities.
The top performers were also made to share their experiences in the implementation of the program. Their sharing showed that several of the best practices implemented in the success of the program were more on the full support of the local government executives especially regarding logistics, manpower and mobility.
Dr. Edwin Garcia, provincial health officer of the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office (PHO) also commended the commitment of all the Vaccination Teams (VTs) who conducted regular daily assessment of what transpired during the day after their activity.
Meanwhile Dr. Liduvina Dorion, assistant provincial health officer explained that the target of the provincial health MR-SIA showed some disparity in the implementation because of the difference between the target population provided by DOH as against the actual population in the barangays or in the local government unit as to the projected clientile vis-a-vis the actual clientile.
"This has to be corrected and given right accurate data", Dorion said.
Diaz also shared that the Bicol Region ranked third in the national level implementation while in the regional level Sorsogon has satisfactorily carried out the program. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Naga spearheads week-long activities for PWDs
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 22 (PIA) -- One of the highlights of this week’s celebration in line with the commemoration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week was the first ever blood letting activity exclusively for and by Persons with Disability or PWDs.
The activity was held at the Roco library, just within the City Hall compound on July 19. Under the theme:” Dugo ng May Kapansanan, Alay Sa Bayan,” more or less seventeen (17) differently-abled individuals trooped in the venue and shared the most important lifeline found in every human being – the human blood.
The event was participated in by members of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) –Camarines Sur Chapter, Office of Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio thru the Naga City Blood Program and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), SpEd personnel and other stakeholders. The blood collected totaling to 450cc, was turned over to the PRC for safekeeping.
The local government of Naga, thru its Chief Executive, Mayor John Bongat in support of the PWDs cause, has laid down various activities which commenced last weekend and will end this coming Saturday, July 23. One of which is the assessment or validation of PWD in preparation for ID issuance. On Thursday, July 21, will also mark the PDAO anniversary where a simultaneous Ground Breaking of future PDAO site will also be conducted. There will also be a forum on the same date to discuss the nutrition of PWDs.
On Friday, June 22, there will be a distribution of eye glasses at the Roco Library and a poster making contest conveying the theme of this week’s celebration. The culminating activity will be on Saturday, July 23 where a fun walk will be spearheaded by officers and members of Liga ng mga Barangay, BAPDA Chapters, PDAO, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, METRO PESO and other attached agencies.
Program proper will continue at SM City Naga Activity Center in the afternoon which will simultaneous with the Mobile COMELEC registration/ validation for PWDS.
This week’s over all theme: “Making the Rights real for Filipinos With Disability,” endeavors to promote awareness on the rights of Persons with Disability and intensify campaign towards disability prevention and rehabilitation.
The annual celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebrated every 3rd week of July is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 361, series of 2002 as amended by Administrative Order No. 35 series of 2002. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Media dialogue for FNRI Siglang Pinoy Project conducted in Camarines Norte
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 22 (PIA) -– A media dialogue was conducted here Wednesday (July 20) to seek the support of the media persons in the advocacy and information dissemination for the Siglang Pinoy Project of the Food Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNFRI-DOST).
Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, Chief, TDSTD, FNRI-DOST said that the project aims to empower stakeholders of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) in the project sites through nutrition communication and technology transfer.
She said that Siglang Pinoy 6 Core Messages include: exclusive breastfeeding for six months, appropriate complementary feeding after six months old of a baby, increase consumption of vegetables and rootcrops, increase level of physical activity and limit alcohol drinking.
She said that Camarines Norte is one of the 6 P1 provinces for AHMP where others include Mountain Province, Masbate, Zaboanage de Norte, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani.
She said that in this province Labo and Basud are the project sites and was launched in Basud Tuesday (July 19) with DSWD Regional Director Dr. Mario Capanzana and Basud Mayor Dominador S. Davocol Jr.
Dr. Narciso explained that Basud was chosen because of high prevalence of malnutrition and has a big feed center.
She further explained that components of the project include: nutrition marketting during activities of the municipalities, film showing/radio plugging of puppetry CDs on 6 core messages , social mobilization on physical education, food and nutrition demonstration/livelihood technologies and media dialogues.
She added that media plays a vital role in educating groups of people by imparting food, nutrition and science and technology information as well as a valuable partner and conduit in helping improve the nutritional status and socio-economic well being. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte).
Morales is new Catanduanes State College prexy
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 22 (PIA)-- Dr. Minerva I. Morales, the new president of the Catanduanes State Colleges, formally started her term of office on July 18, 2011 through a simple but historic turnover ceremony at the CSC Main Building Front Grounds after the Monday Flag Ceremony attended by CSC employees and students.
Outgoing CSC President Asuncion V. Asetre handed over to Dr. Morales the symbolic CSC Mace and vital institutional documents.
An established academician and research professional, Dr. Morales became the sixth President of the CSC when she was sworn into office by Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan immediately after receiving the majority vote of CSC Board of Trustees on July 14, 2011.
During the turnover rites, Dr. Morales accepted with “deep humility and reverence the mandate” given her as President of the Catanduanes State Colleges. She also thanked those who “walked with me in this journey; for believing that this is not a personal pursuit but a larger and noble mission of continuing the legacy of service to the Catanduanes State Colleges.”
Dr. Morales also especially thanked her predecessor, Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, for the established groundwork in various areas of the Colleges’ operation, “upon which we shall continue to strengthen for the optimum benefit of CSC clientele and to those who will come after us.”
The 56-year old president of the state-run higher education institution in Catanduanes likewise acknowledged the challenges of steering the institution, which she referred as “a stewardship that calls for careful and responsible management of entrusted tasks.”
“With the work ethics and philosophy, the vision, mission and programs that I have spelled out during my candidacy, I know, the journey will be fruitful, and many are willing, able and inspired to be part of the transformation and transforming services for the Catanduanes State Colleges, she added.
The new president emphasized the sense of belongingness she has fostered with the institution. “CSC is home and family. With this profound affinity, I have harnessed the gift of foresight for CSC. I can walk around the campus with ease. In fact, when I reported to office this day, I did my everyday routine —I walked my way from home to office on this brand new morning,” she added.
Speaking before a crowd nostalgic and hopeful about ‘comings and goings’, Dr. Morales shared that when she decided to apply for the presidency, she was not distracted by the stressful dynamics that goes with the usual competition. “Instead, I patiently and quietly navigated the course. I did not allow myself to be affected by the intramurals. With prayerful thoughts, I mustered the challenges. That’s the gift of wisdom that I have nurtured in walking, and in walking on.”
She finally enjoined the CSC community to keep moving on. "Magtarabang sana kita. Let’s help one another. I count everyone's involvement; I acknowledge the potential and capacity of each member of the CSC family to be part of this task.”
Dr. Morales built her career in the academe starting as Instructor I. She now holds the Professor VI academic rank, with combined multidisciplinary expertise in theory and practice in aquaculture, research and development and educational management. She also held various administrative posts such as College Secretary, Officer in Charge of Research and Extension Services, Director for Research Services and Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs. She was also designated for 15 times as Officer-in-Charge of the Catanduanes State Colleges.
Her researches have likewise won numerous regional, zonal, national and international awards. Aside from being a Rotarian, she is also active in civic programs along the areas of environment, livelihood, and cooperativism.
In the course of her various administrative designations, she has drafted numerous proposals, formulated manuals, guidelines, and mechanics which later served as basis and groundwork in the research, extension, production and instruction functions of the Colleges.
She has also spearheaded the establishment of institutional programs in research and production as well as in the conduct of feasibility studies that merited financial support from funding agencies. (CSC/PIA/Catanduanes)
Sanggunian enacts 'Puhada System' in the province
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 22 (PIA)-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Catanduanes passed and enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 04 entitled "Puhada System" in Catanduanes.
The said ordinance regulates the indiscriminate stripping and cutting of Abaca leaf sheaths locally known as "Bakbak" including the exportation outside the province and provides penalties for violation.
Abaca farming, propagation and abaca fibe rproduction is one of the major source of livelihood in the province proved to be among the factors that contributed to the success of the micro and macro abaca business industry, eventually uplifting the standard of living of most abaca farmers and traders.
Catanduanes has also been considered as one of the top abaca fiber producing provinces in the country.
According to actual surveys and official reports from various government agencies and concerned constituents, some abaca planters and abaca fiber producers have surreptitiously engaged in the indiscriminate stripping of raw abaca leaf sheaths and transport or export the same outside of the province as a result of which, have led into a virtual depletion or destruction of abaca plantations.
Said practice is deleterious to abaca propagation in particular and inimical to abaca industry in general, hence the need no prohibit or regulate the indiscriminate cutting of raw abaca leaf sheaths is necessary and appropriate.
Any person, natural or juridical, found to have violated any of the prohibited acts either directly or inderectly or through connivance and consent, shall be penalized.The manner of penalization depends upon the extent of the said offense.
The Ordiance was sponsored by Provincial Board Member Nel Asanza. (EAB,PIA Catanduanes)
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, July 22 (PIA) -- One of the highlights of this week’s celebration in line with the commemoration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week was the first ever blood letting activity exclusively for and by Persons with Disability or PWDs.
The activity was held at the Roco library, just within the City Hall compound on July 19. Under the theme:” Dugo ng May Kapansanan, Alay Sa Bayan,” more or less seventeen (17) differently-abled individuals trooped in the venue and shared the most important lifeline found in every human being – the human blood.
The event was participated in by members of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) –Camarines Sur Chapter, Office of Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio thru the Naga City Blood Program and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), SpEd personnel and other stakeholders. The blood collected totaling to 450cc, was turned over to the PRC for safekeeping.
The local government of Naga, thru its Chief Executive, Mayor John Bongat in support of the PWDs cause, has laid down various activities which commenced last weekend and will end this coming Saturday, July 23. One of which is the assessment or validation of PWD in preparation for ID issuance. On Thursday, July 21, will also mark the PDAO anniversary where a simultaneous Ground Breaking of future PDAO site will also be conducted. There will also be a forum on the same date to discuss the nutrition of PWDs.
On Friday, June 22, there will be a distribution of eye glasses at the Roco Library and a poster making contest conveying the theme of this week’s celebration. The culminating activity will be on Saturday, July 23 where a fun walk will be spearheaded by officers and members of Liga ng mga Barangay, BAPDA Chapters, PDAO, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, METRO PESO and other attached agencies.
Program proper will continue at SM City Naga Activity Center in the afternoon which will simultaneous with the Mobile COMELEC registration/ validation for PWDS.
This week’s over all theme: “Making the Rights real for Filipinos With Disability,” endeavors to promote awareness on the rights of Persons with Disability and intensify campaign towards disability prevention and rehabilitation.
The annual celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebrated every 3rd week of July is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 361, series of 2002 as amended by Administrative Order No. 35 series of 2002. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Media dialogue for FNRI Siglang Pinoy Project conducted in Camarines Norte
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 22 (PIA) -– A media dialogue was conducted here Wednesday (July 20) to seek the support of the media persons in the advocacy and information dissemination for the Siglang Pinoy Project of the Food Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNFRI-DOST).
Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, Chief, TDSTD, FNRI-DOST said that the project aims to empower stakeholders of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) in the project sites through nutrition communication and technology transfer.
She said that Siglang Pinoy 6 Core Messages include: exclusive breastfeeding for six months, appropriate complementary feeding after six months old of a baby, increase consumption of vegetables and rootcrops, increase level of physical activity and limit alcohol drinking.
She said that Camarines Norte is one of the 6 P1 provinces for AHMP where others include Mountain Province, Masbate, Zaboanage de Norte, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani.
She said that in this province Labo and Basud are the project sites and was launched in Basud Tuesday (July 19) with DSWD Regional Director Dr. Mario Capanzana and Basud Mayor Dominador S. Davocol Jr.
Dr. Narciso explained that Basud was chosen because of high prevalence of malnutrition and has a big feed center.
She further explained that components of the project include: nutrition marketting during activities of the municipalities, film showing/radio plugging of puppetry CDs on 6 core messages , social mobilization on physical education, food and nutrition demonstration/livelihood technologies and media dialogues.
She added that media plays a vital role in educating groups of people by imparting food, nutrition and science and technology information as well as a valuable partner and conduit in helping improve the nutritional status and socio-economic well being. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte).
Morales is new Catanduanes State College prexy
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 22 (PIA)-- Dr. Minerva I. Morales, the new president of the Catanduanes State Colleges, formally started her term of office on July 18, 2011 through a simple but historic turnover ceremony at the CSC Main Building Front Grounds after the Monday Flag Ceremony attended by CSC employees and students.
Outgoing CSC President Asuncion V. Asetre handed over to Dr. Morales the symbolic CSC Mace and vital institutional documents.
An established academician and research professional, Dr. Morales became the sixth President of the CSC when she was sworn into office by Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan immediately after receiving the majority vote of CSC Board of Trustees on July 14, 2011.
During the turnover rites, Dr. Morales accepted with “deep humility and reverence the mandate” given her as President of the Catanduanes State Colleges. She also thanked those who “walked with me in this journey; for believing that this is not a personal pursuit but a larger and noble mission of continuing the legacy of service to the Catanduanes State Colleges.”
Dr. Morales also especially thanked her predecessor, Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, for the established groundwork in various areas of the Colleges’ operation, “upon which we shall continue to strengthen for the optimum benefit of CSC clientele and to those who will come after us.”
The 56-year old president of the state-run higher education institution in Catanduanes likewise acknowledged the challenges of steering the institution, which she referred as “a stewardship that calls for careful and responsible management of entrusted tasks.”
“With the work ethics and philosophy, the vision, mission and programs that I have spelled out during my candidacy, I know, the journey will be fruitful, and many are willing, able and inspired to be part of the transformation and transforming services for the Catanduanes State Colleges, she added.
The new president emphasized the sense of belongingness she has fostered with the institution. “CSC is home and family. With this profound affinity, I have harnessed the gift of foresight for CSC. I can walk around the campus with ease. In fact, when I reported to office this day, I did my everyday routine —I walked my way from home to office on this brand new morning,” she added.
Speaking before a crowd nostalgic and hopeful about ‘comings and goings’, Dr. Morales shared that when she decided to apply for the presidency, she was not distracted by the stressful dynamics that goes with the usual competition. “Instead, I patiently and quietly navigated the course. I did not allow myself to be affected by the intramurals. With prayerful thoughts, I mustered the challenges. That’s the gift of wisdom that I have nurtured in walking, and in walking on.”
She finally enjoined the CSC community to keep moving on. "Magtarabang sana kita. Let’s help one another. I count everyone's involvement; I acknowledge the potential and capacity of each member of the CSC family to be part of this task.”
Dr. Morales built her career in the academe starting as Instructor I. She now holds the Professor VI academic rank, with combined multidisciplinary expertise in theory and practice in aquaculture, research and development and educational management. She also held various administrative posts such as College Secretary, Officer in Charge of Research and Extension Services, Director for Research Services and Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs. She was also designated for 15 times as Officer-in-Charge of the Catanduanes State Colleges.
Her researches have likewise won numerous regional, zonal, national and international awards. Aside from being a Rotarian, she is also active in civic programs along the areas of environment, livelihood, and cooperativism.
In the course of her various administrative designations, she has drafted numerous proposals, formulated manuals, guidelines, and mechanics which later served as basis and groundwork in the research, extension, production and instruction functions of the Colleges.
She has also spearheaded the establishment of institutional programs in research and production as well as in the conduct of feasibility studies that merited financial support from funding agencies. (CSC/PIA/Catanduanes)
Sanggunian enacts 'Puhada System' in the province
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 22 (PIA)-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Catanduanes passed and enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 04 entitled "Puhada System" in Catanduanes.
The said ordinance regulates the indiscriminate stripping and cutting of Abaca leaf sheaths locally known as "Bakbak" including the exportation outside the province and provides penalties for violation.
Abaca farming, propagation and abaca fibe rproduction is one of the major source of livelihood in the province proved to be among the factors that contributed to the success of the micro and macro abaca business industry, eventually uplifting the standard of living of most abaca farmers and traders.
Catanduanes has also been considered as one of the top abaca fiber producing provinces in the country.
According to actual surveys and official reports from various government agencies and concerned constituents, some abaca planters and abaca fiber producers have surreptitiously engaged in the indiscriminate stripping of raw abaca leaf sheaths and transport or export the same outside of the province as a result of which, have led into a virtual depletion or destruction of abaca plantations.
Said practice is deleterious to abaca propagation in particular and inimical to abaca industry in general, hence the need no prohibit or regulate the indiscriminate cutting of raw abaca leaf sheaths is necessary and appropriate.
Any person, natural or juridical, found to have violated any of the prohibited acts either directly or inderectly or through connivance and consent, shall be penalized.The manner of penalization depends upon the extent of the said offense.
The Ordiance was sponsored by Provincial Board Member Nel Asanza. (EAB,PIA Catanduanes)
NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM – .” DENR Assistant Secretary for Special Projects Mario D. Mendoza (upper photo) discusses the Executive Order 26 describes the National Greening Program (NGP) as a program seeking to “plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period of 6 years from 2011 to 2016, in lands of the public domain last Thursday, July 21, 2011 held at La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Supplemental feeding program to benefit more than 26,000 children in Albay
LEGAZPI CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- A total of 26,173 children enrolled in day care centers across Albay will benefit from the supplemental feeding program following the signing of the memorandum of agreement among and by the provincial government, city and municipal governments in Albay and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently.
Some P38.544 million has been allocated for the province of Albay alone to implement the supplemental feeding for a period of 120 days, in a five days a week, to commence before the end of this month.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that the provincial government relentlessly pursues to eradicate malnutrition through food supplementation of energy booster and other nutrients missing from the diet of children with more nutritional requirements.
The program intends to prevent malnutrition prevalence through reducing the nutrient gap between individual’s actual consumption and nutrition requirement.
The provincial government, Salceda added, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), will strictly monitor the implementation of the program and in support will also augment other requirements needed in the preparation of foods.
He emphasized that beneficiaries of the program are those children enrolled in day care centers.
“This is part of the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program,” Salceda said.
Yolanda Yanzon, PSWDO chief, meanwhile said hot meals for children in day care center cost some P12.50 per day -- 2.50 for rice to be purchased by DSWD from National Fodd Authority (NFA) while the P10 budget will be released to the city and municipal governments -- for 120 days
The responsibility of barangays is to prepare the food based on the meal cycle menu recommended by the Food Nutrition and Research Institute (FNRI), while parents will assist in the preparation of meals.
Respective city and municipal social welfare and development offices, along with PSWDO, will monitor the status of children who will be weighed at the start of the feeding and a monthly weighing thereafter will be done to determine improvement and sustenance in their nutritional status.
The MOA and corresponding funds of P38.5 million will sustain Albay performance, with 5 out of top 10 best performing towns cited in 2010 nutrition program implementation. (MAL, PIA V)
DTI V urges Bicol brands to register trademark
LEGASPI CITY, July 21 (PIA/DTI) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here has urged business owners in Bicol to apply for trademarks of their products.
Trademark registration certifies that a proprietor owns the brand or logos he uses in his products and signages. It is a powerful intellectual and economic asset not only of the individual owner but also of the nation as it leverages to compete globally.
Unlike BN registration, trademark registration is not mandatory under the law. However, when copying occurs, an owner’s only basis for legal protection is a trademark registration.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), an agency attached to the DTI and with satellite offices in the region, caters for trademark registrations necessary to obtain ownership and protection for brands and logos.
DTI meanwhile only caters to business name (BN) registration which is required to start a venture.
IPOPHIL, an agency attached to the DTI, issues registration over trademarks, patents, utility models, designs, and copyrights for protection. (MAL/JRBerango, DTI V)
New infrastructures to spur progress in Albay
LEGAZPI CITY, July 21 (PIA/DPWH) -- Albay province in the third congressional district is poised for progress with the near completion of the Albay West Coast road concreting projects in the municipalities of Libon and Pioduran.
Just recently, a port project in Pioduran became operational in addition to the existing Pantao Port in Libon.
“Our road projects serve as vital access to these port facilities. It goes without saying that motorists would choose paved roads over gravel roads resulting to an increased trade and commerce activities in the countryside,” said District Engineer Efren Manalo in an interview following his inspection of the projects thereat.
Majority of the constituents along the said coastal areas depends on marine and agricultural industries for their livelihood. Easy and timely transport of products to commercial centers translates to a corresponding increase in household income.
Regular Infrastructure Program for 2011 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earmarked a total of P28 million for the road upgrading (gravel to asphalt) of Albay West Coast road.
Per records gathered, the allocation for Albay 3rd District is P46.19 million wherein P2.2 is for the rehabilitation/reconstruction of damaged paved national road along Polangui-Poblacion in the municipality of Polangui and P15.9 for the preventive maintenance/asphalt overlay along Banao-Binogsacan-Morera Daang Maharlika Road of the municipality of Guinobatan.
Close monitoring is being done by DPWH Regional Office through its Regional Director Danilo Dequito for the completion of the current-year projects within the deadline set by Honorable Secretary Rogelio Singson which is before end of December this year. (MAL/LVCastañeda, DPWH V)
Sarmiento sets ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ for Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 21, (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes will have his first ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ on July 22, 2011, 8:00 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
The said activity aims to relay to the public the accomplishment of Cong. Sarmiento and the progress of the programs and what to expect in the succeeding years in his term.
According to Sarmiento, the said ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ is a measure of one’s efficiency in rendering public service.
The report of the Congressman will cover his development agenda entitled as HEALTHY that covers health, education, agriculture, livelihood, tourism and youth empowerment. He will also tackle the expanded programs for health and social assistance for the indigent families.
It can be noted that Cong. Sarmiento’s Care for the Sick program which started a year ago which offers an option for advanced health services in some specialty hospitals and the College Education Assistance and Reward (CESAR) program has benefited a great number of families in the province. Care for the Sick has benefited 1,000 patients from 11 towns of the province while the latter has now covered grantees from the 300 barangays in the province.
Expected to attend the “Ulat” are Provincial officials, municipal chief executives, heads of government agencies, representatives of non-government and civic organizations, barangay officials, youth and student leaders, businessmen, farmers and fisherfolk, the academe, senior citizens and transport sector officials. (EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
LEGAZPI CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- A total of 26,173 children enrolled in day care centers across Albay will benefit from the supplemental feeding program following the signing of the memorandum of agreement among and by the provincial government, city and municipal governments in Albay and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently.
Some P38.544 million has been allocated for the province of Albay alone to implement the supplemental feeding for a period of 120 days, in a five days a week, to commence before the end of this month.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that the provincial government relentlessly pursues to eradicate malnutrition through food supplementation of energy booster and other nutrients missing from the diet of children with more nutritional requirements.
The program intends to prevent malnutrition prevalence through reducing the nutrient gap between individual’s actual consumption and nutrition requirement.
The provincial government, Salceda added, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), will strictly monitor the implementation of the program and in support will also augment other requirements needed in the preparation of foods.
He emphasized that beneficiaries of the program are those children enrolled in day care centers.
“This is part of the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program,” Salceda said.
Yolanda Yanzon, PSWDO chief, meanwhile said hot meals for children in day care center cost some P12.50 per day -- 2.50 for rice to be purchased by DSWD from National Fodd Authority (NFA) while the P10 budget will be released to the city and municipal governments -- for 120 days
The responsibility of barangays is to prepare the food based on the meal cycle menu recommended by the Food Nutrition and Research Institute (FNRI), while parents will assist in the preparation of meals.
Respective city and municipal social welfare and development offices, along with PSWDO, will monitor the status of children who will be weighed at the start of the feeding and a monthly weighing thereafter will be done to determine improvement and sustenance in their nutritional status.
The MOA and corresponding funds of P38.5 million will sustain Albay performance, with 5 out of top 10 best performing towns cited in 2010 nutrition program implementation. (MAL, PIA V)
DTI V urges Bicol brands to register trademark
LEGASPI CITY, July 21 (PIA/DTI) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here has urged business owners in Bicol to apply for trademarks of their products.
Trademark registration certifies that a proprietor owns the brand or logos he uses in his products and signages. It is a powerful intellectual and economic asset not only of the individual owner but also of the nation as it leverages to compete globally.
Unlike BN registration, trademark registration is not mandatory under the law. However, when copying occurs, an owner’s only basis for legal protection is a trademark registration.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), an agency attached to the DTI and with satellite offices in the region, caters for trademark registrations necessary to obtain ownership and protection for brands and logos.
DTI meanwhile only caters to business name (BN) registration which is required to start a venture.
IPOPHIL, an agency attached to the DTI, issues registration over trademarks, patents, utility models, designs, and copyrights for protection. (MAL/JRBerango, DTI V)
New infrastructures to spur progress in Albay
LEGAZPI CITY, July 21 (PIA/DPWH) -- Albay province in the third congressional district is poised for progress with the near completion of the Albay West Coast road concreting projects in the municipalities of Libon and Pioduran.
Just recently, a port project in Pioduran became operational in addition to the existing Pantao Port in Libon.
“Our road projects serve as vital access to these port facilities. It goes without saying that motorists would choose paved roads over gravel roads resulting to an increased trade and commerce activities in the countryside,” said District Engineer Efren Manalo in an interview following his inspection of the projects thereat.
Majority of the constituents along the said coastal areas depends on marine and agricultural industries for their livelihood. Easy and timely transport of products to commercial centers translates to a corresponding increase in household income.
Regular Infrastructure Program for 2011 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earmarked a total of P28 million for the road upgrading (gravel to asphalt) of Albay West Coast road.
Per records gathered, the allocation for Albay 3rd District is P46.19 million wherein P2.2 is for the rehabilitation/reconstruction of damaged paved national road along Polangui-Poblacion in the municipality of Polangui and P15.9 for the preventive maintenance/asphalt overlay along Banao-Binogsacan-Morera Daang Maharlika Road of the municipality of Guinobatan.
Close monitoring is being done by DPWH Regional Office through its Regional Director Danilo Dequito for the completion of the current-year projects within the deadline set by Honorable Secretary Rogelio Singson which is before end of December this year. (MAL/LVCastañeda, DPWH V)
Sarmiento sets ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ for Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 21, (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes will have his first ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ on July 22, 2011, 8:00 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
The said activity aims to relay to the public the accomplishment of Cong. Sarmiento and the progress of the programs and what to expect in the succeeding years in his term.
According to Sarmiento, the said ‘Ulat sa Distrito’ is a measure of one’s efficiency in rendering public service.
The report of the Congressman will cover his development agenda entitled as HEALTHY that covers health, education, agriculture, livelihood, tourism and youth empowerment. He will also tackle the expanded programs for health and social assistance for the indigent families.
It can be noted that Cong. Sarmiento’s Care for the Sick program which started a year ago which offers an option for advanced health services in some specialty hospitals and the College Education Assistance and Reward (CESAR) program has benefited a great number of families in the province. Care for the Sick has benefited 1,000 patients from 11 towns of the province while the latter has now covered grantees from the 300 barangays in the province.
Expected to attend the “Ulat” are Provincial officials, municipal chief executives, heads of government agencies, representatives of non-government and civic organizations, barangay officials, youth and student leaders, businessmen, farmers and fisherfolk, the academe, senior citizens and transport sector officials. (EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
ULAT SA BAYAN 2011 – Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine B. Rosal delivers her 1st State of the City Address before the joint session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday July 19,2011 at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, Legazpi City. Ten Point Agenda of Rosal’s administration were presented during the ULAT SA BAYAN 2011. (Alex Cal/PIA)
Massive clean-up, dismantling of fish cages on stream to save Buhi Lake
by Lizel S. Macatangay
BUHI, Camarines Sur, July 20 (PIA) -- Resolute in its campaign to put an end to the vicious re-occurrence of fish kills in Buhi Lake, the municipal government here has already started tearing off a number of fish cages in various delineated areas since early this month.
A composite team, comprised of personnel of the municipal government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional field office, Maritime police, Philippine Coast Guard, local police office here, National Council for the Indigenous People (NCIP), Tanggol Kalikasan, Rotary Club of Buhi and Buhi Rescue Team, cleared the fish sanctuaries, primary and secondary navigational lanes and buffer zones of the said fish structures.
Declared areas already cleared were the fish sanctuary and fishery reserve at Barangays San Buena-Sta. Cruz areas and the navigational lane and buffer zones from Poblacion to Barangay Iraya, buffer zones and secondary navigational lanes at Barangays Ipil, Cabanatuan , Tambo and Ibayugan including the tourism area at Sta. Clara – Sitio San Benito.
Beethoven Nachor, municipal administator in this town, personally led every dismantling operation noting that the unprecedented move of the local government is an effort to save Lake Buhi from its apparent death.
He said that if toxic residues will not be stopped from building up at the bottom of the lake, the lake will eventually perish.
“We wish to bring back the old glory that was once attributed to the majestic Buhi Lake, and we will not realize this vision if we are not going to do something. Our move might be drastic or an excessive action for others, but we will ensure that it will be beneficial to a lot of our people.”
Starting off this year, Buhi Mayor Rey Lacoste has already initiated various endeavors leading to the realization of this vision, including the re-organizational meeting of BFAR Municipal Council covering the ten (10) barangays surrounding the lake
Regular dialogues are also on stream between BFAR and the LGU officers regarding the proposed ordinance declaring a moratorium on the use of feeds in fish cages located in Lakes Buhi, Katugday, Manapao and Rinaga River, among others.
After a series of consultation and polishing, the Save Lake Buhi now Project was born.
Four major local Executive Orders emanated out of this undertaking - the creation of the LGU-Buhi Save Lake Buhi NOW Technical Working group, the creation of the Inter-Agency Save Lake Buhi NOW Task Force, prohibition of the installation of new fish cages and other structures for aquaculture and an executive order prohibiting the re-stocking of telapia and other fish species intended for aquaculture and providing guidelines for its implementation.
Nachor said that they have already consulted the constituents of the six (6) barangays surrounding the Lake Buhi and they have been receiving positive feed backs except from some commercial fish cage operators who will be definitely affected by the on-going demolition.
The municipal government has to dismantle more than 13,000 fish cages occupying as much as 70% of the 1,600-hectare lake to allow the river to come back to life and be home again to various organisms such as the world’s smallest fish sinarapan, irin irin, dalag, puyo, burirawan and native catfish among others. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Power firm to spearhead National Greening Program in Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY,July 20 (PIA) -- Forging manpower and resources for a Green Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) will spearhead the call of government for a National Greening Program (NGP).
Anchored on the environmental greening landmark project of EDC, BINHI, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and EDC Chairman Emeritus (CE) Oscar Lopez signed a Memorandum of of Agreement (MOA) last May 11, 2011 to seal the national greening program of the country under the Public- Private Partnership (PPP) component strategy of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
Engr. Leo Zancho A. Mago,Senior Superintendent of EDC- Environmental Management Department (EMD), said that the company has always been motivated and inspired by our top management to be creative and innovative in the care of our environment.
EDC has been the recipient of this year's DENR V Saringaya Special Award 2011 in the implementation of a sustainable green environment of the 250,000-hectare reservation area of the EDC-Bacman.
Under the auspices of the BINHI program, Mago said that the EDC through DENR V will implement a systematic , meaningful and sustainable reforestation program in support of the NGP of the national government..
"The EDC environmental reforestation project here in the province of Sorsogon within our area has been well- implemented . We have even value-added it with tourism attractions like the presence of our Butterfly Garden, the development of our Wildlife Conservation Area , the presence and conservation of the Bac-Man Bat Sanctuary and presence of the natural ecotourism sites now conserved and provided accessibility," Mago said.
"Here at the EDC-Bacman with the DENR V initiated program, we will also be planting and reforesting our areas with endemic fruit trees like the Baligang and Gumihan, two of the several kinds of trees that will fall under the BINHI -Tree for Food Program", he said.
The BINHI program has been implemented by EDC in all their geothermal power plant sites all over the Philippines since 2008.
Meanwhile, Mago said that through their EDC CE, Oscar Lopez, spelled out was the company's Corporate Social Responsibility thrusts to help government alleviate poverty, achieve food security, preserve and enhance biodiversity and address the problems of Climate Change through the implementation of the NGP.
According to Mago, the BINHI program launched four years ago was specifically a goal of their organization to address the concerns on the vanishing premium native trees endemic in each area where the geothermal power plant is located.
Creatively, the enhancement of the BINHI as their banner strategic greening program will also answer several components of a sustainable environment , the provision for food, shelter, recreation ,mitigation and adaptation aside from ensuring the future of the next generation by creating a green community.
The BINHI program as the company's greening strategy have also provided their various communities a learning opportunity to appreciate what they have, educate basic communities within their geothermal site in the care of the environment through planting of trees endemic within the sites.
"Now part of our reforestation program here implemented in Bac-Man is to identify those trees endemic to the area.Seedlings of these endemic trees found here are now being planted in our nursery and will be planted for reforestation of our area and can also be given to local government units needing planting materials for tree parks", he said.
The BINHI program of EDC according to Mago is one of the best reforestation strategy already implemented by their corporation for almost four years now with four basic components: Tree for the Future, Tree for Life,Tree for Food and Tree for Leisure.
"Receiving this year's Saringaya Special Awards 2011 for the care of the environment implemented by our EMD is a commitment of our company to continually partner and support the national government's greening program.
With the four year implementation now of our BINHI program, the company through the BINHI-Tree For the Future and Tree for Leisure program aims to establish tree parks of rare and endemic trees with their collaboration with local government units.
Meanwhile here at EDC-BacMan, the planting of Pili trees (Canarium Ovatum) under the Tree of Life and Tree of Food has been one of the continuing program of the company also to provide livelihood to the basic communities living near the reservation sites according to Mago.
The forged commitment of the company in the NGP of the government according to Mago has been one of the basic goals of the company to attain and sustain water abundance which is the major source for geothermal operations, he said.
Identification of trees within their reservation sites has been already conducted and the nursery plant maintained in all their geothermal sites are propagated with endemic trees so as to ensure the conservation trees present within the natural mountain ecosystems.
The NGP of the government according to Mago will be a commitment of their company in the re-vegetation of open and denuded forest and will also provide sustainable livelihood to farmers living inside geothermal forest reserves. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Media to tour 4Ps areas in Paracale town
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 20 (PIA) -- To have a full grasp of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a media tour in the town of Paracale on Thursday (July 21) will be conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office.
DSWD V Regional Director Nemia T. Tapispisan said that the media tour will also inform the announcers, reporters and writers on how the 4Ps is being implemented and its impact to the family beneficiaries and the community.
She said that the implementation of the 4Ps in this province is now on its full swing, a poverty reduction strategy of the government that provides cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.
She explained that through the years, the program has encountered many challenges in the area of communication because it is perceived by some as a “dole out” program and others as political tool due to lack of awareness and knowledge of the program.
Regional Director Tapispisan said that some 2,983 families are beneficiaries of 4Ps in the town of Paracale and some 24,759 in the whole province of Camarines Norte where some 2,130 families has started to received cash grants in 2010 while some 22,629 has started this year.
She said that of the 12 municipalities, family beneficiaries came from the 10 towns including Paracale and others are: Capalonga with 2,559 family beneficiaires; Santa Elena – 3,422; San Lorenzo Ruiz- 865; Mercedes – 3,550; Basud 1,889; Jose Panganiban 3,211; Labo 2,755; San Vicente- 489; and Vinzons 3,036.
She added that every family were given a maximum amount of P1,400 cash grants (depend on the qualified beneficiaries) on the condition that they will participate in the services of health care and education especially for children. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)
by Lizel S. Macatangay
BUHI, Camarines Sur, July 20 (PIA) -- Resolute in its campaign to put an end to the vicious re-occurrence of fish kills in Buhi Lake, the municipal government here has already started tearing off a number of fish cages in various delineated areas since early this month.
A composite team, comprised of personnel of the municipal government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional field office, Maritime police, Philippine Coast Guard, local police office here, National Council for the Indigenous People (NCIP), Tanggol Kalikasan, Rotary Club of Buhi and Buhi Rescue Team, cleared the fish sanctuaries, primary and secondary navigational lanes and buffer zones of the said fish structures.
Declared areas already cleared were the fish sanctuary and fishery reserve at Barangays San Buena-Sta. Cruz areas and the navigational lane and buffer zones from Poblacion to Barangay Iraya, buffer zones and secondary navigational lanes at Barangays Ipil, Cabanatuan , Tambo and Ibayugan including the tourism area at Sta. Clara – Sitio San Benito.
Beethoven Nachor, municipal administator in this town, personally led every dismantling operation noting that the unprecedented move of the local government is an effort to save Lake Buhi from its apparent death.
He said that if toxic residues will not be stopped from building up at the bottom of the lake, the lake will eventually perish.
“We wish to bring back the old glory that was once attributed to the majestic Buhi Lake, and we will not realize this vision if we are not going to do something. Our move might be drastic or an excessive action for others, but we will ensure that it will be beneficial to a lot of our people.”
Starting off this year, Buhi Mayor Rey Lacoste has already initiated various endeavors leading to the realization of this vision, including the re-organizational meeting of BFAR Municipal Council covering the ten (10) barangays surrounding the lake
Regular dialogues are also on stream between BFAR and the LGU officers regarding the proposed ordinance declaring a moratorium on the use of feeds in fish cages located in Lakes Buhi, Katugday, Manapao and Rinaga River, among others.
After a series of consultation and polishing, the Save Lake Buhi now Project was born.
Four major local Executive Orders emanated out of this undertaking - the creation of the LGU-Buhi Save Lake Buhi NOW Technical Working group, the creation of the Inter-Agency Save Lake Buhi NOW Task Force, prohibition of the installation of new fish cages and other structures for aquaculture and an executive order prohibiting the re-stocking of telapia and other fish species intended for aquaculture and providing guidelines for its implementation.
Nachor said that they have already consulted the constituents of the six (6) barangays surrounding the Lake Buhi and they have been receiving positive feed backs except from some commercial fish cage operators who will be definitely affected by the on-going demolition.
The municipal government has to dismantle more than 13,000 fish cages occupying as much as 70% of the 1,600-hectare lake to allow the river to come back to life and be home again to various organisms such as the world’s smallest fish sinarapan, irin irin, dalag, puyo, burirawan and native catfish among others. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Power firm to spearhead National Greening Program in Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY,July 20 (PIA) -- Forging manpower and resources for a Green Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) will spearhead the call of government for a National Greening Program (NGP).
Anchored on the environmental greening landmark project of EDC, BINHI, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and EDC Chairman Emeritus (CE) Oscar Lopez signed a Memorandum of of Agreement (MOA) last May 11, 2011 to seal the national greening program of the country under the Public- Private Partnership (PPP) component strategy of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
Engr. Leo Zancho A. Mago,Senior Superintendent of EDC- Environmental Management Department (EMD), said that the company has always been motivated and inspired by our top management to be creative and innovative in the care of our environment.
EDC has been the recipient of this year's DENR V Saringaya Special Award 2011 in the implementation of a sustainable green environment of the 250,000-hectare reservation area of the EDC-Bacman.
Under the auspices of the BINHI program, Mago said that the EDC through DENR V will implement a systematic , meaningful and sustainable reforestation program in support of the NGP of the national government..
"The EDC environmental reforestation project here in the province of Sorsogon within our area has been well- implemented . We have even value-added it with tourism attractions like the presence of our Butterfly Garden, the development of our Wildlife Conservation Area , the presence and conservation of the Bac-Man Bat Sanctuary and presence of the natural ecotourism sites now conserved and provided accessibility," Mago said.
"Here at the EDC-Bacman with the DENR V initiated program, we will also be planting and reforesting our areas with endemic fruit trees like the Baligang and Gumihan, two of the several kinds of trees that will fall under the BINHI -Tree for Food Program", he said.
The BINHI program has been implemented by EDC in all their geothermal power plant sites all over the Philippines since 2008.
Meanwhile, Mago said that through their EDC CE, Oscar Lopez, spelled out was the company's Corporate Social Responsibility thrusts to help government alleviate poverty, achieve food security, preserve and enhance biodiversity and address the problems of Climate Change through the implementation of the NGP.
According to Mago, the BINHI program launched four years ago was specifically a goal of their organization to address the concerns on the vanishing premium native trees endemic in each area where the geothermal power plant is located.
Creatively, the enhancement of the BINHI as their banner strategic greening program will also answer several components of a sustainable environment , the provision for food, shelter, recreation ,mitigation and adaptation aside from ensuring the future of the next generation by creating a green community.
The BINHI program as the company's greening strategy have also provided their various communities a learning opportunity to appreciate what they have, educate basic communities within their geothermal site in the care of the environment through planting of trees endemic within the sites.
"Now part of our reforestation program here implemented in Bac-Man is to identify those trees endemic to the area.Seedlings of these endemic trees found here are now being planted in our nursery and will be planted for reforestation of our area and can also be given to local government units needing planting materials for tree parks", he said.
The BINHI program of EDC according to Mago is one of the best reforestation strategy already implemented by their corporation for almost four years now with four basic components: Tree for the Future, Tree for Life,Tree for Food and Tree for Leisure.
"Receiving this year's Saringaya Special Awards 2011 for the care of the environment implemented by our EMD is a commitment of our company to continually partner and support the national government's greening program.
With the four year implementation now of our BINHI program, the company through the BINHI-Tree For the Future and Tree for Leisure program aims to establish tree parks of rare and endemic trees with their collaboration with local government units.
Meanwhile here at EDC-BacMan, the planting of Pili trees (Canarium Ovatum) under the Tree of Life and Tree of Food has been one of the continuing program of the company also to provide livelihood to the basic communities living near the reservation sites according to Mago.
The forged commitment of the company in the NGP of the government according to Mago has been one of the basic goals of the company to attain and sustain water abundance which is the major source for geothermal operations, he said.
Identification of trees within their reservation sites has been already conducted and the nursery plant maintained in all their geothermal sites are propagated with endemic trees so as to ensure the conservation trees present within the natural mountain ecosystems.
The NGP of the government according to Mago will be a commitment of their company in the re-vegetation of open and denuded forest and will also provide sustainable livelihood to farmers living inside geothermal forest reserves. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Media to tour 4Ps areas in Paracale town
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 20 (PIA) -- To have a full grasp of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a media tour in the town of Paracale on Thursday (July 21) will be conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office.
DSWD V Regional Director Nemia T. Tapispisan said that the media tour will also inform the announcers, reporters and writers on how the 4Ps is being implemented and its impact to the family beneficiaries and the community.
She said that the implementation of the 4Ps in this province is now on its full swing, a poverty reduction strategy of the government that provides cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.
She explained that through the years, the program has encountered many challenges in the area of communication because it is perceived by some as a “dole out” program and others as political tool due to lack of awareness and knowledge of the program.
Regional Director Tapispisan said that some 2,983 families are beneficiaries of 4Ps in the town of Paracale and some 24,759 in the whole province of Camarines Norte where some 2,130 families has started to received cash grants in 2010 while some 22,629 has started this year.
She said that of the 12 municipalities, family beneficiaries came from the 10 towns including Paracale and others are: Capalonga with 2,559 family beneficiaires; Santa Elena – 3,422; San Lorenzo Ruiz- 865; Mercedes – 3,550; Basud 1,889; Jose Panganiban 3,211; Labo 2,755; San Vicente- 489; and Vinzons 3,036.
She added that every family were given a maximum amount of P1,400 cash grants (depend on the qualified beneficiaries) on the condition that they will participate in the services of health care and education especially for children. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
PDEA reports gains in Anti illegal drug campaign in Bicol
by Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol regional office has reported a total of 141 persons, including four minors, were arrested and confiscated a total of 139.125 grams of shabu and 277.563 grams of marijuana with the combined estimated value of P2,134,446.76 during the first six months of 2011.
Archie Grande, PDEA Bicol regional director, said that the arrests were made during the conduct of more than 105 operations, 24 of which were made by PDEA, while 81 others were joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.
Among those arrested were 62 pushers,74 possessors, six users , five maintainers of drug den, two cohorts, a courier, and a cultivator of marijuana .
He said that a total of 146 barangays are in watch list of PDEA, 90 of which is classified as moderately affected, while 56 is considered slightly affected barangays.
Grande said that for the second semester of the 2011they will further intensify their campaign against the illegal drug trade in the identified 146 barangays affected by the illegal drug trade.
These include 34 barangays are in Albay, 24 in Camarines Norte, 41 in Camarines Sur, 14 in Catanduanes , 31 in Masbate and two in Sorsogon.
He said that through a more coordinated efforts with other all law enforcement agencies and strong partnership with local government executives, "we believe that we will be able to further reduce the number of barangays still affected by the illegal drug trade.
Grande also said that a drug summit will be organized and convened during the second semester of this year to bring together all stake holders and map out an integrated and more effective anti drug abuse campaign in the region.
The proposed activity was discussed during the recent Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting held in this city presided by Governor Edgardo Tallado RPOC chairman. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)
Sanggunian to conduct interfacing on banning shipment of live grouper in Catanduanes
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 19 (PIA)-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes will conduct a public hearing on Provincial Ordinance No. 99-03, an ordinance banning the shipment of live groupers (Lapu-lapu), crab fries and aquarium fishes except harlequin tusk species and similar species from the province for a period of six years this July 26, 2011 at 8:00 a.m at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
Official records available shows that the catching of liuve fishes and more specifically groupers otherwise called as Lapu-lapu, crab fries and aquarium or oriental fishes is adversely affecting the marine resources of the province.
Unscrupulous fishermen tempted by the high prices offered by Chinese, Japanese and other buyters who usually supply the prohibited sodium cyanide used in catching said species resort cyanate and other illegal means of fishing and these contributyr in the massive destruction of coral reefs in the coastal waters around the province.
The provincial administration since the past has been waging war against all forms of illegal fishing particularly the use of dynamite and sodium cyanide that fast deplete the main resources of the province's coastal waters at the same time causing damage to coral reefs.
Hence, there is a dire need to reenact and pass an ordinance banning the same purposely to prevent and conserve what remains of the rich marine resources of the province from senseless depredation of marine life and live corals.
According to the resolution draft, any firm or individual who continuously engage or practice said activities in open defiance to the said ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of Php 2,500.00 and an imprisonment of one day to thirty days or both upon the discretion of the court.
The said draft resolution was sponsored by Provincial Board Member Hon. Nel B. Asanza. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Agriculture, private industry jobs trigger drop in unemployment
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 -- Jobs generated by the agriculture and private industry sectors pushed the country’s unemployment rate to drop to 7.2 percent in April this year, an eight percentage point from 8 percent in April 2010.
The Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) said that employment level grew year-on-year in April to 36.8 million, up four percent from 35.4 million last year.
At the same time unemployment rate went down by 228,000 from three million in April last year to 2.8 million in April 2011.
BLES report said the country’s labor market regained momentum in April 2011 as employment grew, driven by the marked recovery in agriculture, fishery and forestry sector and the continued expansion, though at slower pace, in industry sector and services sector.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, in interpreting the BLES study, said the creation of 951,000 jobs in wage/salary workers was most auspicious when compared to previous jobs creations composed mostly of self-employed.
Private establishments accounted for 1.008 million new jobs, offsetting or substituting jobs in other sectors, he said.
“While services and agriculture created more jobs, the 145,000 better-value jobs in industry, of which 84,000 in manufacturing, should be seen as a good signal,” Salceda said.
Salceda said that the private establishments - wage/salary employment underpinned a 789,000 increase in workers who worked for over 40-hours (5 days x 8 hours) clearly established better quality of jobs creation.
“This is the initial positive consequence of the average 32.4% growth in GDCF (gross domestic capital formation) from 3rd Quarter of 2010 to 1st Quarter of 2011.”
The government sector created 302,000 jobs out of the 1.4 million jobs. (MSA/LGU Albay)
Korea workshop on disaster risk reduction, climate change big help to Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 19 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes participated in the Legislative Workshop of Philippine Parliamentarians on Effective Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines held in Incheon, Korea from July 14-17, 2011.
The activity has provided participants knowledge on how to give recognition and importance to changing ones mindset towards disaster and climate hazards.
It can be noted that Catanduanes is widely known to be a typhoon-prone island, according to Sarmiento, hence the province will benefit in the initiatives to be adopted by the government.
Sarmiento furthered that he consider himself fortunate to have participated in the activity, stressing that "we must consider redefining development as sensitive to disaster and climate risks."
At the end of the workshop, participants adopted a position calling for the concerned bodies to take (aggressive) action to address concerns relating to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
Those who attended the workshop from the House of Representatives were Congressmen Biazon (Muntinlupa), Evardone (Eastern Samar), Mel Sarmiento (Western Samar), Jose Cari (Leyte), Lucy Torres with spouse Richard Gomez (Leyte), Bernos (Abra), Go (Isabela), Garbin (Ako Bicol), Marcolete (Alagad), Dan Fernandez (Laguna), Rene Relampagaos (Bohol), Jesus Sacdalan (Cotabato), Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte), Apsay (Compostella Valley) and Cong. Sarmiento. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Albay’s dengue cases decline by 83%
by Joyce M. Mejillano
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 (PIA) — Despite the onset of rainy season, Albay has noted a dramatic decline in the number of dengue cases from the month of January to July this year, as compared to the same period last year.
In a data released by the provincial government, Albay registered an 83% decline wherein from January to July this year, there are a total of 114 cases, compared to 685 of same period last year.
Among the municipalities with zero dengue prevalence this year are Malilipot, Malinao, rapu-Rapu and Tiwi. Last year they have 1, 3, 6 and 15 cases respectively.
Tabaco City’s dengue case plunged from 101 last year to 2 cases this year, Ligao has 18 cases in 2010 and 1 this year, Daraga also has a significant drop in the number of cases from 180 to 22. Legazpi likewise registered a huge decline from 287 to 39 cases.
In Manito, 5 cases were registered last year and 1 this year. Pioduran has 14 cases in 2010 and 1 this year, Camalig’s dengue occurrence also drop from 24 to 7, Bacacay from 8 to 4 and Polangui from 7 to 5.
Oas and Guinobatan registered same number of cases in 2010 and 2011, with 2 and 13 respectively.
Meanwhile, Santo Domingo’s dengue cases increase from 9 last year to 10 this year, Jovellar from 1 last year to 2 this year and Libon has five cases this year compare to 1 last 2010.
The dramatic decrease in dengue cases in Albay resulted from the massive campaign of the Provincial Health Office and Department of Health against the deadly disease. (MAL/JMM, PIA V)
BIR Camarines Norte surpassed P5.3M collections in the first semester of this year
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 19 (PIA) – Taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office here surpassed by P5.3 million the target from January to June this year due to intensified tax campaign of the agency.
OIC Revenue District Officer Nemesia G. Diana said that the district office has collected a total of P229.8 million exceeding the target goal for the said period of P224,496,000.
She said that due to their appeal, more tax payers have filed and paid their income taxes, particularly businessmen in the province and they also intensified tax mapping every month to ensure that businessmen are paying the right taxes.
Diana also said that taxes collected include income taxes, value added taxes, percentage taxes, excess taxes and others.
It will be recalled that for the first 5 months the BIR has already surpassed some P5.1 million and was able to exceed more than P200,000 for the month of June.
She said that the RDO here target goal for this year is 457.17 million wherein they will have to collect P37 million every month in order to reach the said goal at the end of the year.
She also urged consumers to always ask for receipts in their purchases and services transactions wherein they can also win instant prizes in the Papremyo sa Resibo contest .
She explained that "PSR" offers instant cash prizes through text in the said promo of the BIR. To join text PSR(space)TIN No.of O.R.(space)O.R. No.(space) O.R. amount and send to 9777 (for single entry) or 9778 (for multiple entries). P100.00 reflected in the official receipt per entry and P2.50 will be deducted from the load per entry. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)
by Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol regional office has reported a total of 141 persons, including four minors, were arrested and confiscated a total of 139.125 grams of shabu and 277.563 grams of marijuana with the combined estimated value of P2,134,446.76 during the first six months of 2011.
Archie Grande, PDEA Bicol regional director, said that the arrests were made during the conduct of more than 105 operations, 24 of which were made by PDEA, while 81 others were joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.
Among those arrested were 62 pushers,74 possessors, six users , five maintainers of drug den, two cohorts, a courier, and a cultivator of marijuana .
He said that a total of 146 barangays are in watch list of PDEA, 90 of which is classified as moderately affected, while 56 is considered slightly affected barangays.
Grande said that for the second semester of the 2011they will further intensify their campaign against the illegal drug trade in the identified 146 barangays affected by the illegal drug trade.
These include 34 barangays are in Albay, 24 in Camarines Norte, 41 in Camarines Sur, 14 in Catanduanes , 31 in Masbate and two in Sorsogon.
He said that through a more coordinated efforts with other all law enforcement agencies and strong partnership with local government executives, "we believe that we will be able to further reduce the number of barangays still affected by the illegal drug trade.
Grande also said that a drug summit will be organized and convened during the second semester of this year to bring together all stake holders and map out an integrated and more effective anti drug abuse campaign in the region.
The proposed activity was discussed during the recent Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting held in this city presided by Governor Edgardo Tallado RPOC chairman. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)
Sanggunian to conduct interfacing on banning shipment of live grouper in Catanduanes
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 19 (PIA)-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes will conduct a public hearing on Provincial Ordinance No. 99-03, an ordinance banning the shipment of live groupers (Lapu-lapu), crab fries and aquarium fishes except harlequin tusk species and similar species from the province for a period of six years this July 26, 2011 at 8:00 a.m at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
Official records available shows that the catching of liuve fishes and more specifically groupers otherwise called as Lapu-lapu, crab fries and aquarium or oriental fishes is adversely affecting the marine resources of the province.
Unscrupulous fishermen tempted by the high prices offered by Chinese, Japanese and other buyters who usually supply the prohibited sodium cyanide used in catching said species resort cyanate and other illegal means of fishing and these contributyr in the massive destruction of coral reefs in the coastal waters around the province.
The provincial administration since the past has been waging war against all forms of illegal fishing particularly the use of dynamite and sodium cyanide that fast deplete the main resources of the province's coastal waters at the same time causing damage to coral reefs.
Hence, there is a dire need to reenact and pass an ordinance banning the same purposely to prevent and conserve what remains of the rich marine resources of the province from senseless depredation of marine life and live corals.
According to the resolution draft, any firm or individual who continuously engage or practice said activities in open defiance to the said ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of Php 2,500.00 and an imprisonment of one day to thirty days or both upon the discretion of the court.
The said draft resolution was sponsored by Provincial Board Member Hon. Nel B. Asanza. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Agriculture, private industry jobs trigger drop in unemployment
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 -- Jobs generated by the agriculture and private industry sectors pushed the country’s unemployment rate to drop to 7.2 percent in April this year, an eight percentage point from 8 percent in April 2010.
The Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) said that employment level grew year-on-year in April to 36.8 million, up four percent from 35.4 million last year.
At the same time unemployment rate went down by 228,000 from three million in April last year to 2.8 million in April 2011.
BLES report said the country’s labor market regained momentum in April 2011 as employment grew, driven by the marked recovery in agriculture, fishery and forestry sector and the continued expansion, though at slower pace, in industry sector and services sector.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, in interpreting the BLES study, said the creation of 951,000 jobs in wage/salary workers was most auspicious when compared to previous jobs creations composed mostly of self-employed.
Private establishments accounted for 1.008 million new jobs, offsetting or substituting jobs in other sectors, he said.
“While services and agriculture created more jobs, the 145,000 better-value jobs in industry, of which 84,000 in manufacturing, should be seen as a good signal,” Salceda said.
Salceda said that the private establishments - wage/salary employment underpinned a 789,000 increase in workers who worked for over 40-hours (5 days x 8 hours) clearly established better quality of jobs creation.
“This is the initial positive consequence of the average 32.4% growth in GDCF (gross domestic capital formation) from 3rd Quarter of 2010 to 1st Quarter of 2011.”
The government sector created 302,000 jobs out of the 1.4 million jobs. (MSA/LGU Albay)
Korea workshop on disaster risk reduction, climate change big help to Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 19 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes participated in the Legislative Workshop of Philippine Parliamentarians on Effective Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines held in Incheon, Korea from July 14-17, 2011.
The activity has provided participants knowledge on how to give recognition and importance to changing ones mindset towards disaster and climate hazards.
It can be noted that Catanduanes is widely known to be a typhoon-prone island, according to Sarmiento, hence the province will benefit in the initiatives to be adopted by the government.
Sarmiento furthered that he consider himself fortunate to have participated in the activity, stressing that "we must consider redefining development as sensitive to disaster and climate risks."
At the end of the workshop, participants adopted a position calling for the concerned bodies to take (aggressive) action to address concerns relating to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
Those who attended the workshop from the House of Representatives were Congressmen Biazon (Muntinlupa), Evardone (Eastern Samar), Mel Sarmiento (Western Samar), Jose Cari (Leyte), Lucy Torres with spouse Richard Gomez (Leyte), Bernos (Abra), Go (Isabela), Garbin (Ako Bicol), Marcolete (Alagad), Dan Fernandez (Laguna), Rene Relampagaos (Bohol), Jesus Sacdalan (Cotabato), Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte), Apsay (Compostella Valley) and Cong. Sarmiento. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Albay’s dengue cases decline by 83%
by Joyce M. Mejillano
LEGAZPI CITY, July 19 (PIA) — Despite the onset of rainy season, Albay has noted a dramatic decline in the number of dengue cases from the month of January to July this year, as compared to the same period last year.
In a data released by the provincial government, Albay registered an 83% decline wherein from January to July this year, there are a total of 114 cases, compared to 685 of same period last year.
Among the municipalities with zero dengue prevalence this year are Malilipot, Malinao, rapu-Rapu and Tiwi. Last year they have 1, 3, 6 and 15 cases respectively.
Tabaco City’s dengue case plunged from 101 last year to 2 cases this year, Ligao has 18 cases in 2010 and 1 this year, Daraga also has a significant drop in the number of cases from 180 to 22. Legazpi likewise registered a huge decline from 287 to 39 cases.
In Manito, 5 cases were registered last year and 1 this year. Pioduran has 14 cases in 2010 and 1 this year, Camalig’s dengue occurrence also drop from 24 to 7, Bacacay from 8 to 4 and Polangui from 7 to 5.
Oas and Guinobatan registered same number of cases in 2010 and 2011, with 2 and 13 respectively.
Meanwhile, Santo Domingo’s dengue cases increase from 9 last year to 10 this year, Jovellar from 1 last year to 2 this year and Libon has five cases this year compare to 1 last 2010.
The dramatic decrease in dengue cases in Albay resulted from the massive campaign of the Provincial Health Office and Department of Health against the deadly disease. (MAL/JMM, PIA V)
BIR Camarines Norte surpassed P5.3M collections in the first semester of this year
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, July 19 (PIA) – Taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office here surpassed by P5.3 million the target from January to June this year due to intensified tax campaign of the agency.
OIC Revenue District Officer Nemesia G. Diana said that the district office has collected a total of P229.8 million exceeding the target goal for the said period of P224,496,000.
She said that due to their appeal, more tax payers have filed and paid their income taxes, particularly businessmen in the province and they also intensified tax mapping every month to ensure that businessmen are paying the right taxes.
Diana also said that taxes collected include income taxes, value added taxes, percentage taxes, excess taxes and others.
It will be recalled that for the first 5 months the BIR has already surpassed some P5.1 million and was able to exceed more than P200,000 for the month of June.
She said that the RDO here target goal for this year is 457.17 million wherein they will have to collect P37 million every month in order to reach the said goal at the end of the year.
She also urged consumers to always ask for receipts in their purchases and services transactions wherein they can also win instant prizes in the Papremyo sa Resibo contest .
She explained that "PSR" offers instant cash prizes through text in the said promo of the BIR. To join text PSR(space)TIN No.of O.R.(space)O.R. No.(space) O.R. amount and send to 9777 (for single entry) or 9778 (for multiple entries). P100.00 reflected in the official receipt per entry and P2.50 will be deducted from the load per entry. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)
Monday, July 18, 2011
33rd NDPR WEEK... Albay Vice-Governor Harold Imperial (upper photo) delivers his message during the the kick-off of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebration at the Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City yesterday, July 18, with this year’s theme: “Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities.” (Alex Cal, PIA V)
Albay leads launch of 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA)—The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) leads the opening activity of the weeklong celebration for the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) today, July 18.
The annual celebration has adopted the theme, Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities to promote and popularize the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Philippines ratified the UN document in 2010.
The provincial government, with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Education (DepEd), has convened persons with disabilities (PWDs) for the kick-off program at the Albay Astrodome.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda will turn-over a set of musical instruments to the Visually Impaired Voice in Albay (VIVA). Last month the musical instruments owned by the association were lost to a fire when the boarding house rented out by the members was burned.
In same program, the theater group composed of beneficiaries of the Simon of Cyrene Foundation will present a production that highlights the rights of the PWDs.
Member-agencies of the Bicol Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA) will not only assist in the opening activity but has focus this year’s celebration on the 27-year-old Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law implementation.
The council members will visit the newly opened Pio Duran Port on July 22. RCDA will likewise go over the report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the implementation of the law in the buildings frequented by the public and plan out future activities.
During the week the PWD National Registration at the Commission on Election (COMELEC) is advocated to all PWDs. They are advised to see the nearest COMELEC election officer from July 18-23 so they can register as voters.
A stakeholders forum cum dialogue with the PWDs will be planned-out for later part of the year. At the RCDA’s meeting last July 13, the PWDs have cited some issues that have to be threshed out. These are the setting-up of an office for PDWs at the local government units; implementation of RA 9442 which provided 20 percent discounts to PWDs in purchasing medicines similar to what has been provided the senior citizens; access to basic education, employment, health and rehabilitation services; and that public edifices, transports and facilities become more accessible to them.
The annual NDPR Week has been declared to highlight the government’s efforts towards recognition of the inherent rights of PWDs as members of the community and the need to deter discriminations against any person on the basis of disability.
It culminates on the birth date of Apolinatio Mabini known as the Sublime Paralytic whose bravery and heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution has greatly influenced his fellow Filipinos in fighting against the tyrants despite his disability. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
LGU Naga spearheads Run Against Drug Abuse
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA CITY, July 18 (PIA) ---- Almost thousand of Nagueños woke up early and stretched their legs to join a run for a cause—a run not only to promote fitness and wellness, but most importantly to combat the proliferation of drugs in the city – a menace which has been slowly killing the future of young drug dependents and curtailing their chance for a better future.
The runners converged at the Plaza Quezon at around 5:30 in the morning. The run include a competition in 3k with turning points at the intersection of Barangay Peñafrancia, Magsaysay and Liboton; 5k and 10k run up to the San Felipe Barangay Hall and Pacol-San Felipe boundary respectively; and the 21k run with turning point at the Carolina-Pacol boundary before going back to Plaza Quezon.
Mayor John Bongat was overwhelmed with the support shown by various sectors who participated in the realization of the said event.
Representatives from private organizations, department heads and employees of City Hall and other government offices, members of the media, officers and soldiers of the PNP and the 9th Infantry Division, led by commanding officer Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza Jr., took their time off to run along with other anti-drug advocates.
The proceeds of the activity will be used to support and activate the Life Improvement thru Education (LIFE) counseling center where clients or victims of drug abuse are undergoing free counseling treatment.
The fund will also be used to provide the center with logistical support for their efficient operation.
The Fun Run, dubbed “Control Your Life, Run Against Drug Abuse,” yesterday was led by the city government here, thru Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB).
The board was created under City Ordinance 2001-064, specifically mandates the board to be an exclusive policy-making, monitoring and coordinating body on the deterrence and control of drug abuse in the city.
Bongat of this city serves as NCDDB’s Board Chairman while City Councilor Raoul Rosales sits as the board’s Presiding Officer.
While increasing the awareness of the community on how to combat drug use, part of the fund generated from the said activity will be used by NCDDB to intensify their campaign against drug pushers in the city. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Bicol joins observance of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- This year’s National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation
Week (NDPR) observance has aptly chosen the theme “Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities” to help stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns and strengthen the involvement of all stakeholders in the community.
Focal person Sammy Buenconsejo for person with disability (PWD) affairs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here said the observance of NDPR Week has since been for 33 years and will continue to serve as vehicle of information of programs implemented by government and non-government organizations that adhere to the promotion of the inherent rights of PWDs.
NDPR Week has commenced yesterday , July 17, and will last until July 23, in time for the birth anniversary of national hero Apolinario Mabini, the “sublime paralytic” and brain of the Katipunan”.
“We encourage every citizen, as we observe this significant week for the PWDs to take active responsibility on the alleviating the economic and social conditions of the sector, mainstreaming in the society and recognizing contribution to nation-building,” Buenconsejo said in an interview at the “ugnayan sa Bikol” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Bicol.
DSWD V, according to him, further intends to develop and strengthen cooperation and partnership between and among various sectors of the society, including organizations self-help organizations of PWDs, academe, professional groups and societies, local government units (LGUs), business sector, media and other entities of the society.
The government’s program and policies have done much good and will continue to do so to protect the right and ensure the welfare of PWDs.
In Albay, the provincial government has lined up programs and activities adhering to the promotion of the inherent rights and issues of the persons with disabilities.
Yulanda Guanzon, chief of the Provincial Social Welfare Office, said vulnerable sectors such as the PWDs are among the top priorities of Albay Governor Joey Salceda in providing social services such as enrollment in Philhealth.
Aside from media advocacy, the provincial social welfare office will be distributing wheel chairs, canes, crutches and musical instruments in time for the week-long observance of NDPR. (MAL, PIA V)
Early pregnancy, lack of family planning knowledge: reasons behind Bicol’s large population
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- As humankind observed World Population Day last Monday this week, the local Commission on Population (POPCOM) stated that early pregnancy and lack of knowledge in family planning are reasons behind the 5 million plus population of Bicol. This was pointed out by Miracle Bolaños, regional public information officer of the agency explained in Monday’s PIA radio program Aramon Ta Daw.
The second reason for more children in a family, according to Bolaños, is the lack of knowledge of couples on family planning like birth spacing or know how on family planning methods.
The population office also pointed out as third reason for the raise in populace the absence of a law on family planning more so funds are not allocated for activities related to its implementation.
Bolaños revealed that based on statistics the region is number two after the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for cases of unwanted pregnancy and not using family planning methods. Moreover, Bicol is number one as far as total number of pregnant women is concerned.
The latest count places Bicol’s population to 5,106,160 to the country’s total of 88,566,732.
The region is the sixth most populous region after the National Capital Region (NCR) with a total population of 11,566,325; CALABARZON also known s Region 4-A, 11,757,755; Central Luzon (Region III), 9,709,177; Western Visayas (Region VI), 6,843,643 and Central Visayas (Region VII), 6,400,698. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
Navy peace building efforts in Bicol, in full swing
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Fleet Marine Team of the Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (Navforsol) has since been pursuing peace building efforts in Bicol region, this time in Barangay Alawihao, Daet in Camarines Norte.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), 902nd Brigade of Philippine Army, and Fleet Marine have pooled together this time assisting the provincial government.
The information, education and advocacy drive of the Naval team supports the multi-services caravan sponsored by the provincial government bringing programs and services to the village residents.
A total of 777 medical and 224 dental patients were attended by the joint medical and dental teams of Navforsol and health office of the provincial government.
"We brought in our medical and dental team portraying consistency in winning the peace concept of AFP IPSP Bayanihan in addressing security concerns in the area by assisting civil authorities in the delivery of basic social service, according to Captain Abraham Celso, commander of Navorsol.
The caravan also provided jobs fair, distribution of tilapia fingerlings, piglets as part of the livelihood assistance program of the province.
The caravan is a continuing effort of the provincial government to deliver basic social services to indigent families in the barangay. (MAL, PIA V/PN)
Philhealth Sorsogon issues post evaluation results of NPRD-Sabado II
by Irma a. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY ,JULY 15 (PIA) -- Alfredo Jubilo, chief, Social Assurance Officer of the Sorsogon PhilHealth field office here has already provided an evaluation report submitted to the Philippine Information Agency here regarding the implementation of the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) Sabado 2 held last June 25.
He said that the results of this evaluation will be tackled during the regular meeting of the Provincial Health Team scheduled this coming Monday , July 18, for thorough feed backing and assessment.
The following results was part of the report.
Pupils and students surveyed with PhilHealth totaled to 279; while those without Philhealth were 357 for Sorsogon East Central School summed as 637 with 43.87% coverage.
For Cumadcad Elementary School pupils and students surveyed with Philhealth were 254 and without Philhealth were 254 also totaling to 508 and with 50.00% coverage.
The total of survey forms collected for both schools with Philhealth were 533 and for pupils and students for the two schools without Philhealth were 611 the total for both schools with and without Philhealth was 1,144 and the percentage of coverage for the 2 schools / or venues of the NPRD was 46.93%.
According to Jubilo the submitted survey forms is less than 50% of what was expected to be the result of the NPRD.
On the conduct of Information Education Campaign, (IEC) Sorsogon East Central School conducted 250 campaigns in the different schools in the barangay while Cumadcad Elementary school did 231 IECs with a total of 481 IECs conducted in all for both schools.
According to the report the massive IEC conducted as per the instruction of the Philhealth regional office 5 was done by the Sorsogon East Central School in three sessions, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
However, with the information from the first batch in the morning that IDs were not available for distribution, most opted not to attend the afternoon sessions.Attendance was less in the afternoon sessions.
In Cumadcad National High School, the IEC was done in one sitting participated by those already with IDs , participants coming from the different barangays of the municipality.
The distribution of IDs prior to the NDRP 2 activity totaled to 14,407 with Sorsogon having 4,670 IDs distributed ; Castilla with 6,088 and IDs in Magallanes distributed totaled to 3,649.
According to Jubilo due to the tight period of preparation they were not able to distribute all the IDs.
Meanwhile Jubilo also reported clients served through the presence of information desks and for Sorsogon East Central School 490 clients were served and for Cumadcad National High School 221 with a total of 711 clients served.
The report also stated that these 711 clients were not included in the Masterlists for Philhealth Registration issued on June 21, 2011 and were subject for final verification in the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) database. If found to be qualified, these will be covered by the fund of the Local Government Units (LGUs) sponsorship program as per the negotiation with the local chief executives or they will be recommended under the Individual Paying Persons (IPP).
Based on the report the IPP payment during the NPRD came from two of the payor at the Sorsogon East Central School and were done on off line transactions.
Meanwhile the distribution of the Philhealth Membership Registration Fund showed that from Cumadcad , Castillsa there were 221 sponsored registrations and were also found out not renewed while in Sorsogon East Central School there were 137 IPPs, 94 were private and 259 from the Non-NHTS claiming to be poor.
The report stated that budget allocation should be released before the activity since this was one of the main constraints in the smooth flow of facilitation for planning and implementation.
What was commendable also according to Jubilo that can be considered one of the best practices of the activity were the total support of the LCEs through logistics and personnel assistance and DepEd's enrollment of all the new kindergarten teachers to the IPPs that was well implemented. (PIA Sorsogon)
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA)—The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) leads the opening activity of the weeklong celebration for the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) today, July 18.
The annual celebration has adopted the theme, Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities to promote and popularize the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Philippines ratified the UN document in 2010.
The provincial government, with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Education (DepEd), has convened persons with disabilities (PWDs) for the kick-off program at the Albay Astrodome.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda will turn-over a set of musical instruments to the Visually Impaired Voice in Albay (VIVA). Last month the musical instruments owned by the association were lost to a fire when the boarding house rented out by the members was burned.
In same program, the theater group composed of beneficiaries of the Simon of Cyrene Foundation will present a production that highlights the rights of the PWDs.
Member-agencies of the Bicol Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA) will not only assist in the opening activity but has focus this year’s celebration on the 27-year-old Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law implementation.
The council members will visit the newly opened Pio Duran Port on July 22. RCDA will likewise go over the report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the implementation of the law in the buildings frequented by the public and plan out future activities.
During the week the PWD National Registration at the Commission on Election (COMELEC) is advocated to all PWDs. They are advised to see the nearest COMELEC election officer from July 18-23 so they can register as voters.
A stakeholders forum cum dialogue with the PWDs will be planned-out for later part of the year. At the RCDA’s meeting last July 13, the PWDs have cited some issues that have to be threshed out. These are the setting-up of an office for PDWs at the local government units; implementation of RA 9442 which provided 20 percent discounts to PWDs in purchasing medicines similar to what has been provided the senior citizens; access to basic education, employment, health and rehabilitation services; and that public edifices, transports and facilities become more accessible to them.
The annual NDPR Week has been declared to highlight the government’s efforts towards recognition of the inherent rights of PWDs as members of the community and the need to deter discriminations against any person on the basis of disability.
It culminates on the birth date of Apolinatio Mabini known as the Sublime Paralytic whose bravery and heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution has greatly influenced his fellow Filipinos in fighting against the tyrants despite his disability. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
LGU Naga spearheads Run Against Drug Abuse
by Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA CITY, July 18 (PIA) ---- Almost thousand of Nagueños woke up early and stretched their legs to join a run for a cause—a run not only to promote fitness and wellness, but most importantly to combat the proliferation of drugs in the city – a menace which has been slowly killing the future of young drug dependents and curtailing their chance for a better future.
The runners converged at the Plaza Quezon at around 5:30 in the morning. The run include a competition in 3k with turning points at the intersection of Barangay Peñafrancia, Magsaysay and Liboton; 5k and 10k run up to the San Felipe Barangay Hall and Pacol-San Felipe boundary respectively; and the 21k run with turning point at the Carolina-Pacol boundary before going back to Plaza Quezon.
Mayor John Bongat was overwhelmed with the support shown by various sectors who participated in the realization of the said event.
Representatives from private organizations, department heads and employees of City Hall and other government offices, members of the media, officers and soldiers of the PNP and the 9th Infantry Division, led by commanding officer Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza Jr., took their time off to run along with other anti-drug advocates.
The proceeds of the activity will be used to support and activate the Life Improvement thru Education (LIFE) counseling center where clients or victims of drug abuse are undergoing free counseling treatment.
The fund will also be used to provide the center with logistical support for their efficient operation.
The Fun Run, dubbed “Control Your Life, Run Against Drug Abuse,” yesterday was led by the city government here, thru Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB).
The board was created under City Ordinance 2001-064, specifically mandates the board to be an exclusive policy-making, monitoring and coordinating body on the deterrence and control of drug abuse in the city.
Bongat of this city serves as NCDDB’s Board Chairman while City Councilor Raoul Rosales sits as the board’s Presiding Officer.
While increasing the awareness of the community on how to combat drug use, part of the fund generated from the said activity will be used by NCDDB to intensify their campaign against drug pushers in the city. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Bicol joins observance of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- This year’s National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation
Week (NDPR) observance has aptly chosen the theme “Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities” to help stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns and strengthen the involvement of all stakeholders in the community.
Focal person Sammy Buenconsejo for person with disability (PWD) affairs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here said the observance of NDPR Week has since been for 33 years and will continue to serve as vehicle of information of programs implemented by government and non-government organizations that adhere to the promotion of the inherent rights of PWDs.
NDPR Week has commenced yesterday , July 17, and will last until July 23, in time for the birth anniversary of national hero Apolinario Mabini, the “sublime paralytic” and brain of the Katipunan”.
“We encourage every citizen, as we observe this significant week for the PWDs to take active responsibility on the alleviating the economic and social conditions of the sector, mainstreaming in the society and recognizing contribution to nation-building,” Buenconsejo said in an interview at the “ugnayan sa Bikol” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Bicol.
DSWD V, according to him, further intends to develop and strengthen cooperation and partnership between and among various sectors of the society, including organizations self-help organizations of PWDs, academe, professional groups and societies, local government units (LGUs), business sector, media and other entities of the society.
The government’s program and policies have done much good and will continue to do so to protect the right and ensure the welfare of PWDs.
In Albay, the provincial government has lined up programs and activities adhering to the promotion of the inherent rights and issues of the persons with disabilities.
Yulanda Guanzon, chief of the Provincial Social Welfare Office, said vulnerable sectors such as the PWDs are among the top priorities of Albay Governor Joey Salceda in providing social services such as enrollment in Philhealth.
Aside from media advocacy, the provincial social welfare office will be distributing wheel chairs, canes, crutches and musical instruments in time for the week-long observance of NDPR. (MAL, PIA V)
Early pregnancy, lack of family planning knowledge: reasons behind Bicol’s large population
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- As humankind observed World Population Day last Monday this week, the local Commission on Population (POPCOM) stated that early pregnancy and lack of knowledge in family planning are reasons behind the 5 million plus population of Bicol. This was pointed out by Miracle Bolaños, regional public information officer of the agency explained in Monday’s PIA radio program Aramon Ta Daw.
The second reason for more children in a family, according to Bolaños, is the lack of knowledge of couples on family planning like birth spacing or know how on family planning methods.
The population office also pointed out as third reason for the raise in populace the absence of a law on family planning more so funds are not allocated for activities related to its implementation.
Bolaños revealed that based on statistics the region is number two after the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for cases of unwanted pregnancy and not using family planning methods. Moreover, Bicol is number one as far as total number of pregnant women is concerned.
The latest count places Bicol’s population to 5,106,160 to the country’s total of 88,566,732.
The region is the sixth most populous region after the National Capital Region (NCR) with a total population of 11,566,325; CALABARZON also known s Region 4-A, 11,757,755; Central Luzon (Region III), 9,709,177; Western Visayas (Region VI), 6,843,643 and Central Visayas (Region VII), 6,400,698. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
Navy peace building efforts in Bicol, in full swing
LEGAZPI CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Fleet Marine Team of the Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (Navforsol) has since been pursuing peace building efforts in Bicol region, this time in Barangay Alawihao, Daet in Camarines Norte.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), 902nd Brigade of Philippine Army, and Fleet Marine have pooled together this time assisting the provincial government.
The information, education and advocacy drive of the Naval team supports the multi-services caravan sponsored by the provincial government bringing programs and services to the village residents.
A total of 777 medical and 224 dental patients were attended by the joint medical and dental teams of Navforsol and health office of the provincial government.
"We brought in our medical and dental team portraying consistency in winning the peace concept of AFP IPSP Bayanihan in addressing security concerns in the area by assisting civil authorities in the delivery of basic social service, according to Captain Abraham Celso, commander of Navorsol.
The caravan also provided jobs fair, distribution of tilapia fingerlings, piglets as part of the livelihood assistance program of the province.
The caravan is a continuing effort of the provincial government to deliver basic social services to indigent families in the barangay. (MAL, PIA V/PN)
Philhealth Sorsogon issues post evaluation results of NPRD-Sabado II
by Irma a. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY ,JULY 15 (PIA) -- Alfredo Jubilo, chief, Social Assurance Officer of the Sorsogon PhilHealth field office here has already provided an evaluation report submitted to the Philippine Information Agency here regarding the implementation of the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) Sabado 2 held last June 25.
He said that the results of this evaluation will be tackled during the regular meeting of the Provincial Health Team scheduled this coming Monday , July 18, for thorough feed backing and assessment.
The following results was part of the report.
Pupils and students surveyed with PhilHealth totaled to 279; while those without Philhealth were 357 for Sorsogon East Central School summed as 637 with 43.87% coverage.
For Cumadcad Elementary School pupils and students surveyed with Philhealth were 254 and without Philhealth were 254 also totaling to 508 and with 50.00% coverage.
The total of survey forms collected for both schools with Philhealth were 533 and for pupils and students for the two schools without Philhealth were 611 the total for both schools with and without Philhealth was 1,144 and the percentage of coverage for the 2 schools / or venues of the NPRD was 46.93%.
According to Jubilo the submitted survey forms is less than 50% of what was expected to be the result of the NPRD.
On the conduct of Information Education Campaign, (IEC) Sorsogon East Central School conducted 250 campaigns in the different schools in the barangay while Cumadcad Elementary school did 231 IECs with a total of 481 IECs conducted in all for both schools.
According to the report the massive IEC conducted as per the instruction of the Philhealth regional office 5 was done by the Sorsogon East Central School in three sessions, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
However, with the information from the first batch in the morning that IDs were not available for distribution, most opted not to attend the afternoon sessions.Attendance was less in the afternoon sessions.
In Cumadcad National High School, the IEC was done in one sitting participated by those already with IDs , participants coming from the different barangays of the municipality.
The distribution of IDs prior to the NDRP 2 activity totaled to 14,407 with Sorsogon having 4,670 IDs distributed ; Castilla with 6,088 and IDs in Magallanes distributed totaled to 3,649.
According to Jubilo due to the tight period of preparation they were not able to distribute all the IDs.
Meanwhile Jubilo also reported clients served through the presence of information desks and for Sorsogon East Central School 490 clients were served and for Cumadcad National High School 221 with a total of 711 clients served.
The report also stated that these 711 clients were not included in the Masterlists for Philhealth Registration issued on June 21, 2011 and were subject for final verification in the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) database. If found to be qualified, these will be covered by the fund of the Local Government Units (LGUs) sponsorship program as per the negotiation with the local chief executives or they will be recommended under the Individual Paying Persons (IPP).
Based on the report the IPP payment during the NPRD came from two of the payor at the Sorsogon East Central School and were done on off line transactions.
Meanwhile the distribution of the Philhealth Membership Registration Fund showed that from Cumadcad , Castillsa there were 221 sponsored registrations and were also found out not renewed while in Sorsogon East Central School there were 137 IPPs, 94 were private and 259 from the Non-NHTS claiming to be poor.
The report stated that budget allocation should be released before the activity since this was one of the main constraints in the smooth flow of facilitation for planning and implementation.
What was commendable also according to Jubilo that can be considered one of the best practices of the activity were the total support of the LCEs through logistics and personnel assistance and DepEd's enrollment of all the new kindergarten teachers to the IPPs that was well implemented. (PIA Sorsogon)
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