Chiz urges pcso to ensure equitable distribution of funds

LEGAZPI CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) should ensure a more equitable distribution of its allotment after issues relating to fund misuse and unfair allocation were discovered in the agency.

Speaking in yesterday’s Senate inquiry into the PCSO fund mess that centers on the vehicles and cash allegedly given to Catholic bishops allegedly close to the previous administration, the senator said the country’s premiere charity institution should come up with strict and clear guidelines on how funding will be equitably and judiciously distributed among areas where assistance is really needed.

“Based on these discoveries mostly culled from Commission on Audit (COA) reports, the PCSO is used somewhat as a pork barrel by the past sitting president, favoring only a selected few. The PCSO is meant to service health programs, medical services and charities of national character, meaning it is totally inclusive of all Filipinos in need of assistance and not only exclusive to those who fall on the good side of the sitting president," Escudero pointed out.

Escudero said that with the new PCSO administration pushing to clean the house, this upstart should be coupled with a strong dynamics of equitable distribution of funds utilizing existing systems. He also asked the PCSO to provide the guidelines on how decisions on medical assistance and grants are made.

“We can use the census and our labor force survey. Why is it that we are able to identify the extent and magnitude of poor families by areas? The PCSO can use this for targeting to be able to reach the most number of people in the provinces too and extend its services," the senator said.

At the course of the hearing, Escudero asked PCSO officials the manner and equity of their fund distribution, and PCSO officials admitted that out of the 79 provinces in the country, it only has 29 offices located nationwide.

The senator said this should not be the case anymore as it is again a reminder of the “Imperial Manila” syndrome where most of the services and grants are accessible only to the people in the metropolis.

“The poor and sick people are not concentrated only in certain parts of the country. We have them all over the country. I would like to believe that the 29 offices of PCSO nationwide have pre-identified the poorest areas where fund allocation and disbursement is most needed, like the ARMM and majority of Mindanao," Escudero explained.

He said a dynamic system is partly a matter of being able to allocate to the right areas and performing post, and checking if assistance was indeed distributed. “The PCSO must rely on a matching system for it to be able to prioritize or at the very least have a notion of where charity must be distributed," he said. (MAL/Office of Sen. Escudero)


Flood control projects of DPWH in Albay, now underway

by Joyce M. Mejillano

LEGAZPI CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- As Albay province continues to brace against weather disturbances from time to time throughout the year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through its projects, is making ways to somehow lessen damages especially during rainy days.

In the 1st and 2nd district of Albay, several flood control projects are being undertaken by the DPWH 1st engineering district, headed by its OIC-District Engineer Roberto Rito.

In Malilipot town, the rehabilitation and improvement of River Control in barangay Sta. Cruz, which has a budget of P1 million, is almost halfway. It is expected to finally be completed on October 13, 2011.

In Bacacay town, there are three drainage system improvement works going on in Barangay Sogod, which has a total fund of P1.5 M.

In Tabaco City, a rehabilitation and river control improvement in Barangay Cobo is also ongoing. It has a total budget of P1.4 M and is expected to be completed on October of this year.

Another Tabaco project is the rehabilitation and improvement of drainage system in barangay Matagbac, which has P700,000 allocated budget. It is already 80% accomplished and expected to be completed also in October this year.

In Legazpi City, a P10 M flood control system rehabilitation of Yawa River has been completed last July 1, 2011.

Meanwhile, the 2nd district engineering office headed by OIC-District Engineer Walter Lubiano is also undertaking a line canal construction from barangay Tagas of Daraga to barangay Bogtong of this city.

These flood control projects of DPWH are expected to somehow help in preventing floods in said areas. (MAL/JMM, PIA V)

San Andres, San Miguel launch eco-park projects

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 8 (PIA) -- The municipalities of San Andres and San Miguel in Catanduanes formally launched last week the establishment of ecology parks in their respective areas.

For the efforts of the said towns, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Blandino Maceda said that two projects are proofs of how the executives of local government manage their towns.

The said grants are only given to LGU which excel in local governance, have good partnership between the executive and legislative branches, and shows managerial effectiveness and efficiency.

San Andres received P3.5 Million from Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) and provided P1.2 million as counterpart fund while San Miguel got P2 million paired with P1.05 million in local funds. AECID is the Spanish agency responsible for international development cooperation and was created in 1988 as the administering body for Spanish international co-operation policies within the Office of the Secretary of State for International Cooperation under the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

With the two towns enforcing a no-segregation-no-collection ordinance, the eco-parks would process biodegradable, recyclable and residual wastes.

It would feature a Materials Recovery Facility as well as composting plots and other livelihood projects such as converting styro into usable materials and CHB making use of residual waste. Most of the funding will go tot he construction of the MRF and the acquisition of equipment.

DILG is also hoping that six other municipalities would be able to qualify for similar projects. MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Catanduanes Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force organized

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 8, (PIA) - The Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force in the province of Catanduanes was organized to ensure implementation of Executive Order No. 2011-23 which sets a moratorium on the cutting of trees in natural and residual forest.

As PAILTF chair, PENRO Catanduanes shall be responsible for the strategic direction and operational planning and execution of all Anti-Illegal Logging campaign in the province.

Other members of the task force the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as vice-chair and the PNP provincial director which shall be responsible for the enforcement of all applicable laws on illegal logging and delivery of essential advice.

Thetask force and other designated staff of the said team are also authorized to file cases except officers and personnel of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army against any person, company and.or institution in Violating EO No. 23.

The PAILTF can also call upon the support of all government agencies in the implementation of EO 23.

The following are the composition of the PAILTF : PENR Officer as chairperson, DILG Provincial Director as vice chairperson, PNP Provincial Director, PA, PNP. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

LGU San Jose : An Exemplar of Transparent Governance

by Lizel S. Macatangay

SAN JOSE, Camarines Sur, July 8, 2011 (PIA) -- When he assumed his post as chief executive of this town, Mayor Antonio B. Chavez promised to move this slumbering municipality towards a progressive and developed community, citing among others the need to lift its morale and imprint a value-laden atmosphere among his constituents.

This is also in consonance with the battle cry of President Benigno Aquino III to create a transparent governance in pursuit of “Matuwid na Daan.”

In his State of the Municipality Address held yesterday, Chavez stood humbly pleased before the presence of his constituents while citing his numerous accomplishments.

After one year, he knew that he is on the right track towards the realization and fulfillment of his promise, anchored on President Aquino’s campaign to clean the nation with sloppy personnel and replace it with performing leaders.

GOOD GOVERNANCE and FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Punctuating his campaign on transparency and good governance, Chavez hailed the composition of the Management Committee (MANCOM) composed of various department heads of economic enterprise.

He allowed democracy to rule with everyone in the team freely discussing the implementation of various plans and projects for the benefit of the community.

“We need to trust our own people, while ensuring that they are following the best example of what we really intend to do. The creation of the MANCOM, I can say, is where our adherence to transparency is best exemplified,” Chavez said.

To ensure that his constituents’ call for assistance is immediately attended, Chavez created a separate office for the General Services, Information Management, Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office and an office for the municipality’s special project.s

In line with this, the chief executive established partners who would help him strengthen and implement priority programs and ensure the efficient delivery of the basic services to his people, as also mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991.

He moved to reinforce and give a boost to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (MDRRMC), People’s Law Enforcement Body (PLEB), Local School Board, Municipal Development Council, Municipal Health Board, Local Verification Committee of the DSWD, the Peace and Order Council and the Asset Management Office.

Chavez administration also showed his strong adherence to the government’s campaign to conscientiously require business establishment owners to pay their taxes. He meted penalty to the violators and strictly supported the “Task Force Kandado” thru the local branch of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

In May this year, LGU San Jose was cited by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Department of Finance as tone of the top performers in terms of revenue collection in Bicol region for CY 2010.

LGU-San Jose ranked first in the collection of Income from Economic Enterprises among all 4th class municipalities in the Region with more than 1.66 million pesos actual collection from their target of 0.657 million pesos. They were able to record the highest collection efficiency of 253% in year 2010.

Chavez also cited the notable and unprecedented increase in collection of Business permits and licensing fees covering the following periods: July to July to December 2010 amounting to P404,264.93; January to June 2011 amounting to P949,358.82 resulting to an impressive collection of P1,353,623.748 within a year of his administration.

ON TRANSPARENCY

In order to gain the trust of his constituents, Chavez created an interactive LGU Website and Facebook account. He directed the concerned department heads to regularly post the LGU’s financial activities in the said website. This is also in line with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) being pushed by the Department of Interior and Local Government thru DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

The website includes among others the LGU’s Annual Budget Report, Quarterly Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Receipt and Expenditures, Trust Fund Utilization, Quarterly Reports on Special Education Fund Utilization, Internal Revenue Allotment Utilization and other financial transactions. Added tot this, San Jose ’s Bids and Awards Committee conducts their public bidding with the presence of religious observers coming from three parishes.

Chaves believes that transparency and accountability will make an effective approach to combat corruption towards better public financial management. The list of these good deeds may still add up and with LGU San Jose’s continuous commitment to strongly adhere to President Aquino’s Budget Philosophy of using its resources to where it should go, there is no doubt that we will soon be traversing the Matuwid Na Daan, as envisioned by the Aquino Administration. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Health sector leads National Disaster Consciousness Month kick off

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, July 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Health - Center for Health Development –Bicol (DOH-CHD) and the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) spearheaded the launching of the National Disaster Consciousness Month held at SM City Naga Entertainment Center here yesterday.

The month- long observance aims to mobilize more volunteers to take part in every emergency situation and promote social welfare and human security by taking an active role in expanding their awareness on how to brazen out upcoming disasters.

This year’s theme: “Makialam, Makiisa sa Pagsugpo sa Panganib, May Maitutulong Ka,” endeavors to solicit and set its sight on individual contribution to combat the ill effects caused by the occurrence of any calamity- be it natural or a man made disaster.

Dr. Efren Nerva, Bicol Medical Center chief, said that expertise and know- how on basic life support trainings can reduce and avoid potential loss of lives.

Proper management, he said, will ensure the safety of every one in need and will guarantee that appropriate assistance will be extended to any victim of a catastrophe.

Nerva also lauded the support given by various stakeholders during the launching of the said program.

The local government unit here, represented by members of the Public Safety Office (PSO) and the Naga City Health Office, members of the 9th Infantry Spear Division, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, various hospitals and universities in the province and other private organizations also extended their support to the said activity.

Camarines Sur Vice Governor Fortunato Peña represented the province during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and personally introduced the twenty-five (25) nurses during the launching of the Emergency Program for nurses. These nurses will undergo rigid training to enhance their competency in handling the needs of their patients.

Dr. Nestor F. Santiago Jr., DOH-CHD Bicol Regional Director also graced the occasion.

The National Disaster Consciousness Month is being celebrated every month of July pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 137. This is in line with the government’s campaign to reduce if not totally eliminate, incidents during emergencies and disasters.

Activities undertaken during the entire duration of the celebration are being used as tools to heighten public awareness and teach them of what should be the appropriate response to every type of disaster. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council to promote agricultural tourism

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- "Farm tours is now one of the current trends to make people aware of what the environment offers.It is an experiential exposure that should and can be initiated here in the province of Sorsogon, ours being a truly agricultural province. Agricultural tourism will complement our whaleshark interaction and we can have a year-long tourism activity, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member -Committee Chair on Tourism., Eric Ravanilla said.

"The national event we attended in Manila the other week on tourism development and opportunities, gave us a deeper insight and learning on how other countries like Cambodia, Thailand and other Asian countries made cultural tourism one of its best dollar earner. because farming is also their way of life", he said.

"Sorsogon is a very rich province with all the agricultural land a natural wonder that has to be given importance as a highlight for cultural tourism. Today it is a global trend, this being the way of life of people, and agricultural tourism is cultural tourism in one.", he further explained.

The Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council (SPTC) is now making a headway plan in identifying all farmlands here that are now developed and can be offered as agricultural tourism destinations.

According to Cris Racelis, provincial tourism officer, their attendance to the national agricultural tourism exposure has given them a lot to think about and make agricultural tourism one of the banner tourism programs here.

"We have identified developed farmlands here like the Balay Buhay in San Roque, Irosin, the farmland now being developed in Prieto Diaz by Boy Espenida. Castilla has several farmlands fully developed also that can be linked as a resource for agricultural tourism and several in Juban, Casiguran and in Bacon district " Racelis said.

"Eventually the new provincial tourism building beside the Sorsogon Provincial Museum will soon be inaugurated together with the kiosks that will become the display center for the best products of Sorsogon" she said.

"Here we will be offering best agricultural products that can also be sold and information regarding farm tours will also be provided and our new building can now be a venue for tourism trainings.", according to Racelis.

""Sometimes we do not value and appreciate the natural rural landscapes we have", Ravanilla explained.

" In the event we went to we were shown videos of how farms became tourism destinations. This is true with our neighboring Asian countries. How these now have developed the basic communities and how people there become aware of what nature has offered them. Truly they are now exposed to the world, marketed online and they have an economic tourism boom", he said.

Today, many city dwellers want farm vacations to get away from city life and be immersed into what is different, what is basic and rural.

Agricultural tourism teaches what is basic, how to enjoy climbing trees, picking fruits.It is a new field where people are allowed to experience the cycle of life, waking up to the chirping of birds, the sight of mildew in the grass and the refreshing smell of a morning.

It will provide children to appreciate farm animals, how these are born and how they blend to the natural environs.

Farmers will also be able to explain to children the cropping season how rice is grown, how a local potato is being extracted or planted. and what farm life is all about and where food served in the table come from.

According to Ravanilla, just like Palawan who is now campaigning for the vote for the Palawan Subterranean Under Water Cruise, here in Sorsogon, our natural wonders are our farmlands, our mountains, lakes and natural resource and basically our farmers and our fisherfolks who can become tour guides if properly trained.

"We have the beautiful flat landscape here in our province planted to rice and these alone can provide tourists a refreshing sight so different from city life" he said.

Tha Sanggunian Panlalawigan will soon approve the Provincial Ecotourism Code, there we will incorporate the agricultural tourism as one of our natural tourism which our province can best offer, according to him.

According to Ravanilla there is also a need to train our farmers,SPTC will conduct ocular inspection and mapping of what we have here in the province.

SPTC now will start to sell agricultural tourism and provide the needed intervention on how this can be made into more of a realistic economic come on..

"We will see to it that with agricultural tourism in the frontline, children will learn to enjoy carabao rides, milking goats and cows, feeding chickens and other activities that will provide them more experiential learning, they will know that out of these advertisements boxes shown, they will find out where milk comes from", he said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)