‘Juaning’ leaves P30.3M damage to agriculture in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Some P30.3 million worth of damages to agriculture was recorded in this province due to tropical storm Juaning, according to the Provincial Agriculture Office of Camarines Norte.

In a report submitted to the office of Governor Edgardo Tallado, a total of 3,107.67 hectares of palay and high value crop plantations were ruined by the typhoon amounting to P25.8 million, 29.25 hectares for corn worth P300,000 while 106.93 hectares for the fishery sector amounting more than P4.2 million.

Of the 3,107.67 hectares, 2,983.73 hectares were rice fields amounting to almost P9.5 million in the towns of Basud, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, San Vicente, Sta. Elena, Talisay and Vinzons wherein 2,737 farmers were affected.

For high value crops and vegetables, 410.74 hectares were affected amounting to more than P16.3 million, and damages to corn plantations were noted in the towns of San Vicente, Daet and Vinzons.

Damages in the fishery sector in the towns of Vinzons and Basud included fishponds, fishing boat/gears, fish corals, fish pens, fish cages, and seaweeds plantation.

Acting provincial agriculturist Francia Pajares said that of the 3,107.67 hectares of palay and high value crops, 2,792.05 hectares still have a chance of recovery.

The final reports was also submitted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in order to include in the rehabilitation program of the agency. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

25th National Coconut Week, 10th Coconut Festival set August 25-28

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has slated the 25th National Coconut Week and 10th National Coconut Festival showcasing the versatility of the coconut through a showcase of various food and non-food products and by-products by traders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

The coco fest, with the theme “Niyog Yaman ng Nasyon Noon man Hanggang Ngayon” will be highlighted in the trade fair and exhibit at the Mega Trade Hall I, Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on August 25-28.

PCA Bicol OIC regional manager Eduardo Allorde said the celebration will pay tribute to the coconut as the ‘Tree of Life’ as mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 142 issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987.

The activity will be held in partnership with the private sector, government agencies and the PCA-Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative(PCA-EMPCI).

“Bicolano coconut farm owners, farmers and entrepreneurs in the fields of coconut product development will be taking part in the said event, and local events in the region will also be conducted for the industry stakeholders in Bicol,” he said.

Allorde said that this year’s celebration will provide a venue for information-sharing, trading and market matching activities that will promote business opportunities from the coconut to attest that indeed coconut is the “Tree of Life”.

Free lectures on the latest coconut technology and product updates have been scheduled. Other activities include: photo contest, fashion show, coco fun run, cooking contest and demonstrations.

Interested stakeholders who wanted to join the Manila activities are advised to contact Laura Payupay and Conchita Cruz (telephone nos. 928-9488 or 928-4501 to 08 local 504) and Maribel Shagun (telephone no. 928-4501 to 08 local 412). (MAL/PCA V)

DOLE reminds employers of P6 additional daily wage of workers

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office here reminds employers of the P6 additional daily wage of workers based on the minimum wage rate per wage order No. RB V-14 effective August, Chief Labor and Employment Officer Ruben L. Romanillos said.

He said workers in the business establishments whose employees are more than 15 should receive P247.00 per day, P234.00 wage per day for employees with 11-15 workers and P216.00 per day for workers not more than 10.

For the cottage industry, P222.00 per day for workers with more than 20 laborers while P212.00 per day for workers of 20 or less.

Agricultural workers in plantation with 24 hectares or with 30 laborers should receive P225.00 per day while P205 for the non-plantation with 24 hectares or less with not more than 30 laborers.

Romanillos explained that employers and employees can visit their office for other information on the additional wage rate per day which started last November 2010, March of this year and this month of August.

He added that the additional wage for workers will be a big help in the day to day expenses of their family. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

PCSO to put-up sub-office in Catanduanes

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento said that Congress has started the budget deliberations to consider/review the 2012 budget submitted to Congress.

On August 2, 2011 Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and PAGCOR briefed them on their performance for the period covering July 1, 2010 to present and their plans/projections for the coming year.

According to Sarmiento, during his turn he asked PCSO if it is possible for them to put up a sub-office in the province - considering that Catanduanes is an island and Catandunganons find it difficult to travel outside of the island owing to financial problems. He added that PCSO responded positively to his request.

If a PCSO sub-office is established in Catanduanes - the people of Catanduanes will be benefited well specially those needing medication/hospitalization.

They could be extended assistance right away and it will no longer be difficult for them to travel to the mainland since they will be taken care of by PCSO. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)