Legazpi City mayor cancels business permit of water supplier

By Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA)-- Mayor Geraldine B. Rosal of this city revoked the mayors permit issued to Philippine Hydro, Inc. (Phil Hydro), the bulk water supplier of the Legazpi City Water District (LCWD), for its failure to secure an Operational Permit from the Department of Health (DOH) in violation of the provisions of Presidential Decree 856 otherwise known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.

Mayor Rosal issued the revocation order per request of the Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, DOH Bicol regional director, in his August 19, 2011 letter requesting the mayor for the suspension or revocation of the business permit of Phil Hydro for violation Section 3.2 of the Supplemental Rules and Regulations of Chapter II “Water Supply” of Presidential Decree 856 for its failure to secure an Initial and Operational permit when it started construction and operations of its Bulk water supply to LCWD starting in 2006.

Phil Hydro was earlier given 60 days by the city government to secure the required permits but after the period expired last August 21, 2011, the company again was seeking another six months to comply which was turned down by the DOH regional office and recommended instead the revocation of the business permit of Phil Hydro.

City Administrator Noel Rosal said that they were constrained to follow the recommendation of the DOH considering that potable water supply is very important to every Legazpeno and that a series of test made by a multi sectoral group headed by the city health officer showed that water being supplied by Phil Hydro did not pass the test of potability.

Legazpi city residents have been complaining about the poor quality of water being delivered by Phil Hydro to LCWD consumers contrary to their earlier promo during the construction of their water treatment plant at Barangay Bogtong this city in 2006 that the water they will extract from the Yawa River will be processed to meet the potability standards of Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

Because of this failure, Legazpi residents have been urging the city government to look into the deteriorating quality of water being supplied by Phil Hydro.

After a series of Committee hearings conducted by the City Council chaired by Councilor Rolly Rosal, the committee recommended the revocation of the Mayors Permit issued to Phil Hydro after finding that aside from the poor quality of water they did not have the required permit from the DOH as pointed out by Engr. William Sabater, Sanitary Engineer of DOH regional office. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Albay’s dengue cases down by 78%

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- Amidst upswing of dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas, Albay noted a significant decline anew 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 a 78 per cent decline wherein from January to July this year, there are a total of 148 cases, compared to 685 of same period last year.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said, “in July this year, the province has 89 percent decline in dengue cases, and we have enough basis and a good fight towards “zero-dengue” Albay by the end of this year.

Among the municipalities with zero dengue prevalence this year are Malilipot, Malinao, Rapu-Rapu and Tiwi compared to last year’s 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 2 this year, Daraga also has a significant drop in the number of cases from 180 to 26. Legazpi likewise registered a huge decline from 287 to 50 cases.

In Manito, 5 cases were registered last year and 1 this year. Pioduran has 4 cases in 2010 and 1 this year, Camalig’s dengue occurrence also drop from 24 to 12, Bacacay from 8 to 4 and Polangui 7 tying its record last year.

Meanwhile, Guinobatan registered an increase to 22 from 13, while Oas now tied last year’s 2 cases, Santo Domingo increases cases from 9 last year to 11, Jovellar from 1 to 2 and Libon has 6 cases this year compare to 1 last year.

Albay Provincial Health Officer Dr. Luis Mendoza said that the decline in number of cases was a result of robust public health collaboration of all sectors, including local governments, Rural Health Units (RHUs) officials and health workers, Department of Health (DOH), and the communities.

“This was achieved through the province-wide community based integrated vector control program called CHLEM or Community participation, Health education, Legislation, Environmental sanitation and Mosquito control measures,” Mendoza explained. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

4 Bicolano nursing graduates land in top ten of nursing licensure exam

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA)-- The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Bicol has announced that four Bicolanos landed in the top ten of the Nursing Licensure Examinations held July 2011 with only 48 percent passing rate.

Dr. Elenita Tan, PhD., PRC regional director identified the topnotchers in yesterday’s PIA radio program Aramon Ta Daw as 4th placer Ameera Sarah Niebres Baylon of Camarines Sur Polytechnic College—Nabua, 87.00; 9th placer Jann Marvin Posada, Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, 86.00; two 10th placers, Ma. Aileen Bianca Real Bose, Bicol University, Legazpi City, 85.80; and Iris Mae Belgado Relles, Bicol University, Tabaco City, 85.80.

Of the 78,135 examinees only 37,513 examinees did well in the examinations conducted July 2-3, 2011. Legazpi City was one of the 16 testing centers across the country.

There were 115 examinees in Bicol according to Tan.

She, however, cannot disclosed the passing rate in Bicol as the regional results have not been forwarded by the PRC, however she believes that this batch have a higher passing percentage than last December 2010 which was placed at 33 per cent passing rate.

The next Nursing Licensure Exams will be held on December 18-19. Deadline for submission of application is September 16 for repeaters and October 21 for first time examinees.

Meantime, Dean Emerlinda Alcala of Bicol University Legazpi said that only four of last year’s graduates of the college did not pass the examinations equivalent to 97 per cent passing rate. Incorporating other graduates who took the exams with the new graduates, BU’s passing rate is placed at 93 per cent.

Tan also revealed that Masbate has been declared for the first time as testing center for the forthcoming Licensure Examinations for Teachers other than Legazpi City. Of the 6,300 examinees there are 948 applicants from Masbate province. She advised the Masbate residents not to come to Legazpi on September 25 anymore since they can take the examinations in Masbate to a specific address to be announced prior to the test.

Other forthcoming examinations where Legazpi is a testing center are licensure examinations for electrical engineering on September 9 and 10; accountancy on October 8, 9, and 15; criminology on October 22,23,24; midwifery, civil engineering and librarians on November.

The PRC Legazpi Office is also accepting applications for licensure examinations not held in the region such as interior design, electronic communications engineer, marine deck, dentist, etc.. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Albay braces for floods and landslides on the onset of TD ‘Mina’

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- The Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) remains on heightened alert since Sunday this week in the wake of tropical depression Mina expected to bring widespread rains that may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, also chair of the PDRRMC, on Monday had already issued advisory putting the province under alert status and directing all three cities and 15 towns on 24-hour watch and be ready to carry out flood and landslide evacuation plans.

Salceda also directed disaster preparedness and response units of Polangui, Oas, Libon and Malinao to set up sand bag dikes in low lying areas frequently affected by flood during heavy rainfall.

The same advisory also warned and directed residents of villages not to cross rivers and other water ways, as well as communities down the slopes of Mayon volcano to keep watch on possible mud or lahar flows.

Meanwhile, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) V regional director Raffy Alejandro, chair of Bicol Regional DRRMC, has assured that disaster preparedness and response units are immediately activated in all six provinces of the region.

Alejandro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are already directed to preposition trucks, rubber boats and other equipment for use in times of evacuation, rescue and relief operations.

The Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) has reported Tuesday that tropical depression “Mina” has slowed down as it changed course and was now moving North Northeastward.

In its latest weather forecast, Pagasa said that as of 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Mina was seen 350 kilometer East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and has maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center. Mina was moving seven kilometers per hour North Northeastward.

No storm signal warning was hoisted.

However, Pagasa said that Mina is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring scattered to widespread rains over Southern Luzon and Visayas. Estimated rainfall amount is from 10-20 mm per hour within the 300 km diameter of the tropical depression. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

Dengue cases in Bicol down by 74%--DOH

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, August 23 (PIA)-- If other areas in the country including Metro Manila are experiencing upsurge in dengue cases, Bicol is an exception with the decrease by 74 percent of confirmed cases.

Camilo Aquino, dengue coordinator of DOH Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol disclosed to PIA today that from January 1 to August 20 this year there were 375 verified cases of dengue as against 1,466 last year of same period.

The same report showed that all the six provinces in the region showed a downward trend for dengue cases. Camarines Norte accounted for a 96 per cent decline this year with only eight cases against last year’s 211. Masbate, too, reported a decrease by 91 per cent with eight cases this 2011 versus 85 cases in 2010.

Sorsogon reduced its dengue cases by 88 percent, 18 cases this 2011 as against 153 in 2010. Catanduanes shrinked the number of cases to 13 this year from last year’s incidence of 87 or 85 per cent.

Albay had a drop in cases by 74 per cent with 99 cases for this year against 378 cases last year. Camarines Sur, the province with the biggest population and land area and veritably topping for some time a high number of dengue cases registered a cut in dengue cases to 58 per cent with 229 cases this year in comparison to last year’s 552.

Despite this drop in dengue incidence, Aquino said that people should still continue to watch out for dengue especially that six casualties for the period were reported, the same number as last year. The deaths occurred in Albay with four cases and one each for the provinces of Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.

For this occurrence the DOH-CHD Bicol has provided the Albay provincial health office with ovicidal/larvicidal (OL) traps for mosquitoes developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology and Development Institute. OL traps will also be provided to Camarines Sur.

These OL mosquito traps are addition to those distributed to 20 localities in Bicol during the launching of said traps last July this year.

Aquino attributed the reduction of dengue cases in the region to multi-factorial aspects. These include local government units’ dengue campaign, community participation, information and advocacy campaign, distribution of olyset mosquito nets in schools regionwide particularly in high risk areas.

The chemical olyset mosquito net uses the latest research and technology with end in view of achieving breakthrough in the global fight against mosquito borne illnesses like dengue and malaria. It is widely used in Africa, like Tanzania, Ethiopia and Malawi.

Permethrin is incorporated inside the olyset fibers to create a bed net guaranteed to last at least five years. It is tear-proof, wash-proof, and never requires treatment. The pyrethroid insecticide permethrin is a synthetic molecule similar to natural pyrethrin, which comes from a species of plant. It poses minimal toxic risk to humans particularly to babies and small children.

Aquino cautions the populace of their mobility. Those travelling to dengue infested areas to be vigilant, same with visitors from areas with cases of dengue. He likewise, warn plant enthusiasts particularly those raising bromeliad to water the soil not the plant as water tend to be stored in the axial of plants veritable breeding ground for mosquitoes.

In addition, DOH-CHD Bicol regional director Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, Jr. admonished everyone to follow the 4S strategy in the fight against dengue. These are Search and destroy, Self-protection, Seek early consultation and Say not to indiscriminate fogging.

Search and destroy means seeking out breeding places of dengue mosquitoes like old tires, coconut husks, roof gutters, discarded bottle, flower vases and other containers that can hold clean, stagnant water.

Self-protection measures include wearing of long-sleeve shirts and long pants and using mosquito repellants during daytime. Desist if possible wearing dark clothes.

Except during dengue outbreaks, say not to indiscriminate fogging as this only kills adult mosquitoes but not the breeding places. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

UNICEF CPC 7 program anchors review on pathways to change strategy and towards equity for children

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, August 23 (PIA) -- Using the methodology of backwards mapping or the Theory of Change, a total of almost 200 participants implementing the Countrywide Program for Children (CPC) 4, 5 and 6 through the funding of the United Nations International Childrens Fund (UNICEF) from Regions 5 and 8, culminated the 3-day thematic consultation held at St. Ellis Hotel, Legaspi City, Friday of last week.

Participants from regions 5 and 8 reviewed the inputs of the 3- day national workshop conducted in Manila early last month and compared it to the strategy used by local implementers particularly in regions 5 and 8 to draw the localized pathway of change strategy for implementation towards equity for children.

The newly drafted CPC 7 national program was presented and participants where consulted on which pathway should be strengthened and improved viewing it on a local implementation outlook and perspective given also their local pre-conditioned situations with regional cultural implications and differences.

The results of the inputs of these two regions were laterally compared with the inputs drafted by 100 participants from Manila earlier prepared and considered as preconditioned situations.

In cooperation with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office Region V , UNICEF provided the legal, structural and process framework focusing on the basic early childhood and development. nine key programs.

Significant issues on inequity, marginalization and opportunities for a balanced implementation of the rights of children, the program review also provided sharing of experiences from program implementers from the two regions.

Basic Education; Maternal ; Neonatal and Child Health; Nutrition (2) ; Child Protection (2) ;Conflict Risk Mitigation and Peace Building;Water Sanitation and Hygiene; HIV and Aids; Social Protection Policy and Disaster Risk Reduction were the nine program areas given emphasis of the review..

Regions 5 and 8 key implementers' of CPC 4, 5 and 6 drew their inputs through knowledge sharing from their community based experiences, views and the working arrangement and current resources both financial and human.

One of the conditions that surfaced was on strengthening the assistance and support group interventions and its logistics componenet.for workers in the program..

According to the inputs presented, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). provide voluntarily services. While these services were given , there is a need to look at their financial capability and status as it revealed that they are given very low renumeration.

Barangay Health Workers aside from medical workers who implement the CPC are usually not provided the enough logistics as they are considered volunteers .

They have to walk to far flung areas and are exposed to bad weather conditions and other elements.in the implementation of the program.

"This pre-conditioned situations are the real scenario in rural communities and such issue has to be resolved. It should be acted upon to at least successfully strengthen and assure the success of the CPC implementation " , this is one of the indicators in the review that surfaced.

The assumptions also surfaced that while volunteerism is a strategy for program implementation, these volunteers (BHWs) are themselves part of the issue to be provided interventions as most of them are mothers / women who should be receiving interventions from the program.

Providing children a voice on the program to be implemented with proper consultation on what they need should also be seen as a major linkage to successfully implement the program.

This was significantly highlighted especially during the synthesis on the last day with emphasis on the proper monitoring and evaluation of the program, its impact on the target clients and the indicators of success.

The three day activity also surfaced certain social policies on education issues that has to be reviewed thoroughly and be brought to government's attention like provisions for safe and mitigating risk threat school buildings that can withstand certain calamities if these will be used as evacuation centers.

The program review of the nationally drafted CPC 7 drew new inputs of suggestions of indicators,assumptions and interventions in the pathway to change strategy as local thematic consultation was implemented taking into consideration regional issues and differences yet still focused towards equity for children. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Camarines Norte joins the 111th civil service month celebration

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, August 23 (PIA) -- The provincial government here has lined up several activities in connection with the 111th civil service month celebration this September.

Earlier Governor Edgardo Tallado has issued an Executive Order No. 2011-25 approving and ordering the said celebration starting September 5 to October 5 this year.

He urged local government units, national government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations, college and state universities to join, support and participate for the success of the month long celebration of the 111th civil service month.

The opening activities on September 5, 2011 will include the flag raising ceremony, cheer dance competition, opening of the inter-agency sportsfest competition, thanksgiving mass and parade to be participated in by the different employees of all local and national government agencies.

The sportsfest competition will start on September 5 to 30 to be participated in by the different employees of the branches of the government.

The activities for the month long celebration include training seminar on 5 “S” (Sourting Up, Systematic Arrangement, Sweeping or cleaning, Standardizing and Self Discipline) ;Strengthening Organization through Aligning Resources (SOAR); Multi-Services Caravan; Camarines Norte Council of Personnel Officers (CNCPO) Outreach Program and Civil Service Commission Updates; Healthy Lifestyle; Tree Planting Activity and; Closing and Awarding Ceremonies.

This year’s theme “Championing Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service Excellence and Full Speed” (MAL/RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)

DOLE launches Community Enterprise Development Program in Catanduanes

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, August 23, (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office here will launch of the Community Enterprise Development (CED) Program "AbaCatanduanes" this afternoon at the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority - Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industry in Bato, Catanduanes.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program towards Community Enterprise Development aims to transform livelihoods into sustainable community enterprise.

In Catanduanes, cooperating agencies recognize the willingness, commitment, and capability of TESDA-CSHI in ensuring success of the project entitled: "Establishing Community-Based Enterprise on Abaca, Mat, Wearable and non-wearable.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the cooperating agencies will be signed alongside among cooperating agencies DOLE, Municipal Govenrment of Bato, Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC), DOST, TESDA, DTI, FIDA, Cabugao Parish, ARDCI, CARPER Trading and Solid Future Foundation Inc.

Expected to grace the launching are Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, Gov. Joseph C. Cua, Bato Mayor Eulogio R. Rodriguez, DOLE Regional Director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor, Heads of National and Provinvial Agencies and NGUs in the province. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Philippine Army to establish a Bayanihan Eco Park in Donsol

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, August 23 (PIA) -- Twelve entities have pledged support and commitment to the 903rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army's initiative to establish a Bayahihan Eco Park at Sitio Magaragad, Barangay Sibago in Donsol. town

In a phone conversation this afternoon, Col. Felix J. Castro Jr. Inf (GSC) Commanding Officer of the 903rd IB PA, said that the tree planting activities to be conducted today is in keeping with President Aquino's National Greening Program (NGP) and an integrated approach to implement the ridge to reef complementary greening activity here in the province for a sustainable coastal resource management.

"This eco park will also serve as a buffer zone in case of typhoons and sea level rise as the PA will also provide soft engineering measures to mitigate negative effects brought about by climate change" he said.

'"It is named Bayanihan Eco Park since the establishment of this park is done through the spirit of "bayanihan", a Filipino culture that the PA would like to bring back to the communities", he explained.

A total of one thousand mangrove propagules will be planted by participants comprising of the Philippine Army, PADABAKA, the local government of Donsol, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office , Provincial Tourism Council Office , Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Information Agency, World Wildlife Fund,World Vision, media community and other environmental organizations.

"Donsol as a prime ecotourism destination should be provided sound environmental initiatives especially in the development and conservation of its coastal areas as the famous whale shark is found here" according to Castro.

"With the presence of the PA here , we are initiating peace and developmental initiatives especially in assisting the municipalities of Pilar, Donsol and Castilla in programs that will promote tourism, disaster risk reduction management, engineering assistance through the building of schools and now in spearheading the national government's call to plant trees as part of the NGP" Castro explained.

The activity will start with a short program , with messages of support from heads of agencies and a pledge of commitment through a streamer signing followed by the blessings of seedlings for planting.

After the tree planting, the participants will be welcomed to the usual military treat of boodle fight. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)