Albay LGU, CIRCA to lead coastal clean up in Tiwi
...ready for marian procession for Ina fiesta

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) – The Albay Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) and Climate Change Academy for LGUs has been tasked by Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda to lead a coastal clean-up along the coastlines of three villages in Tiwi, Albay this coming August 13.

Salceda, UNISDR Senior Global Champion on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, said the move is in line with the priority policy agenda of the provincial government to demonstrate Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2) program.

He said clean-ups alone can't immediately solve the marine debris problem, stressing that “We need to stop it at the source, armed with indigenous knowledge about the most prevalent components of marine debris, elected officials can make informed policy decisions, and community leaders can more effectively tailor and expand recycling and other waste reduction programs.”

“Partners and Corporations can see the need for improved new technology and reduced packaging, and individuals are inspired to properly dispose of trash to keep it out of the sea,” he added.

Salceda furthered that “This will even enhance the panoramic view of the coastal areas along the shores of Barangay Joroan and neighboring villages of Sogod and Baybay, preparing the sites for the religiously spectacular marian procession of Albay patron saint, Our Lady of Salvation on the 20th in time for the fiesta of host Barangay Joroan.”

Dubbed ‘Baybaying Yaman’, the coastal cleanup is a joint undertaking by the CIRCA/CCA for LGUs with special support from partners Joint Program United Nations MDG Achievement Fund: 1656 Albay Demo, Rural Bank of Guinobatan Incorporated (RGBI), Philippine Army, Navy and Air Force, Coastguard, Philippine National Police (PNP), Maritime Police, and the municipal government of Tiwi, led by Mayor Jaime Villanueva.

Nong Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA & Climate Change Academy for LGUs said barangay officials along the marian procession routes have organized around 100 residents who volunteered to pick up pieces of dirts, beverage bottles from beaches, shorelines, clear the areas.

“We also encourage them to step up campaign on information and education effecting behavioral change among residents to refrain from polluting the sea and other water channels,” he said.

Village leaders and residents will also be working shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of students, business partners and uniformed participants from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Salvador Apinado, CIRCA staff in charged of community organizing for this event, said the Governor through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by Ms. Yolanda Guanzon, has committed to provide 5-kgs rice for each family that will join the cleanup drive.

Apinado said activities like this also help motivate barangay residents to take care of their surroundings and continue the ‘bayanihan’ spirit towards climate-resilient communities. (MAL/RMN/CIRCA/CCA)

Regional search for eco-friendly schools in elementary and high school still on

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office here has reopened the regional Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools for elementary and high school categories.

Interested schools must send in official contest entry forms, supporting documents in both printed and digital copies, as well as official endorsements from their respective Department of Education (DepEd) Division Offices to the EMB V office on or before August 12, 2011.

The contest primarily aims to develop skills and understanding in initiating active responses and increasing community awareness and participation on environmental concerns among students, faculty and school administrators. Furthermore, the search would recognize environmental programs and initiatives of the schools.

The participating schools will be rated based on the following criteria: environment-related aspects of the school's policy (20 points); environmental dimensions of school operations (30 points); environmental-related features of the school curriculum (30 points); presence of vibrant eco-organizations in campus (10 points), and; linkages in various programs/projects (10 points).

One regional finalist will be selected for each category and will be awarded a Certificate of Recognition and P10,000 in cheque. The regional finalists shall compete at the national search that will be held in EMB Central Office, Metro Manila.

This search is a partnership program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), EMB, DepEd, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Smart Communications, Inc. (MAL/EMB V)

Congress approves House Bill 4820 for the creation of Nueva Camarines

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, Aug.5 (PIA) --- An overwhelming majority vote in the House of Representative Wednesday (August 3) favored House Bill 4820, otherwise known as “An Act Creating the new province of Nueva Camarines”.

A total of 229 members of the lower house favored the proposition, while only one voted against it, confirmed by no less than Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte’s father, 3rd District Congressman Luis Villafuerte in an interview.

The bill was authored by 4th District Congressman Noli Fuentebella who believes that the creation of a new province will give its constituents a positive stance in terms of progress and development.

He also reiterated that the new Internal Revenue allotment that will be given to the new province will give an advantageous favor to the concerned local government units.

With the accepted wisdom on the positive effect of the said proposition, three out of the five Camarines congressmen, with the exemption of Fuentebella as the main author, enlisted themselves as co-authors of the House Bill. It includes Congressmen Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya, Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, and Luis Villafuerte of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Districts respectively. Only 5th District Congressman Salvio Fortuno voted against it.

While the bill was being heard in Congress, various consultations had been also set in place to give Camarinenses an overview of what they will gain out of the partition or creation of another province.

Mr. Emil Saavedra, secretary general of the various summit held in strategic venues in Camarines Sur said that every one has the right to get a grasp of what the Bill is all about.

The first summit was held in Ateneo de Naga University on May 21 was organized by the MassCom Arts and Affairs and the Ateneo de Naga Institute of Politics. Attendees include lawyers, university professors, media practitioners, professionals and other stakeholders.

The second summit was done in Iriga City in coordination with the local government of Iriga City thru their Mayor, Hon. Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen. It was held at the University of Saint Anthony (USANT) amphitheatre on June 27.

Both the proponent, Fuentebella and the one opposing it, Governor Villafuerte were given an opportunity to explain their sentiments on the said proposition.

After all the debates, the ultimate decision will still lie in the hands of every Camarinense who will give their final verdict on the fate of House Bill 4820 once a referendum is already in place. (MAL/LSM, PIA Sorsogon)

LGU-Tigaon Celebrates Tig-Aw Festival

by Lizel S. Macatangay

TIGAON, Camarines Sur, Aug.5 (PIA) ---- The upcoming week will be marked with a triple celebrations for all the Tigaoneños, with the commemoration of the 8th Sta.Clara Devotional Dance, the observance of the 217th Tigaon Town fiesta and the holding of Tig-Aw Festival.

The celebration of Tig-Aw Festival which is set to take place from August 6-10 is a way of giving a humble compliment to a shrub named “tigaw” where Tigaon derived its name.

Tigaw is a shrub which abundantly grew along their river banks.

Tigaon Mayor Arnie Fuentebella will spearhead the said celebration, together with Vice Mayor Ruel Gaspar and members of the Sanggunian Bayan.

Municipal Planning and Development Officer and PESO Manager Ramon S. Luna conveyed that this is so far the most colorful festival being celebrated in the Eastern part of the Camarines here in Bicol.

“The people of Tigaon have long prepared for the realization of this event. With the full support of the local government unit through our Chief Executive, Mayor Fuentebella, we know that this will be another milestone for every Tigaoneños,” Luna said in an interview.

The following activities were also lined up to hype the said celebration: Eucharistic Celebration, Tig-Aw parade, colorful cultural presentations showcasing the talents of the Tigaon constituents, Ylau-Raya Street dancing competition, Job’s Fair for overseas and local employment , “Go, Grow Negosyo “ Expo, Agri-Fishery demo training, Fun Walk and Fun Run activity, and Mayor Arnie’s Regional Shoot Fest, among others.

The highlight of the 8th Sta.Clara Devotional Dance is slated on August 11. It will commence at 3:00pm with a Eucharistic mass followed by a procession which will be participated in by religious organizations, group of devotees, and various pastoral councils.

Different contingents who will join the dance carousing are expected to flock the venue. They will be among the well wishers who along with the sway of their hands and tap of their feet will wish for job security, protection, good health, supplications for the upcoming years and thanksgiving for the many blessings that they have received. This is held in honor of the town’s patroness, St.Claire of Asssi.

Prior to the celebration of Tigaon’s 217th town fiesta on August 12, various major activities will also take center stage. On August 9, Fuentebella will spearhead the launching and inauguration of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) which is expected to serve the towns of Tigaon, Goa and Sangay.

No less than 4th District Congressman Noli Fuentebella will grace the said occasion. On the same day, the unveiling of a mural at the lobby of the municipal government House of Tigaon will also be graced with the presence of Mr. Luis Miguel Aboitiz, VP for Power, Marketing and Trading of the Aboitiz Group of Companies. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

3rd CVS Inter-high tournament starts tomorrow

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- The 3rd Cesar V. Sarmiento (CVS) Inter High School Basketball Tournament will start tomorrow, Friday , August 5, 2011.

The said sports activity provides budding players to hone their skills towards excellence - teaching them the importance of sportsmanship and fellowship.

According to Cong. Sarmiento, this is his way of giving importance to the youth of the province.

There will be a parade of teams in the main street/s of Virac together with the participation of 2 PBA players from Air 21 and one from the movie industry.

Several schools from Virac, Bato, San Miguel and Viga are expected to participate. (MAL/EAB,PIA Catanduanes)