Intervida launches Children First : A Call for Convergence program for Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Newly installed country delegate for Intervida Philippines Restituto Ramos led the program launch of the Children First : A Call for Convergence program for the province of Sorsogon last week at Hotel Ellis , Legaspi City.

Former governor Sally Ante Lee who attended the program launch representing governor Raul R. Lee said Intervida's expanded program will focus on two pilot municipalities in the province of Sorsogon, Donsol and Castilla.

She said it will complement the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and enhance the public-private partnership initiatives intensified in Aquino administration as a holistic strategy in poverty alleviation.

In the program launch, Ramos underscored the goal of their organization in providing development and cooperation to defend children's rights and promote sustainable social change by improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities, especially children and by acting upon the causes of poverty and inequality.

"The Intervida Philippines New Strategic Plan program is anchored on respect for equality, equity and sustainability as guiding principles for the new program for children," Ramos said during the presentation of their program.

Ramos explained that Children First :A Call for Convergence is the core of their program so that families can access basic things such as adequate nutrition, education and health which aims for promoting dignity and improving the living conditions of children in basic identified communities were poverty is visually observed and felt.

Ramos elaborated the other situations of children all over the world who are victims of forced labor, sexual exploitation, gender violence or separation from families.

"These situations are in violation of their right to live in peace, be respected and lead a dignified life.We, at Intervida Philippines can not remain indifferent to this and so the Children First : A Call for Convergence program was developed', he said.

"In Sorsogon, our presence in assisting communities and municipalities has been almost 5 years now and hopefully partnering with local government units who show involvement and same passion for the program, we can pursue our goals", he addedd.

This new program adhered to by Intervida is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the strategic guidelines have been elaborated within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals organized around eight areas of action: Education, Health, Food Security, Economic Development, Environment Gender,Citizens Participation and children's Rights.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Gov’t, NGOs pledge commitment to the establishment of Bayanihan Eco-Park in Donsol
by Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, September 2 (PIA) –- A total of 13 government agencies and non-government organizations pledged commitment to support the long awaited dream of Barangay Sibago in Donsol town to develop the village as a new eco-tourism site through the establishment of a Bayanihan Ecological Park.

Punong barangay Noel Castro said Sibago is a potential site for ecological tourism because aside from the Butanding (Rhincodon typus) sightings, countless number of fireflies can also be seen in the area. It can also be noted that the first sighting of Butandings took place in the waters of Brgy. Sibago way back in 1998.

However, Castro said this development is hampered by the lack of resources and structures, thus, appealed to concerned agencies for necessary support.

The initial step conducted was the mangrove planting activity held on August 23, where more than a thousand propagules of ‘Bakawan-Babaye’ (Rhizopora mucronata Lmk) were planted by some 175 volunteers from various sectors.

Donsol municipal DILG office chief Imelda Gabinza earlier encouraged Castro to submit proposal to the local government of Donsol assuring him, his constituents and other project stakeholders that they will be ready to assist potential barangays like Sibago.

Provincial Tourism Officer Cris Racelis also reiterated the importance of submitting a proposal to be assured of tourism development assistance from various agencies and organizations. She said they are vying on potential tourism sites for development and gave assurance that the provincial government will extend technical assistance especially on training women and the youth.

Racelis, on the other hand, made notice of the poor transportation accessibility and communication signal in the area, thus, challenging the barangay officials to create more activities to further develop Brgy. Sibago, “because eventually tourism investors will come once they find out the potential of the area.”

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Engr. Maribeth Fruto said both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sorsogon and PENRO can give technical assistance such as seminars and trainings in terms of solid waste management and sustainable coastal marine resources management.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources Provincial Fisheries Head Gil B Ramos laid down programs of BFAR such as provision of livelihood and scholarship assistance to fisher folks and their children.

“Aside from this, we also have Integrated Coastal Resource Management program, conducts information dissemination on the importance of mangroves, choosing the right specie, teaching the community the right planting method and management of mangroves and likewise provide technical assistance in terms of proposal making for livelihood without hurting the mangroves,” he said.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Information Center Manager Irma Guhit, meanwhile, commended the convergence of various agencies and organizations in Sorsogon in supporting the activity which is anchored on the present administration’s National Greening Program (NGP), an integrated approach to implement the ‘ridge to reef’ complementary greening activity here in Sorsogon for a sustainable coastal resource management.

Mr. Raul Burce of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said they have passed and approved a proposal to give a ‘share’ to all coastal areas that generate tourism like the town of Donsol. He also disclosed that Indra Company, one of the leading IT services providers in Southeast Asia, has chosen Brgy. Sibago as beneficiary to the Fun Run activity which they have conducted.

Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Sorsogon Chapter President Andy Espinar committed to take part in the NGP to bring back the beauty of nature. He also said the KBP national chapter has already directed each chapter across the country to plant 10,000 trees in 2011 and their participation to the activity can already be counted as one.

World Vision Monitoring and Evaluation Associate Mr. Leo Legazpi gave assurance that they can take part in every planting activity in Sorsogon having around 300 volunteers and can apportion logistics for simple snacks during activities.

A representative who stood in behalf of Akrho Chapter President Mr. Christopher Arandia said on the part of the younger generation, they have volunteered themselves for the planting activity and will always be available to help the development of the community.

As a prelude to a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of a Bayahihan Eco Park, the signing of a pledge of commitment banner also took place.

Brgy. Chairman Castro said that through the help of the 903rd Brigade of Philippine Army (PA), Parasirang Donsolanon Abante Biryong Aagapay sa Kauswagan (PADABAKA) and the WWF who onceptualized the establishment of the eco-park, and with the help of various stakeholders who are one with them in their shot, it is not far-fetched that soon, the Bayanihan Ecological Park will be put into reality.

903rdIB, 9thID, PA Commanding Officer Col. Felix J. Castro Jr., meanwhile, introduced the “Love ko ang Kalikasan” hand sign which was also easily adopted by the group as a sign of commitment and support to the endeavor.

Bayanihan Eco-Park will also serve not only as an ecological tourism site, but also as a buffer zone that will mitigate the ill-effects of the changing climate. “Likewise, the eco-park will not only protect the Butandings but will also serve as the protector of the spirits dwelling in the area,” said PADABAKA Chair Bro. Florencio B. Gorordo. (MAL/BAR, PIA Sorsogon)

Refund of reconnection fee from Virac water service provider sought
by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 2 (PIA)- The United Katandungan Against Graft and Corruption (UKAG) urged the Virac Water District (VIWAD) to cease and desist from imposing the P600 reconnection fee and to refund customers who have been charged the fee.

UKAG president Eddie Rodulfo in his letter dated August 22 described the implementation of VIWAD Board Resolution No. 33, series of 2010 which increases the reconnection fee from P100 to P600 effective last January as immoral, unreasonable, arbitrary and illegal.

The anti-graft group noted that the increase did not undergo public hearing, which it said is a mandatory requirement pursuant to Sec. 63 of Presidential Decree 198. It also cited Letter of Instruction No. 700 which states that such hearings shall be conducted prior to any proposed increase in water rates.

VIWAD board and management has come under fire from consumers for implementing the recconection fee of P600 which they described as unconscionable and excessive compared to FICELCO's P50.

UKAG is still waiting for the immediate response of VIWAD on the issue. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Naga City holds blood donation drive
by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The rising incidence of dengue here prompted the city government to step up measures in ensuring that blood Requirements for patients will be immediately addressed by the health authorities.

Health authorities are also up on their toes in strengthening information campaigns and clean-up drives to destroy breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

On August 28, councilor and executive director of the Naga City Blood Program Nathan Sergio spearheaded a blood-letting activity which yielded 158 units/bags of varying blood types, with each bag containing 450cc.

The activity was held at the city hall compound, in partnership with different media outlets.

“The conduct of this blood drive is just one of our responses in addressing the platelet needs of our patients, particularly concerning those acute dengue cases which has unfortunately reached a disturbing level. We are doing our best, together with the local government of Naga, thru the headship of Mayor John Bongat and our City Health Officer Dr. Vito Borja to lower the dengue cases and eventually come up with zero casualty in the upcoming weeks,” Sergio said.

Sergio, who is also one of the board of directors of the Philippine Red Cross-Camarines Sur Chapter, is actively campaigning for a mass blood donation and encouraging potential blood donors to bequeath droplets of their blood in order to save lives.

“I am happy seeing a great number of volunteers who heeded our call, it’s just unfortunate that almost half of them failed the screening process," he added.

Aside from the blood drives, Sergio also said that they have strengthened their collaborative efforts with the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) acting as Blood Bank and Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Camarines Sur as Blood Station.

LGU Naga also serves as an active partner during regular Mobile Blood Donations (MBDs) where hosts are either barangays, municipalities, schools or universities and various public and private organizations.

They are also adapting the use of double bags during MBDs particularly on blood types which lack platelet stocks. Double bags are used in the platelet harvesting process. Here, BMC and PRC’s complimenting roles are of primary importance.

“Red Cross-Cam Sur, not having a refrigerated centrifuge, a laboratory equipment used by BMC to separate platelets from fresh whole blood, basically do not buy double bags, hence, it borrows double bags from BMC. When there is a need to use double bag, the BMC advises or informs the Red Cross to do so for a particular type of blood,” Sergio said.

When there are more dengue patients needing platelets, available limited stocks are released based on urgency or on a “first come, first serve” basis. At times, when more than one unit is needed by the patient, half of the number is guaranteed. And the family member of the patient is advised to look for blood donors from within the family and relatives. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

NSO to start energy consumption survey in Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 2 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) Catanduanes Provincial Office will conduct the 2010 Survey of Energy Consumption of Establishments (SECE) this September 2011.

The 2010 SECE is the first- ever survey of establishments on energy consumption. There have been efforts by the NSO to monitor energy consumption both for the households and establishments sectors.

For households, Household Energy Consumption Survey (HECS) were conducted in 1989, 1995 and 2004. Another is to be undertaken this year.

Censuses and surveys of establishments have been regularly providing data on cost of fuels, lubricants, oils and greases purchased; cost of electricity and water; beginning and ending inventory of fuels, lubricants, oils and greases; and, book value of machineries and transport equipments

2010 SECE aims to provide benchmark information on the country’s energy utilization patterns of industries at the subclass and national levels in order to generate data required to measure the demand of energy. Indicators on energy intensities, measured as energy consumption per unit output, shall also be derived. The survey shall highlight industries which are energy-intensive users and energy-producers.

In general, data to be collected include the quantity of fuels, other fossil and biomass fuels purchased. Value by type of energy products purchased, inventories by fuel type and the end-use of energy shall also be collected. Sectoral energy intensities are to be derived and to be broadly classified into industrial, service/commercial, transport and agricultural.

The Department of energy (DOE) shall be the major data user of the survey results.

Like all censuses and surveys undertaken by NSO, the conduct of these two surveys is authorized by various legislative acts and presidential directives namely:Commonwealth Act No. 591, Presidential Decree No. 418, Executive Order No. 121, Executive Order No. 352, Executive Order No. 5.

The reporting unit is the establishment. Pursuant to the provision of Section 4 of Act 591, information obtained from the respondents shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be divulged to any person except authorized NSO personnel acting in the performance of their duties and Section 3 of the same law provides the penalty clause for non-compliance of the survey.

The province has 12 sample establishments to visit: one in Bato, two in San Andres and nine in the capital town Virac. (MAL/EAB/NSO Catanduanes)