P33.8 M budget approved for disaster management in CamNorte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Oktubre 12 (PIA) -- Some P33.8 million was approved for the disaster management, mitigation, prevention, response and recovery plans and activities crafted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) .

The said amount come from the 5 percent calamity fund or the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) as stated under Republic Act 10121.

In a meeting held here recently headed by Executive Assistant Jose Boma representing the PDRRM Chairperson Governor Edgardo Tallado, and PDRRM Officer Carlos Galvez, the budget was discussed with the corresponding activities and programs.

Of the P33.8 M, more than P10.2 M was allocated to the disaster risk reduction and management, mitigation and prevention to include management, protection and conservation of coastal resources; integrated coastal resources management project; sustaibnable upland management strategy through integrated social forestry; forest protection for Abasig-Magogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area; and construction/provision of disaster risk mitigation project through installation of early warning system and construction of DRRM/projects and evacuation centers.

A mainstreaming DRR management and climate change adaptation in the local development plans and policies and decision making processes was allotted P600,000 for the hazard profiling and disaster risk assessment and formulation of PRRM/CCA adaptation plan.

For the preparedness and capability enhancement program an amount of P6M was allocated to be used for the stockpiling and pre-positioning of resources; information dissemination and public awareness; training, orientation knowledge management of DRR/CCA adaptation; maintenance and operation of the PDRRM operation center/BEAT ;and financial assistance to accredited community disaster volunteer organizations.

A large amount was allocated for the quick response funds totaling to more than P11.2 million while P5.7 M was allocated for the recovery/ rehabilitation program through relief, medical assistance, sanitation, financial assistance to disaster victims and evacuation management services.

The said budget for the LDRRMF will be submitted to the provincial government for their approval.(RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)


National Statistics Month celebration features statistical exhibit

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, October 12 (PIA) -- As statistics plays a key and vital role in planning, decision making and policy formulation in both government and private sectors notwithstanding its effects on people’s daily lives, every year the National Statistics Month (NSM) is observed every month of October.

One of the highlights of this year’s 22nd NSM in Bicol is the three-day Statistical Exhibits featuring at least eight government agencies.

The display was opened today and is ready for viewing daily until October 13 at the Pacific Mall Legazpi City on the theme Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives.

Engr. Gil R. Arce, regional head of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) stressed in today’s PIA radio program Aramon Ta Daw the value of statistics in the poverty alleviation program of the government as espoused by the theme. Social protection statistics, according to him, is an efficient tool in reducing poverty.

The eight participating agencies in the statistical display are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Tourism (DoT), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Statistics Office (NSO) and NSCB.

Each agency display has distinct statistical characteristics, declared Arce. BSP presents video clips on the latest Philippine currency with focus on the security features while BAS shows figures on livestock and poultry, agricultural practices in crops and fishery production and status on agriculture.

DoT presents tourist arrivals and put on view Bicol’s tourist destinations and its contributions to the economy; DSWD on the poverty reduction data base called the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) which is utilized in the identification of the beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program known as 4Ps or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Meantime, NEDA’s display include the Bicol Development Plan and the Medium Term Regional Development Plan; NSO with its population statistics and trends including the labor force, the 2009 Family Income and Expenditures Survey and the National Demographic Survey; NSCB illustrates the status of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) implementation in the region, the poverty situation in Bicol and related figures.

Some publications and information materials are for distribution at the exhibit.(MAL/AAN, PIA V)

6 sitios in Catanduanes to have electricity

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, October 12 (PIA) -- Six sitios in three towns of the province will be able to have power soon after the National Electrification Administration (NEA) released the amount of P2,004,067.48 for the project.

The funding was secured by Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento from the NEA during the House Committee deliberation on the agency’s budget recently.

According to NEA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations, Edilberto Bassig , the sitios covered by the project are Abaca and Harapan in Brgy. Abihao (Baras), Caranguian in Barangay Oga (Pandan), Buenavista in Barangay Salvacion (Pandan), Caruyo in Brgy. Balangonan (Pandan), Dayhagan in Brgy. Suchan (Bagamanoc).

First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc.

(FICELCO), however, revealed that the project would actually involve eight sitios with a total cost of P1,864,799.80, as a number of the sitios in the NEA list have already been energized.

The cooperative management is reportedly including other unenergized sitios in the bidding, set for October 13. The unexpended funding would either be returned to NEA or allocated for the extension of distribution lines to unserved sitios.

The residents of the covered barangays are thankful for the continuous effort of the government for the improvement of their areas. MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Albay cited in 'Gawad Kalasag' Hall of Fame

LEGAZPI CITY,October 12 (PIA) -– Albay province has been chosen anew by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) selection committee this year's winner of the “Gawad Kalasag” in the provincial council category, also cited in the Hall of Fame following three consecutive win in the awards program since 2009.

The citation is bestowed annually in recognition to Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council with exemplary achievements in the field of disaster risk management.

Gawad “Kalasag”, which stands for “Kalamidad at Sakuna Laban, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan” is a recognition program of the NDRRMC for excellence in disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the province is stepping up strategies to the next level of preparedness and resources committed to the efforts of attaining a higher goal - that development can proceed in the midst of disaster risks.

“The six awards to Albay prove that the DRR ethos or culture of preparedness has become a pervasive character of the province that is confronted with multiple hazards- from19-21 typhoons, volcanic eruption, floods, landslides, storm surges,” Salceda said.

Aside from the Albay PDRRMC, the Child Sponsorship for Community Development Inc., is also the recipient for this year’s “Gawad kalasag”, for best Non-Government Organization (NGO) on Humanitarian Assistance.

Last year, seven awards were notched by government and private organizations in Bicol including five (5) other Albay-based entities secured awards in various categories: (a) Legazpi City – 2nd in component city category (it was first last year) (b) Child Sponsorship for Community Development Incorporated – 1st in NGO category (c) Simon of Cyrene Children’s Rehabilitation and Development Inc. – 2nd in NGO category (d) Daraga National High – 3rd in Best School Category and (e) BRTTH – 3rd in Best Hospital Category.

The National awarding ceremony is set today, October 11, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall, Pasay City in time for the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code. (MAL/MDRama, LGU Albay)