Heightened campaign vs illegal drugs nets daily arrest--PDEA

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 28 (PIA) -- Law enforcement authorities have been making numerous arrests of persons linked with illegal drug activities in the past months that cases of violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have already been filed against 168 persons.

Atty. Teodoro Caparroso, regional information officer of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol, disclosed that PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), have apprehended drug pushers and users in almost daily basis.

The PDEA official also revealed that shabu or methamphetamine, a powerful addictive stimulant, is now the drug choice of users based on the apprehensions made. Marijuana is second most abused drug.

Kalampunay or talampunay in Filipino, also called angel’s trumpet, is being abused by some, said Caparroso. He cautioned parents to monitor their children as the use and abuse of the plant leads to mental problems if not death.

Based on PDEA statistics most of the users came from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay and Camarines Norte.

Bicol’s PDEA spokesman stated that highlight of the celebration of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week on November 13-19, 2011 was the destruction of illegal drugs used as evidence in Sorsogon City last November 15.

The disposal of illegal drugs was to guarantee the public that seized items do not fall into the wrong hands, explained Caparroso.

The public disposal of illegal drugs has been carried out this year in various areas like this city, Naga City, Daet, Camarines Norte and soon Ligao City. This activity was witnessed by court representative representing the judge, representatives from the Department of Justice, counsel of the accused, Department of Health, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, socio-civic organization like the Rotary Club and members of the media.

Drug Abuse and Prevention and Control Week is observed each year pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 124 dated November 26, 2001. This year’s theme was Global Action for Healthy Communities Without Drugs.

Caparroso said that schools and local officials observed the event through drug abuse forum and symposium. P/Supt Nilo Berdin, chief of police of Daraga, Albay organized a one-day seminar at Anislag National High School last November 17.

Local officials, schools who wish to conduct seminars on campaign against drug abuse and any information about existence of drug activities including requests for rehabilitation are advised to call PDEA hotline 480-7712 or 09086760884.

At present there are 26 individuals undergoing rehabilitation in two centers in Bicol. This year the highest number of persons that underwent drug rehabilitation reached 72. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Catanduanes State College grads top CE Board Exam

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 28 (PIA) -- Three graduate students of the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) top the November 2011 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission.

Benjie T. Pantino, Benjames T. Go and Jerwin DL. Rendon slammed the Top 1-2-3 ranks in the CE Board Exam with a rating of 98.05%, 97.35% and 97% respectively. They all have been CSC’s award-winning contestants in different regional and national CE quizzes and were consistent dean’s listers.

Benjie who hails from Marilima, Virac and is a son of a farmer and housekeeper was a valedictorian in his Elementary and High School years.

Benjames, second placer was a Salutatorian in Elementary and 7th Honorable Mention in High School. His father is a foreman and his mother is a housekeeper.

Jerwin, third placer whose father is a tricycle driver and whose mother is a housekeeper was a valedictorian in elementary.

The said accomplishment brings the number of topnotchers produced by CSC to 24 in Civil Engineer and Junior Geodetic Engineer LicensureExminations.

Pantino is also the third graduate of CSC who bagged the First Place in CE.

Thelist of CE passers is as follows: Aguilar, Fuschia May T.; Agunday, Noel P.; Aldea, Jaypee T.; Alejandro, Richmonilyn T.; Arcega, Arjay C.; Bagadiong, Alfredo Jr. Z.; Borja, Edrey C; Borja, Jan Rassel M.; Bronola, Evelyn T.; Caballero, Benjie T.; Dela Cruz, Jeremy M.; Delos Santos, Daisy T.; Dolores, Famino Paul J.; Gianan, Arjen M.; Gomenez, Jonathan S.; Go, Benjames T.; Lanon, Mark Laurence M.; Ligsay, Rogelio Jr. C.; Lizaso, Jessel T.; Magdaraog, Sonia Richelle B.; Magtangob, Rosalyn; Magtangob, SSherwin C.; Molod, Dexter C.; Nakpil, Renalyn Erika P.; Panti, Marife T.; Pantino, Benjie T.; Pantino, Michelle T.; Pinlac Ronnie V.; Quintal, Lorenzo Miguel T.; Rodriguez, Inoue Philip L,; Rendon, Jerwin D.; Samonte, Anna Vanessa O.; Santos Henry Jr. T.; Santos, Jayson T.; Tabinas, Janny G.; Tabuzo, Ervin T.; Tanael, Ronnel T.; Tapia, Raymond T.; Taway, Danilo V.; Tejada, Joseph E.; Tindugan, Xylene Kristel T.; Torrente, Dave T.; Torrente,Kelly T.; Villanueva, Archie T.

CSC has a passing rate of 69.84% which is above the national passing rate of 34.28%.

A recognition ceremony for the topnotchers, passers and their parents as well as faculty members and staff of College of Technology Department of Engineering will be held by CSC. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Catanduanes State Colleges, Gender and Development committee lead campaign against violence on women

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 28 (PIA)-- The Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) Gender and Development (GAD) Committee spearheads the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Agianst Women (VAW) which started last November 25, 2011 and will end on December 12.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. The date commemorates the brutal assassination of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, in 1960 on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

As a support to the campaign, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III of CSC issued a memorandum requiring all teaching, non-teaching personnel and students, except Grades I to IV to participate in the parade and mass held last November 25.

In connection, a Seminar for CSC employees on VAW was held on the same day at the CSC Little Theater from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A whole-day training for Security Guards on Gender Sensitization is also being held today, Nov. 28 and on December 13 at the CSC Little Theater.

Moreover, a Gender Awareness Seminar for Student leaders will also be conducted on December 14 at the audio-visual room for the whole day.

Students from the different college of CSC also joined the activity. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

PNoy inaugurates Climate Change Academy in Albay
…first in the country, first in the world

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno C. Aquino III led Friday (November 25) the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy of Albay for Local Government Units (CCA-LGUs) that will serve as a venue for development of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

The country’s first CCA-LGUs came about following years of painstaking efforts of developing an institution as Albay’s, as well as the country’s, response and adaptation measure in a bid to ease the adverse impact of global warming resulting in climate change and extreme weather events.

President Aquino, along with Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Sec. Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the ribbon-cutting rites and later toured booths of exhibits of government and private institutions showcasing CCA initiatives and programs.

Salceda, also UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN Green Climate Fund adviser, said the academy is just one of the many initiatives and programs of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), under the provincial government of Albay, set up to gather scientific and actual experiences from several stakeholders had been consolidated into modules and manuals, particularly for the different local government units in the country.

Salceda cited the importance of institutionalizing adaptation strategies and policies through the academy to address the impacts and challenges of climate change as well as raising public awareness through the different forms of media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is the first of its kind in the world. Wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo (There is nothing like that in the whole world). It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

The academy is the brainchild of the CIRCA of the provincial government of Albay and a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

Manuel Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA, explained that from its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk-reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

Rangasa also disclosed that the provincial government of Albay has initially spent some P10 million for the renovation and modernization of the academy building and facilities located at the Bicol University in Old Albay District here.

He added that during the 1st National Media Conference on CCA held here Thursday (November 24), Secretary Paje of DENR has committed P5 million from his department’s fund to augment resources for the academy, while development partners such as the Spanish government’s Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) has also vowed commitment of similar support.

CIRCA is now implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish government.

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnessed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

Rangasa said local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) and CCA.

He added that the academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can also be a venue for sharing experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

“As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the academy’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts,” Rangasa said.

Rangasa added that the academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; disaster and climate risk reduction and management; and climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels, including awareness on disaster risks and climate change issues; modular and progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster and climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster or climate proofing” by local stakeholders. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

Pres. Aquino tells PIA Weather Watch, 'good job'

By Jerome Carlo Paunan

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III commended the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the effective use of its 'Weather Watch' Facebook Fan Page in boosting government's disaster preparedness and response.

President Aquino was here over the weekend, to inaugurate the Climate Change Academy together with Governor Joey Salceda--the lead initiator of the academy, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma.

"Congratulations on a good job!", Betty Lou Penera, PIA planning director, quoted President Aquino as saying after he viewed the PIA Weather Watch booth which was part of an exhibit inside the lobby of the academy based at the Bicol University campus.

The FB Weather Watch site relies on the popularity of the social networking site to operate on the framework of 'Problem-Information-Action' or another acronym for the PIA. It was conceived and launched by PIA Director General Jose Fabia at the height of Typhoon Juan in October, last year in coordination with the Central Communications Desk of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Earlier, Fabia said this other acronym for the agency signifies the free and continuous flow of timely and accurate disaster-related information to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and other agencies to help people in need and save lives.

Weather Watch has served as an internet and texting-based tool of the national government for early warning and response in times of natural disasters. In addition to reports monitored from private media on a 24-hour basis, Weather Watch also uses situation reports gathered from the field by PIA staff from 16 regions and 58 provinces across the country.

Likewise, the web page also informs the public, particularly those who have relatives and friends, about the weather situation in disaster-hit areas.

"To put it simply, Weather watch uses new media as a tool in saving lives through disaster preparedness," Penera said, as she described the page that provides not only real-time weather updates, but flooding situations, information on road conditions and even school and work suspensions related to bad weather.

Penera said that among the notable contributions of weather Watch was the immediate rescue of at least 9 families from a landslide that hit St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte on Jan. 2, 2011; the prompt rescue of about 50 passengers from possible drowning on Oct. 1, 2011 when their truck became stranded after the river in Brgy. Tuec in Camiling, Tarlac overflowed due to Typhoon Quiel; and the real-time updates and warning on evacuation efforts as well as observations in the country during the March 11, 2011 Japan tsunami incident.

Currently, Weather Watch has gained a total of 13 million post views, 13,786 feedbacks and 4,570 online "likes." Penera said FB users need only to "like" the Weather Watch page to have a reliable 24/7 source of Philippine weather updates.

Penera was part of a PIA team led by Deputy Director General Virgilio DC Galvez and PIA Bicol Regional Director Ed de Leon which covered the presidential visit in Legazpi City.

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation at the Bicol University Amphitheater, Legazpi City on Friday (November 25). The president underscored the importance of institutionalizing the fight against climate change as well as raising public awareness through the media. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda welcomes President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 1st National Media Conferene on Climate Change Adaptation and inauguration of the Climate Change Academy, held at Bicol University, Legazpi City, on Friday (November 25). (Alex Cal/PIA)

PNoy inaugurates Climate Change Academy in Albay …first in the country, first in the world
by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 25 (PIA) -- President Benigno C. Aquino III led today the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy of Albay for Local Government Units (CCA-LGUs) that will serve as a venue for development of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

The country’s first CCA-LGUs came about following years of painstaking efforts of developing an institution as Albay’s, as well as the country’s, response and adaptation measure in a bid to ease the adverse impact of global warming resulting in climate change and extreme weather events.

President Aquino, along with Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Sec. Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the ribbon-cutting rites and later toured booths of exhibits of government and private institutions showcasing CCA initiatives and programs.

Salceda, also UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN Green Climate Fund adviser, said the academy is just one of the many initiatives and programs of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), under the provincial government of Albay, set up to gather scientific and actual experiences from several stakeholders had been consolidated into modules and manuals, particularly for the different local government units in the country.

Salceda cited the importance of institutionalizing adaptation strategies and policies through the academy to address the impacts and challenges of climate change as well as raising public awareness through the different forms of media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is the first of its kind in the world. Wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo (There is nothing like that in the whole world). It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

The academy is the brainchild of the CIRCA of the provincial government of Albay and a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

Manuel Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA, explained that from its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk-reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

Rangasa also disclosed that the provincial government of Albay has initially spent some P10 million for the renovation and modernization of the academy building and facilities located at the Bicol University in Old Albay District here.

He added that during the 1st National Media Conference on CCA held here Thursday (November 24), Secretary Paje of DENR has committed P5 million from his department’s fund to augment resources for the academy, while development partners such as the Spanish government’s Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) has also vowed commitment of similar support.

CIRCA is now implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish government.

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnessed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

Rangasa said local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) and CCA.

He added that the academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can also be a venue for sharing experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

“As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the academy’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts,” Rangasa said.

Rangasa added that the academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; disaster and climate risk reduction and management; and climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels, including awareness on disaster risks and climate change issues; modular and progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster and climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster or climate proofing” by local stakeholders. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

Catanduanes State College grad top 7 in midwifery exams

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 25 (PIA) -- A graduate student of the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) placed 7th in the November 2011 Midwife Licensure Examination (MLE).

Nirvana Josabel G. Ortiz, 18, has sustained the Catanduanes State Colleges’ record of producing MLE examination topnotchers for several years now. She earned a rating of 87 percent.

The air that pervaded at CSC, particularly in the College of Health Sciences (CHS), was likewise jubilant when it was declared by the Professional Regulation Commission as the Second Best Performing School in the country. CHS earned an 88.89 passing percentage which is way above the 45.29 national passing percentage.

Nirvana, who hails from Bislig, San Andres, Catanduanes, finished her elementary education at Bislig Elementary School and her secondary education at San Andres Vocational School. She declares being an average student but believes she has never been a stagnant learner. “As one matures, knowledge also exponentially increases,” she said.

This new licensed midwife incidentally is the youngest of the 15 children of Isaias Ortiz, a farmer, and Juana Gurrobat - Ortiz who died when Nirvana was barely 10 months old. Nirvana grew up under the care of her eldest sister Jocelyn.

She told she has always been fascinated with white uniform that it was her childhood dream to take up a health-care profession course. When she did not make it to the nursing admission test, she took up midwifery, which she also considers as one of her top choices for a college degree. Her immediate goal now is to find a job where she can practice her profession.

Nirvana joins 23 other new CSC MLE passers comprised of Abundo, Diana Rose T., Aguilar, Ma. Marife G., Aquino, Jemarie O., Brides, Bevalyn P., Buitre, Rolerose P., Camatoy, Judy Rose C., Camu, Ella Abegail T., Eubra, Maria Ailene T., Flor, Ruby C., Grefalda, Gladys M., Lama, Gissel N., Naldoza, Joy Raine G, Obico, Jhona Rey G., Quintal, Helen Die M., Rodulfo, Rodelyn, Temporal, Michelle Ross T., Sapico, Erel B., Sarmiento, Nealyn C., Surban, Carol Mae P., Tabo, Jehoney B., Tabor, Mary Ann M., Ramirez, Lyzel O., Tusi, Fariza Mae O.

To date, CSC has already produced 14 midwifery board placers, comprised of three 2nd Placers (Kathleen Shiela B. Ramirez - 2010 Erica B. Obogne – 2009, Maria Rosario T. Rodriguez – 2006), two 4th Placers (Erlinda Frondozo-Tabor – 1990 and Kristel Mae V. Cervantes – 2007), one 6th placer (Chique S. Santos – 2007), four 7th Placers (Nirvana Josable G. Ortiz - 2011, Roselyn O. Abines – 2010, Jonna Mae A. Quintal – 2009, Marilyn Idanan-Lucero – 1979), one 8th Placer (Jacqueline P. Laroya – 2008), one 9th Placer (Agnes F. Trinidad – 2007) and two 10th Placers (Cheyserr Kate R. Villegas – 2010 and Janessa M. Medrana – 2007).

Meanwhile, CSC has already earned six citations from the Professional Regulation Commission as Best Performing School nationwide. It was declared Top Performing School in 2010 and 2008, Second Best this 2011, in 2006 and in 2005 and Third Best in 2007.

CSC President Minerva I. Morales commended the faculty members of CSC CHS headed by Dean Jocelyn Ll. Jordan for attaining another significant accomplishment which is barely four months after it produced a 9th placer in the July 2011 Nurse Licensure Examination.

The CSC administration will tender a recognition ceremony to its new MLE placer and passers on November 29, 2011. (GSR/CSC/PIA
Catanduanes)

4,899 beneficiaries of Daet and Talisay included in 4Ps next year

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE, November 25 (PIA) -- Some 4,899 households from the town of Daet and Talisay will be included next year in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD).

DSWD Regional Director RemiaTapispisan said that of 4,899, a total of 3,637 are from the town of Daet while the remaining 1,262 are from the town of Talisay where the two towns were not included in the list of 4Ps before.

She said that they are now conducting registration and validation of the beneficiaries of 4Ps in the said towns in preparation for the immediate release of the cash subsidy next year.

It will be recalled that of the 12 towns of the province, 10 towns were already included with 24,773 beneficiaries, making the total next year of 29,672 families provincewide.

DSWD Regional Director Tapispisan cited that there will be an additional of 56,000 beneficiaries of 4Ps in the bicol region next year.

She explained that the DSWD has selected the qualified beneficiaries through the National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) using a computer system to pin point the situation of municipalities on who or where are the indigent families located.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health nutrition and education particularly children below 14 years old. (MAL/RBM,PIA Camarines Norte)

FIDA launches abaca disease management project cum training in Irosin

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 25 (PIA) -- The Fiber Development Authority (FIDA) in close tandem with the local government of Irosin launched yesterday the Abaca Disease Management Project cum Training at the Patag Eco Park with 80 participants in attendance from its several identified abaca potential producing barangays.

Irosin municipal mayor Eduardo F. Ong, Jr in his message said that the local government of Irosin has seen the best opportunity in the abaca as an industry, it being one of the best plants that can be propagated in their town given the topography, land classification and weather conditions within the areas identified as planting sites based on FIDA’s assessment.

Mr. Daniel L. Lachica, FIDA Development Officer here in the province said that the training was more on the identification of the “three deadly trio” disease of abaca namely; Bunchy Top, Bract Mosaic, and Abaca Mosaic and how can these be treated, controlled and finally eradicated given the new technologies discovered by FIDA and the opportunity for its massive plantation in the town of Irosin.

The province of Sorsogon, according to Dr. Editha O. Lomero, Ph.D., regional director and officer-in-charge, has been one of the biggest suppliers of abaca fiber of good quality and since the time that abaca was affected with these three diseases, abaca production here has deteriorated.

The current administration under President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino according to her has pushed to revitalize and rehabilitate certain endemic industries within specific regions and here in Sorsogon, Irosin town has been for the past years one of the volume quality suppliers of hemp.

The farmers yesterday during the training were taught on the disease identification, application of chemicals and the right monitoring on how the abaca plant can be cultivated again to become an economic base of people in the countryside as major livelihood source.

FIDA will also provide job order for personnel who will conduct and assist in the treatment according to Lachica and these will be the abaca propagators themselves who will be tapped.

Mayor Ong has forged commitment with FIDA to start the project and initial funding to the barangays of Bagsangan, Mapaso, Bolos, Carriedo, Cogon, Santo Domingo, Monbon , Cawayan and Patag and will soon be provided. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Aquino to inaugurate Climate Change Academy in Albay

MANILA, November 24 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy in Albay on Friday in connection with the observance of the Climate Change Consciousness week.

This year’s climate change observance will have a theme “convergence on climate change” which is expected to elicit a higher level of climate change consciousness among media practitioners and eventually the general public.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda underscored the importance of institutionalizing the fight against climate change as well as raising public awareness through the media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is first of its kind in the world, wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo. It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

Given the vulnerability of the Philippines, being the third most vulnerable country in the world, Salceda said battling or reducing the impacts of climate change is a paramount concern of the government.

“Mahalaga po lalung-lalo na para sa atin na para hindi natin makalimutan yung ating mga natutunan noong Ondoy at Pepeng na halos 3 percent ng GDP [gross domestic product] ang nawala sa isang iglap, wala pa sa anim na oras ay nasira ang buong GDP, yung kinayod ng buong ekonomiya for one year sa loob ng anim na oras nawala po dahil sa isang bagyo,” he said noting the impact of typhoons to the country’s economy.

Other countries that send their participants to the Climate Change Academy in Albay include those from Laos, Myanmar, Kenya, Nepal and many others, Salceda said.

Also, the local government of Albay is also holding the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation on November 24 to 26 that will gather media practitioners and foreign correspondents for a three-day workshop to tackle climate change and the impacts of natural disasters.

The workshop is aimed at promoting the importance of awareness to climate vulnerabilities and the need to accelerate the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the local level. It will also advocate the use of science-based analytical and planning tools on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

Among the expected participants include the Philippine Information Agency, Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, the Malacanang Press Corps and other media organizations.

The three-day gathering is sponsored by the Provincial government of Albay, Climate Change Commission, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), National Press Club (NPC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Spanish government. (PCOO)

Philippines adopts National Climate Change Action Plan

MANILA, November 24 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III convened the Climate Change Commission to adopt the National Climate Action Plan in compliance with the country’s international commitments especially to the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention.

President Aquino chairs the Climate Change Commission, an independent and autonomous body that has the similar status of a national government agency.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who met President Aquino at the Palace Tuesday, said the plan is about adaptation to climate change and mitigating its impact particularly on the economy.

The action plan will also become the basis of any assistance that will come from industrialized countries in Europe and the US, which are being blamed for global warming because of massive use of fossil fuels in their industries.

“It’s a critical balance, but I think in the case of the Philippines, it is biased towards adaptation. Adaptation being that you fight the impact of climate change.

Mitigation, because you fight climate change itself,” Salceda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday prior to his meeting with the President.

Asked by reporters how prepared is the Philippines about changing weather patterns, Salceda said the country is one of the most well-prepared countries in the world putting in place legislations and guidelines that address climate change.


“Isa tayo sa pinakahanda. Pero hanggang kailan tayo tatagal, iyon na lang po ang diperensya. Kasi kung tataun-taunin ka ba naman na 3 percent ang tatanggalin sa ekonomiya mo, iyong pinag-ipunan mo laging nawawaldas sa wala. You keep rebuilding, you need to earn the same amount of gross value added in the economy, you have to keep investing on your gross domestic capital formation,” he said.

On the average, Salceda said, the country is losing to climate change about 0.31 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). It may look insignificant but some provinces like Albay is hurt by the impact, he added.

The national action plan will be presented to the climate change conference to be held in Durban, South Africa, and it will be the basis of compensatory measures that rich countries have committed to pay.

“Ang national climate action plan is a requirement so that the EU and Japan, Australia will know just where—kung saan sila papasok para iyong kanilang kino-commit para po sa climate change ay puwedeng gamitin ng Pilipinas,” he said.

Included in the national plan are the guidelines and framework on how the country can use the assistance once it is approved in Durban.

The Philippines will join other countries in pushing for financial assistance to fight climate change as the country’s negotiators leave late this month for Durban.

Last December, negotiators agreed to create a green climate fund that could be accessed by vulnerable countries like the Philippines. They are expected to tackle in the Durban meeting the way to get the money once the fund is approved. (PCOO)

FIRST CLIMATE CHANGE ACADEMY (CCA) SET TO OPEN

LEGAZPI CITY, November 24 – The country’s first Climate Change Academy (CCA) is set for inauguration this week after years of painstaking efforts to develop an institution that is the brainchild of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) for the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA).

CCAcademy is the province of Albay’s response and adaptation measure in a bid to mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming resulting to climate change and extreme weather events.

“The Academy is just one of the many initiatives/programs of CIRCA which the provincial government has put up to gather scientific and actual experiences from various stakeholders that had been consolidated into modules and manuals particularly for the different local government units in the country,” UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund adviser, Gov. Joey Salceda explained.

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund advisor has invited President Benigno Aquino III to be the keynote speaker.

The event coincides with the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, launched as part of the pre-conference of parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Durban in South Africa late this month.

The Climate Change Academy (CCA) for Local Government Units (LGUs,) is a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

The CIRCA is currently implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish Government.

Margarita R. Songco, Deputy Director General of NEDA once said “A global issue such as climate change needs local response and action. Development of climate change initiatives lies in the local institutions. Therefore, it is important for local governments to mainstream CCA into local policies and consider vulnerabilities of communities.”

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnesed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

From its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

The CCAcademy also provides the necessary support for mainstreaming the climate change adaptation and risk reduction framework down to the local government units in the Philippines.

Local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming DRR and CCA.

The academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can be a venue for sharing practical experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

The CCA is the home of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training, and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the CCA’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts.

The mission of the Academy is to advance the community of learning by engaging in S&T research and innovation and in building capacity of government and other sectors to address the impacts of climate change; provide a high quality learning experience to decision makers, community leaders, and local planners to enable them to benefit from the effort of Provincial Government of Albay-Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (PGA-CIRCA) and other institutions and communities in climate change adaptation;

cultivate a learning environment that values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity to prepare the next generations for the challenges of climate change; conduct research, training, and outreach to identify, develop or modify tools and measures for addressing local impacts of climate change; establish a living laboratory and demonstration facility that will showcase innovations, practices and technologies that contribute to climate resilience by improving the quality of life, increasing agricultural productivity, protecting the environment, promoting the well-being of families, and conserving natural resources;

offer educational and training programs, including workshops using the demonstration facility of climate change technologies and lessons from other learning experiences, to individuals and groups establish partnerships with communities and provide educational, technical and cultural support to increase the livability of communities vulnerable to climate change; establish partnerships with government, industry and other organizations to support the success of its mission; and establish and support a community of practice in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management through facilitation of real and virtual information exchange and dialogue among climate practitioners and stakeholders.

The Academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on: a) climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; b) disaster/climate risk reduction and management; and c) Climate change adaptation /disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The Academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels: Awareness on disaster risks/climate change issues; Modular/progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster/climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and Guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster/climate proofing” by local stakeholders.

Science-based Governance:
Albay is showcasing how improved governance through the use of science-based analytical and planning tools for mainstreaming disaster and climate change risk management into the comprehensive land use and development plans of its municipalities and cities as well as into the provincial educational system, translates Into the achievement of the MDGs and long term sustainable development.

Education for Risk Management:

Albay also uses the education sector to develop knowledge and skills on disaster/climate risk management among the young, ensuring a sustainable capacity base among its people. (Example: Lesson Exemplars and Syllabus)

Knowledge Management:

The Academy is the living laboratory of all sectoral case studies in the Philippines through the University of the Philippines Institutes (UPIs); Repository of Knowledge Management Platform of the United Nations.

The Cross Cutting of the Academy includes Capacity Assessment and Development; Competency Development Program and Resource Person Pool; Knowledge Management and Information,

Education and Communication (IEC); Research and Development and Technology Transfer; Training Modules Tools on Disaster and Climate proofing; Monitoring and Evaluation.

Equity:

All Parties (The Nine GOP partners and Six (6) UN partners and Albay) shall mobilize and allocate necessary personnel, resources to effective and efficiently implement and operate the Climate Change Academy for Local Government Units as the first Center of Excellence in the Philippines.

Academy Ownership:

Local ownership--Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) as proponent and host LGU
National Ownership – Government of the Philippines (GOP)
International and global ownership – United Nations System (UNS)/Spanish Government/AECID

Resource Speakers: IPCC Experts and Senior Scientist; NASA Senior Scientists & experts; University of the Philippine Institutes; University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia; CLIMSystem Limited ( IPCC experts); National Government Agencies; United Nations Systems Experts & Scientists.

Sosogon Festival to stage “Farmers and Fishermen Got Talent Show”

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 24 (PIA) -- The famous television show ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ will have its own innovative format here in the forth coming Sosogon Festival this December.

With a more grassroots version, the famous talent show here will be showcasing the varied talents of the people working in the in agricultural and fishery sectors dubbed “Farmers and Fishermen Got Talent Show" (FFGTS).

Adelaida Detera, Sorsogon City Agriculture department head, said that in keeping with this year’s Sosogon Festival, their office will engage the fishermen and farmers to showcase their talent in singing, dancing , Rawit Dawit ( a local way of poetry recitation) and Quiz Bee and will zero in on the theme : How do I Help Adapt and Mitigate the Bad Effects of Climate Change interpreted through a various genre.

In a meeting conducted early this week at the Sorsogon City Agriculture Office, activities to highlight the other side of these workers in agriculture will be staged in a more theatrical presentation showing their mettle and prowess in various artistic fields and knowledge-based competition.

"Here they will not be using their nets and farm tools but their innate God given gifts and these sectors will be shown in a different light," she said.

Sosogon Festival now on its 5th year of celebration has lined up varied activities to highlight the different sectors of society in a more"christmasy spirit".

Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda said that the festival is an avenue for the people of Sorsogon to celebrate ,have fun and share aside from showing the different sector’s way of commemorating the foundation day of this city through the festival.

Meanwhile forms for the competition can be accessed through the city Agriculture Office and deadline is set up to Nov. 25.

Detera is hopeful that giving opportunities to this sector in showcasing their talents is also a way of making them inspired and share something different to the public who view them as land and sea based workers.

Detera also explained that prizes will be at stake to the winners and participants to this competition will add color to this year’s Sosogon Festival 2011 celebration.

She said farmers and fisherfolks are the truly grounded sector in our community who provide us the staple food in our table, this time around watch them show something truly entertaining and prove that they too like others got talent. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

500 day care pupils celebrate early X-mas with Rotary Club

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 24 (PIA) -- A total of 500 Day Care Pupils from San Andres town here received an early Christmas present in forms of bags and school supplies from the Rotary Club of Parañaque East as part of their educational program last November 19, 2011 at San Andres Central Elementary School Gymnasium.

Municipal Mayor Antonio Romano and Councilor Jonathan Joson were in attendance during the gift-giving which benefited 29 Day Care Centers in the said town.

The program aims to help pupils especially those in remote barangays to improve their performance ast school.

Rotary Club of Parañaque has been actively supporting series of medical missions in the province which already benefit 5,000 recipients. They are also providing medicines and medicinal supplies to local hospitals and other groups.

The said gift-giving program is also in cooperation with the Congressional District Office under the leadership of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes. (MAL/EAbagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Palace declares Dec. 7 as special holiday in Virac

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 24 (PIA) -- Malacañang declared December 7, 2011 as a special non-working holiday in the capital town Virac for the celebration of Virac Fiesta.

According to Proclamation No. 827 issued last November 9, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa by authority of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, declaring Dec. 7 a holiday is but fitting and proper for the people of Virac to have an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

The celebration of the town’s foundation day also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 7-8, 2011 which actually starts on November 28 with a Novenario at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 5:30 p.m.

Moreover, an Agro-Fair which shall feature best products offered by the town will be held as part of the celebration. There will also be Virac Idol and Best Dance Crew contests on December 2, still a part of the week-long celebration.

On Dec. 3, the Virac Videoke Challenge will be held followed by the Million Volunteer Run spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross Catanduanes Chapter and Battle of the Bands as well as Beer Plaza on the next day, Dec. 4.

A civic-military parade around Virac downtown and a shoot fest dubbed as Pistoleros’ Shoot Fest at Camp Francisco Camacho will take place on December 7 followed by the vesper ball in the evening.

In the final day of Dec. 8, a concelebrated mass to be led by Bishop Manolo A. delos Santos will be held followed by indigenous and parlor games at Plaza Rizal. (EA Bagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

RPOC-V MEETING -- Camarines Norte Governor and RPOC Chairman Edgardo Tallado (top photo) presides over the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting at the DILG Training Hall, DILG R-5 Compound, Legazpi City today (Wednesday) November 23, 2011. Photo shows (R-L) M/Gen. Josue Gaverza, Jr., 9th ID Commanding General, PNP-5 Reg. Dir. PCSupt. Cecilio B. Calleja, Jr.. and DILG Reg. Dir. Balndino M. Maceda. The council discussed and presented the update of peace and order, drug abuse situation and status of implementation of basic services in RPOC priority areas. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Camarines Sur National High School finest eco-friendly school in PH

LEGAZPI CITY, November 23, (PIA/DENR) -- Never settling for its 2009 second place honor, the Camarines Sur National High School (Cam High) in Naga City triumphed among the country’s eco-friendly schools and managed to get the national championship this year.

Known among the academe for its sustainable environment friendly programs, Cam High was adjudicated as Bicol’s most eco-friendly school in school year 2011, which further pushed its environmental programs and projects to the fore of the school’s curricula.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada praised Cam High for its back-to-back win as among the most eco-friendly high school in the country today.

“This should serve as an inspiration among our local academe, to do well and strive harder to pursue a green institution, wherein students are highly aware of their roles in keeping our environment sustainable and protected” Director Fragada said.

Awarding Ceremonies

The DENR, together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications, has named nine schools as the national champions of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Handing out the awards in simple ceremonies held Wednesday (Nov. 16) at the SM City North EDSA were DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje; Smart’s Community Partnerships senior manager Darwin Flores; DepEd’s Nutrition Division head Dr. Juan Araojo Jr.; and CHED Director William Malitao.

In a speech read by Davis, Paje described as “overwhelming” the schools’ response to the call for entries to the competition. “The contest was launched so that schools will participate more actively in environmental programs. We hope that in doing so, the students will also encourage others to adopt sustainable practices,” Paje said.

The nine national champions were chosen from 45 regional champions representing the elementary, high school and college levels. For the elementary level, Iliranan Elementary School of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Kibawe Central School in Kibawe, Bukidnon; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were proclaimed as first, second and third placers, respectively.

Declared high school level champions were the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City (1st); University of San Jose Recoletos – High School in Cebu City (2nd); and Daniel R. Aquinaldo National High School in Davao City (3rd).

Meanwhile, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas in Cavite; Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City; and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City were awarded the first, second and third places for the college level.

The national champions each received plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third place. The awarding coincided with the celebration of November as National Environmental Awareness Month as provided under Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from elementary to college levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities. It is the Philippines’ initative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012), and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). (MAL/RLMendones, DENR V)

DTI, DAR partner for “Plant a Tree Program”

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have forged partnership for the massive planting of the pili trees here in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government.

Pili, considered as a high value crop of of Sorsogon has been also identified as one of the natural environmental trees to be planted to ensure adaptation and mitigation to the ill effects of climate change.

DTI Sorsogon through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC), also coordinated with local officials in the propagation of the said high value crop.

Leah Pagao, provincial director of DTI Sorsogon, said that pili has already gained a niche in trade fairs as Bicol's best commodity champion in sales, truly marketable and an export earner for the region.

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Program (CARP), beneficiaries here were also trained and tapped to plant throughout the province with seedlings supplied by the Department of Agriculture.

Alleviation of poverty, according to Pagao is one of the main objectives in the massive planting of pili hand in hand with environmental conservation and economic development enterprise.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) thrusts’ and the provincial government of Sorsogon’s initiative to harmonize efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation through pili planting will be one of the continuous activities of the province to be undertaken.

Resource speakers from DA have also been tapped to provide more information to CARP beneficiaries in the proper propagation of the pili tree.

Meanwhile, seedlings were also distributed to 100 beneficiaries region-wide and proper validation of areas for pili plantation has been identified already.

The" Plant a Tree Program" has already been recommended by DENR as Secretary Ramon Paje of DENR during his visit here.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Albay hosts celebration of World AIDS Day in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, November 23 (PIA) – It's all system go for this year’s World AIDS Day celebration in Bicol to be hosted by Albay, according to Albay Board Member Herbert Borja, co-chairman of the Albay Provincial AIDS Council.

Borja said Albay will host this year’s celebration set on December 1 and 2 with the theme – Getting to Zero for discrimination, zero new infection and AIDS related deaths.

Borja said that event on December 1 is the Street Walk information drive to be participated in by various organizations from both from private and public sectors including students of different colleges and universities. “The objective of the Information caravan is to increase awareness on HIV and AIDs prevention.”

On December 2, a policy congress on Getting to Zero will be held in Casablanca convention hall which will be highlighted by the presentation of the Rapid Assessment of the Vulnerability (RAV) result. This study was conducted in the municipalities of Bacacay, Sto Domingo, Guinobatan and Ligao City. RAV is one of the activity of the Albay AIDS Council and Department of Health (DoH) to determine the magnitude of Most At Risk Population and its vulnerabilities on HIV and AIDS.

The policy congress aims to validate the result of the RAV and formulate immediate measure to address gaps and concerns on the prevention of HIV and reduce the number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) specially among Men who are Having Sex with men (MSM).

Meanwhile, Gayon Albay ( an organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender) will also launch the Human Soul Exhibit in Pacific Mall Legazpi on December 2. The Human Soul Exhibit actually promotes anti-discrimination legislations that would help eliminate stigma and discrimination among the LGBT community. This activity is in partnership with the United Nations development Progra, Health Action Information Network, Lad-Lad, Bluethumb, Alliance Francaice de Manilla, The Library Foundation-Share and pacific Mall Legazpi.(MAL, PIA V)

Christmas Cheers set to start on Dec. 16

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 23 (PIA) -- The annual 13-day Christmas Cheers in the province will start on December 16, 2011 to be held every night at the Plaza Rizal in Virac, Catanduanes.

Performing groups/ schools will sponsor one night of delight which is one of the most awaited Yuletide entertainment festival in the entire island. Usually, performing groups are given two hours of performance.

The schedule and sponsor for each night is as follows: CSC Hablon Dawani (Dec.16), CSC Laboratory Schools (Dec. 17), Virac Pilot Elementary School (Dec. 18), JMAMES/Taytay Elementary School (Dec. 19), Buyo/Calatagan/Palta (Dec. 20), Virac Central/Antipolo/Igang (Dec.21), CNHS (Dec.22), CC/Ville St. John (Dec. 23), Music Avenue Band (Dec. 26), Star Kids (Dec. 27), Little Ms. Christmas Cheers (Dec. 28), 2nd Christmas Serenade Choral Competition (Dec. 29), and the Provincial Government on Dec. 30.

Major sponsors of the said event are Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, Congressional District Office, LGU Catanduanes, LGU Virac, DPWH Catanduanes, Marriage Encounterers, Catanduanes Tribune, Catanduanes Contractors Association, Mountain Care & Hikers Association, Abuad Enterprises, FICELCO, Catanduanes Tulungan Club and Rotaract Club. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Parents told: Spare the rod

MASBATE CITY, November 22 (PIA) -- At a recent seminar, dozens of parents and guardians, senior citizens, day care teachers, lay workers and youth leaders in the municipality of Cawayan were told that beating a child to instill discipline “is harmful as it impedes his development.”

According to the resource speakers in the seminar, just ridiculing, threatening or intimidating a mischievous child has negative impact on his childhood.

Ariel M. Posadas of Plan International told participants it was time to dispose of the proverbial rod at home—or to be more apt, employ alternative, non-violent punishment to properly bring up a child.

In line with the “Strengthening Civil Society in Eliminating Violence Against Children in the Philippines” project which is sponsored by Plan International and European Union, the seminar ended with the formation of participants into what was called as “Community-Based Advocacy Mainstreaming Group” (CBAMG).

Posadas said corporal or psychological punishment that is inflicted upon children tends to be hidden because it is typically committed in the home.

Civil society groups, like the CBAMG, could uncover such violence, he added.

Dante Tizon of Philippine Legislative Committee on Population and Development said that since the ordinance’s objective was the same as that of House Bill 4455, Cawayan was virtually providing a dry run for an imminent national campaign against violent discipline of children.

Tizon said once the “Positive Discipline Act of 2011” is enacted, parents and guardians will be assisted in fulfilling their parental authority while also upholding the children’s right to protection from cruelty.

The law would bind parents and guardians to adopt “positive discipline,” an enhanced technique in disciplining children that professional caregivers employ to correct the behavior of their wards. (MAL/EA Delgado, PIA Masbate)

DTI confiscates substandard Christmas lights

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Catanduanes has started its campaign against substandard Christmas lights sold by business establishments in the province as part of their monitoring to ensure public safety and to avoid unwanted incidence, according to DTI provincial director Ireneo B. Panti.

Included in the DTI operation are confiscation of substandard Christmas lights being sold in Virac Public Market and other parts of the town's capital.

Panti added that 50 pieces of Christmas lights amounting P700 were confiscated last Thursday, November 17.

DTI likewise urged the public to make sure that the products, especially the Christmas lights, are in good condition. Consumers may complain with the DTI for any substandard products sold by business establishments which may pose dangers.

Vendors were also warned to follow the law to avoid product confiscation and penalties. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Red Cross-Cat'nes to join nationwide fun run

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Catanduanes Chapter will be joining the nation in a fun run dubbed as the Million Volunteer Run on December 4, 2011.

The activity is in connection with the celebration of the 10th International Year of Volunteers and aims to gather a million volunteer runners nationwide.

Million Volunteer Run also hopes to empower Filipinos against the dangers of disasters by training first responders and blood donors in preparation for any disaster.

Proceeds from the registration fee of P500 event will go to the different services especially in the training of Red Cross 143 volunteers and its disaster management programs.

The activity also emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and disaster-preparedness management through Red Cross 143 training in every barangay throughout the country.

The Million Volunteer Run will start at Plaza Rizal at around 6:00 a.m. and will end at the same venue. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Govt, private firms join DOLE-Bicol’s 1st Inter-Company Friendship Games

LEGAZPI CITY, November 22 (PIA/DOLE) -- A total of 16 teams have signified joining the first ever Inter-Company Basketball Friendship Tournament sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here.

DOLE Bicol regional director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said that the tournament, dubbed as “DOLE Cup 2011” is an experimental venture aimed at promoting a harmonious relationship among labor and management in both the private and public sectors.

He said that DOLE Bicol is serious in its mandate of promoting industrial peace and shall use all means necessary to achieve the goal set forth by the Labor Sec. Baldoz in the unified Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) in attaining a 100 percent industrial peace in the regions.

“Sports has always been a peace maker not only internally to the companies that join us but as well as the entire business community here in the Region. In fact, an undeniable statistics shows that in every Manny Pacquiao’s fight crimes drop. So why not use sports as a tool in delivering our services,” Villamor added.

“DOLE Cup 2011” is a basketball tournament open to all businesses, companies, establishments, and even government offices region wide who are willing to join in any of the two categories.

The two categories are the Senior Category with players below 45 years old and the Veteran Category with players above 45 years old. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also welcome to join the tournament by forming a consolidated team composed of several business entities.

Ryan Villaflores, a basketball enthusiast, a certified Honda mechanic, and the owner-manager of a small yet profitable auto shop business - the Modules Car Clinic located at Tahao Road Legazpi City, allied with other small shop owners and mechanic to form their team the “Auto Boys.”

“Maganda po ito kasi nagkakakilala kami nang husto tapos nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na mapag usapan yung mga sikreto ng negosyo. Yun bang parang sharing. Tapos sa gaya naming maliit pa lang na business e naiiwasan yung sama-an ng loob gawa ng kumpetisyon sa negosyo yun bang tipo na…o sya I laro na lang naten ng basketball yan…” Villaflores said.

Even media personnel in the region have been all praises for this move calling it as a “different-yet effective” approach of advocacy.

Edwin Peralta, news director of PBN DZGB-AM Legazpi and an active KBP member, in an afternoon interview with DOLE-Bicol, even profess the willingness of the KBP Legazpi Chapter to also join the competition.

He said that the DOLE Cup 2011 is the proper venue to strengthen the bond of broadcasters in the region. He also sees it as an opportunity for DOLE-Bicol to reach out to far more than the four corners of its office.

“I was actually surprised by the outcome of the number of teams who signified. The response was overwhelming. Truly, this DOLE Cup is not about the price or prestige but the camaraderie and the harmonious relationships forged. Please note that there is no pot-money on this but just a trophy for the winning team,” Villamor added.

DOLE Cup 2011 commenced on November 12.

Enhanced Labor-Management-Public Sector relations plus the bonus of an actual advocacy of DOLE’s presence in the public eye can be claimed as the best campaign to push for voluntary labor standards compliance with a minimal or at no cost from the government at all.

Also, the partnerships made with this endeavor is expected to last a lifetime all in the spirit of giving the best public service and best labor and employment advocacy in the service of the Bicolanos. (MAL/RPE-DOLE V)

DPWH-DEO I joins hazard awareness, wellness services and psychosocial promotions

ALBAY 1st DEO, Legazpi City, November 22 (PIA) -- Officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here and its three district offices of Albay joined the events and activities in connection with the conduct of hazard awareness, wellness services, and psychosocial care, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of Governor Joey Sarte-Salceda last Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

On the part of the DPWH, the walk for a cause was headed by regional director Danilo E. Dequito, together with 2nd Engineering District OIC Assistant D.E. Vicente Miraballes, 3rd Engineering District OIC Assistant D.E. Benecio V. Sazon, Administrative Officer V Flocerpida Azotea, and Administrative Officer III Ma. Teodora P. Losantas and Albay 1st Administrative Officer III Teresita B. Talastas.

This event was participated in by some government agencies, LGU’s, senior citizens, students and teachers from different schools, barangays, JCI Legazpi City, ABA, KBP and other entities.

The activity started through a “walk for healthier Albayanos” led by the Albay Provincial Health Office at 6:00 in the morning from Bicol University grounds to Peñaranda Park. Included in the event were the “Hataw” and the awarding of Inter-Department Sports fest.

Free medical and dental check-up, bone screening, breast care, health education and diet counseling were given to all participants at the “wellness clinic” at Albay Astrodome. At 1:30 p.m., school bags, tables and chairs were distributed to 500 elementary pupils and 200 day care workers, led by the Philippine Social Welfare and Development. (MAL/DPWH V)

DPWH personnel undergoes free osteoporosis screening

ALBAY 1st DEO, Legazpi City, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The Albay Medical Society, under Dr. Ofelia Sy, with MSD-Merck Sharp and DOHME, in cooperation with the Albay District Engineering Office Employees Association, headed by Association’s President, Mr. Allan B. Imperial and organized by Epifania Daep, conducted a free osteoporosis bone screening last October 17, 2011 at the Public Information Office from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

OIC Assistant District Engineer Rafael B. Presbitero, Administrative Officer III Teresita B. Talastas, Engr. Wilfredo S. Bigol, OIC Chief, Construction Section and P.I.O Designate Marites B. Mañago were the first four personnel who submitted themselves in bone screening. A total of sixty six employees undergo bone testing, in which, six was found to be at risk for osteoporosis category, twenty three on osteopenia and thirty seven were classified under normal ratings.

With those findings, Dr. Ofelia Sy provided the necessary prescriptions to those personnel who have been found under the osteoporosis and Osteopenia categories.

Osteoporosis usually occurs in elderly persons and post menopausal women. Exercise programs, calcium-enriched diet, and sometimes estrogens replacement, are used in prevention and treatment. (MAL/DPWH V)

Media’s turn to bolster mainstreaming advocacies and strategies on climate change adaptation
…Albay hosts anew media interfacing

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 21 (PIA) – With provincial, city and town chief executives across the country earlier demonstrating their commitment to develop resilience and adaptive capacities of communities to the adverse impacts of the changing climate, now it’s media’s share to bolster mainstreaming advocacies and strategies on climate change adaptation in the country.

Governor Joey Salceda of Albay, UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund advisor, said the conference forms part of the series of sectoral interfacings in mainstreaming strategies on adaptation to the changing climate wherein no doubt the media has very important role to play.

Albay province, acclaimed a key front liner in CCA advocacy in the country and abroad, takes the lead anew in staging the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation set on November 24-26 at the Bicol University here.

Salceda said that President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III is invited to keynote the convention on November 25 and lead the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy.

Salceda furthered that the media convention will gather selected media practitioners and foreign correspondents from different organizations in a three-day workshop to tackle climate change implications and challenges, related disasters vis-à-vis media’s action, along with other sectors, on preparedness, adaptation and mitigation.

The interfacing, according to him, also intends to promote awareness on climate change vulnerabilities and extremities, putting emphasis the need to accelerate programs and policies in pursuit of the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the local level, and advocate the use of science-based analytical and planning tools on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, among others.

Meanwhile, Manuel “Nong” Rangasa, executive director of the Center for Initiative and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), told PIA News Service that the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation is part of the over-all effort of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Presidential Communications Operations Office, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Science and Technology, National Economic and Development Authority, Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas, National Press Club in partnership with the Joint Programme MDG-F1656, United Nations Development Programme and Spanish Government-Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International Para El Desarollo.

Earlier, a series of Summits on Mainstreaming of CCA among local government units (LGUs) were held in different parts of the country that evidently manifests that the implementation of direct adaptation measures remains local or lies on the hands of LGUs and residents.

Albay already hosted and sponsored the three CCA summits involving the League of Governors of the Philippines held in Albay on November 2010 and League of City Mayors in Iloilo on December, also last year, while League of Municipalities on March this year. (MALoterte, PIA V)

Masbate strengthens fight against marine wealth exploitation

by Ernie A. Delgado

MASBATE CITY, November 21 (PIA) —- The local government is reinforcing the fight against exploitation of marine wealth with the enactment of “Anti-Super Light Ordinance of 2011,” which outlaws fishing with the aid of strong light.

Like trawling and fine-meshed net fishing, the use of super light, which is generated by halogen, is blamed for overfishing that RA 8550 or the Fishery Code of the Philippines included it among the banned forms of fishing in municipal waters—the waters within 15 kilometers from the coastline.

Under the ordinance, violators could be fined and jailed for violating RA 8550.

Exempted from the ordinance are government or private research and educational institutions, which were issued permit to use super light in fishing for research, experimental, educational and scientific purposes.

The city mayor issues such permit under certain conditions after consulting with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council.

The ordinance also outlaws the use of mercury lights and lights with more than 4,000 watts or 4 kilowatts in combined electrical power in fish catching in the city’s waters.

On the other hand, it legalizes the use of incandescent lamp, pressurized gas lamp, compact bulb as well as “hasag,” a traditional gear of fisher folks.

Violators of the prohibition on the use of mercury lights and lights of more than 4 kilowatts will be slapped with a P1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to six months.

The ordinance also provides monetary reward for law enforcers involved in the apprehension and prosecution of violators.

Those responsible for the conviction of violators—BFAR personnel, policemen, members of Bantay Dagat Task Force and barangay chairs—will receive at least 25 percent of the fine. (MAL/EADelgado, PIA Masbate)

Camarines Norte named recipient of PAMANA of OPPAP

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, November 21 (PIA) -- Camarines Norte has been named one of the recipient of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) that responds and strengthens peace building, reconstruction and development in conflict affected areas (CCAs) in line with the government’s goal of putting a permanent and just closure to internal armed conflicts.

Governor Edgardo Tallado said that the PAMANA framework on sustainable peace and development has three pillars namely: building the foundation of peace (Pillar 1), establishing resilient communities (Pillar 2) and addressing regional development (Pillar 3).

He explained that the OPPAP and the provincial government recognized the imperative of building critical partnership, collaboration, and cooperation in carrying out the PAMANA roadmap Pillar 3 projects through road accessibility as seen as main strategies that will contribute to the economic growth area of the province and eventurally of the region.

Earlier the governor has issued an Executive Order No. 2011-38 creating the Provincial PAMANA Management Team in the province which will oversee the implementation and management of PAMANA programs and projects in the province and ensure that the necessary processes are in place guided by principle of peace and social cohesion.

Governor Tallado is the chairman of the PAMANA Management Team and members include: Provincial Engr. Cesar Paita of the Provincial Engineering Office, Arch. Madonna Abular of Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), OIC Provincial Agriculturist Francia Pajares of Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Engr. Leopoldo Badiola of Ecosystem and Environmental Resource Management Division (EERMD) and OIC Cynthia de la Cruz of Provincial Social Welfare and Devt. Office (PSWDO), all under the provincial government.

A meeting of the provincial PAMANA Management Team will be held tomorrow with the representatives of OPPAP at the governor’s office.(MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

Aquamarine project in Casiguran town under National Convergence Initiatives underway

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 21 (PIA) -- Programs for the fishing industry sector in Casiguran town, including an on-going training on aquamarine culture, are underway through the National Convergence Initiative (NCI), according to Mayor Maria Esther Hamor in an interview here last week.

Hamor said that the careful selection of the beneficiaries was a big consideration since the success of the project depends on their attitude, active participation and commitment to make the project profitable, sustainable, and the full cooperation to follow the local government’s fishery rules and policies should be addressed.

“As local chief executive it is my desire to alleviate poverty in our town but at the same time fully implement the sustainable conservation of our environment from land to sea and inland water resources,” she said.

Benigno Bejison, municipal agriculture officer of Casiguran, and Gil B. Ramos of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have conducted the trainings and the identified fishermen from Barangay Somal-ot were provided the needed materials to include five fishnets, four bundles of nylon rope, and 150 bamboo poles for their crab production.

According to Ramos, BFAR has provided the hands on training to on aqua-silvi culture technology to 61 fisherfolks in the said barangay.

It has also conducted the validation of the site selection process and most of the areas identified were mangrove area sites, a very good potential for the sustainability of the project.

Demonstration on the actual preparation of the area was done according to Bejison while the construction of crab cages were shown and process of harvesting were also explained.

The topics that were discussed included feeding management of crabs, record keeping, harvesting and post harvest activities, marketing, and the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Ramos said that mud crab production will only take four months to wait and that proper management should be followed so that the quality, quantity, and price of the produce will be competitive in the market.

Mayor Hamor explained that the LGU in partnership with the three converging agencies, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Agrarian Reform will continually coordinate in the implementation of the NCI projects in their municipality. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Energy corporation highlights corporate social responsibility programs

by Irma A Guhit

SORSOGON CITY , November 21 (PIA) -- Anchored on a five- pronged community development agenda, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) through its Community Partnerships Department (CPD), has laid down their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program component focusing on Health, Education, Livelihood, Small Scale Contract and Environment.

Engr. Liberato S. Virata, plant manager in his signed report provided their company's commitment to provide social prosperity and environmental stewardship through the implementation of a comprehensive, responsive and sustained program under their CSR program in partnership with their stakeholders and in keeping with the company’s objectives.

Senior Supervisor of the EDC-CPD, Eduardo Jimenez explained that under the CSR-CPD, 43 primary partner barangays with 17,680 households, 121 community associations, 71 schools and 47 health center in their host barangay-communities are beneficiaries of their CSR programs.

Under their Health Services Program, 47 health centers were continuously supported with trainings like drug abuse prevention with the enhancement of knowledge and capabilities of 65 health workers, medicine supply assistance, 36 medical and dental outreach conducted, improvement of several Barangay Health Centers..

Their health promotion support included trainings also of households on responsible parenthood,proper nutrition and health and sanitation practices while improving community access to basic medical facilities and services.

Total intervention under this program amounted to P5.7 M with 8,972 beneficiaries.

Jimenez cited that their environment programs focused on information education campaigns on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, promoting the BINHI program that diversify the planting of trees in four categories.

Their environmental protection enhancement is zeroed in on their continuous planting and reforestation of the 250,000 ha reservation area as their legacy of greening and their commitment to promote geothermal projects sites as eco-tourism destinations by maintaining their butterfly garden, bat sanctuary, wildlife park, twin falls and boiling pond sites.

Under their Livehihood Program, 44 livelihood projects are maintained under the Social Development Project (SDP) assisting farmers in rice production, vegetable gardening, fertilizer assistance, mud crab production, aquasilvi farming, and lambaklad project benefiting both land and sea based beneficiaries within the host communities

Jimenez said that their CSR beneficiaries under the livelihood component totaled to 7,528 with 122 organized farmers association.

Education has been one of their CSR pilot programs were host barangays' pupils and students were provided yearly school supplies including bags, miscellaneous fees payment assistance, and scholarships where 25 students in the secondary schools every year are chosen and sponsored with provisions of tuition fee, book allowance and monthly stipend.

A total of 26,330 individuals benefited from the regular education projects with a total amount of P 11.4 M intervention.

Meanwhile their Small Scale Contracts amounted to P43.2 M and this was awarded to cooperatives in the local communities for labor contracting.

Jimenez underscored that the total amount of intervention provided by the company in their CSR program amounted to P 99.5 M from 2005-2009 that benefited 41,244 individuals and group beneficiaries..(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition set

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 21, (PIA) -- The 2nd Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition in the province will be held on December 2011 during the Congressman's Night of the annual Christmas Cheers at Plaza Rizal which will start on December 16.

Twelve invited schools from the province are expected to participate in the said competition. There shall only be one official entry per participating school and it shall be composed of not more than 20 members who are all bona fide pupils of the school they represent and one conductor who is a faculty in the same competing school.

The chorale group shall sing two songs: one standard song "Carol of the Bells" and the other one is a song of their choice that could be interpreted either in a Capella or accompanied with live guitar or piano only.

The Congressional District Office spearheads the competition and encourages participants to use recycled or indigenous materials as part of their lower garments since the t-shirts will be provided by the office.

The performance proper shall only be six minutes and shall not exceed eight minutes presentation time.

A total of P63,000 cash prize will be given to participants where the champion shall receive P20,000, P15,000 for the first runner up; P10,000 for the second runner-up; and P2,000 shall be given to non-winning groups. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

CSC urges to make every civil servant a 'Lingkod Bayani'

LEGAZPI CITY, November 17 (PIA/CSC) -- Through the years, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) remains relentless and has initiated and pursued programs and policies towards building a competent, credible and motivated bureaucracy.

CSC V regional director Cecilia Nieto said that the commission envisions making a lingkod bayani out of every civil servant. Lingkod bayani is a play on the terms lingkod bayan (public servant) and bayani (hero).

She cited that CSC believes heroism is a powerful, positive and engaging theme, adding that the need to imbibe among state workers the proper work ethic and build their capacity to be heroes in their own right can effectively project a positive image of the Philippine bureaucracy.

Thus, according to the director, all government agencies and instrumentalities are enjoined to adopt the slogan “ Gawing Lingkod Bayani ang Bawat Kawani”.

“ It challenges all public servants to begin the transformation from being lingkod bayan to a lingkod bayani or servant-hero,” she said.

CSC V also encourages government offices to produce the lingkod bayani button pin as part of the employee uniform, wherein the commission also made the design that may be downloaded via the CSC’s website (www.csc.gov.ph).

The director suggests that for queries and concerns, government offices may coordinate with the Public Assistance and Liaison Division (PALD) of the CSC Region 5 at 482-0699 or visit the CSC regional and field office near you. (MAL, PIA/CSC V)

Red Cross Sorsogon campaigns support to the Million Volunteer Run

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 17 (PIA) -- The province of Sorsogon will lend support to the international statement vision of of the Philippine Red Cross in making the Philippines as the Red Cross Volunteer Capital of the World.

This was the agenda taken up by the members of the board of the PRC Sorsogon chapter here during their regular monthly meeting held last week to highlight the Red Cross 143 program in the campaign for support to the Million Volunteer Run scheduled this December 4.

The Philippines in 2009 was identified as the top ranking highly vulnerable disaster prone country and in 2010, it ranked third among countries frequently hit by disasters and natural calamities, thus, PRC to address this concern has engaged the mobilization of millions of RC volunteers through the RC 143 program here in the Philippines.

Atty. Arnulfo Perete, chair of PRC Sorsogon explained that the Philippine has a highly organized PRC 143 program where 44 volunteers (1 leader and 43 members) in each of the 42,000 barangays in the country who are now highly trained to cope with and reduce the risks of disasters, enabling them to respond accordingly to any catastrophic event in their respective communities.

With the declaration of the United Nations of the year 2011 as the International Year of Volunteers via Resolution 52/17, the PRC seeks to awaken the spirit of volunteerism in every Filipino through the Red Cross Million Volunteer Run.

This ground breaking event will be held in all key cities and 1,494 municipalities nationwide on December 4.

Here in Sorsogon, the approved plan is a 5km fun run around the city on the said date at 5:30 a.m., assembly will be at the Provincial Capitol Park and at exactly 6 a.m. the fun run starts.

A registration fee of P500.00 is required and funds derived from this activity will be given to countries as assistance specially those areas affected by natural calamities.

The Red Cross vision is to engage all first aiders, blood donors, health and welfare volunteers in every home school, business and community all over the Philippines to join in this event to make a statement of making the Philippines as the Volunteer Capital of the World through this activity.

In the meeting, the board committed to show solidarity in this PRC vision and will campaign here for various sectors to join and support this undertaking.

Dr. Alfred Adrian O. Lopez was designated as chair of the activity while Zita D. Hababag was chosen as chair of the Fund General Committee. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Latest ‘Smoke Free Albay’ merit badge, backed by Girl Scouts, DepEd

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 17 (PIA) -- The introduction of a new merit badge for Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) was received agreeably by the Albay Council and the leadership of Department of Education (DepEd).

The Albay GSP Council, through its Executive Director Ma. Amy Oyardo, gave the green light for the Smoke Free Albay Network (SFAN) to launch said merit badge while DEpEd Albay Division superintendent Marilet Almayda endorsed the earning of the anti-smoking emblem.

The introduction of the merit badge, which took on the official name as Smoke-Free Albay Merit Badge, was one of the highlights of the weeklong GSP Albay Provincial Encampment held at Kawa Kawa, Legazpi City last October 24-29, 2011.

Said launching’s focal point was a symposium on smoke-free kids and the SFAN challenge.

The symposium which was held at the grand arena of the encampment was attended by some 1,200 participants and their adult leaders. Talks on ill-effects of smoking with Dr. Wins Samar of the LIgao City Health Office and the No Smoking Enforcement by P/Sr. Supt William S. Macavinta were important topics discussed.

The forum was capped by the signing of the commitment wall by the participants led by Ligao City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Vice President Bryan David and Board Member Herbert Borja who also gave the overview of the SFAN.

Meantime, the SFAN challenge, an activity which demonstrated the girls readiness to take part in community work. The girls, whose ages ranged from 10 to 16 years old where divided into four groups. The S group posted stickers in public utility vehicles, the F group “find” ashtrays and encouraged owners to keep if not throw them. The A group appealed to smokers to stop smoking and persuaded them to enroll in the smoking cessation program while the N group posted no smoking signages in government offices.

Among the activities from which the girl scout participant in the encampment can select from are scrap book on no smoking; simple movie maker; self initiative activity of convincing home members to stop smoking; information dissemination at home, or neighborhood or community; distribution of leaflets or posting of stickers and signages; collecting ash trays from different government agencies; collecting cigarette butts using plastic gloves then placed in sealed container; taking photographs of smokers in prohibited areas.

This merit badge on smoking is the first for Albay GSP and the GSP as a whole.

The GSP is an association for girls and young women of the Philippines whose aim is to help girls and young women realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves for their responsibilities in the home, the community, the nation, and the world community. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

PNP files case vs. NPA men

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 17 (PIA) -- Criminal charges have been filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) here against 10 members of the New People's Army in the province of Catanduanes regarding the incident of backhoe burning in Viga town last October 30, 2011.

The arson raps was filed with the Provincial Prosecution Office. Respondents were identified as Michael "Melwin" Martinez, Madona "Carla" Tapel, Jayson Lucero, Daniel "Tabs" Frias, Rudy "Dick" Turado, Ka Ace/ Ka Arman, Ka James/ Ka Gerald, Ka Rodel, Ka Roldan and Ka Doc.

The said backhoe is being used in the road concreting project in sitio Hinunuran in barangay Tinago causing JR Contractor a million pesos in damage.

It can be noted that in the past, NPA burned equipments of contractors who refuse to pay revolutionary tax to the rebels. MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)