DPWH Bicol gets P5.265 billion for 2012

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, December 7 (PIA)– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol regional office was allocated a total of P5.265 billion to fund the agency’s various infrastructure projects in the six provinces of the region next year.

According to DPWH regional director Danilo Dequito, the 2012 funds allocation is 30 percent more than the P3.9 billion allocated for this year or P1.3 billion over the 2011 budget.

The DPWH regional chief said that the amount will be used to fund 156 infrastructure projects that includes roads, bridges, flood control and other projects that are urgently needed in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust to attain inclusive growth , alleviate poverty, generate jobs and spur economic growth of Bicol as contained in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Dequito said that 132 of the total projects worth P2.4 billion will be implemented by the DPWH District Engineering Offices (DEOs) .

He said that 33 of the projects to be implemented by the District Engineering Offices cost some P20 million and below or with a total cost of P655 million, while 99 projects cost of P20 million to P50 million with a total cost of P1.76 billion.

He added that the DPWH regional office will be implementing a total of 20 projects worth P2.84 billion pesos whose budget per project is above P50 million to P150 million

Dequito said that DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson has earlier directed the DPWH regional office and the DEOs to fast track the pre-construction activities meaning that all this projects should undergo bidding by the end of this year and construction should start by January.

He said that Secretary Singson has reminded them that the process should always adhere to the Three Rs policy of the secretary, that is, right project, the right cost and the right quality.(MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Govt., private sector step up protection, conservation measures for whalesharks
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 7 (PIA) -- Protection and conservation efforts for the whalesharks or butanding in Sorsogon got another boost from the government and private sector following the gathering of all national government agencies, allied organizations, and other concerned stakeholders. The plan is to draw out plans of action to ensure the protection of the gentle giants of the sea being "vulnerable to extinction" as declared by the International Conservation of Nature.

Department of Tourism (DOT) V regional director, Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, said a three-day National Technical Conference on the Protection and Conservation of WhaleSharks in the Philippines will be held December 6-8 at Villa Isabel here that will primarily draw out the standard of operating protocol (SOP) on responding to stranded or beached whalesharks.

Nonie Enolva, team leader of Fisheries Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) V will also present the latest researches on whalesharks conducted by non-governmental organizations.

Raul B. Burce of the WWF-Philippines based in Donsol will zero in on the Introduction to WhaleSharks in the Philippines.

Photo identification of whalesharks; genetic/DNA testing ; tagging; reconnaissance of physio-chemical characteristics of the waters in Donsol; and IEC on whalesharks Bantay Butanding (The Butanding Network: A Database System) will also be expounded by the agency.

A visit to the Sorsogon Provincial Museum and Heritage Center Inc. to view the replica of the whale shark vertebrae will end the first day activity.

The second day will provide the participants knowledge on the Philippine and International laws and agreements on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; the economic impact of whalesharks eco-tourism; Whale Shark Code of Conduct; the whalesharks eco-tourism; roles of the local governments on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; and roles of the MFARMC .

Meanwhile the Regional Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council will present the Regional Whalesharks Stranding Response Activities and Initiatives to provide the participants the proper handling of stranded whalesharks.

Ravanilla explained that the third day will focus on the formulation of the action plan for the protection and conservation of the whaleshark in the Philippines drafted by the national agencies concerned and other participants and this will be observed as SOP in the implementation on responding to stranded and beached whale sharks. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)