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

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 6 (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)

'Asoge' video to detail danger of Mercury

Legazpi City, Dec 6 (PIA) –- Much has been said about mercury (asoge) but only a few have a clear knowledge of its origins, properties and presence in everyday items.

Dan Abril, media coordinator of the "Ban Toxics," said the environmental organization has since been devoted to environmental justice and removing the presence of mercury in artisanal small-scale gold mining and other sectors.

The advocacy program, according to Abril, has received support from the Swiss government and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) has produced a 16-minute documentary film on mercury.

Ban Toxic will launch a video December 8 that will detail the toxicity of the heavy metal and how it can seriously affect the environment and communities.

"Biyaheng Asoge" will also show the dangers posed by mercury to our health and the environment.

The video ends with a number of recommendations on how to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury.

Abril stressed that at a time when stakeholders are realizing the dangers and risks posed by mercury, this video is a significant addition to the growing wealth of information on mercury.

This video launching will also formally open a forum on the proper handling and storage of the element. (MAL/DAAbril)

PRC conducts Mobile Outreach Program in Catanduanes
by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec 6 (PIA)-- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted a Mobile Outreach Program at the provincial capitol of Catanduanes on November 25-26.

It is the first time for PRC to conduct such service in Catanduanes. According to regional director, Elenita Tan of PRC, the said program aims to make it easy for applicants in the renewal of licenses, registration of new passers, and application for those who would like to take the examination on December 29.

She also said that their program will continue and their agency is also considering the establishment of an extension office in the province.

Repeaters, she added, will have to take the examination on January 30, 2012; while on March 11, 2012 it will be the turn for those taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers (2012).

Those benefited by the program were thankful since it helped them save a lot in terms of convenience, time, money, and effort. MAL/EAB,PIA Catanduanes)