Local gov’t cites drop of firecracker-related injuries, “zero” deaths in Albay

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government reported a drop in firecracker-related injuries and zero death in Albay in the wake of the New Year celebration.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said reports relayed by police provincial director Senior Superintendent William S. Macavinta show that only five were injured caused by firecrackers in the entire province and zero death, compared to 27 reported incidents last year.

Summary list of firecracker-related incidents in Albay include one each in the cities of Tabaco, Ligao, and Legazpi and two in Daraga; firecrackers involved were baby rockets or “kwitis,” piccolo, super lolo.

Salceda attributed this outcome to the national and government’s aggressive campaign against the use of dangerous firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

“We consider these outcomes of the “Iwas Paputok” campaign component of the Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas as “very successful,” Salceda noted.

“While five is not zero, still, this achievement was the result of an estimated 47 percent usage reduction of firecrackers to celebrate the New Year,” he added.

The governor furthered that the economic benefits from the reduced usage of firecrackers are estimated at P14 million savings.

It can be recalled that Albay observed Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas with two basic elements, that is, Karangahan featuring Fiesta Culinaria, Beer Plaza and Trade Fair; and Green Christmas showcasing Walang Plastikan and Iwas Paputok.

The police provincial, city, and municipal offices had early in December, step up information drive all over the province on Iwas Paputok, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) did rounds of different areas beefing up reminders to the public on the danger of firecrackers.

The provincial government, according to the governor, had always actively supported the Department of Health’s (DOH) annual campaign against firecrackers which is the leading cause of injuries and deaths during New Year celebration, especially on children exposed to the threats of firecrackers.

DOH this year pursued its APIR or Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction campaign with the help of the police, local governments, and other agencies in an effort to decrease the number of firecracker-related injuries and deaths while celebrating the New Year. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

Free flu vaccine to indigent senior citizens in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 2 (PIA) -- The provincial health office of Sorsogon has provided indigent senior citizens free flu vaccines to address the respiratory health problems brought about by old age.

"Indigent old people usually suffer respiratory diseases due to cold weather condition, poor living conditions, and poor diet, thus it is exigent that vaccine to fight flu be given to this sector," Dr. Liduvina D. Dorion said in her regular radio program Paalalang Pangkalusugan yesterday.

Dorion enjoined all workers in the barangay health centers to inform local officials, especially barangay chiefs, that free flu vaccine is available for indigent senior citizens, who, according to the Department of Health (DOH), are vulnerable to influenza and pneumonia.

With the continuous rainy season and cold weather conditions, the provincial government and the DOH have joined efforts and focused most of their health priorities on children and the elderly, two of the age group easily prone to diseases and must be given early prevention like vaccination so as to arrest any complications early.

“Most have somehow contributed also to their communities but because of financial constraints, most can not avail of the cost of medicines, Dorion said.

“Today, the Code White program implementation of the DOH as a mitigating health strategy and as part of the disaster risk reduction management mechanism has seen to it that health is one of the priority concern provided early intervention so that mitigation for health concerns be addressed,” Dorion concluded. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Local studes to benefit from SEEDS Program

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan 2 (PIA)-- A local successful food chain's outreach program for students being implemented in its stores nationwide is expected to benefit local students in the province after the launching of its 746th branch nationwide in Virac last December 20, 2011.

The Skills Enhancement and Education Development for Students (SEEDS) program of the Jollibee Foods Corporation is helping qualified students pursue post-secondary education by extending financial assistance and through on the job training that would enhance their competencies – skills, attitudes, and work values - thus enhancing employability upon completion of post-secondary education.

The program components are the following: interest-free tuition loan (max. amount of P12,000 for semestral schools; P10,000 for trimestral schools), training stipend net of tuition loan, in-store training ranging from 24-36 hours/week during regular semester and 48 training hours/week during school breaks and values formation and leadership development programs

Qualified to participate in the program are those 18-26 years old, at least high school graduate and enrolled in participating partner schools, with a general weighted average of 80 percent or higher, possess a strong desire to finish post-secondary education, of good moral character, demonstrate character traits that are suited to the service industry, and not a recipient of any scholarship grant. Students from marginalized families will be given priority.

SEEDS is a joint project of Jollibee Foods Corporation & the Department of Labor & Employment under the YE-YE Program which is a DOLE project addressing the education-to-employment (E2E) needs of the youth which envisions them as educated, endowed with proper work habits, disciplined, and highly employable.

The Jollibee bramch in the province opened on December 19, 2011 and formally opened on December 20 with 115 employees where 65 of which are Catandunganons. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)