40 beneficiaries receive Kabuhayan Starter Kit from DOLE

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office have distributed Kabuhayan Starter Kits to 40 beneficiaries from the towns of Capalonga and Talisay.

DOLE regional director Nathaniel V. Lacambra led the distribution of the kits to the said two municipalities with 20 beneficiaries each town.

The Kabuhayan Starter Kit distributed amounted to P273,597 wherein P138,840 worth of kits were given to the beneficiaries of Capalonga for the used in automotive servicing, consumer electronics, computer hardware servicing, massage therapy and cellphone repair.

In the town of Talisay, the kits amounted to P134,756.50 to be used for the wiring installation, computer hardware servicing, electronics and cellphone repair, carpentry tools, automotive mechanic, massage therapy, baking and pastry making, barber shop and welding.

Camarines Norte DOLE chief Ruben L. Romanillos said that the program encourages beneficiaries to use the kits to start their own livelihood especially those unemployed in the barangay.

The 40 beneficiaries were chosen through the Public Employment Services Office of the Capalonga and Talisay towns who are graduates from the Technical Education Skills Development and those certified skilled workers of the barangay.

He said that they are also preparing for the selection of beneficiaries from the town of San Lorenzo Ruiz for the distribution of equipment for pineapple production under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program on March.

The distribution of kits is one of the major programs of their agency named DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kit. (MAL/RBM-PIA5 Camarines Norte)

3 river control projects construction underway in Sorsogon

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) first district engineering office in Sorsogon has since been working on the completion of three river control systems in this city and Casiguran town to ensure the projects will be ready in time for the rainy season to mitigate effects of heavy flooding along river banks and neighboring areas.

DPWH I District Engineer Romeo D. Doloiras said that the non-stop rains have caused rivers in some areas in the province of Sorsogon to swell and overflow and the lack of river control structures continues to endanger lives of people living near river banks.

The agency's projects, anchored on DPWH new thrust of the “Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality,” has earmarked the right funding to construct these river controls so as to abate the effects of flooding and stop soil erosions that usually silt rice fields, flood low lying areas and pose danger to people living within the area.

Doloiras averred that construction is underway for the the Ponong River Control in Casiguran town with a total funding amounting to of P4,146,750 which construction started last Nov. 4, 2011 to be completed on May 22, 2012.

On-going in the same manner is the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Sta Cruz-Storom River Control, also in Casiguran, in the amount of P12,371,151.80 started last Nov. 4, 2011 and to be completed this May 22, 2012.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Buhatan River Control here started last October 28, 2011 and has been completed last Feb 24, 2012 which costed P5,932,165.66.

Doloiras said that these projects would not anymore worry people of their safety aside from under the regular infrastructure program of the DPWH this also falls under the preventive maintenance category program of their agency and as the complementation mechanism of their agency under the Disaster Risk Reduction Program.

"Part of DPHW's mandate is to be highly effective and efficient so that it can provide quality infrastructure support to the National Development Goals as envisioned by President Benigno Simeon C.Aquino III," Doloiras explained. (MAL/IAG-PIA5 Sorsogon)

US-PGA-NGAs humanitarian mission... Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda (2nd from right) presides over the inter-agency conference in preparation for the Pacific Angel 12-1 a joint and combined humanitarian mission program conducted by U.S. Pacific Command in the Pacific area, while (R-L) Col. Arthur P. Ang, PA; PRO V regional director PCSupt. Arne M. de Los Santos and Ltc. Michael Black of the US-PAC, join the governor in answering queries during the news conference held at Office of Civil Defense V, Legazpi City, Feb. 27, 2012. (Alex Cal, PIA V)

PACIFIC ANGEL 12-1... Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda presides over the planning conference for the upcoming Pacific Angel 12-1, a USAF Pacific Command humanitarian mission in the Philippines, to provide health and dental, psychosocial services, engineering support, capacity building efforts on DRR and CCA measures, among others, set on March 5-10, 2012 to benefit thousands of residents and local governments. (Alex Cal, PIA V)

DOLE-Bicol allocates P13M for livelihood program

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has been allotted P13 million this year to implement livelihood projects to create employment in the region.

The amount will be disbursed in the form of livelihood grants under the DOLE’s Kabuhayan-Starter Kit (DK-SK) “Trabaho sa Bag” program for impoverished Bicolano families, according to DOLE regional director Nathaniel Lacambra on Monday.

As of February 23, the DOLE has already distributed P854,436.95, said Lacambra. This represents first quarter allocation for the first batch of the DK-SK beneficiaries in the region.

The beneficiaries were identified by four (4) local government units (LGUs), Lacambra added.

Allocation per area are as follows: Naga City, P213,602.54 ; Sorsogon City, P64,056.10; municipality of Polangui, Albay, P333,025.64; and Daet, Camarines Norte, P243,252.67.

The DOLE DK-SK project is aimed at engaging beneficiaries in sustainable self-employment by providing livelihood starter KITS (Knowledge Sharing, Inputs Acquisition, Training on Skills acquisition) consisting of package of services such as trainings, self-instructional learning materials and business advisories.

Lacambra said the grant also includes livelihood tools and equipment that can be used for easy to learn livelihood undertakings.

Its priority livelihood projects are simple house-to-house service-oriented skills like massage, plumbing, cosmetology, electrical servicing, welding, native snack preparation, car wash and motorcycle, cellular phone, appliance and upholstery repair, among others.

For displaced overseas workers, the training-cum-production scheme of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) is adopted.

The program primarily targets the unemployed out-of-school youths, women, parents of child laborers, Indigenous People (IPs), physically or occupationally disabled, urban poor, elderly persons, landless farmers and fisherfolk and other workers in the informal economy and displaced wage-workers, OFW returnees and their dependents, either individually or as groups.

The package of benefits contains short period training on production skills with entrepreneurship and business management; learning reference materials on production, entrepreneurship and business management skills; livelihood tools, equipment, material and inputs and; continuing business advisory and consultancy,

The beneficiaries are required to enrol in social protection service like Social Security System (SSS) and and Philhealth, Lacambra added. (MAL/DOC, LGU Legazpi City)

OPAPP-DILG peace and development initiatives in Gubat and Barcelona towns inaugurated

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY , Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Several infrastructure projects under the Sorsogon Peace Initiatives (SPI) to bring peace and development program in the countryside were inaugurated last Friday, February 24, here in two separate venues in the province of Sorsogon.

Undertaken under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PaMaNa) , a convergence initiatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the project was undertaken under the funding complementation of government and non-governmental organization through the Agencia de Espanola Cooperacion National para del Desarollo (AECID) under the core program of government , Strengthening Local Government in the Philippines (SLGP).

In Gubat, the projects were the construction of the 1.5 km Sta Ana Access Road to Barangay Beriran to Carriedo; rehabilitation and expansion of the 1.5 km Sitio Puro Communal Irrigation System; and the repair of the Sta Ana Elementary School Building and the widening of the 1.5 km Apgo Barangay Road with a total cost of P4 million.

Meanwhile, the projects in Barcelona town, also amounting to P4 million, included the Community-based Training for the Youth in Masonry and Engine Trouble Shooting; Support to the Banana Production Sustainable Agriculture -Based Enterprise Program of the local government unit; Capacity Building Program with Catalystic Project for Fisherfolk Groups; Construction of the Operation and Construction of the Coordinating Center Peace Alliance of the Barcelona Development Cooperative (BADECO) and Rehabilitation of the Layog-Penaric Communal Irrigation System.

OPAPP ASec. Howard B. Cafugauan , Representative Deogracias B. Ramos of Sorsogon second congresswional district , Norberto Gomez de Liano of AECID, and Director Maria Eileen Jose of OPAPP led the inaguration and turn-over ceremony of these projects.

The SPI aims to empower local communities through enhancing their participation in local governance, and involving different agencies and the local communities in the preparation and implementation of peace and development projects in the local communities as a way to bring development and achieve lasting peace. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

23 fishers arrested in Masbate fish sanctuary

MASBATE CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- Authorities have stepped up the crackdown on destructive methods of fishing and declared fish sanctuaries in several parts of the island in an apparent serious conservation effort.

A total of 23 fishermen from the town of Milagros, Masbate were arrested late last week in the waters off the neighboring town of Cawayan for allegedly fishing inside a breeding area where they were not allowed to fish.

The 23 were manning eight small motorized boats that encroached the area which police said had been declared by a municipal ordinance as off limits to fishers.

Chief Insp. Romeo Lupango Jr., spokesperson of the police provincial headquarters, said the fishermen were seen casting their nets inside the fish sanctuary.

He said the boats were also impounded.

Lupango said formal charges were filed before the Masbate City Prosecution Service against the boat owners and crewmembers.

They were being held at the jail in Camp Bonny Serrano in this city pending their appearance in the prosecutor’s office which conducted the inquest proceedings on the cases against them.

Crackdown on illegal fishers and methods of fishing in this island province remains relentless to ensure sustainable livelihood and source of income for majority of the residents that mostly depends on the resources from the sea. (MAL/EAD, PIA Masbate)

World Food Program conducts disaster risk preparedness training in 3 municipalities.

SORSOGON CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The World Food Program (WFP) conducted a three-day training on disaster preparedness and risk reduction for three municipalities here in line with technical support it pledged to the country affected by a recent earthquake and floods, a WFP release said.

The training, which started Feb. 21, included participants from the local governments of Juban, Casiguran and Bulan in Sorsogon province, and officials from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (SPDRMO).

The activity will reinforce hardware and financial support and relevant training and planning activities in regional, provincial and local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMOs), the WFP said.

The three municipalities were identified by the provincial government as areas with high vulnerability and recommended for inclusion in the training.

The WFP is the food arm of the United Nations System and acts in response to urgent situations specifically along disaster stricken areas. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

2nd Summer Barakalan set

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 27, (PIA)- A Summer Trade Fair will be held from April 3-12, 2012 at Plaza Rizal here in a bid to expand local industries and promote local products, the trade department’s provincial office announced Friday.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will spearhead the 2nd Barakalan sa Plaza Rizal with the battle cry, “Produkto Ta, Suportahan Ta ! Bakal Na !”.The local government of Virac and the Catanduanes Producers Association are co-sponsoring the activity.

Trade officials said Barakalan would be a big selling event, highlighting producers from Catanduanes who will display processed foods, wearables, gifts, holiday decor as well as agricultural produce.

The trade fair hopes to capitalize on the increase of visitors coming from the cities during the Lenten season and summer fiestas, the trade department said. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

DOLE - ASPI Bicol pushes for safety in construction industry

LEGAZPI CITY, February 27 (PIA) – To promote health and safety in the construction industry, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) V and the Association of Safety Practitioners in the Philippines Incorporated (ASPI) conducted a training tutorial last February 7 – 11 where they provided 60 construction hard hats to participants for free, Exequiel Ronnie A. Guzman, DOLE V assistant regional director said.

Some 58 health officers, practitioners, engineers and aspiring safety practitioners attended the Construction Safety and Health Training seminar held at the Kanzo Hall restaurant here.

The training covered basic safety and health procedures particularly on machine handling and operation and the proper use of personal protective equipment such as hard hats and steel toe boots.

Organizers said that the government has required that construction firms in the region have at least one (1) accredited safety practitioner present in a construction site. A safety practitioner must have completed training for safety and health in order to be officially accredited.

The Construction Safety and Health Training was the first among a series of seminars scheduled this year as part of DOLE-ASPI’s Hard Hat Area Campaign orienting workers to basic safety rules. (MAL/SAA, PIA V/ALbay)

DOST V, now ISO accredited

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, February 27 (PIA) – An awarding body has presented the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office here an ISO 9001:2008 certificate, indicating that it met international standards for the quality of its management and services.

The certificate’s scope covers “provision of scientific and technology transfer services, science promotion, S&T (Science and Technology) information, dissemination and S&T scholarships, Tomas N. Bringas, DOST director said..

The ISO certificate, awarded by the Certificate International Philippines Incorporated (CIFI), is valid from March 2010 to March 2013.

Some 30 personnel had actively participated in a DOST sponsored ISO seminar on Quality Management System in preparation for the anticipated awarding of the ISO accreditation, Bringas said.

Danilo N. Pilar, chief of the Technology Diffusion Division of Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) helped out in talks on Knowledge about the Basic Quality Concepts, Eight Quality Management Principles and ISO Requirements and Benefits during the seminar.

In accepting the certificate, Bringas said employees played an important role in supporting ISO implementation, maintenance and improvement in line with establishment requirements.(MAL/DBB, PIA V/ALbay)

DOT, DPWH Convergence Program to boost tourism

LEGAZPI CITY, February 27 (PIA) – Roads leading to tourist destinations will be improved under a joint program of the tourism and public works departments, a government official said.

Tourism officer Fe Reverente-Buela said the program aims to provide tourists fast, safe, and convenient travel to their destinations while they are in the country.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will evaluate which roads to prioritize in the DOT-DPWH Convergence program, considering factors such as distance, accommodation facilities and number of local and foreign guests.

In Bicol, tourism officials will be guided by criteria set out by the Technical Working Group of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST )and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Reverente-Buela said.

The DPWH would be able to fund the program under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. and the DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, she added. (MAL/EMM, PIA V/Albay)

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Edmund C. Tan, keynote speaker and presiding officer delivers his message during the Change of Command Ceremony of Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol, held at Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation Annex, Rawis, Legazpi City last February 22, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

CHANGE OF COMMAND –Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard Vice Admiral Edmund C. Tan (center) hand over of command symbol to incoming Commander of Coast Guard District Bicol to Commo. Joel S. Garcia, PCG H.D. Al Haj., (left) while Capt. Leopoldo V. Laroya, PCG, outgoing Commander looks on, held at Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation Annex, Rawis, Legazpi City, last February 22, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Prov'l gov't, Virac LGU initiate weather proofed, green housing project

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 24 (PIA)-- Catanduanes, in collaboration with the local government here has initiated the implementation of the housing project in Barangay Sto. Domingo to provide affordable and safe homes to government employees and Housing Development Mutual Fund (PagIbig) members.

Likewise, it seeks to introduce replicable strategies to building technology using green designs and construction techniques.

The project intends to introduce new approaches in renewable energy applications and waste management initiatives for the achievement of ecological integrity in mass housing projects; and pioneer sustainable home-owner livelihood programs with the available low energy cost.

Virac LGU employees will also be covered by the said program subject to the Sangguniang Bayan's assigning its portion of the four-hectare land to the provincial government.

Housing units to rise in the said site will be single-detached, two-level duplex, and low-cost and modular studio-type row houses that can withstand wind speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and magnitude 8 earthquakes.

To avail the program, the following are the requirements: the permanent government employee must have at least P3,000 net take home pay after deducting the probable monthly amortization of the housing loan or with at least 40 percent disposable income, has satisified eligibility requirements of the Pag IBIG housing loan application, an active Pag IBIG member with a minimum of 24 monthly contributions, not more than 65 years old upon filing, is insurable and has legal capacity to acquire real property, with no outstanding Pag IBIG housing loan or foreclosed, cancelled and brought back or subject to "dacion en pago", with no outstanding Pag IBIG multipurpose loans in arrears and with proof of repayment capacity and approved by the housing project committee.

Said project will introduce and feature the following renewable energy: solar power system for each household unit, off-grid wind/solar power for water supply pump; solid waste disposable, biogas digester or anaerobic buffered reactor (ABR), composting, collection and processing of non-biodegradable waste in materials recovery facility (MRF), and waste water disposal, storm water and brown eater treatment before disposal.

On the other hand, the livelihood center will feature battery charging for e-trikes and e-jeepneys, purified water station, ice-making, cottage industries using processed biogas and supply of organic fertilizers. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)


Coconut authority to assess Cadang cadang in coconut trees
To set up measures to prevent further infestation

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has commenced Monday (Feb. 20) a comprehensive general surveillance on Cadang-cadang disease in coconut in different barangays of the 12 municipalities of Camarines Norte.

PCA Camarines Norte officer in charge Editah P. Idnani said that the province and other provinces in Bicol region as well as in Region IV-A and Region VII are affected by the Cadang-cadang viroid infestation based on the yearly monitoring conducted by the PCA - Albay Research Center.

The said disease was previously identified by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department Agriculture (BPI-DA) and later the monitoring was transferred to the PCA-Albay Research Center due to the closure of the BPI.

Under the Cadang-cadang Containment and Rehabilitation program, PCA targets to eliminate Cadang-cadang disease in coconuts not only in this province but also in other provinces in the regions cited.

She said that Cadang-cadang viroid weakens the coconut tree and results in less fruit with yellowish and lesser leaves and eventually cause the death of the tree.

Idnani cited that coco water livelihood and industry are also affected by the said disease wherein some 100,086 hectares of land planted with coconut will be under the said surveillance.

The ground survey is being conducted by 17 enumerators hired by the PCA in every barangay of all the 12 municipalities in the province using a survey questionnaire.

The 17 enumerators hired, are graduates of Agriculture and were assigned in every barangay in each municipality to conduct the ground survey in three months. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)


Prov'l gov't, Virac LGU initiate weather proofed, green housing project

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 24 (PIA)-- Catanduanes, in collaboration with the local government here has initiated the implementation of the housing project in Barangay Sto. Domingo to provide affordable and safe homes to government employees and Housing Development Mutual Fund (PagIbig) members.

Likewise, it seeks to introduce replicable strategies to building technology using green designs and construction techniques.

The project intends to introduce new approaches in renewable energy applications and waste management initiatives for the achievement of ecological integrity in mass housing projects; and pioneer sustainable home-owner livelihood programs with the available low energy cost.

Virac LGU employees will also be covered by the said program subject to the Sangguniang Bayan's assigning its portion of the four-hectare land to the provincial government.

Housing units to rise in the said site will be single-detached, two-level duplex, and low-cost and modular studio-type row houses that can withstand wind speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and magnitude 8 earthquakes.

To avail the program, the following are the requirements: the permanent government employee must have at least P3,000 net take home pay after deducting the probable monthly amortization of the housing loan or with at least 40 percent disposable income, has satisified eligibility requirements of the Pag IBIG housing loan application, an active Pag IBIG member with a minimum of 24 monthly contributions, not more than 65 years old upon filing, is insurable and has legal capacity to acquire real property, with no outstanding Pag IBIG housing loan or foreclosed, cancelled and brought back or subject to "dacion en pago", with no outstanding Pag IBIG multipurpose loans in arrears and with proof of repayment capacity and approved by the housing project committee.

Said project will introduce and feature the following renewable energy: solar power system for each household unit, off-grid wind/solar power for water supply pump; solid waste disposable, biogas digester or anaerobic buffered reactor (ABR), composting, collection and processing of non-biodegradable waste in materials recovery facility (MRF), and waste water disposal, storm water and brown eater treatment before disposal.

On the other hand, the livelihood center will feature battery charging for e-trikes and e-jeepneys, purified water station, ice-making, cottage industries using processed biogas and supply of organic fertilizers. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

DOLE Bicol releases P.8M for livelihood

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to release P854, 436.95 livelihood grant for the first quarter of the year for the DOLE Kabuhayan-Starter Kit (DK-SK) "Trabaho sa Bag" program in the Bicol region.

Nathaniel V. Lacambra, DOLE Bicol regional director, said that the first batch of release is part of the P13-million budget allocated for various livelihood programs of the agency for 2012.

“We want to start early in helping Bicolanos cope up. More livelihood opportunities means more jobs and improved quality of work for Bicol,” Lacambra said.
Lacambra said that the grant will be a good start for Bicol in its campaign to boost livelihood and employment opportunities in the region this 2012.

The first batch of DK-SK grant will be distributed on February 23 to four provinces in the region including Polangui, Albay with grant amounting to P333, 025.64, Sorsogon with P64, 056.10, Naga City with P213, 602.54 and Daet Camarines Norte with P243, 252.67.

DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Knowledge Sharing, Inputs Acquisition, Training on Skills Acquisition (DK – SK) Project is a livelihood formation strategy to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers belonging to various sectors in society.

The project aims to engage beneficiaries in sustainable self-employment by providing livelihood starter KITS consisting of package of services such as trainings, self-instructional learning materials and business advisories.

The said grant also includes livelihood tools and equipment that can be used for easy to learn livelihood undertakings such as starting their own business. (MAL/SAA -PIA5 Albay)


DAR Catanduanes bares year-end assessment

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office here bared its year-end accomplishment report for the year 2011 focused on programs of the agency's municipal officers, the provincial Comprehensive Agrarian Reform (CARP) situationer, and the issues that either held back or helped in delivering respective targets.

“ I want you to build circles of hope, instead of spreading the virus of fear because hope creates the way, while fear destroys it,” Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Alexander Teves said in his opening message.

Teves reported that for CY 2011, Catanduanes had a re-calibrated target of 1,385 hectares for Emancipation Patent (EP)/ Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) registration.

He underscored the leaps in program beneficiaries’ development where out of the 24 targeted community organizations; the province was able to assist 25, making it at 104 percent accomplishment rate.

Along with that, PARO Teves announced that for the past year, Catanduanes was able to spearhead confirmation of 2 new Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCS)—Kalapadan and Patabok.

As to the current year 2012, PARO Teves stressed that the province hopes to run up to its 883.8320 hectare-target that could be achievable out of the 1,777 hectare-LTI target downloaded by Field Operations Office at DAR central office.

For the Program Beneficiary Development (PBD) sector, he said that it will jumpstart efforts towards ARCCESS or the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services program in the municipalities of Virac, San Andres, and Panganiban.

“We will also utilize in full the public-private partnership scheme in support to our ARC development programs that would ensure viable livelihood systems, through project-based models,” he added.

PARO Teves emphasized that the year 2011 was a challenging one, adding that the program implementation under Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) “is not a leisure walk in the park,” but nevertheless encouraged commitment and enthusiasm from among all employees in achieving their targets. (MAL/EAB/BBV)

Vamos al Seminario... "more than just fun to run for our Seminary"

SORSOGON CITY, February 22 (PIA) -- Without much flare, this year’s Alumni Homecoming of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary (OLPS) of the Diocese of Sorsogon promises to be as exciting as last year’s festivity.

The occasion, sponsored by Batch 87’, features the holding anew of a Fun Run event themed as “VAMOS SEMINARIO: Takbokasyon 2012”, replicating last year’s first ever fun run event of the alumni homecoming, which notably made a tremendous impact, in terms of benefit for the seminary.

To make the most of the expected benefits for our dear seminary, this year’s sponsor batch opted to hold not one but two fun run events. The first of the twin fun run events will gun start this coming March 31.

As the theme suggests, vocation campaign is the essence of the event, with the end in view of giving back to our cradle of vocation, the seminary.

Many have witnessed that this cradle has tirelessly nurtured countless vocations imaginable, be it as a priest, lawyer, doctor, engineer, policeman, businessman, fireman, politician and what have you.

It moulds not only future priests but responsible members of the community as well. But as time went by, perhaps due to the declining number of seminarians, this once robust cradle has gradually dissipated.

It has been a struggle for the upkeep of the seminary nowadays. Lesser number of seminarians amounts to lesser sum of board and lodging fees and ultimately lesser funds for the seminary.

No wonder, lately and somewhat deliberately; seminarians have to go on home visits oftener in order to save on the measly fund of the seminary.

All told, the sponsor batch called on the community keep the seminary running, to step in and make everyone strides together for our seminary. Without a doubt, it’s more than just fun to run for the seminary. (MAL/Batch ’87)

DOST advises Bicol residents to monitor tsunami prone areas

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), has identified areas in Bicol that are prone to tsunami and advised its residents to be watchful of the ocean even during normal times.

Ocean wave disasters need real-time observation and rapid dissemination of warning so that people in these identified areas of Bicol will be prepared, according to DOST regional director Tomas Briñas.

These tsunami-prone areas identified by the Phivolcs in the mapping conducted as early as 2007 are the eastern coastlines of Albay covering the municipalities of Tiwi, Malinao, Bacacay, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Rapu-rapu, Manito, Tabaco City, and this city.

In Camarines Sur, the tsunami prone areas mapped by Phivolcs are the municipalities of Caramoan, Presentacion, Lagonoy, San Jose, Tigaon, and Sangay that all sits in the northeastern side of the province.

The municipalities in the northern side of Camarines Sur such as Garchitorena, Lagonoy and Siruma and in the western section—Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon and Magarao are also in the hazard map.

In Camarines Norte, these areas are the towns of Sta. Elena, Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, Vinzons, Talisay, Daet, Basud, and Mercedes that are all at the coastline of the Philippine Sea.

In Catanduanes, an island province at the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 10 of its 11 municipalities are listed as tsunami prone in the Phivolcs hazard map. These municipalities are Virac, Bato, Baras, Gigmoto, Viga, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Pandan, Caramoran, and San Andres.

Sorsogon’s towns of Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, and the Bacon District of Sorsogon City that are also along the Philippine Sea are listed in the tsunami hazard map.

All these Bicol coastal areas are located near the Philippine Trench, a major fault considered as potential earthquake and tsunami generator. They are marked with red color in the map representing tsunami inundation areas.

Briñas said an earthquake with magnitude of intensity 8.1 could trigger at the coastlines of these areas three to more than six-meter high waves that are extremely life threatening.

The advice to residents to observe the ocean, Briñas said, is part of the “Tsunami Risk and Monitoring in the Philippines,” an initiative of the Phivolcs that highlights an effective tsunami warning system.

This system is comprised of dense, real time network of seismic stations, real time sea level monitoring network, rapid communication and local mass alerting systems, accurate hazard and evacuation maps and well-informed citizenry.

The warning system was presented by Phivolcs director Renato Solidum during the “Wave Observation and Disaster Prevention” seminar recently organized in Manila by the Phivolcs in collaboration with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Embassy of Japan.

The seminar was aimed at generating further research and more importantly, to give people an idea on how to prepare for these ocean wave disasters.

It also opened up a partnership to come up with a collaborative program applicable both in the Philippines and in Japan, according to DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano Yumul Jr.. (MAL/DCA, Legazpi City)


DA crafts National Corn Program for 2012, Prepares 2013 budget

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Government agencies and corn industry stakeholders convened last week for the National Planning Workshop for 2012 and Budget Preparation for the AgriPinoy Corn Program for 2013 at the Alicia Hotel here.

Dr. Jose V. Dayao, DA Bicol regional executive director, said that the 2012 action plan will integrate the guidelines issued by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala that focus on community-based targets, cultivation of farmers knowledge and capability building activities, incorporation of climate change interventions, and development of new and out of the box interventions.

Said guidelines, along with the introduction of modern technologies, are in line with the administration’s action plan to boost food production in the country.

Crafting of the action plan and budget proposal for 2013 were Director Agnes Catherine T. Miranda, chief of the DA Planning Service (DAPS), and Telma C. Tolentino, chief of the DA Budget Division (DABD).

The 2012 forecast for the agriculture sector will likewise be discussed by Mario Padrinao of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Also in the said event were Joel S. Rudinas, DA undersecretary for Field Operations, and Edilberto M. de Luna assistant secretary for Field Operations and concurrently National Corn Program Coordinator.

The AgriPinoy Corn Program is one of the banner programs of the Department of Agriculture to increase productivity and production of quality corn for human consumption, feeds and industrial uses and to improve the quality of life of farmers in the country. (MAL/SAA/DA V)


Sorsogon water firm preserves watershed areas, pursues contour agricultural farming

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb.22 (PIA) -- Watershed areas need to be cared for, preserved and protected as these sustain the source of water, said Engr. Ronaldo G. Borbono, manager of the Sorsogon City Water District (SCWD).

According to Borbono, the watershed areas now being maintained by SCWD are very well preserved and protected by farmers themselves and now home to several endemic flora and fauna. It is envisioned to become a tourism visitation site.

The local water district continues to advocate to the public to be appreciative of its importance.

He also said that employees regularly conduct tree planting activities as their firm support of the government's environmental thrusts and to articulate collectively the National Greening Program as trees preserve the sources of water.

Borbono said that Barangay San Jose of Bacon district is one of their watershed areas and now being developed to showcase the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) program, a banner project under the Water District Assistance to Environment and Resources as highlighted in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

As an environmental preservation tool, the SALT project is also an alternative source of livelihood for people living in the slopes in the watershed and are taught contour farming according to Barbono.

The water district is assisting these farmers to adapt this kind of farming to abolish the practice of kaingin system or slash and burn that destroy the forest.

The prevalent livelihood source in forests is the illegal cutting of trees made into charcoal but with this assistance, Borbono said that farmers will avoid this practice since they will now have a source of livelihood and the watershed will be preserved as they are also taught the importance of protecting the land from erosion due to incorrect upland farming practices.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)


PNP San Miguel bares 4th quarter report for 2011

SAN MIGUEL, Catanduanes, Feb. 22, (PIA) - There was a significant decrease in crime incidences in the municipality of San Miguel during the fourth quarter of 2011, reported the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its 4th quarter report.

Like other municipalities, San Miguel is confronted with two adverse problems, insurgency and criminality. Of the two, the former is a most potent threat to the town’s peace and order and economic stability. However, due to constant police visibility, checkpoint operations, and Preventive patrol, occurrence of said crime has decreased.

For the period October to December 2011, the station conducted 120 police visibility, checkpoints,and preventive patrols especially in crime-prone areas and school areas. Intensified operation dubbed as ‘higpit bakal’ on some videoke bars and security inspection to government installations and facilities within their area of responsibility (AOR) were and are being conducted regularly to prevent any untoward incidents.

For the same period, there was no recorded violent and non-violent incident within their AOR.

Moreover, based on the crime incidents reported and processed by the

RD PIO B CAPISTRANO of BJMP Regional Office V congratulates the newly promoted JNCO’s during the pinning of ranks ceremony last Feb. 20 after the flag raising ceremony. (PIA/BJMP-5)

Sorsogon water firm preserves watershed areas, pursues contour agricultural farming

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb.21 (PIA) -- Watershed areas need to be cared for, preserved and protected as these sustain the source of water, said Engr. Ronaldo G. Borbono, manager of the Sorsogon City Water District (SCWD).

According to Borbono, the watershed areas now being maintained by SCWD are very well preserved and protected by farmers themselves and now home to several endemic flora and fauna. It is envisioned to become a tourism visitation site.

The local water district continues to advocate to the public to be appreciative of its importance.

He also said that employees regularly conduct tree planting activities as their firm support of the government's environmental thrusts and to articulate collectively the National Greening Program as trees preserve the sources of water.

Borbono said that Barangay San Jose of Bacon district is one of their watershed areas and now being developed to showcase the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) program, a banner project under the Water District Assistance to Environment and Resources as highlighted in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

As an environmental preservation tool, the SALT project is also an alternative source of livelihood for people living in the slopes in the watershed and are taught contour farming according to Barbono.

The water district is assisting these farmers to adapt this kind of farming to abolish the practice of kaingin system or slash and burn that destroy the forest.

The prevalent livelihood source in forests is the illegal cutting of trees made into charcoal but with this assistance, Borbono said that farmers will avoid this practice since they will now have a source of livelihood and the watershed will be preserved as they are also taught the importance of protecting the land from erosion due to incorrect upland farming practices.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon))


Travel and Tour Expo promotes Bicol tourism

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Bicol tourism stakeholders joined the bigger and better ‘Travel Tour Expo’ held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on February 17 to 18 with bright prospects on pursuing tourism industry in the country, especially on the countryside.

With this year’s theme “One Stop Shop to the World,” the exposition is spearheaded by the Philippine Tourism Agency Association (PTAA), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT), promising an even wider variety of travel options and special packages.

PTAA believes that this is a way of helping international relations and tourism.

Now on its 19th edition, the expo does its best to deliver an even more special show every year, presenting local and international destinations, cultural presentations and discounted travel packages from the exhibitors.

DOT V meanwhile brought several tourism oriented establishments accredited by the agency, especially the travel agents, to promote the place, during the Expo according to Amy Z. Detera, supervising tourism operation officer of the agency.

She also said that 16 Russian agents visited on Saturday, February 18, the different tourist spots in Bicol, which include Butanding Interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon, Misibis Bay Resorts in Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay and the sports facilities in Lignon Hill in Legazpi and CamSur Watersports Complex in Pili Camarines Sur.

A marketing strategy like this is a big help to the promotion of tourism in the Bicol region and for the region to be known not just in the country but in Russia as well, she added.

“Sa bawat isang turista bumibisita sa bansa, trabaho na rin naibibigay sa bawat mamamayang Pilipino (For every tourist who visits the country, a job is granted to a Filipino),” Detera said. (MAL/ADA-PIA5/Albay)


PDA-Catanduanes celebrates Dental Health Month

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) in Catanduanes conducted an oral health promotion and lecture on February 17 at Brgy. Ibong Sapa, San Vicente, Virac.

The lecture is in celebration of the eighth National Dental Health Month with the theme, “Ngiting Matamis, Ngiping Malilinis, Dala ay Pagasa, Tunay na Ligaya.”

Prior to the lecture, a kick-off celebration and motorcade took place around down town Virac which started at 8:00 a.m.

During the main activity at Brgy.Ibong Sapa, a toothbrush drill and distribution, and fluoride application was also conducted.

Government and private dentists throughout the province comprising the PDA joined hands to give meaning to the said event.

Around 50 school children benefited from the activity. (EAB/ PIA Catanduanes)


Catanduanes health office sets planning workshop for barangay health workers

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes Provincial Health Office sets a two-day planning workshop on the Performance-Based Grant (PBG), which requires crafting of a Project Proposal and Work and Financial Plan, on February 21 to 22 for barangay health workers (BHW).

The PBG, with the help of the Department of Health, intends to have a responsive plan in carrying their tasks as partners of Rural Health Unit personnel.

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s universal health care program is being monitored using the Monitoring for Equity, Effectiveness and Equity (ME3) tool, which measures the progress on how health care has contributed to the health-related MDGs.

One component of ME3 is the local government unit scorecard incorporated with Local Governance Performance Management System. The health sector has continuously pursued their improvement.

Expected participants in the said event are municipal health officers, public health nurses, barangay health workers and their coordinators and municipal presidents. (MAL/EAB-PIA5)


Sorsogon Police conducts seminar for gender-based violence first responders

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb.20 (PIA) -- The Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SPPO) has organized a two-day seminar for first responders of gender-based violence and trafficking-in-person (TIP) cases on February 16 to 17 at the Philippine National Police (PNP) conference room.

The seminar is in line with the commitment of the PNP to strengthen the promotion and advocacy of the rights of women and children.

Thirty policewomen from Sorsogon City and 14 municipalities, assigned as Women and Children Protection Desk and Family Juvenile Gender Advocacy Development - Police Non-Commissioned Officer, were the participants of the said training.

The police – participants were the identified first responder-personnel in cases of gender-based violence. They were oriented on the protocols and immediate response to be given to victims along the conduct of investigation, filing of cases and in finding solutions to problems being encountered in handling cases involving women and children, particularly on gender-based crimes and TIP cases.

Competent and experienced lecturers comprised the resource persons coming from the Department of Justice, Visayan Forum Foundation, Police Regional Office 5 and Sorsogon Police Provincial Office.

The topics discussed were Legal Framework of Trafficking in Person Under RA 9208; How to Interview a Trafficked Person; Investigation, Evidence Gathering and Rescue Operations in TIP Cases; Legal Frameworks of Gender-Based Violence under RA 9262; Basic Gender Concept; Referral System; and How to Conduct Advocacy Campaign.

SPPO provincial director PSupt. John C. Jambora said the SPPO will continue to enhance the capability of policewomen and personnel assigned in the women's desk and will continue its partnership with agencies and non-governmental organization in the advocacy to address gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.

"Here in the province of Sorsogon, the PNP will continue to advocate partnership and spearhead extending development assistance in human resource development particularly in the education and promotion of women and children’s rights. As partners, we will continue to work together to train and educate our personnel and adhere to rights-based policing towards a citizen-friendly institution mandated to serve and protect everyone,” Jambora said as the seminar ends. (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

BIR tax drive on to collect P5.7 Billion in Bicol

By Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, February 20 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here officially launched its 2012 tax campaign Thursday (February 16) with an annual revenue target of P5.7 billion of various taxes in the six provinces, 108 municipalities and seven cities of Bicol.

During the kick-off ceremonies held at the Embarcadero de Legazpi Atrium, BIR regional director Esmeralda M. Tabule appealed to Bicolano taxpayers to promptly pay their correct taxes to avoid the rush on or before the April 16, 2012 deadline for income tax payment.

She reported that last year BIR Bicol was able to collect a total of P4,714,368,943.79 in various taxes with an increase of more than P371.4 million or 8.55 percent higher than the 2010 collection, but fell short to the P4.996 billion target for 2011.

She said that she was confident that this year the bureau will be able to collect the P5.7 billion goal, noting that theJanuary 2012 collection already reached P525,524,777.40 surpassing the collection goal for the month of P495.7 million or an increase of 6.01 percent and P99 million or 23 percent more than the same period last year.

Tabule said that one of the major campaigns of BIR Bicol is to instill to the buying public the importance of asking for a receipt for every purchase they make to ensure that the corresponding tax is paid.

This, she said, is the reason why “Premyo Sa Resibo” promo was institutionalized and enhanced through text messaging with millions of prizes at stake.

She added as a complementary project to the “Ask for a Receipt Program”, the regional office is launching a “Receipt Issuance Campaign” that would remind all business establishments the importance of issuing receipt in every sale transaction they make by asking them to post in conspicuous places in their establishments a new sticker with the message “SA KADA PAGBAKAL MO, OBLIGACION KO AN MAGRESIBO” (For every purchase you make, it is my obligation to issue a receipt.

This is to instill also in the minds of the businessmen that it is their obligation to issue a receipt for every sale or transaction they make without the customer asking for a receipt, she said.

In the same tax campaign launching program, BIR Bicol also introduced “Robi Resibo” the anime superhero they created whose mission is to go around business establishments as a way to further strengthen their advocacy campaign on the importance for the customers to demand a receipts for every transaction and for the business establishment to automatically issue a receipt.

Tabule also said that they will also strengthen their campaign by vigorously implementing Oplan Kandado and monitoring of professionalslessors and lessees, withholding agents, top 20,000 corporations and top 5,000 individual taxpayers.

Nelson M. Aspe, BIR Deputy Commissioner for Operations, was the guest of honor during the launching program. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)

102 HS delegates from Albay lead National Schools Press Conference

By Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 20(PIA) -- For winning the championship in the recently concluded two-day Regional Secondary Schools Press Conference (RESPC) held at Polangui General Comprehensive High School in Albay, secondary students from the province of Albay will lead the delegation to the 2012 National Secondary Schools Press Conference (NSPC) set in April 9–13 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Albay garnered a total of 87 points followed by last year’s champion Camarines Sur with 74 points, third placer was Tabaco City with 44 points followed by Legazpi City, 42 points and and Iriga City 31 points during the February 10-11 RESPC.

Albay Division was also named champion in Filipino while Camarines Sur topped in English contests.

Six provinces and seven cities competed in the RESPC, the biggest academic competition that gathered 1,197 delegates 875 of whom are campus writers.

A total of 122 student writers and their school paper advisers will represent the Bicol region in the national writing tilt. The top three winners in the individual contest, the winning group in scriptwriting contests in English and Filipino, outstanding school paper adviser, outstanding campus journalist, coaches, and advisers of the top 10 school paper in English and Filipino will compose the delegation.

The events won by top three winners were for the 14 writing competition for News Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Writing, Sports Writing, Copy Reading, Editorial Cartooning, Photojournalism; its Filipino counterpart of Pagsulat ng Balita, Pagsulat ng Lathalain, Pagsulat ng Editoryal, Pagsulat ng Isports, Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita, Kartung Pang Editoryal at Larawang Pampahayagan.

Adjudged Outstanding School Paper Adviser was Beverly U. Cabaltera of Polangui General Comprehensive High School (PGCHS) and the current president of the Bicol Association of School Paper Advisers while Kendra Ivana S. Sy of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Goa Campus in Camarines Sur was named Outstanding Campus Journalist.

This year’s top 10 best school papers in English were The Bicol Scholar, PSHS; The Vanguard, Tabaco National High School (TNHS); The Apprentice, Ligao National High School (LNHS); The Pencil, Nabua High School; The Agnesian, St. Agnes Academy; The Youth Moulder, Sipocot National High School; The Quill, Marcial O. Rañalo Memorial School (MORMS); The PSU Clarion, Partido State University Laboratory School; The Courier, PGCHS and the Glow, Zeferino Arroyo National High School (ZANHS).

The best Filipino school papers were Ang Tanod (TNHS); Arab Adab, PSHS; Ang Ilaya (LNHS); Ang Baybayin, Sto. Domingo National High School; Ang Sinag, MORMS; Ang Isarog, Camarines Sur National High School; Ang Taga Ulat, PGCHS; The Maiden Chronicle, Daraga National High School; Ang Sibol, ZANHS; and Ang Umalahukan, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School.

Judges in the writing tilt and selection of best newspapers were journalism professors from Bicol University, a journalist, a photo journalist, and a staffer from the Philippine Information Agency.

The 2012 NSPC carries the theme “Promoting Digital Literacy Through Campus Journalism,” for which a new category, the Collaborative Publishing will highlight the annual competition.

Two groups of seven selected from among the individual winners in both in English and Filipino will compete in both medium. They are to produce a four-page tabloid using Microsoft Publisher software.

This is the Department of Education’s way of providing opportunity for campus journalists to demonstrate digital literacy.

Meantime, the group contest on scriptwriting and radio broadcasting both in English and Filipino will also have teams of seven who will write and produce a five-minute radio newscast.

Fatima Buen, regional English supervisor and coordinator for the RESPC said that the conduct of the press conference is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7079 or “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Campus Journalism and for Other Purposes.”

Buen explained that the RESPC is a demonstration of the importance of journalism through different journalistic endeavors and approaches; to provide activities that which will encourage students to pursue careers and studies in journalism; and enhance journalistic competence through healthy and friendly competitions.

DepEd officials in Bicol hope to repeat its garnering of championship trophy during the 2003 NSPC held in Cebu City.
The NSPC annual tradition started in November 1931 when the Public Secondary Schools Press Association (PSSPA) had its first convention in Pasig, Rizal.

However, NSPC, the highest competition for journalism in both public and private high schools in the Philippines was established in 1991 in pursuant of Rule IX of Republic Act 7079 also known as Campus Journalism Act of 1991.(MAL/AAN-PIA V)

DSWD Bicol management team bags 7 awards for KALAHI-CIDSS implementation

LEGAZPI CITY, February 20 (PIA) -- The Regional Project Management Team (RPMT) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here coveted seven awards in the recently held Year-end Assessment Awards Night of the agency in Manila recently.

The management team from Bicol for the project Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) received four major awards namely Best Regional Project Management Office (RPMO), Best LGU (local government unit) Engagement award for both municipal and provincial levels and RPMO with Best Convergence Effort.

Along with these, they also bagged three minor awards as Best Public Private Partnership (PPP) Initiative, RPMO with Highest Grand Fund Disbursement and Best in Sub-Project Implementation.

The RPMO award is given by the National Management Office (NPMO) of KALAHI–CIDSS project in recognition of their exemplary performance in the delivery of all project targets, in accordance with quality standards within the given schedule for 2011.

The office’s effort in establishing partnership with local governments in the implementation of local projects likewise paid off as they receive the Best Municipal and Provincial LGU Engagement award.

Sorsogon meanwhile took the lead in passing the documentary evidence in the completion of their sub-project reports (SPCRs).

KALAHI-CIDDS is also proclaimed as the RPMO with Best Convergence Effort in recognition of their hard work in the integration of DSWD’s core social protection programs in their projects such as their Convergence Caravan. This event highlights the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) and Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K).

The project is a flagship poverty alleviation project of DSWD launched in 2003.

To date, it has given financial support to more than 500 community projects benefitting poor barangays in Bicol in partnership with various LGUs in the region. (MAL/SAA, PIA V/Albay)

PRC conducts Catanduanes ’blood donors’ assembly

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Catanduanes Chapter conducted its 1st Catanduanes Blood Donors’ Assembly February 16 at the PRC Training Hall, Virac, Catanduanes with the theme, “Dugo Mo, Karugtong ng Buhay Ko.”

It is a mission of the PRC to ease the suffering and provide assistance to the most vulnerable. For the year 2010 to 2012, the Catanduanes Chapter was able to help patients in need of blood and to maintain sufficient supply of the precious commodity.

The activity highlighted the importance of sufficient blood supply in the province.

At present, PRC Catanduanes has its own blood collecting unit/station open for 24 hours. On the year 2010, the unit was able to collected 800 bags of blood 160 of which were served to the indigents.

Donors belong to certain clubs depending on their blood type. These are club type “O+,” club type “A+,” club type “B+” and club type “AB+.” Election of officers for each club were also conducted.(MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)

Sorsogon City advocates "Green Economy Approach" for sustainable development

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Guided by the global trend for sustainable development, this city has anchored development to harmonize with the environment, advocating the "Green Economy Approach."

Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda expressed the importance of the natural environment of areas where development will take shape, that when development takes place, tree conservation, its topography, and the overall setting should be taken into consideration.

According to the global trend of green economy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, "A green economy approach is essential for sustainable development and climate change adaptation in a world where population growth and consumption of limited resources are generating disaster risk. Human well-being and the resilience of communities will depend on how well local government can make the transition to a greener economy for development."

The guidelines or trend for sustainable development has been the guiding principle of the city now it being the pilot of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation strategies and whereby it will adhere to the guidelines for sustainable development and human wellness.

Sorsogon City Information Officer Manny Daep explained that the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) will enforce stricter policies for development guided by the policies on Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program and the Green Economy Approach.

According to the Green Economy Approach principle : "A green economy must invest in people and social capital -- through health care, education services and access to social safe nets -- independent of the consideration of individuals as human capital, and should ensure that the benefits of economic growth are equitably shared." (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

PIA Regional Dir. Eduardo A. de Leon signed the manifestation of support to the Bureau of Internal Revenue for its laudable programs and activities in its pursuit to collect revenue taxes for nation building. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal, in her tax campaign message during the 2012 Tax Campaign Kick-Off "I love Philippine pay taxes", held at Embarcadero de Legazpi Atrium, Legazpi City, last Feb. 16, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

A tax campaign message delivered by DCIR Nelson M. Aspe.

2012 TAX CAMPAIGN -- Operations Group, BIR National Office DCIR Nelson M. Aspe, delivers his tax campaign message during the 2012 Tax Campaign Kick-Off ceremony held at Embarcadero de Legazpi Atrium, last February 16, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Nurses under the RNHeals continue to provide health care to needy communities

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Exactly a year on February 14 after the orientation of the first batch of RN (Registered Nurse) Heals recipients here in Camarines Sur, 288 graduated from their clinical and community health services at Regent Hotel, here.

The graduates received a Certificate of Deployment and Competency after serving their turns in various hospitals and rural health units located in various parts of the province.

The graduates are now part of a pool of competent nurses who will soon comprise the growing number of health professionals now deployed in various parts of the country to back up President Benigno Aquino’s Universal Health Care or Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) program.

It endeavors to bring health services closer to the needy communities, particularly for those who are living in the poor outskirts of the region.

Its realization was made possible through the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service project, fondly dubbed as RN Heals – a health undertaking by the Department of Health (DOH) in close alliance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Dr. Arnie Carandang, DOH Camarines Sur Provincial Health Team Leader, said that the training and exposure of the nurses who became part of the RNHeals - First Batch will give them greater edge in terms of employability and eventual absorption in health care offices and hospitals having undergone extensive learning and development during the duration of their experience.

“These nurses were deployed on a 50/50 scheme, a rotation from clinical health service, exposing them to the community and providing them clinical experience by deploying them to the Bicol Medical Center (BMC). This closing ceremony is actually the start of their new journey in pursuing their services in another stage – perhaps in a much bigger scheme and we all sincerely wish them well ,” Carandang added.

Dr. Nestor Santiago, DOH Regional Director for Bicol, who graced the said occasion also thanked all their partner agencies for their cooperation and challenged the RNs to fulfill PNoy’s call for an improved health care service.

“Our President has directed the DOH to spearhead its campaign to pursue the government’s Universal Health Care Program, particularly in the reduction of child mortality and the improvement of maternal health and other related services. It is in our hands to make these things happen.”

Santiago also addressed his challenge to the coming batches of RN Heals. The second batch comprised of more than 318 registered nurses, was dispatched last November and were deployed at BMC and at the Bicol Sanitarium, while the upcoming Batch 3, composed of 297 registered nurses, will start their community service in various rural health units in Camarines Sur and will have their exposure in community health services starting March this year.

The nurses will receive a monthly allowance of P8,000 from the DOH while the municipalities where they will be assigned were tasked to ensure their safety. If the LGU is financially capable, they can provide an additional stipend to the worker in addition to their monthly allowance. The workers’ deployment is also covered by a group insurance through PhilHealth and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). (MAL/LSM-PIA Camarines Sur)

Legazpi holds 6th Lakad Tanim para sa Puso

LEGAZPI CITY, February 17 (PIA) – The city government, under the leadership of Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal, here spearheaded the V-Day march promoting an environmental and reforestation campaign to address and further prevent flooding concerns during rainy seasons.

At least a thousand participants from different sectors of society, including government employees, civic organizations, academe, students, non government organizations, police and military officers and personnel, city and barangay officials, among others, joined the 6th annual Lakad at Tanim para sa Puso last February 14.

Participants joined the brisk walks from Peñaranda Park in Old Albay District in this city up to the top of Ligñon Hill view deck where the tree planting activity was conducted.

Rosal cited the support and cooperation of the participants for joining and giving importance to the call of the city government, further encouraged all the Legazpeños to regularly participate in the environmental program of the city.

On the other hand, City Administrator Noel E. Rosal averred that this environmental activity started after typhoons Milenyo and Reming in September and November 2006, respectively, devastated the cityscape.

He also said that this activity intended to protect the environment will also be beneficial to future generations and be aware that planting trees today will enable us to to preserve our natural resources for a better tomorrow.

Meanwhile, city Councilor Celoy Chan reported that almost 3,000 trees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) given to the city government were planted at Ligñon hill during Valentine’s day. (MAL/MPS, LGU Legazpi City)

1st Cagsawa Trail Run set Feb 26

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 17 (PIA) -- Daraga town is gearing up for the 1st Cagsawa Trail Run on the 26th of February as one of the major events in line with the month-long celebration of 1st Cagsawa Festival.

Myn Sta Ana, Cagsawa Trail Run organizer, said in an interview in the PIA V “Ugnayan sa Bikol” radio program, that the eco-trail running event will not only start the competition among local and national runners but will also promote the rich scenic topography surrounding the historic Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town, including the church’s belfry which serves as a mute testimony to the enormous disaster that was the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814.

Sta Ana said that the exhilarating trail in the eight -kilometer and 16-kilometer distances will loop in rivers and muddy farmlands that could be reached by climbing steep inclines and boulders. Both categories will have a registration fee of P300.

Gun start time at 6:00 a.m. at the Daraga Park in front of Daraga Municipal Hall.

She furthered that three winners each for men and women categories will be chosen in both 8k and 16k trail run.

Prizes at stake for 8k are P3,000 for the top finisher, P2,000 for second place and with P1,000 for the third spot, while the same prizes await top honors in 16k yet with added gift packs containing sports paraphernalias.

Cagsawa Trail Run is organized through the partnership of the municipal government of Daraga, headed by Mayor Gerry Jaucian, and the province of Albay, led by Governor Joey Salceda, together with Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), Bicol Cancer Center (BCC) and Dios Mabalos po Foundation Inc.

Sta. Ana averred that proceeds of running event will be used to help the cancer patients at Bicol Cancer Center along with the victims of the tropical storm Sendong in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to be fascilitated by Dios Mabalos Po Foundation. (MAL/SAA-PIA V/Albay)


Sorsogon City visualizes itself, "A Magnet for Development"

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- The 18-man delegation from Cambodia that visited Sorsogon City for the past two days this week was impressed with Sorsogon City's climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives and strategies; components of the disaster risk reduction contingency plan like shelter, livelihood, evacuation centers; comprehensive land use plan; and where tourism and wellness were the emerging highlight of the city's development.

Mayor Leovic Dioneda of this city shared with the Cambodian entourage that the key message that they learned in the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM), is that, being the only pilot area of CCAM in Southeast Asia, it is now becoming "a magnet for development" where doors of funding agencies just opened up to provide the city the needed funds for development.

He said that this year, the city is becoming known not only for its fast-paced infrastructure development but is also becoming introduced to the world because of its"complementation-strategy" with funding agencies working for enhancing environmental sustainability programs, and the city now focusing more in its tourism potential and wellness of the constituency.


"For the past several years, the city leaders have become a real unified body; both the legislative and executive have focused their mandate in the development of the city, the security of the people, and harnessing outside source for development that outpouring of resources coming from our representatives and senator have been just easily provided aside from global funding source," Dioneda said.

"Here in the city, Senator Francis Joseph "Chiz" G. Escudero had committed funds for the development of the four-hectare environmental tourism area in Brgy. Cabarbuhan, district of Bacon that will be turned into a zoo where children will be provided the chance to interact with animals and a recreation area for families and for those who simply would like to commune with nature," he said.

He also presented to the visitors the other add-on components of the CCAM that will create livelihood opportunities -- the P 40 million training center and slaughterhouse now being constructed.

The visit was highlighted by the tour of the group to the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) where exposure to geothermal energy featured the essence of technology and environment in harmony. It is now one of the best ecotourism destinations here in the province. (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)


Girl Scouts conduct tree planting activity

SAN ANDRES, Catanduanes, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Girl Scouts from the San Andres Vocational School (SAVS) participated in helping in greening the environment through a tree planting activity on February 4, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

The said activity was undertaken as part of the Girl Scouting Program and SAVS’ Green Surroundings Program.

The former is an action plan covering the whole Girl Scouting environment of fun, adventure, and challenges where girls working alone or in small groups live the Girl Scout Promise (GSP) and develop themselves in self-reliance, self-esteem, and service with the guidance of able and caring adults.

This is also under the eight-point challenge of GSP which is the Challenge of Environment stating that protection and conservation of the natural resources is very important local and global issue.

On the other hand, the school’s greening program is in support of the nationwide endeavor to protect and preserve the environment.

The tree planting coincides with the yes-o camp wherein aside from GSP members, students of SAVS and faculty members of the school were able to participate in the activity. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)

6th Lakad Tanim para sa Puso... Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal leads the tree planting activity in Lignon Hill during the Valentine's Day Lakad Tanim para sa Puso promoting healthy lifestyle and environmental protection and care, February 14. (MAL/MPS, LGU Legazpi City)