COMELEC urged residents to register to vote in 2013 elections

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has urged qualified residents to register in order to vote on the upcoming 2013 national elections.

As of April 16, the COMELEC has already listed 72,031 registered voters, including 767 new registrants from different parts of the city.

COMELEC City Election Assistant II Corazon N. Marpuri, they are still expecting more or less 10 percent additional registrants before the set deadline for the application of registration of voters.

Atty. Maico T. Julia Jr, City Election Officer also reiterated the commission’s call for other registrants, especially the youth to be a part of the upcoming political exercise by filing their registration and being counted during the elections.

COMELEC Naga aside from the new registrants has recorded 233 transferees from other barangays or municipalities while 67 are transferees are within the city. The quarterly statistics report also reflects 198 corrections of entries and reactivated 26 more registrants. All in all, there were a total of 155 reactivated registrants.

This is part of the continuing system of registration being implemented by COMELEC Naga to check the statistics or movement of the upcoming electorates who will determine the fate of the candidates on the next election.

For those who intend to change or transfer from other city or municipalities, he or she must be a registered voter of the place where he or she formerly resides. In the event that they want to transfer in other voting municipality, they must a resident of the barangay where she presently resides and intend to vote for at least six months, unless otherwise disqualified by law.

Other important dates to remember include the resumption of the system of continuing registration pursuant to Resolution Number 916 is from May 3 until October 2012. Overseas Filipino Workers will still have a chance to register as a duly recognized voter under Resolution No. 9269. Deadline is until October 31, 2012. (MAL/LSM-PIA5 Camarines Sur)

Diskwento Caravan to roll out this summer

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 25, (PIA)-- Discounted grocery products, NFA rice and school supplies will be sold by participating stores in the Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) this summer on May 3-4, May 10-11 and May 14-15, 2012 respectively.

The activity is a nationwide program of the DTI.

In Catanduanes, it will be conducted in coordination with the provincial government through the Provincial Price Coordinating Council and the MLGUs of San Miguel, Gigmoto and Caramoran.

In Caramoran, it will be carried out in Bulalacao while in San Miguel and Gigmoto, in the poblacion area.

The project is similar to the rolling stores of the National Food Authority (NFA) that are deployed during shortages in the supply of rice – hopping from one barangay to another selling by retail.

The Diskwento Caravan on the other hand will have, in addition to the NFA rice, basic and prime commodities like canned sardines, sugar, coffee, instant noodles, detergent soap, cooking oil, etc. as well as school supplies.

NFA rice will be sold by the provincial government at a subsidized price of P26.00 per kilo.

Participating business establishments are: Menson Marketing, Millenium Distribution System, Virac Fortune Enterprises, Catanduanes Bazaar/ Supermart and ACC Hypermart. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)


Catanduanes college welcomes accreditation team

CATANDUANES, April 27 (PIA) -- Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III of Catanduanes State Colleges, welcomed on Monday, April 23, the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities, Inc. (AACCUP) team.

On April 23, 2012, the accreditors started conducting the preliminary survey visit to seven academic programs of CSC and finalized their evaluation yesterday, April 25.

The President also shared her welcome thoughts during the Opening Program at the CSC Little Theater where the four-member AACCUP team was introduced to the CSC community.

Heading the accrediting team is Dr. Gregorio T. dela Rosa from University of Eastern Philippines.

Dr. dela Rosa also assess the MA in English and Master of Arts in Education – Mathematics programs at the Graduate School.

The survey team members are Dr. Victorial M. Noble of Southern Luzon State University who is in charge in evaluating the Master of Arts in Teaching Biology and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs; Dr. Nimfa T. Basierto of University of Eastern Philippines who reviewed the Bachelor of Office Administration and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Ronato S. Ballado, also of University of Eastern Philippines, who assessed the Bachelor of Elementary Education program.

In his message during the opening program, Dr. dela Rosa underscored the need to provide a ‘borderless education’ that will recognize the skills and competencies of the students in other countries.

“We have to be creative, we have to be curious. Faculty members, not only students, must have that sense of curiosity and creativity— (kung) paano maituturo (sa mga estudyante), paano mapupukaw ang kaisipan ng mga bata para taluntunin ang daan ng higit pang kaalaman na dapat nilang mapag aralan,” he emphasized.

He also said that as accreditors, their task is to help, not to discriminate. (EAB/GSRubio/Catanduanes PIA 5/PR and Information Services)


City Environment Office spearheads events in line with International Earth Day

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here headed by CENRO Oca Orozco is spearheading a series of events in line with the celebration of the International Earth Day.

The activity aims to elevate the awareness of the community on the current situation of the environment, offer alternative eco-friendly programs, and mobilize the community in affecting transformation to combat the ill effects of climate change.

Not only did the local government units and its partner agencies stepped in to bring the campaign closer to the people, but also to students from various colleges and universities in the province.

In support to this endeavor, the Central Student Government of the Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel in cooperation with CENRO, initiated a campaign dubbed as “Habo ko sa Plastic.” The activity aims to express its distaste over the continued use of plastic in the marketplace and in the household, and explain to the people the hazardous effects on the continued use of plastic bags.

The student government of Naga College Foundation (NCF) also conducted a signature campaign that aims to promote the use of paper bags as an alternative to plastic containers or bags. They have already distributed 100,000 paper bags to public markets last March 9 to hype the said campaign.

Orozco lauded the initiatives of the two big colleges in the city and vowed to support the said endeavors in their upcoming environment campaigns.

CENRO also organized a massive clean-up along the protected area of Mount Isarog over the weekend and participated in by 92 participants including City Youth Officials, barangay volunteers from Barangay Panicuason in Naga City and members of Mt. Isarog Guardians.

Other activities conducted during the clean up campaign includes trek clean up, picking of pieces of waste materials, and clearing of hike path. At the end of the day, the team collected a total of 23 sacks of solid garbage.

On June 18, CENRO in partnership with the city government of Naga, will be conducting a free smoke test to motorists within the city. This is in connection with the on-going anti-smoke belching and anti-air pollution campaign of the environment office. (LSM- PIA 5, Camarines Sur)


903rd Brigade chosen as 9ID’s Best for 2011

SORSOGON CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The 903rd Infantry (Fight and Defend) Brigade was recently chosen by Philippine Army headquarters as the best Infantry Brigade (Inf Bgde) of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division for the year 2011 receiving the Award of Merit by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army and the Command Plaque by Commander, 9ID.

Commanding Officer of 903rd Inf Bgde Col. Felix Castro Jr. said that considering the imperatives of IPSP “Bayanihan” and its emphasis on both combat and non-combat dimensions of military operations, the Brigade pursued efforts to link with agencies that could help in the development of the communities in Sorsogon and Masbate. It has opted to focus its efforts in a certain area rather than have projects in many dispersed barangays.

"By pouring in development projects in a selected focus area, the improvement could easily be felt by the people and there is a higher chance of success. Neighboring communities will eventually also benefit from the improvement economic environment," he said.

The first Brigade focused area is Brgy Pandan in Castilla, Sorsogon which used to be influenced by the NPAs before the area was cleared in 2009. The “Tarabangan sa Brgy Pandan” Project started with the construction of a two-classroom building sponsored by ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Sagip Kapamilya for Pandan High School.

Other projects soon followed after the initiative of ABS-CBN: one classroom building funded by Cong. Salvador Escudero III; another classroom building funded by DepEd; two-classroom (two-storey) building funded by DepEd; 5 road improvement projects programmed for this year; ongoing cementing of the irrigation canal (P30M) funded by DA; the recently concluded six-month feeding program by ABS-CBN; and the introduction of abaca growing by FIDA. The Brigade also has six Bayanihan Iskolars sponsored by ABS-CBN and The Lewis College in Sorsogon City.

Another two-classroom building in Cabancalan Elementary School in Aroroy, Masbate also sponsored by Sagip Kapamilya was inaugurated last January.

Mayor Enrico Z. Capinig of Aroroy, Masbate committed funds for the cooperatives of the women’s organization and the Barangay Defense System or BDS. He also promised to build a high school next year. Two scholarship slots will also be given by ABS-CBN aside from the feeding program. Funds are now being sourced for the concreting of the road.

Col. Castro further said that the Brigade has been active in the programs of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA). The two provinces in its area have received funds for development- Sorsogon got P30 million for its seven focus municipalities and Masbate received P50 million for its three focus municipalities.

The PAMANA Convergence Unit for Sorsogon which involves representatives from the different government agencies has been a good venue for us to recommend projects and target areas for development.

"Also, we have been able to bring medical services to far-flung barangays. Worth mentioning is a medical mission conducted by the Spanish NGO Asociacion Valenciana de Asistencia Sanitaria y Social Voluntarios (AVASSV) in Barangays Pandan and Amomonting of Castilla and San Pascual in Casiguran, Sorsogon. The television program Alagang Kapatid of TV5 also had a medical mission in Brgy Calintaan, Matnog, Sorsogon," explained Col. Castro.

"We support the School of Peace Program of the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development (BCPED) which is funded by OPAPP. Soldiers are always involved in the activities of San Isidro Elementary School in Castilla which is a pilot School of Peace. We have convinced Dr Herbert Rosana Ph.D, BCPED Director and Head of the Department of Peace Studies of Bicol University, to include the public schools in the municipality of Castilla in the School of Peace Program. A proposal has been made for this to happen," he further said.

The official also said that in addition to their active partnership with the stakeholders towards the development of these provinces, the Brigade also gave equal efforts in meeting the threats posed by those who hinder development. "Last year, we were able to recover 68 assorted firearms in several encounters including a cal .30 light machine gun, two AK47 rifles, and M16 rifles. Sixty-seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered. We were able to repulse the attack by the NPAs against some police stations and military detachment," he said.

The exemplary performance of the 903rd Infantry se accomplishments have led to Looking back, the Brigade has been able to perform exceedingly well in its combat and non-combat operations. This could be attributed to a pool of well-motivated, well-trained and experienced personnel who gets the job done.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Castilla led by Mayor Olive Bermillo has recently donated a 2-hectare lot for the brigade headquarters. Another hectare will be given this year. The Deed of Donation was signed last 17 November by Gen Eduardo SL Oban Jr, CSAFP, and Mayor Bermillo. "We intend to build a “green camp” where our soldiers could contribute to the environment," said Col. Castro. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/903rd Bgde, PA)

Asian Dev't Bank eyes Albay for scaled up KALAHI-CIDSS implementation

LEGAZPI CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Bicol region together with Asian Development Bank (ADB) has conducted a scoping mission in the Albay province as part of the scaled up implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) at the provincial level.

DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, during her visit here recently, explained that the visit in Albay is part of ADB’s two-week scoping mission in the Philippines which aims to evaluate the engagement of provincial local government units (PLGUs) in the implementation of community-driven development (CDD) programs such as the Kalahi-CIDSS.

“What we would like to do is really explore and expand the engagement of provincial local government units and see the scaling up of the process and implementation at the level of the province,” Soliman said.

The pilot implementation of expanding the Kalahi-CIDSS at a provincial level in partnership with ADB will be conducted in regions 5, 8, and 11.

“ADB is our partner in doing this effort and we’re now in a scoping mission to do a pilot in three provinces in the three island regions. So it’s Albay for Luzon, Leyte for Visayas, and Compostela Valley for Mindanao,” Soliman added.

The ADB Team is comprised of Education Specialist Joel Mangahas as mission leader and Social Development Specialist Yukiko Ito from Japan, and Health Specialist Gerard Servais from Belgium as mission members.

Part of their scoping mission in Albay is the consultation meeting with the team of Albay governor Joey Salceda from which relevant information, suggestions, and best practices on the successful implementation of the project in the province were noted.

“We really would want to work with you because as we know, Albay has been very innovative in many aspects of governance and we know that Gov. Joey Salceda is convinced with CDD,” Soliman pointed out.

Aside from Salceda’s team, the consultation also involved representatives from the LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region to encourage support and explore mechanisms for provincial implementation of CDD.

The mission team together with the Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Project Management Team also visited Barangays 5 and Rawis of Pioduran to conduct community interview on their preferred manner of implementation and perception on the effectiveness of Kalahi-CIDSS as a CDD.

Community-driven development is the strategy used by Kalahi-CIDSS, one of the core programs by DSWD, to empower barangays in development activities, address the needs they have identified and manage assets in a sustainable way. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/DSWD 5)


Bicol U to host int’l workshop on SMART technology for DRRM

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Bicol University will host the international workshop on SMART technologies for disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) come April 30 to May 2 that aims to strengthen collaboration between and among agencies involved in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

Expected to participate in the three-day activity are DRRM practitioners, local DRRM heads, DRRM chairs from 81 provinces, 15 DRRM from municipal and cities, state universities and colleges’ technology developers, and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Working towards the goal of strengthening the national and sub-national capacities for managing disasters and reducing vulnerabilities, the provincial government of Albay, BU Extension Service Center, the Bicol Extension Disaster Education Network (Bicol-EDEN), National Defense Support Command, and the Marine Experimentation Center will initiate and institutionalize smart disaster proofing technologies in the up-scaling of local and community-based disaster management approaches, systems and technologies in the country.

It is along this line, that a national conference was conceptualized to be able to showcase technologies both indigenous and exogenous that can be used to forward the goal of disaster risk reduction and management.

Noted and prominent speakers will handle different topics in the said conference. Dr. Cedric Daep of APSEMO will talk on Early Warning System, Communication Protocol and Evacuation Procedure-The Zero Casualty Strategy. David Weber of Martin Corp. will be discussing Communication, Information and Media Relations, Technologies to Enable Rapid Communications & Collaboration for HADR Operations.

Meanwhile, Leo Ebajo, head of the Emergency Rescue Unit, Disaster Management Division of the Philippine National Red Cross will deal on the topic Mass Casualty Management, and Atty. Prescilla Duque will also discuss Cluster Approach for Disaster Response.

On May 1, 2012 the topic High Frequency Doppler Radar Support for Typhoon Tracking and Search and Rescue will be handled by Ian Fernandez of UP Marine Sciences Institute.

Other proposed topics are on Water, Sanitation and Health, to be handled by Engr. William Sabater of DOH RegionV, Jim Chaney of Greenpath Technologies will discuss on Expetitionary Energy and Power Supply, while the topic on Disaster Resistant Housing and Construction Technologies will be handled by Guy Akasaki of Greenpath Technologies.

There will be more speakers to talk and discuss about Risk Reduction Planning & Management, Safe Settlement Planning, Green Livelihood, Psycho Social Interventions, Hydrometeorological Hazar and Emergency Research and Hazard Mapping among others.

Meanwhile, Senator T.G. Guingona will be discussing about Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 on the opening day after the welcome address of Shujie Chang, director, MARFORDAC and the keynote address of Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, Commander of AFP NADESCOM.

Bicol University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya will also give her welcome address and Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay will give his message. (MAL-PIA 5, Albay/PBP-BU)


BIR collection in Bicol for Q1 surpasses target by .08%

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Internal revenue collection in Bicol region for the first quarter’s (January to March) reached P1.313 billion surpassing its target for the period of P1.312 billion by more than P1 million or .08 percent, according to regional official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here.

BIR Revenue Region 10 director Esmeralda M. Tabule has commended all revenue district officers in the region and has also conferred Certificates of Recognition during the regular monthly staff conference last April 13, 2012 for exerting extra efforts in attaining their respective collection targets.

Tabule continued to encourage them to sustain their good performance for the succeeding months until the end of this year.

March’s collection of P442.655 million exceeded the target of P429.374 by P13.28 million or 3.09 percent and is higher by P103.6 million or 30.58 percent over the P338.9 million collections last year.

Cumulative collection as of March is also higher by P246.4 million or 23.10 percent as compared to P1.066 billion last year.

Among the seven district offices in the Bicol Region, Revenue District Office No. 69 (Catanduanes), headed by Ma. Teresa Noemi A. Pizon, topped the collection performance for a P26.2 million with 21.55 percent increase against goal of P21.620 million, followed by RDO-64 (Daet, Camarines Norte), led by Nemesia G. Giano, for more than P41 million collection with 20.66 percent increase against goal of P33.989 million, and RDO-67 (Legazpi City), under Ariel M. Calabia, with P164.9 million collection having an increase of 18.32 percent against goal of P139.440 million.

The fourth top collection performer is RDO-68 (Sorsogon City) under Maria Thelma F. Pulhin for a collection of P44.680 million with 21.55 per cent increase against goal of P40.339 million.

Tabule remains optimistic for more achievements in the coming months with the continued cooperation of the taxpayers, tax agents and the collaborative efforts of the revenue officials to pursue its thrusts for a strong republic. (MAL-PIA 5, Albay)


NSO to update list of establishments

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 26 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office, Catanduanes Provincial Office will be conducting the 2012 Updating of the List of Establishments (2012 ULE).

The ULE, a regular activity of the Industry and Trade Statistics Department of NSO, will be undertaken nationwide, which is conducted primarily to provide an updated and reliable sampling frame for the census and survey of establishments.

The activity aims to provide an updated list of establishments/enterprises with information on their characteristics; distribution of establishments/enterprises; information on business births and deaths and other business demographic indicators; and list of emerging industries.

It involves getting hold of “new” establishments and listing their characteristics; updating the status and characteristics of “old” establishments; and de-listing “closed” establishments that should no longer form part of the List if Establishments (LE).

Moreover, it shall serve as preparation for establishment surveys and censuses and the Survey of Enterprises in the Philippines.

The filed operation is from May 2 to June 16, 2012.

The list will also serve as a guide to survey planners in the geographical allocation of resources based on the number of establishments in the area.

Some of the uses of the LE are providing reliable statistical frame for the conduct of establishment/enterprises/censuses/surveys; providing bases for for sampling and coverage decision; creating of list of enterprises; and compilation of micro, small, medium enterprises statistics.

The respondents are assured that the information obtained from them are held confidential and shall be used for statistical purposes only. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes/NSO Catanduanes)


UNFPA and Albay to conduct P40-M population dev't project

By Marlon A. Loterte

 LEGAZPI CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The United Nation Population Fund Agency (NFPA) and the local government of Albay on Monday signed a letter of understanding (LOU) to jointly undertake population development activities in the province.
and
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the joint partnership carries a P40-million funding spread over a five-year project timeline starting this year.

He said the fund will be used to carry out reproductive health projects in the 15 towns and three cities of the province.

The project involves IEC campaign on RH on women, youngsters, HIV AIDS; trainings, and the pursuit of MDG components on maternal health, reduction of child mortality, promote gender equality, combat HIV/AIDS and eradication of poverty.

Ugochi Daniels, UNFPA country representative, said that the rate of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines is highest among six major economies in the Association of South East Asian Nations, and urged government to address the problem as this is part of the Millennium Development Goals.

A UNFPA 2011 annual report said that there are 53 births per 1,000 women aged between 15 and 19 in the Philippines.

The same statistics on female adolescent pregnancies indicate that the total number of annual births changed little over the preceding 10 years. But the number of teenage pregnancies has risen 70 percent, from 114,205 in 1999 to 195,662 in 2009.

Of the 1.75 million live births in 2009, the latest review year, over 11 percent were by teenage mothers. The numbers have climbed steadily every year over the period.

Data shows that one fifth of the country’s population belongs to the 15 to 24 years old brackets or 16.5 million youngsters in 2000 and by 2030 it would reach 30 million. (MAL/MSA, ALbay)

Coast Guard Bicol 13th Founding Anniversary

COAST GUARD DISTRICT BICOL--Guest of Honor and Speaker VADM Edmund C. Tan, Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard,  delivers his message during the 13^th Founding Anniversary of  Coast Guard District Bicol with the theme: Pushing the Limits in Promoting Extensive Marine Safety, Security and Law Enforcement through Cooperative Strategies in Bicol Region.” held at Mariner’s Polytechnic College Foundation Annex Bldg., Rawis, Legazpi City last April 24, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA-V)

13th Founding Anniversary

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant VADM Edmund C. Tan, received the Memento to Commodore Joel S. Garcia, PCG H.D. Al-Haj, Commander, Coast Guard District Bicol. (Alex Cal/PIA-5)

95 beneficiaries get pineapple processing equipment from DOLE

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 25 (PIA) -- A total of 95 beneficiaries from the San Lorenzo town received pineapple processing equipment from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office in Bicol yesterday, April 24.

The distribution of the pineapple processing equipment was led by Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra of DOLE V, joined by Camarines Norte provincial directors Ernesto Pardo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Ruben Romanillos of DOLE, and San Lorenzo Mayor Nelson de los Santos.

The 95 beneficiaries belong to informal sector, 25 members of Women and Families of San Lorenzo Ruiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WFSLRMPC), 60 pineapple growers, and 10 handicraft makers identified by DTI.

Romanillos said that a total of P530,978 amount of equipment was given to all the beneficiaries, wherein P397,978 was allotted by DOLE while 20 percent or P133,000 was counterpart from the local government unit, cooperative, and the DTI.

He said that the processing equipment will help the beneficiaries to increase production and provide additional income through pineapple by-products.

It can be recalled that DOLE V also distributed Kabuhayan starter kits last month to some 40 beneficiaries of Talisay and Capalonga towns.

DOLE also targets another 100 beneficiaries in this town wherein they will give equipment for the production of pineapple and pili based products.

The said project of the DOLE is part of the Product Enhancement and Market Expansion of Pineapple By-Products under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program Workers Income Augmentation Project for informal sector. (MAL/RBM-PIA Camarines Norte)


Catanduanes college under evaluation

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 25 (PIA) -- The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) is conducting an evaluation on six curricular programs of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC), five of which are at the main campus and one at Panganiban Campus from April 23 to 25.

At the school's main campus, the program to be evaluated are MAED-Math, MA-English, MAT- Biology, BS Office Administration, and BS Entrepreneurship while at the Panganiban Campus, the program to be assessed is BS in Elementary Education.

Four evaluators will conduct the preliminary survey visit. They will determine the degree of readiness of the six programs for an appropriate accreditation level.

The college president, Dr. Minerva Morales, enjoins the colleges' community to give their full support and cooperation to this undertaking.

Moreover, all college vice presidents, deans, directors, chiefs of offices, chairpersons, principal, task force members and the teaching staff of the colleges to be evaluated, are required to attend the Opening and Orientation Program on April 23 and the Exit/Closing Program on April 25.

CSC has already 19 accredited programs. AB Economics, AB Political Science, Bachelor in Elementary Education, Bachelor in Secondary Education, BS in Industrial Technology, BS in Nursing, Master of Arts in Education and Master in Public Administration are Level III accredited

With Level II Reaccredited status are BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, BS in Accountancy and the BS in Business Administration programs. They are also scheduled for Level III evaluation this year.

Moreover, the BS in Biology and BS in Mathematics are ‘Level I Accredited’ while the Doctor of Education, Master in Business Administration, AB in Public Administration, BS in Agriculture, BS in Civil Engineering and BS Information Management are Candidate Status or gearing up for Level I accreditation.

According to AACCUP, accreditation is a process by which an institution at the tertiary level evaluates its educational activities, in whole or in part, and seeks an independent judgment to confirm that it substantially achieves its objectives, and is generally equal in quality to comparable institutions.

Aside from being program-focused, accreditation is based on standards of the accrediting agency, which are normally higher than those set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other appropriate agencies, like the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Accreditation is voluntary on the part of the higher education institution that may want to be accredited. The evaluation is undertaken by peers, which are the external accreditors who are mostly faculty members from other higher education institutions.

Programs that have passed the AACCUP standards, and are awarded accreditation status.

As a benefit, being accredited lends prestige to member institutions, justified by the possession of quality standards and unremitting efforts to maintain them at high level. It also helps parents to know which program they may send their children to for quality education.

It also make all those engaged in education aware of standards of excellence which they should strive to attain, and make possible for those proposing funding and those who are to fund, to know what to support and how much support is needed. Evaluated programs are also given the opportunity to know its strength and weaknesses, and in what aspects it needs to develop.

AACCUP further adds that accreditation has also been used as a criterion in administrative decision-making in a variety of ways such as applicants for teaching in the Department of Education (DepEd) who are graduates of accredited programs are granted credit points. The school’s accredited status is also used as a criterion in the leveling of State Universities and Colleges. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5/GSRubio-CSC)


CamSur commends barangay health workers

By Analiza S. Macatangay

PILI, CAMARINES SUR, April 25 (PIA) -- In an effort to recognize the invaluable efforts being rendered by barangay health workers (BHWs), the provincial government has convened more than 4,000 health volunteers in the Provincial BHW Congress held over the weekend at the Provincial Capitol.

Dr. Ira Bisuña, Provincial Health Office Head in Camarines Sur, has expressed her admiration for the sacrifice and selfless act of the BHWs to ensure that health services are delivered to the community. These endeavors, she said are most beneficial particularly for those residing in far-flung areas where health services are much demanded for.

Under the theme “Pagpapatatag at pagkakaisa ng mga BHW para isulong Kalusugan Pangkalahatan,” Bisuña said that the local government under the headship of Camarines Sur governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte has already put in place some initiatives, including the upgrading of health facilities to ensure that health programs will find its way particularly in coastal areas.

A modern provincial hospital is also expected to rise at Banasi, Bula, Camarines Sur to ensure that immediate health services will be delivered to its constituents.

Wenefreda Agunday, president of BHW Provincial Federation tasked to welcome the participants, also encouraged the workers to remain steadfast in their dedication to serve and be a role model of the community. Agunday also made mention of the benefits that the government is offering as incentive to these health heroes who assists the government in the realization of its health policy.

Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” clearly stipulates that accredited BHWs are entitled to receive incentives and benefits which include hazard and subsistence allowance. They should also have access to educational programs to upgrade their skills and knowledge for community work or to pursue further training, scholarship benefits and training grants, among others.

Camarines Sur Vice Governor Fortunato Peña also graced the afternoon session which was highlighted with the awarding of BHWs who have rendered 30 or more years of health service. Aida Abad Navales, Midwife Supervisor and BHW Coordinator lauded the awardees for their unwavering dedication in the fulfillment of their task to provide genuine health care to the constituents of Camarines Sur. (MAL/LSM-PIA5 Camarines Sur)


Albay residents support ban on the use of plastic

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Albay’s drive to eliminate plastic bag usage gains more ground after the launch of Provincial Ordinance No. 2011-3 on April 21, Saturday.

The provincial ordinance prohibits the use of plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other synthetic materials.

Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, Vice Gov. Harold Ong Imperial, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the kick off at the LCC Mall Activity Center here.

Local government authorities believe that the Albay version is positively welcomed by the constituents.

"We have overwhelming proofs from the ground of populace support. On the supply side, all big 3 are now complying. On the demand side, even in wet markets, there is more pervasive use of reusable indigenous bags," Salceda said.

"I have talked to most officials of local governments in the province and they are supporting the ordinance, especially Polangui, Tabaco, Guinobatan, Sto. Domingo. The province approved the ordinance last February 2011 but its full effect on May 31, 2012 giving time for compliance and information, education campaign with stakeholders. We have invested time, effort and resources in consultations and education with affected sectors," Salceda furthered.

Ban on plastics will take effect on May 31 after the provincial legislative body lifts the one-year moratorium given to commercial establishments in the 15 towns and three cities of the province.

Albay is the first province in Bicol to pass an ordinance banning the use of materials harmful to the environment.

Under the ordinance, owners of groceries, department stores, supermarkets, chain retailers including sari-sari stores are directed not to use plastic, styrofoam, and synthetic materials to be used as packaging or bags.

Albay officials also appealed to the public to instead use or bring alternative bags made of paper, cloth, abaca, buri, and other recyclable and environment-friendly materials.

The ordinance carries a penalty for violators fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 including the cancellation of the business permit.

The provincial legislative body and other enforcement agencies already met with owners of various commercial establishments discussing the salient features of the ordinance.

Plastic bags end up as litter that find its way into waterways, river channels, parks, beaches, and streets. Once burned, plastics also infuse the air with toxic fumes. These materials are non-biodegradable and can only decompose after about 400 years bringing bad effects to the environment.

The ordinance aims to lessen volume of plastic pollutants and beef up environment protection measures in the interest of public health and safety.

The provincial government has since been rallying to adopt measures prohibiting the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials in all business establishments, groceries, department stores, supermarkets, chain retailers, and sari-sari stores in Albay. (MAL-PIA 5, Albay)


DTI sets livelihood forum

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office here has set a one-day Livelihood Forum on April 25, 2012 at Rhaj Inn.

It seeks to gather information from the participating producer associations and groups and as well as to forge commitment from the sponsors and partners.

In line with this, the participating groups are Buhi San Miguel ARC group, Solong Women Twine Makers, Patagan Abaca Craftmakers, San Andres Slipper Makers, Manambrag Hammock Makers, Buyo Caragumoy Product Producers, Burac West, Gerry Bel Bautista Farm, Jaime de leon Farm, Obi livelihood Association, and Mabi ALS Women Weavers are expected to present their projects.

The major sponsors/partners of the event who are expected to deliver their messages are Rep. Rodel Batocabe- Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Rep. Christopher Co- AKB, Rep. Michael Velarde - Buhay , Ms. Illumunada Teves - Carpel, Ms. Gemina Quiros – Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. (SWCFI), and Mr. Floro Barrameda of Sun WestSuweco.

Also expected to deliver messages and insights during the forum are Governor Joseph C. Cua and Vice Governor Jose Bong Teves, Jr.

A one-on-one workshop will also be held to be followed by the recap and agreement/commitment. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)



DENR Bicol opens nomination for Saringaya Award 2012

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Bicol region announces the opening of its Saringaya Award for this year and thereby invites interested parties to submit their nominations, says DENR V Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada.

Now on its 12th year, the Saringaya Award is an annual event open to various individuals, groups and sectors supporting or implementing the programs of DENR in the region for ecological conservation, environment protection and management, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Nominees may come from non-government organizations (NGO), local government units (LGU), corporations, and academe.

Saringaya Awards acknowledged the efforts and dynamic support of diverse individuals and entities in ecological conservation, environmental protection and management, and sustainable use of natural resources.

It also recognized the involvement of individuals, industries, groups, non-government organizations, other government agencies, and local government units in the programs of DENR Bicol.

DENR V Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada rallied the pubilc to continue supporting the green cause, to pursue further excellence in environmentalism and conservation.

Saringaya is a Bicol term which means lush or abundance of growth or flourishing of lush green trees rich in biodiversity and balanced ecosystem (A synonymous Bikol word is "marambong").

Fragada of DENR V, likewise directed various branches and units including line bureaus, sectoral services, Penros and Cenros to evaluate the qualified nominees based on their respective jurisdiction.

Deadline of entries is on May 15, 2012. Tentative date for awarding will be on the culmination of the Environment month on June 29 this year. (MAL/SAA-PIA V/Albay)

United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative  to the Philippines Ms. Ugochi Daniels and Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda shakes hands after the signing of letter of understanding under the 7th Country Programme.

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda signed a Letter of Understanding between the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative to the Philippines Ms. Ugochi Daniels held at Climate Change Academy, Bicol University, Legazpi City.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda hands over the memento to General Detabali (AFP)

Wreath Laying Ceremony

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, guest of honor and speaker delivers his message during the Wreath Laying Ceremony  in honor of General Jose Ignacio Paua, "A Tribute to the Albayano Hero for National Liberation"   (Alex Cal/PIA-V)