CAAP and NGCP warn public of kite-flying hazards

By Aida A. Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Legazpi City urged local government officials to prohibit kite flying in this city, and the three Albay towns of Daraga, Camalig, and Jovellar.

Judaline Martinez, administrative in-charge of CAAP office here, disclosed to PIA through its regional radio program Aramon Ta Daw that kite-flying along the flight route of airplanes is hazardous as it may entangle with the airplane, which can cause accidents detrimental to passengers and destroy properties.

Martinez related that the Cebu Pacific has reported sighting of kites at least twice in March 3 and April 21. Cebu Pacific, particularly RPC 628 positively, recounted the event.

In at least three instances, CAAP was able to confiscate kites in three areas particularly in Cruzada, Legazpi City; Binitayan, Daraga, and Cotmon in Camalig. CAAP already made an appeal to local officials from the city and municipal authorities to barangay officers.

The air traffic office has named at least 39 areas where kite flying is prohibited. In Legazpi City there are 18 places where it is banned. These are Washington Drive, Vel-Amor Subdivision, Dapdap, Buragwis, Binanuahan, Guevarra, Rawis, Bonot, Bitano, Oro Site, Peñaranda, Gogon, Cruzada, Barangay 24, Baybay, San Roque, Calle Siping, and PNR Site.

In Daraga town kite flying is barred in 19 barangays—Tagas, Balaguer, San Roque, Market Site, Maroroy, Binitayan, Sagpon, Bagtang, Sipi, Bagumbayan, Kimantong, Balinad, Tabontabon, Gabawan, Gapo, Peñafrancia, Inarado, De la Paz and Dinoronan.

Kite flying is disallowed in barangays of Cotmon and Comon in Camalig, while it is forbidden in the entire area of Jovellar.

Martinez has particularly mentioned that Legazpi City has an ordinance that bans kite flying with a corresponding punishment when found guilty either a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment or both.

CAAP is the government agency that promulgates and adopt aviation safety rules and regulations and is committed to enhance air traffic environment by ensuring safer aircraft operations and guaranteeing safety of each flight.

Meantime, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) calls for vigilance against kite flying as it causes tripping of transmission lines resulting to brownouts or power interruptions or electrocution as kites may get entangled in high-voltage transmission lines.

In addition, NGCP reminds the public of the threats of building fires, planting trees, constructing houses and installing antennas near transmission facilities.
(MAL/AAN-PIA V)


Albay to launch program for PWDs in 2013 elections

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- Albay is set to launch a program this month to increase active participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the coming 2013 midterm election.

Through the program, “A Fully-Abled Nation,” stakeholders will recommend to the Commission on Election (COMELEC), an easy access to registration sites and polling places for PWDs in order to reduce or remove constraints that PWD voters face to freely exercise their rights.

The Fully Abled Nation is an initiative of the Asia Foundation, with the support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), COMELEC, civil society, religious organizations, non-government, local government units, and other stakeholders.

The program intends to increase voter awareness among PWDs, promote partnerships to enhance support and awareness of PWD participatory needs and strengthen the capabilities of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) and NGOs supporting PWD advocacies.

The Asia Foundation will assess the current status of PWD and organizations, policies and government bodies related to PWD concerns including the conduct of survey and focus group discussions among election officers to assess their awareness of PWDs’ electoral rights.

The foundation will provide technical assistance on advocacy strategies, financial management, volunteer management, and media training for DPOs and NGOs working with PWDs to enhance their participation in the next year’s elections and also develop PWD responsive election materials.

In the province of Albay, PWDs have been given full recognition to participate in the development process.

The provincial government of Albay is providing financial, medical and educational assistance to PWDs organizations. Other support services being extended to PWDs through the provincial Social Welfare Office are livelihood, capability building, provision of assistance devices and musical instruments.

Currently, the Visually Impaired Voice in Albay (VIVA), Albay Federation of PWDs, and Albay Women with Disabilities are among the active organizations in the province of Albay. (PNA/MAL-PIA5, Albay)