NGCP invests P355M project to expand South Luzon Substation

LEGAZPI CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is investing on a project worth P355 million to increase the operational capabilities of the firm’s South Luzon Naga Substation.

NGCP press statements bared the project involves the installation of an additional 100-MVA transformer, nine units 230-kV and three units 69-kV power circuit breakers and substation accessories.

The installation of additional equipment is expected to ensure efficient, stable, and reliable delivery of electrical power to its load center.

Likewise, additional substation capacity will help to avert overloading of the existing transformers.

The project is under NGCP’s Luzon Substation Expansion I, which includes Naga Substation and 6 other substations in North Luzon.

The Luzon Substation Expansion Project aims to accommodate load growth and N-1 contingency of various substations.

The project components prioritization was based on the latest update on the substation loading forecast. (MAL-PIA V/Albay/NGCP)


DA spearheads Farmer’s Fest in Camarines Sur

By Analiza S. Macatangay

PILI, CAMARINES SUR, May 18 (PIA) -- At least 27 barangay food terminals (BFTs) participated in the recently concluded Farmer’s Festival and Regional Food Terminal Summit cum Agricultural trade fair held at the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office compound here last May 14 to 16.

The three-day affair showcased variety of agricultural stuffs, organic harvests, and handicrafts produced by various agricultural organizations.

The fair was highlighted with the day to day event that capped the essence of the celebration; the Agri-Tiangge, which featured agricultural produce such as fresh vegetables, fruits, sea foods, recycled products, dried fish, other organic products on the first day; a Corn Cluster Mobile Conference and Regional Corn technical working group meeting where update on the Agri-Pinoy Corn Project was held on the second day, while the third day was declared as DA Employees Day and Livelihood Sector Day.

Other activities include the Farmer’s Forum on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, DA-5 Funwalk and Summerfest celebration and the Farmers’ Training on the Sustainability of BFTs.

Anchored on the theme “Sapat na Pagkain, Sama-Sama Nating Kamtin,” the activity endeavors to celebrate the significant leap that the farmers and fisherfolks have achieved in increasing their productivity while strengthening their roles as active partners of the government in ensuring sustainable food production and ascertaining stable food sources in their respective communities.

DA Regional Executive Director Dr. Jose V. Dayao lauded the BFT for introducing innovative products to the consumers. This, he said, was also due to the technology updates and program advocacies that the department is pushing, particularly concerning market linkages and promotion.

The establishment of BFTs aims to develop an alternative market for the farmers, where they can have access to direct consumers while providing employment opportunities to community members through the various livelihood components like the establishment of satellite outlets, rolling stores, packaging and processing centers.

Dayao added that currently there are already more than 100 BFTs actively promoting the said program all over the Bicol Region. Partakers are given free technical assistance while farmer beneficiaries also undergo training. Provision of freezer chiller, weighing scale, coconut shredder, mixer and other equipment used in selling agricultural products are provided by DA to the accredited farmers’ organization.

Since 2007, a total of P10 million were already devoted to the food terminal projects involving the six provinces of the Bicol Region. Based on the record of DA, acceptance rate of the said program is high in the provinces as compared to the greater Metro Manila area.

BFT terminals serve as food depot and distribution outlets in the community offering affordable, safe and quality food products like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, and basic commodities where not only the farmers are benefited but also the consumers who both enjoy the fresh agricultural products as well as its affordable price. (MAL/LSM-PIA Camarines Sur)



DepEd Bicol gears up for school opening

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Bicol region has lined up activities in preparation for the opening of classes this June 4 including the 2012 Brigada Eskwela to be launched on May 21 – 26 says Alfredo Losito, officer-in-charge of DepEd V.

DepEd officer-in-charge Alfredo Losito said, through Philippine Information Agency’s Ugnayan sa Bicol radion program, the preparation is done in partnership with various non-government organizations (NGOs), civic personnel and the community to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of schools.

Also part of the 2012 Brigada Eskwela is the construction of added classrooms and reparation of damages to accommodate the increasing number of elementary and high school students this year.

“Currently, we prioritize construction and repair of schools in far flung areas,” Losito added.

Aside from the Brigada Eskwela, he also mentioned that several private schools in the region will be increasing their tuition fees.

However, he assured the public that DepEd is doing its part in addressing the possibility of increase in the number of out-of-school youths due to the said tuition hike.

“For students who stop because they cannot afford the increase, DepEd has several programs and scholarships that can provide added subsidy for their education,” Losito said.

He also clarified that enrollees in public schools are not required to pay the contributions upon enrollment.

Should there be any violations or complaints on the part of the students, DepEd Office is open to address their concern, Losito added.