Sorsogon hosts 3rd Bicol Prosecutors Convention

SORSOGON CITY, May 11 (PIA) -- Around 115 participants and guests composed of national officers from the National Prosecutors League of the Philippines and prosecutors from across the Bicol region register to the 3rd Bicol Prosecutors Convention, which started Tuesday and to last until today, May 11.

Provincial Prosecutor Regina Coeli Gabito said participants, visitors and guests were warmly welcomed by Sorsogon Governor Raul R. Lee himself along with other high-ranking officials in the province.

“The convention is actually an annual activity of the prosecutors, specifically here in Bicol where we have an active and well-organized group, the Bicol League of Prosecutors, and for this year, our province serves as the host,” said Fiscal Gabito.

She also said that the primary purpose of the convention is to update the prosecutors of the current issuances of the Department of Justice (DoJ), brainstorming on their works as prosecutors, and at the same time socializing and harmonizing with their co-prosecutors in the whole Bicol region.

DOJ Sec. De Lima and Prosecutor General Claro M. Arellano of the National Prosecution Service are among the expected guest in the event but due to hectic schedules, they were not able to make it. De Lima is set to testify in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona from May 9 and 10, while the latter left for Hongkong to present a paper on anti-corruption in the international justice community, Gabito added.

The first day was highlighted by the Corporate Planning and Management Conference as per the Memorandum of the DoJ Secretary dated March 2, 2012 and a dinner, fellowship and socials with Gov. Lee and wife former governor Sally A. Lee.

Gabito said that she also took the opportunity to introduce the province of Sorsogon to the prosecutors who are also appreciable of the different tourism sites and products which place offers and among the areas to be visited on the second day, May 10, are Barcelona for its ruins and world heritage site, Bulusan for Bulusan Lake, and Gubat for its beaches and resorts.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon has also put up a stall at the lobby of the Bulwagan ng Katarungan for the entire duration of the activity displaying the local products to give way for the local traders and business establishments to earn during the event.

A fellowship through a short program with City Mayor Leovic Dioneda and city officials at the Sorsogon City Hall in Brgy. Cabid-an will be held today. Also, submission to the members and ratification of the Proposed Constitution and By-Laws of the Bicol Prosecutors League will be made with Deputy Regional Prosecutor Jose Demosthenes at the forefront.

The convention will be culminated with a visit to the residence of Senator Francis Escudero in Brgy. Buhatan, Sorsogon City, wherein the senator is expected to deliver a message to the prosecutors.

Fiscal Gabito also expressed her appreciation and thanks to the local leaders here specifically mentioning Sorsogon Gov. Raul R. Lee, former governor and now Executive Director of Sorsogon Provincial Management Office Sally A. Lee, City Mayor Dioneda, Sen. Escudero, Sorsogon’s 1st District Congressman Salvador H. Escudero II and 2nd District Congressman Dogracias Ramos, Jr., Barcelona Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Phils. Sorsogon Chapter president Mayor Romeo Fortes, Jr., Bulusan Mayor Michael Guysayko and Gubat Mayor Ronnel Lim for the full support extended to them and also for making her work easy. (MAL/BARecebido-PIA Sorsogon)


Power distributor implements load shedding, causes six-hour brownouts

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, May 11 (PIA) -- First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) started load shedding in the 11 municipalities of Catanduanes on Friday, May 4 causing six-hour brownouts in these places

According to FICELCO, the power interruptions were caused by the breakdown of a bunker-fuel generator set as well as the failure of the three hydro power plants - Solong, Hitoma I, and Balongbong - to deliver due to low water levels caused by insufficient amount of rainfall.

Said circumstance took out 2.5 Megawatts (MW) from Catanduanes grid which resulted in the deficiency of 2 MW on peak load and 1 MW during off-peak hours.

After shutting down for few weeks, Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. (CPGI) has resumed power generation for only 10 to 11 hours per day.

According to National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), the three hydro power plants are barely contributing 25 percent of its nominal capability due to low water levels when it should account for 80 percent of power demand during rainy days.

It can be noted that two of the three power plants (Solong and Hitoma I) were just been switched-on by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III during his visit in the province last May 2, 2012 to inaugurate the Doppler Radar Facility in Bato town.

According to Governor Joseph C. Cua of Catanduanes, he was able to ask the President to reconsider the provision for the restoration of the generator set funding amounting P250 million for the transmission line with the matter referred to Sec. Jose Almendras of the Department of Energy.

At present, brownouts are still being experienced throughout the province, a number of which are unscheduled.

Moreover, FICELCO has pledged to find solution regarding the matter as soon as possible. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)


NGCP: Beware of kite-flying risks near transmission areas

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, May 11 (PIA) -- As kite-flying season reaches its peak this summer, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reminds the public to avoid flying kites especially in areas near high voltage facilities such as transmission lines and substations.

One major concern of the NGCP is the occurrence of electrocution incidents due to kite flying since most children are on vacation resort to this past time.

Reports of kite strings getting entangled to the conductors and insulators of the switchyard have been recorded at the Colon substation of NGCP in Naga and Cebu. Such occurrences may cause brownouts or power interruptions due to the tripping of transmission lines.

To reduce the said danger, NGCP intensifies its continous safety information campaign through the mass media.

Aside from kite-flying, NGCP also prohibits other practices such as building fires, planting trees, and constructing houses and installing antennas near transmission facilities. (MAL/SAA-PIA V ALbay)