Cacgo conducts outreach program

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept 29 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes Association of Chiefs of Government Offices (Cacgo) in the province conducted an outreach program in Brgy. Salvacion, Bagamanoc, Catanduanes on September 26.

The activity, where 150 recipients received bag of goods containing rice, canned goods and noodles, is part of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration.

The recipient locale of the said program was chosen upon recommendation of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Bagamanoc Town.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) District Engineer Ignacio Odiaman, Cacgo president, said the gift-giving activity is their way of giving back and sharing their blessings.

He also thanked members of the organization and the donors who made the event possible.

Before the gift-giving, the association held a tree-planting activity within the vicinity of the barangay.

Around 20 agency and department heads were present during the activity.

Meanwhile, recipients expressed thanks to all the members of CACGO as well as the sponsors since according to them, they are lucky enough to be chosen as the beneficiaries of the program. (MAL/EAB-PIA5, Catanduanes)

2 Bicolanos top electrical engineer board exam; 8 in master electrician exam

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- Two Bicolanos ranked first and second places in the Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) licensure exam and eight others dominated the top 10 of the Registered Master Electricians (RME) board exam given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) this September.

Engr. Edgardo Aguilar, dean of Bicol University College of Engineering, confirmed that batch 2012 graduates Bernard Bandojo Alzaga of Sto. Niño, Sto. Domingo Albay and Wilfredo Lignes Mata Jr. of San Jacinto, Masbate as the top two in the 2012 REE exam.

“It’s the second time for our graduates to top the REE board exam since 1993. For this year Bandojo and Mata are among the 47 EE board passers from the college,” Aguilar said in the Aramon ta Daw radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here.

The said number comprises 56 percent Bicol University passing rate which according to Aguilar is above the national passing percentage.

Eight others from the state colleges and universities (SUCs) in the region landed at top 10 of the REE exam in September 10.

First placer was Charles Japeth A. Dichoso from Sorsogon Stage Colleges (SSC) and third placers, Melchor E. Aviles Jr and Arianna S. Bañega, are from Camarines Norte State College – Daet (CNSCD) and Buceng respectively.

Also from Buceng is the fifth placer, Oliver John V. Borazon.

Both Ma. Lourdes A. Bertillo, CNSCD and Marcial B. Golingco, BUCENG landed as eighth while Jeffrey I. Gadil, still from CNSCD, ranked ninth.

PRC hailed CNSCD as the only school to reach the top-performing level in 2012 RME Exam with 20 passers out of 21 examinees or 95.24 percent passing rate. (MAL/SAA-PIA5, Albay)


Bicol Trade Fair now on 16th year, set Oct. 4-7 in Manila

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here will stage anew the Orgullo kan Bikol (OKB)-Gayon Bicol Regional Trade Fair on October 4-7 at Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

DTI 5 regional director Jocelyn Blanco OKB-Gayon Bicol RTF, now on its 16th year, is the longest running trade fair in the country organized by the agency and offers a venue for annual marketing event where Bicol’s homegrown entrepreneurs are afforded valuable market exposure.

The event will showcase product lines, from wearables and homestyles, and processed foods.

For this year, according to Balco, new product labels will be launched at the fair developed through the agency’s Food Business Development (BizDev) Program for selected clients. i

In the food sector, clients will see processed food products, such as pili nut, taro chips, red wine, moringa herbal tea, pickled kangkong, muscovado sugar, noodles, peanut butter, dried danggit, and powdered ginger.

The new label designs enhance the overall product presentation of the processed foods made in the Bicol provinces.

Good packaging and labeling considerably improve the marketing potential of the products and increase their competitiveness.

Joining this year’s fair are 98 exhibitors from all over the region and will also showcase 21 new participants, who will now be given full marketing assistance by the DTI via this trade fair.

As in the past, this marketing and cultural event is a convergence activity as DTI 5 partners with Department of Tourism (DOT) 5, PhilExport, Comprehensive Agrarain Reform Program (CARP), Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP), OKB Association, Inc., local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations.

Atty. Leni G. Robredo, widow of the late DILG chief Jesse Robredo, will do the honors of cutting the ribbon, induct the new set of OKB Association officers, and keynote the opening ceremony at 1 p.m. on October 4. (MAL-PIA 5/JRBerango-DTI5)


Civil Service cites Bayaning Kawani awardees in Bicol

By Sally A.Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 28 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office here honored the winners of the 2012 Bayaning Kawani Award and Best Human Resource Management Practice in the Bicol Region on September 21 at the Hotel St. Ellis here.

Madelaine Gazmen, mayor of Iriga City and FO3 Simeon H. Ballon, municipal fire marshall of the Bureau of Fire Protection of Tiwi Albay were winners of the Bayaning Kawani individual category.

Other contenders for the said recognition were Luz Marcelino of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Erlinda Relucio of the Bicol University, and Mayor Delia Simbulan of the municipality of Nabua.

Gazmen and Simbulan were also named as national finalists for the 2012 Outstanding Public Official and Employee or the Dangal ng Bayan Awards among 20 finalists from Bicol region.

For the Bayaning Kawani group category, the Metro Naga Water District Integrated Watershed Management Program planning was the winner.

Other finalists were Agribusiness and Marketing Division and Project Development and Evaluation Division of the Department of Agriculture Regional Unit 5.

Recognized with the Best Human Resource Management Practice is the city government of Iriga.

Also considered were the HR practices of the Bicol Medical Center, Legazpi City Water District, and the National Economic and Development Authority regional office V.

Robert Martinez, CSC commissioner and guest of honor for the said event, likewise recognized the awardees and other civil servants in the region for their outstanding character and contribution to public service in spite of difficulties and challenges.

“Every public servant should aim for honor and excellence. Do not lose the passion to serve, to perform your task with excellence and accountability,” Martinez said.

Martinez acknowledged the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo whom he looked up to as one of the distinguish son of Bicol and also awarded with the posthumous Presidential Lingkod Bayan award. (MAL/SAA-PIA5, Albay)

BJMP-5 officers, promoted to next higher rank

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- Jail provincial administrator of Camarines Norte and regional psychologist CInsp. Noel Pardo, along with two others, were finally promoted in a simple program held morning of September 24 at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) regional office 5 here.

In his message, BJMP-5 regional director J/SSupt. Pio Capistrano said that promotions are usually the fruit of patience and perseverance.

“ Your promotion is written in destiny. To the others who have tried, patience is a virtue. Your time will come.” he said.

Capistrano related that even he patiently waited for his star.

For others, he said that when it finally comes, it would be worth the wait.

The director also called on everyone to work with candor, underlining the fact that excellent service is service with conscience.

“Work even without your superiors watching you,” he stressed.

Now bearing the rank of Jail Chief Inspector on his shoulders, Pardo said that he was truly ecstatic about the promotion. Having appeared nine times in front of the promotions board to prove his worth, he felt that his efforts have finally come into fruition.

“I went through a lot. I have even felt before that if I don’t get promoted, it meant that I am not doing right anymore,” he said.

“My family is truly proud of me. Many have aspired but only few of us were chosen.”

Also promoted to the rank of Jail Inspector were regional executive Senior Jail Officer 4 Rolly T Neo and officer in charge of San Andres District Jail, Catanduanes Senior Jail Officer 4 Roger Consulta. (MAL/RMCastor-BJMP5/PIA5)

NGCP allocates P269M to improve voltage reliability in Luzon

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has invested P269 million pesos on additional capacitor banks at the high-voltage buses of various substations to improve voltage and boost system reliability the Luzon grid.

Nelson S. Bautista, South Luzon corporate communications and public affairs officer of NGCP, said in a statement that the equipment is expected to benefit not only the substation supporting the installation, but the neighbouring substations as well.

He added that the project also involves installation of shunt reactors in Naga substation and capacitor banks in four substations, namely Dona Imelda, Cabanatuan, Marilao and Muntinlupa.

The shunt reactor in Naga aims to address the overvoltage problem experienced in the area during off-peak load condition with Tiwi plant at minimum generation.

The reactors are also expected to address overvoltage during the switching of the filters of Leyte-Luzon High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Station in Naga City.

The Leyte-Luzon HVDC Transmission System commissioned in August 1998 was part of the overall plan of the National Power Corporation (NPC) to connect the existing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grid into a single national grid.

The capacitor components of the voltage improvement project in the four substations will improve the voltage profile during normal conditions and address the potential undervoltage during contingencies.

Bautista furthered explained that the multi-million peso-project initiated in December 2011 is scheduled to be completed on the first quarter of 2013.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets.

NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to customers. (MAL-PIA5/NGCP)

Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda delivers his message during the 2012 Regional Gawad  Kalasag Awarding and Fellowship Night at La Piazza Convention Hall, Tahao, Road, Legazpi City, yesterday Sept. 26, 2012. 

Bicol univ to host 4 int’l conferences

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- Bicol University will be hosting four international conferences to be held before the end of this year.

International Academic Colloquium

On October 11 to 13, the Bicol University Graduate School will be holding its International Academic Colloquium as part of its 41st Foundation Anniversary celebration, with the core theme: “Reforms and Innovations in Higher Education towards Sustainable Development and Productivity.”

It will feature papers on the following cluster themes: Agriculture and Fisheries; Graduate Education and Teacher Education; Science and Technology and Health Sciences; Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; Social Sciences, Culture and the Arts; Business, Economics, and Management; Peace and Security Studies; and Local Government and Public Administration.

The colloquium will be held at the Concourse Convention Center, Legazpi City. Interested participants may contact the dean of the BU Graduate School and Colloquium Convenor, Dr. Nora L. Licup, at telefax no. (052) 481-1454.

International Conference on Climate-Smart Knowledge Management for the Uplands

On November 7 to 9, the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry will host the International Conference on Climate-Smart Knowledge Management for the Uplands, with the theme, “Restoring the uplands’ integrity, securing lives and environment.”

The Conference shall feature research and development and innovations on the following thematic areas: Upland Environmental Governance; Food Security; Biodiversity, Watershed and Waterways Management; and Sustainable Tourism and Rural Development.

Inquiries may be directed to Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry at telephone no.  (052) 484-6336.

2012 ISSAAS International Symposium and Congress

On November 13 to 16, Bicol University, through its Research and Development Center (BURDC), in collaboration with the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) and the Society of Agricultural Education-Research Development Abroad (SAEDA), will hold the 2012 ISSAAS International Symposium and Congress, with the theme, “Pushing Agriculture to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals.”

The conference aims to promote greater awareness on the MDGs as targets for improving the lives of millions of poor and disadvantaged people; examine the role of agriculture in achieving the MDGs; and share and exchange information on agriculture-related programs and projects implemented in support of the MDGs.

The Opening Program of the conference will be held at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City and the break-out sessions for paper presentations at the Bicol University Multi-Purpose Building.

The paper presentations will cover the following thematic areas: food security and poverty reduction; enhancing agribusiness enterprises; climate risk management and sustainable agriculture; strategic partnership in agricultural development; support services for a productive agriculture; and R&D governance system in agriculture.

International Conference on Kuroshio Science

Bicol University Tabaco Campus will likewise host an international conference on Kuroshio Science sometime in November or December. Details are still being finalized.

For more information on the above conferences, visit the “Events” section of the Bicol University website at at . (MAL/BU/PIA5)



Sorsogon SK holds Youth Eco Summit

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Sorsogon, the Sangguniang Kabataan provincial federation, the Vice-Mayors League of the Philippines and the Provincial Tourism Office will be at the forefront of a big event dubbed “Youth Eco Summit 2012” slated from October 13 to 14, this year.

This is in time for the 118th Foundation Anniversary of the province of Sorsogon next month.

It is the biggest Youth Eco-Summit to be held in the province with over 2,000 delegates from all over the Bicol region is expected to arrive which will collectively bring the country’s most respected minds in ecological science to discuss the subject on restoring the ecosystems.

SK provincial federation President Patrick Lee Rodrigueza said the conference will explore pioneering science-based approaches which are socially and culturally suitable to create, manage and restore the ecosystems.

It aims to provide a high-profile platform to encourage exchange of ideas among researchers, planners and decision-makers so as to develop better understanding of the multifaceted nature of ecological systems and deliver the means to safeguard and boost their services for sustainable development.

“Under the theme: Going Green! Protecting the Ecosystem for Sustainable Development, Youth Eco-Summit 2012 will not only empower the youth to oblige frontrunners to address the challenges of ecological development but also motivate young adults as well, to be the leaders who will make a difference,” said Rodrigueza.

He also added that the topic likewise harmonizes with the Kasanggayahan 2012’s theme: Sorsogon Paunlarin, Agrikulutura’t Industriya Pasiglahin” and Sorsogon’s mission to develop into an Eco-Tourism Capital of the Bicolandia, with complementing initiatives in terms of institutional development, legislative actions and several programmes for health, environment, agriculture, rural development, shelter and tourism currently in place.

Joining forces as Youth Eco-Summit 2012 partners are the World Wildlife Fund, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, the National Youth Commission, Philippine Information Agency, Commission on Higher Education, Liga ng mga Barangay and the Kasanggayahan Foundation Incorporated (KFI).

“Among the issues to be discussed at the high-level gathering are: the challenges for the conservation of ecosystem services in the agro-ecosystem of Sorsogon, making sustainability decisions in the electric power industry and Climate Change Adaptation between presenters from the national down to the local government, non-government organizations and youth representatives,” the SK official explained.

Rodrigueza said the summit similarly incorporates different activities such as mangrove planting, film presentations on eco-communities, business leaders’ forum/exhibit, the First Eco Night Run and an environmental band concert which concludes the Youth Eco-Summit 2012 experience.

Last year’s Youth Empowerment Summit was a milestone and a lot of youths participated in the activities, which was held during the 2011 Kasanggayahan celebration in Sorsogon.

With the theme: “We can lead, we will lead, we will serve the church, community and environment,” it was also organized by the SK Provincial Federation and about 1,000 youth participants from across the province took part in the event.

Rodrigueza said that based on the number of contributors and active involvement, they were able to achieve the goal of raising awareness among the youth sector with regards to the role they take upon themselves for the church, community and to the environment.

“This also provided opportunity for the youth to express their concerns with the purpose of creating seemly solutions as their rejoinder to various public issues in progress,” he added. (MAL/BAR/VEL-PIO Sorsogon-PIA 5)



NYC heightens youth anti-drug awareness, leads nationwide caravan

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) concluded the 4th leg of its Nationwide Caravan on Youth Drug Abuse Prevention and Control at the Naga College Foundation (NCF) auditorium here last Friday.

The event was participated by more than 160 youth, including volunteers, representatives from private and government agencies and stakeholders.

The caravan, staged in partnership with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the city government here, endeavors to make the activity as a vehicle to showcase the best practices of various entities in dissuading members of the youth sector in getting hooked to illegal drugs.

The organizers also wished to impart the ill effects of substance abuse and highlight their intensified campaigns, programs and initiatives to combat the proliferation of the illegal substance.

The participants, through a Manifesto signing, established a pact of commitment and launched the Drug Free Youth Freedom Wall before wrapping up the day's activity.

This undertaking also aims to increase the youth's vigilance against drug pushers and drug sniffers and spread the "awareness virus," especially among the vulnerable group of young people.

NYC Luzon Area Coordinator Nydia P. Delfin said the caravan served as a venue for youth participants to make a blueprint of their own action plan and concretize their commitment through collective effort.

"We would like to acknowledge the youth's effort in taking this campaign as a serious matter. Their cooperation is very significant for the success of this crusade," she said.

Assistant Sec. Benjamin Reyes of DDB said the conduct of the said caravan is one of the board's strategies to realize their supply and demand reduction of the illegal drugs approach especially to the younger segment of the society.

"Based on the statistics of rehab acceptance, there is an increase of users under the age bracket of 28 to 30. This is within the yuppies or the young professionals sectors which mean that they have advanced from being student users and carried it on even after they have graduated," he said

Reyes added that this means that these dependents started using drugs when they were still in school, making it significantly important that the focus of their campaign should be carried out in schools and universities.

NYC Executive Director Pol Maleniza II said the commission is steadfast in their campaign to lead similar advocacies geared towards educating the youth on the ill effects of drugs and will continue to entice the youth to be a part of their advocacy. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)



Malacañang declares October 26 as non-working holiday in Catanduanes

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- Malacañang has declared October 26, 2012 as non-working holiday in the province in line with the celebration of its foundation anniversary.

Proclamation number 469 was signed on dated September 11, 2012 by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

The proclamation aims to provide and enable the Catandunganons to participate in the activtities of the annual Catandungan Festival commemorating the province’s separation from Albay and making it as a province of Bicol Region.

The Catandungan Festival is an event that celebrates the town's anniversary and its freedom from the province of Albay. The festival is filled with various form of merriment such as; Pantomina, beauty pageant, guided tours and photo exhibits.

In line with this, the Catandungan Festival Steering Committee is set to convene this week to finalize the activities for the month-long celebration. (EA Bgaadiong/ PIA Catanduanes)

NYC to spearhead Nationwide Caravan on Youth Drug Abuse Prevention

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- To combat drug abuse, the National Youth Commission (NYC) spearheaded a Nationwide Caravan on Youth Drug Abuse Prevention and Control on September 21 at the Naga College Foundation Auditorium here.

One of the highlights of the said activity is the launch of “Barkada Kontra Droga- Bagets edition,” where participants have their declaration read during the plenary.

Target age group includes 15 years old up with emphasis on dropout students with history of drug dependence.

NYC Luzon Area Officer Nydia P. Delfin said they have invited youth organizations, local government officials, other stakeholders and members of the tri media to participate in the said endeavor.

The participants were updated with the current national youth situation and the drug abuse situation in the Philippines and in their respective localities.

Statistical results of the studies and other relevant data on the use of prohibited drugs shall likewise be discussed in the said forum.

Youth partakers also had the opportunity to join in discussions on their role in drug abuse prevention. The session will collectively discuss the cause and effect of prohibited drugs and the role of the youth in combating the ill effects of the said substance.

To provide the participants with the clearer picture of the government’s effort in addressing the said menace, a session on the discussion of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, was also part of the discussion focusing on the legal mandate and policies provided by the government to address the issue on the use of prohibited drugs.

At the end of the day, the youth participants were challenged to be an advocate of change in the fight against drug.

An advocacy plan is expected to be drafted for implementation by youth serving and youth-led organizations.

A facilitator will assign a specific strategic area of focus for plans for each group which will later be presented for amendments and comments.

Originally slated August 28, the caravan was moved to a later date to give way to the state funeral given to the late Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. (LSMacatangay/ PIA- Camarines Sur)


PIA, NKTI hold awareness campaign on kidney health care

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur, Sept 25 (PIA) -- The National Kidney and Transplant Institute-Renal Disease Control Program (NKTI-Redcop) has partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to hold publicity and promotions through activities that will raise the awareness on renal health care and prevention.

PIA-Camarines Sur has invited Dr. Rizalina Ramos during its monthly program, “Forum @ PIA” to clarify issues about kidney infections, which is considered as one of the leading health problems among Filipinos.

Ramos, in her discussion during the forum and press conference held at the Naga City Hall blue room on Friday, said an average of 10 patients are added to the new list of patients seeking medical attention every month at the Bicol Medical Center (BMC).

“This is an alarming rate considering the fact that each month, consultations ranging from simple kidney infections to schedules of dialysis treatment is being added up to our list,” Ramos added.

Ramos cited some of the prevailing diseases affecting the kidney, which most often than not, leads to chronic renal failure or the gradual and progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine and conserve electrolytes.

On top of the list is infection, which is the most common disorder of the kidneys and urinary tract. Obstructions, which include kidney stones, could lead to infection of the kidneys and subsequent scarring. Obstructions are solid residues in the urinary tract that may cause obstruction to the flow of urine. Abnormalities in the urinary tract that are congenital or inborn may lead to poor function of the kidney.

Ramos also cited high blood pressure or hypertension and diabetes as some of the most common illnesses, which eventually triggers kidney failure.

“Prolonged hypertension damages the small arteries in the kidneys. This may start a vicious cycle: damaged kidneys cause more serious hypertension which in turn brings more damage to the kidneys. Diabetes on the other hand, may also contribute in the damage of one's kidney and is considered as the leading cause of chronic failure.”

Still in line with NKTI's promotional activities, PIA-Camarines Sur has also invited Dr. Abigail Abonal, also a nephrologist to guest in one of the local television shows here, primarily to share the same information and awareness to viewers.

Abonal said that one of the best ways to avoid the chronic renal failure is to simply submit oneself to at least a yearly check-up, including blood and creatinine test.

“The best solution is still prevention. Avoid salty foods, drugs, herbal medicines, fast food and junk foods. Let us go back to the basics, fruits, vegetables and fish,” Abonal said. (MAL/LSM/PIA5-Camarines Sur)

1st Bicol Career and Education Expo slated in Naga City

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) -- The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) – Camarines Sur Chapter will spearhead a three-day First Bicol Career and Education Expo to address the prevalent problem of job career mismatch, specifically for incoming college students.

It will be on September 27 to 29 at the SM City Naga Event Center.

UPAA, in collaboration with the city government here, Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Department of Education – Region 5, has invited universities and educational institutions from all over the Bicol Region and National Capital Region to participate in the said activity.

Speakers from various government institutions like the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Civil Service Commission were also invited to inform students of the different government programs.

The talks will also include latest and future trends in the education and business industry.

The activity, which was specifically designed for third and fourth year high school students, also aims to give students the opportunity to choose from the wide array of courses and the best educational institutions where they can pursue their college degrees.

Various private and public institutions offering scholarship for undergraduate studies will also be around to link up with potential scholars who want to avail of the said opportunity.

Sixteen universities and educational institutions from the Bicol Region and from Metro Manila already signified their participation to the event, while seven other schools and colleges are still for confirmation.

Among these academic institutions are: University of Northeastern Philippines, Aeronautical Academy of the Philippines, University of Nueva Caceres, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, Ateneo De Naga University, and Naga College Foundation from the Bicol Region.

From the National Capital Region, the following colleges/ universities also extended their affirmation to attend the exposition: Adamson University, Moderne Culinaire Academy, De la Salle University, De la Salle College of St. Benilde, Philippine Normal University, Philippine Women’s University, St. Scholastica’s College, University of the East, Far Eastern University, and AMA Computer College.

UPAACSCI President Clarine P. Tobias confirmed that all 191 private secondary schools in the region have been invited to participate in the said academic endeavor. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)

Training for nurses, midwives on communication planning

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept 21 (PIA) -- A three-day interactive workshop for nurses and midwives in Camarines Sur will be conducted by resource persons from the Health Action Information Network (HAIN), an organization established in 1985 to serve the information and research needs of community-based health programs in the Philippines.

The training is slated from October 4-6 here in Naga City.

Dubbed “Developing a Strategic Communications Plans for Nurse and Midwives: the Smart Chart Approach,” the workshop aims to build individuals and organizations’ capacity to plan using strategic communications to advance program goals towards promotions of heath concerns, particularly reproductive health.

The workshop is specifically designed to be reciprocally active to encourage participants and shareholders to impart their own ideas and thoughts as valuable inputs to the said activity.

The organizers particularly intend to come up with deeper analysis how reproductive health messages will be effectively conveyed to the participants.

Training is part of HAIN’s on-going commitment to further raise the awareness of the public on critical health issues, promote effective education and advocacy on population and reproductive health issues in the Philippines.

Twenty five slots were allotted for participating nurses and midwives, free of charge.

HAIN pointed out specific criteria for potential participants who will be nominated by their respective organizations: they must be committed to finish the three-day workshop, must be able to explain how he/ she intends to apply the skills learned from the workshop to their respective works and should have at least one year of work experience on reproductive health or related issues and preferably with involvement in the organization’s advocacy planning implementation.

A copy of application form and the pre-assessment workshop will be given to interested participants who may want to partake of the said activity.

Interested participants may send their intention at hain@hain.org or may be submitted to Nilda de Vera, project coordinator at nildevera @yahoo.com. Deadline of submission of the aforementioned forms will be on September 24.

Applicants will be screened and lucky partakers will be notified of the venue and schedule of the training through email. HAIN will provide full board, lodging and transportation to the participants.

For further information, workshop applicants may call telephone numbers (02) 952-6312, 09228865144 or they may get in touch with HAIN’s local coordinator, Elma L. Mirandilla at 09151988506. (LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)


CSC pushes ARTA compliance among NGAs, GOCCs and LGUs

By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Sept. 21 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) continues to push for compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) or Republic Act 9485 by national government line offices and local government units in Camarines Norte.

CSC Regional Director Cecilia R. Nieto said they are conducting a balance score card survey to ensure that government offices are complying with the provisions stipulated in the ARTA.

RA 9845 also known as the ARTA is “An Act to Improve Efficiency in the Delivery of Government Service to the Public by Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape, Preventing Graft and Corruption, and Providing Penalties Therefor“.

She said that the ARTA is one stated in the social contract of President Benigno S. Aquino III with the rest of the foreign countries that all the government agencies are compliant of the law.

It can be recalled that one of the social contract of the President in government service stated that “from Presidential appointees chosen mainly out of political accommodation to discerning selection based on integrity, competence and performance in serving the public good”.

Another cited that "from demoralized but dedidicated civil servants, military and police personnel destined for failure and frustration due to inadequate operational support to professional, motivated and energized bureaucracies with adequate means to perform their public service missions.”

Nieto said that even the late Sec. Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) pushed for the ARTA compliance before an LGUs will be recognize as awardee of the Seal of Housekeeping.

“Dapat pagpasok pa lang ng lobby ng isang LGUs/govt. offices mayroon ng list of frontline services para pagpunta ng tao andun ang step by step procedure kung paano mag avail ng mga serbisyo sa gobyerno.” Nieto stressed.

She also said that aside from the ARTA they are also strengthening their CSC accreditation program where appointments are being handled by the agencies concerned, they just do the post audit but with terms and conditions.

Nieto explained that in line with the social contract of the President, an agency or government office should install and adopt an Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) focusing on organizational performance side by side with the individual performance.

She said that individual accomplishments should be aligned with the organizational goal where the President has already pronounced additional incentive if an employee gets good, very satisfactory or best performer with corresponding incentive up to P35,000 aside from the P5,000 previously given.

The CSC is also focusing on the installation of Human Resource Plan that can help in the mandate of an office in order to meet the qualification standard through competency base human resource and quality service, she added.

The Talakayan sa PIA was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Norte in partnership with the CSC with the support of the Daet Press Corps in connection with the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

Nieto was guest during the Talakayan sa PIA held here recently. (RBM-PIA5 Camarines Norte).

Bayong evolves from traditional to modern design

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- The next time you see somebody using a bayong (reed bag), take a closer look. He must be in!

Soon at the Market Week Philippines, a bayong-special setting will feature the Best of Bayong from all over the country, which means all regions that are into bayong development will showcase three of their best bayong.

It has developed into various kinds and designs. From bayong pamalengke, pang opisina, pang eskwela, to bayong pang fashionista (From a bayong for marketing to office use to school use, it has now become a bayong with fashion sense).

Director Jocelyn LB. Blanco of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here said that Bicol, being the bayong champion, will feature the three best bayong products from each of the six provinces.

The regions under the program are Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Blanco said that the bayong special-setting will reveal that the bayong has evolved from traditional to high end use.

With the product developments, new markets both domestic and international are reached, she noted.


Why bayong?

Natural resources like karagumoy, pandan, buri, bacbac, abaca, tikog, sabutan and romblon - all native grown - abound in the countryside. It also conveys the green advocacy by making a shift in the use of the traditional, non-biodegradable plastic materials to the use of eco-friendly raw materials.

According to Blanco, the program indeed contributed significantly to the local economy aside from its role in protecting and preserving the environment.

The Bayong Development Program was conceptualized with the two-fold benefit of boosting the economy and diminishing ecological imbalance.

Market Week Philippines, a trade fair and showground of home, food and fashion products from all the regions of the country, is held at the MegaTrade Halls of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on Sept. 19-23. (MAL/JRBerango-DTI5/PIA5/Albay)

PRC to administer LET in Catanduanes

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept 19 (PIA) -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will administer the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in the province on September 30.

All examinees from Catanduanes who filed applications either in Virac or Legazpi City shall take the test in Virac following PRC's approval of the Resolution 190-2012.

Said resolution was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan requesting the chairman of PRC, Teresita Manzala, to administer LET in the province. It was approved on July 9, 2012 with Provincial Board Member Wilfredo Santelices as the sponsor.

Santelices cited that residents of Catanduanes have to take a long trip just to take the exam in mainland Bicol and other testing centers.

LET takers were thankful to the SP as well as PRC since the conduct of LET in the province will ease their financial burdens and other related expenses. (EAB/PIA Catanduanes)


CSC-Sorsogon, PGADC conduct Gender Sensitivity Seminar for city barangays

By Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sept 19 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) provincial field office here, in partnership with the Provincial Gender Advocacy and Development Council (PGADC), organized on Friday a Gender Sensitivity Seminar for women and youth coming from selected barangays of the city.

The seminar concurs with this year’s Philippine Civil Service’s 112th anniversary taking into account the emphasis on gender equality.

Along with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the CSC Sorsogon, headed by Director Arpon U. Lucero, the activity was jointly steered by CSC Regional Office-V Human Resource Division (HRD) Chief Rosallini V. Moneda, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Social Welfare Assistant Salvacion L. Hermo and shared by the barangays of Sampaloc, Pamurayan, Sirangan, Talisay, Cambulaga, Bitano and Marinas.

Sorsogon’s Public Information Officer Von Andre Labalan said participants engaged in collective life-like depictions and discussions around social concerns wherein gender issues are implicated.

“The deliberation took up multifaceted subjects infused by rules and impositions of different institutions, the government, work places, as well as peers, the family itself and even the media which permeate life from infancy to adulthood,” he said.

Labalan added that the seminar similarly spelled out its principles “not as a war of the sexes, not anti-male, but both women and men are considered victims - although women more than men – and that both have a stake in the struggle for gender equality.”

In the course of the meeting, a chronology of CSC’s initiatives was presented and enlightened the participants with the commission’s existing accomplishments such as establishment of day care and breastfeeding centers, flexible working hours, equality advocates, modified maternity leaves, issuance of policy on sexual harassment in workplaces, special leave privileges, paternity leave, amended maternity leave, and gender and development perspective in government exams, among others.

Exemplifications of actual experiences on personal violence against women like marginalization, subordination, multiple burdens, and gender stereotyping were also presented by the facilitators and emphasized a ceremonial pledge of support from all the participants.

In her statement, Board Member Rebecca Aquino said that the seminar envisions women empowerment and gender equality.

“We are all gathered here together to share a common goal as we continue our journey towards something remarkable,” she said.

Aquino lauded the partnership with the CSC, which she said will herald more opportunities in the future.

Lucero, on the other hand, was thankful to Aquino for supporting the event.

“Our office (CSC) advocates gender equality and it is our mandate to promulgate this impartiality to abate violent acts against women, and even men,” Lucero said.

The CSC director likewise encouraged the participants to share the information and knowledge they have learned from the seminar as they go back to their respective barangays. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)

Greenpeace-Phl in Bicol to set out global campaign 

for ocean's protection

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Greenpeace Philippines has visited the coastal waters of Burias and Ticao Pass in Masbate province of the Bicol region to gather data for scientific and objective intervention on the problems threatening the marine ecosystem. 

“The visit is part of the peaceful global campaign set out by the Greenpeace to protect and preserve our oceans. We are advocating for changes to ensure that our needs are met without harming our environment,” said Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia oceans campaigner, during the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here. 

Vinches stressed overfishing as the major threat in our marine ecosystem, which endangers not only the fishing industry but livelihood and food security as well.

“Illegal and unregulated fishing mechanisms especially those used by large fishing vessels contribute to the significant depletion of our resources. At times the massive fish catch of these vessels in one night are far more than the total weekly catch of ordinary fishers,” he said.


He said, by-catch or untargeted capture of varied marine species is also a threat that needs to be addressed.

Greenpeace reports this practice kills around 100 million marine animals each year. In other countries captured species, including turtles and dolphins which are now considered extinct, are discarded dead or dying but in the Philippines they are sold as food.

Vinches said the impact of these practices along with other unsustainable fishing mechanisms has been affecting our local fish supply. He noted the continuous soaring of prices but deteriorating quality and quantity.

“It’s ironic that Philippines is an archipelagic country with around 1, 707 islands but the fish supply from our oceans is diminishing. Our fishes these days are getting smaller since the larger ones are gone. Even the smaller and younger ones that shouldn’t have been caught are sold,” Vinches said.

Also part of the team’s local advocacy is a public forum on Overfishing and Ocean Protection on October 25 this year at Donsol Sorsogon. Everyone is encouraged to join the said event.

Greenpeace is a worldwide organization that advocates protection and conservation of environment. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)



BFP Sorsogon City supports “YES-O” Program

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office here held a fire safety seminar and first aid training with participants of the Youth for Environment School (YES) program, which is anchored on the implementation of RA 9512 (Environment Awareness and Education Act of 2008) and RA 9729 (Climate Change Act).

According to city fire marshal Senior Inspector Walter Badong Marcial, the activity is well-timed in the wake of the implications and challenges of climate change.

“Though our participants are mostly elementary pupils, we are imparting them the basic knowledge that they can be used in times of emergency and other related cases,” he said.

He added that the bureau also finished conducting the said training-seminar to three schools in the city, while some others are scheduled this weekend.

Marcial pointed out the significance of the said activity to the community for them to be vigilant during disasters and calamities.

Lectures or interfacings included fire safety tips as well as first aid training such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Bandaging and Splinting, Emergency Rescue Transport and other common emergency management.

Furthermore, fire and earthquake drill are also being conducted to assess the capability of the pupils in case they encounter similar situations.

Meanwhile, BFP Sorsogon City encourages everyone to be safety conscious as well as to be actively involved in promoting this kind of endeavor to attain fire-free community.

In case of emergency BFP Sorsogon City can be reached at cellphone number 09072927215 or through their hotline number 160. (MAL/BAR/MGCorral-BFP Sorsogon City/PIA5)




COMELEC urges voters to register complete biometrics

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sep 18 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) provincial field office here urged voters in the 11 municipalities to register for the coming elections.

The commission said 11 percent of the total 148,243 registered voters in the province still have to complete their biometrics data with their respective municipal election offices.

Attorney Maria Aurea C. Bo-Bunao, provincial election supervisor, said Monday that pursuant to Sec. 2 Resolution No.9149, qualified voters who have not yet registered or those applying for reactivation and correction of entries in their registration records must register before October 31, 2012.

For those who intend to change or transfer from other city or municipalities, Bo-bunao stressed that 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.

Meanwhile, voters’ registration is suspended from October 1-5, 2012 to give way to the filing of Certificate of Candidacies for all elective position in the May 13, 2013.

The Commission also reminded voters to bring necessary documents needed for their registration. (MAL/EAB-PIA5 Catanduanes)



Binay directs police to fast track investigation of Morales' killing

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Vice President Jejomar Binay has directed the Philippines National Police (PNP) in Albay to fast track the investigation on the killing of Engr. Nelson B. Morales, chair of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and former Makati City Engineer.

Binay was in Malinao to pay his last respect to his former staff, who was laid to rest during the weekend.

Morales was gunned down while walking off the Estancia Church after attending a wedding ceremony over a week ago.

In his meeting with Morales family, Binay assured them that he will personally see to it that justice for his death would swiftly prevail.

Malinao Vice Mayor Alice Morales, sister of the slain UNA leader, was quoted saying that Binay, during a private meeting, directed Police Senior Supt. Ruben Sodsod, Albay police director, to intensify the manhunt against the five suspects.

Binay also requested for a deeper investigation of the case to determine the identity of the mastermind. Initial investigation showed that the suspects were hired gunmen and former military personnel and military officers are allegedly coddling them.

He said it is still speculative to say that politics might be behind the killing of Morales though local political observers said Morales’ killing was politically motivated.

Meanwhile, police arrested on weekend, Roderick Saysay Sarahan, 37, at his residence in barangay Molosbulos, Libon, Albay while he was about to board a motorcycle with no plates.

Police Supt. Paulino Belga, Albay PNP deputy provincial director for administration, said Sarahan was one of the five suspects witnesses have identified from the police roster of rouge gallery. He was found positive with powder burns after undergoing a paraffin test.

Other suspects were brothers Gilbert and Ramson Concepcion, both former Army soldiers assigned in Sorsogon, but were discharge from the service due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities; Wilfredo Sasota, a certain Peter and Alan Doe’s.

Another suspect Christian Saysay, 22, died from a gunshot wound on Friday. Report of the incident where he was shot was not given.He was one of the gunmen positively identified by witnesses. The others served as look out.

Belga said all the suspects have the same middle name, Saysay, and residents of barangay Molosbulos, Libon. Police theorized that Gilbert Concepcion is the leader of the group.

Police crack team is having difficulty in tracking down the suspects as they are transferring from one area to another traversing the remote villages of Albay and Camarines Sur. (MAL/MSA-PIA5/Albay)

1st Malolos Green Covenant Signing at 114th Anniversary of Constitutional Congress

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, September 17 (PIA) -- The Legazpi Declaration is an offshoot of the 1st Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation held here on August 23. It recommends eco-cultural tourism policies for the betterment of the tourism industry.

This will be one of the commitments to be undertaken in the 1st Malolos Green Covenant during the celebration of the 114th Anniversary of the Opening of the Malolos Constitutional Congress (Sept. 15, 1898) at Barasoain Church in Malolos City on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

The 1st Malolos Green Covenant is the joining of forces among sister cities Malolos and Legazpi, National Government Agencies, the Tourism Industry, Transport and Communications sectors, Education sector, Media and other stakeholders to fully support and implement best working practices in eco-cultural tourism, climate change adaptation and sustainable development in their communities throughout the Philippines.

This Covenant will be showcased in the upcoming 18th Conference of Parties (COP 18) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on November 29-December 7, 2012 in Doha, Qatar.

The historical celebration will revolve on the theme: “Malolos… Cradle of Democracy; Sanctuary of Art Advocates; Paradise of the Golden Race Heritage; Heart of Filipino Culture; and City of Philippine Renaissance!”

Other commitments that will be undertaken in the Covenant include: (1) attainment of the “quadruple bottom line of environmental, social, economic and climate responsiveness” to reduce poverty as declared by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); (2) attainment of the Millennium Development Goals targets for 2015;

(3) adoption of the Legazpi Declaration urging wide participation in the “Nationwide Search for the Climate Change Awards; (4) preservation of proclaimed cultural heritage sites and properties for current and future generations; and (5) implementation of science-based programs and initiatives that will promote and utilize climate and disaster-proofing measures in the tourism and cultural sectors.

National and local government units as well as other agencies of the government are called upon to incorporate the cultural and tourism sector in sustained and intensified efforts to fulfill existing national commitments to the UNFCCC, guided by the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC), the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), and local climate-and risk-sensitive development programs; and develop national mechanisms to support tourism enterprise, green jobs competitiveness, including access to finance, development of small and medium enterprises, access to global information and distribution systems, and programs for the public recognition of best working practices in local development like the Philippine National Search for Climate Change Awards, among others.

The Tourism sector, on the other hand, is called upon to abide by, and promote within the sector, official guidelines and procedures promulgated for compliance with international commitments and Philippine laws for the practice of responsible environmental management and tourism; and seek opportunities for improved access to knowledge and environmentally-friendly technologies to protect and develop biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage properties.

All other stakeholders are called upon to establish public, private partnership initiatives to facilitate learning and practical experience in eco-cultural tourism and to enhance capabilities to fulfill their commitments under this Covenant; and to promote and support the nationwide installation of the Solar Bottle Bulb under the Project Isang Litrong Liwanag of My Shelter Foundation in homes of the most vulnerable families and communities in the Philippines.

The signatories of the 1st Malolos Green Covenant are Atty. Christian Natividad, City Mayor of Malolos and Hon. Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal, City Mayor of Legazpi to be witnessed by Nong Rangasa, President and Chairman of the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD), Inc. and Illac Angelo Diaz, Executive Director, My Shelter Foundation. (MAL/CBV/LCCAD/PIA5)


1,500 delegates join Sorsogon Eco-Youth Summit

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sept 17 (PIA) -- A collaborative eco-experience for over 1,500 delegates from 14 municipalities and other provinces throughout the Bicol region will convene in a forum dubbed, "Eco-Youth Summit 2012" on October 13 and 14 at the provincial gymnasium.

Summit Project Coordinator Bobby Gigantone said the activity will provide the youth across the region with the opportunity to explore innovative science-based strategies which are socially and culturally acceptable to create, manage, and protect the Bicol’s ecosystem.

Gigantone said the summit will also provide a high-profile platform to encourage exchange of ideas among researchers, planners, and decision-makers to develop a better understanding of the complex nature of ecological systems and the means to protect and enhance their services for sustainable development.

“Eco Youth Summit advocates for the rights of young people and facilitates youth participation in development as well as provide a network for young people to learn and exchange ideas on a range of pressing global issues protecting ecosystem for sustainable development,” he added.

“This also seeks to make government, schools, and communities more responsive to the aspirations of youth for a better world and to place the actions, experiences and ideas of young people on local and national agenda,” he said.

The summit will also highlight the Eco Night Run, the first ever in the province, which is open to all interested participants. The night run will start at 6 p.m. on October 13.

Gigantone emphasized the organizers will only allow the entry of participants who have signed their waiver of liability and declaration with medical certificate.

“Participants below 18 years old may join the race, but their entry forms will be approved or counter-signed by a parent or legal guardian,” he also said.

Categories for the event race open to the public include 10k, 5k and 3k (for kids from 12 years old and below) for both female and male division.

Trophies and cash prizes will be given away for the top three winners in each race division: P5,000 for the first place finisher for the 10k run, P2,000 for the top 5k runner and special prizes for the Top Three winners of the 3k run.

A special award will also be given to the biggest delegation who submits a minimum of 25 entries and the family who will join and cross the finish line together.

Other activities are also lined up such as Green Supermarket, Mangrove Planting, Green Cinema/Film Festival and environmental band concert “Tunog Kalikasan” to make the event more meaningful for the youth delegates.

All interested may keep in touch with the conference secretariat at telephone number  (056) 305-4496 or contact Leny Galan with mobile numbers  0919 4588370 and  0917 5797147 or Joan Basallaje with mobile number  0921 9826240 for further inquiries and reservations.

The summit is spearheaded by the provincial government of Sorsogon under the leadership of Governor Raul R. Lee, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation led by its president, Board Member Patrick Lee-Rodrigueza and the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines Vice President for Luzon, Sorsogon City Vice Mayor Robert Ante Lee-Rodrigueza. (MAL/BAR-PIA5, Sorsogon)

Legazpi jail inmates pledge support to the 18th Nat’l Crime Prevention Week program

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Sept 15 (PIA) -- Forty Legazpi City Jail inmates voluntarily pledged their support on September 5 to the Jail Residents’ Ceremonial Commitment Program for the celebration of the 18th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPWD).

The program intends to raise among the residents the significance of their reformation in the battle against crime, further, show them that there are in fact, other agencies outside the facility who are concerned of their welfare.

“It is important that the inmates should remember what they have pledged this very day, that their signatures were affixed in the commitment tarpaulin in a promise to improve their lives and become useful and law-abiding citizens of the country upon their release,” Assistant Regional Director for Administration JSupt. Samson A. Penilla said in his message.

National Police Commission (Napolcom-5) Regional Director Rodolfo G. Santos has cited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for the consistent support in their programs.

This was the second time that the Legazpi City Jail hosted the event.

“You should know that only this region involves the participation of the inmates. This is indeed a unique practice. Our only hope is that we keep in mind what we have promised this day,” Santos said.

This year’s theme for NCPW is anchored on “Sa Crime Prevention, May Magagawa Ako!” (RMCastor-BJMP5/MAL/CRS-PIA5)

Virac health office conducts 'Buntis Congress'

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 15 (PIA) --Over 50 pregnant women attended the “Buntis Congress” on September 7 at the Provincial Capitol Dome with the theme: “Bados Ako…Ano ang Responsibilidad Ko?”

The activity was aimed to provide education on the priority areas of Maternal and Child Health interventions including antenatal registration, high-risk pregnancy, labor and delivery as well as newborn screening, breastfeeding, maternal and child nutrition and family planning.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Arlene Arcilla said the activity was also conducted to introduce the services offered by the Rural Health Unit, specifically the Basic Emergency Obstetric and New-born Care facility.

She added that by expanding health consciousness and awareness among pregnant women, the mortality rate on pregnancy-related cases in the municipality of Virac is hoped to be reduced.

Topics discussed include parental check-up, labor and delivery, newborn screening, breastfeeding and family planning.

The activity was spearheaded by the Virac Municipal Health Office in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Virac.

Participants of the congress expressed gratitude saying that the activity is helpful both to them and their would be newborn.

A raffle draw was held and a closing program culminated the activity. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)



Partylist turns over multicab to Legazpi women’s org

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Sept 15 (PIA) -- Ako Bikol Partylist has turned over a multicab to Legazpi City Women’s Federation (LCWF) on Thursday.

Ako Bikol Representative Alfredo Garbin turned over the multicab to the federation’s president, Nazreen Garbeen, and the vice president, Lilibeth Muñoz Dimaculangan.

The multicab donation formed part of AKB’s support to LCWF to augment resources for the livelihood programs and other initiatives of said women’s organization catering to the needs of the residents, especially those residing in the far-flung barangays of this city, Gabin said during the ceremony.

Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal cited AKB for the donation, stating the vehicle will be used for all the programs and activities of the organization and efficiently provide the necessary services to the people.

Rosal said one of the foremost agenda of her administration include the livelihood program of the women’s organizations providing the constituents an additional jobs and business activities at their own villages.

Dimaculangan, on the other hand, said that for the past years, LCWF held several seminar and training programs such as dress making, welding, plumbing, tinapa making, electrical, therapy, soap making, refrigeration and air conditioning in every barangay. (MAL/MPSolis-LGU Legazpi City/PIA5)

PNP arrests 7 for illegal fishing

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept 14 (PIA) -- Elements of Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested seven residents of Barangay Moning, Baras on September 4 after being caught using air compressors to catch fish.

A team composed of SPO1 Renato Acuna, PO3 Warren Obal, and PO2 Roland Tejerero arrested the seven, including two brothers at around 4 p.m. while fishing.

A motorized banca, two spear guns, an air compressor tank and motor, a 25-meter long hose, and a fish net were confiscated from the arrested persons.

On the same day, another fisher, 42, was also arrested while using the same illegal fishing method. A motorized banca, an oxygen tank with a 25-meter hose and fingerlings inside a transparent plastic were confiscated from him.

PNP said using compressor in catching fish is strictly prohibited. They added that their campaign against illegal fishing continues to intensify in order to promote sea conservation and protection.

Arrested individuals were charged with violation of Municipal Ordinance No.01-2005. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)



DOLE field office in Camarines Norte has a permanent home now

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, September 14 (PIA) -- It is an every organization’s dream to have a permanent place to call home.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol regional office's dream of a permanent provincial field office in Camarines Norte is now a reality.

A 224 sq. m. lot in the government center was donated by the local government of Daet through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 155-2012 for the sole purpose of erecting a permanent ‘home’ of the provincial field office.

Exequiel Ronnie A. Guzman, DOLE – Bicol assistant regional director and Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion led the groundbreaking ceremony last September 1.

“We will indeed build our ‘home’ office here. It shall be realized completely perhaps in 1-2 years time. Our deepest gratitude to Daet for giving this (lot) to us,” Guzman said.

For years, the provincial field office has been renting office spaces in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The office had to transfer several times due to factors like increasing rent, poor accessibility and proximity to an unconducive working environment.

“Lalo na kaito, dipisilunun mag-anap ki maray na arkilahan digdi. Kaya ma tyaga ka talaga sa kung ano ang ugwa (Especially before, it is very hard to find a conducive office space for rent here. The reason why you have to make do of what is available),” Field Officer Ruben L. Romanillos said.

Initially, the DOLE regional leadership plans to put up a single storey office complete with a holding area, like an international airport.

It is also planned to have an active electronic mid-sized billboard to play continuously the programs and projects of DOLE, an all-in-one conference-hearing room, work cubicles, space for DOLE attached agencies wanting to hold office in the province, a garage and a living quarter for its staff.

The building plan will be designed to provide a cozy-accommodating ambience for the clienteles – the Daeteños.

“We want an office that is very inviting to our clients yung bang hindi sila mahihirapan. Kasi nga sabi ng ating mahal na president Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III , sila, ang taumbayan, ang Boss namin. Para sa kanila talaga ang opisinang ito… (We want an office that is inviting to our clients – something that wouldn’t be uncomfortable to them. Because Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III said the people are our boss. The office is really for them),” Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra said.

A living quarter for staff was included in the design to save the government from spending hotel charges whenever a visitor form the region or the national office comes in Camarines Norte.

With the dorm, the DOLE is expecting at least a 30 percent savings on travel expenses, which is in accordance with the President’s austerity agenda. This is aside from the sure savings from rent, which to date, amounts to some P16,000 per month.

Under the contract signed by DOLE and Daet LGU, DOLE-Bicol is expected to facilitate improvements on the lot in a span of one year.

“Matatapos natin ito ng pa unti-unti (We will finish this bit by bit) with the help of our Central Office and other allied government agencies. It is not a very ambitious plan anyway. It is doable.” Guzman said.

With the new lot, a new hope of a faster, more reliable, more convenient government services are expected by Daeteños.

Aside from the groundbreaking, DOLE Camarines Norte also released a livelihood grant of P540,861 under the Community Enterprise Development (CED) program.
The grant benefitted 101 Daeteños with their project business, which is the commercialization of pineapple and pili based products.

The livelihood grant of DOLE is said to boost the income of the beneficiaries as well as increase the tourism and export industry of the province. (MAL/RPE-DOLE5/PIA5)

Team Albay, OCD bags 11 disaster council awards

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The joint Team Albay and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-5) have notched 11 citations under the awards program “Bakas or Bayaning Likas (born hero)” of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the awarding rites yesterday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, recognizing the heroes who responded in times of calamities especially those who helped during the onslaught of the southwest monsoon and in the search operations for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda cited that Team Albay-OCD-5 were conferred of the Bakas Parangal ng Kadakilaan for the Provincial Government of Albay OCD-5, Regional Director Raffy Alejandro of OCD 5, Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (Navforsol), Capt. Jason Galang of Navforsol Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 5 of the Philippine Air Force, Col. Augusto Gaite of TOG 5, Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Team and Health and Emergency Management Services (HEMS) of Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Search and Rescue Unit, and including himself.

Salceda said Team Albay-OCD5 were among those units, which helped during the onslaught of the massive flooding due to heavy rains brought about the southwest monsoon in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, furthermore, in the search, rescue and retrieval operations for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The President has also presented the Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan to the members of Task Force Kalihim, including the divers who helped in locating and retrieving the bodies of Robredo and pilot Jessup Bahinting from the wreckage of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane.

“Bakas Parangal,” is an award institutionalized and given by the NDRRMC to those who showed exemplary and extraordinary acts of selflessness in reaching out to those who are in urgent need of assistance in times of calamities and disasters.

NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos explained that the Bakas Parangal awards would serve as a reminder that the selfless acts during times of need would not remain unrecognized for what they have done is not only to save lives but also to change lives of many.

“Bakas,” which roughly means “imprint” and an acronym of the words “Bayaning Likas” has three categories for both individuals and organizations namely:

Category I or the Bakas Parangal ng Kadakilaan is given to honor the noble service of units or groups and organizations who participated in rescue efforts despite the hardship of the situations. Awardees will be given plaque of recognition.

Category II or the Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan is given to the leader of a unit or group that “exhibited exemplary acts of heroism beyond their call of duty.” Awardees will be given plaque of recognition for the leader of the unit or group accompanied by certificate of recognition for the members.

Category III or the Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan is given to individuals who “exhibited extraordinary acts of bravery by extending assistance to those in need in times of disaster beyond the call of duty. Awardees will be bestowed with the bronze “Medalyon ng Kagitingan” accompanied by certificate of recognition. (MAL-PIA5 Albay)



Good Governance signature campaign launched in the 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leadership Seminar

DAET, Camarines Norte, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The local initiative “A call for transparency, accountability and good governance” signature campaign was launched during the 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leadership Seminar.

It was held September 9 by the Mabini Colleges-College of Business Administration and Accountancy Central Council at the Daet Heritage Center here.

Professor Rex Bernardo said it is their appeal, being conscientious citizens of Camarines Norte, that they have deeply reflected to take action and preserve the legacy of good local governance of Jesse Robredo.

“We have unanimously made the moral calling to demand transparency, accountability and good governance to our leaders,” he said.

He said they will demand to the local leaders of local government units here to immediately enact and pass proposed legislations that promote accountability, transparency and citizen’s engagement – all necessary ingredients that nurture and sustain good governance.

The proposed legislative measures are Productivity Improvement Program, Municipal/Provincial People’s Council, i-Govern “power of information” and Municipal/provincial citizen’s charter.

He said they demand that said proposed legislations be passed in the municipalities and province, since these have long been institutionalized and working in Naga City.

“It is only through these actions that we may be able to follow Jesse Robredo’s legacy in good local governance” he said.

Meanwhile, topics discussed during the seminar were the “Tsinelas Leadership: Robredo’s Brand of People Empowered Leadership” presented by Bernardo, 2011 Young Global Leader Fellow; “Robredo’s Legacy: A Trasformative Style of Servant Leadership” by Elmer Edgar Sto. Domingo, motivational doach; and “A call for Volunteerism: Nation Building the GK Way” by Mary Adelyn Tecson, RN GK regional volunteer coordinator.

An audio visual presentation of “Dare to Dream: Triumphs of Human Spirit” and group presentations on “Parables of Authentic Leadership” were also included in the seminar.

The activity was attended by some 250 college students of the said school. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte).

Application for police officer recruitment program on- PNP

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes Provincial Police Office is now accepting applicants for the Police Officer 1 (PO1) Recruitment Program for this year.

The recruitment is intended to fill up the regional and provincial offices with lacking number of police personnel to be more responsive to the demands of an efficient and effective police office.

Accepted applicants will undergo a six month, rigid Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) followed by the six-month Field Training Program (FTP), upon passing all the mandatory processing requirements for permanent appointment.

Application folders must be directed to their respective municipal police stations that will endorse the same to the Provincial Office, then to the Regional Selection Board/Committee at PRO5, Camp Gen. Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City.

In the Regional Selection Board/Committee, applicants will be carefully screened and subjected to various tests, purposely to determine their physical, mental and psychological fitness to undergo the PSBRC training, and ensure that only the best qualified are accepted to the PNP service.

General qualifications for the applicants are as follows: a natural-born citizen; of good moral character; with a formal baccalaureate degree from a recognized learning institution; eligible in accordance with the standards set by the National Police Commission; must have passed the psychiatric/psychological, physical, medical, dental and drug test to be administered by the PNP Health Service and Crime Laboratory or any NAPOLCOM accredited government hospital for the purpose of determining the appointee’s physical and mental health; must have no pending criminal case in any court, including the office of the Ombudsman or administrative case if he/she is already an employee of the government;

Must not be dishonorably discharged from military employment or on AWOL or Dropped from Rolls from the PNP service, or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government; must be at least 1 meter and 62 centimeter (1.62m) in height for male and 1 meter and 57 centimeter (1.57cm) for female; must weigh not more or less than 5 kilograms (5.0 kg) from the standard weight corresponding to his/her height, age and sex; and, must not be less than twenty-one (21) nor more than thirty years (30) of age.

Applicants should bring the following documents: duly accomplished CSC Form 212 (Revised 2005); handwritten application letter (using black ballpen); Birth Certificate authenticated by the NSO; eligibility authenticated by the issuing authority (NAPOLCOM,PRC RA 6506); 2 pcs “2X2” black & white picture indicating applicant’s name; bust and whole body picture; Transcript of Records and Diploma (authenticated by the school registrar); Certificate of Good Moral Character from the state college or university; clearances from barangay, local police station, RTC/MTC/NBI; medical certificate issued by the local health office and ECG result; and, fingerprints and handwriting specimen from NAPOLCOM. (MAL/EAB/PNP Catanduanes/PIA)


DTI follows new scheme for processing ICC stickers

By Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sept 12 (PIA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon has announced the new schedule of processing requests for Imported Commodity Certification (ICC) stickers for helmets and visors used by motorists.

Leah Pagao, DTI Sorsogon provincial director, said based from the latest memorandum sent by the DTI central office, the processing of request shall be in accordance with the following scheme: For surnames of applicants starting with letters A to I are scheduled this month of September, surnames beginning with letters J to P are scheduled on October while surnames beginning with letters Q to Z are scheduled November, all this year.

“The implementation of said scheme will thwart possible delay in the processing of requests caused by the crowding of applicants in DTI offices,” said Pagao.

She added that applicants are required to submit the photocopy of their driver’s license when requesting for ICC stickers.

Mandatory certification of helmet and visors was intensified by virtue of the Joint Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 of the Department of Transporation and Communication and DTI.

It equires motorists to register their helmets and visors for their personal safety while driving anywhere. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)


NGCP, Canoreco lead greening project in Camarines Norte

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) initiated a tree planting program together with Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative (Canoreco) in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government.

The group of officials and employees from NGCP has planted 1,500 seedlings of narra and mahogany in Brgy. Daguit, Labo, Camarines Norte, one of the barangays hosting NGCP’s Labo-Gumaca 230-kiloVolt lines.

“Our partnership with Canoreco does not end in delivering reliable electricity to the consumers. It extends to serving the community and protecting the environment as well,” said Gomercindo De Leon, NGCP transmission engineer in Labo.

De Leon said, as the country’s sole power transmission service provider and system operator, NGCP operates and maintains high-voltage electrical facilities such as transmission lines and substations spread throughout thousands of barangay-communities nationwide.

He added that to replenish trees affected in maintaining transmission facilities, NGCP regularly implements reforestation and tree seedling dispersal activities.

The NGP target is to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide from 2011 to 2016. It is more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years.

Areas for planting under the program include forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands of the public domain. (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

Albay hosts Asean tourism conference on climate change

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Sept 11 (PIA) -- Tourism ministers and policy makers from member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meet today until tomorrow in Albay to craft country action plans for climate change adaptation. This aims to make each country in the region more resilient and boost tourism.

Albay hosts this year’s Asean Tourism Conference on Climate Change with the province’s showcase of resiliency which has risen from the wrath of typhoons, storm surges and many geological hazards to become one of the country’s premier tourism destinations.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has also cited the province as a model in carrying out plans and measures in mainstreaming climate change adaptation in the local development process, including for the tourism industry.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said countries of the Asean come here today as a community of nations to examine closely how tourism in the Asean can promote economic and social integration for development but as well as contribute to the global task of securing the world we have come to love and appreciate so that we, of this current generation, and the future can benefit from the provisioning, sustaining, nurturing functions of the earth.

“Our goal is a resilient Asean through inclusive tourism,” Salceda emphasized.

He said, “A resilient Asean, through tourism, is the categorical imperative for our nations and, collectively, the regional imperative is resilient Asean through inclusive tourism.”

Salceda also explained that tourism relies on the aesthetic and nurturing function of nature in many ways and so the social responsibility and accountability of governments bring them together no longer to simply talk about climate change but to seek ways meet the goals of the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan by 2015 through responsible and sustainable tourism development.

The challenges for the governments, thus, include helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we encourage travel and leisure, citing for instance, build “bridges” across Asean seas that encourage inter-island connectivity using Asean sea lanes rather than just airplanes.

“We have geo-economic gateways that have the potential to be further developed through tourism. We can also bank on our in city travel innovations using non-motorized transport systems,” he said.

Another is the challenge to adapt tourism businesses, destinations, food, water use, entertainment, travel options to the challenges that that changing climate and the climate extremes will present.

Governments are also confronted to seek better technological innovations that encourage tourism while enabling countries and peoples to mitigate and to adapt to climate risks, and the capacity to secure financial resources that will allow us to develop the Asean as a tourism destination that remains resilient despite challenges.

The output of this meeting, Salceda said, will be a good platform to present in the Asean Tourism meet in Laos on January 2013 that will evolve on the theme for 2013 is “Asean Hand-in-Hand, Conquering our Future.”

Participating countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (MAL-PIA5 Albay)


AKBay program benefits 231 households

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy (AKBay) program of the national government benefited 231 farm and fishery households from eight towns of Catanduanes.

The program was implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) and was funded under the Japan Grant Assistance for Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers.

It supports the attainment of Millennium Development Goal 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.

Under the program, where majority of the beneficiaries chose swine raising, each recipient household received P10,000 in the form of loan checks as start-up funds for their livelihood projects.

These loans are interest-free and collateral-free.

Aside from the start-up funds, the program extends technical assistance to the beneficiaries in project identification, project proposal writing/development, and project implementation, as well as in marketing the goods.

The loan number recipients from the different towns are as follows: Bagamanoc, 30; Baras, 28; Bato, 29; Gigmoto, 31; Pandan, 30; Panganiban, 25; San Miguel, 23; and Viga, 35.

Beneficiaries underwent resource-based, short-gestating, micro-scale livelihood projects in agriculture and fisheries and are required to put up some equity in the form of land, labor, cost of utilities and required project materials harvested freely in the project area.

Since the program targets only the poorest farm households in 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities nationwide, there are no recipients from the other three towns of the province. An amount of P2.09 million from the total P4.4 million allocation has been released for Catanduanes in June 2011.

Meanwhile, recipients of AKBay livelihood project expressed gratitude with the promise of repaying in accordance the terms of the program. (MAL/EAB-PIA5-Catanduanes)


Legazpi City ready for more IT-BPO companies expanding operations

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Sept 11 (PIA) -- This city is ready for Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) companies that are expanding their operations outside established hubs like Metro Manila, Cebu and Clark.

“In a big way, we are ready to take in more IT-BPO entries,” City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal said on Wednesday following the city’s hosting of the IT-BPO road show entitled “ICT Road Show in the Next Wave Cities: Harnessing ICT for a Smarter Countryside.”

The road show held at the La Piazza Hotel was organized by the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in coordination with the Albay Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Association and the Legazpi City ICT Council.

ICTO is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT-related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, e-Government, ICT policy development, Internet for all and cybersecurity.

The road show, attended by thousands of students, professionals and other stakeholders in the ICT industry, aims to encourage incoming college students to take ICT-related, engineering and architecture courses to support and take advantage of the country’s fast growing IT-BPO industry.

Panelists of the event were from the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) and Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP).

From here, the next leg of the road show will be on September 7 in Palayan City to be co-organized by the Tech-Novo Ecijano Association Inc.

Rosal said the readiness of the city for more IT-BPO operations is further attested to by its being named into the 10 Next Wave Cities in the country’s BPO industry list of the BPAP last year.

Considered by the BPAP as a feeder city for providing highly qualified manpower to other outsourcing centers across the country, Legazpi joined top listed Davao City and other early entrants to the New Wave Cities such as Bacolod, Baguio, Malolos, Iloilo, Cavite, Lipa and Cagayan de Oro.

The city, the government’s regional center for Bicol, also scored high in the cost of doing business and availability of needed physical IT infrastructures to support the outsourcing industry, the BPAP said.

Its accessibility through land, air and sea transport from Manila, Cebu and other areas of the country added to having reliable telecommunications providers like Smart, Globe, Bayantel and PLDT that provides dependable internet and bandwidth connectivity are important factors that attracted BPO investors to locate in the city, it added.

Being a New Wave City provides a great avenue for local empowerment as increases talent pool and stem salary and rental inflation. It also eases the pressures to raise salaries and rental rates in these major hubs, and spread the benefits of employment, higher incomes and increased business activity across the country.

The BPAP said it sees the Philippines maintaining its position as one of the world's top outsourcing destination, generating annual revenue of USD 25 billion by 2015. More companies are expected to sub-contract services to companies in the Philippines as a way to cut costs.

BPAP said the Philippines is seen to maintain its market share of around 10 percent, despite emerging competitors like Vietnam and other countries in South America also joining the race for more clients. The country’s BPO industry currently employs around 600,000 people.

“We have talents for this industry. We have good schools that produce good graduates. We have good command of the English language. We have the facilities. We have the necessary support of the academe, and there is the definite and strong partnership between the private groups and the local government,” Rosal said.

In support to this the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation Inc. (SLTCFI) which is itself an IT-BPO provider and training center based here has launched the country’s first BPO high school, a significant step in fortifying the city’s classification as an IT-BPO location.

SLTCFI BPO High School integrates BPO curriculum in the high school and as the pioneer in offering the Business Process Service Management courses in the Philippines, SLTCFI ensures that its graduates are equipped with skills for supervisory positions once they apply for jobs in BPO companies. (MAL/DOC-LGU Legazpi CIty/PIA5)

DRR-CCA empowerment summit held for out of school youth in Bicol

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Navy-Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol), together with other multi-stakeholders in the Bicol region, gathered some 110 out-of-school-youths for the Bicol Youth Empowerment Summit (YES). 

The summit was held at the Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo Albay last August 27 to 29. 

The three-day training and team-building activities for this year’s YES was anchored on the theme “Harnessing the Youth Sector in DRR-CCA towards Disaster Resilient Communities.” 

Captain Rommel Jason Galang, Navforsol commander, said the theme is in line with the need to rally support from government and non-government institutions during occurrences of disasters to prevent emergencies, mitigate effects and ensure provision for those in need. 

“The Office of Civil Defense together with the Naval Forces Southern Luzon identified the necessity to educate youth sector most especially the OSY on issues related to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaption on their level of appreciation for the reason that they are highly vulnerable for this phenomena where recorded numbers of casualties belongs to this youth sectors,” Galang said. 

Galang added they expected participants in the said summit to be empowered with renewed techniques in managing duties and responsibilities in their respective community and be responsive to the current issues and concerns of society. 

Among the issues and concerns discussed on the second day of the summit are Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, Maritime Domain Awareness, Human Trafficking program, HIV/AIDS prevention, DRR Management and Basic Life Support. 

Members of the Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Naval Forces Southern Luzon and PAO also took turns in capacitating the participants on Disaster Rescue Operations through hands-on orientations on knot tying or seamanship skills, extrication of patients and rappelling techniques, water rescue and other life saving techniques in water. 

YES is part of the multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approach in guiding and preparing the youth to be globally competitive on the near future. 

Together with Navforsol in implementing the said advocacy in the region are the Office of the Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Youth Commission, Tactical Operation Group, 901st Brigade PA, and the Provincial Government of Albay. (SAL/MAL/Albay)