SSS Catanduanes unveils Seal of Excellence Award

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Oct 9 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) Catanduanes branch unveiled the Citizens Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award it received at the SSS branch office at P. Araojo building in Cavinitan, Virac last September 27, 2012.

The award was conferred by virtue of CSC Resolution Number 1200656 promulgated in April 23, 2012 granting the said award to SSS branch here.

Civil Service Commission provincial field office Director Ma. Guia Garcia said SSS Virac obtained 90.94% in the 1st phase validation and acquired a higher rating of 92.40% during the second phase.

She likewise advised and motivated other government agencies in the province to strive to provide better service to its clientele and to meet and satisfy the needs of its stakeholders.

During the program, SSS Virac branch manager Divina Avila said that the award was made possible by the agency’s stakeholders. She likewise committed to continuous improvement of its service to SSS pensioners and its clientle.

SSS stakeholders’ representative and pensioners also gave their insights and experiences with SSS Virac wherein in response, SSS vowed to continue providing quality service to its clients.

The agency’s field office in the province accommodates an average of 200 clients daily, serving a total of 26,910 SSS members on the island, broken down into 16,823 self-employed, 4,277 farmers and fishermen, and 5,810 employees working for 2,050 registered employers.

Meanwhile, the Seal of Excellence Award to SSS-Virac was personally awarded by Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III, MD, MSc to SSS Virac Branch Manager Divina T. Avila last August 17, 2012 at St. Ellis Hotel, Legazpi City.

The agency received P75,000 cash and a wall-mountable glass seal. (MAL/EAB - PIA Catanduanes)



PH prepares for South Korea’s satellite launch

By Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat

PIA, Oct. 9 -- The Philippine Government is all set with its contingency plan as South Korea announced its scheduled launch of its 3rd Science and Technology Satellite-2 (STSAT-2) aboard Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) on October 26 at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Office of Civil Defense administrator and executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Benito T. Ramos bared the country’s preparations as the satellite launch will follow a southward trajectory 170 degrees clockwise from the north toward Taiwan and Philippines. The launch window is in between 2:30pm to 6:00pm Philippine time on the 26th of October ,however, it could be postponed until the 31st.

Ramos stressed that the government’s preparedness on the possible result and impact of this satellite launch to the country is not intended to cause panic, rather to ensure safety of the Filipino people.

Concerned government agencies are tapped by the NDRRMC to take the lead in implementing measures as the satellite launch nears.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine (CAAP) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will issue the policy in the flight path of the satellite launch vehicle.
PAF projected the satellite’s first stage to separate and fall in a zone 450 NM east of Palanan, Isabela. The second stage is expected to fall in an area 340 NM east of Samar Province while the anticipated third stage will fall in an area 330 NM of Surigao del Sur Province.

Part of CAAP’s implementing plan is to issue NOTAM or Notice to Airmen for all airlines to submit their route plan away from the exclusive zone seven days before the scheduled launch. The agency has not yet come up with the total number of affected flights, however, it has assured the airlines that it will offer contingency or alternative routes as well.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will issue a flag advisory to all shipping companies regarding the falling debris of the said satellite in Philippine Territorial Waters.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is tasked to issue a “no fishing zone” policy in the projected falling areas.

Ramos instructed DILG to start patrolling within the “exclusive zone” a day before the launch and a suspension of enforcement on the day itself.

Also, NDRRMC assigned the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to monitor and issue periodic advisories and precautionary measures to the NDRRMC and the general public. The agency may recommend to the NDRRMC to activate the Radiological Plan (RADPLAN) if the need be.

The Philippine Navy has prepared its surface assets, fleet-marine ready forces and reservists to render assistance to affected communities in the event of untoward incident.

STSAT 2 is South Korea’s third satellite to be launched after two failed attempts in 2009 and 2010. (By Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat)


South Korea to launch satellite; NDRRMC asks public to keep safe from ’falling areas’

By Carlo P. Canares

PIA -ROD, Oct. 9 -- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos is calling on the public to veer away from areas where debris are likely to fall when South Korea launches its satellite before the end of the month.

In a meeting held at the NDRRMC Tuesday, Undersecretary Ramos said the Republic of Korea plans to send into space its Science and Technology Satellite (STSAT-2) aboard Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-I) on October 26, 2012.

This is the third time South Korea has launched its STSAT after two earlier attempts failed.

The launch is expected to happen from 15:30 to 19:00 hours Korean Standard Time or 14:30 to 18:00 hours (2:30 to 6 pm), Philippine Time.

The rocket will follow a southward trajectory towards Taiwan and the Philippines . The STSAT’s first stage will separate and fall in a zone 450 NM east of Palanan, Isabela while the second stage is expected to fall in an area 340 NM east of Samar Province .

An anticipated third stage will fall in an area 330 NM east of Surigao del Sur.

Ramos said it will only take 20 minutes following the launch for the planned falling objects to occur.

The debris are likely to fall off the Eastern Seabord of the Philippines . These are along Isabela in Region 2; the Bicol Region; Samar and Leyte in Region 8; and Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in the CARAGA Region.

“There are three possibilities that could happen with the falling objects. First, the capsule, which is big, will fall intact to the sea. Second, while still in the atmosphere, it will disintegrate into pieces. The question is how big or small are these pieces. Lastly, once it enters the atmosphere, it will burn and turn to ash,” Ramos said.

Regardless, the public is advised to take precautions and stay away from “exclusive zones” or falling areas.

“There will be no fishing, no flying, no sailing around this time in these areas,” Ramos said.

The NDRRMC chief has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Philippine Air Force to issue the policy of No Flying in the flight path of the satellite vehicle launch. Ditto with the MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy for No Sailing Policy in the territorial waters likely to be affected; and the Department of Interior and Local Government regarding No Fishing policy.

Local Government Units and officials are tasked to prevent their local residents and fishermen from doing any off-shore activity during the prescribed time frame.

Other concerned agencies of government are also mobilized to respond in case untoward incidents happen.

“We want to be sure all agencies of government are prepared. Our concern is the safety of the Filipino people, particularly those on the eastern portion of the country. Walang pasaway para zero casualty tayo,” Ramos said. (Carlo P. Canares/ROD)