Albay to experience power interruption on Dec 11, 12

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has announced power interruption schedule in some parts of Albay on December 10 and 11 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, respectively.

As confirmed by Edith Regidor, public assistance officer of Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), affected areas on December 10 are the substations in barangays Bitano and Washington Drive which include Daraga, Albay, Legazpi and Manito.

On December 11 affected areas are Malinao and Tiwi substations which cover the whole first district of Albay.

NGCP said the reason for the said power interruption is the removal of side guy along Daraga-Legazpi railway system as requested by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and replacement of damaged wood poles.

In line with this scheduled interruption NGCP advises the general public to take the necessary preparation and precautions.

Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/ALbay)

CSU grad 10th in nat’l teachers’ board exam

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- A graduate of Catanduanes State University (CSU) made history for the school’s College of Education after placing 10th in the September 2012 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) national level. 

Carlito T. Gelito, who obtained his Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in Mathematics) degree last March 2012, is the first graduate of the college to land in the top 10 of the National LET with a rating of 87.2%. 

In previous years, the Professional Regulation Commission also recognized regional Top 10 placers, including several graduates of CSU–CEd. 

The College of Education mounted a torch parade last Nov. 29 to honor Carlito’s feat while the CSU administration is also scheduled to award Carlito a financial incentive and a certificate of commendation in a recognition ceremony for the LET topnotcher and passers. 

“Di ko man pig asahan na maka top 10 , ang pig hagad ko sana makapasa,” ( I did not expect to make it to the top 10, all I wanted was to pass) Carlito said. 

He added he was not able to enroll in formal review classes due to financial constraints and thus opted for self-study in preparation for the licensure exam. He also said that he was even hesitant if he could pass the licensure test because he did not had enough time to solve the last 40 items in major subjects. 

His father, Danilo Gelito Sr., said his son was almost indisposed due to fever during the day of the examination. He was thankful that the licensure exam was conducted in Virac, thus saving many examinees like his son from the grueling travel to mainland Bicol. 

Carlito likewise praised Virac’s being designated as LET Testing Center. “Dakula ang tuwang kaito ta nakabawas na ito sa gastuson pati maluyahon talaga ako sa byahe,” he said. 

Carlito is the third of the eight children of tricycle driver Danilo Sr. and full-time homemaker Carmen Todoc of San Juan, San Miguel. He finished his elementary education as valedictorian at San Juan Elementary School and his secondary education at Bato Rural Development High School. 

A consistent Dean’s Lister, Carlito also served as senator of the College of Education Student Organization in SY 2009-2010. He became its president in SY 2010-2011 and eventually was elected as vice-president of the Federated College Student Council. He was awarded as one of the Outstanding Student Leaders of CSC on March 2012 and was among the finalists in the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol. 

The CSU obtained an overall passing percentage of 76.21% for LET elementary level and 44.91% for LET secondary level, both higher than the 49.29% (Elementary) and 43.30% (Secondary) national passing percentages. (MAL/EAB/GSR/CMP-CSU/PIA5) 

Catanduanes university has 3 topnotchers in Civil Engineer Licensure Exam

By Edna A. Bagadiong

CATANDUANES, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- For the second year, the Catanduanes State University (CSU) sealed another resounding victory in the November 2012 civil engineer licensure examination with three of its graduates landing on the top 10. 

Adding another feather on the university’s cap are John Michael Tuazon Bernal, sixth place; Yuri Ibatuan Soriao, seventh place; and John Aldren Cañeta Molina, ninth place. 

John Michael, 22, of San Isidro Village, Virac, earned a rating of 94.65 percent. As a consistent Dean’s Lister, national CE quiz winner, and magna cum laude graduate, John Michael revealed that he was inspired by the peoples’ big expectations on him. In an interview, he said the pressures did not daunt him. Instead, it inspired him to press on. “Naging advantage ito sako ta na motivate ako,” he said. 

When asked what he could impart to students, he simply advised them to "study hard and pray harder." 

John Michael, who was born in San Miguel town, was valedictorian of his class at Gogon Elementary School in 2003 and was first honorable mention at Catanduanes National High School in 2007. His proud parents are Domingo T. Bernal, who works as a construction steelman, and Salvacion P. Tuazon. 

A scholar of Congressman Cesar Sarmiento who received a P10,000 reward for graduating magna cum laude, Bernal’s review expenses for six months was reportedly shouldered by the Sarmiento. 

Yuri Soriao, 21, got a rating of 94.60 percent in placing seventh. The son of Engr. Emmanuel R. Soriao, former Dean of the CSU College of Technology, and Mary Ann C. Ibatuan of San Jose, Bato, is also an award-winning civil engineering quizzer. He is a product of Bato Central Elementary School and Bato Rural Development High School. 

That he placed ninth with a rating of 94.25 percent was doubly sweet for John Aldren Molina as he celebrated his 23rd birthday last Nov. 29. The cum laude graduate from Moonwalk, Virac finished his elementary education at Virac Pilot Elementary School and his secondary education at CSC Laboratory High School. A consistent honor student and mathematics quiz contestant, he is the son of Ildefonso M. Molina and public school teacher Rosa B. Cañeta. 

Aldren said the teachings as well as the difficult quizzes and long exams of their engineering professors during their academic years immensely helped them in developing their foundation in mathematics and further honed their analytical skills. 

Like Bernal, Yuri, Aldren, and the rest of the CSU CE passers share the same equation of diligence and faith in God as formula in hurdling the examination. 

The Nov. 2012 CE Licensure Examination adopted for the first time the 100 items per subject method which is longer and more gruelling than the previous years’ 30 to 36 items per subject. 

A recognition ceremony awaits these board topnotchers and passers. To date, Catanduanes State University has already produced 24 Civil Engineer Board topnotchers since 1992. Three of them were Top 1. (MAL/EAB/DCO/GSR-CSU/PIA5) 

Albay donates P1 million to calamity-stricken Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 -- The Albay provincial government will donate some P1 million in financial assistance to the disaster-stricken provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental in Mindanao, Albay Governor Joey Salceda announced Thursday. 

Salceda said he has approved the donation of P1-million assistance to be delivered the soonest possible time to augment resources of local governments in providing the most needed relief goods and services of the residents of these areas hardest hit by typhoon Pablo last Wednesday. 

Salceda said the fund will be sourced out from the provincial coffers based on a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan endorsing the donation of P500,000 each for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, the hardest hit provinces by the typhoon. 

“The financial aid would be given to the local governments of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental on behalf of the people of Albay as a gesture of gratitude to other local government units and the national government for the assistance they also provided to the province in past disasters that hit Albay,” Salceda said. 

A team from the Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office (APSEMO) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol will also conduct a preliminary surveillance of the damages and analysis of needs (DANA) in the two provinces 

Salceda said a team from the provincial legislative board, APSEMO and OCD will also leave for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental any day this week to deliver the cash assistance and conduct disaster assessment. 

The assessment and consultations with local officials and affected communities will enable Albay to further help in the early recovery and rehabilitation period. (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

Tesda trainer bags National Lakan Ilaw award

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Carlito J. Peralta, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) planning and information officer, and promotion and advocacy focal person in Camarines Sur was conferred the 2012 National Lakan Ilaw Awards, recognizing him as an Outstanding Trainer of the Tesda Kalinga sa Tagsanay Award. 

The recognition is conferred on Tesda employees who have initiated, introduced, conducted bold and innovative ideas, engaged in partnerships, and introduced new programs or projects that have produced superior accomplishments. 

The awards program is given to Tesda employee who have performed an extraordinary deed or service which contributed to the remarkable improvement in the services of Tesda and has produced a positive impact in the day-to-day operation of the Tesda schools or training centers. 

Peralta is a registered author and publisher who has written 10 books and other reading materials all duly copyrighted. He served as program host of Tesda’s Skills Training on the Air and Training Program on Radio over DWRB Radyo ng Bayan. He was also the program focal of PTV4 Telebisyon ng Bayan Village Technology in TV in Goa, Camarines Sur. 

He is also the editor of Upswelling Journal, the official newsletter of Tesda-CASIFMAS and the adviser and moderator of the Shoreline Newsletter. Peralta was also the former host of Tesda on the Air aired over PBN TV5 and DZOK FM Radio and is a licensed member of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP). 

In spite of his busy schedule as trainer, he still manages to write news stories and serve as news correspondent of Bicol Mail, Tesda Today- Tesda’s national journal and the Access News, Tesda-V Regional Newsletter. 

In 2009, Peralta was also the recipient of the Tesda National Tagalikha Award and two of his spearheaded TV and Radio program, the Village Technology in TV (VTTV) and the Skills Training on the Air (STOA) likewise received two National Gabay Nayon Awards. 

The awarding ceremonies were held at San Francisco Institute of Science and Technology, Albay during the regional annual Dual Training System (DTS) celebration led by Tesda Regional Director Conrado G. Bares, and at CASIFMAS main campus during the induction ceremony of the Association of Concern Employees (ACE) led by Tesda Cam Sur Provincial Director Mr. Emmanuel H. Buban. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur) 

City gov't distributes Christmas gifts to Legazpi’s indigents families

 

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Around 710 poorest of the poor families from the 70 barangays of the city received food stuffs and Christmas gifts the local government during a distribution activity at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation last December 3. 

Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal said the giveaways were part of the Alay Pamilya Special Project of her Administration to the poorest of the poor families in the city. 

The project is a yearly undertaking which she said would continue even as she is stepping down as the city’s chief executive next year given that her husband, former city mayor Noel Rosal who will be her likely successor being unopposed in the coming May local elections is adopting the it. 

She said recipients of the “goodies” should not take it as “food ration” but a “gift of love and sympathy” from the city government for Christmas. 

“We do not want you to be dependent on government dole outs. All we want is for you to strive very hard using your skills and good abilities to attain a more decent and prosperous life,” she said. 

Vice-mayor Vitoy Roces expressed his appreciation to the donations provided by some entities and individuals who made the “gift-giving” successful. 

Recipients of the gifts, according to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marlene Manaya were identified from among the poorest families by chairmen in the city’s barangays. 

From the list submitted by each barangay chairman, Manaya said her office selected 10 recipients to make 700 from all the city’s 70 barangays. 

Former Mayor Noel Rosal, Liga ng mga Barangay vice-president Vince Baltazar, former city councilor Lilibeth Muñoz-Dimaculangan and Urban Poor Federation chairman Jun de la Torre assisted in the distribution of the gifts. 

The donors and sponsors of the gift items were the City Government of Legazpi, Vice Mayor Roces, Joven Ador, City Engr. Orlando Rebato, Elmer Pecson, Obelia Baldano, City Executive Assistant Santi Baltazar, Manaya, Crisol Bautista, Oro Site Barangay Chairman and Liga ng mga Barangay provincial federation president, JP Lee. 

DSWD Regional director Remia Tapispisan, City Councilor Elmo Inzon, City Public Safety Office chief Menjo Ofracio, the City Agriculture Office, City Coun Vincent Baltazar III, Siony Calleja, Salve Corral, Christine Zantua, Carlita De Guzman, City Coun. Chito Ante, Engr. Joy Esplana and ex-barangay chairman Julius Del Rasario. (MAL/MPS-LGU Legazpi City/PIA5)

BFP Sorsogon City steps fire safety inspection for yuletide season

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) central station here has intensified anew its fire safety inspection to all establishments dealing with the manufacture, distribution and sale of pyrotechnics/firecrackers as well as those selling Christmas lights in time for the holiday season. 

Fire Marshal S/Insp Walter Marcial said the bureau has since conducted the inspection on Dec. 3 and 4, 2012 for all the targeted establishments. 

“Under the provisions of Division 6 Rule 10 of the implementing rules and regulations of RA 9514 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, the conduct of massive fire safety inspection on establishment selling, distributing and manufacturing firecrackers/pyrotechnics materials must be strictly complied to ensure public safety," Marcial said. 

He also said that considering the distressing rate of fire incidents and accidents during this season due to the usage of firecrackers/pyrotechnics, the BFP firmly implements the said code in which no one is allowed to sell, distribute or manufacture firecrackers without Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC). 

“In addition, the BFP personnel are also conducting fire safety inspection to all establishments selling Christmas Lights to make certain that it passes the DTI standard wherein the ICC seal are marked on their products, ” Marcial said, adding that he also ordered his fire safety inspectors to make sure that the products being sold are absolutely safe. 

Moreover, BFP in this city had coordinated other government agencies to realize this kind of undertaking which aims to promote public safety as well as to avoid any untoward incidents during the celebration of Christmas season. 

Towards this end, the BFP appeals to the public to be more cautious and vigilant in choosing Christmas decors. In case of fire incidents or other related emergency situation, the BFP can be reach at their hotline nos. 421-6320; 211-7996/09072927215 or 160. (MAL/BAR/MGECorral-BFP Sorsogon City/PIA5)