DSWD calls for vigilance for fake 4Ps registration

NAGA CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Two days after the mid-term polls, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Bicol, received reports that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps was used by politicians in Camarines Sur to gain vote from their constituents.

The persistent report and feed backs prompted DSWD 5 regional director Arnel Garcia to issue a press statement denying the allegations, saying that there were no such activities coordinated in their office.

Barely a week after the election, Garcia reiterated his call that private individuals, organizations or any entities are not allowed to issue registration forms for the 4Ps, much more enlist them as members under the said program.

In a statement released to the media, Garcia said that if there are registration forms that continue to circulate in some municipalities, they definitely did not come from the DSWD.

Garcia emphasized that the identification of qualified beneficiaries for 4Ps is generated solely through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) and payouts are only done through the schedules and modes approved by the Department.

"For the record the DSWD is not the source of the alleged registration forms, we are not conducting community assemblies to recruit new beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the Partido area or anywhere else in the region at the moment and no payouts are being conducted since March 29, 2013”, Garcia stressed.

It will be recalled that a month before the election, Garcia met with the local members of the media in Camarines Sur and launched its "Bawal ang EPAL Dito.”

This endeavors to inform the public that only DSWD has the sole authority to select new beneficiaries, delist non-compliant recipients, impose penalties for violated rules and warn political “epals” not to use the poverty allegation program to further their political interests.

"The DSWD is committed to protect the integrity of its poverty reduction programs and the safety and independence of its workers for the best interests of the poor and marginalized", Garcia said in closing. (AAMayor-DSWD5/MAL/LSM/PIA5-Camarines Sur)


Brigada Eskwela 2013 kicks off in Bicol

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, May 27 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) led the 2013 Brigada Eskwela or Annual National Schools Maintenance Week in this region from May 20 to May 25 this year with the theme “Isang Dekada ng Bayanihan sa Paaralan.”

“DepEd enjoins communities, non-government organizations (NGOs), GOCCs and other partners to participate in this yearly initiative, which is also our flagship program to prepare our schools for this school year,” said DepEd Bicol information officer Rey Bañaz.

Brigada Eskwela has been conducted by the DepEd in partnership with education stakeholders, parents, students and volunteers from private and public sectors to prepare the schools by cleaning, repair and repainting of classrooms and other facilities used by students.

“Aside from the usual clean-up we also check the electrical wiring connections in our schools and other facilities to ensure safety,” he added.

This initiative also aims to change the culture of most students and parents at the start of each school year.

“With this program, we are aiming to change our culture on the first two days at the start of the school year wherein students do not usually go to school thinking there will be no formal classes since they will just be cleaning the school. This time, our teachers will be formally starting our classes right on the first day of school,” he explained.

For this school year, Bañaz said DepEd projects around 1.5 million students in the Bicol region coming back to school this year.

“For the secondary level, we are projecting around 409,299 students coming back to school with around 1, 042,990 for elementary and 161, 884 for kindergarten,” he said.

The ongoing Brigada Eskwela is still open for volunteers who are willing to share their time, effort and resources.

Moreover Bañaz reminds them to give their donations in kind and not in cash. “We do not accept cash,” he said. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)


Ocean Month 2013 highlights sustainable management of reef ecosystem

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol leads the celebration of the Ocean month in this region with activities highlighting the agency's advocacy on sustainable management of reef ecosystem.

Gilbert Gonzales, DENR regional executive director, said part of the celebration is the exhibit launched May 14 this year at the DENR regional office here by the Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS).

The officers of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP) maritime and other departments of the DENR joined the said exhibit.

Gonzales said the DENR together with these security forces of the government continuously initiate Sustainable Coastal Reef Ecosystem Management Programs (SCREMP).

Commodore Manuel Abinuman of the Philippine Navy added thay they continuously ensure the safety of marine resources against as illegal fishing and prohibited activities.

Also slated for this month’s celebration is a forum on the ocean and its resources specially its coral reefs ecosystem and presentations on the initiatives conducted to manage, protect and develop said resources.

This year’s Ocean month theme is “Ang bahura ay kagubatan sa karagatan, ating pangalagaan” (Coral reefs are the forest of the seas, let's protect them).

Gonzales explained this year’s theme aims to stress the importance of coral reefs as natural barriers that protect shorelines against waves, storms, floods and other eroding forces thereby protecting coastal dwellings and sustaining the life of millions of Filipinos especially through fishing and tourism.

"Likewise, it aims to remind each Filipino of their responsibility to manage and protect the ocean and all its resources," he added. (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay)


Legazpi City hosts APO midyear confab

By Manny P. Solis

LEGAZPI CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Around 4,000 members of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity attended a four-day midyear biennial convention from May 23 to May 26, at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation here.

With the theme “Together as one: Rooted and Grounded on Service,” the meeting was hosted by the APO Gamma Xi Alumni Association - Aquinas University Legazpi City Chapter and the city government of Legazpi.

Deodato Quintela of the Delta Lambda Divine Word College - Legazpi City Chapter said this giant affair of APO materialized after the APO Gamma Alumni Association - Aquinas University of Legazpi City Chapter won in the bidding process to host the convention during their 6th National Convention in Cagayan de Oro last year.

He said the bidding process for the convention was participated in by the different chapters throughout the country.

On the first day of the convention, City mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal thanked the participants for their holding of the gathering in the city that, she said, has been emerging as one of the most favorite venues for conventions and conferences of both private and government organizations.

Rosal said the city government of Legazpi always welcomes and treasures partnership with civic and brotherhood organizations.

”We are privileged to have a rewarding collaboration and alliance with APO. With your brotherhood, we can accomplish more activities that will redound to the well-being of our constituents,” she added.

The lady mayor said her administration is committed to support the projects and programs of the APO that will promote leadership, fellowship and service. ”In these days of complexities, more things are accomplished through cooperation and solidarity,” she pointed out.

She also told the participants that they will never regret in choosing the city as the venue of their gathering, “as having a taste of the city’s hospitality is one experience you will never forget.”

Legazpi City has hosted several large gatherings of organizations, from February this year, among which were the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers national convention on February 20- 22; Philippine Association of Civil Registrar biennial convention, March 4-8; Rotary International District 3820 intercity meeting - Area 4, March 9; Albay Medical Society Annual Convention, March 10-11; 1st Quarterly cluster meeting of the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon Department of Health/Center for Health Development 5, March 13-15; POGS national midyear convention, April 10-12; 17th Annual Social Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly of ALSWDOPI, April 16-19; Quota International District Convention, April 25-27, and 11th Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Region 5 Technical Conference, May 17-18.

Other conferences scheduled to be held in this city this year are the 6th National Convention and Seminar Workshop of the Philippine Association of Municipal Assessors, Inc. on May 28-31, seminar on Illegal Drugs Law and 24th Annual National Convention of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. to be held anytime in June.

The Bicol National Association of America (BNAA) will also hold its 33rd Year Annual Convention this coming July 19-21, while the 14th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) will be on Oct. 2-5. (MAL/PIA5-ALbay/MPSolis-LGU Legazpi City)


Stricter guidelines for safety of foreigners needed – Bureau of Immigration Bicol

By Joseph John J. Perez

LEGAZPI CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Tourism is more fun in the Philippines but stricter measures for the safety of foreign tourists must be pursued.

This is the reaction of Bicol’s Bureau of Immigration chief Josephus Ojano on the recent climbing incident that involved a Russian national on the restricted area of Mayon Volcano.

“Our government immediately gives assistance to foreigners in need but our compatriots overseas do not experience the same treatment,” Ojano said.

Mark Yuchyugyaev, age 28 a Russian tourist scaled Mayon 10:30 am on Sunday (May 19) alone despite the warnings of the locals and the existing prohibition of mountaineering activities within the volcano’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone imposed by the Provincial Government of Albay in the wake of the recent deaths of four German nationals and a local guide and injuring 8 others due to the unexpected phreatic explosion of Mayon last May 7.

Yuchyugyaev made a distress call at 8:02 pm Tuesday (May 21) to Jerry Delana, a resident of Barangay Busao in Daraga town whom he met while taking some pictures at Cagsawa ruins, informing him that he broke his leg and suffering from cold temperature.

Delana notified the Bureau of Fire Protection that alerted the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) which in turn organized a search and rescue team that was ready to start the operations by 10:00 pm on that same night. The team though after assessment, took off at 6:00 am the following day due to the critical and risky terrain since Yuchyugyaev took the Mi-isi trail, a route not usually taken by mountaineers.

Earlier reports cast doubts on the real nationality of Yuchyugyaev but Ojano dispelled the rumors.

“He is indeed a Russian national however of Mongolian descent and his entry to our country is documented,” Ojano said.

Yuchyugyaev arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 16 on board Cathay Pacific via Beijing, China. He is allowed to stay in the Philippine soil until June 5, Ojano said.

According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 5, Yuchyugyaev was airlifted at 4:00 pm on May 23 in a Philippine Air Force (PAF) chopper that they coordinated to transport the victim. Yuchyugyaev was located at 10:00 am Wednesday (May 22) through his mirror signals to the rescuers. He was found stuck at the Mi-isi Gulley and later brought to Camp 2 for initial medical attention.

“We are spending resources as part of our culture of being hospitable to visitors,” Ojano said.

Aside from reimbursing the government on the expenses on the rescue operations, the appropriate fines and penalties must be sanctioned to foreign nationals who violated local ordinances and laws, Ojano said.

“Unfortunately, not a single barangay, municipal or provincial ordinance was passed yet imposing penalties to violators of climbing restrictions at Mayon as an articulation of the executive order issued by Governor Joey Salceda,” Ojano said.

Thus, Yuchyugayeav's stiffest penalty as of the moment is a broken leg. What is important is that he is lucky to be found alive and he can say that there is more fun in the Philippines. (MAL/JJJP/PIA5-Albay)


Daet town to celebrate 430th founding anniversary and Pinyasan Festival

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, May 27 (PIA) -- The municipal government here has lined-up activities in connection with the 430th founding anniversary of the town through the Pinyasan Festival from June 15-24, this year.

Mayor Tito Sarte-Sarion said that on June 15, the 430th founding anniversary of the Daet will be the start of the Pinyasan Festival with the first Pinyasan fun run with dogs from the First Rizal Monument to the Bagasbas Beach of Daet.

He said that on the same day will be the thanksgiving mass and floral offering at the First Dr. Jose Rizal Monument to be followed by the Pinyasan opening program, BahayAnihan Agro Fair and Second Pinyasan dog show at the same venue.

There will be an opening parade to be participated in by government agencies, military and schools with best marching band and CAT drill competition and an opening of the Pinyasan Trade Fair and Pinyasan party night.

The Pinyasan Festival is in celebration of the Formosa sweet variety Queen pineapple, one of the province’s major products.

Sarion said that in this year’s Pinyasan Festival will coincide with the Metro Manila Councilors’ Conference slated on June 20-22 to be held in Daet wherein the invited guests are Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano and also Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III.

He said that celebrities like Kalil Ramos, Karylle and Erik Santos will also be invited for the Pinyasan Star Express on June 22.

The activities on June 16 will include the Pinyasan walk from Daet Heritage Center to Bagasbas Beach, Pinyasan beach football tournament, beach events like the paraw regatta, sand carving, beach volleyball, palo sebo and Pinyasan party night.

On June 17 will be the flag raising ceremony to be followed by the presentation of candidates of Miss Pinyasan, Miss Daet and Miss Tourism; Daet at 430th forum with Prof. Danilo Gerona; Pinyasan mural painting and party night.

A Pinyasan Food Fair and Jobs Fair will be held on June 18 together with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Pinyasan Village Dedication Day, Pinyasan Master Chef Competition, Pinyasan Little Angels and party night.

To give tribute to our elders there will be a Senior Citizen Ballroom dancing competition on June 19 to be followed by a party night while on June 20 will be the Pinyasan Mayor’s Cup Regional Shootfest; pinya carafest, kadang kadang and sangkayaw; race with the Miss Pinyasan candidates, Got Talent and Pinyasan night.

The 5th Mayor’s Cup National Dart Tournament will be on June 21-23 while the remaining activities will be Search for Miss Pinyasan, Miss Daet and Miss Tourism Beauty pageant; horseback raising competition; street dancing; fun run; float competition; barangay night and awarding ceremonies; and fireworks display.

On June 24 will be the town fiesta wherein a whole day pontifical mass will be celebrated in honor of Saint John the Baptist. (MAL/RBM/PIA5-Camarines Norte)


CBSUA to hold National Beekeeping Convention
By Analiza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, May 27 (PIA) -- The National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI) will spearhead the 10th National Beekeeping Convention at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) here from May 28 to 30.

The event aims to strengthen beekeepers associations, cooperatives, institutions and other industry key players and promote efficient information, education and communication strategies.

The convention will evolve on the theme: “Beekeeping: Pillar of Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Conservation,” pursuing convergence of beekeepers and would-be beekeepers throughout the country.

NARTDI partners with CBSUA and Beekeepers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI), for the interfacing of representatives coming from various government agencies like Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , State Universities (SUCs) and non-government organizations in the country.

The 3-day event will showcase practice and technology on propagation of bees, particularly hive management techniques for sting-less bees or native bees in the ecosystem, the prevention and control of major parasites, predators and diseases of honeybees and honeybee pollination of selected agricultural crops.

Bee experts, also invited as resource persons will also tackle apiary success stories to inspire other beekeeper wannabes to support their campaign in promoting beekeeping in the country and encourage budding bee enthusiasts and people from academe to particularly acknowledge the sustainable productivity of the said industry.

Dr. Maria Dulce J. Mostoles, director of the Regional Apiculture (RAC) and a registered entomologist, stated that it has always been their mission to educate and train existing and potential beekeepers and apiculturists in the region, and extend it to other stakeholders to enhance the competitiveness of the bee industry.

Mostoles manages the Regional Apiculture Center here in Bicol pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CBSUA and NARTDI.

It carries out programs on apiculture at the regional level and linked it to the plans and programs at the national level.

“We want to strengthen the collaborative efforts with various institutional partners to facilitate the implementation of our programs and projects, and one of the best avenues where we do that is through activities like the upcoming National Beekeeping Convention,” Mostoles said in an interview.

Mostoles added that during the plenary sessions, updates of the NARTDI programs, the DA’s support to the beekeeping industry, CESO Volunteer Assistance Program, reports on study tour of Administrators to Canada, Beekeeping Guidelines and standard (Apis mellifera and native bees ) will also be discussed. (MAL/LSM/PIA5-Camarines Sur)