DPWH Bicol sets up Lakbay Alalay 24/7 for Undas

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in Bicol has activated anew a total of 31 motorist assistance center (MAC) across the region in anticipation to the influx of motorists in time for this year’s Undas.

DPWH 5 regional director Danilo E. Dequito has directed the reactivation of the motorist assistance teams to in every district office of the agency to man the centers commencing on Wednesday, October 30, until November 4, Monday.

MAC, dubbed “Lakbay Alalay”, is carried out in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local governments in the six provinces of Bicol region.

MACs will be set up in conspicuous locations along Bicol’s arterial roads, including Camarines Norte in a) Tabugon Section, K0248, Junction Andaya Highway; Camarines Sur in a) DPWH Field Office, Gaongan, Sipocot, b) GAD Building, Pamplona (K0418+100), c) Concepcion Grande, Naga City (K0439+820) or in front of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) Headquarters, d) Sta. Teresita, Baao - in front of DPWH Camarines Sur 4th District Engineering Office (DEO), e) Lourdes Young, Nabua - in front of Nabua Cemetery, f) Caraycayon, Tigaon in front of DPWH Camarines Sur 3rd DEO;

MACs in Albay are located in – a) Paulog, Ligao in front of DPWH 3rd DEO, b) Busay, Daraga (K0522+050), c) Basud, Sto. Domingo (K0540+005);

In Sorsogon, MACs is set up in – a) Dona Pepita Park, Brgy. Bucalbucalan, and San Pedro Multi-Purpose Brgy. Hall, Irosin (K0621+800).

Seven MACs are also in operation in Catanduanes and 12 in Masbate,” Dequito said.

The centers will be manned by engineers, car mechanics, heavy equipment operators, and other service crews who will give free roadside emergency repair assistance to motorists during the long holidays.

At the DPWH Bicol regional office in Barangay Rawis here, the agency will maintain  a skeletal workforce from Maintenance Division (Tel. #482-0429) that will man the office to receive reports from field offices and to render emergency services that may be required during the said holidays.

All district engineers, added Dequito, are instructed to ensure that all national roads, particularly those leading to public and private cemeteries are thoroughly maintained.

Appropriate informative/directional signs and traffic advisories are also already installed along the roads while ongoing projects along national roads are being closely monitored to avoid road hazards.  (MAL/LVCastaneda-DPWH5/PIA5)

Pres. Aquino, resolute in his relentless pursuit for “Matuwid na Daan – Albay leaders

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -– Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda said today he believed in the sincerity of President Benigno S. Aquino III on his speech last night and the rightfulness of the use of Development Acceleration Program (DAP).

Salceda said he believed that the multibillion-peso DAP is legal and has benefited the economy that became instrumental in pursuit and achieving inclusive growth for the country.

The same stand of the Albay chief executive was also shared by most Albayanos, saying that the President’s use of the Presidential Social Fund is but right especially for calamities and social services of his office.

Observers believed that the President can legally disburse the funds when needed in times of emergency which cannot be foretold.

They also agreed that the funds are subject to auditing procedures Commission on Audit (COA).

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzalez of the third congressional district also came to the defense of President against his critics over the use of the controversial DAP, noting that the President's critics were misinformed and were using inaccurate data about the DAP.

The Albay solon said the DAP issue is being muddled by certain politicians who want to create confusion and put the blame on the President.

Gonzales claimed that these critics are just engaging in a black propaganda campaign to destroy the President over the controversial DAP issue and are the ones that were affected by the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

He said these critics could not differentiate the DAP issue from the scandal-ridden PDAF.
The Albay lawmaker claimed that the DAP was used in pump-priming the economy by accelerating government expenditures.

Asked about the alleged unconstitutionality of the DAP as claimed by critics and that it is illegal to use funds sourced from the saving of various government agencies without the concurrence of Congress, Gonzales said the issue is now at the hands of the Supreme Court.
"Let the High Tribunal decide whether the DAP is legal or not," he said.

According to him, the President is on the right track in pursuing his campaign against corruption and his “Matuwid na Daan” (righteous path) drive.

President Aquino is strongly resolved to go after people who violated the law notwithstanding their status in society, Gonzales said.  (MAL/MSA/NIM-RNB Albay/PIA5)
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ALMASOR to join World Travel Market in UK

BY: JOSEPH JOHN J. PEREZ

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) -- The Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon (ALMASOR) Tourism Alliance will launch a global campaign for tourism promotions as it joins the annual World Travel Market (WTM), the leading and biggest global event for the travel agency held annually in London.

“This is the first time that a local government unit (LGU) from the Bicol Region is participating in WTM,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said.

WTM was launched at London's Olympia in 1980 before moving to Earl’s Court in 1992 and then to ExCeL London in 2002. Almost 46,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and representatives of the international media, converge on ExCeL London each year in November to attend WTM which is organized by Reeds Exhibitions. This year’s WTM will be held from November 4 to 7.

According to Ravanilla, the other provinces that will join the WTM 2013 are Bohol, Davao, Cebu and Palawan. “This is the right time for Bohol, Cebu and also Davao which is from the Mindanao area to aggressively pursue tourism promotions,” Ravanilla said.

Both Bohol and Cebu recently suffered a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that damaged historical centuries-old churches that are consistently drawing tourists. Meanwhile, Davao can redeem the tarnished image of Mindanao caused by the recent Zamboanga siege that worsened the peace and order situation in the area, Ravanilla added.

Ravanilla revealed that going with her to the United Kingdom (UK) to compose the Bicol entourage are Albay Tourism Officer Dorothy Colle, Mayor Salvadora Sanchez of Uson, Masbate, Sorsogon Provincial Administrator Robert Lee-Rodrigueza, Jessica Wong of Donsol Travel and Tours and representatives from the Oriental and Misibis Hotels which are both located in Albay.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda is expected to join the group after his official functions. Salceda is the ALMASOR tourism alliance champion.

“Work is taking me to the WTM in London, U.K. Albay will be one of the three provinces to be featured in the Philippine Booth during said travel fair, please help me pray for a smooth and safe journey to and from London,” Colle said in her social media account.

ALMASOR will set up a booth at WTM’s 300 square meters Philippine Pavilion which is a virtual tour of the Philippines similar to Nayong Pilipino, Ravanilla said. “This is part of DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez’s new program of inviting top 10 provinces who are willing to spend for WTM and invest for global tourism promotions,” Ravanilla said.

UK is among the top five tourism markets of the Bicol Region. “Bicol has the chance to showcase its tourism destinations to the entire world in just one venue,” Ravanilla said.

This year’s Philippine delegation will be the biggest so far since the country joined the event in 1980. More than 40 exhibitors including the DOT will join the WTM 2013, DOT said.

"This is the biggest Philippine participation since joining WTM back in 1980 or any travel fair worldwide. A total of 90 DOT officials led by Sec. Ramon Jimenez will be at WTM,” said Susan del Mundo of DOT's Tourism Promotions Board.

Almost 5,000 exhibitors from 184 countries are expected to generate more than 1,859 million British pounds in travel industry deals during the four-day event that expected to attract more than 47,000 global travel professionals.

The DOT projects European visitors to increase by 65% to about 575,000 this year and the current arrivals to double to around 700,000 in the coming year.

"In the first six months of 2013, we had more than 60,000 arrivals from Britain. This elevated the UK to the Philippines’ top ten visitor markets for the first time – the only European nation on the list. With PAL’s new non-stop flights, we are sure those numbers will increase further,” Philippine Airlines (PAL) President Ramon Ang said.

Highlighting the country's participation at the WTM 2013 is the return of PAL flights to London also starting on November 4.

It is not just tourists who stand to benefit but more importantly our 664,000 Filipino kababayans in Europe, particularly the 250,000 living in the UK, who will now be able to return home more often via the airline that knows them best," Ang said.

Ang will lead a delegation of top PAL and government officials on the inaugural flight including the British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad and Philippine Ambassador to the UK Enrique Manalo will be welcoming the inaugural flight passengers. (MAL/JJJP-PIA5/Albay)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2591383120935#sthash.J5UXlHg1.dpuf

Naga City partners with stakeholders for the Halloween Blood Drive

BY: ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA)--- The city government here  will conduct a bloodletting activity tomorrow, 8am to 3pm at the People’s Hall here to augment the need for more blood reserve and replenish the utilized stocks,

The activity is carried out in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Camarines Sur Chapter, Bicol Medical Center (BMC) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Sur Provincial Office. Sergio also sought the assistance of various fraternities in the province, the local government units through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), men in uniform from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army (PA) and other stakeholders.

Dubbed “Halloween Blood Drive”, the activity endeavors to hype the commemoration of Halloween with a worthy cause of saving the lives of others.

Councilor Nathan Sergio, chairman of Blood Program of the city government  here, said that there’s more to trick or treat during Halloween celebration.

"We will be saving more lives if we donate blood and keep this life-giving fluid for emergency use. I was informed that we have a scarcity of blood supply from BMC and PRC, thus this move to encourage our constituents to help us mobilize more voluntary blood donors and support this well-meaning cause,” he said.

PRC Camarines Sur chapter administrator Nanette Rodrigazo is also in full support of this endeavor, citing the need to intensify blood collection to augment the need for more blood reserve.

“Annual blood requirement is one (1) percent of the population; hence in Camarines Sur and Naga we need to collect and process not less than 18,000 units annually. Each unit is about 450-500 cc blood. This blood need is collected jointly by the Bicol Medical Center and Philippine Red Cross-Camarines Sur Chapter.  Of the 18,000 units of blood computed as annual demand, the Phil. Red Cross will collect   about 3,600 units,” Rodrigazo added.

Sergio said that 1/3 of the collected blood will go to PRC while 2/3 of it, will be deposited in the Bicol Medical Center blood bank.

To ensure availability of safe blood, a regular monthly field donation has to be conducted with a goal of collecting 300 units per month.

Rodrigazo further said that Information-education campaign has to be strengthened in order to attain that goal of collecting 100% of blood from volunteer donors.

Volunteer donors are donors that donate blood willingly without any financial or material return and are not driven by their personal need for blood.  A volunteer blood donor is someone who just walk-in to the blood service facility and roll their sleeves to give blood.   The Blood Services Program of the Red Cross aims provide  “Adequate, Safe and Accessible blood” at all times. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/ Camarines Sur)

A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Cielo Adelina Sarte Salceda College (formerly Polangui Community College) was led by Polangui Mayor Cherilie Mella Sampal, Hon. Harold Imperial, 3^rd District Board Members, Polangui SB members and other Government Officials, held at Salceda Compound, San Juan, Street Centro Oriental Polangui, Albay last October 25, 2013. (Alex Cal/PIA)

24th National Statistics Month

Bank Officer V, Department  of Economic Statistics , Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Ms. Juvelinda M. Garcia discussed  the BSP surveys that matter to every Filipino during the closing program of 24^th National Statistics month held at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Legazpi City, last October 25, 2013. Other photos shows : NEDA V Asst. Reg. Dir. and Chairman Regional Statistical Coordination Committee Engr. Luis G. Banua, BSP-Legazpi Deputy Dir. Ms. Marlyn J. Paje and RSCC Secretary and Regional Head NSCB-V, Engr. Gil R. Arce. (Alex Cal/PIA)

 NEDA V Asst. Reg. Dir. and Chairman Regional Statistical Coordination Committee Engr. Luis G. Banua.

BSP-Legazpi Deputy Dir. Ms. Marlyn J. Paje

Bicol joins global advocacy to protect children’s rights

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) – The Bicol region joins the intensified advocacy to protect children’s rights as highlighted in the celebration of this year’s Children’s Month in the country and Universal Children’s Day in the world.

Arnel Garcia, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, said the commemoration of Children’s Month this October is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267 series of 1993.

The theme for this month’s celebration, “Kahirapan Wakasan. Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban,” strongly advocates children’s rights added Garcia.

Universal Children’s Day, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, calls on countries to observe Universal Children's Day to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world's children.

In support to these advocacies, respective local government units, people’s organizations and non-government organizations catering for the welfare of children in various parts of the region conducted activities for preschool children.

In Legazpi City, DSWD will be holding the Children’s Summit on October 31 at the Liberty Commercial Center here for public and private partners and around 70 children participants, most of whom are Pantawid Pamilya Program (PPP) beneficiaries.

The summit aims to provide stronger advocacy on children’s rights, showcase talents through literary arts competition and encourage our partners for their continuous support to the PPP.

In Camarines Sur, a provincial children’s summit will also be held. Part of the event is the “Kaya Ko” advocacy campaign which aims to highlight gains and impact of the PPP among the beneficiaries particularly the children.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that provides cash grants to poor households with children 0-14 years old and/or pregnant mothers, provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program.

In Cawayan, Masbate around 500 preschool children from 75 day care centers in town recently participated in a children’s activity led by the DSWD and the local government.

The LGU also distributed toys and other goodies for the children.

The State of the Children’s Address delivered by Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor highlight the said affair.

In his message, Condor shared his accomplishments on the implementation of programs and services for children’s welfare.

He also pledged his support to the advocacy campaign on children’s rights, strengthen implementation of the day care program, increase the honorarium of the day care centers by P500 and sustain the supplemental feeding program. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

Baao Children Youth Choir notches awards during the Busan International Choral Fest

BY: ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) --- The Baao Children and Youth Choir notched the Audience Prize or People’s choice award among other feats during the recently concluded 9th Busan International Choral Festival and Competition held in Busan, South Korea from October 16 to 19.

Tour manager Joshua Jenaro Badilla said the journey was not easy for the group as they competed with 48 other chorale groups from various parts of the globe before making it on the championship round.

Badilla added that the Baao Children and Youth Choir They were among the 6 finalists who qualified as Grand Prix finalists together with Cheng Gong High School Choir (Youth Category), Wonderful (Ensemble category), 5 Youth Choir (Ethnic category), Regalo Tokyo (Ethnic category )and Taipei Youth Choir (Mixed category)

The Audience Prize is a recognition given to the choir who gets the highest votes from the viewing public.

The group also seized the 3rd place or Bronze Prize in the Ethnic/ Traditional Music Category under its conductor Virgilio B. Briones besting other 12 competitors from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Russia and two (2) other chorale groups from the Philippines. They received a cash prize of $2,000.  It shared the same limelight with Heemang Narae Choir from Korea while Regalo Tokyo from Japan and 5 Youth Choir from Indonesia received the Gold and Silver Prize respectively.

The Baao Children and Youth Choir also capped the Bronze Prize in the Youth Choir Category and also received a cash prize of $2,000.  They competed with 16 choir groups from China, Indonesia, Korea, Sweden and Taiwan.

This was the three out of the 6 categories that the Baao Children Youth Choir participated in. Cheng-Gong High School Choir from Taiwan brought home the bacon and was adjudged as the 2013 Busan Choral Festival and Competition Grand Prize winner.

Aside from the abovementioned countries, Fiji, Hongkong, Sweden, Thailand, Taiwan, and United Kingdom also sent in their representatives.  Other competing choir from the Philippines includes the Bataan Peninsula State University Chamber Choral and the Philippine Vocal Ensemble who both competed for the Mixed, Ethnic category.

The Baao Children and Youth Choir wasaccompanied by their mentors, supporters, conductor

"The tough competition was indeed a measure of the choir member’s discipline, faith and perseverance," Badila said.

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we share with you, and to the world, the recent success of the Baao Children and Youth Choir during its 3rd International Concert Tour where they competed at the 9th Busan International Choral Festival and Competition.Inspired by the successes of all the outstanding Filipino choirs that has brought honor to us, Filipinos as a nation, the BAAO Children and Youth Choir has the same purpose to continuously promote, advance and uphold Philippine culture, in the country and internationally, through an abiding commitment to choral excellence which all Filipino choirs are world-renowned for,” Badilla stated.

One of the group’s rendition was entitled “Orde-e”, a Madukayan folksong from the cordillera region in the northern Philippines which describes the life of young children living in the mountains. The rendition started off with the child’s early morning echo, calling other kids to play in the wilderness, Imitating the sound of nature, animals and even indigenous instruments.  Oftentimes, they get lost in the shout of happiness until dusk and they are ready to walk back home to sleep.

The group was the first Asian choir to qualify in the 18th Certamen Internacional Juvenil de Habaneras 2012 at Torrevieja, Spain where they won the First Prize. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

DOH-Bicol’s Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan in full throttle

BY: JOSEPH JOHN J. PEREZ

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol is literally on the run as it hit the road this month for its massive campaign for universal health care.

Dubbed as “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK),” DOH-Bicol went to various destinations in the region through a mobile clinic-bus retrofitted to accommodate at least two hospital beds and a consultation area equipped with medical paraphernalia.

“Five municipalities and one province in Bicol are identified as destinations for LBK campaign,” DOH Bicol Health Promotions Unit head Noemi Bron told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol.

First stop was the municipality of San Jacinto in Masbate last October 14 to 15, followed by the province of Catanduanes on October 18 to 19. Next destination was Casiguran town on October 22 and Matnog on October 24 which are both located in the province of Sorsogon. On October 26, the campaign will arrive in Libmanan town in Camarines Sur and the final stop will be in the municipality of Labo in Camarines Norte on October 30.

“Prior to the caravan, the municipality of Libon in Albay first experienced the LBK of March this year,” Bron said. The said mobile-clinic bus is one-of-its kind in the country and additional units are expected to be commissioned to augment the initial vehicle, Bron told the PIA. “We are making some initiatives so that this existing bus will remain here in Bicol when additional clinic-buses are ready,” Bron added.

Aside from the medical services being delivered through the facilities inside the bus-clinic, the caravan features health education for parents and adults done through mini-classes on safe motherhood, family planning, child health and nutrition. There are also interactive exhibits and fun activities especially designed for children.

The concept of a bus as tool to provide service, education and information will serve as a “vehicle” to encourage families to embrace a healthy life, and expected to be a newsmaker itself, generating news, public interest and media coverage, DOH-Bicol said.

The campaign aims to save lives and improve quality of life of Filipino families through the support and acceptance of the basic health services and practical information on pregnancy, childbirth, nutrition and birth spacing, DOH-Bicol told the PIA.

Each year, more than 4,000 women die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth and over 40,000 newborns die each year within 28 days of birth. On the average, one woman and nine newborns die every two hours. Many more suffer from disability, disease, infection and injury, DOH-Bicol said in a press statement.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the DOH National Center for Health Promotion with technical assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and supported by the DOH- Bicol Center for Health Development and the concerned local government units in the destination areas. (MAL/JJJP-PIA5/Albay)

Bicol celebrates Universal Children’s Day on Oct. 24

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) – Advocates and stakeholders in pursuit of the protection of children’s rights and welfare take the lead in the observance of the Universal Children’s Day on Oct. 24, Thursday, in the Bicol region.

“Bicol is joining the observance of the Universal Children’s Day with the conduct of activities for day-care children by the respective local government units in the region, civic society organizations carrying our programs and initiatives for the protection of the right and welfare of children,” according to Arnel B. Garcia, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol.

The year’s celebration evolved on the theme “Kahirapan Wakasan; Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban.” Garcia explained.

that the observance of the Universal Children’s Day is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267 series of 1993, mandating the month of October of every year be as Children’s Month.

He said that in Cawayan, Masbate alone, about 500 children from 75 day-care centers in town participated in the event on Tuesday.

“Children had a lot of fun and a worthwhile experience to remember and cherish, as they were treated for their first encounter with mascots Jollibee and Hetty.

The LGU also distributed toys and other goodies for the children.

Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor also delivered the State of the Children’s Address that highlighted day’s affair, sharing thoughts on his town's feats on the implementation of programs and initiatives for children’s welfare.

The chief executive also pledged his support to the advocacy campaign on the children’s rights, strengthen the implementation of the day-care program, increase the honorarium of the day-care centers by P500 and to sustain the supplemental feeding program.

Meanwhile, DSWD Bicol regional office here will be conducting the Children’s Summit on Oct. 31 at the Liberty Commercial Center, in this city.

About 67 children will be in attendance, most of whom are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

The activity aims to provide stronger advocacy on children’s rights, showcase children’s talents through literary arts competition and encourage DSWD partners to continue their support to the 4Ps.

In Camarines Sur, a Provincial Children’s Summit will also be held.

In line with the event, the “Kaya Ko” advocacy campaign will be part of the program, which will highlight the gains and impact of the 4Ps among the beneficiaries, particularly the children. (MAL/EEJerusalem-DSWD5/PIA5)

Bicol is home for exemplary public servants – CSC chair Duque

LEGAZPI CITY, October 21 (PIA) --  Bicol region has the highest number of awardees in the whole country for this year's Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that must be looked up to as exemplars for other regions to emulate, according to CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III .

Duque expressed admiration to the Bicol region’s grandslam record featured six awardees that add to the long list of Bicol's bests in various categories frontlined by Albay Governor Jose “Joey” Salceda conferred with Presidential Lingkod Bayan award.

Other awardees are Ligao Mayor Linda Gonzalez, Lynn Padillo of the Department of Education Regional Office V, Dr. Erlinda Relucio of the Bicol University and Albay Public Safety, Emergency Management Office who were given the CSC Pag-Asa Award and Senior Fire Officer 4 Simeon Ballon of the Bureau of Fire Protection who was declared Dangal ng Bayan Awardee.

The six awardees were featured in the awarding rites of the Citizen Satisfaction Center (CSC) Seal of Excellence and Regional Honor Awards held in this city.

The CSC Seal of Excellence awardees were the Home Development Management Fund (HDMF) in Naga City headed by Roberto Salvosa, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Naga City Branch headed by Jennifer Naval, Land Registration Authority (LRA) Naga City headed by Atty. Glenn Perillo and the Social Services System (SSS) Camarines Sur headed by Beatriz Gumabao.

Also recognized in the event are Jail Officer 1 James Edison De los Reyes as Bayaning Kawani awardee, HDMF and DBP in Naga City as awardees for best practices on Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) compliance. The other finalists for best practices in ARTA compliance are Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – Masbate Extension Office headed by Joan De la Cruz, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Tabaco District Office headed by Noel Barbacena, GSIS Sorsogon City headed by Leon Fajardo and Sorsogon State College headed by Dr. Antonio Fuentes.

Meanwhile Social Welfare Officer III Nida Macinas of DSWD Regional Office V is a finalist for Bayaning Kawani category. The Best Human Resource Practice finalists are Bicol Medical Center headed by Dr. Efren Nerva and the Local Government Unit of Mobo in Masbate headed by Atty. Percival Castillo. However, there is no winner declared under this category.

“Earning the seal of excellence is not the end but only the beginning,” Duque said. The CSC is focusing on improving standards on the frontline because the public deserves better if not the best government service, Duque added.

Conferment of awards and recognitions are necessary for government employees and officials to compete to prove that they are better than others to address the problem on red tape by introducing better service delivery aimed to achieve customer satisfaction and hopefully customer delight, Duque said.

The six national awardees from Bicol will be officially conferred with their awards at the awarding rites at the Malacañang Palace on October 24 that will be personally conferred by President Benigno Aquino III. (MAL/JJJP-PIA5/Albay)

Naga City mulls reorganizing Blood Network

BY: ANALIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, Oct. 21 (PIA) --- Naga City Mayor John Bongat has issued a directive for the reorganization of the Blood Network in this city  to institute among barangays to have their respective Blood Programs.

The Blood Network, according to the directive, also endeavors to empower officials and constituents down the smallest unit of the government to mobilize in promoting voluntary blood donation and preserve the life-saving fluid for those who needs it the most.

The directive also obligates every barangay in this city to designate a blood coordinator who will be tasked to host monthly blood donations (MBD) at least twice a year.  This is also to meet the annual targets of blood collected and raise more awareness among existing blood donors and encourage other individuals to keep the same commitment.

Just recently, Naga City received a plaque of appreciation from the Department of Health (DOH) in line with its National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) and named the only city government from the Bicol region conferred with the same recognition.

Naga City was cited during the 15th National Sandugo Awards held in Manila last month.

The municipalities of Tinambac, Bombon, Camaligan, Milaor, San Fernando, San Jose and Sipocot also received the same award for their strong and relentless advocacy to promote voluntary blood donation among their constituents.

The respective local chief executives were also lauded as outstanding Implementers of the said program: Mayors Ruel Velarde of  Tinambac, Maria Luisa Angeles of Bombon, former Mayor Emmanuel Prado of Camaligan; Rogelio Flores of Milaor; Eugenio Lagasca, Jr. of San Fernando; Antonio Chavez of San Jose and Rogenor Astor kan Sipocot.

City Councilor David Casper Nathan A. Sergio, who represented Bongat  during the awarding, said that the council especially in his capacity as the executive director of the city’s Blood Program, appreciated this effort and vowed to fully support programs and activities that will lead to the successful implementation of the said blood program.

“I just would like to add that one of the reasons for the reorganization of the Blood Network is also to decentralize the function and encourage more and more barangays to replicate the city’s act of implementing blood donation program in their respective jurisdictions,” Sergio said in an interview.

Sergio was known for sponsoring key local ordinances that led to the institutionalization of the voluntary blood donation and a fervent advocate for voluntary donation.

He also noted that out of the 11 provinces in the country cited as active partners and implementers of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program, Bicol region ranked third with the most number of awardees with 117 honorees. Occupying the first slot is Davao Region with 265, followed by Western Visayas with 131 awardees this year.

The program is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1021 dated July 1997 which aims to “create and build public awareness of the need for quality and safe blood” and in support of the “Pinoy Voluntary Blood Donor” being pushed by the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur) 

Bicol is home for exemplary public servants – CSC chair Duque

LEGAZPI CITY, October 21 (PIA) --  Bicol region has the highest number of awardees in the whole country for this year's Honor Awards Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that must be looked up to as exemplars for other regions to emulate, according to CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III .

Duque expressed admiration to the Bicol region’s grandslam record featured six awardees that add to the long list of Bicol's bests in various categories frontlined by Albay Governor Jose “Joey” Salceda conferred with Presidential Lingkod Bayan award.

Other awardees are Ligao Mayor Linda Gonzalez, Lynn Padillo of the Department of Education Regional Office V, Dr. Erlinda Relucio of the Bicol University and Albay Public Safety, Emergency Management Office who were given the CSC Pag-Asa Award and Senior Fire Officer 4 Simeon Ballon of the Bureau of Fire Protection who was declared Dangal ng Bayan Awardee.

The six awardees were featured in the awarding rites of the Citizen Satisfaction Center (CSC) Seal of Excellence and Regional Honor Awards held in this city.

The CSC Seal of Excellence awardees were the Home Development Management Fund (HDMF) in Naga City headed by Roberto Salvosa, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Naga City Branch headed by Jennifer Naval, Land Registration Authority (LRA) Naga City headed by Atty. Glenn Perillo and the Social Services System (SSS) Camarines Sur headed by Beatriz Gumabao.

Also recognized in the event are Jail Officer 1 James Edison De los Reyes as Bayaning Kawani awardee, HDMF and DBP in Naga City as awardees for best practices on Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) compliance. The other finalists for best practices in ARTA compliance are Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – Masbate Extension Office headed by Joan De la Cruz, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Tabaco District Office headed by Noel Barbacena, GSIS Sorsogon City headed by Leon Fajardo and Sorsogon State College headed by Dr. Antonio Fuentes.

Meanwhile Social Welfare Officer III Nida Macinas of DSWD Regional Office V is a finalist for Bayaning Kawani category. The Best Human Resource Practice finalists are Bicol Medical Center headed by Dr. Efren Nerva and the Local Government Unit of Mobo in Masbate headed by Atty. Percival Castillo. However, there is no winner declared under this category.

“Earning the seal of excellence is not the end but only the beginning,” Duque said. The CSC is focusing on improving standards on the frontline because the public deserves better if not the best government service, Duque added.

Conferment of awards and recognitions are necessary for government employees and officials to compete to prove that they are better than others to address the problem on red tape by introducing better service delivery aimed to achieve customer satisfaction and hopefully customer delight, Duque said.

The six national awardees from Bicol will be officially conferred with their awards at the awarding rites at the Malacañang Palace on October 24 that will be personally conferred by President Benigno Aquino III. (MAL/JJJP-PIA5/Albay)

Legazpi among top 3 best performing cities in nutrition program in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) – The Regional Nutrition Committee under the auspices of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) regional office here has cited the local nutrition council of this city as the region’s third performing city in the implementation of nutrition programs, projects and initiatives.

RNC Bicol has named Iriga City with the most outstanding council, while Tabaco City is second placer.

Dr. Gloria Balboa, Department of Health Bicol regional director and Regional Nutrition Committee chairperson, handed the plaque of recognition to Dr. Fulbert Gillego, Legazpi City health officer, during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held Wednesday at the Venezia Convention Center in this city.

Barangay Imalnod of Legazpi City, led by chairman Allan E. Llaneta, was also included among the top performing barangays in the region while Barangay Nutrition Scholar Lyra v. Magracia of Barangay Oro Site, also of this city, was named 2nd runner-up in the regional outstanding barangay nutrition scholars category.

Other regional winners in this category were Jimnah A. Llagas, most outstanding; and Marilou A. Jimenez, first runner-up.

Arlene Reario, Bicol Nutrition Program coordinator, pointed out that this search is the result of a thorough evaluation of health workers who work effectively for the good health of the pre-school children in their respective localities.

Reario said the Regional Nutrition Committee will continue the search to inspire other health workers to work for the implementation of the nutrition program to eradicate malnourishment in the community.

 “This recognition will serve as another inspiration to all of us to continue to work for the nutrition program of the city to always put our children in a healthy condition,” Gillego said.

He urged all barangay officials and health workers to work hand-in-hand for the effective implementation of the city’s nutrition program to address malnutrition and free the children from any sickness.

The city health official said his office is very active in providing health services to children by implementing the Sagip-Kalusugan Program that involves medical check-up of all the identified malnourished children, free laboratory examinations, regular feeding activities, chest X-ray, de-worming and vitamin supplementation.

He said his office has conducted several nutrition educational activities in all the 70 villages of this city to promote nutritional guidelines such as breastfeeding, infant and young child feeding, responsible parenthood and maternal and child health care.  (MAL/EPSolis-LGU Legazpi City/PIA5)

Garchitorena’s local convergence initiative: A Landscape in Rural Development

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- The municipality of Garchitorena in Camarines Sur province will soon become one of most notable sites of the government’s high-impact projects in Bicol region with a manner of implementation no one in said town may have ever foreseen.

September 27, 2013 was a historic day for this 4th class municipality of 25,000 plus inhabitants when officials from the Departments of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources(DENR), Agriculture (DA), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Work and Development (DSWD), Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) trooped to the coastal barangay of Asonvia, a rugged 5-hour caravan to launch the town’s unprecedented program which is expected to change Garchitorena’s agricultural landscape.

The program dubbed “Garchitorena: A Landscape in Rural Development” is a showcase of national government agencies’ adoption of national convergence initiative (NCI) concept where resources of participating agencies are pooled together to bring in the much needed rural development projects. Its ultimate goal is to reduce poverty by increasing the income of the people especially the farmers in agrarian reform areas.

With the theme “DARamayan Bikolnon, Garchitorena Pauswagon,” Mayor Jesus Rico Sarmiento hosted the activities for the day, such as the launching of the convergence program, presentation of the development plan, declaration of commitment, awarding of credit assistance to recipient farmers, distribution of farm equipments and seedlings of various crops, and the turn-over of the newly-completed community-based potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene (CPWASH) project from DAR.

Joining convergence initiative is Camarines Sur 4th District Representative Felix William ‘Wimpy’ Fuentebella who committed his full support to the program as he revealed how his office will integrate its projects with the convergence development framework of Garchitorena especially  on road networks.

Under the Intervention Plan, Garchitorena will be provided rural infrastructures such as farm-to market-roads, school buildings, bridges (Tulay ng Pangulo), flood control projects, and potable water systems.  Forty six (46) classrooms are likewise programmed for repair.

On the production support side, the town’s farmers will be provided farm machineries & garden tools; seedlings of seaweeds, coconut, and other high value crops; tilapia fingerlings; mangrove propagules and many more.

The intensified coconut production, tree planting under the National Greening Program (NGP) and organic farming are also included in the package. A livestock and poultry multiplier farm will likewise be established in the area.

In order to ensure sustainability, these projects will be complemented with appropriate livelihood programs, while the farmers will be made to undergo technology trainings as para-technicians and agri-extension workers.

To date, the total worth of theconvergence program is now more than 228 million pesos.

DAR Bicol regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., while taking note of the newly completed 2-classroom school building in Brgy.Ason and CPWASH project in Brgy. Canlong, recalled that the local convergence initiative started with the collaboration between DAR and PCA, when then RD Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam and PCA V Manager Eduardo Allorde agreed to expand their partnership by involving other line agencies.

For his part, DAR Camarines Sur II head Ramon Fuentebella said that DAR being the lead agency in this venture, has already been implementing projects for the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Garchitorena long before the convergence idea was hatched. He added that DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Projects (ARCP II) has eleven (11) subprojects in Garchitorena that range from FMRs, flood controls, solar dyers to school buildings and health stations, with a total worth of more than 47 million. Of these, two solar dryers and two 2-classroom school buildings are already completed. (MAL/JJP/RRLoria-DAR5/PIA5)

Catanduanes State University celebrates 1st foundation anniversary

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Oct. 17, (PIA) - Catanduanes State University, the first and only university in the province is celebrating its first foundation anniversary this October, 2013.

CSU became a full-fledged university after President Benigno Simeon Aquino III signed into law Republic Act 10229 on October 19, 2012 which called for its conversion.

The month-long celebration kicked-off on Oct. 1 with a Eucharistic mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral followed by a fun run from the church to CSU grounds participated by CSU employees, students, and other stakeholders.

An International Research Forum on Local Governance and Accountability in Environmental Protection, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development is also being held at ARDCI Corporate Inn which started on Oct. 17and set to end today, Oct. 18. in cooperation with Local Governance Training and Research Institute – Philippine Network.

IRF 2013 is the first-ever international event to be organized by the CSU and synchronizes with CSU President Minerva I. Morales' global positioning of the university as the center for island studies and innovations.

Participants in the activity are faculty-researchers/professors of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) instructors, LGU officials, NGO experts, and other institution researchers.

Moreover, the university will also house a mobile planetarium road show and will conduct a tree planting activity as part of its commitment to environmental protection.

On Oct. 19- celebration proper, a Eucharistic celebration and motorcade will be held. It will be followed by unveiling, blessing and groundbreaking of the renovated university front gate, covered pathwalk, CBA building, PGT Cyber Building and Engineering Laboratory.

Other activities to be featured during the celebration are the following: Dance Sports Competition, Echo Seminar- Upscaling Faculty Comptencies Across Discipline, Academic Contests, CSU Got Talent, Search for Mr. & Ms. CSU, Leadership Seminar-Wrokshops of all officers of recognized organizations, launching of e-journal and CSU Website, and Unveiling of wall of topnotchers. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

Albay, OCD Bicol deploy humanitarian team for quake victims in Bohol

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 17 (PIA) – The joint Team Albay and Office of Civil Defence (OCD) Bicol has deployed starting Wednesday night until today 80 personnel for the  humanitarian mission to provide support and recovery assistance to the communities heavily devastated by magnitude 7.2 eathquake in Bohol Tuesday.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the humanitarian mission will initially focus on damage and needs assessment to determine the much needed interventions the mission will provide, consequently, will cater to the needs of the communities in terms of hospital care, potable water supply support, technical support and psycho-social efforts as identified by the Team Albay-OCD Bicol disaster management team.

Salceda added that the team is composed of search and rescue units from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Tactical Operations Group 5 of the Philippine Air Force, medical and social welfare team from the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Albay Public Safety and Emnergency Office (APSEMO), and a water sanitation team from the Provincial Engineering Office and the PHO sanitation personnel.

“These are experts and skilled in this field of missionary work from the APSEMO, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, PHO-Albay Health and Emergency Monitoring team, Department of Health Bicol regional office and the Team Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

The water and sanitation (WatSan) team composed of one officer, six navy enlisted personnel and six army men, brought with them the water purifying machine and paraphernalia onboard two military trucks that will also be ferreid by navy ships from Albay to Bohol.

"They will help provide the communities with available drinking water which as of now is among the essential needs of many communities still suffering from shortage of potable water due to damaged pipelines and loss of electricity," Salceda said.

The water purifying machine of capable of converting contaminated waters into a reliable drinking water.  About 30,000 liters of potable water per hour are being produced by the equipment.

The humanitarian mission to Bohol is Team ALbay-OCD5 10th such deployment outside Albay, as it had also already served in such places as Cagayan, Isabela, Catanduanes, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental as well as in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Laguna, Cavite and even in Metro Manila.

Aside from sending the humanitarian mission, Albay is to extend cash assistance of P500,000 each to the provinces of Bohol and Cebu, which are sister provinces of Albay, Salceda said. The mission will probably last for 10 days, depending on the needs, Salceda added.  (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay)

Bicol bags 6 national Gawad Kalasag awards

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 17 (PIA) – Six out of eight entries of the Bicol region in this year’s National Gawad Kalasag Search were adjudged national winners in different categories, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional office here today.

OCD 5 regional director Raffy Alejandro said the local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC) of Legazpi City was acclaimed the Best City DRRMC in the independent city category, while Barangay Oro Site, also in this city, was named as the Best Barangay for urban barangay category.

Alejandro also bared that Sto Domingo, Albay made it as the champion in 4th to 6th class municipality category.

Simon of Cyrene Childern’s Rehabilitation and Development Foundation bagged the award in the best Civil Society Organization Category while DQ Liwag National High School of Camarines Norte also made it in the Best School public-urban category.

The Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital (BRTTH) notched third place in Best Hospital regional and training category.

In 2011 the province of Albay under the stewardship of governor Joey Salceda has been cited as the Gawad Kalasag Hall of Famer after winning for three consecutive years in the provincial category.

Among the successful DRRM programs initiated by the province are the institutionalization of Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), the first of its kind in the country, and pre-emptive evacuations to ensure zero casualty in times of calamities.

National winners will receive cash awards that can be spent for activities related to DRR. The 1st place will have P100,000.00, 2nd place P75,000.00 and 3rd place P50,000 for each category of the award.

Initiated in 1998, Gawad Kalasag Award is given by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to recognize the outstanding performance of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Managemement Councils (LDRRMCs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and major stakeholders in promoting and implementing significant DRRM-Climate Change Adaptation programs and innovations.

Kalasag stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (Fight for Calamity and Accidents, Self Excellence for Safety). (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay)

CDA cites outstanding cooperatives in Bicol

BY: ANALIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- The Cooperative Develoment Authority (CDA) has lauded at least seven cooperatives for this year’s Gawad Parangal Awards held recently here for continually embodying the spirit of cooperativism and for espousing transparency and trust to other stakeholders in pursuit of economic progress and development.

CDA cited the Mother Seton Hospital Employees Credit as this year’s Outstanding Cooperative under Micro category, while Camarines Norte State College bagged the same in Small category. Masbate Agricultural Cooperative received a Special Citation.

Under the Outstanding Cooperative Medium category, CamSur Multi-Purpose Cooperative was cited as this year’s winner, claiming the post for the two consecutive years. Camarines Sur Teachers Employees MPC (CASTEMUPCO)  was also given special citation.

Baao Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative notched the Oustanding Cooperatives under Large category,  while Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative received a Special Citation.

The Provincial Cooperative Enterprise Office of Albay, led by Rafaelita A. Nicoleta, and the Provincial Government of Albay, headed by Governor  Joey S. Salceda, also received CDA’s Special Awards;  while Feliza Palencia was conferred the Outstanding Cooperative Leader Award, followed by Mr. Stanley Dy.

CDA also recognized other cooperative leaders who have served their organization for more than thirty (30) years with zealousness and commitment.

Board of Jurors for the selection of outstanding cooperatives were CDA Bicol regional director Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao, , Dr.Gene Cataneo of the Central Bicol State University for Agriculture (CBSUA) , Edna Tejada of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , Aloha Gigi B. Banaria of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 5, Jhoan Salcedo of LBP-Naga, Lerma S. Dino of DAR 5 and Jose Ed. Lirag of UCPB CIIF.

This is the second year that CDA spearheaded the Gawad Parangal in recognition to cooperative stakeholders for their r exemplary performance, best practices and good governance.

This year’s theme is centered “Empowering cooperatives for Community Development.”

CDA Camarines Sur assistant director Gracia P. Layosa also acknowledged the contributions of their partners in the realization of this endeavor.

“The contributions of the different stakeholders in cooperative development such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), non-government organizations and individuals are also vital for the cooperatives to achieve viability and growth," she said.

"Their assistance and support are enabling for the cooperatives to nurture competitively. Thus, due recognition and acknowledgment is being bestowed to all stakeholders,” Layosa stated.

Through the said activity, CDA aims to strengthens even more the participation of the community and the cooperative sector in promoting development in the countryside and serve as catalysts of social transformation in their respective localities. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Daet dad pursues revival of “Daet on the Go!” newsletter

DAET, Camarines Norte, Oct. 17 (PIA) – Mayor Tito Sarion of this town has solicited support of personnel, especially the participants to the Seminar-Workshop on Newswriting and Production on October 9-11, to help revive the “Daet on the Go!” newsletter that will serve as avenue to showcase the local government's  programs, projects, policies and initiatives.

Sarion urged the 27 participants of the 3-day workshop to be part of the “Daet on the Go!” newsletter of the municipal government that aims to inform, inspire and involve Daeteños in the implementation of programs and projects of the municipal government.

He said that one of the objectives of the seminar-workshop is to restore the said publication of the local government which was circulated for seven (7) years and was stopped in 2008.

The newsletter will help uplift the standard of performance in the delivery of basic services of the local government unit of Daet in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

He said that the “Daet on the Go!” is the flagship program slogan of a town of action with firm determination to achieve its goals and to catch its ultimate dream for the development of the municipality.

The “Daet on the Go!” newsletter is a quarterly publication and was advised by the local chief executive to resume in the last quarter of this year.

Representatives from the different line offices of the municipal government of Daet, advisers and campus writers from the selected schools in town and members of the Daet Press Corps participated in the said training.

Resource persons basically delved on introduction to the development communication, communicating the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the law of print media, newswriting for print and broadcast, feature story writing, headline writing, copy editing, newsletter management and photo journalism.

The activity was spearheaded by the local government unit of Daet and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in cooperation of the Daet Press Corps.

Hector Villegas of the “Kaya Natin” in his visit during the activity on the other hand shared some informations of the movement for good governance and ethical leadership to the participants. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

Phivolcs-Legazpi advises Bicolanos to always be on alert for quakes

by Nancy I. Mediavillo

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) –- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observatory center here has advised Bicolanos to remain on alert and vigilant anytime for no one knows when a strong earthquake will hit the region similar to one that hit Carmen town in Bohol Tuesday.

Dr. Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs Legazpi resident volcanologist, made the warning after some parts of the Bicol region also felt the tremors of the earthquakes of various intensities at about 8:12 a.m., Tuesday.

Laguerta said Masbate experienced Intensity 4; Sorsogon, Intensity 3, and Legazpi City, Intensity 2.

He said there are many areas in Bicol that are in the Philippine Fault Zone whose center is in the area of Ticao and Burias, Masbate.

Laguerta said there is also one in San Vicente Linao in Bato town, Camarines Sur, up to Oas, Albay.

There is also one in Manito, Albay, up to Bacon, Sorsogon. “But these are just tributaries—like branches of a tree,” he said.

There is also in the part of Ragay Gulf, at the boundary of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Quezon provinces.

Laguerta said the earthquake drills being done by the Office of Civil Defense-Bicol in cooperation with local government units in the region, national government agencies, the private sector and other groups are important so that the public will not be caught empty handed. (MAL/NIMediavillo-RNB Legazpi/PIA5)

Deona is new PNP Bicol chief

BY: MARLON A. LOTERTE

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) – Chief Supt Victor P. Deona took the helm of the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office in Bicol following retirement of Chief Supt. Clarence V. Guinto on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Deona was known for his meritorious handling of Task Force Masbate responsible for the peaceful and orderly conduct of previous elections in Masbate province formerly known for bloody election-related killings in the past.

The new PNP Bicol regional director hailed from the EM’s Barrio, a village only adjacent to the police regional headquarters Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola in this city.

Deona is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Batch ‘82.

Prior to his appointment as the new PNP Bicol police regional director, Deona was the PNP deputy director for Police Civil Relations base in Camp Crame.

He used to be the PNP Bicol deputy regional director for operations before his assignment to Camp Crame.

Police Director General Alan Purisima, who keynoted the turn-over ceremony on Monday afternoon, meanwhile, gave two marching orders to Deona on the eve of his designation as the new regional chief of the police force in Bicol.

Purisima has directed Deona to ensure orderly, peaceful and successful barangay election this coming Oct. 28 and to intensify the police campaign against criminality, insurgency and terrorism.

Deona, on the other hand, said that he wholeheartedly accepts the challenge and the entire police force in the region will see to it and do its best to achieve them.

Purisima expressed confidence that Deona will be able to do his job well and perform high with the help of the entire police force in Bicol.

The police chief asked Deona to always answer the challenge posed on the PNP leadership on the aspect of governance and transformation.

“We will bring out the best in our organization. We will make a difference.  Police officer should neither sleep on nor run from their duty to the country and to the people,” he stressed.

Purisima also commended Guinto for his successful and productive service to the police organization for three decades.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

TURN-OVER OF COMMAND CEREMONY

A message delivered by  incoming Regional Dir., PRO5 PCSupt Victor P. Deona, CEO VI, during the turn-over of command ceremony  and retirement honors for PCSupt Clarence V. Guinto, CEO VI. 

Chief, PNP/Presiding Officer and Guest of Honor and Speaker PDG Alan La Madrid Purisima in his inspirational message.

Chief PNP and Guest of Honor and Speaker PDG Alan La Madrid Purisima, (center)  hands over the symbolic flag of assumption of command to incoming PNP-5 Regional Director  PCSupt. Victor P. De Ona, CEO, IV,  during the Turn-Over of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for  PCSupt. Clarence V. Guinto, CEO, IV, held at PRO5 Grandstand, Camp General Simeon Ola, Legazpi City last October 14, 2013. (Alex Cal/PIA-5)

CBSUA, Tennessee’s Council ink MOA to promote utilization of renewable energy

BY: ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

PILI, Camarines Sur, Oct. 14 (PIA)--- Recognizing the critical role of institutional collaboration to successfully implement the efficient utilization of renewable resources, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC) with the aim of strengthening capability building among other energy stakeholders.

CBSUA, led by university president Atty.Marito Bernales, and TREEDC, represented by president and Tennessee Mayor James Talley, acknowledged the importance of supporting collaborative effects, roles and mutual interests to further advance renewable and economic development through cooperative capability building, intelligent partnerships and knowledge sharing activities like participation in International Exchange Program.

Bernales said that it is one of the mandates of the university to forge alliances with various institutions to raise the awareness of the community on the importance of renewable energy.

“CBSUA is committed to enhance the economic condition of the community by providing them with avenues on how to raise the level of their understanding on the significance of promoting other alternative sources of energy. They are just around us, waiting to be properly utilized,” Bernales stated.

TREEDC director Warren Nevad, who is in charge of the council’s International Exchange Program Development in the Philippines said that the council chose the Philippines as its pilot country after recognizing its great potential to accelerate programs that would support renewable energy due to the vast resources that can be found here.

“The Philippines has enormous potential not only in terms of resources but also in terms of promoting the technology and enjoining the community to be partakers of this endeavor,” Nevad added.

CBSUA’s counterpart will be its institutional and technical expertise. The university will also provide a venue for the conduct of research and development and binds itself to actively support the establishment of linkages with academic and research institutions, government units and industry organizations that further enhance the capacity of the institution to achieve its objectives.

Also as stipulated in the signed MOA, TREEDC on the other hand will provide leadership in the promotion of renewable energy and economic development  programs by establishing linkages, networks and partnerships.  They are also responsible for the conduct of formal dialogues, knowledge sharing and capability building initiatives between alliances between academe, government, private sector organizations and other key stakeholders.

With the successful establishment of its regional and local networks in the United States, TREEDC has initiated the creation of similar network in the Philippines through its International Exchange Program where CBSUA is one of its recipients.

The program is also in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which contains measures and policies for the promotion of renewable energy. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)
- See more at: http://r05.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=861381386657#sthash.htABbG3Z.dpuf

Legazpi opens interest-free loan to tricycle drivers, operators

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) – Legitimate tricycle drivers and operators of this city can now avail the zero-interest loan assistance program offered by the city government here through the City Franchising Office.

Legazpi City councilor Rolly Rosal said based on the guidelines and mechanics, the applicant must be a bonafide resident of this city and a franchise holder or driver with good moral character and no pending case in any court or found convicted of any crime, with mayor’s permit annually renewed and with an income of not more than P50,000 per year.

The applicant must submit copies of the identification card (ID) issued by the city government, Certificate of Indigency and Certificate from the Public Safety Office (PSO) to the Transportation Development and Regulation Division of this city.

Rosal noted that qualified applicant can avail the P2,000 worth of loan payable in four months without interest.

Failure to pay the said amount could lead to abeyance or suspension of the mayor’s permit for the coming year until full payment of the loan.

Rosal added that this program is part of the support given to all members of the transport sectors operation within the city to help improve their daily living condition.

Furthermore he urged them to follow the laws related to the transport sector to give more satisfaction to the riding public particularly the visitors and tourists by collecting only the right amount of fare from them.

The loan assistance program was materialized through a resolution passed during the 2nd regular session of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 16 this year.

It was automatically approved by vice-mayor Vitorrio Roces and signed by Mayor Noel Rosal on the same date. (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay)

Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III delivered his message during the Awarding Rites of CSC Seal of Excellence and Regional Honor Awards last October 10, 2013 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Daet dad lays down social contract with the people

BY: ROSALITA B. MANLANGIT

DAET, Camarines Norte, Oct. 14 (PIA) – The municipal government here will be guided by a social contract to the people of the Mayor Tito Sarion that focuses on he programs pushing for transformational leadership, on social services, local economy, and environment.

Mayor Sarion said that the social contract of his administration to the people embodies his platform of government  which he seek to perform with the Sanguniang Bayan, functionaries and employees, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, private sector and most especially with the Daeteños.

Sarion bared this roadmap highlighting the100 days report of accomplishment of the local government held Thursday (Oct. 10).


He said that the first thrust on local transformational leadership manifests service with honesty and professionalism veering away from corruption and patronage.

This is also through the commitment to spur economic growth and stability of the local government finance while adhering to the principles of fairness and equity for all the Daeteños.

Also along this line is the assurance of professionalizing the local government services and its service providers by establishing opportunities and guidance for personnel towards committed public servants.

The local government unit will also promote open, transparent, and accountable governance by involving people in crafting and carrying out of development priorities and programs.

Sarion said that social services thrust will focus on prioritizing health programs in the development agenda.

The local government will pursue a campaign to encourage parents, partner agencies and various multi-stakeholders to give attention to quality education; and also afford marginalized and disadvantaged to develop and become better members of the society.

He will also vowed the collaboration of stakeholders to address the shelter needs of informal settlers and government employees; and also to enhance the efforts to maintain peace and order by promoting the principles of inclusive growth and participative governance.

The local chief executive explained that the local economy will push opportunities for economic growth giving priority to job generation by investing on the development of the quality human capital of the Daeteños.

He said that they will also promote other alternative agricultural production and viable farming methods which can increase agricultural productivity.

Through the local economy the local government will recognize farms and rural enterprises as vital in achieving food sufficiency and equitable economic growth.

He also said that among others are to invest on agricultural infrastructure projects and facilities, encourage business boom in Daet and develop the town as an ideal eco-tourism destination.

Sarion’s fourth social contract is the natural and built environment which will provide for the required administrative, system or mechanism and infrastructure for solid waste management; and the readiness on the risks of disaster.

Along in this line is to organize the Solid Waste Management Board, formulate and implement the Solid Management plan and encourage sustainable use of resources to benefit the present and future generation and among others.

He said that he committed himself to the dauntless task of serving the Daeteños with justness and sincerity in consonance with the tenets of transformational leadership as epitomized by esteemed President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

He said that the social contract is in line with the vision for Daet as a country’s friendship city, the service and commercial center of Camarines Norte, endowed with rich culture, balanced ecosystems and vibrant economy sustained by empowerment.

Also a God’s loving citizens living a quality and meaningful life in town of character with properly planned built environment governed by dedicated leaders through high moral and people’s mandate.(MAL/RBM/PIA5-Camarines Norte).

Legazpi, Makati sign sisterhood pact

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

Legazpi City, Oct 14 (PIA) – The mayors of Legazpi and Makati City recently signed a sisterhood agreement to boost economic and community development in the two cities.

Legazpi City mayor Noel Rosal and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay both vowed to support each other to promote and foster strong friendship and goodwill.

This city initiated the agreement through Resolution Number 0258-2011 sponsored by   Councilor Alan Ranola and approved by Vice Mayor Vittorio Roces during the 35th regular session of the city council on October 11, 2011.

The resolution expressed the desire of the City of Legazpi to establish a sisterhood with the City of Makati.

It was officially approved on October 17, 2011 under the term of former mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal.

The current city mayor said the relationship will open windows for opportunities to uplift the lives of all the people living in the territorial areas of the two cities.

“This will also mean a sharing of knowledge and expertise in the field of good governance towards prosperity and continuous success in urban and rural development,” Rosal said.

He stressed that this relationship will also serve as a vehicle to improve their initiatives towards the adoption of science and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development, commerce, trade and industry, education and sports development, environmental protection, public health and social services.

Binay, on the other hand, vowed to help Legazpi to continue improve its business sector by way of encouraging other giant investors to put up business here.

The Makati mayor said he is very willing to share the key programs of his administration to Legazpi for the benefit of the Legazpenos and help Legazpi remain a strong modern city of the region. (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay)

A Certificate of Appreciation presented by School Division Superintendent Cesar H. Medina, Ed.D., assisted by Taysan Elem. School Principal Mrs. Analiza M. Ricamunda to BGen. Paul J,. Kennedy, USMC for his exceptional contribution genuine involvement and commitment to extend creditable support to the Philippine Education System through the PHIBLEX 14 at Taysan Elementary School,Legazpi City.

BGen Paul Kennedy, USMC and Commodore Manuel Natalio A. Abinuman, AFP lead the ceremonial handprint beside the marker at the newly renovated classroom at Taysan Elementary school as part of PHIBLEX 14 activities. (Alex Cal/PIA)

PHIBLEX 14 Exercise Directorate head BGen. Remegio C. Valdez, AFP, delivered his message during the turn-over and closing ceremony of  PHIBLEX 14 Humanitarian and Civic Asssitance at Taysan Elementary School, Legazpi City.

Photo shows (L-R) Commander NAVFORSOL Commodore Manuel Natalio A. Abinuman, AFP;  Exercise Directorate Head, PHIBLEX 14  BGen. Remegio C. Valdez, AFP; CG, 3D MEB, USMC BGen Paul J. Kennedy, USMC and Principal, Taysan Elementary School Mrs. Analiza M. Ricamunda, present the Deed of Donation and Acceptance during the turn over and closing ceremony of the RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014 PHIBLEX 14 Humanitarian and Civic Asssitance held at Taysan Elementary School, Brgy. Taysan, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Sorsogon celebrates Kasanggayahan Festival, Oct. 17-23

BY: BENILDA A. RECEBIDO

SORSOGON CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) – Its all system go for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2013 that reels off Thursday, October 17, marking the 119th foundation anniversary of the province of Sorsogon.

The opening day will be highlighted by the re-enactment of the first Holy Mass in mainland Luzon wherein history points to the small fishing village at Gibalon in the town of Magallanes as the site of the religious activity. The re-enactment depicts a progressive dramatization of Sorsogon's crucial role in the Christianization of the country. Papier-mâché "Higantes" and costumed participants will lend color to the parade which will be held along Sorsogon's commercial district.

This year’s week-long celebration will also evolve around Agriculture and Tourism with the theme: “Kasanggayahan 2013: Agrikultura nan Turismo, Dalan sa Pag-uswag san Sorsogon” (Agriculture and Tourism, the Path towards the Development of Sorsogon).

“When the fields are green and the grains are golden; when the machines work well and all business prosper; when the birds in the sky chirp freely and men on earth are peacefully happy ; in Bikol, it is KASANGGAYAHAN, meaning, a life of prosperity”.

This is how Rev Fr. Jose Ofracio describes Sorsogon, the Land of Kasanggayahan, which captures the provincial picture of the province as a bountiful green land with golden grains, environmentally vibrant with fun-loving people and rich both in agricultural and marine products.

Kasanggayahan Festival is celebrated annually in the month of October, which was first staged in 1974, and acclaimed as the biggest annual provincial festivities of Sorsogon demonstrating the profound gratitude of Sorsoganons to God for His unrelenting guidance and blessings instilling awareness to the public of the richness of the province’s religiosity, culture and heritage, skills and services, agricultural products, skills and services, local crafts, cuisines, tourism and people. The festival is basically a colorful re-telling of Sorsogon’s story as a province.

Sorsogon public information officer Von Andre Labalan said the province, being part of the Amasor (Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon) tourism cluster is launching a new brand that will distinguish Sorsogon different from other provinces and any other place in the country.

“Albay has its Mayon Volcano, Masbate has Rodeo, and for Sorsogon, the first Mass in mainland Luzon will be its trademark or tourism icon that will truly distinguish its own identity as a province,” he added.

October 18 will be highlighted by the famous purely-Sorsoganon wedding dance “Pantomina sa Tinampo” along Magsaysay and Rizal streets. It is also a tradition that Pantomina revelers partake of the native delicacies to be given after the street performance.

On the same day, a Culinary Fest where chefs and restaurateurs will try to outdo each other as they weave their culinary magic on ingredients indigenous to Sorsogon. This will create awareness of and open markets for Sorsogon's agricultural bounty, such as Pili and “Baluko” (pen shell), and other seafoods. Food bloggers and writers are invited to help better promote Sorsogon and its cuisine.

Another activity is the “Bida ka Sorsoganon”, A Street Art Fashion Competition at the Rompeolas. This is inspired by mimes that have elevated mimicry into an art-form. The street art competition hopes to bring back local lore to the consciousness of today's youth. The contestants will act-out scenes/characters culled from Bikolano Folklore.

The Blessing of the newly face-lifted Kasanggayahan Village and Capitol Park will also take place on the same date.

Kasanggayahan Festival will not be complete without the annual Pilgrimage to Gibalon Historical Shrine in Brgy. Siuton, Magallanes, Sorsogon were Christianity in Luzon started. This will be held on Oct 19 where devotees, visitors and the public generally flock in Brgy Siuton for the Commemorative Mass.

Other activities on this day include “Historya kan Sorsogon”, a photo contest and exhibit where photographers and hobbyists will capture the different facets of Sorsogon,  and their entries will be displayed in an exhibit at the newly-renovated Capitol Park; “Pasaling Sorsoganon sa Kasanggayahan” where the Sorsogon Community-Based Theater Group (CBTG), the ambassador for Culture and Arts for the Province, will perform original dances and song adaptations based from Bicol's traditions and practices.

“Sorsogon's bountiful waters take center-stage at the “Burugsayan sa Rompeolas” on Oct 20. This is a rowing competition which is also a show of grace and skill. This will be held at the Baywalk, a popular promenade that offers a captivating view of Bulusan Volcano and spectacular sunset,” said Mr. JR Dimaano, one of the promoters of Kasanggayahan Festival activities.

Mr. Dimaano further added that on the same day, the first Color Run in Bicol region will be held which promises a spectacular and one of a kind experience. It has five stations where powder of different colors will be showered to the runners wearing white shirts and together coming up with a rainbow color as they arrive at the finish line.

Other activities lined up is the four-night street concert at Rompeolas to add vibe and spice up the nightlife of Sorsogon; Provincial Environmental Summit; Sports Race; Academic Activities; Sunrise Ecumenical Praise and Worship; Bisita Museo; and Carabao Ride at the Capitol, among others.

Committee on Publicity and Promotions left assurance to the public that this year’s 7-day Kasanggayahan Festival is a vibrant spectacle, inviting everyone to be part of discovering a new Sorsogon, truly a Land of Kasanggayahan. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)

“Albay’s Coral Genesis” acclaimed best eco-tourism practice of DOT-ATOP; grand slam winner in JCI SoLAC and NatCon

BY: MARLON A. LOTERTE

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) – With this city at the helm of recently hosting another national tourism stakeholders’ assembly, Albay’s Coral Genesis Holy Rosary project also took the national limelight for the nth time notching the nation’s Best Eco-Tourism Practices award conferred by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).

DOT and ATOP conferred the “The Pearl Awards” to the project implementers comprised of the provincial government of Albay, municipal government of Sto. Domingo and Junior Chambers International (JCI) Legazpi chapter, during the organization’s 14th National Convention held at The Oriental Hotel here last week of September.

The Holy Rosary-themed Coral Genesis project also hadwon Merit Award during the National Convention within this week and a grand slam at the Dangal Awards of the Southern Luzon Area Convention of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Philippines held in Cavite last September this year as a bid of the JCI Legazpi chapter.

Albay’s provincial festival Daragang Magayon on the other hand notched third place in the the Local Governments’ Festival, provincial category.

"The Pearl Awards", now on its eighth year, is jointly sponsored by the DOT and ATOP that recognizes exceptional practices, projects and innovations for local and national tourism development.

The project is a concept of another version of the “coral genesis” already employed here and abroad utilizing technology that will help bolster propagation and restoration of coral reefs in Albay Gulf.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the joint endeavour has manifested a Public Private Prayer Partnership, a first of its kind, to protect the province’s marine environment, reduce poverty in coastal areas, generate employment as well as expansion of local tourism.

"Albay will pioneer combining all these three attributes into an environmental sustainable project that sustains food security as well as guard and replenish the local vegetation along the islands that serve as the province’s primary eco-defence against climate change," he said.

Salceda furthered that the provincial and other local governments, private partners will pursue expansion of this type of community- based coral reef protection and coastal poverty alleviation project across the  province.

Engr. Martin Reynoso, executive vice president of the JCI Legazpi and project chairman for the project, said the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Legazpi and Daraga chapters were grateful for the recognition and much motivated to sustain and develop the project, noting that such bolster the commitment of stakeholders especially the local community now maintaining and protecting the “coral genesis” and neighbouring reefs in the area.

"The Holy Rosary-themed Coral Genesis project is comprised of 60 beads equipped with the same number of solar pods while five for the cross has now been lying 100-120 meters off shore with the depth of 15 to 20 feet underwater and covering some 300 square meters area," he explained.

"Recently, we are testing the underwater lighting apparatus using the same technology to add attraction to now a must-see tourist attraction in Sto. Domingo town," he said.

Another new concept is now on the drawing board, according to Reynoso, the like of a life-size "Belen" (depicting the Holy Family) sculpture and church belfry which will also use the same technology that will be deployed in nearby sites to make the area a world class tourism attraction.

Daragang Magayon is a yearly festival that Albay celebrates with its iconic endowment of Mayon Volcano, whose name originated from "Daragang Magayon" and whose story is "The Epic of Daragang Magayon sa Sayaw kan Tolong Bulod (Lovely Lady in the Dance of Three Mountains)".

Salceda said the festivity has adopted a new sales pitch: "Indulge yourself in warm Albay!" that further consolidated the province’s recent tourism gains of 49 percent hike in tourist arrivals in 2012, with a 23 percent growth in the foreign tourists sector.

Salceda explained that "Indulge yourself in warm Albay! Warm people, hot and spicy food and tropical ambience" is Albay’s latest tourism come-on.

Daragang Magayon has been its new cultural epiphany as the new tourism giant of Luzon.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

Albay guv elected chair of UN GCF board

BY: MARLON A. LOTERTE

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- Albay Governor Joey Salceda was recently elected as chairman of the board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with the unanimous support of representatives from developing countries.

Salceda is also the first Asian to chair such prestigious body elected during its fifth meeting held in Paris on Oct. 7-10, this year.

The GCF, established by the conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2011, intends to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

He said the 24-member GCF board oversees the operation of the Fund, which has pledges of US$ 100 billion by 2020, and approves the funding of projects in line with the Fund’s principles, criteria, modalities, policies and programs.

Salceda, who was also just re-elected chair of the Regional Development Council for Bicol, said the Fund should prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary people.

The Albay governor is a known advocate for climate-justice, or the idea that developed nations must help developing nations mitigate the impact of climate change without curtailing their development.

He has relentlessly pursued for the transfer of climate mitigation technology at low or no cost to developing nations.

Salceda, also acclaimed the green economist and investment consultant aims to make the Fund work for developing countries, including small islands developing states, least developed countries, Africa and highly vulnerable communities in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh in time for the utilization of the Fund next year.

Salceda’s election is a strong manifestation of confidence on the Philippines and further raises the country’s profile in the international community. (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

Bicol MSMEs showcase region's best products in OKB 2013

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 10 (PIA)  - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bicol brings anew 102 entrepreneurs to Metro Manila for the 17th Orgullo kan Bikol Regional Trade Fair starting today until Oct. 13 at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City to showcase Bicol’s best products made from finest handcrafted materials to prime food delicacies.

The trade fair, according to DTI Bicol regional director Jocelyn Blanco, will take pride of the Bicolano entrepreneurs distinctive skills in weaving, innovating, and producing new products and designs to the world.

She said that the the annual marketing event offers wearables and homestyle products, processed foods, ceramics and pottery, furniture, fine jewelry, and other products that will surely delight the buyers.

Joining this year’s fair are 102 exhibitors from all over the region including 30 from Albay, 11 from Camarines Norte, 16 from Camarines Sur, 15 from Catanduanes,12 from Masbate and 16 from Sorsogon.

It will also feature 28 new entrepreneurs, who will now be given full marketing assistance by the DTI via this trade fair. It will also feature 129 new products resulting from DTI’s product development activities prior to the event.

As in the past, this marketing  event is a convergence activity.  DTI partners PhilExport, Comprehensive Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP),  OKB Association,  Inc., and Local Government Units (LGUs).

By way of this trade fair, DTI enjoins domestic and foreign buyers to take a closer look and become more aware of what these 102  micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) produce.

As   DTI commits to provide its clients – the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – better avenues to promote their fine products, they are also encouraged to explore the global market.

Opening ceremony will be at 10:00 in the morning, Oct. 10, 2013. (MAL/JRBerango-DTI5/PIA5)
- See more at: http://r05.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=771381714398#sthash.FQY5hRge.dpuf