DOLE NRC grants reintegration aid to returning OFWs in Bicol

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) –The Department of Labor and Employment National Reintegration Center (DOLE NRC) calls on returning undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Bicol region to avail of the various grants and services under their OFW Reintegration Program.

“Reintegration intends to aid OFW returning to his host country not only physically but also on the aspects of economy, community and personal life. It is high time for our returning OFWs in particular the undocumented ones to come out, be aware and avail of the reintegration program offered by our government,” NRC Bicol chief Kristina Oliveros said during the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

On the economic aspect, she said NRC has been giving livelihood loans and starter kits depending on the skills and location of the requesting OFW.

The grant is coursed to the beneficiaries through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other OFW agencies.

She added that NRC has tied up with the Public Employment Services Office to provide returning workers with local jobs especially if they intend to stay in their community.

Oliveros noted the importance of the community in helping the young children left by the migrant workers to work abroad, which according to studies are vulnerable to addiction, unwanted pregnancies and involvement in various vices.

“We need to involve the community in helping the children left by their parents at a young age to work abroad since they lack parental care and guidance,” she said.

To address this concern, NRC has forged convergence programs with the public and private sectors especially with the academe to give the needed education and guidance not only to the children but also to their guardians.

Furthermore, counseling is also given to address post traumatic stress disorders encountered by OFWs who have been victims of abuse and untoward treatment from their employers.

“Usually, undocumented OFWs are the ones who encountered traumatic stress disorders especially if they experienced abuse and maltreatment from their job abroad. Since we don’t have the necessary documents or information where they are or who their employers are, we cannot monitor them so it’s hard for us to address their concerns,” she explained.

Furthermore, NRC also conducts financial management courses for both the OFW and their dependents to help them manage their hard earned money.

“We need to change the perception that if you are an OFW, you have lots of money to spend especially on buying new gadgets and other things which are actually unnecessary. They might end up spending and losing everything they worked for abroad. Thus we also teach them to save and invest,” Olivares said.

Financial management is also part of the Enterprise Development Training of the NRC. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

PHL eyes Guinness World Record's "most people to sign up for organ donations”

BY: ANALIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) --- It’s all set for the Guinness World Record attempt for "most people to sign up for organ donations” set tomorrow, Feb. 28, at the JMR Coliseum organized by the Bicol Medical Center (BMC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Sur Provincial Information Center and the city government here.

In a press conference Wednesday, Dr. Freddie Sy, BMC head of the Department of Surgery and Organ Procurement Office, said the activity is more than just an attempt to break the world record, yet more of raising the awareness of individuals on the importance of giving a part of ourselves when we cease to live.

“We would like to call this endeavor more of an advocacy so that people may understand that we can be heroes in our own simple way.  We just want to make it clear that this is a deceased organ donation program, meaning we will not get organs from live donors but from the donors who will signify willingness to donate their organs should the time comes for them to leave,” Sy added.

Sy further stated that it is important to promote organ donation to help increase the organ donor pool in the Philippines.  This he said, will save lives of patients with organ failures.

Possible organs to be donated after death include kidneys, heart, cornea, eyes, pancreas, liver, lungs and bones.

Based on records, there are more or less 13,275 patients who are currently diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 or End- stage renal disease.  According to the Department of Health (DOH), CKD Stage 5 currently occupies the 9th leading cause of death in the Philippines.

Dra. Mary Jane Jane Guazon-Uy, BMC chief of Medical and Professional Staff, said that the said activity is also in consonance with the DOH’s vision to have zero-live organ donors in the future.

“We envision a country where there will be no more live donors who are going to sacrifice their own health by donating part of their bodies while they are still alive when we can get these organs from the deceased,” Uy added.

For tomorrow's enlistment of propspective donors, they will be assisted by marshalls in the pre-registration, assembly and signing up as donors.  The enttry will then be validated the proceed to the registration area. The filled-up registration form will then be submitted for consolidation and photo documentation will conclude the process.

The Philippines will attempt to beat the records of having 2,755 pledged organ donors in “one hour single site” in Ahmedabad, Guijarat, India on Sept. 17, 2013 and the 10,450 donors in “eight hours single site” in Sir Chhotu Ram stadium in Rohtak, Haryana, India on Dec. 1, 2013.

The country is also hoping to set new records for the “one and eight multiple sites,” which will be held at the track and field oval of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila; the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City; RTMC in San Fernando City, La Union; L. Mamba gym in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; JMR Coliseum in Naga City and in the Almendras gym in Davao City

The said attempt is also in line with the Organ Donation Act of 1991 , otherwise known as Republic Act No. 7170 authorizing the legality or donation of all or part of human body after death. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Disaster Response Operations Capability Demonstration and Simulation Exercise (SIMEX))

Members of the APEC 2015 National Organizing Council, PARASALBAR 2014, guest and other government agencies singing  the Philippine National Anthem during the joint Disaster Response Operations Capability Demonstration and Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) on (Wednesday) February 26, 2014 at Legazpi Port  Terminal, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA-5)

APEC 2015-NOC BRIEFING : The APEC Briefer Philippines 2015, of the Office of the Director General, National Organizing Council ocular visit team headed by DFA Deputy Dir. Gen. for Operations Revimarc De Mesa, discuss the importance and readiness of the hosting of APEC 2015. Photo shows are : (R-L) Usec. Natalio Ecarma III, Deputy Director for Security, Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, OCD-5 Regional Dir. Raffy Alejandro III and Commander Southern Luzon Command MGen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, AFP, held at  Legazpi Port Terminal, Legazpi City on February 26, 2014. (Alex Cal/PIA5)

APEC NOC assessment team, highly satisfied with Albay readiness to host APEC summit– Salceda

BY: JOSEPH JOHN J. PEREZ

LEGAZPI CITY, February 26 (PIA) – Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed confidence that Albay's bid to host a series of ministerial meetings for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation has gained more grounds following "high satisfaction" feedback from APEC National Organizing Council (APEC NOC) on the province's readiness to host the international assembly

APEC NOC has assessed Albay’s readiness for the APEC events in terms of peace and order, security, safety, law enforcement, emergency response, infrastructures, transport services, airport facilities, among others.

Salceda said the province has initially demonstrated the joint disaster response capability and simulation exercises (SIMEX) as part of the preparations of the province for the APEC Summit ministerial meetings slated here next year.

The SIMEX featured three scenarios composed of typhoon disaster response, hostage taking and plane crash water search and rescue participated in by different government agencies spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – Bicol, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH) and Team Albay.

“Albay’s show of its best capability is impressive,” APEC-NOC deputy director general for Operations Revimarc De Mesa said in the assessment briefing held after the SIMEX.

Other members of the APEC NOC Assessment Team are Undersecretary and deputy director general for Security Natalio Ecarma III, coordinator for Spouses Program Maria Luisa Ramos, coordinator for Transportation Chester Tajonera and Jose Martin Delfino, member of Conference Services.

This January, Albay has proven its capabilities in handling international tourists with the inaugural of two direct international flights from Xiamen, China that carried around 156 tourists each with immigration, customs and consular offices and services already in place and operational at the airport here.

Albay’s places of interest such as tourist destinations, indigenous arts and crafts, local talents and culture will also be evaluated for the APEC delegates to have a unique experience taking the previous hosting of the country in 1996.

The APEC’s seeks to promote sustainable growth in Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional trade blocs.

This is compatible to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s vision of inclusive growth as enunciated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2010-2016.

In August last year, the NOC has checked Albay’s preparations as the province will be the venue of at least 11 ministerial meetings of APEC Leaders Conference  to be held in the Philippines November next year.

Albay is the only province during the bidding conference held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City last June 2013 to host meetings for the APEC.

According to  De Mesa, there will be 195 APEC events, including 8 ministerial and 5 technical working committee meetings to commence on December  and will go on until October 2015, prior to the APEC Leaders Conference by November next year.

De Mesa said that the discussions for the APEC conferences will deal on the issues on industry, investments, trade and intellectual property rights. Sectoral meetings on energy, transport, human capacity, education, and women are also expected.

Trade ministers from countries in the Pacific rim together with their support staff are expected to flock in to Albay between the months specified for Albay-based APEC events, Salceda said.

Trainings for provincial liaison officers for the event will also be scheduled soon. (MAL/AAN/JJP-PIA5/Albay)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2591393405114#sthash.PvbvaUJ2.dpuf

CDA's “Cooperative School on Wheels” in Daet

BY: ROSALITA B. MANLANGIT

DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 25 (PIA) – “Cooperative School on Wheels” stopped over in this town Wednesday, Feb. 19, with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) officials and personnel interfacing with cooperatives managers here delving on updates on directives and regulatory requirements of the agency for putting up or maintaining operations of cooperatives.

Atty. Lourdes P. Pacao, regional director of CDA Bicol, said the information caravan in this town intends to remind the cooperatives on regulatory requirements particularly in the submission of reports, mandatory trainings for officers, by-laws and among others as stipulated in the Republic Act 9520 amending the Cooperative Code of the Philippines known as the “Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008”

Pacao said that Camarines Norte is the second province “Cooperative School on Wheels” has visited next to Camarines Sur on Feb. 18.

CDA has partnered with the municipal government here, led by Mayor Tito Sarion, in staging the information caravan participated in by officers and members of the 124 registered cooperatives in Camarines Norte.

“Cooperative School on Wheels” will also have series of sortien in the provinces of Sorsogon and Albay on March 11 and 12, respectively, and sometime in April for Masbate and Catanduanes.

Pacao said that the interfacing focused on cooperative registration process, conduct of examination, inspection of cooperatives, product display/on-line marketing and other related programs of the agency.

“Cooperative School on Wheels” is the first of the series wherein they plan to do this every quarter visiting provinces in the bicol region," she said.

She lauded the municipal government of Daet for being supportive to their programs, citing that CDA and the local government have already signed on January 6 a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for resource sharing in promoting cooperativism not only here but also in other towns of the province.

 Sarion on the other hand said that he fully supported the activity because he believes on the importance of strengthening the linkages between the local government and private sector through cooperatives and at the same time fostering cooperativism among people in creating micro enterprises, livelihood undertakings and businesses in the the locality.

He also cited several recognitions accorded to Daet by various bodies in the field of governance and in order to sustain the gains is a policy encouraging both partnerships and participation with the private sectors.

He also said that in 2007, the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) Daet was identified with the promotion of pili and pineapple based products. Through this various activities were undertaken by the LGU together with partner government agencies and beneficiary Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which have created impact in investment and employment.

He also cited that through the local government unit initiatives various private and commercial entities are now rising in Daet such as the SM Hypermart which will be opened on Feb. 27, Business Processing Outsourcings (BPOs) as well as other banking establishments.

He said that with the full support of the CDA and LGU-Daet, cooperatives will become an instrument in the promotion of livelihood and various undertakings that will uplift the living condition and at the same time empowers every constituent of the locality. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

COMELEC launches #VoterIDKo project, posts list of unclaimed voter IDs

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 25, (PIA) - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office here has asked registered voters to claim voter ID following the launching of its #VoterIDKo Project.

According to provincial election supervisor Atty. Maria Aurea C. Bu-Bonao, ID cards of some voters who registered from 2006-2010 are now available at the office of the election officer of their respective municipality.

She said that the list of voters with unclaimed Voter ID cards are already posted at the COMELEC offices in the province.

The posting of the list of voters with unclaimed voter IDs is part of the project, which the COMELEC En Banc promulgated through Resolution No. 9837 dated December 19, 2013.

The project also aims to distribute and release around 50,000 voter ID cards in the province before the resumption of the continuing system of voter registration late this year.

COMELEC here has also tapped print and broadcast media in the province for widest dissemination regarding the project. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

Deadline for filing of application for civil service exam extended - CSC

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 25, (PIA) - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has extended the deadline of filing of applications for the Career Service Examination from February 20, 2014 to February 27, 2014.

According Dir. Maria Guia DV. Garcia of the CSC Catanduanes Field Office, the extended application period covers both the Professional and Sub-Professional examinations.

She said that as of today, 603 individuals from the province have already filed their application for the written exams.

She likewise encourage those who want to take the examination to file their application before the deadline to avoid rushing.

The Civil Service Examination is held 2-3 times a year for aspiring government employees in the Philippines.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application, regardless of educational attainment, and have not taken the same level of examination in less than three months.

An individual may take the exam regardless of the number of times he or she failed. The only condition is that the same level of examination should be taken once in every three months.

Application requirements are as follows: Duly accomplished Application Form (CS Form 100, Revised Nov. 2012 downloadable from the CSC website); Four (4) pieces of identical I.D. pictures; original and photocopy of a valid I.D.; and Examination fee of Php500.

CSC field office here is located at DepEd Compound, San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes.(MAL/EAB-PIA5 Catanduanes)

LGU Catanduanes, TESDA launch vocational education and training for youth

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The partnership of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Office of the Vice Governor in Catanduanes have paved the way to the cost-free training program on skills development and livelihood for Catandunganons

Dubbed as Business Opportunities for New Graduates in Technical Vocational Education and Training, the program was officially launched on February 17 at Virac Center Mall here.

Catanduanes Vice Governor Jose Teves Jr. said the program aimed to create an avenue for technical, vocational education and entrepreneurship trainings for the development of technically competitive workforce with the positive values on work and environment.

The training program supports the initiatives of the provincial government of Catanduanes in pursuing the socio-economic development of its people

He added that through the outreach program, the legislative office were able to establish linkages with frontline agencies tasked to develop technical skills to prepare member of families in creating opportunities in their economic betterment here and abroad, address the skills requirements of the disadvantaged sector of the community, the OSYs, unemployed, underemployed and career shifters.

The same office intends to strengthen lingkage between public and private employers for job placement of the trainees/graduates as well as extend livelihood support funds to graduates who would want to operate small and medium enterprise thru self-employment programs.

TESDA- Cabugao School of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries (CSHI) will provide technical assistance and scholarship grants.

DOLE shall provide for the basic hand tools as starter kit.

During the launching, the check representing the release of funds to CSHI was also awarded personally by Gov. Araceli Wong and  Teves to the officials of TESDA-CSHI.

Interested residents need to submit the requirements to qualify, to wit: must be 18 years old and above; can speak and understand English; endorsement from respective barangay captain; and 2 pcs 1x1 and 2x2 ID pictures.

Courses offered are Dressmaking NCII; Foods and Beverage Services NCII/Table skirting and table setting; Massage Therapy NCII; Hair Dressing NCII; Beauty Care NCII (Pedicure/Manicure); Electrical Installation & Servicing; Entrepreneurship Program; Home Appliance Repair & Servicing; and Trainers Methodology Course, Level I (Bachelor’s Degree and NC Holder). (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

DENR renews warning against wood charcoal making, trading

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has warned anew the public not to engage in charcoal making out of wood and trading for which violate Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

DENR Bicol regional executive director Gilbert Gonzales said Friday last week the DENR field offices in the region noted the rampant production of wood charcoal in some areas while many violators of PD 705 have been apprehended by his field personnel and cooperating law enforcers.

Based on PD 705, anybody caught cutting, gathering, collecting or removing wood from alienable or disposable lands or even private property with the necessary permit or authorization from concerned government entities will be imposed the penalty of qualified theft.

The only charcoal material to be allowed is coconut shell which also abounds in the region

Gonzales added that anybody found in possession of the charcoal in sacks will be considered as the guilty person,

He also warned that wood charcoal traders will also face government sanctions if found transacting business.

All confiscated charcoal and the vehicle transporting it will be placed under government custody, undergo administrative confiscation proceedings and face a criminal case in the court.

Gonzales added that wood charcoal production is directly associated with deforestation because of the impression that much of the volume of charcoal used  are still sourced from the forests.

"Those who want to engage in charcoal making and transporting, he advised, may get a permit from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in their respective areas," he said. (MAL/EPSolis-CGLegazpi/PIA5/Albay)

Guest of  Honor and Speaker  Mr. Carmelo Acuña, Director, CBCP Online Radio/Country Correspondent China Radio International, delivered his message during the  Seminar on Revisiting the Ethical Standards for Journalism, sponsored by Philippine National Police-V Press Corps, Provincial Government of Albay and the Philippine Information Agency-V, held on February 22, 2014 at PRO5 Multi-Purpose Building, Camp Simeon Ola, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA5)

Bicol Media vow to uphold Journalist’s Code of Ethics

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

Media practitioners all over the Bicol region together with information officers  and personnel  of the PNP and PIA during the Seminar Workshop on Revisiting Ethical Standards for Journalism. (PIA5-Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 24 (PIA) – At least 80 media practitioners all over the Bicol region have committed to uphold the Journalist’s Code of Ethics in their respective professions and communities.

The expression of commitment highlighted the Seminar Workshop on Revisiting Ethical Standards for Journalism organized by the Albay Press Core in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), provincial government of Albay and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol regional office and Albay Information Center held February 22 at the Camp Simeon Ola here.

Together with media practitioners from the print, broadcast and television are information officers and personnel of the PNP and PIA in the province.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) online radio director and China Radio International correspondent Carmelo Acuña shared his significant experiences and insights on being a media practitioner as guest of honor and speaker “way back when mobile phones and emails were unheard of.”

“Nowadays, you have technology in your hands. However even without gadgets, as long as you are at the right place, at the right time and with the right questions, you can make news,” Acuña said.

He urged the participants to further learn and develop their skills and dedication to face and sustain the difficulties and challenges in the industry.

 “Technology will always be changing but your skills and dedication will separate men from the boys. You can meet news personalities anywhere but if you are not prepared you will lose the opportunity,” he said.

Acuña added although speed comes with the recent technology used in gathering and dissemination of information, accuracy might be compromised.

Freedom of expression, use of latest technology, current practices, labor standards and economic conditions and well-being of media practitioners in the region are among the issues raised and discussed.

Acuña said although everyone has the freedom to express his opinion publicly it also comes with the responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others citing the cybercrime law and the revised penal code of the Philippines which criminalizes libel and slander by act or deed.

“Freedom of expression is not absolute. It ends with the rights of others,” he stressed.

“It’s how you say it that will save you from trouble. Be careful with the use of adjectives and play of words. Know how to say things to be more effective because you might fail to convey the message. It’s not what you say but how you say it that matters,” Acuña further said.

In response to the need of giving due benefits and compensation of station managers and owners to their people, the participants urged their fellow journalists to organize as a group to help elevate their condition after retirement and to address unjust practices such as exploitation of the media which elicits perception of corruption.

“Station owners and managers have the responsibility to take care of their people,” he said.

“Looking back at yesterday's Forum, it was both a reunion and review of what ought to be in Media. It's challenging to learn of labor standards unheard of in some media outfits,” Acuña noted in his online account.

Furthermore, the event is also an opportunity for the media practitioners in the region to convene and express their sentiments in facing the realities and difficulties of being in the media industry particularly in upholding the truth and the dignity of the profession as part of the Journalist’s Code of Ethics.

“I thank God for the opportunity to meet colleagues in the media from way back. As I leave Legazpi for the salt mines called Metro Manila, I can only whisper prayers for them and their love ones, that God keep them safe and for them to keep their body and soul intact despite the rigors and difficulties in the exercise of their profession,” Acuña said.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

DOLE attached bureaus converge to assist OFWs, dependents

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb 24 (PIA) – Four government agencies join hands to better serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents.

The convergence program is implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) together with its attached agencies, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Technical Education and Skills development Authority (TESDA).

The convergence of these agencies aims to further assist migrant workers in their dependents in terms of livelihood assistance, information dissemination, and skills development.

OWWA is tasked to implement programs to provide livelihood assistance and alternative sources of income to distressed and repatriated OFWs.

In line with this program, OWWA Bicol director Jocelyn Hapal said their office is currently accepting applicants for the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) for academic school year 2014-2015.

Hapal said studies show that one of the top reasons of OFWs for working abroad is to send their children or sibling to college.

“At OWWA, we help in fulfilling that dream, particularly of the low-salaried household and skilled workers abroad,” she said.

POEA on the other hand is currently conducting intensified information dissemination programs to effectively counter illegal recruitment and trafficking.

Programs on enhancing technical skills of both OFWs and their dependents are also done by the TESDA.

Meanwhile DOLE will focus on implementing a national program aimed at assisting returning OFWs to be reintegrated back to the social and economic mainstreams.

Part of this program is the Balik-Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Assistance Program jointly implemented by the DOLE and OWWA.

“The OWWA institutionalized a safety net program for the many OFWs who end up displaced because of civil unrest, calamities, illnesses, maltreatment, and a host of other reasons. The Balik-Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program aims to give displaced OFWs with a means to start over again immediately with their own small enterprise, to mitigate the loss of primary source of income,” Hapal further explained. (MAL/SAA/PIA5-Albay/OWWA5)

Bamboo planting, clean-up drive highlights World Wetlands Day celebration in Sorsogon

SORSOGON CITY, February 21 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sorsogon Provincial Office together with the Community ENR Office initiated on February 3, 2014, planting and clean-up activities in celebration of the World Wetlands Day held at Barangay Macawayan, Irosin, Sorsogon, raising awareness and significance to local folks on the importance of the world’s wetlands to humanity and environment.

Wetlands refer to land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. Wetlands consist primarily of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants .

The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Main wetland types include swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. Sub-types include mangrove, carr, pocosin, and varzea. World Wetlands Day is celebrated in the Philippines and the rest of the world on February 2 of every year.

According to DENR Sorsogon public information officer Annabelle M. Barquilla, the celebration in Sorsogon was highlighted by Bamboo planting along riverbank for stabilization and vegetative measure, as well as contribution to the National Greening Program (NGP) being implemented by President Benigno S. Aquino’s administration.

She said a total number of 100 planting stocks of Kawayan Tinik were planted covering an area of 0.25 hectare planted by 104 personnel from PENRO LGU-Sorsogon, LGU-Irosin and Barangay Council of Macawayan.

“The bamboo planting was also the mainstream activity for Gender and Development of DENR Sorsogon, with 61 male and 43 female participants,” she also said.

Sorsogon Provincial ENRO Rene Camacho, meanwhile, explained that the DENR is responsible for the management, development and protection of the environment and natural resources, and their office engage in clean-up drives forming part of their on-going activities particularly that they have observed that solid waste management in some areas here have been neglected, as evidenced by solid wastes thrown or dumped along the riverbanks.

“Likewise, we just don’t settle on doing a clean-up drive but we also intensify the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to the local residents emphasizing its ill effect and health hazard, general hygiene, sanitation, and environmental protection, PENRO Camacho said.

He also added that big volume of wastes collected is turned over to the barangay council for proper disposal and remind anew the council to strictly implement and be abided by RA 9003 or the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)

BU to host Integrated University Program national confab in March

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The College of Engineering of the Bicol University (BUCEng) here will host the 2nd Annual Integrated University Program (IUP) National Convention on March 13-14 pursuing development of technology capabilities of engineering and science in the country

Engr. Edmundo O. Estor said the national convention was initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the support of the Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corporation (HGST), a Western Digital company.

Estor added the event will be held at the Bicol University Amphitheatre and participated in by faculty and students from HGST’s 33 state university and college-partners participating in the Academe-Industry Linkage in Science, Engineering and Technology Education.

The IUP has benefited many universities around the country.

Annual convention is hosted by one of its 33 partner SUCs every year.  Many SUC beneficiaries with their president and other guest schools have joined the first national convention in Cebu.

Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa is slated to host the convention next year.

This year’s convention will evolve on the theme, “Showcasing Industry-Academe Partnership as a Strategy to Enhance the Quality of Science, Engineering, and Technology Education”.

Discussion will also focus on on three levels, namely 1) University Focus Program to include the establishment and utilization of HGST Regional Laboratories, Technology Talk, and Plant Visits/Tours; 2) Faculty Focus Programs to include Faculty Immersion Program, and Faculty Research Grant Program; and 3) Student Focus Programs to include On-the-Job Training, Thesis Direction Sponsorship, and Scholarship.

Bicol University has forged its partnership with HGST on March 1, 2013, with the launch of the HGST Regional Laboratory Center at the BU East Campus, during which donated equipment for the center were also formally turned over to the university. (MAL/BUCeng/PIA5/Albay)

Daet site for Sine Panitik project of the Film Academy of the Phils

BY: ROSALITA B. MANLANGIT

DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The municipal government here expressed support for the filming in Daet of Sine Panitik project of the Film Academy of the Philippines  this coming March 25-31.

Mayor Tito Sarion of this town said that Leo Martinez, director general of the Film Academy of the Philippines, has assured him that the latter will emphasize the cooperation and support of the local government of Daet in their programs in the promotion and exhibition of the films in cinemas nationwide as well as the specialized bookings for showing in the campuses.

Sarion said that the Sine Panitik project is a film anthology of classic Filipino short stories whose initial trilogy will be shot in Daet.

Daet will be specially credited in the film in the acknowledgment portion at the film’s end credits.

He said that the filming of the two short stories entitled Faith, Love, Time and Dr. Lazaro by Gregorio Brillantes and Sandaang Damit by Fanny Garcia are included in the curriculum of schools throughout the country.

He said that the production people of the Film Academy have already conducted a location hunting and pre-production work last Feb. 16-18.

The collaboration will once again boost the tourism opportunities for Daet, he said.

It will be recalled that the first and several shootings scene of the ABS-CBN primetime teleserye “The Legal Wife” of Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales and Maja Salvador was taken in Daet and nearby towns of the province of Camarines Norte.

He said that along with tourism development the local government unit will conduct the 2nd Daet Aerosports this coming March wherein several beach events like surfing, para-gliding and among others will be joined by the local as well as international enthusiasts. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

RLECC Bicol createsTWG, steps up campaign vs. illegal fishing

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) in Bicol has intensified campaign to put a stop on illegal fishing activities by employing coordinated efforts among government agencies in the enforcement of

The Sub-Committee on Fishing and Marine Environment Protection (SCFMEP) of the RLECC Bicol  will employ inter-agency strategies by creating technical working groups (TWG) on Municipal or City Fishery Ordinance (MCFO)and IEC Core Group (-IECCG) with specific functions.

Bicol regional director Dennis Del Socorro of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), chair of the SCFMEP, explained that the  TWG-MCFO is tasked to consolidate and determine the draft and existing municipal or city fishery ordinances of the different local government units in the region,

He added that the TWG-IECCG, on the other hand, is entrusted to review, design and formulate strategies in preparing IEC materials needed for the RLECC campaigns.

Also, Bicol RLECC-SCFMEP has included three new member-agencies, including regional office of Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Army (PA) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Area 4 (CAAP) to support the original 15 members of RLECC-SCFMEP.

Del Socorro said the sub-committee serves as the venue for coordination by all law enforcement agencies of the government, involved in the enforcement of general and special laws, to ensure unified direction and integration of effort especially on fishing and marine environmental protection, throughout the region.

The sub-committee has already organized the Multi-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Fishing (MATFIF) which serves as its operating arm and is composed of p the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Police Regional Office (PRO), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Maritime Police, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Interior and Local government (DILG), and the concerned local government units (LGUs).

MATFIF, according to the BFAR director, has contributed a lot to make RLLC-SCFMEP cited recognition as Best RLECC-5 Sub-Committee last August 15, 2013 for successfully conducting impact programs, projects and activities that contributed immensely to the attainment of RLECC’s goals and objectives.

The task force has implemented a total of 2,440 sea-borne operations in different major fishing grounds in the region, with 393 persons arrested and 44 cases filed before the proper courts in violation ofRA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 in 2013.

Del Socorro said that the accomplishment was the result of various related activities initiated by BFAR 5, including trainings and orientation on fishery law enforcement to different line agencies in order to establish collaboration.

BFAR also facilitated dialogues and consultations with commercial fishing vessel operators to resolve issues and concerns on fishery laws, rules and regulations, as well as to settle the conflict between the commercial fishers and municipal fisherfolk.

The bureau further deployed floating assets, including DA-BFAR MCS 3006 and three 28-footer BFAR patrol boats in the waters across the region intensifying law enforcement.

This year, RLECC is now preparing forthe Environmental Law Enforcement Summit on March 19 at Camp Ola, Legazpi City to update the member-agencies on the state of environmental law enforcement in the region and to identify areas of collaboration and coordination as well. (MAL/KAHilotin-BFAR5/PIA5)

BU Guinobatan campus inaugurates Bicol's first abaca tissue culture lab, essential facilities

BY: JOSEPH JOHN J. PEREZ

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – The Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) has recently inaugurated Abaca Tissue Culture Laboratory capable of producing new varieties of abaca that can resist pests and high yielding.

The laboratory was inaugurated, along with other vital facilities of the Guinobatan-based BUCAF in its observance of the annual agri-forestry fair held this year starting on February 17 until 21.

“We are cultivating abaca plantlets of three varieties in the laboratory that is expected to be virus resistant and high yielding. The varieties called hybrid 1, hybrid 2 and hybrid 3 are being propagated and tested to withstand the infestation particularly the buncy top which is considered as the most destructive among abaca viruses” laboratory staff Emily Mella said.

“We are also conducting multi-locational trials in partnership with the Catanduanes State University, for further evaluation of our experimentations,” Mella added.

Other facilities that will be inaugurated are vermicomposting building, clonal nursery and carabao project.

Abaca, known as Manila hemp, is considered as one of the earliest export products of the Bicol region.

During the Spanish era particularly during Galleon Trade, abaca hemp were loaded in Magallanes town in Sorsogon as the galleon from Manila was checked for its sea-worthiness to sail the Pacific ocean. It was tagged as the “manila hemp” due to the fact that merchandize coming from the Philippines were presumed as “Manila” products when it reached Acapulco, Mexico.

In the early 1900s abaca fiber found high value from its use in the manufacture of cordage, in response for the need for a material which retains its strength when wet. The second period of abaca-based development led to the surge of the abaca handicraft industry, especially for the Bicol region, although some historical accounts mention the Filipinos using cloth, footwear and other crafts from abaca before the Spanish period.

One major challenge to the abaca industry came with technological developments which led to the production of synthetic substitutes to abaca. This adversely affected the demand for the natural products from the plant. Problems on pests and diseases of abaca like corm weevil, stem rot, dry sheath rot, slug caterpillar, buncy top and mosaic also contributed to the down trend of the abaca industry.

Now, the abaca industry is gaining resurgence. There is a growing preference among Japanese consumers for quality bags made of natural products.

The present and emerging development of abaca industry capture opportunities from the demand for environmentally responsible or “green” production systems and products, such as interior goods, bags and giftware that are made from natural materials like abaca and other natural materials like silk and cotton. (MAL/JJP-PIA5/Albay)