DPWH 5 sets up Lakbay Alalay Para sa Undas

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional and district offices across Bicol activated anew several motorist assistance units starting today, October 30, until November 3 in preparation for the influx of motorists this All Souls and All Saints days going in and out of the region.

DPWH Bicol regional director Melvin B. Navarro said he has directed all heads of the district engineering offices in Bicol to reactive their Motorist Assistance Centers dubbed “Lakbay Alalay” to assist motorists for directions, advisories and emergency response, among other similar assistance to the

Lakbay Alalay is carried out in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police  (PNP) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Thirty (30) Motorists’ Assistance Centers will be installed in conspicuous places of Bicol’s arterial roads, viz: In Albay – 1) Lidong, Sto. Domingo, 2) Busay, Daraga, 3) Paulog, Ligao City or in front of Albay 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO);  Camarines Norte – 4) Tabugon, Sta. Elena;

 In Camarines Sur – 5) In front of Tambo Elementary School, Tambo, Pamplona, 6) In front of Traffic Management Group along Concepcion Grande, Naga City 7) Tigaon Station, Cagrarayon, Tigaon, 8) In front of DPWH 4th DEO, Sta. Teresita, Baao, 9)  Lourdes Young, Nabua, 10) DPWH Rest House in Agos, Bato,  11) DPWH Field Office along Gaongan, Sipocot;  and, Sorsogon – 12) Guinlajon, Sorsogon City, 13) Bagacay in Gubat.

Assistance centers will also be put up in the island provinces, including seven in Catanduanes and ten in Masbate.

“These centers will be manned by engineers, car mechanics, equipment operators, and other service crews who will give free roadside emergency assistance to motorists during the long holidays,’ Navarro noted.

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

Also, for safety and convenience of the riding public, district offices shall ensure that all national roads, particularly those leading to public and private cemeteries are thoroughly maintained.

Appropriate informative/directional signs and traffic advisories shall also be installed in conspicuous places of the road.  Likewise, compliance to construction safety for all ongoing projects along national roads shall be closely monitored to avoid road hazards.

“In fact Secretary Rogelio L. Singson had issued instruction that contractors with on-going projects have to suspend further excavation or pavement removal activities but rather, start clearing construction barriers including removal of idle equipment on project site that may affect the smooth flow of traffic,” Navarro said.  (MAL/LVC-DPWH5/PIA5)

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197 Calolbonganons receive pedicabuhayan, starter kits from DOLE

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- A total of 197 residents of San Andres town received Pedicabuhayan and Starter Kits from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday, October 27, to start up livelihood and alternative source of income.

From the total number, 80 received pedicabuhayan while the rest were given starter kits which included carpentry tools, cooking set, MASSAGE THERAPY set and others which would enable the beneficiaries to start their own livelihood.

DOLE Bicol regional director Nathaniel Lacambra and Catanduanes Provincial Field Office chief Russel Ulysses I. Nieves joined Mayor Peter C. Cua of San Andres in the distribution of the new set of tools.

According to Cua, they will continue their campaign in eradicating unemployment in the municipality and challenged the recipients to help the government in this campaign.

On the other hand, representatives from Dole commended the efforts of the mayor and the whole LGU-San Andres in augmenting the livelihood of the Calolbonganons.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the starter kits saying that the kit will be of great help to improve their livelihood.

It can be recalled that LGU San Andres and DOLE Catanduanes have already distributed starter kits on August 13, 2014 to beneficiaries from Mayngaway, Codon and Batong Paloway. (MAL/EAB/PIO-San Andres/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841414590073/197-calolbonganons-receive-pedicabuhayan-starter-kits-from-dole#sthash.XpbMEb6i.dpuf

Albay holds Blue Summit to step up eco-nautical tourism protection

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 29 (PIA) – The provincial government of Albay launched the “Greening the Blue Summit” through the Albay Blue Lane Eco-Nautical Tourism, under the stewardship of the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) to promote eco-tourism while at the same time protect the natural and ecological treasures of Albay from exploitation and damage.

The two-day program held October 26-27, 2014 at the People’s Hall capitol building here is attended by TRAVEL AGENCIES accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), tourism officers, tourism committee chairmen and municipal treasurers of coastal local government units from the province.

The seminar focused on the ecological wonders that Albay is known for which has been dubbed as the blue lane tourism program of the PGA, giving extra attention to the sustainable utilization of marine resources found in the province.

PTCAO chief Dorothy Colle said in her opening message that she hoped all those in attendance will have a better familiarization with the CRABS area, in reference to the collective Albay islands of Cagraray, Rapu-rapu, Batan, and San Miguel, and realize that there is more to Albay than just Mayon Volcano.

She also said that “promotion of these areas and resources will allow us to develop new tourism areas that tourist will enjoy and for Albay to earn additional resources from.”

The two-day seminar started with discussions and presentations on the Blue Lane Eco-Nautical Tourism Program, best practices and sustainable schemes, tour destinations, introduction to scuba diving and a commitment signing from the participants.

The second day featured an island tour at Cagraray Island.

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, who launched the Blue Lane Eco-Nautical program earlier this year said before that “the program focused on the oceans as ‘development spaces’ providing a substantial portion of the global population with food, livelihood and means of transport for 80 percent of world trade.”

Salceda further stated that the “marine and coastal environment constitutes a key resource for the important global tourism industry; supporting all aspects of tourism development cycle from infrastructure and the familiar ‘sun, sand and sea’ formula, to the diverse and expanding domain of nature-based tourism.”

Board Member Ramon Alsua, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, also graced the opening of the seminar and said in his message that “Albay has grown leaps and bounds in the tourism sector and it is all our responsibility not only to sustain these achievements, but also to further it.”

 “We, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay, are one with the governor in his direction for excellence and promotion of eco-tourism,” he added.(MAL/SAA/PIO-PGAlbay/PIA5)



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DSWD launches 4.5B poverty-reduction program for 101 municipalities in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially launched the National Community-Driven PROGRAM (NCDDP) on October 16, 2014 at the Police Regional Office V, Camp General Simeon A. Ola here together with mayors and governors who forged the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formally start its implementation.

DSWD Bicol director Arnel Garcia led the ceremonial signing of the MOA with the mayors all over the region to formalize the engagement of local government units (LGUs) and to address poverty and accept KALAHI CIDSS─NCDDP in their respective municipalities.

The leaders showed their support to the project by stamping their handprints on the commitment board with the project’s tagline, “Kaya natin ang pagbabago kapag magkakapit-bisig tayo!” and by releasing balloons as symbol of rise from poverty.

NCDDP scaled-up the community-driven development (CDD) strategy, which was proven effective by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) in its past 11 years of implementation in the Philippines.

KALAHI CIDSS has been implemented in all six provinces of Bicol region since 2003 addressing the most pressing need of a village with the collaborative efforts of local residents and their LGUs.

Garcia said its implementation will be extended from 48 municipalities in 2014 to 101 municipalities until 2018 with total community grant amouting to about P4.5 billion.

“From 48 municipalities it will now expand to 101 municipalities from 2014 to 2018. About 4.5 billion is the total community grant to fund the expansion of the project in all provinces,” Garcia said.

From that said grant, Albay has been allocated with P304, 884,950.00; Camarines Norte with P459,157,540.00; Camarines Sur with P1,888,007,990.00; Catanduanes P247,146,675.00; Masbate P941,078,020.00 and Sorsogon P657,173,000.00.

He added that 92 municipalities will implement the said project this year while the rest will be done in the succeeding years. Municipalities are identified as beneficiaries based on the 2010 poverty incidence survey including those affected by typhoon Yolanda.

Garcia said all eligible LGUs were required by DSWD to submit enrolment requirements last June to check their capacities in implementing the project.

Furthermore LGUs are to be engaged in providing technical assistance and local counterpart contribution to pursue subprojects such as health centers, school buildings, concrete pathways, water systems and other development interventions funded under KALAHI CIDSS─NCDDP.


“The involvement of the people in the implementation of community-identified subprojects promotes the key principles of participation, transparency and accountability in KALAHI CIDSS─NCDDP which improves our local governance,” Garcia stressed.

CDD puts the power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement subprojects that address needs identified by communities themselves.

KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Philippine Government being implemented by the DSWD along with Panatwid Pamilyang Pilipino PROGRAM and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). One of the target groups of the KALAHI CIDSS─NCDDP community subprojects are Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries as well.

DSWD Bicol had started to pool applicants last March to fill up 1,315 JOB VACANCIES for the project’s expansion this year. The training for the hired field staff had started last September until next month. The national launching of the project was done in Ormoc, Leyte last June 23, 2014.  (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571414563965/dswd-launches-4-5b-poverty-reduction-program-for-101-municipalities-in-bicol#sthash.1Ouka1E2.dpuf

DOH cautions residents on health hazards of Mayon eruption

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) --  The Department of Health (DOH) regional office in Bicol has advised the public to be ready and protect themselves  against the hazardous health implications that the eruption, particularly ash fall, of  Mayon volcano may bring about.

“Whether one lives nearby or distant from the danger zones, one is still susceptible from the hazards of Mayon Volcano, particularly from gaseous elements and ashes, that may cause minor to life threatening hazards.” warned DOH Bicol regional director Gloria J. Balboa.

Mayon Volcano emitted moderate amount of white steam and restrained lava flow during the weekend. The emission is expected to progress since the volcano remains at Alert Level 3 which indicates that “magma is at the crater and (a) hazardous eruption is possible within weeks” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Magma is full of dissolved gases that are released into the atmosphere during eruptions. Gases are released from magma and it can either stay below ground or rise toward the surface. Volcanic gases can ascend about 100 kilometers into the atmosphere during great eruptions. The eruption cloud may reach hundreds to thousand kilometers from the volcano when blown by prevailing winds.

Volcanic gases emitted may contain carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Breathing air with more than 30% of carbon dioxide is lethal to both people and animals. It may cause headache, increased breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness and convulsions.

Sulfur dioxide, on the other hand, is easy to identify because of its pungent odor that directly irritates skin and the tissues, mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. Said chemical primarily affects upper respiratory tract and bronchi.

Aside from volcanic gas, people also need to watch out for the health effects of volcanic ash. People may experience respiratory difficulties, eye irritation, acute conjunctivitis, minor skin irritations, and photosensitivity during and after ash fall.

Thus, DOH ROV issues this advisory for the protection of the general population during these events;

1.    Remain indoors. If possible, with closed doors, windows and ventilation.

2.    Avoid unnecessary exposure to ash and wear a face mask (preferably a particulate respirator or dust mask) when outside to reduce inhalation of ash particles. However, if you find it more difficult to breathe with the mask on, don’t use it. Just stay indoors.

3.    Wear PROTECTIVE CLOTHING and high-efficiency dust masks (N95,N99 or N100 for regular use and chemical cartridge/particulate respirator, goggles, protective clothing and footwear for emergency workers) during and after volcanic-related emissions/events.

4.    If no dust mask or respirator is available, a fabric mask improvised from handkerchiefs, cloth, or clothing will filter out the larger ash particles which may contribute to throat and eye irritation. Dampening the fabric with water will improve its effectiveness.

5.    Patients with chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory ailments should stay indoors and take special precaution to avoid exposure articles.

6.    Persistent acid rain causes galvanized nails or lead solder in water catchment systems to deteriorate and release toxic metals into drinking water. Thus, water receptacles should be properly covered with impermeable material (e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, etc.) at all times in the homes and evacuation centers. Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is also recommended.

7.    Observe personal hygiene such as bathing and hand washing. Provide nutritious food and micronutrient supplementation (such as Vitamin C, iron, etc.).

8.    Handle the ash in open, well-ventilated areas, and wet the dust whenever possible to prevent its movement.

9.    In fine-ash environments, wear goggles or corrective eyeglasses to protect eyes from irritation.

10.  Keep all doors closed when there is a heavy accumulation of ash. Keep children inside.

11.  Personnel not essential for emergency may stay inside and strictly observe all safety precautions during cleanup.

12.  Vehicular and industrial accidents are more likely to occur because of reduced visibility. Keep a proper distance between vehicles when driving near areas where there are on-going volcanic emissions/events.  (MAL/DOH5Release/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771414387736/doh-cautions-residents-on-health-hazards-of-mayon-eruption#sthash.7rMep1xP.dpuf

October 24 declared as non-working holiday in Legazpi City

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) – The Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) here has declared October 24 as a non-working holiday in celebration and commemoration of the Legazpi Port district fiesta.

Similarly, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal has issued an executive order (EO) “declaring October 24, 2014 as non-working holiday for city government of Legazpi and public schools within Legazpi Port area in commemoration of Legazpi Port district fiesta.”

Private and public establishments and national offices within the area are likewise encouraged to support the feast of St. Raphael the Archangel as the patron saint of the city by declaring the said date as non-working holiday for its EMPLOYEES.

“The holiday would enable the city parishioners to PAY homage to their patron, St. Raphael the Archangel, and encourage them to show gratitude for the blessings received through his intercession,” the EO stated.

It furthered that the special day would also serve as an occasion for family bonding and reunions, thereby strengthening ties among family members.  (AAN/SAA-PIA5/Albay)


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DTI holds 1st Product Standards Fair in Bicol

BY: SALLY A. ALTEA

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry held on October 21-23 the first Product Standards Fair themed “Product Standards for Safe and Clean Environment” to encourage consumers to patronize quality products and to use innovative products that comply with standards.

DTI Bicol INFORMATION officer Jocelyn Berango said the activity is timely since product standards is a big factor in protecting the environment.

“Considering the frequent occurrence of typhoons and heavy rains, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants to alert the consumers on the effects of the use of uncertified and unsafe products and the destruction that they will bring to people’s lives and properties, “ Berango said.

The fair convened consumers and the business community for them to learn and be familiarized with standards REQUIREMENTS based on Philippine National Standards (PNS) of various DTI regulated products.

Likewise, consumers were discouraged to buy or use cheap and unsafe products for greater economic benefits.

On the part of the manufacturers, the fair served as a venue for them to provide quality products, increase product visibility and generate MARKET leads.

Ten companies exhibited their products which include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, ROOFING MATERIALS, lighting materials, solar panels, tires, black iron and galvanized iron (BI-GI) pipes, fire extinguishers, cement, and other innovative products.

 “These products are guaranteed safe and certified, thereby protecting the environment and the public against unreasonable risks of injury,” Berango added.

Apart from the product exhibit, a Standards Seminar was also conducted and participated in by hardware owners, engineering students, and contractors along with the 3rd Regional Consumerism Challenge for high school students in the region.   (AAN/SAA-PIA5/Albay)
- See more at: http://r05.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2571413964394#sthash.lU8ctIox.jooFG9cE.dpuf

Albay folks join 40-Day People’s Walk for Climate Justice

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 20 (PIA) – The province of Albay is all set in joining the Climate Walk, a 40-day 1000-kilometer (km) journey by foot in solidarity with the global call for climate justice, slated to arrive in the province on October 21.

The Climate Walk in the country started on October 2 at Rizal Park, Luneta Manila set as kilometer zero and will culminate at Tacloban City as ground zero of Yolanda/Haiyan on November 8 in time for the first anniversary of super typhoon’s historic landfall.

“Climate Walk is dedicated to all people in the Philippines and around the world who confront the reality of climate change. It’s time to take action, not just words,” Climate Change COMMISSION chief Naderev “Yeb” Saño said.

Saño has been acclaimed worldwide for his emotional appeal to global leaders to address the impact of climate change at the UN Climate Talk in Warsaw in 2013 days after Yolanda devastated the country particularly Tacloban, his father’s hometown.

He is one of the 30 core walkers along with Alan Burns of the Fast for the Climate and Carolina Climate Action, Manuel Mendoza of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Albert Lozada of Greenpeace Southeast Asia and writer Gregorio Bituin Jr. of Sanlakas.

The Climate Walk Albay leg will arrive in Polangui on October 21 at around 1-2pm and will proceed to Oas at 4-6pm for dinner and rest.

Chief executives, municipal officials and local walkers will meet and join them as they walk from one municipality to the other.

On October 22 they will proceed from Oas around 6am and expected to arrive in Guinobatan around 12-1pm. A Climate Fair will be held in Travesia evacuation center at 5pm.

Afterwhich they will be passing by Camalig and will be bound to the Climate Change Academy in Bicol University for dinner and rest.

On October 23, climate walk will depart from Legazpi to Sorsogon around 6am.

The route will be from Legazpi to Putiao, Pepita, Casiguran, Irosin and Matnog.

They will be travelling by boat from Matnog on October 27 to Eastern Visayas.

The participation of local government units (LGUs) in Albay in the said Walk is also part of the pre-birthday celebration of Governor Joey salceda on October 26.

Climate Walk is part of the initiatives of climate advocates to roll out local climate plans as the initial start of concerted efforts to make local and national policies coherent particularly in adaptation, energy, and finance.

It has been done globally in more than 150 countries to drive momentum for grassroots social action to strengthen global public opinion on climate change and provide the push for countries to finalize a fair, equitable, ambitious and durable new climate agreement at the climate change international conference slated in Paris on 2015.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

PCA steps up defense to curb threat of cocolisap infestation in Bicol

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 14 (PIA) – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has been stepping up its information campaign, monitoring and eradication operations as key strategies in strengthening defense against the threat of Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) or cocolisap infestation in the Bicol region.

PCA Bicol regional manager Mateo Zipagan said part of these strategies is the creation and training of the Bicol CSI Task Force held on October 8-9 at the PCA Albay Research Center in Banao, Guinobatan Albay to further strengthen their stand against the threat of CSI spread in the region.

“This activity aims to strengthen our stand against the threat of CSI spread in all fronts. Focal persons from all provinces and partner agencies in the region will be part of the task force and our field team whenever surveillance and control operations are to be done,” Zipagan said.

He revealed that nine coconut trees in Sta Elena and Del Gallego have been identified as infected with cocolisap but is now under control after conducting trunk injection further noting that a defense line has been established to prevent further spread and ensure proper monitoring.

Quarantine operations has likewise been conducted in the region to prevent the spread of CSI from infested to non-infested areas as specified under Executive Order No. 169.

The said EO aims to establish emergency measures to control and manage the spread and damage of Aspidiotus Rigidus or cocolisap in the country designating the PCA as the lead agency for the purpose.

“Land and seaport checkpoints have been established in all provinces in the region manned by deputized plant quarantine inspector (PQI) and quarantine guards,” Zipagan said.

From the said checkpoints, he cited the interception and return to origin of 500 pieces coconut seedlings and 60 pieces mango seedlings from Unisan, Quezon and confiscation and burning of 30 pieces infested coconut seedlings from Gumaca, Quezon to Macahadoc, Sta Elena, Camarines Norte.  
 
CSI outbreak has been declared in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon.

CCA senior science research specialist Johana Orense said infestation of CSI anchored in masses on the underside of infested leaflet involves yellowing and wilting of infested leaves and eventual drying at advanced stage.

“Among the visible damages are lesser and undersized nuts, shorter leaves and discolored leaflets due to drying and reduced photosynthetic activity,” she said.

Orense noted that among the factors that can trigger pest outbreak factors are temperature, relative humidity, pollutants level, climate change, planting density, susceptibility of host plants and population imbalance of the pest and natural enemies.

“If all the environmental factors favorable to CSI outbreak are met and no interventions or treatment will be made, then an outbreak will most likely occur within a 15 kilometer radius from the focus of infestation in less than a year,” she explained.

Three species of beetles and wasps identified as natural enemies of cocolisap are being mass-produced in the laboratories of PCA and Regional Crop Protection Center.

“These natural enemies are being released to control the population of cocolisap and restore a balanced ecosystem,” Orense said.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)
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DSWD now accepts application for data utilization awards for LGUs

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office, through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), is now accepting applications for the first Gawad Listahanan or the Data Utilization Awards.

The awards are open to local government units (LGUs) to recognize the efforts of our data users in providing services and assistance to the Listahanan-identified poor families.

DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia said the first Gawad Listahanan will focus solely on LGUs but the DSWD is planning to expand the award eligibility to non-government organizations and other stakeholders in the future.

The activity also aims to promote the convergence of all social protection stakeholders on the identified poor to effectively address the different aspects of poverty.

Qualified LGUs will be classified under one of three categories: municipal, city or provincial government.

LGUs may be nominated to the competition provided that they follow a set of minimum standards like: 1) must have an active memorandum of agreement with the DSWD on Listahanan data sharing; 2) funded and implemented a social protection program that provides direct service/intervention to the Listahanan-identified poor, such as but not limited to scholarships, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, and skills/livelihood training; and, 3) must be 100-percent compliant with the annual reportorial requirement of data sharing as stipulated in the agreement (submission of updated reports which includes the list of programs and their respective beneficiaries, who were identified using the database). The participants have until Oct. 15 to submit their entries.

The awarding ceremony will be held during the DSWD anniversary in January next year.

The awardee for each category will receive a plaque citing the highlights of its contribution and/or significance of their partnership with the DSWD and cash incentive of at least Php 50,000 to be provided based on a project proposal that will promote the Listahanan.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)
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