MGB Bicol pushes for responsible mining and geohazard awareness

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 28 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office V recently conducted an orientation and dialogue on Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program with the officials of the municipal government of Nabua Camarines Sur at the Sanggunian Bayan session hall.

MGB Bicol officer-in-charge Engr. Guillermo A. Molina Jr. IV said the SB special session is in line with the on-going priority program of the agency on intensive information and education campaign along with its mandated role in the promotion of responsible mining and community awareness and preparedness in the region.

Technical personnel from Mine Management and Geosciences division of MGB V likewise tackled geohazard concerns and issues, quarry operations and composition and role of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board.

The PMRB is tasked to declare and segregate existing gold-rush areas and small-scale mining, award contracts to small-scale miners, settle disputes, conflicts or litigations over conflicting claims.

It shall likewise accept, process and evaluate applications and determine administrative charges and fees for quarry, sand and gravel, guano, gemstone gathering and small-scale mining permits.

The MGB has earlier identified 40 municipalities in Bicol that are susceptible to natural disasters with the provinces of Camarines Sur and Catanduanes being on top of the lists.

Based on the geo-hazard mapping conducted by the MGB, almost half of Camarines Sur’s municipalities are classified as high risk areas for flooding, which include the towns of Baao, Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Cabusao, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Nabua and San Fernando which are mostly part of the Bicol River Basin.

Catanduanes has been identified as the most landslide-prone province in the region due to rock formations that are already old and cracked and many of its mountains covered with thick soil which erode during heavy rains.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571440733430/mgb-bicol-pushes-for-responsible-mining-and-geohazard-awareness#sthash.YEgjALCn.dpuf

CSC Bicol to lead tree-growing activity for 115th Phl Civil Service anniversary

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 28 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Bicol has enjoined officials and employees of government agencies in the region to participate in the tree plantign and growing activity on September 1, 2015 in Lidong, Sto. Domingo to significantly commence the month long celebration of the 115th Philippine Civil Service anniversary with the theme “Kayang-kaya mo Lingkod Bayani!.”

“This activity aims to imbibe in every civil servant a deep sense of environmental responsibility, as part of their duty to the country as lingkod bayani," said CSC Bicol director Cecilia Nieto.

Nieto added said activity also seeks to raise awareness among government employees about their important role in the implementation of the National Greening Program.

The National Greening Program (NGP) is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the government established by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 issued on Feb. 24, 2011 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

It is a priority program of the government that aims to reduce poverty; promote food security, environmental stability, and biodiversity conservation; and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.

To raise consciousness on environmental protection, participants are also discouraged from bringing plastic bags or containers.

Assembly time is 5:00am at the Peñaranda Park, legazpi City.

For more information, contact CSC office at 480-2332.

Also part of the activities in line with the anniversary celebration are display of anniversary banner in government offices, fun run, Honor Awards Program (HAP) Rites for the 2015 Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan, and CSC Pagasa Awardees, government choral competition (GCC) and special treats for government employees such as discount packages and freebies. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571440731016/csc-bicol-to-lead-tree-growing-activity-for-115th-phl-civil-service-anniversary#sthash.Z5Gfwy4x.dpuf

Albay guv leads Team Albay in quest for Galing Pook citation

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA) - Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda will lead the Team Albay in the province's quest anew for the prestigious Galing Pook award in the panel presentation and interview slated this coming August 31, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Albay, which earlier already bagged a Galing Pook award for disaster management in 2009, claimed a highly coveted spot in the finalist roster for the Team Albay Humanitarian Assistance Program this year

Team Albay is composed of various members coming from the different departments of the Provincial Government of Albay, representatives from several units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, national government agencies and other stakeholders.

The team has been lauded for their quick action and response to the needs of people who have suffered from various predicaments, one instance of which Team Albay was among the first responder to the victims of the Yolanda Typhoon tragedy.

In the schedule provided by the organizers, Team Albay will be the first to present with ten minutes allotted for each presentation, this will be followed immediately by the interview which too shall be allotted ten minutes.

This year, 16 finalists have been chosen to do the presentation and interview.

Ten outstanding programs shall be selected from the 16 finalists and be awarded the honor the next day, September 1, at the same venue.

Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office head Dr. Cedric Daep, expressed confidence in the chances of Team Albay stating in an interview that there is a big chance that the award will be granted.

Aside from the presentation panel and interview, the Galing Pook foundation shall also hold a governance fair at the same venue from August 30 to September 1, where Albay will have its own booth exhibiting Team Albay’s programs and the province’s products.

The governance fair, dubbed Mamamayan Mamamayani, will include activities such as a unity walk, booth exhibits, talks/forums/workshops, cultural shows, and of course, the presentation and interview, and the awarding ceremonies.

The Galing Pook Awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovations and excellence in local governance which started in 1993 under the joint initiative of the Local Government Academy, Department of Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation and other advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society and the government.  (MAL/PIO-PGA/PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771440668127/albay-guv-leads-team-albay-in-quest-for-galing-pook-citation#sthash.eR5X0w23.dpuf

Albay cited local governments, school in 2015 Best in Nutrition Awards

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) --  The provincial government of Albay has cited city and municpal governments, barangays, schools and individuals which have achieved exemplary feat in the implementation of nutrition programs, projects and policies in their respective areas of responsibilities

The Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) stated that among those conferred with the 2015 Best in Nutrition Awards were the municipality of Oas, Barangay Maporong in Oas town, Camalig North District in Camalig town and Taysan Elementary School in Legazpi City topping in the LGU, Barangay, School District, and School categories, respectively.

Governor Salceda, in a message convey by provincial administrator Jesap Salceda, said that the celebration was apt in time for the celebration of Nutrition Month coupled with the Buwan ng Wika noting that education and nutrition goes hand in hand.

Salceda said in FILIPINO that the youth is the key to the success and development of the province of Albay and it is essential that we not only feed their minds but also their bodies.

“Kailangan po nating pangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan, ngunit hindi po sapat na mabusog lamang ang mga bata, kelangan sila ay pakainin ng mga pagkaing puno ng nutrisyon upang ang kanilang katawan ay may lakas na harapin ang araw at ang utak nila ay may kakayahang tanggapin ang kanilang matututunan,” Salceda read.

In the same message, Governor Salceda called on the leaders of the stakeholders to extend the knowledge in nutrition to the students’ families so that they will be able to sustain regularly the nutrition programs that are currently being implemented.

Other winners were 1st Runner-Up -- Tabaco City (LGU), Bagumbayan, Tiwi (Barangay), Camalig South District (School District) and Tumpa Elementary School of Camalig North (School).

The 2nd Runner-Up winners were Guinobatan (LGU), Bacolod, Tabaco (Barangay), Tiwi District (School District) and Bariis Elementary School of Tiwi (School).

For the 3rd Runner-Up, Ligao City (LGU), Bay, Ligao (Barangay), Tabaco South District (School District) and Alimsog Elementary School of Sto. Domingo (School).

And the 4th Runner-Up clinchers were : Camalig (LGU), Villahermosa, Daraga and San Andres, Sto. Domingo (Barangay), Malinao District (School District) and Albay Central School of Legazpi City (School).

The awards were conferred to the winners chosen for effectively implementing sound nutrition programs in their respective levels, vigorously pursuing their nutrition initiatives as well as sustaining them to ensure higher nutritional status of the populace.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771440726785/albay-cited-local-governments-school-in-2015-best-in-nutrition-awards#sthash.W7X1A9vj.dpuf

CBSUA celebrates 30th year, stages Writers Confab in CamSur

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, CAMARINES SUR, Aug. 28 (PIA) --  In time for its 30th anniversary celebration,The Statean campus publication of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)  convened campus writers from various school in Camarines Sur in a  3-day Journalism Confab starting off yesterday until Aug 29 at the Alvaro R. Rabina Hall of the university here.

Dubbed IMPRENTA Tres: Campus Journalism and Creative Writing Convention, the activity endeavored to raise the student’s societal awareness, enhance their critical thinking, cultivate their writing prowess and make information as a significant tool to improve the lives of others.

Bryan A. Cariaga, editor in chief of The Statean and over all chair of Imprenta Tres, said that the confab also aims to enjoin various campus writers in the write-shop activity to have an opportunity to listen to top caliber resource speakers and share their advocacy to his fellow campus journalists.

“ We are celebrating the 30th year of upholding its Karapatan, Katungkulan, Kalayaan, The Statean remains steadfast that through this, the publication will be able to fulfill its vision of advocating social consciousness and promoting holistic development among students,” Cariaga stated.

CBSUA professor and over all consultant of Imprenta Tres said that they have invited tertiary and secondary student writers from the four campuses of CBSUA in Calabanga, Pasacao, Pili, and Sipocot; Ragay National Agrucultural and Fisheries School; Universidad de Sta. Isabel – Pili Campus; Blessed Name of Mary Learning School; Camarines Science Oriented High School; Pili National High School; Rodriguez National High School; and Altamarino-Clacio High School.

On the first day of the confab, lined up topics for discussion include News Writing, Copy Reading and Headline Writing by Jhetro Arthur M. Cledera of DOST-Camarines Sur and former Editor-in-Chief of The Stateans; Developmental Communication Writing by Ana Liza S. Macatangay of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Sur Provincial Office ; and Feature Writing Frank V. Peñones of the Committee on Literary Arts, NCCA.

Also invited to share her thoughts on Field Reporting and Journalism Ethics is   former ABS CBN television reporter Sheila D. Herras. Campus Paper Management was given by Kristiana Michaela P. Embate, of San Jose Pili National High School. She is also the former Editor-in-Chief of The PILLARS, the official student publication of the Ateneo de Naga University.

Carlos Arejola representing the Speakers’ Bureau of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will also discuss Poetry and Creative Nonfiction Writing.

The STATEANS is the official student publication of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). The confab was also in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

LGU Naga reconvenes City’s Natural Family Planning Council

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, August 28 (PIA) --- the city government here has recently reconstituted the Naga City Natural Family Planning Council (NCNFPC) to further strengthen family planning program to address essential issues on the growing socio-demographic problem and ensure that the health needs of every family are met.

The establishment of the council, pursuant to Executive Order No. 2014-037 signed by Bongat in 2014, also aims to address women’s health concerns and enjoin members of the community to support the call to consider modern natural family planning (NFP) as another effective option for couples.

In a meeting held last Thursday, councilor Cecilia “Nene” V. De Asis, co-chair of the NCNFPC, said that the reconstitution of the NCNFPC hopes to share programs on family planning and the idea of unifying the council’s efforts and commitments with the members of the community.

In a report presented during the meeting, De Asis emphasized that the collaborative efforts of the council already gained behavioral change among couples as indicated by the rising new acceptors of modern NFP from 1,095 couples in 2003 to 2,749 couples in 2014.

De Asis added that before the creation of NCNFPC, most of the acceptors are using the traditional method like rhythm and withdrawal.

Since its launching on December 6 last year, NCNFPC has already conducted several programs, such as; trainings and seminars, consultative meetings, NFP Counseling and Service Delivery, production of IEC materials, such as; stickers, book markers, and IEC materials.

Though there is no existing legislation that binds the members of the NCNFPC, the city mayor and the local legislative body consistently provided financial support for the regular conduct of project activities each year.

The Naga City Population and Nutrition Offices take the lead in coordinating and ensuring the implementation of all planned activities.

However, in 2011, the council became inactive as some council members were either transferred to other posts or reassigned in other areas.

With the reconstitution of the NCNFPC, De Asis requested council members to formulate programs and projects to carry out its vision and mission. A Planning-Workshop for the Council members has been scheduled tentatively October 5, solely for this purpose.

The Naga City Natural Family Planning Council was created under the administration of the late former Mayor Jesse M. Robredo.  It is a non-sectarian and non-government arm of the City of Naga responsible to educate the community on Natural Family Planning, and tasked to create and formulate programs and structures that will bring about in a society a human family that protects life and family values. (MAL/LSM, with reports from JCM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Search on for Career Executive Service VIPs and CEOs

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 28 (PIA) -- The Career Executive Service Board (CESB) is calling for nominations for the 3rd Quarter CES Very Innovative Person (VIP) and Cost Effective Officer (CEO) awards.

CESB executive director Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones said the new set of recognition programs is part of their continuing commitment to promote morale and drive greater performance among third level officials

It focuses on the significant innovations and cost effective measures of CESOs and eligibles in areas related to the improvement of operation and stakeholders’ satisfaction in their respective agencies.

Allones said the CES VIP seeks to recognize CESOs and third level eligibles who initiated a novel policy or program that improved operational processes or methods and have assisted in meeting organizational sustainability and/or wellness.

The CES CEO aims to recognize the strategic leadership qualities of CESOs and third level eligibles whose decisions or actions create desired level of performance that leads to the maximum utilization of resources resulting in increased agency savings.

The deadline for submission of nominations is on August 31, 2015.

For more details, visit the CESB website at www.cesboard.gov.ph or call 9514981 local 126.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571440577329/search-on-for-career-executive-service-vips-and-ceos#sthash.IDDiVjvi.dp

65% of target families in Bicol encoded for DSWD’s Listahanan

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 26 (PIA) --The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V has encoded the Family Assessment Forms (FAF) of more than half of the target families to be assessed for the on-going Listahanan program.

According to DSWD Bicol information and technology officer Wilson Ecat, as of August 19, a total of 716,101 or 65% forms were already encoded. This is out of the region’s target of 1, 087, 720 households to be assessed.

The FAF is the main tool used by enumerators assigned in rural areas in the conduct of house to house interviews. It is a four page questionnaire with 52 variables that determines the socio-economic status of a household.

In this phase, the information gathered through the FAF is encoded in the database for Proxy Means Test (PMT) processing.

PMT is a statistical model that approximates family income based on observable and verifiable indicators of the family’s income such as access to basic services and facilities like water and electricity, ownership of assets as well as materials used in housing structure.

Meanwhile, the department has assessed 990, 468 or 91 % of the target households.

The household assessment is expected to be completed this August.

An initial list of poor will be posted  in all barangays to be validated by the community once the assessment is completed.

A local verification committee will be formed to receive and act on complaints and grievances from the community.

Families who were not visited during the enumeration are given a chance to appeal and be assessed.

After the validation, the official and final list of poor families is shared with data users to serve as their basis in selecting beneficiaries of social protection programs.

Listahanan is the DSWD’s information management system that aims to establish a database of poor households that will become beneficiaries of social protection programs.

Consistent with EO 867, the updating of the Listahanan database of poor families shall be done every four years.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)





- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571440549802/65-of-target-families-in-bicol-encoded-for-dswd-s-listahanan#sthash.b9rKBbfG.dpuf

NGCP bares Transmission Development Plan for Bicol

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA) --- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is now mulling application to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the completion of the Naga 200MVA 230/69 kV (kilovolts) transformer under their 2016-2020 Luzon System Development Plan in Bicol to  augment the existing Naga 100 MVA 230/69 kV transformer  which was completed in December 2012,

Included in the application for the 4th regulatory period ( 2016-2010) are the capacitors and transformers of Iriga City (69kVS/s: 2-5  MVAR 69 kV Capacitor),  Ligao Switching Station(3-5  MVAR 69 kV Capacitor), Tiwi (230 kV / 50 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere 230/69 KV transformer) and the Daraga substation (100 MVA 230/69kV transformer).

NGCP, still under the 2016-2020 Luzon System Development is gearing up for the Eastern Albay 69kV Transmission project specifically in Sto.Domingo Sub stations’s 10 MVA 69/13.8 kV Transformer, including the 18-km Tabaco-Sto.Domingo 69 kV line and the Daraga -Sto. Domingo 69 kV line with a  20- km stretch.

Nelson Bautista, NGCP Regional Communications Division head, explained that the project is part of NGCP’s commitment to improve the transmission of electricity from the country’s power generators to the distributors and provide its partners with the utmost competence to push for development in various parts of the country.

“This is also part of NGCP’s 10-year program for expansion, reinforcement and rehabilitation of our transmission system. This is being updated annually and being submitted to ERC for approval,” Bautista added.

NGCP also hopes to finish some development projects under their 2011-2015 system Development Plan which includes the upgrading of Labo Substation 50MVA 230/69 kV transformer which is expected to be completed in February 2016 and the Daraga Substation’s 100 MVA 230/69 kV transformer expected to be fully operational comes June 2016.

Bautista further elaborated that aside from ensuring the efficient transmission of energy, they also see to it that these practices follow the stricter environmental rules.

“NGCP joins all environment advocates in making the air we breathe safe for our countrymen, so we see to it that any development that we undertake does not mean a dent in our fight for a sustainable environment.”

NGCP was awarded with a 50-year franchise to operate and maintain the country’s transmission network.  As such, it was also given the right to operate, maintain, expand and implement development plans to ensure the effective transmission of electricity to its clienteles. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861440467539/ngcp-bares-transmission-development-plan-for-bicol#sthash.0jvX3b76.dpuf



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2 Negosyo Centers soon to open in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA) – Two Negosyo Centers in Albay will be launched tomorrow, August 27, at the porovincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay and Social Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDCen) in LandCo Business Park, both in this city.

DTI Bicol regional director Jocelyn Blanco said Negosyo Centers will cater all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and would-be entrepreneurs in the entire province.

"MSMEs will now enjoy access to financing, business advisory services, capability building, access to market, and other support services,' she said.

The establishment of the center in Albay is aligned with the The “Go Negosyo Act” which provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities, and municipalities in the country.

Negosyo Centers aim to bring government services closer to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  It will boost the development of MSMEs, providing a unified and simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business in the province.

Sen. Bam Aquino, author of Republic Act (RA) 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act is expected to grace the event.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal, the DTI-Bicol Management Team, the officers and members of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council, and other stakeholders are also attending the launching ceremonies.

Small Business (SB) Corporation, the financing arm of the department will also award checks  to some loan grantees  during the ceremony.

Blessing of Negosyo Center at the DTI Albay will be at 11:00  in the morning, which will be followed by the launching of the Negosyo Center at the SEDCen.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771440720567/2-negosyo-centers-soon-to-open-in-albay#sthash.ngjLj7OR.dpuf

Nabua chief exec strengthens advocacy against illegal drugs

Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NABUA, Camarines Sur, Aug. 24 (PIA) --- A few weeks after the Grand Launch of “Tiripon Kontra Droga” held at the Nabua Multi-Purpose gymnasium, Mayor Delia Simbulan of this municipality has reiterated her call to all barangay officials to come up with concrete strategies to realize their dream of a drug-free Nabua.

 Simbulan called on the support of the church, civil societies, school administrators, especially youth organizations to support the LGU’s call not to allow the proliferation of illegal drug in their community. This after her town was portrayed as “bagsakan ng droga” or drug den.

“We, peace-loving people of Nabua, will not allow that our beloved town will be maliciously labeled as such. While we can’t deny the fact that there are drugs circulating here, as other LGUs are also facing, rest assured that we will not allow, not under my leadership, this menace called drugs to ruin our family,” Simbulan stated.

Just recently, Simbulan, together with members of the Sangguniang Bayan commended the Nabua Municipal Police Station (MPS) under the headship of OIC PSI John Murray C. Cutaran for the successful arrest of Marciana Guitierrez Y Romanillos, an illegal drug courier believed to be an illegal drug courier at Paloyon proper, Nabua.

In its joint campaign PNP Nabua and the LGU is aggressively soliciting the community’s help to immediately report to the police any drug-related incidents or persons who are privy in the operation or selling of illegal drugs.  In their FB page, Nabua MPS posted this appeal: “ Huwag matakot magsuplong. Panahon na upang tumulong. Tayo ay magkaisa, problema sa droga ay wakasan na!”

This month, Nabua MPS successfully apprehended drug pushers, peddlers and users and confiscated shabu and drug paraphernalia in the course of their operation. The latest was the Anti-Dangerous drugs buy-bust operation at Brgy. San Juan, Nabua Cam. Sur conducted in cooperation with the operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

This resulted to the arrest of one Ronald Sales y Pelonia 30 y/o , married, a resident of said brgy. and a known drug pusher/peddler at the said place. Found under his possession were one (1) pc. medium heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance of suspected "SHABU",  one (1) pc brown leather coin purse containing nine (9) pcs of medium heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected "MARIJUANA" dried leaves with fruiting tops, two (2)pcs small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, one (1) pc rolled aluminum foil, one (1) pc. stainless scissor and four (4) pcs one hundred peso bills buy-bust money.

This is just the latest in the series of arrests and apprehensions spearheaded by the Nabua MPS.

In 65 days of assumption as OIC of Nabua MPS, Cutaran has put to jail seven (7) drug personalities through their Buy Bust anti-illegal drug operations and application of Search Warrants, with a total of more or less 351.775 grams of methampethamine hydrochloride (shabu) was confiscated from the arrested drug personalities.  Current market value of these confiscated drugs and paraphernalia is estimated at Php 4,150,945.00. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

 - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861440406080/nabua-chief-exec-strengthens-advocacy-against-illegal-drugs#sthash.iUEGbYR6.dpuf

Satellite treatment center for drug-resistant TB now operational

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Aug. 20, (PIA) --The satellite treatment center for the Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT) established by the Provincial Government of Catanduanes in Baras Town is now open.

With the support of the Department of Health, the establishment of the center  aims to eradicate the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis among Catandunganons.

The facility was launched on Aug. 13 and came after the administration of Governor Araceli Wong inked a memorandum of agreement with the corporate-led social development group Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which works in partnership with DOH in support of the national Tuberculosis Control Program.

With the battlecry “TB ay Tuldukan,” the medical service program encourages everyone to show care and not sow fear on TB. The PMDT satellite treatment center in Catanduanes is 5th in Bicol, with the ones in Camarines Norte and Masbate still to be completed.

Dr. Angel Albert Lamban, who heads the center, said that the facility will ensure that all TB patients in the island will be able to access a focused medication program free of charge. It will act as “halfway house” to take care of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) TB cases in the entire province, he added.

Through a grant from the PBSP Global Fund, each MDR case enrolled is provided P150 Daily meal allowance and will receive P20, 000 when they graduated from the 18-month treatment program. With the support from the local government through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the MDR patients will be able to avail of livelihood programs and other income generating projects. Already, 15 Catandunganons who are patients in the Sorsogon treatment center have transferred to the Baras PMDT facility, said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hazel Palmes.

During the program, a patient is expected to take about 15 tablets daily depending on body weight, given using juice, as well as injure 158 injections. They will be given for free ancillary medicines like antihypertensive drugs and insulin, especially TB patients with hypertension and diabetes.

While a patient would have to undergo all necessary laboratory procedures, he/she would have to give consent for the conduct of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test. “If one has HIV, he is most likely to have TB,” Dr. Lamban stressed. “If one has TB, he probably has HIV especially if he has not recovered despite treatment.”

The voluntary HIV testing would be done at the proposed testing center at Bato Maternity and Children’s Hospital, with the testing itself and results kept confidential. Selected BMCH personnel are now undergoing training in HIV screening procedures prior to its eventual operation.

Sputum exam and TB Directly-Observed Treatment Short course (TB DOTS) remains with the rural health units while all Y-ray procedures will be done at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center. Pending completion of the training of the medical technologist who will handle the Gene Xpert, all samples are to be forwarded to Sorsogon for testing.

The PMDT program seek to reduce by half the prevalence and mortalitydue to tuberculosis in the country as stipulated in the Millennium Development Goal, with an estimates 65, 000 cases remaining undetected and untreated.

In Catanduanes, TB ranks 14th among the leading causes of morbidity, with the prevalence rate rising to a high of 360 per 100, 000 population in 2012. Panganiban and Baras had the highest prevalence rates among 11 towns. On the other hand, deaths due to TB was 6th among mortality causes in the last five years, with an average of 14 and a high of 28 0n 2012.

 In her message to the stakeholders during the launching, Governor Araceli Wong urged them to consider all measures to combat Tuberculosis among Catandunganons and encourage sufferers and their families to take advantage of this free medical service, especially those who are hesitant to seek treatment because of the stigma attached to the disease.

Also present were PHO Palmes, Dr. VietrezAbella, health officials, municipal officials and barangay captains, provincial office heads, municipal health officers and delegates from Sorsogon. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841440411578/satellite-treatment-center-for-drug-resistant-tb-now-operational#sthash.obf7l4aj.dpuf

P200B railway transit project from Manila to Matnog in Bicol to help decongest Metro Manila – Sen. Escudero

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug. 20, (PIA) – A railway transit project amounting to more or less $4 billion or P200 billion connecting Manila to Matnog will help decongest Metro Manila, Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero said in a press conference here recently.

"This is a big private public partnership (PPP) project of the government under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino that will be bid out by November this year," he said.

He said that this project will be of greater assistance to the constituents of Camarines Norte as well as in the Bicol Region.

"Travelling through a railway transit is predictable as compared to vehicle which may encounter traffic," he said.

He noted that If the project will push through it will de clog Metro Manila because those employees and workers of Makati may reside in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon or even in Camarines Norte.

The project may be finished more or less 5 years and I hope that in the bidding there would be a responsible winning contractor and be serious in the implementation, he said.

He said that if the project will be good, travel time will be  more or less five hours from Manila to Sorsogon and vice versa.

On the other hand when asked about the project to help the province of Camarines Norte, Senator Chiz said that even other leaders Bicolano or not will spend in infrastructure focusing on agriculture and tourism.

Camarines Norte as well as the whole Bicol Region have huge of tourist sites but it need to be known through a story citing that the Monalisa painting in Paris is just small or two folder size but became well known.

He said that tourism is about a story, like what was behind the Monalisa painting that could encouraged tourists to visit place just to see the painting of Leonardo da Vinci.

He said that we should do stories of what we have in Camarines Norte or in the Bicol Region, tourists sites are not enough if we do not do something.

Escudero also said that the airports in Camarines Norte should also be developed, citing that the province has two airports located in Daet and Jose Panganiban.

What is important is to develop our infrastructure and have a good plan, he said.

"The Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP) is also a potential in tourism but there is lack of funds, aside from me other Bicolano leaders can also help in this endeavor for us to feel the growth of our region," he said.

Senator Escudero also was the guest during the 24th Southern Luzon Area Business Conference held Slast August 13-14 at the Pineapple Island and Resort in Daet. (RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

Fast craft soon to ferry passengers, cargo in Tabaco-Catanduanes vice versa routes

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Aug. 24, (PIA) -- A modern catamaran-type waterjet passenger ferry in the Philippines will soon commence operation in Catanduanes traversing the route of Tabaco-Catanduanes.

Said ferry is under Silangan Lines ( Silangan Express 1) being operated by Cardinal Shipping Lines.

According to  Carlito T. Tariman, owner and operator of Cardinal Shipping Lines who is from Bato town, the venture aims to provide innovation for the people of Catanduanes.

He also cited the recent passage of the Philippine Competition Act, aimed at promoting FILIPINO entrepreneurship and making markets more efficient, and Republic Act 9225 or Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004,which encourages private capital to invest in the shipping industry by creating a healthy and competitive investment and operating environment.

Originally built in Australia, the vessel was recently acquired from Korea shipping firm Seodong Maritime Company,Lltd.

The vessel was registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina-V) under the name M/V Silangan Express 1.

It is double aluminum-hulled passenger craft, called a catamaran, and is driven not by conventional propellers but by two water jet engines, which basically works like the engine of jet aircrafts.

At present, Regina Shipping Lines is the only shipping company operating in the island.

Once operational, Silangan Express 1 will help in providing faster and more convenient travel from Catanduanes to Tabaco. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/ Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841440600689/fast-craft-soon-to-ferry-passengers-cargo-in-tabaco-catanduanes-vice-versa-routes#sthash.rO7i643v.dpuf

PNP Bicol nabs alleged DSWD fixer

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Legazpi City Station arrested a suspected fixer right at the Department of  Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office here during an entrapment operation.

DSWD Bicol information officer Connie R. Barrameda said the operation emanate from DSWD’s request for police assistance because of the alleged illegal activities of fixers in the department.

“An entrapment operation was immediately hatched with the help of concerned DSWD client who reported the said irregularities which resulted to the arrest of the suspect Leuilyn Flores, 34 years old and a resident of Tagongtong, Legazpi City,” Barrameda said.

According to the DSWD’s client from Homapon, Malinao, Albay she accompanied her niece to ask for burial assistance of the latter’s husband on August 17, 2015.

She said Flores approached her to give an intake sheet but asked for P500.00 in exchange upon receiving the cash assistance and allegedly threatened her if she refused to give the money.

The entrapment was planned on that same day upon release of the burial assistance as both parties agreed to meet and proceed with the transaction leading to the arrest of the culprit.

The five hundred bill marked money, which the client handed to Flores was recovered and will be used as evidence.

Barrameda thus warns the public to be vigilant in dealing with fixers who charge certain fees for getting queue numbers on the medical and burial assistance of the department.

“The said assistance is intended to help persons in need and not the ruthless people who take advantage to these vulnerable clients. The agency would not tolerate any kind of irregularity and hope this also serves as a lesson to the public not to engage or transact with fixers,” she said.

The General Intake Sheet (GIS) is used in gathering information/data. The GIS serves as one of the basis for the assessment as to how much assistance to be extended to the client.

The field office releases 60 intake sheets for medical and burial clients’ every day. This is to ensure the fast, smooth, and organized processing of the assistance needed by the clients.

The clients will then be pre-screened by Crisis Intervention Section staff to check whether they brought the complete supporting documents for the assistance being requested.

Accordingly, the amount of financial assistance to be given to the clients shall be based on the assessment of the social worker.

Meanwhile, the requirements for medical /burial assistance include original and photo copy of medical abstract/medical Certificate with signature and license number of attending physician issued within three months, death certificate, original and photo copy of hospital bill or billing statement if hospitalized, doctor’s prescription, laboratory requests, original and photo copy of barangay certificate or residency/indigency, two photo copies of any valid ID of the client.

Under the Protective Services Unit, the E-AICS (Expanded Aid for Individuals in Crisis Situation) provides medical, educational, burial and transportation assistance to persons/families in crisis situations, specifically those belonging to the informal sector and other poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals.(MAL/SAA/DSWD5/PIA5)

DENR, PIA install LaKAsLIKASAN natin Billboard in Pilar, Sorsogon

PILAR, Sorsogon, Aug.18  (PIA) – One of the two LaKAsLIKASAN natin billboards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for Sorsogon province was installed just recently near Pilar port in Brgy. Binanuahan, Pilar, Sorsogon.

The 11 feet x 10 feet billboard bearing the tagline “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago” (Time changes, Its High Time to Change) is a tactical reinforcement to the DENR-PIA’s Climate Change Adaptation Advocacy Campaign’s objective of weakening apathy to people’s environmental agenda.

PIA Sorsogon Information Center manager Benilda Recebido said that under the campaign, wide-ranging communication strategies and activities were launched by the DENR and PIA to spread information to the public, and one of the strategies is the installation of LaKAsLIKASAN natin billboard in identified areas.

LaKAsLIKASAN is a merged phrase of “Lakas” (strength) and “Kalikasan” (environment) which objective is to make everyone understand that the environment is our strength and instil in every individual the appreciation of natural elements and environs such as seas and oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, trees and forests, among others, therefore, everyone must take responsibility in its conservation and preservation.

Recebido added that the activity is also to popularize comprehensive facts of environment’s benefits and in the case of Pilar, a coastal billboard was installed with the advocacy campaign’s “Pangalagaan natin ang ating Karagatan” (Let’s take good care our seas).

She further said that tourists and ordinary folks can also help promote the advocacy by taking “selfie” or “groupie” photos that they can upload and post in the internet or share with their friends, relatives and acquaintances.

The accessibility to people of all walks of life and the extent of the LGU’s desire determined the choice of where the billboard will be installed.

PIA Bicol regional director Aida Alcazar-Naz said the experience of climate change’s upshot nowadays is becoming ‘normal’ and the natural resources is already taken for granted especially the seas. “The installation of the billboard is beneficial in providing the public with the information and a reminder to everyone who would see it to dynamically take part in caring for the seas without waiting for the government to move.

Meanwhile, Pilar Mayor Dennis Sy-Reyes thanked the DENR and PIA for choosing their place as the billboard installation site. He said as a coastal municipality, the preservation of the sea would remain as the LGU’s priority particularly that majority of Pilarenos depend on it for their source of livelihood.

Binanuahan Brgy. Captain Roy Lumbao vowed to help promote the advocacy to protect mother earth and would implement measures advantageous to the conservation and preservation of marine resources most predominantly in his area of concern.

The blessing of the billboard was immediately followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by the DENR, PIA and LGU-Pilar, while everyone enjoyed taking turns in taking ‘selfie’ and ‘groupie’ pictures in the billboard expressing their support and commitment to the advocacy.

This joint DENR-PIA Climate Change Adaptation Advocacy Campaign is implemented nationwide and the local information campaign to address climate change issues in the provincial level is coursed through its various partners, primarily the LGUs.

Meanwhile, another billboard will soon be installed at the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park near Bulusan Lake. (MAL/BAR/CLDeyto-PIA5/Sorsogon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/801440384576/denr-pia-install-lakaslikasan-natin-billboard-in-pilar-sorsogon#sthash.uYXcOpdG.dpuf

PhilHealth strengthens campaign on ALAGA KA program in Camarines Norte

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, August 19 (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provincial office here conducted a series of information campaigns on ALAGA KA program and on site registration in the towns of Paracale, Labo and Jose Panganiban recently.

Chief Social Insurance Officer Ireneo Dacillo of the Local Health Insurance Office Camarines Norte said that ALAGA KA program is a collaboration between PhilHealth, Departhment of Health (DOH), Local Government Units and other stakeholders in the health sector to make sure that indigent members and those from the near poor segment of the population are properly instructed on how to avail of these basic health services at the rural health units and health centers.

He said that in Barangay Tugos and Tawig Paracale they delivered and distributed 1,135 Member Data Records (MDR) to senior citizens, registered and released another 38 for new members of the said sector.

The team also conducted and discussed with the elderly the requirements for Senior Citizen membership, availment of their benefits, correct computation and privilege during hospitalization.

In another day in Barangay Tugos in Paracale through its Barangay Chairman Abelito Valeros requested for an information education campaign for its constituents.

Along with this is the online registration and amendments of records for all sectors with the members in the said barangay and all other nearby and adjacent barangays in Batobalani, Tawig, Palanas, Poblacion Sur and Poblacion Norte.

Gathering about 300 attendees, the team created and amended more than a hundred MDR in the database serving among those several new members, senior citizens and mostly those from the indigent sector.

On the other hand onsite registration was also conducted in Mt. Labo Exploration and Development Corporation, Inc. officers and employees at Tulay na Lupa in Labo town.

The officers and employees were informed about the benefits and availment as well as the general knowledge of their program.

Meanwhile validation and online registration for new members, senior citizens and other concerned sectors in Barangay Larap in Jose Panganiban town were also held.

Dacillo said that amendments of member data records for indigents along with the enlistment and profiling task of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) were also done by the PhilHealth team in the area.

He said that the team served 12 new members, 8 among them are shifters from sponsored to individually paying members and has amended 158 MDR of indigent members in Barangay Larap.

The activity is being delivered by the LHIO here to improve members’ awareness towards PhilHealth programs and to empower members as well.

This is also to address members’ concern in terms of benefit availment by providing accessible and mobile service to our clients, he said. (MAL/RBM, with reports from PhilHealth-PIA5/Camarines Norte)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/871439953735/philhealth-strengthens-campaign-on-alaga-ka-program-in-camarines-norte#sthash.17sbf8s5.dpuf

Albay's Search for Outstanding Principals on

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 18 (PIA) – The Search and Awards Committee (SAC) of the Albay Council for Education (ACE) has retained the category for outstanding principals of the Gawad Albay sa Edukasyon program with ten successful nominees considered for the award.

The committee has earlier suspended the Three Outstanding Principals in the Countryside of Albay (TROPICAL) award since it only received eight nominations, falling below the minimum ten nominations, but Albay governor Joey Salceda vetoed the said decision insisting that the committee should exert extra efforts to locate and convince deserving awardees to participate in the annual search.

With the retention of the award and through the committee’s diligent efforts, four more nominees were added coming from the Ligao and Tabaco divisions, which earlier did not field any nominees.

The TROPICAL pool of nominees even reached 12 but the other two nominees did not meet the set of requirements.

Albay board member and committee on education chair Richard Benjamin Imperial said that the proposed scrapping of the TROPICAL was due to the fact that many principals from Albay find production and submission of the requirements too tedious while others have already been conferred with the award. Thus the number of legible candidates is dwindling.

“There may come a time when TROPICAL may become an All-Star event, we would be pitting past winners against each other,” Imperial said.

 Three Outstanding Principals in the Countryside of Albay (TROPICAL) is a search to identify and reward three principals in the province whose leadership resulted to academic excellence, social relevance, organizational efficiency and the recognition of their school.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay/Albay PIO)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571439887797/albay-s-search-for-outstanding-principals-on#sthash.G1V9vLIa.dpuf

DTI Albay holds forum on consumer laws for motorcycle dealers

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 19 (PIA) – The Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay provincial office recently conducted the forum on consumer laws for motorcycle dealers at the DTI Albay conference room with some 21 motorcycle  business owners and dealers.

DTI Albay director Rodrigo M. Aguilar informed the participants on the department’s mandate to promote business and protect consumers reminding them to comply with the requirements of various agencies for motorcycle registration to avoid violations and administrative penalties.

He also encouraged the attendees to cooperate and join hands with the DTI and concerned agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to minimize consumer complaints.

Joseph L. Rañola of DTI Bicol tackled the Consumer Act of the Philippines and amplified the provisions on warranty and unconscionable sales act and practices.

Dennis L. Loria of LTO Bicol also imparted steps and requirements for motorcycle registration while SPO1 Valentin G. Barba of HPG in the region provided participants with different forms and procedures in securing motorcycle cflearance from their office.

Barba also gave some tips on how to avoid carnapping and motornapping.

During the open forum, the participants raised questions relative to the conduct of their business operations. Some procedures and requirements to facilitate release of registration papers were also clarified.

At the end of the activity, the participants expressed their appreciation for the topics presented and agreed to cooperate with the various agencies for protection and satisfaction of the customers.(MAL/SAA/DTI5/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571439972201/dti-albay-holds-forum-on-consumer-laws-for-motorcycle-dealers#sthash.a8HjOXev.dpuf

Albay steps up VAW reporting and documentation

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 18 (PIA) – The province of Albay has been chosen as one of the provinces in the country that will implement the National Violence Against Women Documentation System (VAWDocS) of the Philippine Commission on Women.

VAWDocS is a secure web-based documentation system that facilitates and integrates the collection of standardized data on violence against women (VAW) from concerned government agencies, local government units and other service providers handling VAW cases.

The documentation system is used to collect and integrate data on incidents of VAW from various service providers, enforce data security/privacy mechanisms when collecting data on VAW cases, provide an accurate picture of the magnitude of VAW in the country, track the services accorded to VAW victim-survivors by various service providers and produce regular national reports that show trends in VAW incidents.

In preparation for its implementation the Gender Awareness Development (GAD) Office of the province has partnered with the PCW in conducting a leveling-off session on the requirements to implement the VAW Documentation System aimed at educating primary service providers and stakeholders that have joined forces in battling violence against women.

Representatives from the LGUs of Tiwi and Polangui, two pilot municipalities who have implemented GAD programs, social workers, representatives from the Women and Children Protection Unit of the PNP, and officers from the PGA joined the said session to learn about the new system and plan the development in complying with the requirements needed in implementing the project.

A representative from the PCW conducted the lecture and noted the key advantages of implementing the system citing the collection of accurate data where double counting is eliminated, a development of a system that harmonizes all concerned agencies, the generation of statistics which can be used in guiding national and local policies, and as a monitor to the progress in addressing VAW concerns.

The levelling-off activity is only the first of a series of steps that needs to be undertaken to realize fully the implementation of the VAWDocS.

More training will be undertaken particularly for service providers and stakeholders on the barangay level this coming October and November. Full implementation of the system is expected to be in place after these training sessions.

Earlier this week, PCW Executive Director Emeline L. Verzosa commended Albay Governor Joey Salceda and the PGA for its active engagement and commitment in implementing PCW-AECID projects, noting that Albay has improved significantly in mainstreaming gender concerns and addressing women’s issues under the governor’s leadership.(MAL/SAA/PIO-Albay/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571439868665/albay-steps-up-vaw-reporting-and-documentation#sthash.5Wlp9dhv.dpuf

DA-PRDP Bicol opens new development opportunities for Bicol cities, towns

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) -- The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) in Bicol has approved at least ten infrastructure development and agro-industrial enterprise development sub-projects (SPs) in the region boosting the thrust to achieve an inclusive, market-oriented, and climate-resilient agri-fishery sector

Engr. Abelardo Bragas, regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol and chair of the RPAB under the DA Philippine Rural Development Project (DA PRDP) Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO), said the board has recently endorsed during its 7th meeting by virtue of a resolution the second batch of 2015 PRDP SPs to the PRDP Project Support Office South Luzon through resolutions.

RPAB is an inter-agency and multi-disciplinary team that reviews and approves proposals for PRDP funding,

The recent meeting was the first of RPAB participated in by municipality and city project management and implementation units (M/CPMIUs) as PRDP now accepts proposals from local government units (MLGUs) that are interested to participate in the project implementation.

Bragas said the RPAB approved seven infrastructure development SPs with a total value of P894,467,130.5 in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Sorsogon and Albay; Legazpi City; Virac, Catanduanes; and Placer and Esperanza towns in Masbate.

He added that the board also approved three agro-industrial enterprise development SPs such as the P22,345,000-worth Pineapple Trading and Processing Project in Camarines Norte; P7,732,961.57-worth Coco Sap Sugar Manufacturing Enterprise in Camarines Sur; and P24,773,220-worth Abaca Fiber Processing and Trading Enterprise in Camarines Norte.

These agro-industrial enterprises, according to him, are projected to benefit a total of 13,559 farmers, rural women, and cooperative members in their respective communities.

Also, the RPAB approved the variation orders for 2014 SPs with No Objection Letter 2 namely the Upgrading of Cuco-Bagong Silang Farm-to-Market Road in Pasacao, Masbate; Rehabilitation of San Isidro–Pag Oring Nuevo Farm-to-Market Road in Libmanan, Camarines Sur as well as the Rehabilitation/Improvement of Pistola-Tablon Road With 3 Units Bridges in Oas, Albay.

DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research and Regulation Segfredo R. Serrano, told the participants that the PRDP is a model of DA’s institutionalization of planning protocols in which clients and beneficiaries are given ownership of the projects through consultations.

 Meanwhile, Mayor Ian Peter S. Sepulveda of Esperanza, Masbate, whose P91,007,831.62-worth infrastructure development sub-project was approved by the RPAB, said that his people is eternally grateful to the PRDP for the concrete solution to rural poverty in his municipality.

An Orientation on PRDP for local government units was conducted by the PRDP RPCO V on August 7, 2015 at the DA Bicol in San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur to appraise other LGUs that expressed their intent to join the Project.

The 7th RPAB meeting was the first assembly of the official RPAB chaired by the DA regional executive director and composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) as mandated in the PRDP National Advisory Board Resolution No. 1, series of 2015 issued on May 4, 2015.  (MAL/DA5/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771439859914/da-prdp-bicol-opens-new-development-opportunities-for-bicol-cities-towns#sthash.7EBp0HqB.dpuf

PNoy, to lead commemoration of Robredo's death anniversary, multisectoral forum in Naga City

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA)  ---  President Benigno Aquino III will lead Tuesday, August 18, the commemoration of the third death anniversary of and pay homage to Jesse M. Robredo, former Mayor of this city and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, cognisant of his exemplary feat in pursuit of good governance towards "matuwid na daan".

Malacanang also declared August 18, this year, a Special Non-Working Holiday by virtue of Proclamation Order No. 1103 dated August 13, 2015, to give Nagueños opportunity to commemorate the death anniversay of Robredo, who has since been acclaimed as this city’s pride and honor.

Aquino will be joined by Rep. Leni Robredo and her immediate family, along.with some Cabinet secretaris, in a visit the grave of Robredo at the Eternal Gardens wherein they will lead a People’s Flower Offering along side with the  Presidential Wreath and City Wreath.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 am for and among family and relatives of the late Jesse, prior to the arrival of the President.

After paying his homage to Robredo's grave, President Aquino, along with his entourage including the district and city officials, and sectoral leaders, among others will proceed to the Naga City Hall Grounds for the JMR Anniversary Commemorative Program and Multi-Sectoral Forum.

While the Presidnet is en route to the city, Naguenos will join the Good Governance Walk dubbed “Tsinelas Walk” or “Yapak ni Jesse” from the Eternal Gardens via Balatas Road-Magsaysay Avenue-Taal Avenue up to at the city hall grounds.

During the said forum, testimonials coming from representative from three different sectors, including the youth to be represented by a former City Youth Official (CYO); Lakas ng Kababaihan, a women's organization established by Rep. Leni Robredo, and the Urban Poor.

More or less 3,000 locales and visitors are expected to witness the momentous occasion.

Also earlier tomorrow, the JMR Fun Bike will commence at 6:00 am from the JMR Coliseum to Eternal Gardens.

Robredo was Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) until he died on August 18, 2012 when his light chartered plane crashed off Masbate waters on his way back to Naga City from a speaking engagement in Cebu City.  (MAL/LSM, with reports from Jam Madrid, PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861439806066/pnoy-to-lead-commemoration-of-robredo-s-death-anniversary-multisectoral-forum-in-naga-city#sthash.2KyVu3OG.dpuf

Japanese investor, DSWD Bicol forge partnership to train, employ 4Ps beneficiaries

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA)  - A Japanese firm has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office to provide trainings and opportunities for employment to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps)

Bicol regional directo Arnel Garcia of DSWD regional director said the Japanese firm, Aderans Philippines Inc., has forged partnership deal with DSWD for the employment of workers belonging to families presently enrolled with the government’s 4Ps in factory and community based wig production.

According to Garcia, a total of 500 4Ps beneficiaries ages 17-25 years old from Libmanan, Minalabac and other nearby municipalities in Camarines Sur will benefit from the said partnership.

The employement arrangement is part of DSWD’s transition plan in order to assure that the current socio-economic conditions of 4Ps beneficiaries will be sustained and continue to improve.

Garcia, along with DSWD Bicol assistant regional director for operations Corazon Miña, signed the MOU  with Aderans Philippines Inc. director and general manager Masao Kaneko , assistant general manager Norio Asakawa and  the subcontractor Anando Marketing & Services led by company treasurer Evangeline Anastacio.

Garcia recognized the aptitude of the business sectors to provide employment and enterprise development for the disadvantaged, particularly the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14.

Meanwhile, DSWD will fund  P4.5 million for the food and transportation of the participants in their 30 days training on wig making.

The Anando Marketing & Services whose engaged in the business of trading, marketing, repairs and sub-contracting of personal goods such as wigs and  make-up will  conduct the  technical/skills training to the DSWD referred participants.

While, Aderans Philippines Inc. a manufacturer and world wide exporter of hairpieces and related accessories will provide employment to the DSWD beneficiaries after they undergone training. The company operates in Clarkfield Pampanga and the head office is based at Tokyo, Japan. MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771439792971/japanese-investor-dswd-bicol-forge-partnership-to-train-employ-4ps-beneficiaries#sthash.7wQ1kvSu.dpuf

Albay pursues competency trainings for implementers of GAD programs, policies

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- Albay's Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the GAD Focal Point System Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG) has since July this year been conducting a series of provincewide orientation-training sessions and seminars to enhance the GAD competencies of implementers in the province’s three cities and 15 municipalities.

GFPS-TWG chair Cynthia Samalea said the orientation trainings aims to train the implementers among LGUs in developing gender responsive plans, policies, programs and activities (PPAs).

The series of activities, which started with the organization of their respective local GFPS, was launched in the municipalities of Bacacay, Camalig, Pioduran and Guinobatan which will undergo the successive training sessions until such time that they can level off the mainstreaming of their 5-percent budget to GAD-related PPAs, write a workable GAD plan and draft their own GAD Code.

According to Samalea, after the training sessions attended mostly by department heads -- including the Philippine National Police Women’s Desk and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, the participants are also expected to conduct said training activities for their respective barangays for total GAD awareness.

She furthered that in order to sustain the initial gains of the project, the replication of the good practices in the localization of the MCW must be pursued in all municipalities provincewide.

"The Albay GAD Office, in partnership with Philippine Council for Women-AECID, shall continue to support the limited gender mainstreaming initiatives of these municipalities and provide technical assistance until such time that the LGUs are capable of working on the sustainability of its GAD programs,” she said.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771439794443/albay-pursues-competency-trainings-for-implementers-of-gad-programs-policies#sthash.iLWgTa95.dpuf

Social workers in Bicol to train on Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) – Cognisant of the need to address drug abuse problem and carry out measures to prevent this social menace, the government social welfare agency has stepped up information, education and communication, and advocacy drive for families.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office, in cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol regional office, has commenced series of the First Level Basic Trainer’s Training on Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP).

FDAPP will be participated in by personnel of the local social welfare offices and other entities in the region who will train on the implementation/replication of social technology project on Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program.

DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia explained that the family, as the most basic unit of society, plays an essential role in the prevention of drug abuse, hence they, especially the elders, need to be aware of the basic concepts and the early signs of substance abuse and effective techniques for intervention designed to prevent drug abuse.

The country today faces many challenges, such as increasing violence, continuous erosion of moral values, high incidence of poverty and the rampant use of prohibited drugs, thus it is but the duty and responsibility of every citizen to help address and prevent the uptrend of these social and moral menaces.

Report on the national drug situation during the National Drug Summit in June, 2001 stated that in the past years, there were only 20,000 users using only marijuana, a locally produced drug.  After 29 years, instead of abating the problem, it worsened  and as per report, majority of the abuses are the youth.

FDAPP is a community based prevention program which aims to educate and prepare families and their members as well as the communities regarding the adverse effects of drug abuse.

It involves the promotion of family life enrichment activities to enhance cohesive, bonding and harmonious relationship among family members.

It further aims to equip the families with parenting and life skills towards a drug free home. The program shall be adopted by the national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations and other concerned entities.  (MAL/EEJ/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771439430760/social-workers-in-bicol-to-train-on-family-drug-abuse-prevention-program#sthash.8vyTMTrE.dpuf

2015 Volunteerism Summit set Aug. 19-21 in Tagaytay City

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) – Pilipinas Natin, a volunteer movement that helps harness the Filipino’s potential for greatness, invites community youth leaders and facilitators, information officers and advocacy workers in the 2015 Volunteerism Summit set on Aug. 19-21, this year at the Tagaytay  International Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

Invictus Buenaventura, event secretariat, said the 2015 Volunteerism Summit intends to gather school and community-based youth leaders and facilitators, among other social mobilizers to delve on best working practices in engaging the youth through social communications in various forms.

Pilipinas Natin, which operates under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO), fullfils its mandate by connecting government with the people- by forming a volunteerism movement that create an enabling environment for people to care, share and support one another in order to build healthy, humane and nurturing communities that embodies our aspiration for an empowered nation.

The 2015 Volunteerism Summit will provide a venue among partcipants to learn effective social communication tools and practices that they can later apply in organizing advocacy campaigns and mobilizing volunteers in their respective schools and communities.

“We hope we can inspire them with our successful community development initiatives and nation building advocacies through the presentations and testimonials from our resource persons comprised of youth leaders, government offiials, motivational speakers, celebrities and media practitioners, among others,” Buenaventura said.

The summit will evolve on the theme “ Information that Inspires Youth Involvement”.

Buenaventura furthered that overtime, the youth will be able to develop a community of young servant leaders and facilitators committed to practice inner leadership and servanhood in their respective schools and communities.

The new school year 2015-2016, according to him, will be a defining year for the Filipino youth to learn from the current challenges of the country and the broadening influence of social media.

“We need to empower our youth leaders and facilitators to become influential communicators that inspire action for common good,” he said.

Registration for the 2015 Volunteerism Summit costs P4,500 that include hotel accommodation, food and program materials for the 3 days-2 nights event.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771439342470/2015-volunteerism-summit-set-aug-19-21-in-tagaytay-city#sthash.Rg37i6ql.dpuf

Leni Robredo recalls self-sacrifices of schoolchildren in Camarines Sur

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

 NAGA CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) --- While some children savor the comfort of a school bus and a hefty amount of “baon” to get them through the day in school, other young souls in her congressional district have to transcend dangerous bridges and navigate slippery roads just to listen to their teacher’s lectures and pick up some nuggets of knowledge that they can bring back home.

Speaking before some Cabinet members, local government officials and stakeholders at the launching of the national school-based immunization program here, Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo underscored this sacrifice of schoolchildren in parts of Camarines Sur.

She said she witnessed their sad plight during her visits in their localities.

“In our district, we had stories of schoolchildren who had to brave dangers just to go to school and have a shot at a better life. During my regular and frequent visit to the barangays, I had EXPERIENCE the dangerous passages and I could only imagine the worries and anxieties of their parents.”

Robredo cited Sitio Ilihan in Barangay Tomagodtod in the coastal town of Calabanga where schoolchildren have to pass through a wobbly and shaky bridge.  The bridge is perilously situated over Tigman River before they can get to the nearest school.

The bridge becomes more treacherous during the rainy season and harsh weather conditions, she said.

Robredo said pupils who are living near the riverside villages of Borobaybay in Magarao, Palo, San Nicolas, Iquin and Mangayawan in Canaman have to cross the vast Bicol River, lodging themselves on boats without outriggers.

These snags had been addressed with the replacement of the old hanging bridge in Sitio Ilihan. A spill way was also constructed there. So that the schoolchildren need not cross the Bicol River, Robredo, through her congressional allocation, built the Palo Integrated School for pupils residing in the riverside.

But the children’s troubles do not end there.  Robredo lamented that the dangers of their trek to their school overshadow the rising incidence of malnutrition among children in various municipalities in the third congressional district.

“Naga City has a low percentage of underweight preschool children at just about 5 percent.  But incidence in some towns climbs to almost 20 percent. I know that the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department of Interior and Local Government and other mandated agencies are working to change these numbers and ensure that immunization reaches especially children from poor families,” Robredo added.

In recognition of these efforts, Robredo lauded the implementation of the school-based immunization programs.

Ensuring the health needs of children will make them productive citizens of the country and proficient partners in nation-building, she said.

“As a mother of three, I believe that investing in protecting our sons and daughters, our future leaders and builders, from diseases means investing in the future,” she added. (EAD/LSM/PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861438843111/leni-robredo-recalls-self-sacrifices-of-schoolchildren-in-camarines-sur#sthash.wXyAdKsX.dpuf

DILG chief cites Catanduanes for 2015 Seal of Good Governance

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Aug. 11 (PIA) – Sec. Manuel Roxas III of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has cited the Provincial Government of Catanduanes and Governor Araceli B. Wong for notching the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance.

In his letter to Wong, Roxas said with the conferment of the SGLG the province can access the performance challenge fund for this year and will be allowed to secure the GFH certification for loan purposes, and provides an opportunity to other national program windows like Bottom-Up Budgeting Program and the SALINTUBIG program, subject to specific program guidelines.

The Seal of Good Governance requires LGU’s to meet the standards of the three core components and at least one of the essential components of bringing the services of the government on its highest level.

Meanwhile, Wong expressed in return her gratitude to the DILG chief citing that Catanduanes was able to capped said achievement through the help of all her constituents.

The assessment was conducted in 2014 as basis for the conferment of the 2015 seal. Catanduanes has met all the criteria of the core components of the seal as follows: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness.

The province has also met two of the three essential components of the seal, namely business-friendliness and competitiveness and peace and order. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

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- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841439343816/dilg-chief-cites-catanduanes-for-2015-seal-of-good-governance#sthash.WAwLkmmf.dpuf

Bicol reporters take up newsroom workshop on climate change

By Sally Atento-Altea

 LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA)–-Government communicators and members of the media in Bicol who were interested in agriculture and the science of climate change went to a workshop conducted by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc.(PAJ), the leading group of journalists and information officers in the country who cover agriculture.

The workshop was held last July 31 and Aug. 1 at Ninong’s Hotel in this city and was attended by journalists from print, TV, radio and government information officers.

Dubbed “Climate Change: Gets Mo Na Ba?,” the event provided participants “science-based” information on climate change, agriculture, food security and human safety, the techniques in data interpretation and planning on information dissemination.

The thrust, according to PAJ president Roman F. Floresca, was to help journalists craft better and more science-based stories about the issues of climate change.

The global climate change, described by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as the accelerated warming up of the Earth, has generated low media reportage, according to an online report of one of the workshop organizers, the Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute.

The IRR report said numerous scientists and experts around the world have expressed their concern at media discussions on climate change that “lack accurate information or are too technical for the public.”

“We aim to laymanize climate change processes and terminologies and enable journalists in the Bicol region to write, publish and broadcast better and more stories (about the matter),” said Floresca, also the business editor of Philippine Star.

The discussants underscored the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security and the critical role of journalists in enriching public understanding on the matter.

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) communication head Tony Lambino recommended writing stories that depict the “positive, hopeful and reformist” side to the climate change because they ”can more likely lead to progress.”

Two of Lambino’s examples were rice varieties ready for climate change conditions such as drought, rising sea level, heavy floods and intense heat; and success stories of farmers who were able to propagate and gain increased yield through “climate smart farming strategies.”

“Positive and hopeful news make readers think that they can do something,” he said. “(This thinking) can prompt them to be inspired and take action.”

Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists (PNEJ) president Imelda Abaño tackled the state of climate change reportage.

She expressed concern at the low media reportage on science, the communication gap between scientists and journalists, and the lack of resources of the media to report science.

For journalists who struggle to report climate, her advice was to understand the science of climate change, go beyond press releases, get the right news sources and report more on the human factor of climate change.

“We need more stories on gender dimension taking into account its impact on men and women, indigenous peoples, the plight of our farmers, following the money such as the people’s survival fund and champions of CCA and DRR,” she said.

By CCA and DRR, she meant climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

At the workshop, the participants tried to prove their enhanced skills in climate change news reporting by crafting articles regarding the higlights of the event.

Some of the participants even shared their personal insights and observations and offered measures to implement climate-related initiatives, programs and advocacies.

The event was supported by Department of Agriculture, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Smart Communications, Philex Mining Corp., CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security in Southeast Asia, World Agroforestry Center and IRRI. (EAD/SAA/PIA5/Albay)  



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571439170847/bicol-reporters-take-up-newsroom-workshop-on-climate-change#sthash.qUfFEcCe.dpuf

Girls get free vaccine vs cervical cancer

By Ana-Liza  S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA)—To help slash the number of cervical cancer deaths every year, the Department of Health has rolled out the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program among young girls with parental consent in the 20 poorest provinces in the country.

The program was introduced among Grade 4 female students along with the launch of school-based immunization against measles, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis last Aug. 3 in Camarines Sur.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and local governments are part of the program.

During the launch at Camarines Sur National High School, girls aged 8-9 availed of the free cervical cancer shots, which the World Health Organization had described as “highly efficacious” in preventing infection responsible for roughly 70 percent of cervical cancer cases globally.

In her keynote address, Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Leni Robredo appealed to young women to avail themselves of this free service so they “can prevent cervical cancer.”

Robredo noted that at least 12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer every year.

But, Robredo said, a single dose of the HPV vaccine from DOH and DILG may be enough to ward off cervical cancer. Next to breast cancer, cervical cancer is the top cancer killer among Filipino women.
“Through the immunization program, young women with consent from their parents can now be vaccinated for free against HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer.  We, as public officials, cannot sit by doing nothing.  With a stronger school-based and community immunization system, we are doing something innovative, timely and crucial in promoting public health,” Robredo said.

Health Secretary Janette Garin stressed that only students with parental or guardian consent will receive the vaccine.

She appealed to the community to support the program.

Garin said cervical cancer can be treated and cured if detected early through screening.

Women who wish to avail themselves of free cervical cancer screening in Camarines Sur are adviced to visit the Rural Health Units (RHU) in Camaligan (2 RHUs) , Ocampo (2), Bombon (2), Calabanga (2), Pili (2), Naga (3 ) and Canaman (3). (EAD/LSM/PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861438853619/girls-get-free-vaccine-vs-cervical-cancer#sthash.JOsUEH7h.dpuf

Mayon Triathlon year 2 kicks off Ibalong Festival 2015

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) – The 2nd Mt. Mayon Triathlon held yesterday kicked off this year’s Ibalong Festival wherein 300 local and international athletes took the challenge of going through 1.5 km sea water swim, 40 km rustic bike ride and 10 kilometer uphill run.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the city government made use of the Ibalong Festival as tool for promoting the city not only locally but internationally as well that is why for this year the focus has been on the quality of our events such as the Mayon Triathlon.

"We want to give the best experience we could for our athletes as we aim to be one of the best races in the country to showcase Legazpi to the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Elite category for this year’s triathlon was limited to 300 participants to ensure quality as it aims to be one of the best races in the country to showcase and promote the city to the world.

 The participants for the Elite category include champions from tough triathlons and sports competitions held in and out of the country. The other categories are Age Group for male and female aged 19 under and 50 above and Team Relay composed of three players.

For the elite male category, Mitch Robins notched the top spot clocking in at 1:59:10 followed by Benjamin Raña at 2:06:25 and Mark Anthony Hosana at 2:09:37.

Raña from Camarines Sur was champion in last year’s Mayon Triathlon followed by Hosana from Naga City as the second placer. Robins from Australia has been the 2015 champion in the Ironman 70.3 in Japan and 2nd place in the same category held in Subic Bay.

The winners for the elite female category are also the top finishers in this year’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu City which was considered among the toughest races held in the country due to the strong current and searing heat.

Also in the same order, Monica Torres was the fastest clocking in at 2:19:51 with Maria Hodges following at 2:22:19 and LC Langit at 2:35:05.

Torres was able to defend her spot as the defending champion last year while Hodges leveled up from being 3rd placer. Langit has competed in Asian Games and Asian Beach Games, currently holds the highest top finish by any Filipino triathlete and a two-time Asian Aquathlon champion.

Torres was hailed as the fastest Filipina in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines since its inauguration in 2009 until this year. She is likewise the first Philippine triathlete to win overall female titles in international triathlons.

Ibalong Festival 2015 will formally open on August 20 with a Eucharistic celebration at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral along with the commemoration of Ibalong heroes, opening of the Ibalong Festival Bazaar at Legazpi Boulevard and Ibalong Carnival Mardi Gras parade from Legazpi City Hall to the city’s boulevard.

Other activities lined up this year include the 3rd Ibalong National Women’s Beach Volleyball Competition, 1st National Cross Country Mountain Bike Race, national dragon boat race, pigeon race and football clinic with James and Phil Younghusband.

The annual Mutya ng Ibalong coronation night will be on August 28 at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation and the street presentation will be on August 29 from Penaranda Park to Legazpi Port District.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571439340261/mayon-triathlon-year-2-kicks-off-ibalong-festival-2015#sthash.lrHISMNQ.dpuf

Radyo Partido showcases solar power to run radio station in CamSur

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

GOA, Camarines Sur, Aug. 10 (PIA) -- Starting off with a few solar panels to save cost from electricity consumption, the government-run radio station DZRP in Goa, Camarines Sur has since been reaping the fruit from utilizing the power of the sun to run its facilities, equipment and operations with big savings.

In a briefing of media from CamSur Energy Press Corps visiting the DZRP radio station recently, Partido Development Administration (PDA) acting chief for Operation Divison Charlie Balagtas excitedly shared the good news credited to the use of alternative source of energy that has since installation been working favorably for the institution.

This project was made possible through the partnership of PDA and the Office of Rep. Wimpy Fuentebella of the fourth congressional district of Camarines Sur currently sitting as the Vice Chair of the Energy Committee at the Congress.

“At daytime, the solar power can cover up to cover 52 percent of the electricity requirement of DZRP. But on average, the power supply covers 30 percent of the total electricity requirement based on the 18-hours operation of the station, wherein 10 hours of which is during daytime.  The solar panels are expected to generate 10,000 watts,” Balagtas said.

Balagtas added that in a span of barely three weeks following utilization of solar energy, the station has recorded a remarkable savings ranging from P14,000.00 up to 15,000.00 per month.

"This is even a modest estimate given the recent episodes of rain almost every day in the Partido area," he noted.

He furthered that DZRP solar power is not the usual battery-equipped apparatus which can save energy for utilization after daytime.

Balagtas said that the station decided to do away with the batteries from the package as their upkeep can be more cost-intensive, adding that in 5-year time, the batteries will need a new replacement.

 DZRP or Radyo Partido which serves the Partido District of Camarines Sur and parts of Albay area is sourcing out their alternative power from the initial 34 panels installed in the station’s rooftop.  It would need a total of more or less 80 panels more to absorb all the power needs of the station’s daily operations.
CASURECO IV Corporate Planning Section chief Engr. Rick Gonzales commended the said initiative stating that the energy that will be saved by DZRP can be channeled to other areas in the Partido area which are also in need of additional supply.

Balagtas said that they are also contemplating on using solar panels to lessen the operational costs of their existing water treatment facilities in Partido area which are usually consuming a big chunk of electricity.

In the future, PDA is not only thinking of expanding the use of solar panels, but will also begin looking for alternative sources of energy, like tapping hydro power sources to augment the district’s needs for additional and alternative sources of energy.  (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861439195017/radyo-partido-showcases-solar-power-to-run-radio-station-in-camsur#sthash.t3Z9t6dk.dpuf

OCD trains CamSur DRRM officials, responders on RDANA

Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defese (OCD) in Bicol trained disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) officials and responders on Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training Course aimed to institutionalize disaster response by providing a quick snapshot of the disaster situation on the ground through a composite team that will be deployed during a calamity.

Ezequiel Q. Dumaguin, officer in charge of Training Unit of the OCD Bicol, explained RDANA is a disaster-response tool patterned after the methodology developed by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The system, according to him, is used immediately during the early and critical state of an onset of a disaster, which identifies the magnitude of a disaster by focusing on the general impact on the society and the people’s coping capacity.

Dumaguin added that the 3-training formed part of the capacity-building initiated by the OCD to give DRRM practitioners in Camarines Sur appropriate training considering that it is the largest province in the Bicol Region. This is also where the Bicol River Basin is located which is the source of major floods in the Province.

“One thing for sure, Bicol Region is a target of a disaster in any given time. So, we might as well be prepared while the weather condition is still fine. This training is an effort to capacitate the local government units as well as give the DRRM practitioners ability to speed up, standardize and readily make an RDANA report which by law, should be the basis for the declaration of the state-of-calamity,” Domaguin elaborated.

Participants to the Training Course were briefed on the concept of RDANA, its background, objectives, process0es, and linkages to the Philippine DRRM System by Dumaguin and Jeric dela Rosa, Training Specialist 1 of the OCD Region 5.  Concept of operations and assessment methodologies, and determine the preparations for an RDANA mission was also discussed by Kristian Tabisaura, Operations Officer of OCD Region I.

As concluding activity, participants were asked to apply the appropriate RDANA knowledge and skills in group and simulation exercises.

There were forty-one (41) participants to the Training Course composed of DRRM practitioners from the municipalities of Camarines Sur and representatives from the different government agencies namely: Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Government, Environment Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

 “It is hoped that after the training, the participants will become force-multipliers that will help in the Province when the time comes that RDANA is needed”, Domaguid concluded.  (MAL/LSM, JRM-PIA5/Camarine Sur)

 - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861439020326/ocd-trains-camsur-drrm-officials-responders-on-rdana#sthash.DEOn702b.dpuf

3 Bicol provinces a step closer to establishing tourism alliance

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA)—“Triple C,” Bicolandia’s cluster offering for tourists, is one step closer to getting formally established after what could be the final draft of its framework was presented to Bicol Regional Tourism Committee (BRTC).

Triple C stands for Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, a tourism alliance of three provinces in northern Bicol region.

It was framed after the Aquino administration’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) clustered the Bicol provinces for synchronization and connectivity.

But while Almasor—the tourism alliance of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon provinces in southern Bicol—has completed its tourism development plan, the two Camarines provinces and Catanduanes have yet to formally inaugurate Triple C.

The first and second drafts of Triple C’s development framework failed to suit the BRTC. The BRTC was created by the Regional Development Council to provide institutional structure and facilitate coordination and management of tourism promotion in the region.

At any rate, the Triple C technical working group was unmistakably moving forward with the project as it submitted the third—and perhaps the last—draft of the framework to the BRTC during a meeting at the regional office of Department of Tourism (DOT) recently.

The framework provides the mission, vision and key strategies crafted by various government agencies and stakeholders to formalize the tourism road map of the provinces and their respective local government units.

Thus far, the Caramoan-Catanduanes Link remains operational.  It fuels the tourist traffic between Guijalo in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, and Codon Port in San Andres town in Catanduanes.

Caramoan—where island hopping is the most popular activity for tourists—is 45 minutes by boat from Codon.

The Triple C tour package would reportedly be synchronized with surfing in Puraran Beach in Baras, Catanduanes; wakeboarding at Camsur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur; and surfing in Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The DOT says it envisions Triple C as a globally competitive tourism destination considering the “unique” cultural heritage and natural environment of the two Camarines provinces and Catanduanes.

It says once Triple C has raised its curtains, tourist arrivals would rise and with it come more jobs for townsfolk, bigger revenues, and improved infrastructures. (EAD/LSMacatangay/PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861438830604/3-bicol-provinces-a-step-closer-to-establishing-tourism-alliance#sthash.7quIuz5b.dpuf

Camarines Norte hosts 24th South Luzon Area Business Conference

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug. 7 (PIA)–-The Camarines Norte Chamber of Commerce hosts the 24th South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC) on Aug. 13 and 14 at the Pineapple Island Resort here.

Theme of the conference which is organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is: “Strengthening Partnerships for Global Competitiveness.”

The event will bring together businessmen from the regions of Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol to discuss measures to raise their global competitiveness amid the forthcoming Asean economic integration.

Organizers said they have chosen Daet as the venue of the activity in recognition of its status as the country’s most competitive municipality in 2014.

It is also regarded as an emerging economic growth area with potentials for investments, trade, agro-industrial development and tourism.

SOLABC will formally raise its curtains on Aug. 13 with a forum in the morning and a fellowship in the evening at the Lighthouse Catherine Hotel in Barangay Bagasbas.

The next day, Aug. 14, the conference opens its doors for a more engaging discussions and a trade exhibit at the Pineapple Island Resort.

Panel topics and their distinguished discussants:

Competitiveness through Good Governance-- Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion; former Governor Rafael Cosculluela of Negros Occidental; Rex Drillon II, chairman, National Issues Committee Management Association of the Philippines and Guillermo M. Luz, chairman, National Competitiveness Council.

Managing Impact of Climate Change in Business--Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Jose Lorenzo Tan, president and chief executive officer, World Wildlife Fund; and Dante Briones, CEO, Renewable Energy by SANSOBI Solar.

Shared Value on Agriculture—Nicomedes Eleazar, director, Bureau of Agriculture Research, Sen. Jun Magsaysay, NESTLE-PHILFOODEX.

Developing Competitive Human Resources—Alberto Fenix. DUAL-TECH Companies.

Emerging Tourism Circuits in South Luzon-- Francis Gentoral, field director, LGSP.

Investment Options and Financing Opportunities in Capital Market—Noel Refran, CEO, Philippine Stocks Exchange; and Small Business Corp.

The curtains fall in the evening with another fellowship of participants.

The event is supported by Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Department of Trade and Industry ; local government units of Daet and Camarines Norte; NGO and Sons Trading; Prime Digital Studio; Tintin Apartele; Pineapple Island Resort; Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion and Camarines Norte Edgardo A. Tallado. (EAD/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/871438743791/camarines-norte-hosts-24th-south-luzon-area-business-conference#sthash.ThJVrMWC.dpuf