173,972 voters to join 2016 elections--COMELEC

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec. 28, (PIA)--Commission on Elections has released its official list of voters in the province of Catanduanes who will participate in the 2016 National Elections.

The list which was released one week after the last meeting of Election Registration Board (ERB)  on November 16,2015 bared that a total of 173,972 voters are qualified to vote for the May, 2016 elections.

According to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Maria Aurea Bo-Bunao, only 1,851 voters failed to comply with the “No Bio,No Boto” campaign of COMELEC in the province.

The official list of voters for 2016 is higher by 10,000 than the registered voters during the 2013 elections.

Breakdown of voters are as follows: Virac, 44,025; San Andres, 25,229; Caramoran, 18,746; Bato, 14,838; Viga, 15,571; Pandan, 13,685; San Miguel, 10,945; Baras, 10,087; Bagamanoc, 8,046; Panganiban, 7,090 and Gigmoto,6,710. (EAB/PIA Catanduanes)

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Typhoon-struck Masbateños get back to normal life

MASBATE CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA)—Masbate is getting back to normal with commercial and government establishments resuming operations.

In fact, as early as yesterday—just hours after the province was pummeled by typhoon “Nona”—gasoline stations, money transfer shops and shopping malls in Masbate City reopened using their own power generators.

Power has been restored in most parts of Masbate mainland as of 6 p.m. yesterday and only a few areas in the island and most of Burias and Ticao Islands remained without electricity.

Classes in elementary and high schools and colleges have also resumed this morning. Classrooms that served as sanctuaries for thousands who sought shelter there during the onslaught of the typhoon have been vacated and readied for todays resumption of classes.

Smart Communications has restored its internet services but as of this morning, it has yet to bring back its SMS and call services.

Globe Telecom’s subscribers in Masbate are adjusting to the effects of being disconnected from their distant contacts as the company's internet, SMS and call services remained down.

PAL made its flight to Masbate City this morning after it was canceled yesterday.

Trips of ships and boats bound for Sorsogon, Albay and Ticao Island were allowed to resume at noon yesterday after Coast Guard detachments reported improved sea conditions.

Boats were still prevented from sailing to Burias Island yesterday afternoon but the ban was finally lifted this morning.

In an update posted in Facebook late yesterday, Vice Governor Jo Kristine Revil said partial reports she received from municipalities indicated zero fatality from the typhoon.

Initial reports also showed that there was minimal damage to infrastructure in Masbate mainland. (EAD/PIA5 Masbate)

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Classes, work resume as typhoon Nona heads out of Bicol

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, Dec.15 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRMC)  of Camarines Sur has lifted today the suspension of classes in public and private schools as well as work in the government and private institutions after public storm warning signal was lowered from 3 to 1 for typhoon Nona.

The city government here, through the City Events Program and Protocol Office (CEPPIO), has issued similar advisory after the weather showed a favorable condition this morning.

In the same advisory, local authorities clarified that only classes in pre-school up to high school classes are covered by the said directive, particularly those schools used as evacuation centers when forced evacuation was carried out in the wake of the threats of typhoon.

For tertiary schools, the advisory stated that the discretion for the lifting of the suspension of classes was delegated to their respective administrators.

The advisory also exempted principals, school administrators and teachers who were also directed to ensure that the classrooms and other facilites will be ready for the classes on the next day.

Aside from isolated cases of power interruptions, mostly from the upland barangays of Naga City and other parts of the province, there were no reported cases of major damage or casualties as of press time. Most of the evacuees already returned to their respective communities after floodwaters subsided the next day.

PDRRMC recorded a total of 9,371 families from 144 barangays  evacuated and accounted 57  stranded passengers at Pasacao port bound to Masbate.

Environment Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) chief Luzena Bermeo said that relief operations were also carried out in various evacuation centers in the province.  Although the typhoon has already weakened, PDRRMC personnel and response teams from the city government continue to monitor the condition of their respective areas of concerns.  (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

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Albay achieves zero casualty goal vs Nona– Salceda

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 15 (PIA) – Albay has again achieved its zero casualty goal at the onslaught of typhoon Nona which brought intense wind and rain to the province as it landed in Bulusan, Sorsogon 4:00PM yesterday.

“It is reasonable for Albay to declare that our communities together with our partners have achieved our "zero casualty goal during disaster" in the face of hazards of strong winds and heavy rainfalls from Typhoon Nona, possibly one of the most rapid cyclogenesis in our history – from an invest to near super typhoon to harass Albay,” said Albay governor Joey Salceda early morning today.

Salceda cited the people’s unity in prayers and preparations as the success formula in achieving the zero casualty goal of the province noting preemptive evacuation as the highest form of community prayer in obedience to God's command to avoid danger and temptations.

“In reality our people prayed Oratio Imperata together, they stood up, and helped each other in evacuation centers to overcome the rivers of difficulties and the tears of challenged dreams of our youth,” Salceda said.

He further stressed the need for DRR capacity to be instilled in every home and every person which has been done in the province through long years of DRR drills and trainings.

The governor noted Team Albay’s “whole of government, whole of society" approach which propelled immediate action for the province to return to normalcy as Nona weaken around 9:00PM as it cross over Burias Island in Masbate.

Suspension of classes and school outdoor activities has been lifted this morning as weather conditions improved. Classes in all levels resume tomorrow while work in public and private offices resume today.

Respective Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRM) has conducted simultaneous clearing and assessment operations in their areas of concern.

The Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC) likewise restored power supply in feeders with fewer damages as of 12:00 in the afternoon today. All sectional, laterals and transformers with severe damages will be isolated.

Typhoon Nona has traversed Sibuyan Sea this afternoon with storm signal 2 still up in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)





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Naga City alerts DRR and Response units for Typhoon Nona

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA  CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) --- Mayor John Bongat of this city convened all the members of the City Disaster Risk and Management Council this afternoon to ensure that all safety measures are in place before the land fall of typhoon Nona.

The City Events Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) has issued advisories on precautionary measures, including suspension of classes in all levels, both in private and public schools, all government and private offices except those involved in disaster risk and management activities.

Preemptive evacuation was likewise enforced particularly in Barangays Mabolo, Tabuco and Sabang as floodwaters are expected to rise in these areas..

Other areas which may be affected by floodwaters include Barangays Mabolo, Trianggulo, Sabang, Igualdad, Villa Karangahan and CLUPA.

Senior citizens, children and those who are physically incapacitated will be prioritized during evacuation. Lactating mothers are also advised to stay in one room to specifically nurse their infants.

In order to fully disseminate the information and reach as many constituents as possible, CEPPIO chief Allen Reondanga also utilized other media platforms for early preparation such as the city’s FB page Naga Smiles to the World, txt group messaging and through radio announcements.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also submitted the list of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in Naga City per monitoring. The list, Tejada stated in the letter, will be their basis should there be an automatic price control after the calamity.

A primer on Republic Act  7561 otherwise known as the Price Act as amended by RA 10623 was also attached to guide and inform the consumers on the role of the local price coordinating council regarding price and supply stabilization.

Primary evacuation centers were also identified. School buildings and classrooms ready for occupancy include Mc Mariano Elementary School, Balatas ES, Del Rosario ES,  Julian Meliton ES, Concepcion Grande ES, Don Manuel Abella ES, Carolina, San Isidro ES Panicuason ES, Pacol ES, Sta. Cruz ES, Tabuco Central, Trianggulo ES and Camarines Sur National High School.  

Public Safety Office and NCDRRMO head Ernesto Elcamel added that all barangay halls, health centers including mothers’ class centers, the Holy Cross parish and Naga Sports Complex are also open for the evacuees.

 Officers and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard and other attached agencies are on red alert status to ensure that emergency cases will be immediately responded.


The city’s operation center is open 24/7. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)



 

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861450089019/naga-city-alerts-drr-and-response-units-for-typhoon-nona#sthash.55p50vnx.dpuf

Albay DRR authorities on full alert over typhoon Nona

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) – As typhoon Nona is expected to landfall over Sorsogon and cross over Albay early tonight, the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) is now on full implementation of its zero casualty strategy.

Albay governor and PDRRMC chair Joey Salceda has earlier suspended classes in all levels and work in government and private offices in the province except those involved in DRR concerns, banks and malls or commercial establishments.

“By the emergency powers vested in me by RA 10121, PDRRMC authorization and the declaration of a State of Imminent Disaster by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 0060-2015, I hereby order the suspension of work in all establishments both public and private except in public entities engaged in disaster response,” Salceda cited in his advisory.

“This is to keep our people from exposing themselves to the hazards (heavy rains, strong winds, floods, landslides and lahar flows) if they go out to transact with banks and purchase necessities with commercial establishments while the emergency would last only for 8 hours when those needs could eventually be served,” Salceda furthered.

As the province is still hoisted under storm signal 3 relief goods are currently repacked and distributed for ongoing massive evacuation with the governor further requesting 13,000 bags of rice from National Food Authority for relief operations.

Concerned government agencies in the province have likewise issued advisories to their clients.

Legazpi City Water District (LCWD) calls on its clients to save extra water as typhoon Nona may affect water sources and decrease water supply. For emergency repairs of water lines and other concerns, call 09175721347 and cite specific details such as status, location and landmark.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol director Maria Ravanilla likewise issued advisory for suspension of tourism related activities in the region pursuant to the Joint Memorandum of Agreement (JMA) for full implementation of “No Tourism Activity Policy”calling off or suspending adventure travel/sports, sightseeing activities, and other outdoor activity services of tourism enterprises and the prohibition on any touristic activity in cases of severe weather conditions.

“Due to the exigencies of the time and situations of extreme weather disturbances, it is imperative and expedient that this JMA for its full implementation,” Ravanilla said.

The Albay Health Emergency Management Team of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) is also on “standy by” and “ready” status in anticipation of any eventualities related to typhoon Nona.

Meanwhile, a  total of 1,052 passengers are stranded in the ports of the four provinces of Bicol,according to report of Coast Guard (PCG) Bicol  in the meeting of the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council this morning following the hoisting of the Public Storm Signal No. 3 Sunday evening in provinces of Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon and in Ticao Island, Masbate.

In Albay, stranded in the port of Tabaco City are 179 passengers, 11 rolling cargoes; Pioduran, 155 passengers, 20 rolling cargoes. In Sorsogon: Bulan, six passengers; Pilar, 95 passengers, 14 rolling cargoes; and Matnog, 500 passengers, 115 rolling cargoes.

In Virac, Catanduanes, held at the port for safety are six passengers, three rolling cargoes; San Andres, four passengers, two rolling cargoes.

In Masbate: Bapor port, 61 passengers, seven vessels, two motor bancas and 22 rolling cargoes; Aroroy, one passenger; Cataingan, 42 passengers, two vessels and 16 rolling cargoes; Calumpang, Masbate City, two motor bancas.

As of 11:00 this morning, typhoon Nona made its landfall at Batag Northern Samar with estimated heavy to intense rainfall within its 300 km diameter and maximum sutained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

Nona is expected to pass over the northern tip of Northern Samar around noon today and make landfall over Sorsogon early tonight then cross Albay and Burias Island.

Signal 3 is up in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands while Camarines Norte is in signal 2.

Pagasa further advises the public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next Severe Weather Bulletin to be issued at 5:00 PM today.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571450068195/albay-drr-authorities-on-full-alert-over-typhoon-nona#sthash.iHT04iHZ.dpuf

DOH CamSur now hiring doctors, dentists, medtechs

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, Dec. 9 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) Camarines Sur office has opened opportunities for 21 medical doctors, four dentists and five medical technologists to work for the agency and willing to be assigned in the different localities in the province.

Dr. Rey Millena, DOH Camarines chief, said the hiring of medical practitioners is line with the implementation of the DOH Human Resource for Health (HRH) Deployment Program for 2016 to fill in the need for Universal Health Care (UHC) implementers in line with the Nurses Deployment Project (NDP), Rural Health Midwives Placement Program (RHMPP), Dentists Deployment Project (DDP), Medical Technologists Deployment Project (MTDP) and Public Health Associated Deployment Project (PHADP).

Millena said that accepted HRH personnel will be assigned in Rural Health Units (RHUs) birthing homes and barangay health stations, particularly to identified areas with no medical doctors.  Priority will also be given to fifth and sixth class municipalities in Camarines Sur and under the 44 focus geographical areas or FGAs which are in the provincial outskirts.

Per DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-026 signed on June 2015 by Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin, areas for deployment will also include Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty (ASAP) areas, Whole of Nation Initiative (WNI) and Bottom-Up budgeting (BUB) areas.

The filling up of these vacancies aims to address the growing health needs of the community especially in far flung areas.

Millena furthered that the program focuses on the realization of the over-all goal of Universal Health Care or Kalusugan Pangkalahatan pursued by the adminisration of President Benigno Aquino III in order to uplift the health condition of  communities.

Interested participants may download the application form at www.doh.gov.ph . They may attach the accomplished application form with their application letter addressed to DOH Bicol Regional Director Emilia P. Monicimpo, MD,MPH, CSEE through Rey J, Millena MD, Provincial DOH Office, Camarines Sur.

Only HRHs with official and validated PRC license are eligible to apply. Although Public Health Associates (PHAs) are not required to be licensed, they must be a graduate of any 4–year related course. They must also submit a  certified true copy of their diploma.

For further inquiry, applicants may contact mobile no. 0917-506 6501.  Deadline for submission of application is on December 11. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861449587017/doh-camsur-now-hiring-doctors-dentists-medtechs#sthash.PxKAsaLb.dpuf

DOST Camarines Norte urges entrepreneurs to avail SETUP

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Dec. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Camarines Norte urged entrepreneurs to avail of the assistance under the Small Enterprises Technology Program (SETUP) for the development of the micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs).

DOST science research specialist Marilou Belgado said during the Talakayan sa PIA on Monday, Dec. 7, aired over DWCN-Radyo ng Bayan that the SETUP is an initiative launched by the DOST in response to the President’s call for more focused programs of assistance to MSMEs.

It aims to reduce poverty by encouraging and assisting MSMEs in developing innovations to enhance operational efficiency and boost productivity and competitiveness.

She said that this year two projects are for funding release for the upgrading fabrication of muffler/exhaust for motorcycles and cars in the amount of P625,800 and for the upgrading of metal shop business in the amount of P753,500. The beneficiaries of the projects will pay the same without interest.

Belgado said that there are other five (5) project proposals on process for approval and funding.

The priority sectors covered by the SETUP are food processing; furniture; gifts, housewares, decors; agriculture, marine, aquaculture; metals and engineering; including information communication technology and pharmaceuticals; and health products.

She said that they assist MSMEs through the provision of technology, product testing, packaging and labeling design and execution.

Any firm or company, cooperative, association, or individual firm based in the Philippines and majority owned by Filipino citizens or any micro, small and medium scale business firm classified under the identified priority sectors as well as individual firm who are willing to apply technological improvements in its operations can apply to the program.

She also informed that they are now open for a new scholarship program for junior college students aside from their regular scholarship for high school students at the Philippine Science High School and college students starting freshman.

Meanwhile the DOST is also encouraging the Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Educational Institutions to put up a DOST STARBOOKS, the first Philippine Science Digital Library.

Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station known as STARBOOKS contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various  formats like text and video and audio.  These resources are placed in specially designed “pods” set in a user-friendly interface.

The DOST will install the kiosk for free and will provide training for clients’ designated focal person.

In the province there were already four STARBOOKS particularly in Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Sta. Elena Community College, Mabini Colleges and Labo Science High School. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)



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4Ps helps beneficiary overcome addiction to gambling, pursue a productive life

LEGAZPI CITY, DEC. 8 (PIA) -- Forty eight years old Helen B. Balce of Barangay Anameam, Labo, Camarines Norte has overcome the odds of her addiction in gambling with the intervention of various initiatives under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

“Isang malaking pagbabago sa aking buhay ng dumating ang programa ng DSWD. Pinilit kong magbago nung maging miyembro ako ng pantawid [It is big transformation in my life when DSWD came. I decided to change when I became a member of Pantawid],” she said.

It was an everyday routine practice in the past for Helen to gamble the money left in her pocket.

“Isa po ako sa matatawag na tamad na magulang, dahil mas inuuna ko pa ang magsugal kaysa mag-attend ng meeting sa eskwelahan ng mga anak ko at mga assembly sa barangay [I am one among those people who can be called a stubborn parent because I prioritize gambling rather than attending meetings of my children in school and assembly in the community],” she said.

Also, she admitted that his husband is a binge drinker. “Pareho po kami na napapabayaan ang aming mga anak [We both neglect our responsibilities to our children],” she affirmed.

However, a turning point in their life happened when they become included as beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18. It is patterned after the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) schemes in Latin American and African countries, which have lifted millions of people around the world from poverty.

Under the program, a beneficiary family with three children received a cash assistance of P500 for health, and P300 for education of children in elementary or P500 in high school.

Helen added that the Family Development Session (FDS) which is a monthly meeting being conducted to the beneficiaries made her realize the importance of education and family values.

“Sa FDS natutunan ko na maging responsableng ina sa anak at asawa. Nakatulong din ito na buguhin yung asawa ko, hindi na po siya manginginom ngayon [Through FDS I learned to become a responsible mother to my children and wife. It also helped my husband to change, he is no longer alcoholic],” she revealed.

The cash grant they received also made her children to regularly attend the class. “Araw-araw na sila nakakapasok sa eskwelahan. Hindi gaya ng dati na halos hindi nila makumpleto na pumasok sa isang linggo dahil sa kakulangan sa budget [Now, they can daily come to school. Unlike before, they cannot even complete their attendance the whole week due to lack of budget],” she stated.

Helen was also able to save money from the cash grant she received which she uses as a capital in selling pineapples. “Kahit mapagod okey lang po basta ubos ang tinda kong pinya. Nagsisikap ako para sa pamilya ko. Tinigilan ko ang pagsusugal kasi gusto ko patunayan na mahal ko sila at ayaw ko maranasan ang hirap na dinanas ko [Although, it is very tiring but it is ok as long as I sell everything. I persevere for my family. I stop gambling because I wanted to prove to them (kids) that I love them and I do not want them to experience the same hardships],” she said.

As a mother she is determined to attain her children’s dream. “Sa sipag at pagpupursige ko na magtinda ng pinya at tubo ay kaya kong maibigay ang pangangailangan ng pamilya ko. At sa tulong ng pantawid ay pipilitin ko sa abot ng makakaya ko na mapatapos ang mga anak ko ng pag-aaral. Alam ko na edukasyon ang pinakamahalaga para makamit natin ang ating minimithi sa buhay [Through hard work and perseverance in selling pineapples and sugarcane, I can provide the needs of my family. And through the help of Pantawid, I will strive my best to let my children finish their education. Because I know that education is important to achieve our wants in life],” she said.

She added that Pantawid Pamilya has been a blessing to her family.

“Napakalaking blessing ng Panginoon na ako ay naging miyembro ng programang pantawid. Kaya sobra ko po itong pinapahalagahan at sana marami pang matulungan ang programang ito na mga nangangailangan. [It is a huge blessing from God that we became a member of Pantawid program. That is why I put importance to it and I hope the program will be able to help more people who are in dire need],” she emphasized.

Helen may have a long way to go in pursuing her dreams for her family but as she said “faith and perseverance” is the key to improve everyone’s living.  (MAL/FGomez/GLindio-DSWD5/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771449543654/4ps-helps-beneficiary-overcome-addiction-to-gambling-pursue-a-productive-life#sthash.HbKpnvlZ.dpuf

PaskuJuan Holiday Bazaar showcases products of DSWD program beneficiaries

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office in Bicol Field launched the PaskuJuan Holiday Bazaar last November 29 in Pacific Mall in this city.

DSWD Bicol assistant regional director for Operations Arwin O. Razo said the nationwide simultaneous activity has provided additional income to sustainable livelihood beneficiaries and showcase products for potential access to market.

During the activity, various native products were displayed from the respective provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate. A search for best booth was also conducted.

The same served as a venue for the beneficiaries to take pride on their products which will eventually leads access for potential markets and sustainable livelihood.

Picnic banig and coconut made lamp shades of Sorsogon, abaca products, seaweed noodles, milk fish in oil and native parol’s of Albay, shrimp chips, lupi coco jam, and 100% organic coconut sugar of Camarines Sur, crispy koping and latik of Catanduanes, atchara, dried pusit, salabat, bangus spanish sardines of Masbate, tinapa and toasted pastillas of Camarines Norte are only few among the distinctly native products showcased during the activity.

In addition, the province of Albay bagged as the best booth, the provinces of Masbate and Camarines Sur won as 1st and 2nd runner-up, respectively. The Top 3 winners received a cash prize of P10,000, P7,000 and 5,000, respectively and P2,000 were given to the rest of the participants as consolation prizes.

Currently as of January to November 2015, a total of 33,433 families benefited from the sustainable livelihood program of DSWD.  (MAL/GLindio-DSWD5/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771449545060/paskujuan-holiday-bazaar-showcases-products-of-dswd-program-beneficiaries#sthash.HBIFKybD.dpuf

Sto. Domingo Albay to vie for Listahanan award

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) – The local government of Sto. Domingo, Albay has been nominated as the entry of the Bicol region to the Gawad Listahanan program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Sto. Domingo Mayor Herbie Aguas said the municipality was nominated for using the Listahanan database in selecting beneficiaries in the implementation of social protection programs in their locality.

“It serves as an arm in crafting more effective and efficient services to the people of Sto. Domingo” Aguas said.

The municipality used the Listahanan database for the implementation of Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) which provides burial, medical, transportation, food and educational assistance. P500.00 has been allocated for this purpose giving priority to the poor as identified at the database.

Aguas said the LGU is firm in the issuance of the Certificate of Indigency especially if it will be used for legal matters of which the Listahanan list of poor households is the primary tool used for such concerns.

The Gawad Listahanan is an award given to Local Government Units (LGU) for providing services and assistance to the Listahanan-identified poor families.

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

The competition is classified into municipal, city and provincial categories. The winner for each category will receive a plaque and a cash incentive of P50, 000.

The winners will receive the award on January next year in time for the DSWD anniversary.

The sub-committee for Gawad Listahanan of the National Project Management Office has conducted validation visit on November 28-29, 2015 to screen and review the program documents submitted by the LGU and hold random interviews to their beneficiaries. (MAL/SAA/DSWD5-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571449479031/sto-domingo-albay-to-vie-for-listahanan-award#sthash.lE8jR6cy.dpuf

DSWD, TESDA to train 1K 4Ps beneficiaries

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide sustainable intervention to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through skills development and possible employment.

DSWD Bicol director Arnel Garcia said such intervention include technical vocational education and training under the Accelerated and sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP) which, initially, will benefit some  1,000 4Ps beneficiaries from Libmanan, Sipocot, Bato and Iriga City.

“The Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP) is geared in tapping the skills and resources of the poor in enabling private enterprise to afford their production,” Garcia said.

With ASAPP, the government aims to bring down poverty incidence in 2016 by creating income opportunities for the poor and enhancing their employment.

Under the MOA, TESDA shall conduct 21 varied vocational courses and will be conducted in the desired venue like technical and vocational schools in Camarines Sur while DSWD shall provide the needed financial requirements.

DSWD has allocated and transferred P9.9M to TESDA Camarines Sur to be used to purchase tool kits needed for the training and for the food and transportation allowance of the trainees.

“Each trainee will receive P306.00 per day for the required number of days according to their respective training module,” Garcia said.

The DSWD shall likewise be responsible to validate the eligibility of the trainee and provide continuous technical assistance and capacity building support to the beneficiaries.(MAL/SAA/DSWD5-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571449479099/dswd-tesda-to-train-1k-4ps-beneficiaries#sthash.6UcKsNGP.dpuf

DSWD modified 4Ps benefits 6,038 IPs in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 7(PIA) – A total of 6,038 households comprise of Indigenous People (IPs) in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in the Bicol region have benefitted from the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP) of the Pantawid Pamilya program.

“The MCCT-IP is more culturally responsive in improving our partner IP-beneficiaries access to basic social services such as health, nutrition and sanitation, and to formal and non-formal education," said DSWD Bicol director Arnel Garcia.

MCCT-IP is an innovation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that provides cash grants and social welfare assistance to IP families not covered by the regular program.

“It aims to empower, promote, and protect the IPs from any unavoidable adverse effects caused by the development process,” Garcia added.

Of the total 6,038 household IPs, 1,007 are from Albay, 1,884 from Sorsogon, 2,908 Camarines Sur and 239 Camarines Norte.

MCCT Bicol focal person Sharlyn Altavano said that as of present a total of P1,121,200 cash assistance has been provided to beneficiaries in the province of Albay particularly in Guinobatan, Tiwi, Tabaco and Polangui and in the municipality of Goa in Camarines Sur.

“We are currently conducting pay-out for the remaining provinces and it will be up to end week of December,” Altavano added.

The beneficiaries of the said program are the vulnerable and disadvantaged IPs assessed and identified by DSWD community facilitator including those who are outside or inside their ancestral domains particularly those with no or limited access to social services and with children 0-18 years old.

“Like the regular Pantawid program, the identified beneficiaries received a cash grant of P500 for health and P300 for the education of children who are in elementary or P500 who are in high school for a maximum of three children per family,” Garcia said.

However, certain corresponding conditions must be complied with such as 85% attendance of all IP beneficiary children and adults enrolled in school, regular health status monitoring of pregnant and lactating women, full immunization for children and pregnant women, deworming for children, pre and post natal care, delivery in birthing facilities and attendance to community family development sessions.(MAL/SAA/DSWD5-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571449478998/dswd-modified-4ps-benefits-6-038-ips-in-bicol#sthash.RGO5qgSh.dpuf