DTI opens 3 ‘convenience shops for entrepreneurs’

MASBATE CITY, June 30 (PIA)—Entrepreneurs in Masbate will find it easier to approach the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for their concerns and questions with the opening of three Negosyo Centers in the province.

Two centers were launched in Aroroy and Milagros towns—the growth centers in northern and northwestern Masbate—last June 3 while the third one opened at the DTI office in this city last year.

Each center aims to promote ease of doing business and facilitates access to services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within its jurisdiction.

Among the services it offers are business registration assistance, advisory, and information and advocacy.

Jewelry maker Venus Jazul says she found the Negosyo Center in Aroroy “just like a convenience store or a one-stop shop for businesspersons” like her.

At the very least, she says she was able to get information, application forms and lists of requirements at the center, which is located at the municipal hall's compound.

The information pertains to product development, market access, access to finance and investment promotion.

Personnel from the DTI and local government unit (LGU) man each center but besides DTI and LGU, other government agencies and the private sector that can assist and provide services to the businessmen should supply the center, said Edgar Ramos, DTI provincial director.

Ramos listed the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. as the other government agencies that can provide MSMEs registration assistance at the centers.

Ramos said the centers will help in the DTI’s campaign to foster entrepreneurial mind-sets as well as create jobs, social empowerment and wealth.

Those who can avail of the center’s services are, among others, any retail or manufacturing enterprise with an asset size of P3 million and below, he said.

Ramos said he hoped not only MSMEs in Aroroy or Milagros will avail themselves of the center’s services, but those from neighboring towns of Baleno, Mandaon and Balud as well.

The DTI is reportedly looking to roll out several more centers in southern Masbate before the year ends. Southern Masbate is consisted of Cataingan, Palanas, Dimasalang, Uson, Placer, Esperanza and Pio V. Corpus.

Establishment of a Negosyo Center is decreed under Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act. (EAD/PIA5 Masbate)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/821467298411/dti-opens-3-convenience-shops-for-entrepreneurs-#sthash.QfGhjcje.dpuf

Camarines Norte leads in early completion of KALSADA projects

MANILA, June 30 (PIA) -- Camarines Norte leads 74 provinces in early completion of its road projects funded through the P6.5 billion KALSADA Program, a national incentive program for local road management funded under the 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with the allocation of funds based on performance, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced.

DBM officials joined the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Camarines Norte today for the final inspection of KALSADA projects under the 2016 Local Government Support Fund.

Camarines Norte, an awardee for outstanding Local Public Financial Management for the past two-years, has completed six of its eight KALSADA road projects amounting to P100,963,429.02. The remaining two projects will be completed by the middle of July, according to Maxine Tanya M. Hamada, DBM Assistant Secretary for Monitoring and Evaluation.

“We laud the early completion of the road projects in Camarines Norte. This case gives us a clear perspective on the intersection of good governance practices and improving the delivery of basic services in local governments. With better project management, technical and governance capacities, we will see provinces increasingly take on programming, budgeting and implementation of infrastructure projects,” Hamada said.

KALSADA or Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran provides funding to provinces to upgrade and rehabilitate the quality of local roads. To access the funds, provinces are required to meet good governance and performance standards, as well as to establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for their road projects. The program’s management strategy and capacity development interventions encouraged provinces to come up with their Provincial Road Network Development Plans, on which they based their priority core road projects.

Hamada explained that Camarines Norte is one of the provinces that received a higher allocation for KALSADA projects on account of its high score on the performance criteria of percentage completion of Special Local Road Fund or SLRF projects and percentage of fair to good roads.

Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado said he intends to complete the concreting of the province’s roads “all the way to the barangay.”

“We are glad that KALSADA helped us with the rehabilitation of our provincial roads. This assistance ensures the connectivity of the towns in Camarines Norte and enhances the economic opportunity of our province. We hope to be able to use local funds for the rehabilitation and maintenance of our smaller roads,” said Tallado.

The six completed road projects consists of the upgrading of the following roads: Daet-San Vicente Road (1.8 km), Daet-Mambalite Road ( 1.2 km), Daet-San Lorenzo Ruiz Road (1.5 km), Jct Talisay-Gabon-Sta Cruz Road (1.78 km), Angas-Manguisoc Road (4.24 km), and Jct San Felipe-Patag Road (0.28 km). Set for completion mid-July are two projects on the upgrading of Jct Borabod-Awitan, San Nicolas-San Francisco Road (4.0 km) and Jct Msr. Basiad Road (0.99 km).

Hamada added that she hopes provinces like Camarines Norte can provide technical assistance and governance oversight to component local government units (LGUs).

“This will address the slow spending of national government as we shift more infrastructure spending to frontline government through programs like KALSADA,” she said.

The six completed road projects of Camarines Norte are the first road projects to be completed out of a total of 187 projects. As of June 20, construction is ongoing for 94 projects, six projects have been issued Notice to Proceed, and 53 are undergoing procurement.

A total of P5,563,555,759.73 was released as of June 20 for 65 provinces with 180 projects, according to Hamada.

“Completion of all the requirements for release such as the preparation of detailed engineering designs and geotagging and uploading of videos of their proposed roads on openroads.gov.ph, as well as the conduct of pre-procurement activities ensured the readiness of the projects for immediate fund release as soon as the 2016 GAA was signed into law,” Hamada said. (MAL/DBM Release/PIA5)


- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211467275274/camarines-norte-leads-in-early-completion-of-kalsada-projects#sthash.o3OjFilq.dpuf

Police officer from Virac tops nationwide PNP promotional exam

VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 29 (PIA) - Results of nationwide promotional examination for Senior Police Officer which were released last week revealed that a policeman from Virac nailed the first rank.

Police Officer III Heracio Jamero Vargas topped the nationwide exam administered by the National Police Commission last April 24, 2016. Vargas is native of barangay Concepcion, Virac and was once assigned to the Virac municipal police station.

He garnered a rating of 86 percent to land at the top among the 3,483 examinees who passed the SPO promotional test.

Another police officer from Virac, PO1 Lani Basilio of barangay Gogon sirangan, was at 20th place with a rating of 81.6%. On the other hand, Calatagan resident PO1 Emar Vargas was ranked 13th in promotional exam for Police Officer.

The April 24 NAPOLCOM exams in designated testing centers all over the country consisted of the PNP entrance test, with 23,175 examinees, and the promotional exams for PO, SPO, Inspector and Superintendent, with 189,673 applicants.

The three-hour entrance examination for PNP entrance covered questions on general information, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and logical reasoning; while the promotional examinations include general information, police administration and operations, and police customs and tradition/values and ethical standards.

Only 5,493 or 27.92% hurdled the promotional tests, with the passers distributed as follows: PO, 1,505; SPO, 3,483; Inspector, 404; and Superintendent, 101. On the other hand, just 2,705 examinees or 11.67% passed the PNP entrance exam. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841467261983/police-officer-from-virac-tops-nationwide-pnp-promotional-exam#sthash.CwadgQfs.dpuf

BISCAST inaugurates climate change-resilient Pilot House

NAGA CITY, June 29 (PIA) ---  In a pioneering move to build a dwelling that would resist the ill-effects of hazardous environmental occurrence such as typhoons and limit if not totally eliminate its perilous threat to human lives, the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) inaugurated a Climate Change Resilient Pilot House (CCRPH) here, June 24 inside the BISCAST campus here.

The project is being implemented under the Integrated Resource Management Program of the college popularly known as “NEXUS” through the BISCAST- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) cooperation.

The project aims to raise the awareness of the populace that environmental-friendly approaches are up for grabs especially in the fields of disaster risk reduction management The Urban Nexus Integration to resource management of BISCAST is a testimony of this technology-merge.

Madame Ruth Erlbeck, head of the delegation from the German Government in her message at the CCRPH Inauguration, stated that BISCAST is the only academic institution not only in Asia but around the globe that opened its door to serve as site for the aforementioned technology.

BISCAST was selected to assist in disseminating the NEXUS concept including applied technologies, within and outside of the academe. The said approach will then be integrated into the State College Institutional Standard Procedures and Planning.  BISCAST’s Architecture and Engineering students are also tasked to implement green architecture and green building standards in the building designs.

Prior to this, BISCAST already partnered with the city government of Naga in the  NEXUS/ Naga City affordable housing project in Del Rosario, here.  Part of the commitment was the implementation of projects based on the following principles of promoting renewable energy, eco-friendly campus projects, energy efficiency, green architecture, water management and climate change resilient affordable housing among others.

This good news was warmly welcomed by BISCAST President Dr. Richard H. Cordial

He extended his gratitude to the GIZ Urban Nexus team and looked forward for more productive years of cooperation between the team and the college. BISCAST, he said, being an applied sciences and technology school, focuses its programs in the creation of innovative products and services along disaster risk reduction management.

Hon. Mayor John Bongat, with the city as the project’s local partner, expects that the technology will benefit the marginalized sector of the society and that it will be affordable enough for a mass housing project, especially for the Nagueños.  (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861467168573/biscast-inaugurates-climate-change-resilient-pilot-house#sthash.YYplwGbN.dpuf

Pacific Partnership 2016 mission in Albay in full swing

LEGAZPI CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The third day of the Pacific Partnership 2016 mission is now in full swing covering the different activities as the day’s morning engagements were early on in several sites and venues.

Interviews and promotion of upcoming “Band Engagements” were done at the Legazpi Boulevard here with the iconic Mayon Volcano and the distinctive USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) on the blue waters of Albay Gulf as its background.

The band came prepared with a variety of music that would surely attract the Albayano’s to watch and be part of the mini concert slated in three venues and dates, BU Soccer Field Area on June 30, July 02 in Albay Astrodome where a showdown between the PACFLEET Band and SOLCOM Band would be witnessed, and the last performance at the Peñaranda Park on July 06.

All shows will be from 3:00-5:00 in the afternoon and is open to the public. Accordingly, the ENCAP sites are progressing each day with a completed project in Mabini, Daraga Albay.

The partnership between the 565 ECB, PA and the USN Sea Bees Engineering team completed the overhead water tank, hand washing stations and lavatories way ahead of schedule enabling both teams to fast-track construction in the other two sites for the scheduled blessing and ribbon-cutting.

Capt. Tom Williams headed of to Comun, Kinawitan and Mabini Elementary Schools earlier to personally visit the area and ensure its completion.

Trainings and seminars carried on the second day with the Basic First Responders Course at the Sea Port Terminal with a total of 33 participants and handled by Filipino SME, USN and Australian Navy personnel.

Surgical Screening was also resumed this morning at the BRTTH-OPD for candidate patients to be treated on board USNS Mercy as well as Pediatric SMEE at the Salceda Wing of the regional Hospital.

Cooperative Health Engagement, VETCAP and SMEE’s were also undertaken at the Ligao West Elementary School with CAPT PETER ROBERTS, MTF CO making his visit at the venues.

Barangay Tamaoyan was also venue for CHE facilitated by AFP and USN elements. The activity brought cheers and praises from the residents numbering a total of 350 men, women and children through endless interactions and fun games.

Pacific Partnership 2016 will be until July 10, 2016 after which they will be headed to Vietnam for their visit and continued partnership in the country. (MAL/MajANBuan-JTFPP16/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211467248081/pacific-partnership-2016-mission-in-albay-in-full-swing#sthash.4lItUp9m.dpuf

DILG to conduct training for new elected officials

VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 28, (PIA) -- The  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial office here is set to conduct series of orientations and trainings for newly elected local officials starting first week of July 2016.

According to DILG Catanduanes provincial director Uldarico S. Razal Jr., the activity aims to address gaps in local governance and to achieve unity of purpose within Local Government Unit (LGU).

He also bared that three newly-elected first-time mayors Samuel V. Laynes of Virac, Raul Tabirara of Pandan and Emeterio Tarin of Viga underwent a two-day basic orientation program conducted by DILG Local Government Academy.

Part of the Newly-Elected Officials (NEO) Program, the training expects participants to complete their first 100 days calendar and their respective development commitment agenda at the end of the two-day orientation.

Topics were governance and decentralization, duties, responsibilities and Accountabilities of elected local officials, strategic management, leadership, climate change and disaster management, local economic development, crisis management, and peace and order.

Director Razal added that municipal mayors, vice-mayors and councilors, as well as department heads of the 11 towns of the province will undergo a half-day orientation to be conducted by the DILG starting next week in a bid to improve inter-departmental relationships for better teamwork.

The LGU briefings will use the respective local situationer using the LGU scorecard known as local TARGET (Transcending Accountable and Responsive Governance through Empowerment and Teamwork).

The scorecard aims to document baseline data for governance and development aligned with the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals for 2016-2030. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841467256872/dilg-to-conduct-training-for-new-elected-officials#sthash.lEsswuQD.dpuf

Albay officials take historic oath of office

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, June 28 (PIA) – Elected officials of the provincial government of Albay led yesterday the historic inaugural ceremony as they jointly took their oath of office at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall here.

Former governor and 2nd district of Albay congressman-elect Joey Sarte Salceda cited the inauguration as historic being the first time for the officials present to take their oath of office in one venue noting the systematic transfer of power symbolically and physically and grand display of unity in the province.

 “It is my honor to turn over the leverage of power to a good man,” Salceda said.

Salceda also expressed his gratitude for the trust, love and care of the Albayanos as he served the province for nine years as governor and another nine years as congressman.

Together with Salceda are Governor Al Francis Bichara, Vice-Governor Harold Ong Imperial and board members from the three districts of Albay.

Benhur Ariola Jr., Homapon barangay captain, administered Salceda’s oath of office while Hon. Edgar Armes, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 4 here, swore in Bichara.

Imperial, along with the elected board members, then took their turns in taking oath of office under Bichara.  

Bichara has earlier promised to exert all efforts to bring Albay to a new height of prosperity, promote employment and tourism, maintain peace and order, and improve the quality of life of Albayanos.

He further urged the people’s support and cooperation to work as a team in carrying out his program.

“I wish to reach out to each and everyone of you to set aside our political differences, and instead join and help me promote the welfare and serve the interest of our fellow Albayanos. The best is yet to come with us working together in harmony. Magtarabangan kita gabos.(Let us help each other),” Bichara said. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571467103493/albay-officials-take-historic-oath-of-office#sthash.faeTcG7B.dpuf

Feature: Why Albay is picked to host the 2016 Pacific Partnership

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 28 (PIA) – “It may not be exactly something to be proud of, but we here in Albay pretty much experience every natural disaster in the book; like volcanic eruptions, heavy storms,  and earthquakes” said Raffy Alejandro, regional director of the Bicol region’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD-5), during a press briefing held today.

“But, through it all, we learn a lot of lessons prompting us to be stronger and much better prepared. That is what we want to share with our friends”, he added. The statement was the director’s answer as to why the province of Albay is chosen as the host of the 2016 Pacific Partnership.

The Pacific Partnership is an annual series of humanitarian missions, spear-headed by the US, but is composed of multi-national contingents. This year’s Pacific Partnership, the eleventh since 2005, is comprised by the allied nations of the Philippines, United States, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.

Though most of those involved in the Pacific Partnership are under the armed services of their respective counties, the missions are not military but humanitarian in nature. The US Navy’s hospital ship USNS Mercy serves as the mission’s center-force throughout the duration of the missions.

USNS Mercy is currently en-route to the Philippines, as the second-stop of the mission, from Timor Leste. The Philippine leg of the mission begins on June 27, upon the arrival of the ship in Legazpi City, and will end on July 11 when the ship departs for Vietnam.

The objective of the missions this 2016 is the development of capacity and response against natural disasters through international cooperation. Once again, being known throughout the country as the fore-runner in disaster management and response, the province of Albay is again chosen to host the activities.

As Alejandro stressed, it is no secret that Albay earned its ‘disaster readiness’ recognition the hard way. On a regular basis, the province has continued to endure and contend against intense natural disasters like the eruption of the Mayon volcano and tropical storms from the Pacific Ocean.

Throughout the years, Albay suffered the severe damages these disasters have to offer including destroyed properties, lost livelihoods, and grave casualties. One of the worst examples in recent years are those caused by Typhoon ‘Reming’ in 2006, which killed more than 700 people.

The 2016 Pacific Partnership offers a chance for Albay to develop their disaster management measure as few steps further. One of the highlight of the partnership missions is the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) program, one of the newest programs to be incorporated for the first time in the Pacific Partnership.

The HADR is a think-tank and application exercise of disaster response measures among the contingents of the Pacific Partnership. It aims to share best practices and technical know-hows against natural disasters in the medical, structural, management and response capacity.

For Albayanos, the skill to contend against natural disasters is both a necessity and a continuous learning process. With the HADR, they have an opportunity to learn and contribute what they already know to the rest of world.

Within the past nine years, the 2016 Pacific Partnership is the ninth international mission to be hosted by the province of Albay. Before, the province have hosted missions like the ‘Pacific Angels’ with the US Air Force in 2012, the ‘Balikatan’ exercises with the US Army in 2014, and relief missions by the USS Peleliu for victims of typhoon ‘Reming’ in 2007.

“The HADR is a chance to develop a long-term solution, not just a ‘Band-Aid’ measure”, said Lt. Com. Kris Hooper of the USNS Mercy’s advance team (ADVON). “This is a chance for us to go shoulder-to-shoulder towards a common good, which is disaster preparedness”, added Hooper. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466765453/feature-why-albay-is-picked-to-host-the-2016-pacific-partnership#sthash.hFTKUIRN.dpuf

USNS Mercy arrives in Legazpi City

By  Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 28 (PIA) - On the waking hours of June 27, residents of the coastal area here got the first glimpse of USNS Mercy (T-AH-19), one of the largest hospital ship in the world, as it anchored within Albay Gulf.

Though generally serviced by the US Navy, this goliath of a ship intends to provide humanitarian care mission to the people of the province of Albay.

The USNS Mercy, now anchored some two nautical miles off the coast of Legazpi City, is the central base of operations for the 2016 Pacific Partnership – a series of humanitarian endeavors by multi-national contingents from all over the world, in order to build capacity and cooperation among friendly nations.

One of the newest programs to be integrated in this year’s Pacific Partnership is the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) program. The ship’s call-to-port in Albay was chosen specifically with the province reputation as the country’s fore-runner in disaster preparedness and management.

The USNS Mercy is first of the two only Mercy-class hospital ships in the world, converted from a Saint Clemente-class supertanker. Since the ship was delivered the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command on December 19, 1986, USNS Mercy’s primary mission is to provide an afloat, mobile, acute surgical facility to the US military that is flexible, capable and uniquely adaptable to support expeditionary warfare.

The ship’s dock in Albay, however, is in compliance to their secondary purpose of providing full hospital services to support disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide.

The ship boasts an amazing 894 feet and 272 meters in length, a beam height 106 feet and 32 meters, and 33 feet and 10 meters long draft. Its full displacement weight is 69, 360 long tons. USNS Mercy can also reach a top speed of 17.5 knots.

Given its size, the hospital ship also has capacities of up to 1000 patient beds, four X-ray rooms, one CT scan unit, dental suite, angiography suite, optometry and lens laboratory, a blood bank that can store to 5,000 units of blood, and two oxygen producing plants.

The crew size of the USNS Mercy varies every expedition. For this year’s Pacific Partnership, the ship has 65 deployed civil service mariners and 1,215 deployed navy medical personnel, for the ships original personnel count alone. Putting to account the non-US personnel in participation of the Pacific Partnership, USNS Mercy now houses an estimate of 3,000 personnel.

With well-trained personnel and state of the art equipment, USNS Mercy is capable of catering to a wide array of medical services. These include on-board surgery, psychiatry, respiratory therapy angiography, dental prosthetics, lens fabrication, radiology, pharmacy, blood bank, dietary, burn treatment, medical equipment repair, and medical supply services.

According to the ship’s archives, the ship’s visit in Albay is not the first time it came in the Philippines. Back in 1987, USNS Mercy visited the country for the same purpose of providing humanitarian assistance. (MAL/JBE-PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301467181530/usns-mercy-arrives-in-legazpi-city#sthash.9nkIfVrn.dpuf

Pacific Partnership 2016 reels off in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, June 27 (PIA) – The provincial government of Albay has welcome officers and crew of the US Navy Ship Mercy in a showcase of the province’s known hospitality during the opening ceremonies of the Pacific Partnership 2016 on Monday, June 27.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the reception party for the top military officers of the US Navy aboard the hospital ship, led by RDML Bruce Gillingham of the Navy Medicine West, Capt. Peter Robertsof the USN-Medical Treatment Facility - Mercy and Capt. Tom Williams, the USN-Mission Commander of the Pacific Partnership 2016.

Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines present meanwhile were Bgen. Melquiades Feliciano, DCS for CMO; Bgen. Claudio, commander of the JTF-PP16; and Capt. Giovanni Bacordo (GSC) of the Philippine Navy Southern Luzon, among other officers of the military as well as police officers in the region.

Mayor Noel Rosal of this city delivered the welcome message citing that the city government here is very well appreciative of the humanitarian care mission that will be carried out under the Pacific Partnership 2016 at it will bring and help augment essential services to the people, including medical and dental services, engineering civic action program, social services, among others.

Now in its 11th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.

Along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, both uniformed units and local governments and other civilian agencies will get on a twelve-day partnership that focuses on civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) drills.

This year’s Pacific Partnership is headed by the US led multinational force with Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand all embarked on the USNS Mercy, which will anchor off the coast of Albay Gulf. The Governor’s Night followed immediately after the opening ceremonies have been concluded to showcase the Bicolano culture through songs and dances.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) also showcased the different tourists spots offering our visitors the opportunity to experience and come across these places as a matter of cultural exchange between the Albayano and visiting guests.

The Pacific Partnership will be until the 10th of July having concluded and covered all activities in the different locations in Albay. (MAL/ANBuan-JTFPP16/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211467247565/pacific-partnership-2016-reels-off-in-albay#sthash.kQJq5HWA.dpuf

Vaccination remains most effective solution to prevent rabies-related death in humans

By Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, June 26 (PIA) – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) together with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) maintain its call to the public to have them vaccinated of anti-rabies once bitten by dogs, whether of pet or stray dogs.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Enrique Espiritu expressed disappointment towards a most recent case of human rabies death in Brgy. San Julian in Irosin, Sorsogon where the victim refuses to be vaccinated after he was bitten by his mongrel breed pet dog.

Espiritu said that amidst the intensified campaign they are doing through various mediums, it is so disappointing to know that there are still Sorsoganons who take for granted their advocacy and that there are still rabies-related death in humans recorded.

PVO’s narrative report bared that in in December last year, Fulguso, the pet dog’s name, mingled with trayed dogs in the nearby area, and started to be weak and restless with eye secretions and from time to time, drooling Saliva in January this year.

The owner, Osias Gestole, 45, suspected of an ordinary illness of the dog and medicate it by himself. Manifestations in the dog continue and when Gestole forced to bathe the dog, it became agitated and had bitten the owner at the left base of his thumb.

That morning, Gestole’s partner forced him to have an immediate vaccination at the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC), but refused. In the afternoon, Fulgoso died and was buried by Gestole.

Four months after, Gestole started to feel weak and complained of a muscle pain or flu-like symptoms. Three days after, the victim experiences hydrophobia, photophobia and aerophobia that are getting eminent. He also experienced salivation and muscular tensions.

Five days after, the victim passed away regretful that he did not heed to the advice of having him vaccinated of anti-rabies.

According to Espiritu, it is important that as responsible owners, they know what to do when their pets exhibit different behavior.

“If the victim had just been keen about his pet’s behavior and heed to his partner’s advice to be vaccinated, he could have been spared from his fatal fate,” he added.

Espiritu reiterated that rabies is 100 percent fatal but is preventable. “Vaccination is still the best solution to prevent rabies death in humans.”

Meanwhile, following the death of Gestole, authorities here immediately recommended for mass vaccination to be done immediately in Brgy. San Julian, Poblacion and its adjacent barangays; an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activity in the adjacent barangay with the involvement of LGU and barangay officials and barangay folks be done; and intensification of LGU’s involvement in the implementation of the Anti-Rabies Act.

The last rabies case in human in Irosin town was ten years ago. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2581466922335/vaccination-remains-most-effective-solution-to-prevent-rabies-related-death-in-humans#sthash.wXJqDlD5.dpuf

DSWD presents list of poor households, individuals in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, June 24 (PIA) –The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) presented some 369, 395 poor households in the Bicol region at the launching of Listahanan database yesterday at Hotel St. Ellis here.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia said the second round of assessment covered all rural and urban areas in the six provinces, 107 municipalities, seven cities and 3,471 barangays of the region.

“Information available in the Listahanan database includes other information such as access to safe water and electricity, quality of housing materials, tenure status of the family’s house and lot and their specific occupation, etc.”, said Garcia.

It can be recalled that early last year, the DSWD’s information management system called Listahanan conducted house-to-house interviews to get the socio-economic information of the households. Information gathered is then subjected to the Proxy Means Test (PMT), a statistical tool that approximates household’s income using the proxy variables indicated in the Family Assessment Form used by the Listahanan field staff in conducting interviews.

Garcia said Listahanan shares the available database to stakeholders at no cost. Information such as statistics and magnitude can be obtained through data request.

“However, the list of poor families with names and household members shall be shared only upon execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DSWD and the data user,” he added.

The province of Camarines Sur has the highest number of poor households with 126,476 or 34% of the total identified poor followed by Masbate with 77,227 or 20% and Albay with 69, 681 or 18.8 %.

Sorsogon comes next with 48,555 or 13%, Camarines Norte with 32,190 or 8.7% and Catanduanes with 15, 266 or 4.1%.

Some 84% or 310, 706 of the poor households are found in rural areas while the remaining 16% are in urban areas.

Regionwide, there are 2,340,468 poor individuals of which 1,122,485 are women and 1,217,982 are men.

Some 55% or 1,294,840 of these poor individuals are children while 87,928 are senior citizens and some 29,346 are persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Furthermore 624,221 or 51% poor individuals are unemployed with 215,932 or 17.7% are earning their living as farmers, fisher folks and foresters.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)





- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571466664695/dswd-presents-list-of-poor-households-individuals-in-bicol#sthash.769avGUG.dpuf

DOH intensifies drive for smoke-free schools

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 23 (PIA) – With the common goal of eliminating tobacco consumption among students and minors, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) combine their efforts in reminding the public of the hazards of smoking.

In observance of the celebration of the National No Smoking Month this June, DOH and DepEd issued a joint statement last June 20, strongly reminding all partner agencies, schools, universities, colleges, and parents to religiously enforce a 100% smoke-free rule in all school facilities.

“Studies have shown that most young people who smoke regularly continue to smoke throughout adulthood and fall prey to being ‘replacement smokers’ of the tobacco industry. Hence, we call on students, as well as the rest of our young population, to never start smoking”, said DOH secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin.

According to Garin, though it is important to educate the youth of the ill effects of tobacco, it also of equally important to protect them from secondhand smoke. The health chief added that the exposure or inhaling second-hand smoke is more dangerous than smoking itself, as it increases a non-smoker’s risk of developing heart disease, lung disease, and various forms of cancer.

With the school year having officially started this month, DOH intensifies their ‘smoke-free schools campaign’ by keeping students away from the dangers of firsthand or secondhand smoke.

Their efforts include a call of vigilant implementation of Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. RA 9211 strictly prohibits trade of tobacco products within 100 meters from a school perimeter, public playground or any location frequented by minors.

Violation of RA 9211 subjects the offender to a fine from Php 500 to Php 400,000 and imprisonment ranging from 30 days to three years, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Moreover, business and licenses may be revoked or cancelled.

DOH also looks to strengthen the full implementation of the Graphic Health Warnings (GHW) by November of this year. The full implementation of the GHW require all tobacco products manufactured or sold in the Philippines to have a picture depicting the damaging effects of smoking, in at least 50% of both sides of the pack.

For those smokers who would want to quit, Secretary Garin also states that professional help is available to those who would want to quit. “Not smoking, or quitting smoking, greatly reduces your risk for disease and early death” Garin explained. (MAL/JBE/PIA-5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466583486/doh-intensifies-drive-for-smoke-free-schools#sthash.1Nbs8MMu.dpuf

DTI holds Bicol’s NKATBP confab in Legazpi City

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 22 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bicol regional office goes “full speed” in its efforts to assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and local consumers with the launch of  the “Negosyo, Konsyumer at Iba Pa” (NKATBP).

Also dubbed as “One DTI Services”, the NKATBP brings together all of DTIs services under one roof, for easier accessibility by the local businesses and citizenry. It is a two to five-day activity that will run in all regions of the country from April to December of 2016.

For the Bicol region, the NKATBP will be held in Albay Astrodome in this city from June 23 to 25. So far, the NKATBP in the Bicol region is the sixth of the same event to be hosted this year.

The NKATBP aims on bringing focused and integrated DTI services to the public, in order to benefit industries and consumers. It also part of the effort of heightening people’s awareness on these services offered by the department.

For the consumers, the activities offer packages of service to raise public awareness of ‘consumer’s rights’ and knowledge on the quality of products and services. All activities are specified to strengthen the “ramdam effect” among DTI’s stakeholders.

Regarding business development concerns, the menu of services include enabling of business environment, access to finance, access to market, and efficient productivity. MSMEs are expected to benefit on the event through an integrated delivery of various assistance being extended by different DTI units.

Throughout its three-day duration, the NKATBP will be hosting entrepreneurship sessions, knowledge and empowerment lectures, business consultations and counseling, photo exhibits, and the Bicol’s Best Trade Fair.

The event will also host the launching of commercial development projects, including DTI’s Negosyo Center and the Fabrication Laboratory at Bicol University.

For DTI-5, the NKATBP serves as a major strategic move in their continuing drive for consumer and business development in the Bicol region. Showing the department’s full dedication to this cause, DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal and Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya will be in attendance to address the stakeholders.

“We want the public to know that we (DTI) want to reach out and help,” said DTI-5 regional director Jocelyn Blanco. “We (DTI-5), for the entrepreneurs and consumers, only have their best interest at heart,” she added. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466574821/dti-holds-bicol-s-nkatbp-confab-in-legazpi-city#sthash.worZrYMo.dpuf

Pacific Partnership 2016 brings humanitarian mission in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, June 22 (PIA) -- The Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the provincial government of Albay will host this year’s Pacific Partnership 2016 with a multinational force led by the US Armed Forces and four other countries namely Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Philippines was identified as one of the host countries laterally with Indonesia, Timor Leste, Malaysia and Vietnam to accommodate the participating multinational force.

Albay was chosen for PP16 as the site for various civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) drills.

The humanitarian mission will be conducted from June 27 to July 10 this year.

Part of the medical services offered in this year’s engagement, the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) will anchor off the coast of Albay Gulf for medical services, surgeries and ship’s visit/ tour.

Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), HADR Trainings and Drills with both military and civilian participants will take place at different venues in Legazpi City.

Engineering Civic-Action Programs (ENCAP) offer the construction and repair of classrooms in three (3) different sites that will promote better learning environment for our students.

Talents among the AFP and US armed forces shall also be showcased through band engagements in specific venues in the province.

The Pacific Partnership came to be in response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia.

Over the years, mission has evolved primarily as direct care mission to an operation focused on enhancing partnerships through host nation subject matter expert and civil-military exchanges.

The undertaking will have its formal opening on the 27th of June and will last until the 10th of July 2016. By then, all activities and constructions have been completed and the primary mission of the endeavor accomplished.   (MAL/Maj.ANBuan-PAF/JTFPP2016/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211466582892/pacific-partnership-2016-brings-humanitarian-mission-in-albay#sthash.BfLix27M.dpuf

FDA warns public vs untested juice drink

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 23 (PIA) – Committed to their duty of protecting the public against bogus dietary products, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) warns the public of a product labeled as “Guyabano Juice” with unapproved therapeutic claims.

 According to a statement released last June 14, the FDA has been receiving reports of a guyabano juice drink which claims to have multiple health benefits. One such claim, as bannered on its label, is that it has “Natural cancer cell killer, 10,000 times stronger than drug used in chemotherapy.”

Aside from cancer curing abilities, the product claims to lower high blood pressure, boosts good cholesterol level, keeps bones strong, and prevents ailments like anemia, migraine, urinary track infection (UTI), leg cramps and pregnancy complications.

For its nutritional profits, the product boasts its claim to be a rich source of vitamin C, B, B1 and Potassium.

As per the FDA, these health claims are false and not duly approved. The product itself is not even registered with the FDA and has not been tested by the authorities for safety and quality.

Untested products, such as this so-called “guyabano juice”, present great dangers to consumers, like illnesses from poisoning and even death.  FDA also stressed that food products should not bear any misleading, deceptive, and false claims in their labels or promotional materials that will provide erroneous impression on a product’s identity.

Selling of untested products is a crime, under Section 14 of Republic Act 9711. As such, in the interest of public safety and health, officers of FDA’s Field Regulatory Operations Office (FROO) and other law enforcement outfits are already on the move to ensure sale and distribution of these products are stopped.

In order to make sure these goals are met, the government is also imploring the public’s cooperation and vigilance. The people are strongly advised to report to the necessary authorities if they are to spot anyone selling these “guyabano juice” or any of the same products. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466662370/fda-warns-public-vs-untested-juice-drink#sthash.OpB7pkMD.dpuf

DFA Bicol to launch online passport application

LEGAZPI CITY, June 20 (PIA) – The Department of Foreign Affairs –Regional Consular Office Legazpi will start implementing online appointment for passport application on July 1, 2016.


DFA Legazpi officer-in-charge Manuel S. Moran Jr. said launching of the online appointment is set on June 24, 2016 through https//www.passport.gov.ph.

Moreover, applicants may still set appointments personally at DFA Legazpi Office, 3rd Floor of Pacific Mall Legazpi City until July 16, 2016.

On July 18, DFA Legazpi will only accept applicants with on-line appointment, except for senior citizens with valid ID and overseas Filipino workers with valid contract and flight details. A special lane will be set for other applicants who need to set an appointment particularly pregnant women with medical certificate, persons with disability with valid ID and infant one year and below.

Moran reminded applicants not to purchase outbound travel tickets until their passports are in their possession noting that the DFA will not be responsible for any rebooking charges, loss of income and other financial compensation and/or personal losses arising from the applicant’s travel arrangements  while the passport has not been released.

“Please also understand that force majeure, transport strikes, and similar unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may cause delays in the normal cycle of delivery and production,” he added.

For further queries, contact DFA Legazpi office at (052) 480-3000 or 820-3396. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571466406071/dfa-bicol-to-launch-online-passport-application#sthash.XDWMfib8.dpuf

DOLE names safest companies in Bicol

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 22 (PIA) – Encouraging the maintenance of occupational health and safety, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol regional office has once again named the safest companies in the region on their bi-annual Gawad Kalusugan at Kaligtasan (GKK) Award.

Once every two years, DOLE Bicol's Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) grants the GKK Awards, the highest form of award in the region when it comes to workplace safety and health. After a meticulous selection process, the winner of the said award would bag the reputation as Bicol’s “safest” company.

“Getting the GKK award is not just an honor but also a prestige for both the company and its employees”, said DOLE Undersecretary Nicon F. Fameronag on his keynote address during the GKK Awarding event, at Legazpi City last June 8.

The GKK Award is divided into two major categories; the industry and individual category.

Winning the award for the industry category are the Philippine Geothermal Production Company Incorporated (PGPCI) and Petron Corporation – Legazpi Depot.

Both of the winning companies are involved in energy trade, an industry known to have great potential hazards to employees. However, through safety measure integrated by the companies for their employees as observed by the award’s selection body, PGPCI and Petron both claim the victory.

In the industrial category, a total of eight companies were nominated. Alongside PGPCI and Petron, the nominees included the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Incorporated – Naga City Plant, AP Renewables Incorporated of Tiwi Geothermal Plant, DIESCO Sorsogon, Innodata Knowledge Services Incorporated in Legazpi City, and MERALCO Industrial Engineering Services Corporation.

The award for the individual category, given to a specific person with great contribution in occupational safety and health, was given to Mr. Anselmo M. Puse Jr. of PGPCI. Sharing the honor with Pusa as nominees to the award are Rodjel Renan E. Cuebillas (PGPCI), Victor C. Clet (PGPCI), and Ronald Vincent Garcia (NGCP).

With the chance to earn further honors, Bicol’s GKK Award recipients will be representing the region for the GKK National Champion Awards that will be held in October 2016. Hoping for the best, DOLE-5 regional director Maria Karina Perida-Trayvilla feels positive about a consecutive win by Bicol as the GKK National Award was won by the region two years ago. (MAL/JBE-PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466146714/dole-names-safest-companies-in-bicol#sthash.YTBK8BRr.dpuf

DILG initiates “Operation Listo” vs La Niña

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 21 (PIA) – In preparation for the impacts of La Niña in the coming months, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched ‘Operation Listo’, a call-for-action plan to all local government units (LGU) to carry out disaster preparedness measures.

Operation Listo is an advocacy program of DILG which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness using the whole-of-government approach. Its first component called ‘Listong Pamahalaang Lokal’ was launched in 2014, institutionalizing local protocols for disaster readiness, response and monitoring.

The directive initiating Operation Listo was issued by DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento last June 15, urging all city and municipality mayors, provincial governors and DILG regional directors to take precautionary measures against La Niña in their respective jurisdictions.

This directive released by DILG is in response to the La Niña warning release by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which predicts increased storm visits during the second half of 2016.

As warned by PAGASA, the La Niña readiness efforts would focus more on areas that are most vulnerable to storms like the Bicol region, provinces of Isabela, Quezon, Samar, Leyte, Surigao, and Agusan.

For the preliminary step, Sarmiento reminds LGUs to implement early preparedness actions in the Operation Listo manual for hydro-meteorological hazards. These are the ‘Early and Critical Preparations Checklists’ for Mayors and the checklist for Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, Chiefs of Police, and Fire Marshalls.

These manuals lay down disaster preparedness minimum standards before, during and after a disaster. “As the manuals say, these are done during ‘peace time’ or when no immediate threat of disaster. Operation Listo reminds everyone that we must be pre-emptive instead of reactive,” said Sarmiento.

Before PAGASA raises a disaster alert, there are four General Actions would have been initiated by the LGU; namely the creation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management structures and systems to be mobilized, institutionalized policies and plans, have trained and competent units on the ready, and have contingency and rescue hardware on stand-by.

As of last month, President Benigno Aquino III led the launching of the two new components of Operation Listo: the ‘Listong Pamayanan’ and ‘Listong Pamilyang Pilipino’.

 The Listong Pamayanan component focuses on capacity development interventions, cascaded from the LGU to their respective community. The Listong Pamilyang Pilipino component, on the other hand, focuses on the family and household level preparedness.

On her radio interview with PIA-RO5, DILG-5’s RDRRM regional action officer Jo Arndt said that Operation Listo is just one of many initiatives of DILG in celebration of the National Disaster Month. Other activities being conducted by DILG also included ‘Operation Yakal’ and the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for earthquake preparedness. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301466402723/dilg-initiates-operation-listo-vs-la-ni-a#sthash.8sp2Sc17.dpuf


DILG beefs up “Operation Listo” vs La Niña

Albay hosts Asia Pacific Partnership with US

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 17 (PIA) – Now on it's eleventh year in providing humanitarian assistance and promoting common understanding amongst nations, the Asia Pacific Partnership for Humanitarian Mission will be hosted by the province of Albay from June 27 until July 10, 2016.

Aimed in increasing multilateral cooperation for humanitarian assistance, the Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by the United States and its regional allies. The missions are also intended to improve capacity and enhance regional partnership amongst friendly countries, like Indonesia, Timor Leste, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

For the Philippine leg of the humanitarian missions, the hospital ship USNS Mercy is expected to arrive in Legazpi City from Timor Leste on June 27, which will officially mark the beginning of the joint medical and civic engagements.

Arriving ahead of the others, the NSCB (USAF’s engineering and construction battalion) arrived in Legazpi City last May 20. As early as May 28, they have already begun their task of constructing facilities for local elementary schools in Albay; namely Comun Elementary School, Mabini Elementary School and Kinawitan Elementary School. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new school buildings will be held on early July, when the high commands of the humanitarian personnel are present in the country.

Last June 14, the joint command of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other concerned agencies held a meeting to finalize and coordinate the medical, civic and solidarity activities with the USNS Mercy’s advance team headed by Lt. Rebecca Wolf.

Throughout the months of June and July of 2016, participants of the missions will be conducting subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and activities on medical development. These includes discussions concerning infection control, epidemiology, nursing, and emergency response.

The SMEEs will be hosted by Public Health Office, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) in Legazpi City, Ziga Memorial Hospital in Tabaco City, and Josephina Belmonte Duran Memorial District Hospital (JBDMH) in Ligao City. Events also include trainings and workshops for basic life support and first responder courses.

Nursing skills workshop and surgeries would also be done on-board the USNS Mercy, with Filipino and American doctors and nurses working side-by-side. While the ship is anchored in Albay, selected patients could be brought on-board for treatment and guided tours of the hospital ship will also be made available to the Filipino counterparts.

To establish camaraderie between the nations involved, the joint command also included solidarity events like benefit concerts and engagement of the USNS Mercy’s band. Basketball and volleyball competitions were also organized between the AFP and the visitors.

A dental symposium is scheduled to be held at Ago Medical and Educational Center on July 10, which will be followed by a dental SMEE on-board the USNS Mercy.

By July 11, the hospital ship departs the country, along with all the humanitarian personnel, for the next leg of the missions in Vietnam. (MAL/JBE-PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301465181250/albay-hosts-asia-pacific-partnership-with-us#sthash.YMYeXORM.dpuf

City, municipal action teams in Bicol train on Bridging Leadership Program

LEGAZPI CITY, June 17 (PIA) -- Some 114 members of the city and municipal action teams (C/MAts) in Bicol region under the stewardship of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will train on a convergence strategy in order to maximize the impact of social protection programs and initiatives of the government to the communities.

DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia said the agency has adopted the convergence strategy which prevails the ideal mechanism that must be embedded in the paradigm and harmonizes the interface of the various program process owners.

"Main implementers of the convergence strategy are the C/MATs, composed of Municipal Links Project Development Officers and the Area Coordinators, who are tasked to enhance and strengthen the convergence operations in every municipality with the end result of contributing to the Department’s over- all mission and vision of achieving a more tangible and sustainable interventions to address socio- economic inequities," Garcia said.

The training program, according to him, will help improve the objective of improving and strengthen the leadership capacities of the C/MATs and promote proper work values, attitudes.

Ateneo de Naga University (AdeNU), by virtue of a memorandum of agreement (MOA with the DSWD, has expressed willingness to forge a partnership to train the C/MATs using the Bridging Leadership Program with the following modules: Leadership Skills, Team Management, Partnership Building Network and Technical Writing.

The training on the Bridging Leadership Program will be carried out at the AdeNU under the office of the Center for Local Governance.

While the academic institution is in- charge of the capability building activities, the DSWD will provide the corresponding fees to the school for the service provided. Likewise the trainees shall be provided with perdiem and travelling expenses for the whole duration of the training.

The training program was launched last June 15, 2016 at Bro. Richard Michael Fernando, SJ Hall, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211466125210/city-municipal-action-teams-in-bicol-train-on-bridging-leadership-program#sthash.whFkQ0ai.dpuf

BFP urges CamNorteñeos to join 2nd quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, June 16 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here urged CamNorteñeos to join the 2nd quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) slated on June 22 at 9:00 in the morning.

Deputy Provincial Fire Officer Percival Malate during the Talakayan sa PIA on air of the Camarines Norte Information Center said that the BFP will be holding the earthquake drill in schools and local government units offices in the different municipalities.

They will also encourage national government agencies and other entities to join the activity.

The drill or the # Pagyanig Challenge is a promotional strategy to popularize the ‘duck, cover and hold’ messaging applied during earthquake. At the national level this will be held at the GHQ, Grandstand, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City as the ceremonial site.

Malate also encouraged households to join the earthquake drill for them to practice the ‘duck, cover and hold’ within their family.

He said that during earthquake, a person should not keep himself in the comfort room or inside the cabinet because he might be trap, instead he should do the ‘duck, cover and hold’, go under the table and after the shaking find a way out to the open ground.

Along this line they also conduct trainings regularly on fire safety and suppression in schools through the Kiddie and Junior Fire Marshal and in the barangay through Barangay Fire Brigade wherein last year almost all the 282 were visited by the BFP.

On the other hand, Fire Officer Anna Khristina R. Talento, provincial administrative officer said that included in the training is the pre-fire planning particularly on the identification of water source in the community.

They also train the participants on the bucket relay specially in schools were majority have no fire extinguisher and in the far flung and island barangays which cannot be reach by their fire trucks.

She also advised the constituents to have their first aid kit, flashlights, drinking water, and whistle and among other things needed during emergencies.

The month of May is School Opening Fire Safety Month wherein before the start of school year, the BFP has conducted fire safety inspection in schools and participated in the Brigada Eskwela. (RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/871466054928/bfp-urges-camnorte-eos-to-join-2nd-quarter-nationwide-simultaneous-earthquake-drill#sthash.v75GCBvZ.dpuf

47K workers employed for Kalahi-CIDSS projects in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, June 16 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has employed thousands of residents in the Bicol region for the construction of community-managed projects under Kalahi-CIDSS programKapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a community-driven development (CDD) program aimed to reduce poverty in poor villages.

DSWD Bicol Director Arnel Garcia said some 47,283 workers were employed for construction of at least 1,304 projects in 99 poor municipalities in the region from 2015 to present.

The said projects are constructed to provide basic access infrastructure, basic social services, community production, economic support and common service facilities and environment protection and conservation.

Garcia said the total labor cost amounts to Php97,589,529.00 with each laborer receiving a minimum of Php260.00 depending on the prevailing rate in the locality.

Of the total number of workers, 9,202 are women hired as part of the gender mainstreaming in Kalahi-CIDSS where men and women are given opportunities in labor works. Their labor cost amounts to Php16,105,170.

Furthermore, 37% of the total laborers are Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who received a total Php29, 346 629.00 for their salaries.

Necita Mesa of Baao, Camarines Sur, a housewife with three children, was one of the residents who built their access road.

Her colleague who belongs to the Barangay Subproject Management Committee (BSPMC), the community implementer of the Kalahi-CIDSS project in their village, recruited her.

Hiring workers within the community, Garcia added, is an effective strategy to ensure quality workmanship as they themselves are the beneficiaries of the project.

“Hiring workers within the community where projects are being constructed will not only give them additional income but they will also ensure quality workmanship because they themselves are the beneficiaries of these,” Garcia said.(SAA/DSWD5-PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571466059258/47k-workers-employed-for-kalahi-cidss-projects-in-bicol#sthash.ooQzlb6G.dpuf

Legazpi City initiates curfew for minors

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 15 (PIA) – Reinforcing the drive against juvenile crimes, Legazpi City mayor Noel Rosal has ordered the Legazpi City’s law enforcement bodies to implement curfew for minors below eighteen years old as a new city ordinance.

Yesterday, Rosal ordered Legazpi City’s Chief of Police P/Supt. Joselito Ensico to implement the curfew from 10:00 pm until 4:00 am. Stipulated in the city’s ordinance, law enforcement units would be conducting regular patrols on favorite youth hang-out areas, like internet café and billiard halls, during the said hours.

Rosal urged the city’s PNP, Barangay Curfew Enforcement Teams (BCET) and Public Safety Officers (PSO) to inform the citizens within their given jurisdiction of the curfew, so that parents would be able to hinder their children from staying out late at night.

BCETs would be conducting arrests of minors roaming around public places during curfew hours and will be returned to their parents or guardians. If a youth should be rescued by a personnel of the PNP or PSO, the youth will be turned over to the BCET and parent of the violator would be issued a curfew citation by the BCET team chairman.

Should the minor violators be residents of a different barangay, the BCET would hand them over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for their safety and protection.

To avoid being apprehended, parents are advised to accompany their children during curfew hours. Emergency purposes, like going to the physician and buying medicines, or scholastic reasons for students are also given consideration by authorities.

For the first violation, parents or guardians of the minor would be given a reprimand letter by the authorities. If the offense is committed for the second time, the parents will be required to attend a one-day therapy session at the Office of the City Social Works and Development.

If the violation is repeated for the third time, the parents would pay a fine of Php 500 or render one-day community service. Failure to comply with the said penalties would result to a criminal complaint filed in court against the parents, to be signed by the Chief of Police due to violation of a city ordinance. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301465969205/legazpi-city-initiates-curfew-for-minors#sthash.unaPlbzA.dpuf

Training on adolescent and youth summit set

VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 15 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Catanduanes, through the Provincial Health Office, will conduct Adolescent and Youth Summit on June 20, 2016.

Dr. Hazel Palmes, Provincial Health Officer, said that the activity aims to help Catandunganon youth to become responsible in addressing their needs related to a wholesome adolescent and youth development.

Palmes further said that young adults who are sexually and non-sexually at risk are facing problem on Pre-marital Sex/Pregnancy/Sexually Transmitted Diseases thereby increasing the need for adequate and factual information to make sound enlightened decision and be responsible to act when confronted with difficult youth health situation, thus this project proposal for the youths adequacy on accurate knowledge.

Topics on the youth summit forum includes the following: Human Sexuality to be discussed by Ms. Delia M. Silvestre, PPO IV; Social, Psychological and Emotional Consequences on Teen-age Pregnancy to be discussed by Ms. Socorro V. de la Rosa, CESO IV; Danger and Risk on DMO V to be discussed by Joseph Richard S. Garay, M.D. and Premarital Sex to be discussed by Provincial DOH Officer.

The activity has an expected participant of around 300 In-School and Out of School Youth including facilitators from municipalities of Virac, Viga, Panganiban and Bagamanoc.

A Colored Fun Run will also be held in relation to the activity. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841466049505/training-on-adolescent-and-youth-summit-set#sthash.JlhUCwnl.dpuf

Naga City, all set for the week-long Charter Day celebration

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, June 15 (PIA) ---  The city government here has lined up  a string of colorful events within the week until June 19 in time for the celebration of this city's 68th Charter Day anniversary.

This city observed its charter anniversary pursuant to Republic Act No. 9210 signed on June 11, 2003.

With the City Events Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) on the lead, the week-long celebration started off with the commemoration of the 118th Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan 2016, followed by a blood donation activity dubbed “Talingkas Dolot Buhay sa Maogmang Lugar” and capped by a debate at the Plaza Rizal gazebo.

PiliMania Food and Agri Fair Exhibit formally opened today at the Kinastillohan Street, Plaza Rizal here. PiliMania chair Farah Rañola Bongat, wife of the local chief executive, spearheaded the affair.

PiliMania is an initiative of First Lady Farah which she launched in 2011. It endeavors to create a pool of environmentalist and green advocates who will sustain the city-wide planting of pili trees in the city’s 27 barangays and in other open areas and sites.

A 3-day Ginhawang Nagueño Charter will also be held from June 17 to 19 with barangay officials as participants.  The Ginhawang Nagueño program is City Mayor John Bongat’s way of addressing the persistent poverty issues mostly involving the least economically resilient communities in the city.

Several great events were set to fill the last weekday. Lined up for June 17 are simultaneous activities which include Naga Lakaw, Naga City Charter Day Jobs Fair at the People’s Hall, Kinalas Festival and an Inter-school Kinalas Cooking Contest which consists of a Bicol Food Cookfest at 1pm and Food Photography Contest set at 30pm.

The day’s highlight will be the conferment of awards to outstanding Nagueños and Nagueñas who have contributed to the enhancement of the city’s development. The 2016 Mayoral Awards will be held at the Avenue Convention Plaza  on Friday night.

On Saturday, June 18, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office will lead partakers during the Naga City Arbor Day, a tree planting activity at the Mount Isarog Natural Park.  The Naga City Teachers and Employees Association (NACITEA) will also conduct the 3rd Congressional/DepEd Naga Consultation at the Naga City Hall Blue Room.

Simultaneous with the Saturday activities are Dental and Medical mission dubbed “Serbisyong Nagueño” at the Plaza Rizal courtesy of the City Health Office; a Charter Day Pet show called “Hirilingan kan MaluluPET” where an anti-rabies vaccination will also be done , among others.

The week-long activity will be capped by the PiliMania Eco-endurance Challenge which will commence at the Pili Park on June 19 and the commemoration of the 155th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Plaza Rizal. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861465965551/naga-city-all-set-for-the-week-long-charter-day-celebration#sthash.z0haj4Tk.dpuf

Albay celebrates 118th Philippines Independence Day

Legazpi City, June 14 (PIA) – The provincial government of Albay and city government of Legazpi jointly celebrate the 11th Philippines Independence Anniversary and the 57th Charter Day of the city this June 12, 2016 at the Peñaranda Park here.

With the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong,” the celebration started with a thanksgiving mass early in the morning followed by a flag ceremony and short program where troops representing the different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines held a short parade showing their support for the celebration.

The short program was attended by various representatives of the local government, civic organizations, and various sectors in the province.

In his message, Albay Governor Joey Salceda recalled his nine years of service to the province noting the progress it went through under his administration.

“Albay is now a province with the lowest poverty incidence in the Bicol Region, from 32.3 percent rate to 25.1 percent, from 2006 to 2015, and while it is still 4 percent away from the national average of 21.1 percent, continued support for the programs we have instilled in our system will ensure that we will not only reach the average, but optimistically, we will have a 15 percent rate in the future,” Salceda said.

The Governor also stressed that for this economic freedom to continue and flourish, Albayanos need to further bolster a strong society anchored on active citizenship from the community.  To achieve active citizenship, family values as the core support of active citizenship should be first established.

“I cannot take credit for the progress that Albay is enjoying today, without the full support of the Albayanos, and the other local leaders, we will not be experiencing this growth, while sad as it may be that not everyone experiences this upliftment from poverty, economic freedom will soon be all-encompassing as long as we have intuitive cohesion among ourselves,” said Salceda.

Salceda ended his message by once again profusely thanking the people of Albay for giving him the opportunity to be its chief executive for the past nine years and vowed to give the same focus and passion in his new post as congressman for the Second District of Albay when he assumes the post next month.(MAL/SAA/PGA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571465869122/albay-celebrates-118th-philippines-independence-day#sthash.3ZstjHzu.dpuf

14 island villages get services, facilities from Team Albay caravan

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, June 13 (PIA) – Hundreds of residents of at least 14 villages in Cagraray Island availed of various services, programs and facilities given by the Team Albay Countryside Development Caravan (TACDEC) Friday last week at Cabasan, Elementary School.

"Salamat na nakaabot kamo digdi samu. Dakulang ginhawa ini samuya. (We’re thankful that you came. It’s a big relief for us), “said Nanay Alice, a nearby school vendor.

Erlinda Serrano, one of the barangay tanods assisting the caravan, added “Maray ngani nakadigdi kamo. Sana magbalik pa kamo giraray. (It’s good that you were able to come. We’re looking forward to your next visit).”

Some 35 government agencies, departments and private partners joined the last leg of the caravan under Governor Joey Salceda providing information services and humanitarian care and facilities.

The village recipients are Cabasan, Napao, Vinisitahan, Buang, Uson, Pongco, San Pablo, Langatan, Tanagan, Pigcobohan, Busdac, Tambilagao, Cawayan and Cagraray.

Hon. Roger B. Barrameda, Cabasan barangay captain, likewise expressed his gratitude to the organizers and members of the TACDEC citing the effort of the provincial government in uniting government and private partners to bring their services closer to Albayanos particularly those in far flung barangays such as Cagraray Island.

Each barangay recipient received hygiene kits from the Red Cross, trash cans from the Philippine Navy Tactical Operations Group 5, farming tools and seedlings of cacao, palay and pili from the Department of Agriculture and boxes of medicines from the Department of Health (DOH) and Albay Provincial health Office.

The Philippine Information Agency Albay led the information services facilitating the opening program and presentation of government agencies, private stakeholders and the programs and services they render.

Also among the services rendered are medical and dental mission including blood pressure screening, consultation and dispensing of medicines.

The Provincial Veterinary office led the animal health services such as anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, pregnancy diagnosis and vitamin supplementation.

Pregnant mothers and babies until 2 years old were given vitamins and fortified “Manna” food packs by the Dios Mabalos Po Foundation.

Skills demonstration, livelihood training and first aid training, umbrella and appliance repair, hair cutting and lectures on personality development and disaster risk reduction and preparedness were also given.

Salceda created the TACDEC Task Force through an executive order on July 2, 2013 as a strategy of effectively and efficiently providing the basic services and facilities. It evolves on the dynamism of convergence and synergy of local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

Its top aim is to smoothly and closely deliver the basic services and facilities, setting a stage of reaching out a strong linkage in delivering the needs on health, education, livelihood and vital economic programs with the infusion of adequate information leading to the attainment of peace and development.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571465796027/14-island-villages-get-services-facilities-from-team-albay-caravan#sthash.zq5iD7Mo.dpuf

DTI-5 to MSMEs: “Dream Big!”

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 13 (PIA) – “Dream big!” was the rallying call of the Department of Trade and Industry-Bicol Region (DTI-5) for the up-start entrepreneurs attending the Bicol Food Conference, held yesterday at Legazpi City,

Themed: “Promoting the Taste of Bicolandia”, the said conference was organized by DTI-5’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Commission in order to empower existing and potential micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners by sharing business knowledge and inspiration.

During the gathering, successful entrepreneurs who were once humble MSME owners rose to the occasion as keynote speakers. One of these speakers is Eufracio Ocampo, owner of the famous pasalubong-business “Sitsirya Sari-Sari”.

Firing-up the determination of the newbie business-folks in attendance, Ocampo shared his story on how he elevated his business from lowly beginnings to the thriving status it has today. In 1983, Ocampo and his wife found themselves jobless, but fears working abroad as it may tear their family apart. As a solution, the couple started a confectionary business with a meager Php 10,000.

The product that the Ocampos sold was an array of traditional delicacies from different regions of the country. Ingeniously packaged as great choice for gifts or giveaways, their products drew appeal from a wide and diverse market like tourists and OFWs.

Through hard work, the business grew in succeeding years. As of June 2015, “Sitsirya Sari-Sari” has a total of 17 company-owned outlets across the country, prompting the business towards franchising.

“We (DTI) have always encouraged them (the MSMEs) to dream big. We want them to prosper, not only in Bicol, but throughout the country, until they are ready to export”, said DTI-5 regional director Jocelyn Blanco.

Encouraging the Bicolano MSMEs to prosper as Ocampo did, DTI-5 has continuously promoted food business ventures across the region since 2007 through their Business Development Program.

Throughout the years, the program expanded from a handful of MSME beneficiaries to a large organization, devoted to the development of the food manufacture industry in Bicol. Surprised by how positive the region’s food industry stands, DTI-5 was commended by Undersecretary Zenaida T. Maglaya of DTI’s Regional Operations Group.

“I did not expect that Bicol has a food industry and community as large and interactive as this.” said Maglaya, who was also a guest of the Bicol Food Conference. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301465542028/dti-5-to-msmes-dream-big-#sthash.UlGmnHdH.dpuf

Tabaco City honors heroes for Independence Day 2016

By Julius Embile

TABACO CITY, June 13 (PIA) – Tabaco City Mayor Marie Demetriou has called on the citizenry to commemorate the independence our country crediting the heroes who fought and sacrificed to make it possible.

Today, in celebration of the Philippines’ 118th Independence Day, the city government of Tabaco has paid homage to the veterans and modern-day unsung heroes.

In accordance to this year’s theme: “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong”, Tabaco City’s celebration of the country’s day of independence implores to reflect on the teachings of the past in addressing modern day concerns.

The celebration program in Tabaco is highlighted by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the statue of the national hero, Jose P. Rizal, at the city’s central plaza. The event was headed by heads of Tabaco City’s LGU alongside representatives of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.

“Our forefathers had paid the supreme sacrifice with their blood in order for us to reap the cherished fruits of unfettered freedom“, said Demetriou, as the veterans present on the occasion.

During her speech, Demetriou likened the battle for freedom in the olden days to the present-days’ struggle against poverty, ignorance, ecological abuse and criminality. She said it is a battle being fought today by unsung heroes like responsible parents, righteous and dutiful government employees, and vigilant citizens.

“Every day, there are unsung heroes in our government, in the private sector, and even at home, contributing greatly in our society,” said the Demetriou. “Let’s not neglect this opportunity for growth, not only for ourselves but for future generations”, she added.

To cap the celebration, blue and white balloons were released to the skies as a symbol of solidarity, care for freedom, and to honor all heroes both old and new. (MAL/JBE/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301465867887/tabaco-city-honors-heroes-for-independence-day-2016#sthash.EDdAZwwx.dpuf

Bicol U targets SUC Level-5 status

By Julius Embile

LEGAZPI CITY, June 9 (PIA) – Aiming to be amongst the country’s world-class universities, the Bicol University (BU) now sets it sights in attaining a ‘State University and College’ (SUC) Level-5 status by 2018.

Fresh from having three of the university’s departments as ‘center of developments and excellence’, BU president Arnulfo Mascariñas plans to keep the momentum of achievements going by baring the administration’s plans of SUC Level-5 accreditation.

 The plan underpins the university’s performance targets along key result areas (KRA) specified on the recently released Department of Budget and Management-Commission of Higher Education (DBM-CHED) Joint Circular No.1 series 2016, also known as the revised FY 2016 SUC Leveling Instrument and Guidelines. Jointly formulated by CHED and DBM, along with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), the circular categorizes SUCs into five levels.

In accordance with the law, the SUC’s leveling is guided by principles of alignment with ASEAN standards, typology-based quality standards, and movement towards outcomes. SUC leveling will be along quality and relevance of instructions, research capability and output, community service, and resource management.

Based on the 2013 to 2015 statistics, BU was categorized as a Level-4 SUC. With this, Mascariñas is now rallying the faculty and staff of the university to push for the Level-5 status to “realize BU’s vision of a world-class university”.

To achieve this goal, Mascariñas said the school would be setting-up mechanisms ensuring collaborative work from the whole university. One of these is gearing the individual and office performance commitment review (IPCR/OPCR) towards the KRAs. The new IPCR and OPCR would be uniquely designed, as individual performance would affect college and department performance, and vise-versa.

“If we want to build a world-class university, it should start from our faculty members. I believe that the faculty members, our personnel, and our non-teaching staff, they are the best resources we ever have”, said Mascariñas

BU is also plans to send qualified applicants to top universities of the ASEAN region, such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Should BU achieve the said target, they would comparatively be one of the best universities in Asia. (MAL/JBE-PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301465456303/bicol-u-targets-suc-level-5-status#sthash.S2TjlWVs.dpuf

Catanduanes population growth rate decreases, Virac town most populated

VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 10 (PIA) - Based on the 2015 Census of Population, the average annual population growth rate (PGR) of Catanduanes is 1.11 percent for the period 2010 to 2015 which is slightly lower by 0.24 percent than the 2000 to 2010 PGR of 1.35 percent.

According to Ms. Anavi F. Camacho, Provincial Statistics Officer, the total population of the province of Catanduanes as of August 1, 2015 is 260,964 which is higher by 14,664 compared to the 2010 population of 246,300.  In 2000, the total population was 215,356.

Virac had the largest population with 73,650, followed by San Andres with 36,779 and Caramoran with 30,056.  The combined population of these three areas comprised  53.8 percent of the province of Catanduanes population.

Four municipalities had an average annual PGR which is higher than the provincial average for the period 2010 to 2015.  These are Caramoran (1.31 percent), Bato (1.20 percent), Virac (1.83 percent), and San Miguel (1.18 percent).

Among the top five barangays with largest population are San Isidro Village (4,905), Cavinitan (4,514), Cabugao (3,418), Bigaa (3,193), and Calatagan Proper (3,075).  On the other hand, the top five barangays with the least population are Sagrada, Baras (159), Quezon, Baras (131), Sta. Isabel, Bato (124), San Jose Pob, Virac (122), and P. Teston, Baras (85).

The POPCEN 2015 was undertaken by the Philippine Statistics Authority in August 2015 pursuant to Republic Act No. 10625, also known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 and Executive Order No. 352 – Designation of Statistical Activities That Will Generate Critical Data for Decision-Making of the Government and the Private Sector, which stipulates the conduct of a mid-decade census primarily to update the population count in all barangays nationwide.

His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III declared as official for all purposes the population counts by province, city/municipality, and barangay, based on the POPCEN 2015 under Proclamation No. 1269 dated 18 May 2016.

The population counts were based on census questionnaires accomplished by about 386 enumerators deployed during the census taking in the province.

The successful completion of the census-taking was made possible with the support of the local and national officials, government agencies, local government units, media, private agencies, and non-government organizations. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841465799198/catanduanes-population-growth-rate-decreases-virac-town-most-populated-#sthash.mHJNGfgJ.dpuf

Nine public hospitals in Albay receive ambulances from PCSO, PGA

LEGAZPI CITY, June 9 (PIA) – Nine district hospitals in the province of Albay are recipients of brand new ambulances from the provincial government of Albay (PGA) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Governor Joey Sarte Salceda and PCSO Albay Branch Manager Eden Banzuela led the distribution of ambulances at the Penaranda Park this morning purchased through PCSO and PGA funding with 60-40% cost sharing scheme.

The recipients of said ambulances are Josefina Belmonte Duran Memorial District Hospital, Pantao District Hospital and district hospitals in Bacacay, Rapu-Rapu, Jovellar, Tiwi, Malilipot, Pioduran and Ligao City.

Dr. Nathaniel Rempillo, Provincial Health Office head, said public hospitals in the province receive new ambulance almost every two years.

He furthered that the provincial government aims to purchase additional transportation units for their office to be used for medical services next year but that will depend on the income of hospitals in the province.

 Banzuela added that Albay has been a beneficiary of their Ambulance Donation Program for several years citing the 60-40 PCSO-PGA cost sharing wherein 4th and 5th class municipalities receive the ambulance for free.

The said units are set to augment health facilities in medical emergency services.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571465456434/nine-public-hospitals-in-albay-receive-ambulances-from-pcso-pga#sthash.qLkosAGr.dpuf

Indian community helps public schools in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, June 9 (PIA) – School supplies, stand fans and plastic chairs were among the items donated by a community of Indian nationals to four public elementary schools in Albay.

Indian community spokesperson Suhkpal Singh said they coordinated with local officials to determine school beneficiaries citing further plans of their fellow Indians in the province to help the community.

“It's our pleasure helping these kids. We asked the officials, we consult and came up on its priority. Our organization then decided what particular items to be given away so this is it, we're glad and we never stop helping the community. My fellow Indians are planning to do more and bring the spirit of sharing to others".

The beneficiaries are public school pupils from Tagas and Binitayan in Daraga Albay and Bogtong and Cabangan in Legazpi City.

"We are so thankful to them. This is something needed in our school,” Tagas Elementary School OIC head Nilda Ramirez said.

Ma. Carmen Llacuna, Binitayan Elementary School principal, said “this is beneficial to our students. It’s such a pleasure of receiving a donation from our friends in the Indian community.”

Among the items donated are school supplies, 12 stand fans and 75 plastic chairs and 22 orbit fans.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571465458923/indian-community-helps-public-schools-in-albay#sthash.7CIMPpp4.dpuf

Albay’s 24K exhibit to feature local artists’ master works of art

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, June 8 (PIA) – Some 24 local artists tagged as masters in their respective artistic medium will be showcasing their works of art at the Art Exhibit slated this month in the province.

Albay artist and designated curator Apo Gonzales will be leading the exhibit dubbed 24K Arts at the Albay Capitol Artrium Art Gallery, Albay Capitol Building in this city on June 9 – 30, 2016, which he considers as his “graduation” or last exhibit under outgoing governor Joey Sarte Salceda.

“The 24K Arts exhibit will feature works of 24 local artists who are currently making and will make good in the future. They are active, patented and productive artists who can be role models for the younger ones,“ Gonzales said over the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol.

“The artists are masters in different medium – pencil, water color, acrylic and even ball pen and pentel pen. It’s really amazing how they turned it into art,” he furthered.

Gonzales said the exhibit also aims to give recognition to local artists and help them promote their works of art, which is also part of his advocacy.

“My advocacy is to help local artists. As of now, many local artists have emerged and promoted their works of art. Hopefully we’ll have more. There have been supporters who appreciated and brought their works.  It would be better if there are buyers,” he said.

Twenty four panel boards or one masterpiece per artist will be featured and will also be up for sale.

“Each masterpiece has its own identity. The price range will depend on the artist, how they price their work. It may depend on the size or if it’s old or new. It’s best if they could go to the gallery and check the quality,” Gonzales said.

Aside from the 54 art exhibits produced in four years, Gonzales added he is planning for more art exhibits at different venues along a lecture series on art or artist workshop for them to further enhance their knowledge and skills.

“I am planning for more art exhibits at venues that are nearer to people and are easily accessible such as malls, terminals or cafes. For artists, hope we could start with the Art Talk lecture series or artist’s workshop to enhance their knowledge and acquire more skills,” Gonzales said.

The front liners in this exhibit are Cesar Gueta, Maria Magdamit, Renato Jimenez, Djai Tanji,Pat Noveno, Toy Nantes, Benny Santayana, Bert “Sili King” Gonzales, Duchesne Vasquez, Ting Negrete, Carlo Magno Vargas, Emilio De Vera II, jake Roldan, Vicky Balunso, Camilo Reverente, Rene Aldecoa, Art Borlagdan, Alex Scarella, Buddy Relorcasa, Anne Cadiz, Jopermeister Red, Al Baleda, Jef Quintano and Frank Lloyd Cadag. (SAA-PIA5/Albay)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571465373854/albay-s-24k-exhibit-to-feature-local-artists-master-works-of-art#sthash.Vc3uHxkd.dpuf

Mining engineers confab in Legazpi City at the newly completed state of the art Convention Center

LEGAZPI CITY, June 8 (PIA)  -- The facilities of the newly constructed Legazpi City Convention Center here is all set to house at least 2,000 delegates for the National Convention of Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSME) starting today until June 10.

Mayor Noel E. Rosalof this city said the PSME confab is the first national gathering to use the convention center following its completion just recently that showcase state of the art facilities including sound system, air conditioning, dressing rooms, rest rooms, lounge, and functions among others.

Rosal said the PSME is a highly respected group of mining engineers which helps crafts programs and policies to work responsibly as professionals for the development of the mining industry much as provide opportunities and assistance for its members and promote the welfare of the organization

The mayor said the construction of the convention center was made possible by a P50 million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Legazpi City Branch as requested by the city to finance the civil works of the building.

The original design of the project was a multi-purpose hall but due to the increasing number of international as well as national and local organizations that want to hold their meetings in the city, Rosal decided to convert it into convention center.

Rosal said the newly built edifice can be considered as one of the most modern convention centers in the entire Bicolandia with an acoustical wall panel that will guarantee the good sound waves of the sound systems.

The building is located at the adjacent lot of the city motor pool in Washington Drive and only a walking distance from the Legazpi City Airport.  It has a total floor area of 2,165.55 square meters with a total parking space good for 104 cars.  It can also accommodate 1,000 sets in a restaurant setting or 3,000 sets in a theater setting, the city mayor said.

“It will help complement the needs of the continuously increasing number of tourist arrivals in our city in order to achieve our target to become one of the top five convention cities by year 2020,” Rosal said.

Based on data gathered from the City Tourism Office, Rosal said the city has an annual average of 35 different kinds of gathering, with an increase of 45 percent in tourist arrivals or a total of 967,396 visitors recorded in 2015 compared to 666,210 tourist personalities posted in 2014.

“All big events conducted here have improved indirect taxes that benefited so much the city’s business sector like restaurants, hotels, bars and other entertainment establishments that resulted in the continuous increase of tax collected by the city and improved income for the transport sector,” Rosal pointed out.

He said the improvement of business activities in this city will continue to increase its share of the internal revenue allotment from the national government because its share from the IRA is based on the computation of taxes collected here by the Bureau Internal Revenue.  (MAL/EPS-CGL/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3211465283107/mining-engineers-confab-in-legazpi-city-at-the-newly-completed-state-of-the-art-convention-center#sthash.ZuxvFIMn.dpuf

P459.1 M KALAHI projects completed, underway in Camarines Norte

DAET, Camarines Norte, June 7 (PIA) – More than P459.1 million worth of projects has been implemented in this province under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS), a community-driven development project under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Under the program, a total of 398 projects throughout the province are being implemented, of these 298 were completed and 174 are on-going which were started in 2014 and will finished on 2017.

DSWD Bicol assistant regional director for Operations Arwin Razo said during a press conference held recently that projects implemented were identified and approved by the community beneficiaries wherein they manage the funds granted for the projects with DSWD for the technical assistance.

He said that projects aimed to empower the community while the local government unit or the barangay help through equity which maybe in the form of mobilization of the people in their area.

He urged media to report projects which were not implemented accordingly for the DSWD to take appropriate actions.

Razo also said that misuse of the cash granted from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to the beneficiaries may also be reported to their office.

Camarines Norte has 32,190 poor household as of February 29, 2016 Listahanan Second Round Household Assessment.

He said that they wanted 4Ps beneficiaries to be responsible and part of their program is to conduct Family Development Sessions to change beneficiaries’ perspective and habits or behavior.

The DSWD also allotted more than P56.5 million pesos for 2016 to support 4Ps beneficiaries’ livelihood under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

The program is in partnership with stakeholders who implements the projects wherein this year the DSWD targeted 2,648 families in this province.

In 2015, the DSWD also provided more than P14.8 million to some 3,805 clients throughout the province under the Expanded Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (E-AICS).

On the other hand 5,502 senior citizens were provided pension under the Social Pension Program amounting to P33.012 million allocated for the program in 2015.

Meanwhile a total of 1,043 cases of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in 2015 and 317 on the first quarter of this year were recorded in the region by the Philippine National Police (PNP). This is alarming and it should be slowdown, he said.

Razo said that Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) should be reactivated to help minimize cases involving children.

On the other hand the DSWD chaired the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) which is a policy making, coordinating and monitoring body tasked with the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended, through its member and coordinating agencies. (MAL/RBM-PIAV/Camarines Norte)