Sorsogon Museum, PDI lead 'Read Along Program'
by Irma A.Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- The Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center Incorporated (SMHCI), in partnership with the Philippine Daily Inquirer( PDI), will spearhead the first ever story telling session at the provincial museum here tomorrow (Apr. 9) to commemorate the life of our heroes in celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan.

According to Mr. Joseph John Perez , SMCHI trustee, this event is part of the PDI's "Read Along Program" in its continuing support to make literacy one of its advocacy by focusing on the heroic deeds of our forefathers.

"Inquirer has since been holding similar events in different parts of the country to promote the interest and love of reading books among children, specially the lives of our heroes and people who have contributed a sense of history in our country," Perez related.

Cecilia Hsu-Duran, promotion head of the SMHCI, said that PDI Luzon Bureau correspondent Joane Los Banos coordinated with the SMHCI to sponsor the initial launch of the project in the province.

"We have tapped the assistance of the city government here and we are very thankful to Mayor Leovic R.Dioneda, the SHALOM Foundation and the Department of Education, for gathering 60 children aged 6 to 12 years old who will take part in this activity on Saturday at 10:00 am," Duran said.

Duran also cited that PDI founder "Eugenia "Eggy" Duran-Apostol, sister of former Mayor Fernando Duran and now chair of the SMHCI, has that special affinity to Sorsogon being a true Sorsoguena and would like to contribute a legacy for reading which now seems to be a fading value.

"Another personality within the Inquirer publication is Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, editor in chief, is the daughter of the late Colonel Nicanor Jimenez who also hailed from Sorsogon and considered one of our veteran heroes during the World War II in the province," according to Duran.

Their life will be shared through the read along program to young children who should be made aware of such kind of heroism, according to Perez, and we also want them to develop the love for reading.

This activity according to Perez is open to the public and interested persons should contact the museum office.

Perez said that for this launch, local volunteers were tapped led by retired teacher Ms. Rose Enerio who is a long time volunteer of PDI's Read Along Program in Metro Manila.

Another volunteer is Sorsogon Arts Council spokesperson and Museum Trustee Perez himself once a part of Batibot World of Children Expo and founder of Radyo Pambata, and also to include Gibbs Cadiz, PDI Lifestyle section editor.

This activity that will be done this Saturday will also provide the children a guided tour of the museum, called a " A Walk Through History" telling them about the importance of the things that they will see inside the SMHCI to inspire them of the rich history of our province, its people and its aspirations.

The Read Along Program will be a continuing activity of the SMHCI and will invite national figures, and inspirational leaders who will read stories to children and promote literacy advocacy through reading monthly.

"Today reading seems to be a passing and unimportant activity to kids specially with the advent of computers, internet, cellphones and modern technology games.The life of our heroes are no longer given importance specially by our young generation", according to Mrs. Duran.

"Let us bring back the sense of history here in our province through our museum activities and the emulation of the heroic deeds of our war veterans who have fought for our freedom through reading ", Duran said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

NSO opens Serbilis outlet in Iriga City
by Lizel S. Macatangay

IRIGA CITY, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO), and the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) signed Thursday (April 7) the Memorandum of Agreement establishing an online Census Serbilis Center here.

The Serbilis outlet will serve as of one of NSO’s service points for the decentralized servicing or requests for civil registry documents.

By entering into this agreement, UNEP is given authority to use the system free of charge in accordance to the rules and regulations set for its purpose.

The outlet will not only be servicing the students and faculty members of UNEP but also members of the community from the neighboring towns and outskirts of Iriga City .

UNEP will use the BREQS-LGU System featuring an off-line method of encoding requests for birth, death and marriage certificates.

UNEP executive vice president and concurrently VP for Finance Deli Alfelor-Tibi said that the said endeavor will be a great help for their personnel and students especially now that NSO documents are being required for enrolment, job applications and other transactions that requires submission of NSO authenticated document.

“Through the Civil Registry System IT (CRS-IT) Project, people here from Iriga City , UNEPians in particular, will not have to endure the long queue in getting the NSO document. They will save a lot of time and their finances as well, having saved the penny to travel all the way from Iriga City going to Naga. In one hand, it also saves the university from investing just to build this kind of outlet,” Tibi said.

Clemente Manaog, NSO provincial statistics officer in Camarines Sur, said that Serbilis outlets are NSO’s way of fast tracking the transactions to better serve the populace.

“We understand that there is a great need for these documents from our office that’s why NSO have also devised a way to make it easier for the community and that is by providing them with accessible outlets.”

UNEP on the other hand, will designate the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) as the implementing unit of the BREQS-LGU system. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)

Feature: State of Children, Abaca research in Catanduanes
CSC Pisog nin Uswag Awards cites best undergrad theses

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- A case study on street children and a research about the antimicrobial property of abaca sap are this school year’s winners in the 2010-2011 Pisog nin Uswag Awards, an annual search for best undergraduate thesis conducted by the Catanduanes State Colleges Research and Development Services.

The thesis “Street Children of Virac, Catanduanes: A Case Study,” conducted by Kristel C. Malinana and Jayson B. Tabor, AB Economics students of the College of Arts and Sciences was declared best research in non-science and technology category.

Declared winner in the science and technology category is the study about Antimicrobial Property of Abaca Musa textilis Sap conducted by Renee Daisy J. Avila, BS Biology, also of the College of Arts and Sciences.

A typical street child in Virac, the study of Malinana and Tabor found out, is male, between ages 10-15, eldest in the family, has never enrolled in a school, lives with grandparents and engages in begging, scavenging, stealing, acting as drug couriers, peddling, going out with pedophiles, gambling and other vices.

Meanwhile, Avila determined the antimicrobial property of the abaca sap by using it as an inhibitor of the growth of a bacteria (Propioni bacterium) which causes acne. She used three samples – fresh sap, week-old fermented sap and month-old fermented in finding out which abaca sap has the most effective anti-microbial property. The research found out that as abaca sap ages, it becomes more acidic, hence it is more effective in controlling the growth of bacteria.

Declared second best research in the non-science and technology category is the study about the Acceptability of Virac Businessmen on the Dissemination of Rules and Regulations in the Payment of Taxes Implemented by BIR. This was jointly conducted by Ezekiel V. Tanael, Joefrey T. Ereso, Lionell T. Masagca, Elvin Randolph R. Jubay and Ronan John B. Toririt, BS Accountancy students.

According to the study, businessmen in Virac generally agree on the tax policies implemented by BIR and fairly agree on the manner of implementation. The study recommended that more information campaigns be conducted by the BIR for better awareness about tax policies.

It was also recommended that BIR should accept suggestions from taxpayers to know how they will adopt changes in their tax policies and that tax policies must be written in a manner that can be easily understood by lay people.

Moreover, the study of Geronimo B. Tapas Jr., BS Nutrition and Dietetics about Development and Standardization of Cream Puff out of Kadyos Flour was awarded second best paper for the science and technology category. The researcher compared the acceptability of using 100% all-purpose flour, 100 per cent Kadyos flour, and combined all-purpose and Kadyos flours of equal proportion.

It was found out that the combination with equal proportion of all-purpose and Kadyos flour produces the best quality cream puff. Kadyos or Pigeon Pea is a legume widely propagated in the tropics for the edible seeds and pods.

The study further concluded that there are no significant differences among the samples of formulation in terms of their overall acceptability; hence, it was recommended that Kadyos flour could be used as substitute in cream puff making and other baked products.

Only four student researches passed the preliminary screening of the CSC Research Services this year. The selection committee modified the selection process by categorizing the researches into S&T and Non-S&T categories to widen the scope of getting outstanding undergraduate theses from various academic disciplines. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes/CSC)

NTC to conduct one day mobile registration, licensing
by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Regional Office V will be conducting a "Mobile Registration and Licensing" here for this year to register, legalize and license all unregistered radio transceivers being used and operated by different government and private agencies/individuals in the province of Catanduanes.

The NTC will accept and process all applications for license of new/renewal radio communication network and operator certificates, registration and licensing of all types of two-way radio equipment including mobile phone (cell phone) dealers/retailers/service centers and shall be releasing corresponding permits and licenses on the same day.

An orientation/seminar on radio laws, rules and regulations, licensing procedures and proper handling/maintenance of radio equipment (RLM Seminar) will be held on the same day. Participants may apply and shall be issued the Restricted Land Mobile (RLM) Radio Operators Certificate.

NTC will also be receiving applications for blocking/unblocking of SIM cards/cell phone and complaints on text scam/illegal/malicious text and text spam. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

BIR in Bicol reminds taxpayers to settle their dues before the April 15 deadline

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr. 7 (PIA) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here has reminded anew the tax-paying public to settle their taxes as early as today with the April 15 deadline nears.

Atty. Diosdado Mendoza, BIR Bicol regional director said taxpayers should not wait for the deadline to pay their taxes, but rather settle them as early as possible to avoid the long queue and of paying penalties.

Mendoza said they can go to any BIR district or provincial revenue offices and other centers, on the other hand, if they have a clarification or two regarding their taxes our personnel are very willing to help and assist them.

Meanwhile, Mendoza remains optimistic the Bicol tax collection bureau will achieve a better revenue collection this 2011 and surpass anew the performance last year.

In 2010, some P4.84 billion were actually collected by BIR Bicol from the seven revenue district offices across the region higher by P254.68 million or 5.55 percent more than the P4.58 billion target collection.

Mendoza credited income tax as the primary source of taxes in Bicol comprising 63 percent of the revenue collection, while the value added tax added 31 percent, percentage tax with 3 percent, other form taxes taking the 2 percent and excise tax at 1 percent.

He said income taxes totaled P2.8 billion; VAT, P1.5 billion; percentage tax, P216 million; other taxes, P222 million, and excise tax, P1.9 million.

Mendoza said that the seven revenue district offices (RDOs) and the regional office were able to make good their collection performance because of several innovative approaches used to increase tax collection.

Among these approaches, he said, were the intensified tax information campaign, collection of delinquent accounts, the regular tax compliance verification drive, the close monitoring of withholding agents of National and Local Government offices, Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) projects and the voluntary compliance of top tax payers in the region.

This year, Mendoza said, they have lined up several innovations to be able to again overshoot their collection goal for 2011 with the usual strong support and cooperation being extended by Bicolano taxpayers. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

DTI, Entrepreneurs’ council launch Outstanding Entrepinoy
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Apr. 7 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Provincial Micro Small Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) here launched a Search for Outstanding Catandungan Entrepinoy to recognize local entrepreneurs who have shown exemplary performance and dedication in making their business successful.

There will be five sectors covered by the search namely: food processing, furniture manufacturing, handicraft making including wearables, commercial agri-business and tourism services.

The nominee enterprise must be operating in Catanduanes and duly registered with appropriate government agencies like DTI, SEC, COA, Local governments and BIR; must be in operation for the last three years; Filipino owned and must have no derogatory record.

They may be nominated by any government agency or province organization or by themselves. Nomination forms are now available at DTI Provincial Office. The nomination for should be submitted to the PMSMED through DTI not later than April 22, 2011.

Criteria for the selection are: Entrepreneurial excellence (75 points), management excellence (15 pts) and service to the community (10 pts).

The outstanding Catandungan Entrepinoy will each receive a plaque, trophy and cash during the Micro Small Medium Enterprise Council Forum on May 21, 2011.

Board of Judges will be composed of the PMSMED Chairman and representative of the PMSMED chairman and representatives from the academic, banking sectors and local media.(MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Sorsogon tourism seen a vibrant and bullish industry this year
By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, April 7 (PIA) -- The Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council (SPTC) sees a vibrant and bullish tourism industry in the province in two years time through pursuing programs and measures at par with global trends.

Newly elected chair Angelita Hsu -Duran Agnes of the SPTC, along with 15 other young and dynamic members of the board of directors, said the council is now focused in pursuit of the goal making tourism one of the economic agenda for development in the province.

According to Agnes, members of the board mostly comprising of young entrepreneurs and tourism related businesses, resort owners and operators, are making a dynamic approach in handling the tourism industry here by coming up with an integrated approach of marketing tourism from destination, service and and culture immersion.

Other elected as officers of the tourism council are vice chair Reymund Yap of Giddy's Place in Donsol; secretary Michelle D. Galarosa of Rizal Beach Resort; treasurer Johnn Estipona of Una Pizzeria; press relation officer Josephine Pikal of Fritz Homestay here; auditor Marilyn Razo of Aguiluz Homestay in Donsol; ways and means Macario Chavez of Weks Place here.

The board of directors are Boy Mateo of Mateo Hot Spring Resort in Irosin; Bing Ravanilla of Villa Isabel Hotel here; Amy Quisumbing, operator of Olango Beach Resort in Sta Magdalena; Joey Lasala , proprietor of Casa Feliz in Juban town; Jayson Melgar, tour guide of the firefly watching in Donsol; jayson Deligero, representative of a people's organization in Prieto Diaz Mangrove Ecotour; Chuck Nares of the MMGroup; and Karen Go, owner of Janes Restaurant here.
With the accreditation of all stakeholders in the tourism industry here, the council will ensure that the standards followed globally will also be implemented in the practice of tourism service.

After the recent general assembly of stakeholders, the council has convened mapping out new collaborative measures to make tourism more vibrant and robust.

"This is by way of coming up with activities every month year round that will cater to the global needs and new tourism trends," stated Agnes.
The Aribada Festival, showcasing the whale sharks activities in Donsol, will commence this series of activities as it will already start on last week of April wherein the council will already provide assistance in terms of marketing.

All festivals will be also highlighted in the SPTC brochures and that all municipal tourism councils will be provided the draft plan of tourism packages according to Duran.

Meanwhile, Agnes cited that the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol reported that n the comparative data of the regional distribution of travelers from January 2009 to December 2010, Sorsogon has recorded a 21 percent increase in tourist arrivals and ranked third in the arrivals for the past two years.

DOT Bicol Director Maria Ravanilla reported to the council that Sorsogon has a total of 51,433 domestic tourists and 32,921 foreign tourists arrivals from January-December 2009 with a total of 84,354 tourists.

Ravanilla added that from January to December 2010 recorded domestic tourists for Sorsogon totaled to 73,925 and 27,925 foreign tourists with a total of 101,799. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)


San Jose opens 24-hour lying-in clinic
By Danilo C. Abad

SAN JOSE, Camarines Sur –Apr.7 (PIA)-- The San Jose Lying-In Center has officially opened on a 24-hour basis after its inauguration and blessing held last April 4 here.

The 12-bed facility is a pet project of Mayor Antonio B. Chavez which is expected to boost the promotion of health programs of the local government unit for the residents of this municipality.
Dr. Arnel Armea, municipal health chief, said that the center will give priority to maternity patients from this town needing “normal spontaneous delivery “.

He said that the nurses, midwives and attendants presently assigned at the health center here will likewise serve as such at the lying-in unit.

According to him, maternity patients from this town will not be billed for “normal delivery “and only minimal charge for medicine.

Meanwhile, Chavez explained that the project is part of his program to give his constituents affordable and easy access to health services from the local government unit.

The mayor said that the people of San Jose deserve a dedicated, compassionate and honest local government unit and that is what he is trying to give them.

He also appeals to those who have generous heart to extend any help or assistance for the clinic since it still lacks on facilities but due to his great desire to help the constituents opted to open it immediately and offer basic services for the meantime while the LGU continues to improve the edifice.

The clinic is located at the ground floor of the former ABC building adjacent to the San Jose Municipal Health Center of this town. (MAL/DCA, PIACamSur)

Filipino centenarians get honors, cash in House Bill
...elderly citizens are fulfillment of the motherland

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr. 6 (PIA) -- "While we correctly and repeatedly say that “the youth is the hope of the motherland, we should also acknowledge that elderly citizens, particularly centenarians, are the fulfillment of the motherland.”

Thus asserted Minority Leader and Albay I Rep. Edcel C. Lagman as he relentlessly pursues House Bill No. 834 or “An Act Honoring and Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Filipino Centenarians, Declaring the 25th of September as National Respect for Centenarians Day and for Other Purposes.”

“Honoring and rewarding Filipino centenarians is a fitting testimonial to our giving value to life and life-long achievements,” he said.

In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Lagman said the HB 834 was already approved unanimously last week by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations.

Lagman added that “centenarians are role models for aging well and living long, three decades past the current life expectancy of the average Filipino at 71 years.”

Under the Centenarian Bill, Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, are entitled to the following benefits:

1) A cash gift of P100,000.00 on their 100th birthday and a congratulatory letter from the President of the Philippines;

2) An additional cash reward from the local government unit (LGU) where they are residing at the option of the concerned local government;

3) Posthumous plaques of recognition in honor of all deceased centenarians who died before the effectivity of the law, to be presented to the nearest surviving relative;

4) Fifty percent (50%) discount and exemption from the value added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of goods and services from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of centenarians; and

5) Declaring every 25th of September as “National Respect for Centenarians Day” wherein all Filipinos who have become centenarians during the year shall be awarded plaques of recognition and cash incentives by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies.

Lagman also said that while we correctly and repeatedly say that “the youth is the hope of the motherland, we seldom acknowledge that elderly citizens, particularly centenarians, are the fulfillment of the motherland.”

In 2007 there were a total of 7,323 Filipino centenarians, 4,206 of which were females and 3,117 were males.

The United States has the most number of centenarians estimated at 72,000 while Japan is second with a centenarian population of about 30,000. However, it is estimated that China will actually lead the world population of centenarians by 2050 with over 450,000. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

Chiz backs Palace call on government employees be bearers of good news

LEGAZPI CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero has shared the same viewpoint with the Palace calling on all government employees to be bearers of good news.

“I agree as long as it’s factual and does not consist of pure embellishments while at the same time recognizing real and existing problems and addressing them accordingly as well,” stressed the senator.

Escudero said that this is actually the job and primary responsibility of the Communications Group in the palace for the President.

“I hope they are not simply passing the buck so to speak. I would like to think instead that they are asking for help from fellow officials and co-workers in government to bring the President's accomplishments and message of hope closer and more understandable to our people,” he said.

On Impeachment of the Ombudsman

Meanwhile, Escudero stated that he also adheres with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile position not to allow any last efforts to amend impeachment rules

“I agree and see where he is coming from given that we just recently approved it and to amend it when we resume will only cause undue delay given that we need to publish it and comply with publication requirements all over again,” he said.

Escudero underscored that the time for amendments has passed and we don’t want the Senate, as an institution, to be accused of dragging our feet and unduly delaying the trial. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

22 hired, 845 others qualified in LGU Legazpi City-sponsored Jobs Fair
By Manny P. Solis

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr. 6 (PIA) — Some 22 job seekers were hired and 845 are now awaiting for interview out of the 1,027 applicants during the Jobs Fair on March 30-31spearheaded by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) of the city government here.

Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of this city said that one of the foremost agenda of her Administration is to create more job opportunities for the local here, especially this time of the year wherein thousands added anew to the number of unemployed with the end of the school year yielding more graduates.

“We always intend to give these people opportunities to live a decent way of living, with decent jobs and fro the threshold of poverty.

The lady chief executive furthered cited the role of the partners in carrying out the two-day event not only to generate jobs but also to the thrust of the local government in improving the economic situation and quality of living of the people.

Participating organizations and employers included Computer Systems Institute, Embarcadero de Legazpi, Manila-based call center Convergys.

On the other hand, CSI Office of Student Affair head Arlene Arao-Narvasa said that one of the targets of partner-schools is to meet the standards and abide by the regulations of the Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA) that 60 per cent of the graduates should be ready for employment.

The job generation undertaking evolved on the theme: Empowering Albayanos through Better Employment Opportunities. (MAL/MPS, LGU Legazpi City)

35 studes finish animation course in CamSur Animation Training Program
By Lizel S. Macatangay

CADLAN, Pili, Camarines Sur, Apr. 6 (PIA) -- With humble beginning from a sheer workshop conceptualized by Camarines Sur Governor LRAY Villafuerte, the Camarines Sur Animation Program now boasts of 35 graduates finishing different genres of animation equipping them knowledge and skills at par with global practitioners.

The graduates received their Certificates of Completion in a ceremony held at the Bamboo Grille, Eco Village, Capitol Complex, here over the weekend.

Popularly known as Gov. LRay Animation Training Program, the state-run animation studio has been in existence for almost three years, specializing in traditional animation and continuously training creative minds to come up with artistic and inventive styles using the latest hardware and computer peripherals.

Villafuerte said that using state of the art equipment, students are given almost limitless opportunities to explore the realms of their imagination and come up with a unique work of art – and these were to them for free.

Villafuerte added that the scholars are also given a P50.00 subsidy to cover their transportation expenses during training days.

Villafuerte said that the said program is meant to give chances to talented but indigent students who do not have the financial capacity to enter into a formal animation class.

“As a form of encouragement and motivation, those who will perform well in class will also be employed under the Camarines Sur Animation Studio. They will be paid for every completed movie that they will accomplish,” he said.

Senecio Paladan, senior technical education and skills specialist of the Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA), commended the provincial government for taking the leap to educate capable but financially-inept families to send their children to school for free.

Also included under the said program is the Gov. L-Ray 2D Animation Training Program which produces graduates after every four (4) months of completing the trainings and exercises.

The studio is located inside the 150-hectare Camarines Sur IT Park owned and managed by the provincial government. The park was declared by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as a Special Economic Zone and was duly recognized thru Presidential Proclamation No. 850 issued on May 25, 2005. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)

CamNorte celebrates 7th Bantayog Festival, marks 91st Provincial Foundation Anniversary
By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 6 (PIA) – Camarines Norte has formally opened Monday (April 4) the 7th Bantayog Festival to start off activities in line with the celebration of the province’s 91st Foundation Anniversary on April 15.

The series of month-long activities has commenced with the Bicol Open Tennis Championship and Summer Arts Workshop that will run until April 11 and May 14, respectively.

The province has also set a tribute to the local heroes commemorating the anniversary of Daet Revolt of 1898 wherein local officials will lead ceremonies of floral offering on April 14, also coinciding with a “Lecture on the Air” on the significant historical events in the province.
Highlight of the festivity will be the province’s foundation day lined up with activities including Philippine National Flag raising ceremony, thanksgiving mass, commemorative program, drum and bugle/lyre corps competition, civil military training drill competition, civic military parade and the Governor’s night.

Other activities also include a surfing clinic on April 15-17, 1st Governor Edgardo Tallado Shoot Fest on April 16-17, dance showdown and boxing competition on April 16 and 18, respectively, Bagasbas beach party on April 14-16, photo and art exhibit, tourism and trade fair on April 18-24, visual arts exhibit year VII on April 18-May 16, penitensya watching on April 20-22, Easter egg hunting on April 24, jamming in Mercedes on April 25, Kaogmahan sa Bagasbas (Easter Sunday events) and bikini open on April 24;

Jobs fair and NBI clearance applications on April 25-26, cycling competition- April 26, “Kami Naman” dance showdown (for 50 years old and above) on April 27, and Search for Ms. Camarines Norte/Miss Bantayog 2011 on April 28.

A painting workshop by Hermes Alegre and Saturday Group, grand festival parade, street dancing competition, River Maya concert, variety shows and fireworks display will mark the finale of the festival on April 29. (MAL/RBM, PIA CamNorte)


AACCUP sets to evaluate 8 academic programs of CSC
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 6 (PIA -- Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP) Inc. is set to evaluate for Level III re-accreditation the eight academic programs of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) on April 7-8, 2011.

The academic programs, all gearing up for Level III re-accreditation, are Elementary Teacher Education, Secondary Teacher Education, AB Economics, AB Political Science, Nursing, Industrial Technology, Master of Arts in Education and Master of Public Administration.

These programs all passed previous accreditations and have progressively attained higher accreditation levels.

The Level III reaccreditation will not be as time intensive as in previous evaluations since it will be a re-validation of previously presented programs, projects and activities and the corresponding AACCUP suggestions for improvements.

The document evaluation will be done through seminar-type narrative profile through audiovisual presentation and it will be immediately followed by presenters and accreditors interaction. Up for presentations are the colleges’ instruction, research, and extension and library components.

The accreditation of all CSC academic programs is one of the major programs of the CSC administration under the stewardship of President Asuncion V. Asetre to attain quality and excellence. To date, CSC has 19 academic programs accredited by the AACCUP.

AACCUP defines accreditation as the formal recognition of an educational program as possessing certain standards of quality or excellence based on analysis of the merits of its educational operation in relation to its objectives.

Level III status is accorded with benefits and privileges that include authority to offer new courses allied to existing Level III courses, without prior approval provided that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the appropriate Higher Education Regional Office, is duly informed before such programs are offered.

According to AACCUP, accreditation lends prestige to member institutions, justified by the possession of quality standards and unremitting efforts to maintain them at high level. Aside from this, it helps parents to know which program they may send their children to for quality education.

It also makes all those engaged in education aware of standards of excellence that they should strive to attain. In addition, it makes possible for those proposing funding and those who are to fund to know what to support and how much support is needed. The strength and weaknesses of the programs could also be assessed easily through accreditation.

Students on the other hand who are graduates of accredited academic programs especially teacher education automatically earn points in the evaluation of their application for a teaching position. Based on Guidelines on the Hiring of Public School Teachers contained in the DepEd Order No. 2 series of 2002, students who earned their degree from schools whose teacher education program is accredited as Level I will get four points, Level II 8 points, Level III 12 points and Level IV 15 points. (MAL/AEB, PIA Catanduanes/CSC)

Pandan sets 18th Dinahit Festival
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 6 (PIA) - The municipal government of Pandan, Catanduanes is up on preparations for the the conduct of the 18th District Festival on April 11-15,2011 with the theme ” Dinahit Festival; a celebration of mother nature and cultural heritage”.

Series of activities have been line-up for the said event including coastal cleanup, Palayag tour, agro-trade fair, parade/street dancing, opening program highlighting the festivals of festivals to be participated by the different barangays of Pandan on April 11.

On April 14, there will be Pakuyas sa Honasan, kite flying, carabao race and boxing tournament, cultural show and Dinahit Regatta, followed by the Tourism Awareness Forum and assessment and validation of tourism potentials of the municipality to be facilitated by the Provincial Tourism Office.

One of the objectives of this activity is to promote the local tourism industry and preserve the culture and heritage of Pandan.

Dinahit Festival is the summer festival of Pandan, Catanduanes.

“Dinahit” is a term used by local folks in Catanduanes in referring to the wind-driven (ikan layag) sailing vessel with twooutriggers used by our maritime ancestors, the Austronesian in going top Pandan.

Dinahit was derived from local term pinagadahit meaning to drag to shore or safety. Over the centuries , the Dinahit survived colonial prohibitions and technological competition, it sailed the surrounding waters of Catanduanes communities. It is the epitome of the triumph of tradition over foreign cultural domination.

It was founded in 1993 by Efren B. Isorena, a UP Professor who is also a Pandananon, the idea was conceived while they were sailing off the shore of barangay Canlubi along with Mr. Eddie Ibardaloza and Mr. Romeo Aco.

It is a celebration of the farmers and fishermen in their good catch and harvest, those who labor hard under the sun and above the seas. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

CamSur town receives Seal Of Excellence Award for 2011
By Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) -- The town of Camaligan was conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award in recognition of its exemplary performance in internal housekeeping having successfully performed its task in various areas of implementing its mandate.

Camaligan Mayor Emman Prado humbly accepted the recognition having passed, with flying colors in instigating the municipality’s various programs in the areas of Good Planning, Sound Fiscal Management, Transparency and Accountability, and Valuing Performance Management.

Camaligan town is the sole recipient of the award from the Bicol region, receiving a P1 million cash incentives, while joining 14 other municipalities from across the country.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the lead agency in the implementation of the program, has awarded a total of P15-million to fifteen (15) fourth and fifth class municipalities in the country in recognition of their “good housekeeping” or excellent performance in governance in their respective localities.

Prado cited that the new administration and leadership of President Benigno Aquino III is indeed encouraging a complacent, credible and reliable public servants who could be role models for good and transparent government

“Receiving this Seal of Good Housekeeping Award is not an easy one, first, we were included in the long lists of 100 LGU qualifiers, remained among those 20 listed to qualify for the 15 winners and finally, we were chosen number one among them all. This award is already one fruit of our political campaign promises and the realization of our Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), It wishes to capture all our efforts to realize our vision for a program of RIGHTEOUS GOVERNANCE (Prov. 14:34) under the IMUKLAT concept for the welfare and progress of our constituents,” Prado added.

The award is a piloted under the the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) for local government units (LGUs) carried out by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that seeks to provide incentive to local governments to align project implementation with the national government’s strategic thrusts and goals.

The program is being granted to all 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities that passed the test of good housekeeping.

The funds which will be used by the LGU to realize its programs and projects shall be consistent with the PNOY administration’s priority programs and projects supportive to the MDGs.The PCG grant on the other hand, shall not be used to finance tax payment, salaries and recurrent cost and micro credits and loans. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Solid waste management board reorganized
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 5 (PIA) - The Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) here was reconstituted as provided for in the implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9003 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2001-19.

The reorganized PSWMB is composed of the following: Joseph C. Cua, Provincial Governor, Chairman; Jose J. Teves. Jr., Vice Governor, Vice-Chairman; Odilon F. Pascua, Bagamanoc Municipal Mayor; Chito S. Chi, Baras Municipal Mayor; Eulogio R. Rodriguez, Bato Municipal Mayor; Agnes B. Popa, Caramoran Municipal Mayor;

Edgar M. Tayam, Gigmoto Municipal Mayor; Restituto M. De Qurioz, Pandan Municipal Mayor; Roberto A. Fernandez, Panganiban Municipal Mayor; Antonio M. Romano, San Andres Municipal Mayor; Edna R. Bernal, San Miguel Municipal Mayor; Abelardo M. Abundo, Viga Municipal Mayor; Jose U. Alberto III, Virac Municipal Mayor; Wilfredo P. Santelices, SP Committee Chair on Health; Jose Romero R. Francisco, SP Committee Chair on Environment; Rudy M. Rojas, Congressional Representative and Dr. Estrella S. Placides, EcoDev Representative.

It has been noted the previously installed PSWMB had not been effective in providing the necessary institutional mechanism to generate a province wide multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interests in accordance with the dictates of the law and addressing the problem of solid waste management among our communities.

There is also a need to provide institutional support to the various stakeholders groups in the efforts to address the increasing threat to public welfare and environmental hygiene as a result of unmanaged garbage collection, storage and disposal.

Some of the duties of the PSWMB are the following: Recommend legislative policies that promote and ensure protection of the environment, coordinate with public and private agencies in implementing related programs, develop comprehensive solid waste management practices, develop a Provincial SWM monitoring plan, review and integrate the different plans and ensure that they complement each other and have their requisite components and they shall recommend measures and safeguards against pollution and for the preservation of natural ecosystems. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Catanduanes disaster council convenes to discuss plans

VIRAC, Catanduanes April 5 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) of the Province will be holding its 2nd quarterly meeting on April 5, 2011 at the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Hall, EBMC Compound, San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes at 9:00 a.m.

The purpose of the said meeting is to tackle the following agenda: Presentation of the Final Draft of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (PDRRMP) for 2011-2013, containing the salient features on the Programming of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for the proposed Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) that will address the preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation concerns of disaster risk reduction and management and the creation of four reviewing committees pursuant to Section 11.b.1;

To request for Mr. Rogelio L. Flores of SMART Communications, Inc. for the enhancement of signals vulnerable to tsunami, landslide and flooding hazards; To appoint additional auxiliary members; To have a briefing from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Region V and to present updates from the non-government organizations' DRRM partners to wit a Handicap International (HI) and Accion COntra La Faim (ACF).

The PDRRMC was formerly known as the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and was changed thru the Executive Order No. 11 Series of 2010 (An order renaming and re-organizing the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Geosciences bureau to produce bigger scale geohazard maps

LEGAZPI CITY, April 5 (PIA) — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will produce bigger scale geohazard maps for flood- and landslide-prone areas nationwide, according to the agency’s top regional official.

MGB Bicol Director Reynulfo A.Juan explained the production is called the densification of geohazard and climate change maps which is among the major projects to be implemented this year by the Bureau and aims to produce geohazard maps with scale of 1:10,000 covering critical areas to show more details of the area covered by the map.

“It is like zooming in on the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps previously produced by the Bureau’s regional offices to see the details of the area which cannot be represented in the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps” Juan said.

He added that among the details that can be found in a 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps include location of populations at risk, parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur. “For example the relocation sites can be plotted, which cannot be done in the 1:50,000 scale maps” Juan said.

“Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol will be covered in the densification project” Juan pointed out.

“Once completed the 1:10,000 geohazard maps will then be distributed to concerned local government units with intensive information, education and communication support from us to train local officials, local leaders and member of affected communities to read, interpret and understand the maps” Juan said. (MAL/MGB V)

LBP releases P2.7B for agrarian reform beneficiaries in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- The government program on agrarian reform is gaining headway after P2.7 billion had been release to pay both landowners and tillers covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), officials of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) said.

Renato Eje, LBP assistant vice president and Bicol regional manager, said that LBP under the Agrarian Operation Program has paid some P2.7 billion as of February this year covering 14,000 hectares of rice and corn lands under Presidential Decree 27 or the Marcos Agrarian Reform Program and 96,000 hectares under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Eje said the bank had paid P180 million to thousands of beneficiaries under PD 27 and that they have already paid 40 percent of the lands covered by the decree.

He said P2.6 billion has been approved for release to 64 percent of the total beneficiaries under the CARP.

The remaining unpaid (36 percent) claims are still being processed for financing, Eje said.
Asked on the status of the move to condone the P42-billion agrarian liabilities and the lifting of LBP liens, Eje said the matter of condonation is a legislative concern that the House of Congress and Senate would have to address. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

22 hired, 845 others qualified in LGU Legazpi City-sponsored Jobs Fair
By Manny P. Solis

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) — Some 22 job seekers were hired and 845 are now awaiting for interview out of the 1,027 applicants during the Jobs Fair on March 30-31spearheaded by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) of the city government here.

Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of this city said that one of the foremost agenda of her Administration is to create more job opportunities for the local here, especially this time of the year wherein thousands added anew to the number of unemployed with the end of the school year yielding more graduates.

“We always intend to give these people opportunities to live a decent way of living, with decent jobs and fro the threshold of poverty.

The lady chief executive furthered cited the role of the partners in carrying out the two-day event not only to generate jobs but also to the thrust of the local government in improving the economic situation and quality of living of the people.

Participating organizations and employers included Computer Systems Institute, Embarcadero de Legazpi, Manila-based call center Convergys.

On the other hand, CSI Office of Student Affair head Arlene Arao-Narvasa said that one of the targets of partner-schools is to meet the standards and abide by the regulations of the Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA) that 60 per cent of the graduates should be ready for employment.

The job generation undertaking evolved on the theme: Empowering Albayanos through Better Employment Opportunities. (MAL/MPS, LGU Legazpi City)


Break the cycle of bloodshed and poverty, DILG chief advises graduates
By Ernie A. Delgado

MANDAON, MASBATE, April 5 (PIA)—Their sights set on working in Metro Manila industries or in greener overseas pastures, fresh graduates of Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology are ecstatic to live their dreams of being gainfully employed, with Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo issuing perhaps the most important reminder for them.

In a speech at the state college’s graduation rites, Robredo said the graduates were needed in their province to unshackle it from decades of political violence and poverty and they could begin the task by working in their hometowns or serving as a volunteer to cater their town mates’ needs.

“Sometimes, we don’t need to do very big things to effect positive changes. In fact, there are times when what we initially see as small is actually what we really need. Let lose your potentials and be the kind of leaders that your province calls for,” Robredo said on Tuesday during the ceremonies held at the college’s campus in Barangay Cabitan, Mandaon.

Robredo said that despite its rich natural resources, Masbate remains listed as among the country’s poorest provinces.

Citing the 2009 Official Poverty Statistics of the National Statistical Coordination Board, Robredo said the province has a poverty incidence of 42.5 percent.

This ranked Masbate the eighth poorest in the country, beating Maguindanao to the bottom list of provinces by mere 2.1 percent, he said.

“Prosperity has eluded Masbate over the years. In lieu of it has been the vicious cycle of violence and bloodshed that has placed the province on the Commission on Elections’ list of electoral hotspots for decades. Mayors, congressmen, councilors, barangay chairs, traders, teachers, and police officers have been murdered in cold blood in broad daylight,” said Robredo.

Quoting a report from the French Press Agency, Robredo mentioned that Masbate has been dominated by powerful families “for as long as anyone can remember” and “patronage and murder have become accepted facts of political life.”

However, he said that recent events here were providing light to the violent and impoverished province.

“There are many good programs that are now being implemented in the province,” he said.

One was the marine sanctuary in Barangay Recodo, Cawayan, which he said has reportedly improved the catch of fishermen in the area.

For another, the electronic management program called Genyo which provided computer units to seven far-flung schools in the towns of Cawayan, Milagros, Mobo and Esperanza.

He said that through this program, students were able to learn Science, Math, English, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan lessons through interactive multimedia systems.

Robredo also cited the Masbate Advocates for Peace, a church-led, multi-sectoral group that seeks to end the culture of violence and impunity in the province.

He acknowledged the group’s important role in the decrease of casualties of election-related violence in the province during the election period in 2010.

With these developments, Robredo urged the new graduates to find employment in their respective municipal governments or private institutions in the province.

“Or you can work as a volunteer to cater the needs of the people in your places,” he added. (MAL/EAD, PIA Masbate)

Magayon Festival 2011, rediscovering Albay

... come, join the world-record breaking biggest cultural event
By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay province officially commenced (April 1) this year’s Magayon Festival likely to draw locals and tourists from across the country and all over the world to join the month-long celebration, acclaimed Bicol’s biggest and longest cultural festivity.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that this year’s Magayon Festival marks its 15th year showcasing Albay’s bests… cultural heritage, places of national and local historical significance, crafts, cuisines, tourism and people as well as diverse natural endowments, especially Mayon Volcano as Bicol iconic tourism landmark.

According to Salceda, the festival is in fact inspired by and to celebrate the epic legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden”) where Mayon most perfect cone originated.

Based on folklore, Mayon, arose from the grave of Daragang Magayon who was killed by a spurned suitor.

The legend tells of a beautiful princess named Magayon who fell in love with Panganoron who had saved her from drowning. Paratuga, whom she rejected, forced her father and demanded her hand in marriage as ransom.

The wedding ceremony was already being performed when Panganoron arrived at the village of Paratuga. Upon seeing him, Magayon rushed towards him but was hit by a stray arrow. As he lifted her body, somebody attacked him from behind. They both died.

The lovers were buried by Magayon’s father together with all her earthly possessions including the gold, pearls, and diamonds which had been given by Paratuga as wedding gifts. The burial mound kept rising higher and higher until it became a volcano with a perfect cone.

Salceda also said that the Albay Provincial Tourism Office (APTO) and Magayon Festival Executive Committee has lined up activities even vying for the Guinness of World Records as biggest festival with at least 215 events set for the month-long celebration.

“Let our month-long festivity this year not only provide fun and excitement but also another opportunity to promote and enhance our trade and tourism efforts for Albay, to help out provincial government bring to fulfilment the socio-economic development and progress here and the rest of the country,” Salceda said

The governor furthered that the Department of Tourism (DOT) last year declared Magayon Festival the best tourism event in the country, while increasing tourist arrival in the Albay by 168 per cent.

Tourism officer Jose Briones , meanwhile, said that Magayon Festival 2011 centers anew on rediscovering Albay’s history and cultural heritage and promotion of its well-known tourist destinations, local crafts and products, and cuisines, among others.

Briones added that visitors and tourists can also visits Albay’s historical churches of the Spanish era, ancestral homes, enchanting islands, fine sand beaches, historic sites, dive and snorkelling sites that are surely captivating.

The festival, according to him, will also serve as venue to display the warm hospitality of Albayanos.

Other exciting events in store for the whole month of April include nightly variety shows and food stalls, musical concerts, exhibits and trade fairs, expo, fashion shows, sports and entertainments, other indigenous and sectoral events, parades and street dances, among others.

Highlight of the festivity is set on April 29 with the Magayon Festival of Festivals showcasing the local festivities of Albay’s 15 towns and three cities in a street dance competition at Penaranda Park here.

Strategically located at the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region which can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

1,095 workers avail of TESDA free competency assessment and certification
By Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – A total of 1,095 workers availed of the free assessment conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Bicol through all its provincial offices and training centers.

The synchronized competency assessment and certification was conducted starting Monday, March 28 and ended April 1.

According to Emmanuel Buban, chief of technical division of TESDA, that the March assessment is first round of the national competency assessment and certification (NATCAC) project being implemented by the agency.

The next round is set on June 27 to July 1 while third round is on August 22-26.

The assessment is a process that determines whether a worker for a graduate of technical and vocational course can perform within the standards what is expected in the workplace based on the defined competency standards, explained Buban.

Bicol has targeted 3,000 examinees for the whole year at 1,000 per round but for the March competency examinations round, 1,095 has applied.

Albay registered 195 applicants, Camarines Norte with 172, Camarines Sur has the highest number at 224, Catanduanes with 99, Masbate with the least number at 74 and Sorsogon with the second highest number with 234.

Different trade tests will be administered from a half-day to a maximum of two days depending on the trade.

Assessments on trades like automotive servicing, driving, electrical installation and maintenance, heavy equipment operation, shielded metal arc, welding, computer hardware, events management, bread and pastry, food and beverage, and housekeeping will be administered by TESDA personnel.

All passers will be provided with a certification that declares an individual meets the competency standards. This ensures the productivity, quality and global competitiveness of the middle-level workers.

Those that will be awarded certificates will be called Sertipikadong Pinoy and will be listed in the Registry of Certified Workers where industry can search out for qualified workers.

According to Buban some industries opt not to give trade tests when the applicant is a Sertipikadong Pinoy though other still conduct similar test.

TESDA has encouraged returning Overseas Filipino Workers to take the free assessment. However of the 1,095 applicants, no OFW has applied. They are still encouraged to join the other rounds set for 2011. (MAL/AAN, PIA V/Albay)

MGB to produce bigger scale geohazard maps

LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office here will produce bigger scale geohazard maps for flood and landslide-prone areas nationwide, according to the agency’s top regional official.

(MGB) Bicol Director Reynulfo A.Juan explained the production is called the densification of geohazard and climate change maps which is among the major projects to be implemented this year by the Bureau and aims to produce geohazard maps with scale of 1:10,000 covering critical areas to show more details of the area covered by the map.

“It is like zooming in on the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps previously produced by the Bureau’s regional offices to see the details of the area which cannot be represented in the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps” Juan said.

He added that among the details that can be found in a 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps include location of populations at risk, parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur. “For example the relocation sites can be plotted, which cannot be done in the 1:50,000 scale maps” Juan said.

“Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol will be covered in the densification project” Juan pointed out.

“Once completed the 1:10,000 geohazard maps will then be distributed to concerned local government units with intensive information, education and communication support from us to train local officials, local leaders and member of affected communities to read, interpret and understand the maps” Juan said. (MAL/MGB V)

First 'Bato: Pundasyon Festival' to highlight town's Foundation Anniversary
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 4 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Bato will celebrate its 1st ever commemoration of its founding day from April 13 to 15, 2011 dubbed as “Bato: Pundasyon Festival 200”.

Bato, as one of the oldest settlements in this province and the seat of Christianity in the island, the local government intends to promote the historical oldest church in the province, historic Japanese garrison, stretch of long white sand beaches and rich culture.

Events lined-up for the duration of the activity are: April 13, 2011, a Thanksgiving Mass at St. John Baptist Parish, a motorcade, 1st Bato Invitational Climb, Mountaineering and Tree Planting at the former Japanese Garrison followed by an opening program, OTOP Product Demo and an Agro Industrial fair opening at the town’s Plaza.

There will be wakeboarding exhibition at Bato River in the afternoon and Search for Mutya ng Bato in the evening.

On April 14, there will be a Mountain Bike Race, “Paaralistohan” (Academic and Skills Competition”), Mangrove Planting, Coastal Clean-up and Torch Pilgrimage.

On the day of the Foundation Anniversary, there will be a Civic Military Parade with Dance Drama Showcase followed by the Awarding and Closing Ceremony.

According to Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez of the said town, this is one way of promoting Bato as one of the Tourist Destination in Catanduanes, rich in culture and natural resources.
Bato was founded in April 15, 1799 and is now in its 212 years of existence. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Launching of Measles-Rubella prevention campaign set Monday
By Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office will kick off on April 4, 2011 the Measles-Rubella door-to-door immunization joining the nationwide campaign through a motorcade and launching ceremonies starting at 8:00 a.m at the capitol grounds and in Barangay Gogon Sirangan here.

The Philippines has committed to eliminate measles in 2012, the target year agreed upon with other countries in the Western Pacific Region. The country has conducted three successful nationwide campaigns.
As a response to interrupt the transmission of the measles virus and prevent a potential measles outbreak to occur, there is an urgent need to conduct the Measles-Rubella Immunization Activity on April 4, 2011 to May 4, 2011 with all children age 9 months to below 8 yrs. Old.

This will be implemented by the provincial health office personnel, barangay and provincial officials, barangay health workers and representatives of national and provincial line offices. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Int'l science organization to conduct needs assessment for disaster preparedness
By Irma A. Guhit

Sorsogon City, April 4 (PIA) -- The Earthquake and Megacities Initiaitive (EMI) will conduct here today a one day- workshop on capacity needs assessment for disaster risk reduction preparedness and response for the province of Sorsogon specifically on earthquakes.

In attendance will be members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and some selected national government line agencies.

EMI is a non-profit international scientific organization established in the Philippines in 2004 with a local mission of advancing urban risk reduction policy, knowledge and practice through mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction in local government functions and processes and developing tools to support local disaster risk reduction management by connecting cities through knowledge sharing mechanisms.

Based on the EMI research findings, Sorsogon has been identified throughout the Philippines as one of the four provinces in Luzon as highly vulnerable earthquake prone provinces, the three are Benguet, Cagayan, and Laguna.

It can be recalled that the province of Sorsogon with the presence of one very active volcano, Mt Bulusan according to Phivolcs has a number of tectonic quakes experienced almost every day in the municipalities within the areas near the mountain. Some are usually unfelt and some are felt when these quakes are more than 2 in magnitude.

With the current events happening all over the world like Japan, Netherlands, Indonesia and Mynnmar , it is very imperative according to officer-in-charge of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office (SPDRMO) Jose Lopez to find out where Sorsogon is, its capacity needs , gaps and scientific knowledge-based response to this kind of natural disaster.

The process of the workshop according to Lopez is more on focused group discussion with key informants interview of selected provincial officials and department heads on the in-place - initiatives to be undertaken if and when such occurences will come.

Currently, according to Lopez several trainings were already conducted to identified barangays and municipalities which are considered highly vulnerable to quakes and volcanic unrest by capacitating their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (MDRRMCs) and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMCs)

According to Lopez there were successive trainings conducted already during last month of March, here at El Retiro and the other in Sto Domingo, Albay dubbed as the Mt. Bulusan Summit Disaster Preparedness Response.

He stated also that tody in the workshop both the representatives from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the PRRMO will each share a 15-minute report on the current initiatives undertaken by their offices regarding earthquake preparedness and response.

The orientation on the Disaster Risk Reseliency Indicators (DRRI) will be shared by Mr. Mariano S. Deocariza from the EMI. and will be a basis of identifying gaps.

This morning's training-workshop hopes to surface and document the gaps in terms of the provincial earthquake disaster preparedness and response and with these gaps identified, to come up with tools and mechanisms for a provincial collaborative initiative that will basically be part of a cohesive protocol , accessible and well- explained to members , to the public and to the basic communities which is the essence of mainstreaming to develop a resilient community according to Lopez.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)


Red Cross holds 8th chapter assembly, elects new directors
By Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, April 4 (PIA) -- Committed to provide quality service to shield human lives and safeguard the conditions of the most vulnerable sectors, the Philippine Red Cross – Camarines Sur Chapter recently conducted their 8th Chapter Assembly at Starmark Royale, Magsaysay Avenue, here.

“Steering the Red Cross to Higher Grounds: Modernizing Philippine Red Cross in pursuit of Quality service to the most vulnerable” was this year’s theme for the said confab, also coinciding with the election of the new members of the Board of Directors who will comprise the policy-making body of the Philippine Red Cross for the next four (4) years.

Governor Andrew Nocon, member of the Board of Governors was invited as the keynote speaker of the said gathering.

Nocon introduced the first automated election in the Philippine Red Cross, long before the introduction of PCOs machine in last year’s automated polls, during the Philippine Red Cross’ 27th Biennial Convention in 2007. During the outbreak of typhoid fever in Calamba in 2008, he spearheaded the setting-up of a 100-bed capacity tent hospital which established more the Red Cross as a relevant humanitarian organization in the country.

Nocon reminded the new set of officers to always keep in mind the seven (7) fundamental principles of the Red Cross which includes Humanity, serving people and not the system; , Impartiality, caring for everyone without discrimination and prioritizing the most needy; Neutrality, taking initiatives but never sides; independence, allowing humility to bend, but not to any person; Voluntary service, working without personal gains; unity where Red Crossers have many talents but rolled in a single idea and universality, where Red Crossers should respect all nations, but their works know no bounds.

Also present during the occasion was the chapter’s outgoing chairman, now ex-officio member , Vice Governor Fortunato Pena.

He also congratulated the new set of officers spearheaded by Pedrito Servano, as Chairman, Vice Chairman-Nicolas Beda Priela (University of Nueca Caceres) , Secretary-Lizel S. Macatangay (PIA-Camarines Sur) ; Treasurer- Eudeza Racadag (Provincial Treasurer’s Office) ; Auditor -Dina Paulete; PIO-Amy Villafuerte (ABS-CBN) , and Atty. Carlo Villanueva, Jr (Naga College Foundation) , as the PRC’s Legal Counsel.

Other nominees who made it as new Board of Directors were: Engr. Cornelio Abesa IX, Orbel Cepeda, Melecia De Guzman, Ramon Lim of Unibersidad of Santa Isabel, Jeremie Janssen Lo of the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce, Fr. William Parde of the Caceres Catechetical Ministry, Maria Rhodora Penequito-9th ID Medical Company and Infirmary Physician, Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio, Marilyn Sotto, and DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)

Land Bank Bicol bares gains in serving Bicolanos
By Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Bicol regional office reported that its deposit grew by 51 percent during the last five years from 2006 to 2010 from P5.986 billion to P11.525 billion or an increment of P5.53 billion.

While its loan operations during the same period under review also increased by 63 percent from P2.042 billion to P3.2 billion.

Of the P3.077 billion loaned out to the priority sectors in 2010, 46 percent or P1.432 billion went to agri-infrastructure projects while P763 million were released through other financial conduits such as rural banks , irrigators association and farmers’ organizations.

In a press briefing held recently Land Bank Bicol regional head Renato G. Eje said that its credit facilities were made available to some 252,687 farmers and fisher folks last year or a 74 percent increment from 187,142 in 2006.

Its loan to Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) reached P423 million last year.
Moreover, its loan portfolio for Local Government Units (LGUs) grew to P1.552 billion last year from P1.395 billion in 2009 or up by P157 million.

He said that a total of PP682,866,196.00 under the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the government otherwise known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Porgram (or 4Ps) was paid out by the bank to some 108,658 beneficiaries from the six provinces of Bicol.

Eje said that the bank also paid out a total of P1.694 billion to land owners under the land reform program of the government out of total approved claims of P2.558 billion benefiting some 27,467 farmer beneficiaries covering some 57,774 hectares.

Land Bank Bicol currently has 14 branches, nine extension offices with a total of 44 Automated Teller Machines (ATM) serving its growing clients.

Another good news, according to Eje, Land Bank will start servicing government pensioners from the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes during its first phase of implementation where GSIS pensioners will be able to withdraw their monthly pensions from. (MAL/EDL, PIA V/Albay)

Climate Change causes more deaths due to diseases - Legarda

LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to improve public health services and ensure early prevention and control of diseases as it was found that climate change is a major factor in the increase of deaths due to various illnesses.

In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, cited a study, Climate Vulnerability Monitor 2010, that it is not disasters but diseases that cause the most number of deaths by climate change.

Legarda has noted that there had been at least 13,821 patients afflicted with dengue already admitted in hospitals across the country from January to February of 2011. In Metro Manila alone, there were 3,640 dengue cases, a 106-percent increase from the figures recorded last year according to the DOH.

“This rise in dengue cases is a cause for alarm, especially because our country is one of the most vulnerable to vector-borne diseases,” she said.

The report that was conducted by the Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA), an international organization that monitors aid to victims of conflict, disasters and climate change, also states that although the Philippines’ climate and location naturally assist in the proliferation of dengue, “higher temperatures and more humid climates caused by climate change favor the growth in the populations of insects and vectors that spread diseases.”

The study further revealed that there are large gaps in adaptation policies, including health, making up just 3% of priority adaptation projects despite serious projected impacts over a range of health concerns.

According to the report, an estimated 350,000 people die each year due to major diseases and health disorders related to climate change. Unless measures are taken, by 2030, climate change will increase its toll to more than 800,000 deaths per year.

“Now more than ever, it is of utmost importance that we put more effort into the prevention and control of climate-related diseases, and enhance the DOH’s capacity for early warning for any outbreak,” the senator stressed.

“I therefore urge the DOH to strengthen their initiatives on disease and health surveillance. Furthermore, the DOH must enhance its awareness campaigns on climate-sensitive diseases, not limited to dengue but including pulmonary infections, malaria, cholera, heatstroke, and skin infections,” Legarda concluded. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)