CORD HOLDS INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON ECONOMIC CRISIS IN DAET

DAET, Camarines Norte — The country is weathering the effects of the global economic recession because of efficient fiscal policies, including the restructuring of value added tax system, according to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr..

Andaya, who is the designated Bicol’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD), was speaking to some 300 participants on the first salvo in the region of the Information Campaign on Economic Crisis held at the Camarines Norte State College here last Thursday (May 14).

He said that the present global economic crisis has started in the United States and has greatly affected other developed countries, while the Philippine economy remains strong because of the economic resiliency plan pushed by the government under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He said the stimulus package was meant as a preemptive action to counter the probable effects of the global recession to the country as opposed to the economic package of the US government, which was meant to bail out financial institutions.

"Our country has experienced a 4.6 growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008 while many of our Asian neighbors, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, are slumping," he said.

He noted that this is because of the over-all confidence of the economy, adding that the government did not resort on borrowing more money for the past years that has enabled us to allocate more on the delivery of basic services.

He stressed that President Arroyo’s economic resiliency plan focuses on channeling funds to infrastructures, farm-to-market-roads, irrigation system, agricultural production, environment protection, job generation, education, basic social services, projects for the poor, protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), among others.

Under the stimulus package, bigger amount of funds was also allocated this year for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor (DOLE) and several other agencies.

During the information campaign, regional directors of several executive agencies also reported on government efforts to counteract effects of global recession.

DA Bicol regional director Jose Dayao said 9, 814 bags of seeds were distributed to farmers in Bikol in 2008 while the National Food Authority had procured 16, 763 bags of play from rice farmers.

DepEd Bicol regional Celedonio Layon reported some P327 million was spent for construction of school buildings.

DPWH Bicol regional director Alejandro Roces related that DPWH is focusing in the full rehabilitation of Quirino-Andaya Highway.

Also present during the one-day activity were the regional directors of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Daet Mayor Tito Sarion and CNSC President Dr. Winefredo Oñate. (RBManlangit/PIA Camarines Norte)


DPWH HIRES 294 WORKERS IN CATANDUANES

VIRAC, CATANDUANES — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district office here reported the other day that it has hired some 294 workers under the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) project of the government.

Eng’r Ignacio Odiaman, DPWH district engineer for Catanduanes, in his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, said that the workers were hired for the repair and maintenance of national roads and bridges in the province under the pump-priming project earmarked for the island province.

He said that most of the workers hired were from the barangays where the projects are located.

Odiaman said a total of P32 million was earmarked under the CLEEP program with four projects now being implemented.

He said the CLEEP program is part of the Economic Resiliency Program (ERP) to cushion the impact of the global economic crisis and generate jobs in the countryside. (EDLeon, PIA)


MANILA BULLETIN DONATES P500,000 TO SORSOGON

SORSOGON Province — Newspapers tycoon Emilio Yap, owner of the Manila Bulletin, personally turned over to Governor Sally A. Lee two checks amounting to P500,000 representing Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.’s financial assistance to the victims of tropical storm Dante in this province.

Lee said that the Provincial Government will use the money to purchase lots for the establishment of permanent resettlement areas of residents living in highly vulnerable areas, especially along coastal communities.

The Governor’s efforts in forging linkages with various non-government and government agencies have made Sorsogon the beneficiary of many assistance programs, both from foreign and local organizations.

Among them is the donation of 100 units of core shelters from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and another 1,200 units from the Gawad Kalinga.

With the recent commitment of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide existing 1,000 shelter units in disaster-affected areas with standard water and electricity connections, the chief executive hopes to harness more support for the implementation of her program in putting up resettlement areas in every municipality of Sorsogon.

The program of the Provincial Government has also provisions for livelihood, possible job placements, and skills trainings for beneficiaries, incentive for them to relocate to the resettlement areas, where they can lead safer lives and become productive members of the society,” she noted.

Yap, besides his flagship publication, also publishes two other daily newspapers, Tempo and Balita, as well as nine magazines such as the Philippine Panorama, Bannawag, Liwayway, Bisaya and a host of other journals in English, Tagalog, Cebuano and other Philippine languages. He also owns the Manila Hotel and Euro-Phil Laboratories. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsogon/PIA)


DAY CARE WORKERS TRAINED ON HANDLING CHILDREN

NAGA CITY — A two-day Seminar-Workshop on Classroom Management in Day Care Centers and Orientation on the News Standards for Center-Based (ECCD) programs was conducted recently at Regent Hotel here.

The activity, participated in by 375 day care workers of Camarines Sur, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the day care workers and ensure standard implementation of the Day Care Services and other ECCD Programs.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional director Remia T. Tapispisan explained that the DSWD as mandated by law is responsible for regulating the quality of these programs for children through various centers operated by local government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and other private individuals.

She also bared that children are the ultimate beneficiaries of the Standards for Day Care and other ECCD centers and its service providers thus, these shall ensure that children from birth to age six receive consistently high-quality of education so that they can develop their fullest potential.

She also stressed the importance of the day care workers considering that the early years of a child’s life is the most critical period which influences chances of survival, subsequent growth and development.

“The way they handle the children under their care would definitely contribute to the kind of adult the country will have,” she said.

The two days activity was sponsored by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc., Camarines Sur Chapter in partnership with the DSWD Field Office 5 in coordination with the local government unit. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)


SORSOGON HOLDS ORIENTATION ON AH1N1

SORSOGON CITY — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the DOH-Provincial Health Team here conducted last week an orientation on the dreaded Influenza A (H1N1) disease was for health workers and stakeholders.

Governor Sally A. Lee has instructed the provincial health officials here to prepare all local health offices and stakeholders in the event that Influenza A is detected in the province.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the Influenza A alert level to phase 5, meaning a pandemic is imminent. Already 5,251 cases of swine flu cases in 30 countries had been reported, causing over 30 deaths worldwide.

The swine flu is caused by type A influenza virus isolated among pigs that can be transmitted to and spread among humans. Symptoms of the disease are fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and coughing.

Dr. Ma. Priscilla Fajardo, PHO-Technical Services Division chief, said that the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has already been activated to coordinate with the different Municipal Health Offices (MHOs), through their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs), to monitor influenza-like symptoms in their areas as well as the arrival of travelers from outside the country.

She added that the respective municipal health offices were also directed to revisit and reorient their staff on the Provincial Avian Flu Plan which will be adapted in case of Influenza A infection.

Fajardo explained that the response mechanisms subscribed by the plan will be the same steps taken in the event that Influenza A is detected in the province.

During the orientation, all municipalities have been requested to draft individual resolutions revisiting and adapting the said plan.

She also assured the participants that medications are available at the Department of Health (DOH) to counter the disease.

At present, the Province of Sorsogon remains free from Influenza A. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsogon/PIA)


AGRICULTURE MANAGERS NATIONAL CONFAB IN NAGA

GUINOBATAN, Albay — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) and various local government units (LGUs), spearheaded the 9th National Convention of the Devolved Agriculturists of the Philippines, Inc. (DAPI) held on May 13-15, 2009 at the Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City.

Close to 500 devolved agricultural extension managers from different cities and municipalities nationwide convened in Naga City threshing out issues that affect the delivery of agricultural extension services in the country today.

The convention grounded on by the theme “Pole Vaulting the Philippine Agriculture Landscape thru Effective and Efficient Extension System”.

Addressing the participants, DA’s Undersecretary for Operations Jesus Emmanuel Paras emphasized the important role played by devolved agricultural extension managers and workers in attaining significant gains in the field agriculture over the past eight years.

“Rain or shine, LGU-based agriculture workers work with farmers and fisherfolks in the field,” he said.

“President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself came up with the FIELDS acronym thus highlighting the indispensability for agricultural extension workers, the “E” component in the FIELDS Program, in the vital job of feeding the people,” he added.

FIELDS stands for the key programs in agriculture – F for fertilizer, micronutrients, use of the leaf color chart and minus-one element technique; I is for irrigation facilities rehabilitation and restoration; E is for extension, education, and training; L is for loans for inputs, shallow tube wells and surface water pumps; D is for dryers and other post harvest facilities provision; and S is for seed subsidy on quality genetic materials.

ATI Director Asterio Saliot, meanwhile, encouraged the devolved agriculture managers to continue fighting for their ideals and dreams, and not to lose heart.

“Characteristically impassioned and outspoken, he said they convened not only to be reacquainted with one another, to rally behind their aspirations, but most importantly to plan new ways to help farmers and Fisherfolks, who remain poor. Many things have to be done, he said.

In particular, he cited the need to endorse the Extension Bill, stressing on the holistic provincial level planning for agriculture and rural development including its municipalities, the creation of subject matter specialists positions and more room for promotion, standardized salaries of extension personnel across LGUs from the national government, and appointment of personnel at the provincial and municipal levels by Secretary of Agriculture of the Director of the Extension Bureau, in consultation with the governor and mayor.

ATI’s Knowledge Products and Services chief Antonieta Arceo, on the other hand, discussed updates on the electronic extension program of the Department, which ATI spearheads in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as well as state universities and colleges.

Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City also came to grace and welcome the delegates.

Also present during the convention were Provincial Board Member Ernie Verdadero of Camarines Sur and Naga City administrator, budget officer and concurrently acting City Agriculturist Frank Mendoza. (ECSabularse, DA-ATI Release/PIA)


PGMA KEEPS GOVERNMENT’S FOCUS ON JOBS CREATION

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said her administration keeps its focus on jobs creation to address the immediate concerns of workers who lost their jobs or who remain unemployed because of the global economic meltdown.

The President who visited and held her Cabinet meeting in General Santos City Tuesday (May 19) said the beneficiaries of her job creation and livelihood assistance initiatives include many workers from Central Mindanao, many of whom are fisherfolks and out-of-school youths.

She said retrenched and jobless workers in Central Mindanao now benefit from Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) administered by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The beneficiaries, she said, have availed of emergency employment opportunities under the Tulong Panghanap-buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Integrated Services for Livelihood Advancement of the Fisherfolks (ISLA) projects.

The President also said jobs generation remains a special government focus and even the forthcoming 111th Independence Day celebration will be focused on assisting displaced workers.

The Independence Day rites will be highlighted by the conduct of a three-day job and livelihood fairs that will include the awarding of employment certificates, livelihood assistance packages and training scholarships.

On the Jobs Fair’s first day, she said, job seekers may vie for a good number of government unfilled plantilla positions and vacancies for emergency or short term employment under the 1.5% MOOE fund based on E.O. No. 782.*

Emergency employment contracts and livelihood checks will also be awarded on June 12 to lucky job seekers. The rest of them may explore both overseas and local job opportunities on the second and third day.

President Arroyo also shared the good news that DOLE, in its latest report said 14,021 employees earlier retrenched by their local employers got their jobs back as companies hit by the economic slump have started to rehire their workers with new product orders having started to come in.

DOLE also said business firms are slowly returning to their normal operations, even as the demand for OFWs continues with new hires narrowing the gap if not offsetting the number of those earlier displaced as the situation in many countries appear to have stabilized. (PIA V Release)


PGMA: ASIAN REGION MUST HAVE A VOICE IN SHAPING THE WORLD

MANILA — The Asian region can survive global economic slowdown and come out the strongest compared to other continents, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Monday.

In her speech at the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines, the President said the time has come for the region to have a voice in shaping the world.

"It is time to harness the potential of Asia, to capitalize on its resources and to give the Pan-Asian Region a stronger voice in shaping the world economic order," the President said, "One way to achieve this is for ASEAN and India to accelerate the negotiations for an ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement."

The President called on the Filipino-Indian business community and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Inc. to make the advocacy for the ASEAN-India Free Trade greement a mission for the 60th Anniversary of Filipino - Indian relations.

She also urged the Philippine-Indian business community to "ensure that the two countries work together to build a more cohesive regional community that will strengthen the economic clout of all nations in our rapidly growing region."

President Arroyo vowed to work harder to ensure that the Philippines remains a "competitive player within the region" and to attract investments from countries like India, with the support of the Indian business community and the Indian Chambers of Commerce, Inc.

"We have invested heavily in improving the quality of the country's human resources, in lowering transaction flows and the costs of doing business, in developing efficient access to financing, and building a seamless infrastructure network," the President said.

She noted the ease now of immigration procedures for the Indian business community and the removal of many other types of red tape which "we did away with because you pointed them out to us."

The President also pointed out that the government is focusing on developing and strengthening industry sectors such as commodities, business process outsourcing and "niche tourism."

"One of the niche tourism sectors we identified is to invite Indian movie companies in Bollywood to come and do films in the Philippines," she said. (PIA V Release)


DEPED SEES INCREASED SCHOOL ENROLMENT

MANILA— School enrolment this school year is expected to increase despite the economic crunch, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported Monday (May 18).

In a media briefing in Malacanang, DepEd Undersecretary Vilma Labrador also said there will be a lower drop-out rate among elementary and high school students nationwide this year.

With Labrador during the briefing were Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo and Presidential Assistant for Education Mona Valisno.

Labrador said enrolment this year is expected to reach some 22.4 million, up from the 20 million last year.

She said some 19.46 million students are expected to enroll in public schools; 2.98 million in private educational institutions.

This shows, Labrador said, that the various educational reforms to combat poverty initiated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are bearing fruits.

“Because of the fruits of our initiatives, we will have a lower drop-out rate and many students would still be enrolled this year in elementary and high school despite the economic crunch,” Labrador said.

From the previous 1:60 teacher-student ratio, Labrador said DepEd has now achieved a more desirable: 45 teacher-student ratio.

In compliance with the President’s educational reform thrust, Labrador said DepEd is also continuously monitoring the classroom backlog in all regions in time for the school opening on June 1.

She advised the public to immediately report to DepEd any unjustifiable collections that deter parents from enrolling their children in both public and private schools. (PIA V Release)


PALACE GETS MORE SUPPORT FOR CARP LAW EXTENSION

MANILA — Malacanang gained Congressional support for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) law.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said Senate and House leaderships vowed in meeting on Monday (May 18) to prioritize the proposed extension of the law that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had certified as urgent.
CARP law will expire this month.

Among those who attended the meeting were Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Prospero Nograles, Senate Agrarian Reform Committee Chair Gringo Honasan and members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The President is seeking a 10-year extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) to 2018 to allow government to fully cover the remaining two million hectares that would benefit an additional two million farmers.

Some seven million hectares have already been placed under CARP since 1988, benefiting more than four million farmers.

The President said the extension of the CARP law would not only emancipate but empower more farmers to become agribusinessmen. (PIA V Release)


COMELEC: SELECTION OF POLL AUTOMATION CONTRACTOR TO CONCLUDE IN A FEW DAYS

MANILA — The Commission on Elections is working double time to get back on schedule.

Despite the emergence of a supplier with the lowest bid, the commission’s special committee will have to spare time to hear pending motions for reconsideration from previous disqualified bidders such as Sequia Voting Systems, FF Cruz/Gilat and AMA ES&S.

On Monday, the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) found the Smartmatic-Total Information Management consortium’s bid compliant with the commission’s requirements after the committee completed the evaluation of the remaining financial bids.

Smartmatic made a Php 7.2 Billion bid for the automation of the 2010 polls which covers 82,200 automated counting machines.

Its close competition, Indra Sistemas, was disqualified because its Php 11-Billion offer is limited to 52,000 machines units.

Even though they are seven days behind in the selection of the contractor for the upcoming poll’s computerization, SBAC Chair Ferdinand Raffanan expressed optimism that the commission will recovered to its target timeline by June.

Raffanan estimated that the selection process will be completed in next two to three days. (PIA V Release)

DTI BICOL CLEEP ON STREAM

LEGAZPI CITY – The global financial crisis that has gripped most of the big economies in the world last year is now being felt in the country as indicated by massive lay offs of workers by companies which are either temporary or permanently closed.

Accordingly, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bicol regional director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco responded to the call of DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila to implement the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in the Bicol region.

Blanco said that as of April 2009, DTI-V has conducted 109 capability building trainings that benefited 5,273 clients/beneficiaries in the region, provided 50 business consultancy services that benefited 2,226 beneficiaries regionwide, and facilitated loans/grants in the amount of P25.34 million thru the loan windows of DTI, LGUs, DOLE, RuMEPP, and SB Corp. that benefited 2,819 clients across the region.

She added that about 10 per cent of the displaced workers in Bicol or 44 persons affected by the global financial crisis in the region, were provided emergency employment by DTI as follows: 31 price monitors; 4 CLEEP personnel augmentation, 7 financial analyst, and 2 CARP personnel.

She also said that with the launching of DTI’s Enhanced Price Monitoring Project to ensure safe, better quality and reasonably-priced products we also provide emergency employment to 31 workers as price monitors to conduct monitoring for six months from April 16 to October 16, 2009 region wide.

The hired workers will receive an average allowance of P1,019.00 per month for six months.

DTI Bicol also hired 7 workers for the financial analyst (FA) position as FAs.

Blanco explained that the workers will assist DTI regular staff and division/province where he/she will be assigned to and will focus on project identification and consultancy work, adding that each will receive P12,000/month plus P1,700/month as TEV for three months from May to July 2009.

For the personnel augmentation position, according to Blanco, DTI Bicol hired 4 workers who will prepare, evaluate and analyze project proposals, plans and programs under the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), noting that the hired workers will receive P9,000/month for three months from May to July 2009.

And finally, two positions for the DTI V Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), regional coordinator and DTI-CARP Provincial Officer were filled up.

She explained that the Senior CARP Staff will be in charge with the over-all supervision of the Department’s Small and Medium Industrial Technology Transfer Development Program (SMITTDP) under DTI-CARP, covering the six provinces of the Bicol region.

The Junior CARP Staff will prepare the provincial plans, targets and budget for programs, projects activities of the SMITTDP under DTI-CARP in the province where he/she is assigned and will receive P16,093/month plus P1,700 as TEV for two months from May to June 2009.

The total fund/budget allocated for the CLEEP in the Bicol region is P2.9 million. (ACBelleza, DTI-V/PIA)


IP PHILIPPINES OPENS LEGAZPI OFFICE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) has opened its fourth satellite office in this city as part of its continued effort to extend public outreach nationwide.

IP Philippines targets to open a total of five IPSOs until the end of 2009. Three IPSOs, including Cebu, Davao, and Angeles, have been established since the project kicked off in 2008.

IP Philippines Director General, Atty. Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. said that the intention for opening the satellite offices is to “encourage inventors, and entrepreneurs in the countryside to protect intellectual property (IP) creations by having them registered with IP Philippines”.

He added that by making its services accessible in the regions, IP Philippines can effectively harness the creative talents and innovative skills of IP generators.

He underscored that provincial businesses possess the capacity to become commercial successes and bring financial benefits to the country.

Provincial operations from August to December 2008 were positive, with 139 IP applications filed directly through the IPSOs.

IP Philippines also created a build-up of interest among small and medium enterprises and academic groups through the satellite offices’ intensive and business-focused programs and activities such as basic orientation seminars, consultative meetings, partnership and networking collaborations, and commercialization assistance programs.

Cristobal noted that in fact, a number of priority SMEs and industry groups have already forged partnerships with IP Philippines.

The establishment of satellite offices is aligned with IP Philippines’ three-year strategic plan which aims to accomplish the following goals: deliver quality and timely patents, deliver quality and timely trademarks, improve results-oriented technology transfer interventions, provide speedy and effective legal remedies, institutionalize copyright development and support services, and sustain dynamic leadership in the IP system.

IP Philippines promotes creativity and innovation through the country’s intellectual property system and grants patents and trademarks, supports the creative industries and advocates a vibrant IP culture. (PIA V Release)


DEPED WANTS LBC COMMERCIAL STOPPED

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has already moved to stop the airing of “misleading” commercial advertisement in national television aired by a remittance company.

Dr. Amparo De Mata, chief of the Elementary Education Division of DepEd Bicol, stated in a radio interview at PIA Ugnayan sa Bikol that DepEd central office has already sent a formal letter to officials of the LBC as well as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to correct any misunderstanding or misinformation brought about by the airing of the said commercial.

She stressed that Education Department will ask LBC to review, consequently, terminate the airing of the firm to prevent confusion among school children.

Meanwhile, the provincial board of Catanduanes has also expressed its dismay and called the attention of DepEd to act on the ‘mistake’ of the advertisement.

The provincial board earlier passed a resolution calling on DepEd and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to order the correction or even the pull-out of the commercial ad which they said is not only “misleading” but also “improper.”

They warned that the ad sends the wrong message and might be misinterpreted by school children watching the ad being aired at TV stations.

De Mata thanked the board for its concern “as we are one with them in providing quality education to our children.”

She, however, stressed that DepEd is confident that teachers can handle the issue wrought by the commercial of LBC.

In the commercial, game show host, Edu Manzano, is shown asking a boy to spell the word “remittance”… and the boy answered “LBC.”

De Mata said “We assure the public that our teachers are well-trained and aware of how to handle this situation should it arise in the classrooms,”

Recently, a laundry soap company took the necessary correction after claiming in its commercial that one plus one equals three by stressing that this is only true when it comes to washing clothes using the laundry soap but not in addition or in mathematics. (MALoterte, PIA V)


MGB BICOL REPORTS ON “DANTE” AFTERMATH

LEGAZPI CITY — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office here has released the results of the investigation of the landslides in barangay Hubo in Magallanes, Sorsogon in the wake of tropical storm Dante that left 18 residents killed, destroyed several houses, school building, barangay hall, day care center, among others.

MGB Bicol regional director Reynulfo Juan said reports according to the bureau’s experts reveal that the continuous rains for four days spawned by tropical storm Dante caused the debris slump that occurred in the area around 2:30 a.m. on May 2.

Juan explained that the heavy rains saturated the soil with more than 300 millimeters of rainfall as shown by a rain gauge in Magallanes town triggering the debris slump.

Quoting from the same reports, he said that the landslides covered an area of approximately 200 meters wide and 25 meters deep, and the debris slump occurred in the Southern slope of a low hill facing barangay Hubo and slid 150 meters down slope carrying 75,000 cubic meters of silt and clay.

He said the bureau has already recommended to the Punong Barangay of Hubo and Magallanes Mayor Abelardo Arambulo to declare the areas surrounding the hill, where the landslide occurred, uninhabitable and to resettle the remaining threatened families.

It can be recalled that on November 4, 2006, the bureau warned the municipal government of Magallanes, through a written advisory, that the said barangay was already threatened by landslides. The warning was reiterated through the MENRO following a landslide that occurred on Februar 21, 2008

Furthermore, two barangay officials from the said barangay attended on October 15, 2008 the Capacity-Building Seminar on Geohazard Awareness and Disaster Preparedness spearheaded MGB Bicol in Magallanes where the specific hazards in the different barangays of the municipality were discussed.

The bureau also conducted rapid assessment on the effects of Typhoon Dante in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

Results of the assessment showed barangays Gumapia, San Pedro, Buenavista, Gabao, Macawayan, Bagsangan and Tongdol in Irosin; San Vicente, Managa-naga, Aquino, Obrero and Somagongsong in Bulan; Sta. Cruz, Rizal, Burgos and Esecuala in Casiguran and Gadgadon in Matnog; Basud in Sorsogon City, all in the province of Sorsogon experienced heavy flooding.

Several barangays in Libon and Oas town in Albay; Baao, Nabua and Bato in Camarines Sur; Labo, Mercedes, San Vicente, Vinzons and Talisay in Camarines Norte were also affected by flooding.

Barangays Osiao in Bacon district, Sorsogon City and Lahong in Juban, Sorsogon; Nagotgot, Inang Maharang, Cawayan and Manumbalang in Manito, Morera in Guinobatan, Salvacion in Sto. Domingo and Ligñon Hill in Legazpi City, Maynonong in Tiwi, all in Albay; Sta. Rosa del Sur in Pasacao, San Isidro and Poblacion in Libmanan, Guijalo and Becalen in Caramoan and Maangas in Presentacion, all in Camarines Sur were affected by landslides.

In Catanduanes province, several landslides occurred mostly along road cuts making most of its central and northern municipalities inaccessible from Virac.
(LDValdez, MGB-V/PIA)


SORSOGON BHW CONVENTION HELD

SORSOGON Province — Some 2,663 barangay health workers from all over this province took part in the 17th Provincial Barangay Health Workers Convention last May 12 at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium in Sorsogon City.

The event, focusing on the theme “Samasama sa Maunlad na Pamayanan”, was organized to renew the participants’ commitment to their roles as safeguards of health in their respective areas, especially in the light of new concerns affecting the province, such as the swine flu virus.

It also served to strengthen the camaraderie of the various BHW associations, “whose involvement in implementing health services is crucial”, according to Gov. Sally A. Lee.

The BHW associations are called upon by the Provincial Health Office to perform extension services especially in pushing through its key programs such as the Botika sa Barangay.

“Without their involvement, it would be impossible for our constituents to avail of the health services due to our scarce resources and health personnel,” the governor added.
As a manifestation of her appreciation for their hard work and cooperation, the Provincial Government donated various prizes for the raffle draw which included a 21 inch television, DVD player, cell phone, and assorted home products. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsoon/PIA)

DOLE ANNOUNCES JOB VACANCIES FOR JUNE 12 JOBS FAIR

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol, in cooperation with all the regional offices of national government agencies, will be conducting an Mega Jobs Fair on June 12 at Embarcadero here, in time for the 111th Independence Day celebrations,.

The mega jobs fair will be open from 8 a.m. up to 5 p.m..

DOLE Bicol regional director Ernesto Bihis said thousands of job vacancies from government and private sectors will be posted.

“To avoid the rush, applicants may pre-register at nearest PESO office in their area starting May 19. Applicants should bring all credentials,” he said.

Activities highlighting the Philippine Independence Day celebrations also include trade fair, livelihood and scholarship awarding which will also be held at the area.

Bihis also bared that the government agencies with confirmed vacancies as per EO 782 (Emergency Employment of Government Utilizing 1.5% of MOOE) and will join the jobs fair are as follows: DENR - 13, DA - 16, DTI - 30, TESDA - 11, DSWD - 274, DPWH - 103, DepEd - 4, SSS - 85, NEDA - 6, DOST - 20, PNP - 500 and DOLE - 11.

The agencies that confirmed their attendance but have not yet submitted a list of vacancies are as follows: DBM, DOH, Pag-IBIG, NFA, DAR, CHED, CSC, DBP, and DOT.
For private employers, there are at least 30 overseas recruiters and 10 local companies to join. (RPEscalante, DOLE/PIA)


All set for school opening on June 1

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said all is set for the school opening on June 1 despite the threat of the AH1N1 virus, which thankfully has not affected the Philippines at all.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan Sunday (May 17), Remonde thanked God Almighty for sparing the country from the dreaded virus. He also congratulated and thanked the different government agencies for doing their share in protecting the country from the AH1N1 virus which has affected many countries and claimed the lives of a number of people.

“Wala pang isang kasong confirmado sa AH1N1 virus” in our country, first because God has blessed and protected us well and we did all that must be done in government on orders of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to our health quarantine officers to stop its entry into the country, Remonde said.

“Having said that, there is no reason to postpone the school opening because of the flu virus,” he said.

Asked about the state of preparations for the school opening, Remonde said the government is better prepared this year than in previous years because investments made by the Arroyo administration to uplift the education sector, especially the public education system since 2001, have borne fruit.

On record, the Arroyo administration’s investments in the country’s education sector is unmatched, Remonde said.

With the huge investments she poured into school buildings, textbooks and the hiring of teachers, the President had made progress in an unprecedented way in addressing the long-standing problems of the public education system, the Palace official said.

He explained, however, that all the problems of the country’s education system cannot be resolved in just one generation.

There may still be shortages of school buildings, especially in calamity-stricken areas, textbooks shortages, and lack of school teachers, he added.

But “overall, we are better prepared for the school opening this year under the leadership of DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus, than in previous years,” Remonde said. (PIA V Release)


Rice problem is less serious now than in previous years -- Remonde

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Sunday (May 17) the problem of high rice prices and the supposed tightening of supply of the staple food is “less serious now than in previous years.”

The problem of rising rice prices is nothing compared to the rice crisis the country faced a year or so ago, he said.

“I am positive that this problem is going to be addressed very soon by the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Arthur Yap,” Remonde said.

He explained that in Cabinet meetings and other sessions, food security is always high on the agenda.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Remonde pointed out, keeps on reminding members of the Cabinet, especially Secretary Yap, to ensure that the country has always enough rice buffer stock through domestic production and importations.

On another topic, Remonde said he is certain that the issue of fare hikes, which will be heard by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) starting Monday, will be properly resolved “with due consideration to all sectors concerned.” (PIA V Release)


Palace acts to stop deficit from growing

MANILA — Malacañang said over the week end that the administration is keeping its expenditures at manageable levels to keep the deficit from getting bigger.

This, in view of reports that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has failed to meet its target collection of P100 billion which could trigger a bigger deficit this year.

Presidential Spokesperson on Economic Affairs Gary Olivar said revenue collections are affected by the current global economic conditions, “but we are doing our best in the face of that (reality).”

He said the government is more realistic about its deficit projections for the year “recognizing the fiscal stresses created by the global recession and by our efforts to maintain the economy stable amid that recession will have a cost in terms of the size of the deficit.”

“What we are shooting for is that the cost remains manageable and that we are taking the appropriate steps to resolve the problem with the deficit as soon as we can go ahead with that in terms of the recession starting to move away,” Olivar said.

Reports said that economic managers were already looking at the possibility that deficit might shoot up to P250 billion by yearend, the same level that President Arroyo inherited in 2001.

Olivar said “if the deficit she inherited in 2001 was P250 billion people should remember that at that time we did not have a global recession. We also did not have the US and major export markets sliding the way they are doing now and we did not have even the possibility of a threat to our labor and export markets, an environment totally different 2001 compared to 2009.”

“So the way she ought to be judged is against the global environment that she has to run an economic policy within,” Olivar said.

There is need to maintain infrastructure spending (through pump priming) and to provide direct support to our people through programs like conditional cash transfers, the need to maintain that service when a currency is not depreciating as a result of global conditions all of these leads to deficit issues, Olivar said.

The important thing is to look at the backdrop against which deficit is taking place, and to look at what government is doing now not only to mitigate the problems but to prepare for eventual recovery, Olivar pointed out. (PIA V Release)


RP economy remains resilient despite global recession

MANILA — The Philippine economy continues to enjoy a favorable outlook for its resiliency in the midst of the global recession, Presidential Spokesman on Economic Affairs Gary Olivar said today.

Olivar was reacting to speculations on the possible downgrade of the country’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s, a leading international ratings agency.

He described a rating downgrade as a “remote possibility.”

Olivar said this is part of S&P’s “stress testing of their credit judgments on countries and borrowers.”

“In fact their view was that the Philippines was doing fairly well relative to its neighboring countries. So this is a worst case scenario that is even remote in S&P’s own words,” Olivar said, referring to the possibility of a credit downgrade.

Another international investment analyst, Nielsen Ratings, said that consumer confidence in the Philippines ranks sixth highest in a sample it made involving 50 countries.

“This information tells us that the economy continues to be resilient and continues to do well despite the global recession,” Olivar added.

All of the policies and programs being implemented by the administration are precisely intended to maintain economic stability and resiliency in the face of the recession, he said.

“This is what the various agencies see even in the case of S & P when it mentioned the worst case scenario like that it considered it only a remote possibility,” he said .

“Our moves continue to enjoy the endorsements from independent analysts and observers abroad,” Olivar said. (PIA V Release)

ALBAY HAILED FOR “ZERO CASUALTY” DURING TYPHOON DANTE

LEGAZPI CITY— Despite having more flooding and landslides, triggered by tropical storm “Dante”, recorded all over the Bicol region, Albay was the only province that did not report any casualty mainly due to its preemptive evacuation system.

Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, chair of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), cited Albay for its preparedness and readiness to disasters, adding to that the proactive measures the local disaster response and management office has been implementing to prevent casualties.

“Albay's disaster management operation is one of the best models on effective disaster management that enforces the preemptive evacuation scheme to attain zero casualty during natural calamities,” he said.

He said disaster operation involves identifying and moving out residents living in high risk areas similar to what happened in Magallanes town where 18 villagers were buried alive by landslides.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda stated that the province had "zero casualty" when “Dante” wreaked havoc in the Bicol region because local government leaders, from the city, municipal and down to the barangay levels, already evacuated residents in endangered areas.

Albay reported some 49,500 evacuees or 98 percent of the total in Bicol.

NDCC reported that "Dante" left a total 27 people dead, eight others missing, and more that P500 million damages combined on infrastructure, agriculture and fishery in Bicol region.

Mukami Kariuki, coordinator of the Local Government Program of the World Bank in the country, said that the Albay program and strategies should set an example to all local government units across the country, especially among areas prone to natural disasters.

“The provincial disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures carried out by Albay should be replicated in other parts of the region, which are perennially hit by typhoon or flooding and landslides,” she said.

During the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) meeting in Manila, Social Welfare Sec. Esperanza Cabral also hailed Albay province in carrying out proactive action ensuring the safety of the residents in times of disasters.

Galing Pook, Inc. director Eddie Dorotan said they were proven right in choosing Albay as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Governance Programs in the Search for Galing Pook 2008 for its innovative approaches in institutionalizing incentive mechanism to efficiently deliver services.

Albay created and institutionalizes the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Office (APSEMO), the first of its kind in the country to serve as the technical and administrative arm of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) due to the geographic and geologic location of the province highly vulnerable to various types of natural hazards like typhoons, flood, mud/debris flows, storm surges, tsunami, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. (MALoterte, PIA V)


OXFAM-GB DONATES EWS DEVICES TO SORSOGON

SORSOGON Province — The Oxfam-Great Britain will donate to the provincial government here a set of early warning system (EWS) equipment that will upgrade the capability the local disaster response team to provide fast services to the public, specially in times of natural calamities.

Gov. Sally Lee said “with the Oxfam-GB donations, we are optimistic that the different local government units (LGUs) would definitely become more ready and prepared in responding to natural disaster that may hit the province, much as in mitigating their adverse implications.

He added that the Oxfam-GB intervention can also be counted as a response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s recommendation to all LGUs to install and use rainfall measuring instruments and other community based-early warning systems in their areas.

Jose Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Oxfam-GB Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the province, said that the donation includes ten units of rain gauges, one unit LCD, one unit laptop, an overhead projector, one unit portable generator and one unit of Global Positioning System (GPS).

He also said that Oxfam-GB country director Lan Mercado will turn-over the equipment to the provincial government, through its Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC),

He explained that the donation of hardwares is part of the Oxfam-GB’s interventions to the PDCC to strengthen the Provincial Readiness to Institutionalize and Mainstream Risk Reduction (PRIMRR), the province’s disaster response program,

PRIMRR is also implemented with the support of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), through its Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO).

Lopez said the PRIMRR features mainly the setting up of a Disaster Management Office (DRMO), a permanent office in a local government unit that will manage and minimize the risks of disasters such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions and landslides, among others.

Oxfam-GB, meanwhile, has already identified barangays across the province with different categories of vulnerabilities for their pilot site.

Identified areas were the barangays of Cogon in Irosin town, which is highly vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and mudslides; Banuang Gurang in Donsol, being susceptible to flooding; and, Incarizan in Magallanes, which is prone to landslides.

Oxfam-GB is an international non-government organization that assists the provincial government here to lessen, if not put an end to, poverty and suffering brought about by various forms of disasters. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


AFP, ET AL HOLD OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS

CAMP SIMEON A OLA, Legazpi City — Residents of barangay Hubo in Magallanes, Sorsogon benefited from the medical and dental mission, relief distribution and engineering activities spearheaded by the 901st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The outreach program, dubbed “Operation Sagip Buhay; Serbisyong Kapatiran sa Sorsogon”, provided medical and dental services to some 188 patients, distributed 186 packs of relief goods to the residents of the said barangay, the worst hit area when tropical storm “Dante” wreaked havoc in the Bicol region.

The outreach program is also supported by the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, Municipal Government of Magallanes, Philippine National Police (PNP), Kabalikat, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, ABS-CBN Bicol, Children World Aid Program Incorporated (CWAPI) and Bantay Bayan Foundation, Incorporated.

Army Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, public information officer of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said the inter-organizational humanitarian mission lend a hand to the less fortunate residents of barangay Hubo, especially to the victims of landslides killing at least 19 and displaced some 21 families.

He recalled that the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion Philippine Army was dispatched to the area taking the lead in the rescue operations to recover the missing and dead body of the victims and other survivors.

Magallanes Mayor Abelardo Arambulo, meanwhile, thanked the mission for providing immediate medical, relief , and engineering interventions to the victims in barangay Hubo.

“My appreciation and gratitude to the involved government agencies and non-government organizations for their concerted efforts in addressing the immediate concerns of residents in this part of his town,” he said.

Col. Marlou Salazar (GSC), commander of the Army’s 901st Inf. Brigade, said “the AFP’s outreach program in the area is part of its primary role as servant of the people as such the AFP will always respond to any types of disasters especially saving the life of the Filipino people”. (BARecebido/MALoterte, PIA Bicol)


DENR TO DISTRIBUTE MALUNGGAY SEEDLINGS

LEGAZPI CITY —Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol regional executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada has instructed his field officials in the provincial offices to distribute malunggay seedlings during the Independence Day celebration on June 12, 2009.

Fragada said that the malunggay seedling distribution project supports President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s program to spur rural growth through job creation and food production to cushion the effects of the global economic meltdown and at the same time mitigating global warming and climate change.

Malunggay, scientifically known as Moringa Oleifera, is an important source of nutritional food. According to Mark Fritz, a writer of Los Angeles Times, every ounce of Moringa contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, four times the iron of spinach, four times the calcium content of milk and three times the potassium of bananas.

Dr. Ann Hirsch, professor of Botany at University of California, Los Angles, U.S.A., reported that Moringa is packed with amino acids highly absorbable and crucial to good health.

“It has the full component of the essential amino acids that human beings need,” she said.

She pointed out that of the 20 different amino acids needed to build protein and utilized to grow, repair and maintain the human cells, only 12 types can be manufactured and synthesized by the body, while the other eight essential amino acids must come from a person’s diet, such as food derived from malunggay.

Experts agree that the long-term solution to malnutrition is to consume foods that are rich in essential nutrients often lacking in people’s diets. Modern scientific research proves that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients.

There are other practical uses of Malunggay, one is the well-documented detoxifying effect on the human body, the ability of Moringais to purify water, attaching itself to harmful material and bacteria, and allowing them to be expelled as waste. The evidence points to the same process going on inside your body.

Other benefits from malunggay are as natural fertilizer, feeds and known to be effective in treating certain diseases and human illnesses. (AMContreras, DENR/PIA)


NYC INVITES YOUTH ORGANIZATION FOR TAYO

NAGA CITY — The National Youth Commission (NYC) invites youth organizations to join the 7th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations.

The search is open to all groups (school-based, parish-based and community-based youth organizations) composed of at least 15 members who are 15-30 years old. The basis for judging is the project entry conducted by the organization that shows the efforts of the youth in contributing to the improvement of their community.

Interested youth groups should submit the following requirements in five copies: Accomplished Entry Form, List of Officers, Certification attesting to the existence and veracity of the information submitted, Application briefer and three-page project documentation.

A plaque of commendation and cash prize amounting to P50,000 awaits the winners. The deadline for submission of entry is on July 15, 2009. Join the search and be recognized.

Entry forms and the application briefer format are available for download through the TAYO Awards Foundation website (www.tayoawards.net) and the National Youth Commission website (www.youth.net.ph). For more information please contact the NYC Southern Luzon Area Office, 3rd Flr., Monzon Bldg., Elias Angeles corner Arana Sts., Naga City at telephone nos. (054) 811-5804/473-0435 and 09175800538.

Join the search and be recognized. Let your project be known, have the chance to win and the opportunity to encourage other youth groups to implement or continue their project that is helpful to our society. (NPDelfin, NYC/PIA)


LIVELIHOOD ROADSHOW HELD IN CAMARINES NORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office here conducted the 2nd Provincial Livelihood Road Show for agrarian reform beneficiaries and displaced workers under the Comprehensive Livelihood Employment Program (CLEEP) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the wake of the present global economic crisis.

DTI provincial director Ernesto R. Pardo said that the recent road show was a follow through of the first one though held almost three year ago, with encouraging positive results.

He bared that the Dalandan Juice Processing Center and the Coffee Processing and Buying Station in Sta. Elena and San Lorenzo Ruiz towns, respectively, were the offshoots of the first staging of the livelihood road show.

The two establishments combined have generated an investment of almost P2 million and provided a direct and indirect employment opportunities for 37 individuals. Its combined sales for two years reached some P411,723.

In this year’s provincial road show, the participants were introduced to different livelihood opportunities, business concepts and ideas, and familiarization with the local financing requirements in establishing business..

Pardo said that the livelihood road show provided inputs and honed their skills in processing of food and non-food products, catering services, identifying risks and opportunities on off season vegetables, and microfinance programs of rural and cooperative banks.

The one-day caravan was made possible in cooperation with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Overseas Welfare and Welfare Association (OWWA). (RBManlangit, PIA Cam.Norte)


PGMA DEFINES HER DESIRED LEGACY FOR FILIPINOS

MANILA — What legacy would President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo want to leave behind for the country and the Filipino people when she bows out of office?

The President was asked this question during a media interview yesterday (May 12) at the brand new Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort in Lapu-Lapu City shortly before she addressed the “One Visayas Climate Change Summit” and the Cabinet meeting in the same venue.

Her answer: the continuity and completion of the many programs she has initiated in the economic and fiscal fronts.

The President also wants to see the continuation of what she has invested in the three E’s – education, economy and the environment.

In her inaugural address in 2004, the Chief Executive stressed that her principal responsibility was to keep the country on track and to focus on her vision of transforming the Philippines into a First World country in 20 years.

Her vision of a modern Philippines revolves around the components of free enterprise, modern agriculture, a social bias to balance the country’s economic development, and enhancing the rule of law and standards of governance.

It was apparently in accordance with this vision that her government focused on efforts to strengthen the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, strictly observed fiscal discipline, launched an aggressive campaign to re-engage with the world, and assiduously worked on the fulfillment of her ten-point agenda that puts premium on investing in the Filipino.

It may also be accordance with her governance orientation that she dared to sacrifice much of her political capital several times, making unpopular reform decisions that happily proved correct and beneficial for the long-term welfare of the Filipino people.

One indication of her success in economic governance is the country’s unprecedented record of 36 quarters of uninterrupted growth and a record-breaking 8 percent gross national product (GNP) growth in 2007. (PIA V Release)


RP IS OK THUS FAR, SAYS NEW YORK TIMES

MANILA — The Philippines, which lagged behind its more economically progressive neighbors in Asia in previous years, is now outperforming most of its East and Southeast Asian neighbors, and will continue to make headway at least for a couple more years.

This assessment appeared in the New York Times which cited the Philippines for its improved economic management amid the global crisis.

The article, written by Philip Bowring, said the Philippines’ expects a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2 to 3 percent this year—a rate superior to its East Asian peers except China and Vietnam, and a sharp contrast to the negative growths elsewhere.

The Philippines registered an average growth rate of 4.5 percent in the past seven years.

The New York Times said the relatively strong performance this year of the Philippines will be due to its biggest long-term weakness—reliance on overseas workers’ remittances which account for 10 percent of GDP and the bulk of its foreign exchange earnings.

Though remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to weaken from $16 billion in 2008, the remittances have held up well thus far.

A second bright spot—in contrast with the woes of the Asian electronics manufacturing sectors — is in call centers and business process outsourcing (BPO) which should keep growing, albeit more slowly, it said.

Business outsourcing absorbs some educated labor but does little for the unskilled, the NYT article said.

Another boost will come from government spending in badly needed infrastructure, health and education which have been made possible by stabilizing fiscal position over several years that brought interest rates and the cost of debt servicing down, it added.

Even agriculture, long a drag on the economy, has been achieving steady growth of 3 percent a year with increased investment and higher prices, the NYT reported.

In his article, Bowring said the bottomline in the Philippines’ good economic performance is that it did not depend on export manufacturing, which, however, was also a weakness in that the country failed to use its abundant labor force.

Industry accounted for only 33 percent of output and has been declining for three decades. Philippine infrastructure is poor because of low budget revenues and the dominance of a few big groups in its commercial life has become a disincentive, the NYT report said.

It said that Philippine labor will continue to be sought overseas—particularly in East Asia, which is aging fast. The country may be able to build on gains in fiscal stability and balance of payments equilibrium.

Remittances will remain less vulnerable than manufactured exports to global developments, it said. (PIA V Release)


PGMA: WORST IS OVER FOR ECONOMY

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said yesterday (May 12) that the worst for the world economy is over, and the problem now is how to accelerate the recovery from the deep slump.

The President made her “light at the end of the tunnel” assessment of the economy during a one-on-one interview with a representative of the regional media before the Cabinet meeting held at the Imperial Palace Resort and Spa Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City.

“The worst is over but the problem now is how soon we can recover. My concern is to accelerate recovery,” she said.

The President said among her principal concerns is creating more jobs, especially for those affected by the economic recession.

At the Cabinet meeting, a report on the improving world economy was presented to the President. The report expressed optimism that the economies of the US and Europe would recover by 2010.

Japan is expected to climb out of the slump by the end of 2009, ahead of the US and Europe.

“Put together, while we are not affected, they (US, Europe, Japan recovery) do give signals for markets of our exports,” said Rolando Tupalan, deputy director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Tupalan pointed out that the Philippines is “seeing resilience in various industries and sectors,” adding that instead of contracting, remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFW) would most certainly grow as thousands of jobs for Filipinos are available in the Middle East.

The labor department has reported that there are 15,000 to 20,000 jobs available in Guam; 60,000 in Saudi Arabia and 20,000 in Qatar.

“Of the 6,695 who lost their jobs, this is offset by the volume of workers we dispatch daily,” Tupalan said.

He said remittances from OFWs for the year would be at least on the same level as 2008 at $16.4 billion.

He said inflation is subsiding and this augurs well for consumer spending for the remainder of the year.

Data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) showed a rapid decline in inflation. The Aug. 2008 inflation rate of 12.4 has been steadily decreasing to only 4.8 in April 2009, the lowest in 16 months.

NEDA said inflation will continue to decline, averaging 3.5 percent for the whole year. This, in turn, will boost personal consumption which constitutes 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

In the Cabinet meeting, it was noted that stock markets around the world have manifested gradual recovery as the global economic crisis shows signs of abating.
The latest trading day data showed that the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 30.97 percent, the Nikkei 225 is up by 33.70 percent, and the FTSE 100 by 27.05 percent.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), following the global trend, was up 28.02 percent. (PIA V Release)


MALACANANG JOBS FAIR SET ON MAY 16

MANILA — Some 70 private corporations seeking new recruits will participate in the annual jobs fair organized by the Office of External Affairs (OEA-Office of the President) on Saturday, May 16, at the Mendiola Parking Lot inside Malacañang Complex in Manila.

Dubbed as Trabaho Fair 2009, the whole-day event is co-sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and is expected to gather thousands of jobseekers around Metro Manila and nearby provinces for local and overseas employment.

“What could be a better way to spur economic growth than to increase employment,” said OEA Chief of Operations, Undersecretary Danilo Consumido. “Although the Philippines remains outside the scope of the global recession, we are joining the private sector in fighting the effects of the global economic crisis by providing jobs to our people,” he added.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Public Employment Services Offices (PESO-Manila) will bring in selected employers to man their respective booths and process application papers during the event.

As added benefit, several government agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Statistics Office (NSO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will also set-up their own kiosks with Internet access to process documentary requirements.

Other participating government agencies to the one-day jobs fair are the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

On the other hand, apart from the PCCI member firms, private corporations joining the event include San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Long Distance Telephone, Nestle Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation and Zesto Corporation.

Trabaho Fair 2009 runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. (PIA V Release)


PGMA ORDERS TOUGHER ACTION VS. PRE-NEEED COMPANIES

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered yesterday (May 12) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take tougher action against erring pre-need companies.

The President issued the directive to SEC Chairperson Fe Barin during a Cabinet meeting held today at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa IN Lapu-Lapu City.

“The President expressed her deep concern over the plight of plan holders especially those whose plans have been fully paid and matured,” Barin said in a handwritten note Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Conrado Limcaoco Jr. read in a media briefing.

“She directed the Cabinet members concerned and the SEC to exert their utmost and do everything that can be done within the bounds of the law to protect and assist plan holders,” Barin said.

Barin said the President ordered that “appropriate action, including criminal prosecution if warranted, be taken against erring firms.”

The President ordered the SEC to “determine, within the shortest time possible, the financial condition of the pre-need companies to ensure that those companies can meet their obligations as they fall due.” (PIA V Release)

RDC BICOL APPROVES P814.5M ROAD NETWORK PROJECT IN ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY -- A new road network that would directly link four towns of Albay to the whale shark famed tourist town of Donsol in Sorsogon province was endorsed for funding the by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Bicol to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) central office.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, RDC chair, said the project involves the construction of 26.9 kilometers of roads and five bridges with an aggregate length of 75 linear meters that will cost some P814.5 million.

He said fund would be sourced from the Secondary National Road Development Program (SNRDP) of the Millennium Challenge Account, Philippine Compact Program (MCAPCP).
During the regular RDC meeting on Wednesday, Salceda said the project once completed would link villages in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Jovellar and Daraga with Donsol.

He said the project will have a positive impact on local tourism since the new road network will provide a shorter and safer access to Donsol town, known worldwide for whale shark watching and interaction.

He also said the new road project will also make the Southern Luzon International Airport in barangay Alobo in Daraga accessible to residents of the third district of Albay and Sorsogon province.

He noted that the same road network will traverse the proposed PNR Mainline South Rail Extension to Sorsogon, adding that it will also pass through agricultural lands planted to coconut, corn, palay and other agricultural crops. Fishermen will also benefit directly from an improved access to inputs and to the market.

Engr. Oscar Cristobal, assistant regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said during his sponsorship of the project that the new road would open up new opportunities for trade and commerce, agriculture and fishery, tourism, among others. (EDLeon, PIA V)


DOST, ALBAY SIGN AGREEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro and Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda have signed and entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on “Comprehensive Partnership on Climate Change and Countryside Development”.

The MOA, signed last week during the full council meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Bicol held at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office here, manifests the duo’s commitment and cooperation in strengthening Albay’s program on climate change adaptation and developing local government initiatives and undertakings that requires S&T interventions.

Alabastro said the agreement reflects DOST’s complimentary commitment to Albay province in terms of research and development, technology transfer and institutional capability build-up in support of the local development programs and advocacy.

She said that under the agreement the DOST will undertake, among others, research and development programs, establish food and technology centers, set up science based farms, upgrade Pagasa and Phivolcs capabilities.

She added that DOST will soon establish a Doppler radar system and a Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Weather Bureau in Albay.

The Bureau, dubbed as the Southern Luzon Weather Region (SLWR), will provide weather forecasting and warning services to the six provinces of Bicol that included Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon and the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

Albastro said the establishment of an SLWR is in line with the agencies regionalization program and capability building aimed at providing fast services to the public, specially in times of natural calamities.

Salceda, meanwhile, said the partnership aims to identify and develop viable local development initiatives and undertakings that require S&T interventions.

It will also promote advocacy addressing climate change, disaster management and adaptation and mitigation measures.

Salceda said the DOST has put up some P594.3 million to finance the set up of a regional weather bureau, purchase of doppler radar and other equipments that would upgrade the services of Pagasa and Phivolcs. (MALoterte, PIA V)


CHING HAI GROUP DONATES GOODS
TO TYPHOON VICTIMS IN SORSOGON

SORSOGON CITY — Residents of Bacon district in this city and four other municipalities has been named recipient of 500 sacks of rice and assorted groceries from the Master Ching Hai International Association, a humanitarian and spiritual organization.

Sorsogon Gov. Sally Lee said the relief goods will be distributed to the victims of tropical storm Typhoon Dante last May 1-3, including Bacon district here and the towns of Bulan, Juban, Matnog and Magallanes.

Four members of the association, who declined to be named, paid a courtesy call recently and relayed the good news to the Governor.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was founded by Supreme Master Ching Hai, a Vietnamese who became a Buddhist nun.

Her close relationship with the Philippine Government started during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The group also said that Supreme Master Ching Hai has always been grateful for the way the Philippine Government treated Vietnamese refugees in Palawan and in Bataan.

“When we heard that the Bicol region suffered once again from Typhoon Dante, we were immediately dispatched to Sorsogon where we were told a landslide resulted to many fatalities in Magallanes,” a member of the group said.

Supreme Master Cing Hai is among notable pioneers whose advocates include preserving the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Members of the association will be distributing the relief goods in the affected municipalities until Thursday.

Recipients will be identified through the assistance of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as instructed by Lee. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsogon/PIA)


NYC CELEBRATES TAYO 7th YEAR

NAGA CITY — The National Youth Commission (NYC) has launched this year’s Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) consistent with the idea of bringing to the fore the achievements of groups and outstanding innovations brought about by collective action of the youth.

Youth organizations awarded by TAYO are selected through high-impact projects in the areas of education, livelihood and entrepreneurship, community service, technology, health, arts and culture, and environment.

In an effort to improve the search and allow for more viable entries to the search, the organizers have come up with a new format for the requirements and a streamlined process to come up with the finalists.

Entry forms and the application briefer format are available for download through the TAYO Awards Foundation website (www.tayoawards.net) and the National Youth Commission website (www.youth.net.ph). The deadline for the submission of entries is on July 15, 2009.

For more information please contact the NYC Southern Luzon Area Office, 3rd Flr., Monzon Bldg., Elias Angeles corner Arana Sts., Naga City at telephone nos. (054) 811-5804/473-0435 and 09175800538.

TAYO 7 is presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, and is organized and implemented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, the Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan and the National Youth Commission. (NPDelfin, NYC/PIA)


LABOR DAY’s JOBAPALOOZA HIRES 441 NEW WORKERS

LEGAZPI CITY — Some 441 registered applicants were fortunate enough to land a job during the JOBapalooza held during the May 1 Labor Day in Naga City, surpassing the projected 300 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here.

DOLE Bicol regional director Ernesto said that the 441 HOTS, comprised of 163 males and 278 females, were asked to report for work by their companies the next day following the jobs fair.

He noted that other applicants who passed the initial screening were also asked by the companies to report in their office for further interview the following day.

“With this development, DOLE Bicol is positive that at least 30 percent of the applicants who registered will be hired by the companies, adding that applicants who were requested for future interviews will be hired later. This always happened in most jobs fair,” he added.

Bihis stressed that he will continue to monitor the placement of those who qualified in the initial screening.

The job hunters, estimated around 4,000, were noted to comprise a third of the crowd that flocked to SM Naga City, which also opened its new 34th super mall on this same date.

Other government agencies like the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and National Statistics Office (NSO) put up their respective booth and catered to the needs of the job hunters from all over the Bicol region.

“Besides the DOLE-Regional Coordinating Council, we always invite and encouraged other government agencies, whose services usually needed by the applicants to comply with their requirements,” he said.

In other developments, Regional Director Samuel Madrid of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has since the beginning of May releasing to former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who lost their job abroad and still applying for a new one, the loan assistance amounting to P50,000.

DOLE Bicol has already released a total of P21 million for livelihood grants and emergency employment measures to spur the economy trough employment generation assistance to displaced workers under the stimulus package program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the wake of the global financial crisis.

DOLE Bicol, meanwhile, is now gearing up for the next big event dubbed Mega Jobs Fair to highlight the celebration of the 111th Philippine Independence Day on June 12 to be held here. (RPEscalante, DOLE/PIA)


POPDEV MEDIA AWARDS ON PHOTOJOURNALISM

The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) announces the inclusion of the Award for Best Photo Essay in the Photojournalism category of the 5th PopDev Media Awards.

Entries to the Award for Best Photo Essay should consist of at least five (5) to 10 photos published in print media or posted on the internet between August 16, 2008 and August 15, 2009. Outstanding single photos will also be recognized as part of the Photojournalism Category, which is one of the major categories in the PopDev Media Awards along with the Print and Online, TV, and Radio categories. Citations will also be given to best blogs (text) and photo blogs.

The 5th PopDev Media Awards is open to all print, broadcast, online, photo, and citizen journalists nationwide. For this year, in the context of the approaching Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) deadline on 2015, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 15th year celebration, and the upcoming 2010 elections, entries must be able to stress the importance of the MDGs and the ICPD as electoral issues that must be put in the public agenda.

Interested parties may send as many entries in a chosen category. Winners of the major categories will receive a cash prize, trophy, certificate, and a chance to participate in a study trip to a PLCPD project area in the Philippines.

For more information, interested journalists may visit the PopDev Media Awards webpage at http:www.plcpd.org.ph. or contact the PLCPD secretariat at 925-1800 or 9266619. (PLCPD/PIA)


PALACE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO MOTHERS

MANILA — Malacañang paid tribute Sunday (May 10) to Filipino mothers as the world marks Mother’s Day which falls on the second Sunday of May.

In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde cited the selfless love, compassion, care and devotion mothers shower on their children.

At the same time, Remonde disputed a published report quoting a US-based group that the Philippines is not a good place for mothers.

“How could they say that about the Philippines? What is their basis for such an observation that the Philippines isn’t a good place for mothers,” he retorted.

Remonde pointed out that Filipino mothers are among the best in the world in terms of “pagkalinga, pag-aruga, pagmamahal and compassion for their children.”

The report said that the Arroyo government has not fulfilled its goals in the millennium development plans (MDP) for mothers and children in terms of delivering services needed in addressing poverty and other social ills.

Remonde pointed out that maternal child and healthcare are among the flagship programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The program is being implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) under the direction of the President, he added.

The Palace official also extended his greetings to the Iglesia ni Cristo on the 123rd birth anniversary of its founder, the late Felix Manalo. (PIA V Release)


WE MUST THANK GOD FOR SPARING RP FROM SWINE FLU -- REMONDE

MANILA — Malacañang said Sunday (May 10) Filipinos have a lot to thank God for sparing the Philippines from the swine flu virus sweeping several countries around the world.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde admitted that while it may be premature at this stage to feel totally safe from the swine flu scourge, the good news is that the global pandemic has not reached Philippine shores.

He lauded the vigilance and joint efforts of health workers, port authorities and other groups as well as individuals in keeping the guard up against the entry of the dreaded virus.

“We thank Almighty God for sparing us from this virus,” Remonde said.

He also thanked “our countrymen and visitors for their cooperation, and we must commend our health authorities, port authorities, and others for their vigilance and consistent preventive measures,” he added.

On Malacañang’s stance regarding the grant of executive clemency to elderly inmates, the infirm and sickly women in detention centers, Remonde reiterated that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s role is merely “ministerial although it is her exclusive prerogative.”

“She acts only on cases that have gone through the proper process from the Board of Pardons and Parole of the Department of Justice (DOJ) which are passed on to her,” he explained.

He pointed out that the established policy is if an inmate is 70 years old and above, sickly and has practiced good behavior, he is qualified for parole or executive clemency.

Still the case of the inmate must be properly processed by the Board of Pardons and Parole, he added. (PIA V Release)


INFLATION DOWN; EXCHANGE RATE UP; 4% GROWTH STILL POSSIBLE IN 2009

MANILA — While most countries worldwide continue to reel from negative or no- growth situations, the Philippines is experiencing three positive economic developments: lower inflation rate, weathering the global economic slump and indications that it will post growth this year.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported over the weekend that inflation was down to 4.8 percent, the lowest in 16 months, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The same report said the Philippines has weathered the worst of the worldwide economic slump and is on track to register a 4 percent growth this year.

Another bit of good news is that the peso continued to gain against the US dollar.

The “worst seems to be over for the Philippines,” NEDA said.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, said these economic indicators are good signs for the economy. They could indicate that the worst is over and the best is yet to come, he added.

He attributed these positive developments to the able management of the economy by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, especially the fiscal reforms that she adopted even before the current financial crisis swept across continents.

Remonde cited the President’s push for the unpopular expanded value added tax (EVAT), “for which she had been condemned and criticized and for which she has paid a very dear political price.”

As shown by the President, “real leadership means making the right decisions, no matter how unpopular they are,” he said. (PIA V Release)

PGMA TO SIGN INTO LAW NATIONAL TOURISM BILL

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to sign in Cebu City tomorrow (Tuesday) the proposed National Tourism Policy Act of 2009 or Republic Act (RA) 9593, declaring a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment and employment, growth and national development.

The proposed law is seen as a big boost to the Philippine tourism industry, and the choice of Cebu as the setting of the signing ceremony is deemed highly appropriate considering the province’s emergence as one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.

RA 9593 or "An Act declaring a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthening the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy, and appropriating funds therefore."

The Act declares that tourism is an "indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos."

The tourism statute aims to promote the country as the premier tourist destination in Asia and to upgrade its level of international competitiveness through a system of accreditation, standards-setting and classification.

The new law empowers the Department of Tourism by strengthening its different agencies to more efficiently and effectively coordinate the functions and resources of government for tourism promotions and development programs, as well as eliminate overlapping of functions.

Under RA 9593, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) will be reorganized as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), a corporate body responsible for the marketing and promotion of the Philippines as a global tourism destination, highlighting its tourism products and services.

It will reorganize the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to become the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), a corporate body mandated to designate, regulate and supervise tourism enterprise zones (TEZs) as well as develop, manage and supervise tourism projects in the country.

The Duty Free Philippines will also be reorganized and renamed the Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), a corporate body mandated to operate the duty and tax free merchandising system in the country.

The Act provides that the TPB and TIEZA will each have a capitalization of P250-million and subscribed by the national government.

The Act also establishes "tourism enterprise zones" in strategic areas, such as Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Laguna, Cavite, Boracay, Palawan and Iloilo, in the country to lure foreign investors and tourists to visit places rich with history and culture.

The tourism enterprise zones are expected to spur the creation of jobs and open additional channels for the infusion of much-needed investments in the country as well as enable the people to pull themselves out of the economic recession. (PIA V Release)

UNDP GIVES ASSISTANCE TO DISASTER-VULNERABLE SECTORS

SORSOGON CITY — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be providing water and power connections to 1,000 shelter units in disaster-vulnerable areas in the province of Sorsogon, according to Sorsogon Gov. Sally Lee.

Lee, who attended the briefing at the Office of the Civil Defense (Bicol) in Camp Simeon Ola, Legazpi City, related that assistance is part of the “Early Recovery Program” (ERP) for typhoon-affected provinces of the Bicol region, giving priority to disaster-vulnerable families.

She explained that the program is made possible through a grant from the UNDP in response to the ongoing recovery needs of the Bicol region, which has continually experienced displacements and other disruptions in social and economic life resulting from numerous typhoons that hit the area annually.

She added that ERP also has three other components including livelihood support fro direct beneficiaries and capacity-building and risk reduction enhancement and information management for government, NGOs/CSOs operating in the region involved in disaster management.

Lee elaborated that the livelihood component will complement and build on the assistance already being provided by other organizations.

“It will also include skills profiling to identify dominant skills and shortages in the region and training and possible job placement to meet gaps,” she said

Lee further stressed that the province of Sorsogon has been identified, along with Albay and Camarines Sur, as priority areas, benefiting most from the UNDP grant.

The ERP will be implemented until 2011. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsogon/PIA)


DPWH BICOL REPORTS P529M DAMAGE TO INFRASTRUCTURE

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here reported Wednesday (May 6) that a total of P529.5 million worth of damages to various infrastructures in Bicol by floodwaters spawned by tropical storm Dante.

Engr. Orlando Roces, DPWH Bicol regional director, quoting a report from Engr. Antonio Saguinsin, regional maintenance chief, said that the province of Sorsogon suffered the most damage worth P329 million, consisting of P126 million to roads and bridges and P203 million on flood control.

Engineering District Offices in Catanduanes reported some P64.4 million worth of damages, Camarines Norte estimated some P55 million, Camarines Sur accounted some P45.6 million, Albay 2nd District reported a total of P25 million, and Masbate with P10.2 million, all to roads and bridges.

Roces said that DPWH Bicol has already dispatched a validation team to look into the reports per submitted by the district engineers of affected areas before finalizing the figures to be submitted for funding for rehabilitation of the damaged roads, bridges and flood control structures to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

He also reported that road sections traversing all towns in the island province of Catanduanes, except for the Gigmoto town, are now passable as work crews of the district engineering office have cleared the landslide areas of debris.

Roces added that the Andaya Highway from Sipocot to Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte and the Maharlika Highway traversing Camarines Norte are now all passable.
(EAdeLeon, PIA)


“DANTE” LEAVES P329M DAMAGE TO INFRA;
P44.5M TO AGRICULTURE IN SORSOGON

SORSOGON Province — Torrential rains brought about by tropical storm “Dante” has left Sorsogon with at least P329 million worth of damages on infrastructure, P44.5 million on agriculture, and 19 deaths, according to the Provincial Planning Development Office (PPDO) here.

DPWH Sorsogon I Engineering District Office chief Engr. Romeo B. Doloiras said that Sorsogon province suffered damages from the typhoon worth P329 million, consisting of P126 million to roads and bridges and P203 million to flood control.
On the other hand, Provincial Agriculturist David Gillego here said damages to crops such as rice, vegetables and root crop, reached a total of P33.8 million while the fisheries sector reported damages on aqua and marine cultures worth P10.7 million.
PPDO assistant chief Jose Lopez said that the consolidated initial damage assessment reported by the Sorsogon City and the different municipal disaster coordinating councils shows that a total of 15,348 families or 69,343 persons were directly affected, with 381 families displaced, 19 fatalities and 5 injured.

Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic Dioneda said that an estimated damage worth P200M to infrastructures and agriculture were left by typhoon “Dante” in the city alone.

“Mostly damaged were bridges, river control and sea walls,” he said.

Dioneda meanwhile commended the efforts and immediate action of DPWH Sorsogon I District Engineering Office installing temporary bridge and in no time restoring traffic flow in Maharlika Highway at the road section in sitio Madarag, barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon City.

The mayor is optimistic the national government, through its concerned agencies, can fast track the the construction of a new bridge to bring the normal flow of traffic in the area.

Magallanes, which was worst hit by tropical storm Dante in the province, is now starting to get on its feet following the government and private organization’s intensified relief operations in the area.

Barangay Hubo, in Magallanes town, suffered 18 deaths, 19 displaced families, 19 totally and 2 partially damageed houses, and 381 households directly affected.

Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, during his visit in the said tow, urged local officials to relocate the residents of barangay Hubo permanently as danger of more landslides in the area is very imminent to occur.

Also present during the aerial inspection and assessment were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Esperanza Cabral and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Dep. Adm. Anthony Golez, Jr.. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


86 BICOLANO STUDENTS QUALIFY AS DOST-PSHS SCHOLARS

LEGAZPI CITY — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro has announced and extended her congratulations to 86 Bicolano elementary graduates who qualified for scholarship at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).

Alabastro was in town Wednesday (May 6) for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DOST and Provincial Government of Albay on “Comprehensive Partnership on Climate Change and Countryside Development”.

DOST Bicol regional director Tomas B. Briñas said results of the Freshman Admission Processing System showed that 86 pupils passed the examination administered in six testing centers in Bicol last November 15, 2008 and will be admitted in the DOST-PSHS for school year 2009-2010.

Among the 86 successful examinees, eight may opt to enrol at the PSHS Main Campus in Diliman, Quezon City or at the PSHS Bicol campus in Goa town, Camarines Sur. The 78 other passers qualify at the PSHS Bicol Campus.

The PSHS scholars for SY 2009-2010 include 25 in Albay, 10 in Camarines Norte, 32 in Camarines Sur, 4 in Catanduanes, 4 in Masbate, and 11 in Sorsogon.

The eight successful examinees who qualified at the PSHS Main Campus are Abella, Remo Vittorio David; Bajamundi, Lyon Miguel Baranda; Bascuña, Rosa Silvana Tablizo; Belarmino Amelia Jane Berdan; Brotamonte, Iran Viñas; Del Castillo, Alexis Cheng; Llorin, Lawrence Dave Jacob and Magdaong, Jeremy Jay Beltran.

The PSHS has already notified the qualifiers and their parents through individual notices by mail.

For more inquiries and further details, the qualifiers can visit or call PSHS-Bicol Region Campus at telephone nos. (054) 453-2048/453-1463 or PSHS Main Campus at tel. nos. (02) 924-0614. (POLucena/CLGillego, DOST/PIA)


DA-ATI HOLDS TRAININGS ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

GUINOBATAN, Albay — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) regional training center here, announces the opening of several skills enhancement courses for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) for Bicolanos commencing this May 2009.

ATI Director Efren Sabualrse said these series of training programs intend to provide updates on the programs, projects and present trends on improving agricultural production among the main agricultural crops of the region, agricultural marketing services, as well as agro-hydrology and dam design.

Lined up training programs this month include the following

• Agro-Hydrology and Dam Design
May 4-16, 2009 at Regent Hotel, Naga City
Co-sponsor: BSWM

• Palay Check System (1 batches of 10-day intensive training for trainers/AEWs)
May 11-21, 2009 at DA-RFU Compound, Pili, Camarines Sur
Participants (AEWs who have not yet attended a training of trainers on rice production) shall be coming from all over Camarines Sur
Co-sponsors: DA-RFU 5 and LGUs

• Agricultural Marketing (focused on cooperatives)
May 13-15, 2009 at ATI, Guinobatan, Albay
Participants shall be coming from all over the Bicol region
Co-sponsors: DA-RFU 5 and LGUs

• Palay Check System (6-day training for trainers/AEWs)
May 18-22, 2009 at DA-RFU Compound, Pili, Camarines Sur
Participants (AEWs who have attended a training of trainers on rice production but needs training on the key checks) shall come from all over Camarines Sur
Co-sponsors: DA-RFU 5 and LGUs

ATI is managing these trainings in partnership with various organizations and local government units (LGUs). (DA ATI-RTC V/PIA)


CAM SUR GEARS UP FOR KAOGMA FESTIVAL 2009

PILI, Camarines Sur — An array of colourful and exciting events will highlight the celebration of the 430th Foundation Day Anniversary of Camarines Sur province on May 23-31, this year.

Dubbed Kaogma Fusions, Governor L-Ray Villafuerte wants to make sure that the festivities will be lively and entertaining with the major events tapping well known entertainment personalities in the country to grace the 9-day celebrations.

On May 23, singer and actress Sarah Geronimo will be the special guest during the Fire and Water Parade Festival and will also stage a solo concert following the parade.

Another top-notch singer, Karylle, will be the special guest during the Grand Finals of the Dalan sa Kalangitan on May 27.

TV host Bobby Yan and matinee idol Dingdong Dantes will also be making a special appearance during the final selection and coronation night of the Miss Kaogma Beauty Pageant on May 29.

Comedians Kitkat and Chocolate will also host the Hot Hot Millions Show on May 31 with a night of fun and laughter as well as lots of cash prizes from the Hot Buys, Hot Food booths

Another sure crowd-drawer during this year’s festivities will be the staging of the Hot Kids Star Quest 2009 Grand Finals featuring the casts of Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia, a full-length animated film which garnered four major awards—Best Visual Effects, Best Musical Score, Best Sound and Best Original theme song—during the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Dayo” was created by Bicolano animators of the CamSur Animation Studio based at the provincial capitol complex heree..

Extreme sports will again spice the celebration of the Kaogma Festival 2009, including the 4th Philippine Cable Wake Nationals, the 3-lap Tour of Camarines Sur, Motocross Challenge, Practical Shooting, the 4 x 4 Isarog Challenge, the National Skateboarding Competition and the Buruntolan.

Songs and music are expected to fill the air at the provincial capitol complex with the Bicol Jam presentation, featuring Bicolano bands, on May 24 following the sports extravaganza awards night; Urbandub concert after the Buruntolan awarding ceremony on May 26; and a Music Festival, featuring well-known bands from Metro Manila, on May 30. (STNieves, MMEC/PIA)


PGMA APPROVES 2009 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES PLAN

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved Thursday (May 7) the 2009 Investment Priorities Plan under Memorandum Order (MO) No. 299. The MO takes effect 15 days upon publication in a nationally-circulated newspaper.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said MO 299 implements Article 29 of the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 and enjoins all government agencies and entities not to adopt any policy or take any course of action contrary or inconsistent with the IPP.

Article 27 to 31 of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987 defines the list of investment priorities that are based on long-term comparative advantage, taking into account the value of social objectives and employing economic criteria along with market, technical and financial analysis. (PIA V Release)


PGMA CREATES TASK FORCE ON EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created Thursday (May 7) a Presidential Task Force on Emergency Employment under Executive Order No. 794 to create emergency employment during the current global recession.

The seven-member task force is chaired by the President herself with the following members: Labor Secretary Marianito Roque; Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); Administrator Carmelita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); and the presidents of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one organization of recruitment agencies, and a representative of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

The President said the generation of employment and livelihood opportunities for targeted income groups is part of the country’s best preparation in thwarting the problems brought about by the global economic crisis. (PIA V Release)


PGMA TO LGUS: SET UP YOUR OWN RAINFALL GAUGES

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo enjoined all local government units (LGUs) to partner with the weather bureau and install their own rainfall measuring instruments that could save lives and mitigate the effects of landslides in their communities.

The President’s directive was relayed by Deputy Spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez who said in a briefing that the devastation wrought by the landslides in Sorsogon could have been avoided had there been rain gauges, proper rainfall monitoring, and the appropriate warnings issued.

The President reiterated the importance of rainfall-measuring instruments because while PAGASA is doing everything to monitor the weather and issue updates, various areas in the country have different rainfall intensity, Golez said.

He added that the President has enjoined LGUs to partner with PAGASA in building up community-based early-warning systems under which rainfall gauges or measuring instruments are installed in various communities to properly monitor rainfall.

A landslide can be triggered if the rainfall level goes beyond 150 millimeters in 24 hours, Golez explained.

The landslide in Sorsogon, for instance, was triggered by heavy rainfall that registered at 300 mm in 24 hours.

If there are rain gauges in different areas of the country, many lives can be saved through prior and appropriate warnings from PAGASA and the National Disaster Coordinating Council, Golez stressed. (PIA V Release)


RP TO INTENSIFY ANTI-TERROR DRIVE

MANILA — Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita Thursday (May 7) said the Philippine government will continue building on the gains of its operations against terrorists even with the “flattering evaluation” of the country’s anti-terrorism initiatives by the US government in its 2008 report.

“We will not sit on our laurels yet in our efforts against the Rajah Solaiman Movement, the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Jemaah Islamiya, the New People’s Army and other armed groups,” Ermita said in a press statement.

“With the combined actions of our military and police forces, the Philippine government will even intensify its efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of these assorted terror groups, deny them safe havens in any part of Mindanao and capture their leaders and their members,” he stressed.

Ermita said the total annihilation of these terror groups will be the over-arching national security objective and towards this end, the Philippine government will be unfailingly relentless and consistently vigilant.

Ermita said the Philippine government’s good showing in its counter terrorism campaign thus far lies in its “effective use of the logistical support and technical assistance the US government has provided the country, “a fact that should reassure the US government and inspire it to continue performing its auxiliary role.”

He said there are good reasons to think that the Philippine government will be able to impress upon the US and the international community, its earnestness as a strategic partner for peace-keeping in response to the threats of terrorism. (PIA V Release)

PGMA ORDERS CONVENING OF SPECIAL PANEL TO IMPLEMENT ‘TOWN SCHOLARS’ PROGRAM

MANILA — Upon the instruction of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) headed by Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. will convene the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to implement her “One Town, One Scholar” (OTOS) program as soon as possible.

The President Wednesday (April 6) awarded certificates of college scholarship to the initial 136 town scholars selected nationwide under her OTOS program which aims to ensure that the best among needy public high school graduates from each municipality will get a college education in a state university or college preferably nearest the scholar’s residence.

The OTOS program is part of the President’s vision of “education for all.”

Under the program, one scholarship shall be provided to each of the 1,500 municipalities/towns in the entire country.

Each “town scholar” will enjoy free tuition and other school and miscellaneous fees for a 4-5-year college degree program in a state university or college, plus stipend for transportation and living allowances from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) not exceeding P15,000 per semester starting SY 2009-2010.

The town scholar, however, must pass the state college or university’s entrance examination.

Each municipal government is also encouraged to augment the scholarship benefits of the town scholar depending on the LGU’s capacity and the need of the beneficiary.

An OTOS scholar should be a natural-born Filipino citizen residing in the municipality/town; one of the top ten of the graduating class of a public school in the municipality/town; of good moral character and in good health; and the scholar’s gross annual family income is below P300,000.

The CHED manages the overall implementation of the program, with the PMS acting as oversight, according to PMS Secretary Esperon.

For Academic Year 2009-2010, the program will use the CHED’s existing funds of about P46.35 million. For the succeeding AYs, the DBM will ensure allocation as recommended in CHED’s Annual National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Interested public high school graduates who are qualified under the OTOS program should submit their letters of application to their respective schools, and undergo the screening and selection process agreed upon by their municipal mayor and the DepEd.

The town mayor endorses to the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) the selected town scholar, who will then be validated by CHED in terms of his/her qualification prior to the final issuance of the Scholarship Certificate.

At present, the CHED is validating nominees submitted by the rest of the municipalities until 15 May 2009.

The OTOS program was initiated during the 2007 and 2008 General Assemblies of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). (PIA V Release)