tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80226909670716802802024-03-13T16:38:38.848-07:00THE NEWS DATELINERTHE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-14869855926160124332010-03-04T16:14:00.001-08:002010-03-04T16:15:32.598-08:00<strong>DOH-Bicol hunting more measles patients for immunization</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />DARAGA, Albay – The Department of Health in Bicol region based here is scouting cases of measles in all corners of the region to determine the actual number of cases aside from the reported outbreak in the island province of Masbate.<br /><br />15 new cases were reported in a latest outbreak in the island province of Masbate and the health authorities are racing with time to prevent further ballooning of its number.<br /><br />DOH-Bicol regional information officer Jaime Guerrero said that the agency told local health units to search and trace children 9-months old to 59 months old, whom they have missed vaccinating during their routine immunization schedules and have them immunized at once.<br /><br />The appeal was made as a result of the measles outbreak in the municipality of Mobo and Masbate City.<br /><br />“A team from the DOH-Center for Health Division (CHD) Bicol had been dispatched to assist local health authorities to combat an on-going measles outbreak in identified areas in the province of Masbate bringing along additional logistics and supplies for mass vaccination of the exposed population,” Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, regional director of DOH-Bicol said Thursday.<br /><br />The DOH has dispatched 3,000 vials of anti-measles vaccines syringes and Vitamin A capsules as initial logistics assistance for the province. Contents of one vial can vaccinate 18 persons.<br /><br />Regional Nurse coordinator Nancy Pastrana of the DOH-Bicol’s expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) added that supplemental immunization activities should be undertaken even in those areas without cases yet.<br /><br />“Whether or not there are cases, health workers are advised to review the immunization status of their target clients and if necessary, to do a house-to-house operation if only to identify those missed children,” Pastrana said.<br /><br />Pastrana said that chidren should have at least two measles vaccines before they reach the age of 24 months, or subsequently thereafter, to have a higher immunity against the disease.<br /><br />Dr. Carla Ante-Orozco, head of the Family and Child Health Program Cluster of the DOH-CHD Bicol clarified that of the 57 clinically-confirmed cases detected, 15 were confirmed through laboratory with blood samples. Five of which were from the city of Masbate and the remaining 10 were from Mobo town, but no death was reported so far.<br /><br />Orozco said that “It is observed that persons affected were among the older-age bracket, most specially the adults, with a median age of 16 years old. Only one case among those below five years old was detected.”<br /><br />Orozco explained that “87 percent of these adults never had a single dose of anti-measles vaccine during their childhood. Or even if they had, these people did not develop any immunity against the disease.”<br /><br />Information officer Jaime Guerrero said Thursday that these are the reasons why the DOH had conducted various vaccination campaigns, such as follow-through campaign, mopping-up operations, and booster doses, aside from and after the regular immunizations received by the child before reaching 12 months old.<br /><br />Guerrero said that these developments highlighted the importance of having children fully immunized upon reaching the age of one year.<br /><br />Santiago also said that local governments should support the mop-up operations in areas where there are no cases yet to avoid an outbreak. (RMN)THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-77993864091023968192009-11-05T21:42:00.001-08:002009-11-05T21:48:19.035-08:00<strong>Albay residents gear for preemptive evacuation anew</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY—-Social welfare officials on Friday readied its stockpile of rice and food items in Albay province should disaster executives order another round of preemptive evacuation after a heavy volume of rain the previous day caused rivers to swell and scientists reiterating their off-limits warning to residents in the danger zones on Mayon Volcano's southeast flank.<br /><br />Volunteers at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office targetted 1,000 relief sacks in case of more rains during the remaining three typhoon months of the year.<br /><br />Relief goods were repackaged with help from police personnel from Camp Simeon Ola in the city who volunteered their help.<br /><br />“Relief goods equivalent to five kilos of rice are standard packages for emergency help to evacuees to encourage residents to leave their dwellings and be safe from threats of lahar so they could fully cooperate with the province's zero-casualty goals,” said Albay Governor and Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council Chairman Joey Salceda.<br /><br />“We have recorded a 5.5 millimeter rain volume yesterday (Thursday) morning. Fortunately, the rain slowed down several times, giving a bit of time for the overflowing rivers to subside,” said Cedric Daep, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office.<br /><br />Daep added that the initial result of the monitoring, which started Thursday, revealed river swelling along the Bicol River basin extending from Guinobatan town to Lake Bato traversing Ligao City, and the towns of Oas, Polangui and Libon—-all in Albay .<br /><br />The ‘Anoling Gully’ facing Camalig cascades its volcanic debris from previous eruptions of Mayon towards the Anoling River passing through Barangay Salugan down to Camalig proper but it overflowed because of high siltation at the back of the PEO-Albay. Clearing of this portion is being taken care of the PEO and the LGU of Camalig.<br /><br />On the other hand, the Buyuan-Padang River whose origin is the Bonga Gully along the slope of Mayon Volcano is also affecting the road network towards the first district of Albay including the city of Tabaco. Its clearing operation is being undertaken by the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which is committed to the Albay’s zero-casualty efforts.<br /><br />Daep said he has fielded a monitoring team to verify other river channels along the volcano's slopes that could cause massive lahar floods in the event of another heavy and continuous downpour.<br /><br />Provincial Engineer Dante Baclao told Apsemo that Thursday morning's continuous rains dumped a one-kilometer stretch of mud, rubbles, gravel and sand along the Nuyday Avenue, the portion of the main road in Camalig town.<br /><br />The provincial government spent around P1.2 million, when typhoon 'Santi' along with hazards from Mayon, hit Albay.<br /><br />There were 14,146 persons or 2,725 families evacuated when the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared Albay under Signal Number 2 during during 'Santi's' course in Albay. <strong><em>(RMN)</em></strong>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-72579276474226948372009-11-04T17:24:00.000-08:002009-11-04T22:16:00.807-08:00<strong>Adviser seeks palace lift of oil price ceiling</strong><br /><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The close economic adviser of President Gloria Arroyo has criticized the oil price free in Luzon area as a pro-rich move and has sought for its reconsideration to save the poor from the overwhelming effects of calamities compounded by the oil price problem in the country.<br /><br />This move was seconded by militant groups in Bicol such as the Bayan Bicol and the Pinagisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operations Nationwide and the Concerned Drivers and Operations for Reform (Condor-Piston).<br /><br />Albay gov. Joey Salceda said that he believes the Executive Order 839 or the oil price freeze in Luzon area will not help solve the problem on oil prices in the country.<br /><br />“Contrary to the common notion, the oil price freeze disproportionately benefits the wealthy families of Forbes, Magallanes and Urdaneta over the welfare of and at the expense of the informal settlers in Tondo, Payatas and Lupang Arenda,” Salceda told this writer.<br /><br />Using the 2006 (latest) Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), 82 percent of the savings on fuel, light and water arising from the oil price freeze and a monstrous 90 percent of the savings on transportation and communications are being savored by the rich, particularly those earning over P100,000 per year who hardly needs the assistance of the government for relief from the adverse effects of Pepeng, Ondoy, Ramil, Santi and Tino.<br /><br />Salceda said that the lower 45 percent income class who earn less than P100,000 annually consumes only 18 percent of total expenditures on fuel, light and water and a measly 10 percent of total expenditures of transportation and communications.<br /><br />Aggravating the impact on the income distribution are the tax losses of the oil price freeze due to lower prices (12% Reformed Value-Added Tax or RVAT) and losses of oil companies (30 percent on income tax). <br /><br />“In the case of Petron alone, with 30 percent market share, its projected loss of P1.5billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 from an income of P1.25billion suggests income tax fallout of P1.2billion! Easily, we reckon foregone taxes of at least P4.5billion from the oil price cap,” Salceda said.<br /><br />Besides, given the expenditure incidence of the national government budget, this would be borne essentially by poor households by way of lower cash flows that could have been earmarked for conditional cash transfers, health programs and scholarships Salceda explained.<br /><br />Banner programs of PGMA during the oil crisis and the rice price crisis have already proven to work well and accomplish better the intended benefits of EO 839 while avoiding the costs of short-term supply disruptions and long term distortions on resource allocation. <br /><br />These are: diesel discounts targeted to transportation sector enough to keep fares at pre-crisis levels. This would be cheaper for oil firms shoulder; discounted fuel access cards for lower-to-middle income class families very much like the National Food Authority (NFA) access cards administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which the government could also ask the oil firms to underwrite and income transfers to poor families very much like the P500 electricity vouchers. <br /><br />“The image of the DSWD distributing fuel discount cards to squatters in Payatas who obviously own no cars or the idea of welfare officers dispensing NFA rice access cards to investment bankers in Makati should disturb the nation about the unpleasant realities of EO 839,” Salceda pointed out.<br /> <br />At the very least, it is desirable that the Joint DOE-DOJ (Department of Energy-Department of Justice) review committee should be expanded to include the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and DSWD to bring a broader perspective to its deliberation of the issue.<br /><br />On the other hand, Tessa Lopez, the regional Public Information Office of the Bayan-Bicol said that the EO 839 has further weakened Arroyo’s popularity because of its senseless effect to the public and bounced back to her sincerity to really help the poor.<br /><br />“The capitalists are controlling the law on supply and demand. The EO 839 would never really solve the problem and in effect drove the oil firms to divert the supply to areas not covered by the ruling such as Visayas and Mindanao, thereby giving the firms more room for profits while creating artificial shortage in the Luzon areas,” Lopez explained.<br /><br />“It is good for Ms. Arroyo to advocate for the lifting of the Oil Deregulation Law and regaining Petron’s leverage to the market and thereby boost her popularity if people start to feel the sincerity of her administration,” Lopez added.<br /><br />“The price control on oil did not really make us feel that the government did something to the prices of oil because instead of lowering the price, we faced the problem of possible shortage of supply, what will you do with your money if there is no fuel to run your vehicle?” Joel Ascutia of the Condor-Piston said on Friday. (Rey M. Nasol)THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-78813896590372602812009-10-23T16:42:00.000-07:002009-10-23T16:45:38.986-07:00<strong>Bicol stockpiles rice for typhoon months </strong><br /><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Bicol will have an adequate supply of rice enough for the next three months even if a strong typhoon or Mayon Volcano erupts and sends hundreds of thousands of evacuees to their temporary shelters, particularly in Albay.<br /><br />A top official of the regional office of the National Food Authority here assured Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and the other provincial governors in Bicol that there is enough supply of rice from October to December this year.<br /><br />Edgar Ventulan, NFA Bicol regional director, said Friday the agency maintains a rice stock of at least 1.7 million bags of rice ready for disposal in the next three months.<br /><br />Ventulan said the NFA has a buffer stock, including the 1.15 million bags of imported rice and some 683,000 bags, which were acquired through the agency's rice procurement program.<br /><br />Among the provinces of the region, Albay has a stock position of 650,382 bags that can last up to 123 days; Camarines Sur with 227,351 good for 44 days; Sorsogon, 99,931 for 67 days; Camarines Norte, 92,722 for 69 days; Masbate, 50,174 for 36 days; and Catanduanes, 30,412 good for 22 days.<br /><br />He added that some 1.05 bags of palay were also purchased by the NFA from the local farmers under the palay procurement program. <br /><br />The agency, according to Ventulan, has purchased some 750,673 from Camarines Sur; 127,131 from Albay; 84,979 from Camarines Norte;, 44,638 from Masbate; 40,638 from Sorsogon; and 3,971 from Catanduanes.<br /><br />Edwin S. Ataiza from the regional supervising grains operations office, said Friday that the daily rice consumption in Bicol is pegged at 42,980 bags while the daily average sale of the agency is around 16,000 bags.<br /><br />“The 42,980 bags, based on the daily regional consumption, is enough to feed the whole region even if in times of calamities, which makes the stock to last shorter than the time it would take without calamities,” said Ataiza.<br /><br />He explained that when there is no calamity the same stock (1.7 million) might even stretch to a five-month period because of the participation of private traders.<br /><br />“When there is no calamity, other people buy their rice from private traders but when there is a calamity, we dispose rice at faster rates because of a memorandum of agreement between the NFA and the local government units, which (tends to) boost the flow of rice from the NFA to the people, particularly those who are affected,” Ataiza said.<br /><br />Rice importation for this year which is allocated for Bicol is some 2.6 million bags.<br /><br />The NFA is expecting to import more next year since palay production, according to the Department of Agriculture-Bicol regional office, is expected to go down until the end of this year following several typhoons that wrought havoc to rice plantations in the region.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-31413784974590547832009-10-13T23:03:00.000-07:002009-10-14T19:17:43.474-07:00Albay Gov to pursue Doppler radar<br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – Albay governor Joey Salceda who is a zero-casualty advocate is pursuing the Doppler radar installation to fully enable the weather forecasting agencies against devastating rains that occur even in the absence of a typhoon.<br /><br />“The weather system is so deceiving nowadays and low pressure areas don’t necessarily have its name, fortunately the disaster preparation systems in our province are in place,” Salceda said referring to the community rain gauges coupled with the alertness of barangay disaster councils and the municipal disaster councils.<br /><br />Salceda said the DCCs and BCCs were quick in responding to the emergency situation Wednesday and the province had attained a zero casualty report.<br /><br />“We suspended classes in elementary and high school and the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Fisheries (BUCAF) has been cleared for classrooms used as evacuation center for those living at the low lying areas in Guinobatan, Albay,” Salceda said.<br /><br />There were some 909 persons reported to have been pre-emptively evacuated to BUCAF from Barangay Maguiron.<br /><br />“We ordered six army trucks to Manito Jamboree site to fetch the stranded school pupils there. The lesson today is that even a Low Pressure Area (LPA) can bring so much rainfall. I suggest that rainfall content be clearly included in PAGASA forecasts and bulletins,” Salceda explained.<br /><br />“We are again reminded of the need to put up the Doppler radar which costs some P600 million from the Japan Internation Cooperation Agency (JICA) being the source of the grant,” Salceda said.<br /><br />Salceda said that with the Doppler radar in place somewhere in Catanduanes province, forecasted would have longer (at least 6 hours) lead time to determine the rain content of tropical cyclones and give ample time for disaster authorities to decide and implement the appropriate preventive measures.<br /><br />The governor said that although rain gauges are good instruments to determine the rainfall rate, it however, do not tell weathermen the amount of rain before it falls.<br /><br />Salceda said Thursday morning the classes have been resumed in all levels across the province of Albay and that the routes going to Tabaco City from Legazpi as well as those going to Manila were restored after clearing operations of lahar and boulders were immediately conducted in Barangay Padang, Legazpi City and in Camalig town.<br /><br />The Doppler Radar System will provide the region with early warning both for disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation, said Albay Governor Joey Salceda.<br /><br />The JICA set aside the total amount of P594,353,777 during a meeting of the Regional Development Council here last May 6, according to Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro.<br /><br />Aside from the radar, the fund will be used for other projects under the Comprehensive Partnership in Science and Technology on Climate Change and Countryside Development project, she said.<br /><br />The Bicol region is battered frequently by typhoons. The Pagasa has warned that at least five more tropical cyclones would enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). (RMN)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Mayon's toxic gas soars back with 1,272 tons a day rate </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Mayon volcano continues to manifest signs of abnormality with very high level of sulfur dioxide emission (SO2) on Wednesday, high and low frequency volcanic quakes, that prompted disaster authorities to strictly enforce the “no entry” rule in designated danger zone areas surrounding the volcano. <br /><br />Police and military personnel manning the 12 checkpoints along the danger zone at the volcano’s down slope are closely on guard for any human activity inside the designated “no man's land" areas covering the towns of Camalig, Daraga, Sto. Domingo, the cities of Ligao, Tabaco and Legazpi. <br /><br />Col. Marlou Salazar, commanding officer of the Army's 901st Brigade said earlier that the task force Mayon had prepositioned 35 trucks in case an evacuation order is given by Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) chairman Joey Salceda, once the volcano's alert status is raised to level 3. <br /><br />Quakes and high level of sulfur dioxide disgorged by Mt. Mayon were clear signs that the volcano continues to be on heightened state of restiveness, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday. <br /><br />Phivolcs bulletin on Wednesday said the volcano released 1,272 tons of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) for the past 24 hours monitoring period from Tuesday till Wednesday, which is way above the fluctuating range recorded during the past several days. The said rate of emission is record high during the last two-months observation period.<br /><br />Gas emission trends from Mayon’s crater showed high unrest with 971 ton per day on the 12th of October, 853 tos per day on Oct. 11 2009, and 505 tons per day on Oct. 10, all are way above the baseline data of only 500 tons per day.<br /><br />The agency seismic instruments detected only six high and low frequency volcanic earthquakes, bringing the total to 56 quakes recorded since last October 5. <br /><br />Scientists said the volcano’s abnormality levels are indication of a possible eruptive state. <br /><br />Phivolcs scientists are continuously observing Mayon volcano's fluctuating seismic precursors such as quakes, gas emission and ground deformation as these are indications that the volcano's seismic activity may possibly lead to an explosive eruption. <br /><br />Phivolcs advisory said high and low frequency harmonic quakes were detected by seismic instruments, signifying that magma intrusion is developing in the volcano’s crater vent. <br /><br />Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said the agency seismic networks have recorded about over a hundred earthquakes rocking the volcano this October. <br /><br />He said the agency is still assessing the abnormal state of the volcano based on given parameters like ground deformation, volcanic quakes and gas emission, and crater glow. <br /><br />Precise Leveling results indicate the volcano edifice remains inflated at 6.0 mm swelling at the Buang lines while Lidong lines posted a 1.0-mm inflation. <br /><br />The volcano did not exhibit crater glow due to cloudy sky prevailing in the volcano’s crater. <br /><br />Alert level 2 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano and Phivolcs strongly recommended that the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone including the 7-km extended danger zones be off limits to any human activity due to threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes of the volcano.<br /><br />Mayon Volcano, famous for its nearly perfect conical shape, has a height of over 2,400 meters.<br /><br />The volcano, said to be the most active in the country, has erupted at least 50 times since 1616. Its worst eruption buried Cagsawa town and killed 1,200 people in 1814. An eruption in 1993 killed more than 70 farmers.<br /><br />Mayon erupted again in 2006.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Camping tots stay put at jamboree site</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />CAMALIG, Albay -- The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Albay has declared a ‘code blue’ at a landslide-prone town and has recommended a stop to all camping activities at a jamboree site for very young school children in Manito town.<br /><br />Governor Joey Salceda told this writer that he has already declared a ‘code blue’ which means people should stay put in their houses and the children were advised not to travel back home to Legazpi and their respective places of origins.<br /><br />Salceda’s advisory early this morning said, “the organizers are hereby advised to limit activities on camp site and control the movement of pupils.”<br /><br />Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) director Cedric Daep also told the INQUIRER that he has recommended for a suspension of travel of the affected campers in Manito to avoid river channels and seaboards along the road going back to Legazpi.<br /><br />Salceda said that the PDCC and the local disaster councils were already advised to execute measures to prevent untoward incident related to low pressure area that has pounded moderate to heavy rains.<br /><br />“The Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Manito is placed under ‘code blue’ and together with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) are hereby instructed to provide teams on site with standby emergency vehicles,” Salceda said.<br /><br />Salceda said that he had to see to it that Manito hospital must be in full support to PHO. “Unecessary movement outside camp site is hereby discouraged, DepEd is hereby instructed to put school buildings open as temporary safe shelters.”<br /><br />Salceda, maintaining a zero casualty plan said the province is in close coordination with Manito MDCC for support and that Manito should be on alert status for the higher vulnerability.<br /><br />This writer also tried to proceed to Legazpi but roads were impassable particularly in front of the municipal hall of Camalig with roaring sounds and rampaging chocolate-like flood together with boulders at knee deep. <br /><br />The flood in Camalig has isolated the towns of the third district of Albay that prevented students, workers and travelers going to and from Legazpi City.<br /><br />The APSEMO is also accounting for related flash flood incidents in Maipon, Guinobatan town and the perennially flooded portion of Barangay Padang in Legazpi City which also isolated the city of Tabaco and the rest of the first district of Albay.<br /><br />Daep said that for the past 12 hours monitoring, the different rain gauges installed around the province have recorded an average of 7.2 milimeters with peak of 68 mm from 2 am until 9 am. “There were even higher recorded rains in other parts of the province and that the average is 7.2 on our readings but we still have to compare it with the official findings of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa),” Daep said. <br /><br />Director Bernardo Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol has also advised for an evacuation of the camping tots in Manito and added that military trucks were already fielded to assure the safety of the children from their camps to their temporary shelters. <br /><br />A radio caller sought help of Director Alejandro to safely evacuate five families from Padang area who have fled to St. Calire monastery at the boundary of Sto. Domingo and Legazpi. Said residents are from areas near the spillway which was ravaged by ‘Reming’ in Nov. 30, 2006. <br /><br />In response to the call, Alejandro assured a rescue team and vehicle to transfer the affected residents at the area to safer ground. <br /><br />The provincial engineering office has immediately fielded heavy equipment to allow light vehicles to pass trough Camalig area. Motorcycles and small cars were able to traverse the flooded area at around 10:30 am. However rains continue to pound the province posing still undetermined damages to the perennially flooded areas.<br /><br /><br /><br />Peasant group fears another aggravated rice crisis looming <br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Bikol (KMP-Bikol) sounded alarm bells on the alleged looming aggravated rice crisis as agricultural damage caused by Tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng, have already reached P18 billion. <br /><br />According to Felix Paz, chairman of KMP-Bikol and concurrent national council member of KMP, “As with last year we are about to experience another round of the aggravated rice crisis but this time climate change has become a very major factor compounded by the fact that it is the government’s policy of massive land use conversion of agricultural lands and crop conversion that has caused this crisis in the first place. From 6 million hectares of Philippine rice lands, now it is just 4 million hectares and still decreasing,” <br /><br />“The country’s average daily rice requirement is 35,000 metric tons (MT) and initially the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that they will just get from the unaffected provinces but as it is almost all the major rice producing provinces have been affected and now another low pressure area is battering Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao. The so-called buffer stock is good for 60 days but considering the extent of the damage and the need to feed the victims this will fall short of what is needed. This is the reason behind the DA’s move to again import more rice this early, but this is again just last year a band aid solution,” Paz said. <br /><br />“It is like a slap on the Filipino people’s face that we as an agricultural country is the top rice importer in the world and yet that is our staple. To date we are again to import 250,000 MT of rice but this will also be coming from countries like Thailand, China and Vietnam which are also being ravaged by the same storms, of course when push comes to shove they will of course prioritize the food for their own people, leaving us with little or nothing at all,” the peasant leader said. <br /><br />“As of now farmers have only harvested 5.7 million metric tons (MT) of rice in the fourth quarter of 2009 or almost 10 percent off the target of 6.4 million MT and with four to five more storms coming our way then we are in for tough times. What must be done now is to strictly enforce the price ceiling on basic goods especially rice and for the long term stop the massive land use conversion and crop conversion policies of the regime. Another aspect is for the government to have a comprehensive climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction plan to prevent one crisis from aggravating another,” Paz added.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-43023758813790781742009-10-13T03:59:00.000-07:002009-10-13T04:25:19.117-07:00<strong>Arroyo signs order for reconstruction commission </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- The proposed reconstruction commission, a so-called "bypass route" that will quicken fund sourcing and hasten the country's coping mechanism against the effects of calamities, has been signed into an executive order by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Joey Salceda, economic adviser to Ms. Arroyo and current Albay Governor, on Tuesday.<br /><br />Salceda proposed the creation of a special commission for Philippine reconstruction after Tropical Storm "Ondoy" and Typhoon "Pepeng" ravaged the central part of the country and the northern Luzon areas barely two weeks ago.<br /><br />"Given the impact of the global crisis on our fiscal capacity versus the magnitude of calamity impact, the Philippines should seek fresh aid amounting to $1 billion to fund reconstruction," he said.<br /><br />The special public-private reconstruction commission composed of representatives from the government, church, big business and civil society should be constituted by the government to spearhead the effort, he added.<br /><br />Salceda explained that the special commission will operate like the original Coordinating Council for the Philippine Assistance Plan headed by businessman Roberto Villanueva of Atlantic Gulf Philippines Inc.<br /><br />The CCPAP has since evolved into the Coordinating Council for Private Sector Participation which operates the BOT Center under DTI.<br /><br />The Office of Civil Defense and the National Economic and Development Authority will form the secretariat, whose key task is to raise funds especially grants, prioritize programs and oversee implementation, is spelled out in the proposal.<br /><br />Its members shall be appointed by the President but it will be headed by a dominant business leader with Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Cardinal Rosales as co-chairpersons and the secretaries of departments and heads of business groups and nongovernment organization as members.<br /><br />The OCD and NEDA will form the secretariat and will also serve as a clearing house for international assistance implemented by the donors themselves using the cluster approach.<br /><br />Breakdown of the P46 billion is as follows: relocation, P20 billion; infrastructure rehabilitation, P21 billion; and livelihood and agriculture, P5 billion.<br /><br />The P46 billion will be allocated for typhoon victims, broken down as follows: P27 billion for Ondoy; P12 billion for Pepeng; and P7 billion for Typhoon "Frank" which hit Romblon and Visayan provinces in June 2008.<br /><br />Ondoy's impact was on infrastructure while "Pepeng" devastated swaths of agricultural land.<br /><br />Both calamities, however, surfaced a policy need for relocation for the affected population. In the case of Pepeng, it is the need to relocate those vulnerable to landslides while in Ondoy's case, there is the need to resettle informal settlers living beside riverbanks and lakeshores at risk to flooding.<br /><br />The Reconstruction Commission should request the United Nations and the World Bank to coordinate an international pledging session either in Spain or Japan possibly in November.<br /><br />Salceda said government is duty-bound to rebuild lives when big help is needed beyond the exigency of disaster response that usually comes in the form of two alternatives in the form of raising taxes and slashing other priorities.<br /><br />The last two (taxes and slash) are "neither feasible nor desirable since they just shift pesos from the left to the right hand," he added.<br /><br />He explained that what is needed are new external resources.<br /><br />In its 5 a.m. update on Tuesday, the National Disaster Coordinating Council reported a P7.17-billion damage due to Pepeng.<br /><br />This was broken down into: P1.14B-infrastructure; P6.02B-agriculture; and P.003 billion in private property.<br /><br />It also said that Ondoy resulted to P3.68 billion damage to infrastructure and P6.76B to agriculture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Sulfur dioxide, quakes show Mayon more restive </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Sulfur dioxide emission and quakes showed clear signs that Mayon volcano continues to be on a heightened state of restiveness, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday.<br /><br />A Phivolcs bulletin on Monday said the volcano released 853 tons of sulfur dioxide during the past 24 hours, a reading which was way above the 505 tons a day recorded on Sunday.<br /><br />The sulfur dioxide disgorge from Mt. Mayon indicated a fluctuating trend ranging from 350 to 853 tons per day.<br /><br />There were 505 tons per day recorded on Oct. 10; 761 tons on Oct.8; and 350 tons on Oct. 7.<br /><br />Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said that “350 tons per day to 853 tons per day during the past five days is an indication that magma is intruding into the volcano’s vent.”<br /><br />The agency's seismic instruments detected 7 volcanic earthquakes which brought about a total of 43 quakes recorded during the past five days or a total of 106 earthquakes rocking the volcano since October 1.<br /><br />High and low frequency harmonic quakes detected by the instruments signified that magma intrusion is developing in the volcano’s crater vent.<br /><br />Laguerta said the agency is still assessing the abnormal state of the volcano based on other given parameters like ground deformation and crater glow.<br /><br />In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano did not exhibit crater glow due to cloudy sky prevailing in the volcano’s crater.<br /><br />Alert level 2 remains hoisted over Mayon with Phivolcs strongly recommending that the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, including the 7-km extended danger zones in the southeast flank, be off limits to any human activity due to threats from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the volcano's upper slopes.<br /><br />In August scientists kept watch for a feared collapse of a portion of Mayon’s crater, which holds an estimated 200,000 cubic feet of rocks.<br /><br />Mayon Volcano, famous for its nearly perfect conical shape, has a height of over 2,400 meters.<br /><br />The volcano, said to be the most active in the country, has erupted at least 50 times since 1616. Its worst eruption buried Cagsawa town and killed 1,200 people in 1814. An eruption in 1993 killed more than 70 farmers.<br /><br />Mayon erupted again in 2006.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe89zhb7GqsIt137YnLEdIBLQ8SlD-qgzQSXriikfufWDGGGxKn3hxMa78bSuSiInpEH7ycKru18F93_N9FRPDAT0v3wOsh4XBq4f3_nuVVU1dL5R1Kux9B4Xo2f37f2xuzxNmUVrpm24/s1600-h/PICT0434.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe89zhb7GqsIt137YnLEdIBLQ8SlD-qgzQSXriikfufWDGGGxKn3hxMa78bSuSiInpEH7ycKru18F93_N9FRPDAT0v3wOsh4XBq4f3_nuVVU1dL5R1Kux9B4Xo2f37f2xuzxNmUVrpm24/s400/PICT0434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392042503777448018" /></a><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Mayon Volcano showed one of her beauty features that she seldom displays -- a saucer-like ring of cloud taken Sunday (Oct. 11, 2009) as it manifested more signs of unrests that prompt volcanologists to wait for good weather condition so as to conduct another aerial survey to determine if there is a need to finally raise alert status from level-2 to Alert Level 3. (Photos by Rey M. Nasol)</strong></em> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOW4HGmkUdmjNBCi27lrSbDVWdaebuLDK6fp-xufKdxGAtWuCXztEOKNig4BTsKSPw7bOpRwjGhs1UQGJ-o-CHNY0i7bJbAA87HQaIYr5vlc1pv0D6yWpTJaOWlwU6DBeMJ3unfyJTVw/s1600-h/PICT0439.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOW4HGmkUdmjNBCi27lrSbDVWdaebuLDK6fp-xufKdxGAtWuCXztEOKNig4BTsKSPw7bOpRwjGhs1UQGJ-o-CHNY0i7bJbAA87HQaIYr5vlc1pv0D6yWpTJaOWlwU6DBeMJ3unfyJTVw/s400/PICT0439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392043987642880242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Landslides threaten 49 Bicol localities - mines bureau </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Residents of 48 municipalities and a city in the Bicol region have been advised by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to move to safe ground during heavy rains, due to the high risk of landslides during the typhoon season. <br /><br />MGB Bicol regional technical director Reynaldo A. Juan stressed the high probability of landslides in eight towns and a city in Albay, eight towns in Camarines Norte, 12 in Camarines Sur, eight in Catanduanes, five in Masbate and seven in Sorsogon.<br /><br />Juan said the residents of the following municipalities should be prepared for evacuation to safe grounds in case of continuous rains in their areas:<br /><br />* Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi towns and Ligao City in Albay; Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte;<br /><br />* The towns of Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot and Tinambac in Camarines Sur;<br /><br />* Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban and San Andres in Catanduanes;<br /><br />* Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros and Mobo in Masbate;<br /><br />* Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog and Sta. Magdalena towns and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.<br /><br />Juan said residents of other municipalities not listed as high risk to landslides but had histories of landslides, have also been encouraged to take precautionary measures and prepare to evacuate in case of signs of an impending landslide.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Albay stops GSIS loan payment deductions </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- The provincial accountant of Albay has advised the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) that starting this October payroll, the province will not be deducting installment payments from provincial government employees who have outstanding loans.<br /><br />Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said in a text message Sunday that he had instructed the provincial accounting office to make the move after President Macapagal-Arroyo approved his demand-side relief package to take effect immediately.<br /><br />Salceda said his office had also advised companies in Albay not to deduct installment payments of employees with pending loans with the Social Security System.<br /><br />“On the average, the monthly take-home pay should increase by P600 to P900,” he said.<br /><br />In the recent Cabinet meeting, President Arroyo approved for implementation Salceda's proposal for an P86-billion relief package for victims of storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng.<br /><br />Salceda argued that a one-year deferment of installment payments for salary and housing loans of Social Security System (SSS) and GSIS members affected by the two weather disturbances would result in higher take-home pay for 700,000 GSIS and 4.8 million SSS members.<br /><br />“This would amount to P32 billion additional cash flow for ordinary households, P4 billion for GSIS and P28 billion for SSS,” he explained.<br /><br />According to Salceda, “this effectively overrides original plans of the GSIS and SSS for incremental loans to members who need to apply while this plan would require less effort from members and less paper work for the two pension agencies.”<br /><br />He said a similar package was approved for Albay in 2006 by the President to counter the adverse impact of Mayon eruption and typhoons Milenyo and Reming.<br /><br />According to Salceda, the measures, combined with the Bicol Calamity Assistance for Rehabilitation Efforts, were instrumental in lifting the province to a stronger platform for recovery.<br /><br />He added that demand-side interventions that involve providing direct cash benefits to citizens have been emerging as an important tool for disaster response to mitigate the social damage and overturn the potential economic drag of major calamities.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Super software guides Albay in handling calamities </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – Planning and development officers in Albay are undergoing intensive five-day training on“computer-simulated scenario” software to help them cope against any type of calamity.<br /><br />The Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment (Redas) system will assess the type of buildings essential in any type of calamity to maintain the province’s zero-casualty plan, Governor Joey Salceda said. It will “further empower the planning aspect of where and what kinds of buildings to construct in the province,” he said<br /><br />Salceda said the move was significant to disaster-risk reduction.<br /><br />Redas is a simple and user-friendly simulation tool or software that can give a rapid estimate of the possible seismic hazards to be used for inferring the severity of impacts to population, buildings, lifelines and other elements at risk, said Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).<br /><br />Developed by Phivolcs through a grant-in-aid from the Department of Science and Technology, Redas is one of the technologies featured in the “One-Stop Information Shop of Technologies” of the Philippines.<br /><br />The inputs needed to produce the seismic hazard maps are location of earthquake epicenter, magnitude and fault data, said Solidum, who is here for part of the training program.<br /><br />Albay is one of the more hazard-prone provinces in the country, being exposed to “volcanic (eruption), earthquakes, including tsunamis, as well so-called hydrometeorological hazards, such as landslides and floods,” he said<br /><br />“Various hazard maps such as pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahar, ashfall and tsunami were built in the Redas database,” said Redas coordinator Maria Leonila Bautista and Bartolome Bautista, associate scientist of Phivolcs.<br /><br />The Redas started with Version 1.0 and was updated to 1.7. In Version 2.0, it already includes hazards, such as landslides and floods prepared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Bautista said.<br /><br />“As we continue to upgrade the software, the future plan which we are working on now are the equations and calculations for possible casualties and injuries and damages to properties with or without disaster preparedness or response mechanisms,” she explained.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-44478217483297219922009-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:002009-10-05T18:53:32.955-07:00<strong>Albay planners on 5-day REDAS training vs. tsunamis, etc</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The local planning and development officers in Albay are undergoing rigid training on preparedness and disaster mitigation efforts with the use of a computer simulated scenarios software called the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment (REDAS) system.<br /><br />This will further empower the planning aspect of where and what kinds of buildings to construct in the provice of Albay in order to fully prepare the people and maintain the zero casualty plan of Gov. Joey Salceda from any types of calamity.<br /><br />“This is actually climate change-proofing and a very important element to the disaster risk reduction and mitigation of impacts of calamities to maintain our zero casualty efforts,” Governor Joey Salceda said.<br /><br />“We are having training to save lives and minimize injuries as well as loss of properties before, during and after earthquakes and other calamities in Albay,” Director Manuel Rangasa of the Center for Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) told the DATELINER Tuesday.<br /><br />This is a follow-up training after new and updated versions of the software have been created to make the software more user-friendly and complete.<br /><br />Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato U. Solidum, who is here for two days, said the REDAS software is one of the technologies featured in the “One-Stop Information Shop of Technologies (OSIST)” of the Philippines.<br /><br />“Albay is one of the more hazard-prone provinces in the country, being exposed to volcanic, earthquake including tsunami as well as hydrometeorological hazards such as landslides and floods,” Solidum who stayed from Monday till tuesday told the participants.<br /><br />Historically, the province has been affected by the 1814 Mayon Volcano eruption, the 1840 earthquake and lately, the 2006 Typhoon Reming floods and landslides. <br /><br />The training was supported by PHIVOLCS, the Provincial Government of Albay and the Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA). <br /><br />A total of 70 participants from the cities of Legaspi, Ligao and Tabaco, the municipalities of Polangui, Libon, Oas, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Malinao, Jovellar, Pioduran Rapu-Rapu and Tiwi<br /><br />The other participants were CIRCA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) staffs, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), the resident volcanologist and staff of the Liñgon Hill Observatory, the Office of Civil Defense ad the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO)<br /><br />“ Although the REDAS software was designed for rapid seismic hazard evaluation after the occurrence of a potentially-damaging earthquake, various hazard maps such as pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahars, ashfall and tsunami were built in in the REDAS database,” Maria Leonila P. Bautista, Bartolome C. Bautista, REDAS coordinator and DOST- Phivolcs Associate Scientist told the DATELINER Tuesday. <br /><br />“The REDAS started with version 1.0 and then updated to 1.7 and now that we have the version 2.0, it already includes the hydrometeorological hazards prepared by the MGB into the software. As we continue to upgrade the software, the future plan, which we are working on now are the equations and calculations for possible casualties and injuries and damages to properties with or without disaster preparedness or response mechanisms,” Bautista explained.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The software</strong><br /><br />According to Solidum, REDAS is a simple and user-friendly simulation tool or software that can give rapid estimate of the possible seismic hazards which can be used for inferring the severity of impacts to population, buildings, lifelines and other elements at risk. <br /><br />The inputs needed to produce the hazard maps are location of earthquake epicenter, magnitude and fault data. <br /><br />The software was developed by PHIVOLCS through a Grant-in-Aide (GIA) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). <br /><br />“The development of the software stemmed from two objectives that PHIVOLCS would like to achieve. The first objective is to provide quick simulated hazard information to disaster managers which will help them in assessing the distribution and extent of impact of a strong earthquake so as to guide them in deciding and prioritizing timely rescue and relief operations. This is very important specially when communication lines are cut off and access roads are blocked and information about the affected areas could not be immediately known.” Bautista said.<br /><br />The second objective, according to Bautista, is for the software to serve as tool in convincing land use planners, policy makers, city and town development planners and local government executives to consider hazards in their planning and development efforts so as to ensure long term mitigation of seismic risks. <br /><br />Phivolcs believe that if this sector is given a hand in producing their own hazard maps through the use of this software, they will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the seismic hazards their constituencies are exposed to and they will be more motivated to do serious planning and intensive formulation of effective disaster prevention policies such as serious land use regulation, strict implementation of the building code and issuance of timely ordinance for the evaluation and retrofitting of critical structures. <br /><br />The hazards that could be computed using this tool are ground shaking, landslides, liquefaction and tsunami. The risk database that are continuously being built by PHIVOLCS in REDAS include population centers, roads and communication networks, lifelines, high rise buildings, hospitals, schools, fire stations, power plants, dams and other critical facilities, said Bautista. (RMN)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>P86-Billion relief package a greenlight for flood victims</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The proposed P86 Billion relief package has been given the green light for implementation to offset sufferings among the struggling victims of typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng,’ President Gloria Arroyo’s top economic adviser said Monday.<br /><br />Albay gov. Joey Salceda said that during the Cabinet meeting at the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), Arroyo ordered concerned agencies to implement a comprehensive package of relief measures for families impacted by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng with a 4-point demand-side liquidity strategy that he earlier proposed. <br /><br />“A global one-year installment deferral of salary and housing loans of members of SSS and GSIS would result in higher take-home pay for 700,000 GSIS and 4.8 million SSS members,” Salceda said.<br /><br />This would amount to P32billion additional cashflow for ordinary households, P4 billion for GSIS and P28 billion for SSS.<br /><br />According to Salceda, this, effectively overrides original plans of GSIS and SSS for incremental loans for members who need to apply while this plan would require less effort from members and less paperwork for the two pension agencies.<br /><br />The second major item of the plan is a P35 billion for small businesses through 5-year special rediscounting window at 91-day Tbill + 2 percent that would enable banks to restructure their exposure to affected enterprises given the disruption in their recurring incomes and permanent damage to their earning asset base. <br /><br />The third component is a P15 billion home improvement loan program by Pag-ibig for its eligble members at P150,000 payable in 10 years on top of their outstanding loans. <br /><br />The fourth item is the provision by Philhealth of 3 months of the average monthly reimbursements to its accredited outlets which would reach P4 billion. <br /><br />Salceda presented the proposal to Pres. Arroyo during her visit to Polangui (Salceda's hometown) for the inauguration of a local water system. <br /><br />He argued that a similar package was approved for Albay in 2006 by PGMA to counter the adverse impact of Mayon Eruption, Typhoon Milenyo and Reming. <br /><br />According to Salceda, the demand-side measures (as opposed to supply-side interventions like relief goods) combined with the Bicol Calamity Assistance for Rehabilitation Efforts (BCARE) rehabilitation were instrumental in lifting the province to a stronger platform for recovery. <br /><br />"Once supply chains have been restored and survival needs provided, cash is the best form of social and economic relief after a catastrophic event since victims know better their needs, beneficiaries would be more judicious in their procurement and the benefit is direct and immediate," Salceda said. <br /><br />He added that demand side interventions are fast emerging as a critical item of a menu of tools for disaster response to mitigate the widespread social damage and overturn the potential economic drag of major calamities like Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma).<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Never trust Mayon's lull – Phivolcs</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The volcanic quakes, sustained inflation of the edifice, gas emission and crater glows are very important signs of a coming eruption of Mayon Volcano and people at its foot should never trust its lull sometimes, this was the warning from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum said Monday.<br /><br />The Phivolcs had already installed two units of digital tilt meters along Mayon Volcano, particularly at Barangay Anoling in Camalig and at the Mayon Resthouse in Tabaco City, all within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, according to Solidum. <br /><br />“As much as the scientists are keeping eyes and ears on Mayon, no one should trust it on a daily basis of its manifestation but instead be very careful because the sustained threats is still there although we also refer to its 2006 eruption event (a protracted one),” Solidum said.<br /><br />He explained that if Magma is fast moving upwards towards the crater, it would explode violently like what happened in 1814, when the old Cagsawa town was buried in mud rendering the area in whole ruin and another 1897 eruption recorded with several thousands killed.<br /><br />“Now, the rise and fall in the gas and earthquakes rate indicated that Mayon is degassing and has time to relese pressure and would wait for another fresh batch of magma push upwards that is why there are changes in rates of the monitored parameters,” Solidum explained.<br /><br />Solidum, however, warned that “we can’t say when or what kind of eruption (violent or not) but disaster authorities must maintain the warning against venturing at the 6-kilometer permanent danger zones and the 7-km extended danger zones especially at the southeast quadrant facing Daraga, Santo Domingo twons and this city. “There is a need for a strong collaboration among local disaster councils to maintain the safety of the people and consistently attain a zero casualty rate even in the event of its eruption.”<br /><br />Mayon’s trend of volcanic quakes shows a descending order for the past few days: Five volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network on Sunday, 23 volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network on Saturday, but 35 volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network on Friday.<br /><br />As earlier warned by resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta, the continuous, presence of ‘tremors’ might already indicate a coming eruption.<br /><br />In fact, Friday’s bulletin (October 2) revealed that Recording of harmonic tremors were continuously observed from 8:36 am Thursday, Oct. 1) until Friday. “However, it was not consistently observed during the following observation period,” Laguerta said. <br /><br />Laguerta said that once Mayon showed ‘tremors’ it already indicates a coming eruption “If the tremor episodes will become frequent, and of higher magnitude then, eruption is possible within several days period,” Laguerta said, explaining that the tremors should be of low frequency types indicating continuous magmatic ascent. (RMN)THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-24348594334391044642009-10-01T21:36:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:53:39.486-07:00<strong>Salceda reiterates need for Pagasa modernization</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Albay Gov. Joey Salceda reiterated his call for the modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the institutionalization of disaster management operations in the whole country to prevent onslaughts of catastrophes during typhoons.<br /><br />Salceda said that as Super Typhoon Pepeng (PARMA) lingers on Bicol provinces and nearby areas with sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph, the apparent lack of warning instruments of the government weather agency and an institutionalized disaster management program of local disaster councils would be the major cause of deaths and destruction of infrastructure wrought by storms every time it hits the country. <br /><br />In his analysis on how disaster authorities cope with Tropical storm 'Ondoy' (International name Ketsana), Salceda, said the crux of over 200 deaths and people in various parts of Metro Manila and neighboring regions is failure in warning. <br /><br />The pagasa has no Doppler radar to forecast short-run rainfall content of incoming typhoons or other weather disturbances. <br /><br />Salceda exposed earlier that the agency is using manual rain gauges that capture data too late and the access of disaster authorities to the system is not direct and not on real time, the governor pointed out. <br /><br />As a top administration economic adviser, Salceda, is also a climate change advocate and is known worldwide for his “pre-emptive” evacuation procedures in times of calamities. <br /><br />He deplored that with the currect setup, typhoon warnings are limited only to wind – no flood warning or landslide warning system to activate evacuation. <br /><br />Salceda said “with no, little or late warning and no institutionalized disaster management system, the National Capital Region (NCR) and other regions were caught flat-footed at the sudden on-set of the flood.” <br /><br />“They failed to issue advisories on what to do, no evacuation order was issued prior to the flood event, and these advisories must be scientifically done,” he said. <br /><br />For this reasons, Salceda recommended that the weather agency should expedite acquisition of Doppler radars, develop a flood warning system to activate evacuation procedures by disaster authorities. <br /><br />He also urged local disaster councils to institutionalize disaster preparedness at the local governments level. <br /><br />He also highly recommended the implementation of a pre-emptive evacuation procedures to prevent further the loss of lives. “Rescue is not needed if people are already evacuated,” he pointed out. <br /><br />Dam water discharge warning should also be integrated into Pagasa warning and forecast. <br /><br />He also urged representatives of the Lower House to immediately pass its version of the proposed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) bill to institutionalize DRR in the regional, provincial and local levels. The Senate version has already been approved, Salceda said. <br /><br />The Philippines should start to adapt measures to the escalating impacts of climate change as manifested by recent extreme weather events, he said.<br /><br />Albay was able to attain zero-casualty because of the above strategies and therefore the rest of the country and the world, for that matter, can. (RMN)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Quake surges rock Mayon anew</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol <br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – Mayon Volcano’s restive activity caught new attention even as disaster authorities are busy manning residents for their safety against super typhoon ‘Pepeng’.<br /><br />The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had reported Friday morning that at least 35 volcanic earthquakes jolted Mayon Volcano on Thursday, the highest recorded seismic event since July when the volcano showed intense signs of restiveness.<br /><br />The surge started as the month of October entered with 14 volcanic quakes on Wednesday observation up to Thursday this week while only one was recorded on Tuesday. <br /><br />Dr. Eduardo Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist said the agency seismic networks has recorded a total of 82 earthquakes that rocked the volcano since Sept. 27. <br /><br />Scientists monitoring the volcano still do not discount the possibility of explosive eruption because of the fluctuating seismic precursors such as quakes, ground swelling and gas emissions that indicate the dangers. <br /><br />Phivolcs Friday’s advisory said high and low frequency harmonic quakes were detected by seismic instruments signifying that magma intrusion is developing in the volcano’s crater vent<br /><br />Sulfur Dioxide disgorge from Mt Mayon indicated a fluctuating trend ranging from 392 tons per day to 445 tons per day for the past three days. No reading was recorded yesterday because of bad weather. <br /><br />Laguerta said the fluctuating rates of gas emission is indicative that magma is building up to the crater in preparation for an imminent eruption. <br /><br />Laguerta said the agency is still assessing the abnormal state of the volcano based on given parameters like ground deformation, volcanic quakes and gas emission, and crater glow. <br /><br />Precise Leveling result indicate a 6.0 mm swelling on the volcano edifice was noted bulging at the Buang while Lidong lines posted a 1.0 mm inflation. <br /><br />The volcano’s crater glow was obscured by the prevailing bad weather in Albay<br /><br />Alert level 2 remains hoisted over Mayon volcano, Phivolcs strongly recommend that the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone including the 7-km extended danger zones should be off limits to any human activity due to threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes of the volcano.<br /><br />Lahar flows were also warned against the residents living along river channels, gullies and the low lying areas. (RMN)THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-25209863928582096792009-09-30T22:29:00.000-07:002009-09-30T22:42:11.372-07:00<strong>Albay ready to evacuate close to 1 million residents</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The province of Albay is preparing all resources as some 884,041 Albayanos will be evacuated to safer grounds in case Super Typhoon (pepeng ba or Peping?) changes course to directly hit the province, Albay Governor Joey Salceda said at a press conference here this morning.<br /><br />The reiteration of the zero casualty measures has been aired by Salceda “Is aimed at reminding all concerned disaster coordinating councils (DCCs) to implement response preparedness in their respective area of responsibility and to prepare their consitituents for the next typhoon (Pepeng),” Salceda said at the press conference.<br /><br />Response preparedness, among others, prepositioning of response assets, stock piling of foods and non-food items (NFI), identification of evacuation centers and the implementation of ‘pre-emptive evuation.’<br /><br />Salceda also thanked the Albay media for its expertise that blend with the overall disaster risk reduction strategy of the province in terms of reporting, proper analysis and prompt cascading of information to the residents at the shortest possible time.<br /><br />He also called for an Executive Meeting with the members of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) to discuss the possible impact of approaching typhoon Pepeng.<br /><br />Salceda called all municipal, barangay officials as well as private organization to review, if necessary their evacuation plans.<br /><br />Salceda explained that the pre-emptive evacuation of Albay shall only start if the typhoon is at least as strong as 120 kilometers per hour and if the province is identified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administrator (Pagasa) as direct hit of the path.<br /><br />“It is our strict policy to implement pre-emptive measure during calamity to ensure the safety of the people,” the governor said.<br /><br />“For this Pepeng which is now a ximum sustained winds of 175 kph and whose gustiness of 210 kph, that is more than enough to order pre-emptive evacuation however, the issue here is still wheter it will hit albay or not, so the two parameters are needed: the wind speed and the direction, or if Albay is already under signal number 2, and that is the time for the evacuation,” Salceda explained.<br /><br />Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office director Cedric Daep said that the Pagasa weather bulletin as of 11 am today.<br /><br />Daep explained that the current direction does not directly hit Albay but in case it changes to downward direction and threatens Albay, it might severely affect the province. “So we are preparing for storm surges, wind strength, possible landslides, heavy rains and lahar flash floods.”<br /><br />Daep assured that the 24 rain gauges across the province have already been activated to monitor the rain density and the APSEMO has given lead time of only 2 hours for the relay of information to the residents and the respective DCCs.<br /><br />The preparation, just in case Peping threatens Albay, would be the same as the scenario for past typhoons such as Reming and Rosing, according to Daep.<br /><br />“What we are anticipating is the heavy rains brought by typhoon because our focus would be in the highly risk areas,” the governor added.<br /><br />While the provincial disaster management team of Albay is in the process of preparation for the possible impact of approaching typhoon Pepeng, the provincial government was able to deployed water and emergency paramedics teams in Metro Manila as part of the Ondoy Mission.<br /><br />“We already deployed our teams to help Ondoy’s victims in major areas in metro Manila,” Salceda said.<br /><br />Pagasa’s 11 am bulletin showed that Pepeng is 520 kms East of Borongan, Eastern Samar, with coordinates 12.0°north , 130.7° east.<br /><br />Peping Maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It is moving West Northwest at 24 kph.<br /><br />Its forecast position, according to Pagasa by Friday morning is: 220 kms East of Virac, Catanduanes<br />Saturday morning: 80 kms East of Casiguran, Aurora or 160 kms Southeast of Tuguegarao City<br />Sunday morning: 60 kms Northwest of Laoag City.<br /><br />The provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes (all in Bicol) are now under signal number 1 which means it is already experiencing winds of 30 to 60 kph.<br /><br />Residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes under signal #1 are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides. <br /><br />Pagasa said the public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 pm today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Arroyo visits Albay's vital projects</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />CAMALIG, Albay -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has slated a visit here and two other sites in Albay province for inaugural rites for various government projects, including housing, water system, sea wall and coastal road network, as the province rouses Albay into centerstage of development from both ends. <br /><br />President Arroyo was met upon her arrival at the Legazpi City airport by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, Mayor Noel Rosal, Cong. Al Francis Bichara of Albay’s second congressional district, Presidential Assistant for Bicol Tomasito Monzon, 9th ID commander Maj. Gen. Ruperto Pabustan, and PNP Bicol Regional Director, Police Chief Supt. Ruben Padua.<br /><br />The President then proceeded to Polangui town to lead the ground breaking and capsule laying ceremony of the rehabilitation of the Polangui Water System in barangay Napo. <br /><br />The President was assisted by Gov. Salceda, LWUA administrator Prospero Pichay Cong. Reno Lim of Albay’s third congressional district, and Polangui Mayor Jesus Salceda, during the groundbreaking.<br /><br />The rehabilitation of the Polangui Water System will entail a cost of P140,710,000. P12.5 million is pure grant; P12.5 million loan without interest while the remaining balance of P115,710,000 will be paid at an interest rate of 9.2-10 percent per year. The Local Water Utilities Adminstration (LWUA) shall be the source of fund to be granted to the Polangui Water District which is the implementing agency.<br /><br />“The need for sufficient supply of potable water was felt as soon as this town soared into progress that business establishments are on the rise here such as fast food chains, offices, and the upcoming Land Bank’s full branch here to cater for the nearby towns of the third district of Albay,” Albay Gov. Joey Salceda explained.<br /><br />Rehabilitation works will include the setting-up of two separate systems. System 1 will cover the upper barangays of Balinad, Napo, Ponso, Alnay, Mendez and Magurang. System 2, on the other hand, will cover the lower barangays of Centro Oriental, Centro Occidental, Ubaliw, Basud, Gabon, Alomon, Kinale and Balangibang.<br /><br />Scope of works will include; rehabilitation of two existing reservoirs; installation of a 24,148 linear meters of pipelines; power line extension; installation of 5,000 service connections; provision of a treatment facility; improvement of the existing Higiba spring intake; and construction of a pumping station.<br /><br />From Polangui, Arroyo led the turn-over of Certificates of Ownership to 240 families displaced by typhoon Reming in 2006 as part of the CORE Shelter ‘30,000th’ milestone at a resettlement site in barangay Tagaytay, of this town.<br /><br />The President was assisted by Sec. Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cong. Bichara and Camalig Mayor Carlos Baldo during the turn-over ceremony.<br /><br />The Tagaytay Resettlement site is home to some 840 displaced families from the 16 barangays of the municipality located within the high-risk areas and the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zones (PDZ) near Mayon Volcano namely, barangays Anoling, Ilawod, Bariw, Cabanagan, Gapo, Ligban, Libod, Quirangay, Salugan, Sua, Tagaytay, Tinago, Tumpa and Barangays 1, 2, 3 and 4.<br /><br />A total of 840 housing units – each built on 80 square meter lots – are spread over 145,185 square meter area of the resettlement site purchased by the Municipality Government of Camalig and developed by the National Housing Authority (NHA).<br /><br />These housing units are the results of government and private sector collaboration as funds poured in from the DSWD-CSAP (114 units); DSWD-Habitat for Humanity, Philippines (136 units); Italian Cooperation, Philippines (115 units); International Organization for Migration (350 units) and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri thorugh the OCD (125 units). <br /><br />To conclude her provincial sorties, the President inaugurated the seawall project (phase I and II) in Barangay Puro in Legazpi City.<br /><br />Upon arrival at the site, the President, together with Gov. Salceda, Mayor Rosal, Cong. Bichara and Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane of the Department of Public Works and Higways (DPWH), boarded an open-top vehicle for the inaugural drive thru along the coastal road network.<br /><br />The Puro Seawall Phase I and II project was implemented by the DPWH with the Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, as the contractor.<br /><br />The project covers the construction of 360 linear meters of seawall and a corresponding 360 linear meters of road to include a walkway and jogging cum bicycle lane in the total amount of P70 million. <br /><br />The coastal road network, which stretches some 4.095 kilometers, is envisioned to be the “Roxas Boulevard” of Legazpi City.<br /><br />Several projects are simultaneously undertaken with the road project that once completed it will serve as an alternate route to decongest traffic in the city’s business center, provide commuters safe access and easy transport of agricultural and marine products, and develop tourism potentials in the area.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Albay Gov seeks P86 billion moratorium for GSIS, SSS members</strong>By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – President Gloria Arroyo’s top economic adviser Tuesday proposed a one-year moratorium for repayment of Government Services Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security Service to offset sufferings among the victims of devastating ‘Ondoy’ floods in Metro Manila and across the 27 other provinces of the Luzon Island.<br /><br />The same strategy had eased the burden of coping up with the brunt from series of super typhoons that brought Bicolanos down to the ground and even killed thousands, thus survivors were supposedly haunted with extreme difficulty paying their loans.<br /><br />A one-year loan repayment moratorium for GSIS and SSS members to provide widespread relief is necessary for Metro Manila especially that the population is composed of working class, according to Albay gov. Joey Salceda.<br /><br />“Once supply chains have been restored and survival needs have been provided, cash is the best form of social and economic relief after a disaster since victims know better their need, beneficiaries would be more judicious in their procurement, benefit is direct and immediate,”,” Albay Governor Joey Salceda said in proposing a comprehensive package of demand-side measures as a decisive response to mitigate the widespread social damage and overturn the potential economic drag of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) as he cited the role of four major measures in succeeding to lift Albay from the ravages of two supertyphoons (Reming and Milenyo) and Mayon eruption in 2006 to economic recovery 2007 onwards. <br /><br />These four measures are designed to inject liquidity into the system that has sustained both temporary disruption in their incomes and permanent damages to capital assets. <br /><br />These would be directly targeted at impacted households, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and critical entities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the 27 provinces covered by the declaration of state of calamity included one-year repayment moratorium in all salary and housing loans of GSIS. <br /><br />Salceda said that there are 700,000 GSIS members in the affected area while SSS members composes 4.8m members in the affected areas out of 8 million members with outstanding live accounts nationwide.<br /><br />“At a concessional 5 percent imputed interest thereafter easily worth almost P4 billion for GSIS and P28 billion for a total P32 billion,” Salceda said.<br /><br />SSS members pay a monthly average of P600-P800 or P7,000 to 9,000 per year. This is in lieu of current proposals by the two Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) since Salceda argued that a global repayment moratorium is more pervasive and direct in impact- more take home pay, easier to execute- less effort for members and less paper work for SSS and GSIS and would allow the two institutions to keep within legislative ceilings on exposures to individual loans.<br /><br />“Both are now slightly above the ceiling and without unduly decreasing their actuarial viability. SSS currently proposes an option of incremental P24,000 salary loans payable in 24 months worth P4.8 billion assuming 200,000 members avail or a housing improvement loan for members with damaged houses of up to P300,000 worth P15 billion if 50,000 members avail. GSIS, meanwhile, proposes an emergency loan of P20,000 payable in 24 months worth P5billion assuming 350,000 members avail. <br /><br />An incremental home loan improvement of P150,000 for loan-eligible members of Pag-ibig which suffered damages to their homes which could reach P15 billion if 100,000 members avail.<br /><br />Three-month advance of monthly average reimbursement by Philheath to its accredited outlets including DOH-retained hospitals, provincial hospitals, city health offices and Rural Health Units (RHUs) which could reach P4 billion.<br /><br />“This helped Albay respond effectively to a surge in a morbidity rates after the disasters even while health facilities also sustained damages,” Salceda explained.<br /><br />The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has to set up a P35 billion 5-year special rediscounting window for banks to refinance loan exposures to individuals, entrepreneurs and SMEs at 91-day T-bill plus 2 percent.<br /><br />“Summing up, GSIS- P4 billion, SSS- P28 billion, Pagibig- P15 billion, Philhealth- P4 billion and BSP – P35 billion for a total of P73 billion. Of these, P34 billion will benefit households directly, P4 billion for health institutions and P35 billion for SMEs. And, all these would have minimal impact on deficit of the national government,” Salceda explained.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Bicol workers leave asap during typhoons</strong>By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – Learning from devastating rains, Bicolanos won’t have to wait for Pagasa’s advice to leave their workplaces, if only to help attain zero casualty during and after calamities.<br /><br />“Let them go home early” The Department of Labor and Employment-Bicol suggested in order to protect the lives and properties of both labor and management advises companies and individual workers here, to take necessary pre-cautions by sending home workers early on before the on-set of calamities such as typhoons. <br /><br />DOLE-Bicol Regional Director Ernesto C. Bihis said that loss of life and limb can very well be prevented if employers would release their workers ‘early’ or even before the on-set of calamities. “Let us learn from typhoon Reming. Hundreds of employees were stranded in a mall in Legazpi for about two days,” Bihis explained. <br /><br />It will be much safer and cheaper for management, if their employees are dismissed early and are in the comforts of their homes during typhoons rather that be stranded at the workplace. If employees are stranded within the confines of the workplace, it will be the responsibility of the management to care for them. “They (employers) must provide the basic needs during that time, including food,” Bihis reminded. <br /><br />Records show that after Typhoon Reming, about 90 percent of establishments in Legazpi City are closing their shops even on a mere Signal No. 2 advisory of Pagasa, the best practice, according to DOLE Information Officer Raymond P. Escalante.<br /><br />“Legazpeños were traumatized by Reming. Nobody wanted to be caught off-guard again, no establishment here wanted to have additional burden on their shoulders. As they say, prevention is always better than a cure” Bihis pointed out.<br /><br />The DOLE-Bicol official suggested that establishments nationwide must also adopt the practice of Legazpi City based establishments. The office also urged companies to have a Calamity-Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to ensure workplace safety, secure properties, ready first aid kits, and for worst scenario cases identify escape routes, and if possible have a stand-by vehicle for evacuation purposes. <br /><br />However, DOLE-Bicol clarified that it has no power to order a closure during a calamity. Sending employees home during calamities or typhoons is the discretion of the establishment’s owners. <br /><br />“We cannot force establishments to close down or tell them to let their employees go but we can try to convince them that it is probably the best and the cheapest way to survive a calamity. If and only if establishments in Legazpi have released their employees sooner during Reming, then perhaps nobody was stranded.” Bihis explained.<br /><br /><br /><strong>6 approved bridges boost GUICADALE business platform</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – A new fund worth P212 million from the French Protocol is seen to boost the implementation of the new business platform away from the hazards of Mayon Volcano, under a joint venture between the provincial government of Albay and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).<br /><br />Albay governor and concurrent Regional Development Council Chairman Joey Salceda believes the development of the western part of Albay and the unexplored areas of the Bicol region will give rise to attainment of permanent solutions to bugging hazards of Mayon eruptions, lahar flows, and strong typhoons usually originating from the eastern part of the country that passes through the province.<br /><br />The bridge projects will be implemented by the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) by Salceda and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by Under Secretary Emil Sadain starting October 9, this year under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the joint undertaking.<br /><br />Counting on the rise of an international airport and the massive road opening efforts, Salceda said the provincial government of Albay pursues gradual expansion of the main thoroughfare towards safer grounds where permanent developments are worth the investment both by the government and other funding institutions.<br /><br />“These bridges will interconnect critical roads surrounding the South Luzon International Airport and many relocation sites. It will also connect Sorsogon to Albay via new road openings traversing Donsol town,” Salceda said.<br /> <br />Salceda claimed that the budget was made possible through persistent follow-ups and the persuasive power as RDC chairman and his long time friendship with Sadain.<br /><br />The bridges named to be put up are for Albay; Cagbacung Bridge (Legazpi City), Gabawan-Kiwalo Bridge (Daraga town), Ligban Bridge (Camalig), Rawis-Tamaoyan Bridge (Legazpi City), Homapon-Mariawa Bridge (Leazpi City), Taysan-Malangka Bridge (Legazpi City) and Donsol Bridge (Pioduran).<br /><br />Salceda’s help was critical in securing funding from the French Protocol facility.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-77493076510331226422009-08-25T17:13:00.000-07:002009-08-25T17:30:31.556-07:00<strong>Albay bishop opposes casino plan </strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Invoking public morals, the Diocese of Legazpi supported the move of a multisectoral coalition in Albay to oppose the operation of a casino within the entertainment, food, and shopping complex here known as the Embarcadero de Legazpi.<br /><br />In a press conference over the weekend, Legazpi Bishop Lucilo Quiambao said he would not allow a gambling den to rise within the so-called "lifestyle mall" envisioned to house as well a P1.8-billion Information Technology Park.<br /><br />Sitting on 2.6 hectares of reclaimed land, the complex, which overlooks the Albay Gulf, was designed by Australian engineers and inspired by the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California.<br /><br />The letter signed by the multisectoral coalition led by Quiambao stated that "gambling is not a solution to our economic problems. We are for progress but we can achieve it through means that are proactive and do not destroy the moral fiber of our community."<br /><br />The statement added that "gambling even damages the economy by wasting man hours and materials on activities that do not produce goods and services, which are required to satisfy basic human needs."<br /><br />Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal has been asked by the coalition to disapprove the proposed casino project while public officials were reminded to uphold public morals while promoting progress.<br /><br />Legazpi’s Sangguniang Panglunsod (city council), through a majority vote of nine councilors, had passed a resolution which posed no objection to the operation of the controversial casino.<br /><br />Last week, the city government of Legazpi conducted a public forum to consult various stakeholders on the proposed casino operation, a first in Bicol.<br /><br />The opposing multisectoral group, however, complained that many of the concerned stakeholders were not consulted during the initial public hearing here.<br /><br />They said the city government should push for other alternatives to promote economic growth such as tourism, sports development and livelihood program, food production, shelter and education.<br /><br />Ironically, the Legazpi bishop was among those behind the group that pushed for the construction of the Embarcadero as it would help provide jobs and uplift the socio-economic status of the people in the Bicol Region.<br /><br />The Albay Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and the Legazpi City Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed their support to the planned casino operation, saying that it would help shore up the economy and the city's tourism industry.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-12875563395589749482009-08-20T06:16:00.000-07:002009-08-20T06:22:56.795-07:00August 19, 2009<strong>Livelihood keeps farmers coming back to danger zones</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />GUINOBATAN, Albay – Farmers tending their crops near the danger zones can’t easily give up their source of livelihood amidst the confusing state of unrest of Mayon Volcano as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.<br /><br />Gemma Orcena, a market vendor here said that her commodities are harvested from Barangay Mabalod, a village along the slope of Mayon Volcano some 8 kilometers away from the crater. “If we will leave our farms, our crops might be stolen and we would lose our livelihood and it would be very difficult unless an alert level 3 is raised where assistance from the government or other donors would start to compensate for our sources of income,” Orcena explained. <br /><br />Orcena said that her family tends to their crop which is within the 7 kilometer extended danger zone which is some 30 minutes walking distance from their village there on the slope of Mayon.<br /><br />In Camalig town, Mayor Carlos Baldo also told reporters in a brief discussion over the weekend that it is true that even in the villages within the Camalig area, there are farmers who won’t just easily give up farming and assured that they are given warnings and are encouraged to be very vigilant and constantly heed warnings from the disaster officials through the mass media. <br /><br />Joey Manzilla, a 37 year old farmer of Barangay Sua, Camalig town said his farm is near the boundary of Miisi and Anoling, both within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zones “Because there is apparently no signs of immediate eruption, I see to it that I have a new set of batteries in my transistor radio and listen to the news all throughout the farming hour which we usually spend early morning until around 10 am and in the afternoon from 3 pm till dusk,” he said.<br /><br />Manzilla said his livelihood is helping him send his two sons to the elementary school and give his family ample income for food and other needs. “Based on previous eruptions, we don’t keep a hard head heeding the warning especially when an evacuation is ordered because we are assured of relief assistance during stay at the evacuation centers while those earlier residing in Miisi and anoling were transferred to their relocation site at Barangay Tagaytay and our village (Sua) is outside the danger zones.<br /><br />Another resident from Barangay Miisi who sought not to be named said “We are very used to the abnormalities of Mayon and we are confident of the disaster officials warning us and constant vigilance is our strategy for our lives and limited stay at our farms save us from hunger.”<br /><br />Mayon is under alert level 2 for more than one month since July 3 which means the condition is alarming although no definite prediction as to when it will blow its top.<br /><br />Governor Joey Salceda reiterated the warning that the 6-kilometer permanent danger zones and the 7-kilometer extended danger zones are hazardous to lives in case of an eruption based on the recommendation from the Phivolcs.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Bid for wage increase pushed in Bicol</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Hot debates for the long awaited increase in the minimum wage rates are still being conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bicol and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productiveity Board (RTWPB).<br /><br />Bicol RTWPB chairman and concurrent DOLE-Bicol regional director Ernesto Bihis said “Series of wage consultation conferences in provinces of Masbate, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay are being undertaken to determine whether or not an increase is due this year.” <br /><br />“We conduct this wage hearings yearly to assess if a wage increase is necessary or if the existing wage order will stand,” Bihis explained. <br /><br />Workers here are speculating of the amount that may be added in the increase but the DOLE & RTWPB will remain silent until the study is finished. <br /><br />DOLE Asst. Reg. Dir. Irma S. Valiente ensured Bicolanos that deliberations on the issue of wage increase is the priority of DOLE and its Wage Board. <br /><br />Valiente added that this is not an easy matter and should be studied thoroughly since the fate of the workers will depend on these talks.<br /><br />“We would like to let the public know that this is not a simple job and a lot of factors must be considered. <br /><br />“The matter of wage increase entails a delicate balancing act of weighing the needs of workers against the employer’s capacity/ability to pay,” Valiente added.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Scientists fear collapse of Mayon crater</strong> <br />By Rey M. Nasol, Inquirer Southern Luzon<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY—Scientists fear a collapse of a portion of Mount Mayon’s crater, which holds an estimated 200,000 cubic feet of rocks, could cascade hazardous materials toward a barangay lying in the southeast sector of the volcano even without a major eruption.<br /><br />Eduardo Laguerta, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said Thursday that residents and farmers in Barangay Buyuan in this city could be put to danger once this part of the crater collapses.<br /><br />He said that during the past 24-hour observation period on Thursday, there has been a resurgence of volcanic quakes from an apparent lull during the past few days. The number of quakes increased to 20 on Thursday compared to four recorded on Wednesday.<br /><br />“There were 20 volcanic quakes and 14 of them are of low frequency characterizing the presence of magma and the high frequency quakes that tell us of possible small rock collapses or the degassing process,” he added.<br /><br />He explained that the presence of magmatic movement toward the crater could cause a sideward force that would trigger the collapse of this portion of the crater.<br /><br />The seismic data obtained from Mayon has been accompanied by intensified crater glow and sulfur dioxide emission measured at 210 tons per day on Thursday. Emissions were recorded at 287 tons per day on Wednesday.<br /><br />Result of the latest ground and aerial surveys showed there is still cause to maintain the alert level 2 status.<br /><br />“Definitely there is no chance to lower the alert status to level 1 because Mayon is in a very abnormal condition and the crater glow manifests not just convective heat from the gases from beneath but heat from magma that is moving upwards,” said Laguerta.<br /><br />Alert level 2 means a state of unrest that could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption. <br /><br />The Phivolcs strongly recommends that the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes.<br /><br />Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall, added the bulletin from Phivolcs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Climate change awareness pushed for LGU development plans</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The spreading of awareness on climate change issues are now being pushed down the local levels to mitigate its impact and incorporate this important issue into development planning efforts in Albay province.<br /><br />“A worksop is going on here until Thursday which focuses on climate proofing the development plans of partner local government units to come up with a preliminary analysis of climate change risks as well as initial adaptation strategies to adjust the local plans,” Manuel Rangasa, Project director of the Center for Initiatives on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) in Albay said.<br /><br />Albay governor Joey Salceda also told media here that the technical planning of LGUs on climate check platforms should focus on adaptation and mitigation in the community and in homes. “There is a need to translate the burst cliate change into technical and technology and people to respond. As early as possible all planning officers must be knowledgeable on these issues so that they can give proper advice on the matter.”<br /><br />The governor said that climate change the biggest obstacle in the attainment of the Medium Development Goal (MDG) and needs prompt action by stakeholders.<br /><br />The Climate Check for Local Platforms being held from Aug. 18 to 19 at the PDCC conference hall with officials of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety from Germany is a program developed that can be modified for partners to integrate climate change aspects in their works. <br /><br />“Representatives from the 15 towns and 3 cities of Albay are expected to become aware of the issues in relation to their respective localities and be able to understand concepts on proofing mechanisms and its tools as well as to develop ideas of how to apply climate proofing tools to their work reality,” said Ilona Porsche, environment and climate change technical advisor of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).<br /><br />On the other hand, Jojo Elvira said that the climate change has taken its toll to the agriculture sector with its big blow on crops and even on livestock which has not fuly recovered since Reming in 2006.<br /><br />Elvira explained in a press conference Monday afternoon that Agriculture is the main industry in Albay, which produces such crops as coconut, rice, sugar and abaca. “The effects of climate change can drastically affect our local farmers if the issue would not be addressed promptly particularly on its impact to agriculture.”<br /><br />Handicrafts is the major source of income to rural communities which contributes fairly large share in the small-scale industries of the province. Forestry and papermaking are another source of livelihood.<br /><br />The manufacture of abaca products such as Manila Hemp, hats, bags, mats and slippers is one of the main sources of income in the rural areas. Fishing is also done along both shores of the province. Tourism, primarily because of Mayon Volcano, also draws income for Albay. “You see the climate change as a very wide effect to our province and that includes infrastructures that need to adapt to new designs that would withstand stronger typhoons and calamities. But the most directly hit by calamities is the agriculture,” Elvira explained. <br /><br />Elvira particularly cited the case of swine production in Albay that has no longer been able to recover yet since Reming. “Another hindrance is the swine flu that has driven the fear among farmers to pursue their businesses,” he said adding that the Albay Agriculture Rehabilitation Task Force is doing measures to help the farmers cope with their problems. <br /><br />Elvira said that his office will slate a National Livestock Summit in albay Astrodome on September 16 to 18 “there is a need to address issues such as food security, intersectoral linkages, international trade, emerging diseases, animal welfare, rural development, research and Biotechnology that is why we are pushing for the summit.”THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-59297577252088441552009-08-09T19:10:00.000-07:002009-08-10T23:45:18.184-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoqbFyjynCdn4czrFLA4p4NnTIllaYubQmDN8zGnotKbyhxuqfRBPw9VUw675TobwLZN6_fn1T6N9VdzEXY_9e51OVYyCHUO5FiBuCDyDxrbZB6dkcWaP8lJx-WlMBtaOJPKq3PLx1yo/s1600-h/Fishboy+embaracadero.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoqbFyjynCdn4czrFLA4p4NnTIllaYubQmDN8zGnotKbyhxuqfRBPw9VUw675TobwLZN6_fn1T6N9VdzEXY_9e51OVYyCHUO5FiBuCDyDxrbZB6dkcWaP8lJx-WlMBtaOJPKq3PLx1yo/s400/Fishboy+embaracadero.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368154234992274450" /></a><br /><em><strong>These boys are assured they could go on with their past times along the break-water near the Legazpi City Pier site even as high rise buildings for the Lifestyle Mall (Embarcadero de Legazpi) emerge at the nearby foot of the Kapuntukan Hill.</strong></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EIyJ7CWZBILNCgR7-PJPJuj42ZipacF2n2Wb8LVz1PJd30rgW9i_48cwIBY-8L5KMJaLga48PEm1tS9tHG0AZrIfhkb7b_khsb1QZrXYG92YF96WWvi7ijkb1gVJdMr9kY7viW6gp5c/s1600-h/Rick+and+megaphones.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EIyJ7CWZBILNCgR7-PJPJuj42ZipacF2n2Wb8LVz1PJd30rgW9i_48cwIBY-8L5KMJaLga48PEm1tS9tHG0AZrIfhkb7b_khsb1QZrXYG92YF96WWvi7ijkb1gVJdMr9kY7viW6gp5c/s400/Rick+and+megaphones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368153324784120674" /></a><br /><em><strong>Roderick Mendoza, of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) unwraps one of the Basic Life Support Kits given to 56 barangays around Mayon Volcano together with other emergency equipment and mountain bikes in preparation for possible </em>evacuation of some 127,000 residents in case of an eruption.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEaIyvTf6Wh7bxed_kfA5UFt5WE8h-aTFsU1Q5OC1rW2netYdKasPhS2KqhYVzAyRuNbkgnnt3J7Gx6sZenNjH2l12Xe_71u2WQJMjqrO9HoIsOvQoeepm8wkPm3IpJCu-Tto4uxEJ_8/s1600-h/Jukebike.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEaIyvTf6Wh7bxed_kfA5UFt5WE8h-aTFsU1Q5OC1rW2netYdKasPhS2KqhYVzAyRuNbkgnnt3J7Gx6sZenNjH2l12Xe_71u2WQJMjqrO9HoIsOvQoeepm8wkPm3IpJCu-Tto4uxEJ_8/s400/Jukebike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368153134887387586" /></a><br /><em><strong>The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) has provided two mountain bikes for each of the 56 villages around Mayon Volcano’s hazard zones. Mr. Abundio Nuñez Jr. poses with them before the turnover ceremonies last Tuesday.</strong></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPqLuRpoyK39rhs26qo0acbaCa0lM2-j9JrfOiuJgwQxMBZx7MJOUvhRaTj9K9BZ38ChBt28-g4P8luAugYiHe78NVAEuHYN-n53A0mk5MUt4j5ieQmz41MJ3XID2iMcIsNChAwkFiFE/s1600-h/Embarcadero-6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPqLuRpoyK39rhs26qo0acbaCa0lM2-j9JrfOiuJgwQxMBZx7MJOUvhRaTj9K9BZ38ChBt28-g4P8luAugYiHe78NVAEuHYN-n53A0mk5MUt4j5ieQmz41MJ3XID2iMcIsNChAwkFiFE/s400/Embarcadero-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368152801347000978" /></a><br /><em><strong>EMBARCADERO:Home of a lifestyle mall by the sea, the Embarcadero de Legazpi sits on top of solid foundation along the reclaimed portion of the Legazpi City Port area beside the Kapuntukan Hill known as ‘Sleeping Lion’. This area comes alive especially at night with bars, restaurants, shopping centers, celebration hall and other amenities inspired by the Fisherman’s Wharf of California.</strong></em><br /><br />___________________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><strong>LCWD to desalinate seawater for homes</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The city government of Legazpi is planning to boost its water supply by tapping another raw source aside from the Yawa River.<br /><br />"The residents of Legazpi had suffered months, if not years of inadequate supply of potable water which prompted the local government unit to look for alternative sources for the growing demand," Engineer Rafael A. Villar said.<br /><br />Villar said that the plan which is now at the committee on laws and rules of the Sangguniang Panlungaod chaired by City Councilor Alfredo A. Garbin, requests a passage of a resolution authorizing Mayor Noel E. Rosal to apply for and or avail of he Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) grant facility for a Seawater Desalination Plant Project with an estimated cost of some US$5 million.<br /><br />Villar, spokesman of the Albay Consumers Association (Alconas) who was also invited by Garbin to the committee hearing Tuesday said the city said that Legazpi water consumers have been dependent on the natural springs along the slopes of Mayon Volcano particularly at Barangay Buyuan and Mabinit but have earlier been provided with purified tap water from the Yawa River by the Phil Hydro systems and the Legazpi City Water District (LCWD).<br /><br />The said planned project although not yet clear which country will provide grant through the ODA will get water from the sea to be desalinated and purified and introduced into the existing LCWD pipelines to meet the demand of the consumers.<br /><br />Villar said he would insist on proposing to the city to avail of the desalination technology which could maximize the by-products of the process such as the collection of salt, and electricity that might be produced in the process of steam and condensation stage. "There are four methods of water desalination plants that I know and these are 1) Electrodialysis 2) Vacuum Freezing 3) Flash Distillation and 4) Reverse Osmosis. And whichever they employ, must maximize the byproducts and resources," Villar said.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Phivolcs urges creation of Mayon watch volunteer groups</strong><br /><br />SCIENTISTS urge disaster councils to be on close watch and warn tourists to keep away from the Mayon Resthouse Resort in Tabaco City and the Lava Front, both within the danger zones, as Mayon volcano's signs of abnormal seismicity may lead to an explosive eruptions similar to that in previous eruptions. <br /><br />Renato Solidum, Philippine Institute of Volcano and Seismology (Phivolcs) director on Tuesday came here and asked disaster authorities to strictly enforce their respective disaster preparedness plan in view of the complex abnormal condition of the volcano.<br /><br />Solidum, also urged disaster authorities to organize a volunteer observer's network to be composed of ordinary residents and even the media practitioners designed to give information to Phivolcs concerning unusual occurrences in their respective areas related to the seismic abnormality of the volcano.<br /><br />He said the community observation network would supplement the agency's seismic instruments put up to monitor Mayon volcano's condition with what is considered as physical observations<br /><br />"Community observation reports such as animal behaviors, drying of wells, unusual sounds, increase in ground temperature would help the agency in assessing the seismic condition of the volcano," Solidum said.<br /><br />Solidum who personally assessed the preparedness plan of the Phivolcs in relative to the Mount Mayon's restiveness said four Seismograph instruments, a Correlation Spectrometer (COSPEC), Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), Precise Leveling survey including visual observation instruments and the Fly Spectrometer are at work in harmony with each others to adequately provide scientific measurements of the activities of Mayon.<br /><br />But he said the residents' physical observations are also essential and helpful just the same.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y0oT5HBEaKPP6kJfiPCbmX7lPM7H211Z6otugLgmMYH7fKzHllg1GAMq1d-3oCjx-lYXNDIJGzRYx5xx4c6-TCVorgzQcAM2KB9yapZMeDWbrke4h0IyJwQSB9xNDn3DKcSvAsUA66Q/s1600-h/Mayon+Crater.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y0oT5HBEaKPP6kJfiPCbmX7lPM7H211Z6otugLgmMYH7fKzHllg1GAMq1d-3oCjx-lYXNDIJGzRYx5xx4c6-TCVorgzQcAM2KB9yapZMeDWbrke4h0IyJwQSB9xNDn3DKcSvAsUA66Q/s400/Mayon+Crater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368156822765908594" /></a><br /><em><strong>The Mayon Volcano crater taken by Roderick Mendoza during the first aerial survey sometime in July, this year that confirmed the need to raise the alert level 2.</strong></em><br /><br />He said these instruments would predict volcanic eruptions by recording earthquakes on the geological aspect, measuring Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions on the geochemical aspect, as well as ground deformation for the Geodetic aspect and other precursors.<br /><br />Solidum urged disaster authorities to be on full alert and be prepared for the complex condition with a possibility for an explosive eruptions manifested by previous eruptions.<br /><br />Although tourism is inevitable, Solidum suggested to Tabaco City Mayon Krisel Lagman-Luistro that it is best to designate a temporary viewing deck for tourists from a safer distance as the Mayon Resthouse is very near the crater and poses great hazards. "It is even more beautiful to view Mayon from a distance because you would have a full view of it rather than when you are up there," Solidum said.<br /><br />Solidum citing previous eruptions records said in 1814 and 1897 Mayon volcano exhibited a Plinian eruption (the most violent type such as that of Pinatubo in 1991) that buried the Cagsawa church in Camalig town, 1984 had a Strombolian eruption displayed by lava flow followed later by ash explosion; 1993 was a steam driven explosion that triggered a crater collapsed in the southeastern part of the crater that killed close to a hundred villagers farming at the slopes the volcano. <br /><br />In 2001, the volcano exhibited a moderate eruption while in 2006 was a Strombolian type of eruption where it exhibited a lava flow that cascaded 6.2 kilometers down the Mabinit channel.<br /><br /><strong>As masbate sleeps one ‘purok’ is born</strong><br /><br />MASBATE CITY-Every time Masbateños rise to a new day, there are 23 more of them, the equivalent of a new purok. <br /><br />Each time a month ends, there are 713 more Masbateños, the equivalent of a new barangay.<br /><br />And each time a new budget of the provincial government of Masbate is approved every year, 8,556 more people are counting on getting something from it.<br /><br />By the time Governor Elisa Kho finishes his three-year term next year, another 7,843 Masbateños will have been added to around 780,000 constituents today, the equivalent of more than half of the population of the municipality of Batuan.<br /><br />This is the speed by which the province's population-768,939 as counted in the 2007 census-is growing, posing a heavy burden on government.<br /><br />With more than one baby being born every hour, the local governments-including one city, 20 towns and 550 barangays-should be racing against time to be able to provide the social services required by its growing constituency.<br /><br />Surveys have shown that most of the province's residents rely on the government for health, education and security because they cannot afford private services. <br /><br />The province's dependency ratio shows that one Masbateño is providing for four others, a burden that many poor people are unable to take up and eventually pass on to local governments.<br /><br /><strong>Cash subsidies</strong><br /><br />There was no available data on how much the provincial government and its counterparts in the lower government units are spending for the social service requirements of every Masbateño. <br /><br />The national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has been providing monthly cash subsidies to at least 33,000 households in Masbate.<br /><br /><strong>Missing LGU support</strong><br /><br />A recent United Nations-sponsored study reported that Masbate has conditions already approximating those in impoverished, often famine-stricken African countries. <br /><br />In view of the UN report, two questions beg for answers: Will Masbateño families have enough means to feed their children and provide for their development as productive adults? Will the LGUs' social system for delivering health, nutrition and education become more efficient and faster than the additional children they will need to serve?<br /><br />LGUs that have been failing low-income families by not helping them to plan their size, which drives them into poverty, ought to answer the questions. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Stakeholders review Abaca Dev’t Program</strong><br /><br />VIRAC, Catanduanes -- The Catanduanes Unlad Abaca (CUA) Program, a joint of project of the Provincial Government of Catanduanes, Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) and the Department of Science and Technology, sponsored an in-house research and development review recently and covered ten (10) completed and on-going research projects. <br /><br />The panel, composed of Dr. Elena de los Santos of the Bicol Integrated Research Council, Catanduanes Colleges President Ephraim Antonio Garcia, DOST Provincial Director Jimmy Cabrera and PPDO planning and evaluation officer Romeo Aquino, reviewed the presentation of the researchers at the CSC Little Theater last July 22, 2009. <br />The CUA program was launched to address the challenges and concerns in an effort to bring about sustainability and stability of the abaca industry in Catanduanes. It has four major concerns: rehabilitation and densitification, production and mechanization, research and development and monitoring of evaluation.<br /><br />It was funded for the period 2008-2010 a total project cost of P16.3 million. It also seeks to increase abaca production in the province through improved farming and techniques ensuring the province's dominance in abaca industry in the country. (EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)<br /><br /><strong>7 vie for Friendly Schools Search</strong><br /><br />SEVEN educational institutions in Bicol are competing for the National Search for Sustainable and Eco Friendly Schools, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol Tuesday said. <br /><br />The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Edeucation (CHED), and Smart Communication. <br /><br />Gibert Gonzales, EMB regional director, said based on the selection criteria set by contest regional evaluators, the schools qualified to vie for the search are: Catanduanes State College in Virac, Catanduanes; <br /><br />The Partido State University in Goa town; Camarines Sur State Agricultural College in Pili; Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City, all in Camarines Sur; <br /><br />The Cawayan Exterior Elementary School in Masbate; the San Lorenzo National High School in Tabaco City and the Sunshine International School in this city. <br /><br />Gonzales said the regional evaluation of outstanding eco-friendly schools from elementary to tertiary levels will select winners according to their physical accomplished projects committed on pro-environmental advocacy. <br /><br />Evaluators would select among the qualifiers three of the regions finest schools exemplifying sustainable and eco-friendly programs which will represent Bicol to the National Search on November this year. <br /><br />All winning regional entries will receive cash prizes and plaques of recognition for outstanding environmental friendly and sustainable programs and will qualify to the national search this November. <br /><br />For the national level prizes include College, High School and Elementary levels: P50,000 for 1st Prize, P40,000-2nd Prize, P30,000-3rd Prize and plaques of recognition. (MSA)<em></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlS_EZI_1BsGqC64Zkuaj0i7Qv0aBIntPO4AUoxarho_RkVpRooas2kCYWk0lE6Y8r4bPbUfUufeevSMiSR5beW23WlkNHB6CH1VrBqxpQaPzhGGROGJIx0esQ9QbCeiMxzep1jiQn-E/s1600-h/100_7037.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlS_EZI_1BsGqC64Zkuaj0i7Qv0aBIntPO4AUoxarho_RkVpRooas2kCYWk0lE6Y8r4bPbUfUufeevSMiSR5beW23WlkNHB6CH1VrBqxpQaPzhGGROGJIx0esQ9QbCeiMxzep1jiQn-E/s400/100_7037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368155053618093298" /></a><br /><em><strong>Nutrition Day celebration held at Barangay Binitayan, Daraga, Albay with the theme "Wastong Nutrition Kailangan: Lifestyle Disease Iwasan" was held on July 31. In photo are pupils including Audi Jay Ante, his classmates and teacher Orly Marigondon.</strong></em>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-89387836026796187172009-07-29T20:36:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:38:37.973-07:00JULY 12 - 18, 2009<strong>High School education elusive to Bicol youths</strong><br /><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - Education among Bicolano youths has become more elusive not only for college but also in the High School level especially at public schools, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) report said.<br /> Engineer Gil Arce, regional director of the NSCB-Bicol said in a separate interview that only half (52.01 percent) of the first year enrollees finish High School in school year 2006 - 2007 while the rest give up on their dreamed education as early as they reach midway of their studies.<br /> "This was revealed by the data we received from a study of the Department of Education (DepEd) during the past two years. The figure is 13.3 percent even lower than the rate recorded for high school before 2007," Arce revealed.<br /> Aside from that, those that manage to survive schooling at secondary level showed an alarming deterioration of quality of secondary schools systems as reflected in the National Achievement Tests.<br /> This condition which affects both private and public institutions is feared to affect the region as well as the country's Human Resources that enter the labor force both here and abroad who bring home the bacon. "However, the rates indicated here refer to public schools only," Arce explained adding that most of the students at private schools are from the well to do families.<br /> Performance indicators showed a general deterioration of the region's secondary school system between school year 2002-2003 and 2006-2007.<br /> "The period saw a 10.6 percentage point decline in participation rate in the secondary level, an indication that more children who should be in high school were not," Arce said.<br /> The study also revealed that the participation rate of 55.3 percent during School Year 2006 - 2007 also means that only a little over half of school-going age children who are supposed to be in high school were enrolled in the same school year.<br /> Notably, the enrollment in private high schools between the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 school years dropped by 2.7 percent and public schools enrollment increased by 4 percent. The overall enrollment for both private and public secondary institutions, however increased by 3 percent.<br /> Within the same period, retention rate in the secondary level dropped by 7.6 percent points. "This means that the percentage of enrollees in the secondary level who continued to be in high school the following year declined," Arce said.<br /> Transition rate in the secondary level reached 88 percent during school year 2006-2007, an improvement of 5.8 percentage points from school year 2002-2003. transition rate is the percentage of students who graduated from one level of education and moved on to the next higher level such as from high school to college. "While this means that there was a higher percentage of high school graduates who made it to college or technical-vocational courses in school year 2006 -2007 than in school year 2002-2003, there was also lower percentage of students who reached the final year of the secondary level in School Year 2006-2007 as indicated by the 7.1 percentage points decline in the survival rate.<br /> Repetition rate, or the ratio of the number of students who enrolled in the same year level in the current School Year to the total enrollment in the previous school year, significantly increased from 2.7 percent in SY 2002-2003 to 3.4 percent in SY 2006-2007.<br /> Similarly, dropout rate, or the ration of the number of students who left the school for any reason during the school year to total enrollment, rose from 5.8 percent in SY 2002-2003 to 6.1 percent in SY 2006-2007.<br /> Aside from the above indicators, results of the National Achievement Tests (NAT) for secondary schools indicate, and more alarmingly, the deterioration of quality in the secondary schools system. The NAT result covers both public and private schools.<br /> On the average, not once in the three years of record, had the secondary schools in the region surpassed the cut-off (75 percent) for the said evaluation. The underperformance is apparent in all the five subject areas of the achievement tests.<br /> Results in four of the five subject areas of the NAT generally worsened between SY 2004-2005 and 2006-2007. these subject areas were English (by 1.4 percentage points), Mathematics (by 1.7 percentage points), Science and Health (by 5.7 percentage points) and HEKASI or Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika (by 2.4 percentage points).<br /> Only the Filipino subject area showed a measly 1.2 percentage point improvement during the SY 2004 -2005 to SY 2006-2007. On the average, the results of the NAT in the Bicol region weakened by 2 percentage points within the period.<br /> "Human resource is the most important resource of the country's economy. The quality of human resource that enters the labor force bears heavily on the economy's productive capacity. Education and other human capital are important in promoting economic growth and a strong position in international markets," Arce said adding a warning that deterioration in an educational system can result to an inferior labor force affecting employability and productivity.<br /> Education, according to experts can be viewed as an investment that equips individuals with the necessary skills for their optimum contribution to the country's economic and social well-being. "Government and households therefore should invest in education with the expectation that higher benefits would accrue over time," Arce explained.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Bicolanos told to build calamity-proof homes and insure crops</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Lives of people are safe due to zero casualty plan of the Albay public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) but a very vital factor that engages residents particularly farmers at areas supposed to be no-man's-lands because of the livelihood and their crops and properties go to naught in times of calamities.<br /> This is the reason why the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has recommended measures to attain not only zero casualties but also zero property damage to infrastructure as well as home and crop investments.<br /> With the institutionalization of the APSEMO zero casualties during calamities is almost perfectly attainable "but it is very difficult for the properties because calamities bring down economies to square one," Engineer Luis G. Banua, Assistant Regional director of NEDA-Bicol said on Wednesday.<br /> Banua said households, government buildings and farms must be assisted with their respective insurance in order to recover and quickly rehabilitate from damages incurred in calamities. "Households are best designed with stronger foundation and with concrete roofing to make them calamity proof because based on experiences the roofs are normally the first part of homes and buildings that are affected during typhoons," Banua explained adding that a good design for calamity-prone areas are those whose roofs are made of concrete materials.<br /> To lead the advocacy "we started this with the projects assisted by the Spanish government on putting up of day care centers. We also started the same types of construction for other projects of Agriculture Social Support and Environment Facilities Projects funded by the Spanish government in several municipalities of Bicol region," Banua said.<br /> He explained that homes and building that would still use galvanized iron sheets (GI sheets) must provide protective concrete panels around the roof areas to prevent strong winds from destroying them. "So if that is the case, there will be not so much problems on expenses for repairs after typhoons and now it is apt for the people to adapt these strategy and we would gladly help provide them designs if they like," he said.<br /> Banua said that the NEDA has already existing models in various local government units such as the day care centers in the towns of San Jacinto, Masbate, Bato Catanduanes, Canaman, Camarines Sur and other ongoing projects in Albay and other areas of Bicol.<br /> Insurance of infrastructures are being espoused by the Regional Development Council (RDC) to see to it that all government buildings are covered with insurance for its budgets and the RDC is pushing for the insurance budget in the National budget act so that in times of calamities, government agencies would no longer have problems on rehabilitation of their edifices because insurance companies shall immediately take their responsibilities after calamities. The government buildings include school, offices and even infrastructure facilities but Banua did not mention whether the RDC already included dams, roads and irrigation facilities.<br /> The NEDA official said that the DepEd has already adopted this system because of huge losses in terms of school buildings in previous typhoons and other calamities. "Government agencies such as Commission on Audit (COA), the Regional Trial Court are taking so long (one or two years because it has to wait for the inclusion of repair budget to the National Appropriation Act) before they are fully refurbished but with the proper insurance they could have been fully restored nowadays."<br /> The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), although existing for quite sometime is not yet fully availed of by farmers particularly the small time farmers.<br /> "If only farmers are insuring their crops, they would no longer have problems of possible losses in case of typhoons, volcanic eruptions and even landslides and floods," Banua explained.<br /> He also said that health insurance of poor Bicolanos including farmers are already starting to become wider in coverage as some local government units are already sponsoring for the PhilHealth enrollment of their poor residents such as Albay with Target of some 200,000 beneficiaries.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-6774993337413406912009-07-29T20:13:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:18:33.250-07:00<strong>Authorities securing Mayon danger zones</strong><br /><br />By Mar S. Arguelles<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Disaster authorities heightened security measures by setting up police and military check points in designated danger zones around Mayon volcano to ensure the safety of residents in case the volcano erupts.<br /><br /> Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) chairman at Sunday's council meeting, said the measure would prevent people to trek the volcano's surrounding, the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the 7-km extended danger zone at the southeast quadrant of the volcano. <br /> Salceda said “we have to enforce the off limits rule to prevent any untoward incidence that might occur once the volcano goes at an eruptive stage.” <br /><br /> “The rule will apply to all residents and visitors including media reporters covering the Mayon eruption event, reinforcing the long standing policy of a 'Zero Casualty' objective of the province in times of disasters," Salceda said. <br /><br /> Army Col. Marlou Salazar, commanding officer of the 901st Army Brigade here, said he has set up checkpoints in 12 villages surrounding the PDZs around the volcano covering Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Polangui towns and the cities of Ligao and Legazpi. <br /><br /> Salazar said the brigade has deployed a battalion of soldiers to man the checkpoints and maintain security in times of evacuation. <br /><br /> He also reported that 15 (6X6) Army trucks and several light vehicles are on stand by for dispatch when disaster authorities declares mass evacuation procedures. The trucks can load 30 people, Salazar said. <br /><br /> Aside from the check points, soldiers are also holding dialogues with village officials and residents concerning rescue and evacuation procedures in times of eruptions, he said. <br /><br /> Salceda said under Alert Level 3 disaster authorities will have to evacuate over 8,000 people or 1,785 families living near the 6-km PDZ and under Alert level 4 around 75,144 people or 15,243 families in 39 villages around the volcano have to be move to safer grounds. <br /><br /> As this developed, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Mayon's alert status remains at level 2, meaning the volcano is on a moderate stage of unrest.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Bicol tourism up despite GFC</strong><br /><br />By Bennie A. Recebido<br />PIA-Sorsogon<br /><br />Despite the economic slowdown felt around the world today, this province is still doing well in tourism industry. <br /><br /> Data from the Department of Tourism (DoT) during the last quarter of 2008 has revealed a total number of 83,541 tourists, with a gross rate of 39 percent, visited the province, out of whom 71,570 are foreign and 11,971 are local tourists. <br /><br /> The DoT is still currently working out for statistics of tourists coming in to the province for the past two quarters of 2009 which they have initially assessed as still increasing. <br /><br /> Kinatawan Francisco Ravanilla, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism chair, said the global financial crisis can be a challenge toward creative ways of marketing Sorsogon's tourism industry. <br /><br /> Citing the whaleshark in Donsol, the prime tourist attraction in the province, Ravanilla said that it has consistently attracting local and foreign tourists since the town was officially declared as "The Whaleshark Capital of the World" in 1998. <br /><br /> "Aside from Donsol's whaleshark, other eco-tourism destinations in the province also promise better opportunities for investment and economic development as well as job generation among the locals," he said. <br /><br /> Among the other attractions he enumerated were the mangrove forest in Pto. Diaz town, Bulusan Lake in Bulusan, also situated at the foot of Bulusan Volcano, the natural hot springs in Irosin and the white-sand beaches in Gubat town and in Bacon District in Sorsogon City. <br /><br /> It can be noted that the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAs) has identified Sorsogon as a "major hit" among the foreign tourists and has mapped out plans for the tourism industry of the province and the current economic crunch. <br /><br /> NAITAs is the largest group of travel agencies working together to come up with attractive tourism package. (PIA Sorsogon)<br /><br />Farm, fishery sector RPs top job creator<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - Almost half a million jobs were generated from the farm and fishery sector this year, making it the top job generator for the first quarter of 2009, according to Presidential Economic Adviser and Albay Governor Joey Salceda. <br /><br /> Salceda on Tuesday said that based on data of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics, employment in the farm and fisheries sector as of April 2009 was estimated at 12.318 million, which is higher by 3.47 percent compared to 11.905 million for the same period last year. <br /><br /> "Philippine agriculture created more jobs than the trade sector, which only ranked second with 345,000 jobs," he added. <br /><br /> He said "this proves that the Arroyo government's decision to reverse 30 years of official neglect of the agriculture sector through sustained, higher public investments is now reaping positive results." <br /><br /> The government has also increased spending for agriculture, focusing on irrigation and other rural infrastructure which already yielded positive results with the increased of palay rice production by 5.1 percent or double its average growth a year ago. <br /><br /> The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has also fast tracked rehabilitation and restoration work of irrigation system that has allowed farmers to plant an additional 69,000 hectares of farmland or 5.7 percent more than last year. <br /><br /> The administration of President Arroyo has increased spending on agriculture, P25.36 billion in 2007, P35.39 billion in 2008 and P46.86 billion this year. <br /><br /> Salceda further recommended to the government to pour more "stimulus funds" into the country's agriculture, particularly into irrigation, to sustain the sector's resilience and its status as a primary growth driver even in the midst of a global financial contagion. <br /><br /> "Without the agriculture growth contribution, GDP [gross domestic product] would have been sub-zero. Despite the obvious odds, its 2.1-percent increase in gross value added may not be stellar but it was the highest among the sectors which best proves the logic of government budgetary stimulus, specifically to the Department of Agriculture,'' he said. <br /><br /> He added that the Department of Agriculture's policies in the last two years have enabled the agriculture sector, which accounts for 20 percent of the economy, to remain resilient while every other sector had gone into a slump. <br /><br /> From 2001, the start of the Arroyo presidency, to the present, the government was able to generate a total of 8.95 million jobs in the private sector and at least 12 million jobs were created through government projects, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (PIA V Release)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Funds out to speed up land acquisition for new Airport</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has transferred to the Albay Provincial Government P85 million to pay for the 140-hectare prime land straddling the areas of Daraga and Camalig town to be developed for the Bicol International Airport . <br /><br /> DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza recently turned-over to Albay Governor Joey Salceda the funds for the purchase of the new airport site. <br /><br /> DOTC officials and Albay local officials, including Camalig mayor Irwin Baldo and Daraga mayor Cicero Triumfante, and officials of the five barangays on the actual site of the proposed airport witnessed the turn-over ceremony. <br /><br /> Mendoza said construction works on the proposed airport are expected to start shortly and set its completion within 30 months or two and a half years. <br /><br /> Salceda conceptualized the idea of the Bicol International Airport and has since pursuing the construction of the new airport in Albay province to fast track and catapult the region's economic development. <br /><br /> He said the proposed airport and its facilities will answer the need for a modern airport in Southern Luzon that will cater to more business activities in the area and conveniently links Bicol to the rest of the country and the world. <br /><br /> He added the air transport facility would further improve the performance of the region in tourism arrivals, employment generation and business investment. <br /><br /> The Bicol International Airport easily qualifies as among the biggest and most ambitious government projects in the Bicol Region to date, with prospects of even greater returns on investment. (MALoterte, PIA V)<br /><br /><strong>PhilHealth targets universal coverage in Bicol by October</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY— The remaining months in office of President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo will be devoted to education, peace talks and call for civic duty, according to Albay Governor Joey Salceda.<br /><br /> Salceda, who is also a senior economic adviser of the President, said the Arroyo administration will focus on upgrading the educational system in the country, including the hiring of additional teachers, construction of more classrooms and other school facilities.<br /><br /> “We can expect the administration to pour in more money on education and pursue the establishment of regional universities based on the recommendation for Philippine Main Education Highway,” he noted. <br /><br /> He said the administration is also determined to reopen and pursue peace negotiations with the National Democratic Fronts (NDF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Fronts (MILF).<br /><br /> “Talk is cheap… but in the peace process, talk is very critical. So, this is the only instance where talk is not cheap. At least in talking, it will put us back in the peace process,” he stressed.<br /><br /> Salceda further said the President will encourage more involvement from the civic society to share the burden of nationhood, especially a call for civic duty among the youth.<br /><br /> “Such may be the main theme of the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President on July 27,” he averred.<br /><br /> As to the achievements of the President in 2008 alone, Salceda said he gave President Arroyo a passing grade of 92 percent for handling very well the national economy, adding that she was able to overcome all crises, especially the economic slowdown.<br /><br /> “We are one of only nine countries that did not contract, we were still able to produce a lot more jobs,” he stressed.<br /><br /> “Also in 2008, the Arroyo administration devoted more on social welfare programs and services in response to fuel crisis, food, crisis, financial crisis, and then later the global economic crisis,” he added.<br /><br /> Salceda further stated “as far as her performance from 2001 to 2009 is concerned I will give her 82 percent and my basis was the target goal set by the President herself.”<br /><br /> He said President Arroyo had set her own goal for the country, wherein she was somehow able to achieve a balanced budget, automated election, and developing Subic and Clark into a world class and revenue generating economic zones.<br /><br /> “On education, decentralization, peace process, healing the wounds of EDSA, water and electricity, job generation, and decongestion of Manila, “all these are conditional, which means the administration needs more efforts to achieve these goals,” he averred.<br /><br /> He, however, noted that the administration has achieved 70 percent of the 1 million jobs target per year, wherein each year at least 700,000 jobs were generated; much has also been done to keep the prices of water and electricity stable; more infrastructure projects were completed and some are underway for Metro Manila. <br /><br /> In President Arroyo’s almost nine years in office, she has accomplished the much needed fiscal reforms of the government, including the P300 million additional revenues from the R-VAT, the EPIRA Law which opens the power sector from monopoly and oligarchy, and strengthening of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) especially in Subic and Clark economic zones.<br /><br /> Salceda stressed the present administration has solid achievement in terms of pursuing its goal in setting the thrust “BEAT THE ODDS” in consonance with the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010,<br /><br /> “The President wants to leave a legacy of a strong economy that works for the poor, secures peace, invest in the future—basically on education, and a lot more about on education reforms,” he concluded. (With reports from Marlon A. Loterte, PIA V)<br /><br /><strong>Nutricomnet-DOST holds cookfest on malunggay recipes</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Bicol and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), spearheads the Malunggay Recipes Regional Cookfest on Thursday (July 23) at the LCC Event Center here. <br /><br /> The cooking contest highlights the celebrations of the National Nutrition Month this July and the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on this third week of the same month. <br /><br /> Elementary pupils, who qualified from 13 school divisions-six provinces and seven cities in the region, are expected to participate in this regional competition. <br /><br /> Malunggay recipes featured in this competition will be developed and printed into pamphlets and brochures to be distributed to nutritionally-depressed barangays in the region. <br /><br /> Winning entries could also have potentials for technology adoption either for home or school use or enterprise development. <br /><br /> Based on the guidelines of the contest, all contestants are required to submit a certification of enrolment for the present school year from the school principal. There will only be one contestant per division. <br /><br /> Contestants are required to bring their own contest supplies, materials, ingredients, tools and equipment. They should be at the venue 20 minutes before the contest in their official school uniform with ID. Only the contestants, board of judges and contest administrators are allowed inside the cookfest area. <br /><br /> The recipe to be prepared either original or an innovation of an existing recipe is for a snack - easy to prepare, low cost, nutritious and can be sold in school canteens. It should yield 10 servings with nutrition contribution of 200 calories for the snack and two tablespoons powder for the drink. <br /><br /> The name of the recipe, its general description and process flow should be printed in a whole cartolina with black print to be displayed in a designated area. A copy of the entire recipe is required to be submitted at 1:00 p.m., July 23, 2009 before the contest proper to the NUTRICOMNET Secretariat. <br /><br /> This must consist of the ingredients, procedure, estimated total nutrient content, number of servings, total preparation/cooking time, estimated total cost based on prevailing supermarket price in Legazpi City , and estimated cost per serving. Props are not allowed during the presentation of the finished product. <br /><br /> Criteria in the selection of the regional winners consist of the following: Nutritive Value - 30%; Cost of Recipe per serving - 20%; Time of Preparation - 10%; Neatness and Orderliness - 10%; Proper Use of Utensils/Tools/Implements - 10%; Appearance of Food - 10%; and Palatability - 10%, a total of 100%. Major cash and consolation prizes, and plaques/certificates await the winners and non-winners, and their coaches. Judging in this contest is final and irrevocable. <br /><br /> NUTRICOMNET's full support and participation in this regional endeavor will go a long way in its efforts to improve the nutritional status of schoolchildren in the region. <br /><br /> Contestants are advised to contact NUTRICOMNET through Ms. Shirley B. Borja, Chair, Core Group at DepEd Region V (821-1143) or Dr. Pilita O. Lucena, DOST V at (052) 821-7930 for any other details regarding this contest. (POLucena, DOST V/PIA)<br /><br /><strong>Pagasa calls for year round disaster preparedness</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The country might be visited by 15 more typhoons in the remaining months of this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said here Sunday.<br /><br /> But Nathaniel Cruz, Pagasa acting deputy administrator for operation and services, said in a lecture-forum here that "it is not only typhoons that call for preparedness but also other hydro-meteorological hazards such as heavy and continuous rains, thunderstorms, cold fronts, easterly waves, intertropical convergent zones, and tropical cyclones."<br /><br /> "The Bicol region, particularly Albay province which is very prone to these weather disasters, including Mayon volcano's lahar, has put all preparedness measures in place, especially during floods and landslides that also occur amid mere heavy and continuous rains," Governor Joey Salceda told reporters during the open forum.<br /><br /><strong>Warnings</strong><br /> Bicol, which is closely similar to Batanes Islands when it comes to typhoons, needs to prepare not only during the typhoon season but also on a 365-day-a-year basis, according to Cruz.<br /><br /> "When there is typhoon, however, the people of Albay are no longer afraid because they have been trained to prepare themselves on the basis of the preemptive measures."<br /><br /> Although Mayon volcano is not posing any possible eruptive threat, Landrico Dalida Jr., assistant weather services chief of the Pagasa central office, warned Albayanos that the province is host to cloud formations that bring rains even without warnings.<br /><br /> "Warnings are there in the events of typhoons but during rains, it is the built-in initiative of the people of Albay that guide them against these hazards," Dalida said.<br /><br /> Salceda said the installation of the modern Doppler Radar System was on the way. The Doppler Radar to be installed in Catanduanes and Camarines Norte will form part of the upgrading of the Legazpi Weather Station into the Southern Luzon Weather Bureau.<br /><br /> The Doppler Radar System is financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, said Salceda.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-20496043205563224942009-05-28T00:29:00.000-07:002009-05-28T00:45:19.345-07:00<strong>Aboitiz now owns Tiwi and MacBan plants</strong><br /><br />The holding company for the Aboitiz Group's investments in power generation and distribution takes over two geothermal facilities May 26, 2009.<br /><br /> President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has turned-over to the Aboitiz Power Renewables (APR), the ceremonial keys of Tiwi and Makban Geothermal Plants, after the APR won the bid for the 20-year old facilities of the National Power Corp. (NPC). The ceremony will be held at the Makati office of the Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) which is mandated by law to dispose NPC's assets and liabilities. The APR's total bid price for these assets is $446.9 million.<br /><br /> The Tiwi Geothermal plant in Tiwi, Albay, north of Mayon volcano, has 289 megawatts (MW) capacity while Makban (which stands for Makiling and Banahaw) based in Laguna and Batangas provinces supplies 458.53 megawatts (MW) to the main grid of NPC, said PSALM Chief of Staff Atty. Conrad Tolentino.<br /><br /> Represented by Luis Miguel Aboitiz, president of APR, the company presented to the President a large facsimile check for P8 billion (as downpayment) for the two plants that are now operating at their rated capacities. The Aboitizes bought the plants to become a dominant renewable energy supplier of the country, Tolentino said.<br /><br /> A ceremonial awarding of the geothermal plants to the Aboitiz was earlier held, wherein the power firm has signed P8 billion wire transfer to PSALM, representing the 40 percent down payment for the plant. The PSALM in turn gave the papers of the plants to APR.<br /><br /> PSALM was created in 2001 to dispose the assets and liabilities of NPC. This is the twelfth plant that PSALM has sold even as it also works on the trimming down of NPC's foreign obligations through either bond flotation, power rate increases and other mechanisms, Tolentino said.<br /><br /> Only last week, PSALM was able to generate $1 billion of bond floats the part of which will be used to pay off the debts of NPC (totalling $17 billion) plus interests on these obligations so that consumers will not be burdened with power rate adjustments, Tolentino added.<br /><br /> Under the assets and liabilities management program of PSALM, part of the obligations are being passed to the consumers through either the ICERA (international currency exchange rate adjustments) or the basic fuel GRAM (generation rate adjustment mechanism).<br /><br /> The bidding for these plants began in September 2005 with 15 prospective bidders participating. The bidding date was set for the second semester of 2006, which, however, was delayed because of the non resolution of the issue on the effectivity of the Geothermal Resources Sales Contract (GRSC) between PSALM and Philippine Geothermal Inc. (now Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings Inc.). (PIA V Release)<br /><br /><strong>Consumer groups seek scrap of OATS</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The Albay Consumers Association (Alconas) is urging the office of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo to intervene in doing away with the Open Access Transmission Service (OATS) as it is feared to have caused difficulties in reducing power rates in the Luzon Grid.<br /><br /> Rafael A. Villar, an engineer and spokesman of the Alconas told the Dateliner that his previous letters to Arroyo have been favorably endorsed to the respective agencies of the power industry of the country.<br /><br /> Villar said the power outages and the problems on high rates of electricity can only be solved by prompt implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquitision - Energy Management System (SCADA-EMS) which modernized the whole sourcing and distribution systems of power within the Luzon Grid.<br /><br /> "Whevever the available surce of connected power load provided for 'Open Access' consumers is not coordinated or included in the 'Load-scheduling program' beign beforehand prepared by Systems Operator designated in any given time Area Control Center-Coverage, most likely and oftentimes will result to disruption, distortion, interference or even cause brownouts in the energy transmission systems or circuits," Villar said adding that the automatic load-shifting operations, under the SCADA-EMS system, for supply-feeders to its repective distribution feeders cannot be realized and, or attained. Hence, he said, energy utilization cannot be maximized. Instead enormous unnecessary 'system loss' is incurred.<br /><br /> "In the case involving Wholesale Spot Market Operations (WESM), our explanation and recommendation therein was to confine or limit operations in only one or two adjoining Area Control Center citing Singapore as successful along this line since Singapore Land coverage area is only 225 square miles, further, as to which source of available connected for cheaper-wholesale pricing is determined knowledgeably by one systems operator singly operating within his area control center-coverage," Villar explained in a mailed reply to a recently received response from the Malacanang.<br /><br /> Records will show that the privatization program of the government have long been overdue and delayed, "Schemes similar to corporate marauding schemes have allegedly been employed in the purchase and sale of NPC's geothermal power plants from NPC to <br /><br /> Chevron and from Chevron to succeeding present-day owners," the Alconas spokesman said.<br /> <br /> Villar said that since the issues involved are not only inter-agency (Gov't) related but has reached global-scientific research proportions, with ongoing excessive emission of carbon dioxide released by operating power plants worldwide, it is imperative that very urgent measures should be undertaken such as international regcognition of the people's Republic of China as having succeffully implemented the SCADA-EMS system in the communal electricity supply and distribution in its territory.<br /><br /> Villar said there is also a need to transfor the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) number one transmission firm in southeast Asia, as vowed by Zhang Oiquing, Director for International Cooperation of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).<br /><br /> A copy of a position paper submitted to Arroyo and addressed to the United Nation's Secretariat has been sought for endorsement by the Philippine Representative to the U.N. for appropriate action.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Biazon joins ‘Tour of Hope’ cervical cancer awareness campaign</strong><br /><br />By Rey M. Nasol and Mar S. Arguelles<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Health authorities sounded alarm bells on their route to Bicol over the rising incidence of cervical cancer among women, which is now the number two killer disease among women in the country. <br /><br /> Health advocates further cited cervical cancer kills at least 10 women everyday worldwide while some 9,000 Filipinas are suffering from this kind of disease in the country. <br /><br /> For this reason Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon, together with Cervical Cancer advocates, joined this year's Tour of Hope, entitled "XXX-Dare to be Bold" to spread his advocacy of cervical cancer prevention to women in Southern Luzon. <br /><br /> The Tour of Hope kicked off in Cong. Biazon's district of Muntinlupa last May 24 and will end in Camarines Sur on Saturday. The tour made stops in Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas and Quezon. <br /><br /> A joint project of Bravehearts, Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program (CECAP) for the Cancer Institute Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Creative Juice, Campaigns PR Inc., and in strategic partnership with Team David's Salon, the Philippine's first all-women multisport team, this year's tour will cover approximately 500 kilometers of the Southern Luzon and the Metro Manila area. <br /><br /> In each stop, doctors from the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program of the Philippines will be holding lay flora on cervical cancer and its prevention spreading the advocacy of cervical cancer prevention to women in these areas. The activity will also aid in promoting tourism and in providing much needed awareness that the Philippines has a lot of scenic biking destinations. <br /><br /> Biazon first partnered with CECAP to raise cervical cancer awareness in his own district. He allocated his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the purchase of a cryotheraphy unit and the training of local health providers in the "Single Visit Approach" for the screening, detection and treatment of the disease. <br /><br /> Through his initiative, the City Health Office of Muntinlupa earned the "Best Practices Award" in the year 2008. <br /><br /> Earlier this year, Rep. Biazon was awarded the title "Honorary Woman" by CECAP and SM Women's Committee for his commitment to the anti-cervical cancer program. <br /><br /> They recognized his efforts in consistently implementing health programs for the welfare of the women in his district. <br /><br /> Aside from the program with CECAP, he consistently conducts free medical missions with pre-natal check-up with ultrasound, CBC, blood typing and hepatitis B screening for expectant mothers. <br /><br /> Refusing to be confined to his own district, Biazon extended his time and effort in spreading the advocacy to other women. <br /><br /> He joined last year's Tour of Hope where more than 200 bikers covered 500 kilometers stretching from the province of Vigan down to Olongapo City. <br /><br /> Lay lectures were conducted on cervical cancer prevention and it was attended by over a thousand people spreading the advocacy up north.<br /><br /> <br /><strong>DOT infuses grant to Donsol’s Butanding eco-tourism project</strong><br />By Mike dela Rama<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has completed the second half of its infrastructure and skills development grant to the 'Whaleshark' town of Donsol to help the industry cope up with the needs of visitors, both foreigners and locals.<br /><br /> Bicol DOT regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said in a recent meeting of the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) that the last phase of the P2.5-million fund assistance to the province of Sorsogon for the establishment of various infrastructure and other tourism projects, has been released earlier this week. <br /><br /> "The first half of the grant was released first week of April and used for the construction of a Wellness Center in Donsol now being managed by the local government in partnership with the Donsol Therapeutic Association."<br /><br /> The DOT has identified unemployed residents in Donsol who underwent skills training. <br /><br /> "The therapeutic training to unemployed residents in Donsol is part of the livelihood enhancement program in the tourism sector," Ravanilla said. <br /><br /> But Ravanilla also said that other tourist destinations in Bicol region have been identified. "Most of them need additional fund for rehabilitation and construction of tourism related infrastructures." <br /><br /> "We are very strict in terms of tourism development specially when it comes to infrastructure," Ravanilla explained. <br /><br /> She explained that several proposed tourism development projects were submitted by private companies to the DOT but some of those have been denied for some reasons. <br /><br /> Ravanilla cited the decision of the DOT not to allow Globe Telecommunications to undertake a submarine cable project in Dancalan, Donsol. <br /><br /> She said that while the project is meant to upgrade the communication technology, it would put to risk the region's eco-tourism advantage and eventually hurt the livelihood gains being provided by the presence of whale sharks in Donsol. <br /><br /> The Globe project does not guarantee positive or negative effect on the presence of whale sharks in Donsol waters.<br /><br /> The present Donsol Eco-Tourism site is now the model of the Expanded GREET project and a pilot on the Philippine Rural Community-Based Tourism by the DOT. <br /><br /> The Donsol eco-tourism product on Whale Shark interaction has positively changed the income capacity of the local government, the reason that Donsol is now a third class town from being a fifth class municipality. <br /><br /> It has significantly increased the income of the direct private beneficiaries like Butanding interaction officers, Boat Operators, Hostelry and Food Beverages Facilities and Land Transport facilities. <br /><br /> Even Legazpi and Sorsogon cities, Ravanilla said, remarkably benefit in the venture with about 30 percent of the gross revenues from tourists. <br /><br /> Ravanilla also announced that Gayon Bicol Travel and Bath House are now operational. "Portion of the grant to Sorsogon was utilized for the establishment of Travel and Bath House," she noted. <br /><br /> Gayon Bicol Travel and Bath house caters to all travelers with complete amenities.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Farmers rising against Dante’s farm disarray</strong><br />By Emily B. Bordado, DA-Bicol<br /><br />Pili, Camarines Sur - Over 170 farmers from this province have enlisted to participate in the season-long (3 months) training on high value commercial vegetables production using the modern technology under the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program. This program initiated by the SM Foundation Incorporated (SMFI) in collaboration with HARBEST Agribusiness Corporation, the Department of Agriculture regional field office and the local government units.<br /><br /> The program aims to help farmers improve and increase their productivity and income through application of modern technology like the use of plastic green house and mulch, use of organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. <br /><br /> HARBEST Agribusiness Corp. will provide the seeds and other inputs including the technology. The DA will provide technical assistance, the training venue and the techno demo-site of 5,000 square meters located at the Bicol Experiment Station which shall serve as field-school for the participants. The SM Foundation with its chain of hypermart and supermart including the newly opened supermarket inside the SM Mall in Naga City will serve as the market arm for the successful farmer graduates of this training who will venture into commercial vegetable production after the training. It is also hoped that with this program local vegetable farmers would be able to produce quality vegetables for the local markets as substitute for vegetables brought in from other areas which are expensive. <br /><br /> The training program consists of lectures and hand-on training of the participants using the concept of the Farmers Field School, which is a group-based learning process that incorporates concepts and methods from agro-ecology, experiential education and community development. Participants will meet one whole day once a week for a total of 10 sessions or a span over 2 months. Luz Marcelino, superintendent of the BEST will serve as the project manager.<br /><br /> The launching was attended by Cristie Angeles, project director of SMFI, Dr. Jose V. Dayao, DA regional executive director, Arsenio Barcelona, president HARBEST, some private agribusiness entrepreneurs of the province, farmers, technicians, researchers and local media representatives.<br /><br /> Barcelona challenged the Bicolano farmers to produce their own vegetables because per their survey the vegetables available in the local market are not produced here but were brought either from North Luzon or from Mindanao that is why they are very costly. A big chunk of the cost being shouldered by the consumers for the vegetables they buy are actually the transport cost.<br /><br /> Ms. Angeles urged the farmers to be dreamers and risk-takers, just as the SM founder Mr. Henry Sy had been. She narrated how Mr. Sy started as an ordinary owner of a sari-sari store but not only dreamt but really worked hard to realize his dream. <br /><br /> Dir. Dayao for his part encourages farmers not only to be content with increasing production but also their income. He said Bicolanos should seize every available opportunity coming our ways such as this noble program. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Sagñay chosen site for global millennium school</strong><br /><br />SAGÑAY, Camarines Sur - The first global millennium school in Camarines Sur achieved another first with the choice of Nato High School here as the site of the first ever global millennium school of the country.<br /><br /> The millennium school is an offshoot of the Global Millennium School Design competition initiated by the advocates of the "Be Better Build Better" Program which main objective is to devise a school structural design that utilizes indigenous materials like bamboo that could withstand typhoons and rough monsoon weather. <br /><br /> Ground breaking ceremonies for the model school were held last Friday (May 15) at the Nato High School. <br /><br /> Officials of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur officials and municipal government here joined the representatives from the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Private Sector Disaster Management Network (PSDMN), Petron Foundation, ABS CBN Bayan Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd) and various stakeholders attended the milestone event <br /><br /> In his remarks during the ceremony, PSDMN chair Alex Escaño said that the support and cooperation of Governor LRay Villafuerte and the officials of the local government of Sagñay in pursuing the project set a good example to show the world that working together can achieve better result.<br /><br /> Taking the lead for the "Be Better Build Better" Program for the Millennium School are the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC/DND), DepEd, DSWD, DPWH, My Shelter Foundation, UAP and the PSDMN.<br /><br /> ABS-CBN Foundation and Sagip Kapamilya will sponsor the construction of the model school within the compound of Nato High School. <br /><br /> Present during the occasion were former board member Ernie Verdadero, architects Amado Tandoc, Jr. and Francisco Mañosa of UAP, Allan Victorino and Dani Bayani of Petron Foundation, Dr. Orfelina Tuy, ARD of DepEd Bicol and Dr. Emma I. Cornejo of DepEd Camarinees Sur; Aldwin S. Gonzales of ABS CBN Foundation; director Bernardo Alejandro IV, OCD R5; Engr. Nathaniel Mendoza, DepEd; municipal councilor Mariano San Felipe Jr. (DCAbad, PIA Cam. Sur)<br /><br /><br /><strong>BFP push safety drive in schools, dorms</strong><br /><br />SORSOGON CITY - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) city station here has slated inspection of all boarding houses and schools in this city in preparation for the opening of classes on June 1.<br /><br /> C/Ins. Renato Marcial, Sorsogon City fire marshal said this is part of the BFP's mandate to ensure the safety of our students especially that we are expecting a great number of them who will troop to the said place this school year 2009-2010. <br /><br /> Marcial has directed his fire safety inspectors to inspect all the schools and dormitories in order to abate hazards. <br /><br />"There are at least four schools that were inspected and have been issued notice to correct violations, most of these have nor or insufficient firefighting apparatus, such as fire extinguisher, no evacuation plan, padlocked fire exits and no emergency lights," he bared.<br /><br /> "Administrators or owners of these schools as well as boarding houses should comply with the fire safety standards being required to them, since this is for their own as well as for the students' safety," he added, as he appealed to those operators of dormitories to secure necessary permits before they should operate their own business.<br /><br /> Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Ronaldo Puno earlier ordered all fire bureau offices in the country to intensify fire safety inspection of all schools and dormitories frequented by the students.<br /><br /> He also reminded the BFP officials to be serious in the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines. <br /><br /> Since fire safety can not be compromised, Puno issued an order directing all City and Municipal Fire Marshals to issue notice to correct violations to those who are negligent or blatantly violating the provisions of the law. (BFP Sorsogon/PIA)<br /><br /><strong>Aboitiz invests US$150M more to upgrade, rehab Tiwi, Mak-Ban plants</strong><br /><br />Aboitiz Power Corp. will invest US$ 150 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the two geothermal power plants it acquired from the government. Aboitiz senior vice president Luis Miguel Aboitiz said the amount would upgrade the 289-megawatt (MW) Tiwi geothermal power plant in Tiwi, Albay and the 458.53-MW Makban (Makiling-Banahaw) geothermal plant in Laguna and Batangas province. <br /><br /> Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc., Aboitiz's subsidiary, acquired the two plants during an auction conducted by the state-owned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) last July for an offered price of US$ 446.89 million. <br /><br /> "The plants are more than 20 years old so we plan to increase [its capacity] from 462MW to 517MW in the next four years," Aboitiz told reporters shortly after the turnover ceremony of the Tiwi-Makban plant Monday. <br /><br /> President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo witnessed the turn over of the keys to Tiwi-Makban and the payment of the 40 percent down payment by Aboitiz amounting to P8.2 billion. <br /><br /> AP Renewables also paid PSALM another P492 million for land lease. <br /><br /> PSALM, through the National Power Corp. (Napocor), has attached a 400-MW supply contract to the geothermal facilities to attract investors. <br /><br /> Aboitiz said the firm was also looking at more possible acquisitions this year, particularly the contracts for the independent power producers administrators (IPPAs). <br /><br /> He said the company was interested in Casecnan and the San Roque hydroelectric power plants in Luzon. <br /><br /> The company is also interested to bid for the 600-MW Calaca and Limay coal plants. <br /><br /> Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said the successful bidding and turnover of Tiwi-Makban "boosts government's campaign on renewable energy sources." <br /><br /> PSALM president and chief executive officer Jose C. Ibazeta said the privatization of Napocor assets had contributed US$ 1.3 billion to government coffers so far.(PIA-5)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Automate elections in Mindanao and critical areas of concern: Biazon</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - In case the automation would not fully push through in the entire country, it is Mindanao and other hot spot areas of concerns that need to be prioritized in a partial implementation of the automated elections this coming 2010.<br /><br /> The original plan of the Commission on Elections (comelec) is the full automation of national and local elections but in case of its failure, and a partial automation would be considered as plan B, the agency should prioritize the perennial areas for previous election frauds particularly the touted 'dagdag bawas' shemes.<br /><br /> Muntinlupa lone district representative Ruffy Biazon said that Comelec still has ample time to implement the automation of the coming 2010 elections "But they must also be ready to go back to the traditional methods in case the automation does not materialized," he said explaining further that there should be no reason for the cancellation of the 2010 national and local elections as the so called 'No-El' and I don't think they (referring to orchestrators of the No-El) can pull off the scenario as they would just be inviting a political upheaval in this country," Biazon said adding his caution that the orchestrators behind the preservation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's seat are adjusting to other plans as manifested by an apparent abandonement of the Charter Change (Chacha) which he believes is just scripted to make people believe that Arroyo is no longer interested to continue in power.<br /><br /> In case of partial automations, Biazon said the Comelec should prioritize for implementation within Mindanao where even though less election related violence were reported, was touted for massive the dagdag-bawas.<br /><br /> Other identified areas of concern for violences in other parts of the country also need to benefit from any partial implementation of the automation in order to avert election cheating activities.<br /><br /> "I am anti Chacha and am against any amendment to the constitution before 2010 because it is not yet the right time," Biazon said.<br /><br /> Although Biazon admitted he sees some need for a charter change but those things need to be done after 2010 elections "I belive there is a need for amendments but it must be done beyond 2010 elections and we can't blame people from having doubts on sicerity of those who pushed chacha and eventually claimed there is no more chance for it this time."THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-66764291995933022782009-05-28T00:23:00.001-07:002009-05-28T00:41:39.691-07:00<strong>Retained OFWs work overtime yet underpaid</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - Due to the global economic challenges, Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) who were either laid-off or retain face difficulties of overworks. Job losers obviously stopped earning but job retainers double or even treble their duties for same salaries. Not spared from this report is a son of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Ernesto Bihis.<br /><br /> Retained workers at various countries have been complaining to the Dateliner through the modern communication such as social networks and the Yahoo Messenger (YM).<br /><br /> Bihis, said an example of this is his son who is working in Dubai but sought not to give company's name for the sake of his son who wanted to go back to the Philippines but was eventually convinced that he was still lucky to have the job and can manage to continue working as the Philippine consulate would closely monitor and look after their situation.<br /><br /> Among them is Richard Guivara, a supervisor of a coffee shop in Bahrain who has been experiencing hectic work loads after absorbing the work of those whose contracts were terminated by his company (which he sought not to be named) for cost-cutting measures due to the economic crisis.<br /><br /> Guivara said through the previous live online conversations that he had to splice his sleep times and work and "There have been no permanent shifting schedules since our company started to reduce the number of workers. The sad thing is that those of us who retained the job have to absorb all the works that were left by the laid-off workers."<br /><br /> Raymond P. Escalante, regional information officer of the DOLE-Bicol based here confirmed similar experiences have started to come to their offices both here and abroad. "The experience of overworks is being reported both by locally employed workers who were retained and the one coming from you for the sentiments of the OFWs," Escalante said adding that their Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in different countries particularly the middle east, are checking the contracts of the workers to protect them from abuses.<br /><br /> Escalante revealed that they are investigating through the intervention of the Overseas Workers welfare Administration (OWWA) the reported slashes in salaries of retained OFWs which aggravates their difficulties after in fact, having been absorbing duties of laid-off co-workers.<br /><br /> Director Bihis said the retained workers would really have to absorb some of the abandoned duties of the terminated workers "Some even reported having been left with no overtime pay opportunities. This is called management prerogative in order for companies to survive and the retained workers would really have to sacrifice a bit more. Bihis explained adding the situation is temporary and would be back to normal as the US economy is seeing brighter prospects within this year and onwards."<br /><br /> Escalante said the DOLE is encouraging the workers to be patient and love their job because it would be much more difficult to find a new job because companies even in the localities are also exercising austerity measures. "I myself had to reduce the number of workers in my franchise business and work loads have automatically been absorbed by those who were retained," Escalante said.<br /><br /> <br /><strong>Bunkol promotes Dinorado Rice at Kawa-Kawa Hill</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LIGAO CITY - Going up on foot hasten's your blood you would almost give up because of the stiff slope. You seek short rest in one of the stations of the cross and continue your trek. But ah!!! You see an emergency resting shed equipped with first aid devices and a standby rescue team to serve you for free.<br /><br /> If you are young, you manage to skip this amenity for sure. And upon reaching halfway, the cool wind starts to blow your sweat away as you start enjoying the panoramic view of Mayon Volcano from the east, the city from the north and the green mountains to the west. And finally, several cottages provide you with refuge and enable you to view the Dinorado planting festival with all-star-cast of the experienced upland farmers.<br /><br /> A hill called Kawa-Kawa in this city is showcasing nature and a beautiful tradition that will eventually enable people's food self-sufficiency.<br /><br /> On top of this hill rice farmers use "Bunkol" tools in planting Dinorado seedlings, a world-class rice variety of aromatic grains favored by wealthy families in Bicol. <br /><br /> Former Albay Gov. Fernando Gonzalez told the Dateliner "We hope to continue this program in the succeeding years to encourage farmers to plant Dinurado, an upland rice variety which is very good in texture, aromatic and of world-class quality. By this we also help people become self-sufficient in food especially now that we are experiencing the global financial crisis."<br /><br /> Bunkol (tool) is approximately 10 ft bamboo tube with knife-shaped metal on its tip to perforate the dregs, having a slot running its length. It is equipped with a wooden hammer, usually carvings of birds, or animals that create a 'tik-tok' sound as it touches the attached bigger bamboo tube. <br /><br /> As the farmer tills the ground, the reverberating hammer device produces far-reaching 'cow'shorn'-like sound combined with several others performing the work. Farmers, by tradition believe the sound they make, drive away bad spirits and encourage other farmers to join the planting through the 'bayanihan' system.<br /><br /> The Kawa-Kawa Hill, which now showcases the 'Bunkol' festival since its birth last year provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges from an elevation of about 236-meter elevation from the ground city proper.<br /><br /> What is interesting is that on top of the hill is what looks like a giant frying pan overlooking the city. Downhill is the Carmelite monastery and a resettlement area for the typhoon victims and those displaced by the most recent flashfloods from Mayon Volcano. <br /><br /> Around 40 upland farmers, with their women and children carrying Dinorado seedlings were sowing Dinorado seedlings in the 'bunkol' or 'hasok' manner which is a primitive way of farming still being practiced by here despite the modern technologies being employed by most farmers in the lowland areas. <br /><br /> The upland farmers work faster with their "bunkol tools" creating a humming sound while the women do the "budbod" (planting the grains) of the Dinorado on the small holes on the ground created by the Bunkol. <br /><br /> Former Albay Gov. Fernando Gonzalez said the bunkol type of farming is Dinorado rice planting introduced by the upland farmers' ancestors. <br /><br /> He said 'bunkol' is traditionally used as an instrument to communicate with fellow settlers who are situated in distant villages, especially those in hazard prone areas.<br /><br /> The planting which started last weekend and to continue this week is performed by 'experienced' upland farmers who among themselves are Bunkol practitioners that are earning extra income here for the enrollment of their children this coming June.<br /><br /> Gonzalez said that because of the introduction of modern varieties of rice, corn and other low-land crops, some farmers even in the upland areas have started to do away with dinorado, aside from their discouragement from unscrupulous traders who adulterated the seedlings of dinurado in the past years. "So we produce this pure dinorado here and give the seedlings to the farmers to help them revive the abundant supply of this very promising farming tradition which has a very good market potential," he said. <br /><br /> Last year's first planting of dinorado out of the 'Bunkol' method of planting produced 270 cavans. The selected grains became the seedlings for this season's planting and the remaining produce were sold to the market at 2 kilos to 5 kilos at most per customer in order to spread the product and reach more consumers through the Women's group newly organized in the downhill area of barangay Bonga, this city, where Kawa-Kawa is located.<br /><br /> Sonny Reantorco, 37 of Barangay Tastas, this city and one of the farmers participating in the bunkol planting of Dinorado said that this very tall variety of rice takes around four months before it can be manually harvested. "We heve our own upland farms but participating here has an additional benefit aside from the Bayanihan system because Mr. Gonzalez pay as much as P120 per day for each of us with free meals and even transportation to and from our homes," The jolly Reantorco explained.<br /><br /> Leticia Billy, 64 of barangay Pinamanikihan, also of this city said the farming is called 'Asok' with Bunkol as its main tool. "With this tradition which we were a part since our births, we are very happy and would continue to plant dinorado for the rest of our lives," Billy said.<br /><br /> Segundino Barbacena, 63 years old of Bonga, serves as the cook for the farmers, while Winny Billy, an inlaw of Leticia said they (the farmers) will continue to look after the rice when they start to grow until the next harvest time sometime in October this year.<br /><br /> Aside from Dinorado farming, the Kawa-kawa also includes the Eagle-Scout encampment for Boy Scouts of the Philippines, local chapter where they can conduct jamborees, and related exercises.<br /><br /> The Carmelite nuns also installed the 14 way of the cross where the stations of the cross (via cruces) is celebrated every holy week. "Last Holy week some 15 thousand people participated here and the crowd capped the Kawa-Kawa hill," Joel Balajadia, a resident of Guinobatan, Albay said<br /><br /> A total of 18 hectares of the upland portion of Kawa-kawa is dedicated to farming that also includes for pineapple's Hawaiian variety, corn, eggplants, and other vegetables.<br /><br /> "But aside from the dinorado, we are also propagating tree planting along the slopes to reforest the area to encourage the people to plant trees and reap the fresh air as they grow here and they can come here anytime without fear of paying any amount to the maintenance group because we never have a plan to commercialize this area," Gonzalez assured.<br /><br /> "Children, their friends, family members, relatives and visitors can come here and enjoy nature because nature is for free after all. You see, if you collect entrance fee, people will start to inhibit themselves especially those who can't afford. So without any pay they are free to come everyday and enjoy the playground for them away from the 'concrete jungle' down there.<br /><br /><strong>Group backs call for papal hand vs mining</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The different environment advocates here have supported a call to seek the intervention of Pope Benedict XVI in order to urge President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to give up on its permission to a foreign conducting open-pit mining in Rapu-Rapu island which scientists believe is not applicable in the area. This is their way of joining the worldwide celebration of the Earth Day, the organizers told the Dateliner.<br /><br /> The PANGATAMAN-Bikol (Bicol Center for Environmental Protection) and the Social Action Center of this city have started their new campaign in order to dramatize their sentiments against the mining activities in Rapu-Rapu, thus, a round table discussion over the weekend also became the venue for the public reading of the Bicol bishops' anti-mining letter to the pope<br /><br /> As read by his Most Rev. Lucilo Quiambao, D.D., Administrator of Legazpi the letter goes: “Your Holiness: We are writing you on a problem that may very well be beyond your immediate and urgent concerns, perhaps even too parochial as to reach your most august office. But our sense of hopelessness, after having tried our best to no effect, to deal with this problem within our means through proper channels, has pushed us to come to you for consolation,”<br /><br /> According to Engr. Virgilio Perdigon, the external vice-president of PANGATAMAN-Bikol Board of Trustees, “we welcome and support this letter to the Pope by the Bishops because it is a way to highlight the environmental degradation being experienced by the island of Rapu-rapu but the whole region as well. It is also good now that the different provinces of Bicol are represented here to know the updates on the destructive mining activities in their areas and to formulate a way to stop these,”<br /><br /> The letter further said “We are referring to the intransigence of the Philippine Government in allowing a multi-national company to continue an open pit mining operation on a small island (Rapu-rapu, Albay, Philippines) in the Diocese of Legazpi, within our ecclesiastical province, in spite of our appeals to have it stopped because of its destructive consequences on the island and its surroundings.”<br /><br /> “Even prior to the commencement of operations, various environmental groups have already opposed the project based on findings of many scientific investigations that declared the island unsuitable for mining because of the potential ecological damage it can bring into the island. Indeed, the island is geographically situated in such a way that is constantly vulnerable to typhoons and heavy rain. Considering further that the island is made up of such hilly terrain of steep slopes, scientists warned that the mine could have direct and long term environmental impact on the island through acid rock drainage and toxic discharges,”<br /><br /> “Opposition to the project grew all the more after two mining tailings spillage of October 11, 2005 and October 31, 2005, causing massive fish kills in and around the island...... All of these, however, Your Holiness, have fallen on deaf ears. We dare not seek your intercession for obvious reasons, particularly the sensitive political protocol it would involve. We are aware that we should be guided by your words that “Building a just social and civil order... as a political task... cannot be the Church's immediate responsibility.” (Deus caritas est, #28) “The Church ,' as you further said, “cannot and must not take upon herself the political battle to bring about the most just society possible.” (ibid.) Yet again, “... since it is also a most important human responsibility, the Church is duty-bound to offer, through the purification of reason and through ethical formation, her own specific contribution towards understanding the requirements of justice and achieving them politically,”<br /><br /> “In writing this letter to Your Holiness, we your brother Bishops of this far-away land, simply wish to share our pains with our Father, in the conviction that in this we would somehow find a sure source of hope, seeing this pain as a one rich variety of ways by which God makes His presence known to us,”<br /><br /> The letter was signed by Most Rev. Leonardo Legaspi, O.P., D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Arturo Bastes, SVD, D.D., Bishop of Sorsogon, Most Rev. Lucilo Quiambao, D.D., Administrator of Legazpi, Most Rev. Manolo de los Santos, D.D., Bishop of Virac, Most Rev. Joel Baylon, D.D., Bishop of Masbate, Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera, D.D., Bishop of Daet, Most Rev. Jose Rojas Jr., D.D. Bishop of Libmanan.<br /><br /> “We just hope now that the Philippine and local governments would act positively on our plea and not just pay lip service to the protection of our environment,” Perdigon said.<br /><br /><strong>Inventors’ center now in Legazpi</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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". <br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> He underscored that provincial businesses possess the capacity to become commercial successes and bring financial benefits to the country.<br /><br /> Provincial operations from August to December 2008 were positive, with 139 IP applications filed directly through the IPSOs. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> Cristobal noted that in fact, a number of priority SMEs and industry groups have already forged partnerships with IP Philippines.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /><strong>RDCC-Bicol on massive campaign vs. A (H1N1)</strong><br />By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - The Regional Disaster Coordination Council (RDCC) in Bicol has enlisted the support of concerned government agencies and the Media for its massive information campaign and preparedness efforts against the dreaded Influenza A (H1N1) virus after the country has been counted as 41st in the world watch against the contagious disease.<br /><br /> The RDCC's crisis management team is now headed by the regional office of the Department of Health's Regional epidemiological Surveillance Unit (DOH-RESU), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol regional director Raffy Alejandro announced during this afternoon's emergency meeting at the regional disaster management center.<br /><br /> Although Bicol had reported two cases (one from Tabaco City, Albay and in Naga City, in Camarines Sur) the region is still free from the virus strain as the suspected carriers were confirmed negative to A (h1N1) by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in metro Manila where they were immediately subjected for quarantine last month.<br /><br /> "The report was good for Bicol but the one confirmed case of A (H1N1) from Canada is not good for the country that is why we need to strengthen our preparedness at the local levels," Alejandro told the members of the crisis management team composed of the members of the RDCC.<br /><br /> Plans were laid down during the meeting which includes distribution of information materials, conduct of radio and school hopping, streamers, concert, advocacy broadcasts and the simultaneous (simulcast) airing of a 15-minute advocacy campaign among the local radio stations at a particular time of the day that would be determined by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).<br /><br /> "This will enhance the impact of the information among the people and correct misconceptions and start to alert all the people down the barangay levels to take the necessary precautionary measures before the virus reaches Bicol in case it would," Lt. Darwin Nieva of the Philippine Navy here said during the meeting.<br /><br /> Guidelines on dealing with patients and the contacts on and before the suspected case is reported are in place and would be relayed to the public as soon as the advertisement advocacy is releases.<br /><br /> Dr. Aurora Daloro head of the RESU said "the provincial health offices of Camarines provinces, Albay and Sorsogon have promised to bring suspected carriers of the virus to the designated referral hospitals and the RITM just like what Albay did for one case the was reported in Tabaco City and the one in Naga City. The respective ambulances, whose crew wore personal protective equipment (PPEs) transported the patients directly to the RITM where they were subjected to examination and treatment."<br /><br /> Daloro said that the health department is now capable of determining the suspected case if it is negative or positive to the A (H1N1) infection within a span of eight hours.<br /><br /> Likewise a designated hotline at the DOH-Bicol regional office based in Daraga, Albay was released for public who would relay information on suspected A (H1N1) carrier in the different levels. They are: (052) 483-0934-35, 483-0372, 483-5656 and local 509 where a team of shifting duty personnel are on standby 24-hours a day, seven days a week.<br /><br /> For active cases, Daloro said the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) in Legazpi City have designated their respective quarantine rooms and the persons who had contact with patients such as relatives and friends are advised to practice self-quarantine within their homes.<br /><br /> "District and municipal hospitals would also be utilized in worse case scenarios and even private hospitals would also be sought for support in case of intensifying spread of the virus occurs," Daloro explained.<br /><br /> Dr. Alan Lucanas of the DOH-RESU also said that they might recommend suspension of classes in case cases would put children into jeopardy.<br /><br /> At this point Lucanas has advised the public to minimize crowd gathering particularly those joined in by people from the earlier reported countries affected by the A (H1N1) virus.<br /><br /> Lucanas also advised people to properly cook meat products particularly pork. "It will help us prevent A (H1N1) and also tape worm which is also prevalent in Bicol region."<br /><br /> A (H1N1) which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) website, first discovered somewhere in La Gloria Mexico last April 17 to 23, this year has affected 41 countries and killed 85 people and infected some 11,035 persons worldwide including one in the Philippines which was confirmed by the health authorities.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Dti Bicol CLEEP now on stream</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY (18 May) - 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. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> The hired workers will receive an average allowance of P1,019.00 per month for six months.<br /><br /> DTI Bicol also hired 7 workers for the financial analyst (FA) position as FAs. <br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> And finally, two positions for the DTI V Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), regional coordinator and DTI-CARP Provincial Officer were filled up. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> The total fund/budget allocated for the CLEEP in the Bicol region is P2.9 million. (ACBelleza, DTI-V/PIA-V)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Teodoro tells Bicolanos to witness vs illegal loggers</strong>By Rey M. Nasol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY - National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. posed a challenge against all forms of illegal logging in Bicol to minimize the effect of climate change and global warming.<br /><br /> Teodoro has enticed witnesses against known personalities, even local or national leaders behind any existing massive tree cutting that have not been allowed by government regulations.<br /><br /> Residents have been blaming massive tree cutting activities in every corner of Bicol region as one of the causes of landslides in Catanduanes, Albay and Sorsogon areas.<br /><br /> This came after Teodoro together with Social Welfare Secretary Teresita Cabral and Civil Defense regional director Raffy Alejandro, conducted an aerial survey of the landslide site in Barangay Hubo, Magallanes, Sorsogon.<br /><br /> Although not all landslides are caused by forest denudations, Teodoro said landslide incidents could have been very minimal if the vegetation is preserved particularly in Bicol's provinces of Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate, and the Camarines areas.<br /><br /> He said that witnesses must not be distracted by the situation of Rodolfo Lozada Jr who is facing perjury charges.<br /><br /> "Secretary Atienza would take charge of this issue with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the NDCC will help arrest those illegal loggers because when it comes to the lives of the people we should prosecute those responsible," Teodoro said.<br /><br /> The Defense secretary said he would appreciate all informations with enough evidences that would put in jail anybody whether they are local government officials and other well-known personalities. "If there are civic-minded individuals they must not hesitate and rather push through with witnessing against illegal loggers, if there are, so that we have basis to prosecute illegal loggers," Teodoro explained.<br /><br /> Teodoro cited the case of Umbra Kato, a Muslim extremist who is now facing criminal charges because of the support of residents to authorities who are going after his alleged atrocities in Mindanao. "Many witnesses, even if they are left in their barangays have emerged to witness against Kato. You see, we did not start the investigation without basis. We had the statements of the active witnesses and secured warrant of arrest supported with evidences," Teodoro dared Bicol's possible witnesses against illegal loggers during a press conference this morning.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-23996347646084059272009-05-03T00:16:00.000-07:002009-05-03T00:29:01.304-07:00OFW kins need better unlimited broadband lines<strong>OFW kins need better unlimited broadband lines</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – Broadband users in the countryside are awaiting for full democratization of the internet especially the wireless and the Digital Subscriber's Line or DSL. Most families of Overseas Filipino workers, regardless of the location of their homes badly need internet for communicating with their loved ones in the comfort of their homes without the need to go to the downtowns to avail of internet service from cafés.<br /><br />Various sources, some of whom did not want to be named, said they have felt the need and helplessly went out of their way during the Holy Week when the public internet shops closed for several days in the observance of the holidays.<br /><br />"It is now very important for us to be connected on an unlimited basis but it is still very hard to get a fast connection outside the rural areas here in Legazpi and other parts of Albay," Rommel Moral of Camalig, Albay said.<br /><br />Moral eagerly reacted on Rep. Joseph Santiago of Catanduanes, chairman of the House of information and communications technology committee, who said that the House of Representatives may have to concede financial incentives in order to spur broadband service providers to invest in high-speed Internet access infrastructure in the countryside.<br /><br />In a statement, Santiagio former chief of the National Telecommunications Commission, said that three out of four Filipinos live in the rural areas. Connecting them to the world via broadband is absolutely imperative to build up the whole economy.<br /><br />"The current setup, although massively advertised, shows that only those living in the main thoroughfares have access to good quality of internet while even those in between towns particularly the people living near town boundaries have no other choice but to resort to prepaid wireless broadband services which costs P20 per hour," Moral lamented adding that the unlimited internet service costs only around P1.39 per hour but most have no access to the unlimited services because of the backlog.<br /><br />Reliable broadband access offers a lot of fresh opportunities to rural communities for small enterprises to grow and create jobs, for homes and schools to boost learning, for farmers to reach all potential markets and share new methods, even for ordinary people to simply communicate or obtain helpful information, he said. <br /><br />For instance, Santiago said a migrant worker would not have any incentives to invest in a personal computer at home if his small town still does not have dependable broadband access. <br /><br />With broadband access, the worker would be motivated to get a PC for his family here, since this would enable them to communicate cost-effectively via chat, e-mail, or calls over the Internet on Skype, check the crediting of a remittance to a local bank account, pay bills online, and so on, he said. <br /><br />Santiago said Congress might have to find ways to drive service providers to expand vital broadband infrastructure in rural zones that still do not have any access at all. <br /><br />One option is to offer tax credits to new investments. Another is to grant extra subsidies to local governments that support private broadband infrastructure deployment in their areas, he pointed out. <br /><br />In the US, Santiago noted that investments in current-generation broadband infrastructure in areas with zero existing access are entitled to a 20-percent tax credit. They also have a 10-percent tax credit for similar investments in underserved areas, he said. <br /><br />The total number of Filipinos subscribing to broadband services soared by 67 percent in 2008, reaching more than 1.3 million. <br /><br />However, Santiago said subscribers are still concentrated in highly urbanized cities. He said telecommunication service providers that offer current-generation broadband connections have been disinclined to invest in potentially less profitable rural areas <br /><br /><br /><strong>Quake jolt, cracks Church edifice</strong><br /><br />GUINOBATAN, Albay - Confessors of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish here were astonished while lining up for their turn to ask for forgiveness of their sins.<br /><br />"A quick rumbling sound from beneath the ground was followed by a jolt which reached intensity 5 to 6 in Guinobatan which might have originated from a local fault line that is why only intensity 2 was recorded at the Liñgon Hill Observatory in Legazpi City some 25 kilometers away.<br /><br />Rev. Father David R. Ramoso (Fr. Dave), the Parish Priest here said that he would seek the help of the municipal engineer to determine the stability of the structure to prevent any accident that might result from the cracks that were created by the earthquake. "In my observation, the cracks were on the cement finishes of the stone blocks that consisted the building and there is really no cause for alarm," Fr. Dave said this morning.<br /><br />However, some debris fell from the upper portions of the altar, from the belfry and at the entrance area.<br /><br />On the other hand, Volcanologist Ed Laguerta and his team of scientists from the Liñgon Hill observatory center in Legazpi fielded to Barangay Masarawag and other areas along the slopes of Mayon Volcano to inspect further signs of abnormalities. "The quake might be local fault line in origin, something that is not delineated to the major fault lines that is why there is discrepancy in the intensity in Legazpi and Guinobatan area," Laguerta said adding that they have to really check it out with Mayon Volcano as it manifests crater glows visible to the naked eye during past few days.<br /><br />"Based on our initial data the direction of the origin is pointing to the third district of Albay where Guinobatan is situated," Laguerta explained.<br /><br />"What is unusual with this earthquake is the vertical movement of the ground accompanied by rumbling sounds which occurred at around 6:37 and followed by another one at around 8.pm and then at 1:38 early this morning," Jovito Osorio said.<br /><br />Laguerta admitted that there are indeed local fault lines that are not delineated to the major fault lines but can cause similar events and he calls for more vigilance among the residents particularly those living near the landslide hazard areas and near the cliffs.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Balikatan docs to treat 1,500 pinoys daily</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- 24,000 indigent Bicolano villagers are expected to be cured of their illnesses as the RP-US Balikatan Humanitarian Mission 2009 doctors arrived this morning at Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola here, Col. Romeo Ayson of the Philippine Army Civil Military Operations for Joint RP-US Balikatan Humanitarian Exercises said this morning.<br /><br />"The respective local government units' health officers of the selected beneficiaries shall determine the priority illnesses based on their data base so that the Medical Civic Action Program (Medcap) of the balikatan would reach out to the needy at designated dates.<br /><br />Major Marlon Bayhon, a pharmacist by profession and also an aeronautics mechanic who is the Medcap team leader, the US purchased the medicines from local suppliers after carefully selecting them upon approval of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).<br /><br />"A 2-day Medcap is allocated for Irosin Patag, and 3-days at Barangay Alindogan, Juban Sorsogon. In Masbate we shall also extend medical assistance to the towns Bagacay, Marcella, Uzon, and Mobo is Catanduanes. In Albay, we will conduct medical missions at Libon, Cotmon, Camalig, Guinobatan and the city of Ligao," Bayhon said.<br /><br />Major Anne B. Roberts, US Navy Lt. Commander who is the Media Relations Coordinator for Medcapsaid "We will cure skin diseases, Gastro-intestinal problems, circumcisions, optometric services and even veterinary medical assistance such as deworming, minor wound treatments and anti-rabies vaccination of pets. <br /><br />Roberts added that their target beneficiaries are 1,000 to 1,5000 per day at any given area to be served by two simultaneous teams composed of 18 representatives from the US side and 19 personel from the Philippine counterpart. "Each patient may avail of several hundreds of dollar cost for his or her medication while special cases such as major surgeries would be referred to designated major government hospitals.<br /><br />The RP-US Balikatan Humanitarian Exercises will formally be launched on April 17, this year but the engineering teams came ahead to meet their deadlines. "Due to our experiences out of previous balikatan, we decided to start the engineering works as early as April 1 to see to it that all constructions of roads and school buildings would be fully finished once they are turned over to the respective local government units at the end of the Balikatan Exercises," Maj. Bayhon told the said in an interview.<br /><br />Earlier, apart from infrastructure development, Guinobatan residents, in Albay and its leader have manifested a unique view of the RP-US activities. They want to avail of medical services and the free medicines to cure their illnesses and avail of dental as well as medical checkups. <br /><br />Mayor Juan Garcia expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian exercises and said earlier that his people want the Medcap on top of the other Balikatan Humanitarian Missions. <br /><br />"Although we still need more infrastructure developments, we would go for their medicines because they are very potent and the free services save us from the spiraling cost of medications from private institutions, Jovel Ortiola of Barangay Travesia here said Tuesday. <br /><br />Guinobatan, which was severely devastated by Reming recovered from infrastructure damages after the Bicol Calamity Assistance for Rehabilitation Efforts (BCARE) completed its P10 billion implementation in the region, whose chunks was allocated here. <br /><br />Col. Ayson added that aside from the doctors, pharmacists and nurses from balikatan, the respective local health officials and their Barangay Health Workers will also assist the group.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyobPoisoeyVRPZfTfKmklWKqrhNkN-lGjD3Pdr7s9N-MsxPckopnoDKGIyQaXx7-2iT4pcc8NT72BKQoxG4ZMdbbzxPXaTYBIwT3JkHZ5zG9iZa9DXiq0Cmfsfpkv_L-u1iAOfVibsdc/s1600-h/Drill+Machine.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyobPoisoeyVRPZfTfKmklWKqrhNkN-lGjD3Pdr7s9N-MsxPckopnoDKGIyQaXx7-2iT4pcc8NT72BKQoxG4ZMdbbzxPXaTYBIwT3JkHZ5zG9iZa9DXiq0Cmfsfpkv_L-u1iAOfVibsdc/s400/Drill+Machine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331495247361018530" /></a><br /><br />USON, Masbate -- Potable water will come out of this deep well being drilled by machines to help the resident of Sawang, Uson, Masbate do away with traditional open-wells that are often contaminated with bacteria during heavy downpours The contuously flowing water shall be impounded into a concrete reservoir and for distribution to the whole Sawang residents and nearby communities for free.<br /><br /><br /><strong>RP, US to probe prostitution allegations</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied reports that the American servicemen here in Bicol for the month-long RP-US Balikatan exercises, have been provided prostitutes.<br /><br />Lt. Col. Neneveigh L. Alcovindas, public information officer of the Balikatan mission, said on Monday he was saddened by the report alleging that eight to 10 women were being "delivered" every night to hotels to have sex with the servicemen.<br /><br />Even if he had issued a denial on behalf of the AFP, Alcovindas said he and his US counterparts have been discussing the matter after the story came out on page one of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.<br /><br />"We have an ongoing joint investigation on this allegation and I have coordinated with US Balikatan public information officer Shane Montgomery," Alcovindas said.<br /><br />He said Montgomery had assured him that the servicemen were maintaining the highest standard of professionalism and giving due respect to the Filipinos' sensibilities.<br /><br />"It is true that there were some tourists billeted in various hotels in Legazpi City due to the ongoing Magayon Festival but it could be a case of mistaken identity and the Balikatan servicemen were instead pinpointed," he added.<br /><br />Tourists rather than the US servicemen might be the targets of the flesh trade but the Balikatan teams were not involved in the 'mess,' the official assured.<br /><br />555 nurses under ‘NARS’ prgram deployed in Bicol<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Some 555 registered nurses have already been dispatched since April 3 to 80 localities across the Bicol region under the Nurses Assigned to Rural Service (NARS) program, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here.<br /><br />In a radio interview at the Ugnayan sa Bikol of PIA, Technical Service and Support Division chief Jose Banda of DOLE Bicol said the newly-hired nurses already underwent orientation on the training modules conducted by DOLE field offices in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon which commenced last April 1.<br /><br />"The Provincial Training Teams (PTTs) composed of representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), academe, the Provincial Health Officer, and Head of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have conducted the orientation activities," he added.<br /><br />The NARS Program is one of the job generation programs of the government, that prioritize registered nurses who remain unemployed and whose family member was displaced by the present global economic meltdown.<br /><br />The newly-hired nurses are deployed at an average of 5 per town or city in the identified 3rd and 6th class municipalities and cities for a six-month tour of duty.<br /><br />"While on training, hired nurses would be given a stipend of P8,000 per month, while DOLE Bicol has been lobbying to the local chief executives encouraging LGUs to provide additional incentives to the nurses assigned in their areas," Banda related.<br /><br />"The NARS program will be implemented in two batches, the first batch started April 3 while the second batch will be dispatched in October this year," he added.<br /><br />"Upon finishing the six-month contract, the hired nurses will be given a certificate of completion which can add to their qualifications if they intend to apply for work here or abroad, " he bared. <br /><br />He said that some P5.3 million have been allocated for the Bicol region for the NARS program.<br /><br />The NARS program was launched by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last February as part of the government's efforts to generate jobs for the unemployed workers in line with the pump priming strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of the global financial crisis on the Filipino workforce. (MALoterte, PIA V)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzLzQ0G1cLH6-rbAPtdLKpHAHCSJKrO7Tbwzo1ueLrT489ux0D5xfUelMYSoPgrnQlPiiKWJcwKa2VXu86XJ1dwDsrMZjvEnZe2ixBjO3Ch9bETzNPyVBBHlan8mia7iVpyF_tIH6DEA/s1600-h/DApDAp+School.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzLzQ0G1cLH6-rbAPtdLKpHAHCSJKrO7Tbwzo1ueLrT489ux0D5xfUelMYSoPgrnQlPiiKWJcwKa2VXu86XJ1dwDsrMZjvEnZe2ixBjO3Ch9bETzNPyVBBHlan8mia7iVpyF_tIH6DEA/s400/DApDAp+School.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331494035973160210" /></a><br /><br />USON, Masbate -- US soldiers are halfway with their construction of a 3-room building at Barangay Dapdap, Uson Msbate as part of the Humanitarian assistance of the US to the Philippine's far-flung communities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxbpmWVylyN7n7hnphhCgrE6ZyDWF65ZSdSneYySnAhbUoalXVY3A9Vz1Iem6YGCMXKKkXsX51uqKYh4NND6mUIChErhi1TeweRuzEKJvM1VCcY5CwKN-YDna9CJwefYsIQwx5N4gJxE/s1600-h/Dapdap+water+system.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxbpmWVylyN7n7hnphhCgrE6ZyDWF65ZSdSneYySnAhbUoalXVY3A9Vz1Iem6YGCMXKKkXsX51uqKYh4NND6mUIChErhi1TeweRuzEKJvM1VCcY5CwKN-YDna9CJwefYsIQwx5N4gJxE/s400/Dapdap+water+system.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331494790414889826" /></a><br /><br />USON, Masbate -- US soldiers are rushing for the deadlines to put up foundation of a water reservoir in Barangay Dapdap, Uson Msbate as part of the Humanitarian assistance of the US to the Philippine's far-flung communities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7ge1KuEe5LjB5iS_H1mrVQuGTChDBuvBCeentumJV1FrjuH6_HKLDtnGQFJ8fKu7g-qH0RjYek1OaD1m1rbSn7nWSlpPqQzjUynmBFQJfpsZen270sPIcaDELJCP9xmx6WIpjOxYw6E/s1600-h/Mixer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7ge1KuEe5LjB5iS_H1mrVQuGTChDBuvBCeentumJV1FrjuH6_HKLDtnGQFJ8fKu7g-qH0RjYek1OaD1m1rbSn7nWSlpPqQzjUynmBFQJfpsZen270sPIcaDELJCP9xmx6WIpjOxYw6E/s400/Mixer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331495743470485730" /></a><br /><br />USON, Masbate -- Two US soldiers load sand into a mixer for the construction of the 3-classroom school building in Dapdap, Uson Masbate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvH-jnaqurgzuvmlw7mbg7IwOwHLxo7T1bQXleteLckpbGIdYkvatcwUznCVeAr1HaKAm-hH99yYuZaiseYa4XsNrVoze8elt4wCuwV5DViKEYUVgNiSG5FHIOcG_TM4TviNrDV9N0xk/s1600-h/Reservoir+Foundation.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvH-jnaqurgzuvmlw7mbg7IwOwHLxo7T1bQXleteLckpbGIdYkvatcwUznCVeAr1HaKAm-hH99yYuZaiseYa4XsNrVoze8elt4wCuwV5DViKEYUVgNiSG5FHIOcG_TM4TviNrDV9N0xk/s400/Reservoir+Foundation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331496273698251458" /></a><br /><br />USON, Masbate -- US soldiers erest the foundation of the water tank in Barangay Dapdap of Uson, Masbate to serve as water reservoir of one of the deep wells being drilled in two separate villages of this town, the other is in Barangay Sawang.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-73161087303511493732009-04-18T03:30:00.000-07:002009-04-20T16:56:22.454-07:00Spend ‘stimulus’ slowly: Salceda<strong>Spend ‘stimulus’ slowly: Salceda</strong><br />By Mike dela Rama<br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) chief and Albay Governor Joey S. Salceda reiterated his call on government to adopt a "slow burn" rather than a big jolt spending strategy. <br /><br />This means that the P330-billion stimulus package should be stretched to a span of three years to allow government to keep on stimulating the economy. <br /><br />"The global economy crisis will be deeper, broader and longer that could last for three years," Salceda told local media here. <br /><br />He said there are no cures, only cushions that should tide the country through the end of the cycle. <br /><br />He also urged members of the Bicol RDC to immediately implement projects under the Medium Term and Public Investment Program (MTPIP) and the Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP). <br /><br />Governor Salceda identified social protection measures to cushion the impact of the ongoing crisis, such as keeping schoolchildren in school, granting universal PhilHealth benefits, and sustaining the conditional cash transfers (CCT) program. <br /><br />He added that most of the unemployed persons belong to the 15-21 age group who should be in school. By putting them back to school and keeping them in school, unemployment is reduced and human capital is developed. <br /><br />Finally, he advised government to forego tax cuts, which do not increase money supply and thus have less impact as an economic stimulus. <br /><br />The RDC chief also urged all local government units and other government agencies in Bicol to immediately observe belt tightening mechanisms specially this coming summer vacation in order to provide emergency employment for students and out school youths. <br /><br />Salceda's call was based on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's directive for government agencies to reserve 1.5 percent of their maintenance, operating and other expenses (MOOE) for emergency employment, saying that the combined P7 billion plus in savings would be enough to hire some 150,000 Filipinos. <br /><br />"In the province of Albay we have certain allocations from our local fund to accommodate students and out of school youths this vacation," Salceda said. <br /><br />"The President's measure is laudable to help the poor in cope up with the present economic challenges brought by the global crisis," the governor added.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN9sJytQ-vbA0WD8lb4DQCNnL0NCIuZouL84HWHnxZLRwq-JifoiDNhXlPLqL1rot-Cy714z0TDDOZm8wRRb76nBoulYmLyj3GVlp8xaY6-bDFHv409FAPVAn_KWFgY5E_ROYEeVKQSw/s1600-h/Pa+and+child+farmers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN9sJytQ-vbA0WD8lb4DQCNnL0NCIuZouL84HWHnxZLRwq-JifoiDNhXlPLqL1rot-Cy714z0TDDOZm8wRRb76nBoulYmLyj3GVlp8xaY6-bDFHv409FAPVAn_KWFgY5E_ROYEeVKQSw/s400/Pa+and+child+farmers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325981525482923458" /></a><br /><strong><em>A father and his daughter at the F.V. Pagkamoot Gawad Kalinga Village in Cadlan, Pili Cam. Sur plant the seedling of hope to ensure a hungry-free future for their family during the launching of Bayan-Anihan project , the food sufficiency program being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Gawad Kalinga and other partners to eradicate hunger among food deficient families.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Farmers see hope in climate change adaptation</strong><br />By Mike dela Rama<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY --Modeling studies undertaken by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on the potential impact of climate change on dryland crops show that the drop in yields can be minimized through the use of adapted and improved crop varieties plus soil and water management innovations. <br /><br />The interventions can be further strengthened through developing improved varieties and hybrids that are better targeted for climate change adaptation including enhancing capacities of the farming communities. <br /><br />Nhong Rangasa, executive director, Center for Initiative on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), said that studies conducted by ICRISAT show that climate change will modify the length of the growing period across the semi-arid tropics of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but this can be dealt with by re-targeting and re-deploying the existing crop varieties. <br /><br />The impact of climate change on dryland crops is expected to be two-fold - there would be an increase in temperature, and there would be increased frequency of droughts and floods. <br /><br />"The studies show that predicted temperature increases have greater negative impacts on crop production than relatively small (plus or minus 10 percent) changes in rainfall," Rangasa said. <br /><br />According to him, in the Philippines specially in Bicol region, climate proofing is one of the initiative to protect the agriculture sector from Climate Change. <br /><br />The adoption of currently recommended improved crop, soil and water management practices, even under climate change, will result in substantially higher yields than farmers are currently obtaining in their low input systems. <br /><br />The adaptation of better "temperature-adapted" varieties could result in the almost complete mitigation of climate change effects that result from temperature increases. <br /><br />On the other hand, Dr. William Dar, Director General of ICRISAT, said in a statement said that better formulated and targeted policies that facilitate and support the conduct and adoption of agricultural innovation today assume even greater urgency. "Not only will they improve the welfare of rural population today but will do a great deal to cope with the impacts of future climate change." <br /><br />Allocation of improved financial resources and policy support to agricultural research to enable dryland crops to overcome the adverse impacts of climate change will help the poor farmers of the semi-arid tropics to sustain their productivity and their incomes in the medium and long term, Dar said. <br /><br />ICRISAT studies have generated a "hypothesis of hope", which states: The impact of climate change on the yields under low input agriculture is likely to be minimal as other factors will continue to provide the overriding constraints to crop growth and yield. <br /><br />ICRISAT's Operational Research Plan (ORP) to deal with climate change adaptation in the semi-arid tropics is based on a two-fold objective: <br /><br />Unless risk averse and vulnerable farming communities in the semi-arid tropics are empowered to cope better with current season-to-season rainfall variability through improved climate risk management, adapting to future climate change will be a daunting challenge for most and perhaps impossible for many. <br /><br />Since a lead time of many years is required to produce 'finished products' of adapted germplasm, ICRISAT's research is combining ex ante (before the event) assessments of the impacts from climate change scenarios on the performance of the Institute's mandate crops. These assessments will project what are the required crop characteristics that will reduce the negative and exploit the positive impacts of climate change. <br /><br />The crops on which ICRISAT works - pearl millet, sorghum, chickpea, groundnut and pigeonpea - are by themselves hardy and drought tolerant. By strengthening these crops to be resilient to withstand the negative impacts of climate change, ICRISAT is ensuring that the poor dryland farmer copes with it and sustains his/her agricultural productivity and income.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Chinese journalists are Albay's trainees</strong><br />By Marlon Loterte, PIA-Bicol<br /><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- SEVEN Chinese media practitioners from Shanghai, China visited this province for a briefing on climate and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA).<br /><br />Manuel Nong C. Rangasa, executive director of the CIRCA, said that the foreign guests who came from different media networks in Shanghai, China had viewed several video footages of the worst places hit by the super typhoon Reming last 2006.<br /><br />The Chinese nationals were Xu Jin Gen, Chen Q, Qui Fangfang, Qian Zheng, Dajian Zhu, Wang Haiyan and and Yiqi Yang who came from CBN, British Consulate, General Shanghai, Tongji University, Jiangsu Modern Express and Wenhui Daily, respectively.<br /><br />They also toured the areas of Maipon, Guinobatan and Padang, Legazpi City, which were worst hit by the typhoon claiming the most number of casualties in the province.<br /><br />Rangasa added that the CIRCA shared with the Chinese journalists the recent studies and findings on climate-related risks in the province and other areas in the Philippines, introducing concrete disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation options for the most vulnerable communities in the Philippines.<br /><br />Albay province, under the leadership of Gov. Joey S. Salceda, is the first province in the country to launch and initiate program on climate change adaptation dubbed "Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2)," being one of the most vulnerable province to extreme weather impacts and climate change in the country.<br /><br /><br /><strong>13 new barrio-based projects up in Bicol</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- Thirteen out of 59 additional projects of the Kalayaan Barangay Program (KBP) of the Arroyo Administration are set to be implemented in the Bicol region this year. <br /><br />Presidential Assistant for Bicol Assistant Secretary Tomasito B. Monzon said in a statement that the additional number of KBP projects in the region will be carried out mostly in Albay province, where nine barangays from Guinobatan such as Lomacao, Upper Binogsacan, Malipo, Mauraro, Mapaco, Maguiron, Quibongbongan, Ongo and Sinungtan; another two in Jovellar - Sinagaran and Estrella, Rawis in Pio Duran; and Talisay in Oas. <br /><br />To date, 79 barangays in the three provinces of Bicol benefited from the KBP. <br /><br />Sorsogon got 54, the biggest chunk of all the component of the KBP projects, Albay, 43 and Camarines Sur, 16. <br /><br />The first batch of KBP projects were reportedly near completion this year with 113 or 87.90 percent of the 129 total projects completed as reported by 565th Engineering Construction Battalion, 51st Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army, the implementer of the project. <br /><br />Monzon, who is also the Regional Kalahi Convergence Group (RKCG) chairman, said that the additional KBP projects are derived from the original 200 barangays earlier identified to be financed by P1 billion government funds. <br /><br />The chosen barangays, Monzon said will be allotted P4.5 million worth of projects like farm-to-market road (FMR), water system, school building, electricity and health facilities. <br /><br />At this early, he revealed that a seven-day survey inspection for Rapid Needs Appraisal (RNA) of the 13 barangays included in the next batch of KBP beneficiaries had been conducted last March 10-13 and 16-19 by a team composed of inter-agency focal persons. <br /><br />RNA aimed to re-validate the original list of needs identified by barangay officials few years ago. "We want to ensure that right projects will be given priority," Monzon explained. <br /><br />Monzon said KBP is one of government mechanisms for a focused, accelerated, convergent, expanded and strategic effort to reduce poverty particularly in remote barangays in the country. It also aimed to pursue improved governance and empowered communities. <br /><br /><strong>Scientists find way to improve peanut industry </strong><br /><br />SORSOGON CITY -- EXPERTS are developing a technology that would eliminate aflatoxin contamination plaguing the Philippine peanuts to stimulate industry growth by way of producing high quality products for market expansions. <br /><br />Aflatoxin is a toxic compound produced by a mold fungus in agricultural crops, especially peanuts and in animal feeds that have not been carefully stored. It can cause hepatitis and liver cancer, studies show. <br /><br />The contamination has been the major problem of the peanut industry and its products are usually subjected to rigid testing and inspection at the ports of countries where they are shipped to prevent entry of highly contaminated products. <br /><br />In the U.S. and U.K., the enforced maximum levels of aflatoxin in foods are 20 parts per billion (ppb) and four (ppb), respectively, while consumers demand and the world export commodities susceptible to the contamination however are pushing towards zero tolerance. <br /><br />In the Philippines, there is no other method that peanut product manufacturers can use to reduce aflatoxin levels except for manual sorting of raw peanuts to separate kernels that are not fit for processing. <br /><br />A study had already been undertaken for manual sorting of peanut kernerls and it yielded favorable results. <br /><br />Department of Agriculture (DA) regional executive director for Bicol Jose Dayao said the study was undertaken to develop a technology for manual sorting of peanut kernels to eliminate aflatoxin contamination. <br /><br />The process was recently developed at the Food Development Center using a prototype roaster to test the applicability of the blanching procedure. <br /><br />Results from the laboratory and pilot-scale tests and verification trials showed that the manual sorting of raw peanuts was efficient in separating contaminated kernels whether contamination in raw materials is high or low, Dayao said. <br /><br />Sorting should be performed regardless of a negative test foraflatoxin, to ensure that aflatoxin contaminated kernels are removed, the study showed according to Dayao. <br /><br />These results provided support in the transfer of the sorting technology to peanut product manufacturers and companies that use peanuts as an ingredient especially were environmental conditions are favorable for mold growth, he explained. <br /><br />If the sorting technology is implemented by the food industry, it will protect consumers from the potential public health threats of aflatoxin, the DA regional chief executive said. <br /><br />The project is a collaborative effort of the University of Georgia (UGA), GA, USA, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the College of Home Economics, UP in Diliman, Quezon City, and the Food Development Center of the National Food Authority, Taguig, Metro Manila. <br /><br />The Peanut-Collaborative Research Support Program (P-CRSP) of the UGA, the management entity under the provision of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), supported the undertaking, Dayao added.(DOC)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Training on disaster reduction set for Albay vice mayors, dads</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- THE Center for Initiative and Research on Climate Change (CIRCA) of Albay is set to conduct a three-day comprehensive training for all vice mayors and councilors on mainstreaming of climate change development planning. <br /><br />Manuel Rangasa, CIRCA executive director, said the training aims to review the protocol of Comprehensive Land Use Plan with climate change hazards and to ensure the new approaches to mainstream climate risk management, information and developing into national budgeting process. <br /><br />Rangasa said all local elected officials are encouraged to implement climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures. "The role of the local legislators is so important in creating necessary measures specially on Comprehensive Land Use Plan," he said. <br /><br />"Since the city and municipal councils are the legislative bodies of LGUs, their awareness on climate change issues and concern is important in formulating policies," Rangasa said. <br /><br />Participants in this training are expected to come up with aggressive policies with focus on disaster proofing, sustainable soil management, education and information. <br /><br />According to Rangasa, failure of the land use plan will definitely affect the entire development plan of a certain local government unit. <br /><br />"There is also a pressing need to prioritize community-based approach to disaster risk management that focuses on preventing or reducing disaster risk, mitigating socio-economic and environmental impacts of disaster," Rangasa added. (Mike dela Rama) <br /><br /><strong>C’Sur hosts ‘09 WWA wake park world champs</strong><br /><br />PILI, CamSur - Camarines Sur will once again take center stage in the extreme sports limelight when Governor L-Ray Villafuerte partners with the World Wakeboard Association (WWA) to stage the five-day WWA Wake Park World Championships at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) on March 25 to 29 this year. <br /><br />This will be the second consecutive year Camarines Sur hosts the competitions, unprecedented in the history of the WWA World Championships which have never been played anywhere else outside the United States except last year. <br /><br />Camarines Sur's successive selection as venue of this year's world wakeboard games all the more confirms the reputation of CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) as the best cable wakeboard park in the world. <br /><br />No less than a total contingent of foreigners, 300 to 500 of the top riders from all over the world will attend the competitions, the event actually a triple-contest and dubbed by the WWA as the "largest collective wakeboarding event to date". <br /><br />Alongside with the 2009 WWA Wake Park World Championship pulled behind the cable, Governor Villafuerte will again open host the first stop of the WWA Wakeboard World Series during the week and the Cam Sur Riders' Cup will kick off the World Series behind the boat, with all the world's top riders expected from some 25 countries competing for a chance to become the WWA Wakeboard World Series champion at the end of the season. <br /><br />With the added Rail Park at the CWC, the five-day event will also include one of the most highly anticipated contests behind the revolutionary Sesitec System 2.0 with three professional and three amateur divisions. <br /><br />Professional Men Wakeboarders will be collecting points to determine an overall winner of the entire event. The divisions that will be included for the Pro Men Wakeboard category will be the Pro Men Wakeboard division during the Cam Sur Riders' Cup (boat), the Pro Men division in the WWA Wake Park World Championships (cable), the Obstacles Only division during the WWA WakePark World Championships (cable) and the Pro Men Wakeboard division of the CWC Rail Park Contest (System 2.0). <br /><br />The rider with the most cumulative points in these four divisions at the end of the event stands to collect US$8,000. <br /><br />There will also be a similar cumulative race during the week for Professional Wakeskaters as well. They will compete in three divisions to crown an overall winner in the wakeskate category including the Pro Wakeskate division during the CamSur Riders' Cup (boat), the WWA Wake Park World Championships (cable), and the CWC Rail Park Contest (System 2.0). The Wakeskate Champion will receive US$4,000. <br /><br />Further inquiries may be entertained directly by the World Wakeboard Association (407) 362-7841 or EventOrganizer@thewwa.com and registration filed via internet at www.thewwa.com/WPWorlds09Pre2.shtml. (GBClaveria, MMEC/PIA) <br /><br /><br /><strong>Outstanding Daet youth group hailed</strong><br /><br />DAET, Camarines Norte - Seven youth organizations in this municipality have been cited by the municipal government here under the Annual Search for Outstanding Youth Organizations of Daet awards program.<br /><br />The Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Sorority of Camarines Norte State College notched the top place, followed by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Camambugan and the Scouts Royale Brotherhood scoring the third spot.<br /><br />Other youth organization-awardees were the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Youth Association, Sigma Lambda Phi Fraternity and Sorority Camarines Norte Chapter, Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Magang and Young Christian Workers of Camarines Norte State College.<br /><br />The awards program for the youth intends to recognize the exemplary contributions and services of the youth organizations of Daet to the community building and development of the society.<br /><br />"The municipal government is giving due recognition to these outstanding youth organizations in Daet for their vital role as pillars and future leaders of the community," stated Sangguniang Bayan member Hon. Joan Kristine Tabernilla, who authored the Municipal Ordinance 153 adopting the Annual Search for Outstanding Youth Organizations of Daet awards program.<br /><br />It can be recalled the Tabernilla was one of the awardees of the Search for Kampeon ng Kabataan as Young Legislator, cited for her SB Resolution No. 078 and Municipal Ordinance 153.<br /><br />"The winners also received incentives and will represent Daet in the regional and national competitions for outstanding youth organizations which can give our town honor and recognition," she added.<br /><br />Present during the awarding ceremony were Daet Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion, Camarines Norte Board Member Romeo Marmol, Usec. Edgar C. Galvante of Dangerous Drug Board, Commisioner Precilla Marie Abante of National Youth Commission and DILG MGOO V Estela E. Dames.<br /><br />The awards program, an annual event every youth organization in this town look forward to, has been organized by the municipal government' Local Youth Affairs Office. (PIA-5 News Service)<br /><br /><strong>DSWD puts up P90M Healthy Start Program in Masbate</strong><br /><br />LEGAZPI CITY -- THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol is set to implement next month the Healthy Start Program in the island province of Masbate. <br /><br />Delia Bernal DSWD regional social worker said that the government has allocated an amount of P90 million to cover the 200 days of supplemental feeding for all day care children in the province of Masbate. <br /><br />She explained that Masbate is the only province in Bicol region identified as food poor area. <br /><br />The food supplementation will cater to 821 Day Care Centers in this province or more than 26,000 day care children. <br /><br />Bernal said that each child has an allocation of P12.00 worth of food per day. <br /><br />Aside from food supplementation among day care children, the DSWD will also implement the mitigation food supplies for elementary school children. "In this program each pupil is entitled to receive one kilo of iron fortified rice per day." <br /><br />The provision of fortified rice will be implemented in all elementary schools in Masbate for 120 days. <br /><br />Bernal also added that the P90-million budget for food poor area is part of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program of the government which was started in 2006. "But in Bicol region, the province of Masbate is included in the top 20 food poor areas throughout the Philippines." <br /><br />In the province of Albay, only selected towns have been identified by the Department of Health (DOH) to benefit from the food for school program. The food for school program is being provided to all grade schoolers as long as they go to school regularly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4ZGENqrC1SMforU0xkmj7fYi1G2FGLLGQ8BrI-CtR8HS4mZc6FNNF9wba5B9iRxI_j394bguV5uUORc2wNIF9rKj38oOvTdm8CvU8MQnA_k4rDbQPNazbLnpmCikFVdLTqERxuE08fU/s1600-h/uson.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4ZGENqrC1SMforU0xkmj7fYi1G2FGLLGQ8BrI-CtR8HS4mZc6FNNF9wba5B9iRxI_j394bguV5uUORc2wNIF9rKj38oOvTdm8CvU8MQnA_k4rDbQPNazbLnpmCikFVdLTqERxuE08fU/s400/uson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325982416186636034" /></a><br /><em><strong>A contingent from the province of Masbate in last year’s Magayon Festival parades its float to showcase their fishing industry.</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRc2QaSgpQ54MhGu1GpBNUZdD_nn1Tly2cBzdyZiDuu0NaTGaBkNlBtOgH6LgjgxRAewxTfwN2rtiRXP8iAF8V1lCzZe2FJkA-9YSYo1bh8WqOiKgimVC4GitEhBjBTLG5v2NmdOfGmWM/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRc2QaSgpQ54MhGu1GpBNUZdD_nn1Tly2cBzdyZiDuu0NaTGaBkNlBtOgH6LgjgxRAewxTfwN2rtiRXP8iAF8V1lCzZe2FJkA-9YSYo1bh8WqOiKgimVC4GitEhBjBTLG5v2NmdOfGmWM/s400/Slide1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325985795029748802" /></a>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-84442002545537103872009-03-31T19:40:00.000-07:002009-03-31T19:46:28.380-07:00Albay's Magayon Festival 2009 Opening<OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-f8a743e3356ac7c1 height=266 width=320 contentId="f8a743e3356ac7c1"></OBJECT>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-64698613818996017342009-03-30T21:37:00.000-07:002009-03-31T19:25:25.079-07:00March 15 - 21 Issue -- CAN THEY REALLY STOP JUETENG IN BICOL<STRONG>EDITORIAL: CAN THEY REALLY STOP JUETENG IN BICOL?</STRONG> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUS6oPBVuG_FKWac0vEfOUmJn6n9cUhYuM6PDaP_UqpcKbrdeH2yXTLciDyRffPIrJ7snOqkqRqXSEtx2fNGhv3ZwYqjK5MvhCebx0ZkcjxDD7u1q_1tZ51ZardBCR-ORjV5485Efgc/s1600-h/Page+1.JPG"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319211094465027202 style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUS6oPBVuG_FKWac0vEfOUmJn6n9cUhYuM6PDaP_UqpcKbrdeH2yXTLciDyRffPIrJ7snOqkqRqXSEtx2fNGhv3ZwYqjK5MvhCebx0ZkcjxDD7u1q_1tZ51ZardBCR-ORjV5485Efgc/s400/Page+1.JPG" border=0></A> <STRONG>Farmers implore NIA fund release</STRONG> By Rey M. Nasol LIBON, Albay -- Some 600 farmers in Albay's 'rice granary' are awaiting the release of P56 million fund from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in order to consistently support President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Rice Sufficiency Program. Mrs. Visitacion N. Racho, president of the South Quinale irrigators' Association Inc., (SQIA) said the fund is still unmoved for unknown reason. "The said fund is intended for construction of the distribution canals of the existing rubber dam at the South Quinale River which was built replacing the old facility that was devastated by past typhoons particularly 'Reming' in November 30, 2006," Racho explained. In a resolution, the SQIA sought the NIA-Bicol regional office through the NIA-Albay Provincial Irrigation Office Caretaker Engineer Cristeta E. Mesias for the immediate implementation of the P56 million out of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) Fund of 2008 for the repair and construction of South Quinale Communal Irrigation System. The resolution said that "the repair of the Left Main canal first will irrigated the 550 hectares of rice field in Barangays Gumabao, Linao, San Vicente, Burabod and part of Bulusan and will make the 600 farmer-beneficiaries very much happy if they can plant rice this coming 'wet season.'" Racho has lamented that the irrigators' board of trustees received no information of whatever hindrance or reason for not implementing the project soon and while the farmers are not too busy in their respective farms so that they can actively participate in the construction. On motion of Jaime B. Pacampara and duly seconded by Board Director Cresencio B. Llarenas, the resolution was forwarded to the concerned agency whose copy furnishes also went to the NIA regional director and the NIA-PIO Caretaker, Engr. Cristeta E. Mesias for their information and appropriate actions. Racho said the rubber dam would be fully beneficial to the farmers if the distribution canals would be put up as soon as possible, if only to convince the Albayano farmers that the government is truly sincere in its Rice Sufficiency Programs. <STRONG>Vege-farming tech wonders</STRONG> By Mabelle R. Ilan WHO SAID that salad vegetables could only be grown in the highlands or in greenhouses? This is not true with Renato Norte of Topas Sogod, Nabua. He has proven that these vegetables could be grown in the lowland. Encouraged by MAO Arnel Duran of Nabua Mang Rene converted the once grassy vacant lot into an organic garden. He has proven that it only takes industry and patience to convert the 2,000 square meter lot into an organic garden without using tractor or carabao. He only used hoe in land preparation. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmCO0HxnWjiYyvH-HLpTSg0_XP7-cA5iv3Zd6Co_ra2nuMLG1zSMmhdWheVD46hGiXUmgYV5HbVq9FR2OeppPBNFGJVfmeJipce4QG0aYJkp1P1C0gX5VKF98S7xRP2EVpje3n-Lquws/s1600-h/rene1.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319519762327311346 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmCO0HxnWjiYyvH-HLpTSg0_XP7-cA5iv3Zd6Co_ra2nuMLG1zSMmhdWheVD46hGiXUmgYV5HbVq9FR2OeppPBNFGJVfmeJipce4QG0aYJkp1P1C0gX5VKF98S7xRP2EVpje3n-Lquws/s400/rene1.jpg" border=0></A> Starting anew is not easy. A retired plant mechanic Mang Rene tried his luck in Mindanao after his retirement in 1993 but his wife Charito was homesick. So they settled in Nabua last year. A friend offered a vacant lot in Topas Sogod. They constructed a nipa hut and began to cultivate the land. He collected rice hull and produced his own carbonized rice hull to improve soil tilth. He also applied chicken dung and prepared insect repellant made from oriental herbal nutrient plus citronella leaves. He used indigenous microorganisms, which he used as spray for pests. He also prepared fish amino acid, the extract of which are sprayed on the plants as fertilizer. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KZeOZQ7PLZF_eSIqJs8agwp0MB2CHhMiPVQhfQfqTC1DvbD_RUrx8D8zRm4yIKwo649MwF5Xxe1-O_REvanm3WXJwWYZsXJGTdYanonwICI5qfeEeg1QkyzR8sSN7GfasKzqzWktHcc/s1600-h/rene2.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319520408693302162 style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KZeOZQ7PLZF_eSIqJs8agwp0MB2CHhMiPVQhfQfqTC1DvbD_RUrx8D8zRm4yIKwo649MwF5Xxe1-O_REvanm3WXJwWYZsXJGTdYanonwICI5qfeEeg1QkyzR8sSN7GfasKzqzWktHcc/s400/rene2.jpg" border=0></A> Some of the highland vegetables he planted include: cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, romaine and chives. His first attempt was successful. He obtained the seeds from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Nabua and from the Department of Agriculture Programang Gulayan para sa Masa program. He planted the vegetables on a staggered basis to sustain a regular supply. He has been harvesting lettuce since December and his wife Charito is in-charge of marketing. Lettuce was sold at Ps 120 per kilo but they also have smaller packs ranging from ¼ to ½ kilo. Mang Rene proudly reported that he was able to sell 150 kilos of lettuce from December to mid February this year. Experimenting and testing new technologies are challenging says Mang Rene. He does research on how to grow organic vegetables and how to produce organic fertilizer to avoid overspending on commercial fertilizer. With only one son, Mang Rene is happy that they found a new source of income. He can now sustain his son's college education out of his income from vegetables. Aside from lettuce, Mang Rene also planted other crops like brocolli, cauliflower and romaine lettuce, which according to him command better price. He is now harvesting his romaine lettuce, which he says is an excellent source of vitamin A, foliate, vitamin C, manganese and chromium. He added that it is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and the minerals potassium, molybdenum, iron, and phosphorus. To promote his produce, Mang Rene has his favorite line "salad days are here again… keep your heart young eat vegetable salad everyday". <STRONG>Philpost assures to do away with 'Return to Sender' mails in Bicol</STRONG> True to its commitment of continuing service to the Bicolanos, the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) for Bicol region, launches another commendable initiative to be known as 'Bringing the Postal Service to the Grassroots." This project will be piloted in 17 far-clung barangays in this city with the sole purpose of eliminating undelivered mails or what is better known as 'return to sender' (RTS) mails. Philpost region-5 (Bicol) director for finance and administration Apolonio Cantuba, said that his office in coordination with Legazpi City Director Elmer Pecson of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will finalize the formal launching of said project within the coming weeks. Cantuba said that Philpost and DILG, being partners for progress and development in the countryside, will be putting up linkages with the local officials of the 17 barangay beneficiaries of the project. The barangay officials will be requested to assist in the delivery of non-recorded mails and notices which make up the bulk of undelivered mails so that all mails will promptly be delivered to their addresses thereby minimizing, if not totally eliminating RTS. To carry out this services-oriented project, a dialogue with the barangay captains of Barangays Bagacay, Banquerohan, Bariis, Bonga, Boyuan, Buenavista, Cagbacong, Estanza, Homapon, Imalnod, Lamba, Mabinit, Mariawa, Maslog, Matanag, Padang, and Taysan was set on March 25 2009 to solicit their assistance in the realization of 'Bringing the Postal Service to the Grassroots" <STRONG>'Cutest' Butanding rescued off Pilar, Sorsogon gave rise to scientific probes</STRONG> By Rey M. Nasol ENVIRONMENT activists have rescued what they believe might be the smallest living offspring of the world's biggest fish, a whale shark (rhincodon typus) the size of a forearm. The 'cute' gentle giant was sighted off the shores of Pilar, an adjoining town of 'Butanding Capital' of Donsol, Sorsogon last weekend. This serendipitous rescue cum discovery has led to mounting theories that Sorsogon was a birthing place for the world-renowned friendly giant. The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature said maritime officials, along with the environment activists in Pilar, Sorsogon, a town in eastern Philippines, rescued the 15-inch (38 centimeters)-long, believed to be a newborn whale shark and released it in deep waters. It's tail was tied to small rope on a beach when the rescuers discovered the creature. The group called it "arguably the smallest living whale shark in recorded history." WWF said the discovery was the first ever indication that these parts of Sorsogon coastlines, which included Donsol town, known as the whale shark capital of the world, may really be their birthing ground The group has encountered very few baby whale sharks and could only compare the size of its new discovery to embryos found in a dead female shark in 1996 - which measured 14.6 to 18.9 inches (37 to 48 centimeters), according to Elson Aca, project manager for the WWF whale shark tracking project. <STRONG>Regional center site move out of Legazpi</STRONG> By Rey M. Nasol DARAGA, Albay -- The further development of Legazpi City and this premiere town is no longer seen within the main thoroughfares. This is according to Governor Joey Sarte Salceda after massive threats of lahar, tsunami, flashfloods and volcanic catastrophes were proven in previous years of succeeding calamities which brought the economy down to almost flat zero in the midst of taking center-stage prior to super typhoon Reming in 2006. The main catalyst for this shift is the ongoing construction of the Southern Luzon International Airport at Barangay Alobo of this town. The area being elevated compared to present business district will become home to new 'offspring' of residential, business developments and the nearby spot for the regional center site at Barangay Villahermosa, near Alobo. The regional center which is currently located at Rawis, Legazpi City is a government lot where the offices of the national agencies are found. But the present regional center site is considered prone to flooding, the threat of lahar and tsunami as it sits next to the shorelines and below the lahat pathways. Asked of what would happen to Legazpi and this town proper, Salceda said there is no compulsory moving out of the present settings "pero pag nanganganak diba hahanap at hahanap ng bagong lugar (But in case of new offsprings, there should be new dwellings for them)," Salceda told this writer. A number of civil engineers consulted by this writer prior to writing, have opined that residential and similar human activities have to really move to safer areas while the frequently flooded areas may still be utilized for various industrial purposes such as manufacturing plants, navigation farming and other production related activities whose edifices can be ensured for easy capital recovery in cases of calamities. Salceda noted that because of sad experiences to calamities especially from floodings, new house builders opt for higher elevations and that the area around the prospected airport site is ideal for new developments because it sits on top of a huge plateau. Earlier, the local chief executive of Camalig town, next to Daraga, had also manifested eagerness to conquer the upland areas where the railroad and new road openings meet towards the airport site. Camalig was one of the towns mostly devastated by lahar during the height of 'Reming' and every heavy downpour thereafter. By operation of nature and the climate change adaptation, being one of the advocacies of Salceda and his Consultant Nong Rangasa, people should seek new areas for home developments and business activities in safer elevation that are also not prone to landslides. They both believe the new international airport site is indeed the 'catalyst' for new growth areas of this town and the rest of Albay province. <STRONG>Bicol tourist arrivals 1.3M in ‘08; up by 45.5% from 2007</STRONG> By Ed de Leon, PIA-5 Tourist arrivals in Bicol continue to grow over the years as it registered a growth rate of 45.59 per cent over the 2007 figures according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office here. Maria Ong Ravanilla, DOT Bicol regional director, said that a total of 1,306,792 tourists visited Bicol last year which is 409,292 over the 2007 figures. She said that of the total number, 1,057,735 were domestic tourists while 249,237 were foreign nationals. She added that total gross receipts generated by the tourism industry jumped to P781,995,280 million from P443,558,400 million in 2007 or an increment of 56.72 per cent. While the total job generated reached 499,336 or 181,462 over the other year. Ravanilla said that the highest number of tourist arrivals last year was registered by the province of Camarines Sur with a total of 721,024 comprising of 523,580 domestic and 197,444 foreign or 55.167 per cent of the total tourist arrivals in Bicol. Foreign tourist arrivals to Camarines Sur also top the six provinces of Bicol hitting 79.21 per cent or a total of 249,237 foreign nationals that visited the region. She said this was because the province invested heavily on tourism facilities like the now world famous Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CSWC) inside the provincial capitol compound; the world class Gota Beach Resort in Caramoan town; and now the newly opened Lago del Rey, an 18-hectare man-made lake just beside the CSWC which is expected to attract more tourists to the province this year. She disclosed that Albay was second in terms of tourist arrivals with 173,959; Masbate, third with 166,784; Camarines Norte, fourth with 105,051; Sorsogon is fifth with 83,541; and Catanduanes, sixth with 56,613. <STRONG>Albay pursues Philhealth enrollment for 122,000 Medicare beneficiaries </STRONG>By Rey M. Nasol THE provincial government of Albay is renewing some 122,000 Philhealth membership to cover almost the whole population which is around 1 million as of latest statistics report. The massive distribution of "Medicare Para sa Masa" through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards for this year is already 50 percent with 70,000 distributed so far across the province, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Yolly Guanzon told the Philippines News Agency in an interview Wednesday. Guanzon said distribution is still to be completed in the town of Oas where some 5,000 PhilHealth cards were coursed through the barangay captains who shall then distribute them to their constituents regardless of political affiliations and ethnicity. Oas town was allocated a total of 10,000 PhilHealth cards and Wednesday's turnover represented 50 percent of the number. "Depending on the size of population, each municipality and city is entitled to a corresponding number of PhilHealth cards to reach out to as many family beneficiaries as possible," Guanzon explained. Last year's allocation reached some P36 million for the start of this program entitling heads of families as the primary members to the PhilHealth "Medicare para sa masa" and that their corresponding dependents are also eligible for the health services. PhilHealth services cover hospitalization, medications and related emergency services to its members. However, the PSWDO revealed that the office has received several reports on difficulties among the beneficiaries and that "We are trying our best to address some myths and the need to inform and educate them on their rights to avoid frauds by deceitful practices among hospitals and clinics," Guanzon assured. She advised the card holders to be vigilant against frauds by not signing blank documents and lending their original papers to the doctors or hospitals upon billing stages to avoid overcharging the PhilHealth beyond the member's knowledge, among other things. The PSWDO has decided to course the distribution through the barangay captains and sought to avoid politicking to be able to reach out to all eligible beneficiaries without biases and favoritisms. <STRONG>Tricy men join health advocates on wheels </STRONG>By Mike dela Rama DARAGA, Albay -- About a hundred tricycle drivers have joined as health advocates on wheels by using the vantage space inside their side cars to advertise free Information Hotline as part of their participation to strengthen awareness campaign launched Monday in this developing premier town. Known as the "midnight riders" of the vulnerable sex group, the drivers got on the spot health orientation in the place where their wheels are park near the public market and each received stickers from the personnel of the Daraga Municipal Health Office (MHO) and members of the Peace Corps Volunteer and Bicol Regional Health Information Network (BRHIN). Written on the stickers are: cell phone number 090292074818; Reproductive Health Hotline Curious Ka? Shy Pa? Ask Na!: and an enticing red heart in between the word of TEXT MATE making it perfect. This will open access to every passenger of the tri-mobile, the information on gender & sexuality, pregnancy; human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS); sexually transmitted infections (STDs); condom; pills and other sex related queries, said Dr. Edna Freya Barba-Tan. The free access to health information is expected to heighten awareness not only to workers of entertainment business but also to those transients and moving from one place to place by using the "perfect text mate" hotline.<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-93663cd01b6e2709 height=266 width=320 contentId="93663cd01b6e2709"></OBJECT>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-69251887816478340402009-03-23T18:27:00.000-07:002009-03-23T18:37:01.604-07:00OFW Success Stories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntV5UpP7TNLs_Haf8vhsuIGz0svtLb6f4F9Ldnxz6wCgOnFKd2PlIrw9veDyhUw-BVNUIs7KXlIx-YPeJZhV-3XO0E2s5ISJ-f2Nc96pxO6EBQqxauNYdSKLjZhkUrYbv7R13BA_482U/s1600-h/jocelyn_3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntV5UpP7TNLs_Haf8vhsuIGz0svtLb6f4F9Ldnxz6wCgOnFKd2PlIrw9veDyhUw-BVNUIs7KXlIx-YPeJZhV-3XO0E2s5ISJ-f2Nc96pxO6EBQqxauNYdSKLjZhkUrYbv7R13BA_482U/s400/jocelyn_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316560956328997570" /></a><br /><em><strong>Jocy (center) with Sajith Arayadath, an Indian national (Left) and a european Safety Officer</strong></em><br /><br /><br />Editor’s note: <em>Jocelyn Millares is a lady from the Visayas region and married to a Bicolano. Incidentally the editor had a stint of working with her at the Safety Department of the Joint Venture New Doha International Airport (JV-NDIA) construction during its reclamation phase. This feature is a ‘reporter’s notebook’ featured on the OFW Guide website citing her as one of the remarkable Overseas Filipina Workers. The editor believes that OFWs have better chances of fair treatment and even due recognition in the construction industry rather than in the domestic help job. While the editor was deploying workers to the 22 square kilometer project site, Jocelyn assists him in their safety induction and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The editor has been the Project Site Coordinator of the said site after having been elevated from being a Secretary upon 4 days of assuming the applied job when he left the country.</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>When did you arrive in your current location? </strong><br /><br /> I arrived in Doha last November 29, 2004, as a Secretary in a fitness gym. It was my first time to work abroad so I have big dreams for my family although at that time my salary was only $400. I have a happy-go-lucky personality, they say that I'm very transparent, sometimes tactless, but with a good sense of humor too. With regards to my work, I haven't received any complaint as I am fast-learner and also well-conversant in English. The gym that I used to work is owned by a Sheikh, they don't like my personality so, in short, after only 1 month of stay there, I was terminated & they really wanted to send me back to the Philippines. I cried and begged to give me a chance to transfer to other companies as my family is depending on me. At last, they gave me eight (8) days to find another company to transfer my sponsorship otherwise I don't have any choice but to go back to Philippines. Eight (8) days was a very short period of time to find another job in Qatar. It was really a devastating reality for me...<br /><br /><br /><strong>Tell us what has happened during your stay in this country you have worked in. </strong> <br /><br />It was those times that I cried and prayed to the good LORD 'Lord have mercy upon me give me another job, don't let me go back to the Philippines and be a loser again'. Before I go to Qatar I have debt of P80,000.00 because every year I borrow money for the tuition fee of my 2 children.<br /><br /> I went to seek the help of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). There I found several employers looking for Secretaries, and truly when GOD closes the door, he opens a very big window. I was terminated at the Gym last January 11 and in January 15, I started my job in the Joint Venture New Doha International Airport Project. A very big project indeed!<br /><br /> JV NDIA is a joint venture of four (4) biggest dredging companies making the platform of the New Doha International Airport. I'm presently working there as a Secretary in the Safety Department. Dredging company is basically a men's world. In our company, there are only 10 ladies versus 600 men working on the land site and on the water side.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What were your most memorable moments in your current location? </strong><br /><br /> My most memorable experience is during those times that I have to assist my boss in our daily Safety Induction because everyday before each worker will go on the site, we have to give induction for them to know the safety procedures like wearing the basic PPE such as helmet, high visibility vest, safety goggles, and safety shoes. Sometimes, my boss is irritated that the entire people are looking at me instead of listening to him! But I think it's also a good advantage having a lady in the safety department because I can arrange my store room very neatly and the people, especially men listen to a lady rather than men. Ladies usually have our own charm and people in the Middle East admire ladies who are dynamic and smart because here, ladies usually are second-class citizens, they usually stayed in their homes and can't deal in a working environment such as this.. <br /><br /><br /><strong>What are the things that you miss about the Philippines? </strong><br /><br /> The thing that i miss in the Philippines is my family. I miss having a nice family get-together like watching movies or going to the park or mall. I also miss my mom very much. She died while I was here in Qatar. It's so sad that before I go, she gave me nice hug and kisses, not knowing that it will be our last moment together...<br /><br /><br /><strong>What is your message to all OFWs around the world?</strong><br /><br /> To all my fellow OFW: just keep on working very hard to impress our boss. Let's prove to them that we are not only good in work but we are also honest and we have perseverance in any kind of job. I know that we are not doing it only for ourselves but for the rest of our family. We want to give brighter future for our children...With the help of our Almighty GOD, success is very easy to achieve...THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-63104999917204079232009-03-23T17:42:00.000-07:002009-03-23T18:05:36.652-07:00<strong>Bicol students, parents oppose tuition fee hikes<br />By Mike dela Rama</strong><br /><br />Private schools in Bicol region have a slim chance of implementing an increase in tuition fee next school year because of continuous opposition from students and parents. <br />Dr. Dominador Peralta, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regional director in Bicol, said 16 private schools in the tertiary level have filed their proposed tuition hike. <br /> "As a matter of policy they (schools) are required to conduct consultation with students, parents and teachers to discuss the mechanism on tuition hike," Peralta said. <br /> The decision of the CHED whether to approve the request to implement tuition increase for school year 2009-2010 will depend on the result of the consultation. <br /> "In case students and parents oppose the new hike we can not allow any school to implement the same," Peralta said. <br /> The CHED has received letters from various organizations urging it to disapprove any tuition fee increase. <br /> Meanwhile, Albay board member Neil Montallana, chairman, committee on education, has urged all private schools in Albay to defer their proposed tuition hike. "We have also to consider the present economic condition in the country," he said. <br /> "Any increase in tuition is an additional burden to the Albayanos," he added.<br /><br /><strong>Salceda inducts paramedics<br />By Rey M. Nasol</strong><br /><br />The newly-trained Albayano volunteers are now ready to face various disaster scenarios in Albay as the province equips itself with stronger disaster preparedness measures to lessen impact of typhoons, volcanic eruptions, landslides and lahar floods to lives and properties. <br /> Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda inducted the graduates at the Conference hall of the Provincial Disaster Operation Center Wednesday morning. <br /> The group consisting of 107 graduates, called Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), finished a six-month paramedics training under the Albay Health and Emergency Management (AHEM) project. <br /> Jukes Nuñez of the Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), the lead agency, said the training was administered through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Bicol University (BU), Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Government of Albay. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKqBmk25W0vimR5KzDx1JVwoW7ABudrfeVM9tV5UkTmMnZvBzbJTx2EBR_0KQPIr-FnfRX4DAalHN-yhfg9n5w9JwhunA7VTUAPVEGuU_BR5CyF2VlcPWM1-cinrS20vSAP-oGkT-jw/s1600-h/JSS+plus+media.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKqBmk25W0vimR5KzDx1JVwoW7ABudrfeVM9tV5UkTmMnZvBzbJTx2EBR_0KQPIr-FnfRX4DAalHN-yhfg9n5w9JwhunA7VTUAPVEGuU_BR5CyF2VlcPWM1-cinrS20vSAP-oGkT-jw/s400/JSS+plus+media.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316550932649992834" /></a> <strong><em>Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda promptly responds to radio interviews before the induction rites</em></strong><br /><br /> According to earlier interview with APSEMO chief Cedric Daep the training started last October, 2008 from pre-qualification, screening activities and other related preliminary activities. It was followed by a series of lectures on theories and literature from January until last week. <br /> Rey Añunuevo, training director of the APSEMO, said the APSEMO is conducting series of trainings for local government units across the province to encourage them put up their own 'institutionalized' disaster management offices with corresponding permanent personnel and budget.<br /><br /><br /><strong>DOLE tightens helmet rule to promote workplace safety</strong><br /><br />In the Bicol region, it is not only the police who enforce the helmet rule, but also the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). <br /> In a move to promote workplace safety, particularly in the construction industry, DOLE-Bicol, starting this coming April will strictly enforce the construction safety rules, like wearing of helmet and hanging of safety nets, and other personal protective equipment (PPEs) to avoid workplace-related accidents. <br /> "In this time of crisis, the last thing we do not want is a workplace accident. Accidents are expensive both for labor and management and it will give a lot of headache to everyone. So let's prevent it while we can. Remember, we're doing this not to make the life of construction companies miserable but to prevent accidents. Prevention is better than cure," DOLE Bicol Regional Director Ernesto C. Bihis explained. <br /> DOLE-Bicol information officer Raymond P. Escalante told this writer that there is a need for an information campaign on the Internationally Accepted Safety Measures such that companies which are ISO-Certified (International Safety Organization) are required to promptly comply with safety rules such as ISO-9000 series. <br /> ISO 9000 series certifies a company, particularly those engaged in construction, for Quality Management Systems (QMS) vis-a-vis compliance to international safety standards and practices. Sadly, this writer's random check in recent sorties confirmed very few construction companies in Bicol are adhering to, if not completely ignoring, safety rules, a thing the DOLE-Bicol wants to correct immediately to prevent loss of lives among workers. <br /> To further advocate construction safety, DOLE-Bicol called all construction firms and safety practitioners in the region for a four-day training on construction safety this week at the Kanzo Hotel in Legazpi City. The training aimed to "remind" construction firms about their role in having a safe and healthy working environment. <br /> Participants were reoriented on the various safety procedures on construction, most specifically the adherence on the wearing of personal protective equipment or PPEs. <br /> DOLE Workplace Safety Focal Person Engineer Roberto Aranas said that the training program was actually a review since a similar training had been conducted in previous years. <br /> Gladly in Bicol, workplace deaths are very minimal but small unreported accidents do happen. "These are the accidents that happen because of neglect. These are the accidents that should have never happened if only they adhere to the helmet law and use of prescribed PPEs," Bihis said <br /> DOLE Bicol Assistant Regioanl Director Irma S. Valiente said that a region-wide advocacy on the use of construction helmet and construction safety gears are being pushed by the office through trainings and the institutionalization of safety practitioners. "If mishaps due to carelessness happen or due to non-adherence to this rule, the safety practitioner will be liable. We will strip-off their licenses," Valiente warned. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Tabaco gets P.3M for emergency job efforts </strong><br />TABACO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bicol has granted a total of P300,000 over the weekend for this city's "Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers" (TUPAD) program. <br /> The DOLE said the grant would "shoot two birds with one stone" because aside from providing jobs, the program will also contribute a significant improvement to the environment through cleanups and face lifting of the city's riversides and greening up efforts. <br /> "City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro, managed to get a total of P300,000 grant from DOLE-Bicol for the implementation of the government's emergency employment program," said DOLE-Bicol Information Officer Raymond P. Escalante. <br /> The grant, which was personally turned-over by DOLE Bicol Regional Director Ernesto C. Bihis last weekend during a flag ceremony at the Tabaco City Hall, will be used to pay the wages of some 51 workers from the informal sector affected by the global challenges. <br /> Qualified workers will earn a minimum wage of P260 per day for a one-month work schedule. <br /> The work program focused on the rehabilitation of the Tabaco River which includes riverside clean and green maintenance, dredging, some street sweeping and some paint jobs. <br /> "Mayor Krisel has lined up the work activities to be done by the workers on this emergency employment. We hope that we could at least supplement the needs of the global crisis affected workers thru this program" Bihis said. <br /> The DOLE's TUPAD program was launched last February to specifically address the aftermaths of the global challenges. The aim is to provide immediate job placement to affected workers in the area. <br /> "We plan to implement all TUPAD programs within the 1st quarter. Even though Bicol is not so much affected by the crisis, still we have workers who were affected which needs immediate job," he said. <br /> Bihis said that since January, DOLE-Bicol has already released a total of P 2.4 million for emergency employment to various recipients region-wide. <br /><br /><br /><strong>DPWH puts up P2.9 Billion projects in Bicol</strong><br /><br />The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now implementing some P2.9 billion worth of pump-priming projects in Bicol for this year. It aimed at exciting the economy which could generate more jobs in the countryside and mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. <br /> DPWH Bicol regional director Orlando Roces said that the amount will be used to fund some 87 projects in the six provinces of Bicol in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's P330 billion pump priming program for 2009. <br /> Roces said the projects include road opening, road concreting, flood control structures, construction of new school buildings, and repair of roads and bridges. <br /> Some 360 workers have been initially hired since the launching of the job generation program of the DPWH two weeks ago. <br /> In a statement, Roces said that a total of 742 applied for the jobs under the "Programang Pangtrabaho ni Pangulong Arroyo" job generation program being handled by the agency. <br /> The initial holding of the one-day jobs fair resulted in the immediate hiring of 360 workers by participating contractors who are undertaking pump priming infrastructure projects of the DPWH in the region. <br /> He said that the DPWH's role is to match the available jobs with the skills of the applicants before they are recommended for hiring by participating contractors. <br /> Roces said that similar job fairs will also be conducted in the coming months to be able to hire more workers who were earlier retrenched by their previous employers. <br /> He added that the job fairs is being undertaken in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Constructors Association and the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc.<br /><br /><br /><strong>8 hurt in landmine blast in Masbate </strong><br /><br />At least six policemen and two civilians were injured by an explosion from an improvised landmine that hit the passenger jeep they were riding on Thursday in Balud, Masbate, a Philippine Army (PA) report said Friday. <br /> Hurt in the blast were Police Officer (PO)2 Rogelio Bolante, PO1s Ian Mark Antiporda, Menard Danao, Darius Capili, Juvy Llunar Ronel Paac and civilians Editha Race and Gilbert Leonor, driver. <br /> Army Capt. Razaleigh Bansawan, 901st Army Brigade spokesman, said the incident took place around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The victims where on board the jeep negotiating a road at Sitio Pinamangkahan, Barangay San Pablo, Balud town when their vehicle hit an improvised landmine planted on the side of the road by suspected communist guerrillas. <br /> Bansawan said the eight policemen of the 506th Provincial Mobile Group (PMG) were on their way back to Masbate City after completing regular patrol work when they were ambushed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels led by Luis Gonzaga alias "Ka Jaypee". <br /> He said the rebels attacked the policemen with the use of a detonated explosive device planted at the roadside. <br /> The victims were rushed to the Masbate Provincial Hospital. Attending physicians said two of the policemen are in critical condition while the rest are recovering from shrapnel wounds sustained from the blast. <br /> Bansawan said, "The use of landmine by the NPA is clear violation of international humanitarian law, they even fired at the passenger jeep, knowing that there were civilians on board". <br /> Military intelligence said the rebel offensive is a show of force since the NPA will celebrate their anniversary on March 29, with a directive to conduct tactical offensive against government forces in various parts of the country. (Mar S. Arguelles)<br /><br /><strong>Spain turns over P110M projects to Albay</strong><br /><br />The Spanish government through the Agencia Español de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) turned over on Thursday some P110 million worth of infrastructure projects to the province of Albay, Governor Joey Sarte Salceda said. <br /> The turnover ceremonies led by Luis Romero Arias, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines and Salceda including city and town executives here were held separately on Thursday in the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and the town of Daraga where the Spanish government projects are located. <br /> Salceda said the P110 million were financial assistance given by Spain to the province heavily devastated by two super typhoons and the Mayon volcano eruption in 2006. <br /> Salceda said aside from the projects recently turned over by the AECID, another P160.5 million projects are being finalized by the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) in coordination with AECID involving proposals for a disaster risk reduction project in Albay. <br /> He said that P60.5 million of the total amount has been approved with signed project acceptance by the Spanish government, involving construction of two emergency evacuation centers in the towns of Camalig and Guinobatan and the strengthening of APSEMO by providing the office with the latest state-of-the-art communication system to be used in pre and post-disaster operations. <br /> At the turnover rites, Spanish Ambassador Arias said his country is committed to assist the Philippines since the Philippines and Spain have maintained close ties for several centuries. <br /> Arias said "our countries are sisters and we have ratified these commitments to reduce poverty in the country including the preservation of lives and properties during natural disasters." <br /> Arias said, "We are also committed to fight the ill-effects of climate change," as he announced that he will earmark some P15 million as funding for the strengthening of the province's agriculture and livestock industry. <br /> Salceda, for his part, expressed his deep gratitude for the Spanish government assistance, saying that "he will forever be grateful to the terms of endearment and engagement given by Spain to his province." <br /> Ambassador Arias and Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting the city P93 million for the implementation of a comprehensive solid waste management project. <br /> Rosal said the project involves the setting up of an efficient solid waste management system in the city designed to improve the social and environmental condition of residents in this city. <br /> He said the project will be established in a 12-hectare land owned by the city government in Barangay Banquerohan, some 22 kilometers from the city proper. <br /> Rosal said the project has four components, namely: sanitary land fill development; materials recovery system; reduction, and recycling system and project administration. <br /> In Ligao City, the Spanish Ambassador turned over to Gov. Salceda the newly renovated Doña Josefina Belmonte Duran Memorial District Hospital (DJBDMDH), a 50-bed tertiary hospital servicing the medical needs of residents in the seven towns and a city in the third district of Albay. <br /> The AECID released some P14 million in 2007 for the renovation of the district hospital worth P8 million and hospital equipment worth P6 million. <br /> In Daraga, Albay, the Spanish government also turned over the newly constructed P13-million evacuation center located at the top floor of the new Daraga Public Market. <br /> The evacuation center will be used in times of disaster. In normal times it will be used as training center for livelihood projects and the likes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79Z9p6wT6W29Wrz7-F37YtbPz2eE5hkCvwcluysGdcX1vd0IVBgwZHuji_YXE9kyevLoprdNQX95FHfsXibp13lPbTob5ZA5sDFe6MgiTQ36xtBt7vLcyPNz-opnGsBP0TxS3IBrW2d4/s1600-h/Mayor+Ching.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79Z9p6wT6W29Wrz7-F37YtbPz2eE5hkCvwcluysGdcX1vd0IVBgwZHuji_YXE9kyevLoprdNQX95FHfsXibp13lPbTob5ZA5sDFe6MgiTQ36xtBt7vLcyPNz-opnGsBP0TxS3IBrW2d4/s400/Mayor+Ching.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316552371573468258" /></a><br /><em><strong>Governor Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay Province (center) witnesses the ceremonial key turnover for the newly built Evacuation Center on the roof top of this town’s public market. Spanish Ambassador Luis Romero Arias, representing the donor country through the Agencia Española De Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID) hands over the key to Daraga town Mayor Cicero Triunfante during the inauguration of the edifice early this month. Photo below shows (from left) Arias’ wife Soledad Lavina, Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda (JSS), Ambassador Arias and Vice Mayor Len Magayanes. Both ladies cut the ribbon for the said inauguration.</strong></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTQJ83xw5sXn4Qr__Vzv9ZzL6moXPNSkdqfPr1xpo6lVD8mK_VtiGuMIwD73tMXpt77NBIY1G2y1R2xnxvshJtYrz0uxxPZUkBQNaBfxhWG446x7ayw88aaVI2ZBD8Le9BP244Kl8dpA/s1600-h/cut+ribon+clap.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTQJ83xw5sXn4Qr__Vzv9ZzL6moXPNSkdqfPr1xpo6lVD8mK_VtiGuMIwD73tMXpt77NBIY1G2y1R2xnxvshJtYrz0uxxPZUkBQNaBfxhWG446x7ayw88aaVI2ZBD8Le9BP244Kl8dpA/s400/cut+ribon+clap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316552775445107442" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCK_2zHa8NTNXwqCnflm_8-CArMiwVYsNyWRLSfwmhlnHdBxy_qqNGxFpA6hCnYVcMm07NXfKLZ_IAlaNZDejGgKPsXuczrz7gE44gD-h5HxDxr5paQV1iIH2lUjN9ilxDHfMRsVuenQ/s1600-h/Mga+kastila.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCK_2zHa8NTNXwqCnflm_8-CArMiwVYsNyWRLSfwmhlnHdBxy_qqNGxFpA6hCnYVcMm07NXfKLZ_IAlaNZDejGgKPsXuczrz7gE44gD-h5HxDxr5paQV1iIH2lUjN9ilxDHfMRsVuenQ/s400/Mga+kastila.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316553542493737378" /></a><br /><strong><em>Mayon is background for Spanish Ambassador Luis Romero Arias (5th from left) during the inauguratin of the emergency evacuation center here which was donated by the government of Spain. With him are Jesus Molina, Representative of Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Lidia Hernandez, Regional Director, Mayte Toledano, Junior Professional Officer, Bella Fernandez, Program Officer for Social Development, And Jose Antonio Mira Padial, and Ambassador Arias’ wife, Soledad Lavina. (Photo by Rey M. Nasol)</em></strong>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-34388389050319978842009-03-23T05:26:00.000-07:002009-03-23T18:17:06.420-07:00<strong>Legazpi Aviation chief, subordinates sacked</strong><br /><br />THE Department of Tourism Bicol Regional Office supported Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal and Albay Provincial Governor’s call to oust Mr. Frisco Sto. Domingo Sr. from his post as the manager of the Air Transportation Office (ATO) at the Legazpi City Domestic Airport.<br /> DOT-Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said it is but proper for our leaders to urge the central office of the national aviation office to remove Sto. Domingo from his office.<br /> Some 80 passengers including Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and his family were almost killed in an accident during landing Saturday morning when a van was sighted on the runway by a french pilot of the Cebu Pacific airplane.<br /> The van was allegedly driven by Frisco Sto. Domingo Jr. at the runway during a busy day. Said person was also involved in an vehicular accident at Sagpon, Daraga, Albay recently according to reports.<br /> The Sto. Domingos have yet to issue their side on the issue as efforts to get their comments did not materialize as of writing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB24kRs7VTNsoaNZR0lRd7XxdkNlkpXA-U1FMku6WbpGSem6DYLiziPmd-Plu7onL3t7L4kpF4xaRbBa2GBtAV0TkEw9ctEiSD6QoybnhQmoc0jvsm9hUeMGz5HnDf_sdAhcj2Sf6tR2o/s1600-h/Eroplo.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB24kRs7VTNsoaNZR0lRd7XxdkNlkpXA-U1FMku6WbpGSem6DYLiziPmd-Plu7onL3t7L4kpF4xaRbBa2GBtAV0TkEw9ctEiSD6QoybnhQmoc0jvsm9hUeMGz5HnDf_sdAhcj2Sf6tR2o/s400/Eroplo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316556740831244930" /></a><br /><em><strong>A jet liner descends on the Legazpi City Airport which has been endangered by abusive Air Transportation Officials who allowed cars at the runway during busy navigation hours. This mess almost killed 80 people (Saturday) including Tourism Secretary Ace Durano during his visit to Bicol. (Photo by Rey M. Nasol)</strong></em><br /><br /><br /><strong>RMG staff sacked too</strong><br />By Mar S. Arguelles<br /><br />At least 26 members of the Bicol Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Mobile Group (RMG) training staff were relieved of their duties while three of them will face dismissal for direct involvement in the hazing practices of hundreds of new police recruits. <br /> An official of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Bicol reported the relief of the RMG staff on Wednesday. <br /> Chief Supt. Paterno Bangui, Bicol police chief, directed the administrative relief of the entire training staff of the 5th PRMG including its Group Director Police Senior Supt. Joel Regondola effective March 5 this year. <br /> The relief order came following a directive from the NAPOLCOM in Bicol for the relief of the entire training staff after complaints were received against some of them who were directly involved in hazing practices. <br /> Lawyer Pedro Magannon, NAPOLCOM regional director, said his office issued the recommendation after they received on March 3 an undated letter complaint with a compact disc containing a video footage of the alleged hazing incident committed by three training staff against PNP-Scout trainees at the PNP training camp here. <br /> Magannon said those relieved were placed at the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU) for proper disposition while awaiting the full and speedy resolution and appropriate sanctions of the case by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD). <br /> Facing summary dismissal are Police Officers 1 Vernon Palibino, Eugene Ros and Israel Caolie, as evidence against them were strong as shown by the video footage sent to NAPOLCOM. <br /> Magannon said "the video footage were clear evidence that the three police training staff indeed committed acts in violation of the Anti-Hazing Law, grounds for dismissal for the service." <br /> The result of the joint NAPOLCOM-PNP investigation recommended to the Bicol police chief the filing of administrative case of Grave Misconduct against the three policemen. <br /> They were meted with 90 days preventive suspension effective yesterday. <br /> Magannon also said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Bicol was provided with a copy of the investigation report for their information and appropriate action. <br /> The report said that two hazing incidents occurred last year and one that occurred on December 2 was documented by a video footage submitted to the NAPOLCOM and a local TV network which aired the footage. <br /> The other incident took place on December 8 where one Azucena, a new police recruit, formally complained of hazing in their training camps. <br /> The video footage showed the three police training staff punching, paddling a trainee as a ritual at the training sessions. <br /> Unconfirmed reports also revealed that the trainees were subjected to various forms of hazing such as forcing them to drink water laced with "Chlorox", a bleaching solution. <br /> Magannon said the hazing expose in Bicol was so far the first to be recorded across the country. <br /> To deter future incidents of hazing, the NAPOLCOM would conduct a review of the PNP training program and regularly hold inspection tours on various training camps in the region, he added.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGe0qVVveu2vC9dntQjS5cme3FHZvTBOQsDoPbS8z0YMHoeSpBHeWjW3WSYZ8VuJgaXAL1f0j-hj-NkOqTz2vLbqVMHJce5klNOsZGLFvXkeGeV3WmdGxlp21vuYC9u86lcvmChSQIM/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGe0qVVveu2vC9dntQjS5cme3FHZvTBOQsDoPbS8z0YMHoeSpBHeWjW3WSYZ8VuJgaXAL1f0j-hj-NkOqTz2vLbqVMHJce5klNOsZGLFvXkeGeV3WmdGxlp21vuYC9u86lcvmChSQIM/s400/Slide1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316359759989686194" /></a>THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-67877523132741661352009-03-22T21:13:00.000-07:002009-03-22T21:14:49.191-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx4A0UGYHS2msWqb3jsijxl4hwBACdKgXYKCQl-ULz-3Vq8Ow6GySSLxOnp6EL0iyenmypP-_b8Yx7zVlNQ5BIAV1gJpfTI3m3SUYtDHEOKPMYmQfc_cG6gRLTEkZCYdknauKAwiil4w/s1600-h/HL+Dancers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx4A0UGYHS2msWqb3jsijxl4hwBACdKgXYKCQl-ULz-3Vq8Ow6GySSLxOnp6EL0iyenmypP-_b8Yx7zVlNQ5BIAV1gJpfTI3m3SUYtDHEOKPMYmQfc_cG6gRLTEkZCYdknauKAwiil4w/s400/HL+Dancers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316231699614132882" /></a><br /><br />Healthy Lifestyle to the Max’ gets support from various gov’t and private sectors during its launch at the Peñaranda Park, Legazpi City.THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022690967071680280.post-17930284073740860242009-03-22T21:10:00.000-07:002009-03-22T21:17:22.471-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5_vdEwXLa0U_z9C5feU8rkR2Ag9Gi8BLfjvDZ-6Fe7cjBmKLuIY_mMuUKhiEFdnl3X8uPIAVs857lKardE9XE1tT3Hq8-PSL9N5w3cWIm-7VJujvzMmHCylybPNv5TK0n6pdnjHeTDw/s1600-h/Rosal+dikit.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5_vdEwXLa0U_z9C5feU8rkR2Ag9Gi8BLfjvDZ-6Fe7cjBmKLuIY_mMuUKhiEFdnl3X8uPIAVs857lKardE9XE1tT3Hq8-PSL9N5w3cWIm-7VJujvzMmHCylybPNv5TK0n6pdnjHeTDw/s400/Rosal+dikit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316232496507738562" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mayor Noel E. Rosal puts a No Smoking sticker on a jeepney. (Photo by Rose O. Orbita)THE NEWS DATELINERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896111537769870227noreply@blogger.com0