Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 15 - 21 Issue -- CAN THEY REALLY STOP JUETENG IN BICOL
EDITORIAL: CAN THEY REALLY STOP JUETENG IN BICOL? 
Farmers implore NIA fund release 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. Vege-farming tech wonders 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. 
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. 
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". Philpost assures to do away with 'Return to Sender' mails in Bicol 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" 'Cutest' Butanding rescued off Pilar, Sorsogon gave rise to scientific probes 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. Regional center site move out of Legazpi 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. Bicol tourist arrivals 1.3M in ‘08; up by 45.5% from 2007 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. Albay pursues Philhealth enrollment for 122,000 Medicare beneficiaries 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. Tricy men join health advocates on wheels 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.
Farmers implore NIA fund release 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. Vege-farming tech wonders 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. 
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. 
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". Philpost assures to do away with 'Return to Sender' mails in Bicol 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" 'Cutest' Butanding rescued off Pilar, Sorsogon gave rise to scientific probes 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. Regional center site move out of Legazpi 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. Bicol tourist arrivals 1.3M in ‘08; up by 45.5% from 2007 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. Albay pursues Philhealth enrollment for 122,000 Medicare beneficiaries 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. Tricy men join health advocates on wheels 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.Monday, March 23, 2009
OFW Success Stories
Jocy (center) with Sajith Arayadath, an Indian national (Left) and a european Safety Officer
Editor’s note: 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.
When did you arrive in your current location?
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...
Tell us what has happened during your stay in this country you have worked in.
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.
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!
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.
What were your most memorable moments in your current location?
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..
What are the things that you miss about the Philippines?
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...
What is your message to all OFWs around the world?
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...
Bicol students, parents oppose tuition fee hikes
By Mike dela Rama
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.
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.
"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.
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.
"In case students and parents oppose the new hike we can not allow any school to implement the same," Peralta said.
The CHED has received letters from various organizations urging it to disapprove any tuition fee increase.
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.
"Any increase in tuition is an additional burden to the Albayanos," he added.
Salceda inducts paramedics
By Rey M. Nasol
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.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda inducted the graduates at the Conference hall of the Provincial Disaster Operation Center Wednesday morning.
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.
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.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda promptly responds to radio interviews before the induction rites
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.
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.
DOLE tightens helmet rule to promote workplace safety
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).
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Participants were reoriented on the various safety procedures on construction, most specifically the adherence on the wearing of personal protective equipment or PPEs.
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.
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
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.
Tabaco gets P.3M for emergency job efforts
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Qualified workers will earn a minimum wage of P260 per day for a one-month work schedule.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
DPWH puts up P2.9 Billion projects in Bicol
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.
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.
Roces said the projects include road opening, road concreting, flood control structures, construction of new school buildings, and repair of roads and bridges.
Some 360 workers have been initially hired since the launching of the job generation program of the DPWH two weeks ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
8 hurt in landmine blast in Masbate
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.
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.
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.
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".
He said the rebels attacked the policemen with the use of a detonated explosive device planted at the roadside.
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.
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".
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)
Spain turns over P110M projects to Albay
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Rosal said the project has four components, namely: sanitary land fill development; materials recovery system; reduction, and recycling system and project administration.
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.
The AECID released some P14 million in 2007 for the renovation of the district hospital worth P8 million and hospital equipment worth P6 million.
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.
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.
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.
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)
By Mike dela Rama
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.
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.
"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.
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.
"In case students and parents oppose the new hike we can not allow any school to implement the same," Peralta said.
The CHED has received letters from various organizations urging it to disapprove any tuition fee increase.
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.
"Any increase in tuition is an additional burden to the Albayanos," he added.
Salceda inducts paramedics
By Rey M. Nasol
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.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda inducted the graduates at the Conference hall of the Provincial Disaster Operation Center Wednesday morning.
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.
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.
Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda promptly responds to radio interviews before the induction ritesAccording 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.
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.
DOLE tightens helmet rule to promote workplace safety
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).
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Participants were reoriented on the various safety procedures on construction, most specifically the adherence on the wearing of personal protective equipment or PPEs.
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.
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
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.
Tabaco gets P.3M for emergency job efforts
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Qualified workers will earn a minimum wage of P260 per day for a one-month work schedule.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
DPWH puts up P2.9 Billion projects in Bicol
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.
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.
Roces said the projects include road opening, road concreting, flood control structures, construction of new school buildings, and repair of roads and bridges.
Some 360 workers have been initially hired since the launching of the job generation program of the DPWH two weeks ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
8 hurt in landmine blast in Masbate
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.
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.
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.
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".
He said the rebels attacked the policemen with the use of a detonated explosive device planted at the roadside.
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.
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".
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)
Spain turns over P110M projects to Albay
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Rosal said the project has four components, namely: sanitary land fill development; materials recovery system; reduction, and recycling system and project administration.
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.
The AECID released some P14 million in 2007 for the renovation of the district hospital worth P8 million and hospital equipment worth P6 million.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Legazpi Aviation chief, subordinates sacked
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Sto. Domingos have yet to issue their side on the issue as efforts to get their comments did not materialize as of writing.
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)
RMG staff sacked too
By Mar S. Arguelles
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.
An official of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Bicol reported the relief of the RMG staff on Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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."
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.
They were meted with 90 days preventive suspension effective yesterday.
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.
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.
The other incident took place on December 8 where one Azucena, a new police recruit, formally complained of hazing in their training camps.
The video footage showed the three police training staff punching, paddling a trainee as a ritual at the training sessions.
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.
Magannon said the hazing expose in Bicol was so far the first to be recorded across the country.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Sto. Domingos have yet to issue their side on the issue as efforts to get their comments did not materialize as of writing.
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)
RMG staff sacked too
By Mar S. Arguelles
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.
An official of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Bicol reported the relief of the RMG staff on Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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."
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.
They were meted with 90 days preventive suspension effective yesterday.
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.
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.
The other incident took place on December 8 where one Azucena, a new police recruit, formally complained of hazing in their training camps.
The video footage showed the three police training staff punching, paddling a trainee as a ritual at the training sessions.
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.
Magannon said the hazing expose in Bicol was so far the first to be recorded across the country.
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.
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