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Philippine News

8 LGUs in Bicol cited as best eco-waste management implementers

by pia.gov.ph


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the National Solid Waste Management Council (NSWMC), recognized eight local government units (LGUs) in Bicol for its effective implementation of solid waste management as specified in the mandate of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”

The awarding was done yesterday, January 30, at the DENR office in Rawis, Legazpi City.

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional director Eva Ocfemia said that the recognition was divided into two categories where Category 1 refers to LGUs that have the most materials recovery facility (MRF) in every barangay or group of barangays in its area of coverage, while Category 2 refers to LGUs implementing effective strategies in terms of waste reduction and segregation, has a functional MRF, and successfulin managing its bio-degradable wastes.

The cities of Naga and Sorsogon, the town of Magarao in Camarines Sur ,and Pilar in Sorsogon bagged the award for the first category, while the city of Legazpi and the towns of Bulan, Irosin, and Magallanes in the province of Sorsogon were chosen winners for Category 2.

Meanwhile, DENR executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada reminded anew LGUs across the region that have not yet implemented the proper waste management and disposal to put it into practice the soonest possible time so as not to face penalties once the law on Ecological Solid Waste Management is strictly enforced.(DENR News/BR-PIA Sorsogon)





Casiguran town hosts leadership training for student leaders

by PIA Press Release


SORSOGON CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Bicol Region believes in training them young to become upright leaders. A total of 1,750 participants comprising of student leaders across the Bicol Region attended the 4th Bicol Regional Leadership Training for Government Officers on January 27-29 held at the Casiguran Technical Vocational High School and Casiguran Central School. The three-day training, hosted by the local government of Casiguran, aimed to enhance the participants' knowledge, skills, and attitudes as student leaders from their respective schools and local community by inculcating in them the values of cooperation, teamwork, service, responsibility, and accountability. According to Orfelina O. Tuy, Department of Education officer-in-charge, RO 5, the training will also instill in them values which will enable them to actively engage in useful programs and projects in their school and communities. The participants are the duly elected officers of the Supreme Student Government/ School Pupil Government accompanied by their teacher-advisers in Social Studies, Elementary School Pupil Coordinators, and department heads or school principals. The young leaders had a chance to listen to resource speakers like Senator Francis Joseph "Chiz" G. Escudero who talked on Leadership Challenges Towards a Better Philippines; Franco Avelino A. Hilotin, on the mandated programs, projects, and activities; and Jose Doncillo, division coordinator of the Division of Sorsogon, who shared his views on effective leadership. Also on hand were Rev. Fr. Treb Futol, parish priest of Juban who shared his views on Leadership or Servanthood and Dr. Lorna D. Dino of DepEd Region IV-A, who talked on Upgrading Basic Education: K+12 Initiatives.(PIA V)

Magnitude 5.5 quake rocks Bicol

by ELLALYN B. DE VERA


A moderately strong earthquake measuring 5.5-magnitude on the Richter scale jolted parts of Bicol Region yesterday morning. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the 5.5-magnitude earthquake at 8:17 a.m. Saturday that originated 62 kilometers southeast of Virac, Catanduanes. Phivolcs science research specialist Linda Amin said the earthquake was caused by movements along the Philippine Trench. Intensity 3 was recorded in Virac, Baras and Viga in Catanduanes; Intensity 2 in Sorsogon City; and Intensity 1 in Legaspi City and Irosin in Sorsogon. Phivolcs said there was no reported loss of lives or damage to property due to the earthquake. However, it noted that aftershocks are likely to occur. Amin said earthquakes are normal occurrences in the country, noting that Phivolcs records 20 weak and strong tremors on the average everyday.

NPA Rebels torch down passenger bus in Albay - Vox Bikol

by cebusandman.typepad.com


FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City (Jan 27, 2012) – A Silver Star bus which originated from Bulan town Sorsogon and heading towards Manila was torched down by suspected NPA rebels In Barangay Cagbacong, Legaspi City last night (January 26) at around 07:30 pm. Eyewitnesses claimed that the suspects posing as passengers, boarded the bus at a stopover terminal in Sorsogon City. Upon reaching the area between Cumadcad and Sogoy villages in Castilla town, the armed men drew their pistols and introduced themselves as NPA rebels. At the junction in Barangay Sogoy, Castilla town they commandeered the bus towards Barangay Cagbacong, an interior barangay of Legaspi City where three more rebels with long firearms were waiting. The passengers were forcibly herded out of the bus before the rebels poured gasoline on the bus and razed it to the ground. The passengers fled the scene towards the national hi-way and reported the incident to the police in Barangay Cumadcad. “Extortion is the primary motive in this burning incident. The people have denounced this atrocity wherein the NPA rebels have terrorized not just the business owners but also the innocent passengers,” said Col Felix Castro Jr., 903rd Brigade Commander based in Sorsogon. Castro added that coordination has been made with the PNP to track the rebels.

Rebels torch passenger bus in Legaspi

by Bicol Media Solutions


MANILA, Philippines – Suspected members of the New People's Army torched a Manila-bound passenger bus in Legaspi City late Thursday.

This after the company allegedly failed to pay revolutionary taxes to the rebels.

A Silver Star bus was on its way to Manila when four armed men boarded at the pick-up station in Sorsogon City.

Upon reaching Cumadcad section of the national highway in Castilla town in Legaspi City, the group announced that they were NPA rebels.

They commandeered the vehicle to the interior village of Cagbacong, where three other armed men were waiting, before torching the bus around 7:30 p.m.

The passengers were forced to walk the rough road back to the national highway.

None among the dozens of passengers were hurt as the rebels reiterated that their sole intention was for the bus company to comply with their revolutionary tax requirements.

In a statement, Castilla town police chief Fred Nierva said all the passengers were safe, and their baggage were all intact.

For his part, Col. Felix Castro, commander of the 903rd Brigade Commander in Sorsogon, said: "Extortion is the primary motive."

Sec. Pardo recognized as 2011 Outstanding Filipino

by pia-sorsogon.blogspot.com


SORSOGON CITY, January 26 - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) congratulates one of its Board Directors, Mr. Jose T. Pardo, for being one of the recipients of the 2011 The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award given by JCI Senate Philippines and The Insular Life Assurance, Co., Ltd.

The TOFIL Award is given to men and women, 41 years and above, who have significantly contributed to the welfare of the people and the country. Sec. Pardo is cited for his contributions to the business sector.

Pardo is honored for pioneering the franchising model and for being one of the earliest to push for Corporate Social Responsibility. He joins four others in receiving the TOFIL award. These are: Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao for Governance, Dr. Ramon Nery for Government/Public Service, Ms. Sylvia Pendon for Entrepreneurship and Dr. Emerlinda Roman for Education.

The former Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Finance, Sec. Pardo holds key positions in various business entities. He currently serves as Chairman of Electronic Commerce Payment Network, Inc. (ECPay), OOCC General Construction Corp. and Philippine Savings Bank. He sits as Director of ZNN Radio Veritas, Bank of Commerce, San Miguel Pure Foods, Inc., JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Bank of Commerce Investment Corporation. Sec. Pardo is also engaged in civic organizations such as the PCCI Council of Business Leaders, ECOP Council of Business Leaders, Foundation for Crime Prevention, Assumption (Antipolo), and De La Salle University (Canlubang).

JCI Senate Philippines is an organization of a select group of Junior Chamber International (JCI) members who have been awarded lifetime membership as JCI Senators in recognition of their contributions to JCI.

The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company. Its subsidiaries provide general insurance, health maintenance and investment services. (NGCP News/PIA Sorsogon)

DA Sec to distribute agri fund to 200 beneficiaries in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary, Proceso J. Alcala will be awarding checks, including agricultural comprehensive scholarships to farmers, fisher folks and irrigators, a total of 200 beneficiaries on Jan. 26 at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium under the "Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy (AKBAY)" program. The beneficiaries were previously identified and have undergone validation by the four different attached agencies of DA as those that need immediate intervention to implement programs here in the province. From the Fiber Development Authority (FIDA), 30 farmers will receive assistance on abaca development. Forty coconut farmers from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will be granted funds while 30 fisher folks from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and 100 irrigators from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) shall also benefit. The AKBAY program is a mechanism for poverty alleviation given to identified provinces through the provision of livelihood and employment opportunities and augmenting the source of income of the farm households. It also aims to strengthen the capabilities of marginalized sectors to involve and empower them in decision making processes. This program was conceptualized by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council which is under the DA and will be implemented in tandem with the DA regional offices, the local government units and the local agriculture and fishery councils. Alcala, assisted by Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee, will be handing in checks and award the Agricultural Comprehensive Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Scholarship to farmer beneficiaries. Sorsogon has been identified as one of the AKBAY beneficiaries and was awarded P2.09-million assistance through the implementation of the different programs of the several attached agencies. Ten more beneficiaries identified through the AKBAY will be awarded P10,000 each for agri-business. Together with Alcala are DA-5 regional director Dr. Jose V. Dayao, PCA-5 regional manager Eduardo Allorde, DA-5 regional technical director for Research and Regulations Edgar R. Madrid, who will present the programs and project of DA. Expected to attend are the mayors their municipal agricultural officers and heads of offices of the attached agencies under the DA here. (MAL/IAG/PIA-5)

Imposition of higher city realty tax, alarms landowners

by PIA Press Release


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 20 (PIA) -- Landowners here in the city of Sorsogon are alarmed by the higher imposition of realty taxes that were implemented starting the first day of this year, 2012. According to most of these landowners, the imposition of higher taxes was enacted by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan in the Provincial Ordinance No 01-2011 last July 18, 2011 and once implemented this year, would mean a very high mark up in their payments. Landowners are reacting and would like to request for a dialogue with the local officials since abaca, coconut, and other agricultural products do not provide high profit since there is little value added to these products; also, there is the issue of high cost of farm inputs. A total of 54 landowners who attended the committee hearing said that the increase seems to be high. On top of this, homeowners have to pay the realty tax of their houses, which they consider as non-profit assets thereby making the payment of taxes for agricultural land and for their residences as exhorbitant. The increase in the realty taxes range from 38 percent and above as compared to that of the previous rate of previous years. Sorsogon City councilor Nestor J. Baldon, author of the said ordinance, said that under the local government code of 1991, the city of Sorsogon is mandated to enact an ordinance providing for the fair market value of all real properties based now on its assessed fair market value. He also explained that since the city was established in 2000, it has implemented a tax moratorium, meaning that no increase in realty tax was implemented for the past 11 years. He said that with the current market value of real property here in the city, there is also a need to upgrade the tax increase implementation to enhance the eroding tax base for realty taxes. Baldon explained that the preparation of the tax revenue code is guided by the rules and regulations issued by the Department of Finance and that under the local government code, local government units has to undertake a general revision of property assessment once every three years. The city of Sorsogon is almost on its eleventh year and based on the Local Government Code it should have undergone a three time increase in taxes. The five-year grace period of tax moratorium has been made and according to councilor Baldon, the increase in realty taxes this year will also become an economic mechanism for development since the lifeblood of any local government is the generation of taxes. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

DOST intensifies monitoring of mudflow in Juban and Irosin, recommends intervention

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- In the report tendered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial head here, Engr. Gerry Asuncion, he said that the several explosions of Mt. Bulusan have caused the deposit of enormous volume of ashes and other volcanic debris now compounded on the slopes of the volcano and gullys leading to the towns of Irosin and Juban causing mudflows. According to Asuncion, the heavy continuous rains in the province have induced these volcanic debris to flow towards the river system and its tributaries leading to the Cadac-an river that traverses the two towns. All smaller river tributaries in these two municipalities are now heavily silted despite the dredging conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways together with the engineering department of the provincial government. Asuncion said that the DOST technical report says that the flooding and siltation will greatly affect the water supply of some barangays in Juban dependent on the rivers for household needs. He said that their agency had come up with the river map of these areas for regular monitoring and have also installed a mechanism to find out the volume of mudflow, its increase, and its impact on these certain identified areas. With the heavy siltation of Cadac-an river, the barangays of Tampi, Taboc, Biriran, and Binanuahan in Juban have now become affected by floods. The heavy downpour now overflows to these barangays causing floods and if not given immediate intervention, will create a greater problem in terms of water supply needs. Asuncion also explained that they are now devising a water filter out of clay that can be used to filter water and remove the particles of sand and silt to come up with clear water for immediate needs. He said that with the current situation specifically in these two towns, some highly flood-prone areas in Juban should be given attention especially in terms of clean and potable water supply, especially during emergencies. The water filter made out of clay can also be used to remove particles on water affected by the silting. “This water filter can be used for immediate needs in evacuation centers as part of DOST’s disaster risk reduction mechanism intervention to have access to clear water supply to people in evacuation centers affected by flooding or other calamities,” he said. “Evacuation centers should be able to use alternative means to provide safe drinking water and this water filter made out of clay can be mass produced; what we need is funding so that areas affected by flooding can use these as a means to have clear water supply including for bath and toilet needs,” Asuncion explained. (PIA-Sorsogon)

Forest protection council to intensify info campaign on environmental protection

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 16 (PIA)-- “We have to intensify the awareness of the people in Sorsogon in terms of environmental protection and conservation given the disasters that struck the country because of man’s total disregard of the environment,” Andy Espinar, Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Council (MFPC) president said. “While we have strengthened the apprehension activities of the MFPC through the active roles provided by the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, awareness on the mitigation mechanisms to protect and conserve our environment is of utmost importance,” he said. During the meeting, the different sectoral groups were told to come up with their annual work plan to be collated as the provincial MFPC work and financial plan 2012. One of the concerns that surfaced was the provision of a livelihood component so that those engaged in illegal cutting of trees could be identified and given assistance. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer, Rene Camacho, said that he will give a copy of the environmental profile of the province as this will be the basis of the MFPC as a baseline data for dissemination. It will also serve as the cue for local officials on what is the true condition of their municipalities in terms of forest cover to come up with their environmental plan and areas for reforestation. The council also emphasized to all members to support the National Greening Program of the government, a strategy for environmental protection. EDC-Environmental Management Department supervisor Henry Roy said that under their BINHI program, the company is pursuing to green the areas especially where geothermal plants were located. An information dissemination campaign was conducted today at PBN-DZMS headed by the Philippine Information Agency, the Department of Education, and the Kapisanan ng Mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas, Sorsogon chapter. (PIA-SORSOGON)

Gubat town trains health workers for mother and baby care program

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 12 (PIA) -- A three day essential health training for health workers focused on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) No. 4 - to eradicate maternal and infant mortality - is now ongoing here. According to Dr. Carmen Ramos Bonoan, the need to enable health workers in the proper care of pregnant and lactating mothers is a must since this is one of the most vulnerable group needing health care attention based on report of maternal and infant mortality status nationwide. A group of physicians and lecturers coming from the University of the Philippines headed by Dr. Maria Asuncion is now the one conducting the training. There is indeed a need to provide a continuous skills enhancement for health workers starting from the barangay health centers, municipal, and district hospital personnel so that collegial support system in the implementation of the MDG No. 4 be achieved. According to Ramos, aside from enabling the health personnel, the barangay health centers,and municipal and district hospitals will also be upgraded in terms of facilities and other equipment together with provision of information education materials, fliers and brochures specifically on the maternal and infant health care implementation. Funding for the procurement of health equipment will be shouldered by the office of congressman Deogracias Ramos. It was also learned that the following flagship programs are being provided substantive funding allocation: the strengthening of health development mechanisms, environmental protection and conservation, tourism, and infrastructure development. It is expected that the three-day training program will provide the health workers particularly in the second district the needed skills and knowledge in the assistance and support of the implementation of the MDG goal no. 4.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)






Massive mangrove project to bring fireflies to Donsolt

by Kristine L. Alave

Philippine Daily Inquirer


A shower of flying “stars” will soon accompany whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon province, thanks to a massive mangrove planting project on the coast of one of the country’s top tourist draws. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines started to plant 10,000 mangrove seedlings in Donsol’s Sibago village last December to enhance and protect the ecosystem that is shared by whale sharks and tiny organisms like plankton and fireflies. The mangroves enrich nutrients along the coast and in the water, attracting both whale sharks and fireflies, the WWF said. “Whale sharks congregate in Donsol because of the plankton. Plankton consume nutrients discharged by Donsol’s still-healthy rivers, one of the few habitats where fireflies still thrive,” said WWF-Philippines project manager Raul Burce. “Remove mangroves and the fireflies shall be driven off. Without the healthy rivers needed by fireflies, plankton populations cannot bloom and the whale sharks will migrate elsewhere. If one component crashes, the others follow suit. This can be catastrophic for the people of Donsol,” Burce said. The project in Donsol came on the heels of the government’s new tourism campaign with the slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” The WWF said Donsol was an example of how good environmental management and tourism programs could improve the lives of communities. WWF-Philippines CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan said: “The key here is balance. Without it, the productivity of our natural systems will crash. Strike a balance between conservation and development, and we can ensure sustainability.” Donsol’s economy has boomed as tourists flock to its waters to see the whale sharks. A total of 24,191 local and foreign visitors swam with the gentle giants from December to June 2011. Donsol’s municipal tourism office estimated that the 2010 season alone generated more than P100 million from transportation, food, lodging, registration fees, and whale shark, mangrove and firefly tours. Around P20 million was retained by the local government, bolstering incomes and improving lives. Known in Filipino as “bakawan,” mangroves are considered to be one of the most productive of marine habitats—able to generate 500 kilograms of seafood per hectare annually. The roots of the trees provide shelter for marine life, and their fallen leaves are used for food. The roots of the mangroves also absorb heavy trace metals, minimizing coastal erosion and preventing inland saltwater contamination. Mangroves also protect the soil from erosion and the communities from storm surges caused by typhoons. This is important for the residents of Donsol as they live in a region frequented by tropical storms. The importance of mangroves in the Philippines, with its 36,289 kilometers of coastline and a largely shore-borne population, has been recognized by the environment and agriculture departments. Recently, the Department of Agriculture earmarked P237.5 million for the planting of new mangroves and the setting up of “aquasilvi” projects in coastal communities. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also included mangroves as a priority area in its national greening program.

Local gov't optimistic on Gubat tourism development

by Bennie A. Recebido


SORSOGON CITY, January 10 (PIA) -– The municipal government of Gubat is determined to develop and promote their tourism industry to both domestic and foreign tourists to prove that it is more fun in the coastal town of Gubat. Municipal tourism officer Rebecca Ermino said that they are currently in the process of conducting dialogue to resort owners as well as to local officials of barangays in Gubat with potential tourism sites so as to know their respective tourism development plans and to give them assistance, if needed. Ermino said they have already established resorts and other tourism sites where tourists, local and foreign have frequently visited already, but they wanted to make sure that best services will be offered to them so tourists would get beyond what they have spent. Among the tourism destinations that Gubat takes pride with are Rizal Beach in Brgy. Rizal located 5 kms south of the town, which hosted the 9th edition of Philippine Hobie (PhilHobie) Challenge on February 2009. “It is famous because aside from its fine-off-white and gradually sloping beach along a still very intact coast, its shoreline is also best for campfire and beach games,” she said. Ermino also said that aside from the numerous resorts, they also promote their Liang Caves found in Brgy. Togawe, Kalayukai Beach, Dankalan Beach located at the south eastern cove of the town in between Brgy. Pinotingan and Ariman, Gubat Cadaop Spring in Brgy. Bentuco and Handawan Island in Brgy. Cogon. Gubat town is now also being recognized as the Surfing Capital of Sorsogon gaining positive feedback from local and foreign tourists due to its big surfing waves that could thrill both swimmers and surfers. The sand bottom beach breaks of Brgys. Ariman and Buenavista which produces 2-5 feet waves is also considered as a beginner friendly surfing spot especially during the months of September to May. With the formation of Gubat Bay Surfers by Bidge Villarroya and surfboards donated by the Local Government Unit under Mayor Ding Ramos, surfing is more accessible to the local population and tourists alike. Aside from the invigorating beaches, Gubat town also offers tourists with scrumptious native delicacies such as baked “Timitim”, which is similar to cassava cake made up from grated cassava, mixed with coconut milk, sugar, vanilla and pili nuts and the steamed “Kinagang” made of crayfish meat mixed with strips of young coconut and leaves of mint (herba buena) and wrapped in a very special type of leaves known as “hagikhik” which is believed to be the secret of the delicacy. Gubat is a 2nd class municipality with 42 barangays. (MAL/BAR, PIA Sorsogon)





Sorsogon City children’s park and wellness center in the pipeline

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) -- Sorsogon City will be uplifting the landscape of the area by including a Children’s Park and Wellness Center beside the city hall by 2012. According to Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Deoneda, the proposed Children’s Park will have a more environmentally sound feature - the existing trees will be retained, more greenery will be provided, and there will be more open space to allow children to play in a safe area. Deoneda said that the open space in front of the city hall has become a favorite spot for families; it has become one of the best areas most visited. People who love to brisk walk in the mornings and even in the evenings, those who exercise, or just to stroll have been using the open space near the city hall. “I have seen that there is still a need to have more open space to allow people within the city enjoy their morning or afternoon walks and I have also seen the park in front the city hall now become a family bonding place especially during Saturdays and Sundays,” he said. “The need to have additional separate park for the children where they can enjoy and at the same time be safe is now part of the urban planning mechanism to address the need to create safer cities and Sorsogon City is one of the emerging cities now that has heeded this call,” he said. "The Wellness Center will also allow people of all ages to have physical exercise in an area big enough to accommodate people who would like to flex their muscles for stamina and health development and maintenance,” he said. The direction of the city is now towards the human development and environmental conservation so that all facilities and structures that will be constructed will conform to address wellness and the effects of climate change. He also said that there are still other projects in the pipeline for 2012 to include smoother traffic flow, management of solid wastes, creation of safer facilities for work, enjoyment and other activities, and development that conforms to the global needs as a way to implement good governance. He also said that such infrastructure or development like parks and centers will always be in synch with the climate change adaptation and mitigation mechanism as this is now the in thing in developing cities. He also underscored the need for the constituency to help him in becoming aware of how to safeguard these facilities being provided by the city government and take good care of them as if its their own.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

Sorsogon City to implement synchronized barangay patrol system

by Bennie A. Recebido


SORSOGON CITY, January 5 (PIA) – Sorsogon City Police Chief PSupt Edgardo Ardales said that the city police is now on the process of synchronizing the barangay patrol system among barangay tanods and the Philippine National Police (PNP) force to ensure peace, order and security in all barangays here.

“The responsibility of ensuring peace and security in the barangay lies primarily on barangay officials and barangay police (tanod), and men of PNP is at all time available to render service to the general public according to their mandate and ensure that the whole community is secured and free from all forms of harm.

Ardales bared that among his plans and priorities for 2012 is to hold dialogue with all barangay officials across the city to discuss with them some crime mitigation efforts and forge partnership with them in order to make sure that the efforts as planned and implemented will not be put to waste.

“I am planning of entering into an agreement with barangay officials and tanods in terms of a systematic implementation of a patrol system where tanods and policemen assigned in the area will take turns ensuring that no areas will be left unattended to,” the official said.

He also specifically mentioned that electrification in dark areas and the visibility of barangay tanods through the assistance of PNP personnel in the area are a must in all barangays.

He likewise said he wanted to know the difficulties experienced by the barangay police in patrolling or conducting rounds especially that reports have reached his office that some barangays in the city do not really have existing barangay tanods.

Ardales said that majority of the eighty four (84) active policemen and twenty(20) rookies of their force are assigned in sub-station 1 and sub-station 2 at the heart of Sorsogon City, this is why he also appealed to business owners to hire security that would protect their respective establishments and not to fully give to the PNP personnel all the responsibility of safeguarding their lives and properties since that aside from peace and order situation, they also have other responsibilities to attend to and that he admitted they cannot also keep an eye on the residents here individually.

“However in December last year, just after I assumed into office, I have immediately issued directives to my men to ensure that peace and order situation will be sustained not only in times of celebration but also during ordinary days,” he said. (BRecebido/PIA Sorsogon)






One-stop shop for business operators opens in Sorsogon City

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 4 (PIA) -- "BOSS" or Business Operators Service System is again operational in the city hall of Sorsogon City for 20 days, enough time for business operators to apply/renew their business permits and licenses. According to Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Deoneda, this procedure had been ongoing for several years to facilitate the renewal and application for new permits and licenses. Dioneda assured that all departments involved in the issuance of permits and licenses, together with national agencies whose mandate is the same, had been provided space and personnel in the main hallway so that people transacting business will have easy access to their services. The local government had also informed business owners to bring the needed/necessary papers so that they would not be going back and forth. BOSS will be opened five days a week, including two Saturdays; the system started January 2 to end on the midnight of Jan. 22. A 25 percent interest will be added to the usual fee for late filers. Also, a one-time paying regulation will be observed - that upon filing of permit and license, payment of required dues shall also be paid. "Our taxes will help propel our economy and establish an improved service delivery of the national and local government programs and projects," Deoneda concluded. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

DOH offers free flu vaccine to indigent senior citizens in Sorsogon By Danny O. Calleja

by bulantoday.com


SORSOGON CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) through the facilities and health service personnel of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (SPH) here is providing free vaccine against flu to indigent senior citizens in the province.

Dr. Edgar Garcia, the provincial health officer and SPH chief on Monday said the free medical services and vaccines are under the health department’s Code White Alert being implemented as mitigating health strategy and as part of the disaster risk reduction management mechanism of the Aquino administration.

“The program wants to see to it that public health, as one of the priority concerns is well served in providing early interventions so that mitigation for health concerns is addressed,” Garcia said.

The prolonged rainy season and cold weather call for this preventive intervention as the elderly sector is exposed to flu contamination under this climate conditions, he stressed.

Flu or influenza, according to Garcia is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Compared to common colds, flu can cause severe illnesses and can lead to serious complications in all age groups.

While other viral infections carry symptoms that usually are mild and do not prevent most afflicted individuals from doing normal daily activities, flu symptoms are severe and prolonged and can cause the individual to miss days of work or school. The infection stresses the body, he said.

“Flu may cause high fever, cough, sore throat, a runny nose, headache, more malaise and severe body aches. Some people describe the flu as being like the worst cold of their life. Most people feel better after one or two weeks, but for some, the infection leads to serious, even life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia,” Garcia explained.

Because of its infectiousness, severity of symptoms, time lost for work or other physical activities and the potential to lead to serious complications, it is important to prevent flu and the best way to avoid it is to get the vaccine each year before the flu season.

Each year, he said the influenza virus can change slightly making the vaccine used in previous year ineffective.

A world-wide flu surveillance has been established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to detect and select the most likely strains to circulate in the forthcoming flu season. These selected strains are used to develop the new vaccine formula.

The flu vaccine contains three different strains of the virus which scientists believe are most likely to show up. Flu vaccine is safe and almost all people who received it have no serious problems from it, Garcia said.

The vaccine is generally effective against the flu virus within two weeks of the vaccination. It works by exposing a person’s immune system to the virus as the body is enabled to build up anti bodies to the virus to protect you from getting the flu, he said.

The flu vaccine is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the flu in healthy people. Some people who get the vaccine will still get the flu, but they will usually get a milder case than people who were not vaccinated, Garcia said.

He however reminded everyone especially the senior citizens and children that are age groups highly flu vulnerable to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise to reduce the impact of the infection.

The provincial health chief said indigent old people usually suffer respiratory diseases due to cold weather condition, poor living conditions and poor diet, thus it is exigent that vaccine to fight flu be given to this sector.

Local health workers from the province down to the barangays and local government officials were already informed of this free vaccination campaign and they were requested to advice indigent senior citizens within their areas of responsibility to avail of this services being given at the SPH, he said.

“They will not be charged of any amount for this as the vaccines are provided free by the DOH and the services are from government health works and doctors,” he added. (PNA) LAP/LQ/DOC/cbd

Free flu vaccine to indigent senior citizens in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Jan 2 (PIA) -- The provincial health office of Sorsogon has provided indigent senior citizens free flu vaccines to address the respiratory health problems brought about by old age. "Indigent old people usually suffer respiratory diseases due to cold weather condition, poor living conditions, and poor diet, thus it is exigent that vaccine to fight flu be given to this sector," Dr. Liduvina D. Dorion said in her regular radio program Paalalang Pangkalusugan yesterday. Dorion enjoined all workers in the barangay health centers to inform local officials, especially barangay chiefs, that free flu vaccine is available for indigent senior citizens, who, according to the Department of Health (DOH), are vulnerable to influenza and pneumonia. With the continuous rainy season and cold weather conditions, the provincial government and the DOH have joined efforts and focused most of their health priorities on children and the elderly, two of the age group easily prone to diseases and must be given early prevention like vaccination so as to arrest any complications early. “Most have somehow contributed also to their communities but because of financial constraints, most can not avail of the cost of medicines, Dorion said. “Today, the Code White program implementation of the DOH as a mitigating health strategy and as part of the disaster risk reduction management mechanism has seen to it that health is one of the priority concern provided early intervention so that mitigation for health concerns be addressed,” Dorion concluded. (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

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