Philippines

Sorsogon Province News September 2011

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Philippine News

Soldiers help build village school

by ELENA L. ABEN


MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has stepped up its program dubbed “Gusto Kong Mag-Aral” (I want to study)” after it turned over to residents of a remote barangay in Bicol province a two-classroom school building constructed by soldiers.

Pandan village in Castilla town in Sorsogon province was the latest recipient of the AFP's “Gusto Kong Mag-Aral” project.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thru the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) together with the local government unit of Castilla town and Sorsogon province and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, joined in an effort to address the problem particularly in Sorsogon.

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, the AFP-Nadescom public affairs officer, said “Gusto kong Mag-aral” involves a series of projects consisting of construction of classrooms in differentparts of the country and partnering with different organizations and individuals to provide better quality education to marginalized communities.

Garcia said that the project was hatched when the groundbreaking and construction of the twoclassroom building was started last April 14, 2011 in Barangay Yunot, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro and its subsequent turn-over on July 19.

“Several school buildings are now being constructed under this partnership in Barangay Salvacion, Albuera, Leyte; Barangay Dicamay, San Mariano, Isabela; Barangay Pangi, Maco, Compostela Valley; Barangay San Jose, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte; Barangay Cabangcalan, Aroroy, Masbate; Barangay Calingatnan, Borongan, Eastern Samar; and Pinukpuk Central, Pinukpuk Kalinga province. Three more will be started in the coming weeks,” said Garcia.

Barangay Pandan is one of the 34 villages of Castilla, a 3rd class municipality and the hometown of Gen. Eduardo SL Oban Jr., the current Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

The inadequate number of classrooms, according to teachers, was the main reason why they cannot accept more students. The two-classroom school building will now allow the school to accept students up to the 4th year next school year.

“With the additional classrooms, teachers said they we will be able to open the 4th year class which will benefit at least 300 students from Pandan and five other barangays who walk several kilometers to go to the school in Barangay Dinapa where there are school rooms to accommodate them,” said Garcia.

During the turnover ceremony, parents of school children in the barangay said the new classrooms will help lessen the cost of travel of their children who are forced to enroll at another village, Barangay Dinapa due to the lack of rooms in Pandan.

As this developed, the Office of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) headed by Secretary Imelda Nicolas promised the people of Pandan that additional help will be provided by the Commission for Filipinos Overseas for another school building next year, according to the Nadescom PAO.

“The construction of the school building itself is a product of the cooperation of the people of the barangay and soldiers from the 903rd Infantry Brigade, the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the local populace who provided unskilled labor while skilled labor was provided by 565th Engineer Construction Battalion of the 51st Engineer Brigade of the Army,” said Garcia.

Donations and many add-ons like books, blackboards, chairs, tables, cabinets and other school materials poured in from different partner organizations such as the Commission on Filipino Overseas, Technological Education , Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and from individual donors.

“The school building coupled with add-ons was completed with only P1.05 million total cost which is way below the P1.4 million standard cost of a project with the same quality and dimensions; without the add-ons,” Garcia

Patrol car saves police post from NPA attack in Sorsogon

by Aaron Recuenco


Sorsogon, Philippines – A police patrol car saved an undermanned town police station in Sorsogon from being overrun by communist rebels who have been intensifying the attacks in province in the past few days.

Supt. Wilson Asueta, spokesman of the Bicol regional police, said the attack resulted in the wounding of two policemen of the Barcelona Police Station but said the wounds were just minor, as a result of the maneuvering against the attacking 30 rebels.

“It was actually that patrol car which protected the personnel, the rebels also found it difficult to enter the police station because of that patrol car since it was parked near the main gate,” said Asueta in a phone interview.

Asueta said the rebels immediately launched a volley of gunfire as soon as they arrived near the main gate of the police station at 11:15 p.m.

Although outnumbered, Asueta said the local police immediately scampered to defend the police station, with the direction of the town police chief.

“The policemen on duty that night was supposed to be 15 but there were only eight inside when the attack occurred, that includes the chief of police,” said Asueta.

The gun battle lasted for almost one hour, afterwhich, the rebels finally gave up and fled.

NPAs attack Sorsogon cop station

by Celso Amo, Michelle Zoleta, Mike Frialde


LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Two policemen were wounded when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided the police station of Barcelona town in Sorsogon Friday evening.

PO3 Joel Encinares and PO1 Jessie Doloiras were wounded when about 30 heavily armed NPA guerillas attacked the police station around 11:15 p.m., triggering a one-hour gunfight.

Superintendent Wilson Azutea, spokeperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol, said Inspector Edgar Azotea led the duty personnel who repelled the attack by NPA rebels.

He said scene of the crime investigators recovered a live ammunition for an M-203 grenade launcher after the rebels escaped.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome meanwhile, lauded the policemen for their action.

“I urge you to keep up the good work and perform with the same zeal and dedication in all your future undertakings,” Bartolome said in a statement.

Last Thursday, an Army soldier was killed, while six others were wounded when members of the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company under Lt. Clint Antipala clashed with some 20 NPA rebels during a 20-minute firefight in Barangay Bacalon in Magallanes town also in Sorsogon.

The firefight came after the visit of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Oban in his hometown in Barangay Pandan in Castilla, Sorsogon Tuesday to inaugurate a two-room school building.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesperson for the 9th Infantry Division said members of the 903rd Infantry Brigade under Col. Felix Castro are conducting hot pursuit operations against the rebels.

Guzman said all troops in Bicol are also on high alert, while coordination and intelligence sharing with the PNP is being enhanced to avoid similar incidents.

Cops foil police station assault in Sorsogon

by PhilStar.com



Cops foil police station assault in Sorsogon Home Updated September 24, 2011 11:10 AM 2 comments to this post MANILA, Philippines – Two policemen were hurt as they defend a police station in Sorsogon province from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, yesterday night.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Philippine National Police spokesperson, said around 30 rebels assaulted the Barcelona police station in the province at around 11;15 p.m.

On duty personnel defended the police station from the rebels, resulting in a one-hour firefight.

The policemen were able to hold off the assault until reinforcement came, forcing the rebels to withdraw.

Two policemen were hurt while the casualties on the rebels’ side was unknown.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for four decades. Military estimates the NPA strength at more than 4,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.

The administration of President Benigno Aquino III is attempting to convince again the rebels to return to the peace negotiating table to end the decades-old insurgency.

Feature: Army's 'Tarabangan sa Brgy. Pandan', a convergence initiative to reduce poverty

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, September 23 (PIA) -- Dubbed "Tarabangan sa Barangay Pandan", a local convergence initiative highlights a public-private cooperation and the spirit of Bayanihan with the inauguration of a two-room school building in Pandan village, Castilla, Sorsogon. Col. Felix Castro, brigade commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9ID, Philippine Army (PA), said the infrastructure project was accomplished through the assistance of ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. and the support of Castilla town government. Castro explained that the completion and inauguration of the classroom manifested the efforts and interventions of the government to accomplish community projects and pursue similar projects following the "Tarabangan" scheme. He said that the activity during the inauguration was more of a "celebration of partnership", with the government being truly sensitive of the needs of the barangay and its residents, likewise showing concern through their (locales) labor support and commitment to sustainably take care of these projects accomplished, the on going and those that are programmed. The army commander furthered that with the intervention of Secretary Imelda Nicolas of the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), some five units of computers and eight ceiling fans were donated for the new building inaugurated. The donation of the equipment was made also made possible through the efforts of the Asociacion Valencia de Asistencia Sanitaria y Social Voluntarios (AVASSV) and National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) Simultaneous with the inauguration activity, AVASSV, with the help of doctors from the military, also conducted medical mission and provided free medicines. Meanwhile, Castro also bared that "Tarabangan" was also able to pursue improvement project of the road in Barangay Dinapa, funded by the national government carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). "Tarabangan" was also credited to complete construction of a school building, funded under the office of Sorsogon I Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III, while another was also completed, trough funding from the Department of Education. More projects were also underway with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Inc. sponsoring six bayanihan scholars of Barangay Pandan now studying at the Lewis College here . The same barangay will also be a recipient of a feeding program for four months commencing September 20 to benefit the elementary pupils of Pandan Elementary School through the Bantay Bata program of ABS-CBN. Under the convergence program, the concreting of the Pandan Irrigation Canal worth P30 M is already on the pipeline with funding from the Department of Agriculture. An additional P500,000 repair of the building of Parent Teacher Association office of the village primary education school will be provided by the provincial government of Sorsogon. Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee also directed the implementation of project for the re-gravelling of the Pandan-Saclayan road and the repair of the Farm to Market Road of the Pandan-Tomalaytay- Cogon worth P4.5 million. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Major NPA strongholds pinpointed

by RHAYDS B. BARCIA CORRESPONDENT


CASTILLA, Sorsogon: Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban identified five areas in the country where New People’s Army rebels have established footholds.

Oban who set foot in his hometown after five decades told The Manila Times that priority areas of the AFP to address insurgency problems are Bicol, Davao Del Norte, Negros, Campostela Valley and Samar.

“The New People’s Army are concentrated in Campostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Negros, Samar and Bicol region. These areas are among the problematic and our priority to resolve insurgency problem to establish peace,” Oban said.

NPA strength is diminishing with 4,000 combatants but the movement is considered a threat to national security and hinders development in the countryside.

To wipe out the insurgency movement in the country, Oban said that they’re pursuing programs under the Bayanihan scheme.

“Through our Bayanihan scheme we will address insurgency particularly in priority areas such as Davao del Norte, Bicol, Negros, Campostela Valley and Samar,” he said.

The AFP chief expressed optimism that the peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front would end the 40-decade insurgency problem in the country.

In Bicol, Major General Josue Gaverza, commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division identified the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate as the most problematic insurgency areas.

Gaverza said that Masbate and Sorsogon are very ideal to insurgent groups due to the rugged terrain advantageous for their guerilla operations.

Earlier, Gaverza reported before the Regional Development Council full council meeting that the insurgency problem in Bicol is manageable although sporadic attacks against government forces took place in the past few months here.

Jomil Cinema 1 (now Centro Mall)

by sorsogoncity


The corner of Magsaysay Street and Rizal Street is a common landmark that you have come to (before it was a town now) the city of Sorsogon. In reality, the zero kilometer of Sorsogon City is located just in front of the former post office building just a hundred meters away or so.

For those millenials, born around the late 90s and the early decade of 2000, the corner is known for Chowking and Centro Mall (in the picture). However, for those who were born before that, the Centro Mall was known as Jomil Cinema 1 (Jomil Cinema 2 came in later, around late ’80s).

This is where the author first saw his first couple of Lito Lapid movies - Ang Pagbabalik ni Leon Guerrero and San Basilio (Julio Valiente). The latter is unforgettable movie. There is a scene wherein Julio Valiente put the knife infront of the barrel of his revolver, with the blade facing the hole – when he fired, he killed two cowboys on a single bullet. PG or GP didn’t exist then, though the author is definite that X and R ratings existed by then. Finally, the said theater showed 2 movies, in local parlance it’s called, kadobol.

The author could still remember the gap between the date the movies were first shown in Manila and the time they were shown in Sorsogon – approx. 2 months or maybe longer. Each movie would last less than it’s original length since 2 movies were shown on a single cycle. The ticket was around 6 pesos, this was lower area (Balcony was the more expensive one). Later on, before the theater closed down it was a bit lower than 20 pesos.

Why did it close down and there’s no movie house anymore in Sorsogon? The author doesn’t really know though only JB Cinema in Barangay Talisay was the last one to closed down around the late 90s. Though there was an article during that time saying that the main enemy of the theaters – boot legged CDs (DVD were not available then).

What about before Jomil Cinema, what was the original establishment? It was the International Hotel.

Gen. Oban, Palma to inaugurate 2-classroom building in Castilla

by PIA Press Release


SORSOGON CITY, September 19 (PIA) -- General Eduardo SL Oban, Jr, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines together with Ms Tina Monzon-Palma, program director of the AFI Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN will serve as guest of honor to inaugurate the 2-room school building at Barangay Pandan Castilla, Sorsogon here tomorrow, September 20. According to Lt. Felix Castro, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9ID, Philippine Army, this 2-classroom building has been constructed though their initiative and had been made possible through the donation of construction materials provided by the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Sagip Kapamilya and the labor component provided by the people of Barangay Pandan instilling the Filipino value of the Bayanihan spirit. The event will will also be attneded by other key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the local officials of the municipality of Castilla to be led by Mayor Olive Bermillo. The event will commence with a medical treatment where several government and military doctors will be at hand to provide needed medical assistance to pre -identified patients in the barangay earlier pre-arranged by both the local government of Castilla and the 903rd Brigade, 9ID under Lt. Castro. Castro said that aside from the environmental conservation initiatives PA is extending to the barangays within Castilla, Pilar and Donsol , education , medical , health and disaster risk reduction efforts are also being undertaken by their unit to better the lives of people and make them aware also of their own empowerment by engaging them as pro-active members in any program and projects undertaken in the community. According to Lt. Castro, Major General Carlos B. Holganza AFP Commander of Nadescom will share the "Bayanihan Experience" and will acknowledge the people in the barangay for the efforts they have contributed through collaborative endeavor, giving free labor services together with the PA Engineering Brigade and the support provided by ABS-CBN family. Jay Andrew the Mesa, a student of Pandan High School (PHS) will deliver the message of gratitude for and in behalf of the students while Mrs. Lucila B. Villa, teacher -in-charge of (PHS) and Mr. Randy B. Bueno , barangay Captain of Pandan will also express words of gratitude. Marjorie A del Ayre , a Bayanihan Scholar will also extend similar words of gratitude to the donors and to all the entities who have made the project a success. Expected to grace the ocassion is Vice Governor Antonio H. Escudero Jr. MNSA, LTGen Roland M. Detabali, AFP Commander , Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM). Highlights of the event after the blessing and inauguration of the building will be the messages of the two prominent personalities gracing the ocassion, Ms Tina Monzon -Palma, a well acclaimed television host of ABS-CBN and well known personality extending projects for the development of rural communities through the Sagip Kamilya and the very pride of the province of Sorsogon Gen. Eduardo SL Oban Jr AFP chief of Staff who hails from the municipality of Castilla. "We share the dreams of our nation, a country at peace and a people with freedom from want", this are the words printed under Gen. Oban's invitation program. The event will commence with a ceremonial pandan planting activity that will be done within the school premises of PHS. Expected too, to be present and lend support to the occasion are the member-agencies of the Bayanihan Eco-Park Project at Barangay Sibago of Donsol town also, one of the assisted projects of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9ID PA. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Intervida turns over community center to Sorsogon province

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, September 15 (PIA) -- In a simple ceremony held here this month at the Sorsogon Community Center, country delegate of Intervida, Restituto Ramos, formally turned over the management of this edifice to the provincial government represented by former governor Sally Ante-Lee. The Sorsogon Community Center was an extension of the old Sorsogon Provincial Hospital which has been unoccupied for so long that Intervida through the initiative of former Board Member Rosario"Cherry" Diaz was renovated, refurbished and made as a skills and development center catering to grassroots communities and have been managed by the Intervida staff for almost 5 years. "Now that Intervida is focusing more of its programs and projects in the municipalities of Castilla, Donsol and Pilar specifically along education and nutrition, we have made agreements with the provincial government of Sorsogon to formally turn over the management of the Sorsogon community Center to them ", Ramos explained in his message during the turn over ceremony rites. Receiving the key of responsibility from Ramos, Lee explained that the center will be a training ground for culture and arts development which she believes should be an extension of the enrichment and enhancement activity of the Sorsogon Provincial Heritage Museum. She explained that the provincial government has already provided the center with musical instruments, like guitars, electric organs , drums, percussion instruments, books and other materials that can be accessed by students or those interested individuals who would like to hone their skills in music, poetry , drama and the like. The center according to Lee will be under the direct supervision of the provincial government with the assistance of the Department of Education, provincial schools division and counter-parting in the overseeing of the daily activities will be the Bukawel Performing Group Community Based Theater Group (CBTG) under the supervision of Dan Razo. A special dance number was performed by the CBTG to provide entertainment in the ceremony called "Alay" which according to Razo is a dance that expresses gratitude specially offered to the Intervida to show appreciation for the assistance they have extended to the province of Sorsogon. Meanwhile, Lee also expressed during the turn over ceremony that she hopes to see more culturally inclined individuals pursue their artistic inclinations through this center. "Those who are willing to access the services of the center will just schedule their time to use the center and its basic amenities with the current management", Lee explained. She also said that arrangements will be done to have skilled mentors in the center who can share their expertise and will also provide the center their spare time especially those retired teachers and other individuals willing to voluntarily share their time and knowledge in contributing to the popularization and enhancement of local songs, music and dances truly Sorsoganon or reflective of the Sorsoganon's culture and arts. Department of Education assistant schools division superintendent, Danilo Despi who graced the occasion for and in behalf of Dr. Marilen Dimaano, provincial school division superintendent who is on official leave, said that the DepEd provincial office will also coordinate with the Sorsogon City DepEd so that both can access programs provided by the center and at the same time contribute to its sustainable development. Despi had also expressed appreciation to Intervida for the feeding programs provided to school children in their three pilot municipalities, Castilla, Donsol and Pilar which is under the provincial schools division areas. With special participation, Lee also requested the Philippine Information Agency office here, together with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas, Sorsogon Chapter, represented by its president Andy Espinar to assist in training kids to do broadcast and other individuals who also like to undergo the same training. Lee said that communication is the best form of art to better understanding and a culture that should be instilled in everyone to attain the culture of peace. "In a positive note let us also provide the people of Sorsogon, the media mileage of the positive traits of the people of Sorsogon both in broadcast and in print', she said. Present during the formal turn-over were members of the print and broadcast media in the province, DepEd personnel, staff from Intervida in Legaspi City and the head and staff of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council. . Agnes Nan-Habla, Intervida Field Officer closed the ceremony by saying that ,"As adults teach children all about life and children should teach their elders what life is all about". (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

DENR says most of Sorsogon hospitals do not have proper waste disposal

by (PNA) DCT/LAM/LQ/MSA/cbd


SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 14 (PNA) -- Most of the hospitals operating in the province do not have waste water discharge permits and solid waste management system in violation of Republic Act 6969, known as "The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said.

EMB specialist Engr. Leonisa Madeloso said most of the 8 hospitals in the province are without waste water discharge permits, some are without solid waste management reports and most of the mercurial wastes from busted florescent lamps are not safely disposed together with other hospital wastes.

She said the EMB has already issued notice of violations and have conducted dialogues with the hospital personnel on how these wastes should be managed so as not to affect the environment and create public health problems.

Madeloso said that based on their monitoring, evaluation and assessment, eight hospitals in the province are not complying with the guidelines provided in RA 6969 in the proper disposal of hospital and hazardous wastes.

According to Madeloso, they have checked and evaluated one public and one private tertiary hospital; four secondary private and two secondary public hospitals and how these hospitals managed their wastes.

In their findings, Madeloso said all these hospitals lack the proper procedure in disposing their hospital waste while they only use chlorine and lysol as the standard chemicals for disinfecting hospital wastes.

The findings also indicate that no waste disposal signages are conspicuously placed inside the hospitals.

"Sharps and syringes used should always be properly managed and placed in plastic containers and these containers should again be placed in cans and with proper signage and should never be disposed together with other hospital wastes," Madeloso said.

She also reported that some hospitals do not have Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) or if there is one, most are not properly trained.

She urged local chief executives and members of the Sorsogon Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) to inform the provincial government to take action on the EMB findings and work out ways to address this environmental concerns.

"Proper report on what wastes are generated, volume and how these are treated, and disposed should also be made to keep track of the implementation of RA 6969 which hospitals are required to do," Madeloso explained

The PSWMB agreed to address these issues in the province by organizing a Provincial Monitoring Team to monitor and evaluate the implementation of RA 6969 and coordinate with the hospitals to reiterate their strict compliance on the provisions of the law.

Sorsoganon Kita Inc. spearheads press conference for 2011 Kasanggayahan Festival activities

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- A press conference was held here September 9 at the Sorsogon City Muti-Purpose Hall for the presentation of activities lined-up for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 spearheaded by Sorsoganon Kita Inc. Attended by both the national and local media, among those present were Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president, Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc(KFI) , Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, regional director RO V, Department of Tourism, Michael Sulit, president of Sorsoganon Kita Inc. Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda and Atty Antonio Huab, representing governor Raul R. Lee. Sorsoganon Kita Inc. president Michael Sulit presented all the activities for this month long celebration of the 117th founding anniversary of the province of Sorsogon and what to expect from a public-private partnership undertaking. Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president of the Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc.(KFI) stated that it was really an answered call for the KFI's long desire that private organization should run the activities of the festival while the KFI still remains as the organic body overseeing that the activities are alined to what the festival intends to portray, that of popularizing the history, culture and aspirations of the province of Sorsogon in a festive celebration. Sulit bared that the events are classified include sports, culture and arts, music and dance, socials, special interest, conventions/ congress and the economic side which is trade and industry. Sulit explained that the festival this year is more of a public -private partnership, all officials from the national and local and private individuals contributing their share in terms of logistics and sponsored activities to show unity of action and to ensure the success of the festival. The cultural dance, Pantomina sa Tinampo reflective of the Bicolano's culture for merriment expressed in a dance will be done in the evening. It will be the original Sorsoganon pantomina called "Sinakiki" popularized in Gubat town and will be adapted in the festival. One big highlights of this year's festival is giving recognition to outstanding Sorsoganons who have made the province proud in terms of their different contribution not only in the local scene but more on the national scope like the four Sorsoganons and only Bicolanos conferred the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines. The award to be conferred dubbed "Oragon Award" will show the mettle and exemplary traits and achievements of certain Sorsoganons in the fields of education, public service, governance, education, media, cinema and one special award is highlighting a family's endeavor and success. Sulit also disclosed that there will be the competition of the singing councilors, tree planting activity, the regional competition for bands and majorette and an inter- municipal drum and lyre competition. Questions during the presscon how the festival will advertise and promote tourism were answered by Sulit and director Ravanilla while Msgr. Monje also explained that the working budget for this year for the festival is P more than 3 M. Sulit also disclosed that there were several activities sponsored by Senator Chiz Escudero like the shootfest, the basketball game to be played by Adamson vs All Sorsoganon Star Cast. A first time Mardi Gras will also be seen participated in and performed by the Bukawel Cultural Dancers on the evening of the last day of October to end the event. Sulit said that this year's Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 will usher in a more participative endeavor and expect activities that are of unusual interesting flavor. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Pilar, Korean firm team up to establish sanitary land fill and material recovery facility

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY , September 10 (PIA) -- A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is now on the process of review and consultation, submitted by the Local Government of Pilar to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) V on the proposed integrated sanitary landfill (ISL) and material recovery facility (MRF) with a Korean firm, the Pilar Jeong Sol Green Technology Limited (PJSGTL). In a dialogue with Mayor Dennis Reyes of Pilar town, during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board last week, along with Vice Mayor Celso Lao Jr. and several members of the Sanggunian Bayan, the desire to push through this project , according to them is borne out of the requirement of the DENR that each local government unit must have a sanitary landfill and material recovery facility under the RA 9003 of 2000 otherwise known as Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. “For a local government like Pilar, whose internal revenue allotment is not enough to finance the establishment of a sanitary landfill since it is very expensive and like us with our budget so meager, it will be very difficult to comply with this RA 9003,” Reyes said. “In consultation with the members of the Sanggunian Bayan we have to look for alternative source on who can assist us finance this kind of requirement and at the same time generate jobs and add on income for Pilar,” he said. The proponent, PJSGTL will undertake the design, finance construction and management of the ISL and MRF according to Mayor Reyes. According to Reyes, a 30 ha lot will be purchased by the proponent for the establishment of the ISL. In the MOA all stipulated agreements between PILAR LGU and the proponent will be reviewed by DENR. The ISL and MRF as Pilar LGU intends to pursue will also provide the proponent shipment of scrap materials that can be processed within the MRF and will again be shipped for export to other countries. Some issues on the agreement where already raised to the several persons concerned during the meeting with Mayor Reyes. A very clear provision on the MOA is that no prohibited wastes as stated in article 5 of the MOA be allowed especially pathological wastes, wastes and by products from clinics, laboratories, hospital and other similar sources. It was also stipulated in the MOA that industrial waste especially those that are toxic and containing hazardous substances will not be allowed and there will be strict inspection on what kind of wastes will be brought to the ISL. The materials to be processed in the MRF were well identified in Article 4 of the MOA and according to Mayor Dennis all provisions of the DENR will be strictly followed. In the Moa the MRF will only be operating on the following: as paper bailing press that will serve as the scraps paper bonding press, pelletizer of the recyclables plastics, injection molding machines, can compactor for beer, soft drink cans and other similar items, food waste composting facility, enactor and sanitary landfill. According to Mayor Reyes the agreement will be valid within 25 years and the economic benefit will have a 15% of the gross income for the LGU and the continuous development within the area including employment and infrastructure development that will ensure environmental protection. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Sorsogon City mainstreams disaster risk reduction mechanisms in local planning and urban management

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Utilizing the strategy of bottoms up approach, the city government of Sorsogon has conducted a series of inter-sectoral consultation to mainstream the interventions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction initiatives. “Inputs of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC), together with other members of the community have provided the office on the current situations, conditions and identifying problem areas , provide necessary actions steps and harmonizing it with development plans were the mechanism initiated already by the city government to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction, Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda usually expressed whenever he is invited to share the best practices of the city” Tito D. Fortes said in an interview done by the Philippine Information Agency Office here last Monday. “We were tasked to share the best practices of the city government here on DRR in Baguio City only two weeks ago since Mayor Dioneda was in another commitment sharing again the best practices in Solid Waste Management implementation” Fortes said. Fortes, as the newly installed officer in charge of programs and projects under the CCMA provided several persons visiting the city, a tour of the office where emboldened hazard maps were posted showing their areas of vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities of neighboring municipalities that also poses a bearing on certain climatic conditions in the city. Fortes said that the maps generated through the assistance of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided personnel working in the DRR a very comprehensive presentation of certain types of vulnerabilities of the city. “This office has created awareness within the basic sectors in the community to look at disasters with preparedness and with a committed responsibility of what should be done collectively in addressing the concerns,” Fortes said. ”The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) together with the Sorsogon City Development Planning Office (CPDO) have harmonized their Physical Framework Development Plan,” he said. Reformulation and the enhancement of the city PFDP in compliance with the CCMA and DRR will now serve as the basic operating guidelines and legal policies to be followed for the expedient implementation of programs and projects under the infrastructure development landscape of the city,” Fortes further explained. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

NPA landmine misses Army troops in Sorsogon'

by PhilSTAR.com


MANILA, Philippines - An Army Battalion commander and 10 of his men escaped unhurt a landmine explosion that suspected communist rebels planted this morning along a road in the in Irosin town in Sorsogon.

Army Col. Epimaco Makalisang, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon, together with his team on board a KM450 military truck were on their way back to their headquarters when the landmine planted on a road linking barangays Magdagunson and Buenavista exploded at about 8:30 a.m.

Superintendent Wilson Asueta, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said a landmine exploded while Makalisang's group were negotiating a road in the named barangays on their way back to their camp in Sorsogon City from an Army company detachment in Irosin.

Asueta quoting reports said the landmine, which failed to hit its target, exploded hastily a few meters from where the military truck was approaching.

The report said Makalisang and his men visited an Army camp in Irosin and awarded medals and citations to a number of soldiers there.

Army patrols have been dispatch in the area to track down New People’s Army (NPA) rebels behind the landmine attack.

OPAPP orients Sorsogon PPOC members on the revised Philippine Reintegration Program

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, SEPTEMBER 6 (PIA) ..... The Office of the Presidential Advisory on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through its Southern Luzon representative Cristopher Azucena oriented the members of the Sorsogon Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the revised Philippine Reintegration Program (PRP) in a meeting held here last week at the Sorsogon Provincial Management Office (SPMO).

Members were provided a copy of the Framework for the Reintegration and Development of Former Combatants incorporated in the revised PRP.

According to Azucena the PRP first program implementation was contained in the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR) which was conducted from 1950-1954.

This was followed by the National Reconciliation and Development Program (NRDP) implemented from 1986-1991. Then it was reviewed and revised so from 1992-1993 what was implemented under the PRP was the New National Reconciliation and Development Program.

In 1994 under the PRP the National Program for Unification and Development was implemented from 1994-2000 followed by Expanded Balik Loob which was in effect from 2000-2003 and another name was coined to implement the PRP, implemented from 2007-2010 which was the Social Integration Program (SIP)

Azucena said that based from the findings from past experiences and records , the implementation of the program since 1986, around 275,147 former rebels and their families have benefited from the government reintegration activities and a total of P1, 835 Billion have been spent.

Under the NDRP/ NNRDP P1.28 M was provided to 233,996 beneficiaries, While under the NPUD a total of P385.55 M was distributed to 40,396 beneficiaries. In the SIP, P253 M was provided to 982 beneficiaries.

Now under the Aquino administration Prospects for Peace , the OPAPP has released the Framework for the Reintegration and Development of Former Combatants (FCs) now contained in the revised Philippine Reintegration Program.

It is anchored on four guiding principles and policies.

These four guiding principles and policies are : first, it should be locally driven and owned and nationally led ; second, built on broad partnership; third, time bound with clear exit strategy ; and fourth, subject sensitive and flexible.

Azucena also explained that under the locally driven strategy, provincial Local government units whenever practicable are focal points of authority, assistance and management. OPAPP and other national agencies will act or perform as oversight functions, monitoring and evaluation, provide policy direction, capacity building support and assist in resource mobilization.

Under the broad partnership strategy, government and non-government organizations are converged to assist and provide support programs and services.

Former combatants (FCs) , their families, communities of settlement, LGUs and other stakeholders should be involved in planning and implementation of the PRP.

Underscored by Azucena is that the program should be time bound with clear exit strategy. Meaning, the local reintegration plan are with clear outputs and timelines. 

For this he said, "There should be effective monitoring and evaluation system installed at the start of the program to track progress of FCs and how the program will help them to be mainstreamed.

The last guiding principle he said for the PRP to be successful is that it should be subject sensitive.

"It should be a flexible packaging and provision of assistance that is context-specific , and needs and capacity based.It should utilize case work approach for each FC , allows for flexibility in implementation arrangement based on capacity to deliver", he stressed.

"Most importantly respect for privacy of FCs and their family and need for confidentiality of some process be observed", he said."These guidelines on the revised PRP are of utmost importance so that as members of the PPOC, each one can really assist in the implementation and success of the program.

The delivery of the program according to Azucena to new surfacing rebels shall be done as need arises through local government and non-government partners as seen as appropriate.

The purpose of the orientation is also to organize the local reintegration team. (PIA-SORSOGON)

Sorsogon Peace Council briefed on revised Philippine Reintegration Program'

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY , September 5 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Advisory on the Peace Process (OPAPP), through its Southern Luzon representative Cristopher Azucena, oriented the members of the Sorsogon Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the revised Philippine Reintegration Program (PRP) in a meeting held here last week at the Sorsogon Provincial Management Office (SPMO). According to Azucena the PRP first program implementation was contained in the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR) which was conducted from 1950-1954. This was followed by the National Reconciliation and Development Program (NRDP) implemented from 1986-1991. Then it was reviewed and revised so from 1992-1993 what was implemented under the PRP was the New National Reconciliation and Development Program. In 1994 under the PRP the National Program for Unification and Development was implemented from 1994-2000 followed by Expanded Balik Loob which was in effect from 2000-2003 and another name was coined to implement the PRP, implemented from 2007-2010 which was the Social Integration Program (SIP) Azucena said that based from the findings from past experiences and records , the implementation of the program since 1986, around 275,147 former rebels and their families have benefited from the government reintegration activities and a total of P1, 835 Billion have been spent. Under the NDRP/ NNRDP P1.28 M was provided to 233,996 beneficiaries, While under the NPUD a total of P385.55 M was distributed to 40,396 beneficiaries. In the SIP, P253 M was provided to 982 beneficiaries. Now under the Aquino administration Prospects for Peace , the OPAPP has released the Framework for the Reintegration and Development of Former Combatants (FCs) now contained in the revised Philippine Reintegration Program. It is anchored on four guiding principles and policies. These four guiding principles and policies are : first, it should be locally driven and owned and nationally led ; second, built on broad partnership; third, time bound with clear exit strategy ; and fourth, subject sensitive and flexible. Azucena also explained that under the locally driven strategy, provincial Local government units whenever practicable are focal points of authority, assistance and management. OPAPP and other national agencies will act or perform as oversight functions, monitoring and evaluation, provide policy direction, capacity building support and assist in resource mobilization. Under the broad partnership strategy, government and non-government organizations are converged to assist and provide support programs and services. Former combatants (FCs) , their families, communities of settlement, LGUs and other stakeholders should be involved in planning and implementation of the PRP. Underscored by Azucena is that the program should be time bound with clear exit strategy. Meaning, the local reintegration plan are with clear outputs and timelines. For this he said, "There should be effective monitoring and evaluation system installed at the start of the program to track progress of FCs and how the program will help them to be mainstreamed. The last guiding principle he said for the PRP to be successful is that it should be subject sensitive. "It should be a flexible packaging and provision of assistance that is context-specific , and needs and capacity based.It should utilize case work approach for each FC , allows for flexibility in implementation arrangement based on capacity to deliver", he stressed. "Most importantly respect for privacy of FCs and their family and need for confidentiality of some process be observed", he said."These guidelines on the revised PRP are of utmost importance so that as members of the PPOC, each one can really assist in the implementation and success of the program. The delivery of the program according to Azucena to new surfacing rebels shall be done as need arises through local government and non-government partners as seen as appropriate. The purpose of the orientation is also to organize the local reintegration team. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Sorsogon reaps 9 major awards in the 2nd Salud Bicolnon Awards 2011n

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY , Sept. 4 (PIA) -- Sorsogon provincial health workers went home last week proud and elated after the just concluded 2nd Salud Bicolnon Awards 2011 bagging nine major awards for health and the major cash incentive award of P100.000. Held at the Concourse Hotel, Legaspi City, Sept 1, the 2nd Salud Bicolnon Award distributed trophies and cash incentives to health workers and LGUs for their accomplishment and contribution in the efficient and effective delivery of health programs and projects spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH). These programs are being implemented in provincial , district, and municipal hospitals and also in barangay health centers with the local government units supporting health efficiency delivery as part of good governance. Sorsogon is the sole regional awardee for the Outstanding Interlocal Health Zone (ILHZ) implementer by the cluster of Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, and Sta Magdalena (BIMS) carting the major cash incentive award. In the category of Mother Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative for two years, it was the Gubat District Hospital and the Sorsogon Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Service Cooperative that got the regional major award. Also, six hospitals here in the province were awarded the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding hospital implementers namely : Vicenta Peralta Memorial District Hospital in Castilla, Irosin District Hospital, Pantaleon G. Gotladera Memorial Hospital of the municipality of Bulan, Prieto Diaz Municipal Hospital, Matnog Medicare Community Hospital, and the Dr. Fernando B. Duran Sr Memorial Hospital or the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital. For the Outstanding Kidney Disease Prevention and Control implementer, Sorsogon Provincial Hospital shared the limelight with two other awardees, the Center for Health Office of Legaspi City and Intervida, a non-governmental organization assisting in renal disease prevention. Meanwhile, the municipal government of Magallanes was given the Regional Red Orchid Award for the passage of an ordinance on anti-smoking. This award was also given to the city government of Ligao and Guinobatan , Albay. The Sorsogon Provincial Health Office or the Fernando B. Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital was chosen as the regional best implementer on TB Control Program for Public-Private Mix DOTS together with Center for Health Office, Masbate. For the award in the Taking the Challenge as Treatment Center for Multiple Drug Resistant TB, the sole awardee was the Sorsogon Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Service Cooperative. Sorsogon province also capped the Invaluable Contribution Commitment to the Success of the Measles Rubella Campaign shared with three other awardees, the local government of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Naga. For the regional Best Performing Barangay Nutrition Barangay Scholar, the Barangay Health Workers of Sta Ana ,Gubat shared the same award with six other awardees. "We are indeed very happy with the accolade given to the best performing health workers and local government implementers of health services here in our province," Dr. Edgar Garcia expressed during the event. "We shared this award with former governor Sally A. Lee who inspired us to work better and who has been instrumental in the rehabilitation, provision of additional facilities and equipments provided during her term as governor and now also being well sustained by current governor, Raul R.Lee," Garcia said. "In fact all local government hospitals have ambulances and the hospital has been enhanced and improved for a better workplace," Garcia added. Former governor Sally A. Lee said, "In Sorsogon, we are trying to provide the best health service we can afford to the constituency. In behalf of the province of Sorsogon, I congratulate all our health workers here present doing their duty to make the Bicol Region achieve the required standard for health service delivery and doing their share in making health an agenda to serve best." "To all the awardees, let's not just think of the awards, let us feel proud and good that we are doing this for humanity," Dr. Ferchito L. Avelino, assitant regional director, DOH RO V said as he closed the one day program of the DOH . (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Intervida launches Children First : A Call for Convergence program for Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit


SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Newly installed country delegate for Intervida Philippines Restituto Ramos led the program launch of the Children First : A Call for Convergence program for the province of Sorsogon last week at Hotel Ellis , Legaspi City. Former governor Sally Ante Lee who attended the program launch representing governor Raul R. Lee said Intervida's expanded program will focus on two pilot municipalities in the province of Sorsogon, Donsol and Castilla. She said it will complement the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and enhance the public-private partnership initiatives intensified in Aquino administration as a holistic strategy in poverty alleviation. In the program launch, Ramos underscored the goal of their organization in providing development and cooperation to defend children's rights and promote sustainable social change by improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities, especially children and by acting upon the causes of poverty and inequality. "The Intervida Philippines New Strategic Plan program is anchored on respect for equality, equity and sustainability as guiding principles for the new program for children," Ramos said during the presentation of their program. Ramos explained that Children First :A Call for Convergence is the core of their program so that families can access basic things such as adequate nutrition, education and health which aims for promoting dignity and improving the living conditions of children in basic identified communities were poverty is visually observed and felt. Ramos elaborated the other situations of children all over the world who are victims of forced labor, sexual exploitation, gender violence or separation from families. "These situations are in violation of their right to live in peace, be respected and lead a dignified life.We, at Intervida Philippines can not remain indifferent to this and so the Children First : A Call for Convergence program was developed', he said. "In Sorsogon, our presence in assisting communities and municipalities has been almost 5 years now and hopefully partnering with local government units who show involvement and same passion for the program, we can pursue our goals", he addedd. This new program adhered to by Intervida is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the strategic guidelines have been elaborated within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals organized around eight areas of action: Education, Health, Food Security, Economic Development, Environment Gender,Citizens Participation and children's Rights.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Trail Run places back Bulusan into the world eco-tourism map

By Danny O. Calleja


BULUSAN, Sorsogon, Sept 1 (PNA) -– They ran through rugged forest trails, climbed and descended stiff ravines, crossed rivers and then plant trees to complete the 21-kilometer 2011 National Bulusan Eco Trail Run staged here last week for the International Year of the Forest celebration and in support to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

At least 187 local, national and international runners joined the fun, thrill and adventure-filled event to become the first “trail king and queen” named into the National Bulusan Eco Trail Running Cup organized by the local government and an environmental group calling itself Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection of Bulusan (AGAP-Bulusan) Inc.

“It’s awesome. The trail is overpowering. The place is cool and exciting. The people are lovely and friendly,” Kenyan Susan Janutai who came all the way from Narok, Kenya to be part of the squad that ruled the team division of the event said, as she emerged into the finish line at the Bulusan Lake Ecological Park here after negotiating the rugged course for nearly two hours.

The 21-kilometer route covered the Bulusan town portion of the 3,670-hectare government-protected Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) whose whole area is shared by its neighboring municipalities of Juban, Casiguran, Irosin, Barcelona and Gubat, all localities that sits near the foot of Mt. Bulusan.

“The Bulusan forest looks like our very own Mau Forest. The only difference is that ours is beset by loggers and informal settlers while yours is serene, healthy and undisturbed. I love this place and I will tell my friends to come and love it for themselves, too,” Janutai said.

Informed before leaving home that a tree planting activity would be part of the event, the lady Kenyan runner said she slipped into his luggage a dozen of tree seedlings gathered from Mau Forest which she planted after the race on a vacant space at the Park. She dug the pits for the plants with her bare hands to make it more symbolic.

“This kind of tree grows enormously in our forest and I want it to grow here too to become the symbol of my love to your forest,” she added amid cheers and hugs from fellow runners and Bulusan officials led by Mayor Michael Guysayco who awarded her group P50,000 and trophies for winning the team championship.

She also lauded the NGP which she said is a very ambitious program of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III in an effort to restore the country’s lost forests and protect the existing. The program launched by the President this year seeks to grow billion of trees in over a million hectares of land across the country in five years.

“The race was extraordinary and the trail was indeed overpowering but the place is magnificent with its lush vegetation, crystal-clear water flowing its rivers, rare plants and animals and pollution-free atmosphere. This place is really a remarkable attraction,” according to Fritz Handig, a Canadian runner who ruled the men’s individual championship division.

During the race, Handig said the runners hurdled natural trail barriers such as small trees and other growing plants while seeing to it that they do not tread on any living thing on the ground. “That was to protect and preserve the rich ecology of the place,” he explained.

“It was very punishing but the environment is so fascinating. I want to be here more often to enjoy the scenery, freshness of the cool air blowing smoothly and the beauty of its flora and fauna,” Luisa Raterta of Albay who was the women’s division champion.

Guysayco said the Trail Run was a successful undertaking of the municipal government and the AGAP-Bulusan. This will lead us to regularly ushering in more similar events and other tourism-related activities. “We know that with this undertaking, our town is back into the world map of eco-tourism,” he added.

“From now on, this town, with its active Bulusan Volcano, ecologically-gifted Bulusan Lake, long and clean beaches offering the panorama of the Pacific Ocean, good foods and friendly and hospitable people, would be expecting once again influxes of tourists,” according to Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla who graced the affair.

Ravanilla said this remote town that could be reached by land from Sorsogon City, the provincial capital through an elevated road winding along hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean used to be the top tourist attraction of Sorsogon province.

It lost such reputation to the peace and order situation that deteriorated at the height of insurgency way back in the 1970s.

Municipal Tourism Officer and AGAP president Philip Bartilet said Bulusan will now be well known not only because of its tourism attractions but also of this reality activity which is more thrilling, adventurous and environmentally focused in a call to save our forest. (PNA) DCT/LAM/LQ/DOC/cbd

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