Albay News July 2018

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Albay - Archived News
Albay seal.png
Seal of the Province of Albay
Interactive Google Satellite Map of the Province of Albay
Albay map.png
Location of Albay within the Philippines
Albay provincial capitol.jpg
Provincial Capitol Building of Albay, in Legazpi City

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Mayon volcano albay province.jpg

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

238 firm workers get P9.4-M benefits thru DOLE intervention

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Some 238 workers of Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. (Miescor) have received PHP9.4 million in separation pay through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) mechanism of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol.

Rovelinda dela Rosa, officer-in-charge regional director of DOLE 5 (Bicol), in an interview Tuesday, said the grant was the product of close coordination and constant dialogue among DOLE personnel, Tiwi Mayor Jaime Villanueva, employees involved, and the Miescor management.

“This materialized after one inspection and three dialogues, including this award that transpired by and between the LGU (local government unit) of Tiwi, Miescor and DOLE-5,” dela Rosa said.

“We want to provide clients with immediate and viable solutions through this mechanism to prevent full-blown labor and employment disputes,” she pointed out.

Out of 238 employees, 236 have received their separation pay checks, which translated to a 99.16 percent successful release. The other two employees were not able to get their respective checks because they were out of the region during the distribution.

"Issue resolved during the mediation period is whether or not the employees, being 'project-based', are entitled to separation pay," dela Rosa said.

Under the decision, Miescor was required to give the necessary separation pay for at least half a month’s salary for every year of service or one month’s salary, whichever is higher, including but not limited to service incentive, leave pay, holiday pay, incentives, final pay and other emoluments due the employees.

The workers expressed their gratitude to DOLE upon receiving their monetary entitlements. Some of them said they would use the amount for their planned business and for other personal expenses.

“Masaya po ako at natanggap na po namin ang separation pay at nakikita ko na nakangiti na ang mga empleyado. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DOLE-5 at naging maayos ang aming pag-uusap (I’m happy that we have received our separation pay. I see all employees wearing their smiles of gratitude. I thank DOLE-5 for their intervention and for facilitating and ensuring a smooth proceeding),” said Maria Aileen Berces-Cuera, HR coordinator for three years in Miescor.

SEnA is an administrative approach to provide a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement procedure for all issues/complaints arising from employer-employee relations to prevent them from ripening into full-blown disputes.

Under this approach, all labor and employment disputes shall undergo a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation process to effect settlement among the contending parties.

Any aggrieved worker, union, group of workers, or the employer may file a request for assistance with the labor department.

Meanwhile, DOLE’s office in Albay will evaluate the possible livelihood interventions to qualified displaced workers of Miescor as additional benefits for them.

195K senior citizens in Bicol receive UCT benefits

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Some 195,107 indigent senior citizens in Bicol began receiving PHP2,400 under the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The payout started over the weekend and continues to date in the towns of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.

"The UCT is a cash subsidy provided under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law to lessen the adverse economic effects brought by the said law to poor Filipinos. This will be implemented for three years (2018-2020)," Arnel Garcia, director of DSWD 5 (Bicol), said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

“The UCT cash grant cannot cover all the household expenses. This is only an augmentation to the poor affected by the inflation,” he added.

For this year, each beneficiary will receive a total of PHP2,400, which is equivalent to PHP200 per month. For the succeeding years, a beneficiary will receive PHP300 monthly or PHP3,600 annually.

The UCT is given to beneficiaries of Social Pension, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Listahanan-identified poor households.

DSWD 5 has completed the validation of 147,486 Listahanan-identified poor households for potential inclusion in the UCT Program, Garcia noted.

The department targets to complete the release of the grant by September, with the Landbank of the Philippines handling and monitoring the distribution.

BSP-Bicol urges public to familiarize with new coins

By Wyslly S. Ala (PIA5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA5) – The branch here of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) downplayed on Wednesday reports of public dissatisfaction over the “confusing” New Generation coins, saying the coins can be easily distinguished by simply looking at the coins or running a finger on their edges when giving or receiving them.

Let us study, look closely and touch and feel our new coins. The BSP issued these new coins to increase its security features and to prevent metal extraction,” BSP Branch Deputy Director Tomas Cariño Jr. told a media forum, adding that the coins’ different edges were designed to aid the blind or those with poor eyesight in distinguishing one from the other.

Elaborating on the circulation of the new coins, BSP Branch’s bank officer Sharon Moyano said the old Philippine coins were replaced after 23 years in circulation last March 26 when BSP completed the release of the new P10, P5, and P1 together with the 25-centavo, 5-centavo and 1 -centavo denominations.

Moyano said the release of the new coins was “in accordance with RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act (which provides) for the replacement of currency unfit for circulation and retirement of old notes and coins.”

Moyano stated three main reasons why BSP released the new coin series.

“It is to enhance security features using the latest technology to prevent our coins from being counterfeited,” said Moyano, adding that the new coins, all silver in colors, have new edges from plain, reed to intermittent reeds, aside from their mint mark and micro prints.

“We also want to prevent illegal extraction of coins’ metal content,” Moyano said of the new metal composition of the new coins which are made of nickel.

She recalled that in the past when the metal value of the P1 coin was worth more than its face value, enterprising foreigners would take them to their country where these were melted down and the metal extracted at a profit.

The new coins will remedy that problem, she said, explaining that the new series would be made mainly of steel, with only a double plating of nickel for protection. Moyano said the metallic composition of the new coins also improved their resistance to wear and corrosion.

The new coins will feature the new BSP logo, three national heroes and endemic flora consistent with the design of the new banknote series that highlights Philippine fauna.

Authorities expediting probe on slay of Albay radio anchor

By Mario Arguelles and Benjamin Pulta (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Authorities in Bicol have formed an inter-agency task force that will look into the death of broadcaster and anchorman Joey Llana, who was shot as he was driving his car along Barangay Peñafrancia, Daraga town on Friday.

This was bared by Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) Director Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, who formed a special investigation group called "Task Group Llana" that would conduct an in-depth investigation into the possible motive behind the media man's death, as well as the identity of the killers and the mastermind.

Escobal directed Albay Police Director Senior Supt. Milo Pagtalunan, and Supt. Benito Dipad to lead the task group.

Escobal, who is also a lawyer, said that investigators are still pursuing leads and gathering testimonies from possible witnesses, who might be able to shed light on the killing.

Probers said at least 12 empty shells from .45 and 9-mm handguns were recovered at the crime scene.

Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde had earlier vowed to prioritize solving the case of the slain radio broadcaster, and directed the Bicol Police to coordinate closely with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to help solve the case quickly.

"Through relentless investigative work and follow up police actions, let us put these criminals and their patrons behind bars as soon as possible,” Albayalde said. "Let there be no stone unturned as we seek justice for the victim and his family”.

He also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Llana as he strongly condemned the slaying of the media man.

PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco formed “Task Force Llana,” less than six hours after the reported killing of the Blocktime broadcaster.

Egco said the task force would extensively look into the killing of the journalist, adding that PTFoMS directly participates in issues involving the security and safety of media practitioners like Llana

Malacañang on Friday strongly condemned the killing, with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque calling Llana's slay as another infringement on press freedom.

The killing of Llana on Friday brings to five the media personalities killed in Albay over the past two decades, including John Villanueva, radio anchor of DZGB; Claire Domingo, a military radio anchor; Jose Loreno of DZRC; and Ruel Endrinal of DWRL.

KBP-Albay condemns killing of radioman

By Ma. April Mier (Inquirer Southern Luzon)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)–Albay Chapter condemned the killing of Joey Llana, a block-time anchor of DWZR Hypersonic Broadcasting Network in Legazpi City, on Friday.

Tito Ordinario, president of KBP Albay Chapter said they were appealing to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for an immediate action on the killing.

“We want justice and we are asking the PNP for immediate investigation of the case,” he said.

Ordinario said there were reports the victim had been receiving death threats through text messages.

Llana, known as a hard-hitting commentator, was handling block time programs “Metro Banat” from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. Mondays through Fridays since August 2016 and “Arangkada Daraga” on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. that started in July 2018.

Erasto Alerta, an anchor of the station said just this Wednesday (July 18), Llana revealed that he was troubled thinking about his numerous death threats.

“Pare parang ang bigat na, para akong sinasangag, marami akong natatanggap na death threats,” Alerta said quoting Llana.

(Friend, it’s like too much already, it’s like I’m being fried. I’m receiving so many death threats.)

Alerta said he was hesitant then to tell Llana to lie low because of the threats.

He also recalled Llana saying “that they will not see each other again.”

Vincent Villar, also an anchor of DWZR, said the whole station is mourning because of the incident.

Malacañang condemns slay of Albay radio anchor

By Jelly Musico (PNA)

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday strongly condemned the killing of radio reporter and anchorman Joey Llana in Daraga, Albay.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the killing of Llana is yet another infringement on the press freedom.

“We strongly condemn the killing of radio reporter Joey Llana in Daraga Albay as yet another infringement on the rights to life and a free press,” Roque said in a press statement.

According to reports, Llana was on his way to the radio station DWZR in Legazpi City when still unidentified gunmen ambushed the broadcaster along Barangay Penafrancia in Daraga town on Friday.

Llana succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of his body.

Roque assured that the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) will bring justice to another victim of media killings.

“The PTFOMs will be relentless in according justice to this latest victim,” Roque said.

For his part, PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Egco also condemned ‘in the strongest possible terms’ Llana's killing, vowing to leave no stone unturned to solve the case.

Egco has ordered the creation of a special investigation task group to look into the killing of the Albay reporter.

“This saddens me. This is the reason why it is very important that we should know the protocols on media security," Egco said in a media interview in Baguio City.

The PTFoMS has ongoing training and seminar on media security and the Task Force protocols.

He said the task force has already coordinated with the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Division in Bicol Region.

Based on PTFoMS protocols, Llana’s case is being initially treated as a case of media killing which falls under Administrative Order No. 1 “until further investigation proves otherwise”.

Thank you Poe! Albay Vice Gov. Harold Imperial appreciates a grateful senator

(Politiko Bicol)

Albay Vice Gov. Harold Imperial seems to like it when Senators show appreciation for his help.

On his Facebook page, Imperial shared the thank you letter he got from Senator Grace Poe for allowing her committee to hold a hearing at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall last month.

Poe told Imperial that the hearing would not have been a success without his help.

She also said she looked forward to working with him in the future on issues of local and national importance. The printed letter also included a handwritten note from the senator expressing her gratitude for his welcome.

The hearing was on the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, which has been blamed for the rising prices of basic goods.

We hope their cooperation would result in concrete actions to benefit the people!

Polangui mayor, 4 others suspended for defying environment law

By Niño Luces

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Office of the Ombudsman suspended an Albay town mayor and four councilors for failure to comply with the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

In the suspension order signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, dated June 27, 2018 and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum dated July 3, 2018, respondents Cherilie Mella Sampal, Jesciel Richard C. Salceda, William H. Buendia, Sr., Edgar B. Arbo and Edna R. Siguenza were liable for “gross neglect of duty” and they are meted the penalty of “suspension from the service without pay” for a period of one year with a “stern warning” that the repetition of the same shall dealt with more severely.

Cherilie Mella Sampal is the present mayor of Polangui town, while the four others are councilors of the same town.

Ombudsman ordered the local government unit to immediately close and rehabilitate the open dumpsite in Barangay Sugcad this town and desist from establishing any open dumpsite in the municipality.

The memorandum from the DILG to its regional office here stated that the suspension is the implementation of the decision dated April 17, 2015 of the Office of the Ombudsman in OMB-L-A 16-0617 entitled “The Environmental Team of the Environmental Ombudsman Program vs. Cherilie M. Sampal, et al (Municipal Mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan Members of Polangui, Albay).

In a phone interview by the Manila Bulletin with Vice Mayor Herbert Borja, who is now the acting mayor, he confirmed that the suspension order was served last Monday at 10:30 in the morning.

He said that the suspension order was served last Monday, although the date of suspension was still last 2015 when Raul Lim was still the vice mayor of Polangui town.

He admitted that the open dumpsite located in Sitio Barogo, Brgy. Sugcad was already rehabilitated but instead of putting up a controlled dump site, another open dumpsite was established in Brgy Quinartilan this municipality.

“We are doing our best to comply with the law. The LGU is working for it,” Borja said.

Tags: Albay, Barangay Sugcad, Cherilie Mella Sampal, Edgar B. Arbo, Edna R. Siguenza, Herbert Borja, Jesciel Richard C. Salceda, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Polangui, solid waste management, Sr., William H. Buendia

3 villages in Legazpi City removed from drug list

By Wyslly S. Ala (PIA5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – Three barangays in this city have been declared “drug-cleared” by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Ric Fontanilla, head of Legazpi City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) said the oversight committee, which is headed by PDEA, officially declared barangays Baybay, Cruzada, and Bigaa as drug-cleared last June 25.

The three had been in the list of 16 barangays tagged by PDEA as seriously affected barangays.

DDB Regulation 2 defines “drug-cleared barangays” as “previously drug-affected and subjected to drug-clearing operations, and declared free from any illegal drug activities” under the parameters set out by DDB Regulation 2-2007.

According to Fontanilla, the drug clearing procedure took a long time as it underwent several stages that spanned from the barangay up to the regional level.

He added that the oversight committee, composed of the provincial directors of Department of Health, Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and PDEA, was too strict that a single mistake caused them to repeat the process all over again.

The committee report was validated by Governor Al Francis Bichara of Albay before it was elevated to the regional level committee.

As of this writing, CADAC was on the process again of compiling the requirements for the clearing validation of the remaining villages in the city before the end of July and by August, according to Fontanilla.

“We are now in the process of submitting the documents. Hopefully, we can pass it before the month of July and we can come up with additional drug cleared barangays by the end of August,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Legazpi city government has been in full swing with its Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program. Mayor Noel Rosal said he hoped to finish it by the end of August.

Last July 11, the program produced its 8th batch of graduates composed of 256 former drug users. Fontanilla said that they were the latest graduates of the program, raising the number of graduates to 1256.

Legazpi City also offers them jobs as part of the program.

Cuisine, culture and countryside

(BusinessMirror)

ASK any jaded traveler the things he or she is looking for in a destination, and chances are, they will be culture, cuisine and countryside. The quaint town of Camalig in Albay has them all, which it showcased in the Pinangat Festival, which was held recently.

The festivity is named after a signature Bicol delicacy, pinangat, an age-old local vegetable dish, which put the town on the country’s culinary map with its succulent and spicy taste.

Perhaps the most popular regional dish after Bicol Express, it is made up of shredded gabi leaves, red ginger, tiny shrimps (balaw) or a slice of salted fish or pork and crushed pepper. Wrapped in leaves, tied in bundles and cooked in coconut milk, pinangat is a staple of many Bicolanos, and also is sold nationally and select markets abroad.

According to Municipal Mayor Ding Irwin Baldo, the celebrated pinangat has put Camalig in the limelight through Culinaria Albay, a culinary tourism program of the province, which takes foodies to a food-trip circuit around notable dining outlets.

At any given day, motorists and travelers make a pit stop in the town to buy pinangat, while others opt for a meal at homegrown roadside restaurants.

The festival’s highlight is a colorful street dance parade dramatizing the harvest and cooking process of the pinangat. The townsfolk also shared hundreds of servings of the popular delicacy in a boodle fight, and distributed the same to motorists passing by.

Spicing up the weeklong festivity are fringe sporting and special interest activities, and concluded with the municipal patronal feast of Saint John the Baptist.

Baldo noted that Camalig is acknowledged as a heritage town of Albay because of the gentry’s ancestral houses, structures and antiquities, which have survived the ravages of time.

The most notable among this is the Nuyda House of the late Congressman Justino Nuyda, which as a living museum.

In the heart of the town is the postcard-pretty Spanish-era Saint John Church the Baptist, which was declared last year as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum. Its convent serves as repository of artifacts excavated from archaeological sites in the forest reserve of Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, one of Luzon’s prehistoric settlements.

In addition to the well-loved dish, visitors troop to Sumlang Lake, Camalig’s newest tourist icon, with the picturesque Mayon Volcano in the background. An idle nine-hectare farm swamp a few years back, it was transformed by the villagers through a bayanihan system into a man-made lagoon ideal for a bamboo raft cruise.

Today, the area is a landscaped tourist zone with a souvenir shop and a cozy restaurant adorned by the export-quality furnishings created by village chief Felipe Napa Jr.

Other hot spots that have been drawing guests to Camalig is the Quitinday Green Hills Formation Reserve, whose contour is akin to the famed Chocolate Hills, and the Quituinan Tunnels, which served as a Japanese garrison and hospital during World War II.

'Walk for Safe Blood' draws 3k people in Legazpi City

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY – Some 3,000 locals here, who came from all sectors of the society, joined the "Walk for Safe Blood" on Friday, which was spearheaded by the city government as part of the annual celebration of the National Blood Donors' and Nutrition Month.

July has been designated as National Blood Donors' Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Number 1021 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997. It aims to emphasize the need for more people to become lifesavers by voluntary and regularly donating blood.

Friday's activity was spearheaded by the Legazpi City Health Office Blood Council in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol Regional Office.

With the theme “Give Blood, Share Life,” the three-kilometer brisk walk started from the Peñaranda Park in front of City Hall building going to the Legazpi City Convention Center and was followed by a Eucharistic Mass.

In his message, Mayor Noel E. Rosal said that the activity was part of the city government's support to the implementation of Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994, in order to promote voluntary blood donation as a humanitarian act of saving someone's life.

He asked the participants, especially the village officials, to encourage their constituents to always participate in blood-letting activities, and to continue to promote the voluntary donation practice so that the city would always have adequate supply of safe blood for transfusion.

The city administration wants to construct a blood bank station with modern facilities and equipment to strengthen the health services it gives to the people, Rosal pointed out.

The city chief executive, meanwhile, said the construction of the Legazpi City Hospital in Barangay Bitano is now on its final stage and the facility is expected to be operational soon.

Upon completion of the project, he said the city government will need PHP80 to PHP100 million yearly for its operations, including the payment of salaries of all medical personnel, electricity and other expenses.

The mayor revealed that the design of the building is one of the most modern among the public health facilities in the entire Bicol region.

City Health Officer (CHO) Dr. Fulbert Gillego, for his part, said his office is now celebrating the 10th year of its blood services program.

He said because of the continuous conduct of blood-letting activities in different villages of the city from January to July this year, they have already collected 986 blood bags.

Gillego said all the collected blood have been forwarded to the DOH regional blood center for processing, testing and releasing.

He thanked the city administration under the leadership of Mayor Rosal for always supporting the blood services program of Legazpi City.

Present during the "Walk for Safe Blood" were City Councilor Lilibeth Munoz Dimaculangan, together with representatives from coordinating agencies such as the DOH, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Technical Operation Group Regional Office 5, Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross, students of Divine World College, Aquinas University and Bicol University, and members of the media.

PDEA in Bicol gets new equipment worth over P13M

By Mar S. Arguelles (Correspondent, Inquirer Southern Luzon)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bicol has recently acquired over P13 million worth of new equipment, boosting its campaign against illegal drugs in the region.

Among the new equipment the agency has received were 28 units of Galil assault rifles, two Toyota Hi-Ace vans, eight motorcycles, 35 bullet-proof vests, 35 Kevlar helmets, 35 hydration packs, six Canon cameras, eight desktop computers, 10 body cameras and a Celebrite equipment, PDEA regional director Christian Frivaldo said.

Frivaldo said in an interview that the Galil rifles, body armors and vehicles would complement the existing Tabor and M4 carbine rifles, vest, cameras, and vehicles.

“The additional equipment would amplify our capabilities in pursuing the government war against illegal drugs in the next higher level,” he said.

Frivaldo said PDEA Bicol has 55 agents operating in the six provinces. With the acquisition of this new equipment, all personnel would be well-equipped during drug operations.

The new equipment is part of the agency’s modernization and procurement program, he added.

Frivaldo said under an agreement with the Philippine Ports Authority, PDEA offices would be set up in the ports of Tabaco City in Albay and Matnog in Sorsogon.

He also said a task group composed of PDEA, Navy, Coast Guard and the police would conduct illegal drug and border patrol operations in shorelines believed to be the drop points of illegal drug distribution.

As for the campaign against politicians and government officials in the watch list, Frivaldo said surveillance had been intensified that led to the arrest of some elected officials.

Duterte approves Salceda’s proposed Department of Disaster Resiliency

(PR/PNA, PTV News - CD)

LEGAZPI CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the proposal creating an independent, well structured Department of Disaster Resilience (DRR), contained in a bill submitted by Albay Representative Joey Salceda in Congress last year.

The Chief Executive gave his nod to the proposal that aims to strengthen the country’s disaster response efforts during the regular Cabinet meeting early this week.

Salceda has been tasked by Congress to head the technical working group and finalize the draft measure for plenary consideration, from 43 related legislative proposals on disaster response in the Lower House similar to his House Bill (HB) 6075.

The lawmaker said a really strong disaster agency is “essential to a sensible economic blueprint and since disastrous typhoons were noted to have been getting stronger and broader in impact in recent years, the creation of the DDR should be an urgent agenda.”

The proposed new department is designed to manage a broad climate-disaster program of governance as the country confronts more and more calamities of greater frequency and magnitude, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Salceda, a noted economist and disaster resilience advocate, filed HB 6075 in Congress in response to a call made by Duterte during the 2017 State of his State of the Nation Address (SONA), urging lawmakers to craft a law that will establish an agency that will help Filipinos adapt better to extreme weather conditions.

He thanked President Duterte for agreeing to his proposal as he noted of Albayanos’ passion and commitment to attaining zero casualty during calamities.

The new agency will be “tasked to carry out a continuous, consistent and fortified calamity defense program and ensure the country’s sustainable development and inclusive growth,” Salceda said.

The country’s disaster risk reduction efforts are spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). But doubts were raised concerning its organizational structure, following the destruction caused by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013, which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed billions of pesos worth of assets.

“The main contention against NDRRMC is whether an independent institution should be established to specifically address the country’s mounting challenges in disaster risk reduction and management,” said Salceda.

A Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) pioneer in the country, Salceda was former co-chair of the Green Climate Fund of United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change and was United Nation’s Senior Global Champion for CCA and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). As governor of Albay for three consecutive terms, his “Zero Casualty” goal strategy was proven effective and has since then become a household byword.

Salceda said that to face the onslaught of disasters, the country needs “strategic and systematic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and the effective programs on rehabilitation and recovery” handled by an agency with its own mandate.

The country’s situation, Salceda said, is critical since the Philippines ranks third among 171 countries worldwide considered “most exposed and vulnerable to natural calamities,” and is listed as 13th in the Climate Change Vulnerability Index. Almost 74 percent of the country’s population and 80 percent of its land area have been identified as vulnerable to disasters with Manila marked as “in extreme risk,” he added.

With an initial budget of P10 billion, the new agency will be accountable and responsible for overseeing, coordinating and implementing a comprehensive disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management programs and redirect policy drifts among other agencies handling such tasks.

Salceda’s proposed DDR aims to take in at least four government entities critical to an effective disaster planning and operation — the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs under the Department of Science and Technology; the Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and the Bureau of Fire Protection under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

He said the idea is akin to US Department of Homeland Security that has under its operational control major federal agencies to effectively confront security issues and threats in many areas. Salceda said HB 6075 is a result of “action research, sharing of experiences and dynamic discussions among various stakeholders from national and local government agencies, organizations and communities and is a product of comparable international experiences.”

The bill also seeks to amend the eight-year old Republic Act 10121, which created the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Framework, a landmark legislation but which falls short in creating “an institution that is sufficiently in a high position to oversee the implementation of streamlined disaster risk reduction and management policies nationwide. It will have the necessary authority, mandate and resources to lead and coordinate efforts of various stakeholders towards a more resilient nation,” Salceda said.

Under the concept, the DRR will be separate from the Office of Civil Defense, which will continue to perform its original mandate, particularly its duty to administer a comprehensive national civil defense and civil assistance program, training of community volunteers for civil defense and assistance, and other mechanisms for community preparedness.

Barangay kagawad in Albay slain in drug bust

By Celso Amo, Cet Dematera, Ramon Efren Lazaro (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — A village councilman was killed in an alleged shootout with anti-narcotics agents in Ligao City, Albay yesterday.

July Ronatay of Barangay Bay allegedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents.

“He has long been under surveillance by our anti- drug operatives,” Superintendent Lorenzo Bacia, Ligao City police chief, said.

In Bulacan, an alias Demonyo was shot dead when he fired at police officers in a sting in Barangay Santo Cristo, Pulilan on Monday.

Police said 15 sachets of shabu weighing around five grams with an estimated street value of P25,000, a .38-caliber revolver and marked money were recovered from the fatality.

Nine other suspected drug dealers were arrested in San Jose del Monte, Norzagaray, Obando, San Rafael, Bocaue and San Miguel also in Bulacan in the past two days. The suspects reportedly yielded 21 sachets of shabu. –

P55.7-M septage treatment facility soon to rise in Legazpi

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY – The construction of the PHP55.7-million Septage Treatment Facility (STF) here is now on its final stage and the project is expected to be operational in August, the city mayor said Wednesday.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Mayor Noel E. Rosal said that with the STF, they aim to protect the health of the people as well as the environment by preventing the contamination of rivers from septic tank wastes.

The project materialized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by Rosal on the part of the city administration, and Jose L. de Jesus, chairman of the Board of Directors of Chemical Research Products Industrial Sales, Inc. (RPIS).

Rosal pointed out that based on the agreement, the city administration shall monitor and exercise technical supervision, including the right to inspect the project during its construction, testing and operation to determine its compliance with all legal requirements, whether it is completed under the agreed engineering standards and specifications.

The city government of Legazpi shall likewise be responsible for scheduling de-sludging for the households within the timeframe of the project, and for timely and regular collection of effluent sludge cakes in the STF for disposal, he added.

Rosal said his administration shall be responsible for collecting from customers the septage fees, either through the Legazpi City Water District or the City Treasurer’s Office, and then it will pay the RPIS on a monthly basis.

The city chief executive noted that the RPIS has financed and supervised the construction of the STF project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) modality - in accordance with the provision of Legazpi City Ordinance No. 0008-2015, otherwise known as the City’s PPP Code, and Republic Act No. 7718, or the “Build, Operate and Transfer Law”.

Rosal said the RPIS shall handle the operational management of the project for a period of five years through the BOT scheme and at the end of the fixed term, the facility shall be transferred to the City Government of Legazpi.

The RPIS shall operate the project based on the accepted facility management practices and provide for repairs and replacement costs to ensure performance within the prescribed standards. It shall also be responsible for any loss or damage to the project due to any cause during the project implementation, the mayor added.

Rosal also said based on the agreement, the RPIS shall ensure that treated effluent quality will meet the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Class C Water standards for all parameters.

He said the RPIS shall assume full responsibility of the costs arising from any adverse environmental effects or other impacts that may directly result from its negligence in the construction of the project.

The STF is a project of Legazpi under the city’s Comprehensive Septage and Waste Water Treatment Facility program, in compliance with the implementation of Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 2004, as well as Presidential Decree (PD) 198 or the Water District Law, PD 856 or the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, and RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines. All local government units are mandated to pursue a policy for the protection and preservation of marine waters.

The project also materialized through City Ordinance 0025-2015 enacted by members of the city council that also aims to promote the general welfare and the right to a balanced ecology and safe health for the people in the community and its environment by controlling and managing the storage, collection, transport, treatment and disposal of septage or sludge from various sources.

The ordinance requires all households, business establishments, hospitals, and government offices to have their own septic tank with water tank, no leaching compartment, appropriately sized and located at least 25 meters from any well, and containing access port for de-sludging.

The STF is located within the two-hectare land adjacent to the Engineered Sanitary Landfill in Sitio Caridad, Barangay Banquerohan in Legazpi.

Bicol consultation on federal charter draws hundreds

By Sally A. Atento (PIA5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – Budget allocation, revenue sharing, political structure and representation and education under a federal government were among the issues and concerns raised during the regional consultation on the draft federal constitution held at the Albay Astrodome on July 6, 2018.

At least four members of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to draft the federal constitution came over and addressed some 1,000 Bicolanos invited to represent the different sectors of government and the community.

The four were professor Edmund Tayao, professor Eddie Alih, lawyer Antonio Arellano and lawyer Susan Ubalde-Ordinario.

Ordinario cited the need to change the present constitution for the Philippines to adapt and respond to present and future changes and to make the dreams of every Filipino a reality.

“The 1987 constitution is the best constitution that adapted to those times but it has not anticipated future changes. So much has changed. If we do not change the constitution to adapt to current and future changes, we cannot achieve the change we want,” Ordinario said.

Ordinario presented the highlights of the federal constitution stressing on federalism as the key to address the gap between a "very rich country yet poor people" and “economic imbalance” by empowering local communities.

Utilization of local resources

Revenues and operations of the geothermal power plants in the towns of BacMan and Bacon, both in Sorsogon province and in the towns of Manito and Tiwi, both in Albay province, were among the common queries of the participants who questioned why consumers in the communities that host those plants still had to pay the high cost of electricity.

Ordinario said such concerns can be addressed under a federal government since a federated region, she said, has the power to create economic changes such as creation of an energy board that can regulate power sources for the local community to fully utilize its own resources.

“Under a federal structure, people are urged to ‘come home’ since each federated region can create their own laws, make their decisions, utilize local resources, generate economic activities and empower people within the bounds of the constitution,” she said.

Separation from central government and political dynasties

The ConCom members also allayed fears of possible separation of a federated region from the central government and proliferation of political dynasties.

“The preamble of the draft federal constitution states to ‘build a permanent and indissoluble nation’ which, once approved by the Filipinos through a plebiscite, will serve as a social contract of the people. Thus, any federated region that might attempt to secede or separate will be considered a traitor,” Arellano said.

“Likewise, the federated region will not have its own armed forces. There will only be one centralized armed forces at the national level which will include all the military forces of the country,” Tayao added.

On the other hand, Alih cited the self-executing anti-dynasty and anti-party switching provisions of the draft constitution as the measure to dispel authoritarian power and eradicate political dynasties.

“The provision on political dynasty is self-executing which means that it does not need separate legislation unlike in the unitary government that we have now, where it is mentioned in the constitution but still needs legislation. Yet even after 32 years, no law has been passed. Legislating anti-dynasty law would be self-inflicting to our legislators since many of our officials came from the same families,” Alih said.

Arellano pointed out the direct association of political dynasties and poverty.

“Areas with more political dynasties have higher poverty rates. It’s like a piece of cake. Most parts are given to family members so only a few will be shared among others,” Arellano said.

“However, any family member within second degree of consanguinity cannot run for the same position. Family members can both run in an election but one should be for a local position and the other in a national position,” he added.

Strengthened justice system

“The justice system in our present form of government is not effective since the number of courts does not correspond to the number of cases,” Ordinario said.

With just one supreme court to decide on cases, the number of unresolved cases continuously pile up, she said.

“As such we have come up with four specialized high courts under each federated region to speed up delivery of justice. These include a federal, constitutional, administrative and electoral courts,” she added.

No extension of term

"The term of the incumbent President and the Vice-President will end on June 30, 2022 and shall not be extended," said Arellano, reciting the transitory provision of the proposed federal constitution.

Once approved through a plebiscite set on 2019, transition into a federal government will be within the last three years of President Duterte's term.

No add'l security for local execs: Albayalde

By Jorge Hallare (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde rejected calls to provide additional police security to mayors and vice mayors in the country.

Albayalde made the remarks in response to the recent killing of Trece Martires City, Cavite Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan, stressing that they are now probing the incident.

"We are still investigating the incident as to the motive of the killings of local officials. There are many angles that police are investigating in the recent killings like political motive, drugs and other angles," Albayalde said in an interview at the sidelines of the turn-over ceremony for the new regional director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola here on Saturday night.

"We don’t need to be afraid or worry of as these were all not systematic and patterned," he added.

Albayalde said the PNP provides at least two police personnel to mayors and vice mayors, stressing that they cannot give them as the police force might run out of officers.

He, meanwhile, urged local officials to hire additional personnel from security agencies if they think their life is in danger.

He added that they can also coordinate with the local police to provide additional security if they will visit critical areas where they will be attending gatherings or assemblies.

Authorities are also looking into politics as one of the possible motives as Lubigan is not included in the government's narco-list.

"Alam naman natin dito sa bansa kapag election time, hindi natin maintindihan kung bakit before, during and after the election ay merong mga namamatay na elected officials, even 'yung mga nananalo at natatalo (During elections, we do not understand why there are those who get killed before, during and after elections -- winners and losers alike.) Probably, it's a coincidence or what but we are doing everything to solve these cases and we are assuring the public that we will deliver justice especially to the family of the victims," Albayalde said.

New Bicol regional director

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, a lawyer and native of Nabua, Camarines Sur, was installed as the new PRO 5 regional director.

Escobal replaces Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola, also a native of Nabua and former Highway Patrol Group (HPG) chief, who retired from service Friday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

A member of PMA Class 1987, Escobal is the eighth straight Bicolano to become regional director of PRO5 since former Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja of Legazpi City.

After the turn-over rites, Gardiola thanked all the men and women of Bicol police who were very supportive in all his programs and asked them to do the same for Escobal.

Escobal, on the other hand, promised to give his best in serving fellow Bicolanos and urged the Bicol police to cooperate with the PNP leadership in its efforts to ensure peace and order, eliminate the illegal drug menace and enforce internal cleansing.

He also vowed to continue the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Albayalde also thanked Gardiola for his 32 years of service, both in the military and police force, and urged to continue helping the PNP in his capacity as a civilian.

102-year-old grandma in Legazpi City receives P100K cash gift

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social and Welfare Department (DSWD) has awarded a PHP100,000 cash gift to a centenarian here who will celebrate her 102nd birthday this month.

Myla Cruz, DSWD Social Welfare Assistant, together with Wilfredo Intia, president of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), handed over the cash gift and a plaque of recognition to Magdalena Barcela Serrano at the OSCA office inside the City Hall compound here Thursday .

"Serrano was born on July 28, 1916 in Barangay Bonga at the northern portion of this city. She has normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar and not yet taking any maintenance medicine or vitamins. She can even walk on her own with the aid of a wooden stick," Isabela Barcela, 67, daughter of Magdalena, said in an interview.

Isabela said she and her sister Senecia have remained single and are taking care of their mother. Magdalena has six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The secrets of her mother’s longevity, according to Isabela, include eating fruits such as bananas and oranges, drinking Ensure milk, regular exercise, and not thinking so much of problems.

"She always prays and says good morning to the Lord Jesus Christ," she added.

Isabela said last February, her mother also received PHP50,000 from the Provincial Government of Albay and PHP30,000 from the City Government of Legazpi.

She said all the money that her mother has received, amounting to PHP180,000, will be deposited in a bank, to be used anytime she needs it for healthcare.

More dignified kasambahays learn about their rights, benefits

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY –- Household helpers, now more dignified and respected as a result of the implementation of the "Batas Kasambahay", have been learning about their basic rights and benefits through orientations being conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A similar learning program was conducted in a village in Masbate City on Thursday by the DOLE provincial office, which was attended by 44 domestic helpers or “kasambahays”.

In an interview on Friday, DOLE-Bicol Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Rovelinda dela Rosa said the event was aimed at providing domestic helpers or “kasambahays” opportunities for personal growth and development through learning sessions.

She said the 44 domestic helpers in Barangay Espinosa, who attended the orientation, acquired knowledge and skills that would enhance their work performance and help them gain their employers’ trust and respect.

"The participants must also need to know the minimum wage of kasambahays and other benefits they are entitled to. It is their right and they have to be informed," dela Rosa said.

One of the participants, Elena Espinosa, found the activity very informative, especially regarding her rights and position as a domestic helper.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa paghimo sani na aktibidades na gin-imbwelto nyo kami. Damo-damo po kami na naarman tungkol sa mga prebilihiyo san mga kasambahay lalo na po an pagpapaenrol sa SSS kag Pag-Ibig (We thank you for conducting this activity and inviting us to be part of this. We gained a lot of insights, particularly the privileges of domestic helpers, the benefits from SSS and Pag-IBIG)," she said.

"May PhilHealth na po kami kay miyembro man kami san 4Ps. Salamat man po kay naimbitar an TESDA na maghatag san impormasyon tungkol mga trainings na pwede pa namon na entrahan. Kag salamat sa DOLE san pagupdate sa amon san sweldo kag iba pa na benepisyo na peding ihatag san amon na amo. (We are now members of PhilHealth and 4Ps beneficiaries. We also thank TESDA for the information on training courses we could undertake. Also, thanks to DOLE for updating us on our salary and other benefits we are entitled to receive," Espinosa added.

In a separate interview, April Alcazar, a babysitter in Legazpi City, expressed hope that the orientation on the Kasambahay Law would also be conducted in Albay, so they could learn about their basic rights and benefits.

"Gusto ko din mag-attend sa mga ganyan pag-uusap kasi matutoto na ako, maipapamahagi ko pa sa mga kakilala ko un malalaman ko ( I also want to attend forums like that since it will educate me and I can share the knowledge to my fellow youths)," Alcazar added.

Among the government agencies that were represented in the forum were the Social Security System (SSS), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industria at Gobyerno (Pag-IBIG). The speakers from these agencies discussed the kasambahays' social protection benefits under Republic Act No. 10361 (An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers).

The discussion was followed by a forum wherein clarifications were made on issues related to skills training, social services and kasambahay monetary benefits.

BFP-Bicol distributes fire trucks in 3 provinces

By Jorge Hallare (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recently distributed one unit of Rosenbauer firetruck to each of the three provinces in Bicol to help local government units mitigate and fight fire incidents in their localities.

Fire Senior Superintendent Victor Vibares, BFP regional director, said in an interview on Wednesday that the fire protection capability of Bicol region will change dramatically in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2018, as they aim to complete the needs of 17 municipalities that still don't have fire stations before the end of the year.

"Bicol will have competitive fire protection environment in next few months with the continued supply of state-of-the-art fire trucks with international standards," he said.

"The local government units of the cities of Tabaco and Masbate and Daet town were the first batch of recipients of the said firetrucks," he added.

The firetrucks were received by Mayor Krisel Luistro of Tabaco City, Albay; Vice Mayor Ruby Morano of Masbate City, the capital of Masbate province; and administrative officer Christine Joan Deluna of Daet, Camarines Norte.

Architect Kristen Lagman, who was raised and studied in Tabaco City, said as an architect who abides by all the rules and requirements of the BFP with regards to structural safety, the grant of the new firetrucks was laudable as these would give the people a sense of security.

"Pag may emergency sa structure mas mabilis na sila makakapunta kasi nadagdagan na ang service nila. (If there is an emergency in the structures, they will reach the destination faster and easier because of their new service vehicle)" Lagman added.

Vibares said 17 municipalities in Bicol need firetrucks namely, Rapu-Rapu town in Albay province; San Vicente and Talisay towns in Camarines Norte; Bombon, Canaman, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sangay and Siruma in Camarines Sur; Bagamanoc town in Catanduanes; Batuan, Claveria, Mobo, Palanas and Uson town in Masbate province and the towns of Barcelona and Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon province.

"We are doing our best to give what is needed," the BFP officer said.

6,721 workers regularized in Bicol in first half of 2018

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 5 (Bicol) noted an increase in the number of contractual workers finally regularized by their private employers in response to the government’s call to end contractualization.

A total of 6,721 workers gained regular employment from their companies here in Bicol for the first semester of the year.

Of this number, 4,211 were regularized through inspections conducted by the Labor department. On the other hand, 2,510 were regularized voluntarily by their respective employers.

DOLE-Bicol recorded 167 establishments in all provinces of Bicol that regularized their workers from January to June 2018. At least 137 companies regularized their employees upon visit by the agency’s inspectors, while 30 establishments did it voluntarily.

“This is part of the 10-point agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte to put to end prohibited contractual arrangements in the country. We encourage employers to submit their roster of employees and voluntarily regularize their workers following under such work arrangements in their respective establishments,” Rovelinda dela Rosa, OIC regional director, said.

“In doing so, we will avoid the rigorous process of enforcement through our inspection program, and eventually filing of cases to ensure the security of tenure of our workers,” she said.

Dela Rosa added that as part of the advocacy to stop "endo" (end of contract) and promote regularization in Bicol region, the department highlights the policy whenever there are labor management fora, wage consultation meetings and other labor-related activities in the region.

Apart from this, the Labor department conducts routine inspections, in which they evaluate private establishments’ compliance with labor laws and social legislation through a prescribed Inspection Checklist.

According to DOLE OIC Assistant Regional Director Imee Romanillos, “as to routine inspections, our agency prioritizes establishments engaged in manufacturing, agriculture, services (hospitals, hotels, restaurants, food chains), contractors and sub-contractors (security agencies), telecommunications (BPOs) and construction projects.”

“We reach out to the employers to comply and work with us in the upliftment of the lives of the Bicolano workers,” she added.

DOLE-Bicol recognizes establishments that observe labor rules and regulations, especially on ending contractualization.

OCD-Bicol cites unity, cooperation in disaster resiliency

By Rhaydz Barcia (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office in Bicol recognized the role of the community in disaster resiliency efforts, through a unity fun run held here on Monday as part of the observance of the National Disaster Resiliency Month.

The three-kilometer fun run dubbed “Fun Run for Resilience: NDRM 2018" at Legazpi City Boulevard was led by OCD Regional Director Claudio Yucot and Mayor Noel Rosal. Close to 500 people from the coastal villages of Dapdap and Puro participated in the event.

Yucot said through the unity fun run, the people of Legazpi showed their collective cooperation and readiness on disaster risk reduction and resiliency.

“If the basis for disaster preparedness to lessen the risk is the unity fun run, you’ve showcased the exemplary unity to mitigate the risk. This is a good example of unity and public awareness. We will achieve the zero casualty goals in times of natural calamity through your cooperation and readiness,” Yucot said.

The OCD chief rang a bell as he cited the importance of unity, cooperation and readiness among the people in times of disaster to attain the zero casualty goal of the government. He said no single precious life must be lost during typhoons and other calamitous events in the countryside.

“We don’t know when disaster, specifically stronger typhoons will strike but it’s better for us to be always ready. Though the people of Bicol are tested for being disaster resilient, we need to check our readiness at all times,” he also said in an interview.

Mayor Rosal said the Legazpi people's readiness and resiliency have been proven, and the city would always rise from natural disasters.

“Our readiness and capacity to rise up after the occurrence of super typhoons Milenyo and Reming have proven our resiliency. Legazpi City is now the country’s rising and model city after Milenyo and Reming. Big businesses and investments are coming in to Legazpi because of our resiliency and readiness,” he said.

“The cooperation of the people from the barangays is very critical in times of disaster. We need to work together and be ready at all times to lessen the risk and mitigate the impact of natural calamities. Because of good partnership from community, government agencies and disaster officials, Legazpi City is now one of the top five rising cities in the country,” the mayor added.

The Run for Resilience was spearheaded by the OCD Bicol and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management member-agencies in the city.

Those who participated were from the local community, national government agencies, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection; OCD; Legazpi City and provincial government of Albay.

NUJP steps up mangrove reforestation project in Albay

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Albay chapter intensified its mangrove reforestation project by planting at least 1,000 propagules on a three-hectare area at the coast of Barangay Puro, Legazpi City in Albay on Sunday, as part of the year-round greening program in celebration of World Environment Month and of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Rhaydz Barcia, NUJP Albay chapter president, said in an interview on Monday that the project is in support of the government's campaign to address and mitigate the impact of sea level rise triggered by global warming.

She said the NUJP aims to plant at least 50,000 mangrove propagules in all coastal barangays of Albay.

"Mangrove forest serves as shield against storm surges, big waves, tsunami and other calamities occurring in intense number. Mangrove ecosystem is effective in protecting towns from coastal natural disasters triggered by the extreme climate due to global warming," Barcia said.

"Aside from disaster risk importance, mangroves also serve as spawning grounds for fish so we can be of help to improve the fish catch in a way," she added.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol Regional Director Claudio Yucot said they support the NUJP's mangrove reforestation project, pointing out that caring for the environment must be everybody's concern.

"Mangroves serve as protection of the communities living in the coastal town, thus improve livelihood of the people," he added.

“As we all know, mangroves are habitats of our marine resources and serve as a buffer zone against strong typhoons that are brought about by climate change so it is imperative that we fortify our coastal areas with these mangroves,” Yucot said.

April Alejo, a local resident, said, she also supports the mangrove planting activity, which will help her community protect the environment.

The activity on Sunday was participated in by the tri-media of Albay, the local government of Legazpi City, the Philippine National Police, the Tactical Operations Group-5 and OCD.

Poor Albay villagers get P3.2-M livelihood starter kits from DOLE

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Albay Provincial Field Office has distributed PHP3.2-M worth of livelihood grants to three barangay local government units (BLGUs) in Albay, which benefitted over a hundred poor villagers.

Rovelinda A. Dela Rosa, OIC Regional Director of DOLE-Bicol, in an interview on Monday, said the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter KITS Project is one of the department's livelihood formation strategies intended to bring about improved socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal economy, and in groups/sectors with special concerns, and their families.

The three villages that received their kits with the corresponding amount of assistance are: Mendez in Polangui town, PHP1.1 million worth of business kits benefitting 60 residents; San Agustin in Oas town, PHP1.1 million worth of business kits for 60 beneficiaries; and Matambo, Oas, PHP1million business kits for an undetermined number of beneficiaries consisting of poor farmers.

Barangays Mendez and San Agustin received their livelihood grants last June 28 while Matambo received its kits Monday, July 2.

Dela Rosa said the kits consisted of tools, jigs and equipment for cooking, carpentry, farming and sewing -- ovens, sewing machines and hollow block-maker -- that will enable the target beneficiaries to quickly start a livelihood undertaking and become self-employed.

“We want the beneficiaries to be engaged in a sustainable self-employment through easy to learn undertakings,” dela Rosa said.

DOLE-Albay Provincial Field Office head, Raymond Escalante, said the beneficiaries underwent training to ensure the proper management of their livelihood projects.

“You have to be productive because only 5 percent from 1,300 population is lucky to be recipients of these tools. Do not trade these to monetary equivalent as you will only receive an amount for a day. Make use of these equipment in your business instead so you may get PHP300 or more profit per day,” Escalante advised the recipients.

One of the beneficiaries, food vendor Annie Asuncion of San Agustin village, Oas, said, “Dai po masukol an samong kaogmahan sa tabang na samong naresibe sa paagi kading program ani DOLE. Mawot mi pong ipaabot saindo na samon pong papatangamanon ang saindong mga tinao ta ini po ang matao samon nin kauswagan. (We cannot measure the joy in our heart for this assistance that we received from DOLE program. We want to extend our gratitude by taking care of these which will lead to our progress)".

Another recipient, Florencia Olicia of Barangay Matambo, Oas, said, “Dakula pong katabangan ini samong mga nagatios. Salamat po ta dae kami pinabayaan kading mga officers nagtarabang-tabang ngani po kami matawan sang mga gamit hale sa DOLE (This is a huge help for us. Thank you because our officers didn’t leave us. In fact, we helped each other so DOLE can grant us these tools and materials)”.

Legazpi City villages to work for long term program

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Newly-elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials vowed to support and work for long term development program for this city after they took their oath on Saturday at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation.

During the ceremony, Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City said that the most important thing in government is the delivery of good governance and the trust and confidence of the people in the government officials, "You should always cooperate and work together for all the long term development program of the city administration to maximize the progress of the community as well as to attract more investors to put up business here that will help us to sustain the economic growth rate of our city" Rosal added.

The newly elected officials are expected to deliver honest public service to protect the lives of every individual and to serve the needs of the barangay.

Rosal said that they are the instrument for the implementation of all the programs and projects in their respective villages.

The SK chairmen will sit as an ex-officio member representing the youth sector in the barangay legislative council while the SK Kagawad can present developmental programs and projects for the youth in their own locality. There were 1,112 newly elected officials who were sworn in.

Rosal asked them to support the campaign against illegal drugs.

"Always coordinate with other barangay officials including the parents and the police for the proper implementation of the curfew ordinance and impose close monitoring of all the activities of youth to protect them from the drug menace. Create different kinds of sporting events to engage the youth and minors in physical fitness activities as one way of keeping them from drug addiction and any form of criminal activities in the community,” Rosal added.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Albay_News_July_2018&oldid=1086607"