Albay News October 2013

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Albay - Archived News
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Seal of the Province of Albay
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Location of Albay within the Philippines
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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.

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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.

DOLE-Bicol gets P224M for employment, livelihood assistance next year

By Danny O. Calleja [(PNA), CTB/FGS/DOC/CBD/UTB]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) –The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol regional office on Thursday announced that next year’s national budget has allocated some P224 million for employment and livelihood assistance in the region.

This funding will come from the supposed Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) that was taken out from the proceeds of congressmen and instead allocated to selected agencies delivering basic social services which includes DOLE, according to DOLE Regional director Nathaniel Lacambra.

The P224-million regional allocation for DOLE is based on the previous budget of each congressman in the 16 congressional districts of Bicol plus the P45 million from the agency's Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) which will be downloaded to DOLE in 2014 for employment and livelihood assistance programs, Lacambra said.

Under this allocation, some forms of employment and livelihood benefits are to be designed to provide livelihood packages to families that are graduating next year from the Conditional Cash Transfer under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government, especially those that have children at risk to child labor, he said.

The region has an alarming incidence of child labor that keeps on increasing and, Lacambra said, DOLE, through this incoming funding, aims to deliver a solution to this social malady.

Based on the 2011 Survey on Children conducted by the National Statistics Office, over 300,000 of the 5.5 million working children 5-17 years old as of October 2011 were in Bicol.

Of this national count, 2.993 million, or 54.5 percent, are reported to be exposed to hazardous child labor.

“This incoming fund will provide livelihood packages aimed at transforming the social condition of these 4Ps beneficiaries who are considered the poorest of the poor, from sustenance to self-sufficiency,” Lacambra stressed.

DOLE-Bicol, he said, has already arranged an alliance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office under director Arnel Garcia regarding these livelihood packages wherein beneficiaries will be identified through the DSWD’s National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

Based on the latest survey of the NHTS, Bicol has 3,360 child laborers that need to be given livelihood assistance.

Of this number, Camarines Sur has 1,101; Albay, 707; Sorsogon, 540; Masbate, 460; Camarines Norte, 356; and Catanduanes, 196.

“We are highly concerned about child labor as the Constitution mandates the state to defend the rights of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development,” DOLE Assistant Regional director Ronnie Exequiel Guzman clarified.

In pursuing this constitutional mandate, Guzman said, the present administration under its Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL) strategic framework for 2007-2015 has mobilized the DOLE and all other vital agencies and private stakeholders into the prevention, withdrawal, healing and reintegration of child workers into a caring society.

These agencies and private partners include the DSWD, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Economic Development Authority, National Youth Commission, labor and employers organizations and non-government organizations, he said.

DOLE is also addressing child labor in compliance with the government’s commitment to the United Nation Conventions on the rights of the child, particularly International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 138 on the minimum age for admission to employment and ILO Convention 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor, Guzman said.

To this effect, he said, the Philippine Congress has enacted Republic Act 9231, otherwise known as an “Act providing for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and affording stronger protection for the working child, amending RA 7610 also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

Reaffirming its vision in the 1990 World Declaration on Education and under the Millennium Development Goals, the government is also committed to ensure that by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

PPACL envisions a child labor-free Philippines by 2015, Guzman added.

Legazpi fishermen get 35,000 tilapia fingerlings anew

By Emmanuel P. Solis [(PNA), FFC/FGS/EPS/CBD]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 30 (PNA) –- Some 30 legitimate fishermen of this city received 35,000 tilapia fingerlings from the Legazpi City Agriculture Office (LCAO) and the Albay Provincial Fishery Development Office (APFDO) to increase fish production in the city.

City Agriculturist Jesus Kallos and APFDO head Ariel Poquinto made the distribution Tuesday at the LCAO here.

This is the second time that the fishermen received tilapia fingerlings from the city government after the successful raising and production of the first batch distributed during the time of former Mayor Geraldine Rosal.

Kallos urged the beneficiaries to properly manage their fingerlings for them to achieve the necessary volume of production and give the consuming public good quality tilapia at a reasonable price.

He told them that his office will monitor all the fishponds where these fingerlings are located and all the beneficiary fishermen will receive technical assistance from his office.

Kallos urged legitimate fishermen to work hand in hand for the proper way of catching fish and to prevent illegal fishing activity to preserve the juvenile fishes.

The city agriculturist said he will ask the help of barangay officials and eco-managers of the 70 villages to remind the constituents, especially those living near the river side, that throwing garbage in the rivers is strictly prohibited under RA 9003 and under City Ordinance No. 0017-2009.

These two pieces of legislation, he said, are strictly being implemented by the city government to further prevent the contamination of the rivers and to make sure that the flowing water is always clean and not poisonous to the fishes.

Poquinto, on the other hand, told the fishermen that during harvest time, they should pull all the fishes out of the fishponds to see to it that not one is left in the water to prevent the inbreeding of tilapia because it will result in less fish weight.

He said his office is very willing to give any volume of fingerlings to all legitimate fishermen in this city.

The provincial official said they will recommend the putting up of a tilapia hatchery in the city.

Pinay scholar in NZ to become Albay's youngest trial court judge

(Xianne Arcangel/JDS, GMA News)

No less than Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno will administer the oath to Albay's youngest trial court judge, 37-year-old Joan Mosatalla, next month.

Mosatalla, a recipient of the New Zealand government's ASEAN Scholarship Award, is currently pursuing a master's degree in law with a specialization in public law at the University of Auckland (UOA).

"I didn’t really expect to be appointed a judge [because] such an appointment is very political in the Philippines and I didn’t know anyone who could back up my nomination," she said in a statement released by UOA.

Mosatalla said she asked Warren Brookbanks, a renowned criminal lawyer and law professor at UOA, to write her a recommendation letter to President Benigno Aquino III after finding out she was on the shortlist of applicants to be a municipal trial court judge.

Brookbanks was one of the first people Mosatalla told about her appointment after being informed about it on Facebook.

"Joan is a bright and very able student and she will make an excellent judge," he said.

Mosatalla said her success was a result of her diligence and of her parents constantly reminding her and her siblings to work hard.

“Some people say I am bright, but I say I am diligent... My parents are both retired government employees and I come from an average, normal family. My three sisters and I were sent to good schools and taught to work hard – one is an executive producer/writer, one is a doctor and the other is a nutritionist/dietician– so we have all done well," she said.

Mosatalla was the second assistant provincial prosecutor in Catanduanes prior to her appointment as a trial court judge.

3,484 checkpoints set up in Bicol

(PNA), FFC/FGS/NIM/CBD/UTB

CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Oct. 28 (PNA) -– A total of 3,484 checkpoints has been set up in the Bicol region since Sept. 28 up to Monday.

Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Police Regional Office 5 director, said Masbate has the biggest number with 1,025.

Albay follows, with 602; Sorsogon, 539; Camarines Norte, 430; Catanduanes, 368; Camarines Sur, 364; Regional Public Safety Battalion, 93 and Naga City, 62.

So far, these checkpoints have already arrested 33 persons, 18 of which were charged in court for violation of the Comelec sa gun ban.

Deona said the police have confiscated a total of 20 firearms, 15 bladed weapons and 164 explosives.

He added that these statistics were distributed as follows: Masbate – 10 arrested, 4 charged; Albay -- 9 arrested, 6 charged; Camarines Norte -- 6 arrested, 5 charged; Camarines Sur -- 2 arrested, 1 charged; Sorsogon and Naga City -- three each arrested, 1 each charged.

Meanwhile, five shooting incidents in Bicol were considered election-related.

The most recent was the ambush on the election officer of Palanas town in Masbate, Merlinda F. Alvarez, and her police escorts led by Sr. Inspector Baltazar L. Valenzuela.

The shooting wounded the convoy members who are now recuperating at the hospital.

Another incident involved the shooting of Pio V. Occidental, a candidate for barangay captain in Barangay Cypres in Polangui, Albay.

Other incidents took place in Pasacao, Camarines Sur and Gubat, Sorsogon.

SMC Global Power to finalize deal with Albay electric co-op

By Lenie Lectura

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. and Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) will sign on Tuesday an agreement that will formalize the conglomerate’s entry into the electric cooperative.

“There is going to be a signing between SMC and Aleco on October 29. The signing is merely a formality because SMC is already assessing what needs to be done in Aleco right now. This is more or less ceremonial,” said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla.

SMC Global won the bid to take over the management of Aleco for 35 years. The SMC unit will not own Aleco. Instead it will “run and shoulder the debt and pay monthly concession fees,” said Petilla. Aleco’s debt exposure to SMC Global Power now amounts to P600 million.

Early this month, Albay Governor Joey Salceda said SMC needs to spend at least P1 billion to rehabilitate the debt-ridden electric cooperative.

“At least P1 billion is needed to rehab or create a new organization for collection and systems improvement,” said Salceda.

“[Aleco] would be better off in the hands of the private sector. Today, Aleco’s system loss is 24 percent compared to the cap of 13 percent,” Salceda said. “What happened to Aleco is its failure to collect and failure to bill. There are also systems losses because the equipment is obsolete,” said Salceda.

Nonetheless SMC is expected to generate revenues of about P600 million annually from taking over the management of Aleco, Salceda said.

SMC Global Power has become one of the largest independent generation companies in the country with an installed capacity of 2,545 megawatts (MW) to date.

The company had a 17-percent market share of the power supply of the national grid and 23-percent share of the Luzon grid as of end 2012. The conglomerate plans to install a total of 3,000 MW of new capacity with new power plants that will be based on clean coal technology.

Bicol's ‘Pinangat’ town comes out with own history book

By Sally A. Atento (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

CAMALIG, Albay, Oct. 26 (PNA) -– This Albay town famous for delicious pinangat is now ready with a written chronicle of its past – the Camalig History Book: CAMALIG...Albay's Cabecera of Christian Evangelization.

Written by historian Danilo Madrid Gerona, the book is one of the foremost legacies in the preservation and promotion of the town's rich heritage.

As the first book written on the history of the town, it provides a comprehensive narrative which traces its epic journey from a vibrant cabecera of the Franciscan missions in Albay in the late 16th century to an opulent abaca trading center in the 19th century, culminating in the post-war rehabilitation era.

With sources drawn from the major archives in Spain and the Philippines, this book serves as a solid foundation for in-depth studies of scholars on the various aspects of Camalig’s past.

This book was realized through the vision and initiative of Mayor Caloy Baldo, the wholehearted support of the Sangguniang Bayan members, Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, the local government unit of Camalig and the people of the town.

Bicol joins global advocacy to protect children’s rights

By Sally A. Atento (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) – The Bicol region joins the intensified advocacy to protect children’s rights as highlighted in the celebration of this year’s Children’s Month in the country and Universal Children’s Day in the world.

Arnel Garcia, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, said the commemoration of Children’s Month this October is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267 series of 1993.

The theme for this month’s celebration, “Kahirapan Wakasan. Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban,” strongly advocates children’s rights added Garcia.

Universal Children’s Day, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, calls on countries to observe Universal Children's Day to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world's children.

In support to these advocacies, respective local government units, people’s organizations and non-government organizations catering for the welfare of children in various parts of the region conducted activities for preschool children.

In Legazpi City, DSWD will be holding the Children’s Summit on October 31 at the Liberty Commercial Center here for public and private partners and around 70 children participants, most of whom are Pantawid Pamilya Program (PPP) beneficiaries.

The summit aims to provide stronger advocacy on children’s rights, showcase talents through literary arts competition and encourage our partners for their continuous support to the PPP.

In Camarines Sur, a provincial children’s summit will also be held. Part of the event is the “Kaya Ko” advocacy campaign which aims to highlight gains and impact of the PPP among the beneficiaries particularly the children.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that provides cash grants to poor households with children 0-14 years old and/or pregnant mothers, provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program.

In Cawayan, Masbate around 500 preschool children from 75 day care centers in town recently participated in a children’s activity led by the DSWD and the local government.

The LGU also distributed toys and other goodies for the children.

The State of the Children’s Address delivered by Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor highlight the said affair.

In his message, Condor shared his accomplishments on the implementation of programs and services for children’s welfare.

He also pledged his support to the advocacy campaign on children’s rights, strengthen implementation of the day care program, increase the honorarium of the day care centers by P500 and sustain the supplemental feeding program.

Multi-sectoral group holds prayer vigil for safe barangay polls

(PNA), PDS/FGS/EMC/CBD/UTB

CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Oct 24. (PNA) -– A multi-sectoral group held a prayer vigil and candle-lighting activity at the Penaranda Park here at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday for a peaceful and fair barangay elections on Oct. 28.

The event has for its theme, ”Sama-samang Panalangin para sa Matahimik at Patas na Halalang Pambarangay 2013.”

Among the organizers of the activity were Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Bicol police regional director; Commodore Manuel Natalio A. Abinuman, Naval Forces for Southern Luzon commander; lawyer Romeo B Fortes, Commission on Election regional director; Macky Lim, president, Bicol University Student Council.

Prayers were also given by different religious sector leaders led by Pastor Jose Dasco, chairman of Albay Inter-Catholic Faith; Pastor Samuel A. Erandio, Bicol police chaplain; and Imam Abinodin Sabangan from the Muslim community.

Maj. Dennis l. Bulanday, Navforsol command chaplain, gave the ecumenical prayer.

The activity was highlighted by the simultaneous lighting of candles for safe barangay election 2013.

Aquino to confer Salceda, 5 other Bicolano public servants with CSC honors

By Danny O. Calleja [(PNA),CTB/FGS/DOC/CBD]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 23 (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III is expected to confer to six Bicolano public servants led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda accolades for this year’s Honor Awards of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Malacanang on Thursday, Oct. 24.

Salceda will receive a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award while Ligao City Mayor Linda Gonzalez, Lynn Padillo of the Department of Education regional office for Bicol, Dr. Erlinda Relucio of the Bicol University, and Albay Public Safety, Emergency Management Officer Cedric Daep will be given the CSC Pag-Asa Award.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Simeon Ballon of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) regional office will be a Dangal ng Bayan awardee.

Salceda and the five others have been earlier cited during awarding rites of the Citizen Satisfaction Center (CSC) Seal of Excellence and Regional Honor Awards held here.

In the same occasion, the CSC also awarded Seals of Excellence to four Bicol-based agencies, among them the Home Development Management Fund (HDMF) regional office and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Naga City Branch.

HDMF and DBP were cited for best practices in compliance with the Anti Red Tape Act (ARTA).

The two other recipients of the same awards were the Land Registration Authority (LRA) office in Naga City headed by Glenn Perillo and the Social Services System (SSS)-Camarines Sur headed by Beatriz Gumabao.

Jail Officer 1 James Edison De los Reyes of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology regional office was recognized as Bayaning Kawani awardee.

Cited as runners up in the best practices in ARTA compliance were the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – Masbate Extension Office headed by Joan De la Cruz; Land Transportation Office (LTO) Tabaco District Office headed by Noel Barbacena; and Sorsogon State College headed by Dr. Antonio Fuentes.

Social Welfare Officer III Nida Macinas of the DSWD-Bicol was finalist for Bayaning Kawani category while citations for being finalists in the Best Human Resource Practice were Bicol Medical Center headed by Dr. Efren Nerva and the Local Government Unit of Mobo in Masbate headed by Atty. Percival Castillo. No winner had been declared in this category.

In the regional awarding, CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III who flew in from Manila to grace the event expressed admiration to the Bicol’s grand slam record featuring six awardees that add to the long list of the region’s bests in various categories.

These Bicolano leaders must be looked up to as exemplars for other regions to emulate, Duque said.

CSC regional director Cecilia Nieto on Wednesday said the six would-be awardees from Bicol led by Salceda is the biggest number among regions across the country for this year’s Honor Awards.

3 Bohol towns center of Team Albay-OCD5 mission

(PNA), PDS/FGS/NIM/CBD/

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 22 (PNA) --The Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense Bicol Regional Office (OCD5) entered its sixth day of humanitarian assistance to the province of Bohol Tuesday morning as part of its ten-day, six-service mission to areas hit by a magnitude-7.2 earthquake last October 15.

The mission started on Oct. 17 and will end on Oct. 27.

Governor Joey Sarte Salceda said the team is concentrated on the towns of Maribojoc, Loon and San Isidro the whole Tuesday.

The water and sanitation unit is in Bulok-Bulok Spring in Barangay Jantig and Dipatlong in Maribojoc to continue providing villagers with potable water.

The unit has already supplied 70,000 liters of purified water in a span of four days since Saturday, Salceda said.

Team Albay-OCD5's medical unit from the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital-Provincial Health Office (PHO)-Albay Health and Emergency Management Office is now doing medical services in Maribojoc and San Isidro towns due to lack of medical personnel in the areas.

The engineering team is focused on works in Loon town while a six-man unit from Albay office, PHO, the Philippine National Police and media are helping local counterparts in going around the towns of Sagbayan, Carmen and Loboc to assess the condition in these areas.

A group of Team Albay-OCD5 -- composed of the PNP, Philippine Navy, OCD-Bicol and Philippine Air Force's Tactical Operations Group 5 -- is in Bohol Sports Complex assisting in relief goods distribution in far-flung communities on board a helicopter ad several trucks deployed in Bohol.

Albay hands over P1-M cash assistance to Bohol and Cebu

(PNA), PDS/FGS/NIM/CBD/

BOHOL, Oct. 21 (PNA)--The P500,000 financial assistance of the province of Albay to the province of Bohol was given Monday in a simple ceremony held at the Bohol Provincial Mansion.

Albay’s cash assistance was handed over to Governor Edgar Chatto by Board Member Ralph Andes and Sto. Domingo, Albay Mayor Herbie Aguas in behalf of Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda.

Andes and Aguas will give Cebu’s share of P500,000 to Governor Hilario Davide, Jr. on Tuesday.

Salceda said the cash aid to the earthquake-devastated provinces came from Albay’s calamity fund.

He added that this was the result a joint and solid move of his office and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay headed by Vice Governor Harold Imperial.

Salceda stressed that aside from the financial assistance, the Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense 5's six-service humanitarian mission is ongoing up to Oct. 27.

Bohol town residents enjoy free purified water from Team Albay-OCD5 mission

(PNA), PDS/FGS/NIM/CBD/PJN

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA) --Residents of Maribojoc town in Bohol have expressed joy for the purified water that the six-service humanitarian mission of the Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense 5 has provided them, Dr. Cedric Daep, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Office chief, told the PNA in an emailed statement on Sunday.

"They thanked the team for the water as, they claimed, the one that they used to buy from a supplier was very costly due to the condition of the roads that were destroyed by strong earthquake," the statement said.

The Team Albay-OCD5’s free purified water being given to Maribojoc residents is the only one available to them.

Daep said providing purified water to the residents of Maribojoc town, which was hardest hit by the earthquake that destroyed its source of water and water pipes, is being undertaken by the group under its first form of service -- the WATSAN or water sanitation.

The water purifying equipment of Albay can produce 30,000 liters of potable water per hour.

Governor Edgardo M. Chatto said the mission is a big help to the areas in the province hit by a magnitude-7.2 earthquake on October 15.

The team is composed of 49 members.

Other members of the team were busy coordinating with and helping their counterparts in the Operation Center of Maribojoc town and the province under Dr. Glen Doloritos, Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) chief.

Daep and some group members joined the PDRRMC team in Loon town, another area that was hard hit by the earthquake, some 30 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

Other services being given by the Team Albay-OCD5 are the psychosocial care, medical treatment, hospital support, technical support for the Bohol PDRRMC and Maribojoc MDRRMC and structural assessment of damaged buildings, which is to be undertaken by Albay Provincial Engineering Office personnel in cooperation with their counterparts in Bohol.

Daep added that team also gives lecture and briefing to local government officials and residents who are still afraid of tsunami.

The mission team will stay in Bohol up the Oct. 27, he said.

Bohol welcomes Team Albay-OCD5 six-service humanitarian mission

By Nancy I. Mediavillo [(PNA), CTB/FGS/NIM/CBD]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 19 (PNA) – The province of Bohol welcomed the six-service humanitarian mission of the Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense 5, Albay's tenth assistance project to local government units hit by natural calamities, Dr. Cedric Daep, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Office chief, told the PNA in an emailed statement on Saturday.

Governor Edgardo M. Chatto said the mission is a big help to areas in the province hit by a magnitude-7.2 earthquake on Tuesday.

“It further strengthens the sisterhood relations between Bohol and Albay,” Chatto said.

In a briefing held Friday between Team Albay-OCD5 and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bohol, Daep disclosed the composition and the services brought by the team to the province.

He said the team is composed of 49 members.

The first batch is a 13-man contingent from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Army; the second batch composed of five men from the Governor’s Office, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, Provincial Health Office and Provincial Engineering Office.

The third batch consists of 23 personnel from Albay Health and Emergency Mission-PHO, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Fire Protection, APSEMO, PEO and three media members.

The fourth batch is composed of 21 personnel from the Tactical Operations Group 5 of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, OCD and PHO and has just arrived SaturdaY and now undergoing briefing prior to deployment.

Daep also enumerated the services to be undertaken by the group with the first being WATSAN or water sanitation that involves providing purified water to the residents of Maribojoc town, which was hardest hit by the earthquake, destroying its source of water and water pipes.

The water purifying equipment of Albay can produce 30,000 liters of potable water per hour.

The WATSAN team is now on its way to Maribojoc.

The second service is the psychosocial care to be done by the DSWD for the traumatic victims of the calamity.

The third is the medical treatment to be done by the PHO-AHEM medical and paramedic group for those with injuries in Maribojoc town.

A hospital support is the fourth, which will be done not only in Maribojoc but also in other parts of the province that need medical services.

The fifth service involves technical support for the Bicol PDRRMC and Maribojoc MDRRMC.

The sixth service is the structural assessment of damaged buildings, which is to be undertaken by Albay PEO personnel in cooperation with their counterparts in Bohol.

Daep added that the team will give lectures and briefings to local government officials and residents who are still afraid of tsunami.

He said that the P1 million assistance of Albay for Cebu and Bohol came from the calamity fund of the province, adding that the aid was based on the declarations of these provinces that they are under a state of calamity.

The mission team will stay in Bohol until Oct. 27, he said.

Albay governor Salceda elected co-chair of UN climate agency

By Matikas Santos (INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – Albay Governor Joey Salceda has been elected as co-chair of the board of directors of the United Nations (UN) Green Climate Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Friday.

The election of the new board was held during the UN body’s 5th meeting held in Paris on October 8-10, DFA added.

The Green Climate Fund, expected to be worth $100 billion by 2020, was established in 2010 by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and is intended to help developing countries curb the effects of climate change.

The Fund is governed and supervised by a 24-member board whose members come from developed and developing countries, according to the website of the Green Climate Fund.

Salceda will be the co-chairman of the board of directors along with Germany’s Manfred Konukiewitz. They will serve for a term of one year, DFA said.

“Governor Salceda aims to make the Fund work for developing countries, including Small Islands Developing States, Least Developed Countries, Africa, and highly vulnerable communities in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh,” it said.

“Salceda’s election is a strong expression of confidence in the Philippines and further raises the country’s profile in the international community,” DFA added.

Albay gets 5 National Gawad Kalasag Awards

By Nancy I. Mediavillo [(PNA), DSP/FGS/NIM/CBD/]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 17 (PNA) – Albay garnered five National Gawad Kalasag Awards while Camarines Norte got one, according to an executive of the Office of Civil Defense.

OCD Bicol Regional Director Raffy Alejandro said the awards are being given to local government units or institutions that have performed well in the field of public service, especially on disaster risk reduction management.

The awardees are Legazpi City, Best City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC), Component/Independent City category; Sto. Domingo, Albay, Best Municipal DRRMC (4th to 6th Class Municipality Category); Barangay Oro Site, Legazpi City, Best Barangay DRRMC, Urban Barangay Category; Simon of Cyrene Children’s Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc., Best Civil Society Organization; DQ Liwag National High School, Camarines Norte, Best School (Public Urban Category); and Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, Third Placer, Best Hospital (Regional Training Hospital Category).

The Provincial Government of Albay was honored for being National Gawad Kalasag Awardee Hall of Famer for Best PDRRMC for the past three years.

Alejandro said the awarding ceremony will be held in Camp Aguinaldo on Oct. 25.

Alejandro said there is a need to continue introducing innovations in disaster risk reduction and for the awardees to share their best practices in DRR to other LGUs.

In this connection, he said 74 percent of the LGUs in Bicol have already disaster management offices, or 89 LGUs out 120 in the region.

Among the provinces, Albay and Camarines Sur have 100 percent; Sorsogon, 75 percent; Camarines Norte, 69 percent; Catanduanes, 89 percent; and Masbate, 27 percent.

The OCD official said the region is targeting 100-percent compliance of the LGUs in 2016, as required by RA 10121 or the DRR Law of 2010.

Team Albay-OCD prepares for humanitarian mission in Bohol and Cebu

(PNA), PDS/FGS/NIM/CBD/

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 16 (PNA)--The Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense RO5 is ready to leave anytime for its 10th humanitarian mission, this time in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol both hard hit by magnitude 7.2 earthquake Tuesday morning.

The team is composed of search and rescue units from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Tactical Operations Group 5 of the Philippine Air Force, health team from the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital and the Provincial Health Office, and a water sanitation team from the Provincial Engineering Office and the PHO sanitation personnel.

“These are experts and skilled in this field of missionary work from the Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Monitoring Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, PHO-Albay Health and Emergency Monitoring team, Department of Health-Bicol regional office and the Team Armed Forces of the Philippines,” according to Governor Joey Salceda.

The mission will probably last up to several weeks in these areas, depending on the need, Salceda added.

Salceda said the Team Albay-OCD has always found action in parts of the country hit by calamities for the past five years.

“This is part of the payback of Albay and Bicol to all that helped them when they needed assistance. Most of all, this is part of the actual laboratory work of the team, as part of their constant practice and application of their knowledge and skills. When the teams come back to the province, what they would learned in helping other areas will certainly help them in times of necessity,” Salceda stressed.

NGCP employees support DRR-CCA program of government

(PNA), DSP/FGS/EMC/CBD/UTB

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 15 (PNA) -- Some 42 top officials and employees of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) have expressed support to the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation program of the government.

The NGCP official family members made the expression of support during their DRR-CCA orientation training held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, on Monday.

The company held this one-day activity to increase the level of disaster preparedness among NGCP officials and employees in its Daraga office in Albay.

Tapped to further increase level of disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction measures in the power sector were resource persons from the Office of Civil Defense Bicol regional office; Ed Laguerta, resident volcanologist, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and Rommel Pestano, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Bicol regional director.

Realizing the importance of their newly-acquired knowledge, NGCP authorities present during the orientation expressed the need for conducting the same activity for the officials and employees of NGCP Naga by November this year.

DSWD, PNP ink pact on family development sessions for 4Ps beneficiaries

By Nancy I. Mediavillo [(PNA), LAP/FGS/NIM/CBD]

CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Legazpi City, Oct. 14 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5 (DSWD5) and the Philippine National Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) on Monday morning signed a memorandum of agreement for the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS) for the beneficiaries of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” (4Ps) at the Alvi’s Restaurant, Barangay Sagpon, Daraga, Albay.

The MOA aims to establish cooperation and arrangements for the empowerment and strengthening of the capacities of families in effecting their familial roles and responsibilities, their active participation and involvement in community activities geared towards the promotion and their advocacy of human rights and welfare.

Under the MOA, the DSWD5 and the PRO5 are mutually bound to cooperate and collaborate in crafting and developing a modular guide to avoid duplications and to enhance complementation, DSWD5 Regional Director Arnel Garcia said.

Garcia added that MOA also aims to identify focal or resources persons and FDS facilitators in ensuring proper coordination and consistency of resources management and complementation, in planning implementation and in addressing emerging issues thereto.

Newly amended law allows cutting of severely infested coconut trees

(PNA), DSP/FGS/MDR/ALB/CBD/PJN

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 13 (PNA) -- Coconut trees are now allowed to be cut on some conditions under the newly amended Republic Act 10593, known as an Act providing for the regulation of the cutting of coconut trees.

The amended law also provides police powers to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to investigate, apprehend and arrest possessor of coconut lumber without necessary permit -- including search and seize of a moving vehicle with illegally cut, gathered, collected or removed coconut lumber.

In the Province of Albay, ban on cutting of coconut trees is still in effect, according to Board Member Ramon Alsua, committee on agriculture chairman.

However, there are some exemptions which allow the cutting on coconut trees such as if the tree is 60 years old in the case of old varieties and at least 40 years old for dwarf varieties and when the tree is severely disease-infested and beyond rehabilitation.

Aside from that, Alsua added, such cutting is also allowed when the tree is severely damaged by typhoon or lightning.

“As a matter of policy in the province cutting of coconut trees is still prohibited,” he stressed.

Alsua said the PCA shall also, in coordination with the local government unit concerned, require the registration of all sawmills, lumberyards, coconut wood dealers and other persons or entities dealing in the processing and sawing of coconut trees.

“Although it is true and allowed by law to cut disease severely infested coconut trees and for other reasons it should still follow the usual process or procedures in conformity with the basic law,” the Albay board member added.

The PCA, in order to effectively implement the provisions of this Act, may request the assistance of any local government unit to monitor and ensure compliance with this Act, including its implementing rules and regulations.

For this purpose, the PCA may deputize the Philippine National Police or other law enforcement agencies to investigate and apprehend those caught violating the provisions of this Act, including the confiscation of illegally cut coconut trees.

In order to prevent wastage, the PCA shall order the immediate disposition of confiscated coconut lumber in a manner to be determined by the PCA.

Pursuant to the Act, another significant amendment states that "No permit to cut shall be granted unless the applicant has secured from the barangay captain of the locality where the cutting will be done, a certification under oath that he/she has already planted the equivalent number of coconut trees applied for to be cut.”

With such provision, the PCA is mandated to coordinate with the local government unit concerned to verify if a replanting was implemented, and regulate and oversee the fertilization and care of the newly planted coconut trees.

Moreover, it shall be incumbent upon the PCA to conduct, from time to time, on-the-spot inspections of the sites where the coconut trees have been planted.

Once no replanting was done upon the verification of the PCA, the barangay captain who issued the certification shall, upon conviction, be penalized with imprisonment and will be charged with fine of not less than three years but not more than seven years and a fine of not less than ₱100,000.00 but not more than ₱ 1.0 million.

Furthermore, the barangay captain concerned shall be perpetually disqualified from holding any other public office.

Albay town mayor prioritizes water system, malnutrition concerns

(PNA), HBC/FGS/RA/CBD/PJN

MALINAO, Albay, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- Water system, malnutrition and environmental problems are among the major concerns of the local government unit of Malinao in the first district of Albay, first-term Mayor Alice Morales said in her first 100-day accomplishment report.

Morales, who disclosed that after the election she enrolled at University of the Philippines for a short-term course for new chief executives, said her first 100 days were a transition period for the LGU.

She claimed that she retained all department heads.

“We also retained all existing financial, educational and livelihood assistance being given to qualified constituents,” Morales added.

She stressed that she will push with water system projects of the community that until now have not materialized yet despite many funds that have been downloaded but wasted.

The LGU chief executive spelled out her programs using her full name: Agriculture and Fishery Development; Livelihood, entrepreneurial and investment development; Innovative and inclusive public management; Community empowerment, participation and public partnership; Eco-efficient infrastructure and sustainable public utilities development (water system, public cemetery, flood and river controls); Multi-sectoral disaster resiliency management; Orderliness, peace and security development; Responsive governance on health, social welfare, education and manpower skills development; Accountable, responsible and transparent public service; Local revenue mobilization and modernization; Environmental sustainability and stewardship; and Salary standardization and performance incentivization.

Morales said she is now aiming for the Gold award for the Seal of Good Housekeeping being given annually by the Department of Interior and Local Government, for which Malinao was previously given a Silver award.

Malinao is the only LGU in the 1st District of Albay that has so far rendered a report on the chief executive’s first 100days in office, records showed.

Salceda first Asian elected to chair US$ 100-B UN Green Climate Fund

By Connie B. Destura [(PNA), LGI/FGS/CBD]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 11 (PNA) -- Albay Governor Joey Salceda was elected as Chairman of the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the first Asian to chair such prestigious body, during its fifth meeting held in Paris on Oct. 7-10.

In an email to the Philippines News Agency on Friday, Salceda said he had the unanimous support of representatives from developing countries.

Established by the conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2011, the GCF aims to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Salceda said the 24-member GCF board oversees the operation of the Fund, which has pledges of US$ 100 billion by 2020, and approves the funding of projects in line with the Fund’s principles, criteria, modalities, policies and programs.

In pitching for his candidacy, Salceda, who is also the Regional Development Council chair for Bicol, said the Fund should prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary people.

With 2014 as the target for the operationalization of the Fund, the green economist and world-renowned investment consultant aims to make the Fund work for developing countries, including small islands developing states, least developed countries, Africa and highly vulnerable communities in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Salceda’s election is a strong expression of confidence on the Philippines and further raises the country’s profile in the international community.


Albay village festival highlights nipa palm’s livelihood role

By Richard Almonte [(PNA), FPV/FGS/RA/CBD/]

MALINAO, Albay, Oct. 10 (PNA) – The Barangay Council, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Nipa Festival executive committee of Barangay Balading in this town are now all set for the 5th Nipa Festival scheduled on Oct. 21-25.

The Nipa Festival is the first barangay festival in the town of Malinao that focuses on promoting environmental preservation and sustainable development.

It started in October 2010 through the efforts of the Barangay Council, SK and the executive committee.

Its main objective is to promote and encourage tourists in other parts of the Philippines and also in other countries to visit the village.

It also aims to stress the significance of the Nipa palm to the life and livelihood of its people.

The festival is also celebrated in honor of St. Raphael the Archangel, the patron saint of Barangay Balading.

Various activities are scheduled for the five-day celebration, which include the Talentadong Baladingnon, Nipa Float Padyak and Costume Parade, Karera de Padyak, Karera de Suknong Nipa, Karera de Tiklad, Karera de Sintas, Search for the Mutya ng Nipa Festival, Flying of the Sky Lantern and Bangui nin Pag-guiromdom asin Pasasalamat.

Barangay Chairperson Ofelia Bigata said this year’s celebration has been shortened to give way to the forthcoming barangay election, unlike the two-week event observed in the previous years.

PLDT picks Legazpi as recipient of infotech outreach program

(PNA), LGI/FGS/EPS/CBD

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has chosen Legazpi City as one of 10 cities in the country and the only local government unit in Bicol for its Infotech Outreach Computer Literacy Program.

This was announced by Evelyn Mamauag del Rasario, PLDT senior manager for Community Relations Division, during a courtesy call on Mayor Noel E. Rosal Wednesday at the office of the city chief executive.

The other recipients are the cities of Isabela, Zamboanga, Davao, Iloilo, Cebu, Malabon, Marikina, Bacolod and General Santos.

Del Rosario said the infotech outreach is the scholarship program of PLDT in partnership with the Intel Co., the University of the Philippines, and the local government units (LGUs) intended for public national high school teachers and students to strengthen their knowledge on information and communication technology.

“Computer literacy is essential and vital nowadays," she claimed, adding, "The schools superintendent recommends the teachers and students who want to avail themselves of this program."

Del Rosario said PLDT selected the city as one of the recipients of the program because of the good vision of the city administration under the leadership of Rosal for the continuous development of Legazpi City.

She claimed that PLDT is the only company registered in the New York Stock Exchange and still the biggest telephone company in the country.

Rosal said the program will serve as an inspiration to all the public school teachers and students in order to enhance their abilities and skills in communicating people by way of proper use of computers.

He pointed out that good quality education is the key factor towards the success of every individual and the community as well.

The city chief executive said Legazpi now has a total of 13 national high schools with modern facilities and equipment located at different villages in the far-flung areas.

The LGU has rehabilitated old classrooms as part of the educational program of the city administration of bringing good quality education closer to the people and give opportunity to interested students who want to study with less daily expenses.

Rosal said PLDT was the first to respond to Legazpi when the city was devastated by Typhoon “Reming” in 2006.

He disclosed that the city was recognized by the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communication Technology as one of the country’s most effective LGU in the field of Information Technology and Business Process Management last year.

Owing to its infrastructure development and booming tourism industry, the city was rated by a study conducted by the Asian Institute of Management as among the competitive cities in the entire country.

Salceda says SMC entry in Aleco favors Albay economy

By Nancy I. Mediavillo (PNA), LAP/FGS/NIM/CBD/

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 8 (PNA) -- The entry of the San Miguel Corp. in the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) will greatly boost the economy of the province, Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda stressed.

The SMC won the private sector participation (PSP) option of managing Aleco during its members’ referendum last month, which was supervised by the Department of Energy.

The signing of the PSP contract between the SMC and the Aleco will take place anytime this week, according to Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla.

In fact, the SMC has already 10 personnel in the Aleco who are looking into the accounting records of the cooperative.

Petilla told the PNA in a phone interview that the Aleco has a strong potential to overcome its crisis.

The electric cooperative, he said, is the first such entity in the country to enter into this kind of contract.

Salceda said the entry of SMC will greatly help the electric cooperative.

For one, he said, it will solve the perennial problem of the debt-ridden Aleco of being threatened with power supply cut-off if it fails to settle its current and past due bills.

The province’s electric cooperative is faced with collection problem and high systems loss due to old equipment.

The SMC’s financial and administrative capabilities will solve these problems, Salceda said.

Second, the entry of the SMC into the Aleco, the Albay governor said, will pave the way to unify the different franchises of the electric cooperatives in the Bicol region, which will result in overall lower production costs.

The third reason is that the SMC’s participation will serve as the bragging right or business stroking of Albay since the SMC is a big investor, Salceda said.

The world-renowned economist and financial expert said he considers the SMC as the sixth largest corporate investor in the province.

Thus, Salceda added, this advantage will give Albay corporate benefits -- particularly cross marketing -- because the SMC is also into airlines, airports and other service and product businesses.

He claimed that the SMC has the lowest price of beer and liquor in the entire world.

Owing to this, Salceda said, he believes that the corporate giant will implement a socialized power rate.

He claimed that if the collection efficiency of Aleco only reaches 95 percent from its present 76 percent and its 24-percent systems loss becomes 13 percent, there is no need to increase its power rate.

He stressed that the SMC will play a big role in the industry and tourism of Albay and the whole of Bicol region once the Southern Luzon International Airport in Barangay Alobo, Daraga, Albay becomes operational.

Salceda disclosed that Albay registered 79-percent increase in tourist arrivals last year, the biggest in the region.

Albay, he said, was also the seventh top national overnight destination in the country.

DOH Bicol sets Congress on Mental Health on Oct. 10

(MAL/JNGuerero, PIO-DOHCHD/PIA5)

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol will spearhead Thursday, Oct. 10, the region’s first and biggest affair on mental health advocacy to prevent psychosocial disorders through various mental health care programs implemented by the government and other stakeholders.

The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress will be held in time for the World Mental Health Day and National Health Week observed every second week of October.

The congress goes by the 2013 international theme “Mental Health and Older Adults” and supported by the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based rehabilitation centers.

DOH-CHD Bicol regional director Gloria J. Balboa said the congress aims to intensify mental health awareness, adding that this year’s advocacy intends to take a closer look at the mental conditions, especially of the elderly, and discuss the ways

Balboa said that a team of inter-agency personnel composed of first responders in emergencies were trained last October 1-4, this year to provide psychological first aid at the grassroots and recognize the danger signs that will require them to endorse patients to higher level of care.

She assured that the health department will continue to help build up the mental health of Bicolanos by giving outstanding support to the advocacy of mental health and providing technical support to the LGUs.

“The elderly are very vulnerable to developing psychosocial disorders. Factors like living alone, physical disability, sensory deficit and loss of status have caused many seniors to feel lonely, insecure and useless and these negative emotions if not prevented will often lead to mental disorders.” said Wendy Baluis, RN, Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator at DOH-CHD Bicol.

Baluis disclosed that 3.21 % of the region’s population is suffering from psychosocial disorders and added that the DOH-CHD Bicol and stakeholders are working out on creating a unified system so that they can effectively respond to the immediate need for mental health attention of the Bicolanos.

On ways to maintain a healthy mind, Baluis advised, is to have a healthy diet, engage in physical activities, avoid vices such as drinking, smoking and taking drugs and learn to manage stress.

“A healthy mind leads to a healthy life.” she added.

Baluis said the agency invited local chief executives, NGOs, the academe, the media and the senior citizens to participate in said event.

The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress was made possible through DOH-CHD Bicol partners namely, Holy Face Center for Mental Health, Simon of Cyrene Children's Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc. (SCCRDFI) and Sorsogon Integrated Health Services Foundation, Inc.

Bidding woes hound airport

By Mar S. Arguelles (Inquirer Southern Luzon)

LEGAZPI CITY—Construction at Southern Luzon International Airport in Barangay (village) Alobo, Daraga town, Albay province, has been delayed for almost a year now after being put on hold by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), said Albay Gov. Joey Salceda.

Salceda on Friday has expressed dismay over the delay that, he said, was being caused by technical problems in the bidding process despite an initial P970-million funding that should hasten construction of the airport runway.

He said the delay had pushed back project completion beyond the target date of 2016.

Salceda said the project should have been started this year but because of the May national and local elections, the project has been put on hold by the DOTC.

He cited another drawback after the project was awarded to Sunwest Construction Corp. in October 2012. The award was questioned by other bidders, who pointed out flaws in the bidding process, prompting the DOTC to raise the case to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for resolution.

The OSG, after hearing the case, issued a ruling awarding the construction project to Sunwest, and the DOTC thereafter issued a notice to proceed on Aug. 6 this year.

Another cause of delay was when Sunwest Corp., which is based in this city and owned by Elizaldy Co, asked that it be reimbursed losses incurred when the heavy equipment they used were destroyed by lawless elements as the company was preparing the village for the project’s full implementation.

Co has reportedly been identified as an ally of the previous Arroyo administration. He is a brother of Ako Bicol Rep. Christopher Co.

Sunwest’s request for reimbursement is pending for consideration of the DOTC, triggering another ground for delay of the project, Salceda said.

Legazpi City, one of PH’s top tourist destination

By Jonas Reyes

After getting almost half a million tourists last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has touted Legazpi City as one of the country’s top 14 tourist destinations.

This was announced by Mayor Noel Rosal at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) during the opening of its 14th national conference on Wednesday.

“The tourism industry remains as the engine of development and economic growth in every community contributing so much to the revenue of a locality and directly benefitting local communities,” he said. With the theme, “Strengthening Local Governance through Tourism Development,” Rosal said that the city has been named as one of the favorite venues for meeting and various gatherings.

“You will never regret choosing our city as the venue of this gathering as you will have a taste of hospitality that once you experience you will never forget,” he said.

“These events have contributed a lot to the already-booming tourism industry of our city,” he added.

Rosal said his administration will continue to invite other national and international organizations to hold their conferences in the city to even promote the area as a tourist destination.

He also stressed the importance of these gatherings conducted in the city as it pushes its tourism program while helping the transort sector and the business establishments.

ATOP vice-president for Mindanao and General Santos City tourism officer Maria Corato said that this year’s convention has more than 1,000 participants, adding that more people are becoming interested to join the organization as it is the only association that holds gatherings with the cheapest tours and accommodations.

“The ATOP alternately conducts its conventions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao every year because we want to showcase all these areas in the Philippines, particularly those in the eco-tourism sites in the rural communities that have tourism potentials,” Corato said.

DOLE pursues ISO certification

(MAL/SAA/DOLE5/PIA5-Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Bicol region has accelerated preparations to meet international standards in providing excellent public service through an ISO certification.

“An ISO Certificate will prove that DOLE-Bicol has attained the status of providing an excellent public service. This will be our destination,” said DOLE Bicol director Nathaniel V. Lacambra.

Part of the preparation is the improvement of internal processes which will be the subject in the Quality Management System (QMS) training conducted on October 1-3 for selected DOLE employees at the DOLE-RO V Activity Center.

Lacambra said although their department has significantly improve its internal and external services in the past two years making it faster and clientele oriented, certain processeses still need further improvement.

“We have to enroll our processes and align it with international standards. This is the initial step to ISO certification” he said.

Guzman added the QMS ensures that the right thing reaches the client at the right place, right time and right cost giving a sense of fulfillment not only to employees but also to clients it serves.

“Our clients will surely have high expectations for us but more than that we can raise the level of public service in Bicol. Let it start in DOLE. Let us serve our clients with an extra touch of tender-loving-care (TLC). Let us not only satisfy our clients. Let us aim to delight them until we build customer intimacy” Lacambra explained.

An ISO Certification is a form of recognition given by an international body. An office issued with an ISO certificate implies that the office conforms to international norms of standards on quality service.

"If achieved, DOLE-Bicol will be the 3rd DOLE office to have been issued an ISO Certificate after Regions 3 and 12,"" the regional director stressed.

“ISO certification will make our clients much satisfied. This is our service promise to them because they are our Boss!” Lacambra said.

Bicolano entrepreneurs display products in Megamall trade fair

(PNA), HBC/FGS/EPS/CBD/UTB

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) -- The Dept. of Trade and Industry Bicol regional office is bringing 102 entrepreneurs to the Megatrade Hall 2 at the 5th Level, Buidling B of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Oct, 10-13 for the 17th Orgullo kan Bikol Regional Trade Fair (OKB-RTF).

The OKB-RTF 2013 will display Bicol’s best products made from finest handcrafted materials to prime food delicacies, according to Jocelyn LB. Blanco, DTI Bicol regional director.

“It will bring the Bicolano entrepreneurs’ distinctive skills in weaving, innovating and producing new products and designs to the world,” Blanco said.

This annual marketing event offers wearables and homestyle products, processed foods, ceramics and pottery, furniture, fine jewelry and other products that will surely delight the buyers.

Joining this year’s fair are 102 exhibitors from all over the region.

Thirty will come from Albay, 11 from Camarines Norte, 16 from Camarines Sur, 15 from Catanduanes, 12 from Masbate and 16 from Sorsogon.

The OKB-RTF 2013 will feature 28 new entrepreneurs, who will now be given full marketing assistance by the DTI through this trade fair.

It will also feature 129 new products resulting from DTI’s product development activities prior to the event.

As in the past, this marketing event is a convergence activity.

DTI has partnered with PhilExport, Comprehensive Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program, OKB Association, Inc. and local government units.

Through this trade fair, DTI is enjoining domestic and foreign buyers to take a closer look and become more aware of what these 102 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) produce.

The DTI is committed to providing its clients, the MSMEs, better avenues to promote their fine products and encouraging to explore the global market.

Opening ceremony will be at 10 a.m., Oct. 10.

Tourism development, to bolster inclusive growth for Bicol – Salceda

(MAL/JJJP-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Bicol must focus on tourism development as primary strategy to achieve economic growth.

Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) chair and Albay Governor Jose “Joey” Salceda told the plenary of the first ever Bicol Regional Tourism Summit held at Oriental Hotel here that tourism will definitely take a crucial role in the region's pursuit for inclusive and horizontal growth that will benefit not only big tourism investors such as hotel and resort owners and operators but also the people in the countryside where most of tourist destinations are located by providing more opportunities for employment and business ventures.

"Other services and small-scale businesses such as transport, souvenir shops, handicrafts and the like are created as tourism activities intensify in an area, while large scale tourism stakeholders are needed to expand to include employment for common people such as housekeeping and food services," he added.

Department of Tourism (DOT) executives, local government executives, tourism officials and tourism industry stakeholders gathered here last week in the two-day Bicol's tourism summit.

Salceda identified at least four industries that ensure horizontal and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines among which that he considers as topping the list is the tourism industry. The other industries in Salceda’s list are agriculture, housing and trading.

On the same occasion, Salceda highlighted Bicol’s unique culture, cuisine, natural wonders including Bicolano’s resilience developed with their ability to endure natural calamities and disasters are endearing factors that attracts tourists.

“Bicolanos are naturally good-hearted and has the ability to surrender themselves to the forces of nature and higher being,” Salceda said.

He also mentioned that Bicol’s distinct flavor in its cuisine is worth promoting as one tourism tool though culinary expositions similar to the Bicol Travel and Food Expo (BITFEX).

“We must take care of nature, this is what sustains our tourism industry,” Salceda added.

Salceda is a noted and respected economist in the country and among the pioneering batch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Bicol’s Gayon Bicol Awardees for Tourism Champions category.

It can be noted that Salceda has initiated the organization of the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Tourism Alliance (Almasorta) that has embarked on a more integrated and comprehensive promotion strategy to market the potentials of the three Bicol province.

The alliance is a pioneering concept in tourism promotion strategy and was initiated to ensure a stronger and more cohesive tourism campaign among the three provinces, which all have their inherent world class tourism potentials that needed better market positioning and promotion.

“The future of the Philippines is Bicol, and the future of Bicol is tourism,” Salceda said upon receiving the Gayon Bicol Award for Tourism Champions conferred to him during the awards night of the same day.

Bicol coco fiber competes in global market

By Rhaydz B. Barcia [(PNA), DSP/FGS/RBB/CBD/]

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- Over 20 years after the development of new products for the coconut fiber in the country through the ingenuity of the Bicolanos, today this coconut husk part is the world’s top erosion-control material that has penetrated the global market.

The coco fiber from coconut husk is highly competitive in the global market and is now exported in several countries as major soil erosion control and green product that protects the environment, according to engineer Ramon Orticio of the Department of Trade and Industry Bicol regional office.

Before, coconut farmers in the Bicol region usually burned the coconut husk from their farmland.

Today, however, this farm waste is the world’s leading green soil erosion prevention and control material, thus, becoming a major source of income not only for Bicolanos but also those in other coconut-producing areas.

The discovery of the uses of coco fiber here began in the early ‘90s in a remote village of Malinao town in Albay province.

Villager Ramil Canicula, 45, of Barangay Sta. Elena set up decorticating equipment for coconut husk to generate alternative income for the villagers out of “bunot” (coconut husk) wastes.

Canicula started the decortication process in 1990 but halted the operation in 2007 due to financial constraints and low demand for the end products.

In December 2011, Canicula revived the coir fiber business and registered it under the name Southeastern Fiber Product.

It provided jobs to 500 people, mostly women engaged in twining and weaving.

Today, the business has helped local communities in Malinao town in generating income out of coco wastes.

The coco fiber in Bicol became popular in mid-2000 after engineer Justino “Bo" Arboleda, former Bicol University College of Agriculture professor, converted waste materials from mature coconut to soil erosion-control technology and has made it a major dollar earner, providing livelihood to coconut farmers not only in Albay but also throughout the country.

His invention was given recognition in international area after winning the BBC’s top awards for the best grassroots project.

It highlighted the ingenuity and perseverance of Bicolanos, in particular, and the Filipinos, in general.

Arboleda conducted a thorough study on coco husks from 1991 to 1993.

Since 1995, his coco net soil erosion-control technology has been exported to China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe and the United States while the coco dust is marketed in South Korea as organic fertilizer and soil conditioner.

With the coconut net production, Arboleda is currently giving livelihood to around 2,000 households in Bicol.

Coco fiber has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties and is resistant to insects and mold.

It can be used to insulate buildings from heat, cold and sound and is good for car seat cushions, cat scratching poles, planting materials and fertilizer.

It is affordable, durable and completely biodegradable.

The coir fiber is used in making ropes, cordage, geonets, biologs, bags, packaging materials, door mats, mats, wall carpets, rugs, plant hangers, furnishing fabrics and insulation material.

The net is made of bristle fiber, 10 percent mattress fiber, 20 percent and coco coir dust from waste materials of mature coconut whose meat is used in making sweets and special Filipino dishes particularly in the Bicol region.

Coco fiber’s superior ability to absorb moisture, pressure, sound and odors is indisputable.

The coco nets help plants grow on the riprap, their roots hold the soil tightly and they prevent landslide not only because the plant roots take in the water but also because the coco fiber nets are highly absorbent.

Currently, China remains as the biggest buyer of country’s coco coir and the products demand increases with the growing Chinese population.

Major imports of China are bed mattresses and raw coco fiber with an estimated 20-percent annual increase.

The coconut net from Philippines is being used in China’s desertification for effective riprap and soil erosion control while Japan is major buyer of coco peat for animal bedding.

Currently, the country’s export market for coconut products which include coco fiber and coco peat are US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Korea, China, Mongolia, Egypt, Israel, United Arab Emirate, Saudi Araia, Australia and New Zealand.

The local market of coir fiber-based products are mining companies, government institutions like the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, local government units, construction companies and real estate developers, local processors including handicraft producers and local exporters.

In line with the program to promote better farm practices and environment conservation to mitigate the effect of climate change, former president now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Memorandum Circular No. 25 directing all national and local government agencies, bureaus and other instrumentalities -- including agricultural institutions and councils -- to use coconut fiber as soil erosion control technology as well as coco peat or coir dusk in farming and to horticulture as soil conditioner and water moisture conservator.

A similar directive was issued by Pres. Benigno Aquino III, directing the Department of Public Works and Highways to use coconut fiber or coconets erosion-control materials as bio-engineering measures and be able to properly apply this new technology in government on-going and future construction to promote green engineering and minimize the effects of climate change aside from cheaper and environment friendly.

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