Albay News October 2018

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Albay - Archived News
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Seal of the Province of Albay
Interactive Google Satellite Map 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

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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.

NCCA promotes tribe culture, heritage

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here, opened a photo exhibit on the indigenous peoples (IPs) and ethnic groups in Luzon to promote the culture and heritage of tribesmen.

Rosalita Manlangit, focal person, PIA-NCCA Luzon cultural promotions, in her message said the activity at the Ayala Mall here on Monday aims to encourage a continuing and balanced development of IPs, and one way of conserving and promoting the country's local heritage.

“We have to ensure the widest dissemination of the culture and heritage, use of the artistic and cultural products and preserve the heritage and traditional culture and various creative expressions as a dynamic part of national culture,” she said.

Manlangit added the photo exhibit will help promote the culture, arts and heritage of IP communities in Luzon.

“The public will have an opportunity to appreciate the culture, beliefs, festivals and attitudes of our Indigenous People and connect them to the regency of Luzon,” she said.

Benilda Recibido, OIC regional director of PIA-Bicol, in an interview said the photo exhibit highlights the importance and richness of the indigenous culture and promotes deeper awareness and appreciation of the intangible cultural heritage while empowering communities.

“The photo exhibit launching is a simultaneous event conducted in the seven regions of Luzon (Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Cordillera Administrative Region) as part of the Indigenous People's Month celebration,“ she noted.

Rolando Cea, Chief Administrator of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Bicol, thanked the PIA and NCCA for mounting the photo exhibit.

“We encourage everyone to continue to promote our IP community and give the attention that they deserve,” he said.

The photo exhibit at the 3rd floor of Ayala Mall-Legazpi is open to the public with no entrance fee and will run until November 3, 2018.

DOH-Bicol on 'code white' for 'Undas'

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Health (DOH) regional office in Bicol placed all government hospitals in the region under “code white alert” or “on-call” mode during the traditional celebration of All Saints' and All Souls' Days, also known as "Undas".

“The alert will be effective from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2," DOH Regional Director Napoleon Arevalo said in a press conference on Monday evening.

“During this period, hospital personnel will be ready to respond in any emergency situation,” he said.

Arevalo said the health department will continuously monitor health-related events during the period and closely coordinate with other agencies, such as the Philippine National Police and local government units.

DOH also came out with information materials entitled “Paalala at Gabay Para sa Ligtas na Undas” for distribution to the public, particularly those who will visit their departed loved ones in cemeteries, for safer and healthier celebration of Undas.

"Avoid bringing too much food that would easily spoil and bring water, so they could rehydrate if ever they will be exposed under the heat of the sun,” Arevalo said.

He noted that food-borne illnesses are usually caused by mass-produced foods, which have not been cooked, stored or handled properly.

The regional health official also advised people going to the cemeteries to bring medicines, especially those who have maintenance medication for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

Parents were likewise encouraged to leave their babies and toddlers at home as very young children are vulnerable to diseases due to their low resistance to infection, heat and congestion. (PNA)

Legazpi, first Bicol LGU to adopt e-Payment System

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The city government has started using an online payment mode using payers' credit cards in a bid to lessen the inconvenience of residents transacting with city hall.

Mayor Noel Rosal, in an interview during his Monday press conference, said the online payment project is part of the implementation of Republic Act 8792, the "Electronic Commerce Act of 2000", which promotes the universal use of electronic transactions in government.

“Using electronic payment and collection systems will bring more efficient and effective payment and collection services for government transactions and will provide the transacting clients additional payment options,” Rosal said.

Legazpi is the first local government unit in the Bicol region to implement the e-Payment System to establish the principles of good governance, transparency and operational efficiency, he added.

“The electronic payment system is an alternative way of paying taxes by our taxpayers to give them a less time-consuming process of transacting business in the government,” Rosal said.

DPWH-Bicol to implement 'Lakbay Alalay' this Undas

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol will activate a composite team that will assist motorists during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls' Days next week.

DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte has ordered district engineers to deploy personnel, who will man Motorists’ Assistance Centers in strategic locations of the national highway in the region, DPWH-Bicol spokesperson, Lucy Castañeda, said in an interview on Friday.

"Each District Engineering Office in the region will have an organized team ready to give free roadside emergency repair assistance to motorists during the long holidays. These teams are composed of engineers, car mechanics, equipment operators and other service crews," she noted.

Castañeda said the program, dubbed “Lakbay Alalay”, will start at 7 a.m. on Oct. 31 and will run until 12 noon on November 4.

"The director wants to make sure that all motorists who need help will be immediately given assistance and all measures should be vigorously undertaken," she added.

"Lakbay Alalay" will be implemented in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government unit (LGU) officials.

Under the program, 29 centers will be installed at the following locations:

Albay province: portions of Daang Maharlika in Barangay Lidong in Sto. Domingo; in Barangay Salugan in Camalig; and Barangay Paulog, Ligao City;

Camarines Norte: Barangay Tabugon in Sta. Elena;

Camarines Sur: portion of Daang Maharlika in Barangay Tambo, Pamplona; Barangay Concepcion Grande in Naga City; along Pili-Tigaon-Albay Boundary Road; Barangay Lourdes Young in Nabua; Bato Resthouse in Agos; and along Andaya Highway and Lupi-Sipocot-Libamanan Boundary Road.

Catanduanes: Barangay Sipi, Bato (Catanduanes Circumferential Road); Barangay Divino Rustro, San Andres; and Sto. Domingo, Virac;

Masbate: Batuan Section of San Fernando South Road; San Fernando North Road; San Jacinto Section of San Fernando Road; Monreal Section of San Fernando; San Pascual-Claveri Road; Claveria Side of San-Pascual-Claveri Road; Barangay Nursery in Masbate City; Crossing-Malinta; Masbate North to South Roving Unit; Junction-Buenavista; Barangay Balocawe, Dimasalang; and Junction-Cataingan.

Sorsogon: Pepita Park, Bulabog Sorsogon City and San Pedro Multi-Purpose Barangay Hall, Irosin.

In Rawis, Legazpi City, a skeletal workforce from the DPWH Maintenance Division will man the office to receive reports from field offices and to render emergency services that may be required during the holidays.

DOH holds reunion of 'Saved Babies'

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Health's (DOH) regional office here conducted a "Reunion of Saved Babies" on Friday to show parents and the public living proof that Newborn Screening (NBS) can save lives.

Hundreds of mothers, babies and other stakeholders gathered at the RC Daguinsin Hall of the DOH office to celebrate and hear testimonies about babies saved from different disorders through early detection using NBS.

“This aims to showcase and encourage them to continuously comply with the treatment regimen for children with disorders, and to show support to our saved babies,” said Dr. Monrey Isaiah Mancilla of the DOH-Family Health Cluster.

He added that with this kind of activity, they would be able to encourage more mothers to submit their babies to NBS after birth, especially during the first 24 hours.

“These babies are saved because of early detection of their disorder through NBS. Sayang ang isang buhay (One life is precious),” Mancilla said.

He noted that the most common detected disorder among babies is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in which case there are some food and medicine that are prohibited to be taken, otherwise, the infant would suffer from anemia.

“We monitor, conduct lectures and provide medicines for these babies so that they will be saved and have a better future,“ he said.

Mancilla said in the past, they monitored a baby with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) that was detected through NBS and now, that child is an engineering student.

Mary Ann Gabion from Gubat, Sorsogon, who has a three-year-old son with disorder, said in an interview, “Maganda po ang programa na ito ng DOH. Dahil sa NBS, nalaman namin agad ang kalagayan ni baby at nabigyan agad ng gamot na kailangan niya. Tinatawagan nila ako para sa monitoring ni baby at ok naman po ang anak ko (This program of DOH is good. Because of NBS, we immediately learned about the condition of my son. He was able to get the right medicine. DOH continues to monitor my son and, so far, he is doing good)."

Newborn screening is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal disorder that is otherwise not apparent at birth.

Bicol police to deploy 6K cops for 'Undas'

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- All police units in the Bicol region will go on full alert starting midnight of Oct. 30 until Nov. 3 for the traditional observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

Bicol police spokesperson, Chief Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, said they will field 6,000 policemen in strategic areas of the region to augment local police units in cities and municipalities and ensure peace and order, especially around cemeteries.

"Hundreds of policemen will be deployed to beef up the existing police force to maintain peace and order on Nov. 1 and 2," she said in an interview on Thursday.

Calubaquib said regional police director, Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, tasked the provincial and city directors and city and municipal police stations to maximize their personnel in providing maximum security to all cemeteries in their respective areas of responsibility.

She noted they will check individuals bringing in any kind of liquor, firearms, and bladed weapons inside cemeteries.

Police will also provide traffic, security and medical assistance to commuters coming from other provinces who will take their vacations, she added.

Calubaquib further reminded Philippine National Police (PNP) units to stay on alert, be vigilant and take precautionary measures against domestic threat groups and other lawless elements that may take advantage of the events.

“Preparations are underway to see to it that no untoward incident happens that would endanger the lives of the people from elements who would like to sow terror during this religious event,” she said.

"No leave (of absence) is allowed at this time for all the PNP personnel and for those who already filed their leaves, they will be recalled for them to render duties for safeguarding the community. Only maternity, paternity and sick leave will be entertained by this time" she added.

Calubaquib said advisories were issued to the public containing the standard operating procedures or the "dos and don'ts" with regards to the observance of All Saints' Day.

The PNP also advised the public that safety precautions should not only be observed in cemeteries, but also in their homes especially when taking vacation.

"Remember that crimes happen everywhere. No one knows when will the perpetrator attack, personal security must always be observed, let us always be safe," she said.

PCSO posts P48-B revenues in 3rd quarter of 2018

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY-- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) reported a total revenue of PHP48 billion from January to September this year, up PHP9.7 billion, or 25 percent from PHP38.2 billion in the same period of 2017.

The amount represents the combined earnings of PCSO from all its products: Lotto, Keno, Sweepstakes, and Small-Town Lottery (STL).

PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan reported Thursday the office’s accomplishments to Bicol stakeholders in a “Sama-samang Talakayan at the La Piazza Convention Center, this city.

Balutan urged the media to help disseminate projects, efforts, program of the government - the PCSO.

“We are here today to give transparency to the people.” Balutan said.

Balutan added the increase in revenue shows the government’s intensified effort to get rid of illegal gambling.

He also assured that as PSCO generates more revenues, it would be able to serve more beneficiaries.

Meanwhile Nelly Loyola, PCSO Albay manager in an interview said PCSO has extended PHP86.3 million worth of medical assistance to 6,562 patients in the first 9 months in 2018.

“For our individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), we already extended for Albay PHP74.1-million for 4,645 patients; for Catanduanes PHP4.9-million for 598 patients and for Masbate, PHP7.3-million for 1,319 patients.” Loyola added.

Loyola added the nature of requests include confinement, dialysis and chemotherapy.

Albay nurse claims second half of Ultra Lotto jackpot prize

By JOVILAND RITA (/KBK, GMA News)

More than a week after winning the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot, a male nurse from Albay province has finally claimed the other half of the P1.18-billion prize.

"Kumpleto na 'yung nag-claim dun sa Ultra Lotto Jackpot prize na P1.18-billion. Kahapon nag-claim na yung huli, yun pangalawa na from Legaspi City, Albay," Florante Solmerin, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) deputy spokesman, told GMA News Online on Tuesday.

Solmerin said the 33-year-old jackpot winner claimed over P470 million in check. He added the winner did not say why he claimed the prize only on Monday.

"That's his decision. Puwede siya pumunta anytime. Kung gusto niyang i-delay or whatever," Solmerin said.

"Basta ang importante sa PCSO ay maipakita niya ang ticket. Napakita naman niya ang winning ticket," he added.

The winner claimed his prize at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong accompanied by two relatives, Solmerin said.

Last week, the other winner, who is from Borlongan, Samar, claimed his half of the jackpot prize.

Winners have at least a year from winning to claim their prize. Once that window time expires, unclaimed prizes will go to the charity fund of the PCSO.

2-storey building turned over to Legazpi City school

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY — The SM Prime Holdings, through SM Foundation, turned over a two-storey, four-classroom building to Bitano Elementary School (BES) in Barangay Bitano here on Monday.

BES Principal Leonila Ante, in an interview, said the donation has resolved their problem on the ‘shifting’ of Kindergarten and Grade 3 pupils due to lack of classrooms.

“The students in the morning shift have to wake up very early while those in the afternoon shift have to go home late in the afternoon, after 6 p.m.,” she said.

Ante thanked SM Foundation for the school building that is equipped with comfort rooms, proper lighting system and ceiling fans.

“This building is a great gift to our learners. We lacked classrooms for the longest time," she said.

Christian Wesley Vilanueva, regional manager of SM Supermalls, cited the sincerity of the Sy family, the owner of SM Prime Holdings, to give back to the community through various donations that greatly benefit the people such as school buildings.

Mayor Noel Rosal, who was also present during the turnover, thanked the SM Supermalls and hoped for more projects to come from the company, which has recently opened a branch in this city.

Nelson Morales Jr., Department of Education Schools Division Superintendent, said students "will enjoy learning and this building will be their intellectual sanctuary for the next years to come”.

He encouraged the principal, faculty members and other stakeholders to protect and maintain the school building for the next generations of learners.

Morales said the project of SM is not just part of their Corporate Social Responsibility but their Corporate Social Opportunity.

The new school building is also persons with disability (PWD)-friendly, being equipped with 20 armchairs designed for left-handed students, a ramp and special comfort room.

To help in disaster management, SM also provided the school with staircase emergency light, a fire alarm bell and emergency exit stairs and fire extinguishers.

DSWD to promote accountability, transparency in village leadership

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here will strengthen its community participation program for village leaders through its "Makilahok" project that aims to promote accountability and transparency in the barangay.

Under the project -- to be undertaken through the "Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services" or Kalahi-CIDSS program -- DSWD will conduct trainings in 15 local government units in Bicol.

In an interview on Monday, DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia said after the trainings that are set to start next month, each participating village is expected to come up with a Barangay Development Plan with activities, techniques and other implementation arrangements that can be adopted in their planning and budgeting process.

“This initiative will significantly help in heightening our support towards community empowerment and participation through the institutionalization of local development process,” he noted.

The training will cover four areas: Participatory Situation Analysis (PSA); Community Finance; Community Procurement following the Philippine financial and procurement procedures under Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act); and Community Monitoring.

The pilot municipalities that will take part in Makilahok are Manito and Jovellar in Albay; Jose Panganiban and San Vicente in Camarines Norte; Cabusao, Minalabac, Gainza, Canaman and Ocampo in Camarines Sur; Baras and Gigmoto of Catanduanes; Mobo and Palanas in Masbate; and Irosin and Gubat in Sorsogon.

"These municipalities were identified based on their implementation performance of DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS, completion of community projects and LGUs' readiness to undergo capacity training for all barangays," Garcia said.

The Makilahok project will be implemented with a total budget of PHP7.52 million.

DOH launches Mental Health Fair, Congress

(NSAU, Bicol Standard)

LEGAZPI CITY--The Department of Health in Bicol strengthened its response to mental health by tying up the launch of the 2nd Mental Health Fair and the 6th Mental Health Congress with the theme “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World” at the Embacardero De Legazpi Convention Hall last October 11.

A total of more than 700 participants comprised of students, health workers, non-government organization, senior citizens, and other stakeholders attended the event which tackled the topics regarding mental health, particularly in adolescents, and the prevalence of substance abuse in youth.

According to Dr. Melissa Paulito Mariano, from the Department of Psychiatry, in general, problematic pattern of use of the Internet / computer can be considered as internet addiction disorder. Mariano stated that poor real-life social or peer dynamics prompts teenagers’ excessive use of the internet. She also noted that people who develop addiction have higher risk to development mental disorders.

Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr. Elham Mae Bocalbos also shared that 50% of teenagers consider lack of understanding from family or peers as the main factor contributing to their depression. But on top of that, she mentioned that there is an emerging depression caused by using social media and dubbed it as “Facebook Depression” wherein users feel the lack of acceptance from online peers.

Bocalbos added that if depression is not left in check, it may add difficulties in learning, impair relationships, or even lead to suicide. She discussed the symptoms of depression of an individual comes in the form of constantly feeling fatigue, lack of concentration, having trouble sleeping, sudden loss or gain of weight due to unusual appetite, anhedonia or the inability to feel pleasure, and surging feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

Bocalbos urged the participants to take note of these symptoms or red flags to prevent matters from escalating. She suggested that they talk to an individual if they notice a symptom of a depressive behaviour. People can also encourage them to seek professional help when necessary.

A public consultation on the implementing rules and regulations of the National Mental Health Act was also conducted under the supervision of Frances Prescilla Cuevas, National Program Manager of DOH.

To end, OIC Regional Director of DOH CHD Bicol, Dr. Napoleon Arevalo reiterated the importance of talking and not hesitating to seek help. He also assured that the DOH would strengthen its campaign and advocacy to destroy the stigma on mental health. Arevalo also added that despite DOH CHD Bicol being the model of mental health care in the Philippines, it would continue to look for ways to upgrade its services.

PCCI names Legazpi as PH's 'Most Business-Friendly City'

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY --- Another feather was added to this city's cap as it earned recognition for being the Most Business-Friendly City in the country from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), under the Component City Category.

President Rodrigo Duterte handed the award to city Mayor Noel Rosal during the 44th Philippine Business Conference on Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Manila Hotel.

The award highlighted the outstanding efforts of local government units (LGUs) in implementing good governance reforms to promote trade and investments, employment, transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering business services to fuel inclusive growth in their localities.

Rosal, in an interview on Friday, said the business sector is one of the accelerators of economic growth that hugely contributed to the city’s coffers and gave more employment opportunities to the locals.

“It’s really an honor for us to receive the most business friendly city award because this kind of recognition symbolizes Legazpi as the new investment hub in the country today that will surely continue to improve the investor’s confidence to put up more business establishments in the city,” he said.

The city mayor said his administration is aggressively implementing the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 to expedite government transactions through the formulation of the Citizen’s Charter.

The city also participated in the Enhanced Government Performance Management System (LGPMS) for more informed decision-making that allows greater participation of stakeholders in tracking performance, he said.

Rosal further said the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office has established a public assistance and complaint desk as well as one-stop-shop and courtesy lanes for pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities in order to speed up the application and renewal of business permits.

"The members of the city council have already enacted an Investment and Incentive code in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development through the effective and efficient services strengthened by the active participation of all the stakeholders within a safe environment," he also said.

The main objective of the code is to harmonize the national and local investment policies as well as to establish organizational structures to guide the efficient and effective implementation of this code and also to set the guidelines, procedures and standards for identifying priority investment areas, he explained.

It also promotes the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), he added.

Rosal said for the past 10 years, almost PHP30 billion has been invested in Legazpi by different giant business firms including the SM Super Malls and Ayala Group of Companies.

1.1K PWDs in Albay get P1.5-M educ assistance

By Mike Dela Rama (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- A total of 1,188 elementary, high school, and college students with disabilities have received PHP1.5 million in educational financial assistance from Albay’s provincial social welfare office.

Acting Albay Social Welfare Officer Eva Grageda said in an interview on Thursday that for 2018, the provincial government has allocated PHP2 million in educational aid for persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the elementary to the tertiary levels.

“For elementary pupils, we are giving PHP1,000 each, PHP1,500 each for high school students, and PHP3,000 for college students,“ Grageda said.

She said the educational assistance to PWDs is in keeping with Republic Act No. 10754, or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, which states that for them to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary, as well as vocational or technical education in both public and private schools, qualified PWDs will be provided with scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives, including support for books, learning materials, and uniform allowance, to the extent feasible.

Qualified PWDs need to meet the minimum admission requirements set by the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education Department, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and other entities that grant scholarships and financial assistance for the education of persons with disability.

To qualify for the educational aid, each PWD applicant needs to submit a certificate of indigence, his or her report card, an endorsement from the concerned municipal social welfare officer, and identification card, Grageda said.

“For purposes of monitoring, our office is conducting regular physical inspection and list of enrollees are being submitted to the municipal social welfare office,” she added.

Grageda further assured that PWDs in Albay are given equal opportunities in employment, apprenticeship, incentives, vocational rehabilitation through training courses, livelihood and other services beneficial to them. The provincial social welfare office also provides assistive devices and medical financial assistance.

DOH-5 bares finalists in 'Purple Ribbon' awards

By Sally Atento-Altea (PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – Cash prizes of P300,000 – P500,000 await the top winners in the Purple Ribbon Award for Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH).

The Purple Ribbon Award for RPRH is given every three years by the Department of Health (DOH) to recognize local government units and civil society organizations with exemplary practices, accomplishments and innovation in the implementation of RPRH and family planning programs.

“The award will be given to top LGUs and CSOs that have performed well based on the specified criteria. For this year’s award, achievements will be based on 2016-2017 performance,” DOH Bicol Family Health Cluster Head Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon said.

Top three implementers will win P300,000, P400,000 and P500,000 respectively in provincial, city and municipal categories while one best implementer will receive P500,000 for Civil Society category.

The members of the inter-agency regional screening committee have evaluated and selected the finalists from the nominees.

The finalists for the provincial category are Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes while for the city category are Naga, Legazpi Masbate and Iriga.

The municipalities of San Fernando, Camarines Sur; Guinobatan, Albay; and Baao, Camarines Sur are the chosen finalists among seven nominees.

The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-Camarines Sur Chapter is the only nominee for the CSO category.

Governance, health service delivery, health regulation and health financing are among the factors considered in choosing the finalists.

The winners will be announced on October 26, 2018 after onsite validation and final meeting of the regional screening committee.

UltraLotto 6/58 multi-millionaires are from Albay and Eastern Samar

(CNN Philippines)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The two lucky persons that will split the ₱1.180 billion Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot placed their bets in Albay and Eastern Samar.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday announced the winning bets were placed at an SM branch in Legazpi City, Albay and in Borongan, Eastern Samar. They self-picked the winning numbers.

They have to claim their prize at the PCSO Head Office in Mandaluyong City, bringing two valid IDs.

The two winners, who both chose the winning combination of 40-50-37-25-01-45, will split the jackpot prize of ₱1,180,622,508 — the highest in Philippine history.

The Ultralotto 6/58 was drawn on Sunday.

The jackpot broke the billion-peso mark in October, beating the previous highest prize of ₱741 million won by a lone bettor in 2010.

The Ultralotto is drawn three days a week — Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday — and offers the biggest initial jackpot of ₱50 million. Each bet costs ₱24.

There are also payouts depending on the number of winning numbers placed by a bettor. If he or she gets three out of six winning numbers, a bettor wins ₱20.

Payouts are also given to bettors who get four or five numbers out of the six-number winning combination, and the amounts are based on a pari-mutuel system.

The PCSO explains the prize payouts are "determined based on the total sales generated and the number of winners on the particular draw. Second and third prizes may vary and may be lower than the published prize amount."

DA-Bicol fetes farmers, rural women achievers

By Melissa Basmayor (PNA)

NAGA CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) 5 (Bicol) honored the recipients of the Gawad Saka and Rural Women Achievers 2018 awards here on Wednesday afternoon.

The ceremony -- held at the Convention Center of Avenue Plaza Hotel -- is an annual activity that recognizes the efforts of groups and individuals in agricultural development, food security, and sustainability in the region.

Undersecretary for High-Value Crops and Rural Credit Evelyn G. Laviña, who also chairs the DA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, said the region is doing well in terms of agriculture.

In fact, she noted that many local farmers are reaping awards at the national level in the field of agriculture.

“Our goal is to continue the programs and projects that will develop the agricultural products of the Bicol region, such as the pili and the sili,” Laviña said.

She also expressed her gratitude to the local officials who attended the event for their unceasing support for the DA’s programs.

“Our common goal is healthy food for the future,” she added.

The Rural Women Achievers 2018 were Josephine G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Sur – Regional Winner; Maricel G. Base of Polangui, Albay – 1st Runner-up; Fe B. Carranza of Panicuason, Naga City – 2nd Runner-up; and Remedios P. Ardenete of Irosin, Sorsogon – 3rd Runner-up.

The Gawad Saka Achievers, on the other hand, were Genaro A. Tamon of Magarao, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Rice Farmer; Angelita A. Cerillo of Tigaon, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Corn Farmer; Pepito M. Amaranto of Daraga, Albay – Outstanding High-Value Crop Farmer; Elmer S. Salazar of Tigaon, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer; Josephine G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Small Animal Raiser;

Napo Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Polangui, Albay – Outstanding RIC; Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Malilipot, Albay – Outstanding MAFC; Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Daet, Camarines Norte – Outstanding PAFC; and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) of Tiwi, Albay – Outstanding MFARMC.

Meanwhile, products of local farmers, such as food items, handicrafts, and accessories, were also showcased in an exhibit.

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