Dagupan bags national award on disaster preparedness
The Gawad Kalasag award is bestowed annually in recognition of exemplary achievements by local governments, government agencies, the private sector and individuals in the field of disaster management.
Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. yesterday received the Plaque of Recognition and cash award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in formal ceremonies at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.
“This recognition is the crowning achievement of our people’s shared efforts to make Dagupan a community resilient to disasters,” Fernandez said.
In March 2006, Dagupan became one of six Asian pilot cities for a community-based disaster risk management project dubbed as Program for Hydro-Meteorological Risk Mitigation for Secondary Cities in Asia (Project PROMISE).
Through the program, the CDCC aspired to make Dagupan more pro-active and prepared during disasters following its painful experience from the July 16, 1990 earthquake.
Since then, Dagupan strengthened and institutionalized disaster management and emergency response measures in all aspects of city life, including the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center, the Dagupan City Citizens’ Helpline, year-round earthquake and fire drills, a multi-hazard trainings and workshops for barangay disaster coordinating councils, schools, banks, hotels and other business establishments.
Only last July 21, Dagupan scored 95 percent from at least thirty evaluators from the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council and member agencies during the simultaneous earthquake and fire drill sessions in three different sections of the city.
Dagupan has been sharing experiences with other local governments throughout the country, as well other Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In 2008, the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) dubbed Dagupan as a global model on disaster management. (CIO/PIA Pangasinan)
Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Pangasinan get cash incentives
By Venus H. Sarmiento
Social welfare officer III and 4Ps focal person Venus Reboldela said beneficiaries from 16 barangays of Mabini received total cash assistance amounting to P2,899,500. Barangay Tagudin has the biggest number of beneficiaries with 214 identified households followed by barangays De Gusman and Barlo with 135 and 133 beneficiaries, respectively.
Reboldela said cash assistance is given to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly for children aged 0-14. The beneficiaries, she said, were selected through a uniform, objective and transparent set of criteria.
“The 4Ps has dual objectives. The first is social assistance wherein the government provides cash assistance to the poor to alleviate their needs and the second is social development to break the inter-generational poverty cycle through investment in human capital,” Reboldela said.
Reboldela explained that certain conditions need to be complied with by the beneficiaries to remain in the program such as: pregnant women must get pre- and post- natal care and be attended during childbirth by a skilled/ trained health professional; parents or guardians must attend responsible parenthood sessions, mother’s classes and parent effectiveness seminars; children 0-5 years old must receive regular or preventive health check-ups and vaccines; children aged 3-5 years old must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time, and; children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school.
Non-compliance to the conditions by the beneficiaries will result in the suspension of their cash grants or dropping them from the program, Reboldela said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has also distributed cash cards to beneficiaries in Bolinao and soon in the towns of Urbiztondo and Aguilar. (PIA-Pangasinan)
11th August 2009 – No embargo
The EMRIP was created by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to provide the Council with thematic expertise, and provide it with studies and research based advice. The EMRIP consists of five independent, indigenous experts. One of the current experts is a Filipino Igorot, Mr. José Mencio Molintas.
The second session of the EMRIP is meeting August 10-14, 2009 to discuss lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, as well as the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. There are over 400 indigenous delegates, and their supporters, registered from all over the world, who are participating together with the official representatives of governments.
PIPLinks is a non-profit organization, which aims to uphold and promote the collective and individual human rights of Indigenous Peoples (see http://www.piplinks.org). This press release and succeeding statements is done in behalf of a 15 organisation consortium of Philippine based indigenous peoples organizations and support groups.
To give the opening blessing to the meeting is an honour bestowed on leaders from different parts of the world. Timouy Jose Anoy said a Subanon prayer that all participants be blessed with wisdom and clarity in deliberating issues. He also prayed that all indigenous peoples from all over the world, who came a long way to the EMRIP get respect, recognition and redress for violations against their rights. Timouy Jose Anoy sprinkled water on the venue to symbolize clarity of thought and coolness of minds.
Timouy José “Boy” Anoy, together with another Subanon Leader Timouy Noval Lambo and Ifugao representative Peter Duyapat will participate in this five-day session to share their experience and propose ideas in addressing violation of rights to land, and rights to self determination by large scale mining companies and the lack of government support for redress.
The three leaders are also attending the 75th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination (UNCERD) to present a report about the discrimination of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines to the committee as well as to press for a resolution to a Subanon Submission made at a previous meeting of the Committee.
BJMPR2′s best for 2008-09 gets certificate of merit
Gamu, Isabela (11 August) — The Regional Office of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here has awarded certificates of merit to four (4) local government units and seven (7) of their personnel as BJMP’s Best for Calendar year 2008-2009.
The Isabela Police Provincial Office (IPPO) was awarded as Provincial Office of the Year, Santiago City District Jail as District Jail of the Year, San Mateo Municipal Jail as Municipal Jail of the Year and Santiago City Female Dormitory as Female Dormitory of the Year.
The individual awardees are J/CINSP Mark Brian S. Dirain JMP, Provincial Administrator of the Year; J/SINSP Ericley Louise D. Lazaro JMP, District Jail Warden of the Year; J/SINSP Juliet M. Miranda JMP, Junior Officer of the Year; JO1 Rizaldy A. Montero JMP, Male NOR of the Year; JO1 Girlie c. Ignacio JMP, Female NOR of the Year; JO1 Emerson A. Maddauin JMP and JOI Randy A. Dupilas, Junior NOR of the Year- Regional level.
The awarding ceremony was held at Piazza Zicarelli Hotel and Restaurant, Gamu, Isabela during the 18th BJMPPR2 Anniversary celebration. (PIA 2)
P15.3-billion DBP facility for infra development now available
Manila (11 August) — State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is making available a P15.3 billion (Y30.380 billion) facility that will finance improvements in the logistics and infrastructure systems in the country.
DBP president & chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David said the Logistics Infrastructure Development Project (LIDP) is a continuation of DBP’s Sustainable Logistics Development Program (SLDP) but on a more expanded scope.
“The LIDP particularly provides long-term funding for critical infrastructure projects such as roll-on, roll-off (roro) vessels and related facilities such as ports and ramps; toll roads; farm-to-market roads; and related maintenance equipment,” he said during an investor’s briefing held recently at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.
Other projects eligible under this facility are packaging, transport, and distribution facilities, projects under the bulk grains highway which facilitates efficient transport of products from Mindanao to Luzon, and projects under the cold chain highway which re-engineers the logistics system for perishables.
“This facility will improve farm-to-market efficiency and enhance movement of products and goods to the major trading areas to help boost the domestic economy,” David added.
David said the facility can be accessed by private corporations with at least 70% Filipino ownership, government-owned-and-controlled corporations, and local government units. Borrowers are required to provide counterpart funding of 30% of the project cost.
The facility is sourced from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and has a disbursement period of seven years. David added that the LIDP was among the two Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans signed during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s working visit to Japan last June. (DBP/PIA)
PGMA visits Zambales to check on victims of typhoon Kiko
Iba, Zambales (11 August) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cut short her scheduled six-event visit to Guagua, Pampanga yesterday and flew via the Presidential Chopper to Botolan in Zambales to check on the victims ravaged by typhoon Kiko, pledging to fast track rehabilitation and relief operations in the area.
Flash floods swept Barangays San Juan, Paudpod, Batonlapoc, Carael, Paco, San Miguel, Tampo, Beneg, Capayawan and Bangan in Botolan town when the one-kilometer portion of a dike along the Bucao River collapsed due to heavy rains brought about by “Kiko.”
The incident effectively isolated five northern towns of this province as strong currents from the river sought a new path destroying a portion of the national highway along Barangay Carael.
Joining the President were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chief Glen Rabonsa.
They were received by Governor Amor Deloso, Zambales 2nd District Congressman Antonio Diaz, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy President Admiral Fidel Diñoso, Philippine Army 7th ID Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director Col. Rolando Felix and Botolan Mayor Rogelio Yap.
In a dialogue with evacuees in Upper San Juan Evacuation Center, PGMA assured them that the national government will closely coordinate with Gov. Deloso in providing some 10,000 victims with alternative housing as their original houses were either totally swept away by floodwaters or are standing but were half or totally buried by mud and sand.
The President also instructed Secretaries Teodoro, Ebdane and Rabonsa to work together to speed up rehabilitation of the damaged dike along Bucao River and the construction of a temporary bridge along the national highway in Carael to connect North and South Zambales.
Meanwhile, Gov. Deloso reported that around P175 Million would be needed to repair the collapsed dike.
He added that the DPWH has already released an initial amount of P5 Million to put up a footbridge and rechanneling of the river that crossed the national highway in Carael.
“Meron initial P3 Million calamity fund na kami na nakalaan sa basic needs ng mga evacuees. We certainly need our friends in the national government to help us in providing them with permanent shelters and lands as the effect of this disaster is truly massive.” (PIA)
561 shelter units eyed for disaster victims in Laguna
by Jose Arceo
Calamba, Laguna (11 August) — A total of five hundred sixty (561) shelter units were provided to victims of Typhoon Milenyo and Reming in Laguna Province under the core shelter assistance project (CSAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Based on the report of DSWD Field Office IV-A, a total of 281 core shelter units of 561 allocated for the Province had been completed as of July 31, 2009. The remaining units are expected to be completed before the end of 2009.
According to Dir Honorita B. Bayudan of DSWD Field Office IV-A, the 561 units is part 1,500 core shelter units allocated for the victims of the said typhoons in CALABARZON region. The funds for the said units were released in three tranches, the last of which is last June, 2009.
“The objective of the CSAP is to provide victims of disaster with an opportunity to start / cope up with the tragic event that led to lost of property and/or love ones through provision of structurally strong shelter. Through this, we hope that the family-victims would be able to focus on other aspect such as livelihood and family and community development which may have been affected by the occurrence of disaster,” Dir. Bayudan explained.
The said core shelter units are being constructed in the following localities: Calamba City (52 units), Los Banos (114 units), Sta Cruz (88 units), Pangil (50 units), Pagsanjan (50 units), Liliw (35 units), Nagcarlan (30 units) Majayjay (38 units), Bay (40 units), Luisiana (38 units) and Kalayaan (26 units).
The total cost of the project for Laguna Province alone is Php39,270,000.00. Project counterparts were also provided by the concerned local government units (site for the shelter project and other materials for the connstrcution of acces roads) and the family-beneficiaries (labor). (PIA)
Feature: Large-scale coconut biodiesel production in Ilocos Norte, first in the world
By Carlo P. Canares
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (10 August) — North Luzon, particularly the province of Ilocos Norte boasts of not just the country’s but the world’s first large scale coconut plantation intended solely for the production of coconut bio-fuel as an alternative energy resource.
The Arroyo administration is promoting indigenous energy exploration to protect the country from shocks brought about by volatile imported fuel prices and help solve the global problem on climate change.
Some 400,000 hectares of land in North Luzon, majority of which will be in the villages of Balaoi, Caparispisan and Caunayan in the town of Pagudpud, will be developed and planted with coconut trees to secure the supply of coconut oil for domestic market demand and sustain exports.
Not only will there be development of alternative fuels but also reforestation that promotes cleaner, fresher air; protect and restore the environment and absorb carbon dioxide.
A Coconut Bio-fuel energy plant, covering 9 hectares of land, will rise in the coastal town of Pasuqin in the province of Ilocos Norte. The coconut oil mill and biodiesel plant will produce at least 2,000 tons of coconut oil per month with provisions of up to 25,000 tons; and 300,000 tons of coconut biodiesel annually.
The first phase of the project is for the construction of the Coconut Oil Mill plant. Covering an estimated 4.5 hectares, it will consist of a copra warehouse, copra milling section, coconut oil refinery section, copra cake section, storage tanks, administration offices and port facility. The second phase is the construction of the Coconut biodiesel plant and Coconut shell charcoal processing plant and will cover another 4.5 hectares of land.
The bio-fuel power project is one way of solving the problem of climate change because the use of coconut bio-diesel will contribute to the reduction of green house gas emissions in the atmosphere.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has repeatedly stressed that climate change is already adversely affecting the world and will have catastrophic effects if immediate and sufficient actions to curb fossil fuel emission and forest loss are not taken.
Bio-fuel is any fuel derived from organic matter. It is a renewable source of energy unlike other resources such as petroleum, coal and nuclear fuels. One advantage of biofuel in comparison with most fuel types is its biodegradability, thus its handling and use is relatively harmless to the environment.
The bio-fuel coconut oil project will secure the region’s – and the country’s – own source of alternative fuel and lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels. It will also mean job creation and economic upturn for various related industries.
The bio-fuel/coconut oil project will cost P3.5 billion of which P500 million will be for land and infrastructure while the remaining P3 billion will be for plantation of coconut trees, including provisions for livelihood and employment, farm supplies, fertilizers, seedlings, etc. (PIA Ilocos Norte)
PGMA is a strong leader, says Keon
By Carlo P. Canares
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (10 August) — Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Marcos Keon has described President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as “unique among world leaders.”
In his welcome remarks for the President during the celebration of 103rd birth anniversary of former Ilocos Norte Governor and war hero Roque Ablan Sr in Laoag City, Keon said the President stands tall in a world dominated by men and as she attends to her local and international engagements.
“She is a strong leader, a firm leader. The President continues to dominate the national agenda much to the annoyance of her critics,” Keon said.
Keon also lauded the President for her accomplishments particularly in infrastructure development linking the country’s urban and rural economies to spur growth.
Also, Keon said that it is to the President’s credit that the Philippines is not experiencing zero growth or recession which other countries are experiencing because of the global financial crisis.
President Arroyo’s tough economic decisions and appropriate economic policies, Keon believes, enabled the country to remain strong and resilient despite the global crisis crippling most economies of the world.
“President Arroyo was able to stir the local economy away from the adverse effects of the global crisis,” the governor closes. (PIA Ilocos Norte)
Nutrition advocacy task forces formed to promote good nutrition in Cagayan Valley
Cuayan City, Isabela (10 August) — In an effort to sustain the promotion of good nutrition in Cagayan Valley, the National Nutrition Council regional office has tapped nutrition officers, government communicators and private media entities in the continuous promotion of nutrition.
Regional Nutrition Coordinator in Cagayan Valley Ms. Rhodora G. Maestre said that the advocacy task forces that were formed will be the lead groups in each province in region 2 as well as Santiago City which is an independent-component city.
The provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya including the city of Santiago have now formed their nutrition advocacy task forces.
The formation of task forces was held in Baguio City. NNC -2 has sponsored a write shop planning last July 29-30, 2009 aimed at formulating each province’s and city’s nutrition advocacy plans.
The province of Cagayan has recently launched in Santa Ana, Cagayan its nutrition advocacy which was joined by all major stakeholders from the private and government sectors.
They used a strategic advocacy using the battlecry “Ta Balay ni Ifan, Bisin Mafuggaddan” which the Cagayan Nutrition Advocacy Task Force designed and conceptualized.
The Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino and Santiago City Nutrition Advocacy Task Forces were just formed during the writeshop plan in Baguio City.
The Nueva Vizcaya Advocacy Task Force will be using its battlecry “Ditoy tribu Biskayano, taraon-salaknib ti karadkad tayo” and plans to launch the said advocacy on September 27, 2009 in one tribal municipality in Nueva Vizcaya.
The Quirino Advocacy task Force has designed its battlecry using “Diay balay ni AngCuan, adu ti makan” and will be launched during the opening of Quirino Day set on September 7, 2009 while Isabela Nutrition Advocacy Task Force will be using “Diay pagtaengan ni Manong Juan awan mabisinan” and is expected to be launched on September 29, 2009.
The lone independent-component city of Santiago will use “Sa hybol ni Mang Juan, busog ang tiyan” as its strategy to promote good nutrition in the city. The city advocacy group is expected to launch the said program on September 29, 2009 at the city’s Bulwagan near the city hall.
Ms. Maestre believes that with the creation of task forces in each provinces in Cagayan Valley, the advocacy campaign of NNC 2 will be sustained and spread throughout the valley. (PIA Isabela)
