DOE, PIA to hold consultation on CDM, Climate Change
by MA Loterte
Legazpi City (26 October) — The Department of Energy (DOE), in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol, will hold a public consultation meeting on October 28, at the Casablanca Hotel Social Hall here on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Climate Change in relation to the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) distribution Program.
DOE said the program intends to increase consumer awareness on the use of more energy efficient lighting systems to reduce electricity consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions which highly contribute in the depletion of the environment.
Target participants to the interfacing are the chief executive and chair of the legislative committee on energy of the city government, punong barangays of the different villages in this city, business groups and major stakeholders of the power industry.
The program, one of the seven project areas of the Philippines Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), is in line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s nationwide campaign to save on fuel costs and mitigate climate change.
The campaign involves the distribution of free CFLs to eligible beneficiaries to encourage the shift from the inefficient incandescent bulbs (IBs) to CFLs.
DOE stressed the government is targeting to distribute 13,000,000 CFLs nationwide in the coming months, entailing an energy savings of approximately 611,000 MWh per year with an end result of lessening 611,000 MWh per year displaced from fossil fuel power plants connected to the Philippine grid system.
A CFL utilized for 1,000 hours per year only consumed around 13kWh, compared to around 60kWh used up by one incandescent bulb utilized for the same period, saving 47kWh per bulb in one year, the agency stated.
By switching to CFL, households can save on electricity consumption as much as P400 up to P2,400 annually.
In addition to the energy savings that can be derived from the use of CFLs, the project will also benefit from the Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits that can be secured from the CDM of the Kyoto Protocol.
The program will also reduce the country’s carbon emission by approximately 305,500 tons per year, thus allowing the Philippines to receive at least 200,000 tons of CER credits annually.
The agency also averred sustainable development benefits from the program include achieving energy independence, increased awareness on climate change issues and mitigating measures, participation of communities in mitigating GHG emissions and climate change, work and jobs for distribution and monitoring personnel.
The stakeholders’ consultation also intends to elucidate the salient technical features of the project and associated environmental and social impacts to the participants, on the other hands solicit feedbacks or the populace concerns on the project. (PIA V)
NVizcaya-Quirino tribal folks celebrate IP month
In Nueva Vizcaya, the IP celebration will be showcased through cultural shows and trade fairs from October 26 to November 6 which will be participated by indigenous tribes such as the Ayangan, Gaddang, isinai, Kalanguya and Tuwali.
The IP celebration which carries the theme: Unity, Peace and Prosperity for the Indigenous People of Nueva Vizcaya will also offer exotic foods from the various indigenous tribes of the province.
In Quirino province, non-government organizations have organized a forum on the Protection and Promotion of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights at DESADECO building in diffun town on October 29.
Josielyn B. Pasana, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines(TFDP) officer for Nueva Vizcaya said the forum intends to highlight the situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the country.
“The IP’s plight in our country has been a long issue of resistance, betrayal, neglect and human rights violations since time immemorial. Once again, we would like to hear and be updated on the plight and current issues of our partners who have been struggling for their lands, life and justice,” she said.
The forum will be conducted in partnership with the Amnesty International (AI) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). (PIA NVizcaya)
Dagupan City library voted country’s 2nd best
Dagupan City (26 October) — The city public library is second best in the country.
Mayor Alipio Fernandez,Jr. said the recognition is an affirmation of the quality education and excellent information services provided by the city through its library facilities. “We have now elevated our public library as a true shrine of learning,” he said.
The public library is open everyday from 8 am to 8 pm, from Mondays to Saturdays, and 8 am to 12 pm during Sundays.
“We have likewise made several hundreds of new acquisitions, fully automated online public access, and ensured ease of use in locating references,” City Administrator Alvin Fernandez said.
City librarian Rufina Meneses said the city government has provided 10 computer terminals with Internet connectivity. The city library prides itself with a book collection of more than 16,000 titles, she added.
The books were provided by the National Library, the city government and donations from various organizations, here and abroad, she said. (CIO/PIA-Pangasinan)
Bicol dengue cases down by 19% in 2009
by MA Loterte and N Mediavillo
Legazpi City (26 October) — Dengue cases in the Bicol region went down by 19 percent this year compared to the incidence recorded last year, the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional office here.
Dr. Camilo Aquino, DOH Bicol Dengue Monitoring regional coordinator, bared from January to October this year the agency recorded a total of 498 cases compared to 616 cases on the same period last year.
For the entire 2008, according to Aquino, DOH Bicol monitored a total of 690 dengue cases in the entire region, with 6 deaths.
For this year, the agency documented two fatalities, one from the municipality of Pioduran, Albay and the other from Naga City in Camarines Sur.
Breakdown of recorded cases has shown that Camarines Sur topped the list with the most number of dengue infection with 191, followed by Albay with 14, Sorsogon with 8, Camarines Norte and Masbate with 2 cases each, while Catanduanes with nil.
Last year, Camarines Sur had 381, Albay 108, Sorsogon 78, Masbate 64, Camarines Norte 31, and Catanduanes 28.
Aquino underscored the decline of dengue cases by 19 percent in the region only manifested that the campaign against this dreaded disease was carried out effectively, giving credit to the 4S strategies recommended by DOH Sec. Francisco Doque III.
These 4S strategies include: search and destroy, seek early consultation, say no to indiscriminate fogging, and self protection.
Aquino also reiterated that residents should continue to practice the 4:00 o’clock habit that will ensure cleanliness in the households’ surroundings, furthermore, barangays should mobilize their dengue brigades to monitor anti-dengue drives in their respective villages.
In Naga City, the city government has turned over Thursday (October 22) an initial of 242 rolls, with each roll measures 25 meters long, of impregnated curtains to several schools within the city as part of the dengue prevention and control drives.
Aquino said the curtains will be installed in the windows to prevent mosquitoes from going into the classrooms and can be used up to 5 years.
The project, costing some P2.4 million, is a joint undertaking of the local government, Department of Education (DepED), Department of Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO). (PIA V/RNB)
DOLE pushes for green workplaces
by RP Escalante
DOLE Bicol, though it did not personally involve its personnel to the physical extremities of the eco-challenge, has launched during the first week of this month the Green Workplaces campaign in line with the national plan on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“We (at DOLE) are pursuing the Green Workplaces drive by encouraging business establishments to use pollution free machines,” Bihis stressed.
At the national level, labor “think-tank” the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) contended head-to-head with other climate change adaptation teams nationwide in a friendly competition on the 1st Albay Eco-Challenge yesterday, October 25.
The ILS team, with its Green Workplaces advocacy, was composed of eight employees of the ILS who are ‘geared up’ to run, ride, swim and struggle in a battle of endurance and wits, competed in a series of physical and mental challenges set at the country’s 1st Eco-Challenge on Climate Change Adaptation.
“The institute is one with the nation in the search for practical ways to adapt to climate change,” said ILS Executive Director Cynthia R. Cruz, the prime mover behind the DOLE Green Workplaces advocacy.
“Work, workers and workplaces are most likely to bear the brunt of climate change given the unimaginable damage to livelihood and property that recent natural disasters have caused. Solutions to avert risks must be done,” Cruz added.
The Albay Eco-Challenge, designed to increase awareness on climate change and other important environmental issues, was organized by the Albay Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) as a major part of the 2nd National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation.
During the 1st National Conference in 2007, the Albay Declaration was unanimously adopted, to promote social dialogue between workers and employers to realize potential for green and decent jobs thru positive support for workers and employers in the transition towards environmentally sustainable patterns for production and consumption.
“The ILS will be the official representative of the whole DOLE. It will also be a good tourism opportunity for Bicol GO green workplace!” Bihis said. (DOLE V/PIA)
DOH intensifies campaign against leptospirosis
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (24 October) — Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III issued a memorandum – to all DOH bureaus, services, Center for Health Development Directors, hospitals and other attached agencies – to work for the prevention and control of “leptospirosis,”. This was announced by Center for Health and Development (CHD-CAR) Director Dr Myrna Cabotaje during a kapihan forum Wednesday.
“Due to the alarming number of cases of Leptospirosis in some areas of the country, we have an immediate instruction from the Secretary of Health on giving Prophylaxis, to possible Leptospirosis cases and we have just received the guidelines on giving it. The Office of the Health Secretary is also set to provide us with medicine stocks for such purpose,” Cabotaje said.
Cabotaje also confirmed that that there are three cases of leptospirosis monitored in Cordillera. She informed that they are still looking for the details of the cases.
“We would look into our evacuees and responders na nababad sa baha at hindi lang sa baha, dahil maaari din na makuha ang naturang sakit sa lupa at halaman na na-contaminate,” Dr Cabotaje added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting both humans and animals. The stages of the disease may include fever, severe headache, muscle pains, chills, redness in the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, hemorrhages in skin and mucous membrane (including pulmonary bleeding), vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
Antibiotic prophylaxis (Doxycycline) is reported to give some degree of protection to exposed individuals from non-endemic areas. Identified cases of human infection must be confirmed, or a large number of cases suspected, before the general population is issued prophylactic medication.
Prophylaxis is begun one to two days before and continuing through the period of exposure. A full prophylactic course of treatment is required if exposure is known to have occurred. Prophylaxis for Leptospirosis may be achieved by the administration of doxcycline to frontline responders (such as rescue personnel and health workers) in areas with a high risk of exposure to Leptospirosis.
In a related news, the DOH, Thursday, signed a memorandum of agreement with five PhilHealth-accredited private medical facilities where the government, can refer leptospirosis patients that state hospitals can no longer accommodate. The DOH, through the MOA, will subsidize the financial requirements of patients that it will refer to these hospitals.
The five private-owned medical facilities that signed the MOA today are: Capitol Medical Center, MCU-F.D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Los Baños Doctors Hospital, and The Medical City. (PIA)
DOH strengthens children and mother health programs
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (24 October) — The health department is advocating various health programs, for children and mothers in line with the celebration of the of Children’s Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Maternal and Child Health Month this October.
Center for Health and Development (CHD-CAR CHD-CAR Health Operations Division Chief, Dr Amelita Pangilinan stressed in a kapihan forum Wednesday that breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women nationwide. Thus, the continuous advocacy for the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Pangilinan women to practice self-observation every month, through SSS or “Sariling Salat sa Suso,” and for any sign of abnormality they should immediately seek early consultation or visit health center facilities. She also advises women to maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a balanced nutrition and avoid fatty foods, which according to experts are feeding cancers.
According to Pangilinan, breast cancer involves the “rule of third” – there is one-third chance that it can be prevented, one-third chance that it can be cured if detected and treated early and only a third chance of going into a late stage, wherein only a pain relief can be administer.
For children’s health, the DOH also administered the second round of Garantisadong Pambata (GP) program, from October 13 -19. Pangilinan said the GP is already an institutionalized program of the health department, an intervention aimed to improve children’s (under five years old) mortality rate, in accordance with the country’s commitment to the international Millennium Development Goal. DOH also extended the program to the children in evacuation centers affected by typhoon “Pepeng.”
In line with the celebration of Newborn Screening (NBS) Week last October 1 to 9, CHD-CAR, in partnership with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) conducted NBS.
NBS coordinator Dr Eleanor Cuarte reiterated the importance of NBS in saving the lives of children, especially from sickness and disease that can be inherited. She explained that through NBS, certain diseases could be detected at birth and can be treated outright. There are five identified diseases that can be detected and prevented through NBS, which could help save the lives of children or prevent mental retardation.
According to Cuarte, the NBS is fast gaining recognition. Statistics shows that when NBS started in early 2000, only 10% of the 6,000 (yearly average) being born in BGHMC undergoes the said screening. As of September this year, 49% of babies are subjected to NBS.
CHD-CAR Director Mryna Cabotaje also explained that the Health Department issued a memorandum, for all hospitals to offer NBS or otherwise they cannot renew their license to operate. Cabotaje also stressed that NBS is also now covered by PhilHealth, under its newborn services package. For non-PhilHealth members, the DOH is trying to augment hospitals to cover them.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cabotaje announced that said that Cordillera is on track in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target by 2015.
She informed said infant and under-5 child mortality has been reduced. But maternal health needs a little push. On HIV/AIDS, we need to double our effort, kailangan mas pag-igihan pa ang pag-advocate sa safe sex at pagpapa-konsulta ng mga tao,” Cabotaje added. (PIA)
MGB identifies relocation sites for homeless typhoon victims
by SC Aro
La Trinidad, Benguet (24 October) — The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) already identified some relocation sites for the victims of typhoon “Pepeng ” based on geological assessment and validation of their office.
Governor Nestor Fongwan said MGB-DENR submitted to the province listings of feasible sites for the construction of shelter for victims left homeless by typhoon “Pepeng.” The areas identified were recommended by the local government units and some government line agencies according to MGB-DENR-CAR Chief Geologist Fay Apil.
Based on Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council reports as validated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, a total of 447 houses were completely damaged in all of the 13 towns of the province while a total of 656 houses were partially damaged.
Apil said there were two sites proposed within the Benguet Corporation property in Itogon, one in Kelly, Gumatdang and Kalye Real in Tuding. But as per assessment of MGB-DENR, feasible area was a portion of the two-hectare Kalye Real intended for victims of Luneta, Loacan in Itogon.
However, Apil said Kalye Real is a patentable claim of the mining company. Although the Benguet Corp owns the underneath mineral rights, the surface rights claim is still on the process of being perfected.
In Puguis, two areas were assessed, one in Pine Breeze, Puguis and two sites at the Benguet State University (BSU) property in Tawang. Only lots 9 and 10 of the BSU property in Tawang are suitable as relocation site for little Kibungan victims.
A one-hectare private land located in Lower Coroz, Ambassador, Tublay was assessed as fit for relocation site. But Apil it is privately owned and the local government unit has to negotiate for its acquisition. This is intended for the landslide victims of lower Coroz.
According to Apil, a portion of the housing project of National Housing Authority in Tadiangan, Tuba could also be utilized for anybody who would like to avail.
Apil said the process of developing the areas will still take a long time especially for the privately owned areas. (PIA-Benguet)
Benguet PDCC granted P4.4 million for relief operations
by SC Aro
La Trinidad, Benguet (24 October) — The provincial board approved a total of P4.4 million as budget for the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council for the continuing relief operations with the province badly hit by typhoon “Pepeng”.
In a letter of Governor Nestor Fongwan dated October 14, 2009, he requested for P3.7 million to be funded from the 2008 unappropriated surplus of the general fund of the province. This will be used as additional budget to the P700,000 budget earlier requested for relief operations which was approved through Appropriation Ordinance No. 09-10.
Fongwan appeared before the members of the board last week and sought for the fast tracking of the approval of the additional P3.7 million for the continuing relief operations. The P3.7 million will be broken down as follows: P2.5 million for financial assistance to disaster victims; P1million for the purchase of relief goods; and P200,000 representation expenses for PDCC rescuers and volunteers.
Moreover, initial report of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) recorded a total of 780 sacks of rice already purchased and 27 sacks of stockpile rice of OPSWD for relief operations.
There were also other sources of rice assistance such as the Office of the Civil Defense and the local government unit of Ifugao with 400 sacks and 100 sacks respectively. To date more than 880 sacks of rice were already distributed based on OPSWD records.
Aside from the accounted rice distributions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is currently distributing 2,000 sacks of rice donated by the United Nations in the 13 towns of the province. Boxes of high energy biscuits from the UN are also being distributed by the province.
The province also donated more than 255 cases of noodle packs, more than 110 cases of sardines, five cases of candles, blankets and assorted clothings, and hot meals. It also extended financial assistance to death victims, payments for embalming and coffins and transporting of corpses.
Earlier, President Gloria Arroyo distributed family packs to victims in Puguis while the rest were coursed through the DSWD.
Aside from the relief operations conducted by the province, there were also private groups, entities and individuals who voluntarily shared goods in various forms and medical assistance directly to the evacuation areas. (PIA-Benguet)
PGMA names Abaya as new OPAPP secretary
Manila (24 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday named Prof. Annabelle Abaya, a member of the government peace panel negotiating with the communist rebels, as acting secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Abaya replaced OPAPP chief Avelino I. Razon Jr. who resigned to run for mayor in Manila in next year’s election.
Prior to the appointment of Abaya, Undersecretary Nabil A. Tan was officer-in-charge of OPAPP.
Abaya’s appointment was announced by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde during a press briefing in Malacanang this afternoon.
As the new presidential peace adviser on the peace process, Abaya holds a cabinet rank position.
During a press conference with Malacanang reporters, Abaya said that “my job is to hold the fort during the political fever,” apparently referring to the upcoming presidential elections in May next year.
Abaya said her marching order from the President is to “do what we can in the next eight months and prepare transition program for the new President…resumption of government talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and National Democratic Front (NDF).”
At the same time, Abaya said the government will also look at reviewing the 1996 peace pact with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) “to strengthen it.”
She made it clear that the government wants peace, saying “we will work on it and let us surprise you when there are developments…the important thing is we are talking.”
Commenting on the statement of former President Joseph Estrada that he would wage an all-out war with the rebels, Abaya said: “we have to get out of this macho thing…you are not just killing one another, but affect a lot of people…creating animosity and un-peace hurts a generation. Hindi pwedeng ubusan…our history is all about talking things over and I hope thru it we will find peace.”
“I would like to take the former preside aside and remind him of history that there is no durable peace that was won thru war,” Abaya added.
Before assuming her new post, Abaya was a member of the government peace panel tasked to negotiate with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (NDF) headed by former Labor Secretary Nieves R. Confesor.
Other members of the panel are Atty. Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Ms. Paulynn P. Sicam and Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco.
Abaya holds a degree in Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University in the United States, Masters Degree in Dispute Resolution from the University of Massachussets in Boston, and is pursuing her doctorate degree in Conflict Resolution from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Abaya is also the president of the Conflict Resolution Group Foundation, Inc. and a conflict resolution consultant of World Bank, Asia Development Bank and Asia Foundation. (with Samar IC)
