Execs slate rehab program for Daet River
by RB Manlangit
Daet Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion, PRO Daet River chair, said that the municipal government here will spearhead the clean up along Daet River tapping all sectors of the community including barangays along the river as well as NGOs, POs and volunteer groups.
Sarion added the outreach program also include radio advocacy, billboard revolution awareness campaign by utilizing PRO Daet River logo among different organizations’ promotional drives
He said that the local government will ensure the consistent garbage collection along Daet River and will initiate the tree planting activities with the assistance of the concerned national government agencies.
On October 2, Sarion had issued Executive Order No. 19-2009 declaring October 17 as PRO Daet River Day, creating the different working committees and appropriating funds for the program thereafter.
The municipal government is very much concerned about the worsening problem on carrying out the solid waste management program in the country, in addressing or mitigating the effects of climate-change, in addition to the man made destruction of the environment.
An advocacy group, dubbed”Tamang Sanitasyon para sa Kalikasan at Kaunlaran”, will also plan out and carry out activities to ensure the preservation of the Daet River and biodiversity in the area.
The group is composed of Maor Sarion as chair, Dr. Wenifrede T. Oñate of CNSC, vice chair, Elpidio Z. Orata of DENR-PENRO forester, and Santiago A. Mella Jr., Ecological Solid Waste Management officer as over-all coordinators, the various government line agencies and private sectors will serve as members. (PIA CamNorte)
DENR establishes PRS92 mojons in Masbate
All the mojons were set up in different areas of mainland Masbate since June this year by DENR Field Network Survey (FNSP) teams. The two teams will also undertake the same activity in the two other islands in Masbate this month.
PRS92 is a homogenous national network of GEPs, marked by mojons established using Global Position System (GPS) technology. GPS is an all-weather, high precision, global satellite positioning system that revolutionalized navigation and surveying operations.
Under Executive Order No. 321 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the DENR is mandated to complete the adoption and integration of all surveys into the PRS92 until year 2010.
A major part of PRS92 is the establishment of permanent reference points nationwide to serve as control points of all survey activities of both the government and private surveyors for the benefit of landowners.
By virtue of EO 45, PRS92 became the standard reference system for all surveying and mapping activities in the Philippines. The order also mandated that all new surveys and maps shall be referred to the new network and all old surveys shall be integrated into it.
Among the strategies to support the objectives of PRS92 is information campaign and Adopt-A-Mojon program.
The program aims to enlist the participation of local government units, peoples’ organization, and the general public in the establishment and preservation of PRS92 geodetic control points.
In Bicol, DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada said a total of 60 LGUs have signed a memorandum of agreement with DENR adopting mojons established in their respective area.
The DENR, through the PRS92 Program Steering Committee, oversees the over-all implementation of EO 321. The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), lands Management Bureau, and the DENR Regional Operation Committee are the primary office responsible in executing the order. (AS Araya, DENR/PIA)
The groups install a banner on the mound of wastes
Volunteers from Greenpeace Water Patrol, Ecowaste and Buklod Tao Kalikasan bear witness to the illegal dumping of flood garbage and debris along the river banks of Nangka River by the Marikina government and Metro Manila Development Authority. The groups install a banner on the mound of wastes on the Marikina Side saying “Protect our River, Stop Dumping” and from San Mateo Side “Ang Basurang itinapon niyo, Babalik sa inyo.” (Gigie Cruz/AKP Images)
Illegal Dumping of Flood Garbage and Debris along the River Bank
Volunteers from Greenpeace Water Patrol, Ecowaste and Buklod Tao Kalikasan bear witness to the illegal dumping of flood garbage and debris along the river banks of Nangka River by the Marikina government and Metro Manila Development Authority. The groups install a banner on the mound of wastes on the Marikina Side saying “Protect our River, Stop Dumping” and from San Mateo Side “Ang Basurang itinapon niyo, Babalik sa inyo.” San Mateo residents fear that the continuous dumping will cause further erosion on their side of the river. (Gigie Cruz/AKP Images)
Vizcaya town honors tricycle drivers
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya (October 15) — Local officials in this town have cited tricycle drivers in a fitting ceremony after the conduct of the search for its model members dubbed “Maginoong” tricycle driver in time with the 10-day 2009 “Pagbiagan” Festival here.
Joseph Lacerna, 27 of barangay Osmena bagged this year’s search, followed by Marcial Naguit, 35 of barangay Quezon, 2nd; Albert Victorino, 24 of barangay Quirino, 3rd; Jerix Salazar, 32 of barangay, 4th and Arvin Lance Bermudez, 18 of barangay Roxas as 5th awardee.
The winners were selected after passing the final screening and elimination by the search committee, said Aurelio Polonio, assistant event organizer of the search.
According to Polonio, since the town does not have enough natural and manmade tourism spots that will boost the business and industry, the real Filipino culture particularly values are also being promoted for tourism.
“It is on this conviction that we are investing on our people-the tricycle drivers because they are the frontliners in our tourism industry being in the transportation sector,” he stressed.
The search for “Maginoong Tricycle Driver 2009″ aims to bring out the best qualities of tricycle drivers showcasing not just their physical abilities but also intellectual, psychological, social and religious well-being, to bring out the true value of town residents representing the distinct qualities, showcase a vibrant driver who possesses the traits of honesty, hospitality and courtesy who can promote and advocate the town’s tourism potentials and to bring out the potentials of tricycle drivers who can represent the town in its social and official functions and activities outside and inside the municipality. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)
Green Groups Campaign for Zero Waste Solutions to Lessen Ravages of Climate Change
(parade lion waste monster to warn people of health and environmental hazards of wasting)
As the Filipino people come to grips with the deadly onslaught of storms, floods and landslides, the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and the Miss Earth Foundation stepped up their common plea for increased resource conservation and decreased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through greener lifestyle
changes and Zero Waste.
In a post-Ondoy and Pepeng community outreach, the groups in collaboration with barangay and school officials organized a creative event in Barangay Krus na Ligas in Quezon City to encourage the public to get rid of wasteful habits and consciously cut the amount of trash going to bins, waterways and dumpsites.
To emphasize the issue of wasting, the groups paraded a “lion waste monster,” a horrendous creature whose head and body were crafted mostly from plastic bags – the most obvious manifestation of the ever-increasing throw-away consumption culture that became more visible during the post-Ondoy cleanup challenge. The lion “danced” to
the vigorous beat of drums made of recycled materials.
“The destructive back-to-back storms remind us that we can no longer live ‘business as usual.’ Our wasteful consumption patterns are heating up our planet in a fast pace. By adopting Zero Waste as part of our daily routine, we conserve our diminishing natural resource base and curb pollution from the high volume of trash sent to dumpsites or dumped into our rivers and seas,” said Gigie Cruz of GAIA, which spearheaded the event to mark the “Global Day of Action against Waste and Incineration.”
“Composting our biodegradable discards, for instance, eliminates methane releases from dumpsites and landfills, while improving soil fertility and reducing demands for synthetic fertilizer and toxic pesticides,” she added. Methane has 72 times more global warming
potential compared to carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
“It is time that we make drastic changes in our practices in response to what Mother Earth is telling us. We cannot afford another ‘Ondoy’ or ‘Pepeng’ just to tell us that we need to cut and manage our waste.
We should continue to help educate and empower our people to shift to more 
environmentally-sound alternatives and opt for greener choices now,” said Cathy Untalan, Executive Director, Miss Earth Foundation.
Together with Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, Miss Philippines Fire 2009 Patricia Marie Tumulak, Miss Philippines Water 2009 Catherine Loyola, Miss Philippines Air 2009 Michelle Martha Braun and Miss Philippines Earth 2009 runner-up Kirstie Joan Babor, the eco-queens likewise promoted a switch to “Wastong Nutrisyon” to avoid non-communicable diseases that are associated with diet-related lifestyle diseases.
For his part, actor Roy Alvarez of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Steering Committee emphasized the need for all Filipinos to assume responsibility for their discards and live a waste-free lifestyle.
“We need everyone to take full responsibility in cutting our waste size to the minimum and in ensuring that our discards are ecologically managed and not merely thrown, dumped or burned. As stewards of Mother Nature, we all need to assume our role and duty to relate and care for the environment,” Alvarez said.
Following the parade, Mercy Sumilang of the Mother Earth Foundation, assisted by 10 “earth maidens and guardians,” facilitated a hands-on demonstration on the easy way of segregating discards into biodegradable, non-biodegradable and hazardous (also known as special waste) categories, and showed the audience the basic steps for successful household composting.
Zero Waste is the dynamic application of waste prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling and composting at any level – household, institutional, community and country – that has been shown to reduce GHG emissions from avoided disposal and from reduced demand for virgin materials.
According to GAIA’s fact sheet on “Zero Waste for Zero Warming,” Zero Waste is among the cheapest and most effective strategies to combat climate change since its application lessens the use of fossil fuel from materials extraction, production, consumption and disposal, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions from these activities, while saving the forests and mountains and safeguarding other essential life
support systems.
For a healthier and safer lifestyle and environment, the EcoWaste Coalition, GAIA and the Miss Earth Foundation have come up with tips that can help in reducing not only the volume but also the toxicity of waste, such as refraining from using single-use disposable items, cutting back on plastic bags and switching to reusable carry bags, properly segregating discards for easier and cleaner recycling, composting biodegradable discards into soil nutrients, separating hazardous waste from regular household waste, and by not burning or dumping discards.
Also present in the event were the representatives of the Cavite Green Coalition, Earth Renewal Project, EARTH UST, Health Care Without Harm, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Sanib-Lakas ng mga Aktibong Lingkod sa Inang Kalikasan and Sining Yapak.
PGMA vows to intensify infrastructure investments for growth
Manila (15 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made the assurance that her administration will pursue poverty amelioration program even as it tackles the grim task of rehabilitation to address the damage left behind by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” in the past three weeks and typhoon “Frank” last year.
According to the President, her administration will work aggressively to ensure growth, generate jobs, and increase revenue.
The President said “We will continue with the Economic Resiliency Program, and its key components: the conditional cash transfers and emergency employment. With government support and the hard work of our people, we will maintain growth and intensify investment in infrastructure, especially post-calamity reconstruction.”
On Tuesday, the President announced the creation of the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission to determine the cost of rehabilitation and raise the fund to cover that cost.
The country, said the President, would push for grants or non-repayable inflows; concessional loans such as the zero-interest yen loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and, as a last option, commercial borrowings either through bonds or other instruments.
The President added calamity victims should not be penalized with high interest rates.
“We are grateful to the UN for launching a flash appeal to mobilize grants. We count on Congress for a joint resolution authorizing us to avail ourselves of what we call an ‘unprogrammed provision’,” she said.
Through the commission, the President pointed out, the government will coordinate an international pledging session with the UN and the World Bank.
“A special pledging session would tap into the huge underlying global constituency for climate change adaptation. It would capitalize on ongoing discussions and negotiations leading to Copenhagen. Even in Bangkok, the Philippine case was widely cited as proof for the need for adaptation financing. We should use the umbrella of the UN framework, not just the World Bank,” she added.
Depending on the recommendation of the special commission, the President pointed out that the government may also issue reconstruction bonds to which multilateral financing institutions (MFIs) such as the World Bank can subscribe to. (PIA)
Salceda welcomes PGMA creation of Special National Reconstruction Commission
by MS Arguelles
Legazpi City (14 October) — Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda yesterday welcomed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s creation on Monday the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission to study the causes of the weather abnormalities, what actions to take to prepare the country, and the cost such actions will entail.
The commission will also handle fresh aid given by external sources to fund reconstruction efforts destroyed by typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Frank in Metro Manila and neighboring regions in Luzon.
The President made the announcement during the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) cum Cabinet meeting held Tuesday in Dagupan City.
The chief executive has signed the executive order the other day, but she said it has not yet been authorized for release by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita which explains why the E.O. still has no number.
The President said she issued the executive order because of the magnitude of the impact of the recent calamities that hit the country in the midst of the global financial crunch that also affected fiscal capacity.
The Commission was tasked to undertake a study on the causes, costs and actions to be taken in the wake of the three typhoons that caused enormous damage to the country.
It will also undertake the rehabilitation plan for wrecked infrastructure and other priorities; prioritize programs as well as oversee implementation of these programs.
The special commission that will be headed by a business leader will also raise funds, especially grants, to fund reconstruction.
It will also serve as a clearing house for international assistance implemented by donors themselves using the cluster approach.
The Chief executive designated Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and a church leader as co-chairs with all department heads and business groups, representatives of Philippine and international non-government organizations as members.
Furthermore, the Commission was also tasked to request the United Nations and the World Bank to coordinate an international pledging session.
Salceda said under his proposal the country needs to seek $1 billion fresh aid from international communities, to overcome the impact of global crisis and the magnitude of the calamity that recently wrought havoc to the country.
Salceda, a senior economic adviser of President Arroyo, said the $1-billion financial aid would finance reconstruction of various social and infrastructure programs destroyed by Tropical Storm Ondoy and Pepeng.
The fresh aid would be used to finance relocation of thousands of families displaced by the calamities at P20-billion; infrastructure rehabilitation at P21-billion; and livelihood and agriculture at P5-billion.
This totals P46-billion of which P27-billion funding to rehabilitate projects destroyed by Ondoy, P12-billion for Pepeng and P7-billion for Frank.
“The commission will operate like the original CCPAP (Coordinating Council for the Philippine Assistance Plan) headed by businessman Roberto Villanueva of AGPI. The CCPAP has since evolved into the CCPSP which operates the BOT Center under DTI, Salceda said.
The Office of Civil Defence (OCD) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to form the secretariat, key tasks are to raise funds especially grants, prioritize programs and oversee implementation. (PNA/PIA)
Heavy rains trigger floods in Albay and Sorsogon
by MA Loterte
Legazpi City (14 October) — Heavy rains spawned by a Low Pressure in the eastern part of Visayas triggered flooding and lahar to cascade down from the slopes of Mt. Mayon rendering some major roads in Albay and Sorsogon provinces temporarily impassable to both heavy and light vehicles.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol reported flooding in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Pioduran, Libon including the cities in Ligao and Legazpi, all in Albay, and in the towns of Gubat, Prieto Diaz including Sorsogon City following a 12 hour rains pelting these places Wednesday.
OCD reports said flooding affected portions of road networks along Camalig-Guinobatan Maharlika Highway, Tagaytay road in Camalig, Libon-pantao Road in Libon. Ligao-Pioduran Road in Ligao City, Padang road in this city.
Flash floods also affected the Gubat-Prieto Diaz road and Gogon-San Isidro Sorsogon road in Sorsogon City.
Except for the Padang road in this city which was covered by heavy volume of lahar that cascaded down the slopes of Mayon volcano all these road network were now cleared by government engineers and are now open to traffic.
In Albay, Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda directed various disaster councils with flood and landslide prone areas to be on high alert and prepare for selective evacuation in case heavy rains might further trigger flooding and landslides.
He said villages prone to flooding and landslides are the towns of s Libon, Sto Domingo, Malinao, Manito, the cities of Ligao and Legazpi.
Salceda quoting PDCC report said some 172 families or 897 people from the villages in low lying areas Camalig and Guinobatan were evacuated to safer grounds on Wednesday.
Army Col. Marlou Salazar, commanding officer of the 901st Army Brigade said he has dispatch 10 Army trucks prepositioned for preemptive evacuation measures of residents threatened by flooding and landslides.
Lt. Darwin Nieva Philippine Navy, OCD Bicol spokesman, said the navy, police and DPWH Bicol have also deployed additional six trucks for evacuation purposes.
Salceda also suspended classes in the elementary and secondary level across the province as a preemptive disaster measure.
He also cancelled the Provincial Boy Scout Jamboree set on Wednesday in Manito, Albay because of the bad weather prevailing in the province. Scouters from across the province were sent home via Army trucks.
Disaster managers here, meanwhile, said flood waters submerged the main road networks leading to the town in the 1st district of Albay in barangay Padang, here.
Salceda said as a precautionary measure to prevent loss of lives he directed the various town disaster councils affected by flooding to set up holding areas as temporary evacuation sites for residents affected by flooding and landslide.
Elsewhere in Bicol, roads traversing the Maharlika Highways in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte are passable to light and heavy vehicles. (PIA V)
NAVFORSOL sets 1st youth empowerment summit
by DF Nieva
Legazpi City (14 October) — All preparations are in place for the holding of the 1st Youth Empowerment Summit 09′ set on October 23 to 25, this year sponsored by the Philippine Navy- Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) here.
Navy Commodore Joel Babas, NAVFORSOL commanding officer, said the summit aims to enhance youth awareness and active participation to community-based programs, which will contribute to personality development and social consciousness.
Babas said the summit dubbed as “Kabataan, Ngayon na” will be participated in by 150 youth from Albqay at Costa Rita Resort in Sto Domingo town in Albay.
Activities will include team building sessions, promote advocacy on strengthening disaster risk management at the community level, orient each participant on climate change and its effect, and to develop youth’s social consciousness and responsibility towards community development.
The 3-day training will be carried out under the auspices of the Navy, in cooperation with the Bicol University (BU) – University Student Council and United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP), a conduit partner of NAVFORSOL, as part of the multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approach towards the realization of the advocacy program.
“We have engaged the most dynamic and valuable stakeholder in the community, the youth sector, as our partner in youth empowerment,” Babas pointed out.
The summit expects the participants to be empowered with renewed techniques in managing their duties and responsibilities in their respective community.
The training will teach the youth to respond to the current issues and concerns of society and challenged to initiate programs or projects that they may execute in their community-based organizations for a positive change, and be more motivated in rendering service towards the betterment of their area, through, meaningful, and responsible actions.
Disaster authorities said the country is constantly visited by calamities with a high frequency of occurrence, with sever consequences in losses.
They said calamities has impacted adversely the economic development and social stability of various communities with this program, there is a need to rally the support of government and non-government institutions in order to prevent emergencies, mitigate their effects and ensure the provision to those in need.
It is in this context that the Navy and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol has collaborated on various activities to develop consciousness and implore support of various sectors on strengthening disaster risk management at the community level.
The program would focus on the need to take a proactive stance on the holistic concept of disaster risk management instead of mere disaster response and to involve and enhance the risk management capability of the local government units.
Earlier, the Navy and other members of various sectors convened the 1st Bicol Stakeholder’s Summit last August 29, 2009 here to promote DRR advocacy.
During the forum, the general assembly affirmed its unequivocal support on the passing of Senate Bill 3086 entitled: “Strengthening Philippine Disaster Risk Management by Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Management Framework, Appropriating Funds therefore and other Purposes.” (NAVFORSOL/PIA)
