Evacuees Welcome the New Year
01 January 2010 – Philippines — evacuees affected by the recent typhoon Ketsana and Parma welcome the new year in evacuation camps in brgy. Dos, Calamba, Laguna, outskirt of Manila. Due to damages brought about by the typhoons, over 1000 families are still displaced and live in crowded evacuation centers. The longer they stay, the worse the conditions get. The families have little or no access to clean water supply and proper sanitation, and some have already developed ailments, most common are skin and respiratory diseases. The national government have given the settlers only up to December 31 to relocate, after which, the evacuation centers will be dismantled. But the evacuees said they cannot go back to their original abode, which are either still underwater, or have been declared as danger zones. (Buck Pago/AKP-images)
PCSD recognizes “Friends of Environment” in Cagayan
Tuguegarao City (7 December) — The Provincial Committee on Sustainable Development (PCSD) has recognized the efforts and support of municipalities, barangays, schools and community organizations who demonstrated continued interest, sustained cooperation and support in making their environment clean, green, beautiful, and healthy to live in.
The Municipality of Lallo, Cagayan was adjudged as this year’s Cleanest and Greenest Municipality in the province in recognition of their efforts in managing their solid wastes that makes their municipality the cleanest.
Lallo was also the sole representative of the province in the recently concluded National Zero Basura Olympics Philippine Garbology Marathon 2008, a search for municipalities who have seriously implemented the Ecological Solid Waste Management or the RA 9003.
For the schools, Ballesteros National High School won in the Best School Implementer on Solid Waste Management, High School Category, followed by Calaoagan Dackel National High School, and for the 3rd place, is a tie between Gammad National High School, Iguig, Cagayan and Callao National High School, Lasam, Cagayan.
For the Technical, Vocational and Agricultural School Category, the Claveria School of Arts and Trades bested other schools, followed by Allacapan Vocational High School as the 2nd place and in the 3rd place, a tie between Itawes National Agricultural and Technical School in Tuao and Abulug National Rural School.
For the Elementary Category, Cabiraoan Elementary School bested other contenders. The school was also given the Hall of Fame Award for maintaining their award for three (3) consecutive years. The Matucay Elementary School garnered 2nd place, Mungo Elementary School- 3rd place, Catayauan Elementary School-4th place and Sta Cruz Elementary School-5th place.
For the Sustainable Development Project, the Integrated San Lorenzo Enterprises of Barangay. San Lorenzo, Lal-lo Cagayan won in the lowland category while the Cagayan Valley Resources Developers and Protectors Federation of Baggao, Cagayan won in the upland category.
Various schools were also given citations in recognition for besting in different areas of concerns that has something to do with the cleanliness and orderliness of their schools.
Atty. Joseph Pauig, Chief of Staff of the Province, who represented Governor Alvaro Antonio, mentioned that one of the Governor’s 10 point agenda is the protection and preservation of the environment, that’s why he extends his sincerest gratitude to the awardees for helping the government in implementing the solid waste management and in keeping their community clean and green.
The PCSD members headed by Forester Robert Adap of PNREO rejoiced in the successful conduct of this year’s awarding ceremony. He further acknowledged the untiring support and commitment of the member representatives from different agencies such as, DENR, DOLE, DepEd, CSU, PIA, DILG, Provincial Government of Cagayan, Process Luzon, EDASI, NCIP and PENRO. (Oliver B./PIA 2)
Mass funeral
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Journalists from General Santos City who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre are placed on a truck for a funeral march to Forest Lake Memorial Garden Friday morning, December 4. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION
Farewell
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – Families, media colleagues and sympathizers witness the interment Friday noon, December 4, of eight of the local journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre two weeks ago. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Baguio City launches Panagbenga 2010
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (28 November) — The City Government of Baguio, in partnership with the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), launched the schedule of activities for the Panagbenga 2010 in a simple program Monday morning.
Panagbenga 2010, the 15th staging of the Baguio Flower Festival, adopts the theme: “Celebrating 15 years of Festival Excellence.”
In his message, Baguio Congressman Mauricio Domogan stressed that the “Panagbenga” should be included in the annals of the city’s centennial history.
According to Domogan, the whole of Baguio should be enjoined in celebrating such tourism activity as it is an opportunity for all, regardless of color, tribal group or religion, to work together in promoting the city and Cordillera’s cultural identity. This is not only to sustain the city’s tourism industry, but also for the visitors and our own happiness as well, he said.
“It is also gives us the time to thank the Lord for giving us a beautiful environment, with all the trees and flowers. It is also a time to remind us of our own obligation to maintain and preserve such environment, so as to avoid the serious consequences of climate change,” Domogan added.
Confetti rained and balloons were released as Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr proclaimed the declaration of the Opening of the Panagbenga 2010. This was done simultaneous with the unveiling of the 15th Flower Festival banner, by the festival’s co-chairmen, Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon and Camp John Hay Chief Operations Officer Freddie Alquiroz. The University of Cordillera also gave a performance as the Philippine Military Academy Band played the Panagbenga Hymn.
In a press conference, Alquiroz, assured the public of a grander staging of Panagbenga, that would equal if not surpass the Panagbenga 2009. He also highlighted the media’s important role on promoting the festival, so as the city’s tourism industry, could have a faster turnaround from the adverse effect of the recent disasters that hit the region.
“Through the media’s help, we can push forward the message that Baguio is here, up and about and never went out of business,” Alquiroz said.
De Leon bared that there will be new activities for the Panagbenga 2010, which will run from February 1 to March 7. Among these are new musical concert on the lake titled “Camelot,” during the staging of the Fluvial Parade at the Burnham Park Lake on February 14, and the staging of a “Mardi Gras,” at the Harrison road, in time with the Session Road in Bloom on March 1-7.
Other regular scheduled activities for the flower festival include Market Encounter at the Burnham Park (Feb. 1 – March 7), Legarda Rocks (February 12-14), Abanao Nights (Feb 26-28), Pony Boys Day (March 6), plus the usual highlights of the Panagbenga: a Grand Street parade on February 27 and a Grand Float Parade on February 28. The Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration (Feb.13) and the PMA Homecoming (Feb. 20 – 22), are also entwined with the Pangabenga 2010.
Meantime, Department of Tourism (DOT-CAR) Regional Director Pura Molintas also stressed the importance of sustaining the Panagbenga, which is a major tourist festival that has already gained an international stature. She said this is a major economic activity that plays a major role not only in boosting the city and the region’s tourism but also the country’s development as well. (PIA)
Party Convention
MANILA (November 20, 2009) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally opens the Lakas-Kampi-CMD National Convention Thursday, November 19, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City which was attended by an estimated 3,000 delegates from all over the country. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
President’s Exit
MANILA (November 20, 2009) – Supporters greet President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she leaves the Lakas-Kampi-CMD National Convention Thursday, November 19, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Forest covers in Benguet quickly deteriorating
by SC Aro
La Trinidad, Benguet (21 November) — The provincial government is apprehensive of the deteriorating state of forest cover which it fear might be gone sooner than projected.
Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, in his report during the Regional Development Council meeting held recently, said denudation of forestland is at the rate of 8,400 hectares per year. Currently, the province has a total of 172,751 hectares of forestland.
Fongwan lamented that people cut trees as if they are harvesting cabbages. This is particularly observed in the tri-boundaries of the Benguet, Ifugao and Mt. Province. He presented this to members of the RDC as an urgent issue that need to be addressed.
The RDC has earlier passed a resolution creating a Quick Response Team (QRT) purposely to contain and hasten the resolution of the escalating problem on forest and watershed destruction in the region.
National Commission on Indigenous People – CAR Regional Director requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to submit a report to the RDC on status report of QRT such as the number of cases filed and the resolution of cases.
Ifugao Governor Teodoro Baguilat Jr suggested the best approach in dealing with the mounting problem of deforestation is to talk to the community such that they become stewards of the area.
Talking through experience, Baguilat cited efforts the Social Action and Development Commission (SADC), a non-government organization in Ifugao, which providing alternative source of livelihood to the community which minimized the utilization of forest products. The community themselves protect the mossy forest.
“We cannot just say stop cutting trees as the people also need resources,” Baguilat said.
He added the denudation of forest is affecting geological balance which greatly contributed to the calamities being experienced today. “It is not only the DENR to blame but all of us,” he pointed out.
Batay-an, on the other hand, said that the government should stop issuing tax declaration to the forested areas.
As provided for in the local government code, the management of community forests is now a devolved function of local government units which called for the creation of the Environment and Natural Resources Office.
In strengthening the provision of the code and to formally turn-over the management and supervision of community forest, Fongwan believes that a Memorandum of Agreement should be forged between the LGU and the DENR.
RDC Acting Chair and National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Juan Ngalob said that devolution of such function requires further study. (PIA-Benguet)
Donations for Luzon Storm Victims Shipped by RDCC-13
October 19, 2009
by: striker_jem
Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan formally turned over to OCD the truckloads of relief goods collected from different city and provincial PNP stations in the region after the traditional flag raising ceremony at Camp Rafael Rodriguez.
The Police Regional 13 is the depository of all donations that the Regional Coordinating Council is soliciting to help victims of typhoon Ondoy who was devastated by massive flooding in Metro Manila last September 26.
In her speech, OCD Regional Director Blanche Gubenchiong said, “In the OCD’s mission areas 
of risk identification and vulnerability assessment, civil protection and preparedness, coordination for response, operations and rehabilitation initiatives, the Filipino indeed ha shown many virtues if spontaneous response.”
Special mention was the PNP that according to RD Gubenchiong, has always risen above expectations.
And in all efforts of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council and the OCD, the PNP was always ready to assist in community work.
The relief goods and donations for the typhoon and flood victims in Luzon were right away transported to Nasipit port for shipment to the National Disaster Coordinating Council in Manila.
Vizcaya town honors tricycle drivers
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)
