DOLE prepares for Kabataan ITO launching in Capiz
by A. Lumaque
The project dubbed Kabataan ITO (Information Technology Opportunities) is set to be launched in the province in November, said Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Roxas City Manager Mila Barquin.
It will mobilize IT-literate unemployed or underemployed youth as mentors to some 1,500 out-of-school youths (OSYs), informal sector (IS) workers and other disadvantaged groups in the region through lessons on basic and practical computer operations and to supervise online access to government programs and services.
The mentors or teachers in the project will be youth aged 18-24 who are graduates or graduating students of high school or technical-vocational or college courses and willing to render volunteer community services.
“A modest stipend of P25 per hour will be paid by DOLE for the youth mentors,” Barquin noted.
The DOLE in the region has set aside about P1 million for the project designed to teach young Filipinos knowledge and skills in basic information technology without joining the formal education system. (PIA)
4-H Club young farmers receives assistance
The amount is funded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Regional Training Center 6 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture(DA) Regional Field Office Unit 6 and the provincial government of Negros Occidental through the farm home extension services of the Home Management and Nutrition Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Each of the five identified 4-H Club recipients obtained a check worth P50,000 that will be used to support the organization’s integrated farming system (IFS) project.
Recipients were Loui Lagunday of HAYO 4-H Club in Brgy. Robles, La Castellaña; Nico Maria Lozada of SAABA 4-H Club in Had. San Antonio I, Tortosa, Manapla; Ronald James Aluyen of Sipalay 4-H Club in Brgy. Gil Montilla, Sipalay City; Juvy dela Cruz of Bagonbon 4-H Club in San Carlos City and Rey Gregorio of Brgy. Binubuhan Youth Organization in Bago City. (PIA/cad)
Tacloban media laud city dad’s info drive on radio
During the SP weekly session on Wednesday afternoon, Honorable Sambo proposed and unanimously approved by the august body, a resolution requesting that a portion of the City’s radio programs be allotted in informing the people about the City ordinances.
The request was made during last week’s Harampang Ha PIA, where Honorable Sambo was invited as guest in order to clarify the public’s questions about certain issues like collecting fees for motorcades, installation of streamers or tarpaulins, among others.
The local media noted that the City Government has blocked many time slots in the local radio stations. To make the about P200,000 monthly expenses worth spending for the radio programs, such should be used for the benefit of the people of Tacloban, the media added.
Honorable Yaokasin agreed with the media saying that their observation was valid. He also assured the media that in the next SP session, he will propose a resolution to that effect.
He said that the ordinance which calls for payment of specific rates for the motorcade and the hanging of tarpaulins and streamers in the City of Tacloban was passed in the year 2005 yet.
Unfortunately, not all people of aware about this yet. Thus, the move to include the discussion and explanation about important City ordinances in the radio programs of the City government, is indeed a welcomed news. (PIA 
Young students air appeal to protect the environment
by PS Mabaquiao
San Jose, Antique (22 October) — It was a fatal day of June 21, 2008 when typhoon Frank devastated Panay island and other parts of the country affecting 1,743,815 persons, with 600 deaths and missing persons and billions of damages in properties.
While the people in Region 6 are still on the process of rehabilitation, another disaster hit in other parts of the country the most recent of which was Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng that ravaged lives and properties in billions in Luzon.
This recollection of grim scenario was dramatized by pupils of Sido-San Juan Elementary School in Sibalom, Antique during the symposium on Global Warming and Climate Change and Green Wave Biodiversity Campaign organized by Youth for Environment in School – Organization (YES-O), a student organization in Sido-San Juan National High School.
The skit dramatized a situation which a family suffered after destroying the forest covers and other natural resources using the wrong practice of upland agriculture for survival. The underworld (dwarfs and fairies)warned them of the bad practices (through unforeseen ways like head aches and body pains) but they did not heed the call. This wanton abuse of the environment took its toll when heavy floods and landslides came leaving the family helpless because of loss of children and their properties, not even the underworld signs and signals could stop them from continuing with their ill practices.
The synthesis of the story was that, the underworld has nothing to with the disasters, it was the makings of the human beings that wipe out indigenous trees growing near the streams, brooks, and caves and other human practices that made the environment vulnerable to destruction.
Who then should take charge of protecting the environment asked John Temana Information Officer of DENR during the symposium? One student answered, “Protecting the environment is everybody’s concern, or else we all suffer the consequences of environmental destruction.”
“We will do it ourselves, said Dennis Pagtalunan, YES-O member. Aside from planting and growing trees in our backyards, school and farms, we will also learn to reduce, re-use and recycle the things we utilize everyday.”
These reactions from young leaders are typical manifestations of persons who dearly suffered from gross negligence of elders who did not care about the future generations except their material gains.
A documentary produced by the national multi-sectoral committee on climate change and global warming was shown during the symposium where students expressed their opinion on issues presented in the film and their responses or plan of action in their own little way to cushion its effect to mankind.
Temana, discussed the topics on ecology, environment and biodiversity and presented the State of Environment of the Province of Antique including the documentation on the damages and rehabilitation undertaken due to Typhoon Frank that devastated Panay Island in 2008.
On the other hand, Mirza Samillano, Planning Officer of DENR also noted that Antique has a total forest cover of 60,851.5 hectares composed of virgin (or close) and open forest, mangroves and forest plantation, 57,376 hectares of grasslands(natural, shrubs and woody grasslands) which needs to be protected since they serve as watershed areas of the province’ major rivers.
DENR also reported that Antique’s major rivers are vulnerable to landslides and erosion because of the fact that its watershed are located in steeply high slope areas and big portions of the areas are alienable and disposable lands that are being cultivated.
There are also two natural parks in the province, the Sibalom Natural Park and the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, home to critically endangered wildlife species which is considered as hotspot area for conservation and protection.
The challenge now is for everyone to help in the conservation and protection of Antique’s environment and natural resources and implement solid waste management programs to ensure safety of future generations.
DENR advocacy campaign for climate change made the students realize their role as responsible keepers and protectors of our environment. They vowed to help in the advocacy making the environment friendly. [PIA]
Tree planting activity eyed in Estancia
by T. Villavert
Estancia, Iloilo (21 October) — Some 3,000 hectares in public and private lands in Estancia are to be planted with trees soon.
This was disclosed by Mayor Restituto Mosqueda during the media interview held in time with the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion and improvement project of Estancia Water Distict led by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Mayor Mosqueda said that the tree planting activity is in step not only with the Philippine government’s thrust but a global initiative to help mitigate the impact of climate change or global warming.
He said that this would be pushed through with the help of the various sectors in the locality, and he hopes that the undertaking will be achieved through “bayanihan” spirit.
The Estancia Mayor emphasized the concerns on environmental protection considering that the town was not spared by the wrath of then “Typhoon Frank” in June 2008.
It will be recalled that per Iloilo Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council June 25, 2008 report, some 38,164 persons were affected by typhoon Frank in Estancia town.
Earlier this month, the national government stressed the need for local government units (LGU) to come up with their own policy on climate change on top of the national government’s efforts on disaster risk management.
President Arrroyo said in her speech during the One Visayas Initiative on Climate Change said “humanity started climate change. It is humanity that can stop climate change. And the sooner we fix it the cheaper it will be. So, we have to work together. The framework to drive climate change effectively is largely present in the architecture of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol of 1997″. (PIA6)
DOST to conduct energy audit in Capiz
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (20 October) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Office will conduct an energy audit in the various establishments in the province with significant energy consumption as part of its initiatives to save energy.
“A team has been created for the activity to identify areas of energy savings,” said Provincial Science and Technology Director for Capiz Gerbe Dellava.
He added that the energy audit will start at the Capiz State University (CapSU) – Roxas City main campus in the later part of November.
The upcoming activity is in line with the DOST’s Energy Audit Program as among the responses to the threats posed by the climate change and global warming problem.
Dellava added that technologies on appropriate composting as well as cleaner production are being advocated and practiced in the province to minimize waste and usage of energy.
The shortlist of provincial initiatives is in support to the government’s overall initiatives on climate change that got the attention of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
WWF is an international non-government organization with a mission to halt and reverse the destruction of environment.
President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo has been lauded by the organization for adopting policies and initiatives designed to raise public awareness on the environment issue.
In a courtesy call on the President, WWF International Director General James P. Leape described typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng as a horrifying reminder on what destructive forces climate change can unleash on the Philippines and the rest of the world. (PIA)
DENR notes rise in requests for climate change briefing
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (20 October) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Capiz has noted an increase on the request for climate change and global warming orientations in the province.
“We have been in schools and barangays since January this year in response to requests for briefings,” said DENR – Capiz Forest Management Specialist and climate change resource speaker Edwin Borja.
The requests also included the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) briefing on climate change and global warming for Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers, Inc. (CAGPIO) members, government owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and local government unit (LGU) information officers.
The LGUs will be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas based on the Climate Change Act of 2009 that President Gloria Macapagal–Arroyo is set to sign on October 30.
The law, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, aims to mainstream climate change into policy formulation, development panning, and poverty reduction programs. It also creates a Climate Change Commission (CCC) to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the programs and action plans of government relating to climate change.
The CCC will be headed by the President. It will be composed of three Commissioners, one of whom shall be the vice-chairperson.
The Commission is mandated to formulate “a framework strategy on climate change,” which will serve as the basis for a program for climate change planning, research and development, extension, and monitoring of activities to protect vulnerable communities. (PIA)
PGMA presence overwhelms NMP officials
By Bong Pedalino
Tacloban City (October 20) — Overwhelming.
That was how National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP)Officer-In-Charge (OIC) President Marie Grace Ayaso described the brief encounter she had, along with other NMP key staff and officials, with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
She was referring to the lunch-time visit of the President today at the country’s premier maritime training school situated at barangay Cabalawan, this city, right after gracing the 65th Leyte Landing ceremonies at Palo, Leyte.
President Arroyo arrived about 12:30 noon inside the NMP campus, and proceeded to cut the ribbon in front of a two-storey building to signify the inauguration of the state-of-the-art maritime training simulators.
In the second floor of the same building, the President stepped inside an exclusive room, known as the Full-mission Bridge Simulator, and experienced first-hand a 240-degree view of a ship captain’s control deck, complete with simulated images of a moving, computer-generated sea voyage.
The seemingly star-wars type of advanced technology for sea-faring vessels has been part of a five-year upgrading program, so that Filipino seamen can be truly globally competitive when it comes to operating sophisticated machines like the one President Arroyo symbolically manned for a few minutes, said NMP OIC President Ayaso.
Aside from the Full-mission Bridge Simulator, the building housed three other James Bond-like paraphernalia identified in technical terms as Full-mission Engine-room Simulator, Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and Computer-based Assessment, all for a total cost of P 48,337,180.00.
The fund source was taken from the Government of the Philippines (GOP) Capital Outlay, according to a project brief, a copy of which was secured by PIA.
Presca Lee Lugo, who headed the Maritime Training Division, told PIA the technology came from Russia since no other supplier had signified to provide support, like a one-year warranty on servicing and spare parts, and an annual upgrading of the equipment.
In the pipeline are more complex technology awaiting installation, like radar simulator, interface Global Positioning System (GPS), and electronic navigation, among others, Lugo said.
She added that that their training programs start from January to December, wherein any of the 36 programs are composed of several modules.
And it’s no longer a purely man’s world in here, this maritime business thing, for females had started coming in, a recent one had even become a third Engineer.
The NMP itself was led by three ladies, Lugo stressed, perhaps unaware that today’s principal, honored guest was also a woman like her.
Gender sensitivity aside, NMP has been on track to attain its vision of a world-class maritime center of excellence, with its matching mission to be a venue that “shall provide for maritime training and research that measure up to international standards and respond to the needs of the Filipino seafarers and the industry.”
After eating lunch, President Arroyo and party left at quarter past one in the afternoon for another engagement at Camiguin province, it was learned. (PIA-Southern Leyte)
PGMA inaugurates P48.3-M state-of-the-art maritime training facility in Leyte
Tacloban City (20 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to inaugurate today the state-of-the-art maritime training simulators and equipment of the National Maritime Polytechnic.
Upon arrival at the National Maritime Polytechnic Training Building, the President will cut the ribbon at the lobby, after which, she will tour the facilities and lead in the ceremonial switching on of the simulators.
The President is expected to have conversations with several trainees and alumni of the National Maritime Polytechnic which is ISO Certified, and a premiere institution at the forefront of government efforts to upgrade the seafaring expertise of Filipino merchant marine officers and ratings.
Director Grace Ayaso of the NMP informed that it is but fitting that President Arroyo be the one to inaugurate and switch on the simulators because this project amounting to P48,33,180, was funded by the Government of the Philippines.
The project will ensure that Filipino seafarers will continue to be competitively employed in the international labor market which will help in enhancing the economic condition of Filipino families and increasing dollar remittances to the country.
This project is a tangible manifestation that the government is responsive to the need of the seafarers and that the help of the seafarers through dollar remittances to the country returns back to them in terms of projects which will further enhance their employability, thus ensure that the Filipinos continue to become the number one seafarers of the world.
The maritime training simulators, composed of the full mission bridge simulator; the full mission engine room simulator and the liquid cargo handling simulator, meet the requirements of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, and conforms to the Standard for Certification for Maritime Simulator Systems of the Det Norske Veritas.
The President will be introduced by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Jr., Director Ayaso said. (PIA
DOLE jobs fitting project to address issues on jobs, skills mismatch
Iloilo City (20 October) — The perennial problem on jobs and skills mismatch in the country will soon be addressed with the recent launching of Project Jobs Fit: the DOLE 2020 Vision.
According to the Information and Publication Service of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the project aims to identify within the next 10 months the preferred skills in priority industries that must be produced per region up to year 2020.
The project will put together a robustly flexible road map that would guide students and new entrants to the labor force in identifying college and technical-vocational courses that they may pursue to land in available industry jobs or to engage in self-employment undertakings required by the economy after graduation.
The Jobs Fit road map would also be basis of the education sector and other concerned stakeholders in providing training and educational scholarships and in developing appropriate curricula and career materials.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said Project Jobs Fit is among the priority deliverable programs that the DOLE and its family of agencies commit to pursue and deliver to constituents beginning July 2009 to March 2010, the DOLE’s Information and Public Service disclosed. (PIA6/T. Villavert)
