Intervida launches Children First : A Call for Convergence program for Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, SEPTEMBER 2 (PIA)..... Restituto Ramos, newly installed Country Delegate for Intervida Philippines  spearheaded the program launch of the Children First : A Call for Convergence program for the province of  Sorsogon last week at Hotel Ellis , Legaspi City.

Former governor Sally Ante Lee who attended the program  launch representing  governor Raul R. Lee said that Intervida's expanded program will focus on two pilot municipalities in the province of Sorsogon, Donsol and Castilla.

She said it will complement  the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and enhance the public private partnership initiatives intensified in the PNoys administration as a holistic strategy in poverty alleviation..

In the program launch Ramos underscored the goal of their organization in providing development and cooperation to defend children's rights and promote sustainable social change by improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities, especially children and by acting upon the causes of poverty and inequality.

'The Intervida Philippines New Strategic Plan program is anchored on respect for equality, equity and sustainability as guiding principles for the new program for children', Ramos said during the presentation of their program.

Ramos explained that Children First :A Call for Convergence is the core of their program so that families can access basic things such as adequate nutrition, education and health  which aims for promoting dignity and improving the living conditions of children in basic identified communities were poverty is visually observed and felt..

Ramos elaborated the other situations of children all over the world who are victims of forced labor or sexual exploitation or gender violence or are separated from families.

"These situations are in violation of their right to live in peace, be respected and lead a dignified life.We, at Intervida Philippines can not remain indifferent to this  and so the Children First : A Call for Convergence program was developed', he said.

"In Sorsogon, our presence in assisting communities and municipalities has been almost 5 years now and hopefully partnering with local government units who show involvement and same passion for the program , we can pursue our goals", he stated.

This new program adhered to by Intervida is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the strategic guidelines have been elaborated within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals organized around eight areas of action: Education, Health, Food Security, Economic Development, Environment Gender,Citizens Participation and children's Rights.

In attendance also during the one day program launch were Mayor Olivia Bermillo of the local government of Castilla and Mayor Jerome Alcantara of the local government of Donsol .

These two municipalities will be the pilot recipients of this new program of Intervida in the province of Sorsogon. (PIA-SORSOGON)

Insurance para sa mga opisyal ng barangay isinusulong

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Lungsod ng Sorsogon, September 2 (PIA) – Isinusulong ngayon ni Liga ng mga Barangay President Ruben Lagco ang isang resolusyon na magbibigay ng insurance at tulong pinansyal sa mga halal na opisyal ng barangay sakaling may masamang mangyari sa mga ito.

Ayon kay Lagco, hindi lahat ng mga nahahalal na opisyal sa barangay ay may kakayahang pinansyal para sustinihan ang babalikating gastos sakaling may mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari tulad ng pagkamatay.

Sakaling maipasa ito, malaking tulong umano ang insurance at tulong pinansyal na ibibigay para sa mga maiiwanang mahal sa buhay ng opisyal ng barangay.

Ayon pa kay Lagco, nakatakda na umanong iprisinta ang isusulong niyang resolusyon sa mga susunod na regular na sesyon ng Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Sinabi pa ni Lagco na ngayon pa lamang ay kinakakaitaan na ng buong suporta mula sa mga opisyal ng animnapu’t apat na mga barangay ng Sorsogon City ang isinusulong niyang panukala, kung kaya’t umaasa siyang madaling mailulusot ito sa Sangguniang Panlunsod upang maging ganap na ordinansa.

Sa kasalukuyan, may ilang mga barangay na sa Sorsogon ang nagpapatupad nito tulad ng mga bayan ng Magallanes at Castilla. (PIA Sorsogon)

Publiko pinag-iingat sa mga grupong nagbebenta ng power reducer

Ni: Francisco B. Tumalad, Jr.

Lungsod ng Sorsogon, September 2 (PIA) – Pinag-iingat ng mga awtoridad dito ang publiko partikular ang mga taga-lungsod ng Sorsogon laban sa mga kalalakihang umiikot sa mga barangay upang ipakilala at ibenta ang kanilang produkto sa nais makatipid sa paggamit ng kuryente.

Ilan sa mga nabiktima sa West District ang nagreklamo na rin sa mga kinauukulan at ayon sa mga ito, dalawang lalaki at isang babae ang magkakasabwat na nagbibigay paliwanag sa kanila kung papaanong mapapababa ng power reducer ang kunsumo ng kuryente.

Ang mga bahay na kumukunsumo ng 150 kilowatts o may bill na dalawang-libong piso bawat buwan ang prayoridad na bigyan ng mga free demonstration at pagbentahan na rin ng naturang gadget.

Nagbigay abiso naman si Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative (SORECO II) West Distrcit Sub-Office Supervisor Aries Ferolino na mag-iingat sa pagbili ng mga produtong tulad nito sapagkat diumano’y ilegal ito at walang awtorisasyon sa kanilang tanggapan, maging sa Bureau of Internal Revenue at Department of Trade and Industry.

Aniya, maliban sa mga mahuhuling nagbebenta nito ay maaari ding maparusahan ang mahuhuling gagamit nito lalo kung hindi awtorisado ng SORECO. (PIA Sorsogon)

Gov’t., NGOs pledges commitment to the establishment of Bayanihan Eco-Park in Donsol

By: Bennie A. Recebido

Sorsogon City, September 1, (PIA) – Some thirteen government agencies and non-government organizations pledged commitment to support the long awaited dream of Sibago Brgy. Chairman Noel G. Castro to develop his barangay as a new eco-tourism site of Donsol through the establishment of a Bayanihan Ecological Park.

Castro said Brgy. Sibago is a potential site for ecological tourism particularly that aside from Butanding (Rhincodon Typus) sightings, countless number of fireflies can also be seen in the area. It can also be noted that the first sighting of Butandings took place in the waters of Brgy. Sibago way back in 1998.

However, Castro said that this development is hampered by the lack of resources and structures, thus, appealed to concerned agencies particularly tourism and environment agencies for necessary support.

The initial step conducted was the mangrove planting activity held on August 23, 2011, where more than one thousand propagules of ‘Bakawan-Babaye’ (Rhizopora mucronata Lmk) were planted by some 175 volunteers from various sectors.

Donsol Municipal LGOO Imelda Gabinza encouraged Brgy. Chairman Castro to submit proposal to the local government of Donsol assuring him, his constituents and other project stakeholders that they will be ready to assist potential barangays like Sibago.

Provincial Tourism Officer Cris Racelis also reiterated the importance of submitting a proposal to be assured of tourism development assistance from various agencies and organizations. She said they are vying on potential tourism sites for development and gave assurance that the provincial government will extend technical assistance especially on training women and the youth.

Racelis, on the other hand, made notice of the poor transportation accessibility and communication signal in the area, thus, challenging the barangay officials to create more activities to further develop Brgy. Sibago, “because eventually tourism investors will come once they find out the potential of the area.”

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Engr. Maribeth Fruto said that both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sorsogon and PENRO can give technical assistance such as seminars and trainings in terms of solid waste management and sustainable coastal marine resources management.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAR) Provincial Fisheries Head Gil B Ramos laid down programs of BFAR such as provision of livelihood and scholarship assistance to fisher folks and their children. “Aside from this, we also have Integrated Coastal Resource Management program, conducts information dissemination on the importance of mangroves, choosing the right specie, teaching the community the right planting method and management of mangroves and likewise provide technical assistance in terms of proposal making for livelihood without hurting the mangroves,” he said.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Information Center Manager Irma Guhit, meanwhile, commended the convergence of various agencies and organizations in Sorsogon in supporting the activity which is anchored on the present administration’s National Greening Program (NGP), an integrated approach to implement the ‘ridge to reef’ complementary greening activity here in Sorsogon for a sustainable coastal resource management.

Mr. Raul Burce of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said they have passed and approved a proposal to give a ‘share’ to all coastal areas that generate tourism like the town of Donsol.  He also disclosed that Indra Company, one of the leading IT services providers in Southeast Asia, has chosen Brgy. Sibago as beneficiary to the Fun Run activity which they have conducted.

Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Sorsogon Chapter President Andy Espinar committed to take part in the NGP to bring back the beauty of nature. He also said the KBP national chapter has already directed each chapter across the country to plant 10,000 trees in 2011 and their participation to the activity can already be counted as one.

World Vision Monitoring and Evaluation Associate Mr. Leo Legazpi gave assurance that they can take part in every planting activity in Sorsogon having around 300 volunteers and can apportion logistics for simple snacks during activities.

A representative who stood in behalf of Akrho Chapter President Mr. Christopher Arandia said on the part of the younger generation, they have volunteered themselves for the planting activity and will always be available to help the development of the community.

As a prelude to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a Bayahihan Eco Park, the signing of a pledge of commitment banner also took place.

Brgy. Chairman Castro said that through the help of the 903^rd Brigade of Philippine Army (PA), Parasirang Donsolanon Abante Biryong Aagapay sa Kauswagan (PADABAKA) and the WWF who conceptualized the establishment of the eco-park, and with the help of various stakeholders who are one with them in their shot, it is not far-fetched that soon, the Bayanihan Ecological Park will be put into reality.

903^rdIB, 9^thID, PA Commanding Officer Col. Felix J. Castro Jr., meanwhile, introduced the “Love ko ang Kalikasan” hand sign which was also easily adopted by the group as a sign of commitment and support to the endeavor.

Bayanihan Eco-Park will also serve not only as an ecological tourism site, but also as a buffer zone that will mitigate the ill-effects of the changing climate. “Likewise, the eco-park will not only protect the Butandings but will also serve as the protector of the spirits dwelling in the area,” said PADABAKA Chair Bro. Florencio B. Gorordo.  (PIA Sorsogon)

Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 pinaghahandaan na

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Sorsogon City, September 1 (PIA) – Isang buwan na lamang mula ngayon ay ipagdiriwang ng lalawigan ng Sorsogon ang Kasanggayahan Festival para sa taong 2011.

Ang kasanggayahan festival ang official festival ng Sorsogon at nagsisilbing kalipunan ng lahat ng mga festival sa labing-apat na munisipalidad at isang lungsod ng lalawigan na tumatampok sa kasaysayan, kultura at kabuhayan ng mga Sorsoganon.

Kaugnay nito, unti-unti nang napaplantsa ang mga makukulay at masasayang aktibidad na gagawin sa pangunguna ng isang pribadong organisasyon, ang Sorsoganon Kita, Inc. (SKI) na pinamumunuan ni Michael B. Sulit.

Ang SKI ang binigyang kapangyarihan ngayong taon na pamunuan ang Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 ng Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc. na pinamumunuan naman ni Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, ang vicar general ng Diocese of Sorsogon at kura paroko ng St. Anthony de Padua sa parokya ng Gubat, Sorsogon.

Kabilang sa mga dapat abangan ay ang iba’t-ibang mga socio-civic at cultural activities tulad ng Search for Ms. Kasanggayahan, Pantomina sa Tinampo, Mardi Gras, Drum and Lyre competition, at marami pang iba.

Ipagdiriwang ngayong taon ng Sorsogon ang ika-isangdaan at labingpitong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag nito bilang isang lalawigan.  (PIA Sorsogon)

Transport strike sa Sorsogon mapayapang naidaos

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Sorsogon City, September 1 (PIA) – Sa kabila ng hindi pagsuporta ng ilang mga tsuper at operator ng traysikel at ilang van patungong Legazpi City, mapayapa pa ring naidaos kahapon ang isinagawang tigil-pasada at protesta ng bayan sa kalakhan ng rehiyong Bikol.

Isangdaang porsyentong nakiisa ang mga tsuper at operator ng bus at dyipni, 97 porsyento naman ang mga van habang 75 porsyento lamang ang nakiisa sa panig ng mga traysikel. Mag-aalas dose ng tanghali na nang maramdaman sa kabisera ng lungsod ang tigi-pasada, subalit bandang alas singko ng hapon ay mistulang natapos na ang strike dahilan sa mas naging pansin na ang maraming bilang ng mga namasadang traysikel na ayon kay Federated Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers president Mike Frayna ay pawang mga kolurom, walang prangkisa at hindi kasapi ng kanilang organisasyon ang mga namasadang ito.

Samantala, sa naging pagtatasa ng Pinag-Isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), halos ay 93 porsyentong naparalisa ang transportasyon sa buong rehiyon ng Bicol.

Sinabi naman ni Eduardo Ferreras ng Condor-Piston Bicol na umabot sa 98 porsyento ang pagkaparalisa sa lalawigan ng Albay, 99 porsyento sa Sorsogon, 85 porsyento sa Camarines Sur, 95 porsyento sa Masbate, samantalng kilos protesta naman ang ginawa ng mga tsuper at iba’t-ibang mga sector sa Catanduanes.

Sa kaugnay na balita, hiling naman ng ilang mga suportador sa mga pamunuan ng mga paaralan, mga manggagawa sa pribado man o pampublikong tanggapan at sa buong komunidad na magbigay din ng buong suporta sa pamamagitan ng pagkansela ng klase at hindi pagpasok sa mga tanggapan. Anila, ito ang magiging mabisang pamukaw sa mga kinauukulan at sakaling magtagumpay ang hinihingi nila tulad ng P9 bigtime rollback sa produktong petrolyo ay lahat naman manginginabang.

Umapela din ang ilang mga magulang sa mga awtoridad ng paaralan na gawin na lamang na general rule ang pagkansela sa mga klase sa tuwing may mga ginagawang tigil-pasadang tulad kahapon. Nagdadala kasi diumano ng kalituhan sa mga mag-aaral at mga magulang kung hindi direktang kinakansela ang klase sapagakat papasukin nila ngunit pauuwiin rin lang naman at pagbabayarin pa rin ng make-up class ang mga mag-aaral at guro. Nagiging doble din diumano ang kanilang gastos at pag-aalala sa ganitong sitwasyon.

Sa kasalukuyan, sinununod ng mga paaralan ang omnibus school and office rules and decorum kung saan hindi dapat na makahadlang ang transport strike sa operasyon ng DepEd. Sususpinihin lamang umano ang klase kung may atas mula sa regional office ng DepEd. (PIA Sorsogon)