Sorsogon: Moving towards a rabies-free province

By: Bennie A. Recebido

Prov'l Veterinarian Dr. Enrique Espiritu (Photo: VALabalan)

SORSOGON CITY, February 18 (PIA) – For the past two years, Sorsogon has recorded a very significant decrease in rabies incidence with barely five human and six canine cases as compared to the data way back in 1999 with about 39 cases.

This is good news for Sorsogon, however, it is irrefutable that rabies remains a serious public health problem in the country, as the Department of Health (DOH) says.

To put a halt to this, the Provincial Government under the auspices of Gov. Raul R. Lee through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) forged partnership with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), a world leading organization working towards the global control of rabies.

“The provincial government is enormously determined to achieve a rabies-free Sorsogon and we want the communities here to have an improved educational awareness to prevent exposure to rabid dogs, and likewise, eliminate or control the source of infection in dog and human population,” said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Enrique Espiritu.

He said that through the Communities Against Rabies Exposure (CARE) Project of GARC, the coordination of surveillance, molecular epidemiology, dog population model control, veterinary and public health system protocols will be facilitated. Furthermore, the incidence of public health problems associated with dogs as vectors will significantly be reduced.

”Currently, most of the human cases we have recorded here were not actually bitten by dogs in Sorsogon. But just the same, we need not to be lax, massive dog vaccination is still needed because it is cost effective and sustainable in controlling rabies rather than those other interventions aimed only at humans,” he stated.

He also added that more dogs are getting vaccinated in Sorsogon and they are hoping that eventually, the local government will be able to vaccinate 70 percent of the 52,121 dog population all throughout the province within the targeted time frame.

In an effort to further intensify the implementation of the Provincial Anti-Rabies Elimination Program, the provincial government tapped the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of the 541 barangays in Sorsogon as volunteer vaccinators.

“We found the SKs to be effective partners in the program implementation because aside from being vaccinators themselves, they can influence their peers and family members, and as our future leaders, it is good that at an early age, we are exposing them to the severity of this deadly infectious disease,” Dr. Espiritu said.

PVO record shows that 3,655 dogs have been vaccinated in Sorsogon City in just a span of less than three weeks since they oriented the SKs last January 28, 2013. Dr. Espiritu also reported that some 100 rabisin vials were initially distributed to the towns of Irosin, Donsol and Magallanes while distribution to other municipalities is on-going. The PVO is also expecting accomplishment reports from the said municipalities a month after the vaccination.

Dr. Espiritu also mentioned that LGUs in the province have their respective anti-rabies ordinances and some of them were already amended. However, the local chief executives struggled with the implementation due to budget constraints.

Nevertheless, with the partnership now and the inspiration brought by the success story of the anti-rabies program in Bohol, both the provincial government and GARC are optimistic that the same success can be achieved in Sorsogon, targeting a sustainable rabies-free province by empowering communities to take responsibility as well as develop and share adequate mechanisms for sustainability.

Meanwhile, to strengthen the program, Governor Raul R. Lee issued an Executive Order (EO) Number 002 Series of 2013, which allows the ratification of the ordinances in Section 7 (Pet Owners’ Penalties) of the Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 and created a task force to intensify the implementation of anti-rabies program in the province.

Likewise, the Provincial Government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with GARC represented by its Coordinator for Asia, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Miranda, in order to achieve a rabies-free Sorsogon. Local chief executives of Bulan, Prieto Diaz, Bulusan, and Barcelona immediately signified support to the said MOA which also provides for trainings to be conducted by the PVO for their respective youths.

The League of Municipal Mayors of the Philippines (LMP)-Sorsogon Chapter President and Barcelona Mayor Manuel Fortes, Jr. also encouraged its members to participate in the noble task and ensure compliance with the mandates of the governor’s directives. 

“Moving towards a rabies-free Sorsogon, the CARE program also strengthens the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign by coming up with tarpaulins, posters, and billboards installed in strategic places across the province. We have also produced and distributed flyers and leaflets translated into two versions, one for the Sorsoganons of the first district and another for the second district,” said GARC Communication Officer Ms. Dane Medina.

Ms. Medina further stated that aside from this, the program also educates the communities on how to stay safe around animals, danger signs to look for, what to do in case of a bite, and guidelines for good pet stewardship.

“But in the event that dog biting cannot be avoided, the bitten individual can manage bite incidence like washing the wound with soap under running water and consulting a doctor or seeking the nearest Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) Center in their locality,” she also added.

At present, Sorsogon has five Animal Bite Treatment Centers located in each Inter-Local Health Zones (ILHZ): Dr. Fernando Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital (Provincial Hospital) and City Health Office in Sorsogon City for JUCCASOM (Juban, Casiguran, Castilla, Sorsogon City and Magallanes); Irosin District Hospital for BIMS (Bulan, Irosin, Matnog and Sta. Magdalena); Gubat District Hospital for GUPRIBBAR (Gubat, Prieto Diaz, Bulusan and Barcelona); and in Donsol District Hospital for SOLAR (Donsol and Pilar). (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Seaweed Farming makapag-aangat sa kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda sa Castilla

TAGALOG NEWS:

Mangingisdang kalahok sa Seaweeds Seminar/Training

LUNGSOD NG SORSOGON, Pebrero 20 (PIA) – Upang matulungan pang makahanap ng alternatibong mapagkakakitaan ang mga residente sa kostales na lugar ng Castilla, Sorsogon, pinamunuan ng 903^rd Infantry Brigade ang isang Seaweed Training at Seminar na idinaos kamakailan sa Brgy. Tumalaytay sa kaparehong bayan.

Nagbigay-daan din ang aktibidad upang maisulong ang pagsasaka ng seaweeds bilang isa sa mga pinakamagagandang alternatibong mapagkakakitaan ng mga mangingisda.

Kabilang sa mga lumahok ay ang mga kasapi ng Barangay Defense System (BDS) at mga residente sa kostales na lugar ng Castilla.

Nagbigay ng mensahe at nagbahagi ng kani-kanilang kasanayan at karanasan sina Regional Seaweed Action Officer Ed Serrano; SEAGRASS President Red Lasay; Provincial Agriculture Office-Fisheries Division Chief Serafin N. Lacdang; Castilla Municipal Councilor Vicente Astano; at Cpt. Arnel G. Sabas, ang Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer ng 903^rd Brigade.

Si Ginoong Reynaldo C. Marchan, kalihim ng Sangguniang Bayan at Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) ng Castilla ang nagbigay ng lecture-demonstration sa mga kalahok at tumalakay sa Batas Pampangisdaan 8550.

Habang si Amelito M. Golloso Sr., ang technical staff ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Sorsogon ang tumalakay sa kahalagahan at economic value ng seaweeds, major aquaculture commodities, seaweeds farming kasama na ang iba’t-ibang mga pamamaraan sa pagpapatubo at pagpapalago, farm maintenance, pag-aani at pagpapatuyo nito, at tinalakay din nya ang mga sakit na dumadapo sa seaweeds.

Bago matapos ang aktibidad ay namahagi naman ang 903^rd Brigade ng mga token sa mga kalahok.

Samantala, malaki naman ang naging kasiyahan ni 903^rd Brigade Commander Colonel Joselito Kakilala sa naging partidipasyon ng mga kalahok at sinabing ang nasabing pagsasanay at seminar ay magiging malaking tulong upang mapataas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga mangingisda.

Tiniyak din ni Col. Kakilala na hindi maglalaon ay maipatutupad din ang kahalintulad na proyektong pangkabuhayang ito sa iba pang mga kostal na lugar sa Sorsogon sa tulong ng iba pang mga stakeholders kaugnay na rin ng ipinatutupad na Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. (PA/BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

ENGLISH NEWS:

903Bde facilitates Livelihood Training for Coastal Barangays of Castilla

903rd Bde CMO Officer Capt. Arnel Sabasduring the Seaweeds Training

CASTILLA, SORSOGON, Feb 19 (PIA) – In an effort to tote up an alternative livelihood to the coastal barangays in the municipality of Castilla, the 903^rd Infantry (Fight & Defend) Brigade facilitated the Seaweeds Training and Seminar at Tumalaytay, Castilla, Sorsogon, a week ago.

The activity also provided means to promote seaweeds farming as one of the best alternative livelihood for the residents in the coastal communities.

In attendance were the members of the Barangay Defense System (BDS) and residents residing along the coastal barangays of Castilla.

The training started with a welcome message by Brgy Chairwoman Domingga Miraflor. Messages of inspiration as well as sharing of experiences and expertise were given by Regional Seaweed Action Officer Mr. Ed Serrano; SEAGRASS President Mr. Red Lasay; Provincial Agriculture Office - Fisheries Division Chief Mr. Serafin N. Lacdang; Castilla Municipal Councilor Vicente Astano; and Cpt Arnel G. Sabas, the Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer of the 903^rd Brigade.

Sangguniang Bayan Secretary and Castilla Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Mr. Reynaldo C Marchan, gave lecture-demonstration to the participants and likewise discussed the Fisheries Law (RA 8550).

Mr. Amelito M Golloso Sr., Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Sorsogon technical staff, discussed the importance of seaweeds and its  economic value, major aquaculture commodities, seaweeds farming including harvesting and drying, different culture methods, farm maintenance, and major seaweed diseases.

Before the culmination activity, the 903^rd Brigade led by Cpt Arnel G. Sabas, conducted a gift-giving activity to the participants.

Meanwhile, 903^rd Brigade Commander Colonel Joselito Kakilala said that the skills training and the seminar conducted for the fisher folks will surely add up as an alternative livelihood for the residents.

“The livelihood project will soon be replicated to other coastal areas of the province with the assistance and cooperation of other stakeholders in line with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan,” he further said. (Cpt MPPanesa, PA/BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

NTC nagsasagawa ng Mobile Registration

telecommunication.aboutph

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

LUNGSOD NG SORSOGON, Pebrero 20 (PIA) – Nasa Sorsogon ngayong araw ang ilang tauhan ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Regional Office V upang magsagawa ng isang araw na Mobile Registration at Licensing sa SB Session Hall sa bayan ng Irosin, Sorsogon.

Alas nueve ng umaga kanina ng simulan ito na magtatagal hanggang mamayang alas-kwatro.

Ayon kay NTC Bicol Regional Director Arnel Padilla, ang aktibidad ay isinakatuparan upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maiparehistro, maisa-legal, at mabigyang lisensya ang lahat na unregistered radio transceivers na ginagamit sa iba-ibang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at pribadong opisina o ginagamit ng mga indibidwal sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon.

Sinabi din ni Padilla na hindi sila mangingiming patawan ng kaukulang penalidad ang sinumang mahuhuling lumalabag sa patakarang ipinatutupad ng NTC.

Halos ay ilang linggo ring nanawagan ang NTC sa mga Sorsoganon na gumagamit ng radio transceivers na samantalahin ang pagkakataong ito. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

NGCP bats for lower ancillary services rates for power consumers

NGCP Logo

QUEZON CITY, Feb 19 – As part of its continuing efforts to improve grid reliability while ensuring minimal impact on power rates, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has taken steps to lower the overall cost of ancillary services (AS) by as much as 40%.

NGCP filed at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) applications for the approval of its Ancillary Services Procurement Agreements (ASPAs) with Trans-Asia Power Generation Corp. (TA-POWER), Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. (TRANS-ASIA), and Panasia Energy, Inc. (PANASIA), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

“The ASPA rates filed at the ERC are significantly lower and cheaper than the current ASPAs. The new contracting methodology, rates, and payment structure to be applied on all prospective ASPAs are designed to lower the overall cost of AS by as much as 40%, and at the same time ensure the availability of AS capacity for the reliability and security of the grid,” NGCP said.

NGCP has the crucial role of providing AS to all transmission users of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids as required by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Philippine Grid Code (PGC) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Rules. NGCP is also mandated to implement the ERC-promulgated Ancillary Service Procurement Plan (ASPP) and the Ancillary Services Cost Recovery Mechanism (AS-CRM).

Ancillary Services, as defined in Section 4 (b) of the EPIRA, are “those services that are necessary to support the transmission of capacity and energy from resources to loads while maintaining reliable operation of the transmission system in accordance with good utility practice and the Grid Code”. Such AS are needed to ensure reliability in the operation of the transmission system and consequently, in the reliability of the electricity supply in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Grids.

It is the responsibility of NGCP to adequately serve generation companies, distribution utilities and suppliers requiring transmission service and/or ancillary services through the transmission system.

Ancillary services stabilize electricity supply and prevent system-wide blackout. These regulate the electricity coming into homes so that lights do not flicker. During times of emergencies when a power plant unexpectedly breaks down, these services make a back-up plant readily available to temporarily augment the lack of supply.

As NGCP is responsible for determining, acquiring, and dispatching the capacity needed to supply the required ancillary services and for developing and proposing wheeling charges and ancillary service tariffs to the ERC, it makes sure that only efficient but affordable ancillary services providers are contracted.

It should be noted that NGCP bills and collects AS charges from its direct customers then remits these collections directly and entirely to the AS providers. As the collecting agent, NGCP does not get revenues from the said charges.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. (NGCP)