Peace rally isinagawa sa Castilla, Sorsogon

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Lungsod ng Sorsogon, Disyembre 21 (PIA) – Sa pangunguna ni Castilla Municipal mayor Olivia M. Bermillo, nagsagawa ng Barangay Defense System (BDS) Peace Caravan ang bayan ng Castilla noong nakaraang linggo bilang pagpupugay at pasasalamat na rin nila sa pagkakaroon ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa kanilang komunidad, at sa pagpapanatili ng kanilang pagkakakilanlan bilang isang mapayapang bayan.

Sinimulan ang peace caravan sa harapan ng pamilihang bayan ng Cumadcad, Castilla at inikot nito ang tatlumpu’t-apat na mga barangay ng buong munisipalidad.

Naroon ang buong pwersa ng Sangguniang Bayan at lokal na pamahalaan ng Castilla upang magpakita ng suporta sa ginawang aktibidad. Maging ang Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, opisyal at kinatawan ng BDS, mga magsasaka, sektor ng transportasyon, mga mamamahayag sa Sorsogon at Albay at mga mag-aaral ay buong puso ring sumuporta sa nasabing peace caravan.

Dala-dala ng mga mag-aaral partikular ng San Isidro Elementary School, ang nag-iisang pilot School of Peace ng Bicol Consortium on Peace Education and Development (BCPED) sa buong Luzon, ang ginawa nilang mga poster at slogan sa ginanap na patimpalak para sa kapayapaan kamakailan lamang.

Ayon kay Mayor Bermillo, mapayapa at tahimik na ang bayan ng Castilla ngayon at tinitiyak nilang hindi na sila basta-basta mapapasok ng sinumang nais maghasik ng kaguluhan at takot sa kanilang lugar.

Dagdag pa niya na nais nilang ipakita sa publiko ang malaking bahaging ginagampanan ng pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa pagkamit ng kaunlaran ng isang komunidad. Positibo din umano siya na sa pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ay maipagpapatuloy ang adyendang pangkapayapaan at pangkaunlaran na isinusulong ng pamahalaan. (PIA Sorsogon)

DENR Bicol Director urges LGUs to designate common fireworks area

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 19 – Environment and Natural Resources Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada reiterates DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje’s appeal for all LGUs to designate their respective common fireworks area (CFA) to keep air pollution at bay this Christmas season.

“The amount of dust in the air expressed as Total Suspended Particulates that is detrimental to health is expected to increase this month and early January owed to widespread use of firecrackers”, Director Fragada said.

The appeal was made despite the Environmental Management Bureau Region V’s report that the Legazpi, Naga and Iriga Cities were within the fair to good in terms of air quality index.  The level of air pollution in these cities registered in 2010 an average of 102, 48 and 52 microgram per Normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) in Naga, Legazpi and Iriga, respectively. It is a level way below the observed level in Metro Manila at 166 ug/Ncm considering that threshold level is at 230 ug/Ncm to be considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. However, firecrackers contain sulfur, charcoal and other materials that form greenhouse gases when these react with oxidants in the air. Dust from fireworks and firecrackers can affect the lungs and pose a real danger to people who suffer from illnesses of the respiratory system such as asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

In a related development, DENR Sec. Paje wrote the Department of Interior and Local Government seeking assistance from Secretary Jesse Robredo for LGUs to designate CFAs that will allow Filipinos to celebrate without the pollution that usually comes with it. Sec. Paje believes “momentum will be lost” so the public must cooperate in the government’s effort to minimize air pollution level by minimizing, if not totally avoiding, the use of firecrackers this holiday season.

He further states designated common fireworks areas (CFAs), whether within a municipality or even among a cluster of barangays would drastically reduce the amount of air pollution from pyrotechnics such as dust, sulfur and charcoal which can complicate respiratory problems.  He, however,  expressed optimism over the DILG’s resolve to show political will to designate CFAs in light of snowballing support for the scheme as all of the 17  city and town mayors  in Metro Manila signed  last October 18, 2011 Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 11-31. The Resolution urges Metro Manila’s local executives to set up in every barangay common fireworks zones in line with the call for the strict implementation of Republic Act 7183 (An act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices) to “provide safer environment” to celebrate the holidays.

“The advantages of having CFAs far outweigh the potential risks to our people and clean air should never be compromised at all season and in all occasion,” Director Fragada concludes.  (DENR/PIA Sorsogon)

Prov'l. solid waste mgmt.board tackles issues and concerns raised on the 3rd qrtr. meeting

By: Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA).....Agreement to request the presence of of all Pollution Control Officers (PCO) of the 9 hospitals (2 private and 7 government hospitals ) here in the province of Sorsogon was one of the issues tackled today in the 4th quarter meeting of the Sorsogon Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) held here at the Training Center of the provincial capitol building.

Engr. Maribeth L. Fruto, provincial head of the Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO_LGU) said that the results of the evaluation conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) , Department of Environment and Natural Resources RO V regarding the proper management and disposal of hospital wastes here in the province has yet to be forwarded to the PSWMB so that clarifications on the issues and concerns raised during the 3rd quarterly meeting held last September 6 of this year at Pilar be given the right support and that the PSWMB be informed of its intervention.

Tackled also was the waste minimization issues and how the province can implement the resolution made by some local government units and the province itself through the Sanggunian Panlalawigan in the banning of the use of plastics and other non-biodegadable materials usually used in shopping malls and markets that contribute to the volume of wastes that usually clogs water ways and canals.

Engr. Fruto said that there is now a need for all LGUs to submit their Waste Characterization Report and provide the PSWMB with the volume of waste each municipality is enerating so that initiatives on how these wastes can be managed be provided intervention through the program of the Department of Science and Technology.

Engr. Gerry Asuncion, DOST provincial head here has shown a sample of how non-biodegradable wastes can be converted into some blocks similar to those expensive ornamental blocks used for  garden and home pathways and eventually become a home backyard livelihood.

He said that they have made a research and  have shown the prototype of the solid plastic blocks made of non-biodegradable plastics converted to some useful materials that can be used as an alternative to cemented blocks which he said are expensive.

Asuncion explained that the prototype they have made just need some refinement and further study since the plastics that have been threshed and mixed with kerosine or used cooking oil and made into blocks have still to be introduced to the local governments for support and DOST is coming up with local production assistance to LGUs in terms of know how and technology.

Mayor Dong Gamos of Santa Magdalena suggested to Engr. Asuncion  to document the  process of the block making so that all LGUs can provide the needed support in endorsing this project and at the same time make use of the plastics that has become one of the biggest problems of LGUs in terms of waste volume just dumped everywhere.

A suggestion to make the provincial plan of monitoring activities and evaluation of LGU's implementation of the SWM will be the agenda of a special meeting of the technical working team of the PSWMB this second week of January 2012.

Present during the meeting was governor Raul R. Lee who provided the group an entertainment of the Himig Kapitolyo singing Choir, an early Christmas treat for the participants and the giving of certificates of recognition to LGUs who have hosted the quarterly meeting of the PSWMB.
(IAG- PIA SORSOGON)

Bulusan Volcano Disaster Management Plan tatalakayin sa workshop ng PDRRMC

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Lungsod ng Sorsogon, Disyembre 15 (PIA) – Magpupulong ngayong araw para sa isang Joint Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) at Sorsogon Provincial DRRMC Year-End Disaster Risk Reduction Management Assessment Workshop ang mga pangunang ahensya ng pamahalaan at iba pang katuwang na organisasyon ng PDRRMC dito sa lungsod ng Sorsogon.

Sa programamng ipinadala ng PDRRMC alas-otso ang simula ng programa at matatapos alas singko ng hapon mamaya.

Kabilang sa mga itatampok sa year-end assessment ang pagbibigay ng overview ng pagtitipon, updates kaugnay ng Bulusan Volcano na ibibigay ng Phivolcs, ulat ng PAGASA ukol sa kalagayan ng panahon sa Sorsogon, review ng Bulusan Volcano Action Plan at operational plan na ilalatag ng mga action/response committee. Nakatakda ring magkaroon ng open forum, planning workshop at output presentation.

Ayon kay Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Information Officer Von Labalan, layunin ng assessment workshop na tasain ang lawak ng ginawang interbensyon kaugnay ng pamamahala sa pagpapababa ng panganib dala ng kalamidad (Disaster Risk Reduction Management) sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon partikular sa anim na munisipalidad na may malaking kalantaran sa panganib dala ng pag-aalburuto ng bulkang Bulusan.

Maliban dito ay nais din ng PDRRMC na matukoy ang iba pang mga hakbang na maari pang gawin upang matulungan ang mga bayang ito at makagawa din ng integrated operational plan para sa Bulusan Volcano at matukoy din ang mga kaukulang ahensya at mga local government units (LGU) na siyang tutugon bago dumating, habang nagaganap at matapos maganap ang pag-aalburuto ng bulkan ayon sa mga mandato nito.

Kabilang sa mga ahensyang kalahok dito ay ang 31^st Infantry Brigade 9 Infantry Division ng Philippine Army na nakabase sa Rangas, Juban; 903^rd Infantry Brigade ng Philippine Army sa Poblacion, Castilla; Department of Public Works and Highways-Sorsogon 2 District Engineering Office, Energy Development Corporation-BacMan; Green Valley Development Project; National Irrigation Aaministration; Office of the Provincial Agriculture; Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-LGU; Provincial Health Office; Philippine Information Agency; Philippine National Police; Provincial Planning and Development Office at Philippine Red Cross. (PIA Sorsogon

Tuberculosis pang-anim sa pangunahing dahilan ng sakit at kamatayan sa bansa

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

Lungsod ng Sorsogon, Disyembre 15 (PIA) – Inilahad ng World Vision Philippines kung gaano kamapanganib sa kalusugan ng tao ang sakit na Tuberculosis (TB) sakaling hindi agad magamot ito.

Ayon sa kanilang datos, 75 Filipino ang namamatay araw-araw dahilan sa sakit na TB. Pang-anim umano ito sa pangunahing dahilan ng sakit at kamatayan sa Pilipinas at karamihan sa mga tinatamaan nito at namamatay ay yaong mga nasa produktibong edad mula 30-59 taong gulang na kadalasan ay mga kalalakihan.

Ayon pa sa World Vision, ang mga hindi nagagamot na pasyente ng TB ay maaring makahawa ng sampu hanggang labinlima katao bawat taon.

Kaugnay nito, inirerekomenda ng Department of Health (DOH) ang istratehiyang Directly Observe Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) bilang epektibong solusyon upang magamot ang may sakit na TB.

Ayon sa World Health Organization, ang DOTS ang pinakamurang paraan ng paggamot ng TB kung saan anim na buwan ang magiging gamutan at ang pasyente ay dapat na hindi papalya sa pag-inom ng gamot araw-araw. Sa tala ng WHO mahigit na sa 26 milyong pasyente ng TB ang nagamot na ng DOTS mula nang simulan ito noong 1996.

Sa Sorsogon City, sa pamamagitan ng tulungang pagsisikap ng Local Health Unit at ng World Vision Philippines-Social Mobilization on TB Project, 26 na mga barangay ang nakabuo na ng 27 TB Task Force kung saan dalawang Task Force ang nabuo sa Barangay Bibincahan.

Pangunahing papel ng TB Task Force na tulungan ang mga Health Unit na maitaas ang case detection ng TB sa kanilang mga lugar nang sa gayon ay matukoy ang mga ito at agarang magamot upang hindi na makahawa pa sa iba.

Maaaring mahawa ang sinuman sakaling masinghot nito ang bacteriang tubercle bacilli na naisasama sa hangin sa pamamagitan ng pagsinga o pag-ubo ng nakasalamuhang taong may sakit na TB. Sa halip umanong ikahiya, mas makabubuting dumulog sa kanilang rural health unit o sa TB Task Force upang mapayuhan ito ng dapat gawin. (PIA Sorsogon)

The Pili Shells: not just something to crack, it’s now Bicol’s best fashion jewelry export

By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, DECEMBER 14 (PIA)…. “Wearing the pili shell necklace whenever I attend formal occasions with our native attire has gained some fashion statement in this "eco-conscious world" we are in now today. It also gives us a sense of pride as a Bicolano.” Dr. Ma. Teresa V. Destura, assistant department head of the Ofifce of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) expressed during an interview.

“Almost in all occasions now here and especially in Bicol, the pili shell necklace has exchanged the usual flower corsage we use to honor our guests.”

"The pili shell has gained an entrance in the global market now and has provided the best opportunities for women in the barangays to make use of the shell with more  economic returns. Before, these were only used to become the alternative for firewood used in cooking or just thrown away if their volume becomes so much." Destura expressed.

In the just concluded 178^th Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council (PAFC) meeting held here last week at the PAFC- Livelihood Technology Training Center (LTTC) , Mr. Godofredo D. Ditan PAFC chair thanked  the Department of Agriculture (DA)  ROV through its regional executive director, Dr. Jose Dayao for the formal turn- over of  5 sets of pili shellcraft production equipment to 5 recipient organizations.

“We have seen how the pili shells evolved in terms of its usage and now DA has seen a very big potential in the pili shell craft industy.These equipments will make pili shell craft production here in the province more easy as this will lessen the time for making the shells into the desired designs. The usual way they did it is manual and tedious. With this equipments ,production of pili shell craft will be faster and refined in terms of its craftsmanship as right polishing is done by the machine.” Dayao said.

“Volume in production will also be enhanced as the equipment can produce the desired pieces immediately”, he said.

Sorsogon is considered as Bicols' number two producer of pili in the region , and the shell has been creatively produced by the different women organization here as fashion jewelry and as add on local material that goes with beautifully crafted home products displayed in malls specially in Tiangge.

"Pili fashion jewelries making here has opened a livelihood opportunity , it’s very saleable as it is  cheap but are so artistically made and usually worn now even with casual attire, with office uniform and for women who would like to don a little bit of elan in their daily wear.' Destura also explained.

In the just concluded 3^rd Regional Pili Congress held in Legaspi last year, one of the best sellers was the necklaces made out of the pili shell and according to Dr. Teresa V. Destura, the women organization here through the Rural Improvement Club were the regular distributor of these products.

Looking into the viability of the use of the pili shell , the pili shell craft has now gained entrance into the market of innovative fashion jewelries as one of the best exportable biodegradable products.

Dayao also said that the ingenuity of the peopleand specially women  in the barangays using the shell of the pili into different fashion jewelries has now gained some global recognition based on the different demand for this product as reported by the Department of Trade Industry based on their exhibits in tiangge, malls and on several activities in the national exhibits popularizing pili as the high value crop of the Bicol region.

Dayao expressed that DA has thought of this intervention  to facilitate the production of shell craft in the province now becoming a home-based agri-entrepreneuer business.

The formal turn-over was spearheaded by RED Dayao assisted by PAFC chair Ditan, Ms Rose M. Imperial, High Value Crop DA reg’l. coordinator, RAFC chair Alfredo Rillo and Dr. Ma. Teresa V. Destura.

"Hopefully with these equipments, the pili shell craft industry will become one of Sorsogon's women source of livelihood and will also be a sustainable source of income. From just being used as firewood, the pili shell now is more an export product."  Destura said.(PIA-SORSOGON)