Friday, August 27, 2010

RED TIDE UPDATES

Tagalog News

SORSOGON CITY – Patuloy pa ring ipinatutupad dito sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon ang total shellfish ban kung saan ipinagbabawal ang pagkuha, pagbibyahe, pagbebenta at pagkain ng lahat ng uri ng shellfish na makukuha mula sa Sorsogon Bay.

Sa ipinalabas na Shellfish Bulletin No. 20 ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)na may petsang August 20, 2010, mataas pa rin ang toxicity level ng red tide sa Sorsogon Bay sa Sorsogon City, Dumanquillas Bay sa Zamboanga del Sur, Matarinao Bay sa eastern Samar, Murcielagos Bay sa Zamboanga del Norte at Misamis Occidental.

Positibo na rin sa red tide toxin ang Honda Bay sa Puerto Princesa City sa Palawan at ang Carigara Bay sa Leyte.

Kaugnay nito, pinag-iingat pa rin ng BFAR ang publiko laban sa paralytic shellfish poisoning dahilan sa pagiging positibo pa rin sa red tide toxin ng Sorsogon Bay.

Inihayag naman ni BFAR Sorsogon OIC Provincial Fishery Officer Gil Ramos na isinasailalim na rin nila sa regular sampling ang baloko habang totally banned na rin ang badoy na galing sa look ng Sorsogon.

Matatandaang dati ay pinapayagang ibenta at kainin ang baloko at badoy subalit dapat na sumailalim muna ito sa pagsusuri ng BFAR, ngunit matapos ang muling pagtaas ng toxicity level ng red tide sa Sorsogon Bay nito lamang Agosto at pagkakabiktima ng isang pamilya sa bayan ng Casiguran, Sorsogon, ay tuluyan na ring ipinagbawal ang mga lamang-dagat na ito. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)

OWWA sets application deadline for 2011-2012 Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

PRESS RELEASE

Legazpi City, Albay (23 August 2010) – In view of the forthcoming EDSP Qualifying Examination for school year 2011-2012, OWWA announces 30 September 2010 as the deadline for the submission of applications.

EDSP is a scholarship program offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to enroll in a four to five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED accredited college or university of their own choice. A financial assistance of twenty thousand pesos (Php 20,000.00) per semester or a maximum of sixty thousand pesos (Php 60,000.00) per school year shall be given covering the scholar’s tuition fee and other school expenses.

For the school year 2011-2012, OWWA will award one hundred fifty (150) EDSP college scholarships to qualified OFW dependents. Qualifiers for the school year shall comprise the 8th batch of OWWA’s EDSP scholars.

EDSP application forms are available through OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph, or at OWWA regional offices.

For more inquiries on the scholarship program, kindly visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office No. 5 at the 3rd Floor of ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City. Or contact the office at (052) 481-4503/4562 or thru email at owwarwo5@yahoo.com and rwo5@owwa.gov.ph.

Ramirez, Kay T. / 481-4562 / 4814503

OWWA announces its 2010 Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award

PRESS RELEASE

Legazpi City, Albay - The search is on for the 2010 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).

OWWA welcomes nominations from various NGOs, POs, religious organizations/ associations, community-based organizations/associations, and LGUs for OFW families who meet the following criteria: a) wholesome family; b) civic/community involvement of OFW and family; c) success in OFW and family’s education and/or profession; and d) success in managing family finances.

All seventeen (17) regions of the country shall have 2 MOFYA winners each, one from the land-based category and the other from the sea-based. From these regional MOFYA winners, two (2) will emerged as national winners during the national awarding on December 2010. Two more special awards shall be conferred namely, Outstanding Achievement in Community Projects and in Entrepreneurship, respectively.

For last year’s MOFYA National Search, OFW Emilio Belo and family of Baleno, Masbate emerged as winner in the sea-based category.

MOFYA is an annual search undertaken by OWWA to give due recognition to the outstanding achievements of the OFWs and their families and promote best practices in managing family challenges. Specifically it aims to serve as role models for the whole OFW population, promote success stories about OFW families’ endurance over the challenges on their family relations and uplift the image of OFW families in the community, and highlight the role of OFW family acting as a group/unit in the attainment of socio-civic, educational, professional and material success.

For more inquiries on the 2010 MOFYA nationwide search, kindly visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office No. 5 at the 3rd Floor of ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City. Or contact the office at (052) 481-4503/4562 or thru email at owwarwo5@yahoo.com and rwo5@owwa.gov.ph.

OWWA offers New Scholarship Program for OFW Dependents

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
Regional Welfare Office No. 5
3F ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi Ctiy


Press Release

In view of OWWA’s continuing thrust to expand its educational scholarship program and make it accessible to the intended beneficiaries all over the country, OWWA offers a new scholarship program - the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP).

OFWDSP offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs who receive a monthly salary of not more than US$ 400.00 and who shall enroll in a four-year or five-year baccalaureate course or associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree or associate degree in state or CHED accredited college or university.

Qualified scholars shall be entitled a financial assistance of Php 20,000.00 per year or Php 10,000.00 per semester that shall cover tuition fees and other academic-related expenses, and a health and accident insurance of Php 100,000.00.

Applicants must be: legal dependent of active OWWA member OFW whose monthly salary is not more than US$400.00; single, not more than 21 years old; and interested to enroll or already enrolled in the following DOLE recommended courses - all courses in BS Engineering and BS Sciences, BS Information Technology and related courses, BS Food Technology, BS Agriculture and related courses, BS Medical Technology, BS Midwifery, BS Nutrition, BS Physical Therapy, BS Pharmacy, BS Health Services and/or Medical Tourism, BS Aviation and related courses, BS Marine Engineering, Transportation and related courses, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management and related courses, and associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree.

For this school year 2010-2011, OWWA Bicol allocates a total of 88 scholarship slots- 20 slots for Masbate, 20 for Camarines Norte and 12 for each of the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

Interested applicants may contact at the following: landline numbers - (052) 481-4503 / 481-4562; CP No. 09277962223; email add – owwarwo5@yahoo.com, or visit OWWA Regional Office 5 at the 3rd Floor of ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City.

Contact Person: Ramirez, Kay T
Contact Nos. : 481-4503 / 481-4562
E-mail Add : owwarwo5@yahoo.com / rwo5@owwa.gov.ph

Thursday, August 26, 2010

BIR LAGING HANDANG MAGLINGKOD PROJECT MALAKING KALUWAGAN SA PUBLIKO

Tagalog News

SORSOGON PROVINCE – Naghayag ng malaking kaluwagan sa kanilang ginagawang transaksyon ang mga kliyente ng Bureau of Internal Revenue Sorsogon dahilan sa kanilang Taxpayer’s Service Area na tunay namang handing maglingkod sa publiko mula alas otso ng umaga hanggang alas singko ng hapon ng walang noon-time break.

Ayon sa mga kliyente ng BIR dito, dahilan sa TSA, nakatitipid sila hindi lamang sa oras kundi maging sa gastusin sa kanilang pamasahe dahilan sa pagiging one-stop-shop na rin nito.

Ang TSA ay ipinatutupad sa ilalim ng ‘Handang Maglingkod Project’ (HMP) ng BIR at bilang pagsunod na rin sa Republic Act 9485 o ang Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

Dagdag din aniya sa magandang katangian ng TSA ang taxpayer service satisfaction survey na nagbibigay ng ideya sa kanilang tanggapan ng uri ng serbisyong ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga kliyente.

Sa pamamagitan ng logbook ay maaaring maipaabot sa kanila ng mga kliyente ang kanilang mga reklamo, komento at suhestyon upang higit na mapataas pa ang kalidad ng serbisyho ng BIR.

May mga nakakabit din silang tarpaulin na naghahayag na welcoming at friendly atmosphere ng kanilang tanggapan at mga information materials na maaaring basahin o hingin ng mga kliyente upang mapanatili silang well-informed.

Sinabi din ni Abenoja na kasama ang Sorsogon Revenue District Offcie sa labingsiyam na distrito sa buong bansa na inevaluate kaugnay ng implementasyon ng TSAs, dangan nga lamang at hindi nito naabot ang outstanding standard na itinalaga ng mga evaluators. Subalit tiniyak naman ni Abenoja na hindi man nito nakamit ang parangal ay patuloy pa rin nilang pagagandahin ang TSA ng BIR Sorsogon upang higit pang mabigyan ng satisfactory service ang mga Sorsoganon. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

BLOOD FREEZER KAILANGAN NG PNRC SORSOGON

Tagalog News

SORSOGON PROVINCE (August 25) – Umapela si Philippine National Red Cross Sorsogon Chapter Administrator Salvacion Abotanatin sa mga potential sponsors o donors na maaaring makapag-donate sa kanila ng blood freezer.

Ayon sa kanya, ilang taon na ring walang blood freezer ang Red Cross Sorsogon matapos na tuluyan nang masira ito dahilan sa kalumaan na rin.

Aniya, kung may blood freezer ang PNRC Sorsogon ay may mas marami pa sanang mga dugo ang maiimbak at mas marami ding mga mangangailangan ang mabibiyayaan nito.

Inihayag din niyang sa kasalukuyan ay nakikipag-tie-up sila sa Sorsogon Provincial Hospital upang may mapag-imbakan sila sa mga donasyong dugo sa kanila.

Ibinigay niyang halimbawa ang mga nakuhang dugo sa nakaraang pagdiriwang ng blood donors month noong Hulyo kung saan ay nakalikom sila ng labingwalong 500 cc bags ng dugo na matapos masuri ng Department of Health Region V ay ibinalik na sa Sorsogon at kasalukuyang nakaimbak sa Sorsogon Provincial Hospital upang maipanustos sa mga mangangailangan nito.

Samantala, nilinaw din niya kung saan napupunta ang perang sinisingil sa mga kaanak ng pasyenteng kumukuha ng dugo sa ospital.

Aniya, hindi dugo na galing sa donor ang binabayaran dito kundi ang mga laboratory fees para sa isinasagawang screening o testing ng dugo upang matiyak na ligtas at malinis ito bago tuluyang isalin sa pasyente. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

BICOL REGION IS FREE OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

News Release

SORSOGON PROVINCE (August 24) – Three zones in the Philippines including the Bicol region were finally certified by the Organization Mondiale de la Sante Animale (World Organization for Animal Health) as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Free Zones Areas.

This was bared by Sorsogon Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Enrique Espiritu following receipt of certification corroborating the declaration of the World Organization for Animal Health that ten areas in the Philippines are finally free of FMD.

These areas, all in Luzon, are Cordillera, Region I, Region II and Mindoro (Zone 1), Calabarzon, Region III, National Capital Region (NCR) and Pangasinan (Zone 2), and the regions of Bicol and Mimaropa (Zone 3).

Espiritu said that the certification states that following a recommendation of the Office International Des Epizootes (OIE) Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases, the World Assembly of Delegates of the OIE approved on May 25, 2010 that three zones designated by the delegates of the Philippines in the documentation submitted to the OIE headquarters on December 4, 2009 are recognized by the OIE as free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

“In addition, the organization also certified that vaccination in these areas is no longer practiced in accordance with the provisions of Article 8.5.4 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code,” Espiritu said.

He also bared that the recognition is likewise based on the documentation submitted to the OIE by the Official Veterinary Services of the Philippines.

“Though granted of the certification, the Delegate of Philippines to the OIE has still the obligation to notify the OIE immediately of any significant epidemiological event relating to FMD in Philippines and to confirm annually that the epidemiological situation has remained unchanged, according to the requirements set by the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code,” he added.

In this province, it can be recalled that in December 22, 1999, Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee issued a memorandum banning the selling/shipment of FMD susceptible animals from Irosin town after a case has been recorded here.

However, subsequent to the laboratory findings of the Philippine Animal Health Center and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI-DA) declaring that no new FMD case was recorded from December 31, 1999 in the said town and the rest of the towns across the province, the governor immediately lifted said ban on May 9, 2000. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Monday, August 23, 2010

MGA SUNDALONG NAMAMALENGKE, TINAMBANGAN NG BANDIDONG NPA SA SORSOGON, 1 PATAY AT ISA SUGATAN

Press Release

SORSOGON PROVINCE (August 23) – TINAMBANGAN NG MGA BANDIDONG NPA ANG DALAWANG SUNDALO NG 49TH INFANTRY BATTALION NA NAMAMALENGKE NG PAGKAIN SA GUBAT SORSOGON KAHAPON, AUGUST 22, 2010.

AYON KAY LTC SANTIAGO ENGINCO, PINUNO NG 49TH INFANTRY BATTALION, NAATASAN NA BUMILI NG PAGKAIN PARA SA KANILANG DETACHMENT ANG DALAWANG SUNDALO NA SI PFC JAYSON CERDON AT SI PFC ERWIN BARRAGA KAHAPON, LINGGO.

PABALIK NA ANG DALAWA LULAN NG KANILANG MOTOR NG SILA AY TINAMBANGAN NG 4 NA BANDIDONG NPA SA KALSADA SA BARANGAY SANGAT, GUBAT SORSOGON DAKONG 4:45 NG HAPON KAHAPON.

NANG NAKITANG BUMULAGTA SI CERDON DAHIL SA 3 TAMA SA PAA, AY NILAPITAN PA ITO NG MGA BANDIDO AT BINARIL SA NOO, NA NAGING DAHILAN SA AGARAN NITONG PAGKAMATAY.

SAMANTALA, NAGKUNWARI NAMANG PATAY SI BARAGA NA NAGTAMO DIN NG SUGAT SA KANYANG BALIKAT, SA KANYANG HITA, SA KANANG TUHOD AT NAKITA NYA MISMO ANG KARUMAL-DUMAL NA PAGPATAY NG KANYANG KASAMA NA NAGMAMAKAAWA PA SA MGA BANDIDO.

SI BARRAGA AY NADALA SA ISANG OSPITAL SA SORSOGON CITY UPANG GAMUTIN.

AGAD-AGAD NA NAGPADALA NG KARAGDAGANG SUNDALO SA LUGAR SI MAJOR GENERAL RUPERTO PABUSTAN UPANG TUGISIN ANG MGA BANDIDONG NPA.

NANANAWAGAN DIN SI PABUSTAN SA MGA BANDIDO NA RESPETUHIN ANG KARAPATANG PANTAO NG KAHIT SINO MAN, PATI NA ANG MGA KASUNDALUHAN. (Capt. EObenieta, CMO, 49 IB, 9ID, PA)

BIR SORSOGON DELIVERS PROMPT SERVICES WITH THE ‘HANDANG MAGLINGKOD PROJECT’

News Release

SORSOGON PROVINCE (August 23) – Bureau of Internal Revenue clients here express relief with the prompt delivery of frontline services that the district office extends to them through the Taxpayers Service Area (TSA), the main component of the BIR’s institutionalized ‘Handang Maglingkod Project’ (HMP).

“With the BIR’s Taxpayers Service Area provided for us, we were able to make our transactions faster saving more of our time from waiting just to process our documents,” said local BIR clients.

According to BIR Sorsogon Revenue District Officer Arturo Abenoja, Jr., just like other BIR offices in the country rendering frontline services to taxpayers, they have provided a specific reception area at their office’s main entrance for taxpayers transacting with the BIR.

“It serves as a one-stop-shop to address taxpayer’s needs without the necessity of a follow-up or referral to other offices,” he added.

Abenoja also said that the TSA is open from eight o’clock in the morning to past 5 o’clock in the afternoon with no break as per compliance with the republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red tape Act of 2007.

Institutionalized last year, the program aims at promoting fast, efficient and courteous delivery of services to taxpayers as well as institutes a system for measuring the level of taxpayer satisfaction with the bureau’s services.

Abenoja also added that the key feature of the TSA is their administration of a taxpayer service satisfaction survey which will give them an idea of the kind of service they render to their clients.

“Through a logbook which we provide for them, our clients can ventilate their complaints and make their comments and suggestions,” he said.

“And to keep our visiting clients informed and updated, information materials are also made available for them,” he further said.

With the HMP now being strengthened and institutionalized, BIR will no doubt provide better, faster, and more efficient service to their clients thus will promote greater voluntary compliance among the taxpayers. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)

SORSOGON HAS NOW A DARAB OFFICE

NEWS RELEASE

SORSOGON PROVINCE - With the existence of the newly blessed Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Adjudication Board (DARAB)Office, Sorsoganons are now assured of a fast and efficient service over agrarian disputes involving the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The blessing of the office officiated by Rev. Fr. Rene Mabute just recently was witnessed by some DAR Sorsogon personnel headed by Roseller R. Olayres, PARO II; and other personnel coming from the DARAB and Legal Division of DAR Provincial Office of Albay headed respectively by Atty. Alberto Besinal and Atty. Zaldy Ll. Monilla.

DARAB is one of the forces of the Office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)Secretary. It also has field offices in the different regions and provinces across the country, headed by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (PARAD).

In Sorsogon province, DARAB Office is located at Goodwill Subdivision, Sorsogon City (near GSIS Bldg), headed by Atty. Raddy T. Tolentino.

The DARAB has primary and exclusive jurisdiction, both original and appellate, to determine and adjudicate all agrarian disputes involving the implementation of the CARP under RA 6657 as amended by RA 9700, EO Nos. 228, and 129-A, RA 3844 as amended by RA 6389, PD 27 and other agrarian laws and their implementing rules and regulations.

Specifically, such jurisdiction shall include but not limited to cases involving the rights and obligations of persons engaged in the management, cultivation and use of all agricultural lands covered by the CARP and other agrarian laws; valuation of land and preliminary determination and payment of just compensation, fixing and collection of lease rentals, disturbance compensation, amortization payments and similar disputes concerning the functions of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); annulment or cancellation of lease contracts or deeds of sale or their amendments involving lands under the administration and disposition of the DAR or LBP; sale, alienation, mortgage, foreclosure, pre-emption and redemption of agricultural lands under the coverage of the CARP or other agrarian laws; issuance, correction and cancellation of Certificates of Landownership Award (CLOAs) and Emancipation Patents (EPs) which are registered with the Land Registration Authority; cases arising from, or connected with membership or representation in compact farms, farmers’ cooperatives and other registered farmers’ associations or organizations, related to lands covered by the CARP and other agrarian laws; cases previously falling under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the defunct Court of Agrarian Relations; and such other agrarian cases, disputes, matters or concerns referred to it by the DAR Secretary.

However, matters involving strictly the administrative implementation of the CARP and agrarian laws and regulations, shall be the exclusive prerogative of and cognizable by the DAR Secretary.

“It has been so long that Sorsogon has no PARAD that’s why, I took this initiative so that the people of Sorsogon may know that there is a DAR Adjudication Board,” Atty. Tolentino said.

The cases that were brought to DARAB were formerly handled by the RARAD (Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator) since the retirement of Atty. Manuel Capellan, the first PARAD of Sorsogon.

Until in April of this present year, new PARADs were appointed to respond the needs of the public. [arbolente, DAR Sorsogon/PIA]

PARAD Tolentino had the office of DARAB blessed


Sorsogon’s DARAB personnel with PARO I & PARO II during the blessing of the office of DARAB. Left to Right: Jose Tarog, Legal Officer; Roseller R. Olayres, PARO II; Atty. Raddy T. Tolentino, PARAD; Felix E. Fruto, OIC PARO I; and Arlie Jamoralin, Sheriff. (LArbolente, DAR Sorsogon/PIA)

PSMED COUNCIL PINULONG NG BAGONG HALAL NA CHAIRMAN

Tagalog News

SORSOGON PROVINCE (August 23) – Naging makabuluhan at matagumpay ang isinagawang pagpupulong ng Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) noong Biyernes, August 20, sa ilalim ng bagong halal na chairman nito.

Sa isinagawang pulong, muling sinariwa sa mga kasapi ng konseho ang profile ng Sorsogon Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council kabilang na ang legal basis nito sa ilalim ng Magna Carta for Small Enterprises at ang pagbubuo ng SMED Council alinsunod na rin sa itinatalaga ng Section 6, Chapter 11 ng Republic Act 6977.

Inilahad din ni Department of Trade and Industry Sorsogon Provincial Director Leah Pagao ang PSMEDC background, vision and mission statement, powers, duties at functions ng PSMEDC at ang komposisyon at papel na ginagampanan ng mga ito.

Sa Sorsogon, napiling chairperson si Zita Hababag ng Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Sorsogon Chapter, alternate chairperson si Ryan Detera, ang vice president ng Pili Producers Association of Sorsogon (PPAS), co-chair si Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee, ex-officio member si Mrs. Mila Duana, Secretariat ang DTI at mga kasapi naman ang Sorsogon Bankers Association, Sorsogon Producers Association, Sorsogon Area Productivity Movement at mga government line agencies na kinabibilangan ng DILG, DOLE, TESDA, PIA, DA-OPA, DOST, DENR-PENRO, Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council.

Tinalakay din ang mga aydentipikadong investment priority areas sa Sorsogon kabilang na ang pagpapaunlad ng Potential Hydro Power Plants, Pinaculan Treasure Island Resort, Sorsogon Business and Leisure Park, Integrated Transport Terminal, Whaleshark Watching and Support Facility, Bulusan Lake resort Development at Pili Production and Processing.

Inihayag din ng kinatawan ni Gov. Lee na on-going na rin ang konstruksyon ng Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Hub na di maglalaon ay magiging one-stop-shop destination din ng mga turistang dadayo sa Sorsogon. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)