PNP Sorsogon celebrates the 18th Police Community Relations Month

SORSOGON CITY, July 3 (PIA) –Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SOR PPO) conducted the kick-off ceremony of this year’s 18th PCR Month on July 1, 2013, during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony in Camp Salvador C. Escudero Sr. with the theme “Serbisyong makatotohanan at Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pambansang Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan.”

The PCR Month is celebrated yearly by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation Number 764, dated January 24, 2005.

Prior to the kick-off ceremony, the SORPPO headed by PSSUPT RAMON S RANARA, (DSC) Officer-In-Charge, sponsored a Sunday Holy Mass held at Post Chapel, Camp Salvador C. Escudero Sr., Sorsogon City on March 30, 2013

During the kick-off, one of the activities conducted was the recognition of the individuals/NGO’s who have contributed and supported the various programs and projects related to Police Community Relations of the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

Among those given recognition were: PSI VIRGIL B BIBAT- Best PCR Officer; PO2 Catherine D Bobier- Best PCR PNCO; PO2 Jelyn E Landeza- Best FJGAD PNCO; Juban Municipal Police Station- Best PCR Police Station; Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of Brgy. Tugos, Sorsogon City; Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of Brgy Tughan, Juban, Sorsogon; Kasanggayahan FM and DZGN FM/DWCB TV 11 for their invaluable support to Sorsogon Police Provincial Office on matters related to Police Community Relations. (NFMarquez, PIO-SPPO/PIA Sorsogon)

Government of Sorsogon recieves its 4th LMPC Award

4rth Plaque of Recognition for Sorsogon

SORSOGON CITY, July 3 (PIA) – Regional Development Council (RDC) recently awarded plaques of recognition to the Local Project Monitoring Committees (LPMCs) of Sorsogon along with Albay and Catanduanes, as well as the cities of Legaspi and Naga during the RDC Full Council Meeting held last month at the area office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA V) for regularly conducting its monitoring activities in support to the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES).

 

Provincial Information Officer of Sorsogon Von Labalan said that the evaluation made was anchored in the CY 2012 quarterly project monitoring reports submitted by the LPMCs. The assessment committee is composed of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and management (DBM), Presidential Management Staff-Office of the president (PMS-OP), and NEDA assisted by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee Secretariat.

“This mark of respect aims to motivate, strengthen and sustain the LPMCs in monitoring development projects, which covers all provincial, city and municipal categories,” he added.

Recognition received by Sorsogon-LGU for the past 4 years.

Looking back, the Provincial Project Monitoring Committee (PPMC) of the Government of Sorsogon, under the leadership of the Governor Raul R. Lee, bagged the award  of the 2011’s Most Outstanding Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC); 2^nd was Naga, while Legaspi City was placed at 3^rd for the annual search steered by the RPMES.

Sorsogon’s PPMC was likewise placed at 3^rd for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010), aside from being cited for regularly conducting its monitoring activities in support to the RPMES.

The Project Monitoring Committee of the Province of Sorsogon was organized through an Executive Order No 4 by then Governor Sally Ante Lee on April 4, 2008, wherein, included as its mandatory members (Section 4.1 of RPMES Operational Manual) are the DILG Provincial Director, Provincial Budget Officer, Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Accountant, Provincial Engineer and two NGO/PO representatives.

Executive Order Number 93 Series of 1993 and DILG Memorandum Circular Number 2004-78 were the basis in the organization of the PPMC.

Under the Provincial Development Council (PDC), the PPMC was organized through a Secretariat which included the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), and Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC).

PPDO Chief Dominador O. Jardin, meanwhile, stated significance to this achievement of the PPMC’s Annual Accomplishment Report for the Province of Sorsogon which consisted of the PPMC Organizational Chart, Work Programme and Highlights of Accomplishments. Likewise, minutes of quarterly meetings, field monitoring validations (which take account of photo documentations), financial/physical accomplishment of capital investment, as well as, social and economic programmes/projects. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/VAELabalan, Sorsogon PIO)

DTI’s RuMEPP sponsors benchmarking cum exposure trip to Albay

Romyr Handicraft examining the Sorsogon-made products.

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, July 1 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry – Sorsogon (DTI-Sorsogon) through its Rural Micro Enterpise Promotion Programme (RuMEPP) has just recently embarked on Benchmarking cum Exposure Trip to Albay.

Said exposure trip ushered in the 33 micro-entrepreneurs from Sta. Magdalena, Bulusan, Sorsogon City and Donsol who joined the said activity with a new look of the current trend in the market, market opportunities and unleashing potentials of Sorsogon’s micro-entrepreneurs.

RuMePP Provincial Officer Merla Caguia said that to maximize gains out of the activity, the participating micro-entrepreneurs brought with them sample products, calling cards and flyers for possible market matching during the activity.

“The first stop was in Bascaran, Daraga, Albay where the micro-entrepreneurs saw the colorful-filled stores along the highway depicting the enterprising spirits and creativity of the Albay entrepreneurs. Different product offerings and ideas from Romyr Handicraft Store and RLM Native Handicrafts widened the horizons of Sorsogon producers. Of note, Romyr Handicraft requested product samples particularly bags, hats and mats from the participating weavers from Sorsogon,” Ms. Caguia narrated.

Another stop was made in Camalig, Albay where The Rains Handicraft can be found. The Rains Handicraft is a manufacturer of handmade gift packaging boxes, trays, boxes, bags and placemats made from abaca and other indigenous materials. A tour in the showroom and working area elicited good practices for the participants to emulate such as quality and fine craftsmanship and organized workspace especially along food processing as the company is likewise engaged in pili nut processing.

The participants lingered next to OK Bikol Showroom located at the ground floor building of the Philippine Social Enterprise Development Center (SEDCEN) at the Gaisano Complex in Legazpi City, where the best of Bicol’s products are showcased.  A look at the various offerings from food to crafts was one way of showing the producers to excel in their crafts and not settle for mediocrity.

Ms. Noemi Villanueva gave brief orientation about SEDCEN and their programs. Despite the Showroom being open to groups or individual micro-entrepreneurs, Ms. Villanueva stressed on quality products and timeliness in delivery. Nevertheless, the terms have yet to be understood and adhered to by a prospective exhibitor.

“While in OKB Showroom, Nesscraft, a manufacturer based in Tabaco, Albay also entertained the producers particularly those coming from Donsol. Bags with nito insert especially caught Ms. Villanueva’s attention. Around five weavers huddled around her when she gave instruction on the specifics of products she is interested in. This sparked a beginning for Donsol micro-entrepreneurs to strike negotiation especially with Legazpi or Albay buyers as the nearest market outlet for their products,” Ms. Caguia further said.

Sorsogon's entrepreneurs at Legazpi City Terminal.

The final drop off point of the producers was at Legazpi City Terminal where the “Pasalubong” Shops are designated. Although the products are almost the same, foods, crafts, novelty and souvenir items, still making contacts with the owners would make sense especially that most of them are into trading. Only few managed to edge their way with the owners and offer products but one micro-entrepreneur generated upfront sales for pili shell bracelets.

Going around the Pasalubong Shops provided an insight on the prevailing prices of products and the importance of going through product development to update the look of the products every now and then.

According to the producers, the trip not just provide them with the idea of how abundant Sorsogon is, but also tickled the creativity they have in them that will help translate the raw materials available in their respective localities into something useful and profitable. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/DTI)

Bicol region kampeon sa 61st National Farm Youth Congress

LUNGSOD NG SORSOGON, Hulyo 2 (PIA) – Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon nasungkit ng rehiyon ng Bicol ang pagiging Over-all Champion sa ginawang 61^st National Farm Youth (4-H) Congress sa Puerto Princesa, Palawan, noong ika-10 hanggang ika-14 ng Hunyo, 2013.

Ayon kay Farm Youth Development Program Coordinator Alicia Madrideo, naging malaki ang partisipasyon ngayong taon ng rehiyong Bicol dahil sa halos lahat ng kompetisyong nilahukan ay pawang nakapasok ang kanilang mga pambato.

"Produktibong Kabataan: Kaagapay sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran", ito ang naging tema ng pagtitipon ngayong taon.

Layunin ng isinagawang aktibidad na mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga kabataan na maipamalas ang kanilang talento sa larangan ng agrikultura kung saan binuksan ito sa mga kabataang may edad 16-30 taon.

Limangdaang (500) kalahok mula sa 16 na rehiyon sa Pilipinas na binubuo ng 4-H members; mga nanalo sa Gawad Saka 2013 Young Farmer & Young Farmer Organization Category; Regional, Provincial at Municipal 4-H Coordanators; volunteer leaders; International Farm Youth Exchange Alumni; mga tauhan ng Agricultural Training Institute; Municipal Agricultural Officers; at mga magulang ng 4-H memebers ang mga lumahok.

Kabilang sa kategoryang pinaglabanan ng mga lumahok ay ang mga sumusunod: para sa minor events ay ang Quiz Bee; Extemporaneous Speaking Contest; singing contest; at modified poster making contest.

Hinati naman ang major contest sa Root-Crops Based Kakanin contest; Livestock and Poultry Packaging and Labelling Contest; Handicraft Making Contest; at Rice- based Product Development. 

Samantala, nanalo naman ang mga delegado ng Rehiyong Bicol sa mga sumusunod: nasungkit ni Edson Manago ng Poblacion 4-H Club ng Basud, Camarines Norte ang 1st place sa Rootcrop-based Kakanin Cooking Contest; 1st place naman sa Extemporaneous Speaking Contest si Carmela Dianne Doma ng Caditaan 4-H Club ng Magallanes, Sorsogon; at 1st place din si Manuel Odi ng Napilihan 4-H Club ng Vinzons Camarines Norte sa Quiz Bee.

Ang iba pang napanalunan ng Bicol region ay ang Livestock and Poultry Processing with Packaging and Labeling (2nd place); Handicraft Making (2nd place); Poster Making (2nd place); Rice Based Product Development (3rd place) at Original Pilipino Music Vocal Solo (6th placer).

Ang Bicol Region ang itinanghal na kampeon na sinundan ng Region 12 bilang First Runner Up habang ang Region 7 naman ang naging Second Runner Up. Nakakuha ang mga nanalo ng gantimpalang cash prize at tropeo. (Wilmark Lagarde/BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Most vulnerable towns in Sorsogon conduct Emergency Simulation Exercise

^{(United Nations Forest Service (UNFS) representative Ms. Marg Olson (left) and Office of the Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) Ms. Susan Quiambao.)}

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SORSOGON CITY, July 1 (PIA) – Even before the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region V is putting its best foot forward initiating activities that would further build up the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) specifically in areas vulnerable to hazards.

Sorsogon PDRRMO Department Head Raden Dimaano said the Simulation Emergency Exercise held in the towns of Juban on June 25-26 and in Irosin on June 27-28, 2013, focused on how the different committees of Municipal DRRM Council of both towns interact in an emergency situation with emphasis specifically on coordination, communication, information management, contingency planning and standard operating procedure.

“LGU emergency Simulation exercise helps concerned entities to prepare for and manage the unexpected, work on the initiatives, and make decisions under pressure with the best information available at the time the disaster strikes,” Mr. Dimaano articulated.

Present during the simulation exercise were representatives from various government agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD), and the Department of Health (DoH), as well as various humanitarian non-government organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations Forest Service (UNFS) representative Ms. Marg Olson.

The scenario simulated was the Bulusan Volcano eruption while on Alert level 2, re-creating a complex humanitarian disaster situation. Those taking part in the simulation have to respond to a stream of information and take appropriate actions as if responding in a real-life situation.

OCD-National Capital Region (NCR) Ms. Susan Quiambao who was also present during the exercise said that the human tragedy caused by eruption of Bulusan Volcano is essential in working together to improve each disaster preparedness and response efforts. “This exercise is an excellent tool to strengthen information flows as well as inter-agency communication and coordination in the Municipalities of Juban and in Irosin,” she added.

“When crisis or disaster strikes in a community the effect upon the people can be dramatic particularly if the onset is sudden. Actions during the first few hours can be crucial. This is the worst possible moment to discover that plans are flawed and key personnel do not know what to do. Whilst planning and preparedness are important, testing is arguably the most vital component of Local Government Unit thus how many per cent of our government test their continuity plans,” she explained.

The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Given this condition, World Food Program strongly supports the Philippine government’s pro-active approach focusing on preparedness which is essential to the reduction and mitigation of disaster risks.

According to former Juban Mayor Jimmy Fragata, lessons learned from this simulation exercise will help improve the Local Government’s emergency response and preparedness capacities.

                              

The simulation exercise is part of the larger World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Disaster Preparedness and Response Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA). (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/SLariosa, PDRRMO)

PHOTOS: 55th sea turtle captured in Castilla

Another sea turtle was turned over on June 26, 2013 by the personnel of 903^rd Infantry Brigade (IB), Philippine Army led by 903^rd IB Civil Military Operations Officer Capt Arnel Sabas (left being interviewed). Said sea creature weighs 78 kilos, 98 cm long and has a width of 78 cm. Capt Sabas said this is the 55^th sea turtle that was captured in the waters of Brgy. Quirapi, Castilla, Sorsogon by the Bantay Dagat Team under the leadership of Mr. Eugene Guillam 8:00 a.m, of the same date. It was turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for proper disposition. Sea turtles are among the species considered by as endangered and once captured must be turned over to the LGU officials or to DENR or BFAR. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/PA)

Loading the largest sea turtle in a car which was captured off waters of Castilla for turn-over to BFAR Sorsogon.

The 903^rd IB personnel with the Bantay Dagat Team and the DENR Sorsogon Staff.

Aktibidad para sa National Disaster Consciousness Month umpisa na ngayon

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

LUNGSOD NG SORSOGON, Hulyo 1 (PIA) – Opisyal nang binuksan kaninang umaga ang obserbasyon ng National Disaster Consciousness Month ngayong buwan ng Hulyo sa pamamagitan ng isang banal na misa at motorcade sa kahabaan ng pangunahing lansangan ng Sorsogon.

Ang pambungad na aktibidad ay dinaluhan ng mga hepe at empleyado ng provincial Government, kasapi ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), State College at National Line Agencies (NGAs).

Tema ng National Disaster Consciousness Month ngayong taon ang “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”.

Ayon kay PDRRMO Department Head Raden Dimaano, ilang mga aktibidad ang nakatakdang isagawa nila at ng iba pang mga local DRRMCs ngayong buwan ng Hulyo alinsunod sa implementasyon ng RA 10121, at iba pang mga kaganapan kaugnay ng Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) at ng DRRM.

Bukas ay nakatakdang magsagawa ng DRR-CCA Consultation kung saan dadaluhan ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment, Chamber of Commerce at Bankers Association.

Kaugnay ng pag-upo ng mga bagong alkalde sa ilang mga bayan sa Sorsogon, magsasagawa din ang PDRRMC ng serye ng courtesy call sa mga ito.

Sa Hulyo 6, 13, 20 at 27, 2013, magkakaroon din ng Film Showing tuwing alas syete ng gabi sa Sorsogon City Park, habang sa Hulyo 9, 11, 16, at 18, 2013 ay gagawin naman ang DRR-CCA Symposium sa mga malalaking paaralan sa lungsod.

Nakatakdang ding mamahagi ng Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials ang mga component Local Government Units (LGUs) at magsagawa ng Earthquake Drill Simulation sa City Hall.

May ilan ding mga briefing at orientation seminar na gagawin kaugnay ng Automated Weather Station (AWS), Automated Rain Gauge (ARG) at DRR Preparedness and Response sa mga GOCC, NGA, business establishment at iba pang institusyon.

Sa pagtatapos ng National Disaster Consciousness Month, isang Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Demonstration ang ipapakita sa publiko na gaganapin sa Sorsogon Bay. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

Bagong halal na opisyal ng lungsod at lalawigan ng Sorsogon pormal nang nanumpa

Isang misa ang ginanap bago ang pormal na oath-taking ng mga halal na opsiyal.

Ni: Bennie A. Recebido

LUNGSOD NG SORSOGON, Hulyo 1 (PIA) – Dinagsa ng mga Sorsoganon mula sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng lalawigan ang ginawang oath-taking ceremony ng mga bagong halal na opisyal ng lungsod at ng probinsya ng Sorsogon kahapon sa Provincial Gymnasium.

Unang nanumpa ang mga kasapi ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na sinundan ni Bise Gobernador Antonio Escudero at Gobernador Raul R. Lee. Si Judge Rofebar Gerona ang nangasiwa sa pagpapasumpa sa nasabing mga opisyal.

Dalawa sa mga nahalal na Board Member ang hindi dumalo sa nasabing oath-taking kung saan nauna na itong nanumpa sa pwesto.

Sinundan naman ito ng pagpapasumpa ni Judge Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes ng mga nanalong opisyal ng lungsod ng Sorsogon mula sa mga bagong halal na konsehal at bagong alkalde na si Sorsogon City Mayor Sally A. Lee.

Hindi rin dumalo sa nabanggit na oath-taking ang bagong halal na Bise Alkalde ng lungsod at ang lima pang nga bagong halal na City Councilor – isa mula sa West District, isa mula sa East District at tatlo mula sa Bacon District.

Sa naging inaugural address ni City Mayor Sally A. Lee, sinabi nitong magiging katuwang ng lungsod ang lalawigan ng Sorsogon upang makamit ang mga layuning nakapaloob sa HEARTS Program o ang programang Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Rural Development, Tourism and Shelter na kapwa nila isinusulong ni Governor Lee.

Aniya, wawalisin nya ang mga aktibidad na hindi makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng lungsod. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang illegal fishing, illegal logging, sabong, droga, ilegal na transaksyon sa loob ng mga tanggapan sa lungsod at bibigyang solusyon din niya ang suliranin sa trapiko, pinakatuwang niya umano sa pagsugpo sa mga ilegalidad ang Philippine National Police.

Sinabi din ni Mayor Lee na ibabalik nya ang nasimulan na niyang programa kaugnay ng pagsusulong ng Character City, at magsasagawa din sya ng lingguhang ulat sa mga tao kung ano ang nagawa ng pamahalaang lungsod.

Dagdag din niya na humingi na sya ng tulong sa mga national agencies, non-government organization, at ilang development-oriented person upang magbigay ng payo at gabayan siya upang mas mapalago pa ang ekonomiya ng lungsod.

Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang mensahe, binigyang hamon niya ang mga taga-lungsod na makipagtulungan sa kanya upang gawing model city ang lungsod ng Sorsogon. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

JULY IS NATIONAL DISASTER CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH

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