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EAM Jaishankar discusses security, maritime cooperation with his Philippine counterpart in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Manila, held a 'warm and productive' meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo on Tuesday and discussed wide-ranging issues of security and maritime cooperation. During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on global, regional, and multilateral issues, including Indo-Pacific, ASEAN,.....»»
LCPO gets an acting city director
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) has a new acting city director following the promotion and transfer of Police Colonel Elmer Lim to another region. This was confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson for the LCPO. Torres stated that Police Colonel Noel Flores, the current Deputy Regional Director for.....»»
Philippines, Japan, US foreign officials prepare for tri-summit
As the Philippines prepares for a trilateral summit with Japan and the US on April 11, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met on Thursday in Tokyo with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to discuss regional security issues and economic cooperation......»»
OFW aspirants told: Engage with licensed recruitment agencies only
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage with only legitimate and licensed recruitment agencies. Lawyer Karl Arriola, DMW-7 director, told CDN Digital that even if he was a lawyer, he still subscribed to the doctors’ advice: Prevention.....»»
No sanctions for teacher scolding pupils — VP Sara
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sara Duterte announced on Thursday that the teacher who was seen in a viral video scolding her class will not face any penalties. According to Duterte, she just wants to remind the teacher that when she is angry, she has to pause.....»»
Albay eyes 100 percent RE shift by 2030
The province of Albay in the Bicol Region said it plans to shift to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 to address power outages during extreme weather events......»»
Statement | For exposing NTF-ELCAC’s lies, Bicol journo red-tagged anew
Bulatlat condemns the latest red-tagging of Albay-based journalist Reynard Magtoto who wrote an in-depth report about the lies and deceptive activities of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the region. The post Statement | For exposing NTF-ELCAC’s lies, Bicol journo red-tagged anew appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Lagman says public funds being used for Cha-cha drive
MANILA, Philippines — Albay 2nd District Representative Edcel Lagman alleges that funds from the public coffers are being utilized to advocate for charter change (Cha-cha). However, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co maintains that Lagman is specifically referring to a budget allocated for the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In a statement on Tuesday, Lagman again.....»»
DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots
Albay — The Department of Tourism on Monday maintained that the Philippine Experience Program, which brings hundreds of delegates to various tourist attractions in the country, is its way to make local government units, especially those with underdeveloped tourist spots, to be at par with other known local destinations. During her speech in Albay for the third leg of the DoT’s Philippine Experience Program on Sunday night, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program is in line with Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to bring countryside development through tourism. “Recognizing how strong as a social economic tool tourism can be given the right tool to succeed in making the countryside grow, PEP gives opportunities to local government units, provinces, cities and municipalities all over the Philippines to be equally developed and promoted,” she said. The program seeks to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, “not only our natural resources, our stunning landscapes, our beautiful coastlines, our majestic mountainscapes, but also, our heart and soul as Filipinos.” Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman expressed support for the Philippine Experience Program and its swing through Bicol. “Parading the call to experience Bicol, a tapestry of history, tradition, and arts, this program embodies the essence of what makes a region unique and exceptional. Albay, with its enchanting landscape, rich cultural heritage and untapped potential plays a pivotal role in the national tourism industry,” Lagman said. In a video message, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman also expressed his confidence that the visit from the DOT chief will “inspire” the tourism industry in Albay. “Thank you for your visit, Secretary Frasco, and we are certain that your visit will be both memorable and productive,” the congressman said. The third leg of the Philippine Experience Program started with the official opening of the Kasanggayahan Festival in the Provincial Capitol of Sorsogon, followed by a visit to the pristine sceneries of Bulusan and Barcelona Ruins in Sorsogon. On Day 2, delegates of the Philippine Experience Program Bicol on Monday revved up for an adrenaline-fueled all-terrain vehicle adventure in Legazpi City, the booming capital of Albay dubbed as the "City of Fun and Adventure," followed by a visit to Daraga Church or the Nuestra Señora dela Porteria, then a visit to the famous Cagsawa Ruins and Sumlang Lake in Camalig. The Philippine Experience Program highlights the Filipino brand and identity in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience, focused on heritage, culture and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings with thematic experiences on Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Festivals, Living Cultures and Heritage, and the Arts. It also aims to link key destinations to lesser-known destinations, as well as expand the country’s tourism portfolio, which includes sun and beach offerings, nature-based tourism, diving, food, education, health, MICE and farm tourism. The post DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec logs over 120K candidates for BSKE in Bicol
By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY – The Commission on Elections-5 (Bicol) reported on Monday that more than 120,000 individuals have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. In an interview, Comelec-Albay Election Supervisor Ma. Aurea Bo-Bunao said the COCs filed will be subjected […].....»»
PNP logs suspected election-related incidents
The Philippine National Police on Tuesday announced that it has already logged eight suspected election-related incidents ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that the cases — including shootings and stabbings — were recorded in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccskargen. She added that the incidents will be validated within 10 days by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council using its parameters to determine if these can be considered as ERIs. “First, we have to determine whether the victim or the suspect is an incumbent official running in the BSKE. We also check whether these are Commission on Elections officers or family members of candidates or identified political supporters of a candidate. Another thing is we would check if these would affect the electoral process,” Fajardo said. “In the past, there were incidents that qualified as ERI because these happened during the election period. Another parameter is if the incident may somehow create a form of political tension that may eventually affect the electoral proceedings,” she added. Fajardo disclosed that out of the eight incidents, one has been validated which happened in Libon, Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his house during the first day filing of Certificate of Candidacy last 28 August 2023. Meanwhile, police are looking into another incident where a candidate was allegedly prevented from filing his CoC in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. “We have to understand this area under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. There are special geographic areas we also have to monitor the presence of some threat groups. These are some of the factors we are seriously considering studying to make sure that the deployment we are going to make is right,” Fajardo said. The post PNP logs suspected election-related incidents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ode to creativity
Set to be the most monumental iteration yet, the 6th Albay Multimedia Arts Convention this year will be held on 2 and 3 September at Ayala Malls Legazpi, a venue celebrated for its unwavering support of the creative community. What began as a modest gathering with a few dozen attendees in 2016 has seen exponential growth year after year. From hundreds to thousands and now tens of thousands of attendees, the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention has established itself as the largest event celebrating creativity in South Luzon. This year’s theme, “Palette of Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity in the Creative Industry”, not only underscores the rich tapestry of artistic talent within the region but also emphasizes the integral role that diversity plays in the broader creative landscape. As the convention continues to grow, so does its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all artists and creators. One of the convention’s primary missions is the continuous organization of community events aimed at honing the skills of aspiring artists. These events serve as a foundation, ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to be competitive in the ever-evolving creative industry, whether their passion lies in art, design, or any other creative discipline. The significant contributions of the Bicol Region’s creative community, particularly through events like the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention, have been pivotal in the recent adoption of the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act. This newly enacted law recognizes and promotes the immense potential of the creative sector within the Philippines, with the Bicol Region standing as a testament to the nation’s artistic prowess. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the event’s sponsors and partner communities, all of whom have played an instrumental role in the convention’s growth and success over the years. The post Ode to creativity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Task force formed on Albay village chief slay
LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Police in Bicol Region disclosed that it has created a special investigation task group to probe the killing of a barangay official in Libon town last Monday. The PNP — through its Albay Provincial Police Office — said that the task force is set to dig deeper on the death of San Jose Barangay Captain Alex Enriquez Repato after filing his certificate of candidacy. APPO spokesperson Capt. Kharren Formales said that the “SITG Repato” has already conducted two meetings and that the investigation is already ongoing, adding that closed-circuit television footage of the incident is now being included in the investigation. “Based on the CCTV footage, two persons were seen riding a motorcycle which matches the testimony of the witness who was with barangay captain Repato before the incident,” Formales said. She added that a continuous probe is being conducted to establish the identity of the suspects. “We are still looking for possible witnesses who can point out who those people are. We are not ruling out that those two people may not be the only ones behind the shooting of barangay Captain Repato,” Formales said. She also stressed that the creation of SITG Repato was in line with the directive of Police Regional Office-Bicol director Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators. “The SITG Repato is under the supervision of the deputy regional director for operation Col. Jesus A. Rebua and the lead and chairman is our provincial director Col. Fernando Cunanan Jr.,” she said. Formales added that Albay PPO, PRO-5 and other units are helping in the investigation by pursuing leads and gathering testimonies from possible witnesses who might shed light on the killing. “PNP-PRO5 strongly condemns the heinous incident. The attack against an innocent individual who only wants to serve the public is unacceptable and despicable. Through the coordination of the relevant agencies and the dedication of the partners in the law, it is expected that the circumstances will be clarified and justice will be achieved for the victims of this violence,” the PRO-5 said in a statement. The post Task force formed on Albay village chief slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What beckons on the other side of Mayon?
It begins soon as one lands on Albay Airport and gets a glimpse of Mayon Volcano, which keeps watch like a minaret on the long and winding road to Misibis Bay. The peak momentarily fades into an undulating terrain and gradually pans out to an estate perched on some desert island, acquainting one to Albay’s other wonder. Misibis Bay Resort conjures up at once a rewarding sense of discovery. The elaborate house of cards is a stark contrast to its rustic environs, the only extravagance in this side of the planet that, had not been for it, wouldn’t have ever existed. Luxury home décor from big brands like Dior and Hermès deck the horizontal resort’s high-ceiling grand lobby and the rooms that come alive either with the view of the garden, the pool or the sunset over the water. Misibis Bay Resort is quickly becoming a popular luxury wedding destination. Standing on a hilltop draped with the postcard-perfect Albay Gulf and Mayon Volcano is the Stella Maris Chapel, witness to many “I dos.” The resort has created several wedding packages for every requirement. Soon to rise within the resort is a new all-glass chapel. Misibis Bay’s all-day dining outlet Spice Market is where Asian dishes become elevated, accented with native and locally’griwn ingredients from Bicol. One can laze on in sweet life with a drink or three at Sula Bar. Satisfy your lust for adventure with a list that will keep your sea legs busy throughout the day including windsurfing and kayaking, as well as snorkeling for those who want to commune with giant clams. A jet ski package gives guests a chance to drive the limited-edition 1800cc Yamaha WaveRunner (only five units were released in the country in March. Two are in Misibis Bay), equipped with speakers on full blast. Cap the thrilling day in a sanctuary for unwinding and recreation. The Essenses Spa combines massage techniques with the ancient Filipino traditional art of healing, hilot, kneading your muscles with a first-class line of oils from Europe until you doze off in luxury. The post What beckons on the other side of Mayon? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solons hail benefits of new agrarian law
The newly enacted Republic Act 11953 or New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 7 July, will not only liberate thousands of farmers from long-standing debts but is also expected to boost rice production in the country. Thus said Speaker Martin Romualdez, one of the principal authors of the House version of the legislation, who has high hopes the new law will significantly contribute to the country’s rice sufficiency. “Now that our farmers will soon be free of debt, I hope they will be able to increase their production to at least 100 50-kilo bags per hectare, from the present 60 to 70 cavans. But, of course, the government will have to help along the way,” Romualdez said yesterday. The enactment of the law, he said, also grants farmers additional resources to spend on essential needs such as food, education, shelter, wellness, and other family expenses that they would have had to skip otherwise due to the high cost of living that coincided with their unpaid debt. RA 11953 wrote off “all principal loans, unpaid amortization, and interest” of 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries totaling P57 billion from the time of the President’s father, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Farmers who were granted land under Presidential Decree 27, signed by Marcos Sr. in October 1972, were the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. Marcos Jr. earlier thanked the 19th Congress for expediting the legislation’s passage, which several administrations had failed to accomplish. With the enactment of the law freeing farmers from debt, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, among the principal authors of the law, believes that it would likewise pave the way for the estate tax amnesty exemption for agrarian reform beneficiaries who transferred agrarian land to their heirs. “Good policy does not only seek to correct the mistakes of the past,” Salceda said, citing “the imposition of heavy debts and the tying up of agrarian land” as the key issues addressed by the newly enacted law. He added: “One of the reasons productivity from agrarian lands has stagnated is because they cannot be transferred to the younger generation of farmers, because of debts and attached liens, and the estate tax.” Agri boost Echoing Romualdez, Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez said the law would help improve the plight of the farmers, give a needed boost to the agriculture industry and ensure food security for the country. Gomez was also a proponent of the law. He said: “This gives hope to our farmers that soon, they will be the rightful owners of the land they have been tilling for decades, and that they would no longer be bound to serve and kowtow to the demands of wealthy landowners.” Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co also believes the New Agrarian Emancipation Act would give farmers a fresh start and the opportunity to improve their livelihood. “It is a positive move from the government to support and uplift our agricultural sector,” the chairman of the House appropriations panel added. The New Agrarian Emancipation Act is among the 33 measures the House has approved out of the 42 priority measures of the Marcos administration identified through the Legislative-Executive Advisory Council or LEDAC. The post Solons hail benefits of new agrarian law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon unrest continues: volcanic quakes, rockfall incidents recorded
Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to experience elevated seismic activity a month after being placed under Alert Level 3 due to significant unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said in its latest report on Sunday that Mayon experienced 26 volcanic earthquakes and 303 instances of rockfall within the past 24 hours PHIVOLCS added that the volcano had encountered three dome collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and one lava front collapse PDC. Additionally, there has been a "very slow" lava flow with a length of 2.8 kilometers along Mi-isi Gully and 1.3 kilometers along Bonga Gully. The lava flows in Basud Gully have also maintained their respective lengths of 3.3 kilometers and 4 kilometers. PHIVOLCS also noted an increase in the volcano's daily sulfur dioxide emissions from 792 tons on 8 July to 1,145 tons the next day. The emissions produced plumes that reached a height of 1,000 meters and drifted toward the west-southwest. The residents were alerted to the potential occurrence of rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows, and moderate-sized explosions, among other hazards, due to Mayon's unrest. With that, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that approximately 50 families still living within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano were relocated due to ongoing unrest. The DSWD's Bicol field office's Disaster Response Management Division discovered the families in Barangay Anoling, known for being geographically isolated within Camalig town in Albay. The DSWD added that the evacuated families would be provided temporary shelter at Baligang Elementary School. The forced evacuation was carried out in collaboration with the Camalig Municipal Police Station, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and Municipal Disaster Response and Management Office of the local government unit in Camalig. The post Mayon unrest continues: volcanic quakes, rockfall incidents recorded appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon’s lava front collapses
The ongoing restiveness of Mayon Volcano has led to another collapse of its lava front and longer pyroclastic density current flows that produced a “light brown” plume on Monday. In its latest bulletin in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had monitored two pyroclastic density currents or PDC that lasted two minutes. The two lava front collapses resulted in the formation of a 200-meter-high light brown plume. Mayon also exhibited 295 rockfall events and three volcanic earthquakes while it continued moderate degassing from the summit crater producing steam-laden plumes at 500 meters tall before drifting to the west and west-northwest direction. The volcano has emitted sulfur dioxide at an average of 962 tons daily since 2 July. Phivolcs said Alert Level 3 is maintained at Mayon due to the presence of magma in the crater with the possibility of a “hazardous eruption within weeks or even days.” The six-kilometer permanent danger zone remained off-limits to the public due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Phivolcs also advised communities to exercise increased vigilance against PDCs, lahar, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden stream flows. Flying close to the volcano is not allowed as ash from a sudden eruption may pose a hazard to aircraft. Phivolcs warned that communities on the southern side of the volcano may most likely experience ash fall events based on the current wind pattern. Continuing gov’t assistance Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said it has provided around P131.2 million worth of government assistance to residents in the Bicol region affected by the continued restiveness of Mayon. The number of families affected was placed at 11,045 or equivalent to 42,815 persons residing in 26 barangays. Of the number, 5,775 families or 20,134 individuals are currently staying in 28 activated evacuation centers across Albay, while 408 families or 1,427 persons are being aided by either their relatives or friends. Mandatory evac center Amid the ongoing Mayon unrest, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide so that people would be better served during disasters and emergencies. Go lamented the lack of adequate facilities during times of crisis, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires. The post Mayon’s lava front collapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rockfall events continue
The Mayon Volcano in Albay province continues its seismic activities with a total of 372 rockfall events and seven 3-minute dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Wednesday. In its volcanic bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano maintained its very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater logging collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies. The lava flows expanded to approximate lengths of 1,600) meters and 1,200 meters along Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively. While the collapse debris has deposited to 3,300 meters from the crater. Mayon also continues a moderate degassing from the summit crater producing 800 meters of steam-laden plumes drifting in a west-northwest direction. The sulfur dioxide emission logged an average of 964 tons per day with only one volcanic earthquake occurring as of 27 June. Phivolcs warned that heavy rainfall could generate channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where PDC deposits were emplaced. Entering the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone and flying near the volcano summit is strictly prohibited. Mayon is maintained at Alert Level 3 category which means it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is seen at the crater. Hence, hazardous or major eruption within weeks or even days remains possible. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the government has so far provided P105,337,234 worth of assistance to communities affected by the continuing Mayon unrest. The NDRRMC said some 144 land and air logistics assets were deployed to transport “humanitarian cargoes” in Albay province, provided by the Office of Civil Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines World Food Programme, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Some 10,642 families equivalent to 41,483 persons residing in 26 barangays in the Bicol region are still dwelling with the impact of Mayon’s restiveness. Some 5,354 families or 18,706 individuals are currently sheltered in 28 activated evacuation centers while some 408 families or 1,428 persons are being aided out of the evacuation centers. The post Rockfall events continue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Video of tourism slogan just a primer — Frasco
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco on Wednesday clarified that the video that was unveiled on Tuesday, coinciding with the launch of its new campaign "Love the Philippines", is just a primer and may be developed in the coming days or weeks. Frasco’s clarification was amid the disappointment of Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Sarte Salceda for not including on the said video the majestic Mayon Volcano, the natural wonder representing his province, Albay. Salceda, in a statement on Wednesday, aired his displeasure to her friend Frasco for seemingly forgetting Mayon Volcano on the video of the tourism campaign. “I remain disappointed in my friend, Secretary Frasco, for the exclusion of Mayon Volcano in the new official tourism video of the Philippines. I am more disappointed in the response that I should not bring this issue up because, anyway, Mayon is included in the 50 major volcanoes and mountains represented (by a pixel!) in the official tourism logo and slogan,” the lawmaker said. Frasco was quick to answer, saying she recognizes their ties as allies and family friends for many years, extolling Salceda being a staunch ally for Philippine Tourism, “especially with his successes as the governor of Albay and we certainly honor and recognize the contributions of the province to the tourism portfolio of the country.” “The tourism video that has just been released by the Department of Tourism is only the beginning; for indeed, there is just so much to love about our country. So, I assure Congressman Joey Salceda that our effort to promote equally our destinations in the country will continue,” Frasco said. “This is just the beginning to give the world a flavor and a taste of the Philippines,” she added. Further, the Tourism secretary maintained that the Department is holding the "Philippine Experience: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravan" in the Bicol Region, adding, “It would have been this July but given the circumstances in the region at the moment, tentatively it has been set for August and our regional offices have been in coordination with our local government units there.” The hurt Salceda said in his statement that he expressed his frustration because tourism is disproportionately more crucial in Albay, and Bicol at large. “This is how thousands of Albayano families make a living. It would not have cost much to include just a scene of Mayon, but it would have meant the world to Albay families relying on tourism for their bread and butter,” he said. Moreover, the lawmaker stressed that Albay has the only international airport in South Luzon—Bicol International Airport, which the government calls "the most scenic international gateway in the country." He said per capita, Albay is one of the country's most important tourist destinations, while pre-pandemic, it attracted 1.32 tourists per resident, while the top region, Central Visayas, attracts just 1.17, and the national average is 0.55. “Bicol's economy depends heavily on tourism, more so than the rest of the country. Last year, accommodation and food service (the most direct sector affected by tourism) was 1.93% of total regional GDP, while the national average was 1.80 percent,” he said. “Just to demonstrate how affirmative support from the national government can be a game-changer for tourism: When I was governor of Albay, we increased foreign tourist arrivals from 8,700 in 2006 to 374,000 in 2015. Total tourist arrivals swelled from 123,000 to 1.4 million over the same period,” Salceda underlined. On the other hand, he said, “Mayon deserves better than a pixel in the logo where you need strained eyes to see it. Mayon has been a national symbol and a national treasure (one of only three UNESCO-declared biosphere reserves in the country).” Watch the video here: The post Video of tourism slogan just a primer — Frasco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest
Sen. Bong Go went to Albay on Thursday, 22 June to provide support to evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s unrest, aid indigents, and conduct an inspection of the Super Health Center in Tabaco City. Emphasizing the significance of investing in local health facilities, Go underscored the role of Super Health Centers in enhancing the accessibility of vital healthcare services for the local residents. “Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan ng mga buntis na pumunta ng ospital, pwede na po diyan ‘yung mga primary care,” he underscored. The Super Health Center that Go inspected is located in the National Housing Authority resettlement area in Brgy. San Vicente. The housing project was part of the Duterte administration’s efforts to provide housing for Typhoon Rolly victims in 2020. The project was approved in 2021 and started construction in 2022. There are 2361 housing units, built on a 20 hectare LGU property. This strategic location for the Super Health Center was made to provide essential medical services to recovering typhoon victims and their community. It will benefit the more than 2000 housing beneficiaries residing in the area. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Aside from Tabaco City, the DOH has identified the cities of Legazpi and Ligao; and the town of Camalig, Malilipot, and Pio Duran as locations for the Super Health Centers in Albay. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Go also took the lead in organizing a relief operation at the Barangay San Antonio covered court in the city. The operation assisted 151 evacuees and 250 indigent residents. Go personally oversaw the distribution of essential aid from his office such as grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Select individuals were also given additional items, including shirts, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to all qualified beneficiaries. More indigents will also be provided aid in the coming days through the initiative of the Office of Sen. Go, the LGU, and DSWD. Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with medical concerns as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. Currently, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo na mabayaran ang inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, to help boost development in Albay and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui. On the same day, Go likewise extended his assistance to evacuees in the town of Malilipot. Amid the continued state of unrest of the Mayon Volcano, Go reiterated his call for the passage of his proposed measures that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), as well as mandatory evacuation centers throughout the country. Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which will establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure more swift and effective response to emergencies. “It should be a cabinet-level dahil tuwing mayro'ng sakuna, dapat may point person talaga with clear authority and mandate,” added Go. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR. "Nabanggit nga kanina, paano natin pagbabawalan doon ‘eh coordination lang naman tayo, hindi ho ba? So kailangan po ng mas malakas na kapangyarihan ang Office of Civil Defense, maaaring maging departamento o authority; but it needs legislation," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a recent interview when asked about evacuation efforts in permanent danger zones near active volcanoes. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," the OCD chief said. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his proposed SBN 193 which seeks to mandate the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. “Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hindi rin maaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing ginagamit na pansamantalang tuluyan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mas madali ring makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan kung protektado at komportable sila sa mga dedicated evacuation centers lalo na sa Albay at sa mga malalapit sa aktibong bulkan, pati na rin sa coastlines o ibang danger zones kapag may bagyo o iba pang kalamidad na dumarating,” he said. “Hindi man natin masasabi kung kailan darating ang sakuna, mas mabuti nang laging handa tayo,” he ended. The post Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»