DENR-7 organizes reg’l anti-illegal logging task forces

By: Hazel F. Gloria

Cebu City, March 15 (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas met with the officials of the Philippine National Police-7, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command, National Bureau of Investigation-7, Naval Forces Central, and the Philippine Coastal Guard for an organizational meeting for the creation of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (RAITF).

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo  Dichoso said the move is in response to EO-23 which orders the body to establish closer ties with local government units (LGUs) in the  crusade against illegal logging.

“To underscore the role of the LGUs in the implementation of EO 23, DENR passed a resolution that called on the creation of local task forces in all the regions of the country, except in the National Capital Region (NCR),” Dichoso said.  

Resolution No. 2011-003 mandates that all concerned municipal/city mayors, though their respective barangay captains are to conduct upland monitoring to ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destructions take place within their jurisdictions.

It also designates the Regional Task Forces (RTF) to act on reports by local executives, through their provincial governors or the regional directors of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG incidents of forests destruction especially kaingin and illegal logging activities.

Dichoso reminded local officials to be very vigilant in taking heed of the resolution’s injunction on reporting all forms of destructive activities inside the forest as the resolution imposes a sanction of preventive suspension with the possibility of facing appropriate charges to be filed by no less than DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who is also a member of the five-man NAILTF created by virtue of EO 23.

Under the resolution, the RTFs are to be created in all administrative regions, except the NCR, to be chaired by the concerned DENR Regional Executive Director with the DILG regional director as vice chair, and the PNP Regional Director and concerned Brigade Commanders of the AFP as members.

Tasked  to be responsible for the overall implementation of (EO 23) in their respective areas of jurisdiction and shall directly report to the (NAILTF) the RTFs can call upon the support of all government agencies including the PNP and AFP Environmental Desks which are created under the PNP Regional Directorate and the AFP Brigade Commanders, respectively.

Said environmental desks are to coordinate the provision of police and military support to all anti-illegal logging operations of the NAILTF and the RTFs.

To further give more teeth to Resolution 2011-003, Dichoso bared that the body also passed Resolution 2011-04 detailing a wide range of undertakings the body are to take which include the conduct of periodic aerial surveillance and acquisition of aerial photos to be provided by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

 Particularly those of photos of critical areas and hotspots identified by the DENR and the conduct of massive consultations and trainings with upland people’s organizations on the development of social fences around natural and residual forests nationwide, Dichoso added.

Dichoso further said a Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force will also be created in the provinces of Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to complement the efforts of the regional task force in the apprehension and confiscation of undocumented forest products and other related activities. 

The functions and activities of the Cebu provincial task force will be absorbed by the regional task force.

“We will be conducting an orientation or briefing on confiscation and apprehension procedures on March 31 to all members of the regional task force to thresh out certain issues and concerns, define or delineate specific roles and responsibilities and prepare actions plans, Dichoso explained.

“We need other law enforcement agencies like NBI and PCG in pursuing our mandate to take the lead in the anti-illegal logging campaign and ensure the implementation of EO 23,” Dichoso concluded. (PIA-7/Hazel Gloria with data from DENR-7)

NGO in Cebu supports government's national greening program

Cebu, March 15 (PIA) -- An NGO in Cebu, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) supportsthe government’s National Greening Program under Executive Order (EO)-26 recently issued by President Benigno Aquino III. 

EO-26 encourages private sectors and civil society  to participate in the National Greening Program that aims to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares of lands of public domain for six years from 2011 to 2016. 

RAFI Integrated Development Unit executive director Rowena Alensonorin said, RAFI heeds this call by committing its 'GREENIN Philippines Program' to complement the greening efforts of the national government.

Alensonorin explained that RAFI's GREENIN Philippines Program, stands for GenerationREdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program.

 It seeks to develop, protect, enhance and co-manage denuded forestlands, brush lands and degraded residual natural forests by planting native tree species. 

It is implemented through collaboration with partners who share the vision of rehabilitating the environment using native trees.

In the next five years, forest patches shall have been created all over the Philippines through partnership undertakings. 

“At RAFI we go beyond tree-planting, we develop real forests. To do this, we broaden partnerships with the public and private sectors,” Alensonorin said.

At present, 16 companies and organizations have partnered with RAFI to pursue the program’s goal and objectives.

RAFI is promoting and advocating the use of native tree species in its forest development efforts as these species make the forest ecosystem better. 

The RAFI Native Tree Nursery and satellite nurseries are established and maintained as support mechanism of the program, Alensonorin said.

Cebu Province is the pilot area of the GREENIN Philippines Program and it shall be gradually implemented in the various regions of the country.

This is to ensure that the program will be properly managed and implemented while building up relevant lessons and best practices from those who have implemented the program ahead. 

“For Cebu, the program targets to plant five million native trees within five years in 2,900 hectares in the public domain,” Alensonorin added. (PIA-7/Minerva BC Newman & reports from RAFI)

OCD-7 negates text reports on radiation leak to hit PHL

Cebu City (14 March) - Officials of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) - 7 based in Cebu urgently called a press conference this mid-afternoon to negate text reports circulating around that radiation leaks from a nuclear reactor in Japan may hit the country at 4:00 p.m.

“It is plain misinformation and is causing undue panic among the public,” according to Neil Sanchez of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) -7 and the Cebu provincial chair of the RDRRMC-7.

Sanchez said that some local government units and even hotel security officers are asking whether such reports are true expressing worry for their families and relatives.

“First and foremost, we have to be vigilant in releasing information which is not based on official statements as this is causing real panic among the people,” Sanchez told media reporters.

“I appeal to our media friends to help us assure the public that there is no immediate threat as far as the radiation leak is concerned,” Sanchez said.

The OCD-7 official added that the Philippine National Research Institute (PNRI) is constantly in contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency to find out the latest developments regarding the nuclear reactor leak in Japan. “The PNRI regularly keeps contact every six hours with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the latest development,” Sanchez revealed.

Sanchez also disclosed that every four hours, the Department of Health (DOH) is regularly monitoring the air for any possible level of radiation.

Texts that the radiation leak from Japan may hit the country by 4:00 p.m. started circulating by noontime in Cebu causing undue worry and concern as National Statistics Officer-7 Information Officer Noel Rafols expressed worry over his children in school.

“I am really worried about this text report. If this is true, I want to go home and pick up my children from school,” Rafols bared.

Sanchez said only the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council can issue official statements regarding the issue as any other information not from the official source is considered a hoax. (PIA-Cebu/Fayette C. Riñen)

No suspension of classes amid nuclear leak text scare, Dep Ed-7 says

 Cebu City (14 March) - There is no suspension of classes, the Department of Education (Dep Ed) -7 stressed amid the text reports circulating around that the radiation leak from anuclear reactor in Japan may hit the Philippines this afternoon.

Victor Yntig of Dep Ed-7 issued the statement during an urgent press conference this afternoon called by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) - 7 to clear the issue on the text reports which is causing near panic among the public.

“We would like to appeal to all parents not to immediately believe such text messages as some might be heavily affected to the point of not sending their children to school due to fear,” according to Yntig. Yntig is the disaster action officer and represents Dep Ed in the RDRRMC-7.

Yntig also said that he has been instructed by Dep Ed Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia to inform the people on the field that there is no threat relative to the nuclear leak scare.

“Our advice from Central Office is that the text is also false as we appeal to parents to disregard such information,” Yntig disclosed.

Part of the text stated that one must remain indoors for the first 24 hours and swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid area is, as the thyroid gland will be the most vulnerable to radiation effects. (PIA-Cebu/Fayette C. Riñen)

Senate approves PHL-Japan technical cooperation

Manila, March 15 (PIA) -- The Senate today approved on 3rd reading Philippine-Japan Agreement on Technical Cooperation (ATC).

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations explained that PHL-Japan technical cooperation include training programs in Japan;  the dispatch of technical cooperation experts to the Philippines to impart technical knowledge and skills to various agencies;  provision of equipment and materials; and the conduct of development studies.

For the Philippines, a country with myriad concerns and endless economic challenges, official development assistance (ODA) supplements our government’s meagre resources toward promoting sustainable development, Legarda said. 

Japan is our top source of ODA. In 2009, it accounted for 36 percent or about US$3.46B of the total loan commitments to the country she added.

 “The magnitude and extent of Japan’s technical cooperation projects over the years underscore the importance of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation with Japan.This instrument reduces administrative burdens," Legarda said.

 According to the senator, the Agreement will replace the redundant process of having to periodically exchange Note Verbales for each and every Technical Cooperation Project between Japan and the Philippines.

Notes Verbales contain the provisions on tax exemptions, immunities, and privileges of Japanese experts dispatched here in the Philippines, she noted. 

Development is a partnership and as such, donor and recipient countries need to cooperate on the basis of a duly-established framework for cooperation. 

This Agreement on Technical Cooperation lends emphasis to our role as a recipient country that is charged with directing our development agenda and assuming responsibilities as well.

The Senate’s concurrence with this measure signals an even stronger and meaningful cooperation with Japan, Legarda concluded. (PIA-7/Minerva BC Newman & reports from the Office of Senator Legarda)

I-Rice re-launching in Cebu a success

by: Fayette C. Rinen

Cebu City, March 15 (PIA) - Slightly over 100 people gathered for the re-launching of the Iron Fortified Rice or I-Rice in Cebu at the Centennial Warehouse of the National Food Authority (NFA)-7 to muster support for the government’s call to address micro-nutrient deficiencies.

           

NFA-7 regional rirector Atty. Danilo Bonabon said one of the most effective measures seen by the government to address iron deficiency among Filipinos is to eat rice fortified with iron.

           

“Ninety percent of Filipinos eat rice while one of the nutritional disorders among Filipinos is iron deficiency which can best be addressed by fortifying rice with iron,” Bonabon said.

           

I-Rice is also mandated under RA 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 which essentially requires fortification of staples such as rice, flour, refined sugar and cooking oil to address the alarming micro-nutrient deficiency in the country.

Micro-nutrient deficiency refers to the lack of Vitamin A, iron and iodine which our body needs for intellectual and physical growth.

           

“A Filipino graduate today is very much inferior compared with the graduates of our neighbors. Although there are many factors why this is so but due to poverty, many cannot afford to provide sufficient food for complete nutrition to their children which in a way affected the intellectual and physical development due to the nutritional deficiencies,” Bonabon said.

           

The government on the other hand, upon seeing the extent of the problem has enacted the necessary legislation to address the problem paving the way for the passage of RA 8976, this is said.

Bonabon said the I-Rice was launched back in 2004 but had little success due to the eating preference of Filipinos to white rice.

“The iron fortified rice when cooked is a bit discolored but there is no change in taste, Bonabon bared as he asked poignantly “Should we risk the intellectual development capacity of our children just because of discoloration?”

But what is most important is that the remedy to the iron deficiency problem in the country provided by the government comes at a low cost as one kilo of the I-rice is priced at P27, this is said.

Apart from Cebu, the other three provinces in Central Visayas --- Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor also conducted their own re-launching event which is simultaneously done in all NFA offices nationwide. 

All the participants composed of representatives from the local government units, government agencies and private sector particularly the Grains Retailers Association of the Phil., Inc. (GRECON) Cebu affixed their signatures as a declaration of their commitment to the I-Rice Program.

I-rice was served during lunch hosted by the NFA-7which also set up a separate table for the selling of the one-kilo packed I-rice which many bought before going back to their workplaces. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)

Nat’l Nutrition Council-7 to help promote I-Rice

By: Fayette C. Rinen

      

Cebu City (15 March) - The Iron Fortified Rice or I-Rice gets a boost as the chief of the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-7 promised to mobilize its nutrition network and other stakeholders to promote and patronize the I-Rice during a re-launching of the fortified staple this morning.

           

NNC-7 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Parolita Mission said it is high time that the government through the National Food Authority (NFA) strengthens its advocacy efforts to sell I-Rice to the Filipinos, many of whom suffer from ‘hidden hunger.’

           

Hidden hunger refers to the lack of micro-nutrient supply namely Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine which our body needs for physical and mental development.

           

Mission said iron deficiency results to anemia which puts pregnant and lactating women at more risk including their children.

           

“Many die directly and indirectly due to nutritional deficiency which is basically preventable,” according to Mission.

           

Based on the 2008 Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (PNRI-DOST), one out of every five Filipinos are anemic while four out of 10 pregnant women and three out of 10 lactating mothers suffer from anemia, Mission disclosed.

           

“About 57.5 percent of infants are anemic because their mothers also suffer from anemia,” the NNC-7 chief said citing the same survey.

           

Mission added that two out of 10 Filipino children or 5.6M children below 13 years old are anemic and if this is the case, an iron deficient child will ultimately result to impaired physical and cognitive growth.

           

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia and the most prevalent of all the micronutrient deficiencies, Mission bared.

The term "anemia" usually refers to a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) from your body, this is said.

Iron-deficiency anemia can cause fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms. Severe iron-deficiency anemia can lead to heart problems, infections, problems with growth and development in children, and other complications.

Mission said that under RA 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000, staples such as rice, flour, sugar and cooking oil must be fortified. “We have been successful in fortifying oil and flour with Vitamin A but we still have to be successful in the sugar fortification with Vitamin A,” Mission added.

“I commend the initiative of the NFA for re-launching the I-Rice Program to address the growing alarm of micronutrient deficiencies most Filipinos suffer from and I am hopeful that the I-Rice will be patronized by the Cebuanos as marketing the product remains a big challenge for the NFA,” Mission said.

Mission assured the NFA-7 that they would help in the education campaign of the program to promote the I-Rice in order to be more acceptable to the consumers. (PIA-Cebu/Fayette C. Riñen)

POEA-7 now processes deployment for Bahrain

By: Juju S. Manubag

Cebu City March 15 (PIA) --- Based on the travel advisory issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the alert level for Bahrain, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)-7 will now process documents of returning workers; vacationing workers or rehires and new hires with valid work visas and resident permits for Bahrain.

In a telephone interview with POEA’s Information Officer Fenita Berdon, she said that DFA has four (4) alert level guidelines, namely:

Alert level 1, the POEA will allow the deployment of overseas Filipino workers with new job contracts and returning workers with valid work visas or resident permits.

In Alert level 2, only returning workers will be allowed to travel back to Bahrain. Returning workers, however, must execute an affidavit that he is well aware of the security risk, but voluntarily proceeds to Bahrain.

For Alert levels 3 and 4, a total deployment ban will be implemented.

POEA Administrator Carlos Cao Jr. issued Advisory No. 10, mandating all its offices to comply with DFA’s Alert level 1 travel advisory, Berdon said. (PIA-7/jsm)