C. Visayas exceeds 2011 target of seedling production
by 14 percent under National Greening Program
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, November 16 (PIA) -- Central VIsayas has exceeded its target of seedling production for this year by 14 percent with a goal of 2.8M seedlings as required under the National Greening Program (NGP) but as of early September, the available seedlings have reached 3.2M.
DENR-7 Technical Director for Forest Management Services Isabelo Montejo said the convergence services of the regional offices of DENR, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have made the NGP-Central Visayas surpassed its target of seedling production for 2011.
The NGP, a government priority under the Aquino Administration, is spearheaded by the convergence of DENR, DA and the DAR where the national goal of the program is to plant 1.5B trees in 1.5M hectares of public domain lands within a span of six years or from 2011 to 2016.
One of the commitments of the DENR, DA and DAR in implementing the NGP is the establishments of nurseries and seedling production nationwide.
Montejo in his report on the status of the NGP-Central Visayas bared that for this year, they have targeted 5,632 hectares to be planted and that 30 percent of the identified areas or about 1,689 hectares have already been planted with the seedlings produced. Continuous work is still being done for the remaining 70 percent of the targeted areas to be planted, this is said.
Montejo further said notable local government unit support for reforestation has been provided in Negros Oriental particularly in Ayungon, Bindoy and Bayawan and that people’s organizations are participating in social mobilization for community-based reforestation in the uplands.
The DENR-7 official added that strong support from local government units (LGUs) is a success factor in the NGP implementation as the DILG-7 has already issued a directive to barangays to establish their own nurseries. Dep Ed, LGUs and non-government organizations will also be producing their own seedlings, this is stated.
Pres. Bengino S. Aquino III issued E.O 26 last February 24, this year declaring the NGP as a government priority and mandating the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative to develop a National Greening Program in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), private sector and other concerned agencies and institutions.
The NGP is a multi-sectoral project that harmonizes all the greening efforts of both the private and public sectors and seeks the attainment of sustainable human development, and economic and ecological security. (PIA-Cebu)
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BFP-7 intensifies campaign against pyrotechnic products
By: Hazel Gloria
CEBU CITY, November 16 (PIA) --- The Bureau of Fire Protection in the region (BFP-7) is now intensifying its campaign against any pyrotechnic products, firecrackers and even the use of Christmas decors/lights to ensure the safety of the public during this yuletide season.
In an interview with Insp. Fritzie Manatad, BFP-7 Information Officer said they have assigned personnel to inspect places where pyrotechnic products/firecrackers are being made. They will also monitor stores and malls that display firecrackers.
The campaign focuses primarily on the safety of the public and to prevent any accidents that may occur during the season.
BFP personnel are prepared anytime to assist or respond in case of emergency and will render 24 hours duty to ensure fire-free holidays.
Meanwhile, the BFP encourages the public not to patronize Christmas decors, firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products that are illegal or sub-standard that may cause harm.
BFP also reminds the public of fire safety, especially for those who are planning to have their Christmas and New Year vacation outside of their homes.
BFT gave the following reminders; Before leaving the house, always unplug electrical appliances; switch off the main source of power; do not leave lighted candles, lamps or cigarettes; close LPG valve; and secure flammable/combustible substances in a safe area. If possible, ask your neighbor or nearby friend/ relative to check your house from time to time.
The bureau is hoping for zero firecracker-related injuries, and a minimal number of fire incidents at the end of this year and through the coming year.(PIA-7/HFG)
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DTI to conduct 2-day media learning session
on ‘Doing Reports on Free Trade Areas’
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, November 16 (PIA) -- To strengthen public awareness campaign on “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA),” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be conducting a two-day media learning session on “Doing Reports on Free Trade Areas: A DBFTA Learning Session for Media” on November 23 and 24 in Cebu City.
Media representatives specifically the business beat reporters from Manila, Cebu and Mindanao have been invited to this event.
The activity aims to further enrich media practitioners’ understanding on the background, dynamics and important issues related to international trade. Topics up for discussion during the info session include international trade engagements, trade policy consultations, negotiations and related updates.
The info session will also have a familiarization tour and onsite interview in selected exporting companies on the first day and a press conference on the second day on the DTI’s ‘One Country, One Voice (OCOV) Consultation Program on the PHL-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
Specific topics for the media workshop are on International Trade: World Trade Organization and the Multilateral Trading System, Where We Are: Existing Regional and Bilateral Trade Engagements, Governance and Trade: Trade Policy Setting and Trade Negotiations, Trade Policy Consultations Towards Greater Public Engagement and Perspectives on the PJEPA.
The DTI-International Trade Group through the Office of Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. will conduct the workshop for media representatives.
With the activity, the DTI stated that by working closely with the media and providing a venue for discussion and clarifications of the details on the country’s international trade engagements, the government can better explain its information drive to the business community, other stakeholders and the general public. (PIA-Cebu)
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Stricter implementation of Anti-Smoke Belching Law
needed for cleaner Air, DENR-EMB 7 says
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, November 16 (PIA) – Stricter implementation of anti-smoke belching ordinance is needed to make the environment cleaner and safer as November is declared as Clean Air Month.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - 7 cited three major air pollutant sources that contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases, a culprit in global warming that lead to climate change.
These three major air pollutant sources are mobile referring to vehicles that emit smoke, stationary for establishments that include power and beverage plants, and area which refer to air pollutants coming from residences.
In its presentation on the ‘Status of Air Quality in Central Visayas’ which focused on Cebu during the recent 4th Economic Development Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) -7 in Cebu City, the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR (EMB-DENR)-7showed data that pointed to mobile as the number one source for air pollution.
In the Emission Inventory conducted last 2008, mobile constituted 64 percent of the air pollution in Central Visayas and 21 percent for stationary while air pollution coming from area or residences comprised 15 percent, the EMB-DENR-7 reported.
The Emission Inventory is done every three years as the EMB-DENR 7 said they are now working on the data for this year and is also currently coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) here for its report on the mobile pollutant sources.
In a bid to strengthen the implementation of the anti-smoke belching law to promote a cleaner environment, the LTO-7 conducted roadside spot emission tests where in 2009, only 12.5 percent of the vehicles inspected passed. In the same year, motorcycles and tricycles had the highest registration volume in LTO-7.
A move to increase fines and penalties to vehicle owners whose cars or motorcycles emit combustion is being considered to enforce the anti-smoke belching law, this is said.
In the same DENR EMB 7 report, it stated that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, constituted 50 percent of the air pollutants coming from mobile sources.
Though the report assured that Central Visayas specificially Cebu still enjoys safe breathable air despite increasing air pollutants coming from the three major sources, this has very little potential to affect public health based on the DENR-EMB 7 air quality index. (PIA-Cebu)
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Chevron Philippines to construct new gas stations in PHL
by Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY, November 15 (PIA) -- An estimated 120 new gas stations will be constructed in the country by Chevron Philippines Incorporated; the leader of Caltex products in Asia - Pacific.
Chevron Philippines Information Officer Toby Nebrida said the estimated 120 new gas stations to be constructed in the Philippines is only part of the company’s plan to construct an additional 400 gas stations in the whole Asia-Pacific in the following months.
He added that at present, the Philippines is considered to be the center of one of the well known markets in Asia- Pacific that is why Chevron Philippines is not hesitant to construct 120 gas stations here in the country.
Nebrida said during the Caltex (Chevron) 75th anniversary, since the company was built in 1936 that they will continue to serve the Filipinos and the public in the years to come and the plan to construct more gas stations is in line with their anniversary celebration.
In Cebu, Caltex (Chevron) have 33 gas stations and lately, additional three gasoline stations were launched in Lapu- lapu City and in the North Reclamation Area, Cebu.
Nebrida pointed out that Cebu is one of the provinces that have the fastest growing economy which is the reason why Caltex aims to make the province their partner in development through their products and improved services.
“The energy demands here in Cebu are surging and with our strong brand, dedicated people and partners, we are well- positioned for success,” Nebrida said. (FCR?AS/PIA-CEBU)
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Cebu City Bantay Dagat confiscates detonated fish from Zamboanga
by Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY November 16 (PIA) -- Approximately 900 kilos of variety and high class fish from Zamboanga City with an estimated worth of P100,000 were recently confiscated by the Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (CCBDC) at Cebu Pier 2.
CCBDC Chief Ranulfo Sebusa earlier received a report from Maritime Police that fishes caught through dynamite fishing from Zamaboanga will be transported to Cebu.
Sebusa and his team waited for the ship that carried the cargo to disembark at Pier 2 in Cebu City and then they immediately checked the two boxes that contained the variety of fishes like Molmol, Tangigi, Mamsa, Bayang and many others.
Dioscoro Avenido, fish examiner of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here also checked the apprehended boxes of fish and confirmed that these are positively caught through dynamite fishing.
But Sebusa clarified that there are also variety of fishes which were not positive with dynamite but were just mixed with the other fishes caught through dynamite fishing. (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)
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Poor folks in Buenavista town, Bohol benefit from DSWD’s anti-poverty programs
by Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY, November 15 (PIA) – Buenavista town Mayor Ronald Lowell Terol lauded the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD)-7 Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction and how this has helped the constituents of his poor town.
Buenavista, located 82.6 kms. away from Tagbilaran City is a 4th class municipality with slightly over 26,000 population based on the 2007 census with residents largely dependent on fishing and farming for their livelihood sources.
“Ako dili na lang gyud ko mauwaw moangkon nga intawon ang Buenavista gi considered nga one of the poorest municipality but sukad nga niabot ang mga programa sa DSWD-7 ako gyud nga nakita ang dagha’ng mga maayo’ng kausaban sa amo’ng lungsod,” ( I am not ashamed to confess to you that Buenavista is considered as one of the poorest municipalities but since the DSWD’s anti-pverty programs were introduced to our town, I have noticed many positive changes), Terol claimed.
At present, seven programs under the DSWD’s Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction are being introduced in Buenavista that this includes Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran Program, Social Pension, Rice Subsidy, Supplementary Feeding and Family Development Sessions.
A major positive result of the 4Ps as part of the DSWD’s Convergence Program which Terol cited is the rapid increase of public schoolchildren enrollees. Under the 4Ps Program, family-beneficiaries are given P300/monthly financial assistance for educational needs for every school child under 14 years old with a maximum of three children per household-recipient.
“Before there were only 35 public schoolchildren-enrollees but with the program, the enrollees have increased tremendously up to 80-90 school children that prompted us to hire 32 new teachers,” the mayor added.
Terol also mentioned the KALAKI-CIDSS, another anti-poverty program introduced to the town which he said “aims to empower the poor to become involved significantly in development activities and creating development ventures amenable to the needs of citizens by formulating local governance practices and methods that are more participatory, visible and responsible.”
“Since the DWSD- 7 initiated the KALAHI-CIDSS here in Buenavista, farmers and fishermen were now able to buy apparatus, equipment and other tools needed for fishing and farming due to the financial assistance provided for them under the program while our residents have now access to safe water supply,” Terol declared.
“The DSWD Convergence Program such as the 4Ps and KALAHI are successfully implemented here and we hope that there are more projects and programs that will benefit the poor people here of Buenavista,” he added.
As counterpart to the poverty - alleviation projects implemented by the DSWD here, we are also initiating efforts to undertake programs and projects under the town’s fund.
“We have started to repair our ports, public roads, market roads and the establishment of our new public market and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members agreed that P3 million of next year’s municipal budget will be allotted as counterpart to DSWD’s projects and other development programs here,” Mayor Terol concluded. (/FCRAS/PIA-CEBU)
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P230M farm-to-market road projects in Neg Or
to be endorsed to the RDC-7 for funding aid
by Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, November 15 (PIA) -- The Economic Development Council (EDC) of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) approved the resolution to endorse to the RDC-7 the request for funding assistance of the P230M proposed farm-to-market road projects in Negros Oriental.
EDC Chairperson Robert Go during its 4th EDC quarterly meeting held recently said the request by the Negros Oriental Provincial Government for recommendation of endorsement to the RDC-7 for the funding assistance by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for their proposed farm-to-market roads will be submitted and tackled during the RDC-7 Full Council Meeting scheduled sometime later this month.
There are three proposed farm-to-market road projects submitted by the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental for funding assistance with a total worth of P230M. The breakdown of the P230M projects are the P50M rehabilitation and improvement of farm-to-market roads in Tanjay City and the P90M each of the concreting of Bais-Cambagyo-Mansangaban-Mamburao-Mangganay Farm-to-Market Road and the concreting of the Bais-Cambagahan Farm-to-Market Road in Bais City, Negros Oriental.
In citing the approval of the resolution for endorsement to the RDC-7, the proposed farm-to-market road projects will serve as the support infrastructure facilities to the agricultural and economic development of the two major cities of the province and contribute to the creation of employment opportunities of the said localities.
As contained in the resolution, the improvement and rehabilitation of these farm-to-market roads will also support the development strategy of the region’s medium-term plan of “improving existing road network leading to agricultural areas and market centers” thereby increasing productivity and rural family income.
The endorsement to the RDC-7 through the EDC the funding assistance by the DA for the proposed projects per request by the Negros Oriental Provincial Government will be included in the farm-to-market road project proposals in the Central Visayas Regional Development Investment Program 2011-2016. (PIA-Cebu)