President Aquino lauds Department of Health

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the Department of Health for constantly being able to provide quality service to boost the health of all Filipinos during ceremonies marking the agency's 115th anniversary held at the DOH Headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.

In his speech before officials, employees and guests, the President said the DOH had been a clear barometer of the government's ability to perform its mandate to the Filipino people.

"Ang tagumpay natin bilang isang bansa ay nasusukat sa kakayahan nating paglingkuran ang mga maralita nating kababayan. Ang bawat Pilipinong nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makamit ang inaasam na kapalaran—sa pamamagitan man ng mga bagong silid-aralan sa mga liblib na baryo, o sa mga modernong pagamutan sa mga kanayunan—ay patunay na nagagawa ng pamahalaan ang mandato nito sa taumbayan," the President said.

"Sa loob ng isandaan at labinlimang taon, may isang ahensya na walang-patid sa paghahatid ng malusog at masiglang buhay sa mga Pilipino, wala pong iba kundi ang Department of Health," he added.

He personally extended his deepest appreciation to the dedicated men and women of the DOH led by its Secretary Enrique Ona, for their service towards uplifting the agency to greater heights.

"Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa bawat Pilipinong bumubuo at patuloy na nagpapalakas sa Department of Health, mula Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao. Ikaw man ay isang doktor o nurse na hindi alintana ang pagod at puyat, para magsalba ng buhay ng iyong kapwa; o kawaning nagpapabilis sa mga tungkuling administratibo ng mga pagamutan; o guwardyang sumasalubong sa mga pasyenteng itinatakbo sa emergency room, hindi matutumbasan ng anumang salita ang laki ng naiaambag n’yo sa bansa," the President said.

"Hindi kalabisang isipin na kung wala ang DOH, at siyempre, kung wala ang masipag, at maaasahang pamumuno ng ating Kalihim Enrique Ona, malamang ay walang lakas, walang sigla, at naghihikahos pa rin ang milyun-milyong Pilipino sa bitag ng gutom, sakit, at kahirapan. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Lahat ng bungang napipitas natin sa tuwid na daan ay umusbong dahil sa pakikiambag ng DOH. Kayo po ang gumawa ng lahat ng ito," he said.

The DOH is the premiere institution tasked with the mission to guarantee equitable, sustainable and quality health for all Filipinos, especially the poor, and to lead the quest for excellence in health.

It has 17 bureaus, centers and services in the DOH central office, 16 centers for health development across different regions; 70 hospitals; and four attached agencies working on particular health concerns involving the planning, development and implementation of health programs.

President Aquino vows to provide Filipinos with equal opportunities against poverty

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed on Tuesday to provide all Filipinos with equal opportunities that will help uplift their lives out of poverty and in turn help them become responsible and fruitful citizens of the Republic.

In his speech delivered during ceremonies marking the 115th Anniversary of the Department of Health in Manila, the President said that government initiatives were being put up left and right which the people could use to combat poverty.

These, the President said, include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that provide financial assistance to families that keep their children in school, the education program K to 12, universal health care Philhealth and jobs generated by advancements in the agriculture, infrastructure and tourism sector.

“Nais ko lang pong idiin na walang kakayahan ang pamahalaan na tiyakin na sa susunod na mga taon, wala nang darating na problema, at wala nang pagsubok na kakaharapin ang mga Pilipino. Gayumpaman, ang kaliwa’t kanang mga inisyatiba ng pamahalaan ay itinitindig natin para matiyak na bawat Pilipino ay mabigyan ng pantay na pagkakataon, makaahon mula sa gutom at kahirapan gamit ang ating mga programang tulad ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; pagkakataon para makipagsabayan sa edukasyon ng ibang mga bansa gamit ang K to 12; pagkakataon para sa benepisyong pangkalusugan gamit ang PhilHealth; pagkakataon para sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan gamit ang mga trabahong pumapasok mula sa sektor ng agrikultura, turismo, at imprastraktura,” the President said.

“Ang katuparan ng mga pangarap natin ay nakasalalay sa kung tititigan lang natin ang mga pagkakataong ito, o kung sasamantalahin natin, at pipitasin, at palalaguin ang mga ito. Matagal nang hinihintay ng sambayanan ang magkaroon ng ganitong mga pagkakataon. Huwag na nating ipagpabukas pa ang pagkamit sa ating mga kolektibong mga pangarap. Gawin na natin ito ngayon,” he added.

Aquino says steps to improve delivery of basic health services instrumental to country's strong economic standing

President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of providing for the Filipino people an improved, efficient and effective health program, saying a healthy nation was the key to the country's strong economic showing since he assumed office.

The President said in his speech keynoting the 115th Anniversary of the Department of Health (DOH) that thIs is the main reason why his administration had the improvement of the delivery of health sector services to all Filipinos on its topmost priority.

He pointed out that since 2010, the budget of the DoH had been constantly upgraded from P28.68-billion in 2010 to P51.07-billion in 2013 in order for the Department to have funds to construct more modern hospitals and to increase the health coverages for more Filipinos.

“Wala pa rin pong ibang susi para sa malusog na ekonomiya kundi ang pagkakaroon ng malusog na sambayanan. Kaya naman, simula nang tayo’y manungkulan, walang patid nating inaangat ang budget ng DOH. Mula sa 28.68 bilyong piso noong 2010, nasa 51.07 bilyong piso na po ito ngayong 2013. Nagawa nating itaas ng 78 percent ang budget ng DOH nang walang itinataas na buwis maliban sa Sin Tax,” the President said.

“Sa kabila nito mulat tayong hangga’t hindi ito tumatawid at nararamdaman ng mga Pilipino, mananatiling datos lamang ang mga ito. Ang ginawa nating aksyon mula sa 57.2 milyon na ating dinatnan, umabot na po sa 79.1 milyong Pilipino ang enrolled sa PhilHealth,” he added.

He stressed that “catastrophic diseases” such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and acute leukemia can now be treated for free under the Z Benefit Package which was launched last year while an expanded Z Benefit Package that will include heart ailment treatments such as coronary heart bypass was launched last February.

“Ganyan po tayo kaseryoso sa ating sektor ng kalusugan,” the President noted.

Under the DoH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program, the President said 4,518 hospitals, rural health units and barangay health stations have already been put up and/or rehabilitated while 7,325 more health facilities will be upgraded to serve more Filipinos, especially those in remote areas where the chances of residents getting to see healthcare professional are nil.

“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t may mga kababayan pa rin tayong ni hindi nakakakita ng espesyalista sa tanang-buhay nila, kaya naman target nating i-upgrade at gawing mas moderno ang 7,325 na mga ospital, klinika, at pagamutan,” the President said.

“Patunay din ang mga pinakabagong Modernized Medical Centers sa limang DOH-Retained hospitals sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa sa dedikasyon nating makamit ang kalusugang panlahat. Nananalig tayong ang mga modernong pasilidad na napasakamay ng mga sumusunod na ospital: ang Cagayan Valley Medical Center ng Tuguegarao City; Region I Medical Center ng Dagupan City; Dr. Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital ng San Fernando, Pampanga; Bicol Medical Center ng Naga City; at ang Cotabato Regional Medical Center—nawa’y magsilbi silang tanglaw ng pag-asa para sa mga pamilyang Pilipino,” he concluded.

Palace reiterates its willingness to talk peace with communist rebels

Malacanang said it remains open to negotiating peace with the communist rebels despite the lull in the talks and continuing violence on the ground in the past several months.

In a press briefing in the Malalacang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Aquino administration will always be ready to talk peace with the communists as long as there are no preconditions set to restart the discussions.

“We’ve always manifested our intent to keep talking to them but, even from the beginning, we have said that there should be no preconditions; we all come to the table with good intentions and with good faith,” Valte told reporters.

“Down the line, we have seen incidents that would cast doubt on those intentions, at least coming from the other side. But at this point, as Alex Padilla said, the government is still open to talking to them,” she said.

Padilla, the government’s chief negotiator with the rebels, resigned as both sides have not conducted formal talks in the last two years.

As the Aquino government has not wavered on talking peace with the communists, Valte said the major issue is sincerity of both sides.

She said the communists have not shown its sincerity as manifested by recent events on the ground such as the attacks conducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) and the kidnapping of five soldiers in Davao City.

“There are several incidents that would indicate a sincerity problem when it comes to the talks, at least on their side,” Valte said.

One of the stumbling blocks for the talks include the demand of the communist insurgents to free political prisoners detained in government prisons saying some of them serve as consultants for the talks for the rebel side.

President Aquino receives updates on ‘sex-for-fly’ inquiry

President Benigno S. Aquino III has been apprised about the ongoing investigation involving labor officials in the Middle East in connection with the controversial “sex-for-fly” scheme, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are doing their jobs to come up with the truth on the alleged anomaly involving distressed overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East.

“I understand that the DOLE will be sending investigative teams to the different sites, ang tawag nila on-site investigation, para mangalap pa ng ebidensiya o kaya kung meron pang ibang report sa mga ibang poste natin sa Middle East,” Valte said.

Valte said the DFA also asked the heads of the Philippine posts in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore to return to the country for consultations.

Aside from the Middle East, these three countries also have a large concentration of OFWs, Valte said, adding that this is the reason why the DFA wants its officials in those countries to take part in the inquiry and watch out for any more reports in their areas.

With regards to the labor officer embroiled in the controversy, Valte said the DFA’s findings will be turned over to the DOLE primarily because it is the labor department that has disciplinary supervision over labor attachés.

The Palace official also supports the plan of the labor department to designate female welfare officers who will handle distressed OFWs in the Middle East to avoid sexual abuses.

“As far as welfare officers are concerned, Secretary [Rosalinda] Baldoz has said that women welfare officers will be given priority in postings in the Middle East. Ang mga welfare officers kasi natin, sila ‘yung mga nagpapatakbo ng mga welfare centers, kung saan dumudulog at nagse-stay ang ating mga runaway na mga OFWs,” she said.

“The DFA also encourages na maging…mga babae ang gawin nating—house mother—para sa mga welfare centers natin.”

The controversies surrounding sexual abuses and exploitation were exposed last week with the revelation of partylist Rep. Walden Bello who said he got reports about OFWs being peddled to wealthy Arab men in exchange for their repatriation with Filipino personnel acting as pimps.

Aquino orders National Irrigation Administation to improve performance, meet target

President Benigno S. Aquino III directed on Tuesday the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to improve its performance and finally meet its target of new irrigated farmlands for 2013 and the years to come.

In his speech during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the NIA which has for its theme "NIA at 50: Serving the Farmers with Excellence and Commitment to Continue its Legacy in the Years to Come" held at the NIA Open Grounds, NIA Building Complex in Diliman, Quezon City, the President underscored the need for the NIA to work harder after it failed to meet its target of 81,170 hectares new irrigated farmlands last year.

"Sa ilalim ng inyong Irrigation Services Development Program, sa target ninyong 37,759 hectares ng bagong lupain na mapatubigan noong 2011, ay 87 percent ang inyo nang natatapos— o 32,824 hectares," President Aquino said.

"Noong 2012 naman, sa target na 81,170 hectares, 52,372 hectares lang ng bagong lupain—o 65 percent ang inyong napatubigan. Di po ba, kayo ang nagbigay ng sarili ninyong target? at malinaw na hindi ninyo naabot ang mga ito," he stressed.

The President reminded the NIA to fulfill its mandate to develop and rehabilitate irrigation systems in support of the administration's Rice Self Sufficiency Program and provide an adequate level of irrigation service on a sustainable basis to help the country's farmers.

"Tatapatin ko po kayo, dismayado pa rin ako, dahil hanggang ngayon, lumalabas na kakarampot pa rin ang pagbabagong nangyayari sa National Irrigation Administration. Nasa kalahati na po tayo ng ating termino, at mahirap naman po kung hanggang ngayon, hindi mo pa rin alam ang gusto mong gawin," he said.

"Iniluklok ako ng sambayanan upang bantayan ang kalagayan ng bawat institusyon ng pamahalaan. Pero tao lang din po ako; hindi ako CCTV camera na beinte-kwatro oras ay kayang magmanman sa kilos ng bawat istitusyon ng gobyerno," he said.

The President cited the case of the Balog-Balog irrigation project in Tarlac as among the projects that remained unfinished to the detriment of the farmers.

"Sahod-ulan na lang ang inaasahan ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman napakahalaga ng irigasyon sa Balog-Balog. Ngayon po, dalawampu’t isang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang planuhin ang proyekto sa Balog-Balog. Ilang administrasyon na po ba ang nagdaan? Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ito umuusad," he stressed.

The President noted that a private proponent is willing to extend help to complete the project but the NIA has yet to do its part to push through with the project.

"May flood control, may irigasyon, at mayroon pang kuryente—at halos wala pong gastos ang gobyerno rito. Tatlong taon na po tayo sa termino natin, pero hanggang ngayon, parang wala pa ring nangyayari. Kung sa sahod-ulan, isang harvest cycle lamang ang magagawa; pag may irigasyon, sa loob ng dalawang taon, maiaangat ang harvest cycles sa lima," he said.

"Ngayon, kung may maayos na irigasyon, sa tatlong taon, 7.5 harvest cycles ang magagawa ng ating mga magsasaka. Subalit ngayon, 3 harvest cycles lang ang nagawa. Malinaw namang may 4.5 harvest cycles na naantala na sanay napapakinabangan ng ating mga magsasaka. Bigas na, naging bato pa," he said.

The President told NIA Administrator Engineer Antonio S. Nangel and his employees that there is still time to improve their performance to better serve the farmers.

"Hindi pa po huli ang lahat. Sa inyong anibersaryo, nawa’y sumibol ang panibagong pagkakataon upang sama-sama nating mapalago ang kultura ng pagbabagong ating isinusulong sa tuwid na daan," he said.

The NIA is a government-owned and controlled corporation primarily responsible for irrigation development and management. It was created under Republic Act 3601 on June 22, 1963. Its charter was amended by Presidential Decree 552 on September 11, 1974 and Presidential Decree 1702 on July 17, 1980. Both increased the capitalization and broadened the authority of the Agency.

The agency's forerunner was the Irrigation Division of the defunct Bureau of Public Works, and it was placed under the Office of the President upon its creation. It was attached to the Department of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication under Presidential Decree 1 dated September 23, 1972.

The issuance also integrated all irrigation activities under the Agency. The Administrative Code of 1987, dated July 25, 1987, attached NIA to both the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Agriculture (DA). But NIA remained attached to DPWH. It was transferred to Office of the President pursuant to Executive Order No. 22, dated September 14, 1992. Then, it was attached to DA under Administrative Order No. 17, dated October 14, 1992.

The NIA is mandated to develop and rehabilitate irrigation systems in support of the national food production program and provide adequate level of irrigation service on a sustainable basis in partnership with the farmers.

It also aimed at providing technical assistance to institutions in the development of water resources for irrigation and supporting economic and social growth in the rural areas through irrigation development and management. It is mandated to improve and sustain the operation of the agency as a corporation and service-oriented office.

DOH 10 aims for tobacco-free environment through Red Orchid Awards

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 25 (PIA) - The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao has launched the Red Orchid awards for local government units (LGUs), government agencies and government hospitals who strictly practices no-smoking inside and outside their offices.

Doctor Ellenieta HMV N. Gamolo, assistant regional director of DOH 10, said that organizations who practice and implement no-smoking in their establishments are our modern heroes in ensuring that the environment we are living in is tobacco-free.

The DOH Red Orchid award started four years ago in 2009 to highlight achievements in tobacco control by local government units (province, city and municipality), government hospitals, government offices, and DOH centers for Health Development.

Further, DOH Red Orchid Awards winners are judged based on the strength of comprehensive efforts to implement a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment using the World Health Organization MPOWER initiative.

MPOWER is an acronym that denotes the six proven tobacco control policies, namely Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn against the dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising; and Raise taxes on tobacco.

Regional Director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) region 10 Hilarion E. Ulep and recipient of the Red Orchid for two consecutive years, said that this advocacy for a smoke-free environment must start with the self and everyone must have that willpower.

In region 10, the town and local government of Talisayan in Misamis Oriental is awardee for Hall of Fame for the Red Orchid Award after winning the title for three consecutive years.

Regarding the e-cigarette, the DOH still discourages its use because of the strong presence of nicotine, even without smoke. (JMOR/PIA10)

Northern Mindanao Medical Center receives cash assistance from PhilHealth-10

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 24 (PIA) -- The Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) received cash assistance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office 10, June 24.

PhilHealth-10 Officials led by Rhodella S. Pare turned-over the check amounting to P474,506.20 to NMMC Medical Director Dr. Jose C. Chan in a simple ceremony at the Mini Theatre of NMMC.

Pare, the chief of Philhealth-10 Management Services Division said the check was part of the regional proceeds of the PhilHealth Run 2013 held last February 17.

The run, held simultaneously in 19 sites, was aimed at increasing public awareness and calling more advocates on mother and child’s health protection in support to the country’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.

She said the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital were the identified national beneficiaries of the run while NMMC was the chosen recipient for Northern Mindanao.

Dr. Jonathan Ortigoza, Philhealth-10 Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section Head and Regional Chairperson of the Philhealth Run 2013, is hopeful that the assistance can help NMMC in ensuring the protection of mothers and children under its care.

He said Philhealth-10 is also hoping that NMMC will continue to be a good partner in the delivery of health services and in all other activities of PhilHealth. (APB/PIA-10)

News Feature: Gardening—A tool for living a fruitful life in jail

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, June 24 (PIA) -- Fifty-two-year-old “EG” is going to abandon his garden in nine week’s time. He will be giving up his planted herbs, bell pepper, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, pechay, gourds, and the lot too. Not because he is sick of it, but because two months from now he will be due for release.

“EG” is an inmate at Malaybalay City Jail (MCJ) in Patpat village, a jail out in the backwoods. Since late 2006 he has been working seven days a week to help maintain the prisons’ famed farm and garden.

At the time, farming as a rehabilitation tool was largely unrecognized until Jail Warden J/SInsp Guy Jason J. Reyes suggested to his colleagues to promote and intensify gardening in MCJ.

Botanical Garden

This year, the inmates featured dozens of herb plant species with reputed healing qualities. These include thyme, oregano, garlic, coriander, angel’s trumpet, lagundi, and wild berries.

“Many of the plants we grow in here look very attractive,” explains jail warden Reyes, who oversees the operation with farm inmates. “But most people are not aware of their medicinal and healing qualities. These range from flatulence relief to plants which can boost immune system.”

Mallard duck raising

Prisons are also making money out of raising mallard ducks, locally known as “Bebe” for egg-laying, which they sell to “balut-makers (mangbabalut),” Jail officer Rodel P. Abratiguin, Inmates Welfare Dev’t Officer, said.

With the ducks feeding on weeds and insects, labor and pesticides costs are minimized. Consequently, the ducks provide another source of added income for the inmates.

As the powerful slogan says “May sud-an na, May kwarta pa (viand and money made easily available),” inmates always think of ways in sharing self-help guides and ideas that can provide a “healing environment” and make money while in prison.

Economic Gains

Malaybalay city jail is hardly a typical porridge-style prison, J/SINSP Reyes said.

Vegetable growing and duck rearing enable inmates to obtain not only money, but also subsidiary products such as organic fertilizer, duck meat and eggs, from the same piece of land, at the same time.

“With the inmates’ stiff meal budget, we sometimes were able to serve them up some delicious meals harvested from the jail’s farm and garden especially during inmates’ birthday parties and merrymaking,” he said.

Earn money with no money

“EG,” known to prison inmates as the ‘farming and gardening whiz’, is credited with the revival of farming and gardening programs in jail.

“I spend no single centavo to earn money here. You’ve got to believe me. I was able to send my daughter to the university through my garden earnings while in prison. And my daughter will graduate from college soon,” EG said.

Within seven years of his sentence, he said his strength comes from God and family.

“I have forgiven those who have gotten me where I am today. I have long forgiven to keep hatred out of my heart. And I am proud to say that this experience made me stronger and thrown a great set of skills in me that I will continue to use throughout life,” he said.

“After I get my life back in order, I’m looking forward to putting this chapter of my life behind me and stick with the gardening and farming program.

He said he even choose to stay if the government laws allow him to continue working in jail farms until December, though he will be freed this September.

“I’ve never enjoyed life as much as I do right now. And all the time I’m in here, I will be learning more and working toward my personal dream,” he said.

The nurturers and builders of hope

Jail warden Reyes himself, a registered nurse and an enterprising agriculturist, said beyond the organizational success of Malaybalay City Jail system are the achievements of the 225 inmates, of who ‘EG’ is one.

With such positive results, through the help of MCJ’s hardworking model personnel, inmates discovered a fruitful way to fill their days. (RLRB/PIA 10, Bukidnon)

NorMin’s ‘Day of Seaferers’ set

By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 24 (PIA) -- Northern Mindanao is all set to celebrate the "Day of Filipino Seafarer" on June 25.

With this year’s theme ‘Marinong Pilipino, Karangalan Ng Mundo,’ the celebration kicked-off with dressing up of all ships, blowing of ships horn motorcade and a Holy Mass.

The celebration is in consonance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution declaring every 25th day of June as ‘Day of Seafarers’ pursuant to the 2010 Manila Conference on the International Convention on STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).

It is also pursuant to the pronouncement of President Benigno S. Aquino III last June 3, 2011 declaring every 25th Day of June of each year as “Day of Filipino Seafarer.”

The day is a way of recognizing the important role and contribution of the seafarers to the maritime industry and global economy.

Internationally hailed also as the “sailing ambassadors,” this is the day of showing appreciation the seafarers and pay tribute to their invaluable efforts and gestures, dedication to promote safety of life at sea and the marine environment.

The celebration was highlighted with different activities and participated in by different government agencies, stakeholders, operators, seafarers, students, maritime schools and training center/s.

Among the activities were: holding short program at the local wharf, blowing of horns of all vessels at port, hanging up of streamers, text blast, radio and TV appearance, Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) Issuance, Maritime Symposium, exhibits, safety, health and environment campaign, Waive Passenger Terminal Fee and free haircut and Thai Massage.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) family led by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for this activity, invited all seafarers, their families and friends to witness and take part in the celebration. (EOR/PIA10)

AusAid funded school buildings ready for turn-over

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) turned-over school buildings in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, on Tuesday, July 25.

AusAID acting minister counselor Elaine Ward and AusAID senior program officer for education, Regan Dagales led the ceremonial turn-over of the buildings in Lumbia Central School, Cagayan de Oro City, together with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) executive director Rafael Lopa.

PBSP implemented the project in six elementary schools, to include Lumbia Central School, Bonbon Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro City and Northeast 1A Central School, Iligan City East 1 Central School, Luinab Elementary School and Iligan City Central School in Iligan City.

PBSP-Mindanao Regional Center communication specialist, Danny Escabarte said the school buildings will benefit at least 13,397 school children and 315 public school teachers.

The package of assistance includes bags and assorted school supplies for the children and learning guides plus starter kits for the teachers. (JCV/PIA)

ICRC calls for applicants for the 2013-2014 Nalsar Post Graduate Diploma in International Humanitarian Law

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (Nalsar) University of Law in Hyderabad, India, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), invites political, humanitarian, security, military, legal and academic professionals to enroll in its Post-Graduate Diploma in International Humanitarian Law.

This is a one year distance education course which uses the internet as its primary method for delivering instruction. One of the advantages of this distance learning method is that it allows individuals to pursue advanced learning, while still being able to meet their continuing professional and career obligations.

The ICRC Manila Delegation is pleased to announce that it is offering a limited number of scholarships for the 2013-2014 Nalsar Academic Year. The ICRC will shoulder the full cost of the course. Applicants who are chosen must sign a form committing to finish the course and must agree to reimburse the ICRC in full if they are unable to successfully complete it in time.

The qualifications for the Nalsar course and other relevant information can be found on the Nalsar website (www.nalsarpro.org). A successful graduate of this course may be asked by the ICRC to conduct IHL lectures, or present research papers in an IHL seminar in the Philippines.

Deadline for submission of applications to the ICRC Manila Delegation is 15 July 2013. Applicants must submit a motivation letter, explaining why they believe the Nalsar Post-Graduate Diploma is relevant to their professional fields and individual pursuits.

Applicants must also submit a written essay answering the following questions: (1) What is the principle of distinction and why is it important, both in the Philippine context and abroad? (2) How will your institution and your wider community benefit from the knowledge you learn from the Nalsar course?

Applicants must also submit their detailed resumes, and completely filled in application and commitment forms. The 2013 Nalsar application form can be found online (http://www.nalsarpro.org/UplodedFiles/Admission-Notification-2013-1.pdf) and the Commitment for Course Completion form is attached to this email.

Applications may be submitted via the following channels:ccarumba@icrc.org or at International Committee of the Red Cross, 5/F, Erechem Bldg. cor. Rufino & Salcedo Sts, Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229.

The motivation letter, written essay and detailed resume can be submitted as soft copies (Word document, .doc format). The application and commitment forms, which both bear the applicant's signature, must be submitted as scanned documents.

For more details contact Carl M.L. Carumba, Legal Officer, via telephone numbers: (632) 892 8901 to 04 (local 118), mobile number: (63 920) 9149869), or email address:ccarumba@icrc.org, if you have further questions regarding this matter. (EOR/ICRC/PIA)

Steag is outstanding in environmental reporting

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental, June 25 -- Energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) is conferred with two national awards by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Pollution Officers Control Association of the Philippines during the recently concluded 1st National Convention on the Philippine EIS System at the Manila Hotel.

Steag in press report said it received the Outstanding in Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and the Outstanding in Compliance and Validation Report (CMVR) Awards, citing it "for exceeding the standards for self-monitoring and reporting under the Philippine Environmental Impact Study (EIS) System.

EMB 10 Regional Director Sabdullah Abubacar who is also concurrent chairman of the Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team for the 210 MW (net) Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant said that the award is EMB’s way of promoting excellence in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reporting in the country at the same time showcasing best examples of EIA reports following well-established scientific approaches, comprehensiveness and effectiveness.

The awards specifically cited Steag “for demonstrating sound and scientific approaches and coherence, and for its technical comprehensive and impressive communication of monitoring results, in a manner that elevates it as a model for other CMRs". SPI joined the ranks of three other companies in the country to be recognized and honored, and the only Mindanao-based company to receive such distinction.

Steag owns and operates the only coal-fired power plant in Mindanao located at the sprawling Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental. Apart from setting the standards in environmental reporting and transparency by pioneering an on-line Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) in the country, Steag has also set-up an independent and empowered Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team that also serves as the community mechanism for a highly participative approach in social and environmental monitoring.

Since start of its power plant operations in November 2006, Steag has delivered more than 9 billion KwH of electricity to the grid, representing about 20% of the island’s total power supply. Through the years, Steag has complied fully with all appropriate local and national labor and environmental laws and has managed to Apart from ensuring an efficient, reliable and responsible business operations, the company is also aggressively pursuing the implementation of community development programs and projects designed to help improve quality of life of the people in its host communities in Misamis Oriental. a highly secured and safe work environment by achieving more than three million safe man-hours with zero lost time due to accident. (Jerome R. Soldevilla/STEAG State Power Inc./PIA-10)

IPHO Lanao intensifies dengue prevention awareness in schools

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 25 (PIA) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) personnel will intensify its dengue awareness and prevention campaign in public schools.

The program dubbed 'Brigada Dengue' was initially launched in Saguiaran National High School on June 11 with the theme “Kaalaman sa Dengue ay Pagtibayin.’

The school advocacy program featured fun lectures on how to prevent dengue disease and the dos and don’ts in case one gets bitten by mosquito, said IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang.

He said the 4S strategy against dengue namely, Search and Destroy, Seek Immediate Consultation, Self-Protective Measures and Say NO to Indiscriminate Fogging were also highlighted during the lectures.

Aside from that, a discussion on how to use and set up Ovicidal Larvicidal (OL) traps was conducted followed in by a ceremonial distribution of OL traps to teachers and school officials for use in their respective classrooms.

IPHO personnel also led the crowd into the different areas of the school to look for the possible breeding areas of mosquitoes and demonstrated the effective way of destroying these breeding areas.

Minalang said the program was capped by a signing of a pledge of commitment to make sure that teachers, students and school officials will continue the advocacy against dengue.

The second leg of the school hopping program was held in Ilian Central Elementary School in Piagapo town on June 19.

Minalang said Brigada Dengue will be conducted in selected schools in the province.

For the first quarter of this year, a total of 125 dengue cases were already recorded in the province. (APB/PIA-10)

421 grade school pupils in Lanao Norte benefit NGCP Balik Eskwela Program

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, June 25 (PIA)--The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) distributed school supplies assistance package to 421 pupils in the elementary level to four schools in Lanao del Norte, in line with the opening of classes dubbed Balik Eskwela of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Each child received NGCP ‘eco bag’ containing three pencils and five notebooks, with the NGCP mascot and Transmission Line Safety and Security reminders printed on the covers of the notebooks.

Led by Avelino Q. Dawis, Head, District 2 Operations and Maintenance, NGCP Mindanao, these were distributed to selected host schools such as San Roque Elementary School in Kolambugan with 96 pupils; Maliwanag Elementary School in Maigo with 74 pupils; Sta. Cruz Elem. School in Maigo with 145 pupils and San Isidro Elementary School in Kapatagan with 106 pupils.

San Roque, meanwhile, is host to Abaga – Aurora 138 KV line and Agus 5- Aurora 138 KV line.

Further, Chief Transmission Line Engr. Ferdinand Z. Lluisma gave the lecture on Transmission Line Safety Information campaign.

As a reminder, parents and the school children were told to report any incidence of pilferage of parts of transmission towers in their community to avoid accidents and ensure safety of the people in the area.

Balik Eskwela, is one of the Corporate’s Community Relations Service projects for this year of NGCP, to selected schools in barangays hosting and or near our transmission facilities, said Elizabeth Ladaga, Corporate Communications Officer, CorpComm and Public Affairs Dept., NGCP Mindanao.

From among the prioritized 60 schools in Mindanao, 10 host schools are under District 2, with eight (8) schools in Lanao del Norte and two (2) schools in Lanao del Sur.

For this year, there are 145 schools and/or barangays to benefit the program, with 60 schools in Mindanao, 35 for Visayas, 25 schools in Bicol and 25 schools in North Luzon.

This is the second year of NGCP to implement the said program since it was launched in June 2010.

Department of Education supervisor, school principals, teachers of the schools, the barangay officials, parents and pupils cited the participation of the private sector such as NGCP, as stakeholder in Balik Eskwela program, has contributed much in the development of the school. (lvgabule/PIA-10 LDN/NGCP)