VoL. XXIV, no. 27 bIcoL, tHe pHILIppInes
00
CLEARED
police Director buenafe
fIceLco says
catanduanes full power
restoration by february
by connIe b. Destura
The entire province of
Catanduanes will have to
wait for at least a month
before its power supply
could be fully restored af-
ter its power lines were cut
due to typhoon Nina.
Engineer Francis Gianan,
technical services depart-
ment manager of First Cat-
anduanes Electric Coopera-
tive (FICELCO), said they
(Turn to page 2)
TCL
SALES & SERVICES
barangay san felipe, naga city
3rd Floor, GerONiMO bLDG., bArLiN sT., NAGA CiTY TeLePHONe: (054) 884-93-76 CP 0921-3183720 / 0929-245-7353 / 0920-5337766
BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 1
January 22-28, 2017 p5.
PNP-Bicol
declared 80%
of drug-affected
barangays
paGe
3
Legazpi city gov't starts capturing
stray dogs roaming the streets
by emmanueL p. soLIs
LEGAZPI CITY -- The
Legazpi City Veterinary
Office (CVO) has start-
ed capturing stray dogs
roaming around different
villages and subdivisions
in the city as part of its
stray dog elimination pro-
gram.
This is one way of
preventing the widespread
circulation of the rabies
(Turn to page 7)
473-8888
1/24/2017 10:38:02 AM
 2 bikol reporter opinion january 22-28, 2017

Duterte promises to rid Funds and Interest Rates

PhilHealth of corruption
President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to reform the Philip-
pine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide bet-
ter healthcare for Filipinos.
In a speech during the 20th anniversary celebration of Pre-
miere Medical Center (PMC) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
on Wednesday, January 18, the President said PhilHealth is
plagued by problems particularly corruption that needs to be
fixed with urgency.
"Pero napag-usapan na lang naman ho natin itong profes-
sion ninyo, malaki ho yung problema ko sa gobyerno and
this is not the first time that I have heard again complaints sa
PhilHealth," the President said before a crowd of doctors and
health officials.
He said he plans to summon medical associations, Phil-
Health and Department of Health (DOH) officials to a meeting
in Malacaan to craft policies aimed at reforming the health
insurance agency.
"There has to be a corrective measure put in place now,"
he said.
Corruption must be eliminated, he said, asking the public to
support government's anti-corruption drive. The people must
also be assertive to fight abuses and misdeeds, he added.
At the same time, the President warned corrupt government
officials and personnel to mend their ways.
"Kayong lahat nasa gobyerno, if you are dealing with the
transacting public, the taxpayers, I have this to say: Now is not
the time to do it," he said.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, you have had your heydays, your fun
and glory but this time, at my time, paki lang po kasiIts
only six years, a little bit of sacrifice," he added.
As proof of his anti-corruption drive, he said he fired two
of his fraternity brothers involved in anomaly. Ninety two per-
sonnel at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory
Board (LTFRB) were also sacked, he said, adding he will not
stop in eliminating corrupt personnel.
President Duterte also renewed his strong anti-illegal drugs
stance, adding that after meeting the mayors at the Palace last
week, he will meet the governors this week to also discuss the
perils of illegal drugs. He promised to eliminate illegal drugs
in the country during his term.
The President also talked about Mindanao rebellion and
warned them against the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS) that
has already affected the Middle East.
Aside from meeting officials of PMC here, the President
also came face to face with cancer patients in the hospital's
villa for patients and relatives.
Among those who welcomed the President were Atty.
Danilo Yang, PMC chairman of the board; Dr. Sylvia Yang,
PMC medical director; and Dr. Reynaldo Yang, PMC presi-
dent.
02082606
Tel. No. (054) 475-6262
ed g. yu
Editor
0939-604-3144
Lee G. Dullesco II
Head, Advertising Associates
0920-533-7766
(Atty. APA chairs Acyatan & Co., by the Sias. PEZA has allready ap-
CPAs-DFK International is past chair proved the mixed-use Greater Luce-
of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, PICPA
past president and Hall-of-Famer, opinions na economic zone.
GOVT DEBT: The national gov-
and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement ernment spent more in November
Awardee).
CASH AWASH: As the Yuletide unlimited last year for interest and debt the Bu-
reau of the Treasury reported. The
funds to returned to the banks after the Duterte administration settled 28.96
holiday season, the Bangko Sentral billion of debts last November (inter-
ng Pilipinas (BSP) term deposit facil- est and principal) - higher by 9.3%
ity (TDF) auction was swamped with compared with 26.5 billion in the
tenders from banks looking for funds Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN same month in the previous year. A
parking. Both the 7-day and 28-day total of 17.45B were used to settle
term deposits had excess tenders. This local debts, while 2.09B were paid
indicates that there are funds in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to foreign lenders.
marketplace which the banks cannot (PEZA) is studying a proposal to create Debt payments programmed by
fully utilize for their lending and invest- a government center that will relocate government, depend on maturing
ment activities. the three branches of government and debts. This means it can go lower
The BSP auctions on January 18 other agencies on a 200-hectare are despite a weaker currency. As of
and 25 will determine if the Cash- a in Mauban, Quezon, 146 kilometers November 2016, government debts
Awash situation will continue. If this south of Manila. PEZA Dir- General stood at 6.105T, up by 2.6% from
happens, the interest regime may Charito Plaza said the property will be 5.952T same month a year ago.
lead towards maintenance of the low- donated by businessman Philip Sia, Domestic debt reached 3.939T,
er rates. The atmosphere is ripe for owner while offshore obligations amounted
more business projects that will surely If approved, the center will decon- to 2.165T. In the 2017 Budget, gov-
be funded by the banks. Some fund gest Manila and boost development in ernment expects to end 2016 with
holders may also decide to purchase the south. Depending on traffic situa- total debt of 6.187T, 3.6% higher
foreign exchange investments and that tion, Mauban is 2 to 4 hours travel by compared with previous year. Ang
will make the USD costlier (against the the car from Manila. The proposed gov- laki ng utang natin!
Ph peso) due to the strong demand for ernment center will be also boost the PRAYER: We hope that our land
the greenbacks. development of the Greater Lucena In- will soon return to peace and pros-
MAUBAN GOVT CENTER: The tergrated Economic Zone also owned perity with God-fearing Filipinos.
The kidnappers should be brought to justice
& we need to help one another
First, let me correct sentences him. How greedy and conscience-less
erroneously printed in my column dated these criminals can be.
Jan. 8-14, 2017. The title of my column
should be CASURECO IIs Turtle-like
from *****
I am bothered at the seeming
Restoration and Watch the movie Oro
my
conflict of Catholic Church and the
to know why it was given the FPJ Award Duterte administration both sides
for Excellence. The word award was have the welfare and interest of the
omitted. The sentence I learned that
Secretary Wimpy Fuentebella sent three window people.
President Dutertes campaign
Task Force Kapatiran to the province and against illegal drugs to protect the
city to help in restoration work of electric present and future generation from the
cooperatives should refer to Wimpy nenita fuentebella-peones bad and ill effects to the people and
Fuentebella as undersecretary not our country. What will happen if illegal
secretary. He is Usec. of the Department drugs will be allowed to continue and
of Energy. The other sentence is why is to them, pronto. The world is watching grow. Look at what is happening to
it (meaning the law against violence and our country and we should show them Colombia and Myanmar.
cruelty to animals) against dogs only and our countrymen that criminals are Along the way in the implementation
when it is also a delicacy in some places, punished. I condoled with the family of of this anti-illegal drug campaign,
why does the law allow slaughtering not the victim. extrajudicial killings happen. It
show slaughtering of pigs for lechon or It is good that the Department of does not mean President Duterte
adobo, chicken for fried chicken, cows Justice under Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre committed it or ordered it, but the
for roast beef and steak, carabaos for acted with dispatch. The policemen government is expected to find the
carabeef, goats for caldereta, etc. Arent allegedly involve in the commission of perpetrators to catch them and bring
these animals too? the crime are already in hands of the them to justice, This is not only the job
***** DOJ and murder and kidnapping for of the government but also the people.
The kidnapping, murder and ransom cases are already filed against Killings do happen not only because
cremation of Korean businessman Ick them in a Regional Trial Court in Angeles of illegal drugs but also other things.
Joo Jee, is truly a super heinous crime City in Pampanga. A companion of the But the government should do this for
and those who committed it should kidnappers who thought their operation the people to see.
be punished with the full force of the was official confessed everything that I hope and pray that both sides
law. This kidnapping for ransom case happened when he discovered that it will talk and discuss how to tackle
should immediately be tried in our court was not an anti-drug operation. their problems and not allow politics
of justice so that those perpetrators of The wife of the Korean businessman to affect their intentions. We need to
the crime will get the punishment due paid P5 million ransom but they still killed help one another.
Catanduanes full power . . . poles that were cut could not
be found.
were doing their best to re- showed there were 1,219 Pandan, or 14 of 26 barangays; He said the four power
store the power supply in the poles that were damaged 65.2 percent in Panganiban, plants in the province were
province. while 96 transformers and 141 or 15 of 23 barangays; 5.2 all operational. These are
But based on our assess- poles were leaning after be- percent in San Andres, or 2 of Marinawa Diesel Power Plant
ment of the damage it is not ing hit by strong winds during 38 barangays; 4.17 percent in (DPP), Balongbong Hydro
possible to restore completely the typhoon. San Miguel, or 1 in 24 baran- Power Plant, Viga DPP and
on the deadline given by the He said in the 11 towns gays; 67.7 percent in Viga, or Catanduanes Power Genera-
Department of Energy (DOE) of Catanduanes: power had 21 of 31 barangays; and 38.10 tion Inc. DPP.
which is on January 31, he been restored in 45 percent of percent in the capital town of Gianan said as of Jan. 12,
said. Bagamanoc, or 8 out of 18 ba- Virac,, or 24 of 63 barangays. the partial damage costs in
Gianan said FICELCO rangays; 22.2 percent in Bato, Gianan said in the munici- Catanduanes power supply
could fully restore the power or 6 of 27 barangays; 51 per- palities of Baras and Gigmoto due to typhoon Nina was esti-
supply only by February. cent in Caramoran, or 14 of no barangay had been ener- mated at Php38 million.
He said initial reports 27 barangays; 53.8 percent in gized because the lines and
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BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 2 1/24/2017 10:38:02 AM

 january 22-28, 2017
PNP Bicol declared 80%
of drug-affected barangays
CLEARED
Police Director Buenafe
LEGAZPI CITY -- A
top official of the Police
Regional Office in Bicol
(PRO5) said that 80 per-
cent of the total number
of barangays deemed by
the Philippine Drug En-
forcement Agency (PDEA)
as drug affected in the re-
gion have been declared
cleared of the problem
of proliferation of illegal
drugs during the past
six months and two weeks
since the government
launched its war against il-
legal drugs.
Chief Supt. Melvin Ra-
mon Buenafe, PRO5 direc-
tor, said data from July 1,
2016 to Jan. 18 this year
showed that 466 of the
580 barangays have been
cleared of the illegal drug
problem.
PDEA records showed
WITH PROPER INFORMATION COMES POWER
This was according to General Manager Anna Sylvia Alsisto, representative of NEA
Administrator Ed Masongsong, during the CASURECO II Press Conference at Villa Caceres
Hotel together with Mr. Orlando M. Andres, Mr. Rolando Pante of CASURECO II, Mr. Gilbert
Albero of MNCCI and the City Government of Naga. The presscon aims to clarify and fast-track
the rehabilitation timetable, see personnel, equipment augmentation and materials needed for
power restoration.
BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 3
By Jorge Hallare
that there were 580 baran-
gays or 16.7 percent of the
total 3,471 barangays in the
region which it deemed to be
drug-affected when the cam-
paign started.
The remaining 20 per-
cent or 114 barangays of
the total drug-affected ba-
rangays are still under the
PNPS clearing operation,
said Buenafe.
Sr. Insp. Ma. Luisa Ca-
lubaquib, PRO5 spokesper-
son, said they declared all of
these barangays as "cleared"
instead of "drug free" be-
cause only the PDEA has
the authority to declare it as
drug-free.
Among the six provinces
and seven cities in the Bi-
col region, Camarines Norte
and Naga City in Camarines
Sur were able to record a
hundred percent number of
cleared barangays.
In Camarines Norte, 81 of
81 drug-affected barangays
were declared "cleared" as
with Naga City, where 15 of
15 drug-affected barangays
were declared cleared.
In Sorsogon, the percent-
age of cleared barangays
is 98 percent or 98 of 99
drug-affected barangays;
Masbate-93 percent or 62
of 66 barangays; Camarines
Sur-85.9 percent or 141
of 164 barangays; Catan-
duanes-73.6 percent or 36
of 81 barangays; and Al-
bay-31.3 percent or 33 of
106 barangays.
Calubaquib said PRO5s
Double Barrel Alpha cam-
paign from July 1, 2016 to
January 16, 2017 recorded
86,141 drug surrenderees
(80,222 users; 5,919 push-
ers) in the Bicol region.
She said Project Tokhang
was able to knock on the
doors of 1,166,872 houses,
arrested 900 drug personali-
ties while 83 drug suspects
were killed in police opera-
tions in the region.
In November and Decem-
ber last year, anti-narcotics
lawmen were able to con-
fiscate multi-million pesos
worth of illegal drugs in the
region.
These were in Barangay
Palta Small in Virac, Cat-
anduanes, where 359.7 ki-
lograms of shabu (metham-
phetamine hydrochloride)
were seized, while in Baran-
gay Sogod, Tiwi, Albay, au-
thorities were able to recover
18 bricks of high-grade co-
caine weighing 12.17 kgs off
the sea waters of Sogod.
CEPPIO
bikol reporter 3
'Tabang Bicol' extends help
to Kilantaao residents
By Ana-liza S.
Macatangay
SANGAY, CamSur Out
of 418 affected households
here, 402 were severely af-
fected by the damaging
winds caused by Typhoon
Nina.
Fifty-years old Rosemarie
Flores was able to pull a smile
when she saw the team of Ta-
bang Bicol approaching the
basketball court, the designat-
ed venue where food and non-
food items will be distributed.
Salamat saindo ta na-
kakua kami relief ta maski
banig saka balde, nawara sa
baha, gabos. Ang sim mi nag
rulupad. May nakua man an
mga aki ko, pero gutay gutay
na. Ginamit mi muna pang-
sukyab sagkod dahon kan ni-
yog, Nanay Rose narrated in
the local dialect.
(Thank you, because of you
we were able to receive relief
packs. Everything was washed
out by the floodwater, includ- old resident of Barangay soap, laundry powder, pail and
ing our mats and pails. Our Kilantaao, with 3 children water dipper were also distrib-
roof flew. The children were tearfully recalled how she uted to the affected families.
able to get some remnants but helplessly watched the debris A-PAD Philippines Bicol
they too were damaged, yet of their house literally flying Regional Coordinator Mari-
we still made use of them as until no sight of it was left. cris Bias said that Tabang
temporary shelter and coconut Nanay Rose and Rechilda Bicol do not only focus on the
leaves.) were among the member of food needs but also looks at
Barangay Kilantaao, one the Indigenous People or IP hygiene and sanitation requi-
of the upland barangays of community residing in the sites of the affected individu-
Sangay was one of the worst area, comprising almost 90 als.
hit areas in the said municipal- percent of the residents in the TABANG Bicol is com-
ity, with 251 partially dam- said barangay. Their houses, posed of A-PAD PH Metro
aged and 151 totally damaged just like the others, were made Naga with MNCCI, Tarabang
houses. of light materials which un- para sa Bicol, Inc., Central
Nanay Rose recalled how derstandably cannot stand a Bicol State University of Agri-
she managed to move out her maximum sustained wind of culture, Metro Naga Develop-
5 kids and ailing husband to a 175kph and gustiness of up to ment Council, Kapisanan ng
safe area after typhoon Nina 290kph. mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas
totally uprooted their house at They, together with 478 Camarines Sur, Philippine
the height of its wrath and left other families received food Information Agency Cama-
only the four holes where the packs comprised of 3-in-1 rines Sur, Mariners Polytech-
four posts of their shanty used coffee, milk, 4 kilos of rice nic Colleges, and Naga City
to stand. and canned goods. Non-food Disaster Risk Reduction and
Rachelda Soto, a 40-year items like detergent bar, bath Management Office.
1/24/2017 10:38:03 AM
 4 bikol reporter halo - halo january 22-28, 2017

Sunday Gospel: Mt 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,
he withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth and went
ASEAN matters to You
The regional association of
to live in Capernaum, a town by the lake of Galilee, ten nations in Southeast Asia
at the border of Zebulun and Napthali. will benefit you more than
In this way, the word of the prophet Isaiah was you think.
fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Napthali, The word bayanihan,
crossed by the Road of the Sea; and you, who lived signifies a lot of things for the
beyond the Jordan, Galilee, land of pagans. Filipino. It means helping one
The people who lived in darkness have seen a another, carrying each others
great light; and those who lived in the land of the burden, putting in more effort
shadow of death, a light has shone. than extended, going the extra
From that time on, Jesus began to proclaim mile, and seeing the collective
his message, Change your ways: the kingdom of success of each other fulfilled.
heaven is near. Teamwork. Unity. Coopera-
As Jesus walked by the lake of Galilee, he saw tion. Agreement. Shared suc-
two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew, his cess.
brother, casting a net into the lake, for they were Its what bayanihan is all mar, the Philippines, Singapore,
fishermen. He said to them, Come, follow me; and I about and more than ever, its
will make you fisher for people. a concept thats invoked by the
At once, they left their nets and followed him. President himself, especially
He went on from there and saw two other brothers, this year 2017 as we lead the
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in charge in heralding the precepts
a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. of the Association of Southeast
Jesus called them. At once, they left the boat, and Asian Nations (ASEAN). This
their father and followed him. year, on ASEANs 50th found-
Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their ing anniversary, the Philippines
synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the is hosting her neighbor coun-
kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and tries to further cooperation,
disease among the people. Daily Gospel 2017, strengthen ties, and truly make
Reading and Reflections, Claretian Communications, the ASEAN more people-cen-
Foundation, Inc. tered and people-oriented.
"I say to you today in full
humility: the Philippinesas
Teachers Training: ASEAN Chairwill remain
steadfast in upholding the ide-
For Greater Quality Education als and values we hold dear and
By Miss Naomi Doronilla in working for the realization of
Teacher I-Tamban Elementary School our shared aspirations," Presi-
dent Rodrigo Roa Duterte said
Teachers are the single most influential and powerful on Sunday at the Grand Launch
force for equity, access and quality in Education. Hiring
and training new and already established teachers is fun-
damental in protecting childrens ability to learn in school.
According to Iriva Bohova, A quality universal primary
H/S education inaccessible to teens in upland village
education will remain a distant dream fo millions of chil-
dren living in countries without enough trained teachers By Mike dela Rama
in classroom
Training of teachers is an effective strategy to improve OAS, Albay -- Like many
quality educational system. The success of the govern- other teenagers in Baran-
ment program to upgrade the quality of education of our gay Bogtong in Oas, Albay,
numerous learners across the country is anchored on the Norelyn Minas, 17, is a high
school dropout.
teachers technical and academic capabilities. The effec-
The rough terrain and poor
tiveness of the school depends on the type and quality of
road network in the upland vil-
teachers who can mold the future leaders of the country. lage of Bogtong have made it
High quality teacher education, training and on going pro- difficult for young people in
fessional development improves teacher retention, effec- the community to get a high
tiveness and learners achievement. school education in the nearest
Teachers now aday must undergo trainings. Intensive public school in Oas town or
trainings and on going professional development to new- neighboring Ligao City.
ly hired teachers as well as senior teachers, in order for The eighth among the nine
them to become equip with new techniques, strategies, children of a coconut farmer,
approach and an integration of modern multi-media and Norelyn said she managed
some applicable software will be an integral part of the to finish only first year high
(Turn to page 6) school in a private school in
of the Philippines Chairman- Peace is a good example to
ship of ASEAN. President talk about in relation to being a
Duterte called on all Filipinos member of the ASEAN. A key
to take an active and construc- reason why Filipinos have not
tive part during the Philippines experienced wars or threats of
Chairmanship of ASEAN. wars for decades is because of
Knowing more about the the peaceful and harmonious
ASEAN, finding ways to get relationship with its neighbors.
involved could prove wise Its a benefit derived from the
counsel, because this regional partnership with the nine other
bloc matters to you more than countries in the region.
you think. A rules-based community,
As the nations of Brunei Da- where each nation respects
russalam, Cambodia, Indone- the norms within their region
sia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myan- is what has allowed ASEAN
countries to be at peace with
Thailand, and Viet Nam con- one another. This also paved
verge in the Philippine shores way for economic growth and
in the coming yeareveryone development, and a culture of
ought to remember that its their peace amongst member states.
future thats at stake. A successful ASEAN opens
The success of the ASEAN up opportunities for Filipino
is the success of the Philip- workers, consumers, and busi-
pines, and thereby, the Filipino. nessmen
Here are a few reasons why The ASEAN Economic
this regional alliance of coun- Community (AEC) has promot-
tries matters to you. ed globalization on a regional
If youre a Filipino citizen, level, removing trade hurdles
you are an ASEAN citizen and barriers so that products
No matter where you live and services can be exchanged
in the Philippines, what your easier.
background is, or what your This means that if youre a
stand is in key issues affecting businessperson selling goods,
the country, you are a part of you have the 630 million strong
ASEAN by virtue of being a consumer market throughout
Filipino citizen. As this regional the region as potential buyers.
bloc of 10 nations continues to Its an instant six times jump
integrate, what happens in other in the possibility of who could
nations affects you. buy from youwhat used to be
adjacent Barangay Badian. She said there is no other
She said she stopped going way to reach the nearest high
to that school because Badian school from their village.
proved to be inaccessible from Our community is locat-
Bogtong. ed in the upland and it is too
She recounted that she used dangerous if we will climb the
to wake up at 4 a.m. to reach steep mountains just to reach
her former school. the main road in the neighbor-
From my barangay (Bog- ing barangay, said Norelyn.
tong) I needed to walk for al- She said she is even lucky
most two hours and cross riv- she was able to reach first year
ers four times daily to reach the high school unlike her seven
school, she said. other siblings who finished
But during heavy rains, only elementary school in their
crossing the rivers becomes barangay.
impossible because of the Her youngest sibling, who
strong water current. is eight years old, is still in el-
Sometimes by chance, I ementary school.
am able to commute by riding Norelyn said rice and co-
a motorcycle, said Norelyn. conut farming are the sources
a market of 100 million poten-
tial buyers (Philippine popula-
tion) is suddenly more than half
a billion!
Not only that, the Filipino
consumer is also poised to ben-
efit from this economic set-up
as competition would cause
businesses to step up in terms
of product quality, delivery, and
customer service. Prices would
shift to benefit yougiving
you the most value for peso as
choices widen for goods and
services.
For the Filipino worker, its
much easier to work around
the nine other member nations
that compose the association.
Should you decide to move to
another ASEAN country, AEC
provides that you get the same
salary level for your profession
at par with the market rate of
that country.
OFWs and marginalized
Filipinos gain a larger audi-
ence where their voices can be
heard
You may not be one of them
but you sure have seen one of
our countrymen who have dis-
ability, are impoverished, or
know someone who is a mi-
grant worker an Overseas
Filipino Worker. You may also
have experienced a typhoon at
a point in your life (or know
(Turn to page 6)
of livelihood of their family of
10 members that include their
father. Her mother died some-
time last year.
Her elder siblings work
on the side as charcoal-mak-
ing helpers where they earn
Php150 to Php300 per week.
I am not the only person
with the same problem, most
of the teenagers in our com-
munity intend to finish only
elementary, Norelyn added.
Danjoveh Carison, 19, also
a resident of Barangay Bog-
tong, shared Norelyns senti-
ments.
He said he could not pursue
high school because of poor
(Turn to page 7)

CERVICAL CANCER AT ELDERLY HEALTH LECTURE SERIES

Cervical Cancer was the topic of the lecture of Dr. Alma M. Bresnan, O.B., Gynoncolo-
gist, at the Elderly Health Lecture Series held last January 15 at Peafrancia Parish
Hall, here. Speaking before the eldery of Peafrancia Parish, Dr. Bresnan called upon the
participants to be more conscious of possible indications of cancer of the cervix, ovary
and uterus.
She said among the symptoms of early cancer include bloated stomach, pains after
meals, regular urination, abnormal bowel movements, indigestion, back pains, irregular
menstruation, among others. She suggested that elderly and young women submit them-
selves to pap smear at least once every 3 years.
The program was opened by Fr. Austin Ostinero, parochial vicar, with a Paraliturgy.
The lecture series started June last year, has been sponsored by the Peafrancia Par-
ish in cooperation with the Tomasinong Bicolano.
Shown in the upper photo are the elderly listening to the lecture.
In lower photo are Fellowship business manager Ninfa Saballegue, vice chair Ester
Elopre and chairman Tony Amparado at the presentation of a token gift of appreciation
to Dr. Bresnan.

BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 4 1/24/2017 10:38:04 AM

 january 22-28, 2017
Nagas clean-up drive marks January as
zero-waste month
By Jason B. Neola
NAGA CITY --- Still
on the clearing operations
due to the havoc wrought
by super typhoon Nina
last Christmas, the local
government unit here is
spearheading a city-wide
clean-up that will be held
simultaneously along with
other local government
units in the country to
mark the declaration of the
month of January as zero-
waste month as provided
for by Proclamation No.
760 series of 2014.
The national event is
also a part of the continuing
National Clean-up Day that
started in September 2016,
said Regional Director Eva
Ocfemia of the Department
of Environment and Natu-
ral Resources-Environment
Management Bureau as she
enjoined Mayor John G.
Bongat in a letter to conduct
clean-up activities with the
help of the local communi-
ties.
Participating in the activ-
ity, which will be held tomor-
row, January 20, this year, are
Public urged to be safe around NGCP facilities
NAGA CITY The Na-
tional Grid Corporation of
the Philippines urged the
public to be safe around
transmission facilities and
always bear in mind the
safety tips it is constantly
BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 5
barangay officials and volun-
teers, and several hundreds of
City Hall employees. Groups
of students from different
colleges and universities in
this city are also expected to
join the fray.
Personnel from the city
engineers office will be as-
signed in the de-clogging of
canals, especially in the citys
business districts while most
of the employees will engage
in clearing operations in the
streets. Rural areas will be at-
tended by barangay officials
and volunteers living in the
citys upland barangays.
Mayor Bongat assured the
public that by Sunday, Janu-
ary 22, the entire city are al-
ready ridded of the trash left
by the super typhoon. This,
after Solid Waste Manage-
ment Office head Engr. Joel
P. Martin told newsmen that
they are now in the conclud-
ing period of the clearing
operations they have been
undertaking since the day
after the tropical cyclone bat-
tered the Bicol Region in the
evening of December 25, last
year.
We are now focusing our
promoting.
In her office interview, on
Friday, Jan. 20, Nilda Som-
era, NGCP Regional Com-
munication and Public Af-
fairs Officer said, the public
must not fly kites near trans-
debris-gathering op-
erations in residential
areas inside the sub-
divisions and interi-
ors of the city streets
outside the Central
Business Districts I
and II. The remain-
ing days before Sunday will
also be spent in the collection
of regular household wastes
which suffered delays as we
have to prioritize the trash
left by Nina including the
Bicol records high maternal death rate
By Mike Dela Rama
LEGAZPI CITY -- The
big number of maternal
deaths in the Bicol region
over the past two years con-
tinues to spoil the efforts of
health authorities and lo-
cal government agencies in
improving the reproductive
health of women in the re-
gion over the years.
The latest report from the
Department of Health (DOH)
in Bicol Family Cluster pro-
gram cited complications
arising from hypertension as
the major cause of the mater-
mission lines or climb trans-
mission structures.
She also advised the pub-
lic not to build grass fires
near or under transmission
structures as the fire may
cause power interruption.
trees that were downed by
the typhoon and the cables
that fell and made our roads
almost inaccessible, says
Martin.
Martin sees that by the
nal deaths.
In 2015 alone, there were
173 maternal death cases (per
thousand live births), said
Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon, coor-
dinator of DOH-Bicol Family
Cluster program.
She said the biggest num-
ber of cases were reported in
Camarines Sur at 61, followed
by Masbate-31, Albay-29,
Camarines Norte-23, Catan-
duanes-16 and Sorsogon-13.
Bon added they were able
to record 124 cases in the re-
gion as of November 2016.
She said from 2015 to
2016, hypertension resulting
Somera likewise urged
the public not to plant trees
near transmission structures
and any incident of branches
tangled with transmission
wires must be immediately
reported.
bikol reporter
following months, garbage
collection and disposal will
become more effective and
better because of the efforts
being undertaken by the city
government under the stew-
to pre-eclampsia, eclampsia
and hemorrhage have con-
tributed to the maternal death
cases in the region. nal deaths as the hospital.
Eclampsia is a condition
in which convulsions occur in
a pregnant woman suffering
from high blood pressure. Of-
ten followed by a coma these
pose a threat to the health of
the mother and the baby.
Bon said the other causes
of deaths are indirect medi-
cal conditions, sepsis infec-
tion (or blood infection),
home transit to health facil-
ity and unknown. baby has been delivered.
Citing the 2015 data, the
She also urged the pub-
lic to let us help one another
maintain a reliable, safe, and
secure transmission system
in our country.
NGCP cares about your
safety, Somera added.
5
ardship of Mayor Bongat,
which include the arrival of
another 4 new garbage trucks
within the year and another 4
by year 2018.
(Turn to page 6)
report said 85.50 percent of
the 173 cases in the Bicol re-
gion cited the place of mater-
Only 14 percent of the
deaths occurred while in tran-
sit (from the home to birthing
facility) or at home, added
the report.
Bon said the consolidated
report from the six Bicol
provinces showed that ma-
ternal deaths by stage at time
of death were mostly in the
post-partum phase or the
immediate period after the
(Turn to page 7)
somera
1/24/2017 10:38:05 AM
 6 bikol reporter january 22-28, 2017

DOH-Bicol intensifies 'Oplan

Goodbye Bulate' campaign
By Mike Dela Rama dren as the target population of is not a new campaign of the
Oplan Goodbye Bulate. DOH.
LEGAZPI CITY - The Arellano said the target pop- Last 2015, it was already
Department of Health (DOH) ulation is 605,438 for ages 1 to administered to public schools.
in Bicol, along with local gov- 4; 1,403,262 (ages 5-14); and We will continue this campaign
ernment units (LGUS), have 497,940 (ages 15 to 18). twice a year, particularly in Jan-
intensified their deworm- She explained that the DOH uary and July, she said.
ing campaign called Oplan campaign seeks to address the Arellano assured the pub-
Goodbye Bulate among the fears and myths associated lic that all medicines distrib-
2.5 million 18-year-old be- to deworming as it conducts uted are certified by the World
low population in the region. a harmonized schedule and Health Organization and Food
Dr. Janish Alcala-Arellano, mass drug administration in and Drug Administration.
DOH cluster program coor- public and private schools na- She dismissed misconcep-
dinator, said the deworming tionwide against the soil-trans- tions on the anti-bulate (worms)
activity is being conducted to mitted worms called helmin- medicines and appealed to the
PNP PRESS CORPS achieve a 100-percent bulate thiasis or STH. parents and guardians not to
The new officers of the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office Press Corps for the year (worms)-free target population Arellano clarified that the believe in wrong information
2017 was elected last January 9, 2017 at the Police Provincial Office, Concepcion Grande, in the region. deworming activity is also being circulated in social media
Naga City. The new officers are Oscar Esmenda of DWLV/BBS President, Lee Duliesco II She said deworming for the
a year-round activity of the and community.
of Bikol Reporter / DWJR Vice President, Joel Jeremias of BRIGADA FM Secretary, Jojo 5- to 18-year-old age group is
DOH, along with the LGUs and The administration of med-
Buenafrancisca of DWJR Treasurer, Juriz Pajares of MBC Auditor, Joe Caguimbal of DWOS being conducted in all public
Department of Education, as icines is voluntary and will not
Sgt. @ Arms, Jun Joson of DWRN Business Manager and Melvin Machado of DZGE P.I.O. schools while those pupils en-
The Board of Directors are Gerald Garcia of Bombo Radyo, Angelo Abugao of DWLV Radyo rolled in private schools need to school-aged children enrolled be implemented without the
Agila and Ma. Theresa Iraola of Radyo Amigo. avail of the medicines in their in private schools and children consent forms filled up by the
communities through their Ru- who are not in enrolled in the parent or guardian of the child
school system may avail of in public elementary schools,
Teachers Training . . . ASEAN . . . ral Health Units (RHUs).
the free deworming services at said Arellano.
Arellano said the 1- to
modernization program. The education of teachers to un- someone who had) especially 4-year-old population will be health centers, RHUs and ba- She said just like any other
dergo a fundamental shift from traditional classroom lec- for a country like ours that ex- provided with medicines during rangay health stations. drug, taking deworming drugs
tures to computer aided visuals will be the main thrust of periences at least 10-12 of this their communities scheduled She said the program aims may lead to minimal side ef-
a year! deworming activity. to deworm approximately 19 fects like dizziness, nausea,
the coming 21st century.
As governments within the She said in Bicol, they see million school-aged children headache and vomiting.
We are looking forward to the Department of Education ASEAN continue to work to- enrolled in public schools (Kin- These effects are transient,
to continue strengthen the quality of education by giving an estimated 2.5 million chil-
gether, the goal is to not only dergarten to K12) and some 23 minor, self-limiting and disap-
more attention to the needs of every teacher in terms of make an economically stronger million pre-school and school- pear after some time and can
new approaches, techniques and strategies in teaching and more peaceful region, but a The overall goal is to ensure aged children not enrolled in easily be managed with reme-
to improve classroom practice and get the best teachers safer one for all of its citizens. that no city, town, or citizen public schools within a month dies like resting in a quiet room
in every school. We need to attract the right people into The ASEAN Socio-Cultural should be left behind or feel un- nationwide. for a few hours and providing
teaching, give them the best possible training and sup- Community aims to build a safe in the region. Arellano said the National water mixed with sugar to the
port them as they move into the classroom.. We know that common identity among mem- In the ASEAN, the under- School Deworming Month patient, Arellano said.
bers of the regional bloc, while privileged are heard, the envi-
within a school, teacher quality is the single biggest influ-
ensuring that ASEAN citizens ronment is protected, and the
ence on learners engagement and achievement and that who are marginalized are given rights of the individual upheld.
improving teacher effectiveness is the best method of im- the care that they need. This As this regional alliance cel-
proving learners performance. The training of teachers as is why agreements that aim to ebrates the past, it also looks
well as their computer- literacy will build confidence and protect human rights, curtail forward to the future. The Phil-
increase the level of competence for the advancement of child trafficking, strengthen ippines, as one of its founding
education in the country. humanitarian response, nurture Members has a huge role to
biodiversity, and preserve the play in seeing a more inte-
environment have been signed grated, more unified, and more
24K PAWNSHOP & JEWELRY STORE by the ASEAN Member States. prosperous ASEAN.
Blk 7, Stalls 2 & 4 GF, NCPM Naga City
Nagas clean-up drive . . .
AUCTION SALE on February 10, 2017 He said that plan to dispose equipments is being consid-
of all unredeemed articles pledged from JULY his office of old garbage trucks ered.
is a part of the city govern- Regarding the closure of
- AUGUST 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
ments preparation for the op- Balatas dumpsite, Martin re-
BIKOL REPORTER
erationalization of P104.5M ported that they are now just
Published: January 22, 2017 waiting for the date when the
sanitary landfill in Barangay
San Isidro. Aside from the facilitys closure plan will fi-
nally be implemented. He said
R. GUINHAWA PAWNSHOP trucks, the procurement of sev-
eral heavy equipment that will that the winning bidder is now
Blk. 11, Stall 2, GF, NCPM, Naga City be utilized in running the land- making proper coordination
fill like Bulldozer, Payloader, with his office to ensure that
Grader, Backhoe combination, all the technical requirements
AUCTION SALE on FEBRUARY 10, 2017 water tanker, power generator, are met.
of all unredeemed articles pledged from JULY and water pumps is now being
- AUGUST 2016 at 9:00 a.m. deliberated upon.
BIKOL REPORTER Martin, however, said that a
Published: JANUARY 22, 2017 slash in the budgetary require-
ment of P101M for the heavy
for december
Name of Deceased Date of Interment

ARLENE CRISTINA V. RAGODON December 4, 2016

ISAGANI T. DADIS December 1, 2016
HENRY S. LEONEM December 2, 2016
ROBERT C. PEREZ December 3, 2016
DULCE B. COLASITO December 3, 2016
VICENTE B. AZOTILLO December 4, 2016
CRISANTA R. MAGISTRADO December 11, 2016
SAMSON A. REODIQUE December 9, 2016
ESTRELLA I. ESPINOSA December 11, 2016
SUSAN P. PANTE December 12, 2016
RAMON V. BORBOR JR. December 15, 2016
FELICISIMO M. PENOBLAR December 15, 2016
IRENE D. TRANSONA December 16, 2016
ELIAS B. TIRAO SR. December 21, 2016
ESPERANZA A. BANDAY December 23, 2016
ELENA A. DELOS SANTOS December 23, 2016
ERLINDA M. ALEJO December 27, 2016
PELAGIO P. SEAR JR. December 28, 2016
GRACE B. LOPEZ December 27, 2016
VIRGINIA A. ORDOEZ December 29, 2016
AMBROSIO C. MARISCAL December 30, 2016
ELMER F. TARROBAGO December 31, 2016
CECILIA T. CHAVEZ December 31, 2016

BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 6 1/24/2017 10:38:06 AM

 january 22-28, 2017 bikol reporter 7
Bicol records high maternal death rate . . . deaths in Civil Registry Of- sand live births. Population Commission
fices nationwide reached a to- The Epidemiology Bureau (PopCom)-Bicol Director
She said local government Bon said DOH, along with ment effective interventions tal of 1,447 (per 100,000 live reported that by province, for Magdalena Abellera has said
units (LGUs) in the region local population officers, just before a baby is delivered births) while the MMR was the same year, there were 23 that the target is to lower ma-
have been intensifying their BHWs and their rural health by the mother. 0.8 per thousand live births. maternal deaths in Camarines ternal mortality to 52 deaths
campaign on maternal and units have introduced many Immediate and exclusive It said that in 2012, the Sur with an MMR of 0.9; Al- per 100,000 live births under
child health. interventions to reduce mater- breastfeeding is highly recom- Eastern Visayas Region re- bay-23 (1.3 MMR); Cama- the governments new Sus-
This is to make sure that nal and child deaths. mended to mothers, she said. corded the highest MMR of rines Norte-19 (1.4 MMR); tainable Development Goals
all pregnant mothers are be- Since a majority of ma- Bon said there have been 1.6 maternal deaths per thou- Masbate-14 (1.0 MMR); Sor- or SDG program.
ing properly monitored and ternal deaths occur during a number of interventions sand live births while the sogon-12 (1.0 MMR); and SDGs otherwise known as
that they submit themselves and soon after delivery, many aimed at educating and sup- Cordillera Administrative Re- Catanduanes-4 (0.7). the Global Goals are univer-
to regular prenatal check up, interventions concentrate on porting women to initiate gion recorded the lowest with In the same report, the sal calls to action to promote
said Bon. this period, she said. breastfeeding and adopt opti- 0.5 deaths per thousand live DOH bureau described ma- development that are being
She said barangay health She said that currently mal breastfeeding behaviors. births. ternal mortality rate or MMR implemented by the United
workers (BHWs) and mid- traditional birth attendants She said it has been shown The bureay said six out of as the mirror of a womans Nations Development Pro-
wives have been deployed to or TBAs are only allowed to that improving breastfeeding 17 regions "had MMR higher health and nutritional status gramme in 170 countries.
all villages to provide direct assist midwives and mothers practices can help to reduce than the national rate of 0.8. during pregnancy, at child- Policy planners said the
services to mothers. during pregnancy or birth at neonatal mortality. In the Bicol region, the birth, or in the period after goals, that combine the fac-
Bon said that rural areas the birthing facility. In its 2012 Philippine DOH-bureau said maternal childbirth. It also highlights tors necessary for quality life
also have higher Maternal Bon said programs have at- Health Statistics, the DOH mortality in 2012 was 103 her access to professional in the 21st millennium, must
Mortality Rates, also called tempted to utilize this existing Epidemiology Bureau said the per 1,000 population with the medical services before, dur- serve as a framework in gov-
MMR by statisticians, be- system by giving short train- number of registered maternal MMR at 1.05 deaths per thou- ing and even after childbirth. ernance.
cause many women in rural ing courses to TBAs.
areas begin having children at But there is little evidence
a young age. that such programs are ef- Legazpi city gov't starts capturing stray . . . seeks to maintain the citys sta-
Since adolescent women fective in reducing maternal tus as a zero-rabies territory.
virus in the community, The measure promulgated days for the first offense while
are normally not developed mortality even if they may be Rabies is a virus that may
according to Dr. Nancy Andes, the rules and regulations of ra- second-time offenders will pay
enough for childbirth, these effective in reducing mortality affect the brain and spinal cord
head of CVO. bies control and prevention in a fine of Php2,000 or face im- of its victim. Patients who
young mothers face many among newborns, she said. She said for the month of Legazpi in support of the na- prisonment of 15 to 20 days. manifest the rabies show loss
complications during and af- Bon said through a nutri- January, CVO has posted a to- tional governments rabies and Those who violate for the third of appetite and weakness that
ter pregnancy and contribute tion promotion program the tal of 30 stray dogs captured in control program. time will pay Php3,000 or be could lead to death.
to the high maternal mortality DOH and its counterparts in
the streets. According to the ordinance, imprisoned from 25 to 30 days. Andes urged all pet own-
rate, she said. the LGUs continue to imple-
Andes said CVO is waiting all dogs and cats must be regis- Andes said she will ori- ers to put up their own animal
for the dog owners to claim tered at their respective baran- ent all the barangay (village) pound in their own backyards
Republic of the Philippines their pets otherwise these will gay halls after which CVO will chairmen, barangay health to ensure their pets could not
LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE be given up for adoption to issue a dog or cat registration workers and other concerned roam city streets and other
Province: Camarines Sur other interested pet lovers or certificate to the pet owners. parties as part of preparations public places.
City of Naga will be impounded at the citys All their pets must be vac- for the high-density vaccina- She said this move will also
designated animal pound. cinated as required by the ordi- tion to be soon conducted by lessen animal bites and prevent
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION She said the stray dog nance, said Andes. the citys anti-rabies vaccina- the spread of rabies cases in the
CFN- elimination program was first She said pet owners, who tion teams in 70 villages of community.
CCE-0436-2016 implemented after enactment violate this ordinance, shall Legazpi. CVO conducts annual lec-
In compliance with the publication requirement and of the anti-rabies ordinance in have to pay a fine of Php 1,000 Anti-rabies vaccination is tures on responsible pet own-
pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 the city. or imprisonment of 5 to 10 an annual CVO activity that ership and rabies awareness
Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative
for pet owners during barangay
Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice
is hereby served to the public that RUVEY BENARABA H/S education inaccessible to teens . . . assemblies.
She said this helps add to
CUATOR has filed with this Office, a Petition for correc- access roads and transporta- a better future. They need help sons like me need more help their knowledge on how to
tion of entry in the sex from MALE to FEMALE in the tion. from the outside community, from other government agen-
certificate of live birth of JILLIAN MAE BENARABA CUA- properly care for their animals.
I need to walk for more he said. cies for their high school edu-
TOR at Naga City, Camarines Sur and whose parents are Andes said at the age of
than two hours to reach the This was echoed by Nore- cation.
EMEMSIO LOLA CUATOR and ROVEY BUSTAMANTE lyn who said barangay officials I want to continue my three months, pet owners
public high school located in should have their dogs and cats
BENERABA. Barangay Cabarian (a coastal were able to provide assistance studies so I can finish even a
Any person adversely affected by said petition may to elementary pupils in the vocational course. I want to vaccinated and must consult a
area in Ligao City in the west-
file his written opposition with this office not later than form of school supplies. have a better future and earn a veterinarian on the status of the
ern coast of Albay), said Dan-
January 29, 2017. But she said young per- living, said Norelyn. health of their animals.
joveh.
Some of our village mates
(Sgd.) ALEXANDER M. CAYETANO have their own motorcycles
City Civil Registrar while others are using their ca-
Naga City, Camarines Sur
rabaos as means of transporta-
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: January 15 and 22, 2017 tion, he said.
Danjoveh said this mode of
transportation is called paba-
ba which means a carabao
VACATION LOTS FOR SALE pulling a wooden cart.
The farmers would have
AFFORDABLE AREAS FOR VACATION to rely on the carabaos hard
work and patience to get the
HOMES ARE NOW ON SALE. LOCATED job done, he said.
ALONG PAVED NATIONAL ROAD TO Danjoveh said even if he
CAROLINA, NAGA CITY TOWARD MT. could avail of a school scholar-
ISAROG. ONLY FIVE KMS. FROM CITY ship, another concern would be
PROPER. the school expenses and fees
for a boarding house near the
LOTS MEASURE 700 SQ.M. EACH. YOU public high school.
It is impossible for me to
CAN HAVE AMPLE AREA FOR ORCHARD, earn, he said as farm work
FLOWER/VEGETABLE GARDEN OR gives him only P15 per harvest
BACKYARD POULTRY. of 100 pieces of coconuts.
Prisco Tipano Jr., village
CALL TONY ACYATAN (CP 0917 852 7391) chief of Bogtong, affirmed the
FOR DETAILS & DISCOUNTS. stories of Norelyn and Danjo-
veh.
He said the coconut farmers
need to increase their produc-
tion so they could send their
children to high school but
the poor farm-to-market roads
make it difficult for them to
improve their livelihood.
Barangay Bogtong is seven
kilometers away from the near-
est main road, which is in Ba-
rangay Catburawan in Ligao
City.
Tipano said to help farm-
ers in the village, they seek
assistance from government
agencies like the Philippine
Coconut Authority in Bicol to
provide them with seedlings.
Our teenagers should
strive hard if they want to have

BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 7 1/24/2017 10:38:07 AM

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BR_January 22-28 noel.indd 8 1/24/2017 10:38:07 AM