Ligao City hailed as one of LGU Eco Champions in the country

Ligao City maintains a mangrove plantation in Barangay Cabarian. This is one of the notable efforts of the City Government in preserving its environmental resources while sustaining livelihood for coastal communities. 

The City Government of Ligao, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, has been recognized by the Environment and Natural Resources/ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR/ EMB) and Green Convergence as one of the LGU Eco Champions in the country for good environmental governance and best practices that will serve as good example for other LGUs.

LGU Eco Champions’ panel of judges and competent researchers were impressed by the leadership and environmental vision of Mayor Gonzalez-Alsua in the city. These efforts reflect the city’s compliance with the Philippine Environmental Laws and will be used by the DENR/ EMB for research that will help address the gaps in the implementation of environmental policies.

LGUs will be awarded during the First Philippine Environment Summit on February 9-11, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Lala Peñafiel | albay3d.blogspot.com

Ligao City bags 1st place Green Achiever’s Award and four Salud Bikolnon special awards

Ligao City won the 1st Place Green Achiever Award and four special citation awards during the 6th Salud Bikolnon Awards on 10 December 2015 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City.

The City Government of Ligao is this year’s 1st Place Green Achiever Awardee during the 6th Salud Bikolnon Awards on 10 December 2015 at Hotel St.Ellis, Legazpi City.

The Green Achiever Award is given to LGUs with outstanding performance in providing health care services. The Department of Health (DOH) evaluates LGU’s performance using the LGU Scorecard with specific health indicators color coded with Green. LGUs with the most number of green marks in the Scorecard receive the Green Achiever Award. This also suggests that recipients of the Green Achiever Award are LGUs with the most achievement of the 2016 national objectives for health.

Plaques of excellence: The City Government of Ligao was recognized for its exemplary performance in providing proper health care to its constituents.

Aside from the major award, Ligao City also bagged four (4) special citation awards:

Senior Citizen Friendliest Local Government Unit
Hailed as Grand Winner in Senior Citizen Friendliest Local Government Unit in the Bicol Region, Ligao City was recognized for its extensive programs for the welfare of the senior citizens and initiatives to seek their active participation as important members of the community. Ligao City received a cash prize worth Php 200,000 for the category.

Orally Fit Child Award (Community setting)
The Orally Fit Child Award is given to LGUs with notable efforts in preventing dental health problems and conducting lectures on parents and day care pupils to increase awareness on proper oral health care and techniques on brushing the teeth. Ligao City received a cash prize worth Php 75,000 for winning the award.

Orally Fit Child Award (Day Care center)
The Paulba Day Care Center in Ligao City was awarded with Orally Fit Child Award for their efforts in providing better oral health care services for the children. The Day Care Center was also awarded with cash prize worth Php 50,000.

Best Implementer of National TB Control Program
The award for Best Implementer of National TB Control Program was based on the following pillars:

• Governance or Local Government Unit Support
• Service Delivery which includes 90% of case detection rate, treatment success rate, and external quality assurance and two sputum collection
• Health financing which includes PhilHealth reimbursements
• Other initiatives made by the Local Government Unit for the program

Ligao City, being one of the recipients of the Best Implementer of National TB Control Program, received a cash prize worth Php 100,000.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua delivered her message of acceptance during the 6th Salud Bikolnon Awards.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua delivered her message of acceptance as one of the recipients of the Green Achiever Award in the Bicol Region.

In addition to plaques and prizes, the DOH also distributed Digital Sphygmomanometers and blood glucose monitoring set during the event. The Digital Sphygmomanometer has a digital display with atomic inflation, pulse rate read out, hard plastic case, and adult and pediatric case. The blood glucose monitoring set consists of one (1) glucometer, 500 pieces of glucose strips, 500 pieces of sterile lancets, and one (1) lancing device. Written by Lala Penafiel

Making milestones: enhancing benefits and services for senior citizens of Ligao City

The City Government of Ligao headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (left) conducts Elderly Week every year. Senior citizens who reached the "mileage age" receive cash gifts from the City Government.

To provide more benefits to the senior citizens and give them opportunities to contribute in community development, the City Government of Ligao headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua through the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) with Chairman Vicente P. Aldea, implement programs and activities that elicit the active participation of senior citizens.

Anchored under the Republic Act 9994, also known as Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, senior citizens can avail benefits and privileges such as the 20% discount on medical needs, recreation centers, and transportation; and are given priority when transacting in bank, commercial/private, and government establishments.

To avail the benefits and services for senior citizens, elders should be at least 60 years old and must be a Filipino citizen. OSCA issues the Senior Citizen’s ID to those who qualify the minimum requirements. A registration fee of only Php 100 is required to complete the application. The registration fee, which was previously worth Php 60, was raised to increase the amount of burial assistance from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500

Elderly Week

One of the major activities of the City Government for the senior citizens is the Elderly Week which is held every first week of October. However, since some senior citizens are unable to attend due to travel time and expenses, and health risks, the City Government brings the program closer to them. The Elderly Week is held in five clustered units of barangays: coastal unit, upland unit, lowland unit, Mayon unit, and Poblacion unit.

The Elderly Week is held every first week of October. Senior Citizens 

During the Elderly Week, a medical mission is held with free consultation and medicines. Senior citizens also enjoy singing, dancing, and parlor games with cash prizes prepared during the event. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, being a senior citizen himself, joins the Elderly Week to share the celebration of elders. He also gives incentives to senior citizens who actively participate during the showcase of talents.

“Mileage age”

Upon reaching the “mileage age” of 80, 85, 90, and 100, senior citizens receive cash gifts worth Php 500, Php 1,000, Php 1,500, Php 2,000, and Php 20,000 respectively. When a senior citizen reaches the centennial age (100), a bonus worth Php 10,000 is given each year in the preceding years.

103-year old Nacional Divinaflor was awarded as the Oldest Senior Citizen in Ligao last October 2014. 

Senior citizens celebrating their birthdays are advised to report to the Office of the City Mayor on the first week of their birth month to claim their mileage cash gift. For those who are unable to visit the office, the Senior Citizen Federation accompanied by a representative from the City Treasurer’s Office go to the birthday celebrator’s residence to personally deliver the birthday cash gift.

Aside from birthday cash gift, the City Government also gives Php 1,000 cash gift every Christmas to senior citizens who are duly registered.

In addition, the City Government has provided a separate medical and rehabilitation clinic for the senior citizens for their medical needs.

Reaping the benefits

Emiliana Olmeda, a 67-year old senior citizen from Barangay Basag is enjoying the benefits of the government’s programs and services for senior citizens. On 18 November 2015, Olmeda claimed her husband’s pension. Her 73-year old husband was not able to claim his pension personally as he just suffered from stroke. Despite having this challenge, Olmeda is happy to reap the benefits of being a registered Senior Citizen.

For 25 years, Olmeda served as Barangay Captain of Basag and now serving as the President of Senior Citizens in her barangay. She is an active member of the Senior Citizens Federation and attends to all activities of the City Government for the senior citizens. Participating in different activities and programs keep her busy and active with her lifestyle. It makes her feel needed by the community.

Added benefits in 2016

In 2016, senior citizens can look forward to better services and added benefits as the City Government will allocate an annual budget of Php 11,700,000 for the senior citizens.

Office of  the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Chairman Vicente P. Aldea announces new benefits that senior citizens will receive in 2016.

According to OSCA Chairman Aldea, the minimum mileage age will be adjusted to 75 and cash gift has increased by Php 250, which results to the following cash gift amounts:

• 75 years old – Php 500 
• 80 years old – Php 750 
• 85 years old – Php 1,250
• 90 years old – Php 1,750
• 95 years old – Php 3,000 
• 100 years old – Php 20,000 (Plus yearly bonus of Php 10,000) 

Furthermore, the City Government will allot Php 50,000 in 2016 for senior citizens who will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. The allocated fund shall be divided to the celebrating couples. Lala Penafiel | albay3d.blogspot.com

PhilRice introduces climate change-ready technologies to Bicol farmers

Farmers tour around the PhilRice Bicol station to learn new farming technologies and methods developed PhilRice.

With the theme, “Pabago-bagong klima, kayang kaya basta may tamang teknolohiya,” The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station introduced new knowledge and climate change-ready technologies for rice and rice-based production systems to local farmers during the Farmer’s Field Day on 19 November 2015 at PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City.

 

PhilRice has developed a cost-effective method for mushroom production that is suitable to the weather conditions of Bicol.

PhilRice researcher demonstrates the process on how to culture a mushroom.

Seven stations were prepared for demonstration of new technologies and information including Intensified Rice-based Agri-bio System (IRBAS), mushroom production, learning center, varietal demonstration, Palayabangan 10-5 challenge, modified direct seeding, as well as machineries for farming.

PhilRice researcher explains Azolla production to farmers during the field tour.

The technologies developed by PhilRice are based on the researches conducted within the Bicol region considering the environmental conditions of the locality. These technologies were designed to help the farmers overcome the negative effects of climate change in rice production and help them minimize or prevent production losses.

Farm machineries developed by PhilRice were also showcased during Farmer's Field Day.

One of the new technologies installed at PhilRice Bicol station is the Flat-bed Dryer. This facility is used to dry harvested crops such as rice and corn, coffee, and legumes. It can dry six tons of rice in 8-10 hours. 

One of the newly-installed climate change-ready facility in PhilRice Bicol is the flat-bed dryer.

PhilRice has also developed cost-effective methods and eco-friendly techniques such as the use of rice hull in mushroom production and as an alternative to LPG to fuel a stove.

PhilRice is continuously developing new technologies to achieve a more sustainable production of rice and other agricultural products, and address the need to feed more Filipinos in the next 20-25 years despite the industrialization of several areas in the country.Lala Peñafiel|albay3d.blogspot.com

PhilRice-Bicol hails 428 farmer-graduates of upland rice production training

On stage with the graduates: National URDP Leader Ruben R. Miranda, PhilRice Bicol Branch Manager Dr. Reynaldo C. Castro, PhilRice Executive Director Calixto M. Protacio, and Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station conducted a regional Recognition Day for 428 Farmers Field School (FFS) students on 19 November 2015 at PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City. The FFS is a training program on rice production implemented under the Upland Rice Development Program (URDP) by the Regional Agri-Pinoy Team composed of PhilRIce Bicol, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 5 (DA RFO5), DA Agricultural Training Institute Region 5 (DA-ATI 5), Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs), and Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs). The graduates consist of:

• 32 farmers from Ligao City
• 27 farmers from Milagros, Masbate
• 43 farmers from Irosin, Sorsogon
• 31 farmers from Casiguran, Sorsogon
• 39 farmers from Banquerohan, Legazpi
• 36 farmers from Cagbagong, Legazpi
• 30 farmers from San Vicente, Buhi, Cam. Sur
• 100 farmers from Labawon, Buhi, Cam. Sur
• 36 farmers from Lubgan, Bula, Cam. Sur
• 54 farmers from Garchitorena, Cam. Sur

The graduates of Ligao City; Irosin, Sorsogon; and Lubgan, Bula, Camarines Sur

The farmer-graduates of Casiguran, Sorsogon; Cagbagong, Legazpi; and Labawon, Buhi, Camarines Sur

The farmer-graduates of Bula, Camarines Sur and Milagros, Masbate

The training program is one way of addressing the challenges in sustaining and improving rice production in the country, especially in areas with unfavorable environmental conditions for certain rice varieties.

According to PhilRice Executive Director Calixto M. Protacio, the Philippines will be facing a bigger challenge in the next 25 years considering the continuous population increase and land conversion. "Paano natin tataasan ang produksyon na paliit na paliit ang ating lupa dahil sa dumadami ang Pilipino, nagpapagawa ng bahay, subdivision, mga highways, mga malls. Kinukuha ang ating mga sakahan [How can we increase the production of rice if the agricultural land area is declining due to increase in population, development of subdivisions, highways, and shopping malls? Our farm lands are being taken],"said Dir. Protacio.

In 2040, if the average rice production remains at four tons per hectare (4 tons/ha) and the agricultural land area will remain the same or continue to decrease, the Philippines shall have to produce 8 million tons of rice in order to feed 150 million Filipinos, explained Dir. Protacio while estimating the numbers based on the status quo of rice production in the country. "Paano kaya natin mapapakain ang 150 million sa 2040 [So how do we feed the 150 million Filipinos in 2040?]," asked Dir. Protacio explaining the challenge being faced by PhilRice and the agricultural sector.

The Agri-Pinoy Team conducts training programs to introduce new technologies and farming practices to achieve a sustainable production of rice

PhilRice aims to develop technologies that will help the agricultural community adapt to the challenges brought by unfavorable environmental conditions and industrial development. The FFS is a way of introducing new methods and technologies that will help farmers overcome these challenges.

National URDP Leader Ruben R. Miranda said that while many farmers are still using traditional methods of planting rice, the training aims to teach farmers how to properly manage their farm lands using the appropriate rice variety adaptable to their area.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, who launched the training program on rice production and named as the Father of PhilRice Bicol, said that the establishment of the Bicol station helps address the need to improve the production of rice using new technologies. This will eventually help the local farmers increase their production and income, minimize the expenses, and easily recover from production loss.

Congressman Gonzalez also encouraged the farmer-graduates to maximize the use of technologies and practice the skills and knowledge they learned from the training as this will benefit them in the long run.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua also considers the establishment of PhilRice Bicol as a blessing to the agricultural sector of Bicol. Being the home of PhilRice Bicol, Ligao City is building a strong partnership with PhilRice and other government agencies to support local farmers by sponsoring training programs such as the FFS. Lala Peñafiel|albay3d.blogspot.com

Housewife trains to become welder

Behind the welder's helmet: Minerva H. Bañas, a 33-year old housewife trains to become a welder.

In a male-dominated vocation, a housewife has stepped beyond her boundaries to join the industry and prove that women can likewise take on heavy jobs. She is Minerva H. Bañas, a 33 year-old mother of two from Malama, Ligao City.

Minerva is one of the first 22 trainees enrolled in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC 1, a training program implemented by the City Government of Ligao in partnership with Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and Technical Education and Skills Development Auhority (TESDA) under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

Minerva spends more than an hour to travel from her house at Barangay Malama to the training center at Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City. She also leaves her two children aged six and four to her mother-in-law everyday to attend the training. Despite the challenges she faces as a housewife, she did not hesitate to enroll in the program.

Furthermore, Minerva felt motivated to join the program to develop her skills that she can use to earn additional income. Her husband, who works as a laborer, earns a weekly income of Php 1,700. Minerva, on the other hand, does not earn any income by herself. She wanted to help her husband and her parents but could not afford to due to financial constraints.

Empowered

When Minerva knew about the training program, her husband encouraged her to join in. She also knew from her husband that construction firms are accepting female welders and that he currently works with a few of them. She was then convinced that she too can do it.

Unlike other housewives, Minerva was more interested to undergo training on welding rather than take on the usual inclination of women in dressmaking, tailoring, beauty care, and cosmetology. Although she finds some parts of the training difficult (i.e. grinding and cutting) due to her slender built, she is able to keep pace with her fellow trainees.

Future direction

When asked about her plans after the training, Minerva said she wants to apply abroad for greener pasture. However, if they are able to afford all the resources to build a local welding shop, she would decide to stay and live with her family.

Minerva completed the training on 26 October 2015 together with her fellow trainees. She is now preparing for the Competency Assessment to get her National Certificate.

Minerva also wishes that the program will continue so more people can benefit from the program and Ligao can build a community of competent individuals capable of creating their own success. Lala Peñafiel \ albay3d.blogspot.com

200 BUB-SLP farmer-recipients receive starter kits for organic rice production

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and Pastor Jun Prena of LPRAT assisted the distribution of starter kits to BUB-SLP farmer-recipients.

Two hundred farmer-recipients of the Bottom-up Budgeting- Sustainable Livelihood Project (BuB-SLP) from Ligao City received starter kits for organic production on 9 October 2015 at Jesse M. Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City. The starter kit consist of one head carabao, PCIC insurance premium for the carabao, Biologics for the carabao (dewormer and vitamins), one kilogram of Agrican Night Crawler, one rake, one spade, and one hoe.

The farmer-recipients underwent two-day training on organic rice production last June 2015 conducted by the City Agriculture Office (CAO). The training is a prerequisite for the recipients to receive the starter kits which they can utilize to enhance their farming activity.

The farmers also received carabaos marked with "BUB", the acronym for Bottom-up Budgeting.

Aside from the training, CAO will be offering technical assistance to the beneficiaries including free veterinary services for the carabaos.

According to Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, the City Government will assign a monitoring team to check if the starter kits are properly utilized.

Pastor Jun Preña of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team also inspired the farmer-recipients to help each other share the benefits they have received.

Earlier this year, three livelihood programs were completed including Dressmaking and Tailoring, Hairdressing and Tailoring, and Organic Vegetable Production. Lala Peñafiel \ albay3d.blogspot.com

Building partnerships for sustainable management of Bicol marine resources and poverty reduction in coastal communities

Building partnerships: Italy Ambassador Massimo Roscigno with local government officials led by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, BCDI-SAC representatives, and fishers and residents of coastal communities join together during the project launching

To improve the livelihood of coastal communities and increase the quality of marine resources in the Bicol region, the Bicol Consortium for Development Initiative (BCDI) and its member-partner Social Action Center (SAC) Diocese of Legazpi launched the “Partnership for the Sustainable Management of Municipal Waters in Burias Pass, Bicol Region for the Benefit of the Disadvantaged Sector” at Catburawan, Ligao City on 10 September 2015. The project is funded under the Philippines-Italy Debt for Development Swap Program and shall be implemented until December 2017.

Twelve (12) barangays from four city/municipalities in the Third District of Albay were chosen as project sites. These are:

• Marigondon, Malidong, Basicao Coastal, and Banawan (Pioduran)
• Maonon, Cabarian, and Catburawan (Ligao City)
• Badian and Cagmanaba (Oas)
• Pantao, Talin-Talin, and Rawis (Libon)

Local government officials of the four municipalities including Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando V. Gonzalez, signed the Memorandum of Agreement on July 29 – August 4, 2015.

Aside from Albay West Coast, 12 barangays from municipalities of Claveria, Donsol, Pilar, and San Pascual of Sorsogon Province were also chosen as project sites.

The project seeks the partnership and participation of Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Private Organizations (POs), and fisher folk organizations to work on the three components: 1.) Policy and Advocacy Enforcement 2.) Natural Resource Regeneration; and 3.) Livelihood Activities.

Further, the project is a continuation of the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) to sustain the livelihood programs and preservation efforts in the coastal areas. Since the CRM implementation, significant accomplishments have already been presented in several municipalities in Bicol.

In a report presented by SAC-Legazpi, 12 Fish Sanctuary ordinances and four (4) coastal resource management plans were already approved. The municipalities of Libon, Claveria, Oas, San Pascual, Donsol approved Water Delineation ordinances while several policy dialogues were conducted with LGUs and government agencies.

The project also concentrates on preserving marine resources and enforcement of anti-illegal fishing policies. The Community Based Monitoring and Enforcement System (CBMES) was launched and established in the coastal communities. The municipalities also conducted (at most four) Municipal Water Patrolling every month. Additional ten (10) trained fishers were deputized as Bantay Dagat per municipality to enforce fishing laws.

It is expected that the “incidence of commercial fishing and illegal fishing in Burias Pass [will be] reduced from 20 per day to 5 in 3 years after project completion,” based on the report.

Furthermore, 100 hectares of mangroves and 100 hectares of near shore forest were rehabilitated. It is projected that by the end of year two, 60% of mangroves and 50 % of forest areas are already rehabilitated.

Aside from protection of marine resources, the project also aims to provide the communities with improved water supply and source of livelihood. According to SAC-Legazpi, two (2) Level II water supply systems were established in Imelda, Claveria and Lagaan, Pioduran benefiting 890 households or 5,287 individuals. If this will be sustained and the number of beneficiaries will increase, water borne diseases will be reduced in the communities.

The project is also targeting at least 80% of households in 24 coastal barangays to engage in kitchen gardening and produce a steady supply of vegetables for family consumption. As of this year, 100 kitchen gardens and 24 communal gardens were established in the project sites. In addition, 150 small fishers were involved and now earning from social enterprise.

As of 2015, there are 3,740 small fishers who are direct beneficiaries the project while 10,151 individuals or 3,384 households are indirect beneficiaries of the project.

It is expected that the project will strengthen the partnership of the stakeholders to amplify the preservation efforts in the coastal areas of Bicol and improve the economic status of coastal communities to achieve sustainable development. Lala Peñafiel | albay3d.blogspot.com 

Source: Social Action Center Diocese of Legazpi

Bill seeking establishment of National Technical -Vocational High School in Ligao City approved

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (far right) during the presentation and sponsorship speech on House Bill No. 4982 at the House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of Roger Evangelista

The Committee on Basic Education approved the House Bill No. 4982, an act establishing a National Technical-Vocational High School in Barangay Nasisi, Ligao City, on 16 September 2015 at the House of Representatives. The school shall be known as Ligao City National Technical-Vocational High School.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, the author of HB 4982, explained that the establishment of the Technical/Vocational school will provide the students an opportunity to learn technical skills and gain employment.

He further stated that the school would help the students “accelerate their learning skills and qualify for NC 2 after their Junior High School and accelerate to NC 4 after graduation from Senior High School.”

Furthermore, the out-of-school youths will also have a chance to reenter formal education with affordable fees.

The establishment of the National Technical/Vocational high school will also address the increased demand for personnel with technical and vocational knowledge and skills to widen the services rendered by the city as a developing urban center.



Source: House Bill No. 4982. House of Representatives

LOOK: One of Bicol’s longest hanging bridges completed

The longest hanging bridge in Bicol is located at Pioduran, Albay connecting Sitio Lagaan of Barangay Banawan to Pioduran town center.

With a span of 120 meters, one of the longest hanging bridges in the Bicol region has been recently completed in Pioduran, Albay connecting Sitio Lagaan of Barangay Banawan to the town center of Pioduran.

The bridge serves as a convenient path for residents and motorcycle riders.

The hanging bridge was built to provide a safe and convenient path for the pedestrians and motorcycle riders especially when the river tide is high. Likewise, students of Sitio Lagaan Elementary School have found a more convenient path going to school.

During calamities, residents can easily evacuate from their area through the newly completed hanging bridge.

Agricultural products such as copra and fish are easily transported to the town center of Pioduran through the hanging bridge. This makes for greater convenience of vendors and efficiency in marketing their products.

The hanging bridge suits the natural beauty of Sitio Lagaan.

During calamities such as flooding and heavy rains, the bridge also provides an expedient path for the residents to evacuate from their area.

Written by Lala Peñafiel
With photos from Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez's Facebook page

Ligao City holds SOGIE, STI, HIV-AIDS awareness workshop

Bb. Ruffa Torregaza of GAYOn talked about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expression during the workshop.

The City Government of Ligao, in partnership with GAYOn and GentleMen, conducted an awareness and control seminar workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expressions (SOGIE), Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI), and Human Immunodeficiency virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) on 15 August 2015 at the 2nd floor of Jesse Robredo Building, Tuburan Ligao City.

Local representatives of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) group were the target audience of the workshop due to the increasing number of HIV-AIDS cases in the Philippines which are common to Men Having Sex With Men (MSM).

As of February 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 646 cases of HIV in the country. Of the 646 recorded cases, 96% consist of male with 586 (91%) cases of unprotected sex. The rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the Philippines increased from 17 cases per day in 2014 to 20 cases per day in 2015.

Committee on Health Chairman Herbert Borja of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay said that the increasing number of HIV cases calls for an immediate action to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections. He also challenged the group to create a district-wide organization that will represent the LGBTs of 3rd District of Albay. GentleMen Coordinator Jurlan N. Buello likewise aims to gather more members of the LGBT in 3rd District to extend the information dissemination.

The workshop also aimed to elicit the opinion of the group and their beliefs and understanding regarding gender issues. Bb. Ruffa Torregoza of GAYOn discussed SOGIE 101: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expressions, and HIV Awareness and Protection. Mr. Richard Hayag of the GentleMen explained the STI and HIV/AIDS epidemic in Albay while Mr. Toots Rivac of GAYOn orients the participants on RA 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Law.
Written by Lala Peñafiel 

LTO 3rd District conducts Deputation and Re-orientation seminar

LTO 3rd District Chief of Office Noel Barbacena begins the seminar with LTO's system on licensing.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 3rd District conducted a two-day Deputation and Re-orientation seminar for Philippine National Police (PNP) Personnel on 21-22 July 2015 at Tuburan, Ligao City. Participated by 69 PNP Personnel from Ligao City, Guinobatan, Oas, Polangui, Pioduran, Jovellar, Libon, and Camalig, the seminar aims to re-orient the participants with existing transportation and traffic laws as well as update them with the changes in the LTO system. Likewise, the activity addresses the need to increase the number of deputized PNP Personnel that will reinforce transportation and traffic laws.

LTO Assistant Regional Director Vince Nato said that there is a need for more deputized PNP Personnel to monitor road safety of drivers and pedestrians. Every year, around 60,000 new vehicles are added in the Bicol region, according to ARD Nato. He also added that 60% of crimes committed in the region involve vehicles. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez also emphasized the existing problem with the increasing road violations and accidents due to lack of deputation. Law enforcement officers are tied up because they are not authorized to enforce land transportation laws, rules, and regulations such as R.A. 4136.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua advised the participants to be strict in enforcing traffic laws. She emphasized that the rules and regulations must apply to all and no special treatment must be displayed to selected persons who committed a violation. ARD Nato, however, reminded the participants to use their power righteously and not abuse their authority.

LTO 3rd District Chief of Office Noel Barbacena is the forefront the two-day seminar. The activity highlighted several misconceptions in traffic laws and discussed transportation rules and regulations in a problem-solving approach.| Written by Lala Peñafiel

Ligao City hails first 57 women graduates of beauty care and hairdressing training

Fifty seven (57) women from different barangays of Ligao City graduated from the 1st Beauty Care and Hairdressing training program on 20 July 2015 at the JMR Productivity Center, Tuburan, Ligao City. The training program is a collaborative implementation of the City Government of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD.

(left-right) Evegate Academy President Yco Tan, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, DSWD Regional Project Director Gina B. Millete, DSWD Region 5 Assistant Director Corazon B. Mina, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua congratulates the graduates of the beauty care and hairdressing course.  Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

With trainers Jenilyn Florante and Beverly Perez of the Evegate Technical Development Academy, the women were trained to perform basic hair care services such as hair cutting, hair coloring, hair bleaching, hair perming, hair and scalp treatment, and applying make-up. They were also trained to perform beauty care services like manicure and pedicure, hand spa, foot spa, and nail art.

After completing the program, the women underwent a Competency Assessment administered by TESDA and received a Beauty Care National Certificate (NC) II and Hairdressing NC II for passing the assessment.

The graduates also received starter kits to help them continuously practice their skills in beauty care and hairdressing. Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the women graduates to utilize the starter kits to earn profits by doing home service within their community.

The Beauty Care and Hairdressing course, along with other training programs under BUB, gives opportunities to the marginalized communities to improve their living standards by helping them develop competency in different skills set. According to Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, the beauty of the BUB is that communities are involved in the development of capability building programs. Upon consultation from the community, the local government with the DSWD formulates a decision based on the need of the community. These programs also help unemployed citizens to find a living or earn profits in their local areas instead of leaving their families for employment abroad, added Congressman Gonzalez.

Further, Evegate Academy President Yco Tan said that numerous employment opportunities are now available to women unlike in the old times. Several companies are now hiring female job seekers to work on male-dominated occupations such as butchers, welders, and painters. This leaves a conclusion that women are now more capable and empowered to perform tasks that were originally maintained by men, to which President Tan added a funny remark, “magtira naman kayo [leave something for us].” He also urged the graduates to spread the stories and invite more citizens to join the training.
Written by Lala Peñafiel.

DepEd Sec. Luistro visits Ligao LGU-funded school buildings

DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro (4th from left) a recently completed school building at Ligao East Central Elementary School. He was joined by Assistant Schools Div. Superintendent Ma. Luisa P. Samaniego (far left), Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (2nd from left), Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (3rd from left), Regional Ramon Fiel Abcede and representatives from DepEd Division office. Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

Before proceeding to the Department of Education (DepEd) Grand Summit at Albay Astrodome, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro visited some of the LGU-funded school buildings in Ligao City on 14 July 2015. Accompanied by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Regional Director Ramon Fiel Abcede of Deped Region V, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Luisa P. Samaniego, together with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sec. Luistro went to Ligao National High School, DepEd City Division Office, and Ligao East Central School to check on the state-of-the-art facilities.

As Sec. Luistro tours around the Ligao National High School campus, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez explains the developments that were made in the campus. LNHS' Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Sinson also shared the plan to replace old facilities in the school.

Sec. Luistro was also impressed by the reports presented by the local government regarding the budget allocation for the construction of the school facilities. He was surprised to know that school buildings were constructed at lower costs without compromising the quality and design of the facilities. One of the projects that were showcased includes the recently completed school buildings for the Ligao Community College which only cost 23 million pesos. Congressman Gonzalez also suggested to Sec. Luistro the construction of two-storey school buildings to maximize the use of school sites.
Written by Lala Peñafiel