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