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