San Fernando, Cam. Sur – Dae oyon an mga residentes kan banwaan kan San Fernando, Camarines Sur na gibuhon na apunan sinda nin basura kan ciudad nin Naga. Ini an saindang naging reaksyon makalihis na ipahayag ni Environment and Natural Resources Officer Oscar Orosco na saro sa saindang planong tindugan kan Sanitary Landfill iyo an nasambitan na banwaan. Tinawan doon pa man kan mga taga-San Fernando na dae dapat na darahon kan Naga an sobrang bata sa saindang lugar huli sa malinig an saindang banwaan. Naghahandal man sinda na baka maghatod ini nin malaen na problema sa saindang salud asin sa kabuhayan huli sa posibleng madanyaran igdi an saindang mga fishponds. Maroromdoman na enot na pinagplanuhan kan ciudad na tindugan kan sanitary landfill an Carangcang, Magarao alagad entero man na nagkontra igdi an mga residentes asin mismong mga barangay officials kan nasambitan na lugar. Manonotaran na nagsayuma man na makaagan kan nasabing basurahan iyo an banwaan kan Pili siring man an ibang mga barangay kan Naga City.

Siruma, Camarines Sur – Dae pa man giraray nadudukayan hasta sa presente an apat na mga parasisira na nawawara igdi sa provincia can Camarines Sur kan nakalihis pang petsa 20, ngonian na bulan. Sosog ki Jenis Nidea can grupo can KABALIKAT na kabale sa naghahanap sa nasabing mga parasisira, sa duwang aldaw nindang paghahanap dae pa ninda nanunuparan an apat. Mientras tanto, plano man na ipagpadagos an paghanap kina Randy Tatad, Rubin Rin Jr., Manny Bueno asin Edlyn Jamito kan Butawanan, Siruma, Camarines Sur. Kansoogma man dikit-dikitan pang maaksidente an grupong naghahanap na kinababalihan kan KABALIKAT asin Coastguard Bicol makalihis na maputol an katig kan inarkilang sasakyan pandagat kan magtama ini sa gapo.

Naga City – Ipinadara na kansubanggui sa Metro Manila an mga kinolektang samples kan Bureau of Food and Drugs sa mga gatas na pinagpapabakal digde sa Camarines Sur tanganing isairarom sa eksaminasyon. Sosog ki Sylvia Lopez, an food and regulation officer kan BFAD, limang mga lugar igdi sa provincia an kinoanan nin samples na kinababalihan kan Naga City, Iriga City asin mga banwaan kan Pili, Goa asin Calabanga. Sa kumpirmasyon man ni Lopez, igwa na sindang kabilugan na 67 na mga establishemento na napasyaran asin haros gabos sa mga ini an may ipinapabakal na repak na gatas hale sa nacion kan China. Kansoogma man, igwa sindang natipon na 29 samples kan nasambitan na mga gatas para isairarom sa analysis. Kaibahan sa mga kinoanan nin samples kan grupo kan BFAD iyo an gatas na Arla, Puregold, Farmland, Dairy Cows Milk, Dairy amerika, Milkboy, Candlewedmilk, Powder China Milk, Jollycow Slender Fat Milk, asin Jolly Cow Pure Fresh Milk. Mientras tanto, igwa man daang kinoang samples sa mga pioneer biscuits asin kendi na hale man sa China asin nakatalaan man na isunod an mga tinapay na posibleng ginamitan kan kontaminadong gatas hale sa nasambitan na nacion.

Legazpi City -- The 12th Orgullo kan Bikol Regional Trade Fair promises to be a best selling fair this year as it once again brings to the fore the beauty and bounty of Bicolandia on October 2-5 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. In support to the activity spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bicol Designers Association (BIDEAS) will set-up a special setting showcasing different raw materials that had been transformed into novelty artworks.
"For the first time we are going to show to the public, especially our institutional buyers, what other natural resources Bicol has to offer thru the "Raw Materials Showcase", DTI Bicol regional director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco said.
Blanco said for this year's OK Bikol, new products and new designs will be offered for sale and order-taking. "We hope to generate sales of about 16 million pesos, surpassing last year's sales."
Around 95 new products/designs coming from 36 manufacturing firms were developed thru the product development efforts of the members of BIDEAS. "Products under the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program will also be featured in this fair," Blanco said.
A total of 143 Bicolano entrepreneurs will be selling their wares ranging from home furnishings, giftware, holiday décor, wearables, fresh and processed food products, organic and natural products, cutlery, and furniture. Among the six provinces, Albay has the biggest number of exhibitors with 38 MSMEs, followed by Catanduanes and Sorsogon with 16 MSMEs each. Camarines Sur has 15 MSMEs while Camarines Norte and Masbate have 13 and 10 MSMEs, respectively. Committed to developing new entrepreneurs in the countryside, a total of 40 new entrepreneurs will be participants to this year's OKB fair, Blanco said. Aside from the regular MSMEs assisted by DTI, 35 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries/entrepreneurs will be joining OKB at Megamall. All these beneficiaries are assisted by DTI through the livelihood program under CARP. Each province will occupy one booth for the different products of said CARP beneficiaries. Another highlight of OKB 2008 is the launching of the OK Bikol and Chosen Pili trademarks. The OK Bikol trademark will be the official trademark of the OK Bikol Association in the succeeding OKB Fair while the Chosen Pili trademark is the quality mark used by the pili processors who joined the Hongkong Food Exposition (HOFEX) in August this year under the BIZDEV (Business Development) Program of DTI-V for food processors. Blanco said both trademarks are already in the process of being registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) by the OK Bikol Association. The 12th OK Bikol Fair opening program will also be highlighted by the oathtaking of the new set of officers of the OK Bikol Association under the leadership of Mr. Erwin Pereña. Blanco said that with the development, the mounting of OKB Regional Trade Fair next year can be handled by the OK Bikol Association, with the DTI just providing the needed assistance. Another special feature of OK Bikol Trade Fair is the Gayon Bikol Fiesta. It can be recalled that last year, Gayon Bikol Fiesta of the Department of Tourism (DOT) joined Orgullo kan Bikol Fair for the first time which brought in a total gross sales of 14 million pesos.

Legazpi City -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned-over to Cocoline Network Multi-Purpose Cooperative the second set of equipments for coco coir processing on September 22 at the coop plant site in Barangay Lomacao, Guinobatan, Albay. Coop chairman Florante Siapno received the package composed of one unit each of revolving screener/sieve, carding machine, manual twining machine and manual weaving machine/loom from PCA Region IV-A manager Dennis J. Calub, NFDP project leader and PARO Salve P. Tongco of DAR. Personnel of Juboken Enterprises of Gapo, Camalig, Albay demonstrated to the recipient farmers the basic machine operation and maintenance after the turn-over ceremonies. In the same activity, PCA, DAR and Cocoline Network Multi-Purpose Cooperative formalized the participation of Juboken Enterprises as the market integrator and technology provider under the Nucleus Farm Development Project (NFDP). The equipment complete the assistance package of the two agencies under its Nucleus Farm Development Project. The first release was a jeepney/animal-drawn decorticating machine given to the cooperative on June 26, 2007. In addition to these physical provisions were the trainings provided in the previous year to 42 coconut farmer members of the Cooperative on decortication of coconut husk, coco coir twining, looming and doormat making and the utilization of coco dust or peat as soil conditioner or organic fertilizer. The plant can serve up to 2,000 hectares of coconut land and will provide jobs to 15 persons.

Legazpi City -- September 22-28 marks this year's observance of the National Family Week aimed at focusing public attention on family concerns. The theme of this year's NFW celebration "Father and their Families: Responsibilities and Challenges" was chosen to highlight the important role fathers play in strengthening family unity and solidarity. This annual celebration is pursuant to Executive Order No. 221 dated June 9, 1995 and Proclamation No. 60 dated September 28, 1992 declaring the observance of the National Family Week on the last week of September every year. A foot parade from the police regional command at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola to the Legazpi City Hall signaled the start of NFW celebration. This was joined by members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Family, ERPAT Organization of Legazpi, Inter-Faith Group, the City Government of Legazpi and the Philippine National Police (PNP). An opening program held at Ibalong Conference Hall, City Hall Compound immediately followed after the parade. The program was highlighted by the giving of award and recognition to this year's two finalist and the 2008 winner for the search of the Huwarang Pamilya of Legazpi City. This year's winner who received a plaque of recognition and P10,000 cash from the city government is Mr. and Mrs. Adriano Azupardo and family of Arimbay, Legazpi City. The two finalists given a plaque of recognition and a consolation prize of P1,500 each were Mr. and Mrs. Erlim Azotea of Brgy. 15, and Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo Ador of Barangay Pawa. Another activity was the Information Caravan to Minto Resettlement Site in Guinobatan, Albay on September 25 participated by the members of the RIAC on Family.

Legazpi City -- In line with the observance of the 23rd International Coastal Cleanup, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) participated in the coastal cleanup drive in the shoreline of Brgy. Rawis this city last Saturday. NFSL participants in cooperation with the employees of DENR RO5, barangay council/SK officials of Barangay Rawis and Legazpi City Rotary Club collected 75 bags of assorted garbage at the cleanup area. The river cleanup at the mouth of Sagumayon River in Brgy. Dapdap which collected 45 bags of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. The NAVFORSOL command's active participation in the coastal cleanup manifests its sincere concern for the preservation and rehabilitation of the environment and further strengthens public awareness that the Philippine Navy is not only service-oriented but also a pro-environment organization.

Legazpi City -- As the "Death Clock" continues to tick for people addicted to tobacco with thousands of lives lost every year due to cigarette smoking, health advocates in Bicol yesterday joined a nationwide movement calling for the immediate passage of the Graphic Health Warning Bill, a measure believed to cut down tens of thousands of death and billions of pesos in public health spending caused by smoking-related diseases. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, Mayor Noel Rosal led hundreds of health advocates in unveiling a "Death Clock" at the Peñaranda Park this city. The event was attended by Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), the Department of Health regional office and multi sectoral and religious leaders. The "Death Clock" is a visual countdown on the number of smoking-related deaths since House bill 3364 or the Picture Based Helath Warning Bill was filed in December last year. The visual countdown yesterday indicated that 66,960 Filipinos have already died due to smoking-related diseases as of September 24. At least 1,680 are expected to die within the next seven days. DOH statistics shoed that at least 240 Filipinos die every day or 87,600 every year due to smoking-related diseases. Data from 2005-2006 Tobacco and Poverty Study in the Philippine by the UP College of Public Health, National Epidemiology Center of DOH, and the World Health Organization, indicated that public health spending on four major diseases related to smoking amount to P276-billion, this diseases are: lung cancer, heart attacks, stroke, chronic obstructive lung diseases. While the Bureau of Internal Revenue figures in 2005 found that government revenues from tobacco only reached P92-billion. City Mayor Noel Rosal said that his administration fully support the Death Clock Campaign in fact, he said that he already put in place the Smoke Free Committee tasked to formulate plans, policies and pursue projects that would make the city a smoke free area in Bicol. He said "we support this bill calling for the picture-based warnings on cigarette packs. To our congressmen and senators – Legazpi City appeals to you, pass the graphic health warning bill now." Rosal said the city had religiously enfdsorced the local ordinance banning smoking in enclosed areas including public places. Character actor Paquito Diaz, 76, who suffered a stroke and has undergone brain surgery, shared his personal battle with a disease caused by his addiction to smoking. Diaz cited his smoking days with his buddies the late Fernando Poe Jr., and his brother Romy Diaz, saying that "Si FPJ nauna pa sa akin, yong kapatid ko namatay ng kanser, lahat ng yon ah dahil sa paninigarilyo." Dr. Maricar Limpin FCAP executive director took the task some lawmakers who have staunchly attacked the Picture based Warning Bill for the rising death toll caused by cigarette smoking.
"These legislators are virtually condoning the death of thousands of Filipinos. The picture-based warnings on cigarette packs have been found to be highly effective in bringing down smoking incidence. Don't they want Filipinos to be healthy?" Limpin asked.
Countries that have implemented picture-based health warnings on cigarette packs have reported drastic decline in smoking prevalence and smoking-related deaths. A studies revealed that 96 percent of smokers had admitted that picture-based warnings against smoking would mostly make them quit when compared to text only health warnings. Picture warnings have been implemented in countries including Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Thailand and Singapore. Ironically, some Philippine made cigarette brands exported to Thailand and Singapore carry picture-based warnings.

Legazpi City -- By virtue of Sanggunian Panglungsod Resolution No. 031-2008, the City Government of Legazpi thru Mayor Noel E. Rosal donated the 1,927 sq. meter lot where the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office is presently located. Situated at PBN project in Bgy. Buraguis here, the lot has been occupied by the DSWD Field Office since 1969 when the late City Mayor Gregorio Imperial transferred and conveyed by the way of usufruct the lot. According to incumbent Mayor Rosal, the donation of the lot is in recognition and consideration of the DSWD's indispensable role not only in times of disaster but its long impressive and dedicated service to the marginalized sector. In another development, in line with a purpose to provide better facilities which will lead to a better life for children in conflict with the law, the Provincial Government of Albay represented by Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda also donated a 24,800 sq. m. lot at Barangay Parapote, Estancia, Malinao, Albay as a permanent site of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth. Held at Alicia Hotel last September 19, the signing and turn-over ceremony was graced by DSWD Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda. Also in attendance during the activity were DSWD Asst. Secretaries Parisya Hashim Taradji and Vilma Cabrera, Asst. Bureau Director Paz Sarina, Dir. Remia Tapispisan and staff of DSWD Field Office 5.

Albay -- The National Food Authority is targetting to buy 800,000 bags of palay harvested by local farmers in Bicol up to December. NFA Bicol assistant regional director for operations Jose Guevarra said the procurement target is a self-imposed task after traders in the region have lowered the buying price to P14 per kilo for dried and P11 for wet palay. Guevarra said the NFA's buying price for dry palay is pegged at P17 per kilo. "The NFA has bought 170,000 bags of palay since July." The agency is now operating 19 warehouses all over the region to accommodate the expected surge of palay sellers. Six of them are in Camarines Sur and nine in Albay. Under the Department of Agriculture's procurement program, 58,000 bags of palay was initially targeted, but this was raised to 166,000 then to 340,000 until the target was raised to 800,000 bags.