ISSUE NO. 14, PIA-AKLAN BALITA, JULY 16-31, 2019 .pdf

Volume VII

KALIBO, Aklan, (PIA) -- The province of Aklan has been placed under dengue outbreak status due to the increasing number of dengue cases recorded at Aklan hospitals from January to July 6 of this year.

This was decided during the recent meeting of the Provincial Dengue Task Force called for and presided by Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores, which was attended by mayors and representatives of Aklan’s 17 towns, provincial and municipal health officers, heads and representatives of key national and provincial offices, and the local media.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ma. Lourdes Monegro, regional dengue program coordinator, and Dr. Glen Alonsabe, regional epidemiologist of the Department of Health (DOH) 6.

Based on records of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here, Aklan has 2,121 cases of dengue with 15 deaths from January to July 6, 2019 and with an increase rate of 157 percent compared with the number of cases for the same period in 2018.

Kalibo has the highest number of cases with 523 cases (25%) while Balete town, with 213 cases, is the municipality with the highest attack rate (69.89%).

Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, provincial health officer, who presented the province’s data on dengue, revealed that age range of cases is from 2 months to 91 years old, while the age range with highest cases is from 11-20 years old.

The case fatality rate (CFR) is 0.71 percent.

As of the said period, other municipalities and their respective number of cases include Banga, with 196 cases; New Wahington, 190; Numancia, 168; Ibajay, 115; Altavas, 111; Malay, 101; Batan, 83; Makato, 73; Tangalan, 71; Nabas, 67; Buruanga, 59; Lezo, 48; Malinao, 41; Libacao, 35; and Madalag, 29.

With Aklan placed under dengue outbreak status just like other provinces in Western Visayas, Dr. Alonsabe said local government units can now use their 70 percent disaster risk reduction (DRR)

Issue 14

funds for preparedness for the mitigation and prevention of dengue.

Miraflores noted that municipalities in Aklan with high cases of dengue are those with big population, while those with smaller population with houses sparsely distributed, have lesser number of cases, like Libacao and Madalag.

Being placed on a dengue outbreak status, the governor said the 70 percent DRR fund could already be used to buy dengue testing kits, IV fluids, paracetamol, and oral rehydration salts (ORS) preferably the flavored kind which will be acceptable to children.

The governor also told the mayors to provide their own Rural Health Units (RHUs) with dengue test kits and other needs for ordinary cases of fever to help decongest the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital which is overwhelmed with admissions of dengue cases.

“Please take an active role in the prevention of dengue,” he appealed to the mayors and representatives present.

Dr. Alonsabe shared that in Iloilo, clean-up drives are now being conContinued on page… 02

KALIBO, Aklan, (PIA) -- "Have a little more patience," is the appeal of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Evangelina Gallega to Aklanon senior citizens who, up to this time, have not yet received their social pension.

Gallega aired this appeal in an interview over a radio station here to enlighten the public particularly the senior citizens the reason for the delay of the release of their social pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development from January to June this year..

July 16 - 31, 2019

Governor Florencio T. Miraflores of the province of Aklan solicits suggestions and recommendations from members of the Provincial Dengue Task Force on how to prevent and control dengue in the province in a meeting he recently called for at the Provincial Governor's Office. It was reported during the meeting by the Provincial Health Office that from January to July 6 of this year, Aklan had a noted increase in dengue victims of 157% as compared with the figures in 2018 for the same period. Steps agreed during the meetitng included the placing of Aklan under dengue outbreak status, simultaneous clean-up drives in schools and in the communities for four succeeding weeks; and for local government units to equip their respective Rural Health Units (RHUs) with dengue testing kits, IV fluids, supplies of paracetamol and other medicines for simple fever so hospitals will not be overwhelmed with dengue patients. (PIA/vgvillanueva)

Each qualified senior citizen has a social pension of P500 per month which he or she receives per quarter or equivalent to Pl,500.

Gallega explained that this year, the DSWD conducted a validation of the list of beneficiaries of the social pension to take out from the master list the names of those who are receiving other pensions from the government, thus the delay.

The validation, according to Gallega, also involves cross matching the senior Continued on page… 03

PIA AKLAN BALITA

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 14

In a small busy street along Iloilo City’s wet market in Rizal Estanzuelastands MAGS Pipe Bending and Steelworks—a company that is engaged in metalworks, producing custom-made products for processed food, hotel and restaurant services, medical services, furniture and furnishings and automotive accessories.

“I started on working with basic metal works, furniture and automotive accessories. Now I can’t believe I am already producing for hospitals, hotels, restaurants and car shops in Western Visayas,” said MAGS owner, Mr. Marlon G. Gascon.

MAGS is a pioneering firm engaged in the electroplating business in Western Visayas. The company started its business in 1995 by doing pipe bending with three employees. Through the years, the enterprise has expanded its operation and it now employs a total of 30 employees.

For expansion, the company ventured into electro-chemical plating of stainless -steel items. The company adopted a technology on electroplating fromDepartment of Science and Technology Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) to address its difficulty to mechanically clean and polish corner points of the workpiece.

The technology significantly improved productivity and quality of work on top of savings from consumables and working time.

“I was already a member of the Metals Industry Association of the Philippines (MIAP) and a beneficiary of DOST trainings on metal products when I asked DOST about electroplating and it interests me. I associated it since I am already producing automotive accessories and I thought of restoring easily timeworn parts especially tire mags,” he stressed. Through the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program Innovation System Support Fund (SETUPISSF) program in 2007, the company purchased equipment for electroplating process.

With the help of the additional technology and the first and only in Western Visayas in 2007, electroplating has not only limited its purpose to SMEs but extending its application to large scale business and industries especially for producing plants and manufacturers.

“Electroplating does not only improve the aesthetics of the product but also preserve rust-adapting equipment used in production, giving quality end re-

sults,” Gascon added. Moreover, since the market demand had increased, the company under the same program with the project entitled, “Productivity and Quality Improvement of Locally Manufactured Food Service Equipment and Outdoor Furnitures” has also availed of one hydraulic guillotine shearing machine and one hydraulic pipe bender in 2012.

“It’s just like a trial and error method as well since it cannot be perfected in one try. I also consider the cost of the material since I want to produce quality outcome and I don’t have hesitations in choosing them,” he said. With the acquisition of the hydraulic guillotine shearing machine they were able to produce precise cuts that enabled them to reach out to enterprises that they never catered to before. The hydraulic pipe

KALIBO, AKLAN, (PIA) -- The media has a big role in raising awareness on the rights of the child, however, journalistic standards should be reinforced to ensure that the promotion of such rights are protected and regulated, according to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)-Aklan.

In her speech during the Aklan Media orientation on reporting involving women and children cases, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Evangelina F. Gallega acknowledged that media practitioners have their bible or protocols in reporting, in the same way, as social workers and government employees have guidelines to follow in handling such cases.

However, PSWDO-Akan stressed that the best interest and protection of the child must be at all times the primary concern and be respected.

Raj J. Alvarado, secretariat of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children VI-Council, further discussed the guidelines for media in reporting and covering cases involving women and children, emphasizing the children’s right to absolute privacy.

Alvarado said that such right of the child should not be compromised at all times even though such minor committed an offense. In reporting, the identity of a child shall not be disclosed whether

Curing of metal samples using the electroplating process at MAGS Pipe Bending and Steelworks. (DOST6)

bender could produce clean bend and also supports the guillotine shear to avoid production bottleneck.

The firm also availed of a CNC Press Breakas part of their third project in 2017, Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program, Cleaner Production Technology Program and Training on 5S to attain improved product quality, productivity and increased sales, which in turn sustained the employment in the community.

The technology interventions extended to MAGS also resulted in the inContinued on page… 04

directly or indirectly and the face or any distinguishing feature or information of the minor should not be shown.

The only exception is in the case of missing children or children looking for their parents or relatives that revealing the identity of the child is necessary.

Disclosure of any private or graphic detail of the case or blotter, including the medico-legal findings, in public, is a violation of confidentiality provisions under the law.

Continued on page… 03

Aklan placed…

From page 01 ducted to destroy the breeding places of mosquitoes, and with this, it was decided that clean-up drives will also be conducted simultaneously in Aklan for four consecutive Saturdays which already started on July 20 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Miraflores said schools must also do their clean-up activity every Friday afternoon.

The meeting also provided the opportunity for the local media to request for a weekly press conference which was welcomed by the PHO, and set the schedule every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the PHO Office.

(JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

PIA AKLAN BALITA

One native town here in Iloilo blooms with promising heritage tourism with the likes of a century-old church, shrine, and vibrant festival. Little do people know that the Municipality of Cabatuan stands proud of its flourishing tablea industry.

Tablea is a local blend chocolate perfected from distinct quality and smoothness of cacao beans. It is harvested in the luscious highlands of Iloilo where native brewers, dubbed as cacao masters, have handed-down their expertise from one generation to the next. The tablea is intricately formed out of profound dedication and synergy of skills attributed to these farmers.

Recognizing its vast contribution to the local economy, the Municipality of Cabatuan propelled the passing of Sangguniang Bayan No. 030-2012 which officially declared tablea as the alternative One Town One Product (OTOP) commodity in Cabatuan. The municipal government likewise cherry-picked the brand name “Tan Tono” as a tribute to its first gobernadorcillo.

Nowadays, Sunbursts BalayTablea is the authorized manufacturer and distributor of Tan TonoTablea. Sunbursts owner Ms. Catherine Taleon swells with pride of its humble beginnings.

“Actually, this business is just an accidental one kaynagpangitaang LGU sang ma-venture sang tablea wherein gindeclare nilanga alternative OTOP. They asked me if I am willing to market tableasa city for a start, gin-accept koangila request saakon to sell tablea in the city. ” The business is never a walk in the park or a piece of cake. The firm placed its trust on the traditional process for tablea production. Such tedious, snailpaced process entailed much time, hence having difficulties in coping with the orders and demands of the market.

Being the determined entrepreneur that she is, Ms. Tanaleon asked help at DOST for technology upgrading. DOST heeded the call through the project

“Product and Process Improvement of a Cocoa Bean Based Processing Facility for Sunbursts BalayTablea”. Innovations in the treasured blend followed.

“When I had a chance to visit DOST, they offered to me Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). I found out that it would help me in improving my product not only in quality but also in terms of the quantity. I then accepted the proposal of upgrading.

“It really helped me in improving the product, the quality of the product as well as the manufacturing and the quantity aspect of production.”

Apart from the technology upgrade, the firm likewise stepped up its product packaging with the newly-improved packaging materials. Production facilities such as emulsifier and heavy-duty

Aklan media briefed…

From page 02

She emphasized that a child may be interviewed only if assisted by a psychologist or a social worker but as much as possible this should be avoided to prevent the child from retraumatization or revictimization. A social worker or psychologist may be interviewed, instead.

The second principle media practitioner should bear in mind is that the child’s dignity must be respected at all times wherein the use of sexualized images of children is prohibited.

The personal circumstance of the child which will tend to sensationalize the case must be avoided. The child's life should not be treated as a movie.

Moreover, children have the right to be heard and their access to media should be encouraged for them to be able to express their own opinions without inducement of any kind, in any manner or procedure affecting them. If the child is the source of crime-related news or information, the child's identity should be protected at all times.

Lastly, Alvarado highlighted the principle that mass media is a partner in the promotion of child rights and the prevention of child delinquency, and is encouraged to relay consistent messages through a balanced approach.

She appealed to the media that journalistic activity which touches on the lives and welfare of children must be carried out with sensitivity and appreciation of the vulnerable situation of children, so that children are not revicMs. Catherine Taleon believes that technology married timized or retraumatized. (LTP/SQP/PIA with business can contribute to the socio-economic -Aklan) growth of the communities. (DOST6)

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 14

A hot chocolate beverage is a must try when visiting Sunbursts BalayTablea.

cocoa roaster was also be given.

Among of the equipment that comprised the project include planetary mixer, foot sealer, weighing scale, stainless steel cabinet and stockpot.

DOST and the Department of Agriculture also shared the same passion with Sunbursts BalayTablea in terms of developing its pool of human resource.

Rigid training on roasting, grinding, and packaging was conducted along with the staff.

While some people find a business to be a major pressure cooker, Ms. Taleon, who is also a teacher by profession, considers it as her sanctuary. This is because of her utmost commitment to promote and boost the consumption of Cabatuan Local Blend Chocolate while providing livelihood to the community.

Talk about brewing prosperity and community wellness, Sunbursts BalayTablea is living up to its dream of becoming a progressive business in Western Visayas. One can only be optimistic that there would be plenty of business ventures sharing its success stories as revolutionized by technology. (DOSTVIKMU)

Aklan senior citizens From page 01 citizens list with the database of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and the Social Security System (SSS) to weed out the names of pensioners listed in these agencies who are also receiving social pensions.

Gallega appealed to senior citizens to be honest and admit outright that they are already receiving pensions as it is stated clearly in the guidelines that only those who are not receiving other pensions are qualified to get social pension under the program.

“In the barangays, they know each other. If they know that a certain member is already a retiree and a pensioner, they could report this to the DSWD, so the person will no longer be included in the list of beneficiaries,” she said.

Gallega said senior citizens in Aklan might already receive their social pension in August just like the beneficiaries from seven local government units in the province of Iloilo who have already received theirs this July. (JBG/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

PIA AKLAN BALITA

Vol. No. VII Issue No. 14

Anabelle Caro almost gave up her business due to high product returns caused by rapid product deterioration and short shelf life until science and technology came to intervene in the business.

In 2000, the company was established with a stall located at Iloilo Central Market and additional two mall stores. The owner was on the verge of giving up, given that the quality of the products deteriorated quickly and have short shelf-life, which resulted to an increased number of returned items. The company availed technical intervention and assistance offered by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program - Innovation System Support Fund (SETUP-ISSF) and Food Safety Consultancy, which helped the business improve the quality of their products, production efficiency and acquire a License to Operate from FDA. The intervention brought by DOST through the provision of equipment such as agricultural dryer, vacuum sealer machine, PE transparent bottom seal MAP bag, stainless steel table for dried fish and chest freezer, has significantly increased its production capacity by 130% on a weekly basis for dried pusit, gumaa, danggit, tabagak and isda-bato.

Because of this, the company became confident again that it can reach the leading edge through the help of science and technology.

Furnishing Iloilo’s…

From page 03 crease of its production capacity, decrease in production cost and increase in its market share. As a beneficiary of various DOST services, the company experienced a steady growth and is now providing employment to many people.

“I am grateful to DOST for sharing me the knowledge on electroplating process. The technology was an important breakthrough of my 15 years in the metalworking industry,” shared Gascon.

(DOST6/KMU-JRAGabiota)

Thelmie’s Dried Fish has now gained market boost and started offering quality products to its customers and different malls in Western Visayas. This has become the product of hard work and tenacity of Ms. Caro, coupled with the assistance from the DOST. Presently, Thelmie’s Dried Fish is one among the leading suppliers of dried fish in thirty malls and supermarkets all over Western Visayas. Being one among the acknowledged adoptors of the DOST VI programs and services, the owner together with its staff, guaranteed that it will produce good quality products, just like tabagak, pusit, isda-bato, boneless danggit, squid rings, dilis, boneless

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Unbearable starvation and hardships within the armed movement forced two (2) NPA members in Iloilo to surrender to Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on July 19, 2019.

LTC Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer, 61IB identified the surrenderees as alias Aguila, 51, Team Leader of CPP-NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU), Komiteng RehiyonPanay, and alias Baby, 33, Political Guide and Medical Officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon -Panay.

Alias Aguila from Calinog, Iloilo yielded with Colt Rifle with serial number 9014574; one (1) cap magazine of 5.56 mm; five (5) rounds live ammunitions of 5.56mm, and one (1) vintage rifle with ten (10) rounds of 7.62 ammunitions while alias Baby of Tubungan, Iloilo surrendered along with US Springfield 30 caliber rifle; eighteen (18) rounds live ammunitions of 30 caliber; one (1) 38 caliber pistol; six (6) rounds live ammunitions; three (3) rounds empty shell of 40mm, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

In an interview, Aguila and Baby can’t contain their emotions while recalling their horrible experiences inside the armed movement. “Grabe nga gutom kag kakapoy ang amon naagyan sa sulod.

Daw wala katapusan nga pagantus” (We experienced extreme hunger and fatigue inside the movement. It seems like it was a never ending suffer-

PAGE 04 dilis, kalkag, fish tapa, and palad flakes.

Thelmie’s Dried Fish was awarded as one of the Provincial Best SETUP Adoptors during the opening program of the Regional Science and Technology Week 2018 last August 29, 2018 held at Robinsons Place Roxas City, Capiz.

Aside from the SETUP-ISSF the company also availed of the following services from DOST: Packaging and Labeling Services, Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) Consultancy, Operations Review, Business System Assessment and Improvement Training, andSwabbing of Food Contact Surfacesand Food Safety Consultancy Program.

Its products are also featured in OneStore.ph, the online shopping website of DOST which can be accessed through h ttp://onestor e. ph/ index. php/home/ vendor/114/DOST-VI-Regional-Hub. (DOST6/JRAGabiota)

ing).

The surrender of the two has brought to a total of 137 number of NPA members in Panay Island that have returned to the mainstream society since the implementation of Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in 2016. Of the said figure, 21 surrendered in 2016; 3 in 2017; 66 in 2018; and 47 in 2019.

LTC Batara stressed “The two did the right decision for armed struggle will bring nothing but suffering and death not only to them but also to their families. Imagine, kung may mga anak ka na matagal ka nang hinihintay at hindi nakikita pero nung bumalik ka isa ka nang malamig na bangkay. Tama lang na nagbalik-loob sila dahil ito na ang pangalawa nilang pagkakataon upang

The two surrenderees : alias Aguila and alias Baby (center) along with LTC Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer, 61IB(first from right) and CPT Cenon Pancito III, Spokesperson, 3ID (first from left) during their appearance before the media at Division Public Affairs Office, 3ID, Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City on July 24, 2019.

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 14

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz- The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division under the leadership of Major General Dinoh Dolina commended the municipality of Cuartero, Capiz for condemning the atrocities and for declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata.

MGen Dolina said “The municipality of Cuartero is the first town in the province of Capiz to declare the CPP-NPANDF persona non grata; hence, we are urging other LGUs in the province to do the same not only to prevent the terrorist group from entering their towns but also to put an end to the decade-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorists”.

“Huwag na natin silang bigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaghasik ng karahasan at sirain ang tinatamasa nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Tama lang ang ginawa ninyo na pagdeklara sa CPP -NPA-NDF bilang persona non grata, dahil ang mga kriminal at teroristang katulad nila ay walang puwang sa ating lipunan”, MGen Dolina emphasized.

It was stated in the Resolution No. 1 series of 2019 passed by the Municipal Peace and Order Council on May 08, 2019 that the municipality condemns the atrocities relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF since it was established. Said resolution pointed out that the terrorist group has engaged in guerilla warfare against government forces, believing armed revolution to be the solution to replace what it considers the

current oppressive system.

It was also emphasized in the resolution that the presence of the terror group threatens the security and development of the municipality and its people.

The Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion has deployed four Community Support Program (CSP) Teams in four CPP-NPAinfluenced barangays; San Antonio, Carataya, Puti-an, and Mahunod-hunod all of Cuartero to facilitate the convergence of all stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency and to help ensure the immediate delivery of the government’s basic services.

According to LTC Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer, 61IB, as a result of the deployment of CSP teams, 37 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members and 23 Mass Base supporters from Barangay Carataya, San Antonio and Mahunodhunod withdrew their support from the CPP-NPA Terrorist by taking their oath of allegiance to the government last February. On March, at least 49 Mass Base supporters from Sitio Tigpaka Daku, San Antonio also took their oath of allegiance to the government.

The effective CSP effort with the overwhelming support of all stakeholders and the desire of the people of Cuartero for sustainable peace and development are all instrumental for the declaration of the CPP-NPA Terrorist as persona non grata. (Phil. Army)

The Philippine Statistics AuthorityAklan assured their respondents of the confidentiality of information given to their data collectors as the agency conducts various surveys this July.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Antonet B. Catubuan, all data provided by respondents in surveys are treated with utmost confidentiality and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or for other law enforcement purposes.

“No reference to an individual or a corporation will appear on the results because responses will be summarized into statistical tables,” Catubuan said.

She emphasized that whoever breached the confidentiality of information, whether by carelessness or improper behavior, will be liable as provided by Section 27 of RA 10625

(Philippine Statistical Act of 2013), and Section 7 of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees).

“Responses to surveys are very crucial in generating quality statistics used in the formulation of policies and economic development plans,” PSO Catubuan explained.

That is why PSA urged respondents to support their statisticalundertakings by giving truthful and complete answers to data collectors.

The following are surveyscurrently conducting by PSA-Aklan: *Labor Force Survey (LFS), which generates data on employment rate; *Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS), which produces statistics for the

The Philippine Statistics Authority Aklan is currently conducting survey to selected households concerning access on safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices.

The activity, which is part of the poverty indicator survey, aims to collect information to be used in reporting the Sustainable Development Goals Indicator 6--- achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, and access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all Filipinos.

According to Engr. AntonetCatubuan, Chief Statistical Specialist, a total of 370 households in Aklan were chosen as samples for this survey distributed in 25 barangays.

Questions being ask from the respondents include, among others, main source of water supply, source of drinking water, methods used in water treatment, type of toilet facility, and the presence of handwashing facility in the household.

Nationwide results of similar survey conducted last 2017 showed that 27 percent of families use “safely-managed” drinking water services, which means that the drinking water is from the improved water source located on premises, available when needed and free from fecal contamination.

Likewise, almost one in every three families (34%) has their drinking water at the point use that is free from fecal contamination or zero E.coli.

Point use refers to the water samples collected from a glass of water that the families actually drink.

When it comes to toilet facility, around 74 percent of the Filipino families have at least “basic” sanitation services (improved sanitation facility which is not shared with other households), while 15 percent have “limited” sanitation services (improved sanitation facility but shared facilities).

Improved sanitation pertains to facilities that ensure hygienic separation of human excreta from human contact.

On the other hand, around 6 percent of families practice open defecation.

Meanwhile, 8 out of 10Filipino families have a “basic” service level of handwashing facility, which means that there is an availability of soap and water, while 6 percent have “limited” service level, or with handwashing place but without soap and/or water.

On the contrary, 14 percent of the

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 14

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PSA assures…

From page 05 assessment and monitoring of poverty situation in the country; *Backyard/Livestock Production Survey (BLPS), which measures the performance of livestock and poultry industry; a n d * Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS), which generates estimates and forecasts on palay and corn area, production and yield. (PSA-Aklan)

PSA conducts…

From page 05 families have no handwashing facility at all.

PSA appeals to all sample households in this survey tocooperate in data gathering to produce quality and reliable statistics, which is reflective of the present condition.

Aside from water and sanitation, also included in the Annual Poverty Indicator Survey comprise demographic characteristics, schooling status, economic characteristics, health status, financial account, educational assistance, social protection program availed, housing characteristics, drug awareness and prevention. (PSA-Aklan)

Despite the El Niño phenomenon which brought about a more dry and humid summer season causing high demand for electricity, power transmission operator NGCP’s systems remained reliable and did not encounter any major transmission-related issues throughout the summer period.

At 1:52PM of 21 June 2019, the highest peak load for the year was recorded at 11,344MW, with additional 246MW Interruptible Load Program (ILP) implementation, 468MW higher than 2018’s peak which reached 10,876MW. This is slightly lower than the Department of Energy’s projected demand of 11,403MW for 2019.

“With DOE’s forecast for this yearbreaching 11,000MW, NGCP worked round-the-clock to ensure the reliability of its systems and to avoid any issues or difficulties during this critical period.

We constantly coordinated with other industry players – power generating plants, the market operator, and the

DOE – to fully mitigate the impact of the record-breaking demand for power and the limited generating capacity of plants. To further mitigate the supplydemand balance, NGCP campaigned for energy use efficiency in national, local, and social media channels,” said NGCP. With the onset of the rainy season, the system condition is expected to improve, but until the situation normalizes, more grid alerts may be issued.

NGCP appeals to the public to continue to use energy efficiently.

“Now that the summer season is officially over, this does not mean that we should stop implementing energy saving measures. Let us make it a part of our lifestyle to be wise electricity consumers so that we can do our part in ensuring improved power flow within the grid,” NGCP said.

Visayas and Mindanao have still to reach their peak demand for the year.

For 2019, the DOE projects an 11.98% increase in the Visayas load growth with forecasted peak at 2,299MW, while demand in Mindanao is estimated at 2,130MW, both expected by the last quarter of 2019.

NGCP assures its stakeholders that it is continuously improving, expanding, and reinforcing the power grid to accommodate additional loads from power generators and enable better transmission of power across the country.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr. (PSA-Aklan)