MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the provincial government of Albay signed an agreement on Wednesday for the immediate implementation of a detailed geo-hazard mapping in the province to reduce the risk of disasters in the area. The signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) was led by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda.

DENR-Region 5 (Bicol Region) executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada and Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzales also witnessed the signing of the contract. According to Paje, the GIS-based (geographical information system) Landslide and Flood Vulnerability Assessment of the Province of Albay project will take effect immediately and should be completed by the end of 2011. (Ellalyn B. De Vera)

SBMA welcomes Dragon Boat team

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) welcomed the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team inside this premier Freeport after the group participated in the Feast of San Roque the other day.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the waters of Subic Bay are open to these champion paddlers if they need a place to practice their skills. He added that if ever they needed a place to stay, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) is open to them, adding that they are now a part of the Subic Bay Freeport family. (Jonas Reyes)

NGCP grateful for tax exemption

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) officials expressed gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for recognizing that the proposal of some local government units (LGUs) to tax transmission lines passing through their municipalities will adversely affect consumers.

Henry T. Sy, Jr., President and CEO NGCP, cited the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) was delivered last July 25 at the Batasang Pambansa, President Aquino stated that some municipalities are trying to impose tax on electricity transmission lines traversing their areas. While the move may augment local funds, President Aquino pointed out that this will only lead to higher electricity rates, which will then be shouldered by the Filipino people. (Franco G. Regala)

No dengue

There was no dengue outbreak in Cavite despite the high number of individuals being afflicted by the mosquito-borne virus in the area, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said. Provincial Epidemiologist Nelson C. Soriano reported that the epidemic threshold or examination and survey conducted will attest that there was no dengue outbreak in any four cities and 19 towns of Cavite.

Soriano, citing a record, said that the number of dengue cases was observed to be high this year in Dasmariñas City, the province’s most populated area; Imus, the capital; General Trias, Rosario, Bacoor, the so-called gateway to Metro Manila; and Trece Martires City. (Anthony Giron)

Cash for work in Candaba

CANDABA, Pampanga — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office 3 on Wednesday assured the some 1,606 small-scale farmers and fishermen in Candaba town to receive a subsidy through DSWD-Cash-for-Work project.

Myline Biccay, Candaba municipal social welfare and development officer, said their department has allocated P5 million for the intended beneficiaries of cash-for-work project. (Franco G. Regala)