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Wastes threaten Bicol paradise; Karding victims to get GSIS help

September 27, 2022 Mario Fetalino Jr. 302 views

Mario FetalinoBICOL is such a wonderful province. It has many vacation spots that will amaze tourists.

My favorite is the waters of Sorsogon that host many ‘butanding’ or whale sharks. It’s also the jump off point to the breath-taking Ticao Island which can be likened to the ‘Blue Lagoon”.

But there’s sad news in Bicol especially in Legazpi City where the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-5) discovered increasing garbage wastes in its coastal areas.

Backed by the Women of Maritime Philippines (WIMA Phils.), BFAR 5 has renewed its call to local government units (LGUs) to continuously implement the ecological solid waste management plan after collecting 180 kilograms or at least 30 sacks of garbage in the recently conducted underwater and coastal cleanup in the city.

Nonie Enolva, BFAR-5 spokesperson, noted an increased volume of collected wastes compared to last year. “During the activity last Saturday, we collected 180 kilograms of waste — 145 kgs. non-biodegradable and 35 kgs. biodegradable — which is around a 12 percent increase compared to last year’s record of 150 kgs. waste in the same kilometer stretch of shoreline. During our waste characterization, we noted plastic sachets, food wrappers, plastic wraps/plastic, sando bags, and non-food packaging remain to be the majority of non-biodegradable items. A significant amount of cigarette butts, packs, and lighters are also observed comparably last year,” Enolva said.

The activity dubbed “Scubasurero”, which means collecting “basura” or trash underwater, was part of the culminating activity of the 59th Fish Conservation Week observance.

Enolva said the activity aims to engage the public in removing trash and other debris from the shoreline, identify the types of litter in the area, change behaviors that cause pollution, and increase the level of awareness of the people on the extent of the aquatic debris problem.

She also noted an increase in COVID-19-related wastes such as face masks compared to last year. The biodegradable wastes recovered included fish gills and scales and mussel shells.

“Legazpi City has a very sound implementation of solid waste management but they have to check on the sewerage of coastal households or perhaps other sources that might have been contributory to these indiscriminate disposals of wastes. This may compromise the overall health of some Legazpeños who are using the shore for swimming,” Enolva said.

Divers of BFAR, the Philippine Coastguard, and the Philippine Navy joined the Scubasurero.

Thanks to these heroes!

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State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is prepared to open its emergency loan program to assist its members and pensioners in Luzon who will be affected by super typhoon Karding.

“We have allocated P4 billion for our emergency loan budget this year so we are ready to help our kababayan in Luzon. We will ensure that the loan assistance will be available to all qualified active members and old-age and disability pensioners based in the affected areas,” the GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.

Members who have existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Those without existing emergency loan may apply for Php20,000. Pensioners may likewise apply for a P20,000 loan. The loan has a 6% interest and is payable in two years.

Qualified to apply are members who are in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have at least three months of paid premiums within the last six months; have no pending administrative or criminal case; and have a net take-home pay of not lower than P5,000 after all required monthly obligations have been deducted.

Meanwhile, other loan windows are available for members and pensioners who are not qualified for emergency loan. Members may apply for the Multi-purpose Loan (MPL) Plus which has a maximum loanable amount of Php5 million, while pensioners may borrow up to six-month’s worth of their pension or up to P500,000 under the enhanced Pension Loan program.

GSIS has also set aside Php10 million worth of financial assistance to benefit 25 schools nationwide, 10 of which are in Luzon, as part of its Adopt-a-School Program in partnership with the Department of Education. The assistance includes support for technology and assistive learning devices, infrastructure, and furniture.

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