The Swine Flu or Influenza A H1N1, now declared as a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), creating anxieties to more than 60 countries throughout the world, including the Philippines, who now registered more than a thousand infected Filipinos with of the said virus, and with the Philippine Government, through the Department of Health (DOH) called every Filipinos to be conscious about proper hygiene. The AKO BICOL, and the Jaycees of Daraga, Albay forged a partnership by printing and distributing through the Bicol Region an information material discussing the proper procedures in combating the influenza A H1N1 virus.
The information material, a 20 by 29 inches poster, discusses the description of the virus and the symptoms it exhibits when a person is inflicted. It also discusses the preventive measures that people should adopt so as not to be easily infected.
The AKO BICOL printed 3oo,ooo copies of the said poster and was distributed by the JAYCEES, represented by its President Ms. Suzette Conda to all members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) during its meeting at the Office of Civil Defense at Camp Simeon Ola, last June 4, 2009.
Target areas where the posters are to be posted are the malls, public and private schools, government offices, supermarkets, drugstores, health centers, and other areas that can easily access the needed information about Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
This collaboration is just one of the many services that the AKO BICOL extends to our Bicolano communities, focusing on health.
Ako Bicol has adopted barangay Padang, Legazpi City as a memorial siteto serve as a reminder not only of the tremendous losses of lives and properties as a result of the havoc wreaked by typhoon Reming in the Bicol region, but more importantly, to serve as a mute testimonyof the resiliency of Bicolanos to rise above personal tragedies, to overcome fears, and to transforms weaknesses into strengths.Eventually, this site will become a major tourist attraction that will generate additional income to the locals.
2. Taysan Resettlement
Ako Bicol donated construction materials to victims of tragedies in orderto start their own lives away from danger zones; the invaluable assistance of Ako Bicol symbolizes its enduring commitment to help Bicolanos start new lives after every calamity or tragedy.
3. Relief Operations
Ako Bicol has always extended assistance in the form of relief goods, medicines and other basic necessities to victims of typhoons and floodings in Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Albay.
4. HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
a)Smoke-Free Campaign
Recognizing the pernicious effects of smoking, Ako Bicol has joined hands with other non-government organizations (i.e. Smoke-Free Committee) and government agencies (i.e., LTFRB) to initiate a massive region-wide information campaign through posting of stickers on public utility vehicles, business establishments, terminals and other public areas.
b)A(H1N1) Campaign
Ako Bicol in cooperation with Jaycees Daraga and Team Navy initiated a massive campaign to educate Bicolanos on how to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus which has became a world-widepandemic.
c)Medical Missions
Ako Bicol on its own or jointly with other organizations and individuals regularly conduct medical and dental missions to deliver basic health services especially to marginalized sectors
5.Feeding Programs
Ako Bicol holds regular feeding programs in certain areas of the Bicol Region as part of its commitment to help reduce malnutrition and promote proper diet and nutrition
6.Livelihood Training
Ako Bicol, through member –foundations and organizations, regularly conduct skills training on welding, automotive, electrical and mechanical repairs, call center agents and other marketable skills.
7.Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB)
To put in place a mechanism that will serve as an opportunity for Bicolanos to work together in identifying potential leaders for the betterment of Bicol and to entice theBicolano youth to excel in all their endeavors, Ako Bicol launched the annual Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol with a prize of Php20, 000, plaque and other surprise gifts.This project aims to recognize the invaluable contribution of the Bicolano youth in the development of the region and the country.
8.Carabao Dispersal
Ako Bicol implemented probably the biggest non-government carabao dispersal program ever in the province of Masbate.More than 100 beneficiaries were given carabaos to raise to help them in their farms and livelihood. It was envisioned that the initial program of 100 carabaos will multiply and shall benefit other farmers in the province.
The seal of AKO BICOL is a pair of clasped hands forming a “V-shape” and intertwined by a pepper. On top of such figure is a sun surrounded by six objects.
The clasped hands symbolize UNITY while the “V-shape” it formed is Bicol’s most famous natural landmark, Mayon Volcano, which represents our God-given resources. On the other hand, the ubiquitous pepper represents the man-made attributes that bind Bicol and its people – its unique and distinct culture, history, language, heritage, arts, norms, traditions and cuisine. This figure of clasped hands forming the symbol of Mayon Volcano joined by the representative symbol of a pepper transform into STRENGTH.
The sun symbolizes HOPEwith its light radiating to the six objects representing the six provinces of the Bicol Region namely--, the Albay (pili), Catanduanes (abaca,) pineapple (Camarines Norte) , whale shark (Sorsogon) , cattle (Masbate), and the icon of our Lady of Penafrancia (Camarines Sur). The image of Our Lady of Penafrancia is positioned at the center and on top of the sun to symbolize the inherent spirituality and religiosity of Bicolanos which form a central part of their lives.
The AKO BICOL seal, therefore, is about UNITY, STRENGTH and HOPE. The will to be united as one is a result of a common bond forged by nature and man-made attributes which is the essence of what Bicol is. With such will and common bond, there is STRENGTH. And if there is UNITY AND STRENGTH, there is HOPE that the desired development and improved quality of life for the six provinces can be achieved, of course, under the central guidance of God and/or Supreme Being, as represented by the Virgin of Penafrancia.
“AKO BICOL”, because it is a declaration of unity and pride of being inherently part of, and essential to, the common ties that bind Bicol and its people. It is likewise a call to action to confidently act as one towards the development and betterment of the region and its people.
The pronoun “AKO” signifies not only a sense of pride or belonging, but more importantly, a personal commitment to offer and dedicate his or her unique or distinct skills and talents to the mission and vision of the movement. It also seeks to emphasize that meaningful change and reforms should start first with the individual.
The term “BICOL” refers not only to the region or language, but also to the culture, arts, history, heritage, traditions, values and norms which the people residing and/or coming from the Bicol Region share in common.
Taken as a whole, “AKO BICOL” is a movement or agglutination of individuals united by a common bond with a desire to share their talent, time and resources in order to serve as catalyst for change and development in the Bicol Region for the benefit of its people.
AKO BICOL is a movement composed of individuals who are either residents of the Bicol Region, born of Bicolano parents, have resided in Bicol or simply interested in the promotion of the welfare and interests of the region and its people, collectively known as “Bicolanos”
AKO BICOL aims to unite Bicolanos to work in the development of the Bicol Region through programs and projects that will combat poverty, provide adequate social services, promote full employment, guarantee social justice and full respect for human rights, recognize the sanctity of human life, improve delivery of health services, democratize access to education and training, protect the environment, enhance disaster preparedness and advance the participation of youth, women, gays and lesbians and physically challenged individuals as well senior citizens in nation building.
AKO BICOL endeavors to instill confidence and foster patriotism among Bicolanos through the promotion of Bicol history, arts and culture, appreciation of the role of Bicolano heroes, national figures and other role models in the historical and cultural development of the region and strengthening the inherent resiliency of Bicolanos amidst adversities but at the same time, minimizing and if not totally eradicating, perceived attitudes and values which tend to hamper progress and development.
