Ako Bicol Forged Partnership with Jaycees Daraga Against A(H1N1) Virus

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.

Major Projects of Ako Bicol

1. Padang Memorial Project

Ako Bicol has adopted barangay Padang, Legazpi City as a memorial site to 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 testimony of 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 order to 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-wide pandemic.

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 the Bicolano 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.