PGMA BACK IN CATANDUANES FOR SCHOOL VISIT
CARAMORAN, Catanduanes — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, hours after arriving from Shanghai, China visited this remote town to preside over the groundbreaking of a P1.6 million school building project at the Caramoran Rural Development High School.
It was her second trip to this typhoon-prone province in as many months, as she continued her swing of the regions to either inspect or open infrastructure and other public projects, big or small, that she said she intends to be her legacy to the people before she bows out of Malacanang on June 30.
At the Caramoran school, the President lowered a ceremonial capsule to signify the start of the construction of a three-classroom building as a replacement for the old one razed by fire last February 11.
Last April 29, she was also at the Catanduanes State Colleges in the capital town of Virac, where she inspected the typhoon vulnerability of schoolbuildings there and viewed a computer laboratory.
In Caramoran, she instructed Department of Education Secretary Mona Valisno, who was with her, to generate funds for the construction of new schools buildings in the town.
"Di dapat matigil ang pag-aaral (Classes should not stop)," the President said as she implied before the crowd of students, teachers and parents that the building will be her gift to them to ensure the bright future of the young generation.
The President said education comes hand in hand with technology, pointing out that in Catanduanes, computer laboratories have been set up in at least 34 schools under a special program of hers.
During her April visit, the President had reminded the local populace that since the start of her term in 2001, the government has already plowed into the province P3.1 billion for some 768 roads, bridges, flood controls and water supply projects.
She told local leaders led by Governor Joseph Cua that tourism be made a priority program because "tourism is the future of Catanduanes." She cited the province's pristine beaches and majestic waves, especially in Baras town which she visited in 2002.
Arroyo said that Catanduanes will be a 'surfing paradise' that will attract tourists and investments.
The President however stressed that aside from natural beauty of the island, access to the province's tourist destinations is very important.
"That's why we initiated the construction of the Catanduanes circumferential road so that tourists will come here and explore the province," Arroyo said.
The President added that her administration has given much for the progress of the province. One of these projects is the Doppler radar, to be finished by next year, which is designed to warn the province of incoming typhoons.
Governor Joseph Cua thanked President Arroyo for her two recent visits to Catanduanes and for giving priority funding to schools. (PIA V Release)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
PROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT, KEY TO TB PREVENTION
SORSOGON CITY -- Dr. Nancy Rose Labarete of the Regional Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis/Programmed Management of Drug-Resistant TB Center here Sorsogon City calls on incoming local government officials to effectively implement the waste management ordinances in their respective areas of concern to prevent and control the spread of Tuberculosis (TB).
She likewise appeals to the public to observe proper spitting to avoid the spread of this respiratory disease.
Tuberculosis is a serious re-emerging bacterial illness that usually affects the lungs and is spread from person to person through the air.
TB may become active after 1-2 years after initial infection, but may be delayed for years, even a decade and becomes active after the onset of diabetes mellitus, during the period of stress, after steroid treatment, or when the immune system is impaired.
“Meaning, there are people who have been infected with TB but remains to be unrecognized,” Labarete explained.
“It can be prevented by keeping people from becoming infected with TB, treating people who have been infected of it, and above all, by implementing precautions in institutional settings to reduce the risk of TB transmission,” she said.
With the above-mentioned fact, Labarete bared that effective implementation of waste management ordinances particularly to depressed areas as well as passage and strict implementation of an anti-spitting ordinance is a preeminent means to prevent spread of the said airborne disease.
Meanwhile, Labarete said that Sorsogon is the only province in Bicol region which has an existing Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB/Programmed Management of Drug-Resistant (PMD) TB Center that cures identified MDR-TB and Extremely-Drug Resistant TB patients.
The MDR/PMD-TB Center here currently assists 10 patients, of which six come from Sorsogon City. And since this is a regional center, they also cater patients from other provinces in the region.
“The number maybe minimal but we do not remove the possibility that there are more TB patients that are left unrecognized due to its being asymptomatic, so we continue to intensify our information and education campaign so that the public will know that TB is already curable and we have here in Sorsogon a center that is ready to help them,” she said. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)
SORSOGON CITY -- Dr. Nancy Rose Labarete of the Regional Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis/Programmed Management of Drug-Resistant TB Center here Sorsogon City calls on incoming local government officials to effectively implement the waste management ordinances in their respective areas of concern to prevent and control the spread of Tuberculosis (TB).
She likewise appeals to the public to observe proper spitting to avoid the spread of this respiratory disease.
Tuberculosis is a serious re-emerging bacterial illness that usually affects the lungs and is spread from person to person through the air.
TB may become active after 1-2 years after initial infection, but may be delayed for years, even a decade and becomes active after the onset of diabetes mellitus, during the period of stress, after steroid treatment, or when the immune system is impaired.
“Meaning, there are people who have been infected with TB but remains to be unrecognized,” Labarete explained.
“It can be prevented by keeping people from becoming infected with TB, treating people who have been infected of it, and above all, by implementing precautions in institutional settings to reduce the risk of TB transmission,” she said.
With the above-mentioned fact, Labarete bared that effective implementation of waste management ordinances particularly to depressed areas as well as passage and strict implementation of an anti-spitting ordinance is a preeminent means to prevent spread of the said airborne disease.
Meanwhile, Labarete said that Sorsogon is the only province in Bicol region which has an existing Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB/Programmed Management of Drug-Resistant (PMD) TB Center that cures identified MDR-TB and Extremely-Drug Resistant TB patients.
The MDR/PMD-TB Center here currently assists 10 patients, of which six come from Sorsogon City. And since this is a regional center, they also cater patients from other provinces in the region.
“The number maybe minimal but we do not remove the possibility that there are more TB patients that are left unrecognized due to its being asymptomatic, so we continue to intensify our information and education campaign so that the public will know that TB is already curable and we have here in Sorsogon a center that is ready to help them,” she said. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
PNP TO IMPOSE STRINGENT CONTROL ON GUN PERMIT, VERZOSA
LEGAZPI CITY — Police chief General Jesus Verzosa said Sunday (June 6) that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to issue permit to carry firearms to gun owners but the agency will ensure more stringent requirements to facilitate monitoring, control and misuse of the said permit.
Verzosa, speaking at the PNP’s Legacy Run Program at the Camp Gen. Simeon Ola, stressed that there is a need to control the carrying of firearms among gun owners to avoid abuse, on the other hand, the community can live in a peaceful environment.
He said that in the recently held National Gun Assessment Summit, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders had an interfacing on the possibility of extending the nationwide gun ban, expiring June 9. PNP has contended the issuance of permit to carry will continue but with stringent conditions.
He elaborated, “Although we will be continuing to issue permit to carry firearms, at the same time undertake more stringent control to check on the people that were issued these permits.”
A technical working group is in the process of drawing up the control measures.
Among the measures mulled are for uniform service personnel and other law enforcers to secure a special permit to carry firearms with the PNP when carrying a gun but in civilian attire and are off duty.
A central data base would be established to consolidate all records of gun permits issued by different law enforcement units authorized to issue such permits to their personnel.
The new approach will also empower law enforcement personnel to check civilians carrying firearms and this way authorities would determine if these gun holders are civilians or are members of the police, military and other law enforcement agencies.
Comelec and PNP’s assessment of the nationwide gun ban shows that it is one of the major factors for the most peaceful and orderly elections in the country.
Comelec has imposed the nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10, this year and expires today, June 9, in connection with the May 10 national and local elections.
Earlier, Verzosa revealed plans of permanently suspending the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) even after the election period because of the apparent success of the total gun ban in curbing crimes.
PNP firearms statistics reveal that there are over a million loose firearms across the country.
In Bicol, the PNP had still to account for over a thousand of loose firearms.
Verzosa before visiting this city, he flew in to Masbate Saturday (June5) keynoting the PNP Transformation Forum with the participation of the various sectors of the community and an assessment of the May 10 national and local.
He also led the 7 kilometer “Legacy Run”on Sunday from the Regional Center site in Barangay Rawis to Police Camp Gen Simeon Ola in Old Albay district, this city, joined by the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation, (NBI) and Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) and other stakeholders. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)
VILLAGERS CITE ARMY FOR ADVOCACY ON ENVIRO CARE
PILI, Camarines Sur — Government soldiers braved the scorching heat of the sun and planted some 2,000 mangrove seedlings along the shorelines of Cagsao a coastal village in Calabanga town in Camarines Sur.
Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID spokesperson, said that a platoon of soldiers joined the mangrove planting participated in by stakeholders from different organizations, including residents of Cagsao village.
“We prefer to plant trees that will benefit the people rather than fire bombs that will maim and cause the loss of life and damage to property,” Cabunoc said.
“Started in August 2009, the reforestation project in this coastal village Cagsao was a success since 90 percent of the planted mangroves has survived in the area,” Cabunoc said.
At least hundreds of participants planted over the weekend more than 2,000 mangrove seedlings in the shorelines adjacent to the first reforestation site.
Residents of the fishing village of Cagsao have previously complained about the dwindling fish catch due to over-fishing.
Mang Renato, a local fisherman, said that with the mangrove trees attracting more fishes and crabs, fishermen do not have to go far to catch them.
“I have personally seen the presence of more crabs and other sea creatures a few months ago when the trees we planted last year started to grow,” he said.
The village was handpicked as the recipient of the project due to the strong support provided by its local government officials and residents.
Town Mayor Evelyn Yu, together with the barangay (village) officials of Cagsao, came with their family members to show their support to the project.
“We are very thankful to all of our partners for continuously supporting this project. I would also like to credit the residents of this coastal village (Cagsao) for their active participation to protect this future mangrove forest that will contribute towards environmental protection in general,” said Yu.
Lt. Col. Erwin De Asis, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 9th Infantry Division and one of the participants, said that he had previously joined similar reforestation projects, particularly in Panay Island.
“It is heart-warming to see that the local people are actively participating in this undertaking. It is the Army’s job to assist the people in the various peace and development programs that will benefit them. This is one way to end the communist insurgency problem in our country,” De Asis, a veteran of Mindanao’s conflict, narrated.
Mangrove tree planting project is supported by a number of cause-oriented groups because they believed that mangrove trees can protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge during typhoons which is a regular occurrence in the Bicol region. (HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO/PIA)
SEMINAR/TRAINING ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES SET
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has slated a Seminar/Training on Environmental Policies and Pollution Control Techniques to strengthen and develop the skills and capabilities of pollution control officers (PCOs) in the region.
DENR-attached Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol regional office here, in partnership with the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) Bicol Chapter, will be sponsoring the three-day event set on June 23-25, 2010 at the Casablanca Hotel here.
EMB Bicol Regional Director Engr. Gilbert Gonzales averred the seminar/training aims to provide designated and accredited PCOs in the Bicol region updates on the new policies and programs of DENR relevant to the performance of their duties and functions.
EMB Bicol has also set the registration fees (covering lecture materials, foods and reference materials) for the three modules and the scope of each training module, as presented below:
Module Date Scope Registration Fee
1 June 23, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Polices P1,500.00
Covering the Framework of the Environmental
Regulations in the Philippines; Clean Air Act
(RA 8749), and the Clean Water Act (RA 9275).
2 June 24, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Policies P 1,500.00 covering the Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Waste Control Act (RA 6969); Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and DENR
Administrative Order on PCO Guidelines and
Self-Monitoring Report (SMR).
3 June 25, 2020 Basic Design Considerations on Wastewater P2,500.00 Treatment; Technology Options for the Combined
Sewage and Septage Treatment in Compliance to
Clean Water Act; Sanitary Landfill and Leachate
Generation and Hazards Management/Science of
Climate Change, Effects, Mitigation and Adaptation
In the same seminar/training, newly accredited PCOs will also have their oath taking on June 24. All inductees shall pay the amount of P700.00 to cover expenses for the ceremony.
Interested applicants may confirm attendance through the PCO Desk, EMB RO V at the Regional Center Site in Barangay Rawis, this city or thru facsimile nos. (052) 482-0197, 482-0326, or thru the training coordinators: Ms. Ligaya V. Nitura at landline no. (054) 470-4168 or mobile 092119707095 and Ms. Charito V. Milañez at mobile 09077762197. (EMB V /PIA)
SEARCH FOR ECO-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is setting a new platform of competition among government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, with the launching today of 2011 Recognition Awards for Eco-friendly Government Offices.
“It is high time that all agencies of the government including government-owned and controlled corporations, walk the talk on environmental protection and management. There is no better way to show our people that the government means business when we ask them to get ‘green’ than by getting our public sector to get ‘green’ as well,” DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos said.
According to EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna, the program aims to assess the implementation of environmental management programs of participating government offices in terms of the 4Ps, namely, Policy and Promotion of Awareness, People and Practices.
Among the environmental programs that government agencies will be rated include electricity conservation, waste management, water conservation, fuel conservation, air pollution prevention, greening, emergency preparedness and green procurement.
The competition will run from May 2010 to April 2011. The outstanding offices will be recognized by the President in Malacañang in time for Earth Day 2011 (April 22). (EMB V/PIA)
BIR, RESOLUTE IN RUNNING AFTER TAX CHEATS
NAGA CITY— Determined in its campaign to run after tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here has ordered the closure of one business establishment for failing to declare its real income and warned others which continue to defy payment of appropriate taxes to the government.
RDO 65 Revenue District Officer Socorro La Fuente, along with BIR Regional Director Atty. Diosdado Mendoza, recently led the implementation of closure order to Triboo Grill located at Mayon Avenue here as part of the BIR’s OPLAN KANDADO campaign.
Triboo Grill, one of the fast-food chains here and owned by one Gina Dy, has been constantly reminded of their obligation for several times early last year. The establishment’s non-compliance of the BIR’s request led to the foreclosure of the said establishment early this week.
After settling its tax deficiency, however, TRIBOO Grill was allowed to re-open three days after it was ordered closed by BIR.
“We remain resolute in our crusade to remind our businessmen of their obligation in declaring their actual income. We use this declaration as our basis on how much tax they should be returning to the government,” La Fuente stated.
La Fuente also stressed that the closure order is the agency’s way of conveying the message that BIR is bent on running after tax delinquent establishments that are continuously ignoring their call for honest compliance of their income declaration.
“Let this serve as a lesson for our businessmen out there who still choose to ignore our plea for honest declaration of their income,” La Fuente said in an interview.
Oplan Kandado is a flag ship project of Commissioner Sixto Esquivel allowing BIR to padlock establishment who are cheating on their taxes thru a deliberate intent not to declare their real income.
This is also pursuant to BIR Revenue Memorandum Order No. 3-2009 which “amends and consolidates the guidelines in the conduct of surveillance and stock-taking activities and implements the administrative sanction of suspension and temporary closure of business.” (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)
PINOY PERFORMING ARTISTS CHARM CROWD AT SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO
SHANGHAI — With a selection of Folkloric Filipiniana, a Chinese novelty and a few classical numbers, Filipino performing artists thrilled a huge crowd that gathered at the Central hall of the Shanghai World Expo Wednesday (June 9) for the Philippine National Day celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic ties.
The event, according to observers, gave them a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture as reflected in the songs and dances performed in the program watched by no less than the visiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Each number performed by the Gilas performing artists merged into the next -- solos coming first, moving into duets and culminating in a grand finale.
The medley or Kawing Kawing included Philippine folksongs such as Bahay Kubo, Sitsiritsit, and Polka sa Nayon which all described the very energetic life of Filipino townsfolk from different walks of life. The medley was done by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Follk Dance Ensemble.
Soprano Joanna Go, along with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, gave a rendition of Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), a popular Chinese song made famous when Glacomo Puccini adapted it for the opera.
With Cecile Licad on the piano, Francisco Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy paid tribute to Mayon, reputed to be the most perfectly-coned volcano in the world. There was also Juan Yee Benasa and Manuel Velez’s Sa Kabukiran, a playful art song that evokes images of rice fields and farm folks as interpreted by soprano Rachelle Gerodias and pianist Rudolf Golez.
A musical based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara was performed by Gerodias and guitarist Butch Roxas. It was followed by Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Maalala Mo Kaya, a well known Filipino song interpreted by Roxas on the classic guitar, and the Ballet Philippine dancers.
A victory chant of the Itneg-ethno linguistic group of the high mountains of the Philippines, the Iddemdem Malida, done by the Madrigal Singers and the entire cast, capped the show to the wild applause of the appreciative crowd. (PIA V Release)
PGMA TO LAUNCH COMMEMORATIVE COVER MARKING RP-CHINA TIES
SHANGHAI — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will launch here today ( June 9) the Chinese edition of the joint commemorative cover to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
The event will highlight her attendance at the Philippine National Day Commemorative Ceremony at the Central Hall of the Shanghai World Expo center, considered the largest in the history of the event.
Over 190 countries and 50 international organizations are participating in the expo which is expected to draw visitors of up to 70 million in its entire run from May 1 to October 3 this year.
The President, who arrived under overcast skies and chilly weather late Tuesday night, will be assisted by Shanghai Party Secretary and Communist Party of China Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng.
She will also launch the book “A Selection of Folk tales from the Philippines for the Young Chinese Reader,” before watching cultural performances by the UP Madrigal singers and Ballet Philippines.
The launching of the commemorative cover will be profoundly significant as it falls exactly on the date of the establishment of bilateral ties between the Philippines and China 35 years ago on June 9, 1975.
The cover features the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mt. Lushan of China's Jiangxi Province, which became sister mountains in October 2006 following the establishment of sister-province relationship between Bohol and Jiangxi.
The Philippine edition of the first day cover was launched by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao in Manila on June 3, starting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
The joint commemorative cover captures the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the foundation of bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China.
Since 1982, the Philippines and China have signed 29 twinning arrangements between cities and provinces, illustrating the scope and depth of people-to-people contacts and cultural dialogues between the two countries. At least eight other Philippine cities and provinces have signed letters of intent to establish twinning arrangements with Chinese cities and provinces.
With the theme, "Philippines+China@35: More than Friends," the year-long celebration highlights three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements between provinces and cities of the two countries, and youth and the future. (PIA V Release)
PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS
MANILA — In recognition of her tireless efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was conferred the Shining World Leadership Award by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai.
It is said that Vietnam-born Ching hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in 2006 aside from other prestigious awards including Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World hero and heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award and Shining World Invention Award.
President Arroyo received the award from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the marginalized sectors.
The President watched the show which depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion of the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous people (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school youth, overseas workers and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Also showcased in the event were President Arroyo’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010, giving expanded benefits to the elderly.
Said honors are bestowed on individuals, nations and organizations such as the 2nd president of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Dmovsek, Dr. Jane Goodall and Save the Children whose exemplary works have signifi8cantly contributed to the harmony, beauty and sustainability of planet Earth.
The Award underscored President Arroyo’s tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people. (PIA V Release)
400 MAYORS THANK PGMA FOR LGU PROJECTS
MANILA — I think I’m still dreaming when I reached Manila in just seven hours.
Thus said Renaldo Bitong, the 78-year-old mayor of Casiguran town in Aurora, when he came to Manila to join some 400 mayors in Malacanang Tuesday (June 8) to convey their collective thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the various projects that benefited their respective constituencies.
Bitong was teary-eyed as he recalled the ordeal he and his people would had to go through for decades when traveling from his town to Manila which used to take them 14 hours, by sea and land.
But with the completion this year of the P2.73 billion Baler-Casiguran Road, a major infrastructure project of the President under the Northern Luzon Agriculture Quadrangle (NLAQ) concept, travel from remote Casiguran according to Bitong has been effectively reduced by several hours by land.
“I came here to personally thank the President for the Baler-Casiguran road that cut down our travel time to Baler from eight hours to 2.5 hours,” Bitong said during the luncheon at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.
“At my age, I still cannot believe that I reached Manila this fast. If you experienced how difficult it was to come here, you would definitely cry for help. But now, no more. You will just cry of joy,” he added.
The P2.733-billion Baler-Casiguran Road project, that includes 19 newly- designed bridges, was one of the priority programs committed by Arroyo during her State-of-the-Nation Address (SoNA) in 2008 in an effort to bring development to Aurora, one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country.
The President led the inauguration of this 120-kilometer road project last February which is one of the vital regional road linkages under the Arroyo’s NLAQ program.
“Our town is a remote area that many have not reached or even known. So, we are very thankful to the President when she gave our small town such big attention,” Bitong said.
During the luncheon, Arroyo, casual in violet pantsuit, table-hopped to greet the mayors and gamely posed for souvenir photo as goodbye gesture to the outgoing President.
“Thank you for all the support,” Arroyo said as she shook hands with each of the more than 400 mayors. (PIA V Release)
RP KEEPS WATCH OVER KOREAN SITUATION
MANILA — Malacañang is monitoring the tension in the Korean peninsula not only due to its regional security implications also its potential impact on investment inflow from South Korea, deployment of overseas Filipino workers there and the steady influx of Korean tourists in the Philippines.
During the Cabinet meeting today, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Director General Augusto Santos presented the Global Recession Impact News (GRIN), which updated the Cabinet on economic trends and scenarios as they relate to the rising tension between North and South Korea.
Briefing the Malacanang media later, NEDA National Policy Director Dennis Arroyo said the Korean security situation will impact on Japan and China which are the among Philippines top trading partners.
“China is in a bind because it invested about $10 billion in the north or about 70 percent of North Korean gross domestic product and if the north collapses, there will be a flood of refugees to China so they want stability in the peninsula,” said NEDA’s Arroyo, describing a possible scenario.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has inquired from Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo about the situation of the overseas Filipino workers particularly in South Korea and determine if there is an immediate need to have them shipped back into the country.
For now, no action is needed yet and we continue to monitor closely the situation in Korea, Olivar said. (PIA V Release)
NAFC SPEARHEADS DIALOGUE ON WATER CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the consultative arm of the Department of Agriculture, led the conduct of an area-wide conference entitled “Charting Our Water Future: A Multi-Stakeholder Policy and Program Dialogue” at the Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant at Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.
In partnership with other national government agencies like Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Water Resources Board and the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the NAFC gathered various stakeholders to draw out discussions on water and water-related policy issues and concerns from the different regions in Northern Mindanao consisting of Regions IX, X and Caraga. This is also co-sponsored by the SN|Aboitiz Power Group, one of the leading companies that has stake on water-related concerns.
This activity is actually the first leg of a series of area-wide forums which seeks to draw together inputs from various stakeholders nationwide for the development of a platform of action or agenda to achieve water security specifically for the agriculture and fisheries sector.
This series of activity will also serve as venue for building a shared understanding of the water-related challenges and constraints facing the agriculture and fisheries sector and impacting on food security, productivity and market competitiveness. In addition, it seeks to encourage stakeholders to adapt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices and initiatives especially in the areas of water use efficiency, demand management and watershed protection as well as recommend policies and innovative instruments to govern the water security relevant dimensions of agriculture and fisheries.
Other legs of this series of dialogues will be conducted on June 10-11, 2010 also in Cagayan de Oro City for Regions XI, XII and ARMM; June 15-16 and 17-18, 2010 in Pampanga for the Luzon cluster of regions and June 22-23, 2010 in Bohol for the Visayas regions.
These multi-stakeholder dialogues are participated in by representatives of local government units, civil society organizations, state universities and colleges, private sector-led agricultural and fishery councils, media and regional offices of national government agencies like the DA, DAR, DENR, NEDA, DPWH, DILG, DOST, DOH and the NDCC. Other national and local agencies or organizations invited to participate are Climate Change Commission, Environment Management Bureau, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Animal Welfare Bureau, and others.
In this dialogue, various activities are carried out including a presentation on the country’s current water resources situationer which spelled out its general dismal state that needs to be addressed immediately. This is followed by a lecture discussion on Integrated Water Resources Management or IWRM for agriculture and fisheries. Based on the Philippine IWRM Framework Plan, IWRM is a systematic, adaptive process conducted in collaboration with stakeholders for the sustainable development and management of water and related sources in the context of social equity, economic and environmental objectives. It essentially consists of a set of principles on the proper utilization and management of water resources as a strategy to adapt to climate change and develop climate change resiliency. For the agriculture and fisheries sector, achieving water security is an adaptation strategy to build a climate resilient agricultural and fisheries sector to anticipate, effectively prepare for, reduce vulnerabilities and manage effects of intense climatic occurrences and contribute to poverty reduction and sustain rural development.
Other sessions include lectures on Climate Change Impacts: Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Mapping, and the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change Focusing on Water, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
To come up with the desired action agenda to be pursued in this part of the country, various presentations, experience sharing sessions and workshops covering specific themes are also conducted. These themes include Pathways to Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity and Water Security (Clean, Safe and Healthy Water for All); Promoting Water Stewardship and Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture (Demand-side and Supply-side Water Management); and Climate Change Compliant Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management. Regional cluster group workshops followed which resulted in the development of regional action agenda. This will be consolidated with the expected outputs of the other area-wide dialogues to be conducted in Luzon and Visayas. All these will be processed and the consolidated recommendations will be presented to the next administration. (DA-NAFC/PIA)
LEGAZPI CITY — Police chief General Jesus Verzosa said Sunday (June 6) that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to issue permit to carry firearms to gun owners but the agency will ensure more stringent requirements to facilitate monitoring, control and misuse of the said permit.
Verzosa, speaking at the PNP’s Legacy Run Program at the Camp Gen. Simeon Ola, stressed that there is a need to control the carrying of firearms among gun owners to avoid abuse, on the other hand, the community can live in a peaceful environment.
He said that in the recently held National Gun Assessment Summit, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders had an interfacing on the possibility of extending the nationwide gun ban, expiring June 9. PNP has contended the issuance of permit to carry will continue but with stringent conditions.
He elaborated, “Although we will be continuing to issue permit to carry firearms, at the same time undertake more stringent control to check on the people that were issued these permits.”
A technical working group is in the process of drawing up the control measures.
Among the measures mulled are for uniform service personnel and other law enforcers to secure a special permit to carry firearms with the PNP when carrying a gun but in civilian attire and are off duty.
A central data base would be established to consolidate all records of gun permits issued by different law enforcement units authorized to issue such permits to their personnel.
The new approach will also empower law enforcement personnel to check civilians carrying firearms and this way authorities would determine if these gun holders are civilians or are members of the police, military and other law enforcement agencies.
Comelec and PNP’s assessment of the nationwide gun ban shows that it is one of the major factors for the most peaceful and orderly elections in the country.
Comelec has imposed the nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10, this year and expires today, June 9, in connection with the May 10 national and local elections.
Earlier, Verzosa revealed plans of permanently suspending the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) even after the election period because of the apparent success of the total gun ban in curbing crimes.
PNP firearms statistics reveal that there are over a million loose firearms across the country.
In Bicol, the PNP had still to account for over a thousand of loose firearms.
Verzosa before visiting this city, he flew in to Masbate Saturday (June5) keynoting the PNP Transformation Forum with the participation of the various sectors of the community and an assessment of the May 10 national and local.
He also led the 7 kilometer “Legacy Run”on Sunday from the Regional Center site in Barangay Rawis to Police Camp Gen Simeon Ola in Old Albay district, this city, joined by the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation, (NBI) and Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) and other stakeholders. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)
VILLAGERS CITE ARMY FOR ADVOCACY ON ENVIRO CARE
PILI, Camarines Sur — Government soldiers braved the scorching heat of the sun and planted some 2,000 mangrove seedlings along the shorelines of Cagsao a coastal village in Calabanga town in Camarines Sur.
Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID spokesperson, said that a platoon of soldiers joined the mangrove planting participated in by stakeholders from different organizations, including residents of Cagsao village.
“We prefer to plant trees that will benefit the people rather than fire bombs that will maim and cause the loss of life and damage to property,” Cabunoc said.
“Started in August 2009, the reforestation project in this coastal village Cagsao was a success since 90 percent of the planted mangroves has survived in the area,” Cabunoc said.
At least hundreds of participants planted over the weekend more than 2,000 mangrove seedlings in the shorelines adjacent to the first reforestation site.
Residents of the fishing village of Cagsao have previously complained about the dwindling fish catch due to over-fishing.
Mang Renato, a local fisherman, said that with the mangrove trees attracting more fishes and crabs, fishermen do not have to go far to catch them.
“I have personally seen the presence of more crabs and other sea creatures a few months ago when the trees we planted last year started to grow,” he said.
The village was handpicked as the recipient of the project due to the strong support provided by its local government officials and residents.
Town Mayor Evelyn Yu, together with the barangay (village) officials of Cagsao, came with their family members to show their support to the project.
“We are very thankful to all of our partners for continuously supporting this project. I would also like to credit the residents of this coastal village (Cagsao) for their active participation to protect this future mangrove forest that will contribute towards environmental protection in general,” said Yu.
Lt. Col. Erwin De Asis, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 9th Infantry Division and one of the participants, said that he had previously joined similar reforestation projects, particularly in Panay Island.
“It is heart-warming to see that the local people are actively participating in this undertaking. It is the Army’s job to assist the people in the various peace and development programs that will benefit them. This is one way to end the communist insurgency problem in our country,” De Asis, a veteran of Mindanao’s conflict, narrated.
Mangrove tree planting project is supported by a number of cause-oriented groups because they believed that mangrove trees can protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge during typhoons which is a regular occurrence in the Bicol region. (HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO/PIA)
SEMINAR/TRAINING ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES SET
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has slated a Seminar/Training on Environmental Policies and Pollution Control Techniques to strengthen and develop the skills and capabilities of pollution control officers (PCOs) in the region.
DENR-attached Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol regional office here, in partnership with the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) Bicol Chapter, will be sponsoring the three-day event set on June 23-25, 2010 at the Casablanca Hotel here.
EMB Bicol Regional Director Engr. Gilbert Gonzales averred the seminar/training aims to provide designated and accredited PCOs in the Bicol region updates on the new policies and programs of DENR relevant to the performance of their duties and functions.
EMB Bicol has also set the registration fees (covering lecture materials, foods and reference materials) for the three modules and the scope of each training module, as presented below:
Module Date Scope Registration Fee
1 June 23, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Polices P1,500.00
Covering the Framework of the Environmental
Regulations in the Philippines; Clean Air Act
(RA 8749), and the Clean Water Act (RA 9275).
2 June 24, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Policies P 1,500.00 covering the Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Waste Control Act (RA 6969); Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and DENR
Administrative Order on PCO Guidelines and
Self-Monitoring Report (SMR).
3 June 25, 2020 Basic Design Considerations on Wastewater P2,500.00 Treatment; Technology Options for the Combined
Sewage and Septage Treatment in Compliance to
Clean Water Act; Sanitary Landfill and Leachate
Generation and Hazards Management/Science of
Climate Change, Effects, Mitigation and Adaptation
In the same seminar/training, newly accredited PCOs will also have their oath taking on June 24. All inductees shall pay the amount of P700.00 to cover expenses for the ceremony.
Interested applicants may confirm attendance through the PCO Desk, EMB RO V at the Regional Center Site in Barangay Rawis, this city or thru facsimile nos. (052) 482-0197, 482-0326, or thru the training coordinators: Ms. Ligaya V. Nitura at landline no. (054) 470-4168 or mobile 092119707095 and Ms. Charito V. Milañez at mobile 09077762197. (EMB V /PIA)
SEARCH FOR ECO-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is setting a new platform of competition among government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, with the launching today of 2011 Recognition Awards for Eco-friendly Government Offices.
“It is high time that all agencies of the government including government-owned and controlled corporations, walk the talk on environmental protection and management. There is no better way to show our people that the government means business when we ask them to get ‘green’ than by getting our public sector to get ‘green’ as well,” DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos said.
According to EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna, the program aims to assess the implementation of environmental management programs of participating government offices in terms of the 4Ps, namely, Policy and Promotion of Awareness, People and Practices.
Among the environmental programs that government agencies will be rated include electricity conservation, waste management, water conservation, fuel conservation, air pollution prevention, greening, emergency preparedness and green procurement.
The competition will run from May 2010 to April 2011. The outstanding offices will be recognized by the President in Malacañang in time for Earth Day 2011 (April 22). (EMB V/PIA)
BIR, RESOLUTE IN RUNNING AFTER TAX CHEATS
NAGA CITY— Determined in its campaign to run after tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here has ordered the closure of one business establishment for failing to declare its real income and warned others which continue to defy payment of appropriate taxes to the government.
RDO 65 Revenue District Officer Socorro La Fuente, along with BIR Regional Director Atty. Diosdado Mendoza, recently led the implementation of closure order to Triboo Grill located at Mayon Avenue here as part of the BIR’s OPLAN KANDADO campaign.
Triboo Grill, one of the fast-food chains here and owned by one Gina Dy, has been constantly reminded of their obligation for several times early last year. The establishment’s non-compliance of the BIR’s request led to the foreclosure of the said establishment early this week.
After settling its tax deficiency, however, TRIBOO Grill was allowed to re-open three days after it was ordered closed by BIR.
“We remain resolute in our crusade to remind our businessmen of their obligation in declaring their actual income. We use this declaration as our basis on how much tax they should be returning to the government,” La Fuente stated.
La Fuente also stressed that the closure order is the agency’s way of conveying the message that BIR is bent on running after tax delinquent establishments that are continuously ignoring their call for honest compliance of their income declaration.
“Let this serve as a lesson for our businessmen out there who still choose to ignore our plea for honest declaration of their income,” La Fuente said in an interview.
Oplan Kandado is a flag ship project of Commissioner Sixto Esquivel allowing BIR to padlock establishment who are cheating on their taxes thru a deliberate intent not to declare their real income.
This is also pursuant to BIR Revenue Memorandum Order No. 3-2009 which “amends and consolidates the guidelines in the conduct of surveillance and stock-taking activities and implements the administrative sanction of suspension and temporary closure of business.” (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)
PINOY PERFORMING ARTISTS CHARM CROWD AT SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO
SHANGHAI — With a selection of Folkloric Filipiniana, a Chinese novelty and a few classical numbers, Filipino performing artists thrilled a huge crowd that gathered at the Central hall of the Shanghai World Expo Wednesday (June 9) for the Philippine National Day celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic ties.
The event, according to observers, gave them a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture as reflected in the songs and dances performed in the program watched by no less than the visiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Each number performed by the Gilas performing artists merged into the next -- solos coming first, moving into duets and culminating in a grand finale.
The medley or Kawing Kawing included Philippine folksongs such as Bahay Kubo, Sitsiritsit, and Polka sa Nayon which all described the very energetic life of Filipino townsfolk from different walks of life. The medley was done by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Follk Dance Ensemble.
Soprano Joanna Go, along with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, gave a rendition of Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), a popular Chinese song made famous when Glacomo Puccini adapted it for the opera.
With Cecile Licad on the piano, Francisco Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy paid tribute to Mayon, reputed to be the most perfectly-coned volcano in the world. There was also Juan Yee Benasa and Manuel Velez’s Sa Kabukiran, a playful art song that evokes images of rice fields and farm folks as interpreted by soprano Rachelle Gerodias and pianist Rudolf Golez.
A musical based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara was performed by Gerodias and guitarist Butch Roxas. It was followed by Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Maalala Mo Kaya, a well known Filipino song interpreted by Roxas on the classic guitar, and the Ballet Philippine dancers.
A victory chant of the Itneg-ethno linguistic group of the high mountains of the Philippines, the Iddemdem Malida, done by the Madrigal Singers and the entire cast, capped the show to the wild applause of the appreciative crowd. (PIA V Release)
PGMA TO LAUNCH COMMEMORATIVE COVER MARKING RP-CHINA TIES
SHANGHAI — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will launch here today ( June 9) the Chinese edition of the joint commemorative cover to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
The event will highlight her attendance at the Philippine National Day Commemorative Ceremony at the Central Hall of the Shanghai World Expo center, considered the largest in the history of the event.
Over 190 countries and 50 international organizations are participating in the expo which is expected to draw visitors of up to 70 million in its entire run from May 1 to October 3 this year.
The President, who arrived under overcast skies and chilly weather late Tuesday night, will be assisted by Shanghai Party Secretary and Communist Party of China Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng.
She will also launch the book “A Selection of Folk tales from the Philippines for the Young Chinese Reader,” before watching cultural performances by the UP Madrigal singers and Ballet Philippines.
The launching of the commemorative cover will be profoundly significant as it falls exactly on the date of the establishment of bilateral ties between the Philippines and China 35 years ago on June 9, 1975.
The cover features the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mt. Lushan of China's Jiangxi Province, which became sister mountains in October 2006 following the establishment of sister-province relationship between Bohol and Jiangxi.
The Philippine edition of the first day cover was launched by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao in Manila on June 3, starting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
The joint commemorative cover captures the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the foundation of bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China.
Since 1982, the Philippines and China have signed 29 twinning arrangements between cities and provinces, illustrating the scope and depth of people-to-people contacts and cultural dialogues between the two countries. At least eight other Philippine cities and provinces have signed letters of intent to establish twinning arrangements with Chinese cities and provinces.
With the theme, "Philippines+China@35: More than Friends," the year-long celebration highlights three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements between provinces and cities of the two countries, and youth and the future. (PIA V Release)
PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS
MANILA — In recognition of her tireless efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was conferred the Shining World Leadership Award by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai.
It is said that Vietnam-born Ching hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in 2006 aside from other prestigious awards including Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World hero and heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award and Shining World Invention Award.
President Arroyo received the award from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the marginalized sectors.
The President watched the show which depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion of the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous people (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school youth, overseas workers and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Also showcased in the event were President Arroyo’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010, giving expanded benefits to the elderly.
Said honors are bestowed on individuals, nations and organizations such as the 2nd president of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Dmovsek, Dr. Jane Goodall and Save the Children whose exemplary works have signifi8cantly contributed to the harmony, beauty and sustainability of planet Earth.
The Award underscored President Arroyo’s tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people. (PIA V Release)
400 MAYORS THANK PGMA FOR LGU PROJECTS
MANILA — I think I’m still dreaming when I reached Manila in just seven hours.
Thus said Renaldo Bitong, the 78-year-old mayor of Casiguran town in Aurora, when he came to Manila to join some 400 mayors in Malacanang Tuesday (June 8) to convey their collective thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the various projects that benefited their respective constituencies.
Bitong was teary-eyed as he recalled the ordeal he and his people would had to go through for decades when traveling from his town to Manila which used to take them 14 hours, by sea and land.
But with the completion this year of the P2.73 billion Baler-Casiguran Road, a major infrastructure project of the President under the Northern Luzon Agriculture Quadrangle (NLAQ) concept, travel from remote Casiguran according to Bitong has been effectively reduced by several hours by land.
“I came here to personally thank the President for the Baler-Casiguran road that cut down our travel time to Baler from eight hours to 2.5 hours,” Bitong said during the luncheon at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.
“At my age, I still cannot believe that I reached Manila this fast. If you experienced how difficult it was to come here, you would definitely cry for help. But now, no more. You will just cry of joy,” he added.
The P2.733-billion Baler-Casiguran Road project, that includes 19 newly- designed bridges, was one of the priority programs committed by Arroyo during her State-of-the-Nation Address (SoNA) in 2008 in an effort to bring development to Aurora, one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country.
The President led the inauguration of this 120-kilometer road project last February which is one of the vital regional road linkages under the Arroyo’s NLAQ program.
“Our town is a remote area that many have not reached or even known. So, we are very thankful to the President when she gave our small town such big attention,” Bitong said.
During the luncheon, Arroyo, casual in violet pantsuit, table-hopped to greet the mayors and gamely posed for souvenir photo as goodbye gesture to the outgoing President.
“Thank you for all the support,” Arroyo said as she shook hands with each of the more than 400 mayors. (PIA V Release)
RP KEEPS WATCH OVER KOREAN SITUATION
MANILA — Malacañang is monitoring the tension in the Korean peninsula not only due to its regional security implications also its potential impact on investment inflow from South Korea, deployment of overseas Filipino workers there and the steady influx of Korean tourists in the Philippines.
During the Cabinet meeting today, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Director General Augusto Santos presented the Global Recession Impact News (GRIN), which updated the Cabinet on economic trends and scenarios as they relate to the rising tension between North and South Korea.
Briefing the Malacanang media later, NEDA National Policy Director Dennis Arroyo said the Korean security situation will impact on Japan and China which are the among Philippines top trading partners.
“China is in a bind because it invested about $10 billion in the north or about 70 percent of North Korean gross domestic product and if the north collapses, there will be a flood of refugees to China so they want stability in the peninsula,” said NEDA’s Arroyo, describing a possible scenario.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has inquired from Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo about the situation of the overseas Filipino workers particularly in South Korea and determine if there is an immediate need to have them shipped back into the country.
For now, no action is needed yet and we continue to monitor closely the situation in Korea, Olivar said. (PIA V Release)
NAFC SPEARHEADS DIALOGUE ON WATER CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the consultative arm of the Department of Agriculture, led the conduct of an area-wide conference entitled “Charting Our Water Future: A Multi-Stakeholder Policy and Program Dialogue” at the Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant at Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.
In partnership with other national government agencies like Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Water Resources Board and the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the NAFC gathered various stakeholders to draw out discussions on water and water-related policy issues and concerns from the different regions in Northern Mindanao consisting of Regions IX, X and Caraga. This is also co-sponsored by the SN|Aboitiz Power Group, one of the leading companies that has stake on water-related concerns.
This activity is actually the first leg of a series of area-wide forums which seeks to draw together inputs from various stakeholders nationwide for the development of a platform of action or agenda to achieve water security specifically for the agriculture and fisheries sector.
This series of activity will also serve as venue for building a shared understanding of the water-related challenges and constraints facing the agriculture and fisheries sector and impacting on food security, productivity and market competitiveness. In addition, it seeks to encourage stakeholders to adapt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices and initiatives especially in the areas of water use efficiency, demand management and watershed protection as well as recommend policies and innovative instruments to govern the water security relevant dimensions of agriculture and fisheries.
Other legs of this series of dialogues will be conducted on June 10-11, 2010 also in Cagayan de Oro City for Regions XI, XII and ARMM; June 15-16 and 17-18, 2010 in Pampanga for the Luzon cluster of regions and June 22-23, 2010 in Bohol for the Visayas regions.
These multi-stakeholder dialogues are participated in by representatives of local government units, civil society organizations, state universities and colleges, private sector-led agricultural and fishery councils, media and regional offices of national government agencies like the DA, DAR, DENR, NEDA, DPWH, DILG, DOST, DOH and the NDCC. Other national and local agencies or organizations invited to participate are Climate Change Commission, Environment Management Bureau, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Animal Welfare Bureau, and others.
In this dialogue, various activities are carried out including a presentation on the country’s current water resources situationer which spelled out its general dismal state that needs to be addressed immediately. This is followed by a lecture discussion on Integrated Water Resources Management or IWRM for agriculture and fisheries. Based on the Philippine IWRM Framework Plan, IWRM is a systematic, adaptive process conducted in collaboration with stakeholders for the sustainable development and management of water and related sources in the context of social equity, economic and environmental objectives. It essentially consists of a set of principles on the proper utilization and management of water resources as a strategy to adapt to climate change and develop climate change resiliency. For the agriculture and fisheries sector, achieving water security is an adaptation strategy to build a climate resilient agricultural and fisheries sector to anticipate, effectively prepare for, reduce vulnerabilities and manage effects of intense climatic occurrences and contribute to poverty reduction and sustain rural development.
Other sessions include lectures on Climate Change Impacts: Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Mapping, and the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change Focusing on Water, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
To come up with the desired action agenda to be pursued in this part of the country, various presentations, experience sharing sessions and workshops covering specific themes are also conducted. These themes include Pathways to Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity and Water Security (Clean, Safe and Healthy Water for All); Promoting Water Stewardship and Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture (Demand-side and Supply-side Water Management); and Climate Change Compliant Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management. Regional cluster group workshops followed which resulted in the development of regional action agenda. This will be consolidated with the expected outputs of the other area-wide dialogues to be conducted in Luzon and Visayas. All these will be processed and the consolidated recommendations will be presented to the next administration. (DA-NAFC/PIA)
Monday, June 7, 2010
ARMY ACTIVATES A SPECIAL DISASTER UNIT IN BICOL; GEARS FOR LA NIÑA
PILI, Camarines Sur — Bracing for the on set of the wet spell, the Philippine Army (PA) in Bicol has activated a special unit tasked to conduct disaster response operations (DRO) in times of natural calamities and other forms of disasters, a ranking military official said.
Army Major General Ruperto Pabustan, commanding general of the 9th Infantry Division, said the activation of the Army’s disaster unit would be a response strategy against possible negative impacts of La Niña, a climate phenomenon that brings heavy rains, storms and other weather disturbances in the community.
Pabustan, said various natural calamities that had stricken the country last year prompted the activation of the disaster unit
“Last year, we had shown the bravery of our soldiers who crossed raging floodwaters to save hapless victims, despite of the lack of rescue equipment. This time, I have ensured that they are issued the necessary equipment and the proper training as well,” said Pabustan.
Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID Spokesperson, said that the newly activated 35-man strong DRO unit will undergo two weeks rigid training in the field of disaster response operations.
Cabunoc said that the unit has started various skills development training such as Rope Technician’s Course (RTC), Mountain Operations Search and Rescue (MOSAR), Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and spine board training.
First Lieutenant Ronnie Sicad, the DRO leader, said that the special unit is still undergoing a series of sustainment training activities to further develop their confidence and abilities.
“We are conducting daily practices on combat life saving and rope courses which are among the most important skills that we need to help the victims of heavy flooding and the typhoons,” Sicad said, during the strenuous rappelling activity Monday..
Aside from the skills training, the new DRO unit is equipped with rubber boats, sophisticated ropes, flares and floating devices.
4x4 medium built KM 450 trucks are also among the fleet of vehicles that are issued to this unit.
The highly-trained soldiers of this unit are also responsible for the training of the selected soldiers who are assigned in different provinces in the region. Mobile training teams will be sent to re-echo the skills and knowledge needed by the Army rescue operators.
As this developed, 49 towns in Bicol have been identified as landslide prone areas by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol.
On the onset of the wet spell environment authorities warn residents in these areas to prepare and evacuate to safer grounds, once heavy rains and typhoons occur.
Reynaldo A. Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, reiterated his warning to residents of the dangers pose to lives and properties once floods and landslide hits these places.
Juan said places at high risk to landslide are eight towns and a city in Albay, 8 towns in Camarines Norte, 12 in Camarines Sur, 8 in Catanduanes, five in Masbate and seven in Sorsogon.
Juan said the residents of the following municipalities should be prepared and evacuate to safer grounds when continuous rain in their localities occurs: Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi and Ligao in Albay; Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte;
Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot and Tinambac in Camarines Sur; Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, and San Andres in Catanduanes; Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros, and Mobo in Masbate; and Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.
He, however, clarified that residents of other municipalities not named are encouraged to observe the necessary precaution and preparation to evacuate to safer grounds when in their area signs of an impending landslide may occur or have history of landslide in the past. (MSArgeulles, PNA Bicol with reports from Maj. HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO)
DENR TO DEVELOP GEO-HAZARD MAPS IN BICOL
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol was recently commissioned to develop a detailed geo-hazard maps to assist government planners and policy makers in identifying areas prone to natural hazards.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has contracted the DENR to produce a geo-hazard maps detailing hazard areas prone to flooding, landslides, sea level rising, storm surge, volcanic eruptions, lahars and mud flows and other disaster events.
Social Welfare Secretary Celia Capadocia Yangco in her recent visit here said her agency has released to the DENR some P1.9 million funding for the production of geo-hazard maps covering the six province of Bicol.
The funding is intended for the production and reproduction of geo-hazard maps with scales of 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 for distribution to local government units in selected provinces and towns in Bicol, Yangco said.
The agreement between the two departments was in line with DSWD’s “Bicol Recovery Project” supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Yangco and UNDP country director Renaud Meyer recently visited Albay to inspect the core shelter, water and electric facilities projects in the resettlement sites of the province.
According to Yangco, the DENR, through its Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB), has provided some P1.6 million as counterpart fund for the project.
MGB is the lead agency for the nationwide Geo-hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, which covers the production of geo-hazard maps for 840 priority municipalities.
Yangco said the technical expertise of the DENR on geo-hazard mapping and assessment, including the production of more-detailed maps, would serve as a database for planners once distributed to towns and barangays.
“The geo-hazard maps will be distributed to the lowest level of governance, the barangays, so that the communities living in these vulnerable areas will be able to manage and cope with the impacts of natural disasters,” according to Yangco.
Under the agreement, the DENR, through the MGB, will produce geo-hazard maps for Bicol’s three key cities, namely, Legazpi, Iriga and Sorsogon.
Geohazard maps will likewise be distributed to nine municipalities in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay and Catanduanes.
Towns to be given geo-hazard maps include Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon; Camalig and Guinobatan in Albay; and Pandan, Caramoran, San Andres, Virac, and Bato in Catanduanes. Said areas have earlier been mapped by the DENR.
The production and distribution of the large-scale maps are expected to be completed within twelve months.
Yangco explained the importance of the geo-hazard maps, saying that the capacities of barangay and municipal officers to understand and use geo-hazard maps for disaster preparedness are greatly enhanced with a geo-hazard map that show with relative accuracy ground area, rivers, lakes, roads and distances between features.
Aside from map production, the agreement also calls for the DENR to conduct trainings and information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for municipal and barangay officials, including other members of disaster coordinating councils of concerned local government units, on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)
UNDP NPAC MEETING HELD IN BICOL
… pushes for inter-agency collaboration, fast track Bicol Recovery Project
LEGAZPI CITY — The 5th National Project Advisory Council meeting of the United Nations Development Programme Fund (UNDP) Bicol Recovery Project (BRP) was held last May 26-27, 2010 at Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Celia C. Yangco and UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer graced the activity.
NPAC members composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) were also represented.
The National Project Advisory Committee meeting aimed to: a) finalize and approve the Annual Work Plan for Calendar Year 2010, b) present the status of the project; and, c) discuss results of the audit observations in the UNDP National Implementation Modality.
DSWD Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco said that DSWD, as lead partner in the implementation of the Bicol Recovery Program, will ensure that the project will be implemented in equitable balance throughout the region. Yang co is the National Project Director of the BRP.
Meanwhile, UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer urged the members of the NPAC to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration.
The BRP, with funding support from UNDP and the DSWD, is a two-year project which seeks to respond to the on-going recovery needs of the Bicolanos and designed to assist families and communities in Bicol who were severely affected by the series of strong typhoons in 2006 particularly Super Typhoon Reming.
Director Meyer and Secretary Yangco had visited in Sto. Domingo,Tiwi and Guinobatan towns where the construction of the core shelter units has funding support from the UNDP.
(AMayor/EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)
ALBAY EXTENDS P1.065M FOR TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS' DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
LEGAZPI CITY — For less than a year of its implementation, the Provincial Government of Albay, through the Albay Millennium Development Goal Office (AMDGO), has released the total amount of P1.065 million to nine transport cooperatives and associations for the Expanded Transport Organizations’ Development Assistance or E-TODA program.
As of May, this year, 213 members of various transport organizations in the province have already availed of the benefits of micro financing program for transport service providers.
“E-TODA is a government program with Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and its attached agencies in partnership with the provincial government of Albay,” Governor Joey Salceda told local media here.
He explained that the program started last year to provide safety net to public transport cooperatives, association or groups as a result of unpredictable oil price movements as well as the adverse effects of the global financial crisis through the establishment of financial facility easily accessible to eligible beneficiaries through self-managed micro enterprises to augment their family income.
“This is a no interest, no collateral capital assistance to beneficiaries,” Salceda said.
Raymund Salire, AMDO project development officer, said as of this month, there are five more transport groups with pending applications to the PPSB Manila office.
“The application and requirement of remaining five transport groups are now on process and expected to be approved before end of June,” he said.
For Albay alone, Salire said, the PPSB has established a P50-million loan line for E-TODA.
“The P1.065 million released to approve loan to various transport groups is part of the P50-million fund granted to the province,” he said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol)
BFP BEEFS UP INSPECTION, COMPLIANCE OF SCHOOLS ON SAFETY
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) headquarters here is conducting series of inspections of the different public and private schools in this town in line with the agency’s “Oplan Balik-Eskwela”.
Municipal Fire Marshal Inspector Adonis D. Osea said that the agency is conducting inspections to check safety measures implemented by schools, including the availability of fire extinguishers.
He said that in their initial inspections in some schools they have noticed that some schools in public have no safety measures compared to private schools.
Inspector Osea urged said schools to have containers with water as an alternative in case of fire incident.
He also reminded schools with laboratory to have their LPG tanks outside the room and to have 2 doors available as safety measure in case fire occurs.
BFP inspectors added that as of January to May they have recorded four fire incidents in this town.
Meanwhile, the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) has assigned policemen in the schools vicinity in connection with the school opening in private and some public schools yesterday.
PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Pierre Bucsit said that this is to ensure the security of students especially in the start of school day.
He added that he also assigned policemen in roads nearby schools to attend to the traffic in order to avoid problems for the students and motorists. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)
SSC STUDES FIND DIODE EFFECTIVE POWER SAVING DEVICE
SORSOGON CITY — In the light of crafting ways to minimize electric power consumption, the fifth year electrical engineering students of the Sorsogon State College here, have finished a research study on Light Emitting Diode (LED) as an alternative electronic component in designing a lighting device.
The design proposed by Zendy Dematera, Dyronne P. Ajas, Gissell C. Dogillo and Rusan James Freo was adjudged best among the six competing groups and was given credit by the SSC in its recognition ceremony last March.
Engr. Joselito S. Orticio, who handles the students, said that the study was one of the requisites in their subject as well seminars and field trips where the students were exposed to.
“The research is only limited to the utilization of white LED which can possibly be an efficient source to replace the usual lighting system for domestic use,” said Orticio.
The four researchers, after conducting the study, found out that it is possible to create a LED light bulb which can be directly connected to a 230V/.AC.
It was also proven to be energy-saving due to its low power consumption, producing a light output of 120.6 lumens and a power of 1.2 watts.
“It is also advantageous because its materials are more durable compared to the typical compact fluorescent lamps and bulbs which have fragile components. Furthermore, though costly, it has a longer lifespan and contains no mercury unlike other usual bulb designs,” said the researchers.
Since it has poor illumination, they recommended the use of an efficient reflector that will suit the design of the bulb. “It is also imperative to utilized high-powered LED to make it a more effective lighting device,” they also said. (MMoraleda/DDeri, SSC/PIA Sorsogon)
112TH INDEPENDENCE DAY TO BE MORE MEANINGFUL - PALACE
MANILA — Observance of the 112th Philippine Independence Day on Saturday (June 12) will be more meaningful and symbolic of the gains made by the people in key fronts like the economy, environment, education, and national security.
The center stage for the national celebration will still be Luneta at the sprawling Rizal Park in Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will lead the nationwide flag-raising rites at 7a.m. in front of the Rizal Monument, then come back at 4 p.m. at the Luneta to deliver her Independence Day message and view from the Quirino Grandstand, along with the thousands of Independence Day revelers, the traditional civic-military parade.
The whole-day affair, which has the theme, “KALAYAAN: Tagumpay ng Bayan,” will showcase the country’s major accomplishments over the past nine years under the leadership of President Arroyo.
“Without losing sight of our rich history and cultural heritage, we are celebrating individual and collective achievement,” said Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo, National Historical Commission (NHC) chair.
Ocampo, who also chairs the National Organizing Committee for the Independence Day celebration, said the first 10 floats put together for the parade will dramatize these achievements, also referred to as legacy of the Arroyo administration under the President’s Ten-Point Agenda, while the last will be a virtual montage of modern-day Filipino heroes.
Dubbed as “Beat the Odds,” the ten-point program covers the following themes: education for all, automated elections, transportation and infrastructure, terminating hostilities in all fronts, healing the wounds of EDSA, electricity and water for all, opportunities for livelihood, decongestion of Metro Manila, and developing Subic and Clark.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) which was designated as lead agency to handle preparations for the Independence Day rites, said the floats would have particular themes, “so named after the people’s triumphs over pressing concerns such as poverty alleviation, education, environment protection and preservation, peace and order, and infrastructure development.”
“This is not to say we are completely setting aside history, to be highlighted by a poetry-dance-drama presentation encompassing the pre-Spanish colonization era, up to the time we attained full independence in 1898,” Ocampo added.
An original song composition by Ato Del Rosario, to be rendered by Bituin Escalante, is one of the Program highlights. (PIA V Release)
PGMA OFF TO CHINA FOR JOINT RITES MARKING 35TH YEAR OF RP-CHINA TIES
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leaves today (June 7) for a two-day trip to China in a special visit to jointly observe with Chinese leaders the 35th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
She will also be in Shanghai to open to the world the Philippine pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, China’s latest showcase of economic strength.
It will be the first time that a Filipino head of state will be in China to reminisce the event in June 9, 1975 that opened official ties between two countries and ushered in the strong relations between them.
With the theme “Philippines + China @ 35: More than Friends,” the two countries have lined up year-long activities highlighting three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements, and youth and the future.
The President’s Shanghai visit highlights Philippine participation in the 2010 World Expo where the Philippines is among 42 Asian countries participating. The Department of Tourism has reserved a 1,880 square-meter space in the Expo dedicated to Philippine culture. (PIA V Release)
PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was conferred today (June 7) the Shining World Leadership Award, an international award institutionalized by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai, in recognition of her tireless dedication to public service specifically her efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines.
The President received the honor from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University auditorium in Quezon City by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the underprivileged sectors.
The Chief Executive watched the show which also depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion on the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous peoples (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school-youths, overseas workers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Also mentioned in the testimonial event were the President’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which gave expanded benefits for the elderly.
After the show, the President was requested up the stage to receive the leadership award from Lin Shan-Kuo who represented Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Accounts said the Vietnam-born social leader Ching Hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in March 2006. She also established other prestigious awards, such as Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero and Heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award, and Shining World Invention Award.
The honors are bestowed on individuals, nations, and organizations – such as the 2nd President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovšek, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Save the Children – whose exemplary works have significantly contributed to the harmony, beauty, and sustainability of our Earth.
The Award underscored President Arroyo’s “tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people.”
On the other hand, the cultural tribute at the St. Paul University further recognized the President’s unprecedented programs in the relocation and provision of housing for urban poor dwellers including her 15 visits to attend to the welfare of occupants in the Smokey Mountain; her personal appeal to other heads of state that led to the repatriation and commutation of even the death sentences of thousands of OFWs; and her concern for disaster victims including the opening of Malacanang as temporary shelter for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.
Among those present during the event were Education Secretary Mona Valisno and Presidential Assistant on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez. (PIA V Release)
PALACE WELCOMES NOYNOY STATEMENTS ON AFP CHIEF'S ISSUE
MANILA — Malacanang welcomed word from President apparent Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III that he respects the current stay in office of General Delfin Bangit as chief of staff of those armed forces of the Philippines.
“We are happy to take Senator Aquino’s most recent statement at face value that he would respect the Chief of Staff’s stay in office because its is an appointment made by the President” according to deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar in a pres conference today.
Earlier on Sunday, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved a recommendation by the Department of National Defense (DND) to allow senior officers by-passed by the Commission on Appointments to hold their present respective posts “to preclude a hiatus in the service and gap in their appointments, and to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger public safety.”
Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales made the recommendation following last Friday’s adjournment sine die of the 14th Congress without confirming the promotions of the senior officers of the AFP.
Olivar said that the recent statement of the senator during a TV interview indicates much positive and constructive position. He added that Aquino assured that he will not do anything to upset the chain of command or the morale of the officer core.
At the same time, Olivar squelched speculations that the Palace is “destabilizing” the relationship of the incoming government and the AFP, saying that “the issue of the 300 officers being bypassed is not something that should be laid at the door of Senator Aquino. This is obviously the responsibility of the commission on appointments” Olivar said.
Affected by the by-pass were Gen. Delfin N. Bangit and 301 others who hold the ranks of General, Lt. General, Major General/Rear Admiral, Brigadier General/Commodore and Colonel/Captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5, 2010.
Sec. Mendoza, himself a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the other half of the national uniformed service, stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.
Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance. Officers with the rank of full Colonel up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.
Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform.”
Among the 302 by-passed by the CA, were one (1) General, three (3) Lt. Generals, ten (10) Major Generals, one (1) Rear Admiral, thirty five (35) Brigadier Generals, five (5) Commodores, with the rest being Colonels and Captains.
At the Malacanang press conference, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, disclosed that Bangit had a dialogue with the 301 bypassed officers last Friday to clarify issues with them.
According to Burgos, Bangit told the officers “to respect the democratic institutions and always uphold the rule of law”
Burgos quoted Bangit as assuring the officers that there is no reason to be bothered by the by-pass as it is part of the process.
The AFP spokesman said that the most important thing is that the officer’s morale is high and that they will remain professional and solid behind the chief of staff. (PIA V Release)
PGMA APPROVES TEMPORARY STAY OF BANGIT, 301 OTHER AFP OFFICERS ON THEIR POSTS – MENDOZA
MANILA, — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the recommendation of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales to allow 302 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit, to stay on their respective posts after their confirmation was technically bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) when the 14th Congress adjourned sine die last Friday.
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said on Monday (June 7) the President approved Gonzales’ recommendation "to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger the public safety."
”Failure to act decisively on the matter could have led to serious demoralization in the AFP Officer Corps, and undermine the integrity of the military’s command structure,” Mendoza added.
Affected by the CA bypass were General Bangit and 301 other senior officers of the AFP who hold the ranks of general, lieutenant general, major general/rear admiral, brigadier general/commodore and colonel/captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5.
Mendoza, who himself is a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) -- the other half of the national uniformed service -- stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.
Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance.
Officers with the rank of full colonel and up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.
As one of the pillars of democracy, Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform."
Among the 302 senior officers bypassed by the CA were one general, three lieutenant generals, 10 major generals, one rear admiral, 35 brigadier generals, five commodores, with the rest being colonels and captains.
On Sunday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who is also the chairman of the Appointments Commission, said that President Arroyo could extend the term of Bangit and those who would question it should go to the Supreme Court.
Enrile also said apparent President-elect Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III could retain General Bangit as the AFP chief until his retirement by the end of this year. (PIA V Release)
PGMA WELCOME SIX NEW ENVOYS TO RP
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo welcomed today (June 7) six new ambassadors from foreign countries who presented their credentials to Malacañang.
First to be welcomed by the President at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Wadee Batti Hanna Al- Batti of the Republic of Iraq.
He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Samir Arrour of the Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Guatemala Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Byron Rene Escobedo Menendez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Elma Campbell of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Szilveszeter Bus of the Republic of Hungary.
All the new envoys were accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who also performed the traditional snappy salute to welcome them..
The new envoys were then ushered to the second floor for the signing of the Malacañang Guest Book that contains the names and signatures of all foreign and local dignitaries who come to visit the President’s official home.
After the guest book signing, the ambassadors and their respective parties were led to the Rizal Hall where they personally handed their respective credentials to the President. (PIA V Release)
PILI, Camarines Sur — Bracing for the on set of the wet spell, the Philippine Army (PA) in Bicol has activated a special unit tasked to conduct disaster response operations (DRO) in times of natural calamities and other forms of disasters, a ranking military official said.
Army Major General Ruperto Pabustan, commanding general of the 9th Infantry Division, said the activation of the Army’s disaster unit would be a response strategy against possible negative impacts of La Niña, a climate phenomenon that brings heavy rains, storms and other weather disturbances in the community.
Pabustan, said various natural calamities that had stricken the country last year prompted the activation of the disaster unit
“Last year, we had shown the bravery of our soldiers who crossed raging floodwaters to save hapless victims, despite of the lack of rescue equipment. This time, I have ensured that they are issued the necessary equipment and the proper training as well,” said Pabustan.
Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID Spokesperson, said that the newly activated 35-man strong DRO unit will undergo two weeks rigid training in the field of disaster response operations.
Cabunoc said that the unit has started various skills development training such as Rope Technician’s Course (RTC), Mountain Operations Search and Rescue (MOSAR), Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and spine board training.
First Lieutenant Ronnie Sicad, the DRO leader, said that the special unit is still undergoing a series of sustainment training activities to further develop their confidence and abilities.
“We are conducting daily practices on combat life saving and rope courses which are among the most important skills that we need to help the victims of heavy flooding and the typhoons,” Sicad said, during the strenuous rappelling activity Monday..
Aside from the skills training, the new DRO unit is equipped with rubber boats, sophisticated ropes, flares and floating devices.
4x4 medium built KM 450 trucks are also among the fleet of vehicles that are issued to this unit.
The highly-trained soldiers of this unit are also responsible for the training of the selected soldiers who are assigned in different provinces in the region. Mobile training teams will be sent to re-echo the skills and knowledge needed by the Army rescue operators.
As this developed, 49 towns in Bicol have been identified as landslide prone areas by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol.
On the onset of the wet spell environment authorities warn residents in these areas to prepare and evacuate to safer grounds, once heavy rains and typhoons occur.
Reynaldo A. Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, reiterated his warning to residents of the dangers pose to lives and properties once floods and landslide hits these places.
Juan said places at high risk to landslide are eight towns and a city in Albay, 8 towns in Camarines Norte, 12 in Camarines Sur, 8 in Catanduanes, five in Masbate and seven in Sorsogon.
Juan said the residents of the following municipalities should be prepared and evacuate to safer grounds when continuous rain in their localities occurs: Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi and Ligao in Albay; Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte;
Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot and Tinambac in Camarines Sur; Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, and San Andres in Catanduanes; Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros, and Mobo in Masbate; and Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.
He, however, clarified that residents of other municipalities not named are encouraged to observe the necessary precaution and preparation to evacuate to safer grounds when in their area signs of an impending landslide may occur or have history of landslide in the past. (MSArgeulles, PNA Bicol with reports from Maj. HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO)
DENR TO DEVELOP GEO-HAZARD MAPS IN BICOL
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol was recently commissioned to develop a detailed geo-hazard maps to assist government planners and policy makers in identifying areas prone to natural hazards.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has contracted the DENR to produce a geo-hazard maps detailing hazard areas prone to flooding, landslides, sea level rising, storm surge, volcanic eruptions, lahars and mud flows and other disaster events.
Social Welfare Secretary Celia Capadocia Yangco in her recent visit here said her agency has released to the DENR some P1.9 million funding for the production of geo-hazard maps covering the six province of Bicol.
The funding is intended for the production and reproduction of geo-hazard maps with scales of 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 for distribution to local government units in selected provinces and towns in Bicol, Yangco said.
The agreement between the two departments was in line with DSWD’s “Bicol Recovery Project” supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Yangco and UNDP country director Renaud Meyer recently visited Albay to inspect the core shelter, water and electric facilities projects in the resettlement sites of the province.
According to Yangco, the DENR, through its Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB), has provided some P1.6 million as counterpart fund for the project.
MGB is the lead agency for the nationwide Geo-hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, which covers the production of geo-hazard maps for 840 priority municipalities.
Yangco said the technical expertise of the DENR on geo-hazard mapping and assessment, including the production of more-detailed maps, would serve as a database for planners once distributed to towns and barangays.
“The geo-hazard maps will be distributed to the lowest level of governance, the barangays, so that the communities living in these vulnerable areas will be able to manage and cope with the impacts of natural disasters,” according to Yangco.
Under the agreement, the DENR, through the MGB, will produce geo-hazard maps for Bicol’s three key cities, namely, Legazpi, Iriga and Sorsogon.
Geohazard maps will likewise be distributed to nine municipalities in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay and Catanduanes.
Towns to be given geo-hazard maps include Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon; Camalig and Guinobatan in Albay; and Pandan, Caramoran, San Andres, Virac, and Bato in Catanduanes. Said areas have earlier been mapped by the DENR.
The production and distribution of the large-scale maps are expected to be completed within twelve months.
Yangco explained the importance of the geo-hazard maps, saying that the capacities of barangay and municipal officers to understand and use geo-hazard maps for disaster preparedness are greatly enhanced with a geo-hazard map that show with relative accuracy ground area, rivers, lakes, roads and distances between features.
Aside from map production, the agreement also calls for the DENR to conduct trainings and information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for municipal and barangay officials, including other members of disaster coordinating councils of concerned local government units, on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)
UNDP NPAC MEETING HELD IN BICOL
… pushes for inter-agency collaboration, fast track Bicol Recovery Project
LEGAZPI CITY — The 5th National Project Advisory Council meeting of the United Nations Development Programme Fund (UNDP) Bicol Recovery Project (BRP) was held last May 26-27, 2010 at Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Celia C. Yangco and UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer graced the activity.
NPAC members composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) were also represented.
The National Project Advisory Committee meeting aimed to: a) finalize and approve the Annual Work Plan for Calendar Year 2010, b) present the status of the project; and, c) discuss results of the audit observations in the UNDP National Implementation Modality.
DSWD Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco said that DSWD, as lead partner in the implementation of the Bicol Recovery Program, will ensure that the project will be implemented in equitable balance throughout the region. Yang co is the National Project Director of the BRP.
Meanwhile, UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer urged the members of the NPAC to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration.
The BRP, with funding support from UNDP and the DSWD, is a two-year project which seeks to respond to the on-going recovery needs of the Bicolanos and designed to assist families and communities in Bicol who were severely affected by the series of strong typhoons in 2006 particularly Super Typhoon Reming.
Director Meyer and Secretary Yangco had visited in Sto. Domingo,Tiwi and Guinobatan towns where the construction of the core shelter units has funding support from the UNDP.
(AMayor/EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)
ALBAY EXTENDS P1.065M FOR TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS' DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
LEGAZPI CITY — For less than a year of its implementation, the Provincial Government of Albay, through the Albay Millennium Development Goal Office (AMDGO), has released the total amount of P1.065 million to nine transport cooperatives and associations for the Expanded Transport Organizations’ Development Assistance or E-TODA program.
As of May, this year, 213 members of various transport organizations in the province have already availed of the benefits of micro financing program for transport service providers.
“E-TODA is a government program with Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and its attached agencies in partnership with the provincial government of Albay,” Governor Joey Salceda told local media here.
He explained that the program started last year to provide safety net to public transport cooperatives, association or groups as a result of unpredictable oil price movements as well as the adverse effects of the global financial crisis through the establishment of financial facility easily accessible to eligible beneficiaries through self-managed micro enterprises to augment their family income.
“This is a no interest, no collateral capital assistance to beneficiaries,” Salceda said.
Raymund Salire, AMDO project development officer, said as of this month, there are five more transport groups with pending applications to the PPSB Manila office.
“The application and requirement of remaining five transport groups are now on process and expected to be approved before end of June,” he said.
For Albay alone, Salire said, the PPSB has established a P50-million loan line for E-TODA.
“The P1.065 million released to approve loan to various transport groups is part of the P50-million fund granted to the province,” he said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol)
BFP BEEFS UP INSPECTION, COMPLIANCE OF SCHOOLS ON SAFETY
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) headquarters here is conducting series of inspections of the different public and private schools in this town in line with the agency’s “Oplan Balik-Eskwela”.
Municipal Fire Marshal Inspector Adonis D. Osea said that the agency is conducting inspections to check safety measures implemented by schools, including the availability of fire extinguishers.
He said that in their initial inspections in some schools they have noticed that some schools in public have no safety measures compared to private schools.
Inspector Osea urged said schools to have containers with water as an alternative in case of fire incident.
He also reminded schools with laboratory to have their LPG tanks outside the room and to have 2 doors available as safety measure in case fire occurs.
BFP inspectors added that as of January to May they have recorded four fire incidents in this town.
Meanwhile, the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) has assigned policemen in the schools vicinity in connection with the school opening in private and some public schools yesterday.
PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Pierre Bucsit said that this is to ensure the security of students especially in the start of school day.
He added that he also assigned policemen in roads nearby schools to attend to the traffic in order to avoid problems for the students and motorists. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)
SSC STUDES FIND DIODE EFFECTIVE POWER SAVING DEVICE
SORSOGON CITY — In the light of crafting ways to minimize electric power consumption, the fifth year electrical engineering students of the Sorsogon State College here, have finished a research study on Light Emitting Diode (LED) as an alternative electronic component in designing a lighting device.
The design proposed by Zendy Dematera, Dyronne P. Ajas, Gissell C. Dogillo and Rusan James Freo was adjudged best among the six competing groups and was given credit by the SSC in its recognition ceremony last March.
Engr. Joselito S. Orticio, who handles the students, said that the study was one of the requisites in their subject as well seminars and field trips where the students were exposed to.
“The research is only limited to the utilization of white LED which can possibly be an efficient source to replace the usual lighting system for domestic use,” said Orticio.
The four researchers, after conducting the study, found out that it is possible to create a LED light bulb which can be directly connected to a 230V/.AC.
It was also proven to be energy-saving due to its low power consumption, producing a light output of 120.6 lumens and a power of 1.2 watts.
“It is also advantageous because its materials are more durable compared to the typical compact fluorescent lamps and bulbs which have fragile components. Furthermore, though costly, it has a longer lifespan and contains no mercury unlike other usual bulb designs,” said the researchers.
Since it has poor illumination, they recommended the use of an efficient reflector that will suit the design of the bulb. “It is also imperative to utilized high-powered LED to make it a more effective lighting device,” they also said. (MMoraleda/DDeri, SSC/PIA Sorsogon)
112TH INDEPENDENCE DAY TO BE MORE MEANINGFUL - PALACE
MANILA — Observance of the 112th Philippine Independence Day on Saturday (June 12) will be more meaningful and symbolic of the gains made by the people in key fronts like the economy, environment, education, and national security.
The center stage for the national celebration will still be Luneta at the sprawling Rizal Park in Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will lead the nationwide flag-raising rites at 7a.m. in front of the Rizal Monument, then come back at 4 p.m. at the Luneta to deliver her Independence Day message and view from the Quirino Grandstand, along with the thousands of Independence Day revelers, the traditional civic-military parade.
The whole-day affair, which has the theme, “KALAYAAN: Tagumpay ng Bayan,” will showcase the country’s major accomplishments over the past nine years under the leadership of President Arroyo.
“Without losing sight of our rich history and cultural heritage, we are celebrating individual and collective achievement,” said Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo, National Historical Commission (NHC) chair.
Ocampo, who also chairs the National Organizing Committee for the Independence Day celebration, said the first 10 floats put together for the parade will dramatize these achievements, also referred to as legacy of the Arroyo administration under the President’s Ten-Point Agenda, while the last will be a virtual montage of modern-day Filipino heroes.
Dubbed as “Beat the Odds,” the ten-point program covers the following themes: education for all, automated elections, transportation and infrastructure, terminating hostilities in all fronts, healing the wounds of EDSA, electricity and water for all, opportunities for livelihood, decongestion of Metro Manila, and developing Subic and Clark.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) which was designated as lead agency to handle preparations for the Independence Day rites, said the floats would have particular themes, “so named after the people’s triumphs over pressing concerns such as poverty alleviation, education, environment protection and preservation, peace and order, and infrastructure development.”
“This is not to say we are completely setting aside history, to be highlighted by a poetry-dance-drama presentation encompassing the pre-Spanish colonization era, up to the time we attained full independence in 1898,” Ocampo added.
An original song composition by Ato Del Rosario, to be rendered by Bituin Escalante, is one of the Program highlights. (PIA V Release)
PGMA OFF TO CHINA FOR JOINT RITES MARKING 35TH YEAR OF RP-CHINA TIES
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leaves today (June 7) for a two-day trip to China in a special visit to jointly observe with Chinese leaders the 35th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
She will also be in Shanghai to open to the world the Philippine pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, China’s latest showcase of economic strength.
It will be the first time that a Filipino head of state will be in China to reminisce the event in June 9, 1975 that opened official ties between two countries and ushered in the strong relations between them.
With the theme “Philippines + China @ 35: More than Friends,” the two countries have lined up year-long activities highlighting three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements, and youth and the future.
The President’s Shanghai visit highlights Philippine participation in the 2010 World Expo where the Philippines is among 42 Asian countries participating. The Department of Tourism has reserved a 1,880 square-meter space in the Expo dedicated to Philippine culture. (PIA V Release)
PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was conferred today (June 7) the Shining World Leadership Award, an international award institutionalized by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai, in recognition of her tireless dedication to public service specifically her efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines.
The President received the honor from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University auditorium in Quezon City by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the underprivileged sectors.
The Chief Executive watched the show which also depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion on the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous peoples (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school-youths, overseas workers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Also mentioned in the testimonial event were the President’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which gave expanded benefits for the elderly.
After the show, the President was requested up the stage to receive the leadership award from Lin Shan-Kuo who represented Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Accounts said the Vietnam-born social leader Ching Hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in March 2006. She also established other prestigious awards, such as Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero and Heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award, and Shining World Invention Award.
The honors are bestowed on individuals, nations, and organizations – such as the 2nd President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovšek, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Save the Children – whose exemplary works have significantly contributed to the harmony, beauty, and sustainability of our Earth.
The Award underscored President Arroyo’s “tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people.”
On the other hand, the cultural tribute at the St. Paul University further recognized the President’s unprecedented programs in the relocation and provision of housing for urban poor dwellers including her 15 visits to attend to the welfare of occupants in the Smokey Mountain; her personal appeal to other heads of state that led to the repatriation and commutation of even the death sentences of thousands of OFWs; and her concern for disaster victims including the opening of Malacanang as temporary shelter for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.
Among those present during the event were Education Secretary Mona Valisno and Presidential Assistant on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez. (PIA V Release)
PALACE WELCOMES NOYNOY STATEMENTS ON AFP CHIEF'S ISSUE
MANILA — Malacanang welcomed word from President apparent Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III that he respects the current stay in office of General Delfin Bangit as chief of staff of those armed forces of the Philippines.
“We are happy to take Senator Aquino’s most recent statement at face value that he would respect the Chief of Staff’s stay in office because its is an appointment made by the President” according to deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar in a pres conference today.
Earlier on Sunday, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved a recommendation by the Department of National Defense (DND) to allow senior officers by-passed by the Commission on Appointments to hold their present respective posts “to preclude a hiatus in the service and gap in their appointments, and to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger public safety.”
Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales made the recommendation following last Friday’s adjournment sine die of the 14th Congress without confirming the promotions of the senior officers of the AFP.
Olivar said that the recent statement of the senator during a TV interview indicates much positive and constructive position. He added that Aquino assured that he will not do anything to upset the chain of command or the morale of the officer core.
At the same time, Olivar squelched speculations that the Palace is “destabilizing” the relationship of the incoming government and the AFP, saying that “the issue of the 300 officers being bypassed is not something that should be laid at the door of Senator Aquino. This is obviously the responsibility of the commission on appointments” Olivar said.
Affected by the by-pass were Gen. Delfin N. Bangit and 301 others who hold the ranks of General, Lt. General, Major General/Rear Admiral, Brigadier General/Commodore and Colonel/Captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5, 2010.
Sec. Mendoza, himself a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the other half of the national uniformed service, stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.
Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance. Officers with the rank of full Colonel up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.
Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform.”
Among the 302 by-passed by the CA, were one (1) General, three (3) Lt. Generals, ten (10) Major Generals, one (1) Rear Admiral, thirty five (35) Brigadier Generals, five (5) Commodores, with the rest being Colonels and Captains.
At the Malacanang press conference, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, disclosed that Bangit had a dialogue with the 301 bypassed officers last Friday to clarify issues with them.
According to Burgos, Bangit told the officers “to respect the democratic institutions and always uphold the rule of law”
Burgos quoted Bangit as assuring the officers that there is no reason to be bothered by the by-pass as it is part of the process.
The AFP spokesman said that the most important thing is that the officer’s morale is high and that they will remain professional and solid behind the chief of staff. (PIA V Release)
PGMA APPROVES TEMPORARY STAY OF BANGIT, 301 OTHER AFP OFFICERS ON THEIR POSTS – MENDOZA
MANILA, — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the recommendation of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales to allow 302 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit, to stay on their respective posts after their confirmation was technically bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) when the 14th Congress adjourned sine die last Friday.
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said on Monday (June 7) the President approved Gonzales’ recommendation "to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger the public safety."
”Failure to act decisively on the matter could have led to serious demoralization in the AFP Officer Corps, and undermine the integrity of the military’s command structure,” Mendoza added.
Affected by the CA bypass were General Bangit and 301 other senior officers of the AFP who hold the ranks of general, lieutenant general, major general/rear admiral, brigadier general/commodore and colonel/captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5.
Mendoza, who himself is a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) -- the other half of the national uniformed service -- stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.
Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance.
Officers with the rank of full colonel and up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.
As one of the pillars of democracy, Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform."
Among the 302 senior officers bypassed by the CA were one general, three lieutenant generals, 10 major generals, one rear admiral, 35 brigadier generals, five commodores, with the rest being colonels and captains.
On Sunday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who is also the chairman of the Appointments Commission, said that President Arroyo could extend the term of Bangit and those who would question it should go to the Supreme Court.
Enrile also said apparent President-elect Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III could retain General Bangit as the AFP chief until his retirement by the end of this year. (PIA V Release)
PGMA WELCOME SIX NEW ENVOYS TO RP
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo welcomed today (June 7) six new ambassadors from foreign countries who presented their credentials to Malacañang.
First to be welcomed by the President at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Wadee Batti Hanna Al- Batti of the Republic of Iraq.
He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Samir Arrour of the Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Guatemala Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Byron Rene Escobedo Menendez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Elma Campbell of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Szilveszeter Bus of the Republic of Hungary.
All the new envoys were accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who also performed the traditional snappy salute to welcome them..
The new envoys were then ushered to the second floor for the signing of the Malacañang Guest Book that contains the names and signatures of all foreign and local dignitaries who come to visit the President’s official home.
After the guest book signing, the ambassadors and their respective parties were led to the Rizal Hall where they personally handed their respective credentials to the President. (PIA V Release)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
UPTREND OF BICOL TOURISM BRINGS IN P364.5 M REVENUE;
CREATES .72 M JOBS
LEGAZPI CITY — Bicol’s tourism has generated some P364,506,282.50 gross receipts and created a total of 723,754 jobs for Bicolanos during the first quarter of this year, according to an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office here.
DOT Bicol Regional Director Maria Ravanilla averred Bicol tourism posted some 593,241 tourist arrivals with 13.09 percent increase compared to the 524,544 tourist arrivals during the same period last year.
Ravanilla added that the agency recorded some 80 percent (454,016) of tourists visiting Bicol were locals while only 20 percent or 139,225 were foreign nationals.
She noted that the increase in tourist arrivals was delivered by the three “icons” in local tourism namely Mayon Volcano in Albay, CWC in Camarines Sur, and Butanding (whaleshark) interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon.
Camarines Sur continues to bring in the highest income posting a 348,139 visitors generating P197 million in revenues, followed by Albay with 86,518 making some P65 million in revenue; Catanduanes with 31,432 with P35 million; Sorsogon, 31,049/P27.5 million; Masbate 49,061/P20.2 million; and Camarines Norte with 47,042/P19.2 million revenues.
DOT data also reveals that the industry continues to post an uptrend in gross receipts with P443.5 million in 2007, surge by P782 million in 2008, and hitting over the P1 billion mark last year. (MALoterte, PIA V)
ALBAY PUSHES FOR ACADEMY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
LEGAZPI CITY— Albay remains the front runner in terms of disaster response, good practices to ensure zero casualty during calamities and this one of the major factor why the province is now being recognized throughout the world as a local government unit with an exemplary achievement in the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).
To broaden its local initiative on disaster risk reduction (DRR), the Center for Initiative and Research for Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) is now pushing for the establishment of first Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Academy for local government units.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said this will be the first academy which will cater to all vulnerable groups or sectors from the brunt of climate change through Capacity Development for Better Governance of all stakeholders from the local to national level on climate change adaptation.
The proposed academy will strengthen the theoretical and practical skills of the major stakeholders on various assessments and planning tools for capacity development, climate and disaster risk assessment including integrated assessment impacts and implementation then finally putting into action.
Salceda explained that the Capacity development for better governance approach that shall be employed by the academy shall have four levels: a) Capacity Development and assessment on the level on awareness, b) modular training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management, c) mainstreaming of lessons learned to their local sectoral planning, d) guided experimental learning in the implementation of plans to their area of responsibility.
In other development, CIRCA executive director Nong Rangasa disclosed that starting July this year, the demo teaching on Mainstreaming Climate Change Education in 33 vulnerable selected schools
The mainstreaming of Climate Change Education has been integrated in the curriculum in all learning areas from grade 4 to 6 and 1st year to 4th year. “First in the country and in the world,” Rangasa said.
This is partnership with provincial government, CIRCA, University of Los Banos, Department of Education Central Office and Albay Division, International Center for Research and Agro-Forestry (ICRAF), Millennium Development Goal –F (MDG-F), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Filipinos Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) experts and a Nobel Peace Laureate.
Aside from integration of Climate Change Adaptation in the curriculum the province of Albay is the first provincial government unit in the country to use the customized SimCLIM software, a computer model system for examining the effects of climate variability and change over time and space. This project is supported by the University of Sunshine Coast based in Qeensland, Australia, Asia Pacific Network and University of the Philippines Los Banos.
Earlier, CIRCA has proposed to the national government for the construction of a Customized SimCLIM software modeling system for the Philippines. “The recommendation of CIRCA to the apparent administration is to adopt Albay CLIM tool,” Nong Rangasa said.
“The SimCLIM could be applied in the work programs of several agencies in the country,” according to Rangasa.
This has been presented to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Millennium Development Goals – Fund Secretariat, and the United Nations Development Programme.
The SimCLIM customized for the Philippines will include the statistical downscaled Global Climate Monitoring (GCM) patterns, rather than directly bilinear interpolated GCM patterns in that characterized earlier version of the software.
“SimCLIM outputs are multifaceted and applicable to a wide range of planning and sustainable development application and sustainable development applications. “It is, perhaps, first and foremost, a tool for creating possible scenarios of climate change that are then linked with various sectors, such as coastal, agriculture, water, health and the planning required to reduce the risk borne by societies and environments as a result in shifts in climate.” Rangasa finally said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/mal)
NFA PALAY BUYING SURPASSES PREVIOUS YEARS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LEGAZPI CITY — The National Food Authority (NFA) Bicol regional office here has surpassed the target for its palay procurement program despite the dry spell brought about by El Niño phenomenon, according to an agency’s regional official.
Edgar Bentulan, NFA Bicol regional director, disclosed that the agency was able to purchase some 601,861 bags of palay from individual farmers (IF’s) and farmer organizations (FO’s), that is, 141.45 per cent more that the target of 425,500 bags until end of April.
“The amount is very much higher as well compared to January to April, 2009 procurement totaling only to 256,814 bags,” he added.
Bentulan furthered that NFA’s partnership with the local farmers during the harvest season boosted the latter’s income because of the higher government support price of P17.00 per kilogram and the grant of additional incentives such as P0.30 per kilogram as cooperative development incentive fund (CDIF) for farmer cooperatives; P0.20 per kilogram as delivery incentive and; P0.20 per kilogram as drying incentive.
The average ex-farm price for the month of April is P15.36, allowing NFA to procure more.
With this price difference, farmers have enjoyed an advantage of P70,417,737 more for selling their palay produce to NFA, plus incentives of P0.70 per kilogram.
The highest volume procured for the same period was in 2002 when the agency in Bicol bought a total of 511,841 bags. (NEAlcantara, NFA V/PIA/mal)
SSC CASTILLA TO VENTURE ON HARDENED CHICK PRODUCTION
SORSOGON CITY — The Sorsogon State College (SSC) here has proposed a 300-hen level Hardened Chick Production venture to meet the increasing demand of genetically raised breeds for their meat and eggs.
The project will also provide opportunity for students and newly agricultural course graduates of SSC additional knowledge on the establishment and management of this kind of enterprise.
Dr. Antonio Fuentes, SSC president, said that the project has a total capital requirement of P606,350.41, 79 percent of the amount (P481,800.00) will be financed by the Bicol University Equity Fund, while the remaining 21 percent (P125,550.41) will come from the SSC counterpart.
The project is located at the SSC Castilla Campus in Barangay Mayon, Castilla town, a strategic area for the project operation due to its accessibility to any land transportation.
“The project will maintain 300 hen and 60 rooster breeders for a span of two years,” he added.
Hardened chicks are usually 75 days old, hatched out of the breeders and may be artificially or naturally incubated and brooded. Because of the hardening stage, native chickens are prepared for a harsh life and are highly adaptable to conditions such as insufficient feeds, lack of shelter, weather disturbances, and diseases in small farms.
Products such as the hardened chicks are to be marketed three months after the start of operation.
According to Fuentes priority target buyers include selected faculty members and students of the school, farmer clients and linkages implementing the agricultural development program in their localities.
“Some of the products will also be allocated for the establishment and operation of native chicken for meat and eggs production of the campus administration. Participation of students and graduates would be ensured by giving them the opportunity to gain knowledge in managing the project through on-the-job immersion,” he explained.
Fuentes further said that students and graduates who seek alternative sources of income may take into consideration the hardened chick production as their income generating project.
“Following the business plan, the project is recommended because it is relatively profitable,” he said. (DJMarantal, SSC/PIA Sorsogon/mal)
LGU CAMARINES NORTE LEADS FLAG DAYS
AND FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATIONS
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Provincial Government of Camarines Norte will lead the celebration here of the 112th Independence Day on June 12.
Line-up activities for the Freedom Day festivity include a Thanksgiving Mass at 7:00 o’clock in the morning at the Provincial Capitol façade, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony, and the Independence Day Parade.
Earlier, Governor Edgardo Tallado has issued an Executive Order No. 2010-06 “directing all government line agencies across the province to support and observe Flag Days on May 28 to June 12, and enjoined the same to participate in the 112th Philippine Independence Day activities on June 12 by way of meaningful events”.
Tallado also urges participation of and display of the National Flag in residents, establishments, parks, schools and offices to display starting last May 28 until June 12.
The activities on June 12 encourages the full support and participation of all local government units (LGUs), national government agencies and instrumentalities, all public and private schools; all socio-civic and religious organizations and the general public.
This year’s theme of the Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan 2010, Tagumpay ng Bayan”. (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte/mal)
ECO-ARTS LECTURE AND SEMINAR HELD IN CAMARINES NORTE
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Eco-Arts Lecture and Seminar was conducted here for the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) and other fisheries organizations from May 31 to June 4, 2010.
Our Lady of Lourdes College, in cooperation with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) Fisheries Development Division (FDD), spearheaded the five day event.
Edgar A. Estanislao, chief of FDD/supervising agriculturist, said that lectures were focused onMicro Entrepreneurs Capacity Assessment and Enhancement, Entrepreneurship Awareness, Business Start Up, Organizing Cooperatives, Business Formation, Swine/Poultry Raising, Organic Swine Raising, Coastal Communities, Environmental Lecture, Raw Materials Development and Micro-Financing.
Resource persons came from the Development Academy of the Philippines/TRC, UP Institute of Small Scale Industries, Cooperative Development Authority, Vitarich, TRC, UP Marine Science Institute, Haribon, ABS-CBN, PDDLP, Tulay sa Pag-unlad, DBP and LBP.
Other participants were coastal residents of the province, non government organizations, Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation Inc., Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) of Mercedes, representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Provincial Fishery Office and the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO). (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte/mal)
4Ps EMPOWERS MOTHERS IN MASBATE TOWN
LEGAZPI CITY — The role of women has always been equated with reproductive functions, bear children and sustain human life.
In the town of Cawayan, Masbate, women content themselves to being tied down performing domestic chores and some are coping either doing farm work or going out to the sea for fishing. Burdened in multiple ways and imprisoned in poverty, they feel that they are excluded from the mainstream of community and social life.
A noticeable change happened when the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was implemented in Cawayan. It was in September 2008 when the program was introduced in the place. Women were mostly called to attend the community, meetings and development sessions.
Maria Rosa Dehito, a 4Ps beneficiary, shared that 4Ps is not just giving them money for the education of the children and availing health services. We are oblige to attend meetings and Family Development Sessions. “Parang balik eskwela kami,” Maria Rosa bared.
Another 4Ps beneficiary also said that if before she does not participate in any activity in the barangay, with the coming of the program she and her husband have been active in all the activities be it a 4Ps related activity or those called for by the barangay.
Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor believes that the 4Ps is not only giving money to the poor and enable them to buy food and other household personal needs but the physical and intellectual development particularly the women beneficiaries being addressed to.
He thought of mainstreaming the 4Ps mothers in social life so that during the recent town fiesta of Cawayan, Mayor Condor invited the 4Ps beneficiaries to join in all the activities like: foot parade, street dancing, agricultural fair and cultural show.
Condor allocated fund for the costume of the 4Ps mothers who have participated in the cultural night and even hired a dance instructor. In order for the women to engage in the livelihood activities and participate in the trade fair, the good Mayor also gave them money to be able to rent a booth where they were able to display their farm products and other goods ready for market.
Glorem Redrico, the Municipal Link, said that there was an overwhelming participation from the mothers’ group. From the 5,587 family beneficiaries in Cawayan about 3,202 women participated in the town fiesta activities.
Jocelyn Sinadjan another 4Ps beneficiary from Brgy. Recodo proudly exclaimed, “I am thanking the DSWD for bringing the 4Ps in our town. We promise to use the cash grant with prudence and comply with the conditionalities of the program as well as participate actively in community activities.”
Through 4Ps, the women of Cawayan finally are coming out of their home, attend meetings and share the benefits they now reap from the program. Their value is no longer equated solely with reproductive functions. They are now partners of men in development and soon they shall liberate themselves from the clutch of poverty. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)
PALACE SEES GENUINE RECONCILIATION AFTER PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
MANILA — Malacanang expressed hope that the inauguration of the next President will mark the start of genuine national reconciliation.
Deputy Spokesperson Rogelio Peyuan said in a press briefing the inauguration of the next Chief Executive will hopefully be “the beginning of a genuine national reconciliation after a long period of political divisiveness.”
Peyuan said that it is a continuing dream for the outgoing administration that all wounds will heal in due time after years of divisiveness
With the next President and Vice President expected to be proclaimed on Monday, Peyuan said that as a gesture of reconciliation, outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will extend her hand to the next Chief Executive.
“The President will surely do her rightful part and will definitely congratulate the winner immediately after the proclamation made by the national board of canvassers” he said.
Peyuan pointed out that it is President Arroyo’s desire to have a smooth transition and reconciliation.
“I will only surmise that the President will call on the entire nation to unite behind the new leadership which is the number one requirement of anybody taking over the helm of the administration,” Peyuan said. (PIA V Release)
PGMA THANKS OUTGOING SWISS, SOUTH AFRICA ENVOYS
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today (June 4) thanked the outgoing ambassadors of Switzerland and South Africa for their efforts in strengthening the bilateral ties between the Philippines and their respective countries.
The President warmly received during farewell calls at Malacanang Swiss Confederation Ambassador Peter Sutter and Ambassador Andries Pieter Vermeulen of South Africa,
The President said the two outgoing envoys not only worked hard to maintain warm relations with the Philippine government but also to improve further bilateral exchanges.
On their part, the two envoys respectively thanked the President for the warm hospitality and support during their tour of duties here.
Ambassador Sutter cited the fruitful and enriching bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland highlighted by the August 2008 visit to Manila of Swiss President Pascal Couchepin, the first Swiss president to do so.
Diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland, which started in August 1956, have resulted in improved economic ties such that more than 60 Swiss companies are now operating in the Philippines and continue to enjoy confidence in the form of stable investments mostly in the pharmaceutical/chemical industries, food, trade, distribution and foreign business consultancy sectors.
On the other hand, the Philippine continue enjoy steady exports to South Africa that include liquefied petroleum gas, pharmaceutical products, ethyl alcohol, and desiccated coconut. Top Philippine imports from South Africa include iron and steel, hybrid seeds and unrefined copper. (PIA V Release)
PGMA HAILED FOR RESUSCITATING RP MINING
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was hailed today (June 4) for resuscitating the mining sector, by championing responsible mining and sustainable development and by actively promoting investments in the sector.
In today’s workshop in Malacanang dubbed as “Sustainable Development in Natural Resources: The Arroyo Administration Natural Resources Legacy”, Benjamin Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines, recalled the shift in the policy of the President from “mere tolerance” early on in her administration to “active promotion” was the key factor in the industry growth.
“Despite the general negative sentiments (against the industry brought about by disasters and other environmental concerns), the President pushed hard and earned the ire of so many people with her firm policy and determined resolve to revive the mining industry. She actively met foreign investors, asking them to put their money here and she made sure that resources were poured into infrastructures needed by the mining sector,” Romualdez said.
It did not take a long for the mining industry to get back on its feet, with $3 billion already invested in the sector, Romualdez said.
Bataraza Mayor Abraham Ibba, where the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining and the Coral B Mining Corp. in Palawan operate, said the President created the environment allowing mining companies to reopen in remote areas.
“With the operation of both mining companies, a lot of my constituents are employed; taxes worth P100 million a year are paid by the mining firms. The Social Development Mining Project Funds (SDMPF) of P252 million have been paid to the province in 2005 to 2008. For 2009 to 2013 the funds will amount to P616 million,” Ibba said.
Jose Boy Anoy, chieftain of the indigenous people in TVI Zamboanga del Norte, said schools, livelihood and employment generated by the Sustainable Development Mining and Responsible Mining Programs were implemented by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the mining companies.
Lolita Zaide of Siniloan, Laguna and Sergio Igos of Ternate, Cavite said the President’s and the Bureau of Lands’ patent program enabled them to get their patents without much difficulty and at the least cost unlike in previous administrations when they were made to comply with voluminous processing requirements. They said that their respective farms, which they now own, have enabled them to support their families and to send their children to college for their respective careers. (PIA V Release)
HUDDC CITES GAINS IN HOUSING SECTOR UNDER PGMA
MANILA — Over one million homes for low-income and poor families have been built under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Deputy Secretary-General Cecilia Alba said.
In a news conference in Malacanang today (June 4), Alba said the government’s housing programs for low-income workers and informal settlers provided shelter security to 1,044,420 families since President Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.
“One of the significant accomplishments of the Arroyo administration is making housing affordable even to low-income families,” Alba said.
Reform of Pag-ibig Fund’s policies and programs that resulted to lower interest rates, higher loanable amount and lower monthly amortization rate, according to Alba, has enabled more Pag-ibig members to buy their own homes.
To cite an example, she said that the monthly amortization for a P400,000 loan with a 30-year payment term has gone down from P5,400 in 2001 to P2,400 today.
With these reforms, Alba said Pag-ibig has listed a record-high housing loan of P45.7 billion for around 75,000 housing units last year from a total of P3.8 billion for 16,000 housing units in 2001.
Another unprecedented achievement under President Arroyo, she pointed out, is the issuance of 113 proclamations declaring about 27,000 hectares of government land all over the country as socialized housing sites, providing security of tenure to an estimated 280,000 families.
The Arroyo government, she added, also stepped up its assistance program to informal settlers through its Community Mortgage Program by releasing P5.3 billion funding for 963 projects which benefited 109,000 families since 2001, compared to the P3 billion to support 847 projects implemented from 1989 to 2000.
Alba said that under the Arroyo administration, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has undertaken the “most massive and largest resettlement” with its Rail Relocation Resettlement Program (RRRP).
“Some 87,897 families or 93 percent of 94,429 families living in the rail right-of-way were relocated,” she said.
RRRP was implemented to revive the North Rail Line from Caloocan to Pampanga and modernize the South Rail Line from Caloocan to Calamba.
NHA Assistant General Manager Orlan Capitan said that after the rail right-of-way, the agency would like focus on relocating settlers near the waterways.
He expressed hopes that the next administration will pursue the set targets to improve housing situation in the metro and provide security of tenure to informal settlers.
“We would like to believe it will be pursued according to target,” he said. (PIA V Release)
PALACE COMMENTS ON CONGRESS‘ NON-ACTION ON INFORMATION BILL
MANILA — Press Undersecretary Rogelio C. Peyuan issued in Malacañang today (June 4) the following statement on the unratified Freedom of Information Bill:
The passage of the bill is the desire of the Palace also.
We hope that our lawmakers may see the light when they open the 15th Congress.
We expect that they immediately attend to this bill once refiled because there’s nothing better we can offer the society but the passage of this bill.
Hindi totoo ang mga hinala na may kumpas ng kamay ni President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang hindi pagpasa sa Freedom of Information BIll. (It’s not rue that the President has a hand in the non-passage of the FOI).
The Palace is very clear from the start, we are in full support of this bill. (PIA V Release)
CREATES .72 M JOBS
LEGAZPI CITY — Bicol’s tourism has generated some P364,506,282.50 gross receipts and created a total of 723,754 jobs for Bicolanos during the first quarter of this year, according to an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office here.
DOT Bicol Regional Director Maria Ravanilla averred Bicol tourism posted some 593,241 tourist arrivals with 13.09 percent increase compared to the 524,544 tourist arrivals during the same period last year.
Ravanilla added that the agency recorded some 80 percent (454,016) of tourists visiting Bicol were locals while only 20 percent or 139,225 were foreign nationals.
She noted that the increase in tourist arrivals was delivered by the three “icons” in local tourism namely Mayon Volcano in Albay, CWC in Camarines Sur, and Butanding (whaleshark) interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon.
Camarines Sur continues to bring in the highest income posting a 348,139 visitors generating P197 million in revenues, followed by Albay with 86,518 making some P65 million in revenue; Catanduanes with 31,432 with P35 million; Sorsogon, 31,049/P27.5 million; Masbate 49,061/P20.2 million; and Camarines Norte with 47,042/P19.2 million revenues.
DOT data also reveals that the industry continues to post an uptrend in gross receipts with P443.5 million in 2007, surge by P782 million in 2008, and hitting over the P1 billion mark last year. (MALoterte, PIA V)
ALBAY PUSHES FOR ACADEMY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
LEGAZPI CITY— Albay remains the front runner in terms of disaster response, good practices to ensure zero casualty during calamities and this one of the major factor why the province is now being recognized throughout the world as a local government unit with an exemplary achievement in the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).
To broaden its local initiative on disaster risk reduction (DRR), the Center for Initiative and Research for Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) is now pushing for the establishment of first Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Academy for local government units.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said this will be the first academy which will cater to all vulnerable groups or sectors from the brunt of climate change through Capacity Development for Better Governance of all stakeholders from the local to national level on climate change adaptation.
The proposed academy will strengthen the theoretical and practical skills of the major stakeholders on various assessments and planning tools for capacity development, climate and disaster risk assessment including integrated assessment impacts and implementation then finally putting into action.
Salceda explained that the Capacity development for better governance approach that shall be employed by the academy shall have four levels: a) Capacity Development and assessment on the level on awareness, b) modular training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management, c) mainstreaming of lessons learned to their local sectoral planning, d) guided experimental learning in the implementation of plans to their area of responsibility.
In other development, CIRCA executive director Nong Rangasa disclosed that starting July this year, the demo teaching on Mainstreaming Climate Change Education in 33 vulnerable selected schools
The mainstreaming of Climate Change Education has been integrated in the curriculum in all learning areas from grade 4 to 6 and 1st year to 4th year. “First in the country and in the world,” Rangasa said.
This is partnership with provincial government, CIRCA, University of Los Banos, Department of Education Central Office and Albay Division, International Center for Research and Agro-Forestry (ICRAF), Millennium Development Goal –F (MDG-F), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Filipinos Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) experts and a Nobel Peace Laureate.
Aside from integration of Climate Change Adaptation in the curriculum the province of Albay is the first provincial government unit in the country to use the customized SimCLIM software, a computer model system for examining the effects of climate variability and change over time and space. This project is supported by the University of Sunshine Coast based in Qeensland, Australia, Asia Pacific Network and University of the Philippines Los Banos.
Earlier, CIRCA has proposed to the national government for the construction of a Customized SimCLIM software modeling system for the Philippines. “The recommendation of CIRCA to the apparent administration is to adopt Albay CLIM tool,” Nong Rangasa said.
“The SimCLIM could be applied in the work programs of several agencies in the country,” according to Rangasa.
This has been presented to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Millennium Development Goals – Fund Secretariat, and the United Nations Development Programme.
The SimCLIM customized for the Philippines will include the statistical downscaled Global Climate Monitoring (GCM) patterns, rather than directly bilinear interpolated GCM patterns in that characterized earlier version of the software.
“SimCLIM outputs are multifaceted and applicable to a wide range of planning and sustainable development application and sustainable development applications. “It is, perhaps, first and foremost, a tool for creating possible scenarios of climate change that are then linked with various sectors, such as coastal, agriculture, water, health and the planning required to reduce the risk borne by societies and environments as a result in shifts in climate.” Rangasa finally said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/mal)
NFA PALAY BUYING SURPASSES PREVIOUS YEARS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LEGAZPI CITY — The National Food Authority (NFA) Bicol regional office here has surpassed the target for its palay procurement program despite the dry spell brought about by El Niño phenomenon, according to an agency’s regional official.
Edgar Bentulan, NFA Bicol regional director, disclosed that the agency was able to purchase some 601,861 bags of palay from individual farmers (IF’s) and farmer organizations (FO’s), that is, 141.45 per cent more that the target of 425,500 bags until end of April.
“The amount is very much higher as well compared to January to April, 2009 procurement totaling only to 256,814 bags,” he added.
Bentulan furthered that NFA’s partnership with the local farmers during the harvest season boosted the latter’s income because of the higher government support price of P17.00 per kilogram and the grant of additional incentives such as P0.30 per kilogram as cooperative development incentive fund (CDIF) for farmer cooperatives; P0.20 per kilogram as delivery incentive and; P0.20 per kilogram as drying incentive.
The average ex-farm price for the month of April is P15.36, allowing NFA to procure more.
With this price difference, farmers have enjoyed an advantage of P70,417,737 more for selling their palay produce to NFA, plus incentives of P0.70 per kilogram.
The highest volume procured for the same period was in 2002 when the agency in Bicol bought a total of 511,841 bags. (NEAlcantara, NFA V/PIA/mal)
SSC CASTILLA TO VENTURE ON HARDENED CHICK PRODUCTION
SORSOGON CITY — The Sorsogon State College (SSC) here has proposed a 300-hen level Hardened Chick Production venture to meet the increasing demand of genetically raised breeds for their meat and eggs.
The project will also provide opportunity for students and newly agricultural course graduates of SSC additional knowledge on the establishment and management of this kind of enterprise.
Dr. Antonio Fuentes, SSC president, said that the project has a total capital requirement of P606,350.41, 79 percent of the amount (P481,800.00) will be financed by the Bicol University Equity Fund, while the remaining 21 percent (P125,550.41) will come from the SSC counterpart.
The project is located at the SSC Castilla Campus in Barangay Mayon, Castilla town, a strategic area for the project operation due to its accessibility to any land transportation.
“The project will maintain 300 hen and 60 rooster breeders for a span of two years,” he added.
Hardened chicks are usually 75 days old, hatched out of the breeders and may be artificially or naturally incubated and brooded. Because of the hardening stage, native chickens are prepared for a harsh life and are highly adaptable to conditions such as insufficient feeds, lack of shelter, weather disturbances, and diseases in small farms.
Products such as the hardened chicks are to be marketed three months after the start of operation.
According to Fuentes priority target buyers include selected faculty members and students of the school, farmer clients and linkages implementing the agricultural development program in their localities.
“Some of the products will also be allocated for the establishment and operation of native chicken for meat and eggs production of the campus administration. Participation of students and graduates would be ensured by giving them the opportunity to gain knowledge in managing the project through on-the-job immersion,” he explained.
Fuentes further said that students and graduates who seek alternative sources of income may take into consideration the hardened chick production as their income generating project.
“Following the business plan, the project is recommended because it is relatively profitable,” he said. (DJMarantal, SSC/PIA Sorsogon/mal)
LGU CAMARINES NORTE LEADS FLAG DAYS
AND FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATIONS
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Provincial Government of Camarines Norte will lead the celebration here of the 112th Independence Day on June 12.
Line-up activities for the Freedom Day festivity include a Thanksgiving Mass at 7:00 o’clock in the morning at the Provincial Capitol façade, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony, and the Independence Day Parade.
Earlier, Governor Edgardo Tallado has issued an Executive Order No. 2010-06 “directing all government line agencies across the province to support and observe Flag Days on May 28 to June 12, and enjoined the same to participate in the 112th Philippine Independence Day activities on June 12 by way of meaningful events”.
Tallado also urges participation of and display of the National Flag in residents, establishments, parks, schools and offices to display starting last May 28 until June 12.
The activities on June 12 encourages the full support and participation of all local government units (LGUs), national government agencies and instrumentalities, all public and private schools; all socio-civic and religious organizations and the general public.
This year’s theme of the Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan 2010, Tagumpay ng Bayan”. (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte/mal)
ECO-ARTS LECTURE AND SEMINAR HELD IN CAMARINES NORTE
DAET, Camarines Norte — The Eco-Arts Lecture and Seminar was conducted here for the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) and other fisheries organizations from May 31 to June 4, 2010.
Our Lady of Lourdes College, in cooperation with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) Fisheries Development Division (FDD), spearheaded the five day event.
Edgar A. Estanislao, chief of FDD/supervising agriculturist, said that lectures were focused onMicro Entrepreneurs Capacity Assessment and Enhancement, Entrepreneurship Awareness, Business Start Up, Organizing Cooperatives, Business Formation, Swine/Poultry Raising, Organic Swine Raising, Coastal Communities, Environmental Lecture, Raw Materials Development and Micro-Financing.
Resource persons came from the Development Academy of the Philippines/TRC, UP Institute of Small Scale Industries, Cooperative Development Authority, Vitarich, TRC, UP Marine Science Institute, Haribon, ABS-CBN, PDDLP, Tulay sa Pag-unlad, DBP and LBP.
Other participants were coastal residents of the province, non government organizations, Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation Inc., Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) of Mercedes, representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Provincial Fishery Office and the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO). (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte/mal)
4Ps EMPOWERS MOTHERS IN MASBATE TOWN
LEGAZPI CITY — The role of women has always been equated with reproductive functions, bear children and sustain human life.
In the town of Cawayan, Masbate, women content themselves to being tied down performing domestic chores and some are coping either doing farm work or going out to the sea for fishing. Burdened in multiple ways and imprisoned in poverty, they feel that they are excluded from the mainstream of community and social life.
A noticeable change happened when the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was implemented in Cawayan. It was in September 2008 when the program was introduced in the place. Women were mostly called to attend the community, meetings and development sessions.
Maria Rosa Dehito, a 4Ps beneficiary, shared that 4Ps is not just giving them money for the education of the children and availing health services. We are oblige to attend meetings and Family Development Sessions. “Parang balik eskwela kami,” Maria Rosa bared.
Another 4Ps beneficiary also said that if before she does not participate in any activity in the barangay, with the coming of the program she and her husband have been active in all the activities be it a 4Ps related activity or those called for by the barangay.
Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor believes that the 4Ps is not only giving money to the poor and enable them to buy food and other household personal needs but the physical and intellectual development particularly the women beneficiaries being addressed to.
He thought of mainstreaming the 4Ps mothers in social life so that during the recent town fiesta of Cawayan, Mayor Condor invited the 4Ps beneficiaries to join in all the activities like: foot parade, street dancing, agricultural fair and cultural show.
Condor allocated fund for the costume of the 4Ps mothers who have participated in the cultural night and even hired a dance instructor. In order for the women to engage in the livelihood activities and participate in the trade fair, the good Mayor also gave them money to be able to rent a booth where they were able to display their farm products and other goods ready for market.
Glorem Redrico, the Municipal Link, said that there was an overwhelming participation from the mothers’ group. From the 5,587 family beneficiaries in Cawayan about 3,202 women participated in the town fiesta activities.
Jocelyn Sinadjan another 4Ps beneficiary from Brgy. Recodo proudly exclaimed, “I am thanking the DSWD for bringing the 4Ps in our town. We promise to use the cash grant with prudence and comply with the conditionalities of the program as well as participate actively in community activities.”
Through 4Ps, the women of Cawayan finally are coming out of their home, attend meetings and share the benefits they now reap from the program. Their value is no longer equated solely with reproductive functions. They are now partners of men in development and soon they shall liberate themselves from the clutch of poverty. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)
PALACE SEES GENUINE RECONCILIATION AFTER PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
MANILA — Malacanang expressed hope that the inauguration of the next President will mark the start of genuine national reconciliation.
Deputy Spokesperson Rogelio Peyuan said in a press briefing the inauguration of the next Chief Executive will hopefully be “the beginning of a genuine national reconciliation after a long period of political divisiveness.”
Peyuan said that it is a continuing dream for the outgoing administration that all wounds will heal in due time after years of divisiveness
With the next President and Vice President expected to be proclaimed on Monday, Peyuan said that as a gesture of reconciliation, outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will extend her hand to the next Chief Executive.
“The President will surely do her rightful part and will definitely congratulate the winner immediately after the proclamation made by the national board of canvassers” he said.
Peyuan pointed out that it is President Arroyo’s desire to have a smooth transition and reconciliation.
“I will only surmise that the President will call on the entire nation to unite behind the new leadership which is the number one requirement of anybody taking over the helm of the administration,” Peyuan said. (PIA V Release)
PGMA THANKS OUTGOING SWISS, SOUTH AFRICA ENVOYS
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today (June 4) thanked the outgoing ambassadors of Switzerland and South Africa for their efforts in strengthening the bilateral ties between the Philippines and their respective countries.
The President warmly received during farewell calls at Malacanang Swiss Confederation Ambassador Peter Sutter and Ambassador Andries Pieter Vermeulen of South Africa,
The President said the two outgoing envoys not only worked hard to maintain warm relations with the Philippine government but also to improve further bilateral exchanges.
On their part, the two envoys respectively thanked the President for the warm hospitality and support during their tour of duties here.
Ambassador Sutter cited the fruitful and enriching bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland highlighted by the August 2008 visit to Manila of Swiss President Pascal Couchepin, the first Swiss president to do so.
Diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland, which started in August 1956, have resulted in improved economic ties such that more than 60 Swiss companies are now operating in the Philippines and continue to enjoy confidence in the form of stable investments mostly in the pharmaceutical/chemical industries, food, trade, distribution and foreign business consultancy sectors.
On the other hand, the Philippine continue enjoy steady exports to South Africa that include liquefied petroleum gas, pharmaceutical products, ethyl alcohol, and desiccated coconut. Top Philippine imports from South Africa include iron and steel, hybrid seeds and unrefined copper. (PIA V Release)
PGMA HAILED FOR RESUSCITATING RP MINING
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was hailed today (June 4) for resuscitating the mining sector, by championing responsible mining and sustainable development and by actively promoting investments in the sector.
In today’s workshop in Malacanang dubbed as “Sustainable Development in Natural Resources: The Arroyo Administration Natural Resources Legacy”, Benjamin Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines, recalled the shift in the policy of the President from “mere tolerance” early on in her administration to “active promotion” was the key factor in the industry growth.
“Despite the general negative sentiments (against the industry brought about by disasters and other environmental concerns), the President pushed hard and earned the ire of so many people with her firm policy and determined resolve to revive the mining industry. She actively met foreign investors, asking them to put their money here and she made sure that resources were poured into infrastructures needed by the mining sector,” Romualdez said.
It did not take a long for the mining industry to get back on its feet, with $3 billion already invested in the sector, Romualdez said.
Bataraza Mayor Abraham Ibba, where the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining and the Coral B Mining Corp. in Palawan operate, said the President created the environment allowing mining companies to reopen in remote areas.
“With the operation of both mining companies, a lot of my constituents are employed; taxes worth P100 million a year are paid by the mining firms. The Social Development Mining Project Funds (SDMPF) of P252 million have been paid to the province in 2005 to 2008. For 2009 to 2013 the funds will amount to P616 million,” Ibba said.
Jose Boy Anoy, chieftain of the indigenous people in TVI Zamboanga del Norte, said schools, livelihood and employment generated by the Sustainable Development Mining and Responsible Mining Programs were implemented by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the mining companies.
Lolita Zaide of Siniloan, Laguna and Sergio Igos of Ternate, Cavite said the President’s and the Bureau of Lands’ patent program enabled them to get their patents without much difficulty and at the least cost unlike in previous administrations when they were made to comply with voluminous processing requirements. They said that their respective farms, which they now own, have enabled them to support their families and to send their children to college for their respective careers. (PIA V Release)
HUDDC CITES GAINS IN HOUSING SECTOR UNDER PGMA
MANILA — Over one million homes for low-income and poor families have been built under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Deputy Secretary-General Cecilia Alba said.
In a news conference in Malacanang today (June 4), Alba said the government’s housing programs for low-income workers and informal settlers provided shelter security to 1,044,420 families since President Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.
“One of the significant accomplishments of the Arroyo administration is making housing affordable even to low-income families,” Alba said.
Reform of Pag-ibig Fund’s policies and programs that resulted to lower interest rates, higher loanable amount and lower monthly amortization rate, according to Alba, has enabled more Pag-ibig members to buy their own homes.
To cite an example, she said that the monthly amortization for a P400,000 loan with a 30-year payment term has gone down from P5,400 in 2001 to P2,400 today.
With these reforms, Alba said Pag-ibig has listed a record-high housing loan of P45.7 billion for around 75,000 housing units last year from a total of P3.8 billion for 16,000 housing units in 2001.
Another unprecedented achievement under President Arroyo, she pointed out, is the issuance of 113 proclamations declaring about 27,000 hectares of government land all over the country as socialized housing sites, providing security of tenure to an estimated 280,000 families.
The Arroyo government, she added, also stepped up its assistance program to informal settlers through its Community Mortgage Program by releasing P5.3 billion funding for 963 projects which benefited 109,000 families since 2001, compared to the P3 billion to support 847 projects implemented from 1989 to 2000.
Alba said that under the Arroyo administration, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has undertaken the “most massive and largest resettlement” with its Rail Relocation Resettlement Program (RRRP).
“Some 87,897 families or 93 percent of 94,429 families living in the rail right-of-way were relocated,” she said.
RRRP was implemented to revive the North Rail Line from Caloocan to Pampanga and modernize the South Rail Line from Caloocan to Calamba.
NHA Assistant General Manager Orlan Capitan said that after the rail right-of-way, the agency would like focus on relocating settlers near the waterways.
He expressed hopes that the next administration will pursue the set targets to improve housing situation in the metro and provide security of tenure to informal settlers.
“We would like to believe it will be pursued according to target,” he said. (PIA V Release)
PALACE COMMENTS ON CONGRESS‘ NON-ACTION ON INFORMATION BILL
MANILA — Press Undersecretary Rogelio C. Peyuan issued in Malacañang today (June 4) the following statement on the unratified Freedom of Information Bill:
The passage of the bill is the desire of the Palace also.
We hope that our lawmakers may see the light when they open the 15th Congress.
We expect that they immediately attend to this bill once refiled because there’s nothing better we can offer the society but the passage of this bill.
Hindi totoo ang mga hinala na may kumpas ng kamay ni President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang hindi pagpasa sa Freedom of Information BIll. (It’s not rue that the President has a hand in the non-passage of the FOI).
The Palace is very clear from the start, we are in full support of this bill. (PIA V Release)
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