BICOL ALL SET FOR RP-US BALIKATAN EXERCISES

LEGAZPI CITY- Preparations for the joint RP-US Balikatan 2009 exercise next month in three Bicol provinces are now on its final stage as advance parties involved in the final stage of the preparations and coordination already arrived in this city since Friday (March 27).

Commodore Joel E. Babas, commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NavForSol) command here, stressed during the Kapihan held the other day at the navy headquarters here that there will no military exercise during the month long RP-US Balikatan exercise in the region which will simultaneously start on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.

He explained that only medical and dental and engineering activities will be conducted in the province of Albay, Sorsogon and the island province of Masbate.

Babas said that about 11,000 to 12,000 Bicolanos will be benefited by the medical and dental mission which will start on April 16 to 30, while the engineering component will start construction on April 1 to 30.

He said the engineering team from the US armed force numbering some 100 and Philippine armed forces will construct farm to market road, water systems and school buildings.

Meanwhile Col. Ariel Bernardo, 901st Brigade commander said that security personnel from the Philippine National Police and the army are now in place in the area of engagement.

He also appealed to the local communities for support for the exercise.(EDLeon, PIA V)


‘RORO’ SPURS ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MASBATE

MASBATE Province – Shorter travel time, reduced transport costs, a tourism boom and the opening of new food markets are among the benefits of the newly opened roll-on roll-off in Cawayan town which is part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s nautical highway projects has “delivered much of its promised benefits,” according to Mayor Edgar S. Condor, quoting various stakeholders.

They were referring to how the roll-on roll off (Ro-Ro) system has been able to quickly spur economic growth in Cawayan and neighboring localities, including Masbate City.

Condor inaugurated last Feb. 10 the maiden voyage of the first Ro-Ro type of ship that connects Cawayan and Bogo City in Cebu.

The Ro-Ro ports in Cawayan and Bogo are part of the Eastern Nautical Highway component of the SRNH, which connects Bicol region to Mindanao (Sorsogon, Masbate, Cebu, Bohol. Camiguin and Misamis Oriental).

The Ro-Ro ports were opened by no less than President Arroyo but the Cawayan ports was destroyed by typhoon before the Shuttle Super Ferry could start its voyage.

Interviewed after the inauguration which was also graced by Rep. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, Vice Mayor Ramon B. Abinuman and Bogo City Mayor Junnie Martinez, Condor: “The benefits include reduced transport costs, increased regional trade, enhance tourism and agricultural productivity, growth in investments as well as poverty reduction.”

From 12 hours, the travel time from Masbate City to Cebu City was cut to six hours with the Ro-Ro system in Cawayan and Bogo, Condor said.

Also reduced were transport costs with the multiple loading and unloading of goods eliminated, thus resulting in service efficiency.

“Aside from no cargo handling, the Ro-Ro is also exempt from wharf-age,” Condor said adding he had already won the support of those who were adversely affected by the new facility.

“Freight and passenger cost was reduced by significant percent,” he said.

The Western Nautical Highway has also opened new market to farmers and fishermen, citing the case of fruit growers in Cawayan finding new markets for their mangoes in Bogo and the case of Cawayan and Placer finding new markets for their dried fish in Cebu City.

The Ro-Ro route has also seen tourism boom for Masbate City growing by leap.(E.A.Delgado, PIA-Masbate)


NAGA CITY NAMED MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY

NAGA CITY — The city government here hurdles anew the Presidential Award for the Most Child-Friendly City, independent city category besting Santiago City.

This city earned the award for the second time in a row on the basis of the efforts of the city government, under the leadership of Mayor Jesse N. Robredo, to innovate and sustained programs for the welfare of children particularly on the education sector.

Robredo stated programs like the Naga Early Education and Development Program, a comprehensive pre-school education that addresses the need for improved access, equity and quality of education; EDUCARE-the City’s Educare Montessori System, where 20 per cent of its centers have already been accredited by the DWSD tool; Nutri Dunong and Iskolar Kan Ciudad help parents from financially distressed families to send and maintain children in school; HELP Learning Center; Naga City Special Education Program and QUEEN – Quarterly Universal Elementary Education in Naga City, have won us this recognition which will continue to inspire us to better serve our constituteents..

The Sangguniang Kabataan has also manifested its support by providing 70 per cent of its budget to educational assistance to indigent students

Mayor Jesse N. Robredo received the trophy and a cash prize of P300,000 from Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held at Malacañang Palace during the awarding ceremony for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities last March 12.

He was joined by Mr. Jim Reblando, the City Social Welfare and Development Officer and Mrs. Corazon B. Miña of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5.

Through the concerted efforts of the Naga City Council for the Protection of Children and its partners, Naga City was again vested as the most child-friendly city in the Bicol region and one of the finalists for the Most Child-Friendly City recognition at the national level for 2008.

It has been a national finalist since 2002 and won for the award first time in 2006. Naga’s desire to be a child-friendly city became a commitment.

Driven by the strong determination to give the Nagueños a more and nurturing and caring environment, Naga is a child-friendly place to watch.

Meanwhile, the town of Casiguran is the 2008 Regional Awardee for the search and a finalist to the national competition for the 4th to 6th class category. The finalists have also received trophies from President Arroyo.

The search for the Most Child-Friendly City/Municipality which was launched in November 1998 aims to: a) give national recognition to municipalities and cities and are considered as “child friendly”, b) to encourage LGUs to recognize and address issues and concerns affecting/effecting the full realization of the rights of children, c) heighten the awareness of the LGUs on the rights of children, and, d) monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs and services for children.(EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)


DAO 2008-20 ON MOEP, LAWFUL AND CONSTITUTIONAL -- DENR

LEGAZPI CITY — Secretary Lito L. Atienza of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Department Administrative Order (DAO) numbered 2008-20, which requires exporter of mineral ores and other by-products to secure first a Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) before they can export their products, is lawful and constitutional.

Atienza said DAO 2008-20 is consistent with Republic Act 7942 otherwise known as the New Mining Law of 1995 and RA 7160, the Local Government Code, which mandates the DENR to regulate and manage the country’s natural resources.

“Section 17 of RA 7160 provides that the DENR devolved functions (to the local government) are subject to supervision, control and review of the DENR. This includes the devolution under DAO 30, series of 1992 to the Provincial Government on the enforcement of the small-scale mining law which is subject to the policies, standards and guidelines of the DENR,” Atienza explained.

The Secretary defended the validity of the MOEP after some 42 members of the League of Governors of the Philippines, through a paid advertisement urged President Arroyo to intervene and direct him (Atienza) to recall DAO 2008-20.

The Governors claimed DAO 2008-20 is defective and unconstitutional for: it usurps the legislative powers of congress, contradict the Local Government Code; adds another layer of bureaucracy that may become a new source of corruption, it is contrary to the President’s policy and vision for a fully developed and revitalized mining industry as a source of employment for the Filipino people as well as commitment to strengthen the decentralization and local autonomy, and the order will cause direct injury not only to the operations of the large and small-scale mining companies but also to the revenue collection and job generation efforts of the national and local governments.

Atienza clarified it is not in anyway taking away the powers of Congress or the Local Government Units as the DENR is just safeguarding the country’s mineral wealth and fulfilling its mandate to ensure the preservation of the country’s natural resources today and for the future.

“Smuggling of mineral products out of the country has been happening and requiring mining companies and mineral traders to get MEOP is an effective mechanism to monitor the movement of mineral resources,” he said.

“Citing estimates by the MGB, the government lost as much as P1 billion in excise taxes due to the non-payment and mis-declaration, mostly by small-scale mining and non-metallic mining operations, in 2007 alone,” he added.

He also said under DAO 2008-20, which took effect on January 5, 2009, all exporters of mineral ores and other by-products are required to apply for MOEP from the regional offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) before the actual date of shipment.

He stressed that all regional directors of MGB were advised by the DENR to ensure the speedy processing of applications in their respective regions, including the required field validation, so as to ensure the issuance of MOEP within 10 days at the most.

“It is not only the government that stands to benefit from this new policy reform but also the responsible mining companies whose legitimate business is protected by the system. Failure to present the permit will be considered a prima facie evidence of illegal mining and theft of minerals, he noted.

Atienza said the MOEP is seen to curb the illegal export of Philippine mineral products and its submission before a mining firm is allowed to export its products will boost the government’s nationwide campaign to generate more revenues to finance its various socio-economic development projects.(MGB release/PIA)


A2C2 BRIEFING FOR CHINESE JOURNALISTS

ALBAY Province — Seven Chinese media practitioners from Shanghai, China visited this province for a briefing on climate and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA).

Manuel Nong C. Rangasa, executive director of the CIRCA, said that the foreign guests who came from different media networks in Shanghai, China had viewed several video footages of the worst places hit by the super typhoon Reming last 2006.

The Chinese nationals were Xu Jin Gen, Chen Q, Qui Fangfang, Qian Zheng, Dajian Zhu, Wang Haiyan and and Yiqi Yang who came from CBN, British Consulate, General Shanghai, Tongji University, Jiangsu Modern Express and Wenhui Daily, respectively.

They also toured the areas of Maipon, Guinobatan and Padang, Legazpi City, which were worst hit by the typhoon claiming the most number of casualties in the province.

Rangasa added that the CIRCA shared with the Chinese journalists the recent studies and findings on climate-related risks in the province and other areas in the Philippines, introducing concrete disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation options for the most vulnerable communities in the Philippines.

Albay province, under the leadership of Gov. Joey S. Salceda, is the first province in the country to launch and initiate program on climate change adaptation dubbed "Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2)," being one of the most vulnerable province to extreme weather impacts and climate change in the country.(MALoterte, PIA V)


SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING NAGUEÑOS ON

NAGA CITY --- The city government here has commenced the Search for Outstanding Naguenos for 2009.

The awards are given to Nagueno individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves by their exemplary achievements in various fields of endeavor, thereby contributing positive enhancement to Naga’s growth, honor and glory.

Gil de la Torre, chair of the secretariat for the 2009 Mayoral Awards, said nomination forms are now available at his office at Sangguniang Panglunsod and at the Naga City Visitors Center.

The same forms are also downloadable by browsing through the city website, www.naga.gov.ph.

The awards come in three categories: 1) Distinguished Mayoral Award (the highest city award); 2) Special Mayoral Award, and; 3) Mayoral Recognition Award.

Torre related the scope and criteria for the distinguished and special mayoral awards cover government service, professional service, and volunteer service.

“Nominees in these categories are evaluated according to their personal qualifications and moral integrity, quality of service and degree of commitment, and extent of involvement and impact of project/activity,” he noted.

He added further the mayoral recognition awards, on the other hand, are given to nominees who have brought singular honor, recognition and positive impact to Naga City by the award given the nominee in the national and international levels, including individuals who have shown exemplary acts of heroism, valor and civic duty worth emulating.

He said the awards are given annually during the charter day celebration of the City of Naga on June 18, a public holiday, which is marked by parades, and other colorful cultural and civic activities.

Though it was originally a Spanish city as early as 1575, Naga became a chartered city on June 18, 1948 by virtue of a Republic Act authored by then Congressman Juan Q. Miranda.(DCAbad, PIA Cam. Sur)


PGMA’s B-DAY WISH: RP OVERCOMES GLOBAL CRISIS

MANILA — When President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo turns a year older on April 5, her birthday wish would be for the Philippines to overcome the worldwide economic crisis and cushion the harsh blow on the Filipinos of the meltdown that has already affected two-thirds of the world.

Thus said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde who told a Radyo ng Bayan Sunday afternoon (March 29) that the President has no personal birthday wish nor gift for herself.

In fact, it is the President who has a birthday package: her heart, her soul and her sacrifices, all for the Filipino people, Remonde said.

“Ang birthday gift ni Pangulong Arroyo sa Filipino people ay ang kanyang sarili – ang pagbibigay niya sa kanyang lahat -- ng puso, diwa, at mga paghihirap para po… sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap.

“There’s no greater gift that any one can give anybody… the birthday gift of one’s dedicated service,” Remonde added.

As to her birthday wish for the Filipino people, Remonde said the President hopes that “sana makatawid ang bansang Pilipinas dito sa hinaharap natin ngayon na pandaig-digang crisis ng ekonomiya sa buong mundo.”

“At para po makatawid tayo dito… para po makatawid tayo sa pandaigdigang crisis ekonomiya na ito, sana po ay magkaisa tayong mga Pilipino.

“At puede nating ipasantabi kahit panandalian lamang ang pamumulitika para po matulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan,” Remonde said.

The President’s birthday itinerary will be “simpleng-simple lang -- magsisimba lang siya sa hometown niya sa Lubao, doon lang magla-lunch.”

“’Yan po ang ating Pangulo, kahit po sa kanyang sariling kaarawan, wala siyang personal na birthday wish -- ang kanyang birthday wish is for the good of the country and our people,” he said. (PIA V Release)


GOV’T. ENSURES ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY THIS SUMMER

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President has tasked the National Water Resources Board to do everything to ensure that water supply will be adequate this summer.

In a radio interview with Radyo Ng Bayan, Remonde said according to a report of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, access to water has improved to 88 percent between 2001 and 2008 reaching an additional 404,270 people or 60,745 families.

He added that from the 7.3 million people in 2000, the total population provided with water is now at 12 million or 7.97 million households in 2008.

“In terms of infrastructure and basic services, unbeatable ang record ni Presidente Arroyo,” Remonde said.

Concerns raised about a potential energy crisis in the Visayas this summer, Remonde said the President has ordered the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission to do everything possible to stave off this crisis by attracting investors into the power sector.

Similarly, the President directed the DoE to look into the records of the oil companies to determine their justification for raising their fuel prices.

“If we are not satisfied with their explanation, we will ask the DoE and the Department of Justice to look into their (oil companies’) books and investigate if they are unjustly profiteering at the expense of the greater majority of people,” Remonde said.

He appealed to the people to "be united for the development of the country and to ensure that we overcome all these problems."

He also asked the leaders of the transport sector, who are planning to stage massive transport strikes against the increased penalties for traffic violations, to air their grievances in the proper forum, to abide in the rule of law and to consider the greater interest of their countrymen.

While we recognize the rights of people to be heard, we are leaving this matter to the Department of Transportation and Communications to resolve.

“If they should continue with their plan, then they should do the strike peacefully and without bringing inconvenience to the riding public,” Remonde said.(PIA V Release)


TIGHTEN BELT AS GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS STARTS TO BITE -- PGMA

MANILA — In these challenging times, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo emphasized the need for government to tighten its belt and stop wasteful spending to save billions needed in sustaining efforts to lessen the impact of the lingering global financial crisis particularly on the poor and the most vulnerable.

The President stressed this in her speech in the first-ever Asian Development Bank (ADB) Reception on Friday night (March 27) at the ADB headquarters in Mandaluyong City, the President said.

Among those present during the reception were ADB president Haruhiko Kuroda and his spouse, Mrs. Kumiko Kuroda; ADB vice president C. Lawrence Greenwood Jr., ADB executive director Marita Jimenez, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

“In challenging economic times, the government must tighten its belt and live within its means, just like the average Filipino household. To that end, our government is taking a series of actions to stop unnecessary and wasteful spending. The taxpayers deserve no less from their government and public servants,” the President said.

The President said funds generated from economic and tax reforms should not be wasted on unnecessary spending as these are being poured into various human and physical infrastructure to keep the economy afloat and make funds available to create jobs, provide incentives for the private sector, and put up subsidies for food, fuel and rice to help the poor and most vulnerable.

The President said she already has instructed all national government agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to reduce their maintenance, overhead and operating expenses (MOOE) by 1.5%, that would result to an equivalent saving of some P7 billion and even help the environment.

“I have directed national agencies to save fuel and electricity. Our target: bring down the use of fossil fuels by 25 percent and reduce electric consumption by at least 10 percent,” the President said.

Under her directive, the President said government agencies must turn off their air conditioners at 4:30 p.m., except those with 24-hour work; and use the Filipino-invented fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent bulbs.

“If all bulbs in the country were to shift to fluorescent, we could save P2 billion. And I thank the ADB for supporting this endeavor,” the President said.

The President added that 20 percent of national government vehicles in major cities would eventually be converted to non-fossil fuel, and government vehicles not on official trip shall be garaged in the agency office and the keys kept by guards during weekends and holidays.

The President said government must pour all savings and revenue into programs that help the poor and the middle class including continuing investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“To keep our economy and way of life going strong, we must tackle many challenges at once. On the part of government, we must live within our means and run a lean, efficient government. This includes fiscal prudence not only on the part of the national government but also local governments,” the President said.

The President told the audience that she just came from Davao where the League of Board Members of the Philippines pledged to stop wasteful spending and replicate the same actions by legislating belt-tightening measures in their own provinces.(PIA V Release)

RP AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA SIGN JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT FOR FISHERIES COOPERATION

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare witnessed today (March 30) the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two countries that manifests their strong desires to enhance and expand their existing friendly and cooperative relations.

The document was signed by Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and National Fisheries Authority of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Minister Ben Semri right after the bilateral meeting between Mrs. Arroyo and Somare at the Sagana 3 function room of Shangri-la Resort and Spa in Boracay Islands, Aklan.

“It is born of a shared desire to maximize mutual benefits from the implementation of joint undertakings in commerce, trade, investment, research and technical cooperation in the field of fisheries,” the document stated.

Under the MOU, both parties committed themselves to secure a productive and sustainable future for their respective fishing industries through joint exploration, development and implementation of priority developmental undertakings.

In essence, the document reflects the consensus of both governments to give emphasis to projects and activities that facilitate:

1) Technology transfer, especially in the area of aquaculture development;
2) Promotion of fishing ventures;
3) Infusion of investments;
4) Technical training;
5) Joint research; and
6) Strategic complementation of each country’s plans and programs in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).

Earlier, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that the MOU is one of the top agenda in the bilateral talks between the President Arroyo and Sir Somare.

Both the Philippines and Papua New Guinea are members of the so-called Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) countries and during the bilateral talks they discussed the joint venture for fisheries cooperation.

According to CTI reports, the Philippines which is at the center of the Coral Triangle has richest concentration of marine life. The CTI is spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The coral triangle spans 6.5 million square kilometers and also covers Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, and the Solomon Islands.

Reports also said the Coral Triangle which can sustain the lives of nearly 130 million people keeps key spawning and nursery grounds for tuna and other fish harvested for food.(PIA V Release)