NEW DBM POLICY ON CASH ALLOCATION FOR GOV’T. AGENCIES BARED

NAGA CITY – “Use it or lose it,” this in short is the new policy of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on funds release to all government agencies starting this year, according to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. during the Philippine Economic Briefing held here yesterday.

Andaya said that under the new procedure whatever funds are released to the agency for the month should be fully utilized for that month or else the DBM will take back whatever remains and that agency will lose that unspent money.

Andaya said many agencies, particularly infrastructure agencies, like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have low absorptive capacity whereby funds released to agencies lie idle in banks for which interest is paid because these monies were borrowed by the government.

Andaya explained that the new policy was adopted so that government agencies will be able to efficiently and effectively utilize the funds allocated to them. The policy will improve their capabilities to judiciously speed-up the spending of their funds considering that in the 2009 budget a large increase in the allocations of the infrastructure and social service agencies were made part of the stimulus program of the government to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis in the country.

He disclosed that in 2007 DPWH was only able to spend 76.6 per cent of the money released to the agency while DOTC was able to spend only 85.1 per cent and DA 82.6 pr cent for the same year.

Andaya said this year they have authorized the infrastructure agencies to bid out their projects even witout the special allotment advice (SARO) from DBM. He added that funds will only be released after the award is made and the cash flow is submitted by the concerned agency.

He said in the 2009 budget, P219 billion was allocated to four agencies namely; DPWH with P137.5 billion; DOTC –P26.1 billion; DA –P12.8; DENR –P12.8 billion; while P210.7 billion was allocated to three social servide agencies namely: DepEd –P171.5 billion; DOH –P28.5 billion; and DSWD with P10.7 billion as part of the government stimulus package.(EAdeLeon, PIA)


BGPF EMPLOYEES SIGN UP FOR 'EARTH HOUR'

SORSOGON CITY — Employees of the Bacman Geothermal Production Field (BGPF) here have committed to join the ‘Earth Hour’ global campaign by switching off lights in their residences and offices from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Saturday, March 28.

BGPF is one of the five geothermal project sites of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) that has actively campaigned and promoted the ‘Earth Hour’ event among its employees, host communities, local government units, local media and other relevant stakeholders.

EDC expects to contribute between 5,000 to 10,000 signatures to the ‘Earth Hour’ on-line campaign as it counts on the participation of all its employees from BGPF, Manila head office, Leyte Geothermal Production Field (LGPF) in Tongonan, Leyte; Mindanao Geothermal Production Field (MGPF) in Kidapawan, North Cotabato; Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field (NNGPF) in Bago City, Negros Occidental; and Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field (SNGPF) in Palinpinon, Negros Oriental, as well as its host communities.

In addition, the energy company is also promoting the program and encouraging participation of other corporations and organizations such as the Lopez Group and League of Corporate Foundations.

“EDC has always actively participated in projects that will help arrest global warming. As a responsible corporate citizen, we have initiated some environmental projects that have become model for other companies,” BGPF resident manager Liberato Virata stated

“For ‘Earth Hour’, we are doing our share in encouraging maximum participation by spreading the word and promoting the program to all our employees and host communities,” he added.

The ‘Earth Hour’ is a worldwide event that calls for the switching off of lights in households, offices, major thoroughfares and landmarks for one hour between 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on March 28, 2009.

The campaign is a prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 which aims to solicit commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a sustainable future.

‘Earth Hour’ aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities all over the world. In the Philippines, Earth Hour is targeting to get at least 10 million Filipinos to participate.(EDC/PIA Sorsogon)


‘EARTH HOUR’ GAINS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT

SORSOGON Province — Government agencies, private organizations, along with the local residents here have committed to support and join the observance ‘Earth Hour’, international event spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund (WWF), set on March 28, 2009,

‘Earth Hour’ encourages business establishments and households across this province to turn-off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one (1) hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

On Saturday, from 8:30 until 9:30 pm, local chief executives, along with heads of government and non-government organizations, institutions, business establishments and households, will turn off their lights for an hour to send message to the whole world of the urgency to reduce green gas emissions for the long and short term benefit of the precious earth in order to avert its widespread disastrous impacts.

"Just one hour to save energy, but we can bring greater impact in saving our mother earth for our kids and the future generations," said Sorsogon Governor Sally A. Lee who urged all government agencies and private institutions concerned to support and cooperate in conveying this message of hope and action.

Local officials, meanwhile, said that even before the directives of Department of Interior and Local Government and the Provincial Government to observe the ‘Earth Hour’, there were already efforts to conserve electricity and fuel, among others, in response to the austerity measures called upon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Provincial Office and barangay peacekeping officers here have been alerted on possible untoward incidences that may arose in observance of earth hour.
In the Philippines, the Earth Hour is targeting to get at least 10 million Filipinos to participate and aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities all over the world.

The Earth Hour is a worldwide campaign and a prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 which aims to solicit commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a sustainable future.(BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


WOMEN EDGE MEN IN DEVELOPMENT IN BICOL -- NSCB

LEGAZPI CITY — Women have greater educational advantage over men in all six provinces of the Bicol Region both in 2000 and 2003 based on gender-related development indicators, according to National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) here.

The latest fact sheet released by NSCB Bicol stated the study was based from the Gender Equality Ratio (GER) that shows which of the gender have higher development in specific components.

The GER suggests that a ratio greater than one indicates higher development of women over men. The magnitude of the ratio quantifies how much more developed women are than men, it explained.

Records show that in 2000, women’s advantage over men is pronounced in all provinces in terms of health, income and education, except in Camarines Norte. This advantage declined in half of the provinces of the region in 2003.

Women in Camarines Norte however, narrowed the gap in 2003 by posting the highest increase at 0.3015 index point recording a GER of 1.1507, the third highest among provinces in the region.

Women in Albay (GER of 1.2968), had the greatest advantage over men in terms of development.

Women in Masbate showed the highest advantage in education in 2000 and 2003 (GER in education of 1.0948 in 2000 and 1.1498 in 2003).

Today’s women pursue careers other than home managing that make them financially less dependent on men. This situation is true in the Bicol region (except in the Camarines provinces) in 2000 where women’s share in family income was higher than men’s.

In 2003, however, the earning edge of women over men declined in the provinces of Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. Women in Albay, on the other hand, recorded a2.0143 GER in income in 2003 – the highest among provinces, an indication of Albay women’s more pronounced edge over men in income share.

Health-wise, women in Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon are better off than men in 2000 and at slightly lesser degrees in 2003. The women in the three other provinces, while showing improvements in the health component of the GER in 2003, still have to catch up with men in terms of health.

NSCB has noted the development of women had improved through the years, albeit not as fast as some would want it. The indicators provide greater awareness of the challenges presented by the gaps and the opportunities that come along in reducing these gaps.

Lastly, the indicators should not be viewed as “battle of the sexes” but should be seen as catalysts for change by providing policy-makers a glimpse of the development of women and men and provide effective measures to reduce the magnitude of disparities in their development, the document underscored.(MALoterte, PIA V)


EMB BICOL SPEARHEADS RIVER CLEAN UP

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) takes the lead anew in cleaning up major urban rivers and esteros in the Bicol region on March 29, 2009, as the country will link arms with the international celebration of World Water Day on March 22.

EMB Bicol regional director Gilbert C. Gonzales has mobilized the Clean Bicol Rivers (CBR) River Management Councils to lead stakeholders in the said event.

The International theme for the World Water Day is “Shared Water, Shared Opportunities”. Special focus will be placed on transboundary waters.

The local theme, on the other hand, is “Makibahagi at Pagyamanin, Tubig Natin”.

Gonzales underlined the significance of cooperation among the water-agencies, stakeholders and local government units (LGUs) by promoting the importance of clean rivers for a healthy society and wholesome environment for the present and future generations.

Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate in the simultaneous clean up of urban streams of Sagumayon River in Albay, Balos River in Camarines Sur, Daet River in Camarines Norte, Gogon River in Catanduanes, Tugbo River in Masbate and Salog River in Sorsogon.

EMB is optimistic that the observance of World Water Day and Philippine Water Week from March 23-29, 2009 will create public awareness regarding conservation of clean and safe urban rivers.

The World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.(EMB release/PIA)


OUTSTANDING YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN DAET CITED

DAET, Camarines Norte – Seven youth organizations in this municipality have been cited by the municipal government here under the Annual Search for Outstanding Youth Organizations of Daet awards program.

The Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Sorority of Camarines Norte State College notched the top place, followed by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Camambugan and the Scouts Royale Brotherhood scoring the third spot.

Other youth organization-awardees were the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Youth Association, Sigma Lambda Phi Fraternity and Sorority Camarines Norte Chapter, Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Magang and Young Christian Workers of Camarines Norte State College.

The awards program for the youth intends to recognize the exemplary contributions and services of the youth organizations of Daet to the community building and development of the society.

“The municipal government is giving due recognition to these outstanding youth organizations in Daet for their vital role as pillars and future leaders of the community,” stated Sangguniang Bayan member Hon. Joan Kristine Tabernilla, who authored the Municipal Ordinance 153 adopting the Annual Search for Outstanding Youth Organizations of Daet awards program.

It can be recalled the Tabernilla was one of the awardees of the Search for Kampeon ng Kabataan as Young Legislator, cited for her SB Resolution No. 078 and Municipal Ordinance 153.

“The winners also received incentives and will represent Daet in the regional and national competitions for outstanding youth organizations which can give our town honor and recognition,” she added.

Present during the awarding ceremony were Daet Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion, Camarines Norte Board Member Romeo Marmol, Usec. Edgar C. Galvante of Dangerous Drug Board, Commisioner Precilla Marie Abante of National Youth Commission and DILG MGOO V Estela E. Dames.

The awards program, an annual event every youth organization in this town look forward to, has been organized by the municipal government’ Local Youth Affairs Office.(RCYu, LGU Daet/PIA)


SORSOGANON ENCOURAGED TO PLANT MORE MALUNGGAY

SORSOGON PROVINCE – Maunlad na Asosasyon, Relasyon at Ehemplo ng Comunidad (MAREC) is encouraging Sorsoganons to become more persistent in planting malunggay (moringa oleifera) because of its high demand in the market.

MAREC, a multi-purpose cooperative comprised mostly of women, is pushing for a massive malunggay planting campaign with bright prospects for livelihood and nutritious food for local residents, especially for breastfeeding mothers.

MAREC project coordinator Lito Bonifacio said that malunggay farming would not only address the problem on malnutrition in the province but will also provide alternative source of income if only the community will support this project.

He said that about two hectares of land has recently been planted by MAREC wherein 3,000 square meters are within the garden of some elementary schools in Sorsogon City while the remaining areas were government-owned and the 37 members of the said cooperative.

He said, however, that the volume of malunggay which has been planted could still not meet the high demand of the nutritious vegetable in the market, thus MAREC encourages every resident here, particularly owners of vacant or idle lands to make use of their properties by planting this exceptionally nutritious vegetable.

Bonifacio further said that their cooperative is also willing to enter into an agreement which would allow MAREC to plant in widely idle lands in order to make use of them and be more productive by providing extra income to the indigent residents of the province.

Malunggay leaves are now being processed or made as tea, bread, pasta and other foodstuff while dried seeds of malunggay are processed as cooking oil or even as an alternative source of fuel.(HAFormento, PIA Sorsogon)


PGMA CITES TOURISM AND BPO IN SOLVING RP EMPLOYMENT WOES

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday (March 25) cited the importance of promoting tourist destinations and the availability of vital infrastructure to attract more tourists and to create more employment for the Filipinos.

In her informal media interaction with members of the Malacanang Press Corps at the Virgin Beach Resort in San Juan, Batangas the President said tourism creates jobs for all sectors from the professional level to the least skilled.

“Tourism generates jobs,” the President said as she underscored the need to develop good roads and airports that are vital to promote the tourism industry.

The Chef Executive cited as a good example the interaction venue which, she said, has big potentials due to its close proximity to Manila.

“This is one of the closest white beach resorts to Manila because we fixed the roads. Before, it took six hours to come here,” she said.

The Chief Executive also took pride in the country’s other beach resorts and tourist sports, for boosting the tourism industry.

She said investors have started arriving in the Philippines to develop some resorts and hotels in the countryside and even in metro Manila.

“We have a hotel surge. Every month, there is an opening,” the President said, adding that "a lot of jobs are coming from the tourism industry.”

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said tourism is the least affected by the global economic recession among the sectors in the country.

“Tourism and business process outsourcing (BPO) are the least- affected dollar earnings,“ the President concurred.

“With the development going on, it is one sector that is still expanding in terms of investment and employment, “ Durano said.

Durano cited as example the newly-inaugurated Banyan Tree in Palawan where thousands of workers have been employed.

After the informal interaction, the President joined members of the Malacanang Press Corps in walking along the seashore, a manifestation of her strong initiative to further promote the tourism industry.

The government has identified the tourism sector as one of the biggest contributors to the government's goal of creating 6-10 million jobs until 2010.(PIA V Release)


IMF’s LOWER GROWTH RATE PROJECTION FOR RP HAS POSITIVE SIDE -- REMONDE

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Wednesday (March 25) that there are two ways of looking at the International Monetary Fund’s projection last February of a lower growth rate for the Philippines of 2.5 percent owing to slowdown in remittances of overseas Filipino workers.

In an interview on Radio ng Bayan, Remonde said this is expected because of the global economic crisis.

But, he said: “The other positive way of looking at it is despite na 2.5% growth na lang, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa dalawa lamang bansa sa Asya that will continue to experience positive economic growth. Ang lahat ng mga bansa dito ay puro walang growth puro nagde-decline.”

“At least we are one of two countries in Asia to experience this positive economic growth. At iyan po ay in the light of the global economic crisis is still a major accomplishment or something that still good about,” he added.

On how close the administration is in implementing the temporary unemployment insurance, Remonde said; “Iyan po ay isang napakagandang panukala because despite the objections by some Cabinet members, we have a thinking and dynamic Cabinet led by equally thinking and even more dynamic President. Hindi po maiiwasan na meron talagang mga magandang diskusyon o talakayan sa mga mahalagang mga panukala tulad niyan. At patuloy ang usaping iyan.”

On reports that some opposition quarters are asking Gov. Panlilio, another presidential aspirant, to first denounce the President before running for the post, Remonde said: “That is between Governor Panlilio at iyong mga umuudyuk sa kanya na mga opposition groups. Like iyong pagtakbo niya bilang Presidente is his own personal decision.”(PIA V Release)


RP, RECOGNIZED ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMING ECONOMIES IN ASIA

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said today that the Philippines is now being recognized as one of the best performing economies of Asia because of President Arroyo’s economic and fiscal policies.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Remonde cited Business World’s report showing that “the peso has outperformed most emerging market currency so far this year and is likely to prove a strong value in 2009 as the Philippine economy is least vulnerable to the factors of hammering markets elsewhere.”

Remonde added that the Philippines will likely be the only nation in Southeast Asia to post a sharp pick-up on its balance of payment surplus in 2009, partly, the result of loans and privatized proceeds. So, talagang dapat din nating malaman na kinikilala talaga ang ating bansa ngayon bilang the best performing economy in Southeast Asia despite the global crisis.”

Reports said the U.S. is now showing signs of improvement and recovery from the crisis, which Remonde said will augur well for the Philippines and the rest of the world. As you know, “may kasabihan nga na that when America is sick, the rest of the world catches cold. And it is precisely that reason na noong nagkaroon ng pag-collapse iyong mga financial houses ng Amerika ang buong mundo ngayon ay naharap itong global economic crisis.”

“Buti na lamang dahil sa vision at determination ng ating Pangulo, we are not as badly affected as the rest of the world,” Remonde said.

Besides, he said, during President Arroyo the Philippines diversified its export market and now “medyo iyong percentage ng ating international trade with the US has already gone down a bit compared to the previous years. So, we have become less dependent on the US for trade though the US remains our major trading partner and a world political and economic leader.”

Remonde repeated that President Arroyo has her plate full attending to her economic programs, creating jobs and addressing poverty and hunger rather than political issues like charter change.

“As I have already pointed out, si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ay wala ng panahon diyan sa mga pulitikang usapin. Dahil siya po ay nakatutok po sa ating ekonomiya at sa paglikha ng trabaho,” Remonde stressed anew.

“By continuing investment in hunger mitigation programs, the President seemed to have succeeded in this area as borne by the Social Weather Station February survey showing hunger incidence dipping to only 15.5 percent, Remonde said.

“Ang sinabi nga ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati kahapon na patuloy ang investment ng ating gobyerno sa mga food for work program, food for school program, livelihood program at ipagpatuloy at i-eexpand po ang pakikipagtulungan ng ating gobyerno sa simbahan at iba pang mga faith-based organizations na magkakaroon ng mga joint projects like feeding programs and livelihood programs po diyan.

Finally, he said, the Department of Public Works and Highways is now rushing its construction of a major road project that will link Surigao with Davao. This biggest road project for Mindanao was discussed in the Cabinet meeting in Misamis Oriental where the President tasked DPWH to work 24/7 to ensure its completion.

He added that the President inaugurates today the P218 million provincial government complex in Maguindanao which will house the provincial Capitol, sports and social center and other government offices. Of the P215 million, P25 million came from the President’s Social Fund. (PIA V Release)


ENSURE SAFETY AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ICRC HOSTAGES

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed government authorities to exert all possible efforts to ensure the safety and immediate release of the three Red Cross workers still being held by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the President issued her instructions following the ASG’s threat to behead one of the hostages by March 31 if military troops would not pull back from their jungle stronghold.

Teodoro bared the president’s order in a media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang.

The briefing was also attended by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. General Alexander Yano, and Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez.In the light of the government’s no-ransom policy, Teodoro said authorities would continue what they are doing “and explore all possible options for the safe release of the hostages.”

“Foremost in our minds is the safety of the hostages. The Chief Executive has reiterated to us her strict instructions that utmost efforts be made to protect the safety of the hostages,” Teodoro said.

The latest ASG threat, Teodoro said, should best be left to the decision and assessment of the local crisis management committee.

The ASG earlier reneged on their promise to release one hostage last week in Indanan, Sulu even after government troops complied with their initial demand to move back.

“Naturally with every demand there is a response and we deemed it best that the local crisis management committee formulate the best response possible on the basis of conditions to include the latest demands or threats by the ASG,” Teodoro said.

The three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers – Andreas Notter of Switzerland, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba of the Philippines – were abducted by the ASG while inspecting a water project in Sulu last January 15.(PIA V Release)


DEPED CARRIES OUT STRICTLY “NO FRILLS” GRADUATION RITES

MANILA — Carrying out the President’s directive for graduation ceremonies to be as simple as possible, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a memorandum order to all DepEd units to ensure the conduct of no-fee and “no-frills” graduation rites.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued her “no-frills graduation rites” order early this year as her administration started the provision of emergency government jobs to Filipinos affected by the global economic downturn, and initiated a state-church partnership to alleviate the lives of indigent Filipinos.

“In line with the government’s austerity program,” the DepEd issued Order #15, series of 2009, where “public schools are not allowed to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites.”

The DepEd order also mandated that “no extraordinary venue” and “no special attire for the ceremonies should be required.”

“Contributions for the annual yearbook shall likewise be on a voluntary basis,” according to the DepEd order which added that “holding the graduation within the school premises is strongly encouraged.

As to the attire, “wearing of togas may be allowed, subject to the approval of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) officers and members representing the graduating class, and that only the actual cost of rental of togas is borne by the graduating students.”

The PTA “may solicit voluntary contributions from their members for graduation ceremonies and celebrations; however, teachers and principals should not be involved in the collection of said contributions.

“Use of such contributions for graduation shall be coordinated with and properly reported to the PTA/PTCA members.”

The DepEd Order adds that “no non-academic project shall be imposed as a requirement for graduation.”

Also, “graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and their parents, and shall not in any way be used as a venue for political forum.”(PIA V Release)