PGMA's ECONOMIC RESILIENCY PROJECTS NOW IN FULL SWING, ANDAYA SAYS

DAET, Camarines Norte — Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said over the weekend that the implementation of the economic resiliency projects (ERP) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is gaining headway as major economic and infrastructure agencies have frontloaded at least 60 percent of their budget during the first semester of this year.

He said as part of the economic resiliency plan (ERP) of the government, in terms of allotment releases, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received P68.8 billion of which P62.5 billion shall be implemented in the first semester of this year.

Followed by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) with P13.0 billion; Department of Agriculture (DA) with P16.1 billion, and the Department of Education (DepEd) School Building Program with P2.8 billion for a total of P100.7 billion.

Andaya said this front loaded program constitutes 68.3 percent of the total infrastructure program for 2009.

This is over 200 percent higher than the frontloaded amount in 2008 which is only P33.0 billion, he said.
As of March 25, 2009, some P78.3 billion were already released to these departments. This is 77.7 percent of the total program.

During an Economic Resiliency Plan Forum here, Andaya told participants that the budget is a powerful tool in achieving development objectives including that of the economic resiliency plan this year.

Under the economic stimulus package the government will have to spend “to create growth and demand that would enhance competitiveness and boost investments,” he explained.

For 2009, the budgets for the Economic and Infrastructure agencies have grown from 14.7 percent last year to 67.3 percent while the budgets of Social Services agencies have increased between 14.9 percent to 118.2 percent.

The DPWH having the largest budget in its sector have increased by 34.3 percent to P137.5 billion that is allocated for construction, repair and maintenance of all roads across the country.

Andaya said DA has the largest increase under the sector and is allocated 67.3 percent more or P42.6 billion more than 90 percent of which is allocated to the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Program (AFMP) which supports the Rice Self Sufficiency Program (RSSP) through more irrigation projects and post-harvest systems.

Meanwhile, the growth in DOTC from P22.8 billion in 2008 increased to P26.1 billion in 2009 is mostly due to higher allocation for the LRT 1 North Extension Project to fast track its implementation.

The increase in the DSWD budget will enable the implementation of the conditional cash transfers (CCT) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Program focuses on chronic poor families whose education and health and nutrition indicators are the worst of the Filipino population.

It will rationalize the subsidies we provide the poor through better targeting and a more substantive kind of assistance. For 2009, the provision of P5.0 billion will target 320,000 households at an average cost of P15,625 per households.

The budgets of DepEd and DOH are increasing significantly compared to past years to enable greater access and better quality services.

For the first quarter of 2009, total disbursements amounted to P355.0 billion, P50.0 billion or 16.4 percent more than the comparable disbursements in 2008. The expansion over 2008 is due to fast tracking of expenditure releases consistent with the government’s economic resiliency plan to stimulate the economy.

Transfers to local government units (Allotment to LGUs and Capital Transfers to LGUs) amounted to P62.5 billion, increasing by P9.8 billion or 18.6 percent given the higher share in internal revenues in accordance with the Local Government Code.

He said the present administration fiscal policy on Debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate Arroyo posted a 56.3 percent in 2008; compared to previous administrations the Aquino administration with 67.6 percent in 1992; Ramos administration with 58.8 percent in 1997; and Estrada administration with 59.7 percent in 2000.

For foreign debt to GDP the ratio was down at .07 percent during Arroyo's administration in 2008; Aquino with .08 percent in 1992; Ramos with .11 percent in 1997 and Estrada with .14 percent in 2000.

The slide in foreign debt to ratio under the Arroyo administration has enabled the government to spend more on the delivery of vital public goods such as education, infrastructure, agriculture and health.

Interest payment as a percentage of the national budget is on the decline :2005 with 31.6 percent; 2006- 29.7 percent; 2007 - 23 percent; and 2008 - 22 percent. (MSArguelles, PNA/PIA)


FORUM ON SCIENTIFIC RISK ASSESSMENT HELD

SORSOGON CITY — At least 80 participants took part in the a one-day consultation forum on Integrated Climatic and Geological Risks spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Sorsogon held Monday (May 18) at the Training Center of the provincial capitol building here.

Governor Sally Lee said that the activity intends to facilitate the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the planning and budgeting process of local government units (LGUs), especially in the province.

All 15 local chief executives of Sorsogon City and 14 towns, along with their respective action officers of local disaster coordinating councils, non-government organizations and emergency response volunteer groups participated to the one-day activity.

“With the recent challenges that we had encountered from changing climate, especially its implications to agriculture and food production sector, the local governments will be able to acquire effective strategies and crafts measures to mitigate the damages brought about by natural disasters,” Lee said.

In the said activity, Tony Yulo-Loyzaga, executive director of the Manila Observatory, presented the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Reduction; May Celine Vicente, program manager of Geomatics for Environment and Development, delved on the concepts on disaster risks at hazards; and, Dr. Rosa Perez, senior climate specialist of Manila Observatory, expound on the Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Sorsogon.

Dr. Fernando Siringan of the UP Marine Science Institute shared insights on the Geomorphological at Geological Hazards in Sorsogon.

Program Officer Jessica Dator-Bercilla of the Christian Aid imparted experiences and best practices on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), focusing on the formulation and implementation of a master plan and budgetary requirement among LGUs.

The consultation forum was made possible with the support of Coastal Community Resources and Livelihood, Inc. (Coastal CORE) and Christian Aid as part of their program to inform, educate, and empower LGUs in terms of disaster risk reduction.

Lee meanwhile said that the Manila Observatory has initially conducted scientific risk assessment for Sorsogon which, upon completion, will be one of the bases for the local disaster preparedness and management plan.

Manila Observatory is a private non-stock, non-profit, scientific research institution that was established in 1865 by the Jesuit mission in the Philippines. It engages in the systematic observation in the Philippine weather, giving typhoon warnings since 1879, doing earthquake observations since 1880 and still continuing it’s seismic, geomagnetic and radio physics research until now.

It also currently implements projects on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and has been partner of Coastal CORE and Christian Aid since 2006 under the DRR and CCA. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


SAGÑAY CHOSEN SITE FOR GLOBAL MILLENNIUM SCHOOL

SAGÑAY, Camarines Sur — The first global millennium school in Camarines Sur achieved another first with the choice of Nato High School here as the site of the first ever global millennium school of the country.

The millennium school is an offshoot of the Global Millennium School Design competition initiated by the advocates of the “Be Better Build Better” Program which main objective is to devise a school structural design that utilizes indigenous materials like bamboo that could withstand typhoons and rough monsoon weather.

Ground breaking ceremonies for the model school were held last Friday (May 15) at the Nato High School.

Officials of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur officials and municipal government here joined the representatives from the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Private Sector Disaster Management Network (PSDMN), Petron Foundation, ABS CBN Bayan Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd) and various stakeholders attended the milestone event

In his remarks during the ceremony, PSDMN chair Alex Escaño said that the support and cooperation of Governor LRay Villafuerte and the officials of the local government of Sagñay in pursuing the project set a good example to show the world that working together can achieve better result.

Taking the lead for the “Be Better Build Better” Program for the Millennium School are the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC/DND), DepEd, DSWD, DPWH, My Shelter Foundation, UAP and the PSDMN.

ABS-CBN Foundation and Sagip Kapamilya will sponsor the construction of the model school within the compound of Nato High School.

Present during the occasion were former board member Ernie Verdadero, architects Amado Tandoc, Jr. and Francisco Mañosa of UAP, Allan Victorino and Dani Bayani of Petron Foundation, Dr. Orfelina Tuy, ARD of DepEd Bicol and Dr. Emma I. Cornejo of DepEd Camarinees Sur; Aldwin S. Gonzales of ABS CBN Foundation; director Bernardo Alejandro IV, OCD R5; Engr. Nathaniel Mendoza, DepEd; municipal councilor Mariano San Felipe Jr. (DCAbad, PIA Cam. Sur)


DENR CADASTRAL SURVEY PROJECT UNDERWAY

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office here is appealing for support from all concerned sectors relative to the ongoing cadastral survey project in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.

In the inauguration of the project held last week, DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada said the survey project is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s initiative to develop at least 1 million up to 2 million hectares of land for agricultural business in the country.

Regional Technical Director for Lands Pedro Noble meanwhile said that the cadastral survey project, known as Lagonoy Cadastre Cad-1222-D, covers the entire municipality of Lagonoy.

Lagonoy has an estimated land area of 40,700 hectares, including the 15,000 hectares alienable and disposable (A&D) areas with some 8,472 hectares ready for distribution.

Cadastral survey has been carried out by the government for the purpose of identifying and delineating the individual claims of all landowners and claimants which will be the bases of the issuance of titles or patents”.

The Lagonoy cadastral survey project is expected to be completed within 450 days. (ASAraya, DENR/PIA)


FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE BRIGADE VOLUNTEERS CITED

SORSOGON CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) city office here, led by Chief Inspector Renato Marcial, has lauded his personnel and volunteers for demonstrating exemplary performance in discharging their mandated tasks as firefighters.

In a simple awarding ceremony held at the City Fire Station, Marcial, assisted by city councilors Roque Divina, committee chair of Public Safety and Ma. Charo Dichoso, conferred the certificates of commendation to some 30 personnel who took part in the rescue operations on the height of tropical storm “Dante”, specifically in providing assistance to stranded motorists and passengers following the collapse of Madarag bridge in barangay Guinlajon.

Some 25 members of Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, headed by Joseph Jao, were also given due recognition for successfully completing the firefighting techniques and training program conducted by the bureau.

Divina said in his message “It is but fitting to give due recognition to our unsung heroes whose selfless deeds sometimes get unnoticed by ordinary citizen.”

He further encouraged the Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade to support the BFP in its mission of saving lives and properties.


Dichoso, meanwhile, vowed to help the BFP in their fire safety advocacy as she reminded those present to be vigilant since fire may occur anytime of the day.

The Fire Chief also thanked the awardees and encouraged everyone to do their share in serving the community, especially those who are in need in times of distress.

“BFP is not only an agency for fire suppression and prevention. During typhoons, my men were out of their fire stations rescuing people and giving assistance to those in need,” he said.

“In fact, the BFP provided the extension ladder when Rawis bridge in Bacon district, also in this city, was damaged. Such courageous feat is indeed worthy of emulation,” he noted.

Also awarded with certificates of citation were two civilian volunteers of BFP, participants in the blood-letting program, personnel who assisted the Free and Accepted Masons of Bulusan Lodge No. 38 in the medical mission, and BFP personnel who responded in the vehicular accident involving a ten-wheeler truck loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in barangay Tublijon.

Marcial also cited BFP personnel, who responded and saved the life of one Nestor Chavez from explosion, conferred with the “Medalya ng Papuri” and the “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” by BFP national head CSupt. Rolando Bandila during the culminating activity of the Fire Prevention Month 2009 last March. (BFP Sorsogon/PIA)


366 BICOLANO YOUTH QUALIFY TO DOST SCHOLARSHIPS

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is happy to announce that some 366 Bicolano youth have qualified as DOST-SEI undergraduate scholars for SY 2009-2010, according to Regional Director Tomas B. Briñas.

Briñas said out the 366 incoming freshmen, 68 will be awarded with Merit Scholarships and 298 with undergraduate scholarships under RA 7687.

“The scholars already underwent an orientation on and signed their contract for the 2009-2010 DOST-SEI Scholarship in their respective residence-provinces and according to scholarship programs,” he added.

Awardees are advised to pursue BS degrees in Science and Technology (Basic and Applied Sciences) and Technician Courses in authorized public and private higher education institutions in the country. (POLucena/CLGillego, DOST V/PIA)


Feature

DEALING WITH KIDS WHO ARE PICKY-EATERS?

Do you often hear from your toddler the statements: “I don’t want to eat” or “I don’t like the food”. From parents, the most common questions that you would hear are: “How will I deal with my child who is picky-eater?” or “How will I encourage my child to eat a variety of foods especially fruits and vegetables?”

First and foremost, parents need to realize that a child’s reluctance to try new food is completely normal during development. It is important to understand that a child tastes foods differently from an adult. Toddlers are sensitive to color, flavor, texture and temperature of food, size of servings and the attitude and atmosphere in which food is served.

Food habits are formed very early in life. Children should learn to eat a variety of foods while they are still young. Parents should set the example by doing what they preach in so far as eating habits are concerned. They should set a good example by eating a variety of foods. Remember, children are great imitators and observers.

Typically, a child who is a picky eater is exhibiting the personal desire to exert control. His eating behaviors can be very unpredictable and tend to fluctuate without any reason. At one moment, a child may eat without any struggle and instantly finished the meal. At other times, he may be picky about his food or may not eat at all.

Here are simple tips that parents, particularly mothers, can follow to break the habit of picky-eaters:

• Good food habits should start while children are still young. Serve family meals that include foods from the Nutritional Guide Pyramid to familiarize the child with a variety of foods needed throughout life.

• Eating regularly helps develop a child’s appetite and prevents meal skipping.

• Limit snacking. Make sure that there is no eating of big snacks after school or filling-up on juice, soda, or even milk before dinner.

• If your kid dislikes a certain type of food, cut this into bite-size pieces and combine with the child’s favorite food.

• Never force a kid to eat. This will only increase dislike for the food.

• If the kid dislikes veggies, serve them at the early part of the meal when he or she is hungriest.

• Be artistic. Make dishes enticing. Colorful foods presented in different shapes are more appealing to kids.

• Involve the child in planning and preparing meals. This will encourage kids to taste the food they helped prepare.

• Use new recipes every now and then. Kids get bored when they eat the same food prepared the same way every time.

• Food is needed for nutritional health and should not be given as a reward or kept from the child as punishment.

• A relaxed and sociable atmosphere helps make mealtime pleasant and enjoyable besides helping one to digest food better.

According to the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), you should eat a variety of foods everyday to ensure that all nutrients are provided in proper amounts and represent a balance diet.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, FNRI-DOST, DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue., Bicutan, Taguid City, Direct Lines and Fax: (02) 837-2934 & 837-3164; Trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 ^ 2284, 837-9113, locals 318 & 319; Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (MIGGlorioso, FNRI-DOST/PIA)


ARMY ENGINEERS AID CALAMITY VICTIMS
As Typhoon ‘Dante’ Leaves Bicol in Disarray

PILI, Camarines Sur – Army engineers from the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion rushed to Magallanes, Sorsogon and provided immediate assistance to worst hit communities devastated by tropical storm ‘Dante’ last May 3.

In no time, military engineers equipped with manual tools and sheer determination took off along with Medical, Rescue, Search and Security Teams from the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division last May 5 to the coastal barangay of Hubo, about 7 km. northeast of the Magallanes town.

Landslides isolated the place and left 22 dead, almost a thousand homeless and without medical aid, communication, food and water and appropriate shelter.

While the civilian government is still rallying its resources to provide support, the “Team ARMY” in its modest capability has already started its job. Medical teams provided immediate health care while Security Teams assisted in search and retrieval operations.

As events unfolded, the Army engineers, with a proven record being the most reliable organization that could be immediately respond to relief operations, ground clearing and expedient construction were put into action.

The 565th ECB, under the guidance of 51st Engineer Brigade Commander BGen. Felizardo A. Simoy, AFP, pioneered the gathering of local and salvaged materials, barely a day upon their arrival at the area and started the construction of a 105 sq. m. evacuation center for the temporary shelter of the affected populace.

The shelter made of coco lumber and laminated sacks could accommodate 60 senior citizens, women and children that were displaced by the typhoon. The facility will later be utilized as a temporary classroom for 120 elementary school pupils enrolled in the barangay.

Backbreaking manual labor did not dampen the spirit of the engineer-soldiers as they work hand-in-hand with the local populace, local government units (LGUs) and personnel of the Office of Civil Defense 5 (OCD-5) that completed the evacuation shelter on May 13, 2009.

Typhoons and natural disasters arrive without warning … but as always, the “Team ARMY” is ready, willing and capable of doing its job in service and welfare of the people. (LJSollesta, PA/PIA)


PGMA LAUDS PHAP’s ASSISTANCE ON AH1N1 INFO DRIVE

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded Thursday (May 21) the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) for helping government disseminate crucial information on the dreaded AH1N1 virus.

“I understand that PHAP has started to print Influenza A H1N1 information materials from the DOH (Department of Health), and that these materials are on their way to the provinces. Thank you,” the President said.

She also cited PHAP for promoting the spirit of community and volunteerism during its general membership meeting this morning at the Philam Tower in Makati City.

“This is a timely meeting. The world is once again on high alert with the emergence of the deadly Influenza A H1N1 virus. We thank the providence of the Lord Almighty and cooperation of the government and the people for the continued resilience of the Philippines against the swine flu,” the President said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that AH1NI cases have reached 8,000 in 36 countries.

While the Philippines is still free from Influenza A H1N1, the President has instructed the DOH to continue to intensify surveillance in ports, airports and the community in order to detect influenza cases early and to follow up appropriate control measures including the regular vaccination of animals against swine flu.

The President added that she has instructed the DOH to stock up more than a million capsules of Tamiflu as a precautionary measure.

“Let us continue to pray and work hand-in-hand, as we did during the SARS and bird flu outbreaks in order to keep the Philippines free from swine flu. I thank all the people for their prayers to our God and your trust in your government,” the President said. (PIA V Release)


P1B EXPORT SUPPORT FUND IN PLACE

MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has reported that the P1-billion Export Support Fund (ESF) is now in place, and that the government and private sectors are jointly in the process of identifying the priority areas where the ESF would be allotted.

“I was informed by the DBM that the ESF is there -- coming from the stimulus fund -- and we are now asking the private sector to identify the priority exports to be funded by ESF,” Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and top officials of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and Export Development Council (EDC) held a three-hour meeting yesterday (May 21) in Malacanang to assess the country’s competitiveness amid the ongoing global financial crisis that has dampened the country’s export performance.

Favila said both Industry Competitiveness Fund (ICF) and ESF are now in place and it is just a question of identifying the priorities.

Favila discussed the status of the P1-billion ESF with Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, EDC co-Chair Donald Dee and NCC co-Chair Cesar Bautista at a press briefing in Malacanang.

As to how the President reacted to the IMD (Geneva) survey that the Philippines slid three notches in its competitiveness rating (or to number 40), Bautista said “she received it very well considering that we are in a crisis and many other countries like Ireland and Spain have slid even more. Ireland slid 10 points and so with Spain.”

Bautista said that the stress test on competitiveness of countries conducted by IMD showed that the Philippines came out number 32 out of 57.

“We are better than UK (United Kingdom), Belgium, Italy, France, Mexico and Indonesia in terms of stress competitiveness, which shows how robust our fundamentals are and that is why we are not suffering so much from this crisis situation,” Bautista added.

Remonde said that after yesterday’s meeting in Malacanang, the President ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to furnish the DBM with identified sectors whose competitiveness were greatly hampered by high billings and power rates and for which government will pay the bills through the ICF.

He added that the President ordered a more aggressive export promotion effort targeted at China and other markets.

Favila revealed that before the Malacanang meeting, he had lunch with officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) who offered to assist the Philippines in all its priority programs especially in the area of investment promotion.

In response to the concerns raised by the private sector, the President directed officials of the Bureau of Customs to streamline BOC’s operations and enhance efficiencies as part of government-wide efforts to raise the level of the country’s competitiveness. She also ordered immediate improvements in the transport and supply systems. (PIA V Release)


PGMA’s FOCUSES CONCERNS ON EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit today (May 22) to Sta. Rita, Pampanga focused on education, development and environment concerns.

The President’s visit to Sta. Rita, which has earned its popularity from its native “turones de casoy” confectionery, coincides with the town’s fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint, Sta. Rita de Casia.

Upon her arrival here, the Chief Executive attended the concelebrated Holy Mass at the town’s parish church, after which she had a lunch meeting with the town’s local officials at the Old Convent of the Sta. Rita parish church.

The President also inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated Diosdado Macapagal covered court at the town plaza and unveiled the statue there of former President Diosdado Macapagal, her late father.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes took their turn in briefing the President at the Sta. Rita Multi-purpose Hall on recent efforts to fight climate change.

With school opening on June 1 just a few days away, the President graced the culminating activities of the Department of Education’s “Brigada Eskwela” program at the San Isidro Elementary School.

She also inaugurated the Bicuran High School Multi-Purpose covered court and subsequently interacted with the beneficiaries of her various projects in the province.

She culminated her visit with an inspection tour of several farm-to-market road projects in this fourth class town.

The Municipality of Sta. Rita covers 10 barangays – Becuran, Dila-Dila, San Agustin, San Basilio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Juan, San Matias, San Vicente, and Santa Monica. (PIA V Release)

PGMA HAS DONE GOOD JOB OF TURNING ECONOMY AROUND, SAYS BUSINESSMAN

MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has done her uneasy job of turning the country's economy around very well despite adversities, according to a businessman.

“We never had seven years of continuous growth, it’s only during her term,” said Donald Dee, Special Envoy for International Trade.

“If you look at the data, President Arroyo, economically, has done very, very well,” he added.
Dee expressed this view in the light of recent findings of economists from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) showing that Mrs. Arroyo is the most likely president to have her economic legacy recognized by future generations.

They particularly credited the country’s resiliency against the global recession to the reforms undertaken by the Arroyo administration in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

The relatively good health of businesses in northern Luzon has been cited as one basis of significant contributions to the economy of President Arroyo, whom they tagged as the “cute economist.”

Dee stressed that the greater financial discipline of the public sector has been crucial to boosting economic growth.

He also pointed out the significant increase in revenue collections under the reformed value-added tax (VAT) law, which despite its being a very unpopular measure, has improved the country’s revenue generation.

VAT revenues are used to finance key projects on infrastructure and educational services, he said.
However, Dee admitted that investments in these sectors are not enough to meet the needs of the country’s growing population.

“We have to improve tax collection, we have to minimize tax avoidance and better implement tax laws and really make your tax regime more competitive, or closer to what the other countries (have achieved),” he suggested.

Dee also urged every one to reduce politicking in the country.

“We should help the government by reducing all these politicking… They do not do their homework, and if they did their homework, what is their agenda? That is unfair to the country,” he said. (PIA V Release)