RSCWC BICOL VISITS MOST CHILD FRIENDLY TOWNS IN PANAY ISLAND

SORSOGON Province — The long planned team building activity of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) of Bicol was finally realized with the recent four-day cross site visits, interfacing and study tour in Panay Island.

Setting sights on strengthening the working relationship among the sub-committee members and the commitment to serve Bicol better, the activities were divided into two parts: team building effectiveness workshop, and study visit to Most Child-Friendly Municipalities in the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras.

Sponsored by the National Council for the Welfare of Children (NCWC), the group spent the first two days on orientation and workshop on “Creating Synergy”: Team Effectiveness for RSCWC Bicol.

The group likewise, underwent several team building activities through motivational games, tests and exercises enhancing the personal, organizational and relationship aspects.

Meanwhile, the learning trip in New Lucena, Iloilo and Jordan, Guimaras provided an enriching experience for RSCWC Bicol workers, exposing them to several child-friendly programs and projects undertaken by RSCWC VI in the region.

New Lucena Mayor Liecel Seville stressed the value of team work and collaboration among their local leaders and partners that earn the town’s Most Child-Friendly regional award in 2006 and consistent Presidential Award as Most Child-Friendly, 4th – 6th Class Municipality Category in 2007 and 2008.

Jordan town in Guimaras Island, on the other hand, has also consistently proven its worth as a Child-Friendly Municipality thrice in the regional level and once at the national level.

Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan A. Nava noted that the active involvement of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) indeed plays a vital role in the sustainability of their child-friendly programs and projects.

RSCWC Bicol, headed by Social Welfare Officer Corazon Miña, meanwhile expressed her gratitude to local chief executives of Iloilo and Guimaras, and to DSWD VI regional director Teresita Rosales, for providing the Bicol team the opportunity to learn new and innovative strategies applied in the child-friendly areas in Region VI which can be replicated in the Bicol region.

“Our experiences and exposure in the two provinces inspired us more to come up and introduce new approaches in the provinces of Bicol that will guide them to create more child-friendly municipalities in their respective localities,” Miña said.

In Bicol region, Naga City is a consistent Presidential Awardee for Most Child friendly City since 2006 and in 2008, Naga City garnered the first Most Child Friendly Independent Chartered City Category National Level Award.

Irosin town in Sorsogon, on the other hand, became a consistent two-time awardee as Most Child Friendly Municipality 1st – 3rd Class Category in early 2000, while Casiguran town became the 2008 finalist for the 4th – 6th Class Municipality Category. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon Release)


SORSOGON CITY BFPCONDUCTS “OPLAN BAYWATCH”

SORSOGON CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here, led by Chief Inspector Renato Badong Marcial, has dispatched a team to watch over and ensure the safety of beachgoers in Sorsogon City’s prime white sand beaches in barangay Caricaran, Bacon district.

Marcial said the program, dubbed “Oplan Baywatch”, is manned by BFP personnel trained on water safety and will provide emergency assistance to the excursionists in the area.

“Oplan Baywatch” will be stationed in different areas along the coastlines in order to respond to any emergency the beachgoers may encounter, especially this summer season that many locals and tourists spend their time basking in the sun and swimming in the beaches of Bacon,” he added.

The city fire marshal reminded anew the public to be careful and alert when going to the beach, especially among adults to watch over their children while on the water

“We want to prevent accidents, which unfortunately happen because of the guardian’s negligence,” he stressed. (CDBanico, BFP Sorsogon/PIA)


ALL SYSTEM GO FOR THE 12TH TOUR OF CAMSUR

CAMSUR Province — Its all system go for the Tour of Camarines Sur 2009 on May 26-27 highlighting this year’s Kaogma Festival marking the 430th Foundation Anniversary of this province.

The Provincial Government here, led by Governor LRay Villafuerte, has spearheaded the staging of the Tour of Camarines.

Already known across the country, the bicycle race has drawn over 150 riders from all over the country as of registration cut-off time.

Over 50 riders, including national race veterans, come from nine other provinces and cities, led by 2003 Tour of Pilipinas champion Arnel Quirimit from Pangasinan and Merculio Ramos of Tarlac, who emerged first runner-up of the recently concluded Luquigaz Tour of Luzon ’09.

Bicol riders, many of whom are veterans of the previous eleven Tour of Camarines Sur the likes of 2006 race champion Alvin Benosa, team mates Michael Pili and Alan Ricafort of Iriga City, this province, are however expected to give the visiting cyclists a stiff run for the top place.

The three-day bicycle race will traverse all four districts of the province; reeling off on May 25 from Caramoan to Goa, via Presentacion, Lagonoy and San Jose. The first lap of the race is a daunting rugged and predominantly steep 77-kilometer stretch, known among riders as the “killer lap” of the tour.

The second lap starts from Goa, crossing Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Naga City, Pili, Bula and ends in Baao, with mostly paved 83-kilometer relatively easy-to-sprint distance for the survivors of the previous day’s killer lap.

The third stage, dubbed the “endurance lap”, kicks off from Baao and riders will negotiate a total stretch of 150-kilometer that will draw a circuit through Iriga City, Nabua, Bula, Minalabac, Sipocot, Cabusao, Libmanan, Pamplona, San Fernando, Milaor, Naga City ending a the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Cadlan, Pili town here.

The Tour of Camarines Sur features three categories—Sports, Fun Riders and Team—to be run simultaneously. (GBClaveria, MMEC/PIA)


SHABU DEN RAIDED, 2 SUSPECTS ARRESTED

MASBATE CITY—One of the main sources here of methamphetamine hydrochloride—shabu, in local street lingo—and the record of his customers or suspected drug users who worked for him fell into the hands of anti-illegal drug operatives at dawn Sunday (April 27).

Armed with a warrant, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the local police raided the house at 367 Bagong Sirang St. in Barangay Ibingay and arrested its owner, ex-policeman Reynaldo R. Khiong.

The raid yielded 14 packets of shabu, 13 of which were found in the rooms of the residential building. The other one sachet was recovered from a guest in the house, one Cleopatra M. Mendoza, during the raid. Mendoza, 27, was also arrested.

Police also took Khiong’s houseboy in custody but they eventually released him after he tested negative for drug use and most of his neighbors vouched for his being “mentally challenged.”

The warrant was issued by Masbate Regional Trial Court Branch 44 Judge Pazlinda Villamor-Sanchez against Khiong.

The raid was a follow-up to the entrapment operation conducted just hours earlier by the team of PDEA intelligence officer Vidal C. Bacolod.

Hours after the exchange, at around 5:30 a.m., the PDEA agents, with the help of police operatives, led by Masbate City police head Supt. Jeffrey S. Fernandez, swooped down on the house of the suspect.

Aside from P32,000 worth of shabu, the raid also yielded cash worth P6,887.50 including the two P500-bills allegedly handed to the suspect during the drug deal with the undercover agent prior to the bust.

Also seized was a notebook bearing varied amounts, which totaled more than P200,000, alongside names of individuals who were believed to have drug dealings with the suspect.

This was denied, however, by Khiong who alleged during the raid that they were his customers in his business of breeding game cocks.

Khiong, 52, has long been in the PDEA’s watch list for his alleged drug pushing activities in the city.

Police records showed that yesterday’s raid was the third time that an anti-drug search and seizure had been conducted on Khiong’s house at 367 Bagong Sirang St., which PDEA intelligence sources said was known as a source of shabu for drug users. Official records showed that Khiong was convicted of drug possession in 2003. The following year, he was arrested and tried again for illegal drugs although he was eventually released.

Shabu, a highly addictive synthetic stimulant, is the most commonly abused substance in Masbate. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


NDCC INTENSIFIES RESCUE, RELIEF OPERATIONS IN BICOL

MANILA — The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has stepped up its rescue and relief operations in calamity-stricken Bicol provinces.

Typhoon “Dante” battered the region last week, leaving 22 casualties and more than 11,000 commuters stranded in Sorsogon and Albay due to impassable roads.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said at a media briefing this afternoon that 9,568 families or 54,838 persons, are now housed in 196 evacuation centers.

Sorsogon reported the highest number of casualties at 18 dead followed by Camarines Sur, two; and Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, one each.

As of 10 p.m. Sunday, Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes were still under Signal Number 1.

The highway between Sorsogon and Albay remained impassable to all types of vehicles. Commuters could only reach Barangay Guinlajon in Sorsogon City by foot.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said P1.635 million has been released for rescue and relief operations in the typhoon-hit areas. Of the total amount, P133,315 came from Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero, barangay captains, councilors and local government units (LGUs) in the affected provinces. (PIA V Release)


PMAP SURVEY SHOWS MAJORITY OF COMPANIES GIVING 6-10% PAY HIKE IN 2009

MANILA — The results of the recent survey conducted by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), formerly the Personnel Management Association of the Philippines, showed that 52 percent of surveyed companies projected an average salary increase of 6-10 percent for 2009.

“The case for hope in the employment situation in the country is as strong as the case for fear,” according to PMAP president Grace Abella-Zata who said the association is espousing President Arroyo’s advocacy for volunteerism with its 2009 theme “malasakit, bayanihan, pananagutan.”

The PMAP survey covered 177 respondents in 18 industries, namely, manufacturing, services, banking, insurance, retail, BPOs, real estate, IT, fastfood, telco, air travel, healthcare, logistics, advertising, construction, agriculture, academe, government corporation, church organizations, pharmaceutical, semiconductors and other manufacturing, food services and consumer (food and beverage) sectors.

Abella-Zata said in the PMAP’s website that the downsizing and lay-offs accounted for 10-12 percent but no layoffs are projected in unaffected companies for the next few months.

By and large, the mood is that of cautiousness and prudent optimism, said Abella-Zata, adding that the PMAP survey found that 64 percent said they actually gave 6-10- percent increase in their workers’ salaries with only 12 percent of the respondents projecting no salary increase for the year.

Interestingly, 60 percent of the respondent companies said they might increase headcount for 2009, with 48 percent saying they expect growth in business, and 39 percent saying they need to implement more aggressive strategies.

Some 48 percent of employers revealed that they were hiring to replace those who resigned while 10 percent are not hiring. This situation should remain the same or improve slightly for the rest of the year, disclosed the PMAP head.

The top five measures being implemented to keep workers employed are: replacement hiring only for critical positions (48 percent); lower training budgets (32 percent); no overtime (16 percent); and worksharing arrangements (16 percent).

Advocating long-term solutions, the PMAP has been conducting monthly advocacy forums. Last February, its forum zeroed in on succession planning, retaining talented employees, sourcing qualified workers, developing supervisory employees and linking compensation and rewards system with performance.

In March, its industry group consultations dwelt on: sourcing qualified workers/lack of skills and competencies; retooling new hires; retaining talented employees and outflow of mission-critical skills; retrenchment and flexi-work arrangements; and integrity issues and enhancing the work values of employees. (PIA V Release)


MIDDLE EAST'S 2ND RICHEST MAN WANTS TO POUR IN $1.2B INTO DMIA

MANILA — The M.A. Kharafi and Sons, a large private company based in Kuwait with a variety of commercial interests, expressed its interest to invest some $1.2 billion in further developing the Diosdado Macapagal Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport Zone.

The company, owned by the Kharafi family and headed by Sheik Nasser Kharafi, the 54th billionaire in the world, was described by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and chairman Nestor Mangio as having a “passion to create airports.”

Kharafi expressed his company’s desire to invest at the DMIA during his private meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Marsa Alam, Egypt.

Marsa Alam is located in the Red Sea Riviera, where Kharafi’s company is building a world-class beach resort.

Mangio said the President was invited by Kharafi to Marsa Alam to see for herself the Marsa Alam International Airport that his company had constructed.
“They did the airport, water treatment, and development of real estate surrounding the airport,” Mangio said.

“Our long search for an investor for DMIA’s expansion is almost over,” Mangio said as he expressed hopes that the next bidding for the project will be successful with the participation of Kharafi’s company.

Mangio said that although the Kharafi Group has an investment offer, “our joint venture guidelines with DOT calls for a Swiss Challenge so everyone can propose and anyone who offers a better bid than Kharafi will get the project.”

The first phase of the proposed investment is a $100-million Terminal 2, an airport terminal, main gateway and main boulevard to the airport and a covered parking area, offices, conference rooms, among other amenities of an airport that will be the most favored logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

A long-term part of the investment will be a speed train.

Mangio said if Kharafi’s company wins the bidding for DMIA in June, the project will start in October this year and will be completed in two years or in 2011.

With roots in Kuwait more than 100 years, the Al-Kharafi group’s interests range from engineering and construction, agribusiness and food industries, finance and banking to manufacturing and industry, real estate, infrastructure, tourism and leisure.

The company is also engaged in build-operate-and-transfer schemes in the Middle East, South Africa and Europe.

The group is also building the new Al-Shaikh Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium, south of Kuwait City. Due for completion next year, the KD 55 million ($190 million) hi-tech stadium will be equipped to stage the biggest regional and international sports events. It will accommodate 60,000 spectators.

Through its subsidiary company, Americana, the largest food company in the Middle East, the Al-Kharafi Group owns the franchise for Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, TGI Friday's, Hardees, and several other U.S.-based fast food chains in the region.
The consumer goods it produces include Heinz Ketchup and Cadbury’s chocolate.

Americana, which operates 600 outlets in 11 Arab countries has annual sales of $1 billion.

The conglomerate is also involved in reconstruction in Iraq through its Kharafi National Company, which provides engineering, construction and maintenance services to the petroleum, chemicals, power, water and commercial industries. Kharafi National is working as a subcontractor for a subsidiary company of Halliburton on a U.S. Army-awarded contract to rebuild Iraq’s oil infrastructure.

The National Bank of Kuwait, of which the Al-Kharafi Group owns an estimated 16 percent, is part of a consortium of banks that is rebuilding the banking market in Iraq.

Recent activities of Al-Kharafi companies include the building of hotels, tourist villages and a holiday resort in Albania, and the development of a $200- million golf and residential estate in South Africa. (PIA V Release)


PGMA CITES CRUCIAL ROLE OF SYRIA IN MINDANAO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has cited the crucial role that Syria plays in bringing lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

Speaking before the Filipino community at the Sheraton Hotel IN Damascus, Syria on Sunday evening, the President cited Syria – the current chair of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) -- as one of the influential nations in the Arab world.

The President and her official delegation arrived in Damascus from Cairo at 6:40 p.m. Sunday. Damascus enjoys the historical distinction as the oldest city in the world.

The President was welcomed at the Damascus International Airport by Vice Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnos and Honorable Mission Minister Diala Haj Aref.

“Peace is always an essential element of our commitment to the nation, particularly when it comes to bringing peace and stability to Southern Philippines. To achieve lasting peace in Mindanao will require the collective efforts of the Philippine Government and friends and allies around the world. That is why this state visit to Syria is so important,” the President said.

The Philippine delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, members of the House of Representatives and businessmen.

The President said Syria is hosting this month the 36th Islamic Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here.

“That is how important Syria is to the OIC,” the President said.

The Philippines is bidding for an observer status in the influential OIC as part of its efforts to get back on track the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Our government has been working hard to reach a peace agreement in Mindanao. A vital ingredient is the vital role that Muslim nations will play in bringing peace and investing in reconstruction,” the President said.

To attain peace and progress in Mindanao, the President said the Philippine government has been enlisting the support of Muslim nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as other OIC-member states.

The Philippines is also forging closer ties with other OIC-member states.

“We welcome this trip in order to forge stronger relations with Syria, make progress on Mindanao and build on vital economic interests,” the President said. (PIA V Release)


PACQUIA VICTORY SHOULD INSPIRE FILIPINO TO STRIVE FOR SUCCESS - PGMA

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated last night Manny Pacquiao, saying his sensational victory over British boxer Ricky Hatton serves as an inspiration to all to always strive for success.

The whole country watched in jubilation as Pacquiao sent the Briton crashing to the canvas Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) in a spectacular second-round knockout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I join the entire nation in jubilation and in giving thanks to God for the spectacular second-round knockout victory of Manny over Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what has been billed as ‘The Fight of the East vs. the West,’” the President said.

Paquiao’s “victory should inspire all of us Filipinos to have the resiliency and dedication to triumph against all odds,” the President said during her meeting with some 350 representatives of the 17,000-strong Filipino community in Syria at the Sheraton Hotel here.

The President attributed Pacquiao’s latest boxing triumph to his determination, tenacity, disciple and pride in being a Filipino. Pacquiao’s win over Hatton followed another dominating performance last December against boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya.

“Manny Paquiao continued to train and learn with great discipline to clinch the victory that has now, according to world boxing commentators, made him the greatest fighter ever,” the President said.

The President said Pacquiao’s rise to become world champion serves as an example that should be emulated by all, especially our young Filipinos, in the Philippines and all over the world.

“As Manny Paquiao taught us, discipline, tenacity, focus and pride in being a Filipino are vital to our success,” the President said. (PIA V Release)