PHIVOLCS RAISES MT. MAYON ALERT STATUS TO LEVEL 2

LEGAZPI CITY— Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised today (July 10) Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Level 1 (low level unrest) to Level 2 (moderate unrest) after it manifested increasing volcanic quakes, swelling of its edifice and intense crater glow.

Phivolcs said parameters monitored since last month indicated an increase in the current activity of the volcano, manifesting low frequency volcanic earthquakes rising to a higher level signifying possible movement of magma beneath the volcano edifice at shallow depth.

The hoisting of Alert Level 2 signifies a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption, the agency added.

Surveys show ground uplift of about one centimeter was measured by Precise Leveling Survey conducted last June 15-22, 2009 and the uplift was sustained during a re-survey yesterday, July 9, 2009.

Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said aerial survey conducted last July 08, 2009, showed a cone-shaped pile of hot, steaming old rocks, possibly remnants from previous eruptions which could be the source of the glow at the crater.

Laguerta explained the low frequency volcanic earthquakes and ground uplift could indicate that fresh volcanic materials are moving upward at depth, causing the formation of the cone-shaped pile of materials at the crater.

As Phivolcs is now raising the alert status of Mayon Volcano, the institute strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rock falls from the upper slopes.

Phivolcs also advises that active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda directed the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) to start updating the population at risk and critical resources data of cities and towns around the volcano.

This data would be the basis for determining the number of people to be placed in safer grounds when Mayon volcano condition goes on eruptive stage.

Salceda also directed city and town disaster councils around the volcano to be on 24-hour watch and to review their respective contingency plans and evaluate their communications and warning capacities. (MALoterte, PIA V)


CAMSUR NAMED BICOL’s MODEL IN ARTA LAW

PILI, Camarines Sur — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has chosen Camarines Sur as model province for Bicol region in the implementation of Republic Act 9485, known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA).

Model provinces and cities of each region were identified for having completed their respective Citizen’s Charters, setting up Public Assistance and Complaint Desks and adopting measures to stop fixing activities in their jurisdictions, in consonance with the mandates of RA 9485.

The ARTA mandates all government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and government-owned and controlled corporations to comply with the provisions of ARTA by September 2009, over a year after the CSC issued ARTA’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) through Resolution No. 081471 dated July 24, 2008.

Camarines Sur completed its Citizen’s Charter and other requirements last May 27, in time for the celebration of the 430th foundation anniversary of the province.

CSC assistant commissioner Anicia de Lima cited the exemplary efforts of the provincial government under Governor Luis Ray Villafuerte to enhance the working performance of personnel, promote transparency and optimize delivery of services to clients.

The Citizen’s Charter identifies the frontline services offered, the step-by-step procedures, the employees responsible for each step, the amount of fees, the documents to be presented by the client, and the procedures for filing complaints in relation to requests and applications.

ARTA also requires government offices to review and evaluate their respective systems and procedures with the end in view of accelerating and facilitating transactions and making them easier for the clients.

The new crafted charters shall also be posted in billboard form at the main entrance or in the most conspicuous place as well as in information materials, and an assistance and complaint desk accessible to clients must be provided. (GBClaveria/MMEC)


CAMNORTE PNC SLATES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON NUTRITION

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) here and the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs) across the province slate a series of information campaigns on proper nutrition, in time for the observance of Nutrition Month this July with the theme “ Wastong Nutrisyon Kailanga; lifestyle diseases iwasan”.

Mercedes Juan, provincial nutritionist here, said during the recent meeting of the PNC this year’s Nutrition Month celebration focuses on increasing awareness on the role and importance of proper nutrition to prevent and control of non-communicable diseases
Juan said PNC is encouraging individuals and families to make positive decisions towards proper nutrition.

She added the council calls on communities, national and local governments, non government organizations, private sector, media, the academe, policy makers and other stakeholders to put in place an enabling environment that promotes proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

She noted lifestyle or behavior diseases are also known as non-communicable diseases that currently dominate the list of leading causes of death in the country such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancers, diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

She said risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, increased alcohol consumption, stressful lifestyle and even malnutrition.

She stressed “we should eat a enough and balanced diet, avoid fats and desserts, eat more fruits and vegetables daily, avoid sweets, avoid salty foods, avoid cigarettes, avoid stress and do physical exercises.

She announced this month’s activities also include planting of fruit bearing trees and vegetables, monitoring of body mass index (BMI), measurement of waists, among others, in all barangay health centers by the MNAOs. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNor)


BIR STEPS UP TAX COLLECTION MEASURES IN CAMNORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office here has commenced tax mapping and “Oplan Kandado” campaign intensifying tax collection campaign and run after tax cheats among business establishments and professional service providers.

Marcelino M. Quito, BIR Camarines Norte district officer, said the tax mapping has started last month, monitoring different business establishments in Labo town and and were able to collect some P42,000.

He said the revenue district office also sets tax mapping activities in other towns to monitor business establishments whether they comply with BIR registration and pay the right amount of taxes to the government.

He added the BIR has signed and entered inot a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the different LGUs in the province forging cooperation to intensify campaign on tax collection and prosecute tax cheats.

Meanwhile, the “Oplan Kandado” campaign in the province has also commenced this month wherein BIR district office here are monitoring now 2 business establishments.

“Oplan Kandado” is a project of BIR Commissioner Sixto E. Esquivias IV wherein some 84 business establishments in Manila violating the tax law were closed.

Quito said that the violations for the “oplan kandado” include: failure to issue receipts and invoices, failure to file Value Added Tax Return, understatement of sales by 30% or more and failure to register the business establishment to the BIR.

He warned vilators will be prosecuted and if found guilty will be ordered to close shop.

He urged business establishments and the public to pay taxes regularly to avoid penalty and not be penalize by the government.

He observed the BIR’s intensified tax collection efforts and prosecution of tax cheats will ensure economic stability and improve delivery of basic social services and implementation of government programs and projects and basic.

Quito stressed paying taxes is the responsibility of every citizen of this country. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)


HUNGER MITIGATION, POVERTY REDUCTION PROJECTS ON TRACK

LEGAZPI CITY — At least eight projects on hunger mitigation and poverty alleviation were implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol in three provinces of the region.

In a report to DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada, Forestry Technical Director Antonio Abawag said the financial assistance for the social amelioration projects came from Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF) which helps strengthen the implementation of the Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) through agro-forestry and livelihood development.

From 2007 when the project was started to date, a total of 750 hectares are now covered by the projects benefiting some 608 participants in the provinces Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Albay, Abawag said in the ereport.

These hunger mitigation and poverty alleviation projects include:

1. TKFPI Agro-forestry Expansion Project in Barangays Tigbinan, Kanapawan and Benquet, Labo, Camarines Norte, covering 67 hectares, with 67 members/beneficiaries.

2. Upland Rice Production and Fruit Orchard Development Project in San Pascual, Basud, Camarines Norte initiated by Center for People Empowerment in the Upland Farmers, Inc., 70 hectares coverage and 70 members/beneficiaries.

3. Watershed Reforestation through Agro-forestry Development Project in Barangay Bayabas, Labo, Camarines Norte, implemented by Bayabas Multi purpose Cooperative, covering 143 hectares with 105 members/beneficiaries.

4. Integrated Kawayan Tinik and Anahaw Agro-forestry Project in Barangay Pambuhan, Mercedes, Camarines Norte with Mercedes Upland Farmers Federation, Inc. as implementer covering 80 hectares, with 165 members/beneficiaries.

5. Salago Enhancement and Abaca Orchard Plantation for Livelihood and Environmental Protection Project in Barangay Abasig, Baay in Labo, Camarines Norte, with an area of 140 hectares and 108 members/beneficiaries.

6. Rattan-Abaca Agro-forestry and Development Project in Barangays Rizal and Bulala, Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte implemented by Mt. Cadig Development Association, Inc. with 125 hectares area, and 71 members/beneficiaries.

7. Pili-Based Agro-forestry Farming in La Victoria, Bagoladio and Panoypuyan, Bula, Camarines Sur, initiated by La Victoria-Bagoladio-Panoypuyan Upland Farmers Association with an area of 25 hectares and 25 members/beneficiaries.

8. Integrated Agro-forestry Development Project in Barangay Maonon, Ligao City with an area of 100 hectares and 93 members/beneficiaries.

The improvement of the living conditions of upland dwellers is part of the holistic approach in the effective rehabilitation, protection and management of forest lands in the country. (AMContreras, DENR V/PIA)


P68 M PROJECTS UNDER PODER COMPLETED IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY— As everything has an inception and conclusion, the PODER Bicol Rehabilitation Project comes to a close.

Covering the municipalities of Tiwi, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Bacaca and the cities of Tabaco and Legazpi, the DSWD’s PODER project has finally concluded.

On June 29, a culminating activity was held at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Batasan Pambansa, Quezon City. The activity was attended by DSWD Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, PODER general coordinator Jesus Molina, project staff, DSWD personnel, community volunteers and the media.

Highlight of the activity included awarding of plaque of recognition to all the PODER local chief executives and the community volunteers who showed commitment and support on the implementation and completion of community sub-projects.

In Bicol region, the total project cost reached P68 million of which P50.5 million is PODER grant and P17.4 million is counterpart from the barangay, municipality and province. A total of 51 sub-projects were implemented in the region.

Sub-projects included school building (5 sp’s), water system (13 sp’s), roads (2 sp’s), health stations (3 sp’s), day care center (13 sp’s), sea-wall (3 sp’s), irrigation (3 sp’s), post harvest facility (3 sp’s), and box culvert 9 (2 sp’s), drainage (3 sp’s), and flood control (1 sp).

PODER or the Poder y Prosperidad de la Comunidad-Bicol Rehabilitation Project is a grant subsidy from the Spanish government through the Agencia Española de Cooperacion International para el Desarollo (AECID) with the key objective of empowering, strengthening local governance and fostering development in the barangay.

PODER phase 4 project focused on the disaster stricken areas in the Bicol region, particularly in Albay where many communities were heavily affected by the mudslides and lahar of the Mt. Mayon and the subsequent incidence of flashfloods brought by typhoons “Milenyo”, “Paeng”, “Reming”, and “Seniang”.

In her message, Secretary Cabral stressed that “projects would not see completion without the backing and cooperation of the people involved right from the local chief executive down to the community people.”

She also mentioned that with PODER, community are made more productive, allowing them to decide on how they will improve their lives, and manage their own community projects.

PODER general coordinator Jesus Molina announced that “PODER will continue to provide support and funds for the development of the communities in the Philippines.”

Molina also enjoined the local government unit and the barangay local government unit to sustain their commitment and support for the continuation of PODER early next month.

Meanwhile, DSWD Bicol received 3 major awards and a brand new car-SUZUKI Hi Lux. The awards given were: Best Barangay Sub-project Management Committee (BSPMC) for the municipalities of Malinao and Manito and the award for the Best Project Monitor, Ms. Eva Bañares. (CLMartinez, RSMO-DSWD/PIA)


DOF EYES INCREMENTAL REVENUE WITH PROPOSED SIN TAX REFORM

MANILA — The Department of Finance (DOF) is pushing for the passage at both houses of Congress of the reformed excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products to correct the weaknesses of the Republic Act 9334, while expecting a projected revenue increment of up to P19 billion on the first year of its implementation alone which is proposed to be put in place in 2012.

At the lower house, the DOF-proposed reform on alcohol and tobacco products excise tax, which is being sponsored by Representatives George Arnaiz, Pryde Henry Teves, and Jocelyn Limkaichong, already underwent committee hearings but remains pending at the House Committee on Ways and Means.

On the other hand, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, is sponsoring the DOF proposal under Senate Bill No. 2980 which is still subject for committee hearing.

DOF explains that the multi-tiered RA 9334 needs to be restructured to align tax rates with that of neighboring countries as the Philippines has the lowest excise tax rates among Asian countries; to compensate for foregone revenues resulting from the implementation of certain laws (e.g., lower corporate income tax, high personal exemption, tax incentives under the PERA law and the National Tourism policy Act); and to improve the over-all credit rating of the country which comes along with improved revenue position.

As among its weaknesses, DOF points out that RA 9334 is prone to downshifting/ misreporting of consumption from high-priced and high-taxed brands t low-riced and low-taxed brands resulting in lower revenues.

The current excise tax structure also needs to classify brands which create discretion for the taxing authority. The law is likewise eroded by inflation due to lack of automatic tax rate adjustment.

With the DOF-proposed excise tax restructuring, the agency is proposing the adoption of a unitary tax rate for each category of alcohol and tobacco products. For cigarettes and distilled spirits, the unitary rate will be phased-in a period of three years, respectively, while for beer, it will be immediate. The phasing period will commence in 2012

Under the proposal, a unitary rate will be indexed using a relevant price index for tobacco and alcohol.

With the revenues from the excise tax, after the reform have been put into effect, the proposal seeks to allocate a portion of it to a trust fund for the transitional guaranteed income of farmers who are shifting to other crops.

In response to queries why the government is seeking to increase the excise tax when there is so much smuggling and tax leakage in the current system, the DOF reasoned that the government is mindful of the smuggling and tax leakage in the country.

In fact, it has already put in place several programs to address these. But as characteristic of administrative measures, it will take a little more time to bear fruit.

DOF says, the country needs to raise revenues now to strengthen its fiscal position amidst continuing pressure from the global recession.

With the threat of economic recession in the country, the DOF explains that the government has to have more revenues to pump-prime the economy. This, as it has been determined that public spending has grater impact on growth than tax cuts, with greater public spending creating more employment.

The DOF is also allaying fears of some legislators that tobacco farmers will be displaced due to lower demand as a result of the tax reform, saying, a system will be designed with tobacco farmers that would provide them with guaranteed income from incremental revenues from the reform, so they can be assisted during the transition period as they shift to planting other crops. (PIA V Release)


PGMA LAUNCHES NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAM

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched Thursday (July 9) the National Youth Service (NYS) program, one of the priority projects of the administration and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to underscore the importance of the youth in community action in the wake of the global economic crisis..

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the covered court of the Guagua East Central Elementary School in barangay Sta. Filomena, Guagua, Pampanga, the President lauded the youth and all agencies involved in the implementation of Executive Order No. 788, a policy that promotes the role of the youth in national service.

In her speech, she noted that E.O. 788 is the prompt response of the national government to avert the mitigating impact of the global financial meltdown.

The Executive Order tackles the need to involve the youth 18 to 24 years old in the national service program through the National Service Corps (NSC) and Youth Conservation Corps (YCC).

Under the National Service Corps, all unemployed and underemployed skilled youth or college graduates will be recruited by involved agencies to perform like a domestic “Peace Corps.”

She said the youth under the National Service Corps will undertake a two-year national service commitment either as educator and community service staff in exchange for a modest stipend or allowance.

The Youth Conservation Corps, on the other hand, is composed of unskilled or less educated youth, and will focus on environmental and infrastructure projects.

Such youth, the President said, will also undertake a two-year national service commitment with a modest stipend. The current program known as Out-of-School- Youth Serving Towards Economic Resiliency (OYSTER) shall be subsumed into the YCC, she added.

The President distributed a total of 56 Certificates of Employment to youth beneficiaries from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the Youth Information Technology Opportunities (Youth-ITO) and Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the project OYSTER, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Bantay Dagat and Bantay Gubat Programs, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Community Service Program, and Philippine National Police (PNP) project OYSTER. (PIA V Release)


MINDANAO BLASTS UNDER PROBE- MALACANANG

MANILA — Malacanang assured on Thursday (July 9) that series of bombings in Mindanao is being investigated.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez said that all threats are firmly under control. He also described the incidents as the handiwork of terrorists and anarchists “bent on sowing fear and intrigue for some nefarious agenda.”

He said the government is not discounting the involvement of rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Jema-a Islamiyah, who may be using Mindanao as testing ground for their training in making improvised explosive devices.

“As government goes about its job of tracking down the culprits and protecting the public, what cannot be condoned are the attempts of some people to profit politically from these incidents,” Golez said in a press briefing this afternoon in Malacanang.

He pointed out that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is very much focused on governance and the public’s welfare that linking her administration to the bombings to supposedly declare martial law “is just a sorry attempt of some malicious people to politically profit from such incidents.”

“Now the critics even go as far as to accuse the Palace of complicity in the bombing incidents, supposedly as an excuse to declare martial law. As with their other big lies, this preposterous claim is offered up with not a shred of evidence in support,” he said.

Golez asked the public to remain calm and vigilant as government is doing all to resolve the bombing incidents, protect the public and look after the welfare of those displaced by the violence.

“Let us not yield the floor to the cynics and the malicious manipulators of hidden agendas who are intent of maligning the President as usual. Let us show them and the rest of the world that we are better than that,” Golez said. (PIA V Release)


PGMA LAUDS DOJ FOR CONVICTION OF SHABU “TIANGGE” MAINTAINERS

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has lauded the five female prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the conviction of Pasig City Shabu “Tiangge” operator Amin Imam Boratong and his wife Sheryl Molera Boratong.

“Congratulations to the DOJ and the prosecutors, dapat headline ito,” the President said in a cellphone conversation with Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera following the guilty verdict rendered by the Pasig Regional Trial Court on the Boratong couple.

Devanadera was commending at that time the five prosecutors, namely, Amor Robles, Marlette Balagtas, Anjanette Ortile, Eden Wakay-Valdez, and Elizabeth Berdal for their perseverance and determination in pursuing the case despite the threats on their lives.

Devanadera acknowledged the vital role of the media, the Philippine National Police AIDSOF, the National Bureau of Investigation and the community for their support and continued vigilance against illegal drugs.

Judge Abraham Borreta of the Pasig Regional Trial Court's Branch 154 found the Boratong couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt of jointly running the shabu “tiangge” in the Mapayapa Compound on F. Soriano Street, Pasig City. Each of them was sentenced to suffer the penalty of life imprisonment for violating Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act).

The Court also meted another life imprisonment to Sheryl Boratong for violation of Sec. 11 (possession of dangerous drugs). She was ordered to pay a fine of P1 -million while accused Imam Boratong was meted to pay a fine of P10-million. It also set a hearing on Aug. 20 relative to the confiscation/forfeiture of the properties of the couple covered by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Meanwhile, Judge Borreta immediately ordered the turn-over of the illegal substance to the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper action and disposition and the transfer of the couple to the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City and to the Correctional Institute for Women. (PIA V Release)


MARTIAL LAW SPECULATIONS WITHOUT BASIS – PALACE

MANILA — Malacanang doused cold water on claims that the government is behind the spate of bombings in Mindanao to justify the declaration of martial law.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in a radio interview yesterday, stressed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has denied former House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s claim that she was keen on declaring martial law.

On the contrary, Remonde said, it was the former Speaker who broached the idea of a revolutionary rule for the President two years ago.

“It is unfortunate that the critics of this administration are using the issue on martial rule because we all know that the people hate martial law,” Remonde said.

“This issue is one of the opposition’s grand, creative propaganda campaign against the Arroyo administration,” he added.

The Press Secretary assured that the President has no plans whatsoever to declare martial law despite the recent spate of bombings in Mindanao.

Remonde pointed out that the very people floating the issue of martial rule are the same people creating the scenario of no elections so the people would get mad at the government and boycott the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address this month. (PIA V Release)