BICOL NO. 1 IN RICE PRODUCTION IN THE COUNTRY

PILI, Camarines Sur — Bicol now ranks first among the regions in the entire country in palay production growth rate based from the report of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Bicol posted a 17.3% palay production growth rate in the first semester of 2009 compared to the first semester of last year, the highest among the rice producing regions.

Camarines Sur, a consistent surplus rice producer, stood out among the provinces of Bicol in terms of volume in palay production which is an immense factor in the region’s number one ranking during the said period.

Ilocos region ranks second with 13.08 % growth rate for the same period, followed by Central Luzon which registered a 9.23 % net production growth.

Governor LRay Villafuerte has placed high premium on agricultural productivity, especially on palay production, because of his firm commitment that it is vital to the economic acceleration of the province.

The BAS report attributes the remarkable performance of Bicol to the use of quality seeds by most farmers, the additional use of inputs and better irrigation system. (LAGavino/SNieves, MMEC/PIA)


POLICE TO SEARCH HOUSES FOR GUNS

MASBATE CITY — In the event known politicians here failed to register their loose firearms under a new firearms amnesty program that began last Aug. 1, 2009, the Police Provincial Office here may embark on raids and search operations.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Abella, PPO Masbate community relations officer aired this warning even as it urged owners of unlicensed firearms to avail themselves of the government’s amnesty on the registration of loose firearms.

“This is the ultimate amnesty for holders of loose firearms. After this, aggressive police operations will commence against firearms law violators and there will be no let up or sacred cows in this campaign,” Abella said, quoting from a press statement issued by PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.

The amnesty program, approved by President Macapagal-Arroyo last month, aims to reduce gun-related violence in next year’s national and local elections. Part of the implementing rules incorporates a reward system to those who could lead police to anyone holding loose firearms.

Police pegged the number of loose firearms at 1.2 million, which are in the hands of organized criminals, the New People’s Army and civilians.

Although the final amnesty will be in October, Abella said the PNP opened the processing phase last Aug. 1.

The provincial command and police stations are all authorized to accept and process unregistered guns, he said.

Authorities here have noted that most crimes committed with firearms in the last few years involved loose guns.

In a recent forum, no less than Bishop Joel Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Masbate expressed alarm at the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the province and asked the PNP to step up its campaign to recover these guns which he said were mostly in the hands of political supporters.

“There are lots of unlicensed guns around,” the prelate said. “Halos bawat bahay ay may baril.” (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


PHILHEALTH OFFERS EXTENSION SERVICES IN HONGKONG

LEGAZPI CITY — Mobile officers of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) were dispatched since August this year to Hongkong providing access and information to Filipinos on the agency’s membership updates and renewal, claims and benefits, and premium remittance concerns.

The task of PhilHealth mobile officers is to attend OFWs gatherings or meetings and coordinate with Filipino organizations in Hongkong to facilitate information drives promoting the agency’s programs and services.

They may also receive claim documents from OFWs admitted to any hospital in the country to help facilitate the processing of their reimbursements.

A confinement of an OFW shall be paid based on the benefit rates of a Level 3 hospital, with the validity period of his contribution being the eligibility requirement

For a start, mobile officers will be sent to Hongkong, for two weeks once every three months, to popularize PhilHealth programs and services as well as render assistance to various health insurance concerns of our members in the former Crown Colony.

Dr. Rey B. Aquino, PhilHealth president and CEO, stated, “This is just the beginning, after Hongkong (which also extends services to nearby Macau), we shall replicate this project in other OFW-dense countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.”

PhilHealth, complementing its extension services overseas, also signed and entered into a Collection and Remittance Agreement with Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Under the agreement, the two government banks were accredited as collecting partners for OFW premium contributions.

OFWs in Hongkong may pay their health insurance premiums through subsidiaries and remittance partners of the mentioned banks, ready to accept premium payments either for membership renewal, member re-activation or from new registrants.

Aside from Hongkong, DBP also has tie-ups in the Middle East, Singapore, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Taiwan, Switzerland, Ireland, Cambodia, Australia and Korea.

According to Dr. Aquino, PhilHealth management will continue to evaluate and accredit institutional applicants for our overseas collection efforts to enable our two million OFW members update their contribution payments.

“Through updated premiums, they are assured of claims and benefits of accredited facilities in the Philippines or in hospitals abroad. It is our ultimate goal to provide more payment windows, especially for our OFW members,” he said.
(PhilHealth V/PIA)

PHILHEALTH EXPANDS BENEFITS AND SERVICES TO OFWs

LEGAZPI CITY — As PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) moves towards Universal Coverage by 2010, the agency further expands its benefits and services to the Filipinos providing quality and affordable health care services to OFWs and their dependents through the Overseas Workers Program.

With only P900 as their annual contribution, OFWs and their dependents could enjoy the PhilHealth inpatient and outpatient benefit packages in accredited facilities.

However, to continuously avail of these benefits, OFWs should renew their membership annually with PhilHealth by paying the annual premium and by presenting the following documents:

1. Valid passport
2. Valid working permit/visa; Exit and Re-entry visa;
3. Overseas Employment Certificate
4. Any other equivalent documents proving that he/she is an active OFW.
a. Certificate of Employment for applicable period from employer
abroad
b. Valid Employment Contract
c. Valid Company ID issued by the employer abroad
d. Cash Remittance Receipt from member abroad at least 2
months prior the date of renewal/payment

The same documents also apply to new registrants to the Overseas Workers Program which are to be attached to the M1b form for membership registration.
(PhilHealth V/PIA)


TRAINING ON OFF-SEASON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION HELD

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE – Over 30 farmers from this municipality and Vinzons town attended the two-day training on off-season vegetable production held recently at Camarines Norte State College.

The training was conceptualized to introduce new technologies in producing off-season vegetables. It also aims to provide farmers with the knowledge and skills on how to produce quality vegetables even during off-season.

This activity is jointly sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Congw. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato of Camarines Norte lone district.

Vinzons Mayor Oliver F. Ferrer said trainings similar to this are important as more farmers learn new technologies to increase vegetable production.

He added that if more people were given the opportunity to attend similar training, our problem on poverty may be addressed.

He cited that right in their backyard, farmers could produce vegetables and other crops not only for their consumption but also for sale.

He lauded the efforts of Chato for spearheading the activity and for choosing Vinzons as one of the pilot municipalities for her project.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jose V. Dayao, DA regional executive director, said that the agency is always on hand to provide technical assistance to interested farmers or vegetable growers.

With the collaboration and linkages of national and local agencies more farmers will be benefited and vegetable sufficiency can be attained.

He emphasized that it is important for participants to learn the right technologies for them to produce quality vegetable, which is vital in getting market channels.

In addition, it is necessary for the group to be organized in order to sustain the supply after marketing agreement has been forged.

Chato, on the other hand, said that it only requires positive attitude and discipline for one to succeed.

She challenged the group to give their best and learn the different techniques so they could also produce quality vegetables throughout the year.

She said that nothing is impossible if you give your heart in whatever you do.

She urged the group to share whatever skills, technique or knowledge they acquire out of this training.

In addition, after the training it is important to practice what they learn for a multiplier effect.

She added that her office is willing to provide their assistance like seeds so they could start a backyard garden after the training.

The trainers came from DA RFU-5 and East-West Seed Company Incorporated. A combination of lecture and hands-on or actual field work was the methodology used.
(MRIlan, DA/PIA)


DA BICOL TURNS OVER GRAINS CENTER TO TABACO CITY

TABACO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol regional office has recently turned-over the Grains Center to the city government here that will provide farmers in the first congressional district of Albay easy access to post-harvest facilities that will minimize losses and obtain quality rice.

Dr. Jose V. Dayao, DA Bicol regional executive director, said the post-harvest facility is funded under the Bicol Calamity Assistance Rehabilitation Effort Program (B-CARE) thru the efforts of Cong. Edcel C. Lagman.

The facility is equipped with a multi-pass rice mill with a capacity of 25 cavans per hour; a re-circulating mechanical dyer that can accommodate 120 cavans of palay per batch, drying pavement, and a concrete access road.

Dayao said that obtaining quality rice means better price. He urged the farmers to patronize the grains center to sustain its operation.

He added that the DA is still implementing the 50 per cent subsidy on certified seeds and also the premium subsidy on insurance coverage from August 1 to December 15 planting.

He encouraged the farmers to avail these programs for them to increase production and obtain better income.

Dayao also said that a biomass-fed flatbed dryer would also be installed in addition to the existing facilities. The dryer could also accommodate six tons of palay per batch.

Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro on the other hand is grateful that said project was established in Tabaco City as the city has current 1,065 hectares rice area.

She said that she is also campaigning on the planting of hybrid rice to increase production and obtain rice sufficiency.

She believes that going into hybrid rice production will not only increase yield but also the income of the farmers.

She also cited that the city is also a recipient of several FMR projects that would link production area to market.

She announced that she gives priority to agriculture and they are now implementing the plant now pay later for hybrid seeds and also the 50 per cent discount on fertilizer.

Meanwhile, Rep; Edcel C. Lagman lauded the efforts of the city mayor and announces he is also pushing House Bill 330, which give importance to post harvest facilities.

He emphasized that providing post harvest facilities to farmers organization to be paid on a long-term basis without interest would surely help them increase their income.

Another project that he is now giving priority is the FMR which would link production areas to market.

He disclosed that good irrigation, coupled with post harvest facilities and FMR would surely give agriculture an added boost.

He wanted the farmers to sell rice not palay as he saw the economic advantage of selling rice.

He also mentioned the P250 million funds released to DA for the development of indigenous products of Bicol, which include pili, abaca and coconut.

He sees also the potential of these indigenous crops especially pili in terms of providing additional income to the farmers.

He envisions the establishment of a plantation of pili in the region that could sustain the increasing demand of pili nuts for processing. (MRIlan, DA/PIA)


PGMA satisfied with San Carlos bioethanol plant

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through a message, expressed satisfaction over the launching of the P3-billion San Carlos BioEnergy Inc. plant, which, she said, is a realization of her dream to make the country less dependent on imported fuel.

The President was to lead in the groundbreaking ceremony of the country’s first bio-ethanol plant. She failed to make it though because of bad weather. Instead, she sent Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes to represent her and deliver her message.

Reyes said the President hoped that more bio-ethanol plants would be put up in Negros’ sugar mills to feed the requirements not only of motor vehicles, industrial equipment and electrical appliances but also to supply power to the main electric grids of the country.

He said the President, who monitored the construction, is glad the plant has become operational to benefit the farmers and growers.

“She also directed me to ask your other concerns, and if I could resolve them at my level then I should do so and just keep her posted on whatever actions I have taken,” Reyes said.

Jose Mari Zabaleta, chairman of SCBI, reported that the plant is the first to get the approval for its carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol.

The SCBI, which is funded by the Development Bank of the Philippines, buys sugarcane for ethanol conversion from planters in this city and surrounding areas.

With SCBI’s operations, plantation owners and farmers now get better prices for their produce. The city is now considered a “planter’s market,” with sugarcane price rising to over P1,700 per 50 ton cane from less than P1,500 per ton cane in the previous year.

In 1908, Reyes pointed out, the first sugar syrup factory was established at the San Carlos mill. “Now after 100 years, we are putting up the first bioethanol plant in the country right here,” he said.

Reyes said he shares the President’s hopes that the San Carlos bioethanol plant will be replicated all over the country so that “we can finally liberate ourselves from the uncertain fuel oil situation and promote cleaner energy in our local industries.”

“We’re (an ideal country) for renewable energy because we have abundant supply of geothermal, solar, wind, coastal and hydro power,” Reyes said.

“Nothing,” he said, “should stop us from going renewable. We have what it takes to fulfill this dream and our laws are there to support in this direction.” (PIA V Release)


Government assures sufficient funds for anti-poverty program

MANILA — The government expressed assurance on Friday that there are sufficient funds to support its anti-hunger and anti-poverty program which aims to benefit one million poor families throughout the country.

The assurance was made by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral who said in a press statement that more poor families are requesting to be included in the "Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program" (4Ps) of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The 4Ps is the country’s conditional cash transfer program, but currently the funds can accommodate 700,000 households, according to the DSWD head.

Cabral, however, added that President Arroyo has ordered the increase of the number of beneficiaries to one million to accommodate more poor families.

At present, 4Ps covers 255 municipalities and 15 cities in 17 regions of the country.

“With the new directive of President Arroyo, more poor families will be covered by 4Ps,” Cabral said.

“We will continue to identify beneficiaries according to the targeting system we have been using, but will now expand to provinces and cities with large pockets of poverty that were not previously included as target beneficiaries,” she added.

Cabral stressed that "the DSWD is always willing and ready to implement social service programs as long as we are provided the funds for it." For this year, 4Ps has a budget allocation of P10 billion for the 700,000 households. To be able to cover 300,000 more families, an additional P5 billion is needed.

“We thank President Arroyo for supporting the budget requirements of 4Ps. The President continues to look for more funds to expand the program,” Cabral said.

At the same time, the DSWD chief has expressed elation that the program is appreciated as evidenced by requests of local government executives to include their local government units to be part of the program.

“People now recognize the value of the program. The outpouring of letters from politicians, local chief executives and poor individuals only indicate that the program is effectively improving lives,” Cabral said.

With the favorable impressions on 4Ps, Secretary Cabral assured the public that “we will serve with utmost integrity and focus on those who really need the services regardless of their affiliations.”

The 4Ps is a social development and poverty reduction strategy that provides cash grants of as much as P1,400 monthly to poor households for health, nutrition and education needs, particularly for children 0-14 years old provided they comply with certain conditions.

The conditions are: Pregnant women must avail of pre- and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by skilled attendant; parents must attend responsible parenthood sessions; 0-5 years old children must receive regular preventive check-ups and vaccines; 3-5 years old children must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85 percent of the time; 6-14 years old must be enrolled in elementary and high school at least 85 percent of the time; and 0-5 years old must receive de-worming twice a year.

Earlier, Malacañang said it had endorsed a P5-billion increase in the budget of a conditional cash transfer scheme that would cover one million poor families within the year from an original target of 700,000.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has been directed to scout for sources to fund the additional outlay.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei C. Fajardo yesterday said the President decided to expand the coverage of the 4Ps to strengthen the fight against hunger and poverty.

The program, which involves conditional cash transfers for poor families, had an original annual budget of P10 billion for the 20 poorest provinces nationwide, including poor families in Metro Manila. (PIA V Release)


ALAY LAKAD 2009 slated on September 6

MANILA — The ALAY LAKAD FOUNDATION will hold its 37th annual walk-for a –cause
project for the out of school youth at the Rizal Park on Sunday, September 6, 2009.

This year’s theme would be “Lakad Kabataan, Ituloy ang Kaunlaran” in support of the government’s call for development anchored on the future of the youth.

Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District will lead this year’s annual walk, headed by its District Governor, Claudio B. Nadal Jr and Ms. Edna Garcia as Chair of the National Coordinating Committee.

According to ALFI President Frank Evaristo, Alay Lakad was born to raise fund for the benefit of out-of-school- youth and provide them opportunities to be self reliant through livelihood activities and gain access to education.

Organized in 1972 by then the Ministry of Social Services (now DSWD), alongside with different government and civic organizations, ALAY LAKAD is a nationwide, non stock , non profit organization committed to the development of the Filipino youth especially the out-of school youth through scholarships and livelihood programs. It was incorporated in 1978 and was recognized as a Foundation by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1997.

The annual walk is the ALAY LAKAD FOUNDATION’s principal fund raising activity to generate money to support its project for the youth.

Every first Sunday of September, close to million people from all walks of life join in this mass hike out. While these participants sacrifice on waking up before dawn to walk many kilometers, they also contribute to the collections during the walk. Business companies are invited to sponsor this event.

Everyone is welcome to join and participate to this annual walk-for- a cause project to help provide the out of school youths in our country all the assistance to help them alleviate their plight.

For more information, please call Ms. Esther Villanueva and Mr.Edwin Flores of Alay Lakad Foundation at tel nos. 523-1539/522- 6134. (PIA V Release)


PGMA assures war veterans of benefits

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday assured World War II veterans that her administration is continuously working to provide and secure their long-overdue benefits, including the US$ 190-million compensation package from the United States government.

The President made the assurance to some 200 war veterans during the Filipino World War II Veterans Assembly Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Among those present were National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, national president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) Col. Emmanuel de Ocampo and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator and DND Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina of the Department of National Defense.

During her visit to the United States, the President said she told US Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki that many Filipino veterans look forward to the speedy implementation of the $190-million compensation package, which was signed into law by US President Barack Obama this year.

“And he (Shinseki) replied that his department, if needed, will hire additional personnel to fast track the claims,” the President said.

The US Embassy in Manila started accepting applications for the lump-sum payments of $ 15,000 for veterans who have become US citizens and $ 9,000 for non-US citizens.

The President noted that the first payment was already made last April 8 but more than 31,000 filed their claims at the PVAO compared to the US estimate that only about 18,000 Filipino veterans are still alive and eligible.

The President said Secretary Teodoro will follow up with Secretary Shinseki to expedite the processing of the claims of Filipino war veterans.

The President said Secretary Shinseki also told her that the U.S. government is already providing some $ 17 million a month to Filipino war veterans and their families.

“Outside of the new veterans’ benefits, his (Shinseki’s) department is also disbursing funds to veterans and their families, including death pensions totaling $ 17 million a month,” the President stressed.

She told the Filipino war veterans that the US government is also providing an MRI facility to the Philippine Veterans Hospital.

The President likewise instructed Secretary Teodoro to study the possibility of establishing vital medical equipment in areas where many war veterans reside.

According to the President, she has instructed Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya to pay the total administrative liability, including pension arrears, to World War II veterans for this year.

In closing, the President thanked Shinseki, U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka and everyone who made contributions to facilitate the passage of the $ 190-million lump sum package. (PIA V Release)

RP economy to grow 2.5% in Q3, FMIC-UAP says

MANILA — The Philippine economy, as measured by the country's gross domestic product (GDP), is likely to grow 2.5 percent in the third quarter and 4.5 percent in the last quarter of the year, according to First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UAP) Capital Markets Research.

GDP is the amount of final goods and services produced in a country in a given period.

"The relatively strong numbers in June and July confirm our expectation of clearly positive GDP growth figures for the second semester," the research note said.

The FMIC-UAP said remittances of Filipino workers overseas continued to provide the country with hopes of growth as flows continued its positive streak climbing by 3.3 percent in June.

In the second quarter, the economy grew 1.5 percent from 4.2 percent in the same period last year. The government projected GDP to grow between 0.8 percent and 1.8 percent this year.

"Exports are also likely to post positive growth in the fourth quarter due to base effects and consistently rising monthly exports as East Asia (especially China) and the U.S. Recoveries gain traction." FMIC-UAP said.

FMIC-UAP also sees positive growth in the electricity, fast foods, retailers’ sales and residential property sales sectors and a "muted" inflation.

"These would tend to offset the still negative exports picture and a deceleration in National Government (NG) spending," it said.

FMIC-UAP projected a 0.9 percent inflation rate in September; 1.7 percent in October and 2.7 percent in November. "Inflation remains muted, as other prices other than petroleum products, have been quite stable in the last three months.

The only remaining risk is for a severe El Nino to hamper rice harvest in October to November, as crude oil prices are unlikely to make a strong upward move until mid-2010," the research note said.

For the full year, FMIC-UAP expects inflation rate of 3.3 percent. From January to July, inflation rate was 4.3 percent. FMIC-UAP said that government tax take would improve, as the economy turns more positive in the second semester, and fiscal discipline will enable the NG to meet its P250- billion deficit target. (PIA V Release)