'GIBO' JOINS SALCEDA IN FILING COC, VOWS SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY— Administration party presidential candidate Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro accompanied re-electionist Albay Governor Joey Salceda in filing his certificate of candidacy on the first day of the filing of COCs here Friday.

Teodoro promised to support Salceda's programs for the benefit of Albay residents. “Rest assured that there will be a continuity of support from the national government if elected as president,” he said.

Salceda, after filing his COC at the office of the Provincial Election Supervisor here, told local newsmen, “Serving the people of Albay is such a great honor – so I thank our people for the thrust and for the unity of support that allowed me to lead the people to achieve so much in only three years.”

He said that in his 12 years in public service and having ran unopposed twice, he has not cultivated any political enemy. “Because my only enemy is poverty, and poverty is our common enemy,” he said.

To defeat poverty, Salceda urged the Albayanos to help his administration. “I can’t do it alone that is why you need to help me,” he said.

Salceda clarified that he is running under the administration Lakas-KAMPI-CMD, "the party of the established and the party of president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

He stressed that in the history of Albay, no other administration has so generously supported the struggle to achieve social posperity and economic progress. “Thus, I must repay our collective debt of gratitude by staying with the administration and support its candidate for president in 2010, former Secretary Toedoro.

Among the many major projects showered by the Arroyo administration to Albayanos are as follows: the Daraga International Airport with a budget of P3.4 billion; typhoon "Reming" reconstruction (with relocation program) with 10,076 lots and almost 5,000 classrooms built/repaired at P478 million and repair of public infrastructure worth P776 million.

The installation of a modern Doppler Radar worth P560 million even if it's in Virac, Catanduanes but principally benefiting Albay; 4Ps (Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program) for all three cities and 11 municipalities that benefits 70,000 poor families at P1,400 per month for five years with annual expenditures of P977.3 million which is larger than the Albay provincial government's budget and would total P5 billion in five years.

“Let me stress that there was no plan at all to run for congressman of the 3rd district or second district of this province. I decided not to pursue doctorate studies in Harvard University, to instead run for reelection so we can sustain the hard earned gains of our people and further accelerate the development initiatives we started in 2007,” Salceda said.

For his next term, the provincial government will launch a new, more advanced and forward-moving socioeconomic strategy designed to polevault Albay to become a California in 30 years.

He explained that this is in terms of per capita income sustained by a modern agriculture and services sector, advanced education, green energy, competitive infrastructure and a modest industrial base.

“Our new program Albay Rising would firmly put Albay in the map of the country and attract the attention of investors, tourists and traders,” Salceda said.

He noted Albay Rising has five Es: Economy, Education, Environment, Equity and Health.

Aside from former Defense Secretary Teodoro, Albay first district's Rep. Edcel Lagman witnessed the filing of Salceda’s COC. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA)


CAMARINES SUR CAPITOL COMPLEX NOW A TOURISM ECONOMIC ZONE

PILI, Camarines Sur — Through the leadership of Governor LRay Villafuerte, Camarines Sur has earned another distinction as the first and only local government unit (LGU) to establish and operate a tourism park in the country.

This developed with the recent issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 1932 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo designating several parcels of public land totaling 73-hectares right within the provincial capitol complex, covering barangays Cadlan, Pili and Maycatmon, Milaor, as a special economic zone primarily for tourism development.

The approval by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) of the application of CamSur to build and operate a special tourism estate is expected to further boost the local economy by encouraging tourism-related investments and generating more employment that will have very positive impact on local growth and development.

Camarines Sur presently enjoys another similar distinction as the first LGU to establish and operate an Information Technology Park (ITP), also at the confine of the extensive provincial capitol complex and likewise approved by PEZA as a special economic zone.

Sutherland Global Services, one of the country’s biggest business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, has already set up a center in the ITP with an initial 750-seat capacity and will be expanded to 2,000 before the year ends.

The 73 hectare tourism estate, which already boasts of the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC)—considered the best wake park in the world—, 300 room cabins and cabanas, a convention center, the 18 hectare Lago Del Rey Aqua Park, a skate park and other existing facilities, is also expected to further fortify the province stature as the country’s number one tourism destination in 2009 as cited by the Department of Tourism. (GBClaveria/MMEC)


POISONOUS SEAWEED BLOOM SIGN OF CLIMATE CHANGE, SAYS BFAR

MASBATE CITY— Few residents of the island province of Masbate may have noticed, but one of the deadly effects of climate change has quietly imperiled their lives.

The cousin of red tide that caused the illness of 56 people in Cataingan town (77 kilometers south of this capital) who fell sick after eating banded barracuda late last year is a sign of climate change, according to authorities.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said ciguatera toxin found in the barracuda uncharacteristically bloomed because of climate change.

Citing international studies, Malcolm Sarmiento Jr., BFAR chief, explained in a published article that as the seas warmed up, coral bleaching became more pronounced and harmful algal blooms would increase.

The former directly affects coral reefs and the latter may lead in the increase in incidence of red tide and ciguatera poisoning.

Ciguatera is a food-borne illness in humans caused by eating marine species whose flesh is contaminated with a toxin called ciguatoxin, present in some algae. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


BFP INTENSIFIES FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION AS CHRISTMAS SEASON NEARS

SORSOGON CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office here, led by C/Insp. Renato Marcial, has ordered fire safety inspectors to inspect for fire safety all business establishments frequented by the public as Christmas season approaches.

“I have also directed the fire safety enforcement section to intensify inspection of all business establishments in anticipation for the influx of shoppers and to ensure fire safety,” Marcial said, as he reminded the business owners not to block their respective fire exits during business operation since it pose danger to the occupants in case emergency will occur.

It can be recalled that there were some shoppers somewhere in the Visayas that were trapped when a fire gutted down a business establishment because the fire exits were padlocked.

“We cannot compromise the safety of the public, owners will face criminal liability,” he added.

Marcial also warned the public of sub-standard Christmas lights that may cause fire, stressing that consumers should only buy products approved by DTI bearing the Product Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Certificate (ICC) markings.

In case of emergency or for further inquiry, residents can contact BFP Sorsogon City at telephone no. 421-6320 or hotline 160. (LGFuntanares, BFP Sorsogon City/PIA)


BU STUDE PLACES 6TH IN TEACHERS’ BOARD EXAM

LEGAZPI CITY— Rona Atutubo Despabiladeras, a graduate of Bicol University College of Education (BUCE), has placed 6th place in the nationwide Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) held October, this year.

Despabiladeras, a Physics major, has earned a rating of 89.40 percent in the secondary level category of the examination.

In said recent exam, BUCE has achieved a passing rate of 42 percent, compared to the 18 percent national passing rate in the elementary category, 46 percent in the secondary category, and against the national rate of 23%.

Meanwhile, BU Gubat Campus in Gubat, Sorsogon, has also acquired a passing rate of 26 percent in the elementary level, and 22 percent in the secondary level.

BU Polangui Campus in Polangui, Albay, has obtained an 8 percent passing rate in the elementary level, 32 in the secondary level.

BU Tabaco Campus in Tabaco City, also in Albay, and the BU College of Agriculture have achieved the passing rates of 45 percent and 10 percent, respectively, both in the secondary level.

It can be recalled that, four other BU graduates notched spots in the Top 10 of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Mechanical Engineer (ME) board examinations also in October.

Ivan Rhett Macabeo, bagged the top place in the CPA exams, while Kaiser Ballecer placed 7th. Marcelo Santillan, meanwhile, placed 3rd in the ME exam, and Christopher Sanchez earned the 7th spot. (CGMeneses, Bicol University/PIA)


PGMA tells Chinese entrepreneurs to help prevent repeat of global crisis

MANILA — Chinese entrepreneurs should help prevent another global financial crisis from ever happening again.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made the call in her keynote speech to the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention held this Friday morning (November 20) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

She said everybody should learn from past mistakes, whether of government policy or of business and financial practices, to make sure the crisis does not happen again.

The president counseled that to avoid a repeat of the global economic downturn, which began in the latter part of 2007, countries must diversify their economies and reform the world financial system.

She pointed out that the Philippines, along with other countries with a strong Chinese business community, was able to weather the global financial storm by implementing hard and unpopular but necessary economic and fiscal reforms several years ago.

The country did so with “the support of the Filipino-Chinese business community,” the President said.

Mrs. Arroyo lauded the Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, whose sharp business sense, hard work, and willingness to take risks have become indispensable to the development of their adopted country.

Filipino-Chinese, she noted, have contributed so much “to the country’s unprecedented growth in 34 successive quarters during my administration.”

According to the president the local Chinese’ sterling qualities are on display not only in business and wealth creation but also in socio-civic activities. She cited the fact that Filipino-Chinese build classrooms and volunteer as firefighters.

Chinese entrepreneurs, the President said, could lead the way to prosperity on a global scale.

“I am confident that the more than 3,000 overseas Chinese entrepreneurs gathered here, who come from 20 countries, can help breathe new life into the world economy,” she said.

The four-day convention, scheduled Nov. 19 to 22, carries the theme World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship: Addressing the Challenges of the Global Crisis.

Organized by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) in August 1991, it provides a forum for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs. (PIA V Release)


Communications plan seeks to educate people on Climate Change

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo received Friday afternoon (November 20) the Multi Media Cultural Communications Framework Action Plan on Climate Change, which aims to enlist the participation of people in the fight against climate change.

After receiving the action plan, the President held several photo ops with the various participants that included students, professors, media practitioners, out-of-school youths, foreign and local government and non government officials, multilateral funding agencies.

The communication plans seeks to involve the media, the academe, and other stakeholders in keeping with the Paris Declaration on Broadcast Media and Climate Change of September 2009.

It also hews closely to the Declaration of the United Nations Leadership Forum on Climate Change. It highlights the need for governments “to take collective action now to address climate change.“

The declaration adds that failure to do so “will result in catastrophic damage to the planet, people and the global marketplace.”

Among the crucial messages that the communication framework seeks to bring out are: a) climate change is the test of leadership in the 21st century; b) the future of the global marketplace hangs in the balance; c) effective climate action can trigger an era of sustainable prosperity; d) transformation is possible and viable and e) climate action is integral to human security.

The framework comes on the heels of the Philippines’ participation in the coming Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, to be headed by President Arroyo.

The action plan says:

“We in the Philippines shall endeavor to apply an inter-sectoral inter-disciplinary approach that expands the scope of media beyond print and broadcast to include webcast and other digital online communications technology techniques and other forms of cultural media like performance, literary and visual arts and cinemas, indigenous rituals and traditions.” (PIA V Release)


RP to position itself as ‘victim’ of climate change in Copenhagen

MANILA — The Philippines, along with G-77 and China, will position itself as a victim, not a culprit of climate change during the United Nations-sponsored negotiations in Copenhagen next month.

“Victims are compensated, not penalized with high interest rates and conditionalities,” said Agriculture Undersecretary for Planning Segredo Serrano, a member of the Philippine delegation, at the Multi Media Summit on Climate Change held at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Palace.

The Philippines is taking its cue from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who earlier said, “We are not a culprit of climate change. We are a victim.”

The Philippines accounts for less than one percent of the world’s carbon emissions annually.

Serrano said the Philippines will push for enhanced action on adaptation guided by the following principles:

• Equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities under the Convention;
• Adhere to the “polluter pays principle”;
• Sufficiency and comprehensiveness in scope;
• Enabled by adequate, practicable and timely flow of commitments in financial resources, appropriate technology, and capability building;
• That national adaptation actions be country-driven and nationally-determined rather than being prescribed;
• Consistency with the principles under the Convention and its commitments;
• Be based on and guided and informed by the best available science and appropriate traditional knowledge; and
• Involve all relevant stakeholders through a participatory approach to ensure transparency, ownership, and inclusiveness.

Crucial in next month’s negotiations will be a funding mechanism that will support the necessary adaptation actions in developing countries and institutional arrangements that will coordinate and channel such support together with technology transfer and capacity building.

Meanwhile, Serrano said the Department of Agriculture will shift more money to the research and development of more climate-resilient genetic materials and technologies.

Serrano said R&D will focus on creating crops more resilient crops to sudden shifts in temperature, solar radiation, wind velocities, water levels and precipitation, and new pests and diseases.

In collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, the DA is now using more modern remote sensing technology for more precise planning, monitoring, and verification.

“We also target the immediate provision of more precise and localized meteorological information services to farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders to better enable and empower them to undertake appropriate individual adaptation decisions and actions,” Serrano said. (PIA V Release)


Gov’t reiterates commitment to Science & Technology

MANILA — Malacańang reiterated Friday (November 20) its commitment to science and technology (S&T) in the country. S&T is part of the country’s human capital, which together with natural resources, are drivers of growth.

In the closing ceremonies of the National Inventions Contest and Exhibits 2009 (NICE 2009) at the Philippine Trade and Training Center in Pasay City, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the strong partnership between government and the private sector in promoting technology is the foundation of future economic development.

“Inventions are the Filipinos’ best response to the constantly changing environment. This is why President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is all-out in its support for this special and all-important field of endeavor,” he noted.

He added the President has allocated billions of pesos in strengthening basic education, particularly in science and mathematics, since 2001 when she assumed the presidency.

Remonde said the Arroyo administration is committed to building the Filipinos’ capacity not only to harness the tremendous knowledge and technology available globally, but also ”to make the most of the country’s rich indigenous knowledge and its blending with foreign technologies to produce inventions that would benefit the Filipino people.”

“We need to develop a critical mass of Filipino inventors who will build competitive industries and services to help address pressing national concerns, such as breaking the cycle of our energy dependence and environmental degradation, and climate change, ” he noted.

With the government’s strong commitment to help promote S&T, duly confirmed inventors are now entitled to tax incentives and exemptions from the payment of license fees, permit fees, and other business taxes in the development of their particular invention.

There is also an invention development assistance fund for assisting inventors in their initial experiments and prototype development. (PIA V Release)


Palace unfazed by deficit

MANILA — Malacañang expressed confidence today that the yearend deficit will not reach the P300-billion mark, saying it is not unduly alarmed despite the government exceeding the deficit target by P16-billion at the end of October.

In a media briefing, Deputy Spokesperson for Economic Affairs Gary Olivar said the situation is primarily because of the “dampening effects of the global recession on the tax base as well as unforeseen calamity-related expenditures added to earlier government spending for economic stimulus.”

“The deficit was necessary to avoid recession and finance post calamity rehabilitation and reconstruction,” he said.

According to Olivar, overcoming the worst case deficit scenario would entail redoubling tax collections and streamlining tax administration.

“We call on Congress to pass pending revenue enhancing measures and defer revenue eroding measures for the long term fiscal stability,” he said.

Olivar said that government asset sales efforts will proceed, while on the spending side, “we will continue to disburse prudently and look for the first chance to start easing up on fiscal stimulus spending.”

He said that as the global recovery takes deeper root and economic expansion becomes self sustainable, “we will gradually reduce our deficit ratios over time.”

Olivar said that the spreading global recovery is good news for the country’s manufacturers, exporters, tourist businesses and overseas workers.

“Other macroeconomic fundamentals remain sound and on the uptrend,” he said adding that the good Balance of Payment (BOP) turnout has beefed up the international reserves and stabilized the peso, restoring market confidence and reducing funding costs for both government and private borrowers.

“OFW remittances, foreign investments and domestic liquidity, debt capacity and capital markets activity remain healthy,” he added.

The unexpected large fiscal deficit remains manageable as a percentage of Gross National Product and Gross Domestic Product, which have not stopped growing despite global recession, Olivar added.

The bottom line: “We continue to be able to pay our way in the world, look after our citizens and invest in our future,” he stressed. (PIA V Release)


PGMA confers Order of Sikatuna to Pacquiao, calls him ‘Pangmundong Kamao’

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Friday afternoon (November 20) a proud nation in honoring Manny Pacquiao, conferring on the iconic Filipino boxer the prestigious Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) for his latest ring exploit – that of winning an unprecedented seventh title in as many weight divisions.

The short but simple rites was held at the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta, hours after the reigning pound for pound king came home to a hero’s welcome earlier in the morning from Los Angeles after a masterful demolition of Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto Sunday for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sunday.

It was the highest accolade ever conferred on the multi-titled Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best boxer in the world today. Previously, President Arroyo has named him special envoy for peace and unity in Mindanao following his crushing victory over England’s Ricky Hatton that gave him the light welterweight crown.

The President arrived with Pacquiao at the Quirno Grandstand at around 5 p.m. after the latter’s attendance at a concert tribute at the SM Mall of Asia early in the afternoon.

It took only 10 minutes for the President and Pacquiao to finish their question and answer repartee.

Pacquiao thanked the President and the Filipino people for all the support. He also asked the President why the hero’s welcome, erstwhile held in Malacañang after his previous bouts, is being held at the historic grandstand.

“Unang una, kakaiba kasi ito ngayon dahil sa record mong pitong titulo. Buong mundo na ang iyong fans kaya kailangan special din ang parangal. Kaya ngayong araw na ito Champion for Life ka na.” the President explained.

The award, according to the President, is provided by law, and is actually being given by a grateful nation. The last time she conferred the same honor was when visiting US State Secretary Hilary Clinton came over last week prior to the Singapore APEC summit.

“Taong bayan ang nagbibigay nito sa yo. Ang parangal ay galing sa sambayanang Pilipino, dahil isa ka na nagayong Pangmundong Kamao” she said.

Pacquiao then raised the two championship belts he won in the aftermath of the Cotto fight, and profusely thanked the people for the accolade.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo. Para sa inyo ang lahat ng ito mga kababayan ko,” he said as the crowd that gathered chanted “Manny, Manny!”

The President and Pacquiao then came down the stage to meet the people for the President’s weekly Day of the Common Tao. (PIA V Release)