SALCEDA PICKS BU TO HOST PROFESSORIAL CHAIR
FOR TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda has awarded a P5 million grant to Bicol University (BU) for the Cielo Adelina Florin Sarte Salceda Professorial Chair for Teacher Education program.

Salceda turned-over a check in the initial amount of P1 million to Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, BU president, to start off the program on Sunday (January 10), in time for the 88th birthday celebration of Cielo Adelina Florin Sarte Salceda, the governor’ mother whom the program was also named after.

The grant symbolizes Salceda family’s strong commitment to quality education for Albayanos and teachers’ welfare.

Salceda said the program is one way of documenting the source of his passion for education and teachers’ welfare—his own mother, who is a retired teacher, and who was considered a teacher exemplar during her years of service.

Moreover, the grant is a seal of approval for BU’s quality of service as a Center for Teacher Education not only in the region but in the entire country.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was entered into by and between Governor Salceda Governor and Bicol University President Lauraya to formalize the grant.

The MOA was signed by Salceda and Lauraya, witnessed by the governor’s mother herself, Dr. Obdulia E. Rojas, the dean of BU College of Education, which will be the main beneficiary of the grant. (MMEneses, BU/PIA)


DPWH COMPLETES P7B INFRA PLANS IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY — THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol has completed last year some 674 infrastructure projects worth a total of P6.9 billion.

Danilo Manalang, DPWH Bicol regional director, has bared that the agency completed the 674 projects for 2009, including 155 implemented by Camarines Sur 3rd Engineering District Office and 137 carried out by Camarines Sur 1st Engineering District Office.

Manalang noted that Bicol has received a big chunk of the national infrastructure fund allocation to support the region’s needed infrastructure requirements to sustain the growth of agricultural industry and provide more employment opportunities.

He added that 121 various infra projects programmed for 2009 are still ongoing while 160 projects are in pre-construction phase.

“The implementation of the 2009 projects was delayed due to typhoons that hit the region during the last two quarters of the year. Concerned district engineering offices, however, have already prepared their catch-up plans in order to finish the projects before the second quarter of 2010,” Manalang added. (MALoterte, PIA V)


8 VIE FOR SOLON, THREE FOR GOVERNOR; PARTY-HOPPING EVEN AT THE TOP

MASBATE Province — Eight aspirants for congressional seats in the three districts of this island-province and three for governors have filed their certificates of candidacy in what is feared as one of the hottest elections in the annals of Masbate.

Two are also running for vice governor and 28 for the 10 seats of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Hundreds more are vying for mayor, vice mayor and Sangguniang Bayan in the lone city and 20 municipalities.

Easily noticeable was the hodge-podge of political parties the candidates wrote in their certificates of candidacy.

Also, the sudden shift of party affiliation even after filing the certificate which some of those running for higher position did on deadline Monday.

Party-hopping is still expected in the next few days even in the case of candidates for provincial board member.

The three who are running for governor are incumbent Governor Elisa “Olga” T. Kho of Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Rep. Rizalina “Dayan” Seachon-Lanete of the Nationalist People’s Coalition; and Judith Espinosa, independent.

Candidates for vice governor are reelection-seeking Vice Governor Vicente Homer B. Revil of NPC and Provincial Board Member Jamon Espares of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

For Congress:

First district — incumbent Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. of Liberal Party and San Fernando Vice Mayor Carla Bunan of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Second district — incumbent Rep. Antonio Kho of Lakas-Kampi-CMD and retired police Chief Supt. Darius Tuason Sr., NPC.

Third district — former Board Member Alex Almario, LP; Francisco Booc Jr., PMP; Scott Davies Lanete, NPC; and Dimasalang Mayor Demphna Naga, independent.

Candidates for SP:

First district — Cherry Abapo, Nacionalista Party; Alfredo Alim Jr., Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Gil Gernorga Jr., Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Antonio Mendoza Jr., NP; Roger Rapsing, NP; Federico Serra, PMP; Santiago Yap Jr., PMP.

Second district — former Masbate Mayor Juan Sanchez, independent; Lovely Abapo, NP; Ma. Victoria Aguilar, NPC; Elenterio Castillo, NP; incumbent Provincial Board Member Silar Laurio, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; incumbent Provincial Board Member Julius Tuason, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; incumbent Provincial Board Member Enrique Legaspi III, PMP; Edgardo Tatoy, Philippine Green Republican Party; and Gil Bayaban Jr. and Eugene Abelita, independent.

Third district—incumbent Provincial Board Member Ricar Vasquez, NPC; Hamilcar Arregadas II, NPC; Albert Vincent Chu, NPC; Rhodora Rey, NPC; Ramon Diamos, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; John Henry Naga, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Siegfred Santor, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Ansbert Son, Lakas-Kampi-CMD; Carlos Tolibas, LP; Rudy Abenir, LP; and Antonio Almocera, PGRP. (EADelgado/PIA Masbate)


MAYORAL, VICE MAYORAL BETS UNOPPOSED

MASBATE CITY—The campaign period has not even begun but it is already all over for two mayoralty aspirant and two vice mayoralty candidate who are running unopposed in the May 10 elections.

Unchallenged in their reelection bids are incumbent Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor, Esperanza Mayor Mac John Seachon, Masbate City Vice Mayor Allan Cos and Cawayan Vice Mayor Ramon Abinuman.

Also virtual winner is reelection-seeking Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason, whose challengers, one Mabel Bartolabac and Moshe James Serra, were likened by observers to “flyweight boxers fighting a heavyweight champion.”

Thirteen of 20 towns in this island-province feature one-on-one fights for mayor, nine of them reelection-seekers.

Also showing a one-on-one match-ups for the post of vice mayor are 12 towns and these are Balud, Batuan, Cataingan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Monreal, Palanas, Pio V. Corpus, San Fernando, San Jacinto, San Pascual and Uson.

In San Fernando, the wife of Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. is running for mayor against former Education Undersecretary Manuel Bunan.

A son of Rep. Antonio Kho is gunning for his second term as mayor of Cataingan town, while a son of Rep. Rizalina “Dayan” Lanete is seeking reelection in Placer. Another son of Lanete is running for mayor of Pio V. Corpus.

In Dimasalang, the husband of Mayor Demphna Naga is running to in place of his wife, who is running for Congress. His own son is his running mate.

In Mandaon, the daughter of outgoing Mayor Emily Hao is running to succeed his mother, while in Monreal, the father of Mayor Wyett Espiloy is gunning for his post. (EADelgado/PIA Masbate)


MGB REMINDS MINING FIRMS ON REQUIREMENTS FOR EP, MPP, AC AND OTP

LEGAZPI CITY — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol has reminded existing and prospective small scale mining firms to comply with the documentary requirements whenever they are applying for Exploration Permit (EP), Mineral Processing Permit (MPP), Area Clearance (AC) for Small-Scale Mining Permit/Quarry Permit and Ore Transmit Permit (OTP).

Advisory from MGB Bicol states that essential to these four frontline services of the MGB-V is a written letter-request addressed to the Regional Director and in addition the following documentary requirements are required to be submitted:

1) For EP, a mining permittee is required to submit: a Location Map/Sketch Plan of the proposed area; 2-year Exploration Work Program; Proof of Technical Competence of Technical Personnel who will undertake the activities; Proof of Financial Capability to implement the work program; Certified True Copy of relevant legal business documents whether the applicant is a corporation, partnership or an association and the corresponding certificate of business registration; and Affidavit of Undertaking.

2) For MPP, a mining applicant is required to submit: a certificated Certificate of Registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or authorized government agency; certified Articles of Incorporation/Partnership/Association and By-Laws; Location Map/Sketch Plan of the area where the plant is located; Feasibility Study; Environmental Management Record and Community Relation Record (when applicable); Environmental Compliance Certificate; Proof of Technical Competence of Personnel who will undertake the operation; Proof of Financial Capability; Permit on the Use of Chemicals from the Environmental Management Bureau; Brief history of the Applicant’s activities for the last five years (if any); and other supporting papers as maybe required.

3) For AC, applicant with pending application at the ENRO-LGU is required to submit three sets of sketch/map/survey plan signed by a deputized Mines Geodetic Engineer.

4) For OTP, a mining permittee, mining contractor, mining rights holder, accredited traders or retailers is required to submit a Letter Request for Application for OTP.

a. The mining fee for EP is P60.00 per hectare; for MPP, P50,000 per application when the project investment is above P500 million, P20,000 per application when the project investment is above P250 million to P500 million and P10,000 per application when the project investment is from P250 million and below; no filing fee for AC; and for OTP, P2,000 for metallic and P1,000 for non-metallic.

An applicant may inquire on the details of the documentary requirements and
apply at the MGB-V from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12nn and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or he can inquire thru mgbr5@yahoo.com or www.mgb5.net.

It takes at least 58 days for the MGB-V to complete the transaction for EP,
10 days for MPP, 5 days for EC and 4 days for an OTP. (LDValdez, MGB V/PIA)

PHILHEALTH EXTENDS PAYMENT DEADLINE FOR MEMBERS IN ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY-- In the wake of the implications of the recent Mayon Volcano eruption, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Bicol has extended the deadline of payment premium contributions of Individually Paying Members supposed due on the fourth quarter of 2009, including those enrolled under the KaSAPI program, to January 29, 2010.

PhilHealth Bicol regional office, services offices, and all PhilHealth-accredited collecting agents will accept premium payments for the said extended period.

For inquiries, please visit our PhilHealth RO V at ANST 3 Building, Alternate Road, Legazpi City, or call (052) 481-5598; 820-0799; or 481-5580. (PhilHealth V/PIA)


PGEAs ANNOUNCES ACTIVITIES FOR JANUARY 2010

LEGAZPI CITY— The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announces the scheduled activities of the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) for the month of January 2010.

PGEA has slated a Forum on Climate Change and Environmental Protection on January 18-20 aimed at making public workers aware of climate change, preparedness and mitigation, Venue of the said activity is yet to be announced.

On January 27-29, a Consultation Meeting on Public Workers’ Agenda will also be held to consult government employees and unions on priority agenda of the public sector workers. Venue of the said activity is yet to be announced.

For more information and details of the activities, interested participants may contact telephone nos. (02) 926-1573, 811-4244 and facsimile no. (02) 891-635. (CSC release/PIA)


Volunteer medical group set to leave for Haiti

MANILA — A group of disaster-tested medical volunteers is scheduled to leave for Haiti to help in the rescue and relief operations in that quake-ravaged nation.

In a media briefing today, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the medical mission will complement government efforts to secure the welfare of 290 Filipinos living and working in Haiti, including three members of the Philippine peace keeping force, who are trapped in one of the collapsed buildings.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo activated yesterday a task force within the Philippine peacekeeping contingent to help in the rescue and relief work.

“The Filipino nation joins the international community in expressing sympathy and support to the Republic of Haiti over the recent earthquake that has claimed the lives of yet undetermined number of people, injured many more, and caused widespread destruction of property,” the President said in a statement read by Remonde.

“It is our fervent wish that Haiti recovers quickly and fully from this tragedy,” the President said in her message.

In a separate letter to Haiti President Rene Garcia Preval, the President conveyed the country’s condolences and assurance of support to Preval’s government and people.

She said the Department of Foreign Affairs, Commission of Filipinos Overseas, Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration are closely monitoring the progress of the operation. (PIA V Release)


One of 4 trapped RP peacekeepers in Haiti rescued

MANILA — One of the four Filipino peacekeepers trapped inside collapsed buildings in Haiti was rescued before noon Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported.

At a press briefing, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said Cpl. David Catacutan was retrieved with only bruises from the basement gym of the Montana Hotel at Port Au Prince around 11:30
a.m.
Citing a report from AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center chief Col. Gregory Cayetano, Brawner said Catacutan was rescued by his fellow Filipino peacekeepers.

“We have good news. As of 11:30 this morning, Philippine time, Cpl. David Catacutan was rescued by members of the Philippine Contingent at Montana hotel and as per the initial medical examination, Cpl.
Catacutan sustained bruises and right now he is recuperating or resting at the headquarters or the barracks of the Philippine contingent,” said Brawner.

Brawner said Catacutan was escorting a VIP from the United Nations when the hotel collapsed. He said they are hoping that the VIP that Catacutan was escorting prior to the intensity 7 quake was also rescued.

“The family (of Catacutan) has been informed about the rescue,” said Brawner.

The rescue of Catacutan brings to only three the remaining Filipino peacekeepers who are trapped. They are DP3 Perlie Panangui, a clerk at the office of the Force Commander; Sgt. Janice Arocena, a clerk at the Chief of Staff, Central Registry; and Sgt. Eustacio Bermudez, a clerk at the Conduct and Discipline Unit/Force Provo Martial.

The three were trapped on the second floor of the Christopher Hotel at Port Au Prince.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to rescue the three others who were believed to be trapped on the second floor of the Christopher building,” said Brawner. (PIA V Release)


PGMA inaugurates ICT firm, attains 500,000 worker goal

MANILA — There are now more than 500,000 ICT (information communications technology) workers in the country.

On Thursday (January 14), WNS First Global Delivery Center in the Philippines inaugurated its facility at the Eastwood Cyber City in Libis, Quezon City, and announced it had increased the number of its workforce to
1100 employees.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, had set the 500,000 mark and proceeded to attain the goal by creating the cyber corridor super region that cuts across Baguio to Clark to Metro Manila, to Cebu to Davao.

The firm’s expansion has enabled the current administration to reach that milestone.

''Half a million of nine million new jobs is certainly a substantial result,'' the President remarked during the ceremony.

Prabhakar Bisen, president and CEO of WNS Philippines, said the country is ''one of the most exciting destinations '' for BPOs and call centers. He added that all this was the result of the foresight and hard work of the current administration.

In early 2008,WNS formed WNS Philippines as a joint venture with Advanced Contact Solutions, Inc, a pioneer and leader in BPO services and customer care in the Philippines.

The BPO Association of the Philippines had projected the expansion of the BPO industry to a million jobs this year, with the physical infrastructure in place.

PGMA asks city mayor to help ensure honest polls President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday asked city mayors to help the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ensure a clean, honest and fair elections in May.

The President sounded the call in her keynote address at the 55th General Assembly of the League of Cities of the Philippines held at the Manila Pavilion.

“The real challenge is for you to make your respective cities a model of free, fair and open elections,” the President said.

According to the President, the COMELEC should ensure credible and orderly elections through the automated polling system, but the city executives and their town counterparts have a duty to help out in the attainment of this noble objective for the people of your cities and the rest of the country.

She stressed that the success of the May elections is crucial to the country’s political and economic stability in 2010, while its failure or deferment could trigger unrest.

The President had earlier doused cold water on speculations that automated polls will not push through this May and that there is a great possibility of no election and no-proclamation of the winning
candidates.

Last Tuesday, after the National Security Council meeting, she announced the country is ready for automated polls and that there will be no failure of elections.

After elections, the President said, the mayors should exert extra effort to improve the lives of their constituents.

“With your unceasing hardwork and your support I know we will beat the odds and make the Philippines a First World country in 20 years,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

Election spending to boost GDP -- NEDA

MANILA — Election spending will likely boost the conservative 2.6 -3.6 percent GDP growth forecast of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) this year.

In a media briefing with Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar in Malacañang Thursday (January 14), NEDA policy and planning Director Dennis Arroyo said election spending can shore up the economy by giving an additional 0.34 percentage points to GDP.

Arroyo said the projection is based on the 2007 elections for senators, House seats and local government officials which gave additional income from television, news, rentals, food, shirts and other election materials.

Despite a possible mild El Nino, Arroyo said the NEDA is maintaining its conservative 2.6 -3.6 GDP growth forecast for this year.

Arroyo said this is even with the 3.1 percent forecast of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); 3.3 percent by the Asian Development Bank (ADB); and 3.5 percent forecast for the Philippines of the World Bank.

Arroyo said GDP growth last year will be buoyed up by the significant fourth quarter recovery of the export sector, including the remittances from the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The fourth quarter growth of exports in 2009, according to him, will likely pull up the projection of 0.8 percent to one percent or a bit higher.

“The fourth quarter will likely pull up the 0.8 percent projection for 2009,” he said adding that 2010 will be a bit better with the worst of the global crisis in 2009.

Arroyo and Olivar said however the next administration faces the challenge of handling the economy and continue the government’s pump priming and other economic agenda.

Arroyo advised the next administration to continue increasing the collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) to increase infrastructure and social spending.

Arroyo said this include the administration’s spending on vital infrastructure such as roads and bridges to spur economic activities particularly in the provinces. (PIA V Release)

PGMA asks city mayor to help ensure honest polls

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked Thursday (January 14) city mayors to help the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ensure a clean, honest and fair elections in May.

The President sounded the call in her keynote address at the 55th General Assembly of the League of Cities of the Philippines held at the Manila Pavilion.

“The real challenge is for you to make your respective cities a model of free, fair and open elections,” the President said.

According to the President, the COMELEC should ensure credible and orderly elections through the automated polling system, but the city executives and their town counterparts have a duty to help out in the attainment of this noble objective for the people of your cities and the rest of the country.

She stressed that the success of the May elections is crucial to the country’s political and economic stability in 2010, while its failure or deferment could trigger unrest.

The President had earlier doused cold water on speculations that automated polls will not push through this May and that there is a great possibility of no election and no-proclamation of the winning candidates.

Last Tuesday, after the National Security Council meeting, she announced the country is ready for automated polls and that there will be no failure of elections.

After elections, the President said, the mayors should exert extra effort to improve the lives of their constituents.

“With your unceasing hardwork and your support I know we will beat the odds and make the Philippines a First World country in 20 years,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

Gov’t sees decline in hunger incidence

MANILA — The incidence of hunger will decline in the coming months, with the continuous spending on the reconstruction of facilities damaged by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng last year.

NEDA Director Dennis Arroyo and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar made the observation in a media briefing Thursday (January 14).

The spike in hunger incidence, Arroyo said, was mainly due to the damage in agricultural crops and fishery due to the two typhoons that left farmers and fishermen idle for months.

As a result, the NEDA official further said, prices of basic commodities such as fish, rice, and vegetables went up. The situation was aggravated by the almost 60 percent increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

He added that the spending on reconstruction work in the succeeding quarters this year will have a salutary effect on the economy.

Likewise, he said, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are intensifying efforts to help affected farmers and fishermen.

The government is fighting hunger through the 14,581 Tindahan Natin outlets, 165 Barangay Bagsakan outlets; and the Food-for-School program, all of which provide rice and food subsidies for the benefit of 921,084 elementary pupils and 826,761 day care children.

It has also expanded the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which has so far extended coverage to 700,000 families from the initial target of 321,000 families. (PIA V Release)