SORSOGON PUSHES BAC-MAN GEOTHERMAL
AS PRIME ECOTOURISM SPOT

SORSOGON Province — The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is currently developing the Bacon–Manito Geothermal Production Field (BGPF) as Sorsogon’s prime ecotourism destination.

Engr. Liberato S. Virata, EDC-BGPF resident manager, said that the corporation has initially organized BGPF ecotourism planning team, composed of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), local government units of Sorsogon City, Castilla town, this province and Manito, Albay, and EDC-BacMan host communities.

Virata added that the planning team also participated in a three-day Ecotourism Planning Seminar Workshop drawing out priority activities in the identification and development of ecotourism in the area.

He also said that important components contributory to the development of the geothermal site as the province’s prime ecotourism destination were presented and discussed during the workshop crafting the EDC’s ecotourism vision.

The vision states a unique forest-based geothermal ecotourism destination advocating balance of nature and technology, preserving bio-diversity, generating livelihood opportunities and empowering local communities committed to imprint a greening legacy to all Filipinos.

It can be recalled that a year ago, the power firm launched its intensified re-greening program dubbed as “Binhi: A Greening Legacy”.

Four components made up the project such as “Tree for the Future” highlighting the preservation of indigenous premium forest species by establishing tree parks, “Tree for Life” that bridges the forest gaps for biodiversity conservation, “Tree for Food” which establishes forest plantations to provide livelihood to upland communities, and the “Tree for Leisure” which develops reservation as ecotourism sites.

Virata said that the “Tree for Leisure” will develop the geothermal reservations into an ecotourism destination putting emphasis on biodiversity conservation nature-appreciation particularly on the natural features and the forest beauty of the EDC-BGPF project sites.

“Likewise, it will provide recreation, enjoyment and study sites for students, visitors and local communities, and consequently provide livelihood opportunities for the communities,” he explained.

Recognizing the vast potential of this geothermal reservation, EDC-BGPF has already been chosen as one of the Ms. Earth’s official destination for two consecutive years now.

Meanwhile, ecotourism sites in the geothermal site like Botong Twin Falls, Mud Pool, Nag-aso Cave, Danao Lake and Butterfly Garden were also assessed based from the criteria set by the Department of Tourism and the University of the Philippines College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Department of Tourism National Office consultant Warren Andrada said that EDC Bac-Man, a biologically important ecotourism site, second to Mt. Apo in Mindanao, is considered one of the country’s prides.

Andrada also said that local residents must be aware and appreciate its tourism value particularly that most of our reservation areas and natural parks now belong to the 50% declared “biologically not important” because it has already been destroyed and are denuded citing as example the Bicol National Park. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

ALBAY UNVEILS LITERACY CUM LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY — Jail workers and teachers, especially those who are still awaiting for their assignments, would now have opportunity to make use of their time in the literacy cum livelihood program offered by the Provincial Government of Albay.

Emily Kare, Albay Millennium Development Goal Office (AMDGO) coordinator for Albay, averred the provincial government will hold a Basic Training for Instructional Managers on the Delivery and Implementation of Alternative Literacy System (ALS) on February 8-12, 2010 for qualified jail guards and teacher.

Kare explained that applicants who would complete the five-day trainors’ training will then undergo accreditation, equivalency and skills training.

She said that teachers will handle literacy class, under the supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd) Albay division office, in remote barangays of Jovellar, Camalig, Manito, Guinobatan Daraga and Sto. Domingo towns.

Teachers will also cater to out of school youth (OSY) and the underserved, unprivileged, poor but deserving learners and residents of far flung areas in the province.

Jail guards-turned-educators, on the other hand, will handle classes inside the jail using ALS curricula,” Kare added.

“For inmates serving their penitentiary court decisions, they were totally deprived of their privilege to access education resulting to physical, emotional and social traumatic stress,” she noted.

Kare also said the provincial government has tied up with the DepEd, Anislag ALS Community Learning Center, Daraga Municipal Government, and Bureau of Jail and Management (BJM) regional office for the implementation of the program.

DepEd, according to Kare, has already deployed some 2,000 ALS district coordinators and almost 1,000 mobile teachers nationwide to handle the same program to minimize and eradicate illiteracy in the country. (MALoterte, PIA V)

P2.2 M ‘HOT’ FOREST PRODUCTS SEIZED IN BICOL IN 2009

LEGAZPI CITY – More than P2 million worth of illegal forest products were confiscated in Bicol last year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.

DENR authorities here said this was due to the strict campaign against illegal logging which resulted in the apprehension and confiscation of 200,100 cubic meters of forest products consisting of round logs, flitches and lumber worth about P2,226,863.00 and 42 conveyances and 11 chainsaws used in the illegal trade.

Forest protection and anti-illegal logging campaigns were relentlessly pursued in order to preserve and protect the region’s remaining forestlands, according to DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada.

“This function has been institutionalized as a shared responsibility among local government units, law enforcement agencies, people’s organizations, Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs), civic groups and concerned individuals making the strategy more effective than ever, Fragada said.

He also said that the strict implementation of forest laws and regulations is based on the assumption that anyone who destroys the environment violates the law and the rights of people to a healthy environment and therefore should be meted with appropriate punishment. (ASAraya, DENR/PIA)

CSC OPENS LSP-MDC, SETS DEADLINE FEB. 10

LEGAZPI CIT— Here’s good news for government workers who would want to pursue a post graduate degree.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Bicol is accepting applications for the Local Scholarship Program-Master’s Degree Course (LSP-MDC) Written Test until February 10, 2010.

Under the program, a one-year scholarship grant to pursue master’s degree will be provided government employees after passing the written test and an interview.

The LSP-MDC Written Test, which will be conducted nationwide on March 28, 2010, is intended for school year 2011-2012.

State workers who hold a bachelor’s degree and a permanent appointment for the last three years, with performance ratings of at least “Very Satisfactory” for the last two consecutive rating periods, without any master’s degree at present, not been convicted of any administrative/criminal offense for the last three years, in good health and physically and mentally fit to perform graduate studies, may qualify for the scholarship program.

The scholarship is also open to state employees who have previously earned master’s units, who are on thesis writing, who have availed of a short-term course, and event hose who have pending administrative cases, without prejudice to automatic revocation of the scholarship should they later be found guilty of an administrative offense.

Employees who hold co-terminus appointment, so long as they can fulfill the service obligation and are not related to the agency head within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, may also apply for the program.

Interested applicants must complete the following requirements and submit them to the CSC Regional Office 5, Rawis, Legazpi City or to any field offices in the province of Albay:

1) Properly accomplished application form (CS Form 101-B, Revised March 2006 available at CSC regional/field offices and website: www.csc.gov.ph);
2) four copies of identical, 1.5”x2” I.D. pictures with full name tag and taken within the last three months prior to application;
3) original and photocopy of one valid I.D. card;
4) photocopy of performance rating for the last two consecutive rating periods prior to application;
5) photocopy of college diploma, or certificate of graduation;
6) service record for the last three years; and
7) medical certificate on the state of health and physical and mental fitness of the applicant. No examination fee will be charged.

All applicants must have the nomination of their respective agency heads. (CSC release/PIA)

CNWD TO UPGRADE WATER SERVICES
… braces for El Niño

DAET, Camarines Norte — The development of the first surface water source in Barangay Dagotdotan in San Lorenzo Ruiz town, this province will help address the impending El Niño expected to bring a dry spell in the country in the coming months

Ma. Antonia Boma, Camarines Norte Water District (CNWD) general manager, said the project is expected to be completed on September this year, adding that the water source can produce a maximum of 12,000 cubic meter water per day until 2012

Boma recalled that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has funded the improvement of the water services in Camarines Norte after local government officials and residents here encounter problems on inadequate water supply for the past years.

She noted that the dry spell brought about by El Niño phenomenon is now being experienced in portions of Mindanao, Western Visayas and some areas in Luzon, including Camarines Norte, since December 2009, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Boma explained that as a result the water production of CNWD has dwindled considerable causing low pressure in several portions of the service areas.

She cited that the PAGASA advisory stating that there is a slim chance of tropical cyclone in January 2010 as temperature is near normal in most parts of Luzon while there is normal surface air temperature in most areas of Visayas and Mindanao.

She added that the total rainfall in Camarines Norte only reached 4,098.6 mm which is lower than the recorded PAGASA rainfall data of 5,379.92 mm in 2008. The shortfall in rainwater last year resulted to low spring yields, from the usual 70 cm. down to 30-32 cm. causing water shortage in the service areas particularly the far end and elevated points. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

2 BARANGAY CHIEFS GUNNED DOWN IN MASBATE

MASBATE CITY— Far from being deterred by the arrival of police commandos, Masbate’s political assassins struck again, gunning down two village leaders in the towns of Esperanza and San Jacinto.

Barangay Captain Danilo R. Amor was shot dead Thursday (January 28) in Barangay Poblacion, San Jacinto town by a lone gunman just hours after the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa, placed the entire province under “special police watch.”

The victim in the second incident, Ali D. Aranzado, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Esperanza, was attacked on the eve of Verzosa’s visit in Camp Bonny Serrano here where he ordered the setting up of mobile checkpoints across the province to disband private armies and disarm unauthorized gun holders.

Aranzado, 35, was on his way home from a political meeting in Barangay Masbaranon when waylaid by a band of armed men around 2:30 p.m., police said.

Amor, the 52-year-old head of remote Barangay Bartolabac, was eating at about 8 p.m. when a man wearing a black jacket barged into his house and shot him in the chest in front of his wife, police said.

Aranzado and Amor were the latest victims in what appeared to be election-related incidents in Masbate. Both were not running for any elective position but they were identified with feuding politicians in their localities. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)

Icban takes oath as new Press Secretary

MANILA— Newly appointed Press Secretary Crispulo “Jun” Icban Jr. took his oath of office to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday morning (February 1) in simple ceremonies at the Study Room of the Malacanang Palace.

President Arroyo appointed Icban as a replacement to the late Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde.

Icban, also president of the Capampangan in Media Inc. (CAMI), a Central Luzon-based group of tri-media practitioners, whose officers and board of directors were inducted last month by President Macapagal-Arroyo.

Icban is the editor-in-chief (on leave) of Manila Bulletin, one of the oldest newspaper in the country.

Acting Press Secretary Conrado “Dodie” Limcaoco Jr. also turned-over the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) leadership to Icban in a simple ceremony at the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacanang.

The President named Limcaoco as Acting Press Secretary following Remonde's unexpected demise due to a heart attack last January 19. (PIA V Release)

PGMA cites vital role of ICT in RP’s economic growth, job generation

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday underscored the important role of information and communications technology (ICT) in improving the country’s economy and providing thousands of jobs to the Filipino people.

As she formally started her nationwide cyber corridor tour at the Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City, Pampanga, the President noted the rapid development of the ICT industry in the country, which she said her administration has created almost from scratch.

The Chief Executive said the Philippines now ranks as among the most attractive business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations in the world due to cost competitiveness and highly trainable English proficient IT enabled management and manpower.

"That’s why I am very proud of our cyber corridor,” the Chief Executive said as she related how the ICT industry grew from virtually nothing in year 2001.

She said the number of workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has ballooned from only 4,000 in 2001 to almost 500,000 at present mainly due to government’s rational and strategic act to foster a digital culture that maximized the benefits of ICT.

The 500,000 jobs created in the BPO industry are part of the legacies she will leave when she steps down from office in June, the Chief Executive said.

President Arroyo said her administration has accomplished this major development as the government has concentrated on three areas, namely, building of physical infrastructure that included telecommunications and network infrastructure; ensuring an appropriate policy and legal environment so as to create an environment to grow ICT; and, development of human capital to close the digital divide.

In terms of technical educational skills training, she also said her administration has invested three times that of three previous administrations combined.

ICT is one of the strongest contributors to the country’s flourishing economy. At present, there are 750 ICT companies located in the cyber corridor.

The President also noted that Pasig, Cebu and Mandaluyong are ranked among the top 50 cities worldwide suited for BPO operations.

”I am very proud to tell you that next to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu which our original ICT Center of Excellence, the third most popular destination for BPO investments is none other than here in Pampanga,” she also said.

With this major accomplishment, the President said she is determined to turn over to the new government a new Philippines - one which is ready for the challenges ahead. (PIA V Release)

Palace has not yet received copy of Congress-approved Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009 -- Olivar

MANILA — Malacanang said the group of elderly who staged a rally this morning at Mendiola Bridge should address their sentiments concerning the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2009 to Congress and not to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar told a media briefing that the elderly should ask the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to expedite the transmission of the copy of the approved Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act to President Arroyo.

Olivar explained that the copy of the approved measure has not yet reached the Office of the President (OP) and it is unfair to assail the Chief Executive for not signing into law the bill that will give additional benefits to the country's senior citizens.

He said that once the copy of the proposed law is received by Malacanang, President Arroyo will study and weigh its possible effects.

He noted that the exemptions from paying the 12 percent Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) by the senior citizens will affect the tax collections of the government and this will need a thorough study.

Among the salient provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009 are the following:
-- Senior citizens shall be granted exemption from the value-added tax provided under the National Internal Revenue Code on the sale of goods and services from all establishments;

-- They shall also be given a 20 percent discount on the purchase of medicines; professional fees of attending physicians in all private hospitals, medical facilities, and outpatient clinics; medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees in all private hospitals and medical facilities, and outpatient clinics; on actual fare for land transportation, domestic air transport services and sea shipping; on the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers; and on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement;

-- Senior citizens who are considered minimum wage earners shall be given exemption from the payment of individual income taxes;

-- The Department of Health (DOH) shall administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease for indigent senior citizen patients;

-- Death benefit assistance of a minimum of P2,000 shall be given to the nearest surviving relative of a deceased senior citizen;

-- Throughout the country, there shall be a "senior citizens ward" in every government hospital. This geriatric ward shall be for the exclusive use of senior citizens who are in need of hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions;

-- Indigent senior citizens identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall be entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to P1,500 to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs. (PIA V Release)

PGMA: RP hosting of SNAMMM will harness potential of Interfaith Dialogue for lasting peace and development

MANILA— President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the Philippines’ hosting of the Special Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development on March 16 to 18, 2010 will harness the great potential of interfaith dialogue in bringing lasting peace and sustainable development.

The President espoused this during the opening ceremonies of the 15th NAM Summit at the Maritim Congress Center in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt in July last year where she invited member-countries of the NAM to actively participate in the conference that will mark the first time that the Non-Aligned Movement will harness the great potentials of interfaith dialogue and cooperation to advance circular concerns for durable, lasting peace and sustainable development.
The meeting, which will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), will give representatives of the 118 NAM member-countries the opportunity to focus on the role of interfaith dialogue and cooperation play in averting and ending conflicts that bring death and destruction around the world.

The President has pointed out that issues such as the financial crisis, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation and other pressing global concerns can be effectively addressed through international solidarity and dialogue amongst peoples, civilizations and religions.

The Philippines is the leading proponent on interfaith dialogue and promotes the same to bring peace and development in Mindanao.

In 2004, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Philippines resolution on interfaith dialogue as another option in realizing a durable peace. And in 2006, during the 14th NAM which the President attended, the final document included Philippines’ hosting of the special meeting on interfaith dialogue.

It is in NAM that the Philippines is able to amplify its support for efforts to meet threats to international peace and security through dialogue, preventive measures and peacemaking.

A Department of Foreign Affairs statement said that the Philippines “considers that intercultural and interfaith dialogue policy framework paves the way for the coming together of people of different cultures and faiths to build, through dialogue and action, a shared environment of peace and security based on mutual understanding, trust and respect.”

The special NAM meeting was originally scheduled for December 1-3, 2009, but was postponed to March so that the Philippine government could concentrate on relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that struck the country in September last year.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leslie Gatan, in an interview Sunday afternoon over government-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan, said the Philippine hosting of the SNAMMM has three-fold objectives: to support NAM’s principles in promoting a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations, religions and cultures; to promote interfaith dialogue as an important instrument in achieving global peace and development; and to highlight the Philippines’ leading role in interfaith dialogue in the international community.

Intercultural and interfaith dialogue, pursued in a variety of ways, helps dismantle the culture of violence on which terrorism breeds by bringing about significant positive outcomes.

These include improved relations and openness among religious leaders engaged in interreligious dialogue, as well as among ordinary people of varied cultures and faiths who have participated in interfaith workshop, seminars and conferences; better understanding of conflicts and enhanced skills in conflict resolution among key stakeholders especially in Mindanao, where the Muslim secessionist movement is most active;

Relative peace in conflict-affected communities as a result of the coordinated efforts of local peace mechanisms and civil society initiatives which actively involve local religious leaders and workers as ceasefire monitors and peace advocates; healing and reconciliation facilitated among conflict-affected individuals; enhanced cultural and conflict sensitivity in plan and program formulation and implementation; and,

Peace constituency expanded and strengthened with the support and participation of more religious moderates and improved institutional linkages between and among local and international peace and interfaith organizations, as well as between government and interfaith NGOs. (PIA V Release)

JBC receives nominations for next SC chief justice

MANILA — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday received nominations for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC) which will be vacated by the retirement of Chief Justice Reynato Puno on May 17, 2010.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Agnes Devanadera, who is a member of the JBC, said that they have received letters of recommendation for nomination as replacement of Chief Justice Puno.

Devanadera reminded the aspirants that the JBC will accept such nominations until Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.

Former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo recommended to the JBC Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio for appointment as the next Chief Justice of the SC.

Villa-Ignacio is a protege of Marcelo at the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) some years back.

Villa-Ignacio served as prosecutor in the plunder trial at the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan against former President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada.

Villa-Ignacio accepted the nomination on the understanding that it shall be submitted to the next president.

Villa-Ignacio believes on the constitutional ban on the incumbent President from appointing a Chief Justice after the retirement of Chief Justice Puno.

Atty. Hector Corpus, a private law practitioner, also recommended to the JBC incumbent Associate Justice Renato Corona for the soon-to-be vacant position of the Chief Justice of the SC.
Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Jr. and Antonio Eduardo Nachura earlier declined the nomination of the JBC saying that they are not interested to participate in the nomination process of the JBC, adding that they would like to give way to the other more senior justices of the judiciary.

Likewise, Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Conchita Carpio Morales, who are distant cousins, manifested that they will accept the nomination on the condition that the appointment will be made by the next president.

On the other hand, Corona has yet to accept the nomination for the position of the next chief justice of the highest court of the land. (PIA V Release)

Three more oil firms cut fuel prices‏

MANILA— Three more oil companies rolled back the prices of their fuel Monday noon.
Raffy Ledesma, public affairs officer of Petron Corp., said his company is slashing by 75 centavos per liter the prices of its diesel and kerosene, while Thailand-based PTT Philippines said it will only implement a 75 centavos per liter rollback only on their diesel products.

Ledesma attributed the rollback to the downtrend in international prices.

Flying V, on the other hand, said they are matching the price cut imposed by their rival Seaoil and Eastern Petroleum early Monday morning of 50 centavos per liter reduction in gasoline and 75 centavos per liter for both diesel and kerosene.

Both Seaoil and Eastern Petroleum impose the price cut 12:01 am today.

Oil giant Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Chevron Philippines as well as Total Philippines have not implemented any price reduction yet but they are expected to follow suit.

Over the weekend, crude dipped by US$ 6 per barrel from the US$ 80 per barrel price last month to US$ 74 per barrel last Friday. (PIA V Release)