PGMA VISITS MASBATE FRIDAY
… showcases milestone legacies on Philippine Education and Tourism Super Region

LEGAZPI CITY (March 12) — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was in Monreal town in Ticao Island, Masbate province Friday morning (March 12) to ensure the full implementation of the Philippine Main Education Highway (PMEH) towards a knowledge-based economy.

Upon arrival at the Monreal National High School (MNHS), President Arroyo was greeted with post guard honors and reception line by Masbate Governor Elisa Kho, Masbate 1st District Representative Narciso “Bong” Bravo Jr., Monreal Mayor Jose Wyett Espiloy, and Vice Mayor Romeo Grona, DepEd national and local officials and Rustico Atacadoir Jr. school principal of MNHS.

An estimated crowd of more than 2,000 comprising of local government officials and employees, school faculty, students, parents, ordinary folks, 4Ps beneficiaries, teachers, fisher folks, and farmers greeted, cheered and shook hands with the President as she is escorted towards the classroom area.

President Arroyo visited MNHS and inspected the new computer lab established under the Secondary Schools Computer Literacy Project SSCLP) that would soon join Internet Connectivity Program (ICP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) throughout the archipelago.

The ICP is the key result of the President’s Education For All (EFA) agenda through the DepEd’s showcase in Linking Hands for Education (LHE) where various stakeholders and sectors of Philippine society converge to make education of the youth as a paramount concern and main business.

The President has constantly emphasized the need for a highly competent and globally competitive citizenry by strengthening the partnerships and linkages of various stakeholders in Philippine Education.

In her SONA 2009, the President’s zeal for the teaching profession being a teacher herself has since then set the concerned government agencies in action to give priority and allocate more funds in education and skills training.

PMEH envisions that every Filipino family shall be assured that each child has the opportunity to get a high quality education that leads to becoming a whole person, a successful entrepreneur and a productive and responsible citizen.

In an informal interfacing during the viewing of the ICT lab, President Arroyo said that with the Smart Broadband facilities made available, MNHS is now connected to the internet. DepEd Bicol Regional Director Celedonio Layon has reiterated to the President that wireless connections via Smart bro have been expanded.

In a short program following the President’s viewing of the computer lab, Governor Kho and Congressman Bravo have both assured President Arroyo of the province strong support for her and will continue to rally behind her enormous accomplishments and governance projects no matter what the critics and detractors said.

In her message, the President has urged the youth to value and avail themselves of education so they can better access more of life's opportunities later on, furthermore, contribute to improving socio-economic conditions in the province, which is among the country's poorest areas.

"Education is the key to a better life, and will enable the young to help in nation building" she said.

In the same address, President Arroyo also cited Ticao island, where Monreal is also located as well as San Jacinto town, as eco-tourism for marine and dive spots where whalesharks, also locally known here as “butandings”, and manta rays abound.

The President noted that Masbate belongs to Central Philippines of Super Region on Tourism showcasing one of the best Bicol’s tourist destinations similarly the likes of whaleshark interaction in Dosol, Sorsogon and world-class Misibis Bay Raintree resort and spa in Cagraray Island in Albay.

She recalled Donsol used to be a sixth-class, sleepy, remote fishing town in the northwestern part of Sorsogon, but has since been cashing in on the development of the town’s world-class tourist destination and it is now a first-class municipality that derives the bulk of its revenues from eco-tourism.

“This can also be replicated here in Ticao island. With a strong partnership among the national and local governments, key players and stakeholders of tourism industry here, we will continue to pursue implementation of programs for sustainable tourism development in the area that can provide additional income for local government units, livelihood and employment for locals and boost development in this island province,” President Arroyo stated.

The President also lauded the local government officials, concerned government agencies, and the locals themselves for their continued support and contributions in pursuit of her vision to turn Central Philippines into a globally competitive tourism destination. (MALoterte, PIA V)

TOURISTS ARRIVAL EXPECTED TO SURGE IN TIME FOR MAGAYON FEST 2010

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (March 12) — Tourism managers in Albay expect a surge in tourist arrivals in the province beginning late this month in the advent of the 2010 Magayon Festival on April.

Jose Briones, Albay Tourism Office chief, said the formal opening of this year’s Magayon Festival is set on April 5, with Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro keynoting the kick-off ceremonies.

Briones related the festivity’s opening happens right away a day after observance of the Holy Week and already the summer season, thus we can expect the influx of tourists visiting Albay province.

The tourism chief added this year’s celebration promotes patriotism and nationalism, showcasing the bests of Albay’s heritage and culture, cuisines, arts, sports, nightly entertainments and tourist destinations.

“Every year, especially during Magayon Festival, we are expecting an influx of local and foreign tourists,” Briones said.

In 2009 festivity, tourist arrivals posted 35.58 percent increase with an average of tourist expenditures of P2,400 per day.

Last year, the provincial tourism office recorded a total of 235,000 visiting foreign and local tourists.

“The figure is expected to rise this year because of the business opportunities in the province, increase in the number of air flights as well as new air-conditioned buses now ply from Manila to Legazpi and vice versa,” Briones noted.

“Local key players and stakeholders of tourism have already contributed a lot in terms of development of their facilities and providing employment,” he said.

Gov. Joey Salceda, on the other hand, said that Albay is investing in the promotion and development of local tourism industry.

“This year, the provincial government has allocated some P12 million for different events and another P3 million for promotional purposes of the Magayon Festival.”

“Investment is necessary in order to attract tourists which eventually result to generate employment and income to transport sector and tourism sector,” Salceda said. (MALoterte, PIA V)

COMELEC ASSURES SMOOTH POLLS IN MAY 2010

DAET, Camarines Norte (March 12) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured local officials and residents here that there will be no failure of elections in the coming May 10 polls.

Provincial Election Officer Atty. Annie A. Romero Cortez, gave the assurance to the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in a meeting held here, stressing that the system and the Precint Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines could not be easily hacked due to 2 up to 128 bit combinations, similar with the system used by commercial banks in the country.

She explained that the PCOS machine has a modem and an alternative BGAN, also equipped with a battery that will last for 16 hours, that would be applicable especially to areas with no electricity.

“In cases and areas that PCOS machine still has a problem, manual counting will be done because paper trail is available in the precinct,” she said.

Cortez has also reminded voters to properly shade the circle corresponding to the candidates and the exact required numbers to be voted upon.

She stressed that if the voter shades more than what is asked, his or her vote will be invalidated and will not be counted by the machine.

PCInsp. Romel Arturo Sabater Infante, Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) operations officer, said that the police office has already set up some 376 checkpoints, of which 2 are fixed checkpoints, in different parts of the province to ensure a peaceful and orderly polls in May 2010.

Sabater averred that political atmosphere here remains under control, with no political aggressions and no intense political rivalry had been recorded so far.

Police and military personnel, furthermore, have conducted 32 Internal Security Operations (ISO) activities and 9 information drives in several barangays in 12 municipalities in the province. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

SSS COLLECTION EFFICIENCY IN BICOL TOPS 4 LUZON CLUSTERS

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (March 12) — Its aggressive campaign in addressing its members’ complaints against delinquent employers and the significant effort extended by its field officers have bolstered the collection efficiency of the Social Security System (SSS), particularly in this city.

SSS Executive Vice President Horacio Templo, in a press conference here recently, said that this city has recorded a 22 percent increase in collection topping the four Luzon clusters. Other SSS Luzon cluster comprises the offices in Baguio, Tarlac and San Pablo .

Templo bared that increase in collection has also contributed 12 percent increase of over-the-counter payment at branch teller facilities in Bicol region, from P570.8 million to P640.8 million.

He added that the significant increase also helped the SSS in Bicol to surpass its expected 2009 target by more than P19million.
“The success has also increased the SSS collections for the entire Luzon to P15.6 billion last year from the 14.8 billion collected in 2008, also helping offset the decline of contributions from other areas which was badly hit by the catastrophes that wrought havoc to the country,” he said.

Templo further conveyed another good news, particularly for those employers who were in difficulty paying for their member’s overdue contributions, noting that the opening of its condonation program has also commenced last month.

Jose Bautista, SSS VP for Luzon Operation, meanwhile said that delinquent employers should grab this opportunity that will only run for six months. “In August, SSS will re-impose the necessary penalties for all the employers who will fail to remit their delinquency on full within the condonation period.”

The same reprieve was offered almost thirteen years after the last amnesty was offered in 1997, and the third time in a span of 52-year SSS condonation history.

Employers can start remitting their overdue contributions in all SSS branch teller facilities or to any SSS accredited collection agents. Employers who intend to avail of the amnesty can also submit their installment proposals at the nearest SSS branches. They must submit the contribution list of the affected employees with the full payment or installment proposal.

SSS, according to the latest SWS Survey was on top of the list among other government agencies in terms of sincerity in fighting corruption. It received a +40 rating, ranked second overall along with the Supreme Court and after the +64 net sincerity rating of Filipino business associations. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

DAR SORSOGON REVITALIZES BARC, ENHANCES PMES

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (March 12)— The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office here convened anew the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs) re-orienting them of the Enhanced Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation System of the DAR as well as strengthen the Barangay Agrarian Reform Councils (BARC).

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Roseller R. Olayres said that improvement in planning, monitoring, and evaluation system of DAR is necessary to get a concrete figure regarding the impact of CARP’s implementation to the ARBs’ lives.

Olayres bared that this time, the system will become more scrupulous and the summarized reports to be submitted by the Provincial Monitoring, Evaluation Unit (PMEU) will be accompanied by evidence list to be provided by the Provincial Data Processing Center.

“This is to ease the tallying of Accomplishment Reports submitted with the reported Accomplishment in the Central Office,” Olayres added.

He also explained that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is founded on the right of farmers to own the land they till or to receive a just share of their harvest, thus, the Department of Agrarian Reform, to get to the bottom of agrarian reform issues formed the BARC.

BARC is composed of twelve representatives: Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), Non-ARBs, agricultural cooperatives, farmer’s organizations, barangay council, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), landowners, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Land Bank of the Philippines.

“BARC has been long implemented in the province of Sorsogon operating on a self-help basis.

However their existence and vital role in the implementation of agrarian reform seems to be unknown and the terms of officials has lapsed without replacements,” said Olayres.

He said that the conference paved a way to the revival of BARC setting up a 3-year Provincial BARC Strengthening Plan.

“A provincial Data Team (PDT) will be organized to be the verifier of the information submitted by the DAR Municipal Officers with the division heads as members.

The Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) Head will serve as the Team Head or the “Data Base Manager” and the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer will be the overseer of the PDT. (LArbolente, DAR/BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

“ENTREPRENURSE PROJECT” BUSINESS OWNERSHIP FOR JOBLESS NURSES

LEGAZPI CIT, Albay (March 12) — A business ownership for unemployed nurses entitled “Project EntrepreNurse” will be launch this end of March, with a 2.5 million starting budget.

Project EntrepreNurse is an initiative program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with BON, PNA, OHNAP, PMA, PHA, DOH, and UP-ON.

The said project was to address the unemployment problem of jobless nurses by establishing nurses’ clinics, which will serve the need of the individual, family, and community.
The business provides trained, insured and bonded caregivers to seniors, disabled adults and other convalescent patients based upon the needs of each individual client.

The nursing professionals who will provide the home health care under this scheme are of course registered and trained nurses, competent and will be required to obtain malpractice insurance plus they have to be bonded for the protection of the patient.

The entrepreneurship options available to them which they can independently practice their profession are Home Health Care; Roving or Visiting Nurses; Nurses Clinics; Outsourced Health Care Services; and Review Classes’ Training and Research.

But there are criteria to consider for the selection of project sites where nurses clinics will be located such as, the socio-economic status of the communities; where nurses would be most helpful in terms of the achievement status of public health and more objectives; number of patients to be served; and where the business would be most viable.

A 2.5 million starting budget will be given per cooperative in the form of start-up tools and equipments.

This project will benefit the HMO members, PhilHealth members, self-paying patients, rural communities, elderly and disabled, recuperating patients, chronically-ill patients and occupationally disabled. (MVerdillo and GSTupaz,BUCAL/PIA)

CHR SETS ORIENTATION ON WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S RIGHT

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (March 12) —The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Bicol regional office here, in cooperation with the Legazpi City Women’s Federation (LCWF), will conduct an orientation on women’s right and children’s rights on Monday, March 15, at the Ibalong Conference Room in the City Hall here.

Geraldine Rosal, LCWF president, said that the activity will be participated in by the different women’s organizations in the city, government agencies and civic organizations focusing on women’s concerns and gender and development

Ameeh Espinas, spokesperson of CHR Bicol said that the one-day orientation intends to enhance awareness on the rights of women and children among the participants and to instill also the awareness about gender and development.

Moreover, basic human rights and laws involving protection of child and women will be the main topics of the activity. Thus, issue such as multiple burden, violence against women, political subordination, domestic violence will also be tackled.

“We will be discussing child participation, child prospective, and the right case approach development in order for the women and children to be aware of their rights,” she added.

The said activity was held in line with the celebration of Women’s Month. (RGRonda, BUCAL/PIA)

CLEAN POLLS, SMOOTH TRANSITION AMONG PGMA’S LEGACIES

MANILA (March 12) — Among the legacies that she will leave behind, President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said Friday (March 12) there is nothing more important than to leave the nation with a clean, honest and fair election as well as a smooth transition to a new government.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) End-Term National Assembly at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City, the President assured doubting Thomases that her administration will do everything “to make sure the new President and his team will hit the ground running when they assume office.”

“Our accomplishments to date must be passed on to new leaders to continue the forward march of progress,’ she said. “Our people deserve to have confidence that their vote counts and that our democracy works.”

In order to protect the integrity of the vote and the election results, she said, it is necessary to encourage and welcome independent, outside election observers to verify that the elections are free, fair and open.

The President assured that in the meantime, she will stay out of the electoral process and let the Commission on Elections (Comelec) do its part to ensure honest and fair elections.

“For myself, I will be staying out of the election process. I will trust the Comelec to ensure the new voting machines work, the votes are protected and counted, and the results are delivered in a rapid manner to the satisfaction of voters”, she said.

The President assured that she we will remain totally focused on governance and advancing the key programs she had advocated since coming to office, namely infrastructure, education, health care, job creation and economic stability, including adapting our country to the climate change.

“First the typhoon and now El Nino, that part of the work that you and I will have to do until our last moment in office”, she said.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the forthcoming election is “all about hope and building a brighter future for the next generation.” She urged the next government to continue building on the investments that she have been making to move the nation forward.

The President further expressed gratitude to all the officers and members of the League for the continuous support she had received in the first days of her term and until the last days of her office.

“And for the LGU, your end-term Assembly, I think you and I can say we will be leaving the nation in better shape than we found it. Much remains to be done, but we have made good progress on many fronts. I am glad that I am able to join you to open your assembly to say, for all your support through the years, I sincerely thank you”, she said. (PIA V Release)

FDI GROWTH REMAINS AT IDEAL 8 PERCENT DESPITE CRISIS –OLIVAR

MANILA (March 12) — Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said Thursday (March 11) that growth in foreign direct investments (FDI), which is measured more in actual dollars, reached nearly the ideal eight percent a year enough to sustain development in the long term, since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed office nine years ago.

FDI last year also amounted to $1.9 billion, higher than the previous year’s $1.5 billion, indicating that investor confidence in the Philippines remained high despite the global economic downturn which started in September 2008.

Olivar stressed these positive Philippine economic indicators as he reacted to media reports that the country has been downgraded in a recent survey on corruption and how it relates to investors confidence.

The survey by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) ranked Indonesia as the most corrupt country in Asia by the same investors who downgraded the Philippines from sixth to fourth.

During a Malacanang press briefing today, Olivar said foreign investors make their calculations based on a whole set of objective and subjective factors, of which corruption is just one.

Olivar said, “very few (people) will expect Indonesia to lose investor interest as a result because of Indonesia’s vast natural resources, its favored status in the eyes of an Indonesian-bred US president and, yes, the reelection of a leader renowned for his anti-corruption commitment.”

“Indonesia will continue to be a hit among emerging markets,” Olivar stated.

“Compared to Indonesia, Philippine debt papers trade well as over 100 basis points premium, even better than what is justified by our respective sovereign debt ratings,” Olivar noted.

Both Indonesia and the Philippines carry the same BB-rating from Standard and Poor’s.

Although this may reflect to some extent that the Philippines is less corrupt, Olivar said “positive news about the Philippines’ infrastructure achievements, industrious and adaptable workforce, the stability of its politics and culture, and a national leader who is aggressively working to claim our rightful share in the world,” are also major factors.

He describes those who use the PERC survey to put off investors and put down the country as “charlatans who don’t know what they are talking about; cynics and opportunists and people who don’t care what they’re talking about.”

Earlier reports quoting Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said “the Philippines continued to attract foreign investments in 2009 as investors recognized the relative strength of the country’s underlying macroeconomic fundamentals, with inflation continuing to be low and falling within target, the external payments position remaining favorable, and economic growth showing resilience amid the strength in domestic demand.” (PIA V Release)

PGMA ATTENDS ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT CONGRESS

MANILA (March 12) — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attends Friday (March 12) the 2010 National One Town One Product (OTOP) Congress at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Roxas Boulevard.

The 12 awardees will come from three categories: Outstanding OTOP micro small and medium enterprises (MSME), best OTOP implementer, and the most supportive partner organization.
Created during the Arroyo administration,. OTOP is a priority program aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs. Through OTOP, local chief executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

The 2004-2010 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) outlines the dual strategies of product development through OTOP-Philippines and credit provision through SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) to support three million entrepreneurs and to generate between six million an 10 million jobs.

The Outstanding OTOP MSMEs are Bagong Barrio Multi Purpose Cooperative of Pandi, Bulacan for specialized garment which won the Luzon and national awards; Ai She Footwear of Liliw, Laguna, Region IV-A as Luzon winner; Iloilo Kawayan of Maasin, Iloilo for bamboo chopsticks, toothpicks, barbecue sticks and traditional bamboo products for Visayas; and Lao Integrated Farm of Bansalan, Davao del Sur for Region 11 for its coco sugar and coco honey as Mindanao winner.

For Best OTOP Implementer, the winners are the city government of Balanga, Bataan (Region 3) for Luzon; the provincial government of La Union (Region 1) for Luzon; the municipality of Numancia, Aklan of Region 6, Visayas and national winner; and the municipality of Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao winner.

The 2010 Most Supportive Partner Organization winners are: the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Region 3, Luzon winner; San Pablo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Region IV-A for Luzon winner; Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center, Region 7 for Visayas; and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office, Mindanao winner and national winner.

The President will be received by outgoing Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, PTTC Executive Director Adelaida Inton, Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad, and Pasay City Rep. Antonio Roxas. (PIA V Release)

PGMA CONGRATULATES INDONESIA FOR KILLING TERRORIST DULMATIN

MANILA (March 12) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the security forces of Indonesia for the successful Jakarta raid that led to the death of terrorist leader Dulmatin.

”In our global war on terror, every victory demonstrates that we will never relent in our fight for justice for terrorism’s victims and peace for our nations,” President Arroyo said in a statement on Thursday night.

”Indonesia’s gains against terror, like the Philippines’ own triumphs, inspire our united resolve to end this scourge,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Dulmatin is Jemaah Islamiyah’s top bomb technician who masterminded the Bali boming in 2002, which killed 202 people and believed to have been hiding in the Southern Philippines.
Indonesian President YYudhono confirmed on Wednesday that Dulmatin was killed in police raids in an internet café in Jakarta.

Reports said, two raids in Pamulang in Batnen province, were linked to a series of assaults on suspected JI militants in Aceh province and had been targeting Dulmatin.

Dulmatin’s death come ahead of a visit by US President Barrack Obama to Indonesia on March 20-22.

Dulmatin is an electronic specialist who was also trained by JI in Afghanistan. He reportedly went into hiding in Mindanao with terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

The United States offered a US$ 10 million reward for information on Dulmatin, who is said to have been wounded after escaping a raid by Philippine security forces in 2006. (PIA V Release)

SUPPLY, PRICES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS STABLE -- NPCC

MANILA (March 12) — Despite the feared impact of the El Nino dry spell, prices and supply of agricultural products have remained generally stable.

Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup reported at the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) meeting Thursday that prices and supply of rice, chicken, pork, vegetables and fish are stable.

Salacup said the DA is meeting next week with stakeholders in the poultry sector for a possible lowering of the price reference band for chicken, noting that the lower farm gate of chicken does not reflect the retail prices of chicken in the market.

Farm gate price of chicken is at P58 a kilo, but the retail price of chicken is between P125 to P130 a kilo.

“A lower SRP (suggested retail price) band could improve consumption and sales volume of chicken,” Salacup said.

Lawyer Ilias Jose of the United Broilers and Raisers Association said that from the farm gate prices, there should be between P26 and P30 margins. At a farm gate price of P58 a kilo, the retail price of chicken should be around P110 only.

Ernesto M. Ordonez of the Alyansa Agrikultura has blamed the government for allowing huge importations, thus causing oversupply of chicken in the market.

The DA is also set to change the SRP of sugar from the current P52 a kilo to P50 a kilo as prices and supply of sugar are easing up.

Rice is also stable as summer harvest is coming in.

Prices of tilapia and bangus are at the average range in the last four years of between P80 and P100, respectively. Prices of vegetables are also stable and supplies are abundant.

Pork, however, is still at its high of P176 a kilo because of the limited supply since December last year. (PIA V Release)