TOG5: 2010 POLLS MUST START WITH A PRAYER

CAMP GEN. SIMEON OLA, Legazpi CitY — A day prior to the historical first ever automated elections in country, multi-sectoral groups in this city will lead the Ecumenical Breakfast Prayer dubbed as “Pamibi para sa Katoninongan kan Eleksyon 2010” at Lignion Hill on Sunday, May 9.

“The activity seeks to remind all stakeholders on their obligation to vote with only the highest common good in mind,” said Colonel Guillermo A Molina Jr II PAF, commander of Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG5).

TOG5 is also the organizer of the said breakfast prayer.

Molina furthered that the activity also aimed to raise a collective prayer for election with absence of fraud, failure and violence.

The event will be participated by different agencies, organizations, religious groups, and schools. Early morning joggers can also join the walk to the top of Lignion hill.

The assembly of the participants will start at 4:30 in the morning at the foot of the hill [tennis court]. It will be followed by the orchestrated climb to the top of the hill with the MPCF Band. There will be a short ecumenical program at the summit which includes prayers and messages from the participants and the release of prayer ‘globos’.

The activity will end with a joint breakfast prepared by the organizers.

The occasion will serve as a call for peaceful and orderly elections not only for the participants in the said event but also to all the Filipinos who will use their right to suffrage on the next day [May 10].

Like what Psalm 91 speaks to us, “God’s faithfulness is a protecting shield,” the TOG5 with the help of the participants believed that with the guidance of God, H.O.P.E. [Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Elections] will be achieved. (Capt. ALSaturnino II, PA/CRSAFP/PIA)

KALAHI-CIDSS INVESTS IN PEOPLE, NOT JUST PROJECTS

LIBON, ALBAY – After more than years of the implementation of the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Community Integrated Development and Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a lot of changes happened with thousands of residents in these remote town of Albay province.

In 2005, KALAHI-CIDSS made its way to Bicol when it was launched in this municipality. Words of gratitude poured on how the project gave these communities a life-long legacy of development.

Before the entry of KALAHI-CIDSS, community people where main source of income is farming, was never enough. Most of them earn less than a thousand pesos a month.

Norlito Villaraza, a farmer from Barangay San Ramon here, said that in the past, it was very difficult for them to transport their products to the market. They only have “habal-habal” that pass through the dangerous trail to carry their produce down to the market.

But today, development is again starting to unfold in these communities. The local government with the help of KALAHI-CIDSS is now putting change for the village people. Aside from road constructions, other sub-projects in the municipality include school buildings, water systems, market and day care centers.

Millions of pesos the community has received, the people are equally thankful for having contributed to the collective decision making, for the added technical know-how, and the valuable lessons of teamwork, unity and hope.

Community volunteers were trained to do the jobs of budget officers, bookkeeper and engineers. Ordinary folk learn how to draft a program-of-work and read floor plans.

“KALAHI-CIDSS invest on people, not just on community sub-projects. Because of KALAHI-CIDSS, we become more active and concerned about development of our place,” said Brgy. Captain Paul S. Cruz.

KALAHI-CIDSS has indeed made a difference in Libon town. The implementation of the Project has added to the experiences of the community and has opened their minds since they know now how to assert their rights as an individual in their community.

With the learning, knowledge and accomplishments expressed by the community volunteers, Libon Mayor Agnes Dycoco is confident that here municipality will continue to pursue the goals of the KALAHI-CIDSS which is to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities. (CLMartinez, KCRSMO-DSWD/PIA)

ALBAY TOPS PRODUCTION OF METALLIC MINERALS; CAMARINES NORTE IN NON-METALLIC

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay province leads in the production of metallic minerals while Camarines Norte in non-metallic minerals in Bicol for the year 2009 valued at P2,424,934,601.34 and P21,728,191.25, respectively, records at the Bicol Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) showed.

In metallic production, Albay is followed by Masbate with P2,197,935,207.43 and Camarines Norte – P31,948,615.54.

Albay produced 26,617.43 dry metallic tons (DMT) of Copper concentrates valued at P1,026,329,940.38, 715.09 kilograms (Kg) of Gold (by product of Copper) – P812,327,417.17, 9,527.26 kg of Silver (by product of Copper) – P162,027,702.14 and 21,675.50 DMT of Zinc Concentrate – P424,249,541.65; Masbate, 2,286.28 kg of Gold – P2,174,126,098.96 and 1,536-53 kg of Silver – P23,809,108.47 and Camarines Norte, 24.51 kg of Gold valued at P30,886,664.90 and 52.12 kg of Silver – P1,061,950.64.

Camarines Norte, the leading producer of non-metallic minerals, is closely followed by Albay with P18,784,511.00, Camarines Sur – P11,397,075.20, Masbate – P3,536,125.00, Catanduanes – P1,720,750.00 and Sorsogon – P316,380.00.

Records showed that Camarines Norte total production of ball clay is 6,425 metric tons (MT) valued at P2,570,000.00, decorative stone (12.50 MT) – P5,000.00, Kaolin clay (5,945.oo MT) – P2,378,000.00, sand and gravel (90,842.55 cubic meters) – P6,813,191.25, Silica sand (930 MT) – P372,000.00, Silica Quarts (20 MT) – P8,000.00, white clay/Kaolin/Silica sand/Quartz (5,440 MT) – P9,084,800.00, and white clay (960 MT) – P 384,000.00.

On the other hand, Albay has produced Bentonite (1,500 cu.m.) – P300,000.00, boulder (28,148.00 cu.m.) – P1,212,389.00, earth fill (21,100 cu.m.) – P600,929.00, limestone (175,000 cu.m.) – P8,050,000.00, perlite (500 cu.m.) – P102,000.00, perlite (8,253.20 MT) – P1,856,700.00, pebbles (50 cu.m.) – P12,500.00, sand and gravel (144,118 cu.m.) – 6,129,468.00, selected aggregates (3,950 cu.m.) – P136,125.00, selected stone (100 cu.m.) 0 P25,000.00, shale clay (14,100 MT) – P150,900.00 and white sand (7,000 cu.m.) – P208,500.00.

Camarines Sur, meanwhile, has extracted ball clay (2,416 MT) – P1,210,745.20, earth fill (6,516 cu.m.) – P264,750.00, perlite (5,820.80 MT) – P6,045,600.00, sand and gravel (21,361.50 cu.m.) – P3,748,980.00 and Woodstone and Greenslate (234 MT^) – P127,000.00; Masbate, boulders (280 cu.m.) – P28,000.00, earth fill (7,713 cu.m.) – P2,588,275.00, pebbles (11 cu.m.) – P1,100.00 and sand and gravel (9,235 cu.m.) – P918,750.00.

In Catanduanes, quarried sand and gravel (68,831 cu.m.) – P1,720,750.00, while in Sorsogon, pumice (792 MT) – P277,200.00 and sand and gravel (1,346 cu.m.) – P39,180.00.

In terms of contribution to over-all mineral production, the total metallic production of Albay, Masbate and Camarines Norte totaled P4,654,818,424.31 or 98.80 percent while non-metallic at P57,483,032.45 or 1.22 percent.

By province, for metallic: Albay – 51.46 percent, Masbate – 46.64 percent and Camarines Norte – 0.68 percent; for non-metallic: Camarines Norte – 0.46 percent, Albay – 0.40 percent, Camarines Sur – 0.24 percent, Masbate – 0.08 percent, Catanduanes – 0.04 percent and Sorsogon – 0.01 percent. (MGB V /PIA)

SPORTS GALORE MAJOR FEATURES OF KAOGMA FESTIVAL 2010

PILI, Camarines Sur – Spectacular sports galore will once again be a major accent of this year’s Kaogma Festival to mark the 431st Foundation anniversary of the province of Camarines Sur this May 2010.

In keeping with the vision of Governor LRay Villafuerte to transform Camarines Sur into a model of local governance, an information technology center, an investment hub and a world-class tourism destination as well as an international center for sports, an array of various competitions are lined-up for the entire nine-day celebrations of the Kaogma week come May 22 to May 30.

Heading the list is the Tour of Camarines Sur, to be held this year for the 13th successive year and again expected to be participated in by the top mountain bike racers of the country.

Accredited and supervised by the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (Philcycling) the race has evolved into a national sports event.
The Motocross Challenge, another event that has consistently drawn participants from outside the province is projected to be an exciting two-day confrontation of expert bikers to be staged at a special course to be constructed near the Lago de Rey.

Another thriller, the 5th Philippine Cable Wake Nationals held at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex every year since its inception and drawing the attendance of elite riders of the country and from many other countries of the world, will take center stage of the KAOGMA for two-days.

Hundreds of national and international sports personalities are likewise expected to flock to the province for the day-long CamSur Triathlon, now on its second year after the maiden race was staged here last year as a prelude to the Triathlon 70.3 Philippines.

Off-road drivers will also have a chance to test their skills behind the wheel for two whole days of muddy and slippery driving during the 4 x 4 Isarog Challenge also to be staged at a special course near the boat lake.

A burgeoning extreme sports gaining popularity in other places will be held for the first time this year – Downhill Bike Competition – at a bike trail on the shoulder of majestic Mt. Isarog.

Amateur pugilists will also have two evenings to show off their talents during the Burontolan in a ring right in front of the Kaogma stage.

The array of extreme sports which will carry handsome prizes and will be free for all to witness, will be aside from other cultural-based competitions like the Hot Kids and the Search for Ms. Kaogma Pageant. (GBClaveria, MMEC/PIA)

PRESS STATEMENT:
Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO)

WE ARE CONFIDENT WITH AFP’S ELECTION PREPARATIONS - AGFO

Nearing May 2010 Elections, we are once again left dismayed with the ferocity of rumors and accusations hurled against the Armed Forces of the Philippines; which are now being echoed on chain emails and text messages.

Hence, we, of the Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO) appeal to the Filipino people to refrain from being influenced by such false information. The AFP, especially at this crucial point in our history, remains our solid foundation for national unity.

From their training to their very first deployment and until this very day, Soldiers continue to tread the path where death is no stranger. They have known of nights so bleak and have pitted against wily terrorists. They bear the utter desolation from long separation from those they love. The dangers and many adversities they meet only stretch forth their corporeal limit and forged their warrior’s heart. And through the years, the brave men and women of the AFP transform and wove instruments of war and conflict into fabrics of hope, learning, peace, stability, and better opportunities. They are the heroes of our children, the face of courage, and the vanguards of our democracy.

Who has steadfastly demonstrated love for the Filipino Nation and pride in their service than a Soldier does?

Since the COMELEC has deputized the Armed Forces for this May 10 elections, the military took painstaking efforts to assure the public of its professionalism and non-partisanship. Each day, the AFP, through its statements, messages, primers, billboards, media interviews, and other concrete actions, reaches out to the people that it seeks only to ensure a peaceful and orderly election, including equal suffrage, is realized. Our soldiers’ commitment in this election is no less than any other Filipino.

It would hence be a great dishonor to the sacrifices and efforts of our Soldiers if we give dignity to the accusations and criticisms.

To the Filipino people, we cannot afford to be pessimists. The efforts of the AFP should give us a concrete perspective that the military is sincere, serious, and follows a clear road map where Constitutional duty and service discipline is paramount. I urge the people to work-in-hand with our soldiers and stand united as a nation to safeguard our democratic processes and to ensure a better future for the country.

We, in the AGFO, place our trust and confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, under the leadership of its Chief of Staff General Delfin N Bangit, that through their earnestness, we can all look forward to a credible and successful May 10, 2010 elections.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL RAUL S URGELLO (RET)

(The author is the present Chairman and President of the Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO))


DOH-BFAD ADVISORY:

VOLUNTARY RECALL OF PHARMA,
OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS FROM US

LEGAZPI CITY — There has been report or a voluntary recall in the United States initiated by Ms Neil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil-PPG, Inc. and a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of certain pharmaceutical products, specifically Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl due to manufacturing deficiencies which may affect the quality or potency of the products.

Reports have it that the affected products involve liquid preparations intended for infant and children. These products were manufactured in the United States and distributed in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Dubai (UAE), Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kuwait.

In the interest of protecting public health and safety, the public is hereby advised that records of this Office show that none of those affected batches of the products are being brought into the country.

The registered counterpart pharmaceutical products available in the country are manufactured either locally or outside of the United States. Upon the other hand, the respective licensed-importer-distributors and marketing authorization holders of the counterpart products registered with the Office confirmed that they have not imported or marketed in the country any of the recalled products.

Anyone who may have individually brought into the country the affected products for personal use are advised to discontinue using the same. (DOH-BFAD V /PIA)


PALACE CALLS FOR COMMON GROUND, FOR ELECTORATE TO IGNORE ELECTION INTRIGUES

MANILA — Malacanang today (May 7) has called on the Filipino electorate to do their part in the overall task of ensuring peaceful and credible elections on Monday.

Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo exhorted the people to set aside personal differences on election matters, respect voters’ preferences, and maintain vigilance against attempts to disrupt or undermine the electoral process.

“More than ever, we as individual citizens and as a people must place the good of or nation and our democracy above partisan interest and personal agenda, This is not the time for self-serving and unhelpful pronouncements and fault-finding when all well-meaning Filipinos are working sincerely with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) for fair, free, orderly and credible elections,” Saludo said.

The Palace official also appealed to the candidates and their respective supporters to maintain sobriety and self-restraint and to ignore unfounded charges, intrigues and gossips coming out of the rumor mills.

“Let us constantly guard against baseless claims and unverified rumors, especially those spread by text and gossip,” he added..

“Media should not headline them, and people should not waste money passing them on to others. Giving attention to these untruths only encourages them,” Saludo stressed.

According to Saludo, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the May 10 political exercise is extremely crucial in light of the country’s first ever attempt at full automation of the voting and tabulation processes.

“We are taking a quantum leap from the antiquated, obsolete, and tedious process of manual balloting and counting of the votes. There is no turning back and the only way to achieve success is for us to put our act together as a united citizenry,” he said. (PIA V Release)

CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION APPEALS FOR REAL ‘CLEAN’ ELECTIONS

MANILA — As the nation braces for its first-ever automated election on Monday, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) appealed for a ‘clean’ election, literally, by sparing public areas from sample ballots, flyers and other garbage-bound election paraphernalia.

Climate Change Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez said less paper on Election day would help save thousands of trees that absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and would help avert global warming.

“I am appealing to all running candidates not to load up more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” said Alvarez explaining that cutting more trees for the sample ballots and flyers would mean more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

He encouraged instead the texting or emailing of sample ballots and other election materials for a “paperless and plastic-less” Election day.

Based on the calculation of the US-based non-profit organization Conserveatree, 1 ton of uncoated virgin (non-recycled) printing and office paper uses 24 trees, while 1 ton of 100% virgin (non-recycled) newsprint uses 12 trees.

Alvarez said that the Commission, chaired by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is expecting that Election day would generate garbage that is double than the daily truckloads of trashes collected all over the country.

He warned that the barrage of campaign materials during Election day adds to the piling-up of more trash that clog esteros and waterways, and add to the garbage that creates methane, a lethal greenhouse gas.

“Garbage produces methane that is 21 percent more disastrous than carbon dioxide,” said Alvarez urging all politicians to act now and help lead the fight against climate change in their cities and municipalities.

He said climate change mitigation starts with good governance from the President down to the barangay level and candidates vying for different positions in the country should show their real concern for the environment.

Furthermore, the Commission called on all candidates to properly dispose of the campaign materials that they used during the campaign period to avert worsening the country’s waste problems.

“After elections, the candidates who produced these wastes should be the ones to move, or at least send their supporters to clean up campaign materials posted in streets, and recycle those into other useful needs,” said Alvarez. (PIA V Release)

PALACE HAILS SC ORDER ON FULL DISCLOSURE OF COMELEC PREPARATIONS FOR MAY 10 POLLS

MANILA — Malacanang hailed today (May 7) a Supreme Court (SC) resolution ordering the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to observe utmost transparency in all its preparations for the May 10 local and national elections.

Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said the Comelec report on its preparedness “will promote transparency, integrity and confidence in the election process.”

The SC, voting 12-3 Thursday (May 6), adopted the resolution directing the Comelec to make public the complete details of its preparations, particularly the technical aspect of Monday’s exercise, ”given the alarming details in the run-up” to the polls.

At the same time, Secretary Saludo appealed to the people to set aside political partisanship in favor of the country’s social and political stability.

“More than ever, we as individual citizens and as people must place the good of our nation and our democracy above partisan interests and personal agenda,” Saludo said.

“This is not the time for self-serving, headline grabbing, and unhelpful charges and fault-finding when well-meaning Filipinos are working sincerely with the Comelec for fair, free, orderly and credible elections,” he stressed.

He also called for vigilance against attempts to undermine the integrity of the ballots. “Let us constantly guard against baseless claims and unverified rumors, especially those spread by text and gossip.”

The Palace official likewise cautioned media and cell phone users against playing into the hands of political propagandists employing dirty tricks to bring down rival candidates.

“Media should not headline them (gossips), and people should not waste their money passing them on to others”, adding that giving attention to the rumors or untruths merely promotes the use of foul tactics in the political arena.

The 20-page resolution was handed down on Thursday in connection with a petition seeking full disclosure of the steps being taken by the poll body to ensure the credibility and integrity of Monday’s elections.

The SC petitioners specifically asked for full disclosure, among other things, of the nature and security of all equipment and devises, including their hardware and software components to be used in the polls; the source code for review by interested parties as mandated by law, and the terms and protocols of the random manual audit. (PIA V Release)

PGMA opens P300M judiciary training school

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated today (May 7) the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Training Center, the first and only training school for the Philippine judiciary, in Silang Crossing, Tagaytay City.

Construction of the PHILJA training center was funded by a P300- million grant from the Japanese government.

“We wanted a place conducive to study with adequate lodging and facilities for members of the Philippine judiciary,” said former Chief Justice Andres Narvasa.

“We are now seeing the realization of a dream of adequate facilities for the Philippine judicial academy. The inauguration of the training center symbolizes the modernization of the judiciary,” said PHILJA Chancellor Adolfo Azcuna, a retired Supreme Court justice.

Previously, PHILJA used to hold its training programs in the Ridge Convention Center situated in Barangay Silang, Cavite.

The inaugural event was one of the rare occasions the President was seen with former and incumbent members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and former Chief Justices Narvasa and Artemio Panganiban.

Ambassador of Japan Makoto Katsura, Azcuna, founding Chancellor Justice Ameurfina Milencio Herrera, and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino were also on hand to welcome the President. (PIA V Release)

CONDOM USE IS BENEFICIAL, FILIPINOS SAY

MANILA – In yet another disagreement with some Catholic leaders, 72% of Filipinos believe that the Department of Health’s promotion for correct and consistent use of condom for the prevention of HIV and AIDS is beneficial for the country.

In a press conference held today, SWS President Dr. Mahar Mangahas, presented to media the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) findings on the perception of the Filipino people on HIV and AIDS. Conducted nationwide from 16 – 19 April 2010, the same survey also revealed that majority of Filipinos (67%) agree in the Department of Health’s earlier pronouncements that HIV and AIDS cases in the Philippines is increasing.

“This survey only shows that Filipinos still trust the Department of Health in matters related to public health,” said Ben de Leon, president of The FORUM for Family Planning and Development, Inc.

The Department of Health particularly DOH Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral earned the ire of the Catholic church when she launched an all out campaign to address the rising cases of HIV in the Philippines. Her campaign included a more aggressive awareness raising and condom distribution. While certain leaders of the Catholic church called for her resignation, various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) rallied behind her.

“We wanted to show proof that the Filipino people are behind the DOH and Sec. Cabral that’s why we commissioned this survey.” de Leon said.

According to the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and the DOH, cases of HIV cases in the Philippines has reached alarming proportions with 2 new cases being reported each day or 60 new cases per month.

The latest SWS survey also shows that 7 of 10 Filipinos regardless of social status and educational status from both urban and rural communities believe that the condom distribution of the DOH is beneficial to the country.

CSOs like the FORUM believe that conservative Catholic organizations and Catholic leaders are going too far in asking for Cabral’s resignation. “If they can’t offer intelligent and fact based solutions to our HIV/AIDS problems, I think these personalities from the Catholic Church should just step aside and let DOH do it’s job. If you can’t be part of the solution then don’t be part of the problem. The Catholics have spoken and this SWS survey is proof.” De Leon added. (FPDI/PIA)