ALBAY, LANDBANK SIGN P700M LOAN FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay province has signed Wednesday (June 16) a P700 million loan package with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to finance a first–in–the-country education strategy that aims to produce “a college graduate for every family” through an encompassing yet simplified study now-pay later scheme.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, who authored the program, referred to it as an “Education Driven Development” (see presentation below); a development approach for his province anchored on a vigorous, well-planned, financed and executed college and vocational education, a system that practically invites more scholars, ups enrollment and produce more graduates.

Salceda signed the loan agreement with LBP President and Chief Executive Officer Gilda Pico Wednesday, June 16, in the presence of LBP ranking officers and Albay Provincial officials, among them, members of the provincial board and members of the media at Land Bank main office in Malate, Manila.

The loan will be used to finance government scholars in the tertiary level, under the Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), enrolled at the Bicol University and other community colleges in Albay which, this year alone will pay for over 12,000 college freshmen until they graduate. This is estimated to trigger a growth in college enrolment in Albay by 40%.

“I would have placed this amount in infrastructures. But I believe diplomas give better economic returns than roads and bridges,” Salceda said.

“A well-educated constituency has a lot of social payback and economic benefits. It expands their labor mobility. They will seek better jobs. The difference in economic return between an elementary graduate and a secondary graduate is about 7%. But the differential between a college graduate and a high school graduate is about 21%.

With diplomas, they can seek jobs elsewhere and not cramp the limited jobs market of Albay. Diplomas are like visas”, he added.

Salceda further stated that at a certain stage, Albay will gain the reputation as the natural source of well-educated labor force. The availability of trainable workforce will serve as a come-on for investors.

Considered a first of its kind in the country, Albay’s education program in all levels, has lately been gaining grounds, among others, raising students’ learning standard as was proven in the 2009 National Achievement Test (NAT) where the province garnered the 106th place out of 202 divisions, a distant leaped of 69 places from a poor 175th in 2007.

Salceda said the province’s present goal is to get to the top 40 schools in NAT within the next three years, and the top 10 within the next six years; there is no room for complacency, simply no space for mediocrity. The education agenda, though, is backed up by a portfolio of interventions, among others, an institutional capacity-building program.

Albay is presently the only province in the country with a Provincial Education Department (PED) – best known earlier as Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL) – created by an ordinance, with plantilla staff approved by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management, overseen by a special advisory group – the Albay Council of Educators.

Salceda said Albay has committed over 17% of its annual budget now to education subsidy, under the PED, specifically EQUAL, which this year costs over P178 million – now the biggest item in its expenditure.

The province’s Special Education Fund (SEF), separated from the regular PED budget, which is used in, among others, sports program and maintenance of schools and classrooms in schools divisions, grew from only about P5 million in 2007 to P18 million in 2010, according to Salceda.

“Albay’s education program is producing the social impact; the number of college population has grown by 15% in three years from 34,000 to 38,000 due to provincial scholarships; and college graduates grew by 31% per year from 6,300 to 8,300, more or less,” Salceda concluded. (LGU Albay)

RDRRMC PREPARES BICOL FOR EARTHQUAKE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), formerly, Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), staged Friday (June 18) a highly visible display of local responders’ capabilities on earthquake disaster response in a drill based on a scenario set by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) and Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO).

Civil Defense Bicol Regional Director Rafy Aljandro cited the earthquake drill, held at the Ago Medical ad Educational Center (AMEC) grounds here has showcased the critical emergency response operations within the “golden hour” (read: the first 72 hours following the earthquake) including fire suppression, collapsed structure search and rescue, high angle rescue, helicopter hoist/rescue, mass casualty incident management, and evacuation, among others.

Alejandro IV furthered that the drill is set to determine the capability of AFP and other agencies tasked to respond in this kind disaster.

“We will also evaluate the capacity of the local disaster response teams in the local government unit level in dealing with this kind of eventuality, as early as now we can easily determine what aspects are we going to develop to exemplary perform the disaster response,” he added.

Some 500 individuals, including disaster managers and responders, school officials and students of AMEC high school and college, hospital personnel, paramedics and actors participated in the drill that turned dramatic and almost real, successful, and considered to be one of the best drills staged in the region.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL), and other member-agencies of the RDRRMC crafted the design and execution of the Earthquake Rescue Response for the Bicol Region

The Navy has dispatched its disaster response and rescue teams compose of fifteen (15) personnel who are trained on extricating and life saving participated to the said drill.

Similar drill was also conducted in all public and private schools, and selected public-government buildings, private business/commercial establishments, public and private hospitals, and other establishments in compliance to the memorandum of National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), formerly, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in line with the 2nd Quarter 2010 Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill with a theme “One Nation, One People, One Response”.

The nationwide drill is part of the continuing efforts of the government’s Four Point Plan of Action for Disaster Preparedness.

Commodore Joel E Babas NAVFORSOL commander and one of the drill’s team leader, said that this kind of exercise will make us aware and prepare of initial actions in case that an earthquake may occur.

“For rescuers, this will develop our capability and efficient working relationship among disaster response teams with an interoperability that is very essential in accomplishing the rescue mission,” Babas said. (DPRamon PAO NAVFORSOL/PIA)

ARMY ENGINEERS COMPLETE P175 MILLION INFRA PROJECTS IN CAMARINES SUR

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur — Army engineers have completed P175 million worth of infrastructure projects under the Kalayaan sa Barangay Program (KBP) in Camarines Sur province, a military officer said over the weekend.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, 9ID Philippine Army spokesperson, said that some 138 completed infrastructure projects were turned-over to the local government officials of Camarines Sur in a simple turn-over rites held at the provincial capitol Friday (June 18).

“Arm’s 51st Engineering Brigade has completed the projects under KBP, including 28 school buildings, 31 water systems, 20 health centers and 41 farm-to-market roads, benefiting 8 municipalities in the province,” Cabunoc bared.

Punong Barangay Jinet Delgado of Palsong Village in Bula town, who came to witness the turn-over ceremony, gladly remarked the residents of here village were very happy with the soldiers came to help to construct additional classrooms.

“I could not contain my happiness for the help extended to us by the Philippine Army. In the past, some of our school children were having classes under the shades of the trees, due to over crowding in the public schools,” said Delgado.

In her speech, Mayor Jeanette Bernaldez of Bato town recalled her experience about the lack of roads in her hometown, noting that then “When I visited my constituents, it was very difficult for me to travel due to inaccessibility of the remote villages, but now, we are blessed to have these new roads constructed by the Army engineers,” she said.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, 9ID commander, said that the implementation of the Army’s peace and development programs is his top priority.

“We cannot defeat the communist insurgency with mere use of guns. To address the various root causes of the problem, we are helping communities to have access to the basic social services that they need and the KBP projects are among the assistance that we can extend to our people in remote areas,” Pabustan said.

KBP projects are part of PGMA’s flagship programs aimed at achieving sustainable peace and development in conflict-affected communities through the accelerated, barangay-focused rehabilitation and development.

Unlike any other development projects of the government, KBP projects are carried out by Army engineers under the over-all supervision of the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

SORSOGON POLICE PROMOTES PILI PRODUCTS FROM ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOOD

Sorsogon City — Pili nut (Canarium Ovatum), a native product abundant and wild in Bicol region particularly in Sorsogon is now highlighted in Sorsogon Police Provincial Office's (SPPO) Alternative Livelihood Development Program for their police force.

Just recently, SPPO has successfully conducted its livelihood development program activity held at the Camp Salvador Escudero, Sr. here wherein police personnel, along with their wives and other civilians, went through a training demonstration on cooking various pili products.

Pili food expert Melinda Yee spearheaded the cooking demonstration and has commended the SPPO efforts in promoting products made from pili utilizing its various parts for their alternative livelihood development program.

Dubbed as "Benepisyo Ko, Benepisyo Mo" (My Profit, Your Profit), PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Supt. Heriberto Olitoquit, said that the livelihood program aims at helping the family of Sorsogon policemen to augment their income by introducing them to alternative sources of livelihood.

Participants went through actual pili cooking where each one's cooking ability was tested. Products made include crispy pili, salted pili, chocolate-coated pili, sugar-coated pili, molido, pili tart and pili chips, among others.

Meanwhile, the participants conveyed their 'sweet' gratitude to their trainer and to the Police Provincial Office as well, headed by PD Olitoquit, for its continuing effort to help and expose his men and their family to other livelihood opportunities. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

RIZAL ROAD PROJECT SOON TO OPEN IN LEGAZPI CITY

LEGAZPI CITY — Construction of Rizal (Barangay 24) road in is underway that would pave the way for more developments, boost economic activities, tourism, among others in his already budding business center in Bicol Region.

Mayor Noel E. Rosal averred that the road network is one of the priority road expansion projects of the city government here not only in the business zones but also in far-flung barangays in this city.

Barangay 24 chief Abunda said that this site where the road is built was once an old silted and squatter area, but through the effort of the administration of Rosal this is now one of the idyllic places in the city with prospects of providing opportunities to residents improve their quality of life.

An exultant Abunda likewise said that this is a big stroke of luck for the barangay residents first and foremost because all the affected residents by the construction of the road are now provided with their respective residences which can claim their own in relocation sites.

Rosal said that the road network traverses the city’s investment areas and several surrounding barangays thus seen to bring in investors, improve tourism industry and sustain a robust economy and progress to the city.

The mayor likewise noted that another road network passing through Barangays Victory, Imperial Court, Dap-Dap, Taysan roads are also almost completed.

He also expressed optimism that infrastructure projects carried out by his administration will bring in more business activities, generate more jobs and other opportunities on livelihood for the locals.

Rosal furthered that incoming Mayor Geraldine “Gie” Rosal has also a plan to create more livelihood programs particularly to the Senior Citizens and Women’s Organization. (MPSolis, LGU Legazpi City/PIA)

ALERT GUARDS THWARTED REBEL ATTACK ON CELL SITE IN MASBATE

LEGAZPI CITY — Alert security guards manning the Globe cell site foiled an attempt by communist rebels to set on fire the transmitter facility in Esperanza town in Masbate, military report said Monday.

Colonel Lope Dagoy, commander of the 85th Infantry Battalion, said that about five suspected New People’s People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked the Globe cell site in Poblacion, Esperanza town at around 11:30 p.m. over the weekend.

Dagoy said that the rebels lobbed at least four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the power generator but alert security guards fought-off by firing their shotguns at the attackers who were positioned outside the fence.

“The rebels ran away when the ‘blue guards’ started firing their weapons to defend the facility. The generator set suffered minor dents and the transmitter is still fully operational,” Dagoy said.

These civilian guards must be commended for their heroic actions because this acts of bravery must be the fine example to all other personnel in the security industry, said Dagoy.

Since January 2009, a total of six Globe cell sites had been attacked in the Bicol, Sorsogon tops the list with two attacked cell sites while the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay and Masbate recorded one NPA attack each.

“The rebels are only capable of attacking ‘soft targets’ such as lightly-defended telecommunications facilities and heavy equipment used in the construction of infrastructure projects. Normally, they are attacking the facilities owned by businessmen who refuse to pay the extortion money to the rebels,” said Dagoy said.

The attack on the Globe cell site coincided with the harassment by five rebels at about 10 p.m. on the same day at the 85th Infantry Battalion’s company base in Uson town.

No one was reported injured in the five-minute firefight which ensued. Pursuit operations are ongoing to hunt the fleeing rebels.

In Albay, troops of the 2nd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. John Oberio chanced upon three rebels while in the act of looking for food in Agpay village, Guinobatan, Albay at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

The rebels immediately fled towards the bushes leaving behind one bandolier with five steel magazines and at least 100 rounds of live ammunition. (HMCabunoc. DPA 9ID PA/PIA)

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVES TO UNDERGO TRAINING ON LOCAL GOVERNANCE

DAET, Camarines Norte — Newly elected chief executives in the province of Camarines Norte will undergo Training on Local Governance to be conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Local Government Academy in Tagaytay City.

DILG Provincial Director Robin Mercado stated that the training for the newly elected town and city mayors has commenced Monday (June 21) until June 23, while for governor is set on June 24-25.

Mercado said that the training will not only be for Camarines Norte chief executives, but also for other newly elected officials in the other parts of the country.

He cited that among the topics to be discussed include the State of Local Governance Report in order to measure the performance of the LGUs; identify the issues, gaps and needed areas of improvement and the result of the Executive Agenda formulation.

Other topics will be the first 100 days report to be given by old timer politicians, alliance building and others.

He also said that a separate training will be conducted for the re-elected officials of the country.

He cited that in this province a transition team has been organized for the proper transfer of documents and obligations to the new elected officials.

Director Mercado added that these include the comprehensive plan, investment plan, land use plan, annual budget, annual audit report, list of employees and its classification, inventory of equipments properties and other related documents. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

PNR TO RESUME ‘BICOL EXPRESS’ JUNE 25, PGMA TOLD

CALAMBA CITY — The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to resume regular trips to the Bicol Region by Friday next week, PNR officials told President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today.

The PNR halted its daily train trips to the Bicol province after the San Cristobal bridge here was destroyed when typhoons “Milenyo” and “Reming” battered Southern Luzon one after the other in 2006.

Now, with a newly constructed 50-meter bridge taking the place of the devastated San Cristobal bridge, the Bicol Train service, from Manila to Ligao, Albay will soon resume.

In a briefing in one of PNR’s newly acquired train coaches that took the Chief Executive, PNR and local government officials and members of media to its Bicutan station in Parañaque, PNR General Manager Ower Andal said the “Bicol Express” trip would be available to commuters by June 25, 2010.

Andal added that operational works, which include replacing the wooden tresses with concrete and the addition of compacting materials to improve the stability of the tracks, is being undertaken from now until the 25th to ensure the safety of railroad tracks for its trips to Bicol.

Andal said the resumption of the Bicol trips of the PNR “closes the loop” by linking the North and South Rail project, part of the President’s 10-point agenda to decongest Metro Manila.

In the same briefing, Andal told the President the PNR expects its passenger base to increase from the 400,000 a month to 600,000.

He said that if the trend continues, the PNR will have to increase the departure of trains from its usual 30-minute interval to 15 minutes to cope with the demand. (PIA V Release)

Advisories:

PHILHEALTH ENHANCES BENEFIT CLAIM FORMS

To avail benefits from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) easier and claims filing more convenient for health care providers, a new set of simplified claim forms has been introduced to replace the existing claim forms 1, 2 and 3 for use in all admissions effective starting September 1, 2010.

The enhanced forms are also expected to cut administrative costs and shall be used in claiming for hospitalization benefits and for special benefit packages and outpatient services covered by PhilHealth.

However, the National Tuberculosis Program card is still required for all TB-DOTS package claims while Maternity Care Package providers must fill out Part II of Claim Form 3 for MCP claims.

The enhanced claim forms ma be downloaded from www.philhealth.gov.ph and will be available at the billing sections of accredited hospitals nationwide.

This advisor is based on Circular No. 12, series 2010. (PhilHealth release/PIA)

NEW PHILHEALTH NUMBER CARD

Starting his month, PhilHealth will begin issuing PhilHealth Number Cards bearing the new design to its employed and individually paying members nationwide.

It now comes in full color with the image of the PhilHealth logo serving as backdrop for the card which prominently shows the member’s permanent PhilHealth Identification Number and requires their latest 1 ½ x 1 ½ inch photo and signature for better identification.

The new card is considered a valid ID especially when claiming PhilHealth checks for benefit payment as provided for in PhilHealth Circular No. 11, series of 2010. Previously issued number cards are still good as proof of PhilHealth membership. (PhilHealth release/PIA)

PGMA LEGACY AGENDA BOOKS TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW
MANILA — Two books on the administration and achievements of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be launched Tuesday (June 22), a week before she ends her nine-year term on June 30.

In a media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Prof. Gary Olivar said the books are entitled "Beat the Odds: Another Stone for the Edifice," and “Beating the Odds.” Both books, he said, detail the accomplishments of the President’s BEAT THE ODDS legacy agenda.

“Beat the Odds: Another Stone for the Edifice” which was published by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), was edited by Olivar and University of the Philippines Professor Gonzalo Jurado.

Jurado, a senior faculty member at the UP School of Economics and a former mentor of Olivar and the President, rated the book with a Grade of “1,” the grade he gave to the President when she was still his student.

Jurado said the book gives concreteness to words already spoken on the President’s achievements and gave the “1” rating particularly on the President’s direct cash assistance program for the poor including the unprecedented budgetary allocations to human and physical infrastructure “which can be seen all over the country.”

Olivar said the book also contains technical notes and vigorous points of view of experts not connected or influenced by the government.

The second book, "Beating the Odds," is co-authored by former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Chief Renato Velasco and Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo. It recounts major issues and challenges the President faced early in her administration.

During the briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Romeo Recide said the Department of Agriculture (DA) also launched last Friday the book “FIELDS of Glory.”

The book chronicled the President’s commitment and achievements on increasing the country’s food security and productivity program for farmers and fishermen through her flagship program FIELDS.

During the National Food Summit in Pampanga in April 2008, the President launched the FIELDS, which stands for Fertilizer; Irrigation and other rural infrastructure; Extension and education services for farmers; Loans; Dryers and other postharvest facilities; and Seeds and other genetic materials. (PIA V Release)

"A VERY GOOD PRESIDENT" SAYS DANDING SON OF PGMA

MANILA — Northern Luzon leaders came in full force to the inauguration site of the reconstructed Bued Bridge here Monday (June 21) in Sison, Pangasinan to personally express their thanks to outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the attention she gave to the development of Pangasinan and Region I.

Led by Rep. Marc Cojuangco of the province’s 5th district, the local leaders gave glowing messages of gratitude for the President as she re-opened the bridge to regular traffic with a brief presidential drive-thru aboard an open jeepney and a short ceremony.

Cojuangco, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and son of politician-industrialist Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. could not hide his feelings of gratitude to the President over the Pangasinan projects as he described her “a very good President.”

“ We owe the President a lot,” Cojuangco told many constituents who trooped to the inaugural site to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Executive and take a last close glimpse of her as their President.

“Today we see why the President Arroyo is a very good President,” Cojuangco stressed not exactly to flatter the President but to remind Pangasinenses of the numerous administration projects that in recent years have helped maintain Pangasinan’s standing as one of the biggest and most progressive provinces in the country.

Rebuilt at a cost of P120 million, the bridge is a vital link that sustains movement of people to and from Northern Luzon and one of Pangasinan’s busiest bridges.

Cojuangco pointed to Bued Bridge as example of the major infrastructure projects given to the province by the President. The bridge was reconstructed shortly after it was damaged by Typhoon Pepeng late last year.

Joined by Region 1 officials and leaders among them Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino, La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega and the two La Union congressmen —Thomas Dumpit Jr. and Victor Ortega, Cojuangco said the timely reopening of the Bued Bridge at a time when the rainy season is starting was a blessing to Northern Luzon. (PIA V Release)

PGMA OKAYS BANGIT RETIREMENT, PICKS OCHOA AS ACTING AFP CHIEF

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved Monday (June 21) the early retirement of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit.

Upon recommendation of the AFP Board of Generals, the President has designated AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa as acting AFP chief effective tomorrow.

The President will preside over the change of command ceremony inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City tomorrow afternoon where the outgoing Bangit will be accorded a testimonial parade and honors.

Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo announced the change in the AFP command in a brief statement issued today from Malacanang.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1977, Ochoa will serve in acting capacity until incoming President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a new AFP chief right after the June 30 presidential oath-taking. But being in the short list of candidates for the top military post, Ochoa has a chance to become AFP chief.

Bangit was appointed military chief by President Arroyo last March 8. But he opted to quit the service more than a year ahead of his mandatory retirement on July 31, 2011 after failing to secure confirmation by the Commission on Appointments of his promotion to four-star rank (full general) and following public statements by President-elect Aquino that he was not considering Bangit for the top AFP post.

Bangit is member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 and has held many sensitive and significant postings before he became Army commanding general and then AFP chief. (PIA V Release)

PGMA GIVES FAREWELL MESSAGE TO THE NATION

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may be in the middle of preparations to ensure a smooth transition of governance to usher in her successor, being near her husband in the hospital, attending to inauguration of her projects, at the same time, but she will still have time to give her farewell message to the nation this week.

Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo, in a radio interview over the weekend, hinted that President Arroyo's final message to the nation may come in the form of a speech.

Perhaps this coming week, the President will deliver a speech that will contain her final message as President.

To the very end of her term, President Arroyo continues to visit ongoing government projects as well as communities.

Over the weekend, she stayed with the First Gentleman who underwent a surgery on his spine.

In fact on Monday, President Arroyo is set to administer the oath of office of at least 356 reelected and newly-elected local officials in Ilocos Sur.

The mass oath taking coincides with the 69th birthday celebration of returning Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson.

Elected local officials from Ilocos Sur's nearby provinces like Abra, Ilocos Norte, La Union and Pangasinan are also expected to attend the birthday bash.

Before proceeding to Vigan City, the President will formally open the newly-constructed foot bridge across the Bued River between Rosario, La Union and Sison, Pangasinan.

Expected to join her entourage in her last visit to Ilocos region as the Chief Executive are Region 1 Presidential Assistant Enrie Mendoza and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Victor Domingo. (PIA V Release)
PGMA DELIVERS ON FIELDS AGENDA

MANILA — The Arroyo administration has delivered on its commitment to increase the country's food security and sufficiency levels through its flagship program for the agriculture and fisheries sector dubbed FIELDS, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

FIELDS stands for the six areas of agriculture where the government has been channeling its support to on the Arroyo watch - Fertilizer; Irrigation and other rural infrastructure; Extension and education services for farmers; Loans; Dryers and other post-harvest facilities; and Seeds and other genetic materials.

Agriculture Secretary Bernie G. Fondevilla said the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration with regard to this flagship program is chronicled in a book titled “FIELDS OF GLORY” which was launched in June 18 at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City.

This FIELDS book project was tackled by Secretary Bernie Fondevilla during a recent Management Committee or ManCom meeting at the DA central office in Quezon City.

FIELDS was unveiled by the President during the DA-sponsored National Food Summit at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga in April 2008.

Fondevilla said that among the accomplishments of the Arroyo administration under FIELDS and its various farm programs are the following:

For the Fertilizer component, the DA provided 1,380 technology packages on environment- friendly, community-based composting facilities under the Support System for the Tipod Abono Fertilization Program. Out of the 1,380 packages, 428 or 31 percent were distributed in the Mindanao Agribusiness Super Region, 315 in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, 430 in Central Philippines, 204 in the Urban Luzon Beltway and 3 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

For Irrigation and other rural infrastructure, about P79.7 billion has been released for the restoration and rehabilitation of national and communal irrigation systems nationwide, generating 140,042 hectares of new areas. A total of 1,480,826 hectares located in the four super regions were also restored and rehabilitated.

The government also constructed since 2001, a total of 18,929 kilometers of farm-to-market roads worth P26.77 billion, and established 50 mariculture parks covering a total of 49,073 hectares.

For Extension, the DA provided a total of 22,941 various agricultural technology trainings and orientations from 2001 to 2009 to 977,713 farmers, agricultural extension workers, and farmer entrepreneurs.

For the Loans component, from 2001 to 2009, a total of P28.8 billion was released under the Agro-Industry Modernization and Credit Financing Program and Quedancor to farmer-beneficiaries. If palay production loans from the Land Bank and releases from other financial institutions and agencies are included, the total would amount to P465 billion.

For Dryers and other post-harvest facilities, a total of 2,016 units of flatbed dryers were delivered, installed and completed. Through the mechanical drying system, an estimated 25,724 metric tons of palay valued at P437 million was saved in 2008.

Moreover, a total of 39 cold chain facilities were completed and currently operational nationwide.

For the Seeds component, the DA provided 1.68 million bags of hybrid and 12.5 million bags of certified palay seeds from 2001 to 2009 to farmers nationwide. The DA also established the development of climate-ready seeds including saline-, drought-, and flood-resistant varieties.

Fondevilla noted that Malacañang put FIELDS on the fast lane starting 2009 as several of its intervention programs had been incorporated into the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) component of the President's economic stimulus package, which was meant to help Filipinos ride out last year's global economic crisis. (PIA V Release)