PNP TO IMPOSE STRINGENT CONTROL ON GUN PERMIT, VERZOSA

LEGAZPI CITY — Police chief General Jesus Verzosa said Sunday (June 6) that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to issue permit to carry firearms to gun owners but the agency will ensure more stringent requirements to facilitate monitoring, control and misuse of the said permit.

Verzosa, speaking at the PNP’s Legacy Run Program at the Camp Gen. Simeon Ola, stressed that there is a need to control the carrying of firearms among gun owners to avoid abuse, on the other hand, the community can live in a peaceful environment.

He said that in the recently held National Gun Assessment Summit, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders had an interfacing on the possibility of extending the nationwide gun ban, expiring June 9. PNP has contended the issuance of permit to carry will continue but with stringent conditions.

He elaborated, “Although we will be continuing to issue permit to carry firearms, at the same time undertake more stringent control to check on the people that were issued these permits.”

A technical working group is in the process of drawing up the control measures.

Among the measures mulled are for uniform service personnel and other law enforcers to secure a special permit to carry firearms with the PNP when carrying a gun but in civilian attire and are off duty.

A central data base would be established to consolidate all records of gun permits issued by different law enforcement units authorized to issue such permits to their personnel.

The new approach will also empower law enforcement personnel to check civilians carrying firearms and this way authorities would determine if these gun holders are civilians or are members of the police, military and other law enforcement agencies.

Comelec and PNP’s assessment of the nationwide gun ban shows that it is one of the major factors for the most peaceful and orderly elections in the country.

Comelec has imposed the nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10, this year and expires today, June 9, in connection with the May 10 national and local elections.

Earlier, Verzosa revealed plans of permanently suspending the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) even after the election period because of the apparent success of the total gun ban in curbing crimes.

PNP firearms statistics reveal that there are over a million loose firearms across the country.

In Bicol, the PNP had still to account for over a thousand of loose firearms.

Verzosa before visiting this city, he flew in to Masbate Saturday (June5) keynoting the PNP Transformation Forum with the participation of the various sectors of the community and an assessment of the May 10 national and local.

He also led the 7 kilometer “Legacy Run”on Sunday from the Regional Center site in Barangay Rawis to Police Camp Gen Simeon Ola in Old Albay district, this city, joined by the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation, (NBI) and Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) and other stakeholders. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)

VILLAGERS CITE ARMY FOR ADVOCACY ON ENVIRO CARE

PILI, Camarines Sur — Government soldiers braved the scorching heat of the sun and planted some 2,000 mangrove seedlings along the shorelines of Cagsao a coastal village in Calabanga town in Camarines Sur.

Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID spokesperson, said that a platoon of soldiers joined the mangrove planting participated in by stakeholders from different organizations, including residents of Cagsao village.

“We prefer to plant trees that will benefit the people rather than fire bombs that will maim and cause the loss of life and damage to property,” Cabunoc said.

“Started in August 2009, the reforestation project in this coastal village Cagsao was a success since 90 percent of the planted mangroves has survived in the area,” Cabunoc said.

At least hundreds of participants planted over the weekend more than 2,000 mangrove seedlings in the shorelines adjacent to the first reforestation site.

Residents of the fishing village of Cagsao have previously complained about the dwindling fish catch due to over-fishing.

Mang Renato, a local fisherman, said that with the mangrove trees attracting more fishes and crabs, fishermen do not have to go far to catch them.

“I have personally seen the presence of more crabs and other sea creatures a few months ago when the trees we planted last year started to grow,” he said.

The village was handpicked as the recipient of the project due to the strong support provided by its local government officials and residents.

Town Mayor Evelyn Yu, together with the barangay (village) officials of Cagsao, came with their family members to show their support to the project.

“We are very thankful to all of our partners for continuously supporting this project. I would also like to credit the residents of this coastal village (Cagsao) for their active participation to protect this future mangrove forest that will contribute towards environmental protection in general,” said Yu.

Lt. Col. Erwin De Asis, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 9th Infantry Division and one of the participants, said that he had previously joined similar reforestation projects, particularly in Panay Island.

“It is heart-warming to see that the local people are actively participating in this undertaking. It is the Army’s job to assist the people in the various peace and development programs that will benefit them. This is one way to end the communist insurgency problem in our country,” De Asis, a veteran of Mindanao’s conflict, narrated.

Mangrove tree planting project is supported by a number of cause-oriented groups because they believed that mangrove trees can protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge during typhoons which is a regular occurrence in the Bicol region. (HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO/PIA)

SEMINAR/TRAINING ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES SET

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has slated a Seminar/Training on Environmental Policies and Pollution Control Techniques to strengthen and develop the skills and capabilities of pollution control officers (PCOs) in the region.

DENR-attached Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol regional office here, in partnership with the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) Bicol Chapter, will be sponsoring the three-day event set on June 23-25, 2010 at the Casablanca Hotel here.

EMB Bicol Regional Director Engr. Gilbert Gonzales averred the seminar/training aims to provide designated and accredited PCOs in the Bicol region updates on the new policies and programs of DENR relevant to the performance of their duties and functions.

EMB Bicol has also set the registration fees (covering lecture materials, foods and reference materials) for the three modules and the scope of each training module, as presented below:

Module Date Scope Registration Fee

1 June 23, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Polices P1,500.00
Covering the Framework of the Environmental
Regulations in the Philippines; Clean Air Act
(RA 8749), and the Clean Water Act (RA 9275).

2 June 24, 2010 Basic Environmental Laws and Related Policies P 1,500.00 covering the Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Waste Control Act (RA 6969); Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and DENR
Administrative Order on PCO Guidelines and
Self-Monitoring Report (SMR).

3 June 25, 2020 Basic Design Considerations on Wastewater P2,500.00 Treatment; Technology Options for the Combined
Sewage and Septage Treatment in Compliance to
Clean Water Act; Sanitary Landfill and Leachate
Generation and Hazards Management/Science of
Climate Change, Effects, Mitigation and Adaptation

In the same seminar/training, newly accredited PCOs will also have their oath taking on June 24. All inductees shall pay the amount of P700.00 to cover expenses for the ceremony.

Interested applicants may confirm attendance through the PCO Desk, EMB RO V at the Regional Center Site in Barangay Rawis, this city or thru facsimile nos. (052) 482-0197, 482-0326, or thru the training coordinators: Ms. Ligaya V. Nitura at landline no. (054) 470-4168 or mobile 092119707095 and Ms. Charito V. Milañez at mobile 09077762197. (EMB V /PIA)

SEARCH FOR ECO-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is setting a new platform of competition among government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, with the launching today of 2011 Recognition Awards for Eco-friendly Government Offices.

“It is high time that all agencies of the government including government-owned and controlled corporations, walk the talk on environmental protection and management. There is no better way to show our people that the government means business when we ask them to get ‘green’ than by getting our public sector to get ‘green’ as well,” DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos said.

According to EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna, the program aims to assess the implementation of environmental management programs of participating government offices in terms of the 4Ps, namely, Policy and Promotion of Awareness, People and Practices.

Among the environmental programs that government agencies will be rated include electricity conservation, waste management, water conservation, fuel conservation, air pollution prevention, greening, emergency preparedness and green procurement.

The competition will run from May 2010 to April 2011. The outstanding offices will be recognized by the President in Malacañang in time for Earth Day 2011 (April 22). (EMB V/PIA)

BIR, RESOLUTE IN RUNNING AFTER TAX CHEATS

NAGA CITY— Determined in its campaign to run after tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here has ordered the closure of one business establishment for failing to declare its real income and warned others which continue to defy payment of appropriate taxes to the government.

RDO 65 Revenue District Officer Socorro La Fuente, along with BIR Regional Director Atty. Diosdado Mendoza, recently led the implementation of closure order to Triboo Grill located at Mayon Avenue here as part of the BIR’s OPLAN KANDADO campaign.

Triboo Grill, one of the fast-food chains here and owned by one Gina Dy, has been constantly reminded of their obligation for several times early last year. The establishment’s non-compliance of the BIR’s request led to the foreclosure of the said establishment early this week.

After settling its tax deficiency, however, TRIBOO Grill was allowed to re-open three days after it was ordered closed by BIR.

“We remain resolute in our crusade to remind our businessmen of their obligation in declaring their actual income. We use this declaration as our basis on how much tax they should be returning to the government,” La Fuente stated.

La Fuente also stressed that the closure order is the agency’s way of conveying the message that BIR is bent on running after tax delinquent establishments that are continuously ignoring their call for honest compliance of their income declaration.

“Let this serve as a lesson for our businessmen out there who still choose to ignore our plea for honest declaration of their income,” La Fuente said in an interview.

Oplan Kandado is a flag ship project of Commissioner Sixto Esquivel allowing BIR to padlock establishment who are cheating on their taxes thru a deliberate intent not to declare their real income.

This is also pursuant to BIR Revenue Memorandum Order No. 3-2009 which “amends and consolidates the guidelines in the conduct of surveillance and stock-taking activities and implements the administrative sanction of suspension and temporary closure of business.” (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

PINOY PERFORMING ARTISTS CHARM CROWD AT SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO

SHANGHAI — With a selection of Folkloric Filipiniana, a Chinese novelty and a few classical numbers, Filipino performing artists thrilled a huge crowd that gathered at the Central hall of the Shanghai World Expo Wednesday (June 9) for the Philippine National Day celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic ties.

The event, according to observers, gave them a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture as reflected in the songs and dances performed in the program watched by no less than the visiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Each number performed by the Gilas performing artists merged into the next -- solos coming first, moving into duets and culminating in a grand finale.

The medley or Kawing Kawing included Philippine folksongs such as Bahay Kubo, Sitsiritsit, and Polka sa Nayon which all described the very energetic life of Filipino townsfolk from different walks of life. The medley was done by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Follk Dance Ensemble.

Soprano Joanna Go, along with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, gave a rendition of Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), a popular Chinese song made famous when Glacomo Puccini adapted it for the opera.

With Cecile Licad on the piano, Francisco Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy paid tribute to Mayon, reputed to be the most perfectly-coned volcano in the world. There was also Juan Yee Benasa and Manuel Velez’s Sa Kabukiran, a playful art song that evokes images of rice fields and farm folks as interpreted by soprano Rachelle Gerodias and pianist Rudolf Golez.

A musical based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara was performed by Gerodias and guitarist Butch Roxas. It was followed by Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Maalala Mo Kaya, a well known Filipino song interpreted by Roxas on the classic guitar, and the Ballet Philippine dancers.

A victory chant of the Itneg-ethno linguistic group of the high mountains of the Philippines, the Iddemdem Malida, done by the Madrigal Singers and the entire cast, capped the show to the wild applause of the appreciative crowd. (PIA V Release)

PGMA TO LAUNCH COMMEMORATIVE COVER MARKING RP-CHINA TIES

SHANGHAI — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will launch here today ( June 9) the Chinese edition of the joint commemorative cover to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.

The event will highlight her attendance at the Philippine National Day Commemorative Ceremony at the Central Hall of the Shanghai World Expo center, considered the largest in the history of the event.

Over 190 countries and 50 international organizations are participating in the expo which is expected to draw visitors of up to 70 million in its entire run from May 1 to October 3 this year.

The President, who arrived under overcast skies and chilly weather late Tuesday night, will be assisted by Shanghai Party Secretary and Communist Party of China Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng.

She will also launch the book “A Selection of Folk tales from the Philippines for the Young Chinese Reader,” before watching cultural performances by the UP Madrigal singers and Ballet Philippines.

The launching of the commemorative cover will be profoundly significant as it falls exactly on the date of the establishment of bilateral ties between the Philippines and China 35 years ago on June 9, 1975.

The cover features the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mt. Lushan of China's Jiangxi Province, which became sister mountains in October 2006 following the establishment of sister-province relationship between Bohol and Jiangxi.

The Philippine edition of the first day cover was launched by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao in Manila on June 3, starting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

The joint commemorative cover captures the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the foundation of bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China.

Since 1982, the Philippines and China have signed 29 twinning arrangements between cities and provinces, illustrating the scope and depth of people-to-people contacts and cultural dialogues between the two countries. At least eight other Philippine cities and provinces have signed letters of intent to establish twinning arrangements with Chinese cities and provinces.

With the theme, "Philippines+China@35: More than Friends," the year-long celebration highlights three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements between provinces and cities of the two countries, and youth and the future. (PIA V Release)

PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS

MANILA — In recognition of her tireless efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was conferred the Shining World Leadership Award by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai.

It is said that Vietnam-born Ching hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in 2006 aside from other prestigious awards including Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World hero and heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award and Shining World Invention Award.

President Arroyo received the award from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the marginalized sectors.

The President watched the show which depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion of the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous people (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school youth, overseas workers and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Also showcased in the event were President Arroyo’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010, giving expanded benefits to the elderly.

Said honors are bestowed on individuals, nations and organizations such as the 2nd president of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Dmovsek, Dr. Jane Goodall and Save the Children whose exemplary works have signifi8cantly contributed to the harmony, beauty and sustainability of planet Earth.

The Award underscored President Arroyo’s tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people. (PIA V Release)

400 MAYORS THANK PGMA FOR LGU PROJECTS

MANILA — I think I’m still dreaming when I reached Manila in just seven hours.

Thus said Renaldo Bitong, the 78-year-old mayor of Casiguran town in Aurora, when he came to Manila to join some 400 mayors in Malacanang Tuesday (June 8) to convey their collective thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the various projects that benefited their respective constituencies.

Bitong was teary-eyed as he recalled the ordeal he and his people would had to go through for decades when traveling from his town to Manila which used to take them 14 hours, by sea and land.

But with the completion this year of the P2.73 billion Baler-Casiguran Road, a major infrastructure project of the President under the Northern Luzon Agriculture Quadrangle (NLAQ) concept, travel from remote Casiguran according to Bitong has been effectively reduced by several hours by land.

“I came here to personally thank the President for the Baler-Casiguran road that cut down our travel time to Baler from eight hours to 2.5 hours,” Bitong said during the luncheon at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.

“At my age, I still cannot believe that I reached Manila this fast. If you experienced how difficult it was to come here, you would definitely cry for help. But now, no more. You will just cry of joy,” he added.

The P2.733-billion Baler-Casiguran Road project, that includes 19 newly- designed bridges, was one of the priority programs committed by Arroyo during her State-of-the-Nation Address (SoNA) in 2008 in an effort to bring development to Aurora, one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country.

The President led the inauguration of this 120-kilometer road project last February which is one of the vital regional road linkages under the Arroyo’s NLAQ program.
“Our town is a remote area that many have not reached or even known. So, we are very thankful to the President when she gave our small town such big attention,” Bitong said.

During the luncheon, Arroyo, casual in violet pantsuit, table-hopped to greet the mayors and gamely posed for souvenir photo as goodbye gesture to the outgoing President.

“Thank you for all the support,” Arroyo said as she shook hands with each of the more than 400 mayors. (PIA V Release)

RP KEEPS WATCH OVER KOREAN SITUATION

MANILA — Malacañang is monitoring the tension in the Korean peninsula not only due to its regional security implications also its potential impact on investment inflow from South Korea, deployment of overseas Filipino workers there and the steady influx of Korean tourists in the Philippines.

During the Cabinet meeting today, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Director General Augusto Santos presented the Global Recession Impact News (GRIN), which updated the Cabinet on economic trends and scenarios as they relate to the rising tension between North and South Korea.

Briefing the Malacanang media later, NEDA National Policy Director Dennis Arroyo said the Korean security situation will impact on Japan and China which are the among Philippines top trading partners.

“China is in a bind because it invested about $10 billion in the north or about 70 percent of North Korean gross domestic product and if the north collapses, there will be a flood of refugees to China so they want stability in the peninsula,” said NEDA’s Arroyo, describing a possible scenario.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has inquired from Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo about the situation of the overseas Filipino workers particularly in South Korea and determine if there is an immediate need to have them shipped back into the country.

For now, no action is needed yet and we continue to monitor closely the situation in Korea, Olivar said. (PIA V Release)

NAFC SPEARHEADS DIALOGUE ON WATER CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the consultative arm of the Department of Agriculture, led the conduct of an area-wide conference entitled “Charting Our Water Future: A Multi-Stakeholder Policy and Program Dialogue” at the Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant at Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.

In partnership with other national government agencies like Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Water Resources Board and the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the NAFC gathered various stakeholders to draw out discussions on water and water-related policy issues and concerns from the different regions in Northern Mindanao consisting of Regions IX, X and Caraga. This is also co-sponsored by the SN|Aboitiz Power Group, one of the leading companies that has stake on water-related concerns.

This activity is actually the first leg of a series of area-wide forums which seeks to draw together inputs from various stakeholders nationwide for the development of a platform of action or agenda to achieve water security specifically for the agriculture and fisheries sector.

This series of activity will also serve as venue for building a shared understanding of the water-related challenges and constraints facing the agriculture and fisheries sector and impacting on food security, productivity and market competitiveness. In addition, it seeks to encourage stakeholders to adapt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices and initiatives especially in the areas of water use efficiency, demand management and watershed protection as well as recommend policies and innovative instruments to govern the water security relevant dimensions of agriculture and fisheries.

Other legs of this series of dialogues will be conducted on June 10-11, 2010 also in Cagayan de Oro City for Regions XI, XII and ARMM; June 15-16 and 17-18, 2010 in Pampanga for the Luzon cluster of regions and June 22-23, 2010 in Bohol for the Visayas regions.

These multi-stakeholder dialogues are participated in by representatives of local government units, civil society organizations, state universities and colleges, private sector-led agricultural and fishery councils, media and regional offices of national government agencies like the DA, DAR, DENR, NEDA, DPWH, DILG, DOST, DOH and the NDCC. Other national and local agencies or organizations invited to participate are Climate Change Commission, Environment Management Bureau, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Animal Welfare Bureau, and others.

In this dialogue, various activities are carried out including a presentation on the country’s current water resources situationer which spelled out its general dismal state that needs to be addressed immediately. This is followed by a lecture discussion on Integrated Water Resources Management or IWRM for agriculture and fisheries. Based on the Philippine IWRM Framework Plan, IWRM is a systematic, adaptive process conducted in collaboration with stakeholders for the sustainable development and management of water and related sources in the context of social equity, economic and environmental objectives. It essentially consists of a set of principles on the proper utilization and management of water resources as a strategy to adapt to climate change and develop climate change resiliency. For the agriculture and fisheries sector, achieving water security is an adaptation strategy to build a climate resilient agricultural and fisheries sector to anticipate, effectively prepare for, reduce vulnerabilities and manage effects of intense climatic occurrences and contribute to poverty reduction and sustain rural development.

Other sessions include lectures on Climate Change Impacts: Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Mapping, and the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change Focusing on Water, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

To come up with the desired action agenda to be pursued in this part of the country, various presentations, experience sharing sessions and workshops covering specific themes are also conducted. These themes include Pathways to Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity and Water Security (Clean, Safe and Healthy Water for All); Promoting Water Stewardship and Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture (Demand-side and Supply-side Water Management); and Climate Change Compliant Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management. Regional cluster group workshops followed which resulted in the development of regional action agenda. This will be consolidated with the expected outputs of the other area-wide dialogues to be conducted in Luzon and Visayas. All these will be processed and the consolidated recommendations will be presented to the next administration. (DA-NAFC/PIA)