ALBAY TOPS IN TAX COLLECTION; EMERGES AS INVESTMENT HUB IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay is emerging as the economic hub in the region as it continuously leads and surpasses its internal revenue collection goal among the six Bicol provinces, the local Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office said.

BIR report claimed that of the P2.4-billion tax collected for the first semester of this year, P901 million or 37 percent came from Albay, followed by Camarines Sur with P787 million; Camarines Norte – P257 million; Masbate – P197 million; Sorsogon – P180 million and Catanduanes with P103 million.

Lawyer Diosdado Mendoza, BIR Bicol regional director, said over the weekend the P2.4-billion tax revenue collected during the first six months of the year was P468 million or 23 percent above the target goal of P1.9 billion.

He said the tax revenues were derived mostly from withholding taxes from fixed income earners, business, professions, and value added tax (VAT).

Mendoza said P1.8 billion in taxes was collected last year, surpassing with P548 million or 29 percent against the 2009 target.

Mendoza said his agency is expected to raise some P4.4 billion this year, and half of the goal had been already achieved by the first half of this year.

Based on tax collection efficiency, Albay was consistent for several years as the leading in tax collection because of the industries and business centers set up here, making the province the rising business and economic center in the region.

Albay Governor Salceda said the province's economy is gaining grounds because of investors' confidence on the province's socio-economic platform that would firmly position the province in the country's economic road map for investment and tourism.

Salceda said the platform has 5 Es which stand for Economy, Education, Environment, Equity and Health. This, he added, would place Albay in the map of the country as trade, investment and tourist center.

“This should carry us into the next sequel of the Albay Saga to be called Albay Boom which should commence once the international airport is completed," the governor said.

Salceda, has committed to "attain development through low-carb, low-energy intensity, low-rise strategies compatible with the regeneration capacity of our environment so that future Albayanos will benefit not pay for the current entitlements."

The notable projects of 5 Es include, among others: the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), Guicadale Business Platform, National Renewable Energy Program, Barangay Capacity enhancement, 4Pcs, Higher Education Contribution Scheme, Education Quality for Albayano (EQUAL), Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), Bicol University and the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital modernization and the Universal PhilHealth coverage.

Meanwhile, the BIR would intensify tax collection target in Bicol by launching tax campaigns that would run after tax evaders and cheats. Mendoza said they are in pursuit of P320-million worth tax evasion cases involving persons and companies with businesses in the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco, Masbate and in Camarines Sur.

To further improve tax revenue generation and monitoring and prosecution of tax cheats, the bureau also launched campaigns such as “Txt-Tax Brigade”; Tax me Not campaign (Knowing the Limitation of Tax Exemption) and “Be inspired with Reward”.

LEGAZPI BAGS AIM ENTREPRENEUR’S AWARD FOR HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY

LEGAZPI CITY — The city government here, strengthening its position as a haven for business and investments, was recently cited for honesty and transparency.

The local government took home the Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Honest and Transparent in its Dealings at the 2009 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) held last July 19, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The city was also cited as one of the most competitive emergent cities in the Philippines.

The PCCRP is a a flagship research project of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center that aims to measure the competitiveness of Philippine Cities. Twenty nine cities were ranked according to six criteria: dynamism of local economy, responsiveness of the LGUs to business, infrastructure, quality of life, cost of doing business and human resource and training.

The ranking is based on official government data, perception survey among businessmen, and interviews with local chief executives and local business group’s representative The PCCRP also classified the cities into three groups: metropolitan growth centers, growth centers and emergent cities. Legazpi is classified as an emergent city.

Aside from winning the award, Legazpi was also cited as one of the most competitive emergent cities in the country together with Dagupan, San Fernando, Santiago, Tuguegarao, Angeles, Lucena, Puerto Princesa, Legaspi, Tacloban, Ormoc, Pagadian, Iligan, Tagum, Cotabato, Butuan and Surigao.

Cebu City bested Davao in the metro growth center category. Cagayan de Oro, meanwhile, topped in the growth centers category, which included the cities of General Santos, Baguio, Lapu-Lapu, Zamboanga, Olongapo, Batangas, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Mandaue.

Legazpi City was also cited as the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit in Southern Luzon by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007. (LGU Legazpi City/PIA)

2010 NATIONAL LITERACY AWARDS VALIDATES SORSOGON CITY LITERACY PROGRAM

SORSOGON CITY— The 2010 National Literacy Awards evaluation committee visited Sorsogon City on July 15-16 assessing and validating the city’s Literacy Program for this year’s search as it has ranked among the five hot finalists for this year’s Outstanding LGU – component city category.

The four other city contenders are Tagum in Davao Del Norte, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Balanga in Bataan and Cadiz in Negros Occidental.

The evaluators, composed of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Program Development Director Emilyn Libunao who is also the 2010 national chair of the board of judges, and Dr. Norma Salcedo, secretariat head of the Literacy Coordinating Council, said that they are giving on three criteria for judging which focuses on project planning and development (15 %), project management and implementation (40%) and impact of the project (45%).

Locally dubbed as “Linang Dunong” Program, the city’s literacy program highlights the Computer Van Aralan, Bacon Community Learning Center, Kiddie Toy Center and Library, Bibincahan Nursery, Maharlika Development Cooperative, “Sa Aton Ini” project, Senior Citizen Affairs Office, Sorsogon City Teen Center and the Pangpang Community Learning Center wherein each component were validated on-site by the jurors.

The judges were particularly impressed by the city’s waste water treatment facility that ensures cleanliness of the used water from the city’s public market before it is finally disposed.

“Our desire to be considered as one of the cleanest city in the country follows a big responsibility to the community and environment. Consequently, this facility will be one of the city’s contributions to the conservation of Sorsogon Bay that is presently being plagued by red tide toxic contamination affecting shellfish,” Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic Dioneda said.

With the city’s inclusion again this year in the National Literacy Awards, Dioneda believes that win or lose, the program has already built a greater impact on the development of the literacy status in Sorsogon City making the local populace more productive in their daily living.

Dioneda added that his administration’s literacy program also targets at least one member in each family to have finished a college degree.

He has also vowed to sustain and even improve further the program during his entire term as the chief executive of Sorsogon City. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

DOST-PSHS NATIONAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION SET NOV. 6

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) National Competitive Examination (NCE) is set on November 6, 2010 in designated testing centers in the region.

The NCE is a scholastic aptitude test designed to measure Scientific Ability, Quantitative Ability, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Aptitude of applicants. Sample test questions to familiarize the possible examinees are attached in the application form.

To qualify for the examination, a grade 6 or 7 elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education (DepEd) should meet the following criteria:

• Belongs to the upper 10% of current class and without a grade below 80 as certified by school principal; if applicant is not in the upper 10%, he/she should have special aptitude in Science and Math as supported by the report card, with at least a grade of 85 in Science and Math and 80 in all other subjects;
• A Filipino citizen without pending application as immigrant to any foreign country;
• Born on or after June 1, 1996;
• In good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program;
• Possesses good conduct and behavior; and
• Have not taken the previous PSHS NCE
Duly accomplished application forms must be filed in two copies together with two recent
identical 1x1 ID pictures; non-refundable test fee of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) for private schools (free for public schools); a copy of report card if applicant does not belong to the upper 10% of current class to any of the following: PSHS-Bicol Campus, DOST Region V or Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) nearest to applicant. In case the test permit is not received before the examination, the applicant may check with said offices.

Application forms may also be downloaded from the PSHS website, www.pshs.edu.ph.
Deadline for filing of application is August 27, 2010.

Qualified applicants are reminded of the following requirements on the day of examination:

Be at designated testing center one hour before the scheduled examination (either a.m. or p.m. as indicated in the exam permit)

Present the Examination Permit and school ID to the Proctor

Bring at least two sharpened soft lead pencils (Mongol #2), a good eraser and snacks.

Only one test, a scholastic aptitude test shall be administered in designated centers to be indicated in the test permits. Successful examinees shall be notified either by mail or through the PSHS website. (POLucena/CLGillego, DOST V)

OWWA OFFERS NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR OFW DEPENDENTS

LEGAZPI CITY— In view of OWWA’s continuing thrust to expand its educational scholarship program and make it accessible to the intended beneficiaries all over the country, OWWA offers a new scholarship program - the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP).

OFWDSP offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs who receive a monthly salary of not more than US$ 400.00 and who shall enroll in a four-year or five-year baccalaureate course or associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree or associate degree in state or CHED accredited college or university.

Qualified scholars shall be entitled a financial assistance of Php 20,000.00 per year or Php 10,000.00 per semester that shall cover tuition fees and other academic-related expenses, and a health and accident insurance of Php 100,000.00.

Applicants must be: legal dependent of active OWWA member OFW whose monthly salary is not more than US$400.00; single, not more than 21 years old; and interested to enroll or already enrolled in the following DOLE recommended courses - all courses in BS Engineering and BS Sciences, BS Information Technology and related courses, BS Food Technology, BS Agriculture and related courses, BS Medical Technology, BS Midwifery, BS Nutrition, BS Physical Therapy, BS Pharmacy, BS Health Services and/or Medical Tourism, BS Aviation and related courses, BS Marine Engineering, Transportation and related courses, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management and related courses, and associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree.

For this school year 2010-2011, OWWA Bicol allocates a total of 88 scholarship slots- 20 slots for Masbate, 20 for Camarines Norte and 12 for each of the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

Interested applicants may contact at the following: landline numbers - (052) 481-4503 / 481-4562; CP No. 09277962223; email add – owwarwo5@yahoo.com, or visit OWWA Regional Office 5 at the 3rd Floor of ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City. (KTRamirez, OWWA V/PIA)


LGU DISTRIBUTES COMPOSTING EQUIPMENT TO FARMERS IN CAMARINES NORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte — Some 22 units of shredder for small scale composting facilities were distributed for free to different organizations in the province during the Training on Promotion and Development of Organic Agriculture cum “Organic Fertilizer Production Project (OFPP)” Tuesday (July 27) at the Agro Sports Center, provincial capitol here.

This was the project of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management of the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg).

Helen Abordo, OPAg chief, said that the 22 units of shredder were given for free to farmers, irrigators, cooperatives, seed growers, school, barangay councils and other associations and organizations in the province.

This was the second batch of the distribution of the shredder machine, the first batch were given last year also to some 22 qualified beneficiaries in the province.

She said that together with the 22 shredder, 44 compost growers were also given to beneficiaries. The same will be given 15 kilos of vermin or worms if they can make a vermin bed in their areas.

She said that they have conducted the said training to orient beneficiaries for the proper use of the composting machine and the production of organic fertilizer. (RBManlangit/PIA Camarines Norte)

ARMY 2IB TO HOLD MEDICAL, DENTAL MISSION FOR LIGAO CITY RESIDENTS

LEGAZPI CITY — The 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) of Philippine Army will stage a Medical and Dental Mission on Saturday, July 31, in the City of Ligao as part of preparations for the Army’s 40th Foundation Anniversary on August 1.

In an interview, Lt. Col. John Oberio, commanding officer of 2IB PA, said that an estimated 200 residents from four barangays nearby the Army Headquarters are seen to benefit from the humanitarian mission.

Three medical doctors from the Army's 9th Infantry Division and four volunteers from Ligao City, nurses and other community-based volunteers committed their time to provide medical and dental services for free, including medical consultation, tooth extraction, free medicines for adults and children, anti-rabies vaccination and feeding program for malnourished children.

The Army’s 2IB was activated in 1970 headed by its first Commander Col. Medardo A. Malabanan who undertook the initial task of organizing and equipping the battalion which was then still based in Camp Capinpin, Tanay Rizal.

On July 1, 1971, elements of Bravo Company were sent to Mindanao for combat operations against the Bangsamoro Army (Blackshirts) and elements of an organized crime syndicate (Baracuda). On February 29, 1972, Bravo Company was pulled out from Mindanao and brought back to Luzon.

After the “February People Power Revolution and upon guidance from higher headquarters, the battalion was immediately moved to Bicol region on March 4, 1986 by air and by land transportation and its last elements arrived in Bicol region on March 7, 1986 and established its Tactical Command Post (TCP) in Barangay Matacon, Polangui, Albay on March 10, 1986.

The unit was given as area of responsibility the 3rd District of Albay covering the municipalities of Polangui, Libon and Oas and Nabua, Bato, and Balatan, all of Camarines Sur to include portion of Iriga City.

The current leadership of Lt. Col John V. Oberio on the Army’s 2IB has maintained the effectiveness of personnel bringing it to another round of victorious events in terms of triad operations and asserting the credibility of the AFP. (CBDestura, PNA Bicol/PIA)


NO SPIN, NO FABRICATION IN NEWS STORIES – SAYS P-NOY COMMUNICATIONS MEN

MANILA — The incoming communications men of President Benigno S. Aquino III today said they see no need for contriving a new public image for him as he will be projected simply as who he is and on the basis of his announced visions for the Filipino people.

Recently resigned television news anchor Ricky Carandang who is likely to assume the messaging functions of the new Palace communications group said that even with the complex nature of the presidential communications and the growing sophistication of the media, they will not employ deliberate means to unduly enhance the President and his administration.

“No spin, no manufacture and no fabrication,” said Carandang on the kind of information the media will expect from Malacañang and the executive arm of government.

Newspaper columnist Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma, who will handle dissemination functions, including the supervision of all government-run media entities, shared Carandang’s views, adding that the President Is one person whose image needs no more embellishments.

Coloma said the President will be projected with authenticity and with genuineness, taking into account the spontaneity of the people’s awareness and reactions to him.

Coloma cited as an example President Aquino’s recent visit to Romblon province where crowds came out to greet him even if the visit was unannounced. He said that upon hearing that the President was in town, people from all over went to see him, picking up along the way an assortment of items colored yellow.

Coloma said there is no need to spin stories or flood the media with “praise” releases about the President and Malacañang. “Sa totoo lang (to tell you the truth)”, said Coloma, this is what the President prefers. (PIA V Release)

P-NOY MEETS WITH UN COUNTRY TEAM

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III met with the United Nations Country Team in the Philippines who paid him a courtesy call in Malacañang Wednesday (July 28) .

The Chief Executive welcomed Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme, and members of the team, namely; Lawrence Jeff Johnson of the International Labor Organization, Suneeta Mukherjee of the UN Population Fund, Vanessa Tobin of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Soe Nyunt-U of the World Health Organization, Teresita Bagaso of the Joint UN Programme for HIV/AIDS, Yolanda Arban of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Brenda Pimentel of the International Maritime Organization and Rico Salcedo of the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Welcoming the UN group at Malacanang’s Premiere Guest House, the President said he looked forward to the meeting, which provides a venue to “improve Philippine commitments to the United Nations.”

For her part, Badcock congratulated the President for his victory during the elections and for the delivery of his first State of the Nation Address last Monday

Also present during the meeting were Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad, Secretary Enrique Ona of the Department of Health, Secretary Armin Luistro of the Department of Education and Undersecretary Alicia Bala of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PIA V Release)

NFA POISED TO INVESTIGATE RICE OVER-IMPORTATION

MANILA — The National Food Authority (NFA) will conduct an intensive inquiry into the reported over-importation of rice as divulged by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday.

In a news briefing in Malacañang, NFA administrator Lito Banayo said the probe will involve a system and management audit meant to identify the problems inherited by the food agency from the previous administration.

Banayo said he has requested Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima for assistance upon the advice of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula for the audit.

Apart from the Justice department and the NBI, Banayo is also tapping some lawyers, financial experts and other professionals to help in the investigation.

Banayo has also asked Jesus Posadas, former vice president for purchasing of San Miguel Corp. and a commodities trading expert, to head the probe.

”I am minded to institute a systems and management audit of my agency to ensure that both systems and personnel are functioning properly according to our mandate,” Banayo told reporters.

In his SONA, President Aquino said the NFA imported 900,000 metric tons (MT) of rice in 2004, even as the shortage was estimated at only 117,000 MT. In 2007, the NFA again over-imported, buying 1.827 MT to address a shortfall of only 589,000 MT.

The President said the excess supply was left to rot in warehouses, while the government had to deal with a debt of P171.6 billion in rice importation costs as of May 2010.

Banayo identified specific areas of concern for the probers. These are:

• Overstocked warehouses;
• P177 billion debt as of June 30, 2010;
• Spoilage of the imported rice and the possibility of corruption;
• Government inability to help the farmers;
• Allegations of irregularities; and
• Reports of Smuggling.

The probers were also tasked to look into the purchase and importation protocol insofar as timing and volume are concerned; inventory system to prevent waste and spoilage of stocks; and methods and procedure of selling the stocks to ensure they are sold efficiently. (PIA V Release)

PALACE TO PROMOTE FAIR MEDIA TREATMENT

MANILA — Malacanang will develop a system that'll give journalists equal access to information materials it releases, including possible advance copies of President Benigno Aquino III's speeches.

"There must be a level playing field in the communication process," said communications group Sec. Herminio Coloma.

He gave this assurance following concern a media outfit was able to secure, ahead of other similar entities, an advanced copy of Mr. Aquino's first State of the Nation Address.

Coloma said he's heading the Presidential Communication Operations Office, the communication group's message dissemination arm composed of government media entities, and won't tolerate unfair treatment of journalists.

"There'll be a means to promote fairness," he said.

Malacanang is boosting government's communication capability so messages of President Aquino and his administration can be conveyed clearly to people.

Aside from its dissemination arm, the communication group has a messaging unit that'll come up with messages to be conveyed.

Coloma said this unit is called the Presidential Communications Strategy and Development Office.
Journalist Ricky Carandang is heading this office.

"Our tasks are complementary," Coloma noted. (PIA V Release)