AIR FORCE GETS NEW AIRCRAFT UNDER AFP’S MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon get hold of 18 light planes and eight helicopters as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, a ranking Air Force officer said on Wednesday.

Maj. General Artemio Orozco, PAF 1st Air Division commander said the command expects the aircrafts to be delivered before the end of this year and the rest by next year.

He said four of the 18 planes and eight helicopters are to be delivered any time this year.

The multi purpose helicopters can be mobilized either in times of disaster or military operations.

The aircraft procurement procedures have been carried out, it had been bided and the command is just waiting for the deliveries.

Orozco at a press conference held at the PAF Tactical Operation Group 5 (TOG5) office here said the brand new light training planes and multi purpose helicopters would replace the old once that have been declared as no longer functional by the command.

According to Orozco the command as a standard practice regularly identifies all assets that need repairs and replacement; this would ensure that the PAF assets would be properly maintained.

He said ”we see to it that our air assets are kept in good condition so these aircrafts maintains their airworthiness and reliability.”

He said despite the sheer lack of air assets, the command is addressing this problem though it would take some time.

Aside from the acquisition of air assets, Orozco said the PAF has created an Air Education Training Command aimed to sustain and upgrade its training program on the aspect of asset maintenance and pilot capability building.

Orozco arrived here on Wednesday as guest of honor during opening and blessing of the TOG5 Taxiway, Ramp and “Balay na Azul.”

Air Force Col. Guillermo Molina, TOG5 commander said the three projects costing P40 million would spur the commands operation in the region.

Molina said the fund spent for the three infra projects came from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol.

He said the construction of the aircraft taxiway and ramp would enable air assets to manoeuvre with ease in times of disaster or military operations.

While the “Balay na Azul” is a two storey edifice which contains an office cum conference hall and three fully furnished air conditioned rooms for guests and visitors.

Molina at the program presented to Orozco the newly trained TOG5 Search and Rescue (SAR) 12 member team that were trained in various aspects search, retrieval and rescue operations.

Orozco commended the TOG5 for organizing the SAR and the innovation made by Molina in transforming the empty gasoline drums to colorful “banca” dresser, comfort room, and water containers that are useful during disaster operation. (PNA Bicol/PIA)

DSWD USES ON-DEMAND APPLICATION TO IDENTIFY RECIPIENTS OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

LEGAZPI CITY— The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol held a simultaneous On-Demand Application (ODA) for the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) for the province of Albay, Camarines Norte and Sur, and Catanduanes on August 16-22..

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Remia Tapispisan explained that the ODA is in line with the issuance of Executive Order No. 687 on March 2010 directing all government agencies to adapt the NHTS-PR.

Tapispisan furthered that the scheme is a mechanism in identifying who and where the poor households who shall be the recipients of the social protection programs nationwide.

The ODA provides an opportunity for those who were not included or assessed during the regular enumeration conducted from April 2009 to March 2010 but whose residence was identified as within the target area to be included in the project’s data base.

About 2,078 barangays from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes were covered by this activity.

It is along this line that DSWD is calling all the residents in the provinces as mentioned ad were not visited or included in the household enumeration conducted by the DSWD to visit the nearest Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and file an application for their inclusion in the household assessment to be done. (DSWD V/PIA)

4Ps LAUNCH IN CAMARINES PROVINCES

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has officially launched the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte last August 10 and August 11, 2010 respectively.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also known as 4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy of the government that provides cash grants to extremely poor households intended for their health, nutrition and education especially of their children aged o to 4 years old.

Some 484 families of Minalabac, Camarines Sur benefited from the program covering the barangays of Tariric, Malitbog, Sagrada, and Salinggugon. Meanwhile for Camarines Norte 465 families of San Lorenzo Ruiz benefited from the program covering the Barangays of Daculang Bolo, Matacong, Sa Isidro ad Mampurog.

The beneficiaries received their first 4Ps cash grant through over-the-counter payment in the LandBank of Naga City for Camarines Sur beneficiaries and LandBank Daet Branch for Camarines Norte beneficiaries. A beneficiary received a maximum of P7,000 or P1,400 a month covering the months of November to December 2009 and January to March 2010.

“Magtarabang-tabang po kita,” said Mayor Leovegildo Basmayor of Minalabac, Camarines Sur. In his message, he urged the beneficiaries not just to help each other but also to give importance to the projects granted to them by the government.

DSWD Regional Director Remia T. Tapispisan on the other hand reminded the beneficiaries to comply with the program’s conditionalities so as to continue receiving the cash grants. Non-compliance would result to delistment or termination from the program.

The beneficiaries positively responded and committed support to the program. (AMayor, DSWD V/PIA)

OUTSTANDING SORSOGANONS INSPIRE KABABAYANS

SORSOGON Province — If there is one thing that successful good people would wish for, it would be to serve as an inspiration for others.

Two Sorsoganons had aim for it and has proven anew their excellence in their own field of chosen interests following the honors and inspiration both of them has brought to the province and the country as well.

One of them is Engr. Murry Demdam who hailed from Brgy. Gatbo, Bacon District, Sorsogon City. He is the chief operating officer of Al-Khawari Establishment and heads the Phillippine Professionals Organization, an umbrella group of professional organizations composed of mechanical, civil, electrical and communications engineers, architects, certified public accountants as well as community leaders in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Demdam is an inspiration to many because of his exemplary performance in his engineering field bringing him various recognition and awards.

Most recently, Demdam become the recipient of the Bagong Bayani Award 2009, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers 2009 Fellow Award and was also chosen as the 2010 Outstanding Professional of the Year for Mechanical Engineering from the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) in recognition of his professional excellence and confirmation of his professional integrity.

Currently, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of Al-Aldalus International School of Al-Khobar and officer/director of various businesses in Saudi Arabia and still looks forward to how he could further help Filipinos in Saudi.

Meanwhile, another outstanding Sorsoganon, Ana Gotladera, 45, from Matnog, Sorsogon also brought prestige to the province following her recognition as the 2010 Halyao Awardee during the 6th Annual Halyao Awards held last month in Naga City.

Gotladera finished Community Health Service course and a midwife by profession, but ventured and became more productive as micro entrepreneur.

A model of a successful entrepreneur, Gotladera started out producing organic soaps in 2002 in Matnog and later on expanded to subcontracting handicrafts and eventually became an exporter.

Her Analobel Enterprises, a handicraft production business, benefits 620 people and 150 families in seven barangays not only in Sorsogon but in Albay province as well, based from the data submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry Sorsogon.

Analobel Enterprises also contributes approximately 9.55% of the provincial export performance of Sorsogon province.

Said enterprise practices corporate social responsibility through worker loan assistance, skills trainings and annual outings to boost the workers’ morale.

The Halyao Awards is an annual event organized by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry which recognizes five outstanding Bicolano businesspersons yearly. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

SENIOR CITIZENS CONGRESS HELD

LEGAZPI CITY — With the promulgation of the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act or RA 9994, a great equalizer in providing benefits to senior citizens across the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here held a series of Senior Citizens Congress in the six provinces across Bicol.

The interfacings, held within the period of July 27 until August 26, were attended by the heads of the Office of Senior Citizens Affair, the Municipal and Provincial Federation Presidents, representative of business establishments, duty bearers and the members of the Regional Coordinating and Monitoring Board (RCMB) for Senior Citizens.

Social Welfare Officer IV Arwin Razo presented and explained the salient features of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Law.

Meanwhile, DSWD regional director Remia T. Tapispisan in her message urged the local government units to give priority services for the older persons especially in the planning ad budgeting in their respective locality.

She also expressed her appreciation for the overwhelming response and participation of the senior citizens and the duty bearers who are tasked by law to implement the mandate under RA 9994.

Tapispisan also explained that the purpose of the activity is to have a detailed and comprehensive discussion of the law, draw out support from the government, non-government and private sector in the compliance of the law. She likewise said that the Congress is a venue to discuss issues and concerns of the senior citizens group in relation to their welfare.

Among the major issues raised were: a) status of implementation of the proposed social pension for senior citizens as provided in RA 9994; b) level of compliance of the Local Government Units in terms of allocating 1% of the total annual budget for the senior citizens and the persons with disability sectors; and c) discussion on the compliance of the different establishments and institutions on the adherence of the law ad the compliance to the full 20% discount and the total VAT exemption.

In response to the issues raised the Regional Coordinating and Monitoring Board will strengthen and will have a close monitoring on the compliance of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. (DSWD V/PIA)

COMMUNIST LEADER NABBED IN ALBAY

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur — Combined elements of the 901st Brigade and Albay police arrested a ranking NPA terrorist leader in Albay in the evening of August 20, Friday, a ranking military official said.

Alvin Orpiada alias Bong, commander of Sentro De Grabidad, under the Larangan 77 guerilla front operating in Albay was arrested by combined elements of the Army and police at barangay Libas, Guinobatan town in Albay on Friday evening.

Brigadier General Marlou Salazar, Commander of the 901st Brigade, said that a crack team from his unit, supported by policemen from Albay, collared the drunk Orpiada at around 9:45pm Friday.

“Orpiada was heavily drunk when arrested by soldiers and policemen in the presence of his friends who shared a drink with him in a secluded house in the village. My soldiers followed all the legal procedures in effecting the arrest and the suspect was treated humanely,” said Salazar.

Orpiada has a string of criminal cases with at least 4 warrants of arrest were issued against him. He was facing 2 murder cases in a local court in Guinobatan town and a P500,000.00 bounty was placed on his head.

Salazar said that a local ‘sari-sari’ store owner complained about Orpiada’s demand to take cases of beer without paying for them.

NPA leader’s name had earlier surfaced in numerous reports of extortions on small-time businesses in the towns in the third district of Albay.

Orpiada was brought to the military camp in Daraga town for custodial debriefing. Close coordination with the PNP had been made for the safe transfer of Orpiada to the PNP’s custody.

Due to the cooperation of the local populace, the military has reported the increasing number of rebels being arrested in the past weeks.

Earlier, two rebels were also captured with 4 firearms in an upland village in Lupi, Camarines Sur when a local tipster pointed to their exact location.

One of the captured rebels by help soldiers unearth 8 high-powered firearms that they buried for safekeeping. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

LGU, DOH BEEF UP BOTIKA SA BARANGAY PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY— The City Health Office here, in partnership with Department of Health Regional (DOH) Bicol), spearheaded an orientation seminar to all the Botika sa Barangay operators held at the Ibalong Conference Room last August 18, 2010.

Mayor Geraldine Rosal averred that one of the foremost agenda of her administration is to implement an effective health program to strengthen the health services to her constituents.

Rosal likewise said that the village pharmacy project is one of the answers to provide a universal health services to all the Legazpeños and promote good health in the society.

Furthermore, during the said activity, the chief executive told to the participants that they are very fortunate first and foremost because they are authorized to manage the Botika sa Barangay.

She also urged all the operators to deliver an honest and square health services at their own respective places.

On the other hand, Lilibeh Guazon, DOH Bicol representative, said that the establishment of Botika sa Barangay was started in 1982 as one of the strategies of primary health care to make drugs and medicines available, affordable and accessible to the community, the implementation of this program was intensified in support to the government’s effort to lower the price of commonly bought drugs by 50% of its cost.

This initiative comes in line with the National Government’s call to make reforms in the health sector so that health goods and services are truly accessed and enjoyed by the majority of the people, she added.

Guanzon however said, that this orientation seminar is very important to all the pharmacy operators to know them about the rules and regulations of the said government program.

She labeled that one of the requirements of DOH to the operators is the certificate and attendance of the orientation seminar.

She likewise said that DOH will give P25,000 worth of medicines to every identified operators that will serve them as an initial capital of the said botika sa barangay. (MPSolis, LGU Legazpi City/PIA)

PNOY WANTS STIFFER PENALTIES VS ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTERS

MANILA — As one who wakes up daily to the view of the dismal state of the Pasig River, President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the hope of many for the strict implementation of the law against those who abuse waterways.

In a speech at the 10th Bayer Young Environment Envoys awards at the Dusit hotel in Makati Thursday night (August 19), the President said he is looking forward not only for a heavier fine on polluters but also to the 15 days of community service for those who violate the law.

“Everyday when I wake up I face the Pasig River and I know how bad the Pasig River is and I look forward to the implementation of the law that says, who will pollute our rivers will be given a fine,” he explained, adding that he would also like the enforcement of a 15 days of community service for those who have abused the waterways.

The President led the awarding of 12 young Filipinos named as Bayer Young Environmental Envoys for successfully completing their respective environmental projects.

The Pasig River, which stretches for 25 kilometers from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay and serves as a major transport route has been declared a critical water body because of the tons of waste dumped into it daily by households and industries.

The President, who lives alongside its bank at the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang enjoined the 27.8 million young Filipinos to be the government’s partner not only in the protection of the environment but also in poverty alleviation and nation building.

“The challenges confronting our nation today are large – they can be intimidating because no single individual or organization can overcome them on their own,” he said. “But together, we can make a difference. You have to stand up and be counted, and then the power of one can become People Power.”

The President noted several ongoing environmental projects of the government in which the youth can participate.

One of these, he said is the administration’s solid waste management program, which promotes recycling, proper collection and disposal of garbage. The youth, he said, can post in the internet information on cleaning up esteros, or the next schedule of the waste segregation day.

“We encourage you to join us, in whatever way possible, in these worthwhile projects. Your youth is your greatest resource. You have the ability to respond quickly to problems and find creative ways to solve them. You have the ability to access and understand different kinds of information,” the President said.

The Chief Executive expressed his gratitude to Bayer for initiating a program such as the Young Environmental Envoys that gives young Filipinos the opportunity to be “agents of change.”

The Bayer Young Environmental Envoy program is a global environment education program for the youth organized by Bayer and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (PIA V Release)

PALACE STRESSES NEED TO WIDEN TAX BASE

MANILA — Malacañang said there is a need to increase the tax base to increase collection and fund vital government projects and programs.

In a media briefing in Malacañang, Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said additional collection from an expanded tax base will help fund the government’s infrastructure and social services programs.

Carandang is urging the public ’s sense of nationalism by paying the right amount of taxes which, he said, will surely be spent to improving the economy and improving the lives of the less fortunate.

Carandang said there is a need to increase the tax base after the Bureau of internal Revenue (BIR) discovered that only three million Filipinos regularly pay their income taxes out of the country’s estimated population of 90 million.

With more people paying the proper taxes, Carandang said there is no need for government to increase taxes.

“We have a policy of not raising taxes and yet we need to increase spending on so many things like infrastructure and social spending. And we do not want to do it by raising taxes. We have to be able to collect the proper taxes from the public,” Carandang said.

To date, Carandang said the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are continuing their intensified campaign against big-time tax evaders and smugglers to attain the 2010 revenue goal of P830 billion this year.

The Department of Finance (DOF) has tasked the two revenue agencies to sustain their no-nonsense campaign in filing weekly cases against big-time tax evaders and smugglers. (PIA V Release)

PNOY ORDERS PMS TO CONVENE LEDAC SOON

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Abad to schedule a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting to forge a common agenda with Congress and discuss the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

It will be the first time President Aquino is convening the council since assuming the presidency on June 30.

In a news briefing, Presidential Communications Development Strategic and Planning Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang said no exact date for the LEDAC meeting was mentioned.

“Definitely, pag-uusapan yan,” Carandang said referring to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October.

The Barangay and SK elections are the possible main agenda for the LEDAC meeting after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced preference for its abolition.

President Aquino, according to Carandang, also wants to discuss with the lawmakers the proposed P1.75 trillion national budget for 2011. The proposed budget is scheduled for submission to Congress next week, he said.

The proposed 2011 budget is concentrated on social programs meant to uplift the living conditions of the marginalized sector such as improving social safety nets, spending on education and expansion of health care to the poorest of the poor.

“There’ll be significant increases in social services spending. So, it will also be included in the discussion at the LEDAC meeting,” Carandang said. (PIA V Release)

PARTIAL OPEN SKIES WILL BOOST TOURISM, COLOMA SAYS

MANILA — Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Sonny Coloma Friday (August 20) defended the possible implementation of a partial open skies policy should the Philippine Airlines labor dispute remains unresolved.

In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan this morning, Coloma said the major road block to tourism growth is the restrictive civil aviation policy and that “it is time for us to review and adopt a more flexible policy for the development of our country.”

Coloma cited the example made by President Benigno S. Aquino III that before Bali, Indonesia opened its skies, its visitor arrivals reached only 30,000. This leapt to 3 million as soon as Indonesia opened its skies to foreign airlines.

He said that if the country fully develops its tourism industry, through partial open skies, there will be substantial growths in jobs available for local people and more industries are expected to flourish.

He also said what impedes tourism growth is not high crime rates, or lack of infrastructure but more on a highly restrictive civil aviation policy. (PIA V Release)

PRESIDENT LAUDS CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS AS PARTNERS FOR REFORMS

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has assured that his administration will continue its partnership with citizen volunteers in the common desire to end corruption and ensure the transparent implementation of government reform policies and programs.

The President made the commitment and lauded the civil society’s spirit of volunteerism during the summit of the leaders of the Volunteer Partners for Reforms at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang on Friday afternoon (August 20).

The President said his administration fully supports the proposition of the citizen volunteers to tie up with government agencies and its advocacy for citizen participation in the implementation and formulation of government policy reforms and programs.

The citizen volunteer groups also committed to support the Aquino administration’s resolve to realize social transformation under the slogan, “Kung Walang Corrupt Walang Mahirap.”

The President said his administration has already opened up a two-way feedback mechanism with the public so that government can immediately attend to issues and provide solutions to problems affecting the needs of the citizenry.

“These citizen volunteers will act as watchdog and help ensure the transparent implementation of government programs and projects. They will become the bridge between government and the ordinary citizens in our effort to uplift the lives of the poor,” the President said.

The President said the continuing partnership between the government, civil society and the private sector can immediately provide clear cut solutions in the implementation of environmental, education, health and other social services programs including those in conflict-affected communities.

The President said the volunteers, including its partners in government and the private sector, will spearhead the implementation of these kinds of projects to ensure that they really go to the intended beneficiaries.

“We have already opened a new path and planted the seed of reforms that will benefit the next generation of Filipinos,” the President said.

With the development of a feedback mechanism, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said citizen groups can now tie-up with the different government agencies to thresh out issues and problems which can be coursed through the Office of Regional Concerns (ORC) of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

Aside from Soliman, present during the event were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Also present were volunteer groups organizing committee chairmen, Karina David, Dr. Mario Taguiwalo, and some 200 leaders of other volunteer groups nationwide. (PIA V Release)