AKB FILES BILL TO CRIMINALIZE AND PENALIZE SCHOOL BULLIES

LEGAZPI CITY— Ako Bicol Party List (AKB) has filed House Bill 2361 that defines and penalizes the crime of bullying with high hopes of reducing instances of violence and harassment among minor students in the school environment.

AKB Representative Rodel Batocabe explained that the Anti-Bullying Act of 2010 intends to criminalize and penalize thereafter the act bullying directed against a minor student, including making threats, stalking, stealing, public humiliation, deliberate destruction of property, physical violence and the demand for sexual and monetary favors, among others.

The bill also defines the crime of cyber-bullying, which comprises an act of bullying committed using electronic devices, such as texting, chatting and social networking.

Batocabe added that the bill makes children below the age of 18 liable for the crime of bullying, a complete turn-around from the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, which exempts all minors without discernment from criminal liability.

He furthered that the penalties for the bully include public reprimand from the school, mandatory counseling, suspension or expulsion, and mandatory rehabilitation in an institution for juvenile delinquents.

The solon also stressed that parents will also not escape liability for the acts of their children. The penalties for the parents of the bully include payment of a fine or damages to the victim, mandatory counseling with their child, and imprisonment.

Batocabe said that bullying hampers student development because of incidents of violence, harassment and fear among students.

“Verbal abuse is the most prevalent form of violence in school,” he says. “Some kids get cursed at, ridiculed, teased or humiliated. This is torture for any kid who simply wants to be accepted in school,” he noted

He added that kids in school cannot escape physical violence among peers, “Pinching, throwing things at a child, spanking, or locking the child inside a room do not result to physical injury.”.

“But we have to understand that this affects the emotions of a child. In fact, studies have shown that bullying and being bullied is linked to crimes such as vandalism, shoplifting, drug use and sexual violence,” he also remarked

According to Batocabe, quality education is absorbed by the students if such education is given in an atmosphere of equality, safety and civility, and “This can only be so if there is balance in power relations among students.”

Another bill filed by AKB requires schools to create a policy against bullying and cyber-bullying, which aims to provide venues for parents, faculty and school officials to report such incidents to the authorities. (Ako Bicol PIO/PIA)

Board Member Sanchez on “BETTER” Masbate:
THIS IS AN ERA OF BLOODLESS POLLS AND FEWER POOR

MASBATE CITY—Imagine the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race in Masbate campaigning without armed bodyguards. Visualize Masbate as home to middle class and fewer underprivileged.

The twin images could illustrate the vision of the fresh administration of Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, according to Provincial Board Member Juan Sanchez Sr.

“That is my idea of a better Masbate,” Sanchez said in his first privilege speech Monday (August 23) at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s session during which he made a pitch for Lanete’s to-do list, which took BETTER MASBATE for an acronym.

“If I am a dying man, my (last) wish would be to see no more Masbate in the list of poorest provinces in the country and in the list of election hot spots,” said the board member of the province’s second district.

Sanchez said fixing the province was a vision he shared with Lanete.

He admitted, though, that the vision hinged on the joint support of every son and daughter of Masbate.

“The making of a better Masbate is not (an exclusive) task of the governor, congressmen, board members and mayors,” he said.

Sanchez, the mayor of the capital town from 1992 to 2001, said that in light of the sorry state of the province, observers were inclined to measure every Masbateño’s sense of duty.

He cited his own experience when a national politician paid him a visit last election season.

Sanchez said the weight of his responsibility to the province hardly dawned on him until the guest asked: “Brod, Masbate is one of the country’s poorest provinces. When you were the mayor of the provincial capital and a provincial board member, did you do enough to upgrade its condition?”

Sanchez was scratching his head when he tried to figure out the problems of Masbate.

Noting the notoriety of Masbate as a province where politicians are shot dead in the street or inside their office, he said: “I don’t know why people kill to get elected. These political killings, if my memory serves me right, have been with us for more than 40 years.”

Sanchez lamented that the rich natural resources of Masbate are “exploited by non-Masbateños.”

As a result, he said majority of the people of Masbate suffer from a dearth in food, potable water, sanitary toilets, decent shelter, peace of mind, and access to health services, education and power.

“Our municipal waters are being raped by big and influential commercial fishing operators from other provinces under the nose of our barangay captains, mayors and other authorities concerned,” he told the SP session.

“Tons of gold are being hauled by a foreign mining firm every month (and it) has the protection of the government pero an aton mga tig dyotay na mga Masbateño gold panner dili nahahatagan sin mining permit kag lugar na inda malimbasan,” Sanchez said.

He continued:
“We are known to be a cattle country but the ownership of cattle is in the hands of (a) few and what is sad is that our cattle are fattened up in another province and their meat is (advertised) as Batangas Beef.”

Now that Lanete is at the helm of the Capitol, Sanchez expressed optimism that the province would be able to recuperate from what he described as collective “shame” and that the new governor would receive all the support she needed to make a better Masbate. (EADelgado/PIA Masbate)

OWWA SETS APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR EDSP 2011-2012

LEGAZPI CITY — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Bicol announces 30 September 2010 as the deadline for the submission of applications for the EDSP Qualifying Examination for school year 2011-2012.

EDSP is a scholarship program offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to enroll in a four to five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED accredited college or university of their own choice. A financial assistance of twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) per semester or a maximum of sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) per school year shall be given covering the scholar’s tuition fee and other school expenses.

For the school year 2011-2012, OWWA will award one hundred fifty (150) EDSP college scholarships to qualified OFW dependents. Qualifiers for the school year shall comprise the 8th batch of OWWA’s EDSP scholars.

EDSP application forms are available through OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph, or at OWWA regional offices.

For more inquiries on the scholarship program, kindly visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office No. 5 at the 3rd Floor of ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City. Or contact the office at (052) 481-4503/4562 or thru email at owwarwo5@yahoo.com and rwo5@owwa.gov.ph. (KTRamirez, OWWA V/PIA)

DENR OUT WITH NEW DIRECTIVES ON ISSUANCE OF MINERAL ORE EXPORT PERMIT

LEGAZPI CITY— The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recently issed Memorandum Order No. 2010-07 now authorizing the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director and regional director, the provincial governor and city mayor of an independent city to issue Mineral Ore Export Permit or MOEP.

The Memorandum, signed by the then DENR Secretary Horacio C. Ramos, has authorized the MGB director to issue MOEP to first time applicants, with the succeeding issuances going under the authority of the MGB regional director.

The authority of the MGB regional director to issue MOEP covers only those minerals or ores sourced from areas covered by all types of mining contracts and or permits issued by the DENR, its attached agencies and corporate arms and those to be exported by mineral or ore traders accredited by the MGB.

In the case of provincial governor and city mayor, the issuance of MOEP are limited to minerals or ores, excluding tailings, sourced from areas covered by Small-Scale Mining Permit, Small-Scale Mining Contract, Quarry Permit, Sand and Gravel Permit, or other permits that are expressly granted by the Mining Law, the Small-Scale Mining Law and other Decrees or Mining Orders, subject to the maximum production limit of 50,000 tons per year and submission of the MOEP to the MGB regional director for review and confirmation.

The directive also requires an applicant to file the application within 60 days before the actual date of shipment and if the application, together with the required documents, is found in order, the MOEP will be issued within 48 hours from receipt.

The order was issued to eradicate misdeclaration and undervaluation in the exportation of mineral ore and to improve collection of taxes. (DENR-MGB V/PIA)

DWINDLING NPA STRENGTH DUE TO CIVILIAN 'TIPSTERS'

LEGAZPI CITY — Military authorities here said the significant decrease in the strength of the New People's Army (NP) rebels here, including their firearms, was due to information provided by civilian "tipsters."

Army Maj. General Ruperto Pabustan, commanding general of the 9th Infantry Division of Philippine Army (PA), said an increasing number of residents in Bicol had fearlessly engage in giving soldiers information about communist rebels presence in remote villages across the region.

Pabustan said the strength of the NPA in Bicol significantly waned to only 500 regulars from the thousands strong cadres recorded previously by military intelligence operatives.

He said more than 40 NPA regulars have been either captured or surrendered across the region last year and in the first half of this year because of the information gathered by various Army’s field units from civilian information networks established in Bicol.

He said 86 high powered firearms of various types were also seized recently by Army soldiers during military engagements with communist rebels in various hinterland villages across the region.

In Camarines Sur, Lt. Col. Ernesto Cruz, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion PA based in Tigaon town, Camarines Sur, claimed that most of his notable accomplishments were attributed to the invaluable help of the civilian residents in his area of responsibility.

Cruz made the statement following the recovery of an assault rifle and several rounds of live ammunitions from the rebel’s hiding place in Kamuning village, Calabanga town at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

A local tipster had accurately described the burial place where the firearm of a notorious NPA member was being kept, Cruz said.

Cruz said he sent only four soldiers to unearth the firearm without hurting anyone.

“I am quite grateful that many civilian friends are helping us confront the NPA rebels who are becoming a menace to them. As you can see, I have arrested 3 rebels without any firefight, and, a few days ago, I have averted the landmine ambush against my soldiers through the help of a local resident,” said Cruz.

The 42nd Infantry Battalion has so far confiscated four high-powered firearms through the effective reporting by the civilians in the province.

A civilian tipster was also credited for the recovery of 12 high-powered firearms in Lupi town about a month ago.

“I would like to personally convey my heartfelt appreciation for your relentless efforts to win this campaign by resorting to peaceful means in neutralizing the enemy. Your successful involvement of the local residents must be the model for other units to follow,” Pabustan said in his short message during his field visit to 42IB camp recently. (PNA Bicol)

MAPID FORUM TACKLES MIGRANTS CONCERNS AND WELFARE

NAGA CITY — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia still holds the record as the number one (1) country or destination of land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking for greener pasture outside of the Philippines.

This was disclosed by Dr. Maruja Asis, Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) Director of Research and Publication, during the Migrant’s Associations and Philippine Institutions for Development (MAPID) Forum held at the Madrigal Amphitheater of Ateneo De Naga University here on August 24.

United Arab Emirates comes next, followed by Hong Kong, Qatar and Singapore.

The MAPID Project, co-financed by the Aeneas Programme of the European Union was also made possible thru the Ateneo Social Science Research Center (ASSRC) of the Atene de Naga University and the Commission on Filipino Overseas.

The discussion focused on the study conducted among Filipino migrant and migrant’s associations in the country of Italy and Spain and the policies and practices on migration and development in national and local context here in the Philippines.

It aims to build the capacity and strengthen the Filipino migrant’s associations in both countries and the Philippine government institutions.

The study also revealed that a total of 1,686,970 permanent settlers have left the country between 1981 and 2009. This figure covered an average of 58,171 emigrants who have left the country for the duration of 29 years.

The study further showed that among those leaving as permanent migrants are Filipino nationals who are migrating for marriage. It resulted to a total of 352, 108 Filipinos, most of them women, who married foreign nationals between the period of 1989 and 2007.

Dr. Maruja added women are significant part of the labor migration from the Philippines, noting that “from 1992 up to 2006, majority of the new hires among the land based workers were women. Yet the balance tipped in favor of male migrants in 2007 and 2008. Then on 2009, more women again than men were deployed as the demand of household workers picked up.”

The study furthered the diverse composition of the overseas Filipino population working in various parts of the globe. The findings from the research provided the Center in coming up with an appropriate design and development of the training programs and materials intended for the improvement of the condition of our migrant workers.

Dr. Fabbio Baggio, president of Scalabrini Migration Center said that the MAPID project will help the stakeholders to understand the importance of migration in different aspects. “While we are saying that our migrant’s remittance is significant in terms of their contribution to development, we have to understand that there are other factors more important than this that we have to consider, especially the social cost.”

In the upcoming years, the SMC is bent on achieving its ultimate objective to achieve sustainable development for all and to promote greater solidarity with migrants and with institutions and individual’s working for migrant’s welfare. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

ALBAY TIGHTLY WATCH TOURISTS AND VISITORS

LEGAZPI CITY — The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Albay has laid down preemptive measures against man-made calamities to help secure tourists and visitors especially the invited guests and participants to the 4th International Conference of Association of Rural Sociologists in Asia (ARSA) this coming Sept. 7-10.

Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) head Cedric Daep said “we begin by exchanging contact numbers,” being the provincial department coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Albay governor and PDCC chairman said that there is a need to prepare at this early stage especially now that “we need to prove to Hong Kong people and the rest of the world that we are not taking touris’t security for granted. He added that protocols are set in the same manner with the Disaster Risk Reduction strategies for natural calamities.

“So far, no cancellations of confirmed attendees to the ARSA conference to be held at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) amphitheatre, Salceda said.

Bicol University President Dr. Faye Lauraya has sought the provincial government for assistance to assure visitors of security.

In response to the request, the PDCC chairman has instructed PNP Provincial Director Senior Supt. William Macavinta and Provincial Administrator Leroy Berces to discuss security arrangements with PNP so that the regional police office will be ready also to augment security if needed.

The Department of Tourism regional office for Bicol headed by director Maria O. Ravanilla likewise regularly coordinates with the PNP on tourist movements in the province.

Said event themes the dimensionality of economy, energy and environmental crises and their implications to rural livelihood with 175 academic scientists from the asia pacific regionand north American countries. (PNA Bicol)

Malaysia remains facilitator in GRP-MILF talks

MANILA — Malaysia remains the third party facilitator at the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after the Holy Feast of Ramadan on September 9.

In a news briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the stalled peace talks with the MILF will definitely resume after the Ramadan as announced by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his State of the Nation Address last July.

“What we have right now and what we have been informed is that Malaysia is still the third party negotiator,” Lacierda said.

Concerned government officials he said, have been given a briefing on the peace process last week.

The President, according to him, has expressed determination to put an end to the decades-old conflict in southern Philippines and finally achieve a long-lasting peace for Muslim-Filipinos.

Peace talks between the Philippine Government and the MILF were stalled since August 2008 following the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). (PIA V Release)

P-Noy receives P5M Metrobank Donation

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III received Tuesday (August 31) the P5 million check donation of the Metrobank Foundation for his chosen advocacy, in simple ceremonies held in Malacañang.

In an interview, MFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña said the President, had chosen the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission as his advocacy prior to the turnover rites.

Sobrepeña said the amount would be used to help finance the construction of an island reactor at the Estero de Paco that will serve as a sewerage treatment facility in the area.

“We hope our donation will encourage other private companies to support the program of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission as part of our public-private partnership,” he added.

Present during the turnover ceremonies were MFI chairman George S.K. Ty, PRRC chair Gina Lopez, to whom the President gave the check for P5-million and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, who witnessed the event. (PIA V Release)

President Aquino vows to improve working conditions of teachers

MANILA — In line with his advocacy to implement change in government, President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to improve the working conditions of teachers whom he called “our nation’s treasure.”

In his speech keynoting the awarding ceremonies for the 2010 Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers on Tuesday (August 31) at Malacañang, the President said the days of corruption and the wasteful use of our resources are nearing its end.

The President said the recent submission of the Department of Budget and Management of the government’s proposed P1.645-trillion national budget to Congress for approval is a sign that change is coming.

“Sagisag po ito ng ating paninindigang tapos na ang panahon ng paglulustay, tapos na ang panahon ng mga proyektong walang pinatutunguhan. Ang pera ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang,” the President said.

He said the proposed “Reform Budget,” which mirrors his commitment to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance, will be used to fund priority items such as salary increases, teacher-trainings, classrooms and equipment to ensure our ability to provide quality education to our students.

In this connection, the President said, the incidences where a teacher has to make do with a piece of chalk for the whole week, when classes are held under a tree or worse when students are crammed into a small classroom or share a book full of errors will never happen again.

The President added that he is working closely with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Home Development Mutual Fund, the Department of Education and Gawad Kalinga to continue a DepED project to provide homes for teachers.

The President said programs such as the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) and the National Competency Based Teacher Standards (NCBTS) of the DepEd and Commission of Higher Education would be fully supported and strengthened to give educators a chance to improve their craft.

“Manalig po kayo. Nasa likod ninyo ako at ang aking administrasyon,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

President Aquino resets Indonesia and Vietnam trips

MANILA — Instead of making two separate trips, President Benigno S. Aquino III has re-scheduled his visits to Indonesia and Vietnamnext month so that a study can be conducted on how these trips can be squeezed into one.

This, he said, was in line with his advocacy to limit his foreign trips to those that are absolutely necessary.

The President was scheduled to visit the two countries in September upon invitation of their respective heads of state.

“I understand Indonesia can only accommodate us sometime in October. There is also an (ASEAN) summit in Vietnam scheduled on the same day. We asked if we can do what has to be done in Vietnam in one trip rather than two trips,” the President said.

“I did promise that I would limit the trips to those that are absolutely necessary. As you see Vietnam is the host for ASEAN this year and we should visit Vietnam. In keeping with our promise to be more judicious in the way we spend the people’s money, especially the fact that we have very little left, I felt it was prudent to have one trip rather than two,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

Call on Pinoy a ‘major, major’ event for Venus

MANILA — For Miss Universe 4th runner-up Ma. Venus Raj, her first encounter with President Benigno S. Aquino III is one ‘major major’ event she would never forget.

Stunning in her off white Philippine terno, the dusky 22-year-old considers meeting the President for the first time Wednesday as one big gift following her impressive showing in the yearly beauty international pageant.

“Of course, it’s an honor to be here at the Palace being congratulated by no less than the President of the Philippines,” she said after her brief courtesy call at the Ramos room of Malacanang.

The 5-foot-9 beauty was accompanied by her mother, Ester Payonito, Binibining Pilipinas Charities head Stella Marquez Araneta and Uniprom Director for Entertainment Sienna Maris Olaso.

Among those who welcomed Raj were Tourism Secretary Albert Lim, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Chief Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang, and former Senator Mar Roxas.

In their one-on-one talk, President Aquino III thanked Raj for providing positive news about the Philippines when she competed in the Miss Universe pageant a day after the tragic hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand.

Raj said the President counseled her that “since I am now entering public life, I should be careful of the people surrounding me,” she quoted the President as saying.

The President, she said, confessed that he is just learning the difficulties of being in the highest position and having the “most public exposure.”

Raj, a journalist by profession used to lay out the reading materials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 5. She grew up in Bato, Bicol and is the youngest of five children. Their father, Architect Vincent Raj, lost touch with his family after the floods that hit India several years ago.

On the eve of the pageant, she recalled to reporters, “I have not read the papers. But a lot of my friends told me about the hostage taking. I really had no time to watch the television. But my counterparts were also asking me about the tragic incident here.”

Asked if she is considering show business, Raj said, “if there are offers, why not.”

She said she would be willing to help the government in promoting tourism in the Philippines. “If they will ask me, I will gladly help.” (PIA V Release)