PEACE AND ORDER IS THE KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH: SALCEDA

LEGAZPI CITY -- Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said that peace and tranquility are among the key elements in measuring Bicol's robust economic growth area in the country.

“Let me emphasize that the absence of conflict and the semblance of peace and order are economic factors with the highest economic returns,” said Salceda

Salceda in his visit at the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur on Saturday said that the economic growth of the region was mainly due to the successful security operations of the Philippine Army.

Salceda claimed that in 2009, Bicol became one of the fastest growing economy in the country with a rate of 8.2% growth as compared to the 1.1% growth of the whole country.

He cited that he expects that this year, Bicol’s economic growth will hit 12.4 percent due to the positive impact on the regions peace and order condition where the Philippine Army’s has been successful in the conduct of security operations.

Salceda commended the officers and men of the 9ID saying, “You’re doing so well in your job (in security operations) in Bicol because of this we are becoming the fastest growing economy.”

The Philippine Army in the Bicol Region has recently been credited for its successful campaign against insurgency.

The insurgency problem in Bicol for the past four decade had been the major obstacle in the region’s economic growth as it has discourage national and foreign investors to put up industries and business here because of the presence of the communist rebels.(PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)

LANDBANK CITES TOP PARTNERS CFI’s

LEGAZPI CITY — The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) recently honored its outstanding partner countryside financial institutions (CFIs) for their significant support to the Bank’s credit programs aimed at promoting countryside development.

Finance Secretary and LandBank Chairman Cesar V. Purisima and LandBank President and CEO Gilda E. Pico led the conferment of 27 awards with total cash prizes of P2.7 million.

LandBank is now on its 12th year of paying tribute to outstanding CFIs which serve as models of excellence in rural financial services.

LandBank named the Peoples Bank of CARAGA, Inc. from Agusan del Sur as the most outstanding CFI in the national category followed by the Zambales Rural Bank, Inc. in Olongapo City. The Agribusiness Rural Bank, Inc. in Nueva Vizcaya bagged the third place while the Asian Hills Bank, Inc. in Bukidnon and the Rural Bank of Goa, Inc. in Camarines Sur landed in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

The first, second and third place winners in the national level received P300,000; P200,000; and P150,000 respectively while the fourth and fifth place winners received P100,000 and P75,000, respectively.

Elevated to the Hall of Fame Award which received a plaque and cash prize of P300,000 was the Rural Bank of Marayo, Inc. in Negros Occidental.

LandBank also gave citations and a cash prize of P50,000 each to the most outstanding rural banks in 12 political regions:

Region 1 – Rural Bank of Lingayen, Inc.
Region 2 – Agribusiness Rural Bank, Inc.
Region 3 – Zambales Rural Bank, Inc.
CALABARZON – Bangko Kabayan (A Rural Bank), Inc.
Region 5 – Rural Bank of Goa, Inc.
Region 6 – Progressive Bank, Inc.
Region 8 – Rural Bank of Hilongos, Inc.
Region 9 – Rural Bank of Pres. M. Roxas (ZDN), Inc.
Region 10 – Asian Hills Bank, Inc.
Region 11 – Rural Bank of Digos, Inc.
Region 12 – Partner Rural Bank (Cotabato), Inc.
CARAGA – Peoples Bank of CARAGA, Inc.
NCR – Enterprise Capital Bank, Inc.

Special awards were also give to the Gateway Rural Bank, Inc. of Bulacan as Best CFI Intermediary; Zambales Rural Bank, Inc. as Best CFI Availer – Agri/Agra Loans; Rural Bank of Lingayen, Inc. of Pangasinan as Best CFI Availer – Microfinance Loans; Rural Bank of Porac, Inc. of Pampanga as Best CFI Availer – All Loans; Rural Bank of Digos, Inc. as Best in Capital Build-Up; Peoples Bank of CARAGA, Inc. as Best in Reciprocal Business; and the Progressive Bank, Inc. of Iloilo as Best in Profitability.

The recipient of the Golden Award this year is the Rural Bank of Pola, Inc. from Oriental Mindoro. The Golden Award recognizes the Bank’s past Hall of Fame awardees that have sustained highly sound and profitable operation while maintaining support to the small farmers and fisherfolk. The winner received a plaque and P350,00 as cash prize.

“We at LandBank consider the countryside financial institutions as vital partners in facilitating growth and development. They are key players in delivering timely credit to marginalized sectors in the rural areas, that is why we continue to expand our assistance to them,” LandBank president and CEO Gilda E. Pico said.

From January to June 2010, LandBank loan releases to 265 CFIs reached P8.18 billion, 3.1 per cent higher than the P7.93 billion released in the same period last year. These loans benefited 146,015 small farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. (LBP Legazpi City/PIA/mal)

COMELEC NAMES 311 ELECTION HOTSPOTS IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY – The Bicol region has 311 election hotspots that are under tight watch by the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police the Commission on Elections and the respective local government units, according to an army officer in Bicol.

Major Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said that Bicol Region has 70 villages placed as Category 1 and 241 villages as Category 2 of the COMELEC’s tally of election watch lists of areas (EWAS) or “hotspots”.

“A Category 1 election ‘hotspot’ refers to areas where there are intense political rivalry and where armed groups supporting various politicians are present. Meanwhile, the presence or influence of the NPA rebel in certain areas makes them (villages) as Category 2 election “hotspots” Cabunoc said.

Masbate tops the list with 69 villages placed under Category 1 and 103 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’.

Sorsogon has 61 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’ with Gubat town having the most number with 13 followed by Sorsogon City with 10 villages.

The AFP and PNP earned accolades for their successful security operations during the May 2010 elections with the least number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) as compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections. The said national election was said to be the most peaceful in Bicol’s election history.

Army soldiers have intensified its area security patrols as part of its tasking by the COMELEC in preparation to the upcoming local elections. Soldiers also support the manning of checkpoints which is primarily tasked to the PNP. (RENasol, PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)

FIRE BUREAU INSPECTS ESTABLISHMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE

SORSOGON CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Sorsogon City is conducting an advance inspection to all establishments in anticipation for the yearly one-stop-shop program to facilitate business permits and licenses’ renewal in January next year, according to the agency’s top official.

Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Renato Badong Marcial of BFP station here said the program is to give time to business owners comply with the recommendations given by our fire safety inspectors adding that it is merely about their permits and licenses but more on public safety to avert fire incidents.

Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) which is being issued by the BFP is considered necessary as a pre-requisite for the issuance of business permit and licenses.

Marcial furthered that the agency is one of the members of the Joint Inspection Team, along with Offices of Permits and Licenses Section, City Treasurer’s Office, City Health Office, City Engineering Office, City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, City Zoning Administrator’s Office and the City Veterinary Office.

It can be recalled that the BFP is strictly implementing RA 9514 otherwise known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008” to ensure public safety, promote economic development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession.

Under the said law the BFP shall enforce all laws, rules, and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and prevention services.

Marcial further reminded the applicant to strictly conform to the fire safety standard and regulations of the BFP. “Once an establishment violated the Fire Code of the Philippines, a notice to correct violation at a given grace period is conferred; on the other hand if the owner failed to comply with the recommendations of the fire safety inspector then they will be penalized with a corresponding amount of fine stipulated in the fire code and this will be paid to the authorized collecting officer of the province.

The Fire Safety Enforcement Section (FSES) of the BFP, Sorsogon City has recorded a total of 821 FSICs issued to different establishments from the month of January up to present.

For the applicant’s benefit, here are the lists of the requirements needed for FSIC issuance:

Photocopy of electrical inspection certificate (City Engineering Office)
Fire Code Fees Assessment (City Treasurer’s Office)
Fire Code Fees Payment (Collecting Officer of BFP)
Photocopy of Insurance Policy Contract (If there is)
Documentary Stamp (1 piece)

BFP Sorsogon City will continue to strictly enforce the fire code thus, bestowed by law, it has the authority to revoke the permit of any establishment to operate up to the extent of closing it if found to be a fire hazard and mainly violating the fire safety rules and regulations. (FO1 MGLEbio, BFP Sorsogon City/PIA/mal)

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MONTH AND 21ST NATIONAL STATISTICS MONTH OBSERVANCE ON

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE – A Statistical Exhibit and Gallery of Child Friendly Movement (CFM) activities was formally opened last Monday (October 11) in consonance with the National Children’s Month and 21st National Statistics Month Celebration.

The statistical exhibit features statistics on the situation of women and children in the province while the gallery are photos of activities of the good practices for CFM.

This year’s theme for children’s month “ Kung Bright Child ang Gusto, Mundo’y Ingatan Mo”.

The opening rites was spearheaded by the Provincial Government through Provincial Administrator Jose Boma and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Architect Madonna Abular and Provincial Statistics Officer Rodolfo Guevarra of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This year’s theme for the statistics month “Towards a Philippine Statistical System Responsive to Emerging National and Global Challenges”.

Also held Monday was the dialogue of pillars of justice system and the start of the one week garantisadong pambata, Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) provincial level and observance of national hand washing day and tooth brushing for school children was held on October 15 while the orientation/advocacy to local media and child youth leaders on October 15-16.

The Division Science and Math Quest on October 21-23, Children’s Play Day for Pre-School on October 22 and on October 28 will be the CFM Assembly to highlight the Presentation of Provincial State of the Children’s Report and Provincial Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.

The last week will be the Division Read-a-thon and the Provincial Day Care Children’s Congress on Oct. 29.

Activities conducted already were radio guesting and the “Sagot mo I-DevInfo Mo” on October 7-15 while the hanging of streamers, annual search for child friendly barangay and municipal day care children congress will be for the whole month of October.

Earlier, Governor Edgardo Tallado has issued an Executive Order No. 2010-33 approving the celebration of Children’s Month in the province through appropriate activities. (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte)

CSC BICOL JOINS THE 2010 WORLD FOOD DAY

LEGAZPI CITY — In line with the “World Food Day Celebration” (WFD) the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Bicol joins Bicolanos in celebrating the 2010 World Food Day celebration from October 11-16, 2010 with the theme “United Against Hunger”.

As partners in the annual celebration of this Global Affair, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have lined-up several activities/events commencing with the nationwide Reading of WFD Pledge during the flag raising ceremony on Monday, October 11, 2010.

To ensure the success of the celebration, all government agencies are encouraged to conduct a simultaneous flag raising ceremony, reading of pledge to kick-off the WDF celebration, and to hang WFD tarpaulins or streamers.

Among other activities/events held in several venues include reading of pledge to kick-off the WFD celebration and to hang WFD tarpaulin/streamers, ceremonial lighting of candle together with DA key officials and FAO representatives at the start of the program, nationwide On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, urban gardening in elementary schools in Metro Manila, distribution of planting materials such as seeds, seedlings and IEC materials, milk feeding program for elementary school participants, mangrove reforestation and fingerling dispersal, showcasing and retail-selling of organically grown food products (fresh/processed, food sampling/tasting). (CSC V/PIA/mal)

LAND SERVICES MANUAL OUT

LEGAZPI CITY — Adhering to the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (R.A. 9485), the Land Management Bureau (LMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched its Key Services Manual to enhance the land management and administration skills of its land sector personnel nationwide to the benefit of the public.

“It is very encouraging to see that the Public Service Excellence Development Program (PSEDP) of the LMB has paved the way for the development of the manual which seeks to equip the lands sector personnel with appropriate knowledge and skills that will enable them to provide efficient land-related services to the people,” DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said.

Paje said the manual, which contains the key procedures in conducting land survey and land titling, among others, conforms to the DENR Citizen’s Charter.

The DENR Citizen’s Charter identifies the frontline services of the department, covering those that are frequently rendered to the public such as land, forestry and protected areas and wildlife transactions. Specifically on land sector, Paje said the DENR Charter gives emphasis on the application and processing of free patents and the issuance of land survey authority.

The Land Key Services Manual also serves to aid the public on how to avail of such services from the land bureau as it identifies the documents that need to be submitted by the clients, including the required fees, response time ad the person responsible in the processing of applications. It also features an improved integrated service delivery system, effective feedback processes from customers as well as an updated accountability structure, including.

The Land Management Bureau is DER’s staff bureau in charge of formulating plans, policies and programs of the land sector. It also undertakes project development, monitoring and evaluation activities related to land surveys and titling.

LMB Director Allan V. Barcena said the key services manual is among the information materials developed to expedite the processing of applications ad other land-related transactions in the land bureau. He also said that the manual aims to promote greater transparency and accountability among LMB employees.

Barcena also said the development of the Key Services Manual was made possible through a technical assistance provided by the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PHRDF) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

He also said the manual was a product of intense training and coaching by selected LMB personnel as they go through the development of service guides for each of the critical frontline services of the LMB such as land administration and utilization, records management, legal, geodetic surveys, administrative and finance and planning management. (LMB-DENR V/PIA/mal)

Palace confident on gov't disaster preparedness plan

MANILA — Malacanang expressed confidence in the inter-agency preparedness plan of the government in the wake of possible damages expected from super typhoon “Juan”.

During the meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday (October 18) , Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the government is confident that the preparedness plans of various agencies are enough to address the possible damage typhoon “Juan” could pose particularly in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Mt. Province and Ifugao.

Considering the early deployment of the Quick Response Teams (QRT), Ochoa stressed the urgency of sustaining the preparations and alertness to assure a zero-casualty target.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said a total of 3,832 volunteers have been deployed to assess and manage the relief operations in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) including their central office.

Soliman noted that part of their Prepositioned Emergency Relief Resources is a standby fund amounting to P2,827,456.23 covering the affected areas.

The DSWD also prepositioned P360,000 worth of 2,000 family packs which are ready for transport and hauling to affected areas in addition to the stockpile in their field offices.

The department has also allocated an additional P2 million as standby funds at P500,000 each for CAR and Region 1 and P1 million for Region 2.

The National and Regional Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Centers are on 24/7 operations for data generation and in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the NDRRMC at all levels.

A total of 627 families or 3,066 persons have been evacuated in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said the water level in Angat Dam was pegged at 180.66 meters, way below the critical spilling level of 192 to 198 meters.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said typhoon “Juan” (international code name: Megi) has maximum winds of 225 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 260 kph.

As of 4 a.m. Monday, its center has been located 220 km East of Tuguegarao City moving west southwest at 19 kph on a 350 km radius.

It was forecasted to be at 100 km Northwest of Baguio City by Tuesday morning and 560 km West Northwest of Baguio City on Wednesday morning. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino bares plans to improve RP healthcare

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III announced that the Department of Health’s budget will be increased in next year’s General Appropriation Act to ensure that more Filipinos will be provided greater access to healthcare.

In his speech keynoting the joint opening of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and the Philippine Societies of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS) conventions at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City on Sunday (October 17) , the Chief Executive said the 13.6 percent increase in the DoH’s 2011 budget would be used to increase the coverage of Philhealth “to five million families in three years or less.”

“In the area of healthcare, there is much more that needs to be done, but here is what we have done so far: We have increased the budget of the Department of Health by 13.6 percent next year. Much of that money will go to public health centers,” the President said.

According to the President, universal health care “is created particularly for our poor countrymen. We aim to protect them not only from the undesirable health effects but also from the adverse financial implications of diseases, illnesses and emergencies.”

“We aim to do this by improving the coverage and benefits of PhilHealth, our national health insurance agency,” he stressed.

A couple of weeks back, the President noted that the government, through the DoH conducted the National PhilHealth Registration Day, and enrolled more than 192,000 poor families. We will not stop here. In the coming weeks, enrollment of more indigent families will continue as we have proposed P3.5 billion in the DOH budget for this purpose. Our aim is to cover about five million Filipino families in three years or less,” he added.

The President emphasized that while the government is committed to increasing the number of people Philhealth can accommodate, it is also incumbent upon itself to improve the benefits that the national health insurance agency gives to its members.

“We are not only increasing coverage, we are also increasing their benefits. Head and neck injuries and surgery, including treatment, are covered by Philhealth insurance. If the patients become aware of their entitlements, benefits and their responsibilities of being a Philhealth member, we will make Philhealth work better for its members especially for our poor countrymen,” the President said.

“This will not only save thousands of families from the impoverishing of disease and illness, it will save thousands of lives,” he said.

The President also announced that government healthcare facilities will be upgraded to ensure that government will respond better to the health needs of our countrymen.

“Furthermore, we will upgrade the state of government facilities all over the country. They have long suffered from neglect and misplaced priorities. We will improve our hospitals, rural health units and health centers by providing them functional equipment and competent health workers based on their needs,” the President said.

He explained that this will enable his administration to “better respond to the health needs of our countrymen and we will do away with the statistic that says 40 percent of our population never get to see a health professional.”

All these, the President said, were the “concrete steps” his administration were taking “to improve the country’s education and health care system for those of us who have less in life.” (PIA V/mal)

PCCI submits 10-point agenda to President Aquino

MANILA — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to convene the Legislative Economic Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) so he can present the sector’s 10-point priority agenda to enhance business competitiveness.

The agenda, part of the 36th PBC Resolutions read by Benjamin Philip Romualdez, conference chairman, includes: a) crafting a National Industrialization Plan; b) a National Infrastructure Development Plan with a Public Private Partnership Framework; c) defining key energy and power objectives in terms of supply reliability and quality, rate/tariff, competitiveness and sustainability; d) ensuring stability and consistency of policies for the mining industry.

It calls for the modernization of agriculture with the full implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (Republic Act 8435) and a review of the entire Philippine tax system.

The PCCI also called for investment promotions for the tourism industry and the adoption of the Business Permits and Licensing System as an integral part of the government’s business process reform initiatives.

Business leaders also want a full implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 as well as a review of existing trade agreements.

Romualdez said President Aquino’s first 100-Day report cited among others that procurement contracts earlier approved are now keenly reviewed, with a number of contracts cancelled and subjected to new bidding resulting in substantial savings in public works and agriculture projects. More efficient use of funds has allowed government savings to be channeled to social services.

“With the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s grant of $434-M to the Philippine Government, efforts to reduce poverty by addressing corruption and building and rehabilitation of infrastructure, which will improve access of farmers, fisherfolk, cottage industries, micro and small enterprises to markets, will further raise the economic profile of the country,” Romualdez said.

Propelling the country on a growth trajectory are the global competitiveness ranking which climbed four notches, following a series of progressive decline; GDP growth in the first and second quarter of the year at 7.2 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively; renewed investors’ confidence in government; record-high stock market index at 4,196.73 points; strengthening peso; and, steady prices of good, Romualdez said. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino names envoys to Cambodia, Brunei

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino has appointed Noe Wong as Ambassador to Cambodia and Nestor Ochoa as ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

The President also appointed Vicente T. Hualdo Jr. as Commissioner representing the shipping sector of the Cebu Port Authority along with Engr. Ben Acol; Arturo R. Barit, representing the cargo handling sector and Atty Joselito Pedaria; Engr. Carlos G. Co and Engr. Dennis Villamor, representing the business sector. The Cebu Port Authority is under the Department of Transportation and Communication.

Last October 12, the President confirmed his appointment of Manila Electric Co. chairman Manuel Lopez as the ambassador to Japan, vice Domingo Siazon Jr. who held the post during the Ramos administration before becoming Secretary of Foreign Affairs under President Estrada. Lopez is the second member of the influential Lopez clan to be part of Aquino's administration.

The President retained Mercedes Tuason as the Philippine ambassador to the Vatican. (PIA V/mal)

Palace tells candidates for barangay/S.K. positions: Being elected is not the only way to serve the people

MANILA — Malacanang cautioned the candidates for the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 25 not to resort to violence and killings “as this is just an election and being voted upon is not the only way to be of service to the people.”

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan Saturday (October 16), Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said “we should not resort to violence or other undesirable means just to be elected into office as serving the people does not end with getting elected.”

Go slow and do not be too emotional or excited as this might distract your focus. Let us all work together to ensure that the coming election will be clean and that the results will reflect the genuine sentiments of the voters, Valte added.

Last week, President Aquino ordered Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Raul Bacalzo to look into the killing of a candidate for kagawad and put the perpetrators before the bar of justice so that no other similar incidents will happen as the elections near.

Bacalzo said the President asked him to impose stricter measures to ensure that such poll violence will not occur again. (PIA V/mal