RH BILL IS PRO LIFE - LUISTRO
By Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY – Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro of Tabaco City said Thursday (December 9) that the Reproductive Health Bill or RH bill is pro life contrary to opinions of some sectors opposed to the passage of the bill.

In her keynote address at the Regional Population Congress held here, Luistro emphasized that if one reads the provisions of the Bill, most of the provisions are pro life and no single provision is anti life or pro abortion.

She cited as an example the provisions that promotes maternal and child health care and the spacing of child birth which is very pro life and in accordance with the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) pursued by the country.

Luistro also cited during the congress the important role of population workers to promote responsible parenthood and give couples the right information for them to make an informed choice on what safe family planning methods are available to them.

She advised family planning advocates to simplify their communication messages and techniques so that it could easily be understood by their target audiences mostly the poor sector of our society.

She said that based on their experience in Tabaco City down to earth family planning communication messages was very effective in their engagement with the ‘padyak’ drivers and their wives who easily understood them.

Luistro is also optimistic that the Reproductive Health Bill will be passed soon considering that a recent SWS survey showed that some 69 percent of the respondents favors the passage into law of the Bill. (PIA V/mal)

MASBATE MARCHES THE ROAD TO GOOD GOVERNANCE

MASBATE CITY—Yes, Virginia, Naga isn’t the only city in Bicol that can tell about good governance.

In the last four years, this Masbate capital has been doing a quiet kind of transformation similar to what Naga City had treaded on the way to its present stature as premier model of good governance.

Their common tool comes in the Performance Governance System or PGS, which crafts local government into efficient service institution.

Mayor Socrates M. Tuason explained that in PGS, everything such as vision, mission, goals and objectives of Masbate City is measured using the “balanced scorecard.”

He said the scorecards record how department heads and employees perform their roles using the baseline data, targets and “strategies for changes that we want to make.”

With the scorecard, he said “I don’t have to tell department heads and employees what to do over and over again because they’re guided by the scorecards.”

Top officials as well as civil society and community leaders come in to bring in political will in such efforts as licking corruption to restore the people’s trust in government.

He said the Institute for Solidarity in Asia introduced the practice of PGS initially to eight cities, including Naga City, which has been inducted to the “Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy.”

Following Naga’s lead, Masbate City became a PGS partner in 2007.

Tuason said ISA officers are now in Masbate for this year’s evaluation of the city government’s scorecards.

“We want to be a proud city like Naga so we’re having the same process that Naga went through,” he added. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)

OWWA BICOL TO OPEN SATELLITE OFFICE IN NAGA CITY ON DEC 15

LEGAZPI CITY — In consonance with the 22-point agenda of the Aquino Administration and through the initiatives of Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat, the Overseas Workers Employment Administration (OWWA) in Bicol will open its Satellite Office in Naga City on December 15, this year to directly serve more than 25,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in Camarines provinces.

OWWA Bicol Director Jocelyn Hapal said the agency will field three personnel at the new office Mondays thru Thursdays at 9am-5pm and provide the whole range of OWWA programs, in time for the peak season of OFW arrivals for the holidays.

Naga City has the highest number of OFWs in the Bicol region.

“We are more than happy to host the OWWA operation. It is our way of recognizing the contributions of the Filipino workers abroad to the development not only of the City of Naga but of the whole Region as well.”, Mayor John Bongat of naga City said.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon said that she hopes to make the satellite office in the immediate future a one-stop shop by inviting in PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig and SSS, and make their programs and services therefore accessible to most OFWs and their families.

She said that particularly for OFWs who are on vacation, they can now secure the Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) or exit permit at the Satellite Office, instead of going to OWWA in Legazpi City or to POEA in Manila.

According to Hapal, the satellite office will bring about the following benefits: immediate action on complaints and request for assistance of OFWs and their families, including monitoring of illegal recruitment and trafficking incidences; increased and faster processing of program availment;

Faster and less costly processing of OECs and OWWA membership for vacationing OFWs and name hires; continuity and holistic benefit from integrated community and LGU-based support; and more active participation in organized OFW Family Circles/Associations.

The OWWA Naga Satellite Office is located at the 3rd floor of the R.S. Roco Library in Naga City Hall Complex. (KTRamirez-Villamor, OWWA Bicol/PIA/mal)

RELEASE MORONG 43 SANS AMNESTY – CHIZ

MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero added his voice to growing calls seeking the release of the “Morong 43” who were arrested 10 months ago on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the gun ban.

Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on justice and human rights, explained the release should be done not through an amnesty program being offered by the government, but by virtue of technicalities surrounding their arrest.

“The Morong 43 may be freed without availing the amnesty program extended by the administration. There is no admittance from the health workers that they are indeed members of the New People’s Army as alleged by the military. They cannot therefore avail of the program because of the imposed impossible condition: admittance of guilt,” Escudero said.

Citing an opinion rendered by Department of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima that the warrant served to the group seemed to be defective, Escudero said there were three options that could be explored to free the detained health workers.

He said the Morong 43 could be released through the following options:

The DOJ may file a motion in court withdrawing information on the ground of technicalities on the arrest.

The defense team may file a motion for reinvestigation and for the release on bail and recognizance pending reinvestigation without the need for technicalities.

The DOJ and the defense team may jointly file a motion for judicial determination of probable cause to resolve the issue once and for all.

“These three options are faster and simpler routes to take than the amnesty program in seeking for the Morong 43 release because it relieves everyone of the burden other than the rightful entity to rule on the matter. All options would now be left to the judge’s sole discretion,” Escudero said. (Office of Sen. Francis Escudero/PIA/mal)

PDRRMC CAMNORTE READIES FOR DISASTERS, CALAMITIES

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has approved the plan and the budget for the implementation of programs for disaster preparedness and mitigation in the province.

PDRRMC chairperson Governor Edgardo Tallado said that the council should implement the 10121 known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

He said that the province should anticipate calamities that might affect before the year ends and for preparation for next year.

The plan includes: capability building like trainings in Water Safety and Rescue (WASAR), high angle rescue, road emergency response, outbreak response, search and rescue on collapse structure, basic and advance first aid, fire fighting and salvaging, orientation/seminar on DRR community based information drive and others.

There will be fire and earthquake drill, tsunami drill and bombing and hostage taking drill while competition on disaster and related skills and first aid and basc life support skills as well as the search for the local Kalasag award.

PDRRMC members also agreed for the purchase of equipments, supplies and other related facilities for disaster preparedness and necessary medicines for disaster victims.

The plan also included the construction of warehouse for stocking and pre-positioning, disaster resilient infrastructures and standard evacuation center.

They will also provide financial assistance to accredited community disaster volunteers, insurance and incentive for emergency responders and financial assistance to disaster victims.

The meetings, maintenance and operation as well as the data gathering and profiling included in the plan.

The Council approved the allotted more than 55 million from the 5% Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds for the implementation of the said plan. (RBManlangit/PIA CamNorte/mal)

THE FILIPINO CHILD CAN DREAM AGAIN – AQUINO

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday (December 13) said it is time for the Filipino child to dream again as he vowed to work hard in giving them a bright future.

In his extemporaneous speech at the 20th anniversary of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the President said the children today are luckier compared to the children during the Martial Law years when he was barely 12 years old and aware that there was no promising future for them.

Speaking in the verncular to some 500 children who attended the event at the Malacanang’s Heroes Hall, the President vowed that his administration will work hard to give the youth of today better lives.

“It is our obligation to give you a bright future,” he stressed as he asked the youth to be government’s partner in realizing a progressive Philippines.

He said it is important that the youth guide their guardians to take the righteous path to progress.

“Let us all work together for change,” he said.

The President said it is his government’s priority to give the youth quality healthcare, education and shelter.

Se said he will make sure that the 40 percent of Filipinos who can’t afford to see a health professional will be able to access quality healthcare through the use of modern technology such as the internet.

Moreover, he stressed that education is the key to a better life thus the increase in the 2011 budget of the Department of Education.

“Education gives you the opportunity to improve your lives. The government is giving you the opportunity so I hope you use this opportunity wisely,” he said.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a human rights treaty setting out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children.

The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention and opened it for signature on Nov. 20, 1989 and came into force on Sept. 1990, after it was ratified by the required number of nations. As of Nov. 2009, 194 countries have ratified it, including every member of the United Nations except Somalia and the United States of America.

The Philippines ratified the Convention in Sept. 1990. (PIA V)

AQUINO UPBEAT ON SUCCESS OF REFORM EFFORTS

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed optimism on Monday (December 13) that his administration will be able to attain its goal of progress and development for the country at the end of his term.

In his message at the awarding ceremonies for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Malacañang Monday morning, President Aquino expressed confidence of achieving reforms at a faster pace as he enjoined the awardees to continue sharing their strengths and expertise in nation building.

“We would like to be able, at the end of our term… when we step down, to hold our heads up high and say when we look back that definitely we left something a lot better than what we found”, the President said.

“With all of your help and guidance…with your continued aspirations and strength that you share with us, undoubtedly we will reach it and hopefully at a faster clip than what we have managed to do these past six months”, he added.

The Chief Executive noted the awardees’ exemplary deeds which made a difference in uplifting other people’s lives.

This year’s TOYM Awards was anchored on the theme “Heroes Create Heroes”, inspired by the noble deeds of the late former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., father of President Aquino, who himself was conferred the TOYM Award for Public Service 50 years ago.

Ninoy’s heroism and love for country has inspired countless Filipinos to be heroes as well. This highlights the importance of role models, heroes in serving as inspiration for the younger generation to emulate.

The TOYM Awards recognizes outstanding individuals who, not only excel in their profession, but also in making a difference in the lives of the people in their community or to the country, as a whole.

The awards also aim to inspire many more young people, between the ages of 18 to 40, to become heroes for the Filipino youth.

This year’s TOYM Awardees are: Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara for Government Service (Legislative); Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV for Social Enterprise and Community Development, Therese “Gang” Badoy, Alternative Education and Youth Leadership; Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Government and Public Service (Public Accountability and Transparency), Maria Rochelle R. Gerodias for Arts and Music (Classical); Harvey S. Keh, Public Education and Good Governance; Efren G. Peñaflorida, Jr., Grassroots Education and Community Service; Edsel Maurice T. Salvana, Medicine and Social Activism; Beatrice “Bea” P. Valdes for Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship, and Jun S. Yupitin, Entrepreneurship in Pioneer Industries.

For more than half a century, the TOYM has become an institution, having honored countless young leaders who have accomplished considerable, tangible results in the pursuit of excellence. The award per se has become a veritable representation of what is best in man, celebrated through his indomitable spirit of service to others. (PIA V)

MALACAÑANG ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

MANILA — Malacañang announced it was retaining the holiday schedule provided for under Proclamation No. 1841 of 2009 “Declaring the Regular Holidays, Special (Non-working) Days, and Special Holiday (for all Schools) for the Year 2010, saying the law was “relevant” for the occasion.

In an interview aired over dzRB on Sunday (December 12), Presidential Communication and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said the government concurred with the law also known as the “holiday economics” law which provides that non-religious holidays be moved to the nearest Monday.

The rationale behind this law is to give Filipinos a longer weekend with which they can use to bond and strengthen family relationships as well as spur domestic tourism.

Under Proclamation No. 1841, December 24 (Friday) and December 31 (Friday) have been declared as “additional special (non-working) days” while December 27 has been declared a non-working holiday as it falls on the Monday nearest Rizal Day, a regular holiday every December 30.

With this holiday schedule, a pocket of three working days from December 28 (Tuesday) to December 30 (Thursday) remains for the remainder of the year after Christmas.

Herewith is the holiday schedule for December 2010:

Friday, December 24 – Additional Special (Non-Working) Day*; Saturday, December 25 – Christmas day; Regular Holiday; non-working day*; Sunday, December 26 – non-working day; Monday, December 27 – Monday nearest Rizal Day, December 30; Tuesday, December 28 – working day; Wednesday, December 29 – working day; Thursday, December 30 – working day; Friday, December 31 – Last Day of the Year; Special non-working day*; Saturday, January 1 – non-working day; Sunday, January 2 – non-working day
Monday, January 3 – working day. (PIA V)

AQUINO LAUDS FIRST BARANGAY ASSEMBLY DAY

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III joins community leaders in the country’s estimated 42,000 barangays in their commitment to promote good governance at the grassroots level as part of the 2010 Barangay Assembly Day nationwide.

The President led Barangay Chairman Edgardo Aguas and the councilmen of Barangay Central Plaza in Tarlac City in reciting the Panunumpa Para sa Mabuting Pamamahala Tungo sa Tuwid na Landas, the commitment of newly elected barangay officials to promote and uphold the principles of good governance in the barangays.

Last month, the President issued Proclamation No. 74 declaring December 11, 2010 as Barangay Assembly Day throughout the country pursuant to the 1991 Local Government Code which requires the conduct of a barangay assembly every first Saturday of March and the third Saturday of October.

However, the scheduled barangay assembly last October 16 was postponed due to its proximity to the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections last October 25.

The President said he is happy in joining all the barangay leaders nationwide in the first barangay assembly under his administration which provides opportunities for the newly elected community leaders to sit down with their constituents to discuss issues and lay down their plans and programs for the next three years.

“Ang mandato ng mabuting pamamahala ay nagsisismula sa pamayanan. itinulak nain ang eleksyon dahil naniniwala tayo sa kahalagahan ng isang barangay lalo na sa kakayahan nitong gabayan ang kanyang nasasakupan,” the President said.

As part of good governance, the President said barangay leaders must lead by example and transparently present to their constituents their planned programs and projects including the financial status of the barangay.

The President said barangay leaders must also quickly respond and provide efficient public service particularly for their needy constituents.

Among those present were Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who earlier issued a memorandum circular entitled “Guideposts in Promoting and Sustaining Barangay Good Governance” aimed at making the barangays an active partner of the national government in addressing poverty and eradicating graft and corruption.

Chairman Aguas also presented to the President his barangay agenda such as the planned provision of livelihood, rehabilitation of barangay roads, and jobs generation, among others.

The President broke the good news that he will be meeting with an investor who is keen on putting up a garments factory in Tarlac which is expected to generate some 3,500 jobs when the venture opens hopefully in the second quarter of 2011.

Among those present were some 1,000 residents and local officials led by Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, 2nd District Rep. Susan Yap-Sulit and City Mayor Gelacio Manalang. (PIA V)

AQUINO EAGER FOR RESOLUTION OF MORONG 43 CASE

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Saturday (December 11) said his government is sincere about releasing the 43 medical workers who were detained on suspicion of coddling Communist rebels in Morong last February by ordering the Department of Justice to drop the charges against the detainees.

In an ambush interview at the sidelines of the nationwide Barangay Assembly Day in Tarlac City, the President said his gesture was meant to show “that this government is operating under a set of laws and that we follow the laws of the land.

He said he has also directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police “to avoid shortcuts because once we trample upon the rights of others, in effect, we set the conditions for greater dissatisfaction in the system thereby fuelling insurgency.”

“People must be confident that their rights will be properly observed under my administration,” the President said.

He said when the Morong 43 issue was brought to his attention, “immediately, I ordered a review by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and she gave me the facts.”

On reports that the release of the Morong detainees is meant to save the forthcoming peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines, the President said there was no relation between the two.

He clarified that two of the 43 detainees were confirmed to have pending arrest warrants for other violations previously but the others simply had namesakes of other people wanted for other crimes. (PIA V)