MASBATE PEACEKEEPERS ARREST 4 PAG GUNMEN

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur — The newly deployed government troops which now augments the elements of the Special Task Force Masbate arrested Thursday (April 22) four suspected members of the partisan armed group (PAG) in Barangay Naocondiot, in Placer town, Masbate, a military officer disclosed.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, spokesperson of the 9th Division of the Philippine Army, said that the troops, former UN peacekeepers, were among the combined elements of the STF Masbate sent to check the reported presence of gun-toting gunmen in the village.

Led by Police Inspector Nicolas Malipot Jr, the government forces stormed the place after being fired upon by the said gunmen.

The suspects surrendered upon seeing that they were surrounded by heavily armed soldiers. One caliber .357 Smith and Wesson revolver and copies of official ballots for the upcoming elections were recovered from the suspects.

No one was hurt among the responding STF Masbate personnel.
Cabunoc identified the suspects as Ronald Santianes, Dennis Salvador, Ardito Gailan and Sonny Espinosa, now detained in Masbate Provincial Police Office as criminal cases are filed against them.

The STF Masbate has confiscated 10 high-powered firearms and 77 low-powered firearms from 98 arrested PAG members as of today. It has also recorded 8 election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) since January 1, 2010.

A consistent election ‘hotspot’, Masbate has recorded 22 ERVI’s in 2004 and 18 tally in 2007 elections.

The task force was augmented with additional forces after the deployment of a 250-men strong battalion of former UN peacekeepers on April 16, 2010.

The newly deployed soldiers are already assigned to the different municipalities where violent incidents had been recorded. (PAO-9ID-PA/PIA)

NAGAUEÑOS JOIN OBSERVANCE OF EARTH DAY 2010

NAGA CITY — In a unanimous call to confront and send the message of accord to all environmental stakeholders, the city government here, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB in Bicol, Naga City Youth Officials and SM City Naga, gathered on April 22, in a simple yet significant observance of Earth’s Day 40th year anniversary.

The event, which took place at SM activity center was participated in by various organizations whose campaign runs synonymous with the government’s battle cry for resource conservation and environmental protection.

Dubbed as “Earth Day 2010 at Naga City”, the activity became an appropriate venue to raise public awareness on the dangers posed by climate change.

Mr. Oscar Orosco, Naga City Environment Officer, in his message, reiterated the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of our environment and called on everyone to take this as an individual responsibility.”

“We will not succeed in our battle to reverse the ill-effects of climate change if we cannot mend our ways and give ourselves this one-time opportunity to become a responsible agent of change and an essential instrument in building a clean and healthy environment. “

Orosco added that even before the celebration of Earth Day, they have been doing a lot of activities aimed at preserving our environment. One of which is the Signature Campaign dubbed as “Climate Change 101”where they garnered a total of 1,650 signatures. Signatories were enjoined to seal their commitment to participate in the 10million solutions to combat climate change.

ENRO-Naga, in cooperation with the City Youth Officials, also conducted a clean-up activity inside the protected area of Mount Isarog . They were able to collect twelve (12) sacks of garbage and two (2) sacks of empty bottles of mineral water at the site. With the Philippine National Authority, Ateneo de Naga University students and a British National, the City ENRO also planted a total of 1,850 trees inside the Mount Isarog National Park .

Under this year’s Earth Day theme: “Hamon ng Panahon- Climate Change , 10M Solusyon (Kilos Na! Ngayon Na!) , all stakeholders are also being enjoined to develop solidarity and cooperation among the members of the community, provide activities that will promote corporate social responsibility among the business establishments and instill awareness about environmental issues confronting our present society.

Orosco added that also part of the climate change campaign is to create a collective understanding of each individual’s role as environmental advocates and stewards of God’s creaton.

EMB Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales, also present during the occasion, said that our collective action will surely reap a good result if we will sustain and adapt greener lifestyles to face the challenge of climate change. “We all need to recognize the country’s vulnerability to calamities, such as typhoons and floods. Let us work collectively and meet the greatest challenge of combating the ill-effects of climate change.”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared April 22 as the Philippine Earth Day through Presidential Proclamation No. 1481 amending PD Nos. 553 and 1276 finally declaring Earth Day an official environmental holiday in the country. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

SORSOGON MEDIA MEETS "GENTLE GIANTS" IN DONSOL

DONSOL, Sorsogon — Mesmerizing...Magnificent... Enchanting... Breathtakingly Wonderful!
These were the very words uttered by the group of tri-media practitioners from Sorsogon after the interaction with the acclaimed 'Gentle Giants of the Deep' or the butanding thriving in the coastal waters of this town.

One participant of the media familiarization tour on Donsol Whale Shark Interaction activities said she has since been promoting Donsol's butanding for years now to her relatives, friends and acquaintances but never she had the opportunity to personally experience the real adventure.
"I only learned what I share to them through information from video, reading stuffs and stories from friends who had been in the place," she said.

"But with the opportunity given to us, we now have our own story to tell, from the very hospitable and accommodating guides who were so patient in bearing with us considering that we are neither swimmers nor diver either, and down to the actual experience of catching a glimpse of almost ten amazing butanding in just less than three hours," she added.

Lynn Jimenez, reporter of DWLH-FM said that as a first timer in the experience of Butanding interaction, an extraordinary feeling mesmerized her.

"I could truly say we are very lucky to be given such wonderful endowment of nature, and hopefully, we'll help each other to protect these creatures so that the next generation may also experience the same beauty and bounty of God's given gift to us," she also said.

The tour held on April 15 was sponsored by the Department of Tourism Regional (DOT) Office V in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Sorsogon Information Center and the Committee on Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sorsogon.

Maria O. Ravanilla, DOT Bicol director, said that hordes of tourists, both foreign and domestic, flock to take a glimpse and interact with this sea creatures and they also do not want the local media here to miss the most-sought after Bicol tourism destination and at the same time our way of thanking the media for supporting us in popularizing and promoting our local tourism assets.

"About 3 years ago, DOT Bicol also sponsored a media tour butanding interaction activity but there were no sightings. Last summer, we again planned to hold the same, however, the very slim chance for the whale sharks to appear in view of the heavy rains compelled the DOT to postpone it," said Ravanilla.

"This year, we really made sure to push through this exciting adventure-experience for our media," she added.

As disclosed by Allan Amanse, president, Butanding Interaction Officers (BIO) Association, these gentle giants are spotted from November to May this year in the sea waters of Donsol, the seasonal feeding ground of butanding, acclaimed as the world's largest fish.

Donsol was considered a 5th class municipality not until it was included in the world's tourism map accelerating it to first class municipality with nearly P70-M Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) yearly.

Local media here, meanwhile, were so grateful to DOT V for the wonderful experience and hospitability extended to them during the said media exposure. (PIA Sorsogon with reports from CLOcfemia)

MASBATEÑO WINS REGIONAL “GALING MASON” OLYMPICS

LEGAZPI CITY — Jorge Almoete of Masbate City notched the top place in the 2010 Holcim “Galing Mason” Olympics besting 28 other competitors from six provinces in the Bicol region.

Certified masons in the region competed last April 6-8, this year, at the Provincial Training Center in Guinobatan, Albay for the coveted plum in this craft.

Almoete, who got the P7,000 top prize, will represent Bicol in the national competition that will be held in the latter part of this year.

Noli Belgica of Albay won second place with P5,000; Renato Madrigalejos of Camarines Sur and Sergio T. Tarnate of Catanduanes tied in the third place, each receiving P3,000 cash incentives.

The masonry skills competition was an open category and has no age requirements. The only restriction is that an applicant must be an NC II certificate holder.

The event was sponsored by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Bicol, in partnership with Holcim Philippines, Inc., a leading cement manufacturer in the country.

Holcim provided each competitor with a t-shirt, daily allowance, transportation subsidy, meals for the 3-day event and likewise provided a total 150 bags of cement for use during the actual competition and the cash prizes.

TESDA and Holcim focuses on bringing dignity to Filipino masons thru holding of skills training and competitions throughout the country. (RTPerida, TESDA V/PIA)

PHIVOLCS: MAYON VOLCANO STILL UNSAFE FOR MOUNTAINEERS

LEGAZPI CITY — “Mayon volcano is still unsafe for mountaineers and human activity also remains prohibited within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ),” Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned.

Phivolcs Resident Volcanologist Ed Laguerta warned mountaineers and tour guides that climbing Mayon is still unsafe as it continues to emit gases and lava, adding that “although the lava and gases emission are minimal, it is still dangerous.”

“Alert level 1 is still hoisted over the volcano, indicating that human activity in the area is not allowed,” Laguerta explained.

According to Phivolcs bulletin, mild explosions have been observed in the crater and thousands volcanic debris deposited around the body of the volcano might collapse any time if triggered.”
Laguerta said once Phivolcs lifted the alert level in Mayon Volcanol, that is the only time that mountaineers can be allowed to climb.

Jukes Nunez, Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Office (APSEMO) operation chief, said Mayon is still in abnormal stage.

“Sudden rock falls might occur,” he said, adding that “the policy of Albay restricts human activity within PDZ.”

Phivolcs has reminded the public that the six-kilometer radius PDZ remains off-limits due to continuing threats of sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.

Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there are heavy and prolonged rains. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA)

4Ps IMPROVES MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN MASBATE TOWN

MASBATE CITY — An increasing number of pregnant women has availed the services of birthing facility in Placer town, Masbate following the implementation of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

Dr. George Galindez, Placer local health office chief, said pregnant women have since four months after 4Ps’ implementation started to seek pre and post natal services as well as safe child birth in rural health units (RHUs)

RHU records revealed that in 2005 only five women had given birth in the clinic, while they increase in 2007 with 48 deliveries, 118 in 2008 and 506 in 2009. Proper hygiene among mothers also improved with the intensified health education campaigns carried out by the local heath office.

Galindez, who fervently pushes advocacy on safe motherhood and child health care, stressed that pregnant mothers should submit for pre and post-natal care and seek the assistance of a trained ‘hilot’ or midwife in giving birth.

He recalled most pregnant women would still prefer to have home deliveries and get the services of the traditional ‘hilot’ way back 2005, thus relentlessly pushed for the campaign urging women of child bearing age to avail of the services of trained ‘hilots’.

On the other hand, latest survey of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that one out of three mothers giving birth die due to infection or hemorrhage, attributing such to pregnant mothers in the rural areas who did not submit for pre-natal care or those who gave birth at home with the traditional ‘hilot’.

It was in 2009 that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol started 4Ps implementation in Masbate province identifying the town of Placer as one covered municipality, with 5,487 potential beneficiaries including 430 pregnant women in the list.

4Ps is a government scheme developed to help alleviate poverty in the country by providing cash grants to poor households to support the educational, health and nutritional needs of children ages 0-14.


A family who is enrolled in the program has to follow certain conditionalities and one of which is for pregnant mothers to avail of the pre and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a skilled health professional. Non-compliance to the conditionalities would mean termination from the list.

“I was so happy when I learned about the program. My campaign was not in vain,” claimed Dr. Galindez.

Another factor which contributed to the increase of the deliveries in the RHU is the implementation of the financing scheme of the UNFPA under the Maternal and New-Born Health Demand Side Financing. This is in partnership with the DSWD which will respond to the mandate of the UNFPA which is “Every birth should be safe, every pregnancy is wanted, every girl should be treated with dignity and no woman should die giving life.” (EEJerusalem, DSWD V/PIA)


ROAD ACCIDENT IN SORSOGON TOWN LEAVES 3 DEAD

SORSOGON CITY — Three fatalities were left following a road accident involving a fuel tanker and a motorcycle on Friday (April 23) around one o’clock in the morning along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Boton in Casiguran, Sorsogon,.

Noted dead on arrival were the motorcycle driver identified as Pfc. Randy Milagrosa y Miraflor, 35, single, resident of Barangay Abucay in Pilar, Sorsogon and an active personnel of the 49th IB, 9ID Philippine Army based in Bulan town, this province. His back rider who, as of press time is yet unidentified, is also declared dead.

Another fatality is the truck driver, identified as Salvador Fernandez, of legal age, married, and resident of Barangayy Pagcolbon in Rapu-rapu, Albay.

Sammy Bolaños, 31, married, resident of Barangay Binusawan, also in Rapu-rapu town, and helper of the tanker, is the lone survivor of the accident

Bolaños was rushed to Dr. Fernando B. Duran, Sr. Memorial Hospital (Sorsogon Provincial Hospital) here for immediate medical attention.

Remains of the three victims were brought to a funeral home in this city for proper disposition.

Report disclosed, meanwhile, that the truck also collided in some residential houses affecting 2 households.

Investigation of further damages the accident has brought to the affected households is still in progress. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


SEARCH FOR DISASTER HEROES ON

MANILA — The search is on for the top institutional and individual performers in disaster risk management and humanitarian service from both public and private agencies.

This was recently announced by Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, also chair of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, as the NDCC opened this year’s Gawad KALASAG search with the theme: Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan.

Gawad KALASAG is held every year, with the President conferring the awards in Malacanang, to give due recognition to outstanding performance of local Disaster Coordinating Councils (DCCs) in provinces, municipalities, and barangays.

The project also recognizes private / volunteer organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian assistance; and government emergency responders (GOERs) which are major stakeholders and partners in the implementation of disaster management programs and activities.

It also honors individuals or groups that have shown extraordinary courage, heroism, self-sacrifice and bravery against odds in times of natural and man-made disasters and emergencies.

Gonzales has tasked the NDCC National Selection Committee to now start screening nominees from all regions of the country.

The committee is headed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and include local-based organizations such as the Leagues of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities and Barangays; the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and a representative agency of PINGON.

The awarding ceremonies are slated in July to coincide with the country’s observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month. (PIA V Release)

PGMA HONORS ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY LGUs

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recognized today local government units (LGUs) which implemented the best and efficient solid waste management programs under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The President awarded Zero Basura Olympics trophies to Magarao, Camarines Sur (4th to 6th Class municipality); and the towns of San Mateo, Isabela; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the co-winners in the 1st to 3rd class category during rites held at Malacañang’s heroes Hall.

Winners in the highly urbanized and component cities categories were Makati City and San Carlos City, respectively.

The Olympics is part of the President’s solid waste management program to lessen the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane from garbage, including the establishment of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in every barangay and the shift to sanitary landfill by closing and rehabilitating open dumpsites.

Among those present during the awarding rites were Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Horacio Ramos and some 200 representatives from various non-government organizations and international environmental groups.

Romeo Trono, executive director of Conservation International, said the President’s environmental program has produced numerous policies and guidelines in the crucial preservation and conservation of Philippine marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Trono said these government policies and programs resulted in the establishment of numerous marine reserves and parks and in preventing poaching and illegal fishing that will help increase the income and catch of sustenance fishermen.

Trono said these guidelines and policies fully complement the Philippine plan of action to support the Coral Triangle initiative and the global conservation initiatives in this United National-initiated international year of biodiversity. (PIA V Release)

EMPLOYERS-LABOR HARMONY ENSURES ECONOMIC GROWTH — PGMA

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lauded Wednesday (April 21) the country’s employers and labor sectors for keeping industrial peace that helped ensure national economic growth.

Speaking at the closing day of the National Conference of Employers at the Manila Hotel, the President said harmony between employers and labor has kept the number of labor strike at an “all-time low” despite that Philippine labor laws that are considered the most democratic in Asia.

“A major source of our economic strength is our harmonious industrial relations system. The number of strikes in the country is at an all-time low, low even if our labor law is one of Asia’s most democratic. This is because you, our employers and you our labor leaders are able to communicate with one another in a professional and open manner without resorting to bluster and threats. You have agreed that the fastest way to resolve differences is over the negotiating table, not through messy strikes and lockouts,“ she told the employers’ gathering, which included the nation’s top corporations and business organizations.

With government in the tripartite partnership, the President said the nation was able to deal with the global economic crises in a collective and non-partisan way.

“I cite the leadership and constructive role of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) in all these dialogues,” she said.

The President said a result of the tripartite partnership was keeping “millions of jobs intact and creating even more along the way even during the global crisis.”

With 37 consecutive quarters of growth posted by the country, the President said nine millions jobs were created for which, she said the employers’ sector should be praised.

Citing once more the impact of her aggressive economic reforms, she said decisions, especially in the public financial sector, were made even at the expense of her being unpopular.

The President cited her championing of the expanded value added tax (EVAT) as an unpopular decision, which turned over to be very beneficial. “We were able to turn around the dire financial situation we inherited from the past,” she said, adding the tax measure provided much of the government investments in infrastructure, information technology and resources for basic social services. (PIA V Release)

DA ALLOTS P400M FOR WATER WELLS IN EL NINO-HIT AREAS

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P400 million for the installation of shallow tube wells in El Nino-hit farming communities as part of its ongoing efforts to help small farmers offset production losses due to the prolonged dry spell.

DA is the lead agency of the El Nino Task Force, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reactivated earlier this year to coordinate government responses to the weather phenomenon.
DA Undersecretary Joel Rudinas reported to Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla that the Department has already used P120 million of the amount to procure water pumps and was seeking approval from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to realign another P300 million for the shallow tube well projects.

Each water pump, Rudinas said, could cost from P8,000 to P80,000, depending on the horsepower and brand of the pumps needed. Moreover, the cost of installing water pumps for shallow tube wells will depend on whether a community will rely on self-running engines or electricity to power them, he said.

The Department, he added, has also been distributing seeds other than palay and corn to farmers in El Niño-hit towns who want to temporarily shift to vegetable or fruit crops.

“Water in El Niño-stricken communities may be scarce, but you can tap big rivers and streams or dig to pump and draw out water from underground. That’s why the provision of pumps and engine sets is one of our priority projects to help our farmers cope with the dry spell,” Rudinas said.

The array of El Niño mitigation measures include cloud seeding operations in watershed areas; construction of shallow tube wells; provision of fishcages, vegetable seeds, fruit flower inducers and microbial fertilizers; building small scale irrigation facilities; and livelihood assistance.

President Arroyo has also ordered government officials to provide emergency employment program for farmers who have lost harvest incomes due to the long dry spell brought by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

She pointed out that the employment of affected farmers will be the main tool to address the drought problem in the countryside.

Affected farmers, according to her, will be employed in the desilting of rivers and other water tributaries, and in repairing and rehabilitating water irrigation systems. (PIA V Release)

PALACE LAUDS IMF’S GROWTH UPGRADE

MANILA — Malacañang lauded Thursday (April 22) the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for upgrading the country’s growth forecast for 2010 to 3.6 percent from an earlier forecast of 3.25 percent.

“I would like to commend the IMF for its recent decision to upgrade its growth forecast for the Philippines this year. Its forecast for 2011 is even higher growth at four percent,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said in a news conference in Malacañang today.

He said the IMF forecast is in line with other multinational lending institutions (MLI).

Last week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its Philippine growth forecast from 3.3 percent to 3.8 percent; and the World Bank from 3.15 percent to 3.5 percent.

These positive forecasts are within the target growth range of 2.6 percent to 3.6 percent set by the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

Olivar also noted the IMF improved its forecast for Philippine inflation to five percent inflation rate this year and a more moderate four percent in 2011, well within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) target range of 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent.

“But we should be happy about such conservatism. As any good manager will tell you, it is always better to under-promise but over-deliver,” he explained.

“We take to heart the IMF’s prognosis for our country that ‘private domestic demand is expected to be the main driver of growth’, and its advice for us to focus on ‘improving the environment for private investments’ to support domestic demand growth,” he said.

But while the country is performing better against DBCC expectations, Olivar said the Philippines still has to catch up with the rest of its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

IMF growth forecast for the original Association of South East Asia Nation (ASEAN)-5 are 5.4 percent this year and 6.5 percent next year.

While he recognized the substantial contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) remittances as a major engine behind the growth of domestic demand, Olivar urged: “We should continue to work for the day when enough local jobs are being created by mush higher levels of investment within out country, so that our workers have more options to stay home as well as leave.”

“The President has already done much to improve the investment environment on her watch, mainly through fiscal reforms that were instrumental in promoting macroeconomic stability and financial liquidity; unprecedented support for both physical and digital infrastructure that has permanently brought down the logistical cost of doing business and created whole new sunshine industries; and massive investment in education infrastructure to sharpen the competitive edge of our human resources. She also pursued aggressive trade and investment diplomacy during her trips abroad,” Olivar said.

Olivar expressed hope the next administration will take up and push with as much vigor and success as the President has shown with her own agenda over the last nine years. (PIA V Release)

PALACE REITERATES WISH FOR JUSTICE IN MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE

MANILA — Malacanang deputy spokesman Gary Olivar said Thursday (April 22) that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wants no less than justice for the victims of the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre

“In no uncertain terms, the President demands justice for the heinous crimes committed in Maguindanao. She expects that the judicial system will prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, so that justice will be served, ” according to Olivar during a Malacanang press briefing today

According to Olivar, the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza has advised Justice Secretary Alberto Agra to take a second look at the Maguindanao case and to confer with the public prosecutors to ensure that all pieces of evidence are considered in his resolution freeing two members of the Ampatuan clan from indictment for multiple murder.

Olivar reminded those adversely affected by Agra’s ruling: “If there may be objections to his resolution or the court ruling, there are remedies available to those aggrieved, such as filing a motion for reconsideration with his office, or an appeal before the Court of Appeals”

Olivar added that the case is already in court and Agra’s resolution is “merely recommendatory in nature. “He added it is now the discretion of the court to grant or deny any motion in the case.

He also said that since all legal remedies are available to the aggrieved parties, “its is but just proper to let the proceedings take their natural course.

Furthermore Olivar said that there is no need for the President to intercede in court cases due to the principle of constitutional separation of power.

“To do otherwise that might be prejudicial to the conduct of impartial judicial proceedings, “ Olivar stressed adding that “the president must observe the boundaries set by law.”

Olivar said the he hopes that the families of the victims “understand the legal constraints at work here and to appreciate what can’t or what can be done.” (PIA V Release)

MORE TROOPS DEPLOYED IN MASBATE
…focuses on peacekeeping on election day

MASBATE CITY—In an unprecedented campaign against violent electoral contests in Masbate, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Delfin N. Bangit deployed a new battalion to help the Commission on Election preserve peace and order and protect voters when they troop to the polling places next month.

With the deployment of a new battalion Friday morning (April 16), a total of two Army battalions now work protecting Masbate, an island-province with long history of political violence.

The 85th Infantry Battalion, headed by Col. Lope Dagoy and composed of 250 officers and men who have just arrived from their peacekeeping missions in conflict areas in Africa and Haiti, was newly activated by the Philippine Army to boost the 9th Infantry Battalion under the command of Col. Anthony Purugganan.

With the recent spate of violence in Masbate involving suspected armed goons of warring political groups, Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said the 85th Infantry Battalion will be invaluable in restoring order in the province.

The new battalion will focus on peacekeeping in the second congressional district, where reelection-seeking Rep. Antonio Kho, the patriarch of the long-reining political family in the province, is pitted against a newly retired police general, Darius Tuason.

Gonzales, here with Bangit and the head and members of the Independent Commission Against Private Armies presiding over the deployment, said the troops will stop the armed goons of politicians from sowing terror during the election period.

“Lilinisin natin ang Masbate sa mga undesirable elements,” he said.

State forces have identified 10 private armed groups in Masbate, Gonzales said.

Since January, the island-province was placed under special police watch until the end of the election period.

On the other hand, Bangit said the troops will help finally end Masbate’s reputation as a sanctuary for political leaders’ gun-for-hires.

“Hindi dapat magkaroon ng reputasyon ang Masbate bilang taguan ng mga mamatay-tao. Ipinadala kayo rito para matigil na ito,” Bangit said. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate/MALCID)

NEWLY DEPLOYED ARMY TROOPS
TO ENSURE PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN MASBATE

MASBATE CITY – The Philippine Army has activated a new battalion to provide security during the automated elections and run after communist rebels in the island-province of Masbate.

Military sources said the 85th Infantry Battalion headed by Col. Lope Dagoy, is composed of 250 officer and men, all but 60 whom served with the United Nations’ peacekeeping teams in Haiti and Liberia.

The new battallion will beef up the present military forces in Masbate, the 9th Infantry Battallion headed by Col. Anthony Puruganan.

In a television interview, Dagoy said his battalion “will be able to run after partisan armed groups in Masbate in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippine s’ goal of ensurig honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Puruganan said the new battalion will be assigned to Masbate “as part of the military’s duty to assist the Commission on Elections, applying the principles of peacekeeping they learned from their previous assignment.”

Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales presided over the deployment of the battalion in ceremonies at the Masbate City Port Friday (April 16). A navy ship took the battalion from Sangley Point in Cavite. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate/MALCID)

GAYON BIKOLNON... visit island province of catanduanes... explore...

BICOLANO STUDES NAMED TO THE ELITE GROUP OF YOUNG PINOY MATH WIZARDS

LEGAZPI CITY — Errol John Suarez, a Grade 4 pupil of the Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School (BUILS), has qualified, along with some 122 qualifiers and 137 alternates from different schools nationwide, to represent the country in the forthcoming math competitions.

Suarez was selected from among the 700 elementary math wizards vying for the slots during the the 2010 Young Mathematicians' In-house Intensive Training Program (YMIITP) in Balanga City, Bataan March 26-29.

The BUILS pupil is also the lone Bicolano named to the elite qualifier group of young Pinoy math wizards.

Suarez, at his age of nine, also made it to the national limelight in February last year following his fete as the youngest Kumon Math completer in the country.

Meanwhile, five other Bicolanos pupil were named alternates including Edrian M Octavo of BUILS and Sophia Lore Abad of the Blessed Lights International Christian Academy (BLICA) in Naga City for Grade 3; Tatyana Marie Gonzaga of the Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel, also in Naga City, for Grade 5; Danica Mae Berunio and Christina Marie Moneda of BLICA for Grade 6.

The young Pinoy math wizards, who ranged from grade 2 to grade 6, were all determined and confident to crack the mind-boggling math problems within the three straight strenuous days. Both new trainees and "old" yet so young members were not spared by sheets after sheets of math problems which came from session after session.

Though tired and beaten, their strength of mind made them succeed to meet the dominant purpose of the training, that is, to select the best from the best for the international math contest, consequently, Suarez along with other 122 qualifiers and 137 alternates grabbing the spots to represent the country in future international math Olympiads.

However, those MTG kids who were not able to make it for the 2010 Math Olympiad Summer Training Program (MOSTP) pledged to be back next year for they were challenged not to let go their math skills.

Suarez, along with this year's batch of qualifiers and alternates, were set into another tough training under the MOSTP from April 12 to May 14 at the Deeco Technological Institute in Santolan, Pasig City.

MOSTP is a must for all those qualifiers who wish to participate in the international math contest, wherein they will be exposed to a more rigid training experience by solving really more challenging math problems. (MALoterte, PIA V)

RDCC ASSURES ADEQUATE POWER SUPPLY IN BICOL ON ELECTION DAY

LEGAZPI CITY — The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in Bicol has assured the public that there will be adequate power supply in time of the national and local elections on May 10, this year.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol director Raffy Alejandro said all local disaster councils (DCCs) will be ready to provide back up power source, with functional electric generator sets prepositioned in polling centers, in case power brownouts occur during the election day.

In a conference Tuesday (April 13), RDCC crafted measures to ensure adequate power supply on May 10 elections, in line with Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales directive.

Alejandro said that the initiative form part of the NDCC’s operation plan to guarantee a credible and efficient electoral process on Election Day.

Although the Commission on Election (COMELEC) has assured that counting machines will not be affected by power failure because of back-up battery and stable power supply, the generator sets will serve as back-up to ensure that the polling places are well-lighted and visible, Alejandro said.

Meanwhile, OCD Bicol has already created a special task force to carry out the measures, including planning, preparation, management and implementation to ensure the proper mobilization of back-up power supply.

Director Blandino Maceda of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bicol has issued Wednesday a regional memorandum directing all national government line agencies in the region to submit an inventory of all functional electric generators and DCCs, to include in their inventories sets owned by private firms and individuals, that can be used in their respective localities.

DepEd Bicol, on the other hand, has also instructed all school heads to inventory their respective schools’ facilities in order to be well-equipped in time for the elections.

The military, on the other hand, was directed to assist in the transport, deployment and protection of said generator sets to and from their sources.

Navy Commodore Joel E. Babas said that the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) will ensure the task of mobilizing the back-up generators in the precincts in the region as directed by Secretary Gonzales. (MALoterte, PIA V)

LAKAS-KAMPI ALLIES IN ALBAY STICK WITH GIBO

TABACO CITY — Albay I District Rep. Edcel Lagman, regional chair of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Bicol, said Wednesday party members in Albay will remain steadfast in supporting their standard bearer, former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.

In a statement, Lagman stressed that “I, together with Lakas-Kampi allies in Albay like Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro and Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal and a host of municipal mayors and officials will remain supporting Gibo Teodoro in his bid for President.”

He said Teodoro is a cut above the rest in competence, capacity, integrity and sincerity.

Lagman said Teodoro’s politics and campaigns are anchored on issues and principles without any mudslinging and character assassination.

Quoting Dr. Mahar Mangahas, the dean of Filipino pollsters, in a paper for the Second International Conference of Public Opinion Polls in Cairo, Egypt in November 2009 asserted that: “The effect of election surveys is small, and may even be more pro-underdog rather than pro-bandwagon.”

The study shows that 53 percent of the voters are unaware of surveys, 32 percent are aware but say the surveys have no effect on them, while only eight percent said surveys influenced them to switch votes partly to favored candidates and partly underdogs.

Five percent said the surveys have induced them to switch to underdogs and only three percent said surveys have induced them to switch to favored ones.

Lagman said not a few say that it would be unfortunate and a waste if Teodoro does not win the Presidency because of his sterling qualifications.

Lagman said that to avert this misfortune, “we must campaign and vote for Teodoro and prove the surveys wrong because the real survey is conducted on election day.” (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol/PIA)

MOUNTAINEERING GROUPS IN THE COUNTRY JOIN MT. BULUSAN CONQUEST SPECIAL

BULUSAN, Sorsogon — The Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection (AGAP-Bulusan) Inc. has successfully launched recently the Mt. Bulusan Conquest Special held here recently highlighting Mt. Bulusan Mountaineering as its major activity.

AGAP-Bulusan President Philip Bartilet said the mountaineering activity promotes and develops Mt. Bulusan and its environs as a competitive tourism product not only of Sorsogon but also of the Bicol region.

“We have also officially launched the Mt. Bulusan mountaineering as a major ecotourism activity in Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) to encourage mountain enthusiasts to explore the beauty of Mt. Bulusan, promote protection and conservation of BVNP through eco-adventure and at the same time generate revenue through eco-tourism activities,” said Bartilet.

Some 30 mountaineers joined the hike from Ayala Mountaineers Club, Inc., AGAP-Bulusan, Inc. and its Eco-Tourism Beneficiaries who at the same time served as guides and porters, representatives from the local government unit of Bulusan and the Sangguniang Bayan for Tourism and Environment, Sorsogon Provincial Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Tourism Regional Office V.

“Aside from the official launching of Mt. Bulusan Mountaineering as major ecotourism activity in BVNP, clean-up drive and tree planting activity were also conducted as part of maintenance and ecological protection of the said park,” Bartilet said.

He also added that an orientation program before the actual hike in Mt. Bulusan was conducted explaining to them the PRESERVE BVNP Conservation Program as well as the Mountaineering Safety and Security Guidelines to ensure protection of mountain and safety of the mountaineers.

Bartilet shows optimism that the commitment of AGAP-Bulusan members and the launching activity will promote further Mt. Bulusan and Bulusan Lake which is also dubbed as “Switzerland of the Orient”, because of its pristine beauty and the unusual ecological experience it provide to both foreign and domestic tourists visiting the place.

AGAP-Bulusan, Inc. is a non-government organization that maintains and protects BVNP and its surroundings. The organization is likewise responsible for the promotion of Bulusan Volcano and Bulusan Lake as one of the prime eco-tourist destinations in the province. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

MSWDO LEADS OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR STREETCHILDREN IN DAET

DAET, Camarines Norte — Some 57 street children benefited from an outreach program spearheaded by the Daet local government held at the Little Theater, Provincial Capitol Compound here yesterday.

Nora Miraflores, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) chief, said the program were able to help children, ages ranging from 5 to 7, from indigent families in Barangays 4 and 5 of this municipality.

Miraflores related the outreach program was held every year, providing the children food supplementation and school supplies in line with the LGU’s Back-To-School program in preparation for the school year 2010-2011.

Women Desk Officer PO2 Maricel Labarro and PO2 Rosalinda Tensu of the Municipal Police Station here, meanwhile, discussed with the children “The 10 Rights of the Child”.

Miraflores added that MSWDO will also conduct another outreach program for the parents of street children to enlighten them that children should be in school and not in the street. (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte)

Spanish dairy firm eyes 6M Euro investment in RP

MADRID, Spain — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met Thursday with Grupo Leche Pascual President Tomas Pascual Gomez Cuetera to discuss the projected six million euro investment of one of the biggest dairy companies in Spain.

In the meeting held at the Ritz Hotel here, Pascual presented to the President his plan to invest in the Philippines.

Pascual's company will build a plant for the production of long life yogurts (non-refrigerated) and soy products.

Trade Secretary Jesli Lapus said executives of San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia and Purefoods, who earlier met with Pascual, were impressed with the project.

Lapus said Grupo Leche Pascual is determined to achieve with a local partner the double goal of meeting domestic and regional market demand.

''This is a good investment...part of their marketing educational campaign is to do yogurt feeding in Philippine schools,'' Lapus said.

Considering the nutritive value of yogurt, the feeding program will greatly improve the Filipinos’ eating habits.

Lapus added that Leche Pascual chose the Philippines for its first Asian venture due to its strategic location.

''The Philippines can be a hub for export,'' he said. (PIA V Release)

Spanish course in RP schools focus of RP-Spain bilaterals

MADRID, Spain — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and His Majesty King Juan Carlos I Thursday agreed to push for a four-year program in the teaching of the Spanish language in Philippine schools and the training of Filipino teachers in Spain.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the teaching of the Spanish language in Philippine schools was among the topics discussed during the bilateral meeting between the President and the Spanish King held at the Palacio de la Zarzuela. The meeting was held after President Arroyo was awarded the prestigious Premio International Don Quijote de la Mancha in recognition of her efforts to bring back the Spanish language training in public schools in the country.

His Majesty Juan Carlos 1 presented the Manolo Valdes sculptured trophy to the President.

The President was in the Spanish capital for a two-day official visit. She arrived at the Barajas International Airport here Wednesday from a successful trip to Washington DC where she participated in the Nuclear Security Summit.

The International Don Quijote Award, now on its second year, was given to the President in the category Best Institutional Contribution.

In giving the award, the sponsoring Fundacion Santillana and the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha considered that by incorporating the Spanish language in the school curriculum, the Philippine government had recognized the growing importance of Spanish as a world language.

Furthermore, the awards body said the teaching of the Spanish language in Philippine schools broadens the scope for political, institutional and economic collaboration with regards to the Spanish language.

The International Don Quijote de la Mancha Award was, established in 2008, and is aimed at giving institutional recognition to the work of candidates of any nationality who contribute most to the international awareness and promotion of Spanish culture and language. (PIA V Release)

PGMA’s foreign travels reaped P500B investments, trade & grants, Palace says

MANILA — Malacañang said Thursday (April 15) the travel expenses incurred by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2007 to 2008 reaped P500 billion in investments, grants and trade from the countries she visited.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said in a briefing that “we certainly don’t claim all the credit for that, but it seems clear that this kind of return is not bad.”

From 2009 onwards, the President’s travel expenses reached P921 million.

Olivar also said that contrary to some critics that “public finances are nearing final collapse, this is not the view of ratings agencies like Moody’s Investors Services—which do not have hidden agendas and are paid to be dispassionate. We enjoyed most recently a full letter upgrade from Moody’s with stable outlook which should comfort foreign lenders and investors who are risking their money precisely on the fiscal health of the country.”

Moody’s gave the Philippines a Ba3 rating while other rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s gave the country a BB-rating, the same as Indonesia, and Fitch Ratings gave a BB rating.

The President’s achievement of maintaining positive economic growth throughout the global recession and getting rating upgrades during the period certainly came with a price like allowing the budget deficit to reach P298.5 billion by implementing stimulus spending worth P330 million and other social safety nets last year, he stated.

“But the cost was worth it if we look at the benefits generated: billions of pesos in interest savings, together with greater liquidity from more borrowing availability, due to higher credit ratings, jobs and livelihoods that were kept afloat by positive growth no matter how small, rather than negative, and millions of poor families who were protected from the worst of the recession by government’s social spending,” Olivar said. (PIA V Release)

PGMA orders LGUs to promote law on persons with disability

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed Republic Act 10070, a law establishing the institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in every province, city and municipality, as envisioned by RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

The law, signed last April 6, promotes the creation of organizations of PWDs in their respective territorial jurisdictions.

National agencies and local government units may enter into joint ventures with organizations or associations of PWDs to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance the health, physical fitness and economic and social well-being of PWDs.

The law mandates the creation of Persons with Disability Affairs Office [PDAO] in every province, city and municipality with the local chief executive appointing a PWD affairs officer to manage and oversee the operations of the office. Priority shall be given to a qualified PWD to head and man the office in carrying out the following functions:

1. Formulate and implement policies, plans and programs for the promotion of the welfare of PWDs in coordination with concerned national and local government agencies.

2. Coordinate the implementation of this Act, Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or the Accessibility Law and other relevant laws at the local level.

3. Represent PWDs in meetings of local development councils and other special bodies.

4. Recommend and enjoin the participation of NGOs and people’s organizations (POs)in the implementation of disability-related laws and policies.

5. Gather and compile relevant data on PWDs in their localities.

6. Disseminate information including programs and activities for PWDs, statistics on PWDs, including children with disability and training and employment opportunities for PWDs.

7. Submit reports to the office of the local chief executive on the implementation of programs and services for the promotion of the welfare of PWDs in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

8. Ensure that the policies, plans and programs for the promotion of the welfare of PWDs are funded by both the national and local government.

9. Monitor fundraising activities being conducted for the benefit of PWDs.

10. Seek donations in cash or kind from local or foreign donors to implement an approved work plan for PWDs in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

11. Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the promotion and protection of the welfare of PWDs.

Within three years from the effectivity of this Act, appropriate agencies headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in consultation with the National Council on Disability Affairs and other relevant NGOs and POs shall review the implementation and recommend to Congress the need to mandate the establishment of a PDAO in 4th, 5th , and 6th class municipalities.

The national government, through the DSWD, shall ensure that the annual budget includes provisions to fund programs and provide support to PWDs.

Local governments shall ensure that the necessary funds from any available local revenue are allocated for the implementation of this Act for the benefit of PWDs. (PIA V Release)

BIR exceeds 1st quarter collection target

MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has exceeded its collection target for the first quarter of the year by P14.6 billion or 9.27 percent.

BIR Commissioner Joel Tan-Torres said that from January to March, BIR’s income tax collection reached P172 billion, higher than its target of P157.7 billion.

“We are off to a good start. We have exceeded the collection target for the past three months of the year,” Tan-Torres said in a news conference in Malacañang this afternoon.

He attributed the feat to the continued support of the taxpayers and the efforts of the BIR in enhancing taxpayers’ service and enforcement and collection strategies.

The last time the BIR exceeded annual collection target was in 2003.

“If we continue this, it will benefit all of us. The deficit will be better managed. We would be able to borrow less. We’ll have more funds for developmental needs,” Tan-Torres said. (PIA V Release)

No martial law in Basilan -- Malacañang

MANILA — Malacañang scoffed Thursday (April 15) at proposals to declare martial law in Basilan in the aftermath of recent bomb attacks from the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Isabela City.

“The level of concern that we should have over what is happening in Basilan does not rise to a level that would warrant a serious consideration of martial law for the time being,” Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Gary Olivar said in a press briefing today.

Olivar indicated that the siege of Isabela City by the ASG could not be compared with the situation on Maguindanao, which was briefly placed under martial law following the November 23, 2009 massacre of 57 people, mostly journalists.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad has asked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to “suspend some civil liberties and to declare martial law” after the ASG attacks that left 15 people dead and dozen others wounded.

Olivar said that if there were serious proposals to declare martial law, the security authorities will study it before recommending it to President Arroyo. “I am not aware of moves to review that possibility” he added.

The government has already mobilized the anti-terrorism task force and dispatched more troops to Basilan to go after the ASG. (PIA V Release)