Secure permits, foreign nationals urged
The Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) here is urging foreign nationals staying in Oriental Negros to secure proper business permits if they wish to set up businesses in the province.
Local Acting Alien Control Officer Peter Bueno said foreign nationals should apply for permits from the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the local Treasurer’s office before putting up a business.
For foreigners living outside Dumaguete City, Bueno urged them to go to their local treasurer’s office for more details.
Agent Arnaldo Fineza of the National Bureau of Investigation said they are closely monitoring the activities of foreign nationals in the province.
Authorities from the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) teamed up with NBI agents to monitor foreigners linked to the retail business in the country.
So far we haven’t received reports of foreigners going into business without the proper documents in Oriental Negros, reports Fineza.
Records from BID’s office show that Americans top the number of foreign nationals staying in Oriental Negros with 184, followed by Chinese, 107,and Koreans, 73.
Other nationalities in the top ten list of foreigners here are Germans, Indians, British, Australians, Swiss, Japanese and Dutch.
The immigration bureau is urging the public to report cases of foreigners engaging in the retail business without the proper documents.
-30-
Dumaguete peaceful on SONA day- PNP
Peace and order prevailed in Dumaguete City during the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 25, 2005.
City Police Chief Manuel S. Hidalgo said the city was generally peaceful, despite one protest rally staged that day.
Hidalgo estimates around 700 protester gathered in Quezon Park, but no untoward incidents occurred.
The city police force has been on a heightened alert since Sunday morning in preparation for Pres. Arroyo’s second State of the Nation Address.
The city police chief said around 70 policemen from the city and provincial police stations were deployed with security forces surrounding Quezon Park where the protest rally took place.
A civil disturbance management group was also stationed at City Hall.
Aside from Oriental Negros, Siquijor was equally peaceful during the SONA as no protest rallies against the administration were held in the said province.
All six (6) mayors of Siquijor province are reportedly contented with the Arroyo administration.
The rest of Central Visayas was also declared generally peaceful during the SONA according to PNP Police Regional Office 7 Public Information Officer P/Supt. Carmelo Valmoria.
Valmoria said elements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines has augmented the civil disturbance group to make sure that protest rallies for and against the President will be done peacefully.
-30-
Water springs eternal in 335 households in Siquijor province
At the crack of dawn till sundown, Lamberto Angot and the men folks of Brgy. Pasihagon in Siquijor, Siquijor travel around one-kilometer away from home just to fetch water from a distant source. This has been a daily chore as far as these men could remember.
The women, with their young children and a “head-ful load” of laundry would go to San Juan, a neighboring town where water is gloriously abundant, to wash clothes and take a dip at the town’s popular spring that is situated in front of the municipal hall and is maintained by the local government unit of San Juan. This has been a weekend kind of family “picnic.”
“Mogasto gyud mi ug P60 kada adlaw sa tag P20 kada lima ka galon nga tubig sa akong balay, mga tulo ka tag-lima ka galon among mahurot. Dinaginot na gyud na gani,” says Lamberto. (We spend P60 a day at P20 per 5-gallon of water and in my house, we consumed about 3 containers. And this is already being economical.)
Brgy. Pasihagon could only dream of water from their faucets; a lifetime vision and perennial politicians’ promises until the barangay folks were called to a meeting. “Gi-meeting mi sa barangay kabahin sa proyekto sa tubig. Wala gyud dayon mi mutuo. Kalabanan sige lang na saad,” some of the men said. (We were called to a meeting at the barangay regarding a waterwork project. We didn’t believe it right away. We thought it was just the same promises).
KALAHI-CIDSS organizers recalled that they had a difficult start due to the residents’ pessimistic attitude. Despite the wait-and-see attitude of the community, KALAHI persisted until Lamberto decided to give it another try and convinced the men folks to join and participate in the planning and countless consultations which is the “KALAHI way” of implementing projects.
As the project evolved, more local folks shared and offered food, cash and hardworking volunteers as they began the strenuous drilling process that required at least 90 feet down ground level to be able to tap the abundant water source.
From then, the rest was a joyful celebration.
On January 27, 2005, the Pasihagon Waterworks System was inaugurated with a lavish celebration with the imposing stainless water tank as the visible and concrete manifestation of the community’s “labor of love” as the 191 household families there proudly described the water project.
Truly, water transforms lives and springs eternal in the other 23 more barangays in Siquijor. With the success of the Pasihagon Waterworks System, the other barangays buckled down to work and started their respective waterworks project using the KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB formula.
To date, Siquijor province is a recipient of seven (7) waterworks projects in 24 barangys benefiting 335 household families. All these cost more than P21.8 million with counterparts from the national government through the KALAHI at more than P13.8 million and local funding at a little more than P9 million.
The highlight of the projects it seems is the “all-out” support from the barangay residents themselves, young and old and without political color.
“Karon pa ko ani nga nagtinabangay gyud ang tanan aron makab-ot ang gipangandoy nga tubig,” Lamberto happily expressed his sentiments as he looked up to the huge stainless steel tank that reflected the morning sun. (PIA-Cebu)
-30-
NFA beats rice distribution target due to good rice quality
The National Food Authority (NFA) here has exceeded its target rice distribution in Oriental Negros by 23.18% due to a high clamor from the consuming public here.
Records from NFA show that from January to June 2005, NFA has distributed a total of 109,630 bags of rice provincewide, far beyond its target of 89,000 bags for the same period.
NFA Information Officer Rolando Lazalita said the public demand for NFA rice stems from the good quality of rice coming from the food agency.
“Maayo ang quality of rice sa NFA, because it has been upgraded and it is well-milled,” says Lazalita, adding that the Vietnam rice his office is selling is 25% broken.
Aside from this, Lazalita said NFA increased its rice supply in retail outlets during the lean months of April to June to offset the reduced supply of commercial rice in the market.
NFA rice is available in 60 Bigasan ni Gloria sa Palengke outlets, 101 outside-the-market-outlets and 14 accredited farmers’ cooperatives in the province.
Beneficiaries of indigent programs in some 14 local government units have also availed of the NFA rice this year.
Lazalita said two Tindahan ni Gloria Rolling Stores are also going around the barangays in the province selling repacked NFA rice at 2 kilos per pack.
Each rolling store unit is packed with 100 bags of rice everyday.
The NFA here has earlier assured the public of sufficient rice supply in the province as the food agency reports that it has surpassed its target rice inflow.
-30-
GSIS members’ relatives can now avail of accident insurance
Relatives of government employees can now avail of a personal accident insurance from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) after the latter expanded its accident insurance services to cover the family members of civil workers as well.
According to local GSIS Information Officer Jaydon Villaverde, GSIS is offering public servants the rare opportunity of insuring their family members for up to P5 million through the Enhanced Personal Accident Insurance.
Under this enhanced insurance program, the active GSIS member and any of his or her insured relative who incur medical expenses as a result of an accident will be reimbursed of their medical costs.
Also offered are bereavement and death or disability assistance ranging from P50,000 to P5 million, depending on the premium the GSIS member has chosen to avail of.
GSIS members need only to pay a one-time annual payment for a minimum of P52.50 in order to be covered and this is renewable each year, says Villaverde.
Non-GSIS members who are qualified to sign up for the personal accident insurance are the active GSIS member’s legitimate spouse, parents not more than 70 years old and legitimate children not less than seven years old.
Interested applicants can call up GSIS at 2255476 for more details.
-30-
Four more KALAHI projects completed in Siquijor
Many factors can spell the success or failure of a project.
But perhaps, it can be safe to say that most projects attain success if the beneficiaries themselves unite and readily lend a helping hand in its implementation.
Such was the case of the KALAHI-CIDSS projects in Enrique Villanueva (Talingting), Siquijor, or the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan: Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services.
“The Enrique Villanueva experience is one of the best practices for poverty reduction in the country having the highest participation rate so far,” says Regional Director Todulo R. Romo Jr. of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 7.
Romo recounted the huge success in the implementation of the electrification project in Brgy. Olave which was named the national winner in the Best in Project Category from a pool of KALAHI projects all over the Philippines last year.
Four more projects under the second cycle of the program were completed this month in the municipality.
An inauguration, blessing and turn-over ceremony was conducted yesterday (July 27) at Enrique Villanueva Social Center attended by Dir. Romo, local officials, project coordinators/faciliators and beneficiaries.
“Totaling some P4.79 million with P4,191,852 coming from the KALAHI-CIDSS grant and P596,799.50 from the local government counterparts, the newly completed projects are Balolong Farm to Market Road with a total project cost of P1,017,064; Tulapos Day Care Center, P680,700; Bolot electrification, P1,646.359; and Olave Farm to Market Road with a total funding of P1,444,528.
Local government counterparts include funds from the provincial, municipal and barangay government units aside from the villagers’ participation in terms of manpower, operations and maintenance of the project.
“Dako gyud ug ikatabang kanato ang maong dalan (This farm to market road is really a big help to us,” says Operation and Management Chairperson Joel Sayre of Brgy. Balolong, while accepting the responsibility and giving his commitment for the maintenance of the project. “Pero, kinahanglan ko sa inyong tabang (But I need your support),” Sayre told the barangay folks.
“Pulo na ka tuig kong pinuyo diri, karon pa gyud mi nakasuga, makapahayahay na mi ug tan-aw ug TV…maayo gani kay naay KALAHI (I have been staying here for more than 10 years, it is only now that we get to taste the comfort of having electricity…thanks to KALAHI!),” exclaims 34 year-old Myrna Sabanatic, another beneficiary of the electrification project in Sitio Pondol, Brgy. Bolot.
In Brgy. Tulapos, Brgy. Captain Ceasario O. Alcala, with his infectious smile, also said “At last naa na gyud mi tinuod nga Day Care Center kay sa una magklase ra ang among kabataan sa barangay hall ra man…mora pud ug mag-session. (At last we have now a real day care center! Our kids used to attend classes in our barangay hall…as if attending a session).”
KALAHI-CIDSS has been adopted as one of the government’s poverty reduction program that tries to pursue the following goals: reduced poverty, improved governance and empowered communities.
7/21/2005
INFOBYTES, Issue No. 17, Vol. 1 (July 21, 2005)
DBM released P1M for Apo Island environment workers’ pay
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has recently released the salary of the 50 residents in Apo Island, Negros Oriental who were hired to protect and manage the tiny island’s rich marine reserve.
This was disclosed by Chamberlain Babiera of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) who said that around P1 million was released for the workers’ contractual pay for the first half of this year.
Babiera said that he expects the said workers to receive their salaries before the end of this month.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hired local people in Apo Island to strictly enforce fishery laws and patrol the coastal area to preserve the tiny island’s pristine reefs, which have been declared a marine and fish sanctuary.
In 1996, through Proclamation No. 438, the island was declared a “protected landscape and seascape” and placed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
The diverse and impressive coral reefs surrounding the golf course-sized island off the coast of Dauin town has been drawing local and international tourists, earning Apo Island the worldwide recognition of being an excellent location for scuba diving.
Babiera explained that the Apo Island community has a 75% share from the various fees collected from the island’s local and foreign visitors to manage the island.
The environment official said the delay in the release of the workers’ pay has been due to the extensive and time-consuming processing of the paperwork involved.
-30-
Indigenous students in Bais find hope in PGMA’s scholarship program
There was a time when 17 year-old Rosemarie Cabanag was the butt of jokes, sneers and jeers at her school. Being a member of the indigenous Aeta tribe in Sitio Canlimokon, Bais City, Rosemarie’s kinky hair and dark complexion made her an easy target for her peers’ taunts.
But in spite of the tough time she went through at school, Rosemarie stubbornly refused to be held down and worked her way to the top of her class since first grade.
Now on her final year in high school, and still at the top of her class, Rosemarie has a dream- to become a nurse and work abroad.
This bright Aeta girl would soon realize this dream, with a little help from the government, for Rosemarie is one of the eight recipients in Bais City of the PGMA Educational Assistance Program being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas for 2002-2006.
According to May Silva, focal person of the program at DSWD-7, the program is offered to areas with high poverty incidence, presence of Indigenous People, street dwellers and in insurgency-affected barangays.
The program aims to lower delinquency and insurgency rates in these areas from 15% to 10%.
Like Rosemarie, Vicente Eborda, 20, another Aeta living in one of the remotest barangays in Bais City, also had a tough time growing up. He used to sell siakoy in the streets of Bais, enduring society’s racial bias and prejudices just to help his family while all the time dreaming of the day when he can go to school and find a job.
Thanks to the government’s education assistance program, Vicente’s dream is within his reach. He is now a third year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
Silva said there are more students like Rosemarie and Vicente in Central Visayas
As of press time, there are 406 out of 439 total recipients of the education assistance program who continue to attend high school and college.
There 343 beneficiaries in Danao and Dagohoy towns in Bohol, 50 in Cebu, 5 in Siquijor and 8 in Bais City.
The educational assistance in Central Visayas totaled to more than P5.1 million, inclusive of tuition fees, monthly allowance of P700 for high schools and P1,000 for college and an additional P1,500 for miscellaneous expenses.
Due to the program’s success, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reports that the PGMA Educational Assistance Program will be expanded to include more out-of-school youths and working children who, like Rosemarie and Vicente, dream of a better future.
The scholars reveal that the assistance they get is more than just for education, as it has also helped augment family expenses. “Dako kaayo’g natabang ang among allowance sa among pamilya kay magamit gyud ni namo sa uban pang panginahanglan sa balay,” they said.
Rosemarie and Vicente said they don’t know where they would be now if not for the said program. “We owe everything to this program- what we have achieved, and will still achieve,” says the scholars.
-30-
DOLE grants P300,000 livelihood assistance under poverty-free zone program
The Department of Labor and Employment has already awarded P300,000 as livelihood grant to three people’s organizations in Oriental Negros.
A grant of P100,000 was each given to Nagbinlod Farm Family Association in Sta. Catalina, Valencia Fibers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Bantolinao Farmers Association in Manjuyod, says Lilian Mondarte of the DOLE office here.
Mondarte said the livelihood grant is in line with DOLE’s Poverty Free Zone Program, which started only last year.
She said they are still accepting proposals from people’s organizations under the PFZP.
DOLE Undersecretary Danilo P. Cruz said that as a livelihood convergence project, various agencies assist in the implementation of PFZP, namely: the Product Design Center of the Philippines for the provision of competitive product and packaging designs; the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the loam weaving technology; Philippine Textile Research Institute for the material selection; DTI for securing international markets in the future; and TESDA for skills training.
Meanwhile, Mondarte disclosed that two local rural women’s organizations benefited from DOLE’s Women’s Employment Entrepreneurship Development (WEED) program last year.
A P44,000 livelihood assistance was granted on August 2004 to HTCCI, a group composed of the wives of workers in the Herminio Teves & Co. while a P48,540 grant was given to Dauin Loom Weavers Association on November 2004 for a skills training on sinamay weaving.
-30-
PhilRice develops new disease-resistant and Vit. A-rich rice variety
A new disease-resistant and nutritionally enriched rice variety will be introduced by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) before 2010.
According to Dr. Antonio Alfonso, head of PhilRice’s plant breeding and biotechnology division, the aim is to produce after about three years a rice variety rich in beta-carotene or Vit. A and resistant to “tungro” disease and bacterial blight.
NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco Lorico Jr. explained that tungro is a disease of palay that strikes in the early stage, resulting to a reduced palay production.
“This disease is a common problem among farmers in Visayas & Mindanao because we plant and harvest year-round due to our irrigation,” says Lorico.
PhilRice already began growing in its screened nursery last month F1 or first generation seeds of this new variety to assess the characteristics and performance of the resulting plants.
Should PhilRice’s experiments prove successful, authorities are optimistic that the new micronutrient-packed rice variety will help lessen incidence of Vit. A deficiency, particularly among Filipino children and pregnant women.
The rice institute is seeking to develop such variety since available rice varieties in the country are no longer capable of producing beta-carotene through the natural process.
Beta-carotene is the most important of the carotenoids, an affective antioxidant that helps reduce cellular damage in the body.
Lorico said what is available in the country right now is the iron-fortified rice, of which about 3 million bags are expected to arrive soon in the Philippines from Vietnam.
Of the total, 16,000 bags have been allocated for Oriental Negros.
Lorico explained that the allocation of each province was based on the population of malnourished children in the area.
According to NFA Information Officer Rolando Lazalita, last year’s records from the Integrated Provincial Health Office show that Oriental Negros is ranked 46th in the country with 209,549 malnourished children.
Lazalita encouraged local chief executives to coordinate with NFA for the purchase of iron-fortified rice. “Our priority is the local government units who have malnourished children. We will be inviting them and allocate bags for them if they have a budget for this,” says Lazalita.
-30-
Bishop Du reiterates CBCP’s stand
Bishop John F. Du of the Diocese of Dumaguete has called on the people to pray more amid uncertainties brought about by economic and political crisis during the first profession of vows of two novice nuns recently.
Sisters Joan Peter Castillo and Michelle Carcarona took their vows of chastity, obedience and poverty in a concelebrated mass at the Sister Carmelite Chapel in Barangay Bantayan during the weekend.
Bishop Du cautioned the two nuns from joining street demonstrations as a form of sacrifice for the country.
In his homily, the bishop reiterated the stand of the Council of Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) not to demand or impose the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and instead provide moral guidance for accountability, constitutionality or follow the rule of law, seek non-violent solutions and have the capability to govern the country.
For those who demand the President to do the “supreme sacrifice,” Bishop Du has this to say: ”I hope they understand the true meaning of that word. Supreme sacrifice is for every Filipino to do by following the rule of law and due process, by being non-violent and by admitting accountability to any undesirable actions.”
The Bishop’s call came after the mass actions held by anti and pro-PGMA forces over the week.
Two more Cabinet officials, namely Victoria Garchitorena and Cora Guidote, followed the route taken by the “Hyatt 10” as they announced their irrevocable resignation, citing the cliché that “it is for the good of the Filipino people.”
But Malacañang said that all the Cabinet members have submitted their resignation, and it is the President’s call who’s to be and not to be retained.
Palace officials say that the move of the Hyatt 10 will neither distract nor threaten Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s vision of improving the lives of the poor and in moving the country forward.
-30-
238 students avail of summer job program
SIQUIJOR- - Around 238 students in the province joined the summer programs offered annually by the Provincial Labor and Employment OFfice and the provincial government of Siquijor.
According to Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Lina Medel, the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) aims to give students the opportunity to work and earn during summer for the next school year’s expenses.
“Nalipay gyud mi kay nakatigum mi ug dako-dako para sa mga galastuhan sa eskwelahan,” says the students assigned at the local office of the Philippine Information Agency and other neighboring office in Larena town.
Medel said these students were assigned in the different offices of local government units nearest to their residence to spare them from transportation and other expenses.
Prior to their assignment, an orientation-briefing on the program and value formation was conducted by Medel and Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco.
The provincial government has been allocating P500,000 yearly for the said program, covering the expenses for supplies and the SPES grantees’ salaries pegged at P196.36 a day.
Under the SPES co-sharing arrangement, the provincial government pays them 60% of the salary while DOLE shoulders the 40%.
With the salary co-sharing agreement, each SPES grantee receives P2,945.40 for 15 days’ work, P1,767.24 of which comes from the provincial government and P1,178.16 from DOLE.
-30-
DA-7 eyes new jobs thru agri programs
SIQUIJOR--The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked for agri development this year around 34,420 hectares of “new lands” in Central Visayas, which is expected to increase food productionand generate about 39,388 jobs in the region.
In Siquijor province, around 500 has. is targeted for the first batch this year, of which 150 has. is for livestock (goat) raising. “We expect this to generate about 1,140 jobs,” says Medel Panzo, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Cocounut Authority (PCA).
Panzo said the target site for cocoplanting has been fully validated in May this year.
“This is part of the agriculture sector’s contribution to the ‘Beat the Odds’ agenda of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under the 2005 to 2010 of the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan or MTPDP,” explains Panzo.
Goal 1 of the MTPDP, Panzo said, is developing at least two million hectares of new land for agribusiness in order to contribute two million jobs out of the 10 million jobs targeted in 2010.
Goal 2 on the other hand is making food plentiful at competitive prices where the cost of priority “wage goods” such as rice, sugar, vegetables, poultry, pork and fish and other important non-wage goods like corn must be reduced.
This also means that the government will continue to fight for self-sufficiency in rice production by increasing price and production efficiency and competitiveness.
-30-
Illegal drug problem far from over; community urged to get involved
Top ranking government officials in Oriental Negros admitted that the fight against illegal drugs in the province is far from over and stressed the community’s vast role in leading a successful anti-drug campaign.
During the recent Kapihan sa PIA forum, Board Member Arturo Umbac said that the steps being taken by the government to address the illegal drugs problem are just “mere palliatives” as the root of the problem lies in what he described as the failure of the family, church and the school.
Youths turn to drugs because of what they see in the homes and in their school, where they are not given the attention they seek, says Umbac. “Let’s go back to the school, church and home,” he said.
In the same forum, Dr. Henry A. Sojor, president of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) suggested that the policemen should be trained by government lawyers on the technical side of filing cases to help the police secure a conviction during the hearing of drug cases.
Records from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 (PDEA) show that there have been 50 drug operations conducted in Oriental Negros, but a conviction is yet to be scored, according to Ret. Police Gen. Rubilito R. Comilang who now sits as consultant of PDEA.
Sojor said that drug-related cases filed in court usually don’t end with a conviction because the policemen are not properly trained on the technical side of legal proceedings.
He added that barangay officials should also be trained how to make lawful arrests.
Comilang likewise urged barangay captains to activate and mobilize their anti-drug abuse councils and tap the help of students and the Parent-Teachers
Association in anti-drug activities in the barangays.
According to Comilang, illegal drugs activities have recently been slow due to an increase on the prices of illegal drugs, particularly shabu which he said is now priced at P3,800 per gram while marijuana, P800/kilo.
-30-
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has recently released the salary of the 50 residents in Apo Island, Negros Oriental who were hired to protect and manage the tiny island’s rich marine reserve.
This was disclosed by Chamberlain Babiera of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) who said that around P1 million was released for the workers’ contractual pay for the first half of this year.
Babiera said that he expects the said workers to receive their salaries before the end of this month.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hired local people in Apo Island to strictly enforce fishery laws and patrol the coastal area to preserve the tiny island’s pristine reefs, which have been declared a marine and fish sanctuary.
In 1996, through Proclamation No. 438, the island was declared a “protected landscape and seascape” and placed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
The diverse and impressive coral reefs surrounding the golf course-sized island off the coast of Dauin town has been drawing local and international tourists, earning Apo Island the worldwide recognition of being an excellent location for scuba diving.
Babiera explained that the Apo Island community has a 75% share from the various fees collected from the island’s local and foreign visitors to manage the island.
The environment official said the delay in the release of the workers’ pay has been due to the extensive and time-consuming processing of the paperwork involved.
-30-
Indigenous students in Bais find hope in PGMA’s scholarship program
There was a time when 17 year-old Rosemarie Cabanag was the butt of jokes, sneers and jeers at her school. Being a member of the indigenous Aeta tribe in Sitio Canlimokon, Bais City, Rosemarie’s kinky hair and dark complexion made her an easy target for her peers’ taunts.
But in spite of the tough time she went through at school, Rosemarie stubbornly refused to be held down and worked her way to the top of her class since first grade.
Now on her final year in high school, and still at the top of her class, Rosemarie has a dream- to become a nurse and work abroad.
This bright Aeta girl would soon realize this dream, with a little help from the government, for Rosemarie is one of the eight recipients in Bais City of the PGMA Educational Assistance Program being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas for 2002-2006.
According to May Silva, focal person of the program at DSWD-7, the program is offered to areas with high poverty incidence, presence of Indigenous People, street dwellers and in insurgency-affected barangays.
The program aims to lower delinquency and insurgency rates in these areas from 15% to 10%.
Like Rosemarie, Vicente Eborda, 20, another Aeta living in one of the remotest barangays in Bais City, also had a tough time growing up. He used to sell siakoy in the streets of Bais, enduring society’s racial bias and prejudices just to help his family while all the time dreaming of the day when he can go to school and find a job.
Thanks to the government’s education assistance program, Vicente’s dream is within his reach. He is now a third year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
Silva said there are more students like Rosemarie and Vicente in Central Visayas
As of press time, there are 406 out of 439 total recipients of the education assistance program who continue to attend high school and college.
There 343 beneficiaries in Danao and Dagohoy towns in Bohol, 50 in Cebu, 5 in Siquijor and 8 in Bais City.
The educational assistance in Central Visayas totaled to more than P5.1 million, inclusive of tuition fees, monthly allowance of P700 for high schools and P1,000 for college and an additional P1,500 for miscellaneous expenses.
Due to the program’s success, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reports that the PGMA Educational Assistance Program will be expanded to include more out-of-school youths and working children who, like Rosemarie and Vicente, dream of a better future.
The scholars reveal that the assistance they get is more than just for education, as it has also helped augment family expenses. “Dako kaayo’g natabang ang among allowance sa among pamilya kay magamit gyud ni namo sa uban pang panginahanglan sa balay,” they said.
Rosemarie and Vicente said they don’t know where they would be now if not for the said program. “We owe everything to this program- what we have achieved, and will still achieve,” says the scholars.
-30-
DOLE grants P300,000 livelihood assistance under poverty-free zone program
The Department of Labor and Employment has already awarded P300,000 as livelihood grant to three people’s organizations in Oriental Negros.
A grant of P100,000 was each given to Nagbinlod Farm Family Association in Sta. Catalina, Valencia Fibers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Bantolinao Farmers Association in Manjuyod, says Lilian Mondarte of the DOLE office here.
Mondarte said the livelihood grant is in line with DOLE’s Poverty Free Zone Program, which started only last year.
She said they are still accepting proposals from people’s organizations under the PFZP.
DOLE Undersecretary Danilo P. Cruz said that as a livelihood convergence project, various agencies assist in the implementation of PFZP, namely: the Product Design Center of the Philippines for the provision of competitive product and packaging designs; the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the loam weaving technology; Philippine Textile Research Institute for the material selection; DTI for securing international markets in the future; and TESDA for skills training.
Meanwhile, Mondarte disclosed that two local rural women’s organizations benefited from DOLE’s Women’s Employment Entrepreneurship Development (WEED) program last year.
A P44,000 livelihood assistance was granted on August 2004 to HTCCI, a group composed of the wives of workers in the Herminio Teves & Co. while a P48,540 grant was given to Dauin Loom Weavers Association on November 2004 for a skills training on sinamay weaving.
-30-
PhilRice develops new disease-resistant and Vit. A-rich rice variety
A new disease-resistant and nutritionally enriched rice variety will be introduced by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) before 2010.
According to Dr. Antonio Alfonso, head of PhilRice’s plant breeding and biotechnology division, the aim is to produce after about three years a rice variety rich in beta-carotene or Vit. A and resistant to “tungro” disease and bacterial blight.
NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco Lorico Jr. explained that tungro is a disease of palay that strikes in the early stage, resulting to a reduced palay production.
“This disease is a common problem among farmers in Visayas & Mindanao because we plant and harvest year-round due to our irrigation,” says Lorico.
PhilRice already began growing in its screened nursery last month F1 or first generation seeds of this new variety to assess the characteristics and performance of the resulting plants.
Should PhilRice’s experiments prove successful, authorities are optimistic that the new micronutrient-packed rice variety will help lessen incidence of Vit. A deficiency, particularly among Filipino children and pregnant women.
The rice institute is seeking to develop such variety since available rice varieties in the country are no longer capable of producing beta-carotene through the natural process.
Beta-carotene is the most important of the carotenoids, an affective antioxidant that helps reduce cellular damage in the body.
Lorico said what is available in the country right now is the iron-fortified rice, of which about 3 million bags are expected to arrive soon in the Philippines from Vietnam.
Of the total, 16,000 bags have been allocated for Oriental Negros.
Lorico explained that the allocation of each province was based on the population of malnourished children in the area.
According to NFA Information Officer Rolando Lazalita, last year’s records from the Integrated Provincial Health Office show that Oriental Negros is ranked 46th in the country with 209,549 malnourished children.
Lazalita encouraged local chief executives to coordinate with NFA for the purchase of iron-fortified rice. “Our priority is the local government units who have malnourished children. We will be inviting them and allocate bags for them if they have a budget for this,” says Lazalita.
-30-
Bishop Du reiterates CBCP’s stand
Bishop John F. Du of the Diocese of Dumaguete has called on the people to pray more amid uncertainties brought about by economic and political crisis during the first profession of vows of two novice nuns recently.
Sisters Joan Peter Castillo and Michelle Carcarona took their vows of chastity, obedience and poverty in a concelebrated mass at the Sister Carmelite Chapel in Barangay Bantayan during the weekend.
Bishop Du cautioned the two nuns from joining street demonstrations as a form of sacrifice for the country.
In his homily, the bishop reiterated the stand of the Council of Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) not to demand or impose the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and instead provide moral guidance for accountability, constitutionality or follow the rule of law, seek non-violent solutions and have the capability to govern the country.
For those who demand the President to do the “supreme sacrifice,” Bishop Du has this to say: ”I hope they understand the true meaning of that word. Supreme sacrifice is for every Filipino to do by following the rule of law and due process, by being non-violent and by admitting accountability to any undesirable actions.”
The Bishop’s call came after the mass actions held by anti and pro-PGMA forces over the week.
Two more Cabinet officials, namely Victoria Garchitorena and Cora Guidote, followed the route taken by the “Hyatt 10” as they announced their irrevocable resignation, citing the cliché that “it is for the good of the Filipino people.”
But Malacañang said that all the Cabinet members have submitted their resignation, and it is the President’s call who’s to be and not to be retained.
Palace officials say that the move of the Hyatt 10 will neither distract nor threaten Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s vision of improving the lives of the poor and in moving the country forward.
-30-
238 students avail of summer job program
SIQUIJOR- - Around 238 students in the province joined the summer programs offered annually by the Provincial Labor and Employment OFfice and the provincial government of Siquijor.
According to Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Lina Medel, the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) aims to give students the opportunity to work and earn during summer for the next school year’s expenses.
“Nalipay gyud mi kay nakatigum mi ug dako-dako para sa mga galastuhan sa eskwelahan,” says the students assigned at the local office of the Philippine Information Agency and other neighboring office in Larena town.
Medel said these students were assigned in the different offices of local government units nearest to their residence to spare them from transportation and other expenses.
Prior to their assignment, an orientation-briefing on the program and value formation was conducted by Medel and Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco.
The provincial government has been allocating P500,000 yearly for the said program, covering the expenses for supplies and the SPES grantees’ salaries pegged at P196.36 a day.
Under the SPES co-sharing arrangement, the provincial government pays them 60% of the salary while DOLE shoulders the 40%.
With the salary co-sharing agreement, each SPES grantee receives P2,945.40 for 15 days’ work, P1,767.24 of which comes from the provincial government and P1,178.16 from DOLE.
-30-
DA-7 eyes new jobs thru agri programs
SIQUIJOR--The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked for agri development this year around 34,420 hectares of “new lands” in Central Visayas, which is expected to increase food productionand generate about 39,388 jobs in the region.
In Siquijor province, around 500 has. is targeted for the first batch this year, of which 150 has. is for livestock (goat) raising. “We expect this to generate about 1,140 jobs,” says Medel Panzo, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Cocounut Authority (PCA).
Panzo said the target site for cocoplanting has been fully validated in May this year.
“This is part of the agriculture sector’s contribution to the ‘Beat the Odds’ agenda of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under the 2005 to 2010 of the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan or MTPDP,” explains Panzo.
Goal 1 of the MTPDP, Panzo said, is developing at least two million hectares of new land for agribusiness in order to contribute two million jobs out of the 10 million jobs targeted in 2010.
Goal 2 on the other hand is making food plentiful at competitive prices where the cost of priority “wage goods” such as rice, sugar, vegetables, poultry, pork and fish and other important non-wage goods like corn must be reduced.
This also means that the government will continue to fight for self-sufficiency in rice production by increasing price and production efficiency and competitiveness.
-30-
Illegal drug problem far from over; community urged to get involved
Top ranking government officials in Oriental Negros admitted that the fight against illegal drugs in the province is far from over and stressed the community’s vast role in leading a successful anti-drug campaign.
During the recent Kapihan sa PIA forum, Board Member Arturo Umbac said that the steps being taken by the government to address the illegal drugs problem are just “mere palliatives” as the root of the problem lies in what he described as the failure of the family, church and the school.
Youths turn to drugs because of what they see in the homes and in their school, where they are not given the attention they seek, says Umbac. “Let’s go back to the school, church and home,” he said.
In the same forum, Dr. Henry A. Sojor, president of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) suggested that the policemen should be trained by government lawyers on the technical side of filing cases to help the police secure a conviction during the hearing of drug cases.
Records from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 (PDEA) show that there have been 50 drug operations conducted in Oriental Negros, but a conviction is yet to be scored, according to Ret. Police Gen. Rubilito R. Comilang who now sits as consultant of PDEA.
Sojor said that drug-related cases filed in court usually don’t end with a conviction because the policemen are not properly trained on the technical side of legal proceedings.
He added that barangay officials should also be trained how to make lawful arrests.
Comilang likewise urged barangay captains to activate and mobilize their anti-drug abuse councils and tap the help of students and the Parent-Teachers
Association in anti-drug activities in the barangays.
According to Comilang, illegal drugs activities have recently been slow due to an increase on the prices of illegal drugs, particularly shabu which he said is now priced at P3,800 per gram while marijuana, P800/kilo.
-30-
7/14/2005
INFOBYTES, Issue No. 16 Vol. 1, July 14, 2005
Gary Teves appointed new finance secretary
Land Bank President and chief executive officer Gary B. Teves has been appointed by Malacañan as the new secretary of the Department of Finance, replacing former finance chief Cesar Purisima.
This was announced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the pilot broadcast of the public affairs show "Dagundong" over NBN Channel 4.
Ermita said Teves is intelligent, reliable and competent to handle the job.
He added that Teves, who is the son of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Herminio Teves, has impressed Malacañang with his track record as LBP president and former congressman.
Teves joins the roster of newly appointed Cabinet members to take over the recently vacated posts of the Arroyo administration.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has also appointed Labor Assistant Secretary Benedicto Ernest R. Bitonio, Jr. as chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission.
The new Cabinet will be composed of people whose commitment to the nation and the democratic principles will be beyond doubt, says the president.
"This is a new team that will work with me to move away from political bickering to doing what the people of the Philippines expect their leaders to do and that is get our economy moving and ensure the delivery of essential services such as health care, education and security to all parts of the country," she said.
-30-
Enough rice supply for lean months- NFA
With the onset of the lean months from July to September, rice supply is the least of the worries of Oriental Negrenses following the National Food Authority's assurance of rice sufficiency in the province.
NFA has been adopting a rice distribution scheme nationwide to cushion the country from the drastic drop of palay harvest during the lean months.
For July alone, NFA here aims to inject 30,000 bags of rice to its currently three well-stocked warehouses in the province.
NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco Lorico Jr. said around 32,000 bags of NFA imported rice are expected to arrive here from Cebu this month, augmenting NFA's current stock of 100,000 rice bags.
Of the total current stock, 68,000 bags are reserve rice and the rest are operational stocks, says Lorico.
The food agency supplies each of the six retailer (6) outlets in the city public market with 15 bags per day everyday.
Lorico said there are more than 60 outlets within public markets outside of Dumaguete, which NFA provides with 10 sacks per outlet each week.
According to NFA National Administrator Gregoril Tan Jr., the agency strategically injects rice in areas where supply tends to be insufficient to prevent unnecessary increase in the commodity's rice.
NFA rice is currently priced at P16 per kilo at the Dumaguete City Public Market and P18 per kilo outside the city.
To ensure that consumers will continue to enjoy quality and affordable NFA rice, the agency's monitoring and enforcement task force across the country have been fielded to check on and apprehend erring grains businessmen.
Lorico however assured that the incidence of overpriced NFA rice is not rampant in the province, although the local monitoring and enforcement team have fined some erring outlet owners mostly for not following NFA regulations.
Penalty for violating NFA regulations range between P1,000 to P4,000, depending on the gravity of the violation, says Lorico.
-30-
Compressed natural gas buses to hit roads soon
In the midst of the seemingly unending wave of soaring prices of imported fuel and fare hikes, compressed natural gases or CNG buses might just be the badly-needed relief bus operators and commuters are waiting for.
The government's natural gas vehicle program for public transport offers bus operators a more than 50% reduction in diesel price for the first 200 bus units that will be registered under the program.
The increased utilization of alternative transport fuel is seen to reduce the 50% dependence of the transport sector on imported fuel.
The CNG is pegged at P14.50 per diesel liter equivalent, against the prevailing price of diesel at P29.50.
According to Sammy Gargaritano, manager of Vallacar Transit here, the CNG program is viable, as it requires low maintenance and keeps the vehicle's engine clean.
Gargaritano said 35 CNG units have already been tested in Manila and Batangas.
Seven bus operators have already been accredited by the Department of Energy, all of who committed to acquire 185 units by the end of the year.
Gargaritano said Vallacar Transit is contemplating of acquiring CNG buses, but their main concern is the supply of gas.
He said this was also the concern of the members of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines during its recent meeting.
So far, the CNG mother-daughter refueling stations are currently being constructed only in Batangas and Laguna, which are set to be finished in August this year to hasten the commercial operation of the CNGs.
Several incentives are in store for those who apply for the CNG program, including a zero rate of duty on imported natural gas vehicle industry-related equipment, facilities, parts and components.
Vallacar Transit, which runs the Ceres bus liner, has 134 buses in its Dumaguete Branch and 28 units in its Bacolod branch.
-30-
OFW deployment exceeds 1st semester mark
More than half a million overseas Filipino workers have been deployed even before the 1st semester of the year ended.
Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Danilo Cruz is confident that the target deployment of one million for this year is on a firm and stable track.
Kenric Villaluz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here said more overseas recruitment agencies are participating in job fairs in the province compared to previous years.
Around 20 overseas recruitment agencies joined in the recent job fair conducted by DOLE in Sibulan on May 28 and 29.
Before, only around 10 agencies recruiting for overseas jobs joined in job fairs, says Villaluz.
From only one overseas recruitment agency last year, Villaluz said about five agencies have now started conducting recruitment at the local DOLE office almost every month this year.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported that the January to April 2004 OFW remittances rose from 2.6 to 3 billion dollars for the same period this year.
An international labor organization-standard based labor force survey as of April this year showed that OFWs continue to enjoy the preference of traditional and emerging labor market overseas.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas reported in a recent business forum that local employment grew by almost 700,000 nationwide and that as of April, the unemployment rate stood at 8.3%.
Land-based OFWs worldwide are also appreciated as more Filipino professionals like accounts, architects, engineers, medical and health professionals and others continue to make it overseas.
Philippines accounts for some 20% to 25% of the world's supply of maritime workers.
-30-
Minimum wage earners to get additional COLA
Minimum wage earners could now regain their eroding purchasing power and cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and services after the Labor department reported the recent decision of giving the workers nationwide an additional cost of living allowance.
Provincial Extension Officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco in Siquijor bared that wage-setting process in Region 7 is already accomplished.
The regional wage board in its Wage Order No. ROVII-11 granted workers in the region a minimum wage hike in the form of additional P15 cost-of-living-allowance per day for class A areas and P12 per day for classes B, C and D.
Class A are cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Danao and Talisay and municipalities of Menglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Cordova (or expanded Metro Cebu).
Class B comprises the city of Toledo and the rest of the municipalities in Cebu province except Bantayan and Camotes islands.
Cities and municipalities in the provinces of Bohol and Oriental Negros belong to Class C while Class D are municipalities of Siquijor, Bantayan and Camotes island.
"Establishments who registered as Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with certificates of authority are exempted from granting increases," Tanquiamco said.
Wage Order No. VII-11 provides that the adjustments apply to all covered workers and employees in private sector in the region, regardless of the position, designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which they are paid.
The wage order states that not covered from the wage increase are household or domestic helpers, persons in the personal service of another (including drivers), and workers of registered BMBEs with certificate of authority.
-30-
DOST announces PSHS system search for scholar
The local of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor announces the search for scholars of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).
Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator Mario de la Peña said the PSHS systems consists of schools which offer scholarship to deserving students who are trained under a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in the field of science and technology.
It is one of the agencies of DOST contributing to the expansion and development of the country's scientific and technological manpower.
"To date, we have three scholars from Larena and Siquijor enrolled at the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo," says de la Peña.
Qualified elementary students who are interested to apply for the said scholarship will undergo a two-step screening process, first of which is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to be held on Oct. 15 at Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.
The second step is the Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT) consisting of tests in science and mathematics.
Students who pass the first screening will undergo the second screening on Dec. 10 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
Application forms are now distributed to all elementary schools provincewide.
Deadline for submission of application forms is on Aug. 25.
-30-
San Juan PNP receives CDF grant for new office construction
The Philippine National Police in the fifth class municipality of San Juan is a beneficiary of a P300,000 CDF grant from CIBAC Representative Hon. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva.
The new PNP office is established at the northern side bleacher of the San Juan Cultural Center at the Poblacion area.
With its new office now in a relatively more accessible location, the local PNP's zeal to serve and protect the people is given a boost, especially with the support of the current set of municipal officers headed by Hon. Edwin Quimno.
-30-
Province's disaster plans already in place
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here has already put in place various disaster management plans in preparation for any man-made or natural disasters that might strike the province.
This was disclosed by Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Officer Joy P. Gongob in the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency in observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July which banners the theme: "Safe Ka Ba? Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-Unlad."
Gongob, who heads the plans and operations of PDCC, said the council has already set its plans to counter disasters such as La Niña, El Niño, and anti-terrorism on bomb threats.
PDCC has integrated the plans of its three management units to come up with a counter disaster management plan.
Engr. Ricardo Baculad of the Provincial Engineer's Office, which spearheads the transportation committee of PDCC, said the three district engineers in the province are prepared to carry out transportation assistance in case disaster strikes.
A disaster relief plan is also in place, says Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Lagarde, who heads the relief and rehabilitation committee of the council.
The provincial government also has a stockpile of food commodities and used clothing from DSWD-7 in preparation for any calamity.
Identified disaster-prone areas in the province by the Office of the Civil Defense are Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Guihulngan, hinterlands of Pamplona, Bais City and Tanjay City.
Allen Cabaron of OCD here said the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is stepping up its information campaign on disasters preparedness particularly focusing on four natural disasters, namely: typhoon, earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions.
A volcanic eruption plan is currently in the works in the province, says Gongob, although the plan still needs to be polished and pending approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Cabaron also urged local government units here to strengthen their disaster coordinating councils and to involve non-government and civic organizations in their relief and rehabilitation plans.
-30-
Land Bank President and chief executive officer Gary B. Teves has been appointed by Malacañan as the new secretary of the Department of Finance, replacing former finance chief Cesar Purisima.
This was announced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the pilot broadcast of the public affairs show "Dagundong" over NBN Channel 4.
Ermita said Teves is intelligent, reliable and competent to handle the job.
He added that Teves, who is the son of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Herminio Teves, has impressed Malacañang with his track record as LBP president and former congressman.
Teves joins the roster of newly appointed Cabinet members to take over the recently vacated posts of the Arroyo administration.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has also appointed Labor Assistant Secretary Benedicto Ernest R. Bitonio, Jr. as chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission.
The new Cabinet will be composed of people whose commitment to the nation and the democratic principles will be beyond doubt, says the president.
"This is a new team that will work with me to move away from political bickering to doing what the people of the Philippines expect their leaders to do and that is get our economy moving and ensure the delivery of essential services such as health care, education and security to all parts of the country," she said.
-30-
Enough rice supply for lean months- NFA
With the onset of the lean months from July to September, rice supply is the least of the worries of Oriental Negrenses following the National Food Authority's assurance of rice sufficiency in the province.
NFA has been adopting a rice distribution scheme nationwide to cushion the country from the drastic drop of palay harvest during the lean months.
For July alone, NFA here aims to inject 30,000 bags of rice to its currently three well-stocked warehouses in the province.
NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco Lorico Jr. said around 32,000 bags of NFA imported rice are expected to arrive here from Cebu this month, augmenting NFA's current stock of 100,000 rice bags.
Of the total current stock, 68,000 bags are reserve rice and the rest are operational stocks, says Lorico.
The food agency supplies each of the six retailer (6) outlets in the city public market with 15 bags per day everyday.
Lorico said there are more than 60 outlets within public markets outside of Dumaguete, which NFA provides with 10 sacks per outlet each week.
According to NFA National Administrator Gregoril Tan Jr., the agency strategically injects rice in areas where supply tends to be insufficient to prevent unnecessary increase in the commodity's rice.
NFA rice is currently priced at P16 per kilo at the Dumaguete City Public Market and P18 per kilo outside the city.
To ensure that consumers will continue to enjoy quality and affordable NFA rice, the agency's monitoring and enforcement task force across the country have been fielded to check on and apprehend erring grains businessmen.
Lorico however assured that the incidence of overpriced NFA rice is not rampant in the province, although the local monitoring and enforcement team have fined some erring outlet owners mostly for not following NFA regulations.
Penalty for violating NFA regulations range between P1,000 to P4,000, depending on the gravity of the violation, says Lorico.
-30-
Compressed natural gas buses to hit roads soon
In the midst of the seemingly unending wave of soaring prices of imported fuel and fare hikes, compressed natural gases or CNG buses might just be the badly-needed relief bus operators and commuters are waiting for.
The government's natural gas vehicle program for public transport offers bus operators a more than 50% reduction in diesel price for the first 200 bus units that will be registered under the program.
The increased utilization of alternative transport fuel is seen to reduce the 50% dependence of the transport sector on imported fuel.
The CNG is pegged at P14.50 per diesel liter equivalent, against the prevailing price of diesel at P29.50.
According to Sammy Gargaritano, manager of Vallacar Transit here, the CNG program is viable, as it requires low maintenance and keeps the vehicle's engine clean.
Gargaritano said 35 CNG units have already been tested in Manila and Batangas.
Seven bus operators have already been accredited by the Department of Energy, all of who committed to acquire 185 units by the end of the year.
Gargaritano said Vallacar Transit is contemplating of acquiring CNG buses, but their main concern is the supply of gas.
He said this was also the concern of the members of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines during its recent meeting.
So far, the CNG mother-daughter refueling stations are currently being constructed only in Batangas and Laguna, which are set to be finished in August this year to hasten the commercial operation of the CNGs.
Several incentives are in store for those who apply for the CNG program, including a zero rate of duty on imported natural gas vehicle industry-related equipment, facilities, parts and components.
Vallacar Transit, which runs the Ceres bus liner, has 134 buses in its Dumaguete Branch and 28 units in its Bacolod branch.
-30-
OFW deployment exceeds 1st semester mark
More than half a million overseas Filipino workers have been deployed even before the 1st semester of the year ended.
Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Danilo Cruz is confident that the target deployment of one million for this year is on a firm and stable track.
Kenric Villaluz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here said more overseas recruitment agencies are participating in job fairs in the province compared to previous years.
Around 20 overseas recruitment agencies joined in the recent job fair conducted by DOLE in Sibulan on May 28 and 29.
Before, only around 10 agencies recruiting for overseas jobs joined in job fairs, says Villaluz.
From only one overseas recruitment agency last year, Villaluz said about five agencies have now started conducting recruitment at the local DOLE office almost every month this year.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported that the January to April 2004 OFW remittances rose from 2.6 to 3 billion dollars for the same period this year.
An international labor organization-standard based labor force survey as of April this year showed that OFWs continue to enjoy the preference of traditional and emerging labor market overseas.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas reported in a recent business forum that local employment grew by almost 700,000 nationwide and that as of April, the unemployment rate stood at 8.3%.
Land-based OFWs worldwide are also appreciated as more Filipino professionals like accounts, architects, engineers, medical and health professionals and others continue to make it overseas.
Philippines accounts for some 20% to 25% of the world's supply of maritime workers.
-30-
Minimum wage earners to get additional COLA
Minimum wage earners could now regain their eroding purchasing power and cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and services after the Labor department reported the recent decision of giving the workers nationwide an additional cost of living allowance.
Provincial Extension Officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco in Siquijor bared that wage-setting process in Region 7 is already accomplished.
The regional wage board in its Wage Order No. ROVII-11 granted workers in the region a minimum wage hike in the form of additional P15 cost-of-living-allowance per day for class A areas and P12 per day for classes B, C and D.
Class A are cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Danao and Talisay and municipalities of Menglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Cordova (or expanded Metro Cebu).
Class B comprises the city of Toledo and the rest of the municipalities in Cebu province except Bantayan and Camotes islands.
Cities and municipalities in the provinces of Bohol and Oriental Negros belong to Class C while Class D are municipalities of Siquijor, Bantayan and Camotes island.
"Establishments who registered as Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with certificates of authority are exempted from granting increases," Tanquiamco said.
Wage Order No. VII-11 provides that the adjustments apply to all covered workers and employees in private sector in the region, regardless of the position, designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which they are paid.
The wage order states that not covered from the wage increase are household or domestic helpers, persons in the personal service of another (including drivers), and workers of registered BMBEs with certificate of authority.
-30-
DOST announces PSHS system search for scholar
The local of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor announces the search for scholars of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).
Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator Mario de la Peña said the PSHS systems consists of schools which offer scholarship to deserving students who are trained under a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in the field of science and technology.
It is one of the agencies of DOST contributing to the expansion and development of the country's scientific and technological manpower.
"To date, we have three scholars from Larena and Siquijor enrolled at the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo," says de la Peña.
Qualified elementary students who are interested to apply for the said scholarship will undergo a two-step screening process, first of which is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to be held on Oct. 15 at Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.
The second step is the Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT) consisting of tests in science and mathematics.
Students who pass the first screening will undergo the second screening on Dec. 10 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
Application forms are now distributed to all elementary schools provincewide.
Deadline for submission of application forms is on Aug. 25.
-30-
San Juan PNP receives CDF grant for new office construction
The Philippine National Police in the fifth class municipality of San Juan is a beneficiary of a P300,000 CDF grant from CIBAC Representative Hon. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva.
The new PNP office is established at the northern side bleacher of the San Juan Cultural Center at the Poblacion area.
With its new office now in a relatively more accessible location, the local PNP's zeal to serve and protect the people is given a boost, especially with the support of the current set of municipal officers headed by Hon. Edwin Quimno.
-30-
Province's disaster plans already in place
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here has already put in place various disaster management plans in preparation for any man-made or natural disasters that might strike the province.
This was disclosed by Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Officer Joy P. Gongob in the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency in observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July which banners the theme: "Safe Ka Ba? Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-Unlad."
Gongob, who heads the plans and operations of PDCC, said the council has already set its plans to counter disasters such as La Niña, El Niño, and anti-terrorism on bomb threats.
PDCC has integrated the plans of its three management units to come up with a counter disaster management plan.
Engr. Ricardo Baculad of the Provincial Engineer's Office, which spearheads the transportation committee of PDCC, said the three district engineers in the province are prepared to carry out transportation assistance in case disaster strikes.
A disaster relief plan is also in place, says Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Lagarde, who heads the relief and rehabilitation committee of the council.
The provincial government also has a stockpile of food commodities and used clothing from DSWD-7 in preparation for any calamity.
Identified disaster-prone areas in the province by the Office of the Civil Defense are Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Guihulngan, hinterlands of Pamplona, Bais City and Tanjay City.
Allen Cabaron of OCD here said the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is stepping up its information campaign on disasters preparedness particularly focusing on four natural disasters, namely: typhoon, earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions.
A volcanic eruption plan is currently in the works in the province, says Gongob, although the plan still needs to be polished and pending approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Cabaron also urged local government units here to strengthen their disaster coordinating councils and to involve non-government and civic organizations in their relief and rehabilitation plans.
-30-
7/08/2005
INFOBYTES, Issue No. 15 July 8, 2005
Public urged to be on guard vs dengue
In view of an increase in dengue cases reported in June this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here is strongly urging the public to remove breeding sites of mosquito larva at home.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes, assistant provincial health officer here, disclosed that 50 cases have already been recorded provincewide in June this year compared to 45 cases reported in June 2004, while one fatality was reported in Tanjay City in March this year.
Based on records from IPHO, Dumaguete City showed the highest number of dengue fever cases reported in June this year with 21 and followed by Amlan with 10.
In Dumaguete City, Brgy. Bantayan holds the highest number of dengue cases reported from January to May this year with 8 cases, followed by Calindagan and Junob with 6 cases each.
Cortes said an increase in the number of mosquito-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal infectious diseases are expected during the start of the "Dengue Months Zone" from June to September every year.
The highest number of dengue cases reported in the province was during an outbreak in September 1998 with 950 cases, says Cortes.
The health officer called on household members to strictly observe the 4 o'clock habit of destroying mosquito larva breeding sites at home on a daily basis.
All objects that may collect water like empty bottles, tires and tin cans must be disposed and water storage containers should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly before refilling and should be covered tightly.
Household members are also advised to use insect repellants, install screens in homes and spray living quarters with insecticides.
Cortes also called on school authorities and local government units to intensify dengue fever awareness campaigns and mobilize dengue brigade activities.
Dengue brigades in all barangays in Dumaguete City have already been mobilized by the City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Lourdes Socorro.
The brigades act as the monitoring arm of CVO in ensuring that clean-up activities are done in the puroks.
CVO is currently conducting an information campaign in the barangays to educate the residents on how dengue can be prevented.
-30-
Seminar on Child Domestic Work
Oriental Negros together with the Visayan Forum Foundation will hold a two-day Legislative Advocacy Seminar on Child Domestic Work from July 21-22, 2005 at the South Sea Resort in Dumaguete City.
According to Ms. Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., the seminar will discuss the proposed Batas Kasambahay, a magna carta pending in the Senate and Congress that aims to uplift the standards for household helpers.
The workshop aims to consult the expertise of local legislators and partners in coming up with a deeper understanding of issues related to child domestic workers and assist policy makers in exploring policy recommendations for local government units in the province to be more creative and flexible in dealing with the supply and demand of child domestic workers.
The seminar is also supported by the International Labor Organization-International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC).
-30-
Malnutrition rate in NegOr declines
The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported an improvement on the nutritional status in Negros Oriental following the implementation of a more improved nutritional program in the province.
In the Kapihan forum held Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bernarda Cortes said the malnutrition rate in the province last year is only 15.8%, far below from the 27.6% national malnutrition underweight prevalence rate.
The rate is a result of the Operation Timbang conducted from January to March 2004 using the International Reference Standard, which the Department of Health started using only recently.
Of the 138,234 target children aged 0 to 71 months old to be weighed during the Operation Timbang, 130,687 or 94.5% were weighed.
Cortes explains that starting last year, the Philippines switched to using the International Reference Standard from the Philippine Reference Standard in weighing children from 0 to 71 months old.
So although we cannot compare the 2004 malnutrition rate to that of the previous years, we have noted an improvement in the nutritional status in the province, says Cortes during the forum held to celebrate the Nutrition Month this July.
Negros Oriental is not even in the country's top 10 malnutrition rank, which includes Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Antique and Masbate, among others, Cortes said.
Records show that in Negros Oriental, the town of Tayasan registered the highest malnutrition rate with 22.8 followed by Vallehermoso with 22.5 and La Libertad with 22 percent.
In the same forum, Atty. Luisa Villegas, Provincial Nutrition Council Vice Chair, attributed the improved nutritional status here to the provincial government's full support in the intervention measures conducted by the provincial health office to lower the malnutrition incidence in the province.
IPHO is currently conducting fresh milk feeding in barangays identified to have high malnutrition rates in the towns of Pamplona, Bacong, San Jose, Sibulan and Tayasan.
Negros Oriental is also a Green Banner Awardee in Region 7 for three years now due to the implementation of nutritional programs here.
-30-
Philippine's first wastewater treatment plant for communal sewage broke ground in Bayawan
The local government of Bayawan City together with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) recently broke ground with the launching of the first Wetland/Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Philippines.
The first of its kind in the country, the project aims to clean the wastewater of the Fisherman's Village, a housing project currently under construction in Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City, says Imelda R. Balbuena of GTZ-CO Visayas in a press statement.
Seen to finish construction later this year, the wastewater treatment plant will clean, treat and reuse the wastewater from more than 300 inhabitants expected to occupy the Fisherman's Village.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held June 14, Andreas Kanzler, GTZ Water Program Director, in his opening speech said that the treatment plant "is a real groundbreaking in the truest sense of the word. We are breaking ground for new technologies and solutions which have not yet been used in this country until now."
Kanzler explained that the treatment plant is suitable for areas like Bayawan City since there is extremely low maintenance and running cost involved.
GTC will ensure the technical advisory and capacity development of the project while the construction of the plan will be financed by a loan through the city government of Bayawan.
"An artificial wetland is close to the nature's treatment method, conceptually designed for decentralized use, meaning no long and costly sewer network is embedded," says Kanzler.
For his part, Bayawan City Mayor German Saraña said the treatment plant is a new technology which will be useful in improving the sanitation situation in Bayawan.
The mayor stressed that under his leadership, sanitation is a priority and non-negotiable. "I am looking forward to launching with GTC not only the first water treatment facility in the Philippines, but also the second, third and fourth facilities."
-30-
Surgical mission "Operation Share III" to visit Siquijor
The surgical mission dubbed "Operation III" will bring its services to the Siquijodnons on September 12-16, 2005.
The mission is sponsored by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) alumni and volunteer friends from USA together with the six local government units and the provincial government of Siquijor.
The mission team comprising of at least 20 health specialists will operate on cases of paratid tumors, goiter, harelip, first stage cleft palate, breast, stomach, gall bladder, colon, hernias, rectum and anus, urinary bladder, cysts and other skin lesions.
General and gynecology surgery will be accommodated pending medical clearance at least one week before the mission.
Listing and screening will be done at the respective rural health units soon.
-30-
Siquijor celebrates Nutrition Month
The province of Siquijor is celebrating Nutrition Month this July with the theme: "Batang May Kapansanan, Sa Wastong Nutrisyon Simulan."
A joint provincial, municipal and barangay kick-off was held today (July 1) at Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor.
Governor Orlando B. Fua in his message said the province's program has been geared towards creating a healthy province with healthy people citing some projects such as corn, rice, vegetable, fruit production and the dairy's project in San Juan.
San Juan Mayor Edwin Quimno likewise called for a concerted effort to eradicate and not just minimize malnutrition.
San Juan has the highest malnutrition rate here, although the number has slightly dropped form 250 to 217 malnourished kids last year.
Quimno said the San Juan local government through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program funded the supplemental milk feeding to pre-school children and grade one pupils in schools in the said town.
The municipality has allocated P160,000 for the procurement of nutritious foods for the supplemental feeding program.
-30-
DPWH inaugurates SONA school building
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here recently inaugurated and turned-over a one-classroom school building to Cangclaran Primary School in Cangclaran, Lazi, Siquijor.
The project is in line with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's SONA School Building Program for the school-less barangays.
DPWH Information Officer Romeo L. Lopez Jr. said a funding of P260,000 for the construction of the classroom was taken from the budgeted program of the President and P550,000 from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the barangay for the purchase of a 927.27 square meter lot as its counterpart.
According to school teacher Eugene Gumisad, they started accepting enrollees in 2004 even when they had no school building.
The pupils, Gumisad said, were only found squatting in a house of a concerned citizen which was offered as their classroom.
"This is a dream come true…now we are happy that our pupils will go to a place conducive for learning," says the school teacher.
-30-
Dairy project brings hope to KAPANIG women
"Dako gyud ug gikatabang ang dairy project sa among panginabuhi (The dairy project really helped us a lot)," recounts Victoria "Nang Oya" Maglasang, president of the Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Atong Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas or KAPANIG.
KAPANIG is a group of women running the dairy project in San Juan town.
Nang Oya and other housewives in barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan once thought they were helpless partners in augmenting their family's income.
With their husband's meager pay, they thought there was no way they can uplift their lives or send their children to college, or even improve their houses at the least.
But then the Dairy Industry Development Project came along, bringing with it a glimmer of hope for Nang Oya and the other housewives like her.
Introduced by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) the said project is in line with the government's effort to alleviate poverty in the countryside.
Barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan are now among the Poverty Free Zones identified by DOLE.
From 19 dairy cows (2 lactating, 4 gestating and 13 breedable) distributed to the women members of KAPANIG in 2002, the number grew to 38 in a span of two years.
Of the total, 19 are already milking and the rest will soon be.
The dairy cows are producing around 70 liters of milk a day which the association sells at P50 per liter.
In 2004, KAPANIG started supplying fresh milk to schools in San Juan as part of the town's supplemental feeding to improve the school children's nutritional status.
With a budget of P240,000, the malnourished kids are fed daily with fresh milk for 120 days.
Each member gets a share of at least P1,000 per week, says Nang Oya. She recounts how a member has been able to renovate her house and the others were able to send their kids to school in Cebu because of the dairy project.
The dairy project continues to flourish especially now with more blessings both from the national and local government pouring in. Recently, the provincial government here released P300,000 for the completion of the project's processing center aside from the P1 million from JICA, P100,000 from DOLE and P94,000 from the organization as its counterpart.
Currently, the first floor of a two-storey building has already been completed.
"We are very grateful to the government because it never turned its back on us. We have been give hope and this pushes us to strive harder for development," expressed Nang Oya.
The association is now busy looking for a potential market for their produce with some government agencies trying to campaign for the benefits of milk among the public.
Urban poor groups in Cebu not inclined to join anti-government protests
Urban poor organizations would rather busy themselves in working hard to survive than marched the streets to protest against the present administration.
Clemen Quiros, development management officer III and the area coordinator for Mandaue City's urban poor of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor in Central Visayas (PCUP-7) echoed this observation.
Although Quiros limited her comment to the slightly over 100 urban poor organizations (UPOs) in Mandaue City with over 15,000 members, she however added that local government units play a crucial role in dissuading UPOs from joining anti-government rallies. "If the mayor is pro-administration, chances are likely that urban poor groups won't be inclined to join anti-government street protests and especially when the basic needs of the groups are being addressed by the mayor," she quoted.
As Cebu's local officials even on opposing ends are known Arroyo supporters, Quiros safely surmised that it would be difficult for hard-core critics of the government to pull UPOs to the streets. In case there are members of any urban poor groups that have joined radicals in the streets, these are minimal in figure, according to the PCUP-7 officer.
Based on experience in dealing with UPOs whose members include vendors, tricycle drivers, trisikad drivers, factory workers, jeepney drivers and even government employees, Quiros said these people are working very hard to make ends meet while their priority need is the security of land tenure.
In Mandaue City, the local government's top priority project for the urban poor is the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) to address their housing needs. Through the National Home Mortgage Financing Corp., the CMP enables the urban poor to have a roof over their heads with a monthly amortization between P300 to P500.
Quiros lauded members of the urban poor groups here for their good foresight because aside from not participating in futile street rallies as this could just hamper their daily livelihood, these people do not want to remain squatters all their life. Members of the urban poor would rather opt to work double-time to acquire their own house.
Because most UPOs in Cebu are more objective, left-leaning groups frustrated with the present government have found it difficult to convince UPOs to join them in their cause.
The PCUP-7 officer however, said she does not blame members of the urban poor in Manila who have been used by politicians to join rallies against the government for a price as life in Manila is harsher compared to in Cebu.
-30-
TESDA CENTRAL VISAYAS TO GET 10,000 APPRENTICES
(July 5, 2005-BTO)
With the increasing demands of daily living plus globalization and change in technology, Filipinos who are multi-skilled and have the right attitude towards work surely have the edge. To realize this objective, the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to field 10,000 apprentices in the region. Based on the records of TESDA, the provincial targets are five thousand in Cebu, 3,000 in Bohol, 1,500 in Negros Oriental, and 500 in Siquijor.
TESDA 7 Reg. Dir. Engr. Ernesto Beltran said that the program is in line with the role of the office to enhance the employability of workers by providing them programs that would cater to the local and global needs. He also said that the office now has more than a hundred partner institutions, especially those at the economic zones where more slots are now given to student apprentices.
Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay Program (KASH), also known as Apprenticeship-Learnership Program, is a training within employment involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. The move which is an industry-and-TESDA linkage program provides a better alternative to those who are jobless and are in need to upgrade their skills and rethink of their work attitudes aside from helping the industry players.
The small and medium enterprises (SME's) and other industry players that participate in the program have an opportunity to enjoy tax incentives, the chance to be provided with human resource development assistance by the government, and to develop the skills of workers to fit to their enterprise's requirements.
An applicant for the program must be at least 15 years old, physically fit for the occupation in which he/she desires to be trained, and can comprehend oral and written instructions. Interested individuals may submit their (1) application letters, (2) resume, (3) ID picture, and (4) other relevant credentials to the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) at the Ground Floor of Cebu Provincial Capitol, and the Department of Manpower and Development Project (DMDP) in Jakosalem St. (near Gaisano Main Store), or the TESDA Regional Office in Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City.
Meanwhile, SME's and other employers who intend to hire apprentices simply have to submit a (1) letter of application addressed to the Regional Director of TESDA, (2) Skills Training Outline, and a (3) certification that the number of apprentices to be hired shall not be more than 20 percent of its total regular workforce.
Aside from enjoying the social security and health benefits, an apprentice is either given a payment of wage equivalent to 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage, or a payment of full wage and availment of deduction from taxable income the one-half of the value of training expenses incurred. Thereby, saving 50 percent in labor cost on the part of the employer. The period of apprenticeship ranges from 4 - 6 months depending on the type of occupation being apprenticed.
Beltran also encouraged those who may have other queries on TESDA Programs to call Cebu City PESO thru T# 254-4348 and Cebu Province PESO at T# 253-5710, 412-7157, and TESDA 231-6718 or 231-1596.
-30-
In view of an increase in dengue cases reported in June this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here is strongly urging the public to remove breeding sites of mosquito larva at home.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes, assistant provincial health officer here, disclosed that 50 cases have already been recorded provincewide in June this year compared to 45 cases reported in June 2004, while one fatality was reported in Tanjay City in March this year.
Based on records from IPHO, Dumaguete City showed the highest number of dengue fever cases reported in June this year with 21 and followed by Amlan with 10.
In Dumaguete City, Brgy. Bantayan holds the highest number of dengue cases reported from January to May this year with 8 cases, followed by Calindagan and Junob with 6 cases each.
Cortes said an increase in the number of mosquito-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal infectious diseases are expected during the start of the "Dengue Months Zone" from June to September every year.
The highest number of dengue cases reported in the province was during an outbreak in September 1998 with 950 cases, says Cortes.
The health officer called on household members to strictly observe the 4 o'clock habit of destroying mosquito larva breeding sites at home on a daily basis.
All objects that may collect water like empty bottles, tires and tin cans must be disposed and water storage containers should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly before refilling and should be covered tightly.
Household members are also advised to use insect repellants, install screens in homes and spray living quarters with insecticides.
Cortes also called on school authorities and local government units to intensify dengue fever awareness campaigns and mobilize dengue brigade activities.
Dengue brigades in all barangays in Dumaguete City have already been mobilized by the City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Lourdes Socorro.
The brigades act as the monitoring arm of CVO in ensuring that clean-up activities are done in the puroks.
CVO is currently conducting an information campaign in the barangays to educate the residents on how dengue can be prevented.
-30-
Seminar on Child Domestic Work
Oriental Negros together with the Visayan Forum Foundation will hold a two-day Legislative Advocacy Seminar on Child Domestic Work from July 21-22, 2005 at the South Sea Resort in Dumaguete City.
According to Ms. Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., the seminar will discuss the proposed Batas Kasambahay, a magna carta pending in the Senate and Congress that aims to uplift the standards for household helpers.
The workshop aims to consult the expertise of local legislators and partners in coming up with a deeper understanding of issues related to child domestic workers and assist policy makers in exploring policy recommendations for local government units in the province to be more creative and flexible in dealing with the supply and demand of child domestic workers.
The seminar is also supported by the International Labor Organization-International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC).
-30-
Malnutrition rate in NegOr declines
The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported an improvement on the nutritional status in Negros Oriental following the implementation of a more improved nutritional program in the province.
In the Kapihan forum held Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bernarda Cortes said the malnutrition rate in the province last year is only 15.8%, far below from the 27.6% national malnutrition underweight prevalence rate.
The rate is a result of the Operation Timbang conducted from January to March 2004 using the International Reference Standard, which the Department of Health started using only recently.
Of the 138,234 target children aged 0 to 71 months old to be weighed during the Operation Timbang, 130,687 or 94.5% were weighed.
Cortes explains that starting last year, the Philippines switched to using the International Reference Standard from the Philippine Reference Standard in weighing children from 0 to 71 months old.
So although we cannot compare the 2004 malnutrition rate to that of the previous years, we have noted an improvement in the nutritional status in the province, says Cortes during the forum held to celebrate the Nutrition Month this July.
Negros Oriental is not even in the country's top 10 malnutrition rank, which includes Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Antique and Masbate, among others, Cortes said.
Records show that in Negros Oriental, the town of Tayasan registered the highest malnutrition rate with 22.8 followed by Vallehermoso with 22.5 and La Libertad with 22 percent.
In the same forum, Atty. Luisa Villegas, Provincial Nutrition Council Vice Chair, attributed the improved nutritional status here to the provincial government's full support in the intervention measures conducted by the provincial health office to lower the malnutrition incidence in the province.
IPHO is currently conducting fresh milk feeding in barangays identified to have high malnutrition rates in the towns of Pamplona, Bacong, San Jose, Sibulan and Tayasan.
Negros Oriental is also a Green Banner Awardee in Region 7 for three years now due to the implementation of nutritional programs here.
-30-
Philippine's first wastewater treatment plant for communal sewage broke ground in Bayawan
The local government of Bayawan City together with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) recently broke ground with the launching of the first Wetland/Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Philippines.
The first of its kind in the country, the project aims to clean the wastewater of the Fisherman's Village, a housing project currently under construction in Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City, says Imelda R. Balbuena of GTZ-CO Visayas in a press statement.
Seen to finish construction later this year, the wastewater treatment plant will clean, treat and reuse the wastewater from more than 300 inhabitants expected to occupy the Fisherman's Village.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held June 14, Andreas Kanzler, GTZ Water Program Director, in his opening speech said that the treatment plant "is a real groundbreaking in the truest sense of the word. We are breaking ground for new technologies and solutions which have not yet been used in this country until now."
Kanzler explained that the treatment plant is suitable for areas like Bayawan City since there is extremely low maintenance and running cost involved.
GTC will ensure the technical advisory and capacity development of the project while the construction of the plan will be financed by a loan through the city government of Bayawan.
"An artificial wetland is close to the nature's treatment method, conceptually designed for decentralized use, meaning no long and costly sewer network is embedded," says Kanzler.
For his part, Bayawan City Mayor German Saraña said the treatment plant is a new technology which will be useful in improving the sanitation situation in Bayawan.
The mayor stressed that under his leadership, sanitation is a priority and non-negotiable. "I am looking forward to launching with GTC not only the first water treatment facility in the Philippines, but also the second, third and fourth facilities."
-30-
Surgical mission "Operation Share III" to visit Siquijor
The surgical mission dubbed "Operation III" will bring its services to the Siquijodnons on September 12-16, 2005.
The mission is sponsored by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) alumni and volunteer friends from USA together with the six local government units and the provincial government of Siquijor.
The mission team comprising of at least 20 health specialists will operate on cases of paratid tumors, goiter, harelip, first stage cleft palate, breast, stomach, gall bladder, colon, hernias, rectum and anus, urinary bladder, cysts and other skin lesions.
General and gynecology surgery will be accommodated pending medical clearance at least one week before the mission.
Listing and screening will be done at the respective rural health units soon.
-30-
Siquijor celebrates Nutrition Month
The province of Siquijor is celebrating Nutrition Month this July with the theme: "Batang May Kapansanan, Sa Wastong Nutrisyon Simulan."
A joint provincial, municipal and barangay kick-off was held today (July 1) at Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor.
Governor Orlando B. Fua in his message said the province's program has been geared towards creating a healthy province with healthy people citing some projects such as corn, rice, vegetable, fruit production and the dairy's project in San Juan.
San Juan Mayor Edwin Quimno likewise called for a concerted effort to eradicate and not just minimize malnutrition.
San Juan has the highest malnutrition rate here, although the number has slightly dropped form 250 to 217 malnourished kids last year.
Quimno said the San Juan local government through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program funded the supplemental milk feeding to pre-school children and grade one pupils in schools in the said town.
The municipality has allocated P160,000 for the procurement of nutritious foods for the supplemental feeding program.
-30-
DPWH inaugurates SONA school building
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here recently inaugurated and turned-over a one-classroom school building to Cangclaran Primary School in Cangclaran, Lazi, Siquijor.
The project is in line with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's SONA School Building Program for the school-less barangays.
DPWH Information Officer Romeo L. Lopez Jr. said a funding of P260,000 for the construction of the classroom was taken from the budgeted program of the President and P550,000 from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the barangay for the purchase of a 927.27 square meter lot as its counterpart.
According to school teacher Eugene Gumisad, they started accepting enrollees in 2004 even when they had no school building.
The pupils, Gumisad said, were only found squatting in a house of a concerned citizen which was offered as their classroom.
"This is a dream come true…now we are happy that our pupils will go to a place conducive for learning," says the school teacher.
-30-
Dairy project brings hope to KAPANIG women
"Dako gyud ug gikatabang ang dairy project sa among panginabuhi (The dairy project really helped us a lot)," recounts Victoria "Nang Oya" Maglasang, president of the Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Atong Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas or KAPANIG.
KAPANIG is a group of women running the dairy project in San Juan town.
Nang Oya and other housewives in barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan once thought they were helpless partners in augmenting their family's income.
With their husband's meager pay, they thought there was no way they can uplift their lives or send their children to college, or even improve their houses at the least.
But then the Dairy Industry Development Project came along, bringing with it a glimmer of hope for Nang Oya and the other housewives like her.
Introduced by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) the said project is in line with the government's effort to alleviate poverty in the countryside.
Barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan are now among the Poverty Free Zones identified by DOLE.
From 19 dairy cows (2 lactating, 4 gestating and 13 breedable) distributed to the women members of KAPANIG in 2002, the number grew to 38 in a span of two years.
Of the total, 19 are already milking and the rest will soon be.
The dairy cows are producing around 70 liters of milk a day which the association sells at P50 per liter.
In 2004, KAPANIG started supplying fresh milk to schools in San Juan as part of the town's supplemental feeding to improve the school children's nutritional status.
With a budget of P240,000, the malnourished kids are fed daily with fresh milk for 120 days.
Each member gets a share of at least P1,000 per week, says Nang Oya. She recounts how a member has been able to renovate her house and the others were able to send their kids to school in Cebu because of the dairy project.
The dairy project continues to flourish especially now with more blessings both from the national and local government pouring in. Recently, the provincial government here released P300,000 for the completion of the project's processing center aside from the P1 million from JICA, P100,000 from DOLE and P94,000 from the organization as its counterpart.
Currently, the first floor of a two-storey building has already been completed.
"We are very grateful to the government because it never turned its back on us. We have been give hope and this pushes us to strive harder for development," expressed Nang Oya.
The association is now busy looking for a potential market for their produce with some government agencies trying to campaign for the benefits of milk among the public.
Urban poor groups in Cebu not inclined to join anti-government protests
Urban poor organizations would rather busy themselves in working hard to survive than marched the streets to protest against the present administration.
Clemen Quiros, development management officer III and the area coordinator for Mandaue City's urban poor of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor in Central Visayas (PCUP-7) echoed this observation.
Although Quiros limited her comment to the slightly over 100 urban poor organizations (UPOs) in Mandaue City with over 15,000 members, she however added that local government units play a crucial role in dissuading UPOs from joining anti-government rallies. "If the mayor is pro-administration, chances are likely that urban poor groups won't be inclined to join anti-government street protests and especially when the basic needs of the groups are being addressed by the mayor," she quoted.
As Cebu's local officials even on opposing ends are known Arroyo supporters, Quiros safely surmised that it would be difficult for hard-core critics of the government to pull UPOs to the streets. In case there are members of any urban poor groups that have joined radicals in the streets, these are minimal in figure, according to the PCUP-7 officer.
Based on experience in dealing with UPOs whose members include vendors, tricycle drivers, trisikad drivers, factory workers, jeepney drivers and even government employees, Quiros said these people are working very hard to make ends meet while their priority need is the security of land tenure.
In Mandaue City, the local government's top priority project for the urban poor is the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) to address their housing needs. Through the National Home Mortgage Financing Corp., the CMP enables the urban poor to have a roof over their heads with a monthly amortization between P300 to P500.
Quiros lauded members of the urban poor groups here for their good foresight because aside from not participating in futile street rallies as this could just hamper their daily livelihood, these people do not want to remain squatters all their life. Members of the urban poor would rather opt to work double-time to acquire their own house.
Because most UPOs in Cebu are more objective, left-leaning groups frustrated with the present government have found it difficult to convince UPOs to join them in their cause.
The PCUP-7 officer however, said she does not blame members of the urban poor in Manila who have been used by politicians to join rallies against the government for a price as life in Manila is harsher compared to in Cebu.
-30-
TESDA CENTRAL VISAYAS TO GET 10,000 APPRENTICES
(July 5, 2005-BTO)
With the increasing demands of daily living plus globalization and change in technology, Filipinos who are multi-skilled and have the right attitude towards work surely have the edge. To realize this objective, the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to field 10,000 apprentices in the region. Based on the records of TESDA, the provincial targets are five thousand in Cebu, 3,000 in Bohol, 1,500 in Negros Oriental, and 500 in Siquijor.
TESDA 7 Reg. Dir. Engr. Ernesto Beltran said that the program is in line with the role of the office to enhance the employability of workers by providing them programs that would cater to the local and global needs. He also said that the office now has more than a hundred partner institutions, especially those at the economic zones where more slots are now given to student apprentices.
Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay Program (KASH), also known as Apprenticeship-Learnership Program, is a training within employment involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. The move which is an industry-and-TESDA linkage program provides a better alternative to those who are jobless and are in need to upgrade their skills and rethink of their work attitudes aside from helping the industry players.
The small and medium enterprises (SME's) and other industry players that participate in the program have an opportunity to enjoy tax incentives, the chance to be provided with human resource development assistance by the government, and to develop the skills of workers to fit to their enterprise's requirements.
An applicant for the program must be at least 15 years old, physically fit for the occupation in which he/she desires to be trained, and can comprehend oral and written instructions. Interested individuals may submit their (1) application letters, (2) resume, (3) ID picture, and (4) other relevant credentials to the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) at the Ground Floor of Cebu Provincial Capitol, and the Department of Manpower and Development Project (DMDP) in Jakosalem St. (near Gaisano Main Store), or the TESDA Regional Office in Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City.
Meanwhile, SME's and other employers who intend to hire apprentices simply have to submit a (1) letter of application addressed to the Regional Director of TESDA, (2) Skills Training Outline, and a (3) certification that the number of apprentices to be hired shall not be more than 20 percent of its total regular workforce.
Aside from enjoying the social security and health benefits, an apprentice is either given a payment of wage equivalent to 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage, or a payment of full wage and availment of deduction from taxable income the one-half of the value of training expenses incurred. Thereby, saving 50 percent in labor cost on the part of the employer. The period of apprenticeship ranges from 4 - 6 months depending on the type of occupation being apprenticed.
Beltran also encouraged those who may have other queries on TESDA Programs to call Cebu City PESO thru T# 254-4348 and Cebu Province PESO at T# 253-5710, 412-7157, and TESDA 231-6718 or 231-1596.
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