ISSUE NO. 51, December 21, 2006

Around 500 GK homes now in NegOr

As 2006 comes to a close, around 500 brightly-painted crayola-colored homes now stand in some eight Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the province, according to the latest data posted on the organization’s website.

Local government units hosting GK communities here are Dumaguete City with four villages and one village each in Bayawan City, Bais City, Tanjay City, Mabinay and Sta. Catalina.

According to Oliver Lemence, Couples for Christ (CFC) designated media liaison officer, said the villages in the province are the result of local multi-sectoral partnership among CFC, LGUs, government agencies, non-government organizations and the community.

Gawad Kalinga started barely five years ago as a daring initiative by the Couples for Christ, a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life.

Lemence said more GK villages are needed in the province. “The CFC here cannot cope with the demand. We need the formation of more GK teams, as well as partners to finance the villages,” he said.

A financial donation to the GK village is tax deductible, said Lemence.

The construction of houses is by “bayanihan” among the beneficiaries, GK members, professional volunteers and other groups who find fulfillment in sharing their time and resources to help the poor.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues to release funds from the President’s Social Fund (PSF) to build decent shelter for poor families and create model communities nationwide.

The President allocated in March 2002 the amount of P30 million from the PSF to the Gawad Kalinga for the construction of housing units for poor families nationwide.

A total of 1,000 housing units costing P300,000 per unit have already been completed and awarded to the beneficiaries nationwide.

GSIS to issue new, more improved eCard to members

Government employees in Oriental Negros can look forward to a more advanced GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) eCard next year after the agency launched its GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (G-W@PS).

With the pioneering e-government program comes the second generation GSIS eCard called the eCard Plus which will replace the old GSIS eCard issued in 2004.

Local GSIS Acting Technical Assistant Larry Lee Alcaide said the schedule of enrollment of government employees here for the eCard Plus is set between January to March 2007.

Enrollment will be via clustering of towns and cities here, he said.

A team from GSIS will go to each cluster to accept and process the enrollment of GSIS members in the area.

Clustering as well as the schedules for enrollment will be announced later, said Alcaide.

There are more than 17,800 active GSIS members in the province, he added.

The new eCard Plus is all that a GSIS members needs to access and make use of the G-W@PS kiosk technology, a 55-inch high, ATM-like machine with a 28-inch by 16-inch touch screen monitor.

The kiosk can identify a GSIS member, display all of the member’s records and process loan applications of members without any documentary requirement.

The kiosks will be installed in strategic government office locations nationwide.

Along with this innovative technology, GSIS is also offering another cash advance to its members called the eCard Plus Cash Advance Program (eCAP) worth P10,000.

The eCAP is among the first loan or financial assistance programs to make use of the G-W@PS technology.

The eCAP is payable in three years with a low interest rate of 12% per annum based on diminishing balance.

Once the GSIS member has the eCard Plus, he or she can transact the eCAP thru the G-W@PS kiosk electronically and online. Once approved, the proceeds of the eCAP will be immediately credited to the member’s Union Bank account.

Meanwhile, the tough economic reforms introduced by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are now paying off in terms of increasing investment, creation of more jobs and expanding small and medium enterprises and broadening opportunities for productivity and excellence of the people.

No power disturbances during Xmas season, assured NORECO 2

The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative 2 (NORECO 2) assured that there will be no power disturbances during the holiday celebration here.

Demand for power is expected to increase during the holiday revelry.

The two power stations in Dumaguete City, from which NORECO 2 gets its power supply, are more than enough to cover the power requirements of NORECO 2 consumers, said Stephen Salgado, NORECO 2 Information Officer.

The two sources of electricity of NORECO 2 are Pulantubig Sub Station I which has a 10 megawatt power and Bagacay power station which has a 20 megawatt power.

Consumers in the NORECO 2 coverage area have a total requirement of 5.2 megawatts only.

“As far as supply is concerned, there is no cause for power disturbance here during the holiday season,” said Salgado.

He added that TRANSCO has likewise assured that there will be no power outages from their end.

“Our only problem is vegetation along power lines, which causes brownouts, line fault and short circuits,” he said.

In connection with this, Malacañang recently assured that it is the Administration’s duty to ensure that no power outages will happen in the future and the Government is doing this, among other measures, by making Napocor ready and attractive to investors.

The Administration is determined to rehabilitate Napocor through means that are economical and sustainable, and do not impose unreasonable burdens on other people.

Larena police station hailed as region's best

The Larena Police Station in Larena, Siquijor was recently adjudged as the Best Municipal Police Station throughout Region 7 for the year 2006.

The police station was recognized for its accomplishments particularly in implementing the anti-criminality campaign and in pursuing a better community for the Larena people in line with the national government’s thrust of making a progressive and peaceful Philippines. It also paved the way for its inclusion to the prestigious nationwide search against all regional winners which will be done on January next year.

In an interview, Chief of Police Enrique Belcina attributed the feat to the deep concern of the local government in making the best of its available, though limited resources for the full swing implementation of their programs for the benefit of the people.

“It is the first time in the history of Larena that we received such kind of award. We are very grateful for this award and humbled by it at the same time”, Chief Belcina said in response to the recognition.

Belcina also disclosed that some personnel from Camp Crame will be coming over in Larena one of these days to evaluate/assess the police station being a national entrant.

The local PNP’s gained honor is evident in their relentless efforts on anti-criminality campaign, crime prevention program, operational activities like the implementation of traffic rules and regulations and local ordinances, strengthened intelligence monitoring, police community relations and logistical accomplishments, he said.

Putting in place all the essentials that propel the sustainability of the program, Belcina expressed high hopes that Larena will cap the highest award in the national competition.

Meanwhile, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently ordered authorities to “redouble their efforts” to solve the murder of Abra Representative Luis Bersamin Jr. and to prevent similar “brazen acts of lawlessness.”

BFP holds medical, dental mission

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Siquijor Province held recently a one-day medical/dental mission in San Juan , Siquijor recently.

Dubbed Padayon ang Serbisyo “PGMA’s Medical and Dental Mission, the activity provided free dental and medical services to the locals, especially the needy and the underprivileged. It was closely coordinated with the local government unit and the Municipal Health Office of San Juan.

Fire Officer II Jenefer Balugan said the activity was an opportune time for the people, to be at least relieved from financial difficulties in shouldering medical bills/expenses that hospitals and clinics are currently charging.

Complementary to the medical/dental mission was the giving out of leaflets on fire safety tips to the people. A related development, FO Balugan said that there will be an earthquake drill to be conducted by their office in one of the elementary schools of San Juan sometime in December.

The BFP, he said, is living to its vision of preventing and suppressing destructive fires, enforcing fire-related laws; & providing emergency medical and rescue service to the people.

LGU Lazi steps up coastal resource management

In an effort to step up the Coastal Resource Management Program of the municipality of Lazi , Jean L. Villahermosa and Alreich P. Duran – both agricultural technologists of the LGU, attended the 1st National Marine Protected Area Summit recently at the Crown Regency Hotel, Mactan, Cebu .

The summit was aimed to identify the rationale, trends, and future challenges in the local government’s management of MPAs and highlight best practices and champions on MPA management, especially among local governments. The municipalities of Cordova, Cebu of Mabini, Batangas and of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, hosted the activity.

The coastal barangays of Talayong and Lower Cabangcalan of Lazi have been established as marine protected areas (MPAs). Mayor Orville A. Fua has been actively supporting the implementation of the CRM by allocating municipal funds yearly.

In a related development, the members of the Coastal Resource Management Technical Working Group had been conducting meetings recently to draft an “integrated coastal and upland ordinance”. The proposed ordinance is intended to codify all existing CRM and fishery ordinances in the municipality in order to strengthen it’s law enforcement.

In attendance during the meetings were Rey G. Bendejo and Rizallier G. Amolo who were invited as consultants from the Coastal Conservation Education foundation Inc. (C L E F I), and Ryd D. Banguis, Officer-in-Charge of the Coastal and Marine Management Section and Jose G. Ando, planning officer of the DENR.

President Gloria M. Arroyo has issued Executive Order 553, dated January 6, 2006, adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a national strategy to ensure the sustainable development of the country’s coastal and marine environment and resources and establishing supporting mechanisms for its implementation.

SOUNDBYTES:

Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Prayer Rally

President Arroyo joins the Church in pushing for a complete moral transformation of our nation.

Good values are the foundation of a stable democratic society and we hope that the Church will continue to take the lead on this advocacy as we vow our full cooperation in laying the ground of political, social and economic reforms that President Arroyo has upheld under her watch.

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PGMA one with church in moral transformation - Bunye

Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said today that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is one with the Church in pushing for a complete moral transformation of the country, pointing out that good values are the foundation of a stable democratic society.

In a statement, Bunye expressed the hope that the Church will continue to take the lead in the advocacy and vowed Malacañang’s full cooperation in laying the ground of political social and economic reforms that, he said, President Arroyo has upheld under her watch.

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PGMA leads grand airport 'salubong' for OFWs returning home for holidays

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led today the red carpet "salubong" (welcome) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning home for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The President personally greeted the estimated 300 OFWs, dubbed as the country’s modern day heroes, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal l from Bahrain on board a Gulf Air jetliner this afternoon.

It was a festival of a welcome for returning Filipino expatriate workers like no other in the past. Although the "Pamaskong Handog Sa OFWs" is held every year under the sponsorship of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), this time the returning OFWs were treated to a welcome worthy of visiting heads of state.

Aside from the "red carpet treatment," the returning workers were serenaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) rondalla with Filipino Christmas carols.

As an ati-atihan contingent in their colorful costumes pranced and performed native dance numbers to the beat of cymbals and drums, other welcomers gave away ice cream to the OFWs at the carousel while they waited for their luggage.

The Pasalubong, which has been celebrated since 1982, is a tribute to the versatility and dauntless spirit of the common Filipinos who brave the challenges of working overseas in search for a better future for their families.

The returning OFWs were all smiles as they shook hands with the President, who handed out to them favorite native food such as suman and bibingka wrapped in sinamay.

As part of the program, the President awarded Roderick de Guzman and Armando Sales livelihood packages -- a passenger jeepney and tricycle, respectively.

De Guzman and Sales were also awarded a P1-million accident insurance package and Wow Magic Sing microphones each.

Joining the President during the launch of Pamaskong Pasalubong program launch were Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi, OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, acting Labor Secretary Danilo Cruz, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos and Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) General Manager Robert Dean Barbers.

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PGMA opens new Barangay Food Terminal in Baseco

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened today another outlet of the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) inside the Baseco Compound in Tondo as part of her administration’s effort to make prime goods more accessible and affordable to low-income families especially in poor Metro Manila barangays.

The Baseco Food Terminal at Barangay 649 is the fourth outlet of BFT. Other BFT outlets are found in Batasan Hills and Pansol, both in Quezon City, and Signal Village in Taguig City

ISSUE NO. 50, DEC. 14, 2006

GSIS to launch G-W@PS in Siquijor

GSIS will launch G-W@PS or GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System, a new facility that uses different technologies to revolutionize government transactions, in Siquijor, Siquijor on Friday, Dec. 15, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.

Siquijor is the fourth island-province to host the G-W@PS Home to Kiosk in the Philippines.

G-W@PS is seen to effectively cut through bureaucratic red tape.

GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia and other GSIS executive officials are expected to formally lead the launching.

GSIS has earlier launched G-W@PS in the remote-island of Camiguin, which was chosen as the testing ground for the program.

By choosing this volcanic island in northern Mindanao, the GSIS demonstrates its capability of delivering on its promise of leaving no stones unturned and using all available technologies at its disposal to ease the lives of its members—if only in terms of transacting their loan applications.

The G-W@PS, looking like an ATM kiosk, combines different technologies including radio frequency identification (RFID), biometrics, general packet radio service (GPRS), short message service (SMS), and virtual private network (VPN) to process the loan applications of members in a completely paperless environment.

Garcia said the G-W@PS provides members with the necessary tool to practically bring the GSIS to the members themselves instead of the members going to the GSIS premises.

"They don't need to go to the GSIS anymore to transact their loan applications, the G-W@PS will do that for them," he said. "The G-W@ PS strings the multi-level connectivity among four independent users—the member, the GSIS, the government agency, and the bank—to produce a secure system that processes transactions off-site in a 100-percent paperless environment."

Hazard map in place- PENRO

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) here has set in place a hazard mapping data pinpointing the different areas in the province vulnerable to natural disasters.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Antonio Cabrido in an interview said the hazard map identifies the areas here that are prone to natural hazards, such as floods, landslides and earthquakes.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has recently ordered DENR to fast track the setting up of a national hazard mapping program that could warn communities and local government against potential hazard.

In fact, we have already submitted to NDCC (National Disaster Coordinating Council) the province’s hazard map, said Cabrido.

Mapping of hazard areas in the province is done every year, he said.

Cabrido said the province is “blessed” to be surrounded by other island provinces that serve as buffers against the deadly destruction posed by natural calamities such as strong typhoons.

The President ordered for the national hazard mapping program after landslides triggered by Typhoon Reming killed hundreds of people living in villages at the foot of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

“I am directing the DENR to step up the national hazard mapping program to forewarn vulnerable communities and help increase the capability of local government for early warning and action,” the President said.

A caravan of 200 trucks and other vehicles loaded with relief goods and medical supplies recently left Manila for the Bicol region to distribute the relief items to the victims of super Typhoon "Reming."

Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the caravan dubbed "Malacanan to Mayon Mercy Mission," rolled out of the Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay City at 10 a.m. Other vehicles are expected to join the convoy along the route to Bicol.

El Niño to continue until Sept 07

The abnormal heat wave El Niño phenomenon is seen to continue until September 2007, said Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido.

He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recently issued a bulletin warning of the possible extension of El Niño in the country.

DENR is currently keeping an eye on the water level in the province. “We’re watching closely the water level here, as well as the quality,” said Cabrido.

The water quality monitoring is particularly done on the effluents in waterways near local industries such as Central Azucarera de Bais, Tolong Sugar Mills and URSUMCO.

The weather bureau PAGASA in its El Niño Advisory No. 3 has reported that the heat wave will stretch until the first half of 2007 after El Niño conditions gained strength following the increasing sea surface temperature along the equatorial Pacific.

The advisory warned that initial impacts of the current El Niño event may be felt in the following areas that have been experiencing rainfall deficiencies in the past three months, namely: Benguet, Aklan, Capiz, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

Likewise, Masbate, Antique, Bohol, and most parts of eastern Visayas experienced rainfall deficiencies for the past two months.

Rainfall conditions in November indicate that approximately 70% of the country were below normal, particularly over northeastern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Camarines Norte, Masbate, the whole of Visayas and most parts of Mindanao.

Above normal rainfall conditions were however detected over western sections of Luzon, most parts of Bicol Region, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque and Romblon due to the passage of two tropical cyclones.

Tropical cyclones Queenie and Reming recently ripped through the country, its strong winds and heavy rains triggering mudslides in Albay and caused casualties and damages to properties.

The 24-hour rainfall recorded in Legazpi City on November 30 in the midst of typhoon Reming was 466 millimeters, which is the highest in 40 years, according to PAGASA.

The national government has been on its feet ever since the first disaster of the season and President Gloria Arroyo’s close attention to the typhoon victims has been relentless and undivided.

The President is grateful to all those who have devoted energies and resources to alleviate the sufferings of the people and get communities back on their feet.

The Government beholds with gratitude the outpouring assistance from the Filipino citizens and the rest of the world.

Rotary Club of Dumaguete puts up Dialysis-Aid program

The Rotary club of Dumaguete has approved a program to help kidney patients at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Dialysis Center by reducing the cost of dialysis treatment.

The program, Dialysis-Aid Project, will subsidize the cost of a dialyzer by more than half by selling it at P500 each to a patient. The dialyzer is a machine equipped with semipermeable membrane and used for performing dialysis. It normally costs P1,300 in the market.

Club President and Valencia Mayor Jun Gonzalez Jr said Rotary Club of Dumaguete will continue to implement programs that will truly matter to the lives of people, especially the less fortunate sector of society.

RC-Dumaguete formally launched the program last November 13 during the club visit of District Gov. Fernando “Jun” Almeda, who visited club projects, including the dialysis center at the Negros Oriental Provncial Hospital and distributed free dialyzers to patients..

The NOPH Dialysis Center, established in 1997 , is also a project of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete and is getting equipment support from the Rotary Club of Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

RCD established the center following numerous demand for such facility from dialysis patients. Dr. Kenneth Coo, nephrologists and dialysis center consultant, said there is an increasing number of people in the province in need of dialysis treatment. The center now caters to not less than 50 patients a month.

DG. Almeda, who also visited the Talay Mental Rehabilitation Center during the day, lauded Rotary Club of Dumaguete for undertaking both projects.

“It speaks volume of your commitment to help others. You give hope where others see it a hopeless situation…where others thrown their back, you are there to make their life better,” Almeda said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has fielded out medical teams with ambulances together with 20 trucks with personnel and relief goods contributed by the Armed Forces of the Philipinnes for the 200-vehicle Mayon Mercy Mission.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered the organization of a 200-vehicle convoy to bring much-needed relief and medical aid to the victims of typhoon "Reming," especially in the Bicol area. It will be known as the Malacañang to Mayon Mercy Mission.

Valencia produces organic strawberry

Aside from sweet lanzones, rambutan and durian, the town of Valencia has a new addition to its growing crop of agricultural produce that it is widely known for- organic strawberry.

The Valencia LGU has begun producing organic strawberry, one of the high value crops in the country grown only in Baguio in Luzon and Bukidnon in Mindanao.

The establishment of the strawberry farm in Valencia was made possible through the support of KOICA ( Korea International Cooperation Agency) with its volunteer Allu Kim who introduces modern farming methods of growing the fruit.

The local government of Valencia supported the project as its local officials are convinced this could be another major source of livelihood for Valencianons. Strawberry is sold at farm price of P200 and P250 at the market. The strawberry farm in Valencia has an area of 1,000 sq.m. and is located in the barangays of Pulangbato, Caidiocan , and Bongbong.

The Korean volunteer Kim said he introduced strawberry farming in Valencia considering that no such fruit is grown in the Visayas region and Valencia has suitable sites for this kind of fruit.

He further said farmers don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy seeds since they can produce seedling with ease from its mother plant which is used as planting materials.

“The best characteristic of our harvest is that they are grown organically using the natural farming system (NFS). NFS is one of the most famous organic farming techniques in the Philippines now”, Kim said.

Growing strawberry organically is known to be quite difficult among agriculturist and farmers that is why most of the strawberries in other parts of the country are grown chemically.

Meanwhile, the Arroyo administration continues to work on providing more social impact programs for the people.

The government is working with the backdrop of sustained improving economic indicators i.e. the strong peso now pegged at P49.425:1$ low inflation rate, heightened market and business confidence – the 42% jump of PNOC-EDC shares in the stock market, and the roll back in jeepney fares.

Dauin declared Pinaskuhan, Sayawit Festival champ

The municipality of Dauin walked away victorious from this year’s Pinaskuhan Parol and Sayawit Festival after bagging the championship crown in the two competitions held simultaneously on December 9 at the Cong. Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Center (CLLMSCC).

The coastal town, famous for its world-renowned Apo Island marine sanctuary, bested other local government units as it claimed the championship crown for both the Parol and Sayawit Festival contests.

Dauin Mayor Rodrigo Alanano accepted the awards in behalf of his people and thanked everyone, including the judges and the Provincial Government, for the honor given to his municipality.

For the Parol Competition, second place went to La Libertad, third place to Bayawan City and the fourth to Dumaguete City.

Meanwhile, for the Sayawit Competition, Bayawan City got the second place and Dumaguete City won the third place, respectively.

For Special Categories, the winners are as follows: Best in Choreography, Dumaguete City; Best in Costume, Basay; Best in Musicality, Bayawan City; Most Entertaining, La Libertad; Best in Props and Sets, Sibulan; and Dauin, Best in Accompaniment with a prize of P10,000.

Prizes won by the LGUs for the Sayawit Competitions include P50,000 cash prize for the emerging 2006 Provincial Sayawit Champion, P40,000 for the Second Placer; P30,000 for the Third Prize and P10,000 for consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, the emerging Parol 2006 Champion received P10,000 in cash; P5,000 and P3,000 for the Second and Third Prizes, respectively, and consolation prizes of P1,000 for each non-winning contingent.

The Pinaskuhan Festival is part of the promotion of cultural tourism by the consolidation of Christmas festivities in the province that “foster fellowship, community and cooperation.”

It aims to unify cultural and artistic endeavors and preserve folk traditions by focusing on indigenous creative pursuits such as the crafting of parols and rendition of Philippine carols.

ISSUE NO. 49, Dec. 7, 2006

DOH welcomes more Botika ng Barangay applicants in NegOr

The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 is welcoming more applicants for Botika ng Barangay (BnB) in Oriental Negros as two more local government units here have signified their interest to put up BnBs in their communities.

According to Dr. Thelma Fernandez, BnB Regional Coordinator at the DOH-7 Local Health Assistance office in Cebu, said the local government units in the province have been responsive to the government’s call for the provision of low-cost, but high quality medicines.

“But of course, we welcome more applicants for this program,” said Fernandez.

Around 45 BnBs are now operating in the province within the Sta. Catalina-Bayawan-Basay (Sta. Bayabas) health district, Amlan and Bindoy.

Fernandez disclosed that the Amlan LGU is eyeing to put up BnBs in five more barangays sometime next year.

Valencia town is also scheduled for a training next year.

According to Valencia Information Officer Des Tilos, the municipal government plans to put up a counterpart fund of half a million which will be used to finance the putting up of BnBs.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr. is receptive to the program, which aims to ensure accessibility of low-priced generic over-the-counter drugs in the communities.

“The mayor believes that this program poses livelihood opportunities for barangay residents here. This also part of his administration’s thrust to provide livelihood support and assistance,” Tilos explained.

From the P500,000 counterpart fund, interested BnB operators in Valencia, one in each barangay, will be provided with an interest-free loan to help set up the BnB.

Valencia has a total of 24 barangays.

Tilos said the municipal health board prefers to prioritize applicants who already own stores in the barangay.

It is up to the barangay captains to identify who would avail of the botika program.

The botika program is in line with the Generic Act of 1988 or AO 63 which prescribes to “ensure the adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible cost.

Recently, the government’s half-priced medicines program got a big boost with the signing of an agreement between Interphil Laboratories and the government on the manufacture and distribution of selected generic drugs in the country at the lowest possible costs.

Under the agreement, Interphil, the Zuellig Group’s publicly traded contract pharmaceutical arm in the Philippines, will manufacture some 20 off-patent drugs as part of the President’s commitment to cut the costs of selected drugs for the poor by some 50 percent.

The agreement covers an initial three-year period.

Functional council for children in all CPC-6 focus areas eyed

The Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) of the Country Program for Children (CPC)-6 expects to encourage the setting up of barangay councils for the protection of children (BCPC) before the program ends in 2010.

According to Jennifer Catan-Tilos, Focal Officer of the communications component of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) program, at present only half of CPC-6’s ten focus areas or barangays have functional councils to protect children.

The CPC-6 focus barangays are in Bayawan City, Siaton, Dauin, Bacong, Valencia, Dumaguete City, Sibulan, Tanjay City, Manjuyod, and Guihulngan.

Catan-Tilos, provincial manager of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Negros Oriental, said that based on the program implementation report of CNSP parents in the focus areas have increased their knowledge and have been empowered to respond to child abuse cases.

She said CPC activities conducted have raised awareness in terms of children laws and in responding to protective issues and concerns of CNSP.

The CPC communications officer said that in meetings conducted, participants from different agencies and Barangay officials have realized their different roles to prevent children from abuses especially during disasters.

New housing project to open in Sibulan

Estanzia South Housing Project, another housing project of Firm Builders Realty Development Corp. is set to open its doors in Brgy. Maslog, Sibulan, this province.

Mrs. Aleli Villacorte, project manager, said the land development and selling of the house and lot units are now ongoing.

The official launching of the project and site blessing is slated on February 2, 2007.

Villacorte said 419 units shall be constructed. Potential homeowners can choose from two types of house models, namely the Rowhouse Core Type (lot area of 50 sq.m., floor area 32.4 sq.m.) and the Single Attached Complete Type (lot area 70 sq.m., floor area 32.4 sq.m.).

Estanzia South is about 300 meters off the National Highway and is linked by an existing barangay road, of which a portion of the road will be widened to 10 meters by the developer, said Concepcion Rosales, Sibulan Information Officer.

Some of the project’s amenities include a water treatment facility, basketball court and open spaces for a park and playground.

Villacorte said their primary market targets PAG-IBIG Fund members, government employees, teachers and businessmen who will qualify for housing loans under the PAG-IBIG housing loan program.

PAG-IBIG has recently announced that it has cut the interest rates on its housing loans packages to as low as 6% to low-income members for the second time this year.

Pag-IBIG cuts interest rates on new housing loans

The Home Development Mutual Fund, known as the Pag-IBIG Fund has cut interest rates on its housing loans packages to as low as 6% to low-income members for the second time this year.

However, the PAG-IBIG office in Oriental Negros has yet to wait for the implementation of the cut-down rates.

“We are still adapting the same rates and guidelines at present,” said Julio Carmel Alfarero, Pag-IBIG Fund Provincial Officer-in-Charge.

Alfarero said that they have learned of the new housing loans but they still have to get the official communication for the set of guidelines He added that their office would receive the policies by next week.

Vice President Noli De Castro, chairman of Pag-IBIG Fund Board approved the rate deduction. De Castro, also the chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), said that loan packages up to P300, 000 will have a an interest of 6% from the previous 9%.

“This is our early Christmas gift to the minimum wage earners and government workers,” De Castro said, emphasizing that the new interest rates would have the biggest effects on housing loan packages valued up to P500, 000.

All housing loan packages will now have a maximum term of 30 years. Under the old guidelines, loans over P750, 000 up to P2 million had a maximum payment period of only 20 years. He added that the new rates would apply to new loan applicants, and not on existing loans.

“This is the best time to translate these gains into services that would give our members the best opportunity to become homeowners, “De Castro said. He further credited the Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong financial performance in recent years for the cuts in interest rates.

The new rates for loans of up to P300, 000 would greatly benefit minimum wage earners, or those earning P7, 700 a month, as well as government employees classified under Clerk III and Utility Worker.

Meanwhile, the target-beneficiaries for loans of P500, 000 are employees classified as Teacher I, Police Officer I, and security guards.

Intensity 2 quake felt in Dumaguete

An earthquake measuring 4.9 in magnitude was felt in large parts of Regions 6 and 7 yesterday, Dec. 6, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) here.

Phivolcs recorded the quake at 11:26 in the morning and its epicenter was 123 kms. North, 79 degrees west of Dumaguete or 140 kms south southwest of Iloilo City, according to Henry Villaflores, sience research analyst of Phivolcs here.

The tremor registered intensity 2 in the cities of Dumaguete, Cebu, Tanjay and Ayungon town.

La Carlota, San Jose in Antique, Kabankalan and Bacolod felt the quake at intensity 3 while the strongest tremor hit Iloilo City at intensity 4.

He said the intensity levels were identified based on the description of residents who called up Phivolcs to report the tremors felt in their areas.

No injuries or damages to property have been reported.

The tectonic quake originated from Negros Trench, an active earthquake generator between Negros and Palawan, said Villaflores.

Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

An average of 15 quakes a day occur in the country, said Villaflores.

He recalled that the last time the Negros Trench sent out tremors was in 2002. “We felt a quake in one week and another six days after,” he said.

He added that Phivolcs has tied up with the Department of Education here in the conduct of earthquakes drills in public as well as private school every quarter.

Should strong earthquakes occur, he advised to “duck and cover.” “If you are inside an office, duck or drop down to the floor and hide under a desk, table or other furniture. Make sure it is sturdy enough,” he said.

If outdoors, and the quake is too strong for you to remain standing, lie down on the ground. “But be aware of your surroundings,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, although hopes of finding survivors continue to dim, authorities have decided to prolong by 10 days their rescue efforts for victims of the mudslide from Mayon Volcano.

Some local government officials had practically given up hopes of finding more survivors as the death toll from super typhoon continued to rise until Wednesday morning.

In its advisory, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) the number of confirmed fatalities had risen to 543. Those missing or feared dead now numbered 740.

People injured during the typhoon rose to 1,861, the NDCC said.

Rape cases in NegOr up
Law is on your side, women victims told

Before this year is up, rape cases reported in the province could double from the figures recorded last year.

Records from the Provincial Police Office here show that 98 rape cases have already been reported to the Provincial Women’s and Children’s Desk Office from January to November this year.

Last year, a total of 57 rape cases were reported.

It’s possible that by the end of this year more rape cases would have been reported, said P/SInsp. Rosalinda Abellon, Provincial Women’s and Children’s Desk Officer at the Provincial Police Office in Agan-An-, Sibulan.

Abellon, who spoke during the Kapihan forum, said that although she’s sad that rape cases have been on the rise this year, there is also a reason to take it positively. “I’m also happy because this means more women and children victims are coming out. Probably because they know now that the police can help them,” she said.

Abellon believes that more women are now aware that the law will help and protect them under the RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.

The Anti-VAWC Act penalizes any act of violence against women and their children as a public crime.

Cecilia Hoffman of the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), in the same forum said that times have now changed as violence against women, particularly domestic violence, which once was kept under wraps has now been criminalized.

“Before, gihilum ra ang women violence cases. Now, we are all obliged to put a stop to it,” said Hoffman.

“This law is an eye-opener…it criminalizes what was considered normal before, that is hurting a woman or a child,” she said.

She stressed that the country’s “wrong culture” when it comes to how the woman is treated has allowed misconceptions about violence on women to thrive.

But with RA 9262, “this is one way to correct this misconception.”

Since the law has been implemented, Abellon said her office has issued several warrants of arrests in the province.

The law also serves as a deterrent to abusive situations. A bail bond of P120,000 is more than enough to scare would-be perpetrators, said Abellon.

Both Abellon and Hoffman assured women and children victims of abuse and exploitation here that the law will work for them if only they come out and report the abuse.

CV economy up in 3rd quarter; agri sector below par

Central Visayas’ economic performance in the third quarter tip to a higher growth, which tourism, retail trade and construction showed a good performance. This was reported by the National Economic Development Authority during the full council meeting of the Regional Development Council last week here in Dumaguete City.

However, the agriculture sector continued to perform below par in the third quarter. Only palay continued to post positive growth throughout the year. Palay output of 26,612 metric tons was higher by 45.5 percent than last year.

The increase was a result of the expansion of the harvest area, which totaled 8,035 hectares. Many of the new areas harvested to palay were in Canlaon City, Sta. Catalina, Siaton and Basay in Oriental Negros.

The retail industry’s good performance in the third quarter has been attributed to the brisk tourism activities which raised the demand for souvenir items and increased consumption at hotels and restaurants, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Tourism and professional service industries are in for a windfall with the start of the Summit Dec. 10 and the preliminary meetings Dec. 6. The boost to the tourism sector, according to the report, will eventually benefit the retail trade industry.

The construction industry also posted a good performance with many projects in the implementation stage. Modest growth was also observed in the transportation industry

Domestic flights departing and arriving at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport have risen by almost six percent after local companies increased operations in Central Visayas.

Various events in Cebu have also increased the number of passenger arrivals at the airport with the 27th ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Organization General Assembly alone drawing 300 delegates.

The Special Senior Officials Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry also brought in 60 delegates.

Visitor arrivals in Central Visayas from January to September reached some 1.2 million, about 11 percent higher than last year’s, according to the (Regional Economic Situationer) RES.

Public Service Announcement

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, will hold a free movie showing on Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Freedom Park Stage, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

The public is invited to watch the movie “The Testaments of One Fold One Shepherd” which is inspired from the scripture found in John 10:16 of the New Testament: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.”

Alipio T. Lomoljo, District President, in a statement said the movie produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, depicts the life of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem while dramatizing the event described in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ from approximately the same time period.

The movie’s climax occurs after Christ’s resurrection, when Jesus appears in America.

ISSUE NO. 48, November 30, 2006

CHO warns against HIV/AIDS

The City Health Office here warned against the possible entry of HIV/AIDS virus in the city during the recent Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency here.

According to Dr. Ralph Borromeo, medical officer of the City Health Office (CHO), the existence of commercial sex workers in the city heightens the risk AIDS cases in the city.

There are currently no reported HIV/AIDS cases in the province, disclosed Flordeliza Dublas, HIV/AIDS Coordinator of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Borromeo explained that HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not transmitted only via sexual contact but also by blood transfusion, breastfeeding from an infected mother, or through a needle prick.

The medical officer expressed concern over CHO’s lack of proper facilities to check for HIV and hepatitis.

He said that these facilities are available in private hospitals here at a cost of around P100, which he says local commercial sex workers cannot afford to pay during regular check-ups.

HIV tests are done every 6 months, says Dr. Jonathan Erasmo, Regional HIV Coordinator of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7.

In the same forum, Erasmo disclosed that 25 new HIV Ab seropositive cases have been reported in September 2006, bringing to 2,655 the total number of HIV Ab seropositiv cases reported from January 1984 to September 2006.

Surveillance of HIV cases at DOH’s National Epidemiology Center started in 1984.

The center’s records show that of the total, 1,913 (72%) are symptomatic while 742 (28%) are AIDS cases.

Majority or 57% of the cases are in the 25-39 year age group and 64% of the persons infected are males.

Sexual intercourse (87%) remains the leading mode of transmission, of which heterosexual contact (1,659) ranked high on the list, followed by homosexual contact (497) and bisexual contact (148).

Of the AIDS cases reported, 290 (30%) were already dead at the time of the report due to AIDS-related complications.

Statistics also show that of the total HIV cases reported from 1984, 35% (929) are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), of which 34% (313) are seafarers, 17% (162) domestic helpers, 9% (81) employees, 8% (72) entertainers and 6% (58) health workers.

Around 73% of the affected OFWs are males and majority (56%) are in the 25-39 year age group.

Toll on oil tankers sought

The Regional Development Council (RDC) has passed a resolution referring to MARINA for study and appropriate action the proposal to institute toll on oil tankers passing through inner seas yesterday during the RDC full council meeting here.

The proposal was an offshoot of the Guimaras Oil Spill, considered the country’s worst environmental disaster that was affecting the health and livelihood of people in the island.

The funds collected will be used for clean-up activities in the event of another oil spill and for marine disaster mitigation. This proposal could be included among the preventive measures under discussion at the national level upon the direction of President Gloria Arroyo to prevent another oil spill.

Therefore, MARINA as an appropriate maritime government authority is tasked to evaluate the proposal in formulating plans, policies, standards, procedures, rules and regulations which include enforcing rules for the prevention of marine pollution in navigable waters of the Philippines. MARINA will also undertake researches, studies and submitting reports and recommendations to the council.

The RDC also cited that the proposed toll on oil tankers may also require the support of the local government units. Section 155 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines provides that the sanngunian may prescribe the terms and conditions and fix the rates for the imposition of toll fees or charges for the use of any public road, pier or wharf, waterway, bridge, ferry or telecommunications system funded and constructed by the LGU concerned.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Arroyo has expressed alarm over the recent oil spill in Misamis Occidental.

The barge Ras carrying thousands of sacks of oil debris from the Guimaras oil spill has sunk in rough seas off the coastal town of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental late Monday island of Mindanao.

The President has demanded an explanation from Task Force Guimaras as to what really happened.

The DOTC and other concerned agencies have already started the investigation and Task Force Guimaras is mapping out measures to contain any damaging effects to the communities and the environment.

According to Philippine Maritime Industry Authority enforcement chief Arnie Santiago, the barge was being towed by tugboat Vega when huge waves caused it to sink.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Oil Spill Response Team is now headed to the area where the barge carrying nearly 630 tons oil debris sank. PCG spokesman Lt. Commander Joseph Coyme said the team is tasked to analyze the effects of the incident and to identify solutions.

The PCG will also probe if the MARINA approved the barge's sail.It is unfortunate that this tragedy occurred while we are still striving to fully recover from the Guimaras oil spill.

OPAPP, UNDP, PIA hold media dialogue on peace process

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is spearheading a multi-sectoral media dialogue on the peace process at the South Sea Beach Resort, Brgy. Bantayan on November 30.

The dialogue here is the second since a similar one was held in Pampanga last November 23.

The media dialogue aims to orient journalists on overall principles and strategies adopted by the Philippine Government and other sectors in pursuing peace while seeking to clarify current and emerging policy issues affecting the peace process and their implications on media reporting.

It also aims to define the role of mass media as a major stakeholder in conflict prevention and peace building and seeks to revisit policy options and guidelines on media coverage of the peace process from past forums.

Invited speakers in the dialogue include Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, who will speak on the Peace Agenda and Dr. Crispin Maslog and Ramon R. Tuazon of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication.

Dr. Maslog will talk on the topic Peace Journalism.

The other speaker/panelists are Chief Supt. Sammy Pagbilao of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Jose Pavia of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), and Rey Hulog of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City-NPA members belonging to the combined group of Plager Magtanggol and Komiteng Seksyon sa Platun (KSPN) Buela of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla 41 were cornered in the Bondoc Peninsula recently.

Dyno Nobel changes corporate name

Dyno Nobel is now ORICA Nitrates Philippines, Inc. after the company’s ownership changed hands, disclosed Engr. Arthur Ylaga, resident manager of Orica Nitrates Philippines in Bacong, this province.

Ylagan said the former Dyno Nobel Philippines, Inc situated in Brgy. San Miguel, Bacong town, is now a member of ORICA, one of the world’s two largest manufacturers of commercial explosives and initiation with head office at Melbourne Australia.

“We also have a new logo, but our office address, telephone and telefax numbers remain unchanged,” said Ylagan.

The change of name followed the filing of the Certificate of Amended Articles of Incorporation approved and adopted last March 8 by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and by the vote of the stockholders owning or representing at least two-thirds of the outstanding capital stock.

Merle P. Cunanan, director of the Cebu Extension office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signed her approval of the certificate filed on October 31.

Orica is the world’s leading provider of commercial blasting solutions that are safety-focused, cost-effective, accurate and flexible, according to its website.

Its products range into broad segments including initiating systems, ammonium nitrate, bulk explosives, and packaged explosives.

Orica’s acquisition of parts of Dyno Nobel’s commercial explosives business was completed in June 2006.

The acquisition is seen as highly complementary to Orica’s services and operations and provides significant opportunities for synergy and growth.

TESDA urged to focus on 3 in-demand courses

TESDA NegOr soon to offer welding course

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants the curriculum being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) under its Training for Work Scholarship Project (TWSP) to focus more on training skilled welders, call center agents and butchers.

The President said she wanted the shift to these three courses due to the growing demand for employees skilled in these crafts.

As of now, the TWSP has courses in Hotel and Restaurant Management (housekeeping, commercial cooking, food and beverage services, front office, bartending), Nursing (caregiving, healthcare services and midwifery), Communication and Information Technology (PC operation, computer hardware servicing and programming).

In Oriental Negros, TESDA has finished training 50 trainees, or equivalent to two batches, for call center agents at ACSAT, the registered call center training center here under the TWSP.

“We are now preparing for the training of the third batch which will possibly start on the first week of December,” said Tubog.

The training on slaughtering operation for butchers here is also likely to start in the same period. Tubog said they are looking at holding the training for the first and second batches simultaneously.

Each batch will be composed of 25 trainees.

As for welding, Tubog said this course will soon be offered as registration for the course’s training center, the newly-inaugurated Oriental Negros Provincial Integrated Skills Training Center, is still ongoing.

The President has earlier said that TESDA should focus more on training welders, call center agents and butchers because of the large demand for these workers.

She noted that there are 20,000 job opening for welders, 30,000 for butchers while the call center industry is in constant need of agents to fill their growing roster of employees.

Congress approves 2006 Biofuels Act

The Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee has approved the 2006 Biofuels Act, a move praised by Malacañang as it believes that the landmark legislation will generate huge savings for the country on imported fuel.

According to Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been pushing for the speedy congressional approval of the measure to wean the country away from its dependence on imported fossil fuel.

The Bayawan City government has been one of the local government units to respond to the President’s call for the promotion of alternative and renewable energy resources.

The local government unit earlier announced its intention to put up a biofuel equipment following the wave of oil price increases that hit the country early this year.

Bayawan City Mayor German P. Saraña disclosed in a previous interview that the city government’s vehicle, which previously ran on diesel, has been converted to 50 percent biodiesel.

The mayor made the announcement following the 1^st Biofuels Lecture and Demonstration recently conducted in the City, during which internationally-renowned Biofuels researcher and developer Dr. Rico O. Cruz demonstrated how to “concoct” biofuel from coconut crude oil, ethanol and a catalyst.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that once the Biofuels Act becomes a law, the government could save up to P3 billion annually in oil import costs.

The Philippines currently imports 30% of its fuel requirements.

The Act ordains a minimum 1 percent of biofuel added to diesel within the first year of its effectivity and 4 to 5 percent within two years.

It also provides tax exemptions, financial assistance and other incentives to encourage investments in biofuels.

Aside from generating huge savings for the country, the Act would also lead to the reduction of pollution caused by fossil fuels’ emissions.

RDC endorses Camp Leon Kilat improvement

The Regional Development Council (RDC) has endorsed the proposed project on the improvement of Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City to the Department of National Defense for funding today (Nov 28) during its RDC full council meeting here in Dumaguete City.

Camp Leon Kilat is a military camp located in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Viejo, Tanjay City which needs improvement on the dilapidated facilities to enhance the capability of the military and police to maintain peace in the area.

The proposed improvement of the facilities of the camp will entail a total cost of P10 million which is requested to be funded by the Department of National Defense.

The camp housed the 703rd Community Defense Center (CDC), 7th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDC), Army Reserved Command (ARESCOM), Philippine Army (PA) and the Mobile Force of the Philippine National Police of the Provincial Command.

At present, most of the structures in the camp are in bad state and obsolete facilities such as the water and drainage.

The proposed project involves the improvement of the facilities and landscaping such as the construction of bachelor officers’ quarters, new drainage system, concrete fencing, rehabilitation of warehouse, mess hall and road improvement.

Hence, RDC resolution stated that Development Administration Committee determined the proposed project to be consistent with the strategy in the Regional Development Plan of improving the efficiency of the military and police by upgrading facilities, and thus recommended its endorsement to the DND.

Meanwhile, portions of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of some local government units and villages in Southern Luzon go to the coffers of the communist New People’s Army rebels, military officials alleged recently.

Maj. Ramon Rosario, commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Southern Luzon, said some municipal and village officials in the Bicol region have been allotting at least 10 percent of their IRA for communist rebels.

“But lately the NPA wants their share of the IRA to increase to 25 percent. The officials have resisted and most of them are now seeking the help of government forces to end the extortion,” Rosario said.

Lt. Col. Rhoderick Parayno, spokesperson of the military’s Southern Luzon Command based here in Camp Nakar, said they also received reports that portions of the IRA of some municipalities, and even villages, in some parts of Southern Tagalog were being used to pay taxes to the rebels.

“Those government officials kowtowing (sic) with the enemies should now think twice. The enemies are robbing their own people and yet they were all willing participants,” Parayno said. (JCT)

ISSUE NO. 47, November 23, 2006

(L-R): NORDAPC Action Officer Fernando Martinez, PDEA Assistant Team Leader PO2 Glenn Corsame, P/Insp. Jerry Camarador of PNP-OrNeg, CIty Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos and PIA Infocen Manager Jenny Catan-Tilos.

NORDAPC Action Officer Fernando Martinez

City Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos

(L-R): PO2 Corsame of PDEA and P/Insp. Camarador.

OrNeg, Dgte at high risk of teeming with illegal drug activities

Young people need to be monitored – Carlos

If you’re single, below 30 years old, receiving an income or allowance of at least P4,700 and live in an urban area like Dumaguete City, then you’re at high risk of becoming a drug addict.

City Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos warned that based on the profile of current Filipino drug users released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), chances are high that an urban center like Dumaguete City will soon teem with illegal drug activities.

Carlos, quoting data released by PDEA, said that majority of the young people living in Dumaguete City and Oriental Negros fit the profile of the current Filipino drug users in the country.

According to PDEA, most of the drug users are between 22 to 29 years old, single and have access to money of at least P4,700.00 whether from allowance or income.

A study done in 2004 pegs the total illegal drug users in the country at 6.8 million, a big leap from the 3.4 million recorded in 1999.

Of the total, more than 80 percent live in urban areas.

“Based on that data, Dumaguete City is at high risk. A lot of people here are young, have access to income or allowance and the selling of shabu exists in the city,” said Carlos.

Being a university town of which 1/3 of the total population are students, student population can reach up to 100,000 during daytime, said Carlos.

From Carlos’ observation, the way the students spend their free time is not helping either. “The favorite pastime of teens here is this: going out on gimmicks on Wednesday and Friday nights, smoking cigarettes and drinking liquor or beer. These two are gateway drugs,” he stressed.

Carlos explained that cigarettes and liquor are dubbed as gateway drugs because it will lead to the use of illegal drugs.

This situation is aggravated by the absence of neither parents nor guardians as most students here are from far places. “If they are not monitored…the possibility that they will be involved in illegal drugs is medyo mataas,” he added.

The police chief cautioned parents to see to it that their children here are monitored if not by them then by their guardians. “Even if the parents are far, dapat ma-monitor ang mga bata. Because of these conditions, it’s a big possibility that we here will be highly affected by (illegal drugs),” said Carlos.

Carlos, who was speaking during the Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), sounded the alarm in an effort to contain the illegal drugs problem in the city.

He warned that the four critical entry and exit points of illegal drugs shipment identified by PDEA exist in the city – airports, seaports, mail system, and shoreline. “We have all these critical entry and exit points here. The problem is these points are not properly guarded,” disclosed Carlos.

The police chief said that the police, PDEA and the local government units are doing all they can to crack down on the illegal drugs activities here.

“The point here is not the number of arrests we do in a year, but more on community involvement and how we can work hand in hand…we have to raise our guard,” he stressed.

Meantime, police authorities raided a suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) laboratory inside an activated charcoal factory owned by a family in Barangay (village) Sinawilan, Digos City recently, Mayor Arsenio Latasa said.

Latasa, who joined the raiding team composed of elements of the city police and the 103rd Provincial Police Mobile Group, said they confiscated about a kilo of a processed substance believed to be “shabu,” chemicals, and equipment suspected to be used in manufacturing drugs.

He said the substance and chemicals had been sent to the police crime laboratory for analysis.

He said six persons, including a son of the factory owner, were arrested.

104 barangays in OrNeg drug-affected

The number of drug-affected barangays in Oriental Negros comprise 33 percent of the total drug-affected barangays in Region 7.

This was bared by City Police Chief Dionardo Carlos as he quoted the figures released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a recent forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency here.

PDEA records show a total of 104 barangays in Oriental Negros have been identified to be drug-affected, which is 33 percent of the total 367 drug-affected barangays in Region 7.

On the other hand, around 367 drug personalities are in the watch list of local law enforcers, a number that has been increasing in the past years, according to Fernando Martinez, action officer of the Negos Oriental Drug Abuse Prevention Coucil (NORDAPC).

NORDAPC has been undertaking efforts to shore up drug abuse prevention activities in the province as well as support the local law enforcement in cracking down on illegal drugs operations here.

From January to November in 2005, more than 100 illegal drugs-related arrests have been made in the province but this fell to only around 82 ant-narcotics operations in the same period this year, revealed PO2 Glenn Corsame, assistant team leader of PDEA here, in the same forum.

PDEA is the lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs here.

Corsame urged the public to pitch in their share in solving the drug problem. “Success does not rely solely on the enforcers. Just give us the information we need, we’ll do the rest,” he said.

Carlos warned that Dumaguete City and the province are at high risk of a worsening drug problem as he ticked off the conditions that make the city and province vulnerable to an illegal drugs crisis.

The first condition, according to Carlos, is the presence of “consumers” of illegal drugs in the city. “Young people here have access to money and they are single, so the possibility of having a high demand is here,” he said.

PDEA, in a recent study, described the profile of current Filipino drug users as between 22 to 29 years, single, have access to at least P4,700 either from income or allowance and majority live in urban areas like Dumaguete City.

“Secondly, our market is open. Our entry and exit points here – seaports, airports, mail systems, shorelines – are not totally guarded. So the opportunity to flood the market with illegal drugs is high,” he stressed.

Aside from this, approximately half of the drug cases filed in court have either been dismissed or acquitted, according to Martinez.

Of the 143 cases filed this year, Martinez said roughly 76 have either been dismissed or acquitted.

The NORDAPC action officer said the council is set to conduct trainings and enhancement and education programs for police personnel to guide them on how to properly handle drug cases.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested recently the alleged operator of the "shabu [methamphetamine hydrochloride] tiangge [market]" raided in Pasig City last February and one of his wives.

NBI-National Capital Region Chief Ruel Lasala identified the suspect as Amin Imam Buratong, 34, a native of Marawi City, and his wife Sheryll Molera, 22.

The suspects were presented at the Presidential Security Group compound to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who called the arrests a "breakthrough" in the government's drive against illegal drugs.

OrNeg’s malnutrition rate dips to 11.4%

The nutritional status of children in Oriental Negros continues to show a marked improvement after the province’s malnutrition rate dipped to 11.4% this year from 14.1% last year.

The province’s malnutrition rate in 2004 is 18.9%, a decrease by 7.6% compared to this year’s figure.

Based on the Operation Timbang conducted by the Provincial Health Office this year, Mabinay showed the most number of malnourished children with a rate of 22.2% for Mabinay I and 19.2% for Mabinay 2, ranking 1st and 3rd for each area, respectively.

Mabinay has two health stations, owing to its vast area and population.

Vallehermoso ranked second with 19.6%.

Last year, Mabinay 1 also registered the highest malnutrition rate followed by Vallehermoso and Manjuyod.

According to Dr. Bernarda Cortes, consultant for the province’s nutrition program, although they are slowly starting to notice a small improvement in Mabinay’s nutritional condition, much still needs to be done.

“The Mabinay local government is very supportive in the province’s nutrition programs. But, sadly, the parents there are not too supportive of it,” said Cortes.

She noted that Mabinay have vast sugar cane areas and the incidence of child labor in the town are some of the factors that hinder the children in the area from getting the nutritious food that they need.

In view of this, Cortes revealed that Mabinay 1 and 2 and Vallehermoso are this year’s recipients of the province’s milk feeding program.

“I hope that this situation soon changes, so maybe next year we hope to see an improvement in the malnutrition rate in these areas,” she said.

Operation Timbang weighed a total of 188,446 pre-schoolers aging 0 to 71 months out of the total target of 221,792 in the province’s 22 towns and three cities.

Among the cities, Bais City tops the list of those with high malnutrition rate at 14.7 percent, followed by Canlaon City with 11.8 percent, and Tanjay 1 health district with 9.8 percent.

Meanwhile, the country, as a matter of national policy, supports and promotes breastfeeding and adheres to reasonably strict standards for the entry of infant milk formula products in the Philippines.

The Secretary of Health is the point person on this issue and is acting in accordance with national interest without straining the diplomatic and trading ties with any nation.

The IRR being questioned is already undergoing a review to address the comments of the US Chamber of Commerce.

The public is assured that all milk products sold in the market have been inspected and passed quality control checks by the BFAD.

Sibulan puts up 3-bed dispensary unit

The Sibulan municipal government is putting up a three-bed dispensary room at the back of the municipal health center in a bid to further enhance the municipality’s health services.

According to Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia, the said project will facilitate the municipal health center’s services to Sibulan residents, particularly those from far-flung areas who need immediate urgent treatment or medication.

“Once Sibulan has is own dispensary unit, there is no more need for patients with minor health problem to travel to the Provincial Hospital ,” said Renacia.

Construction of the dispensary unit, which started in November 2, 2006, is pegged to be completed by the end of November this year.

The project worth P180,000 was sourced out from the municipality’s PhilHealth Capitalization Fund, said Sibulan Information Officer Connie Rosales.

Rosales said Sibulan has a Municipal Health Doctor, Dr. Merlina Papas, serving a town population comprised of more than 40,000.

Meanwhile, the dengue outbreak at a relocation site in Cabuyao, Laguna – a pet project of Vice President Noli de Castro – is now "under control", Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Thursday.

The health secretary said that they have put measures in place at Southville to protect from the mosquito-borne disease some 8,000 families relocated from communities that lined railways.

Duque noted that the health department recorded 11 dengue cases, including three deaths, at Southville, one of De Castro’s projects as concurrent Housing Secretary.

The health secretary also said they have asked for P11 million from the National Housing Authority (NHA) to build a health center in Southville. Part of the requested fund would be used to fund the expenses of patients who would be referred to hospitals outside of the relocation site.

Union Bank urged to open more branches in Central Visayas

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is urged to negotiate with Union Bank to open branches in areas in the region that do not have a Union Bank branch or automated teller machine (ATM).

The Regional Development Council in CARAGA is seeking the support of the Regional Development Council (RDC) here in its call for GSIS to arrange with Union Bank for the opening of branches or ATMs in strategic areas in the region to service GSIS members’ E-Card transactions.

GSIS has earlier implemented the E-Card where all loans, claims and other GSIS proceeds are released through the E-Card facility, which functions among others as an ATM account.

GSIS awarded the E-Card servicing to Union Bank, which the CARAGA-RDC notes has limited number of branches and ATMs in some areas in the country.

In its resolution, the CARAGA-RDC said there are only 11 Union Bank branches in Central Visayas; 10 are located in Metro Cebu and one in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The ATMs of Union Bank, on the other hand, are available only in Metro Cebu, while there is no Union Bank branch in Oriental Negros and Siquijor provinces.

Should GSIS or Union Bank not respond to the RDC’s call, the resolution recommends that GSIS or Union Bank should absorb the service charges now being shouldered by GSIS members when they transact through other banks in areas without a Union Bank branch or ATM.

GSIS members in areas without a Union Bank branch or ATM are forced to make a transaction in the ATMs of other banks affiliated with the same electronic network.

However, members are charged a service fee for every transaction, which is deducted from their account.

The CARAGA RDC sees the service charge as “unfair since the same service is available for free in areas covered by the Union Bank.”

The said resolution is set to be taken up during the RDC Full Council Meeting on November 28 in Dumaguete City.

Governor George P. Arnaiz currently sits as the RDC chairman.

PCA urges LGUs to pass ordinances for prevention of coconut pests, diseases

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is urging local government units in Region 7 to brace efforts to prevent the entry of coconut pests and diseases into the region.

PCA 7 Regional Manager Atty. Deodiro B. Ravelo, in the Regional Development Council-Economic Development Committee meeting held November 16, said that local government units that are at risk of an attack of coconut pests and diseases in the region should pass ordinances that would prevent the entry of coconut pests and viroids.

Cadang-cadang disease is a viroid that can potentially wipe out a vast hectarage of productive coconut trees. The disease has triggered the ban on the export of coconut products to Taiwan, particularly fresh buko, while Bicol provinces and parts of Eastern Visayas have also been affected.

PCA warns that Central Visayas is at risk of being affected due to its proximity and transport accessibility to the affected regions.

Another coconut pest is brontispa longgisima, a new strain of pest that has invaded the country particularly in the Luzon areas. According to PCA, losses to the world coconut industry from this pest is placed at US$17.8 million in 1999 to 2002.

PCA-7 strongly urged the local government units in the region which are located in areas fronting the affected provinces to pass ordinances preventing the entry of the coconut pests and diseases.

The coconut authority is also set to conduct information and education campaigns in the provinces and assist LGUs in drafting and implementing the ordinances.

Meanwhile, the Philippines will get €1.3 million of the €7-million that the European Commission (EC) has allotted as humanitarian aid to help the 1.5 million most vulnerable people in Southeast Asia on disaster preparedness.

A statement from the Delegation of the EC to the Philippines said the country’s allocation will be for four projects involving the reduction of the impact of floods, landslides and typhoons in the country’s most exposed communities, where some 70,000 people live.

These projects will identify recurrent hazards, undertake mapping and help the communities prepare for these disasters and mitigate their effects.

The €7-million assistance to Southeast Asia seeks “to improve the capacities of communities at risk to better prepare for and protect themselves against natural disasters.”

Siquijor gets P5M initial release for ECCD program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC) here released last month some P5,036,770.40 to support expansion of existing Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program and establishment of ECCD system in Siquijor province based on the 2006 work and financial plan.

Ready for release to the municipal local government units (LGUs) here, the initial release is part of the P20,625,000 budget for the province’s ECCD program that calls for 80-20 percent sharing from the council and the local government. Based on the sharing P16.5 million comes from the council for the welfare of children and P4.125 million from the LGUs as their counterpart.

Earlier, Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua committed to shoulder the P2 million out of the P4.125M required counterpart. The remaining amount will be equally shared by the six municipal local government units (LGUs).

So far, the six LGUs has put up a total of P946,184.99 – P201,184.99 of which comes from the municipality of Maria, P200,000 from Lazi, P175,000 from Enrique Villanueva, P132,000 from San Juan, and P120,000 from Larena.

Approved project for 2006 are barangay health stations (BHs) upgrading, procurement of medicines, equipment, supplies and materials, micronutrients supplement, training, supplemental feeding, deworming, Day Care Centers upgrading and/or construction and expanded pre-school, among others.

Also part of the ECCD program, livelihood project for 30 mothers of malnourished children in one barangay willl be implemented soon, Evelyn Senajon, ECCD regional coordinator said.

Meanwhile, Senajon urges LGUs to strengthen the barangay councils for the protection of children (BCPC) and make good in the implementation of projects for the children in each municipality to qualify for the search for child-friendly LGUs. One of the indicators, she said, is the BCPC.

Meanwhile, the different government agencies are taking aggressive action to carry good tidings directly to the people as part of the administration’s caravan for national unity.

Malacanang officials said the government is making sure each Filipino benefits from the country’s economic growth -- pump priming in the countryside through massive infrastructure in line with the super regions scheme, investing in education and health, giving pay hike for state workers, and fast tracking agricultural modernization. (pia)

Volunteerism strong in Siquijor; basic introductory course for VPAs held

At least 25 enthusiastic people in Siquijor province signified a strong support to the Volunteer Aid Probation Program of the Parole Probation Administration Office.

They were the participants of a two-day seminar conducted by the office which served as a basic introductory training course for Volunteer Probation Aides in the province.

Speakers during the training were Senior Parole & Probation Officer and Cluster Coordinator for NegOr-Siquijor VPAs Rene Remollo, Reg’l Coordinator Bernadette Garcia, SPPO Juanita Tia of Dumaguete City and SPPO Maria Marillo of Bayawan City . The speakers talked on the legal basis of the program in the context of the Adult Probation Law of 1976, the Criminal Justice System, and the Concept and Process of Restorative Justice, qualifications, duties/functions of VPAs, etc,

According to the speakers, the VPAs will serve as the deputized representatives of the Parole & Probation Office. The program, they said, envisions the development of peace and reduce incidence of criminality in the country through a community-based treatment which is probation.

This therapeutic community will help rehabilitate the clients and promote human and social transformation, the speakers said.

The training ended with the election of set of officers for the year, as follows:

President -Ferdelina Achay; Vice President-Victor Rubi; Secretary-Marna Rocamora; Treasurer-Alberto Ocay; PRO-Renan Ansing; Board of Directors- Siquijor: Bernabe Ledesma; San Juan-Dario Ocay; Maria-Wilmar Sarupan; Larena-Leonardo Lingcay; E. Villanueva-Cesario Alcala; Liason Officers/Sgt.at Arms: 1st District (larena, E. Vinnaueva & Siquijor): Pabio Balingit; 2nd District (Maria-Lazi-San Juan): Wenceslao Suan; Adviser: PPO II Mario Q,. Rocamora..

Inducting Officer was Mayor Gold Calibo of Larena.

DTI strengthens consumer empowerment drive

With the inevitable increase in prices of most basic commodities, the Department of Trade and Industry here is intensifying its consumer welfare and protection program in order to become an effective watchdog against unfair trade practice.

The DTI said the effort is aimed to empower consumers and to continue to provide effective linkages as well as information network system to consumers,.

According to the DTI, the agency continues to strengthen and intensify the educational and information campaign as well as the effective implementation of Fair Trade Laws through the Bantay Presyo/Bantay Bilihin Program.

In line with this is the estanlishment of consumer welfare desks established in cooperation with the private sector and local government units in Siquijor.

Likewise, ConsumerNet, a networking of organization of government agencies and private sector organizations involved in consumer advocacy, was a brainchild of the DTI to speed up actions on consumer issues.

In protecting consumers against substandard products, DTI strictly enforces laws on intellectual property rights through the organization of the Bureau of Patents, Trademark and Technology Transfer (BPTTT) into Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The DTI Provincial Office also conducted more consumer education and seminars designed to make people aware of their rights as consumers.

To strongly push for consumerism, DTI formed the consumer welfare group composed of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP), BPTTT and related divisions from its regional offices.

Meanwhile, Malacanang officials said that the predictions on the world economy can go up and down, but the Government believes that the Philippines can beat the odds and keep the momentum already gained.

Increasing political and economic stability, steady growth of trade and investment, aggressive and balanced diplomatic offensives, and Philippines as a niche of excellence in the world are the factors that will continue to come together to keep confidence and growth up amidst any bearish trends.

The Philippines ’ resilient and diverse economy, a people gearing for the prize in world competition, and the momentum carried by the solid stewardship of the Administration backed by the people can no longer be stifled.