VALENCIA, Negros Oriental-- Some 300 residents of Oriental Negros became the latest recipients of the government's land title distribution program "Handog Titulo Alay ng Pangulo" of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when they received their land titles on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, in time for the 20th EDSA People's Power anniversary celebration.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) in Charge Antonio Cabrido and Register of Deeds Atty. May Flor Duka distributed the land titles in a simple ceremony attended by local officials of the municipality of Valencia headed by Mayor Rodolfo V. Gonzalez Jr.
The owners who received their land titles for free were from the towns of Valencia, Bacong, Dauin and Zamboanguita.
Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. said the land title distribution program give the true meaning of people power where residents can now claim true ownership of their lands.
The free land title distribution program is one of the 10-point agenda of the President.
Last month, some 250 farmers also received their CLOAs to own the land they tilled inside the PNOC reservation area in the town of Valencia. The farmers, who had been tilling the land for decades, now own them under Presidential Proclamation No. 1413.
2/23/2006
ISSUE NO. 8, February 23, 2006
NegOr allocates P500,000 for landslide victims in St. Bernard
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here has allocated P500,000 as assistance to the families of victims of the recent massive landslide in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.
This developed after Governor George P. Arnaiz requested the provincial board to set aside P500,000 to be taken from the calamity fund to help about 200,000 families who were affected by the tragedy that struck St. Bernard town, which the governor described as a "disaster of such magnitude that requires all out support."
In his letter, Gov. Arnaiz said the landslide have "caused untold miseries not only to families of those buried under mud and debris but to the rest of humankind."
The governor is set to convene the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here next week following PAG-ASA's recent report that above average rainfall conditions caused by La Niña could possibly last until May this year.
Gov. Arnaiz is calling on all local chief executives and residents to particularly those who live in low-lying and flash flood prone areas in the province to beware and be prepared for heavy rainfall brought about by the La Niña Phenomenon.
The PDCC has earlier identified several areas in the province that are prone to landslide, typhoon and flash floods.
Typhoon-prone areas are Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad and Vaellhermoso, while the flood-prone areas are Vallehermoso, Guihulngnan, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Bais City, Tanjay, Pamplona, Amlan, Sibulan Dumaguete City, Bacong, Siaton, Bayawan City and Sta. Catalina.
Areas tagged as landslide-prone are Canlaon City, Manjuyod-Himampangon, Bais-Mabinay, Dauis-Mabinay, Mabinay-Bayawan and Sta Catalina.
In 2003, seven people died in a landslide that occurred in the mountain area of Sta. Catalina and several families were evacuated, according to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.
Several flashfloods also occurred in Bayawan City, Basay and Sta. Catalina in 2004, which denuded forested areas and destroyed roads, prompting the PDCC to provide medical, food and clothing assistance.
Lemence said in the wake of the flash floods, the governor spearheaded re-greening activities in the hinterland areas in the province to prevent tragedies such as those that hit Ormoc and St. Bernard.
PGMA allots P500M for provinces struck by flashfloods
With the onset of heavier-than-normal rainfall brought about by La Niña Phenomenon, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently allotted P500 million to fund the construction of water-impounding structures in the various provinces affected by the recent floods across the country.
Pres. Arroyo during the recent Regional Development Council 2 meeting in Tugeugarao City announced that the P500M will serve as the government's counterpart fund for water-impounding projects and small irrigation systems.
She pointed out that a water-impounding structure would act like a catch basin "saving" floodwaters rampaging down the Cagayan River from damaging crops, infrastructure and lives. It would be then used to irrigate farm lands once the summer months set in.
Cagayan Valley is one of the regions in the country identified to have a high incidence of flooding.
In Negros Oriental, there are two existing water-impounding projects, all of which are irrigating a total of 1,680 hectares of farmlands in Barangays Mayabon and Nasig-it in Zamboanguita town, according to Engr. Calixto Elvinia, senior engineer B at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here.
Engr. Elvinia said a small river-impounding project is currently undergoing construction in Boloc-boloc, Dauin town, which after completion would irrigate about 1,000 hectares of vegetable, rice and corn crops.
On the other hand, NIA has proposed construction of other water-impounding structures in the province, one of which is eyed to irrigate around 3,000 hectares of farmlands in Tanjay City and Bais City. "But we are still looking for funds for this," says Engr. Elvinia.
Meanwhile, in light of the massive landslide that struck Brgy. Guinsaugon in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, Pres. Arroyo has recently announced that all resources of government "will continue to be mobilized without let up as we pin hope against hope on the search for survivors."
She acknowledged the efforts of the search and relief workers and said that the country is gratified with the continuous pouring of compassionate assistance from international allies.
First Child Minding Center in NegOr now open
Governor George P. Arnaiz celebrated his 51st birthday recently by launching the first ever Child Minding Center in the province, his gift to mothers working in the provincial government.
Gov. Arnaiz led the launching of the Child Minding Center on February 21 which is equipped with P200,000 worth of educational tools and materials, including child-care equipment.
For only P30 a day, mothers who are provincial government employees can leave their children aged 3 years and below at the center, where the children can enjoy various toys and educational materials.
There are currently two social workers and a child caregiver supervising the toddlers while a professional teacher facilitates the pre-school activities, says Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.
The center is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays to Fridays and caters to kids aged three years old and below.
Parents who wish to leave their children are required to pay the fee at the Provincial Treasurer's Office and present the receipt at the center.
Lemence said top priority is given to children of provincial government staff although also welcome are kids of employees of national government agencies within the Capitol Area since the center can only accommodate a maximum of 40 children.
The construction of the center came after the governor was inspired by a similar center in TESDA Manila and he envisioned replicating the project in the province.
A total of P600,000 from the 20% economic development fund was poured into the repair of the building formerly occupied by the Provincial Planning and Development Office and turning it into the Child Minding Center that it is now.
Lemence said an executive order was issued during the administration of then President Fidel V. Ramos calling on local government units and national line agencies to provide child-minding centers for their employees.
The center is aimed at improving the productivity of government employees, particularly the mothers.
ONTA elects co-chairmen
The all-private Oriental Negros Tourism Association recently elected its co-chairmen during the ONTA Tourism Summit held recently.
The five elected co-chairmen are Fr. Enrque Balongag, president of COSCA as chairman 1; Tour Guides Association of Negroes Oriental President Janine Flores-Lawas, chairman 2; Dumaguete Press Club Founding President and as print media group president Ely Dejaresco, chairman 3; Artist Guild AION President Pamela Galvez, chairman 3; Dive Guides and Rescue Group President Jonathan Alerre, chairman 4; and Dive Operators President Joey Varela, chairman 5.
The elected chairmen were immediately inducted to office by Gov. George Arnaiz.
Five co-chairs were elected so that in case the top vote getter fails to perform satisfactorily within his term, the entire ONTA board will convene and choose a grievance committee who will decide on the fate of the first chairman.
ONTA is the umbrella organization of all tourism stakeholders who comprise about 45 other stakeholders groups who contribute their share in promoting the tourism industry in the province.
The stakeholders followed the semi-parliamentary procedural election wherein all 47 stakeholder presidents were candidates. They chose among themselves the first five majority vote getters who became the five co-chairmen.
Aside from the 5 co-chairs, the ONTA stakeholders presidents are themselves members of the board who will elect among themselves those who are willing to accept the needed positions.
ONTA is the private sector counterpart of the Tourism Board, which is composed of government policy makers. The government and private sector will join hands in realizing the overall objective of putting Oriental Negros in the tourism map domestically and globally.
MySiquijor.Com supports church restoration project
In an effort to create a positive impact on Siquijor's roots and culture, MySiquijor.com supports anew the St. Francis of Assisi Church restoration project in Siquijor, Siquijor. Following the series of donations in the previous years, Gary Harrison, administrator of the My.Siquijor.com gave another P25,000 to Siquijor parish priest Rev. Fr. Casiano Salac for the repair/rehabilitation of the church. The presentation was made during its Sunday afternoon Holy Mass in January 22.
"I scheduled it on that day so parishioners would know about this guy with great heart," Fr. Salac said.
The priest said Harrison has been a frequent donor of the church - starting from the restoration of the bell tower to the repair of the altar. "He should serve as our inspiration because seldom can we meet a person like him, non-catholic yet doing something for the catholic church," Fr. Salac said.
Gary confessed the money is actually his and his mother's personal donations to the church. "But one thing that is particularly pleasing to me is that through this humble act I have been informed that it made a positive effect on other individuals and groups who now plan to donate through other channels in the future," he said. "At least the effort pays," Gary added. (RAC)
Siquijor celebrates National Civil Registration Month
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino on January 19, 1991, the National Statistics Office (NSO) along with all Municipal Civil Registry Offices (MCROs) in the all the cities and towns in the country celebrates the whole month of February 2006 as the National Civil Registration Month (NCRM).
The said celebration was conducted to promote and advance public awareness and consciousness on the importance of civil registration on the life of every Filipino. This year's celebration adopted the theme, "Talaang Sibil: Pananagutan Nation" (Civil Registration: Our Responsibility). The said theme was adopted throughout the country to drum up support and highlight the efforts and initiative of the Office of the Civil Registrar-General (OCRG/National Statistics Office (NSO) and all local civil registry office in embracing new technology to speed up transactions and service in the said office.
To highlight the celebration here in the province, various activities were undertaken by the offices concerned. On the first week of February 2006, a consultative meeting and conference of the Municipal Civil Registrars (MCRs) and MCRO personnel from all six (6) municipalities of the province were held at NSO Siquijor Provincial Office.
The said conference was held to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the civil registration operations and services of every municipalities in the province.
Steamers bannering the celebration were also displayed at each office while lectures and symposium on the "Civil Registration System of the Philippines" was conducted in selected barangays and schools and also during the scheduled Pre-Marriage counseling Seminar (PMC) conducted by the municipality for couples scheduled for marriage.
During the lecture and seminar, brochure and leaflets highlighting questions on the registration of births, marriages and deaths as well as information and salient provisions of RA 9048, the laws which authorizes the MCRs to correct clerical errors in the civil registry documents and change of first name in the birth certificate were also distributed and presented and RA 9255, the law which allow illegitimate children to use the surname of their father. (RAC)
ECCD program starts in 2006
The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) project starts this year with funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Council for the Welfare of Children and the local government units.
This was announced during the orientation of the stakeholders earlier attended by the local executives, budget officers, planning and development coordinators and social welfare officers from the six towns of Siquijor. Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Teodulo Romo, Jr. graced the activity.
Just like the Early Childhood Development (ECD) project, ECCD is a joint undertaking of the national government and the local units. The cost sharing arrangement is 80 per cent PAGCOR funds and 20 per cent LGU equity for three years implementation. The flow of funds is from the funding institutions to the provincial government.
This project caters to mothers, caregivers, and children aging zero to 72 months. (RAC)
Siquijor, to be one of the wellness centers of the world
Siquijor was chosen to be one of the wellness centers of the world with the Siquijor State College Hostel as its international headquarter. This was planned earlier by the Supreme Council of Datus Alimaong (SCODA), a non-governmental people organization registered with the Security Exchange Commission (SEC).
SCODA is a member of the Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines (TRICOP) under the Global Indigenous Cultural Organization (GICO), a branch of the United Nation Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO. Ten (10) Datus came to SSC headed by Datu Mamatikan (Dr. Melchizedek Solis, DMin based in Salinas, California USA) last January 16, 2006.
It is a confederacy of the different tribal cultural communities with a membership of 2.8 million in the Visayas and Mindanao. It carries out the directive of government through the Office of Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC), presently the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) established by Republic Act 8371, otherwise called "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997," whose mandate is to participate actively in the peace and order campaign for socioeconomic development program of the government. It also lays emphasis on recruiting and training of the youth for leadership roles through programs where kalis or young Alimaongs are provided opportunities for identifying with the movement and picking up their share of burdens and challenges.
During the meeting with the Datus Alimaong at the SSC Function Room, Dr. Cabanganan, the College President who was conferred as Datu Matatao emphasized that Siquijor State College is contemplating to become Commission on Higher Education (CHED) center of excellence and or center of development since all its programs are geared towards the modernization of Siquijor province focusing on wellness. Cabanganan proposed a prospective lot in Balolang to be the site of the University hood system, a portion of the lot in Salagdoong to be the center of Research and College of Fisheries and finally the Bandilaan Peak to be the center of Wellness "Nature's Park" whereby an artificial falls and a lagoon will be created. Cabangan also added that at the center will be a pyramid shed of the paramedics patterned in England. It will be the site for the aviary, botanical garden, insects, flora and fauna and a wall where visitors write their names as they arrive until such time it will appear similar to that of the Great Wall of China-the only infrastructure visible from the Moon, Cabanganan added.
"This is so timely since the school is busy preparing for the Final Survey for Level 1 accreditation of the Teacher Education, Business Management and Graduate School Programs by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) anytime this calendar year 2006," he said.
PA tells farmers to brace for La Niña
In anticipation of the coming of La Niña Phenomenon, Siquijor Provincial Agriculturist Ramon A. Taroc calls farmers to prepare for heavy rains and consider planting crops suitable for the season.
During the monthly meeting of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium last February 17, Dr. Taroc also asks the group to include in its activities information campaign on La Niña phenomenon.
Presently, the FITS Consortium is undertaking a series information drive on Avian Influenza in schools and municipalities throughout the province.
Dr. Taroc said that although at present, La Niña is more of a benefit than causing damage to Siquijor's crops, it is still necessary to give farmers some mitigating measures in case heavy downpours persist. "Farmers should consider switching to crops suitable for the predicted high rainfall in the coming months," he said.
The Department of Agriculture has been tasked with immediately conducting an information campaign among the country's farmers to advise t hem to change the type of crop they would plant this season.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said government resources would be focused on minimizing the damage to agriculture by prodding farmers to switch to more rain-resilient crops and by controlling flooding through additional infrastructure.
Three flood control projects are now being fast-tracked by the government in a bid to prepare the country for the onslaught of a developing La Niña phenomenon.
La Niña features unusually cool surface temperatures in the Pacific resulting in storm surges and strong winds. The weather bureau said typhoons, floods and rains since November last year may be linked to the development of the pattern.
Heavy rains have triggered landslides, massive flooding and the evacuation of hundreds of families in the country.
The country's weather agency said damage across the country from continuous heavy rains was likely to rise. (RAC)
Olang fisherfolks, recipient of fishery projects
"At last our cherished dream of having a shallow fish coral project came true," says one of the fishermen from Barangay Olang, Maria, Siquijor.
Sometime in year 2000, these fishermen were organized into an association who longed to have a project that augments their limited fish catch. In support, the offices of the provincial and municipal agriculturists provided fish pots (bubo) which at present is still existing and maintained by the group.
The association composed of 11 active members proved that they are capable of maintaining fishery projects. With this, the two offices provided materials for the shallow fish corral last year. Labor is the fisherfolks' counterpart. Technical assistance is also provided by the local government unit of Maria thru the office of the municipal agriculturist.
According to Dalmacio Quezon, the association's president, the project will last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. He also said that harvesting is expected to be year since the project site is strategically located which is way from northwest and southwest monsoon winds. They had their fish harvest last February 2.
The association pays it back thru a roll-over scheme whereby payment will be used by another interested group within the municipality until it is fully paid in two years.
In an interview, the fisherfolks said they are very happy and indeed thankful to the people behind the realization of the project particularly the provincial government thru the leadership of Gov. Orlando B. Fua.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY SETS FUND FOR ENTREPRENEURS
The government is setting aside funds through the National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) as total loanable amount to local entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses.
Besides allocating P1.7 billion that will be loaned to entrepreneurs, the government lending agency, has also tied up with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) which will be conducting summit and exposition this month.
"The PCE was successful in bringing together stakeholders and leaders from the academe, the government, business, diplomatic and non-profit sectors. And through this summit and exposition, we hope that we will be able to help small and medium entrepreneur start and expand their businesses," said Jose Concepcion lll, the Presidential consultant for entrepreneurship, and also one of the event's organizers.
The NLSF said the applicants could avail themselves a maximum loan of P150,000. This is under a micro-financing scheme with a loanable amount ranging from P150,000 and below. However, the NLSF, which is also a conduit of other government financing institutions, said it is lending money to wholesalers not retailers.
According to Concepcion, the exposition will showcase many business ideas, entrepreneurship schools, NGO-led programs, micro-lending facilities, award-winning business plans, marketable inventions and free seminars for would be entrepreneurs.
"With these initiatives, we hope that small businesses would be able to market many other products aside from leading commodities such as food. The idea is to assist them explore other areas and move out of the "survival products' like foods, " he said.
NGO holds forum to mark International Women's Day
In observation of International Women's Day, the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), a non-government organization offering legal assistance to abused women and girls, will hold a forum entitled "Men Speak Out On VAW".
The International Women's Day is observed on March 8, during which the forum will start at 1:00 in the afternoon at Bethel Guesthouse.
During the forum, men are expected to express their views on the issue of violence against women. The all-male panel will include personalities from the provincial government, academe, church, students sector and media.
The forum aims to provide a venue for men's insights to be heard on the problem of violence against women while promoting partnership between men and women in the struggle against gender-based violence.
According to Linda Resma, GWAVE Coordinator, the phenomenon of violence against women is at the forefront of gender concerns. As a result of decades of women's advocacy, laws have been passed, services established, research reports published and preventive education work conducted and yet violence against women continues unabated.
EDSA TV special aired to commemorate People Power 20th anniversary
The observance of the 20th anniversary of People Power at EDSA will be commemorated here and nationwide with a public showing of a television special entitled "EDSA 20: Tungo sa Tunay na Paglaya (Towards True Feedom)".
The one-hour TV special will be shown for four days starting Thursday, Feb. 23 until Sunday, Feb. 26 at all government TV stations namely NBN 4, RPN 9 and IBC 13 during prime time public affairs programs.
The television documentary which is produced by the Government Mass Media Group (GMMG) features images and videos of Philippine revolutions starting from the KKK of Andres Bonifacio, to EDSA People Power I of 1986 ousting the Marcos dictatorship and ushering the Cory Aquino administration, then to EDSA People Power II ousting Pres. Erap and installing the Arroyo presidency6, and the so-called EDSA III or May 1 siege of Malacañan Palace.
GMMG Secretary Serge Remonde said the ESDA TV special presents an analysis of the Philippine situation, the reasons behind problems besetting the country, and the government reforms instituted by Pres. Arroyo to solve such problems.
Remonde said the TV presentation hopes to rally the people to learn the lessons of EDSA and stir the spirit of nationalism and patriotism so that Filipinos can finally attain true freedom.
Statement of the President
February 19, 2006
Southern Leyte Tragedy
Even as the nation continues to griever over this tragedy, I would like to thank all Filipinos and our friends around the world for the outpouring of sympathy and aid. All resource of our government will continue to be mobilized without let up as we pin hope against hope on the search for survivors. I acknowledge our courageous search and relief workers- police, military, government workers, civic-minded citizens- who keep our faith high that all the victims of this tragedy will be accounted for. This nation is gratified with the continuous outpouring of compassionate assistance from our international allies. This tragedy has shifted national solidarity into high gear as rich and poor alike have pooled their resources and prayers. We should all join hands in the preservation of our environment and protect what if left behind for the sake of the generations to come.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here has allocated P500,000 as assistance to the families of victims of the recent massive landslide in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.
This developed after Governor George P. Arnaiz requested the provincial board to set aside P500,000 to be taken from the calamity fund to help about 200,000 families who were affected by the tragedy that struck St. Bernard town, which the governor described as a "disaster of such magnitude that requires all out support."
In his letter, Gov. Arnaiz said the landslide have "caused untold miseries not only to families of those buried under mud and debris but to the rest of humankind."
The governor is set to convene the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here next week following PAG-ASA's recent report that above average rainfall conditions caused by La Niña could possibly last until May this year.
Gov. Arnaiz is calling on all local chief executives and residents to particularly those who live in low-lying and flash flood prone areas in the province to beware and be prepared for heavy rainfall brought about by the La Niña Phenomenon.
The PDCC has earlier identified several areas in the province that are prone to landslide, typhoon and flash floods.
Typhoon-prone areas are Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad and Vaellhermoso, while the flood-prone areas are Vallehermoso, Guihulngnan, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Bais City, Tanjay, Pamplona, Amlan, Sibulan Dumaguete City, Bacong, Siaton, Bayawan City and Sta. Catalina.
Areas tagged as landslide-prone are Canlaon City, Manjuyod-Himampangon, Bais-Mabinay, Dauis-Mabinay, Mabinay-Bayawan and Sta Catalina.
In 2003, seven people died in a landslide that occurred in the mountain area of Sta. Catalina and several families were evacuated, according to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.
Several flashfloods also occurred in Bayawan City, Basay and Sta. Catalina in 2004, which denuded forested areas and destroyed roads, prompting the PDCC to provide medical, food and clothing assistance.
Lemence said in the wake of the flash floods, the governor spearheaded re-greening activities in the hinterland areas in the province to prevent tragedies such as those that hit Ormoc and St. Bernard.
PGMA allots P500M for provinces struck by flashfloods
With the onset of heavier-than-normal rainfall brought about by La Niña Phenomenon, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently allotted P500 million to fund the construction of water-impounding structures in the various provinces affected by the recent floods across the country.
Pres. Arroyo during the recent Regional Development Council 2 meeting in Tugeugarao City announced that the P500M will serve as the government's counterpart fund for water-impounding projects and small irrigation systems.
She pointed out that a water-impounding structure would act like a catch basin "saving" floodwaters rampaging down the Cagayan River from damaging crops, infrastructure and lives. It would be then used to irrigate farm lands once the summer months set in.
Cagayan Valley is one of the regions in the country identified to have a high incidence of flooding.
In Negros Oriental, there are two existing water-impounding projects, all of which are irrigating a total of 1,680 hectares of farmlands in Barangays Mayabon and Nasig-it in Zamboanguita town, according to Engr. Calixto Elvinia, senior engineer B at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here.
Engr. Elvinia said a small river-impounding project is currently undergoing construction in Boloc-boloc, Dauin town, which after completion would irrigate about 1,000 hectares of vegetable, rice and corn crops.
On the other hand, NIA has proposed construction of other water-impounding structures in the province, one of which is eyed to irrigate around 3,000 hectares of farmlands in Tanjay City and Bais City. "But we are still looking for funds for this," says Engr. Elvinia.
Meanwhile, in light of the massive landslide that struck Brgy. Guinsaugon in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, Pres. Arroyo has recently announced that all resources of government "will continue to be mobilized without let up as we pin hope against hope on the search for survivors."
She acknowledged the efforts of the search and relief workers and said that the country is gratified with the continuous pouring of compassionate assistance from international allies.
First Child Minding Center in NegOr now open
Governor George P. Arnaiz celebrated his 51st birthday recently by launching the first ever Child Minding Center in the province, his gift to mothers working in the provincial government.
Gov. Arnaiz led the launching of the Child Minding Center on February 21 which is equipped with P200,000 worth of educational tools and materials, including child-care equipment.
For only P30 a day, mothers who are provincial government employees can leave their children aged 3 years and below at the center, where the children can enjoy various toys and educational materials.
There are currently two social workers and a child caregiver supervising the toddlers while a professional teacher facilitates the pre-school activities, says Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.
The center is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays to Fridays and caters to kids aged three years old and below.
Parents who wish to leave their children are required to pay the fee at the Provincial Treasurer's Office and present the receipt at the center.
Lemence said top priority is given to children of provincial government staff although also welcome are kids of employees of national government agencies within the Capitol Area since the center can only accommodate a maximum of 40 children.
The construction of the center came after the governor was inspired by a similar center in TESDA Manila and he envisioned replicating the project in the province.
A total of P600,000 from the 20% economic development fund was poured into the repair of the building formerly occupied by the Provincial Planning and Development Office and turning it into the Child Minding Center that it is now.
Lemence said an executive order was issued during the administration of then President Fidel V. Ramos calling on local government units and national line agencies to provide child-minding centers for their employees.
The center is aimed at improving the productivity of government employees, particularly the mothers.
ONTA elects co-chairmen
The all-private Oriental Negros Tourism Association recently elected its co-chairmen during the ONTA Tourism Summit held recently.
The five elected co-chairmen are Fr. Enrque Balongag, president of COSCA as chairman 1; Tour Guides Association of Negroes Oriental President Janine Flores-Lawas, chairman 2; Dumaguete Press Club Founding President and as print media group president Ely Dejaresco, chairman 3; Artist Guild AION President Pamela Galvez, chairman 3; Dive Guides and Rescue Group President Jonathan Alerre, chairman 4; and Dive Operators President Joey Varela, chairman 5.
The elected chairmen were immediately inducted to office by Gov. George Arnaiz.
Five co-chairs were elected so that in case the top vote getter fails to perform satisfactorily within his term, the entire ONTA board will convene and choose a grievance committee who will decide on the fate of the first chairman.
ONTA is the umbrella organization of all tourism stakeholders who comprise about 45 other stakeholders groups who contribute their share in promoting the tourism industry in the province.
The stakeholders followed the semi-parliamentary procedural election wherein all 47 stakeholder presidents were candidates. They chose among themselves the first five majority vote getters who became the five co-chairmen.
Aside from the 5 co-chairs, the ONTA stakeholders presidents are themselves members of the board who will elect among themselves those who are willing to accept the needed positions.
ONTA is the private sector counterpart of the Tourism Board, which is composed of government policy makers. The government and private sector will join hands in realizing the overall objective of putting Oriental Negros in the tourism map domestically and globally.
MySiquijor.Com supports church restoration project
In an effort to create a positive impact on Siquijor's roots and culture, MySiquijor.com supports anew the St. Francis of Assisi Church restoration project in Siquijor, Siquijor. Following the series of donations in the previous years, Gary Harrison, administrator of the My.Siquijor.com gave another P25,000 to Siquijor parish priest Rev. Fr. Casiano Salac for the repair/rehabilitation of the church. The presentation was made during its Sunday afternoon Holy Mass in January 22.
"I scheduled it on that day so parishioners would know about this guy with great heart," Fr. Salac said.
The priest said Harrison has been a frequent donor of the church - starting from the restoration of the bell tower to the repair of the altar. "He should serve as our inspiration because seldom can we meet a person like him, non-catholic yet doing something for the catholic church," Fr. Salac said.
Gary confessed the money is actually his and his mother's personal donations to the church. "But one thing that is particularly pleasing to me is that through this humble act I have been informed that it made a positive effect on other individuals and groups who now plan to donate through other channels in the future," he said. "At least the effort pays," Gary added. (RAC)
Siquijor celebrates National Civil Registration Month
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino on January 19, 1991, the National Statistics Office (NSO) along with all Municipal Civil Registry Offices (MCROs) in the all the cities and towns in the country celebrates the whole month of February 2006 as the National Civil Registration Month (NCRM).
The said celebration was conducted to promote and advance public awareness and consciousness on the importance of civil registration on the life of every Filipino. This year's celebration adopted the theme, "Talaang Sibil: Pananagutan Nation" (Civil Registration: Our Responsibility). The said theme was adopted throughout the country to drum up support and highlight the efforts and initiative of the Office of the Civil Registrar-General (OCRG/National Statistics Office (NSO) and all local civil registry office in embracing new technology to speed up transactions and service in the said office.
To highlight the celebration here in the province, various activities were undertaken by the offices concerned. On the first week of February 2006, a consultative meeting and conference of the Municipal Civil Registrars (MCRs) and MCRO personnel from all six (6) municipalities of the province were held at NSO Siquijor Provincial Office.
The said conference was held to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the civil registration operations and services of every municipalities in the province.
Steamers bannering the celebration were also displayed at each office while lectures and symposium on the "Civil Registration System of the Philippines" was conducted in selected barangays and schools and also during the scheduled Pre-Marriage counseling Seminar (PMC) conducted by the municipality for couples scheduled for marriage.
During the lecture and seminar, brochure and leaflets highlighting questions on the registration of births, marriages and deaths as well as information and salient provisions of RA 9048, the laws which authorizes the MCRs to correct clerical errors in the civil registry documents and change of first name in the birth certificate were also distributed and presented and RA 9255, the law which allow illegitimate children to use the surname of their father. (RAC)
ECCD program starts in 2006
The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) project starts this year with funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Council for the Welfare of Children and the local government units.
This was announced during the orientation of the stakeholders earlier attended by the local executives, budget officers, planning and development coordinators and social welfare officers from the six towns of Siquijor. Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Teodulo Romo, Jr. graced the activity.
Just like the Early Childhood Development (ECD) project, ECCD is a joint undertaking of the national government and the local units. The cost sharing arrangement is 80 per cent PAGCOR funds and 20 per cent LGU equity for three years implementation. The flow of funds is from the funding institutions to the provincial government.
This project caters to mothers, caregivers, and children aging zero to 72 months. (RAC)
Siquijor, to be one of the wellness centers of the world
Siquijor was chosen to be one of the wellness centers of the world with the Siquijor State College Hostel as its international headquarter. This was planned earlier by the Supreme Council of Datus Alimaong (SCODA), a non-governmental people organization registered with the Security Exchange Commission (SEC).
SCODA is a member of the Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines (TRICOP) under the Global Indigenous Cultural Organization (GICO), a branch of the United Nation Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO. Ten (10) Datus came to SSC headed by Datu Mamatikan (Dr. Melchizedek Solis, DMin based in Salinas, California USA) last January 16, 2006.
It is a confederacy of the different tribal cultural communities with a membership of 2.8 million in the Visayas and Mindanao. It carries out the directive of government through the Office of Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC), presently the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) established by Republic Act 8371, otherwise called "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997," whose mandate is to participate actively in the peace and order campaign for socioeconomic development program of the government. It also lays emphasis on recruiting and training of the youth for leadership roles through programs where kalis or young Alimaongs are provided opportunities for identifying with the movement and picking up their share of burdens and challenges.
During the meeting with the Datus Alimaong at the SSC Function Room, Dr. Cabanganan, the College President who was conferred as Datu Matatao emphasized that Siquijor State College is contemplating to become Commission on Higher Education (CHED) center of excellence and or center of development since all its programs are geared towards the modernization of Siquijor province focusing on wellness. Cabanganan proposed a prospective lot in Balolang to be the site of the University hood system, a portion of the lot in Salagdoong to be the center of Research and College of Fisheries and finally the Bandilaan Peak to be the center of Wellness "Nature's Park" whereby an artificial falls and a lagoon will be created. Cabangan also added that at the center will be a pyramid shed of the paramedics patterned in England. It will be the site for the aviary, botanical garden, insects, flora and fauna and a wall where visitors write their names as they arrive until such time it will appear similar to that of the Great Wall of China-the only infrastructure visible from the Moon, Cabanganan added.
"This is so timely since the school is busy preparing for the Final Survey for Level 1 accreditation of the Teacher Education, Business Management and Graduate School Programs by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) anytime this calendar year 2006," he said.
PA tells farmers to brace for La Niña
In anticipation of the coming of La Niña Phenomenon, Siquijor Provincial Agriculturist Ramon A. Taroc calls farmers to prepare for heavy rains and consider planting crops suitable for the season.
During the monthly meeting of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium last February 17, Dr. Taroc also asks the group to include in its activities information campaign on La Niña phenomenon.
Presently, the FITS Consortium is undertaking a series information drive on Avian Influenza in schools and municipalities throughout the province.
Dr. Taroc said that although at present, La Niña is more of a benefit than causing damage to Siquijor's crops, it is still necessary to give farmers some mitigating measures in case heavy downpours persist. "Farmers should consider switching to crops suitable for the predicted high rainfall in the coming months," he said.
The Department of Agriculture has been tasked with immediately conducting an information campaign among the country's farmers to advise t hem to change the type of crop they would plant this season.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said government resources would be focused on minimizing the damage to agriculture by prodding farmers to switch to more rain-resilient crops and by controlling flooding through additional infrastructure.
Three flood control projects are now being fast-tracked by the government in a bid to prepare the country for the onslaught of a developing La Niña phenomenon.
La Niña features unusually cool surface temperatures in the Pacific resulting in storm surges and strong winds. The weather bureau said typhoons, floods and rains since November last year may be linked to the development of the pattern.
Heavy rains have triggered landslides, massive flooding and the evacuation of hundreds of families in the country.
The country's weather agency said damage across the country from continuous heavy rains was likely to rise. (RAC)
Olang fisherfolks, recipient of fishery projects
"At last our cherished dream of having a shallow fish coral project came true," says one of the fishermen from Barangay Olang, Maria, Siquijor.
Sometime in year 2000, these fishermen were organized into an association who longed to have a project that augments their limited fish catch. In support, the offices of the provincial and municipal agriculturists provided fish pots (bubo) which at present is still existing and maintained by the group.
The association composed of 11 active members proved that they are capable of maintaining fishery projects. With this, the two offices provided materials for the shallow fish corral last year. Labor is the fisherfolks' counterpart. Technical assistance is also provided by the local government unit of Maria thru the office of the municipal agriculturist.
According to Dalmacio Quezon, the association's president, the project will last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. He also said that harvesting is expected to be year since the project site is strategically located which is way from northwest and southwest monsoon winds. They had their fish harvest last February 2.
The association pays it back thru a roll-over scheme whereby payment will be used by another interested group within the municipality until it is fully paid in two years.
In an interview, the fisherfolks said they are very happy and indeed thankful to the people behind the realization of the project particularly the provincial government thru the leadership of Gov. Orlando B. Fua.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY SETS FUND FOR ENTREPRENEURS
The government is setting aside funds through the National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) as total loanable amount to local entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses.
Besides allocating P1.7 billion that will be loaned to entrepreneurs, the government lending agency, has also tied up with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) which will be conducting summit and exposition this month.
"The PCE was successful in bringing together stakeholders and leaders from the academe, the government, business, diplomatic and non-profit sectors. And through this summit and exposition, we hope that we will be able to help small and medium entrepreneur start and expand their businesses," said Jose Concepcion lll, the Presidential consultant for entrepreneurship, and also one of the event's organizers.
The NLSF said the applicants could avail themselves a maximum loan of P150,000. This is under a micro-financing scheme with a loanable amount ranging from P150,000 and below. However, the NLSF, which is also a conduit of other government financing institutions, said it is lending money to wholesalers not retailers.
According to Concepcion, the exposition will showcase many business ideas, entrepreneurship schools, NGO-led programs, micro-lending facilities, award-winning business plans, marketable inventions and free seminars for would be entrepreneurs.
"With these initiatives, we hope that small businesses would be able to market many other products aside from leading commodities such as food. The idea is to assist them explore other areas and move out of the "survival products' like foods, " he said.
NGO holds forum to mark International Women's Day
In observation of International Women's Day, the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), a non-government organization offering legal assistance to abused women and girls, will hold a forum entitled "Men Speak Out On VAW".
The International Women's Day is observed on March 8, during which the forum will start at 1:00 in the afternoon at Bethel Guesthouse.
During the forum, men are expected to express their views on the issue of violence against women. The all-male panel will include personalities from the provincial government, academe, church, students sector and media.
The forum aims to provide a venue for men's insights to be heard on the problem of violence against women while promoting partnership between men and women in the struggle against gender-based violence.
According to Linda Resma, GWAVE Coordinator, the phenomenon of violence against women is at the forefront of gender concerns. As a result of decades of women's advocacy, laws have been passed, services established, research reports published and preventive education work conducted and yet violence against women continues unabated.
EDSA TV special aired to commemorate People Power 20th anniversary
The observance of the 20th anniversary of People Power at EDSA will be commemorated here and nationwide with a public showing of a television special entitled "EDSA 20: Tungo sa Tunay na Paglaya (Towards True Feedom)".
The one-hour TV special will be shown for four days starting Thursday, Feb. 23 until Sunday, Feb. 26 at all government TV stations namely NBN 4, RPN 9 and IBC 13 during prime time public affairs programs.
The television documentary which is produced by the Government Mass Media Group (GMMG) features images and videos of Philippine revolutions starting from the KKK of Andres Bonifacio, to EDSA People Power I of 1986 ousting the Marcos dictatorship and ushering the Cory Aquino administration, then to EDSA People Power II ousting Pres. Erap and installing the Arroyo presidency6, and the so-called EDSA III or May 1 siege of Malacañan Palace.
GMMG Secretary Serge Remonde said the ESDA TV special presents an analysis of the Philippine situation, the reasons behind problems besetting the country, and the government reforms instituted by Pres. Arroyo to solve such problems.
Remonde said the TV presentation hopes to rally the people to learn the lessons of EDSA and stir the spirit of nationalism and patriotism so that Filipinos can finally attain true freedom.
Statement of the President
February 19, 2006
Southern Leyte Tragedy
Even as the nation continues to griever over this tragedy, I would like to thank all Filipinos and our friends around the world for the outpouring of sympathy and aid. All resource of our government will continue to be mobilized without let up as we pin hope against hope on the search for survivors. I acknowledge our courageous search and relief workers- police, military, government workers, civic-minded citizens- who keep our faith high that all the victims of this tragedy will be accounted for. This nation is gratified with the continuous outpouring of compassionate assistance from our international allies. This tragedy has shifted national solidarity into high gear as rich and poor alike have pooled their resources and prayers. We should all join hands in the preservation of our environment and protect what if left behind for the sake of the generations to come.
2/17/2006
ISSUE NO. 7 (FEBRUARY 17, 2006)
Tourist arrivals in Dgte drop by 6%
By: Rachelle Nessia
Tourist arrivals in Dumaguete City fell by 6% in 2005 compared to the previous year, data from the City Tourism Office in Dumaguete showed.
Records show that in 2004, tourist influx totaled to 155, 703, while in 2005 a total of only 147,065 tourist arrivals were recorded.
The drop in local tourist activities is in stark contrast to the international tourist arrivals in the country which went up by 18.6% year-on-year in November 2005 as the country hosted the Southeast Asian Games, data from the DOT Tourism Research and Statistics division showed.
The 6% drop here may be attributed to several factors, including the worldwide travel advisory issued in early 2005 pertaining to the peace and order in the country which was shaky at that time, according to Maritone Mascardo of the City Tourism Office Visitors' Bureau.
Mascardo also noted that the exit of some sea vessels plying routes to Dumaguete resulted to limited accessibility options. "We used to have Supercat and Delta, but now there is currently only one fast ferry operating here," she said.
Aside from this, other factors Mascardo pointed out are deficiency in airport and seaport services, lack of investment initiatives from government and private sectors and lack of appreciation of tourism as an industry.
Travel agencies here are all promoting outbound travels, but rarely do they promote inbound travels so that more tourist groups will be coming in to Dumaguete, says Mascardo.
Mascardo added that Dumaguete's non-inclusion in the nationwide Byahe Na campaign of the Department of Tourism has also has also affected the city's tourism industry.
Of the total 147,065 tourist arrivals in the city last year, 14,916 were transients while 130,099 were long-staying tourists.
Americans topped the list of transients who visited the city, followed by the Japanese and South Korean tourists.
Of the long-staying tourists, 121,564 were domestic tourists while 8,535 were foreign tourists.
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Sugar prices decrease in NegOr; costs of basic goods remain stable
By: Rachelle Nessia
Sugar prices in the province went down slightly this week as the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured that there is enough supply of refined and brown sugar in the country, particularly in Central Visayas.
Jojo Sumido, enforcement officer of DTI here, revealed that this week's prevailing price for refined sugar is P38.25 per kilo from the P38.50 the previous week.
Price of brown sugar also dipped slightly from P30.00 last week to the current price of P29.50 per kilo based on the price monitoring report conducted daily by DTI here.
Early this year, sugar prices have been on an upsurge. SRA notes that the abnormal price behavior of sugar indicated hedging and speculation by traders and some producers who seem convinced and are anticipating that the country will be short of sugar this crop year.
SRA however dismissed the perceived tightness in the supply of domestic sugar, saying that there will be no sugar shorage at this time and there will be none for the next six (6) months.
World prices for raw sugar have been rising steadily over the past few weeks. Per SRA’s sugar industry situationer, as of January 26, 2006 world price for imported sugar is pegged at 14 US cents/lb or P1,000/50 kg and has risen up to P17.80 US cents/lb or P1,200 at present and still rising.
Meanwhile, Sumido said that prices of basic goods and prime commodities in the province remain stable, except for cement which increased by P2.00 over the weekend, from P168 last week to the current P170.
Cement manufacturers reported that the price movement is due to the high cost of fuel and electricity, according to Secretary Peter B. Favila in a memorandum dated January 30, 2006.
Grains retailers, farmers groups support NFA
By: Rachelle Nessia
Grains retailers and farmers in the province are pushing to make NFA the sole rice importer free of tariff duties to allow it to sell rice to consumers at a reasonable price.
In a resolution, the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON) and the Provincial Farmers Action Council (PFAC) urged the government to have NFA stay because its existence as rice and corn distributor is of paramount importance to the Filipino people.
Both GRECON and PFAC have submitted resolutions expressing their support to NFA in the aim of a continuous stabilization of rice supply at affordable prices.
The clamor to abolish NFA will negate the success of rice stabilization, claimed the two groups in their resolution.
“Though the production is on an uptrend, still it cannot cope with the increasing demand of a growing population,” says Rolando Lazalita, information officer of the National Food Authority (NFA) here.
According to local NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino, the established mandate of NFA is food security of the country. In order to successfully fulfill such mandate it has to stabilize the supply and prices of rice, which is considered as a major staple food of the Filipino people. “With the strong support from your associations, I do believe that the authorities will listen to your request,” Bejemino told the grains and farmers groups.
GRECON and PFAC in their resolution also urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make available certified seeds and fertilizers to the farmers through the NFA because these are now too highly commercialized making difficult for lowly farmers to avail.
DAR distributes another set of CLOAs in Valencia
Around 70 farmer-beneficiaries in Valencia will receive their Certificates of Land Ownership (CLOA) today as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here will distribute a total area of 18.5 hectares of Government Owned Lands (GOL) PNOC.
DAR Information Officer Aileen Alaban said the activity will be attended by DAR CARPO for Operations Tessie Corpuz and other DAR officials.
Last month, DAR distributed a total of 47.1758 hectares of GOL PNOC to 214 farmer beneficiaries in Valencia.
Health Summit successfully launched in Bayawan
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Sta. Bayabas (Sta. Catalina, Bayawan and Basay) District successfully launched the 1st Health Summit and Healthy Lifestyle Program recently, making it the first district in the country to respond to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Proclamation No. 958 declaring 2005-2015 as the Decade of Healthy Lifestyle.
The summit held at Bayawan City was attended by local government officials from Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina and Basay together with representatives from the Department of Health Center for Health Development Region 7, doctors, midwives, nurses and other stakeholders such as the National Confederation of Barangay Health Workers and health investor Salinas Foods, Inc.
The health summit tackled issues promoting healthy lifestyle and the significance of inter-LGU cooperation such as legislative support on health programs and projects and LGU governance in health.
The role of barangay health workers was also played up during the summit as barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars are considered the frontliners in the effective implementation of the healthy lifestyle campaign because of their daily house-to-house monitoring.
On the other hand, Salinas Foods Inc. participated as the health investor by advocating the benefits of mineral supplementation and making available the NIGARI Mineral Supplement Drops as part of the community-based healthy lifestyle program.
The summit was highlighted by the ceremonial signing of a multi-sectoral memorandum of understanding by different stakeholders who pledged to uphold the community-based healthy lifestyle program.
Bayawan City is the first city in Visayas and Mindanao to be awarded the Healthy City by the Department of Health.
The Sta. Bayabas Health District is headed by Dr. Fidencio Aurelia who initiated the Peso for Health program, a community-based health financing program.
Bayawan City is now fully adopting the Healthy Lifestyle Maintenance Program, which will have the following components: NIGARI exercise; mineral supplementation in the community through the Patak Center.
Efforts vs. trafficking in persons intensified in NegOr
Efforts to combat trafficking in persons are now being intensified in the country following the release of the United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report that placed Philippines in its Tier 2 watch list, which could lead to diplomatic sanctions in the release of financial aid for development programs in the Philippines.
The US State Department annually classifies each country depending on the concrete actions taken by the government to combat the trafficking problem.
Philippines’ spot in the tier-2 watch list is reportedly because there are no convictions made yet on traffickers, says Vic Abadesco, Visayas Coordinator of the Visayan Forum during the recent Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency.
Abadesco warns that trafficking in the country has become alarming that the country faces the possibility of being downgraded to Tier 3.
Visayan Forum is spearheading the launching of the Filipino Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons (FIAT) road show campaign, the 4th leg of which will be launched in Negros Oriental.
Visayan Forum is a non-government organization that began in 1991 and started partnership with the Negros Oriental provincial government last year.
Abadesco says Negros Oriental plays a pivotal role in the campaign as the province have been identified as one of the trafficking “hotspots” or one of the major recruitment grounds for victims and potential trafficking of victims. “Negros Oriental is a transit area and at the center of development, commerce and transportation and it is a fertile recruitment ground for traffickers,” he said.
Abadesco revealed that last year, in a span of 5 months, they were able to intercept 45 trafficking victims from Negros Oriental during their surveillance and detection activities conducted at the Manila North Harbor and Batangas in partnership with the Philippine Ports Authority.
In the same forum, Cecil Hoffman of the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (G-WAVE) stressed that trafficking is an international issue. Citing statistics from a 2001 United Nations report, Hoffman said there were 4 million persons trafficked across borders each year of which 80% are women.
Hoffman adds that 50% of trafficked persons are children according to the 2004 US Trafficking Report while data from the International Labor Organization showed that 70% are absorbed by the sex industry.
In response to the alarming increase of trafficking activities in the country, Republic Act 9802 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act was passed in May 2003, whioch put a maximum P5-million fine or life imprisonment for convicted traffickers.
Sibulan’s grand love day treat
Residents of Sibulan received a grand treat on Valentine’s Day this month when the Sibulan municipal government launched the municipality’s state-of-the-art Chemistry Analyzer at the Municipal Health Laboratory.
Sibulan residents were able to avail for free services such as blood sugar, creatinine and cholesterol level tests with the Chemistry Analyzer during the launching.
Administering the tests were Rural Health Unit Medical Technologist Susie Siglos assisted by Marivic Castor.
A minimal cost would eventually be charged for Sibulanons who want to monitor their health status, says Sibulan Information Officer Concepcion Rosales.
New road boosts livelihood in Cang-isad
By: Rizalie Calibo
For some people, the construction of a farm-to-market road is no big deal. To them, it is just a structure built to connect two places. The structure’s primary aim is to make travel from the barrio to the poblacion a lot easier.
To the residents of Barangay Cang-isad in Siquijor province, however, the road is more than just an ordinary structure. It is a means to enhance the town’s economic progress and its residents’ livelihood opportunities.
Barangay Cang-isad is just one of the 42 villages composing Siquijor. It is home to more than 32 families whose main products are corn and root crops.
Reliable and sturdy roads were what residents needed in order to complement the industriousness of hardworking farmers and haba-habal drivers. The old road was rock-peppered and too treacherous to walk on, which was always the villagers’ number one dilemma during rainy season. This would disrupt businesses in the area.
“During the rainy season, even the children were affected because teachers living in the upper portion of the village, would not be able to make it to school,” said Barangay Captain Danilo Bation.
The residents’ dream for a better and sturdier highway was finally answered in April 2005 through the DSWD’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive & Integrated Delivery of Social Services: Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (Kalahi-CIDSS:KKB) Project. Under the Project, the poorest one-fourth of all municipalities within a target province is covered. All barangays in that municipality are covered.
KC:KKB is funded by the World Bank, with the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) as the lead implementing agency. The KC:KKB Project aims to empower local communities or barangays and improve their governance by providing fund support for basic infrastructure, training programs and other capability-building activities.
NOT PRIORITIZED
The fact that Barangay Cang-isad was not among the barangays prioritized in the first cycle did not dampen the hopes and dreams of the community volunteers, especially Sabiniana Omentic’s. When she saw that most of her counterparts felt helpless when the second cycle was about to start, her fighting spirit was unwavering. Never mind if she was often called “way grado” by some volunteers from other barangays.
Nang Sabiniana gradually convinced her fellow volunteers by setting a good example herself. “Ako ra primiro ang mutambong sa mga meeting ipatawag sa Kalahi, pero wa magdugay ako ra gihapon sila nadani pagpasalig sa Kalahi.” (At first I was the only one who would attend the meetings, assemblies and seminars conducted by Kalahi, but later on I was able to convince my fellow BSPMC members to trust in the project.)
Instead of wallowing in disappointment for her barangay’s failure to make it into the priority circle in the 1st Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF), Nang Sabiniana challenged her fellow volunteers to improve their craft in the next cycle. And prove they did. In fact, they ranked number one in the overall standing, along with Barangay Poblacion, which proposed a drainage system as its sub-project.
“Nahibulong ang mga tao ngano ang wa’y grado ang nakadaog sa ranking. Maglisod sila ug tu-o. Pero ako ra gikatawa ang ilang giingon nga wa ko’y grad okay naangkon man namo ang among pangandoy,” Nang Sabiniana shared during the sub-project’s inauguration.
Having ranked number one during the MIBF was precisely a big feat for the community volunteers since most of them did not even finish school. MIBF is one of the vital step of Kalahai’s 16-step process, where representatives from different barangays together to rank their respective sub-project concepts based on a criteria they themselves set up. During MIBF, sub-project concepts are not only ranked but are also prioritized for funding under KALAHI-CIDSS.
In one of the pre-training implementation workshops, they realized that one need not be college graduate to handle overall project management. They were provided training on project preparation, procurement, implementation and financial management. Through these trainings, volunteers became active participants even in the Barangay Development Council.
During the implementation stage, more residents showed their involvement to the sub-project and pitched in either in cash or kind contributions, or free labor.
The local barangay council, on the other hand, provided adequate resources for food of workers during the implementation phase.
NEW ROAD AT LAST
When the road was finally inaugurated on January 21, 2005, the BSPMC dubbed their new sub-project “Kalahi Panaghi-usa Road.” The BSPMC also reported that the farmers in the barangay as well as in the neighboring barangays are now free to move around and transport their goods even if heavy rains occur. Even the teachers are now able to carry out their mission to teach the children in the area.
“We are grateful to Kalahi for granting our request for a repair of our old road. Our farmers, whose main livelihood is planting root crops, corn and mongo, could not deliver their goods to the market because of bad road. But now, life is starting to improve because farmers can now sell their wares at more competitive prices and more businessmen are coming in.”
The Kalahi Panaghiusa Road also serves as the gateway to adjacent Baragay Cang-inte and indirectly connecting to Barangay Panlautan.
“Nagpasalig man sa amo-a ang mga taga-Kalahi nga di ka kinahanglan gradweyt para makaapil sa proyekto. Ako ug ang akong kauban sa grupo nagpa-ila lang nga kakugi ug cooperasyon sa usag-usa ang kinahanglan para makab-ot ang pangandoy,” teary-eyed Nang Sabinana concluded. (The Kalahi staff assured us that we need not be college graduates to participate in the project. We are a true testament that all it takes to have one dream achieved is hardwork and cooperation from each other).
Guv urges local officials to support anti-bird flu efforts
By: Rizalie Calibo
Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua urges all local officials to support activities that will keep the province avian flu free.
During the contingency planning held earlier, the governor ordered the formation of provincial and municipal task forces in support to the government’s fight against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or what is commonly called bird flu. He also ordered the Provincial Planning and Development Office to allocate budget for the anti-avian flu activities while urging the six local government units to make a thorough review on the use of calamity funds even during the prevention and preparedness stage.
Through the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), a provincial AI task force was formed earlier with the Farmers Information Technology Services (FITS) Consortium at the helm of its information, education and communication (IEC) campaign.
To date (February 3), the consortium is conducting its eighth of a series of anti-avian flu campaign at the Siquijor State College, Larena, Siquijor. It started last January 25 at the LGU-Maria followed by LGU Larena on January 26; LGU-Enrique Villanueva, January 30; LGU-Lazi, January 31, LGU-Siquijor, February 1, Lazi National Agricultural School (LNAS)-TESDA & LSDC (Lazi Skills Development Center) in the morning and LNAS-DepEd High School in the afternoon of February 2. LGU-San Juan is scheduled on February 7 and the Siquijor Provincial Science High School on February 8. Target audiences are the local chief executives and other municipal officials, school principals/heads, Association of Barangay Captains, teachers and students.
Member agencies of the FITS consortium are the Provincial Veterinarian Office with Dr. Bernadita Tabada as the chairman, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as secretariat, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Department of Agriculture-Research and Development Center (RSDC) and Provincial Agriculture Training Center Office (PATCO), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Provincial Government/Provincial Planning and Development Office, Siquijor State College, Lazi National Agricultural School from the academe, the six LGUs represented by their respective Municipal Agricultural Officers, the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Philippine Information Agency.
The infodrive aims to give its participants a better understanding the disease, its transmission and overall effect and counter measures in case it will affect the country. It also urges the activation of task forces from the provincial down municipal level.
To date, the Philippines and Singapore are the only countries in Southeast Asia not affected by H5N1 virus that causes bird flu. Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada said the best way to keep the province free from the deadly virus is to be properly informed of the disease and be vigilant. (pia)
Squalork [oui completes projects, to get a boost
By: Rizalie Calibo
The rising town of Siquijor has gained significant ground in its project implementation as various rural infrastructures funded by the provincial government and the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) were completed and inaugurated last year.
Mayor Richard Quezon said the completion of these projects would augur well for the economy of the local communities in their municipality. Aggressive implementation of these projects forms part of the thrust of the government to accelerate infrastructure development in the countryside, he said.
High on the priority list and of particular focus in Siquijor's 2006 development plan are the Phase III completion of its Old Public Market and the Vegetable Bagsakan or the Farmers Trading Post, the construction of baywalk and fish port and transportation terminal at the pier and the improvement of solid waste management and tourism. The local government is now on the threshold of setting motion its development targets as worth P1 million fresh funds from Senator Mar Roxas and other finances from the national and local governments are on the pipeline and are ready for implementation this year.
Citing tourism as their One-Town-One-Product (OTOP), Quezon said it is high time for Siquijor to establish a good foundation for a better and more revitalized tourism and travel program through the implementation of these projects.
To note, Quezon made it into the national limelight last year after being picked as the country's most outstanding mayor through the Gawad Pangulo and the Gawad Parangal awards.
In a related development, President Arroyo has certified as urgent Sen. Richard Gordon’s bill seeking to reorganize the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies to boost tourism and attract investments in the tourism industry.
More efficient tax collection vowed
By: Rizalie Calibo
Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves said Congress will work towards attaining a more efficient tax collection system this year.
Along with this, the local government unit of Larena through the offices of the municipal mayor, market supervisor and municipal treasurer urged all delinquent market vendors to pay their business taxes and stall rentals.
In December last year, the market vendors were made to sign an agreement for them to settle their overdue accounts until December 29. The agreement stipulated that the vendors who pay on or before the deadline are given the opportunity to pay without penalties imposed. Those who cannot pay on or the deadline are not allowed to do business in the public market, meaning their goods will not be displayed. They can resume business only after settling all their obligations with the municipal government.
Failure of the stall occupant to settle his delinquent account on a specified grace period would give the right for the local unit of Larena to award the contract to other interested and qualified applicants.
The move is part of the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the municipality. This remedial policy was imposed in response to the increasing number of delinquent public market vendors who were previously tolerated to continue business that resulted to less collection, among others, according to the municipal treasury personnel.
Agri technology beefed up in Siquijor
By: Rizalie Calibo
To further support the government's self-sufficiency in food, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Siquijor is presently conducting different season-long trainings that teach farmers to employ the latest farm technologies that aims to increase farm yields.
Gay Therese M. Bucol, OPA's Traning Facilitator here said farmers in these trainings are expected to demonstrate and internalize new farming trends and cultural management practices by engaging in high value commercial crops through the use of the latest farm technologies.
Recently the Office in cooperation with the Harbest Agribusiness Corp. launched a new "green house" in barangay Tacdog in Siquijor wherein some vegetables such as cantaloupe, lettuce, broccoli and the like are grown inside in a mechanical, controlled way. Bucol said that with this method veges are produced in a controlled environment away from excessive sunlight, rain and pests. She added farmers here can grow vegetables and other crops during off seasons. At present, farmers from different municipalities are trained here starting December 8 last year up to the second week of March this year. They will be given evaluation/examination after this season-long training.
Another related development is the graduation of 34 farmers in Larena from the Vegetable Production Training this February 10, 2006. The training which started on October 5 last year is a joint cooperation of the local government of Larena through the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) and the OPA.
Meanwhile some mango growers and contractors in the province attended last January this year the Mango Processing Training at the OPA. The training aimed to exploit the market potential of the fruit, provide farmers alternative source of livelihood and diversify the agricultural output in Siquijor. Finished products during the demo were mango puree, mango jam and dried mango.
INFOBITS:
What is Value-Added Tax?
VAT is a consumption tax imposed on the sale or importation of goods and services in the ordinary course of business.
Is this a new tax?
No. Most goods and services are already subject to VAT. But we still need the reforms in the VAT System (RA 9337) to increase government revenues.
Why do we need RA 9337?
The government needs to raise additional revenues to provide basic public services (like education, health, etc.) for the growing population and to immediately address the country’s debt that has accumulated through the years.
In 2004, for every peso earned by the government, 86 centavos go to debt servicing- 37 centavos go to interest payments and 49 centavos to principal payments.
For every peso spent by the government, 11 centavos are spent on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, buildings and other public needs.
What are the salient features of the RA 9337?
The 10% VAT rate is retained; however, the President shall increase the VAT rate to 12% starting January 1, 2006 if any of the conditions imposed by RA 9337 is satisfied.
The following goods and services are now subject to VAT: petroleum products and other indigenous fuels; power and electric cooperatives; services rendered by doctors and lawyers; domestic carriage of passengers by air and sea; non-food agricultural products; and works of art, literary works and musical compositions.
Why should the VAT rate be increased from 10% to 12%?
This is part of a bigger effort to address the country’s budget deficit. We need to increase our tax collection to sustain the government’s delivery of basic services. While we can conceptually reduce government expenditures, we can only reduce it by so much because the public relies on government for these basic services, which include education and medical services.
If we increase the VAT rate from 10% to 12% in 2006, we can raise as much as P35.12 billion more. On the other hand, if this measure is coupled with the repeal of the VAT exemptions mentioned above and other provisions of the VAT bill, we can raise up to P81.41 billion assuming a 70% collection efficiency.
Raising these additional revenues is expected to translate to the strengthening of the Peso-Dollar exchange rate and better interest rates arising from improved investor perception in the Philippines.
First conviction on human trafficking spurs more initiatives in the regions
The Filipino Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons (FIAT) plans two more roadshow campaigns this year, the first in the Visayas Region, with hopes of gaining more convictions for violations of RA 9208.
This is after convictions under RA 9208 were gained in Zamboanga and Quezon City last December through the efforts of both government and non-government organizations.
The Visayas Region campaign is scheduled for February 20 to 24 in Dumaguete City with the second scheduled for February 26 to March 1 in Calabayog City.
The road show campaigns scheduled for Dumaguete and Calabayog Cities are intended to further increase awareness and provide much needed training for law enforcement personnel, prosecutors and service providers in a bid to further boost anti-trafficking convictions in areas where human trafficking incidents have been reported.
The convictions last December show that FIAT’s efforts to raise awareness on human trafficking is valuable in laying a foundation for the successful enforcement of RA 9208. the guilty parties involved in Zamboanga and Quezon City were sentenced with the maximum penalty under RA 9208 of life imprisonment and a fine of two million pesos.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said his department fully supports current anti-TIP initiatives and expects more convictions to be handed down in 2006.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), a government-led body mandated to oversee the implementation of the anti-trafficking law, and three major civil society-led netoworks: the Multi-Sectoral Network Against Trafficking (MSNAT); the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women in Asia and the Pacific (CATW-AP) and the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT), agreed to work together, in partnership with local government units and other actors, to wage a campaign against trafficking in key areas in the Philippines identified as trafficking “hotspots”. The Filipino Initiative Against Trafficking road show campaign is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
2/09/2006
VOL. 2 ISSUE NO. 6, FEB. 9, 2006
NegOr pioneers PGMA healthy lifestyle program
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
The City of Bayawan, Negros Oriental celebrates its 3rd anniversary with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle program. The program is embodied under Presidential Proclamation No. 958 declaring the year 2005 to 2015 as the decade of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Fidencio "Ding" Aurelia of the Department of Health (DOH) said the adoption of a community base Healthy Lifestyle would start at Bayawan City for the Province of Oriental Negros with the enthusiasm of multi-sector groups.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between and among community leaders, the non-government organizations and the local government units will highlight the celebration on February 15 putting the people's pledge of commitment to tpractice the habit of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Aurelia emphasized that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 958 otherwise known as the Decade of Healthy Lifestyle to prevent the citizenry from living with the risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus and other diseases that can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases was organized in recognition of the importance of prevention and control of diseases. There are 41 government and non-government agencies. Professional organizations, medical societies and the academe have pledged to work together to ensure success of the Presidential Proclamation.
Dr. Aurelia expressed appreciation to the participation of Salinas Foods as a health investor putting importance on the prevention of non-communicable diseases with their new product, NIGARI mineral supplement.
With NIGARI, a 100 percent natural mineral supplement, the residents can come to the Patak Center that shall be established by barangay health workers for the drops of mineral supplements in their drinking water and all other liquid intakes.
A pioneering venture on "A Peso for Health," Dr. Aurelia believes that every citizen should be conscious of living a healthy life by avoiding the risk of getting contracted with non-communicable diseases. "Peso for Health" translates for one peso for every drop of NIGARI mineral supplements.
Ensuring the sustainability of the healthy lifestyle program, the Bayawan City Hospital will also launch its 100 percent Healthy Lifestyle Maintenance Program. The program will consist of the following components: a) NIGARI exercise; b) Mineral supplementation through the Patak Center; and c) empowering the community to avoid living with the risk factors like physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and dsylipidemia and other non-communicable diseases.
-30-
No alarming price increase in NegOr due to EVAT
By: Rachelle Nessia
Weeks after the implementation of the two percent increase in the value-added tax, consumers in Negros Oriental can heave a sigh of relief, as there have been no alarming increase in prices of basic goods and commodities in the province.
There are no drastic price increases due to EVAT in the province as any price increases among basic goods and commodities here have been gradual and insignificant, says Jojo Sumido, enforcement officer of the Department of Trade and Inudstry here.
Sumido said that except for cement and canned goods, prices for basic commodities have remained stable.
As of DTI's February 8 price monitoring, cost of cement increased by P1 compared to previous weeks, while the price of canned goods increased by 2.8% or less than a peso, compared to the week before.
DTI conducts a daily monitoring of prices of basic commodities in the province, especially now in view of fears that some unscrupulous traders might take advantage of the two percent increase in the value added tax.
Meanwhile, the cost of refined sugar in the province has gone down by 2% and the prevailing price as of Feb. 8 is P37.25 from P39.75 in the earlier weeks.
Cost of brown sugar also decreased by 10 centavos per kilo, said Sumido.
Market price for refined sugar has been increasing at a fast pace, but Sumido says this is not VAT-related.
The Senate is set to look into the recent increase in the price of sugar, which occurred even though there is no shortage in the country's sugar supply.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has likewise recently ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to go after hoarders of sugar to put an end to the artificial shortage of the commodity that has sent its prices soaring abnormally in the domestic market.
Sumido urged local consumers to call up DTI in cases of alarming price increase in basic goods sold in local stores. If the price is more than ten percent of its previous price last October, that's already alarming and consumers should report it to DTI, he added.
The two percent increase on EVAT (from 10 to 12%) took effect last February 1.
Sumido explained that businessmen caught unduly hiking up their prices will be penalized and face the full brunt of the law. "We will conduct an investigation, talk to the store owners and make the necessary recommendations," he said.
-30-
Rehab center calls for volunteers
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Great Physician (GP) Rehabilitation Center in Dumaguete City is in need of volunteers who can help assist its staff during the center's Friday morning activities.
Ana Lou Suan, project director of the GP Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., said they need volunteers who can help them look after the children on Friday mornings.
The center is a children's rehabilitation project in Dumaguete City offering free services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Suan said there are now 48 children in their center, a number that has steadily grown in the past months.
Interested volunteers may call up 422-8308 and 226-1887 for further details.
The GP Rehab Center is located at Calindagan SL Teves Subdivision, this city.
-30-
Oriental Negros Children can now read better with Bright Minds Read
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Grade 1 schoolers in Oriental Negros can now read better with comprehension through the Bright Minds Read program of McDonald's Charities.
Some 66 grade one children from the 23 district public schools in the province are identified as cannot read will be taught proper reading habits and develop them a well-rounded individuals.
Under this program, teachers also receive adequate training to guide them in properly implementing the BMR curriculum.
Along with this, the provincial government purchased some 60 BMR kits for various public schools in the province and had some 200 public school teachers under Department of Education Division trained over the weekend to implement the curriculum.
A BMR kit contains 32 teacher training modules, 32 illustrated English and Filipino big books promoting Filipino values and 200 worksheets, all specially designed to enhance beginning reading skills.
Dr. Elvira Directo, Ed.D. of DepEd-NCR who took the lead in the conduct of the BMR study, the development of the beginning reading curriculum, and its pilot implementation in the NCR personally came to Dumaguete City to conduct the training at the Oriental Negros High School.
Provincial Governor Arnaiz described BMR as "a very wonderful program," It will improve the capability of our children in school and the efficiency of our teachers in making sure that our Grade One pupils will learn how to read," he added.
Study showed that four out of ten Grade One pupils in public schools are found to be non-readers. The y become either "students at risk" of not qualifying for Grade Two, or they fall behind for the duration of their schooling simply because they hardly read.
-30-
Oriental Negros hosts int'l rondalla festival
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Provincial government of Oriental Negros has accepted the offer to host the 2nd International Rondalla Festival by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) which will be held during the National Arts Month in February next year.
Dubbed as, "Cuerdas sa Panaghisua," is a celebration of the great plucked string tradition that the Philippines shares with other nations all over the world.
Dr. Ramon Santos of NCCA explained that the festival is also a call for unity not only among the participating artists but for all the people who will directly and indirectly involve in this festival.
In a press conference with the provincial officials, Dr. Santos said, that rondalla festival spawned interests from its first participants and other artists from different parts of the world as experienced in Naga City where the first international rondalla festival held.
NCCA official said, that expected to participate in the rondalla competitions outside the Philippines are delegates from USA, Singapore, India, Israel, Mexico, Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, China, Europe, among others. Some 12 local groups from all over the Philippines will also join the festival. This is to show and appreciate the old artist in the localities.
With that, Provincial Governor George Arnaiz also said, "this is one way of advertising our province as a tourist destination with this offer." Governor Arnaiz disclosed, rondalla music lovers in the province will be given free musical string instruments to develop their talents for potential tourism performances.
The week-long celebration of Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa will feature concerts, exhibition, outreach performances, interactive rondalla music cliniquing, instrument making workshop and other special related activities.
Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa is designed not only for entertainment but for education and cultural aesthetic, Dr. Santos opined. This is also to pursue the unending quest for global peace, understanding and unity through the medium of musical communication.
-30-
Business establishments invited to join TESDA's apprenticeship program
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province is inviting local companies employing not less than 10 workers to avail of TESDA's Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay (KASH) program.
KASH is an apprenticeship program that is open to companies with a regular workforce of ten and up. The program will provide new entrants in their labor force to acquire experience and skills, explains Sheila Ocariza, technical education skills development specialist at TESDA here.
Ocariza disclosed that as of 2005, a total of 51 beneficiaries have availed of the said program in Negros Oriental.
KASH was developed to enhance the government's delivery of skills development and employment facilitation program.
As an incentive, companies that join the program will be able to deduct from the taxable income up to half of the value of the training expenses, according to Beth Tubog, administrative officer V of TESDA here.
So far, since the program started last year, Ocariza said only Ramar and Scooby's have availed of the program among the local industries here.
TESDA have already sent out invitations to qualified business establishments in the province last year. "So far, we are still waiting for their response," says Ocariza.
Some of the approved apprenticiable trades that can sign up for the program include refrigeration mechanics, cook/kitchen dispatcher, machine toll, mechanic repair, plumber/pipe fitter, among others.
-30-
Announcement from GSIS for retired gov't workers who re-entered gov't service
By: Rachelle Nessia
Government employees who have previously retired and re-entered government service before June 24, 1997 can now retire again with full service credit if they refund whatever benefits they had previously received.
This was disclosed by Ma. Erlinda P. Roma, department manager III of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here.
Roma explained that except for gratuity benefit received under RA 1616, the gross amount shall be asses a corresponding simple interest at the rate of 2% per month. "This is computed from the date the said benefits were paid to the employee up to the actual date of his/her refund to the GSIS of the said benefits," says Roma.
The said employees have up to March 1, 2006 to refund in full to GSIS the applicable benefits they received from their previous retirement/separation.
-30-
PIA Provincial Infocen Manager (left) moderating the out-of-town
Kapihan forum held at Bais City Pilot School, Bais City on Feb. 8, 2006.
The forum was attended by barangay and LGU officials and
representatives from various sectors in Bais City.
NORECO 1 to hold district elections; almost all brgys under NORECO 1 area already energized
By: Rachelle Nessia
Electric consumers under the coverage area of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1 (NORECO 1) based in Bindoy town will once again cast their votes as NORECO 1 holds its district elections for board of directors.
NORECO 1 will hold the elections in its three districts, namely Vallehermoso on Feb. 25, La Libertad on March 4 and Bais City on March 11.
This was disclosed by Edmund Nochefranca, NORECO 1 Institutional Services Manager during an out-of-town Kapihan forum conducted in Bais City by the Philippine Information Agency.
Nochefranca said that to qualify, candidates must be a member and a qualified voter of the cooperative in the district that he/she seeks to represent at least 90 days before the election.
Government employees who wish to run for director must secure a permit from the head of office where he/she works for this purpose.
Meanwhile, Nochefranca reported that all of the barangays in Bais City have already been energized as of December 2005.
Aside from Bais, there are three other local government units under NORECO 1 coverage area (from Ayungon to Vallehermoso) wherein all barangays have been energized, namely Bais City, Ayungon, Canlaon City and Manjuyod.
Of the total 285 barangays under NORECO 1, 243 are already energized, says Nochefranca.
NORECO 1 officials also encouraged electric consumers in Bais City to immediately report incidents that may result to system loss in the district.
-30-
Five teams vie for ONIA
By: Rachelle Nessia
Five teams have made it to the finals of the pioneering innovative business competition in the province, the Oriental Negros Innovation Awards.
The competition will culminate during the final judging and awarding ceremonies on February 16 to 17 at the Flores Hall of Foundation University, Dumaguete City.
During the two-day event, there will be a press conference, round table discussions with the judges and a final presentation that includes an "elevator pitch."
On February 17, the teams will present and convince a panel of judges composed of three three distinguished personalities from various disciplines and industries, namely: Mr. Francisco Bernardo III, AIM professor and Ten Outstanding Young Men of the World awardee; Mr. Mohan Kulkarni, TeleTech's vice president for business development; and Mr. Frederico Gonzalez, director of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.
The annual competition launched in 2005 is sponsored by the provincial government of Oriental Negros together with the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation, ONE-IPC, TVB Group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.
Five teams have earlier made it to the finals of this year's competition. The teams are: Aces Trailblazer, whose business plan is the Automated Rice Seedbed Protection; ProTek, which proposes a wireless security system; M-Web, the group that's into a Mosquito Trap; e-Ureka with its Customized Pre-paid card proposal; and SIE which focuses on the manufacture of Charcoal Briquettes.
ONIA will also conduct a skills presentation workshop for the five finalists as part of the organizers' mentoring and educating efforts for the participants.
A series of workshops have been given to the participating teams from the time they joined the competition, the semi-finals and eventually upon reaching the finals.
-30-
NFA reminds grains businessmen to renew licenses
By: Rachelle Nessia
The National Food Authority (NFA) here would like to remind all grains businessmen in the province that the renewal of license started during the month of January 2006.
The renewal of license is also for operators of rice and corn mills, warehouses or storages of rice and corn/feeds and palay/corn brans (tahop), palay thresher and corn shellers, mechanical dryers for palay and corn, truck operators or any kind of vehicles hauling rice and corn, restaurants, carinderias, hotels and other business establishments who serve rice and corn.
NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino has earlier advised all grains businessmen to renew their licenses to avoid fines and penalties. "Those who have no license yet may do so since our enforcement teams are conducting inspections every now and then," says Bejemino.
He also reminded other grains retailers and operators that what they have paid at their respective city or municipality are just permits. "It is necessary that they pay their grains license at the NFA office. Those who wish to renew their licenses in advance may also do so," he said.
He adds that there is a misconception among grains businessmen that permits from the city/municipality is enough to make them start their business. "Despite the information drive from the registration and licensing section, some new grains retailers would insist otherwise. Thus continuous inspection must be done," Bejemino stressed.
Renewal of licenses are accepted at the NFA provincial office at Pulantubig, Dumaguete City or at NFA Guihulngan Unit Office in Guihulngan.
The schedule for renewal and application of licenses in the province are the following:
February- Ayungon, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Canlaon City and Sta. Catalina
March - Bacong, La Libertad, Valencia and Dauin
April - Bais City, Mabinay, Vallehermoso and Siaton
May - Basay, Manjuyod and Zamboanguita
June- Dumaguete City, Bayawan City and Pamplona.
Provincial Registration and Licensing Officer Elizabeth Delfino said the local government units must take note of their schedule to give ample time and preparation for the renewal and application of licenses.
-30-
Guv's SOPA rescheduled to Feb. 16; EU to grant P93M to NegOr
The State of the Province Address has been postponed today and moved to Feb. 16, 2006.
Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence said the SOPA is rescheduled since Governor George P. Arnaiz had to attend a meeting with members of the European Union from February 9 to 10, 2006.
The European Union has expressed its intention to extend P93 million to Negros Oriental for the improvement of government hospital facilities and rural health units.
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
The City of Bayawan, Negros Oriental celebrates its 3rd anniversary with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle program. The program is embodied under Presidential Proclamation No. 958 declaring the year 2005 to 2015 as the decade of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Fidencio "Ding" Aurelia of the Department of Health (DOH) said the adoption of a community base Healthy Lifestyle would start at Bayawan City for the Province of Oriental Negros with the enthusiasm of multi-sector groups.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between and among community leaders, the non-government organizations and the local government units will highlight the celebration on February 15 putting the people's pledge of commitment to tpractice the habit of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Aurelia emphasized that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 958 otherwise known as the Decade of Healthy Lifestyle to prevent the citizenry from living with the risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus and other diseases that can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases was organized in recognition of the importance of prevention and control of diseases. There are 41 government and non-government agencies. Professional organizations, medical societies and the academe have pledged to work together to ensure success of the Presidential Proclamation.
Dr. Aurelia expressed appreciation to the participation of Salinas Foods as a health investor putting importance on the prevention of non-communicable diseases with their new product, NIGARI mineral supplement.
With NIGARI, a 100 percent natural mineral supplement, the residents can come to the Patak Center that shall be established by barangay health workers for the drops of mineral supplements in their drinking water and all other liquid intakes.
A pioneering venture on "A Peso for Health," Dr. Aurelia believes that every citizen should be conscious of living a healthy life by avoiding the risk of getting contracted with non-communicable diseases. "Peso for Health" translates for one peso for every drop of NIGARI mineral supplements.
Ensuring the sustainability of the healthy lifestyle program, the Bayawan City Hospital will also launch its 100 percent Healthy Lifestyle Maintenance Program. The program will consist of the following components: a) NIGARI exercise; b) Mineral supplementation through the Patak Center; and c) empowering the community to avoid living with the risk factors like physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and dsylipidemia and other non-communicable diseases.
-30-
No alarming price increase in NegOr due to EVAT
By: Rachelle Nessia
Weeks after the implementation of the two percent increase in the value-added tax, consumers in Negros Oriental can heave a sigh of relief, as there have been no alarming increase in prices of basic goods and commodities in the province.
There are no drastic price increases due to EVAT in the province as any price increases among basic goods and commodities here have been gradual and insignificant, says Jojo Sumido, enforcement officer of the Department of Trade and Inudstry here.
Sumido said that except for cement and canned goods, prices for basic commodities have remained stable.
As of DTI's February 8 price monitoring, cost of cement increased by P1 compared to previous weeks, while the price of canned goods increased by 2.8% or less than a peso, compared to the week before.
DTI conducts a daily monitoring of prices of basic commodities in the province, especially now in view of fears that some unscrupulous traders might take advantage of the two percent increase in the value added tax.
Meanwhile, the cost of refined sugar in the province has gone down by 2% and the prevailing price as of Feb. 8 is P37.25 from P39.75 in the earlier weeks.
Cost of brown sugar also decreased by 10 centavos per kilo, said Sumido.
Market price for refined sugar has been increasing at a fast pace, but Sumido says this is not VAT-related.
The Senate is set to look into the recent increase in the price of sugar, which occurred even though there is no shortage in the country's sugar supply.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has likewise recently ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to go after hoarders of sugar to put an end to the artificial shortage of the commodity that has sent its prices soaring abnormally in the domestic market.
Sumido urged local consumers to call up DTI in cases of alarming price increase in basic goods sold in local stores. If the price is more than ten percent of its previous price last October, that's already alarming and consumers should report it to DTI, he added.
The two percent increase on EVAT (from 10 to 12%) took effect last February 1.
Sumido explained that businessmen caught unduly hiking up their prices will be penalized and face the full brunt of the law. "We will conduct an investigation, talk to the store owners and make the necessary recommendations," he said.
-30-
Rehab center calls for volunteers
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Great Physician (GP) Rehabilitation Center in Dumaguete City is in need of volunteers who can help assist its staff during the center's Friday morning activities.
Ana Lou Suan, project director of the GP Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., said they need volunteers who can help them look after the children on Friday mornings.
The center is a children's rehabilitation project in Dumaguete City offering free services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Suan said there are now 48 children in their center, a number that has steadily grown in the past months.
Interested volunteers may call up 422-8308 and 226-1887 for further details.
The GP Rehab Center is located at Calindagan SL Teves Subdivision, this city.
-30-
Oriental Negros Children can now read better with Bright Minds Read
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Grade 1 schoolers in Oriental Negros can now read better with comprehension through the Bright Minds Read program of McDonald's Charities.
Some 66 grade one children from the 23 district public schools in the province are identified as cannot read will be taught proper reading habits and develop them a well-rounded individuals.
Under this program, teachers also receive adequate training to guide them in properly implementing the BMR curriculum.
Along with this, the provincial government purchased some 60 BMR kits for various public schools in the province and had some 200 public school teachers under Department of Education Division trained over the weekend to implement the curriculum.
A BMR kit contains 32 teacher training modules, 32 illustrated English and Filipino big books promoting Filipino values and 200 worksheets, all specially designed to enhance beginning reading skills.
Dr. Elvira Directo, Ed.D. of DepEd-NCR who took the lead in the conduct of the BMR study, the development of the beginning reading curriculum, and its pilot implementation in the NCR personally came to Dumaguete City to conduct the training at the Oriental Negros High School.
Provincial Governor Arnaiz described BMR as "a very wonderful program," It will improve the capability of our children in school and the efficiency of our teachers in making sure that our Grade One pupils will learn how to read," he added.
Study showed that four out of ten Grade One pupils in public schools are found to be non-readers. The y become either "students at risk" of not qualifying for Grade Two, or they fall behind for the duration of their schooling simply because they hardly read.
-30-
Oriental Negros hosts int'l rondalla festival
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Provincial government of Oriental Negros has accepted the offer to host the 2nd International Rondalla Festival by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) which will be held during the National Arts Month in February next year.
Dubbed as, "Cuerdas sa Panaghisua," is a celebration of the great plucked string tradition that the Philippines shares with other nations all over the world.
Dr. Ramon Santos of NCCA explained that the festival is also a call for unity not only among the participating artists but for all the people who will directly and indirectly involve in this festival.
In a press conference with the provincial officials, Dr. Santos said, that rondalla festival spawned interests from its first participants and other artists from different parts of the world as experienced in Naga City where the first international rondalla festival held.
NCCA official said, that expected to participate in the rondalla competitions outside the Philippines are delegates from USA, Singapore, India, Israel, Mexico, Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, China, Europe, among others. Some 12 local groups from all over the Philippines will also join the festival. This is to show and appreciate the old artist in the localities.
With that, Provincial Governor George Arnaiz also said, "this is one way of advertising our province as a tourist destination with this offer." Governor Arnaiz disclosed, rondalla music lovers in the province will be given free musical string instruments to develop their talents for potential tourism performances.
The week-long celebration of Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa will feature concerts, exhibition, outreach performances, interactive rondalla music cliniquing, instrument making workshop and other special related activities.
Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa is designed not only for entertainment but for education and cultural aesthetic, Dr. Santos opined. This is also to pursue the unending quest for global peace, understanding and unity through the medium of musical communication.
-30-
Business establishments invited to join TESDA's apprenticeship program
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province is inviting local companies employing not less than 10 workers to avail of TESDA's Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay (KASH) program.
KASH is an apprenticeship program that is open to companies with a regular workforce of ten and up. The program will provide new entrants in their labor force to acquire experience and skills, explains Sheila Ocariza, technical education skills development specialist at TESDA here.
Ocariza disclosed that as of 2005, a total of 51 beneficiaries have availed of the said program in Negros Oriental.
KASH was developed to enhance the government's delivery of skills development and employment facilitation program.
As an incentive, companies that join the program will be able to deduct from the taxable income up to half of the value of the training expenses, according to Beth Tubog, administrative officer V of TESDA here.
So far, since the program started last year, Ocariza said only Ramar and Scooby's have availed of the program among the local industries here.
TESDA have already sent out invitations to qualified business establishments in the province last year. "So far, we are still waiting for their response," says Ocariza.
Some of the approved apprenticiable trades that can sign up for the program include refrigeration mechanics, cook/kitchen dispatcher, machine toll, mechanic repair, plumber/pipe fitter, among others.
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Announcement from GSIS for retired gov't workers who re-entered gov't service
By: Rachelle Nessia
Government employees who have previously retired and re-entered government service before June 24, 1997 can now retire again with full service credit if they refund whatever benefits they had previously received.
This was disclosed by Ma. Erlinda P. Roma, department manager III of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here.
Roma explained that except for gratuity benefit received under RA 1616, the gross amount shall be asses a corresponding simple interest at the rate of 2% per month. "This is computed from the date the said benefits were paid to the employee up to the actual date of his/her refund to the GSIS of the said benefits," says Roma.
The said employees have up to March 1, 2006 to refund in full to GSIS the applicable benefits they received from their previous retirement/separation.
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PIA Provincial Infocen Manager (left) moderating the out-of-townKapihan forum held at Bais City Pilot School, Bais City on Feb. 8, 2006.
The forum was attended by barangay and LGU officials and
representatives from various sectors in Bais City.
NORECO 1 to hold district elections; almost all brgys under NORECO 1 area already energized
By: Rachelle Nessia
Electric consumers under the coverage area of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1 (NORECO 1) based in Bindoy town will once again cast their votes as NORECO 1 holds its district elections for board of directors.
NORECO 1 will hold the elections in its three districts, namely Vallehermoso on Feb. 25, La Libertad on March 4 and Bais City on March 11.
This was disclosed by Edmund Nochefranca, NORECO 1 Institutional Services Manager during an out-of-town Kapihan forum conducted in Bais City by the Philippine Information Agency.
Nochefranca said that to qualify, candidates must be a member and a qualified voter of the cooperative in the district that he/she seeks to represent at least 90 days before the election.
Government employees who wish to run for director must secure a permit from the head of office where he/she works for this purpose.
Meanwhile, Nochefranca reported that all of the barangays in Bais City have already been energized as of December 2005.
Aside from Bais, there are three other local government units under NORECO 1 coverage area (from Ayungon to Vallehermoso) wherein all barangays have been energized, namely Bais City, Ayungon, Canlaon City and Manjuyod.
Of the total 285 barangays under NORECO 1, 243 are already energized, says Nochefranca.
NORECO 1 officials also encouraged electric consumers in Bais City to immediately report incidents that may result to system loss in the district.
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Five teams vie for ONIA
By: Rachelle Nessia
Five teams have made it to the finals of the pioneering innovative business competition in the province, the Oriental Negros Innovation Awards.
The competition will culminate during the final judging and awarding ceremonies on February 16 to 17 at the Flores Hall of Foundation University, Dumaguete City.
During the two-day event, there will be a press conference, round table discussions with the judges and a final presentation that includes an "elevator pitch."
On February 17, the teams will present and convince a panel of judges composed of three three distinguished personalities from various disciplines and industries, namely: Mr. Francisco Bernardo III, AIM professor and Ten Outstanding Young Men of the World awardee; Mr. Mohan Kulkarni, TeleTech's vice president for business development; and Mr. Frederico Gonzalez, director of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.
The annual competition launched in 2005 is sponsored by the provincial government of Oriental Negros together with the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation, ONE-IPC, TVB Group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.
Five teams have earlier made it to the finals of this year's competition. The teams are: Aces Trailblazer, whose business plan is the Automated Rice Seedbed Protection; ProTek, which proposes a wireless security system; M-Web, the group that's into a Mosquito Trap; e-Ureka with its Customized Pre-paid card proposal; and SIE which focuses on the manufacture of Charcoal Briquettes.
ONIA will also conduct a skills presentation workshop for the five finalists as part of the organizers' mentoring and educating efforts for the participants.
A series of workshops have been given to the participating teams from the time they joined the competition, the semi-finals and eventually upon reaching the finals.
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NFA reminds grains businessmen to renew licenses
By: Rachelle Nessia
The National Food Authority (NFA) here would like to remind all grains businessmen in the province that the renewal of license started during the month of January 2006.
The renewal of license is also for operators of rice and corn mills, warehouses or storages of rice and corn/feeds and palay/corn brans (tahop), palay thresher and corn shellers, mechanical dryers for palay and corn, truck operators or any kind of vehicles hauling rice and corn, restaurants, carinderias, hotels and other business establishments who serve rice and corn.
NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino has earlier advised all grains businessmen to renew their licenses to avoid fines and penalties. "Those who have no license yet may do so since our enforcement teams are conducting inspections every now and then," says Bejemino.
He also reminded other grains retailers and operators that what they have paid at their respective city or municipality are just permits. "It is necessary that they pay their grains license at the NFA office. Those who wish to renew their licenses in advance may also do so," he said.
He adds that there is a misconception among grains businessmen that permits from the city/municipality is enough to make them start their business. "Despite the information drive from the registration and licensing section, some new grains retailers would insist otherwise. Thus continuous inspection must be done," Bejemino stressed.
Renewal of licenses are accepted at the NFA provincial office at Pulantubig, Dumaguete City or at NFA Guihulngan Unit Office in Guihulngan.
The schedule for renewal and application of licenses in the province are the following:
February- Ayungon, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Canlaon City and Sta. Catalina
March - Bacong, La Libertad, Valencia and Dauin
April - Bais City, Mabinay, Vallehermoso and Siaton
May - Basay, Manjuyod and Zamboanguita
June- Dumaguete City, Bayawan City and Pamplona.
Provincial Registration and Licensing Officer Elizabeth Delfino said the local government units must take note of their schedule to give ample time and preparation for the renewal and application of licenses.
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Guv's SOPA rescheduled to Feb. 16; EU to grant P93M to NegOr
The State of the Province Address has been postponed today and moved to Feb. 16, 2006.
Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence said the SOPA is rescheduled since Governor George P. Arnaiz had to attend a meeting with members of the European Union from February 9 to 10, 2006.
The European Union has expressed its intention to extend P93 million to Negros Oriental for the improvement of government hospital facilities and rural health units.
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