ISSUE NO. 44, February 2, 2006

BFAD invites applicants for Botika program in NegOr, Siquijor

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) here are urging drug store owners and pharmacists in Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces to sign up for the half-priced medicines program of the government.

Dubbed as the Botika ng Bayan or Botika ng Barangay, the five-year program aims to reduce the prices of medicines by half.

As of January 2006, a total of 1,016 Botika ng Bayan has been established in addition to the 3,600 Botika ng Barangay across the country.

However, since it was started in 2005, there are yet no applicants for the program in the said provinces. There are more than 100 drugstores operating in Negros Oriental and around 12 in Siquijor.

Local BFAD Officer Manon Iglesia said the requirements for the program are same as when applying for a retail drug store, such as a licensed pharmacist with the necessary documents, DTI business permit, etc.

Accreditation fee is set at P5,000, says Iglesia.

"Even owners of existing drug stores may apply as Botika ng Bayan," adds Iglesia.

Interested applicants must go to the Department of Health Provincial Health Team Office on Mondays and Fridays only as Iglesia, who is the lone BFAD officer in the province, is on field on Tuesdays to Thursdays.

The DOH office here is located at the Cimafranca Subdivision (near Little Children of the Philippines), Daro, this city.

The National Development Corporation (NDC) has earlier approved the allocation of additional P500 million for the expansion of the program.

Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) chairman and president Roberto Pagdanganan said the NDC board unanimously approved the allocation of fresh funds to augment the present financial capabilities of the ongoing half-priced medicines program of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"The goal is to make funds available to expand the Botika ng Bayan all over the country so that the medicines commonly bought, including antibiotic, hypertension, antihistamine, anti-diabetic shall be made available, accessible and affordable tot the poor, especially to the poor," Pagdanganan said.

The new fund for the program shall be used for importing branded off-patent medicines and to hasten the implementation of the half-priced medicines to be distributed in all Botika ng Bayan and Botika ng Barangay outlets.

"With this Botika ng Bayan network, we hope to be able to reach the target places especially in Metro Manila and far-flung areas in the provinces," Pagdanganan added. (RMN)

BUHI: A good example of government support to start-up business
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos

BUHI has started to gain grounds in the international business with government's support after winning the 1st Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation Innovation Awards.

BUHI is now working its patent in different countries to use its technology commercially.

This technology allows transporting of live fish from one place to another by putting them to sleep without the use of water. This new method discovered by local inventor, Bonifacio Comandante of Silliman University guarantees 100 percent fish survival for 12 hours without water.

The invention of Boni Comandante won a top prize in the "Best International Business Plan Competition." His work has been cited for its convenience and economy in transporting live fish as it eliminates the need for equipment such as oxygen tanks, breeding tanks and containers, among others. It also means less shipping cost because there is no need for water which adds weight to the cargo.

Right now, BUHI sells live fishes and oysters at the Provincial Nursery compound every Wednesday and Saturday during its "Tabo sa PAO." This is also expanded to local and national supermarkets, thereby increasing its sales.

BUHI Live Seafood Market will also be highlighted during the inauguration of Asia SM Mall in Manila on February 24 and on February 18, BUHI will open at SM Makati and Sta. Rosa.

With its success, BUHI acknowledges the provincial government of Oriental Negros for providing the P50-thousand cash award and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her support by personally participating in the Sleeping Fish demonstration.

NORECO 1 implements rate reduction

The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO 1) based in Bindoy town has reduced its electric rates by P1.039 per kilowatt-hour for the month of January 2006.

This developed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Resolution No. 1165 appropriating more than P2M to NORECO 1 as its share of the royalty tax paid by NAPOCOR and PNOC to the provincial government for the year 2004.

NORECO 1 received approximately P2,736,000, says NORECO 1 Public Relations Officer Joie Dagonton.

Dagonton said the electric cooperative is one of the recipients of the royalty tax incentives being a purchaser of power from the National Power Corporation/Philippine National Oil Company. "Eight percent of the royalty tax paid to the province are to be applied for the reduction of cost of power to all consumers of NPC supplied power," she said.

Using the consumers' consumption in January 2006, the rate reduction is reflected in the January 2006 power bill of NORECO 1 consumers.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency will hold a Kapihan sa PIA forum in Bais City on January 8, 2006 in connection with the upcoming NORECO 1 district elections.

The forum will serve not only as a venue to discuss issues related to the conduct of the district elections but also an awareness drive on energy conservation. (RMN)

FU Army ROTC gains highest score in RAAPE
The Foundation University Army ROTC stood out from among the different university Army ROTC units in the province after achieving the highest points during the recent Regional Annual Administrative Performance Test (RAAPE).

Tactical inspectors from the 7th RCDG based in Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City led by the chairman of the inspecting team and 7th RCDG Commander Col. Guillermo C. Luyao conducted the test in the Army ROTC units of Negros Oriental State University, Foundation University, Silliman University, St. Paul University and the NORSU-Bais Campus.

The Army ROTC unit of Foundation University snapped up 88.44 points and took the glory from long-time champion Silliman University which only garnered 86.89 points.

The fight for second place was fiercely fought between Silliman University and Negros Oriental State University, which garnered 86.23.

NORSU achieved perfect scores for small unit tactics, theoretical examination, first aid and almost perfected the Ceremonial Parade. However, NORSU cannot cope with the established and fully equipped administrative capability of Silliman University.

RAAPE is an annual test conducted to assure the sustainability of the visions of the Reserve Component of the Philippine Army and to keep up with the standards in promoting discipline, military preparedness and patriotic fervor among college students nationwide.

Fil-Am doctors to conduct medical mission in OrNeg

The Philippine American Medical Society of Western Pennsylvania Inc. (PAMS) will conduct a free medical-surgical mission here to serve the poorest of the poor in Oriental NEgros.

This year's first medical mission is scheduled on Feb. 6-10, 2006 at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and the Bayawan District Hospital.

PAMS President, Dr. Rudy Furigay, said the Filipino-Americans will be composed of 40 doctors with expertise in surgery, internal medicines, ob-gynecologists, pediatricians, uroligists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, a plastic surgeon and eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) specialists.

"These doctors will be performing free surgical operations and medical consultations," Dr. Furigay stressed.

He disclosed that a group of opthalmologists from the UERM Memorial Hospital in Quezon City will also do free cataract operations for indigent patients.

The medical mission is being supported by Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo B. Yanson, Sr., owner of Ceres Liner, Gov. George P. Arnaiz, City Mayor Agustin Perdices and the Rotary Clubs of Dumaguete.

Last year, the provincial government conducted 31 medical missions supported by local, national and foreign medical groups. The medical missions served 10,000 indigent patients provincewide.

GSIS invests P17M to update service records of public school teachers

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here is now in the thick of updating the GSIS records of public school teachers here.

According to local GSIS Information Officer Jaydon Villaverde, GSIS is working overtime with officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) in gathering, collating and encoding the individual service records of DepEd employees while removing inaccurate data such as bloated salaries and non-existent members.

Earlier, GSIS Executive Vide President for Operations Enriqueta Disuanco has assured that the state pension fund and DepEd are implementing a "one and for all" solution that will correct discrepancies in the service records of DepEd employees.

The project, which costs P17.2 million courtesy of GSIS, is being done at the DepEd division level. Disuanco said this will pave the way for reliable and accurate data to be uploaded in the GSIS's database.

GSIS will train DepEd personnel on the GSIS-preferred format of data encoding, this on top of the state pension fund shouldering the cost of acquiring computers and equipment as well as the hiring of contractual employees.

Disuanco said P17 million is a small investment compared to its long-term benefits. "Once we are through with this, we are positive that the GSIS will collect from the DepEd at least P2 billion in arrearages. The DepEd committed to seek allocation once we finalize the correct amount that is due," she said.

She added that a reliable and accurate record will give teachers a correct record of creditable service, which is the basis for benefits and privileges such as loans, claims and dividends.

Villaverde said GSIS gave this statement in light of a proposal for some DepEd employees union officials that teachers put up their own insurance fund, apparently as a way out of the unreliable records they have with the GSIS.

But Disuanco said the GSIS should not be readily faulted for this, because the state-pension fund only based its membership data from the service records submitted by DepEd personnel.

Campaign vs. trafficking in persons to be launched; NegOr identified as trafficking 'hotspot'

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in persons will spearhead a massive information campaign dubbed as the "Filipino Initiative Against Trafficking," here in Oriental Negros on February 19 to 24, 2006 in cooperation by the Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE) Program of the USAID.

The week-long campaign will seek to focus national attention to the problem and to mobilize support from the public and key institutions in combating trafficking.

Oriental Negros is identified as one of the trafficking "hotspots" or one of the major recruitment grounds for victims and potential trafficking of victims, thus, in Central Visayas, the province occupies a strategic position in the anti-trafficking initiatives of the Philippines.

The anti-trafficking in persons roadshow campaign here will start with a Mass and reading of a pastoral letter condemning trafficking as the central point for the celebrations on Sunday, February 19.

On the 20th, dignitaries from Manila will arrive for the launching of anti-trafficking programs and presentation of regional and provincial commitment against trafficking. Guests-representatives include Secretary Luwalhati Pablo of the Department of Social Welfare & Development, Sr. State Council Paras of the Department of Justice, USAID Director from Washington, Provincial Governor George Arnaiz and DSWD7 Regional Director Teodulo R. Romo Jr. will highlight existing initiatives and planned programs. This is followed by Press Conference.

Following days are intended for radio guesting, training for law enforcers and prosecutors, cultural festival, school orientations and film showing, training for recruitment agencies, consultation and dialogue among national and local agency-partners, among others.

Trafficking is a modern slavery, and victims are spotted daily in key transit and destinations areas such as ports and bus terminals, and hundreds or more were rescued from exploitative work such as prostitution and bonded labor.

The campaign for the Filipino Initiative Against Trafficking was launched in Malacanang with Prsident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo calling trafficking as a "curse on the poor." She pledged to put trafficking "near the top list where we should put our resources" and "increase efforts to convict traffickers."

Five more bridges rise in NegOr under national bridge fund-building program

Five more bridges in various local government units have been put up in Negros Oriental last year as a result of the President's Bridge Program.

According to Engr. Pedro Tuble, chief of the DPWH maintenance division here, the bridges are, namely: Amio Bridge and Inobongan Bridge in Sta. Catalina; Tinago Bridge in Dumaguete City; Kalabnugan Bridge in Sibulan; and Tabuc-tubig Bridge in Tanjay City.

Tuble said construction of Kalabnugan, Tabuc-Tubig and Tinago bridges are still ongoing. The two bridges in Sta. Catalina have already been completed.

Based on records from the Provincial Engineer's Office, the total provincial counterpart for the said bridges is approximately P33.5 million.

Two more bridges under the program are still to start construction - the Balugo-Banwagi Bridge in Guihulngan and Lacaon-Mahanlod Bridge in Jimalalud.

The President's Bridge Program is a major national infrastructure initiative which is part of the national infrastructure program of road networks designed to spur trade and economic progress in the most remote and poorest areas of the country.

One of the resounding success stories under the President's Bridge Program has been the three bridges constructed in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

According to Des Tilos, Valencia Information Officer, the Arroyo administration has poured in P5M for the repair and construction of three bridges in Valencia.

The old bridges - namely Balogo Bridge, Guinsayao Bridge and Isugan Bridge- have either collapsed or in a dilapidated state and were all made of wood.

Funds from the national government coursed through the bridge program have paved the way for the repair and construction of these bridges. Tilos said the new Balogo bridge is now a one-lane bridge connecting the Palinpinon-Balogo road, while Guinsayao and Isugan bridges- used to be one-lane wooden bridges- are now two-lane bridges connecting the Valencia-Bacong road.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was on hand to witness the inauguration of Balogo bridge in 2003.

Tilos said the number of motor vehicles passing through the said areas have increased since the bridges were constructed. It has also been good for local trade as vegetable products and other crops are now easily transported to and from Valencia because of the bridges, adds Tilos.

And due to the increased accessibility, residents in these areas have grown in number.

Tilos said Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. have expressed his appreciation to the President as the mayor have noted that the economic activities in the town has flourished following the repair and construction of the bridges.

The nationwide bridge fund-building program capped 2005 with the completion of 299 new bridges nationwide, the most in a single year since the program was first conceived 11 years ago.

Over 1,500 bridges have been completed under the PBP since it first started under the Office of the President. Its implementation was later transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which saw the quick completion of 1,128 bridges from then up to December 15, 2005.

DPWH records show that in the period between 2001-2005 under President Arroyo was when 945 of these bridges were completed.

DPWH statistics likewise show that as of December 15, 2005 there were 110 more bridges nearing completion.

The PBP fast tracks the Philippine Government's bridge building requirement that totals over 150,000 nationwide as stated in the country's medium term development program.

Province asks DENR to extend time for R.A. compliance

LARENA, Siquijor-- Due to lack of financial resources, the Provincial Government in Siquijor recently asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to lengthen the time frame set forth by the Office for the compliance and full implementation of the R.A. 9003 or The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Earlier in a meeting conducted by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), the local DENR here reiterated the Regional Executive Order addressing all mayors in Region 7 to take initial moves of establishing sanitary landfills not later than January 26, 2006.

Likewise, Dr. Desiree Narvaez, director of the Environment and Occupational Health Office of the Department of Health recently expressed concern over the improper disposal of hospital wastes in the country and its impact on the health of the people, particularly the rise of respiratory diseases as well as skin diseases.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, no more open or controlled dumpsites are acceptable as they are just mere disposal areas where solid wastes are indiscriminately thrown or disposed of without due planning and consideration for environmental and health standards. An ideal solid waste management is one that is accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics and other environmental considerations. A sanitary landfill, on the other hand, refers to a waste disposal site designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that exerts engineering control over significant potential environmental impacts.

In Siquijor, the open dumpsite is located in barangay Can-asagan, San Juan town. Although wastes here are still manageable, the DENR said the local government is left with no choice but to comply since the law is mandatory. Failure to comply means facing administrative charges.

Earl Stanley Matas of the Germany's Gesselscahft feur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) said a sanitary landfill is built and based on population and waste generation of a locality. Based on the Ateneo De Manila School of Governance's assessment, he said only one sanitary landfill is necessary here in Siquijor because it is impractical for every municipality to have its own because it is costly. A one-hectare sanitary landfill, he said, costs P15 M including all equipment needed for the construction.

However, Matas said, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is willing to extend a P3.5 M loan to initially put up a sanitary landfill here. But we have to consult the technical help of the GTZ first, he said. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said some amount from the 20% Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the province can also be utilized for it since the IRA this year will be focused on social, environmental and economic.

Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua, meanwhile, urged all local government units to do their own roles in waste characterization of segregating, recycling and composting their wastes through their Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) while waiting for the appropriate budget. MRF is a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center or composting/recycling facility provided to every barangay.

LTO heightens more law enforcement

LARENA, Siquijor-- Spurred by their last year's achievement in terms of high collection efficiency and law enforcement, the Land Transportation Office-Siquijor Province is back in business of strictly enforcing the law in the name of public interest.

Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Gerald Dominguez said in an interview their office is upbeat of ensuring public safety on the roads, streets and highways for all users, even if it means affecting those who misunderstand them.

"We will do our best to accommodate everybody as long as it is within the bounds of law", Dominguez said. "I want to see smooth highways here in Siquijor in a span of three years", he added.

He said vehicular accidents are already alarming in the province and that because of this they have to strictly impose discipline to all drivers and continue to launch public safety awareness campaign up to the barangay level. Dominguez made clear that all motorists and four-wheeler owners/drivers must comply all complete accessories such as headlights (high and low), signal and tail lights, whipers, seatbelts, plate numbers, etc.

He also warned the riding public to broaden their vigilance against abusive drivers who overcharge them with excessive rates. "We shall go after those who trample consumer rights and interests", he stressed.

The LTO here has also taken a new turn for the better as it is expecting some amount from the recently released P100 million for LTO mobile and patrol cars to intensify more law enforcement in the streets and highways nationwide. Another visible development in the office this year is the hassle-free, 15-minute instant lamination in the renewal of licenses.

Meanwhile, in its effort to beef up drive against erring emission testing centers, three smoke emission test centers had their accreditations from the Department of Transportation and Communications canceled, while 16 others were suspended by the Land Transportation Office.

DOST 7 chemical lab meets ISO standards

Cebu Representative Eduardo Gullas wants national economic development planners to further build up Cebu as a global business process outsourcing hub, saying a lot more could be done to help promote the province's qualities as an ideal location for information technology-enabled service industries.

Along with this, CEBU's food and chemical manufacturing firms may now find relief from issues related to meeting food safety standards of the global market.

This, as the Department of Science and Technology - Regional Standards and Testing Center (DOST7-RSTC) Chemical Laboratory has been validated to conform to the requirements of the Philippine National Standard International Standardization Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission (PNS ISO/IEC) 17025:2000.

The Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and the Department of Trade and Industry issued the certificate of accreditation to DOST7-RSTC recently.

BPS evaluates a laboratory's capabilities, in both management and technical aspects based on international standards through a rigorous laboratory accreditation scheme.

The DOST7-RSTC Chemical Laboratory, which is located in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City, has been servicing food and chemical manufacturing companies by providing laboratory analyses on meat, poultry and derived products.

Services

It also provides analyses on fish, crustaceans, mollusks and derived products; fruits, jams and other fruit products; as well as on water for drinking and domestic purposes.

Chemical manufacturing firms, including local government units and non-government organizations, also availed themselves of the DOST7-RSTC's services for chemical testing on wastewater, industrial and fine chemicals, fertilizers, lime, cement and other related products.

There has been global demand from clients for laboratories to comply with internationally accepted standards of quality, performance, technical expertise and competence.

Operating in the past 20 years, the DOST7-RSTC is also internationally accredited for microbiological tests on food and beverage products and raw materials.

It also provides services, like calibration on force, pressure, mass, volume, or temperature of equipment and formula of manufacture for export-import companies and physical analysis for textiles, fabrics and other related products.

With the international accreditation, companies availing themselves of the laboratory's services are reassuring their customers that the products they purchase meet their expectations or conform to specific requirements in the world market.

Search for outstanding teachers on

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) opens anew its annual search for outstanding teachers. It is also widely supported by heads of various educational institutions, who see it as an excellent way to motivate and honor teachers.

The Search honors the teaching profession by recognizing teachers who devote their lives to the development of the youth with exemplary competence and dedication, and who best serve as models of excellence.

It is open to all full-time teachers in the elementary, high school and college levels, who have been actively teaching in the Philippines for the last 10 years (inclusive of leaves not exceeding two years, provided this is not during the nomination period).

The following are also eligible: deans, vice-deans, chairpersons of departments, subject area coordinators, teacher-librarians, head teachers, and guidance counselors, who meet the above requirement and carry a teaching load of at least 50% of the total load required by the nominating school for full-time faculty; elementary and high school teachers, who have at least a bachelor's degree; college level nominees, including those from the fields of Medicine or Law, who have at least a master's degree; and college teachers who are teaching part-time in the Graduate School level, provided they carry at least 50% of the teaching load in the undergraduate level.

Each awardee receives P200,000 cash prize, part of which is for the faculty development program of his/her school. The awardee also receives a medal and trophy, and the school, a plaque of recognition. Finalists not chosen as winners receive P10,000 cash prize and a certificate of recognition. Semifinalists get a P5,000 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.

About the Program. The Search for Outstanding Teachers represents the Foundation's commitment to promote a culture of excellence in education by recognizing the country's best mentors who can be upheld as models not only for educators but for other community members as well. More than 200 exemplary elementary, high school, and college teachers from all over the country have so far been awarded since its launching in 1985.

Behind Every Success is a Teacher
Success begins with a dream. With a vision of a future that welcomes every talent, every skill, every ideal of the dreamer.

The teacher helps plant the seed of the dream. Waters it with enthusiasm. Nurtures it with encouragement. Cultivates it through the teacher's own fine example of fiery determination. Enhances it with knowledge. Coaxes it to grow to become reality through the teacher's own unbending faith in the dreamer.

So when yesterday's dreams become today's reality and yesterday's determination becomes today's success, it is only fitting that tribute be given to the mentor who lighted the way.

Meanwhile, the Arroyo administration has allotted more funds for the improvement of quality education programs, particularly to ease the shortage of public school buildings and classrooms in the elementary and high school levels..

Arnaiz supports "Bright Mind, Bright Child Project"

Oriental Negros Governor George P. Arnaiz supports the Bright Mind, Bright Child Project in line with the administration's thrust to strengthen the public education system in the province.

This comes as 180 to 200 teachers from the Department of Education-Oriental Negros Schools Division will be trained on the Bright Mind, Bright Child Project starting February 4 to 5, 2006 at the Negros Oriental High School.

Gov. Arnaiz said the training aims to upgrade their teaching competencies and improving the reading skills of pupils under the said project.

The Bright Mind Bright Child Project is a brainchild of the McDonald Charities.

Research shows that 40% of pupils at the Grade 1 level in the while country do not know how to read.

By the age of 8, the non-readers' intellectual and psycho-emotional growth remains hampered, thus, affecting their self-esteem and production capacity when they grow up. To prevent and minimize this problem, McDonald Charities cam out with the project, says Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence.

Lemence said the province has allotted P400,000 to purchase the training kit and educational materials for the said project.

Meanwhile, the Bright Mind Bright Child project is linked to the province through Education Vice-Committee Chair Mariant Escaño-Villegas.

A memorandum of agreement will be signed by the Provincial Government, DepEd and McDonald's Charities on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006 at a local restaurant in the city.

Soundbytes:

DA to set up direct market program
In a bid to intensify its food access program, the Department of Agriculture will be setting up a direct market linkage program in retail wet markets and alternative distribution outlets in Metro Manila.

VAT hike conditions met
Two conditions set by law to trigger the increase in the value-added tax or VAT rate have been met with yesterday's release of official economic data, allowing the Finance department to recommend to the President that the sales tax rate be raised to 12% from 10% effective February 1.

23 roads for nautical highway
The Department of Public Works and Highways has built 23 major roads in support of President Arroyo's Strong Republic Nautical Highway Program.

Palace: Parliament polls in '07
Malacañang pushed for parliamentary elections in 2007, effectively dropping the no-election proposal of the consultative commission that was opposed by former President Fidel Ramos, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, government officials and various sectors.

CBCP: GMA deserves chance to redeem self
Pres. Arroyo should be given a chance to redeem herself and win back public trust, according to the head of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines, which declared that the electoral fraud allegations hounding Ms. Arroyo should be "relentlessly pursued" through legal means

Drivers' initiatives
The Land Transportation Office is considering giving incentives to public and private vehicle drivers who have not committed a single traffic violation for one year.