Perdices welcomes PGMA’s challenge for tourism investments in Dgte
In the aftermath of what was certainly a State of the Nation Address (SONA) unlike any of its predecessors, local government leaders in Negros Oriental lauded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s economic blueprint that sets out to spur much-needed progress in the regions.
Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices, describing the President’s economic program as holistic, welcomed the challenge posed by the President for economic progress in the countryside. “The challenges she posed are geared towards strengthening the economy,” he said.
In her speech, the President cited Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental for its potential in the tourism sector, and Valencia town in electronics.
“We will lengthen the Dumaguete runway for tourism,” stated the President as she alludes the competitive edge of the regions in mega-region Central Philippines to its natural wonders and the “extraordinary hospitality of its people.”
Oriental Negros belongs to the Central Philippines cluster of super-regions wherein tourism investments will be capitalized, including Camiguin, Siargao, Dapitan, Romblon, Palawan, Bicol and the three other provinces comprising Region 7.
For the mayor, this is a good move as he admits that Dumaguete still lags behind other neighboring provinces in terms of tourism. “Cebu and Bohol are way ahead…we can not do it on our own,” says Perdices.
He said the city will get its fair share of tourism investments by linking with other provinces. “There is not enough to see in just one place, so we need to link with other provinces to come up with a tourism package that will draw in more tourists,” he stressed.
The mayor adds that he will be supporting the President’s program for 2010. “Akong hangyo sa oposisyon, give the President three more years to let her accomplish what she promised,” he said.
According to Malacañang, the President has delivered the “longest and first interactive and high-tech SONA” unlike the usual SONA she has deliver the past five years.
Pres. Arroyo’s address ran for one hour and 10 minutes, eliciting 167 applauses and made lively and animated by the use of PowerPoint to illustrate and visualize her vision of development in the regions.
Malacañang said the president has launched the Philippine rocket to a brighter future and the social impact is seen to become self-evident as the plan is put into motion with the resources already in place.
It likewise reiterated its call for all leaders to set aside politics and focus on the challenges at hand.
“What the government needs at this point is the support and cooperation of every Filipino, government agency, non-government institution and sector,” Malacañang said.
In her speech, a confident Pres. Arroyo urged her opponents to join hands with her, saying she intended to finish her term and fighting was a “waste of time.”
Recently, the President’s approval rating went up to 26 percent according to a Pulse Asia Survey.
But Malacañang stressed that surveys come and go “but what is important is a strong leadership pulling the nation forward under a clear and comprehensive plan.”
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NegOr officials laud PGMA’s SONA
Oriental Negros is certainly ready to take on the challenge, says provincial Governor George P. Arnaiz in view of the challenge thrown by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In her SONA held at the opening of the third regular session of the 13th Congress yesterday, the President, aided with a PowerPoint presentation, unveiled a massive investment program through the Mega-Region economic development strategy.
She particularly cited Negros Oriental for its potential in energy independence, tourism and electronics due to the presence of the geothermal field in Palinpinon.
The governor said the province is more than ready to stand up to the challenge posed by the President for progress in the regions. “We are even ready to provide the province’s counterpart for the funding of projects here,” says Arnaiz.
The President’s massive investment program aims to sustain economic growth and spread progress to all areas of the country through the Mega-Region economic development strategy and propel the Philippines to the First World status.
In her SONA, the President pushed for a return of power to the people and to the regions away from the reign of “Imperial Manila” through the setting up of super regions comprising of North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor.
The Mega-Regions planning strategy is the third phase of the President’s Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), of which much of the input came from the regional development councils of the country’s 16 regions.
“The good thing is the President is always consulting the local government units. She consulted the local chief executives all over the country, especially on the super regions and the MTPIP,” says Arnaiz.
Under the super-regions strategy, the governor disclosed his priority projects in the province from 2001-2010, which he assured will be implemented “even if I will no longer be the governor.”
The said projects include the construction of diversion road between Dumaguete to Sibulan worth P428 million; Pamplona to Sta. Catalina worth P130 million; asphalting of the Bayawan-to-Mabinay road worth P400 million and road construction between Isabela, Negros Occidental to Guihulngan worth P680 million.
Also in line with the President’s vision, Board Member Melimore Saycon said a route is set to open up between Tambobo Bay, Siaton to Dipolog under the President’s Nautical Highway.
Saycon said that although it is the private bus company that will ply the said route, the Siaton local government together with the provincial government is fully supporting the said project.
The board member also said he is confident that the President’s plans outlined in her SONA will be implemented as the country is enjoying international support from countries such as Japan and China.
The Japanese government has recently expressed its interest to become an active participant in the quest for lasting peace in Mindanao by offering economic and social assistance to conflict-stricken areas.
Malacañang welcomed Japan’s support for peace and development, saying that this will be another impetus towards an early peace agreement.
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Valencia: Soon to be electronic capital in the Phils
Valencia town may well soon be the electronic capital in the Philippines after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address cited the town for its potential to attract investors in the semi-conductor business.
“Valencia, Oriental Negros could attract semiconductor firms with power rates subsidized by the geothermal field of Palimpinon,” the President said in her speech held at the Batasang Pambansa to mark the opening of the third regular session of the 13th Congress.
Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez reportedly welcomed the President’s vision for Valencia, saying that that this will result to more jobs in the municipality.
According to Valencia Information Officer Des Tilos, Jr., the local government’s direction is on the right track towards realizing the President’s vision. “The municipal government has long been working towards providing the necessary infrastructure to support this anticipated development, like good roads and access to water” says Tilos.
The municipality has also been rehabilitating its service lines to ensure a stable supply of electricity in Valencia.
Efforts are also being exerted to improve the communication infrastructure in the town, which Tilos said is critical for Valencia to draw in potential investors.
The local government of Valencia is enjoying power subsidy as a result of royalties from the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) since three of the LGU’s barangays play host to PNOC’s geothermal plants, namely barangays Puhagan, Mala-unay, and Caidiocan.
Residents of the host barangays are enjoying a higher power subsidy compared to those in the other 24 barangays who get P600 per electric meter subsidy from the municipal government.
Residents in the host barangays are also receiving a power subsidy counterpart from their barangay in addition to the P600 per electr meter subsidy from the municipal government.
A total of P1,500 per meter subsidy are provided to the residents in Brgys. Puhagan and Mala-unay while commercial establishments receive P3,000 electric subsidy.
For Caidiocan, residents receive a P1,100 per meter subsidy. The barangay shoulders 15 percent of the electric bill of the commercial establishments, says Tilos.
Under the administration of Mayor Gonzalez, the municipality has been able to address the longtime problem of lack of energy in Valencia.
Under his tutelage, the total number of households energized in Valencia grew to 5,557 as of June 6 or 99.9 percent, disclosed Tilos.
Meanwhile, the President’s SONA also stressed the need for Congress to pass a national budget that would respond to the imperatives of the SONA.
Malacañang said the President’s plans need to be fleshed out and Congress is a vital key to this goal.
DILG-7 launches local governance resource center
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 7 has launched a breakthrough in local governance - the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC)..
The launching was conducted on July 27 at Ayala Center in Cebu City with the theme “Knowledge Sharing for Better Governance.”
Featured during the launching is a booth exhibit of knowledge products on local governance from the LGRC-7’s network of partners – national government agencies, non-government organizations, private/business sector, research and academic institutions and local government units.
The LGRC, according to DILG-7 Local Government Operations Officer IV Kathrina T. Penales, is a ‘one-stop shop’ knowledge center and interactive facility that is designed to be a user-friendly and accessible repository and venue for continuous review and updating of local knowledge assets, learning tools and information systems.
Anchored on the principles of knowledge management, multi-stakeholdership, linkage and convergence, Penales said the LGRC is a breakthrough in local governance endeavors that is designed to adequately respond to the challenges and emerging issues in local autonomy.
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Sta. BayaBas celebrates 7th anniversary; launches neighborhood health care prog
The Sta. Catalina-Bayawan-Basay (Sta. BayaBas) District Health System marked the celebration of its 7th anniversary with the launching of a one-of-a-kind neighborhood health care program.
The neighborhood health care program dubbed as ‘Pakigsilinganay/Kapitbahayan’ is an alternative model of the health care maintenance program in Bayawan City and the municipalities of Sta. Catalina and Basay.
The program serves mainly as the catchment area for the neighboring towns’ poor, low-income group who comprise the majority of the population.
The program was initially implemented at Brgy. Boyco, a depressed barangay with health-related problems, with the assistance of Rotary International-RC Tolong and other volunteers.
Soon after the program gained ground, Brgy. Boyco was conferred and certified by the Department of Health as the first healthy barangay out of the 28 barangays in Bayawan City after the health situation in the barangay significantly improved.
This prompted the Bayawan City government to intensify efforts towards securing the future for healthy barangays with the goal of 89 percent of the total barangays being conferred as healthy barangays.
The neighborhood health care program will attempt to address the healthy problems identified in the barangays such as delivery of efficient optional health care, provision of effective health education and motivation for families to learn and practice preventive measures against common ailments.
The program aims to make affordable, available, comprehensive health care services for the largest number of beneficiaries as well as reduce dependency on health professionals for health care.
In line with the said program, the Sta. Bayabas district Healthy Lifestyle Center worth P2.5 million was put up in Bayawan City to cater to the health needs of Sta. Bayabas district.
Funds for the establishment center were pooled from counterpart funding coming from the provincial government (P500,000), Bayan City local government (P600,00), Sta. Catalina local government (P250,000), Basay (P150,000) and Cong. Herminio Teves (P1M).
Among the services the center will extend include a healthy diet program, stress management, no smoking program, regular exercise, regular health check-up and health maintenance program.
The blessing held on July 26 was led by Department of Health Assistant Secretary Nemesio Gako.
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Siquijor, more than ready to take on President’s challenge – Guv
Siquijor is more than ready to take on the challenge, Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua said referring to the challenge posed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Gov. Fua said plans and projects of the provincial government are always in line with the President’s vision citing among others, the road network to compliment with the President’s nautical highway; completion of Tambisan Wharf RORO Ramp in Tambisan, San Juan, Siquijor to include establishment of breakwater and bridging of passageway; extension of the Siquijor Port; and concreting of circumferential road which will cost some P1 billion until 2010.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier launched the Philippine rocket to a brighter future and the social impact will become self-evident as the plan is put into motion with the resources already in place.
In her SONA, the President pushed for a return of power to the people and to the regions away from the reign of “Imperial Manila” through the setting up of super regions comprising of North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor.
The Mega-Regions planning strategy is the third phase of the President’s Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), of which much of the input came from the regional development councils of the country’s 16 regions.
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Visayas wage up P10-18; Siquijor, from P190 to P200
The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards of Central Visayas and Western Visayas have approved increases in daily minimum wage ranging from P10 to P18, and from P17 to P20, respectively, starting August 01.
For Siquijor province a P10 daily wage increase or an increase from P190 to P200 per day is set, according to Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here. DOLE 7 is yet to release to Siquijor DOLE office the guidelines today, she said.
But business sectors here described the wage increase as too high. “Taas ra kayo para namong gagmayng negosyante,” (It’s too much for small entrepreneurs like us) Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMEDC) Chair Judy Uy Booc said. “Even the local governments are giving only P145 to P165 a day,” she said.
DOLE Regional Director Cayanong, however, said the increases have been carefully considered and were actually “win-win solutions to the conflicting interests of labor and business sectors.
While it is true that most establishments here do not comply with the prescribed minimum wage rate, Tanquiamco said the best and simplest way for business establishments to be exempted is to register as Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).
“There might be a series of increase as prices of oil and other commodities continue to rise,” Tanquiamco said appealling to LGUs to facilitate processing of requirements for BMBE registration. “Some LGUs are making it difficult for entrepreneurs to register as BMBE,” she admitted.
The minimum wage rates, according to the order, applies to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region, “regardless of their position, designation or status and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid.”
The new wage order does not cover household or domestic helpers and workers who are in the personal service of another, including family drivers and workers of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).
Meanwhile, Tanquiamco encouraged all businessmen to comply with the new minimum wage rate.
The approval of wage adjustments in the remaining regions is fast tracked as the government puts forward the plan to increase the salary of government workers. (pia)
Fua on PGMA: ‘She’s a real economic star’
Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua rated the President’s SONA as ‘very excellent’ saying it is a correct picture of what she’s been doing and what she has done contrary to what detractors claim.
“She’s a real economic star as far as governance in concerned,” the Governor said.
In her sixth address to the Nation since assuming office in 2001, a confident President Arroyo urged her opponents to join hands with her, saying she intended to finish her term and fighting was a “waste of time.”
Governors, mayors, councilors and other local government officials also reaffirmed their continued support for President Arroyo for her unwavering commitment to Charter Change and countryside development during her State-of the Nation Address at the Batasan building in Quezon City.
DTI head lauds President’ SONA
Amid different views on the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), DTI-Siquijor Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said she is impressed on the President’s plans spelled out in her SONA.
“They are very concrete and specific,” says Virtucio citing particularly the President’s plans of setting up mega regions and connecting many parts of the country.
“It is also good to hear her recognizing those who have contributed for the country’s progress; at least they will feel appreciated and will be challenged to do more,” she said.
The SONA focused on the economic gains of the PGMA administration and her plans for economic development.
To assure the people of the President’s sincerity, a Malacanang official said “ the President has the details of her plan laid out deep in her mind and heart and will not stop until she sees it rise in the national firmament.”
Meanwhile, the government urged Congress to pass a national budget tha would respond to the imperatives of the SONA. “It is hopeful with the new leadership in the Senate, both chambers of Congress would be able to get their act together for the sake of the people, who must not be forced to stand and wait too long,” the official said.
“We need to put flesh in our plans and Congress is a vital key to this goal,” he said.
Majority of Dumagueteteños still safe, assures city police chief
Despite the dire lack of police officers in the city, the city police chief assured that they are taking “the extra mile” to maintain the peace and order in the city.
City Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos in the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency, disclosed that police officers are now rendering extra duty hours.
With only 87 police officers, the city police force has their hands full policing the community. “I requested the police personnel now to render extra duty hours. Those who perform admin work from 8 to 5, I request them for extra 2 hours to go on patrol from 6 to 8. After 8:00 I takeover doing my patrol at nighttime,” says Carlos.
The current number of police officers in the city falls short of the ideal ratio of one policeman for every 500 citizens.
“There are only 87 police in the police station and we’re trying our best to man a population of almost 400,000 during daytime and 115,000 during nighttime,” Carlos stressed.
The city council has already made a resolution for additional 30 personnel, which Carlos said he has submitted to higher office.
The city police chief however assured that 99.9 percent of the Dumaguete public is still safe. “I assure the public that they are safe because we see a pattern. Majority of our community members do not fit the target of this pattern… they are not the target of this group” explains Carlos.
The police chief is referring to the alleged existence of a vigilante group operating in Dumaguete City.
The group is allegedly responsible for the series of killings that recently occurred in the city.
Investigations into the said cases are already underway. Should the ballistics report indicate that the same firearm was used in the killings, then these cases are done by only one group, he said.
“In the last 2 weeks, we have experienced four cases and I felt that it was too much,” says Carlos.
“We will not tolerate vigilantes. If they say they are responsible for the incidents that transpired in the past two weeks, then we will see if it’s true and go after them,” he adds.
7/20/2006
PHOTO RELEASE 7/20/2006
KAPIHAN SA PIA July 14, 2006
Topic: "Butil Na Misyon, Perlas Ng Haliging Koreksyon"
Hall of Justice, Dumaguete City
Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal discussing the salient features of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
Judge Bandal (left) together with Atanacio Llena (right), Chief Parole and Probation Officer of the Oriental Negros Parole and Probation Office.
The Kapihan forum was conducted at the Hall of Justice, Dumaguete City.
PIA Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos moderating the forum.
Topic: "Butil Na Misyon, Perlas Ng Haliging Koreksyon"
Hall of Justice, Dumaguete City
Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal discussing the salient features of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
Judge Bandal (left) together with Atanacio Llena (right), Chief Parole and Probation Officer of the Oriental Negros Parole and Probation Office.
The Kapihan forum was conducted at the Hall of Justice, Dumaguete City.
PIA Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos moderating the forum.
ISSUE NO. 29, JULY 20, 2006
Oil price hike looms; Palace cuts oil tariff
The government is confident that the country will pull through the challenge of steep oil prices if tensions affecting the global crude market will continue to persist.
Oil industry officials are seeing a likely P8 per liter increase in oil prices by September as world prices teeter near record high amid a worsening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.
Malacañang assured that it will not cease in its efforts to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on the lives of the Filipinos.
Provincial Director Javier Fortunato Javier of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said that should the P8 oil price increase occur, a hike on prices of basic goods and commodities is inevitable.
Javier however assured that DTI’s price monitoring team will closely monitor prices of basic goods here to prevent traders from taking advantage of the looming oil price hike and resort to profiteering.
According to Jojo Sumido, DTI enforcement officer, the department will look into price increases that are more than 10 percent from the item’s previous prevailing price.
“When there is a 10 percent increase from the previous prevailing price, we will verify its cause and conduct an investigation…this is also to give a chance to business establishments to explain,” says Sumido.
Sumido, however, expects a gradual increase in the foreseen oil price hike. “I hope that the increase will not be abrupt. Let’s just cross our fingers,” he said.
He is also confident that should there be an oil price hike, the government will implement measures to ensure that the increase in local prices will not be abrupt but gradual.
The government has recently cut its import tariff on crude oil and petroleum products to two percent from three percent to help mitigate the high oil prices, says Energy Undersecretary Guillermo Balce.
Balce said the cut in the import tariff was among the short-term measures by the government and that further reductions “may be expected depending on the movements of oil prices in the world market.”
The government, aside from renewing its call to Congress for the passage of pending energy-related bills, is also coming out with programs urging motorists to use alternative fuels such as LPG and ethanol blends.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her visit to Libya was also successful in securing a steady oil supply.
The latest oil monitor report from the Department of Energy states that world oil prices have been on strong upward pressure on fears that hostilities between Israel and Lebanon might spread throughout the Middle East, a region that produces about 31 percent of the world's oil.
With the heightened geopolitical pressures in the region, DOE said prices are more likely to rise rather than fall because of the risk of supply interruption.
Gov’t probation program works; registers 10% revocation rate
The government’s probation program is effectively working in the country, says Chief Probation and Parole Officer Atanacio Llena of the Negros Oriental Parole and Probation Office.
Llena said that the revocation rate of those granted probation in our country is at 10 percent, a clear proof that the government’s probation program works. “Studies show that even with a 20% revocation rate, it still means that the probation system is working,” he said.
The Probation and Parole Administration recently celebrated its 30th anniversary to mark the occasion when then President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 968 in July 24.
Parole and probation is a non-institutional type of correction as opposed to imprisonment, which is the institutional type.
Correction is one of the five pillars of justice with the others namely: police, prosecution, courts and community.
Llena, in a recent Kapihan forum held by Philippine Information Agency, disclosed that the six parole and probation offices under the Negros Oriental cluster serving a total of 1,289 active clients.
The Bais City Parole and Probation Office, which covers six other municipalities, topped the list of active supervision cases last year with 404, followed by the Provincial Parole and Probation Office with 259, Dumaguete City PPO with 225, Canlaon City PPO with 141, Bayawan City PPO with 138 and Tanjay City PPO with 122.
“Can you just imagine if there were no parole and probation services of the government, these clients would have been crowding our jails,” says Llena.
In the same forum, Negros Oriental Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal lauded the passage of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
Under RA 9344, the age exemption to criminal responsibility has been upped to 15 years old. “Before, only a person who is below nine years old is exempt from criminal liability,” explains Bandal.
The new law states that children up to 15 years old are exempt from criminal liability. “They can only be civilly liable but they cannot be prosecuted or convicted for any offense committed,” he said.
Bandal said the law was enacted primarily because the government recognizes the role of children in nation-building. “The State wantes to provide protection to the children, promote their welfare as well spiritual, moral, physical and social well-being,” he said.
Hands-on training on virgin coco oil processing set in Cebu City
The Department of Science and Technology-Region 7 (DOST-7) will conduct a two-day training on virgin coconut oil processing at DOST-7 Conference Room in Brgy. Banilad, Cebu City on July 27 to 28, 2006.
Each participant will be charged a course fee of P3,000 to cover meals/snacks, training materials, hand-outs and certificate.
Government employees who wish to participate will only be charged P2,400.
Reservation is required. Interested participants may contact (032) 231-7008 or (032)416-2753 or text at 09217117488.
Only those who have made reservations will be informed of any change in schedule.
Check payments are also accepted payable to COSPO.
OCD stresses preparedness at all times, calls LCEs to come up with contingency plans
Larena, Siquijor (19 July ) – Following the series of crises and calamitous events hitting the country, Civil Defense Officer Welino Gubuan stresses anew preparedness and calls local chief executives to come up with contingency plans.
“Even if Siquijor is not prone to disaster, let us always be prepared and we must have a contingency plan to effectively meet all types of disaster,” says Gubuan.
While contingency plans of most local government units (LGUs) here are still in the process of ‘polishing’, Gubuan however said that disaster preparedness are already in place.
As part of its preparedness effort, the province thru its Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) has conducted briefings and educational drive to schools and barangays aside from the fire and earthquake drills being conducted.
In each briefing, Gubuan said deputized civil defense officers and local government officials were urged to strengthen their disaster efficiency and contingency plans activities.
Meanwhile, DND Secretary Avelino Cruz assured the people that the Arroyo government is ready to effectively meet natural disasters like the volcanic activity in Mayon and help absorb the blow on local population as he appeals to residents and travelers to adhere to the off-limit zones and to abide by the contingency measures implemented by authorities.
“The NDCC and the LGUs are on top of all disaster preparedness measures and President Arroyo is monitoring the developments closely,” he said.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye also explained that the present leadership has a multi-level disaster management plan for calamity-prone areas and every effort is being made to save lives and property.
The Palace official expressed that the national government and LGUs are gearing for more proactive measures to prevent, contain and act upon all disaster scenarios.
KALAHI-CIDSS exits after 3 years of successful implementation in EV
After three years of successful implementation in Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan: Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI: CIDSS) finally made its exit and handover recently.
An exit/turn-over ceremony was done in EV attended by officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the national and regional levels .
Mayor Elery Clint Orquillas expressed his gratitude to the people behind KALAHI: CIDSS and pledged to sustain/maintain all the completed projects in his municipality.
“KALAHI: CIDSS has been proof that the government is helping. It was a sincere and true implementation of government projects, gaining back people’s trust,” he said.
Conquering not only mud-spattered, rugged terrains or lightless households but people’s hearts as well, testimonials on the goodness of the program were given by the town folks themselves.
KALAHI: CIDSS is a flagship project of the government developed under the KALAHI framework, which is the administration’s overarching program for a focused, accelerated, convergent and expanded and strategic effort to reduce poverty.
As noted, the administration’s dedication in providing sound governance and shunning political noise is gaining recognition with the higher approval rating for President Gloria Arroyo.
Malacañang said “the President and her Cabinet are intensely focused on the aggressive and strong-willed implementation of political and economic reform agenda, not weighed down by vagaries of the political situation.”
Gov’t warns coup ploutters; Siquijor remains peaceful
The administration and its security forces will take the necessary measures to fight the plotters and safeguard the nation.
This was stressed by Malacañang in view of reports of conspiracy allegedly aimed to topple the government.
“The rule of law stands unsullied, upheld by a criminal justice system that dispenses with the cases against these destabilizers swiftly under due process,” Malacañang officials warned coup plotters.
Of Operation Plan Trident, Malacañang said it is an “unmistakable threat to our democracy”.
Operation Plan Trident is allegedly the latest plot of rebel soldiers to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo if not disrupt her State of the Nation Address (SONA).
But the administration leaves to the law enforcement authorities the task of further exposing to the public the intricate web of destabilization involved in Oplan Trident.
Siquijor Police Superintendent Orlando Domingo Ualat, for his part, said that aside from the regular police operations, he is directing all field units to be on red alert which he said as automatic with the upcoming President’s SONA or any related events that call for intensive security measures. This, he said is necessary to secure the province from any threat groups who may take advantage of the situation.
Ualat said that although the peace and order situation in the province remains stable, the local Philippine National Police is pursuing police visibility and patrolling operations to “preempt any advances by lawless elements.”
As additional security measure, “we are also updating our barangay information network,” Ualat said.
This, he said is also part of the local police’s security measures undertaken in view of the upcoming SONA on July 24.
Despite the destabilizations, Pres. Gloria Arroyo and her team continue to focus their energies and vigor towards the fulfillment of our goals of drawing investments, providing more jobs and cutting down poverty through the entire range of good governance,” Malacañang said.
The government is confident that the country will pull through the challenge of steep oil prices if tensions affecting the global crude market will continue to persist.
Oil industry officials are seeing a likely P8 per liter increase in oil prices by September as world prices teeter near record high amid a worsening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.
Malacañang assured that it will not cease in its efforts to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on the lives of the Filipinos.
Provincial Director Javier Fortunato Javier of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said that should the P8 oil price increase occur, a hike on prices of basic goods and commodities is inevitable.
Javier however assured that DTI’s price monitoring team will closely monitor prices of basic goods here to prevent traders from taking advantage of the looming oil price hike and resort to profiteering.
According to Jojo Sumido, DTI enforcement officer, the department will look into price increases that are more than 10 percent from the item’s previous prevailing price.
“When there is a 10 percent increase from the previous prevailing price, we will verify its cause and conduct an investigation…this is also to give a chance to business establishments to explain,” says Sumido.
Sumido, however, expects a gradual increase in the foreseen oil price hike. “I hope that the increase will not be abrupt. Let’s just cross our fingers,” he said.
He is also confident that should there be an oil price hike, the government will implement measures to ensure that the increase in local prices will not be abrupt but gradual.
The government has recently cut its import tariff on crude oil and petroleum products to two percent from three percent to help mitigate the high oil prices, says Energy Undersecretary Guillermo Balce.
Balce said the cut in the import tariff was among the short-term measures by the government and that further reductions “may be expected depending on the movements of oil prices in the world market.”
The government, aside from renewing its call to Congress for the passage of pending energy-related bills, is also coming out with programs urging motorists to use alternative fuels such as LPG and ethanol blends.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her visit to Libya was also successful in securing a steady oil supply.
The latest oil monitor report from the Department of Energy states that world oil prices have been on strong upward pressure on fears that hostilities between Israel and Lebanon might spread throughout the Middle East, a region that produces about 31 percent of the world's oil.
With the heightened geopolitical pressures in the region, DOE said prices are more likely to rise rather than fall because of the risk of supply interruption.
Gov’t probation program works; registers 10% revocation rate
The government’s probation program is effectively working in the country, says Chief Probation and Parole Officer Atanacio Llena of the Negros Oriental Parole and Probation Office.
Llena said that the revocation rate of those granted probation in our country is at 10 percent, a clear proof that the government’s probation program works. “Studies show that even with a 20% revocation rate, it still means that the probation system is working,” he said.
The Probation and Parole Administration recently celebrated its 30th anniversary to mark the occasion when then President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 968 in July 24.
Parole and probation is a non-institutional type of correction as opposed to imprisonment, which is the institutional type.
Correction is one of the five pillars of justice with the others namely: police, prosecution, courts and community.
Llena, in a recent Kapihan forum held by Philippine Information Agency, disclosed that the six parole and probation offices under the Negros Oriental cluster serving a total of 1,289 active clients.
The Bais City Parole and Probation Office, which covers six other municipalities, topped the list of active supervision cases last year with 404, followed by the Provincial Parole and Probation Office with 259, Dumaguete City PPO with 225, Canlaon City PPO with 141, Bayawan City PPO with 138 and Tanjay City PPO with 122.
“Can you just imagine if there were no parole and probation services of the government, these clients would have been crowding our jails,” says Llena.
In the same forum, Negros Oriental Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal lauded the passage of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
Under RA 9344, the age exemption to criminal responsibility has been upped to 15 years old. “Before, only a person who is below nine years old is exempt from criminal liability,” explains Bandal.
The new law states that children up to 15 years old are exempt from criminal liability. “They can only be civilly liable but they cannot be prosecuted or convicted for any offense committed,” he said.
Bandal said the law was enacted primarily because the government recognizes the role of children in nation-building. “The State wantes to provide protection to the children, promote their welfare as well spiritual, moral, physical and social well-being,” he said.
Hands-on training on virgin coco oil processing set in Cebu City
The Department of Science and Technology-Region 7 (DOST-7) will conduct a two-day training on virgin coconut oil processing at DOST-7 Conference Room in Brgy. Banilad, Cebu City on July 27 to 28, 2006.
Each participant will be charged a course fee of P3,000 to cover meals/snacks, training materials, hand-outs and certificate.
Government employees who wish to participate will only be charged P2,400.
Reservation is required. Interested participants may contact (032) 231-7008 or (032)416-2753 or text at 09217117488.
Only those who have made reservations will be informed of any change in schedule.
Check payments are also accepted payable to COSPO.
OCD stresses preparedness at all times, calls LCEs to come up with contingency plans
Larena, Siquijor (19 July ) – Following the series of crises and calamitous events hitting the country, Civil Defense Officer Welino Gubuan stresses anew preparedness and calls local chief executives to come up with contingency plans.
“Even if Siquijor is not prone to disaster, let us always be prepared and we must have a contingency plan to effectively meet all types of disaster,” says Gubuan.
While contingency plans of most local government units (LGUs) here are still in the process of ‘polishing’, Gubuan however said that disaster preparedness are already in place.
As part of its preparedness effort, the province thru its Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) has conducted briefings and educational drive to schools and barangays aside from the fire and earthquake drills being conducted.
In each briefing, Gubuan said deputized civil defense officers and local government officials were urged to strengthen their disaster efficiency and contingency plans activities.
Meanwhile, DND Secretary Avelino Cruz assured the people that the Arroyo government is ready to effectively meet natural disasters like the volcanic activity in Mayon and help absorb the blow on local population as he appeals to residents and travelers to adhere to the off-limit zones and to abide by the contingency measures implemented by authorities.
“The NDCC and the LGUs are on top of all disaster preparedness measures and President Arroyo is monitoring the developments closely,” he said.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye also explained that the present leadership has a multi-level disaster management plan for calamity-prone areas and every effort is being made to save lives and property.
The Palace official expressed that the national government and LGUs are gearing for more proactive measures to prevent, contain and act upon all disaster scenarios.
KALAHI-CIDSS exits after 3 years of successful implementation in EV
After three years of successful implementation in Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan: Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI: CIDSS) finally made its exit and handover recently.
An exit/turn-over ceremony was done in EV attended by officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the national and regional levels .
Mayor Elery Clint Orquillas expressed his gratitude to the people behind KALAHI: CIDSS and pledged to sustain/maintain all the completed projects in his municipality.
“KALAHI: CIDSS has been proof that the government is helping. It was a sincere and true implementation of government projects, gaining back people’s trust,” he said.
Conquering not only mud-spattered, rugged terrains or lightless households but people’s hearts as well, testimonials on the goodness of the program were given by the town folks themselves.
KALAHI: CIDSS is a flagship project of the government developed under the KALAHI framework, which is the administration’s overarching program for a focused, accelerated, convergent and expanded and strategic effort to reduce poverty.
As noted, the administration’s dedication in providing sound governance and shunning political noise is gaining recognition with the higher approval rating for President Gloria Arroyo.
Malacañang said “the President and her Cabinet are intensely focused on the aggressive and strong-willed implementation of political and economic reform agenda, not weighed down by vagaries of the political situation.”
Gov’t warns coup ploutters; Siquijor remains peaceful
The administration and its security forces will take the necessary measures to fight the plotters and safeguard the nation.
This was stressed by Malacañang in view of reports of conspiracy allegedly aimed to topple the government.
“The rule of law stands unsullied, upheld by a criminal justice system that dispenses with the cases against these destabilizers swiftly under due process,” Malacañang officials warned coup plotters.
Of Operation Plan Trident, Malacañang said it is an “unmistakable threat to our democracy”.
Operation Plan Trident is allegedly the latest plot of rebel soldiers to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo if not disrupt her State of the Nation Address (SONA).
But the administration leaves to the law enforcement authorities the task of further exposing to the public the intricate web of destabilization involved in Oplan Trident.
Siquijor Police Superintendent Orlando Domingo Ualat, for his part, said that aside from the regular police operations, he is directing all field units to be on red alert which he said as automatic with the upcoming President’s SONA or any related events that call for intensive security measures. This, he said is necessary to secure the province from any threat groups who may take advantage of the situation.
Ualat said that although the peace and order situation in the province remains stable, the local Philippine National Police is pursuing police visibility and patrolling operations to “preempt any advances by lawless elements.”
As additional security measure, “we are also updating our barangay information network,” Ualat said.
This, he said is also part of the local police’s security measures undertaken in view of the upcoming SONA on July 24.
Despite the destabilizations, Pres. Gloria Arroyo and her team continue to focus their energies and vigor towards the fulfillment of our goals of drawing investments, providing more jobs and cutting down poverty through the entire range of good governance,” Malacañang said.
7/13/2006
ISSUE NO. 28, July 13, 2006
Provincial police office beefs up security in time for SONA
The provincial police office is beefing up security measures in the province in preparation for the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 24.
SPO4 Hilbert Arinaza, chief intelligence unit police non-commissioned officer of the provincial police office, said that they required all police units in the province to submit intelligence requirements on identified threat groups in their areas. “We are gathering the necessary information on any threat group that may endanger the SONA,” says Arinaza.
He expects that the PNP provincial office will be declared on heightened alert on the day when the President delivers her SONA.
“We also expect the usual rallies, demonstrations and mass actions to happen that day not only in the province but throughout the nation as well,” he said.
He agrees that the province is relatively peaceful compared to other provinces, but stressed that the local police force continues to be on guard due to the existence of three guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA group here.
He explained that the Negros Oriental police force continually implements target hardening measures in view of constant threats to the nation’s security.
Security measures are continually being beefed up in potential terrorist targets in the province such as police camps, vital installations, and tourist spots.
“We will make it hard for them to create chaos in such places by enhancing defense measures,” Arinaza stressed.
In Siquijor province, provincial police director P/Supt. Orlando Domingo Oalat disclosed that field units will be directed to be on red alert which he says has been the usual procedure during SONA and other similar events.
Oalat however assured that Siquijor has remained peaceful during SONA in the past years.
“Right now, we are concentrating on updating our Barangay Information Network,” says Oalat.
Meanwhile, Arinaza lauded the recent expose on the plot to launch a coup which has been decisively broken in time for SONA.
Arinaza said this is a welcome development, but stressed that utmost vigilance is still needed in the police and the community.
President Arroyo has earlier vowed to impose the full force of the law against the six Magdalo soldiers and their lawyer who were recaptured by a joint operation of the military and police recently.
Tactically, the authorities have aborted a plot to bomb Congress during the SONA.
Lawmakers are now pushing for an investigation into how the six rogue military officers arrested were able to obtain blueprints of the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quzon City.
Malacañang has nevertheless assured that the SONA remains secure and will be an event of looking forward to “a brighter future rather than belaboring the mess of the past.”
The Administation leaves to the law enforcement authorities the task of further exposing to the public the intricate web of destabilization involved in the Oplan Trident.
LGU officials back PGMA’s mega-regions
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is reaching out to various local government leaders in the country to review and revitalize their investment and development blueprints from a supra-regional perspective in preparation for her State of the Nation Address (SONA) when Congress opens on July 24.
In a recent full council meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) in Bohol, Negros Oriental Governor George P. Arnaiz disclosed that the President has pledged a P75-billion funding to set up the “supra-regions.”
Arnaiz in an interview with Philippines News Agency here said that the President in an executive order has created four super regions in the entire country, namely: North Luzon, Metro Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Arnaiz said that the Bicol region has been added to the Visayas cluster of regions 5, 6, 7 and 8 and the provinces of Romblon and Palawan to compose the Visayas Mega-Region.
The governor is supporting the President’s move because the through the mega-regions, provinces will not compete but instead complement each other.
He says that larger urban areas like Cebu in Region 7 and Iloilo in Region 8 usually get the bigger share in terms of development funds and projects.
But through the mega-regions, “whatever Cebu does not have then we provide, and we can ride on to their tourism advantage,” cites Arnaiz.
The President recently told Congress that the SONA vision should come from the perspective of the regional development councils as her partners in governance.
Regional leaders and sectors will now participate more intensively in planning, monitoring and fine-tuning development programs and projects in the their regions.
The enlarged development areas will boost economic and market potentials beyond what each region can generate, with economies of scale, synergies and complementation that will be more attractive to investors, the President said.
In addition, a larger resource base of each mega-region will be available for the provision of social services and pump-priming infrastructure, particularly for the poorer provinces.
Dumaguete City Vice Mayor William Ablong also threw in his support to the creation of supra-regions, which he says is a good approach to development.
According to City Public Information Officer Andrey Tumulak, the vice mayor believes that centralization is not as effective in responding to people’s concerns.
In fact, the collaboration of local government units has already been implemented here through the concept of Metro Dumaguete, says Ablong.
Metro Dumaguete is the cluster of LGUs composed of Dumaguete City, Bacong, Sibulan, Valencia and Bacong.
The vice mayor, like Governor Arnaiz, welcomes the President’s move to create mega-regions because it will speed up socio-economic, political and security developments.
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Peter Favila reaffirmed his optimism that investment would pick up due to renewed investor confidence.
The rise of exports by 17.3 percent year-on-year in May which marks the fourth consecutive double-digit growth since February, coupled with the first batch of beneficiaries of pump priming programs is an indication of sustainable trend, and a direct and immediate impact of Administration policies on the overall welfare of the nation.
Gov’t gears up disaster plans for more typhoons this year
As the country expects more typhoons to hit its shores for the rest of this year, the national government and local government units are gearing for more proactive measures to prevent, contain and act upon all disaster scenarios.
The Administration has in place a multi-level disaster management plan for calamity-prone areas and every effort is being made to save lives and property.
The President wants institutionalized preparedness to be the rule in dealing with disasters and calamities.
In the July 13 text update from PAGASA here, tropical storm Florita has intensified into a typhoon.
The center of the typhoon based on satellite and surface data is 280 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
PAGASA said public storm warning signal number three is now in effect over Batanes group of islands and Calayan with public storm warning signal number two over Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.
In Negros Oriental, the weather agency expects overcast skies with thunderstorm and passing light rainshowers.
Bribery claim a sign of opposition’s desperation- Malacañang
Malacañang said recently that the way the pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is being twisted and allegations that the Palacade had bribed the bishops only show the desperation of some political quarters.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokespersons Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement tha the CBCP pastoral letter “comes as a fresh wind to a nation growing tired and weary of too much politics.”
He said that the opposition’s attempts to taint the pastoral letter with malice is a stretch of their imagination and shows how, in their desperation, they will not hesitate to twist any story in their favor.
“The public and the church are tired of such political noise and want to move on,” stressed Bunye.
Opposition politicians had claimed that the bishop’s rejection of impeachment as a way of removing President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo from office was a big letdown, with some claiming that the bishops had been bribed.
But Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita categorically denied the malicious allegations, saying that donations in other forms may be given to the bishops but certainly not in the context and manner that some people are trying to project such donations - - as bribes.
He appealed to critics of the administration to leave the bishops alone and not to drag them into political controversies to suit self-serving political agenda.
Palace downplays favorable PGMA rating
Malacañang has downplayed the favorable rise in the satisfaction rating of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, saying that whatever the survey says, it will always be a signal for the administration to work harder for the public welfare.
Results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey show that President Arroyo’s net public satisfaction rating has climbed several notches to –13 percent from –30 percent in the December 2005 tally and –25 percent last March.
Malacañang said that the President and her Cabinet are intensely focused on the aggressive and strong-willed implementation of the country’s political and economic reform agenda, and not weighed down by vagaries of the political situation.
Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said the Filipino people inspires the President, whether they agree with her or not, and she is bent on addressing the pressing issues of poverty, security, and the rule of law with consistent vigor and determination.
PCIC pays P10,000 death benefit to corn farmer in Cebu
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation of Region 7 paid a total of P10,000. to the beneficiary of deceased corn farmer Teodoro D. Arranguez of Brgy. Putian, Bantayan, Cebu.
All insured palay and corn crops are automatically covered with built-in death benefit of P10,000. regardless of the area covered.
GSP elects new prov’l senior planning board officers
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council has recently elected the officers of its Provincial Senior Planning Board (SPB).
According to local GSP Council Executive Rosario Rosales, the election was conducted on July 8, 2006.
The new set of officers are the following: President- Sr. Scout Ma. Shiela Mae V. Maduro of San Pedro Academy in Valencia; Vice President- Sr. Scout Queenie T. Diaz of Dauin National High School; Secretary- Sr. Sct. TJ Harmony Cañolas of NOHS; Assistant Secretary- Sr. Sct. Sara Christa R. Alcantara, Tanjay City Science High School; Treasurer- Sr. Sct. Jenaree B. Timosan, Holy Cross High School; Ass’t. Treasurer - Sr. Sct. Honeylyn G. Banogon, Tanjay City Science High School; Auditor- Sr. Sct. BJ June C. Renquijo, Tampi High School; PIO- Sr. Sct. Mikka T. Bangay; Adviser- Teresita K. Albina, Dgte City High School.
National science and technology week slated in July
Catch the latest developments in the local science and technology scene as the country celebrates the National Science and Technology Week on July 17 to 21 at the Philippines Trade Training Center in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
This year’s theme, “Saving Lives, Improving Lives through Science and
Technology,” highlights the important role of Science and Technology in public and environment safety and in raising the people’s quality of life. The five-day event will tour the audience on a wide display of Filipino developed technologies, research studies, scientists and activities that cover environment and disaster management, health, energy and industry innovations.
The annual event will also feature technology-based products and processes presentations, technology fora, and fair and exhibit booths with participants from the Department of Science and Technology’s 21 attached agencies, regional offices, partners and special guests.
Scientists, researchers, media and other interested parties may attend the scientific meetings to be held simultaneously at the Philippine Plaza Hotel, Ermita, Manila. Focus of the meetings will be on health technology, disaster preparedness through ICT and solid waste management.
To recognize major contributions in S&T activities and advocacy, DOST will confer several major awards, including Outstanding S&T administrator, national scientist (basic and applied), R&D (basic and applied), technology commercialization and S&T media awards.
DOST invites S&T-related organizations, schools and the general public to participate. The NSTW provides opportunities for individuals aiming for scientific careers and entrepreneurs looking for innovative products and services with commercial potentials. Parties interested to join the trade exhibits may contact Dir. Bernie Justimbase, NSTW secretariat at 837-2071 local 2073.
DOST announces PSHS system search for scholars
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here announces anew the opening of the Philippine Science High Schol (PSHS) System search for scholars for 2007.
The PSHS system consists of schools which offer scholarship to deserving students who are trained under a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in science and technology. It is one of the agencies of the Department of Science and Technology contributing to the expansion and development of the country’s scientific and technological manpower.
Admission to the PSHS System is through its National Competitive Examination, a two-step screening given to all qualified elementary students. The first screening is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) consisting of tests in verbal abstract reasoning and mathematics scheduled on October 14 at Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.
The second screening is the Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT) consisting of tests in Science and Mathematics. The students who will pass the first screening will undergo the second screening on December 26 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
Application forms are now distributed to all elementary schools provincewide. Deadline for submission is on August 25, 2006.
Phil. Navy invites applicants to its officer corps
THE PHILIPPINE NAVY through its mobile recruitment team will be coming over the region to spearhead a provincial recruitment activity which seeks to offer a rare opportunity for those residing in the country’s major cities outside Metro Manila who are interested to join the noble profession of arms as naval officers.
It is a five (5)- day recruitment process which will be held at the NFC Gymnasium, Headquarters Naval Forces Central, Brgy Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City from July 17 to 21, 2006.
Interested applicants must be a natural born Filipino citizen (must present original birth certificate), single, between 21-29 years old, a baccalaureate degree holder, preferably a graduate of a technical course (must present original diploma and transcript of records), at least 5’4” tall for male and 5’2” for female and must have no obvious physical deformities that may hinder the applicant in completing the training. Likewise, interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- duly accomplished application form
- birth certificate (photocopy)
- college diploma (photocopy)
- transcript of records (photocopy)
- NBI clearance (photocopy)
- three (3) pcs 2X2 ID picture
Processing and registration of applicants are now going on at the Headquarters Naval Forces Central, Naval Operating Base Mactan, Brgy Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City and at the Headquarters Naval Reserve Center Eastern Visayas, Arellano Blvd, Cebu City. Application forms are available at these headquarters. The provincial exams will start on July 17, 2006, 8 o’ clock in the morning at the NFC Gymnasium of Headquarters Naval Forces Central. Walk- in applicants will only be entertained on the first day of the provincial exams.
Successful applicants who will be commissioned as officers of the Philippine Navy will enjoy the basic salary of P16,026.00, additional allowances, cash gifts and bonuses and other benefits and privileges accorded not only to the individual officer but also to his/ her direct dependents.
For more inquiries, please visit or call the Headquarters Naval Forces Central at 340-9390 and look for Lt Junior Grade ARIEL COLOMA.
Join the Philippine Navy and secure your future in a professional career!!
The provincial police office is beefing up security measures in the province in preparation for the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 24.
SPO4 Hilbert Arinaza, chief intelligence unit police non-commissioned officer of the provincial police office, said that they required all police units in the province to submit intelligence requirements on identified threat groups in their areas. “We are gathering the necessary information on any threat group that may endanger the SONA,” says Arinaza.
He expects that the PNP provincial office will be declared on heightened alert on the day when the President delivers her SONA.
“We also expect the usual rallies, demonstrations and mass actions to happen that day not only in the province but throughout the nation as well,” he said.
He agrees that the province is relatively peaceful compared to other provinces, but stressed that the local police force continues to be on guard due to the existence of three guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA group here.
He explained that the Negros Oriental police force continually implements target hardening measures in view of constant threats to the nation’s security.
Security measures are continually being beefed up in potential terrorist targets in the province such as police camps, vital installations, and tourist spots.
“We will make it hard for them to create chaos in such places by enhancing defense measures,” Arinaza stressed.
In Siquijor province, provincial police director P/Supt. Orlando Domingo Oalat disclosed that field units will be directed to be on red alert which he says has been the usual procedure during SONA and other similar events.
Oalat however assured that Siquijor has remained peaceful during SONA in the past years.
“Right now, we are concentrating on updating our Barangay Information Network,” says Oalat.
Meanwhile, Arinaza lauded the recent expose on the plot to launch a coup which has been decisively broken in time for SONA.
Arinaza said this is a welcome development, but stressed that utmost vigilance is still needed in the police and the community.
President Arroyo has earlier vowed to impose the full force of the law against the six Magdalo soldiers and their lawyer who were recaptured by a joint operation of the military and police recently.
Tactically, the authorities have aborted a plot to bomb Congress during the SONA.
Lawmakers are now pushing for an investigation into how the six rogue military officers arrested were able to obtain blueprints of the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quzon City.
Malacañang has nevertheless assured that the SONA remains secure and will be an event of looking forward to “a brighter future rather than belaboring the mess of the past.”
The Administation leaves to the law enforcement authorities the task of further exposing to the public the intricate web of destabilization involved in the Oplan Trident.
LGU officials back PGMA’s mega-regions
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is reaching out to various local government leaders in the country to review and revitalize their investment and development blueprints from a supra-regional perspective in preparation for her State of the Nation Address (SONA) when Congress opens on July 24.
In a recent full council meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) in Bohol, Negros Oriental Governor George P. Arnaiz disclosed that the President has pledged a P75-billion funding to set up the “supra-regions.”
Arnaiz in an interview with Philippines News Agency here said that the President in an executive order has created four super regions in the entire country, namely: North Luzon, Metro Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Arnaiz said that the Bicol region has been added to the Visayas cluster of regions 5, 6, 7 and 8 and the provinces of Romblon and Palawan to compose the Visayas Mega-Region.
The governor is supporting the President’s move because the through the mega-regions, provinces will not compete but instead complement each other.
He says that larger urban areas like Cebu in Region 7 and Iloilo in Region 8 usually get the bigger share in terms of development funds and projects.
But through the mega-regions, “whatever Cebu does not have then we provide, and we can ride on to their tourism advantage,” cites Arnaiz.
The President recently told Congress that the SONA vision should come from the perspective of the regional development councils as her partners in governance.
Regional leaders and sectors will now participate more intensively in planning, monitoring and fine-tuning development programs and projects in the their regions.
The enlarged development areas will boost economic and market potentials beyond what each region can generate, with economies of scale, synergies and complementation that will be more attractive to investors, the President said.
In addition, a larger resource base of each mega-region will be available for the provision of social services and pump-priming infrastructure, particularly for the poorer provinces.
Dumaguete City Vice Mayor William Ablong also threw in his support to the creation of supra-regions, which he says is a good approach to development.
According to City Public Information Officer Andrey Tumulak, the vice mayor believes that centralization is not as effective in responding to people’s concerns.
In fact, the collaboration of local government units has already been implemented here through the concept of Metro Dumaguete, says Ablong.
Metro Dumaguete is the cluster of LGUs composed of Dumaguete City, Bacong, Sibulan, Valencia and Bacong.
The vice mayor, like Governor Arnaiz, welcomes the President’s move to create mega-regions because it will speed up socio-economic, political and security developments.
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Peter Favila reaffirmed his optimism that investment would pick up due to renewed investor confidence.
The rise of exports by 17.3 percent year-on-year in May which marks the fourth consecutive double-digit growth since February, coupled with the first batch of beneficiaries of pump priming programs is an indication of sustainable trend, and a direct and immediate impact of Administration policies on the overall welfare of the nation.
Gov’t gears up disaster plans for more typhoons this year
As the country expects more typhoons to hit its shores for the rest of this year, the national government and local government units are gearing for more proactive measures to prevent, contain and act upon all disaster scenarios.
The Administration has in place a multi-level disaster management plan for calamity-prone areas and every effort is being made to save lives and property.
The President wants institutionalized preparedness to be the rule in dealing with disasters and calamities.
In the July 13 text update from PAGASA here, tropical storm Florita has intensified into a typhoon.
The center of the typhoon based on satellite and surface data is 280 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
PAGASA said public storm warning signal number three is now in effect over Batanes group of islands and Calayan with public storm warning signal number two over Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.
In Negros Oriental, the weather agency expects overcast skies with thunderstorm and passing light rainshowers.
Bribery claim a sign of opposition’s desperation- Malacañang
Malacañang said recently that the way the pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is being twisted and allegations that the Palacade had bribed the bishops only show the desperation of some political quarters.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokespersons Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement tha the CBCP pastoral letter “comes as a fresh wind to a nation growing tired and weary of too much politics.”
He said that the opposition’s attempts to taint the pastoral letter with malice is a stretch of their imagination and shows how, in their desperation, they will not hesitate to twist any story in their favor.
“The public and the church are tired of such political noise and want to move on,” stressed Bunye.
Opposition politicians had claimed that the bishop’s rejection of impeachment as a way of removing President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo from office was a big letdown, with some claiming that the bishops had been bribed.
But Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita categorically denied the malicious allegations, saying that donations in other forms may be given to the bishops but certainly not in the context and manner that some people are trying to project such donations - - as bribes.
He appealed to critics of the administration to leave the bishops alone and not to drag them into political controversies to suit self-serving political agenda.
Palace downplays favorable PGMA rating
Malacañang has downplayed the favorable rise in the satisfaction rating of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, saying that whatever the survey says, it will always be a signal for the administration to work harder for the public welfare.
Results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey show that President Arroyo’s net public satisfaction rating has climbed several notches to –13 percent from –30 percent in the December 2005 tally and –25 percent last March.
Malacañang said that the President and her Cabinet are intensely focused on the aggressive and strong-willed implementation of the country’s political and economic reform agenda, and not weighed down by vagaries of the political situation.
Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said the Filipino people inspires the President, whether they agree with her or not, and she is bent on addressing the pressing issues of poverty, security, and the rule of law with consistent vigor and determination.
PCIC pays P10,000 death benefit to corn farmer in Cebu
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation of Region 7 paid a total of P10,000. to the beneficiary of deceased corn farmer Teodoro D. Arranguez of Brgy. Putian, Bantayan, Cebu.
All insured palay and corn crops are automatically covered with built-in death benefit of P10,000. regardless of the area covered.
GSP elects new prov’l senior planning board officers
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council has recently elected the officers of its Provincial Senior Planning Board (SPB).
According to local GSP Council Executive Rosario Rosales, the election was conducted on July 8, 2006.
The new set of officers are the following: President- Sr. Scout Ma. Shiela Mae V. Maduro of San Pedro Academy in Valencia; Vice President- Sr. Scout Queenie T. Diaz of Dauin National High School; Secretary- Sr. Sct. TJ Harmony Cañolas of NOHS; Assistant Secretary- Sr. Sct. Sara Christa R. Alcantara, Tanjay City Science High School; Treasurer- Sr. Sct. Jenaree B. Timosan, Holy Cross High School; Ass’t. Treasurer - Sr. Sct. Honeylyn G. Banogon, Tanjay City Science High School; Auditor- Sr. Sct. BJ June C. Renquijo, Tampi High School; PIO- Sr. Sct. Mikka T. Bangay; Adviser- Teresita K. Albina, Dgte City High School.
National science and technology week slated in July
Catch the latest developments in the local science and technology scene as the country celebrates the National Science and Technology Week on July 17 to 21 at the Philippines Trade Training Center in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
This year’s theme, “Saving Lives, Improving Lives through Science and
Technology,” highlights the important role of Science and Technology in public and environment safety and in raising the people’s quality of life. The five-day event will tour the audience on a wide display of Filipino developed technologies, research studies, scientists and activities that cover environment and disaster management, health, energy and industry innovations.
The annual event will also feature technology-based products and processes presentations, technology fora, and fair and exhibit booths with participants from the Department of Science and Technology’s 21 attached agencies, regional offices, partners and special guests.
Scientists, researchers, media and other interested parties may attend the scientific meetings to be held simultaneously at the Philippine Plaza Hotel, Ermita, Manila. Focus of the meetings will be on health technology, disaster preparedness through ICT and solid waste management.
To recognize major contributions in S&T activities and advocacy, DOST will confer several major awards, including Outstanding S&T administrator, national scientist (basic and applied), R&D (basic and applied), technology commercialization and S&T media awards.
DOST invites S&T-related organizations, schools and the general public to participate. The NSTW provides opportunities for individuals aiming for scientific careers and entrepreneurs looking for innovative products and services with commercial potentials. Parties interested to join the trade exhibits may contact Dir. Bernie Justimbase, NSTW secretariat at 837-2071 local 2073.
DOST announces PSHS system search for scholars
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here announces anew the opening of the Philippine Science High Schol (PSHS) System search for scholars for 2007.
The PSHS system consists of schools which offer scholarship to deserving students who are trained under a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in science and technology. It is one of the agencies of the Department of Science and Technology contributing to the expansion and development of the country’s scientific and technological manpower.
Admission to the PSHS System is through its National Competitive Examination, a two-step screening given to all qualified elementary students. The first screening is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) consisting of tests in verbal abstract reasoning and mathematics scheduled on October 14 at Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.
The second screening is the Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT) consisting of tests in Science and Mathematics. The students who will pass the first screening will undergo the second screening on December 26 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
Application forms are now distributed to all elementary schools provincewide. Deadline for submission is on August 25, 2006.
Phil. Navy invites applicants to its officer corps
THE PHILIPPINE NAVY through its mobile recruitment team will be coming over the region to spearhead a provincial recruitment activity which seeks to offer a rare opportunity for those residing in the country’s major cities outside Metro Manila who are interested to join the noble profession of arms as naval officers.
It is a five (5)- day recruitment process which will be held at the NFC Gymnasium, Headquarters Naval Forces Central, Brgy Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City from July 17 to 21, 2006.
Interested applicants must be a natural born Filipino citizen (must present original birth certificate), single, between 21-29 years old, a baccalaureate degree holder, preferably a graduate of a technical course (must present original diploma and transcript of records), at least 5’4” tall for male and 5’2” for female and must have no obvious physical deformities that may hinder the applicant in completing the training. Likewise, interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- duly accomplished application form
- birth certificate (photocopy)
- college diploma (photocopy)
- transcript of records (photocopy)
- NBI clearance (photocopy)
- three (3) pcs 2X2 ID picture
Processing and registration of applicants are now going on at the Headquarters Naval Forces Central, Naval Operating Base Mactan, Brgy Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City and at the Headquarters Naval Reserve Center Eastern Visayas, Arellano Blvd, Cebu City. Application forms are available at these headquarters. The provincial exams will start on July 17, 2006, 8 o’ clock in the morning at the NFC Gymnasium of Headquarters Naval Forces Central. Walk- in applicants will only be entertained on the first day of the provincial exams.
Successful applicants who will be commissioned as officers of the Philippine Navy will enjoy the basic salary of P16,026.00, additional allowances, cash gifts and bonuses and other benefits and privileges accorded not only to the individual officer but also to his/ her direct dependents.
For more inquiries, please visit or call the Headquarters Naval Forces Central at 340-9390 and look for Lt Junior Grade ARIEL COLOMA.
Join the Philippine Navy and secure your future in a professional career!!
7/06/2006
PHOTO RELEASE: Kapihan on "Male Forum on Reproductive Health"
PIA conducted an out-of-town Kapihan forum at Melania's Garden in Tanjay City regarding "Male Reproductive Health" on July 29, 2006. (Please refer to Issue No. 27 post below for the news item.)
(L-R): Hon. Joveleo Acabal, SB Member, Ayungon; Dr. Quintin Bascos, Chief of Hospital, Bindoy; Dr. Irving Dingcong, Municipal Health Officer, Ayungon; and PIA Infocen Manager Jenny Catan-Tilos. 
Tanjay City Mayor Baltazar T. Salma (right) enjoying the discussion on male reproductive health.
The forum was men talking to men about reproductive health and family planning. Of course, participants were mostly from the male population. 
Tanjay City Mayor Salma giving his reaction during the open forum.Issue No. 27, July 6, 2006
Livestock traders urged to secure license
All livestock traders in Negros Oriental who are not yet licensed are urged to secure their license from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
The newly issued Administrative Order No. 8 of the Department of Agriculture (DA) strictly requires the licensing of all livestock traders, which is to be done every year, says Provincial Chief Quarantine Officer Dr. Alfonso Tundag
Tundag said that as of now not all livestock traders in Negros Oriental are licensed.
Records from the Provincial Veterinary Office show that around 50 traders have been licensed in 2005.
“We expect them to renew their licenses this year,” says Sarah Perocho, agricultural technologist and laboratory technician at PVO here.
According to Perocho, livestock traders are required to undergo a training before a license is issued to them. “The training will inform the traders about policies, regulations, laws and system of licensing of the Bureau of Animal Industry,” she said.
The licensing fee ranges from P300 to P500.
A corresponding penalty has been set for traders who fail to secure a license, but Tundag said it is still yet to be imposed as the administrative order is still in its infancy stage.
Tundag said that together with the Provincial Veterinary Office, a series of information campaign is seen to be conducted in all three districts in the province in January next year, in time for the issuance and renewal of license for livestock traders.
He said that traders need to secure their permits immediately or problems will ensue when time comes they transport their livestock. “We will not issue a veterinary shipping permit to traders who are not licensed,” warns Tundag.
A veterinary shipping permit is however not only limited to livestock traders.
Tundag said regular boat passengers who will transport animals, animal products and by-products are also required to secure a veterinary shipping permit prior to boarding the vessel.
“These are possible carriers of infectious diseases…we only should transport healthy animals and by-products,” stressed Tundag.
A signboard will be put up in the total seven passenger sub-ports in the province to inform passengers about the said requirement.
Passenger sub-ports in the province are in San Jose, Amlan, La Libertad and two each in Sibulan and Guihulngan.
The chief quarantine officer was recently in a two-day Re-Tooling Seminar conducted by the Regulatory Division of DA-7 in Taptap, Cebu during which officials from the Bureau of Animal Industry discussed the new administrative order.
Other topics discussed during the seminar include the Animal Welfare Act, Administrative Order No. 9 detailing the requirements to establish an auction market, procedure for domestic transport of animals and the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu.
More than 60 participants attended the seminar, including city veterinarians and staff from the Provincial Veterinary Office.
Male participation in family planning, reproductive health urgently needed
The participation of men is urgently needed in family planning and reproductive health issues of the family.
This was the appeal of local family planning and reproductive health advocates during the Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in Tanjay City.
Ayungon Municipal Health Officer Dr. Irving Dingcong said that men need to now be more involved in family planning in view of the impending pullout of foreign support to family planning commodities in the Philippines.
Dingcong said that for 30 years, Philippines have been supplied with foreign-funded family planning commodities but which will soon end in 2007 except for IUD.
He encouraged local government officials to earmark funds for the supply of family planning commodities in their areas.
The municipal health officer pointed out that the burden of family planning has always been on the wife’s shoulders.
This is why the males should be responsible now and participate in their family’s decision making concerning family planning and reproductive health, he stressed.
Dingcong’s appeal was echoed by Ayungon Sangguniang Bayan Member Joveleo Acabal who disclosed in the same forum that the need for men’s participation in family planning has resulted to MACHO or Men Advocates and Champions for Reproductive Health Options, a group of vasectomized men and male advocates of reproductive health in Ayungon.
Acabal said that MACHO conducts information campaigns in the barangays in Ayungon about the value of responsible parenthood. “Our mission is to talk to other men and tell them that family planning makes sense,” he said.
MACHO’s presence in Ayungon has also led to the creation of a special health fund for the continued supply of family planning commodities in the municipality.
The municipal councilor noted the high incidence of unmet need among the women, particularly the wives. “We have found out that women would prefer to have one or two children so they can also have time for themselves. For the past years, women have been informed and educated about the importance of family planning, but their husbands remain unaware about it, so wala ra gihapoy epekto,” says Acabal.
Dr. Dingcong, one of the two trained vasectomists in Central Visayas, said that one family planning method open for men is the no-scalpel vasectomy or NSV.
He explained that NSV is a simple method that can be done in a clinic with no incisions and can be finished within eight to 15 minutes.
“It is also cost effective…it is done one time only and it’s a permanent type of method. So it will come out cheap…that’s why I focus on NSV for males,” he said.
Dr. Dingcong also rebuffed the popular belief that vasectomy is synonymous to castration.
“Vasectomy is different from castration. In castration, the male will no longer experience erection and becomes impotent,” he said, adding that vasectomy will not affect a man’s sex drive.
SB lauds GMA-PCSO for ambulance donation
The Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Larena has passed a resolution expressing thanks and gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for donating an ambulance unit to the town.
The ambulance was received through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) by Mayor Gold Calibo and SB Member Clare Lucero in PCSO Manila Office.
Other key officials who helped the municipality in facilitating the donation are Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Victor Domingo, PCSO General Manager Roarion Uriarte and Visayas and Mindanao PCSO Department Manager III William Medici.
The donation was the answer to the request of the SB of Larena as contained in SB Resolution No. 11, series of 2005.
In a related development, President Arroyo brings home to the Filipino people the blessings from Pope Benedict XVI, a wealth of fresh investments and renewed diplomatic and economic relations following her weeklong trip to its three major partners in Europe.
The Spanish government has given the Philippines a $15 million grant to improve the facilities of 21 provincial hospitals in the country.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila said the grant would be used to buy new equipment for threes hospitals.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain said his country is willing to provide more help to the Philippines and cited the Jose Rizal Opthalmologic Center at the Philippine General Hospital that was put up by his government.
CPC6 prov’l communication task force organized
The Provincial Communication Task Force (PCTF) of the Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC6) in Negros Oriental have started the ball rolling for the implementation of advocacy activities in identified CPC6 focal areas in the province.
In the task force’s organizational meeting held July 4, PCTF Chairperson and Provincial Information Officer Josefina Columna said the CPC6 PCTF is the planning, monitoring and coordinating body of all provincial communication activities implemented under the Child-Friendly Movement in the province.
Members of the task force from the identified local government units will be organizing a municipal communication task force in their respective areas.
The focal areas identified in the CPC6 program are Bacong, Dauin, Siaton, Bayawan City, Dumaguete City, Tanjay City, Bais City, Jimalalud and Guihulngan.
Columna said the provincial and municipal task forces would see to it that the communication activities are attuned to promoting the adoption of a child rights culture in the localities.
Governor George P. Arnaiz has earlier issued Executive Order No. 08-06, appointing the provincial government’s communication partners from government line agencies and CPC-6 focal areas to compose the 20-man task force with Columna as the task force chairperson and Philippine Information Agency Negros Oriental Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos as the vice-chairperson.
During the task force’s organizational meeting, the following members have been appointed to head the four task force sub-committees, namely: Victor Camion of the Office of Board Member Melimore Saycon (Policy Advocacy); Joy Catacutan of the Department of Education (Child Participation); Des Tilos of Valencia Mayor’s Office (Media Advocacy); and Juanita Gualiza of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (Behavior Change).
NegOr malnutrition rate dips
The nutritional status of Negros Oriental has seen a marked improvement after the province’s malnutrition rate dipped by 7.6% since 2004.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes disclosed in the recent Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency that the province’s malnutrition rate this year is pegged at 11.3%
The province’s malnutrition rate last year was 14.1% and in 2004, 18.9%.
Cortes, the former Assistant Provincial Health Officer here, now sits as consultant of the nutrition program of the Provincial Health Office.
Among the towns and cities in the province, Mabinay I area holds the highest malnutrition rate
this year at 22.2%, followed by La Libertad with 20.9% and Vallehermoso with 19.6%.
Jimalalud town at 3.3% has the lowest malnutrition rate here in Negros Oriental.
Records from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) also show that Dumaguete City’s malnutrition rate is registered at 8.3% in 2006.
Brgy. Cadawinon has the highest malnutrition rate among the barangays in Dumaguete City with 19.6%, followed by Camanjac with 18.10% and Tabuc-tubig with 14.10%, according to City Health Officer Dr. Ava Vios in the same forum.
Bantayan has the lowest malnutrition rate with 0.40%.
Cortez attributes the significant improvement in the province’s nutritional status to various nutrition programs being conducted here such as the Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan (GPAK).
A total of 781 public schools throughout the province are participating in the GPAK program, explains Alvin Blaza, Chief of the Crops Division at the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO).
He disclosed that Governor George P. Arnaiza is set to allocate P1 million for the purchase of assorted vegetable seeds for GPAK.
Another program geared towards vegetable production is the Barangay Agricultural Development center (BADC) program of which around 100 centers can now be found in Negros Oriental.
Under BADC, vegetable seeds are distributed to communities within the center areas.
Blaza stressed that programs aimed at food security such as GPAK and BADC are necessary since the province’s rice production is not enough to meet the food requirements of Negros Oriental.
“If we rely solely on the province’s rice production, it is not enough for the consumption needs of the province,” says Blaza.
He said that Negros Oriental only has around 12,000 hectares of rice areas. For the province to become self-sufficient in its rice production, it needs to have at least 17,000 hectares.
But the crops division chief quickly assures that the province is able to cope up with its food requirements due to the importation of rice from the other provinces.
According to Cortez, the governor has augmented the province’s school-based nutrition programs this year with two new programs, namely the National Expanded Preschool Supplemental Feeding Program for Day Care Children and the Nutrition Supplementation for Grade 1 students under the ECCD program.
Siquijor LGU drums up tourism
The local government unit of Siquijor is drumming up tourism in the province as it tries to put in place all other support programs and services geared towards tourism.
Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Gilbert Briones during the Small and Medium Development Council (SMEDC) meeting held earlier at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall said the municipality is now in the process of progressing as evidenced by the growing economic impact brought about by the LGUs’ focus to the program.
But SMEDC Chairman Engr. Judy Uy Booc while lauding the government’s strong support to the program observed that site development and tourism promotion is still lacking in Siquijor town. This may be because the private sector initiative is weak or has not been tapped, she said.
The observation forms part of the SMEDC’s thrust to check on the progress of tourism project as the town’s OTOP (One town one project).
Since the establishment of OTOP, the SMEDC has been monitoring and extending assistance to the six identified OTOPs. Siquijor is the third town being monitored. The first was Maria’s coconut processing and second, San Juan’s Dairy Project.
Briones, however, reported that the municipality has set aside P300 thousand solely for tourism that includes establishment of tourism information center and tourism guides apart from the other tourism-related projects already put in place.
Since the previous years, the LGU has been working on solid waste management programs while trying to instill in the local folks the culture of tourism, he said.
The LGUs priority program jibes with the President’s effort to drum up tourism investments in the country.
Earlier, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s trip to Europe has gained investment leverage and constructive suggestions from the foreign governments and business sectors involved in her meetings and consultations.
The Philippines will get some P350 million euros in fresh investments from Spanish businesses as a result of the visit while other deals remain in the pipeline.
Local execs back PGMA anew, calls on opposition to recall 2nd impeach charge
The 1.7 million-strong Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has reiterated its unequivocal support for Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and called on the Filipino people to do the same, even as it asked on the political opposition to recall the recycled impeachment complaints it had filed against her in succession, and instead pursue their own initiatives that would foster national unity and rapid growth with equity.
Citing the enormous gains of the President’s recent official trip to Europe, ULAP noted that the “economic inroads” from this visit would be wiped out by the “animosity and negative publicity to be generated by another impeachment proceedings.”
Furthermore, ULAP said the serialized filing of the impeachment complaints against the President would “also spook the international business community in general and once again derail the momentum of the government’s reform agenda to spell rapid growth, create enough jobs, and lick generational poverty.”
Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, who heads both ULAP and the League of Provinces of the Philippines, pointed out that the second impeachment complaint filed against the President comprised merely recycled charges that were hurled against her last year.
It cited a March 8-14 survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 51% of Filipinos want to put the outcome of the 2004 presidential elections behind them because “it is time to move on and let the President focus on the real problems of the nation,” and a higher 58% want the opposition to “start helping (President Arroyo) to improve the country and stop too much politics.”
“But despite these independent poll results and the anemic public support for anti-government protest activities, the opposition proceeded to file a second impeachment complaint against President Arroyo, zeroing-in on the very same unsubstantiated charges raised in last year’s routed proceedings,” ULAP said.
Aumentado said the opposition’s filing of a second impeachment complaint against the President, which further worsened the poisoned political atmosphere now prevailing under our bicameral setup is among the reasons why the clamor for constitutional change that would lead to a unicameral parliamentary system has reached tremendous proportions, with more than 9 million Filipinos signing up for the People’s Initiative drive.
All livestock traders in Negros Oriental who are not yet licensed are urged to secure their license from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
The newly issued Administrative Order No. 8 of the Department of Agriculture (DA) strictly requires the licensing of all livestock traders, which is to be done every year, says Provincial Chief Quarantine Officer Dr. Alfonso Tundag
Tundag said that as of now not all livestock traders in Negros Oriental are licensed.
Records from the Provincial Veterinary Office show that around 50 traders have been licensed in 2005.
“We expect them to renew their licenses this year,” says Sarah Perocho, agricultural technologist and laboratory technician at PVO here.
According to Perocho, livestock traders are required to undergo a training before a license is issued to them. “The training will inform the traders about policies, regulations, laws and system of licensing of the Bureau of Animal Industry,” she said.
The licensing fee ranges from P300 to P500.
A corresponding penalty has been set for traders who fail to secure a license, but Tundag said it is still yet to be imposed as the administrative order is still in its infancy stage.
Tundag said that together with the Provincial Veterinary Office, a series of information campaign is seen to be conducted in all three districts in the province in January next year, in time for the issuance and renewal of license for livestock traders.
He said that traders need to secure their permits immediately or problems will ensue when time comes they transport their livestock. “We will not issue a veterinary shipping permit to traders who are not licensed,” warns Tundag.
A veterinary shipping permit is however not only limited to livestock traders.
Tundag said regular boat passengers who will transport animals, animal products and by-products are also required to secure a veterinary shipping permit prior to boarding the vessel.
“These are possible carriers of infectious diseases…we only should transport healthy animals and by-products,” stressed Tundag.
A signboard will be put up in the total seven passenger sub-ports in the province to inform passengers about the said requirement.
Passenger sub-ports in the province are in San Jose, Amlan, La Libertad and two each in Sibulan and Guihulngan.
The chief quarantine officer was recently in a two-day Re-Tooling Seminar conducted by the Regulatory Division of DA-7 in Taptap, Cebu during which officials from the Bureau of Animal Industry discussed the new administrative order.
Other topics discussed during the seminar include the Animal Welfare Act, Administrative Order No. 9 detailing the requirements to establish an auction market, procedure for domestic transport of animals and the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu.
More than 60 participants attended the seminar, including city veterinarians and staff from the Provincial Veterinary Office.
Male participation in family planning, reproductive health urgently needed
The participation of men is urgently needed in family planning and reproductive health issues of the family.
This was the appeal of local family planning and reproductive health advocates during the Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in Tanjay City.
Ayungon Municipal Health Officer Dr. Irving Dingcong said that men need to now be more involved in family planning in view of the impending pullout of foreign support to family planning commodities in the Philippines.
Dingcong said that for 30 years, Philippines have been supplied with foreign-funded family planning commodities but which will soon end in 2007 except for IUD.
He encouraged local government officials to earmark funds for the supply of family planning commodities in their areas.
The municipal health officer pointed out that the burden of family planning has always been on the wife’s shoulders.
This is why the males should be responsible now and participate in their family’s decision making concerning family planning and reproductive health, he stressed.
Dingcong’s appeal was echoed by Ayungon Sangguniang Bayan Member Joveleo Acabal who disclosed in the same forum that the need for men’s participation in family planning has resulted to MACHO or Men Advocates and Champions for Reproductive Health Options, a group of vasectomized men and male advocates of reproductive health in Ayungon.
Acabal said that MACHO conducts information campaigns in the barangays in Ayungon about the value of responsible parenthood. “Our mission is to talk to other men and tell them that family planning makes sense,” he said.
MACHO’s presence in Ayungon has also led to the creation of a special health fund for the continued supply of family planning commodities in the municipality.
The municipal councilor noted the high incidence of unmet need among the women, particularly the wives. “We have found out that women would prefer to have one or two children so they can also have time for themselves. For the past years, women have been informed and educated about the importance of family planning, but their husbands remain unaware about it, so wala ra gihapoy epekto,” says Acabal.
Dr. Dingcong, one of the two trained vasectomists in Central Visayas, said that one family planning method open for men is the no-scalpel vasectomy or NSV.
He explained that NSV is a simple method that can be done in a clinic with no incisions and can be finished within eight to 15 minutes.
“It is also cost effective…it is done one time only and it’s a permanent type of method. So it will come out cheap…that’s why I focus on NSV for males,” he said.
Dr. Dingcong also rebuffed the popular belief that vasectomy is synonymous to castration.
“Vasectomy is different from castration. In castration, the male will no longer experience erection and becomes impotent,” he said, adding that vasectomy will not affect a man’s sex drive.
SB lauds GMA-PCSO for ambulance donation
The Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Larena has passed a resolution expressing thanks and gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for donating an ambulance unit to the town.
The ambulance was received through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) by Mayor Gold Calibo and SB Member Clare Lucero in PCSO Manila Office.
Other key officials who helped the municipality in facilitating the donation are Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Victor Domingo, PCSO General Manager Roarion Uriarte and Visayas and Mindanao PCSO Department Manager III William Medici.
The donation was the answer to the request of the SB of Larena as contained in SB Resolution No. 11, series of 2005.
In a related development, President Arroyo brings home to the Filipino people the blessings from Pope Benedict XVI, a wealth of fresh investments and renewed diplomatic and economic relations following her weeklong trip to its three major partners in Europe.
The Spanish government has given the Philippines a $15 million grant to improve the facilities of 21 provincial hospitals in the country.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila said the grant would be used to buy new equipment for threes hospitals.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain said his country is willing to provide more help to the Philippines and cited the Jose Rizal Opthalmologic Center at the Philippine General Hospital that was put up by his government.
CPC6 prov’l communication task force organized
The Provincial Communication Task Force (PCTF) of the Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC6) in Negros Oriental have started the ball rolling for the implementation of advocacy activities in identified CPC6 focal areas in the province.
In the task force’s organizational meeting held July 4, PCTF Chairperson and Provincial Information Officer Josefina Columna said the CPC6 PCTF is the planning, monitoring and coordinating body of all provincial communication activities implemented under the Child-Friendly Movement in the province.
Members of the task force from the identified local government units will be organizing a municipal communication task force in their respective areas.
The focal areas identified in the CPC6 program are Bacong, Dauin, Siaton, Bayawan City, Dumaguete City, Tanjay City, Bais City, Jimalalud and Guihulngan.
Columna said the provincial and municipal task forces would see to it that the communication activities are attuned to promoting the adoption of a child rights culture in the localities.
Governor George P. Arnaiz has earlier issued Executive Order No. 08-06, appointing the provincial government’s communication partners from government line agencies and CPC-6 focal areas to compose the 20-man task force with Columna as the task force chairperson and Philippine Information Agency Negros Oriental Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos as the vice-chairperson.
During the task force’s organizational meeting, the following members have been appointed to head the four task force sub-committees, namely: Victor Camion of the Office of Board Member Melimore Saycon (Policy Advocacy); Joy Catacutan of the Department of Education (Child Participation); Des Tilos of Valencia Mayor’s Office (Media Advocacy); and Juanita Gualiza of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (Behavior Change).
NegOr malnutrition rate dips
The nutritional status of Negros Oriental has seen a marked improvement after the province’s malnutrition rate dipped by 7.6% since 2004.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes disclosed in the recent Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency that the province’s malnutrition rate this year is pegged at 11.3%
The province’s malnutrition rate last year was 14.1% and in 2004, 18.9%.
Cortes, the former Assistant Provincial Health Officer here, now sits as consultant of the nutrition program of the Provincial Health Office.
Among the towns and cities in the province, Mabinay I area holds the highest malnutrition rate
this year at 22.2%, followed by La Libertad with 20.9% and Vallehermoso with 19.6%.
Jimalalud town at 3.3% has the lowest malnutrition rate here in Negros Oriental.
Records from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) also show that Dumaguete City’s malnutrition rate is registered at 8.3% in 2006.
Brgy. Cadawinon has the highest malnutrition rate among the barangays in Dumaguete City with 19.6%, followed by Camanjac with 18.10% and Tabuc-tubig with 14.10%, according to City Health Officer Dr. Ava Vios in the same forum.
Bantayan has the lowest malnutrition rate with 0.40%.
Cortez attributes the significant improvement in the province’s nutritional status to various nutrition programs being conducted here such as the Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan (GPAK).
A total of 781 public schools throughout the province are participating in the GPAK program, explains Alvin Blaza, Chief of the Crops Division at the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO).
He disclosed that Governor George P. Arnaiza is set to allocate P1 million for the purchase of assorted vegetable seeds for GPAK.
Another program geared towards vegetable production is the Barangay Agricultural Development center (BADC) program of which around 100 centers can now be found in Negros Oriental.
Under BADC, vegetable seeds are distributed to communities within the center areas.
Blaza stressed that programs aimed at food security such as GPAK and BADC are necessary since the province’s rice production is not enough to meet the food requirements of Negros Oriental.
“If we rely solely on the province’s rice production, it is not enough for the consumption needs of the province,” says Blaza.
He said that Negros Oriental only has around 12,000 hectares of rice areas. For the province to become self-sufficient in its rice production, it needs to have at least 17,000 hectares.
But the crops division chief quickly assures that the province is able to cope up with its food requirements due to the importation of rice from the other provinces.
According to Cortez, the governor has augmented the province’s school-based nutrition programs this year with two new programs, namely the National Expanded Preschool Supplemental Feeding Program for Day Care Children and the Nutrition Supplementation for Grade 1 students under the ECCD program.
Siquijor LGU drums up tourism
The local government unit of Siquijor is drumming up tourism in the province as it tries to put in place all other support programs and services geared towards tourism.
Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Gilbert Briones during the Small and Medium Development Council (SMEDC) meeting held earlier at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall said the municipality is now in the process of progressing as evidenced by the growing economic impact brought about by the LGUs’ focus to the program.
But SMEDC Chairman Engr. Judy Uy Booc while lauding the government’s strong support to the program observed that site development and tourism promotion is still lacking in Siquijor town. This may be because the private sector initiative is weak or has not been tapped, she said.
The observation forms part of the SMEDC’s thrust to check on the progress of tourism project as the town’s OTOP (One town one project).
Since the establishment of OTOP, the SMEDC has been monitoring and extending assistance to the six identified OTOPs. Siquijor is the third town being monitored. The first was Maria’s coconut processing and second, San Juan’s Dairy Project.
Briones, however, reported that the municipality has set aside P300 thousand solely for tourism that includes establishment of tourism information center and tourism guides apart from the other tourism-related projects already put in place.
Since the previous years, the LGU has been working on solid waste management programs while trying to instill in the local folks the culture of tourism, he said.
The LGUs priority program jibes with the President’s effort to drum up tourism investments in the country.
Earlier, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s trip to Europe has gained investment leverage and constructive suggestions from the foreign governments and business sectors involved in her meetings and consultations.
The Philippines will get some P350 million euros in fresh investments from Spanish businesses as a result of the visit while other deals remain in the pipeline.
Local execs back PGMA anew, calls on opposition to recall 2nd impeach charge
The 1.7 million-strong Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has reiterated its unequivocal support for Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and called on the Filipino people to do the same, even as it asked on the political opposition to recall the recycled impeachment complaints it had filed against her in succession, and instead pursue their own initiatives that would foster national unity and rapid growth with equity.
Citing the enormous gains of the President’s recent official trip to Europe, ULAP noted that the “economic inroads” from this visit would be wiped out by the “animosity and negative publicity to be generated by another impeachment proceedings.”
Furthermore, ULAP said the serialized filing of the impeachment complaints against the President would “also spook the international business community in general and once again derail the momentum of the government’s reform agenda to spell rapid growth, create enough jobs, and lick generational poverty.”
Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, who heads both ULAP and the League of Provinces of the Philippines, pointed out that the second impeachment complaint filed against the President comprised merely recycled charges that were hurled against her last year.
It cited a March 8-14 survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 51% of Filipinos want to put the outcome of the 2004 presidential elections behind them because “it is time to move on and let the President focus on the real problems of the nation,” and a higher 58% want the opposition to “start helping (President Arroyo) to improve the country and stop too much politics.”
“But despite these independent poll results and the anemic public support for anti-government protest activities, the opposition proceeded to file a second impeachment complaint against President Arroyo, zeroing-in on the very same unsubstantiated charges raised in last year’s routed proceedings,” ULAP said.
Aumentado said the opposition’s filing of a second impeachment complaint against the President, which further worsened the poisoned political atmosphere now prevailing under our bicameral setup is among the reasons why the clamor for constitutional change that would lead to a unicameral parliamentary system has reached tremendous proportions, with more than 9 million Filipinos signing up for the People’s Initiative drive.
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