Mr. Adolfo Timtim, OWWA Family Welfare Officer
(L-R) Karla Corpus and Janet Ramos of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and Mr. Roy Liga of POEA-Cebu.
8/31/2006
PHOTO RELEASE: Press Conference with CFO, POEA and OWWA
The Philippine Information Agency Oriental Negros in coordination with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) conducted a press conference on August 25 (Friday) at the PIA Office. Issues raised were illegal recruitment, Filipinos who came home from Lebanon, job fairs and migration.
Mr. Adolfo Timtim, OWWA Family Welfare Officer
(L-R) Karla Corpus and Janet Ramos of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and Mr. Roy Liga of POEA-Cebu.
Mr. Adolfo Timtim, OWWA Family Welfare Officer
(L-R) Karla Corpus and Janet Ramos of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and Mr. Roy Liga of POEA-Cebu.
ISSUE NO. 35, August 31, 2006
Bais City, POEA to hold job fair on Sept. 5
The Bais City government together with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) will conduct an overseas and local job fair on September 5, 2006 in Bais City.
According to Roy Liga of POEA-Cebu, around 20 local and overseas recruitment agencies are expected to participate in the job fair.
Liga disclosed this during a press conference conducted by the Philippine Information Agency and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in line with CFO’s annual awareness campaign.
“We have selected overseas recruitment agencies with a lot of job orders for countries such Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Middle East and USA,” Liga said.
He said that the Bais City government has initially requested around 20 agencies to join in the job fair.
But Liga is optimistic that they will meet the city government’s request. “Around 12 agencies have already confirmed their participation to the job fair,” he said.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also committed to bring in 20 local agencies for job seekers who wish to land jobs locally.
Media vow to abide by DOJ guidelines on child reporting
Some media practitioners in Dumaguete City and the province of Oriental Negros vowed to adhere to the Deparment of Justice’s guidelines next time they will report stories involving children and lauded the CPC-6 Communication Task force for the training.
Neil Rio, news reporter covering police stories, said he now fully understands why it is important not to divulge the identity of children in the news, especially when they are victims of abused.
Rio and other media participants learned this from one of the speakers, Alex Pal, NBN station manager and Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent, who talked about the media guidelines should consider when reporting stories about children.
“Media should respect and prevent violation of the confidentiality provision under existing laws, especially when publicity would result in the moral degradation or suffering of the child,” Pal said.
He said that crimes of violence by or against children must be reported factually and seriously.
Des Tilos, member of the Provincial Communication Task Force (PCTF) of CPC6, noted that still many media practitioners are not children sensitive. He based this on the findings of a content analysis done by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the portrayal of children in print and TV news which he discussed during the seminar.
Another speaker during the one-day seminar was a family court judge, Noel P. Catacutan, who discussed the law on Juvenile Justice & Welfare Act 0f 2006.
PCTF member Victor Camion presented the Right of Reply. He said the right of reply exists because there is such a thing as media accountability as the press is not always right, responsibility includes owning up to a mistake and requiring the media to explain their behavior.
The training was conducted by CPC-6 PTCF in order to promote and adhere to children’s rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
As media is trying to expose the children’s horrible plight, children must be protected from all forms of abuse and suffering, trauma or social stigma that may arise from inappropriate publicity or approaches to media coverage of cases involving children.
Journalist, whether print, broadcast, or so-called news media, knows that reporting news, he has responsibility not only to his readers, listeners/viewers, but to his subjects as well. This is especially true when the subject is a child. (PIA/JCT)
Guv calls for mitigating steps to prevent oil spills in OrNeg coast
The Oriental Negros provincial government is set to take immediate preventive steps to protect the province from another environmental catastrophe such as the oil spill caused by the Motor Tanker (MT) Solar I off the coast of Guimaras Island.
Governor George P. Arnaiz is proposing to forge a partnership between the private and government sectors in the province that will identify and inspect all domestic and foreign shipping vessels that dock in local ports carrying oil and other hazardous chemicals.
According to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence, the governor intends to put in place preventives measures that will prevent deadly sea mishaps here.
The governor’s move is in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call to forge a permanent basis for cooperation between the government and oil companies on the issue of environmental safety and preservation.
The President has also ordered the Department of Transportation and Communication to work with the oil industry and the maritime sector on a comprehensive review of the existing rules and regulations on the transport of oil and chemicals using sea routes.
Pres. Arroyo also directed the DOTC to spearhead the review of all the licenses of ship captains, their qualifications to handle the transport of oil and hazardous chemicals, as well as the implementation of stricter measures to bar unqualified captains and vessels from obtaining permits and necessary documents for sea travel.
The President likewise ordered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to identify sea-lanes for vessels carrying oil and other hazardous chemicals to keep them away from “ecologically sensitive areas.”
According to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, the Visayan Sea is one possible area where oil tankers would be prohibited to navigate as the Visayas is the country’s center for biodiversity.
MT Solar I sank in rough seas off Guimaras island-province in August 11, resulting to the country’s worst-ever oil spill.
The vessel loaded with some two million liters of bunker fuel oil owned by Petron Corp. to be delivered to the oil company’s refining plant in Zamboanga del Sur.
Drawing lessons from the Guimaras experience, coastal communities through their local government units will be trained through the use of indigenous quick response mechanisms to prevent future oil slicks from hitting the coasts.
Investigation continues to be on high gear while evacuation will be ordered in assessed areas of great health hazard. The BFAR and other concerned agencies will monitor the safety of seafood for consumption.
Dumaguete chosen as most Child-Friendly City in Reg. 7
Dumaguete City was declared once again as the Most Child Friendly City in Region 7.
The city garnered the highest marks among other local government units who participate din the Search for the Child-Friendly Municipality and Cities under the 1st and 3rd class categories.
The search is conducted by the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC).
A full committee meeting on August 16 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VII in Cebu City hailed Dumaguete as the regional winner.
The city will receive a cash award of P50,000 plus a child-friendly seal and an awarding ceremony for all regional winners will be held in October in tme for the celebration of the Children’s Month.
As a result, RSWC will nominate Dumaguete to the National Awards Committee to compete at the national level against regional winners in the 1st and 3rd categories.
The city bested the municipality of Sibulan in Oriental Negros, municipality of Dalaguete in Cebu ad Inabanga in Bohol.
Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew Field Visit to Oriental Negros
Oriental Negros will host some 30 delegates of Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew for a learning visit on the Child-Friendly Movement in the Philippines next month in time of the Children’s Month in October.
Of the 19 provinces and 5 cities under the 6th Country Programme for Children of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Oriental Negros is selected to showcase some of the success programs and projects for children and women.
This exercise is in line with Unicef’s Change for Good corporate partnership program with international airlines. Cabin crew members solicit spare coins and unused foreign notes from flight passengers and donate the amount to Unicef. Since 1991, Cathay Pacific has raised more than US$8 million.
The Change for Good field visit of Cathay Pacific cabin crew is designed to understand and appreciate the life-cycle and rights-based approaches to child rights programming.
The 30 stewardesses or cabin crews will be divided into 3 teams to visit focus municipalities-areas with a program that provides set of health and nutrition interventions for children, basic education, water and sanitation, juvenile justice, child labor, and youth participation which they can be oriented and articulate issues affecting children in the Philippines.
The 6th Country Programme for Children (CPC6) is a programme cooperation agreement between UNICEF and the Philippine Government. It runs from 2005 to 2009 with direct funding and technical assistance. CPC6 aims to promote the Child-Friendly Movement (CFM). The CFM advocates putting children first at the heart of the country’s development agenda. (PIA/JCT)
Province free from bird flu but PVO warns birds are coming
Migratory birds might soon find their way into the shores of bird flue-free Oriental Negros as winter begins to set in other countries of Asia particularly Japan, China, Korea and Siberia in Russia.
This was the possibility posed by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Antonio Mutia, chair of the Provincial Avian Task Force, in his assessment on the “invasion” of birds to the province in the following months.
The warning comes as winter begins to set in Asian countries such as Japan, China, Korea and Siberia in Russia, beginning the months of September to January.
Mutia, however, assured that “there is no need to be alarmed because the Province is free from bird flu.”
“But this does not mean that we should be complacent,” he advised, “because Oriental Negros is a migratory path of birds from Asian countries with winter season.”
He called on the public and private sector anew to help the provincial government monitor the migratory birds coming into the shores of Oriental Negros.
Migratory birds come in Central Visayas to escape the coldness of winter and scarcity of food. These migratory birds avail of food resources abound in the wetlands and mangrove forests, remnants of which can be found in Oriental Negros, one of the provinces in Central Visayas.
Migratory birds take refuge in the island during the warm season, or on good weather conditions prevailing in the islands between September to January every year.
Records show that most of the migratory birds from other Asian countries stay for a while in the mangrove and wetlands of Bayawan, Tanjay and Bais, here in the province.
Other areas that need to be monitored are the Sta. Catalina and Basay in the south and a portion of Manjuyod, Bindoy and Ayungon in the north of the province where remnants of mangrove forests and wetlands are present.
From November 2005 to July 2006, the Provincial Veterinary’s Office collected 293 blood samples from chickens and ducks in the cities of Bais, Tanjay and Bayawan, where mangrove forests, wetlands and fishponds abound. “The samples were sent to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for laboratory and clinical analysis,” he added.
The Bureau of Animal Industry National Diagnostic Laboratory declared that the samples sent by the province “are free from bird flu,” Mutia disclosed.
Nonetheless, the provincial veterinarian said the government, the public and the private sector should not take it easy. “We have to monitor our mangrove areas and wetlands. We have to be watchful,” the animal doctor said.
“Any abnormal sickness in the local duck population or poultry farms, especially in local migratory bird path should be reported to authorities,” the veterinarian said.
As of August 23, 2006, avian flu claimed 141 lives and infected 241 people in the countries of Azerbaijan, China, Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
According to Direct Online Health Encyclopedia, avian flu is caused by H5N1 strain of influenza virus from birds. The time from infection to the start of the symptoms is usually between three to five days, although some cases it can be up to seven days. The symptoms can last for a week.
The Health Encyclopedia said symptoms of avian flu are similar to other types of flu, including: fever, aching muscles, sore throats, runny nose, breathing problems, chest pains, watery diarrhea, eye infection and coughs.
It said the symptoms can come on suddenly and the infection is very aggressive. Avian flu can cause rapid deterioration, pneumonia and multiple organ failure, which can be fatal.
To prevent the spread of avian flu, the people are advised not to bring in birds or any fowls from countries stricken by avian flu.
Meanwhile, the national government is currently battling an environmental calamity to massively clean-up and contain the more than 200,000 liters of industrial fuel that leaked from a tanker when it sank off the central island-province of Guimaras on August 11.
Malacañang said Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared the oil spill a national calamity and will be treated as such, especially on mustering all necessary resources for the immediate clean-up and containment of the oil spill and the full protection of the pristine natural resources and the safety and livelihood of the people in the area.
Palace asks Arroyo foes for civility while she’s away
MALACAÑANG is appealing to the opposition for some civility by sticking to “constructive criticisms” especially when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo embarks on a 12-day, six-country tour next month.
Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said that with the impeachment case foiled at the House of Representatives for the second time in one year and the economy posting rosy figures, it was about time the opposition change its tactics and tone down its antigovernment rhetoric to more constructive criticisms.
Based on the tentative schedule of the President’s foreign trip next month, the President’s first stop is Helsinki, Finland for the 6th Asia-Europe meeting. The President will then proceed to Brussels, Belgium to sit down with European Union leaders and then to London, United Kingdom for a forum with British investors.
Parliamentary to promote economic and political stability, says socialist, AdCom
Siquijor - A self-claimed socialist residing in Siquijor province made a strong support to the government’s ‘wished-for’ charter-change.
In an interview, this former executive of the labour party and member of the general management committee in England said it’s high time for the government to push through with cha-cha and go for a parliamentary form of government saying that “it is a more viable solution to systemic and structural problems in the Philippine governance”.
The immigrant who asked not to be named lamented how improvement has been so slow in the island due to the current scheme of things.
“Siquijor has to come up with a representative in this form of government (parliamentary) – one who has the will to fight for Siquijor and take it into the mainstream of development”, he added.
In like manner, Charter Change Advocacy Commission (AdCom) chairman Lito Monico Lorenzana said economic regions play a key role in addressing food security and development in the countryside.
Empowering the regions through greater autonomy and enhancing its respective food sources would definitely alleviate poverty and spur economic growth.
Once the country’s 79 provinces, clustered into 14 regions, are given more power to develop their natural resources, Lorenzana said these regions are potential “food baskets” that would complement the food supply in the entire country.
The AdCom is promoting the realignment of provinces and the creation of “super regions”, as part of the proposed eventual shift to federalism, compatible with the devolution of political and economic centers as included in charter amendments.
The Administration has appealed for enlightened views and debates, not divisive challenges to attain the common goals of nation building in a period of growing political stability.
The issue of means is left to Constitutional determination--whichever of the two modes already in stream comes first—people’s initiative or Constituent Assembly, says Malacañang.
PNPA to recruit the "best and brightest" cadets thru CAT test
Siquijor - The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will administer the Cadet Admission Test (CAT) for the four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) Cadetship Program for PNPA Class 2011 on October 29, 2006 (Sunday) in 23 test centers nationwide.
Examination center in Region 7 will be at the Cebu State College of Science and Technology, Cebu City.
The conduct of the cadet admission test is hoped to provide opportunity for our youths to become future police, fire and jail commissioned officers and for the academy, to recruit and select cadets considered “the best and the brightest” for the cadetship program.
Applicants for the cadetship program must have these qualifications: 1) natural-born Filipino citizen; 2) of good moral character; 3) male or female, single, with no child or children; 4) height: Male – 162.5 cm (5 ft 4 in) Female – 157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in); 5) weight of not more or less than five (5) kilograms of the standard weight measurement corresponding to height, age and sex; 6) at least 4th year high school student and to graduate prior to admission; 7) physically and mentally fit for regimented cadetship training; and with no derogatory records.
Deadline for submission will be on September 30, 2006.
For application forms and other queries, please visit the local police station nearest you.
Increase of crime in Siquijor not alarming, says PNP official
Siquijor - The local Philippine National Police (PNP) here recently disclosed report on the slight increase of index crime in the province of Siquijor.
Police Senior Superintendent Orlando Ualat said the percentage of criminality was reported to have increased in face of the successive fiesta celebrations taking place in the province.
But Ualat immediately allayed fears saying that the increase has caused no serious alarm to the people and the police, and stressed these were just “minor crimes, not sensational”.
“Siquijor is still the safest place in Central Visayas”, Ualat said.
Albeit the PNP here is constantly fine-tuning efforts to sustain peace and order through improved and better coordinated intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security efforts.
“Terrorism lies at the core of our concern”, the police official said.
“We are all the more putting peace and order in the forefront, especially now that terrorism has become the number one problem in the country today”, he said.
Earlier expressing support to the swift passage of the anti-terror law, the PNP pledged to keep up security and safety of the people in Siquijor through also instituting community participation in crime and detection.
Meanwhile, the head of a Malacañang-backed commission that will investigate the killings of activities and journalists urged the public to cooperate and to “point us to the right direction.”
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Melo made the appeal as he and members of the special commission took their oath before Supreme Court Justice Artemio Panganiban recently.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier Administrative Order 157, which orders the commission to “investigate, examine policy matters, recommend reforms and consolidate the effort to mete out justice in cases of extra-judicial killings in cooperation with all concerned sectors.”
Lazi strengthens intelligence monitoring
Siquijor - Fifty-one Barangay Tanods of the municipality of Lazi attended the one-day seminar on Barangay Intelligence Network recently at the SB Hall, Lazi, Siquijor. The seminar was aimed to reorient the BIN members of their duties and responsibilities and to intensify the intelligence monitoring of illegal activities in their respective barangays.
It also forms part of the President’s effort to professionalize and modernize the military and police.
In a statement, Malacanang officials said, the President and Commander in Chief is in full control of the institutions of security and public order, and is determined to enhance their professionalism and effectiveness, including their strict adherence to strict rules of engagement and the protection of human rights.
Resource speakers were Police Director Ronald M. Laggui, SPO4 Arnulfo G. Acacio, PO2 Alandro A. Garnica, and PO2 Elvin P. Ellecion.
Mayor Orville A. Fua of Lazi pointed out during his message the urgency and importance of effective coordination of the Barangay tanods and PNP personnel in intelligence monitoring to avert any terrorist attack in view of the geographical proximity of the province of Siquijor to Mindanao.
The activity was conducted by the personnel of the Lazi Police Station and coordinated by the Office of the Mayor and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG.)
Media Advisory:
The media is invited to cover the launching of the province’s Solid Waste Project with GTZ at Bethel Guesthouse, 1:30 p.m, tomorrow Sept. 1, 2006
The Bais City government together with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) will conduct an overseas and local job fair on September 5, 2006 in Bais City.
According to Roy Liga of POEA-Cebu, around 20 local and overseas recruitment agencies are expected to participate in the job fair.
Liga disclosed this during a press conference conducted by the Philippine Information Agency and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in line with CFO’s annual awareness campaign.
“We have selected overseas recruitment agencies with a lot of job orders for countries such Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Middle East and USA,” Liga said.
He said that the Bais City government has initially requested around 20 agencies to join in the job fair.
But Liga is optimistic that they will meet the city government’s request. “Around 12 agencies have already confirmed their participation to the job fair,” he said.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also committed to bring in 20 local agencies for job seekers who wish to land jobs locally.
Media vow to abide by DOJ guidelines on child reporting
Some media practitioners in Dumaguete City and the province of Oriental Negros vowed to adhere to the Deparment of Justice’s guidelines next time they will report stories involving children and lauded the CPC-6 Communication Task force for the training.
Neil Rio, news reporter covering police stories, said he now fully understands why it is important not to divulge the identity of children in the news, especially when they are victims of abused.
Rio and other media participants learned this from one of the speakers, Alex Pal, NBN station manager and Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent, who talked about the media guidelines should consider when reporting stories about children.
“Media should respect and prevent violation of the confidentiality provision under existing laws, especially when publicity would result in the moral degradation or suffering of the child,” Pal said.
He said that crimes of violence by or against children must be reported factually and seriously.
Des Tilos, member of the Provincial Communication Task Force (PCTF) of CPC6, noted that still many media practitioners are not children sensitive. He based this on the findings of a content analysis done by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the portrayal of children in print and TV news which he discussed during the seminar.
Another speaker during the one-day seminar was a family court judge, Noel P. Catacutan, who discussed the law on Juvenile Justice & Welfare Act 0f 2006.
PCTF member Victor Camion presented the Right of Reply. He said the right of reply exists because there is such a thing as media accountability as the press is not always right, responsibility includes owning up to a mistake and requiring the media to explain their behavior.
The training was conducted by CPC-6 PTCF in order to promote and adhere to children’s rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
As media is trying to expose the children’s horrible plight, children must be protected from all forms of abuse and suffering, trauma or social stigma that may arise from inappropriate publicity or approaches to media coverage of cases involving children.
Journalist, whether print, broadcast, or so-called news media, knows that reporting news, he has responsibility not only to his readers, listeners/viewers, but to his subjects as well. This is especially true when the subject is a child. (PIA/JCT)
Guv calls for mitigating steps to prevent oil spills in OrNeg coast
The Oriental Negros provincial government is set to take immediate preventive steps to protect the province from another environmental catastrophe such as the oil spill caused by the Motor Tanker (MT) Solar I off the coast of Guimaras Island.
Governor George P. Arnaiz is proposing to forge a partnership between the private and government sectors in the province that will identify and inspect all domestic and foreign shipping vessels that dock in local ports carrying oil and other hazardous chemicals.
According to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence, the governor intends to put in place preventives measures that will prevent deadly sea mishaps here.
The governor’s move is in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call to forge a permanent basis for cooperation between the government and oil companies on the issue of environmental safety and preservation.
The President has also ordered the Department of Transportation and Communication to work with the oil industry and the maritime sector on a comprehensive review of the existing rules and regulations on the transport of oil and chemicals using sea routes.
Pres. Arroyo also directed the DOTC to spearhead the review of all the licenses of ship captains, their qualifications to handle the transport of oil and hazardous chemicals, as well as the implementation of stricter measures to bar unqualified captains and vessels from obtaining permits and necessary documents for sea travel.
The President likewise ordered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to identify sea-lanes for vessels carrying oil and other hazardous chemicals to keep them away from “ecologically sensitive areas.”
According to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, the Visayan Sea is one possible area where oil tankers would be prohibited to navigate as the Visayas is the country’s center for biodiversity.
MT Solar I sank in rough seas off Guimaras island-province in August 11, resulting to the country’s worst-ever oil spill.
The vessel loaded with some two million liters of bunker fuel oil owned by Petron Corp. to be delivered to the oil company’s refining plant in Zamboanga del Sur.
Drawing lessons from the Guimaras experience, coastal communities through their local government units will be trained through the use of indigenous quick response mechanisms to prevent future oil slicks from hitting the coasts.
Investigation continues to be on high gear while evacuation will be ordered in assessed areas of great health hazard. The BFAR and other concerned agencies will monitor the safety of seafood for consumption.
Dumaguete chosen as most Child-Friendly City in Reg. 7
Dumaguete City was declared once again as the Most Child Friendly City in Region 7.
The city garnered the highest marks among other local government units who participate din the Search for the Child-Friendly Municipality and Cities under the 1st and 3rd class categories.
The search is conducted by the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC).
A full committee meeting on August 16 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VII in Cebu City hailed Dumaguete as the regional winner.
The city will receive a cash award of P50,000 plus a child-friendly seal and an awarding ceremony for all regional winners will be held in October in tme for the celebration of the Children’s Month.
As a result, RSWC will nominate Dumaguete to the National Awards Committee to compete at the national level against regional winners in the 1st and 3rd categories.
The city bested the municipality of Sibulan in Oriental Negros, municipality of Dalaguete in Cebu ad Inabanga in Bohol.
Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew Field Visit to Oriental Negros
Oriental Negros will host some 30 delegates of Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew for a learning visit on the Child-Friendly Movement in the Philippines next month in time of the Children’s Month in October.
Of the 19 provinces and 5 cities under the 6th Country Programme for Children of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Oriental Negros is selected to showcase some of the success programs and projects for children and women.
This exercise is in line with Unicef’s Change for Good corporate partnership program with international airlines. Cabin crew members solicit spare coins and unused foreign notes from flight passengers and donate the amount to Unicef. Since 1991, Cathay Pacific has raised more than US$8 million.
The Change for Good field visit of Cathay Pacific cabin crew is designed to understand and appreciate the life-cycle and rights-based approaches to child rights programming.
The 30 stewardesses or cabin crews will be divided into 3 teams to visit focus municipalities-areas with a program that provides set of health and nutrition interventions for children, basic education, water and sanitation, juvenile justice, child labor, and youth participation which they can be oriented and articulate issues affecting children in the Philippines.
The 6th Country Programme for Children (CPC6) is a programme cooperation agreement between UNICEF and the Philippine Government. It runs from 2005 to 2009 with direct funding and technical assistance. CPC6 aims to promote the Child-Friendly Movement (CFM). The CFM advocates putting children first at the heart of the country’s development agenda. (PIA/JCT)
Province free from bird flu but PVO warns birds are coming
Migratory birds might soon find their way into the shores of bird flue-free Oriental Negros as winter begins to set in other countries of Asia particularly Japan, China, Korea and Siberia in Russia.
This was the possibility posed by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Antonio Mutia, chair of the Provincial Avian Task Force, in his assessment on the “invasion” of birds to the province in the following months.
The warning comes as winter begins to set in Asian countries such as Japan, China, Korea and Siberia in Russia, beginning the months of September to January.
Mutia, however, assured that “there is no need to be alarmed because the Province is free from bird flu.”
“But this does not mean that we should be complacent,” he advised, “because Oriental Negros is a migratory path of birds from Asian countries with winter season.”
He called on the public and private sector anew to help the provincial government monitor the migratory birds coming into the shores of Oriental Negros.
Migratory birds come in Central Visayas to escape the coldness of winter and scarcity of food. These migratory birds avail of food resources abound in the wetlands and mangrove forests, remnants of which can be found in Oriental Negros, one of the provinces in Central Visayas.
Migratory birds take refuge in the island during the warm season, or on good weather conditions prevailing in the islands between September to January every year.
Records show that most of the migratory birds from other Asian countries stay for a while in the mangrove and wetlands of Bayawan, Tanjay and Bais, here in the province.
Other areas that need to be monitored are the Sta. Catalina and Basay in the south and a portion of Manjuyod, Bindoy and Ayungon in the north of the province where remnants of mangrove forests and wetlands are present.
From November 2005 to July 2006, the Provincial Veterinary’s Office collected 293 blood samples from chickens and ducks in the cities of Bais, Tanjay and Bayawan, where mangrove forests, wetlands and fishponds abound. “The samples were sent to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for laboratory and clinical analysis,” he added.
The Bureau of Animal Industry National Diagnostic Laboratory declared that the samples sent by the province “are free from bird flu,” Mutia disclosed.
Nonetheless, the provincial veterinarian said the government, the public and the private sector should not take it easy. “We have to monitor our mangrove areas and wetlands. We have to be watchful,” the animal doctor said.
“Any abnormal sickness in the local duck population or poultry farms, especially in local migratory bird path should be reported to authorities,” the veterinarian said.
As of August 23, 2006, avian flu claimed 141 lives and infected 241 people in the countries of Azerbaijan, China, Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
According to Direct Online Health Encyclopedia, avian flu is caused by H5N1 strain of influenza virus from birds. The time from infection to the start of the symptoms is usually between three to five days, although some cases it can be up to seven days. The symptoms can last for a week.
The Health Encyclopedia said symptoms of avian flu are similar to other types of flu, including: fever, aching muscles, sore throats, runny nose, breathing problems, chest pains, watery diarrhea, eye infection and coughs.
It said the symptoms can come on suddenly and the infection is very aggressive. Avian flu can cause rapid deterioration, pneumonia and multiple organ failure, which can be fatal.
To prevent the spread of avian flu, the people are advised not to bring in birds or any fowls from countries stricken by avian flu.
Meanwhile, the national government is currently battling an environmental calamity to massively clean-up and contain the more than 200,000 liters of industrial fuel that leaked from a tanker when it sank off the central island-province of Guimaras on August 11.
Malacañang said Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared the oil spill a national calamity and will be treated as such, especially on mustering all necessary resources for the immediate clean-up and containment of the oil spill and the full protection of the pristine natural resources and the safety and livelihood of the people in the area.
Palace asks Arroyo foes for civility while she’s away
MALACAÑANG is appealing to the opposition for some civility by sticking to “constructive criticisms” especially when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo embarks on a 12-day, six-country tour next month.
Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said that with the impeachment case foiled at the House of Representatives for the second time in one year and the economy posting rosy figures, it was about time the opposition change its tactics and tone down its antigovernment rhetoric to more constructive criticisms.
Based on the tentative schedule of the President’s foreign trip next month, the President’s first stop is Helsinki, Finland for the 6th Asia-Europe meeting. The President will then proceed to Brussels, Belgium to sit down with European Union leaders and then to London, United Kingdom for a forum with British investors.
Parliamentary to promote economic and political stability, says socialist, AdCom
Siquijor - A self-claimed socialist residing in Siquijor province made a strong support to the government’s ‘wished-for’ charter-change.
In an interview, this former executive of the labour party and member of the general management committee in England said it’s high time for the government to push through with cha-cha and go for a parliamentary form of government saying that “it is a more viable solution to systemic and structural problems in the Philippine governance”.
The immigrant who asked not to be named lamented how improvement has been so slow in the island due to the current scheme of things.
“Siquijor has to come up with a representative in this form of government (parliamentary) – one who has the will to fight for Siquijor and take it into the mainstream of development”, he added.
In like manner, Charter Change Advocacy Commission (AdCom) chairman Lito Monico Lorenzana said economic regions play a key role in addressing food security and development in the countryside.
Empowering the regions through greater autonomy and enhancing its respective food sources would definitely alleviate poverty and spur economic growth.
Once the country’s 79 provinces, clustered into 14 regions, are given more power to develop their natural resources, Lorenzana said these regions are potential “food baskets” that would complement the food supply in the entire country.
The AdCom is promoting the realignment of provinces and the creation of “super regions”, as part of the proposed eventual shift to federalism, compatible with the devolution of political and economic centers as included in charter amendments.
The Administration has appealed for enlightened views and debates, not divisive challenges to attain the common goals of nation building in a period of growing political stability.
The issue of means is left to Constitutional determination--whichever of the two modes already in stream comes first—people’s initiative or Constituent Assembly, says Malacañang.
PNPA to recruit the "best and brightest" cadets thru CAT test
Siquijor - The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will administer the Cadet Admission Test (CAT) for the four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) Cadetship Program for PNPA Class 2011 on October 29, 2006 (Sunday) in 23 test centers nationwide.
Examination center in Region 7 will be at the Cebu State College of Science and Technology, Cebu City.
The conduct of the cadet admission test is hoped to provide opportunity for our youths to become future police, fire and jail commissioned officers and for the academy, to recruit and select cadets considered “the best and the brightest” for the cadetship program.
Applicants for the cadetship program must have these qualifications: 1) natural-born Filipino citizen; 2) of good moral character; 3) male or female, single, with no child or children; 4) height: Male – 162.5 cm (5 ft 4 in) Female – 157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in); 5) weight of not more or less than five (5) kilograms of the standard weight measurement corresponding to height, age and sex; 6) at least 4th year high school student and to graduate prior to admission; 7) physically and mentally fit for regimented cadetship training; and with no derogatory records.
Deadline for submission will be on September 30, 2006.
For application forms and other queries, please visit the local police station nearest you.
Increase of crime in Siquijor not alarming, says PNP official
Siquijor - The local Philippine National Police (PNP) here recently disclosed report on the slight increase of index crime in the province of Siquijor.
Police Senior Superintendent Orlando Ualat said the percentage of criminality was reported to have increased in face of the successive fiesta celebrations taking place in the province.
But Ualat immediately allayed fears saying that the increase has caused no serious alarm to the people and the police, and stressed these were just “minor crimes, not sensational”.
“Siquijor is still the safest place in Central Visayas”, Ualat said.
Albeit the PNP here is constantly fine-tuning efforts to sustain peace and order through improved and better coordinated intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security efforts.
“Terrorism lies at the core of our concern”, the police official said.
“We are all the more putting peace and order in the forefront, especially now that terrorism has become the number one problem in the country today”, he said.
Earlier expressing support to the swift passage of the anti-terror law, the PNP pledged to keep up security and safety of the people in Siquijor through also instituting community participation in crime and detection.
Meanwhile, the head of a Malacañang-backed commission that will investigate the killings of activities and journalists urged the public to cooperate and to “point us to the right direction.”
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Melo made the appeal as he and members of the special commission took their oath before Supreme Court Justice Artemio Panganiban recently.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier Administrative Order 157, which orders the commission to “investigate, examine policy matters, recommend reforms and consolidate the effort to mete out justice in cases of extra-judicial killings in cooperation with all concerned sectors.”
Lazi strengthens intelligence monitoring
Siquijor - Fifty-one Barangay Tanods of the municipality of Lazi attended the one-day seminar on Barangay Intelligence Network recently at the SB Hall, Lazi, Siquijor. The seminar was aimed to reorient the BIN members of their duties and responsibilities and to intensify the intelligence monitoring of illegal activities in their respective barangays.
It also forms part of the President’s effort to professionalize and modernize the military and police.
In a statement, Malacanang officials said, the President and Commander in Chief is in full control of the institutions of security and public order, and is determined to enhance their professionalism and effectiveness, including their strict adherence to strict rules of engagement and the protection of human rights.
Resource speakers were Police Director Ronald M. Laggui, SPO4 Arnulfo G. Acacio, PO2 Alandro A. Garnica, and PO2 Elvin P. Ellecion.
Mayor Orville A. Fua of Lazi pointed out during his message the urgency and importance of effective coordination of the Barangay tanods and PNP personnel in intelligence monitoring to avert any terrorist attack in view of the geographical proximity of the province of Siquijor to Mindanao.
The activity was conducted by the personnel of the Lazi Police Station and coordinated by the Office of the Mayor and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG.)
Media Advisory:
The media is invited to cover the launching of the province’s Solid Waste Project with GTZ at Bethel Guesthouse, 1:30 p.m, tomorrow Sept. 1, 2006
8/24/2006
ISSUE NO. 34, August 24, 2006
CFO conducts nationwide information sorties on migration issues
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is now conducting its annual Community Education Program (CEP) in 23 provinces and nine regions across the country with the information campaign dubbed as “Handa Ka Na Bang Mag-Abroad? Ano Ang Dapat Mong Alamin?”
The campaign in Oriental Negros kicked off today, August 24, with a pulong-punlong at Bais City between a team from CFO and local government leaders in Bais.
A press briefing will be conducted in Dumaguete City on Friday, August 25, followed by a cineforum on migration at Silliman University and pulong-pulong with local government leaders and non-government organizations.
CFO expects around 23,000 attendees to participate in its various information awareness activities during its information campaign sorties in different regions in the country with a high number of migrants abroad.
The community education program will be conducted in Ilocos, Central Luzon, CARAGA, CALABARZON, MIMARO, Bicol, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
The commission aims to raise public awareness about various issues concerning migration, intermarriages and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and human trafficking, among others.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the national government is taking steps to save the country’s image abroad following the recent leakage during the Nursing examination here.
The Department of Foreign Affairs through the embassies will issue bulleting on the actions of the Philippine government especially in countries heavily recruiting Filipino nurses.
The National Bureau of Investigation is fast tracking its investigation to clearly pinpoint responsible parties and exact accountability.
Malacañang said this should not be cause for any stigma on Filipino nurses or other professionals who remain to be among the best in the world, for their honesty and professional integrity.
Province boosts anti-trafficking in persons campaign
The Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) in Oriental Negros is set to put up task forces in different ports in the province in a bid to intensify efforts to combat trafficking in persons in the province.
The council in a meeting held last month has stressed the urgent need to put up task forces in the ports as some incidents of trafficking are prevalent in these routes.
Negros Oriental has earlier been identified as a trafficking hotspot in the country as it is one of the major recruitment grounds for victims and potential trafficking of victims.
Thus, the province has a strategic role to play in the anti-trafficking initiatives in the country, says Vic Abedesco, Visayas Coordinator of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. in a Kapihan forum conducted by Philippine Information Agency early this year.
The Provincial IACAT was formed in April this year after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 372 enacted Ordinance No. 14 creating the council that would coordinate all efforts towards combating trafficking in the province.
Resolution No. 372 notes that there due to cases of trafficking in persons here, it is “imperative to ensure stronger and more effective coordination of efforts among agencies and stakeholders.”
Under Ordinance No. 14, the council is tasked to undertake steps to prevent trafficking in the province, rescue and recover victims, cause the prosecution of offenders and ensure healing and effective reintegration of trafficking victims in Oriental Negros.
Students urged to avail of ladderized education program
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is encouraging students in the province to avail of the government’s ladderized education program that aims to empower young Filipinos by allowing them to progress between and among technical-vocation courses, college degree programs and progressively gainful employment.
The ladderized education system addresses the present compartmentalization of tech-voc and college degree programs that hinders the recognition and accreditation of tech-voc competencies in college degree programs and vice-versa.
According to Beth Tubog, TESDA administrative officer, there are so far only three registered programs/courses under the ladderized program in Dumaguete City, namely Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hotel and Restaurant Management in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and BS Marine Engineering and BS Marine Transportation in Negros Maritime College Foundation.
The embedded Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualification for Marine Engineering is engine seafaring NC1 while for Marine Transportation, Deck Seafaring.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed in July 2006 Executive Order 358 institutionalizing a ladderized interface between TVET and higher education.
Under EO 358, the ladderized tertiary education system will allow certification or recognition of units gained in TESDA registered tech-voc programs for equivalent credits under CHED-recognized programs.
Through this system, students acquire the skills for a job and with units earned in training, the graduate earns equivalent credits for higher education.
Through the income gained and the credits earned, the technical vocational graduate can enroll in a related higher education courses through which the tech-voc graduate ultimately earns a college degree.
Similarly, a college student or graduate wanting to take up TVET programs will also be given equivalent credits in a related TVET program.
Through this system, the government hopes to facilitate the transition and progression between TVET and higher education.
Tubog said that TESDA here is currently receiving applicants for second semester of school year 2006-2007 for the three registered courses here.
Slots are available for ten students per semester for each course/program, says Tubog.
“We only have three applicants so far for this program,” she adds.
She also disclose that NORSU is applying for the registration of the following programs: BS Automotive Technology, BS Civil Technology, BS Computer Technology, BS Electrical Technology, Garments Technology, Mechanical Technology and Refrigeration Air Conditioning.
Tubog also urged the different schools in the city to participate in the said program “as this improves the competency of the students.”
Education is among the top priorities of the national government as Malacañang in its proposed 2007 budget of 1.126 trillion pesos, reflects heavy spending on education and infrastructure.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said this is the “payback” to the people for shouldering the burden of additional taxes.
As in previous years and consisted with the provisions of the Constitution, the Department of Education will get the biggest chunk of the allocation with 134.7 billion pesos.
SU School of Communication holds Balik Talent lecture
The Silliman University School of Communication is set to hold a Balik Talent lecture by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, an alumnus of the School of Communication, who is one of this year’s ten Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees.
The lecture is in line with Silliman University’s celebration of its 105th Founder’s Day and the School’s 40th year celebration.
Dr. Flor, who earned his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Silliman University in 1975, is now the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
A respected scholar of development communication here and abroad, Dr. Flor will speak on the topic “Sustaining Silliman’s Mission: A Communication Perspective” on Tuesday, August 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the SU Audio Visual Theater.
Communication students from other universities and colleges in Dumaguete are also expected to attend the lecture.
The SU School of Communication is also set to co-sponsor a forum with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) dubbed as “Kapihan sa Silliman” on the topic “Challenges and Expectation in Community Journalism.”
The panel of speakers is headed by Dr. Crispin C. Maslog, former professor and director of the School of Communication with other panelists coming from the academe, government and non-government organizations.
The School of Communication is also spearheading the MassCom Ruby Year Alumni Potluck/Fellowship on August 26.
GMA backs Green Highways project, urges Cabinet officials, gov’t agencies to hold info drive
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is urging Cabinet officials and heads of government-owned and controlled corporations to give their active participation to the massive tree-planting activity dubbed as “Green Philippines Highways.”
The President, in a memorandum, encouraged all government agencies to lend their support by mobilizing their personnel and stakeholders to do their part by “adopting” their own greening of highways in their respective territorial jurisdictions, and conducting information campaigns that will raise the awareness of the public about the importance of tree planting.
Considered as one of the biggest and ambitious projects launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) so far, the Green Philippines Highways will gather two million participants to plant about half a million seedlings and saplings on the 2,175-km stretch of the Pan Philippine Highways.
Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, in his visit to Dumaguete City early this month, said the green highways project needs to be owned and championed by a movement of diverse environmental stakeholders, adding that “planting and maintenance activities will be carried out throughout the year to cover other stretches of the Green Philippines Highway to sustain it.”
He called on all Filipinos to demonstrate their concern for the environment, saying that this can be done by participating in the biggest tree planting activity in the country on August 25.
Furniture makers in Siquijor gains insights on waste materials reduction
Maximizing the use of recyclable processing wastes from the shops instead of just disposing them is one area of concern posing in the country’s furniture and handicraft industry. Generation of wastes is an integral part of the furniture and handicraft manufacturing operation system and it has significant impact to the productivity and profitability of the industry as a whole.
Just recently some members of the newly revived United Siquijor Furniture Makers Association (USFMA) underwent a third round of skills development training on waste materials reduction at the Pajermo Furniture Shop in Cangbagsa, Larena, Siquijor.
Initiating the training activity was the Department of Science and Technology – 7 thru the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC-Siquijor), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Siquijor thru the Siquijor Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Siquijor. It was aimed to provide participants valuable insights on how to minimize/reduce volume of wastes materials through an efficient waste processing system.
The three-day lecture-discussion and actual demonstrations on the processing and utilization of scrap materials from furniture and handicraft production taught and encouraged furniture makers to recognize the value of wastes materials, learn concepts on product development from generated processing wastes in their respective shops; and develop sample or prototype products using a particular or combination of waste materials.
Resource speakers during the training-seminar were Forester Robert A. Natividad, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Forest Products Research & Development Institute (FPRDI), Los Banos, Laguna thru the Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP) of the DOST; and Mr. Eduardo M. Atienza, a Science Research Analyst of the same DOST institute.
Attending in the open forum were PENRO Oscar M. Magallones of Siquijor, DTI Provincial Director Nimfa M. Virtucio; Engr. Mario E. de la Pena of PSTC-Siquijor and Larena Municipal Mayor Gold L. Calibo.
In the end, nice and creative finished products from cheap bamboo and wood-wastes materials made by the furniture makers were displayed on the last third day of the seminar. Samples of these products will be exhibited during the upcoming Siquijor Day Halad Siquijodnon 2006.
The participants who all received certificates of attendance couldn’t help but gleefully say: “We’re able to transform wastes into money!”.
Siquijor joins walk for peace in celebration of int'l humanitarian law
SIQUIJOR-- In celebration of the International Humanitarian Law Day and as an expression of gratitude for the gift of peace in Siquijor, some 119 people here joined the walk for peace recently.
Spearheaded by the Siquijor Red Cross, the three-kilometer walk for peace held in the town of Siquijor was well-represented by different groups in the province.
Red Cross Officer-In-Charge Rowena Lapinig said the activity was a call for the respect of peace of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or Law of Armed Conflict.
She said it is a celebration of the birth of one of the most powerful tools that the international community has at its disposal to ensure safety and dignity of people in times of war made during the Geneva Conventions wherein 190 of the world’s states are part of the convention.
IHL is a set of rules which places restrictions on the use of weapons and methods of warfare applied in international armed conflicts which involve at least two countries and in armed conflicts that take place in one country like those between the government and the rebel forces and applies to all parties to a conflict regardless of who started it, explains Lapinig.
IHL is centered on the principle “Inter Arma Caritas (Humanity in the Midst of Conflict).
The International Committee of the Red Cross serves as the guardian of IHL as a neutral, impartial and independent organization working in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.
Lapinig, who noted that Siquijor is one of the few provinces in the country that is peaceful, did not discount the fact that its neighboring islands like Mindanao and the Philippine’s neighboring countries in the world are in trouble. “Peace is everybody’s concern”, she said.
This year’s IHL’s theme is: “Per Humanitatem Ad Pacem” or From Humanity to Peace.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said that President Arroyo is determined to take all necessary measures to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
The President is bent on getting to the bottom of the extrajudicial killings in the country with the creation of the Melo Commission.
The Commission is moving swiftly to fulfill its mandate as it is now organizing and mapping out its priorities.
Malacañang urged the administration’s detractors to adopt a fair attitude and refrain from labeling a body that is just starting its work.
PNP Dir joins call for swift passage of Anti-Terror Bill
Siquijor Police Superintendent Orlando Domingo Ualat of the Philippine National Police here recently expressed support to the President’s call for an immediate passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill which was reiterated following the discovery of an alleged plot in Britain to blow up US passenger aircraft over the Atlantic.
In an interview with the PIA, the PNP provincial director said he joins call for the immediate passage of the law especially now that acts of terrorism abound. “I’d like to take this opportunity to call on the people to support the move because it is for our own good. Terrorism is a serious problem we must look into,” says Ualat.
Last Friday, British law enforcement and intelligence operatives in London foiled a supposed plot to bomb several airlines bound to the United States with the arrest of 24 suspected terrorists who were supposed to smuggle in hard-to-detect liquid IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in US-bound airlines from London's Heathrow Airport.
Philippine authorities' views the latest terror act with greater relevance as it closely resembled another terror plot unearthed and foiled in 1995, which involved the bombing of American airliners from Manila bound, a plot which was codenamed Operation Bojinka.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the London bomb plot is compelling enough reason to aggressively pursue the government's stand on an all-out war campaign against terrorist groups and insurgents.
Bunye said the uncovered terrorist plot is an eye-opener to prioritize the passage of the Anti-terrorism Bill as this gives teeth to our waging battle against terrorism.
The National Government is likewise asking for the full cooperation and support of the public by sharing information that can halt any conspiracy or plan to wreck havoc and destroy lives of innocent people.
Meanwhile, the military dared disgruntled troops recently to make good their threat to resign en masse, as it stressed that "no one was indispensable" in the Armed Forces.
Responding to the threat of the shadowy Nationalist Officers Union (NOU) of a mass resignation, military spokesmen said troops would not be stopped from leaving the service if this would make the military a "more responsive, efficient, and stable organization."
But the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the NOU does not exist. Neither, he added, do intelligence reports of any planned mass resignation from the service.
Malacañang said the people is growing weary of faceless and nameless mutineers obviously manipulated by political puppet masters.
The best thing to do is to leave it all to the proper authorities to investigate, stressed Malacañang. (RAC/PIA)
Gov't bent on sending home OFWs in Lebanon despite truce
Even as the guns fall silent in Lebanon, the government is bent on working for the repatriation of Filipino workers there deploying teams to scout for more OFWs to send home.
“Task Force Lebanon continues to account for every Filipino national in the areas of danger of danger and secure their condition and welfare as the government is assessing course of events in the political and operational levels,” Malacanang officials said.
“We must deal with the situation with prudence and caution because it is better to act on the side of caution rather than allow Filipinos to be caught in cyclical conflict,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.
“Normalcy could be restored in months and we urge the OFWs to stay at the evacuation centers and continue to wait for the chance to be repatriated or transported to safety,” he also said.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier vowed to secure OFWs “no matter what the cost and the evolving situation may be” and urged Philippine officials to continue implementing her directive for the mandatory repatriation of all OFWs in Lebanon.
“I shall spare no effort to keep every Filipino safe and sound until they are brought back home or to safe sanctuary elsewhere,” she said.
The government, however, assures the OFWs that Lebanon will be open again for employment as soon as it is already safe to go back. (RAC/PIA)
5 rescued, 2 missing in sea mishap
Five fishermen were rescued last week near Siquijor seas by a search and rescue team operation of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council and the Philippine Air Force.
The rescue team was sent out after a fishing boat FB St. Mary capsized in the middle of the sea in Siquijor Island while encountering huge waves and strong winds as it sailed back to Basay, Negros Oriental from Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.
Civil Defense Officer Welino Gubuan of Siquijor named those rescued as Joel Lapasaran, 21, Junasky Alcantara, 23, Johnny Anlap, 15, and Roomel Noso, 37, all of Basay Negros Oriental.
Other crew members who are still missing until now are Jay Totiac, 30, and Domy Maganao, 50.
Meanwhile, CDO Gubuan said that the recent typhoon brought several woes to the island causing minor delays to sea travels and damaging few crops and properties.
Gubuan said preparedness is still the best answer in times of disaster. It is done through the effective use of manpower and financial resources, proper information and coordination and alertness, and timely judgment of the officials concerned”.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is now conducting its annual Community Education Program (CEP) in 23 provinces and nine regions across the country with the information campaign dubbed as “Handa Ka Na Bang Mag-Abroad? Ano Ang Dapat Mong Alamin?”
The campaign in Oriental Negros kicked off today, August 24, with a pulong-punlong at Bais City between a team from CFO and local government leaders in Bais.
A press briefing will be conducted in Dumaguete City on Friday, August 25, followed by a cineforum on migration at Silliman University and pulong-pulong with local government leaders and non-government organizations.
CFO expects around 23,000 attendees to participate in its various information awareness activities during its information campaign sorties in different regions in the country with a high number of migrants abroad.
The community education program will be conducted in Ilocos, Central Luzon, CARAGA, CALABARZON, MIMARO, Bicol, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
The commission aims to raise public awareness about various issues concerning migration, intermarriages and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and human trafficking, among others.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the national government is taking steps to save the country’s image abroad following the recent leakage during the Nursing examination here.
The Department of Foreign Affairs through the embassies will issue bulleting on the actions of the Philippine government especially in countries heavily recruiting Filipino nurses.
The National Bureau of Investigation is fast tracking its investigation to clearly pinpoint responsible parties and exact accountability.
Malacañang said this should not be cause for any stigma on Filipino nurses or other professionals who remain to be among the best in the world, for their honesty and professional integrity.
Province boosts anti-trafficking in persons campaign
The Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) in Oriental Negros is set to put up task forces in different ports in the province in a bid to intensify efforts to combat trafficking in persons in the province.
The council in a meeting held last month has stressed the urgent need to put up task forces in the ports as some incidents of trafficking are prevalent in these routes.
Negros Oriental has earlier been identified as a trafficking hotspot in the country as it is one of the major recruitment grounds for victims and potential trafficking of victims.
Thus, the province has a strategic role to play in the anti-trafficking initiatives in the country, says Vic Abedesco, Visayas Coordinator of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. in a Kapihan forum conducted by Philippine Information Agency early this year.
The Provincial IACAT was formed in April this year after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 372 enacted Ordinance No. 14 creating the council that would coordinate all efforts towards combating trafficking in the province.
Resolution No. 372 notes that there due to cases of trafficking in persons here, it is “imperative to ensure stronger and more effective coordination of efforts among agencies and stakeholders.”
Under Ordinance No. 14, the council is tasked to undertake steps to prevent trafficking in the province, rescue and recover victims, cause the prosecution of offenders and ensure healing and effective reintegration of trafficking victims in Oriental Negros.
Students urged to avail of ladderized education program
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is encouraging students in the province to avail of the government’s ladderized education program that aims to empower young Filipinos by allowing them to progress between and among technical-vocation courses, college degree programs and progressively gainful employment.
The ladderized education system addresses the present compartmentalization of tech-voc and college degree programs that hinders the recognition and accreditation of tech-voc competencies in college degree programs and vice-versa.
According to Beth Tubog, TESDA administrative officer, there are so far only three registered programs/courses under the ladderized program in Dumaguete City, namely Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hotel and Restaurant Management in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and BS Marine Engineering and BS Marine Transportation in Negros Maritime College Foundation.
The embedded Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualification for Marine Engineering is engine seafaring NC1 while for Marine Transportation, Deck Seafaring.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed in July 2006 Executive Order 358 institutionalizing a ladderized interface between TVET and higher education.
Under EO 358, the ladderized tertiary education system will allow certification or recognition of units gained in TESDA registered tech-voc programs for equivalent credits under CHED-recognized programs.
Through this system, students acquire the skills for a job and with units earned in training, the graduate earns equivalent credits for higher education.
Through the income gained and the credits earned, the technical vocational graduate can enroll in a related higher education courses through which the tech-voc graduate ultimately earns a college degree.
Similarly, a college student or graduate wanting to take up TVET programs will also be given equivalent credits in a related TVET program.
Through this system, the government hopes to facilitate the transition and progression between TVET and higher education.
Tubog said that TESDA here is currently receiving applicants for second semester of school year 2006-2007 for the three registered courses here.
Slots are available for ten students per semester for each course/program, says Tubog.
“We only have three applicants so far for this program,” she adds.
She also disclose that NORSU is applying for the registration of the following programs: BS Automotive Technology, BS Civil Technology, BS Computer Technology, BS Electrical Technology, Garments Technology, Mechanical Technology and Refrigeration Air Conditioning.
Tubog also urged the different schools in the city to participate in the said program “as this improves the competency of the students.”
Education is among the top priorities of the national government as Malacañang in its proposed 2007 budget of 1.126 trillion pesos, reflects heavy spending on education and infrastructure.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said this is the “payback” to the people for shouldering the burden of additional taxes.
As in previous years and consisted with the provisions of the Constitution, the Department of Education will get the biggest chunk of the allocation with 134.7 billion pesos.
SU School of Communication holds Balik Talent lecture
The Silliman University School of Communication is set to hold a Balik Talent lecture by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, an alumnus of the School of Communication, who is one of this year’s ten Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees.
The lecture is in line with Silliman University’s celebration of its 105th Founder’s Day and the School’s 40th year celebration.
Dr. Flor, who earned his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Silliman University in 1975, is now the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
A respected scholar of development communication here and abroad, Dr. Flor will speak on the topic “Sustaining Silliman’s Mission: A Communication Perspective” on Tuesday, August 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the SU Audio Visual Theater.
Communication students from other universities and colleges in Dumaguete are also expected to attend the lecture.
The SU School of Communication is also set to co-sponsor a forum with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) dubbed as “Kapihan sa Silliman” on the topic “Challenges and Expectation in Community Journalism.”
The panel of speakers is headed by Dr. Crispin C. Maslog, former professor and director of the School of Communication with other panelists coming from the academe, government and non-government organizations.
The School of Communication is also spearheading the MassCom Ruby Year Alumni Potluck/Fellowship on August 26.
GMA backs Green Highways project, urges Cabinet officials, gov’t agencies to hold info drive
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is urging Cabinet officials and heads of government-owned and controlled corporations to give their active participation to the massive tree-planting activity dubbed as “Green Philippines Highways.”
The President, in a memorandum, encouraged all government agencies to lend their support by mobilizing their personnel and stakeholders to do their part by “adopting” their own greening of highways in their respective territorial jurisdictions, and conducting information campaigns that will raise the awareness of the public about the importance of tree planting.
Considered as one of the biggest and ambitious projects launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) so far, the Green Philippines Highways will gather two million participants to plant about half a million seedlings and saplings on the 2,175-km stretch of the Pan Philippine Highways.
Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, in his visit to Dumaguete City early this month, said the green highways project needs to be owned and championed by a movement of diverse environmental stakeholders, adding that “planting and maintenance activities will be carried out throughout the year to cover other stretches of the Green Philippines Highway to sustain it.”
He called on all Filipinos to demonstrate their concern for the environment, saying that this can be done by participating in the biggest tree planting activity in the country on August 25.
Furniture makers in Siquijor gains insights on waste materials reduction
Maximizing the use of recyclable processing wastes from the shops instead of just disposing them is one area of concern posing in the country’s furniture and handicraft industry. Generation of wastes is an integral part of the furniture and handicraft manufacturing operation system and it has significant impact to the productivity and profitability of the industry as a whole.
Just recently some members of the newly revived United Siquijor Furniture Makers Association (USFMA) underwent a third round of skills development training on waste materials reduction at the Pajermo Furniture Shop in Cangbagsa, Larena, Siquijor.
Initiating the training activity was the Department of Science and Technology – 7 thru the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC-Siquijor), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Siquijor thru the Siquijor Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Siquijor. It was aimed to provide participants valuable insights on how to minimize/reduce volume of wastes materials through an efficient waste processing system.
The three-day lecture-discussion and actual demonstrations on the processing and utilization of scrap materials from furniture and handicraft production taught and encouraged furniture makers to recognize the value of wastes materials, learn concepts on product development from generated processing wastes in their respective shops; and develop sample or prototype products using a particular or combination of waste materials.
Resource speakers during the training-seminar were Forester Robert A. Natividad, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Forest Products Research & Development Institute (FPRDI), Los Banos, Laguna thru the Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP) of the DOST; and Mr. Eduardo M. Atienza, a Science Research Analyst of the same DOST institute.
Attending in the open forum were PENRO Oscar M. Magallones of Siquijor, DTI Provincial Director Nimfa M. Virtucio; Engr. Mario E. de la Pena of PSTC-Siquijor and Larena Municipal Mayor Gold L. Calibo.
In the end, nice and creative finished products from cheap bamboo and wood-wastes materials made by the furniture makers were displayed on the last third day of the seminar. Samples of these products will be exhibited during the upcoming Siquijor Day Halad Siquijodnon 2006.
The participants who all received certificates of attendance couldn’t help but gleefully say: “We’re able to transform wastes into money!”.
Siquijor joins walk for peace in celebration of int'l humanitarian law
SIQUIJOR-- In celebration of the International Humanitarian Law Day and as an expression of gratitude for the gift of peace in Siquijor, some 119 people here joined the walk for peace recently.
Spearheaded by the Siquijor Red Cross, the three-kilometer walk for peace held in the town of Siquijor was well-represented by different groups in the province.
Red Cross Officer-In-Charge Rowena Lapinig said the activity was a call for the respect of peace of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or Law of Armed Conflict.
She said it is a celebration of the birth of one of the most powerful tools that the international community has at its disposal to ensure safety and dignity of people in times of war made during the Geneva Conventions wherein 190 of the world’s states are part of the convention.
IHL is a set of rules which places restrictions on the use of weapons and methods of warfare applied in international armed conflicts which involve at least two countries and in armed conflicts that take place in one country like those between the government and the rebel forces and applies to all parties to a conflict regardless of who started it, explains Lapinig.
IHL is centered on the principle “Inter Arma Caritas (Humanity in the Midst of Conflict).
The International Committee of the Red Cross serves as the guardian of IHL as a neutral, impartial and independent organization working in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.
Lapinig, who noted that Siquijor is one of the few provinces in the country that is peaceful, did not discount the fact that its neighboring islands like Mindanao and the Philippine’s neighboring countries in the world are in trouble. “Peace is everybody’s concern”, she said.
This year’s IHL’s theme is: “Per Humanitatem Ad Pacem” or From Humanity to Peace.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said that President Arroyo is determined to take all necessary measures to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
The President is bent on getting to the bottom of the extrajudicial killings in the country with the creation of the Melo Commission.
The Commission is moving swiftly to fulfill its mandate as it is now organizing and mapping out its priorities.
Malacañang urged the administration’s detractors to adopt a fair attitude and refrain from labeling a body that is just starting its work.
PNP Dir joins call for swift passage of Anti-Terror Bill
Siquijor Police Superintendent Orlando Domingo Ualat of the Philippine National Police here recently expressed support to the President’s call for an immediate passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill which was reiterated following the discovery of an alleged plot in Britain to blow up US passenger aircraft over the Atlantic.
In an interview with the PIA, the PNP provincial director said he joins call for the immediate passage of the law especially now that acts of terrorism abound. “I’d like to take this opportunity to call on the people to support the move because it is for our own good. Terrorism is a serious problem we must look into,” says Ualat.
Last Friday, British law enforcement and intelligence operatives in London foiled a supposed plot to bomb several airlines bound to the United States with the arrest of 24 suspected terrorists who were supposed to smuggle in hard-to-detect liquid IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in US-bound airlines from London's Heathrow Airport.
Philippine authorities' views the latest terror act with greater relevance as it closely resembled another terror plot unearthed and foiled in 1995, which involved the bombing of American airliners from Manila bound, a plot which was codenamed Operation Bojinka.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the London bomb plot is compelling enough reason to aggressively pursue the government's stand on an all-out war campaign against terrorist groups and insurgents.
Bunye said the uncovered terrorist plot is an eye-opener to prioritize the passage of the Anti-terrorism Bill as this gives teeth to our waging battle against terrorism.
The National Government is likewise asking for the full cooperation and support of the public by sharing information that can halt any conspiracy or plan to wreck havoc and destroy lives of innocent people.
Meanwhile, the military dared disgruntled troops recently to make good their threat to resign en masse, as it stressed that "no one was indispensable" in the Armed Forces.
Responding to the threat of the shadowy Nationalist Officers Union (NOU) of a mass resignation, military spokesmen said troops would not be stopped from leaving the service if this would make the military a "more responsive, efficient, and stable organization."
But the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the NOU does not exist. Neither, he added, do intelligence reports of any planned mass resignation from the service.
Malacañang said the people is growing weary of faceless and nameless mutineers obviously manipulated by political puppet masters.
The best thing to do is to leave it all to the proper authorities to investigate, stressed Malacañang. (RAC/PIA)
Gov't bent on sending home OFWs in Lebanon despite truce
Even as the guns fall silent in Lebanon, the government is bent on working for the repatriation of Filipino workers there deploying teams to scout for more OFWs to send home.
“Task Force Lebanon continues to account for every Filipino national in the areas of danger of danger and secure their condition and welfare as the government is assessing course of events in the political and operational levels,” Malacanang officials said.
“We must deal with the situation with prudence and caution because it is better to act on the side of caution rather than allow Filipinos to be caught in cyclical conflict,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.
“Normalcy could be restored in months and we urge the OFWs to stay at the evacuation centers and continue to wait for the chance to be repatriated or transported to safety,” he also said.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier vowed to secure OFWs “no matter what the cost and the evolving situation may be” and urged Philippine officials to continue implementing her directive for the mandatory repatriation of all OFWs in Lebanon.
“I shall spare no effort to keep every Filipino safe and sound until they are brought back home or to safe sanctuary elsewhere,” she said.
The government, however, assures the OFWs that Lebanon will be open again for employment as soon as it is already safe to go back. (RAC/PIA)
5 rescued, 2 missing in sea mishap
Five fishermen were rescued last week near Siquijor seas by a search and rescue team operation of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council and the Philippine Air Force.
The rescue team was sent out after a fishing boat FB St. Mary capsized in the middle of the sea in Siquijor Island while encountering huge waves and strong winds as it sailed back to Basay, Negros Oriental from Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.
Civil Defense Officer Welino Gubuan of Siquijor named those rescued as Joel Lapasaran, 21, Junasky Alcantara, 23, Johnny Anlap, 15, and Roomel Noso, 37, all of Basay Negros Oriental.
Other crew members who are still missing until now are Jay Totiac, 30, and Domy Maganao, 50.
Meanwhile, CDO Gubuan said that the recent typhoon brought several woes to the island causing minor delays to sea travels and damaging few crops and properties.
Gubuan said preparedness is still the best answer in times of disaster. It is done through the effective use of manpower and financial resources, proper information and coordination and alertness, and timely judgment of the officials concerned”.
ANOPIO MEETING at Sea Forest, Aug. 17
The first of a series of out-of-town ANOPIO Meeting at Sea Forest, Ajong, Sibulan, Oriental Negros.
PHOTO RELEASE: Green Philippines Highway
Launching of Green Philippines Highway in Dumaguete City
August 15, 2006
Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes with Governor George P. Arnaiz during the tree planting ceremony.
Sec. Reyes and the Governor posing with City Police Chief P/Supt. Deonardo Carlos and the Provincial Police P/SSupt. Ramon Melvin Buenafe.
Officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Sec. Angelo Reyes in a media interaction with the Dumaguete press.
Sec. Reyes answering questions from the media.
August 15, 2006
Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes with Governor George P. Arnaiz during the tree planting ceremony.
Sec. Reyes and the Governor posing with City Police Chief P/Supt. Deonardo Carlos and the Provincial Police P/SSupt. Ramon Melvin Buenafe.
Officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Sec. Angelo Reyes in a media interaction with the Dumaguete press.
Sec. Reyes answering questions from the media.
8/17/2006
ISSUE NO. 33, August 17, 2006
Security upped in Dumaguete Airport; Passengers asked to cooperate
Security measures in the local Dumaguete Airport have been upped after the Air Transportation Office directed all airports in the country to heighten its security in the wake of the failed terrorist plot to blow up US-bound airplanes departing from Heathrow Airport in London.
Dumaguete Airport Aviation Security Supervisor SPO1 Zosimo Umbal said starting August 11, new and tighter security measures have been implemented at the airport.
Passengers are no longer allowed to hand carry toothpaste, gels, lotions and mineral water.
He explained that these items, when mixed with chemicals, can become explosives.
“These items should now be placed in the check-baggage, along with lighters, laptops, and knives,” says Umbal.
Passengers are also subjected to thorough body search while luggage will undergo manual inspection. “Our main problem at the airport is we do not have an X-ray machine so what we do is still manual inspection,” Umbal said.
He advised aircraft passengers to take note of the changes in the security measures and cooperate with the new aviation rules.
Most passengers reportedly got annoyed when the new security measures were first implemented.
“But this is for their safety. So we ask for their cooperation,” adds Umbal.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier alerted the country’s intelligence units to intensify their intelligence activities and heighten security in all airports, seaports and land transportation terminals.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the government is taking extra precautions and appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and bear with the inconvenience as the government continues to work hard to ensure the safety of all the citizens.
Security measures have also been intensified in the bus terminals and sea ports in Oriental Negros, according to SPO4 Hilbert Arinaza, chief intelligence unit police non-commissioned officer of the Provincial Police Office here.
Arinaza said that police officers have been posted in all seaports and wharfs to conduct baggage searches.
An ongoing lecture on bomb awareness is also being conducted by the Explosive Ordinance Demolition (EOD) Team in police stations, business establishments and schools provincewide.
In August 10 British police authorities have foiled an alleged plot to blow up aircrafts in mid-flight between Britain and the United States with the use of “liquid chemical device”.
Both the United States and Great Britain have stepped up their security measures and raised the threat level to high for all commercial aircrafts and forbid passengers from bringing liquids, including drinks, aboard the plane.
In the local front, the Philippine government has scored success after success in the campaign against evil and will continue to use the hand of steel in flushing out its cells and clandestine networks.
CFO conducts migration info campaign in OrNeg
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is set to conduct its annual community education program on migration in Oriental Negros on August 24 to 27, 2006.
The information campaign in the province will start with a pulong-pulong between local officials in Bais City and a team from CFO on August 24 (Saturday).
On August 25 (Friday), a press briefing will be conducted followed by a Cineforum on Migration at Silliman University and a pulong-pulong with officials of the Dumaguete City government.
The CFO team is also scheduled to meet with members of the local Philippine National Police (PNP) and the non-government organization GWAVE.
According to CFO Deputy Executive Director Jennifer Gonzales, the inter-agency community education and information campaign program seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settlement abroad, as well as generate community involvement in migration concerns.
Gonzales said the information campaign aims to raise public awareness on various issues concerning migration, intermarriage and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and human trafficking, among others.
Meanwhile, the government has assured that its concern for Filipinos in Lebanon will not waver under any circumstances.
Malacañang said it will not relent in all its contingency measures to keep OFWs out of harm’s way.
Potential of OrNeg for sports tourism eyed Sports officials in Oriental Negros are eyeing the province’s potential to become a sports tourism hub for sports enthusiasts, particularly on marathon races
Dr. Aparicio Mequi, former Philippine Sports Commissioner, said that the province has a sports culture that can help put the province on the map of sports tourism.
Tourism being a $45-B industry, the country can cash in in the tourism dollar through sports.
“Even Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said that we should now concentrate on promoting sports tourism in the Philippines,” says Mequi during a recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency.
He said thousands of marathon races are being held around the world in order to promote tourism. “If there is one sport capturing worldwide attention as far as sports tourism is concerned, it is marathon running,” Mequi said.
Dr. Benjamin Silva-Netto, Secretary General of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA), was recently in the province to accredit courses and routes that will be used for local marathon races.
Silva-Netto, in the same Kapihan forum, said the three types of races commonly used in the country are: (a) 3K, 5K or 10K, half marathon, 42 K marathon and ultra marathon; (b) road relays; and (c) cross country.
Silva-Netto is the first Filipino to represent the country in an Olympic marathon event back in 1968 during the Mexico Olympics.
The Dumaguete City Sports Office has also lined up sports programs in time for the Dumaguete City fiesta celebration.
City Sports Coordinator Joe Guirit said he has proposed to City Councilor Manuel Sagarbarria that all sports events during the fiesta celebration will be kicked off by a marathon race. “Fun run will be held first followed by a road race,” says Guirit.
Guirit said the city is also represented during the Congressional District runs held by the Provincial Sports Office.
Provincial Sports Coordinator Ernesto Ravello said that for the past three years, the provincial government has been successful in holding the Buglasan Run Eliminations in the three congressional districts here.
“Prior to this, we expect the mayors to hold their own eliminations in the local government units to discover, promote and then participate in the congressional eliminations,” says Ravello.
Winners during the congressional runs participate in the Buglasan Festival marathon race. However, the Provincial Sports Coordinator lamented the seeming lack of interest among local chief executives. “In some cases, the local government unit head is not interested. If you cannot get the support of the LGU head, you will have a difficult time promoting sports,” he said.
But upon the encouragement of Governor George P. Arnaiz, municipalities are now holding runs during their fiestas, said Ravello.
He disclosed that the Congressional district runs will be held in the three last Sundays of September. “Then selection for the big run is in the second week of October which will end at the capitol area,” adds Ravello.
Native trees for our highways
Five years from now, expect layers of indigenous or native trees to line our national highways and other major thoroughfares in the country.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead a simultaneous massive nationwide tree planting on August 25 which will take place along the country’s three major highways from Laoag City to Zamboanga City, covering a total length of 3,439 kilometers.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo T. Reyes during his visit in Dumaguete City on August 15 said the “Green Philippines Highways” projects aims to promote the image of every Filipino as a planter of trees.
“We badly need trees to pull down the pollution and to beautify our thoroughfares. Trees can also reduce the heat of the summer, minimize noise pollution and provide a shade and refreshing breeze,” Reyes said.
Around 516,000 seedlings and saplings of indigenous tree species and ornamental plants are set to be planted during the massive tree planting activity.
“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hopes. We also secure the future of our children and our children’s children,” Reyes adds.
He has ordered field offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to hold consultation meetings with local government officials to formulate memoranda of agreements on the proper maintenance and protection of the planted trees to ensure their survival and growth.
Trees are important in converting carbon dioxide to oxygen and in lowering temperature especially in urban areas. In one year, an average tree inhales 26 pounds of carbon-dioxide the amount emitted by an automobile in an 11,300-mile trip. It exhales enough oxygen to keep a family of four breathing a year. It is also estimated that 10 trees can offset the pollution caused by car while hundred trees should be planted for every smoke belching trucks.
Ornamental plants also remove gaseous and particle pollutants from the atmosphere. Gases may enter the leaf via stomata.
Among the common indigenous species to line Philippine roads include mahogany, narra, banaba, yemane, caballero, golden shower and tekoma. These species abound throughout the country, from northern Luzon to Palawan in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and in most or all islands and provinces.
According to Reyes, many of the trees endemic to the country maintain a thick crown that is ideal to provide shade as well as in absorbing carbon dioxide apart from their medicinal values. They also serve to protect coastal communities from strong winds during typhoons.
“Most importantly, since they are indigenous, they are not delicate to grow and they can easily thrive along our highways,” he said.
The areas that will be covered during the simultaneous launching of the Green Philippine Highways Project will include the 2,176-kilometer Pan-Philippine Highway from Laoag City to Davao City; 439-kilometer Manila North Road from Laoag City through La Union to Bulacan; and the 824-kilometer West Nautical Highway stretching from Batangas City through Mindoro, Aklan, and Oriental Negros to Zamboanga, Sibugay.
Massive campaign to turn Siquijor “green”, says PENRO
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Oscar Magallones is talking green as he wants Siquijor to become not just a hub of tourism but also a big part of what is called “Green Philippines.”
He says Siquijor province needs reforestation since most of what used to be tree-covered mountains have now become brown, denuded hills.
“We must take back our forest and replenish the fallen trees with new, protected forests to protect our land and our people. We must reforest those idle lands and bring back their beauty we all love and want through this campaign,” says Magallones during an OPLAN Green Philippine Highways meeting set recently here.
As President Arroyo stressed, we need the leadership of Central Philippines to move the rest of the country to embrace the new, clean, green Philippines, Magallones said.
The meeting attended by local officials was to map out the strategies to enhance the competitive edge in Siquijor, being a part of Central Philippines, which is positioned as the country’s tourism center due to its vast, natural, coastal and marine resources.
“With our competitive advantage, we can bolster our economy and encourage greater tourism investments,” he said.
Green Philippines is a massive environmental campaign of the government that will take place within the next five years.
“By heeding this call, we can have the chance to redevelop our province into a green, clean, healthy, productive and beautiful environment,” he added.
He said he wanted to tap the enthusiasm of everyone to clean up the environment which includes tree planting along national and provincial highways, beautifying the villages and barangays, cleaning up trashes that are eyesores and unhealthy.
Citing the 5,550 registered and unregistered vehicles in the province, Magallanes wants Siquijor free from too much pollution caused by these.
Araw ng Siquijor to push through despite stringent budget
Despite stringent budget, this year’s 35th Araw ng Siquijor on September 17 still promises to be a celebration replete with exciting activities.
Plans for the upcoming occasion were initially discussed at the Provincial Capitol recently.
Would-be activities include the sportsfest (comprising inter-town basketball (men), inter-agency volleyball (men and women), lawn and table tennis, maratahon, etc.), the agro-trade fair of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMEDC), dance festivals of the participating municipalities, and the Miss Siquijor Tourism 2006.
Venue for the opening sportsfest program will be in the town of Enrique Villanueva set on the first week of September.
Provincial Planning Development Officer (PPDO) Gladys Estrellada, however, said the different committees for the celebration must confine themselves to the tight budget the province is allocating this year. She said the budget that amounts to only P800,000 will be equally divided to the sportsfest, the agro-trade fair and other activities.
On the other hand, changes may yet come out as initially-set activities are still up for a final discussion.
Larena police sets up official celphone for complaints
For better police service, the Larena Police is setting up official cellular phone for complaints, reports and other related concerns.
Chief of Police Enrique L. Belcina said this is in compliance to the directive received from the Police Regional Office 7 and that it is the agency’s move to pursue with “even greater vigor” the drive against criminality and terrorism.
It has been noted that complaints and concerns sent thru PNP Text 2920 were not directly relayed, thus resulting to delayed responses and affecting the immediate and better police services to the community, COP Belcina said.
Although peace and order situation in Siquijor is manageable, today’s threat of terror has assumed stronger urgency, Belcina added, calling for public/community support to the program.
The newest official PNP number in Larena is 0910-7348381 while HOTLINE 166 is changed into 035-377-2166. The change was made because the previous hotline was not accessible through cellular phones, said Belcina.
Information regarding these developments was already dispatched/disseminated and displayed/posted in all barangays, municipalities, and other different conspicuous places within the AOR.
Recently ranking no. 1 region wide in the performance evaluation rating, other safeguards undertaken by the Larena PNP are police visibility, regular monitoring and beat patrol in designated areas of the town
In line with this move, President Arroyo earlier commended the Armed Forces, being in equal footing with the PNP, for gaining ground and pushing ahead in its offensive against terror.
A Malacanang official said we have the support of the people in pulling away the tentacles of evil from hapless communities and restoring security and development and vowed that the government shall continue to use the hand of steel in flushing out the network of evil. .
The officials renewed calls on Congress to pass the anti-terror bill to further neutralize the movement of terrorist arms, funds and personnel across communities and borders and to nip the threat on the bud without need for massive military operations.
CDA issues guidelines on the reg of electric coops
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as the sole registering agency of all types of cooperatives, issued Guidelines on the Registration of Electric Cooperatives previously registered with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) created under Presidential Decree No. 269.
CDA Administrator Fulgencio A. Vigare. Jr. stated that it is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 6938, the Cooperative Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 6939, that created the CDA.
Vigare said, coverage of the guidelines are: Electric Cooperatives (ECs) previously registered with the CDA with Certificate of Provisional Registration and Electric Cooperatives that field to obtain a Provisional Certificate of Registration.
Electric Cooperatives with Certificate of Provisional Registration have to be registered with the CDA. They have to submit one copy each of the following documents for their re-registration: 1) Certificate of Provisional Registration issued by the CDA; 2) Duly audited financial Statements for the last two years; 3) List of the incumbent names and addresses of the Board of Directors, certified by the Board Secretary and attested by the Chairman of the Board; 4) Sworn Statement of the Treasurer that within six months from registration, the ECs should submit to the CDA the statement on the authorized share capital, subscribes share capital and paid-up capital of the members; and 5) Bond of Accountable Officers of the Electric Cooperatives.
On the other hand, Vigare further stated that electric cooperatives that failed to obtain Provisional Certificate of Registration from the CDA can also be registered with the CDA by submitting the above-mentioned documents files with the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
In line with the principle of subsidiarity, the CDA shall regulate electric cooperatives registered with the CDA on the following matters but not limited to: 1) Rights and privileges of members; 2) Rules and procedures of meetings of the General Assembly, Board of Directors and committee members; 4) allocation and distribution of surplus, and tax treatment to electric coops.
Electric cooperatives registered with the CDA and issued a Certificate of Registration shall be covered by the provisions of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines and these guidelines as well as future rules and other issuances of the CDA.
Electric cooperatives are given two years from the effectivity of these Guidelines to register with the CDA. After the lapse of the said period, such cooperatives shall undergo the required procedure for registration of a new cooperative.
Energy independence is a permanent feature of the country’s national policy as laid down by the Arroyo administration.
The volatility of world oil prices and pockets of instability in the Middle East and Africa – and the finite supply of fossil fuels – must drive all government agencies, institutions and communities to search and exploit all alternative sources of energy for the next generations.
8/10/2006
PHOTO RELEASES August 10, 2006
With the Buglasan Festival of Festivals just around the corner, the Provincial Tourism Council called for a press conference to discuss the various exciting and fun-filled events during the Festival. Governor George P. Arnaiz, Negros Oriental Culture and Arts Council Chair and Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas and Dr. Nick Elman, chair of the Provincial Tourism Council, took turns parrying questions from the press. The following are some snapshots of the presscon:
L-R: Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas, Gov. George P. Arnaiz and
L-R: Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas, Gov. George P. Arnaiz and Dr. Nick Elman during the presscon.
The following are photos of the recent Timbayayong Awards conducted on August 4, 2006 at Bethel Guesthouse, this city:
ISSUE NO. 31, August 10, 2006
DENR launches simultaneous massive tree planting nationwide
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will launch “Green Philippine Highways,” a massive tree planting on August 25 which will simultaneously take place along the country’s three major highways, covering a total length of 3,439 kilometers.
Thus, Secretary Angelo T. Reyes of DENR will spearhead the ceremonial tree planting on August 15, 2006 (Tuesday) here at the Provincial Capitol Area or the Kilometer Zero at 8:30 in the morning, to be followed by a program at the Macias Sports and Cultural Center at 9:00AM.
DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes said that the “Green Philippine Highways” project is meant to promote the image of every Filipino as a planter of trees.
The areas to be covered in the synchronized tree planting will include the 2,176.40 kilometer Pan- Philippine Highway that stretches from Laoag City through Cagayzan de Oro to Davao City; 439.20 kilometer Manila North Road that meanders from Laoag City through La Union to Bulacan; and the ; 823.90 kilometer West Nautical Highway stretching from Batangas City through Mindoro, Aklan, and Negros Oriental to Zamboanga Sibugay.
Around 500,000 seedlings will be needed for the activity to be able to plant both sides of the highways at an interval of 10 meters per seedling.
Reyes has issued instructions to senior DENR field officials to assure the availability of the seedlings and coordinate with provincial, city, and municipal government units to take part in the activity.
He also ordered DENR field offices to hold consultation meetings with local government officials to formulate memoranda of agreements on the proper maintenance and protection of the planted trees to ensure their survival and growth. (JCTilos)
BSP launches coin collection campaign
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here has launched its Tulong Barya Para Sa Eskwela at the West City Elementary School, as coin collection center on August 4, 2006 to give pupils the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility.
BSP strengthens its coin collection not only in schools but also in bank and retailers associations to recirculate the coins effectively. This coin collection campaign has created due to the perceived shortage of coins in some regions of the country.
In its information campaign forum at Silliman University last week, the BSP official said, that to produce more coins would translate into significant costs because the intrinsic value of the coin is greater than its nominal value especially for the lower denominated coins, such as 25-; 10-; 5-; and 1-sentimo.
As of December last year, there were 11.1 billion pieces of coins in circulation, 6.7 billion pieces of which were low denomination coins. This brought coins per capita to 121, way above the ASEAN standard of 50 pieces. Yet, demand remains unfilled in many parts of the country because coins are not being recirculated, or used regularly by the public. Coins are kept inside bank vaults, piggy banks, inside drawers, used as washers, or thrown away as inconvenience.
The low regard towards lower denominated coins is one of the main reasons coins are not circulating efficiently. School children as agents of change in their homes and communities, however, can generate better appreciation of the use of the coins.
Collected coins will be exchanged with designated banks which will in turn issue a check for deposited bank under the Tulong Barya Para Sa Eskwela account.
Meanwhile, the country is on the right track in preparing the runway for economic takeoff as the government is working on a concrete blueprint to consolidate the economy, draw investments, create jobs and channel revenues to build more infrastructure and human capital.
Malacañang asserts that although the country has a long way to go to realize its economic vision, “everything is doable.” (PIA/JTilos)
NORECO 2 launches campaign to clean-up electric posts
The Negros Oriental 2 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2) is set to launch a clean-up campaign of electric posts in the city in an effort to instill among electric cooperative subscribers the need to preserve and safeguard the life span of electric poles and other related facilities.
Dubbed as Operation Linis Poste, the all-out clean up activity will be conducted on Saturday, August 12, 2006, from 9:00 in the morning at the following designated areas: V. Locsin & Ma. Cristina Streets; Cervantes Street and Meciano Road; Colon, Pinili and Mabini Streets; and Perdices Street and Silliman Avenue
The campaign, according to NORECO 2 General Manager Ephraim Taclob, will hopefully encourage cleanliness in the city while promoting awareness that every citizen has a duty to keep his or her environment safe and clean.
“NORECO 2 of course will focus on our electric poles which is mostly the object of this massive proliferation of commercial materials,” says Taclob.
In a NORECO Board Resolution approved on October 17, 2005, a set of guidelines was drawn up on the posting of commercial materials on NORECO 2 poles and other related facilities.
“As a general rule, commercial materials attached or installed such as billboards, posters, streamers and other mode of advertisements on NORECO 2 electric poles are not allowed as it may not only obstruct the linemen’s sight and direction when going up and down the pole but also tend to get entangled with the linemen’s gear,” states Resolution No. 181.
It also states that commercial materials posted on electric poles tend to hide from view any metal attachments, which may be connected and fastened at or near ground wires that can cause electric shock when in contact with bare skin.
Only temporary billboards, posters, streamers and other mode of advertisements commemorating activities of LGUs and non-commercial institutions such as schools are allowed, for a maximum period of only two weeks.
The resolution also mandates the immediate removal of any unauthorized billboard or posters without prior notice.
Penalties for unauthorized posting of commercial materials range from P100 to P500 for each piece of material used in the posting such as metal brackets, wooden and bamboo brackets and metal sheets directly stapled or nailed to the post.
The campaign is in line with the government’s efforts to fix up the entire energy system – from generation to distribution and retail – to ensure that the average Filipino family obtains maximum benefit from a free market.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is at the helm of the energy independence program that includes rationalizing energy use in all fronts and increasing investments in alternative fuels.
PMA entrance exam set on August 27
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is once again encouraging all patriotic Filipino youths to join the PMA and take the annual entrance exam on August 27, 2006 at Silliman University.
Successful candidates shall be provided a well-rounded and free college education, receive stipend while studying, have a progressive career as an officer in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force and the rare privilege to serve the country.
To qualify to the stringent cadet admission requirements for PMA Class 2011, an applicant must be a natural born Filipino citizen, of good moral character, single and never been married, 5’4” in height for male and 5’2” if female, at least high school graduate with a minimum general average of 85% or a senior high school student with a general average of 85% during third year and able to perform the minimum requirements for physical fitness test.
Applicants should also be not a day older than 22 years old and not a day younger than 17 years old on April 1, 2007.
The following documents are required for application: Form 137; NSO birth certificate and two pieces 2”x2” ID picture with white background.
Processing for the examination starts at 7:00 a.m.
Applicants are also advised to prepare for the examination that will cover Algebra, Geometry, Grammar, Composition, Reading Comprehension, Verbal/Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis.
Application forms are available at the nearest AFP/PNP units in the localities.
Interested applicants may apply through mail and online via this website: http://www.pma.ph.
Walk-in applicants are also accepted.
NegorNet announces 2006 Timbayayong awardees
Three non-government organizations and local government units in the province have bagged around P200,000. worth of projects after winning this year’s Timabayayong Awards for Outstanding Local Government Unit and Non-Government/People’s Organization Partnership.
The awardees are the Bayawan Multi-Purpose Agricultural Kilusan Bayan and the city government of Bayawan; St. Catherine Family Helper Project, Inc. and the municipal government of Dauin; and the Ting Matiao Foundation and the municipal government of Valencia.
The three winning LGUs and NGOs were chosen from seven finalists submitted by the Search Committee headed by Prof. Emervencia Ligutom.
According to Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NegorNet) Executive Director Greg G. Fernandez, Jr., each winner will receive P200,000 worth of projects which will be undertaken by the LGU & NGO/PO partner.
This year’s board of judges was led by Prof. Carlos Magtolis Jr. as chairperson with members composed of Engr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Adriano Gregorio, Dr. Vicente Jurlano, Raul Villanueva and PIA Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos.
NegorNet spearheads the Timbayayong search in coordination with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to recognize successful partnership work between LGUs and NGOs or POs that has generated significant development in the localities.
The nominees were evaluated based on their effective working relationship in local development council and other special bodies as well as the quality of the process of service delivery to its beneficiaries.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 Director Rene Burdeos, lauded Governor George Arnaiz for coming up with the Timabayayong Awards.
Saying that this program is the first of its kind in the entire country, Dir. Burdeos encouraged Gov. Arnaiz to make the Awards as the province’s entry in the next Galing Pook Awards.
Rotary Dumaguete to help Red Cross acquire P.5M refrigerator
The Rotary Club of Dumaguete is set to help out the Philippine National Red Cross of Oriental Negros in acquiring the much-needed blood refrigerator costing P.5 million pesos.
The blood refrigerator will be used to store hundreds of bags of donated blood collected province wide.
Club President Rodolfo V. Gonzalez, Jr. stressed that the blood ref is critical in sustaining the blood program of Red Cross in the province, especially those undergoing surgery and transplantation.
The board of RC-Dumaguete has already approved the move making the acquisition of the refrigerator as one of its projects this year.
The club will also lobby for other Rotary Clubs in the province to support the project, especially in raising the money.
It was noted that RC-east, north, and south are also bent on supporting the project.
Louella Bael, PNRC-Negros Oriental chapter administrator, said she is happy with the development as her office’s current refrigerator can only accommodate 40 blood bags.
She said that with the new refrigerator, the PNRC office here can accommodate the 150 blood bags coming from Japan.
Following the intensified blood donation campaign during the celebration of Blood Donation Month in the province last July, Red Cross here experienced an over supply of donated blood.
Around 15 bags of donated blood were collected during the Zone 3-D blood letting activity.
All donated blood will undergo screening for Hepatitis A and B, HIV-Aids, Syphilis, and Malaria.
Rotary Club, an organization of business and professional people promoting friendly cooperation, high ethical standards in all vocations and supports charities and welfare services, has been supporting Red Cross in generating more blood donors.
Valencia town wins first Timbayayong Awards
The Municipality of Valencia came out as one of the winners in the first Timbayayong Awards sponsored by the provincial government of Oriental Negros in collaboration with the Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NEGORNET).
Timbayayong Awards highlights outstanding LGUs-NGOs that has established a functional partnership programs with an NGO that brought development in the countryside.
Valencia town was cited for its outstanding partnership with the Rtn. Martin “Ting” Matiao Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, self-sustaining institution, in launching the banana production, a priority livelihood program of Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr, located in Barangay Apolong.
The municipality’s partnership with Ting Matiao started in 1994 when TMF implemented its three-year Banica River Watershed Development project in Barangay Sagbang and Apolong, Valencia.
The partnership continued with an Integrated Farming system in Barangay Lunga in 1997, and Barangay Bongbong in 1999. Another remarkable partnership of Valencia town and TMF was the eight-year Mt. Talinis Twin Lakes Biodiversity Conservation Project.
The latest partnership program, the banana production, launched in 2004, is a World Community Service grant from Chiba, Japan of Rotary, which was implemented by TMF and counter-parted by the LGU-Valencia in the amount of P20,000.
Its initial beneficiaries planted banana in a one-hectare lot in Barangay Apolong. The beneficiaries, who have now increased to 105, are sustaining the project.
Their product, a certified organic banana, is exported to countries like Japan and Taiwan.
Sibulan holds 1st inter-brgy boxing bout
The municipality of Sibulan, the lone town in Oriental Negros that produced one of the most popular professional boxers in the country today, is set to launch the 1st Inter-Barangay Boxing Competition this Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Sibulan Covered Auditorium.
Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia said that boxing is a fast rising sport in the country and it is truly good for Sibulan to be ahead in this area and to have produced a champ boxer.
It can be recalled that boxing champion Jemuel “Jimrex Jaca” Divino hails from Brgy. Boloc-Boloc, Sibulan town.
“Thru this boxing competition, our young boxers would be encouraged to develop their skill,” says Renacia.
The Sports Development Program staff of Sibulan are pinning their hopes on the inter-barangay boxing competitions to produce another Jaka in the future.
The public is invited to watch and support the Mano-a-Mano Boxing Competition.
Green chain project to boost eco-tourism in Siquijor - DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here recently signaled the launching of Secretary Angelo Reyes' project "Green Philippine Highways".
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Oscar Magallones said the project is aimed to enhance a healthy environment through green national highways, clean surroundings and sustainable management of the natural resources.
PENRO Magallones expressed high hopes this green chain program is expected to spur economic development in Siquijor through eco-tourism.
He expressed high hopes for the outcome of the project in terms of a more dynamic appreciation of tourism as an agent of positive change for social equity and economic progress.
He said this is line with President Arroyo’s vision and development plan of making Central Philippines as the country’s main tourist destination.
On August 25, 2006, a simultaneous tree planting will take place nationwide spearheading DENR and enjoining other government agencies and other sectors.
These participating agencies are DILG, PNP, AFP, DepEd, PIA DPWH, and non-government and people’s organizations, and the business and religious sectors.
“We need to work hand in hand because this is not an exclusive work of the DENR alone, but of everyone. The urgent call to restore our natural resources is something we can’t shun away because it is everybody’s responsibility. That’s why this has become a mass movement”, he said.
In Siquijor, over 5,000 indigenous species such as mahogany, acacia, gemilina, and the like will be planted alongside of all its circumferential coastal highways covering 75 kilometers.
According to PENRO Magallones, about 50 million trees are needed to be planted along major thoroughfares of the country to offset pollution, mostly coming from vehicle emissions, and if this will be fully realized, we can have an assurance that air quality in the country will be restored.
Being the lead agency, DENR is in charged of providing technical support on the identification and preparation of planting sites, provision of planting materials and coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways. Other agencies are tasked on mobilizing the active participation of citizenry, providing transport services and other logistical or financial projects.
A Memorandum of Agreement will be inked among lead agency, support agencies, cooperators and adopters while a certificate of tree stewardship shall be awarded to the adopters for planting, care and maintenance for a minimum period of three years.
A standard placard/billboard showing the name of the adopter shall also be put up to reflect sponsorship of project areas of the highways.
PGMA training for work scholarship opens
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Siquijor province encourages qualified jobseekers to apply for the PGMA training for work scholarship offered by the government.
Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist and Information Officer Philpio L. Padayhag said PGMA training for work scholarship is offered to any individuals qualified to work in the following industries: business process outsourcing, aviation, agriculture, medical tourism, health and medical services, hotel and restaurant, metals and services.
“Priority is given to ‘near-hires’ or jobseekers who were once turned down by business processing organizations (BPOs) for lack of skills and other requirements, says Padayhag.
Padayhag, however said that TESDA-Siquijor only accepts applicants for referral to other provinces since the Siquijor province has no training center that offer programs under the priority areas. Apllicants will have to take the examinations in TESDA offices in Dumaguete and other nearby provinces due to the office’s lack of internet connection here, Padayhag also said..
To note, the DepEd, CHED and TESDA are working together with the educational sector to hammer out an integrated blueprint that would match skills to jobs, and enable the youth to take advantage of opportunities sprouting out of President Arroyo’s economic plan.
President Gloria Arroyo’s plan in her recent State of the Nation Address is broad, deep and solid – double and on track – contrary to the criticism and skepticism aired by some analysts.
She also pointed out that in the entire country, the government is also allocating big chunks of the national budget to improve health services and the quality of education.
"Our reforms are taking root and our growth is irreversible and your government is underway to further improve our country’s economy," the President said.
DOST holds training on packaging, labeling
The Department of Science and Technology-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center conducted Training/Seminar on Packaging and Label Design and Current Product Development and Market Trends at Dapdap Sunset Grill on July 25-26, 2006.
The activity was co-sponsored by the Provincial Government, SMED Council and Department of Trade and Industry. The participants of the training are food processors, bakers and others who are into food processing for domestic market.
The over-all goal of the training is to introduce appropriate packaging and standard label design to our locally processed food products. It is obvious that a well-packaged and labeled product can increase its marketability. The processors have two options for a good packaging, either rigid or flexible materials depending on the products to be packaged.
On the other hand, label design plays also an important role. The design must be eye catching and to contain all necessary information such as product name, brand name, nutrition facts, shelf life, bar code and others.
The training/seminar is very timely because none of the Siquijor processors is using appropriate packaging and label design. The sponsors of this training/seminar envisions the SMEs in making their products be competitive beyond the limited radius of the region by adopting appropriate packaging and label design and may be at par with other products at other regions or in the global market.
The resource persons are Ms Josie F. Elli from DOST Regional Office and Ms. Vina R. Antopina from DOST-Bohol Provincial Science and Technology Center.
They just finished their advance training on Packaging and Labeling at the Packaging Research and Development (PRDC) in Manila last month.
PGMA expresses elation over suspension of Senate probe on OWWA funds
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her elation today over the decision of the senators to suspend the Senate inquiry into the alleged diversion of the funds of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
"I’m happy that our senators heed well the voice of the people in suspending the investigation in the OWWA funds. That after all had been certified by the Commission on Audit (COA) as intact and readily available," the President said in her speech during the groundbreaking rites for the construction of the Pantal Bridge in Dagupan city recently.
The Admnistration made it clear earlier that no officials invited as resource persons on the Lebanon crisis will attend the Senate inquiry until the crisis is over.
She said the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded in Lebanon deserve undivided attention of the country’s political leaders until they are all rescued sound and safe from the war-torn country.
Malacañang said that energies should be vent on saving and helping the Filipinos in distress as the government has a job to do and what is needed is the unity of all the political leaders at all levels.
Malacañang is appealing to all political leaders to help tone down the political noice and muckraking to help promote the atmosphere of national solidarity behind the crisis team and beleaguered workers.
PGMA orders speedy provision of relief goods to Mayon evacuees
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent out word to the government’s disaster officials to hasten the provision of relief goods and other necessities for the affected residents and evacuees in Albay province as a result of the imminent threat of explosion of Mayon Volcano.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) chief Glenn Rabonza made this known after coming out of the flood summit at the Bahay na Puti inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) here this afternoon.
"Ang standing order sa amin pag-ibayuhin pa iyong ating pag-aalaga sa ating mga evacuees," Rabonza said.
As of this writing, Rabonza said some 29,000 residents living near and inside the danger zone in Mayon Volcano have already been evacuated.
He said the evacuees from 23 barangays are now housed in 15 evacuation centers.
According to Rabonza, the disaster preparedness in the area is now centralized among the local government units (LGUs) and the national government would supplement whatever they lack.
He said that the Task Force Mayon has already been given the forced evacuation order since last week.
The Administration also commended the local officials of Albay, the concerned agencies of the national government, private sector and the affected communities for the successful evacuation of families exposed to the danger of the imminent eruption of Mt. Mayon.
The government assured those affected that there are enough resources to shoulder the basic needs and services in the evacuation center and that people will not be kept from heir homes a minute longer than necessary.
Int'l group’s report linking military to political killings preposterous – Palace
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye branded today as "preposterous" the report of an international fact-finding mission linking the military to the spate of political killings in the country.
Bunye said the report of the International Peasant Solidarity Mission (IPSM) that allegedly found controversial Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan as being involved in the political killings, "smacks of another demolition job by the black propaganda machine of our detractors."
"It is preposterous for a self-proclaimed investigating body to come up with such a sweeping conclusion in just a few days of work and with very limited evidence to lean on," Bunye said in statement.
He challenged the group to back up their findings by filing a case with the proper courts to put an end to all the speculations surrounding the killings.
"We challenge the findings. If they have any clear evidence against General Palparan, or any officer for that matter, they should bring the proper case before the courts," Bunye said.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita seconded the statement of Bunye, saying it was one thing to charge a person of something and a totally different thing to produce evidence to support the charges.
In his weekly press conference at the Palace this afternoon, Ermita came to the aid of Palparan saying the general was an effective component in the government’s counter-insurgency measures.
The US Treasury Department recently tagged the Philippine and Indonesian branches of a Saudi-based Islamic charity organization as fund-raisers for the al-Qaeda terror network and moved to freeze the financial assets of one of its officials for allegedly helping bankroll terror attacks.
Malacañang welcomed the US action staunching the money flow of terrorist cells, saying that they shall maintain the country’s own lawful vigilance against suspicious fund transfers that fuel the forces of evil.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will launch “Green Philippine Highways,” a massive tree planting on August 25 which will simultaneously take place along the country’s three major highways, covering a total length of 3,439 kilometers.
Thus, Secretary Angelo T. Reyes of DENR will spearhead the ceremonial tree planting on August 15, 2006 (Tuesday) here at the Provincial Capitol Area or the Kilometer Zero at 8:30 in the morning, to be followed by a program at the Macias Sports and Cultural Center at 9:00AM.
DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes said that the “Green Philippine Highways” project is meant to promote the image of every Filipino as a planter of trees.
The areas to be covered in the synchronized tree planting will include the 2,176.40 kilometer Pan- Philippine Highway that stretches from Laoag City through Cagayzan de Oro to Davao City; 439.20 kilometer Manila North Road that meanders from Laoag City through La Union to Bulacan; and the ; 823.90 kilometer West Nautical Highway stretching from Batangas City through Mindoro, Aklan, and Negros Oriental to Zamboanga Sibugay.
Around 500,000 seedlings will be needed for the activity to be able to plant both sides of the highways at an interval of 10 meters per seedling.
Reyes has issued instructions to senior DENR field officials to assure the availability of the seedlings and coordinate with provincial, city, and municipal government units to take part in the activity.
He also ordered DENR field offices to hold consultation meetings with local government officials to formulate memoranda of agreements on the proper maintenance and protection of the planted trees to ensure their survival and growth. (JCTilos)
BSP launches coin collection campaign
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here has launched its Tulong Barya Para Sa Eskwela at the West City Elementary School, as coin collection center on August 4, 2006 to give pupils the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility.
BSP strengthens its coin collection not only in schools but also in bank and retailers associations to recirculate the coins effectively. This coin collection campaign has created due to the perceived shortage of coins in some regions of the country.
In its information campaign forum at Silliman University last week, the BSP official said, that to produce more coins would translate into significant costs because the intrinsic value of the coin is greater than its nominal value especially for the lower denominated coins, such as 25-; 10-; 5-; and 1-sentimo.
As of December last year, there were 11.1 billion pieces of coins in circulation, 6.7 billion pieces of which were low denomination coins. This brought coins per capita to 121, way above the ASEAN standard of 50 pieces. Yet, demand remains unfilled in many parts of the country because coins are not being recirculated, or used regularly by the public. Coins are kept inside bank vaults, piggy banks, inside drawers, used as washers, or thrown away as inconvenience.
The low regard towards lower denominated coins is one of the main reasons coins are not circulating efficiently. School children as agents of change in their homes and communities, however, can generate better appreciation of the use of the coins.
Collected coins will be exchanged with designated banks which will in turn issue a check for deposited bank under the Tulong Barya Para Sa Eskwela account.
Meanwhile, the country is on the right track in preparing the runway for economic takeoff as the government is working on a concrete blueprint to consolidate the economy, draw investments, create jobs and channel revenues to build more infrastructure and human capital.
Malacañang asserts that although the country has a long way to go to realize its economic vision, “everything is doable.” (PIA/JTilos)
NORECO 2 launches campaign to clean-up electric posts
The Negros Oriental 2 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2) is set to launch a clean-up campaign of electric posts in the city in an effort to instill among electric cooperative subscribers the need to preserve and safeguard the life span of electric poles and other related facilities.
Dubbed as Operation Linis Poste, the all-out clean up activity will be conducted on Saturday, August 12, 2006, from 9:00 in the morning at the following designated areas: V. Locsin & Ma. Cristina Streets; Cervantes Street and Meciano Road; Colon, Pinili and Mabini Streets; and Perdices Street and Silliman Avenue
The campaign, according to NORECO 2 General Manager Ephraim Taclob, will hopefully encourage cleanliness in the city while promoting awareness that every citizen has a duty to keep his or her environment safe and clean.
“NORECO 2 of course will focus on our electric poles which is mostly the object of this massive proliferation of commercial materials,” says Taclob.
In a NORECO Board Resolution approved on October 17, 2005, a set of guidelines was drawn up on the posting of commercial materials on NORECO 2 poles and other related facilities.
“As a general rule, commercial materials attached or installed such as billboards, posters, streamers and other mode of advertisements on NORECO 2 electric poles are not allowed as it may not only obstruct the linemen’s sight and direction when going up and down the pole but also tend to get entangled with the linemen’s gear,” states Resolution No. 181.
It also states that commercial materials posted on electric poles tend to hide from view any metal attachments, which may be connected and fastened at or near ground wires that can cause electric shock when in contact with bare skin.
Only temporary billboards, posters, streamers and other mode of advertisements commemorating activities of LGUs and non-commercial institutions such as schools are allowed, for a maximum period of only two weeks.
The resolution also mandates the immediate removal of any unauthorized billboard or posters without prior notice.
Penalties for unauthorized posting of commercial materials range from P100 to P500 for each piece of material used in the posting such as metal brackets, wooden and bamboo brackets and metal sheets directly stapled or nailed to the post.
The campaign is in line with the government’s efforts to fix up the entire energy system – from generation to distribution and retail – to ensure that the average Filipino family obtains maximum benefit from a free market.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is at the helm of the energy independence program that includes rationalizing energy use in all fronts and increasing investments in alternative fuels.
PMA entrance exam set on August 27
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is once again encouraging all patriotic Filipino youths to join the PMA and take the annual entrance exam on August 27, 2006 at Silliman University.
Successful candidates shall be provided a well-rounded and free college education, receive stipend while studying, have a progressive career as an officer in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force and the rare privilege to serve the country.
To qualify to the stringent cadet admission requirements for PMA Class 2011, an applicant must be a natural born Filipino citizen, of good moral character, single and never been married, 5’4” in height for male and 5’2” if female, at least high school graduate with a minimum general average of 85% or a senior high school student with a general average of 85% during third year and able to perform the minimum requirements for physical fitness test.
Applicants should also be not a day older than 22 years old and not a day younger than 17 years old on April 1, 2007.
The following documents are required for application: Form 137; NSO birth certificate and two pieces 2”x2” ID picture with white background.
Processing for the examination starts at 7:00 a.m.
Applicants are also advised to prepare for the examination that will cover Algebra, Geometry, Grammar, Composition, Reading Comprehension, Verbal/Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis.
Application forms are available at the nearest AFP/PNP units in the localities.
Interested applicants may apply through mail and online via this website: http://www.pma.ph.
Walk-in applicants are also accepted.
NegorNet announces 2006 Timbayayong awardees
Three non-government organizations and local government units in the province have bagged around P200,000. worth of projects after winning this year’s Timabayayong Awards for Outstanding Local Government Unit and Non-Government/People’s Organization Partnership.
The awardees are the Bayawan Multi-Purpose Agricultural Kilusan Bayan and the city government of Bayawan; St. Catherine Family Helper Project, Inc. and the municipal government of Dauin; and the Ting Matiao Foundation and the municipal government of Valencia.
The three winning LGUs and NGOs were chosen from seven finalists submitted by the Search Committee headed by Prof. Emervencia Ligutom.
According to Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NegorNet) Executive Director Greg G. Fernandez, Jr., each winner will receive P200,000 worth of projects which will be undertaken by the LGU & NGO/PO partner.
This year’s board of judges was led by Prof. Carlos Magtolis Jr. as chairperson with members composed of Engr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Adriano Gregorio, Dr. Vicente Jurlano, Raul Villanueva and PIA Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos.
NegorNet spearheads the Timbayayong search in coordination with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to recognize successful partnership work between LGUs and NGOs or POs that has generated significant development in the localities.
The nominees were evaluated based on their effective working relationship in local development council and other special bodies as well as the quality of the process of service delivery to its beneficiaries.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 Director Rene Burdeos, lauded Governor George Arnaiz for coming up with the Timabayayong Awards.
Saying that this program is the first of its kind in the entire country, Dir. Burdeos encouraged Gov. Arnaiz to make the Awards as the province’s entry in the next Galing Pook Awards.
Rotary Dumaguete to help Red Cross acquire P.5M refrigerator
The Rotary Club of Dumaguete is set to help out the Philippine National Red Cross of Oriental Negros in acquiring the much-needed blood refrigerator costing P.5 million pesos.
The blood refrigerator will be used to store hundreds of bags of donated blood collected province wide.
Club President Rodolfo V. Gonzalez, Jr. stressed that the blood ref is critical in sustaining the blood program of Red Cross in the province, especially those undergoing surgery and transplantation.
The board of RC-Dumaguete has already approved the move making the acquisition of the refrigerator as one of its projects this year.
The club will also lobby for other Rotary Clubs in the province to support the project, especially in raising the money.
It was noted that RC-east, north, and south are also bent on supporting the project.
Louella Bael, PNRC-Negros Oriental chapter administrator, said she is happy with the development as her office’s current refrigerator can only accommodate 40 blood bags.
She said that with the new refrigerator, the PNRC office here can accommodate the 150 blood bags coming from Japan.
Following the intensified blood donation campaign during the celebration of Blood Donation Month in the province last July, Red Cross here experienced an over supply of donated blood.
Around 15 bags of donated blood were collected during the Zone 3-D blood letting activity.
All donated blood will undergo screening for Hepatitis A and B, HIV-Aids, Syphilis, and Malaria.
Rotary Club, an organization of business and professional people promoting friendly cooperation, high ethical standards in all vocations and supports charities and welfare services, has been supporting Red Cross in generating more blood donors.
Valencia town wins first Timbayayong Awards
The Municipality of Valencia came out as one of the winners in the first Timbayayong Awards sponsored by the provincial government of Oriental Negros in collaboration with the Negros Oriental Network of NGOs (NEGORNET).
Timbayayong Awards highlights outstanding LGUs-NGOs that has established a functional partnership programs with an NGO that brought development in the countryside.
Valencia town was cited for its outstanding partnership with the Rtn. Martin “Ting” Matiao Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, self-sustaining institution, in launching the banana production, a priority livelihood program of Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr, located in Barangay Apolong.
The municipality’s partnership with Ting Matiao started in 1994 when TMF implemented its three-year Banica River Watershed Development project in Barangay Sagbang and Apolong, Valencia.
The partnership continued with an Integrated Farming system in Barangay Lunga in 1997, and Barangay Bongbong in 1999. Another remarkable partnership of Valencia town and TMF was the eight-year Mt. Talinis Twin Lakes Biodiversity Conservation Project.
The latest partnership program, the banana production, launched in 2004, is a World Community Service grant from Chiba, Japan of Rotary, which was implemented by TMF and counter-parted by the LGU-Valencia in the amount of P20,000.
Its initial beneficiaries planted banana in a one-hectare lot in Barangay Apolong. The beneficiaries, who have now increased to 105, are sustaining the project.
Their product, a certified organic banana, is exported to countries like Japan and Taiwan.
Sibulan holds 1st inter-brgy boxing bout
The municipality of Sibulan, the lone town in Oriental Negros that produced one of the most popular professional boxers in the country today, is set to launch the 1st Inter-Barangay Boxing Competition this Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Sibulan Covered Auditorium.
Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia said that boxing is a fast rising sport in the country and it is truly good for Sibulan to be ahead in this area and to have produced a champ boxer.
It can be recalled that boxing champion Jemuel “Jimrex Jaca” Divino hails from Brgy. Boloc-Boloc, Sibulan town.
“Thru this boxing competition, our young boxers would be encouraged to develop their skill,” says Renacia.
The Sports Development Program staff of Sibulan are pinning their hopes on the inter-barangay boxing competitions to produce another Jaka in the future.
The public is invited to watch and support the Mano-a-Mano Boxing Competition.
Green chain project to boost eco-tourism in Siquijor - DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here recently signaled the launching of Secretary Angelo Reyes' project "Green Philippine Highways".
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Oscar Magallones said the project is aimed to enhance a healthy environment through green national highways, clean surroundings and sustainable management of the natural resources.
PENRO Magallones expressed high hopes this green chain program is expected to spur economic development in Siquijor through eco-tourism.
He expressed high hopes for the outcome of the project in terms of a more dynamic appreciation of tourism as an agent of positive change for social equity and economic progress.
He said this is line with President Arroyo’s vision and development plan of making Central Philippines as the country’s main tourist destination.
On August 25, 2006, a simultaneous tree planting will take place nationwide spearheading DENR and enjoining other government agencies and other sectors.
These participating agencies are DILG, PNP, AFP, DepEd, PIA DPWH, and non-government and people’s organizations, and the business and religious sectors.
“We need to work hand in hand because this is not an exclusive work of the DENR alone, but of everyone. The urgent call to restore our natural resources is something we can’t shun away because it is everybody’s responsibility. That’s why this has become a mass movement”, he said.
In Siquijor, over 5,000 indigenous species such as mahogany, acacia, gemilina, and the like will be planted alongside of all its circumferential coastal highways covering 75 kilometers.
According to PENRO Magallones, about 50 million trees are needed to be planted along major thoroughfares of the country to offset pollution, mostly coming from vehicle emissions, and if this will be fully realized, we can have an assurance that air quality in the country will be restored.
Being the lead agency, DENR is in charged of providing technical support on the identification and preparation of planting sites, provision of planting materials and coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways. Other agencies are tasked on mobilizing the active participation of citizenry, providing transport services and other logistical or financial projects.
A Memorandum of Agreement will be inked among lead agency, support agencies, cooperators and adopters while a certificate of tree stewardship shall be awarded to the adopters for planting, care and maintenance for a minimum period of three years.
A standard placard/billboard showing the name of the adopter shall also be put up to reflect sponsorship of project areas of the highways.
PGMA training for work scholarship opens
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Siquijor province encourages qualified jobseekers to apply for the PGMA training for work scholarship offered by the government.
Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist and Information Officer Philpio L. Padayhag said PGMA training for work scholarship is offered to any individuals qualified to work in the following industries: business process outsourcing, aviation, agriculture, medical tourism, health and medical services, hotel and restaurant, metals and services.
“Priority is given to ‘near-hires’ or jobseekers who were once turned down by business processing organizations (BPOs) for lack of skills and other requirements, says Padayhag.
Padayhag, however said that TESDA-Siquijor only accepts applicants for referral to other provinces since the Siquijor province has no training center that offer programs under the priority areas. Apllicants will have to take the examinations in TESDA offices in Dumaguete and other nearby provinces due to the office’s lack of internet connection here, Padayhag also said..
To note, the DepEd, CHED and TESDA are working together with the educational sector to hammer out an integrated blueprint that would match skills to jobs, and enable the youth to take advantage of opportunities sprouting out of President Arroyo’s economic plan.
President Gloria Arroyo’s plan in her recent State of the Nation Address is broad, deep and solid – double and on track – contrary to the criticism and skepticism aired by some analysts.
She also pointed out that in the entire country, the government is also allocating big chunks of the national budget to improve health services and the quality of education.
"Our reforms are taking root and our growth is irreversible and your government is underway to further improve our country’s economy," the President said.
DOST holds training on packaging, labeling
The Department of Science and Technology-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center conducted Training/Seminar on Packaging and Label Design and Current Product Development and Market Trends at Dapdap Sunset Grill on July 25-26, 2006.
The activity was co-sponsored by the Provincial Government, SMED Council and Department of Trade and Industry. The participants of the training are food processors, bakers and others who are into food processing for domestic market.
The over-all goal of the training is to introduce appropriate packaging and standard label design to our locally processed food products. It is obvious that a well-packaged and labeled product can increase its marketability. The processors have two options for a good packaging, either rigid or flexible materials depending on the products to be packaged.
On the other hand, label design plays also an important role. The design must be eye catching and to contain all necessary information such as product name, brand name, nutrition facts, shelf life, bar code and others.
The training/seminar is very timely because none of the Siquijor processors is using appropriate packaging and label design. The sponsors of this training/seminar envisions the SMEs in making their products be competitive beyond the limited radius of the region by adopting appropriate packaging and label design and may be at par with other products at other regions or in the global market.
The resource persons are Ms Josie F. Elli from DOST Regional Office and Ms. Vina R. Antopina from DOST-Bohol Provincial Science and Technology Center.
They just finished their advance training on Packaging and Labeling at the Packaging Research and Development (PRDC) in Manila last month.
PGMA expresses elation over suspension of Senate probe on OWWA funds
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her elation today over the decision of the senators to suspend the Senate inquiry into the alleged diversion of the funds of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
"I’m happy that our senators heed well the voice of the people in suspending the investigation in the OWWA funds. That after all had been certified by the Commission on Audit (COA) as intact and readily available," the President said in her speech during the groundbreaking rites for the construction of the Pantal Bridge in Dagupan city recently.
The Admnistration made it clear earlier that no officials invited as resource persons on the Lebanon crisis will attend the Senate inquiry until the crisis is over.
She said the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded in Lebanon deserve undivided attention of the country’s political leaders until they are all rescued sound and safe from the war-torn country.
Malacañang said that energies should be vent on saving and helping the Filipinos in distress as the government has a job to do and what is needed is the unity of all the political leaders at all levels.
Malacañang is appealing to all political leaders to help tone down the political noice and muckraking to help promote the atmosphere of national solidarity behind the crisis team and beleaguered workers.
PGMA orders speedy provision of relief goods to Mayon evacuees
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent out word to the government’s disaster officials to hasten the provision of relief goods and other necessities for the affected residents and evacuees in Albay province as a result of the imminent threat of explosion of Mayon Volcano.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) chief Glenn Rabonza made this known after coming out of the flood summit at the Bahay na Puti inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) here this afternoon.
"Ang standing order sa amin pag-ibayuhin pa iyong ating pag-aalaga sa ating mga evacuees," Rabonza said.
As of this writing, Rabonza said some 29,000 residents living near and inside the danger zone in Mayon Volcano have already been evacuated.
He said the evacuees from 23 barangays are now housed in 15 evacuation centers.
According to Rabonza, the disaster preparedness in the area is now centralized among the local government units (LGUs) and the national government would supplement whatever they lack.
He said that the Task Force Mayon has already been given the forced evacuation order since last week.
The Administration also commended the local officials of Albay, the concerned agencies of the national government, private sector and the affected communities for the successful evacuation of families exposed to the danger of the imminent eruption of Mt. Mayon.
The government assured those affected that there are enough resources to shoulder the basic needs and services in the evacuation center and that people will not be kept from heir homes a minute longer than necessary.
Int'l group’s report linking military to political killings preposterous – Palace
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye branded today as "preposterous" the report of an international fact-finding mission linking the military to the spate of political killings in the country.
Bunye said the report of the International Peasant Solidarity Mission (IPSM) that allegedly found controversial Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan as being involved in the political killings, "smacks of another demolition job by the black propaganda machine of our detractors."
"It is preposterous for a self-proclaimed investigating body to come up with such a sweeping conclusion in just a few days of work and with very limited evidence to lean on," Bunye said in statement.
He challenged the group to back up their findings by filing a case with the proper courts to put an end to all the speculations surrounding the killings.
"We challenge the findings. If they have any clear evidence against General Palparan, or any officer for that matter, they should bring the proper case before the courts," Bunye said.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita seconded the statement of Bunye, saying it was one thing to charge a person of something and a totally different thing to produce evidence to support the charges.
In his weekly press conference at the Palace this afternoon, Ermita came to the aid of Palparan saying the general was an effective component in the government’s counter-insurgency measures.
The US Treasury Department recently tagged the Philippine and Indonesian branches of a Saudi-based Islamic charity organization as fund-raisers for the al-Qaeda terror network and moved to freeze the financial assets of one of its officials for allegedly helping bankroll terror attacks.
Malacañang welcomed the US action staunching the money flow of terrorist cells, saying that they shall maintain the country’s own lawful vigilance against suspicious fund transfers that fuel the forces of evil.
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