ISSUE NO. 39, Sept. 28, 2006

Rodeo and Horse Show Competition to kick off Buglasan Festival

Negrenses and visitors to the Buglasan Festival of Festivals in October will be treated to three days of rodeo fun during the annual Buglasan Rodeo and Horse Show Competition on October 15 to 17, 2006.

The Rodeo and Horse Show competition will kick off the 17-day Buglasan Festival of Festivals, says Solomon Cadiz of the Provincial Veterinary Office during the Kapihan forum held yesterday.

For an entrance fee of P5.00 each day, the audience can watch various competitions, including non-cattle events such as tug of war and cock carambola.

Cadiz said that as of press time, there are around 5 teams from the local government units in the province who are participating in the horse show event, namely Zamboanguita, Bayawan, Mabinay, Tanjay, Dumaguete and Pamplona.

“But we are inviting the other local governments units to participate,” says Cadiz.

For the rodeo competition, nine teams have already signed up for the student category while six professional teams for the open category.

These student and professional teams are from all over the country, including also local colleges here offering agricultural courses such as Foundation University, Silliman University and the Negros Oriental State University.

Cadiz explained that the rodeo event will promote and encourage students to handle animals properly.

“Rodeo is an activity to handle or manage cattle which is one of the production aspects of cattle raising. In fact, rodeo is Spanish word for “to go around” or to take care of animals,” he adds.

On the other hand, Cadiz said the horse show will encourage people to raise more horses. “Horses facilitates the transport of agricultural products particularly from areas which are still inaccessible to vehicles,” he said.

Meanwhile, City Veterinarian Dr. Lourdes Socorro assured that animals used during the competitions are well protected and looked after as provided for by RA 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.

“The animals are properly fed and are taken well cared of during the events. The Rodeo team is implementing the provisions specified in the Act. No injuries will be inflicted on the animals during the show,” she stressed.

PNC conducts training for mun’l nutrition action officers

The municipal nutrition action officers in the province are currently undergoing a two-day Orientation-Workshop on Nutrition Program Management from September 28 to 29 at El Oriente Beach Resort.

Conducted by the Provincial Nutrition Committee, the workshop aims to train new nutrition action officers in the municipalities on nutrition program management. “We also would like to encourage the municipal nutrition action officers to actively implement the nutrition programs at their levels,” disclosed Dr. Bernarda Cortes of the Provincial Nutrition Committee.

Cortes said the workshop participants are expected to come up with nutrition program action plans for next year.

Facilitators during the two-day workshop are from the National Nutrition Council-Region 7 in Cebu City led Ms. Carolita Mission, regional nutrition action officer.

The workshop is in step with the national government’s priority of ensuring good health for all the people.

The government is working to integrate cleanliness and hygiene as part of the Filipino life through grassroots education correlating pollution with diseases.

Health officials are now on alert to make sure that the World Health ORganization warning on the possibility of a hepatitis outbreak is addressed immediately and properly.

U.S. Peace Corps celebrates 45th Anniv in Valencia

The US Peace Corps is set to celebrate its 45th Anniversary in Brgy. Sagbang, Valencia, Oriental Negros marking 45 years of service promoting peace and friendship throughout the world.

To recognize the friendships and development assistance brought by these volunteers, many Philippine communities served by the U.S. Peace Corps are holding celebrations throughout 2006.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr. and the Valencia community are supportive of the U.S. Peace Corps program.

Like so many other host communities, Valencia has become a home for many volunteers who have become educated in Filipino culture, introduced to Filipino lifestyles, and most of all formed lasting friendships with many of the members of this community.

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

There are nearly 150 U.S. Peace Corps volunteers currently working throughout the country on issues ranging from health care to education to agriculture, all with the goal of increasing prosperity for Filipino citizens.

Meanwhile, latest indicators reflect the positive health on the Philippines’ overall economy.

Reports from the National Economic Development Authority show that the domestic economy sustained its strong upturn in the second quarter of 2006, with gross domestic product or GDP growing by 5.5& in real terms over a year ago.

Poverty a hindrance to children’s education- PCTF

Poverty is a common cause and hindrance to children’s education.

This is the assessment of the Provincial Communication Task Force (PCTF) in Oriental Negros who is currently conducting various focus group discussions (FGD) in the ten pilot barangays under the Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC-6) in the province.

According to Victor Camion, documentor of the PCTF team conducting the FGDs, the most common cause why children are not in school is poverty.

“Some parents bring their children to farm to work instead of sending them to school,” says Camion.

He said that in their FGDs, he has observed that some parents are not interested to send their children to school because they do not believe that education will uplift them from poverty.

Camion said that parents bring their children with them to work in the sugar plantations.

This was echoed by FGD Facilitator Des Tilos who said that a large family size was seen by most parents as beneficial. “Daghan silang anak kay ilang hi-muon nga puhunan ang mga bata nga makatabang sa ilang panginabuhi,” says Tilos.

Tilos said the parents are more focused on the immediate solution and that is the children helping provide food on the table.

He believes that education will help free these families from the bondage of poverty.

“This situation has become a cycle, which unless they are educated and their level of awareness is elevated, will not be stopped,” he said.

The FGD team has finished conducting FGDs in four pilot areas.

Philippines has made progress in the poverty reduction, as a new World Bank report noted that the number of Filipinos living on less than $1 a day declined to 9 million or 10.8% of the total population as of end-2005 from 12 million or 13.5 percent of the population in the 2000.

Living below the $1-a-day mark is an international benchmark for measuring poverty across countries.

Valencia inaugurates school building under SEDIP project

The municipality of Valencia inaugurated Wednesday the P3.6 million four classroom-two-storey-building under the Secondary Education Development and Improvement project (SEDIP) in Valencia National High School (VNHS).

Dr. Virgilio Daliong, assistant provincial schools division superintendent, said a science building, complete with laboratory equipment will also be constructed in VNHS soon.

Accoridng to Valencia Information Officer Des Tilos, Valencia enjoys another two storey four classroom SEDIP building in Pulangbato National High School which is still under construction.

A total of P24-million has been allocated for Valencia under the SEDIP program which the municipality put a counterpart of P8-million to avail the entire project.

Dr. Daliong lauded Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr for putting education as one of his priority programs, noting the funds his administration allocated for education programs like the Third Elementary Education Program (TEEP) which ended last year.

Valencia holds the title of having the highest number of renovated and constructed classroom under the Third Elementary Education Program in the province with 114 classroom completed.

Mayor Gonzalez said the amount he put in education is part of his commitment to provide Valencianon access to quality education. He challenged the students and teachers who attended the inauguration to improve their performance.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City, is getting a P500-million budget to set up the country’s version of “Silicon Valley”, a ranking House leader said.

Deputy Majority Leader Luis Villafuerte said 500 million pesos has been earmarked in this year’s 46.4 billion pesos supplemental budget “for the infrastructure development” of the 22-hectare Dilliman Science Complex and Technology Incubation Park at the UP Main Campus.

VCO processing center to boost farmers’ income

Siquijor-- New hope sprouts for Siquijor folks as the provincial government ventures on a project that gives way to income generation and job creation in the province.

Approved by the Department of Energy (DOE), a P2.5 million-Integrated Virgin Coconut Oil Processing Center will soon rise in Lilo-an, Maria, Siquijor that aims to generate employment and increase farmers’ profitability, says Medel V. Panzo, Officer-in-charge of the Philippine Coconut Authority here.

The project is funded out of the Development and Livelihood Fund (DLF), provincial and the regional share accrued from the commercial operations of Palinpinon Geothermal Power Plant 1 & 2 and Cebu Thermal Power Plant 2. DLF Siquijor share is P708,702.70 while Interprovincial/Regional share is P1,791,297.30, according to the report.

Panzo said, the project is seen to boost farmers’ income through maximum utilization of coconut products and its by-products and eventually generates job in the province.

This stems from the fact that coconut is one of the prime commodities that the province produced. Records from PCA revealed that the area planted to coconut in the province is 6,808 hectares or 680,800 trees; 510,000 of which are bearing trees with a production of 18.4 nut per tree per year or 9,395,400 nuts. Production of this crop has become an important source of income to farmers.

The project is in line with the priority thrust of the provincial government to create employment and uplift the lives of the ordinary folks. Earlier, President Arroyo called the people to sustain the momentum of enterprise and productivity towards poverty alleviation, peace building, and law and order.

“The project is going in the right direction because of its potential to contribute in the government's effort to harness coconut as also a source of alternative fuel, “ Panzo also said.

He said producing crude coconut oil, that is the raw material used in producing coco bio-diesel is also possible. “It is one of the alternative fuels being tapped by the government to lessen the country's dependence on imported fossil fuel,” he said.

The DOE also said that the use of coco bio-diesel will be a sustainable and strategic approach in cleaning the air and energizing the economy.

Meanwhile, on government and private economists’ estimate, the country’s per capita income – or the share of each citizen in the country’s wealth as measured by the GDP – will reach more than $1,400 this year.

This was the best per capita income level since the 70s, surpassing the industrial years of the Marcos Era and the tiger economy under the Ramos Presidency.

Search is on for Model OFW Family 2006

Larena, Siquijor - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Region 7, in an Orientation on OWWA’s Programs and Services yesterday announced search for the “Model OFW Family of the Year Award 2006” (MOFYA).

Now on its second year, this award serves as a strategic mechanism for exemplifying the best practices of OFW families towards optimizing the gains of migration.

The award also recognizes the ultimate results of OFW family success in terms of enterprise development and generation of employment opportunities.

Family Welfare Officer Jennifer C. Suarez said the office is now accepting nominations. Religious leaders or groups, NGOs, and community-based social or civic organizations may nominate awardees.

She said OFW families residing in Region 7 (Cebu, Bohol , Negros Oriental and Siquijor) with either a land-based or sea-based OFW as head of the family (whether father or mother) and who meet the following criteria can be nominated:

1)OFW has a minimum of four (4) years of overseas employment; 2) known as a solid/stable family in the locality; 3) has at least a child graduated from a baccalaureate degree; 4) has prudent management of savings; and 5) currently enjoying sustained income from investment on any entrepreneurial activity.

The names and supporting documents of nominees are expected to be submitted to the not later than October 20 this year to OWWA, Regional Welfare Office 7, Mezzanine Floor, LDM Bldg., cor. M.J. Cuenco Ave. and Legaspi St. Cebu City.

For more information, interested parties from Region 7 may call or visit OWWA 7 at telephone nos. 255-3199 or 254-0305 or cellphone no. 0918-9214925 and look for Jennifer Suarez or Rey Jacalan.. (pia)

OWWA 7 now accepts application for scholarship

Larena, Siquijor – Another good news for OFW dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through its Regional Welfare Office in Region 7 and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is now accepting applications for Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for School Year 2007-2008.

The program is part of the government’s effort to help OFWs and directly lift their families out of poverty while recognizing their contributions to the economy.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo L. Neri recognizes that recent economic growth is also being driven by inflows from OFWs which rose by 25 percent to a high of US$10.7 billion in 2005. “Exports this year have grown by 16.2 percent. Revenues from call centers are estimated to rise by 60 percent this year. Tourist arrivals are at an all-time high. All these inflows from abroad have pushed growth into a higher trajectory,” explained Neri who is also director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

During the Orientation on OWWA’s Programs and Services conducted at the Larena SB Session Hall yesterday, Overseas Worker Welfare Officer Romyl C. Cabillo stressed that eligible to apply are immediate beneficiaries or dependents of active OFWs, whose contract is still enforced.

Scholar-applicants should be high school graduate or have not taken any units in college and not more than 21-years old.

The scholar may enroll in a 4 to 5-year course of choice in any school or university with financial assistance of not more than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30, 000.00) per semester.

uition fees shall be paid directly to the school and the remaining balance shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades at the end of the semester.

OWWA shall refer all qualified applicants to the office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the competitive examination which will be announced later.

Interested applicants may visit or call OWWA Regional Welfare Office No. 7 located at Mezzanine Floor, LDM Bldg., cor. M.J. Cuenco Ave. and Legaspi St. Cebu City, tel. nos. telephone nos. 255-3199 or 254-0305 or cellphone no. 0918-9214925 and look for Jennifer Suarez or Rey Jacalan.

Siquijor joins Family Week celebration

Larena, Siquijor - Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed on September 28, 1992, declaring the last week of September every year as National Family Week, the country will celebrate on September 24 - 30 as this year's National Family Week.

In Larena town, all 23 barangays will join the celebration that will start September 23 with three barangays simultaneously holding programs each day, says Hon. Pacita Cuaresma, Sangguniang Bayan Chair on Committee on Women and Family Affairs.

The week-long celebration which is aimed to promote and strengthen the Filipino family, will revolve around the theme "Bida Ka, Pamilyang Pilipino."

The Family Week highlights the importance of families; enhance understanding of their functions and problems, focus attention on the rights and responsibilities of all family members.

The Family Week also hopes to increase awareness of family issues in government as well as in private sector and to enhance effectiveness of local, regional and national efforts to carry out specific programs concerning families by generating new activities and strengthening existing ones.

This year's highlight of the National Family Week celebration in the national level will be the holding of the Concert for the Family on September 24 (Sunday) 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the "Concert at the Park" venue in Luneta.

Other activities are the conduct of briefing session for "decision-makers," conduct of Publicity activities, hanging of streamers in strategic places and buses, airing of Family Week theme song in radio stations, posting of stories, messages on websites and issuance of pastoral letter.

The importance of the family is recognized even by the Philippine Constitution, "the State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development."

Presidential Proclamation No. 847 was also passed declaring every fourth Sunday of September as Family Thanksgiving Day.

The Family Week Celebration is jointly led by the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) and the Secretary of DSWD or her designated Undersecretary chairs the NCFF.

Guv, provincial nominee for Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence

Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua has been nominated for the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence (KAME) which was launched earlier by the Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF) to give recognition to best performing local officials in the country.

Criteria for the selection is based on the following: accountability, responsiveness, management innovation, public-private sector partnership, local government-citizen participation, decentralized management, networking and human resource management.

Likewise Mayor Richard C. Quezon and Barangay Captain Peck D. Cortes, both from Siquijor town are also nominated for the same award under the mayor and barangay captain categories.

Awarding will be on December 9 at the Manila Hotel. (pia)

DILG-CBMS implementation in full swing

Implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring system (CBMS) in Siquijor province is in full swing, says program provincial coordinator Elvie Samson-Gaudan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here.

CBMS is a planning tool for improving the delivery of basic services to the community. It intends to diagnose the causes of poverty, where we can strategically locate the very poor, and prevalently determine how grave is the poverty situation of the province.

Gaudan said that “despite some initial challenges like the limited funding allocation and unpredictable changes of policies in the conduct of training”, the Siquijor Team Approach on Coordinated Task (TACT) team pushed through with the series of activities as planned.

The last of the series of training was completed last September 11-12 in the municipality of Lazi . The first to conduct was San Juan town on August 14 to 15; then Larena on August 18-19; Siquijor, August 23-24; Enrique Villanueva, August 25-26; and Maria, August 29-30, 2006.

“It’s good to note that local chief executives, functionaries and community volunteers who heard about the program are all receptive,” says Gaudan. “They are now sensitive in intensifying their efforts to incorporate the Milleniem Development Goals (MDG) in their local development agenda, she said.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited recently the top ten government agencies whose efforts and achievements in the anti-graft campaign have set the bar for other agencies to emulate.

Topping the list of best performing agencies in the anti-graft and corruption drive was the DOH, followed by DSWD, DOST, BIR, DTI, OFfice of the President (OP) led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, DepEd, DPWH, PNP and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Thai experience will never happen to RP

The military takeover of Thailand government and its plan to amend their Constitution is “exceptionally unlikely” to happen in the Philippines.

Former Charter Change Advocacy Commission (AdCom) secretary-general Rita Linda Jimeno said based from historical accounts, Thailand’s military dominated their governments in as much as military coups occurred for more than 65 years.

To date, Thailand had 20 coups and 16 constitutions mostly drafted by military leaders.

After having successfully taken over Parliament and key govermetn installations and offices last week, Thai military coup leaders have expressed their intent to amend their 9-year old Constitution.

Jimeno, also a lawyer by profession, said Thailand’s constitutions were dominantly drafted by military men while all the constitutions of the Philippines were crafted by civilians representing the various sectors of the society.

“The Thai constitution is slanted to the benefit of military institutions not for the people. In the Philippines, it’s the people who have the stake in the Constitution and this is very much evident in form and essence. Since the Malolos Constitution up to the 1987 Constitution, these charters were all drafted by civilian authorities elected by the people and not the military,” says Jimeno.

Jimeno pointed out that the “Filipino people would never allow the military to dip its hands in writing the Constitution” as she agreed to the observation of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that Charter change should be done by civilians.

Medical Supplies Donation from German Ministry of Defense

Provincial government officials led by Provincial Administrator Marilou Kho checking out the boxes of medical supplies generously donated by the German Ministry of Defense through the efforts of Filipino-German NGO Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club. Please see story below. (Note to print media reporters: Additional photos have been forwarded to your email adds. If you did not receive it, please contact Rachelle at PIA).

ISSUE NO. 38 Sept. 21, 2006

More Tindahan Natin outlets to open in OrNeg

About 32,000 families in the province’s depressed barangays will benefit from the Tindahan Natin outlets as more stores will be put up in the 24 cities and municipalities in Oriental Negros.

According to DSWD Project Evaluation Officer Evelyn Catada, some 104 Tindahan Natin barangays will be established on Friday, September 22, in addition to the 56 that are already operational in 11 municipalities in the province.

Catada said each barangay is supposed to cater to 250 family-beneficiaries per retail outlet, however some barangays have less than the desired number of resident-beneficiaries.

The National Food Authority (NFA) here is also encouraging entrepreneurs, community-based associations, non-government organizations, LGUs, barangay councils and existing retail stores registered and accredited by government regulating agencies to apply for a Tindahan Natin outlet in the province.

According to NFA PMDO and Information Officer Rolando Lazalita, there is a need for more Tindahan Natin outlets in the province to benefit more families particularly in depressed areas to avail of low-priced but good quality basic commodities.

Lazalita said there are currently only a total of 43 Tindahan Natin operators in 56 barangays in the province.

The Tindahan Natin project is one of the projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the flagship poverty alleviation program of the government.

Tindahan Natin outlets will offer basic commodities such as rice, noodles, sugar and canned goods at prices lower than market prices.

Under the project, retail outlets will be identified and endorsed jointly by DSWD and local government units and accredited by NFA.

“Interested applicants will have to go to the local DSWD in their area as DSWD will identify them, then recommend them to DSWD regional office. Once their application is approved, NFA will accredit them and inspect their stores for compliance of requirements,” explains Lazalita.

Each outlet-operator will have a capital of P20,000 for basic commodities such as rice, sugar, noodles and canned goods at reduced prices.

DSWD in Manila recently disclosed that 300,000 poor families or 1.4 million individuals in the country’s depressed communities are being eyed to benefit from its nationwide network of Tindahan Natin outlets.

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said that a total of 1,415 outlets are now operational nationwide.

With a total cost of some P154.5 million, the Tindahan Natin program will prioritize the 49 provinces, which the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has identified as having high hunger and poverty incidence.

Meanwhile, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo L. Neri said “the economy should grow five to six percent and then to seven percent to make growth more pro-poor.”

He said growth in any sector is welcome, as it fuels growth in others as well. “For example, building public highways leads to private real estate investment, which in turn feeds construction, the cement industry, iron and steel, utilities. Jobs created in one sector are multiplied into others,’ explained Neri, who is also director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

German Ministry of Defense donates medical supplies to NOPH

A non-government organization (NGO) in Germany has turned-over eight (8) boxes of medical supplies donated by the German Ministry of Defense to Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) on September 18, 2006 at the NOPH Medical Conference Room.

The turn-over ceremony was led by Ms. Nanette Tindoc, Supporting Officer of the German NGO Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club, who handed over the hospital supplies to NOPH represented by Provincial Health Officer 2 Dr. Dante Domingo.

The donated medical supplies include hospital instruments/consumables, gauze bandages, injections, needles, blades, oxygen mask, catheters and surgical instruments.

Tindoc said the Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club led by its chairman and founder Araceli Bejar-Heimann facilitated the donation and shipping of the medical supplies from the German Ministry of Defense after the latter visited the provincial hospital.

She saw the poor condition and the crowded rooms when she visited the hospital, says Tindoc.

Tindoc said this donation is just a start as the NGO hopes to extend more humanitarian assistance here.

Heimann is a Dumagueteña married to a German national. A former librarian at Silliman University Elementary School, she founded an NGO in Germany along with other Filipinos, mostly Filipino women married to German citizens.

Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club is an NGO that aims to extend humanitarian assistance, particularly for Filipino children.

The boxes of medical supplies were forwarded by the German Balikbayan Quality Service.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo L. Neri said the government needs funds to build highways, farm-to-market roads, water supply networks, irrigation facilities, classrooms, and health centers. “It is vital to ensure the resources for such infrastructure as they directly lift families out of poverty,” he asserted.

The socioeconomic planning secretary also noted that growth must promote employment. Neri said the government should continue its interventions in agriculture and pursue adequate infrastructure spending to boost economic growth and employment. Other policy agenda that should be pushed, he said, include support to micro entrepreneurship and an improved industry regulatory framework.

Sibulan hosts 2nd District Run competition

The local government unit of Sibulan will host this year’s Second District Run Competition on September 23 at 6:00 a.m.

According to Sibulan Information Officer Concepcion Rosales, the athlete’s run will kick-off at Polo, Tanjay and end at the Sibulan Covered Auditorium where a program will be held.

The competition has three categories, namely: elementary, high school and college.

Rosales said the competition is conducted in coordination with the Department of Education, provincial government of Oriental Negros and sponsors Ceres Liner, Olgalacs Ent., Mr. Mohan Hassaram, Sibulan Water District, Sea Forest, BM Bakeshoppe and Cebuana Lhuiller.

Warming sea temperatures point to onset of weak El Niño

The warming sea temperatures observed in the equatorial Pacific indicate the possibility of the onset of a weak El Niño in the country.

According to Provincial Chief Meteorologist Edsin Culi of PAGASA, slightly warmer than normal sea surface temperatures have been observed in the equatorial Pacific from May onward this year.

Weaker-than-average, low-level winds blowing from the east have also been observed across most of the equatorial Pacific since early July.

Culi said these are patterns indicate that a warm episode is already starting to develop over the equatorial Pacific.

PAGASA said that based on trends and statistical and coupled model forecasts, the warming sea temperature in the equatorial Pacific is likely to continue through the end of this year and into early 2007.

Should these conditions persist, then it is possible that Philippines will soon experience a weak El Niño, says Culi.

“However, we can’t say for now which parts of the country will be affected,” he adds.

Conditions over the equatorial Pacific have already influenced the rainfall conditions in the country, a statement from PAGASA said.

According to the weather bureau, rainfall conditions during the second half of August were below average in the following areas: Northern Luzon, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna provinces, northern Palawan and western Mindanao.

Likewise, recent rainfall conditions from September 1 to 17 have been observed to be below average in most parts of the country.

SMED-C rep calls for networking, innovation of SMES in Siquijor

Visayas Sector Representative of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMED-C) Joyce Natalie U. Yang called for networking and innovation of small-scale entrepreneurs in Siquijor.

Speaking at the opening of the Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits 2006 today (September 13), Yang stressed the need for SMEs to network and innovate so as to position themselves to take advantage and go along with the direction of global trade.

Producing world-class products should lie at the core of our concerns, and this can be achieved through innovation and networking”, she said. “Without these, SMES can’t move forward, with the potential to retard, rather than enhance, the welfare of our entrepreneurs”.

Innovation,she said, includes designing/packaging of products to effectively meet market competition while networking means linking with other neighboring provinces to increase market access and to improve viability and operational efficiency.

Yang pointed out the role of policymakers and program implementors to come up with innovative ideas and even “mediocre plans” and develop them in promoting SME’s business activities.

“This ‘capable team’ could be your strongest attractions if all skills and energies are engaged in business-related activities”, she said. This team as well as the people of the host communities best determines SME’s quality, its intent, and its effectiveness as a vehicle for economic and social development. She likewise called for broader community involvement in tourism planning and development

Yang also expressed high hopes for the outcome of the fair and exhibits in terms of economic development.

The world is taking notice of our advances in all fronts of development, social reform and security.

As noted, political noise has been abated and economic gains are shining through as we have already weathered the worst of political turmoil, and the upward trend all our economic indicators is clear proof that we are on the right track.

The Administration’s call for national unity and reconciliation is in earnest and all hands are welcomed to help the people and the Government push this nation up and forward.

Meanwhile, on the commemoration of the declaration of the Martial Law, Malacañang said the Administration has always been at the forefront of strengthening democracy and fighting off all forms of political tyranny.

The Administration called on the public to celebrate Philippine democracy in its most vibrant moments and fight all attempts to undermine it.

“The lesson of Martial Law is that the Filipino people cannot be led by the nose like cattle, but will only accept the rule of law based on free choice,” says Malacañang.

TRANSCO OFFICIAL ASSURES STABLE POWER IN CEBU DURING ASEAN SUMMIT

Seventy nine days before the ASEAN Summit, a top official from National Transmission Company (TRANSCO) assured that there will be electricity during the international event that Cebu is hosting in December.

This was disclosed by Engr. Crispin Lamayan, AVP for the Visayas System Operations of the transmission company. During the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, he said that TRANSCO has already made arrangements with power generators and other key industry players for contingency plans should power supply drop during the conduct of the summit which will be attended by delegates not only from the member countries but also from other parts of the world who may have trade and diplomatic relations with these group of Asian nations.

°We cannot afford even a minute of brownout,¡± said Lamayan.

Officials from local and national government with the help of the private sector have been actively involved in the preparation for the ASEAN Summit which will be held on December 11-14, 2006 in some places in Cebu City , considered to be the tourism hub of the Philippines .

Among the heads of state who are expected to attend the summit are those from Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Myanmar , Malaysia , Thailand , Singapore , Vietnam , Timor Leste and the Philippines .

Historically, the summit in Cebu is going to be the second to be held in the Philippines . The first was in the country¡¯s capital city, Manila , in 1987.(Roberto M. Cabardo/PIA AMO 7-Cebu)

CANADIAN EMBASSY JOINS JOURNALISTS CELEBRATE PRESS FREEDOM WEEK IN CEBU

In celebration of Cebu Press Freedom Week, the Embassy of Canada in coordination with the Cebu Daily News and Cebu Citizens Press Council conducted a forum on Challenges of the New Media in Governance yesterday.

The forum which was also in honor of the famous Canadian communication theorist and educator, Herbert Marshall McLuhan, was attended by Ambassador Peter Sutherland.

Two of the countryy’s McLuhan fellows joined Cebu¡¯s Press Freedom Week celebration by conducting a lecture forum on the Challenges of New Media in Governance yesterday afternoon at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center here.

Yvonne T. Chua and Ellen Tordesillas, two veteran journalists, shared their views and experiences with the new tools of journalism to over 200 communication enthusiasts composed of students, professors, and media practitioners who attended the said event.

In her presentation, Chua who was awarded McLuhan scholarship in 2000 and last year, gave a quick review of the highlights of the evolution of the country¡¯s mass media vis-à-vis some of the turning points of the country¡¯s history. She started by quoting McLuhan saying, Technological development determines social and cultural change.

She explained that the new technology now that includes blogging, podcast, SMS, have given journalists a chance to inform a broad public, a different audience – local and global; helped set news agenda-setting role of journalists, and created the need for journalists to rethink how journalism is done. Chua warned, however, that content is still what matters, for without good content, technology is nothing.

Ellen Tordesillas, who became a McLuhan fellow in 1999, shared that the latest addition to a journalist’s toolkit nowadays can be used as disinformation tool, in which there is a problem with accountability; a boon to journalists—for journalists hardly work without them; and that like all tools, it’s only as good as how one uses it.

Among those present were Cebu Daily News publisher, Eileen Mangubat, CDN Advertising Manager, Thea Rinen, Skycable TV host and The Freeman newspaper columnist, Bobit Avila, and communication professors Nick Ampatin and Leilani Echaves.

Another lecturer was Nini Cabaero of Sunstar Network Exhange (Sunnex) while the two reactors were JV Rufino, editor in chief of Inq7 and Armand Nocum a reporter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer who was the first to become a McLuhan fellow in the Philippines in 1997.

Based on a website dedicated to him, McLuhan who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1911 and died in 1980 was a communications theorist and educator who had taught at the Univ. of Toronto (1946—80) and at other institutions of higher education in Canada and the United States. He gained popularity and fame in the 1960s with his prophetic proposal that electronic media, especially television, were creating a "global village" in which "the medium is the message," i.e., the means of communications has a greater influence on people than the information itself. His books include The Mechanical Bride (1951), The Gutenberg Galaxy (1962), Understanding Media (1964), From Cliché to Archetype (1970, with W. Watson), and City as Classroom (1977, with K. Hutchon and E. McLuhan).

Meanwhile, the special police unit tasked with investigating the killings of activists and journalists claimed that it had surpassed the deadline set by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to solve 10 cases in 10 weeks.

"We have solved more than 10 cases in less than 10 weeks. We solved most of the cases on the eighth week, to be exact," Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, chief of Task Force Usig.

As of this posting, Razon and other police officials are discussing the cases in a conference at Camp Crame.

Arroyo gave the task force and Department of Justice the deadline on August 1, after she began coming under increasing criticism for the unabated killings.

Based on the accomplishment report of Task Force Usig, 36 of the 110 murders of activists the unit has counted since Arroyo assumed power in 2001 are already the subject of court cases. Of these 36 killings, 16 were allegedly committed by communist rebels. Only six killings were attributed to the military and, of these, only four are now the subject of court cases.

In media killings, the task force said 21 cases have been filed out of 26 murders it investigated.

Task Force Usig said it found "no government policy -- official or unofficial, formal or informal, written or covert -- to suppress political dissent and fundamental Constitutional freedoms, much less torture or murder critical journalists, party list (and) militant (group) members or the political opposition."

German Ministry of Defense donates medical supplies to NOPH

A non-government organization (NGO) in Germany is set to turn-over eight (8) boxes of medical supplies donated by the German Ministry of Defense to Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) on September 18, 2006 at the NOPH Medical Conference Room.

The turn-over ceremony will be led by Ms. Nanette Tindoc, Supporting Officer of the German NGO Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club, who will hand over the hospital supplies to NOPH represented by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Felix Sy.

The donated medical supplies include hospital instruments/consumables, gauze bandages, injections, needles, blades, oxygen mask, catheters and surgical instruments.

Tindoc said the Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club led by its chairman and founder Araceli Bejar-Heimann facilitated the donation and shipping of the medical supplies from the German Ministry of Defense after the latter visited the provincial hospital.

She saw the poor condition and the crowded rooms when she visited the hospital, says Tindoc.

Tindoc said this donation is just a start as the NGO hopes to extend more humanitarian assistance here.

Heimann is a Dumagueteña married to a German national. A former teacher at Silliman University, she founded an NGO in Germany along with other Filipinos, mostly Filipino women married to German citizens.

Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club is an NGO that aims to extend humanitarian assistance, particularly for Filipino children.

The boxes of medical supplies were forwarded by the German Balikbayan Quality Service.

Issue No. 37, Sept. 13, 2006

ONTC holds grand cook fest during Buglasan
By: Jennifer Catan Tilos

The Oriental Negros Tourism Council (ONTC) will hold a grand cook fest dubbed as “Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Negros” during the Buglasan Festivals on October 26-27, 2006 at Negros Oriental High School Gymnasium, this city.

This two-day Lutong Garbo competition is open to all residents from the municipalities and cities of the province, however, the contestants must be duly endorsed by the Mayor as the official representative of the locality.

The main dish or recipe entry must feature ingredients indigenous to the area represented as part of the criteria of the contest; and the use of ingredients such as monosodium glutamate, canned goods, imported products, and artificial seasonings are disallowed.

Vice-Chair Sylvia Uy of ONTC said, this activity is designed to encourage households to cook palatable and nutritious food with the use of their native recipe. This is also to find out food available everyday in the areas that could be promoted and identified as Oriental Negros’ fine cuisine.

The competition banners the theme: “Discovering Developing and Promoting Oriental Negros Culinary Heritage.”

The contestants are given 45 minutes to cook per main dish, nevertheless, one point will be deducted from the final rating of the participant for every minute exceeded.

Food preparation will be judged according to the following criteria: palatability, 50 percent; 30 percent for originality; and 20 percent for presentation. Those who got 100 percent will receive P10,000, gift pack and a trophy for the first prize; for the 2nd placer will accept P5,000, gift pack plus trophy; and P3,000 plus gift pack and a trophy for the 3rd placer. For non –winners, consolation prize of P1,000, gift pack plus certificates of participation will be awarded by the Lutong Garbo Competition committee.

Meanwhile, the world is taking notice of the country’s advances in all fronts of development, social reform and security.

Malacañang said political noise has been abated and economic gains are shining through as the country have already weathered the worst of political turmoil.

The Administration’s call for national unity and reconciliation is in earnest and all hands are welcomed to help the people and the Government push this nation up and forward.

Dengue on the rise, DOH warns public
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos

The local health official warns the public as the dengue cases in the province is increasing with a total of 5 deaths of the 570 cases reported from January to September 12, this year.

Officer-in-Charge, Mosquito Borne Diseases Control Program Coordinator, Ms. Susie Sayre of the Department of Health here said, of the total number dengue cases in the province, Dumaguete City has the highest number of cases with 132 victims and one fatality who died yesterday, from barangay Batinguel.

The first 5 areas which have high incidence of dengue are: Tanjay City with 120 cases and 2 deaths; Mabinay 76 with 1 death; Bais City, 62 cases with 1 death; and Sibulan, 49 cases.
However, Ms. Sayre said, records show that there were 803 dengue incidence occurred with 6 deaths in 2005 compared in the same period this year. Nevertheless, she warned the public to be more cautious by cleaning in and outside the house to prevent such deadly virus.

Dengue is primarily a disease of the tropics, and the viruses that cause it are maintained in a cycle that involves humans and Aedes aegypti, a domestic, day-biting mosquito that prefers to feed on humans. Infection with dengue viruses produces a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal hemorrhagic disease. Important risk factors for DHF include the strain and serotype of the infecting virus, as well as the age, immune status, and genetic predisposition of the patient.

The rising dengue cases are being addressed squarely as measures are already in place to fight the spread of the disease.

President Arroyo is concerned over the growing number of dengue cases and has already instructed the Department of Health to make a thorough assessment of the situation and take action in affected and vulnerable areas—especially in containing outbreaks and intensifying clean-up operations using the safest means available.

Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset, high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, and rash. The rash may appear 3–4 days after the onset of fever. Infection is diagnosed by a blood test that detects the presence of the virus or antibodies. The illness may last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2–4 week

Do not eat shellfishes, young crabs from oil slick-affected areas – BFAR7
By: Rachelle Nessia

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 7 has warned the public to avoid eating shellfishes and young crabs caught in oil slick-affected shore areas as these are not safe for human consumption.

In a recent advisory issued by BFAR-7, the bureau warned that shellfishes and young crabs in shore areas are easily tainted with bunker oil slick deposited by incoming high tide.

On the other hand, fish caught in open waters in Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf and in the Visayan Sea are safe for human consumption, according to the advisory.

BFAR has conducted various analyses on different species caught in the areas surrounding the island province of Guimaras, following the tragic oil spill from the sinking of MT Solar 1 on August 13.

Results of the analyses on various fish species caught from Guimaras Strait and Panay gulf and landed in Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, San Lorenzo, and Buenavista, Guimaras and in Guimbal, Iloilo showed that all samples were negative for bunker oil.

Various fish species caught in the Visayan Sea and landed in the municipalities of Ajuy, Concepcion and Estancia were also found to be negative for bunker oil.

According to Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr, BFAR director, in open water, fish have the ability to swim away from a spill by going deeper in the water or farther out to sea, reducing the likelihood that they will be harmed even by a major spill.

But the same is not true for aquatic plants and animals that live closer to shore areas which are covered and exposed by the tides.

Young crabs, mussels, oysters, clams, seaweeds, borrowing organism and nursery stage of fish all suffocate when exposed to large amounts of oil, explains Sarmiento.

The bureau’s laboratory evaluation on samples of shellfishes from the said shore areas in Guimaras showed that the shellfishes were tainted with bunker oil.

“Based on the stated results, the public is therefore informed that fish caught in open waters in Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf and the Visayan sea are safe for human consumption,” the advisory stated.

Moves are now in place to siphon off the remaining bunker fuel inside the M/T Solar I, which has caused a massive oil spill off Guimaras Island in the central Philippines.

"We will siphon off the oil from the sunken tanker," said Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr., concurrent chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the government's Task Force Guimaras, at a meeting in Camp Aguinaldo.

The decision was made after the ship was found to be stable on the seabed 600 meters beneath the surface, based on pictures taken by the Japanese salvage ship Shinsei Maru, said Joe Nichols, representative of the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC).
Nichols said it would take one week for the IOPC, a worldwide organization of petroleum companies, to decide whether to approve the siphoning and shoulder its cost.

Since an estimated 1.3 million of the two million liters of bunker fuel has leaked out of Solar I, the siphoning would take around 20 days. Had the tanker been full, it would take 45 days, Nichols said.

And if the IOPC decides to shoulder the siphoning, it would take several more weeks to plan the operations, Nichols said during a National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) meeting in Camp Aguinaldo.(PIA/RMN)

Top officials leave for educational tour in Sweden and Thailand
By: Rachelle Nessia

Governor George Arnaiz and Vice Governor Jose Baldado are set to embark on separate educational tours abroad geared towards local governance and environmental sustainability.
According to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence, Governor Arnaiz will leave for Sweden on September 13 upon the invitation of the Swedish Government through the local government academy of Sweden.

Arnaiz was chosen by the League of Governors President Enrico Aumentando as the league’s official delegate.

In Sweden, the governor and company will study the local governance of Sweden from September 14 to 29.

Arnaiz went on a similar educational tour to Germany two years ago upon the invitation of the German Government to study federalism and local governance.

Lemence said the Swedish trip will be the sixth travel of the provincial chief executive since he assumed office in 1998, all paid for by the inviting agency or sponsored by the foreign government.

Arnaiz has visited Australia, China, Thailand and Taiwan to learn the business and investment, federalism, water systems, technologies in agriculture, organic farming and tourism- all major programs of his administration – to spur the economy of the province and improve local governance.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Baldado will be leaving for Thailand on September 10 to 13 upon the invitation of the Department of Interior and Local Government – German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) water and sanitation program.

Lemence said the vice governor is set to attend a conference on Integrated Water Resource Management in the Southeast Asia Regional IWRM 2005 Meeting with the theme “Accelerating IWRM Planning and Implementation for Environmental Stability.”

The conference will be held in Hinsuay Namsai Resort Hotel, Sakpong District, Rayong Province, Thailand.

The event is sponsored by the Danish International Development (Danida) and convened by the United Nations Environment Program, Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia and the Department of Water Resources, Monre, Thailand.

Andreas Kanzler, GTZ country director of the Philippines and the Pacific, who invited the vice governor said the conference is aimed at promoting regional dialogue on lessons learned on accelerating IWRM planning and implementation.

Kanzler stressed the need to further strengthen regional and national efforts on IWMR and environmental sustainability aspects in water management in Southeast Asia.

One of the highlights of the conference is the presentation of lessons learned from IWRM activities from different countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

In a related development, President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo is one of only four lady heads of state attending the 6th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM6) in Helsinki, Finland which is expected to further enhance relations between the two regions ranging from trade to security cooperation.

The 25-nation European Union, both curious and cautious about Asia's growing role in world affairs, hosts leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Korea and Japan for two days of talks in this Nordic country which holds the EU's rotating presidency.

ASEAN is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Administration is confident that it will be able to convince the European Union leaders that the Philippine government has nothing to do with the spate of killings, impress upon them that the Government does not condone these dastardly acts, and prove the Government’s determined efforts to bring justice to the victims and put a stop to all forms of politically-motivated violence. (PIA/RMN)

VM Ablong warns of pitfalls of tourism
By: Rachelle Nessia

The Vice Mayor of Dumaguete has warned anew the health hazards posed by sewage and septage, which he said are some of the pitfalls that tourism can bring to the city and Oriental Negros.

During the recent Regional Assembly of the Central Visayas Tourism Council, Vice Mayor William Ablong said that although tourism can bring substantial benefits, it has many drawbacks that can easily erode its gains.

Ablong explained that sewage is the wastewater particularly from toilets and other household areas and also industrial and storm waters while septage is the thickened sewage inside the septic tank.

Untreated wastewater affects health by spreading disease-causing bacteria and viruses, making water unfit for drinking and recreational use, threatening biodiversity, and deteriorating overall quality of life, he warned.

Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis and SARS are the very common diseases caused by polluted water.

According to Ablong, water pollution due to inadequate wastewater collection and treatment facilities is a serious problem in the Philippines with more than 90% of the sewage generated not disposed or treated in an environmentally acceptable manner (World Bank 2003).

“Septic tanks alone are not environmentally acceptable,” says Ablong, who is also an environmentalist.

According to City Public Information Officer Andre Tumulak, the city is now on its way towards implementing a citywide wastewater management program.

This is to preserve and conserve the good quality of drinking water supply underground and improve quality of the water in the oceanfront along the city’s popular boulevard promenade, says Tumulak.

The city is one of the pilot cities in the Philippines under the Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW) project of the USAID.

Under LINAW, the city government will build an offsite biological treatment facility consisting of a series of 8 ponds to treat septage from the city’s septic tanks, from over 21,000 households, commercial establishments, schools, hospitals, the public market and the city hall as well as building a Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) for the public market sewage problem.

The provincial government has been pushing for the promotion of the province as a premier tourist destination in Central Visayas, in a bid to cash in on tourism, which according to Ablong, is now the largest industry in the world.

The province is a known coastal tourism destination in the country because of its crystal clear waters along white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the heads of Asian and European nations taking part in the 6th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Helsinki, Finland to support the "Manila Vision and Action Plan" on the protection of the marine environment as proposed in the first ASEM Oceans Initiative.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Portugal are the sponsors of the proposal.

The President’s strong push for the two regions -- Asia and Europe -- to forge a stronger cooperation on marine environment protection and scientific research came amid the rapid degradation of the world’s oceans.(PIA/RMN)

NFA sets new buying price for corn procurement

The National Food Authority has announced the new buying price for the procurement of corn, which is now P8.50 per kilogram.

According to NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino, the new buying price was approved by the NFA Council in its meeting on August 23, setting a new buying price for clean and dry white corngrains that took effect immediately.

Bejemino said that as standard operating procedure, all while corn grains shall be subject to the existing Equivalent Net Weight Factor Table for Corngrains.

The drying incentive fee shall be granted to white corn deliveries with moisture content of 14% and below, he said.

“The cooperative development incentive fund of P0.25/kg shall be given only to farmers cooperatives,” adds Bejemino.

Farmers and farmers cooperatives who wish to learn of more details on the new buying price may contact NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco L. Lorico Jr. at 225-2823, 422-1723, 225-6522 and 422-1731. (PIA/RMN)

OrNeg extends P300T financial assistance to Guimaras
By: Rachelle Nessia

The provincial government of Oriental Negros is set to extend a financial assistance of P300,000 to the Island Province of Guimaras as a result of the oil spill brought about by the sinking of MT Solar I on August 11.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has authorized Governor George P. Arnaiz to release the amount that will be sourced out from the General Fund as financial aid to Guimaras.

According to Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence, it has been the policy of the governor to extend financial support to provinces in distress.

It can be recalled that the governor has extended P500,000 early this year for the landslide victims of Brgy. Guinsaugon, Leyte.

Lemence quoted Arnaiz as saying that “it is not the amount but the thought of giving.”

Meanwhile, the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) is wrapping up final deliberations following two weeks of hearings to determine why the ship sank.

Cruz said he expects the BMI to submit its report to him this week.

The chairman of the BMI, Rear Admiral Danilo Abinoja, had said that they were looking at either force majeure or environmental factors, or human error as the cause of the sinking.

The ship's captain, Norberto Aguro, has been blamed for the sinking after he decided to continue sailing to Zamboanga City through the Guimaras Strait despite inclement weather and even as the ship was listing and filling up with water. (PIA/RMN)

Media urged to guard against misleading reports
Recent claims of German bank deposits and breaches in airport security underscore the need for media to guard against misleading reports by always asking for proof before rushing to print or broadcast any claim, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo L. Saludo said today.

At the same time, Saludo said the public, for its part, should check reports if any evidence is given for assertions made, before believing them.

Noting that journalists ask for solid evidence when they are accused, as in the case of a broadcaster alleged to have bailed out a terrorism suspect, the Palace official said media should do likewise when figures identified with the government are the subject of charges and innuendo. If an accuser fails to substantiate his claims, that omission should be highlighted in the news item, Saludo said, adding that the public could then better gauge the veracity of accusations, and the media would be true to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines code of ethics.

Saludo particularly cited the following commitments of the NUJP in its code of ethics:
I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.
VIII. I shall presume persons accused to be innocent until proven otherwise.

The Cabinet secretary also said that critics of the government, for their part, would serve truth and justice better if they bring their charges to court, rather than to Congress and media. In the latter venues, hearsay and baseless claims are often given free rein, and grandstanding poses obstacles to the sober presentation and consideration of findings, he added.

Saludo noted that over the past year, the opposition could have shown the quality of their evidence by using their "boxes" of material to sue officials implicated in the impeachment complaints. Those allegedly involved in "jueteng" payolas, anomalous contracts, rights abuses, and other offenses could have been charged, yet no such cases have been initiated, not even against a former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner accused of direct involvement in election fraud, he said.

"The Philippines is winning kudos here and abroad for our fiscal reforms and development agenda, and our people want the government to focus on accelerating progress and delivering vital services. The nation must not be distracted by baseless allegations that the opposition is not even willing to bring under the impartial scrutiny of the courts," he stressed.

Araw ng Siquijor opens with sportsfest, civil servants renews vow
By: Rizalie Calibo

The 35th celebration of the Araw ng Siquijor kicked off with a sports fest last week in Enrique Villanueva, this year’s host municipality.

The opening program was highlighted with a parade that drew the participation of local leaders, athletes and government employees all over the province.

The six equally beautiful ladies representing each town and who will be vying for the title “Miss Siquijor Tourism 2006” on the night of September 15 served as the center of attraction during the activity.

Coinciding with the opening program was the 106th celebration of the Philippine Civil Service. Government employees renewed their vows of commitment in public service during the activity.

Up for grabs and at stake are cash prizes for the different winners of the different ball games competition.

Man with marijuana arrested in Larena
By: Rizalie Calibo

The Larena Police arrested last week one Paulino Cabatingan of Sandugan, Larena for unlicensed driving and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.

The arrest was made during a checkpoint conducted in Brgy. Nonoc which was closely coordinated with the barangay council.

Cabatingan who was temporarily detained in Larena Police Station was reported to have been carrying with him one piece of half-consumed marijuana, which yielded positive result in a laboratory examination in Dumaguete City.

In a related incident, the Larena police headed by Police Inspector Enrique Belcina was commended recently for its spending performance exerted in their continuous “Oplan Banat” campaign.

The campaign which resulted to the arrest of one Jon Davy Uy and the confiscation of 3 small heat sealed plastic packs containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; one (1)stainless magazine of caliber 45 pistol with seven (7)rounds of ammunitions; and one (1) LBP Check was made through the joint operation of Siquijor Police Provincial Office and the Larena Police Station.

Meanwhile, the fight against terrorism continues as the country’s security forces are on constant alert to protect the people, including foreign embassies, in light of the terror attack on a US Embasy in Syria.

A new warning of terror attacks from JI leaders outside the country serves as a reminder of the threat of reprisal bombings and attacks that will arise due to the Sulu offensive where some 6000 strong force is in the hunt for 200 ASG members.

ISSUE NO. 36, Sept. 7, 2006

City police chief calls for community help in stopping vigilante killings
The police force in Dumaguete is calling for the active participation of residents in the city’s crime prevention efforts in order to crack down on the spate of “vigilante” killings in the city.

City Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos stressed that any information related to the vigilante killings, however minute, will help.

“We appreciate any information from the community that will help us solve these killings,” says Carlos in a forum sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

Police investigators are currently worried that copycat killings might occur. “We’re hoping that there will be no copycats, who will follow the same modus operandi and try to hit other victims,” the police chief said.

He said that from the modus operandi of the vigilante killings, the victims were people known to be involved in illegal drugs activities or other criminal activities.

Carlos is appealing for vigilance among community members, saying that that information from the community will help investigators take hold of evidence against suspects and bring them to court, he said.

“If you see new faces in the area, or suspicious movements in your area, please report them to us so we can check them and prevent crime from happening,” adds Carlos.

The police chief likewise requested citizens to reduce ‘drinking sessions’ in public areas in an effort to minimize crime incidence.

Carlos, who stepped in as chief of police six months ago, noted that residents in Dumaguete prefer to enjoy their alcoholic beverages in public areas and not within the business establishment where they bought the alcohol.

He said that when he makes his customary patrol in the city at night, he has spotted groups of people in drinking sessions in public places, particularly in the along the promenade and on the breakwater of Rizal Boulevard

“People are not allowed to drink in parks, or on the boulevard promenade and the breakwater,” Carlos said.

The city police office has recently stepped up its drive to educate the local community as Carlos believes the community has a key role to play in putting a stop to crime incidents.

By educating the community on how to protect themselves, the police chief is confident that this will make up for the lack of policemen in the city.

The city police force is currently seriously undermanned.

Statistics show that there are only 85 cops policing a daytime population of 400,000 in Dumaguete. “This is a ratio of one policeman to 4,705 citizens at daytime. How can a cop cover 4,705 community members?” laments Carlos.

He disclosed that they have finished conducting crime prevention trainings in business establishments and offices and are now focused on the schools.

He has also proposed to the City Peace and Order Council for the production of posters showing what he calls as the triangle of public safety – police, fire, medical and rescue support – and their corresponding telephone numbers.

Meanwhile, the national government has been working double time with its international partners against terrorism to shore up measures that will combat this growing global threat, said Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye.

"We are working side by side with the American military to improve our military capability in terrorist response, and in real time, are working to eliminate the JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) and the Abu Sayyaf who stubbornly cling to their remote outposts," he said.

Sibulan LGU promotes road safety consciousness
The local government unit of Sibulan is spearheading a campaign promoting road safety consciousness through the use of protective helmet by motorists.

In line with this effort, a motorcade by owners of motorcycles and municipal personnel was held on September 6 in Sibulan.

According to Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia, the use of protective helmets will lessen the risk to life faced by motorists. “Road mishaps that happen almost anywhere and anytime have prompted the use of protective helmets. Motorists are very much exposed to danger.”

This is true not only with the driver but the rider as well, so both should be wearing helmets, adds Renacia.

Hon. Genaro Gil Concepcion has been at the forefront of the drive to promote the use of protective helmets.

Sibulan Municipal Information Officer Concepcion Rosales said that employees who will be caught riding their motorcycles without helmets will be penalized.

Three LGUs in OrNeg nominated for Most Child-Friendly City, Municipality
Three local government units in Oriental Negros are vying for the 2006 Presidential Awards for Most Child-Friendly Municipality and City in different categories at the national level.

From Region 7, Dumaguete City with Cebu City have been nominated for the highly urbanized city and component city categories while Sibulan in Oriental Negros, Inabanga of Bohol and Dalaguete of Cebu have been nominated for the 1st to 3rd class municipality category.

Dauin town in OrNeg, Catigbian in Bohol and Pilar in Cebu are vying in the 4th to 6th class municipality category.

Regional Director Teodulo Romo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7, said the Regional Awards Committee (RAC) had submitted the list of the provincial nominees to the members of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) for review and to recommend them for the national awards.

The Presidential Awards for the Most-Friendly Municipality and City was launched on November 13, 1999 under Executive Order No. 184 but had a moratorium in 2004 and 2005 for the review and study of the evaluation tools and guidelines.

However, this year the Presidential Awards was revived to institutionalize “child-friendly” governance and environment and give national recognition to cities and municipalities that able to provide “child-friendly” governance and environment.

The awards also seek to increase the level of awareness and stakeholders on the rights of children, encourage local government units to prioritize and address issues and concerns affecting the full realization of children’s rights and monitor and evaluate the “child-friendliness” of LGUs in the country.

According to Romo, all cities and municipalities have been encouraged to join the awards.

43 Tindahan Natin operators accredited in OrNeg
A total of 43 Tindahan Natin outlets are now operating in Oriental Negros.
The operators of Tindahan Natin stores in the province are located in 56 barangays serving 9,608 family beneficiaries across Oriental Negros, says Information Officer Rolando Lazalita of the National Food Authority (NFA).

Records from the NFA here show that the outlets are in Bindoy Vallehermoso, Amlan, Pamplona, San Jose, Tanjay, Bacong and Bayawan City.

Handog sa Parokya Tindahan Natin outlets are also in operation in Dumaguete City and Dauin.
The Tindahan Natin project was launched in the province on June 20, 2006 at the Tindahan Natin of Mrs. Nanette de la Cruz at Poblacion, Amlan.

Undersecretary Celia C. Yangco, Dir. Teodulo R. Romo, Jr., NFA Provincial Manager Marianito B. Behemino, Amlan Mayor Bentham de la Cruz of Amlan, other mayors of the province and guests graced the affair.

The Tindahan Natin Project is a national government initiative for job generation, livelihood and food security.

The project will provide low-priced but good quality rice and noodles through a store identified and endorsed by the DSWD, City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices of the local government units (LGUs), Barangay Council and subsequently accredited by NFA.

NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino reminds the Tindahan Natin Operators that the burden of maintaining rice prices at P18.00/kg naturally rest on NFA.

They must ensure that families below food threshold get access to low-priced basic food items, specifically rice.

Bejemino also reiterated that the accredited Tindahan Natin operators/outlets will follow all rules and regulations promulgated by NFA with regard to the retailing of rice.

The Tindahan Natin endeavor is an offshoot of the government’s job generation program, which has recently been fueled by the momentum of gains from the continuous strengthening of the peso, and the surpluses incurred during the past months.

Malacañang recently reported that the 6.4% inflation rate, strong peso now at P50.73 to a dollar, 5.5% GDP growth in the Q2 of 2006, 14% increase in OFW remittances, and the improving outlook of credit rating agencies and reputable international institutions such as the Development Bank of Singapore that forecasts a stronger peso to breach the P50:1$ rate will continue to take the country to the promised land of economic progress.

The country’s exit from the IMF, the improving revenue generation, and the massive pump priming into the economy through the super regions will pace the economic takeoff.

The local financial markets have surged, buoyed by an upbeat economic outlook and falling oil prices, with the peso climbing to a fresh four-year high of 50.48 against the US dollar at the close of trading.

Country’s first constructed wetland brings clean water to fisher folk
Polluted ground water will not be a problem for fisher folks in a resettlement village in Bayawan City with the construction of the first LGU-managed artificial wetland in the country.
Bayawan City holds the distinction of being the first local government unit in the country to construct and manage an artificial wetland that will rid domestic water of organic and toxic pollutants.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is intended for the fishermen and their families living in the Gawad Kalinga Housing Project in Barangay Villareal, Bayawan City.

There are 700 households in the housing project known as Fishermen’s Village.

During the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the project on September 4, Bayawan City Mayor German P. Sarana, Jr. noted that water pollution is one of the biggest problems in the country which resulted to the deaths of many Filipinos.

He hopes that the project will be replicated in other local government units in the province.

Saraña’s sentiment was echoed by Hon. Austere A. Panadero, Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who said that the country is wracked by a liquid waste problem yet only few recognize it.

He said that there are only a few liquid treatment facilities in the country as it is very costly.
He lauded Governor George P. Arnaiz for the province’s innovative projects especially in the agricultural and health sectors. “If you want a solution to your problem, go to the smart province, Negros Oriental,” he quips.

Gov. Arnaiz in his message also urged other local chief executives in the province to acquire their own wetlands similar to that of Bayawan.

He congratulated the Bayawan local government unit and challenged the fishermen beneficiaries of the project to help maintain its cleanliness and safety as well.

The Bayawan city government poured in P10M for the project, which broke ground in June 2005, with the technical assistance provided by the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ).

The constructed wetland covers an area approximately 3,000 square meters.

Andreas Kanzler, Country Director of the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) described the wetlands as a perfect solution to treat the sewage ofa small community since it is cost effective, easy to maintain and very efficient in the cleaning process.

Director Kanzler said that the technology of constructed wetlands proved to be very successful and reliable in several countries in Asia.

“This technology can address the very serious situation of contamination of the water bodies by untreated waste water in many regions in the Philippines,” he said.

The wetland wastewater treatment plant is in line with the government’s environmental protection efforts, which are currently geared towards containing the environmental calamity caused by the oil spill from Motor Tanker Solar I off the coast of Guimaras Island.

The Government is relentlessly pushing the continuing clean up, attending to the victims of illness and moving the communities in gathering biodegradable absorbents to soak up the remaining pollutants.

Some 120 people from 60 families living along the contaminated shorelines of Guimaras have been evacuated to safer ground, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) executive director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Glenn Rabonza said.
President Gloria Arroyo already has in hand her blueprint to prevent future oil spills and this is part of the overall program of environmental protection for the country, which will always remain a top national priority.

The Administration expects oil companies and other firms engaged in the transport of oil and chemicals to start coordinating with the Government agencies concerned for the institution of the necessary preventive measures.

DTI-Siquijor conducts search for "Pamilihan ng Lalawigan"
Siquijor - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with other government line agencies composing the Provincial Search Team (PST) recently inspected the six public markets in Siquijor Province for its for “Pamilihan ng Panlalawigan”.

The contest aims to ensure that public market places in the country adhere to fair trade laws with the basic aim of protecting the rights of consumers.

Criteria include the use of price tags, price board, common weighing scale (Timbangan ng Bayan), consumer welfare desks, clean market surroundings (clean toilets with adequate water) and the existence of a vendor's association and market administrator.

Out of the six public markers, only two will likely qualify for the program, DTI Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said.

Virtucio said DTI embarks on the project hoping that this will motivate local government units, public market masters and vendors to follow market standards while giving importance to the rights of.

Consumer rights mentioned include the right to information, the right to choose (by having price tags and price board), the right to redress (by placing consumer welfare desks to address complaints) and the right to safety (safe meat, rice & products sold) for public health concerns.

Members of the Provincial Search Team are the DTI, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Representative from the Consumer’s Group and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Announcement of the provincial winner be done on September 17 as one of the highlights of the Araw ng Siquijor celebration.. The winner in will compete in the regional level and likewise, the top contender in Central Visayas will represent the region in the national contest.

The national winner will be announced in time for the celebration of Consumer Month in October, it was said.

Province to celebrate 35th day
Siquijor - With this year's theme "Isla sa Siquijor: Pinalangga Ka, Palamboon Ka," the province of Siquijor will celebrate on September 17 its 35th day.
A yearly activity, the provincial government has lined up activities to highlight the occasion.

Activities include the sportsfest, which is opened today (September 5), presentations of the different towns festivals, the Solili Dance and the Miss Siquijor Tourism 2006.

Also an indispensable highlight will be the Halad Siquijodnon, now on its 18th year. It is a joint undertaking of the Provincial Government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMEDC).

The Araw ng Siquijor is anticipated to be a feast to the eye and the senses as visitors and locals alike will have a taste of everything from processed food products to woodcraft, arts, music and dances.

Siquijor congressman pours in P8.8M to KALAHI
Siquijor Congressman Orlando Shane Fua shows his all-out support to the government’s anti-poverty project KALAHI-CIDSS:KKB by pouring in P8,874901.97 of his PDAF to fund community development projects in the Municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor where KALAHI is implemented.

Siquijor Province is one of the 42 poorest provinces nationwide covered by KALAHI-CIDSS (KC) in January 2003. The Municipality of Siquijor is one of the 14 municipalities in Central Visayas which is benefiting the poverty project.

KC is implemented only in every target municipality for a maximum of three years. In December this year, KALAHI will already be localized to the Local Government Unit of Siquijor.
In the initial year of the project, Cong. Fua shelved P4M to fund nine sub-projects that were prioritized during the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF). The MIBF is a localized decision-making process where sub-project concepts are not only ranked but are also prioritized for funding under KALAHI-CIDSS.

Five of these sub-projects involved water system, two were farm-to-market road, a day care center and an electrification. P1.6 M of his initial contribution went to CATITOBO water system, which is the biggest and most expensive sub-project implemented under KC nationwide. CATITOBO is coined after the first syllable of the names of the eight clustered barangays benefiting the water system.

This year, Cong. Fua pledged another P4,874,901.97 for the implementation of the 14 prioritized sub-projects in the municipality that are expected to be completed before the Project phases out in December.

Total project costs of these community projects are not solely shouldered by KALAHI. The These projects were also realized through the local counterpart contribution from the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units (LGU), the district’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), and the finances and efforts from the community people.

Almost 4,000 household in Siquijor are able to directly benefit from all the projects implemented in the area.

KALAHI-CIDSS, which stands for Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services: Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay, is a community-driven development project that aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in community projects that reduce poverty.

This project is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the World Bank providing financial support to the project.

Meanwhile, the comprehensive picture of the country’s economy undoubtedly shows a nation on a roll, and an enterprising people reaching for the limit in period of rapid political stability and consolidation.

International visitor arrivals grew 6.6 percent year-on-year in July, faster than the 3.9 percent growth registered in June, on the back of double-digit increase in tourists from Korea, China and other Asian countries. Data from the Department of Tourism shows that foreign visitors in July totaled 251,884, up from 236,233 in the year-earlier month.

Phase I of the economic plan of the Government has been achieved as evidenced by the sustained growth of the economy. The gains in Phase I will propel the country in achieving the same result in Phase II or the restructuring of the Philippines into five Super Regions.

Pres. Arroyo in Forbes’ list of 100 Most Powerful Women
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been named by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women,” ranking her the 45th most powerful ahead of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, who came in at 46th and 47th respectively.

President Arroyo is thankful of this recognition from Forbes Magazine, which she considers more an acknowledgement of the gains being made by the Filipino people on the road to political stability and economic progress.

The President is but an instrument of the sovereign people and any accolade extended to her is an accolade for the entire Philippines.