ISSUE NO. 43, OCTOBER 26, 2006

New DevInfo software boosts Knowledge Center
Planning of programs for children and women in Oriental Negros is now made easier with a more improved Knowledge Center for Children under the Child Friendly Movement in the province.

According to Kurt Zion Pala, Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-7 in Cebu, a new and more sophisticated software has been developed for the Knowledge Centers for Children in the country.

Pala, as focal person for Development Information, was in Dumaguete City to train members of the Knowledge Network Committee in the province on the Development Information Version 5.0 software which will be used to pool evidence-based data to be used for planning, budgeting and mobilizing resources for programs focused on children and women.

With the DevInfo v5.0, committee members can regularly submit updated data for collection and analysis of policy makers. “This data will be used by policy makers in their planning for children and the public as well,” said Jennifer Catan-Tilos, Infocen Manager of the Philippine Information Agency here.

PIA, together with the provincial government of Oriental Negros and Unicef, spearheaded the three-day training from October 23 to 25 at Plaza Ma. Luisa Suites Inn.

Tilos said the Knowledge Center will serve as a resource center of accurate and current data and information on projects and activities for children’s concerns; statistics on children and women; books, laws and ordinances on children and women.

It will also package date into factsheets, charts, tables, maps and State of the Province Reports and analyze date and produce IEC materials using evidence-based information.

The Knowledge Center in the province is managed by Engr. Frederick Flores of the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is pushing for the inclusion of “newborn screening” into the government’s national action plan for infants.
Newborn screening is a process by which infants are tested for possible inherited diseases.

“We should include newborn screening in the national action plan for infants,” Arroyo said during a roundtable discussion in Malacañang on Monday.

Her statement was made in time for the observation of national newborn screening week, which was created last year through Presidential Proclamation 640.
Dr. Carmencita Padilla of the Department of Health explained that the program would not only help save babies from future mental retardation but also save parents the cost of hospitalization.

“Taking care of a child is so expensive,” Padilla said. “The expenses a parent may incur for a sick child can reach P70,000.”

Two children were presented to Arroyo during the roundtable --9-year-old Janelle Barrameda, who benefited from the newborn screening process, and a 17-year-old who was not screened and began suffering mental health problem three years ago.

80 kids join Child and Youth Convention
Around 80 children from ten elementary schools in identified barangays under the Sixth Country Programme for Children in the province gathered in Dumaguete City today (October 26) for the annual Child and Youth Convention.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency together with the Provincial Government of Oriental Negros, the convention is in line with the province’s celebration of Children’s Month this October.

According to local PIA Infocen Manager Jennifer Catan-Tilos, this year’s convention was simultaneously undertaken by partner agencies and will focus on Child and Youth Participation Rights.

Participants are Grade 6 students with their teacher-chaperones from Malongcay Elementary School, Dauin; Calinawan Elementary School, Sibulan; Luka Elementary School, Tanjay City; Salag Elementary School, Siaton; Cadawinonan Elementary School, Dumaguete City; Sacsac Elementary School, Bacong; Banawe Elementary School, Pamplona; East Balabag Elementary School, Valencia; Kalamtukan Elementary School, Bayawan City; and Bios Elementary School, Amlan.

During the convention, the participants explored the various avenues in their respective schools and communities where they can participate.

The participants will present their output during the Provincial State of the Children Address, which will be delivered by Governor George P. Arnaiz at 2:00 p.m. at the same day at Negros Oriental State University Main Campus Gym and witnessed by around one thousand children.

Workers get pay on Muslim Day
For the guidance of employers of the private sector in the province of Oriental Negros, the local Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has confirmed that workers are entitled to compensation on October 24, a regular holiday in observance of Eid'l Fitr regardless of whether they report for duty or not.

Based on the guidelines, Lilian Mondarte of DOLE here said, an employee will receive regular compensation even if he or she does not report for work on that day, and even on Tuesday (Oct. 24) was his or her work day or rest day.

DOLE guidelines stated that if the day is a regular workday and the employee reports for duty, he or she is entitled to 200 percent of his or her regular wage. If he works over eight hours, he should receive the hourly rate for that day, which is 200 percent of his regular wage divided by eight, plus 30 percent of that hourly rate.

But if the holiday falls on the worker's rest day and he still reports for duty, he should receive 260 percent of his regular wage. For overtime work, he should get the hourly rate, which is 260 percent of his regular wage divided by eight, plus 30 percent of that rate.

President Macapagal Arroyo declared October 24 a holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid'l Fitr, which is celebrated by the Muslim World at the end of the month of fasting, Ramadan.

Eid'l Fitr has been declared a regular holiday to promote cultural understanding and integration, and to give the Filipino nation the chance to join Muslims in the celebration.

15 menus compete for Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Negros
A total of 15 menus from each town and city in the province will be competed in the 1st grand cook fest dubbed as “Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Negros” on October 26-27, 2006 at Negros Oriental High School Gymnasium, this city.

From the set of choices of Nilabog na Isda of San Jose; Ginataang Steamed Chicken of Bacong; Ginataang Binuro, Basay; Tugnos Delight, Dauin; Chicken Coco Cream, La Libertad; Ginataang Pabong Con Mais, Canlaon City; Ticoco of Ayungon;
Layered Solanium Melongina with tokwa of Dumaguete City; Buco Pancit Guisado, Sta. Catalina; Spicy Cardisona, Sibulan; Chicken Halang-Halang, Bayawan City; Ginataang Pasayan, Amlan; Steamed Chicken in Vege-Mushroom of Valencia; Tilapia with Adobong Kangkong of Tanjay City; and Malunggay na Puso sa Saging Roll of Mabinay.

All participants of the cooking contest must wear appropriate cooking attire and provide his/her own cooking utensils and equipment.

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 the highest points will receive P10,000, gift pack and a trophy as the first prize winner; while 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.

After the competition, all recipes will become the property of the Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Negros Organizing Committee. (Jennifer C. Tilos/PIA)

DILG NAGPATABANG SA MGA BARANGAY
(DILG seeks assistance from the barangays)
Sa tinguha nga malampusong mapuhag ang terorismo sa nasod, ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nagpatabang na karon sa kabarangayan sa nasod alang sa maong katuyuan.

Ang nasod adunay 41 mil ka mga barangay nga moabag sa mga militar og kapolisan sa pagsuta, pagpaniid og pagsumpo sa mga kalihukan sa mga terorista sa nasod.

Base sa impormasyon gikan sa DILG, ang 37,534 ka mga barangay sa nasod aduna nay kaugalingong peace and order committees.

Si DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno nagkanayon nga ang terorismo nihimo na og kalihukang local og nga tungod niini gikinahanglan ang pagpakabana sa matag lumulupyo aron magpabiling luwas ang nasod sa terorismo nga naghulga karon sa tibuok kalibutan.

Dinhi sa tunga-tungang Kabisay-an, ang DILG nihimo og 1096 nga mga barangay sa tibuok rehiyon.

Gipaabot ang dakong suporta niini sa chairman sa Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) nga si Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia nga nideklarar sayo ning tuiga sa way pagduha-duhang hiniusang pagpakigbatok sa terorismo.

Baruganan nga gihangop usab sa mga ahensiya sa kagamhanan, militar, kapolisan, magpapatigayon, mga local nga opisyales, og pribadong sektor sa Central Visayas.
Kung mahinumduman, si Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa iyang State of the Nation Address nideklarar sa kalampusan sa pagpuhag sa mga terorista sa Kabisay-an nga nagbase sa isla sa Bohol.

Ang maong kalampusan gilauman nga magpabilin og sundon usab sa uban pinaagi sa hiniusang paningkamot sa tanang sector sa katilingban.

Sa Sugbo, ang nasuta nga adunay mga rebeldeng komunistang terorista naglihok sa norte nga bahin sa isla.

Ang kapolisan sa Siquijor og Oriental Negros, way nahitabo nga operasyon sa mga terorsitang pundok sa nakalabay nga mga bulan.

Sa ilang bahin, ang mga director sa kapolisan sa lalawigan sa Bohol, Sugbo, og Oriental Negros nagkahiusa sab nga ang lakang sa DILG dako og ikatabang tungod kay alang kanila ang kalampusan sa pagbatok sa terorismo nagkinahanglan sa kooperasyon sa katilingban.

DOST's SETUP boosts Siquijor SMEs
Siquijor businesses now get a boost as the Department of Science and Technology began pouring in its package of support for local entrepreneurs here.

“I’m talking about the DOST’s SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) that aims to boost their productivity and ultimately create stable employment for our rural folks”, Engr. Mario de la Pena, Provincial Science and Technology Officer said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

As the DOST’s response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call to strengthen the country’s entrepreneur that are seen as the engine for job creation and wealth distribution, SETUP provides a package of intervention in the form of technology upgrading and acquisition, packaging and labeling, technical consultancy services, product standards development, and identification, training and networking assistance.

Four manufacturers/producers from this province are up for funding this year totaling some P843,000 and five more are prepared for 2007 funding.

Approved for this year’s release are mostly for the food sector namely Jainen’s Cakes and Pastries, P251,000, Ever’s Special Peanut Processing, P178,000, R&J Homemade Meat Products, P134,000 and the Naning’s Furniture, P280T.

For 2007, proposed projects are the establishment of Accelerated Vinegar Making Facility, P150T, Upgrading of Island Fresh Milk Facility, P180T, Technology, Upgrading of Vi’s Special Torta Production Facility, P150T and Establishment of Wrought Iron Forming Facility, P180T.

“Our local entrepreneurs from the food; furniture; gift; houseware and
decors; marine and metals who are in need of technology upgrading increase productivity are our top priority”, Engr. De la Pena said.

In 2005, SETUP has also released some P863,000 in project fund for CJP Furniture, P150T; Duran’s Banana Crackers, P207, 500 and Renie’s Peanut Processing, P155,500.

“Our support even includes proposal preparation and MOA signing aside from the equipment acquisition, laboratory analysis, shelf-life testing, trainings and consultancy services”, de la Pena said.

To cite the local DOST has initiated the development of packaging and labeling design of Siquijor products which were showcased in the Halad Siquijodnon 2006 Trade Fair and Exhibits last month that higlighted the Araw ng Siquijor celebration.

“This assistance of DOST is very helpful to SMEs and I only wish that there will be more SETUP funding in the future”, de la Pena said, stressing that the main factors for beneficiaries to succeed are the positive attitude to the assistance and their commitment to the project coupled with good linkages with the government sector.

The continuous economic gains clearly show that the Administration is aggressively bent on turning the Philippines around through tough decisions and proactive diplomacy.

With President Gloria Arroyo heading to China, the Philippines can cement its good relations with the economic superpower and an additional benefit for the country is China’s funding support for the Government’s infrastructure programs aimed at further boosting economic growth and poverty alleviation.

The DSWD is starting its drive to assist families in building businesses through the PCFC Micro-Financing Program, which will bolster hopes of eliminating the roots of poverty. The Government will continue to seek to obtain broader participation from larger private financial institutions in bankrolling the social projects.

Maria RHU is sentrong sigla phase 2 certified
After being accredited and awarded Sentrong Sigla Phase I last August 2003, the local government and rural health unit of Maria made it again recently for another round of accreditation.

This year, the phase 2 accreditation team was composed of Dra. Cora-Lou Kintanar, OIC-LAHAD, Ms. Fe Quijano of the licensing department and Ms. Lourdes Maratas of CHD 7 – Cebu City .

Information Officer of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Lady Esperanza Patay said the certification was a realization of the local government’s vision of gaining quality health services to all Mariajanons and the Siquijodnons as a whole.

She said the success of Maria Rural Health Unit was pooled efforts of then municipal mayor Encarnacion Sunogan (during phase I) and the present administration of Mayor Rebecca Padayhag.

Credit is also given to the Technical Assistance of CHD 7 in the person of Ms. Mila Tan, the LAMAR coordinators who likewise provided comprehensive technical assistance to the RHU personnel and Dra. Susan Jojie O. Villa, municipal Health Officer of Larena and a millionaire beneficiary of Sentrong Sigla, who was so generous enough to share her experience and documents in the process of certification.

The SS II certification was also made successful through the support of the community volunteer health workers who, in so many ways, assisted the RHU personnel in cleaning, arranging, beautifying and housekeeping in preparations for the evaluation and assessment, Ms. Patay said. “The clients/mothers in the community who were the beneficiaries of the delivered services also helped a lot by supporting the RHU personnel in the question-and-answer portion.”

The support of the local government to its rural health unit is a response to their task of providing health services as required under the Local Government Code of 1991. The RHU personnel, in return, took the challenge of providing quality health care services to their constituents, she said.

ISSUE NO. 42, OCTOBER 19, 2006

British Ambassador visits Bais City
British Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, is in Bais City today (October 19) to witness the presentation of the Bais City Integrated Coastal Resource Management Draft Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

The draft plan and ordinance are in line with the Program for the Protection and Management of Fisheries for Food Security in Bais City, a project undertaken by the Bais City government in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF) with financial assistance from the British Government.

According to Bais City Information Officer Amos Calidguid, the city government undertook the project as the LGU is steward to most of the natural resources flourishing in Bais Bay.
“Unfortunately, these resources are severely continuously threatened by the worsening problem of coastal pollution wherein the coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves and other animal species are no longer protected,” said Calidguid.

Under the said program, a series of trainings, workshops, writeshops, consultations with stakeholders, interactions and program advocacies were conducted by the city and barangat technical working groups in the 13 coastal barangays.

Joan Binondo, WWF Community Development Officer, disclosed that the Bais City Integrated Coastal Resource Management Plan and Zoning Ordinance will run from 2006 to 2015.
Presentation of the plan and ordinance is led by the City CRM technical working group which Binondo said has been instrumental in the preparation of the ICRM Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

The Ambassador is also set to enjoy a whale and dolphin watching at Tañon Strait followed by a walkthrough of the Talabong Mangrove Forest.

The presentation of the ICRM Plan and Zoning Ordinance is also be attended by the City/Barangay CRM-Technical Working Groups; local and national media men; city officials; WWF Staff; department/office heads, and Sangguniang Panlungsod Members and other functionaries and guests.

The national government is also spearheading efforts to ensure the country’s environmental sustainability during the United Nation’s stand up against poverty campaign.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the recent launching in Malacañang of the Philippine participation in the global campaign of the United Nations on "Stand Up Against Poverty, Stand Up for the Millennium Development Goals" which aim to halve the incidence of poverty by 2015.

The UN Millennium Campaign, dubbed "Stand Up Against Poverty, Stand Up for the Millennium Development Goals" is a global advocacy effort to have the greatest number of people to ever stand up and pledge themselves to the eradication of poverty.

The campaign is contained within the UN’s MDGs: a set of eight time-bound, concrete and specific targets to halve extreme poverty by 2015.

These goals are: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop global partnerships for development.

NFA employees cited for more than 20 years of service
Five employees of the National Food Authority (NFA) were recognized for their more than 20 years of continuous service with NFA.

Awarded for 25 years of service are Mae T. Almero and Nicasio Gantalao while for their 30 years in service, the following were awarded: Antonio C. Pepino, Edilberto Amor II and Zosimo V. Moso.

All awardees received certificates of recognition and cash awards worth P5,000 each.

Also cited as this year’s Best Employee for NFA Oriental Negros is Rolando Lazalita, who juggles two responsibilities as the food agency’s Provincial Market Development Officer and Acting Public Information Officer.

NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to keep up their good work and continue to adhere to the food agency’s vision and mission so that its “social responsibility especially to the needy could be achieved.”

Meanwhile, the Administration’s fiscal reforms stand firm and the cooperation of the people continues to bolster the country’s economic agenda.

The Government may have fallen short of the revenue target for September but this is an isolated setback as the BIR and other Government collecting agencies as well as our economic managers have already prepared an action plan to remain hitting the revenue targets and put forward effective measures to address the lackluster revenue collection performance for the month.

Phil Merchant Marine Academy to hold info dissemination in OrNeg
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is set to hold an information campaign in Oriental Negros to encourage local students to avail of the scholarships offered by one of the most prestigious maritime institutions in the country.

Capt. Richard Yu Ritual, vice president for the Administration, Finance and Training of the PMMA, will arrive in Dumaguete City on October 20 to hold a two-day information dissemination on the courses and trainings offered by PMMA.

Oliver Lemence, Capitol Information Officer, said Capt. Ritual will speak before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members in a special conference on October 20 at 9:00 a.m.

Capt. Ritual is also scheduled to meet with local media members during a press conference on October 21 at 9:00 a.m.

Lemence said that Governor George P. Arnaiz has earlier sent a letter to PMMA inviting the school’s officials to visit the province and hold an information dissemination about the academy.

“Only a few of the graduates of PMMA come from Oriental Negros. The graduates of the academy are mainly from Luzon, and many of our constituents here are interested to avail of PMMA’s scholarship programs, trainings and expertise,” Lemence quoted the governor as saying.

Formerly known as the Philippine Nautical School, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in San Narciso, Zambales is a pillar among maritime institutions in the country, churning out world famous Filipino PMMA cadets.

The Academy aims educate and train midshipmen/women to become qualified and competent merchant marine officers for shipboard and shore-based positions in response to the global requirements of the expanding international maritime industry, as well as to become competent and capable naval officers who can serve as naval and military auxiliaries in times of war and national emergencies, and to contribute to the improvement of maritime education and the pool of ship business managers through graduate school programs.

According to the DOTC website, the Academy is now offering two degree programs: BS in Marine Transportation, major in navigation and seamanship; and BS in Marine Transportation, major in steam engine and electrical engineering.

Since its establishment, the PMMA has been producing efficient and well trained merchant marine officers who could compare with those of the world's best. These graduates spearheaded the Philippines’ efforts in International trade although they could also serve as auxiliary officers capable of servicing naval needs in times of conflict.

Aside from ship officers, the Academy also trains its students in other fields of marine service, like marine surveying, port supervision, shipping office administration, ship management and others.

Lemence said that among the few graduates of the academy who come from Oriental Negros are Jeremiah Tagle, Arvin Hubert Yap and Capt. Allan Tingabngab, all of whom are now working overseas and enjoying the lucrative profession that is the marine merchant industry.

“The governor believes that through this information dissemination, more opportunities will open up for the underprivileged but deserving students in the province and in a way, helping stamp out poverty,” adds Lemence.

In a similar effort, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has vowed to stamp out poverty and give better living conditions to Filipinos in a United Nations campaign dubbed "Stand Up," in which the Philippines is also aiming to set a world record for the most number of people standing up against this social malaise.

Nileema Noble, United Nations resident representative, said the ceremony in Malacañang on Monday signified the country's participation in this worldwide campaign and in the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) with the target for one one million Filipinos from different parts of the country to stand up simultaneously in the fight against poverty.

Cecille Alvarez, Arroyo's adviser on culture, said the participants would stand up for 10 minutes.
She said they expected about 20 million people, mostly students, to join.

But more than the world record, Arroyo said she wanted to break the cycle of leaders making promises without turning them into reality.

"We are aiming for a record for the most number of people who will stand up simultaneously to demand action against poverty,” said Arroyo in Filipino, reading from the “Pledge Against Poverty.”

“Now is the time to end this heartbreaking reality. Let us all stand up to ask for justice and not for pity,” she said.

Bombings by communist terrorists is HR violation to the fullest - PNP
Police Supt. Alet Virtucio, chief of Operations Section of the Provincial Police Office here, said the recent bombings perpetrated by terrorists and killings by the Communist Terrorists (CTs) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel as well as civilians including CAFGus showed human rights violations to the fullest.

Col. Virtucio said the most recent violation of human rights that was committed by the CTs happened last September 6, 2006 when three unidentified persons believed to be members of the terrorist dissidents shot to death one Julwar Gantalao y Zerna at SItio Bunacan, Barangay Mandapaton, La Libertad, this province.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim was a military asset and an ex-CAFGU, when he was inside his house the perpetrators shot him and fled away.
Elements of La Libertad Police Station proceeded to the area of the incident to conduct a follow-up investigation.

The CPP/NPAs and other threat groups have been restless in spreading fear in the minds of the people who have stood against them or refused to give in to their terorristic activities. Many vital installations and establishments have been damaged and hampered while normal operations of businesses and other economic entities are disrupted.

However, Col. Virtucio said that law enforcers here in the province have been working relentlessly for the possible target of terrorism such as the Buglasan Festival.

Some 150 policemen were separately deployed to daily patrol around Capitol Area.

Meanwhile, Task Force Usig slammed the opposition for riding on the Communist Party’s propaganda line of extrajudicial killings, particularly in the cases of slain Aglipayan Church Bishop Alberto Ramento and parish priest Dionisio Estrada of Tago, Surigao del Sur.

The task force pointed out that the results of the investigations already established that criminal elements are the culprits in the slaying of Ramento and Estrada.

Weak El Niño now developing - PAGASA
PAGASA has confirmed that the heat wave El Niño Phenomenon is now on its early stage of development based on current oceanic conditions in the central equatorial Pacific.

In its first El Niño Advisory issued October 17, PAGASA Officer In Charge Prisco D. Nilo said that since August, a rise in sea surface temperatures within the level of a developing El Niño has been observed since May this yer.

Below normal rainfall conditions have been observed in some areas in the country for the past two months, particularly over parts of northern and western Luzon, most of northern Panay Island including Iloilo, southern Cebu, the western parts of Bohol and Zamboanga provinces, most parts of the Caraga provinces, Davao Oriental, eastern part of Davao del Norte and the southern tip of Davao del Sur and South Cotabato.

However, due to the typhoon Milenyo, above normal rainfall conditions were noted in areas affected by the typhoon.

The weather agency forecasts that the warming in the equatorial Pacific will persist through the early part of 2007 and is expected to affect rainfall patterns in the country that could adversely affect domestic water supply, agriculture and hydropower generation.

According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi of PAGASA here, there is a possibility of lesser development of tropical cyclones with the onset of the abnormal weather phenomenon El Niño.

He said the Philippines suffered from the worst El Niño development in the country in 1982 to 1983, heavily affecting the domestic and agricultural water supply in the Philippines.

The government has also asked the international community and the private sector to fund the P6 billion-peso rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoon "Milenyo" (international codename: Xangsane), officials said.

The storm, which ravaged Metro Manila and the eastern portion of the country in late September, damaged P4.9 billion worth of agriculture, P1.9 billion worth of infrastructure, and P555 million worth of school buildings, said Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr., concurrent chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

Meanwhile, there have been no reports so far of Filipinos having been killed or injured in the strong earthquake that jolted Hawaii Sunday, Ariel Abadilla, Philippine Consul General in the island said.

“So far no reports of anyone [Filipino or otherwise] killed due to quake. Over here in Honolulu, no apparent damage other than no electricity and outbound flights are suspended,” said Abadilla in a text message.

“Over at Big Island, 45 minutes by plane from Honolulu where [the] quake happened, Pinoys [ colloquial term for Filipinos] had lots of things [lamps, vases, glassware, cabinets etc] toppling over and breaking in homes,” Abadilla said, adding that reports indicate road damage and loose boulders and soil in the area.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

The media is invited to a luncheon press conference on Friday (October 20), 11:00 AM at the Circular House along North Road (in front of Uptown Garden Restaurant prior to reaching the National Statistics Office), this city.

The presscon is regarding the upcoming opening of Japanese-Filipino Children and Filipino Global Associates College (JFCGA) Foundation, Inc., a specialized school in performing arts and skills enhancement.

Schools, LGUs in Siquijor receive PCs
At least eight high schools and two Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province of Siquijor received brand-new computers with printers and peripherals from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Personal Computers for Public Schools (PCPS) project.

The project is the agency’s response to the compelling challenges posed by the fast-emerging Knowledge Economy. It aims to enhance the IT skills of Filipino youth as the country’s future knowledge workers and promote IT culture in the Philippine classrooms as an avenue to develop Filipinos’ skills to be at par with global standards.

The Philippines is now recognized for its competitive advantage in the IT services sector, being the second largest producer of computer services in Asia, next only to India, and having been ranked Number 4 worldwide in the category “Knowledge Jobs” in the 2002 Global New Economy Index by US-based Meta Group Research.

Through the project, the DTI strives to maintain this advantage and to provide a continuous pool of manpower in the IT sector, while promoting the need to incorporate IT in the basic levels of education by providing computers to public high schools.

Since its inception, the project has already established computer laboratories in 2,228 public high schools nationwide, distributed 32,240 brand new computers equipped with updated software, trained 24,389 high teachers on the use of computer technology as a tool for teaching and learning, and on basic PC operations, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, and provided 250 pilot LGUs with computer package consisting of one computer-server and four workstations installed with eLGU application systems.

Symposium on pro-active programs for competitiveness/PQA slated
In line with its thrust to make local organizations globally competitive, the Department of Trade and Industry –Center for Industrial Competitiveness (DTI-CIC), the implementing agency of the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) in cooperation with the DTI-Siquijor Provincial Office will hold a Symposium on the Pro-Active Programs for Competitiveness/PQA Roadshow.

Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio of the DTI here said, the activity aims to promote quality and productivity improvement programs that are essential to the well-being of the nation’s economy and our ability to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

The PQA, a national quality program which is institutionalized as the through Republic Act 9013 was created to help stimulate companies to improve quality and productivity for the pride of recognition while obtaining a competitiveness edge through increased profits and providing example to others, she said. The PQA also provides guidelines and criteria that can be used globally-minded organizations of all sizes and sectors, including both private and public organizations that wish to evaluate their own quality improvement efforts.

A brief overview of the PQA will be presented and guest speakers will share their quality strategies and successful performance practices on how their organizations were able to change their cultures and achieve eminence.

The activity will also introduce DTI-CIC’s Pro-Active Programs for Competitiveness, an array of training programs developed and designed to the needs of organizations aiming to further develop its human resources.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo welcomed reports the Philippines may soon get a credit rating upgrade from Moody's Investors Service, even as she urged the Senate to speed up deliberations on the proposed 2007 budget, which she said would define the development agenda of the government.

"We welcome the reports that the Philippines could be due for a credit
rating upgrade from Moody's," Arroyo said in a speech at the 58th charter day of Calbayog City.

"Fiscal disicpline is winning the day for the Philippines and we urge the Senate to speed up deliberations on the budget so that we can show the world our determination to bring the fruits of reforms to the doorsteps of every Filipino," she added.

PSYSC accepts applicants
Elementary and Secondary Schools’ Science Clubs are invited to join the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs, Inc. (PSYSC) – the umbrella organization of all highly esteemed science clubs nationwide.

The PSYSC conducts annual interactive workshops, science camps, leadership trainings and educational tours that aim to promote the public understanding of science, technology and environment.

Deadline for application is on November 30, 2006.

For more information, contact PSYSC at (02) 9298174 or (02) 9209561, send an email to psysc_inc@hotmail.com or visit the website www.psysc.org.


NSO celebrates October as nat'l statistics month
Statistics, both its practical and theoretical aspects takes center stage during the month of October as the whole country celebrates the National Statistics Month (NSM).

The month-long observance is celebrated by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 647 issued on September 20, 1990 by then President Corazon C. Aquino, declaring the month of October of every year as the National Statistics Month

This year’s celebration focuses on the theme “EMPOWERING CONSUMERS THROUGH RESPONSIVE ENERGY STATISTICS” and a Memorandum Circular was issued by the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) enjoining all government agencies at the national and sub-national levels as well as the private sector to actively participate in and support in this month-long celebration.

The observance of this event aims to promote, enhance and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation on the importance and value of statistics to the different sector of the society.

Moreover, it elicits cooperation and support from the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

To highlight the event, the regional and provincial NSO offices in Central Visayas have lined-up several activities for the celebration.

The activities include the conduct of Statistics Quiz/Olympiad involving different schools/colleges, statistical radio trivia, lecture on statistics, book display and exhibits, mobile statistical and civil registration activities, orientation-seminars and lecture-forum on topics related to statistics. (RTG/NSO)

Siquijor 4-H members get pre-qualifying exam for training program in Japan
4-H members Elnard Ympal and Arnel Laranjo of San Juan, Richie Lapinig of Enrique Villanueva and Alexis Agan of Siquijor town took on Monday the pre-qualifying examination for young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan.

The exam set at the Provincial Agriculturist Office, Larena, Siquijor will determine if the examinees qualify for the regional level to undergo Module 1 (Home Stay with JAECAAP Host Farmers).

Nominees qualified for Module 2 (Pre-Departure Orientation Course) shall be based on the results of evaluation conducted by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC) and JAECAAP.

Qualified top three (3) regional nominees shall be required to provide counterpart fund of P15,000 from their respective LGUs or from any reputable organization or sponsors.

The program is a joint collaboration of JAECAAP and NAFC in coordination with Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the International Agriculture Exchange Association (IAEA).

The training program aims to provide modern training experience to deserving young Filipino farmers and acquire technical skills in agriculture, farm machinery and cooperative management. It likewise provides opportunities fro an exchange of agricultural information among participants of mutual interest to foster understanding and goodwill among Asian nations. (Pilar Macalino)


October 15 is Nat'l Rural Women's Day
Come October 15, rural women are paid with tribute as the nation celebrates the Rural Women’s Day with the theme Pagkilala ng mga Kababaehan sa Kanayunan sa Seguridad sa Pagkain at Tubig”

The celebration is in line with Presidential Proclamation 1105 declaring every 15th day of October as the National Rural Women’s Day in consonance with the celebration of the World Rural Women’s Day.

The occasion is to highlight the largely unrecognized contribution of rural women the world over to food security and to development of rural areas.

This year’s celebration is spearheaded by the Pambansang Koalisyon ng mga Kababaehan sa Kanayunan (PIA).

PHOTO RELEASE:

Info Officer 2 Rachelle Nessia (extreme left) of PIA moderating the Kapihan forum on Rodeo and Horse Show Competition with guests (L-R) City Veterinarian Dr. Lourdes Socorro and Solomon Cadiz of the Provincial Veterinarian's Office.

PHOTO RELEASES:

WINNERS OF POSTER MAKING CONTEST ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
October 7, Negros Oriental State University Gym, Dumaguete City

Fraulin Sauro (above) and Jason T. Cimafranca (below) concentrate on putting their vision unto paper. Sauro and Cimfranca grabbed first prize in the School and Community-based categories respectively.

ISSUE NO. 41, October 12

Guv orders inspection of billboards in the province

By: Rachelle M. Nessia

Governor George P. Arnaiz has ordered the inspection of all billboards in the province to prevent loss of lives and damage to property in the event another ‘killer typhoon’ strikes.

With PAGASA estimating around seven more typhoons to hit the country, Arnaiz wants the billboards across the province checked if the owners and advertisers have the necessary permits.

Arnaiz in a recent press conference said billboards located along national highways will be inspected by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) while local government units will check the billboards in their jurisdiction.

The governor said billboards without permits will be dismantled while those with substandard structures will be brought to the attention of the advertising company or the owner.

The City Engineer’s Office in Dumaguete has already started inspecting the permits of billboards in the city as part of the regular yearly inspection of all commercial and industrial building permits, said Engr. Rainier Enario

It can be recalled that The killer typhoon Milenyo have toppled around 40 giant billboards in Luzon, killing at least one person, damaging property, causing a massive power outage and traffic jams along major highways.

Pres. Arroyo wants hazardous billboards off the streets as the government has started dismantling those found in gross violation of public safety.

Oriental Negros’ Buglasan Festival opens with Grand Fireworks

By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos

The colorful spectacle of Oriental Negros’ unique BUGLASAN festival of festivals will formally kick off on Friday, October 13, 2006 with a Mass and opening of the different local government units and corporate booths along with an array of mini restaurants at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Capitol Area, this city.

At 8pm of the same day, the Organization of Cultural Artists of Special Events in Oriental Negros (OCASEON) will perform as an opening salvo with grand fireworks at Freedom Park Stage, Capitol area.

This year’s Buglasan Festival annual celebration banners the theme, “ Buglasan: Intensifying Oriental Negros Multi-Sectoral Tourism Development Initiatives” which showcases some 78special events and performances.

This include showdown and streetdancing, rodeo and horse show competition, lutong garbo, fireworks display, dance and singing competition among others.

The first and one of its kind in the country, Buglasan festival brings together the best contingents of the province’s more than ten established festivals for a unified celebration and present its distinctive indigenous elements and legendary stories.

The Buglasan showdown and streetdancing represents the local fiestas in the municipalities and affords an opportunity for the public to witness the colorful activities in one place at one time which will be routed along Dumaguete’s main thoroughfares and presentation per contingent at the Lamberto Macial Sports and Cultural Center.

The celebration will stretch for 17 days from October 13 to 29 with a lot of exciting special events, sports and trade fairs that enliven the tourism industry of the province. Expected influx of local, national as well as foreign tourists will bring in cash flow and economic surge during the Buglasan period.

The Administration is working doubly hard to make the Philippines more competitive in doing business and sustain the confidence of the business community.

Ongoing programs that develop the infrastructure and shore up Government efficiency and cut corruption at all levels has already been put in place to complement the present economic gains of the country.

Non-working day in Oriental Negros on Oct. 20

By: Rachelle M. Nessia

Malacañang has proclaimed October 20 as a special non-working day in Oriental Negros in line with the province’s celebration of Buglasan Festival of Festivals.

The Office of the President has issued Proclamation No. 1151 signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita declaring October 20 as a non-working day in the province to give people here the “full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.”

The Buglasan Festival of Festivals in Oriental Negros is touted as the biggest and longest-running festival in the country, bringing together the different festivals of the 25 towns and cities in the province for a unified 17-day non-stop celebration from October 13 to 29.

Now on its 4th run, this year’s Buglasan Festival banners the theme, “ Buglasan: Intensifying Oriental Negros Multi-Sectoral Tourism Development Initiatives.”

Suicide rate on the rise worldwide

Slow down, mental health experts advise public

By: Rachelle M. Nessia

As people nowadays are subjected to more and more stress inside the home, at work and the environment, local mental health experts are urging the public to slow down and deal with stress effectively.

“Men and women face different levels of stress everyday and because of this each of us is prone to certain levels of mental health ailments,” said Glynda Descuatan, manager of a local cable company who also sits as Vice-Chairperson of the board of management of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Oriental Negros Chapter.

Descuatan said that it’s common nowadays for working people to take on two or more jobs in their desire to achieve financial security, causing a lot of stress.

This was echoed by Dr. Betsy Joy Tan, Chairperson of the PMHA board of management, who, along with Descuatan, was one of the guest speakers during yesterday’s Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in observance of Philippine Mental Health Week this October.

Tan said students, even at the elementary level, are already suffering from stress due to the vast number of assignments and projects with too-close deadlines to meet.

“This is why we have asked the teachers that if it’s possible, they can reduce the load of projects and assignments at school and give students enough time to beat deadlines,” said Tan.

A formidable leader in the field of mental health in the Philippines, PMHA is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization formally organized in the 1950s which sets out to prevent mental illness and promote sound mental health for Filipinos.

According to Dr. Perpetuo Jose Lozada, a known psychiatrist in the province, the World Health Organization defines mental health as not just the absence of disease but to be healthy physically, financially, socially, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.

He said there are biological as well as psychological causes of mental illness. “Even during the conception and pregnancy stages, the parent’s rejection or acceptance of the unborn child can already affect the child’s development inside the womb,” Lozada explained.

Strained relationships within the family can also lead to mental illness. “Is the child given enough opportunities in the home? Is he or she loved or rejected by the family members? Reassured and respected?” he added.

The World Federation for Mental Health has earlier set October 10 as World Mental Health Day with focus given this year to “Building Awareness- Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide.”

The WHO, according to Dr. Anders Nordstrőm, acting director-general of WHO, has called for improved treatment for mental illness to reduce suicide, which too often, represents a traffic consequence of failing to diagnose and treat serious mental illness.

Records from the WHO website show that an estimated 873,000 people commit suicide every year, which represents 1.4% of the global burden of disease. Suicide among young people is of significant concern: in some regions, suicide is the third leading cause of death in the age group 15-35 years.

WHO data show that as of May 2003, suicide rate among males is 2.5% and 1.7% among females in the Philippines.

WHO warns that at any time, 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental, neurological or behavioral problems and the rate is steadily rising.

In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide, disclosed WHO.

More than 90% of suicide cases are associated with mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and alcoholism.

Lozada said one of the symptoms of depression is sleeping difficulty. “Either you can’t sleep, which is insomnia, or you sleep all the time which is hypersomnia,” he explained.

Appetite is also affected, with the depressed person either losing it (anorexia) or eating too much (hyperbulimia).

To manage stress effectively, Tan advises that a person should learn to listen to the body’s signals. “Do you have trouble sleeping? Feeling depressed often or drinking too much? Getting sick often? The body has different ways of responding to stress. Some develop stomach ulcers, allergies, migraine which may already be caused by stress,” she said.

Another way is to accept responsibility and to be objective. “No one can cope for you but yourself…Take a step back and look at your life’s situation as if it was another person’s. Know your inner resources and talk it out with friends. Don’t try to cope alone. And take a positive approach,” she said.

She said that flexibility will also help. “Look at your mistakes as positive learning experiences.”

Tan also stressed that suicide is never a solution. “Don’t expect too much of yourself. Be realistic and set attainable goals. Trust yourself and trust your God.”

Lozada said society plays an important role in the promotion of mental health, such as the provision of for the basic needs of life, proper education and nutrition and enough facilities for health.

PAO holds Buglasan Farm Family Congress on Oct 15-17

By: Rachelle M. Nessia

In line with the Buglasan Festival of Festivals, the Provincial Agriculturist Office is set to hold one of the biggest agricultural celebrations in the province.

Starting October 15 until 17, PAO will conduct the Buglasan Farm Family Congress to recognize the contributions of agricultural technicians and rural-based organizations such as farmers, fisherfolks, 4-H club and rural improvement clubs to the agricultural development in the province.

DA-RFU 7 Regional Executive Director Eduardo Lecciones Jr is expected to grace the event.

According to PAO Information Officer Nitz Bangay, this year’s farm family congress banners the theme “Intensifying Oriental Negros Civil Society and LGU Partnership in Organic Farming for Sustainable Development.”

Bangay said this year’s theme is in line with the provincial government’s efforts to make the local produce organically grown and its move to ban the use of chemical fertilizers.

The congress will kick-off on October 15 at the PAO Compound and a “Booth/Pinaka” contest will be conducted on October 16.

Other activities during the three-day congress include various sectoral activities through a contest of skills and method demonstrations, symposium on organic piggery and rice-duck farming, Search for Mr. and Miss 4-H 2006 and Farmer Association King/RIC Queen 2006.

Amid the continuing surge of investments in the electronics industry, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured today the sector of full government support, particularly in terms of insuring that the country’s business environment remains attractive to investors.

The President made the assurance during the roundtable discussion with electronics industry stakeholders in Malacañang’s Kalayaan press briefing room this morning.

"The government will do whatever it can with regard to the policy environment in order to attract more investments," the President said as she expressed elation over reports that total investments in the electronics industry in the first half of the year reached $310 million (P15.5 billion), a 15 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew to visit NegOr’s children

By: Jennifer Catan-TIlos

Some 30 cabin crew of Cathay Pacific will arrive for a learning field visit in Oriental Negros on Monday (October 16) together with the officials of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) as partners in the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

Oriental Negros is selected to showcase some of the success programs and projects for children and women among the 19 provinces and 5 cities under the 6th Country Programme for Children.

Dubbed as “Change for Good,” the field visit of Cathay Pacific cabin crew is designed to witness and perform volunteer work at a UNICEF-assisted health centers.

The week-long visit will bring them to DAuinat the Garantisadong Pambata health center, lying-in clinic on basic emergency obstetric care facility in Sibulan, Amlan and Tanjay day care centers, Pamplona Nutrition Post, Dumaguete rehabilitation center for children in conflict with the law, and Mabinay for children and families in sugar cane farms.

The stewardesses and stewards of Cathay Pacific will also interact with the youth reporters of the Kabataan News Network here and for them to witness the young journalist in handling the television production segment of KNN Dumaguete Bureau as part of the major child rights, the Participation Rights.

Along with the celebration of Children’s Month this October, around 1,000 children from the different schoolseight local government units (LGUs) in the province participated in this year's Children and Youth Convention at Bethel Guesthouse, Dumaguete City on October 28, 2005.

According to Jennifer Catan-Tilos, Information Center Manager of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here, the convention was held to celebrate Children's Month this October, focusing on the Child and Youth Participation Rights, which is simultaneously undertaken with other partner agencies in the province.

ISSUE NO. 40, October 5, 2006

NGO launches project to stop trafficking in persons

To prevent women and children in the province from falling victim to trafficking of persons, the St. Ma. Goretti Foundation will launch the Step-UP project or Stop Trafficking and Exploitation of People Through Unlimited Potentials.

The launching is set on October 8, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Formation Center, Bacong Parish, Bacong, Oriental Negros.

According to Msgr. Merlin Logronio, president of St. Ma. Goretti Foundation, the Step-UP project aims to ultimately prepare children and women who are likely victims of trafficking for the job market by providing them with skills in Information Technology.

Through Step-UP, Community Technology Learning Centers will be put up, providing access to technology, skills training and open doors to employment opportunities for underserved communities, he said.

“It is hoped that though this project a number from the vulnerable sectors of our society especially children and women will be equipped for jobs and will be protected from being trafficked,” said Msgr. Logronio.

The project is offering eight modules in its curriculum, namely: computer fundamentals, digital media fundamentals, internet and world wide web fundamentals, web design fundamentals, word processing fundamentals, presentation fundamentals, database fundamentals and spreadsheet fundamentals.

Priority beneficiaries of the program are marginalized children and women especially child domestic workers, the kasambahays and other likely victims of trafficking, other working children who are adept and interested to avail of the program, parish secretaries, bookkeepers and parish workers.

Students will attend three to four weeks of classes for each curriculum. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate from Microsoft with competency endorsement.

St. Ma. Goretti Foundation Inc. has linked with Visayan Forum and Microsoft Philippines in undertaking the project.

Being a recipient of the project, the Foundation will implement the program here in partnership with the Diocese of Dumaguete, local government units and other partners in the community.

VFFI has cinched the support of the prestigious international organization Microsoft Inc. through its grant that provides IT software and curriculum in an effort to prevent trafficking in persons in the country.

Oriental Negros has been earlier identified as a trafficking “hotspot” or a major recruitment ground for victims of trafficking.

Vic Abadesco, Visayas Coordinator of the Visayan Forum said in a Kapihan forum held earlier this year, that the province is a ‘fertile recruitment ground’ for traffickers being the center of development, commerce and transportation.

In view of this, the Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) here stepped up its efforts to combat trafficking in persons by putting up task forces in different ports in the province.

The council felt the need to put up task forces in the ports as some incidents of trafficking are prevalent in these routes.

Meanwhile, with the members of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Cabinet in full attendance, the government made the most comprehensive presentation yet of the strategic infrastructure projects in the five super regions to leaders of the business community and the private sector during a "Government Infrastructure Forum" at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.

The forum, hosted and participated in by several major business organizations, was aimed at establishing possible avenues of collaboration between the government and private sector to fast-track the implementation of development initiatives outlined by President Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July.


‘Milenyo’ death toll nears 200 in Philippines

Typhoon Milenyo rang up a tragic toll of nearly 200 deaths as rescue workers reached remote areas where last week’s massive storm sparked flashfloods and landslides.

The civil defense office and other government agencies put the official death toll as of Wednesday at 197 with at least 22 others still listed as missing after Milenyo – the strongest storm to hit Manila in a decade – razed through the Philippine area of responsibility.

Milenyo displaced 1.33 million people and blacked out the country’s main island of Luzon.

The storm wrecked 146,000 houses and tens of thousands of hectares of farmland.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is personally monitoring government agencies and instrumentalities in ensuring that the problems caused by Milenyo are addressed with immediately and effectively.

The administration continues to respond to the demands of rehabilitation, reconstruction, relief and medical operations, provision of financial assistance to families of the victims and those deprived of their livelihood.

According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi, four to seven more tropical cyclones are estimated to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the last quarter of this year.

“For October, around two more tropical cyclones are seen to occur,” said Culi.

Culi said a total of 14 tropical cyclones have passed through the country since January 2006.

Of the total, Milenyo caused the most damage in the country, he said.

Milenyo was the 13th typhoon to enter the country and was closely followed by tropical storm Neneng.

Public storm warning signal number 1 was raised over some provinces on Luzon’s eastern seaboard Tuesday as Typhoon Neneng (international codename ‘Bebinca’) maintained strength and continued moving in the general direction of Northern Luzon.

Neneng however has slightly weakened by 11:00 pm Wednesday as it continues to move farther away from the country.

Based on PAGASA’s weather bulletin, Neneng is expected to be at 1,210 kms. East northeast of Basco, Batanes or 740 kms southeast of Okinawa, Japan by Thursday evening.

The bulletin states that the disturbance will no longer affect any part of the country, however residents living in coastal and mountainous areas in Bicol Region and western sections of Visayas and Mindanao are alerted against flashfloods and landslides due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Culi urged people residing in low-lying areas in the province to move to higher ground to prevent disastrous results brought about by tropical cyclones.

Meanwhile, Pres. Arroyo has directed the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to work closely with the Local Government Units (LGUs) in expanding appropriate disaster response drills and creating rescue teams in all the landslide and flashflood-prone barangays in the country.


Malacañang intent on dismantling ‘dangerous’ billboards

In view of the havoc left behind by typhoon Milenyo, Malacañang is intent on dismantling ‘dangerous’ billboards that pose clear hazards to life and property despite appeals and objections from billboard owners and advertisers.

Malacañang issued yesterday Administrative Order 160 directing the DPWH to inspect all billboards in Metro Manila to determine if they are a public hazard or illegally constructed

Local DPWH District Engineer Rodrigo Catapusan said that should his office receive the same order, his office will right away check on billboards erected in the province.

“Once we have the order, we will inspect the local billboards and see it it’s hazardous and if it is, we will then dismantle it,” said Catapusan.

The City Engineer’s Office is currently reviewing and inspecting the building permits of all commercial and industrial building in the city, including permits for billboards.

This is part of a regular yearly inspection of permits conducted by CEO, said Engr. Rainier Enario

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to dismantle hazardous billboards.

The President has also instructed DPWH and NDCC to coordinate with local government units in identifying safe places for setting up billboard.

The killer typhoon Milenyo have toppled around 40 giant billboards in Luzon last week killing at least one person, damaging property, causing a massive power outage and traffic jams along major highways.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said billboard owners and advertisers should have a sense of responsibility and ensure the structures are safe.

Pres. Arroyo wants hazardous billboards off the streets as the government has started dismantling those found in gross violation of public safety.

The President is expected to issue an executive order detailing the rules and regulations for putting up the structures.


PPAO strengthens volunteerism in Siquijor

The Parole and Probation Administration Office here is once again strengthening the Volunteer Probation Aid (VPA) Program in the province.

Rene Remollo, VPA Coordinator of the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Cluster during a conference-dialogue underscores the need for more VPAs to play active role in crime prevention and rehabilitation program through the spirit of volunteerism.

“This has been sort of being neglected in the past but we are here to revive the program with the end view of seeing a more peaceful, crime-free community in the future”, Remollo said.

Remollo who refers the work as “ministry” said these volunteers are those who will serve as guidance counselors to those who have once gone astray from the right path of life – which are the probationers, parolees or pardonees”.

He noted the government’s pressing need of more VPAS with the 800,000 parolees and probationers all over the Philippines against only 2,000 parole and probation officers”.

Believing Siquijor is an area offering the greater potential for the country’s peace because of its lowest criminality rate, Remollo is optimistic that the province is not far from becoming s a field training laboratory in the Philippines, which will be a model for adoption by other places of the country.

“We need you, however, to achieve this”, he said to the attending VPAs that include church ministers, and other government/private employees in Siquijor.

“The truth is that many people are so into their lavishly comfortable lives and consider self-fulfillment in a very literal sense – filling up the self with a lot of things, ideas, words or actions. Self-fulfillment is more than just sticking up things in one’s life. But there are those who prove their own experiences that having more does not make one more fulfilled; that possessions only provide temporary happiness” he said.

“We are changing lives here, he added saying that a paradoxical but more truthful understanding of self-fulfillment is seen through someone who selflessly empties himself of his own desires and pleasures and pours out his whole being for the lives of others “.

A basic training seminar for the new recruits of VPAs is scheduled on the second week of November.


DOST-SEI announces 2007 scholarships programs

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) shall award scholarships in baccalaureate degree programs to those who wish to pursue fields of study in any of the following priority areas: Basic sciences, engineering and other applied sciences and science teaching.

Scholarship programs offered are 1) R.A. 7687 science and technology scholarship - for applicants who belong to families with low socio-economic status, and 2) DOST-SEI merit scholarship – for applicants regardless of their family’s socio-economic status and shall pay a non-refundable test fee of P200.00.

The criteria for eligibility interested applicants are – must be a members of the top five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class, or a members of the graduating class of DOST-SEI identified/DEPED recognized science high school, must be of good moral character and in good health, a natural born Filipino citizen, a resident of the municipality for the last four years, and a qualifier for the 2007 S & T scholarship examination.

The scholarship privileges are: tuition and other school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, one economy roundtrip transportation allowance, outright grant for military science/physical education uniform, and group health and accident insurance.

The applicant must enroll in any of the CHED centers of excellence/centers of development schools, DOST-SEI identified institutions and State Universities and Colleges.

Application forms are now available at DOST-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center, Siquijor, Siquijor.

Deadline for submission of application forms is on November 10, 2006. The examination date will be on December 3, 2006 at Siquijor State College, Larena, Siquijor.


Lumber shipper rounded up for misdeclaration of shipment

In line with its efforts to curb illegal logging/cutting of trees in the province, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) here in a joint operation with the DENR Task Force apprehended recently a certain Lani Abong Macalisang of Cang-agong, Siquijor Siquijor for misdeclaration/misrepresentation of lumber shipment.

Paul V. Tomogsoc of the DENR here said, the lumbers supposedly ready for loading via on board Don Martin 8 bound for Cebu City covered a volume of 8, 214.19 bd, ft. or 19.37 cu. m. with a total value of P294, 127.30.

According to Tomogsoc, said shipment was issued by the DENR with a Self Monitoring Form or Transport Permit covering a volume of 4, 623.6 bd. Ft. or 10.9 cu. m. , but when carefully verified and inspected, exceeded about one hundred percent, thereby causing for the outright confiscation for misdeclaration/misrepresentation.

He said the lumbers need to have a Special Private Land Timber of which only the DENR Secretary is authorized to issue/grant such.

Confiscated forest products were teak and molave lumbers, now in custody of the office while further investigation on the matter and possible filing of Criminal Complaint against the accused or culprit are meanwhile pending.

Tomogsoc said their office is continuously strengthening efforts on their campaign to crack down on illegal loggers and lawless criminals. In a related development, Task Force Guimaras continues to assess and review the measures being undertaken to contain the oil slick off Guimaras island. The Government will ensure that measures undertaken are both environment-friendly and economically sustainable, Malacanang said.

It said that the Administration is confident that the task force would be able to discern its options well and work closely with the private sector in the technical aspects of containment and rehabilitation.

"In time, devastation will be transformed to renewed prosperity, as the Government commits to the restoration of the beauty and productivity of Guimaras to its rightful potential." Malacanang officials said.


Local PNP conducts lectures on basic law and order to schools

The Larena Police is presently conducting lectures on basic principles of law and order to some elementary and high schools within their area of responsibility (AOR).

Police Inspector Enrique Belcina, Chief of Police, said, the program aims to mold students to become law-abiding citizens of this country. Its objectives are to teach students to respect authority and give them an idea of their fundamental rights, duties and obligations under the law.

Belcina further said that the program is in reference of the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution Number 46 of the municipality of Larena requesting the agency to conduct lectures to elementary pupils and secondary students of the elementary and high schools (public and private).

Subjects to be discussed are: Fundamental Rights of the Child, Basic Principles of Law and Order, and Basic Tips During Emergencies and Crisis.

Meanwhile, the government continues to pursue all means to keep the prospects of peace up, on the back of principled negotiations and affirmative action to resolve conflict.

The government negotiating panel is quietly working on a position that will hopefully break the impasse and move the talks forward.

SEPTEMBER '06 PHOTO RELEASES

KAPIHAN FORUM: Crime Prevention Update
Sept. 6, 2006, Bethel Guesthouse

L-R: City Police Chief Dionard Carlos, Atty. Jose Comon of NAPOLCOM and PIA Infocen Manager Jenny Tilos

Kapihan sa PIA: Bida Ka Pamilyang Pilipino
Sept. 20, 2006, Women's Center

To mark Family Week celebration with the theme "Bida Ka Pamilyang Pilipino," PIA held a Kapihan forum at the City Women's Center on Sept. 20 with guests (l-r) Manuel Montesa and Emervencia Ligutom of Couples for Christ and Fernando Cabristante of UCCP. PIA Infocen Manager Jenny Tilos (below) moderating the forum.

NFA PRESS CONFERENCE
Sept. 21, 2006

PIA Infocen Manager Jenny Tilos (right) moderating the press conference held at the National Food Authority. At the luncheon after the presscon, NFA served "quality yet affordable" NFA rice.


NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino (center) discussing updates on the supply of rice in the province. The Presscon was held in line with NFA's anniversary this year.