Guv bats for lower power
rate under Special Economic Zone
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
September 27, 2007
In the heels of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s declaration of special economic zone areas of which Negros Oriental has been included, Governor Emilio C. Macias II is batting for a separate power rate for Negros Oriental.
Gov. Macias, who welcomed the province’s inclusion in the country’s special economic zones, is pushing for a separate preferential rate for Negros Oriental power consumers, according to Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo.
Negros Oriental is currently covered by the One Grid, One Rate policy under an interconnected island grid in Visayas. Power rates for provinces sharing a unified grid were adjusted to uniform levels.
But as a geothermal host, the governor believes that Negros Oriental should have its own power-rating scheme. “There is a disparity in the uniform power rate because the other provinces in the Visayas Grid, like Cebu and Negros Occidental, have more power consumers than Negros Oriental. In short, we are sharing the same portions of the pie but gamay ra sila ug mabayran because daghan man silang magbahin. Kita dire, gamay ra ang power consumers so mas dako ta ug mabayran kay gamay ra tang magbahin,” explained Sedillo.
He added that power consumers are not just paying for the electric consumption to NPC but also for the facilities used in power distribution like power lines, etc.
Negros Oriental used to have its own power rate until the province was included in the unified grid and the One Grid, One Rate policy.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently signed an executive order declaring certain geothermal sites in the country as special economic zones to attract power-intensive industries to relocate into provinces covered by the said zone wherein industries will enjoy a special power rate.
The President has been an advocate of the development of clean alternative energy sources like geothermal power so as to lessen and eventually eliminate the country’s dependence on imported crude oil for power as well as contribute to the lessening of gas emission that contributes to climate change.
This is so because the Philippines is the second largest producer of geothermal energy in the world next to the United States.
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Negrense clinch 2 gold medals
in int’l Muaythai competition
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
September 27, 2007
A native of Mabinay came home bedecked with two gold medals in the Muaythai martial art from two international competitions held in India.
Romnick Ghie Pabalate, 19, clinched the two gold medals in two separate events during the Pre-Asian Indoor Games and the Federation of Muay Thai Amateur Asian Muaythai Championship both held in Bangalore, India.
Pabalate is a member of the 28-strong Philippine Muay Team. He is the only member of the national team who hails from Negros Oriental.
He is currently enrolled in STI Manila on a scholarship, taking up Computer Science.
The 19-year old Muaythai champ leads the pack of promising local Muaythai fighters who have shown much potential in this martial art.
Recently, six Muay Thai fighters from the Dumaguete-Negros Oriental Muaythai Team emerged victorious after they brought home six medals at the conclusion of the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival held in Iloilo City on Sept. 10 to 16.
Two of the six clinched gold medals, namely: Dexter Melon, 16, in the 54 to 57 kg. category and Junjun Sinco, 18, in the 45 to 48 kg. category.
The silver medallists are Cris Lingcong, 16, in the 51 to 54 kg. category and Crisna Limbaga, 18, in the 45 to 48 kg. category while the bronze medallists are John Rey Bendijo in the 42 to 45 kg. category and Romnick Carbellido.
Paul Paras, public relations officer of the Dumaguete Muaythai Association, said they are eyeing to hold the Philippine Olympic Festival in Dumaguete next year.
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Weak La Niña now in RP- PAGASA
Flashfloods, landslides likely
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
September 27, 2007
ABOVE NORMAL rainfall conditions are expected to occur in Visayas and some parts of Luzon and Mindanao towards the end of September now that the early phase of a weak La Niña has been noted by PAGASA in the country.
Martin F. Rellin, Jr., acting director of PAGASA, in a statement said that wetter than normal conditions are likewise expected over Visayas and some areas of Luzon, including Metro Manila, from October through December.
PAGASA’s weather forecasts have reportedly shown that La Niña conditions will strengthen and persist through the end of the year and early months of 2008.
Below normal rainfall is likely over most areas of northern Luzon in November, Rellin said.
The abnormal weather phenomenon is expected to affect climate conditions and rainfall patterns in the coming season.
Rellin warned that the weak La Niña over the equatorial Pacific will further develop and possibly strengthen and may adversely impact the country’s domestic water supply, agriculture and health sector. “This may cause floods, flashfloods and rain-induced landslides in hazard-prone areas,” he stressed.
A statement from PAGASA said that recent oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the central and eastern equatorial regions signify the arrival of the early phase of a weak La Niña event here.
PAGASA urged the public to take the necessary and appropriate measures to mitigate the potential destructive effects of La Niña.
Meanwhile, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscored that the preservation and protection of the environment for the Philippine must be alongside economic growth.
The Chief Executive said while other developing and developed nations believe that the environment must be sacrificed for economic development, the Arroyo administration “believes otherwise.”
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MEDIA ADVISORY
The Bayawan City government is inviting the media to a forum on the launching of the LAMP 2-ISF CLAIMS Project on October 5, 2007, 9:00 AM at the Function Hall, Annex Building of the Bayawan City Hall.
Please confirm your attendance not later than October 3 with PIA thru 225-1388 or 422-8062. Transportation and meals will be provided.
The Bayawan LGU was earlier chosen as one of the project sites and awarded an AusAID grant from the Innovation Support Fund (ISF) of the Land Administration Project Phase 2 (LAMP 2). Under this project, the LGU with partner government agencies will establish a streamlined computer-aided land administration and information management system (CLAIMS) to improve clients’ service access, land appraisals, and investment opportunities.
The forum on October 5 will also be attended by heads of offices and representatives of the stakeholder agencies (DENR, LRA-Registry of Deeds, DAR and BIR).
# # #
Consumer advocates intensify
campaign vs fake sales
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
September 27, 2007
The National Consumer Affairs Council has warned major retailers, local government units and other concerned consumer groups in Negros Oriental to be more vigilant and aware against any deceptive and unfair sales practices.
The Council in coordination with local Consumer Advocates, Incorporated (CAI) and the Department of Trade and Industry has conducted a consumer empowerment campaign here last week in an effort to continue to provide information on consumer welfare protection as well as effective linkages in information network system.
CAI President Deo Salem said, the activity is needed to empower consumers in the province so that consumer rights and responsibilities would be practiced. Salem cited, that people should not always be dependent to government agencies but be responsible to seek redress on grievances directly to any seller or supplier of a certain products and services who take advantage through fraudulent manipulation.
However, going to the right agency speeds up the process and helps resolve issues effectively. The proper agency will have the authority and can immediately act on complaints.
Problems relating to manufactured product quality and safety, warranties, service and repair shops must be referred to the Department of Trade and Industry. For complaints on processed food and drugs, contact the Department of Health’s Bureau of Food and Drugs.
For fraudulent weights and measures, as well as foods in restaurants and eateries, go to the City/municipal Health Office; non-issuance of receipts, BIR; on telephone rates, cellular, TV and radio to National Telecommunication Company and other government agencies responsible to specific products and services.
With the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, in the same gathering, Food and Drug Regulation Officer, Therese Antoniette Cuyos of BFAD Region7, cautioned the participants of fake medicines and counterfeit drugs sold in the market which can cause-fatal results. Some medicines and counterfeit drugs do not contain the desired dose while, others are illegally manufactured as can be noticed in the label.
Counterfeit or fake drugs can be detected by its container and label without authorization trademark that is registered in the Bureau of Patent, unregistered imported product, and no active ingredients. BFAD officer said, these are prohibited acts of which the possession of such counterfeit drugs, the party/seller is liable for the crime and can be penalized.
True to her commitment to provide the people with greater access to quality and affordable health services, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now pushing for the “half-priced” medicine program.
The President also emphasized that the “half-priced” medicine program is not a monopoly of the Philippine International Trading Center (PITC) saying “anybody who wants to buy half-priced medicine from India can do so even without going through the PITC. “But the PTIC is there should a local government unit, national government agency or any entity need seed capital, technical assistance, marketing assistance and supplying assistance,” the President said.
“The PTIC only gets into all this because it is the pioneer of this program,” Arroyo explained, adding that “the local government units and private drugstores that want to get into this business are welcomed even without the PTIC.”
The cheaper medicine bill, which congress is going to pass, is expected to bring down the cost of medicines and give the people better access to health services.
# # #
Rice Race 2007: Search for all-Pinoy rice beverage
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
September 27, 2007
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will hold a contest in search of an all-Filipino rice beverage in November 2007 at the Central Experiment Station, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
The nationwide search for the best rice-based beverages is open to participants from women’s groups, college and high school students, Hotel and Restaurant Management/Home Economics graduates and others.
The lack of an all-rice Filipino beverage has been noted amidst the proliferation of Filipino rice dishes and delicacies and the market for beverages.
Recipe entries should be original and 25% rice-based. Criteria for judging are the following: taste and appearance, 30%; product stability, 25%; originality, 25%; nutritional value, 10%; economy (cost and ease of preparation), 5%; and safety, 5%.
The contest’s Visayas wide competition (Regions 6, 7 and 8) will be held at PhilRice Negros in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Prizes await regional winners, who will then be qualified to join the national competition level. Selected runners-up may also move on to the national competition.
The PhilRice Negros Branch Station in Negros Occidental will receive entries together with recipes and photos from October 1 to 12, 2007.
For more information, interested participants can visit or contact the Provincial Agriculture Office or the Provincial Nursery in Piapi, Dumaguete City with telephone nos. 225-2855 or 422-3658 and look for Nitz Bangay.
In a related development, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed to promote and develop the planting of the lowly malunggay as a revenue-generating industry under its biotechnology program, considering its myriad health and medicinal benefits.
Malunggay, dubbed as the “miracle vegetable,” is among the many indigenous plants in the country that has promising health benefits, which could be developed as an export crop and primary income source for farmers, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
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Food for school prog mitigate
hunger among school kids
September 27, 2007
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has recently increased the budget for the Food-for-School (FSP) program in 2008 to P3.3 billion to bolster the government’s hunger and poverty mitigation measures.
In Negros Oriental, the fifth-class towns of Amlan and San Jose were earlier chosen as the recipients of the Food-for-School program, according to Farrah Gentuya of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here.
The distribution of rice and milk feeding and hot meals under the said program the province was extended last April and May of this year.
Gentuya said one kilo of rice was distributed to each preschool or grade 1 child from April to May 2007 for a total of 40 kilograms of rice in forty days. Each child likewise received five kilograms of rice daily.
Under the said program, DILG is tasked to monitor the program’s implementation as well as conduct hunger mitigation complementary activities such as community food production, livelihood trainings and parent effectiveness and home care sessions.
Gil Ibarra, NFA provincial manager, said that their distribution of rice is ongoing. “We started distributing rice to the recipients in Amlan and San Jose last Sept. 10,” said Ibarra.
He said NFA’s role under the program is solely to supply and deliver the rice to the target beneficiaries.
He explained that DepEd identified Amlan and San Jose as the beneficiaries of the said program, with a total of 1,489 pupils ranging from primary school to Grade one as target beneficiaries .
The Food for School Program is one of the government’s hunger mitigation measures, including the Tindahan Natin outlets and the Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs), all of which have contributed much to the drop of hunger incidence rate in the country.
Hunger incidence in the country dropped considerably in the second quarter to 14.7 percent from the 19 percent recorded in the first quarter of this year. (PIA)
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Japanese grant open for
gov’t employees
by: Jennifer C. Tilos
September 27, 2007
The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) is now accepting 25 Filipino applicants who want to obtain master’s degree for scholarship at Japanese higher education institutions for Japanese fiscal year 2008-2009.
Qualified applicants must be a government employee, below 40 years old with permanent status, has 2 years of work experience in the public sector at the time of application; and has a performance rating of at least “very satisfactory.”
Thus, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA7) has urged qualified candidates from Negros Oriental to submit their application on October 19, 2007 at JICE JDS Project Office, Unit 2-F1, Island Plaza Salcedo, 105 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Applicants are required to submit the official Forms with pictures (4cmx3cm), questionnaires to be filled out, registration form, NBI clearance, authenticated birth certificate from NSO, and some other requirements and information will be acquired or downloaded through the official website of JDS at: http://sv2.jice.org/jds/.
Target young government employee-applicants will be accepted on the following fields of study: Public Administration (8), Economics (8), Information Communication Technology (3), Industrial Development (2), and Business Administration (4). All courses are conducted in English.
JDS fellows will receive one round trip airfare between Manila and Narita; monthly living allowance in Japan, tuition at Japanese higher educational institutions, and designated allowances.
The JDS project is a long-term scholarship program of the Philippine Government through the assistance of Japan Government in order to support the human resource development policies here, and eventually to extend and strengthen the bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, the President welcomes and congratulates Mr. Yasuo Fukuda on his election as Prime Minister of Japan.
Mr. Fukuda brings to his high office a wealth of experience that auspiciously began with him serving as secretary to his late father Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, whose "Fukuda Doctrine" --- announced in Manila in 1977 - - defined Japan's relations with Asia.
The President is confident that under the leadership of Mr. Fukuda, the close and friendly ties between the Philippines and Japan will further prosper, and that the principles and values embodied in the Fukuda Doctrine will continue to foster stability and prosperity in East Asia. (PIA)
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6/21/2007
ISSUE NO. 25, JUNE 21, 2007
Climate change a foregone conclusion,
environment experts warn
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
Scientific data has proven that the world is warming but there is no reason to “wallow in despair”, said Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido.
Cabrido, in a recent Kapihan forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency here, said that climate change has already occurred. “Theres still hope… let’s plant trees and lets do structural reform. How can you reform others if you don’t start it with yourself?” he stressed.
Cabrido was one of the guest panelists composed of Silliman University President Dr. Ben Malayang and PAGASA’s Chief Meteorological Officer in the province, Mr. Edsin Culi. The panel tackled the issue of climate change in line with the Environment Month observation this June.
In the forum, Culi disclosed that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has confirmed in its fourth assessment report released early this month that the changes in the atmosphere, the oceans and glaciers and ice caps “show unequivocally that the world is warming.
The said panel’s conclusion is based on observation of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global mean sea level.
Historical records likewise show that eleven of the last twelve years, from 1995 to 2006, rank among the 12 warmest years since 1850.
In the Philippines, climate change has already made itself known from the significant increases in the frequency of hot days and warm nights in the country from 1960 to 2003.
Cool days and cold nights have been noted to be generally decreasing, a trend that have also been observed in other countries in the Southeast Asia Pacific Region.
Climate change is alteration of some of the fundamental atmospheric chemistry and physics that changes the usual pattern that matter and energy have been distributed over wide areas of the planet, explained Dr. Malayang.
He lamented that people focus on climate change as an additional problem to humankind. “We tend to forget that climate change is really the result of how we behave towards the environment, a result of our irresponsibility and manner by which we consume goods in our society and how we have been uncaring, thinking that everything has no limits and we can just consumer as much as we could,” he said.
In the midst of the growing public concern over the damaging effects of climate change, DENR is drawing on current environmental laws to further its campaign for the environment.
Cabrido noted the various laws working for the welfare of the generation such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Bio Fuel Act.
Under RA 9637 or the Bio Fuel Act, Cabrido disclosed that DENR is setting aside one million hectares for jathropa plantation as part of the campaign to fight fossil fuels, which has so much carbon dioxide in it.
Aside from this, Cabrido said that DENR aims to produce 1.2 million seedlings throughout the region. “And we have produced 320,000 seedlings in Negros Oriental,” he said.
Also, through the eco-governance program, the Bayawan City government has made advances with its GIS system, showing realistic data that deals with the environment, soil and situation of the municipalities in the province. “This data will be used as reference for decision-making process,” said Cabrido.
Moreover, the country recently welcomed the 18 megawatt waste heat recovery power generation project developed by the Philippine Sinter Corporation (PSC) in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental which will supply power to its plant facility.
PSC is a stand-alone iron-ore sintering plant. The plant takes inputs of iron-ore, coal and limestone, and processes them ready for use in blast furnaces.
PSC President Shinichiro Yamana, on the other hand said its heat recovery power generation project is a fulfillment of PSC’s commitment to make contribution to the society by stabilizing power in the grid and to the most important mankind concern today of mitigating global warming.
This Project will enable the displacement of some of the power from the fossil fuel plant, thus contributing to a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gas from the Mindanao grid. The Mindanao grid is supplied by a number of fossil-fuel based power generation plants. (PIA/RMN)
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NFA’s IFAD benefits 12
farmers-cooperatives in NegOr
by: Rachelle Nessia
Some 12 farmers-cooperatives in the province were the recipients of the Institutionalized Farmers As Distributors (IFAD) of National Food Authority’s Rice Program with a total allocation of 9,747 bags.
IFAD is in line with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) giving the farmers authority to undertake rice importation.
This would also generate added income for the farmers thereby uplifting their economic and social well-being, said Rolando Lazalita, NFA Information Officer here.
The approved accredited farmers-cooperatives are: Canlaon City Multi-Purpose Development Cooperative; Calambu-an Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative; Guihulngan Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative, Inc.; San Jose Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative-Manjuyod; Bais Multi-Purpose Multi- Agricultural Cooperative; San Jose Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative; Zamboanguita Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative, Inc.; Amlan Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative; Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative, Inc.; Bayawan Multi-Purpose Agricultural Kilusang Bayan; Bayawan Community Cooperative; and Basay Veterans Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
NFA Provincial Manager Gil Ibarra encouraged the said farmers-cooperatives to continue selling their palay harvests so they can also avail of a bigger share of rice under the program.
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160 Tindahan Natin outlets
now in NegOr
by: Rachelle Nessia
June 21, 2007
A total of 160 Tindahan Natin outlets are now operating in different barangays in the province, providing underprivileged families with access to low-priced rice.
The National Food Authority (NFA) here in a statement reported that since January to May 31, 2007, a total of 42,218 bags of rice at 50 kg/bag or 2,260,900 kg have been distributed to the different Tindahan Natin operators in the three districts in the province.
Of the total, 17,284 bags have been provided to the 55 operators in District 1, 17,712 bags for the 63 operators in District 2 and 10,222 bags for the 42 operators in District 3.
On the other hand, six individual retailers from District 2 and four from District 3 have also been accredited by NFA to operate under the Handog Ng Parokya, Bilhing Abot-Kaya Project.
The said project is initiated by the Diocesan Parish Council of Dumaguete in collaboration with NFA here to provide parishioners and other constituents with affordable rice at P18 per kilogram.
Under the project, a total of 446 bags or 22,380 kilograms have been distributed from January to May 2007.
According to NFA Provincial Manager Gil B. Ibarra, the Tindahan Natin outlets are helping families living below the food threshold to access affordable rice priced at P18 per kilogram as part of the hunger mitigation program under the Arroyo administration.
Meanwhile, positive attitude, enthusiasm, and perseverance are the driving factors that made Domingo Mondragon, a "Tindahan Natin" outlet owner, Angel Narito, proprietor of Argie’s Bakery and Mini Grocery, and Rodolfa Tongco, a buy-and-sell agent, succeed in building their own businesses through the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) microfinance assistance.
NAPC’s officer-in-charge, Assistant Secretary Dolores de Quiros-Castillo, joined the three successful entrepreneurs share their success stories at "The PMS Forum: Cerge for Truth," hosted by Secretary and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General Cerge M. Remonde.
Remonde said the successful ventures of these budding entrepreneurs were featured on national television in the hope that they will give inspiration to the audience and encourage more people to go into entrepreneurship. He added that NAPC serves as the frontline agency in the total work against poverty and hunger and is very much involved in the government’s microfinancing program.
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TeleTech grants 5M for Call Center Training
By Rizalie A. Calibo
June 21, 2007
SIQUIJOR -- The PGMA-Training for Work Scholarship Program (PGMA-TWSP), has beefed up its financial resources by five million (Php 5M) pesos through a substantial donation from a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company and a pioneer in the call center business.
Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco, Director General of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), said the P5 million pesos donation for the scholarship grants was made by the TeleTech.,
Spread over a three-year period, TeleTech’s financial grant will benefit some 1,000 scholars from the areas of Batangas, Cebu , Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental where TeleTech work stations are located.
Specifically, the TeleTech donation will finance TESDA’s program on enhancing English proficiency, a critical competency required of call center agents.
In addition to the scholarship grant, the grantees upon completion of training will also be given employment preference in TeleTech work stations.
The PGMA scholarship project provides training vouchers to qualified trainees in high demand skills. One such skill is that of call center agents and other BPO workers.
Applicants from Siquijor province will also be accommodated by the TeleTech Dumaguete through the Siquijor Training-Cum Employment Project (STEP), a program initiated by the local office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Siquijor Association of PESO (Public Employment Service Office) Managers and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority with strong support of the office of the Congressman and the provincial government of Siquijor.
DOLE Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Theresa Tanquiamco said STEP was conceived out of the fact that many of jobseekers from Siquijor lack the skills that most employers need. She said Telectech has been considering applicants from this province but that their poor English communication skills, low self-confidence and lack of technical skills hamper them from getting hired.
She said through STEP, scholars from all towns of the province can avail of a free training from the Teletech. She said the program is open to unlimited number of applicants for screening but is only less than a hundred trainees to go with the number of computers that Siquijor State College provides. Students with at least 2 years of college for part-time jobs; fresh college graduates; underemployed or unemployed people with at least two years in college, professionals seeking a second career can apply as long as they have basic computer knowledge. (RACaliboPIA)
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Siquijor set for Green Philippines
world record quest
After a series of meetings and coordination, Siquijor province is now ready for the nationwide simultaneous tree planting on June 29 this year.
About 25,000 seedlings of hardwood species (mahogany and langin) and furniture/firewood trees (aure) are set aside by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here for tree the planting activity to address continuous degradation of the environment and to fulfill the government’s vision of greening the country.
The 90-minute simultaneous tree planting also aims to qualify the Philippines in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of seedlings planted within one and a half hour.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to grace the activity as guest speaker during an opening program at Fort Bonifacio, while in the local scene, Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua will grace the affair.
The seedlings provided by DENR-Siquijor will be planted at Bintangan, Larena, Siquijor as identified by the DENR needing rehabilitation.
A series of coordination meeting were conducted by the concerned government agencies to finalize preparations and come up with a Memorandum of Agreement for the program. The municipality of Larena also calls for another meeting on June 22 to come up with a well-planned tree planting activity," Larena Municipal Mayor Gold L. Calibo says in his letter to the different schools and offices in the municipality.
“Basically, we are ready for the activity,” DENR Forester III/Planning Officer Jose Ando said as he calls for all government personnel and participants to come to the planting site before 8:00 o’clock in the morning.
The Philippine Army represented by the 704th Community Defense Center is the lead agency throughout the duration of the project in the province.
Earlier, DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes launched the "Trees for Life: 20 Million Seedlings for Planting Project" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), last June 5, to restore the country's forest cover.
The project aims to plant 20 million trees all over the country during the period between July and November this year. The upcoming tree planting and the launching of the "Trees for Life" project are part of President Arroyo's Green Philippines Program that has been included in the government's eight point agenda dubbed 8 by '08. (PIA)
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DepEd, DENR’s plant-to-graduate
program continues
The school year has just started, yet, the Department of Education (DepED) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the people’s organization is in motion to pursue “Gawad Kalikasan Plant to Graduate Program.”
DENR Coastal Marine Management Section Project in Charge, Ryd B. Bangis said they received positive results in last year’s pilot mangrove planting and that they are more eager to continue the program.
Last year’s implementation were in three municipalities; Talingting, Larena and Siquijor.
The “Plant to Graduate Program” focuses on the coastal Elementary and High School Institutions.
Bangis reported “that prior to the actual mangrove planting is a series of lectures for the participating graduating students which will tackle on the importance of mangroves and the correct way to plant mangrove seedlings and propagules”.
He stated that all graduating elementary and high school students need to participate in the said mangrove planting as one of the requirements to graduate.
The program is in line with the government’s effort to rehabilitate the environment which is one of the priority agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
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5/10/2007
Group of non-communicable disease patients formed
The rural health unity ofValencia Municipality of Valencia Silliman University
The rural health unity of
Dr. Fe Tagimacruz, municipal health officer, said the Valencia Non-Communicable Disease Clients can avail of a discounted charge on laboratory examination such a blood profile tests at the health center.
The group was organized during the healthy lifestyle seminar conducted recently that hopes to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Dr. Tagimacruz encouraged other possible clients to become a member of the group so they too can receive continuous education of their ailments and proper administration can be done.
Health care is one of the priority thrusts in the President’s social payback agenda under the President’s “8 by 2008” program, a new economic strategy to achieve the eight blessings of a strong economy until 2009.
The eight blessings, according to the President, are: job creation; better cost of living; a strong peso; more investments; pro-poor education; pro-poor health care, housing, food; green Philippines; and anti-terrorism.
The healthy lifestyle program is an initiative of DOH and is strongly promoted by the Metropolitan Local Health Zone mayors from
DepEd approves new school construction in
The P24-million school project will comprise a two-storey building with 8 classrooms, science laboratory, home economics and industrial arts, guidance and faculty buildings. This will be constructed beside the existing elementary school in
Likewise, according to Secretary Domingo Panganiban of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) that for education, the administration’s anti-poverty and hunger thrusts identified several major programs "that will improve sector-specific outcomes, such as school participation rate, enrolment, cohort survival rate, completion rate, and functional literacy rate.
The pro-poor education program also covers construction of school buildings, sustaining the 1:1 textbook-to-pupil ratio, and provisions of scholarships, both at the basic and tertiary-vocational levels."For school building, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already achieved its target of zero backlog one year in advance.
It will further reduce classroom-to-student ratio which they target to be 1:45 and 1:40 in 2007 and 2008, respectively," Panganiban said. "In compliance with the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) targets, 6,000 classrooms will be built for both 2007 and 2008 at a cost of P8 billion per year," he added.
Two years ago, VNHS opened an extension classes in Brgy. Balugo following requests from students and parents living in the feeder barangays of Balugo to open a high school. Virgie Pinili, VHNS principal, said the construction will soon resume as biddings and necessary papers have been accomplished. (PIA/JCT)
Fun Run marks World Red Cross Red Crescent Day
PNRC and MDRC spearheaded the a three-kilometer Clean-up Drive, Power of Humanity Poster Making on May 5, 2007 and the 2nd World Red Cross Red Crescent 3-kilometer Finisher’s Run on May 6, 2007.
The three-kilometer route “Power of Humanity Clean-up Drive” kicked off at the Red Cross Office and ended at the
On the other hand, the 23 participants of the “Power of Humanity” poster making activity were awarded with food coupons. Participants included six children with disabilities and 17 children aged 12 years old and below.
The children’s artworks are displayed at the local Red Cross Office.
For the Fun Walk and Run, a total of 64 runners took part in the three-kilometer walk and run, including 12 children with disabilities, 17 children aged 12 years old and below, a couple aged 71 and 72 and 33 route guide runners composed of the 3-K participant’s families and volunteers.
The 29 children who participated at the 3-k fun run were awarded with 29 food coupons and the six top winners were awarded with a total of 24 kilos of milled rice.
According to Paultom Paras of MDRCI, the prizes and Supplemental feeding “Porridge for the Children” that took place after the fun run were sponsored by private individuals who believe in the MDRC’s goal in promoting the culture of volunteerism and multi-sectoral cooperation.
Meanwhile, another organization that has been working for the improvement of the lives of the Filipino youth was recently awarded a Presidential Citation by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
SU conducts waters tests on Shaw Memorial Pool
After the reports came out, the university immediately closed the pool and water tests were conducted by three separate laboratories.
Silliman will seriously look into the matter, said Silliman University President Ben S. Malayang III in a statement.
He said it may take days for test results to come, but the university is taking the necessary precautionary measures for the meantime.
In a statement, Malayang said the university has tapped the voluntary services of senior experts to review the tests and their results, pool maintenance procedures and records and any data or information relevant to determining if the pool is safe and to what extent the children’s illnesses can be materially linked to the pool.
The said experts included Dr. Angel Alcala, a biologist; Dr. Samuel Gregorio, a microbiologist and former Microbiology Laboratory Director of the State of
Other doctors such as epidemiologists and infectious disease experts are also being consulted, said Malayang.
The university president stressed that although a link between the children’s illness and the water in the pool has yet to be established, the university is doing a serious evaluation of how the pool may have something to do with their illness.
“We seek the truth about the children’s illness- for their sake and to ensure that we do all we can to prevent any threat to their health,” he said.
The pool will continue to be closed until it is clearly shown to be safe.
Silliman had been offering summer swimming lessons at its pool for several years now and Malayang said this is the only time that questions about its safety have been raised.
LGUs to fortify avian flu preparedness programs
Local government units in the province are expected to beef up their avian flu preparedness and response efforts following a series of planning workshops conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
The PVO conducted from April 24 to 27 an Integrated Veterinary and Human Health Planning for avian influenza preparedness and response for the LGUs in the province.
A total of 313 participants from all over the province took part in the workshops.
According to Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Antonio B. Mutia , LGU representatives during the workshops were urged to pass and approve a local ordinance to make the LGU’s avian flu preparedness and response plans effective.
LGUs are also expected to create local avian influenza task forces.
During the planning workshops, participants were trained on how to respond to cases of suspected avian flu outbreaks both in chicken and human cases including those who are exposed.
Participants also familiarized themselves with the different strategies needed to prevent and control avian influenza from stages 1 to 3. (PIA/RMN)
PNOC to hold biofuels, feedstocks conference for LGUs
The PNOC Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) in cooperation with a Singapore-based Centre for Management Technology is inviting local investors or local government units to a conference on Biofuels & Feedstocks Philippines on May 23-24 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in
This conference aimed to promote the use of biofuels in order to reduce air pollution and the reliance on imported fossil fuels, as well as to promote their agricultural industry.
The growth of the global biofuels market has been driven by government incentives and volatile fossil fuel prices.
With the enforcement of the one-percent coco methyl ester diesel blend beginning last Sunday, May 6, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it expects to have a smooth transition of the Biofuels Act of 2006.
The Biofuels Act of 2006 mandates a minimum one-percent blend of biodiesel into all diesel engine fuels within three months from the effectivity of the Act. President Arroyo signed the Biofuels Act last January 12, 2007 which became effective February 2007.
Negros Orienal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido said that as a feasible substitute, the bio-fuel can compete with gasoline. “It is more efficient, plus it’s an environmentally effective fuel source,” he stressed.
Various countries around the world are stepping up efforts to use biofuels. In the
The highlights of the conference are: Biofuels framework and fiscal incentives in the Philippines; Global biofuels markets – policies, markets, challenges and barriers; Rice, supply, economics and quality analysis of various biofuels feedstocks; Biofuels supply chain – blending, storage and handling; Ethanol and its feedstock options and supply; and Round table discussion by oil companies on their strategies in Biofuels.
Also, there will be a half-day focus on Jatropha Cultivation and Processing. Jatropha experts from
Public school teachers in NegOr set to do their poll duties
In Oriental Negros, a rough estimate of 3,200 employees of DepEd here - including teachers, principals and supervisors – are expected to do their poll duties, said Lida Sarmiento, local DepEd Administrative Officer 5.
There are a total of 3, 188 clustered voting precincts in the 653 voting centers across the province.
Sarmiento said that majority of the DepEd employees in the 23 school districts here have already been briefed on their poll duties by DepEd and Comelec, although briefings in some areas are still ongoing until May 11.
DepEd Undersecretary Francis Sunga disclosed in a recent interview that DepEd and Comelec had conducted trainings since February this year for DepEd’s some 464,000 public school teachers, principals, supervisors and DepEd lawyers and administrative officers in line with their role in next week’s polls.
The trainings included classroom preparations, counting of votes, handling and preventing problems and other measures aimed at strengthening their capabilities as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and Board of Canvassers (BOCs).
BEI members, said Sunga, are entitled to a total of P3,000 per diem and P300 transportation allowance each, 50 % of which will be given when they get the election paraphernalia and the other half when they submit the election returns to the BOC.
Another benefit for teachers is the setting up of a P5-M fund to cover medical expenses or death claims in the amount of P200,000 by the heirs of a BEI member in case of death in the performance of election duties. (PIA/RMN)
Agri to put up P2-B national grains highway
“We commend this project of the Department of Agriculture so that farmers can easily transport their products to the consumers,” said local NFA Information Officer Rolando V. Lazalita.
He said that agricultural areas in the province need road development, and through the national grains highway project, the gap between farmgate costs and retail prices of basic food items will be bridged.
“This will be good for farmers in areas like Basay, Bayawan and Mabinay who have to cross to the areas in the Occidental side,” said Lazalita.
“Agricultural areas in Negros Oriental that need road development are those crossing to the Occidental areas like Basay, Bayawan and Mabinay,” added Lazalita.
Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer of the local Department of Agriculture (DA) Constancio T. Hisona said that if there were no roads for efficient transportation of farm products, farmers would have to lessen their production, resulting in a weak agricultural sector.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap has earlier announced the grains highway project to do away with what he calls the inefficient, costly and slow transport system in moving agricultural products from production areas to selling centers.
“This will resolve the problem of unstable food supply and prices in ‘uncharted’ areas and food-deficient communities,” said
The “grains highway” will also directly link the isolated areas especially those prone to natural calamities to rice and corn producing areas in the country.
Aside form infrastructure problems; farmers are also facing post-harvest loss due to the lack of sufficient drying and storage facilities.
According to Yap, under the project, NFA will upgrade it warehouses, putting up grains silos and related post-harvest facilities and marketing support systems designed to reduce crop wastages and losses.
These facilities will be set up in the 37 rice-producing and 33 corn-producing provinces in the country, which Negros Oriental is part of.
In Negros Oriental, NFA’s drying and storage facilities are currently located in
A proposed new storage site is being eyed in Bayawan, said Lazalita.
NFA continues to encourage farmers here to use their drying and storage facilities as safe keeping for products, especially in areas near the Guihulngan storage site.
Rosalie M. Ellasus, president of Philippine Maize Federation Inc., said that the grains highway is really “needed by farmers as it would dramatically improve quality of corn and significantly reduce post-harvest losses.
With the grains highway in place,
Furthermore,
The operations center of BAS in Negros Oriental headed by Officer-In-Charge Ricarda Diamano is the only nominee in
Mrs. Evelyn Tidon, Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer of
Tidon is among the team of evaluators currently going around the country evaluating the nominated BAS operations centers during the two-week evaluation period.
Tidon in an interview said the evaluation is based on a set of criteria to determine the efficiency and competence of a provincial operation center.
Aside from this, each of the 81 provincial and 18 regional offices of BAS nationwide are rated every month based on the reports submitted to the bureau’s central office.
Tidon said the awarding ceremony is set on June 22, shortly before the bureau’s celebration of its 44th anniversary.
The chosen Model provincial and regional operation centers will each receive a plaque of appreciation and a cash award of P6,000.
Diamano said the bureau’s annual search poses a challenge for each operation center to perform better every year. (PIA/RMN)
Mayor Odol approves renaming of building to Cong. Herminio Teves
Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr has approved the renaming of a school building in his town to Cong. Herminio Teves as a tribute to the outgoing lawmaker who, at 84, is said to be retiring from public service.
Mayor Gonzalez said as a Valencianon who has done numerous contributions for
The local school board of
4/19/2007
ISSUE NO. 16, April 19, 2007
First district candidates sign
peace covenant with Comelec, PNP
April 19, 2007
A peace covenant was recently signed between candidates of the first district in Negros Oriental and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 7.
The move is in line with President Gloria-Macapagal’s call for “an intensified cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the citizenry and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in stemming the increasing incidence of poll-related violence in the country.”
Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula together with PNP Region 7 Director General Alarcio and Provincial Police Director Col. Melvin Ramon Buenafe met with electoral candidates in the first district on April 12 to intervene in what is seen to be a tense race for electoral positions in the district.
Violent incidents alleged to be election-related that left a total of 8 people dead have been reported in La Libertad and Canlaon City on April 1 and March 9, respectively.
La Libertad and Canlaon City are among the eight areas that belong to the first district.
Advincula said there is no concrete evidence yet that the incidents are politically related.
Earlier reports indicate that the New People’s Army has owned up to the ambush in La Libertad.
But whether the killings were election-related or not, Advincula said he nonetheless intervened to dampen the intense political rivalry in the area before things got out of hand. “The entire island is under my supervision…I don’t want to wait for something else to happen that may result to loss of lives or other atrocities,” he said.
Advincula disclosed that during the said dialogue, the candidates were willing to cooperate and adhere to the peace covenant.
He believes that the situation is now “under control.”
The elections supervisor also describes the current peace and order situation in the province as “80 percent commendable”.
Advincula said the local police command is keeping him up to date on any election-related incidents in the province.
According to PNP’s National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC), a total of 46 election-related violent incidences and 1,479 arrests of persons found violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban has been recorded nationwide since the campaign period started on Jan. 14. (PIA)
Voter’s list in NegOr now 99% cleansed
April 19, 2007
“The voter’s list of Oriental Negros is now 98 to 99 percent cleansed,” said Atty. Manuel Advicula, provincial supervisor of the Commission of Elections (Comelec) here.
The Comelec office here through the action of the election registration board have de-listed voters who were ether convicted by court, considered incompetent due to insanity, failed to vote in two successive regular elections, lost Filipino citizens, excluded from voting through court order, already dead or registered twice for the election.
Due to this, two municipalities of the 2nd district in the province showed a drop in its number of voters despite the continued registration of Comelec.
Comelec records show the number of registered voters of Amlan has decreased to 11, 717 from the 11, 818 in the 2004 election.
Registered voters in the municipality of Mabinay have also reduced, resulting to now 32, 139 voters from 33, 013 in the 2004 election.
At the national level, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that a total of 1.13 million “unscrupulous” voters were de-listed, bringing down to 45.5 million number of qualified voters for the May poll. (PIA)
Cancer cases in the Phils on the rise
Public invited to witness free lecture
on cancer prevention
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
A high ranking officer of the American Cancer Society is set to deliver a talk on “Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cancer” on Friday, April 20, 4:00 p.m. at the St. Paul University-Dumaguete School of Nursing.
The provincial government has invited Dr. Hugh F. Stallworth, vice president of the American Cancer Society (ACS), in an effort to raise awareness on cancer prevention in the province.
A rare opportunity for Negrenses, the said lecture is free for the public. Interested attendees can contact Sr. Rosamund Abadesco of the SPU Nursing Department for reservations.
Another reason for the ACS official’s visit is to explore the possibility of a partnership with the provincial government for the delivery of health care system in the province, said Assistant Provincial Administrator Josefina Columna.
A malady of massive proportions, cancer ranks third in the leading causes of deaths and illnesses in the Philippines, according to statistics published by the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates in 1997.
The same report said that for every 1,800 Filipinos, one will develop cancer annually.
A report posted on the Department of Health’s website puts cancer as the third leading cause of mortality in the country next to infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
The health department estimates that about 53 cancer cases per 100,000 population arises every year in the country.
Breast and gynecological cancer are the most common types of cancer to strike Filipino women while lung cancer for Filipino men.
According to Dr. Cathering Lisondra-Krings of the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., some 60 percent of cancer patients are “unfortunate enough not to avail of cure and instead suffer through the illness painfully.”
In 1999, DOH announced its acquisition of an anti-cancer machine – high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy machine- for the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), making JRRMMC as the only government hospital with a modern facility that can provide quality treatment for underprivileged cancer patients in the country.
It has been noted that the list of patients awaiting schedule to begin radiotherapy at JRRMMC has been on the rise.
The hospital has long been providing therapeutic services to cancer patients from all over the country, treating up to 120 patients a day.
The cost of treatment in JRRMMC is only about a third of the fee in private hospitals for those who can afford, partial for those are classified as service and completely free for indigents. (PIA)
RP Economy up due to E-VAT
Local businessman points out EVAT’s pro’s and con’s
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
The country has recently received glowing economic forecasts from international finance agencies as a result of the “tough decisions” employed by the national government.
The International Monetary Fund in its recent forecast said that the Philippines’ economic growth would be “higher than average” among its neighboring countries.
The World Bank in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.
Malacañang attributes the flourish of fresh and favorable economic outlooks to the radical fiscal reforms that have been implemented in the country, most notable of which is the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law.
According to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through the E-VAT Law the government raised important cash resources that were used to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.
Good and bad
Local businessman Alex Sy, who heads the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce here, agrees with the forecasts, saying that E-VAT has played a large role in increasing the country’s income from tax collection.
He estimates the increase at about 12 percent.
Sy also credits the diminishing government debt to EVAT. “Makabayad naman ang Pilipinas sa utang tungod sa koleksyon sa EVAT,” he said.
He said that before, almost 70 percent of the government’s revenue goes to paying off the country’s debt.
However, Sy noted that if there’s a good side to EVAT, there is also a flip side to it.
He pointed out the downside of E-VAT which is its impact on the ordinary working Filipino. “Nagkamahal ang consumer goods, fuel and the other basic goods that we buy everyday and this have had a big effect on the consumers. The employees and hard-earning workers have been greatly affected,” he said.
Although Sy lauds the gains brought about by E-VAT, he hopes though that the government can think of another way to continue the pro’s that E-VAT has brought but minus the con’s.
He also suggested that the government trim down its expenditures. “The national and local governments can try cutting down more on its expenses. They can do it if they want to,” he added. (PIA)
First DEB candidates’ forum held
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
The Diocesan Electoral Board recently concluded its first of a series of candidates forums in the province last April 18, 2007 at Quezon Park, this city.
The forum featured candidates for second district congressman, board members, governor and vice-governor.
The open forum opened with the Voters’ Prayer led by Fr. Julius Heruela, Convenor of the Diocesan Electoral Board.
The candidates then delivered a five-minute speech on their platforms of government which was followed by an open forum.
In the open forum, the candidates alternately answered questions raised by a panel of reactors composed of Alex Sy, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Alex Pal, editor of Metro Post; and Fr. Burton Villarmente of the Social Action Center.
The audience was also given a chance to ask their questions that they wrote down and submitted to the Diocesan Electoral Board for screening.
Questions raised during the forum touched various topics, such as environmental issues, power rate reduction, corruption and priority projects.
The candidates likewise declared and signed their commitment to honest and peaceful elections through a candidates’ manifesto read by Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula.
The forum concluded with the lighting of candles and the singing of One Little Candle.
Fr. Ramonito Maata, station manager of DYWC-AM, moderated the forum, which will be aired over the said radio station over the weekend.
The second forum is scheduled on April 23 (Monday), 7:00 p.m. at Quezon Park, this time featuring the six candidates vying for the mayoral and vice-mayoral spots in Dumaguete City.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier called for the collective effort of government and non-government agencies for the conduct of peaceful polls. "Let us protect suffrage, freedom of choice and democracy with the full collective will and resources we can muster," she added.
The Diocesan Electoral Board is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The Board is also set to conduct similar forums in Guihulngan and Bayawan City featuring the respective congressional and board member candidates in the first and third districts. (PIA/RMN)
Siquijor FITS one of RP’s best - DOST
By Rizalie A. Calibo
(Larena, Siquijor)--The Siquijor Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium gains a good reputation as one of the active, best performing FITS in the country, says Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator, Engr. Mario de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here.
This, he attributed to the provincial government’s support and the members full cooperation in all FITS endeavor. “Imagine, there are 169 FITS nationwide and we are lucky be named one of the country’s best,” de la Peña said as he echoed to the group results of the workshop he attended at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) in Los Baños recently. Regular meetings are also seen to further improve the performance of the consortium, he said.
DOST-PCARRD is one of the national government agencies that assist FITS in its effort to help develop the farmers.
FITS serves as a one-stop information facility that caters to the information and technology need of the local populations in the agricultural, fisheries and natural resources sectors.
Malacanang said that while it would take some time to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, constant effort by the government to increase social dividends on the back of a growing economy would eventually boost optimism and hope among the common folk.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that economic activities such as the boom in portfolio investments and the repayment of debts amounting to $175 million can be sustained and move forward programs to breach hunger and poverty.
The Press Secretary said that while the government never promised instant results from the economic surge, the reality, according to him, "is that we have more jobs today, lower inflation, and lesser debt."
"Our detractors may insist in seeing a cup half empty, but we would rather see it half full and filling up as we move forward in our programs to breach hunger and poverty," he pointed out.
Bunye, however, acknowledged that there is still much to be done.
"That is why we are rolling up our sleeves, which more and more Filipinos are doing," he said. "We have rising global confidence in the Philippines and we have the tools of excellence to use to our advantage."
Meanwhile, to strengthen more the FITS members’ commitment to service and motivate them to maximize their potentials, a team building session was conducted last April 4 at Dapdap Sunset Grill, Pangi, Siquijor.
There, Team Building games were played that aims to improve communications, break-down barriers and reduce conflicts as well as improve critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The games also enabled the members to recognize and appreciate everyone’s contributions, help them get to know each other better and capitalize on team members’ strengths, commonalities and diversity to just let them have some fun.
Team Building was introduced by the regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Engr. Burt Llanto who believes that the members will learn to work together more effectively by learning to play and do common activities together outside of their normal work environment. Participants were presented with challenges which are best overcome as a team.
It emphasizes on developing excellence, right attitude and goal setting in a lighter way.
“I hope that this will be the start of the many training/seminars that will be conducted by DOST for the FITS Consortium,” de la Peña said. (RAC/PIA)
Sitio Pilapil in San Juan qualifies for solar power project
Sitio Pilapil in Barangay Napo, San Juan , a remote rural area in Siquijor province which has not yet been reached by electric power services qualifies for Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS).
This was bared by the local office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) following the result of a survey conducted by DAR Central Office and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently.
DAR personnel headed by Chief AR Program Officer Elmer C. Bontia and General Manager Laureen Malolot of the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO), Inc. recently conducted a consultation with the residents of Sitio Pilapil. San Juan town Mayor Edwin Quimno also attended the forum which aimed to obtain the residents’ feedback or approval of putting up a solar electrification project in their area.
SPOTS is an integrated social and agricultural project to compliment DAR’s existing efforts in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in remote areas with the use of photovoltaic energy systems.
The project aims to address rural poverty in the un-energized and off-grid Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs), increase rural productivity and promote livelihood, empower local ARCs and farmer organizations, and apply solar energy technology as the enabling technology for sustainable development.
The project package includes solar electrification (home lighting system), agri-business/agri-development (agri and potable water systems), and social support to community facilities (health center, school, barangay hall and communal lighting package).
In her Easter message, the President said the government through the “8 by 08” national agenda, would bring the people the benefits of a growing economy that include the availability of food, pro-poor education, healthcare and housing; more investments, strong peso, better cost of living, more new jobs created, a green Philippines and a safer and secured community now that funds are available for socio-economic projects.
As noted various progress-oriented and pro-poor projects has been fast-tracked over the past years that resulted to lower incidence of poverty in the country.
Over three million Filipinos have so far risen from extreme poverty since 2000, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a statement, citing a report by the World Bank, the world’s leading institution for development.
The WB estimates that by the end of this year, only some 8.4 percent of Filipinos would be living on a dollar a day – the standard by which the said institution measures extreme poverty.
Saludo said the WB forecast is buoyed up by the continuous improvement in the Philippine economy, which is projected to grow by as much as 5.7 percent this year.
"Now that the government has increased its fund sources and earnings, public infrastructure and public service will surely follow, thus providing employment opportunities and expanding education, health, housing and other services for the people," Saludo said.
Meanwhile, residents of Sitio Pilapil per consultation, were enthusiastic and receptive of the proposed project. “However, DAR has yet to receive the endorsement by the local electric supplier (PROSIELCO) before the project can be further submitted to the Department of Energy, the cooperating agency for the identification and approval of the site,” DAR officials said. (RTLeduna-DAR/RACalibo –PIA)
Budget hearing calls for tax code revision
The local finance committee of the local government unit of Larena in Siquijor province pushed for the revision of the Local Tax Code to generate more income for maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE) for Calendar Year 2007.
The average annual collection of income from local sources for the past three years is only P5M and the Internal Revenue Allotment share is P19,145,252.
During the budget hearing recently, the department heads defended the increases in their budget proposals for their respective offices. These proposals were strongly endorsed to the local chief executive for consideration.
The municipal Budget officer aired that for CY 2007, the municipality is only operating on a P26.5 million budget. This amount is allocated for the following expenditures: Personal Services – P15.9 million; MOOE, P5.3 million; 20% development fund, 5% calamity fund; and capital outlay, P5.3 million.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that inorder to raise important cash resources to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects, “tough decisions” that implement radical fiscal reforms, most notably the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law has to be pursued.
The E-VAT Law increased the rate of VAT imposed on goods and services from the previous 10 percenty to 12 percent.
It also imposed VAT on other high impact luxury and previously VAT-exempt goods such as fuel and Sport Utility Vehicles, more commonly known as SUVs.
Because of the E-VAT Law, the President said, the government was able to raise important cash resources that were used to fund development projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.
The government was also able to provide "soft loans" to Filipino entrepreneurs who availed themselves of the grants given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to put up their own businesses.
All these activities did not go unnoticed as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast recently that the Philippines ' economic growth would be "higher than average" among its neighboring countries.
Even the World Bank, in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report, had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri,pointed out that because of these positive indicators, investor confidence on the country had picked up.
He reported that for the first quarter of 2007, the Board of Investments had recorded a 51 percent increase in foreign investments, resulting in a P28-billion influx of fresh investments.
He said these investments were mainly concentrated in the areas of the electronics sector, call centers and hotels and resorts.
He added that the lending activities of banks have increased by 10 percent due to the low interest rates on their loans, making it palatable to the prospective borrowers and investors.
Furthermore, inflation is at its lowest in 10 years at 2.2 percent, making borrowing from banks more appealing, according to Neri.
This trend in borrowing, he said, will translate to more jobs as more entrepreneurs put up their own businesses.
The President thanked the SMEs and encouraged those planning to put up their own business to partake of the flourishing economy. (CAQ-LArena LGU/RAC-PIA)
peace covenant with Comelec, PNP
April 19, 2007
A peace covenant was recently signed between candidates of the first district in Negros Oriental and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 7.
The move is in line with President Gloria-Macapagal’s call for “an intensified cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the citizenry and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in stemming the increasing incidence of poll-related violence in the country.”
Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula together with PNP Region 7 Director General Alarcio and Provincial Police Director Col. Melvin Ramon Buenafe met with electoral candidates in the first district on April 12 to intervene in what is seen to be a tense race for electoral positions in the district.
Violent incidents alleged to be election-related that left a total of 8 people dead have been reported in La Libertad and Canlaon City on April 1 and March 9, respectively.
La Libertad and Canlaon City are among the eight areas that belong to the first district.
Advincula said there is no concrete evidence yet that the incidents are politically related.
Earlier reports indicate that the New People’s Army has owned up to the ambush in La Libertad.
But whether the killings were election-related or not, Advincula said he nonetheless intervened to dampen the intense political rivalry in the area before things got out of hand. “The entire island is under my supervision…I don’t want to wait for something else to happen that may result to loss of lives or other atrocities,” he said.
Advincula disclosed that during the said dialogue, the candidates were willing to cooperate and adhere to the peace covenant.
He believes that the situation is now “under control.”
The elections supervisor also describes the current peace and order situation in the province as “80 percent commendable”.
Advincula said the local police command is keeping him up to date on any election-related incidents in the province.
According to PNP’s National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC), a total of 46 election-related violent incidences and 1,479 arrests of persons found violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban has been recorded nationwide since the campaign period started on Jan. 14. (PIA)
Voter’s list in NegOr now 99% cleansed
April 19, 2007
“The voter’s list of Oriental Negros is now 98 to 99 percent cleansed,” said Atty. Manuel Advicula, provincial supervisor of the Commission of Elections (Comelec) here.
The Comelec office here through the action of the election registration board have de-listed voters who were ether convicted by court, considered incompetent due to insanity, failed to vote in two successive regular elections, lost Filipino citizens, excluded from voting through court order, already dead or registered twice for the election.
Due to this, two municipalities of the 2nd district in the province showed a drop in its number of voters despite the continued registration of Comelec.
Comelec records show the number of registered voters of Amlan has decreased to 11, 717 from the 11, 818 in the 2004 election.
Registered voters in the municipality of Mabinay have also reduced, resulting to now 32, 139 voters from 33, 013 in the 2004 election.
At the national level, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that a total of 1.13 million “unscrupulous” voters were de-listed, bringing down to 45.5 million number of qualified voters for the May poll. (PIA)
Cancer cases in the Phils on the rise
Public invited to witness free lecture
on cancer prevention
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
A high ranking officer of the American Cancer Society is set to deliver a talk on “Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cancer” on Friday, April 20, 4:00 p.m. at the St. Paul University-Dumaguete School of Nursing.
The provincial government has invited Dr. Hugh F. Stallworth, vice president of the American Cancer Society (ACS), in an effort to raise awareness on cancer prevention in the province.
A rare opportunity for Negrenses, the said lecture is free for the public. Interested attendees can contact Sr. Rosamund Abadesco of the SPU Nursing Department for reservations.
Another reason for the ACS official’s visit is to explore the possibility of a partnership with the provincial government for the delivery of health care system in the province, said Assistant Provincial Administrator Josefina Columna.
A malady of massive proportions, cancer ranks third in the leading causes of deaths and illnesses in the Philippines, according to statistics published by the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates in 1997.
The same report said that for every 1,800 Filipinos, one will develop cancer annually.
A report posted on the Department of Health’s website puts cancer as the third leading cause of mortality in the country next to infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
The health department estimates that about 53 cancer cases per 100,000 population arises every year in the country.
Breast and gynecological cancer are the most common types of cancer to strike Filipino women while lung cancer for Filipino men.
According to Dr. Cathering Lisondra-Krings of the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., some 60 percent of cancer patients are “unfortunate enough not to avail of cure and instead suffer through the illness painfully.”
In 1999, DOH announced its acquisition of an anti-cancer machine – high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy machine- for the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), making JRRMMC as the only government hospital with a modern facility that can provide quality treatment for underprivileged cancer patients in the country.
It has been noted that the list of patients awaiting schedule to begin radiotherapy at JRRMMC has been on the rise.
The hospital has long been providing therapeutic services to cancer patients from all over the country, treating up to 120 patients a day.
The cost of treatment in JRRMMC is only about a third of the fee in private hospitals for those who can afford, partial for those are classified as service and completely free for indigents. (PIA)
RP Economy up due to E-VAT
Local businessman points out EVAT’s pro’s and con’s
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
The country has recently received glowing economic forecasts from international finance agencies as a result of the “tough decisions” employed by the national government.
The International Monetary Fund in its recent forecast said that the Philippines’ economic growth would be “higher than average” among its neighboring countries.
The World Bank in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.
Malacañang attributes the flourish of fresh and favorable economic outlooks to the radical fiscal reforms that have been implemented in the country, most notable of which is the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law.
According to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through the E-VAT Law the government raised important cash resources that were used to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.
Good and bad
Local businessman Alex Sy, who heads the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce here, agrees with the forecasts, saying that E-VAT has played a large role in increasing the country’s income from tax collection.
He estimates the increase at about 12 percent.
Sy also credits the diminishing government debt to EVAT. “Makabayad naman ang Pilipinas sa utang tungod sa koleksyon sa EVAT,” he said.
He said that before, almost 70 percent of the government’s revenue goes to paying off the country’s debt.
However, Sy noted that if there’s a good side to EVAT, there is also a flip side to it.
He pointed out the downside of E-VAT which is its impact on the ordinary working Filipino. “Nagkamahal ang consumer goods, fuel and the other basic goods that we buy everyday and this have had a big effect on the consumers. The employees and hard-earning workers have been greatly affected,” he said.
Although Sy lauds the gains brought about by E-VAT, he hopes though that the government can think of another way to continue the pro’s that E-VAT has brought but minus the con’s.
He also suggested that the government trim down its expenditures. “The national and local governments can try cutting down more on its expenses. They can do it if they want to,” he added. (PIA)
First DEB candidates’ forum held
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007
The Diocesan Electoral Board recently concluded its first of a series of candidates forums in the province last April 18, 2007 at Quezon Park, this city.
The forum featured candidates for second district congressman, board members, governor and vice-governor.
The open forum opened with the Voters’ Prayer led by Fr. Julius Heruela, Convenor of the Diocesan Electoral Board.
The candidates then delivered a five-minute speech on their platforms of government which was followed by an open forum.
In the open forum, the candidates alternately answered questions raised by a panel of reactors composed of Alex Sy, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Alex Pal, editor of Metro Post; and Fr. Burton Villarmente of the Social Action Center.
The audience was also given a chance to ask their questions that they wrote down and submitted to the Diocesan Electoral Board for screening.
Questions raised during the forum touched various topics, such as environmental issues, power rate reduction, corruption and priority projects.
The candidates likewise declared and signed their commitment to honest and peaceful elections through a candidates’ manifesto read by Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula.
The forum concluded with the lighting of candles and the singing of One Little Candle.
Fr. Ramonito Maata, station manager of DYWC-AM, moderated the forum, which will be aired over the said radio station over the weekend.
The second forum is scheduled on April 23 (Monday), 7:00 p.m. at Quezon Park, this time featuring the six candidates vying for the mayoral and vice-mayoral spots in Dumaguete City.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier called for the collective effort of government and non-government agencies for the conduct of peaceful polls. "Let us protect suffrage, freedom of choice and democracy with the full collective will and resources we can muster," she added.
The Diocesan Electoral Board is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The Board is also set to conduct similar forums in Guihulngan and Bayawan City featuring the respective congressional and board member candidates in the first and third districts. (PIA/RMN)
Siquijor FITS one of RP’s best - DOST
By Rizalie A. Calibo
(Larena, Siquijor)--The Siquijor Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium gains a good reputation as one of the active, best performing FITS in the country, says Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator, Engr. Mario de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here.
This, he attributed to the provincial government’s support and the members full cooperation in all FITS endeavor. “Imagine, there are 169 FITS nationwide and we are lucky be named one of the country’s best,” de la Peña said as he echoed to the group results of the workshop he attended at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) in Los Baños recently. Regular meetings are also seen to further improve the performance of the consortium, he said.
DOST-PCARRD is one of the national government agencies that assist FITS in its effort to help develop the farmers.
FITS serves as a one-stop information facility that caters to the information and technology need of the local populations in the agricultural, fisheries and natural resources sectors.
Malacanang said that while it would take some time to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, constant effort by the government to increase social dividends on the back of a growing economy would eventually boost optimism and hope among the common folk.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that economic activities such as the boom in portfolio investments and the repayment of debts amounting to $175 million can be sustained and move forward programs to breach hunger and poverty.
The Press Secretary said that while the government never promised instant results from the economic surge, the reality, according to him, "is that we have more jobs today, lower inflation, and lesser debt."
"Our detractors may insist in seeing a cup half empty, but we would rather see it half full and filling up as we move forward in our programs to breach hunger and poverty," he pointed out.
Bunye, however, acknowledged that there is still much to be done.
"That is why we are rolling up our sleeves, which more and more Filipinos are doing," he said. "We have rising global confidence in the Philippines and we have the tools of excellence to use to our advantage."
Meanwhile, to strengthen more the FITS members’ commitment to service and motivate them to maximize their potentials, a team building session was conducted last April 4 at Dapdap Sunset Grill, Pangi, Siquijor.
There, Team Building games were played that aims to improve communications, break-down barriers and reduce conflicts as well as improve critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The games also enabled the members to recognize and appreciate everyone’s contributions, help them get to know each other better and capitalize on team members’ strengths, commonalities and diversity to just let them have some fun.
Team Building was introduced by the regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Engr. Burt Llanto who believes that the members will learn to work together more effectively by learning to play and do common activities together outside of their normal work environment. Participants were presented with challenges which are best overcome as a team.
It emphasizes on developing excellence, right attitude and goal setting in a lighter way.
“I hope that this will be the start of the many training/seminars that will be conducted by DOST for the FITS Consortium,” de la Peña said. (RAC/PIA)
Sitio Pilapil in San Juan qualifies for solar power project
Sitio Pilapil in Barangay Napo, San Juan , a remote rural area in Siquijor province which has not yet been reached by electric power services qualifies for Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS).
This was bared by the local office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) following the result of a survey conducted by DAR Central Office and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently.
DAR personnel headed by Chief AR Program Officer Elmer C. Bontia and General Manager Laureen Malolot of the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO), Inc. recently conducted a consultation with the residents of Sitio Pilapil. San Juan town Mayor Edwin Quimno also attended the forum which aimed to obtain the residents’ feedback or approval of putting up a solar electrification project in their area.
SPOTS is an integrated social and agricultural project to compliment DAR’s existing efforts in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in remote areas with the use of photovoltaic energy systems.
The project aims to address rural poverty in the un-energized and off-grid Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs), increase rural productivity and promote livelihood, empower local ARCs and farmer organizations, and apply solar energy technology as the enabling technology for sustainable development.
The project package includes solar electrification (home lighting system), agri-business/agri-development (agri and potable water systems), and social support to community facilities (health center, school, barangay hall and communal lighting package).
In her Easter message, the President said the government through the “8 by 08” national agenda, would bring the people the benefits of a growing economy that include the availability of food, pro-poor education, healthcare and housing; more investments, strong peso, better cost of living, more new jobs created, a green Philippines and a safer and secured community now that funds are available for socio-economic projects.
As noted various progress-oriented and pro-poor projects has been fast-tracked over the past years that resulted to lower incidence of poverty in the country.
Over three million Filipinos have so far risen from extreme poverty since 2000, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a statement, citing a report by the World Bank, the world’s leading institution for development.
The WB estimates that by the end of this year, only some 8.4 percent of Filipinos would be living on a dollar a day – the standard by which the said institution measures extreme poverty.
Saludo said the WB forecast is buoyed up by the continuous improvement in the Philippine economy, which is projected to grow by as much as 5.7 percent this year.
"Now that the government has increased its fund sources and earnings, public infrastructure and public service will surely follow, thus providing employment opportunities and expanding education, health, housing and other services for the people," Saludo said.
Meanwhile, residents of Sitio Pilapil per consultation, were enthusiastic and receptive of the proposed project. “However, DAR has yet to receive the endorsement by the local electric supplier (PROSIELCO) before the project can be further submitted to the Department of Energy, the cooperating agency for the identification and approval of the site,” DAR officials said. (RTLeduna-DAR/RACalibo –PIA)
Budget hearing calls for tax code revision
The local finance committee of the local government unit of Larena in Siquijor province pushed for the revision of the Local Tax Code to generate more income for maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE) for Calendar Year 2007.
The average annual collection of income from local sources for the past three years is only P5M and the Internal Revenue Allotment share is P19,145,252.
During the budget hearing recently, the department heads defended the increases in their budget proposals for their respective offices. These proposals were strongly endorsed to the local chief executive for consideration.
The municipal Budget officer aired that for CY 2007, the municipality is only operating on a P26.5 million budget. This amount is allocated for the following expenditures: Personal Services – P15.9 million; MOOE, P5.3 million; 20% development fund, 5% calamity fund; and capital outlay, P5.3 million.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that inorder to raise important cash resources to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects, “tough decisions” that implement radical fiscal reforms, most notably the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law has to be pursued.
The E-VAT Law increased the rate of VAT imposed on goods and services from the previous 10 percenty to 12 percent.
It also imposed VAT on other high impact luxury and previously VAT-exempt goods such as fuel and Sport Utility Vehicles, more commonly known as SUVs.
Because of the E-VAT Law, the President said, the government was able to raise important cash resources that were used to fund development projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.
The government was also able to provide "soft loans" to Filipino entrepreneurs who availed themselves of the grants given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to put up their own businesses.
All these activities did not go unnoticed as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast recently that the Philippines ' economic growth would be "higher than average" among its neighboring countries.
Even the World Bank, in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report, had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri,pointed out that because of these positive indicators, investor confidence on the country had picked up.
He reported that for the first quarter of 2007, the Board of Investments had recorded a 51 percent increase in foreign investments, resulting in a P28-billion influx of fresh investments.
He said these investments were mainly concentrated in the areas of the electronics sector, call centers and hotels and resorts.
He added that the lending activities of banks have increased by 10 percent due to the low interest rates on their loans, making it palatable to the prospective borrowers and investors.
Furthermore, inflation is at its lowest in 10 years at 2.2 percent, making borrowing from banks more appealing, according to Neri.
This trend in borrowing, he said, will translate to more jobs as more entrepreneurs put up their own businesses.
The President thanked the SMEs and encouraged those planning to put up their own business to partake of the flourishing economy. (CAQ-LArena LGU/RAC-PIA)
4/12/2007
ISSUE NO. 15, APRIL 12, 2006
Stay alive, WW2 Filipino veterans told
“Just stay alive,” was the advice given by a local war veteran leader in Negros Oriental to his fellow Filipino veterans who fought alongside American soldiers in fending off Japanese invasion during the World War II.
Former Judge Venancio Aldecoa, who saw action in World War II as a 17-year old soldier, gave the advice in view of the long and drawn-out ordeal of Filipino war veterans for the passage of the Veterans’ Equity Bill in United States.
The bill seeks to amend the Rescission Act, now Section 107 of the United States Code, which stopped the pension of all Filipino World War II nonservice-connected veterans in 1946 and limited the disability compensation, health and burial benefits to those with service-connected or combat-related injury.
Should the Veterans’ Equity Bill be passed into law, monthly pension to all Filipino WWII veterans for their war services will be restored.
Aldecoa lamented that the passage of the bill is already long-delayed. “Time is very precious to us veterans,” he said.
At 81 years old, Aldecoa - who heads the second district federation of war veterans in the province- said he is one of the youngest of the group that has diminished over the years.
Current records from the local Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) here show there are a total of 2,041 veterans and surviving spouses in Negros Oriental (1,789) and Siquijor (252) provinces.
Figures released by Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Carlos D. Sorreta place the total number of surviving non-service veterans at 20,000 with 13,000 in the Philippines and around 7,000 in the US.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier expressed hope that US lawmakers would support the possible passage of the bill that would grant Filipino war veterans equal benefits with their American counterparts.
“We hope that all the US officials will support this effort to pass legislation that would allow our Filipino veterans to obtain the benefits they have long sought and truly deserve,” the President said.
Aldecoa said the additional pension that veterans would get from the passage of the said bill is much needed by the veterans who most, if not all, are in want.
He said WWII veterans in the Philippines are receiving a monthly pension of P5,000. But with the high cost of prices and medicines today, this is not enough to cover our needs, stressed Aldecoa.
But in the meantime that the Filipino Equity Bill is going through the eye of the needle in the US, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the release of P1.8 billion to cover government arrears in the pension payments of Filipino war veterans.
The President issued the directive in her speech read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the 65th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites on Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan.
Since 2006, the government has already released a total of P19.57 billion for the regular pension and P1.6 billion in pension arrears of the war veterans for the remaining months of this year.
The government expects to settle all pension arrears by next year. (PIA/RMN)
PGMA orders release of 1.8B for pension arrears of war veterans
War veteran pensioners in Negros Oriental have reason to celebrate after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1.8 billion to cover the government arrears in the pension payments of Filipino war veterans.
The President issued the directive in her speech read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the 65th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites on Mt. Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan.
Local war veteran pensioners welcome the President’s move as “we have been waiting for this a long time,” said Venancio Aldecoa, a former judge in the province who, at 17 years old, was one of the courageous men who took up arms during the World War 2.
The recent announcement of the President is akin to a breath of fresh air for war veteran pensioners who, Aldecoa said most, if not all, are in want.
The former judge currently sits as president of the federation of war veterans in the second district.
He said war veteran pensioners receive a monthly regular pension of P5,000. “But this is not enough to cover a pensioner’s needs,” said Aldeco, particularly when it comes to healthcare.
Records from the local Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) here show there are a total of 2,041 veterans and surviving spouses in Negros Oriental (1,789) and Siquijor (252) provinces.
Annabel Moga, head of the PVAO here, explained that the amount of arrears owed by the government varies with each pensioner depending on the date the pensioner filed his application with PVAO and the date of approval.
Moga said it usually takes around three months after the President’s formal announcement of fund release before the pensioners can receive their arrears.
Philippine Veterans Bank here said the PVAO Manila Office provides the central of Philippine Veterans Bank in Manila with the list of qualified pensioners to receive the arrears.
According to Maritess Cabahug, accountant of the Philippine Veterans Bank here, there are 2,500 pensioner accountholders with their bank from Negros Oriental, Siquijor and some parts of Cebu.
Some pensioners are also holding accounts with other banks such as Land Bank, she said.
Since 2006, the government has already released a total of P19.57 billion for the regular pension and P1.6 billion in pension arrears of the war veterans for the remaining months of this year.
With the latest instruction, the government expects to settle all pension arrears by next year. “By 2008, we will be up-to-date in our pension payments,” the President said. (PIA/RMN)
Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities is now on
Calling all local government units in Negros Oriental: the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children in Central Visayas (RSCWC-7) is now accepting entries for the 2007 Presidential Award for the Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities in line with the Child-Friendly Movement.
Teodulo Romo, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7, enjoined all cities and municipalities in the province and other areas in Central Visayas to submit their entries to the Search which aims to recognize the role of the local government units in the country in promoting and protecting children’s rights.
To qualify for the search, LGUs must have the following: (a) Local Development and Investment Plan for Children (separate or integrated in the Local development Plan); (b) Local Ordinances that promote and protect children’s rights (e.g. Provincial, City or Municipal Children’s Code); (c) Updated data or data bank on children.
These items form part of the supporting documents that will be submitted with the required documents that are enumerated in the entry form, said Romo, who also sits as chairman of the RSCWC.
Entry forms are available at the respective LGUs through the DILG and also at the local sub-committees for the welfare of children.
The entries are evaluated from the provincial to the regional levels using the following indicators or criteria: (a) Planning and Policy Formulation-15%; (b) Resource Allocation-15%; (c) Service Delivery on health & Nutrition-20%; Education-10%; Social Protection-10%; (d) Institution & Capability Building-10%; (e) Child Participation-10%; (f) Community Participation-10%.
Evaluation tools have been developed for both the municipality and barangay level. Regional Awards shall be given every year while the National Awards shall be given every three (3) years.
For this year, Romo said that the Search shall have four categories (4) based on the classification of municipalities and cities—1st-3rd class municipalities; 4th-6th class municipalities; highly-urbanized cities and component cities.
The RSCWC-7 has scheduled the timelines of the Search. April-June 30 is the submission of municipal entries to the province; July-August 15 will the provincial screening and submission of provincial nominees to the RSCWC; August 30 is the deadline of entries from the provincial level to the RSCWC.
By September-October, the RSCWC will conduct regional level screening, validation and declaration of winners and the awarding of winners will take place in November 2007.
The Search was launched in November 1998 in a bid to support the movement and also in recognition of the role of the local government units in the country in promoting and protecting the rights of the child to survival, development, protection and participation.
Candidates forum in Negor set
A series of candidates forum will be conducted in the three districts of Oriental Negros from April 18 to May 9, 2007 by the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB). The forum aims to provide a non-partisan and free venue for candidates to present their qualifications/ platforms/ programs of government and give local candidates and residents a chance to discuss the various issues affecting their communities.
On April 18, Wednesday at 7 o’clock in the evening, the 2nd district candidates for congressman (3), governor (2), vice-governor (1), and provincial board members (4) will present themselves to the public/voters at Quezon Park, this city.
Dumaguete City mayoral (3) and vice-mayoral (3) candidates will be on the 20th of April to make themselves available and take the opportunity to speak on their programs.
DEB Convenor Rev. Fr. Julius Heruela said the candidates’ forum will also provide local residents ample opportunity to know their candidates better and raise the level of consciousness of voters towards a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections (CHAMP).
For his part, Sec. Ignacio Bunye said the start of the local campaigns is a signal of Philippine democracy in full bloom, as all parties, persuasions and ideas come into play to crystallize a vibrant nation moving forward to a brighter future.
The Executive Department through the Philippine National Police will continue to stand beside the Commission on Elections to ensure that law and order will prevail before, during and after the electoral process.
On the 27th and 25th of April, this year, the 3rd and 1st districts candidates are expected to show up in Bayawan City and Guihulngan, respectively. The fora will be highlighted by the covenant signing of the candidates’ manifesto, which will be witnessed by the public.
The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The candidates are expected to deliver a five-minute speech about their qualifications/ platform/ program of government after which an open forum will immediately follow through a multi-sectoral panel of reactors. The forum will be covered live over radio station DYWC-AM.
Moreover, Press Sec. Bunye urge all candidates to keep the issues at a high level and focus on the interest of the people in a platform-led campaign—and employ the media as a means of enlightenment rather than insidious attack.
This country is on the verge of an economic takeoff that can be accelerated by a collective show of force for Philippine democracy in all its positive aspects, untainted by guns, goons and gold. We urge political leaders from all sides at all levels to adhere to the democratic process and follow the road of sobriety, prudence and restraint. (PIA/JCTilos)
Int’l leadership camp set in Dumaguete
With the theme “Reuniting the World’s Youth of Today for a Safer and Better Tomorrow,” the Saceda Youth Lead together with the National Youth Commission under the Office of the President will hold the 3rd International Leadership Camp on April 18-28 at Mt. Carmel, Avila Kiosk, Balugo, Dumaguete City.
Participating student leaders will come from different schools in Southeast Asia. After the training, 25 student leaders from the Philippines will represent the country as youth ambassadors of goodwill to the 2007 World Leadership Congress in the United States of American and the 2007 Saceda Youth Lead International in Asia.
Dave Saceda, chair and founder of the Saceda Youth Lead, hopes to gather the youth in the region in an event which will hone their leadership skills, strengthen their values and make new friends- all for a stronger nation with a responsible citizenry.
Invited speakers of the said event include the following: Hon. Johannes Adrianus Vander Zane, First Secretary of the Embassy of Netherlands to Israel; Negros Oriental Governor George P. Arnaiz; Negros Oriental State University President Dr. Henry A. Sojor; and Atty. Mikhail Maxino, director of Jovito Salonga Center for Law and Development.
The event is made possible with the help of the provincial government of Negros Oriental, City Government of Dumaguete, Department of Educat6ion, Commission on Higher Education, World Association of NGOs, Foundation University and Silliman University.
For inquiries, interested participants may contact Rechanel Gallano, managing officer of the Saceda Youth Lead at tel. no. (035) 225-9756, mobile no. 0917-314-2890, email at sacedaleadership@yahoo.com or visit www.sacedaleaders.org.
Media bureaus are invited to join the opening ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on April 18 at Mt. Carmel, Avila Kiosk in Balugo, after which a press conference will be held.
Belgian envoy visits Siquijor
Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Gregoire Vardakis visited the province of Siquijor recently and toured various Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Program (BIARSP)-funded projects of the Department of Agriarian Reform (DAR).
Now on its third and last phase, BIARSP has provided the province with development assistance of more than P14 million since 1998 that has funded infrastructure projects, basic social and health services and various skills enhancement training to Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) here, Information Officer Richard Leduna reported.
Over and above costs of development assistance BIARSP has also provided direct interventions like vehicles and office equipment to the DAR office and selected cooperatives to ensure that development programs and projects are effectively and efficiently delivered to the beneficiaries, Leduna also said.
DAR is a member of the Anti-Hunger Task Force that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has created to work closely with faith-based organizations to widen the reach of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) among the poor in the identified provinces in the country.
Under Executive Order 616 she signed last Tuesday, Apr. 3, the President ordered the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health to lead the Task Force which will also be composed of national government agencies implementing the component programs of the AHMP.
Ambassador Vardakis was accompanied by BIARSP Programme Coordinator Peter D’huys with representatives from BIARSP Technical Support and Coordination Office (TSCO) in Dumaguete City .
The party first visited the 2.9-kilometer Pili-Canghunoghunog farm-to-market road, then the construction of two-classroom building in Cang-asa Elementary School where the party was met by Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua. The Ambassador took time to visit the classrooms in Cang-asa Day Care Center and one primary grade school class.
The convoy proceeded to Tagmanocan Elementary School in Lazi for the turnover of the newly rehabilitated three-classroom building which is also BIARSP-funded with counterparts from the LGU and PTCA.
The turn-over ceremony was attended by Governor Orlando Fua, Mayor Orville Fua of Lazi, Dr. Antonio Del Socorro of DAR Regional Office, PARO Teresita E. Depeñoso, Mrs. Carmencita Omictin of DepEd, Brgy. Captain Romeo Lumingkit of Tagmanocan and Tagmanocan PTCA President Charles Malhin.
The Belgian ambassador was warmly received by the local officials, teachers and school children in every recipient school and by beneficiaries of infrastructure projects, with children waving the Belgian and Philippine flags.
He was also met by Mayor Edwin Quimno of San Juan at Catulayan Elementary School where the construction of a two-classroom school building is still on-going. Another BIARSP project in San Juan visited by the envoy was the potable water supply system in Timbaon, San Juan .
Ambassador Vardakis’s first trip to Siquijor was in 2005, visiting BIARSP funded projects and for the turn-over of the rehabilitated three-classroom building in Bogo Elementary School in Maria. (DAR-T. Richard T. Leduna/RACalibo - PIA)
ECCD improves Day Care Centers’ operation
Since the implementation of the government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project in 2000 [now Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)], the Day Care Centers’ operation, as well as the performance and skills of the teachers in Larena town, province of Siquijor have greatly improved.
Result of the evaluation conducted by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently showed 20 barangays in the municipality having earned stars for proper maintenance and upkeep of their Day Care Centers.
Accredited with a high four-star rating (the highest being, five star) were barangays Basac, Bintangan, Canlambo, Cangmalalag, Helen, North Poblacion , and Sabang. Thirteen others earned the three-star accreditation according to the DSWD rating.
These are the mountain barangays of Balolang, Cabulihan, Canlasog, Calunasan, Cang-apa, Cang-allas, Catamboan, and Ponong and the coastal barangays of Cangbagsa, Bontod, Sandugan, South Poblacion and Taculing.
Only barangays Nonoc, Candigum and Bagacay remain for accreditation but their Day Care Centers have already been accredited, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Rosalie D. Balongag said.
It can be recalled, the all centers showed a poor rating during the 1997 evaluation and assessment of Day Center in the municipality. “The result is really a big leap for the barangays,” Balongag also said.
In October last year, a total of P5,0367,770.40 was released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children October last year for the expansion of existing ECCD program and establishment of ECCD system in Siquijor province based on the 2006 work and financial plan.
The initial release was part of the P20,625,000 budget for the province’s ECCD program that calls for 80-20 percent sharing from the council and the local government.
Larena LGU has put up a counterpart of P120 thousand.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye earlier stated that the decline in the country’s debt brings the administration a wider elbow room for more resources which will provide the people with basic social services and infrastructure programs aimed at lifting them from poverty like that of ECCD.
And the marked improvement in the economy the country is experiencing right now is due to the radical fiscal reforms implemented by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the first six years of her administration, he said.
"The President’s fiscal reforms have resulted in a stronger peso, reduced budget deficit and public debt and increased foreign investments," Bunye also said in his weekly column "The View From the Palace".
These fiscal reforms include the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) Law which increases the rate of VAT imposed on goods and services from 10 to 12 percent and the National Attrition Law which pushes revenue generating agencies to meet their collection targets or face stiff penalties. (RDB-Larena LGU/RACalilbo-PIA)
“Just stay alive,” was the advice given by a local war veteran leader in Negros Oriental to his fellow Filipino veterans who fought alongside American soldiers in fending off Japanese invasion during the World War II.
Former Judge Venancio Aldecoa, who saw action in World War II as a 17-year old soldier, gave the advice in view of the long and drawn-out ordeal of Filipino war veterans for the passage of the Veterans’ Equity Bill in United States.
The bill seeks to amend the Rescission Act, now Section 107 of the United States Code, which stopped the pension of all Filipino World War II nonservice-connected veterans in 1946 and limited the disability compensation, health and burial benefits to those with service-connected or combat-related injury.
Should the Veterans’ Equity Bill be passed into law, monthly pension to all Filipino WWII veterans for their war services will be restored.
Aldecoa lamented that the passage of the bill is already long-delayed. “Time is very precious to us veterans,” he said.
At 81 years old, Aldecoa - who heads the second district federation of war veterans in the province- said he is one of the youngest of the group that has diminished over the years.
Current records from the local Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) here show there are a total of 2,041 veterans and surviving spouses in Negros Oriental (1,789) and Siquijor (252) provinces.
Figures released by Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Carlos D. Sorreta place the total number of surviving non-service veterans at 20,000 with 13,000 in the Philippines and around 7,000 in the US.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier expressed hope that US lawmakers would support the possible passage of the bill that would grant Filipino war veterans equal benefits with their American counterparts.
“We hope that all the US officials will support this effort to pass legislation that would allow our Filipino veterans to obtain the benefits they have long sought and truly deserve,” the President said.
Aldecoa said the additional pension that veterans would get from the passage of the said bill is much needed by the veterans who most, if not all, are in want.
He said WWII veterans in the Philippines are receiving a monthly pension of P5,000. But with the high cost of prices and medicines today, this is not enough to cover our needs, stressed Aldecoa.
But in the meantime that the Filipino Equity Bill is going through the eye of the needle in the US, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the release of P1.8 billion to cover government arrears in the pension payments of Filipino war veterans.
The President issued the directive in her speech read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the 65th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites on Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan.
Since 2006, the government has already released a total of P19.57 billion for the regular pension and P1.6 billion in pension arrears of the war veterans for the remaining months of this year.
The government expects to settle all pension arrears by next year. (PIA/RMN)
PGMA orders release of 1.8B for pension arrears of war veterans
War veteran pensioners in Negros Oriental have reason to celebrate after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1.8 billion to cover the government arrears in the pension payments of Filipino war veterans.
The President issued the directive in her speech read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the 65th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites on Mt. Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan.
Local war veteran pensioners welcome the President’s move as “we have been waiting for this a long time,” said Venancio Aldecoa, a former judge in the province who, at 17 years old, was one of the courageous men who took up arms during the World War 2.
The recent announcement of the President is akin to a breath of fresh air for war veteran pensioners who, Aldecoa said most, if not all, are in want.
The former judge currently sits as president of the federation of war veterans in the second district.
He said war veteran pensioners receive a monthly regular pension of P5,000. “But this is not enough to cover a pensioner’s needs,” said Aldeco, particularly when it comes to healthcare.
Records from the local Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) here show there are a total of 2,041 veterans and surviving spouses in Negros Oriental (1,789) and Siquijor (252) provinces.
Annabel Moga, head of the PVAO here, explained that the amount of arrears owed by the government varies with each pensioner depending on the date the pensioner filed his application with PVAO and the date of approval.
Moga said it usually takes around three months after the President’s formal announcement of fund release before the pensioners can receive their arrears.
Philippine Veterans Bank here said the PVAO Manila Office provides the central of Philippine Veterans Bank in Manila with the list of qualified pensioners to receive the arrears.
According to Maritess Cabahug, accountant of the Philippine Veterans Bank here, there are 2,500 pensioner accountholders with their bank from Negros Oriental, Siquijor and some parts of Cebu.
Some pensioners are also holding accounts with other banks such as Land Bank, she said.
Since 2006, the government has already released a total of P19.57 billion for the regular pension and P1.6 billion in pension arrears of the war veterans for the remaining months of this year.
With the latest instruction, the government expects to settle all pension arrears by next year. “By 2008, we will be up-to-date in our pension payments,” the President said. (PIA/RMN)
Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities is now on
Calling all local government units in Negros Oriental: the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children in Central Visayas (RSCWC-7) is now accepting entries for the 2007 Presidential Award for the Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities in line with the Child-Friendly Movement.
Teodulo Romo, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7, enjoined all cities and municipalities in the province and other areas in Central Visayas to submit their entries to the Search which aims to recognize the role of the local government units in the country in promoting and protecting children’s rights.
To qualify for the search, LGUs must have the following: (a) Local Development and Investment Plan for Children (separate or integrated in the Local development Plan); (b) Local Ordinances that promote and protect children’s rights (e.g. Provincial, City or Municipal Children’s Code); (c) Updated data or data bank on children.
These items form part of the supporting documents that will be submitted with the required documents that are enumerated in the entry form, said Romo, who also sits as chairman of the RSCWC.
Entry forms are available at the respective LGUs through the DILG and also at the local sub-committees for the welfare of children.
The entries are evaluated from the provincial to the regional levels using the following indicators or criteria: (a) Planning and Policy Formulation-15%; (b) Resource Allocation-15%; (c) Service Delivery on health & Nutrition-20%; Education-10%; Social Protection-10%; (d) Institution & Capability Building-10%; (e) Child Participation-10%; (f) Community Participation-10%.
Evaluation tools have been developed for both the municipality and barangay level. Regional Awards shall be given every year while the National Awards shall be given every three (3) years.
For this year, Romo said that the Search shall have four categories (4) based on the classification of municipalities and cities—1st-3rd class municipalities; 4th-6th class municipalities; highly-urbanized cities and component cities.
The RSCWC-7 has scheduled the timelines of the Search. April-June 30 is the submission of municipal entries to the province; July-August 15 will the provincial screening and submission of provincial nominees to the RSCWC; August 30 is the deadline of entries from the provincial level to the RSCWC.
By September-October, the RSCWC will conduct regional level screening, validation and declaration of winners and the awarding of winners will take place in November 2007.
The Search was launched in November 1998 in a bid to support the movement and also in recognition of the role of the local government units in the country in promoting and protecting the rights of the child to survival, development, protection and participation.
Candidates forum in Negor set
A series of candidates forum will be conducted in the three districts of Oriental Negros from April 18 to May 9, 2007 by the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB). The forum aims to provide a non-partisan and free venue for candidates to present their qualifications/ platforms/ programs of government and give local candidates and residents a chance to discuss the various issues affecting their communities.
On April 18, Wednesday at 7 o’clock in the evening, the 2nd district candidates for congressman (3), governor (2), vice-governor (1), and provincial board members (4) will present themselves to the public/voters at Quezon Park, this city.
Dumaguete City mayoral (3) and vice-mayoral (3) candidates will be on the 20th of April to make themselves available and take the opportunity to speak on their programs.
DEB Convenor Rev. Fr. Julius Heruela said the candidates’ forum will also provide local residents ample opportunity to know their candidates better and raise the level of consciousness of voters towards a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections (CHAMP).
For his part, Sec. Ignacio Bunye said the start of the local campaigns is a signal of Philippine democracy in full bloom, as all parties, persuasions and ideas come into play to crystallize a vibrant nation moving forward to a brighter future.
The Executive Department through the Philippine National Police will continue to stand beside the Commission on Elections to ensure that law and order will prevail before, during and after the electoral process.
On the 27th and 25th of April, this year, the 3rd and 1st districts candidates are expected to show up in Bayawan City and Guihulngan, respectively. The fora will be highlighted by the covenant signing of the candidates’ manifesto, which will be witnessed by the public.
The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The candidates are expected to deliver a five-minute speech about their qualifications/ platform/ program of government after which an open forum will immediately follow through a multi-sectoral panel of reactors. The forum will be covered live over radio station DYWC-AM.
Moreover, Press Sec. Bunye urge all candidates to keep the issues at a high level and focus on the interest of the people in a platform-led campaign—and employ the media as a means of enlightenment rather than insidious attack.
This country is on the verge of an economic takeoff that can be accelerated by a collective show of force for Philippine democracy in all its positive aspects, untainted by guns, goons and gold. We urge political leaders from all sides at all levels to adhere to the democratic process and follow the road of sobriety, prudence and restraint. (PIA/JCTilos)
Int’l leadership camp set in Dumaguete
With the theme “Reuniting the World’s Youth of Today for a Safer and Better Tomorrow,” the Saceda Youth Lead together with the National Youth Commission under the Office of the President will hold the 3rd International Leadership Camp on April 18-28 at Mt. Carmel, Avila Kiosk, Balugo, Dumaguete City.
Participating student leaders will come from different schools in Southeast Asia. After the training, 25 student leaders from the Philippines will represent the country as youth ambassadors of goodwill to the 2007 World Leadership Congress in the United States of American and the 2007 Saceda Youth Lead International in Asia.
Dave Saceda, chair and founder of the Saceda Youth Lead, hopes to gather the youth in the region in an event which will hone their leadership skills, strengthen their values and make new friends- all for a stronger nation with a responsible citizenry.
Invited speakers of the said event include the following: Hon. Johannes Adrianus Vander Zane, First Secretary of the Embassy of Netherlands to Israel; Negros Oriental Governor George P. Arnaiz; Negros Oriental State University President Dr. Henry A. Sojor; and Atty. Mikhail Maxino, director of Jovito Salonga Center for Law and Development.
The event is made possible with the help of the provincial government of Negros Oriental, City Government of Dumaguete, Department of Educat6ion, Commission on Higher Education, World Association of NGOs, Foundation University and Silliman University.
For inquiries, interested participants may contact Rechanel Gallano, managing officer of the Saceda Youth Lead at tel. no. (035) 225-9756, mobile no. 0917-314-2890, email at sacedaleadership@yahoo.com or visit www.sacedaleaders.org.
Media bureaus are invited to join the opening ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on April 18 at Mt. Carmel, Avila Kiosk in Balugo, after which a press conference will be held.
Belgian envoy visits Siquijor
Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Gregoire Vardakis visited the province of Siquijor recently and toured various Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Program (BIARSP)-funded projects of the Department of Agriarian Reform (DAR).
Now on its third and last phase, BIARSP has provided the province with development assistance of more than P14 million since 1998 that has funded infrastructure projects, basic social and health services and various skills enhancement training to Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) here, Information Officer Richard Leduna reported.
Over and above costs of development assistance BIARSP has also provided direct interventions like vehicles and office equipment to the DAR office and selected cooperatives to ensure that development programs and projects are effectively and efficiently delivered to the beneficiaries, Leduna also said.
DAR is a member of the Anti-Hunger Task Force that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has created to work closely with faith-based organizations to widen the reach of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) among the poor in the identified provinces in the country.
Under Executive Order 616 she signed last Tuesday, Apr. 3, the President ordered the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health to lead the Task Force which will also be composed of national government agencies implementing the component programs of the AHMP.
Ambassador Vardakis was accompanied by BIARSP Programme Coordinator Peter D’huys with representatives from BIARSP Technical Support and Coordination Office (TSCO) in Dumaguete City .
The party first visited the 2.9-kilometer Pili-Canghunoghunog farm-to-market road, then the construction of two-classroom building in Cang-asa Elementary School where the party was met by Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua. The Ambassador took time to visit the classrooms in Cang-asa Day Care Center and one primary grade school class.
The convoy proceeded to Tagmanocan Elementary School in Lazi for the turnover of the newly rehabilitated three-classroom building which is also BIARSP-funded with counterparts from the LGU and PTCA.
The turn-over ceremony was attended by Governor Orlando Fua, Mayor Orville Fua of Lazi, Dr. Antonio Del Socorro of DAR Regional Office, PARO Teresita E. Depeñoso, Mrs. Carmencita Omictin of DepEd, Brgy. Captain Romeo Lumingkit of Tagmanocan and Tagmanocan PTCA President Charles Malhin.
The Belgian ambassador was warmly received by the local officials, teachers and school children in every recipient school and by beneficiaries of infrastructure projects, with children waving the Belgian and Philippine flags.
He was also met by Mayor Edwin Quimno of San Juan at Catulayan Elementary School where the construction of a two-classroom school building is still on-going. Another BIARSP project in San Juan visited by the envoy was the potable water supply system in Timbaon, San Juan .
Ambassador Vardakis’s first trip to Siquijor was in 2005, visiting BIARSP funded projects and for the turn-over of the rehabilitated three-classroom building in Bogo Elementary School in Maria. (DAR-T. Richard T. Leduna/RACalibo - PIA)
ECCD improves Day Care Centers’ operation
Since the implementation of the government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project in 2000 [now Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)], the Day Care Centers’ operation, as well as the performance and skills of the teachers in Larena town, province of Siquijor have greatly improved.
Result of the evaluation conducted by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently showed 20 barangays in the municipality having earned stars for proper maintenance and upkeep of their Day Care Centers.
Accredited with a high four-star rating (the highest being, five star) were barangays Basac, Bintangan, Canlambo, Cangmalalag, Helen, North Poblacion , and Sabang. Thirteen others earned the three-star accreditation according to the DSWD rating.
These are the mountain barangays of Balolang, Cabulihan, Canlasog, Calunasan, Cang-apa, Cang-allas, Catamboan, and Ponong and the coastal barangays of Cangbagsa, Bontod, Sandugan, South Poblacion and Taculing.
Only barangays Nonoc, Candigum and Bagacay remain for accreditation but their Day Care Centers have already been accredited, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Rosalie D. Balongag said.
It can be recalled, the all centers showed a poor rating during the 1997 evaluation and assessment of Day Center in the municipality. “The result is really a big leap for the barangays,” Balongag also said.
In October last year, a total of P5,0367,770.40 was released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children October last year for the expansion of existing ECCD program and establishment of ECCD system in Siquijor province based on the 2006 work and financial plan.
The initial release was part of the P20,625,000 budget for the province’s ECCD program that calls for 80-20 percent sharing from the council and the local government.
Larena LGU has put up a counterpart of P120 thousand.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye earlier stated that the decline in the country’s debt brings the administration a wider elbow room for more resources which will provide the people with basic social services and infrastructure programs aimed at lifting them from poverty like that of ECCD.
And the marked improvement in the economy the country is experiencing right now is due to the radical fiscal reforms implemented by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the first six years of her administration, he said.
"The President’s fiscal reforms have resulted in a stronger peso, reduced budget deficit and public debt and increased foreign investments," Bunye also said in his weekly column "The View From the Palace".
These fiscal reforms include the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) Law which increases the rate of VAT imposed on goods and services from 10 to 12 percent and the National Attrition Law which pushes revenue generating agencies to meet their collection targets or face stiff penalties. (RDB-Larena LGU/RACalilbo-PIA)
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