DPWH to construct new bridges in Tanjay City
Two new bridges are seen to rise in Tanjay City after the Regional Development Council (RDC) endorses the bridges' construction to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The RDC is set to endorse the construction of Tanjay Tabuc-San Isidro Bridge and the Tanjay-Pamplona Concrete Bridge through a resolution to be approved during its full council meeting on December 9 at Bethel Guesthouse, Dumaguete City.
The City of Tanjay through the Oriental Negros Provincial Development Council has earlier requested the RDC to endorse the construction of the said bridges under the President's Bridge Program of DPWH.
The Tanjay Tabuc-San Isidro Bridge is an existing Bailey bridge that needs to be replaced immediately since its southern end has collapsed, therefore endangering lives, paralyzing traffic and adversely affecting three rural and nine urban barangays in Tanjay City.
The Tanjay-Pamplona Concrete Bridge will serve as an alternate to the Tanjay Bridge so that traffic coming from the north and south will not be cut off in case the latter becomes impassable.
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Police draw up safety measures for holiday season
The city police force here have already drawn up public safety measures in anticipation of an increase in people going out to do their Christmas shopping and attend church mass.
According to SPO3 Felomino T. Laure of the city police station, two policemen have each been detailed at Redemptorist Church, Cathedral Church and Immaculate Church in view of mass goers attending the Misa de Gallo this December.
Laure said they also plan to put up police assistance centers in major department stores in the city starting December 22 to January next year.
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Low awareness among Filipino youths may lead to AIDS epidemic
Young people in the Philippines have an alarmingly low knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases but are taking risks, making the country ripe for an AIDS and HIV epidemic.
In the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency, Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale, reading from the message of Unicef Representative to the Philippines Dr. Nicolas Alipue, said that three out of four young Filipinos thought they were immune to HIV.
Almost one out of every 4 (23%) young Filipinos aged 15 to 24 practice premarital sex while half of sexually active males have had multiple partners. "Yet only 40% of them use condoms for their first sexual experience," Dr. Wale said, quoting Dr. Alipue.
Dr. Wale sits as project manager of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project at the Silliman University Extension Program-Marina Clinic.
A recent Unicef study shows that in Dumaguete and Cebu, almost half (48%) of the 12 to 20 year-olds surveyed agreed that AIDS was a punishment from God.
According to Dr. Alipue, every 60 seconds, four children lose one or both parents to an AIDS-related illness and every 15 seconds a child is infected with HIV while one dies every 60 seconds because of it.
However, only 3% of all global funding generated to address AIDS is going to children, said Dr. Alipue.
"Even from the little that we know, the message is clear. We must step up our collective efforts in the Philippines to address HIV and AIDS," states Dr. Alipue's message.
Based on records from the Department of Health, a total of 2,333 people in the Philippines have been diagnosed with HIV from January 1984 to August 2005.
This is a cause for alarm as these people can infect others, warns City Health Officer Dr. Ava Vios.
Dr. Vios said that 70% or 1,611 of the cases are asymptomatic or those who do not show any symptoms yet while those in the full-blown AIDS stage number 684 or 30%.
Among the people infected are overseas contract workers (765 or 33%), seafarers (273 or 36%), domestic helpers (127 or 17%), employees (69 or 9%), nurses (56 or 7%), entertainers (51 or 4%) and waiters (13 or 2%).
The national AIDS-related death toll in the same period has reached 268.
There have been 5 AIDS-related deaths recorded in Oriental Negros. The latest case was of a commercial sex worker in Looc, Sibulan about 4 years ago, disclosed Mrs. Flor Dublas, HIV/AIDS Coordinator at the Integrated Provincial Health Office, in the same forum.
RA 8504
AIDS is now a growing concern of the national government. The first AIDS positive case in the country was recorded in 1984 and since then there were only small cases until 1994 when the figures suddenly jumped. What used to be an increase of 10 cases per month has now doubled. "It has gone up to an average of 20 cases per month," says Dublas.
The government is now stepping up its program on HIV and AIDS through RA 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act which Dublas said is slated for full implementation by next year.
RA 8504 was approved in 1998 under the administration of then President Fidel V. Ramos but it was not fully disseminated until now. "This is why DOH has not conducted any activity on prevention and control of HIV and AIDS before," says Dublas.
She is optimistic that under the lead of new Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque, the government plan on HIV and AIDS will fully take off next year.
In the province, local efforts to promote AIDS awareness have started with the help of Unicef through the Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC-6).
Dublas disclosed that AIDS advocacy has been conducted in the six pilot areas under CPC-6, namely Sta. Catalina, Dauin, Dumaguete City, Sibulan, Amlan, Pamplona, Ayungon and Tayasan.
According to Joy Gongob, provincial coordinator of the CPC-6 here, more advocacy efforts are focused in Dumaguete City, particulary in the Brgys. 8, Calindagan, Cadawinonan and Bajumpandan. "These areas are reported to have a significant number of commercial sex workers," says Gongob.
CPC-6 is the child-friendly movement funded by Unicef, which is working with government, NGOs and other sectors in 157 countries worldwide to combat AIDS.
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Publication of service guides in government offices urged
The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas is set to approve a resolution urging all regional line agencies and local government units in the region to inform the public of their polices, rules and procedures through the publication of thei respective agency service guides.
The council led by RDC Chairman and Negros Oriental Governor George P. Arnaiz is expected to pass a resolution enjoining government agencies and LGUs in Central Visayas to implement Memorandum Circular N0. 35 during the council's meeting on December 9, 2005 at Bethel Guesthouse, Dumaguete City.
The move is in line with the council's strategy to improve the delivery of public services as stated in the Central Visayas Medium-Term Regional Development Plan for CY 2004-2010.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 35 directing all government departments, bureaus, offices and agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations to implement the publication of service guides and the posting of workflow charts.
The circular is pursuant to RA 6713 or the Implementing Rules of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which states that all government agencies and offices should inform the public of their policies, rules and procedures.
The service guides should contain the following: (a) brief information about the agency including its mandate, functions and services provided to the public; (b) procedure to be followed; (c) documents required; (d) amount of fees and its legal bases; (e) service standard; (f) service pledge of the agency; (g) rights and responsibilities of the client availing of the service; and (h) the procedure for filing complaints, suggestions and feedback.
On the other hand, the workflow chart should show the documentary requirements, amount of fees and its legal bases, name and/or designation of the officers/employees in charge of each step, normal processing time required for each step and service standard or total amount of time for processing until the delivery of the service.
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9 pupils qualify for PSHS second screening
Nine pupils from the province of Siquijor passed the Philippine Science High School first screening conducted by the Department of Science and Technology last Oct. 15, 2005 at the Siquijor State College, Larena, Siquijor.
According to Engr. Mario de la Peña, Provincial Science and Technology Coordination, 65 pupils from the different elementary schools provincewide took the first screening. Of these, nine qualified for the second screening on December 10, 2005 at Silliman University. The qualified pupils came from five elementary schools in the province.
They are:
1. Butalid, Vince Patric Lugatiman - Siquijor Central Elementary School
2. Gallardo, Caryl Kilaplap - ditto-
3. Cabasag, Charity Claire Tiguman - Maria Central Elementary School
4. Inguito, Jacob Noel Maghanoy -ditto-
5. Vios, Victoria Shade Lubguban -ditto-
6. Duhaylungsod, Rigie Cedeño -Banban Elementary School
7. Macalisang, John Fritzel Narca -Tambisan Elementary School
8. Morados, Franzel Mae Agan -ditto-
9. Saguenza, John Calunsag - San Juan Elementary School
If the nine pupils will pass the second screening, they will have to choose among the eight PSHS Campuses nationwide:
Ilocos Region Campus, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur
Cagayan Vally Campus, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Bicol Region Campus, Goa, Camarines Sur
Western Visayas Campus, Iloilo City
Eastern Visayas Campus, Palo, Leyte
Central Mindanao Campus, Lanao del Norte
Southern Mindanao Campus, Davao City
Main Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Gifted children with high aptitude for science and math are the main reason for the existence of the Philippine Science High School.
The quality of its students, the focus given to science and technology, and the scholars' duty to pursue careers in the sciences and engineering set the PSHS apart from the other schools. The education acquired by PSHS prepares them to explore the larger dimensions of science and technology.
True to its mission, the PSHS continues to contribute to nation-building by helping the country reach a critical mass of professionals in science and technology. That this is so is partly seen in the special achievements of PSHS students and staff, some which we highlight in this website. Their present successes foreshadow the many future successes of its alumni as leaders in the academe, research, industry, government, and other professions.
It is hoped that our students continue to serve as a guiding inspiration to young people aspiring to be PSHS scholars.
And most of all, may they develop a deep love for our country and the genuine desire to serve the Filipino people, de la Peña said.
-30-
NFA, Dep Ed launch food for school program II
The National Food Authority and the Department of Education have recently launched the "Food for School Program II" in Siquijor Province on the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement signed by and between NFA and DepEd Central Office officials.
Spearheaded by the Deped, Food For School Program II is conceptualized to benefit Grade I pupils and pre-school children in the 5th and 6th class municipalities nationwide and identified schools of the National Capital Region.
It includes the provision of food assistance through the distribution of one kilogram of rice in exchange for their attendance to school and at the same time conduct values information activities and productivity skills training to their parents.
In Siquijor, a total of 689 beneficiaries from 19 will benefit from the program, said NFA-Siquijor Information Officer Elvira M. Calibo.
Out of the 19 schools, 15 are in Lazi town, with one central school, two elementary schools and one primary school in the municipality of Enrique Villanueva.
As of press time, NFA has initially delivered to the identified schools 66 bags or 3,275 kilograms of well-milled rice which will last for five days.
A total of 1,240 bags or 62,010 kilos of NFA rice is alloted for this program in Siquijor Provine as provided for in the MOA.
The stocks will be given to the beneficiaries daily for 90 days or up to the end date of school years 2005-2006.
The program aims to (?) hunger and prevent decline of nutritional (?) status of disadvantaged Grade I pupils and preschoolers by providing food assistance; prepare and enable their parents to undertake family and community-oriented activities; instill relevant values and attitudes toward work, families and communities, and provide livelihood/employment opportunities. *
12/01/2005
Israel to hire more OFWs
The department of labor and employment (DOLE) said that Israel's decision to allow their senior citizens to hire foreign workers would have a positive effect on the potential opportunities and employment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas indicated that Israel had also issued new regulations to protect OFWs and other migrant workers from any contract violations by their employers.
Labor Attaché to Tel Aviv Teresita R. Manzala told Sto. Tomas that the new decision of the Israeli government allows Israelis 85 years old and above to hire foreign workers. "This will have a positive impact on Filipino care workers in terms of more job opportunities," the Labor Attaché said.
Manzala said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel-Aviv had clarified with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare regarding the country's new employment service law, and as to which industries or companies would be allowed, or given the permit to hire foreign workers, relative to the opening of the Israeli labor market. She added that Israel's ministry of the interior's permit department had already issued new regulations to protect foreign workers from hiring violations.
Figures furnished by the DOLE's Philippine overseas employment administration show that israel became the 15th top destination of OFWs globally in the first semester of 2005 after it hired/rehired some 3,509 documented OFWs, or an increase of 25 percent compared to 2,807 for the same period in 2004.
-30-
DOLE eyes more new jobs for OFWs in ME
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the middle east is seen to remain the biggest source of employment for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the next three years with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Israel, Libya, and Jordan generating the most number of new job opportunities.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in the middle east would pursue various marketing strategies to ensure the OFWs' access to the new job opportunities that are projected to be generated in the region starting 2006 until 2008.
DOLE projected a total of 258,950 new jobs that would be generated in the middle east in the next three years - some 173,600 new jobs in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs) of KSA, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman; and another 85,350 new jobs in non-GCC countries of Lebanon, Israel, Libya and Jordan.
OFWs deployed in these countries totaled 347,311 0r 98.56 percent of the total number of land-based OFWs, deployed in the Middle East in 2004. They constituted almost half (49.3 percent) of the total land-based OFWs deployed globally last year.
In the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs), the most number of new jobs are expected to be generated by the sustained construction activities and expansion in the medical, tourism, retail, and ICT sectors. Exploration of oil and gas will also be expanded and, thus, expected to generate new jobs.
The non-GCC countries, on the other hand, are projected to need more foreign household workers and caregivers.
-30-
Male forum on reproductive health slated on Dec 2
More than 60 men from various sectors in the province will attend a Male Forum on Reproductive Health on December 2, 2005 at Plaza Ma. Luisa Suites Inn, this city.
According to Provincial Population Officer Jeanette Villarubia, the one-day forum is in line with the observation of Population Development Month this year.
The forum's keynote speaker is Dr. Jonathan David Flavier who will discuss non-scalpel vasectomy. Villarubia said Dr. Flavier is from CMEN, a movement that aims to capacitate men on Reproductive Health.
Second District Congressman Hon. Emilio Macias II, who is also a medical practitioner, will also be one of the guest speakers to discuss reproductive health and family planning.
Villarubia said the male participants are composed of twenty police personnel from the local Philippine National Police (PNP), Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) presidents and Sagguniang Bayan (SB) on Health chairpersons in 20 municipalities and some people's organizations representatives.
Some of these participants have already undergone previous trainings on reproductive health. "This is just to orient them and make them move on as allies and partners on reproductive health," says Villarubia.
The population officer said that although male participation on reproductive health in Oriental Negros is still far from being ideal, at least more men have become aware of their role in RH, particularly men from the 7 pilot areas on the Reproductive Health program in the province, namely: La Libertad, Ayugon, Manjuyod, Zamboanguita, Dauin, Siaton, Bayawan City and Tanjay City.
"The men from these areas now know that they have to be empowered," says Villarubia.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Population recently appealed to leaders of faith-based organizations to be tolerant of other people's views and opinions that run counter to their own on the issue of reproductive health and allow their members access to all medically safe, legal and ethical options in family planning.
-30-
PNP Siquijor gets seminar on arrest, search and seizure
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province of Siquijor is undergoing a seminar lecture on Arrest, Search and Seizure.
Conducted by the Provincial Prosecution Office, the seminar is held by batch at the Caipilan PNP Provincial Headquarters for a series of weeks.
Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Ulysses Andora said there is a need to update our policemen in these critical aspects of the police work. He said they should be all the time familiarized with the properly detailed procedures of arrest, search and seizure and the appropriate way to execute their power in the handling of crimes.
"Most often, technicality is a problem that plagues in the police force. This is the main reason why some police's evidences are inadmissible in the court or why court dockets get clogged with manufactured cases," Andora said.
"A person who is in fact guilty of crime may get a lighter sentence or even an acquittal if he proves that his arrest was illegal or taken by force," he added.
Andora attributed this problem to the policemen's insufficient knowledge on the procedures that tend them to take short cuts to justice to combat crimes and criminals. Combining the efforts of the police and the lawmakers as pillars of justice, he said, will significantly reduce and eventually prevent criminals from proliferating .
Giving highlight to the seminar lecture are demonstration exercises done in every session.
-30-
Investors tilt on
The Department of Science and Technology 7-Technology Application Promotion Institute (DOST 7-TAPI) and the Visayas Inventors Association has recently sponsored the CY 2005 Visayas Invention Contest, Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Officer Engr. Mario de la Peña said.
Engr. De la Peña said this is part of the Visayas Invention Exhibit (Fair) Festival, which was held last Oct. 21 - 23 at the SM City Cebu Atrium BC.
Contest categories are Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award), Outstanding Utility Model, Outstanding Industrial Design, Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award), and Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award).
An entry from Siquijor by Engr. Bonifacio Comandante, Jr. qualified for the National Competition which will be held at the Philippine Trade Center in Manila as part of the Inventors Week from November 17-21, 2005.
The winners will receive a cash prize and a plaque of appreciation from the organizer and possible financial assistance from the government for the proponent to start in the technology transfer and commercialization of his invention/study.
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BFAR starts P 1 M milkfish cage project
A first of its kind, the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), this province, is underway of putting up a P1 million milkfish project before the year ends.
The project was earmarked through the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Orlando A. Fua, Jr. of the province of Siquijor.
Acting Provincial Fishery Officer Warren Inao said, after a thorough study of the framework of the project, a stock of 28,000 bangus fingerlings is now ready for distribution in a roll-over scheme approach to some identified members of the fisherfolks associations of Lazi, Maria and Siquijor. This after they are done with the technical training for them to jumpstart the culture project this middle part of December.
According to Inao the project targets to harvest 5.2 tons or 5, 200 kilos from all 4 cages or 8 modules of milkfish at P70/kg.on April next year.
The project, he said, forms part of the government efforts to accelerate local production and food security program.
"This is a timely project and will eventually be an advantage for all as more economic activities and business interest grow in the province", Inao said.
Inao lauded the efforts of the Provincial Government in its support projects geared towards agricultural production which are beneficial to all fisher farmers in the province.
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Philippine Science HS to open in Argao
The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) will open next year in Argao town, according to Cebu second district Rep. Simeon Kintanar.
Kintanar said Argao was chosen to host the science high school in the region since it is the premier municipality in his district, which is composed of 15 towns. Kintanar, who made the announcement in a dinner during the double fiesta celebration of Argao and the town of Samboan this year. Thirty qualified applicants from the entire region will receive free high school scholarship and some allowances from Rep Kintanar.
Kintanar said classes would be held temporarily in an existing building in the town since the school building which includes a dormitory, will only be built late next year. The lawmaker said each of the 16 regions in the country is only allowed to have one PSHS campus. The PSHS is under direct supervision of the Department of Science and Technology, (DOST).
According to Engr. Mario E. de la Peña, Provincial S & T Officer of DOST Siquijor this development is a good news to PSHS qualifiers from Siquijor, Negros, Cebu and Bohol because they have to enroll at PSHS Cebu Campus not PSHS Iloilo campus anymore which is the nearest campus prior to the opening of PSHS Cebu Campus next year.
He further said that PSHS scholars from Siquijor enrolled at PSHS Iloilo campus put Siquijor Province on the Philippine map because most of them are Directors List, equivalent to Deans List in college. Siquijor is proud of the first PSHS graduate in the person of Ms Christine Suamen who was a consistent Director's Lists from first to fourth year. She finished BS Chemistry and BS Chemical Engineering. Just recently, she passed the board examination for Chemical Engineers. Ms. Suamen is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Felix Suamen, a Supply Officer of IPHO.
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Energy conservation must start at home- NORECO 2
Officials from the local electric cooperative are urging residents to wisely conserve their electricity use in the face of an economic crunch in the country.
According to Engr. Dominador Tragico who heads the transmission and distribution department of the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2) here, energy conservation is important not only to cut down costs but also to save on energy sources such as LPG and gasoline.
"While Mother Nature is providing the raw materials, the supply is not really abundant and will not last long," says Tragico during the Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency recently.
He stressed that energy conservation must start at the home. "The most effective and efficient energy-saving device is you, or us the consumers," he said.
Some of the energy conservation tips spelled out by NORECO 2 in their Enercon Tips handouts are to turn off unnecessary lights, reduce the volume of the TV set as a loud volume consumes higher electricity and iron clothes when it is cooler and more comfortable as this lessens the demand for electricity during peak hours.
Consumers are also advised to choose gas range or ovens with an automatic ignition system, which can save about 40% to 50% on gas for the top burners.
Fluorescent lights should be used instead of incandescent bulbs because a 40-watt fluorescent lamp produces more light than a 100-watt incandescent bulb at half the cost.
Also, driving sensibly saves gas as aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. Drivers are urged to avoid excessive idling as idling gets 0 km per liter. If possible, do not keep vehicle idle for more than 3 minutes since 2 liters of gasoline per hour is consumed at this condition.
Following the wave of oil price increases in the world market, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Administrative Order No. 126 ordering the implementation of the government's energy conservation program in all government agencies.
Under AO 126, government agencies and offices are mandated to adopt and implement a program that will reduce their fuel consumption for transport by 10% of their average monthly consumption for the 1st semester of 2005.
One of the agencies that have noted a significant reduction in its energy consumption as a result of the government's energy conservation program is the National Power Corporation. According to Engr. Gonzalo
Abellana of NAPOCOR, their plant has improved its savings by 19.75% on electricity, 21.82% on fuel both diesel and gasoline and 3.5% on water consumption. "On the average per month, our plant in Valencia saves between 8 to 15% on electricity and 10% to 15% on fuel and 3% to 8% on water," he said during the forum.
NAPOCOR has long been implementing its energy conservation program with the aim of delivering more power to the grid.
Engr. Noel Tan of NAPOCOR in the same forum disclosed that NAPOCOR is supplying the Negros to Panay grid with a total of 192.5 megawatts of power.
This will soon be uprated with the addition of a new interconnection project wherein the existing power cable will be uprated with another 200 megawatts from the geothermal field in Leyte. "So that's another 200 megawatts of power added to the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid," says Tan.
He assured that this will result to a more stable power situation in Negros Oriental.
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Siqujor kids grab awards in reg'l contest
Preschoolers coming from the province of Siquijor wowed an appreciative audience that packed Ayala Center Cebu with their talents in singing, draw and tell, creative drama and folkdance last November 8, 2005.
These day care children who got the chance to represent in the region were the winners in the Provincial Children's Contest in celebration of the National Children's Month last October.
Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Thomas Villarubia said there were 13 Drama - Pili Day Care Center, 2nd placer; and Folk Dance - Solangon Day Care Center, 6th placer.
These winner kids were accompanied in Cebu with their respective parents and day care workers.
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INFOBITS:
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS
1. Lighting
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Clean lamps, bulbs and diffusers regularly. Dirt lessens illumination by as much as 50%.
- Replace immediately flourescent tubes that show signs of busting out.
2. Cooking
- Have all ingredients ready when cooking to avoid infrequent switching on and off of the electric stove.
- Avoid using a big burner for a small pan.
- Use flat-bottom pans with light covers to lessen heat transfer loss.
- Use pressure cooker to cook meat faster.
- Bring out frozen foods from the refrigerator at least one hour before cooking to allow it to thaw thoroughly. Do not use microwave oven to thaw the frozen food as it requires higher electricity consumption.
3. TV Viewing
- Switch off the set when no one is watching. Unplug it when a transformer is used. Do not let it stay on stand-by mode since it also consumes additional electricity.
- Reduce the volume of the TV set as loud volume consumes higher electricity.
4. Electric Fan
- Lock the oscillator when the fan is needed in one direction only.
- Clean and oil the electric fan regularly to enable it to work efficiently.
5. Refrigerator
- Defrost the refrigerator regularly. Do not allow the frost to thicken to more than 1/4 inch.
- Replace loose refrigerator gaskets. To test, close the door on a peso bill. The seal is tight if the peso bill is hard to pull out.
- Place the refrigerator away from the stove and the sun.
- Do not overstuff the refrigerator. Internal air circulation is important.
- Place the refrigerator at least 4 inches away from the wall to allow air circulation.
- If the refrigerator is almost empty, put in a few bottles of water to help store the cold.
The department of labor and employment (DOLE) said that Israel's decision to allow their senior citizens to hire foreign workers would have a positive effect on the potential opportunities and employment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas indicated that Israel had also issued new regulations to protect OFWs and other migrant workers from any contract violations by their employers.
Labor Attaché to Tel Aviv Teresita R. Manzala told Sto. Tomas that the new decision of the Israeli government allows Israelis 85 years old and above to hire foreign workers. "This will have a positive impact on Filipino care workers in terms of more job opportunities," the Labor Attaché said.
Manzala said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel-Aviv had clarified with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare regarding the country's new employment service law, and as to which industries or companies would be allowed, or given the permit to hire foreign workers, relative to the opening of the Israeli labor market. She added that Israel's ministry of the interior's permit department had already issued new regulations to protect foreign workers from hiring violations.
Figures furnished by the DOLE's Philippine overseas employment administration show that israel became the 15th top destination of OFWs globally in the first semester of 2005 after it hired/rehired some 3,509 documented OFWs, or an increase of 25 percent compared to 2,807 for the same period in 2004.
-30-
DOLE eyes more new jobs for OFWs in ME
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the middle east is seen to remain the biggest source of employment for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the next three years with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Israel, Libya, and Jordan generating the most number of new job opportunities.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in the middle east would pursue various marketing strategies to ensure the OFWs' access to the new job opportunities that are projected to be generated in the region starting 2006 until 2008.
DOLE projected a total of 258,950 new jobs that would be generated in the middle east in the next three years - some 173,600 new jobs in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs) of KSA, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman; and another 85,350 new jobs in non-GCC countries of Lebanon, Israel, Libya and Jordan.
OFWs deployed in these countries totaled 347,311 0r 98.56 percent of the total number of land-based OFWs, deployed in the Middle East in 2004. They constituted almost half (49.3 percent) of the total land-based OFWs deployed globally last year.
In the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs), the most number of new jobs are expected to be generated by the sustained construction activities and expansion in the medical, tourism, retail, and ICT sectors. Exploration of oil and gas will also be expanded and, thus, expected to generate new jobs.
The non-GCC countries, on the other hand, are projected to need more foreign household workers and caregivers.
-30-
Male forum on reproductive health slated on Dec 2
More than 60 men from various sectors in the province will attend a Male Forum on Reproductive Health on December 2, 2005 at Plaza Ma. Luisa Suites Inn, this city.
According to Provincial Population Officer Jeanette Villarubia, the one-day forum is in line with the observation of Population Development Month this year.
The forum's keynote speaker is Dr. Jonathan David Flavier who will discuss non-scalpel vasectomy. Villarubia said Dr. Flavier is from CMEN, a movement that aims to capacitate men on Reproductive Health.
Second District Congressman Hon. Emilio Macias II, who is also a medical practitioner, will also be one of the guest speakers to discuss reproductive health and family planning.
Villarubia said the male participants are composed of twenty police personnel from the local Philippine National Police (PNP), Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) presidents and Sagguniang Bayan (SB) on Health chairpersons in 20 municipalities and some people's organizations representatives.
Some of these participants have already undergone previous trainings on reproductive health. "This is just to orient them and make them move on as allies and partners on reproductive health," says Villarubia.
The population officer said that although male participation on reproductive health in Oriental Negros is still far from being ideal, at least more men have become aware of their role in RH, particularly men from the 7 pilot areas on the Reproductive Health program in the province, namely: La Libertad, Ayugon, Manjuyod, Zamboanguita, Dauin, Siaton, Bayawan City and Tanjay City.
"The men from these areas now know that they have to be empowered," says Villarubia.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Population recently appealed to leaders of faith-based organizations to be tolerant of other people's views and opinions that run counter to their own on the issue of reproductive health and allow their members access to all medically safe, legal and ethical options in family planning.
-30-
PNP Siquijor gets seminar on arrest, search and seizure
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province of Siquijor is undergoing a seminar lecture on Arrest, Search and Seizure.
Conducted by the Provincial Prosecution Office, the seminar is held by batch at the Caipilan PNP Provincial Headquarters for a series of weeks.
Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Ulysses Andora said there is a need to update our policemen in these critical aspects of the police work. He said they should be all the time familiarized with the properly detailed procedures of arrest, search and seizure and the appropriate way to execute their power in the handling of crimes.
"Most often, technicality is a problem that plagues in the police force. This is the main reason why some police's evidences are inadmissible in the court or why court dockets get clogged with manufactured cases," Andora said.
"A person who is in fact guilty of crime may get a lighter sentence or even an acquittal if he proves that his arrest was illegal or taken by force," he added.
Andora attributed this problem to the policemen's insufficient knowledge on the procedures that tend them to take short cuts to justice to combat crimes and criminals. Combining the efforts of the police and the lawmakers as pillars of justice, he said, will significantly reduce and eventually prevent criminals from proliferating .
Giving highlight to the seminar lecture are demonstration exercises done in every session.
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Investors tilt on
The Department of Science and Technology 7-Technology Application Promotion Institute (DOST 7-TAPI) and the Visayas Inventors Association has recently sponsored the CY 2005 Visayas Invention Contest, Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Officer Engr. Mario de la Peña said.
Engr. De la Peña said this is part of the Visayas Invention Exhibit (Fair) Festival, which was held last Oct. 21 - 23 at the SM City Cebu Atrium BC.
Contest categories are Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award), Outstanding Utility Model, Outstanding Industrial Design, Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award), and Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award).
An entry from Siquijor by Engr. Bonifacio Comandante, Jr. qualified for the National Competition which will be held at the Philippine Trade Center in Manila as part of the Inventors Week from November 17-21, 2005.
The winners will receive a cash prize and a plaque of appreciation from the organizer and possible financial assistance from the government for the proponent to start in the technology transfer and commercialization of his invention/study.
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BFAR starts P 1 M milkfish cage project
A first of its kind, the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), this province, is underway of putting up a P1 million milkfish project before the year ends.
The project was earmarked through the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Orlando A. Fua, Jr. of the province of Siquijor.
Acting Provincial Fishery Officer Warren Inao said, after a thorough study of the framework of the project, a stock of 28,000 bangus fingerlings is now ready for distribution in a roll-over scheme approach to some identified members of the fisherfolks associations of Lazi, Maria and Siquijor. This after they are done with the technical training for them to jumpstart the culture project this middle part of December.
According to Inao the project targets to harvest 5.2 tons or 5, 200 kilos from all 4 cages or 8 modules of milkfish at P70/kg.on April next year.
The project, he said, forms part of the government efforts to accelerate local production and food security program.
"This is a timely project and will eventually be an advantage for all as more economic activities and business interest grow in the province", Inao said.
Inao lauded the efforts of the Provincial Government in its support projects geared towards agricultural production which are beneficial to all fisher farmers in the province.
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Philippine Science HS to open in Argao
The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) will open next year in Argao town, according to Cebu second district Rep. Simeon Kintanar.
Kintanar said Argao was chosen to host the science high school in the region since it is the premier municipality in his district, which is composed of 15 towns. Kintanar, who made the announcement in a dinner during the double fiesta celebration of Argao and the town of Samboan this year. Thirty qualified applicants from the entire region will receive free high school scholarship and some allowances from Rep Kintanar.
Kintanar said classes would be held temporarily in an existing building in the town since the school building which includes a dormitory, will only be built late next year. The lawmaker said each of the 16 regions in the country is only allowed to have one PSHS campus. The PSHS is under direct supervision of the Department of Science and Technology, (DOST).
According to Engr. Mario E. de la Peña, Provincial S & T Officer of DOST Siquijor this development is a good news to PSHS qualifiers from Siquijor, Negros, Cebu and Bohol because they have to enroll at PSHS Cebu Campus not PSHS Iloilo campus anymore which is the nearest campus prior to the opening of PSHS Cebu Campus next year.
He further said that PSHS scholars from Siquijor enrolled at PSHS Iloilo campus put Siquijor Province on the Philippine map because most of them are Directors List, equivalent to Deans List in college. Siquijor is proud of the first PSHS graduate in the person of Ms Christine Suamen who was a consistent Director's Lists from first to fourth year. She finished BS Chemistry and BS Chemical Engineering. Just recently, she passed the board examination for Chemical Engineers. Ms. Suamen is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Felix Suamen, a Supply Officer of IPHO.
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Energy conservation must start at home- NORECO 2
Officials from the local electric cooperative are urging residents to wisely conserve their electricity use in the face of an economic crunch in the country.
According to Engr. Dominador Tragico who heads the transmission and distribution department of the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2) here, energy conservation is important not only to cut down costs but also to save on energy sources such as LPG and gasoline.
"While Mother Nature is providing the raw materials, the supply is not really abundant and will not last long," says Tragico during the Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency recently.
He stressed that energy conservation must start at the home. "The most effective and efficient energy-saving device is you, or us the consumers," he said.
Some of the energy conservation tips spelled out by NORECO 2 in their Enercon Tips handouts are to turn off unnecessary lights, reduce the volume of the TV set as a loud volume consumes higher electricity and iron clothes when it is cooler and more comfortable as this lessens the demand for electricity during peak hours.
Consumers are also advised to choose gas range or ovens with an automatic ignition system, which can save about 40% to 50% on gas for the top burners.
Fluorescent lights should be used instead of incandescent bulbs because a 40-watt fluorescent lamp produces more light than a 100-watt incandescent bulb at half the cost.
Also, driving sensibly saves gas as aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. Drivers are urged to avoid excessive idling as idling gets 0 km per liter. If possible, do not keep vehicle idle for more than 3 minutes since 2 liters of gasoline per hour is consumed at this condition.
Following the wave of oil price increases in the world market, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Administrative Order No. 126 ordering the implementation of the government's energy conservation program in all government agencies.
Under AO 126, government agencies and offices are mandated to adopt and implement a program that will reduce their fuel consumption for transport by 10% of their average monthly consumption for the 1st semester of 2005.
One of the agencies that have noted a significant reduction in its energy consumption as a result of the government's energy conservation program is the National Power Corporation. According to Engr. Gonzalo
Abellana of NAPOCOR, their plant has improved its savings by 19.75% on electricity, 21.82% on fuel both diesel and gasoline and 3.5% on water consumption. "On the average per month, our plant in Valencia saves between 8 to 15% on electricity and 10% to 15% on fuel and 3% to 8% on water," he said during the forum.
NAPOCOR has long been implementing its energy conservation program with the aim of delivering more power to the grid.
Engr. Noel Tan of NAPOCOR in the same forum disclosed that NAPOCOR is supplying the Negros to Panay grid with a total of 192.5 megawatts of power.
This will soon be uprated with the addition of a new interconnection project wherein the existing power cable will be uprated with another 200 megawatts from the geothermal field in Leyte. "So that's another 200 megawatts of power added to the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid," says Tan.
He assured that this will result to a more stable power situation in Negros Oriental.
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Siqujor kids grab awards in reg'l contest
Preschoolers coming from the province of Siquijor wowed an appreciative audience that packed Ayala Center Cebu with their talents in singing, draw and tell, creative drama and folkdance last November 8, 2005.
These day care children who got the chance to represent in the region were the winners in the Provincial Children's Contest in celebration of the National Children's Month last October.
Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Thomas Villarubia said there were 13 Drama - Pili Day Care Center, 2nd placer; and Folk Dance - Solangon Day Care Center, 6th placer.
These winner kids were accompanied in Cebu with their respective parents and day care workers.
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INFOBITS:
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS
1. Lighting
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Clean lamps, bulbs and diffusers regularly. Dirt lessens illumination by as much as 50%.
- Replace immediately flourescent tubes that show signs of busting out.
2. Cooking
- Have all ingredients ready when cooking to avoid infrequent switching on and off of the electric stove.
- Avoid using a big burner for a small pan.
- Use flat-bottom pans with light covers to lessen heat transfer loss.
- Use pressure cooker to cook meat faster.
- Bring out frozen foods from the refrigerator at least one hour before cooking to allow it to thaw thoroughly. Do not use microwave oven to thaw the frozen food as it requires higher electricity consumption.
3. TV Viewing
- Switch off the set when no one is watching. Unplug it when a transformer is used. Do not let it stay on stand-by mode since it also consumes additional electricity.
- Reduce the volume of the TV set as loud volume consumes higher electricity.
4. Electric Fan
- Lock the oscillator when the fan is needed in one direction only.
- Clean and oil the electric fan regularly to enable it to work efficiently.
5. Refrigerator
- Defrost the refrigerator regularly. Do not allow the frost to thicken to more than 1/4 inch.
- Replace loose refrigerator gaskets. To test, close the door on a peso bill. The seal is tight if the peso bill is hard to pull out.
- Place the refrigerator away from the stove and the sun.
- Do not overstuff the refrigerator. Internal air circulation is important.
- Place the refrigerator at least 4 inches away from the wall to allow air circulation.
- If the refrigerator is almost empty, put in a few bottles of water to help store the cold.
11/24/2005
ISSUE NO. 34, NOVEMBER 24, 2005
DOF evaluates Sibulan's market loan proposal
A brand new public market building will soon be completed in Sibulan town as a team of evaluators from the Department of Finance-LOGOFIND Project conducts an on-site inspection of the project starting the 8th of this month.
The said team will also evaluate the local government unit's borrowing capacity, says Connie Zamora-Rosales, Sibulan municipal information officer.
The DOF team is headed by team leader Engr. Lyn Collo together with Engr. Monalisa Cajigal, design engineer; Ace Neptuno, economist; and Arianne Galope, social development consultant.
Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia has earlier submitted letter of intent to DOF expressing the LGU's interest to apply, negotiate and participate in the LOGOFIND project as well as borrow funds from the said project's municipal development fund office to effectively implement the construction of the public market building.
The said letter, Rosales said, was backed by Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 05-268 as the municipal legislative body has authorized Renacia to borrow 70 percent of the total cost of project and to provide the 20 percent equity.
The said resolution also states that the project is an exceptional opportunity for the LGU to avail of considering that the fund provider will extend a ten percent gran out of the total project funding requirement.
To date, Rosales said the LGU has already spent a total of P6.6 million on the project.
In line with the evaluation, the LGU's local finance committee together with the DOF evaluation team conducted a public hearing on Nov. 10 which was attended by market vendors who mostly were in favor of improving the market, says Rosales.
Once completed, the two-storey new market will have stalls for dry goods, carenderias, snacks and sections for meat, fish and vegetables. Comfort rooms will be available for market goers and drainage will likewise be improved.
Corresponding to the mayor's program to uplift the Sibulanon's living conditions, the market is seen to spur economic growth in Sibulan.
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DTI intensifies campaign on Product Standards Law
The Department of Trade and Industry has intensified its provincewide campaign against substandard products to make sure that the Product Standards Law is strictly enforced in towns and cities here.
Mrs. Addie Balatayo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said that her office has been conducting random inspections in commercial areas in towns and municipalities, at times upon the request of the mayor. We sometimes conduct surprise visits upon the request of the mayor to catch businessmen off guard, says Balatayo.
Balatayo disclosed that during a recent surprise inspection at the Sibulan wet market, five weighing scales were found defective and turned over to the municipal treasurer's office which holds jurisdiction over the implementation of penalties.
The inspection team is composed of representatives from DTI and the treasurer's office of the local government unit.
Balatayo said that since last year, the Centers for Consumer Welfare in the local government units have been assisting DTI in the enforcement of the product standards law.
The point persons assigned in the center report to DTI any violations of the product standards law in their respective areas, says Balatayo.
Balatayo urged consumers to be wise and look for the Product Standards (PS) seal when buying locally manufactured products and the ICC mark for imported commodities.
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CSC sets BJMP lateral entry qualifying exam
The Civil Service Commission in Region 7 will conduct a lateral entry qualifying examination (LEQE) for Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel on December 11, 2005 in Cebu City.
The examination is open to BJMP personnel who possess highly specialized and technical qualifications and hold appropriate second-level eligibilities. They must be with BJMP for at least 18 months on a permanent status upon the date of examination. Qualified personnel must also hold a Very Satisfactory rating for the last two consecutive performance evaluation system.
Application forms are available at the BJMP National Headquarters and at all BJMP Regional Offices. Initial processing of applications shall be done by the HRM division prior to submission to the CSC regional offices where the examinee wishes to take the LEQE.
Qualified applicants will be notified of their place of examination through a notice of admission or examination permit. In case the notice or permit is not recived a week before the date of examination, the applicants must personally verify the place of examination with the CSC regional office where they filed their application papers.
Examination fee is set at P350.00. Deadline of application will be on November 25, 2005.
Interested parties may call the CSC-Cebu South Field Office at tel. no. (032) 491-3331, Cebu North Field Office at (032) 253-8333, Negros Oriental Field Office at (035) 4205002, Bohol Field Office at (038) 501-7046 and Siquijor Field Office at (035) 3772037.
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Another call center eyes Dumaguete for its third site
Just days after the city government of Dumaguete signed a memorandum of agreement with Teletech Customer Care Management Philippine, Inc., another international call center firm has announced that it is eyeing Dumaguete as a possible host to its third site in the Philippines.
ClientLogic Philippines is reportedly choosing among the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete for what would be its third facility in the country as the company looks forward to expanding its operations in the country.
This will be a facility with at least 300 seats to cater to foreign clients engaged in financial services, technology, telecommunication and travel, according to Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes, ClientLogic Philippines country manager.
Reyes said that the new facility will cost about $300,000.
The firms' roster of clients include Sony Corp., DIRECTV, TiVo, National Geographic Television and United Online.
"Our principals in the United States are very happy because we are meeting their expectations. As proof, we have now new clients. But the actual rollout of the next facility will really depend on the demand from our clients," says Reyes.
The firm is initially planning to start the rollout in the Visayas by next year.
Reyes said that in choosing the next location, ClientLogic is looking at factors such as big pool of qualified manpower, quality real estate and telecommunication infrastructure, amenities and peace and order.
As of 2004, there were about 11 call center locators in Cebu City in Central Visayas and three in Iloilo City in Western Visayas.
TeleTech is currently developing a facility in Dumaguete City following its MOA signing held Nov. 14 with Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices at the City Session Hall here.
After the signing, TeleTech Vice President for North Asia and the Philippines Craig Reines formally turned-over a check worth P1M to Mayor Perdices as 'performance bond.'
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Local GSP senior girl scouts to receive Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme award
Three senior girl scouts of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council will be awarded the Chief Girl Scout Medal Award on Nov. 25, 2005 at Malacañang Palace.
The Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme Award is the highest award a senior or cadet scout can achieve by working on a one-year community project, says local GSP Executive Officer Rosario Rosales.
The awardees are Senior Scouts Daphne Suzette T. Abellon, Veronica P. Aragones and Claire Marie B. Partosa.
The three awardees were students of Dauin National High School at the time they worked on their community project from May 2004 to May 2005, says Rosales.
Abellon, now a Nursing student at Silliman University, implemented her zero-waste management project at Poblacion, Dauin, while Aragones, who is now pursuing a college degree at ACSAT, worked on her beautification of a neglected area project at Maayongtubig, Dauin.
Partosa who is now a fourth year high school student at Dauin National High School, chose the highway beautification along Maayongtubig as her community project.
Rosales said the awardees' troop leader Mrs. Myrn A. Acain and Dauin National High School Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Alacala were both instrumental in the successful implementation of the winning community projects.
Over the years, the Negros Oriental-Siquijor council has consistently churned out awardees for the Chief Girl Scout Medal. "This is one of the factors that make our council one of the top councils nationwide," said Rosales.
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LGUs urged to provide "fly now, pay later" for OFWs
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging the local government units (LGUs) to provide a financing scheme to help their needy constituents seeking jobs abroad.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Santo Tomas said local governments may implement a "fly now pay later" program for needy workers in their localities especially those who do not have financial means to pay for various requirements essential for their eventual deployment for employment aborad.
Sto.Tomas said the program would help address unemployment and protect vulnerable workers in rural areas from illegal recruiters and other unscrupulous individuals as the program would involve only legitimate recruitment agencies.
Sto. Tomas said the program provides a level playing field for those who want to work abroad but do not have means to pay for placement and processing fees prior to their deployment abroad.
The Dole chief cited the local government of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental whose "fly now pay" later program is enabling needy workers in this poor municipality to land better paying jobs overseas and pay the required placement and other fees after they have been deployed.
The local DOLE office here disclosed that so far, there are still no LGUs in Negros Oriental offering the said program.
Records show that over 800,000 overseas Filipino workers have been deployed to more than 170 destinations worldwide in the first 10 months of 2005.
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Island Paradise Adventure Race, Visayas Leg (IPAR-2) to pass Oriental Negros
The Visayas Leg of the Island Paradise Adventure Race, or IPAR-2, will traverse Oriental Negros on Thursday, December 15, 2005.
Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Mae B. Abellana said the IPAR-2 which starts off from the Luneta in Manila on December 10, will run through until December 18, with stops at round 50 destinations throughout the country to cover a distance of over 2,000 kilometers.
In every stop, competing teams will perform challenges highlighting local attractions. Local government units along the route will organize trade, cultural and food fares to create a festive atmosphere. IPAR-2 enters Oriental Negros through Mabinay, with next stops at Silliman University and Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City.
Abellana said some ten teams have completed their entry requirements as of press time, and more are expected to apply before the November 30 registration deadline. Each team consists of a pair of any gender. IPRA-2 will admit only 30 teams. For more details, interested parties may inquire from the Provincial Tourism Office.
The IPAR is the biggest adventure race ever in the Philippines, with a P1-million top prize. It is patterned after the Amazing Race, except that there will be no eliminations along the route. IPAR-2 is a follow-up to IPAR-1 that covered Northern Luzon last May and was won by Team Iguana of Davao City, Abellana added.
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World AIDS Day celebration in Dumaguete kicks off on Dec. 1
The local celebration of World AIDS Day in Dumaguete City will kick-off with a street parade on December 1, 2005.
The parade will start at 3:00 p.m. from Freedom Park and will culminate at the Quezon Park, this city.
Spearheaded by the Negros Oriental HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the Silliman University Extension Program-Marina Clinic, the parade will be participated in by the different schools, institutions, non-government organizations and government organizations in the city.
According to Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale, project manager of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project, the local celebration aims to highlight the global campaign for children against AIDS with the theme: "Undangon ang AIDS, Pana-ad Tumanon, Maghiusa Alang Sa Kabataan, Maghiusa sa Pagsanta sa AIDS."
Other activities include a Kapihan forum on December 7 and Quiz Bowl competitions for youths in the city.
Dr. Wale urged the local residents and other interested parties to join in the celebration and express their commitment to the fight against AIDS.
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Gift of Life enters Karen's world
Hers could have been a normal childhood.
Karen May "Kakai" Maglangit Bongat was a pretty girl, promise-filled and full of life.
She was going 3, too young and frail to comprehend life, when her fisherman father, "Nong Jesus" accidentally exploded a "petromax" kerosene lamp used for fishing at night in their house at Barangay Lomangcapan, Enrique Villanueva (Talingting), province of Siquijor. It gave her third degree burns all over her body in which she bore the gruesome scars of her lifetime that transformed her happy disposition.
For a time, life lost all meaning to her. The cruelty of her physical deformity left her embittered, wretched and withdrawn. Why not? While children of her age enjoyed having the grandest time of their lives, she had to endure the rejection and shame of being laughed at and mocked by her fellow children both in school and play hours.
The very sight of her crushed her parents' souls. But belonging to a family of a very modest circumstance, poverty denied their daughter the chance to get appropriate medications in bigger hospitals. They had to be honest enough to admit that they dared question God and wondered bitterly what He thought He was playing at, what was the point of tormenting her. Life, though, was meant to be lived. The first frenzy of grief gave place to a dull resentment and then to numb acceptance.
Despite the nightmare ordeal of sustaining humiliation from the prying eyes of a discriminating society, Kakai went to study in schools. In books, she had no handicaps. Through them, she managed to find strength and faith to escape from the prison her own body had become. And though life dealt her those painful blows, there always remained inside her heart the hope and promise that someday, somehow she would be that woman who can normally write and wave happily.
Heavens seemed to have been, all the while, listening to her. October 2004 was the turning point that changed her destiny forever. The Gift of Life miraculously entered Karen's world. That was the time when Gina Kay Obach, a resident of a neighboring town of Maria, went to her and brought her the news that this international organization is willing to sponsor her for a treatment in the US. Apprehensions and fears were perceptible in Karen's heart; nevertheless, she was filled with hope and determination to make it through.
Karen is a lucky beneficiary of the Gift of Life Program of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Rotary Clubs, in partnership with the Hilton Head Regional Medical Center in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA. As Dr. Edgar and wife Mary Jane Lerias of New York provided the bridge to the Northern Mindanao Association of America (Norminda) and with the endorsement of the Rotary Club of Siquijor, Karen's case reached the Gift of Life Program in the US.
Program director Florence Albaugh started the rigid documentation process to enable Karen to fly to America, courtesy of the PAL Foundation through its director Menchu Sarmiento. Childspring International of Atlanta, Georgia took care of domestic travel in the USA.
Karen was accompanied to the USA by Gina Kay Obach. Drs. Robert A. Laughlin and Bob Agustin, the Hilton Head Medical Center's nurses, therapists and other staff, the Gift of Life board members, the Filipino community and the host family of Mike and Debi Lynes showered Karen and Gina with a lot of care. She stayed there for almost six months undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Now 19, we see in Karen a totally different person - from an aloof, reserved little girl to a high-spirited, confident grown lady. With her eyes glowing, Karen bubbly shared her happy (with her very kind host family) and not so happy days (when she had to endure excruciating pains during operation) in America. She is thankful for all the people who have been with her every step of the way."God is really good to me! Wala ko ga-expect nga moabot nako ning higayuna. (I never expected this moment would come)". "Dili nako maulaw moatubang sa mga tawo (I'm no longer ashamed to face people)," Kakai said recounting those days when she had the chance to talk to groups of people in America with her life story.
"A real gift, the Gift of Life not only changed me physically, it also helped me build my self-esteem," she cheerfully said.
Kakai is presently pursuing a short-term course in Caregiving at Cebu Normal College as scholar of the Lynes family. Not only that. Her family has also received a small capital from her benefactor for them to have a start-up business with. Happiness was unmistakable in her Mama Loida's face. Misty eyed, it was hard to describe her emotions adequately into words. But who would want for words? Her happy tears said it all.
Karen's life is a miracle purely of God's grace all of us can access - it's just a matter of faith. But sometimes God delays His help to test our faith and energize our prayer. Our boat may be tossed by the waves while He sleeps, but He wakes up before it sinks. Sixteen years or so, it works for Kakai.
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BFAR marks 42nd fishcon week
With this year's youth-focused theme "Pinagyamang Pangisdaan, Pag-asa ng Kabataan", the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office successfully held its 42nd Fish Conservation Week last October 16-22, 2005.
Series of activities were lined up in Lazi, this year's host municipality, to highlight the occasion.
Kick-off program was done with several contests held such as net mending, poster making, motorized banca racing, and hook and line fishing all prepared for the fisherfolk. Also part of the opening program was the giving out of plaques of appreciation and certificates to the distinguished visitors.
Giving his keynote speech was Mr. Andres M. Bojos, ACC III of the Regional Office which was well-listened to and attended by the province's local and government officials. To mention were Gov. Orlando B. Fua; Cong. Orlando A. Fua Jr.; Lazi Mayor Orville A. Fua; Dr. Ramon Taroc, Provincial Agriculturist Officer; Mr. Warren S. Inao of the Provincial Fishery Office, Municipal Agriculture Officers, MFARCs, NGOs, LGUs, fisherfolk organizations, and technicians.
Also giving more meaning and impact to the week-long celebration were the dispersa1 of 1,248 pcs of GET Excel tilapia for the techno demo project of the recipient Fructuso Caliso at Capalasanan, Lazi courtesy of the Provincial Fishery and Provincial Agriculture Offices, conduct of seaborne patrol operation by some deputized fish wardens which successfully apprehended illegal spear fishing and confiscated fishing paraphernalia and coastal clean-ups in all fish sanctuaries of the island.
A brand new public market building will soon be completed in Sibulan town as a team of evaluators from the Department of Finance-LOGOFIND Project conducts an on-site inspection of the project starting the 8th of this month.
The said team will also evaluate the local government unit's borrowing capacity, says Connie Zamora-Rosales, Sibulan municipal information officer.
The DOF team is headed by team leader Engr. Lyn Collo together with Engr. Monalisa Cajigal, design engineer; Ace Neptuno, economist; and Arianne Galope, social development consultant.
Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia has earlier submitted letter of intent to DOF expressing the LGU's interest to apply, negotiate and participate in the LOGOFIND project as well as borrow funds from the said project's municipal development fund office to effectively implement the construction of the public market building.
The said letter, Rosales said, was backed by Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 05-268 as the municipal legislative body has authorized Renacia to borrow 70 percent of the total cost of project and to provide the 20 percent equity.
The said resolution also states that the project is an exceptional opportunity for the LGU to avail of considering that the fund provider will extend a ten percent gran out of the total project funding requirement.
To date, Rosales said the LGU has already spent a total of P6.6 million on the project.
In line with the evaluation, the LGU's local finance committee together with the DOF evaluation team conducted a public hearing on Nov. 10 which was attended by market vendors who mostly were in favor of improving the market, says Rosales.
Once completed, the two-storey new market will have stalls for dry goods, carenderias, snacks and sections for meat, fish and vegetables. Comfort rooms will be available for market goers and drainage will likewise be improved.
Corresponding to the mayor's program to uplift the Sibulanon's living conditions, the market is seen to spur economic growth in Sibulan.
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DTI intensifies campaign on Product Standards Law
The Department of Trade and Industry has intensified its provincewide campaign against substandard products to make sure that the Product Standards Law is strictly enforced in towns and cities here.
Mrs. Addie Balatayo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said that her office has been conducting random inspections in commercial areas in towns and municipalities, at times upon the request of the mayor. We sometimes conduct surprise visits upon the request of the mayor to catch businessmen off guard, says Balatayo.
Balatayo disclosed that during a recent surprise inspection at the Sibulan wet market, five weighing scales were found defective and turned over to the municipal treasurer's office which holds jurisdiction over the implementation of penalties.
The inspection team is composed of representatives from DTI and the treasurer's office of the local government unit.
Balatayo said that since last year, the Centers for Consumer Welfare in the local government units have been assisting DTI in the enforcement of the product standards law.
The point persons assigned in the center report to DTI any violations of the product standards law in their respective areas, says Balatayo.
Balatayo urged consumers to be wise and look for the Product Standards (PS) seal when buying locally manufactured products and the ICC mark for imported commodities.
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CSC sets BJMP lateral entry qualifying exam
The Civil Service Commission in Region 7 will conduct a lateral entry qualifying examination (LEQE) for Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel on December 11, 2005 in Cebu City.
The examination is open to BJMP personnel who possess highly specialized and technical qualifications and hold appropriate second-level eligibilities. They must be with BJMP for at least 18 months on a permanent status upon the date of examination. Qualified personnel must also hold a Very Satisfactory rating for the last two consecutive performance evaluation system.
Application forms are available at the BJMP National Headquarters and at all BJMP Regional Offices. Initial processing of applications shall be done by the HRM division prior to submission to the CSC regional offices where the examinee wishes to take the LEQE.
Qualified applicants will be notified of their place of examination through a notice of admission or examination permit. In case the notice or permit is not recived a week before the date of examination, the applicants must personally verify the place of examination with the CSC regional office where they filed their application papers.
Examination fee is set at P350.00. Deadline of application will be on November 25, 2005.
Interested parties may call the CSC-Cebu South Field Office at tel. no. (032) 491-3331, Cebu North Field Office at (032) 253-8333, Negros Oriental Field Office at (035) 4205002, Bohol Field Office at (038) 501-7046 and Siquijor Field Office at (035) 3772037.
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Another call center eyes Dumaguete for its third site
Just days after the city government of Dumaguete signed a memorandum of agreement with Teletech Customer Care Management Philippine, Inc., another international call center firm has announced that it is eyeing Dumaguete as a possible host to its third site in the Philippines.
ClientLogic Philippines is reportedly choosing among the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete for what would be its third facility in the country as the company looks forward to expanding its operations in the country.
This will be a facility with at least 300 seats to cater to foreign clients engaged in financial services, technology, telecommunication and travel, according to Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes, ClientLogic Philippines country manager.
Reyes said that the new facility will cost about $300,000.
The firms' roster of clients include Sony Corp., DIRECTV, TiVo, National Geographic Television and United Online.
"Our principals in the United States are very happy because we are meeting their expectations. As proof, we have now new clients. But the actual rollout of the next facility will really depend on the demand from our clients," says Reyes.
The firm is initially planning to start the rollout in the Visayas by next year.
Reyes said that in choosing the next location, ClientLogic is looking at factors such as big pool of qualified manpower, quality real estate and telecommunication infrastructure, amenities and peace and order.
As of 2004, there were about 11 call center locators in Cebu City in Central Visayas and three in Iloilo City in Western Visayas.
TeleTech is currently developing a facility in Dumaguete City following its MOA signing held Nov. 14 with Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices at the City Session Hall here.
After the signing, TeleTech Vice President for North Asia and the Philippines Craig Reines formally turned-over a check worth P1M to Mayor Perdices as 'performance bond.'
-30-
Local GSP senior girl scouts to receive Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme award
Three senior girl scouts of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council will be awarded the Chief Girl Scout Medal Award on Nov. 25, 2005 at Malacañang Palace.
The Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme Award is the highest award a senior or cadet scout can achieve by working on a one-year community project, says local GSP Executive Officer Rosario Rosales.
The awardees are Senior Scouts Daphne Suzette T. Abellon, Veronica P. Aragones and Claire Marie B. Partosa.
The three awardees were students of Dauin National High School at the time they worked on their community project from May 2004 to May 2005, says Rosales.
Abellon, now a Nursing student at Silliman University, implemented her zero-waste management project at Poblacion, Dauin, while Aragones, who is now pursuing a college degree at ACSAT, worked on her beautification of a neglected area project at Maayongtubig, Dauin.
Partosa who is now a fourth year high school student at Dauin National High School, chose the highway beautification along Maayongtubig as her community project.
Rosales said the awardees' troop leader Mrs. Myrn A. Acain and Dauin National High School Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Alacala were both instrumental in the successful implementation of the winning community projects.
Over the years, the Negros Oriental-Siquijor council has consistently churned out awardees for the Chief Girl Scout Medal. "This is one of the factors that make our council one of the top councils nationwide," said Rosales.
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LGUs urged to provide "fly now, pay later" for OFWs
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging the local government units (LGUs) to provide a financing scheme to help their needy constituents seeking jobs abroad.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Santo Tomas said local governments may implement a "fly now pay later" program for needy workers in their localities especially those who do not have financial means to pay for various requirements essential for their eventual deployment for employment aborad.
Sto.Tomas said the program would help address unemployment and protect vulnerable workers in rural areas from illegal recruiters and other unscrupulous individuals as the program would involve only legitimate recruitment agencies.
Sto. Tomas said the program provides a level playing field for those who want to work abroad but do not have means to pay for placement and processing fees prior to their deployment abroad.
The Dole chief cited the local government of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental whose "fly now pay" later program is enabling needy workers in this poor municipality to land better paying jobs overseas and pay the required placement and other fees after they have been deployed.
The local DOLE office here disclosed that so far, there are still no LGUs in Negros Oriental offering the said program.
Records show that over 800,000 overseas Filipino workers have been deployed to more than 170 destinations worldwide in the first 10 months of 2005.
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Island Paradise Adventure Race, Visayas Leg (IPAR-2) to pass Oriental Negros
The Visayas Leg of the Island Paradise Adventure Race, or IPAR-2, will traverse Oriental Negros on Thursday, December 15, 2005.
Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Mae B. Abellana said the IPAR-2 which starts off from the Luneta in Manila on December 10, will run through until December 18, with stops at round 50 destinations throughout the country to cover a distance of over 2,000 kilometers.
In every stop, competing teams will perform challenges highlighting local attractions. Local government units along the route will organize trade, cultural and food fares to create a festive atmosphere. IPAR-2 enters Oriental Negros through Mabinay, with next stops at Silliman University and Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City.
Abellana said some ten teams have completed their entry requirements as of press time, and more are expected to apply before the November 30 registration deadline. Each team consists of a pair of any gender. IPRA-2 will admit only 30 teams. For more details, interested parties may inquire from the Provincial Tourism Office.
The IPAR is the biggest adventure race ever in the Philippines, with a P1-million top prize. It is patterned after the Amazing Race, except that there will be no eliminations along the route. IPAR-2 is a follow-up to IPAR-1 that covered Northern Luzon last May and was won by Team Iguana of Davao City, Abellana added.
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World AIDS Day celebration in Dumaguete kicks off on Dec. 1
The local celebration of World AIDS Day in Dumaguete City will kick-off with a street parade on December 1, 2005.
The parade will start at 3:00 p.m. from Freedom Park and will culminate at the Quezon Park, this city.
Spearheaded by the Negros Oriental HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the Silliman University Extension Program-Marina Clinic, the parade will be participated in by the different schools, institutions, non-government organizations and government organizations in the city.
According to Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale, project manager of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project, the local celebration aims to highlight the global campaign for children against AIDS with the theme: "Undangon ang AIDS, Pana-ad Tumanon, Maghiusa Alang Sa Kabataan, Maghiusa sa Pagsanta sa AIDS."
Other activities include a Kapihan forum on December 7 and Quiz Bowl competitions for youths in the city.
Dr. Wale urged the local residents and other interested parties to join in the celebration and express their commitment to the fight against AIDS.
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Gift of Life enters Karen's world
Hers could have been a normal childhood.
Karen May "Kakai" Maglangit Bongat was a pretty girl, promise-filled and full of life.
She was going 3, too young and frail to comprehend life, when her fisherman father, "Nong Jesus" accidentally exploded a "petromax" kerosene lamp used for fishing at night in their house at Barangay Lomangcapan, Enrique Villanueva (Talingting), province of Siquijor. It gave her third degree burns all over her body in which she bore the gruesome scars of her lifetime that transformed her happy disposition.
For a time, life lost all meaning to her. The cruelty of her physical deformity left her embittered, wretched and withdrawn. Why not? While children of her age enjoyed having the grandest time of their lives, she had to endure the rejection and shame of being laughed at and mocked by her fellow children both in school and play hours.
The very sight of her crushed her parents' souls. But belonging to a family of a very modest circumstance, poverty denied their daughter the chance to get appropriate medications in bigger hospitals. They had to be honest enough to admit that they dared question God and wondered bitterly what He thought He was playing at, what was the point of tormenting her. Life, though, was meant to be lived. The first frenzy of grief gave place to a dull resentment and then to numb acceptance.
Despite the nightmare ordeal of sustaining humiliation from the prying eyes of a discriminating society, Kakai went to study in schools. In books, she had no handicaps. Through them, she managed to find strength and faith to escape from the prison her own body had become. And though life dealt her those painful blows, there always remained inside her heart the hope and promise that someday, somehow she would be that woman who can normally write and wave happily.
Heavens seemed to have been, all the while, listening to her. October 2004 was the turning point that changed her destiny forever. The Gift of Life miraculously entered Karen's world. That was the time when Gina Kay Obach, a resident of a neighboring town of Maria, went to her and brought her the news that this international organization is willing to sponsor her for a treatment in the US. Apprehensions and fears were perceptible in Karen's heart; nevertheless, she was filled with hope and determination to make it through.
Karen is a lucky beneficiary of the Gift of Life Program of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Rotary Clubs, in partnership with the Hilton Head Regional Medical Center in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA. As Dr. Edgar and wife Mary Jane Lerias of New York provided the bridge to the Northern Mindanao Association of America (Norminda) and with the endorsement of the Rotary Club of Siquijor, Karen's case reached the Gift of Life Program in the US.
Program director Florence Albaugh started the rigid documentation process to enable Karen to fly to America, courtesy of the PAL Foundation through its director Menchu Sarmiento. Childspring International of Atlanta, Georgia took care of domestic travel in the USA.
Karen was accompanied to the USA by Gina Kay Obach. Drs. Robert A. Laughlin and Bob Agustin, the Hilton Head Medical Center's nurses, therapists and other staff, the Gift of Life board members, the Filipino community and the host family of Mike and Debi Lynes showered Karen and Gina with a lot of care. She stayed there for almost six months undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Now 19, we see in Karen a totally different person - from an aloof, reserved little girl to a high-spirited, confident grown lady. With her eyes glowing, Karen bubbly shared her happy (with her very kind host family) and not so happy days (when she had to endure excruciating pains during operation) in America. She is thankful for all the people who have been with her every step of the way."God is really good to me! Wala ko ga-expect nga moabot nako ning higayuna. (I never expected this moment would come)". "Dili nako maulaw moatubang sa mga tawo (I'm no longer ashamed to face people)," Kakai said recounting those days when she had the chance to talk to groups of people in America with her life story.
"A real gift, the Gift of Life not only changed me physically, it also helped me build my self-esteem," she cheerfully said.
Kakai is presently pursuing a short-term course in Caregiving at Cebu Normal College as scholar of the Lynes family. Not only that. Her family has also received a small capital from her benefactor for them to have a start-up business with. Happiness was unmistakable in her Mama Loida's face. Misty eyed, it was hard to describe her emotions adequately into words. But who would want for words? Her happy tears said it all.
Karen's life is a miracle purely of God's grace all of us can access - it's just a matter of faith. But sometimes God delays His help to test our faith and energize our prayer. Our boat may be tossed by the waves while He sleeps, but He wakes up before it sinks. Sixteen years or so, it works for Kakai.
-30-
BFAR marks 42nd fishcon week
With this year's youth-focused theme "Pinagyamang Pangisdaan, Pag-asa ng Kabataan", the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office successfully held its 42nd Fish Conservation Week last October 16-22, 2005.
Series of activities were lined up in Lazi, this year's host municipality, to highlight the occasion.
Kick-off program was done with several contests held such as net mending, poster making, motorized banca racing, and hook and line fishing all prepared for the fisherfolk. Also part of the opening program was the giving out of plaques of appreciation and certificates to the distinguished visitors.
Giving his keynote speech was Mr. Andres M. Bojos, ACC III of the Regional Office which was well-listened to and attended by the province's local and government officials. To mention were Gov. Orlando B. Fua; Cong. Orlando A. Fua Jr.; Lazi Mayor Orville A. Fua; Dr. Ramon Taroc, Provincial Agriculturist Officer; Mr. Warren S. Inao of the Provincial Fishery Office, Municipal Agriculture Officers, MFARCs, NGOs, LGUs, fisherfolk organizations, and technicians.
Also giving more meaning and impact to the week-long celebration were the dispersa1 of 1,248 pcs of GET Excel tilapia for the techno demo project of the recipient Fructuso Caliso at Capalasanan, Lazi courtesy of the Provincial Fishery and Provincial Agriculture Offices, conduct of seaborne patrol operation by some deputized fish wardens which successfully apprehended illegal spear fishing and confiscated fishing paraphernalia and coastal clean-ups in all fish sanctuaries of the island.
11/10/2005
Issue No. 33, Nov. 10, 2005
Prov'l gov't steps up wildlife conservation efforts
As the moratorium on wildlife hunting in Oriental Negros is coming to an end, the provincial government here is rallying up community support to its campaign to protect and conserve the wildlife in the province.
Environment and Natural Resources Management Division Chief Mercy Teves in yesterday's Kapihan sa PIA forum said the provincial government together with the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and CENTROP have been conducting a provincewide awareness campaign on RA 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
The provincial government is also conducting reforestation to rehabilitate the degraded natural resources in the hinterlands.
Teves said the forest cover in the province has improved over the years, but the increase has been minimal. "About five years ago, we were saying that the forest cover in Negros Oriental is only around 5 percent. Now we are getting feedback from DENR that the forest cover is 6 percent. This increase is very small, so we need to make more efforts," she said.
Teves said they are mobilizing community groups in hinterland barangays to assist the government in conserving forest resources.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here has enacted in 2002 Ordinance No. 14 or the Wildlife Hunting Ordinance, which imposed a 5-year moratorium on hunting of wildlife in the province.
However, Vice Governor Jose Baldado who is spearheading the said campaign here, laments that there is still a need for further education campaign for the public. "Kulang ang awareness on wildlife that it's so discouraging," laments Baldado, adding that in spite of their campaign, there are still even authorities who lack the motivation to implement the wildlife law.
The provincial government is also campaigning for local government units to put up rescue centers and wildlife sanctuaries in their areas.
The Center for Tropical Conservation Studies run by Silliman University is the only rescue center in the province.
But CENTROP has announced that they cannot accommodate any more wildlife, says Teves.
So far, Teves said Bayawan City has responded to their call as it allocated funds and a lot for a rescue center in their area. Technical assistance will come form the (CENTROP) and the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Dumaguete City.
-30-
No bird flu case here, DA assures
Amidst circulating reports of bird flu cases in Dumaguete City and in some towns of Negros Occidental, the Department of Agriculture (DA) here assured the public that Oriental Negros remains free from bird flu.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag, Oriental Negros Chief Quarantine Officer, confirmed that there are no cases of avian flu anywhere in Oriental Negros.
Tundag's assurance came in the heels of circulating text messages saying there is a bird flu case reported in Escalante. But Tundag negated this. "When I heard this over the radio, I immediately sent a text to a city veterinarian in Negros Occidental and he confirmed that there are no bird flu cases there," he said.
Tundag's assurance is backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here as Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido stressed that the chance of the avian flu ocurring in Oriental Negros is highly remote.
Cabrido said most birds that migrate here come from Luzon and Panay areas. "There are no migratory birds from outside the Philippines that come to Oriental Negros."
He said most migratory birds in Visayas flock to Olango Island Wetland Sanctuary in Cebu, which spans a total of 1,230 hectares. "These birds, if the see abundance in one area, they don't transfer anymore," Cabrido said.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier ordered DENR to specifically maps out the areas in the country where migratory birds go "so the people in these areas can be more aware".
She said there are around 20 such areas in the country hosting migratory birds, the most popular of which are the Olango Island Wetland Sanctuary in Cebu, the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga and the Liguasan Marsh in Mindanao.
The national government is currently intensifying its campaign against the avian flu, pumping in P160 million for the multi-agency efforts to contain the dreaded disease.
President Arroyo, who keynoted the opening sessions of the first Asia-Pacific Eco-Minds Forum recently, said one of the reasons why the Philippines remains avian flu-free, despite its fragile ecosystem, is its environmental initiatives.
The Philippines, she noted, is the second largest archipelago in the world, next to Indonesia, and its archipelagic nature may have contributed significantly to its non-contamination yet by the avian flu.
"In fact, in taking care of our fragile ecosystems, one of the successes that we are proud of about our environmental policies is that we are now the only country in the region that does not have the avian flu", the President said.
Just recently, Tundag said his office has received an order from the Bureau of Animal Industry prohibiting the shipment of ducks. "Per this order, before we can issue a permit for the shipment of ducks, we have to take a blood sample first and test it for bird flu virus," explains Tundag.
Once the results are negative, then a shipping permit is issued.
Bird flu or the avian influenza is considered a zoonotic disease, or an animal disease that's transmissible to humans.
-30-
Vehicle owners urged to observe "Carless Mondays"
By observing a "carless day" every Monday of November, vehicle owners can contribute to the reduction of air pollution.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here is urging government agencies and local government units in the province to observe a 'carless day' every Monday of this month.
The month of November has been declared as 'Clean Air Month' under Proclamation No. 1109.
'Carless Day'on Mondays is one of the highlights of this month's observation focusing on this year's theme "Let's All Act to Clean the Air" with DENR spearheading a series of activities for the month-long celebration.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido said that the 'carless day' campaign is in support of the Clean Air Act which calls for the 'amelioration of a clean air atmosphere as well as the government's energy conservation drive.
Cabrido urged vehicle drivers, particularly tricycles, to undergo emission testing.
He said his office is currently monitoring emission-testing centers here to determine local emission trends.
Cabrido also cited the cooperation of the local government unit of Bayawan City, which has put up a Clean Air Act billboard in support of DENR's clean air campaign.
-30-
KNN chosen as finalist for Child Rights Award
The Kabataan News Network (KNN) has been cited as one of the top ten finalists of the Child Rights Award in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Produced by the Probe Media Foundation Inc., KNN is an innovative child-focused and produced television series providing an outlet for children to report on their own stories from their own perspective.
This episode includes short stories including a story on colorful butterfly sanctuary in Cebu City, a festival in Mountain Province where young people express themselves through a band festival, the life of the families of overseas Filipino workers and a look at the state of kite flying.
Also among the top ten finalists were two other Filipino-produced programs, GMA Channel 7's I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries for its episode on child drug pushers and ABS-CBN's Juvenile Justice, an in-depth, hour-long documentary on the reality facing young juveniles, which bagged the award.
The Child Rights Award was established in 2001 by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) and United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).
The award recognizes the efforts of broadcasters in pursuing both the production of top quality children's programming and better news coverage of children's issues. The award is given each year in recognition of the best television programming on a child rights issue produced in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Child Rights Award is an important part of what must be an ongoing effort to strengthen the commitment and capacity of broadcasters in Asia and the Pacific to continue to produce quality programming on children.
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organizations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region and to organize the co-operative activities amongst its members.
For nearly 60 years, Unicef has been the world's leader for children, working on the ground in 157 countries and on territory to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.
-30-
Sibulan forms body to look into illegal reclamations
The local government unit of Sibulan recently created an Ad Hoc Committee that will look into matters concerning illegal reclamations and constructions in the area.
This developed after the Sibulan LGU and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (formerly Public Estates Authority) in Manila recently held a joint public forum/consultation to address illegal reclamations and constructions along foreshore lands in the province.
Held October 27 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of Sibulan, the forum came about after Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia sought assistance from PRA on how to deal with unauthorized reclamation projects, particularly along the foreshore lands of Brgy. Maslog, according to Sibulan Information Officer Connie Zamora-Rosales.
Rosales disclosed that PRA defines unauthorized or illegal reclamation as reclamation projects which had been undertaken and completed or are being undertaken and/or completed without the required permit from PRA and approval from the President of the Philippines.
During the form, representatives from PRA led by Mrs. Josefina Castro, assistant general manager for Project Development and Evaluation, presented the rules and procedures for special registration of unauthorized /illegal reclamation projects or PRA Administrative Order 2005-01.
PRA is currently holding a nationwide special registration for a limited period of six months.
-30-
PAGASA holds I.T. trg for Visayas, Mindanao personnel
In a bid to update and improve the communication technology skills of its personnel, PAGASA is set to train its personnel in Visayas and Mindanao this month.
According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi of PAGASA here, selected personnel from all PAGASA field stations in Visayas and Mindanao will attend separate orientation-trainings on the operation of laptop, cellphone, software and data entry.
Culi said the training is in line with PAGASA's move to upgrade the communication equipment of its field stations nationwide under the PICWIN-CMT Project.
The Visayas cluster training is slated on November 11-13 at the Mactan PAGASA Station Complex in Mactan, Cebu while the Mindanao cluster will train on November 14-16 at the Butuan PAGASA Station in Butuan City.
-30-
Teens report on HIV/AIDS
On Kabataan News Network this week, a teenage team from the Dumaguete Bureau reports on cases of HIV/AIDS in Negros Oriental and what local organizations are doing to curb the spread of the disease.
To be shown this Saturday at 3 p.m. over ABC 5, the segment titled "Magdalena" features how a local reproductive health clinic gathered together female sex workers in the province to become HIV/AIDS education advocates. The group calls themselves the Magdalena Group.
Produced by the KNN Dumaguete Bureau's young team, the segment also tackles sexually transmitted infections that a person can get from unprotected sex and how these can be avoided.
The KNN Camarines Norte Bureau, meanwhile, features child workers in mini-carnivals locally known as perya. In the segment Batang Perya, kids tell of the hazards they encounter working in carnivals such as playing dangerous animals and being bullied by the audience.
The KNN Baguio Bureau brings a festive mood to this week's episode as they present the Tossed Salad Festival, which features the city's agri-tourism industry and, at the same time, healthy eating among Filipinos. The event also showcases the fresh produce of Baguio, particularly vegetables.
A project of Unicef Philippines and Probe Media Foundation, KNN is the country's only TV program produced, written and directed by young Filipinos aged 15 to 18 from various provinces nationwide. It is also shown on NBN 4 at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and as short segments daily on Nickelodeon. Send your story ideas to knn_@hotmail.com and receive special gifts.
-30-
INFOBITS
Some view charter change with suspicion. Why is that so?
Political mudslinging, character assassination and trial by publicity seem to have become part of our political life so much so that people have a high level of mistrust in their political leaders. Thus, any political action, regardless of its timeliness or inherent relevance, is viewed with doubt and skepticism. This is a sad reflection of the degeneration of our political system that makes it difficult for any leader to make any headway.
There are some who look at charter change as a diversionary tactic and/or a graceful exit scenario for President Arroyo. Is this reasonable?
We must not trivialize the urgency of need for constitutional reforms.
During the Ramos administration, there was a strong clamor for charter change, which focused on the lifting of term limits and restrictions on economic provisions. This was continued during the Estrada administration, through the constitutional correction for development, with emphasis on economic liberalization measures.
President Arroyo, on record, is the only presidential candidate in the 2004 elections who pushed for the fundamental change in our political system as part of her five reform platforms in the campaign. No other candidate dared to take it up out of apprehension over its acceptability.
Pres. Arroyo in her 2004 State of the Nation Address, called on Congress to consider the resolutions for charter change after completing her economic reform initiatives.
The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan which Pres. Arroyo, together with her economic team including those who resigned personally authored, has a specific chapter on constitutional reform.
There are others who say that charter change and the impeachment raps should not proceed simultaneously.
The majesty of our democracy is that we have two proper and separate fora for these issues to be threshed out. Congress is structured into several committees to tackle and address several issues at hand.
Why did the President announce to start the great debate for charter change?
The President's practical experience of systematic failure and the need to give more powers to the local governments made her realize to put the long-term interest of the nation above the short-term political gains.
Charter change shall signal the beginning of an authentic political and social revolution.
As the moratorium on wildlife hunting in Oriental Negros is coming to an end, the provincial government here is rallying up community support to its campaign to protect and conserve the wildlife in the province.
Environment and Natural Resources Management Division Chief Mercy Teves in yesterday's Kapihan sa PIA forum said the provincial government together with the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and CENTROP have been conducting a provincewide awareness campaign on RA 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
The provincial government is also conducting reforestation to rehabilitate the degraded natural resources in the hinterlands.
Teves said the forest cover in the province has improved over the years, but the increase has been minimal. "About five years ago, we were saying that the forest cover in Negros Oriental is only around 5 percent. Now we are getting feedback from DENR that the forest cover is 6 percent. This increase is very small, so we need to make more efforts," she said.
Teves said they are mobilizing community groups in hinterland barangays to assist the government in conserving forest resources.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here has enacted in 2002 Ordinance No. 14 or the Wildlife Hunting Ordinance, which imposed a 5-year moratorium on hunting of wildlife in the province.
However, Vice Governor Jose Baldado who is spearheading the said campaign here, laments that there is still a need for further education campaign for the public. "Kulang ang awareness on wildlife that it's so discouraging," laments Baldado, adding that in spite of their campaign, there are still even authorities who lack the motivation to implement the wildlife law.
The provincial government is also campaigning for local government units to put up rescue centers and wildlife sanctuaries in their areas.
The Center for Tropical Conservation Studies run by Silliman University is the only rescue center in the province.
But CENTROP has announced that they cannot accommodate any more wildlife, says Teves.
So far, Teves said Bayawan City has responded to their call as it allocated funds and a lot for a rescue center in their area. Technical assistance will come form the (CENTROP) and the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Dumaguete City.
-30-
No bird flu case here, DA assures
Amidst circulating reports of bird flu cases in Dumaguete City and in some towns of Negros Occidental, the Department of Agriculture (DA) here assured the public that Oriental Negros remains free from bird flu.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag, Oriental Negros Chief Quarantine Officer, confirmed that there are no cases of avian flu anywhere in Oriental Negros.
Tundag's assurance came in the heels of circulating text messages saying there is a bird flu case reported in Escalante. But Tundag negated this. "When I heard this over the radio, I immediately sent a text to a city veterinarian in Negros Occidental and he confirmed that there are no bird flu cases there," he said.
Tundag's assurance is backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here as Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido stressed that the chance of the avian flu ocurring in Oriental Negros is highly remote.
Cabrido said most birds that migrate here come from Luzon and Panay areas. "There are no migratory birds from outside the Philippines that come to Oriental Negros."
He said most migratory birds in Visayas flock to Olango Island Wetland Sanctuary in Cebu, which spans a total of 1,230 hectares. "These birds, if the see abundance in one area, they don't transfer anymore," Cabrido said.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier ordered DENR to specifically maps out the areas in the country where migratory birds go "so the people in these areas can be more aware".
She said there are around 20 such areas in the country hosting migratory birds, the most popular of which are the Olango Island Wetland Sanctuary in Cebu, the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga and the Liguasan Marsh in Mindanao.
The national government is currently intensifying its campaign against the avian flu, pumping in P160 million for the multi-agency efforts to contain the dreaded disease.
President Arroyo, who keynoted the opening sessions of the first Asia-Pacific Eco-Minds Forum recently, said one of the reasons why the Philippines remains avian flu-free, despite its fragile ecosystem, is its environmental initiatives.
The Philippines, she noted, is the second largest archipelago in the world, next to Indonesia, and its archipelagic nature may have contributed significantly to its non-contamination yet by the avian flu.
"In fact, in taking care of our fragile ecosystems, one of the successes that we are proud of about our environmental policies is that we are now the only country in the region that does not have the avian flu", the President said.
Just recently, Tundag said his office has received an order from the Bureau of Animal Industry prohibiting the shipment of ducks. "Per this order, before we can issue a permit for the shipment of ducks, we have to take a blood sample first and test it for bird flu virus," explains Tundag.
Once the results are negative, then a shipping permit is issued.
Bird flu or the avian influenza is considered a zoonotic disease, or an animal disease that's transmissible to humans.
-30-
Vehicle owners urged to observe "Carless Mondays"
By observing a "carless day" every Monday of November, vehicle owners can contribute to the reduction of air pollution.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here is urging government agencies and local government units in the province to observe a 'carless day' every Monday of this month.
The month of November has been declared as 'Clean Air Month' under Proclamation No. 1109.
'Carless Day'on Mondays is one of the highlights of this month's observation focusing on this year's theme "Let's All Act to Clean the Air" with DENR spearheading a series of activities for the month-long celebration.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido said that the 'carless day' campaign is in support of the Clean Air Act which calls for the 'amelioration of a clean air atmosphere as well as the government's energy conservation drive.
Cabrido urged vehicle drivers, particularly tricycles, to undergo emission testing.
He said his office is currently monitoring emission-testing centers here to determine local emission trends.
Cabrido also cited the cooperation of the local government unit of Bayawan City, which has put up a Clean Air Act billboard in support of DENR's clean air campaign.
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KNN chosen as finalist for Child Rights Award
The Kabataan News Network (KNN) has been cited as one of the top ten finalists of the Child Rights Award in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Produced by the Probe Media Foundation Inc., KNN is an innovative child-focused and produced television series providing an outlet for children to report on their own stories from their own perspective.
This episode includes short stories including a story on colorful butterfly sanctuary in Cebu City, a festival in Mountain Province where young people express themselves through a band festival, the life of the families of overseas Filipino workers and a look at the state of kite flying.
Also among the top ten finalists were two other Filipino-produced programs, GMA Channel 7's I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries for its episode on child drug pushers and ABS-CBN's Juvenile Justice, an in-depth, hour-long documentary on the reality facing young juveniles, which bagged the award.
The Child Rights Award was established in 2001 by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) and United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).
The award recognizes the efforts of broadcasters in pursuing both the production of top quality children's programming and better news coverage of children's issues. The award is given each year in recognition of the best television programming on a child rights issue produced in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Child Rights Award is an important part of what must be an ongoing effort to strengthen the commitment and capacity of broadcasters in Asia and the Pacific to continue to produce quality programming on children.
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organizations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region and to organize the co-operative activities amongst its members.
For nearly 60 years, Unicef has been the world's leader for children, working on the ground in 157 countries and on territory to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.
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Sibulan forms body to look into illegal reclamations
The local government unit of Sibulan recently created an Ad Hoc Committee that will look into matters concerning illegal reclamations and constructions in the area.
This developed after the Sibulan LGU and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (formerly Public Estates Authority) in Manila recently held a joint public forum/consultation to address illegal reclamations and constructions along foreshore lands in the province.
Held October 27 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of Sibulan, the forum came about after Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia sought assistance from PRA on how to deal with unauthorized reclamation projects, particularly along the foreshore lands of Brgy. Maslog, according to Sibulan Information Officer Connie Zamora-Rosales.
Rosales disclosed that PRA defines unauthorized or illegal reclamation as reclamation projects which had been undertaken and completed or are being undertaken and/or completed without the required permit from PRA and approval from the President of the Philippines.
During the form, representatives from PRA led by Mrs. Josefina Castro, assistant general manager for Project Development and Evaluation, presented the rules and procedures for special registration of unauthorized /illegal reclamation projects or PRA Administrative Order 2005-01.
PRA is currently holding a nationwide special registration for a limited period of six months.
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PAGASA holds I.T. trg for Visayas, Mindanao personnel
In a bid to update and improve the communication technology skills of its personnel, PAGASA is set to train its personnel in Visayas and Mindanao this month.
According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi of PAGASA here, selected personnel from all PAGASA field stations in Visayas and Mindanao will attend separate orientation-trainings on the operation of laptop, cellphone, software and data entry.
Culi said the training is in line with PAGASA's move to upgrade the communication equipment of its field stations nationwide under the PICWIN-CMT Project.
The Visayas cluster training is slated on November 11-13 at the Mactan PAGASA Station Complex in Mactan, Cebu while the Mindanao cluster will train on November 14-16 at the Butuan PAGASA Station in Butuan City.
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Teens report on HIV/AIDS
On Kabataan News Network this week, a teenage team from the Dumaguete Bureau reports on cases of HIV/AIDS in Negros Oriental and what local organizations are doing to curb the spread of the disease.
To be shown this Saturday at 3 p.m. over ABC 5, the segment titled "Magdalena" features how a local reproductive health clinic gathered together female sex workers in the province to become HIV/AIDS education advocates. The group calls themselves the Magdalena Group.
Produced by the KNN Dumaguete Bureau's young team, the segment also tackles sexually transmitted infections that a person can get from unprotected sex and how these can be avoided.
The KNN Camarines Norte Bureau, meanwhile, features child workers in mini-carnivals locally known as perya. In the segment Batang Perya, kids tell of the hazards they encounter working in carnivals such as playing dangerous animals and being bullied by the audience.
The KNN Baguio Bureau brings a festive mood to this week's episode as they present the Tossed Salad Festival, which features the city's agri-tourism industry and, at the same time, healthy eating among Filipinos. The event also showcases the fresh produce of Baguio, particularly vegetables.
A project of Unicef Philippines and Probe Media Foundation, KNN is the country's only TV program produced, written and directed by young Filipinos aged 15 to 18 from various provinces nationwide. It is also shown on NBN 4 at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and as short segments daily on Nickelodeon. Send your story ideas to knn_@hotmail.com and receive special gifts.
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INFOBITS
Some view charter change with suspicion. Why is that so?
Political mudslinging, character assassination and trial by publicity seem to have become part of our political life so much so that people have a high level of mistrust in their political leaders. Thus, any political action, regardless of its timeliness or inherent relevance, is viewed with doubt and skepticism. This is a sad reflection of the degeneration of our political system that makes it difficult for any leader to make any headway.
There are some who look at charter change as a diversionary tactic and/or a graceful exit scenario for President Arroyo. Is this reasonable?
We must not trivialize the urgency of need for constitutional reforms.
During the Ramos administration, there was a strong clamor for charter change, which focused on the lifting of term limits and restrictions on economic provisions. This was continued during the Estrada administration, through the constitutional correction for development, with emphasis on economic liberalization measures.
President Arroyo, on record, is the only presidential candidate in the 2004 elections who pushed for the fundamental change in our political system as part of her five reform platforms in the campaign. No other candidate dared to take it up out of apprehension over its acceptability.
Pres. Arroyo in her 2004 State of the Nation Address, called on Congress to consider the resolutions for charter change after completing her economic reform initiatives.
The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan which Pres. Arroyo, together with her economic team including those who resigned personally authored, has a specific chapter on constitutional reform.
There are others who say that charter change and the impeachment raps should not proceed simultaneously.
The majesty of our democracy is that we have two proper and separate fora for these issues to be threshed out. Congress is structured into several committees to tackle and address several issues at hand.
Why did the President announce to start the great debate for charter change?
The President's practical experience of systematic failure and the need to give more powers to the local governments made her realize to put the long-term interest of the nation above the short-term political gains.
Charter change shall signal the beginning of an authentic political and social revolution.
11/03/2005
ISSUE NO. 31, November 3, 2005
Additional 4,450 hectares of cocal areas identified in OrNeg
The coconut industry here is expected to get a boost from the additional 4,450 hectares of land in the province that has been identified under the Agri Business Land Development program of the government.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Domingo Panganiban recently announced that the government has targeted the development of an additional 1.35 million hectares nationwide to be planted with coconut trees over the next five years.
This move aims to strengthen the country's dominance of the global coco oil export as well as creating 10 million jobs in 2010, a main component of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ten-point pro-poor agenda.
In Oriental Negros, Provincial Coconut Development Manager Brendan Trasmonte of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here said that the areas in the province were identified following a validation conducted by the PCA among the total 89,000 farmers and farm workers here in April 2005.
Of the total 4,450 hectares, 1,249 hectares are for coconut planting and re-planting. "These are the areas wherein the coconut trees are senile and unproductive and areas which are open fields, therefore suitable for coconut planting," says Trasmonte.
There are currently close to 6 million coconut trees planted in a total of 52,460 hectares of coconut lands in the province. Of the total number, 4.2 million are bearing trees and 1.4 are non-bearing.
Around 34,500 hectares in the province are considered open areas potential for coconut planting, says Trasmonte.
During the validation, Trasmonte said the farmers were also asked on their choices of crops and livestock for the Agri Business Land Development program.
For the animal integration, the farmers chose carabao, cattle, hogs and goat with a total target of 205 hectares. "We have exceeded our target, as currently about 796 hectares have been accomplished under the animal integration program," he said.
Trasmonte explained that the Agri Business Land Development program will also employ an inter-cropping scheme geared towards generating additional income and jobs for local farmers.
The crops chosen for inter-cropping aside from coconut are corn, peanut, banana, cassava, papaya, monggo, fruit trees, vegetables and forest trees with a total target of around 4,249 hectares. "As of October, we have accomplished around 1,190 hectares," Trasmonte said.
He added his office launched local fund sourcing initiatives to finance the coconut development efforts in the province.
PCA was able to collect around P1,158,000, of which P1M is from the provincial government and the rest are from the local government units of Dauin, Basay and some cooperatives in Valencia.
The President has earlier stressed the need to increase coconut production due to the high supply demand in the markets now.
Coconut has been the country's highest export performing agricultural commodity, accounting for 37.23% of the country's total exports, according to Sec. Panganiban.
The PCA website states that there are around 324 million coconut trees in the Philippines of which 85 percent are productive.
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Sibulan to put timberlands to proper use
The municipality of Sibulan is set to craft a Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) that will put its timberlands to appropriate use and give tenurial instrument to the area.
This developed following a Memorandum of Agreement forged between the Sibulan local government unit and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 7 represented by its Regional Director Julian Amador and the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) represented by Engr. Danilo Catigtig on October 22 at the town's SB Session Hall.
According to Sibulan Information Officer Connie Zamora-Rosales, the plan is in line with the five-point agenda of Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia, which includes the protection, conservation and preservation of the town's natural resources.
"This is persistent with the implementation of this Agreement which will be the basis for future forest reforestation programs in the mountains of Barangay Enrique Villanueva," says Rosales.
After the inking of the MOA, Renacia has issued Executive Order No. 05 creating the technical working group who will take the lead in the formulation of the FLUP while a barangay technical working group will also be established to serve as the core group.
Rosales said that project is set to be completed in six months' time.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Charlie Fabre said DENR's Ecogov project will provide technical assistance to the implementation of FLUP with funding from USAID.
Rosales said funding for training shall be provided by PNOC and the LGU.
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DBP lends P33.8 Million, vows more aid to micro-enterprises
The Development Bank of the Philippines released P33.8 million in total loans to three participating conduit microfinance institutions as part of its efforts to complement the government's initiative of spurring the growth of the micro-enterprise sector.
Checks representing DBP's microfinance loan releases were given to the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Inc. (p30 million, BMS Rural Bank (P19.4 million) and First Macro Bank (1.901 million).
The loan releases demonstrate that microfinance remains a significant development strategy for DBP as it endeavors to contribute to the empowerment of disadvantaged sectors in the fight against poverty.
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Entrepreneurship ultimate solution to poverty problem, says President
Incorporating entrepreneurship in basic education system is the key to the country's economic growth and stability. This was stressed by president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the entrepreneurship and basic education seminar held at the Manila Polo club in Makati City recently.
According to the president, " Entrepreneurship is not only the key to economic growth and stability but the ultimate solution to poverty." She added that land, labor and capital would be of no use if not properly managed by an inventive and innovative entrepreneur.
Through the efforts of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a memorandum circular prescribing the minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in entrepreneurship degree course in the country's educational system.
To be implemented this year, CHED's memorandum circular 17-05 is expected to "give rise to more young business owners and a stronger culture of enterprise".
During the president's inaugural address last year, she pointed out that foremost in her 10-point economic agenda is the development of three million entrepreneurs by 2010. She said incorporating and promoting entrepreneurship in basic education would not only give substance to her agenda to create more job opportunities, but also create wealth for more filipinos. She added that educators, who are gallantly supporting the pce program, and the stories of successful entrepreneurs taking part in the seminar would surely promote, develop and inspire more Filipinos to become entrepreneurs even beyond 2110.
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Local government executives vow support for "Kilos Asenso" movement
Kilos Asenso is an action-oriented campaign that aims to improve the life of the common people by harnessing their time, talent, and treasure in the communities, as well as accomplishing the goals of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010.
In this movement, members will commit to donate time, talent and treasure to plan and implement specific action projects in their communities, down to sitio and barangay levels. These can include building farm to market roads, strengthening small bridges, tree planting as investment for the future, improving potable water supply, seeding rivers and lakes with tilapia anf other food fish, building day care centers, setting-up or upgrading community livelihood enterprises using access to microfinance, organic composting for community use, and recycling garbage into organic fertilizer.
Local government executives will mobilize members of society for technical and other support, and facilitate community planning and selection of appropriate projects. Members will participate in providing resources, setting up target dates, installation of baseline and monitoring systems and organization of regular project accomplishment review meeting.
Kilos Asenso hopes to inculcate the values of self-reliance,diligence, resourcefulness, cooperation, and the use of new and practical learning.
Kilos Asenso draws inspiration from the Saemaul Undong movement, spearheaded by former South Korean President Park Chung-Hee during the 1960s, which transformed a war-torn, agricultural-based economy into a newly-industrialized, progressive nation. It was done by harnessing the efforts of the villagers and the government through discriminatory assistance and contribution by all members of the community.
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INFOBITS:
1. What is charter change?
Charter change is amending some of the provisions of the Constitution.
2. Why is it important for the average Filipino to take part in the discussion of charter change?
The decision on charter change ultimately lies in the hands of the sovereign people. However, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in the
Philippines revealed that 3 out of 4 Filipinos had little or lack of knowledge of the Constitution.
3. Is it timely to talk about charter change?
Yes.
4. Why is it timely to talk about charter change?
Our present Constitution was written in 1987 or almost twenty years ago. There are provisions that must be made responsive and attuned to the tremendous challenges of the 21st century.
5. Some view charter change with suspicion. Why is that so?
Political mudslinging, character assassination and trial by publicity seem to have become part of our political life so much so that people have a high level of mistrust in their political leaders. Thus, any political action, regardless of its timeliness or inherent relevance, is viewed with doubt and skepticism. This is a sad reflection of the degeneration of our political system that makes it difficult for any leader to make any headway
6. There are some who look at charter change as a diversionary tactic and/or a graceful exit scenario for President Arroyo. Is this reasonable?
We must not trivialize the urgency of need for constitutional reforms. During the Ramos administration, there was a strong clamor for charter change which focused on the lifting of term limits and restrictions on economic provisions. This was continued during the Estrada administration, through the constitutional correction for
development, with emphasis on economic liberalization measures. President Arroyo, on record, is the only presidential candidate in the 2004 elections who pushed for the fundamental change in our political system as part of her five reform platforms in the campaign. No other candidate dared to take it up out of apprehension over its acceptability.
11/02/2005
Snapshots from the Children & Youth Convention, Oct. 28 2005
OrNeg Provincial Info Officer Josie Columna, one of thechild-friendly lecturers during the Convention.
Being a child does not mean it's all play. One of the responsibilities thatcomes with a child's right to play is the responsibility to learn.
Here, a child-participant writes down what she learned during the lectures.
PIA OrNeg Infocen Manager Jenny Catan-Tilos stressing the different rights of kids.
A child-participant in action during the workshop.
Group picture time! The kids with the facilitators and teacher-chaperones.
PIA ICM Jenny Catan-Tilos.
Infocen Manager Jenny Catan-Tilos being interviewed by the media.
Ms. Nanette Tindoc (or Ate Nanette, right) with a child participants showing theirgroovy moves during the ice-breaker.
PIA staff AV Tech II Leo Duran, IO-II Lindy Pagunsan and Dario Punzalanpreparing the certificates.
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