Perdices welcomes PGMA’s challenge for tourism investments in Dgte
In the aftermath of what was certainly a State of the Nation Address (SONA) unlike any of its predecessors, local government leaders in Negros Oriental lauded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s economic blueprint that sets out to spur much-needed progress in the regions.

Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices, describing the President’s economic program as holistic, welcomed the challenge posed by the President for economic progress in the countryside. “The challenges she posed are geared towards strengthening the economy,” he said.

In her speech, the President cited Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental for its potential in the tourism sector, and Valencia town in electronics.

“We will lengthen the Dumaguete runway for tourism,” stated the President as she alludes the competitive edge of the regions in mega-region Central Philippines to its natural wonders and the “extraordinary hospitality of its people.”

Oriental Negros belongs to the Central Philippines cluster of super-regions wherein tourism investments will be capitalized, including Camiguin, Siargao, Dapitan, Romblon, Palawan, Bicol and the three other provinces comprising Region 7.

For the mayor, this is a good move as he admits that Dumaguete still lags behind other neighboring provinces in terms of tourism. “Cebu and Bohol are way ahead…we can not do it on our own,” says Perdices.

He said the city will get its fair share of tourism investments by linking with other provinces. “There is not enough to see in just one place, so we need to link with other provinces to come up with a tourism package that will draw in more tourists,” he stressed.

The mayor adds that he will be supporting the President’s program for 2010. “Akong hangyo sa oposisyon, give the President three more years to let her accomplish what she promised,” he said.

According to Malacañang, the President has delivered the “longest and first interactive and high-tech SONA” unlike the usual SONA she has deliver the past five years.

Pres. Arroyo’s address ran for one hour and 10 minutes, eliciting 167 applauses and made lively and animated by the use of PowerPoint to illustrate and visualize her vision of development in the regions.

Malacañang said the president has launched the Philippine rocket to a brighter future and the social impact is seen to become self-evident as the plan is put into motion with the resources already in place.

It likewise reiterated its call for all leaders to set aside politics and focus on the challenges at hand.

“What the government needs at this point is the support and cooperation of every Filipino, government agency, non-government institution and sector,” Malacañang said.

In her speech, a confident Pres. Arroyo urged her opponents to join hands with her, saying she intended to finish her term and fighting was a “waste of time.”

Recently, the President’s approval rating went up to 26 percent according to a Pulse Asia Survey.

But Malacañang stressed that surveys come and go “but what is important is a strong leadership pulling the nation forward under a clear and comprehensive plan.”
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NegOr officials laud PGMA’s SONA
Oriental Negros is certainly ready to take on the challenge, says provincial Governor George P. Arnaiz in view of the challenge thrown by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In her SONA held at the opening of the third regular session of the 13th Congress yesterday, the President, aided with a PowerPoint presentation, unveiled a massive investment program through the Mega-Region economic development strategy.

She particularly cited Negros Oriental for its potential in energy independence, tourism and electronics due to the presence of the geothermal field in Palinpinon.

The governor said the province is more than ready to stand up to the challenge posed by the President for progress in the regions. “We are even ready to provide the province’s counterpart for the funding of projects here,” says Arnaiz.

The President’s massive investment program aims to sustain economic growth and spread progress to all areas of the country through the Mega-Region economic development strategy and propel the Philippines to the First World status.

In her SONA, the President pushed for a return of power to the people and to the regions away from the reign of “Imperial Manila” through the setting up of super regions comprising of North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor.

The Mega-Regions planning strategy is the third phase of the President’s Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), of which much of the input came from the regional development councils of the country’s 16 regions.

“The good thing is the President is always consulting the local government units. She consulted the local chief executives all over the country, especially on the super regions and the MTPIP,” says Arnaiz.

Under the super-regions strategy, the governor disclosed his priority projects in the province from 2001-2010, which he assured will be implemented “even if I will no longer be the governor.”

The said projects include the construction of diversion road between Dumaguete to Sibulan worth P428 million; Pamplona to Sta. Catalina worth P130 million; asphalting of the Bayawan-to-Mabinay road worth P400 million and road construction between Isabela, Negros Occidental to Guihulngan worth P680 million.

Also in line with the President’s vision, Board Member Melimore Saycon said a route is set to open up between Tambobo Bay, Siaton to Dipolog under the President’s Nautical Highway.

Saycon said that although it is the private bus company that will ply the said route, the Siaton local government together with the provincial government is fully supporting the said project.

The board member also said he is confident that the President’s plans outlined in her SONA will be implemented as the country is enjoying international support from countries such as Japan and China.

The Japanese government has recently expressed its interest to become an active participant in the quest for lasting peace in Mindanao by offering economic and social assistance to conflict-stricken areas.

Malacañang welcomed Japan’s support for peace and development, saying that this will be another impetus towards an early peace agreement.
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Valencia: Soon to be electronic capital in the Phils
Valencia town may well soon be the electronic capital in the Philippines after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address cited the town for its potential to attract investors in the semi-conductor business.

“Valencia, Oriental Negros could attract semiconductor firms with power rates subsidized by the geothermal field of Palimpinon,” the President said in her speech held at the Batasang Pambansa to mark the opening of the third regular session of the 13th Congress.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez reportedly welcomed the President’s vision for Valencia, saying that that this will result to more jobs in the municipality.

According to Valencia Information Officer Des Tilos, Jr., the local government’s direction is on the right track towards realizing the President’s vision. “The municipal government has long been working towards providing the necessary infrastructure to support this anticipated development, like good roads and access to water” says Tilos.

The municipality has also been rehabilitating its service lines to ensure a stable supply of electricity in Valencia.

Efforts are also being exerted to improve the communication infrastructure in the town, which Tilos said is critical for Valencia to draw in potential investors.

The local government of Valencia is enjoying power subsidy as a result of royalties from the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) since three of the LGU’s barangays play host to PNOC’s geothermal plants, namely barangays Puhagan, Mala-unay, and Caidiocan.

Residents of the host barangays are enjoying a higher power subsidy compared to those in the other 24 barangays who get P600 per electric meter subsidy from the municipal government.

Residents in the host barangays are also receiving a power subsidy counterpart from their barangay in addition to the P600 per electr meter subsidy from the municipal government.

A total of P1,500 per meter subsidy are provided to the residents in Brgys. Puhagan and Mala-unay while commercial establishments receive P3,000 electric subsidy.

For Caidiocan, residents receive a P1,100 per meter subsidy. The barangay shoulders 15 percent of the electric bill of the commercial establishments, says Tilos.

Under the administration of Mayor Gonzalez, the municipality has been able to address the longtime problem of lack of energy in Valencia.

Under his tutelage, the total number of households energized in Valencia grew to 5,557 as of June 6 or 99.9 percent, disclosed Tilos.

Meanwhile, the President’s SONA also stressed the need for Congress to pass a national budget that would respond to the imperatives of the SONA.

Malacañang said the President’s plans need to be fleshed out and Congress is a vital key to this goal.


DILG-7 launches local governance resource center
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 7 has launched a breakthrough in local governance - the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC)..

The launching was conducted on July 27 at Ayala Center in Cebu City with the theme “Knowledge Sharing for Better Governance.”

Featured during the launching is a booth exhibit of knowledge products on local governance from the LGRC-7’s network of partners – national government agencies, non-government organizations, private/business sector, research and academic institutions and local government units.

The LGRC, according to DILG-7 Local Government Operations Officer IV Kathrina T. Penales, is a ‘one-stop shop’ knowledge center and interactive facility that is designed to be a user-friendly and accessible repository and venue for continuous review and updating of local knowledge assets, learning tools and information systems.

Anchored on the principles of knowledge management, multi-stakeholdership, linkage and convergence, Penales said the LGRC is a breakthrough in local governance endeavors that is designed to adequately respond to the challenges and emerging issues in local autonomy.
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Sta. BayaBas celebrates 7th anniversary; launches neighborhood health care prog
The Sta. Catalina-Bayawan-Basay (Sta. BayaBas) District Health System marked the celebration of its 7th anniversary with the launching of a one-of-a-kind neighborhood health care program.

The neighborhood health care program dubbed as ‘Pakigsilinganay/Kapitbahayan’ is an alternative model of the health care maintenance program in Bayawan City and the municipalities of Sta. Catalina and Basay.

The program serves mainly as the catchment area for the neighboring towns’ poor, low-income group who comprise the majority of the population.

The program was initially implemented at Brgy. Boyco, a depressed barangay with health-related problems, with the assistance of Rotary International-RC Tolong and other volunteers.

Soon after the program gained ground, Brgy. Boyco was conferred and certified by the Department of Health as the first healthy barangay out of the 28 barangays in Bayawan City after the health situation in the barangay significantly improved.

This prompted the Bayawan City government to intensify efforts towards securing the future for healthy barangays with the goal of 89 percent of the total barangays being conferred as healthy barangays.

The neighborhood health care program will attempt to address the healthy problems identified in the barangays such as delivery of efficient optional health care, provision of effective health education and motivation for families to learn and practice preventive measures against common ailments.

The program aims to make affordable, available, comprehensive health care services for the largest number of beneficiaries as well as reduce dependency on health professionals for health care.

In line with the said program, the Sta. Bayabas district Healthy Lifestyle Center worth P2.5 million was put up in Bayawan City to cater to the health needs of Sta. Bayabas district.

Funds for the establishment center were pooled from counterpart funding coming from the provincial government (P500,000), Bayan City local government (P600,00), Sta. Catalina local government (P250,000), Basay (P150,000) and Cong. Herminio Teves (P1M).

Among the services the center will extend include a healthy diet program, stress management, no smoking program, regular exercise, regular health check-up and health maintenance program.

The blessing held on July 26 was led by Department of Health Assistant Secretary Nemesio Gako.
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Siquijor, more than ready to take on President’s challenge – Guv
Siquijor is more than ready to take on the challenge, Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua said referring to the challenge posed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Gov. Fua said plans and projects of the provincial government are always in line with the President’s vision citing among others, the road network to compliment with the President’s nautical highway; completion of Tambisan Wharf RORO Ramp in Tambisan, San Juan, Siquijor to include establishment of breakwater and bridging of passageway; extension of the Siquijor Port; and concreting of circumferential road which will cost some P1 billion until 2010.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier launched the Philippine rocket to a brighter future and the social impact will become self-evident as the plan is put into motion with the resources already in place.

In her SONA, the President pushed for a return of power to the people and to the regions away from the reign of “Imperial Manila” through the setting up of super regions comprising of North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor.

The Mega-Regions planning strategy is the third phase of the President’s Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), of which much of the input came from the regional development councils of the country’s 16 regions.
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Visayas wage up P10-18; Siquijor, from P190 to P200
The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards of Central Visayas and Western Visayas have approved increases in daily minimum wage ranging from P10 to P18, and from P17 to P20, respectively, starting August 01.

For Siquijor province a P10 daily wage increase or an increase from P190 to P200 per day is set, according to Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here. DOLE 7 is yet to release to Siquijor DOLE office the guidelines today, she said.

But business sectors here described the wage increase as too high. “Taas ra kayo para namong gagmayng negosyante,” (It’s too much for small entrepreneurs like us) Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMEDC) Chair Judy Uy Booc said. “Even the local governments are giving only P145 to P165 a day,” she said.

DOLE Regional Director Cayanong, however, said the increases have been carefully considered and were actually “win-win solutions to the conflicting interests of labor and business sectors.
While it is true that most establishments here do not comply with the prescribed minimum wage rate, Tanquiamco said the best and simplest way for business establishments to be exempted is to register as Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).

“There might be a series of increase as prices of oil and other commodities continue to rise,” Tanquiamco said appealling to LGUs to facilitate processing of requirements for BMBE registration. “Some LGUs are making it difficult for entrepreneurs to register as BMBE,” she admitted.

The minimum wage rates, according to the order, applies to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region, “regardless of their position, designation or status and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid.”

The new wage order does not cover household or domestic helpers and workers who are in the personal service of another, including family drivers and workers of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).

Meanwhile, Tanquiamco encouraged all businessmen to comply with the new minimum wage rate.

The approval of wage adjustments in the remaining regions is fast tracked as the government puts forward the plan to increase the salary of government workers. (pia)

Fua on PGMA: ‘She’s a real economic star’
Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando B. Fua rated the President’s SONA as ‘very excellent’ saying it is a correct picture of what she’s been doing and what she has done contrary to what detractors claim.

“She’s a real economic star as far as governance in concerned,” the Governor said.

In her sixth address to the Nation since assuming office in 2001, a confident President Arroyo urged her opponents to join hands with her, saying she intended to finish her term and fighting was a “waste of time.”

Governors, mayors, councilors and other local government officials also reaffirmed their continued support for President Arroyo for her unwavering commitment to Charter Change and countryside development during her State-of the Nation Address at the Batasan building in Quezon City.

DTI head lauds President’ SONA
Amid different views on the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), DTI-Siquijor Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said she is impressed on the President’s plans spelled out in her SONA.

“They are very concrete and specific,” says Virtucio citing particularly the President’s plans of setting up mega regions and connecting many parts of the country.

“It is also good to hear her recognizing those who have contributed for the country’s progress; at least they will feel appreciated and will be challenged to do more,” she said.

The SONA focused on the economic gains of the PGMA administration and her plans for economic development.

To assure the people of the President’s sincerity, a Malacanang official said “ the President has the details of her plan laid out deep in her mind and heart and will not stop until she sees it rise in the national firmament.”

Meanwhile, the government urged Congress to pass a national budget tha would respond to the imperatives of the SONA. “It is hopeful with the new leadership in the Senate, both chambers of Congress would be able to get their act together for the sake of the people, who must not be forced to stand and wait too long,” the official said.

“We need to put flesh in our plans and Congress is a vital key to this goal,” he said.

Majority of Dumagueteteños still safe, assures city police chief
Despite the dire lack of police officers in the city, the city police chief assured that they are taking “the extra mile” to maintain the peace and order in the city.
City Police Chief Col. Dionardo Carlos in the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency, disclosed that police officers are now rendering extra duty hours.

With only 87 police officers, the city police force has their hands full policing the community. “I requested the police personnel now to render extra duty hours. Those who perform admin work from 8 to 5, I request them for extra 2 hours to go on patrol from 6 to 8. After 8:00 I takeover doing my patrol at nighttime,” says Carlos.

The current number of police officers in the city falls short of the ideal ratio of one policeman for every 500 citizens.

“There are only 87 police in the police station and we’re trying our best to man a population of almost 400,000 during daytime and 115,000 during nighttime,” Carlos stressed.

The city council has already made a resolution for additional 30 personnel, which Carlos said he has submitted to higher office.

The city police chief however assured that 99.9 percent of the Dumaguete public is still safe. “I assure the public that they are safe because we see a pattern. Majority of our community members do not fit the target of this pattern… they are not the target of this group” explains Carlos.

The police chief is referring to the alleged existence of a vigilante group operating in Dumaguete City.

The group is allegedly responsible for the series of killings that recently occurred in the city.
Investigations into the said cases are already underway. Should the ballistics report indicate that the same firearm was used in the killings, then these cases are done by only one group, he said.

“In the last 2 weeks, we have experienced four cases and I felt that it was too much,” says Carlos.

“We will not tolerate vigilantes. If they say they are responsible for the incidents that transpired in the past two weeks, then we will see if it’s true and go after them,” he adds.