ISSUE NO. 16, April 19, 2007

First district candidates sign
peace covenant with Comelec, PNP
April 19, 2007

A peace covenant was recently signed between candidates of the first district in Negros Oriental and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 7.

The move is in line with President Gloria-Macapagal’s call for “an intensified cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the citizenry and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in stemming the increasing incidence of poll-related violence in the country.”

Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula together with PNP Region 7 Director General Alarcio and Provincial Police Director Col. Melvin Ramon Buenafe met with electoral candidates in the first district on April 12 to intervene in what is seen to be a tense race for electoral positions in the district.

Violent incidents alleged to be election-related that left a total of 8 people dead have been reported in La Libertad and Canlaon City on April 1 and March 9, respectively.

La Libertad and Canlaon City are among the eight areas that belong to the first district.

Advincula said there is no concrete evidence yet that the incidents are politically related.

Earlier reports indicate that the New People’s Army has owned up to the ambush in La Libertad.

But whether the killings were election-related or not, Advincula said he nonetheless intervened to dampen the intense political rivalry in the area before things got out of hand. “The entire island is under my supervision…I don’t want to wait for something else to happen that may result to loss of lives or other atrocities,” he said.

Advincula disclosed that during the said dialogue, the candidates were willing to cooperate and adhere to the peace covenant.

He believes that the situation is now “under control.”

The elections supervisor also describes the current peace and order situation in the province as “80 percent commendable”.

Advincula said the local police command is keeping him up to date on any election-related incidents in the province.

According to PNP’s National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC), a total of 46 election-related violent incidences and 1,479 arrests of persons found violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban has been recorded nationwide since the campaign period started on Jan. 14. (PIA)

Voter’s list in NegOr now 99% cleansed
April 19, 2007

“The voter’s list of Oriental Negros is now 98 to 99 percent cleansed,” said Atty. Manuel Advicula, provincial supervisor of the Commission of Elections (Comelec) here.

The Comelec office here through the action of the election registration board have de-listed voters who were ether convicted by court, considered incompetent due to insanity, failed to vote in two successive regular elections, lost Filipino citizens, excluded from voting through court order, already dead or registered twice for the election.

Due to this, two municipalities of the 2nd district in the province showed a drop in its number of voters despite the continued registration of Comelec.

Comelec records show the number of registered voters of Amlan has decreased to 11, 717 from the 11, 818 in the 2004 election.

Registered voters in the municipality of Mabinay have also reduced, resulting to now 32, 139 voters from 33, 013 in the 2004 election.

At the national level, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that a total of 1.13 million “unscrupulous” voters were de-listed, bringing down to 45.5 million number of qualified voters for the May poll. (PIA)

Cancer cases in the Phils on the rise
Public invited to witness free lecture
on cancer prevention
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007

A high ranking officer of the American Cancer Society is set to deliver a talk on “Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cancer” on Friday, April 20, 4:00 p.m. at the St. Paul University-Dumaguete School of Nursing.

The provincial government has invited Dr. Hugh F. Stallworth, vice president of the American Cancer Society (ACS), in an effort to raise awareness on cancer prevention in the province.

A rare opportunity for Negrenses, the said lecture is free for the public. Interested attendees can contact Sr. Rosamund Abadesco of the SPU Nursing Department for reservations.

Another reason for the ACS official’s visit is to explore the possibility of a partnership with the provincial government for the delivery of health care system in the province, said Assistant Provincial Administrator Josefina Columna.

A malady of massive proportions, cancer ranks third in the leading causes of deaths and illnesses in the Philippines, according to statistics published by the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates in 1997.

The same report said that for every 1,800 Filipinos, one will develop cancer annually.

A report posted on the Department of Health’s website puts cancer as the third leading cause of mortality in the country next to infectious and cardiovascular diseases.

The health department estimates that about 53 cancer cases per 100,000 population arises every year in the country.

Breast and gynecological cancer are the most common types of cancer to strike Filipino women while lung cancer for Filipino men.

According to Dr. Cathering Lisondra-Krings of the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., some 60 percent of cancer patients are “unfortunate enough not to avail of cure and instead suffer through the illness painfully.”

In 1999, DOH announced its acquisition of an anti-cancer machine – high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy machine- for the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), making JRRMMC as the only government hospital with a modern facility that can provide quality treatment for underprivileged cancer patients in the country.

It has been noted that the list of patients awaiting schedule to begin radiotherapy at JRRMMC has been on the rise.

The hospital has long been providing therapeutic services to cancer patients from all over the country, treating up to 120 patients a day.

The cost of treatment in JRRMMC is only about a third of the fee in private hospitals for those who can afford, partial for those are classified as service and completely free for indigents. (PIA)

RP Economy up due to E-VAT
Local businessman points out EVAT’s pro’s and con’s
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007

The country has recently received glowing economic forecasts from international finance agencies as a result of the “tough decisions” employed by the national government.

The International Monetary Fund in its recent forecast said that the Philippines’ economic growth would be “higher than average” among its neighboring countries.

The World Bank in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.

Malacañang attributes the flourish of fresh and favorable economic outlooks to the radical fiscal reforms that have been implemented in the country, most notable of which is the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law.

According to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through the E-VAT Law the government raised important cash resources that were used to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.

Good and bad
Local businessman Alex Sy, who heads the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce here, agrees with the forecasts, saying that E-VAT has played a large role in increasing the country’s income from tax collection.

He estimates the increase at about 12 percent.

Sy also credits the diminishing government debt to EVAT. “Makabayad naman ang Pilipinas sa utang tungod sa koleksyon sa EVAT,” he said.

He said that before, almost 70 percent of the government’s revenue goes to paying off the country’s debt.

However, Sy noted that if there’s a good side to EVAT, there is also a flip side to it.

He pointed out the downside of E-VAT which is its impact on the ordinary working Filipino. “Nagkamahal ang consumer goods, fuel and the other basic goods that we buy everyday and this have had a big effect on the consumers. The employees and hard-earning workers have been greatly affected,” he said.

Although Sy lauds the gains brought about by E-VAT, he hopes though that the government can think of another way to continue the pro’s that E-VAT has brought but minus the con’s.

He also suggested that the government trim down its expenditures. “The national and local governments can try cutting down more on its expenses. They can do it if they want to,” he added. (PIA)

First DEB candidates’ forum held
By: Rachelle M. Nessia
April 19, 2007

The Diocesan Electoral Board recently concluded its first of a series of candidates forums in the province last April 18, 2007 at Quezon Park, this city.

The forum featured candidates for second district congressman, board members, governor and vice-governor.

The open forum opened with the Voters’ Prayer led by Fr. Julius Heruela, Convenor of the Diocesan Electoral Board.

The candidates then delivered a five-minute speech on their platforms of government which was followed by an open forum.

In the open forum, the candidates alternately answered questions raised by a panel of reactors composed of Alex Sy, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Alex Pal, editor of Metro Post; and Fr. Burton Villarmente of the Social Action Center.

The audience was also given a chance to ask their questions that they wrote down and submitted to the Diocesan Electoral Board for screening.

Questions raised during the forum touched various topics, such as environmental issues, power rate reduction, corruption and priority projects.

The candidates likewise declared and signed their commitment to honest and peaceful elections through a candidates’ manifesto read by Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Manuel Advincula.

The forum concluded with the lighting of candles and the singing of One Little Candle.

Fr. Ramonito Maata, station manager of DYWC-AM, moderated the forum, which will be aired over the said radio station over the weekend.

The second forum is scheduled on April 23 (Monday), 7:00 p.m. at Quezon Park, this time featuring the six candidates vying for the mayoral and vice-mayoral spots in Dumaguete City.

Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier called for the collective effort of government and non-government agencies for the conduct of peaceful polls. "Let us protect suffrage, freedom of choice and democracy with the full collective will and resources we can muster," she added.

The Diocesan Electoral Board is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The Board is also set to conduct similar forums in Guihulngan and Bayawan City featuring the respective congressional and board member candidates in the first and third districts. (PIA/RMN)

Siquijor FITS one of RP’s best - DOST
By Rizalie A. Calibo

(Larena, Siquijor)--The Siquijor Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium gains a good reputation as one of the active, best performing FITS in the country, says Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator, Engr. Mario de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here.

This, he attributed to the provincial government’s support and the members full cooperation in all FITS endeavor. “Imagine, there are 169 FITS nationwide and we are lucky be named one of the country’s best,” de la Peña said as he echoed to the group results of the workshop he attended at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) in Los Baños recently. Regular meetings are also seen to further improve the performance of the consortium, he said.

DOST-PCARRD is one of the national government agencies that assist FITS in its effort to help develop the farmers.

FITS serves as a one-stop information facility that caters to the information and technology need of the local populations in the agricultural, fisheries and natural resources sectors.

Malacanang said that while it would take some time to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, constant effort by the government to increase social dividends on the back of a growing economy would eventually boost optimism and hope among the common folk.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that economic activities such as the boom in portfolio investments and the repayment of debts amounting to $175 million can be sustained and move forward programs to breach hunger and poverty.

The Press Secretary said that while the government never promised instant results from the economic surge, the reality, according to him, "is that we have more jobs today, lower inflation, and lesser debt."

"Our detractors may insist in seeing a cup half empty, but we would rather see it half full and filling up as we move forward in our programs to breach hunger and poverty," he pointed out.

Bunye, however, acknowledged that there is still much to be done.

"That is why we are rolling up our sleeves, which more and more Filipinos are doing," he said. "We have rising global confidence in the Philippines and we have the tools of excellence to use to our advantage."

Meanwhile, to strengthen more the FITS members’ commitment to service and motivate them to maximize their potentials, a team building session was conducted last April 4 at Dapdap Sunset Grill, Pangi, Siquijor.

There, Team Building games were played that aims to improve communications, break-down barriers and reduce conflicts as well as improve critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The games also enabled the members to recognize and appreciate everyone’s contributions, help them get to know each other better and capitalize on team members’ strengths, commonalities and diversity to just let them have some fun.

Team Building was introduced by the regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Engr. Burt Llanto who believes that the members will learn to work together more effectively by learning to play and do common activities together outside of their normal work environment. Participants were presented with challenges which are best overcome as a team.
It emphasizes on developing excellence, right attitude and goal setting in a lighter way.

“I hope that this will be the start of the many training/seminars that will be conducted by DOST for the FITS Consortium,” de la Peña said. (RAC/PIA)

Sitio Pilapil in San Juan qualifies for solar power project

Sitio Pilapil in Barangay Napo, San Juan , a remote rural area in Siquijor province which has not yet been reached by electric power services qualifies for Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS).

This was bared by the local office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) following the result of a survey conducted by DAR Central Office and the Department of Energy (DOE) recently.

DAR personnel headed by Chief AR Program Officer Elmer C. Bontia and General Manager Laureen Malolot of the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO), Inc. recently conducted a consultation with the residents of Sitio Pilapil. San Juan town Mayor Edwin Quimno also attended the forum which aimed to obtain the residents’ feedback or approval of putting up a solar electrification project in their area.

SPOTS is an integrated social and agricultural project to compliment DAR’s existing efforts in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in remote areas with the use of photovoltaic energy systems.

The project aims to address rural poverty in the un-energized and off-grid Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs), increase rural productivity and promote livelihood, empower local ARCs and farmer organizations, and apply solar energy technology as the enabling technology for sustainable development.

The project package includes solar electrification (home lighting system), agri-business/agri-development (agri and potable water systems), and social support to community facilities (health center, school, barangay hall and communal lighting package).

In her Easter message, the President said the government through the “8 by 08” national agenda, would bring the people the benefits of a growing economy that include the availability of food, pro-poor education, healthcare and housing; more investments, strong peso, better cost of living, more new jobs created, a green Philippines and a safer and secured community now that funds are available for socio-economic projects.

As noted various progress-oriented and pro-poor projects has been fast-tracked over the past years that resulted to lower incidence of poverty in the country.
Over three million Filipinos have so far risen from extreme poverty since 2000, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a statement, citing a report by the World Bank, the world’s leading institution for development.

The WB estimates that by the end of this year, only some 8.4 percent of Filipinos would be living on a dollar a day – the standard by which the said institution measures extreme poverty.

Saludo said the WB forecast is buoyed up by the continuous improvement in the Philippine economy, which is projected to grow by as much as 5.7 percent this year.

"Now that the government has increased its fund sources and earnings, public infrastructure and public service will surely follow, thus providing employment opportunities and expanding education, health, housing and other services for the people," Saludo said.

Meanwhile, residents of Sitio Pilapil per consultation, were enthusiastic and receptive of the proposed project. “However, DAR has yet to receive the endorsement by the local electric supplier (PROSIELCO) before the project can be further submitted to the Department of Energy, the cooperating agency for the identification and approval of the site,” DAR officials said. (RTLeduna-DAR/RACalibo –PIA)


Budget hearing calls for tax code revision
The local finance committee of the local government unit of Larena in Siquijor province pushed for the revision of the Local Tax Code to generate more income for maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE) for Calendar Year 2007.

The average annual collection of income from local sources for the past three years is only P5M and the Internal Revenue Allotment share is P19,145,252.

During the budget hearing recently, the department heads defended the increases in their budget proposals for their respective offices. These proposals were strongly endorsed to the local chief executive for consideration.

The municipal Budget officer aired that for CY 2007, the municipality is only operating on a P26.5 million budget. This amount is allocated for the following expenditures: Personal Services – P15.9 million; MOOE, P5.3 million; 20% development fund, 5% calamity fund; and capital outlay, P5.3 million.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that inorder to raise important cash resources to fund vital infrastructure, health and education projects, “tough decisions” that implement radical fiscal reforms, most notably the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) Law has to be pursued.

The E-VAT Law increased the rate of VAT imposed on goods and services from the previous 10 percenty to 12 percent.

It also imposed VAT on other high impact luxury and previously VAT-exempt goods such as fuel and Sport Utility Vehicles, more commonly known as SUVs.
Because of the E-VAT Law, the President said, the government was able to raise important cash resources that were used to fund development projects without the need of external borrowing from financial institutions.

The government was also able to provide "soft loans" to Filipino entrepreneurs who availed themselves of the grants given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to put up their own businesses.

All these activities did not go unnoticed as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast recently that the Philippines ' economic growth would be "higher than average" among its neighboring countries.

Even the World Bank, in its twice-a-year Philippine economic monitor report, had predicted three consecutive years of economic growth, a first for the country and the region since 1970.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri,pointed out that because of these positive indicators, investor confidence on the country had picked up.

He reported that for the first quarter of 2007, the Board of Investments had recorded a 51 percent increase in foreign investments, resulting in a P28-billion influx of fresh investments.

He said these investments were mainly concentrated in the areas of the electronics sector, call centers and hotels and resorts.

He added that the lending activities of banks have increased by 10 percent due to the low interest rates on their loans, making it palatable to the prospective borrowers and investors.

Furthermore, inflation is at its lowest in 10 years at 2.2 percent, making borrowing from banks more appealing, according to Neri.

This trend in borrowing, he said, will translate to more jobs as more entrepreneurs put up their own businesses.

The President thanked the SMEs and encouraged those planning to put up their own business to partake of the flourishing economy. (CAQ-LArena LGU/RAC-PIA)