Gary Teves appointed new finance secretary
Land Bank President and chief executive officer Gary B. Teves has been appointed by Malacañan as the new secretary of the Department of Finance, replacing former finance chief Cesar Purisima.
This was announced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the pilot broadcast of the public affairs show "Dagundong" over NBN Channel 4.
Ermita said Teves is intelligent, reliable and competent to handle the job.
He added that Teves, who is the son of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Herminio Teves, has impressed Malacañang with his track record as LBP president and former congressman.
Teves joins the roster of newly appointed Cabinet members to take over the recently vacated posts of the Arroyo administration.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has also appointed Labor Assistant Secretary Benedicto Ernest R. Bitonio, Jr. as chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission.
The new Cabinet will be composed of people whose commitment to the nation and the democratic principles will be beyond doubt, says the president.
"This is a new team that will work with me to move away from political bickering to doing what the people of the Philippines expect their leaders to do and that is get our economy moving and ensure the delivery of essential services such as health care, education and security to all parts of the country," she said.
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Enough rice supply for lean months- NFA
With the onset of the lean months from July to September, rice supply is the least of the worries of Oriental Negrenses following the National Food Authority's assurance of rice sufficiency in the province.
NFA has been adopting a rice distribution scheme nationwide to cushion the country from the drastic drop of palay harvest during the lean months.
For July alone, NFA here aims to inject 30,000 bags of rice to its currently three well-stocked warehouses in the province.
NFA Assistant Provincial Manager Francisco Lorico Jr. said around 32,000 bags of NFA imported rice are expected to arrive here from Cebu this month, augmenting NFA's current stock of 100,000 rice bags.
Of the total current stock, 68,000 bags are reserve rice and the rest are operational stocks, says Lorico.
The food agency supplies each of the six retailer (6) outlets in the city public market with 15 bags per day everyday.
Lorico said there are more than 60 outlets within public markets outside of Dumaguete, which NFA provides with 10 sacks per outlet each week.
According to NFA National Administrator Gregoril Tan Jr., the agency strategically injects rice in areas where supply tends to be insufficient to prevent unnecessary increase in the commodity's rice.
NFA rice is currently priced at P16 per kilo at the Dumaguete City Public Market and P18 per kilo outside the city.
To ensure that consumers will continue to enjoy quality and affordable NFA rice, the agency's monitoring and enforcement task force across the country have been fielded to check on and apprehend erring grains businessmen.
Lorico however assured that the incidence of overpriced NFA rice is not rampant in the province, although the local monitoring and enforcement team have fined some erring outlet owners mostly for not following NFA regulations.
Penalty for violating NFA regulations range between P1,000 to P4,000, depending on the gravity of the violation, says Lorico.
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Compressed natural gas buses to hit roads soon
In the midst of the seemingly unending wave of soaring prices of imported fuel and fare hikes, compressed natural gases or CNG buses might just be the badly-needed relief bus operators and commuters are waiting for.
The government's natural gas vehicle program for public transport offers bus operators a more than 50% reduction in diesel price for the first 200 bus units that will be registered under the program.
The increased utilization of alternative transport fuel is seen to reduce the 50% dependence of the transport sector on imported fuel.
The CNG is pegged at P14.50 per diesel liter equivalent, against the prevailing price of diesel at P29.50.
According to Sammy Gargaritano, manager of Vallacar Transit here, the CNG program is viable, as it requires low maintenance and keeps the vehicle's engine clean.
Gargaritano said 35 CNG units have already been tested in Manila and Batangas.
Seven bus operators have already been accredited by the Department of Energy, all of who committed to acquire 185 units by the end of the year.
Gargaritano said Vallacar Transit is contemplating of acquiring CNG buses, but their main concern is the supply of gas.
He said this was also the concern of the members of the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines during its recent meeting.
So far, the CNG mother-daughter refueling stations are currently being constructed only in Batangas and Laguna, which are set to be finished in August this year to hasten the commercial operation of the CNGs.
Several incentives are in store for those who apply for the CNG program, including a zero rate of duty on imported natural gas vehicle industry-related equipment, facilities, parts and components.
Vallacar Transit, which runs the Ceres bus liner, has 134 buses in its Dumaguete Branch and 28 units in its Bacolod branch.
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OFW deployment exceeds 1st semester mark
More than half a million overseas Filipino workers have been deployed even before the 1st semester of the year ended.
Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Danilo Cruz is confident that the target deployment of one million for this year is on a firm and stable track.
Kenric Villaluz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here said more overseas recruitment agencies are participating in job fairs in the province compared to previous years.
Around 20 overseas recruitment agencies joined in the recent job fair conducted by DOLE in Sibulan on May 28 and 29.
Before, only around 10 agencies recruiting for overseas jobs joined in job fairs, says Villaluz.
From only one overseas recruitment agency last year, Villaluz said about five agencies have now started conducting recruitment at the local DOLE office almost every month this year.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported that the January to April 2004 OFW remittances rose from 2.6 to 3 billion dollars for the same period this year.
An international labor organization-standard based labor force survey as of April this year showed that OFWs continue to enjoy the preference of traditional and emerging labor market overseas.
Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas reported in a recent business forum that local employment grew by almost 700,000 nationwide and that as of April, the unemployment rate stood at 8.3%.
Land-based OFWs worldwide are also appreciated as more Filipino professionals like accounts, architects, engineers, medical and health professionals and others continue to make it overseas.
Philippines accounts for some 20% to 25% of the world's supply of maritime workers.
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Minimum wage earners to get additional COLA
Minimum wage earners could now regain their eroding purchasing power and cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and services after the Labor department reported the recent decision of giving the workers nationwide an additional cost of living allowance.
Provincial Extension Officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco in Siquijor bared that wage-setting process in Region 7 is already accomplished.
The regional wage board in its Wage Order No. ROVII-11 granted workers in the region a minimum wage hike in the form of additional P15 cost-of-living-allowance per day for class A areas and P12 per day for classes B, C and D.
Class A are cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Danao and Talisay and municipalities of Menglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Cordova (or expanded Metro Cebu).
Class B comprises the city of Toledo and the rest of the municipalities in Cebu province except Bantayan and Camotes islands.
Cities and municipalities in the provinces of Bohol and Oriental Negros belong to Class C while Class D are municipalities of Siquijor, Bantayan and Camotes island.
"Establishments who registered as Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with certificates of authority are exempted from granting increases," Tanquiamco said.
Wage Order No. VII-11 provides that the adjustments apply to all covered workers and employees in private sector in the region, regardless of the position, designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method by which they are paid.
The wage order states that not covered from the wage increase are household or domestic helpers, persons in the personal service of another (including drivers), and workers of registered BMBEs with certificate of authority.
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DOST announces PSHS system search for scholar
The local of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor announces the search for scholars of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).
Provincial Science and Technology Coordinator Mario de la Peña said the PSHS systems consists of schools which offer scholarship to deserving students who are trained under a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in the field of science and technology.
It is one of the agencies of DOST contributing to the expansion and development of the country's scientific and technological manpower.
"To date, we have three scholars from Larena and Siquijor enrolled at the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo," says de la Peña.
Qualified elementary students who are interested to apply for the said scholarship will undergo a two-step screening process, first of which is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to be held on Oct. 15 at Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.
The second step is the Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT) consisting of tests in science and mathematics.
Students who pass the first screening will undergo the second screening on Dec. 10 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
Application forms are now distributed to all elementary schools provincewide.
Deadline for submission of application forms is on Aug. 25.
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San Juan PNP receives CDF grant for new office construction
The Philippine National Police in the fifth class municipality of San Juan is a beneficiary of a P300,000 CDF grant from CIBAC Representative Hon. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva.
The new PNP office is established at the northern side bleacher of the San Juan Cultural Center at the Poblacion area.
With its new office now in a relatively more accessible location, the local PNP's zeal to serve and protect the people is given a boost, especially with the support of the current set of municipal officers headed by Hon. Edwin Quimno.
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Province's disaster plans already in place
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here has already put in place various disaster management plans in preparation for any man-made or natural disasters that might strike the province.
This was disclosed by Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Officer Joy P. Gongob in the recent Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency in observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July which banners the theme: "Safe Ka Ba? Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-Unlad."
Gongob, who heads the plans and operations of PDCC, said the council has already set its plans to counter disasters such as La Niña, El Niño, and anti-terrorism on bomb threats.
PDCC has integrated the plans of its three management units to come up with a counter disaster management plan.
Engr. Ricardo Baculad of the Provincial Engineer's Office, which spearheads the transportation committee of PDCC, said the three district engineers in the province are prepared to carry out transportation assistance in case disaster strikes.
A disaster relief plan is also in place, says Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Lagarde, who heads the relief and rehabilitation committee of the council.
The provincial government also has a stockpile of food commodities and used clothing from DSWD-7 in preparation for any calamity.
Identified disaster-prone areas in the province by the Office of the Civil Defense are Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Guihulngan, hinterlands of Pamplona, Bais City and Tanjay City.
Allen Cabaron of OCD here said the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is stepping up its information campaign on disasters preparedness particularly focusing on four natural disasters, namely: typhoon, earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions.
A volcanic eruption plan is currently in the works in the province, says Gongob, although the plan still needs to be polished and pending approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Cabaron also urged local government units here to strengthen their disaster coordinating councils and to involve non-government and civic organizations in their relief and rehabilitation plans.
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7/08/2005
INFOBYTES, Issue No. 15 July 8, 2005
Public urged to be on guard vs dengue
In view of an increase in dengue cases reported in June this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here is strongly urging the public to remove breeding sites of mosquito larva at home.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes, assistant provincial health officer here, disclosed that 50 cases have already been recorded provincewide in June this year compared to 45 cases reported in June 2004, while one fatality was reported in Tanjay City in March this year.
Based on records from IPHO, Dumaguete City showed the highest number of dengue fever cases reported in June this year with 21 and followed by Amlan with 10.
In Dumaguete City, Brgy. Bantayan holds the highest number of dengue cases reported from January to May this year with 8 cases, followed by Calindagan and Junob with 6 cases each.
Cortes said an increase in the number of mosquito-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal infectious diseases are expected during the start of the "Dengue Months Zone" from June to September every year.
The highest number of dengue cases reported in the province was during an outbreak in September 1998 with 950 cases, says Cortes.
The health officer called on household members to strictly observe the 4 o'clock habit of destroying mosquito larva breeding sites at home on a daily basis.
All objects that may collect water like empty bottles, tires and tin cans must be disposed and water storage containers should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly before refilling and should be covered tightly.
Household members are also advised to use insect repellants, install screens in homes and spray living quarters with insecticides.
Cortes also called on school authorities and local government units to intensify dengue fever awareness campaigns and mobilize dengue brigade activities.
Dengue brigades in all barangays in Dumaguete City have already been mobilized by the City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Lourdes Socorro.
The brigades act as the monitoring arm of CVO in ensuring that clean-up activities are done in the puroks.
CVO is currently conducting an information campaign in the barangays to educate the residents on how dengue can be prevented.
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Seminar on Child Domestic Work
Oriental Negros together with the Visayan Forum Foundation will hold a two-day Legislative Advocacy Seminar on Child Domestic Work from July 21-22, 2005 at the South Sea Resort in Dumaguete City.
According to Ms. Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., the seminar will discuss the proposed Batas Kasambahay, a magna carta pending in the Senate and Congress that aims to uplift the standards for household helpers.
The workshop aims to consult the expertise of local legislators and partners in coming up with a deeper understanding of issues related to child domestic workers and assist policy makers in exploring policy recommendations for local government units in the province to be more creative and flexible in dealing with the supply and demand of child domestic workers.
The seminar is also supported by the International Labor Organization-International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC).
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Malnutrition rate in NegOr declines
The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported an improvement on the nutritional status in Negros Oriental following the implementation of a more improved nutritional program in the province.
In the Kapihan forum held Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bernarda Cortes said the malnutrition rate in the province last year is only 15.8%, far below from the 27.6% national malnutrition underweight prevalence rate.
The rate is a result of the Operation Timbang conducted from January to March 2004 using the International Reference Standard, which the Department of Health started using only recently.
Of the 138,234 target children aged 0 to 71 months old to be weighed during the Operation Timbang, 130,687 or 94.5% were weighed.
Cortes explains that starting last year, the Philippines switched to using the International Reference Standard from the Philippine Reference Standard in weighing children from 0 to 71 months old.
So although we cannot compare the 2004 malnutrition rate to that of the previous years, we have noted an improvement in the nutritional status in the province, says Cortes during the forum held to celebrate the Nutrition Month this July.
Negros Oriental is not even in the country's top 10 malnutrition rank, which includes Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Antique and Masbate, among others, Cortes said.
Records show that in Negros Oriental, the town of Tayasan registered the highest malnutrition rate with 22.8 followed by Vallehermoso with 22.5 and La Libertad with 22 percent.
In the same forum, Atty. Luisa Villegas, Provincial Nutrition Council Vice Chair, attributed the improved nutritional status here to the provincial government's full support in the intervention measures conducted by the provincial health office to lower the malnutrition incidence in the province.
IPHO is currently conducting fresh milk feeding in barangays identified to have high malnutrition rates in the towns of Pamplona, Bacong, San Jose, Sibulan and Tayasan.
Negros Oriental is also a Green Banner Awardee in Region 7 for three years now due to the implementation of nutritional programs here.
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Philippine's first wastewater treatment plant for communal sewage broke ground in Bayawan
The local government of Bayawan City together with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) recently broke ground with the launching of the first Wetland/Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Philippines.
The first of its kind in the country, the project aims to clean the wastewater of the Fisherman's Village, a housing project currently under construction in Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City, says Imelda R. Balbuena of GTZ-CO Visayas in a press statement.
Seen to finish construction later this year, the wastewater treatment plant will clean, treat and reuse the wastewater from more than 300 inhabitants expected to occupy the Fisherman's Village.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held June 14, Andreas Kanzler, GTZ Water Program Director, in his opening speech said that the treatment plant "is a real groundbreaking in the truest sense of the word. We are breaking ground for new technologies and solutions which have not yet been used in this country until now."
Kanzler explained that the treatment plant is suitable for areas like Bayawan City since there is extremely low maintenance and running cost involved.
GTC will ensure the technical advisory and capacity development of the project while the construction of the plan will be financed by a loan through the city government of Bayawan.
"An artificial wetland is close to the nature's treatment method, conceptually designed for decentralized use, meaning no long and costly sewer network is embedded," says Kanzler.
For his part, Bayawan City Mayor German Saraña said the treatment plant is a new technology which will be useful in improving the sanitation situation in Bayawan.
The mayor stressed that under his leadership, sanitation is a priority and non-negotiable. "I am looking forward to launching with GTC not only the first water treatment facility in the Philippines, but also the second, third and fourth facilities."
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Surgical mission "Operation Share III" to visit Siquijor
The surgical mission dubbed "Operation III" will bring its services to the Siquijodnons on September 12-16, 2005.
The mission is sponsored by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) alumni and volunteer friends from USA together with the six local government units and the provincial government of Siquijor.
The mission team comprising of at least 20 health specialists will operate on cases of paratid tumors, goiter, harelip, first stage cleft palate, breast, stomach, gall bladder, colon, hernias, rectum and anus, urinary bladder, cysts and other skin lesions.
General and gynecology surgery will be accommodated pending medical clearance at least one week before the mission.
Listing and screening will be done at the respective rural health units soon.
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Siquijor celebrates Nutrition Month
The province of Siquijor is celebrating Nutrition Month this July with the theme: "Batang May Kapansanan, Sa Wastong Nutrisyon Simulan."
A joint provincial, municipal and barangay kick-off was held today (July 1) at Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor.
Governor Orlando B. Fua in his message said the province's program has been geared towards creating a healthy province with healthy people citing some projects such as corn, rice, vegetable, fruit production and the dairy's project in San Juan.
San Juan Mayor Edwin Quimno likewise called for a concerted effort to eradicate and not just minimize malnutrition.
San Juan has the highest malnutrition rate here, although the number has slightly dropped form 250 to 217 malnourished kids last year.
Quimno said the San Juan local government through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program funded the supplemental milk feeding to pre-school children and grade one pupils in schools in the said town.
The municipality has allocated P160,000 for the procurement of nutritious foods for the supplemental feeding program.
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DPWH inaugurates SONA school building
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here recently inaugurated and turned-over a one-classroom school building to Cangclaran Primary School in Cangclaran, Lazi, Siquijor.
The project is in line with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's SONA School Building Program for the school-less barangays.
DPWH Information Officer Romeo L. Lopez Jr. said a funding of P260,000 for the construction of the classroom was taken from the budgeted program of the President and P550,000 from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the barangay for the purchase of a 927.27 square meter lot as its counterpart.
According to school teacher Eugene Gumisad, they started accepting enrollees in 2004 even when they had no school building.
The pupils, Gumisad said, were only found squatting in a house of a concerned citizen which was offered as their classroom.
"This is a dream come true…now we are happy that our pupils will go to a place conducive for learning," says the school teacher.
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Dairy project brings hope to KAPANIG women
"Dako gyud ug gikatabang ang dairy project sa among panginabuhi (The dairy project really helped us a lot)," recounts Victoria "Nang Oya" Maglasang, president of the Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Atong Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas or KAPANIG.
KAPANIG is a group of women running the dairy project in San Juan town.
Nang Oya and other housewives in barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan once thought they were helpless partners in augmenting their family's income.
With their husband's meager pay, they thought there was no way they can uplift their lives or send their children to college, or even improve their houses at the least.
But then the Dairy Industry Development Project came along, bringing with it a glimmer of hope for Nang Oya and the other housewives like her.
Introduced by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) the said project is in line with the government's effort to alleviate poverty in the countryside.
Barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan are now among the Poverty Free Zones identified by DOLE.
From 19 dairy cows (2 lactating, 4 gestating and 13 breedable) distributed to the women members of KAPANIG in 2002, the number grew to 38 in a span of two years.
Of the total, 19 are already milking and the rest will soon be.
The dairy cows are producing around 70 liters of milk a day which the association sells at P50 per liter.
In 2004, KAPANIG started supplying fresh milk to schools in San Juan as part of the town's supplemental feeding to improve the school children's nutritional status.
With a budget of P240,000, the malnourished kids are fed daily with fresh milk for 120 days.
Each member gets a share of at least P1,000 per week, says Nang Oya. She recounts how a member has been able to renovate her house and the others were able to send their kids to school in Cebu because of the dairy project.
The dairy project continues to flourish especially now with more blessings both from the national and local government pouring in. Recently, the provincial government here released P300,000 for the completion of the project's processing center aside from the P1 million from JICA, P100,000 from DOLE and P94,000 from the organization as its counterpart.
Currently, the first floor of a two-storey building has already been completed.
"We are very grateful to the government because it never turned its back on us. We have been give hope and this pushes us to strive harder for development," expressed Nang Oya.
The association is now busy looking for a potential market for their produce with some government agencies trying to campaign for the benefits of milk among the public.
Urban poor groups in Cebu not inclined to join anti-government protests
Urban poor organizations would rather busy themselves in working hard to survive than marched the streets to protest against the present administration.
Clemen Quiros, development management officer III and the area coordinator for Mandaue City's urban poor of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor in Central Visayas (PCUP-7) echoed this observation.
Although Quiros limited her comment to the slightly over 100 urban poor organizations (UPOs) in Mandaue City with over 15,000 members, she however added that local government units play a crucial role in dissuading UPOs from joining anti-government rallies. "If the mayor is pro-administration, chances are likely that urban poor groups won't be inclined to join anti-government street protests and especially when the basic needs of the groups are being addressed by the mayor," she quoted.
As Cebu's local officials even on opposing ends are known Arroyo supporters, Quiros safely surmised that it would be difficult for hard-core critics of the government to pull UPOs to the streets. In case there are members of any urban poor groups that have joined radicals in the streets, these are minimal in figure, according to the PCUP-7 officer.
Based on experience in dealing with UPOs whose members include vendors, tricycle drivers, trisikad drivers, factory workers, jeepney drivers and even government employees, Quiros said these people are working very hard to make ends meet while their priority need is the security of land tenure.
In Mandaue City, the local government's top priority project for the urban poor is the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) to address their housing needs. Through the National Home Mortgage Financing Corp., the CMP enables the urban poor to have a roof over their heads with a monthly amortization between P300 to P500.
Quiros lauded members of the urban poor groups here for their good foresight because aside from not participating in futile street rallies as this could just hamper their daily livelihood, these people do not want to remain squatters all their life. Members of the urban poor would rather opt to work double-time to acquire their own house.
Because most UPOs in Cebu are more objective, left-leaning groups frustrated with the present government have found it difficult to convince UPOs to join them in their cause.
The PCUP-7 officer however, said she does not blame members of the urban poor in Manila who have been used by politicians to join rallies against the government for a price as life in Manila is harsher compared to in Cebu.
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TESDA CENTRAL VISAYAS TO GET 10,000 APPRENTICES
(July 5, 2005-BTO)
With the increasing demands of daily living plus globalization and change in technology, Filipinos who are multi-skilled and have the right attitude towards work surely have the edge. To realize this objective, the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to field 10,000 apprentices in the region. Based on the records of TESDA, the provincial targets are five thousand in Cebu, 3,000 in Bohol, 1,500 in Negros Oriental, and 500 in Siquijor.
TESDA 7 Reg. Dir. Engr. Ernesto Beltran said that the program is in line with the role of the office to enhance the employability of workers by providing them programs that would cater to the local and global needs. He also said that the office now has more than a hundred partner institutions, especially those at the economic zones where more slots are now given to student apprentices.
Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay Program (KASH), also known as Apprenticeship-Learnership Program, is a training within employment involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. The move which is an industry-and-TESDA linkage program provides a better alternative to those who are jobless and are in need to upgrade their skills and rethink of their work attitudes aside from helping the industry players.
The small and medium enterprises (SME's) and other industry players that participate in the program have an opportunity to enjoy tax incentives, the chance to be provided with human resource development assistance by the government, and to develop the skills of workers to fit to their enterprise's requirements.
An applicant for the program must be at least 15 years old, physically fit for the occupation in which he/she desires to be trained, and can comprehend oral and written instructions. Interested individuals may submit their (1) application letters, (2) resume, (3) ID picture, and (4) other relevant credentials to the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) at the Ground Floor of Cebu Provincial Capitol, and the Department of Manpower and Development Project (DMDP) in Jakosalem St. (near Gaisano Main Store), or the TESDA Regional Office in Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City.
Meanwhile, SME's and other employers who intend to hire apprentices simply have to submit a (1) letter of application addressed to the Regional Director of TESDA, (2) Skills Training Outline, and a (3) certification that the number of apprentices to be hired shall not be more than 20 percent of its total regular workforce.
Aside from enjoying the social security and health benefits, an apprentice is either given a payment of wage equivalent to 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage, or a payment of full wage and availment of deduction from taxable income the one-half of the value of training expenses incurred. Thereby, saving 50 percent in labor cost on the part of the employer. The period of apprenticeship ranges from 4 - 6 months depending on the type of occupation being apprenticed.
Beltran also encouraged those who may have other queries on TESDA Programs to call Cebu City PESO thru T# 254-4348 and Cebu Province PESO at T# 253-5710, 412-7157, and TESDA 231-6718 or 231-1596.
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In view of an increase in dengue cases reported in June this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here is strongly urging the public to remove breeding sites of mosquito larva at home.
Dr. Bernarda Cortes, assistant provincial health officer here, disclosed that 50 cases have already been recorded provincewide in June this year compared to 45 cases reported in June 2004, while one fatality was reported in Tanjay City in March this year.
Based on records from IPHO, Dumaguete City showed the highest number of dengue fever cases reported in June this year with 21 and followed by Amlan with 10.
In Dumaguete City, Brgy. Bantayan holds the highest number of dengue cases reported from January to May this year with 8 cases, followed by Calindagan and Junob with 6 cases each.
Cortes said an increase in the number of mosquito-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal infectious diseases are expected during the start of the "Dengue Months Zone" from June to September every year.
The highest number of dengue cases reported in the province was during an outbreak in September 1998 with 950 cases, says Cortes.
The health officer called on household members to strictly observe the 4 o'clock habit of destroying mosquito larva breeding sites at home on a daily basis.
All objects that may collect water like empty bottles, tires and tin cans must be disposed and water storage containers should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly before refilling and should be covered tightly.
Household members are also advised to use insect repellants, install screens in homes and spray living quarters with insecticides.
Cortes also called on school authorities and local government units to intensify dengue fever awareness campaigns and mobilize dengue brigade activities.
Dengue brigades in all barangays in Dumaguete City have already been mobilized by the City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Lourdes Socorro.
The brigades act as the monitoring arm of CVO in ensuring that clean-up activities are done in the puroks.
CVO is currently conducting an information campaign in the barangays to educate the residents on how dengue can be prevented.
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Seminar on Child Domestic Work
Oriental Negros together with the Visayan Forum Foundation will hold a two-day Legislative Advocacy Seminar on Child Domestic Work from July 21-22, 2005 at the South Sea Resort in Dumaguete City.
According to Ms. Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., the seminar will discuss the proposed Batas Kasambahay, a magna carta pending in the Senate and Congress that aims to uplift the standards for household helpers.
The workshop aims to consult the expertise of local legislators and partners in coming up with a deeper understanding of issues related to child domestic workers and assist policy makers in exploring policy recommendations for local government units in the province to be more creative and flexible in dealing with the supply and demand of child domestic workers.
The seminar is also supported by the International Labor Organization-International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC).
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Malnutrition rate in NegOr declines
The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported an improvement on the nutritional status in Negros Oriental following the implementation of a more improved nutritional program in the province.
In the Kapihan forum held Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bernarda Cortes said the malnutrition rate in the province last year is only 15.8%, far below from the 27.6% national malnutrition underweight prevalence rate.
The rate is a result of the Operation Timbang conducted from January to March 2004 using the International Reference Standard, which the Department of Health started using only recently.
Of the 138,234 target children aged 0 to 71 months old to be weighed during the Operation Timbang, 130,687 or 94.5% were weighed.
Cortes explains that starting last year, the Philippines switched to using the International Reference Standard from the Philippine Reference Standard in weighing children from 0 to 71 months old.
So although we cannot compare the 2004 malnutrition rate to that of the previous years, we have noted an improvement in the nutritional status in the province, says Cortes during the forum held to celebrate the Nutrition Month this July.
Negros Oriental is not even in the country's top 10 malnutrition rank, which includes Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Antique and Masbate, among others, Cortes said.
Records show that in Negros Oriental, the town of Tayasan registered the highest malnutrition rate with 22.8 followed by Vallehermoso with 22.5 and La Libertad with 22 percent.
In the same forum, Atty. Luisa Villegas, Provincial Nutrition Council Vice Chair, attributed the improved nutritional status here to the provincial government's full support in the intervention measures conducted by the provincial health office to lower the malnutrition incidence in the province.
IPHO is currently conducting fresh milk feeding in barangays identified to have high malnutrition rates in the towns of Pamplona, Bacong, San Jose, Sibulan and Tayasan.
Negros Oriental is also a Green Banner Awardee in Region 7 for three years now due to the implementation of nutritional programs here.
-30-
Philippine's first wastewater treatment plant for communal sewage broke ground in Bayawan
The local government of Bayawan City together with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) recently broke ground with the launching of the first Wetland/Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Philippines.
The first of its kind in the country, the project aims to clean the wastewater of the Fisherman's Village, a housing project currently under construction in Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City, says Imelda R. Balbuena of GTZ-CO Visayas in a press statement.
Seen to finish construction later this year, the wastewater treatment plant will clean, treat and reuse the wastewater from more than 300 inhabitants expected to occupy the Fisherman's Village.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held June 14, Andreas Kanzler, GTZ Water Program Director, in his opening speech said that the treatment plant "is a real groundbreaking in the truest sense of the word. We are breaking ground for new technologies and solutions which have not yet been used in this country until now."
Kanzler explained that the treatment plant is suitable for areas like Bayawan City since there is extremely low maintenance and running cost involved.
GTC will ensure the technical advisory and capacity development of the project while the construction of the plan will be financed by a loan through the city government of Bayawan.
"An artificial wetland is close to the nature's treatment method, conceptually designed for decentralized use, meaning no long and costly sewer network is embedded," says Kanzler.
For his part, Bayawan City Mayor German Saraña said the treatment plant is a new technology which will be useful in improving the sanitation situation in Bayawan.
The mayor stressed that under his leadership, sanitation is a priority and non-negotiable. "I am looking forward to launching with GTC not only the first water treatment facility in the Philippines, but also the second, third and fourth facilities."
-30-
Surgical mission "Operation Share III" to visit Siquijor
The surgical mission dubbed "Operation III" will bring its services to the Siquijodnons on September 12-16, 2005.
The mission is sponsored by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) alumni and volunteer friends from USA together with the six local government units and the provincial government of Siquijor.
The mission team comprising of at least 20 health specialists will operate on cases of paratid tumors, goiter, harelip, first stage cleft palate, breast, stomach, gall bladder, colon, hernias, rectum and anus, urinary bladder, cysts and other skin lesions.
General and gynecology surgery will be accommodated pending medical clearance at least one week before the mission.
Listing and screening will be done at the respective rural health units soon.
-30-
Siquijor celebrates Nutrition Month
The province of Siquijor is celebrating Nutrition Month this July with the theme: "Batang May Kapansanan, Sa Wastong Nutrisyon Simulan."
A joint provincial, municipal and barangay kick-off was held today (July 1) at Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor.
Governor Orlando B. Fua in his message said the province's program has been geared towards creating a healthy province with healthy people citing some projects such as corn, rice, vegetable, fruit production and the dairy's project in San Juan.
San Juan Mayor Edwin Quimno likewise called for a concerted effort to eradicate and not just minimize malnutrition.
San Juan has the highest malnutrition rate here, although the number has slightly dropped form 250 to 217 malnourished kids last year.
Quimno said the San Juan local government through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program funded the supplemental milk feeding to pre-school children and grade one pupils in schools in the said town.
The municipality has allocated P160,000 for the procurement of nutritious foods for the supplemental feeding program.
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DPWH inaugurates SONA school building
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here recently inaugurated and turned-over a one-classroom school building to Cangclaran Primary School in Cangclaran, Lazi, Siquijor.
The project is in line with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's SONA School Building Program for the school-less barangays.
DPWH Information Officer Romeo L. Lopez Jr. said a funding of P260,000 for the construction of the classroom was taken from the budgeted program of the President and P550,000 from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the barangay for the purchase of a 927.27 square meter lot as its counterpart.
According to school teacher Eugene Gumisad, they started accepting enrollees in 2004 even when they had no school building.
The pupils, Gumisad said, were only found squatting in a house of a concerned citizen which was offered as their classroom.
"This is a dream come true…now we are happy that our pupils will go to a place conducive for learning," says the school teacher.
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Dairy project brings hope to KAPANIG women
"Dako gyud ug gikatabang ang dairy project sa among panginabuhi (The dairy project really helped us a lot)," recounts Victoria "Nang Oya" Maglasang, president of the Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Atong Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas or KAPANIG.
KAPANIG is a group of women running the dairy project in San Juan town.
Nang Oya and other housewives in barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan once thought they were helpless partners in augmenting their family's income.
With their husband's meager pay, they thought there was no way they can uplift their lives or send their children to college, or even improve their houses at the least.
But then the Dairy Industry Development Project came along, bringing with it a glimmer of hope for Nang Oya and the other housewives like her.
Introduced by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) the said project is in line with the government's effort to alleviate poverty in the countryside.
Barangays Cangmunang, Catulayan and Timbaon in San Juan are now among the Poverty Free Zones identified by DOLE.
From 19 dairy cows (2 lactating, 4 gestating and 13 breedable) distributed to the women members of KAPANIG in 2002, the number grew to 38 in a span of two years.
Of the total, 19 are already milking and the rest will soon be.
The dairy cows are producing around 70 liters of milk a day which the association sells at P50 per liter.
In 2004, KAPANIG started supplying fresh milk to schools in San Juan as part of the town's supplemental feeding to improve the school children's nutritional status.
With a budget of P240,000, the malnourished kids are fed daily with fresh milk for 120 days.
Each member gets a share of at least P1,000 per week, says Nang Oya. She recounts how a member has been able to renovate her house and the others were able to send their kids to school in Cebu because of the dairy project.
The dairy project continues to flourish especially now with more blessings both from the national and local government pouring in. Recently, the provincial government here released P300,000 for the completion of the project's processing center aside from the P1 million from JICA, P100,000 from DOLE and P94,000 from the organization as its counterpart.
Currently, the first floor of a two-storey building has already been completed.
"We are very grateful to the government because it never turned its back on us. We have been give hope and this pushes us to strive harder for development," expressed Nang Oya.
The association is now busy looking for a potential market for their produce with some government agencies trying to campaign for the benefits of milk among the public.
Urban poor groups in Cebu not inclined to join anti-government protests
Urban poor organizations would rather busy themselves in working hard to survive than marched the streets to protest against the present administration.
Clemen Quiros, development management officer III and the area coordinator for Mandaue City's urban poor of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor in Central Visayas (PCUP-7) echoed this observation.
Although Quiros limited her comment to the slightly over 100 urban poor organizations (UPOs) in Mandaue City with over 15,000 members, she however added that local government units play a crucial role in dissuading UPOs from joining anti-government rallies. "If the mayor is pro-administration, chances are likely that urban poor groups won't be inclined to join anti-government street protests and especially when the basic needs of the groups are being addressed by the mayor," she quoted.
As Cebu's local officials even on opposing ends are known Arroyo supporters, Quiros safely surmised that it would be difficult for hard-core critics of the government to pull UPOs to the streets. In case there are members of any urban poor groups that have joined radicals in the streets, these are minimal in figure, according to the PCUP-7 officer.
Based on experience in dealing with UPOs whose members include vendors, tricycle drivers, trisikad drivers, factory workers, jeepney drivers and even government employees, Quiros said these people are working very hard to make ends meet while their priority need is the security of land tenure.
In Mandaue City, the local government's top priority project for the urban poor is the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) to address their housing needs. Through the National Home Mortgage Financing Corp., the CMP enables the urban poor to have a roof over their heads with a monthly amortization between P300 to P500.
Quiros lauded members of the urban poor groups here for their good foresight because aside from not participating in futile street rallies as this could just hamper their daily livelihood, these people do not want to remain squatters all their life. Members of the urban poor would rather opt to work double-time to acquire their own house.
Because most UPOs in Cebu are more objective, left-leaning groups frustrated with the present government have found it difficult to convince UPOs to join them in their cause.
The PCUP-7 officer however, said she does not blame members of the urban poor in Manila who have been used by politicians to join rallies against the government for a price as life in Manila is harsher compared to in Cebu.
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TESDA CENTRAL VISAYAS TO GET 10,000 APPRENTICES
(July 5, 2005-BTO)
With the increasing demands of daily living plus globalization and change in technology, Filipinos who are multi-skilled and have the right attitude towards work surely have the edge. To realize this objective, the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to field 10,000 apprentices in the region. Based on the records of TESDA, the provincial targets are five thousand in Cebu, 3,000 in Bohol, 1,500 in Negros Oriental, and 500 in Siquijor.
TESDA 7 Reg. Dir. Engr. Ernesto Beltran said that the program is in line with the role of the office to enhance the employability of workers by providing them programs that would cater to the local and global needs. He also said that the office now has more than a hundred partner institutions, especially those at the economic zones where more slots are now given to student apprentices.
Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay Program (KASH), also known as Apprenticeship-Learnership Program, is a training within employment involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. The move which is an industry-and-TESDA linkage program provides a better alternative to those who are jobless and are in need to upgrade their skills and rethink of their work attitudes aside from helping the industry players.
The small and medium enterprises (SME's) and other industry players that participate in the program have an opportunity to enjoy tax incentives, the chance to be provided with human resource development assistance by the government, and to develop the skills of workers to fit to their enterprise's requirements.
An applicant for the program must be at least 15 years old, physically fit for the occupation in which he/she desires to be trained, and can comprehend oral and written instructions. Interested individuals may submit their (1) application letters, (2) resume, (3) ID picture, and (4) other relevant credentials to the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) at the Ground Floor of Cebu Provincial Capitol, and the Department of Manpower and Development Project (DMDP) in Jakosalem St. (near Gaisano Main Store), or the TESDA Regional Office in Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City.
Meanwhile, SME's and other employers who intend to hire apprentices simply have to submit a (1) letter of application addressed to the Regional Director of TESDA, (2) Skills Training Outline, and a (3) certification that the number of apprentices to be hired shall not be more than 20 percent of its total regular workforce.
Aside from enjoying the social security and health benefits, an apprentice is either given a payment of wage equivalent to 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage, or a payment of full wage and availment of deduction from taxable income the one-half of the value of training expenses incurred. Thereby, saving 50 percent in labor cost on the part of the employer. The period of apprenticeship ranges from 4 - 6 months depending on the type of occupation being apprenticed.
Beltran also encouraged those who may have other queries on TESDA Programs to call Cebu City PESO thru T# 254-4348 and Cebu Province PESO at T# 253-5710, 412-7157, and TESDA 231-6718 or 231-1596.
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6/23/2005
FOR MEDIA RELEASE, Infobytes No. 12 (June 23)
Four gov't agencies team up for Bright Child project
The Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education and the Department of Interior and Local Government have joined hands with the Council for the Welfare of Children to push the Bright Child campaign and implement it in barangays nationwide.
Bright Child is an umbrella that unifies all Early Childhood Care and Development initiatives in the country.
This multi-agency projects needs supportive community to raise healthy, mentally alert, physically able, happy and intelligent Filipino children.
According to Rose Camero, Senior Social Worker of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in Negros Oriental, the Bright Child program has been incorporated in the long-term framework for children for 25 years dubbed as Child 21.
The Bright Child project started in 2003 and is one of the bases in coming up with a child-friendly society.
In the province, day care workers are already carrying out the campaign by focusing on the rights of children during their interaction with the day care children here.
As of 2004, there are 909 day care workers and 904 day care centers across the province, reports Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alicia Lagarde.
The Bright Child campaign boosts the Child 21 program, which Camero says is "a legacy that we will leave for Filipino children of the 21st century to prepare them to face the challenges of the new millennium."
-30-
PGMA should hang on, says local church leader
A senior Church official in Negros Oriental called on the people to "go straight" and continue working for the good of the country and not to be distracted by attempts of some political groups that threaten to thrust the country into another political crisis.
Msgr. Merlin Logronio said Pres. Gloria Arroyo is not the worst president we have had and she is not a stumbling block to the country's growth. "She may not be the best president we've had, but I'd rather respect her now for the sake of the country," says Msgr. Logronio who now sits as parish priest of Bacong town.
The Cebu Archdiocese has earlier slammed rumors of another "power grab" and called on the Cebuano faithful to pray for the country and its leaders.
Msgr. Logronio said the Filipino people is now "broken and splintered because we allow the opposition to do whatever they want," adding that in the process, "we're only destroying ourself."
The Church leader said the President should hang on for as long as she could since the opposition is trying to pull her down "without even presenting the best likely candidate who will replace her."
The monsignor said the opposition should instead wait for the next elections because "it is the people who determine the strength of the country and not the political leaders."
Msgr. Logronio's reaction came in the heels of the call of two senior Church leaders of the Roman Catholic Church pushing for changes in the government but not necessarily the ouster of the president who is under siege for allegedly taking part in wiretapped conversations to rig the results of the May 10, 2004 polls.
-30-
Visayas governors call on PGMA to answer issues
Guvs reiterate unwavering support
Governors in Visayas called for the President to answer the issues that are hurled against her as their respective provincial boards contemplate on passing a resolution urging her to answer allegations that she rigged the results of the 2004 national elections.
Leyte Governor Carlos Petilla said that although the said provincial board resolution is underway, it is not the priority. "The pressing concern right now is how well his province can effectively and efficiently delivers the basic services to the constituents, like having potable water and convenient roads," he said.
However, Presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in a statement said "the President has already given her word that time comes, the Filipino people could expect an appropriate response to the issues at hand."
Visayas governors, Gwen Garcia of Cebu, George Arnaiz of Negros Oriental, Gov. Petilla and Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone however clarified that they still support the President despite the controversial issues hounding her.
Governor Arnaiz recently joined other local chief executives in Manila where he openly voiced his support for the President, saying that almost all mayors and all provincial board members here are behind the President.
He urged the people in Manila to stop the political noise, "that is already badly hurting the country."
Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone for his part said it is better to focus on developing the region than be distracted with the "politicking" in Manila. "We are not wavering our support. We are against any forms of destabilization and any shortcuts to dislodge the Arroyo administration," Evardone added.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said she hopes the Cebu congressmen get the cue that the unified approach taken by the local chief executives in the Visayas is meant to foster regional development. "Unity is the key to progress and development and not disintegration," Garcia added.
The Visayas local executives recently gathered in Cebu for a development workshop in order to formulate concrete initiatives to improve tourism, agriculture and infrastructure in their respective provinces. (MBCN/PIA-Cebu)
-30-
More tropical cyclones up ahead- PAGASA
The local weather bureau is expecting around 15 more tropical cyclones to hit the country this year.
According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) here, an average of 19 tropical cyclones go through the Philippine's area of responsibility each year.
PAGASA has embarked on a "text-a-typhoon" program recently as it expects more tropical storms to occur this year.
The weather office is also seeking more talks with airlines on its plan to charge fees for specialized weather information.
Early this year three tropical cyclones have already passed through the country, namely tropical storm Auring, typhoon Bising and tropical depressions Crising and Dante, says Culi.
PAGASA's latest seasonal climate outlook shows that eight to nine tropical cyclones are likely to occur from July to September, while four to 5 are expected from October to December.
Following the order of the English alphabet, Culi said the tropical cyclones that will cross the country's path in the following months would be christened as, namely: Emong, Peria, Gorio, Huaning, Isang, Jolina, Kiko, Labuyo, Maring, Nando, Ondoy, Pepeng, Quedan, Ramil, Santi, Tino, Urduja, Vinta, Wilma, Yolanda, Zoraida.
Malacañang has earlier issued Proclamation No. 823 declaring the third week of June as typhoon and flood awareness week to promote the conduct of awareness campaigns on typhoon and flood preparedness.
-30-
The Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education and the Department of Interior and Local Government have joined hands with the Council for the Welfare of Children to push the Bright Child campaign and implement it in barangays nationwide.
Bright Child is an umbrella that unifies all Early Childhood Care and Development initiatives in the country.
This multi-agency projects needs supportive community to raise healthy, mentally alert, physically able, happy and intelligent Filipino children.
According to Rose Camero, Senior Social Worker of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in Negros Oriental, the Bright Child program has been incorporated in the long-term framework for children for 25 years dubbed as Child 21.
The Bright Child project started in 2003 and is one of the bases in coming up with a child-friendly society.
In the province, day care workers are already carrying out the campaign by focusing on the rights of children during their interaction with the day care children here.
As of 2004, there are 909 day care workers and 904 day care centers across the province, reports Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alicia Lagarde.
The Bright Child campaign boosts the Child 21 program, which Camero says is "a legacy that we will leave for Filipino children of the 21st century to prepare them to face the challenges of the new millennium."
-30-
PGMA should hang on, says local church leader
A senior Church official in Negros Oriental called on the people to "go straight" and continue working for the good of the country and not to be distracted by attempts of some political groups that threaten to thrust the country into another political crisis.
Msgr. Merlin Logronio said Pres. Gloria Arroyo is not the worst president we have had and she is not a stumbling block to the country's growth. "She may not be the best president we've had, but I'd rather respect her now for the sake of the country," says Msgr. Logronio who now sits as parish priest of Bacong town.
The Cebu Archdiocese has earlier slammed rumors of another "power grab" and called on the Cebuano faithful to pray for the country and its leaders.
Msgr. Logronio said the Filipino people is now "broken and splintered because we allow the opposition to do whatever they want," adding that in the process, "we're only destroying ourself."
The Church leader said the President should hang on for as long as she could since the opposition is trying to pull her down "without even presenting the best likely candidate who will replace her."
The monsignor said the opposition should instead wait for the next elections because "it is the people who determine the strength of the country and not the political leaders."
Msgr. Logronio's reaction came in the heels of the call of two senior Church leaders of the Roman Catholic Church pushing for changes in the government but not necessarily the ouster of the president who is under siege for allegedly taking part in wiretapped conversations to rig the results of the May 10, 2004 polls.
-30-
Visayas governors call on PGMA to answer issues
Guvs reiterate unwavering support
Governors in Visayas called for the President to answer the issues that are hurled against her as their respective provincial boards contemplate on passing a resolution urging her to answer allegations that she rigged the results of the 2004 national elections.
Leyte Governor Carlos Petilla said that although the said provincial board resolution is underway, it is not the priority. "The pressing concern right now is how well his province can effectively and efficiently delivers the basic services to the constituents, like having potable water and convenient roads," he said.
However, Presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in a statement said "the President has already given her word that time comes, the Filipino people could expect an appropriate response to the issues at hand."
Visayas governors, Gwen Garcia of Cebu, George Arnaiz of Negros Oriental, Gov. Petilla and Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone however clarified that they still support the President despite the controversial issues hounding her.
Governor Arnaiz recently joined other local chief executives in Manila where he openly voiced his support for the President, saying that almost all mayors and all provincial board members here are behind the President.
He urged the people in Manila to stop the political noise, "that is already badly hurting the country."
Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone for his part said it is better to focus on developing the region than be distracted with the "politicking" in Manila. "We are not wavering our support. We are against any forms of destabilization and any shortcuts to dislodge the Arroyo administration," Evardone added.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said she hopes the Cebu congressmen get the cue that the unified approach taken by the local chief executives in the Visayas is meant to foster regional development. "Unity is the key to progress and development and not disintegration," Garcia added.
The Visayas local executives recently gathered in Cebu for a development workshop in order to formulate concrete initiatives to improve tourism, agriculture and infrastructure in their respective provinces. (MBCN/PIA-Cebu)
-30-
More tropical cyclones up ahead- PAGASA
The local weather bureau is expecting around 15 more tropical cyclones to hit the country this year.
According to Provincial Meteorological Chief Edsin Culi of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) here, an average of 19 tropical cyclones go through the Philippine's area of responsibility each year.
PAGASA has embarked on a "text-a-typhoon" program recently as it expects more tropical storms to occur this year.
The weather office is also seeking more talks with airlines on its plan to charge fees for specialized weather information.
Early this year three tropical cyclones have already passed through the country, namely tropical storm Auring, typhoon Bising and tropical depressions Crising and Dante, says Culi.
PAGASA's latest seasonal climate outlook shows that eight to nine tropical cyclones are likely to occur from July to September, while four to 5 are expected from October to December.
Following the order of the English alphabet, Culi said the tropical cyclones that will cross the country's path in the following months would be christened as, namely: Emong, Peria, Gorio, Huaning, Isang, Jolina, Kiko, Labuyo, Maring, Nando, Ondoy, Pepeng, Quedan, Ramil, Santi, Tino, Urduja, Vinta, Wilma, Yolanda, Zoraida.
Malacañang has earlier issued Proclamation No. 823 declaring the third week of June as typhoon and flood awareness week to promote the conduct of awareness campaigns on typhoon and flood preparedness.
-30-
SOUNDBYTES, Issue No. 12 (June 23)
US, Cebu Air's next stop after Japan
Cebu Air Inc., the airline unit of the Gokongwei group using the commercial name Cebu Pacific, will be flying to Japan this October and is also eyeing to add the United States to its growing number of international routes.
-30-
Task force sought to boost tax take
With the administration's fiscal reform program in place, a senior legislator sought the creation of a presidential task force on revenue projection and collection that will help the national government enforce tax laws, wipe out the deficit and achieve a balanced budget as soon as possible.
-30-
Jobs for retirees, prisoners
The government is considering retirees, and possibly those in prison as well as in drug rehabilitation centers for jobs in the outsourcing sector.
-30-
Palawan formally joins W. Visayas in August
The province of Palawan will be formally turned over to Western Visayas or Region 6, in August.
-30-
Duterte offers Arroyo sanctuary
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has offered the President Davao City as sanctuary in case the opposition continues to lambaste her and members of her family.
-30-
Malacañang: RP still on Asia's investment map
The Philippines remains on Asia's investment map despite prolonged political turmoil, Malacañang officials said yesterday.
-30-
GSIS extends more loans more benefits to members
The Government Service Insurance System said that the loan privilege of its members have grown during the last four years with the introduction of more loan windows and more liberal credit that, in turn, have helped more members during their times of need.
-30-
NBI, WPD to track down Internet ring that preys on foreign nationals
The National Bureau of Investigation may soon be tapped to track down the operators or owners of a Web site that allegedly hosted an online forum where an American was apparently duped of some $4,000 by his Filipina chatmate.
-30-
Cebu Air Inc., the airline unit of the Gokongwei group using the commercial name Cebu Pacific, will be flying to Japan this October and is also eyeing to add the United States to its growing number of international routes.
-30-
Task force sought to boost tax take
With the administration's fiscal reform program in place, a senior legislator sought the creation of a presidential task force on revenue projection and collection that will help the national government enforce tax laws, wipe out the deficit and achieve a balanced budget as soon as possible.
-30-
Jobs for retirees, prisoners
The government is considering retirees, and possibly those in prison as well as in drug rehabilitation centers for jobs in the outsourcing sector.
-30-
Palawan formally joins W. Visayas in August
The province of Palawan will be formally turned over to Western Visayas or Region 6, in August.
-30-
Duterte offers Arroyo sanctuary
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has offered the President Davao City as sanctuary in case the opposition continues to lambaste her and members of her family.
-30-
Malacañang: RP still on Asia's investment map
The Philippines remains on Asia's investment map despite prolonged political turmoil, Malacañang officials said yesterday.
-30-
GSIS extends more loans more benefits to members
The Government Service Insurance System said that the loan privilege of its members have grown during the last four years with the introduction of more loan windows and more liberal credit that, in turn, have helped more members during their times of need.
-30-
NBI, WPD to track down Internet ring that preys on foreign nationals
The National Bureau of Investigation may soon be tapped to track down the operators or owners of a Web site that allegedly hosted an online forum where an American was apparently duped of some $4,000 by his Filipina chatmate.
-30-
SOUNDBYTES, Issue No. 12 (June 23)
Cebu Air Inc., the airline unit of the Gokongwei group using the commercial name Cebu Pacific, will be flying to Japan this October and is also eyeing to add the United States to its growing number of international routes.
-30-
Task force sought to boost tax take
With the administration's fiscal reform program in place, a senior legislator sought the creation of a presidential task force on revenue projection and collection that will help the national government enforce tax laws, wipe out the deficit and achieve a balanced budget as soon as possible.
-30-
Jobs for retirees, prisoners
The government is considering retirees, and possibly those in prison as well as in drug rehabilitation centers for jobs in the outsourcing sector.
-30-
Palawan formally joins W. Visayas in August
The province of Palawan will be formally turned over to Western Visayas or Region 6, in August.
-30-
Duterte offers Arroyo sanctuary
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has offered the President Davao City as sanctuary in case the opposition continues to lambaste her and members of her family.
-30-
Malacañang: RP still on Asia's investment map
The Philippines remains on Asia's investment map despite prolonged political turmoil, Malacañang officials said yesterday.
-30-
GSIS extends more loans more benefits to members
The Government Service Insurance System said that the loan privilege of its members have grown during the last four years with the introduction of more loan windows and more liberal credit that, in turn, have helped more members during their times of need.
-30-
NBI, WPD to track down Internet ring that preys on foreign nationals
The National Bureau of Investigation may soon be tapped to track down the operators or owners of a Web site that allegedly hosted an online forum where an American was apparently duped of some $4,000 by his Filipina chatmate.
-30-
6/22/2005
FOR MEDIA RELEASE, Infobytes Issue No. 11 (June 21)
11% hike in tourist influx recorded in 2004
Tourists from USA and other countries continue to be drawn to Dumaguete City as the City Tourism Office reported an increase of 11 percent in tourist influx last year compared to 2003 statistics.
A total of 140,038 tourist arrivals were recorded last year.
The bulk of tourist arrivals in Dumaguete are domestic tourists numbering 124,273 in 2004, followed by foreign tourists with15,765.
According to Annie Jalandoni, City Tourism Operations Officer 2, Americans topped the list of foreign tourist arrivals last year numbering 3,819, followed by Japanese tourists with 3,173 and Koreans with 1,824.
Jalandoni said German tourists used to be the third biggest number of foreign tourists in the city, but have been outranked by the Koreans whose arrivals have increased recently.
The Department of Tourism reported that American tourists and other foreigners continued to visit the Philippines amid the spate of adverse travel advisories warning them against visiting the country on security concerns.
DOT has also recently begun issuing 14-day visas-upon-arrival to Chinese tourists after the government made China one of its priority tourism markets.
However, Jalandoni noted a slight decrease in tourist influx for the first four months this year compared to the same period last year.
From January to April this year, local tourists only totaled to 39,554 and foreign tourists, 6,031.
The tourism officer said the small drop in tourist influx might be due to economic downturn. "A couple of hotels and lodging houses have closed recently while others are not doing very well," says Jalandoni.
She is however hopeful that tourist arrivals will pick up in the coming months.
-30-
Crimes vs women, children decrease noted
The Provincial Women's and Children's Desk at the Provincial Police Office noted a decrease in the number of cases on violence against women and children reported in the province this year.
Data collated from police stations provincewide show that a total of 37 cases on violence against women (VAW) and 36 cases of crimes against children have been recorded from January to March this year.
PO2 Maricris Sacristan said the number of reported cases decreased vis-à-vis last year's records which show a total of 188 VAW cases and 88 on crimes against children reported during the same period last year.
However, there has been a slight increase in the number of cases reported in Dumaguete City, according to City Police Office's Women's and Children's Desk Officer Josefa Lacandula.
Cases filed under RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act have also increased this year.
As of May this year, a total of 57 cases each on VAW and crimes against children have been reported, said Sacristan.
Total cases last year numbered to 280 on crimes against children and 521 on VAW.
Reported VAW cases involve rape, attempted rape, acts of lasciviousness, wife battery and parricide while for crimes against children - rape, incestuous rape, acts of lasciviousness, child trafficking and physical injury.
There are currently three rehabilitation centers for abused women and children here, namely, La Casa Esperanza, Bahay Mo Bahay Ko and Friendship Home, says Senior Social Worker Jeanette Villarubia of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Villarubia said the centers provide temporary shelter for women and children who are either victims of physical abuse, in need of special protection, emotionally disturbed or in crisis situations.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marina Mendoza explained that women and children, whose lives are at risk and need to be stay away from home, particularly if their perpetrators are still at large, are also given shelter at La Casa.
Some 18 children are currently staying at La Casa Esperanza, which is being run by Kauban Foundation and supported by the city government.
Rehabilitation efforts for perpetrators of domestic violence are also underway as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started its community-based rehabilitation program focusing on the improvement of domestic violence perpetrators as individuals with emphasis on anger management and self-control.
However, Mendoza said this is not yet being implemented in Dumaguete City. "We have not yet been trained, and this needs special skills because perpetrators are also people with problems," she said.
-30-
Local execs in NegOr back PGMA- Guv
Governor George P. Arnaiz yesterday (June 20) declared his full support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during a press conference attended by local chief executives nationwide.
In a press conference covered by national major media networks in the country, the governor said the provincial government of Negros Oriental is behind the President as almost all mayors and all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here are supportive of the Arroyo administration.
The governor's show of support came in the heels of the announcement of the 1.5-million strong Union of Local Authorities as they voiced out their full support behind Pres. Arroyo and condemned any and all forms of extra constitutional moves to effect changes in the government.
Meanwhile, Overseas Filipino Workers in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Greece also expressed support to the President, and called on the opposition to stop trying to discredit the Arroyo administration.
At least nine business groups in the Visayas have expressed their unconditional support to the current administration, amidst the allegations and accusations hurled against her and her family.
Amidst the attempts to undermine the Arroyo administration, the President has asked the public to remain calm as administration officials lambasted various groups, particularly the opposition, for pushing "orchestrated" moves to oust Pres. Arroyo.
The Church has recently announced their position in favor of the President, pointing to what they call is the absence of "compelling reasons and circumstances that would warrant for the change in the Presidency" and welcoming "a change in the attitude in the culture of graft and corruption, economic poverty, gambling, and traditional politics through a change in the way of governance."
Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said that separate investigations on jueteng and wiretapping will lead to more destructive politics.
"The Filipino people want to hear more of how well we are faring in improving our economy rather than the never-ending political squabbles that are dividing our nation and setting back the clock on investments, jobs and better services."
He called on the opposition to desist and respond to the call of unity behind the welfare of the people.
-30-
Tourists from USA and other countries continue to be drawn to Dumaguete City as the City Tourism Office reported an increase of 11 percent in tourist influx last year compared to 2003 statistics.
A total of 140,038 tourist arrivals were recorded last year.
The bulk of tourist arrivals in Dumaguete are domestic tourists numbering 124,273 in 2004, followed by foreign tourists with15,765.
According to Annie Jalandoni, City Tourism Operations Officer 2, Americans topped the list of foreign tourist arrivals last year numbering 3,819, followed by Japanese tourists with 3,173 and Koreans with 1,824.
Jalandoni said German tourists used to be the third biggest number of foreign tourists in the city, but have been outranked by the Koreans whose arrivals have increased recently.
The Department of Tourism reported that American tourists and other foreigners continued to visit the Philippines amid the spate of adverse travel advisories warning them against visiting the country on security concerns.
DOT has also recently begun issuing 14-day visas-upon-arrival to Chinese tourists after the government made China one of its priority tourism markets.
However, Jalandoni noted a slight decrease in tourist influx for the first four months this year compared to the same period last year.
From January to April this year, local tourists only totaled to 39,554 and foreign tourists, 6,031.
The tourism officer said the small drop in tourist influx might be due to economic downturn. "A couple of hotels and lodging houses have closed recently while others are not doing very well," says Jalandoni.
She is however hopeful that tourist arrivals will pick up in the coming months.
-30-
Crimes vs women, children decrease noted
The Provincial Women's and Children's Desk at the Provincial Police Office noted a decrease in the number of cases on violence against women and children reported in the province this year.
Data collated from police stations provincewide show that a total of 37 cases on violence against women (VAW) and 36 cases of crimes against children have been recorded from January to March this year.
PO2 Maricris Sacristan said the number of reported cases decreased vis-à-vis last year's records which show a total of 188 VAW cases and 88 on crimes against children reported during the same period last year.
However, there has been a slight increase in the number of cases reported in Dumaguete City, according to City Police Office's Women's and Children's Desk Officer Josefa Lacandula.
Cases filed under RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act have also increased this year.
As of May this year, a total of 57 cases each on VAW and crimes against children have been reported, said Sacristan.
Total cases last year numbered to 280 on crimes against children and 521 on VAW.
Reported VAW cases involve rape, attempted rape, acts of lasciviousness, wife battery and parricide while for crimes against children - rape, incestuous rape, acts of lasciviousness, child trafficking and physical injury.
There are currently three rehabilitation centers for abused women and children here, namely, La Casa Esperanza, Bahay Mo Bahay Ko and Friendship Home, says Senior Social Worker Jeanette Villarubia of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Villarubia said the centers provide temporary shelter for women and children who are either victims of physical abuse, in need of special protection, emotionally disturbed or in crisis situations.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marina Mendoza explained that women and children, whose lives are at risk and need to be stay away from home, particularly if their perpetrators are still at large, are also given shelter at La Casa.
Some 18 children are currently staying at La Casa Esperanza, which is being run by Kauban Foundation and supported by the city government.
Rehabilitation efforts for perpetrators of domestic violence are also underway as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started its community-based rehabilitation program focusing on the improvement of domestic violence perpetrators as individuals with emphasis on anger management and self-control.
However, Mendoza said this is not yet being implemented in Dumaguete City. "We have not yet been trained, and this needs special skills because perpetrators are also people with problems," she said.
-30-
Local execs in NegOr back PGMA- Guv
Governor George P. Arnaiz yesterday (June 20) declared his full support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during a press conference attended by local chief executives nationwide.
In a press conference covered by national major media networks in the country, the governor said the provincial government of Negros Oriental is behind the President as almost all mayors and all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here are supportive of the Arroyo administration.
The governor's show of support came in the heels of the announcement of the 1.5-million strong Union of Local Authorities as they voiced out their full support behind Pres. Arroyo and condemned any and all forms of extra constitutional moves to effect changes in the government.
Meanwhile, Overseas Filipino Workers in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Greece also expressed support to the President, and called on the opposition to stop trying to discredit the Arroyo administration.
At least nine business groups in the Visayas have expressed their unconditional support to the current administration, amidst the allegations and accusations hurled against her and her family.
Amidst the attempts to undermine the Arroyo administration, the President has asked the public to remain calm as administration officials lambasted various groups, particularly the opposition, for pushing "orchestrated" moves to oust Pres. Arroyo.
The Church has recently announced their position in favor of the President, pointing to what they call is the absence of "compelling reasons and circumstances that would warrant for the change in the Presidency" and welcoming "a change in the attitude in the culture of graft and corruption, economic poverty, gambling, and traditional politics through a change in the way of governance."
Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said that separate investigations on jueteng and wiretapping will lead to more destructive politics.
"The Filipino people want to hear more of how well we are faring in improving our economy rather than the never-ending political squabbles that are dividing our nation and setting back the clock on investments, jobs and better services."
He called on the opposition to desist and respond to the call of unity behind the welfare of the people.
-30-
SOUNDBYTES, Issue No. 11 (June 21/05)
Minimum wage earners to get P10 Cola
Minimum wage earners could now regain their eroding purchasing power and cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and services after the Labor department reported the recent decision of giving the workers nationwide an additional P10 cost of living allowance.
-30
Need for labor-intensive employment sought
Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas proposed a national employment plan that would compel every agency and government-owned-and-controlled corporation to carry out more labor-intensive projects.
-30-
Gov’t wage hike sought
Senator Mar Roxas said he would file a bill that will increase the salaries of about 1.2 million state employees.
-30
More Arroyo lands up for distribution
More than 250 hectares of agricultural lands in Negros Occidental owned by the family of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo are up for distribution in the next few months this year, the Department of Land Reform said, bringing the total of Arroyo lands distributed to more than 1,200 hectares.
-30-
Bill to amend oil law filed
A pro-administration lawmaker has proposed specific amendments in the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law to ensure transparency in the pricing of oil products and encourage greater competition in the retail industry, which has been under the influence of giant oil companies.
-30-
Focus on economic moves ordered
President Arroyo had told her economic managers to steer clear of the political ructions now buffeting her administration and keep their focus on the economy, Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said.
-30-
Minimum wage earners could now regain their eroding purchasing power and cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and services after the Labor department reported the recent decision of giving the workers nationwide an additional P10 cost of living allowance.
-30
Need for labor-intensive employment sought
Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas proposed a national employment plan that would compel every agency and government-owned-and-controlled corporation to carry out more labor-intensive projects.
-30-
Gov’t wage hike sought
Senator Mar Roxas said he would file a bill that will increase the salaries of about 1.2 million state employees.
-30
More Arroyo lands up for distribution
More than 250 hectares of agricultural lands in Negros Occidental owned by the family of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo are up for distribution in the next few months this year, the Department of Land Reform said, bringing the total of Arroyo lands distributed to more than 1,200 hectares.
-30-
Bill to amend oil law filed
A pro-administration lawmaker has proposed specific amendments in the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law to ensure transparency in the pricing of oil products and encourage greater competition in the retail industry, which has been under the influence of giant oil companies.
-30-
Focus on economic moves ordered
President Arroyo had told her economic managers to steer clear of the political ructions now buffeting her administration and keep their focus on the economy, Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said.
-30-
6/17/2005
FOR MEDIA RELEASE, Infobytes Issue No. 10 (June 16)
203 minors prevented from child labor in ‘04
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here reported a total of 203 minors in Negros Oriental were prevented from working in child labor situations, mostly from paaling fishing, in 2004.
Lilian Mondarte of DOLE here said 71 minors were prevented from working in paaling fishing and 25 from working as domestic helpers for Manila last year.
Some 33 minors were also prevented from becoming migratory workers for Luzon, mostly as plantation workers in sugar plantations and fishponds.
A total of 195 minors and children were rescued nationwide from child labor situations last year, on top of the 1,440 child laborers saved from 2001 to 2003.
As of May 2005, eight minors have been rescued from paling fishing in Dauin, where Mondarte said recruitment was being done for fishing in Palawan.
DOLE also rescued a minor from Mabinay town who worked as a domestic helper here. The said minor sought assistance from DOLE after complaining that she was not being paid by her employer.
Child labor activities in the province have declined particularly this year following the aggressive anti-child labor advocacy campaign in Negros Oriental, says Mondarte.
Negros Oriental has earlier been identified as a source of child laborers for paaling fishing in Palawan.
-30-
IPHO cautions public against influenza
The Integrated Provincial Health Office here is urging the public to be safe against influenza.
The Department of Health has recently ordered local health units in Metro Manila to monitor influenza case after noting a rise in the number of individuals suffering from the flu-like disease.
This is also in accord with the focus of newly sworn Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who said he would zoom in on increased investments in health, universal access to essential health care, consistent quality and affordability of health goods and services and enhanced performance of the health sector.
Dr. Bernarda Cortez, chief of the technical field health services at the IPHO, disclosed in an interview that a total of 19,841 influenza cases have been reported provincewide in 2004.
There has been an average of 19,000 influenza cases reported in the province for the last five years, says Dr. Cortez.
DOH has likewise called on local government units to beef up their programs and campaign against malaria in their respective areas.
However, influenza is not included in the province’s top 20 killer diseases as the symptoms usually disappear after a week after treatment.
Although the number of cases is not a cause for alarm, Dr. Cortez said this viral disease can easily become rampant as it is airborne and is easily transmitted, especially in congested areas.
Influenza, she explains, is a self-limiting disease that will affect anyone with symptoms of high fever, common cold, and joint pains.
She urges individuals to cover their mouths when coughing especially in the public and to increase their body’s resistance.
-30-
NegOr still enjoys clean air
Negrenses still enjoy fresh, pollution-free air compared to other highly urbanized provinces in the country.
This was the statement of an environment officer here in view of the Linis Hangin: Bantay Tambutso campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources intensified recently in Metro Manila and various regions nationwide.
According to Mario Aragon, environmental officer at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office here, the Linis Hangin campaign is a good initiative especially since it’s also in partnership with non-government organizations.
However, air pollution is not really worse in Negros Oriental particularly in Dumaguete City in terms of volume of vehicles, especially since it is ideally located beside the sea and surrounded by forests.
“The good thing is we have various emission testing centers here, since vehicles are required to go through emission testing prior to registration,” says Aragon.
Aragon said the air here is still at a safe level and not as polluted compared to Davao, Cebu and Metro Manila.
The Deparment of Environment and Natural Resources is currently celebrating Environment Month with the theme: “Green City.”
Aragon said focus is given on urban tree planting in parks and open areas in the province.
-30-
Siquijor adopts one town, one product program
All towns in Siquijor province are finally set to enhance each town’s “specialty” for the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.
DTI Provincial Director Ma. Elena C. Arbon said OTOP is a program that allows the locality to focus and converge on a priority product andabranding mechanism that allows people and markets to associate a product to a locality’s culture, raw materials and skills.
Under the said program, the following “specialties” have been identified by the towns: banana production/processing for Talingting (Enrique Villanueva); coconut processing for Maria; wood craft for Larena; ceramics for Lazi; dairy production for San Juan; and tourism for the town of Siquijor.
An adaptation of Japan’s successful OTOP program, OTOP Philippines is a priority program of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.
Negotiators in the next World Trade Organization talks are instructed to take special note of the Philippines’ concern of obtaining new market access for its products while preserving the needed flexibilities for special products in the agricultural and industrial goods sectors.
The National Economic and Development Authority expects the country’s domestic economy to improve slightly in the second half due to better farm production.
Through OTOP, Arbon said local chief executives will take the leadin identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here reported a total of 203 minors in Negros Oriental were prevented from working in child labor situations, mostly from paaling fishing, in 2004.
Lilian Mondarte of DOLE here said 71 minors were prevented from working in paaling fishing and 25 from working as domestic helpers for Manila last year.
Some 33 minors were also prevented from becoming migratory workers for Luzon, mostly as plantation workers in sugar plantations and fishponds.
A total of 195 minors and children were rescued nationwide from child labor situations last year, on top of the 1,440 child laborers saved from 2001 to 2003.
As of May 2005, eight minors have been rescued from paling fishing in Dauin, where Mondarte said recruitment was being done for fishing in Palawan.
DOLE also rescued a minor from Mabinay town who worked as a domestic helper here. The said minor sought assistance from DOLE after complaining that she was not being paid by her employer.
Child labor activities in the province have declined particularly this year following the aggressive anti-child labor advocacy campaign in Negros Oriental, says Mondarte.
Negros Oriental has earlier been identified as a source of child laborers for paaling fishing in Palawan.
-30-
IPHO cautions public against influenza
The Integrated Provincial Health Office here is urging the public to be safe against influenza.
The Department of Health has recently ordered local health units in Metro Manila to monitor influenza case after noting a rise in the number of individuals suffering from the flu-like disease.
This is also in accord with the focus of newly sworn Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who said he would zoom in on increased investments in health, universal access to essential health care, consistent quality and affordability of health goods and services and enhanced performance of the health sector.
Dr. Bernarda Cortez, chief of the technical field health services at the IPHO, disclosed in an interview that a total of 19,841 influenza cases have been reported provincewide in 2004.
There has been an average of 19,000 influenza cases reported in the province for the last five years, says Dr. Cortez.
DOH has likewise called on local government units to beef up their programs and campaign against malaria in their respective areas.
However, influenza is not included in the province’s top 20 killer diseases as the symptoms usually disappear after a week after treatment.
Although the number of cases is not a cause for alarm, Dr. Cortez said this viral disease can easily become rampant as it is airborne and is easily transmitted, especially in congested areas.
Influenza, she explains, is a self-limiting disease that will affect anyone with symptoms of high fever, common cold, and joint pains.
She urges individuals to cover their mouths when coughing especially in the public and to increase their body’s resistance.
-30-
NegOr still enjoys clean air
Negrenses still enjoy fresh, pollution-free air compared to other highly urbanized provinces in the country.
This was the statement of an environment officer here in view of the Linis Hangin: Bantay Tambutso campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources intensified recently in Metro Manila and various regions nationwide.
According to Mario Aragon, environmental officer at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office here, the Linis Hangin campaign is a good initiative especially since it’s also in partnership with non-government organizations.
However, air pollution is not really worse in Negros Oriental particularly in Dumaguete City in terms of volume of vehicles, especially since it is ideally located beside the sea and surrounded by forests.
“The good thing is we have various emission testing centers here, since vehicles are required to go through emission testing prior to registration,” says Aragon.
Aragon said the air here is still at a safe level and not as polluted compared to Davao, Cebu and Metro Manila.
The Deparment of Environment and Natural Resources is currently celebrating Environment Month with the theme: “Green City.”
Aragon said focus is given on urban tree planting in parks and open areas in the province.
-30-
Siquijor adopts one town, one product program
All towns in Siquijor province are finally set to enhance each town’s “specialty” for the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.
DTI Provincial Director Ma. Elena C. Arbon said OTOP is a program that allows the locality to focus and converge on a priority product andabranding mechanism that allows people and markets to associate a product to a locality’s culture, raw materials and skills.
Under the said program, the following “specialties” have been identified by the towns: banana production/processing for Talingting (Enrique Villanueva); coconut processing for Maria; wood craft for Larena; ceramics for Lazi; dairy production for San Juan; and tourism for the town of Siquijor.
An adaptation of Japan’s successful OTOP program, OTOP Philippines is a priority program of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.
Negotiators in the next World Trade Organization talks are instructed to take special note of the Philippines’ concern of obtaining new market access for its products while preserving the needed flexibilities for special products in the agricultural and industrial goods sectors.
The National Economic and Development Authority expects the country’s domestic economy to improve slightly in the second half due to better farm production.
Through OTOP, Arbon said local chief executives will take the leadin identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.
SOUNDBYTES, Issue No. 10 Vol. 1 (June 16)
GSIS at zero deficit
The Government Service Insurance System has removed P25 billion actuarial deficit by the end of last year.
CARP anniversary
On the occasion of the 17th anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the Department of Land Reform said it is now processing some agricultural lands of the Arroyos in Negros Occidental for redistribution.
Tourism roadmap to be updated
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will next week launch an updated Tourism Roadmap that will serve as guide for stakeholders in attaining a target of attracting five million tourists by 2010.
Latest Fitch outlook still positive
The country’s overall deficit and debt positions are expected to improve in the near term following the passage of key revenue measures, London-based credit ratings agency Fitch said.
Job generation target still attainable-Neri
The National Economic and Development Authority remains optimistic the government will attain its target of generating six to 10 million jobs by 2010 despite the political uncertainties rocking the economy.
Nursing OJT abroad
CHED is exploring the possibility of sending nursing students abroad for their on-the-job training.
Security forces still on alert
Security forces remain on full alert until the intelligence community has certified that destabilization threats against the government has completely waned, a military spokesman said.
Lakas twits Nene
Lakas-Cmd leaders have denounced opposition Senator Aquilino Pimentel’s grandstanding with his latest stunt calling on President Arroyo to do a Nixon and his off-tangent comparison of the Nixon Watergate scandal with the present tape controversy.
The Government Service Insurance System has removed P25 billion actuarial deficit by the end of last year.
CARP anniversary
On the occasion of the 17th anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the Department of Land Reform said it is now processing some agricultural lands of the Arroyos in Negros Occidental for redistribution.
Tourism roadmap to be updated
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will next week launch an updated Tourism Roadmap that will serve as guide for stakeholders in attaining a target of attracting five million tourists by 2010.
Latest Fitch outlook still positive
The country’s overall deficit and debt positions are expected to improve in the near term following the passage of key revenue measures, London-based credit ratings agency Fitch said.
Job generation target still attainable-Neri
The National Economic and Development Authority remains optimistic the government will attain its target of generating six to 10 million jobs by 2010 despite the political uncertainties rocking the economy.
Nursing OJT abroad
CHED is exploring the possibility of sending nursing students abroad for their on-the-job training.
Security forces still on alert
Security forces remain on full alert until the intelligence community has certified that destabilization threats against the government has completely waned, a military spokesman said.
Lakas twits Nene
Lakas-Cmd leaders have denounced opposition Senator Aquilino Pimentel’s grandstanding with his latest stunt calling on President Arroyo to do a Nixon and his off-tangent comparison of the Nixon Watergate scandal with the present tape controversy.
MEDIA RELEASE, Infobytes Issue No. 9 Vol. 1
Coco farmers to benefit from China’s coco market
NegOr has biggest produce of coco coir fiber
Coconut farmers in Central Visayas get a boost from the growing export potential of the Philippine’s coco coir fiber product to China with its wide market to implement its desertification project.
China is currently using the Philippine coco coir fiber to make their barren lands eligible for planting trees.
As the Department of Trade and Industry accelerates its efforts to expand the export entry of the Philippines’s coco products to China, over five million coconut farmers in the country will directly benefit from the move.
Aurora Lambino of the Philippine Coconut Authority bared that Negros Oriental has the biggest producers of the raw fiber material in the towns of Bacong and Guihulngan.
The Bacong coco farmers’ cooperative produces 50 metric tons of raw fiber daily and 20 metric tons everyday from Guihulngan.
The raw fiber produce of both cooperatives is also sold to the same company, says Lambino.
In Cebu, slightly over 3,000 farmers from Aloguinsan town will soon produce the raw fiber taken from coconut husks for export to China.
The raw fiber will be sold at P7/kilo to the Philippine Sodum Coco Fiber Co. based on an exclusive contract between the company and the Aloguinsan farmers cooperative.
The company that will export the raw material to China may either use the raw material into the finished coco coir fiber product or for the manufacture of mattress and furniture.
The gov’t. has lined up several activities this year to promote the country’s export of coconut products to China.
-30-
883 placed in local, foreign jobs as of May ‘05
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here reported that around 883 applicants from Negros Oriental have been placed in local and overseas jobs as of May 2005.
Of the total, 693 are for local jobs (including deep-sea fishing), the bulk of which are for domestic jobs in Manila, says Kenric Villaluz of the local DOLE.
Villaluz said there were 190 applicants who qualified for overseas jobs, mostly as domestic helpers in Singapore, Hongkong and Taiwan.
The number of Filipinos working abroad grew 3% to 422, 801 as of May on continued demand in overseas markets, the Labor department said.
According to DOLE office in Manila, more than 500,000 Filipinos had been placed in local and overseas jobs as of May 29, 2005, as it denied reports that the government’s job generation program had only managed to produce 87,000 jobs almost halfway through 2005.
-30-
Livestock raisers form coop
In a bid to lower cost of livestock feeds in the province, around 30 livestock raisers in Negros Oriental have joined efforts to organize the Negros Oriental Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
According to Jaime Villaluz, Jr., in-charge of post production & marketing at the Provincial Veterinary Office, the livestock raisers, composed of hog farmers and swine raisers, will undergo a pre-membership education seminar on July 11 to 12, 2005 to be conducted by the Cooperative Development Authority at the Department of Agriculture compound in Valencia.
The two-day seminar is a requirement for the said cooperative to be registered, says Villaluz.
He explained that the cooperative’s main objective is to put up a feed mill, which will afterwards result to local processing.
The two largest groups of meat processors and hog raisers in the country have joined forces to stabilize the supply and prices of livestock products here.
The Phil. Association of Meat Processors Inc. and the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. recently signed a memorandum of understanding to launch collaborative efforts to “stabilize prices of food from livestock production through the promotion and enhancement of business cooperation between two groups.”
Livestock raisers in the province are in a tight spot when it comes to feeds and marketing due to increasing prices of commercial feeds. “Once the feed mill is put up, this will lower the cost because it is locally produced and the ingredients used are local,” Villaluz explains.
Livestock raisers are eyeing the local produce to be cheaper by at least P200/sack compared to commercial products, he added.
Villaluz added that Valencia Vice Mayor Teodoro Olasiman has offered to loan out to the cooperative the municipality’s budget for agricultural development as initial fund for the construction of the feed mill, hopefully in the town of Valencia.
-30-
City gov’t reports peaceful Independence day celeb
The celebration of the 107th Independence Day in Dumaguete City was peaceful.
According to City Public Information Officer Andre Tumulak, there were no untoward incidents that occurred to mar the celebration attended by more than 500 government employees, teachers, veterans, barangay officials and members of civic organizations.
Love offerings made this year will go to the City Disaster Coordinating Council in view of the observation of Disaster Month this June, says Tumulak.
The nationwide celebration of Independence Day was led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself who attended the celebration held at the Rizal Park despite weeks of continued destabilization attempts against the Arroyo administration.
The chief of the Eastern Police District likewise reported a peaceful celebration of Independence Day in his area, while Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led city officials in the celebrating Philippine Independence during the flag raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall grounds.
The speaker in this year’s celebration in Dumaguete City was Stacy Danica Alcantara, a 16-year old Mass Communication student at Silliman University.
Alcantara first became an author and published a book at the age of 9, and is currently a columnist at the same time actively participating in various extemporaneous speech contests and debates. She recently joined in the Asian Parliamentary Debate in Singapore, Tumulak said.
Meanwhile, the country’s remotest municipality celebrated June 12, Independence Day, free from isolation, thanks to modern technology.
-30-
NegOr has biggest produce of coco coir fiber
Coconut farmers in Central Visayas get a boost from the growing export potential of the Philippine’s coco coir fiber product to China with its wide market to implement its desertification project.
China is currently using the Philippine coco coir fiber to make their barren lands eligible for planting trees.
As the Department of Trade and Industry accelerates its efforts to expand the export entry of the Philippines’s coco products to China, over five million coconut farmers in the country will directly benefit from the move.
Aurora Lambino of the Philippine Coconut Authority bared that Negros Oriental has the biggest producers of the raw fiber material in the towns of Bacong and Guihulngan.
The Bacong coco farmers’ cooperative produces 50 metric tons of raw fiber daily and 20 metric tons everyday from Guihulngan.
The raw fiber produce of both cooperatives is also sold to the same company, says Lambino.
In Cebu, slightly over 3,000 farmers from Aloguinsan town will soon produce the raw fiber taken from coconut husks for export to China.
The raw fiber will be sold at P7/kilo to the Philippine Sodum Coco Fiber Co. based on an exclusive contract between the company and the Aloguinsan farmers cooperative.
The company that will export the raw material to China may either use the raw material into the finished coco coir fiber product or for the manufacture of mattress and furniture.
The gov’t. has lined up several activities this year to promote the country’s export of coconut products to China.
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883 placed in local, foreign jobs as of May ‘05
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here reported that around 883 applicants from Negros Oriental have been placed in local and overseas jobs as of May 2005.
Of the total, 693 are for local jobs (including deep-sea fishing), the bulk of which are for domestic jobs in Manila, says Kenric Villaluz of the local DOLE.
Villaluz said there were 190 applicants who qualified for overseas jobs, mostly as domestic helpers in Singapore, Hongkong and Taiwan.
The number of Filipinos working abroad grew 3% to 422, 801 as of May on continued demand in overseas markets, the Labor department said.
According to DOLE office in Manila, more than 500,000 Filipinos had been placed in local and overseas jobs as of May 29, 2005, as it denied reports that the government’s job generation program had only managed to produce 87,000 jobs almost halfway through 2005.
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Livestock raisers form coop
In a bid to lower cost of livestock feeds in the province, around 30 livestock raisers in Negros Oriental have joined efforts to organize the Negros Oriental Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
According to Jaime Villaluz, Jr., in-charge of post production & marketing at the Provincial Veterinary Office, the livestock raisers, composed of hog farmers and swine raisers, will undergo a pre-membership education seminar on July 11 to 12, 2005 to be conducted by the Cooperative Development Authority at the Department of Agriculture compound in Valencia.
The two-day seminar is a requirement for the said cooperative to be registered, says Villaluz.
He explained that the cooperative’s main objective is to put up a feed mill, which will afterwards result to local processing.
The two largest groups of meat processors and hog raisers in the country have joined forces to stabilize the supply and prices of livestock products here.
The Phil. Association of Meat Processors Inc. and the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. recently signed a memorandum of understanding to launch collaborative efforts to “stabilize prices of food from livestock production through the promotion and enhancement of business cooperation between two groups.”
Livestock raisers in the province are in a tight spot when it comes to feeds and marketing due to increasing prices of commercial feeds. “Once the feed mill is put up, this will lower the cost because it is locally produced and the ingredients used are local,” Villaluz explains.
Livestock raisers are eyeing the local produce to be cheaper by at least P200/sack compared to commercial products, he added.
Villaluz added that Valencia Vice Mayor Teodoro Olasiman has offered to loan out to the cooperative the municipality’s budget for agricultural development as initial fund for the construction of the feed mill, hopefully in the town of Valencia.
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City gov’t reports peaceful Independence day celeb
The celebration of the 107th Independence Day in Dumaguete City was peaceful.
According to City Public Information Officer Andre Tumulak, there were no untoward incidents that occurred to mar the celebration attended by more than 500 government employees, teachers, veterans, barangay officials and members of civic organizations.
Love offerings made this year will go to the City Disaster Coordinating Council in view of the observation of Disaster Month this June, says Tumulak.
The nationwide celebration of Independence Day was led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself who attended the celebration held at the Rizal Park despite weeks of continued destabilization attempts against the Arroyo administration.
The chief of the Eastern Police District likewise reported a peaceful celebration of Independence Day in his area, while Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led city officials in the celebrating Philippine Independence during the flag raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall grounds.
The speaker in this year’s celebration in Dumaguete City was Stacy Danica Alcantara, a 16-year old Mass Communication student at Silliman University.
Alcantara first became an author and published a book at the age of 9, and is currently a columnist at the same time actively participating in various extemporaneous speech contests and debates. She recently joined in the Asian Parliamentary Debate in Singapore, Tumulak said.
Meanwhile, the country’s remotest municipality celebrated June 12, Independence Day, free from isolation, thanks to modern technology.
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SOUNDBYTES, Issue No. 9 Vol. 1 (June 14)
Phil. Internet access market grows 45 %
The Philippines’ Internet access subscriber base in 2004 has grown by 45 % compared to 2003 as it remains to be a dynamic telecommunication segment.
Japan gov’t to hike foreign aid to RP
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said that Japan will consider an increase in foreign aid after 6 years of cuts forced by the government’s massive budget deficit.
Court ordered to review cases of jail detainees
The Supreme Court has ordered all lower court judges to review pending cases of jail detainees to contribute to the decongestion of jails nationwide.
Congress asked to iron out serious flaw in anti-smuggling bill
The Export Development Council has expressed support to the government’s renewed crackdown on outright and technical smuggling, proposing amendments to strengthen the law against the white-collar crime.
Cordillera mini-hydro power project cited
A micro-hydro electricity project in the Cordilleras is one of the nine sustainable energy projects from around the globe cited as finalists in this year’s Ashden Awards.
PAL seeks to expand routes in Japan, S. Korea
Philippine Airlines is urging Philippine aviation and tourism authorities to negotiate with the Japanese and South Korean governments for increased routes to key cities in Japan and South Korea to boost the country’s tourism and trade efforts.
Roxas’ bill to increase pay of state workers
Sen. Mar Roxas is set to file a bill which seeks to upgrade the salaries of government employees and public school teachers.
The Philippines’ Internet access subscriber base in 2004 has grown by 45 % compared to 2003 as it remains to be a dynamic telecommunication segment.
Japan gov’t to hike foreign aid to RP
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said that Japan will consider an increase in foreign aid after 6 years of cuts forced by the government’s massive budget deficit.
Court ordered to review cases of jail detainees
The Supreme Court has ordered all lower court judges to review pending cases of jail detainees to contribute to the decongestion of jails nationwide.
Congress asked to iron out serious flaw in anti-smuggling bill
The Export Development Council has expressed support to the government’s renewed crackdown on outright and technical smuggling, proposing amendments to strengthen the law against the white-collar crime.
Cordillera mini-hydro power project cited
A micro-hydro electricity project in the Cordilleras is one of the nine sustainable energy projects from around the globe cited as finalists in this year’s Ashden Awards.
PAL seeks to expand routes in Japan, S. Korea
Philippine Airlines is urging Philippine aviation and tourism authorities to negotiate with the Japanese and South Korean governments for increased routes to key cities in Japan and South Korea to boost the country’s tourism and trade efforts.
Roxas’ bill to increase pay of state workers
Sen. Mar Roxas is set to file a bill which seeks to upgrade the salaries of government employees and public school teachers.
6/04/2005
LGUs to hold summit next week
Local officials in Negros Oriental are expected to attend the 1st Local Government Summit on June 11-12, 2005 at the Manila Hotel, Manila.
In a precedent-setting gathering, local officials all over the country will meet in a rare solid display of unity against destabilization forces and call for continued unwavering support of the Arroyo administration to “defend the democratically-elected government.”
The two-day meeting is conducted by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines together with the Department of Interior and
Local Government with the Philippine Councilors League as one of its lead convenors.
According to a memorandum from Councilor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, national president of the Philippine Councilors League, this first-ever summit is expected to address the current political and economic stability of the government including the launching of the Kilos Asenso program.
The event will be capped with the Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Luneta, Manila.
In a precedent-setting gathering, local officials all over the country will meet in a rare solid display of unity against destabilization forces and call for continued unwavering support of the Arroyo administration to “defend the democratically-elected government.”
The two-day meeting is conducted by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines together with the Department of Interior and
Local Government with the Philippine Councilors League as one of its lead convenors.
According to a memorandum from Councilor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, national president of the Philippine Councilors League, this first-ever summit is expected to address the current political and economic stability of the government including the launching of the Kilos Asenso program.
The event will be capped with the Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Luneta, Manila.
The ‘Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines’ on KNN
Dumaguete City as the “Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines” will be featured at the Kabataan News Network (KNN) this Saturday (June4) at 10:00 a.m. over ABC-5.
KNN will take the viewers to the streets of Dumaguete City where motorcycles of all types and sizes abound, which earned the city the title “Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines.”
KNN’s young crew of six selected students from Dumaguete reports that of the total number of motorcycles registered with the Land Transportation Office, the biggest horde come from Dumaguete. These include big bikes, DTs and the so-called “Econopower,” which is the most popular.
Statistics show that 30 percent of young people below the age of 18 are already driving motorcycles although the law provides that only Filipinos 18 years old and above can be issued a valid driver’s license.
The segment also tackles other concerns on motorcycling such as accidents involving minors, safety gear and compliance to traffic rules.
KNN, the only TV show produced, written and shot by Filipinos aged 15-18, is produced by Unicef Philippines and the Probe Media Foundation and airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on NBN 4 and daily on
Viewers are invited to send story ideas to KNN by e-mailing knn_@hotmail.com.
Special prizes await senders with great ideas.
KNN will take the viewers to the streets of Dumaguete City where motorcycles of all types and sizes abound, which earned the city the title “Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines.”
KNN’s young crew of six selected students from Dumaguete reports that of the total number of motorcycles registered with the Land Transportation Office, the biggest horde come from Dumaguete. These include big bikes, DTs and the so-called “Econopower,” which is the most popular.
Statistics show that 30 percent of young people below the age of 18 are already driving motorcycles although the law provides that only Filipinos 18 years old and above can be issued a valid driver’s license.
The segment also tackles other concerns on motorcycling such as accidents involving minors, safety gear and compliance to traffic rules.
KNN, the only TV show produced, written and shot by Filipinos aged 15-18, is produced by Unicef Philippines and the Probe Media Foundation and airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on NBN 4 and daily on
Viewers are invited to send story ideas to KNN by e-mailing knn_@hotmail.com.
Special prizes await senders with great ideas.
PIA conducts briefing on nat’l internal security plan and protection of critical infra
In line with Executive Order No. 21 issued by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to institutionalize the internal security system at the national and local levels, the Philippine Information Agency in Negros Oriental conducted today (June 2) an orientation-briefing on the National Internal Security Plan and the campaign for the protection of Critical Infrastructures.
Attended by information officers and representatives from LGUs here, the briefing discussed how identified critical infrastructures in the province are beefing up their contingency measures in line with the government’s all-out campaign on anti-terrorism.
The government recently called on Congress to immediately enact an anti-terrorism bill, which would also give protection to human rights.
An identified critical infrastructure due to its transmission facilities, the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) has organized Bantay Liga Brigades in the province to monitor, maintain and keep watch over critical areas traversed by power lines, says Engr. Zosimo Briones, TRANSCO District 4 Department Manager.
Briones during the said briefing reported that around 12 brigades have been organized in Tanjay and Bais cities and another brigade will soon be created in Mabinay.
He said the brigades are not only trained to watch out for terrorist activities in the critical areas but also to monitor acts of pilferage, which he says, is also a form of sabotage.
Aside from this, TRANSCO’s security have been augmented by the deployment of military or PNP forces in critical substations provincewide.
Attended by information officers and representatives from LGUs here, the briefing discussed how identified critical infrastructures in the province are beefing up their contingency measures in line with the government’s all-out campaign on anti-terrorism.
The government recently called on Congress to immediately enact an anti-terrorism bill, which would also give protection to human rights.
An identified critical infrastructure due to its transmission facilities, the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) has organized Bantay Liga Brigades in the province to monitor, maintain and keep watch over critical areas traversed by power lines, says Engr. Zosimo Briones, TRANSCO District 4 Department Manager.
Briones during the said briefing reported that around 12 brigades have been organized in Tanjay and Bais cities and another brigade will soon be created in Mabinay.
He said the brigades are not only trained to watch out for terrorist activities in the critical areas but also to monitor acts of pilferage, which he says, is also a form of sabotage.
Aside from this, TRANSCO’s security have been augmented by the deployment of military or PNP forces in critical substations provincewide.
GSIS E-crediting launched
Government workers who have availed of the GSIS E-card can now withdraw their salary loan proceeds from any ATM using their E-Card starting June 1, 2005.
According to Jaydon Villaverde, GSIS Dumaguete Branch Information Officer, salary loan proceeds will now be deposited in the GSIS member’s bank account, which can be withdrawn using the E-Card.
Before, salary loan proceeds came in the form of checks but now proceeds can be withdrawn from any ATM affiliated with Bancnet, Expressnet, and Megalink using the GSIS member’s E-Card, explains Villaverde.
GSIS has also recently announced the release of the long-delayed optional dividends of government employees.
However, application for salary loan is not yet online and members will still have to fill out the proper form, but Villaverde said that the application will eventually be done online. “All loans and privileges will soon be issued thru the E-Card,” she said.
According to Jaydon Villaverde, GSIS Dumaguete Branch Information Officer, salary loan proceeds will now be deposited in the GSIS member’s bank account, which can be withdrawn using the E-Card.
Before, salary loan proceeds came in the form of checks but now proceeds can be withdrawn from any ATM affiliated with Bancnet, Expressnet, and Megalink using the GSIS member’s E-Card, explains Villaverde.
GSIS has also recently announced the release of the long-delayed optional dividends of government employees.
However, application for salary loan is not yet online and members will still have to fill out the proper form, but Villaverde said that the application will eventually be done online. “All loans and privileges will soon be issued thru the E-Card,” she said.
Campaign vs. malaria in NegOr continues
With more malaria cases reported this year, the Department of Health in Negros Oriental is continually conducting massive blood survey and vector control in endemic-prone areas in the province.
Already 12 cases have been reported since January to March this year, a big increase from the total six (6) cases recorded in 2004.
Of the 12 malaria cases reported, eight are from Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina; two from Bayawan City; and one each from Basay and Siaton.
Suzie Sayre, Officer in Charge Provincial Malaria Coordinator of DOH, in an interview said that malaria cases usually occur in rural areas where there is slow-flowing water and shady areas.
DOH field attendant workers are regularly conducting house-to-house blood survey where a blood smear is collected from febrile cases or persons with fever in the identified endemic-prone areas in the province.
According to Sayre, the said areas are Mabinay, Tanjay City, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay.
She explains that malaria is spread by anopheles, the mosquito infected with malaria.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body malaise (tiredness) and profuse sweating.
Already 12 cases have been reported since January to March this year, a big increase from the total six (6) cases recorded in 2004.
Of the 12 malaria cases reported, eight are from Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina; two from Bayawan City; and one each from Basay and Siaton.
Suzie Sayre, Officer in Charge Provincial Malaria Coordinator of DOH, in an interview said that malaria cases usually occur in rural areas where there is slow-flowing water and shady areas.
DOH field attendant workers are regularly conducting house-to-house blood survey where a blood smear is collected from febrile cases or persons with fever in the identified endemic-prone areas in the province.
According to Sayre, the said areas are Mabinay, Tanjay City, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay.
She explains that malaria is spread by anopheles, the mosquito infected with malaria.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body malaise (tiredness) and profuse sweating.
6/03/2005
SOUNDBYTES(From June 2, 2005 issue)
Landbank goal
Land Bank of the Philippines President Margarito Teves said he was confident that the bank will hit its target net income of P2.5 billion this year.
Negros provinces plan ‘organic food island’
Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental are entering into a joint venture to enter the world organic market, which is now $20-billion industry.
GMA launches program to use sugar for fuel
Pres. Arroyo launched the national bio-ethanol program, which will push the use of ethanol from sugar as a fuel additive to easy the country’s dependence on oil imports.
GMA to lead in anti-jueteng fight
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will take charge of government efforts to stamp out jueteng and will give those involved their marching orders in the next few days. After jueteng, the government is now cracking down on video karrera and fruit game machines.
NCRPO to train bus security men, conductors on bomb detection
The National Capital Region Police Office will train bus security officers and conducts on how to spot bombs and deal with a bomb threat situation as part of preparations for the opening of classes on June 6.
April power usage drops 23% due to 4-day work-week
Electricity consumption in the country dropped by 22.8 percent last April compared to the year-ago level due to the government’s continuing effort to adopt energy conservation measures, particularly the four-day work-week, the Department of Energy said.
SSS, GSIS told to form shareholders’ group
Finance Sec. Cesar V. Purisima has called on SSS and GSIS to “give birth and nurture” a minority shareholders association.
Heart disease awareness pushed
A group of doctors launched a movement to curb the prevalence of heart disease among Filipino women.
Regular working day on June 13
PIA Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye announced that upon employers’ request, June 13, 2005 will remain a regular working day even if June 12, Independence Day, falls on a Sunday.
Nat’l gov’t workers to receive educational assistance
Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin said national government employees will receive P1,000 each as educational assistance as early as Friday this week.
Land Bank of the Philippines President Margarito Teves said he was confident that the bank will hit its target net income of P2.5 billion this year.
Negros provinces plan ‘organic food island’
Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental are entering into a joint venture to enter the world organic market, which is now $20-billion industry.
GMA launches program to use sugar for fuel
Pres. Arroyo launched the national bio-ethanol program, which will push the use of ethanol from sugar as a fuel additive to easy the country’s dependence on oil imports.
GMA to lead in anti-jueteng fight
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will take charge of government efforts to stamp out jueteng and will give those involved their marching orders in the next few days. After jueteng, the government is now cracking down on video karrera and fruit game machines.
NCRPO to train bus security men, conductors on bomb detection
The National Capital Region Police Office will train bus security officers and conducts on how to spot bombs and deal with a bomb threat situation as part of preparations for the opening of classes on June 6.
April power usage drops 23% due to 4-day work-week
Electricity consumption in the country dropped by 22.8 percent last April compared to the year-ago level due to the government’s continuing effort to adopt energy conservation measures, particularly the four-day work-week, the Department of Energy said.
SSS, GSIS told to form shareholders’ group
Finance Sec. Cesar V. Purisima has called on SSS and GSIS to “give birth and nurture” a minority shareholders association.
Heart disease awareness pushed
A group of doctors launched a movement to curb the prevalence of heart disease among Filipino women.
Regular working day on June 13
PIA Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye announced that upon employers’ request, June 13, 2005 will remain a regular working day even if June 12, Independence Day, falls on a Sunday.
Nat’l gov’t workers to receive educational assistance
Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin said national government employees will receive P1,000 each as educational assistance as early as Friday this week.
SOUNDBYTES(From May 31 issue)
Markets for agriproducts in Mindanao sought
Several provinces in Mindanao are seeking access to investors and markets for their different kinds of agricultural products.
1.2M gov’t men get pay increase
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has given the go-signal for the inclusion of the pay increase for 1.2 million government employees under the 2006 General Appropriations Act to be submitted by Malacañang to Congress in August, Budget and Management Sec. Emilia Boncodin revealed.
Union Bank named GSIS eCard service provider
Union Bank of the Philippines was chosen as the service provider for the eCard scheme of the GSIS because of its track record as well as for submitting the best bid for the project, GSIS executive vice president Enriqueta Disuanco said.
Wages decided today
Six regional wage boards, including Metro Manila’s are expected to order today an increase in the minimum daily wage of workers in different parts of the country.
Malacañang insists VAT law will stand up to Supreme Court scrutiny
Malacañang reiterated its confidence that Congress’ approval of a standby authority allowing Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to increase the value-added tax rate will be upheld by the Supreme Court. The Palace said the approval of the new EVAT would be the linchpin of the country’s economic stability and growth.
Several provinces in Mindanao are seeking access to investors and markets for their different kinds of agricultural products.
1.2M gov’t men get pay increase
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has given the go-signal for the inclusion of the pay increase for 1.2 million government employees under the 2006 General Appropriations Act to be submitted by Malacañang to Congress in August, Budget and Management Sec. Emilia Boncodin revealed.
Union Bank named GSIS eCard service provider
Union Bank of the Philippines was chosen as the service provider for the eCard scheme of the GSIS because of its track record as well as for submitting the best bid for the project, GSIS executive vice president Enriqueta Disuanco said.
Wages decided today
Six regional wage boards, including Metro Manila’s are expected to order today an increase in the minimum daily wage of workers in different parts of the country.
Malacañang insists VAT law will stand up to Supreme Court scrutiny
Malacañang reiterated its confidence that Congress’ approval of a standby authority allowing Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to increase the value-added tax rate will be upheld by the Supreme Court. The Palace said the approval of the new EVAT would be the linchpin of the country’s economic stability and growth.
Police official refutes allegations that police posts are for “sale”
A top ranking police official described as baseless and pure black propaganda the allegation that posts in the police organization are for “sale.”
Police Regional Office (PRO-7) Deputy Director for Operations S/Supt. Ronald Roderos refuted the claim of an unnamed source that quoted money exchanged hands in favor of juicy positions in the police institution especially in regions where jueteng is rampant.
The report came out recently in two national dailies.
Roderos’ statement was echoed by Ins. Epifras Pinili, chief of the operations section at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, who assured that this allegation is not true in the province as jueteng is not played here.
Pinili said illegal gambling operations such as masiao and tigbakay (cockfighting) are played in the province.
He reported that Negros Oriental ranked third in Region 7 in terms of accomplishments in the campaign against illegal gambling.
Police officers get promoted thru merit and fitness and following the Civil Service rules, says SPO4 Hilbert Arinaza, provincial intelligence police non-commissioned officer.
Arinaza in an interview said that police officers are prohibited from seeking political patronage in exchange for promotions or job assignments. “This is contrary to ethics and professional standards of the police profession,” he stressed.
Police Regional Office (PRO-7) Deputy Director for Operations S/Supt. Ronald Roderos refuted the claim of an unnamed source that quoted money exchanged hands in favor of juicy positions in the police institution especially in regions where jueteng is rampant.
The report came out recently in two national dailies.
Roderos’ statement was echoed by Ins. Epifras Pinili, chief of the operations section at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, who assured that this allegation is not true in the province as jueteng is not played here.
Pinili said illegal gambling operations such as masiao and tigbakay (cockfighting) are played in the province.
He reported that Negros Oriental ranked third in Region 7 in terms of accomplishments in the campaign against illegal gambling.
Police officers get promoted thru merit and fitness and following the Civil Service rules, says SPO4 Hilbert Arinaza, provincial intelligence police non-commissioned officer.
Arinaza in an interview said that police officers are prohibited from seeking political patronage in exchange for promotions or job assignments. “This is contrary to ethics and professional standards of the police profession,” he stressed.
'Schools First Initiative' program launched to improve education system
The government is appealing to the community and private sector to help realize government's goal for every Filipino child to receive quality education in a program dubbed 'Schools First Initiative.'
Dr. Catalina Credo, English supervisor of the Department of Education in the province reported in a recent Kapihan forum that Education Sec. Florencio Abad has come up with the Schools First Initiative program that would involve all sectors in the community in providing better quality education to public school students.
Credo explains that Sec. Abad has emphasized the said program “to give governing councils the authority and the power to help make sure that the rules and regulations and requirements in the schools are being followed in toto.”
She said the Schools First Initiative is timely with the impending conclusion of the Third Elementary Education Project in the province which is in its last stages of implementation before wrapping up at the end of this year.
The Schools First will sustain the schools-based management component of TEEP and implement it in all schools in the country.
Public schools principals are currently being trained to prepare them for school-based management and how to make the School First Initiative work, which takes 3 forms: participation of critical stakeholders, empowerment of government councils and accountable for results and resources.
Dr. Catalina Credo, English supervisor of the Department of Education in the province reported in a recent Kapihan forum that Education Sec. Florencio Abad has come up with the Schools First Initiative program that would involve all sectors in the community in providing better quality education to public school students.
Credo explains that Sec. Abad has emphasized the said program “to give governing councils the authority and the power to help make sure that the rules and regulations and requirements in the schools are being followed in toto.”
She said the Schools First Initiative is timely with the impending conclusion of the Third Elementary Education Project in the province which is in its last stages of implementation before wrapping up at the end of this year.
The Schools First will sustain the schools-based management component of TEEP and implement it in all schools in the country.
Public schools principals are currently being trained to prepare them for school-based management and how to make the School First Initiative work, which takes 3 forms: participation of critical stakeholders, empowerment of government councils and accountable for results and resources.
LBP Lends P335.6 Million to Farmers and Fisherfolks
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has released P335.688 million to small farmers and fisherfolks in Central Visayas from January to March this year.
The said amount is part of the P3.5 billion loan released to small farmers and fisherfolks. To recall, LBP was reported to have released the amount to the marginalized sectors of the country.
According to Romy Tagupa, LBP Branches Operations Technical Supervisor, those who benefited from the said amount were 10,585 farmers from Cebu (1372), Bohol (9087), and Negros Oriental (126).
Meanwhile, 297 fisherfolks in the region availed of the loan. Eight of the fisherfolks are from Cebu and 289 are from Bohol. No fisherfolk from Siquijor and Negros Oriental availed of the loan facility.
The farmers' total borrowings in LBP reached up to P319.2 million while the fisherfolks borrowings amounted to P15.8 million availed by 297 beneficiaries.
Tagupa also shared that for this year, LBP has P9 billion loan portfolio for small farmers and fisherfolks. As regularly done, the amount will be coursed through a conduit like a cooperative, rural bank, or through Quedancor -- a government financial institution.
In Central Visayas, LBP has 14 branches, 4 extension offices, and a lending center in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.
To keep up with the pace of technology and trends in the banking industry, Tagupa said that LBP Pres. Margarito B. Teves is now bent on improving the bank’s Information Technology (IT) facilities and manpower.
The said amount is part of the P3.5 billion loan released to small farmers and fisherfolks. To recall, LBP was reported to have released the amount to the marginalized sectors of the country.
According to Romy Tagupa, LBP Branches Operations Technical Supervisor, those who benefited from the said amount were 10,585 farmers from Cebu (1372), Bohol (9087), and Negros Oriental (126).
Meanwhile, 297 fisherfolks in the region availed of the loan. Eight of the fisherfolks are from Cebu and 289 are from Bohol. No fisherfolk from Siquijor and Negros Oriental availed of the loan facility.
The farmers' total borrowings in LBP reached up to P319.2 million while the fisherfolks borrowings amounted to P15.8 million availed by 297 beneficiaries.
Tagupa also shared that for this year, LBP has P9 billion loan portfolio for small farmers and fisherfolks. As regularly done, the amount will be coursed through a conduit like a cooperative, rural bank, or through Quedancor -- a government financial institution.
In Central Visayas, LBP has 14 branches, 4 extension offices, and a lending center in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.
To keep up with the pace of technology and trends in the banking industry, Tagupa said that LBP Pres. Margarito B. Teves is now bent on improving the bank’s Information Technology (IT) facilities and manpower.
DepEd NegOr intensifies school wide reading time project
Alarmed over the decline in English language competency, Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas has proposed a new legislation that seeks to revitalize the use of English in schools.
With this, the Department of Education Division of Negros Oriental has been intensifying its school wide reading time project in the wake of the reported decline in the English language competency among Filipino students.
According to Dr. Catalina Credo, English supervisor of the DepEd division office here, the said project is conducted everyday for at least 30 to 45 minutes other than the regular English subject.
Elementary students are grouped according to the reading level set by the Philippine Reading Inventory regardless of their grade level. “A Grade 1 student and a Grade 3 students may be grouped together because they belong to the same reading level,” explains Credo.
To augment the education system, DepEd has made sure that there will be enough textbooks with the release of P810 million for the textbook requirements of the 17 million students expected to return to school this year, said Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya
The classes are conducted by teachers who do remedial work at a time convenient for the teacher and the students.
Credo said that at the end of the year, an assessment is made on the students who can be upgraded from frustration level to instructional level or to independent level.
With this, the Department of Education Division of Negros Oriental has been intensifying its school wide reading time project in the wake of the reported decline in the English language competency among Filipino students.
According to Dr. Catalina Credo, English supervisor of the DepEd division office here, the said project is conducted everyday for at least 30 to 45 minutes other than the regular English subject.
Elementary students are grouped according to the reading level set by the Philippine Reading Inventory regardless of their grade level. “A Grade 1 student and a Grade 3 students may be grouped together because they belong to the same reading level,” explains Credo.
To augment the education system, DepEd has made sure that there will be enough textbooks with the release of P810 million for the textbook requirements of the 17 million students expected to return to school this year, said Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya
The classes are conducted by teachers who do remedial work at a time convenient for the teacher and the students.
Credo said that at the end of the year, an assessment is made on the students who can be upgraded from frustration level to instructional level or to independent level.
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