MikeLigalig.com

Akong pangaliyupo kaninjong tanan nga hinaut unta ...
And as a gentle reminder to the TB... community!

Instead of indulging in inanities and converting TB... into a sort of Bol-anon "friendster" version
of a social networking medium, may I inter a plea in this community that we keep the course (tack)
as conceptualized by MikeL when he set up TB..., to get our concerned "paisanos/as" get something
going developmental for our beloved province.

If I may suggest, for instance, in the thread about "Costly Congressmen" to contribute something
meritorious for the sake of Bohol. I urge everyone to send email messsages of your sentiments on
whatever issue of concern to our Congressmen and Senators (all senators are elected at large so
we all are part of their constituency). Have your opinions on things of concern to get heard at least
by their staff, if they themselves are not technically competent to make use of a computer or avail
to the benefits of emails.

Let's get our email messages sent to their offices, rather than just having our rantings shelved here in TB...!

For the "honorable" congresspeople here are their email addresses:

CHATTO, Edgardo Migriño    
Rm. N-102
Phone: 931-5001 local 7321, 9315258
edchatto@skyinet.net

CAJES, Roberto Castaño
Rm. S-301
Phone: 931-5001 local 7222, 9316342
ondoy_cajes@pacific.net.ph

JALA, Eladio Manliguez / Adam Relson
Rm. N-310
Phone: 931-5001 local 7349, 9315426
boy_jala@yahoo.com
congjala@netasia.net

Daghang salamat!
Shalom!
Inshallah!

Learn how expensive it is to maintain a Congressman!

From data culled from the Commission on Audit records for CY2005, the ff shows how much
we spend to keep a congressman in the House of Representatives. During the succeeding
years (2006-2007), the amount has also escalated in step with inflationary and greed
appreciation.

=================================


What the Public Spent for the Upkeep of Each Members of the House of
Representatives in CY 2005

EXPENSE ITEM/AMOUNT (Source: Commission on Audit)

Basic Salary, P420,000.00

Foreign Travel, P220,867.70

District Staff Allocation, P650,000.04

Contractual Consultants P,120,000.00

Research, P396,000.00

Consultative Local Travel, P788,763.71

Communication, P129,600.00

Supplies, P120,000.00

Public Affairs Fund, P308,400.00

Central Office Staff, P1,982,033.58

Equipment/Furniture and Fixtures, P21,537.84

Other MOE, P600,000.00

(Note: Figures for Foreign Travel, Consultative Local Travel, Central
Office Staff and Equipment/Furniture and Fixtures are average amounts.
The rest are uniform for all congressmen. )

The COA lists are not at all comprehensive and do not even include
expenses of legislators as committee members and officers which, in
2005, amounted to over P92 million. In 2004, the House spent about P77
million on these expenses.

Congressmen also receives allowances and bonuses from the Speaker of
the House charged to the Account of the Speaker's Office. Christmas
bonus could be up to P200,000 per.

Hi to All,

A proposal for everyone's consideration.

Features:
1. First ever virtual cooperative initiated by Bol-anons.
2. A pooling of Tubag Bohol human and financial resources to advance socio-economic & cultural development for Bohol.
3. As a huge potential human resource pool, TBVCCoop shall tap its various latent (local & diaspora) expertise in all aspects of human endeavor to assist Bohol based socio-economic & cultural activities and as an incubator for starting Bohol's own version of a creative economy.
4. Mobilize a common fund to invest in any qualified Bohol based socio-economic enterprise that will bring about job creation, social amelioration and poverty reduction.

What sayeth thou, mga 'Sanos/as ....

Now it can be told .....

Sa wala pa diay maminyo si Ruffa ni Yilmaz Bektas, ang milyonaryong Turko, migawas karon ang balita nga base sa mga opisyal nga dokumento didto sa Estado sa Nevada, US of Amerika natala nga dunay usa ka nagngalan ug Sharmaine Gutuierrez (Ruffa's full name is Sharmaine Ruffa R. Gutierrez) nga nagpakasal ni Richard Daloia niadtong Enero 18, 1999 . Kung tinuod kini, second hand na diay si Ruffa sa iyang pagminyo ni Yilmaz.

Nahingangha kuno si Yilmaz sa pagkahibalo niya sa maong balita.  Siyarooooo.... wa gyud makamatikud si Yilmaz sa ilang honeymoon!!!!

Tabi, dili ba diay mahibal-an kung ang imo napangasawa dili na birhen ? ? ?

       
Script to impending drama in Congress.....

June 4, 2007 brought back the members of the 13th Congress to their lairs at the Batasan Hills in Quezon City.

At the same time, reelected members and newbies to the next Congress hovered all over to back slap and congratulate each other as well as jockey for choice office space assignments. The air is filled with anticipation on who will be catapulted to the post of the Speaker of the House and who will comprise and head each of the different committees.

But behind the scenes, is the unfolding of a script to be followed at the opening of the 14th Congress. The major parties have already laid out the plans. Compromises and agreements have been sealed.

Cong. Jose de Venecia, from Lakas- CMD would still assume the post as Speaker. This after a facade of a simulated fight to wrest control of the House leadership by the flourishing Kabalikat ng Mamayang Pilipino (Kampi) party. In its aftermath, the House lays down its verdict. Lakas-CMD is the majority party, owing to its sheer number of elected members and Kampi settles in as the minority. Now, what will this bring about? Neat! There is no anti-administration block in the House leadership.

So there .........

Mike,

Is it possible that the board compose page carry a provision to INSERT Files? Right now, its got INSERT Flash, INSERT Image, INSERT Hyperlink, INSERT Email & INSERT FTP Link. I would prefer to have an INSERT File utility so one can conveniently include in the composition page, files in various formats (Word, spreadsheet, PDF, etc.) with their formatting carried over.

Many thanks!

    

Who should admonish the LGUs (Local Gov't Units) to follow rules or implement laws?

In "Tubag Bohol....", our advocay is to advance social order at least in our beloved province. To accompish this noble vision, the LGUs should be at the forefront in realizing this noble objective. However, in most instances, these institutions are the culprits in undermining the efforts to accomplish it.

I can cite this one case.

There's a law (RA 9184) as cited by the Chairperson, Government Procurement Policy Board in a circular ordering all gov't intrumentalities to post all Notices of Award in the Government Electronic Procurement System websites which includes in our particular case the Bohol Province website (http://www.bohol.gov.ph/bids/) for all items procured (good & services). The object is to ascertain transparency and minimize opportunities to commit illegal transactions.

Yet, it appears that our own provincial gov't unit is remiss in this account. How can it enjoin the municipalities to implement the law when it can NOT even show by example ?

Below is the subject GPPB circular.......

=========================

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT POLICY BOARD
CIRCULAR NO. 01-2005
January 24, 2005

TO: Heads of Departments, Bureaus, Offices and Agencies of the National Government; Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs); and Local Government Units (LGUs)

SUBJECT: Mandating All Government Agencies, including LGUs to post all Notices of Award in the Government Electronic Procurement System Website in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A
      1.0 Purpose
This circular is issued to reinforce the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (R.A. No. 9184) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A (IRR-A) mandating all procuring entities to post results of bidding, in particular notice of award, and other related information in the Government Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS) website.
      2.0 Coverage
All Departments, Bureaus, Offices and Agencies of the National Government; Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs); and Local Government Units (LGUs).
      3.0 Rules and Regulations
To fully comply with the requirement under Section 8.2.1 (a) of the IRR-A, and to promote transparency and efficiency in government procurement, all notices of awards of contract, and other related information must be posted in the bulletin board of the G-EPS website, being the single portal of information on all government procurement activities, in addition to the posting in the website of the procuring entity concerned, if available.
      4.0 For compliance.

     EMILIA T. BONCODIN
     Chairperson, Government Procurement Policy Board
     Secretary, Department of Budget and Management

    

"The Philippines is on a roll" President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told reporters in Canberra, where she is on a state visit.

This is how PGMA almost boasted to the Ooozes down under upon learning that the country posted a hefty economic performance during the first quarter of 2007.

As a lesson for us in Economics 000, GDP means "Gawa dito Pinas" while GNP is "Gawa Ng Pinoy". To elucidate further, GNP is sum total of measurable economic activities within the country while GNP is the worth of all efforts of all Pinoys all over the world.

Here is how the euphoria is being reported by media;

========================================

Economy posts strongest growth in 17 years
By Rosemarie Francisco
Reuters
Last updated 04:26pm (Mla time) 05/31/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The economy enjoyed its highest annual growth in 17 years in the first quarter, thanks to healthy consumption and an expansion in back-office services.

First-quarter gross domestic product grew 6.9 percent on an annual basis, way above expectations. It expanded a seasonally adjusted 2.5 percent from the previous quarter, the highest rate in 11 quarters, the government said on Thursday.

"The Philippines is on a roll," President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told reporters in Canberra, where she is on a state visit.

"This is the fastest pace in almost two decades -- 9.1 percent growth in services, 5.3 percent in industry, 4.2 percent in agriculture."

Government officials said the 2007 target of 6.1 to 6.7 percent growth was well within reach and could be revised up, with the country now closer to hitting a hitherto elusive 7 percent.

More here . . . . http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=68802

        

The current position of Chief Legislative Officer at the office of Congressman Padre Ondoy Cajes is vacant .... If you're interested, the position carries a lucrative emolument of about P18,000  per month (my last recall) with minimum effort and qualifications. This is brought about by the resignation of the current occupant Mrs Judith Cajes who has now to assume as the new municipal mayor of Trinidad, Bohol. Congrats Judith !!!

Send in your application and we will gladly forward it to the Congressman as he seems not to maintain an office in the province as supposed to be and provided with appropriate public funds

       

Mga 'Sano/a,

Found out that Congressman Padre Ondoy Cajes is also into this racket of trying to legislate as non-working public holiday to certain lucky favorite municipalities. In Cajes' case he wants Jetafe to celebrate his town's founding anniversary every October 12th as a holiday. House Bill No 0748 he authored has been transmittted to the Senate on August 2, 2005. Fortunately, it seems it could be archived already considering the elapsed time without Senate action.

    

It seems like even historical lit re our greatest paisano hero in Dagohoy is not fully documented. I have here a file which I am sharing with you all. Lets have some more bits and pieces to complete the real life picture of the man ....

Please go to this link below and comment.

======================

http://www.geocities.com/sinupan/pinoy.htm

    

Mga Sana/o .....

Praise the Lord !!!!

Look at this news item, seems too good to be true. Read ....

=======================

Free at last from IMF

THE PHILIPPINES FACES A ‘PROBLEM OF PLENTY,’ SAYS BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS GOVERNOR AMANDO M. TETANGCO JR.
By Ernesto Y. Tolentino
Special to BusinessMirror

FOR the first time in almost half a century, the Philippines has freed itself from the dictates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by prepaying its debt owed to the multilateral financial institution.

This was made possible by the robust growth in the nation’s dollar reservesâ€"which as of last April hit $25.1 billionâ€"due mainly to a combination of increased foreign exchange revenues and foreign capital inflows, coupled with prudent management of the country’s financial affairs and structural reforms introduced by the Arroyo government.

More ..... at  http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05292007/perspective01.html

    

Paulino eyeing for the presidency of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Bohol Chapter?

For Andahanons, please restrain him and his mate in your town.

Makes me cry for Bohol .....

    

Mga 'Sano/a,

Even if the newly elected councilors or "kagawads" throughout the province has not assumed office, one Tagbilaran City councilor in the person of reelected Kagawad Dandan Bantugan has already expressed interest for the coveted position. Why do people are so desirous of the presidency of the Philippine Councilors League, Bohol Provincial Chapter? Here are some of the more obvious reasons:

a) Being the president, by law he takes a slot reserved for it at the Provincial Sangguniang Panlalawigan. When you get to be a member of the Provincial Legislature, you also obtain lots of perks; like allowances, salary, service vehicle, staff, free equipment, free travel and a semblance of congress peoples' "pork barrel", etc.
b) Prestige, which you can parlay into a higher political position like Atty. Boy Jala, Padre Ondoy Cajes and even Gov. Aumentado are of the more prominent examples.
c) Political power play.

So, Kag. Bantugan will pit himself versus the incumbent in the person of also just reelected Loay Kagawad Brigido "Boy" Imboy and others who will come out of the woodworks soon. Dandan B's early declaration is indicative that someone is sponsoring him and the most likely patron is a top official of the city. How about Boy Imboy? Well, he can stand on his own as he was able to in the last occasion by vanquishing the combined clouts of the Valencia Lims and the governor. So, this time there again will be a candidate from the Lim's group singly or in combination with Gov. Aumentado's.

Abangan !!!!!

    

Here's another outstanding Boholano achiever .......

=======================================

RICO OBLIGADO CRUZ

THE SCIENTIST AS AN ENVIRONMENTALIST

The number one predator in planet Earth is man. He is on top of the food chain, and he reigns supreme in his realm. If self-interest and greed continue to influence his vital moves, this planet is doomed. And he himself is doomed. Nevertheless, this is only a generalization. If he is truly a rational human being, for which reason he is above all other animals, his ability to evaluate, comprehend, evaluate and draw logical conclusions is a Godly blessing. Thus, he still has hope.

Among those who have aspired to give hope to mankind are the devoted environmentalists who have drawn for the quizzical a landscape conducive to the preservation of man and his habitat. Dr. Rico O. Cruz, Ph. D. is one scientist, engineer, and environmentalist who fits the role of savior in the global desire to preserve Mother Earth.

He was born in Aguining, President Garcia, Bohol on January 29, 1958 to parents, Jose E. Cruz, Sr., a native of Aguining, and Demetria Obligado-Cruz of Combado, Maasin, Southern Leyte. After his elementary and high school education in his island municipality, he embarked on a developmental venture to enhance his potentials by enrolling at VISCA (Visayas State College of Agriculture), pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. He finished the course in 1980 as a Southern Leyte State Scholar, a distinction that was bestowed to him after a series of examinations and interviews, and the fact that his previous scholastic records showed his excellence. He graduated Cum Laude in the five-year course. He also took four years of ARMY ROTC and topped the officers’ training school (advance summer camp training) at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.

Right after graduation he was presented with two options for a lifetime career: be an Agricultural Engineer or be a military man. He chose the former. From 1980 to 1984 he was hired as Science Specialist and Instructor by his alma mater. It was also at this time when VISCA became Leyte State University (LSU).
This further linkage with LSU opened another door for advancement. A scholarship grant took him to Silsoe College, Bedford, England where he took and finished Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering in 1983. Because of his qualifications, and his perseverance to enhance his chosen profession, he was admitted as Intern at the Postharvest Institute for Perishables, University of Idaho, USA. For his upkeep he worked as International Graduate Assistant. From 1984 to 1987 he was employed as International Graduate Assistant in the same University.

In 1997 he accepted the job of Assistant in Research at the University of Idaho Agricultural Engineering Department. Simultaneously he enrolled for his Doctorate degree in the said school and finished Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering in 1990. He stayed for two years more in Moscow, Idaho before he became Volunteer Specialist and Bioprocess Engineer at ACDI/VOCA (Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance) based in Washington, DC, a position he retains until today.

Through the auspices of ACDI/VOCA he became involved in international humanitarian work and services. From April 1993 to June 1996 he was assigned in Uganda. In February 1999 he worked in Azerbaijan. From October to November of the same year he was based in Russia. From April 2001 to July 2002 he was working in Bulgaria, and from June to July 2003 he was assigned in Paraguay.

From 1994 to 1999 he worked as a Senior Environmental Specialist at Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Natural Resources, Lapwai, Idaho. It was during this stint that he was tapped for the United Nations Development Programme for TOKEN (Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals) from November to December of 1995. In 1999 he became a Senior Science and Technology Associate of the International Institute for Indigenous Resources Management of Denver, Colorado. A year later he went back to Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Natural Resources of Idaho, as Hanford Cultural Resource Coordinator, a job he held until 2003. After a couple of years he was taken in as Vice President for Operation at S.I.I. LLC in Pendleton, Oregon. Since 2002 he has been President and CEO of Ecoenergy International, LLC of Craigmont, Idaho. In 2004 he was offered the position of Program Manager and Terrestrial Ecologist of Laboratory and Biological Services, CTUIR, Oregon. Dr. Cruz still holds simultaneously the last three positions until today.

Dr. Rico Cruz is an active member of various organizations, among them: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, American Nuclear Society, Institute of Biological Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, International Who’s Who of Professionals, International Solar Energy Society, Indian Nursery Council and Lions Club International.

Among the awards and recognition he received are the following: First Place, Advance Summer Camp. Philippine Army Reserve, 31D, 1979; Cum Laude, VISCA, 1980; 5-year state Scholarship, Southern Leyte, 1975; Columbo Plan, British Council Study Fellowship, 1981;; Outstanding Alumnus in Science, The College of Maasin, 2000; 1000 W0orld Leaders of Scientific Influence, American Biographical Institute, 2001.

Through the TOKEN program, he piloted the production of coconut in the Philippines. His work has been recognized worldwide, and he is listed in the 1999 International Who’s Who of Professionals, Gibraltar Publishing Corporation, 1999; and the 1000 World Leaders of Scientific Influence in 2001 by the American Biographic Institute. In 2000 he was chosen by the College of Maasin as Outstanding Alumnus in Science. A Registered Professional Engineer, he has written, published, and presented over 30 technical papers on bioprocessing, biofuels, and environmental management.

Dr. Cruz is married to Consuelo M. Cruz, a Medical Technologist. He is a much sought-after lecturer and has traveled all over the world as seminar, workshop, and convention speaker. A fisherman and hunter during his free time, it is in environmental concerns that he has excelled globally. He has helped NGOs in the Philippines in protecting, conserving, and sustaining the dwindling natural resources. His goal for the nation is to minimize environmental degradation, sustain the resources, and be independent in producing its own energy. Perhaps, far-fetched, but he has dedicated himself to this dream.

From Loy Palapos' Boholano Today series.

    

When foreigners say something nice about Bohol (sights, nice people & other good things) it is heart warming, despite the ills plaguing our Island Paradise.

So ... here are initial commentaries about our beloved province .... please visit the links below:

http://www.chassels.net/marla/journal3.htm 

http://www.aenet.org/bohol/bohvist2.htm

 

Only in Bohol ....

I am informed that we have in Bohol the most expensive infrastucture project in the whole Philippines !!!!

This notoriety goes to the Bohol Irrigation Project Stage 2 (BHIP-2) now being implemented in northeastern Bohol covering some areas in San Miguel, Ubay and Pilar. Various sources from the media has referred to this particular project. It looks like the larger irrigation projects implemented in the province have always been tainted, like the Bohol Irrigation Project Stage I (Malinao Dam in Pilar) and the one that has grabbed attention lately, that one in Trinidad. Makes one wonder we may have overlooked the smaller ones which media has not taken fancy.

Hulat dinhi .... details will follow !!!! l

Mike,

Can the forum possibly feature Bol-anon vernacular writers in short stories, poems and other published literary works. If not permitted to feature their works here, can we have the links where their "obras" are reposed.

Many thanks ..... as always !!!

 

RP lagging behind
other Asian countries in e-commerce
By Jennifer A. Ng

THE Philippines has already been left behind by its Asian neighbors in electronic commerce (e-commerce) activity, mainly due to the high cost of putting up an e-commerce web site, according to a study conducted by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the think tank office of NEDA.

The PIDS study conducted by Dr. Gloria Pasadilla and April Lacson said this lack of local online retailers is compounded by the apparent aversion among Filipino consumers to use e-commerce.

“Ever since the dot-com boom, the Internet has been said to be a great equalizer as it provides more access to information and income generation opportunities. Unfortunately, it has failed. Still many Filipinos, with only 25 percent of an Internet population of 11 million being able to buy products and services online, and most of these from e-retailers based in the United States,” the study noted.

The rest, according to the authors, are wallowing in not being able to do e-commerce as they do not have credit cards or do not trust credit cards, and are limited to bank-to-bank transfers, cash on deliveries, mobile cash, or just plain hand-over-the-cash-to-the-cashier.

“Most Filipinos cannot make payments online when they want to buy a product from any web site here and abroad. Many would also like to tap the opportunities to be able to sell products and accept payments online, but are unable to do so because of the high cost of putting up an e-commerce web site,” said the PIDS study.

For the Philippines to achieve its vision of becoming Asia’s knowledge center and e-services hub, Pasadilla and Lacson said it should improve the access to telecommunications infrastructure of the large majority of the population and, at the same time, fill the gaps in legal and regulatory framework.

The PIDS study pointed out that the capacity and knowledge of domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to effectively use e-commerce is still underdeveloped.

 


Bohol on a Tight Budget
May 24, 2007
By Lito Cinco
Business Mirror

BOHOL is known for its 1,268 Chocolate Hills, its world-famous tarsiers and, lately, for the white-sand beach of Panglao Island.

The island province has been catching up fast with other regular tourist destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. And perhaps this is the reason why the price for enjoying Bohol’s attractions has been going up.

Still, for visitors on a tight budget, there is no reason why they cannot enjoy this beautiful place as long as they are willing to trade luxury and convenience for money, which is what this writer, his wife and teenage daughter did when they went on a three-day jaunt to the place.

Lodging places

ONE of the basic costs of traveling is lodging. Bohol does offer a lot of choices, depending on your budget. It is very practical to stay in the capital city of Tagbilaran, where there are also good hotels and pension houses. In our case, we stayed at Vest Pension House, a small but comfortable and clean place in Tamblot, just 10 minutes away by tricycle from the airport, the Island City Mall and the downtown area.

For the three of us, the room costs P1,300 per day, though you can make do with smaller pension houses below a thousand bucks. Tricycle drivers or taxi drivers can help you canvas for a place. My daughter and I extended for a day and stayed at a pension house which was walking distance from the airport for only P900.

Food

FOOD prices are cheaper in the provinces than Manila, provided you will not go to the pricey restaurants. It is even more economical just to buy food from a fast-food chain like Chow King or KFC and bring it to your room.

Transportation

FROM the airport, instead of hiring a car or a taxi, it is cheaper to ride a tricycle, which costs only P100 going to Tagbilaran. The flagdown rate for a cab is P35 and double the rate if you are going to Panglao or other out-of-town destinations. We also asked the rate for car rentals for out-of-town destinations. They charge P500 going to Panglao, at least P1,500 to Loboc, and between P2,500 and P4,000 to Chocolate Hills.

If these are a bit steep, try the buses and jeepneys, which is what we did. We took the jeep going to Loboc for the river cruise. The fare was P25 per person. The bus fare to Chocolate Hills in Carmen was P55 per person. A public van to Carmen, which would pass by the Chocolate Hills, costs P70 per person.

Where to go

FOR the Loboc River cruise, we paid P600 per boat for about an hour. There are floating restaurants that charge P250 per person, including lunch, but no one will stop you from packing your own lunch to save a little money.

This cruise is for those who just want to relax and look at the beauty of nature, the river’s crystal blue water, the forests, the green mountains and the twin waterfalls that feed the river. Loboc also has tame tarsiers that are already familiar with people and can even be touched, fed, even perch on your shoulders for photo sessions.           

Just a few kilometers away from the river boat stations, one can also stop by the Loboc Tour Park in Candabong featuring a native restaurant, caged tarsiers and a 300-meter-long carabao ride that goes into the forested area at the back of the park.           

Taking a habal-habal ride, an ordinary motor bike that usually accommodates three passengers, we went a bit further to visit a cave in Kaenok, Upper Bonbon, that is newly opened to the public. Habal-habal is a native word for mating animals, and that is how this ride got its name.

This is a three-chambered cave that is easily reached from the highway because there is a hundred meter-plus-long man-made trail going there. There is an entrance fee of P25 per person. What we missed, though, was the opportunity to visit the newly opened Extreme Adventure in Danao, about three hours away from Tagbilaran. From what the provincial tourism people told us, the outdoor adventure includes river tubing and river kayaking over the clear and calm waters of Wahig River; rappelling, caving and mountain trekking.

Of course, you have to pay for it. A one-night, two-day package costing P2,700 a person will already include transportation, accommodation, meals, guides, cave entrance fees and other incidentals. A minimum of six persons is required per package.

Another alternative place for nature-trekking that is nearer to Chocolate Hills would be the Sierra Bullones, an ecotourism nature adventure.

We also asked how much was a package for whale and dolphin watching on Pamilacan Island off Panglao, and were shocked by the P1,900-per-person price quoted by a tour operator. Local people, however, told us we can rent a boat in Alona Beach and spend maybe a thousand bucks for the boat rental. But for lack of time and money, too, we passed this one up.

You don’t have to break your piggy bank to enjoy Bohol as long as you know how to get by and around using public transportation, staying in pension houses, and eating in local eateries. Enjoy your stay.

    

Mga 'Sano/a,

If Edgar Chatto has his way, he has authored and filed House Bill No.5618, proposing to legislate that every September 29th of each year, his family's town of Balilihan will observe a special non-working public holiday.....This is plain abuse of his mandate. He is a representative for all of the first district, yet he did not make his proposed law applicable and even to the rest of the municipalities of his district. What is so special with Sept 29th in Balilihan? In his clarificatory note to the bill it stated that it is "sumad" to the founding of his town (he was not born in Balilihan but in Manila). Every town of the first district has also their respective founding anniversaries but he did not care to include them in his proposal. This a classic case of  "class legislation". HB 5618 has been approved on third reading on September 29, 2006 with 151 voting yes (out of courtesy as in "quid pro quo" to a majority floor leader) without anyone objecting and subsequently transmitted to the Senate on Oct. 5, 2006.

Mga 'Sano/'Sana,

Thought you might be interested to know that Small & Medium Enterprises in Bohol and the rest of the country have now access to funding .....

Please read on .....
===================

Land Bank launches P1-B fund for farm-based SMEs

Another P1B set for equity in microfinance firms
By Doris Dumlao
Inquirer
Last updated 05:05am (Mla time) 05/19/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines has unveiled two new funding facilities totaling P2 billion for microfinance banks and agriculture-based small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Its president, Gilda Pico, said Land Bank recently got central bank approval to allot P1 billion in equity infusion for countryside financial institutions engaged in microfinance -- the provision of small, uncollateralized loans to the poor to help them start their own businesses.

The second initiative, the P1-billion Development Advocacy Program, offers alternative and more flexible credit schemes to better suit the characteristics, requirements and paying capabilities of small farmers and fisherfolk as well as SME borrowers.

The equity investment program is open to startup cooperatives, rural and thrift banks established by microfinance nongovernmental organizations or cooperatives as well as those that have been in existence for more than a year and are affiliated with NGOs or cooperatives.

To be eligible for the program, which provides capital instead of loans, these banks must have a microfinance portfolio of at least P20 million or active microfinance borrowers numbering at least 3,000 at the time of application.

“Through this equity investment program we have set up, Land Bank is helping establish new and viable conduits that will cater to the microfinance sector,” Pico said.

With this program, she said Land Bank hoped to encourage microfinance NGOs or cooperatives to convert themselves into thrift, rural or cooperative banks so they could increase credit delivery and expand their reach to include the marginalized sectors, specifically small farmers and fisherfolk.

But as a condition for the equity infusion, the countryside banks must triple their relending to serve farming and other livelihood requirements of individual farmers or fisherfolk households within three years from the date of release of the equity infusion.

These banks must also be able to maintain or build a loan portfolio, majority of which belongs to family of small farmers/fisherfolk or their household members.

The Development Advocacy Program (DAP) is a nontraditional lending program that veers away from the rigid requirements of collateral-based lending. Instead, it adopts an enterprise-based approach in extending credit and other assistance to small farmers and fisherfolk.

“Through this innovative program, Land Bank is providing our priority sectors with more avenues and windows to encourage them to engage in productive activities to help augment their income,” Pico said. “In essence, we are also given the opportunity to assist more poor households.”

The DAP will provide funds for working capital or fixed asset acquisition requirements of cooperatives, federations, associations, NGOs as well as SMEs. The lending facility may be gradually increased based on repayment record and project success.

The program intends to support viable projects with established markets that make use of nontraditional lending modes such as receivables financing, purchase order financing and household cashflow-based financing as well as those that make use of credit enhancement instruments like market contracts or guarantee covers.

Land Bank has reported a first-quarter net income of P1.05 billion, up 16 percent from P908 million in the same period last year.

Pico attributed the growth to an increase in fee-based income, reduction in operating expenses by P93 million as well as lower interest expense on deposits.

For the full year, Pico said the bank set an internal target of P4.0 billion in profit. She said this year’s earnings were expected to be supported by increases in loans and investments.

In the first quarter, the bank’s revenues inched up one percent to P6.15 billion from a year earlier. Prevailing low interest rates reduced interest expense on deposits and borrowings by 16 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Deposits reached P280.8 billion, up 19 percent from the first quarter of last year.

Capital rose 25 percent to P34 billion from P27 billion.

Total assets as of end-March were up 20 percent at P371 billion.
=============================================

?

Sa ngalan sa prinsipyo sa "pagka sihag" (transparency, Mike unsay hustong Binisaya ini?) atong sugdan ug ulinaw ang mga naa sa serbisyo publiko, ug sugdan nato ni Cong Edgar M. Chatto. Hinumdumi nga ika-tulong termino na niya karon sa Kongreso ug sa sunod eleksyon (2010), siguro pa sa adlaw mosawup sa hapon nga modagan siya pagka gobernador sa Bohol.

Aniay iyang mga datos nga gihatag sa Kongreso (official records) sa panahon sa 13th Congress. Kung duna moy ika-sulti niini, atong estoryahan ug hinay-hinay !!!

CHATTO, Edgardo Migriño
Date of Birth: February 21, 1960
Place of Birth: Malate, Manila

ADDRESS
Provincial: Del Carmen Weste, Balilihan, Bohol
Metro Manila: 129 Anonas Ext., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Civil Status: married
Spouse: Maria Pureza Veloso
Position: Nurse
Office: Divine Word College, Tagbilaran City

Educational Attainment
ELEMENTARY                                                           School                                                                Year Graduated
Elementary education,  graduated salutatorian        Divine Word College of Tagbilaran City, Bohol                         1973
HIGH SCHOOL                                                                                                           
Secondary education                                        Divine Word College of Tagbilaran City, Bohol                          1977
COLLEGE
Degree                                                                                                                               
Bachelor of Arts in Economics                                University of the Philippines                                                1981
Bachelor of Laws, graduated cum laude                  Divine Word College of Tagbilaran City, Bohol                          1988
HIGHER STUDIES
Degree                                                                       School                                                          
Masters in Government Management                Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila                                         1998
Local Administration and Development Course       University of the Philippines                                                1991
Public Sector Mgt for Senior Managers in the          John F. Kennedy School of Government,
Government                                                   Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA                                     1999

Career History
Position                                                                Office                                                                      Years
Provincial vice governor                                           Bohol                                                                    1995-2001
Mayor                                                                  Balilihan, Bohol                                                                1988-1995
Provincial board member                                                Bohol                                                                  1980-1986
Teacher   College of Commerce, Divine Word College, Tagbilaran   1981-1982

Affiliations
Organization                                                                                Position
Feed the Children Philippines                                                           Chairman
Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Bohol                                        Member
Philippine Economic Society                                                          Member
Life Philippines Foundation                                                           Trustee
Tagbilaran City Habitat for Humanity Foundation Inc.                         Officer
Leo Club of Tagbilaran                                                                    Former president
Bohol Jaycees                                                                              Former president
University of the Philippines Kadugong Bol-anon                                  Former president
University of the Philippines Alumni Association - Bohol                  President
Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association      Regional president
Student Catholic Action                                                                  Former diocesan consultant
Philippine National Red Cross - Bohol                                               Secretary
HAMIS Winners Federation                                                       Member
Rotary Club of Tagbilaran                                                          Member
Tagbilaran Toastmasters’ Club                                                       Member
Chocolate Hills Amateur Radio League                                           Member

Relatives in Gov’t
Current (includes relatives both declared and undeclared in June 2004 SAL)
Name                                             Position                        Office                    Year(s) in Office        Relationship
Teodulo Chatto                                 Employee              Post Office, Tagbilaran City        up to present          Cousin
Victoria M. Chatto                          Vice mayor            Balilihan, Bohol                 2004-2007                Parent
Salud Migriño                                    Judge                  Municipal Circuit Trial Court,
                                                                                 Corella, Balilihan, Sikatuna         up to present         Aunt
Note: 
How about the mayor of Balilihan
 
Previous
(includes relatives both declared and undeclared in previous SALs)
Name                                              Position                         Office                        Year(s) in Office          Relationship
Eladio Chatto                    Representative, 1st district, Bohol   Batasang Pambansa          1984-1986       Parent

Declared Businesses (as of June 2004)
none declared   
      
Undeclared Businesses (from resumé/previous SALs, unless otherwise indicated)
Business Name                                                    Address                                 Nature of Involvement            Date
EVMC Development Corp.                                   * not given                                          Incorporator               no data
LEGEND  : * information from SEC

Assets & Liabilities (declared for 13th Congress)
Total Assets (in pesos): 3,811,000.00
Total Liabilities (in pesos): 79,122.57
Net Worth (in pesos): 3,731,877.43

Real Properties
Type                                   Address   Year                  Acquired            Mode of Acquisition   Assessed Value     Fair Market Value   Acquisition Cost
Unclassified lot            Del Carmen Balilihan                  2000                 donated                 21,870.00             1,550,000.00           not given
Unclassified lot           Buenos Aires, Tubigon               2000              donated              94,950.00          1,400,000.00        not given

Personal Assets
Type                                                                    Year Acquired          Acquisition Cost
Shares of stock - EVMC Dev. Corp.                               2000             1,000.00
Cash                                                                          not given      90,000.00
Cash in bank                                                               not given          350,000.00
Jewelry                                                                        1980-2000            65,000.00
Law books                                                              1985-1990          45,000.00
Appliances and office equipment                                      1988-2002        310,000.00

Liabilities
Nature                                                    Amount
Salary loan - GSIS                                 28,109.52
Policy loan - GSIS                                 51,013.05

Sigun sa nasagap nga ulahing balita, milangpus ang tinguha ni Mrs. May Lim-Imboy nga mag-mayor sa lungsod sa Loay. Lusot pud iya kurambos si Tejano pagka bise mayor. Apil sa mga midaug pagka-konsehal mao iya bana si Engr. Boy Imboy, nga tingali gusto pa nga magpadayon pagka provincial board member, representing the League of Municipal Councilors.

Looy, morag pisong mga basa sila Bong Bullecer, Ondoy Clarin ug ang grupo sa Lakas - CMD. Wa nila mabangbang ang sama sa balod nga mihagsa nga "inangayan" sa grupo ni May Imboy.

Karon, tan-awon sa mga taga Loay kung unsaon pagsilbi ni Mayor May nila tungod kay bisan pa sa panahon sa kampanya, misulti man si May nga iya bahinon ang iyang horas pagka mayor ug pagka VP for Finance & Administration sa Lite Shipping nga tua sa Cebu City ang opisina.

Abangan !!!!!!!

As published in a local paper under its regular feature "Boholano Today" by Mr. Loy Palapos, here's a short bio of the new LGU Chief Executive of the municipality of Carmen;

MANUEL DEL ROSARIO MOLINA

IT’S PAY-BACK TIME


Teaching is one of the world’s noblest professions. In the Philippines setting, the teachers goes beyond his classroom and the school premises. He becomes a Jack-of-the-trades in community affairs, whether it be for livelihood, religious activities, or manning election precincts that, more often than not, put into office a number of power-hungry misfits. It is widely accepted that here the right of suffrage cannot be practiced without the teachers. Which makes them vital components of progress, being looked up to as precursors of goodness in local society.

Manuel del Rosario Molina is a product of a teaching couple. His father, Eustaquio Molina, hailed from Loay, and was a public school teacher in Carmen before he retired. His mother, Carmen del Rosario, was born and grew up in Lapu-Lapu City, until she left her birthplace and, because she was also teaching, joined her husband as a public school teacher in Bohol. Until both decided that she concentrate her time raising their ten children. A wise decision, for the couple knew their primordial responsibility is the family.
Manuel, nicknamed Boy since his youth, is the eldest in the family. The sister next to him, Fe M. Go, is in shell-craft business in Cebu. Esperanza M. Jumamoy, Caridad M. Reambonanza, and Nenita M. Macalolot are based in Calatrava, Carmen. Rosario M. Andoy is the incumbent Punong Barangay of Calatrava. Oscar, the seventh among the children, is now settled as a farmer in Clarin. Wilfredo works in Cebu. Belen M. Cempron and Teresita M. Lapez inherited the inclination of their parents. The former is a public school teacher in Carmen, and the latter teaches in the Victoriano D. Tirol, Sr. Advanced Learning Center Boy was born in Carmen on February 8, 1944. He finished his first six years of education at the Carmen Central Elementary School. He enrolled at St. Anthony Academy, but finished the four-year secondary course at the Holy Cross Academy in Tubigon. Right after, he went to Cebu City and studied at the University of the Visayas, where he finished a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Major in Pilipino.

It was while engrossed with his work at the Mactan International Airport that the dashing Boholano met a beautiful student at the University of San Carlos. The persistent suitor pursued the lady from Banilad, who was then taking up Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. His persistence paid off. They got married; and even if she obtained a diploma for her course, she was persuaded by her husband to be a full-time housewife, to care for their children and their home. It was a decision both did not regret making. While Grace had all her time attending to the needs of their children and her husband, Boy was able to concentrate on his career. His business grew, primarily because of his hands-on policy.

Right after graduation from college, he seek employment in the private sector. The management of Pilipinas Orient Airways saw in him a bright prospect. He was taken in, and from 1967 to 1972 became a Station Supervisor. In 1973 he transferred to Philippine Air Lines as a Station Agent. In 1974, another more lucrative offer came. He worked with Bahaghari Forwarder as a Delivery Agent manning the Cebu Branch until 1977.

By this time, his mettle in the forwarding business began to be widely acknowledged. American Express Forwarders offered him its Manila Branch. He became its Manager from 1977 to 1979. Still more lucrative job openings came his way. He accepted the job as OIC Sales Supervisor of the San Fernando Plant of Cosmos Bottling Company, a position he held from 1979 to 1984.

Asia Brewery Bottling Corporation beckoned him for his managerial style. The offer was too tempting to refuse. He became its Sales District Manager of its Pasig-Manila Plant from 1984 to 1986. Boy Molina was at his prime in productivity. Even his circle of friends and associates increased considerably, while his responsibilities peaked.

It was during this time when he looked back to his years of employment and accomplishments. He became aware of some limits to his professional growth. While the pay and benefits were sky-high, there was no complete freedom especially in the aspect of decision-making. After consulting with his family, relatives, and friends he opted to free himself from the encumbrance of heeding to the decision of his superiors. He formed his own company.

He conceptualized and registered Gram’s Freight Services, Inc., a VISMIN Commission Agent, of Em’s Freight Services and Various Forwarders. That was in the year 1986. His acumen as a forwarder paid off. The company grew tremendously, and it is still doing brisk business until today. He is presently the CEO, President, and General Manager of Gram’s Freight Services, Inc.
Boy and Grace are blessed with 5 children. May Gracel M. Sawyer, the eldest, finished MIS (Management Information System) at Assumption College. She helps manage the Gram’s Freight Services, Inc. August Manuel, Jr. graduated from San Beda College-Alabang with a degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. He also works at Gram’s. Grace Ann also graduated from SBC with a degree of Business Administration and Marketing. She handled Gram’s marketing. Angela Grace has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, major in Media Productions, from Assumption College-Makati. Her line of specialization is put to good use at the family-owned enterprise. The youngest, Julthis Manuel, finished Computer Animation at Asia Pacific College, and is also a second courser in Nursing, while working at Gram’s.

With all of their five children directly involved on a hands-on policy at Gram’s, Boy and Grace have now all the time in their own hands. They would have lived comfortable lives, sans worries; but Boy sensed that he could still be more productive. Not for the sake of his family, but for the sake of his hometown, Carmen.

He realized the vast potentials of Carmen, especially in agriculture and eco-tourism. His visits to his hometown convinced him that his birthplace has been bypassed by progress. He would be happiest serving Carmen as it grows. He possesses all that a real leader needs: his management skill, administrative expertise, his guts, and his compassion for his townfolks. Now, he knows… it’s payback time and he is ready for the challenge.

Here's his blogsite http://www.jimmyborja.com and enjoy the music!

Loonanons' have rendered their decision.

They have elected last termer Mayor (Dr.) Yul Lopez' younger brod as their new mayor convincingly over his uncle opponent, Atty. Inocentes Lopoez.  Dr. Lloyd Lopez and his vice mayoralty tandem encumbent Vice Mayor Ladeza will take over as the new administrators of their LGU starting June.

=======================

Dugang kasayuran sa Loon:

Ang mga midaug pagka Konsehal: (not sure on the order of highest vote obtained)

Ricky Masamayor
Josephat Palma
Narciso Neri
Ignacio Castil
Timoteo Legitimas
Precila Valenzuela
Damaso Pasilbas
Manuel Veloso

P. S.: Dr. Yul Lopez appears to be the leading Provincial Kagawad from the latest tally results.

 
Bag-ong Mayor         : Boy Molina    (pildi nya ug 70 botos ang asawa sa daang Mayor) Kampi
Bise Mayor               : Monching Torrefranca (Konsehal sa miaging termino) Lakas-CMD
Mga Konsehales
                             : Rowena Jabonillo-Painagan (bag-ong nawong) Indie
                             : Dodong Dispo (SK Tsirman sa miaging termino) Lakas-CMD
                             : Pinoy Adlaon (Konsehal sa miaging terminl) Lakas-CMD
                             : Dindo Palgan (bag-o ug bana ni Kanhi Konsehal Ayen Painagan-Palgan) Indie
                             : Binlod (Konsehal sa miaging termino) Lakas-CMD
                             : Primo Digao (bag-ong nawong) Kampi
                             : Yecyec (Konsehal sa miaging termino) Lakas-CMD
                             : Alfredo Luengas (bag-ong nawong) Kampi
   

Position                              Name                                 Party
Mayor:                        Budiongan, Jeen                      Lakas - CMD
                                 Molina, Boy                             Kampi

Vice Mayor:                 Torrefranca, Monching               Lakas - CMD
                                 Unajan, Bebe                           Kampi

Kaqawads:                   Painagan, Rowena                    Indie
                                 Palgan, Dindo                           Indie                     
                                 Sarmiento, Donie                      Indie
                                 Villasquina, Carlos                     Indie
                                 Adlaon, Pinoy                           Lakas - CMD
                                 Binlod,                                       -ditto-
                                 Dispo,                                        -ditto-
                                 Espejo, Guilly                               -ditto-
                                 Guiritan,                                     -ditto-
                                 Montajes,                                   -ditto-
                                 Unajan,                                      -ditto-
                                 Yecyec,                                     -ditto-
                                 Cesar,                                     Kampi
                                 Digao,   Primo                             Kampi
                                 Galang, Malou                           Kampi
                                 Jaum,                                      Kampi
                                 Luengas,                                  Kampi
                                 Nadala, Lulu                             Kampi
                                 Torrefranca,                             Kampi
                                 Unajan,                                   Kampi