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DUMAGUETE CITY – Additional floating assets will arrive for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Dumaguete City, the provincial capital of Negros Oriental, by next year.

Coast Guard Dumaguete station commander Lt. Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho confirmed Wednesday that more weapons and personnel are also expected.

She said they await the share of aluminum boats or speedboats and even jet skis, including the fast boats similar to those of the Philippine Navy, for the Coast Guard.

According to her, the creation of an additional coast guard district is not a challenge but a room for so many opportunities for them to render service more effectively and efficiently.

The Philippine Coast Guard created the Coast Guard Southern Visayas District in line with its thrust of reaching out and deliver services to the countryside, on top of its traditional services that include safety of life and property, marine environmental protection, maritime security and enforcement of maritime laws.

The first Coast Guard Southern Visayas District commander is Capt. Artemio Manalo Abu, who paid a visit early this week to the Coast Guard station in Dumaguete.

The first order of the day was for coast guard personnel in the entire district to be vigilant due to the big challenges and opportunities ahead of them. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LUCBAN, Quezon - A total of 85 former drug dependents completed their 6-month reformation course at the Pagbabago at Pag-asa Reformation Camp (PPRC) and received their Moving Up Certificate on Wednesday at PPRC in Barangay Palola of this town.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Anton Hernandez was elated of Lucban Mayor Celso Olivier Dator for taking the challenge of helping the drug surrenderers to achieve their reformation and make them productive members of the community again.

"I don't call this rehabilitation. Instead I call it "rehabinasyon" because you campers are important for the rehabilitation of the whole nation," said Hernandez.

He recounted his' and Dator's earlier talk when this project was only a dream of the mayor, but now a concrete reality. "Help us in weaving this into a reality for a better Pearl of the Orient," Hernandez added.

He further encouraged the graduates to keep on the right track of "tunay na pagbabago" and continue to subscribe to after-care program with the help of experts from the local government.

Testimonies from the families of the graduates were also encouraging.

Jennifer Abuyan, wife of graduate Ronnie Abuyan, said his partner is now more responsible and calm, unlike before when he would flare up at the slightest provocation.

The PPRC is the first and only reformation camp in Region 4 for drug dependents. Mayor Dator said this is only the first batch.

The local government unit recorded almost 460 drug surrenderers and the next batch is already upcoming. (Belinda M. Otordoz/PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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MANILA-- Senator Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao promised to push for additional budget allocation for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in 2019.

He committed this after a brief inspection at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila Tuesday.

Pacquiao, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports told sportswriters at the RMSC during the launch of the nationwide grassroots program billed as the "PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup."

Also present were PSC Chair William "Butch" Ramirez and his three Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram and Charles Maxey.

The PSC has a current budget of P235 million in 2017 and will have P244 million in 2018.

Pacquiao said that he would move to gather support for additional budget to bolster funds of the PSC for rehabilitation and construction of facilities.

"I went around the complex, there really are a lot of things to be done. Madami na talagang dapat ayusin (There are many things that need repair)," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao, who is an eight-division professional world boxing champion, visited the PSC Sports Museum where he donated two signed posters and other memorabilia.

"The PSC's sports museum is nice but it should be in a more prominent place," he said.

The PSC will start the total rehabilitation of the RMSC next year.

Pacquiao said that he would still continue the program with PSC even if Ramirez ends his six-year term as PSC Chairman. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday urged the public to always observe proper food handling to avoid poisoning, even as they noted a decline in the number of cases since last year.

Dr. Elvie Villalobos, DOH infectious disease cluster head, said Western Visayas recorded 790 victims with four deaths out of 44 food poisoning incidents in 2016.

This year, 297 patients with one death have been recorded out of 25 food poisoning cases. This year's victims came from Negros Occidental with 80; Iloilo, 117; Iloilo City, 37; Aklan, 38 and Antique with 25 cases.

"We continue to advocate food safety. Probably the public is already aware, thus the decrease in cases," he said.

Amid the decline in cases, Villalobos said the public is still reminded to observe five ways of serving food.

These are keeping food clean by observing proper hand washing and keeping food containers always closed; cooking food thoroughly or up to 70 degrees Centigrade; keeping food at safe temperatures; separating cooked from uncooked foods; and ensuring a safe source of water.

"Food poisoning is caused by microorganism, common is bacteria that come from waste materials," he said.

In the meantime, the City Health Office (CHO) is advising the public not to buy if they doubt the food preparations.

CHO sanitation inspector Rolando Catahay said it is necessary to look for a health certificate, which is the minimum requirement for food handlers.

As of December 12, the CHO has issued 69,000 food handlers' certificates, he said.
Sanitary Inspector Jennifer Avenir added that starting next year, they will require all food handlers to undergo training.

The training covers topics on food establishment and water refilling station, vermin control, personal hygiene, food and water-borne diseases and garbage management. (PNA)
DECEMBER 2017


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LOS BAŇOS, Laguna – A Halal Verification Laboratory (HVL) is now open under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in CALABARZON region.

Servicing the provinces of  Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, the CALABARZON Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) was inaugurated and turned over Monday at the DOST regional science complex in Barangay Timugan here.

DOST-CALABARZON  Director Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal led national and regional officials for the inauguration and tour of the new facility that uses the most advance technology in detection of haram (forbidden by Islamic law) and mushbooh (doubtful or suspect foods in Islam) food products.

The inaugural and turnover ceremonies highlighted the DOST-CALABARZON 54th Anniversary Celebration themed "Improving Lives and Sustaining Inclusive Regional Growth through Innovative Programs and Services."

The Halal verification lab was established through the financial support of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) in a bid to strengthen and promote the Halal industry in the country through Republic Act (RA) 10817 or the "Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act".

"Establishing the HVL was quite a challenge as these were new testing capabilities that we are unfamiliar with. To do that, the DOST had embarked on international collaboration and benchmarking with ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Singapore," Madrigal disclosed.

Madrigal said that after the benchmarking, the DOST undertook major revamps on the line-up of equipment and back into the drawing board of the project implementation extending the timeline to two years to make sure they are doing it properly from the start.

"The growing demand for Halal certified products worldwide, estimated to rise by USD10 trillion in 2030, is an opportunity for us to showcase our local products in the international trade, more importantly that Halal development programs aim to address Islamic beliefs concerning food and non-food products of the Muslim community," Madrigal added.

He assured that the DOST-CALABARZON is committed to spearhead not just in the conduct of quality analytical testing, but also in the noble cause of promoting awareness of Islamic culture.

He added that the HVL is more than just complying with Islamic requirements, but more so to enhance camaraderie with the Muslim community to show and nourish respect towards Muslim beliefs.

The regional director said that since DOST has already established competence on testing and calibration, it has further strengthened capability offerings of OneLab by crafting policies and programs like the Integrated Halal Science and Technology (S&T) as a program platform that comprehensively provides an avenue for customers to meet their testing needs at a single touch point.

He expressed optimism that the HVL will benefit and harmonize the needs among food manufacturers, Muslim consumers and business stakeholders such as the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Madrigal and DOST officials also toured the lab facilities through DOST's Science Research Specialist I Jasmin Hamid who briefed Muslim officials Engr. Tana Macalandong of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF); Imam Haj Mohammad Atali, president of the Los Baños Muslim Community;

Sheikh Abdulrafih H. Sayedy, Grand Imam of the Maharlika Village Blue Mosque and Cultural Center and the Islamic Da'wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP); and Norhamina E. Masulot, representative of the Mindanao Halal Board.

Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes F. Hernandez, Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) CALABARZON Regional Director Luis Banua also graced the occasion.

During the tour, the officials viewed the DOST HVL technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR); liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS); gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), ELISA and AAS.

Madrigal also assured that the equipment would ensure compliance with global standards while imparting technical knowledge in the conduct of laboratory analyses.

PCIEERD through its Executive Director Dr. Carlos Primo C. David also turned over the symbolic key of the HVL to signal the start of the lab operations and received the plaque of appreciation from the DOST Calabarzon for the Halal project's acquisition of "the most advance technology in Halal verification methods". (PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- Outstanding performers in the agriculture and fisheries sectors were recognized by the provincial government at the Capitol auditorium on Tuesday.

Wearing traditional Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana attire, around 25 food producers and agriculture partners received their award as "Gawad Saka outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries" for the years 2016 and 2017 under the provincial level.

The award comes with a plaque of recognition, certificate and cash incentive.

Every year, the search for Gawad Saka is being conducted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the local government units and private sector here to give due recognition to farmers, fisherfolk and people's groups whose exemplary contributions to the agricultural development of the province serve as an inspiration to others.

The search is composed of three main categories: individual, commodity and organization. The sub-categories under the organization category are: small farmer/fisherfolk organization, young farmers' organization, Rural Improvement Club, Barangay Food Terminal, Municipal and Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council.

The individual categories include the young farmer/fisherfolk, agricultural entrepreneur, agricultural scientist and researcher. There were also awardees under the commodity category such as on rice, corn, high value crops, organic agriculture, animal raiser and fisherfolk on fish culture and capture.

For the last five years, Regional Executive Director Lucrecio Alviar Jr. of the DA Region 1 has hailed Ilocos Norte for having the most number of awardees representing Region 1.

"Every year, about 45 percent of our Gawad Saka awardees in Region 1 came from the province. We hope to sustain it all through the years," Alviar said as he thanked all the farmers and fishers for their innovativeness, community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit.

He likewise encouraged farmers and fishers to strive further to produce more awardees in all of the categories to serve as an inspiration and model for others.

For her part, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos has lauded the outstanding achievers in various categories for their hard work and ingenuity in agriculture development amid the challenges of extreme weather.

"Let's unite and help each other to increase our productivity and promote inclusive growth," she said.

On the other hand, Domingo La Torre, a fisherman from Davila village, Pasuquin town, said: "We are thankful for all the endless support of our government. As fishermen, we always risk our lives when we go out to the sea. But we are grateful for the use of technology like the GPS and cellphone. These serve as our guide when we go fishing." (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The provincial government here on Wednesday distributed PHP44.1 million worth of checks for the implementation of various projects in selected municipalities, villages and schools.

A total of PHP38.083 million was allotted for various projects in 96 public elementary and secondary schools, sourced from the funds of the Provincial School Board (PSB) chaired by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr.

Bulk of the budget was for the repair of school buildings amounting to PHP15.9 million. Other projects include construction of facilities like stage, comfort rooms, gymnasium/covered court, perimeter fence, water and drainage systems, slope protection, among others, with a budget of PHP8.7 million and procurement of instructional materials, books, chairs and other school equipment with PHP400, 000 appropriations.

Recipient schools were given budgets depending on the project proposals they submitted to the governor as chairman of the PSB.

Defensor, together with Vice Governor Christine Garin and some mayors, turned over the checks to recipient schools at the ground floor of the provincial capitol.

Aside from schools, the Department of Education Division of Iloilo also received PHP10.6-million financial assistance for Sports Development, particularly in the conduct of the Congressional and Integrated Meets, and cash incentives for medalists in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet and Palarong Pambansa.

Meanwhile, PHP6,028,000 of the budget will be spent for the various projects in eight municipalities and 16 barangays in province, sourced from the General Fund.

The projects include the rehabilitation and completion of multi-purpose halls, construction of drainage canal, construction of covered gym, renovation of barangay halls, extension of day care center, rehabilitation of streetlights and footwalks, purchase of equipment for teen centers, among others.

Bulk of the budget or PHP2.7 million was allotted for projects in different villages of the third district of the province.

Defensor stressed that the financial assistance would really be a big help for them to further improve their services in their communities especially in providing quality education to the children through the improvement of their school facilities.

He assured that the provincial government will not stop extending assistance for the projects in the towns, barangays and schools in the province. (PNA)

PNA photo by Cindy Ferrer

DECEMBER 2017

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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, has issued Proclamation No. 375 declaring December 18 as a special non-working holiday in the city.

It marks the 18th Charter Day Anniversary of the city following its conversion from municipality to a component city of Cagayan North on Dec. 18, 1999.

With the holiday proclamation, the people of the city are given full opportunities to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

The day-long festivities will start with the celebration of the Holy Mass. Other activities are a lantern parade around the city and clean and green contest among the 49 barangays, among others.

Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano said, "We have reasons to celebrate the occasion as we have not only succeeded in boosting our local economy with the outpouring of investments and the generation of more employment opportunities but also transformed the city as the center of education social services and culture and the arts".

The traditional "Paskuhan" or Christmas celebration in the city was launched yesterday (December 12) featuring a trade fair that showcases locally made products including gifts, toys and house wares, processed and fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other crafts, cultural shows and lighting of trees at the City Hall ground. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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DAGUPAN CITY -- An official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 1 has reminded the public to heed the executive order issued by President Rodrigo Duterte against exploding firecrackers in welcoming Christmas and New Year.

Senior Superintendent Mariano Rodriguez, chief of the Regional Civil Security Unit of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), said on Tuesday that Executive Order No. 28 does not stop people from celebrating Christmas and New Year but rather warns them against using powerful firecrackers that are prohibited.

He told newsmen in an interview that the executive order requires the public to acquire a permit from the municipality and barangay as well as the local police before lighting up firecrackers or having a fireworks display.

Without a permit, they will be apprehended by the police or barangay officials. On the other hand, the barangays are mandated by the executive order to establish firecracker zones.

On the other hand, the barangays are mandated by the executive order to establish firecracker zones.

These firecracker zones must have emergency medical staff, firefighting equipment, and located far from hazardous materials, houses and schools, and wires and cables of communication facilities, he added.

The PNP will again monitor and ensure public safety this Christmas and New Year, along with the Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units.

Rodriguez said that firecrackers allowed are those which gun powder does not exceed 0.2 grams like baby rocket, small "triangulo", "El Diablo", "Judas belt" and sky rocket. The pyrotechnic devices allowed are "Mabuhay", Roman Candle, "Trompillo", whistle device, butterfly, fountain, jumbo regular and sparklers.

He said policemen would go around to inspect the shelves of vendors selling firecrackers and confiscate those that are banned.

At the same time, Rodriguez enjoined policemen not to submerge the confiscated firecrackers in water as they become more powerful when exploded once they get dry but rather bury them in compost pit out of reach of children. (Ahicam D. Pasion/PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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PANGLAO, Bohol -- The National Museum has asked Congress for additional budget for the completion and preservation of several projects and national treasures in this island town.

National Museum director Jeremy Barnes said Wednesday they asked for a budget of PHP40 million to fund restoration work on several identified national cultural treasures in Panglao town.

Barnes was present at the turnover and unveiling ceremonies of the marker at the Panglao town watchtower and the Saint Augustine Parish Church.

The watchtower and the church were declared as national cultural treasures by the National Museum. 

Both were partly damaged by the 2013 earthquake that shook Bohol. The National Museum funded the restoration efforts not just of the two edifices in Panglao, but also of several other national cultural treasures in the province.

Panglao is a fast rising tourism town located about 22.3 kilometers from capital Tagbilaran City.

On Monday, the National Museum also turned over to the municipal government of Maribojoc the Punta Cruz Watch Tower, another national cultural treasure. Maribojoc is a town located 13.3 kilometers from Tagbilaran. 

Barnes said the restoration work on some heritage sites should be completed next year in time for the opening of the new airport and ready to receive the in the influx of tourists.

Meanwhile, Barnes said the new National Museum branch in Tagbilaran will be opened in July next year during the Bohol Day celebration.

The old Capitol building has been transformed into a National Museum branch, which will feature cultural, historical and geological displays about Bohol. (Dave Albarado/PNA) 

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is encouraging the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Western Visayas to avail of the enterprise development and loan program of the department to help them in putting up their business.

OWWA partnered with the Landbank of the Philippines for the program, which is a "package of enterprise development interventions and loan facility, (which) aims to help OFWs and their families in the establishment of viable business enterprises that will provide them with steady income stream and create employment opportunities in their community."

OWWA Director Albert Valenciano presented the said program among the more or less 175 OFWs and their families who took part in the three-day agri-business investment forum in this city which ended Wednesday.

Valenciano, in an interview, said that the program would help ease the capital needed by the OFWs for their business.

"There are those OFWs who really wanted to engage in business, however, sometimes they are short of the capital requirement so, they can loan to fulfill their needed capital," he said.

According to Valenciano, the loan they could provide could reach to a maximum of PHP2 million.

Enterprise development, meanwhile, provides orientation and business appreciation to OFWs and their families willing to do business.

Valenciano said the training conducted for the participants would provide them knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship. There are also seminars conducted to help them create their business plan and prepare their requirements needed for their loans.

Valenciano also encouraged the OFWs to venture into coffee and cacao production due to the high demand for these commodities. (PNA)

PNA photo by Cindy Ferrer 

DECEMBER 2017

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CARRANGLAN, Nueva Ecija -- Soldiers from the Scout Platoon of the Philippine Army's 84th Battalion clashed with 10 suspected New People's Army (NPA) members in Barangay Bunga in Carranglan on Wednesday.

Sketchy reports from the public information office of the 7th Infantry Division said the encounter took place when the government troops responded to a call from the people about the presence of armed men in the area.

No casualty was reported from both sides of the military and the suspected communist rebels.

The Army recovered at least two assault rifles after the encounter.

In October, nine rebels were killed in an encounter in Barangay Burgos, also of this municipality. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LOS BAŇOS, Laguna -- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) cautions holiday-makers and goers to observe eating healthy food this Christmas.

Happy holiday eating during the Yuletide season does not necessarily mean "splurging" to your stomach's content, said Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director of the FNRI-DOST.

Capanzana spearheaded the agency's food preps and holiday eating tips citing "partying during the holiday season is so common that it is difficult to avoid."

Homecomings, reunions, social gatherings and special occasions and events during the Christmas holidays are always complemented by special dishes and an array of food stuffs and delicacies ready for the take by the party goers and revelers.

However, the FNRI-DOST cautioned that "frequent partying, like a couple of days or nights in a week, can lead you to becoming overweight or obese," which health buffs and wellness gurus have turned to the so-called "balik-alindog" (back to shape) regimen after the holidays.

Thus, FNRI reminds happy holiday eating and food consumers to know what to include in the variety of foods in your plate.

Here are some FNRI-DOST simple tips you can follow to maintain your weight during the holidays:
-- Plan ahead! Eat meals with lower fat and calories during the day to save up for "splurges" at social events.
-- Balance party eating with other meals like salads and fruits.
-- Be selective. Choose special foods. Keep and eat small portions.
-- Focus on socializing. Greet people you know – conversation is calorie-free.
-- Too frequent overeating and drinking alcohol may lead to becoming overweight or obese.
-- Do not drink alcohol with an empty stomach because it may lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar level, since it may inhibit the release of glucose from glycogen in the liver.
-- After a holiday meal, take a walk. Walking burns calories and helps deal with holiday stress.

The food and nutrition science agency also advised the public to contact their office for more information on food and nutrition through DOST-FNRI Director Dr. Mario V. Capanzana; or drop by at the FNRI-DOST at General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City or through telephone/fax nos: ‎(02) 837-2934 or ‎837-3164; direct line: ‎839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: ‎837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY – The city government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), will begin distributing on Thursday its yearly Handog Pamasko cash gifts to 25,000 less privileged residents of its 30 barangays.

The Handog Pamasko this year had been increased from PHP300 to PHP400 per beneficiary, said CSWDO head Carola Alquero on Wednesday.

The distribution of gifts will commence Thursday in eight barangays, namely, Balugo, Bajumpandan, Poblacion Barangays 5, 6, and 7, Piapi, Calindagan, and Bantayan.

On December 15, the Handog Pamasko will be given in Barangays Poblacion 8, Cadawinonan, Tabuctubig, Batinguel, Cantil-e, Motong, Candauay and Looc.

Other schedules are: Dec. 16, Banilad; Dec. 17, Daro; Dec. 18, Junob, Poblacion 1, 2, and 4, Mangnao, Buñao, and Bagacay; Dec. 19, Camanjac, Pulantubig, Taclobo, Poblacion 3, and Talay, said Alquero.

Distribution of cash gifts would be led by social workers assigned in the said villages, she added.

In previous years, the city government distributed gift packs to its indigents and less privileged but it decided to shift to cash because of the tedious work of repacking rice and other foodstuffs every Christmas time.

For the unclaimed or undistributed cash gifts, Alquero said recipients might claim them either at the CSWDO or at their respective barangays until next week.

The city had coordinated with the local police to provide security to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution of cash gifts during the Handog Pamasko, Alquero said. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan added another feather in its cap when it was declared as national finalist in the 2016 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez received a plaque of recognition from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) during the Gawad Parangal held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.

Handing her the plaque was Department of Social Welfare and Development officer in charge Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco; CWC Executive Director Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Eduardo Año; and Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Maria Francia Laxamana.

President Rodrigo Duterte graced the conferment ceremony and delivered the keynote address.

Fernandez thanked the people of Dagupan for their continuing support for her administration that enabled Dagupan to become a finalist for the third time since 2014 in the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.

As finalist anew for this year, Dagupan City received PHP50,000 from the CWC.

Fernandez, after receiving the plaque of recognition, said, "It is with great measure of happiness, honor and satisfaction that I receive this conferment in behalf of the children of Dagupan."

She added that the children of Dagupan are her "true source of indescribable joy", adding that compassion and care drive her to work harder for children.

"We are self-motivated to pursue plans, programs, policies and projects for children because we believe that a city that takes care of its children takes care of the future," said Fernandez.

Dagupan was earlier declared Most Child-Friendly City in the Ilocos region for the third consecutive time. (PNA)
DECEMBER 2017



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The provincial government has cited the 5,679 Bantay Bayan members in Pampanga for their help and support in curbing illegal drugs and reducing the crime rate.

"With your help, Pampanga is now one of the peaceful provinces in Central Luzon," Governor Lilia Pineda told the Bantay Bayan members from the province's 2nd District (2,796) and 3rd District (2,883) during the year-end assessment on managing man-made disasters held here Tuesday.

During the event, Pineda recognized at least 66 senior members of the Bantay Bayan aged 70 years old and above for rendering voluntary services to the respective communities despite their age.

The senior Bantay Bayan members received PHP2,000 each or a total of PHP132,000 from the provincial government.

Pineda also revealed that a separate recognition would be organized for Bantay Bayan members of the province who had been in service for years.

She also reminded them of other benefits such as free hospitalization through PhilHealth partnership and free tuition in state universities and colleges for their children.

The Bantay Bayan members also individually received two whole chickens, one pack of hotdogs and PHP500 each. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental on Wednesday turned over to Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. the approved PHP3.546-billion annual budget of the province for 2018.

The governor received the appropriation ordinance after the presentation of Executive-Legislative Agenda during the Provincial Board's regular session.

The approved budget for 2018 is 12 percent higher compared to this year's budget of PHP3.154 billion.

The SP passed the budget on December 6, meeting the target to approve next year's budget on the first week of December.

Second District Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr., chairman of committee on appropriations, budget, finance, ways and means, said that since there were no more queries from the body, he moved for the third and final reading of the appropriation ordinance for the 2018 annual budget.

The 2018 appropriation includes PHP3.182 billion for the General Fund, PHP1.456 billion for the Hospital Operations Department (HOD), and PHP66.286 million for Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).

Under the General Fund are Personal Services (PS) of PHP779 million and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of P281 million as well as special appropriations at PHP963 million, and PHP1.1 billion inter-fund transfer to HOD and EEDD.

The HOD budget includes PS at PHP1.255 billion, MOOE at PHP196 million, and other appropriations at PHP5 million while the EEDD has PHP38 million for PS, PHP27 million for MOOE, and PHP1.2 million for other appropriations.

The funds will be sourced from the provincial government's projected Internal Revenue Allotment share of PHP3 billion, and local income of PHP152 million from the General Fund.

About PHP308 million will come from the HOD and PHP55 million from the EEDD. (PNA)  DECEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- An official of the Department of Health Region 6 (DOH-6) appealed to residents of Western Visayas not to lose trust in the government's immunization program in the wake of the Dengvaxia controversy.

Dr. Reynilyn Reyes, point person for national immunization program of DOH-6, said as of Wednesday they acknowledged that the dengue vaccine brought fear to Filipinos, particularly parents of schoolchildren.

She urged parents not to raise fear among themselves, and still submit their children to the national immunization program in health centers or in schools.

"We still have other vaccines proven to be effective and safe," Reyes said, citing immunizations for polio, measles, tetanus, diphtheria and tuberculosis.

The health official reiterated that Dengvaxia had not been used in public schoolchildren in Western Visayas.

"Let us not generalize the Dengvaxia issue, not all vaccines are similar to anti-dengue," Reyes said.

She added that the DOH-6 is intensifying its awareness campaign to inform the public that not all shots given through the National Immunization Program pose health risks.

The DOH launched the anti-dengue vaccination initiative in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and National Capital Region last year.

Earlier this month, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ordered to stop the dengue vaccination program until experts are able to review new developments on Dengvaxia.

On November 29, DOH received an information from Dengvaxia manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, that a child who has not had dengue before receiving the vaccine could suffer from severe dengue after a 30-month period.

Last week, the DOH-6 said it would help monitor children immunized with Dengvaxia.

Those who availed of the vaccine from private clinics had been advised to seek recommendations from the pediatricians who administered the vaccination, Reyes said. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017


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ILOILO CITY -- Water supply in the three districts of this city is expected to improve as the pipe laying project of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) is set to be activated this coming December 22.

The more or less PHP40-million project covers the laying of pipes in Arevalo, Mandurriao and Molo districts. This forms part of the short-term program of the water utility to address water problem in these areas.

"It will improve the existing (water supply), but not on a 24-hour basis because we have problems on the distribution system," said MIWD general manager Imelda Magsuci in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

Of the 18 barangays in Mandurriao district, only three barangays were unserved by the MIWD. The provision of water is not on a 24-hour basis but it is being rationed, Magsuci said.

"The commissioning of the pipeline, hopefully will allow a 24-hour distribution but the pressure is not the required 10-cubic meter per second. That we will know when the pipeline is already activated," she said.

Meantime, around 6 percent of the households in Arevalo district are covered by the water utility.

MIWD has 24, 283 service connections in the seven districts of Iloilo City as of November this year.

Its franchise area also covers municipalities of San Miguel, Oton, Maasin, Cabatuan, Santa Barbara, Leganes and Pavia. (PNA)

PNA photo by Perla Lena 

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY-- One of the country's largest power producers is looking forward to opening its training center in Barangay Ingore, Lapaz district in this city in March or in April 2018.

Jaime Azurin, president of Global Business Power Corporation (GBP), said that they are now in the final stages of their preparations for their Global Institute for Energy.

The institute is a showcase of their commitment to increase the technical competencies of engineers in operating power plants, he said.

"Increasing the technical skills of the operators will definitely redound to more efficient operations," he said in a media interview Tuesday afternoon.

The training center will house a first-ever simulator, which alone costs around USD2 to 3 million. Amid it being a coal plant, solar panels will be installed at its rooftop to supply the center's electricity requirement.

Once it starts operation, the training center, as soon as it meets the "highest level of standards" may accommodate fresh graduates and other engineers interested to learn about operating power plants.

"Our commitment is to develop new engineers, young engineers, new graduates so that they will be really skilled in operating power plants, which is honestly around the world is very in demand," he cited.

He recalled that most of the 50 to 100 new engineers they hired annually for their coal-fired power plant that utilizes the circulating fluidized bed technology "have been pirated abroad."

"We don't prevent them from leaving," he said.

He emphasized that they will not only continue to help them become efficient in operating power plants but will also help "our engineers to be hired abroad."

GBP subsidiary Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) owns and operates a coal-fired power plant in Lapaz district.

In addition to coal, GBP will be embarking on renewable energy, particularly solar.

"Solar right now has gone down to very competitive rates. We think that it's the best time to enter solar and we plan to develop maybe around 100 megawatts of solar scattered all the way from Luzon and Visayas," Azurin said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LEGAZPI CITY ---- The Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has suspended classes in preschool and elementary across the province for Thursday, December 14, as disaster authorities brace for heavy rains spawned by Tropical Depression (TD) Urduja. 

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said the suspension of classes is a standard public safety and disaster avoidance measure to achieve a zero-casualty goal during disaster events. 

"As Tropical Depression Urduja continues to move towards the Bicol region affecting the province of Albay with moderate to heavy rains, classes in pre-school and elementary levels are suspended," Bichara said. 

Local disaster councils in the 15 towns and three cities were likewise advised to be on high alert and to prepare residents in low lying and landslide-prone areas for possible evacuation. 

Residents were warned not to cross swelling rivers, and artificial pools of water while those living near mountain slopes were advised to take precautionary measures for possible landslides. 

Meanwhile, in the province of Sorsogon, Gov. Robert Lee Rodrigueza ordered the suspension of classes from December 14 to 15 (Thursday and Friday). 

TD Urduja is expected to make landfall on Saturday over the island province of Visayas and Luzon particularly Samar/Leyte provinces and the Bicol region as per Philippine Atmosphere Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) advisory.

"To prevent loss of life and injury to school children, everyone is directed to exercise precautions to avert any effect of the impending hazard," Rodrigueza said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Mayor Liwayway Caramat of Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya is calling on fellow local chief executives in Cagayan Valley region to fully implement nutrition programs and projects.

"Unfortunately, nutrition program is not a priority among male local chief executives," she said in her response as a "Regional Green Banner" awardee during the regional nutrition awarding ceremony on Monday in this city.

She said male local chief executives are more into impact projects like structures with nutrition only on the sidelines. "Those structures are useless if the children are not healthy. Nutrition has more effect on them," she added.

Dr. AzucenaDayanghirang, deputy executive director of National Nutrition Council (NNC), said the challenge on nutrition programs and projects in the country is its sustainability. She lauded the efforts of region's nutrition stakeholders and express appreciation to the various national awards Cagayan Valley has been bestowed with annually.

Sta. Fe, also called the gateway to Cagayan Valley is host to the Asin Checkpoint where iodized salt has likewise became a source of livelihood among its womenfolk. The presence of the checkpoint has guaranteed that only iodized salt are sold in the region.

The municipality of Amulung and Uyugan in Cagayan and Batanes came in second and third placer as "Regional Green Banner" awardees, respectively.

Other provincial "Green Banner" awardees were San Mateo, Isabela and Diffun, Quirino. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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LEGAZPI CITY ---- The country's oldest tertiary educational institution, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, has renamed its sister school in Bicol, the Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL), as UST-Legazpi.

The 70-year-old AUL, formerly Legazpi College and now UST-Legazpi, is the Bicol region's pinnacle in the fields of law, medical courses, architecture, engineering, accountancy, teacher education, and other arts and sciences courses.

It is the biggest Catholic university in Bicol, with a picturesque ambience located at the regional center site where the AUL and UST share a patron saint in St. Thomas Aquinas.

Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo, rector and president of UST-Legazpi, in an interview Monday said that AUL, now the first UST outside Manila, has contributed so much to development in the Bicol region, having produced numerous doctors, nurses and other graduates of related health sciences.

"The integration of AUL to UST-Manila will upgrade quality education. The best practices of two institutions will be duplicated to upgrade quality of education. UST-Manila is one of the biggest schools in the country," he said.

The Dominican university here also produced top caliber lawyers in the country, engineers, architects, teachers and other professionals who became successful in various fields of disciplines including businessmen and politicians such as Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, Rep. Fernando Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay), Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi, and Rep. Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol partylist.

Arceo also said that with the merger, they will import professors from UST-Manila, although this has also been done in the past.

Meanwhile, the Aquinas University Hospital will also be renamed as UST-Legazpi Hospital in collaboration with UST-Manila.

"The UST Hospital resident physicians, experts including interns, will also be coming in to UST-Legazpi Hospital and vice versa," the rector said.

For his part, Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, rector magnifico of UST-Manila, said that UST-Legazpi is different from UST-Manila, with separate sets of officials.

"UST-Legazpi is enjoying its academic freedom and is different from UST-Manila. This is good start for the benchmark is UST-Manila specifically in terms of the professors," he said.

Dagohoy, however, said that the close collaboration between the two universities has been done even before the integration.

UST-Manila supervises some of UST-Legazpi's master's programs, including Pharmacy and Law. "The collaboration will continue and will include other disciplines. It will depend on UST-Legazpi to determine what programs to follow," he said.

This collaboration will eventually lead to more programs being supervised by UST-Manila to realign program standards to those applied in Manila.

AUL was one of the Dominican schools which signed a memorandum of intent (MOI) in December 2014 to 'integrate' with UST-Manila. The others are Angelicum College Quezon City and Angelicum School Iloilo, with all the institutions serving as satellite campuses and bearing the name of the four-century-old Royal and Pontifical University, UST.

The university has been working towards integration as one campus system with the other Dominican schools that signed the MOI. There are two more planned UST campuses in Laguna and General Santos City.

UST-Legazpi envisions that by 2025, it will be the premier institution of higher learning in the Bicol region nurturing with truth, love, and gratitude the mind, heart, and spirit of each member to be committed to Christian social transformation. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed an ordinance on Monday naming the headquarters of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) as Camp Antonio Sison.

Second District Board Member Nestor Reyes, majority floor leader, said Antonio Sison was a former governor of Pangasinan who donated the land during his incumbency to the then Philippine Constabulary, forerunner of today's Philippine National Police (PNP).

Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario said there was another Sison who served as governor of Pangasinan --- Perfecto Sison.

But during a brief recess, he was advised by his colleagues that it was the late Governor Antonio Sison who donated the present lot occupied by the PNP headquarters to the then PC.

The PNP Provincial Office through Provincial Director and Senior Superintendent Ronald Lee recommended to the SP that the PNP provincial headquarters be named after Camp Palaris in honor of Juan de la Cruz Palaris, nom de guerre of Pantaleon de la Cruz of Binalatongan who led a revolt against Spain sometime in 1700s.  

But the recommendation was turned down during a public hearing conducted by the legislative body in favor of the late Pangasinan Governor Antonio Sison.

Senior Supt. Lee noted that all the PNP camps in Region 1 were already previously named after provincial heroes of different provinces, except the PNP headquarters in Pangasinan. (PNA)




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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has passed an ordinance making an Indian philanthropist an adoptive son of the province for his various philanthropic works that benefited a lot of Pangasinenses.

Dr. Ashok Vasandani, president of the Rotary Club of Dagupan, received a copy of the resolution during the regular session of the SP on Monday.

Vasandani, a businessman and civic leader, appeared before the SP along with members of his family and other members of the Indian community in Dagupan.

He said he will continue his humanitarian works, especially for the indigent families in the city.

Through the Rotary Club of Downtown Dagupan, Vasandani has been going around Pangasinan distributing wheelchairs to persons with disabilities, indigents who are sick and senior citizens.

He said he does not know the persons with disabilities in Pangasinan and allowed members of the SP to distribute these to their respective constituents who need these most.

Thus, he allotted five wheelchairs to each of the 14 board members and 10 to Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim.

A long-time citizen of Dagupan, Vasandani was the only member of the Indian community who is a recipient of a doctorate degree honoris causa from the Lyceum Northwestern University for his philantropic works.

His son Rocky is the incumbent president of the Dagupan Bangus Jaycees. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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KAWIT, Cavite – The Museoni Emilio Aguinaldo (MEA) being managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) re-stages its educational tour program that explores Aguinaldo's "secret passage" to serve as an alternative Christmas event for families and friends.

Offered every Saturday at 10 a.m., MEA's "Lakbay Aral" program treats a selected number guests to the secret passages on the four walls of the historic site, which perpetuates to this day the ideals of the 1896 Revolution and the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence, said MEA curator Paulette M. Bedruz.

Historical accounts reveal that these secret passages were used as Aguinaldo's escape room, or as alternative passages to the mansion's hidden areas.

Bedruz added that as part of the guided tour offering, the lucky guests will also have the privilege to savor the scenic view of Manila Bay from the vantage point at the Aguinaldo Shrine's watch tower.

To preserve the place, participants are limited only "but they will certainly have a glimpse and experience General Aguinaldo's house and how it was used during his time," Bedruz said.

Dubbed as the "House of History", Kawit's Aguinaldo Mansion is the locus of a focal point in the unfolding of Philippine history.

It was originally constructed in 1845 using nipa, thatched materials, and wood and it served as the Aguinaldos' family residence from where Gen. Aguinaldo had the vision of a free and proud nation.

A year before Aguinaldo's death, the house was donated to the Filipino people in 1963 and was placed under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines in 1964.

Later, it was declared a national shrine and is now under the care and maintenance of the NHCP.

Interested museum guests may register at the shrine gate or through MEA's official Facebook page. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- There would be no price hike for "Noche Buena" items and other commodities this Christmas and New Year in Cagayan Valley, said the Department of Trade and Industry-Region 2 on Monday.

DTI-02 information officer Manilyn Ponce said there are no indications and reasons for price hikes this season because oil prices in the world market continue to go down.

There were no movement on prices of canned goods, processed foods and other grocery items based on their recent monitoring, Ponce said.

"Prices of 'Noche Buena' items such spaghetti pasta, ham, macaroni, sauce, fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream, milk and others did not increase, however we continue with our monitoring activity of business establishments," Ponce added.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture-Region 2 information officer Hector Tabbon also said there are no reasons for any price increase on agricultural products this season and until the first quarter of next year because of oil price rollbacks.

"Only prices of local products such as lowlands vegetables which were affected by the recent flood and typhoon have increased," Tabbon said.

He urged the consumers to remain vigilant on price manipulation and learn to choose quality and safe products at lesser prices. (PNA) DECEMBER  2017



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MAASIN CITY -- The PHP101.71-million project designed to prevent landslide and rock fall along Southern Leyte's major road is set to be completed January next year, according to a report released by the Department of Public Works and Highways on Monday.

The project in Kahupian village in Sogod town, which started March 2017, is now 82 percent complete.

"This road section has been identified as one of the areas that are very prone to landslides. There are many times that this section has been closed to traffic as landslide debris block the highways," District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said in a mobile phone interview.

The project is the first in the province to use high tensile wire netting for slope stabilization developed in Switzerland, Junia said.

The method of slope stabilization uses rock or soil anchors to pin the netting to the slope and the addition of an erosion control mat designed to prevent landslides.

Using this method, the shape of the slope is retained and it is even possible to regrow the slope vegetation, hence, contributing to slope stability. Additionally, its porous quality prevents water pressure build-up.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) ranked Southern Leyte province as the seventh most vulnerable to heavy landslides in the Philippines.

Based on MGB's geo-hazard mapping and assessment, the province recorded a 78 percent landslide probability. (PNA)

Photo courtesy of DPWH 

DECEMBER 2017

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KIDAPAWAN CITY -- For saving the life of a child, two soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded in a freak vehicular crash in Antipas, North Cotabato Monday morning.

1Lt. Silver Belvis, speaking for the 39th Infantry Battalion, said the KM-450 military truck loaded with soldiers was traversing part of Antipas-Arakan highway at around 9 a.m. when a child crossed the street, prompting the driver to avoid hitting the kid.

Unfortunately, the truck fell off a cliff in Crossing Bulwang Spring, Sitio Lukeke, Barangay Malatab, Antipas, North Cotabato. The Army truck overturned and fell about 10 feet at the left side of the highway.

Belvis declined to name the soldiers, both from 39th IB, until their next of kin are officially informed.

An Army official said the KM-450 vehicle was speeding along the Antipas section of the highway because the area is a known New People's Army infiltrated area. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 will adopt several schools in Marawi City in line with the scheduled three-day special Brigada Eskwela this week in the area.

Evelyn Fetalvero, DepEd-Region 12 assistant regional director, said Tuesday their preparations are ongoing for the Brigada Eskwela in conflict-affected schools in Marawi that is slated from Dec. 13 to 15.

She said the region's delegation, which comprises officials and personnel from the regional office and the area's nine school divisions, are scheduled to arrive in Marawi City on Wednesday.

"We will be bringing essential materials that will be used for the repair and improvement of buildings and facilities in our assigned schools," she said in a radio interview.

Fetalvero said they were assigned by their central office to schools outside the "ground zero" in Marawi City or the main battle area during the five-month siege of the city by the Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.

She said these are schools that were not directly affected by the conflict but were abandoned and closed down temporarily during the conflict from May 23 to Oct. 22.

The official said DepEd-12 was paired with several school divisions in Luzon and the Visayas for the improvement of their assigned schools.

For instance, the South Cotabato schools division was assigned to the Abdulazis Elementary School in Biyaba, Marawi City along with the Batangas, Lipa City and Qurino divisions.

She said the paired or partner schools divisions are sending in contributions in the form of materials like paint and other construction supplies, she said.

"We will be partnering also with local stakeholders for the manpower component of the Brigada," she said.

Fetalvero said the materials that they would be bringing to Marawi are all from local donations and not purchased through their funds, specifically the agency's allocation for maintenance and other operating expenses or MOOE.

She said they did not require schools to gather contributions from students or parents but campaigned for donations from local stakeholders.

The names of the donors were logged or documented as they would be properly recognized later on, she said.(PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government has endorsed the expansion of an innovative literacy program for tribal B'laan learners here supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Tuesday they are fully supporting the sustenance of the program in local public schools through its implementer Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI).

Dubbed Flalok Project, the initiative has already assisted around 300 B'laan learners in 11 public schools with enrolled indigenous peoples (IP) or tribal learners.

It was introduced by CLAFI in partnership with the Department of Education and the city government, and sppecial funding from the USAID.

A project briefer said at least 72 "Flalok Big Books" containing authentic Blaan stories gathered from B'laan elders and leaders had been produced in line with the initiative.

The "Big Books" are being used in Flalok classes of the beneficiary-schools and supplemented with guides for teachers and learner materials, it said.

Flalok classes, which were conceptualized following the Mother Tongue-Based MultiLingual Education paradigm of the DepEd, give Blaan learners a strong educational foundation in the first language and at the same time as medium of instruction.

Rivera said Flalok Project is a manifestation of collective effort in creating awareness of the Blaan storytelling as a strong foundation in literacy and building cultural identity and destiny.

"It is my conviction that educating our younger generation is the best way to sustain all our development efforts," he said.

In support of the project, he said the local government has set aside some P300,000.00 for the printing of additional copies of the "Big Books."

These books would be used in Flalok classes in selected local IP and elementary schools in the city.

The school-beneficiaries are the Tanda IP School, Tbag IP School, Klolang Elementary School, Banwala Elementary School, Fataldaw IP School, Daan Banwang Elementary School, Sansapan IP School, Aspang Elementary School, Dangan IP School, Balnabo IP School and Bagong Silang Elementary School.

"Investing in education including alternative ways in education will reap a generation that would take care of our future and become responsible citizens," Rivera added.(PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Beneficiaries of the government's flagship conditional cash transfer program in Region 12 could receive an increase in subsidies next year with the expected passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion bill.

Bai Zorahayda Taha, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region 12 director, said Tuesday their central office is currently working on raising the monthly subsidies of the beneficiaries to cope with the prevailing socio-economic situation.

She said the move would directly benefit the "poorest of the poor" households in the region who are covered by the initiative, which is also known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

The official said acting DSWD Secretary Emmanuel Leyco had disclosed that they are proposing a permanent increase for the monthly or yearly subsidies of the 4Ps beneficiaries.

The proposed subsidy increase was pegged at around P200 to P300 per month, she said.

Taha said a total of 231,150 families are covered under the regular 4Ps within Region 12's four provinces and five cities.

Some 22,192 of these are tribal or indigenous peoples' families that were included in the program's expansion or modified component, she said.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Program beneficiaries in the region have welcomed the subsidy increase proposed by the agency.

Saina Kulan, a parent leader in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato province, said the additional subsidy is a big help in terms of coping with their daily expenses.

"We expect that the prices of commodities will go up with the (approval of the) new tax reform bill so any increase in our monthly subsidy will really help us," she said in a statement.

4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to "poorest of the poor" households to improve their health, nutrition and education.

It provides beneficiaries cash grants of P500 a month for health and nutrition expenses and P300 a month per child for educational expenses, as well as P600 in monthly rice subsidy.

The modified program covers families and children who are in difficult situations and those in "pockets of poverty" not covered by the regular 4Ps.(AC/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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PALO, Leyte -- The Department of Education's (DepEd) regional office here has reminded school officials to refrain from lavish Christmas parties, taking into consideration the economic difficulties some families have experienced in the past years.

DepEd-Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico discouraged teachers from asking contributions from parents to finance Christmas parties and other holiday activities.

"Let us emphasize the essence of Christmas that this celebration is for children, but side by side with the reality that we are in the midst of crisis," Uytico told reporters on Tuesday.

Uytico urged education officials to review Department Order 114 issued on Nov. 20, 2009, mandating the school administrators to hold simple but meaningful celebrations, "keeping in mind the true spirit of the season and the austerity called for by the difficult economic times".

The directive also provided guidelines for school-based Christmas celebrations.

This includes strictly voluntary contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or in kind; simple and inexpensive decorations; gift-giving guided by the spirit of sharing without leading to extravagant spending; and minimizing the disruption of academic activities.

"If parents decide to collect contributions for the party, teachers should not handle the money to avoid misinterpretations," he added.

Uytico said DepEd field offices have complaint desks if parents feel that principals and teachers are not following orders related to school-based Christmas celebrations. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will start chartering passengers from Xiamen, China to Palawan via the Puerto Princesa City International Airport in February 2018, Mayor Lucilo Bayron announced Monday.

Bayron said PAL would bring 187 tourists from Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province in China, on February 10, 14, and 18 next year.

"It falls under their celebration of Chinese New Year. Probably, we'll tie up with the Chinese community here to make their stay worthwhile," the mayor added.

Only last week, the Puerto Princesa mayor said Philippine consulate officials invited travel agency representatives from China to visit for business matching.

"There were three groups: the two visited Boracay and Bohol, while the other one with the largest number of contingent of travel agency representatives came over here," he said.

The mayor added that the visit would hopefully bring more chartered flights from China.

Data from the Department of Tourism show that Chinese nationals placed fourth in the top 20 countries, who visited Puerto Princesa in 2015. American, Taiwanese and Korean came first, second and third, respectively. (Keith Anthony Fabro/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY -- Residents and local officials here denounced extremism and vowed to continue working with security officials to prevent a Marawi City-like siege by misguided citizens.

Dr. Danda Juanday, Cotabato City administrator, said the local government would intensify cooperation and collaboration with the Philippine military and police to thwart attempts, if ever, to destabilize Cotabato City, home to about 360,000 Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples.

"This is not religious conflict," Juanday told participants to the mass rally against religious extremism here Monday. "The reason of misguided Islamic militants in spreading violence was not religion, according to a study. Poverty, inequality and injustices were among the reasons for extremism."

Fr. Gerald Fornan, parish priest of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, said everyone should work for peace to prevent the spread of violence that has been threatening the peaceful city.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, earlier said the Army's 6th Infantry Division is committed to secure the citizens in its area of jurisdiction, including Cotabato City.

The rally, attended by about 3,000 peace-loving citizens of the city and its environs including local and village officials, vowed to help security sectors' quick response on reported presence of lawless elements in the city's 37 villages.

Organized by the Cotabato City Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC), the rally participants gathered at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College and marched toward the Cotabato City plaza. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY -- Local officials here and in nearby Maguindanao province are strongly supporting the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year, citing it has done good things for their respective constituents in this part of the country.

In separate statements, both Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu raised a resounding "yes" when asked about the matter.

"The martial law declaration earlier this year has done so much on the peace and order situation of this city, so I am for its extension," Guiani-Sayadi said.

The mayor's stand was supported by the city's 37-member Liga ng Mga Barangay who signed a manifesto expressing their support to the move.

Police records indicated that crime rate dropped by over 50 percent in the city following the martial law declaration on May 23 this year by President Rodrigo Duterte.

In Maguindanao, provincial officials said peace and order had also improved much following the curtailment of big-time illegal drug operations and the series of successful military campaign against the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

"I agree on the extension of martial law because it is the best option for Maguindanao and Mindanao as a whole right now," Mangudadatu said.

In North Upi, Maguindanao, town officials, through its municipal peace and order council, has passed separate resolutions Monday supporting the continuing war on drugs and martial law extension.

The President declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 this year after the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups took siege of Marawi City.

The battle to retake Marawi by government forces from the hands of the terrorists ended on Oct. 23 following the deaths of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon and Maute ringleader Omar Maute.

Congress, upon the request of the President, has earlier approved the implementation of martial law in Mindanao up to Dec. 31, 2017 due to the Marawi war.

On Dec. 8, the President has asked Congress to extend further the declaration of martial law in Mindanao for the whole year of 2018, on efforts to sustain the momentum on eliminating terror groups and eradicate illegal drugs on the island. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government security forces have neutralized 354 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a continued offensive against the ASG in Western Mindanao since January this year, a top military official announced.

This, as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) to continuously pursue the ASG to deny them of safe haven and to prevent atrocities.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, told the Philippine News Agency that the number of neutralized ASG members this year is "five times higher" compared to 75 in 2016.

Of the 354, Galvez said 127 of them were killed in separate clashes in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

He added that 137 have surrendered while the remaining 90 were arrested.

He said a total of 230 firearms were also recovered, seized and surrendered to the different units.

Meanwhile, he said the number of kidnapping incidents had drastically reduced to 12 this year from 23 in 2016.

Galvez attributed this to the conduct of continuous offensive and joint cross border patrols the navies of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Violent incidents perpetrated by the ASG have also decreased to 77 this year from 123 recorded in 2016 based on Westmincom report
These violent incidents included harassments, bombings, kidnappings, and killings.

Galvez said the campaign against the ASG would continue until all leaders and members are neutralized.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said there are still an estimated of 400 Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province.

Sobejana said they are headed by Radulan Sahiron, the one-armed and the oldest ASG leader, with six sub-leaders. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LOS BAŇOS, Laguna -- Twelve science and technology journalists, including the PNA Calabarzon Bureau, topped this year's Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON 5th Tambuli Media Awardees during Monday's awarding ceremony as part of the day-long celebration of the agency's 54th Anniversary at the regional agency's science complex in Barangay Timugan here.

For print/newspaper, the individual category awardees went to Kervin Roi Katigbak, 1st place; Virgilio and Leonila Villaflor, 2nd and Rommel Madrigal, 3rd places, respectively while print institutional awardees were Tribune Post, 1st; Pahayagang Balikas, 2nd; and Exposé Newspaper, 3rd.

For radio, individual broadcast journalist winners were Daniel Castro, 1st; Yvonne Castillo, 2nd while the institutional category was won by DZJV 1458 Radyo Calabarzon.

For the web-based and online news, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Calabarzon Bureau pioneered as the institutional category awardee while PNA correspondent Zen Trinidad romped off with the first prize under the individual category.

DOST said this year's media entries now include the digital/online category in recognition of the technological age and the fast-changing arena in mainstream and social media especially the legitimate and official online and web-based news outlets.

The journos and media practitioners were also recognized for sharing the news and information on the DOST Calabarzon regional advances in S&T; improving media coverage and awareness of the current and future impact of regional advances in S&T; and in increasing public and netizens' awareness on the regional S & T programs, projects and services.

The DOST award-giving body said that the selection process for the media contenders were kept under wraps and the winners were only announced during the awards rites.

 The selection panel went through several single articles and stories based on the submitted number of entries, quality of stories, substance, and motivational appeal or impact on readers/listeners/viewers, and effectiveness of the style/approach/form of articles/reports released.

Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC)-Batangas Director Felina Malabanan also received the award in behalf of the Sikap Productions from Batangas State University (BSU) which was also declared champion in the 1st Inter-Collegiate Science Documentary Film Making competition in Batangas province.

The winning BSU entry for the Batangas PSTC "2017 Provincial S & T Week Celebration" documentary tilt featured the Taliba Soap produced by the Taliba Women Group in San Luis, Batangas.

 Winners received plaques of recognitions and cash prizes.

DOST-Calabarzon Director Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, and Assistant Director Dr. Lydia Manguiat presented the S & T media awards as incentives and "one way of giving back and acknowledging our partner stakeholders in the media industry for their contributions to our agency's accomplishments."

A brainchild of Madrigal, the biennial "Tambuli Media Awards" are given to deserving regional and local media practitioners in the region comprising print and broadcast journalists, publishers, and radio stations and online and web-based category on S & T news from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces.

Madrigal initiated the awards in 2000 to be conferred every five years when he was then the DOST Supervising Science Research Specialist and now the Regional Director and shortened the media awards every two years for individual and institutional categories.

The "tambuli' for which the award was named symbolizes a sound instrument made from either an animal hide or horn that "resonates noble reverberations used in celebrations especially in spreading the good news." (Robert A. Maico/PNA)
DECEMBER 2017

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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- A total of 155 couples exchanged marriage vows in a ceremony officiated by San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran on Tuesday as part of the Christmas celebrations here.

"Stay committed with each other and may your Christmas be merrier this year," Untaran asked the newlyweds now that they are bound by their marital vows.

Remia Osorio, 56, has been with 60-year-old Adelardo Belda for the past 35 years without the sacrament of the holy matrimony.

In an interview, Osorio said she never thought that this day would come when finally they would exchange "I dos". They had been contented with their set-up since their children are already grown-up, with their eldest at 34 years old.

But government regulations and lack of money encouraged them to finally get married.

"Our youngest though, who is 18 years old now, needs to comply with the Pantawid requirements," she said.

She said that their youngest needs to submit her parents' marriage certificate to comply with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

"My husband cannot work because he is sickly and I only do laundry for our neighbors in order to earn money," Osorio said.

She said that with their economic situation the cash grant they get from 4Ps is a big help, thus, when they heard about the free wedding to be conducted by the mayor this December they hurriedly enlisted to be among the 155 couples.

Another couple, 48-year old Danielito Deocampo and wife Geraldine Ostan, 37, said that they had been a couple for the last eight years with three children.

Danielito said that although they are also complying with the 4Ps requirement but then they are more motivated to be get married after a number of years of being married.

"I am very happy," Danielito said.

He added that they are happy that they are also able to get a cake during their wedding which they could share with their sponsors afterwards. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The rehabilitation of the historic Malandog River in Hamtic, Antique is now a priority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas.

DENR regional director Jim Sampulna on Tuesday presented the Malandog River Rehabilitation Plan before members of the local media.

He said that no less than Secretary Roy Cimatu "ordered to develop and improve the historic Malandog River."

"What is known is that Malandog River is a historic one. And we have to protect and conserve the river, not only because of historic reason, but because of its scenic view," Sampulna said.

Antique provincial environment and natural resources officer Andre T. Untal said that Task Force Malandog, composed of concerned government offices, all municipal governments of Antique, civil society organizations, private sector and volunteer organizations has been established.

Initial steps were also undertaken to have a complete overview of how they will go about with the rehabilitation. These included the conduct of assessment, profiling and characterization of the river, inventory of boats, informal settlers and structures along the banks and river channel, study and documentation in preparation for the dredging activity, among others.

He said that they would like to take inspiration from the Iloilo City River Esplanade. The Esplanade was part of the projects to help protect and preserve Iloilo River.

Malandog River is believed to be where the 10 Bornean datus first landed when they arrived in Panay during the 13th century. The river is located in the boundary of the towns of San Jose de Buenavista and Hamtic.

"The river serves as refuge to many fisherfolks and crew of fishing vessels as they anchor their boats in times of bad weather," he said.

However, initial assessment showed low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the midstream portion of the Malandog. This can be attributed to the stagnation of the area due to the presence of fish traps and obstacle, he added.

Along this line, he urged the support of the media in raising awareness about the project and its significance not only for Antique but the whole of Panay Island. (PNA)

PNA  photo by Perla Lena

DECEMBER 2017

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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The municipality of Laoac is set to establish a "Tree Library" on more than two hectares of land owned by the provincial government in Barangay Batigue.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) authorized Governor Amadao Espino III during its regular session on Monday to sign a deed of donation over its 23,000 square meter properties in Barangay Batigue to bring the "Tree Library" project closer to reality.

The area will replace part of a 2.2-hectare property of Laoac in Barangay Batigue reserved for the establishment of the Tree Library project but had given way for the construction of a portion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx).

A "Tree Library" is where different species of trees will be planted to form canopy-like covers to a portion of the town and where the people can take shelter on hot summer day to refresh themselves and breathe fresher air.

But 10 years after lending a placid environment to the surrounding communities, some of the initial trees planted in the municipal government property were cut down to give way for the construction of TPLEx that cut across the property.

Since a "Tree Library" project requires four to five hectares, Mayor Silveria Alarcio asked Governor Espino for help in the acquisition and purchase of lots adjacent to the property of the municipality.

The SP resolution stipulated that the provincial government will only lend the land to the municipality of Laoac to be used for the reforestation program and the establishment of "Tree Library" of the municipality.

The SP endorsed the project, saying this is consistent with the objectives of the provincial government of Pangasinan, which is to ensure that its properties are fully and effectively utilized in accordance with long- term development plans and general welfare. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The City Health Office is reviewing the list of patients of pediatricians in private practice to determine whether they were injected with the Dengvaxia vaccines.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, City Health Officer, on Monday said some of the pediatricians may have possibly used Dengvaxia even though there was no vaccination conducted in this city.

"We are coordinating with the pediatricians to review the list so that we could trace their whereabouts if and when there were children who were given Dengvaxia," he said.

He said children injected with Dengvaxia will be closely monitored.

Dengvaxia, manufacture by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, has been granted marketing authorization in 2015 by Mexico making it the first vaccine to be licensed in the world for the prevention of dengue.

The DOH reported that 733,713 children from three regions in Luzon have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia under the agency's school-based immunization program launched in 2016.

But the DOH suspended the dengue vaccination program after it was reported that Dengvaxia has dangerous side effect. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A total of 336 victims of storm surge have been employed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the agency's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage (TUPAD) workers in nine west coast barangays in this city.

The employment of the storm surge victims was facilitated by first district Rep. Celso Lobregat.

Of the total, 242 are from Barangay Labuan; 43, Limpapa; 16, 13, Sinunuc; Patalon; five, Ayala; five, Recodo; three, La Paz; and, two, Talisayan.

Lobregat on Monday said the TUPAD beneficiaries will work for 15 days in their respective barangays and will receive PhP296 daily salary. Each will receive a total of PhP4,440.

"This is the way the national government through the DOLE is helping the victims of the storm surge," he said.

The beneficiaries have undergone an orientation last Friday for them to know their obligations as TUPAD beneficiaries.

Hundreds of residents were displaced when a storm surge hit the west coast of this city in October, this year.


The hardest hit was Barangay Labuan. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Councilors League of the Philippines is endorsing to President Rodrigo Duterte its all-out support to the recommendation of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the extension of martial law in Mindanao regardless of its duration.

Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, National Chair of the PCL, bared the decision was reached during the executive officers' meeting in Vigan, Ilocos Sur last week based on an endorsement of the Mindanao councilors to the PCL board.

Dayanghirang in an interview Monday said Mindanaoans have noted a surge in investors who felt that their investments are more secured under martial law.

"We are in unison that investors are coming in brought about by (improved) security which paved more opportunities to invest," Dayanghirang stressed.

During the martial law period from May to the present, Dayanghirang said PCL did not receive complaints of human rights abuses and abuses of the police and the military.

He added that no councilor came forward to complain about abuses.

In fact, local legislators wanted the military to lead the rehabilitation of Marawi City, Dayanghirang pointed out.

"Because of this, Mindanao councilors have recommended to the national board to pass a resolution addressed to President Duterte of their support to the extension of martial law regardless of duration," he said.

Asked on assurance for respect of human rights, Dayanghirang said all institutions commissioned to monitor abuses are already established.

He said there is also the judiciary which continues to function under martial law. He said sometimes people tend to overreact to reports of abuses which are unfounded.

Last week, DND pushed for the extension of martial law in Mindanao as it is essential to completely curb threats from sympathizers of the Maute-ISIS.

DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said in a report that the extension will help security forces continue their momentum in their campaign against the Daesh (the Arabic word for ISIS) and their sympathizers and not to do so will allow them to regroup again.

According to Andolong, it will also be very difficult for the rehabilitation of Marawi and the other war-torn areas if martial law is lifted.

In a press interview last month, Duterte said he will give credence to the recommendation of the AFP and PNP on extending or the lifting martial law after the December 31 deadline.

Duterte believes that the AFP and PNP would not fabricate events evolving everyday especially the corridor of Maguindanao and Marawi.

According to the President, the declaration of martial law is always dependent on what the Armed Forces and the police recommends.

"They are the two entities that would be relied upon heavily by a President or Head of State when he entertains something like extreme measures - martial law, state of emergency," he stressed.

It may be recalled that the President declared a three-month martial law in Mindanao last May following the siege of Marawi City by the Islamic State-linked terrorists.

When it expired last July, the President requested Congress for an extension until December 31, 2017. The extension was granted by Congress.

In mid-October few days after Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed in an operation, Duterte declared Marawi City liberated from terrorists. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Philippine Marines and Police Public Safety Company are pursuing a band of armed lawless elements believed to be behind the harassment of a police outpost in Poblacion Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, and the staging of a roadside bombing against Marine soldiers in an adjacent village of the same town.

Members of the Marine Battalion anding Team-5 had a brief encounter with the lawless elements on Saturday who are believed to be members of the outlawed IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The suspects were believed to have crossed the hinterlands of Talayan and Guindulungan towns, also in Maguindanao, and launched the diversionary attacks.

Philippine military and enemies-turned-ally Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been fighting the BIFF in Maguindanao's second district; and that the harassment in North Upi town on Saturday was seen by the Army as a BIFF "diversionary tactic" to ward off intense military operations against them in Talayan and Guindulungan towns.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army's 6th Infantry Division which has jurisdiction over the Marine forces in North Upi, said the encounter occurred in Barangay Mirab after the suspects set off an improvised roadside bomb that injured seven Marine troopers.

The Marine team was on their way back to MBLT-5 battalion headquarters after the conduct of investigation on the harassment against the 1st Manuever Platoon, Police Public Safety Company when a homemade bomb went off near the bridge.

Encinas said the encounter resulted to undetermined number of casualties on the enemy side while seven Marine personnel suffered injuries.

The Marines held their ground against the undetermined number of armed men until reinforcement arrived.

In the harassment of the 1st Maneuver Platoon PPSC detachment, investigation revealed that a rifle grenade was fired from a distance and hit the outpost that injured PO2 Esmael Alabat.

"A thorough investigation is underway to determine the link between the police outpost and roadside bombing on the Marines," Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6ID chief and commander of Task Force Central, said.

"As always, the soldiers of Task Force Central are putting their lives and limbs at risk to ensure the safety and security of the people and the community," he added.

North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang today convened the Municipal Peace and Order Council to discuss the incident and appealed to the public to remain vigilant. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- Prices of meat products sold in this city's supermarkets remained constant amidst the holiday rush, Laoag City's market master Sheila Marie Rapatan-De Leon said on Monday.

She said that based on the latest monitoring, prices of meat products are strictly regulated and are so far competitive compared to other provinces.

Over the years, the swine industry in Ilocos Norte is self-sufficient, considering the high demand for "bagnet" and "longganisa".

Bagnet (deep fried, crispy pork) and longganisa (Filipino-style sausage) are among the best selling processed meat products in the province. Tourists buy these items to bring to their families and friends back home.

De Leon also said that while prices of meat products are stable, those of seafood products continue to rise.  (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will observe strict security measures at the Iloilo International Airport this holiday season.

"This is a call to all that they should be early for their flights, otherwise, they will be late because of the security preparations," said CAAP Iloilo terminal supervisor Art Parreño on Monday.

The Airport Security Committee (ASC) met Friday and agreed that stricter measures will be imposed in all entrances of the airport following an alert issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

It is also in preparations for the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 29.

Parreño added that they met with representatives of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to "ensure that there will be seamless check in of passengers" for them to "respond to whatever increase in passengers."

"Many flights will be coming in due to this holiday season," he said.

The airport caters to more than 50 flights daily.

CAAP is now observing "Balik Pasko 2017" aligned with the "Oplan Ligtas Byahe" of the DOTr.

"Balik Pasko 2017," which runs until January 5, 2018, aims to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations.

"This mandates that all employees assigned on airport operations are not allowed to go on leave," he explained.

All employees are also advised to observe the "no gift policy" in accordance with Republic Act 6713 or the ethical standards for government employees.

"CAAP Iloilo is planning to put up a tarpaulin at the arrival and departure areas to ensure compliance to the order," he stated.

Meanwhile, CAAP Iloilo is looking at the increase in traffic of passengers not just this holiday season but with additional flights that will be launched by Air Asia bound for Clark and Cebu in January and March next year. (PNA)

PNA photo by Perla Lena 

DECEMBER 2017

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BACOOR CITY, Cavite -- A construction worker was electrocuted while his companion was hurt after a steel gutter they were carrying at the rooftop of a commercial building being built at Kilometer 17, Aguinaldo Highway corner Coastal Green Street, Barangay Panapaan 1, this city hit a high tension electrical wire Saturday morning.   

Investigators identified the fatality as Jimmy Dellosa, 50; and the injured as Samuel Velchez Dellosa, 38; both from Barangay 185, Caloocan City.
 
Police said the two workers accidentally hit the high tension wire above the building's rooftop of the proposed commercial establishment owned by the Monarch Group Marketing Inc.

This caused the elder Dellosa to fall from the rooftop while Samuel lost consciousness.  It was not immediately known if the victims are related.

They were rushed to St. Dominic Medical Center for medical treatment, but Jimmy was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician Dr. Joan Dondonilla while Samuel, who suffered burn injuries, was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital for further medical treatment. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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BAGUIO CITY -- Plans are afoot for the city to convert its former open dumpsite into a bamboo forest in compliance with Republic 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act and to double as a source of livelihood for some barangays or villages. 

Cordelia Lacsamana, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) chief, bared this on Monday.

She said the Irisan dumpsite that served the city for over four decades was closed down in 2008 after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a show cause order and mandated its closure.

Lacsamana said the city through Mayor Mauricio Domogan has signed a tripartite agreement with the Philippine Bamboo Foundation (PBF) and other corporate partners for the conversion of the former dumpsite into an eco-park by planting bamboos in the area.

The agreement prescribes that the foundation will propagate and plant bamboos in partnership with some barangays while the private corporations will be the buyers. The proceeds of the sale will form part of the livelihood of the villagers who will take part in the reforestation project.

Lacsamana said the remaining three hectares at the former dumpsite which were fenced will be used as an experimental bamboo plantation site, to convert the area for a different land use as part of the city's efforts in rehabilitating the area.

The project will be implemented without the city incurring any expense.

Lacsamana said that the phylostakisaurea kind of bamboo, which has roots that branch out and spread to a wide area, will be propagated from January to May 2018 and will be planted in the area as soon as the rainy season starts, to make it grow faster.

When the bamboos reach their harvestable level, they will be sold to the bamboo handicraft manufacturers that are known to have wide local and international market.

The PBF is engaged in bamboo production nationwide, providing the raw materials for manufacturers of handicrafts and furniture. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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BATANGAS CITY, Batangas – Five local government units (LGUs) in this province were recognized Saturday as the first "Best Local Government Awardees" as an incentive for making strides and accomplishments in their city or towns.

Jenilyn A. Aguilera, Batangas public information office chief, told PNA on Monday that the outstanding LGUs received recognition during the province's 436th founding anniversary celebration held over the weekend.

"Best Local Chief Executive" was conferred to Lobo Mayor Gaudioso R. Manalo for the 1st to 3rd Class Municipality category, while the same recognition went to Cuenca Mayor Celerino A. Endaya under the 4th to 5th Class Municipality category.

"Best Municipalities in Governance Awardees" were Santo Tomas for the 1st to 3rdClass category and Cuenca for the 4th to 5th Class category.

Batangas City Mayor Beverly Dimacuha was adjudged "Best City Mayor" for the "Best City in Governance" award.

 Governor Hermilando Mandanas and Vice Governor Nas Ona led Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislative council) Board Members, local government officials and employees in saluting the outstanding local government awardees.

Mandanas hailed the pioneering achievers as Batangas' real honor, pride and wealth for their exemplary local governance, leadership, hard work, dedication in serving their constituents with their best local administration and public services.


He said that the local government units' genuine public service commitments demonstrate their true partnerships and contributions to the province's economic development including in the field of culture and sports.

Mandanas also conferred the "Batangas Artist Award" for the Culture and Arts Awards category to El Gamma Penumbra from Tanauan City for its world-class performances in the international competition arena.

The Heritage Preservation Advocate Awardee was Armando "Dindo" Montenegro from Taal, while "Sining Kumintang ng Batangas" from Bauan received the "Folk Artist Award."

The governor also presented awards to San Juan town as champion in Women's Volleyball ; San Pascual town in the Men's Volleyball;  and Men's Basketball to Lipa
City.(PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now aiming to get fresh key investment packages from Filipino-American companies and private groups in the United States for the industrial and maritime sectors in this Freeport.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who joined a trade mission organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said on Monday that she has met with several prospective investors from the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) during a week-long swing among key business centers from the East Coast to the West Coast last month.

The FPACC, which has 42 chapters in the United States and around 5,000 member-companies, bridges U.S.-Philippines trade and commerce, and promotes goodwill and mutually beneficial projects between the two countries.

It renewed its memorandum of understanding with the PCCI on Nov. 11 in a ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"It's a very promising situation as far as the FPACC members are concerned, and we have at least two major investment prospects and two port agreements as a result of the trip," Eisma said.

"We are looking forward to more engagement with these interested parties so that we can finally clinch a business deal with them," she added.

Eisma said that an estimated USD1-billion investment is being considered by an American-Chinese venture to develop a portion of the Redondo Peninsula in Subic for a possible industrial, maritime and mixed-use complex that will generate more jobs and economic opportunities for the country.

Aside from this, Eisma said that a company based in California is also planning a USD20-million investment for a waste-to-energy project and related renewable energy projects in the Subic Bay Freeport.

During the trade mission, Eisma also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director John Reinhart to facilitate Subic's strategic objective of expanding its global network and promote the growth of trade and commerce between the two ports.

In Los Angeles, meanwhile, Eisma worked out an agreement with Trade Development Director Jim MacLellan of the Los Angeles Port Authority for the sharing of expertise in port development, particularly break-bulk shipping and cruise ship terminal operation.

An MOU is set to be signed in March 2018 to jumpstart this initiative, Eisma added.

The SBMA chief also announced that two technical supervisors from Google, which operates the Internet's most utilized search engine, will visit the Subic Bay Freeport in June 2018 to conduct robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) seminars for students in and around the Subic community as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.

Eisma said this will be a significant development, as the SBMA plans to eventually develop in Subic a center of excellence in this field.

Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug of the Philippine Trade Investment Center in San Francisco has reportedly suggested another trade mission in March 2018 to promote the Subic Bay Freeport among businessmen in San Francisco and key cities in the West Coast. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Tuguegarao City touted as the Philippines hottest with 44 degrees Celsius temperature in the early 1950s is now experiencing cold weather brought about by the tail-end of the cold front affecting the country.

The cold weather was first felt here last Friday with a reading of 15 degrees Celsius.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in the Cagayan Valley on Monday said the cold weather condition will persist, at least in most parts of the region, until the early part of March 2018.

With more than 20 degrees Celsius difference from the normal temperature of 40-42 degrees mostly for the rest of the year, the residents here are enjoying the cold weather and are looking forward to lower water, power and other utility bills.

"At least, we don't have to plug on our air-conditioning unit and our electric fans because it is cold," said Rogelio Sending, Cagayan provincial information officer.

"We don't even have to take a bath three or four times a day as we used to during the hot summer months," he added.

"There's not much clothing and beddings to wash because we don't perspire. We are enjoying the cold weather," said DZCV radio reporter Vanjie Malana.

Senior Inspector Dionesio Mercado of the police security group here said their power consumption this December will surely be reduced by almost 50 percent.

"With that savings generated, we can have more projects for our people," Mercado said.

"At least, even with just a short period, we will be able to curb the trend of Global Warming because we are reducing our power consumption. We save on water as we do during the warm months," said Engr. Lito Aquino, PAGASA officer-in-charge here. (PNA

DECEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY – The massive forest restoration for a greener Negros project will mark its second year anniversary on Tuesday with a ceremonial planting of its two millionth tree in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. 

A "Tindalo" tree, a native species, will be planted by Negros Occidental's Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Rostata and a representative of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia. 

Dubbed the "10M in 10 for a Greener Negros Movement", or simply "10 M in 10", the project aims to plant 10 million trees in 10 years in the whole island of Negros, comprising the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. 

It is spearheaded by geothermal leader, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), and has for its partners government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, some schools, civil society organizations, the media and the private sector, among others. 

Launched in 2015, EDC rolled out its master plan for this biggest forest restoration movement in Negros as part of their commitment to a sustainable green future. 

Bannering the theme "Growth Through Partnerships", the greening project will "highlight the importance of harnessing the power of collaboration among and between the 10M in 10 partners in working toward a Greener Negros Island", said Frances Ariola of EDC's Corporate Communications. 

This year's anniversary celebration will be held at the MassKara Hall of the Bacolod City Government Center in Negros Occidental. 

Last year, the first year anniversary was held in Dumaguete City. 

Highlighting this year's anniversary celebration is the recognition of 10M in 10 partners who have planted more than 10,000 trees this year as their contribution to achieving the project's goals, namely: "to help protect and restore the watersheds, improve the biodiversity, and build resilient communities in Negros Island in the next ten years," according to Ariola. 

In October this year, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and some partners targeted to plant at least 300,000 mangrove propagules in Tanjay City under the 10M in 10 movement, said NOCCI president Edward Du. 

An estimated 150 partners will be present in Tuesday's anniversary celebration, to include Mayor Edgar Teves of Valencia, Negros Oriental (host municipality to EDC's 225mw geothermal power plants), Mayor Ernesto Estrao of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, local officials of Bacolod City and other parts of Negros Island, among others. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Cargill, the world's biggest feedmill corporation, has opened its first plant in the Philippines at the First Bulacan Industrial Park in Barangay Tikay here. 

Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition, on Monday said the move is to meet the increasing demand from medium and large livestock farms and feed millers in the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries. 

"Cargill is committed to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. With the population and income growth driving demand for animal protein in the region, Cargill knows how important it is to invest here, supporting local farmers and creating additional job opportunities as a result of our growth." 

Marta said that Cargill invested USD12 million to open the plant, where 50 local employees will produce animal nutrition premix solutions, made available to customers under the Provimi brand. 

The plant is located in the province's sprawling First Bulacan Industrial City which is near the Macarthur highway and the Tabang exit of the North Luzon Expressway. 

Noel Kim, general manager of Cargill Provimi, Philippines said that the country as well as Southeast Asian countries are seeing increased consumer demand for meat products, especially pork and chicken. 

"This is great news for the growth potential of local livestock farms and feed millers, At our premix plant, Cargill can now manufacture the animal nutrition products these producers need to sustainably deliver high quality, safe, affordable meat to consumers." Kim added. 

For his part, Ralph Bean, agricultural counselor at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, commended the investment. 

"This plant is one of Cargill's, and one of US many investments in Philippine agriculture, and it heralds a strong partnership and a bright future for all going forward. The plant will provide products that will enable Philippine farmers to ensure greater productivity, reliability, and quality in the end products that go onto Philippine dinner tables," Bean said.

Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad welcomed Cargill's investment in the area, saying it is a boon for the local community. 

"The City of Malolos is appreciative of Cargill's presence, it's a big boost not only to our city but to the province's  economic and employment opportunities. We hope to reciprocate by providing all the needed assistance and better business ambience to make Cargill's project a success," Natividad said. 

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said Cargill's presence in Bulacan is an indication that the many parts of the province are now gearing up to become special economic zones that could give strong and stable economic opportunities. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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BAGUIO CITY -- The country's top producer of highland vegetables has assured that there will be no shortage of semi-temperate vegetables for "chopsuey" and "pancit" which are among the favorite menu items for the holiday season.

Buguias, Benguet Mayor Ruben Tindaan on Monday said "usually, during Christmas, there is a high production because of the high demand for the commodity."

He added that aside from the sufficient supply, the farmers are encouraged to produce more due to the good prices of vegetables compared to the regular days.

He also said that aside from the outdoor farms, there were also farmers who have established their greenhouses to prevent damage to the plants in cases of heavy rains.

Other farmers have also shifted to organic vegetable production to add to the commercial vegetables production. "There are also organic greenhouses providing continuous supply," Tindaan said.

He said that aside from Buguias, other adjacent towns in Benguet, including those in Mountain Province have also established vegetable farms. "Actually, there are new farms opening," converting other lands into vegetable farms, the mayor said.

He also talked about the programs of the local government balancing deforestation to prevent the balding of the mountains. He assured, "there is no fear of shortage of vegetables."

Benguet province produces over 80 percent of the highland vegetable requirement of the country and over 70 percent of them are grown in Buguias.

"We produce a high volume and percentage of carrots, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and other upland vegetables," Tindaan said.

The mayor said Buguias was the first town developed as a chopsuey-growing area in Benguet and the country, with most of its land area being used in producing vegetables for the dish. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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TACLOBAN CITY -- Vallacar Transit, Inc. on Sunday turned over six Ceres Liner buses to the city government here to transport families from the city's downtown to super typhoon Yolanda resettlement sites.

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino and bus firm representative Gilbert Pinongcos led the turn over to Tacloban Mayor Cristina Romualdez at the city hall grounds.

"We are honored to help you in transporting your constituents. The vision of the owner of Vallacar is not only to provide employment, but also to help the needy. We hope that through this little act of kindness we are able to help you ease the problem of transportation," Pinongcos said.

Romualdez said the donation of the bus is an early Christmas gift to the city government and to the residents of the northern resettlement sites.

More than 8,000 of the more than 14,000 families targeted to be relocated to the northern part of the city are now living in different resettlement sites.

Most of the relocated residents are fishermen from the coastal villages in San Jose district. Some of their children study in downtown, some 15 kilometers away from their new homes.

"Transportation was really a big problem when we relocated the people to the northern part of the city. We are thankful for this early Christmas gift because a lot of residents in the northern barangay like the children who are going to school will benefit from this," Romualdez said.

The buses have been used by the city government to transport families since last year.

It happened when Dino talked with the owner of Vallacar Transit to lend six of their buses to the city government to support mass relocation activities for six months.

This is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte's order to fast track relocation of families.

After six months, the city government sought for extension to use the lent buses as transportation remains a main problem for resettled families.

Dino recalled that when the city government asked him again for another extension, the bus owner expressed intension to donate the six buses to the city government.

"It's all up to the LGU if how they will use it, but the primary purpose of this bus is to use for relocating families and as service for kids who are studying in the city and workers," Dino said. (PNA)

Photo from Facebook page of Tacloban Mayor Cristina Romualdez 

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will implement policies that will impact on premium payments of its members and availment of benefits starting January 1st next year.

Klarissa N. Alkonga of the PhilHealth-6 public affairs office (PAO) on Monday said that from 2.5 percent, the premium payment will increase to 2.75 percent of the monthly basic salary of its members starting next year.

This covers members in the formal economy, government and private sectors, sea-based overseas Filipino workers and "kasambahay." The premium payment of "kasambahay" will be shouldered by their employer but if the salary is PHP5,000 or higher, they have to pay their corresponding share.

PhilHealth likewise requires proof of sufficient regularity of premium payment for members from the formal and informal sectors whose membership has no validity period to avail of benefits.

Under Circular Number ‎2017-0021 of PhilHealth, members must have at least six months of contribution within the nine-month covered period and at least three months contributions within the immediate six months prior to the first day of confinement.

It was emphasized that PhilHealth has no policy on retro-payment for those who missed a month of their premium payment.

However, a three-month grace period is given for those who missed their payment for the previous quarter.

Nonetheless, members are encouraged to just be religious in paying their dues whether on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or on annual terms.

Meantime, as of September this year, 95.02 percent of the population of Western Visayas is covered by PhilHealth. This translates to 7,338,957 members and their dependents. The region has a population of 7,708,905. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- December is busy and joyous month for the Antiquenos as they celebrate two important occasions, Christmas and the start of their civilization as depicted in the Binirayan Festival.

Antique Board Member Eugene Alojipan, who chairs the Lin-ay Committee, said he feels excited with this year's search for Antique Muse (Lin-ay in local dialect) with all 18 municipalities being represented as highlight of the Binirayan Festival and Christmas celebration.

"I think it was back in 1997 when all municipalities had their lin-ays," he said.

He said that the Lin-ay pageant is most prestigious and looked forward to by people even in neighboring provinces of Western Visayas for it is a contest of beauty and wit of the Antiqueno ladies.

"The winner also must have the heart to serve her home province," he said. The grand coronation will be on December 29.

Cash prizes are also at stake and it would be PHP100,000 as grand prize for the Lin-ay.

The Binirayan Festival, celebrated for the entire month, kicked off on December 1 with the transformation of EBJ Freedom Park into a Christmas wonderland with all the lights and decorations followed by a fireworks display.

Antique Governor Rhodora J Cadiao said the festival is being celebrated every December because it is also the time when Antiquenos from all over the world come home to celebrate Christmas here.

Binirayan comes from the word "biray" meaning sailboats coming to the shores of Antique. In Philippine history, the 10 Malay datus who became the ancestors of Filipinos fled from their tyrannical ruler in Borneo on board the sailboats. The datus in search for peace arrived in the coast of Malandog in the then capital town of Antique where they established their first settlement or barangay. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY-- Preparations are underway for the peaceful and orderly staging of Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City this January.

Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, regional director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), on Monday said that "full-blown" meetings were conducted for the two big events in the region.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is slated January 12-18 while the Dinagyang Festival will follow on January 21-28.

Binag said they are using the major security frameworks used during the region's hosting of some meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) last year, the recently concluded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City last October.

He added that they are also using the "whole of government approach", thus the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are tapped to help in the preparations.

Binag mentioned that the local government unit of Kalibo in Aklan province has already issued an executive order to its various departments to support the security preparations for the Ati-Atihan festival.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III previously said that President Rodrigo Duterte is 90 percent sure to grace the Dinagyang Festival. Binag said that they are closely coordinating with the commander of the Presidential Security Group to prepare the necessary measures for the successful visit of the President in this city.

Binag said that they have already requested from Camp Crame for the signal jamming of cellular phones during the highlights of Dinagyang festival.

The meetings held Monday at the PRO-6 in Camp Delgado here gathered representatives of concerned agencies, provincial and city directors of the Aklan Police Provincial Office and Iloilo City Police Office, provincial and city disaster risk reduction management councils of the two host LGUs, among others. (PNA

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY-- Preparations are underway for the peaceful and orderly staging of Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City this January.

Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, regional director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), on Monday said that "full-blown" meetings were conducted for the two big events in the region.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is slated January 12-18 while the Dinagyang Festival will follow on January 21-28.

Binag said they are using the major security frameworks used during the region's hosting of some meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) last year, the recently concluded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City last October.

He added that they are also using the "whole of government approach", thus the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are tapped to help in the preparations.

Binag mentioned that the local government unit of Kalibo in Aklan province has already issued an executive order to its various departments to support the security preparations for the Ati-Atihan festival.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III previously said that President Rodrigo Duterte is 90 percent sure to grace the Dinagyang Festival. Binag said that they are closely coordinating with the commander of the Presidential Security Group to prepare the necessary measures for the successful visit of the President in this city.

Binag said that they have already requested from Camp Crame for the signal jamming of cellular phones during the highlights of Dinagyang festival.

The meetings held Monday at the PRO-6 in Camp Delgado here gathered representatives of concerned agencies, provincial and city directors of the Aklan Police Provincial Office and Iloilo City Police Office, provincial and city disaster risk reduction management councils of the two host LGUs, among others. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The local government unit of Sara, Iloilo on Monday afternoon gave PHP100,000 cash reward to the informant whose tips led to the successful arrest of Western Visayas High Value Target Level 3 Arturo Balume Sr. @ Master Pedik and his four other members last October.

Mary Joy Abellar, municipal treasurer of Sara town, personally handed over to the informant the cash reward in the presence of Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director.

Abellar said that the reward was sourced from the peace and order fund of the local government unit.

The informant gave "specific" tips about the whereabouts of Balume and his group that were really "vital" in the success of their operations, Tayaba said.

"This particular gesture of LGU will bolster our police operational accomplishments because many will give information to us. I hope other LGUs will also do the same to those most wanted persons engaged in illegal drugs," Tayaba added.

Balume and his group members were arrested last October 12 at Barangay Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

Joint elements of the Regional Intelligence Division 6, operatives of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office and operatives of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office successfully implemented the warrant of arrest against Arturo Balume Sr. and his son, Arturo Jr., 27.

The suspects were arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest for two counts of murder for the killings of Ronaldo Estandarte of Estancia, Iloilo and Robert Magarso of Passi City, Iloilo, both personal security of mayoralty Candidate Melina Requinto of Estancia, Iloilo last May 2016.

Balume was categorized as HVT 3, being the sub-group leader of the slain Western Visayas top drug lord Melvin Odicta Sr. Drug Group. (PNA)

PNA photo by Cindy Ferrer

DECEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- The first batch of 350 scholars in this city under the Training for Better Access to Job Opportunities (TraBAJO) program funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have completed their courses.

The graduation rite was held on Sunday at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who witnessed the ceremony, stressed in his speech the importance of education as he challenged the graduates to use their skills to make their own lives better and to also contribute to the growth of the city.

"If you have to do a job, do it right and do it well," the mayor said. "That's the least that we can do to please the DILG that came up with this program, because they want us to improve as a people."

The trainees availed of the scholarship grants from the TraBAJO program to train in various courses, including Cookery NC II, Massage NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II, and Bread and Pastry Production NC II.

They attended four technical vocational institutions -- Master Global Education and Livelihood, First Academy of Skills and Technology, Excelsius Technical and Vocational Training Center, and VMA Global College and Training Center.

The training is based on Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) standards, and all graduates were given TESDA certificates.

The TraBAJO program is a pilot project of the DILG aimed to reduce poverty and creating massive quality employment.

Last January, the DILG provided PHP15 million for Bacolod City for the implementation of the TraBAJO program. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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BUTUAN CITY--The Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-Caraga) will spearhead a forum on firecrackers and pyrotechnics injury on Monday.

DOH-Caraga spokesperson Romylyn Torralba said the forum will tackle the safety issues and existing guidelines on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, which are commonly used during Yuletide and New Year's celebration.

Torralba said the forum will take place at Almont Inland Hotel Monday morning, in partnership with the police, Bureau of Fire Prevention, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Caraga recorded a total of 13 cases of injuries involving the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, Torralba said.

Three of the victims were from Agusan del Norte, five from Agusan del Sur and three from Surigao del Norte. No cases were reported from Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands.

There were also no reported cases of "stray bullets" last year, and the DOH hopes to maintain that record.

Torralba said the DOH will retain its advocacy for a common area for fireworks display center in every barangay or municipality. (Noel B. Najarro/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY – The city government and the tourism industry players have strengthened partnership to transform Davao as premier destination for Muslims, especially that the Davao–Kuala Lumpur direct connection begins on December 21.

Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 Director Roberto Alabado III said DoT, the city government, and other stakeholders have been working hard to put in place the availability of facilities and services to meet requirements for Muslim tourists.

This move, he said, has been doubled or even tripled now that there is a direct route to Malaysia frequented by Muslim tourists.

Connectivity to a destination is a major factor that will entice tourists to visit the place, he said. And Davao ha the sites of the sun and the beaches where most of these tourists, including the Muslims, can visit and enjoy.

"We are making ourselves ready," Alabado said.

Alabado bared there are ongoing talks to further meet other requirements to draw more Muslim tourists to Davao.

DOT 11 operations chief Zuhairah Abas said that Air Asia direct flight to KL has kept them working to establish Halal facilities.

But the positive effect on this connectivity, she said is the increasing interests of Malaysian businessmen to invest on the food sector.

"They want to come to invest in food not only on operating a restaurant but as a supplier of food that are already Halal certified," she said.

Except for the meat, these are foodstuffs not found here, she said.

Abas said there are already initial talks between the Malaysian investors with the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) on the prospects of investing here.

She revealed that a Filipino company also wants to invest in Halal slaughterhouse in Biao, Tugbok, Calinan district.

The Davao City Halal Council, she said has ongoing discussions with the service sector on how to improve establishments become Halal-compliant.

"The business owners in Davao are excited and showed a positive response to our campaign in making the city as a potential Halal hub," she said, citing one establishment plan of converting to a Muslim restaurant.

There are also talks with hotels to put a sign inside the room that will spot which direction is facing the Black Stone for Muslims to pray.

Abas said local government units and the Ulamas are also working together to beautify their mosques and the surrounding as these are areas that Muslim tourists would visit, she said.

Abas is positive on the increase of Muslim travelers with the opening of KL direct route. She said AirAsia has a lot of connectivity to the Middle East.

"Muslims travel to places because it is part of their belief to worship and praise the creation of Allah through nature and Davao has a lot of natural wonders that they haven't experience yet," she said.

"We need to complement what the airline company has offered by showcasing our destinations to sustain the direct route as this is important in improving our tourists arrivals," she said.

She said Air Asia's maiden flight from KL to Davao on December 21 is fully booked as well as its return flight on the same day. The frequency of the flight is four times weekly on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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PARANG, Maguindanao -- Police authorities in the coastal town of Lanao del Sur recovered remains of three persons believed to have been abducted and executed by remnants of Maute brothers.

Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the three remains were recovered ar around 10 a.m. Thursday at the borders of Piagapo and Dado Balindong towns in Lanao del Sur.

Their identities and the perpetrators remained unknown as of posting.

Mijares, who is based here in Parang town in Maguindanao and quoting a belated report from Lanao del Sur police office, said residents alerted the police about the cadavers buried in a shallow grave. They said several unidentified men arrived in the village the night before and they heard several gunshots.

Residents told police that the gunmen appeared to be Maute terrorist members since they wore black uniform and brandishing black ISIS flag.

Mijares said the information from the villagers is being validated by the police and the military. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY – Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr on Friday urged officials of the 12 agencies under the Office of the Cabinet Secretary to step up and reach out to the people especially in rural areas.

"Get out of your shell and reach out to people. Listen to them what they need," Evasco said in a press conference for the formal launch of Biyaya ng Pagbabago in Davao City slated December 9 at the Freedom Park here.

Evasco bared that the 12 agencies have a utilization rate of 60 percent at the end of the fiscal year.

He said 40 percent of their budget for programs and projects were not spent.

The low utilization of budget is attributed to fear of releasing money following the controversial Napoles fund scam and stricter rules of the Commission on Audit (COA). Or, Evasco said, money goes to the pockets of corrupt officials.

According to Evasco, the low utilization of funds takes a toll on the lives of the people.

"This is the reason we are linking back to the people through the Kilusang Pagababago (KP)," he said.

KP is a mass convergence of people and organizations from the grassroots, Indigenous Peoples and the Urban Poor. KP is more known as a support group of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, and poverty.

Evasco wants to see an increase of the fund utilization by implementing the programs and projects aimed at bringing poverty down to 14 percent from 26 percent of the population at the end of the administration of President Duterte.

Evasco emphasized the participation of the people with the partnership of KP in accessing the programs of the Duterte administration.

KP will also help in reporting the performance of the agencies.
Evasco would like to see how fund utilization translates into alleviating poverty.

With the presence of Project Performance Monitoring Office, Evasco is optimistic the money infused for anti-poverty programs of the 12 agencies are utilized and programs and project delivered to the ground.

The 12 agencies under Evasco's office that will participate in Saturday's Biyaya ng Pagababago are the Philippine Coconut Authority , Cooperative Development Authority, TESDA, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, National Food Authority, National Youth Commission, Office of the President – Presidential Action Center, Philippine Commission on Women and the Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor.

Evasco explained that Biyaya ng Pagbabago is a mechanism that will result in better services of all government agencies to improve quality of life of the Filipinos, contribute to the upliftment of six million poor and marginalized people at the minimum out of poverty towards a comfortable life, and empowered, organized and movement for change.

The Biyaya ng Pagbabago kicked off on December 1 in Ifugao, Mountain Province with the Office of the Participatory Governance, Strategic Action and Response (STAR) as lead agencies.

Participatory Governance Undersecretary Joselito Libres earlier said Biyaya, which means gift, is part of the vision of the Duterte administration for greater people participation for economic inclusivity and foster participation in governance.

It involves a multi-sectoral and multi-agency service. It brings programs to the grassroots so that people know how to access them, claim the benefits of government programs especially livelihood.

"If people know how to access the different programs of the government especially those in the rural communities, they will be liberated from poverty," Libres said.

"The President is persistent in addressing the issue of poverty," he added. The Biyaya ng Pagbabago partners with Kilusang Pagbabago (KP) in delivering the government programs.

Alexander "Rocky" Balili, lead convenor of KP, had said that a nation is mature if people are more educated and successful if people are active in claiming government programs. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is set to open a service center at the Robinsons Place Palawan here early next year.

"I am happy to announce that soon, our PRC-Service Center in Puerto Princesa City will open. I think early next year, there will already be personnel and staff who shall handle daily transactions," Arnel Gagalac, Professional Regulation Officer III of the PRC, said Saturday.

The service center in Puerto Princesa will speed up transactions for the submission of applications and examination of graduates of courses governed by the PRC.

Gagalac said this would also mean convenience for Palawenyos, who no longer need to travel to Manila to renew their licenses.

The announcement was released following the start of the orientation of 48 individuals serving as room watchers for the Board Licensure Examination for Criminologists this weekend.

A total of 574 examinees are currently taking the licensure exam at the Palawan State University-Senior High School Buliding. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- Employers have been advised to comply with the increased monthly wage for domestic workers or "kasambahays".

"We are urging employers to give their domestic workers the right salary that they deserve, which can be considered as their early Christmas gifts," said Wennie Sancho, labor representative to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas.

RTWPB-Western Visayas published Wage Order No. 2 last Nov. 23 on local dailies, prescribing the new minimum wage rates for the region's domestic workers.

The order, which took effect Dec. 8, approved the wage increase for "kasambahays" in the region's provinces, including the highly urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo.

The order prescribes a standard minimum wage rate of PHP3,500 for house helpers in the region.

Domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities will receive a pay increase of PHP1,000 while those in other towns will get a pay hike of PHP1,500.

In the previous wage order, which lapsed in February this year, domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities received PHP2,500 per month while those in other towns were paid PHP2,000 only.

Sancho reiterated that the new wage order no longer classifies domestic workers in terms of the location of their employment – whether they are based in cities or municipalities – since all domestic workers deserve to receive higher pay.

Wage Order No. 2 shall apply to all domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement, such as but not limited to general househelp, child-minder or "yaya", cook, gardener, laundry person, and any person who regularly performs work in one household on an occupational basis.

Sancho said to ensure that employers comply with the wage increase, local government units should establish the Kasambahay Help Desk, which is mandated by Republic Act No. 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act.

The help desk serves as service center where workers can file their complaints on any violation committed by their employers, Sancho said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Pursuing government forces killed three Abu Sayyaf bandits and recovered two firearms in a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash happened at around 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sitio Buling-Buling, Barangay Su-uh, Old Panamao town.

Sobejana disclosed the troops were on combat patrol when they clashed with 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Radullan Sahiron.

Sahiron, known as the one-armed bandit leader, is the oldest among the remaining leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Sobejana said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes after which the ASG members fled to different directions leaving behind their slain comrades.

He identified them as the following: Peping Jamalul, brother-in-law of Sahiron; Aldi Abtahi, son of ASG sub-leader Amlon; and, Nelson Rajak.

He said the remains of the slain ASG members were turned over to the barangay officials for proper disposition.

He said the troops have recovered from the clash site one M-16 Armalite rifle and one caliber .45 pistol with ammunition.

"We attributed the latest combat success against this notorious Abu Sayyaf Group to the local government unit and residents of Panamao who pinpointed their location," he said.

"We are grateful not just to them but to all peace-loving Tausugs who are positively responding to our call to end terrorism in Sulu," he added.

He added that they will be able to neutralize the remaining ASG members and attain peace which is the key to development with the active support of the peace-loving residents of the province. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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COTABATO CITY – Seven government troops were hurt following a roadside bomb explosion shortly before dawn Saturday in Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.

Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police directior, identified those wounded as Maj. Romulo Ducay, Cpls. Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and PFCs Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez, all of the 5th Marine Battalion stationed in Barangay Mirab.

The victims were subsequently brought to the infirmary inside Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army's 6th Infantry Division situated in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Tello said military and police probers are still trying to determine the group behind the attack.

"Our investigation is still going on," he told reporters here.

Accordingly, the village of Mirab is one of those considered as peaceful areas in North Upi, with the villagers maintaining close alliance with military troops for security of their agricultural lands. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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CALBAYOG CITY, Samar -- Unresolved killings allegedly perpetrated by private armed groups in this city continue to haunt village officials, who are now planning to resign for fear of their own lives.

A village official, who refused to be named for security reason, told PNA Friday that many of them wanted to resign for fear of becoming crime targets.

"I don't know why all these senseless killings are happening in our city and I don't know how long we will continue to live in fear," he said.

The official had expressed fear three weeks after the brutal killing of San Jose village chief Roberto Gacelos and his driver by unidentified armed men. The incident on Nov. 15 took place just 100 kilometers away from a police detachment in Villahermosa village.

The source said Gacelos was one of the village officials in the city who wanted to quit their posts and leave the city out of fear.

A week after Gacelo's killing, resident Joe Patrick Lentejas was killed when an armed group ambushed him while he was driving his car near his house in Matobato village.

Calbayog Mayor Ronaldo Aquino urged local officials to take the recent killings as a challenge and encouraged them to continue working and helping one another in preventing further attacks that allegedly target local political leaders and village officials.

"It is so shocking and sad. My heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Please do not give up in this battle," Aquino told village officials.

Aquino asked the police to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest those responsible for the killings.

Philippine National Police Regional Director, Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz, said they have launched manhunt operations to arrest the suspects in recent killings in the city.

"Not all cases of shooting incidents in Samar are related to politics. Some are with personal motives based on the police investigations," Cruz said.

Cruz believes that some suspects in the killings are not private armed groups, but are criminals and hired killers.

Citing intelligence reports, Cruz said some of the 150 private armed group members have been arrested and some have fled out of Samar province.

"We will make sure that the warrants of arrest issued by the court against private armed group members will be served, so that we can put them in trial," he added.

In October 2016, the police and army formed a task force to track down private armies in Calbayog City and nearby towns of Sta. Margarita, San Jorge, Gandara, and Matuginao.

Calbayog is a first class city in Samar province, with a population of 183,851 in 157 villages. It is the third largest city in terms of land and water areas in the Philippines. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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LAOAG CITY — Following the week-long Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forum on urban resilience in this city, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has lifted the suspension of all Permits-to-Carry-Firearms-Outside-of-Residence (PTCFORs) on December 9.

Police Chief Superintendent Charlo Collado, Regional Director of PNP Region 1 and Task Group Laoag Commander, made the announcement after the successful conduct of the last leg of the ASEAN fora in the country on December 4-8.

The suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside residence is one way of ensuring security protocol in the province while hundreds of participants from the 10 ASEAN member states visited Ilocos Norte this week.

After the culminating program of the ASEAN forum, Collado lauded the efforts of all security personnel who were deployed round the clock in various areas of engagement of the visitors and for the cooperation of the public to ensure a peaceful conduct of the event.

Organized by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the forum highlighted the sharing of information on strategies and experiences in addressing climate change and urban resilience among ASEAN member states including their renewal of commitment to stand up against the challenges of climate change. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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INFANTA, Pangasinan -- The Philippine Coast Guard alongside 19 volunteers are now scourging the West Philippine Sea on board a big fishing boat to search for three missing fishermen, whose boat sank last Tuesday morning, after it was hit by big waves about 30 miles from Infanta's shoreline.

Pangasinan police on Sunday said rescuers led by Philippine Coast Guard Capt. Alvin Pavor left Barangay Cato, Infanta on board FB Prince Japhet on Friday night to conduct the rescue operation.

The three missing crewmen of fishing boat MB Vanze Allen were identified as Roy Mas, Diosdado Gumtang and Ariel Gumtang, all residents of Infanta, Pangasinan.

Carlito Maniago, chief of Cato village in Infanta, said the three fishermen were with two others when they sailed to the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 5.

The two other crewmen of MB Vanze Allen, identified as Felipe Arabis and Alejandro Ali, were rescued and guided safely to the coastline after rescue volunteers spotted them at sea.

Infanta, the last town of Pangasinan before Zambales, is about 120 kilometers southwest of Dagupan City. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY -- Traders of firecrackers and pyrotechnics have to think again about bringing in these small explosive devices through Davao City to nearby provinces.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio maintained that the ban on transporting of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices through Davao City.

"It is not allowed in the law," she said adding that the city cannot even issue a permit to transport because the law prohibits transporting firecrackers in Davao City.

Earlier, the Police Regional Office 11- Regional Civil Security Unit (PRO 11 –RCSU) bared there have been inquiries whether they can get a permit to transport firecrackers and other devices for Christmas and New Year's revelries passing through Davao City.

RCSU 11 chief, Supt. Cydric Earl Tamayo, said he has to follow the ordinance. If a trader from Tagum wants to sell firecrackers in Davao del Sur, he has to go through other areas where firecrackers are not totally banned.

Tamayo said the city has an existing ordinance banning firecracker and the local government has the right to strictly implement it within its territory.

He said traders may go to Davao del Sur through Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon then Kidapawan. He said traders have to spend more on freight or, Tamayo said, firecrackers and pyrotechnics may be transported by sea crafts to Panabo City.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI has reminded local government units (LGUs) on the enforcement of the firecracker ban, saying they are required to identify designated areas for the fireworks display.

Tamayo warned the public not to use firecrackers and pyrotechnics in non-designated areas as set by Executive Order No. 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Davao City and the towns of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur are not required to identity fireworks display sites because of their local ordinances ban all firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

"Anybody who will use firecrackers outside the community fireworks display areas will be apprehended," he said, adding that anyone who violates the order will be penalized up to PHP30,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

He said the provincial government down to the barangay level will identify the places where the people can use their firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

"The LGUs will be the ones to identify the area that will be used as community fireworks display areas," he said.

Tamayo said the LGUs will also designate the areas for selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The order entitled "Providing for the Regulation and Control of the use firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices" aims to lessen the firecracker-related injuries during the yuletide season. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY -- For religiously banning smoking among its employees, two regional agencies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) bagged the 2017 Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health, officials said Sunday.

ARMM Education Secretary John Magno said he received Friday the "Red Orchid citation plaque" from Health Secretary Francisco Duque III during ceremonies at DOH-Manila.

It was a citation from DOH central office to government agencies that actively and religiously support health programs aimed at making every Filipino healthy.

The DOH conducted nationwide surveys on the implementation of DOH's anti-smoking campaign in all government offices and DepEd-ARMM earned a rating of 91 to 100 percent in its compliance with the advocacy.

Magno, a non-smoker, told reporters credit should go to all employees of DepEd-ARMM across the region.

"We would not have achieved this feat if not for the support of our rank-and-file personnel," Magno said.

Magno said Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is a non-smoker so it was not difficult to implement the ban, not only inside ARMM compound here but also in all schools and educational institutions in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the provinces composing ARMM.

Regional Secretary Myra Mangkabung of the Department of Science and Technology also received a 2017 Red Orchid Award for strictly observing the non-smoking policy in work areas. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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NORZAGARAY, Bulacan -- They were recognized as the most outstanding Bulakenyos in their respective fields, now they are "giving back" by protecting the environment and the province's rich cultural heritage.

The Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Inc., a group composed of previous "Dangal ng Lipi" awardees headed by its president Tony Tengco trekked the mountains of the Angat Dam watershed area and set into motion tree planting activities and replenish the supply of fresh fish at the dam's giant reservoir by releasing thousands of tilapia fingerlings Saturday.

They also played Santa Claus by giving gifts and food items to the Dumagats, the indigenous tribe living in the watershed area of Angat dam.

Tengco and former National Power Corporation president Gladys Cruz Sta. Rita, a Dangal ng Lipi awardee for public service, said they are duty bound to help fellow Bulakenyos and to preserve the last frontier of Bulacan mountains - its vast natural resources and rich cultural and historical heritage.

"This our own way of giving back the distinction that the province has bestowed upon us. We hope that our efforts will snowball to other groups so that the next generations of Bulakenyos will also enjoy the pristine beauty of our mountains and our colorful history and heritage, " Tengco, a Dangal ng Lipi awardee for trade and industry, said.

Aside from the environmental and cultural preservation advocacy, the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Inc. (DLF) is also giving scholarships to deserving young Bulakenyos.

Tengco and Sta. Rita were joined by other foundation officers Lydia Tansinsin, chairman; Carina Lao, secretary; board of directors Hermie Esguerra and Maestro Al Perez and advisers Lulu Santiago and Desiree Duran in their Angat dam watershed expedition. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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NORTH UPI, Maguindanao -- Local officials of this town have appealed to the public to be vigilant and help prevent crimes and violence following the grenade attack that hurt a police officer on duty and another blast that injured members of Philippine Marines on Saturday dawn.

Mayor Ramon Piang appealed to the public not to allow saboteurs to disrupt the peace and order of this town in Maguindanao.

"To all Upians (people of Upi), please let us not allow anyone to destroy the prevailing peace and order condition of our town," Piang said following the twin blast that hurt eight government forces.

"Let us work with Task Force Upi and the local government. Be agents of peace and be vigilant in our surroundings," he added.

PO2 Esmael Alabat, a member of Upi town police force, was seriously injured when a rifle grenade fired from M-203 rifle from a distance landed at the roadside police outpost at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Alabat was one of the police officers assigned with the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Public Safety Company.

Alabat sustained shrapnel injuries in the head and body and is now recuperating at a private hospital here.

Members of the Philippine Marines had just provided security to police personnel and bomb experts in the post-blast investigation and were heading for home base when a roadside improvised bomb was detonated by still unidentified suspects at about 1 a.m. on the same day.

The soldiers were heading towards Barangay Mirab when the explosion occurred hurting Major Romulo Ducay, Corporals Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and Privates 1st Class Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez all of the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5).

The injured Marines are now confined at Camp Siongco Hospital inside the Army's 6th Infantry Division headquarters situated in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and military officials are still determining the perpetrators' identities and their group affiliation. (PNA)
DECEMBER 2017


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NORTH UPI, Maguindanao -- Local officials of this town have appealed to the public to be vigilant and help prevent crimes and violence following the grenade attack that hurt a police officer on duty and another blast that injured members of Philippine Marines on Saturday dawn.

Mayor Ramon Piang appealed to the public not to allow saboteurs to disrupt the peace and order of this town in Maguindanao.

"To all Upians (people of Upi), please let us not allow anyone to destroy the prevailing peace and order condition of our town," Piang said following the twin blast that hurt eight government forces.

"Let us work with Task Force Upi and the local government. Be agents of peace and be vigilant in our surroundings," he added.

PO2 Esmael Alabat, a member of Upi town police force, was seriously injured when a rifle grenade fired from M-203 rifle from a distance landed at the roadside police outpost at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Alabat was one of the police officers assigned with the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Public Safety Company.

Alabat sustained shrapnel injuries in the head and body and is now recuperating at a private hospital here.

Members of the Philippine Marines had just provided security to police personnel and bomb experts in the post-blast investigation and were heading for home base when a roadside improvised bomb was detonated by still unidentified suspects at about 1 a.m. on the same day.

The soldiers were heading towards Barangay Mirab when the explosion occurred hurting Major Romulo Ducay, Corporals Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and Privates 1st Class Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez all of the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5).

The injured Marines are now confined at Camp Siongco Hospital inside the Army's 6th Infantry Division headquarters situated in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and military officials are still determining the perpetrators' identities and their group affiliation. (PNA)
DECEMBER 2017


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DAVAO CITY -- A food manufacturing firm is offering "chocolate bonus" to Davao cacao farmers starting this month as its way of giving back to their clients.

Guadalupe Ocial, Kennemer Foods International (KFI) area manager for South Mindanao, said the company would plow back to the farmers the amount of PHP4 for every kilo sold to the traders.

The traders will get a PHP2 share per kilo delivered to them. She said this is the company's way of giving back to their clients and that the company's international buyers also want the farmers to share the benefit of what they earned.

Ocial quoted KFI chief executive officer Simon Bakker, who said: "We want the farmers to get the right price."

Ocial said pass on price to traders are regulated. For instance, if the buying price is at PHP34 per kilo for wet beans the traders' price to the farmers must be at PHP32 and they cannot go beyond the ceiling price.

She added that international buyers want farmers, as main producers, would benefit from the profit of the industry and not only the consolidators like Kennemer and their respective companies and traders. Without the farmers, Ocial said there are no grinding companies and chocolate makers.

"They want to take good care of the farmers by also sharing the profit as a way of encouraging them to produce more quality beans," she said.

She said her company would release the chocolate bonus starting this month.

"We require the traders to submit the list of farmers where they sourced out the beans," she added.

"This will be in a payroll form where the farmers acknowledge receipt (of) the corresponding bonuses and said payroll will be submitted back to us," she added.

Kennemer Foods International, Inc. is a Philippine agribusiness company specializing in the growing, sourcing and trading of high-quality agricultural crops such as fermented cacao beans sourced from smallholder farmers.

Ocial said Kennemer was established in 2010 with its buying and post-harvest center in Talandang, Tugbok, Davao City.

"We buy beans both from the farmers and through the traders where we process the seeds," she said.

Ocial, who manages the Kennemer area in Calinan, said among their clients are Puratos, Mars, and Olam International where they process the beans based on the protocol requirements of these international buyers.

The fermented beans are brought to their clients' processing areas either in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is during the holiday season when the bulk of Kennemer's delivery happens.

Ocial said the peak season of cacao production or harvesting time falls on the second and fourth quarters.

She said there is a big requirement for cacao beans here as many of the grinding companies are starting to locate in Asia. Malaysia, for example, is sourcing their raw materials from the Philippines. This is the reason Kennemer is expanding with the acquisition of the 42 solar dryers to increase the volume of their production.

Kennemer is also actively planting trees and setting up cacao centers throughout Mindanao.

Ocial believes that cacao production will thrive and the level of growth will continue to increase especially among small cacao farmers.

The company also engages in contract growing where it encourages farmers to form a 25-member cluster. The farmers will undergo free training.

Through its sister company Agronomika, Ocial said, Kennemer also extended financing to the small cacao farmers with a 7-year term loan plus two years grace period for a P120,000 loan per hectare.

It is a supervised loan used to fund farm inputs and other materials that are needed in cacao growing. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017

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LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents collared on Saturday another big-time drug pusher while peddling 80 grams of shabu (crystal meth) worth PHP500,000 in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay (village) San Roque, here, a ranking PDEA official said Sunday.

Efren Manansala alias Mangga, a resident of the said village who is considered a high-value target (HVT), was nabbed in a buy-bust operation by joint elements of PDEA-PNP, according to Christian Frivaldo, PDEA regional director.

The suspect did not resist when arrested by the PDEA operatives led by Enrique Lucero, PDEA Albay chief, at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Purok 1, Barangay San Roque, a coastal village here.

Frivaldo said the suspect identity is included in the drug watch list and was a subject of surveillance by the agency.

According to Frivaldo, Manansala reportedly gets his drug supply from Ismael Onsad alias Opaw and Angelo Ariraya who were earlier arrested with more than a kilo of shabu worth PHP7.7 million last December 2 this year in Barangay Oro Site here. (PNA)
DECEMBER 2017


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LEGAZPI CITY -- Brig. Gen Danilo Chad Isleta is the newly installed commanding general of the Army's 9th Infantry Division (ID) in Camp Elias Angeles, Barangay San Jose in Pili town in Camarines Sur.

Isleta took over the command on Friday in a turn-over ceremony at the Army headquarters in Pili town, said Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th ID spokesperson.

Pramis said Isleta replaced Army Maj. Gen Monolito Orense who has reached the mandatory retirement age.

The 9th Infantry Division oversees three Army brigades operating in the six provinces of Bicol.

Before his new designation, he was assistant division commander of the 9ID.

A 1985 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Isleta is also the former commander of the 10th Field Artillery Battalion, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations, chief of Army's Strategic and Special Studies Office and senior military aid to the Secretary of National Defense. (PNA)

DE

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BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Council for Women (PCW) in Negros Occidental has named the winners of 2017 Provincial Search for Best Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desks and Desk Officers.

The competition is part of the province's annual 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, which started on November 24 with the theme "VAW-Free Community Starts with Me."

Lawyer Andrea Lizares-Si, chair of PCW, said on Sunday the winners would be awarded during the culmination rites on Tuesday at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City.

In the City Category, the Best Barangay VAW Desk is Barangay Cubay, La Carlota under village chief Noel Vargas, with VAW desk officer Raquel Angelitud.

In second place is Barangay Malasibog of Escalante City led by village chief Romulo Amacan, with VAW desk officer Feliciana Eben; and third place is Barangay Poblacion, Bago City under village chief Sergio Piansay, with VAW desk officer Juanita de la Torre.

Winners of the Municipal Category are: first place -- Barangay Purisima, Manapla headed by village chief Cresenciano Sombero, Jr., with VAW desk officer Marnie Cabuncal; second place -- Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an under village chief Johnrey Reliquias, with VAW desk officer Rowena Minaves; and third place -- Barangay Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Bendicto led by village chief Rogelio Asin, with VAW desk officer Chona Salipdan.

During the culmination program, a forum will be held with resource speakers Eduard Lutao, local government operations officer of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, and Commissioner Rina Amacio of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Lutao will discuss "Strengthening Barangay VAW Desks and Funding Barangay Anti-VAW" programs while Amacio will tackle "VAW and Women's Economic Empowerment."

According to the PCW, the 18-day campaign seeks to raise awareness among stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern and supports the government's goal to human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017




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DAVAO CITY -- Kitakyushu City in Japan could be the next destination of Davao City's cacao beans.

Kitakyushu City officials hinted on the possibility of sourcing cacao beans from the city for its chocolate industry duting Mayor Inday Sara Duterte's visit there. 

During her November 28 visit to Japan, Mayor Inday and Kitakyushu City Mayor Kenji Kitahashi also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Green Sister City Cooperation. 

"The mayor of Kitakyushu is interested in Davao's cacao beans as a source for their chocolate industry. They are familiar with the Malagos Chocolate as it has won various awards internationally and want to check out the possibilities in that area," Mayor Inday said. 

Kitakyushu City has offered to help Davao with its solid waste management. In turn, Davao City could supply the Japanese city with quality cacao beans. 

Mayor Inday said the Kitakyushu mayor is familiar with the cacao produced by Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp. Malagos cacao beans was recently chosen as one of the best 50 (out of the 166 bean samples submitted) cacao beans samples during the International Cocoa Awards held in Paris.

Mayor Inday, who spoke before delegates of the Kakao Konex 2017 held here from December 5-6, narrated how Kitakyushu City produces peculiar chocolates. 

"They produce chocolates formed into nuts and bolts and you can play with it while eating; it's not sweet and a little bitter," she said. 

Kitakyushu City is also known as the City of Iron because of the large ironwork companies in the area. Because of this, the Neji choco, which is 57 percent made of cacao and shaped like nuts and bolts, became the most sought after souvenir from the city.

Mayor Inday said she is hopeful that the popularity of Davao' cacao beans in the international market would allow micro and macro farms and farmers to maximize their production. 

Mindanao accounts for 90% of the Philippine cacao production, with Davao identified as the country's chocolate capital. The city government has recently launched Cacao City to help promote the city's cacao industry. CIO

DECEMBER 2017

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DAGUPAN CITY -- The 16 local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan which did not pass the criteria set under the Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) will be given technical assistance by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) so that they could be included in the list of awardees next year.  

This was bared Thursday by Jean Paras Dawis, DILG cluster head in central Pangasinan, speaking to newsmen during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) provincial center in Dagupan.

Dawis said it is the hope of the DILG in Pangasinan that those who did not make it will earn the award next year.

This year's awardees include all the four cities of the province and 32 municipalities, plus the province of Pangasinan. 

"It is our hope that all LGUs in Pangasinan or 100 percent will earn SGLGs in 2018," said Dawis, noting that in this year's search, Pangasinan had the biggest number of LGUs all over the country that bagged the SGLG awards.

She admitted that some LGUs in the province that were awarded SGLG  last year were not in the list of awardees this year, and those who were not awarded last year, got their SGLG this year.

Dawis revealed that one area considered for the award is the remittance of loans of officials and employees with the Government Service Insurance Systems which the LGUs must facilitate through salary deduction.

A few LGUs perhaps failed to remit the payment to the loan of their personnel in full, that was why they did not make the grade set in this year's SGLG, she said.

In this year's SGLG award, a performance challenge fund will be given to the recipients -- PHP3 million for the province; PHP2.4 million for cities; and PHP2 million for municipalities.

The PCF must be spent by the SGLG recipients for meaningful development projects in their respective localities that will benefit their constituents, Dawis said.

She said the SGLG award is more than just the cash prize that goes with it, that is why LGUs do everything they can to get the award.

Mayors and governors consider the SGLG a legacy that they can leave their constituents, Dawis said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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TRECE MARTIREZ CITY -- The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of Cavite has reported 19 cases of death due to dengue for the period of January 1 to Nov. 18, 2017.
 
The cities/municipalities with reported deaths include the cities of Trece Martirez (7), Dasmarinas (4), Bacoor (2), General Trias (2) and Tagaytay (2) while the municipalities of Silang and Tanza posted 1 death each.
   
PESU chief Dr. Nelson C. Soriano clarified that these reports on dengue cases in Cavite are not related to the reported Dengvaxia vaccination.

Per PESU report obtained by PNA on Friday, this year's number of dengue cases is 14% lower compared to the same period last year (4,659 cases) wherein 3,133 (78%) were hospitalized and 59 (1%) were laboratory confirmed.
 
The city government of General Trias tops the list of reported cases, with 593 affected individuals (15%), from ages one month to 98 years (median, 12 years), mostly affecting males.

 Included in the top-10 list are the cities of Dasmarinas – 454; Bacoor – 444; Trece Martires – 428; Imus –338; and Tagaytay --125, as well as the municipalities of Tanza –325; Silang –277; Naic –153; and  Indang -- 123.
 
The  municipalities and  cities with corresponding barangays and number of cases are the following: Molino IV and Paliparan, Bacoor -- 444; Salawag and Datu Esmael in Dasmarinas – 454; Buenavista II and Bulihan in Silang --277; while Kaybagal South, Julugan 1 in Tagaytay has 125 cases; Paradahan 1, Tanza – 325; and De Ocampo, Inocencio and Conchu in Trece Martires – 428. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)
DECEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Iloilo province on Friday opened its one-day Christmas Job Fair at the Capitol here with almost 14,000 vacancies offered.

PESO department head Francisco Heler Jr. said that 161 companies joined the job fair.

Of these, 120 are for local employment composed of hospitals, colleges, construction companies, hotels and restaurants, bakeshops, malls, real estate, distributor companies, car companies, banks, online tutorials, among others.

Meanwhile, 41 of these companies are recruitment agencies based in Cebu, Manila, Iloilo and Bacolod.

Vacancies for nurses, medical technologists, dental technicians, investment specialist, sales agent, welders, carpenters, engineers, electricians, customer service representative, office staff, baker, cleaner, bartender, among others were available.

Assistance desks of various agencies were put up to assist the jobseekers for the requirements and to address their concerns.

Special lanes were also set up for persons with disabilities, Indigenous People, solo parents and beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development .
More than 2,000 applicants trooped to the Capitol early Friday morning.

Number of local government units in the province also provided "Libreng Sakay, " "Libreng Angkas," and " Libreng Pamasahe" to help ease the transportation of applicants from their towns especially those who came from far-flung areas. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- In time for the holiday season, the municipality of Bangui, Ilocos Norte has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in all public spaces.

For the safety of the public, town Mayor Fidel Cimatu encouraged his constituents to celebrate the Yuletide season with merrymaking activities without using firecrackers or fireworks display.

All firecrackers will be banned from any public space, including city streets, roads, alleys, open spaces, public parks, plazas, basketball courts and other similar places.

Violators shall be fined with a corresponding penalty.

In previous years, the town of Bangui was among those reported with fireworks injury cases in the province.  (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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CEBU CITY -- Seven government employees in Danao City and Alegria town have been found positive for drug use.

This was reported Friday by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO) which started conducting surprise drug testing on government employees in the different towns and cities of the province last December 1.

Five of those workers who tested positive for drugs are with the Danao city government and the two are from the Municipality of Alegria, 115.3 kilometers southwest of Cebu City. Of the seven, two are regular Danao City employees, while the rest are job order workers.

The CPADAO conducted drug testing on the 212 employees of Alegria last Tuesday and carried out the testing of 440 workers of Danao City on Wednesday.

So far, 843 government employees have undergone drug testing this week, based on CPADAO records.

Meanwhile, the female public school teacher in Danao who earlier tested positive has been confirmed as a regular user of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" by a secondary test.

The CPADAO said they have already coordinated with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Danao City Schools Division for the appropriate sanction against the national high school teacher. (Levirose Caballero/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY -- City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo has called for a "ceasefire" in verbal tussles during the Christmas season regarding issues surrounding the proposed purchase of a lot intended for the sanitary landfill, among others.

Remollo issued the statement as he switched on the Christmas lights of a giant Christmas tree at the Quezon Park on Thursday evening.

The activity, witnessed by residents, was led by local officials, department heads, barangay captains, and council members, including City Councilors Alan Gel Cordova, Michael Bandal and Lilani Ramon.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, they come to the city to celebrate Christmas and it is annoying for them to hear heated arguments on air, Remollo said.

The mayor was hoping the coming year 2018 would be a very blessed year for Dumagueteños with so many developments coming up, not just economic but in terms of infrastructure and sports development programs.

Meanwhile, from 12,500 in the previous year, the number of indigent families who will receive "white gifts" this year is doubled to 25,000 and with an increase of the amount from PHP300 to PHP400 per recipient including persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

The mayor also announced there is a pending proposal to extend financial assistance to elderlies who will reach the age of 80 years old. The proposal is to extend PHP10,000  every five years until they reach 100 years old. 

In preparation for the massive infrastructure project, the city council has also approved an appropriation of more than PHP43 million for the purchase of heavy equipment so that all projects in the barangays will be fast-tracked.

Remollo has just signed a program of work worth PHP23 million for the repair of the damaged portion of dikes along the Banica River including the spillways in Bagacay, Taclobo, and Candau-ay.

But Remollo said this is only temporary as the long-term approach is to construct bridges in lieu of spillways.

As to the proposed location of the sanitary landfill (SLF), the chief executive was hoping for its approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

According to Remollo, when the DENR sends the go signal, he will proceed with the project because he can't anymore in conscience witness residents and Dumagueteños, in general, suffer the effects of the dumpsite in Candau-ay.

The mayor is aware of the objection by some quarters but he enjoined them to have an open mind.  He called on them to be part of a delegation to be sent to Bayawan City in the south of the province to see for themselves how the SLF of Bayawan City operates.

For 10 years, it has been operating without foul odor coming out of the facility. In fact, the recent jamboree was held near the facility a few weeks ago, he said.

According to Remollo, like the previous administrations, he can just let go of this project to avoid the controversy of locating the SLF site in another site within Dumaguete "but I cannot just close my eyes and stay idle; we have to do what is good for our people and we're not afraid of losing votes," he said.

Remollo added he cannot frustrate the will of the majority of the people to have a sanitary landfill and so everybody has to sacrifice for every development in the city.

Also coming up is the unveiling of the Dumaguete signage at the view deck of the Rizal Boulevard before the year ends with the markings "Dumaguete Philippines #DumaGeTmE."

Also anticipated by residents is the installation of CCTV cameras all over the city on the second quarter of next year as well as the groundbreaking of the restoration of the original portion of the city hall on January 8, 2018.

It will be the first in the history of the city that a portion of the old city hall will be restored to its original form and become the regional museum; the front portion will be landscaped all the way to the Quezon Park up to the Belfry tower at the Cathedral.

With all these developments, Remollo foresees a different fiesta and Christmas celebration next year. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- New and environment-friendly models of public utility jeepney (PUJs) will be put on display here sometime this month to assure the riding public that the Duterte administration is ready to implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Regional Director Aminoden Guro, of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 10 (LTFRB-10), said operators and drivers will be able to swap their dilapidated jeepneys with the new PUJs at the display center.

Several manufacturers, Guro said, have expressed interest in mass-producing electric PUJs to accommodate the expected demand in the wake of the administration's transport modernization program.

Based on President Rodrigo Duterte's executive order, PUJs must be replaced with jeepneys that are either electric, solar-powered or Euro 4-compliant.

Guro said it is high time for the country to modernize its mass transit system that is efficient and clean.

Since the transport sector in the region has put a resistance against the PUVMP in Mindanao, Guro said he wanted the program to have its pilot launch here with the new public vehicle units on display for everyone to see.

"Most people will only believe if they have seen it. That's why we want the people to see that these e-jeeps are safe aside from being fuel-efficient," he said.

He said the new PUJ models will have more seating capacity and passengers will be using electronic cards in paying their fare. It also equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS).

"We have planned, prepared, and now ready for implementation, so that the program will be rolling out within this administration's term, addressing all issues such as route rationalization and PUV manufacturing," he said.

Guro urged operators and drivers to support the PUVMP.

"You only have two options: Cooperate and benefit from this program, or oppose and get left behind," he said.

Transport groups in the region such as the Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Northern Mindanao-Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Starex-Piston) are worried on the affordability of electric PUJs.

They are also apprehensive on the durability of the new PUJs, especially those that ply long-distance routes. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Friday said the agency is fulfilling its goals and mandate to uplift the welfare of Filipino workers as set forth by the Duterte administration.

Bello issued the statement during the 84th anniversary celebration of DOLE at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here on Friday afternoon.

President Rodrigo Duterte led the labor department's founding anniversary celebration and was warmly welcomed by Bulakenyos headed by Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando and City Mayor Christian Natividad.

"As we set sail to another year, we remain steadfast in moving the nation forward by fulfilling our mandate as envisioned by the President in bringing better opportunities to our people," Bello said.

He said the DOLE's milestones include winning the campaign against contractualization and other illegal contracting practices as well as gains in the intensified implementation of labor laws and standards.

He also mentioned giving priority action on occupational hazards, health and safety in workplaces.

With the theme, "Trabahong Marangal Para saLahat, Sabay-Sabay Natin Iangat," the DOLE has lined up various activities for its anniversary celebration.

These include the job and business fair, commonly dubbed as Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK); release of livelihood assistance checks to selected, qualified beneficiaries and workers in the formal/ informal sector such as farmers, fisher folks, women and community workers, even company displaced workers.

Select groups of immediate family members of those killed-in-action/wounded-in-action during the Marawi crisis will also be provided with livelihood assistance. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Anti-drug operatives arrested three notorious pushers in separate buy-bust operations on Thursday afternoon in nearby Koronadal City.

Kath Abad, public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12, identified the suspects as Ariel Chiva, 44, Aldrin Camposano, 30, and, Romeo Morte, 34, all residents of Koronadal City.

She said their operatives, who were under the direct supervision of PDEA-12 acting director Valente Cariño, initially staged a buy-bust targeting Chiva at around 1 p.m. near the corner of Odi and Morrow Streets in Barangay Zone 2.

The suspect, who was included in the city's drug watchlist, was nabbed after selling a sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to a PDEA-12 agent who posed as a buyer, she said.

Abad said PDEA-12 agents also arrested Camposano, Chiva's alleged cohort, who yielded two sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 0.5 gram, with an estimated market value of P2,500.
At around 1:30 p.m., she said another buy-bust was launched against Morte at a portion of Barangay Zone 1.

"Morte was the supplier of shabu peddled by Chiva and Camposano," she said in a statement.

Seized from the suspect's possession was a sachet of suspected shabu weighing about two grams valued at around P10,000, she said.

The three suspects, who are currently detained at the PDEA-12 headquarters, would be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 or sale and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.(PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Three suspected members of a notorious gun-for-hire group were killed in a joint police and Army operation early Friday at Polomolok town in South Cotabato.

Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director, said the suspects were slain in a shootout with government operatives at past 2 a.m. at a portion of Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok.

Armed with 11 search warrants, he said the operatives launched simultaneous raids against nine targets, including a house that supposedly serves as a base of a gun-for-hire group.

The raid was led by elements from the Police Regional Office-12's Regional Public Safety Battalion, Special Action Force, Polomolok municipal police station and the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion.

But during the operation, Alvero said the suspects reportedly resisted and fired at the raiding team, leading to brief firefight.

He identified the slain suspects as Sadam Macabangin, Mudja Adam and Allan Ewa, all residents of the village.

"According to reports, these suspects were involved in various illegal activities, including drugs," he said in an interview over radio station Brigada News FM in Koronadal City.

He said the group was also eyed as behind a string of armed robbery incidents and killings in the area.
Alvero added that the investigation is ongoing as to the involvement of the suspects in other illegal activities in Polomolok and the neighboring areas.(PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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BAGUIO CITY — The leader of the Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) is urging city residents to celebrate the holidays without lighting a firecracker or pyrotechnic material to prevent pollution.

Attorney Erdolfo Balajadia said this on Thursday during the weekly "Talakayan sa city environment code" forum of Radyo Pilipinas-Baguio in partnership with BRM.

Balajadia said firecrackers emit smoke that adds to air pollution.

City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) chief Cordellia Lacsamana narrated that in the past years, they had installed mobile air monitoring system in different parts of the city from December 24 to January 1 and the result showed a high concentration of particulate matter that worsened the air quality in the city.

"The air quality spiked during the period. We encourage the residents of Baguio to think whether they want a noisy and happy celebration of Christmas and New Year or a happy with clean air to breath during the holidays," she said.

Health experts say that air pollution is one of the contributory factors for the rise in asthma attack during the holidays, aside from the low temperature being experienced in Baguio.

Dr. Donnabel Tubera, of the Baguio Health Services Office (HSO), said that a high number of hospital admissions are recorded during the season due to asthma attack.

She, however, said that they have yet to conduct a study whether the cases are weather-related or due to the smoke emission from firecrackers. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo believes that the Ombudsman is getting personal with him in the latest decision to dismiss him from public service.

For the third time in his political career, Degamo was dismissed by the anti-graft body for alleged grave abuse of authority. The two previous cases had been reversed by the Court of Appeals.

On Thursday night, Degamo said he was also hoping for reversal of the decision on the third case.

The first case stemmed from the complaint of June Vincent Gaudan on the advance payment of the province's calamity fund. The second case stemmed from a complaint filed by Board Member Jessica Villanueva regarding the progress billing, also of the calamity fund in relation to typhoon Sendong.

The latest dismissal case stemmed from a complaint filed by former Provincial Board Member Millimoore Saycon, for the alleged misuse of the province's PHP10-million intelligence fund.

In view of these three dismissal orders, the governor said, "gipersonal nagyud ko niinisa Ombudsman, (the Ombudsman is truly getting personal with me)," especially because the governor filed a complaint against the Visayas deputy ombudsman and others for grave abuse of authority and for selective justice.  In fact, the respondents were directed by the Supreme Court to file their answer, Degamo said.

Inspite of Degamo's motion for them to inhibit in hearing his case, the deputy ombudsman proceeded until the third dismissal order came out.

Degamo had earlier made known his all-out support to President Rodrigo Duterte in calling for an investigation of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

The first two dismissal orders were regarding the use of the calamity fund and the third involves the application of the Aguinaldo doctrine and the intelligence fund.

Degamo's legal counsel Atty. Richard Enojo recalled that in 2013, the provincial peace and order council had proposed a PHP10-million intelligence fund for plans and programs involving crime prevention, anti-insurgency operations and for the maintenance of peace and order that eventually led to the declaration of Negros Oriental as a conflict manageable and development ready province.

It was approved by the full Provincial Development Council and submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) also for approval.

However, the said budget was scrapped by the SP, prompting Degamo to veto the same. Under the Local Government Code, the SP has to override the veto by a two-thirds vote of all its members but it was not acted upon, thus, the intelligence fund was dispensed with.

Putting that aside, Enojo disclosed an audit observation was issued by the regional Commission on Audit until it reached the COA central office, the findings of which showed there was good faith in the use of the intelligence fund. However, a notice of disallowance was issued, in effect, requiring Degamo to reimburse the PHP10-million intelligence fund.

The governor took from his personal money PHP10 million as refund early in October or September this year, hand carried it to the Ombudsman in Cebu and so the issue had been settled.

Enojo said if there is somebody who is prejudiced in this case it is not the government but the governor himself who used personal money for the expenses that he did for the public, in implementing the plans and programs submitted by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), which were fully liquidated and settled.

As to availment of the Aguinaldo doctrine, Degamo's camp maintained they are covered because the Supreme Court decision in the case of former Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay, Jr. is not retroactive.

Degamo was sued before his reelection in 2013, two years before the high court decision on the Binay case. "I don't think Visayas Deputy Ombudsman Clemente and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales who is a retired justice do not know the meaning of prospective application of the abandonment of the Aguinaldo doctrine."

Degamo was referring to the case of dismissed Makati Mayor Binay, Jr. who won a case after the Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Ombudsman, and allowed the application of the condonation or Aguinaldo doctrine.

That is why, Enojo said, they are making this issue personal by pretending to be innocent about the correct interpretation of what is a prospective application of the Aguinaldo doctrine.

He further said the same was exhaustively discussed in that high court decision of what is the meaning of prospective application and so there's no need to elaborate on the matter. Lawyers know it should be applied to acts after the decision not prior to the decision.

And in the case of Gov. Degamo, the acts complained of were allegedly committed in 2013, while the Binay case became final in November 2015.

A motion for reconsideration is being prepared even if Degamo's camp is yet to receive the hard copy of the dismissal order. The attachments would include the three reversals, including the Ombudsman dismissal of San Jose Mayor Nelson Ruiz which was recently reversed by the Court of Appeals.

To Degamo's camp, this is not anymore an error of judgment on the part of the Ombudsman but a "personal harassment" against the governor, Enojo pointed out.

Degamo's ally, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo, said that because of this series of events, he has the more reason to support Duterte's call to investigate the Ombudsman.

Remollo is quite sure of the reversal, especially with the reimbursement of the amount following the notice of disallowance.

Mayor Remollo strongly believes there was no damage on the part of the government. In fact, a lot of government officials and employees have disallowances that have not been refunded yet, he said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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DAGUPAN CITY-- A four-storey school building donated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and a three-storey building donated and built by the Department of Public Works and Highways both for the Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial National High School were inaugurated here on Friday.

The inauguration was attended by Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Mayor Belen Fernandez, City Schools Division Superintendent Lorna Bugayong, Assistant City Schools Superintendent Lourdes Servito and City Councilor Marvin Fabia.

Both edifices were built to solve the classroom shortage of the school and in response to the needs of senior high school students.

Rep. de Venecia said President Rodrigo Duterte is bent on building more school buildings for the benefit of pupils and students.  

He added that some pupils and students do not go to school because their classrooms are not in order and some, dilapidated.  

In his speech, De Venecia called on students to discern all what they read in social media due to what he called proliferation of fake news, stressing that not all news appearing on social media are true.

He noted that many of the students of the school now rely more often in social media than the mainstream media like newspapers, because of their proximity to high tech gadgets like cellphones, tablets and the internet.

De Venecia said that this was only the first time in the history of the city that two high-rise school buildings are inaugurated on the same day in the same school.  

Mayor Fernandez, who was the focal person of the League of Cities in helping Department of Education (DepEd) provide school rooms for senior high school students in cities nationwide, worked with Rep. Gina de Venecia so that the two school buildings would be built.

She was assured by a DepEd engineer who attended the inauguration that more school buildings will be built in Dagupan City soon. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region  (DOH-CAR) expressed confidence the region will not be faced with problems relating to the administration of the Dengvaxia vaccine, a medical officer said on Friday.

Dr. Alexie Marrero, DOH-CAR Medical Officer IV, in a telephone interview, said that DOH-Cordillera was not allocated with Dengvaxia vaccines from the national office, and thus did not conduct mass vaccination among the students.

Marrero, who is in charge of the Communicable Disease Cluster of the agency in the region, said Cordillera did not have high incidence of dengue compared to the other regions at that time, which did not qualify it to be allocated with supplies of the vaccine.

"The Cordillera has not been given any vaccines since they have prioritized three regions where high incidence of dengue was recorded," he said.

Marrero, however, said that they have received information that there were some private doctors who gave the vaccines to patients.

"We are trying to get information to be able to know how many private doctors gave the vaccines and how many patients received it," he said.

Cases of dengue in the Cordillera recorded a 65 percent drop from January to November this year. 

The DOH-Cordillera disease surveillance recorded 10,601 cases in the first eleven months of 2016 while there were 3,684 cases during the same period this year.

Marrero said that despite the decrease in incidence, the health offices in the provinces and the region are jointly continuing not just surveillance but conducting information education campaigns among residents to inform them about the prevention of the disease.

The region as a whole recorded a decrease but there was high incidence in clustered areas like in the municipality of Conner in Apayao; La Trinidad and Mankayan in Benguet; Tinoc in Ifugao; Pinukpok town and Tabuk City in Kalinga; and the municipality of Paracelis in Mountain Province. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -– Fifty-six farmer-beneficiaries in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental are the latest recipients of certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province.

The DAR Negros Occidental II office reported as of Friday that the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will share almost 36 hectares of landholdings in Barangay Aranda.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Marilou Tubesa, who spoke at the turn-over rites, assured the ARBs of the government's continuous support through various services.

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the DAR has been providing support including credit assistance, farm machinery, free agrarian legal advice, and consultation to farmers who have land problems.

Tubesa urged farmer-beneficiaries to protect and defend their rights over the land and refrain from engaging in illegal activities particularly the "ariendo" (leasing) system.

Under CARP law, selling and leasing of lands are prohibited.

"There is no reason for the ARBs to engage in 'ariendo' system since the DAR has buckets of support services," Tubesa said.

She said, however, that these services are not given individually so farmers are urged to form an association or cooperative.

Meanwhile, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II LucreciaTaberna welcomed the appointment of former Interior Undersecretary John Castriciones as acting chief of the DAR upon the appointment of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Taberna assured the new DAR head of their support to the programs and projects geared toward the welfare of ARBs.

"We hope that the new DAR chief would also give special attention to Negros Occidental, particularly in the completion of land acquisition and distribution based on the targets given and to the delivery of more support services to the province," she added.

Castriciones, appointed on December 1, replaced Rafael Mariano whose appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments last September. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) sectoral committees completed on Friday the technical review of the 2019 budget of government agencies and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Eastern Visayas.

On Dec. 13, the entire RDC will discuss the outcome of the budget review and meet with members of the House of Representatives from the region for a budget dialogue on December 15.

The proposed budget will be submitted to the central offices of government agencies, and to the Commission on Higher Education in case of state-run tertiary schools. A dialogue between the agencies' main offices and the RDC is set early next year.

"The review aims to ensure the readiness of the agencies that in case they will be summoned to Congress, agencies are assured that the legislators will be on our side, since they are part of the budget preparation process. In fact, they will help facilitate the speedy approval and inclusion in the national budget," said Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Imelda Laceras.

Laceras, the RDC's Development Administration Committee chairperson, said the current budgeting process is more responsive to the needs of the region.

"This time it would be more advantageous to the region because there is enough time to do the documentation and justification not hurriedly identified programs, projects, and activities," she added.

Since Sept. 24, government agencies and SUCs have prepared budget proposals, consulted with civil society organizations, submitted forms, conducted technical reviews, and underwent RDC sectoral committee reviews.

The proposed 2019 outlay is in line with the Regional Development Plan ‎2017-2022, Result Matrix, and the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), said National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said.

The Plan and the Matrix spell out the priority development directions and targets while the RDIP outlines the priority development programs, projects, and activities of the region in the next six years.

"Early budget review will ensure that proposed budgets will push for fund allocations for investment that support regional development priorities along human, economic and infrastructure development, including that of the post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery needs," Uy said.

The budget review and consultation covers 47 departments and other attached agencies and 10 SUCs based in the region's six provinces.

Eastern Visayas region needs at least PHP651.66 billion for priority activities under the draft ‎‎‎2017-2022 RDIP.

Region 8 is the third poorest among 18 regions in the country. As of 2015, the region's poverty incidence among families is pegged at 30.7 percent, which means that three out of every 10 families in the region are poor. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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PALO, Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has raised its absorptive capacity to 85 percent as of November, surpassing last year's fund utilization rate.

In a report released Friday, the DPWH office here has already exceeded the 83 percent annual target for obligating P31.08 billion of the P36.54 billion allocation this year.

At least P20.48 billion has been disbursed or a rate of 56.04 percent, ahead of the 55 percent target for the period.

Of the 14 field offices in the region, eight of them met the absorptive capacity goal. The highest is Eastern Samar district engineering office with an obligation ratio of 96.18 percent.

"This is in compliance to President Rodrigo Duterte's order for full implementation and full utilization of government budget," DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said in an interview.

In 2016, the region posted a 78 percent absorptive capacity for obligating PHP25.66 billion of the PHP33.07 allocation.

The absorptive capacity is determined by dividing the total obligation incurred by the total net allotment. It is measured by the ability to obligate the allotments received from DPWH central office and Department of Budget and Management.

Of the 834 planned projects for 2017, at least 516 have been completed, 267 are ongoing, and 51 have not yet started. The region posted 64.27 percent accomplishment as of mid-November.

This year, the DPWH shifted its focus to the widening of the country's existing road network to address traffic congestion and for improved movement of goods and services.

Among the projects with huge funding include the construction of bypass roads and diversion roads, connecting gaps along national roads, flood control projects, and landslide prevention.

"Being aware that our agency is one of the primary driving forces in attaining economic development, we ensure that the infrastructure projects we implement are climate-change resilient and contributes to growth with the benefits reaching out even to the farthest corner of the region," Tabacon said.

DPWH Eastern Visayas is tasked to maintain 2,535.78 kilometers of national roads with 561.93 categorized as primary, 1,325 as secondary, and 647.94 as tertiary. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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