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LAOAG CITY—A group of business stakeholders and leaders in Ilocos Norte and the United States mostly in Hawaii is set to convene a forum on October 24 at the Ilocos Norte Capitol to promote business and investment opportunities here and abroad. 



Organized by the East-West Center Alumni Association-Philippines Chapter, provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the state-run Mariano Marcos State University, the regional conference aims to present various opportunities to promote inclusive growth between and among Filipinos and Americans. 



With the changing U.S. policy towards homeland security and immigration, organizers said more and more Filipino migrants mostly composed of retired Ilocanos are considering going back to the Philippines to invest in real estate and spend their twilight years here. 



On the other hand, there are still a number of Filipinos who aspire to migrate to the US. 



In view of this, the forum aims to gather insights from various participants on how to improve the business climate and encourage investments by migrants both in the Philippines and the US. 



With the theme, "The Fil-Am Ties that Bind: Business and Investment Opportunities Amidst the Changing Climate," a panel discussion will highlight the activity, bringing together resource speakers from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii and Ilocos Norte including from the government sector and the US Foreign Commercial Service. 



Other topics in the forum also include a review and update on US immigration opportunities and rules and the opportunity to study in the USA. 



Based on 2010 US census, it shows that Filipinos make up the second largest racial group in Hawaii, surpassing the number of ethnically Japanese.

  

Of the more than 342,000 Filipino migrants, about 85 percent are Ilocanos. (PNA)



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IMUS CITY, Cavite -– The cities of Bacoor and General Trias made it to this year's list of finalists in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.'s (PCCI) "Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit".

In a report on Friday, the two cities in Cavite province were cited for their outstanding efforts in promoting trade and investments, employment, transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering business services to fuel inclusive growth in their localities.

Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla and General Trias City Mayor Antonio "Ony" Ferrer said they led their respective city official delegations during the presentations before the PCCI panel of judges at the PCCI Office in Taguig City last October 9.

Following the presentations, both cities were adjudged finalists and given the "Special Recognition" Plaque signed by PCCI president George T. Barcelon, Samie C. Lim, chair of the 43rd PBC Awards and Jose S. Alejandro, chair of the LGU Award.

As "Most Business-Friendly Local Government Units", the two cities were recognized as LGUs that exemplify commendable initiatives towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments, and significantly contribute to local economic development.

The PCCI award demonstrates the chamber's mission as "the voice of Philippine business recognized by the government and international institutions which is a proactive catalyst of development that promotes and supports the drive for globally competitive Philippine enterprises in partnership with government, local chambers, and other business organizations." (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced that interested participants to the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) have until October 20 to submit their entries to the contest.

Martin Wee, DOST regional officer-in-charge, said the contest is open to both public and private sector inventors and researchers within Region 9.

There are six categories available in the invention contest and these are: outstanding invention; outstanding utility model; outstanding industrial design; outstanding creative research; and outstanding student creative research for high school and college students.

Wee said the RICE is open to all inventors, makers, designers, creative researchers and student researchers who are Filipino citizens residing in the region.

Wee said this year's RICE will be held on November 14 to 16 during the DOST's Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration, where the agency's leading programs, services and technologies will be featured.

The DOST holds its nationwide RICE event all over the country every two years to recognize the indispensability of Filipino inventions. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—At least 7,000 construction workers are needed in Northern Mindanao due to the region's booming economy.

Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Guiling Mamondiong disclosed this as Tesda launched Friday the Regional Training Center for Construction in Libertad town, Misamis Oriental.

Courses to be offered by the training center include construction painting, plumbing, tile setting, carpentry, masonry, electrical installation, and maintenance and shielded metal arc welding.

Students, who complete each of the course, will obtain the National Certification (NC) II qualifications, Mamondiong said.

Joel Ortiz, president of the Association of Construction and Informal Workers, welcomed the establishment of the center, pointing out that many construction workers in Region 10 do not have the necessary qualifications.

"From steel man to laborer and mason, many are interested to work on these areas but only a few are qualified," Ortiz said, adding that the quality of the construction workers' performance must be at par with their counterparts abroad because this is what investors are looking for.

Ortiz said the creation of a training center dedicated for construction would boost the construction sector in the region.

The training center was established through the cooperation of the local government of Libertad, Tesda-10, Cagayan de Oro Bugo School of Arts and Trade (Cobsat) and trainers belonging to the construction and metals and engineering sectors. (PNA/Mark Francisco)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Sandiganbayan has absolved former city mayor Vicente Emano over illegal acts by demoting an administrative officer into a security guard, a legal counsel said.

Lawyer Francis Khu said the Sandiganbayan cleared Emano of graft charges lodged by Leonor Esparcia, who accused Emano of persecution following her demotion from Administrative Assistant III to a city library watchman when Emano was mayor in 2013.

Esparcia said Emano violated Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as the the Civil Service Law for refusing to reinstate her despite an order from the Civil Service Commission.

In Emano's defense, Khu said their camp argued that the former mayor was not liable in refusing to reinstate Esparcia due to the election ban.

"If you remember early in 2013 was an upcoming election. So, everything was frozen including the mayor and all other officials and personnel, they cannot make any movement including reinstating Esparcia," Khu said in a statement released to the media on Oct. 13.

In an earliler decision, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file a criminal case against Emano for demoting Esparcia.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of violation of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 against Emano.

Emano, who sat as mayor for 12 years and vice mayor for three years, ran but lost against incumbent Mayor Oscar Moreno in the 2013 and 2016 elections. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Authorities have conducted surprised inspection at the detention facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), but found no illegal drugs.

Officials said Saturday the surprised inspection was conducted jointly by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), local police and BJMP around 4 a.m. Saturday at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) along Dr. Varela Street, Barangay Zone I.

Anju Villanueva, team leader of the local PDEA agents, said the inspection, dubbed as "Oplan Galugad", was conducted in orderly manner and yielded no illegal drugs.

The joint inspection team was backed by K-9 dogs.

The inspection team also noted that the facility at the ZCRC is clean and well-maintained.

Supt. Allan Vargas, ZCRC warden, said the maintenance of cleanliness at the detention facility is in line with the campaign of Chief Supt. Deogracias Tapayan, BJMP acting director.

Tapayan implemented the cleanliness program dubbed as "Oplan Linis Piitan" when he assumed as the acting director of the BJMP.

The program is aimed to maintain good sanitation in all of the detention facilities that are under the administration of the BJMP. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY –- For using recycled materials as decors in every classroom as well as in its gardens, an elementary school in Dagupan will represent the Ilocos region in the 2017 national search for the Best Sustainable and Eco-Friendly School.

The Malued Elementary School in Dagupan with Jane Cajayon as principal earned the right to represent Region 1 in the national search when it was recently adjudged champion in the regional search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

The search organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) along with the Department of Education (DepEd) aims to encourage schools to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level as well as recognize academic institutions with the best eco-friendly programs and activities.

It is a direct response to the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 and the country's initiative to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development from ‎2014-2018.

Cajayon said evaluators from the DepEd Central Office and the DENR came to evaluate the school on October 10 as the region's contender to the national search.

Results will be out during the National Environmental Awareness Month and National Clean Air Month celebrations in November.

Among the winning eco-friendly works of the Malued Elementary School are the mini-mouse plastic containers in its garden made of recycled mineral water bottles and colorful plant pots.

The pupils' participation in making the school eco-friendly was also taken as part of the evaluation.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez congratulated the teachers and the pupils of the school especially to Ms. Cajayon for qualifying in the national search.

She also lauded members of the barangay council headed by Barangay Chairwoman Filipinas Delos Santos who actively extended help to keep the school eco-friendly. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY— Illegal drug users in the province are now slowly finding their way back home as several government interventions are being undertaken to help them.

In Badoc town for example, a community-based rehabilitation program just kicked in to reach out to all drug surrenderers.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lilian Rin said Friday the PSWDO is leading the reintegration and transformation of recovering drug dependents.

Under the community-based rehabilitation program, drug surrenderers shall complete 13 modules. During the course of the program, the participants are constantly reminded of making a clean living and doing away with drugs.

Of the total 6, 277 individuals who surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of September 30, 2017, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) recorded a total of 4,773 persons who already completed their CBRP training.

In support of the program, the Diocese of Laoag and other religious groups here provide psycho spiritual guidance to former drug dependents.

Of the 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte, the PNP reported at least 430 out of the 513 drug affected barangays are already cleared.

A drug affected barangay means there is an identified drug user or pusher. (PNA) 



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Residents of the upland barangay Aningalan in San Remigio town in this province now have a new way to earn a living through tour guiding due to the influx of tourists to see the attractions offered by this once quiet place.



Ronie Mission, Jr., president of Aningalan Community Based Tourism Association, in an interview on Wednesday, said that tourism in their barangay started to boom because of their popular strawberry farm, the presence of giant flower Rafflesia and other natural attractions.



The barangay residents were given brief orientation on how to serve as tour guides and many of the jobless folks took interest.



"Right now there are 77 tour guides who are members of our association," he said.



He said these tour guides now earn PHP20.00 as guide fee per tourist to Igbaclag Cave, Danao Lake, strawberry farm and other attractions in Aningalan, which has now become accessible because of the concrete road being constructed from San Remigio town proper by the Department of Public Works and Highways.



Mission said he is thankful to the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte for continuing the road concreting to Aningalan from San Remigio town proper, which is about 10 kilometers.



The road is designed to become a shorter route from Antique to Iloilo, with Aningalan being the last barangay of San Remigio town to Iloilo province.



The association president said that thanks to the road concreting project there are now 50 to 100 visitors coming to the area during weekdays and 300 to 500 during weekends.



Each tourist pays environmental fee of PHP10.00 to the barangay and another PHP10.00 as entrance fee.


With the increasing number of tourists flocking to this once quiet town, the association will be requesting for a more thorough training on tour guiding to empower the locals and also to know the "dos and don'ts" which they can relay to the tourists before they head to the attractions.



He added there are other areas which can be developed such as the Tipuluan Falls located at the mouth of the Sibalom River and other caves that have not yet been explored due to inaccessible roads.



He said that they also need to have hanging bridges in areas where Rafflesia thrive to prevent visitors from stepping on the flower buds. (PNA)



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MAKILALA, North Cotabato -- Government troops here captured a seriously injured member of the New People's Army (NPA) following a firefight in a hinterland village, the Philippine Army here said Sunday.

Elements of the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) rushed Randy Indo, 42, resident of Barangay Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, to a hospital after he was abandoned by his fleeing companions in Sitio Lukatong, Barangay Biangan, also in Makilala.

Indo, who sustained multiple bullet wounds in the body, was turned over by local residents to pursuing government forces on Saturday evening.

39th IB spokesperson Capt. Silver Belvis said the soldiers were responding to reports by civilians about the presence of more than 30 NPA brigands under Guerilla Front 51 in Barangay Batasan when fired upon.

The incident sparked an hour-long clash that resulted in the wounding of two soldiers and five rebels.

Military intelligence sources identified the NPA leader as Commander Mckoy, whose group operates in adjoining Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

While fighting was raging, the rebels fled deep into the forest of Barangay Batasan, carrying their injured comrades.

Soldiers recovered one M16 rifle, four improvised landmines, medical paraphernalia, 20 backpacks, subversive documents, and four NPA flags left by the fleeing rebels.

Another team of soldiers, meanwhile, rushed Indo to the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital for treatment.

"This is proof we obey international humanitarian laws on injured enemies of state...we saved him because he was incapacitated," Belvis told reporters.

Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, the Army's 39th IB chief, said his unit would continue calibrated operations against those who are terrorizing remote villages.

He appealed to the communists though, that it is never too late to surrender.

"Those who are hurt don't listen to the communist propaganda that the soldiers would hurt you, that is a lie, we will help you for we are all Filipinos," Argamosa said.

Belvis also appealed to civilians, called the "masa" in remote communities, to cease supporting communist rebels and report to authorities any NPA presence in their villages. This, after a series of NPA atrocities in North Cotabato.

On Oct. 3, suspected NPA rebels executed village councilman Valeriano Birondo of Barangay Mahongkog in Magpet municipality.

Three days later, communist guerillas shot dead Bebs Quino, 35 of Barangay Temporan, also in Magpet.

On Oct. 12, NPA rebels killed Mark Cervania, a mat vendor from Datu Montawal, Maguindanao on suspicion he was an Army informant in Barangay Paco, Kidapawan City. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) has declared 130 villages in Maguindanao as "drug-free."

The pronouncement came on Wednesday after PDEA-ARMM declared five more villages, namely Barangays Ganoy, Penditin, and Animao in Datu Salibo and Barangays Kitango and Kabinge in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, to the list of villages cleared from the illegal drug menace.

Maguindanao has 508 villages in 36 municipalities divided under two congressional districts.

PDEA-ARMM Director Juvenal Azurin carefully assessed and validated the updated list, the report said.

The provincial government under the leadership of Governor Esmael Mangudadatu has continued to call on constituents to support and cooperate with the anti-drug war of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration. (PNA) .



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ILOILO CITY -- Ilongos working abroad are looking forward to the various financial and banking services to be offered by the newly created Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB), particularly as it offers better terms for their hard-earned money.

Maribel Bolaños, 41, has been working in Hong Kong for 14 years, is optimistic about the bank for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as her current depository bank offers low interest.

"I am very amenable as long as it offers a good rate for OFWs," she said in an interview through Facebook.

Nhen Acero Ardiente, another Hong Kong veteran for 16 years, believed the creation of the OFW bank is "one of the best achievements of OFWs under President Duterte."

"The creation of the OFW bank will make our life easier while working abroad," she said also in an online interview.

She said that with the bank, they can have "zero interest in loan services; free of charge when they send money back home and invest with higher interest rate."

Bolaños and Ardiente are both from the town of Lambunao in Iloilo.

Delmar Aguidano of Alimodian town in Iloilo said it is better that the government has established a bank that is dedicated to OFWs. He hoped that transactions are faster because it will just cater to OFWs.

He is currently in Iloilo and processing his papers for his return employment in Saudi Arabia as a construction worker. He has been working abroad for nine years.

While abroad, he used remittance centers to send money back home. However, there were instances when they incurred delays in sending the money to the Philippines.

He said that sending money through a government bank is "safer."

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order No. 44 on September 28, 2017 approving the acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to be converted into OFB.

Based on the records of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 6, there are 77,426 active members and 220,426 non-active members as of February 6 this year. (PNA)




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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Security preparations are now in full swing for the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and ADMM-Plus set to be held on October  23-24 in Clark, Pampanga. 

PNP Central Luzon Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus said they would make sure that security measures are in place to achieve zero ASEAN-related crimes during the duration of the meeting, which is expected to draw about 300 delegates.

Corpus said more than 5,000 policemen, soldiers and other security forces would be deployed to the meeting venue and other places in Clark and neighboring areas.

"This is to ensure that the ASEAN meeting in Clark will be safe and not to be interrupted  by some groups who might stage protest rallies," he said.

Corpus said command posts would be set up in major areas to be manned by medical teams as well as  quick response groups and civil disturbance management units that are prepared and ready to respond when the need arises.

He said there would also be a security outpost in every two kilometers along the major streets in Clark and Angeles City.

"We will be implementing tight security in the venue. We will also have security personnel to be deployed covering the delegates' route from the airport to their hotels," he added.

As part of the heightened security preparations for the upcoming summit, a dry run was conducted by the ASEAN Task Force security group from Clark Airport in Pampanga up to Balintawak in Quezon City last Sunday.

The southbound lanes of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and EDSA were closed to the public as part of the dry run.

Corpus said that  a modified stop-and-go traffic scheme would be implemented along the routes of the convoy, which would mean that delegates of ASEAN and the convoy would be prioritized in passing through the said routes.

"We have to undertake the necessary preparations to ensure the safety and security of the ASEAN delegates," he said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- October 12 is a special non-working holiday in this city pursuant to Republic Act 7350.

It is to allow the Zamboangueños to fittingly celebrate the feast day of the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar).

The feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar is the highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival being held every October of the year.
R.A. 7350, otherwise known as "An Act declaring October 12 of every year a special non-working holiday in the City of Zamboanga, was approved on April 2, 1992.

It was authored by the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat during her stint as this city's representative in the House of Congress for the lone district of Zamboanga.

As the festival's highlight, October 12 will be devoted to religious activities.

The activities will kick off with a Diana and Holy Rosary at 4 a.m.
A grand procession to the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar is set at 3 p.m. to be followed by a pontifical mass.

The shrine, which is known as the Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza in Spanish, is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government.

Its establishment in 1635 is said to be the founding day of the Chavacano language.

First District Rep. Celso Lobregat on Wednesday called on the residents to be united and "be one in prayers and veneration in honor to the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar." (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -– The Bureau of Customs (BOC) sub-port office here has exceeded its target revenue collection for 2017 by more than PhP 126.6 million. 

Dumaguete Customs Collector Fe Lluelyn Toring said Wednesday that their actual collection has reached more than PhP 1.429 billion from January  to Oct. 11 this year, which is more than the 2017 targeted tax collection of PhP1.303 billion.

For the first 11 days of October alone, they already collected more than PhP 40 million, she said.

Records showed that for the first quarter of the year, the Dumaguete sub-port office collected more than PhP443.4 million; for the second quarter, more than PhP425 million; and in the third quarter, more than PhP521 million.

Toring expressed confidence that more income will be generated for the rest of the fourth quarter.

She attributed most of the collections to Filoil, which is the leading importer of petroleum products and the biggest contributor to the revenue collection of the sub-port office. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – Around 2,000 residents of Barangay Manlucahoc in Sipalay City would benefit from the Community-managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed Wednesday by officials of DAR-Negros Occidental II, Sipalay City Government, and Manlucahoc Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the agency will allocate PHP80,000 as counterpart.

Of the anount, PHP50,000 will be used to purchase construction materials while the remaining PHP30,000 will cover the expenses for project-related technology trainings.

The DAR will also hire and train para-engineers who will help construct the facilities. The local government, meanwhile, allocated PHP50,000 for the labor requirement and livelihood project components.

Almost 50 percent of the 2,000 recipients of the potable water project are the students and teachers of various schools in the said barangay.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Enrique Paderes, who led the MOA signing at the office of the assisted farmers' organization, urged the member-recipients to unite, protect, and conserve the support services they receive from various government agencies like the DAR.

Sipalay City Vice Mayor Lizares said the project is beneficial since it provides residents, especially students and teachers, the access to safe drinking water sources.

"It will also promote ecological sanitation through low-cost, culturally acceptable and appropriate technologies," Lizares said, adding that the city government is also planning to replicate the project in other barangays. (PNA)



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UMINGAN, Pangasinan -- A woman, tagged as leader of a gun-for-hire syndicate operating in Pangasinan and other provinces, was arrested around noon Tuesday in Umingan town by joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Umingan police.

Lawmen led by the CIDG arrested Loida Mendoza y Gonzales at her residence on Rizal Street, Barangay Poblacion East in Umingan when they served a warrant for her arrest for double murder docketed under Criminal Case No. SCC-5773 dated Sept. 12, 2017.

No bail bond was recommended for her provisional liberty.

Mendoza, according to the police, was listed as the leader of the Gonzales Group of guns-for-hire in Pangasinan.

This  group was also listed as a newly identified criminal group by the police in the adjacent Lupao, Nueva Ecija.

Chief Inspector Jose Abaya III, chief of police of Umingan, said it is possible that Mendoza's group also had victims in Lupao that was why it was tagged as a newly identified criminal group in that town.    

Abaya said Mendoza had long been placed under surveillance by both the CIDG and Umingan police for her criminal activities.

She was also identified as protector/financier of the Pogito Group of guns-for-hire also operating in Pangasinan and adjacent provinces, the police said.

The suspect was brought to the CIDG Satellite Office in Urdaneta City for proper disposition and documentation.

With the arrest of Mendoza, the Umingan police is confident that all the other members of her guns-for-hire gang will soon be identified and arrested.

For this, the police called on relatives of all victims to come out in the open and testify against the woman gang leader and her groups. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Relatives of overseas Filipino workers in Pangasinan on Wednesday hailed the signing of Executive Order No. 44 by President Rodrigo Duterte converting the Philippine Postal Savings Bank into a bank that would deliver microfinance and micro-insurance products and services for OFWs, saying it would be a big boon to them who regularly receive cash remittances from abroad.

 Rhoderick Ibasan, a resident of Bonuan Gueset who has a wife working in Saudi Arabia, said a bank exclusively for OFWs would  certainly help all those working abroad and their respective families that depend on their remittances.

The father of two expressed hope there would be a branch of the OFW bank in Dagupan. He said the bank would not serve its purpose if its head office in Manila has no provincial branches.

Joy de la Cruz, a housewife from Manaoag, Pangasinan, said she has in-laws working in the United States and in Saudi Arabia, so an OFW bank to be established by the present administration is certainly most welcome as it would ensure hassle-free dollar remittances to their families back home

Records of the Pangasinan Provincial Employment Office (PESO) showed that Pangasinan has the biggest number of OFWs in the entire country and would certainly benefit from the proposed OFW bank. (PNA)



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TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Government agencies have been assisting Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSME) in the Cordillera to help improve their products and comply with local and international market standards in the wake of globalization and ASEAN integration.

Director Richard Burgos, head of the Department of Science and Technology- Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) said the agency had invested PHP205,493,199 as of September 22, 2017 for the productivity of the 433 MSMEs across the Cordillera region to enable them to be more competitive.

The amount reflects the funding support of the DOST to the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) approved projects, he said.

SETUP is the DOST's support to the national government's aid to the MSME sector to further strengthen the focus on developing the industries recognized to have a critical role in attaining and sustaining inclusive growth.

It encourages MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services and operations that will improve their productivity and competitiveness, develop new products and establish or sustain market riches.

Also on the sidelines of the Regional Science and Technology week here, DOST-Cordillera Regional Director Victor Mariano said the DOST assists the sector not just on mechanization using technologies they developed but a holistic support system like complying with the mandatory labeling including the marketing.

This, he said, would allow the local products to be sold nationally and globally competitive both in price and quality.

The agency also aids producers through its ISO-accredited testing laboratories which would enable them to acquire a permit from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) that issues licenses to operate.

"Without the permit, food processors will not be allowed to export and will have a difficulty in selling their product nationally. Food selling is sensitive and there are many requirements, and we want them to be compliant on those aspects. DOST assists producers in their compliances aside from a higher chance of exporting," Mariano said.

With DOST maintaining an internationally accredited testing laboratory, it assures a high standard of the products it tests. The agency assisted export producers are also aided in terms of making it sure that supplies are of high quality, able to meet the quantity as well as the timeliness of the delivery of goods.

It also has the "Onestore", an online store which has enrolled and uploaded about 200 high quality products for the local and international market.

Through the DOST, an entrepreneur is able to meet internationally accepted standards in terms of quality and marketability aside from aiding to start a business for budding entrepreneurs.

Based on the recent report of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC), MSME's contribute a large chunk in the region's Gross Domestic Products, especially with many of them opening in 2016, after the national government announced various support including financial in terms of loans and grants. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- The Senate approved on Wednesday the PhP33.569 billion budget for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for 2018, the region's information bureau said.

In a statement, the Bureau of Public Information (BPI)–ARMM said the Senate's approval of the budget proposition came "without much discussion and in less than a minute."

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman described the speedy approval of the budget as a manifestation of the Senate's trust in his administration.

"Sa Senate finance subcommittee hearing pa lang (Even during the Senate subcommittee hearing), we (already) received positive feedbacks na from our lawmakers," Hataman said.

The Senate Finance Subcommittee endorsed the budget proposal last Sept. 18.

Early on, the budget also passed swiftly before the House of Representatives after it received support from the majority on Sept. 12.

In the 2018 ARMM budget, some PhP14.7 billion or 43.8 percent is allocated for personnel service. Another PhP14 billion or 42 percent is allotted for capital outlay, while the remaining PhP4.7 billion or 14 percent is apportioned for maintenance and other operating expenses.

Hataman said the budget was crafted based on a number of considerations that included the ARMM Regional Development Plan 2017–2022 anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

The region's 2018 budget intends foremost to boost the current administration's two banner programs, namely the ARMM's Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Equity (BRIDGE) and the ARMM-Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Security, and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) packages.

So far, the ARMM–BRIDGE program has provided shelter, electricity, water and food provision for 5,600 less privileged families across the region. It is expected that 7,000 more families would benefit from it in 2018.

The ARMM–HELPS program, meanwhile, targets to establish a peaceful and secure environment in the region by providing basic social services to health, education, livelihood, good governance and peace in the communities.

Since 2014, a total of 403 barangays managed to establish their barangay peace center, health centers, water facilities, daycare centers and livelihood centers and housing projects.

In 2018, the region is eyeing to set up more infrastructures in 150 villages across the region. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- Overseas Filipinos Workers from Eastern Visayas believe that the establishment of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB) will not only spell convenience for them in remitting money to their families here but will also mean more government resources to meet their needs.

Vinyl Oquiño, 42, a professor of Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia for five years, on Thursday said the state-run bank will benefit more from foreign remittance fee instead of the private banks.

"More income for the government would mean more resources to help address the needs of OFWs," Oquiño said in a message sent to PNA via Facebook.

He has been paying USD 35 to the bank every time he sends money to his family in Tanauan, Leyte.

"Imagine the amount the government will be able to generate through OFW Bank," he added.

Although almost all banks offer micro-financing services, state-run banks are in a better position to fulfill its promise since it is backed by taxes, he said.

Donabelle Bote, 28, a hotel worker in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates said she's looking forward to opening an account in OFW Bank.

"I think it will be easier and cheaper for me to send money home with this new bank intended to serve overseas-based workers," said Bote, who has been working abroad for five years.

She spends about PHP500 to PHP600 monthly for sending PHP15,000 to her parents in Burauen, Leyte.

Bote thanked the President for fulfilling the campaign promise of establishing a bank catering to OFWs.

On September 28, 2017, Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 44 converting the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) into a bank that will deliver microfinance and micro-insurance products and services to the OFWs.

Through EO No. 44, the PPSB will be acquired by the Land Bank of the Philippines and will be converted into the OFB.

"Overseas-based Filipinos, who contribute to the country's foreign exchange income, currency stability, employment, and overall economic growth through their remittances should be given provision of priority support for their growing financial needs," the EO read.

"There is a need to establish a policy bank dedicated to provide financial products and services tailored to the requirements of overseas Filipinos, and focused on delivering quality and efficient foreign remittance services," it added. (PNA)



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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on Thursday suspended classes from pre-school to senior high school in both public and private schools in the province due to Tropical Depression "Odette."

Mamba said the suspension of classes from pre-school to high school levels was recommended by the Provincial Climate Change Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PCCDRRMC) due to the continuous rains since Wednesday night.

"Odette" was estimated at 730 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometer per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph.

Mamba ordered the suspension as a precautionary measure as rivers and low-lying areas in Cagayan have accumulated floodwaters brought about by the weather disturbance.

The governor is advising people living near mountains slopes and low-lying areas to take necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods, landslides and swelling of the rivers.

Mamba also urged the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) of every municipality in the province also to be on the alert. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- Two minors died after being trapped in a landslide that hit a construction site inside an elementary school campus in Lavezares, Northern Samar Wednesday afternoon.

The victims were identified as Jonnel Nabor and Elmer Abayon, both 17 years old and residents of Kalabog village, Victoria, Northern Samar.

Based on initial report released by police regional headquarters spokesperson, Chief Insp. Ma.Bella Rentuaya, the victims were working to build classrooms inside Libas Elementary School in Libas village in Lavezares town when the landslide occurred around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Experts said the downpour might have triggered the landslide that hit the construction site located near a hill.

The victims died after being covered by tons of loose soil and boulders. It took several hours for rescuers to retrieve their bodies. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The House of Representatives is set to pass on third and final reading House Bill 124 next week after it recently hurdled the second reading.

The measure was passed on second reading following the strong manifestation of support from majority of the members in the House of Representatives, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat,, author of the bill, said on Thursday.

H.B. 124 has obtained positive impression from majority of the House members after it passed thorough review in the Committee on Natural Resources when Lobregat refiled it on January 18, this year.

The bill seeks to declare the Pasonanca watershed forest reserve in this city as a protected area under the category of Natural Park and its peripheral areas as buffer zones providing for its management, and for other purposes.

The bill, also known as the Pasonanca watershed bill, was previously filed by former Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian in the 14th and 15th Congress and by former Rep. Lilia Nuño in the 16th Congress.

Lobregat said he refiled the bill earlier this year due to its importance and for the benefit of the residents of this city.

"There is a greater opportunity that this Pasonanca watershed bill will become a law because it pertains to protecting the environment, which is beneficial to all," Lobregat said.

He noted that LPGMA Partylist Rep. Arnel Ty, House committee chair on natural resources, has seen the significance and vitality of the HB 124, which contributes to the preservation of the one of the seven remaining intact and vegetated watersheds in the country.

"We all very well know that the preservation of our watershed is very important, that's why I am seeking the immediate approval of this (bill) in Congress all the way to the senate to ensure the protection of our natural resources," he said.

He said it is necessary to preserve the watershed in order to protect this city's water source not only for the present generation but also for the future residents of this city. (PNA)

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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional advisory board has approved for the Sorsogon Pili Enterprise Cluster a P26.21-million sub-project to process quality pili oil and pili products as an intervention identified in the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan for pili -- a top commodity in the Bicol region.

In a phone interview Thursday, Emily Bordado, chief information officer of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 5, said the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), together with the provincial government of Sorsogon, provided 150 grafted pili trees to the Sorsogon Pili Orchard Development Project (SPODP).

SPODP is a three-hectare property in Juban, Sorsogon that assures the supply of pili in the Bicol Region.

Aside from the PHP26.21 million, the LGU-Sorsogon also allocated PHP250,000 for the construction of a concrete port perimeter fence in the area.

SPODP committed to develop one hectare into a pili orchard while DA and the local government will provide technical supervision and logistic support in implementing the project.

On the other hand, the Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of Sorsogon will take charge of the monitoring and evaluation of the orchard and follow technical recommendations of the authorized technicians, Bordado added.

Rhia Belle Gatdula, of SorsogonPili Orchard Development Project, said the project is a good legacy for the farmers as their children, the "next generation of farmers and researchers would benefit from the development."

Pili grows for more than 100 years. That means, two generations will benefit from the trees.

Sorsogon Governor Robert Lee Rodrigueza expressed his gratitude to Gatdula for their partnership and support to the SPODP.

"Hopefully, more people will be encouraged to imitate your example of loving our farmers," he said in Filipino.

PRDP is a six-year, World Bank-assisted national project under the DA that aims to establish an inclusive, market-oriented and climate-smart agri-fishery sector in the countryside. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Thursday said the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Daniel Fernando would conduct a public hearing in aid of legislation on the structural integrity of giant water tanks of different water districts in the province.

The move came following the collapse of the water tank in Barangay Muzon, City of San Jose del Monte last week, killing four persons, two of them one-year-old girls, and injuring 44 others.

Alvarado said that public safety is the utmost concern and timely measures should be applied to prevent such tragedy from happening again.

Fernando, on the other hand, said that Board Member Allan Rey Baluyot would schedule the public hearing that would lead to the filing of a provincial resolution.

He added that the task force formed by the city government of San Jose del Monte is presently inspecting the facilities of various water districts in the area.

Fernando said the provincial government would also inspect giant water tanks in the province's 21 towns and three cities especially the old ones and those located in populated areas.

The tragic incident happened early dawn Friday when the water tank burst and big volume of water swept through residential houses and a nearby police detachment like a tidal wave, according to witnesses.

Rescuers recovered the fatalities under debris while those injured were brought to the different hospitals in the city where some are still undergoing treatment.

The water tank is 14 by 13 meters in height and has a 2,000-cubic meter capacity. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Western Visayas made a surprise inspection of the seven floors of the Iloilo City hall Thursday morning.

Acting Mayor Jose Espinosa III said that the inspection was the second part of the drug-free workplace policy that is being observed at the city hall. He said that the planning almost took them a week and only three to five persons were privy of the details.

The first part was the establishment of a drop box at the ground floor to encourage employees to report suspected drug personalities working at the city government.

Three K-9 teams were deployed to scan various offices at the city hall.

"This is the first time in the whole Philippines that a city hall was checked by K-9 so we know that we are a drug-free workplace," he said.

The initiative is to ensure that there are no employees engaging in illegal drugs. It is also their way of "leading by example" as he challenged barangay officials to also do their own initiative, he said.

"I am not saying that I am doubting (city hall employees) but we just would like to show that we lead by example for other agencies to follow to help in the campaign of our President (Rodrigo Duterte)," he added.

Espinosa said there is going to be a third part in their campaign to make the city hall a drug-free workplace but he did not disclose to maintain the "element of surprise."

Meantime, retired colonel Felix Muchada who is the chief security officer and administrator of the drop box at the city hall, said that four names were reported and already validated by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Three of them were found to be users and one was engaged in selling illegal drugs. Their names were also in the list of the PNP.

Muchada said the "full force of the law" have to be applied to them. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that the reinforcement of the Mindanao transmission backbone project is expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2019, months ahead of its target completion in June 2019.

In a statement, the NGCP said the Mindanao 230 kilo-volt (KV) Transmission Backbone Project would address the anticipated addition of bulk power generation in the area by strengthening the existing capacity of the Matanao-Toril-Bunawan and the Balo-i-Maramag-Bunawan transmission lines from 138-KV to 230-KV.

Once completed, the NGCP said the transmission backbone would accommodate renewable and conventional power plants in the northern and southern parts of Mindanao, which would in turn ensure stable and continuous power from Lanao del Norte, passing through Agusan del Sur, all the way to Davao del Sur.

It said that large generating plants such as the GNPower and SMC would be able to connect to the grid, mitigating the once known vulnerabilities of hydro power and maximizing the general capability of incoming plants with the completion of the project.

"This means that we can maintain the quality and reliability of power which Mindanaoans will be able to enjoy. We are excited for the projects lined up for Mindanao as this will create a solid energy corridor in the island," the NGCP said.

The project also serves as an integral part of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project (VMIP), which will complete the link between the country's power grids, allowing power between the major islands to be shared, and ensuring the reliability and stability of the grid.

Upon completion of all major NGCP projects for Mindanao, any excess generation will be able to travel to Visayas and vice versa, effectively supporting the power requirements of all three islands.

"The Mindanao Backbone project is key to the VMIP because it provides the transmission highway to accommodate the capacity which the interconnection needs for it to be fully utilized by both Visayas and Mindanao," the NGCP said.

NGCP emphasized the support of the local government units (LGU) in fast-tracking the implementation of its grid enhancement and expansion projects.

Various key substations will also be upgraded in order to accommodate the line and the additional power expected to flow through, according to the NGCP. (PNA)



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IMUS CITY, Cavite -- A motorcycle driver was killed while his backrider was seriously injured in a head-on collision with a dump truck along Buhay na Tubig Road here early Thursday.

Initial police investigation disclosed that the motorcycle riders were found to be under the influence of liquor, which may have resulted in the collision.

Imus City Police identified the fatality as Julie Pascual Magan, 31, and his backrider as Christopher L. Brosas, both of Vallejo Place, Barangay Pasong Buaya 2 in this city.

Case investigators said the dump truck was travelling along Buhay na Tubig Road heading towards Aguinaldo Highway when the motorcycle that was traveling in the opposite direction swayed and bumped the truck's front.

The riders were thrown off the motorcycle and landed on the road after the collision.

They were rushed to the Imus Medical Center but the driver was declared dead on arrival while the backrider is undergoing treatment for serious physical injuries.

The dump truck was registered under the Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corp. (CAVDEAL) and driven by Vengie Coronel Pastor, 46, of Biga 2, Silang, Cavite.

Pastor and the dump truck are under the custody of the Imus City Police as police are filing charges against the driver for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injuries. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Police have been on heightened alert in nearby Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao following an ambush incident in Barangay Rebuken late Wednesday afternoon involving three people, two of them government employees.

Chief Insp. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat police chief, identified those embroiled in the ambuscade as Datu Razul Denila, 26, and Princess Karen Mastor, 37, both government employees; Alma Abdulla, 35, all residents of Barangay Rebuken.

The three were onboard a Kia sedan with plate number MCA 766 past 5 p.m. when they were waylaid by armed men positioned at one side of the road.

"The targeted car occupants managed to speed off from the area following the ambush," Madin said.

But a stray bullet hit a minor who was riding a bicycle near the ambush site, he added.

The minor is now confined at a local hospital.

Madin said initial investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from long-standing grudge by one of the families of the three with another clan in the area.

"Our investigation is going on. We are also still trying to determine the identities of the ambushers," he said.

Police checkpoints were immediately set up to defuse the brewing tension around town.

Early this year, a barangay official and a farm owner died while two others were wounded in an ambush in same village due to clan wars. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The regional office of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC 11) will launch a series of operations against unregistered communication equipment and broadcast stations as it vowed to clear the airwaves of illegal users.

NTC 11 director Nelson Cañete said handheld radios need to be registered with the NTC while the users must be licensed. This also applies to sellers of cellular phones, which must bear the NTC seal. The transmitters of radio stations should also be registered.

"We will be conducting series of operations versus unlicensed communication equipment, dealers of cellular phones in the Davao Region," Cañete said.

He said this will include the media. "Sulbaron nato ang traffic sa kahanginan (We will solve air traffic)," Cañete vowed.

During the AFP-PNP press corps at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Wednesday, Cañete voiced concern that their campaign will hit hard on taxi drivers, whose units have radio set. If caught that the radio set is illegal, the taxi driver will be fined P2,000; another P5,000 for using a radio without license; plus P10,000 more for more violations for a total of P17,000.

According to Cañete, the taxi units with radio sets should be the lookout of the operator.

He reminded that drivers or users of handheld radio must undergo a seminar at the NTC to obtain a license. NTC is targeting 144 taxi operators. So far, only 82 are registered.

Cañete said NTC will not announce its inspection/operation although it has initially coordinated with taxi operators, local government units, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to register all units and get licenses for their users.

He said he has even talked to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio about the licensing and registration since the city government issues handheld radio to employees.

He said NTC does not cover the military as it has its own frequency.
On radio stations, Cañete revealed there are many radio stations especially in the towns of Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur that are operating with unlicensed transmitters.

In Davao City, Cañete said there are two radio stations illegally operating. He, however, refused to name the stations.

Cañete, however noted, that many operators have already visited NTC to register. He said most of these are civic and amateur radio groups. For 2017, NTC already issued permits to 17,000 operators. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Police and Army Special Forces have launched manhunt operations against two men who shot dead a father of the bride and injured the groom during a Muslim wedding rites here Thursday morning.

Chief Insp. Reynaldo Delatien, city police substation 2 commander, said that they are working closely with the 5th Army Special Force Battalion and Army's 6th Infantry Division to get the culprits behind the incident.

Delatien identified the fatality as Hadji Nasifh Abdullah Sampiano, 52, former village chair of Barangay Purakan, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur and the injured as Abil Gampong Balindong, 35, resident of Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

The shooting occurred after the wedding rites of Balindong and Sampiano's daughter in a Muslim rite inside the mosque of the Mall of Alnor in Barangay Rosary Heights 9 here shortly before noon.

One of the gunmen, armed with 9-mm pistol, opened fire on Sampiano several times, hitting him in the head and body. Stray bullets hit Balindong who was standing nearby. Both were rushed to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center situated just across the mall but Sampiano was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.

Investigators are still are still trying to determine the motive of the attack.

Witnesses said the shooting occurred so fast that everybody was caught by surprise since the crime scene was a holy place. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Another missionary priest, Fr. Prospero Gacis of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) congregation and one of the Filipino members of the OMI in the Philippines, died in his sleep Thursday morning, a day after he quietly celebrated his 91st natal day.

Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI, who has been writing about the life of his Oblate colleagues, said Fr. Gacis, more known among Oblates as "Fr. Pros," breathed his last at 6:10 a.m. at the Oblates Buldoc Home in Fairview, Quezon City.

The cleric's remains will be flown Saturday to Tamontaka in Datu Odin, Maguindanao, to be buried in the Oblate Cemetery.

Fr. Gacis had been in the Buldoc Home, the OMI's retirement home for elderly missionaries, since June 1, 2008 after serving most of his life in difficult oblate missions.

He was the third Oblate to have died this year or in the last three months.

Fr. Elino Isip, OMI and Fr. Manny Mina, OMI separately died on August 6 and August 30, respectively.

Born on Oct. 11, 1926 and took the road to priesthood in 1949, Fr. Gacis was the 9th Filipino to become priest and was ordained in Rome in December 21, 1957.

Fr. Mercado said it was during his second year in high school that Gacis began to experience the religious call. He said Fr. Gacis found the Oblates "very human, warm, outgoing, happy and full of humor."

"Also, he (Fr. Gacis) was also attracted to the Oblate Cross and the Cincture," Fr. Mercado added.

Fr. Gacis' desire to become an Oblate missionary was inspired by Fr. Gerard Mongeau, the chief of mission of seven pioneering Oblates arriving in the Philippines in 1939.

Fr. Gacis is the brother of former Defense Undersecretary Feliciano Gacis who served during the administration of President V. Ramos. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Regional Darul Ifta will hold a one-day Regional Ulama Solidarity Summit for Peace and Security to unite the concerned stakeholders against violent extremism and terrorism.

In a letter, Regional Darul Ifta Executive Director Aleem Abdulmuhmin Mujahid said the summit will be held on Saturday, October 14, in one of the hotels in this city.

Mujahid said the objectives of the solidarity summit is to bring together the ulamas (religious professionals) in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) areas to mutually consult and discuss on the pressing issue of violent extremism and terrorism (VET).

Mujahid said it is also to reach consensus on how to protect the Muslim community in general and determine the ulama role in countering and preventing VET in the locality.

He said the invited participants are from the academe, civil society, security, and inter-faith sectors to witness the coming together of the ulama in the region on this important issue.

He said they were invited to interact with members of the ulama sector and to explore opportunities for partnership and networking.

During the summit, there will be presentation and they will be addressing misconceptions on salafism and wahhabism; reading of the declaration of ulama solidarity against violent extremism and terrorism; and, partnership workshop to determine the government organizations, donors and non-government organizations to work with, what to work on and how to work about.

National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman are invited to deliver their respective messages during the summit. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is bullish on Davao Region's cacao and chocolate industry as it moves faster to become the Philippine chocolate capital.

The city mayor said Davao Region could now supply 80 percent of the country's total cacao production and contributing to the region's rapid economic growth since the discovery of Davao's potential to grow world-class cacao and produce chocolate products.

"Davao Region is now moving towards the prestigious name as chocolate capital of the Philippines," Duterte-Carpio said during Thursday's opening of the Davao Chocolate Festival organized by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc (CIDAMi) and the SM Davao held at SM City Annex.

The city government is supportive of the cacao industry. In fact, it has put up a PhP2 million fund assistance that can be accessed by the cacao farmers.

As she congratulated the industry players for the four-year recognition to excellence of city's fine quality chocolates, the mayor said: "Our sectors are connected beyond scope and denomination."

She said the city's vision to support cacao farming, processing, research and development is "our goal to provide opportunity to small entrepreneurs, farmers, and indigenous people to be major players in the cacao and chocolate industry and the production of globally competitive quality chocolates - all bring us together towards the aim of sustainable development."

Duterte-Carpio said the city government's on-going implementation of the cacao production and marketing of dry fermented beans under the Philippine Rural Development Project-Investment in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture and Fisheries productivity with the Subasta Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative reflects the city's and farmers' mutual interest in the cacao industry. Subasta is located in Calinan, Davao City.

The mayor committed to continue supporting the cacao industry. Last September, the city government opened "Cacao City" which serves as a retail outlet for cacao products, including chocolates.

The city mayor hopes that the chocolate festival will inspire not only as s means of livelihood but to indorse Davao city as destination of cacao and chocolate enthusiasts.

CIDAMI executive director Valente Turtur said the Chocolate Festival is the fourth, aimed at promoting Davao chocolate and the cacao industry.

"Tulong ito sa ating farmers (This is to support the farmers). We are dedicating this to the farmers," Turtur said in an interview.

Since it was strongly promoted, Turtur said the cacao industry is flourishing positively and robust as more and more farmers are shifting.

It has also huge social impact on the farmers. From the 8,000 farmers engaged in cacao production, Turtur said the number has grown to 20,000 from three Davao Regions.

When in the past it was only Davao City and a few in Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte, Turtur said farmers in Davao Oriental have also engaged in cacao production. Davao Oriental is known as top producer of coconut and coconut products.

Turtur said the industry players are aiming to produce fine cocoa for bigger income because it is more preferred by professional chocolate makers.

Turtur also took note of the increasing number of chocolate processors from only six to 70 processors.

In an earlier interview, Turtur revealed there is a growing interest, especially the European chocolate makers, on Davao's cacao because farmers have also leveled up in terms of quality.

He said farmers have learned technology of producing and preserving the quality of the beans, techniques and husbandry unlike in the past when they dry their beans on road pavements without minding of the dirt and animal droppings which affect bean quality.

He said the Philippine cacao beans and Davao's locally produced chocolates are also getting world attention. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office will train 120 forest guards combat illegal logging in Eastern Visayas.

DENR assistant regional director Carlito Tuballa said on Tuesday that forest rangers will be trained starting next month on self defense, security protocol, forest law enforcement, monitoring, and investigation.

The 120 forest guards are assigned in 11 Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices in the region. They have been deployed in areas with armed illegal loggers and communist rebels.

The DENR regional office is eyeing on the possibility of arming its forest rangers, once approved by their central office.

Since forest guards are unarmed, they are assisted by military and policemen not only to monitor large-scale logging, but timber poaching committed by informal settlers near the forest.

"We are taking action to protect our forest guards against those armed illegal loggers operating in our forest areas," Tuballa said.

In Marabut Samar alone, the DENR regional office is aiming to preserve the 15,430 hectares forest areas as eco-tourism destination and not for logging.

The DENR also hired lawyers this month to strengthen its legal muscle and speed up the resolution of lower level cases, including land claims and disputes. They will also help forest guards prepare legal documents and after post-operation reports.

Eastern Visayas region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares, of which 1,118,214 hectares are established as forestland and 1,024,955 hectares are alienable and disposable lands. 

Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 519,848 hectares or only half of the established forestland. (Jazmin Bonifacio/PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police arrested an employee of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental for alleged illegal drug use inside an inn here on Tuesday.

Vergil Lago, a weather forecaster at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, was caught in possession of "shabu" weighing 0.36 grams when police swooped down on his rented room at Wilshire Inn, said Senior Insp. Gilbert Rollen, head of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, who said Lago holds the position of Local DRRM Officer II, said the employee's arrest shocked other capitol workers and the suspect's colleagues at the local disaster management community.

Lago will be allowed to return to work once he posts bail, Emano said, pointing out that a suspect is considered "innocent until proven guilty."

According to Rollen, Lago was caught in the act of using illegal drugs, and police confiscated from him two sachets of suspected "shabu", including aluminum foil and other drug paraphernalia.

Rollen said they were tipped off by an informant of suspicious activities happening inside Lago's rented room. According to the logbook at Wilshire Inn, Lago checked in at 2 a.m. that day.

Lago may be allowed to post bail as the quantity of the illegal drugs seized from his possession was way below the non-bailable offense set by law. (PNA/Mark D. Francisco)



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CAMP DANGWA, Benguet -- Seven policemen from the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-COR) were recognized for topping the last two national examinations given by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) for law enforcers.

Regional Director Elmo Francis Sarona said those who made it to the top ten in the 2017 exams for senior police officers were Police Officer 2 (PO) Denver Vicente Dolin (6th), PO2 Rachelle Grace Cabalo Baruela (8th), SPO1 Elijanuaren Marcos Alibuyog and PO1 Marivic Einjansantos Azurin, both at 10th place.

Sarona said that in 2016, three Cordillera policemen also made it to the top ten of the same examination. They were PO2 Joven Cayabas Pulano from the crime laboratory service in Mountain Province (2nd), PO1 Elynor Charisma Valeros of Bangued, Abra (8th), and PO2 Francisco Ayeo-eo Pespes of the BCPO (10th).

All of them were promoted to the rank of Senior Police Officers. Sarona said the achievement of the seven police officers speaks well of their high-degree of competence and aptitude.

"I'd like to congratulate them for their promotions and second for their intelligence. I do hope that more Cordillera police will excel during examinations. I hope that they will show the same intelligence and aptitude in performimg their duty," Sarona said. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Energy (DOE) sees the need to put up a satellite office in Baguio City to cater to the numerous issues confronting the energy industry in the different parts of the Cordilleras.

This is in preparation for the proposed establishment of the department's regional office in the administrative region in the future, which is still awaiting approval.

Reynaldo Ligamor, officer-in-charge of the DOE Luzon field office based in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan,  said this during the recent Consumer Welfare Month.

Ligamor said the DOE leadership has considered the proposal of congressmen from the Cordillera to initially establish a satellite office in Baguio. This is pending the establishment of a permanent Cordillera regional office for them to immediately attend to issues related to the mandate of the energy department.

He said the agency's Luzon field office is supportive of the long overdue clamor of Cordillerans for a regional office but it is best to start with a satellite office to oversee the agency's affairs in the region. The establishment of its regional office will continue to be worked out with their national office.

Ligamor recognized the importance of a satellite office in any part of the region to ease transactions by officials and residents.

At present, it is the DOE office in Pangasinan that caters to the Cordillerans' issues raised to the department.

During the third quarter meeting of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC), several resolutions requesting the DOE leadership to establish its regional office in the Cordillera were discussed as leaders see the need to immediately address the numerous issues and concerns being hurled against the department, specifically the higher oil prices in the city compared to the lowlands.

This is aside from the requirement for free, prior and informed consent for renewable energy developers from indigenous peoples impacted by the DOE's proposed projects.

In the launching activity of the Consumer Welfare Month last week, Ligamor appealed for the local officials' patience as they move for the establishment of a satellite office prior to a permanent and complete regional office set-up. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Members of the city council have institutionalized the implementation of curfew hours for minors here even after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would order the lifting of the existing martial law in Mindanao.

During a regular session on Tuesday, council members passed on third and final reading the "Discipline Hour Ordinance" that primarily focuses on the enactment of a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for those aged 18 years old and below.

"This is due to the upright effect of the prevailing martial law in Mindanao," Vice Mayor Graham Nasser Dumama, concurrent city council presiding officer, said.

He stressed though that the new ordinance has yet to be signed by City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi.

"The important thing is that the edict has been approved in principle on our level," the vice mayor said.

Currently, the city is imposing a 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. curfew hour for all residents.

Dumama noted that since the martial law implementation last May 23 due to the attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, by militant groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, crime rate in Cotabato City has dropped by over 50 percent, the biggest decline in recent years.

Apart from isolated cases, residents here are enjoying a relative peaceful and orderly situation in the locality's 37 villages.

"The martial law declaration has brought good not only to this city but also to the whole of Mindanao," Dumama said.

Early on, Congress has granted the President's request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year in a bid to quell the rebellion by ISIS-aligned fighters in the besieged city of Marawi.

Dumama said the discipline–oriented city ordinance also recommends fines and punitive action against parents or relatives who would send minors to grocery or convenience stores to buy for them cigarettes and liquors. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Members of the city council have institutionalized the implementation of curfew hours for minors here even after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would order the lifting of the existing martial law in Mindanao.

During a regular session on Tuesday, council members passed on third and final reading the "Discipline Hour Ordinance" that primarily focuses on the enactment of a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for those aged 18 years old and below.

"This is due to the upright effect of the prevailing martial law in Mindanao," Vice Mayor Graham Nasser Dumama, concurrent city council presiding officer, said.

He stressed though that the new ordinance has yet to be signed by City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi.

"The important thing is that the edict has been approved in principle on our level," the vice mayor said.

Currently, the city is imposing a 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. curfew hour for all residents.

Dumama noted that since the martial law implementation last May 23 due to the attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, by militant groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, crime rate in Cotabato City has dropped by over 50 percent, the biggest decline in recent years.

Apart from isolated cases, residents here are enjoying a relative peaceful and orderly situation in the locality's 37 villages.

"The martial law declaration has brought good not only to this city but also to the whole of Mindanao," Dumama said.

Early on, Congress has granted the President's request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year in a bid to quell the rebellion by ISIS-aligned fighters in the besieged city of Marawi.

Dumama said the discipline–oriented city ordinance also recommends fines and punitive action against parents or relatives who would send minors to grocery or convenience stores to buy for them cigarettes and liquors. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Members of the city council have institutionalized the implementation of curfew hours for minors here even after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would order the lifting of the existing martial law in Mindanao.

During a regular session on Tuesday, council members passed on third and final reading the "Discipline Hour Ordinance" that primarily focuses on the enactment of a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for those aged 18 years old and below.

"This is due to the upright effect of the prevailing martial law in Mindanao," Vice Mayor Graham Nasser Dumama, concurrent city council presiding officer, said.

He stressed though that the new ordinance has yet to be signed by City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi.

"The important thing is that the edict has been approved in principle on our level," the vice mayor said.

Currently, the city is imposing a 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. curfew hour for all residents.

Dumama noted that since the martial law implementation last May 23 due to the attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, by militant groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, crime rate in Cotabato City has dropped by over 50 percent, the biggest decline in recent years.

Apart from isolated cases, residents here are enjoying a relative peaceful and orderly situation in the locality's 37 villages.

"The martial law declaration has brought good not only to this city but also to the whole of Mindanao," Dumama said.

Early on, Congress has granted the President's request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year in a bid to quell the rebellion by ISIS-aligned fighters in the besieged city of Marawi.

Dumama said the discipline–oriented city ordinance also recommends fines and punitive action against parents or relatives who would send minors to grocery or convenience stores to buy for them cigarettes and liquors. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Members of the city council have institutionalized the implementation of curfew hours for minors here even after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would order the lifting of the existing martial law in Mindanao.

During a regular session on Tuesday, council members passed on third and final reading the "Discipline Hour Ordinance" that primarily focuses on the enactment of a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for those aged 18 years old and below.

"This is due to the upright effect of the prevailing martial law in Mindanao," Vice Mayor Graham Nasser Dumama, concurrent city council presiding officer, said.

He stressed though that the new ordinance has yet to be signed by City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi.

"The important thing is that the edict has been approved in principle on our level," the vice mayor said.

Currently, the city is imposing a 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. curfew hour for all residents.

Dumama noted that since the martial law implementation last May 23 due to the attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, by militant groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, crime rate in Cotabato City has dropped by over 50 percent, the biggest decline in recent years.

Apart from isolated cases, residents here are enjoying a relative peaceful and orderly situation in the locality's 37 villages.

"The martial law declaration has brought good not only to this city but also to the whole of Mindanao," Dumama said.

Early on, Congress has granted the President's request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year in a bid to quell the rebellion by ISIS-aligned fighters in the besieged city of Marawi.

Dumama said the discipline–oriented city ordinance also recommends fines and punitive action against parents or relatives who would send minors to grocery or convenience stores to buy for them cigarettes and liquors. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY-- Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has been tested negative for illegal drugs use based on results released by City Hall Tuesday afternoon.

Leading by example, Duterte-Carpio underwent a mandatory random drug test on Tuesday. City Hall department heads and drivers also underwent the same test.

The city mayor said the simple act of submitting oneself to a drug test plays a big role in the society, especially with the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

"We have to lead by example in our society with regard to healthy living, being clean, and not engaging to illegal drugs," she said in an interview.

Asked what happens to an employee who would be tested positive for illegal drugs use, Duterte-Carpio said they would be referred to the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) for rehabilitation.

"It will depend, if he is under contract, then we can terminate him immediately, however, we will also consider his service, we can send him to CADAC for a rehab, same as for the plantilla position," she said.

Under the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Circular no. 13 series of 2017, all government employees, plantilla or job order, shall undergo a mandatory random drug test.

The mandatory random drug test among government employees is in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

About 12,000 employees of the city government will undergo random drug testing. The drug test also covers those city government employees in the field. (Funny Pearl Gajunera/PNA)



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SURIGAO CITY -- With the continued decline of fish catch throughout Caraga Region, a group of lawmakers is seeking an investigation to determine whether the current fisheries laws are enough to protect the livelihood of fishermen.

In a resolution filed in the House of Representatives, lawmakers belonging to the progressive bloc requested the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources to conduct a congressional hearing on the effects of the country's fisheries code and its amendments, including other related programs and policies, on the small fisherfolk sector in Caraga.

Caraga is the country's second poorest region, according to the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), which also identified fisherfolk as the poorest sector in the region.

PSA attributed the alarming poverty levels among fishermen to declining fish catch volume through the years, which showed that 39.2 percent or two out of five fisherfolk only earn less than PHP50 per day.

"Farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood in the region, as its rich fishing grounds are sources of marine products such as blue marlin, tuna, lapu-lapu (grouper), mollusks, milkfish, crabs, squids, among others," according to the House Resolution number 1316 submitted to the Congress on September 18, 2017.

"In terms of small open-sea fishing, with the fishermen using pasol or bingwit (fishing rod) for lapu-lapu, dalagang bukid, bulis, tamban, kurob (matambaka) and galungong, the 1989 daily catch of 20 kilograms alarmingly fell to 1 to 2 kilograms at present," it added.

The resolution was endorsed by Reps. Ariel B. Casilao of Anakpawis Party-list, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate of Bayan Muna, Antonio L. Tinio and France L. Castro of Act Teachers , as well as Rep. Emmi A. De Jesus and Rep. Arlene D. Brosas of Gabriela, among others.

Fernando Hicap, former Anakpawis party-list representative and national chair of Pambasanang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas, an NGO for fisherfolk in the Philippines, blamed the implementation of the Republic Act No. 8550 or otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and its amendments under the Republic Act 10654 for the "devastation" of the livelihood of fisherfolk in Caraga and across the country.

Hicap said the Fisheries Code and its amendments mainly affect small fishermen with its provision on excessive taxes and fees, strict restrictions and fishing regulations attacks fisherfolk.

"The strict implementation of these laws are imposed by Local Government Units on small fishermen while large commercial fishing vessels and fleets are freely encroaching the 15-kilometer municipal fishing waters.

"The poor sector also bear the burden of high costs of registration and licensing their boats and fishing gears, with non- compliances dreads them with costly fines and penalties like confiscation of fishing gears and worse, imprisonment," Hicap said.

Rogelio de Asis, leader of Pamalakaya-Caraga, also lamented that declared marine protected areas intended for spawning and reproduction of marine species "often lead to privatization and conversion, eventually being classified as part of an eco-tourism zone."

"BFAR's Bantay Dagat or sea patrol is ineffective to prevent the entry of large-scale commercial fishing fleets within the 15-kilometer municipal fishing waters that use destructive and exploitative fishing gears like hulbot-hulbot or Danish Seine," he said.

The progressive lawmakers said there was a need to review the current fisheries laws so that Congress can properly act to help small fisherfolk in Caraga and around the country. (Roel N. Catoto/PNA)



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LOS BAŇOS, Laguna - Filipino investors and technology innovators may now avail of financial financing through the latest collaborative funding scheme "Innovation and Technology Lending Program or I-TECH."

Ma. Lilibeth P. Padilla, head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII)-Department of Science and Technology (DOST) told PNA here on Tuesday that the new program is under the auspices of the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and Land Bank of the Philippines.

Padilla said that the I-TECH collaborative program of DOST-TAPI and LandBank aims to support the commercial production of patented Filipino inventions through a special financing window which was launched Sept. 28.

DOST-TAPI Director  Edgar I. Garcia expressed optimism that the new program "provides a fresh way of meeting the inventors' needs in funding the commercialization of viable invention products."

Garcia added that the funding scheme would ease the burden among Filipino inventors and technology innovators of raising additional capital to meet increasing market demand for their products.
As an attached agency of the science and technology department, TAPI is mandated to assist in the commercialization of Filipino inventions and manages the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) under the "Investors Incentives Act of the Philippines" or Republic Act No. 7459.

Under the program , LandBank provides a lending window that will complement the use of the IGF through a lower interest rate for loan assistance to qualified inventors.

Garcia said TAPI screens the qualified beneficiaries -- inventors or enterprises authorized by inventors through a deed of assignment and other entities with active patents.

The financing program provides the qualified beneficiaries with credit facilities from LandBank for the acquisition of fixed assets/capital expenditures/production materials and working capital for the production or commercialization of their inventions.

The loanable amount is up to 85 percent of the total loan to be financed for maximum amount of PHP12.5 million or up to the repayment capacity of the borrower, whichever is lower.

Like any standard requirement by banks, loan applicants have to pay the standard fees and charges and comply with the documentary requirements and collateral documents as required by LandBank.

Landbank will cover 45 percent or up to maximum of PHP5.625 million, the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) will cover 40 percent of up to maximum of PHP 5.0 million and the borrower's equity at 15 percent minimum, in cash or in kind.
The interest rate for the LandBank share is 5 percent per annum subject to annual review but zero interest on the part of the IGF.
Filipino investors and technology innovators may contact Engr. Elizabeth I. Garcia who manages the 'I-TECH' through telephones ‎(02) 837-2071 to 82 local 2160; ‎(02) 838-1140 or TAPI's protected email address at tapi.dost@yahoo.com. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III is considering a night market for "ukay-ukay" and other dry goods as the city government intensifies its drive against second-hand goods being sold in public plaza.

Espinosa on Wednesday said that plazas serve as convergence zones where people rest and for other recreational activities. He said that such places should be reserved for that purpose.

He already signed Executive Order No. 94 that directs the "immediate demolition of structures/kiosks around the perimeter of Mandurriao plaza utilized for the display and trade of used clothing."

The kiosks, specifically along Q. Abeto Street, were found to be "causing hindrance to pedestrians and motorists," according to the order that was implemented Wednesday afternoon.

Last week, Espinosa also ordered the demolition of kiosks selling ukay-ukay inside the Jaro plaza because the permit granted to the Iloilo City Association of Community Elders (ICACE) Inc, Jaro chapter was only for the conduct of the garden show and trade fair.

However, Espinosa said that "ukay-ukay" goods are also being sold in other major cities and places in the country so there is no reason that such kind of business should be totally banned.

"We also give leeway because those who could not afford (new ones) resort to (buying) 'ukay-ukay'. Some of those being sold are also signature items," he said.

One option is to implement a night market to accommodate them, he said.

"I am very interested in night market. Even first class cities in industrialized countries have night markets. Meaning to say it is an activity that provides livelihood likewise helps those who could not afford to buy expensive items," he explained.

The plan will be subjected to a proper consultation. Espinosa did not hear objections when he presented the proposal during Wednesday's meeting with department heads of the Iloilo City government.

Mayor Jed Patrick in the past years also mulled the establishment of a night market but it did not push through.  (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has gathered representatives from the academe, civil society organizations (CSOs) and private sector for the two-day multi-stakeholder dialogue to get their involvement in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

OCD regional director Rosario Cabrera on Wednesday said that their output in four thematic areas will be integrated in the regional DRRM plan to have "comprehensive programs, projects and activities for the region." The thematic areas are prevention mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation.

During the last day of consultation, Cabrera shared that some of the representatives raised their concern on the policy of involving state universities and colleges (SUCs).  In the criteria provided  under the national DRRM council issuance, only non-state are involved, she said.

"However it does not limit them to be involved in the activities on DRRM. Probably, it's only their representation in the council. However we consider that as one of the inputs that we will bring to the attention of the NDRRMC," she assured.

"But then in relation to the four thematic areas, we can have them involve as we would like also to get more support from the CSOs, NGOs (non-government organizations)," she added.

The updated RDRRM plan will be presented for approval to the national council on October 17.

Meantime, OCD has extended technical assistance to the conduct of incident command system (ICS) for the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo that culminated Wednesday afternoon.

 "This is the mechanism that we will use particularly in the response of a major disaster to ensure efficient and effective coordination of operations," she explained.

The ICS has been cascaded to all provinces of Western Visayas.

A comprehensive plan formulation workshop is also being held for the town of Leganes. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The cities of Zamboanga and Isabela, the capital of the nearby Basilan province, on Wednesday inked a sisterhood agreement strengthening ties between the two cities.

Mayors Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar of Zamboanga and Al-Qaid Akbar of Isabela led the signing of the sisterhood pact.

Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and Isabela City Vice Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar signed as witnesses to the twining agreement.

The agreement aims to strengthen not only the friendship between the two cities, but also to institute a working channel of communication to facilitate exchanges of information and technology in matters of urban planning policies and development, socio-cultural activities, and income generation and fiscal administration.

"This sisterhood agreement will further nourish our relationship," Salazar said.

The signing of the sisterhood pact is backed by resolutions approved by both the city councils of Zamboanga and Isabela. It is considered as historic as Zamboanga City is commemorating the birth anniversary of Nicasio S. Valderoza, the first mayor of this city.

Valderoza was also the first appointed mayor of Basilan when it became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act. No. 288 separating it from the city of Zamboanga.

Basilan used to be part of Zamboanga City until R.A. 288 was approved on July 1, 1948. The law was authored by then congressman Juan S. Alano.

Valderoza has served as Basilan City mayor until December 31, 1953. Basilan City was converted into province in 1973 with Isabela as the capital town. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The University of Cebu (UC) on Wednesday gave out cash incentives to its 12 topnotchers in the October 2017 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Licensure exams.

UC President Augusto Go and UC Chancellor Candice Gotianuy awarded a check of PHP100,000 to Jayvie Albarando for topping the examinations with an overall rating of 89.80 percent.

The 21-year-old Albarando of Barangay Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu, said he is still in shock that he ranked No. 1.

"I still couldn't believe it," said Albarando, adding that he was not even a consistent honor student in school.

"Being on top is already a big blessing for me, but I thank the UC administration for this honor," Albarando said in the Cebuano vernacular.

The rest of the all-UC topnotchers, on the other hand, received PHP50,000 each from the  university.

Randolph Tabernero came in second with a rating of 89.60, Reanne Mangubat and Lyndon Hanz Pernites shared third with 89.40, and followed by Vince Alex Villahermosa and Lendon Arcillas at fourth and fifth with 89 and 88.80, respectively.

Completing the Top 10 lineup are Jochelle Tumulak (88.50), Brylle Enad (87.20), KC Rare Emnace (86.90), Christakhis Niño Nodalo (86.50), and Kit Boniefel Bontor and Charisse Ivy Talle (85.90).

UC Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering chairman Jacklyn Antolinao also received a PHP100,000 cash incentive, for guiding these graduates to success.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is proud to be a Cebuano following the Top 10 sweep of UC in the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering exams.

"So far this year, Cebu has gotten No. 1 in the board exams in Accountancy, Chemical Engineering, and Law. Now, every single topnotcher from the 2017 Naval Architect and Marine Engineer board exams is a UCian. Proud to be Cebuano," the mayor said. (PNA)

CEBU CITY -- The University of Cebu (UC) on Wednesday gave out cash incentives to its 12 topnotchers in the October 2017 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Licensure exams.

UC President Augusto Go and UC Chancellor Candice Gotianuy awarded a check of PHP100,000 to Jayvie Albarando for topping the exams with an overall rating of 89.80 percent.

The 21-year-old Albarando of Barangay Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu, said he is still in shock that he ranked No. 1.

"I still couldn't believe it," said Albarando, adding that he was not even a consistent honor student in school.

"Being on top is already a big blessing for me, but I thank the UC administration for this honor," Albarando said in the Cebuano vernacular.

The rest of the all-UC topnotchers, on the other hand, received PHP50,000 each from the  university.

Randolph Tabernero came in second with a rating of 89.60, Reanne Mangubat and Lyndon Hanz Pernites shared third with 89.40, and followed by Vince Alex Villahermosa and Lendon Arcillas at fourth and fifth with 89 and 88.80, respectively.

Completing the Top 10 lineup are Jochelle Tumulak (88.50), Brylle Enad (87.20), KC Rare Emnace (86.90), Christakhis Niño Nodalo (86.50), and Kit Boniefel Bontor and Charisse Ivy Talle (85.90).

UC Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering chairman Jacklyn Antolinao also received a PHP100,000 cash incentive, for guiding these graduates to success.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is proud to be a Cebuano following the Top 10 sweep of UC in the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering exams.

"So far this year, Cebu has gotten No. 1 in the board exams in Accountancy, Chemical Engineering, and Law. Now, every single topnotcher from the 2017 Naval Architect and Marine Engineer board exams is a UCian. Proud to be Cebuano," the mayor said. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is confident it could deliver a long-term provision of potable water for residents of the second district, which has been lacking drinkable water for a long time.

This developed after the City Council on Tuesday finally granted the request of Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc (AAII) for additional allowable use for 85,258 square meter of land for the bulk water project, a partnership of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) and J.V. Angeles Construction Corp.

DCWD spokesperson Bernard Delima on Wednesday said the project has two parts: the PHP10-billion hydroelectric-powered water treatment facility, which will be undertaken by Apo Agua; and the PHP2-billion reservoir and the laying of pipes project of the DCWD.

Delima said DCWD is already 60 percent complete for the second part. "We are ahead of the first part," he said.

The bulk water project could solve the water problem in the second district for the next 30 years. He said the Tamugan source could draw 109 million cubic meters of water a year.

He stressed that the river has an average flow of 12 million cubic meters per second. At present, Delima said DCWD will get only 4.35 million cubic meters per second so there is more for expansion.

After getting the approval of the City Council, the Apo Agua will move up to the next level of permitting from three government agencies before the project is implemented.

Cirilo Almario III, General Manager of Apo Agua, said the next process is getting the Certificate of Eligibility to Convert from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Land Conversion from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Apo Agua will also seek approval from the Housing Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) to allow the company to put up an industrial facility since the land is agricultural.

"Apo Agua is hopeful that all the remaining permits will be acquired by January 2018 so that we can start the physical construction right away," Almario told reporters at Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Almario said the timeline for completing the permitting process is between January and February. "Hopefully it will be faster before the physical construction," he added.

The project, Almario said would create 900 jobs for Dabawenyos giving priority to the people living in the host communities.

Almario said Apo Agua is also committed to light up the paths leading to the residential area by using higher lampposts. He said this was requested by the host community.

Apo Agua was thankful to the city council for the approval on its application for allowable use for the land at Barangay Gumalang, Baguio District where it will put the water treatment facility for the P10-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project.

The implementation period could run in three years.

"Apo Agua appreciates the city council's great work and unwavering commitment to Davao City. The long journey we took manifested their concern for the protection of the interest of the city, its people, and the environment," Almario said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- The administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's plan to create a bank intended for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will provide some relief to recurring problem on finances which OFWs repeatedly encountered, overseas workers here said.

"Good news, it will help address our woes on high rates of remittances money couriers charged us," Krystel Gem Fernandez, 24, an OFW working in one of Dubai's famous shopping malls, said in an email statement.

Fernandez said the government's plan will give relief to OFWs who are working hard overseas to send the "fruit of their labor" safely to their loved ones in the country.

Meanwhile, another OFW, who is now based in Cotabato City after working for six years abroad,, said the creation of Overseas Filipino Bank is a welcome development, especially for her who was not as lucky as other overseas workers.

Bai Lining Akon, 38, a resident of a town near Cotabato City, said in a phone interview that the creation of a financial firm working for OFWs welfare came as she was struggling where and how to restart life after her misfortunes overseas.

Akon was among the workers in Saudi Arabia who was abused by her employers. Akon, who worked as househelp of a wealthy Arab family, was forced to go into hiding from authorities (locally known as TNT) for having expired working visas.

Aside from being abused and maltreated, she was not allowed to visit Philippine consulate to process her working papers. She fled from employers and was eventually arrested and deported.

Now back home in Maguindanao, Akon is struggling where to find money to start small business. The OFB, for her, is the answer.

Akon said she would patiently wait for the OFB to operate and provide assistance to unsuccessful OFWs. She said many like her would surely welcome the good news.

Through EO 44 that the President approved on Sept 28 and made public the other day, the Land Bank of the Philippines has acquired the Philippine Postal Bank to be turned into a lender for OFWs.

As of June this year, the Philippine Postal Bank has Php9.29 billion total assets, according to records of the Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A total of 115 candidate soldiers took their oath to signify their becoming part of the Philippine Army in a simple ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista on Wednesday.

The new soldiers are composed of 95 males and 20 females, 15 of them are members of the various tribal groups in the region.

In a statement, the Army's 4ID said the candidates had undergone series of stages of selection process, such as qualifying examinations aimed at testing their mental and physical ability to prove their worth as the finest from among the pool of aspirants from the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

After they have been sworn in, the candidates will be sent to boot camps to start their rigorous Basic Military Training.

The men will be trained at the 4th Division Training School in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, while the female candidates will learn the military basics at the 6th Division Training School in Carmen, North Cotabato.

The Army said the training will help them transform from their carefree civilian life to a highly-disciplined military servicemen and women.

Their training, the 4ID said, will be conducted in a six-month duration, covering skills and knowledge not only in combat fighting but also in life-saving imperatives, disaster response operation, peacekeeping initiatives, human rights, rule of law, and rules of engagement.

"We congratulate each and every one of you for having been chosen from among the thousand aspiring candidate soldiers who have undergone series of tests and screenings for us to be able to choose the best and brightest," said Major General Ronald Villanueva, the 4ID commander, in his message to the candidates.

"This is the first step as you pursue your career in the Military service. It is expected of you to be developed during this training as the most reliable soldiers that could defend our people and their communities from any kinds of threats. Make good and have a positive mind set during your training," Villanueva said.

He assured the candidate-soldiers' parents that "they will also continue the efforts of their predecessor in devoting their lives in the pursuit for lasting peace."

The aspirants will fill up the needed number of uniformed personnel due to attrition, such as optional and compulsory retirement, and other causes. They will also continue the efforts of their predecessors in devoting their lives in the pursuit for lasting peace, the 4ID added. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) has declared 130 villages in Maguindanao as "drug-free."

The pronouncement came on Wednesday after PDEA-ARMM declared five more villages, namely Barangays Ganoy, Penditin, and Animao in Datu Salibo and Barangays Kitango and Kabinge in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, to the list of villages cleared from the illegal drug menace.

Maguindanao has 508 villages in 36 municipalities divided under two congressional districts.

PDEA-ARMM Director Juvenal Azurin carefully assessed and validated the updated list, the report said.

The provincial government under the leadership of Governor Esmael Mangudadatu has continued to call on constituents to support and cooperate with the anti-drug war of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration. (PNA) .



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ILOILO CITY -- Ilongos working abroad are looking forward to the various financial and banking services to be offered by the newly created Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB), particularly as it offers better terms for their hard-earned money.

Maribel Bolaños, 41, has been working in Hong Kong for 14 years, is optimistic about the bank for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as her current depository bank offers low interest.

"I am very amenable as long as it offers a good rate for OFWs," she said in an interview through Facebook.

Nhen Acero Ardiente, another Hong Kong veteran for 16 years, believed the creation of the OFW bank is "one of the best achievements of OFWs under President Duterte."

"The creation of the OFW bank will make our life easier while working abroad," she said also in an online interview.

She said that with the bank, they can have "zero interest in loan services; free of charge when they send money back home and invest with higher interest rate."

Bolaños and Ardiente are both from the town of Lambunao in Iloilo.

Delmar Aguidano of Alimodian town in Iloilo said it is better that the government has established a bank that is dedicated to OFWs. He hoped that transactions are faster because it will just cater to OFWs.

He is currently in Iloilo and processing his papers for his return employment in Saudi Arabia as a construction worker. He has been working abroad for nine years.

While abroad, he used remittance centers to send money back home. However, there were instances when they incurred delays in sending the money to the Philippines.

He said that sending money through a government bank is "safer."

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order No. 44 on September 28, 2017 approving the acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to be converted into OFB.

Based on the records of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 6, there are 77,426 active members and 220,426 non-active members as of February 6 this year. (PNA)



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Security preparations are now in full swing for the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and ADMM-Plus set to be held on October  23-24 in Clark, Pampanga. 

PNP Central Luzon Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus said they would make sure that security measures are in place to achieve zero ASEAN-related crimes during the duration of the meeting, which is expected to draw about 300 delegates.

Corpus said more than 5,000 policemen, soldiers and other security forces would be deployed to the meeting venue and other places in Clark and neighboring areas.

"This is to ensure that the ASEAN meeting in Clark will be safe and not to be interrupted  by some groups who might stage protest rallies," he said.

Corpus said command posts would be set up in major areas to be manned by medical teams as well as  quick response groups and civil disturbance management units that are prepared and ready to respond when the need arises.

He said there would also be a security outpost in every two kilometers along the major streets in Clark and Angeles City.

"We will be implementing tight security in the venue. We will also have security personnel to be deployed covering the delegates' route from the airport to their hotels," he added.

As part of the heightened security preparations for the upcoming summit, a dry run was conducted by the ASEAN Task Force security group from Clark Airport in Pampanga up to Balintawak in Quezon City last Sunday.

The southbound lanes of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and EDSA were closed to the public as part of the dry run.

Corpus said that  a modified stop-and-go traffic scheme would be implemented along the routes of the convoy, which would mean that delegates of ASEAN and the convoy would be prioritized in passing through the said routes.

"We have to undertake the necessary preparations to ensure the safety and security of the ASEAN delegates," he said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- October 12 is a special non-working holiday in this city pursuant to Republic Act 7350.

It is to allow the Zamboangueños to fittingly celebrate the feast day of the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar).

The feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar is the highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival being held every October of the year.
R.A. 7350, otherwise known as "An Act declaring October 12 of every year a special non-working holiday in the City of Zamboanga, was approved on April 2, 1992.

It was authored by the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat during her stint as this city's representative in the House of Congress for the lone district of Zamboanga.

As the festival's highlight, October 12 will be devoted to religious activities.

The activities will kick off with a Diana and Holy Rosary at 4 a.m.
A grand procession to the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar is set at 3 p.m. to be followed by a pontifical mass.

The shrine, which is known as the Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza in Spanish, is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government.

Its establishment in 1635 is said to be the founding day of the Chavacano language.

First District Rep. Celso Lobregat on Wednesday called on the residents to be united and "be one in prayers and veneration in honor to the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar." (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -– The Bureau of Customs (BOC) sub-port office here has exceeded its target revenue collection for 2017 by more than PhP 126.6 million. 

Dumaguete Customs Collector Fe Lluelyn Toring said Wednesday that their actual collection has reached more than PhP 1.429 billion from January  to Oct. 11 this year, which is more than the 2017 targeted tax collection of PhP1.303 billion.

For the first 11 days of October alone, they already collected more than PhP 40 million, she said.

Records showed that for the first quarter of the year, the Dumaguete sub-port office collected more than PhP443.4 million; for the second quarter, more than PhP425 million; and in the third quarter, more than PhP521 million.

Toring expressed confidence that more income will be generated for the rest of the fourth quarter.

She attributed most of the collections to Filoil, which is the leading importer of petroleum products and the biggest contributor to the revenue collection of the sub-port office. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -– The Bureau of Customs (BOC) sub-port office here has exceeded its target revenue collection for 2017 by more than PhP 126.6 million. 

Dumaguete Customs Collector Fe Lluelyn Toring said Wednesday that their actual collection has reached more than PhP 1.429 billion from January  to Oct. 11 this year, which is more than the 2017 targeted tax collection of PhP1.303 billion.

For the first 11 days of October alone, they already collected more than PhP 40 million, she said.

Records showed that for the first quarter of the year, the Dumaguete sub-port office collected more than PhP443.4 million; for the second quarter, more than PhP425 million; and in the third quarter, more than PhP521 million.

Toring expressed confidence that more income will be generated for the rest of the fourth quarter.

She attributed most of the collections to Filoil, which is the leading importer of petroleum products and the biggest contributor to the revenue collection of the sub-port office. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY—The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is offering scholarship grants to budding Ilocano film makers in Region 1.

As part of promoting the local film making industry, Wilma Isleta, Education and Cultural Engagement Officer of the FDCP, said the scholarship is open to all schools in the region which participated in the basic workshop on film making held at the Teatro Ilocandia, Batac City last October 7-8.

With the theme "Planting Seeds: The Future of Philippine Cinema", the two-day activity was attended by over 200 students and teachers from the different schools of Ilocos Norte and its neighboring provinces in Region 1.

Backed by the Ilocos Norte government and the state-run Mariano Marcos State University, the FDCP is encouraging the young Ilocanos to promote film education and to help local students develop their knowledge and skills in film making.

Due to limited slots, Isleta said the FDCP may accept at least two scholars per school. The scheduled workshop with acclaimed lecturers and directors shall be held on five weekends at the Teatro Ilocandia.

Meanwhile, the FDCP is also eyeing the establishment of a cinematheque and media hub to bring in local films for residents here.

The proposed site is at the Tabacalera building near the Taoid Museum. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Martial Law Special Action Group (ML-SAG) arrested two men for possessing unlicensed firearms and illegal drugs, one of whom is said to be a member of the dreaded Kuratong Baleleng gang.

Authorities identified the suspects as Rico Bacon and Virgilio Toledo Jr.

Toledo is said to be Bacon's brother-in-law. Confiscated from the suspects was a Beretta 9mm handgun loaded with magazine and an extra clip, an M2K fragmentation grenade, and nine sachets containing suspected "shabu".

 Adrian Alvariño, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-10 (PDEA-10) director, said Bacon is an active member of the Kuratong Baleleng, an anti-insurgency militia that had turned into an organized crime syndicate based mainly in Ozamiz City.

 The group was said to be founded by the late Octavio Parojinog Sr., whose son Reynaldo Sr., the former Ozamiz mayor, was gunned down by law enforcers in a raid on July 30, 2017. The Parojinog family has maintained they are not involved in criminal activities.

 Some members of the Parojinog family and supporters were killed in the operation, while Reynaldo's daughter and the city's vice mayor, Nova Princess, was arrested along with his brother, Reynaldo Jr.

Alvariño said they have reason to believe that Bacon is merely a dummy for Parojinog's properties in this city, one of which is a luxurious residence with a swimming pool in Apovel Subdivision, Brgy. Bulua.

 Bacon supposedly transferred the property to his name after the death of Reynaldo Sr., the PDEA-10 director said.

 The PDEA director said Bacon and Toledo have been on the agency's watchlist. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- A new tourism estate worth PHP2.6 billion will soon rise in a 2.3-hectare area inside this Freeport Zone.

Dubbed as The Sharp Clark Hills, the tourism-related project is Clark's first premium residential town. It will have five high-rise condominium buildings, 21-storey each, with a total of 508 units. It is a new type of residential complex combining apartments and resorts.

The Sharp Clark Hills is set for completion by year 2020. The project is a joint venture of South Korea's POSCO Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., (POSCO E&C) and JB Cresta that will put up the Sharp Clark Hills Corporation (SCHC).

The company will be in charge of the development and construction of the state-of-the-art condominium buildings, including support amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, spa and other related facilities.

POSCO Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., one of the largest construction firms in the world, also designs highways, bridges, roads and airports.

The JB Cresta Corporation, on the other hand, is a Clark Freeport locator since 2007 as tourism and leisure estate developer.

Noel F. Manankil, president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), congratulated JB Cresta and its partner POSCO E&C for expanding business in the Philippines, particularly in Clark.

"POSCO E&C's entry here will not only enhance the beautiful landscape of Clark but will also define the Freeport's attractiveness as a premier investment hub, said Manankil in a message read by Evangeline Tejada, CDC vice president for business development and business enhancement group.

"The upcoming presence of The Sharp Clark Hills will be an addition to the growing number of international brands that are choosing Clark as their new home.

The CDC is committed to maintain Clark as a livable, vibrant and dynamic work and play destination," Manankil added.

The project is expected to employ 500 workers during the construction period and 50-70 regular workers once fully operational. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The remains of a female overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who died in Qatar last month, is now in the hands of her family in Misamis Oriental, the provincial government said Tuesday.

The body of Mariah Edna Daaca, 48, a native of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, arrived at the Laguindingan airport from Manila on Monday, said Nicole Managbanag, the provincial information officer.

Managbanag said Daaca died in Qatar due to an acute asthma and had to be frozen to preserve her body by the hospital where she was confined.

The exact date of her death has yet to be determined, but the Philippine authorities in Qatar said her remains had been frozen since mid-September.

The Provincial Employment Services Office (Peso) said Daaca's body was turned over to her mother Maura Cutanda.

"We are very grateful to Gov. [Yevgeny Vincente] Emano for helping us bring back my daughter Edna to Jasaan from Qatar," Cutanda said in an interview.

Cutanda said that last time she spoke to Daaca was on Sept. 11, 2017.

For his part, Emano said it was the provincial government's responsibility to bring back a dead Misamisnon working in other countries so they could be properly buried in their birthplace.

"No matter where you are in the world, if you are from Misamis Oriental, we will help you get back home," the governor said.

Managbanag said it was the PESO that sought the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to retrieve Daaca's remains.

In most cases, it would take three to four months for the body of a dead OFW to be returned to the country, but Managbanag said it was hastened due to the PESO's intervention.

According to the provincial government, Daaca worked in Qatar since 2012 as a beauty consultant.

A mother of two girls, Daaca had a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at the Tagoloan Community College in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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COTABATO CITY –- Police are hunting down gunmen who shot and killed in separate incidents Monday a businesswoman in this city and a school district supervisor in nearby Midsayap, North Cotabato.

In an interview, Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, Cotabato City police director, said gunmen shot dead Dr. Amalia Gutierrez, 58, of Gov. Gutierrez Avenue in Barangay Rosary Heights 9,this city.

Gutierrez was on board her Ford Everest (KEL-921) with her driver, Alexander Cuanan, 22, of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, when the shooting took place.

Octavio said Gutierrez, separated from her husband, was a graduate of medicine, but did not take the board.

"She is not a practicing medical doctor but more of a businesswoman," Octavio said.

The shooting occurred along the road leading to the regional center for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a busy thoroughfare during the time of the incident, according to Senior Inspector Reynaldo Delatien, police station 2 chief.

Delantien said Cuanan told investigators that he had just parked the Ford Everest when he heard gun burst at around 4:30 p.m.

Seeing Gutierrez shot, Cuanan ran for his life and hid in a nearby store.

Witnesses said Gutierrez tried to run from the vehicle but the gunman fired more shots. The killer sped off aboard a motorbike driven by a companion.

"We are looking at different angles as to the motive, our investigation is going on," Octavio said.

Earlier on same day in Midsayap town, motorcycle riding-in-tandem gunmen also shot dead Bernard Viloan, a newly-designated school district supervisor.

Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said Viloan, supervisor of Department of Education South-West district, had just finished lunch with a school principal at an eatery at around 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Rangaban, when fired upon by the gunmen in the head and body using .45 cal. pistols.

He died on the spot while his companion was unharmed. Viloan's predecessor as supervisor was also shot dead last year in the same village. Tuzon said they are still looking closely into Viloan's case. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The military has lambasted the New People's Army (NPA) on Tuesday for attacking a pineapple plantation in Bukidnon, even as it accused the Maoist guerrillas of violating an international human rights agreement.

Some 30 armed men suspected to be members of the NPA razed to the ground the compound of Davao Agricultural Ventures Corp. (Davco) in Barangay Merangeran in Quezon town on Sunday afternoon (Oct. , reports reaching the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.

Davco is engaged in the production and export of fresh pineapples. The insurgents also burned the vehicles parked inside the Davco compound and took away the company's firearms.

Torched were a boom spray tractor, a boom harvester, two nurse trucks and a generator set.

In a statement admitting the raid, the NPA said its South Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Command carried out the burning of the properties.

Ka Malem Mabini, of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Region, said their fighters confiscated at least 15 high-powered firearms from the company's security personnel.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4ID spokesperson, said the rebels violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), one of the four substantive agenda that was formulated following the peace talks between the government and the Communist rebels in the past years.

"The incident is another violation of CARHRIHL when the NPA deliberately and dastardly attacked civilians and their properties. This is their (NPA) way of compelling companies and other small business entities to give in to their extortion demands," Martinez said.

He said the attack's immediate impact would be loss of jobs for the locals.

He said the military is supporting the police pursue the perpetrators.

Col. Eric Vinoya, commanding officer of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, said "it is very unfortunate that despite being a signatory to the CARHRIHL, the NPA, with the guidance of their leaders, still continue to attack innocent civilians."

"We strongly condemn the NPA's act of banditry and their insincerity by attacking, yet again, a civilian facility and murdering a public official that poses an even bigger threat to the civilian populace and to the economic situation of Bukidnon," Vinoya said, referring to the gunning down of Romeo Bantilan Jr., village councilor of Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, last Oct. 8.

Bantilan was allegedly killed by a member of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 53 only known as "Aman."

He added: "Those attacks only fuel our utmost desire to protect our people from these thugs. And in so doing, we need the full cooperation of the public in ensuring that these NPA atrocities will be pre-empted." (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- Police and military authorities here have launched a manhunt operation against suspected ISIS-inspired armed men who ambushed and injured three soldiers in Barangay Nabalawag on Sunday night, police said Tuesday.

Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said joint police and military forces are now tracking the suspects believed to be members of a faction of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao.

"We are currently working with the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion and that the attackers could still be in the outskirt villages of Midsayap," Tuzon said.

Government troops who sustained minor injuries in the ambush incident were Army Corporal Ameridon Dimasangca, and Privates 1st Class Ronel Mahilom and Buenaventura Raygon, all of the Army's 34th IB.

The soldiers are now confined at Camp Siongco military hospital inside the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters.

Tuzon said the victims were on board a red Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle when the attackers opened fire at past 10 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Nabalawag.

The Army's 6ID commander, Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, said Tuesday that the three soldiers were out on a special mission when gunmen with assault rifles shot at their vehicle.

Tuzon said the gunmen could be members of the outlawed BIFF – ISIS faction who are also into illegal drugs trade; or cohorts of drug peddlers arrested by joint police and 34th IB troops in Midsayap the past several months.

Barangay Nabalawag is situated near the borders of Midsayap, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao where the BIFF armed men are active. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government has released PhP16.3 million to purchase the needed materials and pesticides to contain the spread of small scale insects known as "cocolisap" in this city.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat on Tuesday said part of the funds would also be used to provide assistance to the affected coconut farmers.

Palacat said among the things they would purchase to use in containing the spread of cocolisap are bio-pesticides, fertilizers, and sprayers.

He said the funding allocation of the city government is already being utilized while the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is still working on the release of its funds.

"The PCA has been conducting massive pruning, we will follow in with massive spraying of the pruned coconuts," he said.

The PCA and the Office of the City Agriculturist have monitored that around 800,000 coconut trees have been affected by the cocolisap in this city.

Zamboanga City has approximately 30,000 hectares planted to coconuts, or roughly three million coconut trees.

Palacat said the cocolisap infestation has already spread to all barangays of this city. This city has 98 barangays.

The presence of cocolisap was first reported in May 2016 in the barangays of Latuan and Dulia-Upper Bunguiao.

Cocolisap is an invasive leaf-sucking insect with a scale-like waxy protective covering.

It feeds on coconut, mangosteen, banana, and other palms, which can be dispersed by wind. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The Office of the Ombudsman ordered on Monday the two-month suspension of former Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Augusto Corro for simple negligence over the handling of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) funds for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

But since Corro is no longer in office, the penalty will be converted to a fine equivalent to his two months salary.

The Ombudsman also ordered the suspension of Social Welfare Officer III Heide Aplece of the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office.

Corro's suspension stemmed from the complaint filed by Renato Binatiro of Barangay Tapilon, Daanbantayan, a qualified beneficiary of the ESA program.

The ESA is a financial assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for disaster-affected families.

Qualified beneficiaries, whose houses were completely, destroyed by the typhoon were entitled to receive PHP30,000, while residents with partially-destroyed homes will get PHP10,000.

Local government units in the typhoon-affected areas were tapped to implement the program. The local officials were to come up with a list of families within their respective jurisdiction.

In October 2014, Corro submitted to DSWD a list of 16,613 beneficiaries. In January 2015, DSWD released Memorandum Circular No. 24 disqualifying beneficiaries living in unsafe or no-build zones.

Benatiro was declared ineligible to receive the financial assistance following the DSWD memo. However, on March 25, 2015, the Mines and Geosciences Board issued a letter stating that "Barangay Tapilon is generally not within a danger/unsafe zone for rain-induced landslide and flooding."

Corro wrote the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on July 30, 2015, requesting "technical assistance to establish the unsafe zones as the local government is having difficulty in establishing the so-called unsafe or no-build zones due to the absence of technical personnel."

Corro, in his counter-affidavit filed on November 20, 2015, informed the Ombudsman that Daanbantayan has "suspended the ESA distribution in the areas near the shorelines pending the technical determination of unsafe zones by the proper government authorities.

The municipality of Daanbantayan received a total of PHP425.87 million worth of ESA funds.

The Ombudsman's decision stated that "[respondent] disqualified complainant on the ground that his house was located within the unsafe zone but four months later they claimed that the municipality has not yet determined its danger/unsafe zone. If it is true that the municipality merely withheld the ESA of those residing near the shorelines pending proper identification of its danger/unsafe zones, the remarks appearing next to complainant's name on the list, as well as that of the others, should have been 'for verification' and not a categorical and unqualified 'unsafe zone'."

"It cannot be gainsaid that respondent flatly failed to observe a mandatory requirement under Memorandum Circular No. 24 when they hastily labelled complainant and several others as residing within the danger/unsafe zones, without proper reference to the municipality's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and multi-hazard maps," according to the Ombudsman.  

The Ombudsman, however, found no probable cause to charge Corro with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

According to the Ombudsman, "the act of classifying complainant's abode and several others as situated within the danger/unsafe zones without proper reference to the CLUP and multi-hazard maps, albeit improper and careless, does not, by itself, establish the presence of manifest partiality, evident bad faith and/or gross inexcusable negligence" as required under R.A. No. 3019.

The Ombudsman also noted that "it is just unfortunate that DSWD was noticeably tardy in crafting guidelines for the proper implementation of its ESA program. Factually, when the municipality prepared the original list of 16,613 names, there was no clear DSWD guidelines as to the qualifications of intended ESA beneficiaries.

Memorandum Circular No. 24 came out only after the original list was submitted to DSWD regional office and, by that time, those included were already thinking that they qualified for assistance. It is therefore, not surprising that complainant accused respondents of chipping away the ESA funds by altering the original list and causing bona fide beneficiaries to be disqualified on the pretext that they reside in danger/unsafe zones."

Simple neglect of duty is defined as "the failure to give proper attention to a task expected of an employee resulting from either carelessness or indifference." (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the province has now registered 1,180 boats in the northern part, particularly in the towns of Libertad and Caluya including the island of Semirara, as it carries out the Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering System (SSENS) for all Philippine vessels or watercrafts.

During the Talakayan media forum on Tuesday, PCG Antique Station Commander LTJG Rockcliff C. Buling said they still expect the number of registered boats to increase as they continue to conduct their information and education campaign in central and southern coastal barangays of Antique Province.

The SSENS registration started in September.

 "SSENS is very important to help municipalities prevent motorized bancas from being used in illegal fishing activities and other forms of illegal activities," Buling said.

He said that through the SSENS they are able to gather information also on the owner or operator of the boat, which is then placed in a databank and to help in resolving security boundaries in the future.

He added that the SSENS covers all boats including pleasure yachts. (PNA)

 



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ILOILO CITY -- As early as now, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is advising the public to be mindful of their garbage when they visit cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones.

"We appeal to the public for cleanliness," Engr. Noel Hechanova stated on Tuesday.  

A task force will be created to look into the implementation of ordinances such as the city government's anti-littering ordinance. They will be visiting public cemeteries two weeks before the November 1st or on All Saints' Day ("Undas") to conduct cleanup drive.

Another cleanup will be undertaken after the "Undas" as CENRO expect piles of garbage such as flowers and candles to be left behind.

The city government manages public cemeteries in Tanza, City Proper; Quintin Salas, Jaro and Lapaz.

Meantime, Hechanova said that this year's preparation is "special" because they take it an opportunity to inform family members of those who are buried at the Tanza cemetery of the plan to have it rehabilitated.

"Tanza is very congested," he said.

Once the rehabilitation of Tanza is completed then they may move to other cemeteries.

Meanwhile, Jeck Conlu, head of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office said that they are "all set" for the Undas.  

A coordination meeting with the special services unit (SSU), business process licensing office (BPLO) , transportation management and traffic regulation office (TMTRO), auxiliary police, task force Asis and vendors has already been done.

This week, the city government will release special permit for flower and candle vendors while on October 25 or 26 they will be provided areas where they can sell their goods.

Selling of items will be from October 28 to November 1, Conlu said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas is set to submit a consolidated report on the abolished Negros Island Region (NIR) on the first week of November.

DILG-6 Regional Director Anthony Nuyda said the regional directors have been instructed to submit accomplishment and transition reports after the NIR was officially dissolved on October 9.

"We asked them to submit the highlights of their accomplishments under NIR as we will come up with a consolidated report," Nuyda said.

The NIR regional offices ceased operations on Monday,  the end of the 60-day transition period provided in Executive Order 38 abolishing the region signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 7.

Nuyda said that all concerns, including the displacement of  job order personnel  and conversion of regional offices to satellite offices, were addressed before the agencies shut down operations.

He added that the regional directors were also instructed to inform the public and the local government units on where to transact after the NIR ended its run.

EO No. 38 revoked the creation of NIR on May 29, 2015 for lack of funds.

"The establishment of regional offices of departments and agencies in the NIR requires substantial appropriation to be fully operational, thus competing with government priority programs and projects for funding," the EO stated.

With the abolition of NIR, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were  reverted  to Western Visayas and Central Visayas, respectively.

The special bodies formed  under the NIR, including the Regional Development Council, Regional Peace and Order Council, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, were also merged with those in the two regions.(PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental-South has stepped up its  campaign against the illegal sale, transfer, and lease of lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Dubbed "Kampanya Kontra Ariendo," the kick-off activity at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City on Tuesday gathered hundreds of farmer-beneficiaries, personnel of   government agencies under the Provincial Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Implementing Team, representatives from  local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders from 4th District.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lucrecia Taberna, who spoke at the activity, said the DAR has intensified its campaign after receiving reports on rampant "ariendohanay" or lease of awarded lands in the province.

This, amid the strong campaign conducted by the agency before,  including posting of tarpaulins in the  barangays, municipalities, and cities in the southern portion of province.

Taberna said the DAR is not tolerating illegal sale, transfer, lease or any other form of conveyance by a beneficiary of the right of ownership, right to use, or any usufructuary right over the land acquired by virtue of being such beneficiary.

"The law strictly prohibits 'ariendo' system as it is not a solution to poverty," Taberna  said, adding that the agency has been helping the farmers improve their lives through the delivery of various support services.

Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who also attended the activity, appealed to the farmers to protect and defend their right of ownership over the land awarded through CARP.

The city government is joining the DAR in its campaign to end "ariendo" system, Yulo said, adding that farmers should take care of the land because it will help them uplift their lives from poverty.

Under Section 49 of Administrative Order No. 7 Series of 2011, violations such as illegal sale, transfer, and lease of land are tantamount to necessary penalties, including charges and disqualification from the program. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bohol on Tuesday denied the existence of a cartel allegedly controlling the fish prices in the province. 

Leo Bongalos of the local BFAR refuted the existence of said cartel during a committee hearing at the Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP).

The SP committee conducted the inquiry on the high prices of fish in the province following complaints from the public.

Residents have been complaining of higher fish prices here in Bohol compared to other places in the Visayas, but Bongalos said his office has never been made aware of any cartel operating in the province.

The idea of a cartel was also floated last week when Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) administrator Benjie Oliva told the media that maybe a group is controlling the fish prices in Bohol.

However, it was learned during the committee hearing that the prices of fish can be dictated by the layers of people in the supply chain where the middlemen usually cause the padding of prices of fish bought off the fisherfolks.

The committee will be holding a series of hearings tackling the fish prices in Bohol.

The inquiry came about after Provincial Board Member Tomas Abapo Jr. urged the Provincial Board to probe the high prices of fish in the province. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY-- The prime economic program dubbed "Leyte Economics" gets a boost of PHP3.9 billion under the 2018 Annual Investment Plan (AIP) which the provincial legislators approved during Monday's session.

The budget for the program accounts for 51 percent of the PHP7.6 billion 2018 investment plan.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said the "Leyte Economics" program will remain the province's main economic strategy to achieve an eight percent drop in poverty incidence by 2022.

"Leyte Economics" adopts a community-based approach to capacitate the poor and marginalized villages through packages of goods and services. The program is aimed at increasing income, skills development, and improved health and nutrition status of families.

Under the AIP for 2018, the program will be boosted through its More Income in the Countryside (MIC) Agri-Fishery Livelihood Projects, Compact Farming on High Value Vegetables and Fruitcrops Production, Rice Production Enhancement Program

These projects organize the farmer-beneficiaries into associations which undergo a 16-week season-long training on high vegetable production as initial step and followed by various interventions in livestock, fisheries, non-agri skills training to empower to become active members in the community. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY-- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 deployed 400 policemen here Tuesday to augment the security forces for the ongoing 38th MassKara Festival.

The arrival of the augmentation group coincided with the assumption of  Superintendent Rhoderick Minong as officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office  (BCPO)  after  Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky was relieved and transferred to the PRO-6 headquarters in Iloilo City.

Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay Jr., deputy regional director for operations of PRO-6, led the arrival ceremony held at the BCPO grounds Tuesday afternoon.

The 400 policemen will join the 673 personnel of BCPO in securing the festivities, which will run until October 22, the final day highlights.

Chief  Supt. Cesar Binag, director of PRO-6, earlier said he would lead the send-off ceremony of  all augmentation personnel at the Bacolod City Government Center either on October 16 or 17.

Other augmentation forces are 150 personnel from Regional Public Safety Battalion 6; 100 from Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; 15 from Philippine Army; 200 army reservists; and 250 anti-crime volunteers.

The 22-day festivity is themed "Bacolod: City of Southeast Asia." (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) aims to raise awareness against insurgency among the 100 participants in the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) that will be held in Antique from October 27 to 29.

2Lt. Jennifer C. Lejano, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer of the PA 61IB, said during the "Talakayan" media forum Tuesday that although there is no report of any Antiqueno minor being recruited to join the insurgents, they are set to hold the YLS in Antique as preventive measures.

"The YLS is intended to raise awareness among the youth to avoid recruitment," she said.

Lejano said that 15-to 25-year-old participants from the towns of Sibalom, San Remigio, Hamtic and Sebaste will attend the three-day event with lectures, team-building activities and spiritual upliftment.

She added that Antique based on their monitoring is peaceful, where the New People's Army rebels just pass by as the province is interconnected with Iloilo and Aklan provinces.

The army officer, however, urged the public as well as the media to provide them with information of any NPA sighting as part of securing the province. (PNA)

 



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo has directed the city police chief to intensify their operations against illegal drug suspects through house-to-house and barangay visitations.

Dumaguete Police chief, Supt. Jovito Atanacio, has reported to the mayor that 921 alleged drug personalities in this capital city have yielded to authorities under Oplan Tokhang (Toktok-Hangyo or knock and appeal), City Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo said Tuesday.

Latest available police records showed that of the 921 surrenderers, 60 were "pushers" while the rest were "users", Demecillo said.

Dumaguete has the most number of "drug surrenders" among the province's six cities and 19 municipalities, he noted.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had launched Oplan Double Barrel to fight the war against illegal drugs, with Oplan Tokhang implemented for police personnel to visit the homes of suspected drug personalities and convince them to surrender.

Oplan Taphang (Tapok-Hangyo or gather and ask), on the other hand, is a different approach where other stakeholders, such as barangay officials and the community, are engaged in the campaign against illegal drugs through information dissemination.

Meanwhile, City Hall officials and employees will undergo random drug tests in an apparent bid by the mayor to rid the local government unit of workers involved in the illegal use or trade of prohibited drugs.

Demecillo said the city government would require job applicants to submit to drug testing prior to hiring.

Also, three of the city's 30 barangays have already been declared as "drug-cleared" -- Poblacion 4, Poblacion 5 and Poblacion 7.

These villages have complied with the parameters set forth in Section 6 of Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3 series of 2017 as evaluated and confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Mayor Remollo, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the City Health Office. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The soon to be completed rehabilitation of the old Casa Real, the first provincial capitol of Pangasinan, to its original beauty is set to be turned over to the provincial government here by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The provincial board on Monday approved a resolution authorizing Governor Amado I. Espino III to enter into and sign an amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with TIEZA and DPWH Second District Engineering Office for the turnover/acceptance of the restored Casa Real property.

Rehabilitation works on the historical edifice took off in 2016, said Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan. 

Built 260 years ago, Casa Real is one of Lingayen's oldest public buildings which served as Pangasinan's seat of government during the Spanish colonial days. It was reduced into ruins during World War II but rebuilt to serve as a court house and location of some provincial government offices.  

Phase 1 and Phase II  of the rehabilitation covered different works such as on concrete beam and slab, masonry walls, roofing system and ceiling works, electrical works including installation generator set and power house, and office furniture.

The building which was also made into a museum, was likewise retrofitted with high-definition screen and audio system, security cameras and plumbing works including the putting up of cistern tank and fire sprinkler system.

Elduayan, who attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's regular session on Monday, disclosed the need to amend the previous MOA since TIEZA has a new chief executive officer in the person of Pocholo Paragas.

She added that from the initial amount of grant approved for the third phase of the project which amounted to PHP50 million, it was reduced to PHP39.9 million under the new administration.

The restoration efforts on the landmark structure were initiated by the former governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. and 2nd district Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil who sourced out PHP30 million from TIEZA and the DPWH to bankroll Phase II of the project.

The provincial government initially released PHP5 million to jump-start the first phase of the project. For the three phases, the funding cost totaled more than PHP68 million.

Earlier, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) declared Casa Real as a historical landmark in Pangasinan.

NHCP described the building as an outstanding example of civic architecture from the Spanish colonial period and is a beautiful monument to the artistry, craftsmanship and ingenuity of the builders. (PNA)

 



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The soon to be completed rehabilitation of the old Casa Real, the first provincial capitol of Pangasinan, to its original beauty is set to be turned over to the provincial government here by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The provincial board on Monday approved a resolution authorizing Governor Amado I. Espino III to enter into and sign an amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with TIEZA and DPWH Second District Engineering Office for the turnover/acceptance of the restored Casa Real property.

Rehabilitation works on the historical edifice took off in 2016, said Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan. 

Built 260 years ago, Casa Real is one of Lingayen's oldest public buildings which served as Pangasinan's seat of government during the Spanish colonial days. It was reduced into ruins during World War II but rebuilt to serve as a court house and location of some provincial government offices.  

Phase 1 and Phase II  of the rehabilitation covered different works such as on concrete beam and slab, masonry walls, roofing system and ceiling works, electrical works including installation generator set and power house, and office furniture.

The building which was also made into a museum, was likewise retrofitted with high-definition screen and audio system, security cameras and plumbing works including the putting up of cistern tank and fire sprinkler system.

Elduayan, who attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's regular session on Monday, disclosed the need to amend the previous MOA since TIEZA has a new chief executive officer in the person of Pocholo Paragas.

She added that from the initial amount of grant approved for the third phase of the project which amounted to PHP50 million, it was reduced to PHP39.9 million under the new administration.

The restoration efforts on the landmark structure were initiated by the former governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. and 2nd district Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil who sourced out PHP30 million from TIEZA and the DPWH to bankroll Phase II of the project.

The provincial government initially released PHP5 million to jump-start the first phase of the project. For the three phases, the funding cost totaled more than PHP68 million.

Earlier, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) declared Casa Real as a historical landmark in Pangasinan.

NHCP described the building as an outstanding example of civic architecture from the Spanish colonial period and is a beautiful monument to the artistry, craftsmanship and ingenuity of the builders. (PNA)

 



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will hold Wednesday an information caravan on Freedom of Information (FOI) aiming for the development of good governance through transparency, at the Legazpi City Convention Center here. 

Marlon Atun, PIA information officer for Albay, in an interview Tuesday, said the caravan wants the stakeholders from different walks of life to be informed of the FOI. This will, in turn, provide appreciation and encourage participation to achieve its goals.

Atun said the FOI Caravan would be a training program and would feature lectures and workshops designed to communicate proper knowledge about the FOI.

As an expression of strong commitment in their campaign, PCOO Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan would be present in the event to conduct the FOI program orientation.

In attaining the goal of the caravan, the active participation of the target participants is of high importance, he said.

The caravan would also serve as an avenue for a participatory discussion with encouragement of open participation of the invited sectors in the community, Atun added.

The target audience includes selected representatives from concerned stakeholders from the academe, local government offices, law enforcement, and civil society.

The PCOO, armed with its mandate to be the communication arm of the government, has initiated the said caravan that focuses on the FOI as part of the agency's Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign.

The FOI is among the first executive orders signed by President Rodrigo Duterte upon his assumption to office last year. It took effect on July 23, 2016 with the aim to provide assurance that the people's Constitutional rights to obtain necessary information are upheld.

However, with the FOI being an EO, only those government offices and institutions under the executive branch are mandated to comply with it. The institutions include government owned and controlled corporations (GOCC), state universities and colleges (SUC), and local government units (LGU).

The EO does not cover offices under the legislative branch like the Senate and House of Representatives, or those under the judiciary branch, like trial courts.

Constitutional commissions like the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), are also exempted from the FOI as their independent function is mandated directly by the Constitution.

Under the FOI, a Filipino citizen must freely be given access to data and records in the government, in order to promote transparent and clean administrative processes in the government. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging local entrepreneurs to venture into halal industry or to certify their products as halal.

DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotion Nora Terrado on Monday said that local entrepreneurs, especially those from Mindanao, should take advantage of the growing $3-trillion global halal industry.

"Opportunities for halal is really great. We should follow the stream of opportunities than be left behind," Terrado said, adding that other non-Muslim countries are cashing on the halal market, such as Brazil, New Zealand, and Thailand.

Terrado said the Philippines has just passed the law on halal promotion, which will now put into motion and guide the local halal industry.

Republic Act 10817 otherwise known as the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 was enacted in May last year, which aims to "develop and promote halal industries as a mode of achieving equity and justice" among local farmers and producers.

Terrado said a master plan for halal is now being workout to advance the industry.

"Now we have the law and with the law there's a catalyst. If the mission is clear people are organized," she said.

"We have to identify the most important things that will bring us to the destination. We are gaining grounds. We will make it happen," she vowed.

Terrado was here on Monday to provide the overview of the halal industry as part of DTI's Slingshot Philippines campaign.

Under Muslim customs and traditions, consumers must be assured that the food they consume meets the halal requirements, which cover raw materials and other ingredients used, as well as processing and handling process.

For instance, animals must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic rites to render them halal.

The use of pork and its derivatives are "haram" or forbidden in the production and manufacture of food and non-food products intended for halal classification.

Terrado said customers behavior right now is very critical on the quality of products.

Halal, Terrado said, is a "seal of quality and purity and safety."
She admitted that the country's halal industry is still in the "nascent" stage.

"We are very young in terms of supply and demands. There are ways to fast track the development in these areas," she said.

According to Terrado, there's a need to build the proper "ecosystem for the industry" to thrive.

Senen Perlada, DTI export marketing bureau director, said there is a need to check the strength of the country in terms of what products or services that can be of the champion in getting a share in the halal industry.

Terrado said Zamboanga Peninsula has a great potential to be a hub for the halal industry particularly in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) initiative.

Zamboanga City is being positioned as the halal trading center with the development of Asian Halal Center inside Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone).

"Zamboecozone allocated at least 100 hectares that will be dedicated for the Asian Halal Center," Dr. Sitti Amina Jaina, DTI regional director, said.

The center, which was established in October last year, aims to be the center of halal industries in the Philippines and in the BIMP-EAGA region.

Jain, who is also the chairperson of the Sub-Committee on BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN Concerns of the Regional Development Council here, said the center is in line with the government policy to tap the $2.6 trillion global Halal market.

She said DTI is promoting Zamboecozone by inviting foreign investors as well encouraging local businessmen to invest in halal productions and locate it the ecozone.

Ahmad Lokman Ibrahim, vice president Halal Malaysia Development Corp., said the Philippines has a great potential in making through the halal market since the Philippines is an agriculture-base country.

"This could be in terms of fruits or marine products. The Philippines should take advantage of this huge market," Ibrahim said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reiterated its warning to consumers in Negros Occidental to be watchful against substandard products, particularly Christmas lights, as the holiday season approaches.

Reginald Hudierez, trade and industry specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said Monday that months before Christmas, there is already an anticipated increase in the demand for Christmas lights and other decorations.

Starting this month, the agency will conduct massive inspection to ensure that uncertified products are not being sold in the provincial markets, especially those in Bacolod City, said Hudierez.

"There are still establishments which are non-compliant thus, the buying public is urged to be vigilant and to immediately report erring stores to the DTI," he added.

Under Republic Act 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, establishments should secure Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) for Christmas lights and other electrical products, including appliances.

During the inspection, all products without PS and ICC markings will be subjected to confiscation.

Establishments will face penalties and formal charges.

The law provided that on top of confiscation of substandard products, penalties will also be imposed on erring establishments amounting to PHP25,000 to PHP300,000 per kind depending on the level of offense.

Enforcement operations cover establishment premises, including stock and storage rooms, it added.

In 2016, the DTI-Negros Occidental, through its regular monitoring and enforcement operation, seized almost 4,000 pieces of various substandard products from a general merchandise store at the downtown area here.

Most of these items were electrical products which pose risk to health and safety of the consumers.

"To the buying public, let us not compromise the safety and welfare of our family by patronizing products that are cheaper but of low quality and substandard," Hudierez added. (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) will conduct a three-day License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Firearms Registration at the Advance Central College in this capital from October 11 to 13.

Superintendent Norby Escobar, deputy director of APPO, said in an interview Monday that the three-day activity is part of the firearms registration caravan in Western Visayas.

"There would be drug testing, neuro-examination and gun safety seminar to be conducted among firearm holders," Escobar said.

He added the activity was requested by the Police Provincial Advisory Council so that Antiquenos who have expired firearm registrations no longer need to go to Iloilo to apply.

He said the applicants should just bring their identification cards, expired gun licenses and other pertinent documents.

Meanwhile, Escobar said they have now shifted to normal police operations with the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to May 2018.

"We are again focused on supply reduction of illegal drugs and on the drug rehabilitation of surrenderers," he said. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY. -- Maguindanao police operatives on Sunday arrested three high profile drug personalities in separate anti-drug operations in two towns in Maguindanao.


Talking to reporters Monday, Chief Supt. Theodore Sindac, police director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the suspects were arrested during operations in the towns of Talitay and Barira.

Collared first following a weeklong surveillance operation was Wahida Laguia, 29, believed to be courier of illegal drugs of big-time drug syndicate in Talitay.

Joint police, anti-narcotics agents and elements of 19th Infantry Battalion had placed Wahida under surveillance after reports she had been pushing prohibited drugs preying on local officials and students.

Sindac said government forces arrested Laguia in her residence at Sitio Kling, Barangay Kuden, Talitay at around 9:30 a.m. and seized from her three big sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride with an estimated Php24,000 street value.

Also seized from Laguia were two unregistered Kawasaki motorbikes believed to be carnapped. She is now detained at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-ARMM) detention cell in Cotabato City.

In Barira, police and PDEA-ARMM agents backed by elements of the Army's 37th Infantry Battalion arrested Karudin Baranada Amigos, 36, for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Seized from Amigos were two sachets of prohibited drugs and illegal drug paraphernalia.

Also in Barira, police and military personnel arrested Sunday afternoon, Guiarodin Sangkad, 42, in Barangay Korosuyan.

Seized from him were two sachets of shabu and paraphernalia.

Sindac said the three arrested suspects were considered high - value target who have volunteered to surrender last year during the implementation of Oplan Tokhang.

Police probers are now interrogating the suspects to determine their source of illegal drugs in Maguindanao. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY — About 68 students from the Tanap Elementary School in Burgos town of Ilocos Norte, about 55 kilometers from this city, are the latest recipient of a rainwater harvesting tank courtesy of the Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation, owner of the largest wind power farm in Southeast Asia.

A rainwater harvesting tank is a low-cost rainwater harvesting technology using ferro cement construction technique.

The school donation also comes with an iron removal filter and a bio sand filter, enabling harvested rainwater to be used for cooking and safe drinking.

Using simple technology, the water is filtered through a facility that removes sediments like iron, harmful bacteria and odor that may be detrimental to the consumer's health.

School principal Corazon Guiaya relayed that schools in the highlands have difficulty getting water during the months of February to May. Hence, the installation of a rainwater harvester which is just enough to supply the needs of the school is very essential.

Before the rainwater harvester was installed, Guiaya said teachers and students had to seek the services of a water station supplier.

To date, other highland schools in Burgos town are also considering adopting said technology to save on utility costs and to allow students to have access to safe drinnking water.

As part of the EDC's corporate social responsibility project, some schools and villages in Burgos town are the latest recipients of various health and sanitation projects of the company which maintains a 150-megawatt wind and solar power farm in Burgos town. One of these is the installation of rainwater harvesting tank. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Believing education as a way to bring out the best among the poor yet deserving students, the Aboitiz owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Colight) on Sunday extended assistance to a public school in its franchise area.

"With that conviction, the firm had offered scholarship program to students and help improve education institutions and facilities," according to Anna Lea Lee Nataño, chief of Cotabato Light Human Resources and Reputation Enhancement Department.

The latest recipient of assistance was the Pagalamatan Elementary School (PES) in Barangay Tamontaka 3 here.

The powerutility had turned over major projects to school administrators. It included the refurbishment of reading as a "Peace Hub" and concreting of classroom flooring.

Nataño said the project cost was pegged at PhP160, 000 and would benefit 288 pupils. As to why PES was chosen as beneficiary, Nataño put forward the project rationale citing that the school is one of the remote educational institutions within the Colight franchise area that regularly experience floods when rivers around the area overflow.

Nataño said the old "peace and reading hub" of PES was made of "nipa" and looked like a "purok center."

She added that with the peace and reading hub now concreted and refurbished, it has become conducive for studying and learning.
Nataño believed the students are now encouraged to read and learn through the hub. "

Pupils and teachers can now continue daily class discussions even during rainy season," she stressed.

During the turn over program, about 59 volunteers from Colight and stakeholders helped polish the two elevated and concreted classrooms. Present during the turnover were Cotabato City education officials Colight employees, parents, teachers and students. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Criminal charges are set to be filed against a soldier who allegedly killed his comrade at a military outpost in Basilan province, the police reported Monday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, disclosed the incident happened at around 5:27 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Masola in the capital city of Isabela.

Galvez identified the victim as PFC Jerry Arasain, 27, a member of the 15th Special Force Company of the Army's 4th Special Forces Battalion.

Galvez identified the suspect as PFC Arkim Julain, 26, who belong to the same military unit.

Arasain and Julain are residents of the towns of Jolo and Panamao, Sulu, respectively.

Galvez said investigation showed that Arasain was sleeping in a hammock when the suspect repeatedly shot him. The victim died instantly.

She said that the company commanding officer immediately arrested the suspect. (PNA)



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LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – The "Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) 2017" under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Calabarzon regional office here, is slated October 11 to 13 at the Robinsons Place in Dasmariñas City to spur technology adoption, stimulate innovations and promote Filipino inventions.

Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, DOST Calabarzon regional director, told PNA here on Monday that "RICE 2017" was originally scheduled last Sept. 13 to 15  but rescheduled due to "Typhoon Maring" which affected Calabarzon comprising  the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

The RICE program of DOST, through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), has embarked on science and technology (S&T) events since 2013 throughout the country's various regions.

This year's theme adopts "Science for the People: Fostering Inventions for an Innovative Nation" in pursuit of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's 0 to 10-Point socio-Economic Agenda to "promote science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining inclusive development."

Up for public display during the three-day event are some 34 inventions and innovative crafts prequalified from 65 original entries.  

Republic Act No. 7459 or the "Inventors Incentives Act of the Philippines" has adopted the national policy where government provides "a program to set up a climate conducive to invention and innovation, give encouragement and support to inventors who are creative and resourceful, as well as the imbued with a deep sense of nationalism, and maximize the capability and productivity of inventors through incentives and other forms of assistance and support."

Madrigal said the competition has six categories: Outstanding Invention or Tuklas Award; Outstanding Utility Model; Outstanding Industrial Design; Outstanding Creative Research or Likha Award; and two categories for the Outstanding Creative Student Research or Sibol Award for High School and another for College students.

He said that three finalists for each category shall receive cash incentives and certificates of recognition and represent as the regional contenders for the National Invention competition in 2018.

Juan Carlo M. Manas, DOST Calabarzon public information officer, said entries covered research topics under Invention, Utility Model, Industrial Design, and Creative Research which will be showcased in the exhibits.

Besides the invention and innovation showcase, forums on 3D Printing Technology and Invention Development and Intellectual Property are slated for the public free of charge on a first-come, first-serve registration for 150 attendees due to space limitations. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Thirty-eight officers of the Talisay City Police Station were relieved Monday following reports of their alleged involvement in various illegal activities.

Cebu Provincial Police Community Relations Office head, Superintendent Virgilio Bayon-on, said that Talisay Police chief, Supt. Jason Villamater, recommended the relief of these officers, who have been allegedly receiving "goodwill" money from suspected illegal drugs and gambling personalities.

Some of these suspected rogue policemen will be reassigned to different police stations in other areas of Cebu Province, while others will be detailed at the Personnel Holding Accounting Unit pending investigation.

According to Bayon-on, the relief of these officers is part of the internal cleansing program of the Police Regional Office- 7 to rid their ranks of scalawags, especially those involved in illegal drug activities.

The Internal Affairs Service is currently conducting the investigation on these erring law enforcers, Bayon-on added.

Meanwhile, operatives from the Regional Special Operations Group, Provincial Intelligence Branch, and Talisay City Police arrested 11 men while playing "hantak" (cara y cruz) or tossing coins in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City over the weekend.

Nabbed were Edwin Bardillas, Abelino Oliveros, Emilio Cabansag, Donnatello Cañada, Gideo Caño, Rhonel Carin, Romulo Gabiana, Victorino Sanchez, Adrian Paras, Rosendo Reyes, and Archimedes Paran.

Recovered from the scene were a flat marble stone, three coins, and cash amounting to PHP4,800 believed to be proceeds of the illegal gambling game. (LBG/Michelle Bugtai/PNA)



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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Eight drug personalities were arrested while several sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" were confiscated in anti-illegal drug operations in Central Luzon over the weekend.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Monday said that police operatives are continuously conducting police operations in the region that led to the arrest of the suspected drug pushers -- one in Olongapo City, one in Castillejos, Zambales, two in Guagua and one in Mexico, both in Pampanga, and three in Nueva Ecija.

"The entire Central Luzon police force will not stop its campaign until all forms of illegal drugs in the region is eradicated. We also keep on intensifying our anti-criminality efforts to ensure the safety and security of the general public," Corpus said.

Operatives of Olongapo City Drug Enforcement Unit and Police Station 4 arrested Aldwin Conde, 35, a resident of Purok 5, National Highway, Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City and confiscated from him six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money used in the buy bust operation.

In Pampanga, police authorities nabbed Romy David, 40, of Barangay Natividad, and Joselito Salvador, 49, of Barangay San Agustin, both in Guagua town and Jhay Perez,19, of Barangay Pandacaqui, Mexico. Confiscated from the suspects were eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

Operatives of Castillejos Municipal Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos, Zambales which resulted in the arrest of Guillermo Padrique, 47, and seizure of four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

In Nueva Ecija, police operatives arrested Marlon Cabling, 45; Gerardo Fernando, 44; and Cesar Balasote, 44; all residents of Barangay MS Garcia, Cabanatuan City and seized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project, spanning some 581 kilometers from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon, is now on track towards its target opening by second quarter of 2022.

"Dagos po an Bicol Express (the Bicol Express pushes through)," Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda announced here last week.

He based his announcement on the project's revised funding structure approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board recently.

The project, originally proposed years ago by Salceda, now forms part of the Duterte administration's flagship projects under the massive infrastructure "Build Build Build" program.

It is envisioned as a backbone of economic development designed to enhance the connectivity of major airports and seaports in Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region.

From a proposed budget of PHP171 billion originally, and later PHP185 billion, it is now allocated PHP299.4 billion, one of the government's biggest infrastructure investments.

Salceda, who is senior vice chair of the House committees on appropriations and ways and means, said some PHP800 million and PHP7 billion have been appropriated for the project in the GAA 2016 and GAA 2017 budgets, respectively, of Department of Transportation's (DOTr), not PNR's as announced previously, and another PHP3 billion has been requested by DOTr for FY 2018.

The project is also included in the first basket of projects to be financed and built with the assistance of China. A Memorandum of Understanding setting out the scope of China's assistance for the project will be signed during the ASEAN Summit in November 2017.

Proceeds from the loan will become available under GAA 2018's 'Unprogrammed Appropriations' in addition to the PHP3 billion DOTr has already requested for 2018. Implementation works for the project are ongoing, especially for right-of-way acquisition.

Consultations have already been held with Bicol local chief executives and lawmakers, and the DOTr have been working with HUDCC, NHA, SHAFC, and PCUP towards implementing the resettlement of the families that will be affected by the project.

Based on recent changes, its Commuter Line segment which spans 72 kilometers with 23 stations, now starts from Solis-Hermosa in Manila to Los Baños, Laguna. The Long Haul segment picks up from Los Baños and runs through Batangas, Quezon and the Bicol provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay to Sorsogon.

Salceda said the PNR South Railways is now "a priority investment project of the government" and ia a vitally urgent infrastructure for Southern Luzon. It was approved and strongly recommended by the Bicol Regional Development Council in 2015, during Salceda's term as chairman.

When completed, it will vastly improve connectivity and efficiency among Southern Luzon's urban centers and regional growth hubs and thus enhance productivity in the industry, services and agriculture sectors.

It is seen to further boost Bicol's tourism industry by as much as 30 percent which forms part of the predicted 24 percent economic returns it will bring to the countryside when fully operationalized, he added. (PR)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The Provincial Highway Patrol Team in Negros Oriental, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested three suspected car thieves as they disembarked from an inter-island vessel coming from Cebu Sunday night here.

Provincial team leader Sr. Insp. Robelito Mariano identified the three suspects as Jason Louis Bandoy of Bacong, reportedly a son of a doctor; Joefren Elorta Pis-an from Dauin and Ronel Yu Domen of Valencia, all in Negros Oriental, for violation of RA 10883 or the anti-carnapping law as amended and RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002.

They were intercepted at the port of Dumaguete with a suspected stolen vehicle.

Mariano said the three rented a Mitsubishi Montero from a rent-a-car in Bagacay, this city, whose registered owner is Caroline T. Yanzon last October 4. For 17 days, the suspects failed to return it despite pleadings from the owner.

Mariano said the whereabouts of the suspects were tracked via GPS.
Illegal drugs paraphernalia including a digital weighing scale were recovered from the vehicle, Mariano said.

Further investigations showed that Bandoy had a previous case of violation of the anti-drugs law but was dismissed. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY—Eight establishments in this city are under investigation for alleged violation of the product standards law of the Philippines.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), a Manila-based composite team.

DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. did not reveal the names of the violating establishments but said these are mostly dealers of construction materials.

He said these establishments were suspected of having violated the product standards law due to lack of product standards markings and license on the goods being sold.

Cadena said the FTEB has released summons to the establishments. "So they will submit their answer to the adjudication officer. After that, in 10 to 15 days, we will already know the judgment whether they are guilty or not for their alleged violation and also their penalties. But it is still subject for appeal or motion for reconsideration," he added.

Cadena said the penalty would depend on the gravity of the offense.

Previously, seven establishments were penalized for violating the product standard law. Minimum penalty to erring establishment was PHP17,500.

Cadena added that a forum would be conducted on Tuesday to brief the stakeholders on product standards law.
It aims to update stakeholders on latest regulations passed by DTI on product standards. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY — The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) here has won the regional search for the best PESO in the Cordillera, earning the nomination for the national award.

Given by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III on October 4, the assessment for the award gave the city a rating of 89.75 percent.

Aside from the office, Mayor Mauricio Domogan and PESO Manager Jose Atanacio were also recognized for their support in the promotion and delivery of the DOLE's employment facilitation program.

Atanacio on Monday said the office was exerting more efforts to advance the government's assistance to "job-hunting" residents, to give them more avenues or chances of employment.

The Baguio PESO office holds two regular city-sponsored job fairs in a year, during Labor Day on May 1 and as part of the Baguio City foundation day celebration every September.

The city PESO also joins the DOLE-sponsored job fair every Independence Day on June 12 and about four to five other job fairs which are sponsored by the private sector.

Atanacio said they have noted a 21 to 22-percent rate of on-the-spot hiring of applicants in job fair events.

He said that aside from holding and participating in job fairs, their office also holds trainings to help enhance the skills of workers aside from assisting applicants on the "what to do" and "what to prepare" when applying for a job. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY-- Accommodation establishments in this city are fully booked for the ongoing 38th MassKara Festival with highlights set on October 20 to 22.

City Tourism Officer Ma. Elma Gerasmo on Monday said that most bookings were made since July.
Gerasmo said Bacolod has a total of 71 accommodation facilities, including hotels, pension houses, tourist inns, resorts, and apartelles, with a maximum capacity of 5,950 rooms.

The most anticipated events of the 22-day festivities are the street and arena dance competitions to be participated in by schools and barangays on October 21 and 22, respectively.

President Rodrigo Duterte was invited as guest of honor during the highlights on October 22 at the Bacolod public plaza.

Gerasmo said the fixed date of the MassKara Festival prompted visitors, especially Filipinos from abroad, to make early bookings for the festival.

Last May 26, the City Council passed an ordinance setting the MassKara Festival highlights permanently on the fourth Sunday of October.

"The permanent schedule of the festival will allow people across the world, including Bacolodnons living abroad, to set their MassKara vacation in advance," Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of committee on tourism, said after the ordinance was approved.

According to the ordinance, the city will celebrate the highlights of MassKara Festival every fourth Sunday of October to strengthen, promote, and expand the festival's impact on tourism.

Gerasmo earlier said Bacolod is optimistic on reaching the 12 percent target increase in tourist arrivals this year with the strengthened marketing and promotion efforts for the MassKara Festival, after a slight improvement noted in arrivals in the early part of 2017.(PNA)

 



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BACOLOD CITY -- A business group leader here said road interconnectivity projects in Negros Occidental should be integrated to avoid duplication and fragmentation of projects.

Frank Carbon, regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Visayas and Negros Island, on Monday said they would submit a position paper to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) requesting that other agencies submit their respective connectivity projects.

He said the DILG, through its Local Road Network Development Plan (LRNDP), should integrate all other projects in the province.

These include those being implemented under the Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan ang Daan tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) of the DILG; Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); farm-to-market roads of the Department of Agriculture (DA); farm-to-mill roads of the Sugar Regulatory Administrations (SRA); tourism roads of the Department of Tourism (DOT); and other infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Carbon said fragmented projects would not serve the purpose, adding that money spent for these initiatives would not be maximized.

"Integration of interconnectivity projects of local government units in the province should be given consideration," he said.

The ROLL IT project, jointly implemented by the DTI and DPWH, has an allocation of about PHP111 million for road network development in Negros Occidental funded under the 2018 General Appropriation Act.

The road projects, aimed to boost connectivity and lower production cost for enterprises particularly in transporting raw materials and finished goods, are up for implementation next year, covering the cities of San Carlos and Bago in the First and Fourth Districts, respectively. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here is massively promoting solar energy, especially to commercial establishments with big electricity consumption.

Engr. Noel Hechanova, in an interview Tuesday, said they always bring with them representatives from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to talk about loan windows for funding concerns during their information drive.

Also, they are targeting the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) if it also has a program for those opting to shift to renewable energy, particularly solar.

"We partner with government financing institutions that promote solar energy," he stated.

The city government, through its CENRO, has developed models in promoting energy efficiency in the context of greenhouse gas reduction emission.

The campaign is being assisted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Be Leaders (Building Low Emission Alternatives to Develop Economic Resilience and Sustainability Project) and implemented by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) based in North Carolina.

In September, during a forum on public-private partnership in Iloilo City, establishments shared their success stories after shifting to solar energy.

Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian, chief executive officer of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), said that they save around 60 percent of their electricity bill since they shifted to the solar energy. Their solar panels provide around 78 kilowatts for one of their campuses.

"We saw the efficiency of solar panels," he said adding that all their campuses - Molo, Arevalo and Bacolod - will be adopting solar energy.

On the other hand, Robinsons Malls in Iloilo also saved about 10 percent of what they used to pay.

"Right now Robinsons Land Corporation is one of the biggest solar producers at the malls level," said its mall operations manager Kristin Hortelano adding that they found it easier to return their investment with the solar energy given the high rate of power.

Paul E. Weisenfeld, executive vice president of the International Development of the RTI, described as "phenomenal" and "real recipe of success" the partnerships among Iloilo City, universities and private sectors in "looking for ways to promote energy efficiency that drive economic resilience , that drive economic growth for the people of Iloilo."

"You don't have that kind of collaborations all over the world what you have here between the private sector, city government and the academe. When you bring those partners together, you really can see tremendous thing happen," he cited.

Currently, all major malls in the city are using solar energy because they saw the "value" and it will be beneficial to them in the long run, he said.

"They also see the benefit that carbon dioxide will be avoided," he said.

Hechanova said that the next target of their advocacy will be the households.

"Eventually, we will draft a program for household," he said as he cited that there are available loan windows for households that will be used specifically for solar panels.

Hechanova added that they looked forward to start their household level campaign by middle of 2018 as he emphasized that a 20 percent discount on real property (RPT) is being offered for those who would like to shift to renewable energy.

Those interested are encouraged to visit his office to learn more about the program. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here is massively promoting solar energy, especially to commercial establishments with big electricity consumption.

Engr. Noel Hechanova, in an interview Tuesday, said they always bring with them representatives from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to talk about loan windows for funding concerns during their information drive.

Also, they are targeting the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) if it also has a program for those opting to shift to renewable energy, particularly solar.

"We partner with government financing institutions that promote solar energy," he stated.

The city government, through its CENRO, has developed models in promoting energy efficiency in the context of greenhouse gas reduction emission.

The campaign is being assisted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Be Leaders (Building Low Emission Alternatives to Develop Economic Resilience and Sustainability Project) and implemented by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) based in North Carolina.

In September, during a forum on public-private partnership in Iloilo City, establishments shared their success stories after shifting to solar energy.

Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian, chief executive officer of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), said that they save around 60 percent of their electricity bill since they shifted to the solar energy. Their solar panels provide around 78 kilowatts for one of their campuses.

"We saw the efficiency of solar panels," he said adding that all their campuses - Molo, Arevalo and Bacolod - will be adopting solar energy.

On the other hand, Robinsons Malls in Iloilo also saved about 10 percent of what they used to pay.

"Right now Robinsons Land Corporation is one of the biggest solar producers at the malls level," said its mall operations manager Kristin Hortelano adding that they found it easier to return their investment with the solar energy given the high rate of power.

Paul E. Weisenfeld, executive vice president of the International Development of the RTI, described as "phenomenal" and "real recipe of success" the partnerships among Iloilo City, universities and private sectors in "looking for ways to promote energy efficiency that drive economic resilience , that drive economic growth for the people of Iloilo."

"You don't have that kind of collaborations all over the world what you have here between the private sector, city government and the academe. When you bring those partners together, you really can see tremendous thing happen," he cited.

Currently, all major malls in the city are using solar energy because they saw the "value" and it will be beneficial to them in the long run, he said.

"They also see the benefit that carbon dioxide will be avoided," he said.

Hechanova said that the next target of their advocacy will be the households.

"Eventually, we will draft a program for household," he said as he cited that there are available loan windows for households that will be used specifically for solar panels.

Hechanova added that they looked forward to start their household level campaign by middle of 2018 as he emphasized that a 20 percent discount on real property (RPT) is being offered for those who would like to shift to renewable energy.

Those interested are encouraged to visit his office to learn more about the program. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- Following its maiden voyage to Currimao seaport in Ilocos Norte province last March, Star Cruises, a cruise line in the Asia Pacific, is set to return in December.

Provincial tourism officer, Ianree Raquel, said Tuesday the provincial government and other tourism stakeholders here are gearing up preparations for the return of the 13-storey Superstar Virgo to ferry passengers from its home port in Metro Manila to China and Hongkong.

Raquel said talks are underway for the improvement of the Currimao seaport to ensure greater convenience and safety of passengers.

Expecting thousands of Asian tourists aboard the ship, the management of Superstar Virgo aims to make the Philippines a permanent hub.

Rising to the challenge, the Ilocos Norte government, along with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Ports Authority and other private tourism stakeholders here, organized themselves as a group to take advantage of the opportunity.

A cruise industry is expected to bring in 10 to 15 times more economic benefits to its home port.

From the port of embarkation in Manila, Superstar Virgo is also planning to introduce more routes, which include Kota Kinabalu, Brunei, Ho Chi Minh, Okinawa and Thailand.

Over the years, the DOT and the Ilocos Norte government have been working on the promotion of cruise tourism.

To sustain its efforts, the province hopes the national government would allocate more funds for the development of a dedicated cruise terminal for big ships to land directly at the seaport without using tender boats. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Some 200 researchers from all over Asia will convene in Davao City for the 10th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) International Symposium on October 18-22 at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

The Philippine Eagle Foundation, (PEF), being a member of ARRCN and the only raptor center and research facility in the Philippines, is selected to host this year's event, in partnership with the Davao City government, Department of Tourism, and AdDU.

The delegates will come from 30 ARRCN member countries, including Japan, India, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

PEF conservation education administrator Bai Kristie Salve Gomez said this is a rare opportunity "because the event is the first to be held in the Philippines."

"We would like to invite the students especially so they would learn how these researchers conduct raptor research monitoring in their respective countries," she said.

Gomez said there are only few people conducting research about raptors and through them (researchers) "we would be able to learn how other countries are conserving and protecting their raptor species".

She said there are other raptors in the country aside from the Philippine Eagle. "This event will give us the chance to get to know the researchers and their works," she said.

Raptors or birds-of-prey play a prominent role in human culture.

Among several traditional societies, eagles are spiritual symbols of divine protection and charismatic representation of desirable human traits such as courage, firmness and leadership.

Unfortunately, people's attitude towards raptors is not always positive. In northern Philippines for instance, hundreds of migrating Grey-faced buzzards are slaughtered for food at their roost sites.

In Nagaland, thousands of Amur falcons migrating in 2012 were butchered by locals who regarded the bird multitudes as like "manna dropping down the heaven".

But there are good reasons for hope like the community-managed annual raptor festivals in Taiwan and Thailand, for instance, demonstrate how people and migrating raptors can maintain a harmonious co-existence.

In Nagaland, Gomez said local apathy has been replaced by care and concern just a matter of two years. Gomez said the change was brought by advocacy, education and grassroots conservation.

"Several equally-inspiring community-based raptor conservation programs across Asia exist hence posaitive human attitudes can be devloped," she said.

Gomez said the conference will highlight how support to community-based actions can result to healthy people-raptor relationships.

The goal of the ARRCN is to further promote raptor conservation and determine the link between raptors and local communities to encourage appreciation and protection of raptor species. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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