MikeLigalig.com

By Ven Arigo
DOTr, CAAP approve yet 16-hour
Bohol Panglao airport operation

Transportation and aviation authorities in the country have given the new Bohol Panglao International Airport the green light to operate 16 hours as current deals for additional flights expect good result.

Still operating daytime since its opening nine months ago, the airport will gradually accommodate more day and night flights until its operation can go full blast in 24 hours.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Arthur Tugade informed Rep. Edgar Chatto that the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) already approved the airport's yet 16-hour operation on August 15.

On-going negotiations with airline companies for additional flights include posible direct international flights that will not pass by Manila.

The DOTr and CAAP approved the 16-hour operation of the new Bohol airport based on their assessment of the current conditions and needs.

Chatto raised to Tugade several essential concerns on the operation of the airport and related issues during the congressional hearing on the proposed DOTr budget for 2020 on Thursday.

Operational time can be extended when air traffic will increase, the congressman was further told.

Additional cost is actually incurred everytime an operation hour is added.

Cost is always considered to determine the viability of night operation.

Also, the DOTr already decided to allow, on public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, a private firm for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the BPIA.

The government has adopted the policy of separating the functions of the airport regulator (CAAP) and the airport operator (private).

Three airports in the country are already in this setup and Panglao airport will be the fourth, with its operation, management and maintenance by a private firm which is likely Aboitiz.

DOTr Usec. Ruben Reynoso said the CAAP will still operate the airport 16 hours while the O&M contract award to the private operator has yet yet to done.

The DOTr and CAAP already certified Aboitiz's original proponent status subject to the review by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

There will be no significant difference between the terminal fees of CAAP-managed and privately-managed airport terminals since they are regulated by the DOTr and CAAP.

Even when the private concessionaire handles the airport O&M, flight operations continue to be with the CAAP.

Meanwhile, the hour-by-hour and day-by-day fluctuation of airline ticket costs will be reviewed by the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) under the DOTr.

Chatto and other congressmen questioned the airline fares which change continually. (Ven rebo Arigo)

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Press Release
DOE and EU-ASEP Capped First Phase Success, Opens Next Chapter of Implementation

MANILA - The Technical Assistance (TA) component of the European Union-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) with the theme, "ASEP-TA Phase One Finale: A Retrospective", capped its three years of implementation on Wednesday (4 September) at the Rizal Park Hotel.

ASEP is a joint undertaking of the European Union and the Department of Energy (DOE) geared towards providing access to renewable energy for the poor, remote households in the Philippines; enhancing and supporting the energy efficiency initiatives in the energy sector; and capacitating the energy movers in the Energy institutions. These activities were mainly in the area of off-grid rural electrification, energy efficiency and capacity development.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "The implementation of ASEP-TA's first phase is our success as a united energy family. Through our combined efforts, we have achieved so much in the past three years, which have gone far in effecting positive change in the lives of our kababayans living in remote areas."

Head of Development Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, Mr. Enrico Strampelli, together with DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella led the event. Meanwhile, guest speakers included Department of Science and Technology's Undersecretary for Research of Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara; National Economic Development Authority Assistant Secretary, Mr. Roderick Planta; and Team Energy Foundation, Inc. Executive Director, Mr. Ricky De Castro.

FULL STORY: http://bit.ly/doe-and-eu-asep-capped-first-phase-success-opens-next-chapter-implementation

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Press Release
DOE-LFO Participates in National Security Clearance System Briefing

PANGASINAN – The Department of Energy – Luzon Field Office (DOE-LFO) participated in the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) briefing on Executive Order (EO) No. 608, "Establishing a National Security Clearance System for Government Personnel with Access to Classified Matters and for Other Purposes", held at the DOE-LFO Conference Room.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "It is our duty to safeguard our vital energy facilities from becoming vulnerable to all kinds of threats. In addition to protecting our actual energy infrastructure, another core component of security is our ability to empower our officials and personnel with the proper knowledge on handling of all official documents, particularly those which are classified."

The briefing was conducted to prevent security lapses from occurring within agencies such as the DOE, especially since these may include national security threats and provide hostile groups with opportunities to infiltrate the government.

NICA Assistant Regional Director Remus B. Rabara led the presentation, which highlighted the importance of requiring government personnel to obtain security clearances before gaining access to classified information. In addition, Dir. Rabara also discussed the protocol to be observed by staff in ensuring the integrity of official documents, and the designation of an official Security Officer to handle the implementation of EO 608.

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Press Release
DOE Hails 1st Philippine Floating Solar Forum

PASAY CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday (4 September) participated in the first Philippine Floating Solar Forum held at the SMX Convention Center, as part of the agency's efforts to further the development of the country's renewable energy (RE) landscape.

"For years, the RE sector has been striving to contribute to mankind's shared responsibility to heal the world. Great strides have been made, especially in the power sector where much of RE's progress is concentrated. With the continued innovations in RE technology, which includes floating solar systems, the DOE is confident that RE would continue to figure dominantly in expanding energy equity and access in our country," Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in his keynote message, delivered by DOE Undersecretary and Spokesperson Felix William B. Fuentebella.

Organized by the Philippine Solar Storage and Energy Alliance, the Forum aims to promote discourse on the floating solar power technology to forge business opportunities and partnerships between the private sector and the Philippine government. It also aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in order to attract more investments in this field.

Undersecretary Fuentebella expressed the DOE's appreciation to PSSEA for the activity given the huge potential of floating solar installations in revolutionizing the Philippine RE industry.

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DOE Participates in Powertrends 2019

PASAY CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) participated in the 2019 Powertrends International Exhibit and Conference held from 3 to 4 September 2019 at the SMX Convention Center. 

Organized by Leverage International, Inc., the two-day forum with the theme "Philippine Energy Independence: Riding through the Wave of Innovations", featured discussions on the latest developments in the energy industry, particularly in the power sector.

"Each and every one of us in the energy sector are called to keep cultivating a strong desire for further learning. Each new idea, invention, and technological advancement which has changed the course of history stemmed from man's constant drive towards wanting to make things even better than they currently are. Similarly, the energy industry would not cease to benefit from revolutionary concepts and innovations from fearless movers and shakers," Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in his opening remarks, which was delivered by DOE-Electric Power Industry and Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan.

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Reposted from FB
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 32 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence , Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me.. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today , too many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale   

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!

We ought to have cloned him for telling it like it is and being frugal with our tax dollars!

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"PILIPINAS: ANG LUPANG HINIRANG, BANSANG NAKASAAD SA BIBLIA"
'By The God Culture'
Reposted from Even Demata

Kung ikaw ay FILIPINO dapat mong basahin eto, Christian ka man o hindi, dapat mong malaman na ANG BANSANG PILIPINAS ay ipinakilala sa BANAL NA KASULATAN.

Bago ang malalim na pag aaral patungkol sa topic na eto, ipag papapauna ko na po ang mag sumusunod:
[1] Hindi ko po ito opinyon, eto ay RESEARCH
[2] Kasaysayan at Banal na Kasulatan ang sasagot
[3] Kung alam mo ang Philippine History at nagbabasa ka ng Bible mas mauunawaan mo eto.
[4] Ang mga link ay nasa footnotes or hulihan ng post na ito

► PANIMULA:
Itanong mo sa sarili mo: ANO ANG PANGALAN NG PILIPINAS bago pa ito nasakop ng mga Spanish colonizers? May idea ka ba? Alam mo bang ang OPHIR ang pangalan ng bansa natin, at alam ito ng mga kastila BAGO pa nila ito ipangalan sa kanilang hari sa espanya na si King Philip (Present day Philippines)? Tama ang narining mo! Ayon sa dokumento ng mga Espanyol sa "Collecion General de Documentos Relativos a las Islas Filipinas" Mayroon silang mapa na kinaroroonan ng Ophir, at ayon sa kanila ang Ophir day ay "COMPOSE OF MANY ISLANDS"
At ayon sa kanilang dokumento, kilala ang bansa natin na GINTO, PILAK AT MAMAHALING HIYAS.
Filipino friend, hindi si Magellan ang nakadiscover sa bansa natin. May mga tao na dito na nananahan. Ang layunin talaga nila ay icolonize tayo dahil sa NATATAGO NATING YAMAN. May mga tao na dito noon at sila ang nakaka-alam ng mga yaman ng bansa natin.
►TANONG: Eh bakit hindi tinuro sa amin iyan noong Elementary at Highschool? Bakit hindi tinuro na OPHIR pala ang Pangalan ng Bansa natin?
► SAGOT: Logically, kapag ang isang bansang Spain ay NANANAKOP, sinusunog nila ang mga Historical Books ng bansang sinakop nila.
May mga record ang mga tao sa bansa natin noon patungkol sa yaman pero dahil gustong MABURA ng mga kastilang ito ang kasaysayan at PALITAN ng kanilang Relihiyon, Edukasyon at Tradisyon, SINUNOG nila ang mga record ng ating mga mamamayan. Nang sa gayon hindi na mapakinabangan ng susunod na salinlahi. Ngunit ang ibang kopya ng aklat ng mga kababayan natin ay naipreserve nila sa kanilang bansa. Bakit? Dahil sila din ang makikinabang nito pagdating ng araw. Ang susunod na tanong saan ba galing ang pangalang OPHIR?
► SAAN GALING ANG SALITANG OPHIR?
Ang Ophir ay hindi talaga isang salita kundi isang PANGALAN NG TAO. Ang pangalang "Ophir" ay unang binanggit sa Genesis 10 na naglalaman ng mga DESCENDANTS or mga apo ni Noah (taong pinli ng Diyos na magtayo ng arka dahil sa gugunawin ng ang mundo ng malaking baha) SI OPHIR ay ika-6th generation ni Noah. At kung babasahin natin ang kasaysayan ni Noah, ang kanyang mga anak ang nagpasimula "muli" ng sangkatauhan sa buong mundo. Dahil kung matatandaan natin GINUNAW ng Diyos ang mundo at pinuksa ang lahat ng may hininga sa pamamagitan ng BAHA. At sa mga salinlahi ni Noah nagmula ang mga bansa.
Genesis 10:1-30
[verse 1] Ito nga ang sali't saling lahi ng mga anak ni Noe: si SEM, si Cham, at si Japhet: at sila'y nangagkaanak pagkaraan ng bahang gumunaw.
[verse 2] Ang mga anak ni Japhet; si Gomer, at si Magog, at si Madai, at si Javan, at si Tubal, at si Meshech, at si Tiras.
[verse 5] SA MGA ITO NANGABAHAGI ANG MGA PULO NG MGA BANSA, SA KANILANG LUPAIN, na bawa't isa'y ayon sa kanikaniyang wika; ayon sa kanikanilang angkan, SA KANIKANILANG BANSA.
[verse 25] At nagkaanak si Heber ng dalawang lalake; ang pangalan ng una'y Peleg; sapagka't sa mga araw niya'y nahati ang lupa; at ang pangalan ng kaniyang kapatid ay JOCTAN. [verse 29] At si OPHIR, at si Havila, at si Jobad: lahat ng ito ay mga naging anak ni Joctan. [verse 30] At ang naging tahanan nila ay mula sa Mesa, kung patungo sa Sephar, na siyang BUNDOK SA SILANGAN
To summarize: Si NOE ay may tatlong anak, isa dito si SEM (Shem), at anak ni Sem si Arphaxad. Apo ni Arphaxad si JOKTAN. At anak ni Joktan si OPHIR. AT ANG MGA ANAK NI JOKTAN AY TUMUNGO SA SILANGAN (east)
Ang mga taong nabanggit sa itaas ang siyang naging roots ng pagsilang ng isang bansa. Dahil sa kanila nagkaroon ng mga bansa, wika at angkan. Katunayan na sa BAWAT POOKSA MUNDO NOON AY MAY TAO NA. At karagdagan dito ay ang bansang OPHIR na naka-locate sa SILANGAN.
Hindi ba't ang tawag sa Pilipinas ay PERLAS NG SILANGAN? Bakit? Dahil noon pa man, dahil sa mga LIKAS nitong yaman (precious stones, wild animals, native trees etc) namumukod tangi eto sa mga karatig-bansa niya.
► ANONG KAUGNAYAN NG BANSANG ISRAEL SA OPHIR (Present day: Philippines)?
Noong panahon ni Haring David, sinabi niya na nagkaroon siya ng kasunduan sa Diyos na magpapatayo siya ng isang tempo. Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ng Diyos na ang ANAK niyang si SOLOMON ang magtatayo ng templo. Heto ang pangako ng Diyos sa kanya:
2 Samuel 2:7 Kaniyang IPAGTATAYO NG BAHAY ANG AKING PANGALAN, at aking itatatag ang luklukan ng kaniyang kaharian magpakailan man.
Sa madaling salita, si Haring DAVID ang nagplano, SOLOMON ang magsasakatuparan ng pagpapatayo ng templo. At dahil sa sobrang devotion at pagmamahal ni Solomon sa Diyos, gusto niya na magagandang uri ng materials ang kanyang gamitin sa templo. DAHIL ANG DIYOS AY BANAL mga mamahaling hiyas at high quality na kahoy ang gagamitin niya upang maging attractive, stunning, eye catching and one of a kind na gusaling maitatayo sa kasaysayan ng buong Israel. Kaya etong si Haring Solomon ay nagpadala ng kanyang mga tauhan upang dumayo sa lugar na tinatawag na OPHIR.
1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: ONCE IN THREE YEARS came the navy of Tharshish, bringing GOLD, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
1 Kings 9:26, 28
[verse 26] And king Solomon MADE A NAVY OF SHIPS in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom. [verse 28] AND THEY CAME TO OPHIR, and fetched from thence GOLD, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
Si Solomon, na pinakamatalinong tao na nabuhay sa lupa, Hari ng Israel ay nagpagawa ng sasakyang pandagat at nagtungo sa OPHIR, para kumuha ng GOLD, SILVER, IVORY, APES, AT PEACOCKS. At it takes 3 years daw ang travel balikan kasama na paghakot ng mga materyales. At idagdag na natin dito ang ALGUM TREE, isa sa pinakamatibay na kahoy sa east.
Ngayon ginamit ni Solomon ang Gold and Algum woods upang itayo ang templo. TANONG: Anong kaugnayan nito?
SAGOT: Alam mo bang sa buong South East Asia, ang Bansa natin ang NANGUNGUNA pagdating sa GOLD MINES? Alam mo din ba na ang NARRA ( Algum in Hebrew tongue[1 Kings 10:11] ) ang pinakamatibay na kahoy? Sa madaling salita, alam ni Solomon ang lugar sa daigdig kung saan matatagpuan ng pinaka kaledad na materials!
In other words, the land of Ophir is the land of precious stones, plenty of golds and silver, and filled with high class woods. At alam natin na ang NARRA ang national symbol ng Pilipinas dahil sa likas nitong tibay. Dahil eto daw ay fire proof at termite (anay) proof. At alam natin na sa mga province ng Mindanao and selected provinces in Visayas ang kinaroroonan ng mga gold mines. So, ANG MGA MATERIALS PALA SA OPHIR ang ginamit sa PAGPAPATAYO NG TEMPLO NG DIYOS.
► ANO ANG KATIBAYAN NA ANG OPHIR (land of golds) AY ANG BANSANG PILIPINAS?
Ang turing ng mga early colonizers sa ating bansa noong araw ay "Isles, many islands" Kung titignan natin ang mapa, may mga bansa naman na mararaming pulo. Pero naiiba ang OPHIR, dahil ang pulo nito may katangiang higit na naiibakaysa karatig nitong bansa. At dagdag pa natin dito ang mga EBIDENSYA SA BIBLIA ng mga natural resources na sa Pilipinas halos lahat masusumpungan.
Ang GOLD, SILVER, IVORY (pangil ng Elepante), ALGUM (Narra Tree), APES (Tarsier sa Bohol), AT PEACOCKS (Pabo sa tagalog) ay halos dito mas marami kumpara sa ibang bansa. [1 Kings 10:11, 1 Kings 9:26, 28]

Track of the Hebrew to the Philippines;
Taggalog        Hebrew         Meaning
Pulag{mtPulag} Peleg        devided     {Pulag is a variant word of Peleg in hebrw
in hebrew the letters with in the word can be change and modify the difination to match the use of the word. the letter 'e' change into u 'modifies the meaning  'devided' because when Peleg was born those days that the Earth was devided...so Pulag means "it was devided'.
KABAYAN-{in the foot of mt pulag} in hebrew word means Yah's/God's hiden
SAGADA- in hebrew means 'to know praise'
ARAYAT{mt arayat} in hebrew means 'Earth Covered'
MAYON {mt mayon} in hebrew means 'Spring of Water"
TAAL {mt taal} in hebrew means 'Summon for a specific Purpose"
CABALIAN {Mt cabalian in leyte} in hebrew means 'Greatly Hiden'
BANAHAW {mt banahaw} in hebrew means 'Built by creator God"
MATUTUM {Mt matutum} in hebrew means 'Shaking jewel of complete truth'
IRAYA {mt iraya in basco batanes} in hebrew means 'Wakefulness of Creator God'

pinalitan man at binura ng mga Kastila ang ating kasyasayan pati na ang paraan ng pagsamba sa manlilikha pero ang mga pangalan ng ating kabundukan ay nanatili hangang sa kasalukuyan na nag silbing ebedensya ng ating pagkakakilanlan at ng ating pinagmulan

Here some names and Places with Hebrew origin;{hindi ko na sinama lahat dahil sobrang dami..}

Abra- mother of multitude
Ifugao--Son of the Honored one..{might be Peleg the honored one}
Saba{ saging saba}  Abundant, or filled to satisfaction'
Narra{ national tree} 'she who must be admired,or Young girl'
Laog- to mock,deride,stammer in speech
Cubao--hiding place
Bukid--depopulate
Naga{ naga city} touch,reach,strike
Bicol--'i pray ordinarily'
Pasig--pursuing of gold
Palawan--'extra ordinary,or Yah's/God's grace
Samar--'to Bristle up'
Bohol-'Go,or Come,or yoke'
Mindoro--'Gift from God'
Surigao--defiled princess'
Mindanao--'Be eminent'
Sulo{ sulo sea} 'High way'
Celebes {celebes sea} Dog'
Cagayan--Feast of Yah/God., Oros in greek "Mountain' it could be Mountains of Yah/God

According to Antonio Pigafetta who traveled with Magellan and also Historian {see The Journal of Antonio Pigafetta} when they arrive in the islands ' the inhabitans {Filipino} Responded: "that they had no other worship but raising thier clasped hand and face in the sky and called thier God "ABBA'

ABBA; an Aramiac word means 'Father' but not just Father that you may have heard.,but the more endearing "My Father" which was spoken by Jesus in the garden of gethsemane. look Mark: 14;36 KJV.
The filipino serving the One True God before the Spanish came to colonize us..and they completely iradicate all along the History and install thier Pagan gods which is untill now Filipino worship..

The Promise:

I am God, and there is none like me.. Calling a ravenous bird FROM THE EAST, the man that executeth my counsel FROM A FAR COUNTRY: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
[Meron daw isang bansa na matatagpuan sa silangan na magsasagawa ng kalooban ng Diyos]
Isaiah 24:15
Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the ISLES OF THE SEA.
[Inuutos ng Diyos na purihin Siya ng bayan Niya sa mga pulong napapalibutan ng tubig]
►PAGTATAPOS: FILIPINO PEOPLE DAPAT NINYONG MALAMAN NA:
[1] Kinahabagan ng Diyos ang bansa natin. Kaya kahahabagan ka Niya, Roma 9:18
[2] Hindi ka isang mababang uri ng klase ng tao sa mundo. Isa kang natatanging hiyas o perlas dahil ang pinagmulan mong ancestors. Ikaw ay naiiba sa lahat ng lahi.
[3] Mayaman ka. Hindi ka mahirap. Hindi ka dapat minamaliit na lahi. Ikaw ang isa sa hall of fame na lahi dahil may habag sa iyo ang Diyos.
[4] Tumawag ka sa Diyos, Siya ang tanging solusyon sa bansa natin. Ang Diyos ng Israel ay DIYOS DIN NG PILIPINAS. Ang utos na ibinigay sa Israel ay kailangan ding sundin ng Pilipinas. Kapag ang bansa natin ay nasa kasawian at kaguluhan, ang utos na eto na inutos sa Israel ay dapat nating gawin: 2 Cronica 7:14
"Kung ANG AKING BAYAN na tinatawag sa pamamagitan ng AKING PANGALAN ay magpakumbaba at dumalangin, at hanapin ang aking mukha, at TALIKURAN ANG KANILANG MASASAMANG LAKAD; akin ngang didinggin sa langit, at IPAPATAWAD ko ang kanilang kasalanan, at PAGAGALINGIN ko ang kanilang lupain."
[5] "Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika (pati bansa) ay malansa pa sa isda", wika ni Jose Rizal
Mahalin mo ang sarili mong bansa. wag mong laitin, maliitin, o hamakin. Mahalin mo eto gaya ng pagmamahal mo sa sarili mo.Marcos 12:31
[RESOURCES AND LINKS]
• http://newsguru.asia/where-is-the-ancient-land-of-ophir-that-found-in-the-bible
• https://lightofthegentiles.com/2016/08/07/the-gold-of-ophir-the-philippines-in-prophecy-part-3/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyb9LPEvEEs

Message from the author: It is my pleasure to share this breakthrough message for Filipino People. Do not misinterpret this post as a man-made blog. This is a combination of Bible and History. Kung ikaw ay TEACHER, it's time for you to share the right HISTORY to your student. If you are a Christian, be proud that you have your Bible. And if you are a PROUD FILIPINO, Awitin mo etong kantang eto habang ang kanang kamay mo ay nasa dibdib:
"Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng Puso, Sa dibdib mo'y buhay
Lupang hinirang duyan ka nang magiting
Sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil
Sa dagat at bundok sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw
May dilag ang tula at awit sa pag layang minamahal
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw na kailan pa may di mag didilim
Lupa ng araw ng walhatit pagsinta.
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo
Aming ligaya ng pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo

Follow me para updated lagi sa mga pangyayari.

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Press Release:
"With our proposed Zero Hunger Act, we hope to mobilize the food establishments to combat hunger among the poor with the help of charitable institutions. In the process, we also reduce food waste in the business sector," Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said. 

"Malaking kabawasan na sa naaaksayang pagkain at imbentaryo ng papa-expire na pagkain, nakatulong pa sa kapwa," the congresswoman said.

The House deputy majority leader added the surplus food donations for food rescue programs "can be an effective way to eliminate hunger affecting millions especially among the urban poor and in the poorest barangays in the provinces."

"Maraming institusyon na ang mayroon food banks, kaya mayroon nang mga programang pwedeng pamarisan. Hindi ito mula sa hangin o bula dahil nangyayari na ito bagaman hindi pa laganap," Herrera, a Rotary Club District Governor, also said.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million problem-solvers whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. Rotary has programs world-wide that fight hunger and disease.

"The standards, certification and accreditation system of the National Nutrition Council when linked to the processes of national agencies and local governments, can assure the poor of nutritious surplus food for their families," Herrera explained. (END)

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Press Release: This water system will serve as a reliable source of clean water for the community and will promote sanitation, being an important determinant of public health, as a good measure against the dengue outbreak in the province.

This newly-installed water system will bring water to at least 8,100 households in the entire locale of Daraga. Also, we have initiated a 200M funding under the GAA for a Water System Level 2 for 24 Barangay's here in Bicol that do not have access to clean and potable water. A Level II (waterworks system or individual house connections) is a system with a source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and household faucets.

We will remain committed to bridging the gap between the available government resources and their rightful recipients - especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized.

For example, we are looking at solutions to the water supply problems of remote barangays and islands:

1.    Regular shipment of potable water supplies;

2.    Rainwater collection and impounding at strategic locations in these far-flung areas; and

3.    Water treatment plant scaled to serve current and future population for the next 20 years

The temporary solution would be weekly or twice-a-monthly shipment of potable water from Tabaco by the local government in tandem with the local water utility service provider, but this would be costly and tedious because of the shipping. Shipment would also stop when there is stormy weather or rough seas.

The medium term solution is rainwater collection and impounding. Build the collection and impounding facilities. But this works best only during the monsoon and stormy season. Water availability during the dry season and during El Nino would depend on how much water was saved when it was raining.

The permanent solution is a water treatment plant scaled to the combined resident and tourist or transient population with some allowance for spikes in consumption and growth in future needs.

For all these solutions, we will consult with experts on the technical specifications, costing, and funding options.

For the missionary areas, we might ask nongovernmental organizations, both local and international, to help.

For the population centers on the islands and remote coastal barangays, we would mostly like have a multi-year public waterworks program to be worked out with the concerned national government agencies.

Considering the magnitude of the potable water supply problem in Bicol and in other regions, AKO BICOL Party-list is inclined to push for the creation of a Department of Water and Fisheries during the 18th Congress, so that the country will have one national agency devoted to water issues. (END)

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Airplane replica that serves as function hall at Elai Resort Hotel, Kidapawan City, capital of North Cotabato

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By Ven C. Arigo
Bohol, CV contribute P44 billion
to PH tourism earnings

Central Visayas, including Bohol, contributed P44 billion to the Philippines' earning from tourism last year.

According to Rep. Edgar Chatto, the Department of Tourism (DOT) considered the figure to be a conservative estimate, but it still shows that the region pumped in over one-third of the Philippine income from the industry.

The new vice chairman of the Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives, Chatto serves Bohol's First District where tourist gem Panglao island belongs.

He met and other solons in Central Visayas met with DOT Regional Director Shalimar Tamano late last week on the updates and vital concerns of the industry in the region.

Available DOT data further shows that by the end of 2018, Central Visayas received roughly 8,099,346 visitors.

With Cebu and Bohol in the lead, Tamano said there are many factors which make Central Visayas a powerhouse in terms of tourism.

Chatto said the DOT-7 is creating a Regional Tourism Master Plan (RTMP) which, once done and launched, will be the first of its kind in the country, Chatto said.

"I am very excited for this. After all, this is one of the visions of the National Tourism Act of 2009," the congressman said.

The law was principally authored in the Lower House by Chatto himself when he first served in Congress in 2001-2010.

Chatto said they also discussed the plans for Central Visayas to launch a maritime brochure for island hopping; create a masterplan for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE); and improve DOT personnel services at the Panglao airport.

Further, they assessed the impact of social media. (Ven rebo Arigo)

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MANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said the neutral school desk law would boost its five-year school furniture replacement program.

The DepEd said it has been allocating two left-handed armchairs per set of 45 armchairs or 4 percent of total armchairs for learners in a classroom.

"The one-table and two-chair setup is adopted to address the need for flexibility, accommodation of multiple layouts, and appropriateness of furniture to be moved and organized to encourage more collaboration among learners, such as face-to-face group arrangements inside the classrooms," it said.

Such setup also provides a wider platform for the proper and safe usage of computer tablets and laptops in the classroom, the DepEd added.

On August 22, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11394 or Mandatory Provision of Neutral Desks in Educational Institutions Act.

The law mandates educational institutions -- private and public -- to provide neutral desks to all students.

A neutral desk, according to the law, is a table or an armchair suitable for left-handed or right-handed students.

The law also mandates schools to provide neutral desks equivalent to 10 percent of their student population - within a year from its effectivity.

The DepEd, meanwhile, also reported that it has procured and delivered 1,396,614 new tables and chairs for 30,412 new classrooms since 2018.

"For 2019, about 858,950 new tables and chairs are in the process of being procured for 18,734 new classrooms in 2,605 schools nationwide, bringing a total of 2,255,564 new tables and chairs for 33,017 new classrooms," it said.

Citing that the proposed 2020 budget for school furniture is PHP4,833,515,000, the DepEd said it would be able to purchase additional 1,943,546 tables and chairs for 42,251 new classrooms in various schools. (PNA)

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MANILA -- Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the Department of Education plans to recruit 10,000 public school teachers and 5,000 non-teaching personnel under its proposed 2020 budget.

In a press conference at the SEAMEO INNOTECH in Quezon City, Briones said the move is part of the agency's commitment to further improve teacher-to-student ratio, enhance learning, and ease the workload of its personnel with the increase in enrolment in public schools nationwide.

"More than being part of our 10-point agenda, we want to stay true to our word that the department is relentless in finding ways to enhance personnel welfare, while at the same time improving the delivery of quality education," Briones said.

To finance personnel recruitment, DepEd is allocating PHP1.28 billion for the creation of 5,000 new non-teaching positions and PHP1.27 billion for the hiring of 10,000 teachers for the next school year.

Briones reported that the DepEd was able to lower the teacher-to-student ratio to 1:35 for elementary and 1:43 for secondary schools in 2016 and the change "enabled teachers to respond better to the varying learning needs of their students".

To improve the teachers' working condition, Briones said the agency requested from the Department of Budget and Management last year to create non-teaching positions in schools based on the type and amount of ancillary tasks being undertaken by teachers.

Computerization program

In 2020, DepEd's Computerization Program (DCP) will receive PHP8.99 billion, a 105.4 percent increase from DCP's PHP4.38-billion budget in 2019.

It will cover 4,300 e-classroom packages and 42,010 multimedia packages for schools which seek to aid teachers in enhancing the delivery of learning in the classrooms.

"We recognize the need to provide our teaching and non-teaching personnel with work conditions that will enable them to deliver quality basic education for all. Steadily, we're ensuring that they are unburdened of ancillary tasks and equipped with necessary tools and materials to develop lifelong Filipino learners," Briones said.

The DCP provides the appropriate technologies to all public schools to enable both teachers and learners to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

It also provides relevant information technology structure, networking facilities, and information systems to all levels of governance of the DepEd. (PNA)

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MISIS NANGABIT TUNGOD GAMAY OG SWELDO ANG BANA.

Gisagpa sa kamatuoran ang usa ka bana human kini gikompronta sa asawa nga anaa kini laing gihigugma.

Tumang kasakit sa kasing-kasing ang gibati karun ni alyas Jose 44 anyos, construction worker lumolupyo sa Panacan, Davao City diin gisaysay niini sa Sasa Police Station ang nahitabong away nila sa iyang asawa nga si Maria.

Sumala niini nga tunga-tunga sa ilang away, nakig bulag ang iyang asawa og gi-angkon nga aduna kini laing lalake og naghinigugmaay matud pa sila.

Aminado ang reklamante nga dili niini mahatag ang tanang panginahanglanong materyal sa kapikas tungod gamay lamang ang sweldo niini og sakto lang para sa pang adlaw-adlaw og mao kini usa sa gituohang rason sa pag luib sa iyang asawa.

Nangayo og kagawasan si Maria apan dili kini madawat ni Jose hinungdang iya kining gipablotter og iyang ipapreso panahong masakpan nga mag-uban ang duruha sa usa ka balay. BNFMDavao.

(Imahe presentasyon lamang).

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By PNA
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded on Monday three of its personnel, who were named among the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino – Award for Soldiers (MFOFAS) at its headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The soldiers, Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar and M/Sgt. Ramil Caporas of the Philippine Army and Maj. Romulo Dimayuga of the Philippine Marines, were chosen for rendering service above and beyond the call of duty.
"You have proven your diligence and perseverance for the advancement of our country and our fellow men through the simple yet extraordinary achievements in the performance of your duties," AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said.
Baldomar has been in service for 22 years. In 2001, he spearheaded an initiative that rallied his troops to respond to the plight of 95 internally displaced Tiruray families in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.
His unit collaborated with the local government and non-government organizations to implement community-based programs and support the development of infrastructures from school buildings to farm-to-market roads.
He earned his Master's Degree in Transformational Leadership at the International Graduate School of Leadership-Asia in 2014.
Nineteen years into the military service, Dimayuga held a number of key positions as a Marine officer. In 2006, his leadership as a platoon commander of a Force Recon Platoon was instrumental in crippling the forces of the most notorious terrorist group in the country (Abu Sayyaf) by infiltrating their stronghold in Sulu.
This led to the neutralization of its top leader, who was tagged as one of the most wanted men in Southeast Asia and listed as one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted terrorists. He is currently taking up Master of Science in Defense Analysis at a Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
With a two-decade career in the ordnance disposal service, Caporas has made it his life's work to safeguard communities from the threats of bombs and explosions.
Among his many accomplishments was when he previously led a team of explosive ordnance disposal experts during the Marawi siege, which resulted in the recovery and proper disposal of 1,000 improvised explosive devices, ensuring the safety of the troops inside the battle zone.
Caporas also has a Master's Degree in Public Administration at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Each of the awardees will receive a cash prize of PHP1 million, a gold medal, and a trophy during Metrobank's 57th anniversary celebration later this month.
They will join the ranks of more than 600 public servants that were recognized by the Metrobank Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro, since 1985. (PNA)

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Pinoy hair style

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By Rey Anthony Chiu
Magsayo wins 'WBC Asia belt'
pummeling Thai in Bohol bout

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 30 (PIA)—Homegrown champion boxer Mark Magnifico Magsayo pummeled Thai veteran Panya Uthok to earn a unanimous 12 round decision to gain the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Pacific Featherweight Championship belt in textbook fashion before a crowd of Boholano supporters at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium, August 31, 2019.

An Indonesian fighter who moved up in weight had the title vacant, one which Uthok aimed to get to start off another journeyman's ascent to boxing greatness.

With the win, Magsayo has avenged Boholanos: Carlo Autentico Magali and AJ Bazooka Banal who suffered losses in the hands of Uthok.

Magali, a native of Talibon lost to Uthok in a unanimous decision last April in a fight in Thailand.

Banal also lost to Uthok by technical knock-out in a fight at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila in October of 2012.

For Uthok, the loss has unfortunately slid him back to what he hoped would be the start of another winning streak after started a four fight losing streak before winning over magali.

With the victory, Magsayo now keeps a clean unbeaten record of 20 wins, no losses no draws, 13 of these victories by knock-out.

Facing Uthok, a former Muay Thai practitioner before becoming a boxer, Magsayo, whom boxing pundits would say "rusted," due to over a year of no fights, came to the ring in his perfect methodical fighting stance, a textbook approach to a veteran knock-out artist and fighter who now keeps a 53 wins, 35 of them by knockouts, and 7 losses slate.

Magsayo, 24 however keeps an age and weight advantage over Uthok, who came to Bohol promising he would embarrass the Boholano before the home crowd, gathered for the seven-bout offer of Vladimir Promotions.

"Mark, I am ready for you. I will knock you out in front of your hometown," Uthok warned in the fight's promotional video, played over local cables.   

Clearly fighting a ring veteran who is 29 years, Magsayo can only shake and dazzle the former world title holder from Thailand, the 17 month lay-off after his contract with ALA Boxing Promotions clearly a big factor in his being a bit squeaky.

Making use of his effective probing piston-like mechanical jabs to the face of Uthok, Magsayo kept the Thai knock-out artist on the far end of his jabs.

Possibly attempting to please a home crowd wanting to see blood or a body sprawled on the canvas, Magsayo stepped up his campaign in the succeeding rounds, ending a flurry of speedy punches, some reaching as many as 14. 

Uthok, who could be one of the most amiable foreign boxers Boholanos have ever seen, could only wait it out until the end of the barrage of short left and right hooks and only countering after Magsayo would have stopped for a breather.

Totally out-punched and out-maneuvered by Magsayo's smart use of the ring and his crisp jabs had Uthok's face fluffy that a bleeder boxer not of Uthok's caliber would have ended with a pulpy face.

Methodical and cautious not to step into an Uthok trap, Magsayo kept himself busy taking sniper jabs that has the Thai boxer's head snapping back countless of times.

Bt the Thai, so used to survive head strikes in the Muay Thai discipline, only smiles every time Magsayo pins him with a fusillade of hailstorm punches.
 
Magsayo's dreaded haymakers and cracking short jabs however could not put the old man off from fighting, even as this evidently heaped the points on the Boholano.

By the end of the seventh round, Magsayo's flurry of punches had Uthok visibly shaken but the muay thai fighter-boxer demanded for more.

Both fighters stalked and staked each chance, each clearly pleased with each other's handiwork.

Uthok aimed for the Boholano's body and head, but Magsayo's efficient lateral movement and longer reach allowed him to hit Uthok four to five times before the Thai could make one punch.

Magsayo, who last April floored in the fourth round Indonesian Eric the Destroyer, appeared to have shaken off the rust too as his precise and surgical hooks and uppercuts chipped the sturdy Thai.

After the last bell of the 12 rounds, two judges scored a lopsided 118-110 while another judge came up with a 120-108 unanimous win for the Boholano.

Although the victory was a minor title, this assured the Boholano a leap frog from his 10th rank in the world after his 17 months lay-off, to a higher position. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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By Allin Xerxes Sanchez

Surigao has a magnificent natural and ancient wonders people didn't know because there once a continent called Lemuria which now submerged in the Pacific ocean and Surigao is facing Pacific. The continent of Lemuria were once existed together with the Atlantis. As I collected the experiences of my close friends and neighbors who lived in the remotest parts of Surigao islands, their story is much related to Lemuria because 1st, my older friend (bosero) said that he saw thousands of trees under a very deep ocean while they were fishing using a compressor, the fishing technique can dive up to 200-300 feet under water and those trees suspected to be a Magkono tree or iron wood because it is known to be the hardest tree that grows on the hardest rocks called Bantiles, and those trees preserved underwater for thousands of years due to saltwater. 2nd, my close friend in Sohoton told me that there were lots of caves above mountains and they saw unusual length of bones that was longer than the ordinary human bones and they doubted that it was from the giants of Lemuria, the caves may be their refuge as the Lemuria continent submerged. Locals doubted that those caves to be artificially made by the ancients because those mountains were made by the hardest stones called Bantiles in which stones could be difficult to carve. 3rd, my old friend really saw a complete giant's skeleton as they dug for artifacts funded by archaeologists, he accurately measured it with the length of 10 to 12 feet. Artifacts owned by the Rajahnates and Sultanates and some came from different ancient kingdoms. 4th, I myself saw an ancient structure made with the hardest rock or boulder called Bantiles, it was a giant flower or mushroom with sharp thorns above of it and the thorns made so uniformly that I couldn't even count on it and stands to 12-15 feet with a white stone complexion in the middle of the seashore on a white sand beaches. I know that there are lots waiting to be discovered in Surigao and my experiences and collections are only a glimpse of it, but these stories were suppressed and kept hidden.

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LIVE: Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon speaks in front of the participants of the Orientation Course: Priming Leaders for Effective Local Governance conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government XI through the Local Government Academy and in coordination with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at Pinnacle Hotel in Davao City. Participating in this talk are re-elected Municipal Mayors of Region XI wherein Mayor Rellon gives a talk on the Drug-Free Workplace and Community-Based Rehabilitation Program of Tagum City, STAND Program.

Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw ng Droga (STAND)
The STAND program is a holistic, multi-layered program aimed at, among other things reforming drug dependents to become productive and  law-abiding citizens who are free from the bondage of illegal drugs abuse.
August 28, 2019

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE FULL LIVE VIDEO OF THE PRESENTATION THEN LIKE & SHARE...

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=888447858192962&id=126232700728421

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34 Lumads undergo Skills Training on Masonry and Carpentry in Talaingod

Talaingod, Davao del Norte – A convergence efforts of the 56th Infantry (TATAG) Battalion in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Davao del Norte, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talaingod and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Davao del Norte Provincial Office, successfully launched the Skills Training on Masonry and Carpentry NCII with the theme dubbed as "Kaalam ug Kahanas para sa Panginabuhian alang sa Kalambuan" held at the Tribal Hall, Sitio Tibucag, Brgy Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, today, August 29, 2019.

LTC NORMAN E VALDEZ INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 56IB, in his speech said "Sa aming pag-deploy ng Community Support Program (CSP) Team dito sa Sitio Tibucag ay nagsagawa kami ng survey upang nang sa gayun ay malaman namin ang inyong tunay na pangangailangan. Isa dito ay ang inyong problema sa kahirapan at livelihood programs. Kung kaya ay agad kaming sumadya sa Munisipyo ng Talaingod at Probinsiya ng Davao del Norte upang maiparating sa kanila ang inyong mga ninanais at mga pangangailangan". He added, "Ngayon, nandirito ang TESDA, LGU ng Talaingod at iba pa nating ahensya ng gobyerno upang maisakatuparan ang pagbibigay kaalaman at sa kalaunan ay para sa inyong pangkabuhayan upang sa darating na panahon ay mayroon na kayong maipang-tutustos sa pang-araw araw na pangangailangan ng inyong mga pamilya". Moreover, he said, "Sana ay pahalagahan ninyo ang mga tulong na naibibigay ng gobyerno gaya ng pagmamahal at pagpapahalaga namin sa inyo."

TESDA Provincial Director, Ms Arlyn Bandong, also stated "Gusto sa atong Presidente nga madala ang among serbisyo diri sa Sitio Tibucag dihni sa lungsod ng Talaingod ang pag-training sa 34 sa primero nga batch ng masonry ug carpentry karong bulana. Dili ni mahitabo nga programa kung dili kay LTC Valdez ug Mayor Libayao nga naghangyo nga kamo mo-train para mosuporta sa ilahang proyektong pang-imprastraktura dihni sa Talaingod".

Also, Hon Jonnie A Libayao, Municipal Mayor of Talaingod graced the launching program of the said training of 34 Indigenous people (IP) students including 5 former rebels. In his speech he said, "usa kini nga proyekto nga maoy maghatag tulay sa atong mga lumad nga kadtong dili makaabot anang pag eskwela sa dagkong tonghaan, pinaagi aning TESDA dili lang sila makat-on, mas labaw pa ang ilang maton-an".

Hon. Bogsi Anlas, the Punong Barangay of Dagohoy in his speech also said "Atong pasalamatan ang atong mga kasundaluhan nga nangulo sa pagpahigayon sa masonry ug carpentry training ug sa nagka lain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno nga walay undang nangita og pamaagi aron makatabang sa katawhan ilabi na gayod sa atong mga kaigsoonang Lumad nga walay ika gasto sa pag eskwela. Salamat kaayo sa 56IB Tatag Battalion, ang ato-ang tinuod na sundalo diri sa Talaingod sa pagtabang sa atong mga lumad, motabang kaayo sila sa pagpangita ug tinud-anay na kinahanglanon sa atong komunidad ug maingon nako nga ang paglantaw nila sa ato kaayohan, walay sukod mao nga ato kining hatagan ug importansya ang ilang ginahimo alang kanatong mga lumad".

This initiative is in line with the AFP's Community Support Program, to address the issue on limited access to education and poverty that is being used by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) exploitation and manipulation of Lumad communities in the far-flung areas which enticed their recruitments.

Further, this activity aimed to deliver government services to marginalized sectors especially the Indigenous People (IP) in Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Talaingod.

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Coast Guard Station Bohol conducts maritime safety enforcement patrol

BOHOL Philippines, (30 August 2019) Coast Guard Station Bohol together with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) onboard (Diesel Fast DF-318), three Coastal Response Aluminum Boats (ABs), and  two Jetskies off the coasts of  eastern seaboard of Bohol. Today's operations cover the coastal towns of Guindulman, Anda, Candijay and Mabini.

In a proactive stance, similar interagency operations have been conducted in other key tourist areas in Cebu and Bohol to ensure that all boats are properly marked for security traceability thru the PCG's Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering System (SSEN), registered by MARINA7 to ensure vessel safety, and eventually accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT7) for monitoring and assurance that only safe, secure and environmental law compliant boats are engaged in tourism-related transport services to ensure world class quality and sustainable maritime tourism in Central Visayas.

All units under Coast Guard District in Central Visayas have been actively sustaining synchronized operations to promote maritime safety, security and maritime environmental law compliance through its campaign plan iCARE or intensified Community assistance, Awareness, Response and Enforcement together with  partner agencies to address specific predetermined issues from periodic joint assessments through the series of interagency maritime caravan, a value-added innovation during regular coast guard patrols regionwide.

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MEDIA RELEASE
2020 DOE Budget Prioritizes Energy Access and Security Programs

QUEZON CITY – The energy family, led by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, on Tuesday (27 August) appeared before the House of Representatives to seek support for its proposed 2020 budget of PhP 2.3 billion. 

"Our budgetary request will support plans and programs that would help ensure the security of our country's energy future, increase access to energy services and technologies, further uphold consumer welfare, and facilitate the efficient implementation of new energy policies such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the Murang Kuryente Act, and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act," Secretary Cusi said in his opening remarks. 

He also added that a significant portion of the budget (PhP 500 million) will likewise go towards the continued implementation of the government's Total Electrification Program (TEP), which would see the energization of the remaining underserved and unserved households nationwide, in close partnership with the National Electrification Administration and the National Power Corporation. 

Based on allotment class, PhP 1.14 billion, or almost 50% is for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE); PhP 521 million or 23% is for Capital Outlay (CO); PhP 580 million or 25% for Personal Services; and PhP 52 million or 2% for Retirement and Life Insurance Premiums. 

With regard to the TEP, PhP 199 million of PhP 1.14 billion of the MOOE will got to the program, while PhP 300 million of the PhP 521 million allocation for CO is earmarked for the procurement of distributed energy generation systems and microgrids for the TEP. 

During this critical mid-point of President Duterte's administration, the DOE remains persistent in pursuing its eight-point priority program comprised of National and Regional Energy Planning, Conventional Energy Development, National Renewable Energy, Downstream Energy Development, Electric Power Industry Development, Total Electrification, National Energy Efficiency and Conservation, and Alternative Fuels and Energy Technologies. 

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Chatto pushes for construction
of Cortes Gallares hosp in 2020

Bohol Former governor and now First District Rep. Edgar Chatto is pushing for the construction next year of the much-desired new Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) in Cortes.

The center will address the congestion at the existing hospital facility in Tagbilaran City and the need to modernize public health services in Bohol.

A P78-million allocation was earlier earmarked for consultancy services on the design and detailed engineering work.

The provincial government already donated a five-hectare lot for the project when Chatto was governor.

The project was also then already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

As planned, the GCGMMC will have 500 beds, doubling the capacity of the existing hospital, with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Tagbilaran City-based Gallares hospital has been planned for outpatient care services, including rehabilitation medicine, once the Cortes facility is done.

The entire Gallares hospital modernization, including the rise of the facility in Cortes, can cost over P2.2 billion.

The Department of Health has eyed to put up its regional warehouse near the GCGMMC in Cortes.

Meanwhile, in the development kaleidoscope of Gov. Art Yap are not just a more improved health care system but a health consciousness that interrelates with an improved agriculture---and a productive agriculture that interrelates with the speed of tourism growth.(Ven rebo Arigo)

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Press Release
TIEZA approves P40.3 million
for Choco Hills improvement

Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto today announced the approval of P40.3 million to improve the Choclate Hills Complex in Carmen.

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Cholo Paragas confirmed to Chatto the fund approval by the TIEZA Board.

Chatto had consistently lobbied for the fund since the request was made when he was yet governor.

"Yes, Cong. (Chatto), we actually just board-approved one of your requests during the most recent board meeting in June for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Chocolate Hills Complex costing P40.3 million," the TIEZA general manager confirmed to the Bohol Firs District solon.

TIEZA was originally proposed as TEZA only, and it was Chatto who insisted that an "I" must be inserted for "infrastructure."

Infrastructure support is essential to sustainable tourism.

TIEZA was among the creations of the National Tourism Act of 2009, which principale author in the House of Representatives was Chatto.

Chatto first served congressman from 2001 to 2010 before he became governor.

He has since returned to Congress after winning the First District congressional election last May. (Ven rebo Arigo)

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Press Release
Chatto again asks DOE to intervene
in resolving the gap in fuel prices

Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto has strongly raised again in Congress the gap in fuel prices in Bohol, Cebu and other areas in the country.

He sought anew the intervention of the Department of Energy during the congressional hearing of the DOE budget at the House of Representatives this week.

"This is an unfinished business or issue," Chatto said.

The First District solon recalled that while he was governor, there were recommendations from DOE and other energy agencies to work on enhancing competition.

Construction of depots would be undertaken, it was also recommended.

But when new players are already in the maket, the fuel cost gap remain unresolved.

Chatto suggested that deeper review of other factors must be done by the DOE.

Local government units are most often blamed for national agency mandates like price setting, which is beyond LGU control.

Congressmen from Baguio and other areas in the country raised similar issues during the DOE budget hearing.(Ven Rebo Arigo)

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RAISING THE BAR
At this time when President Duterte  and members of his administration disingenuously defend the practice of accepting monetary gifts ( calling P100,000 an insignificant sum which it is if you consider the millions the president admits to having received), it would be good to remember that the late President Ramon Magsaysay, whose birthday we celebrate on August 31, took strong issue against such a practice, venting considerable ire on those who even hinted at offering him or those close to him such perks, presents or favors. Such practices he believed, tarnished the presidency by compromising its impartiality, opening the way to influence peddling, graft and corruption.

In fact RM's high regard for the office of the presidency led him to warn his relatives against even thinking they might benefit from his influence, going as far as to dissuade his brother from practicing law  because the President might be perceived as using his influence to win his brother's cases, banning all relatives from running for public office, and cancelling a legitimate contract between the government and one of his uncles lest it be perceived that his uncle had won the contract through his influence. He further made sure his wife kept family household accounts in Malacanang strictly separate from official ones, instructing that family expenses (food, clothing, education, etc.) be charged against his personal salary and not the President's official budget. He reminded his family that they were only tenants in the palace which was why he never spent for its renovation nor even bought a new car. When asked about this, Magsaysay simply answered, "How can I when I see the people suffering? They have no food, no medicine, no drinking water, no irrigation for their farms. How can the President allow these luxuries when the people who voted him to office are living in deprivation?"

His wife Luz saw their stint in the palace as more martyrdom than anything else. Once,  having been denied by her husband permission to buy new curtains for the palace (too extravagant!) , the first lady  mounted a ladder and took the curtains down herself intending to have them washed. The effort landed her in the hospital with severe allergies and respiratory problems from having inhaled the dust that had accumulated on the curtains which had likely not been washed since the war!

Magsaysay did  not die a rich man.  That was perhaps his greatest honor. All that was left of his paycheck when his family departed Malacanang  a week after his death was P650, the average amount, his widow said, that remained from the President's monthly salary after deducting household expenses. It was then that the favors he had denied himself during his term in office poured in liberally from friends and admirers who sought to insure care for Magsaysay's grieving widow and children, left homeless and without a steady means of support.

Unlike some other Presidents in recent memory, Magsaysay believed that leaders should elevate their character in order to live up to the dignity of their office  rather than sully the presidency by adjusting the office to accommodate their character flaws and personal interests. As he declared in his credo, "I believe that a high and unwavering sense of morality should pervade all spheres of governmental activity... I believe that the President should set the example of a big heart, an honest mind, sound instincts, the virtue of healthy impatience and an abiding love for the common man."

Why do we equate a leader's being "real" and "authentic" with lowering the bar for virtue,  integrity, performance and presidentiability? The Philippines deserves better from it's leaders. It needs another Magsaysay.

August 31 marks his  112th birthday.

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Press Release
Pilmico hands livelihood kits
To Bohol agri-entrepreneurs

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 23, (PIA)—Because inclusive economic growth of communities can also spur more benefits for their company, Pilmico, the food subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group handed over four packets of livelihood assistance in a piglet dispersals, three packets of egg laying machines and three more bakery starter kits in support of advancement of local businesses and communities.

And the livelihood kits which went to farmer organizations have also some technical help packaged that livestock technicians from the company does regular monitoring of the implementation and care of the livelihood aid as among the company's giving back feature or their corporate social responsibility project. 

During the Pilmico Agri and Livelihood Expo held August 10 in Ubay, Pilmico also gathered backyard farmers and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs in a rare opportunity to learn about starting and sustaining their business especially in pig raising and fattening, litter production, poultry meat production, egg production, following the feeding guide and in basic bakery operations.

This is to provide support and further learning for the advancement of local businesses and communities in the area, explained Pilmico corporate spokesperson Anna Carreon.

For the piglet dispersal including feeds supply, Pilmico beneficiaries include Santo Niño Free Farmers Organization of Santo Niño Talibon, Purok 5 San Agustin Farmers Association of San Agustin, Talibon, Mabini Reforestation Multi -Purpose Cooperative of Sitio Mahayag Barangay San Rique, Mabini and  San Agustin farmers' Association of San Agustin Sierra Bullones.

For the egg machine, Pilmico handed a 48 head layer in a designed steel mesh laying coop to Magsaysay Lower Free Farmers Organization of Magsaysay Talibon, Riceland paradise Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Benliw Ubay and Matin-ao Vegetable Growers Association of Matin-ao Sierra Bullones.

As to the bakery livelihood kit, recipients include Nan-od Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Nan-od Sierra Bullones, San Juan Far,ers' Multi-Purpose Cooperative San Juan Sierra Bullones and to San Jose Wahig Sierra Bullones Multi-Purpose Cooperative of San Jose Sierra Bullones.

The turn over happened also during the Agri-Livelihood Expo as town residents from different barangays listened to inputs and seminars on livestock raising and nutrition, and basic and advanced baking demos which they can use to kickstart their very own sustainable livelihood.

The event also had a special cooking demo by celebrity guest chef, Chef Boy Logro, along with games, raffles, and Pilmico branded giveaways.

"This is one of the ways we give back to our communities. We educate local farmers on business management and offer them quality products and expert services to further develop their livelihood. Through this, we hope to instill an entrepreneurial mindset which hopefully will contribute to their success, the success of their community, and eventually, the agriculture industry, as a whole." Jeff Canilang, AVP of Pilmico Feed Sales - Swine, says.

Along with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Pilmico was able to bring their vision closer to the local farmer. Assisting in the event, DTI-Go Negosyo gave a primer to attendees on the basic requirements of starting up a business, whereas the DAR bridged the connection of Pilmico and chosen beneficiaries to receive livelihood starter kits in the form of egg-laying machines, piglet dispersals, and bakery starter kits. The chosen beneficiaries of the starter kits will be guided by Pilmico representatives in the succeeding months to make sure that their new businesses are sustained and hopefully, continually improving.

And as if journey from its humble beginnings in 1958 as the Central Philippine Milling Corporation to its joint venture with Pillsbury Company of Minnesota USA when it diversified into flour milling, Pillsbury Milling Corporation which is not better known as Pilmico, has endeavored to tag along its product consumers in feeds and farms to its successes, one piglet, one egg laying machine and one bakery kit at a time. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), standing by its guiding principle, "TESDA Abot Lahat," has extended services to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by conducting an Onsite Assessment Program (OAP) last June 4 to 9.

This program is one of the efforts of the Agency in extending services to the OFWs in order to uplift their quality of jobs. Headed by the agency's Certification Office, OAP enables the evaluation of the competencies the OFWs have acquired from training and/or their experience working abroad and certifying them as skilled workers after, without the OFWs temporarily leaving their overseas work to process their certification in the Philippines.

During the said assessment, 236 Filipinos were assessed and a total of 214 were certified from Total Care International (TCI) and Filipino Computer & Literacy Program (FILCOM). 147 were certified in Caregiving NC II while 67 were certified in Massage Therapy NC II, topping the certification rate in the Gulf Country for the past three years with an average of 90.68%.

Easy access to this program is also a step in providing more opportunities for employment and career development of the overseas workers.

Consul General Edgar Badajos lauded TESDA in forwarding this initiative, saying, "We are looking forward to an increasing number of workers to be certified in the future and that TESDA in collaboration with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Jeddah, and other key players to join together and monitor and look into the impact/effect of this to the workers, if being certified has a big change in their lives."

TESDA, under the direction of Director General Secretary Isidro 'Sid' Lapeña, also pushes for other programs for the OFWs, especially those repatriated and returning to the country.

TESDA has provided training programs to repatriated OFWs through the efforts of the regional and provincial offices. 15,745 OFWs already graduated from these TESDA-assisted community-based training programs in January to May 29, 2019.

Following TESDA Order No. 149, Series of 2018, five international airports, namely NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, Clark International Airport, Mactan International Airport, and Davao-Francisco Bangoy International Airport, have put up TESDA OFW Helpdesks since April 2018 to assist returning OFWs immediately.

These OFW Helpdesks, recently renamed as "Malasakit Helpdesks," have already attended to 1,491 OFWs in April to December 2018 regarding queries mostly on competency assessments; certification, authentication, and verification of their National Certificates (NCs); renewal and replacement of NC and Certificate of Competency (COC); and queries on training and scholarship programs.

The Agency also has a One-Stop Service Center for OFWs at the POEA Central Office in Ortigas, attending to 735 inquiries from January to March of this year.

Acting on the mandate of the Agency, Lapeña heads TESDA in strengthening its mandate, providing relevant, accessible, high quality, and efficient technical education and skills development for everyone.

"To sum up, my agenda is simply for TESDA to be felt by our kababayan, for TESDA to be able to help those in the lower strata of society."

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Farmers look at more gains
with LBP farm machineries

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 24 (PIA)--Farmer organizations and federations including agrarian reform beneficiaries in Bohol look forward to better harvest and more production as LandBank of the Philippines (LBP) turned over the last batch of the 31 harrower cultivator 4WD tractors and 10 transplanters in recent ceremonies in Pilar town.

The release which runs to a total of P42.385 million is Landbank Bohol's biggest farm mechanization infusion in most recent years.

The turn over of the 29 units of P 1.365 harrower cultivator tractors and 10 units of P290 thousand transplanters with plastic seed planters, coincided with the Farmers Caravan, which had government agencies informing farmers of their services which farmers can use.

According to LBP Bohol loans center head Cecilio Clarete, the turned over farm machineries do not include the rice harvester combines and rice and corn harvester combines which LandBank also funded from farmers loans in the government-opened financial windows.

The rice harvester combines cost P 1.8 million and another smaller one at P 1.4 millon.

The farm machineries were funded through LandBank's Farm Modernization Program in Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), SIKAT SAKA and AFFORD for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB).

Landbank has been helping Bohol farmers grow, even before President Rodrigo Duterte took a swipe at the government bank partner for farmers, asserted a farmer organization chairman Apolinario Manigo.

Himself a farmer who used to pay for farm hands in transplanting rice from the seedbed, he said he used to pay for 4 hands for four days and pay for their lunch and snacks, just to have his farm planted.

But with a hand tractor transplanter machine they availed from Landbank, he is able to do the entire work in a day and a half.

"Imagine the savings we got from the costs cut due to mechanization," Manigo directed other farmers to see his point.

On the other hand, farmer beneficiaries who have availed of the cultivator harrowers which LandBank earlier released to farmer cooperatives and organizations have positive testimonies.

"A regular hand plow which is wooden or steel digs between 5-8 inches and it takes time," a farmer BAPPIA shared.

"Mechanized harrower cultivators dig much deeper and (covers much farm lands) in less time, another farmer claimed in another testimony.

The depths reached by the mechanical plow and harrow forks, produce a much better bed for rice and rootcrops, he pointed out again.

An efficiently harrowed bed has a looser soil that is ideal for the growth of rootcrops, which can be producing much bigger crops and better harvest, which should translate to better income. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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KEEPING BOHOL ASF-FREE
Arthur Yap: "You can't freeze
hand on the trigger"

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 24, (PIA)—On African Swine Fever (ASF), you can't freeze on the trigger.

Thus said Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, who may have stolen the limelight from the Department of Agriculture secretary when he first came up with an executive order imposing a temporary ban on the importation of live pigs, pork, and pork-related processed products in a bid to keep Bohol ASF-free.

Not really wanting to tarry on it, Yap immediately issued Executive Order (EO) No. 7, dated August 20, mandating the ban on the entry of live pigs, pork in meat and its processed form for the next 100 days.

He ban how-ever is only for those live pigs and meat that enter Bohol without accompanying veterinary health clearances and National Meat Inspection Service tags, along with proper shipping clearances.

"For live pigs, only those with a veterinary health certificate and a shipping permit issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry's Quarantine Services will be allowed entry," he stressed.

"For pork and pork-related products, these must have a certificate of meat inspection from the National Meat Inspection Service," he added during the meeting.

The governor, whom flew in to Bohol prior to an ASF Executive Council Meeting Saturday at the Café Caloy, shared that the DA secretary joked about Tap's jumping the gun on the national agriculture secretary over the ASF.

Yap, who was former agriculture secretary, said he just can not wait for the DA to issue directives when the ASF, although harmless to humans, has the potential to wipe the local livestock industry.

"You can't freeze the hand on the trigger, the governor stressed over the urgency of the hog viral disease that can be passed on even when the cooked is meat.

The ASF virus is often introduced into a local herd by feeding  uncooked or undercooked contaminated pork products.

Although harmless to humans, ASF causes severe illness and high death rates in all ages of pigs and is noted with 100% mortality in several areas where the virus has been found.

The virus is then easily spread between pigs by direct contact with an infected animal, its body fluids (nasal, oral, feces, blood) or tissues (meat), or indirectly from contact with contaminated objects (fomites), such as vehicles, equipment, footwear or clothing, according to an Executive Council briefing by Bohol veterinarian Stella Marie Lapiz, during a meeting Saturday. 

Alarmed, the governor who is also keen in protecting the local industry, wanted persons arriving at ports in Bohol "voluntarily disposing" of any pork product, in case they carried some of it.

Upon the governor's order, PVet Lapiz appraised the governor of the setting up of "disposal bins" in ports and airports for of pork products.

With the ban, Bohol has looked at its porous boundaries as possible areas where people might unknowingly bring in pigs, or pork in any form.

Bohol has 12 ports of entry, but according to the veterinarian, the province has only 3 quarantine inspectors. Dr. Lapiz proposed an additional 16 more inspectors to man the 12 ports.

The Provincial Government is willing to augment, he assured the overly undermanned veterinary office, who has to rely on its network of barangay livestock aides to bring down their messages to the communities.

As the governor's executive order came, Yap, who flew in to Bohol noticed no such measures set in place at the airport.

"When you go out of the airport, there must be somebody to announce and in the baggage carousel areas, somebody must be there to see if that there is nothing in the arriving baggage," the governor instructed.

He also wants to see the installation of signage, disposal bins, even as the committee agreed on the disposal protocols to assure that everything has to undergo thermal treatment to kill the virus and to isolate it. 

On the need for more community awareness, the governor was reported to issue a memorandum "to concerned Bohol mayors to help assign personnel to assist in the port quarantine efforts."

Bohol health consultant Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, who sits at the Provincial Health Office also assured that the government's sanitary inspectors are also helping out in the monitoring and surveillance to stop the possible entry of the virus that could put to waste Bohol's billion peso livestock industry. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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Swine Flu Concern
By Ven Arigo

Measures against deadly pig virus
expected to intensify in next few days
----------------------------------------------

Bohol's alert is expected to intensify in the next few days against any possibility of entry to the province of the dreaded African swine fever (ASF) virus, which has been suspected causing the high rate of hog deaths in Luzon.

Provincial Administrator Kathyrin Fe Pioquinto and Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz, the provincial veterinarian, for the purpose led a serious coordination meeting at the new capitol this afternoon.

In a press statement before leaving for Manila today, Gov. Arthur Yap said he was ordering the temporary ban on the transportation of live pigs, pork and pork-related products into Bohol unless accompanied by proper documentations from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

The ASF virus have already entered through its vectors, like imported pork and pork-related PRODUCTS, in a number of European countries, and Myanmar and Hong Kong in Asia recently after China was seriously hit.

The virus has high survival rate that even if carried through frozen meat, it can stay alive in 1,000 days. It takes long to contain the highly contagious virus.

Biosecurity measures will be enforced in all Bohol ports and the Panglao airport in tight coordination with proper authorities and shipping and airline companies.

This afternoon's coordination meeting was also attended by port, airport, shipping and airline officials/representatives.

Bohol inbound passengers through the ports and the airport will be properly informed that the province is observing a strict quarantine policy against all entering pork and related products.

Any such products carried will be disposed of in designated disposal/confiscation bins as the passengers exit from plane or ship.

Lapiz said they already installed initial two disposal bins at the airport and will put the same at the different ports in the province.

ASF advisory printed in English, Chinese and Korean will be attached to the ship tickets, including those who will travel from Cebu to Bohol.

Yap already called Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia for at least synchronized inter-island port bio-security measures.

There is no African swine fever case in Bohol yet and even the Department of Agriculture yet refused to confirm or deny if the high pig mortality in Luzon now could have been caused by the virus.

But Bohol has to enforce proactive measure, according to the provincial veterinarian.

AVOID FEEDING WITH SWILL

Households raising pigs in their backyards are advised not to feed their hogs with swill, particularly those from restaurants.

(Ang "swill" nagpasabot sa pasaw nga mga salin o subrang pagkaon gikan sa mga restaurant, hotel ug uban pa. Di nato masiguro nga nasagol niini ang karne nga gikan sa gawas sa Bohol. Ang kagaw sa ASF motapot lang sa baboy ug dili hinuon sa tawo.)

According to Lapiz, the temporary ban on the entry to Bohol of live pigs, pork and pork-related products cannot affect the province's pork self-sufficiency.

Bohol has 430% pork self-sufficiency and it even "exports" pork to other provinces.

But once the ASF virus is proven already in the country, it may also find victims in Bohol swine and infection can become catastrophic to the hog industry.

"Dunay mga butakal nga ibyahe nganhi sa Bohol para pasanay kay maayong klase, ug bisan gani frozen nga semilya sa butakal," the provincial veterinarian said.

Lapiz said it cannot always be known if a vector of the virus comes in an unguarded time and so it pays to be on alert, full alert against its entry.

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Boss Balskie, mobisita ka ba sa Digos or Davao City? Murag nireduce weight ka karon?

This is Charlie Chaplin at age 26, photographed 100 years ago. It's believed he wrote the poem below at age 70.

As I began to love myself
I found that anguish and emotional suffering
are only warning signs that I was living
against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is Authenticity.

As I began to love myself
I understood how much it can offend somebody
if I try to force my desires on this person,
even though I knew the time was not right
and the person was not ready for it,
and even though this person was me.
Today I call this Respect.

As I began to love myself
I stopped craving for a different life,
and I could see that everything
that surrounded me
was inviting me to grow.
Today I call this Maturity.

As I began to love myself
I understood that at any circumstance,
I am in the right place at the right time,
and everything happens at the exactly right moment.
So I could be calm.
Today I call this Self-Confidence.

As I began to love myself
I quit stealing my own time,
and I stopped designing huge projects
for the future.
Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness,
things I love to do and that make my heart cheer,
and I do them in my own way
and in my own rhythm.
Today I call this Simplicity.

As I began to love myself
I freed myself of anything
that is no good for my health –
food, people, things, situations,
and everything that drew me down
and away from myself.
At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.
Today I know it is Love of Oneself.

As I began to love myself
I quit trying to always be right,
and ever since
I was wrong less of the time.
Today I discovered that is Modesty.

As I began to love myself
I refused to go on living in the past
and worrying about the future.
Now, I only live for the moment,
where everything is happening.
Today I live each day,
day by day,
and I call it Fulfillment.

As I began to love myself
I recognized
that my mind can disturb me
and it can make me sick.
But as I connected it to my heart,
my mind became a valuable ally.
Today I call this connection Wisdom of the Heart.

We no longer need to fear arguments,
confrontations or any kind of problems
with ourselves or others.
Even stars collide,
and out of their crashing, new worlds are born.
Today I know: This is Life!

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Paitlogon, baktin, luto-anan
sa pan sa Agri livelihood expo

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 19, (PIA)—Labaw pa sa kasagaran nga corporate social responsibility (CSR) sa mga kompanya nga nabuhi usab sa kwarta sa katawhan, gibilin sa kompanya nga Pilmico ang upat ka piglet dispersal kits, tulo ka egg machine kits ug tulo usab ka bakery kits, atul sa gipahigayon nga Agri and Livelihood Expo niadtong Agosto 10, didto sa Ubay Bohol.

Didto usab sa agri livelihood expo, nagdala mismo ang Pilmico, usa  ka subsidiary sa Aboitiz Group, sa mga eksperto aron manudlo sa katawhan labi na sa backyard farmers kinsa mga pangandoy mamuhunan sa panguma, sa mga gikinahanglan alang sa malampuson nga negosyo ug sa pagpalahutay niini.

May panudlo didto unsaon pagpamuhi og baboy alang sa pagpaginansya, pagbuhi sa mga manok mangitlogay ug sa pagpasugod sa pagpangluto og pan, agi og pagpalig-on sa ilang mga panginabuhi-an nga gipanghatag.   

Gitunol atul sa usa  ka adlaw nga Agri Livelihood Expo ang mga baktin nga gikan sa Pilmico, ngadto sa mga mag-uuma sa Santo Niño Free Farmers' Association sa Santo Niño Talibon, Purok 5 Farmers Association sa San Agustin Talibon, sa Mabini Reforestation Multi-purpose Cooperative sa Sitio Mahayag Barangay San Roque Mabini ug sa San Agustin Farmers Association sa San Agustin Talibon. 

Gawas sa mga baktin, gitunol usab sa Pilmico ang Egg Machine nga may 48 ka himongaan apil na ang tuktokon alang sa usa ka cycle.

Midawat niini ang Magsaysay Lower Free Farmers Association sa Magsaysay Talibon, Riceland Multi Purpose Cooperative sa Benliw Ubay, ug sa Matin-ao Vegetable Growers Association sa Matin-ao Sierra Bullones, Bohol.

Sa laing bahin, ang Pilmico, nga nagsugod isip Pillsbury Mindanao Corporation ug tigpanggama sa mga harina, mihatag usab sa bakery starter kits ngadto sa mga Bol-anon.

Gidawat sa Nan-od Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MPC sa Nan-od Sierra Bullones, sa San Juan Farmers MPC sa San Juan Sierra Bullones ug sa San Jose Wahig Irrigators MPC sa San Jose Sierra Bullones ang bakery livelihood kits.   

Ang Pilmico, dako ug panglantaw sa pagsuporta sa mga mag-uuma pinaagi sa pagpaambit ngadto kanila sa mga sekreto sa pagpatubo sa ginansya, ug pagpaugmad sa lokal nga negosyo sa mga komunidad nga nagpabilin pa sa kawad-on.

Lakip usab sa mga seminars nga gitanyag niadtong adlawa mao ang pagpanghayupan, batakan ug advanced baking demos nga magamit aron makasugod nag negosyo ug  ang pag-atiman sa paitlogan. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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Ang Kahilom Matawo Pag-usab
sinulat Mike Ortega Ligalig (2001)

ang kahilom nga giugom sa atong mga mata
dili makapusgay sa paril nga nag-ulang kanato
ug ako nahimong ulipon sa katam-is sa imong panagway.

ang kadlawon sa atong mga damgo mahimo nang buntag
ug mopalayo kanato ang katugnaw sa pagbating gibalibaran.

buot ko untang gupokon ang taytayan nga nagdugtong kanato
aron dili na ako makatuod pagsunod sa imong mga tunob
apan kumoton ning dughan ang hulagway sa imong anino.

but-ot kong pus-on ang tanang nabiling handumanan kanato
apan ang imong talidhay mihimo kanakong estatuwang bato
ug nawad-an ako ug umoy samtang nagtutok kanimo.

oo, nabati ko ang kahilom sa imong mga mata
ug kini gisinggit sa akong kasing-kasing -
apan daghan nang katuigan nga wala mo pamatia
ang hinungaw ug yagobyob ning mga ngabil
hangtud nga nahidakin-as ako sa lapokong gabii.

gilimud sa gabii ang akong pagkapukan ug dili
buot mahinumdum ang akong mga luha sa imong pagbiya.

nahibalo ka ba nga wala pa ako malutas sa pag-inusara?
nasayod ka ba wala pa mapapas ang salamin sa imong kabuotan
nga nagpabiling espalto sa hawanan ning alimpatakan?

karon nga naghinawiray ang atong mga gininhawa,
karon nga giugom ta ang kahilom sa atong mga mata,
buot kong iluwa ang kapait sa imong paghilayo,
ug buot kong isabwag sa akong dalunggan
ang huni ug huyohoy sa imong tingog
nga nalubong taliwala sa dag-om sa akong kalag.

motalikod ang kadlawon kanato apan ang kahilom matawo pag-usab.

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Written 2002
HANDURAWAN
sinulat ni Mike Ortega Ligalig

Hangyoon ko ang mga balili nga sapnayon
ang tibuok mong lawas samtang nahitagpilaw
ka diha sa batiis sa nag-inusarang sapa
kansang tubod maoy yamog sa bulak
nga atong gipuy-an ug gihimong gingharian.
Tawgon ko ang mga tamsi aron sila makasaksi
sa hubo mong lawas nga gisapnay sa mga dahon.
Paawitan ko ikaw sa mga punay ug limokon;
moharana kanimo ang mga dimudlawon ug tokmo.
Bugawon ko ang mga lamok ug manhak
nga may tinguhang mopang-it sa imong tikod.

Kon ugaling bation ka ug kainit
inig abot sa udtong tutok,
hangyoon ko ang mga manatad ug banog
sa pagkuha ug dahong anahaw,
ug paypayan ka sa mga ibis ug tilapya,
Paanhion ko ang mga parak-parak ug buta-buta
aron sila ang mobantay sa mga prutas
nga giandam ko alang kanimo sa imong pagmata.

Ug sa imong pagmata, ayaw tug-ani ang mga langgam
sa akong pangalan kay mobukal ang tubig sa sapa...

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PAGHANDOM
sinulat ni Ligalig Mike Ortega

Ug ako nahigmata gikan sa daklit nga pagkahitagpilaw samtang nagbasa sa nagpasad nga mga pamantalaan sa kwarto
kansang mga letra nagpangamay sa takna sa akong kahimungawong...
nasigpatan ko ang Adlaw nga mitoyhakaw
sa sidsid sa mga panganod, nagpatim-aw
sa paglarok sa orasan daw gihubsan sa iyang kainit - - - ug ako mikanaog aron manungkab
sa kaldero, nanghinaot nga aduna pay bahaw
nahibilin sa pamahaw;
kay sama kagahapon
ako nagplano unta nga maniudto gihapon
ug tsamparado, paborito nako ug paborito usab ni Mama.

Nalimot ko nga gamay ra diay ang nadung-ag, ug ang akong plano nga mag-samparado posibleng ang sangpotanan pasmo. Ania karon ang akong manghod
nanawag sa telepono; aporado nga makigpaniudto kay kono birthday nako
- ug miingon ko
nga pagtimo-timo sa ka ug una-una -
kay naa sa akong hunahuna basin sama nako
siya usab mapasmo - kay lagi kining peryodista magsuwat, magbasa, maghunahuna ug daghan, unya makalimot
usahay sa takna sa pagdigamo,
ug ang madali-dali mao ra gyud ang pag-abri sa tinapa...

Ning takna sa akong pag-inusara,
nahinumdom ko sa akong Papa
nga patay na, ug sama ni Mama,
dili gyud sila malimot sa akong adlawng natawhan,
ug bisan si Papa naputos sa utang sa iyang pagkapolis, daghang isda iyang dad-on sa balay aron adunay mahikay
kay lagi kono birthday sa iyang anak
nga sama niya magbabalak...

Nganong gibati ko ang kamingaw
karong adlawa?
Tungod ba kay di ko na makita si Papa?
Ug tungod ba kay wa pa katawag si Mama
aron motimbaya kanako ug happy birthday?

Nakita ko ang 3-in-one kape,
tingali kini sa lang akong ibangil sa tinai,
unya modalikyat ko sa Painitang Bol-anon
ug didto yarokon ang mainit nga sikwate,
ingon lang niini ang pagsaulog kos birthday
kay ang importante gipakabuhi pa ta sa Ginoo,
sanglit lumalabay lang kita ug dili mohangtod,
moabot ang adlaw nga kita itumod
sa mamingaw nga lapyahan sa mga panganod;
ang tanang atong talikdan
inig balik nato sa sabakan sa Langitnong Amahan...

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Written in 2001
Gitagik ni Michael Ortega Ligalig

Nabati ko ang dahunog sa mga balod,
tulin nga niaginod,
nanubay sa ginhawaan sa lawod
ug mikanaas ang tubig nga usahay mapikas
samtang gibaktas ang tiyan sa dagat...
Paaboton ko ang matag sablig sa balod
nga mosagpa sa aping sa pangpang
nga nahumod sa kabangis sa sulog,
ug paminawon ko ang matag tuasik
sa tubig nga mabuak sa tiilan sa bato
samtang naghanduraw kanimo -
nga giganoy sa di matukib
nga kamingaw sa paghubas sa damgo -
naghandom sa imong paghibalik
gikan sa pusod sa ngihib,
gikan sa dughan sa lapyahan
nga karon nalumsan sa pagtuaw
nga unta ang ugma karon na
ug ang karon mahimong ugma
kay ako unta mokuyog sa gapnod sa lawod
nga wala pa ikatumod sa baybayon
sa pamasin nga akong masaksihan
ang paghunas sa akong mga luha...

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sinulat ni Michael Ortega Ligalig

Ang hubag sa tudlo kansang kangongot
nagngoyngoy sa gabii, sa adlaw,
naguylap-uylap ang kasakit,
bisan tuod gamay ra kini nga bahin
sa kinatibuk-ang unod
sa tawo, magpatuyang pagkuyanap ang kahait
sa kahapdos ilawom sa panit
kon dili matudlis ang lumoy nga nagbugdo
diin gitan-ogan ang nana nga buot moawas
gawas sa imong hunahuna:
dili mahimo nga pisliton ang hubag
aron mobudlot ang patayng dugo
kung walay ganghaan kalutsan
sa nag-ilaid nga kahapdos
usa na ka semana nga giantos.

Busa pangita ug talinis nga tumoy,
seguroa nga walay taya nga mipilit,
pananglit sa dagom o kaha arpeler
o nail cutter, aron duslakon ang hubag
nga nagbabag sa imong alimpatakan.
Ayaw paabota ang tubod sa nana
nga mabusdik gikan sa tumoy sa tudlo
kay sama kagahi sa ulo
ang pagmakuli sa kangotngot
nga mopauli sa uwat sa kalimot -
hinuon magpadayon kini pagtulisok
sa imong pag-inusara, magasamok
sa imong kalinaw hangtud mahaw-as
sa lawas ang napan-os nga kagaw,
nga nahimong lab-as pag-usab
tungod kay ang kabaho wala kahungaw...

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sinulat ni Michael Ortega Ligalig

Usahay sa kinabuhi
dili ka makapili sa imong lingkoran.
Kung asa ang bakante, adto ka mopahiluna
ug dili igsapayan kung kinsa
ang anaa sa imong kiliran, likoran, atubangan - -
sama karon sulod sa 7-11 diin ang siopao
maoy misapnay sa imong kagutom,
ug ang bugnawng gininhawa sa aircon
mihupay gamay sa kalapoy sa lawas, ug
sa hunahuna nga walay pahulay
pangita, pagsuwat sa mga balita,

ug karon nga nasudlan na ang imong tiyan
buot kang mobasa sa Time magazine
nga imong gidala, usa nimo ka paagi
nga hinginlan ang kahapo sa hunahuna,
kaluya sa unod ug kabukogan
nga dili mahimong ikatulog samtang
nagsiga pa ang kalangitan.

Unya, anaa sa imong atubangan
ang upat ka mga linalang,
tingali mga dalaga nga mikalagiw
gikan sa kainit sa adlaw
sanglit ang ilang mga dila ug ngabil
naghapuhap man sa ice cream
kansang kabugnaw daw mibuhagay
sa malipayon nilang panagway - -

ug samtang ang katam-is milanay
dili mahikalimtan sa upat ang pagpahulagway
gamit ang dala nga cellphone, nagpulipuli
ug tuplok sila sa ilang gidalang kalingawan,
tingali sa dili madugay magbansiwag
sa tibuok kalibotan, hisgutan, lalisan
ang kalami sa ice cream, ikompara
sa ubang matang sa makaon,
ikompara ang ubang dapit nga naadtoan
hangtud mapupos ang daghang oras
sa gatosan nga katawhan nga magatuki
kabahin sa upat ka babaye nga nagmantala
sa sugilanon, kinabuhi sa ice cream...

apan sa gibitbit mong Time magazine,
kinsa ang magtuki sa sinuwat, estorya
ni Wendy Pearlman ug Loubna Mrie,
"The Agony of Syria"?

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Ang Paghibalik
(for my father)
sinulat ni M. Ortega Ligalig

Inig mahuwad na ang kataposang awit
niining lawak kalingawan nga gisabak
sa aso ug sigarilyo
ug sa naugang botelya sa beer,
ihatod ang akong mga tiil daplin
sa Fuente Osmeña,
pahanggapa ako sa lab-as nga hangin,
pandongi ako sa kinidlap sa mga bituon,
paraha ang taxi
(dili ako mopadulong sa Manalili)
(dili ako mopaingon sa Carbon)
ihatod ako sa Colon
ug tawga ang traysikad sa eskina,
ihatod ang akong mga tunob daplin
niadtong tulay nga nahubsan sa sapa...

pangitaon ko pag-usab ang akong mga luha
nga misagol sa kataposang dangoyngoy sa ulan

unya biyai ako nga mag-inusara daplin
sa tulay nga saksi sa akong kasub-anan

biyai ako nga mag-inusara
atbang sa punerarya
maghandom kang Papa

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Handurawan
sinulat ni Ligalig Mike [2017]

Ug ako nahigmata gikan sa daklit nga pagkahitagpilaw samtang nagbasa sa nagpasad nga mga pamantalaan sa kwarto
kansang mga letra nagpangamay sa takna sa akong kahimungawong...
nasigpatan ko ang Adlaw nga mitoyhakaw
sa sidsid sa mga panganod, nagpatim-aw
sa paglarok sa orasan daw gihubsan sa iyang kainit - - - ug ako mikanaog aron manungkab
sa kaldero, nanghinaot nga aduna pay bahaw
nahibilin sa pamahaw;
kay sama kagahapon
ako nagplano unta nga maniudto gihapon
ug tsamparado, paborito nako ug paborito usab ni Mama.
Nalimot ko nga gamay ra diay ang nadung-ag, ug ang akong plano nga mag-samparado posibleng ang sangpotanan pasmo. Ania karon ang akong manghod
nanawag sa telepono; aporado nga makigpaniudto kay kono birthday nako
- ug miingon ko
nga pagtimo-timo sa ka ug una-una -
kay naa sa akong hunahuna basin sama nako
siya usab mapasmo - kay lagi kining peryodista magsuwat, magbasa, maghunahuna ug daghan, unya makalimot
usahay sa takna sa pagdigamo,
ug ang madali-dali mao ra gyud ang pag-abri sa tinapa...
Ning takna sa akong pag-inusara,
nahinumdom ko sa akong Papa
mitaliwan na, ug sama ni Mama,
dili gyud sila malimot sa akong adlawng natawhan,
ug bisan si Papa naputos sa utang sa iyang pagkapolis, daghang isda iyang dad-on sa balay aron adunay mahikay
kay lagi kono birthday sa iyang anak
nga sama niya magbabalak...
Nganong gibati ko ang kamingaw
karong adlawa?
Tungod ba kay di ko na makita si Papa?
Ug tungod ba kay wa pa katawag si Mama
aron motimbaya kanako ug happy birthday?
Nakita ko ang 3-in-one kape,
tingali kini sa lang akong ibangil sa tinai,
unya modalikyat ko sa Painitang Bol-anon
ug didto yarokon ang mainit nga sikwate,
ingon lang niini ang pagsaulog kos birthday
kay ang importante gipakabuhi pa ta sa Ginoo,
sanglit lumalabay lang kita ug dili mohangtod,
moabot ang adlaw nga kita itumod
sa mamingaw nga lapyahan sa mga panganod;
ang tanang atong talikdan
inig balik nato sa sabakan sa Langitnong Amahan...

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Press Release
Bohol Governor Art Yap goes to Balilihan for Tingog sa mga Bol-anon.

The Governor discussed the different programs to help the farmers highlighted coconut as the number one export product in the Philippines.

Aside from this, he shared that the long term goal is to invest in an Integrated Coconut Plant in Balilihan.

Gov Yap also said that the Provincial Government of Bohol is ready to counterpart with the Philippine Coconut Association in the construction.

The different heads of offices were also present to discuss the different programs under their office and address the concerns of the barangays. Dr Larry Pamugas of (OPA), Engr. Dodong Gasatan (PEO), Jovencia Ganub (BEMO), Dr. Yul Lopez (PHO), Mita Tecdon (OPSWD), GinaLuz Dano (EDCENTER), Jo Cabarrus (BTO), Dr. Bing Lapiz (OPV), Vilmar Yorong (BEPO), Mirasol Balistoy (DOT), Peter Retutal (PBMO) and Emi Romero (PCA).

Cong. Edgar Chatto and Mayor Pureza Chatto of Balilihan expressed their gratitude for the support from the Governor.

A medical mission and legal services was being done. And the barangays receive MDR's from Philhealth.

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Press Release
Bohol Gov. Art Yap discusses provincial level response to national declaration of dengue epidemic.

The governor is issuing a memo to implement joint memo with DILG enjoining all barangays to institutionalize Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue emphasizing the preventive approach to fight dengue.

Yap is on top of the situation with Dr. Lopez reporting that the Provincial Health Office is coordinating with DOH Regional Epidiomology Surveillance Unit (RESU) and all district hospitals are equipped with dengue detection and have adequate supply of IV fluids with a dedicated express lane for dengue.

In Bohol, there were 409 dengue cases, 3 deaths in January to June of 2018.

For January to June 2019, there has been 2,303 dengue cases and 23 deaths. Top 10 in dengue cases are Buenavista, Sagbayan, Inabanga, Tagbilaran City, Talibon, Loon, Tubigon, Ubay, Clarin, and Dauis.

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Press Release - Bohol Gov. Art Yap encourages local cultural mappers training under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to keep in mind not only cultural activity but also to develop culture of food and handicraft in their training. This is part of development thrust in tourism that will support farmers and enterprises at the same time expand tour destinations in Bohol. Organized by the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Institute in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), Loboc Youth Education Association, and the NCCA under the leadership of culture and arts prime mover Gardy Labad, the activity maps cultures in municipalities of Baclayon, Bilar, Dimiao, Jagna, Loboc, Talibon, and Valencia.

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Photo by Mike O. Ligalig
Fish for sale in Digos City

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Digos City, Davao del Sur coastal area

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Key chain souvenirs found at an office in Mindanao

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Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat Province

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Press Release
Anderson, nine others finish soldier training, receive rank of Private

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - A team of actors, led by Gerald Anderson, finished a three-day Soldier Skills Orientation Training at the First Scout Ranger Regiment in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan on Friday, August 9 in preparation for their upcoming show.

The Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto graced the event as the Guest of Honor and Speaker and also conferred the rank of private in the Army Reserve Component to Anderson, Elmo Magalona, Yves Flores, Nash Victoriano, Joseph Porciuncula, Ryan Laurino, Jeanifer Aniscal, Jumar Aniscal, Jalil Laidan, and Anthea Murfet.

In his speech, Anderson expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to train with the Scout Rangers. "Nakita namin ang kahalagahan ng mga ginagawa ng ating mga sundalo, nakakatulog kami ng mahimbing dahil sa inyo, dahil nandyan kayo para pangalagaan ang aming seguridad. Hindi namin makakalimutan ang mga aral na natutunan namin dito," he added.

"Only those who have undergone a glimpse of a rigorous training of a soldier, can understand and appreciate the great sacrifice that they give for peace and stability of our country. Now that you are reservists of the Philippine Army, you also have taken on the responsibility to support our government in securing the peace and promoting the national development efforts. We ask you to help us in portraying our soldiers in the upcoming TV series that you will be a part of", said Alberto.

"Bilang mga Army Reservists, kayo rin ang magsisilbing mabuting halimbawa sa ating mga kabataan na nagnanais ding maglingkod sa bayan", he added.#
(Ctto)

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF. (PRWEB) AUGUST 10, 2019

Rick Torres, agent for State Farm Insurance in Solvang, clears up the misunderstandings many renters have about the differences between renter's insurance and their landlords' insurance.

Basically, the landlords' insurance protects the landlord, not the renter. Renter's insurance protects the renter's personal property and can also provide liability protection.

If a house or apartment and the renter's personal property are destroyed in a fire, the landlord's insurance only protects the landlord. Without renters insurance, the tenant not only loses personal property, but there is also no resource for recovering the cost of the lost items and replacing them. Even if the fire is due to landlord negligence, the legal process to be reimbursed for loss can take a very long time and be more costly than most people can afford. A renter's insurance policy can help replace lost property.

In cases of accidental fire, such as even a small kitchen fire caused when a tenant leaves a pot unattended on the stove, the landlord's insurance may pay for repairs, but would then start the process of recovering the costs from the tenant. If the tenant has the right renter's insurance, that policy would protect the tenant from financial liability. The Solvang insurance agent can recommend the best coverage for anyone's needs.

There are other things besides damage to the home and loss of personal property that make renter's insurance an important investment. What if a guest trips and falls over an area rug in the living room, or is injured some other way while visiting? What if the family dog bites someone, or the new puppy's accidents require the carpet to be replaced?

Liability coverage is designed to help cover personal liability if a guest is injured or the family dogs bite someone or cause property damage. The renter's insurance policy can also cover legal defense expenses should a lawsuit arise.

Renter's insurance can help reduce liability for pet owners in these kinds of cases, but there are some points to be aware of when choosing a renter's insurance policy:

Some dog breeds are not covered by renter's insurance. Some insurance companies won't even provide any kind of renter's insurance to tenants who own certain breeds of dogs.
Renter's policies may not cover the liability associated with keeping livestock, even if the property is zoned for livestock. Any damage or injuries caused by the kid's 4-H or FFA animals, or the family horses would not be covered. When livestock is part of the family, there are farm and ranch policies available for renters that would not only offer liability on the animals but also cover personal property and other liability just as a regular renter's insurance policy does. Ask Rick Torres, the Solvang insurance agent about this kind of coverage.
Loss of use is one more consideration for investing in renter's insurance. In most areas, you have a right to go back to the house or apartment once the damage has been repaired. But you may still have to pay rent during that time or pay rent into an escrow account. Most people can't afford the additional rent for a temporary place to live. A renter's policy can protect you by covering those additional expenses.

Renter's insurance is not as expensive as one might think and is well worth the investment to protect personal property and as extra protection against liability. Rick Torres, the Solvang insurance agent, is happy to discuss insurance needs and make comprehensive and cost-effective recommendations for bundled auto and renter's insurance.

Rick Torres State Farm Insurance Agent
540 Alisal Road, Suite 4
Solvang, CA 93463-2637
(805) 688-5418

This press release is by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

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Controversial Central Mindanao Airport soon to open
By John Unson

NORTH COTABATO --- Officials started resolving this week the right-of-way issues and other constraints that stymied the supposed operation since 2007 of the multi-million Central Mindanao Airport.

Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and local officials just had a dialogue and agreed to collaborate in addressing the problems, according to North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco.

Catamco said Saturday the provincial government will do it best to open soon the Central Mindanao Airport in the municipality of Mlang to boost North Cotabato's economy.

"This airport can help improve by many folds the investment climate of North Cotabato and Kidapawan City," Catamco said.

The airport, costing more or less P300 million, was constructed in 2006, during the time of Gov. Emmanuel Piñol.

It has never been opened even during the time of his successor, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, who was at the helm of the provincial government from June 30, 2010 to June 30 this year.

"We want this airport opened if not within the year maybe before year 2020 ends," Catamco said.

For now, the nearest airports to the towns in the second and third districts of North Cotabato and the provincial capital, Kidapawan City, are located in Davao City in the North and in Cotabato City in the south, both more than two hours away via overland travel.

Mlang Mayor Russel Abonado recommended during their meeting at the provincial capitol in Kidapawan City the need to resurvey the private lands traversed by the airport runway to hasten the settlement of right-of-way claims.

Catamco said Abonado and Mlang's former mayor, Luigi Cuerpo, a representative of the right-of-way claimants, agreed during the meeting to help facilitate the resurvey of the private lands occupied by the concrete runway, designed for large passenger aircrafts.

The initial dialogue on how to hasten the opening of the airport was facilitated by provincial legal officer Jonah Mineses, senior officials under Catamco's office and technical personnel of the DPWH.

Catamco said representatives from the environment and transportation departments, from the Mindanao Development Authority and the have been invited to join in another brainstorming session on September 3.

[] Photo: Officials met this week for initial talks on the opening of the Central Mindanao Airport.[] Aug.10, 2019 []

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) AUGUST 09, 2019

Plouton Mining announces its aims to build what will be the largest solar-powered mining operation in North America, providing people with an opportunity to participate in the growing bitcoin economy in a sustainable and affordable way.

The process of bitcoin mining is energy-intensive, requiring massive amounts of electricity produced by carbon-emitting fossil fuels and delivered on outdated and aging power grids. Plouton Mining will help solve this issue with plans to construct a solar-powered facility located on pristine land, wholly owned by parent company Plouton Group, in Western Mojave, CA. Solar panels will occupy approximately 49 of the 50 acres and will generate 10-13 Megawatts of electricity approximately 330 days annually, operating on average 12 hours per day.

Western Mojave, CA is one of the most ideal locations for a solar-powered facility on the planet. The region is basked in sunlight 70% of the year. Plouton Mining will contract with local utility providers to allow for ultra-cheap operating costs when the sun goes down. This model also benefits the local utility providers who are left with an excess supply during much of the nighttime hours when demand is at a low. As a result, Plouton Mining will enjoy the lowest all-in energy costs possible.

Ramak J. Sedigh, CEO of Plouton Mining, said, "The preeminent combination of nature and technology will usher in the next stage of bitcoin mining evolution, fulfilling the promise of Bitcoin as a sustainable, decentralized network of transactions. We are very pleased to offer people the opportunity to participate in the growing Bitcoin blockchain economy without having to purchase the mining equipment themselves."

For more information, visit Plouton Mining's website.

For media inquiries, please contact Kili Wall at (310) 260-7901 or Kili@MelrosePR.com.

About Plouton Mining
Plouton Mining will be North America's largest solar-powered bitcoin mining facility. Based in Western Mojave, CA, Plouton Mining will implement new, sustainable mining practices that will allow the industry to continue to scale and grow. Instead of relying on "cheap electricity" that will increase in price over time and become unsustainable, Plouton Mining leads the next generation of bitcoin miners by harnessing the power of sustainable energy. Plouton Mining will set the standard for future mining operations by establishing a green, scalable, and sustainable mining solution that will benefit investors, the environment, and local utility companies.

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Press Release
Gov. Art Yap visits Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Engr. James Gantalao at the Tagbilaran City Port where they discussed expansion of Bohol ports. The Tagbilaran City Port alone has an average passenger traffic of 9,000-10,000 per day. In the whole of Bohol, passenger traffic is 25,000 daily in the ports of the city, Tubigon, Ubay, Jagna, Talibon, Loon, and Getafe. In the last year, there has been a 15% increase in passenger traffic and is seen to increase even more in the next 5-7 years with developments in ports set to be completed in the next 2 years.

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PNP ACQUIRES P784-MILLION WORTH OF NEW POLICE CARS, EQUIPMENT

The Philippine National Police has acquired Php 784 million worth of police equipment to enhance the basic operational requirements  of PNP units, especially city and municipal police stations, public safety battalions and company, and national support units.

PNP Chief, Police General Oscar D Albayalde personally witnessed the blessing of newly-procured police equipment today, August 8, Thursday at the PNP Heritage Park, Camp Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.

Police Lieutenant General General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the chairman of the NHQ Bids and Awards Committee presented to the Chief PNP the newly-acquired police equipment amounting to Php 784,688,248.21 bankrolled by appropriations from the PNP Capability Enhancement Program of 2014 to 2019 and from the General Appropriations Act 2018.

Gamboa said the 95 units 4x4 utility vehicles will be issued to Police Provincial Headquarters and City Police Offices to fill up mobility assets. The 10,000 units Canik 9mm Pistol will be issued to the newly recruited PNP personnel.

He added 78 units NEGEV Light Machine Gun, 3,684 units Enhanced Combat Helmet and 2,255 units Tactical Vest will be distributed to Police Mobile Forces along with 568,226 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

According to Gamboa, the procurement is part of the continuing effort of the PNP leadership and the national government to enhance the firepower, mobility, communication,and investigative capabilities of PNP operating units.

The PNP Chief said the PNP Capability Enhancement Program aims to provide for and enhance the basic operational requirements of every PNP unit especially the Municipal and City Police Stations, Regional Public Safety Battalions, Provincial Public Safety Companies and National Support Units. (PNP-PIO)

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Press Release
DOE Lays Down Action Plan to Resolve Palawan Power Woes

TAGUIG CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) has laid down the roadmap for action that would address the persistent power woes hounding Palawan during the meeting of the DOE-led Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee and Task Force Palawan Electric Cooperative (IACC-TF PALECO) with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and PALECO representatives, which was held on 25 July in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi created Task Force PALECO earlier this year to conduct an exhaustive assessment and audit of the power situation in the province. This included the determination of the root causes for the frequent power outages, as well as the consolidation of all recommendations from other concerned agencies into the Task Force's Final Report.

Among the findings of TF PALECO were the uncoordinated synchronization of the protection system of PALECO and the National Power Corporation's (NPC) transmission lines; obstructing vegetation along both the long NPC transmission lines and PALECO distribution lines; overloaded substations; the unstable temporary generators; derailed coal power plant; and the slow coordination among various government agencies on distribution line maintenance and improvements.

"We immediately directed PALECO and all relevant government agencies to carry out the recommendations in the final report of the Task Force. The livelihood of consumers and the operations of crucial infrastructure, such as hospitals and government offices hang in the balance.  We will not stop working until we finally bring this power issue to an end," Secretary Cusi stressed.

One of the major problems identified in the audit is the existence of a heavy vegetation problem on the NPC transmission lines in Palawan especially in the southern towns. To solve this, the PCSD, through the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), will issue PALECO a special permit for the transportation of the required tools and equipment to be used for the necessary tree cutting and clearing operations. The NPC likewise guaranteed the immediate upgrade of its line protection devices, which minimize the effects of transmission line trippings.

Meanwhile, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has activated the "Task Force Kapatid" program, which would involve the active participation of 10 electric cooperatives (ECs) to help with the rehabilitation of PALECO. Under this program, the participating ECs will be deploying six engineers and 60 linemen to help PALECO until October 2019. The necessary tools and equipment to effect improvements in PALECO's distribution system will also be provided.

Furthermore, Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, head of the PCSD, assured the DOE of its efficient coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) in securing all relevant certificates needed by PALECO.

During the meeting, PALECO also had the opportunity to discuss the progress it has made in the implementation of the action plan it has previously submitted to the DOE. Their presentation prompted various public and private stakeholders to pledge their support to the local EC and guide it towards the necessary steps to effectively and efficiently improve the power supply condition in Palawan.

DOE Undersecretary Vice Admiral Alexander S. Lopez (ret.) led the presentation of the IACC-TF PALECO, together with Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola, and DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan. PCSD Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera and representatives from NEA, NPC, DENR, as well as officials from LGUs, Non-Government Organizations, and the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were also in attendance.

According to Secretary Cusi, PALECO will have until the end of 2019 to complete its rehabilitation. "As members of the energy family, it is our primary duty to provide reliable, stable, and affordable electricity services to our countrymen. Help will always be given to those in need of it. However, we must also ensure that those of us in the energy sector are serving our people in the best manner at all times," he concluded.

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Trailblazers   Portraits of Female             Business Leadership in Emerging and Frontier Markets -             Groundbreakers, Market Makers, Value Creators


Source: Trailblazers   Portraits of Female             Business Leadership in Emerging and Frontier Markets -             Groundbreakers, Market Makers, Value Creators

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Entrepreneurship Program for             Innovation in the Caribbean


Source: Entrepreneurship Program for             Innovation in the Caribbean

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Women at Work   How Can Investment             Incentives be Used to Enhance Economic Opportunities for Women


Source: Women at Work   How Can Investment             Incentives be Used to Enhance Economic Opportunities for Women

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Learning to Grow from Peers               Experimental Evidence from Small Retailers in Indonesia


Source: Learning to Grow from Peers               Experimental Evidence from Small Retailers in Indonesia

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Ethiopia - Estimating the Impact of             the Mojo-Hawassa Expressway


Source: Ethiopia - Estimating the Impact of             the Mojo-Hawassa Expressway

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Health Financing in Fragile,             Conflict and Violence  FCV  Situations   Five Key Questions             To Be Answered


Source: Health Financing in Fragile,             Conflict and Violence  FCV  Situations   Five Key Questions             To Be Answered

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Summary of Conference on Promoting             Competition and Creating Contestable Markets in Armenia and             Action Plan for Engagement on Competition Reforms


Source: Summary of Conference on Promoting             Competition and Creating Contestable Markets in Armenia and             Action Plan for Engagement on Competition Reforms

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Recommendations for Strengthening             Delivery of Nutrition Services through the Platform of             Community Action for Health and Nutrition in Nagaland, India


Source: Recommendations for Strengthening             Delivery of Nutrition Services through the Platform of             Community Action for Health and Nutrition in Nagaland, India

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Crossovers in Botswana  Women             Entrepreneurs Who Operate in Male-Dominated Sectors   Output             for Women Entrepreneurship Study


Source: Crossovers in Botswana  Women             Entrepreneurs Who Operate in Male-Dominated Sectors   Output             for Women Entrepreneurship Study

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Bhutan s Business Infrastructure             Policy and Industrial Parks


Source: Bhutan s Business Infrastructure             Policy and Industrial Parks

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Growth after War in Syria


Source: Growth after War in Syria

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Mobilising Finance for WASH               Getting the Foundation Right


Source: Mobilising Finance for WASH               Getting the Foundation Right

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Incentivizing Quantity and Quality             of Care   Evidence from an Impact Evaluation of             Performance-Based Financing in the Health Sector in Tajikistan


Source: Incentivizing Quantity and Quality             of Care   Evidence from an Impact Evaluation of             Performance-Based Financing in the Health Sector in Tajikistan

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Afghanistan   Public Expenditure Update


Source: Afghanistan   Public Expenditure Update

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External Assessment of Quality of             Care in the Health Sector in Colombia   Evaluaci n Externa             de la Calidad de la Atenci n en el Sector Salud en Colombia


Source: External Assessment of Quality of             Care in the Health Sector in Colombia   Evaluaci n Externa             de la Calidad de la Atenci n en el Sector Salud en Colombia

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External Assessment of Quality of             Care in the Health Sector in Colombia


Source: External Assessment of Quality of             Care in the Health Sector in Colombia

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Fertility and Parental Labor-Force             Participation   New Evidence from a Developing Country in theBalkans


Source: Fertility and Parental Labor-Force             Participation   New Evidence from a Developing Country in theBalkans

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Empowering Adolescent Girls in a             Crisis Context   Lessons from Sierra Leone in the Time of Ebola


Source: Empowering Adolescent Girls in a             Crisis Context   Lessons from Sierra Leone in the Time of Ebola

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All Hands on Deck   Reducing             Stunting through Multisectoral Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa


Source: All Hands on Deck   Reducing             Stunting through Multisectoral Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Colombia   Can a Successful             Parenting Program be Implemented at Scale


Source: Colombia   Can a Successful             Parenting Program be Implemented at Scale

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Press Release
SEN. PACQUIAO HIRES YANO
AS MILITARY CONSULTANT

SENATE – Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday hired as military consultant retired Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano.

The bond between Pacquiao and Yano started way back in late 2003 when the latter invited the boxing icon to distribute relief goods to displaced Moro families in Palimbang town, Sultan Kudarat.

Pacquiao, who just arrived then from the US where he posted a spectacular win against Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, readily accepted the invitation.

Pacquiao's victory against Barrera catapulted the Pinoy boxing hero to the pedestal of boxing immortality.

Pacquiao's presence and generosity lifted the sagging spirit of the Moro evacuees who temporarily took shelter in makeshift tents to avoid being caught in the crossfire between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Pacquiao's attendance also boosted the morale of Army troops pursuing the extremist Abu Sayyaf members who sneaked in and tried to establish base in the area.

Yano was then the brigade commander of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade operating in South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos (Socsksargen) area.

It was Yano who helped facilitate the enlistment of Pacquiao into the Army Reserve force when he was still the commanding general of the Philippine Army in 2007.

The senator from Mindanao is now a full-fledged colonel in the Army Reserve Command.

"I took him (Yano) in because of his competence, integrity and track record in the military service. I believe, he can be of great help particularly in crafting laws related to national security," Pacquiao said.

Yano was the 37th Chief of Staff of the AFP and the first ever Mindanao-born military officer to occupy the highest position in the AFP hierarchy. (AZonio/MRO-OS Pacquiao)

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SEVERE WEATHER BULLETIN #13
FOR: TYPHOON "#HannaPH"
TROPICAL CYCLONE: WARNING
Issued at 11:00 am, 08 August 2019
(Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin to be issued at 5:00 pm today.)

"HANNA" CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY AS IT THREATENS THE SOUTHERN RYUKYU ISLANDS.

• The outer rainbands of "HANNA" will bring moderate to heavy rains and gusty winds over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands today and tomorrow (09 August).
• Today, moderate to heavy monsoon rains will be experienced over Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, northern portions of Palawan (including Calamian and Cuyo Islands), Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, and Bulacan. Light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains will prevail over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Western Visayas.
• Tomorrow (09 August), moderate to heavy monsoon rains may affect Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains may be experienced over Metro Manila and the rest of Central Luzon, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA.
• Residents in the aforementioned areas, especially those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to floods and rain-induced landslides, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates, especially the Thunderstorm Advisories and Heavy Rainfall Warnings to be issued by PAGASA Regional Services Divisions.
• Gusty conditions will continue over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.
• Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of areas under TCWS #1, the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao due to potentially rough sea conditions.
• "HANNA" is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow morning.
• At 10:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area was estimated at 180 km West Northwest of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (16.7°N, 118.8°E). Based on all available data, this weather disturbance remains less likely to develop into a Tropical Depression and is expected to dissipate within 24 to 48 hours.
• At 10:00 AM today, Typhoon "KROSA" was estimated at 1,930 km East of Extreme Northern Luzon (OUTSIDE PAR) (22.0°N, 140.5°E) with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 160 km/h. It is moving northwest slowly and is not expected to enter the PAR.

Location of Eye/center
At 10:00 AM today, the eye of Typhoon "HANNA" was located based on all available data at 490 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.9 °N, 125.9 °E )

Strength
Maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph

Movement
Moving Northwest at 15 kph

Forecast Positions:
• 24 Hour(Tomorrow morning): 595 km North of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(25.7°N, 123.0°E)
• 48 Hour(Saturday morning):795 km North of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(27.6°N, 121.8°E)
• 72 Hour(Sunday morning): 1,120 km North of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(30.5°N, 121.9°E)

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal
TCWS 1 (30-60 km/h Expected in 36 hours)
Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands

The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next Severe Weather Bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

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Press Release
Sec. Cusi Directs NPC to Improve Operation Efficiency Before Increasing Power Rates to Off-Grid Consumers

TAGUIG CITY – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi asked National Power Corporation (NPC) President Pio J. Benavidez to improve the Corporation's operating efficiency and reduce the true costs of generation and missionary subsidies in off-grid areas before moving to increase generation rates to be shouldered by electricity consumers.

This directive came after careful consideration of the formal application filed by the NPC with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to increase the missionary generation charge in off-grid islands in Luzon by a total of PhP 2.9140 per kilowatt hour (kwh). This would raise said charge from the current rate of PhP 5.6404 to PhP 8.5544/kwh.

In his memorandum to NPC President Benavidez, Secretary Cusi expressed serious concern over the generation charge of PhP 8.5544/kwh, compared to the PhP 5.25/kwh charge in Manila, being a heavy burden to Filipino consumers in the poorer, off-grid islands. This is contrary to the government's mandate to keep power rates affordable under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

He further directed the NPC "to reduce missionary subsidies instead of passing on to these poorer areas the costs of excess taxes and fuel and other costs that will cause this 51% increase in their P5.6404 SAGR."

Under ERC Application No. 2018-048RC, the NPC also applied to pass on the added excise taxes on fuel being used to generate power in off-grid islands (PhP 1.9648/kwh) to consumers. This is on top of its previous application for an increase of PhP 0.9492/kwh, bringing the total increase to PhP 2.9140/kwh.

The NPC is the administrator of the missionary subsidies provided by the government to consumers through the local electric cooperatives. Under the EPIRA Law, NPC can cover its missionary subsidies by charging the consumers in those areas a missionary generation rate called the subsidized approved generation rate (SAGR), with the remainder likewise passed on as the universal charge for missionary electrification, or UC-ME.

In addition, the Energy Chief stated in his memorandum that "the DOE, in turn, will review the power supply contracts of existing private power generators to identify and possibly eliminate onerous provisions".

NPC was asked to submit all existing contracts at the soonest possible time, and 30 days to submit its action plan on the matter.

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1. A Special Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to discuss the Australian International Civil Aviation Policy as convened in Kuala Lumpur on 22 February 1979.

2. The Meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. Roesmin Nurjadin, Minister of communications of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Alfredo L. Juinio, Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Communications of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Hon Sui Sen, Minister for Finance of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Ong Teng Cheong, Minister for Communications of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister of State for Finance of Singapore; H.E. Mr. S. Dhanabalan, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Singapore; H.E. General Surakij' Mayalarp, Minister of Communications of Thailand; H.E. Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Trade and Industry of Malaysia; H.E. Tan Sri Dato V. Manickavasagam, Minister of Transport of Malaysia; and H.E. Datuk Lew Sip Hon, Deputy Minister of Trade and industry of Malaysia.

3. H.E. Datuk Ali bin Abdullah, Secretary- General of the ASEAN' Secretariat, was also present.

4. During the course of the discussion on the Australian ICAP, the ASEAN Economic Ministers noted that the problem arising out of the imple- mentation of the Australian international Civil Aviation Policy (ICAP) would not be confined to ASEAN and Australia alone but will also involve other countries. The ASEAN Economic Ministers noted that the implementation of the new Australian ICAP, if allowed to go unchallenged would set a precedent for other developed countries to adopt a similar policy. The Meeting emphasized that the ICAP is a manifestation of the tendency of developed countries to change the rules as soon as the developing counties have mastered the Id rules and overcome the obstruction posed by them. Accordingly it as agreed that ASEAN should not only present a common front but also should take stock of their economic strength so as to protect their economic interests.

5. The ASEAN Economic Ministers reiterated their commitment to the ASEAN common stand adopted at the Seventh Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers . They agreed on the following principles for negotiations on the Australian Inter- national Civil Aviation Policy;
(a) The ASEAN airlines should be allowed to participate in the new low far, scheme between Australia and Europe with or without stopovers in ASEAN countries. There should be no reduction in the present capacity of ASEAN air. lines. With the reducation in fares, there is likely to be an increase in traffic which necessitates extra capacity. In order to enable equitable participation, such in. crease in the capacity would initially be taken up by the airlines of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

(b) The new Australian ICAP low fare scheme would not be viable for participation by the national airlines of Indonesia Malaysia, Philippines-and Thailand because of their present limited capacity and landing rights. To overcome this, ASEAN should :

(i) seek stopover rights at reasonable surcharge based on the 10% proposed by Singapore; and

(ii) obtain additional landing rights.

(c) It would be necessary for the ASEAN countries to act collectively in their negotiations with Australia as well as other countries to secure better landing rights for the ASEAN airlines in general. (d) The Meeting agreed the proposals on the ASEAN - Australia fares in the Singapore working paper be used as a basis for' computing these fares.


6. The Meeting agreed that the form of retaliatory measures to be taken will be indicated and effected should the meeting of ASEAN Ministers and the Australian Ministers fail to yield the desired results.

7. The Meeting agreed that negotiations with Australia shall be held in Jakarta during the second week of March 1.979. This Meeting will be attended by ASEAN Economic Ministers and Foreign Ministers and the Australian Foreign Ministers and Minister of Transport.

8. The Meeting was briefed on the progress made by Malaysia towards implementing the ASEAN - Urea Project (Malaysia). In this respect, a Meeting of shareholders Entities f the ASEAN - Urea Project (Malaysia) would be held in April 1979 to negotiate a joint-venture agreement for the project.

9. in order to study the factors that could contribute to the strength of ASEAN for the purpose of Protecting its economic growth, the Meeting agreed to establish a panel of experts to gather data and conduct the studies.

10. The Delegation of Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand express their sincere appreciation to the government and people of Malaysia for the hospitality accorded to them and for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.

The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers held a special meeting in Bangkok on 16 October 1985 and considered the issue, f rising protectionism in international trade especially in the US, with particular reference to the Jenkins-Thurmond Bill.

The Ministers noted that,- ASEAN member countries collectively an, individually, have been making their, utmost efforts in urging the US Administration, Congress and interested parties concerned to appreciate the extent of the repercussions of the Bill. if passed, on the economic a-d social development of ASEAN countries and the overall close and friendly relations between ASEAN and the US.

The Ministers reiterated ASEAN's strong opposition to the Bill which, is discriminatory and contrary to existing international law and US bilateral agreements. At the same time, the Ministers welcomed with great appreciation within and explicit and firm stand of the US Administration in opposing the Bill. The Ministers e-re also encouraged by the rising recognition. within and the understanding of members of the Congress of the negative consequences of the Bill. The Ministers, however, recognize that the danger is far from over. They, therefor further urge the US Administration and members of the Congress to continue efforts toward the eventual rejection of the Bill which poses a grave danger not only to ASEAN but also to the free international. trading framework from which all countries jointly benefit.

The Ministers further pointed out that the Bill, in adversely affecting the ASEAN economies' ability to e-port, will provide them with o alternative but to curtail trade in order to maintain eternal balance. Moreover, ASEAN's export -led economies will be considerably damaged and destabilized. Accordingly, each ASEAN country will have to consider adopting measures to counter the damaging effect of the Bill.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers finally pointed out that beyond the economic impact which is real and immediate, the Jenkins-Turmond and other protectionist bills have already and in- evitably created within ASEAN a sense of uncertainty and disappointment with the United States. The constructive efforts and progress made to nurture and consolidate US - ASEAN relations wi'II undoubtedly suffer a setback with the passage of the Jenkins-Thurmond Bill.

The Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers was held in Singapore on 29 - 30 October 1987. The Meeting was preceded by the Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) on 26 - 27 October 1987.
The Meeting was attended by H.E. Pengiran Dato Seri Laila Jasa Dr. Ismail bin Pengiran Haji Damit, Minister of Development of Brunei Darussalam: H.E. Prof. Dr. Ali Wardhana, Minister Coordinator for Economy, Finance, Industry and Development Supervision of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Rachmat Saleh, Minister of Trade of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Hartarto, Minister of Industry of Indonesia; H.E. Datin Paduka Rafidah Aziz. Minister of Trade and Industry of Malaysia; H.E. Datuk Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Primary Industries of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Jose S Concepcion Jr., Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines; Hon. Miss Lilia R Bautista, Under secretary of Trade & Industry of the Philippines; Hon. Dr. Florian Alburo, Deputy Director-General of Economic Planning of the Philippines; Hon. Mr. Roberto Ansaldo, Undersecretary of Agriculture & Food of the Philippines; H.E. Brig-Gen (Res) Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for Trade & Industry of Singapore; H.E. Dr. Lee Boon Yang, Minister of State for National Development of Singapore; H.E. Dr. Arun Panupong, Minister Attached to Prime Minister's Office of Thailand; H.E. Dr. Supachal Panitchpakdl, Deputy Minister of Finance of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Prachuab Chaiyasan, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand: H.E. Mr. Korn Dabbarangsi. Deputy Minister of Industry of Thailand-, and their delegations.
H.E. Mr. Roderick Yong, Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat and members of his staff were also present.
The ASEAN Economic Ministers at their 19th Meeting recommended to submit to the Third ASEAN Summit in December 1987 initiatives to improve the ASEAN Preferential Trading Arrangement and to implement a standstill and rollback of non tariff barriers (NTBs). As a follow-up to these recommendations, the Ministers agreed to work out 5-year programmes to:
i) Introduce new items into the PTA Such that items remaining in tile exclusion lists should not account for more than 10% of the traded items of individual countries, and that items remaining in exclusion lists do not account for more than 50% of intra-ASEAN trade value. Efforts would also be made to achieve harmonisation of the exclusion lists, and
ii) Deepen margins of preference for existing items in the PTA to 50%.

The Ministers agreed to recommend that the above programmes be implemented from I January 1988. In order to make the improvements to tile PTA scheme ignore predictable and transparent to the private sector, the ASEAN Economic Ministers agreed to publicise the above programmes and their respective product lists before the commencement of the programmes.
On the implementation of standstill and rollback of NTBS, the Ministers agreed to draw up a Memorandum of Understanding containing the following salient principles and elements:
i) ASEAN's commitmeiits on standstill and rollback should go beyond measurcs inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
ii) As member countries have agreed to a standstill on GATT inconsistent measures in the Uruguay Round, only new measures that are GATT consistent may be introduced.

iii) Member countries should unilaterally rollback all GATT inconsistent measures However, with respect to GATT consistent NTBS, ASEAN should negotiate on a preferential basis the rollback of such NTBS. There will be a Surveillance Body responsible for monitoring the adherence of member countries obligations and commitments to the agreement as well as provisions for constiltations and negotiations to take place between member countries in the event of a stispeiisloii and violation of commitments to the agreement.

The Ministers recommended that the implementation of the standstill commitments should apply initially for a period of five years within which the negotiation for rollback. of non-tariff measures shall be completed.
To enhance intra-ASEAN investments, the Ministers agreed to finalise an ASEAN Investiment Guarantee Agreement before the Third ASEAN Summit. They also endorsed an improved AIJV agreement to be signed before the Summit.
The Metting also noted the liberalization of the use of ASEAN Currencies in intra-ASEAN trade which coidd be extended to intra-ASEAN investmient. In order to encourage this development, the Meeting requested ASEAN countries to look further into any existing administrative practices or rules which discourage the private sector from availliig themselves of tile facility.
In the ares of transportation and communications, the Ministers agreed the private sector should be encouraged to establish a Broker Telegraph System to facilitate the exchange of information between shipowners and shippers on the availability of shipping space and cargo.
The Ministers agreed that ASEAN should enhance closer cooperation and formulate a joint approach on trade in services in the light of its growing importance.
The Ministers also reviewed other areas of cooperation discussed at the last meeting, especially commodities, tourism, food, agriculture, forestry, and energy.
With regard to Japan's proposal to set up an ASEAN Development Fund under its new economic cooperation programme to assist in ASEAN economic cooperation and development, the Meeting endorsed a common ASEAN position, Officials from ASEAN and Japan will be meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 12 - 13 November 1987 to discuss the proposed Fund.
The Ministers agreed that the ASEAN US Initiative (AUI) should aim to achieve a more predictable access to the US Market for ASEAN Products, to promote greater investment flow and transfer of technology to ASEAN and to provide an additional consultative- mechanism for ASEAN to resolve economic issues with the US. The Ministers further agreed that exploratory discussion on the AUI between coordinators should take place back-to-back with the 8th ASEAN - US Dialogue.
The Ministers expressed concern with the anti-tropical oil campaigns in the US and agreed that ASEAN should enhance joint efforts and activities against such campaigns. ASEAN will be sending a, Ministerial delegation to the EC in November 1987 to seew the dropping of the proposed levy on vegetable oils as well as to raise other economic lssues of concern to ASEAN. The delegation will be led by the Minister of Primary Industries, Malaysia, H.E. Dato Dr. Lim Keng Yaik.
The Ministers had an informal meeting With the United States Trade Representative, H.E. Mr. Clayton Yeutter, where issues of concern to ASEAN were discussed. These included:
i) US Trade Legislation
ii) ASEAN - US Initiative (AUI)
lii) US GSP
iv) Shipping
v) Uruguay Round

The 25th Meeting of the ASEAN Sub Committee on Tourism (SCOT) was held in Pattaya, Thailand on 1114 January 1990 in conjunction with the 9th ASEAN Tourism Forum.
2. The Meeting, held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity, was chaired by Ms. Narzalina Z. Lim, Undersecretary for Planning, Development and Coordination of the Philippine Department of Tourism, and attended by the distinguished delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

3. The 25th SCOT Meeting witnessed the handing over of the Chairmanship from the Philippines to Singapore. The new Chairman of SCOT is Mr. Pek Hock Thiam, Executive Director of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board.

4. During 1988/1989 the ASEAN region witness an unprecedented growth in tourism arrivals to make the, period the best ever in the history of ASEAN tourism. This was due to the close cooperation that exists between SCOT and the private sector through ASEANTA.

5. The main accomplishments achieved by SCOT during 1988/1989 included :

(a) Implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Marketing Strategy Project

(i) The implementation of the Integrated Marketing Strategy in selected European markets, jointly funded by the EC and the ASEAN member countries.
(ii) This Integrated Marketing Strategy project comprises technical and financial assistance in several areas between 1990 and 1992.

(iii) The designated areas include technical assistance to ensure the effective implementation of programmes in target markets by Market Coordinators and also the establishment of a data bank at ATIC.

(iv) The purpose of this technical assistance programme will be to create a distinct image of ASEAN; to open up and promote new resort/areas; and to increase the number of dual/multi-destination tour programmes to ASEAN countries from Europe.


(b) Implementation of the ASEAN International Passenger Exit Survey.

(i) This regional level Passenger Exit Survey funded by EC will provide necessary information to establish regional tourism trends, assist in the formulation of marketing and product development strategies and to monitor the effectiveness of these strategies.
(c) Implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Manpower Training Programme.

(i) The ASEAN Integrated Tourism Manpower Training Programme, funded by the EC, commenced on September 4, 1989.
(ii) When completed this training project will have achieved a certification programme and an international accreditation scheme for manpower in the vocational and crafts area.

(iii) Programme elements include the establishment of a facilities and courses database, conducting a manpower training survey, and production of a quarterly newsletter detailing updates on ASEAN Tourism Training.

(d) Promotional Campaign for Visit ASEAN Year 1992.

The 25th SCOT Meeting noted with approval the progress of the work done by its advertising agency, AMC Melewar Zecha Communications, and its public relations consultants Edelman, in implementing the Visit ASEAN Year 1992 promotional campaign covering Japan, Australia, West Germany and ASEAN.
(e) Calendar of Events for Visit ASEAN Year 1992

The Meeting discussed the Calendar of Events for 1992 and agreed that there will be a maximum of 30 national events per country included in the calendar covering sports, cultural, trade and commercial events.

Additionally, each member country will host an ASEAN event during specific months spread throughout 1992.

(f) ATF '91 Bandung, Indonesia.

The 1991 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF '91) will be held in Bandung, the capital of West Java Province, Indonesia, from 13 17 January 1991.

The ATF '91 programme will include meetings of ASEAN SCOT (January 10 13), TRAVEX (January 15 17) and ASEAN Tourism Conference (January 14), as well as Associations meetings, sport tournaments, social functions, and complimentary tours.

Following SCOT's decision, a Buyers Registration Fee of US $ 100 will be levied beginning at ATF '91.

Another first for ATF '91 is the move by Indonesia to establish an ATF Planning Committee comprising ASEAN representation from both the public and private sectors. So too is the establishment by ASEANTA of a Task Force to look into the current format and structure of the ATF, with a view to possible privatisation of the Forum in the future.

CONCLUSION

6. The year 1989 has been momentous year for SCOT and a year that has seen the implementation of a number of positive projects in its continuing efforts in projecting the ASEAN image as well as in realising some of its more concrete objectives to enhance the tourism potential of the region.

The 27th Meeting of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Tourism was held in Bandung, Indonesia on 14-16 January 1991 and coincided with the ASEAN Tourism Forum, 1991. It was preceded by the Ninth ASEAN Heads of NTOs Meeting in Lembang, Bandung.
The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Pek Hock Thiam, Executive Director, Singapore Tourist Promotion Board and concurrently chairman of ASEAN SCOT.
The Meeting was attended by Mr. Md. Kamaruddin bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Director, Economic Development Board, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Joop Ave, Director General, Directorate General of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Badri Haji Masri, Director-General, Tourist Development Corporation, Malaysia, Ms. Narzalina Z. Lim, Undesecretary for Planning, Product Development and Coordination, Department of Tourism, Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Othman Wok, Board Member, Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, Republic of Singapore, Mr. Dharmnoon Prachaubmoh, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kingdom of Thailand and their delegations. The Executive Director of ATIC and his staff, representatives from ASEAN Secretariat and ASEANTA were also present.
The Meeting unanimously nominated Mr. Joop Ave, leader of the Indonesian delegation, as Vice Chairman.
The Meeting took note of the directives given by the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of NTOs on 13 January 1991 and assigned the Working Group on Marketing and the Working Group on Research and Development to initiate and develop programmes and activities in line with the directives.
ASEAN Tourism Report 1990 was a major topic of discussion. It was noted that ASEAN member countries collectively recorded a total of 16.7 million visitors in the year 1989 representing an increase of 16.6% over that of the previous year and generating an income of US$ 10.2 billion for the region.
Although the future tourism outlook for the ASEAN region showed an encouraging trend, a number of serious developments such as the worsening situation in the Gulf area, rising oil prices, the possibility of a more severe 'US recession and the uncertain conclusion of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations would have a negative bearing on worldwide tourism including the tourism industry of the region.
To face these challenges and their possible impact on ASEAN tourism, the Meeting agreed that there was a need to continually upgrade and revitalise destination areas to ensure they do not suffer from product fatigue and that there was adequate investment in human resource development. Personal safety and security of tourists would also need to be further assured. In addition, ASEAN's unique cultural and natural heritage should be preserved.
The promotion campaign for Visit ASEAN Year 1992 was officially launched by the ASEAN Heads of NTOs on 13 January 1991 at Gedung Merdeka In Bandung. All preparations for the VAY'92 have progressed as scheduled. The various collateral including the calendar of events, posters, brochures and tour shells as well as the advertising materials have been completed. The ASEAN film was also previewed during the ATF 1991.
Furthermore, assurances have been given by ASEAN National Carriers and ASEANTA of their positive support in promoting the VAY'92. With the mounting uncertainties in the world facing ASEAN tourism in the immediate future, the Meeting urged all concerned to give their full support to ensure the successful outcome of the VAY'92.
Joint partnership between the private and public sectors of tourism in ASEAN continues to bear fruitful results. The ASEANTA held, joint sessions with SCOT where issues of mutual concern were discussed. A SCOT-ASEANTA Joint-Committee as a body to provide inter alia, strategic directions to ASEAN tourism had also been formed.
The ATF '91, with the theme "Achieving Success Through Regional Cooperation", which brought together 405 ASEAN-based sellers and 255 buyers from around the world as well as government officials and more than 100 international and national journalists, bore testimony to this successful partnership. For the next ATF, scheduled on 17-25 January 1992, the islands of Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia have been chosen as the venue.
The Meeting reviewed other, tourism cooperation programmes including the EC funded European Tourism Marketing Plan and the Integrated Tourism Manpower Training Project as well as the ASEAN Week in Seoul, Republic of Korea which is aimed at fostering an awareness of ASEAN in ROK.
The year 1990 has been one of further consolidation. Efforts would need to be further enhanced to promote tourism in the region as ASEAN enters a new and challenging decade.
The delegations from Negara Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Singapore-and the Kingdom of Thailand expressed their appreciation to the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia for the warm hospitality accorded to them and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.
The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

The Ninth Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of NTOs was held in Bandung, Indonesia on 13 January 1991.
The Meeting was attended by Dato Paduka Haji Yaakub bin Abu Bakar, Director of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Negara Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Mr. Soesilo Soedarman, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Dato Sabbaruddin Chik, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia; Ms. Narzalina Z. Lim, Undersecretary for Planning, Product Research and Coordination, Department of Tourism, Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Mah Bow Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore and Mr. Dharmnoon Prachaubmoh, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kingdom of Thailand and their delegations.
Prior to the Meeting, the ASEAN Heads of NTOs paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Soeharto of the Republic of Indonesia, who graciously welcomed them to Indonesia.
The ASEAN Heads of NTOs presided over the official launching of Visit ASEAN Year 1992 promotion campaign and witnessed the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 1991 which were held at the historic Gedung Merdeka in Bandung on 12 January 1991.
The ASEAN Heads of NTOs, during the course of their deliberation, reviewed the progress of the tourism industry in the region and considered some of the key issues of concern particularly the global political and economic events that had a bearing on the tourism industry, the challenges of the future and measures needed to be taken to strengthen the competitiveness of ASEAN as a tourism destination.
The ASEAN Heads of NTOs noted that tourism played an increasingly important role in the development of member countries. They also recognised that intra-ASEAN travel had become a major contributor to the tourism industry in the region.
The ASEAN Heads of NTOs commended the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Tourism for their efforts in the preparation for the Visit ASEAN Year 1992 and in implementing other programmes to foster closer co-operation in tourism. They expressed the confidence that the Visit ASEAN Year 1992 would be a success and would create a greater awareness of the tourism attractions of member countries in the world market.
The ASEAN Heads of NTOs also expressed their appreciation to the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), the ASEAN National Carriers and other ASEAN bodies for their positive contributions and support to make the VAY'92 a success.
Aware of the changing and volatile global political and economic realities and the need to provide new- visions and strategies for the ASEAN tourism industry, the ASEAN Heads of NTOs agreed that :
9.1. The promotion of ASEAN region as a destination be continued beyond 1992;
9.2. Human resource training be a major focus of ASEAN tourism planning and development;

9.3. The preservation of ASEAN cultural and environmental heritage be an integral part of ASEAN tourism development; and

9.4. The promotion of intra-ASEAN travel be further intensified particularly among ASEAN youths in order to strengthen the understanding and appreciation among the peoples of member countries.

In this regard, ASEAN Heads of NTOs directed the Sub-Committee on Tourism to initiate programmes and activities to implement the above.
In the interest of fostering greater goodwill and understanding among the peoples of ASEAN, the Heads of ASEAN NTOs expressed the hope that the Government media of ASEAN member countries would intensify their efforts to promote and publicise the region with a view to stimulate intra-ASEAN travel among ASEAN nationals.
The delegations of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia for the warm hospitality accorded to them and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.
The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

1. The Meeting of the ASEAN NTOs was held on 6 January 1996 and the Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers was held on 7 January 1996.

2. The Informal Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers was attended by. H E Hj Pehin Dato Abdul Rachman Taib, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam; H E Mr. Joop Ave, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Republic of Indonesia; H E Dato' Sabbaruddin Chik, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia; H E Mr. Eduardo P Pilapil, Secretary of Tourism, Department of Tourism, Republic of the Philippines; H E Mr. Goh Chee Wee, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore; H E Mr. Pongpot Adireksam, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Kingdom of Thailand; Dato' Ajit Singh, ASEAN Secretary-General and Mr. Bui Xuan Nhat, Vice-Chairman, Vietnam, National Administration of Tourism Vietnam.

3. The Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations was attended by delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and observers from Laos.

4. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers, in the course of their deliberations, exchanged views on the development of the tourism industry taking into consideration the Declaration of the Fifth ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand held on 14-1 5 December 1995, which had set the direction for ASEAN Member Countries to focus on promoting sustainable tourism development, preservation of cultural and environmental resources, the provision of transportation and other infrastructure, simplification of immigration procedures and human resource development.

5. The Meeting also noted that the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, which was signed at the Fifth ASEAN Summit, provided for negotiations in specific commitments, including the area of tourism, to commence in 1996 and to be completed by 1998.

6. The Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers reiterated the direction of the ASEAN Summit to work towards the development of an open sky policy.

7. The Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers agreed that further measures be taken to facilitate travel within ASEAN countries, including:

7.1 establishing a special lane for ASEAN nationals at immigration counters;

7.2 developing a system to facilitate yacht and leisure boat tourism; and

7.3 increasing direct air links between secondary cities in ASEAN.
8. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers, recognising that rapid tourism development in theirrespective countries had created a great need for concerted human resource development programmes, agreed that a network of centres of excellence for human resource development be established within ASEAN. The Meeting also agreed that ASEAN National Tourism Organisations convene a meeting on human resource development.

9. The Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers recognised that the ASEAN Tourism Forum has become a major event attracting keen interest from the tourism trade worldwide and agreed that ASEAN member countries continue their efforts to promote the region as a single destination.

10. The Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers recognised the usefulness of meeting on an informal basis and agreed that they would continue to meet regularly in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum. The Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers endorsed the decision taken by the ASEAN NTOs to meet twice a year and requested that ASEAN NTOs follow up on the directives of the Fifth ASEAN SUMMIT related to tourism.

11. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers noted the expiry of The ASEAN Tourism Information Centre in March 1996 and expressed their appreciation to Malaysia for hosting the Centre during its term of operation.

12 The ASEAN Tourism Ministers agreed that Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar be invited to attend future meetings of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and National Tourism Organisations as Observers.

13. The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

1 . The Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 January 1997.

2. The Meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dato' Sabbarudin Chik, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia and was attended by His Excellency Pehin Abdul Rahman Taib, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam; His Excellency Mr. Joop Ave, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications of Indonesia; Mr. Daniel G. Corpuz, Executive Director, Convention and Visitors Corporation of the Philippines; Dr. Tan Chin Nam, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourist Promotion-Board; His Excellency Mr. Vikrom Koompirochana, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia; and the Honourable Ms. Vo Thi Thang, Chairwoman, Vietnam National Administrative and Tourism. The Meeting was also attended by His Excellency Mr. Veng Sereyvuth, Minister of Tourism, the Kingdom of Cambodia and His Excellency Mr. Sanya Abhay, Deputy Director-General , National Tourism Authority of Lao P.D.R. as observers. His Excellency Dato' Ajit Singh, the Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.

3. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers agreed to report to their respective governments make their informal meeting into a formal one. The Ministers requested the ASEAN Secretariat to draft the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the formal meeting. The Meeting further agreed to hold the first Formal Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, if necessary before the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting which is scheduled on 30 June 1997.

4. In assessing the development and programmes related to ASEAN Tourism, the Tourism Ministers expressed satisfaction with the implementation of various decisions taken. The Meeting was of the view that these encouraging achievements have contributed to a greater commitment of ASEAN Members to strengthen their cooperation in developing the regional tourism industry. However, the Tourism Ministers of ASEAN agreed that efforts should be continued and strengthened to further develop the industry on a regional basis for the benefits of all member countries.

5. Among the issues discussed by the ASEAN Tourism Ministers included:

5.1 Establishing a special lane at immigration check Points to facilitate travel of ASEAN nationals.
Thailand has already implemented this facility at the Bangkok Airport-and Malaysia has agreed to provide similar services when the KL national Airport is operational.

5.2 Increasing direct air links between ASEAN tourism areas.

5.3 Developing a system to facilitate yacht and leisure boats movement.

5.4 Promoting ASEAN as a venue for major conventions as well as sports events.

5.5 Promoting the Mekong Basin as a tourist destination.

5.6 Training for trainers and resource managers in tourism skills and conservation.

5.7 Enhancing cooperation under the ASEAN sub-regional groups such as IMT- GT, BIMP-EAGA and IMS-GT.

The Meeting acknowledged the importance of regional tourism and the relevant national tourism agencies have been directed to develop cooperative programmes to promote the region.

6. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers also exchanged views on current international issues related to tourism.
7. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers were also informed that the ASEAN Tourism Forum 1998 (ATF'98) which would be organized by the Philippines. The Meeting also agreed to privatize future ATFs. However, the degree of private sector's participation would be left to the respective ATF Host Country to decide.

8 The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

The 6th meeting of the ASEAN NTOs was held in Singapore on 17 & 18 July 1997.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Daniel G. Corpuz, Executive Director, the Philippines Convention and Visitors Corporation.

It was attended by:

Dr Tan Chin Nam (Vice-Chairman), Chief Executive, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board
Mr. Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, Director-General of Tourism Development Division, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam
Hon. Mr. Andi Mappi Sammeng, Director-General of Tourism, Directorate-General of Tourism, Department of Tourism, Post & Telecommunications, Indonesia.
Mr. Adrian Lee, Director of International Marketing, Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.
Mr. Paisan Wangsai, Director, International Relations Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Dr Nguyen Van Luu, Director of Department of International Co-operation, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Mr. Sannya Abhay, Deputy Director-General, National Tourism Authority, Lao PDR - Observer
Lt-Col Khin Maung Latt, Director-General, Directorate of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar - Observer
Mr. Honorio R. Vitasa, Assistant Director, Bureau of Economic Co-operation, ASEAN Secretariat.

The highlights of the meeting are:
1. ASEAN Tourism Forum 1998

The Philippines, as host of the next ATF, gave an update on preparations- The ATF will be held at the Waterfront Cebu International Convention Centre (CICC)in Cebu City, the Philippines, from 8-15 January 1998, under the theme, "ASEAN Tourism : Traversing Time".

As part of ATF 98, a travel mart, TRAVEX, will be organised to serve as a venue for ASEAN tourism entities to sell their products and services to foreign buyers. A total of 500 booths will be available to ASEAN sellers and some 500 buyers will be invited.

It is expected that ATF98 will attract 1500 delegates, including 1200 foreign participants.

2. Intra-ASEAN Tourism Co-operation

The meeting examined ways in which further co-operation could be undertaken and discussed how the collective attractiveness of ASEAN could be developed and promoted.

3. ASEAN Communication Team for Tourism

The meeting gave approval for the establishment of the above. The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, which hosted an inaugural meeting of public affairs and marketing representatives from the ASEAN NTOS, has been tasked to develop a framework for information sharing and dissemination within ASEAN in situations requiring rapid communication.

4. Tourism Co-operation in the ASEAN Growth Areas

The meeting discussed the progress of various projects and activities with respect to the various ASEAN growth areas like the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area. The meeting also noted the updated report for the Experts' Group on Tourism.

The meeting discussed further plans for tourism co-operation and development and also noted the average growth of 12.8% per annum for ASEAN tourism for the period 1988-1995. Overall arrival figures to ASEAN countries amounted to 29.6 million tourists in 1995, while total revenue was US$27.6 billion.

Additionally, the ASEAN tourism sector contributed significant gains to the regional economy, an equivalent of 9% of total exports and 4.5% of the regional GNP.

At the same time, the ASEAN region was also ranked 5th among the world's 30 top destinations - ahead of more popular destinations like the LTK, China, Mexico, Canada and Germany.

5. Country Reports

The meeting exchanged information on the progress of various countries in tourism development. Brunei unveiled its master plan for tourism development and its intention to market itself together with Sabah and Sarawak.

6. The 30th Anniversary of ASEAN

Various programmes to commemorate the anniversary were presented during the meeting. The ASEAN tourism industry shall work towards the development of promotional air fares and hotel packages to and within ASEAN and the display of the ASEAN logo on ASEAN national carriers.

7. ASEAN Free Trade Area & the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement: Prospects for Co-operation in Tourism

The meeting discussed reports on the above and considered joint prospects for the exchange of information as well as special events like the Kuala Lumpur 98 - XVI Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games in Sydney in the year 2000 as opportunities for joint marketing and promotion of multi-destination packages.

8. ASEAN - Republic of Korea relations

The meeting considered the proposal for a two-day workshop on ASEAN tourism for South Korean travel agents. Familiarisation trips for media and tour operators from South Korea to expose the collective ASEAN region were also discussed.

9. Next Meeting

The next ASEAN NTO meeting will be from 9 -10 January 1998, in Cebu, the Philippines.

The meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

Introduction
The First Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers was held on 10 January 1998 in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines and was preceded by the Seventh Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (ASEAN NTOS) held on 9 - 10 January 1998. The ASEAN NTOs also held an Informal Consultation with the senior tourism officials of the CER countries (Australia and New Zealand) on 10 January 1998. All the Meetings were held in conjunction with the on-going ASEAN Tourism Forum 1998 (ATF '98).
The ASEAN Tourism Ministers have had three informal meetings held at the annual ATFs; in Bangkok in January 1995, in Surabaya in January 1996, and in Kuala Lumpur in January 1997. in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministers agreed to report to their respective governments to transform their informal meeting into a formal one, to demonstrate their common resolve to give ASEAN cooperation in tourism top-level direction, guidance, impetus and strength.
The first formal Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers was chaired by H.E. Mina T. Gabor, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines, with H.E. BG (NS) George Yong-Boon Yeo, Minister for Information and the Arts and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, as Vice-Chairman. The Meeting was attended by:
a. H.E. Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Derussalam;
b. H.E.Mr. Joop Ave, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Indonesia;

c. H. E.Mr. Khamsay Souphanouvong, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Lao People's Democratic Republic;

d. Mr. Shahril B. Saat, Undersecretary, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, on behalf of H.E. Dato' Sabbaruddin Chik, Minister ot Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia;

e. H.E.Major General Saw Lwin, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar;

f. H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Thailand;

g. H.E. Mdm. Vo Thi Thang, Chairperson of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam; and

h. Dr. Suthad Setboonsarng, Depuy Secretary-General on behalf of H.E. Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., Secretary-General of ASEAN; and members of their respective delegations.

H.E. Mr. Pou Sovachanay, Under Secretary of State of Tourism of Cambodia and his delegation attended as Observers.
Goals of Enhanced ASEAN cooperation in Tourism

The Ministers noted that ASEAN tourism accounted for 4.4. per cent of the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 9.1 per cent of ASEAN total exports, respectively, in 1996. The Ministers also noted that there were 30.95 million international tourist arrivals to ASEAN in 1996, with 4.4 per cent increase over the 1995 level of 29.64 million; and tourism revenues were US$ 30.87 billion, an increase of US$ 3.32 billion over the 1995's receipts of US$ 27.55 billion.
The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic role of the Tourism Sector in the overall economic growth and employment generation of the Member Countries, in particular, and of the ASEAN region, in general. The Ministers noted that in the ASEAN Vision 2020, the ASEAN Leaders emphasized, among others, the need to advance economic integration and cooperation, the protection of the region's environment, and the creation of a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN Economic Region where there is free flow of goods, services and investment. In this regard, the Ministers strongly expressed confidence that, with their collective resolve for enhanced cooperation, the Tourism Sector shall be among the important services sectors that will contribute to the achievement of the ASEAN vision for the next millennium.
i. Ministerial Understanding on ASEAN Cooperation in Tourism
The Ministers signed a Ministerial Understanding that embodies their collective commitmnent, will and determination, to achieve a more focused goal for tourism cooperation among ASEAN Member Countries. These goals are to market the ASEAN region as a collective tourist destination, encourage free trade and investments in tourism, and facilitate intra-ASEAN travel.
ii. Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Tourism
The Ministers adopted the Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Tourism as the strategic document to provide greater tourism interaction and cooperation and bind Member Countries into a cohesive tourism alliance into the 21st century. The Ministers expressed support to the ASEAN NTOs and their senior officials in pursuing the following priority strategic actions for ASEAN tourism cooperation:
a. Marketing the ASEAN Region as a Single Tourism Destination;
Visit ASEAN Millennium Year
Top-level Tourism Marketing Conference
b. Encouraging Tourism lnvestments;

Tourism Investment Guide
Liberalisation of Trade in Tourism
c. Tourism Manpower Development;

Networking of Training Centres
National Satellite Accounting System
Training of Travelers
d. Environmentally Sustainable Tourism; and

Eco - Tourism Promotion
e. Facilitating lntra-ASEAN Travel.

Cruise Tourism
iii. Private Sector participation
The Ministers emphasized the active involvement and participation of the ASEAN private sector including ASEANTA, as among the key elements in the successful implementation of the Plan of Action. Towards this end, the Ministers urged the private sector to take a more pro-active part in the formulation of the detailed programmes and activities, and subsequent implementation of the Plan of Action, and in particular, in the areas of joint marketing and promotion, investment promotion and human resources development.
Tourism Sectoral Negotation under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services

The Ministers noted that the initial package of commitments had been endorsed by the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers (29th AEM) held in Subang Jaya, Malaysia on 16 0ctober 1997 for implementation no later than 31 March 1998. The Ministers also noted that a Protocol to Implement the Initial Package of Commitments under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services was subsequently signed by the AEM on 15 December 1997 during the Second ASEAN Informal Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Ministers welcomed with interest, that among the seven sectoral negotiating groups, the Tourism Sector was the first services sector where all ASEAN Member Countries had made specific commitments for further liberalisation.
The Ministers further noted that a second phase of negotiations will shortly commence for a final package of commitments to be completed by 31 December 1998. In this regard, the Ministers urged the ASEAN NTOs to sustain the momentum of the Tourism Secioral Negotiation, with the view to further improve the existing package and to provide additional offers for the final package.
ASEAN Communications Team for Tourism (ACTT)

The Ministers agreed to the formal establishment of the ASEAN Communication Team for Tourism (ACTT) under the aegis of the ASEAN NTOs. The Chair will rotate among the ASEAN NTOs on a yearly basis, and Singapore shall be the Chairman of this grouping for its first year. In particular, the Ministers commended the ASEAN NTOs and ACTT for their weekly joint advisories on the haze situation. These helped to provide the actual situation in the various ASEAN destinations to the international travel trade and media.
AFTA - CER Linkage: Cooperation in Tourism

The Ministers noted that an Informal Consultation between the ASEAN NTOs and senior CER (Australia - New Zealand) tourism officials was held on 10 January 1998. In noting that some ASEAN Member Countries have tourism links with the CER countries on a bilateral basis, the Ministers noted that at the regional level, the ASEAN NTOs will pursue with the CER countries the following cooperative activities:
a. information sharing and investment promotion;
b. joint marketing programmes to further enhance two-way tourism; and

c. education and training.

ASEAN Curency Crisis and Haze Situation
The Minisiers discussed the consequential impacts of the currency crisis and smoke, haze in the region caused by land and forest fires on their respective tourism industry. The Ministers expressed regret that he currency crisis and the smoke haze contributed to the sharp decline in tourist arrivals to ASEAN during the period August - November 1997. The Ministers, however, expressed optimism that with the dissipation of the smoke haze, the currency crisis will provide the opportunities for increased arrivals from long-haul markets as the ASEAN region has become more internationally competitive and a very-price attractive tourism destination.
The Ministers welcomed the recent efforts of the ASEAN Environment Ministers during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Haze held on 22 - 23 December 1997 in Singapore. The Ministerial Meeting on the Haze agreed to intensify cooperation and develop measures to prevent a recurrence of smoke haze, with the implementation of a Regional Haze Action Plan, among others.
The Ministers exchanged views and encouraged the possible use of the respective local currency for quoting local tariff or rates for the tourism and other related facilities and services for ASEAN travelers.
ATF' 99, Singapore

The Ministers noted that the ASEAN Tourism Forum 1999 (ATF '99) will be held on 25 January - 1 February 1999 in Singapore.
The Ministers agreed to hold the Second Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers on 27 January 1999 in Singapore during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 1999 (ATF '99).
The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

Introduction

The Second Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers (2nd M-ATM) was held on 28 January 1999 in Singapore, preceded by the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) held from 26-27 January 1999. The ASEAN NTOs also held a Consultation with the Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) as represented by the Singapore STOM delegation.

The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr Lee Yock Suan, Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, with H.E. Mr Pitak Intrawityanunt, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office of Thailand, as Vice-Chairman. The Meeting was attended by:

H.E. Pehin Dato' Abdul Rahman Taib, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam;

H.E. Mr Marzuki Usman, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Indonesia;

H.E. Mr Cheng Sayavong, Vice-Minister to Ministry of Commerce & Tourism and Chairman of the National Tourism Authority of Lao PDR, Lao PDR;

H.E. Dato' Sri Sabbaruddin Chik, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia;

H.E. Major General Saw Lwin, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar;

H.E. Ms Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Secretary of Tourism, Philippines;

Dr Pham Tu, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam;

Mr. Immanuel Robert Inkiriwang, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, on behalf of H.E. Mr Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., ASEAN Secretary-General; and members of their respective delegations.

H.E. Mr Veng Sereyvuth, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia and his delegation attended as Observers.

The Ministers reviewed the implementation progress of the Plan of Action on ASEAN Co-operation in Tourism and set the pace for the realisation of the tourism priorities of the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA), among others.

Hanoi Plan of Action: Implementing the Tourism Priorities

In reaffirming the commitment to the ASEAN Leaders' agenda in the Hanoi Plan of Action, the Ministers resolved to implement the Visit ASEAN Millennium Year in the year 2002, with special focus on international travel and tourism to the ASEAN region as well as within ASEAN itself. The Ministers adopted a broad strategy towards its eventual implementation by the ASEAN NTOs in greater partnership with the private sector.

To translate the HPA priorities into action, the Ministers endorsed the designation of country co-ordinators for the following activities:

launching the Visit ASEAN Millennium Year 2002 (the Philippines);

conduct of strategic studies for joint marketing of the ASEAN region in the 21st century, and the convening of top-level tourism marketing missions to promote the region (Brunei Darussalam);

establishment of a network among ASEAN Tourism Training Centres with an emphasis on new job skills and new technologies by 2001 in tourism policy and planning (Indonesia);

conduct of eco-tourism programmes for the travel trade and consumers (Malaysia); and

completion of a cruise tourism development study by ASEAN by the year 2000 (Singapore).

As a contribution of the tourism sector in addressing the current financial and economic crisis and in line with the new rounds of negotiations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, the Ministers urged the acceleration of trade liberalisation for tourism services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), with the view to removing all obstacles to the free flow of tourism services among member countries.

To attract more tourism investments and to expand the industry, member countries could also offer some or all of the following special incentives and facilitation support.

corporate income tax exemption granted to new projects in tourism investments (hotel construction and business operations, tourist resorts, golf courses, travel trade activities, etc)

maximisation of the equity ownership up to 100% in the tourism and travel-related industries

duty free status for imported capital goods

easy access to penetrate domestic markets

maximisation of the period of land concessions or land use for FDI in tourism and travel-related industries

acceleration of the free flow of tourism professionals with certified, occupational skills

speedy custom clearance of capital goods for new investment and promotional materials

Liberalising the issuing of investment and trade licenses by the simplification or deregulation of procedures and mechanisms.

The Ministers further agreed that member countries should promote a positive, intra-ASEAN investment climate.

The Ministers also agreed to pursue air services liberalisation to promote intra-ASEAN travel.

Implementation Status of the Plan of Action on ASEAN Co-operation in Tourism

In reviewing the implementation status of the Plan of Action, the Ministers were pleased with the progress made in the five areas of co-operation, namely:

Marketing the ASEAN region as a single tourist destination. The Ministers noted that in the area of marketing destinations, competition does exist. However, the above action plans are carried out in a spirit of co-operative competition.

Encouraging tourism investments;

Developing a pool of critical tourism manpower;

Promoting environmentally sustainable tourism; and

Facilitating seamless intra-ASEAN travel.

In particular, the Ministers were pleased to note the completion of the following initial activities in the Plan of Action:

the establishment of an ASEAN NTO fund for joint promotion activities to be undertaken by the ASEAN NTOs;

the publication of Wonders of Southeast Asia – An Official Guide to Thematic Tour Packaging by the Experts' Group on Tourism, a manual specially designed to help the travel trade plan and develop more creative packages for various market segments, particularly special interest groups;

the publication of the ASEAN Tourism Investment Guide, a manual that provides potential investors with relevant information on doing business in the respective countries, including regulatory requirements and their investment climates and regimes; and

the completion of a Study on the Facilitation of Intra-ASEAN Travel, which looks at the challenges and practical measures to address facilitation of intra-ASEAN travel.

The Ministers noted the heightened emphasis given to tourism in the Hanoi Plan of Action and the on-going review of the structure of the ASEAN Secretariat. They directed the Secretariat to look into strengthening its unit overseeing tourism matters, so as to provide greater support to the ASEAN NTOs in the areas of tourism information exchange and dissemination as well as training for the region's tourism personnel.

ASEANTA's support for the Plan of Action on ASEAN Co-operation in Tourism

The Ministers acknowledged the active and complementary participation of the private sector in implementing the Plan of Action. The Ministers viewed that such involvement by the private sector is a critical element in the success of the Plan. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the Plan of Action, the Ministers commended the complementary efforts of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) in the following area:

The implementation of the ASEAN Air Pass, an innovative product developed jointly by ASEANTA member airlines, to promote travel into and within the ASEAN region; and

The development of an ASEAN Events Module in the ASEANTA website that will facilitate the wider dissemination of tourism events taking place in ASEAN Member Countries.

Formation of a Joint ASEAN NTOs-STOM Cruise Working Group

In line with the proposal of the ASEAN Transport Ministers (ATM), the Tourism Ministers agreed to the formation of a Joint ASEAN NTOs-STOM (Senior Transport Officials' Meeting) Cruise Working Group, as recommended in the Inaugural ASEAN NTOs-STOM Consultation held on 26 January 1999.

ASEAN Tourism Forum Jan 1999 (ATF '99): "Partners in Progress"

The Ministers were pleased to note the extensive support given by the public and private sectors for ATF '99, in particular TRAVEX '99. This was organised by private sector agencies, namely, the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) and the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) under the auspices of ASEANTA.

The Ministers viewed that the theme of ATF '99 – "Partners in Progress" – aptly described the various forms of partnership evident in the activities of the ASEAN NTOs as well as the deliberations of the 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers. The Ministers emphasised that such partnership is the key to ASEAN's continued success for co-operation in the tourism sector.

The next ATF will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 20-26 January 2000, with the theme "Towards Seamless Intra-ASEAN Travel". The Third Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (3rd M-ATM) will also be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 23 January 2000.

The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
THIRD MEETING OF ASEAN TOURISM MINISTERS
(3rd M-ATM)
23 January 2000, Bangkok, Thailand

The Third Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) was held on 23 January 2000 and was preceded by the Eleventh Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (ASEAN NTOs) held from 21-22 January 2000. Both meetings were held in Conjunction with the on-going ASEAN Tourism Forum 2000 (ATF 2000).

The Third M-ATM was chaired by H.E. Mrs. Pavena Hongsakula, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with H.E. Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib. Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam as Vice-Chairman. The list of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in attendance is attached.

Launching the Visit ASEAN Campaign

The Ministers agreed to reformulate the Visit ASEAN Millennium Year 2002 program into a Visit ASEAN campaign. The overall objective of The Visit ASEAN campaign is to build a strong branding of the ASEAN region as a single tourism destination over a sustained period beyond 2002. This new approach will build upon the unique strengths and diversities, as well as the strong unity and complementation of the individual member countries under a single ASEAN brand.

The Visit ASEAN campaign will be officially launched during, ATF 2001 in Brunei Darussalam, with the commencement of the campaign from 2002 onwards.

Liberalization of Trade in the Tourism Services Sector

To further enhance intra-ASEAN cooperation ill the tourism sector and in line with the decision of the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, the Ministers agreed that member countries will expand existing areas of cooperation through a more liberal policy environment in the ASEAN tourism services sector. In this connection, the Ministers created a special ASEAN NTOs task- force, with Thailand as country coordinator to step up negotiations to liberalize trade in tourism services, with the view to formulating an ASEAN package of commitments providing preferential incentives and facilitation support measures among others.

Status of Implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action/Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Tourism

The Minister; expressed satisfaction with the following accomplishments since their last meeting in Singapore in January 1999:

Compilation and analysis of the results of TAT's multi-sectoral survey on the Facilitation of Intra-ASEAN Travel which recommended, among others, the promotion of intra-ASEAN travel and the forging of a strong partnership and dialogue, with the related sectors such as ASEAN transport, immigration, finance, customs and other authorities; 

Participation of ASEAN NTOs in the Joint ASEAN Investment Promotion Missions in Japan. The United States and Europe. The ASEAN Tourism Investment Guide will also be made available through the ASEAN Secretariat Website; 

Completion of the Kangwon-do International Travel Exposition held on 11 September – 30 October 1999 in the Republic of Korea, which attracted sonic 2 million visitors to the ASEAN Pavilion. A new project -- the Two-Day Workshop on ASEAN-and Korean Tourism for Korean and ASEAN Travel Agents -- will be implemented this year. These two projects. Are Under the auspices of the ASEAN - Republic of Korea Cooperation;

Ongoing cooperation with ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) on cruise tourism development, regular exchange of data oil cruise industry and joint marketing and promotion, 

Establishment of ASEAN' Lanes in Bali, Bangkok, Yangon, Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur. All ASEAN countries will have this special lane to support the Visit ASEAN campaign, through the complementary efforts of the ASEAN   Directors-General of  Immigration and Heads Of Consular Division of ASEAN Ministries of Foreign Affairs; and 

Publication of the ASEAN Map, which provides general information oil the major tourism destinations of all tell ASEAN member countries, and the decision to publish the Eco-Tourism Handbook.

Exchange of Information on the Negative Social Aspects of Tourism

The Ministers agreed to exchange of information on the negative social activities such as child prostitution. Paedophilia, human smuggling and drug trafficking, etc, as these activities damage ASEAN's image as it single tourism destination. The Ministers also agreed that this task will be Undertaken through the ASEAN Communications Team on Tourism (ACTT).

Role of Tourism in ASEAN's Sustained Economic Growth

The Ministers exchanged views oil the role of tourism in sustained economic growth and agreed that enhancing investment in tourism facilities, the removal of barriers to tourism and complementary marketing programs for ASEAN tourism are important areas of cooperation. Among others, the Ministers agreed to exchange experiences and cooperate in the promotion of domestic tourism and to explore ways and means to further promote the growth of intra-ASEAN travel in a more focussed and urgent manner. The Ministers identified that relaxation of visa requirements, the promotion and development of cruise tourism, air services Liberalization, strong ASEAN presence in major travel marts are among the important areas to be looked into by the ASEAN NTOs and the ASEAN relevant coordinating bodies.

The Ministers noted hat ATF 2000 with the theme "Towards Seamless Intra-ASEAN Travel" has attached a total of 1,500 ASEAN tourism and travel executives, government officials, buyers and sellers from 40 countries.

The Fourth Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 21 January 2001, during ATF 2001 to be held on 18 - 24 January 2001, with "ASEAN Phinnacle of Tourism  Excellence as the theme".


LIST OF ASEAN TOURISM MINISTERS IN ATTENDANCE

H.E. Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib. Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam;

H.E. Mr Veng Sereyvuth,, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia;

Mr. I Gede Ardika, Director - General of Tourism on behalf of H.E. Mr. Hidayat Djaelani, State Minister of Tourism and Arts, Indonesia;

H.E. Mr Cheng Sayavong, Vice-Minister of Commerce & Tourism and Chairman of the National Tourism Authority of Lao PDR, Lao PDR;

H.E. Dato' Abdul Kadir Bin Haji Sheikh Fadzir, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia;

H.E. Major General Saw Lwin, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar:

H.E. MS Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Minister of Tourism, Philippines;

H.E. Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Singapore.

H.E. Mrs. Pavena Hongsakula, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

H.E. Dr Nguyen Phu DUC, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Vietnam; and

H.E. Mr Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., ASEAN Secretary-General.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the five original Member Countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined the Association on 8 January 1984. Vietnam became the seventh member of ASEAN on 28 July 1995.

The Bangkok Declaration united the ASEAN Member Countries in a joint effort to promote economic cooperation and the welfare of the people in the region. The Bangkok Declaration set out guidelines for ASEAN's activities and defined the aims of the organization. The ASEAN nations came together with three main objectives in mind: to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the region through cooperative programmes; to safeguard the political and economic stability of the region against big power rivalry; and to serve as a forum for the resolution of intra-regional differences.

The First Summit Meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia in February 1976, during which, the five Member Countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Declaration of ASEAN Concord. Both documents signified ASEAN's aims towards ensuring regional peace and stability and to foster economic and social growth and enhancing the need for cooperation with all peace-loving nations. At this meeting, a small permanent secretariat was also established in Jakarta to provide administrative support and to help in coordination of ASEAN activities.

The Second Summit Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August 1977 to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of ASEAN and to assess the progress in the implementation of the decisions taken at the Bali Summit.

The Third Summit Meeting took place in Manila, Philippines in December 1987. The thrust of this Summit was on economic cooperation. The Member Countries signed the Manila Declaration and set up the ASEAN Plan of Action. The Protocol Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia was also signed to enable countries outside the ASEAN region to accede to the Treaty.

The Fourth Summit was held in Singapore in January 1992. The ASEAN Heads of Government signed the Singapore Declaration of 1992 and the Framework Agreement on Enhancing ASEAN Economic Cooperation. One of the major outcomes of this Summit is the decision to set up the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) within 15 years. Member Countries also signed the Agreement on the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme which is the main instrument to establish AFTA. The Fourth Summit also enhanced the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN and enlarged the functions of the ASEAN Secretariat to carry out its new mandate.

The Fifth Summit will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in December 1995.

ASEAN FREE TRADE AREA (AFTA)

The most significant step in enhancing trade in ASEAN was the decision of the Fourth Summit in 1992 to establish the ASEAN Free Trade Area by the year 2008. In September 1994, the ASEAN Member Countries agreed to accelerate the establishment of AFTA by reducing the initial time frame of 15 years to 10 years.

Aside from influencing intra-regional trading activities, the primary objective of AFTA is to promote greater foreign direct investment and intra-ASEAN investment in the region. Another important aim of AFTA is to promote ASEAN as a competitive production base geared towards servicing the global market.

The Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme which is the main mechanism for realizing AFTA was launched on 1 January 1993. The CEPT Scheme covers manufactured and agricultural products. The product coverage in the CEPT Scheme is the most comprehensive ever in any ASEAN trading arrangement. For instance, more than 90% of the total ASEAN tariff lines are already included in the Scheme. In addition, more than 85% of intra-ASEAN trade values and about 86% of the overall trade of ASEAN Member Countries are covered by the CEPT Scheme.

While there are provisions in the AFTA agreement for products to be placed under the Temporary Exclusion List (TEL) and Exception List, nonetheless by the year 1998 all existing products in the TEL would have to be transferred to the Inclusion List. Thus, starting from the year 2000, more than 95 % of the total ASEAN tariff lines would be placed under. the CEPT Scheme. The remaining tariff lines or products such as ammunition, drugs, and phonographic materials would be in the Exception List for national security and public safety reasons.

The CEPT Scheme entails tariff reduction exercises all across the board and the elimination of quantitative restrictions and non-tariff' barriers (NTBs). By the year 2003 the region will have experienced a tariff regime of not more than 5% tariff rate. Tariff reductions have been effected since I January 19')4. To ensure that AFTA is realized expeditiously, other trade facilitation measures are also being undertaken concurrently to expedite the AFTA process. ASEAN cooperation in customs matters (harmonization of tariff nomenclatures, harmonization of customs valuation and procedures and establishment of the Green Lane System to help expedite customs clearance for CEPT products) have been intensified. Work on harmonization of products standards and promotion of mutual recognition to support the trade liberalization process have also made good headway.

The AFTA Unit in the ASEAN Secretariat and National AFTA Units in Member Governments have been established to provide support to the private sector in encouraging it to participate actively in the AFTA process.

Reposted from FB:
Steve Jobs dies a billionaire, with a fortune of $7 billion, at the age of 56 from pancreatic cancer, and here are some of his last words...

"In other eyes, my life is the essence of success, but aside from work, I have a little joy. And in the end, wealth is just a fact of life to which I am accustomed."

"At this moment, lying on the bed, sick and remembering all my life, I realize that all my recognition and wealth that I have is meaningless in the face of imminent death. You can hire someone to drive a car for you, make money for you – but you can not rent someone to carry the disease for you. One can find material things, but there is one thing that can not be found when it is lost – "LIFE".

Treat yourself well, and cherish others. As we get older we are smarter, and we slowly realize that the watch is worth $30 or $300 – both of which show the same time. Whether we carry a purse worth $30 or $300 – the amount of money in the wallets are the same. Whether we drive a car worth $150,000, or a car worth $30,000 – the road and distance are the same, we reach the same destination. If we drink a bottle worth $300 or wine worth $10 – the "stroller" will be the same. If the house we live in is 300 square meters, or 3000 square meters – the loneliness is the same."

"Your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether you're flying first class, or economy class – if the plane crashes, you crash with it."

So, I hope you understand that when you have friends or someone to talk to – this is true happiness!

Five Undeniable Facts

Do not educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. – So when they grow up they will know the
value of things, not the price.

Eat your food as medicine, otherwise you will need to eat your medicine as food.

Whoever loves you will never leave you, even if he has 100 reasons to give up. He will always find one reason to hold on.

There is a big difference between being human and human being.

If you want to go fast – go alone! But if you want to go far – go together.

And in conclusion...

The six best doctors in the world

Sunlight
Rest
Exercise
Diet
Self-confidence
Friends

Keep them in all stages of life and enjoy a healthy life.

Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat yourself well. Cherish others.

"Love the people God sent you, one day He'll need them back."

Something worth sharing!!!

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Tara Yap:

"#SeaTragedy Survivors claimed the Philippine Coast Guard Western Visayas left trapped passengers of the 3rd capsized boat to die.

They also claimed that the majority of the Coast Guard men weren't actually in the water or doing actual rescue ops.

Instead, the Coast Guard men stood & watched from the rubber boats while busy snapping pictures & recording videos.

Sure, you can't control nature's wrath. But the 3rd boat accident could have been avoided & the death toll would not have reached 30+"

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CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, August 6 (PIA)--More than 400 learners in Santiago City benefitted from the free Tetanus Diptheria vaccine from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Santiago City Health Office.

The vaccination was administered by health officials from the DOH and the City Health Office of Santiago during the launching of the School-Based Immunization  program at the Santiago City North Central School.

DOH Assistant Secretary Ma. Francia Laxamana led the anti-measles vaccination during the ceremonial vaccination which signals the start of the simultaneous  school-based immunization program in Santiago City on August 5, 2019.

Laxamana lauded the leadership of the local government of Santiago City and DepEd-Santiago City for their support in the school-based immunization program of the government.

She said through vaccination, children can develop immunity without suffering from the actual diseases that vaccines prevent.

She further urged parents to let their children be vaccinated of anti-measles to ensure their health while growing. These vaccines, she added are  given free by the government.

"We have targeted 95% among school children in the country to be vaccinated with anti-measles to ensure their protection," Laxamana added. (ALM/MGE/Isabela)

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NDRRMC press briefing, live on ANC:
Re: DOH declares national dengue epidemic

Health Sec. Francisco Duque III:
-It is important that a national epidemic be declared in the area to identify where our localized response is needed, and to enable LGUs to use their quick response funds to address the epidemic situation.
-7 out of 17 regions have exceeded the epidemic thresholds of dengue in their regions for the past 3 consecutive weeks. These regions are Regions IV-A, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VIII, IX, and X. Other regions exceeded the alert level such as the Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, and BARMM.
-Starting today, the DOH together with the other government agencies, the LGUs, the schools, the offices and communities will conduct the "Sabayang 4 o'clock Habit Para Deng-Get-Out," focusing on search and destroy of mosquito breeding sites.
-On preventive measures: Sabay-sabay tayong mag-search and destroy tuwing alas-kwatro ng hapon. I would like to urge the public to follow suit; wala tayong gamot, wala tayong bakuna. So taklagang ito lang ang bukod tanging pamamaraan ngayon na puwede nating gawin para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng dengue.
-This is going to be staggering, a record number; this is a compelling reason why we are declaring a national dengue epidemic.

DND Sec Delfin Lorenzana:
-I, as chairman of the NDRRMC issued a memorandum circular subject enjoining all member agencies to support the nationwide dengue epidemic response, the efforts of the DOH to eliminate this epidemic once and for all.
-It's not nationwide; there are areas na mas malaki ang tama. It's up to the provinces and cities to declare their own state of calamity.

DOST Sec. Fortunato dela Peña:
-On diagnostic kit: We will roll out the kit developed by researchers from UP Manila. The kit offers a simplified method of confirming the presence of dengue virus in a patient's blood, thus it can be used to detect dengue infections at the start of the fever.
-The target is for a total of 304 LGU hospitals to receive the diagnostic kits. We are sorry that it will still take time to produce more kits. [pia-ac/dp]

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Sultan Kudarat province

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Gender Discrimination?

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Fried Banana

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What do you call this game?

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