MikeLigalig.com

CEBU CITY — The number of dengue cases in Central Visayas is expected to further increase this year due to the mild El Niño phenomenon.

Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, Medical Officer of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7), said Tuesday they are anticipating that more children and adults will acquire the disease during the dry spell.

"We call it the El Niño effect. This is because people will be storing water due to supply shortage, and water containers would serve as breeding areas for dengue-carrying mosquitoes," Buscato told reporters after the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) Media Forum held at DOH-7.

Because of this El Niño effect, Buscato said dengue cases in the region this year would most likely equal or exceed the 28,591 cases recorded in 2016.

The Central Visayas Center for Health Development is strongly encouraging those affected by the water shortage to use water containers with covers to prevent the disease from spreading further.

From January 1 to April 6, Central Visayas remains to be the region with the most number of dengue cases nationwide with 6,521 and 38 deaths, which is 252 percent higher compared to the 1,851 cases and 12 deaths in the same period of last year.

Most of the 38 fatalities died because of delayed consultation or no consultation at all, Buscato said.

The latest fatality was a 27-year-old male patient from Borbon, Cebu, who expired last March 18.

Cebu City also continues to stay on top of the list with the most number of cases in the region at 784 and eight deaths.

Completing the top five are Lapu-Lapu City with 499 cases, Mandaue City with 323 and three deaths, Dumaguete City with 221, and Buenavista, Bohol with 192 cases.

The number of cases in more than 50 local government units in Central Visayas has reached outbreak level, but most of the LGUs concerned did not declare an outbreak.

"These LGUs have already mobilized their respective outbreak response long before the number of cases in their areas had reached critical level. So, there was no need for them to declare an outbreak," Buscato said. (PNA)

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BEIJING -- A 6.7-magnitude earthquake jolted a sea area near Hualien county, Taiwan at 1:01 p.m. Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

The epicenter was monitored at 24.02 degrees north latitude and 121.65 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 24 km., the center said in a statement, revising its preliminary monitoring results of 6.1 issued earlier. (Xinhua)

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MANILA -- The National Privacy Commission (NPC) reminded public and private offices to be vigilant against hackers and thieves during the Holy Week break.

In a statement on Wednesday, Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro said personal information controllers (PICs), personal information processors (PIPs) and data protection officers must ensure that the personal information they manage must be protected in view of the increased likelihood of cyberattacks during long holidays.

"The use of strong passwords is essential in protecting personal information from malicious intentions. One precaution that PICs, PIPs, and DPOs should do during the long break is password-protect or encrypt files and databases on servers, computers, and other devices in their organization. If necessary, change passwords," he added.

The NPC urged offices to implement the following measures to ensure data security and protection:

- Place non-mission critical systems offline especially those that contain or have access to personal data.

- For systems that are kept offline, make sure that all system activities are recorded, and the logs are secure.

- Conduct a backup of files (digital and non-digital), systems (e.g. server access, files, logs), and databases. If possible, do not bring them outside the office such as in portable devices.

- Ensure that respective workstations are shut down properly and electrical connections are cut off accordingly.

- Discourage physical security breaches by securing office premises adequately. Keep personal valuables safe.

- Make sure all physical documents containing personal information are secure in locked file cabinets.

- Log out all accounts in computers.

- Ensure that proper system updates are done to ensure that your system and even computers are protected from threats and possible attacks.

- Appropriate intrusion detection systems (e.g. firewall, anti-virus) must be put in place and properly working.

- The organization should have a response and recovery plan that would be useful in times of emergencies, disasters, or even system attacks.

- Employees must be reminded and/or educated regarding the organization's security measures that must be observed (e.g. accessing work documents outside the office premises)

"Digital and physical break-ins are more likely to occur during long breaks when there's minimal staffing in offices," Liboro said. (PNA)

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MANILA -- Measures to institutionalize tie-ups with other governments and foreign tax institutions vis-à-vis funding for terrorism show the Philippines' resolve to fight international terrorism.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, in a recent statement, raised the need for governments to collaborate to put a stop to money laundering, which has been proven to be among the main modes of funding terroristic activities.

He cited greater coordination between Philippines' intelligence and law enforcement authorities to trace, seize, and forfeit funds suspected as being used or to be used to finance terroristic acts.

Asked for specifics regarding any amount of money unearthed by the Philippine government tied to terroristic activities, Dominguez declined to elaborate.

"Sorry, but I can't answer that as the information is a matter of national security to us and other countries," he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Earlier, Philippine authorities have asked European authorities to stop the flow of funds from Belgium and other country-members of the European Union (EU) that are allegedly being used to fund activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Citing data gathered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine authorities who met with officials from EU, European Parliament, and the European Commission (EC) said about 621,000 Euro (PHP36,663,840) has been released to the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, an organization suspected to be the front of terrorist groups.

The PNA earlier reported that the amount is the initial batch for this year since around 1.3 million Euro (PHP76,752,000) is expected to be released to the group this year.

The report also said that the Belgian government has set up an annual grant of about 15 million Euro (PHP885,600,000) to some Belgian non-government organizations (NGOs) for 2017-21 without knowing that some of these are fronts of terrorist groups. (PNA)

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MANILA -- Philippine shares ended the abbreviated trading week generally higher while the peso finished flat against the greenback.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose for the second day in row and ended the trade at 7,835.15 points, up 0.11 percent or 8.69 points.

BPI Research, in a report, traced this to the higher-than-expected growth of the Chinese economy in the first quarter of 2019.

Reports said growth of the world's second largest economy in the first three months this year surpassed expectations of 6.3 percent, expanding slightly higher at 6.4 percent.

Another factor that boosted the PSEi is the report of surplus in the Philippines' balance of payment (BOP) last March at USD627 million, which brought the first quarter figure to USD3.8 billion surplus, a reversal from the USD1.2 billion deficit same period in 2018.

The rise of the main gauge was tracked by most of the counters, with the All Shares up by 0.18 percent, or 8.54 points, to 4,836.68 points.

Services led the sectors with a jump of 1.45 percent and was followed by the Financials, 1.42 percent, and Industrial, 0.07 percent.

On the other hand, Mining and Oil fell 0.71 percent, Holding Firms, 0.70 percent; and Property, 0.35 percent.

Volume was thin at 694.4 million shares amounting to PHP5.4 billion.

Gainers led losers at 110 to 73 while 45 shares were unchanged.

On the other hand, the peso ended the three-day workweek little changed at 51.765, which a trader attributed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) BOP report.

The local unit started the day weak at 51.8 from 51.7 a day ago, which was attributed to investors' wait-and-see stance ahead of the release of the BOP figure for the first quarter this year.

It improved to 51.74 mid-trade but also touched 51.88, resulting to an average of 51.802.

Volume reached USD994.38 million, higher than the USD810.45 million Tuesday.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 51.60 and 51.90 on Monday.

Trading takes a break on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as these are regular holidays in the country. (PNA)

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MANILA -- The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has announced the activation of an online exam application scheduling system on its website for those who want to take the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrance exam.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the commission said it has activated the On-Line Examination Application Scheduling System (OLEASS) in the website, caex.napolcom.gov.ph, for applicants who will take the computer-assisted entrance exam slated to be held at the Napolcom central office in Quezon City on Tuesdays and Thursdays in May, June, July, and September.

Lawyer Rogelio T. Casurao, Napolcom vice-chairman and executive officer, said the OLEASS will be open to applicants at noon onwards on April 22 until April 26. The exam dates are on May 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 28, and 30; and all Tuesdays and Thursdays of June, July, and September.

Applicants may pick their desired date of examination and fill out the mandatory fields. Those with confirmed schedules shall be sent an auto-generated email informing them to access the on-link and enter all the required information in the application form.

They should personally file their applications at the Examination Division One-Stop Shop, 7th Floor, DILG-Napolcom Center, Edsa corner Quezon Ave., Quezon City from 7:15 a.m. to 8 a.m. on their scheduled appointment/exam date. Examination fee is PHP600.

Civilian applicants must bring the emailed confirmation slip, filled-out application form and index card; two recent, identical and color 1"x1" ID pictures with white background and complete name tag (for PNP members, the name tag should indicate the rank before the name); one legal size window envelope; authenticated transcript of scholastic record with Special Order issued by the Commission on Higher Education and diploma; birth certificate in security paper issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or certified true copy of the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by the PSA; and any valid ID card with picture and signature.

Police Officer 1 (PO1) applicants with temporary appointment must bring a certified true copy of Attested Appointment, Plantilla Appointment, or Special Order.

After completing the application process, applicants will be required to be at the examination room located at the 20th Floor of the same building to take the three-hour examination. Only 40 examinees will be accommodated per exam day. The Certificate of Eligibility or Report of Rating will be given personally to the examinee after the examination.

Examinees who fail in the Napolcom computer-assisted exam shall be allowed to take the same exam after three months.

The PNP Entrance examination is open to all Filipino citizens who are bachelor's degree holders and not more than 30 years old. PO1s, whose appointments are temporary for lack of appropriate eligibility, are also required to take the PNP entrance exam.

Applicants should wear a plain white shirt, dark pants and shoes during their scheduled appointment/examination date. Those who are not in the prescribed attire will not be allowed to enter the exam center. (PNA)

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MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday asked China to stop surrounding Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), warning that just one harmed soldier could "precipitate trouble there."

Duterte, in a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Batangas, made this statement after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bared that a rise in the number of Chinese fishing vessels have been discovered near the Philippine-occupied island since January this year.

"Iyong Pag-asa Island, sinabi ko, huwag ninyong i-surround kasi may mga sundalo ako diyan (I said, don't surround Pag-asa Island because I have soldiers there)," Duterte said in his speech.

"Nag-warning lang ako. Hindi ko tinatakot ang China (I just warned them. I didn't threaten China). But it could precipitate trouble there. 'Pag namatayan ako ng sundalo maski isa, ah gulo na 'yan (If I lose even just one soldier there, there would be trouble)," he added.

He also appealed to China to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in the disputed waters and not to drive them away.

"But there will be a time, at sabihin ko sa China ngayon (and I will tell China now) that they should also meet halfway. Kagaya ng mga mangingisda natin, tapos 'yang palibutan nila 'yang Pag-asa (To consider our fishermen, and their actions surrounding Pag-asa Island)," he added.

The President said waging a war with China is unwise, since he doubted that other nations, including the US, would be willing to take part in the conflict.

"Pero ngayon, magsabi ka, 'mag-fight ako sa China,' (But now, if you say, 'I will fight China') okay, who will come? Who will? Sino? Magbigay ka ng limang magtulong sa atin (Name at least five countries that will help us)," Duterte said.

"America? Mag-suicide kaya ang America ng nuclear war para sa atin (Would America risk a suicide and wage a nuclear war for us)? Would America risk a Third World war just to defend?" he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the best solution to conflict between the Philippines and China is through negotiations.

"Again I will repeat: the best way is still negotiation. Negotiation is the best avenue by which we can solve any conflict in any area in the South China Sea," Panelo said in a recent TV interview.

"Otherwise, we will be forced at the risk of an armed conflict, even if minimal," he added.

He also insisted that the Duterte administration has never "shelved" the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines against China at The Hague. (PNA)

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By Ferdinand Patinio
PNA

MANILA -- A local official of PDP-Laban filed a disqualification case against gubernatorial candidate, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and cancellation of accreditation of An Waray party-list for alleged violation of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

In a 10-page petition filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), PDP-Laban Visayas vice president and former Eastern Samar governor Lutgarda Barbo and Tingog party-list nominee Alexis Yu claimed that Evardone and An Waray presented the videos of lawmaker's accomplishments during the distribution of diplomas at the senior high school graduation at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Guiuan campus last April 2.

Evardone was also allowed to address the audience, the petitioners alleged.

"We filed this case because the future of our country is at stake here. These so-called leaders don't deserve to be elected because not only they are morally bankrupt, but they are also brazen in violating the election laws even in the presence of the students and faculty members," Barbo said on Wednesday.

The legislator's wife, Grace, is the second nominee of An Waray party-list.

Barbo said Evardone also violated Sections 104 and 261 (a) of the OEC, when he allegedly distributed envelopes, each marked with the name of Evardone and An Waray, supposedly containing money, to the students after the graduation rites.

The petitioners added that they have gathered sufficient evidence and testimonies from different witnesses at the said university which led them to file the charges.

"Filing this case against Evardone and An Waray is the right thing to do. We will hold them accountable for the violations they have committed," Yu said.

Section 104 states that "no candidate, his or her spouse or any relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or his campaign manage, agent or representative shall, during the Campaign Period, on the day before and on the day of election, directly or indirectly, make any donation, contribution or gift in cash or in kind, or undertake or contribute to the construction or repair of churches or chapels or any structure for public use or for the use of any religious or civic organization."

Section 261 (a), meanwhile, describes the violation of vote-buying and vote-selling by "(1) Any person who gives, offers or promises money or anything of value, gives or promises any office or employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or offers to make an expenditure, directly or indirectly, or cause an expenditure to be made to any person, association, corporation, entirety or community in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choose of a candidate in a convention or similar selection process of a political party. (2) Any person, association, corporation, group or community who solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, any expenditures or promise of any office or employment, public or private, for any of the foregoing considerations."

Meanwhile, Yu noted that the party-list organization violated Section 6 of Republic Act 7941 or Partylist System Act.

Section 6 of law states that "Comelec may moto proprio or upon verified complaint of any interested party, refuse or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the registration of any national, regional or sectoral party, organization or coalition on any of the following grounds: (2) It advocates violence or unlawful means to seek its goal; (5) It violates or fails to comply with laws, rules or regulations relating to elections." (PNA)

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Foreign portfolio investment transactions result in net outflows in March

Transactions for the month yielded net outflows of US$739 million, resulting from gross outflows of US$2.5 billion and gross inflows of US$1.7 billion. By instrument, net inflows of US$2 million was noted for Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITF) while net outflows were recorded for all other investment instruments: securities listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE-listed securities: US$379 million); Peso government securities (Peso GS: US$361 million); and other portfolio instruments (less than US$2 million). 

Gross inflows increased by 22.8 percent from the US$1.4 billion figure in February 2019.  About 66.5 percent of investments registered during the month were in PSE-listed securities (pertaining mainly to holding firms, food, beverage and tobacco companies, property firms, banks, and transportation services companies); while 33.4 percent went to Peso GS and the 0.1 percent balance went to UITFs. The United Kingdom, the United States (US), Singapore, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong were the top five (5) investor countries for the month, with combined share to total at 80.3 percent.

Similarly, gross outflows for the month (US$2.5 billion) were higher compared to figures recorded for February 2019 (US$1.1 billion or by 130.8 percent). This may be attributed to large outflows from Peso GS amounting to US$939 million for March 2019 vis-à-vis the US$154 million recorded in February. The US continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving 76.8 percent of total remittances.

Year-on-year, a 29.8 percent decline in gross inflows was noted from the US$2.5 billion level recorded during the same month last year, while gross outflows has increased by 84.9 percent from its US$1.3 billion level in March 2018.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.  The issuance of a BSP registration document entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.  Without such registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking system.

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By Annabel Petinglay
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is warning the public against vandalizing road signage which could cause vehicular accidents this Holy Week.

Engineer Raul Armada, chief of the DPWH Antique Maintenance Division, said Thursday that there are many contractors who complain that the road signage they placed for road projects just before the Holy Week were either stolen, damaged, or removed.

"We already coordinated with the barangay officials so that they could help us safeguard the road signage," Armada said.

He said that it seems there are just some barangay folks who would like to do pranks by removing the road signage to the detriment of the drivers who could not be warned about the approaching danger.

Armada also said that the DPWH Antique District is observing the "Lakbay Alalay" to ensure that motorists are safe this Holy Week.

"As part of promoting road safety, road signage had been put in place by project contractors throughout the province," he said.

Armada also said that the DPWH has already put a rumble strip just before the area where the Ceres bus fell off the cliff in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic evening of April 5.

"The rumble strip will serve as warning to the approaching motorists to slow down," he said.

Armada added that the DPWH central office has instructed their DPWH Antique District to come up with a master plan that would truly address the problem of road accidents in Barangay Igbucagay.

"We are right now coming up with a master plan for the road widening," he said.

He said that this project will be funded under the "Build, Build, Build" program of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. (PNA)

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Rules for dating my daughter.

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Panglao Airport Runway

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Who can drink first? Trivia

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Balskie, nia ra ang school named after you. Hehehe

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Reality

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Educate children for a long-term plan.

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Angels on guard

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WHY DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMAN
By Bill Overton

Here's the surprising answer of a 6 year old child.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that dogs' lives are shorter than human lives.  Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued,

"Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay for as long as we do."

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

• When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be faithful.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

That's the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog.

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 II. TRUE or FALSE. Answer TRUE if the statement is true, or FALSE if the statement is false. Explain your answer in not more than two (2) sentences. (5%) 
[a] The doctrine of "processual presumption" allows the court of the forum to presume that the foreign law applicable to the case is the same as the local or domestic law. (2009 Bar Question) 
SUGGESTED ANSWER:  TRUE. If the foreign law necessary to resolve an issue is not proven as a fact, the court of the forum may presume that the foreign law is the same as the law of the forum.

275696698-Civil-Law-Final


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Instances when a court may assume jurisdiction over a conflict of laws case:
SUGGESTED ANSWER:   
1) Statute theory. There is a domestic law authorizing the local court to assume jurisdiction.
2) Comity theory. The local court assumes jurisdiction based on the principle of comity or courtesy. 

ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: 
1. Public Order. To maintain peace and order, disputes that disturb the peace of the forum should be settled by the courts of the forum even though the application of a foreign law is necessary for the purpose. 

2. Humanitarian Principle. An aggrieved party should not be left without remedy in a forum even though the application of a foreign law by the courts of the forum is unavoidable in order to extend relief.

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After a devastating storm causing widespread destruction in four Central Luzon provinces, the executive and legislative branches of the government agreed to enact a special law appropriating PI billion for purposes of relief and rehabilitation for the provinces. In view of the urgent nature of the legislative enactment, it is provided in its effeclivity clause that it shall take effect upon approval and after completion of publication in the Official Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. The law was passed by the Congress on July 1. 1990, signed into law by the President on July 3. 1990, and published in such newspaper of general circulation on July 7. 1990 and in the Official Gazette on July 10, 1990. 
(a)  As to the publication of said legislative enactment, is there sufficient observance or compliance with the requirements for a valid publication? Explain your answer.
(b)  When did the law take effect? Explain your answer.
(c)  Can the executive branch start releasing and disbursing funds appropriated by the said law the day following its approval? Explain your answer. (1990 Bar Question)

SUGGESTED ANSWER: 
(a) Yes, there is sufficient compliance. The law itself prescribes the requisites of publication for its effectivity, and all requisites have been complied with. (Article 2. Civil Code) 
(b) The law takes effect upon compliance with all the conditions for effectivity, and the last condition was complied with on July 10. 1990. Hence, the law became effective on that date.
(c) No. It was not yet effective when it was approved by Congress on July 1. 1990 and approved by the President on July 3. 1990. The other requisites for its effectivity were not yet complete at the time.

275696698-Civil-Law-Final


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Organizations of husbands in the Philippines.

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PRESS RELEASE

April 08, 2019
Contact Person:  CPT JOHN TIMOTHY R TAGLE (INF) PA
             CMO Officer
Contact Number: 09173143834
Email Address:   cmoraptor7@gmail.com
                               
1 NPA TERRORIST KILLED, 6 FIREARMS RECOVERED IN BUKIDNON CLASH

BRGY MAHAYAG, BUNAWAN DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY - An armed clash between government troops and Communist Terrorists transpires Sunday in the hinterlands of Bukidnon Province. A 15 -minute clash ensued at around 9:50 AM at Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao,  Bukidnon after troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion conducting Community Support Program thereat acted on a tip by a concerned citizen about the presence of an armed group in the said area.       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
   The fully armed Terrorists were estimated to number more or less thirty (30), believed to be members of weakened GF 56, SRC5, SMRC under a certain alias EGOR. A second clash transpired the same day later at around 10:15 AM as troops of Alpha Company of the same battalion conducted pursuit operations against the same beleaguered group who earlier withdrew to a north easterly direction from the first encounter site. The second firefight lasted for almost two (2) hours which resulted to one terrorist killed and an undetermined wounded.

After the encounter, following were recovered at the encounter site: one (1) AK47 rifle; one (1) M653 rifle; one (1) M16 rifle; 3 cal 45 pistols; one improvised explosive; one (1) combat pack; personal belongings and subversive documents. Continuous pursuit operations are being conducted by the troops of 3rd IB to capture and prevent them from conducting atrocities against the neighboring communities.
No civilians have been affected in both clashes.

The Commanding Officer of 3rd IB, LTC OSCAR P PARTUZA INF (GSC) PA said his troops are in a quest to maintain peace and security in conjunction with other security forces in his area. "We are enjoining all our peace-loving citizens to support all our efforts in putting a stop to the terroristic acts of CNTs against the people. With our collective actions and continuous vigilance, we can totally rid Bukidnon from the claws of communist terrorists" Ltc Partuza said.
COLONEL NOLASCO A MEMPIN INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 1003rd Brigade lauded the troops of 3IB for the successful conduct of clearing operations and expressed his optimism that due to the strong social and combat pressure being generated, more surrenderees will surface.

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MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) April 11, 2019

A new visual language may be coming soon to every computer screen on earth. So says a Minneapolis firm that just earned a Fast Company 2019 award recognizing their breakthrough invention of dynamic semiotics – essentially a new universal digital language that can handle complexity.

Wayfinder has invented a revolutionary new interface that takes on the challenge of systemically understanding and managing a complex world better than anything in use today. Words are too static, linear, skewed and localized to address the opportunity to finally see all moving parts of a subject with rich context and meaning.

WAYFINDER today announced that it has just won finalist honors in Fast Company's 2019 World Changing Ideas competition that recognizes the most provocative big ideas with the feasibility and potential to improve life on earth.

Its patented technology, called Dynamic Systemic Semiotics, overcomes the barriers of modern languages and interfaces. Its solution is to deliver a creative, entertaining and rewarding way for everyone to access the best knowledge and resources over the internet that align with any user's specific objectives.

WAYFINDER'S Founder, Alan Yelsey, an educational psychologist, says, "The greatest barrier to the full realization of human potential is our reliance on rudimentary inherited languages and by extension the primitive screen interfaces we use to interact with computers and the internet."
With five granted patents and more pending, WAYFINDER has introduced a new paradigm that soon will become the way people all over the world communicate, learn and act for common good at the highest levels.

Yelsey says modern language and internet media are incapable of representing complexity, exchanges, interactions, relationships, proofs, context, alternative views and the inherent inadequacy of current knowledge - ever changing across time, space, state, validation, perspective and levels of detail.

WAYFINDER believes that knowledge should be accumulated and organized into groupings of easy to remember multi-layered maps that can display meaning when the cells of the maps are painted with colors, patterns and sounds that instantly and creatively signify the objectives of the user.
Dynamic Semiotics works like a paint by numbers universe using cells to designate variables with all things in their unique place. The multi-player gaming like interface enables users to manually or autonomically generate meaning by how they incorporate color, sound and pattern into the platform.
For example, if a user wants to best understand a disease, the disease mapsets are designed to focus on the specific needs of the user, and to present an instantly recognizable display of best knowledge about causes, treatments and prognosis by lighting up the map's disease variables with colors that translate millions of words into simple up to date and proven understanding of complex challenges.
Even doctors and nurses who find it overwhelming to keep up with changing knowledge can input and consult with the accumulative color and pattern coded mapsets of their practice for best knowledge.
The first applications of WAYFINDER will most likely be for large scale project/enterprise management, for AI, for health decision-making, for consumers with high priority needs and for internet marketplaces.

People think, believe, gut react and communicate within and without according to their language and representations. If the language itself is flawed, incapable of accurately addressing the systemic context of our changing world, that minimizes their potential to thrive.
A semiotic systemic multimedia language may be capable of surpassing all current forms of communication when it comes to:
1) Considering Anything Complex
2) Extracting and Communicating Verifiable Knowledge with Alternate Perspectives
3) Synthesizing, Teaching and Learning Systemic Understanding
4) Operating ANY Form of Human System, Enterprise or Commercial Platform
5) Satisfying Human Objectives & Stimulating Nurturing Communities
6) Interacting with Any Computing Device or Interface
7) Creative Expression
Accumulating and Referencing Holistic Knowledge
WAYFINDER has just announced a new global initiative, modeled on the World Wide Web, that is called The Communicating Complexity Project. To bring WAYFINDER to life, they believe a global consortium should guide the development of the universal language of mapsets, and the designation of meaning through color, pattern and sound that make up WAYFINDER.
Go to http://www.wayfinder.net
"We are thrilled to bring to the world a better model for universal high value complex communications that will make existing models obsolete," says Alan Yelsey.

Missing girl

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This was circulated on Facebook. This is an unfair allegation against a credible media organization.

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Maro nga asawa

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This is painful to look at...

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Quote of the day

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Powerful storm

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In Sultan Kudarat

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A poem

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This old man captures the hearts of netizens.

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People will always have something to say no matter what you do.

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On Statue of Liberty

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When getting a driver's license, here is the list of legal fees. Avoid fixers.

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Fire incident in Gaisano Mall, Davao City

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Tawo, nasayod ka ba?

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Belatan Island, Tawi-tawi
Stunning beauty of nature.

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Acts 15
1  Ug may mga tawo nga nanagpanlugsong gikan sa Judea, ug nanagpanudlo sa mga igsoon nga nagaingon: Gawas kong kamo managpacircuncidar subay sa batasan ni Moises, dili kamo maluwas.

2  Ug diha nga si Pablo ug si Bernabe may usa ka pagtinubagay ug panaglantugi nga dili diyutay uban kanila, ang kaigsoonan nagtudlo kang Pablo ug kang Bernabe ug uban pa kanila nga manungas sila sa Jerusalem ngadto sa mga apostoles ug sa mga anciano mahatungod niini nga gikalantugian.

3  Busa, sa gihatud sila sa iglesia, sa ilang paggikan, gilatas nila ang Fenicia ug ang Samaria, nga nanugilon sa pagkakabig sa mga Gentil, ug nakahatag sila ug dakung kalipay sa tanang mga igsoon.

4  Ug sa pag-abut nila sa Jerusalem, gipanagdawat sila sa iglesia, ug sa mga apostoles, ug sa mga anciano; ug gisugilon nila ang daghang mga butang nga gibuhat sa Dios uban kanila.

5  Apan dihay uban nga sa pundok sa mga Fariseo, nga mingtoo, mitindog nga nanag-ingon: Kinahanglan nga pagcircuncidahan sila, ug sugoon nga managtuman sa Kasugoan ni Moises.

6  Ug nanagtigum ang mga apostoles ug ang mga anciano sa pagsusi niining butanga.

7  Ug sa natapus ang dakung lantugi, mitindog si Pedro ug misulti kanila: Mga igsoon, nanghibalo kamo, dugay na karon nga kanato gipili ako sa Dios niadtong mga adlawa, aron nga sa akong baba pagapatalinghugan sa mga Gentil ang pulong sa Maayong Balita, ug pagatohoan.

8  Ug ang Dios nga nakaila sa mga kasingkasing naghatag kanila ug pagpamatuod, nga nagahatag usab kanila sa Espiritu Santo, sama sa iyang gihimo kanato.

9  Ug siya walay pinalabi kanato ug kanila, gihinloan niya ang ilang mga kasingkasing pinaagi sa pagtoo.

10  Busa karon, nganong ginatintal ninyo ang Dios, nga gisangunan ninyo ug yugo ang liog sa mga tinon-an, nga bisan ang atong mga ginikanan, bisan kita dili makahimo sa pagdala?

11  Apan ginatohoan nato nga pinaagi sa gracia sa atong Ginoong Jesucristo maluwas kita, ingon usab sila sa mao nga paagi.

12  Ug nangahilum ang tibook nga katilingban, ug nagapatalinghug kang Bernabe ug kang Pablo, nga nagasugilon sa dagkung mga ilhanan, ug mga katingalahan nga gibuhat sa Dios pinaagi kanila sa taliwala sa mga Gentil.

13  Ug sa tapus sila mangahilum, mitubag si Jacobo, nga nagaingon: Mga igsoon, patalinghugi ninyo ako.

14  Nagsugilon si Simon sa paagi nga ang Dios miduaw pag-una sa mga Gentil, aron pagakuhaon gikan kanila ang usa ka katawohan alang sa iyang ngalan.

15  Ug niini nahiuyon ang mga pulong sa mga manalagna, sumala sa nahisulat.

16  Sa human niini magabalik ako, ug pagatukoron ko pag-usab ang tabernaculo ni David, nga napukan; ug pagatukoron ko pag-usab ang iyang nangatumpag, ug pagapatindugon ko kini.

17  Aron nga ang nahabilin nga mga tawo, managpangita sa Ginoo, ug ang tanang mga Gentil nga sa ibabaw nila gitawag ang akong ngalan,

18  Nagaingon ang Ginoo nga nagbuhat niining mga butanga: Sukad pa sa kanhi nga mga katuigan hingbaloan na sa Dios ang tanan niya nga mga buhat.

19  Tungod niini ang akong hukom mao, nga dili ta pagsamokon sila nga gikan sa taliwala sa mga Gentil namalik sa Dios;

20  Kondili nga pagasulatan ta sila, nga maglikay sila gikan sa mga kahugaw sa mga larawan, ug gikan sa pagpakighilawas, ug gikan sa mga linuok, ug gikan sa dugo.

21  Kay si Moises, sukad pa sa mga kaliwatan sa daang mga katuigan may nanagmantala kaniya niini sa tagsatagsa ka lungsod, ingon nga gibasa sa mga sinagoga sa tanang mga adlaw nga igpapahulay.

22  Unya gipakaayo sa mga apostoles ug sa mga anciano uban ang tibook nga iglesia, nga magpili sila ug mga tawo gikan sa ilang pundok; ug pagapaadtoon nila sa Antioquia, uban kang Pablo ug kang Bernabe, si Judas nga ginganlan si Barsabas, ug si Silas, mga tawong halangdon sa mga igsoon;

23  Ug sila nagsulat sa ingon pinaagi kanila: Ang mga apostoles ug ang mga anciano, ug ang mga igsoon, alang sa mga igsoon nga sa mga Gentil sa Antioquia, ug sa Siria, ug sa Cilicia: Ang among pangumosta.

24  Tungod kay among hidunggan nga ang uban nga migikan dinhi kanamo nagsamok kaninyo sa mga pulong, sa pagpalibug sa inyong mga kalag, nga kanila wala kami magsugo,

25  Gipakaayo namo, nga nanaghiusa, ang pagpili niining mga tawo, ug paanhaon kaninyo kinuyogan sa atong mga hinigugma nga si Bernabe ug si Pablo,

26  Mga tawo, nga nagtugyan sa ilang kinabuhi tungod sa ngalan sa atong Ginoong Jesucristo.

27  Busa, ginasugo namo si Judas ug si Silas, nga magaasoy kaninyo sa pulong sa mao nga mga butang pinaagi sa pulong sa baba:

28  Kay nahimut-an sa Espiritu Santo ug kanamo nga dili kamo pagdat-ugan sa labi pang dakung lulan kay niining mga butang kinahanglan,

29  Nga maglikay kamo gikan sa mga butang nga hinalad sa mga larawan, ug gikan sa dugo, ug gikan sa mga linuok ug gikan sa pagpakighilawas; nga kong kini pagamatngonan ninyo, makaayo kaninyo.

30  Busa, sa gipalakaw na sila, miabut sa Antioquia; ug sa nagtigum ang panon sa katawohan, gihatag nila ang sulat.

31  Ug sa nakabasa sila niini nangalipay sila sa tambag.

32  Ug si Judas ug si Silas, nga mga manalagna usab, nanagtambag sa mga igsoon sa daghang mga pulong, ug nanagpalig-on kanila.

33  Ug sa nakapabilin sila didto sa may pila ka panahon, gipapauli sila uban ang pakigdait gikan sa mga igsoon, ngadto niadtong mga nagsugo kanila.

34  Apan nakapahimuot kang Silas ang pagpabilin didto.

35  Apan si Pablo ug si Bernabe nagpabilin sa Antioquia, nga nagapanudlo ug nagamantala sa pulong sa Ginoo, tinabangan sa uban nga daghanan usab.

36  Ug sa miagi ang pila ka adlaw, nag-ingon si Pablo kang Bernabe: Balikon ug duawon ta karon ang mga igsoon sa tanan nga mga ciudad, nga atong gibalitaan sa pulong sa Ginoo, kong naunsa sila.

37  Ug gihunahuna ni Bernabe nga paubanon usab nila si Juan, nga may bansagon nga Marcos.

38  Apan gihunahuna ni Pablo, nga dili maayo ang pagdala uban kanila niadtong mibulag kanila sa Pamfilia, ug wala mouban kanila sa bulohaton.

39  Unya sila may usa ka dakung paglinalisay, sa pagkaagi nga mibulag ang usa gikan sa usa; ug si Marcos giubanan ni Bernabe, ug milayag padulong sa Cipro.

40  Apan gipili ni Pablo si Silas, ug milakaw, nga gitugyan siya sa mga igsoon sa gracia sa Dios.

41  Ug gihapit niya ang Siria ug ang Cilicia aron sa pagpalig-on sa mga iglesia.

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Thunderstorm Advisory No.4 #MIN_PRSD
Issued at: 2:35 PM, 09 April 2019

Moderate to heavy rains with lightning and strong winds due to thunderstorms are being experienced over portions of Surigao del Sur, #DavaoOriental (Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Banaybanay) , #CompostelaValley (Maragusan, Pantukan, Mabini, Maco), #DavaodelNorte (SamalIs., TagumCity, Carmen), Agusan del Sur(SanFrancisco, Rosario, Bunawan,Talacogon, Esperanza, LaPaz, Loreto,Sibagat), Agusan del Norte (ButuanCity, Magallanes, CabadbaranCity, Jabonga), Misamis Oriental(Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinoguitan), South Cotabato (LakeSebu, Surallah, Banga, Tupi, T'boli), General Santos City, North Cotabato (Carmen, Matalam, Aleosan, Libungan, Antipas, Pres.Roxas), Lanao del Sur (Pulas, Madamba, Calanogas, Kapatagan, Malabang, Balabagan, Picong), LanaodelNorte (SultanNagaDimaporo Maguindanao (Matanog, Parang), Zamboanga del Norte (Liloy, Tampilisan, Labason, Sindangan, Siayan ), Sarangani (Kiamba) and may affect nearby areas which may persist 1 to 2 hours.

All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flashfloods and landslides. Keep monitoring for updates.

Davao Oriental Pilots Pres. Duterte's Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Sustainable Peace, Ending Insurgency

BARANGAY NEW TAOKANGA, MANAY– The Province of Davao Oriental takes its peace and development efforts one step further as it successfully held the pilot implementation of President Duterte's Executive Order 70 which bids to build sustainable and peaceful communities that will ultimately end the long-running Communist insurgency in this part of the country.

Just recently, the Provincial Government led a large team composed of the heads and representatives of different provincial government offices and partner agencies in an immersion activity held in Barangay New Taokanga, a remote village perched on the mountains of Manay town, known for its hidden gem – the pristine Lake Diomaboc and known as the gateway to the majestic Mount Campalili frequented by many mountain climbing enthusiasts.

The two-day community engagement, which served as the first step of a broad peace process, saw government entities communicating with the Mandaya villagers about their community's vital needs which requires urgent government interventions.

With focused-group discussion as a major tool to assess the situation at the grassroots, the activity enabled the participating agencies to listen to the voices of the people in order to diagnose the community's ills. (Full story below 👇)

DSWD holds first disaster response information summit 

Press release - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the lead disaster response agency in the country, is currently conducting the first Disaster Response Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) Summit until April 12th at Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City.

With the theme, "Enhancing Community Resilience thru Innovations in Information Technology and Data Sharing," the DROMIC Summit 2019 aims to strengthen the disaster information management system of the DSWD by enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster response personnel. Some of the topics that will be discussed in the event will be on disaster data gathering, monitoring, coordination, information communication and technology (ICT), and data analytics, among others.

It is being organized by the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) which leads in the management of disaster response information and emergency operations of the Department.

Moreover, the Summit is participated by DROMIC-Central and Field Offices (CO and FOs) personnel, Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) heads, and representatives from other cluster-members and private agencies.

Improving disaster information management

DROMIC was established in 1994 under Department Order No. 53, otherwise known as the Disaster Response and Monitoring Capability Building (DRAMCB) project, to develop functions and guidelines on the management of disaster information and management.

Among its notable innovations are: Predictive Analytics for Humanitarian Response (PAHR) which is intended to make predictions on potential disaster events to prepare humanitarian response using mathematical theories, scientific processes, and spatial technologies based on current and historical data; DSWD ETDR (Emergency Telecommunications for Disaster Response) which deploys Emergency Telecommunications Teams (ETTs) equipped with ICT resources to address communications, electronics, and information needs of disaster managers and affected population in disaster-stricken areas; and the Virtual OpCen(dromic.dswd.gov.ph), the DSWD's online facility that provides relevant information to any or potential emergency situation accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

With the rapid changes in weather patterns, the Department, through DROMIC, continues to pursue innovations in disaster response management to engage citizens to acquire and share information on disaster preparedness and to mitigate the impacts of climate change. DSWD

Written by Edwin G. Espejo
APO Hiking Society and Jim Paredes

People in our age bracket grew up and began to fall in love just as the Original Pilipino Music genre was bursting into country's music scene.
The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, or simply APO Hiking Society, was among the local musicians who made indelible impact in this great period of Philippine music.
APO is composed of the trio of Daniel Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Gorovillo.
They were already popular at the Ateneo de Manila University while still studying college and held their farewell concert as a college group in 1973, just as a new Filipino sound wave was hitting the music underground. 

Their middle class origins made them chic and lovable. Their songs were catchy. Theirs were lyrical and their melodies magical. They were wholesome yet they got away with their sometime naughty wit.
But they were also very grounded even if their popularity soared with successive hit albums and golden records.   

They were in the peripheral, if not in the forefront, of the anti-dictatorship movement in the 1980s, in part, because of the siblings of Jim Paredes who were active in both the 'natdem' and 'socdem' anti-Marcos movement.  Her sister was in fact implicated in the series of bombings allegedly perpetrated by the Light a Fire Movement for which singer Nonoy Zuñiga lost a leg.

So it was not surprising that their popularity reached new heights after the ouster of Marcos as Jim Paredes and thereafter APO gathered 15 Filipino artists and groups to record "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" immediately after 1986 EDSA Revolt.

But alas, even the best of things never last.

APO Hiking Society bid their musical career goodbye with a farewell concert in Cagayan de Oro City on May 9, 2010 and their last lounge act was at the Music Museum 20 days later.  It was time for the most successful Filipino musical trio to retire and each go his own separate ways.

In 2011, the popular and iconic APO formally disbanded with the departure of Daniel Javier.

In 2016, their separation became more pronounced when two of APO's prolific composers went separate ways and supported different presidential candidates.

Paredes openly supported Liberal Party's Mar Roxas while Javier joined the then burgeoning Duterte campaign machinery and even made a pitch in Cebu City when the pro-Duterte Bisaya Na Pud Movement was launched.

While Javier chose to remain low key with his support of Duterte, Jim Paredes was very vocal in backing Roxas.

Jim was not only very vocal, he was also relentless in criticizing Duterte after the latter won the presidency. 

Paredes was very engaged and once even angrily looked and shouted at the very face of a youth supporter of the president in one of the anti-Duterte rallies.

Like many in his colleagues both in the "Yellow Army" and the "Black and White Movement", Paredes took to the social media at the slightest provocations and miscues from the president.

To say he is one of the prime figures of the anti-Duterte camp is an understatement.

He can sometimes be very virulent and imprudent.

That carelessness took the worse of turns when a video showing him pleasuring his self made rounds and became a viral content in the social media.

It is a scandal that Paredes may not be able to recover as his advancing age may not be able to opaque his indiscretion over time.

He may have even given the pro-Duterte camp a solid image of how pretentious the obsession of the yellow army to decency and moral ascendancy.

When I tried to reach out to Danny Javier to make some comments over the issue, he politely declined.

He said he is busying himself with a new album as a solo artist. 

He is not too consumed on what Paredes' act will impact on the legacy of APO Hiking Society as pop icons.

"The legacy is the music, It is bigger than any of us singly or combined," he said.

Well, let us hope that it will work out fine for Apo Hiking Society.

I doubt, however, if it will do wonders for Paredes as a figure of the opposition.

In the meantime, I cannot wait for the release of Javier's solo album.

Missing girl from Bohol.
Reposted from Facebook.

Free Public Article:
More recently however there has been a revival in anchor tattoos and there are many new designs that are full of brilliant colors and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a revival in more traditional tattoos.

As always history, symbolism and meaning provide an interesting overlap of cultures and times. If you are thinking about getting an anchor tattoo it helps to know the background on them and do some research to find out the different meaning and symbolism of anchor tattoos. Some common designs in ankle tattoos are a tribal symbol, a floral arrangement or an initial. An ankle tattoo can be small enough that it isn't noticeable unless the person is very close. Many professional women choose this type of tattoo because it isn't overbearing and at the same time it allows them to carry something personal on their bodies always.

Once you have decided on a design and coloring for your ankle tattoos you'll want to visit a reputable establishment that does tattoos. Looking through the yellow pages is one route but if you know anyone who has a tattoo you should ask them about their experience. Quite often they'll be happy to share with you and they may recommend a place for you to visit. After deciding on a tattoo parlor you'll want to discuss with the artist your concept. If you come there without a design in mind they will be able to show you a range of images that you can choose from. Most people prefer a smaller design for ankle tattoos and if the artist feels that yours is too large, they will work with you to bring it down to a scale that is more appropriate.

Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin, and so there is going to be some pain involved, no matter how small the tattoo and no matter where it is on your body. The amount and type of pain experienced is highly variable depending on each individual's tolerance to and acceptance of pain. While tattooing, the needles puncture the skin at a very fast rate and at a variable depth. The outline is usually the most painful work, because the needles are being used to create a nice solid black line that will define the tattoo, and so it is inserted deeply and carefully to ensure complete and effective coverage. The shading is usually not as painful, but this also depends upon the depth of penetration and the desired effect.

The pain you feel is generally as a slight burning or hot scratching sensation. Generally, the tattoo is more painful if applied to areas of the body where there is less muscle and fatty tissue covering bone, like wrists, ankles, chests, and other normally sensitive body areas. Upper arms are usually the least painful, while the ankles and sternum can be quite sensitive.

The tattoo pain is certainly not unbearable, here are some tips for coping with and minimizing the pain:
Find a reputable tattooist that you feel comfortable with to get the tattoo work done, the confidence you get from a tattooist can minimize your pain to the highest. Don't show up drunk or on drugs.
Go in with some determination and accept the fact that a few hours of discomfort without giving the tattooist a hard time will help ensure that you get a first-rate tattoo. If you feel you can't take the pain anymore, tell your tattooist. Take a short break, or come back in a few days. Tattoos don't have to be applied all in one sitting. Break up your session if needed. Listen to music or let your imagination go wild during the procedure, a certain degree of distraction set by your self will help you put less concentration on the pain.



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Shared Article - On an ordinary afternoon in St. Augustine, Fla., a group of extraordinary people met at a local restaurant for a single purpose - to celebrate their accomplishments, share inspiration and encourage each other while enjoying a meal.

They came for their weekly Friday lunch from all walks of life: parents and realtors, mortgage brokers and doctor's assistants, life coaches and flower shop employees. Many represented their own entrepreneurial ventures such as jewelry making, business coaching, spas and health clubs. Regardless of where they came from, they were there for each other, to spend an hour in support and fellowship.

These weekly luncheons are held in five other cities, sponsored by the organization Women Celebrations and attended by both men and women. Each luncheon has a theme that suggests the independence and success to which all people aspire, according to founder Sheryl Lynn. Themes have been as varied as "magnificence," "confidence" and "work." At an "applause" themed gathering, each attendee explained to the group why he or she deserved applause.

Members talked about moving from out of state and changing careers, business successes and personal joys. Each of the speakers received heartfelt applause as they took a moment to "stand in their power," Lynn's expression for people's ability to find success and empowerment within themselves.

It was the need to celebrate everyday things that inspired Lynn to create Women Celebrations. Despite success as a mother of three and an entrepreneur, at the end of the day she felt exhausted and disheartened.

"I was not patting myself on the back upon the completion of these marvelous things. And certainly no one else was either," Lynn said.

In starting Women Celebrations, she created an environment in which support and encouragement played a vital role.

Today, Women Celebrations has a strong presence in northern Florida and more chapters, or "loops," are appearing across the country. The organization is open to everyone wishing to celebrate their lives, share their experiences with others through positive interaction and build a sense of community.

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Communities tipped off CNTG arms cache in Eastern Mindanao

Two Communist-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) arms cache were discovered by operating troops in Eastern Mindanao the past two days.

On February 27, 2019, a patrolling platoon of 23IB, 4ID,  discovered an arms cache and a hideout in a cave at So Bulak, Brgy Lower Olave, Buenavista, ADN. The troops recovered two unserviceable Garand rifles (serial number 2251028 and defaced) and 90 bottles of medicine.

The said hideout has an estimated area of 40x30 square meters that can accommodate more or less 15 CNTs.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019,  operating troops of the 56th Infantry Battalion recovered four high powered firearms in a CNTG's  arms cache in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

In a report made by Col Ernesto Torres Jr, Commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, the discovery of the arms cache which has two M14 Rifles, one 50 Cal. Browning Heavy Machine Gun and one 60 MM mortar, a magazine for M14 and 7.62mm ball ammunition came after troops responded to the information of the community in the area.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Felimon T. Santos  Jr, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command acknowledge the complementing effort of the soldiers and the community in attaining peace.

"Security of the communities can be best done if stakeholders of peace will complement each other. The effort of the communities of providing information and declaring the armed terrorist undesirable denies them of space to hide, plan and carry out evil plans" MGen Santos said.

It can be recalled that villages and communities have been declaring the CNTGs as "persona non grata" in their respective communities. 

Lately, on February 25, 2019, the Ovu-Manuvu tribe in Davao City declared the NPAs "persona non grata" in their ancestral domains and villages, while the Province of Davao Oriental declared and prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF and declared them as undesirable in a resolution passed on February 19, 2019.

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TAGUIG CITY - The Department of Energy through its Renewable Energy Management Bureau's Technical Services Management Division (TSMD) and the European Union – Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) conducted a training workshop on the Simplified Planning Tool (SPT) for off-grid electric power industry participants at the DOE-Audio Visual Room last Wednesday (27 March).
SPT is a Microsoft Excel-based software developed under the EU-ASEP, which estimates the optimal share of renewable energy (RE) resources (e.g. hydro, solar, and wind power). SPT utilization will enhance the cost-effectiveness of RE-diesel hybrid projects and help achieve the objectives of the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).
Led by TSMD Chief Gaspar Escobar Jr., the workshop is part of preparatory efforts to ensure the compliance of power generators and utilities in remote off-grid and small islands, currently powered by expensive fossil fuels, to the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) Rules for Off-Grid Areas (Department Circular No. DC 2018-08-0024). Under these rules, power generators, distribution utilities, and qualified third parties with embedded generation facilities are mandated to tap RE as part of their supply portfolio in order to attain an optimal supply mix. This will result to lower both power costs and Universal Charges for Missionary Electrification, or UC-ME.
ASEP experts, Dr. Philipp Blechinger and Mr. Paul Bertheau from the Reiner Lemoine Institut in Berlin, were the key resource speakers for the activity.

DOE Gears Up for PCECP International Roadshows
1 APRIL 2019

TAGUIG CITY--The Department of Energy (DOE) will kick-off the first Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) International Road Show for 2019 at the Southeast Asian Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Exploration Conference and Farmout Forum in Singapore on 2-5 April.  These will be followed by road shows in the United States of America, Canada, Abu Dhabi, and Argentina.
Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "For an energy-secure future, the DOE is committed to establish a strong 'Explore, Explore, Explore' program by harnessing indigenous energy resources. It is urgent that we intensify our exploration and development activities. We need to become energy self-sufficient so we are better protected from international price market volatilities."
The SEAPEX Exploration Conference is one of the largest gatherings for upstream oil and gas industry professionals and investors operating in the region. 
The DOE delegation to be headed by Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III will present at the plenary session of the Conference and conduct one-on-one meetings with various petroleum exploration companies.
Under the PCECP guidelines, interested parties must comply with the legal, financial and technical requirements, which include the proposed work program for the selected contract area. All accepted applications shall be evaluated by the DOE Centralized Review and Evaluation Committee based on the criteria set by DOE Department Circular No. DC2017-12-0017, "Adopting the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program of Awarding Petroleum Service Contracts and Creating the Review and Evaluation Committee".
At present, there are 23 active petroleum service contracts in the Philippines. The DOE's operator-partners include Shell Philippines Exploration, Total E&P, Philippine National Oil Company - Exploration Corporation, Nido Petroleum, Philodrill, PXP Energy, Galoc Production Company, Forum Exploration, Gas2Grid, China International Mining Petroleum Company, Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Mindoro Palawan Oil & Gas, Palawan55 Exploration and Production Corporation, Polyard Petroleum International Company and Ratio Petroleum.

Davao Oriental is Country's First LGU to Implement Electronic Payment for Taxes

In its bid to promote ease of doing business, particularly in the delivery of core treasury services, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has recently become the country's first local government unit to implement and adopt the innovative Electronic Payment and Collection System touted to boost convenience for Davao Oriental taxpayers as well as increase accessibility of government services, among others.

In partnership with the CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (CBCI), recognized as the country's pioneer and leader in the Outsourced Payment Collection Industry, the Provincial Government has officially engaged in the implementation of this highly innovative system and technological innovation as Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and CBCI President and CEO Manuel Lorenzo Tuason led the historic Service Agreement Signing Ceremony held on March 29 in the City of Mati. (Full story )

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DSWD ADVISORY

Payout of UCT Listahan tomorrow, March 30 in Talaingod, Asuncion, Kapalong, and San Isidro in Davao Del Norte; Laak, Maco and Pantukan in Compostela Valley will not push through. It will be conducted as soon as the Notice of Exemption from COMELEC is received. Kindly spread the word especially to our beneficiaries in far flung areas. Thank you so much.

DSWD Davao Region

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COVINGTON, LA. (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

Netchex and Delaget announced that the two companies have partnered to deliver an integrated data and employee management solution for the restaurant industry. Through this new integration, restaurant operators will be able to access smart analytics about their business while managing their entire workforce from recruitment through retirement. This capability is especially critical in the restaurant industry because of its fiercely competitive labor market.

The combined solution brings together data from the Point-of-sale (POS) and other technology systems into Delaget's data warehouse, where the data is cleaned and normalized. The data is then fed into Netchex's HCM platform, as well as Delaget reporting and analytics solutions and other third-party systems. Through the joint solution, customers will be able to take advantage of:

Employee and manager self-service
POS integration for time and labor
Payroll and full tax compliance
Benefit and full COBRA administration
Fully-managed data warehousing
Store-level, above store, and home office reporting and analytics
Loss prevention and employee productivity tools
Performance dashboards
"We're thrilled for Netchex to join the Delaget Partner Community," said Jason Tober, Delaget CEO. "Many of the best restaurant software companies already have integrations with Delaget, but we heard from our customers that they wanted more options when it comes to payroll and employee management. As a market leader, Netchex was an obvious choice. Customers using our combined solutions can confidently manage their employees throughout their lifecycle and better leverage their data for smarter decision-making at all levels of their organization."

"This partnership is certainly a win-win for both of our companies," said Stuart Ethridge, Netchex Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships. "The value it brings to our restaurant clients and prospects by integrating data management with Netchex's full suite of HR services is unsurpassed by anyone else in the industry."

For more information about the Netchex and Delaget partnership, visit http://www.netchexonline.com/delaget.

About Netchex
Founded in 2003, Netchex has grown to become one of the South's largest Human Capital Management providers with offices throughout the U.S. Netchex's single-source solution is a cloud-based, end-to-end platform for managing employees from hire to retire. Netchex currently services over 3,000 clients, with corporate headquarters in Covington, LA. Visit http://www.netchexonline.com for more information.

Media contact:
Contact: Katie Kennedy, Marketing Manager
Phone: (985) 377-7065
Email: kkennedy@netchexonline.com

About Delaget
Delaget helps new and growth-oriented restaurant franchisees expand their business and improve profitability by enabling them to focus 100% on store operations. We do this by freeing them from IT and home-office tasks and equipping them with actionable business insights. Delaget's data warehouse and suite of reporting, analytics, and outsourcing solutions dramatically reduce the complexity of running a restaurant and support rapid growth. We were born of the Quick Service Restaurant industry, understand its unique challenges, and know how to help restaurateurs leverage their data to run smarter, more profitable operations. Our customers include KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Five Guys, Hard Rock Café, IHOP, Hardee's, Sonic, Papa John's, and more. Visit us at http://www.delaget.com for more information.

Media contact:
Contact: Renée Munro, VP Marketing
Phone: (763) 489-3074
Email: renee.munro@delaget.com

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

"We want to create a dynamic and powerful platform for coaches and administrators to connect with their fans, players and communities, in real-time, to deliver high quality and relative content to their audience before, during and after the games." said Joey Celaschi, founder and CEO of MyGameDayLive. "Athletic organizations are always seeking new and profitable ways to fundraise in their communities. Our Mobile Media Guide platform comes loaded with 10 different fundraising tools to help generate substantial returns to help pay for equipment, uniforms, travel expenses and so much more."

As part of the new website and business launch, MyGameDayLive is offering Free Financing for any team that signs up for the Varsity Package before April 1, 2019. The Varsity Package includes a team branded mobile media guide platform for 1 team. Each Varsity Package is branded for each team, and comes with a full service Team Store, Mobile Ticketing & Passes, In-Seat Food & Drink Ordering, Fan Prizes, Shout Outs, Gold Cards and so much more!

"We're out to change the way teams, fans and sponsors engage with each other by creating tools that reflect technology trends and industry best practices. Every week, our subscribers are using MyGameDayLive to connect with their favorite local and national teams across a wide range of industry-leading platforms like football, basketball, baseball and many other sports." said Joey. "We will provide powerful technology where people can have new experiences, enjoy local events and games and have fun! We're excited to help more teams and contribute to the successful sports industries across the nation."

For more information, visit: http://www.mygamedaylive.com

Contact: (619) 598-1005 or email info (at) mygamedaylive (dot) com

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

The launch of the world's first global self-service IP (Internet Protocol) address management platform, Switch, will help automate a time-consuming manual process saving companies and government organisations critical time and money when managing their complex IP portfolios.

Heficed's innovative service makes controlling and managing an IP estate much easier for organisations needing to deploy a large volume and wide variety of IP addresses (unique identifiers which all devices require to access the internet).

Heficed offers a simpler, smarter way to manage a complex IP network and can be up and running in minutes. With access to all global IP markets in one place, users can design and tailor IP addresses to meet specific business needs and side-step the lack of available IP addresses via some regional registrars.

If the user needs IPs from a particular region, they can get to market quickly without administrative delays, whether their business has a physical presence in that region or not.

Vincentas Grinius, CEO and co-founder of Heficed, said: "We've designed the new Heficed platform in direct response to customer demand for a 'single pane of glass' IP-centric approach to provisioning physical and virtual infrastructure. This is a true innovation in the marketplace, giving users full control over their IP assets, removing hassle, and delivering cost and operational efficiencies."

Headquartered in London, Heficed is a disruptive service, aiming to change the way companies and government organisations deploy and manage IP addresses, speeding up the process and lowering the costs associated with provisioning IPs to physical and virtual infrastructure.

Grinius continued, "Our vision is to become the number one online platform for network engineering, including IP management, and to introduce new standards to the market by combining the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) of the various Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) across the globe."

Heficed is a natural evolution of the founders' previous business, Host1Plus, which offered a full range of network, infrastructure and datacentre services. The new business will continue to offer infrastructure and advanced network engineering services, however, will emphasise the benefits that its unique IP address provisioning platform can deliver for those with high-volume IP address needs, including those operating in the ISP, VPN, cyber security, business intelligence and hosting sectors.

Heficed operates across four continents employing 50 staff globally and has plans to recruit further over the next twelve months in addition to launching more network infrastructure solutions such as cloud services and dedicated servers at a number of locations worldwide.

SINGAPORE (PRWEB) MARCH 25, 2019

Dathena, the leading AI-powered data protection and privacy management platform announces today the closing of a funding round led by MS&AD Ventures Inc., with strong participation from existing investors CerraCap Ventures and Demetis.

"We are excited to be working with Dathena and we see strong validation of their technology from their customers," said Jonathan Soberg, Managing Partner, MS&AD Ventures.

Developed by information risk management experts, Dathena fully understands organizations' data privacy and protection needs and caters to them with a multi-patented Artificial Intelligence-powered technology: the Dathena 99 A.I. core engine.

Built with Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning and Deep Learning technologies, Dathena's suite of products helps organizations prevent data loss and promote data privacy compliance by identifying, classifying and protecting sensitive information in a comprehensive and accurate process.

This round of financing allows Dathena, a Singapore-based deep-tech company, to support the global deployment of new large customers as well as pursue several significant opportunities. The company is planning another funding round later this year to support further scaling and establish itself as a global leader in data protection.

"We are delighted to welcome MS&AD amongst our investors and look forward to working with them closely. We are also grateful for and proud of CerraCap's & Demetis's continued trust and support" said Christopher Muffat, Dathena Founder & CEO.

About Dathena

With offices in Singapore, France and Switzerland, Dathena is a leading Artificial Intelligence company that enables data identification, compliance and protection. Founded by industry pioneers and technology experts, Dathena fully understands the data privacy and protection needs of organizations, and the best technologies to meet those needs. Dathena is committed to building long-term partnerships based on trust, customer-centric innovation and performance delivery. http://www.dathena.io

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

DMCC, the world's leading Free Zone for commodities trade and enterprise, in partnership with Asia House, the centre of expertise on trade, investment and public policy, hosted the 'The Future of Trade: The Middle East's Pivot to Asia' conference at Almas Tower today. The conference welcomed over 250 leading figures from government, trade, investment and technology to discuss, debate and analyse the latest shifts in the world economy.

The event was held in association with the Government of Dubai, and officially supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy. Sponsored by HSBC and ABP London Royal Albert Dock, the conference focused on the anticipated trends in the future of trade, renewable energy and digital technologies.

The conference keynote speech was delivered by His Excellency Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economy, who said: "The UAE and Asia have long enjoyed strong bilateral trade relations. Asian countries account for 60% of the UAE's non-oil trade while 55% of the UAE's imports come from Asia. For example, the UAE's strategic location and ease of doing business play a critical role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, with 4,000 Chinese companies already operating in the country. As the UAE's largest partner for non-oil imports, India remains a core market for us, also offering significant growth opportunities."

H.E Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, added: "Despite ongoing concerns around the U.S. and China trade, and the uncertainties brought about by Brexit, we recognise that trade remains inevitable and vital for global economic growth. The UAE is uniquely positioned to capitalise on opportunities even where challenges exist. We have attracted an impressive pool of talent carrying creative ideas that have placed us at the forefront of innovation."

In his welcome remarks, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman at DMCC said: "Despite subdued global growth figures, this event highlighted that there is cause for optimism for those of us in the region. The world's economic gravity continues to shift eastwards and as a natural corridor, Dubai's ability to link Asia with the Middle East, Europe and Africa has never been more important. DMCC sits at the heart of Dubai's global hub status, and will continue to promote the growing UAE-Asia trade and investment ties that will usher in the next wave of growth."

"It is clear that Asia will play an increasingly important role for the Middle East as the region seeks to diversify away from energy exports. We are already seeing new trade relationships grow. Research by Asia House last year demonstrated a clear pivot towards Asia from markets in the Middle East, and this trend seems set to continue," said Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, Chairman of Asia House.

"We are delighted to have brought key figures in global trade together for today's dialogue here in Dubai – a city which stands to benefit greatly from Asia's ascendance. The conference marks an important contribution to the Middle East's ongoing engagement with Asia," he added.

The conference kicked-off with a panel on "The Future of Trade", addressing the challenges and solutions amid dramatic changes in the global economic landscape, with emphasis on the Middle East's growing relationship with Asia. The key takeaways from the panel revolved around the pressure on the U.S. and China to reach an agreement, which would put an end to the trade tensions. The discussions also highlighted the importance of finding alternative partners in emerging Asian markets in the short term, which would contribute to diversifying the supply chain across the region.

Next on the agenda was a fireside chat on the latest Brexit discussions between Lord Green, Chairman of Asia House and Anne Ruth Herkes, Former State Secretary at German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The immersive dialogue focused on the difficulty of securing a deal before the extended deadline and the potential impact that exiting the EU will have on the UK's power in trade negotiations.

The next panel explored how FinTech, blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionising international trade and ease of doing business. Technology and finance experts from across the MENA region discussed means of collaboration between private companies and government entities to help foster innovation and identify growth opportunities across various trade routes.

The last panel, titled 'Shifting Energy Trends: The Rise of Renewables', debated the ongoing challenges for major oil economies with the continuous growth in the renewable energy sector. With China's growing importance as a pivotal player in renewable technology, the debate circled around the Middle East Markets' natural shift towards Asia to help expedite their diversification efforts.

Other conference speakers included: Kyle Boag, Regional Head of International Subsidiary Banking MENAT, HSBC; Neil Cuthbert, Senior Legal Advisor Middle East, Dentons & Co; Flynt Leverett, Professor of International Affairs and former US Government Senior Director for Middle East Affairs at the National Security Council; Sunil Veetil – Regional Head of Trade and Receivables Finance, HSBC MENA; Anthony Butler, Chief Technology Officer for IBM's blockchain practice, Middle East and Africa; Andrew Sims, Chief Executive Officer of NEC Payments and an Executive Director of Bahrain FinTech Bay; Luan Tian, Director of Global Incubation, Innoway; Michelle Davies, Head of Clean Energy and Sustainability, Eversheds Sutherland; and Daniel Calderon, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alcazar Energy.

A full list of speakers is available here

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

Today, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC), a national non-profit organization established to support victims of identity crime, and Futurion announced during the KNOW 2019 conference the launch of a new tool to empower victims of data breaches in decoding what breach notification means to them and how they can minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud. The ITRC, along with the tool's creator Jim Van Dyke, announced Breach Clarity™. Breach Clarity is the secret decoder that will allow consumers to decipher data breach risks, prioritize the right minimization actions and access ITRC advisors for additional help. Breach Clarity is a no-cost, online tool for consumers, meant to crack the often muddled and incomplete information that follows breach notification.

Consumers can utilize the tool at http://www.idtheftcenter.org/BreachClarity and begin decoding the effect of any data breach on their identity safety. Breach Clarity uses a proprietary algorithm to give a data breach a risk score based on unique variables, like amount and type of information exposed. The higher the risk score for a specific breach, the more negative consequences that breach can potentially have for an individual. Breach Clarity also unlocks the top potential harms and recommended action steps for a victim of each breach, eliminating confusion in a time-is-of-the-essence period for victims. Finally, the tool provides resources for consumers like risk minimization plans from ITRC for data breach and next steps toward remediation.

The most frequently asked question ITRC receives when assisting victims of data breach is, "But what does this actually mean to me?" The national non-profit strives to better assist and educate victims in determining if they should be worried and how the breach can affect them. Breach Clarity gives consumers the power to decode the harms of a data breach. After receiving a notification letter or getting information from a credible third-party like media sources, websites that provide security information and other sources, a victim can enter the name of the breach they were affected by to decode what that breach means to his or her safety.

"Victims deserve answers, not vague language that covers up the true meaning of data breaches," says President and CEO of ITRC Eva Velasquez. "We are thankful to have partners, like Jim Van Dyke, who are working to change the industry and bring clarity to victims. Breach Clarity is the first step toward empowering data breach victims and changing the scope of the industry."

The Breach Clarity algorithm runs on the backbone of ITRC's proprietary database of publicly available and notified breaches. Since data breaches – and fraud methods around them – often change quickly, Breach Clarity is a dynamic, evolving tool that updates as new information becomes available regarding breaches and fraud mechanisms.

"I'm delighted to work with the ITRC because we share a passion for protecting consumers," says Jim Van Dyke, inventor of Breach Clarity. "In contrast with some who blame victims as being 'apathetic' or even 'dumb' when it comes to security, Breach Clarity is designed to empower every identity holder with the facts and help they need to minimize the risk of a data compromise leading to identity theft."

Shortly following the launch of Breach Clarity, ITRC and Van Dyke will jointly offer webinars on how to use the tool and address questions from the public. Sign up for the first webinar about Breach Clarity at idtheftcenter.org/BreachClarity. For financial institutions and employers, a premium version of Breach Clarity will be created to provide advanced capabilities such as an expanded list of risks and action steps for the consumer, integrated results from multiple breaches and methods for integrating to digital finance systems that further empower the consumer after a breach.

Attendees of the KNOW 2019 conference can join Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of ITRC (booth #121), Jim Van Dyke, founder of Futurion and creator of Breach Clarity, and James Ruotolo, director of product management and product marketing for the Fraud and Security Intelligence division at SAS, for a covert event Monday March 25th, 7-9pm. Register here or visit ITRC's booth (#121) for more information, space is limited as this is a first come, first serve event. Thanks to SAS for their support of ITRC and underwriting the KNOW 2019 networking event.

About the Identity Theft Resource Center®
Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft, data breaches, cybersecurity, scams/fraud, and privacy issues. Through public and private support, ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its call center, website, social media channels, live chat feature and ID Theft Help app. For more information, visit: http://www.idtheftcenter.org

About Futurion and Breach Clarity™
Futurion is a research-based consultancy focused on consumer identity, digital commerce and financial services. Futurion's CEO Jim Van Dyke formerly founded and led Javelin Strategy & Research and has also held various product management and board positions. Breach Clarity was created based on research of consumer identity crime victims and interviews with experts on the front line of fraud prevention at financial institutions, government agencies, payments networks and more. Breach Clarity's basic outputs are free to all consumers at http://www.breachclarity.com, with an upcoming premium version being designed for consumers who log into their secure personal account at licensing financial institutions and employers.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) MARCH 24, 2019

EduSynch (by Dokimi, Inc.) is very pleased to announce that the company has signed a deal with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, to adopt EduSynch as its primary digital training platform for IELTS preparation within their English Language Academy (ELA).

The University of Auckland, which is ranked in the world's top 100 universities and the highest-ranked university in New Zealand, is taking steps to provide their English learners and international students access to high-quality, digital training platforms for the IELTS exam.

The ELA is New Zealand's largest and most established Official IELTS Test Center. The facility is incredibly well-equipped and offers test candidates over 36 test dates per year.

"The ELA is delighted to offer a brand new online IELTS preparation platform for test candidates and current ELA students in partnership with EduSynch. This is an exciting addition to the support that we provide to test candidates, and demonstrates our commitment to innovate according to evolving industry trends," said Mike Hughes, ELA's Marketing Manager.

Over 3 million IELTS tests are taken per year, and the number of tests taken continues to rise.

As the new, computer-delivered IELTS exam has begun to gain more and more ground in Australia and New Zealand, the ELA is now offering computer-delivered testing (starting March 21st, 2019).

"The rollout of the computer-delivered IELTS test will prove to be quite significant as we continue to expand EduSynch around the world," said Sean Kilachand, Founder and CEO of EduSynch. "This partnership with the University of Auckland is our first deployment in the Oceanic region and will act as an interesting use case for other IELTS test centers that are looking for a new and innovative way to attract and prepare students for this test."

The ELA IELTS training platform has already launched (https://www.ieltsprep.ela.auckland.ac.nz/) and is readily available for current students of the ELA, prospective students of ELA, and any other individual who is interested in preparing for an English language proficiency exam.

About the University of Auckland ELA

The University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) provides high-quality English language programmes for international students. Each year, more than 2,000 students from more than 35 countries around the world choose to learn English at the English Language Academy of the University of Auckland (ELA). Founded in 1883, Auckland is the country's largest university with over 40,000 students, nearly 10,000 of whom graduate annually.

About EduSynch

EduSynch, by Dokimi Inc., is an online platform designed for English language proficiency testing within educational institutions and corporations.

For educational institutions, EduSynch serves as an all-in-one solution designed to help prepare individuals for IELTS, TOEFL® and TOEIC®. The platform also provides a way for institutions to perform general English level testing in accordance with the CEFR.

For companies, EduSynch provides an affordable way to administer English language proficiency assessments at scale to help with recruiting and ongoing testing of existing employees.

EduSynch has over 200,000 registered users in over 200 countries around the world. EduSynch's main headquarters is located in New York City, with other offices in Rio de Janeiro, and Mumbai.

An Amazing Fact: Hermit crabs are curious creatures found near the coasts of Europe and the Americas. Most are aquatic, but a few species, like the coconut crab, live on land and can attain a length of up to 18 inches. Hermit crabs are sometimes called robber crabs because they are born without armor and must survive by borrowing the empty shells of dead mollusks as a protective home. These comical scavengers insert their soft abdomens into the abandoned shells they claim and drag about with them for defense. Their strong abdominal appendages are especially modified for gripping the shell firmly to their body.

As they grow, hermit crabs are often forced to seek new, bigger shells because they have outgrown their old ones. Sometimes they may change their housing whenever they chance upon a stronger shell. But these shells don't provide protection from all predators. The most feared antagonist of many hermit crabs is the octopus, which uses a parrot-like beak to pluck the hermit crabs from their shells.

But God has given a few species of hermit crabs an amazing defense against even these intelligent enemies. These clever hermit crabs will attach sea anemones to their shells. Sea anemones are armed with an array of poisonous tentacles that they use to subdue prey. The hermit crab will gently pry the sea anemone off the surface of a rock and transfer it onto its shell. The hermit crab and the sea anemone both benefit from this arrangement. The hermit crab benefits from the potent toxin of the sea anemone as a predator deterrent. Even an octopus will think twice before attacking a hermit crab smothered with poisonous anemones. On the other hand, the sea anemone can feed on food fragments produced when the hermit crabs eats. This mutual relationship, where both organisms benefit, is known as symbiosis.

Did you know the Bible teaches us about another symbiotic relationship between the Spirit and the Word? When we read the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be lead into truth that is life-changing. Jesus once explained to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Both are harmoniously at work in the heart of true believers. Together they bring us into a saving relationship with Christ that no enemy can break apart.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Psalms 143:9

19 MARCH 2019
                                                                                   
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
PH Highlights Gov't-Private Sector Partnership in 2019-2020 AESIEAP Hosting

The Philippines underscores the crucial role of the strong partnership between the government and the private sector in the attainment of the country's energy development agenda, as it hosts two key events of the Association of Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) for 2019 and 2020.

AESIEAP is the largest organization of power and industry companies in the region.

The Department of Energy (DOE), Manila Electric Company (Meralco), National Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Transmission Corporation, and the Department of Tourism will lead the hosting of the 2019 CEO Conference to take place this September in Cebu, as well as the 2020 Conference of Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI), which will be held in Manila.

DOE Secretary and Honorary AESIEAP Chairperson Alfonso G. Cusi looks forward to these events, which would give the country access to an international platform where members of the energy family, both from the government and private sector, could actively engage in current industry discourse and promote the country as a tourist and energy investment destination.

"We are proud and honored to have been given this opportunity, especially since our very own energy players – our local power companies and electric cooperatives – will gain invaluable knowledge and exposure to emerging regional technologies, standards, and best industry practices," Sec. Cusi said.

Emphasizing the theme, "Energized Countries, Empowered Communities", the program and speakers of AESIEAP 2019-200 will feature landmark policies and breakthrough innovations in the Philippine energy industry. In addition, an impressive showcase of Filipino talent likewise awaits conference participants.

The AESIEAP CEO Conference will be held from 22-25 September 2019 at the Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu. Over 200 energy ministers and corporate officers from AESIEAP member-countries are expected to attend the event and engage in discussions on pressing regional challenges, as well as ground-breaking strategies and solutions to ensure the sustained development of the energy industry.

On the other hand, CEPSI, considered the biggest premier electricity supply industry conference in East Asia and the Western Pacific region, will take place from 29 November-3 December 2020 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. More than 2,000 delegates from member-organizations are expected to participate.

"The AESIEAP Philippine Coalition would like to provide meaningful context to our hosting of these conferences by focusing on how the government and private sector could further harness its partnership to create lasting impact on the lives of our citizens. We also want to find more ways to strengthen synergy among all power industry stakeholders," Meralco President and CEO and AESIEAP 2019-2020 President Oscar S. Reyes emphasized.

AESIEAP 2019-2020 Secretary-General Rogelio L. Singson added that the Philippines set the bar during its previous hosting of AESIEAP in 2000. "We hope to repeat and even surpass what we achieved during our first hosting. We encourage all the members of the energy family to help secure this victory for our country," he concluded.

Manila, March 21, 2019 — U.S. 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff welcomed residents of Quezon City's Barangay Blue Ridge B for a ship tour while docked in Manila, Philippines on March 17.

Because the USS Blue Ridge and Barangay Blue Ridge B share a namesake, the Blue Ridge Mountains in the eastern United States, the tour was a unique experience for USS Blue Ridge's crew as well as the barangay residents.

Sessan Castro-Lee, captain of Barangay Blue Ridge B, said, "This is a big honor for us.  Not just getting the chance to see the ship but seeing all the crew and being welcomed so warmly.  We really feel like we are part of the ship's legacy."

Upon learning USS Blue Ridge was visiting Manila, Castro-Lee contacted the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines to arrange the visit.  "I didn't expect to get such a welcoming response on such short notice.  This has been such an amazing experience for us all," said Castro-Lee.

Barangay Blue Ridge B councilors, staff, and residents toured the ship together with USS Blue Ridge crew members, winding through small corridors and climbing up and down ladderwells throughout the ship.

Stopping in the ship's cafeteria, Chief Culinary Specialist Ron Lanuza explained how the command ship feeds more than 1,000 crew members of the USS Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet Staff.  Lanuza is one of more than 150 Filipino-American personnel on the USS Blue Ridge, making the port call in Manila a welcome return for many.

On the bridge, the ship's command and control station, Chief Charles L. Ludwig, the Public Affairs Officer for the USS Blue Ridge, explained how watch standers supervise the ship's movement and navigation.  As the second-oldest ship in the U.S. Navy's fleet, the Blue Ridge still features analog controls for speed and navigation.  While on the bridge, Barangay residents had the opportunity to sit in the commanding officer's chair.

Barangay members then proceeded to the deck, where Seaman Silvia Bohorquez, 7th Fleet's first female search and rescue swimmer, demonstrated how to use rescue equipment.  Moving to the flight deck, Ludwig explained how the helicopters on board provide resupply, transport, and search and rescue support.

The tour also visited the forecastle, or fo'c'sle, in which the ship's anchoring gear is housed, and passed through the ship's version of "main street," a corridor where a barbershop, bank, and post office operate.

For Lanuza, a Manila native and one of the USS Blue Ridge tour guides, this was a chance to give back to a local community.

"Being from the Philippines, I know how important the people here feel the U.S. Navy is to the region, so we always want to give back," he said.  "Finding out that we have a local community that shares our name made the opportunity even more important for us.  I think they really enjoyed the tour, and hopefully we will be back soon so we can meet again."

Barangay Blue Ridge also looks forward to the next opportunity to meet USS Blue Ridge sailors.  "Next time the Blue Ridge comes to Manila, we would love to welcome the crew just as we were welcomed today," said Castro-Lee.  "We want to give the sailors here a chance to see what our Blue Ridge is like as well.  We hope that we can contribute to keeping the bond and friendship between our two countries strong."

USS Blue Ridge recently completed a nearly two-year extended dry-dock selected restricted availability period and numerous certifications, to ensure she remains ready to provide security in the Indo-Pacific region.  Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Eric Anduze and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force.

According to the barangay, the Blue Ridge B community was born in the late 1950s and intended for military veterans.  The barangay was created in the late 1970s, occupies about 15 hectares, and serves approximately 200 households.

For more photos of the tour, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5184261/uss-blue-ridge-hosts-shared-namesake-barangay-manila.  For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.

MEDIA RELEASE
21 MARCH 2019
DOE: USE ENERGY WISELY AS WORLD PRICE FLUCTUATES

TAGUIG CITY – Recent world events have once again caused the increase of oil prices in the local market. The Department of Energy (DOE) has observed the continuing decline of oil production by members of the Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as by countries outside of OPEC.

Saudi Arabia, with its large contribution to world oil supply, has steadily reduced its crude oil production by 336,000 barrels per day (B/D) this March, bringing the total OPEC reduction to around 1.6 million B/D as of March 2019. Further cuts on exported crude oil from Saudi Arabia are expected in April 2019, with the announced reduction of an additional 635,000 B/D.

Actions by the United States, with the imposed sanctions on Venezuela and Iran have also affected world oil prices including the impending Iran export waiver expiring in April, affecting a further reduction of crude oil supply by around 1.1 million B/D. This has already resulted in recent cuts of U.S. oil reserves, causing the overall increase in crude prices.

In the East Asian region, scheduled shutdowns due to the maintenance of oil processing facilities in Japan (JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy) and China (Sinopec) are also expected to contribute in the further reduction of oil supply.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "The nation, along with the majority of the globe, is facing the realities of socio-political turmoil in oil-producing countries, which, sadly, results in fluctuations of oil prices. I cannot stress enough that, as an oil importing country, our market is susceptible to these effects, and it is up to us as a nation how we handle this challenge."

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSUMER POWER OF CHOICE

Meanwhile, Energy Chief reiterated that despite the price adjustments in the world market, the consumers must continue to utilize energy efficiently and exercise their power of choice to enhance more competition in the retail level.

"The retail prices and services per retail station are different. Our consumers must compare the prices and services and choose the retail station that provides the best products and services that suit their needs," Secretary Cusi explained.

He added, "Everyone must be aware of their respective energy consumption habits and continue to observe an energy efficient lifestyle, whether we have fuel price increases or not."

"The DOE will continue its oil price and fuel quality monitoring activities," the Energy Secretary concluded.

21 March 2019
Monetary Board Maintains Policy Settings

        At its meeting on monetary policy today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the interest rate on the BSP's overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) facility unchanged at 4.75 percent. The interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were likewise held steady.

        The Monetary Board's decision is based on its assessment that prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriate. Latest baseline inflation forecasts show inflation settling within the target range of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for both 2019 and 2020, while inflation expectations continue to stabilize within the target band. Inflation pressures have eased further since the previous monetary policy meeting, reflecting mainly the decline in food prices amid improved supply conditions.

        Meanwhile, the Monetary Board observed that overall prospects for domestic activity continue to be firm, supported by a projected recovery in household spending and the continued implementation of the government's infrastructure program. However, there are risks to economic growth in 2019 if the current budget impasse in Congress is not resolved soon.

        The Monetary Board also noted that the risks to the inflation outlook remained broadly balanced for 2019 even as it observed that further risks could emerge from prolonged EI Niño and higher-than-expected increases in global oil and food prices. For 2020, the risks lean toward the downside as tighter global financial conditions and geopolitical risks temper global economic activity and potential upward pressures on commodity prices.

        Given these considerations, the Monetary Board is of the view that the within-target inflation outlook and firm domestic growth support keeping monetary policy settings steady at this time. Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to monitor developments affecting the inflation outlook to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with its price stability objective.

ANONG HALAGA NG DTI RANKINGS SA ORDINARYONG MAMAMAYAN?
By Rep. Frederick W. Siao

1.  Iligan Cost of Living - 135th. Tumutukoy sa kung gaano ka-favorable sa tao, so kapag mababa ang ranking, hindi favorable.

Ito ang mga pang-araw-araw na gastos. Ang rank ng Cagayan De Oro sa kategoryang ito ay 98th kumpara sa 135th rank ng Iligan. Ang Cebu 65th tied with Butuan na 65th din.

Ang Bacolod 11th -- mura mga bilihin at mga gastos sa Bacolod

2.  Economic Dynamism: 116th place -- gaano ka-sigla ang lokal na ekonomiya.

Sa 116th place, kulang sa sigla, kapos sa bitamina, lowbatt ang Iligan. Kailangan ng bagong charge. Kailangan ng bagong baterya.

3.  Government Efficiency: 121st place – Tumutukoy sa kung gaano kabilis o kabagal ang mga opisina ng gobyernong lokal sa pagserbisyo sa mga residente.  Kaugnay nito ang rankings para sa - Presence of Investment Promotion Unit: 138th place at Business Registration Efficiency: 133rd place

Ibig sabihin ng 121st ay MABAGAL NA, MALI PA. Gaano ba katagal o ilang araw inaabot ang processing ng kahit anong permit, lisenya, clearance, o renewal sa city hall? Gaano karaming tao ba ang kailangan pumirma sa mga dokumentong kailangan ng publiko? Mayroon bang sumusuyo sa mga may kakayahan magnegosyo? Mayroon bang tumutulong sa kanila?

4.  LGU Investment ay 106th place at sa Utilities category ay 111th place
Kulang din ang Iligan sa mga kategoryang ito. Paano nga naman sisigla ang Iligan kung halos lahat ng budget ng city ay puro sa pasweldo lang at walang capital investment? Kuryente at Tubig mahina ang serbisyo kumpara sa ibang city kasi 111th place lang.

5.  Capacity of School Services: 126th place
Kapag pinagsamasama lahat ng school sa buong city, marami siyang hindi kayang pag-aralin. Hindi kaya ng kapasidad ng mga paaralan na tumanggap ng mga enrollees.

REP. BONG BELARO
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Minority Leader
Vice Chair, Committee on Higher & Technical Education
Member, Basic Education & Culture and 10 other committees
https://www.facebook.com/edukasyonparty/ | 0917-729-2437

FINANCIAL LITERACY, YESTERDAY'S HOME ECONOMICS, NEEDED FOR ADVANCED ADULTING' TODAY

By showing students of all ages how math is used at home and in everyday life using private sector-developed financial literacy modules, the Department of Education can produce future generations of numbers-savvy Filipinos, according to 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list Rep. Bong Belaro.

"Most of today's older parents were taught home economics in school. As they as well aware now, much of that subject really is about managing the family budget using basic mathematics," Belaro, son of a farmer father and a public school teacher mother explained.

"Math is the key tool of financial literacy," Belaro added.

According to the DepEd, "more than 400,000 public and private school learners all over the country competed in the elimination round of the 2019 Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge conducted across 1,700 testing centers nationwide from January 17 to 18."

"Pinatutunayan ng datos na ito na hindi bababa sa 400,000 ang mga batang mag-aaral na angat ang galing sa Math. Layunin natin na mas dumami pa sila," Belaro said.

"These days and more so in the future, the need for "adulting" becomes even more necessary and central to that is the imperative of making the young realize how crucial math is at home, while using public transport, and earning extra income," the education solon stressed.

Belaro said the government must encourage more financial literacy involvement of the private sector and professionals "through their corporate social responsibility and social enterprise projects."

Belaro is the author of House Bill 4236 calling for the incorporation of entrepreneurship and basic financial literacy in all tracks of senior high school.

"Senior high students have the most immediate need for financial literacy and entrepreneurship competence because they are the young who are nearest to being able to find work or put up small businesses," Belaro pointed out.

"For the 18th Congress, non-tax incentives that would motivate professionals and companies to develop applied math competence from primary to senior high are among the top on the legislative agenda of 1-Ang Edukasyon," the party-list congressman said.

"I am studying the application of the carbon credits concept to volunteerism and corporate social responsibility. My idea involves converting volunteer time and part of CSR resources spent. Conversion into education credits which can be invested into helping build and equip more schools," he also said.

According to the DepEd, "last year's Brigada generated a grand total of P6,447,685,413.61 worth of resources and volunteer man hours, and mobilized a total 22,647,754 volunteers."

"That's a lot of man-hours and volunteerism resources indicative of the strong potential of education credits to augment the country's investments in education," Belaro said. (END)

Press Release
Message of Lt Gen Felimon T. Santos Jr. on the 122nd Army Anniversary

Eastern Mindanao Command congratulates the men and women of the Philippine Army, especially to those who are deployed here in Eastern Mindanao, as they celebrate the 122nd Founding Anniversary.

In the standard of our discipline and dedication to duty we have shown in our effort to bring peace in the communities hand in hand with the different stakeholders, we have greatly contributed to the modernization of our Army into becoming a world class with world class standard of discipline and dedication to duty.

As we continue treading the path of building safe and conflict-free communities in eastern Mindanao, we will continue to rely on your effort in carrying out the Eastern Mindanao Command's mission and vision. We are confident that your versatility as a security force,  peacebuilders, and community organizers will continue to sustain our work to prevent the resurgence of conflict in the different communities and will be our primary tool in the implementation of Executive Order 70 to end the conflict once and for all.

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Press Release
"Persona non Grata" place NPAs on the run

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The New People's Army are on the run after more and more communities and Local Government Units (LGUs) are declaring them "persona non grata" in their respective communities denying them of space to hide and manuever from the long arm of the law and pursuing troops.

From January 1, 2019, to March 21, 2019, troops figured in a total of 59 armed encounters in different instances all-over Eastern Mindanao.

These resulted in the death of 16 Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) and the capture of 22 others. This further resulted in the reduction of their armed capability with the capture and surrender of firearms totalling to 181 (116 HPFAs , 65 LPFAs) and 63 International Humanitarian Law banned landmines.

In the morning of March 21, 2019, troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion encountered CNT members along Upper Sangay, Barangay Anomar, Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte . The incident resulted in the death of one CNT member, the capture of one M16 rifle, recovery of three International Humanitarian Law banned anti-personnel landmine, landmine paraphernalia, and other CNT belongings.

The afternoon of the same day, another encounter transpired at the outskirts of Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte between the patrolling troops of 23IB under Ltc Francisco Molina and an undetermined number of CNT members.

No casualty was reported during the said skirmish.

In Davao City, troops from 3rd Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered an undetermined number of the CPP-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) members along the periphery of Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District in the morning of March 22, 2019.

This came after the Ovu-Manuvu tribe in the said Barangay declared the NPAs "persona non grata" in their ancestral domain on February 25, 2019,

For the first quarter of 2019, 12 resolutions from Barangays, Municipalities, Provinces, and Tribal Councils were already passed declaring the CPP-NPA in their respective localities and areas as "persona non grata" while another three resolutions were passed on the late part of December 2018.

The Province of Davao Oriental also prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF and declared them as undesirable in the whole province, after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19, 2019, to that effect.

On February 15, 2019, villages in Surigao del Norte particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit, both villages that are known where the NPA thrive for the past years, banned the CPP-NPA-NDF when they declared them as "persona non grata" on February 15, 2019.

Compostela Valley Province likewise passed a resolution condemning and declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata in the whole province last January 25, 2019.

In the same manner, the Ovu-Manuvo Tribe in Kinarum, Magpet and Datu Ladayon, Arakan both of North Cotabato declared the NPAs as "persona non grata" on December 19, 2018 l, while 21 Barangays in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the whole Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan Sur declared the same on October 23, 2018, and December 21, 2018, respectively.

The obtaining situation also resulted to the surrender of regular CNTG members, Militia ng Bayan members and the collapse of different underground mass organizations as its members continuously dissociate themselves from the CNTG.

For the period, a total of 130 NPA regulars and 79 Militia ng Bayan surrendered along with 88 mass supporters and members of the underground mass organizations who denounced their affiliation and support to the CNTG.

Meanwhile, Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., recognized the effort of the different communities in pursuing their own respective efforts.

"The military cannot do this alone. Peace can be achieved if we put our acts together. Let us continue working together to bring peace in our communities and encourage those who continuously embrace the armed struggle to join us," Lt. Gen Santos Jr. said.

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This is a public service advisory from the National Telecommunications Commission, the Bureau of Fire Protection and Globe. Ngayong buwan ng Marso, ipinagdiriwang natin ang Fire Prevention Month na ang tema ay "LIGTAS NA PILIPINAS ATING KAMTIN, BAWAT PAMILYA AY SANAYIN, KAALAMAN SA SUNOG AY PALAWAKIN." Muli ipinapaalala ng Bureau of Fire Protection na "Sa iyong KAPABAYAAN madalas nagmumula ang iyong KAPAHAMAKAN." No public advisories? Text STOP to 26827.

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DAVAO ORIENTAL (Night of 19March)

Press Release - One member of the New People's Army rebels rescued by troops of the Philippine Army after last Sunday's clash in the boundary of Lupon, Davao Oriental and Brgy. Las Arenas in Pantukan, Compostela Valley has been treated for his wounds at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC).

28-year-old Randy (not his real name) obtained a gunshot wound on his left knee. He was rescued a day after the encounter by troops of the 28th Infantry Battalion after he was abandoned by his comrades.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who personally visited him at the DOPMC this evening, assured that the Provincial Government will take care of his hospitalization and will committed to also facilitate his processing and turn-over to the proper authorities.

Governor Dayanghirang further assured that the Provincial Government will welcome with open arms the  members of the NPA who desire to surrender to the government.

Joining the Governor during his visit are 28th IB Commander Lt. Col. Miguel Ramon, Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong, and officers of the 701st Brigade and the Philippine National Police.

(In-depth story on this topic will be posted later) by @Karen Lou Deloso, PIO Davao Oriental

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Lite Ferry 18 of Lite Shipping Co.
CDO - Cebu 7:45pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Cebu to Cagayan de Oro: 7:45pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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BACOLOD CITY -- Troopers of the Philippine Army's 15th Infantry Battalion recovered copies of the extortion letter being sent by the New People's Army (NPA) to construction companies in Negros Island.

These were among the items seized by the soldiers following their encounter with a group of communist rebels at Sitio Bunga, Barangay Salong in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental late Tuesday afternoon.

A copy of the letter provided by the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) showed it has the letterhead of the NPA's Apolinario Gatmaitan Command based in Negros Island. Dated March 12, 2019, the letter was allegedly signed by Armando Magbanua of the Regional Taxation Group.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303IB, said on Wednesday the recovery of the extortion letters shows that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front is indeed an extortionist terrorist organization.

"The regular NPA rebels do the difficult and dirty work in the countryside while their leaders and political officers are enjoying the fruits of their extortion activities, living luxuriously and comfortably in the cities," Arevalo added.

Part of the extortion letter states the NPA's so-called People's Democratic Government (PDG) "exercises its right to impose taxes on properties, business operations, and revenues, among others within its territory."

"Adherence to revolutionary taxation has corresponding privileges and concessions set by the PDG. Resources collected from revolutionary taxes augment the funds of the PDG intended for its social services and other programs of the revolutionary government," it added.

Also, the letter includes a threat of "enforced sanctions detrimental to (the) business operation" if the recipient will not "discuss and settle" their supposed "tax obligations."

Previous reports showed the NPA has resorted to attacking and destroying civilian targets aimed at pressuring businesses to pay revolutionary taxes.

Col. Noel Detoyato, public affairs office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, earlier said the burning spree of heavy equipment perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippine -New People's Army is meant to continue with their terrorism plans and to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands. (PNA)

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By PNA
MALAYBALAY CITY--New People's Army (NPA) rebels attacked a pineapple plantation in the Bukidnon town of Don Carlos and burned a harvesting equipment on Thursday, the Army said.

In a statement released by the Army's 403rd Brigade on Friday, an unspecified number of armed men raided the plantation area of Davao Agriculture Ventures Company Inc. (DAVCO) in Brgy. San Nicolas at around 8 p.m.

The armed men "threatened the workers and announced that they are NPA members," the Army statement said, adding the group disarmed the lone security guard and seized the latter's cellphone.

"Without warning, they poured gasoline and burned a Camico 633 (pineapple harvesting equipment). The workers who were terrified cannot do anything but ran for their safety for fear of being killed," it added.

The rebels also burned a backhoe and fled toward the direction of the neighboring Maramag town, the Army said.

Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Brigade, decried the rebels' attack "against civilian properties," while noting that the destroyed properties had nothing to do with the military's operations.

"We will be submitting a report to CHR-10 (Commission on Human Rights-Northern Mindanao) and request them to investigate if the actions of the NPAs violate IHL (International Humanitarian Law," de Leon added.

NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. (PNA)

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MANILA -- The Sandiganbayan has junked the criminal cases against a former municipal mayor of Bohol province for issuing cockfighting permits, which were allegedly used for unauthorized purposes.

The anti-graft court's 3rd Division, in a resolution dated March 8, granted the prosecution's manifestation with motion to withdraw the cases dated Oct. 10, 2018 against former Mabini mayor Esther Fostanes-Tabigue for being meritorious.

"Accordingly, the information in criminal cases no. SB-17-CRM-1584-1591 are considered withdrawn," the Sandiganbayan said.

The Sandiganbayan noted that the finding of probable cause against Tabigue was anchored on an error of fact and law.

"The resolution on which the information was based proceeded under the assumption that the cockfights subject of the instant case were staged by virtue and under the authority of the mayor's permits issued by accused Tabigue. This, however, was an erroneous assumption," it said.

It added that the mayor's permits issued by Tabigue merely acknowledged that the cockfights would be held "as part of... barangay fiesta celebration(s)" and not for "charitable purposes", as alleged in the information.

The court also noted that the charitable purposes were approved by the Sangguniang Bayan and the police provincial director and not by Tabigue.

"As far as accused Tabigue was concerned, she merely issued the mayor's permits, subject to compliance with laws and rules, on account of the barangay captain's representations that the cockfights would be part of fiesta activities," it said.

The Sandiganbayan examined the permits issued by Tabigue dated Sept. 9, 2013; Nov. 13, 2013; Jan. 2, 2014; and Nov. 18, 2014, as well as the special permits issued by Bohol Police Director, Col. Dennis Agustin, on Sept. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2013; Jan. 3 2014; and Nov. 19, 2014 and their attachments, and found the claims of the prosecution panel meritorious.

"After a judicious evaluation of the evidence on record and a thorough consideration of the respective allegations of both parties, the Court finds merit in the prosecution's motion to withdraw the subject information," the Sandiganbayan said.

"While some of the grounds cited by the prosecution may indeed be remedied by an amendment of the information, the Court notes that the Ombudsman has effectively re-examined and abandoned its very theory as to the alleged criminal liability of accused Tabigue," it added.

Records show that the mayor's permit issued on Sept. 19, 2013 was granted to Chairman Ruben Maglana of Barangay Lungsodaan, Mabini, Bohol to hold cockfights as part of their barangay fiesta celebration on Sept. 26-27, 2013 in Purok 5, Lungsodaan. (PNA)

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Press Releasde COAST GUARD - On March 15, 2019, a marine mammal, initially identified to be a Cuvier's Beaked Whale (15.4 feet long and max. 7 feet wide), was found to be stranded along the coastline of Brgy. Cadunan, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province. The incident was reported immediately to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI through the combined efforts of Mr. Jaime Conson, former Regional Fisherfolk Director, Mrs. Amy Bama, LGU Technician, MDRRMC Personnel of Mabini, and the fisherfolk community. They attempted to release the whale three (3) times but it would returned to shallow water. The BFAR XI Stranding Team, FPLEG Personnel and PFO ComVal Personel assisted on site as it could not swim on its own, emaciated and weak. Upon initial observation, it was found out that there was a prominent back bone and peanut-shaped head area. Further, blood samples were collected and subjected to analysis and results showed that the animal was dehydrated.

On the 2nd day, the whale struggled and vomited blood and discharges brown liquid from its anus. Around 10:30 am on the 2nd day, the animal died. It was brought to the D'Bone Collector's Museum in Davao City. A team of personnel conducted necropsy examination, consisting of CFO Davao City staff, BFAR-FMRED Staff, Dr. Elaine Vera Belvis, DVM and Mr. Darel Blatchley, Director, D'Bone Collector's Museum. It was observed that all stomach compartments were full of foreign materials such as plastics of varying sizes and shapes, sacks, and among others. The presence of squid beaks was also observed. The stomach mucusa were also hemorrhagic. The presence of parasites in stomach and kidney areas were also observed. The BFAR XI team collected tissue samples for the scientific determination of other possible causes of death through a series of histophatologic tests.

Initial diagnosis of death is the INGESTION OF HUGE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN OBJECTS MOSTLY OF PLASTICS AND CELLOPHANE. This whale might have some couple of years more to live, but with the lack of awareness and concern for nature of some humans, its life ends with a tragic event. We must be responsible enough, not to harm these lovely creatures. They never harm us, and they never done bad things to us. The plastics we use, when being carried to oceans were mistakenly identified as food by some marine animals. When ingested, there is no way of digesting it. Instead, these may blocked air passages, causes starvation and eventually, the animal dies within a couple of days. This is a call to each one of us that we must be responsible enough for every single plastic we are using. Stranding events, where animals reach out for humans, is not only a call for help, it is also an awakening scream of animals, in their silence, that we share one world, one planet and one home. What we are doing now, might be the end of other's life. Unless we change, these creatures might vanished all of its kind, and only in books, in the future, might tell that for once they exist.One movie line said... "we've only got one world, let's share it in peace.." Let us live our lives with these creatures. We were made to guard them, not to destroy them...

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Tsismosa  nga may warrant of arrest -dakpan
By RMN Gensan

General Santos city--Nagtingkagol na karon sa police station 3 ang usa ka 57 anyos nga si Gerta Piator,  Balo ug nanimuyo sa Barangay Bula ning syudad human nga gi-serve kaniya ang warrant of arrest sa kasong slander batok kaniya nga gipakanaug ni hon. Judge Marie Ellengrid Baliguat sa MTCC BR-1 nga gipakanaug niadtong milabay nga agusto 28, tuig 2018.

Sumala pa ni PCI Pinalgan nga nasikop ang suspect sa vicinity sa branch 1 sa MTCC nga nahimutang sa Cabel St.  Barangay Lagao alas 10:50 ang takna sa buntag.

Sa kasamtangan gipaabot nalang sa kapulisan nga makapyansa ang nasampit ug kantidad sa P6,000.00, apan kung dili makapyansa ang suspek posibleng iturn over kini sa Gensan City Reformatory Center higayon nga mugawas na ang iyang commitment order gikan sa korte. (Dave Silagan)

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NEDA XI comes up with own Citizen's Charter
by JD Abangan

Davao City (1 October 2009) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI has come up with its own Citizen's Charter distinctly expressing its way of delivering frontline services locally.

After a thorough discussion among the members of its Citizen's Charter Task Force, NEDA has identified two frontline services.

It has to provide technical assistance to provinces and highly urbanized cities on development planning, policy formulation, investment programming, project development, and project monitoring and evaluation.

It also has to evaluate project proposals, ranging from simple concept papers to full blown feasibility studies submitted by local government units, national government central and regional offices, the business sector and civil society for endorsement by the Regional Development Council (RDC).

NEDA's Citizen's Charter presentation starts off with its vision that expresses its public service commitment to constituents of the Davao Region.

Expressed in five paragraphs, its mission statement comes next that discusses its stakeholders, it's based area, its organizational values and its desired service-delivery impact at the regional level.

During the launching ceremony, Civil Service Commission (CSC) XI Assistant Regional Director Lilia Clamor cited NEDA XI as one of the few regional office of national government agencies that had had been allowed by their central offices to locally come up with their own Citizen's Charter.

Clamor said that regional offices of national line agencies are waiting for the crafting of the Citizen's Charter in their national offices.

All government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) including local government units are required to draw up their Citizen's Charter as mandated by Republic Act 9485 or An Act to Improve Efficiency in the Delivery of Government Service by Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape, Preventing Graft and Corruption and Providing Penalties thereof. It is popularly known as Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

RA 9485 defines Citizen's Charter as an official document, a service standard, or a pledge, that communicates, in simple terms, information on the services provided by the government to its citizens.

The Charter describes the step-by-step procedure for availing a particular service and the guaranteed performance level that clients may expect for that service.

RA 9485 puts particular focus on frontline services which refer to the process or transaction between clients and government offices or agencies involving applications for any privilege, right, permit, reward, license, concession, or for any modification, renewal or extension of the enumerated applications and or requests which are acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the office or agency concerned.

Other than the rule on Citizen's Charter, RA 9485 also provides for rules regarding the accountability of heads of offices and agencies, who according to the law, bear the primary responsibility to implement all other rules of the law and "shall be held accountable to the public in rendering fast, efficient, convenient and reliable service."

It also provides rules on accessing frontline services which should be rendered within five working days in response to requests involving simple transactions and 10 working day for those that take complex transaction. (PIA XI)

Int'l peacebuilders offer help to GRP-MILF peace process
by RG Alama

Davao City (1 October 2009) -- Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPACC) an international network of peacebuilders is offering to help the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Gus Miclat, the executive director of Davao-based Initiatives for International Dialogue, the designated Regional Initiatior for Southeast Asia of GPACC said that the network is willing to assist the International Contact Group (ICG) of the peace process.

ICG is composed of interested countries and international non-government organizations (NGOs) that aims to build a consensus that will sustain the interest of both the GRP and MILF and also to maintain a level of comfort aimed at restoring mutual trust of the two parties.

The GRP and the MILF both agreed to the formation of the ICG during their talks held in Kualau Lumpur, Malaysia last September 15.and is seen as an important step in restarting the stalled talks after the signing of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain or MOA-AD was scrapped which led to a resurgence of violence between the government and lawless MILF groups.

GPPAC is a world-wide civil society network that works to promote the importance of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Established in 2003 after then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his 2001 report 'Prevention of Armed Conflict' urged NGOs involved conflict prevention to organize an international conference of local, national and international NGOs on their role in conflict prevention and future interaction with the United Nations in this field.

GPPAC is structured through fifteen regional networks, which are led by existing civil society network organizations working on conflict prevention and peacebuilding that believes in the idea of networking and cooperation.

IID is hosting the GPACC's International Steering Group (ISG) meeting this September 30 to October 7 at the Waterfront Insular hotel here in Davao City. (PIA XI)

DOST-Benguet sustains silkworm egg production
by SC Aro

La Trinidad, Benguet (31 October 2009) -- The Department of Science and Technology -Benguet Office formerly the Philippine Textile Research Institute Benguet Office assured that it will still maintain egg production for the rearing of silkworm even if it is no longer its mandate.

Dr. Arnold Inumpa, now Provincial Director of DOST-Benguet said that the then PTRI-Benguet Office was absorbed and reconstituted as DOST-Benguet last January in consonance with the rationalization program of the government. However, the PTRI Central Office in Manila including its old station in Mindanao is still operational.

Inumpa said their office still has to sustain egg production of silkworm due to the demand of farmers but breeding which entails research could no longer be undertaken by their office. He said their mandate now is to promote mature technology for feasible livelihood projects.

As there are no takers yet of the technology, Inumpa said the direction eventually will be the privatization of the production of silkworm eggs.

DOST-Benguet could still produce the regular production between 100 to 200 boxes per year, Inumpa stressed as there are two staff assigned to do the job. One box is equivalent to normally 20,000 eggs with a survival rate of 85 to 90 percent.

Of the total production, only one-fourth to one-third is being disposed, the rest are wasted according to Inumpa. These are purchased through the Fiber Industry and Development Authority (FIDA).

The costs of silkworm vary by silkworm stage but for the eggs it is charged at P200.00per box. Newly hatched or first in star costs P230.00 per box, 10 days old or third in star costs P250.00 per box. The six days old or second in star silkworms are not being sold.

Aside from Kapangan, Kibungan and Bakun are also focusing on sericulture industry, with funding from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) amounting to P1.5 million each for the establishment of rearing houses. Some farmers in Sablan and Mankayan have also ventured in silkworm production. (PIA-Benguet)

Duterte signs law making legal adoption simpler

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law that will make legal adoption of children simpler.

Duterte signed on Feb. 21 Republic Act 11222 or the "Simulated Birth Rectification Act," according to a copy of the law obtained by ABS-CBN News.

Simulation of birth is defined under the law as the "tampering of the civil registry to make it appear in the record of birth that a child was born to a person who is not such child's biological mother, causing the loss of the true identity and status of such child."

The law allows the rectification of simulated birth of a child where the simulation was made "for the best interest of the child, and that such child has been consistently considered and treated by the person or persons who simulated such birth as her, his, or their own daughter or son."

It also fixes the status and filiation of a child whose birth was simulated by giving such child all the benefits of adoption and ensuring that such child shall be entitled to all the rights provided by law to legally adopted children.

Those who simulated the birth record of a child prior to the law's effectivity shall be exempt from criminal, civil, and administrative liability, provided that a petition for adoption with an application for the rectification of the simulated birth record is filed 10 years from the law's effectivity.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), some 6,500 children are awaiting adoption.

To make adoption simpler and less costly, the law also allows administrative adoption proceeding if the child has been living with the adoptive parents for at least 3 years before the measure's effectivity and the DSWD declared the child legally available for adoption.

According to the law, adopters must be a Filipino citizen, be of legal age, possess full civil capacity and legal rights, and be of good moral character.

They must also have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, be emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children, and be in a position to support and care for the child.

For married couples where one of the adopters is a foreign national married to a Filipino, the foreign national must have been residing in the Philippines for at least 3 consecutive years prior to the filing of the petition for adoption and application for rectification of simulated birth record.

The written consent of the adoptee is needed if he or she is 10 years old or over. The same is also needed from the "legitimate and adopted daughters and sons, 10 years old and above, of the adopter and adoptee, if any."

Written consent is also required from the "illegitimate daughters and son, 10 years old and above, of the adopter if living with said adopter and the latter's spouse, if any."

The spouse of an adoptee, if any, is also required to file a written consent for the adoption process to start.

According to the law, the petition shall be supported by a copy of the simulated birth or foundling certificate of the child, affidavit of admission if the simulation of birth was done by a third person, a certification by the village chief attesting that the child has been living with the petitioner, and a certificate declaring the child legally available for adoption from the DSWD.

Also required are the affidavits of at least two disinterested persons who reside in the same barangay where the child resides, attesting that the child has been living with the petitioner for at least three years prior to the law's effectivity.

Once the requirements are completed, the adopter shall file the petition with the city or town's social welfare and development officer. The petition will pass through the regional director and then the secretary of the DSWD.

If the adoption petition is granted, the adoptee shall be considered the legitimate daughter or son of the adopter "for all intents and purposes and as such is entitled to all the rights and obligations provided by law to legitimate daughters or sons born to them without discrimination of any kind."

"Except where a biological parent is the spouse of the adopter, all legal ties between the biological parents and the adoptee shall be severed and the same shall then be vested in the adopter," the law reads.

Adoption may be rescinded if the adopter committed repeated physical or verbal maltreatment to the adoptee, made an attempt on the life of the adoptee, sexually assaulted the adoptee, or abandoned and failed to comply with parental obligations.

A petition for rescission of adoption may be filed by the adoptee with the assistance of the DSWD if he or she is a minor or over 18 years old but incapacitated.

If the petition for rescission is granted, the parental authority of the adoptee's biological parents shall be restored if the adoptee is still a minor or incapacitated.

The law also penalizes with imprisonment ranging from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years, and/or a fine of no less than P200,000 those who obtain consent for an adoption through coercion, undue influence, fraud, improper inducement, or other similar acts.

Noncompliance with the procedures and safeguards provided by the law for adoption, as well as subjecting or exposing the child to be adopted to danger, abuse or exploitation are also punishable under the law. - Press Release

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Facebook is gone for now.

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INQUIRER: In Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines is one of the countries with the most number of HIV/AIDS incidence. In 2018, PNAC cited that as many as 32 Filipinos have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS daily. With 62,024 cases recorded from January 1984 to December 2018, Department of Health has recognized the Philippines as "the country with the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific." In an effort to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and eradicate stigma, Procter & Gamble, which owns Vicks Vaporub, released a heartwarming video as part of their "Touch of Care" campaign.  [pia-dr/jd] https://business.inquirer.net/266450/vicks-aims-to-raise-hiv-awareness-through-its-touch-of-care-campaign

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"The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." - Confucius

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PRESS RELEASE
February 25, 2019

Balutan receives Metrobank's ACES award

In recognition for his continued service and excellence, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan was given the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) by Metrobank Foundation (MBFI).

Balutan recieved the prestigious award at the Le Pavillon, Roxas Blvd., EDSA, Pasay City on February 21.

"I feel proud and honored to be chosen as one of the ACES awardees," said Balutan.

The recognition, which coincided with MBFI's 40th founding anniversary, was given to past MBFI awardee who have continued to stand out in their respective fields after having been honored by the Foundation for their career service achievements.

In 2011, Balutan was one of The Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS) awardees. A graduate of Philippine Military Academy "Matikas" Class of 1983 who earned the moniker "Mandirigma" (or warrior in English), the bemedalled major general has served the government as Marine commander to Bureau of Corrections chief and now the PCSO general manager.

Prior to his current position, Balutan was a Mindanao combat veteran whose nose for intelligence-gathering helped quell threats in conflict-plagued provinces like Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

Balutan spent more than 38 years of his adult life in the Marine Corps, two-thirds of it in the battlefronts, and has survived more than 50 combat encounters and four ambushes against the enemy of the state.

Looking back, Balutan credited his humble beginnings as what greatly shaped who he is today. He knows how to plant rice, sow corn and beans, herd carabao and other farm animals - where they get their livelihood and money to augment the meager salaries of their parents to support their education.

"My late father had said: 'We are not capable'. That challenged and encouraged us to stand and fight our way in life. Up to now, I think about it. And this gave me the impetus to rise to any challenges life may bring. Due to my late father's excellent parenting, all of us his children are now successful in life," shared Balutan.

Balutan's father, Alejandro, a World War II veteran and a Master sergeant at the Philippine Army, raised them in militarily, which influenced him and his younger brothers to enter the military and police service.

With that mindset to follow the footsteps of his father, Balutan took the PMA entrance exams and the rest is history.

"There is no greater glory and fulfillment than serving the country and saving the lives of the people. I am most passionate in touching lives. I do not belong to an affluent family. During my younger years, we have to work every day in the farm in order to support the needs of the family. I know how hard it is to live with less," said Balutan.

As PCSO's incumbent general manager, the former marine general prides his administration for the countless of lives by PCSO, local government units, non-government offices, and other civic organizations that were given ambulance and financial assistance in order to provide their constituents with better medical and charity services.

"When I was in the military, I always look forward to the day when people can walk anytime and anywhere without fear. Now that I am with PCSO, I look forward to the day when no one will succumb to death without being brought to the doctor or hospital due to lack of money. With PCSO, this will all come true," he said.

In the future, Balutan sees himself as an "apostolate" looking after and playing with his grandchildren. But for now, he will do his job and follow orders from the President.

"I am serving in the pleasure of the President and like a good soldier, I will follow orders. So it's up to the President where he will see me best to serve the Filipino people," Balutan stressed.

"I want the Filipino nation to remember me as the incorruptible 'Mandirigma' who have touched the lives of many people."

"As for my family, I want them to simply remember me as a 'loving father'," he concluded.

CAPTION:

PCSO General Manager Alexander Ferrer Balutan receives the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) (second from the left) with his wife, Maria Angelina (second from the right). Also in photo are the officials from Metrobank Foundation.

ALEXANDER F BALUTAN
General Manager

For clarifications, pls call Mr. Florante S. Solmerin, Deputy Spokesman for the Office of the General Manager-PCSO at 09274841800 / 099859347 59 or gm.pcsosimt@gmail.com

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KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 7 -- The city government  is pushing for the establishment of a new office that will manage the operations and development of its thriving economic enterprises.

City Mayor Peter Miguel said Monday the local government is currently drawing up mechanisms and necessary policies for the operationalization of the City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO).

He said they are targeting to set up the new office before the projected completion in October of the city's PHP150 million integrated public transport terminal project.

Aside from the terminal, he said it would manage the operations of the city public market, slaughter and public cemetery.

Miguel said the creation of the CEEDO is part of the local government's efforts to improve its revenue generation initiatives.

The city government earlier launched a comprehensive study improve the operations and further develop its economic enterprises.

In line with the initiative, local government personnel conducted benchmarking activities earlier this month in the cities of Tagum in Davao del Norte and Digos in Davao del Sur.

They specifically looked into the policies and strategies implemented by the two local government units in line with the operations of their economic enterprises.

Miguel assured that he will appoint competent and experienced officials and personnel for the new office.

"We working on setting this in place soon as the new head and personnel will later lead the crafting of ordinances for the operations of our economic enterprises," he said.

The construction of the city terminal project is currently ongoing in a 5.9-hectare site earlier acquired by the city government in Purok Yellow Bell, Barangay Sta. Cruz, is now about 70 percent complete.

The local government is also working on the development of a new public cemetery at the boundary of Barangays Mabini and Esperanza covering around four hectares.

It had laid out plans to establish a city hospital and a convention center that would require investments of around P400 million.(PNA)

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LAOAG CITY, Aug. 7 — With the onset of rainy season, public school teachers both from elementary and secondary schools here are advised to have a flu shot.

Flu or influenza is an acute infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by any of the three types of influenza viruses (A, B, and C), each of which has several subtypes or strains.

Health care providers said flu viruses enter the mouth or nose by inhalation of droplets that are coughed, sneezed, or exhaled out by people with the disease; by direct contact with secretions from infected people; or by touching contaminated objects and then touching the nose or mouth with the hands.

Funded by the Department of Education under the Gender and Development program, the free vaccine is available this August, said Dr. Lloyd Rosquita on Monday.

Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda said it is very important that teachers are in good health to better serve their learners. (PNA)

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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 7 -- The Pangasinan provincial board passed a resolution in its regular session today, August 8 expressing its deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of a member of the Regional  Public Safety Battalion 1 who died during a firefight with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the outkirts of  San Nicolas town last July 28.

The resolution authored by Fourth District Board Member Agerico Jeremy Rosario also honored the heroism of the dead policeman, PO2 Aries Tamondong, stating that "there is no better service than dying for your country and fighting against the enemy of the state in defense of its freedom and security."

Tamondong, 38, father of four, was from Barangay Cabanbanan, Manaoag, Pangasinan.

"The entire nation is saddened over the death of PO2 Aries Tamondong of the Philippine National Police in an encounter with rebel gunmen last July 28 in San Nicolas, Pangasinan with a mission,"  the resolution reads.

It went on to state that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recognizes the valor of PO2 Aries Tamondong whom it called a "modern-day hero who had helped to bring peace and order in the province of Pangasinan."

The SP said PO2 Tamondong deserves the highest salute from all officials, leaders and people of Pangasinan.

A copy of the resolution will be handed by members of the SP led by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim to Tamondong's widow, Katrina, a school teacher of the Manaoag National High School and their four children. (PNA)

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BAGUIO CITY, August 7 – The city human resource office is upgrading the employees' human relations skills in order to improve delivery of service to the public.

Atty. Augustin Laban III on Monday said they are continuously improving the human relations skills of all employees of the different departments in an effort to better serve the clients, the taxpayers.

He explained that aside from the scheduled trainings that they conduct, they constantly go around the offices to see how employees deal with the clients who come for assistance.

"This is a continuing activity. Aside from trainings, we need to see the actual service delivery, how the employees deal with the clients and if we see something improper, we immediately correct them."

He added that it is very important for the public servants to deliver the correct service, proper action as well as properly deal with clients within the time required to satisfy the taxpayers. "We are in public service, we are mandated by law to deliver with satisfaction the services to the people."

Aside from human relations skills, Laban said they saw the need to correct the way leaders beat during the flag raising ceremony."The singing of the national anthem should not just be for compliance, it is a mandate that we as Filipinos should do properly," thus the importance that the conductors do the beating properly when leading the singing of the national anthem, the hymn of the city government, the Cordillera hymn, and also the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hymn, he said.

Laban said that they are also mulling on holding a conducting training for all employees so that whoever is asked to lead the singing during events will know how to properly do it. He said public offices are a matter of public trust and the public that seeks to be served must be properly provided with the assistance. (PNA)

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ILOILO CITY — Local government officials on Sunday vowed to support grassroots sports programs in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's goal to shield the youth from illegal drugs.

"The city government supports the program of the President that through sports we stop illegal drugs in this part of the country," Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said in his welcome message during the opening of the Batang Pinoy Visayas leg at the Iloilo Sports Complex here.

"They (youth) are the future leaders of our community that we should protect and preserve," he added as he welcomed 2,849 athletes from 71 local government units (LGUs).

Espinosa encouraged everyone to ensure that the Philippines "will be in good hands" by seeing to it that the future generations are free from influence of illegal drugs.

He thanked former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go for helping him to get an appointment with the President for his program "Utos ni President, Utos ni Mayor: No to Corruption, No to Criminality, No to illegal drugs".

Go together with former Philippine National Police Director-General Ronald dela Rosa graced the opening ceremonies of the week-long sport event.

In a media interview, Go said the Batang Pinoy is a program of the government to protect children from the drug menace.

"This will be one of our priorities, sports development, especially for the grassroots," Go said.

He said athletes should get the much-needed support and big incentives.

"They should be supported from the start up to their training, especially those with potentials," he said.

Go, a senatorial aspirant like dela Rosa, pointed out that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) should be given additional budget.

Batang Pinoy is the PSC's grassroots sports development program for children 15 years old and below with national winners bound to get opportunity to be part of the national pool.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., for his part, also expressed strong support of the provincial government to the PSC's grassroots program.

Defensor is hoping the country's first ever Olympic gold medalist will come from Batang Pinoy.

"The Philippines since it joined the Olympic Games has not won a gold medal. Maybe through the Batang Pinoy, they can discover athletes who can compete and win the coveted gold medal in the Olympics" he said.

The opening rite was also attended by PSC chairperson William Ramirez and Commissioners Charles Raymond Maxey, Arnold Agustin and Ramon Fernandez. (PNA)

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By Lilian Melejor
DAVAO CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 is set to investigate the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Davao after Saturday's Greyhound Operation at the Davao City Jail in Maa yielded contraband, including illegal drugs found inside the prisoners' cells.

"This time, they have to explain why illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and bladed weapons were found inside the cells during a greyhound operation," PRO-11 director, Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales said on Sunday.

Morales said the operation dubbed "Durian Wall" at Davao City Jail was planned following reports that illegal drugs proliferated inside the jail.

"There were reports from inside that there were BJMP personnel who allowed the entry of illegal contrabands and citing previous buy-bust operations conducted outside the City Jail na allegedly mga courier din sila ng illegal na droga papasok ng city jail (allegedly they were also courier of illegal drugs in the city jail)," Morales said.

He vowed that all BJMP personnel would be investigated after the incident.

Morales said he was happy with the result of the operation.

"This is a continuing effort to reduce and even stop the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the facility," he said.

The pre-dawn operation on Saturday resulted in the confiscation of various drug paraphernalia and contraband that included two sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP160,000.

It also left three members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) wounded and four inmates killed when the latter allegedly attacked the policemen.

The incident occurred after PO3 Mark Anthony Cameros asked inmates of Cell No. 3 to go out for body search and inspection of the cell. Instead of going out, one inmate attacked Cameros with an improvised gun called "sumpak".

Cameros had a bullet hole in his armored vest. Cameros was forced to retaliate to neutralize the inmate.

The inmates were identified as Alvin Celis, Dexter Delfino, Flor Leonard Resturo and Jerry Fernandez. They allegedly refused to heed orders to come out of the cell for the search operation, which would include body search and random drug test.

The four, according to policemen, drew bladed weapons and attacked the lawmen forcing them to retaliate to immobilize the prisoners.

All four inmates died while undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

The Davao City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies that included the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 11 conducted a random drug test on all BJMP personnel and inmates in the main building.

Nine inmates and a ranking jail official identified as Chief Insp. Roman Hernandez, administrator of BJMP-Davao del Sur, tested positive for illegal drug use. (PNA)

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By Manny Balbin
CAMP ALEJO SANTOS -- Two drug peddlers in the City of Malolos were killed while 12 others were arrested in two days of anti-illegal drug operations conducted by the Bulacan police during the weekend.

Senior Supt. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, identified the fatalities as Rogelio Calano, 55, of Barangay Catmon and Jayson Cabangon, resident of Barangay San Vicente, both in Malolos City.

According to Supt. Emerey Abating, Malolos City chief of police, a buy-bust operation was conducted against Calano at about 10 p.m. on Friday. A gunfight ensued when the suspect sensed the presence of the anti-drug operatives, resulting in the death of Calano.

Meanwhile, Cabangon was killed in an armed encounter with the police around 12:45 a.m. on Saturday in Barangay Longos, Pulilan, Bulacan. The suspect fought it out after he sensed that he was transacting with a police officer while his unidentified cohort managed to escape onboard an unknown black motorcycle without plate number.

Recovered at the crime scenes were a .357 Smith and Wesson Magnum, a Colt 9mm caliber pistol, 19 plastic sachets with suspected shabu, a plastic sachet of marijuana, buy-bust money, wallet containing assorted IDs, and a Honda TMX 125 motorcycle with side car.

On the other hand, operatives of San Miguel, Plaridel, City of San Jose del Monte, Marilao, Norzagaray and City of Malolos conducted separate buy-bust operations that resulted in the arrest of Elizabeth Lanuza, Angelito de Guzman, Ofel Caringal, Rose Baltar, Leo Angeles, Jovie Diaz Sison, Julieta Cadenas, Wilfredo Visconde, Arvin Mojica, James Patrick Mendieta, John Hyden Santos and Ric Andro Ganacan.

Confiscated from the suspects were 34 plastic sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money.

"The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination while criminal complaints for violation of Republic Act 9165 against the arrested suspects are being prepared for filing," Bersaluna said. (PNA)

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By Gardy Labad (posted on FB)

FOR BOHOL ARTS MONTH:   NOTED SWISS ORGANIST TO PERFORM AT THE BACLAYON CHURCH PIPE ORGAN

Following the turn-over almost to the day a year ago of the fully restored Baclayon parish church, the Tagbilaran diocese and Baclayon's Immaculate Conception Parish are set to resume highlighting the Church's collection of historic 19th century pipe organs through concerts, recitals, and festivals.

To restart these music performances, the ethereal sound of the historic organ of Baclayon church will be heard in the evening of March 1, Friday, through the adroit fingers of the world-renowned Swiss organ player Guy Bovet who will perform popular organ pieces and the "Sonata" in three movements written by the Spanish composer Francisco Pérez Gaya (1766-1850).  The performance is scheduled at 7:00 o'clock in the evening. 

Guy Bovet

As a composer, scholar, researcher, and music professor, the Swiss national Dr. Guy Bovet's discography spans more than 50 records and CDs, several of which have been distinguished with international awards.  He has also contributed musical pieces to theatre and film.  His activities in the preservation of historic instruments are appreciated all over the world.  Much of his organ music has been published by various publishing companies in Great Britain and in Spain, a number of which have been translated into various languages.

As a scholar and researcher, he has published over 2,000 various articles in music journals on matters related to the organ.  He is chief editor of the Swiss organ periodical "La Tribune de l'Orgue" and is a specialist of hispanic organ music carrying out research of historic organs in Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Until his retirement in July 2008, Dr. Bovet has been professor of organ at the Musikhochschule in Basel, Switzerland, and organist of the 12th century collegiate church of Neuchâtel, also a town in Switzerland.  For twenty years, he has taught music courses at the University of Salamanca, Spain, and gives master classes on the interpretation of Spanish organ music and other subjects in many academic institutions worldwide.  He functions as a juror in major international organ competitions.  He has been honoured by the Philippine Government for his activities that favour the preservation of Philippine historic organs and the education of young Filipino organists.  At present, Dr. Bovet travels to all parts of the world where organs are played and keeps himself busy with concert schedules of about 60 recitals every year.

Since 1980, Mr. Bovet has been a regular guest at the Bamboo Organ Festival held yearly at the famous Las Piñas bamboo organ in the St. Joseph Parish Church, Diocese of Parañaque, Metro Manila.  He has in the recent past performed in a number of church pipe organs in Bohol and his recordings of music pieces played on them were released in CD form in 2011.

French and Swiss recitalists to perform

Accompanying Guy Bovet at the Baclayon church pipe organ concert are the French organ player Viviane Damiani Loriaut and Swiss organists Jacques François Barbezat and Jean-Philippe Schenk.   Each will perform organ pieces that highlights the capacity of the pipe organ and the dexterity of the recitalist.  Ms. Loriaut will play 7 pieces by the French music theorist Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), while Mr. Barbezat will play baroque programme music battaglia arranged by an anonymous 18th century Spanish composer.  Mr. Schenk will interpret a faux bourdon on the "Magnificat" by a 16th century anonymous Spanish composer and the adagio from "Concerto in D Major" by the Italian baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) and arranged for the keyboard by German musician Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

Bohol, highest concentration of pipe organs in the country

Outside Luzon and Metro Manila, Bohol has the highest number of historic 19th century pipe organs in the Philippines.  The island-province boasts of eleven (11) pipe organs at one single time: Baclayon, Loay, Loboc, Dimiao, Maribojoc, Loon, Garcia-Hernandez, Cortes, Antequera, and Tagbilaran, all in the Tagbilaran diocese, and Duero in the neighboring Talibon diocese.

The construction of the Baclayon church pipe organ in 1824 is attributed to the Spanish Augustinian Recollect friar Diego Cera who, in 1815, was elected prior of Baclayon, though not a resident priest thereof, but represented the parish church in the Recollects' provincial chapter in Cebu.  The other pipe organs of Loon, Loay, and Loboc were built by the so-called Diego Cera School of Organ Builders that flourished on the island between 1830-1950.  On the other hand, the Garcia-Hernandez and Duero church pipe organs were built by the Roques Hermanos of Zaragoza, Spain, sometimes in the 1890s, while that of Maribojoc was constructed by the Otorel family of Palencia, Spain, also around the 1890s.  Attempts to recover pipe organ parts are underway in Antequera and Cortes, while a project to restore the pipe organ of the Tagbilaran Cathedral, first installed in 1861 and fell into disuse a century later, is in the pipeline.

Organizers

This pipe organ concert-recital on March 1 is made possible through the efforts of the Belgian musician and former Redemptorist Mr. Leo Renier, executive director of the International Bamboo Organ Festival, who also initiated this music performance as its first artistic director in 1976-1994.  As a Redemptorist missionary priest, he was assigned in 1969 to the St. Joseph Parish in Las Piñas, home of the famous bamboo organ, as parochial vicar and school director until 1994.  He also founded the Las Piñas Boys' Choir, and spearheaded the restoration of the bamboo organ done by Johannes Klais Orgelbau in Bonn, Germany, in 1973-1975.  He continues to teach sacred music at the Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City, a school of theology and formation house owned and administered by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) missionary congregation.  In August 2011, King Albert II of Belgium conferred on Renier the Knighthood in the Order of the Crown for his cultural and social contributions to the Philippines.

This music performance which caps the Philippines' arts month celebration in Bohol this year, with the support and encouragement of Most Reverend Alberto Uy, Bishop of Tagbilaran, is organized by the Tagbilaran diocese's Commissions for the Cultural Heritage of the Church and for Sacred Music which are headed by Fr. Milan Ted Torralba and Fr. Irvin Garsuta, respectively.

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By John Rey Saavedra
TAGBILARAN CITY — She did not expect to be an ubi kinampay (purple yam) farmer, but when Concordia "Nang Cita" Alcomendras accepted the offer of the municipal agriculture's office (MAO) of Sagbayan, Bohol to transform her small farmland into an ubi techno demo farm, it drastically changed her life.

Nang Cita became one of the successful women-cooperators in Barangay Langtad supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 (Central Visayas) and the MAO of her town using her quarter-of-a-hectare land to harvest around 2,500 kilos of ubi kinampay, for the entire planting season, DA-7 information officer Cheryl dela Victoria said.

Thankful to the government's help in making her a successful ubi grower, Nang Cita boasted of her bountiful harvest of ubi kinampay (Dioscorea alata), a variety of yam native to Bohol.

"Daku kaayo ako pasalamat sa DA-7 nga ako ang napili nila nga mahimong Ubi Woman-Cooperator para sa techno demo. Daghan kaayo ko nakat-unan sa maong pagbansaybansay. (I am very grateful to DA-7 for choosing me to be a woman farmer cooperator for the Ubi Techno Demo. During the said training, I learned a lot)," she said.

"Sa una man gud, kun mananum mi og ubi, ang amo ra ani kay usa ra ka sako. Karon, daghan kaayo ang unod sa akong ubi nga niabot na og 2,500 kilos. Aron pagmatuod sa gidaghanon sa harvest, amo ni gikilo kay kuhaan man og record document. Mosobra pa ni kun maharvest na namo ang nabilin nga pito ka tudlingan (But now, there are plenty of ubi harvested which almost reached 2,500 kilos. To prove the yield, we have all the tubers weighed for record and documentation. This will go beyond once we finished harvesting the remaining seven rows)," she said.

It was Nang Cita's first time to become a farmer cooperator and also her first time to plant ubi kinampay, dela Victoria told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

"During her younger years, they plant the native ubi and could barely harvest one sack," she noted.

When Nang Cita agreed to plant ubi kinampay, instead of her first wish to plant peanut, she was provided with ubi planting materials. She said she managed to cover some 3,339 hills.

DA-7 and the agriculture office of Sagbayan provided her with access to technologies, fertilizers, bamboo slabs, and technical support, she said.

Dela Victoria said they were motivated to assist the woman Nang Cita because of her commitment to extend her only counterpart in the undertaking --labor.

"Being a farmer-cooperator, we call her ubi farm as techno demo on ubi production," dela Victoria said.

"The Initial planting of the ubi was done by the staff of DA-Bohol Experiment Station (BES). Nang Cita was able to catch the technique she observed in the experimental stage. She was able to follow the proper way of planting based on the recommendation."

Nang Cita and other farmers in Langtad were provided with trainings and hands-on application under the guidance of DA-BES staff.

It was already beyond the ubi planting season when Nang Cita finished planting on her ¼-hectare farmland on July 3, 2018.

"Although she was so late in catching up within the planting months of April to May, she was still successful in cultivating her ubi farm as compared to other ubi farms planted within the season yet suffered diseases," dela Victoria said.

"Nang Cita's hard work and determination was the key to her successful cultivation of ubi kinampay. And her being a woman, her decisions matter most in her successes," she said, noting that ubi farmer was not dependent on her husband who supports her work.

Following the right distance of one-meter per row and 0.75cm distance per hill, with the right technologies on ubi production to include weeding, fertilization, trellising, Nang Cita was able to attain the 2,500-kilogram harvest.

Based on the techno-demo project implementing guidelines, a farmer cooperator agrees to provide the DA with 350 kilos of ubi which are used for a re-dispersal program to other farmers interested in planting the same variety.

The 350 kilos of Nang Cita's produce were given to the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA), whose officers will also give to interested ubi growers their initial cropping material.

Bohol is known for the ubi kinampay, an ubi cultivar (variety) which has aromatic, violet flesh.

Ubi's farm gate price is PHP45 per kilo. Nang Cita's 2,500-kilo harvest less the 350 kilos given to fellow farmers for further cultivation, meant a net produce of 2,150 kilos, which was translated to a whooping PHP96,750 gross income. (PNA)

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DAGUPAN CITY -- The City Veterinary Office (CVO) here has already vaccinated 2,000 pet cats and dogs in 10 barangays of the city since January 1 this year, out of its 12,000 targets to prevent the spread of rabies virus.

City veterinarian Dr. Daniel Paolo Garcia said they have already surveyed about 10 barangays in the city and have been continuously making rounds to vaccinate every pet animal against rabies.

"Our target is to vaccinate 12,000 animals in the city –the same number we have accomplished last year in the 31 barangays of the city," he said in an interview Thursday.

The CVO has been organizing scheduled trips to barangays, in coordination with barangay officials for the vaccination of pet animals.

"At least one week before we make our visit, we notify the residents that we will conduct anti-rabies vaccination and the results are so far positive as they do not have to bring their pets to our office to avail of the vaccine," Garcia said.

Aside from Dagupan City, the CVO also vaccinates animals in neighboring towns.

"We are also vaccinating them in order to prevent rabies outbreak in boundary barangays. It is the best preventive measure we can do," he said.

The office has assured an ample supply of anti-rabies vaccine for pet animals.

Garcia added the office will conduct school tours in order to lecture students on the proper animal care, and what to do when scratched or bitten, in line with the Anti-Rabies Awareness Month on March.

"People, especially in far-flung areas, still practice tandok, or the method of placing onions or garlic when bitten. This is not the right way, which is why, we need to teach the children the proper way so that they may teach it to their families," he added. (PNA)

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Monitored Eastern Mindanao peace and security related news online today, February 1, 2019
1.    'No backpack policy strengthens Martial Law implementation' — East MinCom (Mla Bltn)
2.    Military welcomes 'no backpack' policy in Davao City churches (GMA)
3.    No backpack policy Strengthens Martial Law Implementation (Kalinaw)
4.    Davao churchgoers will not be allowed to bring backpacks (Mla Shinbun)
5.    Bomb scares hit Davao City, Mindanao towns (Rappler)
6.    300 cops, soldiers to secure Chinese New Year revelers in Davao (Dvo Today)
7.    Oro police beefs up security in churches (Sunstar DCO)
8.    2 NPA terrorists killed in Surigao del Norte clash (PIA)
9.    Mindanao rights group: 2 slain 'NPA fighters' in Surigao Sur are 'farmers' (Inquirer)
10. Pagdagit ug pagpatay sa kagawad sa Agusan Sur giangkon sa NPA (RMN)
11. PNP Caraga extends burial assistance to NPA fighters (Mla Bltn)
12. Upat ka NPA leaders, gisikop sa Misamis Oriental (RMN)
13. 4 farmer-activists nabbed in Misamis Oriental (SUnstar CDO)
14. Lumad, peasant leaders abducted, not arrested by CIDG, group claims (Dvo today)
15. Palasyo kinundena ang pagpatay sa NDFP consultant (Philstar)
16. Amnesty International slams 'cold-blooded' killing of NDFP consultant Malayao (Philstar)
17. Russia renews commitment to help Philippines combat terrorism (Inquirer)

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3u_15q4FNGSRkJ6SjZTc0dieHhjZkxXZS1YODh6WjllbkVr/view?usp=sharing

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Press Release - 14 NPA , Militiang Bayan yield,  Community role commended

Eastern Mindanao Command commended the role of the communities in facilitating the recent surrender of two NPA regulars and 12 Militiang Bayan who yielded to the government in two different instances in Eastern Mindanao on January 29, 2019.

"We express our admiration to the communities who facilitated the surrender of our deceived and lost brothers. This manifests their care to their people and their desire for a peaceful environment.  We hope  that the NPAs will get this message of the communities on the worthlessness  of the armed struggle." MGen Felimon Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao said.

In a report rendered by Ltc Oscar Balignasay, Commander of 25 Infantry Battalion to MGen.  Santos Jr., a certain @ Bulao, member of the NPA group in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province surrendered morning of January 29, 2019, after the series of interventions of the community therein. Along with @ Bulao are 12 members of the Militiang Bayan ( "civilians by day NPA by night") who are usually responsible for laying and detonating landmine, sniping during NPA atrocities.

They voluntary surrendered  One  M16 Rifle, One  Garand Rifle, One Calibre 22 Magnum Rifle, One  IED weighing 16Kgs, six sacks of rice, canned goods, medical supplies and paraphernalia, 12 pieces of Bandoliers, jungle hammocks, personal belongings and subversive documents that are of high intelligence value.

Further said surrenderees assisted troops in the capture of 190 pieces of blasting caps, eight pieces of blasting caps with an attached wire and more or less 40Kgs of Ammonium Nitrate along So Nang, Brgy Mt Diwata, Monkayo, CVP. In a separate instance, a Squad Leader of NPAs roaming in the mountainous boundary of Arakan, North Cotabato, and Kitaotao, Bukidnon surrendered to the troops of 88IB in New Kabalantian, Kitaotao Bukidnon in the morning of January 29, 2019.

The surrenderees are presently undergoing custodial debriefing with concern military units. They will be subsequently subjected to needs assessment interview by concern government agency in preparation for their enrollment with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program which prepares them in their return to the mainstream society.

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Prese Release - Soldiers, Police waive housing for Former Rebels

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Soldiers and Police through the AFP/PNP Housing Boards waived their rights over a Housing Project in Cuambugan, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, formerly earmarked for the AFP and PNP personnel in favor of the Former Rebels (FR).

The action is part of the intervention under the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

It can be recalled that the housing project for FRs is one of President Rodrigo R. Duterte' s promises to them during the gathering of FRs at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on December 21, 2017, which was institutionalized with the signing of  the Administrative Order #10 on April 3, 2018.

The housing project which is called "Biyaya ng Pagbabago Freedom Residences" is situated in a three-hectare lot that accommodates 375  units.

Initially, about 50 of the 375 housing units ready for handover was inspected by the National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. on February 1, 2019, together with MGen. Felimon T. Santor Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command, Lt.Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Commanding General, Philippine Army, MGen Jose Faustino Jr., Commander of 10th Infantry Division and Brigade Commanders to whom the beneficiaries surrendered.

Aside from the housing units, the project will also accommodate a training court of TESDA to provide skills development to the beneficiaries who will eventually be employed in completing the other units and building more units in the said housing project and other housing projects of NHA in Tagum City.

Meanwhile, MGen Santos Jr. emphasized the importance of post-surrender intervention in mainstreaming the FRs.

"Critical to the FRs is the post-surrender intervention and social preparation,  which allows them to be integrated into mainstream society as a productive and law-abiding citizen. It is for this reason that we have directed our units to work closely with other government agencies and stakeholders for them to come up for a comprehensive program for the FRs aside from E-CLIP," he said.

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ONE SOLUTION TO UNEMPLOYMENT: MASSIVE GOVT PROGRAM TO HIRE WORKERS TO PLANT TREES, CLEAN UP BEACHES, RIVERS, LAKES, AND MANILA BAY

Party-list solon Neil Abayon (AANGAT TAYO) recommended to the Duterte administration the rollout of a government-led massive jobs program that would hire millions of unemployed millennials and adult Filipinos to clean up Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, clean up beaches, rivers, esteros, and plant trees.

Abayon put forth the idea as he commended the DENR and MMDA for their latest Manila Bay clean-up operations.

"The clean-up must be sustained and sustainable. This jobs-and-environment program can achieve this goal," the Deputy Minority Leader said.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data disclosed last December, Abayon said the official national unemployment figure is 2.3 million while the underemployed are 6.7 million.

He also noted survey results of the Social Weather Stations which estimated there are about 9.8 million adult Filipinos who are unemployed.  (SWS https://goo.gl/VAzeL5)

"For example, to quickly give jobs to one million Filipinos, the DENR, under the able leadership of Secretary Roy Cimatu, can hire them at 1,000 pesos a day per worker for 5 days in a month. That is P5,000 monthly. If you have two unemployed members of a family mobilized, that is P10,000 a month for that family.  Total cost of 1 million workers for P5,000 a month is P5 billion a month. Multiply that by 13 months, that is P65 billion in a year," Abayon said.

To partly fund the jobs program, Abayon said the national government can impose "green fines" versus polluters and administrative fees on the proper disposal of plastic and other solid wastes.

"Given how much plastic Filipinos use daily, those fees can easily add up to help generate funding of P5 billion a month," Abayon, author of several pro-environment bills said. 

He also said the DENR can have an environment internship or apprenticeship program for the new graduates and college students, as well as for senior high school immersion as part of the larger program.

The deputy minority leader said the international community can pitch in with grants and technical assistance to reduce the financial burden on the national government.

"This is an idea many Filipinos  and other countries can rally behind because it cleans up the environment and greatly reduces unemployment and underemployment," the congressman said. (END)

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