MikeLigalig.com

Aya, I miss Butuan. I used to spend my high school summers in this city.

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Butuan City photo by tf050966 of flickr.com

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Image courtesy of mrhimp of flickr.com

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As it has always been, old things will always be expensive.

I can't believe this. But I have to.

At first I had to endure all sorts of nasty rejections when I was inviting friends and strangers to take a look of this site.

I was asking myself: "Shall I continue building a definitive information portal for Bohol?" I was determined to do what I needed to do: to give an interactive online portal for all Boholanos around the world.

In the beginning there were no visitors in this site, but that did not discourage me from posting articles all by myself daytime and nighttime.

Yesterday we had 1,400 plus TB visitors and registered users surfing our payag (the figure could go up in the coming days). It only shows there are many anonymous TB fans who are frequenting this website for many reasons.

This is not to add injury to the victims, but I am just reminded of the multi-million peso pyramiding scam in Bohol in 2004.

Again, the Bible says: "My people perish for lack of knowledge."

Enroll in Bachelor in Basa-basa.

A leading hospital says up to a third of the children it treats for certain conditions are ill because their parents smoke in front of them.

Dr Steve Ryan, Medical Director of Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital, says bronchitis, asthma and ear infections could be cut if parents quit smoking.

He said parents often lied about whether they smoke near their children.

The British Lung Foundation says 17,000 under-fives are treated every year for exposure to second-hand smoke.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, he said out of the 35,000 children the hospital treats every year, 2,000 are there because they have been exposed to their parents' smoke.

He said between a quarter and a third of those suffering from certain conditions such as chest infections and asthma were the victims of passive smoking.

BBC News

Now the men will be separated from the boys!

City Mayor Dan Neri Lim declared yesterday his willingness to engage former OIC Governor Victor dela Serna in a public debate on various issues.

“Okay. Let’s debate,” Mayor Lim said.

As to the details and topics, he said it’s up to them (bahala sila).

The city mayor was not specific this time, unlike his earlier challenges for a debate on any issue, anywhere.

In answer to his challenge, the topnotch lawyer De la Serna also called on the mayor to name the place, time and venue of the debate.

The public wants the two to exchange views on air live in any local radio program.

De la Serna is expected to challenge the City Mayor on the “buy-back” issue of the twin public utilities of electric power and water now owned by Salcon.

De la Serna has repeatedly reminded the City Mayor on his earlier pronouncements during his first term that he will initiate the buy-back move of the twin utilities.

“We have not heard recently the mayor on such plan. Had he changed his mind,” De la Serna always ask same question on several radio interviews.

City Mayor Lim also interpreted De la Serna’s statement as insinuating that he had been “bought-out” (napalit) by the foreign firm Salcon and has backtracked from the plan.

The rift of the two worsened when De la Serna questioned cityhall funds and the alleged multi-million intelligence funds at the discretion of the mayor.

- The Bohol Standard

Gaiao Online

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Most users ever online was 121,388 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:22 am

What is this forum all about? Anime role-playing community

By ELLA GULLE-PAÃ'ARES
Talibon, Bohol

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) facilitated the medical attention for six mentally handicapped constituents who were suffering health problems.

Two of them were battered wives, three were victims of vehicular accidents and one was sick with typhoid fever.          

Through the financial assistance from the municipal government they availed of medical services from Ramiro Community Hospital in Tagbilaran City.

Now, two of them have returned to normal lives with their families while the others still continue with the monthly medical check-up and medication through the financial support of the municipal government.

Acting upon reports from barangay officials and concerned citizens, MSWDO Head Zosima Gabisan instructed Social Welfare Officer Albert Lagumbay and Eleuteria Pañares to immediately conduct home visits and interviewed them.

The victims belong to big families that are financially unstable.

Upon learning of their conditions, Mayor Juanario Item ordered the release of financial assistance for their medical check-up and medication.

Scientist jud tang mga Filipino.

By J.E. Flor
San Isidro MPIO

For efficiency in public service, all elected officials including secretaries and treasurers of the 12 barangays in this town attended an orientation seminar on governance and administration.

The activity was conducted pursuant to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2008-17 carrying the goal to enhance proficiency of barangay officials for them to be empowered through capacity-building activities.

Topics discussed include their functions, duties and responsibilities as provided in Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code.

They were also oriented about parliamentary procedures, legislative bodies, internal rules and procedures during the conduct of sessions, conferences and meetings.
          

Other important inputs included the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, barangay legislation and development planning.

The municipal government under the leadership of Mayor Apolinar Gumanid Jr. and Vice-Mayor Eustaquio Flor, who also serves as one of the resource person, extended their all-out support to the activity organized by DILG Officer Juliet Olalo.

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Zacarias Casuguid expressed gratitude to the organizer and the continuous support of the DILG, municipal and barangay officials, saying they are better equipped now to serve their constituents.

The first two batches of barangay officials headed by their respective barangay captains who attended the orientation held on February 26-29 at JJ's Seafood Village were Casuguid and offials of Cansague Norte, Eudoxio Asoy of Poblacion with council members, Barangay Captains Mario Ladura of Baunos, Cirilino Bongaos Jr. of Cabanugan, Danilo Saligumba of .Masonoy, Crispin Ompoy of Cansague Sur, Felix Pagas of Causwagan Sur and Timoteo Gabaisen of Abehilan.

The session for the last batch to be conducted on March 3-4 will be attended by Barangay Captain Carlos Lamban of Candungao and council members, Baranay Captain Rufino Sumatra of Cambansag, Barangay Captain Romeo Patulilic of Baryongdaan and Venancio Laquinta of Caimbang.

The maiden showdown of Pandayan Festival took center stage on the occasion of the 9th anniversary celebration of the canonical installation of St. Joseph, The Worker as a parish here on February 27.

Coined from the vernacular term, Panday, for carpenter, the humble yet dignified occupation of St. Joseph when still alive, was believed to have taught the child Jesus the same skills at His own Pandayan or work-shop.

A brainchild of Lonoy's energetic and young parish priest, Fr. Epifanio Gupita, the festival has become the main highlight during the anniversary of the parish with all eight upland barangays of Jagna, comprising the parochial jurisdiction, participating in the competition.          

"Reflecting on the life of St. Joseph and observing the way of life of most parishioners here in Lonoy, I thought of making this 9th anniversary more of its essence that will have a practical effect on the economy of the family hence the festival," Fr. Gupita said.

He added the festival's theme "Padulong sa Ekonomikanhong Kauswagan sa Pamilya" (Towards the Economic Development of the Family) suggested that it is not just a mere showdown of the parishioners' dancing skills and creativity, but also a form of entrepreneurial advocacy aside from its ultimate intention of reverence and thanksgiving to their patron saint.

Etched on the local history as the first Pandayan Festival champion is the Lumad Lonoyanons of this host barangay who romped away the grand cash prize of P15,000 in the street-dancing category and in the theme portrayal category, earning them an additional P15,000 and trophies.

They were, likewise, adjudged Best in Production Design for another cash prize of P1,000 and trophy.

- Bohol Sunday Post

Two policemen providing VIP security to ex-Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan will be investigated after they tried to arrest a witness in a rape-murder case in a botched attempt to prevent him from testifying against the former mayor's brother who is one of those implicated in the case.

Senior Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol PNP provincial director, said he is surprised about the police security to Dumaluan who is no longer a public official.

Ingking said he wants to know the basis for the security detail to Dumaluan saying he is unaware of it until the botched arrest attempt.

"As far as I know, the only one who enjoys the same privilege is Gov. (Erico) Aumentado," the provincial director said.

He did not name the two policemen saying he still has to verify their correct identities.

The two policemen tried to arrest witness George Galo who implicated Teofilo Dumaluan in the rape-murder of Vivian Dumaluan nearly four years ago.

- The Bohol Sunday Post

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has passed a resolution requesting Secretary Reynaldo Berroya of the Department of Transportation and Communication-Land Transportation Office (DOTC-LTO) to recall the revocation of the participation of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in enforcing traffic rules.

In a resolution unanimously approved in a recent meeting, the PPOC cited that LTO-Bohol appreciated the assistance of PNP in implementing LTO rules and regulations.

Moreover, "there is no record to prove that the personnel of PNP-Bohol abused the deputation order issued to them by LTO," the resolution stated.

The PPOC also hinted that PNP personnel can have a significant role in enforcing traffic rules and regulations especially on the inspection of vehicle registration and driver's license which is one of the effective means to curtail rising crime rates and traffic accidents brought about by use of illegal drugs and liquor.

On motion of Provincial Police Director Edgardo Ingking, the PPOC approved the resolution calling for the return of the team-up of PNP and LTO in enforcing traffic rules through the recall of the revocation of deputation issued to PNP last year.

- The Bohol Sunday Post

Bohol Police Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Edgardo Ingking has recently issued an arrest order to long-time notorious robbery convict who had escaped prison.

The order includes applying reasonable force lest the escapee, 35-year-old Cirilo Magaro, resists arrest and is armed.

This surfaced in the wake of the recent robbery incidents in the different parts of the city and other areas in the province blamed on the escapee and his allies.

Magaro is a resident of barangay Canhayupon, Municipality of Dimiao, who was charged sometime in June 2004 for strings of robbery cases filed before the Tagbilaran City Prosecutors Office docketed under I.S. Case No. 2004-336, 3378, 338 and 358 for robbery with intimidation upon person.

It was during Ingking's stint as Tagbilaran City police chief when Magaro was arrested by the city police team along with two companions identified as 31-year-old Joseph Paluga also a resident of Canhayupon, Dimiao, and 39-year-old Leo Penales, resident of barangay Union, Dauis.

The PNP provincial director warned the public that Magaro is armed and has been described as a dangerous person.

Ingking released pictures of Magaro for the public to be aware and for them to report directly to the provincial director or the nearest police stations if ever they have information or knowledge about the whereabouts of the escapee.

- The Bohol Sunday Post

By Joe Espiritu
Bohol Sunday Post

A few weeks ago, we have been writing about the sky rocketing prices of fish in Jagna. During that time, the condition was not confined to Jagna alone but also in other towns and in Tagbilaran City. While we were grumbling about the P120 per kilo of the Pacific mackerel or mangko or tulingan, reliable sources say that it reached up to P150 per in Tagbilaran. We say, Jagna, di ka nag-iisa.

There was a time when the mangko prices hit P2 in the Tagbilaran causeway and there were few takers. That was years ago. Purse seine fishing boats sweeping seas around and beyond Bohol dumped their catch in the causeway and was forced to sell them at giveaway prices just to dispose of them. However, constant operations depleted the fish population that caused the fish prices to orbit.

Malthusian theory put the law of supply and demand into action. Jagna, like the rest of coastal towns in Bohol, is dependent on fish and other marine products for their protein requirements on their diet. Backyard livestock provided a break of the dietary monotony but that was on special occasions like when a chicken or a pig meets a traffic accident or dies in a fiesta celebration.

When Jagna population was a third of what it is now, near shore and shallow water fishes filled up that need. Blue water fishes provided a bonus. Even in bad weather, which lasted for a few weeks, the near shore fishes could be available.

Or even if monsoon winds extend their allocated stay, supplies of buwad and ginamus can take up the slack. Bamboo fish traps called bungsod and baling or sahid, dragnets of you like, provide the volume of the catch.

When the population reached its present size, the near shore resources can no longer cope up with the demand. While the double nets massacred the shallow water species, mechanized fishing swept the blue waters clean of pelagic species.

Even the trash fishes like the pangan - no relation to Chekito - the ibis, pata and moong find their way to the frying pan, cooking pot or kinilaw dishes. The lowly Tagalog galonggong, or Visayan tabudlos or round-bodied scad, which glamorized name is GG enjoyed premium prices.

The milkfish or bangos, which true blue fishing families look upon with disdain found acceptance, thanks to expats, who acquired the taste for it in their stay in highly urbanized areas. The tilapia, which no Jagnaanon would dare to touch, had been found in the fish stalls of the Jagna Public Market. Somebody must have bought them since it disappeared before closing time. Someone must have been hungry enough to eat a horse, so the saying goes, except horses are not available.

Since there are not enough crustaceans, mollusks or marine snails to fill up the protein slack, a change of diet may be in order. Poultry and swine are omnivorous; they would compete with humans for greens grains and animal or fish protein.

Backyard livestock will have to be reserved for special occasions and traffic accidents. Never invite a guest, whose dietary preference is in established. He might complain being served a garden for dinner.

The only livestock, which will not eat its way into the human food supply, are the ruminants and other grass eating stock. Raising large cattle is out of the question.

One cannot carve out a steak without buying the whole cow. Goats and rabbits would fit the bill. Hungry goats would eat everything even your pants if you are not careful but they need an extensive pasture. Prepare to make enemies out of your neighbors. If one is not averse having Bugs Bunny for dinner, then raise rabbits. Or even Mickey Mouse just to escape high fish prices.

Written by Loy Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

Never in her plans was politics a part, nor did she dream that one day she would dip her finger into it, considering its notoriety as a cauldron dominated by checkered characters whose credibility has much to be desired. Safely ensconced in the business world, and taking care of family, her decision to run as Mayor of Loay came as an immense surprise, even causing some tints of shock to those who know her as a mother, wife, and an entrepreneur.

What really triggered her entry into politics? The desire to serve was her reply, when this interview took place at the Brew Point, a watering hole that is fast becoming a favorite of "night owls" who love to sip coffee, juice or wine before succumbing to a night's sleep after a hectic day. The May that I knew as a young, vibrant and beautiful student at Divine Word College, who later finished BSN at the University of Bohol, has not aged a day if based upon looks. For she is still the charming and attractive coed of some years ago, except perhaps in the way she expounds on her views now, and the depth of her perception.

Rosemarie Lim-Imboy (RLI) epitomizes the modern woman with a career, but who still finds time for her family. The way she looks betray the fact that she has reared five children and is a grandmother of three: Heather Marie (6), Haven Margarette (4) and Nathan (9 months).

Narrating her first taste of the political menu, she was a composed Lady and sometimes an animated girl declaring a self-discovery away from her business chores. The initiation took shape when her husband, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Legislator Brigido "Boy" Imboy, a Mechanical Engineer by profession, run for the topmost position of PCL (Philippine Councilors' League), BLI Chapter. Earlier, when he ran as Councilor of Loay and landed the top berth, there was not much fuzz, although she was then branded Boy's "Secret Weapon". At the PCL, she surfaced as a smart Lady with formidable savvy in the vote-getting fray. She shook hands, shared her ideas, exchanged pleasantries and diatribes, in a most confident and comfortable stance, impressing everybody, always with that attractive smile, making observers conclude that she can be a good politician. In the May 2007 election May proved them right

LMP: One of the unique qualities of Loay compared to the other municipalities is your legacy in religion and history. No less than the Philippine Historical Commission ang nagsulti nga ang site sa Blood Compact is in Loay. What is your comment about this?
RLI: It is really considered a blessing nga natawo ko in Loay nga considered as one of the historical places because of the Blood Compact. Others call it Sandugo, we call it Blood Compact. It is an honor to be a part of this town that's why we are really doing our best to develop the site.

LMP: Aside from the Maskara Festival, unsa pay uban nga mga activities ang naa karon?
RLI: Loay, Sir, has many activities. I've been asking advices mahitungod ani kay dili man gyud kalikayan nga kon adunay activities, aduna poy mga solicitations. We cannot make it a big event kay na-scatter na sa gagmay nga events. Aduna nay Maskara, street dancing, parade, and then ang Blood Compact. So, I told them let's just have a one big celebration, let's experiment. Usahon nalang ang daghan nga activities. We are trying to improve everything. Dili lang ni siya pang-turista, it's part of our tradition na gyud.

LMP: Usa sa mga religious tradition which sets Loay apart from the other towns kining Sugat during Easter Sunday. Nagpadayon ba gihapon ni?
RLI: Since it's almost Holy Week, I talked with the Parish Priest nga we'll make the religious tradition bigger and nicer this time. Magsugod karong March 23. Aside from that religious activity, gipadayon na namo ang Chapter sa Religious Club gikan sa Cebu dinhi sa Loay. Aduna nami grupo dinhi. Gisugdan na ni namo before apan wala madayon kay midagan man si Boy pagka Kagawad. Daghan pod among nadunggan nga gigamit kono namo ni nga grupo aron modaog akong bana. But it was never our intention. Although naa nami Groups 1 and 2, gi-undang namo apil na ang mga prayer meetings aron wala nay masulti ang mga tawo.

LMP: Let's go to the economic side, akong naobserbahan nga daghan gyud ang taga-Loay nga nahimo nang dato, apan wa sila sa Loay. Unsay imong ikasulti?
RLI: During fiestas, daghan ang mga balikabayan nga mouli dinhi. We never fail to acknowledge and give recognitions to these accomplished people. We consider them as outstanding Loayanons because of their achievements. There are times nga amo silang imbitaron to come and still support Loay. I am very positive that they will help this town. Before, adunay miingon nga bisan unsang suporta ang ilang ihatag, dili lang gihapon sila makakita ug improvement sa lungsod. They admitted nga wala sila mibotar nako before tungod kay wala silay salig. But now, na-realize nila nga I am worthy in my position because I did something to change our town. Adunay usa ka Loayanon nga naghimo ug Medical Mission last October. Nanghatag siya ug groceries to 500-1000 katawo. I want the people to feel nga we are doing something for the municipality.

LMP: With the things nga nahimo na nimo sa Loay, would you say that you already fulfilled?
RLI: Not yet, Sir. There are still so many things that I want to do for my town. So many things, so little time. Nahuman na nato ang improvement sa atong plaza; and I'm proud kay ang mga tawo nga mobisita dinhi, matinga nga naa di-ay plaza ang Loay. There's also this building nga people would call the white elephant kay wala magamit, but they were all shocked kay nagamit na karon. Our Municipal Health Office was transferred there. The habal-habal drivers are glad kay naa na may mga tawo adto nga area. I'm glad because the people in the municipality are all supportive of any projects. Motoo gyud ko sa giingon sa akong Mama nga if you give the people love, love will be given back to you. If you give them the opposite, mao pod na siya's madawat nimo.

LMP: What distinguishes you from the other politicians?
RLI: Importante ang Loay para nako, Sir. Gibiyaan namo ang business sa Cebu in exchange for this town. Although there are times nga medyo busy na ming duha ni Boy, we always make it a point nga we must have time for the children bisan pod ug layo ang among mga anak.

LMP: Can you say that Loay has made the right choice in you?
RLI: Ang mga taga-Loay ra ang makasulti ana, Sir.

Gone were the days when she had more time for her family, or a visit to a spa or salon, or a vacation away from the rigmarole of office concerns, or unscheduled tete-a-tete with close friends. Even malling is a rare commodity. All her waking hours are for her job. She never thought she could be this involved… unconditionally.

When she took her oath of office as the first lady Mayor of Loay, she shed tears, for in her mind was a dictum she still holds on to as a philosophy of life: "Way dahon nga matagak kon dili pag buot sa Ginoo."

She left her job as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the Lite Group of Companies. From being a self-centered private businesswoman she is now totally community-oriented. She started her term with some renovations and restorations of the Mayor's Office and the Treasurer's Office for transparency and accessibility. She consulted the heads of offices and streamlined all job-descriptions of employees, in a participative manner. A result of the consultation was the giving of amnesty to inhabitants with collectables. Illegal water connections were probed and legalized. Water supply is now in 24 hours and the collection increased from P 777,000 in 2006 to P 1.9 M in 2007. The monthly collection at the much improved Fishport went up from P 30,000 to P 100,000. Collection at the Public Market used to be only P 2-3,000. Now it is P 8-10,000.

Loay will have 2 market days starting in March: Tuesday and Friday. The hospital constructed by a former Congressman, which was dormant for more than 10 years, is now the town's Municipal Health Office. She has also encouraged local businessman to be more aggressive. She has beautified the Plaza and the Promenade. She has specific projects to entice Loayanon prospering outside of the province to lend a hand in the development of Loay.

Yet, summing things up, including the sleepless nights, Mayor May Imboy has no regret. The distance between her and the children is oftentimes unbearable; but there is no turning back. She is extremely grateful to the Almighty that none of her children has caused her and Boy any problem. They have grown up as dutiful sons and daughters, totally comprehending the adjustments all have to make.

She can only be fulfilled if she succeeds in her mission to uplift her beloved Loay.

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

While the front pages of the national broadsheets feature the ZTE=NBN scandal, tucked in the inner pages is a story about the sympathy given to the President by the League of the Provinces of the Philippines or LPP. Fifty-two governors flocked to the Palace to express their support for the beleaguered President. Not all politicians buy the idea of replacing the President before the end of her term, the provinces least of all.

A scandal is a scandal, no one can deny that. Many governments have fallen because of scandals. Prime Ministers of countries with parliamentary governments resign at the first hint of a scandal. However, in a political system like ours, we cannot just change our leaders short of chasing them out. in the time of the ousted President Joseph Estrada, it was the Lower House, which initiated the ouster move. When the Senate refused to open the second envelop touted as evidence, the refusal enflamed the people's passions that stirred up the mob, which chased Estrada out of the Palace.

This time, the center of the action is in the Senate. A losing bidder for a multimillion telecommunications project intimated that the deal was flawed, what with many influential persons in and out of the government were involved. The Senate initiated an investigation. However, people on both sides forgot to clean up their act. There were clumsy attempts in keeping key witnesses from testifying. While Secretary Romulo Neri was trying to dodge Senate subpoenas, Engineer Rodolfo Lozada Jr. escaped his so-called kidnapers to give himself up to the Senate..

Another ZTE-NBN deal witness had surfaced. This time the whistle blower is Dante Madriaga, another ZTE consultant. Those of legal minds say that although, his allegations may be credible, there is no hard evidence to back up his statements.

No testimony, no matter how logical or how near the truth may be considered since the law operates on technicalities.

In another faux pas, Senator Jamby Madrigal brandished a document purportedly from the then NEDA Director General Romulo Neri to the Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun regarding the ZTE_NBN deal with "copy for FG" as marginal note. The First Gentleman, namely Mike Arroyo was pointed out as the FG. However, informed sources say that the letters were not only FG but FGI, initials of a NEDA functionary. In her zeal to implicate Mr. Arroyo, the "I" was conveniently overlooked.

Rallies were staged to air the people's dismay. However, the provinces remained quiet. Political analysts would say, the differences in the points of view between the governors and President on one hand and the senators and congressmen on the other is that the first group belong to the executive, while the next two belong to the legislative branches of governments. Since the legislative arm is winning the propaganda war, if we may call it that way, the administrative will have to support each other. It is not the difference in ideologies that caused the split.

The worsening situation, if not solved, may trigger some change, which may be considered disastrous to some. The Constitution had made it difficult to change governments, which are not responsive to present problems.. The change might dilute the powers of all the branches of government. The over centralization of power is showing its bad effects It is not clear how the President and her staff will utilize her provincial support. She cannot count on the sympathy of urban population as they are easily susceptible to political mobilization. The ousted, charged, convicted and pardoned Joseph Estrada found that out, to his sorrow.

We need Jesus Christ in our family. Without Him, life would be a mess.

I don't know how to react. It's too sad.

A great divide separated-like that of doves and hawks, the multi-sectoral group of Boholanos that met Friday to highlight its stand in the on-going NBN-ZTE controversy.

At the end of the meeting, it was clear that the voice of moderation prevailed upon those who strongly called for the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the wake of her involvement of the broadband deal.

The convenors' position echoed that of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Phils. own pastoral statement which stopped short of calling for GMA's resignation. The bishops only called for discernment and sobriety in the wake of the raging controversy over the broadband transaction.
          

The moderates were bannered by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Bohol chapter along with the business and political sectors while the hawks were made up of militant organizations.

A document entitled A Multi-Sectoral Manifesto of Boholanos for Truth.

Accountability, and Reform were circulated and signed by over 40 convenors who attended the meeting.

At the same time, the multi-sectoral group of Boholanos also rallied behind the NBN-ZTE star witness, Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. in exposing corruption in the scrapped national broadband deal.

The group collectively called Boholanos for Truth, Accountability, and Reform signed a manifesto to inform the public of their appeal to then NEDA secretary and now CHED Chairman Romulo Neri to also come out in the open and tell the truth like what Lozada has done.

The manifesto signed Friday stated that they "recognize, appreciate, and support the courageous act of Lozada in exposing what he knows about the NBN-ZTE controversy and other corrupt practices".

- The Bohol Sunday Post

Smile lang gihapon bisan nabiktima sa ilad.

That's "Filipino trademark." Smiling at the life's storm.

The Great Illegal Recruiter



The Helpless Victims

Photographs courtesy of boholsundaypost.net

For the 19 or so victims, the promise of greener pastures in Canada was too good to be true. That explained why they parted with their hard earned cash, some of them sourced from loan sharks, just to be able to raise "show money."

But what promises to be a greener pasture turned out to be a bald meadow when all of them were left holding the proverbial empty bag. They seemed to forget the time honored dictum that if it is too good to be true-investigate. In short, they were duped. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the victims who reports revealed were swindled of more than P2 million by a sweet-talking "classmate" in a care giver facility.

The figure of 19 victims was relayed to the Post by Teresita Abcede of Torralba Extension, this city. She and her two sons, Joseph, 31 and Emmanuel, 24, were swindled by a total of P205,000. There was a big possibility that more victims remain unknown as they were embarrassed to open up and admit that they fell prey to the advances of the swindler.          

Now the object of extensive manhunt by her victims is a certain Marissa Thiess y Flores who claimed to be a native of Iloilo City. Said to be in her 30s, her surname is foreign sounding apparently to convince her victims that indeed she was familiar with Canada. Her claim was that she was married to a Canadian.

Abcede visited the Post's office last night to identify some of the names victims.

Some of the victims were only known by their first names. They are Lino Garsuta, a commandant of the University of Bohol and two others identified as Florence Trigo and a certain Mona. They are said to be faculty members of the care giver school.

The other victims are Janice Abrea, Grace Payot, Abcede, a certain Honorio and Flo Doria, all students of the Can Care Training School along B. Inting and Espuelas Sts.

In a police report obtained by the Post at the city police station, only seven victims were identified. With their corresponding amount swindled, the victims who reported to the local police of their ordeal in the hands of the suspect, were identified as Abcede, P205,000; Anthony Macadang, P115,000; Baby Erlinda Mindoro, P203,000;Payot, P226,000;Ceilito Payot, P76,000; Melanie Buaquin, P205,000 and Janice Abrio, P50,000.

- As reported by the Bohol Sunday Post

The Bohol Chronicle

A 40-year old barber of Manga district, this city died due to cardiac arrest few minutes after he saw on TV his maintained number combination won last Monday.

After hearing the winning number, Mariano Balatero jumped with joy while watching TV at the Manga Public Market last Monday. He stood and danced out of jubilation.          

However, few minutes later, he collapsed.

He was rushed by members of the City Monitoring Team to the Gov. Celestino Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Friends of the victim said that while he was maintaining and betting for the said "lucky" number, he failed to bet that day which must have suppressed his sudden joy after hearing the familiar numbers announced on TV as the day's winning number combination.

Town mayors hold a sensitive role in the implementation of a so-called integrated security system which is aimed to curb criminalities and at the same time prevent the re-entry of insurgency in the province.

Provincial PNP Director Edgardo Ingking issued the appeal to town mayors as the province will soon implement the Bohol Local Integrated Security System (BLISS) which generated the strong endorsement by Gov. Erico Aumentado who presided a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Development Council and the League of Municipalities at the Bohol Tropics last Monday.

The governor said that it is a "pro-active" measure which will involve the police, military, civilian and people's organizations. A concerted effort has to be implemented to integrate and coordinate peace efforts in the province.

Tagbilaran City government is targeting to generate P24 million from tricycle operators in the city as the franchise fee will be increased once it will be approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

This expected income is computed once proposed Ordinance No. 02-08, which mandates franchise fee of P12,000 (for five years), gets approved by the city lawmakers.

In a public hearing conducted yesterday, tricycle operators under the Tricycle Drivers & Operators Association of Tagbilaran (TRIDOA) led by Kenneth Menoza as president voiced out their objection to the proposed increase since they are only presently paying P225 for a three-year franchise fee to the city government. The proposed fee is P12,000 for five years.

If this hiked franchise fee gets approved, the city will generate s sizeable income since the projected annual income from this franchise fee will be P4.8 million, instead of P150,000 only annually.

From the Bohol Chronicle:

Hundreds of tricycle operators jammed City Hall yesterday afternoon to voice their objection to the proposed increase in franchise fees to be collected by the government. City Kagawad Nerio Zamora III presided the public hearing while other lawmakers, Kagawads Lucio Balbin, Edgar Bompat and Kit Oppus were also present to listen to the reactions of the tricycle operators.

An explosive device has caused minor damage to a military recruitment centre on New York City's Times Square.

The centre was empty and no-one was injured in the pre-dawn blast, which smashed a glass window.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the bombing did not appear to be an act of terrorism but the investigation was in its early stages.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the attack on the recruiting office was an insult to US forces personnel.

"The fact that this appears deliberately targeted at the recruiting station insults every one of our brave men and women in uniform stationed around the world," Mr Bloomberg said at a news conference.

source: BBC News

Eight people have been killed and nine wounded by a Palestinian gunman who infiltrated a Jewish seminary in West Jerusalem, Israeli officials say.

Witnesses said the gunman went into a crowded hall during dinner at the Mercaz Harav seminary in the city's Kiryat Moshe quarter and opened fire.

The assailant, who Israeli police said was a resident of East Jerusalem, was shot dead by an Israeli army officer.

The attack is the worst of its kind in Israel for a number of years.

source: BBC News

The Bible says: "My people perish for lack of knowledge."

Hint: read, read, read, research, research, investigate. You may go wrong, but very unlikely.

Way mangilad kung walay magpailad.

You're welcome, Gem and Gelyan.

If you messed up, "reformat Windows."

American actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his agent has confirmed.

However, his doctor said reports that the Dirty Dancing star had only five weeks to live were "absolutely untrue".

The 55-year-old is currently undergoing treatment and is continuing with his filming schedule.

Swayze's agent Annett Wolf added: "Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects.

"The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

It is understood he has been working on two films due for release this year.

In 2006, Texan-born Swayze made his London West End debut in the musical Guys and Dolls.

source: BBC News

The Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO) is currently looking for candidates to fill up Six (6) Local Project Officer Positions for the GREAT Women Project of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW). These are all area-based positions.

Find attached a brief on the GREAT Women Project. Detailed Terms of References (TOR) containing the detailed functions, competency areas and qualification requirements, are also attached for your reference. These local PO positions available will be based in the following areas (One position open per area)

-    Ifugao
-    Quezon
-    Iloilo
-    Bohol
-    Leyte
-    Davao del Sur

All the above positions will be on a full-time, six month contractual arrangement with NCRFW, with possibilities of extension for a continuing period (until the end of the 5-year project in 2011), but subject to performance evaluation by the NCRFW management. This is an urgent need, hence the preference to commence in April 2008. All positions are area-based, hence we encourage local residents to apply.

Individuals who are qualified and interested to apply for any of these project staff positions must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Please refer to the appropriate TOR for the position you wish to apply for, when preparing your EOI. The EOI must be limited to 2 pages (maximum) only and must contain the following information:

a.       Area you are applying for (specify one area only)
b.       Complete name, current address and contact information (email address, telephone and cellphone numbers)
c.       Related knowledge and experience
d.       Specific skills and know-how that will be used in this position
e.       Indicate availability by April 2008 and onwards

Please note that the total salary compensation per position had been specified. Hence, preferred salaries will no longer be considered during the evaluation process.

Please send your EOI via email on or before Monday, 24 March 2008, to:

great.women@pcco.org.ph Subject: EOI - Area-Based PO Positions

Reminders: Only EOIs sent via email will be accepted (we will not accept faxed or hand-carried applications). A shortlist of successful candidates for each position will be selected within the next two (2) weeks after the submission deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. A desk review of EOIs and CVs of shortlisted candidates will be undertaken by an Adhoc Selection Committee. Interviews will follow.

For those already registered with the PCCO Online CV database, you do not need to send your current detailed CVs (just update online thru your personal account, if you need to update it).  For those who have not yet registered with us, please do so online by accessing our website www.pcco.org.ph and submit a copy of your current CV to our registry.

Please pass on this advertisement to friends and networks who might be qualified and interested in these job opportunities.

We thank you in advance for your interest.  We look forward to receiving your EOIs on or before the specified deadline.

Enna Enriquez
Resource Coordinator
Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office
Tel. No.: (632) 8138255
Fax No.: (632) 8928913
www.pcco.org.ph

I remember this first post ever.

Her name was "jeweloftheorient." Who is she?

from businesspundit.com

The single biggest thing that I have learned is that relationships matter. People like to work with people they trust. Five years ago, I thought I would be a successful entrepreneur some day because I would hole up in my house and read all kinds of technology and business books and play with lots of software and then have some breakthrough insight that would shake up the world on its own. Now I think if I am ever highly successful, it will be because a bunch of people helped me get there. My biggest regret at this point in my life is that I wasted my MBA years by not networking. I skipped almost every networking event we ever had because I thought it was a waste of time and I was better off studying or reading. I should have spent that time networking and getting to know my classmates.

In December, we decided to give up our search for funding and turn to services work to bring in revenue and keep our product development hopes alive. We went from $0 in revenue in November to an expected $40K in March, and we have enough potential business in the pipeline that if we close just part of it we will be over $100K in revenue a month by the fall. Almost all of that business came from relationships. Some of the relationships are relatively new, but still, my point is that no one contacted us through a web site and we haven’t done any advertising. We just started talking to friends about the stuff we are doing and our network of relationships started sending us business. It saved us from having to shut down our own hopes and dreams. If we end up successful, it will be because of other people. It will be because of the relationships we have.

The son who delights his father by his good actions; the wife who seeks only her husband's good; the friend
who is the same in prosperity and adversity--these three things are the reward of virtue. - Bhartrihari.

In the hour of adversity be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds. - Nizami

Filipinos are prolific. See Tubag Bohol.

By Ven Rebo Arigo
The Bohol Chronicle

The Regional Trial Court - Branch 47 (RTC-47) has ordered the arrest and imprisonment of a ranking Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official entrapped by the police for extorting P20,000 from a co-owner of the Ramasola Superstudio, Inc. here over seven years ago.

No bail was recommended for BIR Group Supervising Examiner Juanito Merencillo who failed in his moves to reverse the decision convicting him of direct bribery, graft and corruption.

RTC-47 Presiding Judge Suceso Arcamo ordered Merencillo's arrest after the 5th Division of the Sandiganbayan remanded to his sala the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) last year junking the revenue officer's appeal.

The SC First Division upheld as early as April 13, 2007 a Sandiganbayan decision affirming Merencillo's conviction by RTC-47 for direct bribery, graft and corruption.

The decision of the High Tribunal had become "final and executory" on August 22, 2007 and recorded in its Book of Entries of Judgment on the same day.

The Sandiganbayan, however, issued a notice of resolution remanding the case to RTC-47 "for execution of judgment" only last January 24.

I have been to Taytay. I stayed there overnight. I love the hills of Taytay.

Reported by the Bohol Chronicle

No less than P2 million went to a lady illegal recruiter who victimized some 18 care-giver students who were expecting to land jobs in Canada.

The suspect identified as Marissa Flores Thiess, 31, was no longer in her hotel after the victims were promised to leave last Thursday for their personal appearance and interview at the Canadian Embassy in Manila.

Ms. Theiss enrolled at CanCare Tagbilaran last week of January. She was introduced to her classmates at CanCare as the wife of a certain David Thiess who operates a home for the aged in Canada.

After befriending most of her classmates, she started to convince them to file their applications with her with the assurance for an express lane at the Canadian Embassy during their interview. She name dropped the wife of the consul as her friend who assured the fast lane processing of applicants from Bohol.

Ms. Thiess likewise assured her applicants that she will not collect processing fees and their plane tickets will be on a "fly-now-pay-later" scheme.

With these assurances, she was able to convince some 18 applicants including three faculty members of the car-giver school.

Ten of the 18 victims formally filed their complaints at the city police when they learned that Ms Thiess already checked out from El Portal together with her 2-year old son and a house help. The hotel personnel brought Thiess to the City Airport as verified by the victims.

The victims who reported to the police the incident were Teresita Abcede who gave P205,000; Anthony Macadang, P115,000; baby Erlinda Mindoro, P203,000, Grace Payot, P226,000; Cielito Payot, P76,000; Melanie Boaquin, P205,000; Janice Abrio, P50,000; Joseph Abcede, Emmanuel Abcede P3,500 and Jojo Cuyacot, P42,000.

Ms. Abcede narrated to the Chronicle that Ms. Thiess asked them for a show money of P200,000. However, whatever amount they can raise, she will provide the balance, which made the "invitation" more tempting to them. Some of them deposited half of the amount required for their show money. Ms. Thiess required them to open ATM card at Equitable or PNB, claiming she is a big depositor in both banks.

When they opened accounts with their respective ATM cards at Equitable Bank, Ms Thiess facilitated the transfer of their deposited amount to a savings account showing them bank books wherein she proved that she complied with her commitment to add if their deposited amount would not reach to P200,000.

At this stage of seeing their bankbooks deposited with the counterpart of Ms Thiess, they gained full trust and confidence on her.

The group was promised to take the afternoon flight of Cebu Pacific last Thursday for Manila since their interview at the Embassy was scheduled the following day. Having agreed that they will meet at the CanCare office, the Canada-bound applicants were there. However, to their surprise Ms. Thiess did not show up which alarmed them.

They immediately checked her whereabouts and later in the day learned that Ms. Thiess checked out from the hotel the day before.

Ms. Abcede reported the incident to the police. She expressed disgust on the negative attitude of the local office of the Naitonal Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who simply told them "nothing the NBI can do as the suspect already left."

Meanwhile, Betty Quino, chair and administrator of CanCare Tagbilaran denied any involvement in the operation of Ms. Thiess saying that she was just one of the enrollees who started to report last January. She was not likewise being informed of the arrangements done by the enrollees with Ms. Thiess, otherwise she could have stopped the negotiations.

However, Ms. Abcede recalled that Thiess was introduced to their class by Florence Trigo, of CanCare on the first day that she reported to their class in the last week of January.

PUZZLING MODUS

Bank authorities were surprised how the suspect was able to withdraw their deposits at the ATM accounts when they did not inform Ms Thiess of their pin numbers.

Secondly, the modus has baffled bank authorities on how the suspect was able to produce the bank books of Equitable Bank showing their deposits under a savings account when they were not even asked to sign any application to affix their signatures that they were opening a savings account.

These concerns will be the subject of investigation by bank authorities.

The Bohol Chronicle

Amidst the mounting public perception that "bribery" is the order of the day for the Arroyo administration to hold support from government leaders, reports surfaced that the 47 municipal mayors of the province were given P500,000 "cash gift" from Malacanang yesterday.

This was leaked to the Chronicle following the arrival yesterday of administration Senator Mike Zubiri who met with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol chapter at the Metro Centre Hotel mid-morning yesterday.

In an ambush interview by the Chronicle at the hotel, Sen. Zubiri strongly denied the report saying he just wanted to check with the mayors on what was done with the P500,000 given to them earlier this year. The senator admitted he committed P1 million (for projects) to each municipal mayor. However, he only gave half of his commitment during his previous visit here.

He denied having given the mayors the balance of P500,000 yesterday.

The denial of the senator was supported by Provl Board Member Josephine Jumamoy, former LMP Bohol president who was also interviewed by the Chronicle when the meeting of the mayors was about to culminate at noontime yesterday.

Image by NovellSteel of flickr.com

By Chito Vissara
The Bohol Chronicle

Some 521 workers of Hanjin Development Co. Ltd are demanding for their back wages after the Supreme Court's 3rd division affirmed an earlier decision of the labor arbiter that the workers were regular employees, thus, were entitled to their benefits.

Supreme Court ordered Hanjin to pay workers full back wages from their respective dismissals and separation fees amounting to P66 million plus attorney's fees pegged at 10 percent.

Complainants were working for the construction of the BHIP 2-C1 dam component as well as BHIP 2-C2 Bayongan and Capayas irrigation systems, both foreign financed projects. The workers alleged they were hired as regular employees while Hanjin said they were hired as project-contracted employees.

Rep. Roberto Cajes told the Chronicle that due to the glaring unfair labor practice committed by the said Korean construction firm, the three Bohol solons will join resolution demanding for an investigation on the matter. The case has been decided by the Supreme Court 1st division on April 10, 2006.

Atty. Joseph Bernaldez, counsel of the workers, asked Hanjin to settle their obligation of P66 million to the more than 500 Boholano workers.

He even alleged that Gov. Erico Aumentado, during a meeting at Marriot Hotel in Cebu City last year, brokered a deal between him and Hanjin to settle the labor case in exchange for a P20 million payoff for the workers. He declined the offer and asked "unsa namay ikasulti ug akong ika atubang sa atong mga katawhan." He bared this during a radio interview over "Pulso" of Kagawad Batchoy Alba and Brigette Biernes last Thursday.

Asked to comment on this, Gov. Aumentado strongly denied having offered to broker for a settlement fee for the workers. In fact, he said, it was the workers' group who requested him to ask Hanjin to abort its plan to appeal the case to higher courts. He declined the request since he finds it "unethical" to request the counsel for such action. He challenged Bernaldez to show evidences that he offered such settlement fee. If he can not prove what he said over the airlanes, "I will file libel charges against him," the governor warned.

BACKGROUNDER

Hanjin Dev. Co. Ltd. established and registered in South Korea, contracted by RP for construction of BHIP 2-C1 Dam Component & BHIP 2-C2 Bayongan & Capayas Irrigation System. These are foreign-financed projects of NIA.

Hanjin contracted the services of 712 carpenters, masons, truck drivers etc, from Aug. 1995 to Aug. 1996 for the construction of Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bohol. The project was completed Nov. 1996.

On April, 1998, an original 712 workers filed complaints before NLRC against Hanjin & Nam Hyun Kim, Project OIC for illegal dismissal and payments of benefits. Only 521 complainants affixed their signatures in the complaint.

The Bohol Chronicle

The "Botika sa Katawhan" of the Lim administration can reopen anytime as long they meet the two requirements with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

The requirement is to have the medicines registered with BFAD Manila before they can resume distribution to the beneficiaries, according to Ricah Aumentado, BFAD Bohol officer.

She said that since medicines given by the "botika" come from abroad, it has to pass BFAD clearance.

Aside from this requirement, BFAD suggested to Deputy City Mayor Mario Uy to have the project name changed since "botika" insinuates selling of medicines when in reality, the project is giving these medicines to indigent residents in the city as part of the priority project of Mayor Dan Lim.

The "botika" remains temporarily closed after it was rocked with controversy following the inquiry of opposition City Kagawad Djingo Rama and City Kagawad Edgar Kapirig for transparency of the funds supporting the project. The two city officials said the public deserves to know the funding especially that Uy has been collecting rentals from the "Hudyaka" at the city port allegedly to support the project.

Deputy Mayor Uy sharply reacted on the inquiry saying that the "botika" is a private initiative which has not used funds from the city government aside from the salaries of its personnel. Uy said the benefactors are his personal friends in the United States where he spent almost half of his life as a successful businessman. "I even spend my own money to support the project," Uy stressed.

For his contribution for the advancement of tourism, Gov. Erico Aumentado recently received still another award.

Aumentado was one of eight honorees during the 4th Tourism Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) and the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) in rites held at the Manila Polo Club in the presence of previous tourism awardees..

"I am humbled by the recognition given by this famous club - the best among equals of civic clubs in the country," the governor said in his response. He bagged the award in the local government category.

A member of Rotary Club International District 3810, the RCM, founded in 1919, is the first in Asia.

RCM President Bienvenido Laguesma, Naitas President Angel Ramos Bognot and Rotarian Robert Joseph Jr. who chairs the Committee on Tourism presented the plaque of recognition.

Other awardees for 2007-2008 and their respective categories are: Dr. James Dy, chair, Pan Pacific Travel, Inc. - travel; Dr. Lucio Tan, chair and chief executive officer (CEO), Philippine Airlines - airline; Timothy Wright, general manager, ShangriLa Mactan - resort; Chelo Banal-Formoso, editor, Lifestyle, Philippine Daily Inquirer - media; Rotarian Henry Sy, chair, SM Group of Companies - hotels/resorts/malls; Bernd Schneider, general manager, Sofitel Hotel - hotel; and Bayani Fernando, chair, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) - culture tourism.

The governor said Bohol's advance in tourism was not an overnight phenomenon.

- The Bohol Chronicle

Quote from: grazie7y on March 05, 2008, 02:05:06 AM
Thanks for this, Mike!  I tried it!

Keep bookmarking, Grace. And Happy bookmarking.

photograph courtesy of Novellsteel of flickr.com

Photo by Roger Alcantara of flickr.com

The Bohol Chronicle

A major initial of P80 million is ready to start the implementation of the Catagbacan international cruise ship port project in Loon late this year, according to Cong. Edgar M. Chatto.

The First District congressman who strongly lobbied for its realization described the world-class luxury port as another economic entry to Bohol.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Oscar Sevilla thru Assistant General Manager for Engineering Claro Maranan confirmed to Chatto in a letter dated February 20, 2008 the allocation of P80 million to begin the concrete works within the fourth quarter of 2008.

In his letter, PPA assured to work with Chatto in all other concerns leading to complete conversion of the said port for international cruise shipping.

Engineers from PPA-Manila arrived in Bohol and coordinated with Chatto, the Port Management Office (PMO)-Tagbilaran and local government unit (LGU) of Loon in technically inspecting the site last week.

They will proceed with the preparation of the paln and total cost estimate of the project.

Chatto and other Gov. Erico B. Aumentado discussed the project with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ace Durano while river cruising in Loboc during a presidential visit here last year.

Catagbacan could become the country's new global cruise ship port capital, a big boost to Bohol's tourism industry.

The project has been strongly pushed by Chatto, who chairs the tourism committee in Congress, and Gov. Aumentado with the support of Reps. Roberto Cajes and Adam Relson Jala.

By Lilia T. Bullecer
The Bohol Chronicle

Judge Jorge D. Cabalit of the 20th Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Catigbian-San Isidro-Sagbayan assumed last Friday the post as president of the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. (PTJLI), Bohol chapter.

Cabalit took his oath of office before Executive Judge Fernando G. Fuentes, III of the Regional Trial Court of Bohol, Branch 49 after the PTJLI elected the municipal circuit judge as its president.

Other officers who were sworn before Judge Fuentes were Judges Cecilio Dangoy, vice president; Lindecita Cabaron-Arcamo, secretary; Maria Elisa Ello-Ochoco, treasurer; Jorge T. Uba, auditor; and Daniel Jose J. Garces, public relations officer.

The members of the board of directors were sworn before Judge Venancio J. Amila of the RTC, Branch III. They were Judges Olivia Migrino-Mende, Perpetuo Magallano Jr., Samuel A. Biliran, Alejandro T. Canda, Helen Tagud-Cabatos, and Immediate Past President Salud Cabugsa-Migrino.

The province joins the global observance of the 1st World Glaucoma Day on Thursday with activities lined up at the Ramiro Hospital, this city.

Dr. Oliver Yu said that glaucoma screening will be conducted for intra-ocular pressure on Thursday together with a lay at the fourth floor of Ramiro hospital. An awareness campaign in glaucoma will be conducted.

The Philippine Glaucoma Society is joining the observance with the theme "May Glaucoma Ka Ba?" This is a joint effort with the Department of Health, Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology and the Philippine Glaucoma Society and World Glaucoma Association.

Information may be inquired from Dr. Yu, Dr. Roel Kabigting, Dr. Mary Carlyn Relampagos and Dr. Theodore Dumaluan.

- The Bohol Chronicle

The University of Bohol Debate Varsity (UBDV) carved a niche in the Visayas debate realm when it broke into the quarterfinals during the 2nd Visayas University Debate Championship (VUDC) on February 15-17 at the University of Bohol, this city.

The tournament gathered 70 student debaters, adjudicators and coaches from University of the Philippines-Cebu, University of San Jose Recolletos, University of the Philippines-Iloilo, Silliman University, St. Therese College and the University of Bohol.

Tournament director Bryan Gaviola said that VUDC aims to create a competitive platform where the value of debate on issues of general concern will be highlighted by the young minds of this country, especially in the Visayas region. He added that the tourney is geared towards the promotion of rationality and independence of thought espoused within the art of Asian parliamentary debate and argumentation.

The highly structured format of Asian Parliamentary debating is a big challenge to debaters since there is only a 30-minute preparation time once the topic to be debated is issued. This is why it's imperative for these students to be well-abreast with current events and be adept in extemporaneous speaking since speeches are never scripted," Gaviola said.

The competition following the Asian Parliamentary format where rounds are composed of two teams with three members from each bench (with only thirty minutes as the preparation time).

All participating teams went through four taxing rounds of elimination where the top eight ( teams qualified for Quarter Finals. The Quarter and Semi-final rounds took up a knock-out-system where losing teams automatically get eliminated from the contest until two teams remain in the Grand Finals.

The University of Bohol Debate Varsity (UBDV) composed of Glenn Manigque (BEED-SPED 3) who was ranked 10th best speaker out of 48 debaters in the tournament, Kate Zafra (BSN-2) and Nickie Bolos (BS-CompSci 3) qualified for the quarterfinals.

However, UB lost to Silliman University Team A during the Quarterfinals.

It may be noted that Manigque, Zafra and Bolos also made it to the quarterfinals during the Mindanao Debate Championship: The Gov. Dimaporo Cup last January 11-13 at the Mindanao Civic Center Hotel in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

During the Finals Night on February 17 held at the posh Bohol Tropics Resort Harbor View, UP Cebu Team A composed of Rommel Paras (BS CompSci), Samantha Tornilla (BS Biology) and Yedah Ylanan (BS PolSci) won over Silliman University Team A.

The 2nd VUDC was spearheaded by tournament director Bryan Gaviola and convenor Roland Aparece, both faculty members of the UB College of Liberal Arts.

- The Bohol Chronicle

By Raul G. Bustalino

In the current month, the nation observes Fire Prevention Month per Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, under the theme: "Prevent Fire, Be Informed, Get Involved."

The Bureau of Fire Protection in the city will be the lead agency for the consciousness campaign for the awareness and promotion of fire safety among the citizenry.

According to Supt. Nonilo P. Acero, an implementation plan has been in place for the observance province-wide. City, municipal fire marshals and municipal fire protection coordinators are directed to mobilize their fire stations and offices, special rescue units and emergency medical services to undertake the major activities in relation to the observance in coordination with respective Local Government Units.

These activities will be simultaneously carried out in the city and municipalities with BFP Offices and fire stations. The month-long observance will be ushered by a kick-off program and caravan of firefighting equipments, volunteers, support groups and other concerned agencies.

The provincial government will be observing the fire prevention month with a convocation program and possibly followed by a fire and evacuation drill at the provincial capitol building.

- The Bohol Chronicle

By Glen Manigque

All is set for the 6th IT Quiz Bowl this coming Friday, March 7, at the Island City Mall Activity Center, sponsored by Informatics Computer Institute, where various schools in Bohol are expected to outwit each other in the field of information technology (IT).

Mr. Victoriano Tirol III, Informatics center manager, said with the success of last year's competition participated in by more than 25 schools all over the province, Informatics is holding again the competition in consonance with the earnest desire to hook students to the advancement of information technology, and to foster camaraderie and a healthy spirit amongst students of various schools in Bohol.

"Informatics is exerting efforts to contribute to the government's thrust in promoting IT in the country as well as to assist in the development of our public and private school's capabilities worldwide," Tirol added.

The registration of participation will start at 8 AM at Informatics Computer Institute on the said date, and a bus will transport all the participants to the venue at the Island City Mall Activity Center. To be eligible, the participant must be a bona fide senior high school student of any Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited school and must be of good moral character.

The contest requires knowledge on all facets of information processing system which includes hardware, software, and peopleware, features of Microsoft office applications, computer programming fundamentals, and internet essentials.

The grand champion will receive a trophy, a medal and a full scholarship at Informatics for the first term. The 2nd and 3rd prize winners will each receive a trophy, medal and Informatics scholarships with 50% discount for the former and 20% for the latter, respectively. For interested parties, they may contact Informatics Computer Institute at telephone numbers (038) 411-2509, 235-5980 or 501-8400.

- The Bohol Chronicle

Idea Philippines, Inc. a non-profit, non-government organization that supports the deaf in the province offers anew sign language class for free to the public, both beginner and intermediate level signers as part of its advocacy program.

Only thirty five slots are open to interested participants in a first-come, first-serve basis.

Certificates will be distributed at the end of the one-month session to all participants who will be able to comply all the requirements needed.

Classes will start on March 31 and ends on April 30, 2008. Sessions will be held at Dao Diamond Hotel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 to 8 p.m.

For inquiries/reservation, call IDEA office at (038) 411-5568, 411-3683, 235-5836, 501-8890 local 102 and look for Maricris.

- The Bohol Chronicle

Global Admins can lock any topic that has caused quarrel, misunderstanding, or the comments have become offensive to human taste.

Once a topic is locked, no one can reply or modify any posts except the Global Admins themselves who also have the exclusive privilege to unlock the thread.

I will delete the thread right away when there are many complaints against it.

Quote from: negamacs on March 05, 2008, 06:51:44 AM
hapit na ag mga pista sa atoa mangoli ba mo?

Hi negamacs,

How did you find this site?

By the way, kindly change your email add since you are using an email add with a "www" prefix.

Never. Never. Never will I eat balut. Not even in my wildest imagination.

Patuli nalang ko ka-siyam but never will I eat balut.

Global Admins can kick out or ban misbehaving TB member.

By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filipino seafood exporters bagged close to $6.5 million worth of sales at the Boston Seafood Show, which the Philippine Department of Agriculture hosted last Feb. 24-26.

Philippine exporters in the show were Bluefin Seafood Export Inc., JNMercado Seafood Supply, Anio Farms, Fisher Farm Inc., Jarla Trading, MS Seafood and F.A.B. Sea Resources Corp.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the export deals covered tuna, octopus, milkfish and value-added seafood products like fish, ham and sausages, “adobo” and teriyaki milkfish.

The Boston fair is the largest seafood exhibition in the United States, attracting close to 18,000 buyers across the globe.

image source: loveneverfails.ca


source:manalang.com

Not posted in Cooking and Recipes to respect the appetite of our Tubag Bohol cooking gurus.

Can you see the picture?

By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Slowly but surely, Manny Pacquiao is trimming down to fighting shape.

The Filipino ring icon hit the weighing scales at 133 pounds on Monday, just three off the super featherweight limit with still 12 days to go before his World Boxing Council title showdown with Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.

Freddie Roach, who supervises Pacquiao’s training at his Wild Card Gym here, was a bit concerned, however, when he learned that his ward skipped breakfast on Saturday.

“I noticed he was a little off when he sparred for 12 rounds,” said Roach. “It turned out that he did not eat breakfast and it’s the most important meal of the day.”

Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), a unit of the PLDT group, announced a 17.7-percent drop in net income to P8.3 billion last year from P10.08 billion in 2006.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, Piltel said the drop was due to higher provision for income tax last year and the additional depreciation of P796 million relating to fixed-line assets.

Piltel’s total revenues in 2007 grew 21 percent to P15.31 billion from P12.69 billion in 2006 because of the continued growth in revenue contribution from the subscriber base of its “Talk ’N Text” mobile phone service brand.

- Philippine Daily Inquirer

By Jolene Bulambot
Cebu Daily News

About 80 bales of used clothing locally known as “ukay-ukay” transported from Cebu to Tubigon, Bohol were seized by coast guard officials Friday night.

Commander William Isaga, chief of staff of the Philippine Coast Guard Eastern and Central Visayas district, said his men intercepted the illegal cargo on board M/V Jadestar 3 minutes after the vessel docked at the Tubigon port.

“We were looking for the owner but no one came to claim the cargo,” he said.
The clothes were valued at close to P400,000.

The used clothings were allegedly sourced from the Carbon market in Cebu City to be sold in Bohol, he said.

Cion, asa ka nag-stay sa Davao before?
I like Davao, too. Mogawas ko sa office sauna alas tres or alas kwatro sa kadlawon, safe ra maglakaw sa dalan.

Photo by Eric Photomurals of flickr.com

Davao City Hall

Photo by BT Niko of flickr.com

Near my boarding house in Davao City.

Photo by Eat Light, Speak Fire of flickr.com

Roro boat.

Photo by My Visita Iglesia of flickr.com

Have you tasted this?

Photo by Ed Shark of flickr.com

Familiar scene if you're traveling from Bukidnon.

Photo by EdShark of flickr.com

The location is a bit far from downtown Davao. I have a schoolmate who is working here.

Photo by GreatMindanaoan of flickr.com

A familiar scene. I used to pass by this road. Nostalgia. Check.

Cebu Pacific, the country’s low fare leader and leading airline to the ASEAN region offers P888 seats one-way for its international routes from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The seat sale will run from March 5 to 9, 2008 or until the allocated seats are sold out.

The airline has allocated more than 160,000 seats for its international seat sale. International services include Manila to: Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore, and Xiamen.

This is also available for non-stop services from Cebu to: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Taipei.

Moreover, it is also offered for both non-stop Davao-Hong Kong and Davao-Singapore services. The promo is likewise extended to Davao services to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Taipei via Cebu. This is good for travel from April 1 to December 15, 2008.

Candice Iyog, CEB spokesperson, said, “We are positive that many will take advantage of this opportunity to travel to our neighboring Asian destinations. We also hope to stimulate more tourist arrivals with these low fares.  Once again, this is a clear manifestation of our support for the country’s tourism agenda.”

“The best way to purchase your ticket is via CEB’s website, www.cebupacificair.com. Booking and paying online is so much easier,“ Iyog added.

She further explained that the seat sale fare is non-refundable and is exclusive of government taxes and surcharges.

Now in its 12th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the Philippines. CEB flies to 12, soon to be 15 international destinations, with the addition of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Kaohsiung. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations.

Hi Fortune,

I just opened a new section in Tubag Bohol. It's called "Open Letters"

Kindly grace the pages of this section with your unconventional open letters.

I'm just waiting, Zel.

Apil ba si "nevah" ana, Gem? What a big crowd! Suroy ra ko diha one day.

Quote from: Glen on March 04, 2008, 02:39:26 PM


Mike mao ni akung passion!

Because you are made with a soft heart, Gem.

Aya is an epitome of Anda's dazzling beauty.

Quote from: svetlana on March 04, 2008, 02:40:39 PM

Quote from: fortune on March 04, 2008, 02:34:06 PM
mangi uwawon man gud si mr.bean mao nga ako na lay spokesman. the bridge on the river kwai

Unja ang bearer is the owner kuno Fortune! hahahaha

Calling Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino.

Not only diamond, but platinum, too.

Luoy kaayo Bran. People are really poor.

The so-called ARMM (Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao) government did not do its role as expected.

The officials built exclusive (private) island resorts for their friends and families. I learned this fact from the people of Sulu I talked to that time.

Our country is already controlled by Chinese tycoons.

Henry Sy (SM, Mall of Asia), Lucio Tan (PAL), Gokongwei (Cebu Pacific), and many more.

Quote from: Lorenzo on March 04, 2008, 03:00:29 PM
Pariho ra ang mga Garcia-Hernandezanos sa mga Valencia-nons. Strong spirited and hard work.

I have Titas from Garcia Hernandez. My mother's closest friend is from there.

Beautiful town.

Many from Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia went to Mindanao to avoid hard labor during Spanish period. I read they crossed Mindanao sea by a makeshift boat.

Nganong mauwaw man ka ni Ginger nga sweet girl man na siya?

Kini ra bang mag-uwaw-uwaw kay naay gitagong pagbati.

My fear is when China would secretly exploit Bohol's hidden natural wealth found underground.

Business as usual. Hope our people would benefit from it.

China has made a strong presence in Nigeria. Chinese companies are exploring the vast oil reserves in Africa.

Bran and Hazel, I can see the pictures.

I have lost relatives in Baybay and Maasin Southern Leyte.

Limasawa Island, Leyte is fronting the town of Anda, Bohol. What a lovely sight when it is low tide.

Quote from: Glen on March 04, 2008, 03:04:10 PM
I agree with you Mike.

You know this Gem since you manage three hotels and resorts in Alaska.

Giving higher salaries to Filipino workers in the Philippines will actually boost the economy. How? When our people have money they will have buying power. They will buy goods and services because they have money earned from their work. When they buy things, companies and manufacturers will produce more goods and services to meet the increasing market demand catapulted by the buying power of wage earners.

This is a simple economic model that our government officials and business taipans have miserably failed to realize.

Quote from: j2m on September 28, 2007, 10:39:18 AM
daghan salamat aning nga topic kay napun an ang akong kahibalo bahin ining among lungsod...

We have tens of thousands of information vault in Tubag Bohol.

Keep logging in.

QuoteMost of the people in the early 40"s migrated to mIndanao in search of a greener pasture.

Mr. Daray,

Long before that, Boholanos migrated to Mindanao, Luzon and to other Visayas provinces to escape from the forced labor imposed by the Spanish priests in building our centuries-old churches and cathedrals.

Quote from: mawjood on February 21, 2008, 04:56:05 PM
"Ang gatas ko noong baby ako, Lactum," kuwento ni Marcos sa ibang
presidente.
"Ah ako, Enfalac, 'yun ang mahal, eh," sagot ni Cory.
"Ako, Lactogen, kaya ganito ako katalino," sabi ni Ramos.
"Ikaw, Erap, ano ang iniinom mo noon?" tanong ng tatlo.
"Ano yata Lactacyd."

Have you heard of rumors that Erap will run as president in 2010?

How come he is being set free by our President?

Quote from: fortune on March 04, 2008, 02:41:32 PM
palihog gam-e ko ug sticky sticky sa ahong website. 100 euro + $100 contest. para naa pod koy ma sogdang contest didto. mga angels, ato lang ha. secret. the website of FORTUNE. bahala na mo mangita kong naay gusto mo apil. larga dajon. dungan ug entra. mo abot ug 100 contestants in 1 day, sogod dajon

Fortune,

Kindly send a PM to our Contest Manager, Ginger. She can do "sticky-sticky" thing as her privilege of being a global admin.

Siesta-siesta lang unya ta Fortune sa Punta Cruz, Maribojoc overlooking the vast sea of melancholy.