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Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant, and lightens adversity by dividing and sharing it.
- Cicero

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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

- Edith Wharton

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Whoever said love is blind is dead wrong. Love is the only thing that lets us see each other with the remotest accuracy.

- Martha Beck

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Seek goodness in others. Love more persons . . . more impersonally, more unselfishly, without thought of return. The return, never fear, will take care of itself.
- Henry Drummond

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We two form a multitude.
-  Ovid

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By making and keeping promises to ourselves and others, little by little, our honor becomes greater than our moods.

- Stephen R. Covey

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Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.
- Sir James M. Barrie

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If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.
- Winston Churchill

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The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.
- Mark Twain

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Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so.
- David Grayson

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Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus

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You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.
- Indira Gandhi

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In every moment, we teach either love or fear. As we demonstrate love towards others....we learn how to love more deeply.
- Marianne Williamson

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Tagbilaran, Bohol Tricycle Driver
Returns $17,000 to Passenger

By Kit Bagaipo (Archived: PDIVisayas Bureau, 07/01/2007)

TAGBILARAN CITY -- It could have been an easy answer to his financial woes, but tricycle driver Iluminado Boc felt he had to let it pass.

The 45-year old driver, a resident of Habitat Village in Bool, this city, turned over to the local police a pouch containing $17,000 (approximately P800,000), which was left by its owner in the passenger seat of his tricycle on June 23.

On the same day Boc found the bag containing so much cash, his wife was hospitalized due to a lingering ailment.

Boc, whom the Philippine Daily Inquirer was able to interview on Saturday, said it was not the first time he returned items left in his motorcab.

There were instances when he returned valuable items such as cellular phones, he said.

The tricycle driver admitted his monthly payments for his house in Habitat Village were long overdue. He is also paying monthly installments for his tricycle unit. Then came his wife's hospitalization.

But he said he was never tempted to keep the money. "It was not mine," was his simple answer when asked why he did not keep the money.

Boc said that at around 1 p.m. last June 23, a woman took a ride on his tricycle from the city airport to the Integrated Bus Terminal in Dao, this city.

He said it was not until he stopped for a break at around 3 p.m. that he noticed the pouch bag in the passenger seat and found it contained dollar bills. He remembered that it belonged to the woman who rode from the airport.

Boc said he was surprised that other passengers who took his motorcab from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., did not tell him about the pouch.

Boc said he immediately drove to the city police station and delivered the pouch to the lost-and-found section.

He said it was only there that he learned that the pouch contained $17,000 and that the woman who owned it arrived at the same police precinct a few minutes earlier and had started describing her lost item to the police.

Boc said he immediately recognized the woman as the person who left the pouch in his motorcab.

He said the woman gave him P1,500 as a reward. He said he was initially hesistant to accept the money but upon the prodding of the grateful passenger and the police officers at the station, he did.

Boc said he was not able to get the name of the woman.

The city police has no record of the name of the woman because her lost item was recovered before the incident could be recorded in the police blotter.

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Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.

- Henry Ward Beecher

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He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
- Epictetus

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Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.
Soren Kierkegaard

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Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.
- Mother Teresa

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Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.
- Wayne Dyer

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Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.
-Unknown

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When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.
- Samuel Goldwyn

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Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.
- Bernard Meltzer

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In interactions with others, instead of trying to be right, why don’t we try being kind?
- Wayne Dyer

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NEWS RELEASE
BBM CAMP LAUDS PET RESOLUTION REJECTING COMELEC’S MOVE TO PASS ON BALLOT STORAGE FEES TO MARCOS

The camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. today lauded the resolution of Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), for throwing out the move of the Commission on Elections to pass on the accumulated storage fees of Philippine Foreign Posts as a result of the Precautionary Protective Order (PPO) issued by the Tribunal in relation to his election protest.

In a six-page Resolution dated October 10, 2017, the PET told Comelec that it should bear the responsibility of shouldering the storage fees and other incidental fees incurred by the poll body as a result of its decision not to return the ballot boxes and other election materials in several Philippine foreign posts to the Comelec headquarters in Manila because it was not prevented from doing so by both the Tribunal and Marcos.

The Comelec had earlier asked the Tribunal to order Marcos to pay for the storage fees and other incidental expenses the foreign posts had allegedly incurred amounting to over Php 4.5 million for New York and Hongkong alone as a result of the PPO issued in relation to Marocs’ protest.  Comelec claimed that since the PPO ordered them to preserve and safeguard the integrity of the ballots and other election materials, they could not bring them back to the Comelec office in Manila within the required   period and so the same had to be stocked in the foreign posts which resulted in additional costs.

But the Tribunal rejected Comelec’s motion saying it had no basis. It ruled that the PPO did not prohibit them from transferring the ballots to the Comelec main office in Manila and could have easily done so by just securing the Tribunal’s permission.

“There is nothing in the PPO that prohibited the physical transfer of the election materials and paraphernalia; the Comelec was merely required to preserve and safeguard their integrity. Thus, the Comelec’s proffered reason that its faithful compliance to the PPO has no basis,” the PET stated.

It further ruled, “(a)s mentioned, the PPO is clear in that the Comelec and its agents were ordered to preserve and safeguard the integrity of the election materials and paraphernalia which could be done even if they needed to be transmitted to Comelec Central Office.”

In fact, in several occasions, according to the Tribunal, the Comelec despite the PPO, had moved and was granted permission by the Tribunal to move election materials. This is the reason why, stated the Tribunal, it could not understand why the Comelec did not make a similar move on the ballot materials in the custody of foreign posts.

“As to why it would treat differently materials and paraphernalia in the custody of the Posts escapes this Tribunal as the PPO did not make such distinction. Indeed, the Comelec could have simply secured permission from the Tribunal for their transfer to the Comelec Central Office. The Comelec made no such request,” it said.

The PET further declared that ordering Marcos to pay for such expenses is unwarranted since he did not ask prevent the poll body from removing the materials from the foreign posts.

“Protestant never requested that the election materials and paraphernalia be physically retained in the custody of the Posts. Rather, it was the Comelec that made the decision not to instruct the Posts to transmit the election materials and paraphernalia to the Comelec Central Office, despite the absence of any prohibition for the same. Had the Comelec made such instruction, the Subject Expenses would not have been incurred. Accordingly, the Comelec must bear the responsibility of paying for the Subject Expenses incurred by the Posts,” the PET declared.

Lawyer Victor Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, praised the PET ruling saying it was a “positive development” in the midst of unabashed moves to derail the proceedings by making it more cumbersome for the former Senator.

“This is certainly a very positive development for Senator Marcos. As you can see, our opponents are making things more difficult for us by trying to delay the case and making us pay left and right without any basis.  We are glad that the PET denied these unfounded and unnecessary moves so our case can finally move forward,” Rodriguez said.

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STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE NEIL J. ABAYON, AANGAT TAYO Party-list
Assistant Minority Leader
REP. ABAYON PROPOSES COLOR-CODED DISTRESS ALERTS FOR TNVS DRIVERS

There must be some discreet and easy way for Transport Network Vehichle Service (TNVS) drivers to send out distress signals: Red alert for carnapping, robbery, and other life-threatening situations; Blue alert for medical emergencies; and Orange alert for trip-aborting road mishaps. Distress alerts must have exact locations of the TNVS units and other needed information.

The details on how the distress signals will be operationalized are up to Transport Network Companies (TNCs) like Grab and Uber and should not be revealed to the public for security reasons. We must always be a step ahead of criminals.

TNCs must also have matching rapid response protocols for immediate notification and deployment of the police and emergency responders.

TNCs must swiftly implement all these because lives are at stake.

Carnappers targetting vehicles of TNVS drivers would not hesitate to use deadly force. The October 27 fatal execution-style shooting of Grab driver Gerardo Amolato Maquidato, Jr is clear proof of this.  Grab and other TNCs must prioritize the implementation of security protocols to keep their drivers and passengers safe.

Grab itself has revealed that six of its TNVS drivers have fallen victim to carnappers.

Some weeks ago, I had urged Uber, Grab, and other TNCs to upgrade their booking apps with emergency silent alarms. I also proposed e-microinsurance for passengers for every trip that they book.  (END)

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House Tourism Committee to attend World Travel Mart
By JUNE S. BLANCO

THE House Committee on Tourism chaired by Rep. Lucy Torres (Leyte, 4th District) is slated to attend the World Travel Market (WTM) in London on November 6-8.

This was learned from Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District), who said he and six other committee vice chairs will be joined by representatives of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The latter will market the Philippines’ attractions and destinations.
Aumentado said the Philippines stands to gain from, the WTM website says, “business contracts between exhibitors and travel professionals, key industry buyers, journalists, digital influencers, students and tourism ministers.”

Last year, over three days, the global event generated more than £2.8 billion as almost 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies found and networked with 51,000 attendees â€" in under just one roof.

Industry leaders are also expected to discuss trends, issues and innovations in the travel industry.

From the speakers’ inputs and their team’s observations and first-hand information from fellow attendees, Aumentado said their committee will craft necessary legislations to rev and enhance the Philippines’ tourism industry.

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Desalination project to solve water supply problem in Panglao
By Luel Galarpe

TAGBILARAN City, Bohol -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) has identified a solution to the twin problems of scarcity of potable water and high cost of electricity that are feared to hamper development of Bohol’s tourism capital -- Panglao Island.


The PDC endorsed the proposed water desalination facility in Dauis, one of the two municipalities in Panglao Island, to address the problems.

The facility can also be partly utilized partly for renewable energy.
Bohol Electric Company (Boheco) - 1 is providing the power supply in the area, but the proposed project will use solar panels during daytime operation.


"It can be seen that the twin problems of inadequate water supply and high power rates will greatly hinder the future development of the island,” said Dauis municipal planning and development coordinator Engr. Oscar Nistal.


The lot for the project site in Barangay San Isidro, Dauis has yet to be acquired by the local government, but negotiation with the lot owner is ongoing.

The project will cover an area of 5,298 square meters.
“The proposed project site is accessible from the national road and adjacent to a barangay road,” Nistal said.


The supply of fresh and potable water is not enough to meet the needs of the locals and businesses in Panglao Island.


“This problem has been a source of constant complaints from its irate residents,” Nistal said.


Aside from the problem on water supply, the high cost of electricity also besets the tourist island where the current electric tariff rate is PHP12 per kilowatt hour compared to only PHP8-9 per kwh in Manila.


Residents and establishments in the island have to bear daily with the absence of water distribution line in the area.


The smart micro-grid desalination equipment will not be fully dependent on the power supply from the grid as its main power supply will come from renewable energy.


It has been proposed that the LGU of Dauis will manage the project.


"At present, five barangays manage their own waterworks system which is dependent on ground water sources, while seven barangays are dependent on the water supply being provided by Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) which is still insufficient,” Nistal disclosed.


The project will employ a photovoltaic (PV) power of electricity generation which will be matched with micro-grid system and adopts reverse osmosis technology to desalinate seawater.


It is projected to have daily capacity of 2,000 tons and the system can sustain a 24-hour operation.

It is assured that the desalinated water will meet the standards for drinking water in the Philippines.


"In case that solar resource is sufficient, the coupling of PV power generation system and energy storage system can ensure the continuous operation of desalination system for about 10-12 hours in general,” Nistal added. (Angeline Valencia/PNA)

Metrobank
BUTUAN - MONTILLA BLVD.
Address: Montilla Blvd. corner Lopez Jaena Street,
City: Butuan City
Province: Agusan del Norte
Contact Nos.: (085)342-2892 Fax No.: (085)225-6733

BUTUAN - JC AQUINO
Address: JC Aquino Avenue
City: Butuan City
Province: Agusan del Norte
Contact Nos.: (085) 815-0140, (085) 815-0107, (085) 815-0105

BUTUAN - MAIN
Address: San Francisco cor. P. Burgos St.
City: Butuan City
Province: Agusan del Norte
Contact Nos.: (085)341-5212; (085)815-2400; (085)341-5198; (085)225-2012; (085)341-5246; Fax No.: (085)341-5213

UCPB Zamboanga

Branch Name
UCPB Zamboanga
Address
UCPB Building, Rizal and Corcuera Street, Zamboanga City
Landmarks
Beside Barcode Rizal
Contact Numbers
(062) 991-7791, 991-4576
Fax Number
(062) 991-1484
With ATM
YES
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm (effective September 15, 2017)

UCPB Jones Avenue

Branch Name
UCPB Jones Avenue
Address
UCPB Building, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City
Landmarks
Across Visayas Community Hospital
Contact Numbers
(032) 253-1251, 253-1252, 253-1253, 253-1254, 253-1255, 253-1256, 253-1257, 253-1258
Fax Number
(032) 256-2901
With ATM
YES
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm
Treasury Desk
(032) 253-1258 local 130 to 132

UCPB F. Ramos

Branch Name
UCPB F. Ramos
Address
Yap Building, F. Ramos Street, Barangay Cogon, Cebu City
Landmarks
In front of Saint Paul’s College
Contact Numbers
(032) 256-3772, 255-8499
Fax Number
(032) 255-8498
With ATM
YES
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm

UCPB Carbon

Branch Name
UCPB Carbon
Address
UCPB Building, Manalili and Progreso Streets, Cebu City
Landmarks
Across Traveller’s Pension House
Contact Numbers
(032) 256-1571, 255-3382, 254-1671
Fax Number
(032) 254-1922
With ATM
YES
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm (effective May 15, 2017)

UCPB Banilad

Branch Name
UCPB Banilad
Address
TPE Building, Banilad Road, Cebu City
Landmarks
Near Ma. Luisa Estate Park Village
Contact Numbers
(032) 346-9234, 346-9252, 346-2460
Fax Number
(032) 344-1181
With ATM
YES
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm (effective May 15, 2017)

EASTWEST BANK, West Avenue,"108 West Ave. Cor. West Lawin St., Quezon City

EASTWEST BANK,Tandang Sora,"Lot 80-A Kalaw Hills Subd., Brgy. Culiat,Tandang Sora, Quezon City

U.S. Embassy Closed for Philippine Holidays

Manila, October 27, 2017 â€" The Embassy of the United States in the Philippines and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1 for Philippine holidays.

The Embassy and its affiliated offices will be open on Monday, October 30 and will resume services on Thursday, November 2.

History

(Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.)- Isaiah 51:1

As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. An awareness of our Christian heritage helps us to understand our identity, and it gives us a sense of where God is leading us.

The Israelites had a rich heritage. Their nation began as a result of Abraham and Sarah’s faithfulness. The generations that followed included Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as their faithful leaders. God richly blessed His people and made them prosper. God continued to show favor on the Israelites by leading them out of Egypt into a prosperous land of their own. God established His nation through some of the most awesome miracles in history. God continued to provide strong leaders, such as Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Deborah, Samuel, David, and Solomon. He sent mighty prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Unfortunately, in Isaiah’s day, God’s people had reached a point where they had forgotten their heritage. They lived as spiritual paupers rather than as heirs to a rich heritage and members of a royal priesthood.

Your spiritual heritage is even richer than that of Isaiah’s generation. Your spiritual ancestors include Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples, the apostle Paul, and a host of saints down through the ages. Even more important, you look to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith (Heb. 12:2). You may have a family history of faithfulness that goes back several generations.

Do you see the full picture of God’s redemptive work? God’s plan involves you, just as it has included each Christian throughout the centuries provide .God wants you to participate in His continuing work to redeem a lost world. Your obedience today will e a legacy of faithfulness to the generations that follow. - Henry and Richard Blackaby

PNOC signs 1,000-hectare jatropha plantation development pact with 2 grower-partners in Negros Occidental
Manila (29 June 2009) -- True to its mandate of promoting and accelerating the use of biofuels in the country to reduce dependence on imported fuel, the biofuels arm of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) - the PNOC Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC), has signed a pact with the Ilog Diversified Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Katilingban Sang Katawhan Sa Katayoyon Nga Kauswagan Sa Kabankalan, Inc. (5Ks) for the establishment of an aggregate area of 1,000-hectare jatropha plantation in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
The project involves 500 hectares of jathropa plantation.

"The partnership that we have forged separately with our grower-partners Ilog Diversified Multi-Purpose Cooperative and 5Ks marks the beginning of our collaborative effort towards establishing a most viable and sustainable biofuel feedstock in the country. We all intend to pool and commit our resources together to attain our production target of jatropha to fast track the country’s biofuel initiative," said Genaro Rafael K. Alvarez III, PNOC-AFC chairman.

Under the Memorandum of Agreements (MOA), the project that the PNOC-AFC will be funding involves an aggregate area of 500 hectares of jatropha plantation within the landholdings of Ilog Diversified Multi-Purpose Cooperative and another 500 hectares with 5Ks.
"The funds for the project will be released to PNOC-AFC's grower-partners in accordance with the Work and Financial Plan. The market for the jatropha seeds that will be produced from the plantation will not be a problem since the PNOC-AFC will be the assured market," said Alvarez.

In addition, the PNOC-AFC shall supply the jatropha seedlings and other farm inputs as well as pay for the labor during the planting process. The Company will likewise provide technical assistance for the setting up of the plantation and help in its maintenance for 18 months.
Meantime, the grower-partner will manage the plantation together with PNOC-AFC. It will also provide the necessary labor inputs for the plantation establishment and maintenance while complying with all the permitting requirements from appropriate government agencies.

"Being the leading proponent of jatropha production in the country, we are not only keen on providing a cost-competitive alternative feedstock for our biofuels industry, but we are also opening alternative venues for business enterprise as well as creating new job opportunities for our marginalized farmers in the countryside," noted Alvarez.

In line with the government's policy of reducing dependence on imported oil and utilizing indigenous renewable energy sources, the PNOC-AFC has a mandate to explore, develop and accelerate the use of alternative energy to enhance the country's energy security. (PIA)

PGMA to inaugurate P42 M seamen’s hospital
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) -- The Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) has taken steps to provide quality healthcare to its members and their dependents here in Western Visayas through the facilities of the newly constructed Seamen’s Hospital Iloilo.

This P42 million hospital in the district of Mandurriao is scheduled to be inaugurated by no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is expected to arrive here in Iloilo City tomorrow, June 30, along with Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The Iloilo Seamen’s Hospital is a satellite facility of the AMOSUP and one of the three hospitals under its Family Medical and Dental Plan. The other two are located in Manila and Cebu. The project is in line with AMOSUP’s and their Seamen’s Hospital’s vision of creating satellite facilities offering quality health care nationwide.

Accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) standards as a secondary hospital, this three-story facility has a total floor area of 3,300 sq. meters and a capacity of 40 beds. It will be staffed by a team of competent medical practitioners duly certified in their fields of expertise. Competent and experienced nurses from other Seamen’s Hospitals will initially be assigned to provide nursing care.

Also, services at this new facility will be fully departmentalized: Pediatrics; Surgery; Internal Medicine; Obstetrics-Gynecology; EENT; Pathology and Radiology. Ancillary services will include dietary and food service, pharmacy, emergency room, operating and delivery rooms and ambulance service.

Information obtained by PIA from the Seamen’s Hospital Iloilo said that all medical and surgical services including laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound in this facility will be offered to members and their dependents free of charge. Medicines will also be dispensed free of charge. (PIA)

PGMA’s humility manifests statesmanship
By Jennilyne O. Casimiro
San Fernando City, La Union (28 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s statement over television last night admitting talking to a Comelec official and asking for forgiveness to the whole nation manifests sincere statesmanship.

It is not easy for any one to admit mistakes but the courage of the President to admit and apologize to what she quote, ‘lapse in judgment’ live and viewed by the whole world is a sign of sincere humility, notwithstanding her position as the highest person in the country.
The people are now the deciding factor in this scenario with consideration of the majority of the people, especially the poor who are most affected with the present crises the country is facing into.

Nevertheless, the President assured the nation to continue her reforms agenda and promised to work harder to win the trust of the people and get the nation back on track.
It is our duty as citizens to work hand in hand with the government for a unified and progressive Philippines.

Let’s give the President a second chance to prove her worth and continue what she has started.

Otherwise, could we sacrifice our nation to be loomed in darkness if chaos arises? Could we accept once more to stumble and bear the negative consequences of a divided nation?
The interest of service to the nation is more overriding than the lapse in judgment the President has committed…let this serve as a lesson, a part of history for a better Philippines. (PIA)

‘Capiz Night’ keeps Capiz spirit alive at Intramuros
Roxas City (28 June 2005) -- Gov. Vicente Bermejo considered Capiz’s participation in the Philippines’ Bests 2005 as a “privilege” that allowed the province to showcase its best tourism potentials.

Bermejo gave due recognition to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for enabling Capiz to join the important tourism event. The year-long event was first initiated by then DOT Secretary and now Senator Richard Gordon in the 2003 “WOW Philippines.”

Speaking during the “Capiz Night” cultural show at Intramuros, Manila, which is the venue of Philippines’ Bests 2005, the chief provincial executive averred that behind the progress of Capiz is its rich culture, history and people who are endowed with cultural values.
This fact, he said, has made Capiz withstand the test of time, making progress in the socio-economic realm as envisioned by the governor in his Ten-point Agenda.

Bermejo led local officials here in attending the cultural presentation last June 24 which capped Capiz’s participation in the “Kabugana-an sang Western Visayas” from June 18-30, 2005. The presentation depicted the richness of the cultural, social and religious heritage of the Capiceños through a combination of contemporary dance, music and theatrical movements and interwoven with oral traditions like binalaybay, lowa and folk music.

In the morning, the performers organized by the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts held a preliminary show in preparation for the evening gala show. The whole day was declared as “Capiz Day” to highlight the whole spectrum of Capiz’s tourism potentials including its abundant seafood, shellcraft and other indigenous products, and natural and man-made tourist attractions.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr. said the Capiz showcase at the Intramuros event was anchored on its reputation as a major seafood producer. In fact, Capiceños consider Capiz as the seafood capital of the Philippines.

Bediones said there are Capiceño businessmen who have become in-place suppliers of seafood products to provide Metro Manilans with a steady supply of their favorite crabs, shrimps, oysters, and the even more delicious “diwal” or angelwings.

What brought the house down inside Clamshell I in Intramuros was when the lilting Capiz theme song sung by a member of the cultural group shifted to a contemporary fast tempo to the delight of the audience led by the governor and also included Capiceños who are residing in the metropolis.

Other local officials who beefed up the Capiz delegation were vice governor Victor Tanco, Sr., members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and municipal mayors and other town officials. Congressman Fredenil Castro (2nd District, Capiz) and Roxas City mayor Antonio Del Rosario joined the group at a dinner hosted tendered by Sen. Manuel Roxas II and Mrs. Judy A. Roxas at the Gateway in Cubao, Quezon City.

Castro, who showed up to welcome his fellow Capiceños in his usual warm-hearted manner, had a huddle with local officials and Mrs. Roxas, as well as members of the local tri-media who joined the group, during the dinner. Congressman Rodriguez Dadivas (1st District) also hosted a dinner for the group.

Also present at the Capiz show were DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and Guimaras Gov. JC Rahman Nava. (PIA-JSC)

Commentary: A significant start indeed
Baguio City (28 June 2005) -- Finally breaking her silence, President Arroyo apologized Monday for talking with an election official about her hopes for a million-vote margin in last year’s election, calling it a lapse in judgment.

This move of the President shows that she was strong, confident and truthful. She addressed the issue head-on and demonstrated full command of the situation. This is indeed a “significant start,’ as the business community and former President Cory Aquino put it.
The President’s apology has ushered a positive reaction from the economic market, the business sector and even the peso. This somehow proves that the nation has been on the importance of the economy and the positive reactions from the sector will reinforce the national predisposition to forgive and move on.

President Arroyo should however strive to deliver an immediate follow-through of swift and bold reforms with unprecedented use of political will. This time, all the reforms and even safety nets must be felt by all. Immediate attention must be put back to the looming oil crisis showing a marked return to vigilance and delivery of services. The President’s economic team must immediately rebuild confidence from the aftermath.

As expected, there will be legal moves and protest actions but with the Filipino culture’s forgiving ways, those who are courageous and humble enough to admit their fault will always have space in the forgiving hearts of the Filipinos.

Most of the ordinary people interviewed over television after the President’s statement had expressed their readiness to forgive and give the President another chance, and most of the nation still saw the humility and sincerity of PGMA as she asked forgiveness.

While no doubt the opposition will continue to stir the pot, for most reasonable people, this issue should now take a back seat. We must move to the business of the nation. (PIA)

Feeding, food intake of preschool children determined by family, environment â€" study
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) -- Feeding and food intake by preschool children are determined by family food practices and attitudes and some environmental factors, according to a study done by Bayaga, et al., in year 2000, as released by the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The study revealed that with or without conscious effort, the family guides the food preferences and establishes the food pattern of preschool children, as indicated by the nutrition knowledge of the parents, parent-child interaction, atmosphere around food at meal times.

Likewise, television viewing affects food requests of children, and it encourages sedentary lifestyle. Their food intakes and choices are also influenced by peers, wherein caretakers can use the group setting to introduce good nutrition.

The study recommended that the parents being role models in nutrition, can create opportunities that promote healthy living and nutrition learning for their pre school children.

The NNC revealed some feeding problems can be encountered in preschool children, as a preschool child is sometimes a difficult child. His appetite can be erratic and his behavior capricious. When the child loses interest in food, this becomes the source of irritation between the mother and the child. In most instances, parents treat young children as little adults and impose their own adult-style dietary restrictions on them, which is counter productive.

At this stage pre school children accept only very few foods and reject all others. It is likely that the child’s appetite is lost because of too much parental urging, or the child may have become tired of the same foods eaten every day.

The child may also have aversion toward some foods. This may be due to the unpalatable preparation of some food, like vegetables.

A child may also linger or dilly-dally with food during mealtime, because he is not feeling well, or may find his portions too big, or he may just be trying to get attention.

On the other hand, the NNC said that feeding the child is sometimes hampered by fallacies handed down through generations. Some mothers still believe that some foods should not be given to preschoolers, like eggs and fish for example, because they feared these would cause bad teeth and the presence of hookworms.. But eggs have high nutritional values, and fish can only become carrier of parasites when prepared in a dirty manner.

Some mothers do not also give leafy vegetables believing that these are hard to digest. They believe that eating squash can cause mental dullness, likewise, with sour fruits, fruit juices and milk taken together which cause stomach upset, when in fact they do not.
The NNC viewed this as a lack of nutrition education on the part of parents and caretakers, which consequently hamper improvement in feeding practices for preschoolers. (PIA 6)

Nutrition month celebration emphasizes good nutrition early in life
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) -- This July 2005 nutrition month celebration calls attention again to the need for ensuring good nutrition for every individual early in life for optimum health and psychosocial development.

Regional Nutrition Coordinator Nona B. Tad-y said that the celebration’s theme which is, “Batang may kinabukasan, sa wastong nutrisyon simulan” builds on the gains of the last two years’ themes which focused breast feeding and complementary feeding.

Mrs Tad-y also said that these themes have been showing the primary concern of government on good nutrition during pre-school age as a crucial step in the building of a “bright child”.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) of the Philippines said that preschool children, aged less than 6 years old, needs adequate food to grow and build his/her body, plenty of energy and resistance to fight common infections.

Given the right kinds and amount of foods at the right time, young children are assured of their fundamental right to food and proper nutrition, the NNC further said.

Further, the NNC cited that a well-nourished child is healthy, strong and alert and has good disposition while growing at a normal rate, hence they tend to perform better in school and more productive when they reach adulthood.

A poorly nourished child, on the other hand, is sluggish, lethargic, and frequently ill because of low resistance to infection. Prolonged inadequate food intake in the early years of life, coupled with frequent bouts of infection can lead to malnutrition, NNC added.
Meanwhile, in making the month-long nutrition month more significant, Mrs. Tad-y said that the different agencies of government, local government units, and the various stakeholders, can do their share.

They can hang streamers, pray the nutrition prayer and pledges during their flag ceremonies and support feeding programs in their communities, and promote nutrition programs for preschool children. (PIA 6

Trivia: How Iloilo gained prominence during the Spanish era
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) - It is significant to note that Iloilo became of interest to Spanish conquistadors in 1565 when it was discovered to be a source of rice, causing Legaspi to proceed here from Cebu.

When the Spaniards came to Iloilo, they immediately made the province the missionary base for the conversion of the region to Christianity.

In the early days of Spanish occupation, an Augustinian missionary in Iloilo, Fr. Medina noted that Iloilo was the granary of all the islands in the archipelago. This is further supported by Morga, a Spanish writer of the 17th century, who referred to Iloilo as being abundant in rice and wine-producing palm trees and all kinds of food supplies.

Early Spanish writers observed that Iloilo had already a flourishing shipbuilding industry. Both Loarca and Morga related that because Panay island contained great abundance of timber and other provisions for construction purposes, Iloilo had a number of shipyards for galleys and frigates, the most notable of which were found in Arevalo and Oton.

Iloilo was not only the richest and most prosperous in the Visayas but was also the most populous. Morga described Iloilo as having many settlements, while Loarca and Fernandez mentioned Iloilo as having several centers of population that were maintaining substantial contacts with other groups of people.

Among the settlements in Iloilo that were already well populated and were having contacts with the outside world were Oton, Arevalo, Molo and Jaro. They remained the major centers of Spanish missionary and administrative activities for three centuries.

With many factors to its favor, it is not surprising, therefore, that Iloilo became the official residence of the alcalde-mayor and served as a missionary base, a Spanish naval station, a jumping off point of Spanish expeditions against the Dutch and the Philippine Muslims, and the supply base of Spanish garrisons in the Moluccas.

The seat of government was initially established in Oton, the first town founded by the Spaniards in the province. Later the capital was transferred to Arevalo. Recurrent raids by “Moro pirates” and the attacks by the Dutch and English privateers, forced the Spaniards to move the provincial capital to another site â€" the town of Iloilo.

To guard Iloilo from Dutch and Moro attacks a stone fort named “Real Fuerza de Iloilo, later known as Fort San Pedro, was constructed in 1616 at the entrance of the Iloilo River. With fort San Pedro providing military protecting and the island of Guimaras shielding it from the wind and the sea in time, Iloilo harbor became the most important in the Visayas.

Recognizing the importance of Iloilo in the economic field, the Spanish crown opened the port of Iloilo to foreign trade in 1855. The historic decision set off an unprecedented progress for Iloilo which continued until World War II broke out. Iloilo immediately became number one in commerce and import and export trade in the whole of Visayas and Mindanao.

Since the middle of the 18th century, Iloilo was already noted for its large scale commercial weaving. By the middle of the 19th century, the textile production of Iloilo had already reached a remarkable degree of development that Iloilo at that time was referred to as the “textile center” of the Philippines.

Because of the expansion of trade and the rapid growth of business and economic activities in Panay and Negros and due primarily to the boom in sugar industry, native and foreign firms built permanent offices and outlets along the streets that branched out from the waterfront. Banks, machine shops, printing presses, educational institutions, medical facilities, and social clubs came in being.

On October 5, 1889, the Queen Regent of Spain raised the town to the status of a city and on February 7, 1890, the ayuntamiento (city government) of Iloilo was established. (PIA, with reports from Iloilo provincial administrator)

PGMA opens Jalandoni Bridge June 30
by T. Villavert
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) -- Jalandoni Bridge, another strong infrastructure base that will help boost economic growth here will be formally opened by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 30, 2005.

The construction of the Jalandoni Bridge was initiated by Senate President Franklin Drilon and completed in the amount of P47,493,584.57.

From General Luna Street, city proper, the l70-meter bridge spans through the Iloilo river to connect with Barangay Nabitasan in La Paz.

For the fifth time since January 2005, President Macapagal-Arroyo will visit Iloilo, this time to inaugurate the project which is complementary to the government’s development efforts aimed at inducing economic growth.

PGMA’s last visit in Panay and Guimaras islands was on April l4 and was anchored on her administration’s priority thrusts in power, investment and economy.

The President in her speeches always emphasized that infrastructure is always complementary to the growth and development of the country’s trade, tourism and commerce.

The Jalandoni Bridge construction was started in March 27, 2003 and completed last March 3, 2005. Senator Drilon also initiated the construction of the access road leading to Hechanova street in the amount of P2l,204,282.55.

Other related components of the Jalandoni bridge project also include a proposal to construct a flyover along General Luna Street. Also proposed is the Iloilo Boulevard with promenade. It will connect westward towards Benigno Aquino Diversion Road and eastward to link with Bonifacio Drive.(PIA)

Cebu officials accept apology
By Minerva BC Newman
Cebu City (28 June 2005) -- Local dailies Cebu Daily News and The Freeman reported today that Cebu officials heaved a sigh of relief, welcomed the president's admission and accepted it as "just a lapse of judgment."

"The speech served its purpose. PGMA has spoken, admitted to some impropriety, and apologized. It diffused the tension," Cebu Gwendolyn Garcia said in an interview with media.
Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña thinks it was a nice, heartwarming statement. "It shows she is candid and honest. I hope that after this, we can just move on," Osmeña said.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Robert Go said, "it's time to move on. The business sector is already battered black and blue and politicians should stop all the bickering and focus on how we are going to improve the economy and better the lives of the Filipino people."

Bayan Muna-Cebu secretary general, Arman Perez on his part called on the resignation of the president. "if the president is sincerely seeking the trust and confidence of the Filipino people on the impropriety of her action, then she should immediatly resign."

Congressmen Antonio Cuenco of Cebu City South district and Simeon Kintanar, Cebu, Second district welcomed and accepted the president's apology saying, she did not commit any violations in her conversation with a comelec official and that the conversation did not change the result of the elections. "We should forgive her," Cuenco said.

Meantime, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was quoted as saying he was worried over the future of the country and apprehensive over what might happen after the burial of Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Through Cardinal Vidal's medical attendant, Dr. Rene Bullecer said that the opposition had been calling the Cardinal for guidance and prayers on their plans against the administration.
Bullecer said, the Cardinal shared his thoughts on the president's situation. The Cardinal was quoted as saying "Gloria is sitting on a tripod-with former president Fidel Ramos, NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco and DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes propping her. The moment the three legs fall, I don't know what will happen to her." (PIA)

DA-1 launches agri-project to create 2 million jobs
By Freddie G. Lazaro
SANTA, Ilocos Sur (28 June 2005) â€"- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies launched recently a joint agribusiness venture project with the local government units (LGUs) here.

The regional agribusiness program attempts to develop the 2-million hectares idle lands vis-à-vis generating 2-millions jobs in the Ilocos Region until 2010.

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson, announced that this region-wide project will initially be started in Barangay Sacuyya, Santa town and develop around 36-hectares idle lands to be productive.

“I want to emphasize and encourage everyone to plant all idle lands with any crops, particularly high value crops, thereby making these lands productive, thus making everyone self-reliant in their daily needs,” Singson said.

Singson further said that the provincial government is most willing to extend help, in coordination with DA.

The concept of the agribusiness project was adopted from the Goal 1 program of the DA, which aimed to make all idle lands in the countryside productive.

To attain the objective of the Goal I project, partnership with concerned LGU’s, the private sectors, the landowners and the government financing institutions shall be tapped through a memorandum of agreement.

Acting DA Regional Executive Director Nestor Domenden DA said that Goal I program is set to address the 6 to 10 million job generation program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo until 2010.

“When we say idle marginal lands, these hectarages of land has no economic activities, but with this modern agribusiness project we will make them productive by planting coconut seeds, bamboo, fruit trees and other crops,” he told.

Ilocos Sur Provincial Agriculturist Teofilo Quintal disclosed that under the Goal I programs, all idle lands and it’s owner would be identified, afterwards a memorandum of agreement between the landowners and the DA will be initiated for the agri-based development of the area.

“The DA would provide all planting materials for the development of the areas including technical expertise, but the landowner will finance the labor cost for the laborers in the planting and management of the area. This is the probable counterpart of the landowner for the project,” he said.

“While developing the idle land areas, landowners will employ laborers to develop the area. In that manner, we precisely create jobs that would be beneficial to the jobless people living in the area,” he explained.

Quintal added that the landowner will shoulder the bulk of the management fees in the development of his idle lands, in which this would provide jobs and income of the jobless residents in the area. Afterwards, all output in the crop production would be goes to landowners.

Under the Goal I program in the DA regional office, he told that the province of Ilocos Sur is committed to seek about 300, 000 hectares of idle lands with a corresponding 300,000 jobs to be generated until 2010.

He said that the initial 36 - hectares of marginal land intended for this agribusiness venture program, which was located in Barangay Sacuyya, Santa town, is owned by Vigan City Mayor Ferdinand Medina. (PIA Ilocos)

Palace acknowledges investors' support
MANILA (28 June 2005) -- Malacañang has acknowledged the sustained support of the business sector despite political turbulence that had stricken the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the acknowledgment after World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz announced his support for the Arroyo Government.

Bunye said the country is poised with vigorous moves to improve the fiscal condition, and grow investments and jobs as President Arroyo expressed determination to work harder to win the trust of the people and get the nation back on track.

The Palace official pointed out that the struggle for permanent political and economic stability is far from over but the initiative and momentum of the country's economic gains must be kept. (PIA-MMIO)

PGMA should be applauded for taking responsibility - Bunye
MANILA (28 June 2005) -- "She (President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) should be applauded for taking responsibility."

This was the statement made by Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye after President Arroyo courageously admitted responsibility in what she called "lapse in judgement," and appealed to the Filipino people for forgiveness and to rally behind her to help forge One Philippines.

Bunye said the President's admission and apology show that she was strong, confident, and truthful as she addressed the issue head-on with full command of the situation.
He pointed out that the "wiretapped" controversy is nothing more than a lapse of judgement, and bears no element of illegality or impeachable offense.

The Palace official assured the nation that President Arroyo won fair and square in the May 2004 elections, and that the Cabinet is fully behind her as the people support her decision.
"While no doubt the opposition will continue to stir the plot, for most reasonable people, I think this issue is now behind us," Bunye added. (PIA-MMIO)

GMA cites energy conservation gains
Iloilo City (28 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo revealed that the government has gained grounds in its energy conservation campaign even as she said we must drive the impetus from our gains.

Last year alone, the country saved 1.2 billion pesos form best energy efficiencies in households, government and industry. Twenty government agencies are currently using coco diesel for fuel. The use of coco diesel is expected to be fully implemented across the transport sector together with CNG in August. The government also hopes to have Ethanol rolling out within a year and a half. With the use of the alternative energy sources, a potential savings of 177 million is expected in a year by government.

According to the President, the government saved 144 million from the implementation of a 4-day Workweek. Likewise the Napocor is expected to reduce fuel utilization to the extent of 5.9 billion as a result of systemic improvements in power generation and delivery.

'We have to take energy conservation seriously and without complacency'' the President said. According to the President " We're in the midst of a threat larger than what the world expected. And the world has something to do with it. The world must also have something to do with looking for its solutions. The fact that oil prices are now rising to historic levels further underscores the importance of the world community working to reduce oil price volatility while increasing supplies. Only then will the negative impact on global economies be mitigated."

A bright spot in the country's oil situation was the offer of the President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh to provide the Philippines with oil. According to President Arroyo, Gambia recently tracked oil and they have five blocks that they are bidding out for concession. However they are giving the Philippine Oil Exploration Company one block of oil without requiring it to go to the criteria of the other proponents. The President said this was due to the fact that Gambia was very thankful to the Philippines for providing education to 70 percent of Gambia's experts. "They feel we are responsible in a very big way for the viability of their independence and they are reciprocating " the President revealed.

The President called on the active participation of the entire industrial, commercial and transport as well as residential consumers in the nationwide effort to reduce our dependence on imported oil. (PIA-6)

Zamboanguenos react to GMA statement on Gloriagate CD
ZAMBOANGA CITY (28 June 2005) -- Multisectoral leaders interviewed by PIA in Zamboanga gave the following reactions on President Arroyo's statement on the "Gloriagate CD":

Women's Sector - She should really know the rule of decency. Calling to a certain Comelec Commissioner during election period implicates negative impression. She should continue her humility by going on leave until proven otherwise.

Business Sector - It was a humbling experience on the part of the President to admit and to apologize to the nation and assume full responsibility of her act. It was magnanimous of her to do such admittance. My full support is with the President. Although she has to face the consequence of her action. I'm sure the opposition is out there to get her. It's up for them if they want to file legal action against the President and present legal evidence if there is any. If they want to impeach her, then there is a proper venue for everything. In the meantime, let us allow the President to continue her job. To proceed to delivering services to the nation. Let's not disrupt delivery of services.

Banking and Insurance Sector - It takes a lot of courage for the President to admit her fault in front of the whole nation. But she has to face the consequences for what she did.
Concerned Citizen - Saying sorry is simply admitting her fault that she has committed election fraud. She should step down from her post; She is no longer a credible President. She cannot unite the nation today. She better step down.

Private Sector - We appreciate the fact that she admitted that it was her talking to a Comelec commissioner, although it took her quite sometime to come out in the open. As to the clamor of some sector for her to step down, I think they do not see the total picture. Her ouster will bring the entire country down! We want to have her a second chance but this time with higher expectations and that the people who are like albatross around her neck must be removed completely. She has to be extra careful now because she is threading on a very thin ground.

Transport Sector - It's good that she asked for forgiveness but she committed many misdeeds. Sorry is not enough. She should resign.

Ipil town - Since the President already admitted that it was her voice in the CD, might as well allow further investigation of the content of the CD. Meanwhile, the Mayors' League of Zamboanga Sibugay has already drafted resolution supporting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The resolution includes the support of the League of Board Members of the province.
Dipolog City - (1) It takes a brave woman, more so a President to publicly admit she's wrong. As to the legal consequences, let the wheel of justice takes its course if she has indeed committed a mistake. (2) Kahit may pumalit sa kanya mahirap pa rin ang Pilipinas. (3) A wise girl. Smart. (4) I'd rather sleep early than listen to her blah, blah, blah. (5) Let us unite against her wrongdoing because what the President did, more particularly in trying to rig the election results was wrong in the highest order. (6) Her admission does not erase the people's suspicion that she's not the true winner. And this is one thing that the Filipino people should not condone. (7)Having committed a grave mistake, the President would just simply ask the people to forgive her? Former American President Bill Clinton's case was different; he did not manipulate his way to the presidency. But President Arroyo has been involved in the election fraud herself. ( Admitting her mistake does not erase people's doubts on her leadership. The question remains whether she won the elections or not. (9) It's hard to believe her anymore. She's always a double-tongued. In 2003 she declared not to run for the presidency, but she did the opposite.

Tawi-Tawi Province - (1) Great majority here admires President Arroyo. The people still believe in her and in her administration and remain steadfast in their support for her leadership despite the numerous criticisms being thrown against her especially by the opposition. (2) Her admission of the tape content has earned her more respect than damage from Tawi-Tawian. She is now looked up to as a leader more honest, courageous and reliable by taking cognizance of the truth. Welcoming any criticism or possible impeachment case against her is an evidence of her respect for democracy and rule of law. (PIA)

Samar to participate in Leyte festival
Catbalogan, Samar (28 June 2005) -- The Province of Samar will participate in the Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City on June 29, this year.

According to Samar Governor Milagrosa T. Tan, the province is sending a contingent of over 100 young people from Samar to perform the "Panurundon" Festival, a holistic approach in dance to showcase Samar, its people and their way of life, to include the authenticity and richness of its culture and tradition.

"Panurundon" is a word from the local dialect which means legacy, something from the past carried forward to posterity.

The youth involved in the presentation, who come from the different schools in Catbalogan, capital town of Samar, underwent a rigid screening process and were chosen mostly for their dancing prowess and general attitude, Gov. Tan further informed.

Samar's lady Governor further added that the festival, to be held in Tacloban City, will be an opportunity to show the many good things that abound, but remain unnoticed or unwritten about in Samar. At the same time, it will also an opportunity for the young participants, most of whom come from poor Samar families, to widen their horizons and see Tacloban City, the Regional center of Eastern Visayas, Gov. Tan said.

She also said Samar's participation in the Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is in response to an invitation extended by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 8, through its Chairperson, Congresswoman Remedios "Matin" L. Petilla.

Dubbed as the "Festival of Festivals", the Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan Festival is a DOT-initiated tourism come-on which serves as one of the main attractions of the Tacloban City fiesta.

DOT 8 Regional Director Karen S. Tiopes said she is elated over Gov. Tan's positive response to the DOT-inspired activity. She also informed that Samar's "Panurundon" Festival is only one of several festivals in Region 8 joining as guest festival participants in this year's Leyte Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival.

Meanwhile, the group led by Festival Committee Chairperson Sharee Ann T. Tan is expected to be in Tacloban City by July 28 for general rehearsals and familiarization with the street dancing parade route. Choreography and over-all interpretation of the Panurundon Festival is credited to Mr. Wacky Torres, chief trainor, and his assistants, Rafael Asis and Ian Juanerio.

A general rehearsal of the street dancing and showdown portions of the Panurundon Festival has been scheduled to take place in the afternoon of June 27 in the Capitol Park grounds. (PIA)

Samar remains orderly despite increase in crime volume, PNP claims
Catbalogan, Samar (28 June 2005) -- Police authorities here claimed that Samar is still peaceful and orderly despite the increase of crime volume in recent months.

Catbalogan PNP Chief P/Insp. Carlos Vencio reported recently that crime incidence in the province this month registered 207, an 11% increase from that of the same period last year which had only 184. The average monthly crime rate (AMCR), according to Vencio, has gone up by 0.7% from 5.7/100T population in June 2004 to this month's 6.4.

Insp. Vencio reported that the police in the province has arrested 11 persons for violation of R.A. 9165, popularly known as the Dangerous Drugs Act, and confiscated some 2.27 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu which has an estimated street value of P7,000.

The police officer further reported that, in line with the government's anti-illegal logging drive, Samar PNP has arrested 17 persons for violation of PD 705 and confiscated some 2,656.36 bd.ft. to assorted lumber equivalent to P66,409.

The police also apprehended 52 fishing boats for violation of PD 704 or the Fishery Code. However, several of those arrested were released after paying fines imposed in the local fishery ordinances, Vencio noted.

Meanwhile, Samar PNP also arrested 63 wanted persons, three of whom belong to the top ten most wanted persons in the province, he further reported.

According to Vencio, the continuous prevention and suppression strategy initiated by police in the field through sustained police visibility in crime-prone areas contributed much to the success of the PNP's campaign against criminality.

To recall, Samar PNP Deputy Director P/Supt. Leo Uyvico, in the latest Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting, also noted an increase in last month's crime volume but stressed that the peace and order situation in the province is far from being unstable. (PIA)

Samar coco industry shows promise
Catbalogan, Samar (28 June 2005) -- PCA urged all LGUs to forge partnership with them in acquiring hybrid coconut seeds to arrest the declining production of coconut.

The lack of budgetary support from the LGUs to replace some senile coconut trees in Samar hamper the project, said OIC Provincial Coconut Development Manager Emiberto Acasio.

Acasio in an interview said that the coconut industry is still dependable at the moment; but due to an estimated decrease of 3% production based on national data, the industry has to be revived.

This decline in local production has significantly affected country's export volumes. Data showed that in the period of January to April, Philippine exports of coconut oil has gone down to 306,460 metric tons as against the 317,471 MT exported during the same period last year.

However, in May exportation of crude coconut oil to Italy reached only 8,550 MT and 5,000 MT to San Francisco.

The scheme for distribution of coconut seeds is envisioned to give LGUs the responsibility to transport coconut seeds from the National Coconut Seeds Production Center in Aroman, Cotabato but these seeds are free courtesy of PCA pegged at P25 per nut. PCA assured that this is high yielding and takes only some five years to produce.

In Samar, a total of 10,273,440 coco trees are planted but only 7,624,101 are considered bearing; leaving some 2,649,339 as non-bearing with senile trees numbering 977,767. Samar has some 58,248 coconut farmers.

A promising development though in the coconut industry includes the market of non-copra products like macapuno and virgin coco oil. Coconut farmers then are not easily discouraged when copra prices go down; alternative coco products can cushion them from the price decline.
In Calbayog City, SAMRCOCO is set to distribute some 13,000 seedlings in July this year.

But just the same, PCA is pleading with LGUs to help them so that high yielding coconut varieties reach the small coconut farmers in an effort to increase their production and eventually improve their quality of life. (PIA)

Gov't remains focused on achieving economic goals
By Ninfa B. Quirante

Tacloban City (28 June 2005) -- While the government acknowledges the growing hardships of our people, the government continuously seeks all means to lessen the impact of socio-economic pressures by helping the economy generate more investment and job opportunities; instituting reforms to maintain fiscal stability and implementing pro poor programs.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said that, "we remain focused in achieving our economic goals and no amount of political squabbles and attepmts to discredit the government will start in our own way to improve the living conditions of ordinary people, especially in the face of rising oil prices."

As the administration is besieged with controversy and somehow is weakened by questions on its legitimacy, the government opts to work hard to maintain the economic fundamentals remain stable.

As regards the destabilization plot, Bunye maintained that a proper forum is handling this matter and that we must respect its rulings. He just hoped, he said, that the ongoing investigation would not be further exploited thus, fueling political unrest or media hype.

The Secretary continued saying that, "the release of Tarongoy has taught the country a lesson by staying the course against all odds; the government has won the struggles to release Tarongoy. It was his courage and perseverance in the Iraq crisis that sealed our victory."
He reminded the public once more that Filipinos must always strive to be as hardy and persevering in meeting all challenges. Like Robert Tarongoy, unwavering faith will carry us through all trails. (PIA)

October 3, 2007 Manila Bulletin
LAS VEGAS--Days after it was announced that Manny Pacquiao is facing Marco Antonio Barrera are squaring off for the second time, on-line betting stations immediately put the Filipino as a huge -350 favorite.

With three days remaining before they go at it at the Events Center inside Mandalay Bay, the numbers have started to swing in favor of Barrera although Pacquiao remains the favorite to rule their scheduled 12-rounder.

At the sportsbook of the Mandalay Bay, Pacquiao is installed -260, while Barrera is +220, meaning a $ 260 on Pacquiao would only win $ 100 and a mere $ 100 bet on Barrera would have a return of $ 220.

July 22, 2004 Manila Bulletin
Byline: nick giongco

NEGOTIATIONS FOR a planned rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera before the year comes to a close have apparently collapsed, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions told the Bulletin yesterday.

I am discussing other opponents for Marco Antonio Barrera, potentially the new WBO 130lbs champion Mighty Mike Anchondo and Oscar Larios will be fighting Frankie Archuletta (the fighter who most recently beat Johnny Tapia), Schaefer said, stressing that Larios, another fighter being eyed earlier to battle Pacquiao, also has different plans.

Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Barrera, is owned by Oscar dela Hoya.Schaefer hinted that his promotional outfit is having problems dealing with Pacquiaos promoter, New Jersey-based Murad Muhammad.

August 19, 2003 Manila Bulletin
Byline: nick giongco

IF IT pushes through, a projected bout between Filipino world champion Manny Pacquiao and popular Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera could serve as one of the highlights of the boxing year.

That according to top fight scribe Dan Rafael of USA Today who said a Pacquiao versus Barrera big-money showdown, now on the verge of being sealed by the two fighters handlers, has fight of the year written all over it.

The fight is being eyed to take place in Las Vegas on November 15, and only the issue on the weight limit is keeping the people of Pacquiao and Barrera from signing above the dotted line.

November 13, 2003 Manila Bulletin
Byline: nick giongco

SAN ANTONIO, Texas There were no bottle-throwing and trash-talking usually seen in press conferences leading to a huge fight.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao, meeting face to face for the first time, were so nice and so courteous to each other, youd think they will not try to break each others jaw when they clash Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Alamodome.

Instead, the two showered each other with respect in front of a crowd that was more belligerent than the two ring gladiators during a press conference Wednesday at the La Villita Assembly Hall.

Barrera, who is staking the pride and honor of all of Mexico, was close to being apologetic when he was asked to stand on the podium and assess his chances.

March 31, 2005 Manila Bulletin
Byline: nick giongco

MARCO ANTONIO Barrera is not interested in a rematch with Manny Pacquiao.

In an interview with a boxing website, the world superfeatherweight champion also advised Pacquiao to accept his defeat from the hands of Erik Morales graciously and not to cite other reasons for his loss such as the use of thicker gloves.

In rejecting a rematch with Pacquiao, Barrera said such a fight would not make him a better fighter beause even if he managed to beat the Filipino, people would say he was softened up by Morales.

Barrera is revving up for an April 9 mandatory defense of the World Boxing Council super-featherweight title against Mzonke Fana of South Africa at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

March 15, 2008 - Manila Bulletin
Byline: NICK GIONGCO

LAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao and Mexico's beloved Marco Antonio Barrera bumped into each other Thursday afternoon at the lobby of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay as the Filipino was prepariing to leave for training.

Fortunately, there were no punches thrown and the two immediately smiled at each other, shook hands and posed for pictures.

Then, Barrera, who was stopped by Pacquiao in Nov. 2003 and was outpointed almost six months ago, leaned towards Pacquiao's left ear and whispered something that made Pacquiao smile.

After a few seconds of exchanging pleasantries, Pacquiao headed towards his dark-colored van en route to the IBA Compound, grinning from earto-ear.

November 16, 2003 Manila Bulletin
Pacquiao was pounding Barrera at will at this stage, hitting the former champ with left and right combinations to the head and body that Jorges decision to come up the ring may have saved Barrera from lasting damage.

Im surprised he lasted that long, said Pacquiao,who improved his record to 38-2-1, 30 KOs, while Barrera is now 57-4. Very early on I knew I was going to knock him out.

Barrera, who has never lost in this manner in a storied career, praised the Filipino champ.

I offer no excuses. He (Pacquiao) was very strong. I was not unprepared. I trained very hard for this fight because I knew that Pacquiao is a strong fighter, said Barrera, wearing a pair of dark glasses to hide some bruises and a cut on his left eyebrow that was caused by an accidental headbutt.

June 7, 2004
Byline: winneleo campos

LOS ANGELES Promoters of Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Mexican ring idol Marco Antonio Barrera have decided to take the next step leading to a dream rematch between the worlds top two featherweights as soon as possible.

Murad Muhammad of M&M Sports and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, the promoters of Pacquiao and Barrera, respectively, have recently agreed to proceed and discuss details of the proposed return bout.

Schaefer, CEO of Oscar De La Hoyas promotions outfit based in Los Angeles, and Muhammad, speaking in his home base of New Jersey, will talk next to Home Box Office (HBO) executives in a bid to book a fight date within three months the soonest.

November 16, 2003 Manila Bulletin
Byline: NICK GIONGCO

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines had announced that this would be the defining moment of his career. After the fight, his opponent, the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera, could be thinking his career is probably over.

In one of boxing's biggest upsets, Pacquiao pounded the Mexican hero into submission in 11 rounds and elevated himself into the pantheon reserved for boxing greats.

That he did it at the Alamodome, near the site of one of America's most loved stories about heroism and fight-to-the-end saga, The Alamo, added a new dimension to Pacquiao's own budding legend. It also established himself as perhaps the country's best boxer of all time.

From the moment he knocked down his foe with a paralyzing left to the jaw in the third round, Pacquiao was master of the ring. From there, it was just a matter of time before the end would come to the Mexican superstar regarded as the world's best featherweight fighter.

December 4, 2006 - Manila Bulletin
Byline: NICK GIONGCO

THE WORLD Boxing Council has declared that the scheduled purse bid for the rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera on Jan. 12, 2007, will no longer push through owing to the legal battle involving Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) and Top Rank over promotional rights over the Filipino southpaw.

The announcement was made in Mexico City by no less than WBC President Jose Sulaiman, who had earlier announced that Barrera should defend his WBC super-featherweight title against Pacquiao and that should the two parties fail to reach an agreement on which group will stage the fight, the governing body will order a purse bid.

Oscar De La Hoya's GBP is keen on putting up a Pacquiao-Barrera bout on HBO, while Top Rank, owned by Bob Arum, has different plans as it would like to bring Pacquiao to Macau to face a different foe.

Manila Times, January 5, 2007
MARCO Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao would go on separate ways.

Barrera opted to put his World Boxing Council super featherweight title against reigning World Boxing Organization interim featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in all-Mexican championship on March 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao will choose from a list of nine possible opponents with his WBC international super featherweight title and top ranking position is at stake on April 28 at Steve Wynn's hotel-casino in Macau.

Top on list for Pacquiao is another Tijuanian Humberto "La Zorrita" Soto, who demanded his right to face Barrera in a mandatory fight after Pacquiao reject to fight under the banner of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions despite of pressure from American trainer Freddie Roach.

June 19, 2004 Manila Bulletin - Byline: nick giongco

BY THE time the Philippine Airlines jet bearing Manny Pacquiao and his family touches down at Don Muang International in Bangkok at high noon on Sunday, the Marco Antonio Barrera-Paulie Ayala bout at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, should be over.

Needless to say, Pacquiao expects and hopes Barrera would be the one with his fists raised high at the end of the bout.

"Sa tingin ko si Barrera ang mananalo sa labang ito," the Filipino boxing hero told The Bulletin yesterday. "Medyo mas mayroong edad si Ayala kayat si Barrera ang tingin kong manalo."

Pacquiaos interest in the bout is no surprise.

With his highly anticipated rematch against world featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez most likely to be shelved for next year, a return bout against Barrera looms as the fighters next best option if he is to fight again before the year ends.

August 7, 2004 - Manila Bulletin
Byline: dennis principe

Mexican idol Marco Antonio Barrera will finally get a chance to get even with tormentor Manny Pacquiao after the major details were ironed out recently by the two fighters chief handlers. A November date is being eyed in what many predict would be another epic encounter between two of the worlds best pound-for-pound boxers.

The consummation of the talks was revealed by Pacquiao himself in a telephone interview yesterday while enjoying the few remaining weeks of his vacation in General Santos City. Weeks from now, he will begin deep training in Freddie Roachs Wild Card gym in California.

According to the 26-year-old Pacquiao, his handlers have informed him of the coming fight which he hopes would finally establish his superiority over the Mexican superstar.

Byline: NICK GIONGCO

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum yesterday said that Mexicans Marco Antonio Barrera and Humberto Soto, Joan Guzman of the Dominican Republic and Edwin Valero of Venezuela are all aching to get it on with Manny Pacquiao and a decision on the Filipino southpaw's next fight will be known later this week in New York.

"Marco Antonio Barrera is putting a lot of pressure on Golden Boy Promotions (GBP)," said Arum from Las Vegas, the take-off point for his flight Sunday for New York where a big card is scheduled this weekend at Madison Square Garden.

Arum, 75, said Barrera, who lost an 11th-round knockout to Pacquiao in November 2003, will meet with GBP officials this week to discuss Barrera's wish to rumble anew with Pacquiao.  - Manila Bulletin, June 4, 2007

Byline: NICK GIONGCO

OSCAR DE LA Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions yesterday officially shut the door on a megabuck fight pitting Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera after announcing that a March 17 encounter between Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez on March 17 has been finalized.

The decision of Hoya's promotional outfit to junk Pacquiao-Barrera II was announced by a boxing website yesterday quoting reliable sources within the Golden Boy camp.

GBP had set a Jan. 2 deadline for Pacquiao to accept its offer to fight Barrera and the deadline lapsed two days ago with Pacquiao's camp not making a move, which means it is not interested in De La Hoya's offer. - Manila Bulletin, Jan. 4, 2007

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PGMA fetes 10 best youth groups
Butuan City (27 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded today the top Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) as the 3rd nationwide search for the Best Youth Groups culminated in a simple ceremony this morning at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Roberto Calingo of Mirant Philippines and United Nations (UN) resident coordinator Ramesh C.A. Jain assisted the Chief Executive in presenting a specially crafted trophy by notable artist Toym Imao to this year's winners.

This year's TAYO awardees are Benguet State University - Development Communication Society (CAR) with project entry: Stories of Alapu, a Research/IEC project conducted in Benguet and Mountain Province; University of the Philippines (UP) in the Visayas Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants JPIA (Region VI) with entry JPIA - We make Accounting Work; Beehive 4-H Club (Reg. XII) with their entry: Agro-Industry Enterprise;

KANLUNGAN - Kilusan Para sa Kalikasan (project entry: Oplan Sagip Batang Pier, Western Visayas State University Political Science Students' Organization (Reg. VI) (Adopt Alimodias Project), Sining Bulakenyo - Pangkat Mananayaw ng Bulakan (Reg. III) (Promotion of Folk Dance for National Identity and Nation Building);

Young Artists' Fellowship for the Environment (Reg. 4-A) (Enviro-Art Workshop Series), Mindanao Polytechnic State College - State College Mathematics Society (Reg. X) (Math Readiness Summer Course); Save Mindanao Volunteers, Inc. (CARAGA) (From Wetland to Upland Literacy Program); and Kabataang Gabay ng Bayan (KAGABAY) with its project entry: K! AKTIBO.
Aside form the Imao designed trophy, the 10 youth organizations were given a grant of P50,000 intended to fund their new projects.

Ten other finalists for 2005 TAYO national finals were the University of the Cordilleras - Supreme Student Government (CAR), Tanghalang Lepanto - Benguet (CAR), Gil Montilla National High School YECS-LCAO (Reg VI), Teatro Kabataan sa Southern Leyte (Reg. VIII), Young Catholic Movement - Sogod (Reg. VIII), Mlang Youth Association (Reg XII), Anak ng Tribo (Reg. X), Mu Sigma Phi Sorority - UP Manila, San Beda Dragon Boat Rowing Society, and the UP Special Education Council (Diliman, Quezon City).

The finalists received a plaque plus P20,000 as runners-up in the nationwide search of outstanding youth organizations.

This years' judges include Sen. Pangilinan, Aquino, Calingo, NYC Commissioner for Luzon Ares Goyena, former NYC Chairperson Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, Jorge Miguel Marco of Caltex Philippines, Celine Madamba of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Assistant Secretary Alicia Bala of DSWD-NCR, Bernadette Sembrano of ABS-CBN, Ivy Liza Mendoza of Manila Bulletin, Atty. Alberto Agra of the Foundation for Governance and Convergence, Aniceto Sobrepeña of Metrobank Foundation and Rosanna Señga of the United Nations.

According to NYC Chairman Aquino, the TAYO search encourages more young people to find innovative solutions and to challenge status quo through the organizations to which they belong. As movers in their communities, they can, through simple, replicable projects, make a difference in the lives of the people they desire to serve and in the cause they choose to espouse.

From 120 entries on its first year, this year yielded 145 youth organizations waiting to be recognized for their social and moral dynamism and their capacity to wholly take on the challenges of nation building.

The first search concluded with 20 finalists who went to Manila for the national judging. President Arroyo bestowed the awards in Malacañang Palace on April 11, 2003. (PIA)

Agusan gov't comes up with measures to curb illegal checkpoints
by Dave M. Suyao

Butuan City (27 June 2005) -- A group of people whose interest is on tree business recently met with government officials at the old Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall at the government center in order to discuss the smooth processing of documents including the transport of planted tree species inside and outside the province.

The group was composed of tree farmers, traders, shippers and foresters whose aim is to formulate and pass a resolution that will highly support the local government to manage and control the processing and issuances of transport documents of planted tree species and other agro-industrial products. Another purpose of the forum is to clear the issue of checkpoints that are spreading anywhere along the national highway and along Agusan River allegedly collecting money from the shippers.

It can be recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed a Resolution authored by SP member Salimar Mondejar approved by Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza on November 22 last year ordering that there will only be three checkpoints that will be established in the entire province and they will be located in Barangay Crossing Cuevas in Trento in the south, Barangay Tabon-Tabon in Sibagat in the north and Barangay Cubo, Esperanza along the Agusan River.

The SP Resolution was hatched after a thorough consultation by the provincial officials headed by Gov. Plaza with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Agusan del Sur Chapter, the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Association of Municipal Treasurers of Agusan del Sur and the Environment and Natural Resources Office. It was further strengthened by the Provincial Ordinance No. 8 Series of 2004, otherwise known as The Revenue Code of Agusan del Sur that defines the functions of the provincial and municipal personnel that will man the checkpoints, while personnel from the national government agencies may discharge their respective and official functions at the three identified checkpoints.

During the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council, the author, SP member Salimar Mondejar said that the real purpose of the checkpoints is to stop the illegal collection of money by unscrupulous people from the shipper of the planted tree species logs.

"These tree farmers have broken their backs to plant trees for the sake of their family. These people who are illegally collecting out of the income of the tree farmers are the illegal ones and therefore must be stopped and if caught doing their dirty jobs, be penalized. The Governor is very serious on this matter", SP Mondejar said.

Aside from the three checkpoints, Ordinance No. 12 also state the creation of a Mobile Monitoring Team that will be composed of personnel duly appointed by the Provincial Governor to cover the monitoring activities in the areaws not covered by the permanent checkpoints. (PIA Agusan del Sur)

PopCom to celebrate World Population Day
by Patrick John G. Reyes

Butuan City (27 June 2005) -- In its effort to advocate gender equality among individuals, the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga is set to celebrate World Population Day on July 11 with the theme "Equality Empowers." This theme is in line with Pres. Arroyo's efforts to empower people to make wise choices and improve their lives while at the same time making them active partners of government in nation-building.

This year's theme is centered on equality among men and women; equality in terms of education for both boys and girls; and economic opportunities available for women. Moreover, it also underscores equality empowering women to participate in politics and decision-making process.
Widening its scope, PopCOm will also broadcast its radio program focused on the celebration of World Population Day in a local radio program. (PIA)

BIR cleans ranks
by Roberto M. Cabardo

Cebu City (27 June 2005) -- Image and identity are crucial in any organization. Is there a ray of hope for a government office that has always been regarded as among the most corrupt to redeem the organization and its employees from this public perception?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue's inspection service reveals that administrative cases had been filed against 363 erring BIR personnel. These account both for graft and non-graft cases since 2001.

BIR Commissioner Guillermo Parayno said that there have been two hundred twenty two (222) cases decided. Seventy six employees had been dismissed, 46 suspended, and the others have either been reprimanded, fined or forced to resign. Other cases involving dismissal are still awaiting confirmation and resolution by the Department of Finance.

A recent survey by the social weather stations shows that the BIR has improved on public acceptability rating. Commissioner Parayno says that while surveys are mostly based on perception, still they serve as gauges of the success of the BIR's anti-corruption efforts.
Parayno added that the BIR will soon provide the public with means to better lodge complaints against BIR officials and employees. He also said that the enhancement of internal audit, as well as improvement of investigation and prosecution of graft cases, are likewise underway.

Here in the region, BIR Information Officer Zora dela Cruz said that although there are employees being investigated for similar offenses she refused to reveal any figure as all of the cases are now filed in court and in the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas. (PIA 7)

DSWD gives hope to young inmates
by Roberto M. Cabardo
Cebu City (27 June 2005) -- Youth offenders serving time in national penitentiaries have a new home in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rehabilitation centers.
Through the legal intervention of DSWD, 10 children detained at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) were transferred to the centers.

The project, an on-going project of DSWD and in partnership with the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS), aims to give assistance to minors confined in national penitentiaries and in death row.

The DSWD's mandate includes protecting the rights of a child includes minors in jail and ensuring that they are segregated from adult detainees.

As of 2003, the program has already helped and provided legal and psychological services to 148 minors with eight minors coming from death row. The DSWD can provide assistance to children in conflict with the law. Those interested may inquire at the nearest DSWD office in their towns, cities, provinces, and regions in the country.

In Central Visayas, the DSWD Regional Field Office, headed by Director Teodulo R. Romo, Jr., oversees the operation of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the youth located in Argao.
The head of the center, Mrs. Viviana G. Horvath, reported that the center is now home to almost a hundred children who committed crimes that include substance abuse, rape, theft, and few others related to crimes against passion and property.

Horvath, who deplores the way society looks at minor offenders, hopes that philanthropists and other charitable organizations will also help children in conflict with the law become renewed and productive citizens upon their re-integration in the community. "They are also victims, without most of us knowing it," she said.

Most of all, Horvath also appeals to parents and would-be parents to be aware of the duties and responsibilities they will have in raising a family. Lest, they forget that it is not only economic survival that they must value but also other aspects of parenthood and the relationship in a family. So there will be no more youth offenders in our midst. (PIA 7)

SWS tags BIR as "bright spot" in gov't
by Roberto M. Cabardo
Cebu City (27 June 2005) -- Government efforts in tax collection are paying off. The Bureau of Internal Revenue posted a two hundred million peso-overshoot in April which established a milestone in its revenue program.

The year-to-date growth rate for 2005 stands at 13.6 percent, the highest since 1998. This remarkable achievement likewise gained improved public perception of the bureau.

A recent survey of enterprises on corruption by the social weather stations indicates a steady decline in reports of bribery connected with income tax payments.

BIR Commissioner Guillermo Parayno said he is pleased with the improved public acceptability rating of the bureau and vowed to double efforts to rid the bureau of corrupt men and women.
In Central Visayas, Zora dela Cruz, BIR public information officer, revealed that the regional office also exceeded its target collection for the 2nd quarter of this year. (PIA 7)

Unity and volunteerism generate more jobs in Mandaue City
by Roberto M. Cabardo
Cebu City (27 June 2005) -- Proving that there is power in numbers, unity, and self-involvement are essential tools in the success of any program.

Volunteerism and unity among Mandaue citizens create more jobs. As a response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to generate more jobs, the local government of Mandaue City banked on its people's involvement and initiative of organizing cooperatives.

After the shadow of the bad publicity it had because of the discovery of the mega shabu laboratory in the city, Mandaue is now a city of growth and change. through Mandaue's integrated technological and entrepreneurial cooperatives program, as people learned the value of establishing cooperatives in the area.

Coops multiplied giving the city the distinction of being one of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's (TESDA) Kabalikat awardees.

The efficiency of the Mandaue program was also cited as one of the 25 best practices under the League of Cities of the Philippine's Best Practices Award. Another program also being lauded is the city's socialized housing program. Through the concerted efforts of various urban poor organizations such as Mandaue City Urban Poor Association (MACUPA) and the Federation of Mandaue City Urban Poor, Inc. (FEDMACUPI), the socialized housing program has been operational since 2003.

Mandaue's local government also proclaimed the month of December as volunteer month and launched the annual search for outstanding volunteers.

Through unity and volunteerism, the local government of Mandaue has succeeded in involving the people and its various industries in its delivery of basic needs and in generating jobs for the Manduehanons and many other unemployed Cebuanos. (PIA 7)

Forward-looking solutions eyed vs high transport fares

Zamboanga City (27 June 2005) -- The continuing oil price hikes and the resulting increase in transport fares should spur us the look for alternative and cheaper means of transportation. For example, we can look into possible incentives for more bus companies to shift to natural gas-fed buses. Stations that extend their services to natural gas should also be encouraged to promote the use of the fuel as an alternative to gasoline or diesel.

Meanwhile, local firm Chemrez Inc. has proposed to build a bio-diesel facility here in the Philippines, which will become the first and most modern large-scale plant in the Asian region, with an estimated project cost, valued at P980 million.

Chemrez Inc. will be producing bio-diesel using crude coconut oil as raw material. The project comes in a perfect timing when the use of alternative fuel is being pushed to counter sky rocketing prices of crude oil.

The bio-diesel plant is capable of producing 50,000 metric tons of biodiesel a year.
Chemrez Inc., is a unit of D&L Group, a leading supplier of colors, chemicals and plastics in the Philippines. (PIA)

NFA rice price stable; Sorsogon has enough supply
by Mharr Loterte

Province of SORSOGON (27 June 2005) -- Provincial manager Cesar E. Barcelona assured consumers in the province NFA rice remains at P16.00 per kilogram for regular-milled and P18.00 per kilogram for well-milled rice which are comparably lower than the commercial rice being sold at P20.50/kg and 22/kg for regular-milled and well-milled rice, respectively.

Barcelona said NFA Sorsogon has created the “Palengke Watch Team” ensuring the availability and affordability of NFA rice in the market at all times and maintaining controls to prevent NFA rice diversion, in compliance to the prescribed price for accredited rice retailers under the Bigasan sa Palengke, Inside-the-Market and Outside-the-Market with NFA program.

“NFA will also strictly follow the distribution policies and procedures to ensure that accredited and licensed rice retailers comply with the existing NFA rule and regulations,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Barcelona assured that Sorsogon has sufficient buffer stocks to stabilize rice in the market should prices exhibit abnormal increase due to the escalating cost of gasoline.
Rice stock inventory at present is 143,863 bags and will be augmented with the expected imported rice allocated for the province. (PIA Sorsogon)

PGMA will clear issues tonight
By Jennilyne O. Casimiro

San Fernando City, La Union (27 June 2005) -- Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, will finally speak out live in television tonight at 7pm to address various issues thrown against her and the first family. The public are expected to be vigilant and resilient in accepting the President’s response to maintain a peaceful nation.

Now is the time the President has once set to speak out after series of attacks against her silence.

Meanwhile, the issue on the continuous oil price increase in the world market has been effectively and efficiently addressed by the government by encouraging possible alternatives through indigenous sources of power like coco diesel, hydro-power, wind propelled generators and others, thus reducing dependence on imported oils.

On the economic side, we need to be vigilant with negative front of the few to deter economic progress. Instead, our support to the economic agenda of the President should be emphasized along with the unwavering support of the local and international business groups.

Amidst the crisis the country is facing into, the government is still firm and determined to pursue the second face of its economic reform agenda after successfully finishing the first phase.

We should not give in to the negative call of the few who are insensitive of the consequences of their personal interest at the expense of the whole nation. (PIA Ilocos)

Commentary: Battle for public perception
by Henry S. Lagasca
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (27 June 2005) -- Media can help ventilate public opinion and provide enlightenment on issues brought about by the controversy hounding the national leadership as well as alternative systems on solution to our economic and political problems. The current situation has become fertile ground for rumors to proliferate and for militants to take advantage and launch attacks that will set back the gains made by President Arroyo.

As one writer, Florangel Rosario Braid, said: It is quite possible that such initiative writing about the administration’s stand to continue focus on the economy and a show of political will in carrying out reforms centering on the need to improve the quality of life of the people may sound like propaganda for the government but it is also easy to explain that many of these gains were achieved inspite of prevailing opposition and media tirades against the current leadership.

The opposition is determined to take control of the media agenda that will shift the focus of controversial issues. The group of opposition politicians and militants are parading a solidifying front to aggaravate the perception of civil disorder The perceived public disgust for the administration to paint a picture of political chaos would sabotage our economic gains as the government remains determined to stay the course of urgent change and reform.
The battle for public perception predicated on the “tape tale” and jueteng and the impact of the successive rise in world oil prices being played by the media, for sure, became the main arena in the battle for hearts and minds of the people. That media’s intervention as an objective catalyst to “report the facts” in today’s volatile political environment contributed to the controversy through “sensational’ reporting. Listening to radio commentaries and scanning the broadsheets clearly shows that the opposition is escalating the political noise at a time of uncertainties. That media reports are freely quoting the opposition maligning the leadership of President Gloria and trampling on the economy to the detriment of the poor people. And that her detractors will use all means to get back to power even if the whole nation lies in ruin.

Nakailang EDSA people power na ba tayo? May katuturan ba? Sa pagkakataong ito, samu’t sari ang naglalabasang akusasyon para mapababa ang Pangulong Arroyo sa gitna ng kontrobersiya ng wiretapped conversation at sa jueteng scandal kung saan isinasangkot ang mga Arroyo. Kung talagang may kaso at malakas ang ebidensiya laban sa Pangulo, may mga legal na pamamaraan at tamang lugar upang madinig ang mga usaping ito. Wala na tayong makitang dahilan pa para ituloy ang Kongreso at Senado ang imbestigasyon, maliban na lamang kung gusto nating patuloy na manood at makinig sa smear campaign na ito o sa siraan ng mga saksing humaharap sa Senado.
We are not saying that media should project the President as a martyr in the face of the destabilization plot and at a time of severe economic difficulties facing the people. No, sir. We only hope that media can also help unmasked an insidious conspiracy to discredit the President and the administration by exploiting the jueteng issue and the wiretapped tape in the interest of unscrupulous politicians hiding behind the cloak of innuendo and rumor. That media can also exposed these unseen peddlers of disinformation together with their dark ambitions and their incorrigible thirst for power through foul means.

At the same time, provide enlightenment on the issues on the anti-corruption drive, increase tax collections and prosecuting tax cheats and the starting momentum of the second phase of the economic reform agenda. Sensitivity should be projected such as the impending signing of an EO to reduce tariffs on petroleum and other oil products as well as LPG to cushion the impact of surging world oil price and the implementation of the expanded VAT law.

In short, media could become a unifying force to rally the country around amidst all the controversy to spare the economy so as not to amplify the sufferings of the people. (PIA Ilocos)

Promulgated on January 9, 2017 GR No. 187448
People vs Alfredo de Borja Supreme Court Decision

Take energy conservation seriously - PGMA
Iloilo City (27 June) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the people to take energy conservation seriously and without complacency.

According to the President, energy conservation and efficiency should not only be a standard of responsible conduct across all ages and sectors, that would have been in normal times. Those who conserve energy, the President said become more efficient, more competitive. This time, she said "it's not just a question of efficiency, competitiveness and being above everybody else, it must be now a way of life for all Filipinos."

The government's action to take conservation measures seriously is because the present crude oil prices have reached the 60 dollars per barrel level. Last year, they were just 30 dollars. In just a year crude oil prices have doubled. The government predicts this crisis is worse than any of those three oil crises in l974, l979 and in l991. Now that the price is higher, the President said we should all be together in energy conservation.

In 2004, the government saved some 1.2 billion pesos from best energy efficiencies in households, governments and industry.

The President said she welcomed the pledge of the Department of Education, Meralco, the Philippine Lighting Industries Association, the U.P. Association of Valuers of Energy Resources, and the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation, to reduce electric consumption by at least 10 percent in nine weeks, and the move to get grades 5 and 6 pupils to monitor this program.

She also cited the crucial partnership between the private sector and the government. The President lauded the PCCI, Ad Board, DDB Philippines and the other business organizations for driving the ENERCON train forward. According to her, the active participation of the entire industrial, commercial and transport as well as residential consumers in this nationwide effort to reduce our dependence on imported oil was very much needed.

The President also extended her thanks to the representatives of the transport industry, particularly the Philippine Jeepney Operators and Drivers Alliance Foundation, and the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines for committing to convince the rest of the industry to adopt best practices so as to save oil. (PIA-6) - PGMA
Iloilo City (27 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the people to take energy conservation seriously and without complacency.

According to the President, energy conservation and efficiency should not only be a standard of responsible conduct across all ages and sectors, that would have been in normal times.

Those who conserve energy, the President said become more efficient, more competitive. This time, she said "it's not just a question of efficiency, competitiveness and being above everybody else, it must be now a way of life for all Filipinos."

The government's action to take conservation measures seriously is because the present crude oil prices have reached the 60 dollars per barrel level. Last year, they were just 30 dollars. In just a year crude oil prices have doubled. The government predicts this crisis is worse than any of those three oil crises in l974, l979 and in l991. Now that the price is higher, the President said we should all be together in energy conservation.

In 2004, the government saved some 1.2 billion pesos from best energy efficiencies in households, governments and industry.

The President said she welcomed the pledge of the Department of Education, Meralco, the Philippine Lighting Industries Association, the U.P. Association of Valuers of Energy Resources, and the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation, to reduce electric consumption by at least 10 percent in nine weeks, and the move to get grades 5 and 6 pupils to monitor this program.

She also cited the crucial partnership between the private sector and the government. The President lauded the PCCI, Ad Board, DDB Philippines and the other business organizations for driving the ENERCON train forward. According to her, the active participation of the entire industrial, commercial and transport as well as residential consumers in this nationwide effort to reduce our dependence on imported oil was very much needed.

The President also extended her thanks to the representatives of the transport industry, particularly the Philippine Jeepney Operators and Drivers Alliance Foundation, and the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines for committing to convince the rest of the industry to adopt best practices so as to save oil. (PIA-6)

Call for tax boycott clear attempt to push back economic gains
by Minerva BC Newman

Cebu City (27 June 2005) - The call for tax boycott made by former senator and human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag is an obvious attempt to weaken the economy, to shake the foundations of the government's leadership for them to easily move forward their agenda to seize power.

"Calling for a tax boycott is clear attempt to push back our economic gains, which have been reaping praises from various international and local business groups. The opposition will use all means to get back to power even if the whole nation lies in ruin," Palace Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said in a statement to media.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña on his part rejected Saguisag's tax boycott call saying this is pure and simple politicking. "If the President is forced to comment on an illegally wiretapped tape, what about the rest of the us? Then the illegal wiretapped could be made legal," Osmeña commented.

He added that the two chambers have failed to do their primary functions, such as the act on the amendments of the Local Government Code. Osmeña also hit the senate and congress for waste of time and resources their probes on the jueteng and the "Gloriagate" tapes.

The efforts of the opposition to seize power have bore no fruits because despite the political noise hounding the country, investor confidence remains high and we can attribute this to the economic reform agenda of the President.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earlier made a call for a pause on political bickering and instead let us face the more pressing issue of the oil situation in the world market.
"No amount of political squabbling and bickering will ease the impact of an oil crisis, which could possibly be worse than what we have ever experienced in the past," Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said.

Bunye assured the public that the Arroyo government remains focused on finding ways to cushion the impact of oil price hikes such as the discounts for public utility vehicles, lifeline power rates for household users and the government's relentless efforts to realize the President's energy independence and reform package.

Meanwhile, the Dept. of Energy (DOE) assured consumers that the impact of the Value-Added Tax Reform Act on oil would be substantially less than 10%.

In a press statement, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla explained that the removal of the excise tax on diesel, kerosene and fuel oil had considerably brought down the impact of VAT. Lotilla clarified that the 10% VAT will not be fully passed on to oil products because the government has already adapted mitigating measures to reduce the impact.

Secretary Lotilla added the government had already put in place project initiatives to reduce the country's dependence on imported oil through harnessing indigenous sources of power i.e. coco diesel, CNG, wind propelled generators, geothermal, hydro and coal powered plants and others.

The paramount issue of the day is for the Filipinos to unite and face the energy crises with one mind and concerted action. (PIA-Cebu)

PGMA addresses nation tonight

MANILA (27 June 2005) -- "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is addressing the nation tonight at 7 p.m. on an issue of vital concern."

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the announcement as calls to end the Senate and House probes of the "tape tale" and "jueteng" controversies start to escalate.

Bunye revealed President Arroyo will go on nationwide evening primetime in a move to stabilize the political and economic condition of the country, ease public anxieties, and push the "wiretapping" and illegal gambling pay-offs issues to the margins of the public agenda, and shoot down desperate calls for snap elections.

Meanwhile, the Palace official urged the public to tune in to the broadcast media at that time. (PIA-MMIO)

Mga Pakigpulong sa Iningles ug Binisaya by Gregorio de Santiago Vela

Citation: Alderman, Harold H.; Gentilini, Ugo; Yemtsov, Ruslan G.. 2017. The 1.5 billion people question : food, vouchers, or cash transfers?. Washington, D.C. : World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/398281507803030509/The-1-5-billion-people-question-food-vouchers-or-cash-transfers

The 1.5 billion people question: food, vouchers, or cash transfers? (English)
ABSTRACT
With 1.5 billion people covered globally, food and voucher programs provide an important lifeline for the poor and vulnerable. The study is the 1.5 Billion People Question: Food, Vouchers or Cash Transfers? reveals that while countries increasingly support people with cash as a form of safety net, food-based programs are still important interventions in some contexts. The analysis highlights how food and voucher programs remain relevant, and in most circumstances, have improved over time.It is against such a backdrop that this book explores how to genuinely integrate the agendas of social protection and food assistance. To be clear: over the past decades, efforts to introduce, expand, and upgrade social protection systems in low- and middle-income countries primarily revolved around cash transfersâ€"and for good reasons. At the same time, about 1.5 billion people worldwide have been covered by in-kind food programs, 1 billion of whom live in countries examined in this volume. In-kind transfers have been a key vehicle to provide income support to poor consumers; but, on average, they have often done so at high cost and as part of broader agricultural support and food price risk management efforts. In other words,in-kind programs can generate technical and political economy quandaries that go well beyond income support to poor consumers.The book provides a long-awaited and very much-needed analysis on such a shift: when viewed through the lenses of history, countries are increasingly moving from in-kind provisions to cash-based transfers, often with vouchers as an intermediate step. Yet this process is far from straightforward, and it is checkered by the bumpy and erratic pathways of evolution. In particular, the book argues that many of the precursors of current cash transfer programs were in-kind measures and that such measures are still relevant in certain circumstances. The volume’s analysisâ€"one at the intersection of economics, political economy, politics, sociology, and historyâ€"would help debunk some long-standing myths about food assistance, highlight the complex and inter- twined objectives pursued by well-intentioned food programs, and identify insightful lessons from reform processes that are, regrettably, seldom available internationally.

A supply chain is a system of resources, organizations, people, technologies, activities and
information involved in the act of transporting goods from producer to consumer and user. This (SCS) guide is intended for trade and transport government officials, port authorities and transport, cargo and logistics communities, in particular in developing countries. The purpose of the guide is to make a concerned trade and transport-related officials, managers and personnel in developing countries acquainted with, and aware of, the many initiatives
mushrooming in the field of supply chain security, what these will mean for their respective organizations, and how to tackle the inlaid challenges. This chapter attempts to clarify the background and current status of the multitude of programs that exist across the world today. This is achieved by, firstly, giving a brief account of the changing security environment (post 9/11) and its resulting implications for SCS programs. This is important as it helps
to explain the motivation of the programs which are later expanded upon in more detail within the chapter. Within this section, the motivations for different types of programs,
not directly linked to the events of 9/11 but to other reasons, such as combating illegal activities, enhancement of efficiency and standardization are also explained. Secondly, a list of the main programs is present under four main subheadings: compulsory programs, major voluntary programs, regional or national programs, and others. Tables are presented at the end of the section summarizing the main points of each program. Finally, some of the issues
surrounding the programs are presented in the concluding section.

Citation
“Donner, Michel; Kruk, Cornelis. 2009. Supply Chain Security Guide. World Bank, Washington, DC. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/28128 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”

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UN to youth: Value yourself to prevent drug abuse

MANILA (27 June 2005) -- Value yourself, stay away from drugs.

This was the core message of the United Nations to the youth for this year's celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

In a press conference held today at Manila Hotel, different national and international agencies discussed the age-old problem of drug-abuse and what must be done to contain the said menace estimated to affect three percent of the total global population.

Using the theme: " Value yourself…… make healthy choices", the UN calls on youth to consider health-related reasons why they should stay away from drugs or stop using them.

UN emphasizes that healthy choices is not only about saying "no" to drugs, but also about choosing healthy lifestyles: sports, music, theatre, civil service, and other positive activities.

Every year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects a theme and launches a yearlong campaign.

In 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strenghten action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
As a member of the United Nations, the Philippines through the Dangerous Drugs Board, spearheads the observance of this day every year. (PIA-MMIO)

Boholanos say silent prayers for Cardinal Sin

Tagbilaran City (27 June 2005) -- Boholanos bowed for at least five minutes to pray for the eternal rest of a liberator and true champion of the people's cause during a prayer rally held at the Carlos P. Garcia Complex Tagbilaran City June 23, 2005.

Jaime Cardinal Sin, retired Archbishop of Manila and undoubtedly one of the most prominent icons of the world famous non-violent change of powers in the country died early morning of June 21, 2005.

To the cardinal's death, Mrs. Arroyo said "the nation bemoans the passing away of the nation's greatest political and church icon."

In a presidential press statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye last Wesnesday, the president said "history will mark this day of sadness when a great liberator of the Filipino people and a champion of God passed away."

Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has been an established icon for liberation of the masses, has been a staunch supporter of the people's cause and champions the masses, especially when he made himself available to fight for the repression that the Filipinos experienced in the past.

Himself a vary prominent fixture in the two chapters of the EDSA peoples power, Malacanang said the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin should unite the Filipino people and make them set aside their differences.

In Bohol, his death sent different reactions, some pointing out his propensity to cross the thin barrier separating the church and the state and another, of a doubtless force that could command the people to cross the parted sea to liberation.

Newspapers quoted the president drawing her personal strengths from the Cardinal, who has proven to be strong when necessity calls for it.

Mrs. Arroyo has ordered that all flags in all government buildings and installations be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset beginning June 25 to 28 as part of the country's mourning for his demise.

Many people saw him as one guided by wisdom and profound love for the poor and oppressed.
With his death too, calls for the realization of his dream of a Philippines united in peace and justice resounds.

The call to shake off dissent and build a nation, one and undivided, in the memory of a hero of EDSA I and II, becomes an imperative after the death of a blessed man who never failed to unite Filipinos during the most crucial battles against tyranny and evil, a newspaper columnist writes. (rac/PIA)

DTI echoes call for LGUs to monitor basic goods

Tagbilaran City (27 June 2005) -- Bohol Department of Trade and Industry authorities recently echoed a Department of Interior and Local Government call asking local government units to guard against profiteers and monitor prices of basic commodities.

This as Bohol Provincial caretaker Nimfa Virtucio over Kapihan sa PIA recently called for local distributors to reasonably price basic commodities and not succumb to unjust profits using the expanded value-added tax as a convenient scapegoat.

Earlier, DILG secretary Angelo Reyes reminded local government units of their responsibility as monitors of basic commodities to effectively safeguard and protect consumer rights, in accordance with the Local Government Code.

In a radio program aired on a local radio station here, Trade and Industry Regulatory Commission Officer in Charge Joe Hibaya said the local DTI still conducts weekly monitoring sorties on Tagbilaran City's major markets and malls, but the local governments who are empowered by law should also do their jobs.

He said the local DTI is also available, should the LGU want technical assistance in its implementation of existing pricing laws.

This came after government authorities assured that there will be no additional value added tax for products already subjected to the 10 percent VAT, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

DTI representatives here, in fact, noted no significant and alarming price increases in basic commodities, except third class flour, which rose a little in the past few days. They said that construction materials in deformed round bars dipped while dressed chicken also went down.

Of course, there are slight effects of the rise in fuel in the past days, that also affects transportation costs, said Virtucio. However, she said DTI maintains a formula how to determine when traders basically jack up prices to the extent of profiteering.

In this light, local DTI authorities still call on consumer vigilance especially in safeguarding rights on adulterated scales that should by law, be calibrated by their municipal treasurers. This is so as traders often tinker with their scales to squeeze few profits, though through illegal means. (rac/PIA)

Thousands pray for peace, support during Bohol rally

Tagbilaran City (27 June 2005) -- In a sweeping show of support, Boholanos who wore white shirts of solidarity, numbering thousands converged at the Carlos P. Garcia Complex in Tagbilaran City Thursday June 23 to muster a force to invoke the King of Peace for what they believe would be the only solution to a brewing turmoil in the country.

Although organizers stress it was a prayer rally for peace and development, it failed to hide a good number of intentions: to visibly show a gesture of support to embattled President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Earlier, Governor Erico Aumentado said, "we need prayers to help her to survive destabilization moves. Our concerns may be parochial, but if the Arroyo administration will be brought down, our mega projects including the Panglao Alternate International Airport Project might be stalled or even shelved,"

Bohol showed an overwhelming support for the President making her win a wide margin over her strongest rival during the recent presidential race.

However, recently, the Arroyo Administration was rocked to its foundations after opposition stalwarts began brandishing wiretapped tapes of a conversation allegedly done by Arroyo and a man presumed to be COMELEC Commissioner Garcillano.

Though a lot of people said there was nothing criminal about the conversation, it showed moral impropriety.

Retired Armed Forces General Fortunato Abat, who has been openly criticizing Mrs. Arroyo set a personal deadline until June 25 for the President to vacate Malacanang.

The political opposition also has been allegedly instigating the masses to steamroll another EDSA as a tool to oust the Presidency.

"The country may be in dire straits; infrastructure projects in other provinces have been stopped or stalled because of lack of funds. But because we have shown her our united support, she has had no qualms in implementing the formula of using funds for slow or non-moving projects elsewhere for Bohol, he said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Ordinariate, Bishop Leopoldo S. Tumulak in his message called for settling of differences among Filipinos as brothers.

For the ecumenical gathering of Boholanos, he said "though we are divided in a lot of things, we unite for peace."

He then called for the reigning of a brotherly love that celebrates differences capping it bay saying that if we go against the law, we might end up destroying the dream of peace that we have to accomplish.

City School heads, the Department of Education, socio-civic organizations, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the city government, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, religious organizations, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Sanggunaing Kabataan, the Philippine Army and well meaning Boholanos came to attend to the rally.
Also present were delegations from the Bohol Muslim Community, the Baptist Church, El Shaddai, United church of Christ in the Philippines, Victory Temple Church where their leaders read or recited ecumenical prayers for peace.

The activity was capped by a release doves and peace balloons by Bohol Officials and youth sector leaders. (rac/PIA)