MikeLigalig.com

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)

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)

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)

Call for tax boycott clear attempt to push back economic gains
by Minerva BC Newman
Cebu City (27 June) -- 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) -- "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)

DOH records 849 new HIV cases

MANILA, April 10 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 849 new HIV cases for February 2017 based on the latest HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines (HARP) report and majority of them or 95 percent were male while two others were pregnant women.

The figure was also five cases higher compared to the 844 cases recorded in January 2017.

"This was 13 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which was 751," the report said.

Some 94 of them were now classified as full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases.

Still, sexual contact continues to be the number one mode of transmission with a total of 828, most of which are from the male-having-sex-with-male (MSM) population comprising 707 of the current total cases.

Homosexual contact had the highest number with 442, followed by the bisexual contact with 265, while heterosexual contact led to 121 cases.

Nineteen cases of injecting drug users were also recorded as transmitting HIV.

Aside from that, some 95 deaths were also noted in the report.

National Capital Region (NCR) registered with the most number of cases with a total of 310; followed by Calabarzon with 129; Central Luzon with 102; Central Visayas with 79; and Davao Region with 52.

A total of 63 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were also found to have acquired HIV/AIDS, and all of which were infected through sexual contact.

Since 1984, there is now a total of 41,315 HIV cases, including 3,849 AIDS cases, and 2,097 deaths.

Death can happen because immune system of HIV patients who progressed as AIDs patients can be damaged further by opportunistic infections which can lead to their death.

Since HIV weakens the ability of the immune system to fight the opportunistic infections, a person with HIV should be provided with anti-retroviral therapy (ARTs).

It is important that HIV positive individuals will seek this form of intervention/treatment and take regularly the ART everyday to prolong their life and boost their immune system.

Of course, practicing healthy lifestyle like quitting from smoking and drinking alcohol is also important as they take the treatment.

It is also important that an HIV patient will not expose himself further to other co-infections so that their body's defense from illness will not further deteriorate.

DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said that ARTs can be accessed in the treatment hubs of DOH and are given free.

To prevent death and ensure that it is not the end of everything for an individual with HIV, it is important that they seek early treatment or know their status.

By knowing one's status, an individual who suspects that he/she has acquired HIV will know what to do, get the right counseling and treatment needed.

On the other hand, if the result is negative, then the individual can further know what to do to maintain that HIV-free status by knowing that there are ways not to be infected by practicing safe sex (use of condom), abstinence, faithfulness to one's partner. (PNA/LEILANI S. JUNIO)

Check out the latest deals at www.aliexpress.com and www.gearbest.com

Central Visayas is 'safe and peaceful' - PRO-7

CEBU CITY, April 10 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 on Monday said that Central Visayas is generally “safe and peaceful” as it activated “Oplan SumVac” (Summer Vacation) in the region.

The PRO-7 has jurisdiction over police forces in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

Chief Supt. Noli Talino, PRO-7 director, said all police forces in the region have been placed on full alert since the Sinulog festivities in Cebu City and the 2017 Miss Universe swimwear competition in Lapu-Lapu City in January.

Talino said the full alert status continued when Cebu hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit ministerial meetings from April 3 to 7.

Bohol is also set to host some ASEAN ministerial meetings from April 18 to 22.

Talino said they are not taking lightly the threats of kidnappings in the region.

He said there is "neither a specific nor direct threat of kidnapping in Central Visayas."

The US Embassy in Manila posted on its website on Sunday a travel advisory asking its citizens to avoid travels to Cebu and Bohol because of threats of kidnapping in these Central Visayas provinces.

Talino said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have put in place an integrated security system for the region.

He said they have also coordinated with the owners, managers and security officers of malls, resorts, hotels and other establishments in the region regarding security matters. (PNA)
/EB/SSC

Check out the latest deals at www.aliexpress.com and www.gearbest.com

PHP now below 50 to a US dollar
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, April 10 (PNA) -- Lower-than-expected rise of March 2017 non-farm payrolls (NFP) in the US boosted the Philippine peso and the local equities market Monday.

The local unit surged to its two-month high of 49.71 from 50.08 Friday last week. It finished at 49.69 on Feb. 6.

A trader attributed the peso’s appreciation to the below-expected NFP figure for the third month this year at 98,000 from the downwardly revised 219,000 last February.

”Lots of investors were upset because of the latest report but some are hopeful that next month’s figure will improve and will not have any weather-related factor,” the trader said.

”Investors also closed their long dollar position ahead of the long weekend,” the trader said, referring to the Holy Week work week, which normally is until Wednesday only.

The trader said the peso’s opening level for the day, at 49.88 from the previous session’s 50.17, was driven by domestic fundamentals.

“It helped drive the peso-dollar even lower as investors secured liquidity ahead of the long weekend,” the trader said.

Asked whether this situation is an annual thing, the trader said Monday’s currency trading was only due to the NFP report but forecast the peso’s strength to be sustained until Wednesday.

After opening the day better, the peso traded between 49.700 and its opening level, bringing the average for the day at 49.77.

Some USD1.1 billion changed hands, more than twice the USD504.5 million last Friday.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 49.65 and 49.85 Tuesday.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 0.45 percent, or 34.16 points, to 7,617.91 points.

All Shares followed with a 0.39 percent, or 17.45 points, jump to 4,541.61 points.

The sectors were led by Property, which rose 1.13 percent, followed by Services with 1.07 percent increase.

Industrial, Mining and Oil, Financials, and Holding Firms, increased by 0.64 percent, 0.34 percent, 0.02 percent, and 0.01 percent, respectively.

Volume for the day reached 1.5 billion shares amounting to Php 6.1 billion.

Gainers led losers at 101 to 88 while 50 shares did not move. (PNA)

Check out the latest deals at www.aliexpress.com and www.gearbest.com

Usec. Valdez can serve as our bridge to knowing what we do not know about the current administration.

Check out the latest deals at www.aliexpress.com and www.gearbest.com

PNP chief confirms terror threat in Central Visayas

MANILA, April 10 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Monday the existence of terror threats in Central Visayas following an advisory of the US Embassy in Manila to its citizens to avoid visiting the region.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, said the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) informed him about the terror threats.

He assured though that the PNP have taken appropriate actions.

Although the PNP chief did not give details on the content of the intelligence report, he, however, assured that the PNP is ready to address such a "terror threat" in the country's security.

The United States Embassy, in a statement, said it has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces.

American citizens were advised to carefully consider such an information as they make their travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa reminded tourists to avoid travel to places with "history" of kidnapping and lair of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits. (PNA)

Check out the latest deals at www.aliexpress.com and www.gearbest.com

Value yourself to prevent drug abuse
MANILA (27 June) -- 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)

Preview of El Nido, Palawan

Palm Sunday in the Philippines

Solitude at Alona Beach in Panglao

Ananyana Resort's Swimming Pool

South Palms Resort in Bohol

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.
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)

Bohol 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 at 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)

'Paradise lost' now regained
Tagbilaran City (27 June 2005) -- Residents of the 16 islets of Concepcion, Iloilo heaved a sigh of relief as Kaakbay Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) inaugurated a water system project stopping the flooding of disease in Barangays Nipa and Botlog.

The place, sometimes referred to as Nature Paradise is abundant in natural resources, however its residents live in misery as they are faced by high costs of clean drinking water and the possibility of contamination causing more diseases. With no dependable water service to rely on, tourism projects which it can right away capitalize remain a dream.

Located some two kilometers from Polopina, the islets boasts of teeming marine life and an eaually divers wildlife in its forests. Here in its forests thrive monkey-eating eagles, and in its seas are sea turtles, fish, squid and more abundant sea bounty.

But tourism, as their ladder off misery is far with the water problem they got.
Then in 2003, residents of Botlog and Nipa saw a ray of hope with the KALAHI water systems project funded by the Presidents' Social Funds.

Brandishing cooperation, residents put up labor counterpart, a good eight days, when fisher-folks and local residents made government work for them.

In no less than a time, Nipa residents now have faucets and Botlog enjoy water through an underwater pipe linked to the mainland.

Before Kalahi, residents used to travel the two kilometers to Polopina to buy potable water, oof course, at a high rate. This situation drains what residents earn in their meager jobs fishing. This also led some of them to poach sea turtles to supplement their income.

The residents now also vow to implement a newly legislated anti-poaching ordinance.

Now, they do not just have water services, they also saw the coming of the tourists owing to the fact that they now have better services to cater to the tourists. (PIA)

Cagayan De Oro’s best practices to be replicated nationwide
Cagayan de Oro City (27 June) -- CAGAYAN de Oro City’s implementation gains owing to its participation in the Philippines Regional and Municipal Development Program (PRMDP) may be replicated in other local government units in the country under the proposed Local Governance Development Program (LGDP).

This was disclosed by City Planning and Development Officer Emmanuel Abejuela who said a team from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is coming to the city today to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed program and explore partnership ties with the city government.

The mission team is composed of Prof. Brian Roberts (team leader), Mr. Deo Mwesigye (Philippines desk officer), Prof. Joel Mangahas (Filipino consultant), Angus Barnes (first secretary), and Rod Ervin Sollesta (program officer).
The team will discuss the concept paper and the terms of reference of the program with key officials of the city government.

Engr. Abejuela pointed out that the concept paper that will be discussed contains the options for a new program of Australian assistance to support capacity building for local government units to improve delivery of basic services.
He added that the team would be replicating the good governance practices of the city to other cities in the country in governance capacity along development planning, revenue management, and information technology.

It may be recalled that with PRMDP, the city enhanced its governance capacity along land tax revenue, asset maintenance, engineering planning, land use planning, human resource development, and community consultation. (Oro City Information Office/Ragcom)

2 new GMA classrooms opened in Tablon
by Alice P. Tinhay
Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- “EVERY child in the barangay must be in school,” Eulogio Suaner, Tablon National High School principal quoted Education Secretary Butch Abad’s advocacy during the recent turn-over ceremony of the two-classroom building donated by Nestle Philippines Inc. under the Classroom Galing sa Manggagawang Pilipino Abroad (CGMA) Project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The Tablon National High School (TNHS) in Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City is very lucky for having been a recipient of Nestle’s program bearing the corporate slogan “Sulong sa Pagbabago, Magkapit-bisig Tayo,” Suaner further said.

According to Nestle Philippines, they believe in the traditional value attached to education as a way out of poverty, thus their involvement in the development of the TNHS, which began as early as 1997 when the school was founded. As one of its initiators, Nestle Philippines donated two classrooms equipped with tables and chairs.

On July 9, 2004, through the CGMA Project, they again donated P450,000 for the construction of a two-classroom building to address the problem of classroom shortage of the school. As a bonus, Nestle completed the construction of the building with a set of 30 chairs per classroom in time for the June school opening.

Suaner said the new classrooms is now helping the TNHS improve the quality of education since it reduced the classroom-student ratio from 1:80 last year to 1:60 starting this school year.
Classes are now conducted more effectively and comfortably, he added.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Marianito D. Roque, who was present during the turn-over ceremony, narrated how they first launched the CGMA Project in Saudi Arabia.

He expressed gratitude to Nestle Philippines for their generosity and said he is looking forward for more companies in the country to help in providing better quality public education.

For her part, Asst. Schools Division Supt. Greta C. Guria of the Department of Education echoed the same sentiment and called on Nestle to extend their generosity to other public schools in Cagayan de Oro.

The CGMA Project is also supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the national and local chapters of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FCCCII). (DOLE-10/Ragcom)

COA-10 cites top performing employees
by Jorie C. Valcorza
Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- THE Commission on Audit in Northern Mindanao recently cited a number of its employees for exemplary performance.

Awarded during COA’s anniversary celebration were the Executive and Oversightâ€"National Government Sector (NGS) Cluster 1, Team 2 headed by Madrigal Sirad for the early transmittal of the CY 2004 Comments and Observations on the covered offices of the Presidential Management Staff, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Regulatory Commission, and Games and Amusement Board.

Sirad also received a separate award from the Philippine Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP) for his contribution as the auditor and adviser to the LGSP 1 in Region 10.

Sirad’s team is composed of auditors Cecilia Pragamae, Lydia Macatol, Diogracias Lopez, Elena Elango and Erminia Obsioma.
Also recognized were NGS audit team leaders Evelyn Galacio, Elvira Palamine, Helen Gaabucayan and its members, including Auditor Rosalie Pelonio of the Corporate Government Audit Sector Cluster 5 and 7 for the prompt submission of office annual audit reports of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Likewise commended were Engr. Shane D. Dalman of COA’s technical services office (most outstanding employee), Esherlina Placido (model employee), auditor Carolina Diez for her support in the consolidation of the annual audit report of the National Food Authority, and state auditor Agustina Elleso and Elsa Manoto from the Corporate Government Audit Sector Cluster 5 and 6 for evaluating the performance of the audit team leaders.

Another special recognition was also given to Allan Llaneta, and more awards to the NGS Clusters 1, 2 and 3 for the quality of their audit findings.

According to COA-10, acknowledging its top performing employees is a means to boost their confidence and encourages others to follow suit, while strengthening President Arroyo’s on-going anti-graft and corruption campaign.
In this drive, the President challenges each and every public functionary to “set an example of honesty, discipline and frugality to elevate the whole moral tone of the bureaucracy in keeping with the times.” (PIA-10)

ABC eyes more investments in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- THE ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) Business Council, in cooperation with the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, is set to hold the 4th ARMM Business Congress (ABC) on 28-29 June at the Datu Amirbahar H. Jaafar Covention Center in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

The ARMM Business Congress is an annual gathering of businessmen, key business leaders, top government officials and non-government organizations in the region.

The two-day congress will hold a series of plenary sessions on various issues and concerns affecting business and investment growth in the ARMM.

According to Marlon Libot, team leader of the Business Support Organization Development, the activity helps in promoting investment specifically in the areas of transport infrastructure, educational reforms, telecommunications, seaweeds production and marketing, governance and cross-border trading between ARMM and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP EAGA).

There will also be special presentations from various successful companies in ARMM and other government agencies on tourism, employment and investment opportunities. Key industry leaders will also be invited to serve as resource persons.
The upcoming event is aimed at promoting ARMM as a premier investment in Mindanao. To achieve this, the congress aims to discuss vital issues and concerns that hinder efforts of the local business community to generate investments and increase productivity in the region. ARMM traders will also look at the policy recommendations that will further entice local and foreign businessmen to invest in ARMM.

In a related development the recent UBS Investment Research Report discussed the improvement of the country’s fiscal position.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the “report affirms the surging confidence in the Philippines as we strive to clear all stumbling blocks on our road to economic recovery and breach the skepticism over our capability to address our fiscal problems.” (MEDCO/PIA-10)

Camiguin investments, employment growth up 184%
by Jorie C. Valcorza

Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- THE province of Camiguin took great strides in promoting its investments when it posted a 184-percent increase in the services and trade sector in the first quarter of this year amounting to P91.963 million.

The Department of Trade and Industry first quarter report also showed the province surpassing its employment target by 412%, from 86 to 354 jobs generated during the period.

At the same time, the agri-based sector, especially on processed food and beverages, generated about P5.18 million in sales during the quarter.

DTI provincial director Joselito Ento also said they are regularly monitoring the prices of commodities, including the enforcement of the price tag law.

At the national level, Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos believes that the overall performance of DTI for the first quarter indicates that the country continues to be an attractive investment destination for foreign investors.
Local investors have put in more investments in the first three months, generating more jobs in the process, Santos added.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in a statement said the government has finished implementing Phase 1 of the economic plan and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has started moving Phase 2 to broaden the benefits of economic stability.

Due to recent threats of political instability, Bunye further said, the country’s economic gains are again under pressure.

“But the President is determined to stay the course of urgent change and reform, putting our fiscal house in order, sustaining investment confidence, and fostering the political and economic climate for more jobs and better social services,” Bunye stressed. (PIA-10)

by Jorie C. Valcorza
Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- AMBASSADOR Donald G. Dee, special envoy for international trade negotiations was in Cagayan de Oro City recently to keynote the launching of the Business Enterprise 2005 during the 2nd general membership meeting of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (Oro Chamber).

Dee, who is also the president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was accompanied by PCCI assistant secretary general Edwin Glindro, Propel project executive director.

During the meeting, Dee updated the Oro Chamber of business opportunities abroad, including business trends, according to Oro Chamber program manager Lordile Enjambre.

Oro Chamber’s move of bringing in the trade envoy for the business discussion was intended to encourage more investments in the city and the region, improving the prospects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 10-point agenda to also generate more jobs.

Dee was for former director of the Export and Industry Bank and Manila Exposition Complex Inc. and served as president of the Yarn Ventures Resources Inc. and the Redson Textile Manufacturing Corp. (PIA-10)

Zero record on labor strikes in Northern Mindanao
by Becky P. Esguerra

Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- PEACE has so far reigned in the industrial sector with only eight strikes registered in the first five months of this year or 27% lower than the 11 cases last year, the Department of Labor and Employment national office said.

In Region 10, however, DOLE Regional Director Ponciano Magsayo Ligutom is proud to claim that no single strike has been reported during the past seven years.

He credits this laudable achievement to the active role of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, a venue to resolve and maintain industrial peace in the concerned sectors.

Magsayo is expecting that this venue shall become even stronger with the signing of the 2005 Social Accord for Industrial Peace and Stability for Region 10 recently, where more than a hundred representatives from the labor, management and government sectors gathered to forge the pact in Cagayan de Oro City.

This move is in line with the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she acknowledges labor’s discipline and forbearance, the mark of a true ally in the Rule of Law and Constitutional adherence. (PIA-10)

Normin CARP land distribution now 91% complete - DLR
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
Cagayan de Oro City (27 June 2005) -- SOME 235,870 hectares of land have been distributed by the Department of Land Reform (DLR) in Northern Mindanao to 140,211 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) in the region, as of May 2005.

"This is actually 91% of the 261,289 has. that comprises the working scope of the Comprehensive Agrarian Land Reform Program in the region," Regional Director Alimoden M. Domado of DLR-10 said, during a "Mobile Talakayan sa PIA" forum held at the DLR-10 office recently as one of the activities of the CARP Month celebration.

"Mobile Talakyan sa PIA" provides a vehicle to discuss among other things the 10-point agenda of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her campaign to "Let us BEAT THE ODDS and Help the Nation To Last" and is being hosted by Area Manager Olivia T.Sudaria of the Philippine Information Agency, Region 10.

Domado said of the land distributed, 78,027 has. or 33.08% were private agricultural lands categorized under the Compulsory Acquisition (CA), Voluntary Offer To Sell (VOS) and Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT)/Direct Payment Scheme (DPS), while 157,843 has. or 66.92% were government-owned lands categorized as Settlement Areas (SA), Government Financial Institutions (GFI)-owned and those formerly declared Kilusan ng Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran (KKK) areas.

By province, the biggest bulk of the CARP area is in Bukidnon with 140,072 has. Or 53.60%, followed by Lanao del Norte with 74,236 has. or 28,41%, Misamis Oriental with 32,371 has. or 12.38%, Misamis Occidental with 12,303 has. or 4.70%, and Camiguin with 2,307 has. or 0.88%.

"We are not only concerned with the land acquisition by the farmers as mandated under the Asset Reforms Program of the Arroyo Administration. Per our new mandate, we are now focusing on the support services for the beneficiaries of our Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) because we want to help them improve their productivity by enhancing their capability to earn more," he said.

Per Executive Order No. 364 entitled "Transforming the Dept. of Agrarian Reform into the Dept. of Land Reform" signed by Pres. Arroyo on Sept. 27, 2004, the DLR is made responsible for all land reform in the country, including agrarian reform, urban land reform and ancestral domain reform.

Meanwhile, a total of 114 ARCs have been launched by DLR-10 in 385 barangays covered by 82 cities/municipalities in the region, benefiting 48,144 farmers of whom 13,352 are members of 288 different ARB organizations/cooperatives.
From a total loan of P285.12 million availed over a capital build-up of P960.9 million, a P6.5-million savings was generated by these ARBs after mobilizing resources amounting to P2.289 million for the production of major crops like corn, rice and coconuts.

Likewise, a total of 16 Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects amounting to P2.732 billion, six of which were already completed, while 10 are still on-going are undertaken in 88 ARCs of the region, benefiting 36,218 ARBs.
Specifically under the Local Credit Support Program, a total of 1,628 projects amounting to P45.454 million have been availed of by 48 ARC organizations, benefiting 5,260 ARBs.

The ARC average household income in the region now, Domado said, stands at P59,235 per year, the highest of which is in Lanao del Norte with P73,407, followed by Camiguin, P64,012, Misamis Oriental, Php58,968, Bukidnon, P55,930 and Misamis Occidental, P52,916.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, during her visit to Northern Mindanao last week, emphasized that the government's focus now is the fight against poverty. So far, the farmers' sector, which contributes a lot in this aspect, has been getting her concern and time.

"This is clearly seen when she signed EO No.364 and when she came to the region for the inaugural switching-on to start operations of the Grains and Feedstock Service Center in Valencia City on June 16, this year," Domado also remarked. (PIA-10)

PGMA calls for end to political conflict
by Aleli Aggasid-Batara
Laoag City (26 June 2005) -- Despite the efforts of the government to cushion the impact of the political attacks against the administration, the bickering is starting to affect international trade and credit relations.

The President has asked for an end to the political problem rocking the country and appealed to the public to support her administration as the country begins to reap the fruits economic reforms that she initiated.

Sen Panfilo Lacson and leaders from the group of Fernando Poe Jr. have posed a united front supposedly to uncover the truth behind the tapes but more importantly to strengthen their attack against the government after failing separately to unseat the President.

President Arroyo has persuaded AFP Chief of Staff Efren Abu to postpone his retirement and turnover of command to Philippine Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga to ensure smooth transition of the military leadership amidst of the on-going crisis.

The International Monetary Fund has demanded close watch on government spending and warned of derail in economic prospects because of the political uncertainty facing the country.
Credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has decided to visit the Philippines in the third quarter to evaluate the situation in the country and prospects for further developments. (PIA)

Destabilization efforts will never solve our problems
Tacloban City (26 June 2005) -- Rallies, political bickerings, exposes will never solve the problems of the Filipino people especially the disadvantaged and the underprivileged. Instead, these double the burden of the poor.

The destabilization efforts in Manila paints a bad picture of the Philippines. They destroy all the achievements that the Arroyo administration has painstakingly worked for. They drive away investors, discourage local businessmen, cause inflation and high interest rates, price hikes, make life more difficult for the Filipino. For at the tail end of the chaos they are creating is the poor Filipino who is the most affected. Most of the time, the poor are even exploited and are used by the plotters. They are made to join demos and rallies and are made the sacrificial lambs.

Who are the plotters of the destabilization movements? They are those who lost during the last elections, those who belong to the opposition, or those who espoused candidates who lost. To make it short, they are the losers who cannot accept defeat and want to make losers all Filipinos.

These detractors will never see anything good because as the adage goes: worse than the blindman is the man who refuses to see. These are the people who always focus on the negative instead of the positive. Those who see what is wrong more than what is right with people. What is better than focusing on the negative? It is focusing on the positive. If the destabilization plotters could learn to focus on the positive more than the negative, the Philippines would be a nicer place to live in.

The destabilization plotters have a vision- that of toppling down the Arroyo administration. But surprise! There is something more potent than vision and that is what President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has. She is fighting for a CAUSE - to Beat the Odds, to heal the wounds of the ailing Philippines.

Now, what are we to do? As former President Corazon Aquino said, "the best thing we can do for our country is pray for each other, pray for our leaders and as always to stick to sobriety and just follow the rules." (PIA

Success stories showcased at Pintados Kasadyaan Festival fairs
Tacloban City (26 June 2005) -- In connection with the fast approaching Tacloban City Fiesta, Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla in coordination with the Leyte Pintados Foundation and various government agencies plays host to the Pintados Kasadyaan Fairs with the honorable congresswoman of the first district of Leyte Remedios L. Petilla as the chairperson.

With the Old Children's Park as the venue, the Fair was designed to showcase success stories of regional development in terms of technology and heavy industries, locally produced goods, agri-aqua, trade and tourism, in line with the thrusts and programs of the Arroyo administration. The brainchild of the First District of Leyte Congresswoman Remedios L. Petilla who is known for her determination and her pioneering many successful projects, the Fair hopes to provide a venue for the enterprising Leyteno to find opportunity to do business, promote culture and history of the province and to rev up all the engines of development in the region that will serve as inspiration to the people especially the disadvantaged sector.

The Agri Aqua Fair highlights the fish cages in the booming Mariculture Industry of the Region. Milkfish which is now abundant in the region because of the fish cages are available for sale together with other value added marine products. A model farm house tagged as FAITH (Food Available in the Home) with vegetable garden complete with fishpond, poultry and piggery is also exhibited, a very good answer to the Food Security program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Vegetable, fruits, poultry and livestock including goat and lamb are also available for sale.

The Global Development Exhibition showcases the production processes of the different industries in Leyte like the New Leyte Edible Oil of Tanauan, Leyte which manufactures cooking oil for export, the Cal Energy, PASAR, PNOC, NPC, Leyeco II and other locators in Leyte. It makes any Leyteno proud to know that Leyte provides 60 percent of the Geothermal energy generated in the five geothermal sites in the country. This means that even if the other four sites are combined, the geothermal power generated in Leyte is still higher.

The trade fair billed as Port Fair or the Peoples Organizations Regional Trade Fair, highlights the products of the successful Peoples Organizations all over the region. Grouped together adhering to the principle of strength in coming together, these peoples organizations serve as an inspiration to the People of Region VIII as a very good example of Empowered Filipinos. Most of these peoples organizations were formed to respond to the economic need of the members Products on sale ranges from handicrafts made from local materials, handmade papers from banana pulp, abaca products, processed food like the preserved tahong shell, local delicacies, costume jewelries and coconut products like virgin coconut oil and its by products, white cheese, culinary virgin coconut oil, cocowater vinegar and many others.

Leyte, the whole of Eastern Visayas is truly blessed. It takes such undertakings like the Pintados Kasadyaan Agri-Aqua, Industrial and Trade Fair to make people realize this. And it takes people like Cong. Petilla, Governor Petilla and the government and non-government organizers to make it happen. (PIA-8)

Archbishop Cruz confirms PGMA not "jueteng" beneficiary - Bunye
MANILA (26 June 2005) -- "The good bishop (Archbishop Oscar Cruz) has just confirmed it."

This was the statement issued by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye after Archbishop Cruz admitted that he has no witness to directly link President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the illegal gambling payoffs.

Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, also reiterated that President Arroyo never benefited from illegal gambling.
"Unfounded allegations unwittingly serve the plot to malign the President," he added. (PIA-MMIO)

No "sacred cows" in government - PGMA

MANILA (26 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been consistent with her stand that there are no "sacred cows" in her administration.

The statement was made by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) started its formal investigation into the assets of the President's brother-in-law, Congressman Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo over his alleged ownership of the "Jose Pidal" bank account.

Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, said the full brunt of the law will be enforced whoever gets hurt.
"The government is gearing for Phase two of its economic reform agenda, and the BIR's campaign against tax cheats is part of putting the fruits of tough reforms to work," he added. (PIA-MMIO)

RP economy sound - Palace
MANILA (26 June 2005) -- The bullish outlook of the international business community of the country's economy is speaking well of the nation's sound economic reform agenda and affirms the integrity of the national leadership.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the comment as American banking giant JP Morgan Chase grooms the Philippines as a major global backroom hub despite concerted efforts to malign President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Bunye conveyed that the positive views ascribed to the present administration's efforts to strengthen the economy are inspiring the government officials to focus more on what they have started upon.

He pointed out that the economic momentum gained by the nation can't be easily reversed by the blaring noise of a few losers.

Meanwhile, the Palace official urged the country to rise above the political din and unite to steel itself against the rice in oil prices in the world market - the most important challenge today. (PIA-MMIO)

Snap election, PGMA resignation absurd - Bunye

MANILA (26 June 2005) -- The calls for snap elections or the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are absurd.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the statement in response to protests calling for President Arroyo's resignation and Senator Raul Roco's proposal for a snap elections to solve the current political crisis.

Bunye reiterated that President Arroyo won fair and square in last year's election and advised those who bear the wounds of defeat to wait for the next Presidential elections.

The Palace official cautioned that if they do not agree with the rules, they should not impede the President from leading the nation in achieving the goals she has set for the people particularly the Filipino poor.
He also warned the foes of the present administration to desist from sabotaging the economy by sowing political unrest, and added that they must be sporting enough to wait for their turn. (PIA-MMIO)

Leyte villagers' dream comes true

MERIDA, LEYTE (25 June 2005) -- Many areas in the country still has no existing potable water supply. But to residents of the Puertobello Agrarian Reform Community (ARC), it was a realization of a dream when officials from the Department of Land Reform (DLR) turned over here on Tuesday a Level-2 Rural Water System Project.
Water is essential to life and to rural development, said DLR Assistant Secretary Edgar Igano as he explained the significance of it during Tuesday's turn over rites.

Although implemented by the local government unit said project was funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) through the second phase of Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP II) with a total cost of P1,026,573.

Some 491 residents in 271 households are expected to benefit from this project wherein 131 of them are agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Regional Director Tiburcio Morales, Jr. disclosed that ARISP II will have three components for implementation in Puertobello ARC.

After this first component, a farm-to-market road and post harvest facilities will soon follow, Morales added.
Aside from these projects, Mayor Marcos Antonio Solaña hopes that an irrigation project would also be implemented here to make their rain-fed ricelands productive whole year round.

On the same occasion, Igano who represented Land Reform Secretary Rene Villa distributed 97 individual and collective certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) covering more than 185 hectares of agricultural lands here and in Merida and Albuera towns to 231 recipients. (PIA-8)

Anti-terrorism efforts progress in Mindanao
Quezon City (25 June 2005) -- Decades-long disputes by Islamic seperatists in Mindanao are slowly being resolved through peace talks.

The government's efforts to reach a peaceful Mindanao is slowly progressing, this was observed by visiting United States Deputy Secretary Robert Zoellick during a state visit to the Philippines.

In a press conference held recently, Zoellick revealed that he had met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other Philippine officials to discuss economic, political and security issues.

The government efforts of rebel reintegration of former Moro National Liberation Front members is successful.
He hoped to provide the Philippines with more funding assistance but saying that it will depend on the progress of the Mindanao negotiating process. (Beat-the-Odds Infobits Service)

Reintegration program of former rebels backed by AID
Quezon City (25 June 2005) -- The reintegration program of former rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) received praises and was promised funding assistance by the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) says U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.

In a recent state visit to the Philippines, Zoelick praised the government's strategy of reintegrating the former rebels into society after a successful signing of agreement in 1996. The project was further encouraged by Zoelick by promising more funding for assistance projects by AID.

"I have a good report from the AID mission about efforts to help integrate these people back into the developmentn of the society," Zoellick said.

Zoellick further stressed that the United States and the Philippines share the same concerns about global terrorism. He revealed that the Philippines is the second largest recipient of US funding assistance in the South East Asia after Indonesia. The country will receive $120 million in military, trade and development assistance. (Beat-the-Odds Infobits Service)

DOH and Davao unite for health
Quezon City (25 June 2005) -- The Department of Health and some municipalities in Davao are in sync as the government and the Davaoeños move for a healthy Filipino in the fulfillment of the International Conference on Population and Development's (ICPD) millenium development goals.

In response to the 2000 ICPD-MPD set to fight poverty and hunger, DOH organized several programs to help alleviate health problems in the country. Among these programs are providing vitamin A supplements for preschoolers, ferrous sulfate for low birth-weight infants, giving of early child care and development (ECCD) cards, and trainor's training on enhanced child growth strategy and international reference standards.

Municipalities in Davao have also acted on the call of ICPD through municipal projects like the Integrated Rice Production and Financing Program in New Corella, Davao Del Norte; meeting farmer's needs in Malalalag, Davao Del Sur; and a literacy program in Dujali town, Davao Del Norte where local and national resources meet.

The MPD was adopted by 147 government heads and 191 member-states who attended the ICPD held in September 2000 where other issues like the promotion of gender equality; reduction of child mortality; labor; nutrition; battle against HIV/AIDS; malaria and other diseases; maternal health; matching grants; and health and sanitation were discussed. (Beat-the-Odds Infobits Service)

Employees grab a COLA
Quezon City (25 June 2005) -- Here's another way to quench your thirsth. Employees rejoice as the Department of Labor and Employment gives an additional P20 cost of living allowance (COLA) to minimum wage workers in Central Luzon on June 16, 2005.

Acting on its own, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) did not wait for a petition to increase wages citing increases in prices of goods, transportation and power rates as enough reason for the wage hike.
The wage board composed of DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority and management and labor representatives, unanimously approved the effectivity of wage order no. RBIII-11.

As specified in the wage order, the minimum wage for non-agricultural sector in Central Luzon are: P263.50 (Bulacan), P259.50 (Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales), P217 (Aurora).

Through the wage hike, DOLE Sec. Patricia Sto.Tomas hopes to encourage the business sector in the region to adopt schemes in productivity improvement such as time and motion studies, quality circles, and labor-management cooperation. (Beat-the-Odds Infobits Service)

Job generation program yields results in five months
Quezon City (25 June 2005) -- The government's concerted effort in creating six to 10 million jobs by 2010 is finally paying-off.

Presidential Management Staff Chief Rigoberto Tiglao revealed that the job generation project yielded 1.1 million jobs in its initial five months starting in January 2005 as reported by various government agencies.

He added that developing two million hectares of land for agribusiness; creating three million micro, small and medium enterprises (SME) through credit financing and technology and marketing support; developing industries like housing, tourism, mining, export, and ICT are key components of the program.

Agribusiness accounted for 99,730 jobs; micro-enterprises created 15,123 jobs due to increased loans totaling P3.4 billion in three months; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay enrolled 10,678 apprentices; and Department of Tourism's aggressive tourism campaign created 98,837 jobs.

SMEs gained from the standardized guidelines and lending rates of government financial institutions (GFIs) under the SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth Program increasing loans to P7.2 billion for the first quarter forming 90,224 jobs. (Beat-the-Odds Infobits Service)

Palace calls for end to political bickering in deference to Sin's death
by Rodrigo S. Victoria
Tacloban City (24 June 2005) -- A truce for politicians to make further actions that would worsen the country's situation and unity of the people in the call of Malacañang to all Filipinos as a sign of respect and tribute to the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin, one of the greatest and influential spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic church in the country.

The former Manila Archbishop who helped unseat two presidents in peaceful uprisings in the famous Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) died at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan due to multiple organ failure after a long struggle with kidney problems and diabetes at the age of 76.

In a statement from the palace as stated by Presidential Spokeperson Ignacio Bunye, the government urged all political leaders and their supporters to temporarily shelf their political leaders and their supporters to temporarily shelf their political diffences in tribute and respect to Cardinal Sin.

As a reminder to the Filipino people of the legacy left by Cardinal Sin to the restoration of democracy in the country, Secretary Bunye stated that the government hopes that his legacy will serve the nation well and that his death would also mark the realization and cooperatioon for this great country.

Likewise, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national mourning to last until Sin's burial on June 28 and ordered flags at all government buildings and installations flown at half-staff from sunrise of June 25 until sunset of June 28.

In the local scene, one of theparish priests in the Diocese of Naval soberly said that he could only hope that the death of Cardinal Sin will be the driving factor that will unite the nation and will stop the political bickering of our political leaders.

The priest added that our political leaders should not concentrate on ventilating trivial issues but rather do their homework in search for a better solution to the pressing situations faced by the country and its people at present.
Fr. Noel Gayrama, a Franciscan priest and presently a law student at the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), opines that accusations made by the opposition camp should be submitted in an appropriate court of law in order to prove the innocence or guilt of the accused rather than trial of the same through public opinion.

He added that the opposition should offer solutions to the problem that we have in our country rather than keep in criticizing the shortcomings of the government. (PIA)

"Safe Ka Ba?" launching marks July disaster consciousness month celebration
Iloilo City (24 June 2005) -- This coming July 8, RDCC VI will launch a communications campaign on disaster preparedness dubbed "Safe Ka Ba?" as one of the highlights of this year's July National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration.
Rosario Cabrera, Office of Civil Defense VI (OCD VI) Director and RDCC VI Vice Chair said "Safe Ka Ba?" is a Strategic Communications Plan that focuses on preparedness against natural hazards such as: typhoons that cause flooding and landslides; earthquake that cause collapsed buildings, homes and structures; volcanic eruptions that cause pyroclastic flows, ash fall, lahar and lava flows; and tsunamis that cause widespread destruction of coastal areas.

The campaign aims to enhance public awareness and greater understanding of hazards and specific vulnerabilities; institutionalize measures to mitigate hazards and prevent disaster by educating action agents and target population; generate optimum support for government through promotion of mechanisms for cooperation among stakeholders; and institutionalizing disaster management as a security enhancer and a nation building effort.

"Under the project, we shall utilize the tri-media and interpersonal communication in the delivery of messages to target audiences who are the Action Agents, consisting local government officials, government agencies/force providers, information workers/media and legislators; the Beneficiaries, who are primarily the general public both the highly vulnerable and less vulnerable groups; and the Supporters that consist the volunteer and donor groups", said Cabrera.
The mechanisms that will be used in delivering the message include primer, comics, posters, pamphlets, TV & Radio ads, print ads, messages in movie houses and inclusion of disaster preparedness in school curricula. Target venues will be schools, workplaces, government offices and buildings, churches, malls and community organizations.

Messages themes include "Detect, React & Evacuate" and "Be prepared. Don't Panic". Information campaign to be done annually during the dry season from January to May in preparation for the onset of the wet season when most weather related hazards occur.

Cabrera said this national public information plan is one of the 4-Point Action Plan finalized by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and was given go-signal by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for immediate adoption and execution.

The other three components of the said action plan include upgrading of PAGASA and PHILVOCS' forecasting capability, capacity-building for local government units particularly in identified vulnerable areas and mechanisms for government and private sector as partner in relief and rehabilitation.

The Disaster Month celebration will be capped, said Cabrera by a safety drill to be conducted particularly in schools in the region to test the knowledge and response of beneficiaries in terms of evacuating themselves to safer places in the eventuality of disaster or calamities. (PIA-6)

Integration of products, services key to tourism industry
by Minerva BC Newman
Cebu City (24 June 2005) -- Integration and consolidation of products, services and systems is the key to the country's tourism industry. This was the core message of Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano of the Department of Tourism, during the opening of the Regional Tourism Congress held today at the Cebu Grand Convention Center, Cebu City.

Secretary Durano said tourist arrivals in the country from Jan-May 2005 increased by 19% compared to the same period last year. "We are expecting a 3M tourist arrivals by the end of the year," Durano added.

Central Visayas has been described as a tourist destination and it is the core in the promotion and development of the Philippine tourism to the world. Its goal is to attract 5M tourists by 2010. However, there are still several things missing to build the country's capacity for tourists to stay and spend their money, Durano further said.

The DOT Secretary noted, he never found the Philippines a "hard sell" except that most tourists found it difficult to avail of the various products and services that they need while they are in country. The Philippines, it seems is lacking in capacity and quality of experience to deal with the influx of tourists compared to the other Asian countries.

He explained that the country still lacks information, transportation, hotel capacity and systems to attract tourists to come and stay in the country. He said, it is more expensive to operate and maintain a hotel in the Philippines than in other countries in Asia where they spend millions to develop a tourism estate zone where players and investors can do business and put up facilities at minimum infrastructure spending.

Durano went to say that in other countries efficiency, comfort, and convenience in information, transportation, accommodation and other services are integrated and consolidated in a tourism estate zone where everything are located within distance from the airport, malls, banks and entertainment areas.

"We have made policy adjustments to attract more tourists to the country through TV promotional advertisements in China, Korea and in Japan and we offer visa upon arrival of these tourists to the country. We have seen the fruits of these policies through the increased arrivals of Chinese visitors at 105 percent, Korea at 41 percent and Japan at 11 percent." The DOT Secretary reported.

He then called on major tourism players and investors to integrate and consolidate land holdings for the establishments of Tourism Estate Zones in various parts of the country for the development of a vibrant tourism industry.

The responsibility of the Dept. of Tourism is to simplify processes in all activities and investments that are geared towards integration and consolidation of tourism programs into one wholesome package that would put the Central Visayas, or Cebu for that matter as a "brand in the global tourism market, Secretary Durano concluded. (PIA-Cebu)

RKCG to assess member accomplishments
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- In line with the government's thrust of alleviating poverty and providing a better life to every Filipino, the Human Development and Social Services and Protection Cluster of the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG) is set to assess the commitments made by its members to KALAHI areas of the region last year.

The developmental interventions delivered to the 65 prioritized barangays of Caraga will also be discussed in the meeting set on June 28, 2005 at 8:00 am at the Philippine National Police Regional Office 13 Conference Room.

The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) is the over-arching poverty alleviation program of Pres. Arroyo. It is a focused, accelerated, convergent, and expanded, and strategic effort to reduce poverty of her administration. President Arroyo institutionalized KALAHI as the government's program for poverty reduction through Memorandum Circular No. 33 issued on November 28, 2002.

As part of the continuing advocacy of KALAHI, a regional mobile tarpaulin info exhibit of BEAT THE ODDS - the 10-point legacy agenda of Pres. Arroyo is now on display at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol following its 10-day display at the People's Hall in Butuan City. (PIA AMO-13)

PGMA names Senga as next AFP Chief but delays command turnover until August
Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named Philippine Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga as the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff but outgoing AFP chief, Gen. Efren Abu will momentarily remain in office.

Gen. Abu is supposed to retire from office but Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, in a statement today, said Abu "will continue to serve as AFP Chief of Staff in the meantime to ensure smooth transition of military leadership."
Abu reached his mandatory retirement age of 55 today, June 24.

Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, said Senga will assume the top AFP post effective August of this year, while Army Special Operations Group commander, Maj. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, will take over Senga's post as Philippine Army commanding general. (PIA)

DENR-Caraga spearheads Arbor Day tree planting
by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (24 June 2005) -- "Increasing the number of trees means increasing our forest cover and by doing so, we enhance our environment to be a better place to live in. Let's all plant trees. Join us!", Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Executive Director Benjamin Tumaliuan urged as he invited stakeholders in the private and public sectors to the launching of Kinamlutan Agroforestry and Eco-tourism Project (KAEP) at Sitio Dumayokdok, Brgy. Kinamlutan, this city tomorrow, Saturday, June 25.

The activity is in line with the celebration of the National Arbor Day, an annual national celebration done every 25th day of June to give importance to the roles of trees in our environment and economy. The activity is aimed to enhance President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's efforts to improve the life of farmers and provide them opportunities to increase their income through environment-friendly activities.

The launching will be highlighted with a tree planting activity at 6:00 a.m. along the proposed eco-tourism site/trekking area of KAEP, overlooking the city. A short program and rapelling adventure will immediately follow. Further, a trade fair featuring products of Brgy. Kinamlutan will also be on sale through the efforts of People's Organization of Kinamlutan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Aside from RED Tumaliuan, Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II will also deliver a message and take part in the early morning activities. Certificates of recognition will be presented to sponsors of the undertaking. (PIA AMO-Caraga)

Fearless forecast: July is "Blood" Month
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba
Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- "Its going to be one 'bloody' month this July!"

To strengthen collaboration and increase awareness on the importance of blood donation, July was declared as Blood Donor's Month pursuant to Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as "Blood Services Act of 1994". This month long celebration is spearheaded by the Department of Health in partnership with the Local Government Units, Philippine National Red Cross, Regional Blood Coordinating Council and other significant stakeholders.

This year's theme is "Celebrating your gift of blood… be one of us, donate blood". The celebration aims to gain support from the LGUs, PNRC, allied medical staff, the voluntary blood donors and other stakeholders.

The Blood Donor's Month is celebrated nationwide to honor and give recognition to people who donated their precious and life-saving blood voluntarily without any monetary consideration in order to give the most valuable gift of all - to save someone's life.

Accordingly, the main purpose of the celebration is not to attract huge number of voluntary blood donors, but rather to create wider awareness on the importance of voluntary unpaid blood donation and encourage more people to become regular donors. It aims to have a supply of safe blood for use wherever and whenever it is needed to save lives.

In Caraga, to commemorate this month long activity, DOH has lined up several activities. These include radio and television guestings, hanging of streamers, and jingle making contest. The Health Department will also conduct a Mass Blood Donation Showcase and Regional Sandugo Awarding Rites. Voluntary blood donors who have donated at least 9 gallons and more of blood will be the recipient of the Sandugo award. (PIA AMO-13)

NSO-Caraga orients stakeholders on civil registration
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY (24 June 2005) -- National Statistics Office (NSO)-Caraga announced its client service-oriented program in support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's electronic governance. Dubbed as "Census Serbilis Center Services", it seeks to fast track the processing of any transactions in Civil Registration thru the use of computers. With this program, a certain transaction will be processed in just 30 minutes compared to the previous that runs 10 to 15 days. NSO-Caraga Regional Director Victor Baugbog announced that this service is now available to all its clients here in Caraga, during the recent conduct of a one-day forum on Civil Registration here.

Director Baugbog also enjoined the participants to the forum that as stakeholders, they must be updated on the latest developments in Civil Registration.

"Civil Registration is a continuous, permanent, and compulsory recording of vital events occurring in the life of an individual such as birth, marriage, and death, as well as all court decrees, and legal instruments affecting his civil status in appropriate registers as mandated by Act No. 3753, the Civil Registry Law", Baugbog emphasized.

As to the uses of the Civil Registry documents, Baugbog said that these records establish the occurrence of birth, death, or marriage, and therefore provide prima facie evidence of facts surrounding these events. These also provide data on the number of births, deaths, marriages, fetal deaths, adoptions, and the like, which in turn are essential in development planning. He also explained the rules and regulations governing registration of acts and events concerning civil status of Indigenous People as contained in Administrative Order No. 2004-03.

Several laws governing civil registration were further explained by resource persons, after which an open forum followed to clear up issues not adequately understood by those in attendance.

The Birth Registration of Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) as contained in Memo Circular No. 2004-01 was also explained. CNSP includes, but is not limited to children who are sexually/physically-abused, in commercial sexual exploitation, in conflict with the law, involved in armed conflict, victims of child labor, in various circumstances of disability, directly affected by HIV/STD, in substance abuse, mentally challenged, and abandoned or without primary caregiver.

Salient features of Republic Act No. 9255 that allows illegitimate children to use the surname of their father, amending Article 176 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the "Family Code of the Philippines", was also taken up.
Another important document discussed is Republic Act 9048 which authorizes City/Municipal Civil Registrar or Consul General to correct a clerical or typographical error in an entry and/or change the first name or nickname in the Civil Register without need of a judicial order". (PIA Caraga)

Public may report gov't discourtesy to Mamayan Muna hotline

Iloilo City (24 June 2005) -- People sometimes complain that they have not properly been attended to by a government agency where they had some transactions or some of the personnel have been discourteous to them.

Misdemeanors, red tape or any untoward and illogical instances by government employees could be the subject of a complaint which could be sent to the Civil Service Commission through the MAMAYAN MUNA. Although the project has been in existence for quite a time now, however many do not know about it.

The Bilis Aksyon provides quick administrative justice mechanism to citizens. After the receipt of the complaint the MAMAMAYAN MUNA action Officer calls the attention of the agency where the erring employee belongs, citing the complaint.
The Head of the Agency where the erring employee works then decides on the course of action to take, such as an investigation, a conciliation or a dialogue where the complainant meets the worker complained in the presence of a CSC official and the Bilis Aksyon Partner. The Bilis Aksyon partner of the agency acts as the conciliator or mediator.
The agency then informs the CSC what final action has been undertaken or needs to be undertaken.

According to Civil Service Commission 6 Regional Director Amelita Santuyo, the public could send their complaints through a formal letter or through 321-2667 to 69 of the CSC. Santuyo revealed that they average about twenty complaints a month.
Director Santuyo said they have been encouraging agencies to activate/reactivate their Public Assistance Counters manned by an Officer of the day so that the public could properly be guided and facilitated in their transactions/dealings with the agency.

The CSC says discourtesy and any form of corruption should not have a place in the public service. The public is urged to report misdemeanors to Mamamayan Muna hotline 932-0111. (PIA-6)

Inter-faith Dawn Worship prays for national unity
by Mharr Loterte

Sorsogon City (24 June 2005) -- The Sorsogon City Character Development Council (SCCDC) spearheaded anew a "Dawn Worship", an inter-faith prayer services held every full moon, at the Pier here participated in by more than a hundred city residents with a common prayer for national unity and sobriety.

The council, a multi-sectoral group comprised of government agencies , non-government organizations, sectoral groups, various religious faith and denominations, and the Sorsogon City Government, yearns that political leaders should shelve bickering and unite rather in advancing the country's economy and national unity. (PIA Sorsogon)

Calabarzon RDC guests at Radyo ng Bayan
MANILA (24 June 2005) -- The CALABARZON (Region IV-A), which is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, is the emerging economic hub in the Philippines.

Speaking at Radyo Serbisyo program aired today over DZRB-Radio ng Bayan, with the theme "RDC: Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng mga Rehiyon" Chairman Richard Albert Osmond, private sector representative and Chairman of the Regional Development Council-CALABARZON (RDC-CALABARZON) said the region is an ideal economic hub due to its proximity to Metro Manila, low labor cost, infrastructures and business-friendly environment, aside from its tourism potentials.

He pointed out that, CALABARZON is the second region to National Capital Region (NCR) which greatly contributes to the economy of the country.

Osmond noted that industrial zones, factories and some multi-national companies production plants are located in the region which boosts its fast improving economy.

"We want to maintain our status as the country's premiere investment region" he added.

Osmond also said that RDC main thrust is to give direction to the region with regard to it's economic development thrust under the Philippine Medium-Term Development Plan (PMTDP).

He called on the people of CALABARZON to continuously focus on economic activities towards sustainable economic growth amidst the political bickerings happening in nearby Metro Manila.

Radio Serbisyo is a program of the Philippine Information Agency-Mega Manila Information Office (PIA-MMIO) aired every Friday (12:15 to 2:00 P.M) over Radyo ng Bayan (738 khz) and hosted by Allan Allianigue, Mely Tenorio and PIA-Assistant Director General Riza Baldoria. (PIA-MMIO)

By Renee F. de Guzman

Laoag City (24 June 2005) -- Parang piyesta sa baryo ang nangyari sa presscon ng oposisyon kamakailan.
Pagkatapos nagbanggahan at maghiwalay ang landas ng grupo ni Senador Ping Lacson at grupo ng yumaong Fernando Poe Jr., nakahanap sila ng dahilan pati mga militante at progresibo daw na grupo parang magsanib ng puwersa upang idiin ang Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa kontrobersiyal na audio tapes.

Tama ang puntong ginamit ng Pangulong Arroyo, "economic sabotage" ang ginagawa ng mga grupong ito. Alam kasi nila na kapag bumagsak ang ekonomiya ay maari nilang makuha ang simpatiya ng tatamaang sambayanan na nangangarap ng maayos na buhay.

Nakaraan ang ilang buwang paglakas ng piso ay muli na naman itong bumagsak at ang bukod tanging bumubuhay ay ang remittances ng mga OFWs. Dagdag pa dito ang mga pinasok na dolyares ng mga foreign investors na nakumbinse ng administrasyon na mag-invest sa bansa sa stock market at sa mga treasury bonds.

Anarkiya ang taktika ng oposisyon dahil alam nila na sablay ang kanilang mga argumento kung legal at tamang proseso ang susundin at ito lang ang stratehiya na puede nilang masamantala.

Bilang mga responsableng mga Pilipino, alamin muna natin ang motibo ni Senador Lacson at kanyang mga kakampi. Hindi kaya simpleng kaso lamang ito ng sour graping ng matalo siya noon sa eleksiyon?

Mahigit na isang taon na ang nakalipas na eleksiyon bakit ngayon lang nila nilabas ang wired tape na ito?
Unawain din natin na hindi madaling tapatan ang hamon sa Pangulo na sagutin ang kontrobersyal na tape. Kasi anuman ang maging tugon ng Presidente, may patibong na inihanda ang kanyang mga kalaban.

Huwag din tayong magpadala sa mga pinagpipilian na pinipilit ng oposisyon. Alam natin na uso ang imitasyon at ito'y madaling gawin sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya. Madaling mangdoktor at mangopya ng boses na madaling ilusot kung hindi natin nakikita kung sino ang sakaling manaig ang kagustuhan ng oposisyon at mga oportunistang militante sino naman kaya ang tunay na makikinabang?

Hanggang ngayon wala naman silang binibigay na alternatibo sa sambayanan. Kahit kailan puro kilos protesta at panggugulo lamang at pomulitika ang ginagawa ng mga oposisyon.

Panahon na siguro na pagbigyan natin ang mga taong - gobyerno na tunay na nagse-serbisyo.

Sa isyu ng jueteng
Ginagawang circus ng mga oportunista sa lipunan ang imbestigasyon ng Senado sa jueteng.

Hindi na ito in aid of legislation kundi in aid of persecution na. Unti-unti kasing inilalatag ng oposisyon ang kanilang mga akusasyon gamit ang kanilang mga willing at unwilling accomplices upang ang layunin nilang pabagsakin ang unang pamilya lalo na ang Pangulong Arroyo ay matupad.

Malungkot lang isipin na pati ang simbahang Katoliko ay hindi nakalusot sa maniobra ng mga mapanlinlang.
Kapag natapos ba ang pandinig ng Senado at mauwi sa pagbagsak ng Gobyerno, mawawala ba kaya ang jueteng? O magpapatuloy pa ito at lulutang na ang mga taong tunay na nakikinabang sa illegal na sugal?

Malinaw kasi ang motibo sa pagpupumilit ng ilan na maisalang ang isyu ng jueteng. Ito ay upang gamiting pambala sa administrasyon matapos mapatunayang epektibo sa pagpapatalsik noon sa dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada.
Isa pang malinaw sa isyu na ito ay ang kawalang ebidensiyang naipapakita ang oposisyon na magdidiin sa sinasasabi nilang protektor sa Gobyerno.

Sawa at manhid na ang mga tao sa sobrang pamumulitika sa bansa kaya tuloy di tayo umuusad.
Ang gusto na ngayon ng bayan ay tunay na aksyon sa kanilang interes upang maayos na ang pamumuhay at hindi pekeng malasakit sa pamamagitan ng paninirang puri sa mga taong nagsusumikap para makatulong sa bansa.

Sa isyu ng IMF report

Pag-upo pa lamang ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa pamunuan ng bansa ini-utos na niya ang pagtitipid sa mga gastusin ng lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno at hindi exempted dito ang mga government owned and controlled corporations.
Ang mga payo ng IMF ay hindi na bago sa gobyernong Arroyo. Subalit ang mga ito ay siniseryoso pa rin ng administrasyon bilang isang mahusay na manager.

Upang maiwasan ang kalugihan ng GOCC at GFI na karaniwang inaasahan ng ordinaryong mamamayan sa kanilang pangangailangang pinansiyal lalo na ang mga miyembro ng SSS at GSIS, inaksyunan ng Department of Finance ang pangangailangan para magpatupad ng standardization sa pagtatakda ng pondo at gastusin ng mga GOCC at government financial corporations. (PIA Ilocos)

Australian firm launches hydrogen-power technology in Ilocos Sur
By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (24 June 2005) - A representative of the Australian Alternative Energy International launched the first-ever hydrogen-power technology project in the country during the 64th birthday anniversary celebration of Governor Luis Chavit Singson in Baluarte, Vigan City recently.

A simple demo witnessed by about 10,000 residents was conducted highlighting the process on how hydrogen-generating power is produced. In the demo, ordinary water was mixed with some chemicals and hydrogen gas came out from the devise producing flame when ignited.

The technology is quite very simple. Ordinary water will be use to produce energy through the separation of the element of hydrogen and oxygen thru electrolysis.

"The continuous oil price increase in the global market inspired me to conceptualized a hydrogen-power project in Ilocos Sur. The country's first hydrogen power project will be located in Baluarte, this province wherein the machines required will be manufactured here," Singson said.

Singson also stressed that America recently announced that the utilization of hydrogen power will be launch in 2010 while many vehicles in Europe and Australia now use hydrogen power cell to power their vehicles.

In the United States, this hydrogen power was firstly used through the National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) in the flying of space shuttle and rockets in the outer space.

"Actor-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California is another example who uses hydrogen fuel cell in running his car," Singson further explained.

With this technology, the governor is optimistic that the province of Ilocos Sur will be generating great savings in electric consumption because the plan was to distribute it to all households at a lower price per kilowatt in coordination with the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO).

He also stressed that this hydrogen power technology will be used to convert and operate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the future, considering that funds used for its establishment are still being paid today.

Aside from the hydrogen power project, the governor encourage the conceptualization of other energy projects that will greatly benefit the people of Ilocos Sur, such as the sea-solar power project and the Ilocos Norte wind power project. (PIA Ilocos)

Nation mourns passing of a religious leader
by Aleli Aggasid-Batara

Laoag City (24 June 2005) -- The death of Jaime Cardinal Sin, a known advocate of national unity, reconciliation and cooperation, should convince our political leaders to temporarily set aside their personal agenda in due deference to the former archbishop and work instead to improve the plight of the poor - who were closest to his heart.

Sin succumbed to multiple organ failure in the early morning of Tuesday at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan after his long struggle with diabetes and kidney problem. He was 76 years old.

President Arroyo has declared a week of national mourning for the Catholic leader who was instrumental in the ouster of two Philippine presidents in a bloodless revolution.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has reported that the exchange rate closed today at P55.60 to $1 and the main stock index fell to its lowest in the week.

The continuing negative reaction from the investors and the market is indicative of the adverse impact of the conflict thus the need for the final resolution of the problem.

The House hearing on tape scandal is under way but is going at a slow pace because of the procedural debates between administration and opposition lawmakers.

The deliberation is but natural and is necessary to ensure proper resolution of the problem. What is important is that there is already a proper venue in place and to discuss the matter. (PIA)

Commentary: Tarongoy returns home
by Aleli Aggasid-Batara
Laoag City (24 June 2005) -- The arrival of Robert Tarongoy in the country today is a welcome respite from all the problems and confusion.

After seven months of being adducted by Iraqi militants Tarongoy came home to the warm embrace of his family and countrymen.

Kudus is due the crisis team of the Philippine Government for staying the course and exhausting all diplomatic channels to bring home the striving accountant who only wanted to help his family by working abroad.

The government has denied paying $1.4 million in ransom saying it was their negotiation efforts that ensured the safe return of Tarongoy.

With this development the Department of Foreign Affrairs has stressed once again the work ban in Iraq.
The DFA has reiterated that the primary consideration in deploying Overseas Filipino Workers is their safety in their work environment.

The Namfrel claims there are no proofs of massive fraud in the May 2004 elections as alleged by some groups.
The independent body denies reports of conniving with the government to tamper the results of the previous electoral exercise and reflect the victory of the administration candidates. (PIA)

MANILA (24 June 2005) -- "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has never benefited from the proceeds of illegal gambling."
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman made the statement after Lingayen Archibishop Oscar Cruz linked the First Family to alleged money laundering and "jueteng" payoffs.

Bunye questioned the timing of Cruz's accusations as they were brought forth at a time of mounting efforts to destabilize the Arroyo Government.

He said the present administration is seeing a grand design to weaken and undermine the national leadership through a conspiracy of deception.

The Palace official said he respected the Archbishop's views but pointed out that he maybe an unwitting pawn in the clandestine plans of the opposition.

Meanwhile, Bunye conveyed that the government's fight against "jueteng" has been without let up and there is no doubt that it will be eradicated within the time frame set by President Arroyo. (PIA-MMIO)

Political noise erodes investors' confidence

MANILA (24 June 2005) -- The growing political noise hounding the Philippine nation is starting to erode investors' confidence at a time when the country needs it most to meet the uncertainties in the global economy.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye made the statement after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commented that political storm may derail economic prospects as other international financial institutions start to notice the political storm buffeting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's government.

Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, pointed out that the opposition continues to sabotage the economic gains but the Filipino people continue to thwart all efforts intended to weaken the economy.

He, however, expressed confidence that these incipient fears would be overcame by the country's strong economic fundamentals as the Arroyo Government remains determined to stay in the course of urgent change and reform.
"Our economy is resilient enough, and our political system's mature enough, to withstand all challenges," Bunye added. (PIA-MMIO)

Bunye says Opposition desperate for power

MANILA (24 Jun 2005) -- The opposition is desperately gunning for power.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the description of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's foes setting up pressure on her to talk on the alleged wiretapped conversation to rig the May 2004 elections.

Bunye stressed that President Arroyo will not turn her back on the sovereign mandate given to her by the Filipino people saying that it is the people who gave the President the power to lead, and only they can take it away through ordained political process.

He pointed out that the nation continues to move forward despite the mounting political noise and the Filipino people do not dignify or support isolated calls for the President to resign.

The Palace official reiterated that mob rule will never defeat the democratic rule under the present administration.
"The Government shall exercise maximum tolerance but we expect the opposition to exercise maximum prudence and not to test the limits of the law," he said. (PIA-MMIO)

Economy keeps on track amid controversy
by Rodrigo S. Victoria

Naval, Biliran (24 June 2005) -- Amid the controversies hounding the present administration, the country's economy remains resilient and is threading on the right track.

This was manifested anew with the confidence of the local and foreign investors to invest more in the country as shown in the record of the Board of Investments (BOI) which shows that for the first quarter of the year, BOI-approved projects amounted to $52.6 billion while PEZA-approved investments reached $13 billion.

It was also learned that China has committeed to invest at least $1 billion in the country's mining and railway sector.
The joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines also noted that with the full implementation of the Expanded Value Added Tax Law early next year along with important revenue administrative reforms, it is expected that it will begin to close the budget deficit, reduce the consolidated public sector deficit and ease the public sector borrowings.

President Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye stated that these political and economic challenges must steel our resolve to keep on track and sustain the momentum of our gains.

Secretary Bunye further said that with greater unity and focus, the country can insulate the economy from political pressures and stay the course of putting our fiscal house in order, growing investments and jobs and spreading safety nets to ease the burdens of our people.

In the local scene, during the recent visit of Senator Manuel Villar in the province of Biliran this year, he mentioned the importance of creting jobs in the countryside in order to propel the economy of the country.
Taking before students of the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), Senator Villar added that the people should rely more on oneself and not so much on government's help in the creation of wealth for the nation.

He also urged the students to engage in business or be an entrepreneur rather than dwell only on employment in order to contribute to the full economic development of the country.
The senator in closing stated that the only way that the country can move forward is for the people to engage in business which will directly help improve the economy. (PIA)

RP first wind farm starts feeding clean power to Ilocos residents
by Cristina Arzadon

BANGUI, Ilocos Norte (24 June 2005) -- Towering on a strip of shoreline along the Bangui bay here are 15 wind turbines that have started generating "clean power" under the Philippine's first wind farm feeding an initial 7 megawatts, equivalent to 40 percent of Ilocos Norte's power requirement.

Also a first in South East Asia, the Philippine wind power plant is composed of 15 wind turbines with a hub height of 70 meters and 41meter rotor blades having an installed capacity of 25 MW.

"Tapping abundant wind resources in the country's vast coastlines, is a significant stride in an environment-sensitive, clean-and-green energy program for the Philippines," said Niels Jacobsen, NWPDC president and a Danish investor.
The firm's executives led the Philippine government's energy officials, national and local leaders in a ceremonial switch-on Saturday morning at the wind farm site along a 3-km shoreline facing the South China Sea.

The wind turbines, all connected to the Luzon grid, had started delivering power to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative last month.

"As stated in our energy sales agreement, we will extend a 7 percent discount (lower than Transco rates) to Inec. This will reduce the power charges being paid by Ilocos residents," Atty. Ferdinand Dumlao, NWPDC chairman, said.
Dumlao added the firm will put up five units of wind turbines next year which can generate 8 MW to answer 50 percent of Ilocos Norte's power requirement.

The power cooperative, which has a total power requirement of 26 MW, will continue buying its remaining energy demand from Transco.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos showed up during the affair to throw her support behind her son Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

"I congratulate my son, he always surprises me. He continues to impress me. I think he is following the great steps of his father," Mrs. Marcos said.

"What we need now is energy that is environmentally-friendly. The Philippines has no reason to be poor. We've got it all," the Marcos widow added.

For his part, Governor Marcos said the country's first wind power plant will server as a model for more renewable energy around the Philippines.

"Ilocos Norte has always been at the end of the supply line (when it comes to power delivery). With the operation of this plant, we look forward to being at the other end of the supply line and avoid the difficulties that we had in the past," he said.

The wind farm should have started its commercial operation early this year but bad weather prevented the firm's technical staff from landing their equipment at the Bangui Bay. Majority of the turbine materials were shipped all the way from Denmark.

This wind-swept town was found to be one of three areas in Northern Luzon and of nine other islands and inner corridors across the country that can produce up to 70,000 MW of power.

"The wind is (normally) too strong out here. You don't see it today, but this is one of the very rare days when there is virtually no wind," Jacobsen quipped as the rotor blades made a sluggish swirl.

The wind at Bangui coast blows at a speed of 7 meters per second (mps). A wind mapping study conducted by the United States' National Renewable Energy Laboratory (US NREL) has found Bangui bay as one of the areas across the country where 10,000 square kilometers of windy land have been estimated to exist with good-to excellent wind resource potential.
A re-analysis of the US NREL wind mapping data, conducted jointly by the World Wide Fund for Nature and the University of the Philippines' Solar Laboratory, trimmed down the sites to 7,404 MW potential for the Philippines.

The NWPDC, composed of Filipino and Danish businessmen and engineers, led the way to the setting up of an environmentally friendly and economical source of power in response to the government's call to establish new and renewable sources of energy.

Former Energy Secretary Vince Perez said the Bangui wind farm is a big step towards energy independence while the Philippines is targeting to reach a 60 percent self-sufficiency in energy by 2010 by promoting wind power.
"We are on our way to making the Philippines a leader in wind power (in the Asian region). Let it not be forgotten that the epicenter of that goal started in the sandy shores of Ilocos," Perez said.

After the wind farm in Bangui, 16 other areas will be offered for investment with a total capacity of 345 MW.
The Philippines has been found to have a potential wind power of 76,600 MW leading other wind power producing countries like Germany (14,000 MW potential wind power), Spain and US (6,000 MW each), Denmark (3,000 MW) and India (2,100 MW).
Next to Ilocos Norte, 47 other provinces out of 73 in the country have a 500 MW of wind potential such as Batanes and Babuyan islands, the Northwest tip of Luzon, the higher interior terrain of Luzon and adjacent islands and well exposed East facing coastal location from Northern Luzon and southward to Samar. (PIA Ilocos)

Samar barangay captains still support Gloria Arroyo
by Ninfa B. Quirante

Tacloban City (24 June 2005) -- Determined to overcome the challenges of political crisis, divisive animosities, global war on corruption, President Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo gave her word that when the time comes, the Filipino people could expect an appropriate response to the issues at hand.

The President further said that the greater problems that face the nation are the economic challenges and pressures that are being compounded by threats of destabilization.

Citing this irresponsibility, she added that it is the ordinary Filipino who takes flak for the folly of some political leaders and their cohorts. She then vowed to fight hard to maintain the resiliency of the economy while keeping destabilizers at bay. Leaning on the trust and confidence of the business community as well as the continuing support of other sectors, the President once again vowed to fight corruption and create jobs through more investments.

Though Samar province does not openly exhibit its support to the Prsident, the Liga ng mga Barangay, President Calixtro Rosal in Catbalogan town still believes that GMA can hurdle the controversies that hound her and that she can take on the task of keeping our economy strong with a focused resolve.

Inside the Liga ng mga Barangay, Rosal assured that some 80% of the barangay captains in Catbalogan still support the President; however, like evryone else they would like to know the truth behind the wiretapping scandal. (PIA-Catbalogan)

Bunye to political leaders: "Shelve differences as nation mourns Sin"

Legazpi City (24 June 2005) -- Malacañang has urged all political leaders and their supporters to temporarily shelve their political differences in tribute and respect for Cardinal Jaime Sin as the nation mourns his death.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the statement after the former Manila Archibishop died at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center at age 76.

Bunye expressed hope that Sin's legacy will serve the nation, and mark the realization of his vision of unity, reconciliation, and cooperation for the country.

Sin is Philippines' most influential Roman Catholic spiritual adviser who helped oust two presidents in peaceful uprisings.

Meanwhile, Malacañang has expressed appreciation for the speedy and smooth handling on the wiretapping controversy by the Lower House despite procedural debates between lawmakers.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the appreciation after he took the stand as a witness before the House of Representatives' inquiry into the supposed wiretapped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.

Bunye said delays on the proceedings are but natural, and left the issue to be resolved by Congress' leaders and members of the investigating committees.

He pointed out that what is important is that a proper venue is already in place to discuss and look into all the matters concerning the wiretapping controversy.

The Palace official assured the country's legislators of the present administration's cooperation in ferreting out the truth.

Malacañang also expressed confidence in overcoming political and economic trials.

"We are confident that experience and proven resilience will help us withstand and overcome the (political and economic) trials."

This was the statement issued by Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye as political uncertainties and surging oil prices tumbled the country's main stock index to its lowest level in a week.
Bunye said these political and economic challenges must steel the country's resolve to keep on track and sustain the momentum of the economic gains.

"With greater unity and focus, we can insulate the economy from political pressures and stay the course of putting the fiscal house in order, growing investments and jobs, and spreading the safety nets to ease the burdens of the people," he added. (PIA)

No impending rallies, mass actions in Region 8 - PNP

Tacloban City (24 June 2005) -- Despite the scheduled rallies by militant groups in Manila, the Philippine National Police in Region VIII declared that Eastern Visayas is generally peaceful and that there are no reports of impending rallies or any mass actions have reached the office.

The Philippine National Police VIII further observed that the scandals/controversies confronting the present administration has not in any way affected the peace and order condition in the region.
Chief Supt. Dionisio Coloma Jr., PNP regional director said that 100 policemen has been deployed to Tacloban City but this is only to help maintain the peace and order during the city's fiesta celebrations.

"We need to take the necessary precautions because so many people come to Tacloban during the fiesta season," Coloma said, adding that he has instructed all provincial directors to monitor people coming from Mindanao who will come for the city fiesta celebrations.

Further, random mobile checkpoints are being conducted in various areas of the city and Police Assistance Centers have been established in the Fiesta activity centers particularly at the RTR Plaza, Balyuan Tower and Children's Park.
To avoid traffic congestions, traffic will be temporarily rerouted during the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival on June 29. (PIA

Leyte intensifies high value crops production

Tacloban City (24 June 2005) -- For the first time in many years, Leyteños are now enjoying high value vegetables and fruits produced in their own farms. And for the first time, farmers have graduated to become entrepreneurs in their own rights.
Whereas before, only very few variety of fruits and vegetables could be planted in the province, at present, vegetables like Baguio beans, sweet peas, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and few others usually only found and harvested in baguio City can now be grown with same quality in Leyte. The traditional vegetables like the eggplant, ampalaya, string beans, upo, squash, patola and the like are of better quality now because of new technology. Fruits not locally grown before in Leyte like the Musk Melon, Honey dew, Red Lady Papaya, Watermelon (Formosa), etc. are now being produced locally. Sweet corn is now flooding the market including tomatoes, bell or sweet pepper, and several others.

The new technology on high value crops was shared to Leyte constituents as a priority project of the Province several years back under the leadership of then Governor Remedios L. Petilla. Many farmers and professionals alike underwent a season long (about 3 months) hands on training on vegetables and fruit crops farming at the Leyte demo farm in Barangay Baras, Palo, Leyte. This program is being continued by the new Governor Jericho Petilla.

Now a congresswoman, Representative Remedios Petilla rallied all the seven First District Mayors to give priority to Agriculture especially on high value crops production in support to the program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. All the seven municipalities, Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, San Migue, Sta. Fe, Tanauan and Tolosa have their own Demo Farms where trainings are given to farmers.

At present, more than 70 farmers and professionals from the first district alone responded to the challenge of Congresswoman Petilla.

As a result of this campaign, Leyte now in general and the First District in particular, is reaping the fruits so to speak of its efforts. (PIA

Malakanyang nagluksa sa pagpanaw ni Cardinal Sin
by CL Cadorna

Cotabato City (24 June 2005) -- Nagpahayag ng malaking kawalan ang Malacanang sa pagyao ni Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Ang kanyang pagkawala ay itinuturing din nito na isang trahedya sapagka't ayon sa Malacanang, naging haligi na siya ng demokrasya sa Pilipinas matapos niyang pamunuan ang mapayapang pagkilos ng sambayanang Pilipino para bawiin ang kalayaan noong 1986.

Dalawang ulit na pinamunuan ni Cardinal Sin ang mapayapang rebolusyon sa bansa. Naging sandigan si Cardinal Sin ng mga lider ng ating pamahalaan, maging ito'y ukol sa pamahalaan, policy at personal na bagay.

Upang tapatan ang sakripisyo at pagmamahal ni Cardinal Sin sa sambayanang Pilipino, isang napakalaking hamon para sa bawa't isa ang ituloy ang kanyang laban tungo sa pangangalaga ng demokrasya sa bansa, mahalin ang bawa't kapwa at panatilihin ang tibay ng pananampalataya, panawagan ng Malacanang. (PIA)

Close Shave! Largest Asteroid to approach earth in 13 years will narrowly miss

MOSCOW, April 8 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Keep your head down. The largest asteroid to make a close approach to Earth in 13 years will be swinging past Earth at a distance of 1.1 million miles, or 4.6 times the distance from Earth to the moon.

The asteroid, 2014 JO25, will fly from the inner solar system and become visible in the night sky on April 19. It will be faintly visible with the use of a commercial telescope for one or two nights. JO25 won't come this close to Earth again until the 26th century, so this April will probably be your first and only opportunity to observe it.

The Minor Planet Center has designated JO25 as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA), which means it's a large asteroid that passes uncomfortably close to our planet. No impact is expected, so you can breathe easy â€" unless, after the events of the past few years, you were hoping for an impact to wipe out the human race.

JO25 was discovered in May 2014 by astronomers at the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, part of NASA and the University of Arizona’s Near Earth Object (NEO) Observations Project. Very little is known about the object specifically, other than it has a curiously reflective surface.

Astronomers call this a golden opportunity to learn more about the furtive planetoid. NASA and National Science Foundation observatories intend to train their radio telescopes on JO25, which may reveal surface details about the asteroid.

2014 JO25 is 2,000 feet across, making it one of the largest asteroids to come within striking distance of Earth in recent memory. The last time an asteroid outsized it was in 2004, when the 3.1-mile-long asteroid Toutatis came slightly closer to Earth.

In August 2027, the 2,600-foot asteroid 1999 AN10 will come within one lunar distance of Earth, a close call if there ever was one. (PNA/Xinhua)

Former educ Usec, 3 others liable for anomalous P56M loans

A former Undersecretary for Finance of then Department of Education, Culture and Sports has been found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of six counts of violation of Section 3(e) and one count of Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).  Adriano Arcelo, who served as concurrent President of Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) was convicted of five counts of Malversation for which he was sentenced to imprisonment of 10 to 18 years for each count.  He was also ordered to pay a fine of P6,554,500.00 as part of his civil liability.

The court also convicted FAPE Vice President Roberto Borromeo, Investment Director Rosa Anna Duavit and Program Officer Corazon Nera of multiple counts of graft and Malversation.

Ombudsman prosecutors proved that from 1994 to 1995, Arcelo obtained personal loans sourced from FAPE funds totalling P6,554,500.00.  It was also uncovered that Arcelo, et. al. approved the grant of a P50 million loan to the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, an educational institution chaired by Arcelo’s spouse.  The multi-million peso loans were secured through the undue accommodation extended by Borromeo, Duavit and Nera.

The anti-graft court ruled that in violation of the FAPE Manual, Arcelo displayed evident bad faith, when he obtained and received the personal loans with full knowledge of the nature of the FAPE funds as public funds.  The court added that the FAPE funds were specifically allotted for assistance to private education, and not for any unrelated matters such as the granting of personal loans to a FAPE officer.

“Instead of private educational institutions, the one who benefits is a FAPE officer tasked to ensure that the funds are managed in a prudent and judicious manner,” the court stated.

FAPE is a government-owned foundation created in 1968 under Executive No. 156.  It aims to provide a permanent trust fund to finance various programs of assistance to private education in the form of scholarships, grants, faculty incentives and other beneficial programs. To date, FAPE, under the Senior High Voucher Program of DepEd, is responsible for the distribution of discount vouchers to incoming Grade 11 under the K+12 program of the government.

Bohol Henann Resort Inc.
Philippines - Western Visayas - Iloilo (Others) - Golden Finance Bldg. Iznart St. Iloilo City

There is no stopping Henann Group of Resorts as it formally opens its centerpiece project in the province of Bohol. With 400 rooms, Henann Resort Alona Beach is the largest resort in Bohol.

“We consider Henann Resort Alona Beach a milestone in our company’s 17-year history as this is our first property outside Boracay. We had our soft opening in May of this year and we have been getting positive feedback since. ” said Dr. Henry O. Chusuey, Chairman of the Henann Group of Resorts.

Henann Resort Alona Beach boasts of the longest and widest beachfront along Alona Beach, a one and a half kilometer tropical paradise famous for its pristine, white sand and overlooking, rocky cliffs. It has room types ranging from deluxe, premier and suites to family, premier with direct pool access, presidential and pool villas. Its convention center can accommodate up to 1,000 participants.

“The architecture and design of our resorts in Boracay served as inspiration for Henann Resort Alona Beach’s over-all look and feel. We also utilized local materials like laminated shells and coconuts to showcase the natural beauty of the Philippines,” said Dr. Chusuey.

Henann Resort Alona Beach has three massive, pools with sunken bars. Other amenities include an open air venue for weddings, VIP lounge (soon to open), fitness and business centers, and a mini shop. Famous Henann brands that will be operational by 3rd quarter of the year are Kai Spa, all day buffet Sea Breeze Beach Club, and Western fine dining restaurant Christina’s.

“We build resorts with our clients first in our minds. We make it worth their stay whether they are with us for short or long-term. We always give our guests the best possible service as the goal is to make them happy from the moment they check in until they leave,” said Chusuey.

“We also make it a priority to give back to the community by employing locals. We currently have a staff of 450 and most of them are Boholanos,” added Chusuey.

Bohol is centrally located in the Visayas region and is only an hour away by plane from Manila. Land transfer from provincial capital Tagbilaran City to Henann Resort Alona Beach takes about 30 minutes.

- source: trabahoph.com

GMA handang magsalita ukol sa tapes - Palasyo

Cotabato City (24 June 2005) -- Muling tiniyak ng Malakanyang ang kahandaan ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na magsasalita kaugnay sa kontrobersyal na wire-tapping conversation sa tamang panahon.

Ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye, mas pinagtoonan-pansin ngayon ng Pangulo ang mabibigat na suliraning kinakaharap ng bansa - ang economic problems at social pressures na lalo pang pinalala ng banta ng destabilisasyon.
Idinagdag pa ni Bunye na lehitimo ang pagkapanalo ni GMA sa pagkapangulo noong nakaraang 2004 Presidential election.
Nanawagan na rin ang Malakanyang sa oposisyon na tigilan na ang walang-katapusang banghayan sa politika na lalo lamang magdulot ng pagkakahahati-hati ng bansa at pagbagsak ng ating ekonomiya.

Hinimok din nito ang oposisyon na makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan at isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng naghihirap na mamamayang Pilipino. (PIA)

NBI files criminal raps vs 3 Britons on boiler room operations in Cavite

MANILA, April 7 (PNA) -- Three British nationals are facing criminal complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after they were involved in boiler room operations being conducted in the country targeting foreigners.

In a press conference held at NBI headquarters in Manila on Friday, NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin identified the three suspects as Andrew Robson, Graham Allan Bennet, and Dominic Whellams, who were all working in Plustel Solutions Inc. as consultant, trainer and IT expert, respectively.

Lavin said the three Britos were arrested on Tuesday at their office at Plustel Solutions Inc., 88 Building, Governor's Drive, Barangay Maduya, Carmona, Cavite.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Cynthia Marino-Ricablanca of the Fourth Judicial Region, Santa Cruz, Laguna, the operation was conducted jointly by the NBI's International Operations Division (IOD) and the Securities and Exchange Commission's Investor Protection Department (SEC-IPD).

Lavin said a previous verification showed that Plustel has no authority to offer securities.

“There is no prior application for secondary license from the Commission,” he said.

Lavin said they still cannot determine how much damage was caused by the operation.

“We will determine it after an interview with the victims and a forensic examination (of the computers),” Lavin told reporters.

The three Britons were facing a case for violation of the Securities Regulation Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The NBI also arrested 35 other Filipino personnel who were caught in the act of selling securities.

The NBI also brought in for investigation and verification 172 other individuals working as data miners, qualifiers and verifiers.

For his part, SEC Director Jose P. Aquino said that boiler room operation is a way of solicitation or selling of securities that is under high pressure sales tactics.

Aquino said the operation was conducted based on tips received by the SEC on Plustel illegal operation.

Plustel is operating in Maduya, Carmona in Cavite.

Prospective investors were usually chosen from engineering, oil and gas and manufacturing industries.

The victims were initially contacted over the telephone made by tele-qualifiers who assess prospective victim's financial capacity and willingness to invest. (PNA)
/CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN

Bicol University open university program on stream

Legazpi City (24 June 2005) -- The Bicol University, thru the Graduate School, has started offering some graduate programs under its Open University Program this first semester of school year 2005-2006.

Initially, the programs offered via distance education mode are Master of Arts in Public Administration (MAPA), Master in Management (MM), and Master in Local Government Management (MLGM).

The Open University Program seeks to provide wider access to quality education adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence in order to produce trained manpower required for the development of the Bicol region.

It is an innovative way to address some limitations which hinder prospective students from pursuing graduate education like distance from educational centers, office workload, family concern, and other physical barriers.

Interested parties who wish to pursue quality advance education thru distance education for their professional growth are invited to take this opportunity.

Inquiries can be forwarded to Prof. Jesse P. Opeña, College Secretary, at telephone numbers (052) 481-1454 and 481-7881. (PIA)

No Filipino casualty in truck attack in Sweden: DFA

MANILA, April 8 (PNA) -- No Filipino was hurt in the truck attack in Sweden, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.

DFA spokesman, Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, said the Philippine embassy in Stockholm has been making the rounds of the Filipino community as well as hospitals to check if any Filipino was injured when a truck drove into a crowd on a shopping street and crashed into a department store in the Swedish capital on Friday.

“So far, there are no reports of Filipinos to be among the casualties in the bus attack in Sweden,” Jose said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Friday’s incident in Stockholm killed four people and wounded 15 others.

Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said it appeared to be a terrorist attack, although no one has claimed responsibility for it.

Two suspects have however been arrested. (PNA)
SFM

Arrested ISIS members transferred to AFP

MANILA, April 8, 2017(PNA) -- The two suspected members of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), who were arrested recently in Taguig City, are now in the custody of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Based on the letter sent to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II by NBI Fugitive Search Unit, Husayn Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait citizen; and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, were properly turned over to AFP custody on Saturday, through Major Jonathan Escopalao, ISG PA, AFP at ISG HQ Fort Bonifacio Taguig City.

Aguirre said the Justice Department would continue its investigation to determine if there were other members of the terrorist group in the country following the arrest of the duo.

"We are going to continue, in partnership with our intelligence units, to verify if there are other persons involved," said Aguirre.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Al-Dhafiri and Zina on March 25.

The two, whose arrests stemmed from the deportation request of the Kuwaiti Embassy, were detained at the NBI while awaiting the finalization of the deportation proceedings against them.

Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS.

Al-Dhafiri is allegedly involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait, while Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal Al-Kuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.

Aguirre said the couple had been in the country since January 28 using working visas which was facilitated by a local company called Q8 Solutions.

Citing verification made by the BI of Al-Dhafiri's travel records, the DOJ chief noted that the Kuwaiti has been in the Philippines several times in 2016 using a tourist visa.

Aguirre said the two were charged for violation of immigration laws in the country as they failed to present immigration documents.

He added that deportation proceedings are being conducted.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente assured that the bureau is conducting an investigation against the company.

Since their arrival last January, Morente learned during the debriefing of the couple that the couple went to Davao for four days and to Cebu for three days.

During the couple's stay, Morente admitted that it was possible that the two may have met with members of local terror groups like the Maute.

"That is a possibility and that is being investigated by our intelligence service," he assured.

“I think this company (Q8 Solutions) was being investigated by the House (of Representatives) Rep. Joey Salceda in 2016 for illegal recruitment,” the BI chief added.

Morente said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be deported to Qatar since it was her last known location before she arrived in the country.

He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two. (PNA)
CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN

LTFRB: Bus drivers may only drive for 6 hours

MANILA, April 8 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is urging public utility bus drivers (PUBs) to drive for only six hours to prevent fatigue, which results in road accidents.

In its memorandum, the LTFRB stated that an alternate driver must be on standby to take over in case the driving period exceeds six hours.

Bus conductors cannot be alternate drivers so they could provide continuous assistance to passengers.

“Driver fatigue is a serious problem resulting in many road mishaps,” the LTFRB stated.

The policy will be implemented effective Sunday, April 9.

Noncompliance with the directive will be subject to penalties amounting to PHP5,000 for first offense, PHP10,000 and suspension of 30 days for second offense, and suspension of 60 days for third offense.

If the violation results in a vehicular accident causing damage to property or death and injuries to people, the LTFRB will consider it as an aggravating circumstance in the determination of penalty to be imposed as a consequence of the accident. (PNA)
ABP

15th Eagle Quiz highlights environment month celebration

by MS Arguelles
LEGAZPI CITY (24 June 2005) -- Preparations are in place for the holding of the 15th Eagle Quiz contest, one of the highlights for the annual observance of Environment Month this June.

The annual quiz competition which took off yesterday for the provincial elimination and on June 28 for the regional finals is under the auspices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environment Management Bureau (EMB) in Bicol, the UNOCAL Philippines, Inc. (UPI) and the Pollution Control Association of the Phils., Inc. (PCAPI) Bicol chapter.

The Eagle Quiz Contest aims to promote awareness and consciousness among the youth and students on the concept of environmental management and sustainable development.

EMB Bicol regional director Gilbert Gonzales at the launching ceremonies held Monday at the Pepper Land Hotel here, said that holding the competition annually for the past 15 years showed marked improvement among the studentry and academic institutions in joining the competition.

He said that the youth, aside from their consciousness on environmental issues and concerns now demonstrate their involvement to help address various environmental concerns.

PCAPI coordinator Amy Gonzales said that the organization has been advocating to academic institutions in the region to include in the school curricula subjects that deal with the environment to encourage students to get involved in community movements like "linis ilog/dagat".

UPI operations manager Pete Joson explained that the annual Eagle Quiz is a proven effective venue through academic competition for the youth's environmental awareness and encourages as well interests in the field of science, and on the various concepts of environmental management and sustainable development among elementary and high school students.
The DENR has launched the Eagle Quiz Contest in 1990 and since then had been an annual activity in the last 15 years. Last year, a total of 129 pupils both from elementary and secondary levels joined the contest.

The contest is open to bonafide Grade VI and fourth year high school students from public and private schools in the six provinces of Bicol.

Although the main subjects of the contest are Science and Mathematics, the focus is on matters related to environment and natural resources.

UPI corporate affairs officer Edgar Sevilla said that the competition will fall under two levels, the provincial eliminations and the regional finals dubbed as the Battle of the Eagles which will be held on June 28 at the Pacific Mall here.

The Unocal has provided close to P150,000 in cash and trophies for the winners in the provincial and regional competitions.

A P60,000 cash prize is at stake for the winners in the provincial levels in the two categories.
For the regional finals of "The Battle of the Eagles" for both categories, the 1st prize winners will receive P10,000 cash each plus trophy; 2nd prize - P5,000 plus trophy; and 3rd prize - P3,000 and trophy.

Sevilla said that the UPI would bestow the Environmental Care Award plus P10,000 in cash prize if the champions in the two categories will come from the same school.

The Unocal formerly known as PGI, a multinational firm pioneering in geothermal energy development in the country, has developed and explored the vast geothermal resources in Tiwi town in Albay, and in Makiling and Banahaw in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas. (PIA Albay)

Philippine Army conducts medcap in Bato town

by JR Pardo
LABO, CAMARINES NORTE (24 June 2005) -- The Philippine Army 902nd Infantry (Fight & Service) Brigade, headed by Col. Arnulfo A. Ylanan, conducted medical and dental outreach on June 3, 2005 that benefited residents of 18 barangays of Bato, Camarines Sur.

Ylanan said the MEDCAP benefited 692 medical and 157 dental patients from Barangays Agos, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Masoli, Niño Jesus, Divina Pastora, San Rafael, San Vicente, Tres Reyes, San Miguel, Sooc, Mainit, Cotmon, Del Rosario, Lobong, Lubigan, Mangga and Cristo Rey.

The MEDCAP followed the month long series of information dissemination and dialogue conducted by Task Force "CMO" headed by LTC Jose R. Pardo, 902nd IBde executive officer. The purpose of the dialogue is to enhance the Bato residents' awareness on AFP's role on peace, security and development.

During the grand pulong-pulong, Town mayor Jaime Timbang Gonzales, lauded the activities as significant and worthwhile to the people of Bato and to his administration with the AFP as partner in delivering basic services to bring the government closer to the people.

Mayor Gonzales said that this is not a form of propaganda but an activity that the government should do for the people and the people to the government. He urged Bato townsfolk to support the call of the AFP in the campaign against terrorism to prevent the society from joining the Godless ideology of Communism.

At the pulong-pulong the KALAHI Para sa Kalayaan group addressed the issues and concerns raised by the barangay officials regarding improvement and development of their respective barangays. (902nd IBde)

CASAFI participation boosts Mts. Isarog protection drive
by LS Macatangay

NAGA CITY (24 June 2005) -- The Archdiocese of Caceres has taken active involvement in the protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur.

At the launching of the Mount Isarog Integrated Area Development Program (MIADP) on Wednesday, June 22, the Archdiocese through the CASAFI formally signified its commitment to a direct participation in safeguarding Mount Isarog and venturing on projects that would lead to its rehabilitation.

Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legazpi, Archbishop of Caceres and concurrent chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI) said that this endeavor is his vision for Mt. Isarog, motivated not just by ecology but by practical sense.

In his homily during the thanksgiving mass before the formal launching of the program, Archbishop Legaspi said that faith is the reason for the launching of the project.

Representatives from various stakeholders and institutions have also expressed their support and commitment for the program. Pili town mayor Tom Bongalonta said the local government unit would pass ordinances and resolutions, specifically citing rules for the protection of Mount Isarog.

Naga City vice-mayor Gabriel Bordado commended the Archdiocese for taking the lead in protecting the sanctuary that provides life support to a lot of living things.

Dr. Wilfredo Olaño, Camarines Sur State Agricultural College president, offered the institution's programs in providing support to MIADP.

He cited among others, the Institute for Environmental Governance that caters to environmental concerns, the Knowledge Center for Biodiversity with HARIBON Foundation, the Business Assistance Center in partnership with the World Bank, DTI and DOST, and the Center for Non Conventional Energy.

These departments, he said, will offer the best assistance they could to support efforts to rehabilitate Mount Isarog.
Rev. Fr. Nelson Tria, CASAFI executive director, said that the program will be undertaken in three components: Reforestation, alongside with biodiversity monitoring through policy and issue advocacy geared towards the conservation and rehabilitation of Mount Isarog; community based health care side by side with appropriate agricultural livelihood through livelihood micro enterprises; and capability building projects of NGOs, POs and NGAs to strengthen community-based organizations.

With the participation of the academe, LGUs, parish pastoral councils, non-government organizations, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with other line agencies, Mt. Isarog Guardians, and the media taking significant steps in safeguarding the mountain, the Archdiocese of Caceres is confident that the bounty of Mount Isarog will be enjoyed by the next generations, Tria said. (PIA Cams. Sur)

Only 3 schools in Bicol offering nursing course post average performance in PRC exams
by NI Mediavillo

LEGAZPI CITY (24 June 2005) -- Among the higher educational institutions in Bicol offering the nursing course only three are classified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as average performers relative to the number of graduates passing the examinations administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

This was learned from CHED Bicol regional director Dominador Peralta who identified the said HEIs as Universidad de Sta. Isabel in Naga City, Bicol University Main Campus in Legazpi City and the Bicol University Tabaco campus in Tabaco City.
Peralta said that these three HEIs in Bicol have reached passing averages, among their graduates that took the PRC examinations, that fall within the 50 per cent to 74 per cent passing average classification.

He said that based on the CHED ranking of 175 HEIs nationwide offering the nursing course, USI is ranked no. 53 with a passing average of 60.02 per cent, BU Legazpi is ranked No. 59 for a passing average of 57.08 per cent, and BU Tabaco ranked No. 64 for a 52.46 per cent passing average.

Based on the CHED nationwide ranking of the top HEIs nursing graduates passing the PRC examinations in the last five years, the University of the Philippines is first in the list of the top five performers nationwide with a 100 per cent passing average, followed by St. Paul College in Ilioilo (99.57 per cent), Siliman University (98.39 per cent), West Visayas State University (97 per cent) and University of Sto. Tomas for a 96.87 per cent clip.

Peralta said that the CHED in Bicol has also called the attention of 13 higher education institutions in the region regarding some courses being offered whose graduates showed poor performances in the PRC examinations in the last five ears.

He said in Monday's interview that so far eight of the 13 HEIs notified have sent their replies to the office. "These eight HEIs have asked the CHED for reconsideration in the courses being offered where graduates who took the PRC examinations could not account with the 8 per cent passing cut-off."

Peralta said that low performing HEIs need to enhance their graduates' performance in the PRC examinations by improving the teaching skills of the faculty, school facilities like laboratory and library for them to meet the new CHED guidelines. "The Commission in an en-banc resolution (No. 201 series of 2005) has raised the cut-off for passing the PRC examinations to 30 per cent starting 2008." (Radyo ng Bayan)

Arroyo hails international ICT conference organizers
by Roberto M. Cabardo

Cebu City (23 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated the organizers of the 1st International Conference and Exhibition on Business and Information and Communication Technology held in the Mediterranean Room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel yesterday.

The President, who declared June as ICT Month, considered the ICT Congress as the centerpiece of the celebration. She also cited that for Filipinos, ICT means "jobs for our young people, a tool for mass education, and an instrument for good governance."

Likewise, she also reported that in the last four years of her administration, the ICT industry has created thousands of jobs. "In the first six months this year, the industry had already created 40 thousand jobs," she said.

Speaking to a thousand delegates from here and abroad, the President reiterated her goal of making the Philippines as global center for outsourcing and have quality citizens who are software developers, medical transcriptionists, call center agents and other ICT related workers.

To achieve this, according to her, means facing the second phase of her economic reform program that includes dealing with the shocking effect of the latest oil price hike, political bickerings, and graft and corruption. To recall, the passage of tax legislations in congress and other revenue generating initiatives are part of the first phase of PGMA's economic reforms.

Although she paid the political price of all the economic reforms she has done, the President appealed to the public to help the government's fight against corruption, prosecution of tax cases, investigation and dismissal of government workers who failed in the lifestyle check, and customs reforms.

Before ending her twenty-minute speech, Arroyo stressed the need for Filipinos to unite in facing the "daunting challenges of the second phase" of her economic reforms.

Welcoming Pres. Arroyo were Commission on ICT Chair Virgilio Peña, Cebu ICT Chair Bonifacio Belen, DTI Sec. Juan Santos, Gov. Gwen Garcia, CCCI Pres. Robert Go, and other officials like Francis Monera, and Wilson Ng. Also present were Sec. Cerge Remonde, and DOE Sec. Rafael Lotilla.

Other Areas of PGMA Visit in Cebu
After speaking in the 1st ICT Conference, Pres. Arroyo flew to Badian, a town in southwestern Cebu, for a ceremonial switch-on that would complete Kepco's Electrification of 202 barangays under the Adopt-a-Barangay Electrification Project in Tayong Elementary School.

Aside from this, the President is scheduled to grace the launching of Chi Spa Village, the so-called biggest spa in the country, located in Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort later today. (PIA 7)

DTI coordinates livelihood activities in Leyte

Maasin City (23 June 2005) -- The Department of Trade and Industry has been at the forefront of initiating livelihood activities but with strong coordination with the local government units and other concerned national line agencies.

According to Michael Nuñez, DTI Provincial Director, his office managed a vegetable production in partnership with a Non-Government Organization and the provincial government.

Nuñez said he has been linkaging with Technical Education Skills Development Authority and Department of Science and Technology, among others. for other profitable concerns that affect the economic plight of the people. (PIA â€" Southern Leyte)

Prices of basic goods stable â€" DTI

MAASIN CITY (23 June 2005) -- The Department of Trade and Industry has ascertained that prices of basic commodities remained stable despite fears of spiraling costs of consumer goods.

Michael Nuñez, DTI Provincial Director, revealed during the KAABAG Cable TV program last week that in their monthly monitoring over the past five months since January, this year, the average slight rise in prices was only P2.25, well below the 10% increase allowed by law.

Nuñez urged the consuming public to ask original receipts everytime they buy something at stores, so the OR can be compared for any substantial price increase in the next month.

The OR can also be used as a proof of purchase for any complaints on the goods bought, aside from being a big help in the government’s tax collection system, Nuñez added. (PIA-So.Leyte)

US, EU and member states support Arroyo
By Rose Palacio

Davao City (23 June 2005) -- The United States, European Union (EU) and its member States (Germany, Sweden, Spain, Finland and the EC) are supporting the Republic of the Philippines under the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a joint statement of EU and its member States during the recent RP Development Forum in Davao, it stated that EU is supporting the President in undertaking decisive reforms that reduce fiscal, regulatory, legal, judicial and political uncertainties, and enhancing the country's competitiveness, improving physical and human capital and through raising domestic investments.

EU also commended the efforts of the Philippine Government in promoting respect for human rights; the passage of new laws against human trafficking and violence against women and children, as well as submitting compliance reports to treaty monitoring bodies last year.

The European Union is committed to assist the Philippines in meeting its challenges on the road to sustainable development, EU statement said.

On the other hand, the US applauded the Philippines for its achievements in the face of major economic, governance and social challenges.

Macroeconomic performance improved in 2004 with 6.1 percent growth in real Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
Poverty incidence has declined from 33 percent of the population in 2000 to 30.4 percent in 2003.

Like many Filipinos, the US delegation stated that it also recognized the efforts of PGMA in eradicating graft and corruption; in addressing the country's increasingly serious debt burden and continued deficit problem; in promoting growth and stability; allowing investment in RP's future; and in promoting peace and development in Mindanao.

The statement further stated that "each of the two countries (the US and the Philippines) together will strengthen our partnership and advance with even greater energy and accomplishments our mutual security, prosperity, and service to our two peoples. We stand ready to provide the partnership necessary towards the achievement of Philippine development goals." (PIA-RPalacio)

PGMA allots 500 Million yearly for waterless barangays
By Mai B. Gevera

Davao City (23 June 2005) -- The President's Priority Program on Water (P3W) which aims to increase the number of households access to potable water supply has identified 141 identified waterless municipalities in Mindanao.

The program covered areas under various peace agreements with the government of the Philippines. In Sulu, a war-torn province, the program has given hope to the number of barangays with the lowest level of access to water..

Sulu Provincial Administrator Don Loong bared that water system in the area remains very low level because previous water projects lack the social preparation component.

"People lack awareness on how they could possibly contribute to maintain a sustainable water infrastructure. They were not informed on how they could be accountable for any system failure," Loong said.

He noted that conflicts in Sulu had brought some parties wanting to destroy aspects of sanitation and health.
P3W will provide effective social intervention through various capability-building activities to ensure that the project will run properly and efficiently

The program will support projects with clear and actual consumer demand. Beneficiaries are called to be directly and actively involved in the selection of water supply and sanitation projects in terms of the level of service, technology, and location of facilities that best fit their needs with clear understanding of the costs and responsibilities.
Beneficiaries must work hand in hand in the aspects of problem analysis, project identification, development, implementation, and monitoring.

It offers an "open menu" of water supply and sanitation projects like construction of new Level I or Level II water supply system, Rehabilitation of existing Level I or Level II, Upgrading, and water source development preparatory for Level III systems. (PIA/Mai B. Gevera)

EIB finances nine operations in RP
By Rose Palacio

Davao City (23 June 2005) -- While the European Investment Bank (EIB) continues to support a number of public sector projects in Asian countries, the focus of its operations is geared particularly towards the private sector in areas of intervention such as infrastructure, industry, agro-industry, mining and service sectors.

In the Philippines, EIB has financed nine (9) operations in both public and private sectors. In 1994 and 1995, it supported the Philippines in the construction of the Davao International Airport, providing funding for EUR 25m for its terminal building, and has also financed the Union Cement plant (previously known as Davao Cement) with a loan of EUR 23m.

In the power sector, the EIB has been actively involved with the First Gas for the constriction of the Santa Rita gas plant in Batangas with two loans provided in 1997 for the equivalent of EUR 72m.

During the same year, it approved a loan of EUR 25m to finance, jointly with the Asian Development Bank, the development of smaller airports to improve communication and tourism.

The EIB has also provided a loan of EUR 50m in 1998 to support the upgrading and extension of water supply and distribution systems in west Manila.

In the industrial sector, the EIB has been actively involved in the development of the semiconductor business by providing a loan of EUR 93.2m in 2001 to Philips Semiconductors Philippines Inc. for the expansion of its plant and operations in Calamba, Manila.

In 2004, the Bank signed two global loans to assist small and medium scale investments in the Philippines: the first loan, for USD 50m, was provided to ABN AMRO Bank Inc., a subsidiary of ABN AMRO NV; the second line of credit, for an amount of EUR 25m, was provided to the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The Bank intends to continue to finance eligible operations of this kind in the Philippines. It is actively looking for projects of mutual EU-Philippines interest that will have a positive impact on both national and regional development and particularly in public utilities, including its power sector, industry, tourism and the service sectors. (PIA-RPalacio)

Job seekers can avail of PESO services - DOLE

By Rose Palacio
Davao City (23 June 2005) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encouraged job applicants to avail of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) centers which was established in all the cities and municipalities in the region.
DOLE employment division chief Ofelia Domingo said Labor XI Director Ma. Gloria Tango has instructed the employment and promotion division to undertake strategies in line with the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to generate job employment in all regions of the country.

PESO was established primarily to make available the listings of job openings, both in government, business establishment, academe and other sectors that have job vacancies.

Job seekers can inquire for any job vacancies that suits their (applicants) qualifications, Domingo said.
National data from DOLE's Bureau of labor and Employment statistics showed that migratory workers, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable persons were assisted in looking for jobs through various employment programs of the government.

Nationwide, PESO has helped thousands of job seekers as seasonal agricultural workers; Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs); thousands were also assisted through job placement; self employed assisted through the Tulong sa May Kapansanan (TULAY) which is a DOLE's flagship program for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In a recent job encounter held in SM City mall, a number of PWDs were hired by about 20 companies who participated during the JOB's Fair.

For the period of about seven (7) years (1997-2004) more than 4,400 physically and differently-abled job seekers were benefited by the DOLE-PESO in coordination with the Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan Foundation Inc. (KKFI) headed by Dr. Maria Luisa Aportadera.

Another form of employment through which DOLE has assisted is the youth sector through the Work Appreciation Program (WAP) and the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) which aims to instill work appreciation values and ethics among young people through actual work exposure.

The DOLE's bureau of employment said PESO has consistently extended assistance to vulnerable groups despite difficult times. (PIA-RPalacio)

SP commends NFA for auction sale of imported rice

By Rose Palacio
Davao City (23 June 2005) -- City Councilor Pilar Braga, city council chair on trade and industry filed a resolution Tuesday during its regular session commending the National Food Authority (NFA) for successfully conducting an auction sale of imported Vietnam rice on April 26 and June 6 this year here in Davao City.

The NFA was tapped to facilitate the shipment into the country of the private's rice import volume and to sell them directly through auction after the national government earlier has authorized the private sector to import rice at a certain volume.

The auction was supposed to be conducted at the NFA central office but with the request of some Davao City grain traders owing to the high costs of going to Manila, the volume was distributed to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas.

The first auction sale with a volume of 250,000 rice bags was conducted April 26 at NFA Davao City. Participants included NFA licensed retailers and wholesalers or millers as well as farmers' organizations in the region.

The second auction was conducted June 6 also at NFA Davao City with a volume of 200,000 bags for Regions 11 and 12 and for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The rice auction in the Davao areas helped the private sector increase the supply of commercial rice in the region and in Mindanao.

The participation of the private sector in the rice importation activity also influenced in stabilizing the prevailing prices in the market, particularly in pulling down the price of commercial rice for the benefit of the consumers, Councilor Braga said.

She said the rice auction has made the consumers assured of sufficient rice supply not only of the government's NFA rice but also of commercial rice, and that the sufficient supply of rice in the market has helped prevent any attempt of rice hoarding.

Councilor Braga said the action has given farmers in Mindanao area particularly in Davao City the opportunity of earning their major source of livelihood during the lean months while waiting for the next planting, helped change them from mere rice producers to real rice entrepreneurs. (PIA-Rpalacio)

Limited incentives for new investments this year

Davao City (23 June 2005) -- New investments enrolled at the Board of Investments will have limited incentives starting this year.

Board of Investments (BOI) head for Davao Engr. Gil Dureza said they have still to receive the guidelines on the giving of incentives for investments in 2005.

"We expect the guidelines to come in the next 15 days that will most likely limit the giving of incentives for export," he said.

He said unlike in 2004 where investors enjoy full incentive package, the government will limit the incentives starting this year.

He said the Department of Finance as member of the board would like to limit the tax incentives and other perks inorder to maintain the country;s financial balance.

"There were reactions from the business sector on the plan of limiting the incentives when it was presented during the public hearing last year," he said.

But the government stood by its decision of limiting the incentives and that only the past top ten dollar earner will given full incentives, he added.

Dureza, however, pointed out said that it will have no impact to investments in Region XI because almost all of the investments are agri-based.

He said the agri-based investments on food are among the top export dollar earners even as he said that it is the sector that falls in the priority list of the government.

Dureza said that most likely the VAT -Zero will be among the tax incentive that will be removed. "Medyo malaki ito kasi 10 percent ang value added tax that will be applied to sales.

Dureza said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved on April 26, 2005 thru Memorandum Order No. 169 the 2005 Investment Priorities Plan.

Listed in the preferred activities are agribusiness, healthcare and wellness products and services, information and communications technology, electronics, motor vehicle products, energy, infrastructure, tourism, shipbuilding/shipping, jewelry, and fashion garments.

Other export activities not identified in the preferred list shall be entitled to limited incentives as specified in the IPP 2005 other preferred activities (PIA/pdb)

New investments in the Davao region under review by BOI

Davao City (23 June 2005) -- Investments in the Davao region amounting to P131 million which are now undergoing evaluation and review by the Board of Investments (BOI) will have to wait for the guidelines in the giving of incentives for 2005.
BOI head for Davao region Engr. Gil Dureza said the expansion project of the Philippine Japan Activated Carbon is the biggest with investment of over 100 million.

He said PJAC which came to Davao in the 70s had its first expansion in the 90s and will have its second round of expansion after more than 30 years of operation here.

But he said, the Japanese owner were a bit apprehensive with the latest policy on the giving of incentives because their product is classified as non-food agri.

Although agribusiness falls in the priority list of government, it is the food production and processing that were classified as top dollar earner, he said.

"We heard that those top dollar earner in the past will most likely be given full incentives," he said.
The other investments are that of KATSUOBUSHI with P10 million investments, a Japanese company which is expected to engage in the production of smoke fish and will be located in General Santos City.

The Owel Trading also in General Santos City with P2.5 million capital investment is contracted by Bounty Fresh in the milling of their food requirements for poultry.

The Hill Park Hotel in Midsayap, Cotabato for a 30-room hotel has an infused capital of P30 million.
The expansion of Jhaymarts Industries for the processing of two-meters pipes as culverts out of recycled plastics has an investment of P8 million.

Also in the list under review is the proposal of Critical Software Consultancy (CSC)with P500,000 infused capital under back office operation of the mother unit Somosite Inc. based in the US.

He said the installed program for ultrasound will be checked by CSC where the latter send the program back to its mother unit in the US for installation.

Dureza also said that there are programs in the pipe line even as he said that they expect no impact on the recent policies governing incentive package. (PIA/pdb)

OWWA grants livelihood opportunities to OFWs

Iloilo City (23 June 2005) -- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) families/organizations have now the opportunity to group together and earn through the “Groceria cum Botika” project of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
OWWA VI Family Welfare Officer Sarah Pasan said “Groceria cum Botika” project launched April last year is a livelihood program for OFWs and their dependents and at the same time an employment opportunity in support of the job generation thrust of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Under this project, livelihood loans are granted to Overseas Family Circles (OFC) or OFW organizations with at least 15 members. The loan is in form of merchandise goods worth P50,000. This is interest and collateral free, payable in two years. The only counterpart of the beneficiaries for the project are the structure/building and manpower. An incentive of P25,000 worth of medicines will be given to a “Groceria project” once it has paid up 75% of its loan.

“The project does not only create income-generating opportunities to target beneficiaries but also develop their entrepreneural skills and innovative ideas to maintain the store”, said Pasan.

Pasan said any existing OFW organization could avail of the project and if there are potential OFCs interested they are always ready provide assistance in organizing them.

The project, she added, also serves as a venue where OFWs and their dependents could get related information on programs, projects or activities that benefit them.

To date there are 26 existing “Groceria projects” in the region - 13 are set up in Iloilo, 6 each in Aklan and Negros Occidental and 1 in Aklan.

ECPAT, Terre de Hommes-Netherlands launch new book on child trafficking

Quezon City (23 June 2005) -- THE END Child prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT) Philippines in partnership with Terre de Hommes-Netherlands will launch a book titled “Endangered Generation: Child Trafficking in the Philippines for Sexual Purposes” on Friday, June 24, at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City.

Endangered Generation is a product of a research project from 2003 â€" 2004 that has recorded child trafficking practices for sexual purposes in Metro Manila, Laoag City, Bicol, Cebu, Dumaguete City, Cagayan De Oro City and Zamboanga City.
Victims who were interviewed were minors when the crime happened and those were 18 and above during the time of interview but below in the year 2000.

ECPAT Philippines Executive Director Dolores Alforte said the study ‘aims to inform the populace on how the children suffer and get affected during and after their grim experiences under the hands of traffickers.’
As for Terre De Hommes Regional Coordinator Frans Van Dik, Endangered Generations seeks to make the public understand the phenomena of trafficked children and to strengthen the struggle against child trafficking.

The book also shows proof that internal and cross border trafficking of children for sexual purposes is real and to provide bases for different agencies to learn more about the illegal practice.

Both ECPAT Philippines and Terre de Hommes-Netherlands hope that Endangered Generation will help government agencies, non-government agencies and other child rights advocates plan programs and activities to stop trafficking in their areas. (PIA)

Seeking the truth thru legal means

Cebu City (23 June 2005) -- As the nation mourns for Cardinal Sin until he is laid to rest on June 28, the period is ripe to put the destiny of the country into proper perspective as people close to and love the cardinal remember the man and his contribution to the country's history.

The fate of each and every Filipino truly depends on how we will unite as a nation in the face of the global challenge, the business sector said today in a media interview.

"We have gone through the same rough roads before and we are confident that our experience and proven resilience will help us withstand and overcome our trials," Presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said.

Bunye added, these political and economic challenges must steel the resolve of the government to keep on track and sustain the momentum of gains. With greater unity and focus, the economy is insulated from political pressures and stay the course of putting the fiscal house in order, growing investments and jobs and spreading the safety nets to ease the burdens of the people, Bunye opined.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal on the other hand, urges the people to seek the truth and work for justice and peace in our land. This was contained in a press statement as the cardinal led the archdiocese to mourn the death of Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.

"There is a call from the people for the President to be transparent and to use the peaceful and legal means in coming up with the truth," the cardinal said.

On the on-going wiretapping house inquiry, Presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said, what is important at this point is that there is already a proper venue in place to discuss and look into all the matters concerning the wiretapping controversy and the government appreciates the speedy and smooth handling of the inquiry. Bunye assures the legislators of the government's cooperation in ferreting out the truth behind it. (MBCN/PIA-Cebu)

Imbestigasyon ng Kamara sa tapped conversation
by Renee de Guzman
Laoag City (23 June) -- Nasayang ang unang araw ng imbestigasyon ng limang komite ng kamara sa iskandalo ng umano’y wire-tapped conversation ng Pangulong Arroyo at dating COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
Naging one day lost opportunity dahil mas mahaba pa ang oras na sinayang ng mga kongresista sa debate sa Rules of Procedure at Ground Rules na gigiya sa takbo ng imbestigasyon sa tale of the tape.

Ang Rules of Procedure ay matagal nang nakalatag para sa bawat legislative inquiry na isinasakatuparan ng mga komite sa Kamara. Ang Ground Rules naman para sa imbestigasyon sa tale ng tape last week pa napagkasunduan ng Chairmen ng limang komite na nagsasagawa ng joint investigation.

Lahat ay nag-abang sa imbestigasyong ito sa pag-asang agad tayong mabigyang linaw sa isyu ng sinasabing wire tapped conversation ng Pangulo. Pero sa halip na malinaw lalo pang naging malabo dahil sa mga kakulitan ng mga ilang pagsaway na mambabatas. May mga agaw eksena pang dalawang party list na nagsuot pa ng pasadyang barong na agad naghamon na marinig ang wired tapped conversation ng Pangulo. Dinagdagan pa ito ng mas mabigat na dating mga FPJ supporters na nagdulot ng abala sa atensyon ng mga kongresista.

Nanlaban ang mga FPJ supporters sa pamumuno ni Jinggoy Alcuaz nang hindi sila papasukin sa gallery sa Kamara. Ginamit nila itong isyu para pagbubulyawan ang mga security ng kapulungan hanggang sa mauwi sa gulo ang sitwasyon samantalang puede naman sanang idaan ito sa pakiusapan.

Nais siguro ng Kamara na tiyaking tahimik ang plenaryo kaya ito’y naghigpit sa pagpasok ng mga supporters ng oposisyon.
Sana nga makakabawi ang ating mga mambabatas sa mga darating na araw ng pagsisiyasat na ito. Dalawa hanggang tatlong Linggo ang time frame ng limang house committees para tapusin ang prosesong ito.

Sana hindi mauwi sa wala ang taning na ito ng Kamara para mabilis na maibalik sa normal ang ating lipunan. Mahalagang magkaroon agad ng konklusyon ang tale of the tape investigation ng walang bahid ng partisan politics. Hindi lang ang integrity ng kamara ang nakasalalay dito. Pati na ang iba’t-ibang government institutions lalong lalo na ang Panguluhan ng bansa.

Sa isyu ng pagbabagsak ng Piso at stocks
Ito na ang pinangangambahan natin ang negatibong epekto sa financial market mula sa kontrobersiyang kinakaharap ngayon ng gobyerno.

Bumagsak ng mabigat ang halaga ng piso sa halos magbreak na sa 56 na level at mahigit na 50 points naman ang bagsak ng composite index ng stock market.

Ito’y dala ng nerbiyos ng mga negosyante dahil sa ingay na dulot ng mga kalaban ng Pangulo. Ang kawalan ng katiyakan sa gagawing hakbang ng mga ito ang nagpabagsak muli sa piso at nagpababa ng trading sa stock market.
Alam natin na ito’y pansamantala lamang lalo pa’t buo na naman ang tiwala ng mga negosyante sa Pangulong Arroyo. Makadaragdag ng kanilang kumpiyansa ang pagkakaisa ng maraming sektor sa pagtutol sa anumang extra-constitutional measure para tapusin ang kasalukuyang problemang politikal.

Sa pagpanaw ni Cardinal Sin
Ang buong bansa ay nagluluksa sa pagpanaw ng isang haligi ng demokrasya at kasaysayan ng bansa. Ang inspirasyon na ibinigay ni Cardinal Sin sa ating mga Pinoy ay hindi mapapantayan. Bagamat umani ng batikos sa kanyang pagiging vocal sa politika, hindi maitatanggi ang naging mabigat na impluensya ng Kardinal sa pagbabago ng takbo ang ating pamumuhay. Itinuturing niyang moral responsibility ang gabayan ang mamamayan para makapili ng mahusay na liderato. Ang taglay na kakaibang karisma ni Cardinal Sin ay namumukod-tangi sa lahat ng lider ng simbahan. Tunay na malaking kawalan ang pagyao ng “Great Liberator” na mag-iiwan ng puwang sa puso nating lahat. (PIA Ilocos)

Results on the use of contraceptives to be out soon
by Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (23 June 2005) -- Updated information for the rapid assessment of contraceptive use in the Philippines will soon be available.

Provincial Statistician Frankie Dordas of the National Statistics Office disclosed that their office has recently conducted the 2005 family planning survey (FPS) together with the April 2005 labor force survey (LFS).The 2005 FPS involved interviewing all female members aged 15 to 49 years, regardless of marital status, who were usual members of the LFS sample households, he said, adding that the same was the ninth in the series of annual family planning surveys their office has undertaken since 1995.

The survey aims to determine the contraceptive prevalence rate in 2005, the contraceptive methods used by women, the differentials on the use of contraceptive methods between the poor and the non-poor women, know the unmet need for family planning, the discontinuation rate and the source of supplies and services.

Dordas explained that this year's survey has included selected questions pertaining to maternal and child health.Specifically, the percentage of children protected at birth against neonatal tetanus, percentage of women who are breastfeeding and its duration, and the percentage of children below 5 years old who received Vitamin A.

Dordas added that the survey also includes a rider questionnaire that will provide the Department of health data that can be used to evaluate its 'Ligtas Buntis' 2005 campaign. (PIA)

Region 8 acquires first community e-center
Tacloban City (23 June) -- The first Community E-Center in Region VIII was formally inaugurated recently at the ground floor of the municipal hall of Tanauan, Leyte. The occasion was attended by the director of operations of the National Computer Center (NCC), Dir. Theresa Camba, Congresswoman of the First District of Leyte, Hon. Remedios L. Petilla, the Municipal Mayor of Tanauan, Atty. Roque A. Tiu, the municipal and barangay officials, members of the academe and non government organizations.

The Community E-Center is a project of the NCC intended to serve the public through the use of internet thus opening the electronic highway to the municipalities. This is in answer to the 10 point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which she spelled out in her State of the Nation Address.

Included in the project is the transfer without cost to the municipality of 4 units of computer sets with printer and video cam and a 4 in 1 machine for telephone, fax, copier and scanner.

The E-Center offers internet services and tutorials in computer operations at very affordable fees. The employees are allowed to learn computer operations starting at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon. It is open to the public from 8:00 o'clock in the morning to 12:00 o'clock midnight. The Municipal Library was transferred to the center to complement the operations of the Center and so that researchers will only visit one venue.

Aside from Tanauan, Leyte, the other Local Government which is a recipient of a similar project from NCC is Tolosa, Leyte, located 6 kilometers south of Tanauan. Mayor Hilario Caadan and the other Municipal and Barangay Officials were also present during their inauguration. The e-center here is not yet operational though during the inauguration. (PIA

Philippine Government finally wins Tarongoy freedom
by Jennilyne O. Casimiro
La Union (23 June) -- Robert Tarongoy’s release from his Iraqi abductors after 7-months of captivity brought the nation in joy most especially to his family who never lost hope for his safe release.

The event manifests the government’s sincerity in handling trying moments and won victory with zest. Malacañang stressed that Tarongoy’s courage and perseverance of the Iraq crisis team sealed the victory. Our faith will carry us through all trials.

On the wiretapping hearing, Cebu Rep. Clavel Martinez claimed she was convinced that it was the President and Garcillano on the tape and promised to bring one in the Congressional session today. The question at hand is the authenticity of the said tape, the mere fact that several tapes are in circulation already.

The issue on whether or not the audiotapes be aired is laid upon the decision of the committees handling the case and our respect for their rulings should be given.

Our quest for the truth should not be exploited by an investigation turning political circus in the lower house.

On the economic side, Malacañang assured the people that despite political crises, the government is continuously venturing into all possibilities to lessen the consequences of the socioeconomic pressures. The government is committed in generating more investments, both local and foreign; provide more job opportunities; instituting reforms to maintain fiscal stability and implement more pro-poor programs.

The continuous attempts to discredit the government does not impair the dedication and commitment of the President in carrying out her planned programs and projects to uplift the poor living condition of the people.

With all the trials the country is facing into, we are holding on to the hope brought about by the courage of Tarongoy and the sacrifice for the common good of Cardinal Sin. (PIA Ilocos)