MikeLigalig.com

Quote from: Macky Ferniz on September 23, 2007, 01:54:55 AM
Aha! This gives me an Idea to build a "Home for the Aged" in Bohol, where rich pensioners could spend their dollars in a 5 star resort type, ultimate service retirement home instead of a hospital type, low service retirement camp back in the US.

Macky, there is a world-class home for the aged facility in Baclayon. Only few people know about this.

I was talking to my would-be wife today and she related to me a story she got from Cebu.

Believe it or not, a resident in Cebu woke up this week without the gate of her big house. The steel gate was big and long and of course heavy, yet the intruders managed to cart it away.

What is this?

Tell me, what is happening to our country?

Quote from: EL MUNDO on September 23, 2007, 12:44:55 AM
posted naman na...

This one is written by Rey Anthony Chiu with the opinion of a government agency. The other posting is from GMA News TV.

Anyhow, I want to repost this a thousand and even a million times here since the ignorance and lack of awareness of many Boholanos have left them miserable in Thailand. They sold lands and carabaos just to get to Thailand because they were promised of fake employment.

I had written about this in newspaper while I was in Bohol, but still more and more Boholanos were still victimized by this illegal recruitment.

People perish for lack of knowledge.

Quote from: junayag on September 23, 2007, 12:08:11 AM

my heart bleeds for the family and relatives of the victim.  i cannot help but reflect to what happened to my father 45 years ago ( he was murdered at the young age of 32 kay gi-a an , pinagkamalan of having an illicit affair with the wife of the killer ).  I was a tiny 4 years old then with my 2 sisters at 2 years old and the other at 9 months.  My mother was widowed at the same age as my father.

Though justice was served having the killer spent 25 years in Muntinlupa, this was not enough to pay for the hardships we've gone through especially for my mother who as a single parent brought us to what we are now.

Through the years I've overcome to inflict vengeance...though maybe we've forgiven but it's not forgotten.  I have seen the killer face to face after spending his sentence... and I don't have any feeling at all towards this person...

God has His plans...after our pains, we harvested successes. All I could say is I pitied the family who killed my father ( kay looy kaayo ang nanghitabo sa ilang mga anak og pamilya ).

All I could do is only sigh...what life would be with my father around.... we haven't seen nor felt the warmth cuddle of our father... but we felt the abundant blessings from our Heavenly Father....

It happened in Anda, Jun?

Written By June S. Blanco

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado has sought the turnover of the Loboc jumbo bridge to that
municipality.

  In a letter to Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the
governor reminded the former of the instruction of President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo by cellphone to turn over the “famous” bridge so that the
municipality can convert it into a park or hanging garden or whatever
tourism-related purpose it will serve.

  President Arroyo gave the instruction to Ebdane during her visit to Loboc last
August 24 when she inaugurated the Loboc Children’s Theater built at P8 million
with funds donated by Ambassador Carlos Chan â€" the Philippines’ special envoy to
China, watched the Loboc Children’s Choir perform and had an unscheduled cruise
upstream to the small busay (falls) and back.

  Aumentado said the municipal government under Mayor Leon Calipusan has plans of
developing the bridge into a tourist attraction and the situs of souvenir shops
and other facilities to cater to thousands of tourists.

  To note, one of Ebdane’s predecessors, former Secretary Gregorio Vigilar had
called the jumbo bridge “a monument to stupidity.”

  The concrete bridge is built too high and has only one approach. Through the terms
of several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretaries, it has
remained such â€" bowing to pressure from the church and the public that driving
piles into the ground on both sides of the end near the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
to build ramps on might shake and rattle the historic edifice â€" the second oldest
church hereabouts â€" destroying it in the process.

  The Loboc Children’s Choir, the Loboc Youth Choir and the Loboc Youth Band again
performed mini concerts at the Children’s Theater after the President returned to
Manila.

  Prior to the concert, Calipusan hosted an open-air dinner on the bridge. Most
attendees observed that the bridge “can be such a wonderful dinner venue barring
rains.” The sides near the railings could be “good sites for stalls offering
native snacks and souvenirs,” other guests noted.

  Meanwhile, Aumentado also requested Ebdane to donate to the provincial government
the unused concrete piles now just being “hidden” in a nipa plantation some few
kilometers away from the jumbo bridge.

  He said the piles will be used in the construction by the provincial government
projects of other structures including the Austrian-assisted President’s Bridge
Program (PBP).

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol

In a clever move to preposition Bohol roads to a more reliable source of development funds, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol Chapter succeeded in declaring major roads as tourism highways thereby assuring fast funds for its upkeep.

Jagna Mayor and LMP Chairman Exuperio Lloren shepherded the league in passing the corresponding resolution during the recent league gathering at the Jjs Seafoods Village.

There, majority of the 47 mayors agreed that the resolution would open for Bohol development planners another potential tap source to bucket development funds for the roads other than the usual local government cash boxes.

While most of the major roads declared as tourism highways are provincial roads needing local funds, and could only get funds national government coffers when they could be converted to national roads, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said by declaring them as tourism highways, the roads could get funds from the president’s priority projects fund.

Mayors then joined the bandwagon in suggesting their prioritized roads to be included in the LMP omnibus resolution to declare the roads as tourism highways.

Identified and prioritized by the LMP as vital national and provincial roads which also host the Bohol Beautification and Green Highways Project are the Bacani Clarin-Sagbayan-Carmen-Sierra Bullones-Jagna Road, the Anda peninsula road network including Guindulman-Candijay-Anda-Mabini and Ubay Road, Tubigon-Catigbian-Sagbayan road, Balilihan-Hanopol-Makapiko Batuna Road, Sierra Bullones-Pilar-Alicia Road, Antequera-San Isidro-Catigbian-Sagbayan-Danao-Buenavista-Getafe-Inabanga Road, Dimiao-Bilar Road.

Pilar-Guindulman Road, Maribojoc-Antequera-San Isidro-Catigbian Road, Batuan-Valencia Road, Loon-Antequera Road, Baclayon-Corella_Sikatuna-Loboc Road, Tubigon-San Isidro Road, Inaghuban Pilar-Lungsodaan  Candijay Riad and the Antequera-Calape-San Isidro Road.

The roads also complement the major improved roads, which were earlier declared tourism highways and in fact have started getting national government funds, Mayor Roberto Salinas, the league executive vice president bared.

Earlier identified by local authorities as tourism highways are the full stretch of the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Network I and II, Loay Interior Road, Panglao Island Circumferential Road Improvement Project and the Panglao Central Line Route.

By declaring the said roads also, the provincial government envisions the sprouting of beautified and well kept green trees and ornamental plants specifically white gumamelas, fire trees, bougainvillas and other endemic tress and plants along the said roadsides.

During the same gathering, Bohol provincial legal officer and lawyer Handel Lagunay read the mechanics of the ambitious highway greening and beautification program along these identified highways, in support of the tourism dream. 

“Within these highways, showcases of pocket forests and endemic tree species lining the highways would enhance the tourism dream as well as anchor Bohol’s dream of coming up with a contribution in helping nature recover and in arresting environmental problems associated with pollution, Lagunay shared during the gab.

The governor also signed an executive order detailing the implementing rules and regulations of the project at the same meeting.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol

A vocal senator smells a plot as Jose de Venecia III, the accuser of the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) surfaces.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, senate finance committee vice-chair, said that Jose de Venecia III has to explain what group he is representing.

De Venecia, who said he owns Amsterdam Holdings Inc. (AHI) enterered into a bid with the government to provide the country’s digital infrastructure backbone but lost in the bidding against a Chinese Corporation.

De Venecia III, son of House speaker Jose de Venecia, by law should have been barred from entering government contracts, himself being a son of the House Speaker.

More than that, Defensor said she noticed a highly publicized propaganda intended to scandalize President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by creating intrigue between her and Speaker of the House Jose De Venecia Jr.

“Who is funding Joey?” she asks.

“The political noise has reached very high decibel. Producing that kind of noise is very expensive. So where is the money coming from?” she asks again.

The top caliber lawyer said she suspects De Venecia III is not the sole owner of the AHI.

“He lost the bid, but he is not even trying for a rebid. Instead, he is spraying automatic gun fire on the First Gentleman, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos, and DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza. This is exceedingly strange,” Santiago said.

Debunking on the perception the instigators in the plot wanted the public to believe, Santiago said the NBN is not yet a done deal.

“The public officials involved should stop acting as if this is a done deal. It is not, and it is Congress which will have the final say,” she said.

Santiago explained that congressional approval is necessary, since the NBN project would create a future debt for the country, which would require payment by the National Treasury.

To guide the people on how the project goes, Santiago enumerated the five steps for the project to be considered completed.

The first step, she said is for the Budget department to issue a Forward Obligational Authority. Then the Office of the President issues full powers to the Finance department. From then, the Finance department, on behalf of the Philippine government would enter into a loan agreement.

The fourth step, she stressed is for the Monetary Board to approve the loan and then Congress can move in to approve the loan through the 2008 Budget or the General Appropriations Act.

The same is in the exercise of the constitutional power to approve the budget prepared by the Office of the President.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol Correspondent

Lest Boholanos too eager to find the proverbial greener pastures fall to the hands of unscrupulous illegal recruiters for Thailand, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) at the Kapihan sa PIA said, Thailand does not recruit teachers for now.

The warning came amidst observation that posters and flyers have been observed in the city calling for applicants for teaching posts in Thailand.

At the forum held at the Philippine Information Agency, CFO emigrant services officer Abigail Laguador advised Boholanos to approach the offer with caution.

It may be recalled that last week, news reported that a Boholano is illegally recruiting teachers for immediate employment in Thailand. In fact, according to the same report, he has already sent several workers there whom he promised decent jobs as teachers.

Many of those who passed through him ended up left to fend for themselves in Thailand.

SiamPinoy, a group of Filipino expatriates based in Thailand last week named the Boholano as Winston Pedro Bayron. It was not immediately known however where he hails in Bohol.

SiamPinoy earlier accused him of illegally recruiting teachers from Bohol, GMAnewsTV said.

In an email sent by the group to the PIA, it said some of the victims had approached the Thailand based-group while narrating sad experiences of Bayron’s illegal activities.

Bayron accordingly recruits Filipinos with any college background to teach in Thailand while promising immediate employment with high salaries.

Bayron allegedly convinces potential recruits about the easy life in Thailand and how he will help them get one job as long as they attend a training seminar he organizes.

According to the victims, the training seminar costs P3,500 ($70), which they willingly took as Bayron promised them immediate employment with 30,000 Thai Baht or roughly P43,800 monthly salary.

To make his business look genuine and to assure clients there are teaching jobs in Thailand, Bayron shows job postings on Ajarn.com, a legitimate jobs site, reports said.

Recruits then are asked to pay an additional P45T as recruitment fee, which is supposed to cover transportation to Bangkok, and board and lodging for one month.

While in Thailand, recruits claimed they were herded in a small apartment and fed one or two meals a day. They said Bayron told them they were illegal aliens and would be arrested and deported if they complained.

“After paying recruitment fees, some recruits were reportedly taken to isolated parts of Thailand to fend for themselves," the group said.

Eager to find high-paying jobs abroad, the victims told SiamPinoy they had to borrow money from moneylenders in the Philippines for their placement fees. Some had even pooled life savings from family members.

As this continues, SiamPinoy issues the alert on Bayron’s “recruitment business" while adding that they are also informing Philippine authorities about the matter.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol

The feared rice shortage in the country brought about by the drought may not be a problem after all, this as the Department of Agriculture (DA) plan to mitigate its effects bore fruit, DA recently reported.

The DA, through the GMA Rice Program has implemented Quick Turn-Around (QTA) planting scheme in certain areas, including Bohol, and it worked well on rice buffers, authorities at the DA said.

It may be recalled that Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog recently asked all Bohol mayors to support the local implementation of the QTA planting scheme, which would involve quick planting successions in areas across Bohol.

The QTA uses early-maturing seeds in fully irrigated areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, to recoup lost rice output due to damage caused by the Luzon drought.

For this scheme, hybrid and certified inbred seeds were sold to farmers at subsidized prices so they could plant as soon.

Good seeds were also used owing to the limited supply of hybrid and certified inbred seeds, GMA National Rice Program Director Frisco Malabananan said.

“These good seeds produced by accredited seed growers and were procured at P730.00 per bag (40kg) or P18.25/kg and were given to farmers as grants,” he told reporters early this week.   

Malabanan based his report on the DA-Regional Field Units updates as of September 15. It also showed that the country has already attained 95% planting accomplishment in the QTA areas. 

This means that out of the target area of 88,174 hectares, a total of 99,217 hectares have been planted to rice since the program started on Aug. 1.

Bohol and the Central Visayas were apportioned 2,500 hectares for planting in quick succession, although Quirog said Bohol would be using another plan to respond to the quota.

“When we may not be able to cultivate more than the 2,500 hectares due to lack of land areas, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture goes to allow more farm technicians into the fields to aid farmers produce more from the lands they till,” Quirog explained during the QTA presentation at the mayors’ meeting.

“I am happy to report that we surpassed our planting targets for the QTA,” GMA Program Director Malabananan said.

Region 12 led the QTA planting with 33,858 hectares followed by Region 10 with 13,604 hectares and Region 6 with 12,043 hectares.

Regions 1, 4 â€"A and B, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and the ARMM also conducted QTAs in their areas, Malabanan said.

Over these developments, DA secretary Arthur Yap said, “I am very heartened by the result given to me by our operation group in the QTA.”

I am ordering greater coordination not only with the LGUs and the Irrigators Associations but the BAS and the national program coordinator as well, to ensure that we can capture the data and this can be credited to the selfless effort of our farmers,” Secretary Yap said.

The regional offices are regularly monitoring the development of these QTA areas to ensure the attainment of the targeted production of about 300,000 metric tons (mt).  With more areas planted under the QTA, the projected rice production could reach 350,000 metric tons, Yap added. 

“With QTA output plus current buffer stocks in the warehouses of the National Food Authority, the DA is confident that the rice supply will be enough until the end of 2007 despite the dry spell, DA authorities assured.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol Correspondent

No, they did not commit any irregularity.

But since they have been elected barangay captains since 1994 and have served uninterrupted until this year, the 271 executives of Bohol’s 1109 barangays are now barred from running for the same office.

The clarification also came from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who himself added that “like all elective officials, the barangay officials are also covered by the three year consecutive term limit as imposed.”

The DILG top man cited Section 2 of RA 9164 and said “it is not among the provisions expressly repealed by RA 9340, the law amending RA 9164 resetting the barangay and SK elections.”

In an earlier advisory citing Section 2 of RA 9164, Sec. Puno said: “No barangay elective officials shall serve for more than three consecutive terms in the same position. Provided, however, that the term of office shall be reckoned from the 1994 barangay elections.”

With this, barangay leaders who have been previously chosen since 1994 have accumulated 13 years of service government service with the extended terms they are now enjoying.

As this followed, the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) of the DILG has reported that more than in Central Visayas alone, some 859 punong barangays of barangay chairmen are banned from reelections. The number is 29 percent of 3,003 PBs in the region, records at the NBOO bared.

The 859 incumbent barangay chairmen are just a small portion however of the more than 9,000 incumbents barred from running for the same position in the coming Oct. 29, 2007 barangay elections for reasons that they are covered by the three-consecutive term limit ruled under the law, DILG records tell.

In a report to DILG Sec. Puno, NBOO Director John Castañeda said that there are some 9,642 barangay captains out of 39,145 reported punong barangays throughout the country excluding those of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who are now on their third consecutive term of office.

“Under such circumstances, these third-termer incumbent barangay captains are no longer eligible to run for re-election. However, they are allowed to run as kagawad or council member,” Castañeda said.

Puno said the terms of office of barangay officials have already been extended for two years, and the present clamor is to elect a new set of barangay officials. 

Meanwhile, the NBOO monitoring report showed that in terms of percentage, the National Capital Region (NCR) has the most number of third-termer barangay captains with 572 or 34 percent of 1,694 punong barangays in NCR. 

However in terms of numerical data, Region VI has the most number of punong barangays serving on their last term, which is 1,133 PBs.

In the Luzon Area, in terms of percentage, Region II has the most number of third-termer punong barangays with 713 or 31 percent of 2,311 punong barangays in the region.

In the Mindanao area, in terms of percentage, Region X has the most number of third-termer barangay chairs with 573 or 29 percent of 1,975 PBs in the said region.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency
Bohol

Beating the swords into plowshares for Bohol took two governors in partnership with a succession of at least six military strategists, countless community organizers and almost seven years of getting government closer to the people before the threat of local insurgents was lowered.

In fact, Philippine Army Commanding General Alexander Yano, who lauded Bohol local leaders for coming up with a definitive stand against insurgency, said Bohol stands as a model for the rest of the country.

Gen. Yano, who was keynote speaker during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting Tuesday aired his discouragement with some local officials who fence-sit, or sometimes help the insurgents instead of siding with the military.

Citing the crucial partnerships between government and the civil sectors that worked for Bohol, Gen. Yano said he has directed all his troops to continue enhancing such relationships with the civil government, non-government organizations and the sectors of society.

“We cannot do the job alone,” he said while stressing that “insurgency requires a holistic approach involving not just the military but the civil government sectors as well.”

Bohol insurgency met its first tough resistance with a full military force after the infamous raid in a police detachment in Batuan, sources said.

From then on, former governor Rene Relampagos unleashed Bohol’s first team of community organizers with the People’s Enhancement Program, which was complemented by the military’s special operations team under the military’s 12th IB led by Colonel Eusebio Ramos and then Col. Gilbert Cayton.

The civilian program sent teams to rebel-threatened and affected barangays to ask the communities residents of their concerns while using culture and the arts as the medium of expression.

Lawig Bohol was then adopted by the national government as a template for community empowerment as a tool for poverty alleviation and sourcing out local solutions to community problems, then Center for Culture and Arts Development head Lutgardo Labad.

As this went on, Col. Cayton was assigned to another post while Col. Allan Cabalquinto filled his seat and while Capitol and non-government organizations spread community empowerment and livelihood support, the military also put up their mass based organizations as counterpart, a Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Powerpoint-template presentation showed.

By 2001, then Col. Cardoso Luna in tandem with newly elected governor Erico Aumentado strengthened the partnership even more with joint efforts in establishing the Area Coordination Center, intensified Special Operations and the military pressed for the National Internal Security Act which enjoyed a national drive, the presentation continued.

In fact, that time, a corollary mass based organization was complemented by the special forces under then Col. Ronnie Evangelista, sources at the Army Civil relations Services bared in a separate interview.

Under then Col. Dionisio Torina who assumed Col. Luna’s post, the army’s 15th IB spread the Public Information Patrol while the military believed a crucial propaganda should run parallel to the intensified civil military operations.

The Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office was then institutionalized at the Capitol to focus on the poverty alleviation component of the fight, PPOC key person Romeo S. Teruel shared.

Its role was crucial in as much as when the military clears and holds a rebel-threatened of infested barangay, BPRMO community organizers move in to organize and develop residents’ awareness to keep them away from sliding back to identify with the insurgents, 302nd IB CMO officer Maj. Anastacio Suaybaguio Jr. adds.

Because there was not much of a threat when Col. Juanito Gomez came, the military poured majority of its resources for more CMO, complementing boosted efforts by Capitol and NGOs out to put up poverty mitigating measures, CRS team-leader Msgt. Narciso Tabaniag bared.

According to PPOC sources, Col. Gomez and the Capitol leaders then put up Team Bohol bannering the convergence strategy just as the Local Peace Forum headed by then Bohol Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak drove into gear.

The rest is history and the nurturing attention of Col. Arthur Tabaquero and Col. Jess Dellosa has in fact carved for Bohol a success formula that is worth replicating, PPOC sources also said.

Over all these achievements, Gen. Yano said “There is no doubt that Bohol will soar to greater heights and other provinces in will follow.”

Quote from: benelynne on September 21, 2007, 12:53:31 PM

I am sure she doesn't remember me anymore. Honestly, if she didn't become president, I can't claim to have learned anything from her, either. Nothing personal, really. But I am sure you will all agree that the theories we learn in school seldom have bearing on real life's rough and tumble.

What I remember most about my professors are the friendships I made with them. It feels good, when after many years, your professor can still call you by your real complete name.

Yes, Ben, there are many things that our schools are forcing us to study but these things have no bearing on our lives outside the classroom.

I always hated the fact that Trigonometry was included in our course syllabus, which, for me, was an absurd school requirement, since I was taking up mass communication in Silliman. Until now I haven't encountered a situation in my life and in my career as journalist in which I have to use a Trigo formula or any of this subject's principles.

I was on the road to graduating magna cum laude since I had a consistent high GPAs during my first three years in college. But that Trigo, which I hated so much, shattered all my dreams of graduating with a laude in my name. One day my abhorrence toward the subject culminated in my not taking the final exam. I didn't want to study or read anything that won't benefit myself and my neighbors and my world - being a masscom practitioner.

I will add more comments to this thread...

My grandfather, when my mother was yet 6 months old, was stabbed and hacked to death by two angry brothers who falsely accused him of stealing a fish bait (paon sa pasol). This happened 54 years ago in the city of Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur.

My grandfather was brutally murdered with many people around watching my grandfather trying to fight off the stabs and hacks. The people were just watching my grandfather bleeding to death, with his face and body already dismembered.

My grandfather's parents brought the crime to the court, but the most painful part of this story was that no one was willing enough to testify that he or she saw my grandfather being killed in broad daylight. All were afraid to witness at the court trial.

According to one of the sisters of my grandfather whom I met for the first time in 2005, she was still a little girl when this murder took place in a village in Pagadian and that she saw how my grandfather was killed by those two wild brothers but she was helpless at that time. She could only weep seeing her brother breathing his last.

The court did not accept the testimony of the sister of my murdered grandfather for a fact that she is a sister of the murdered, thus her testimony is unreliable. Absurd law.

My grandfather, a poet, was murdered and did not receive justice from our Philippine justice system.

Quote from: Franklin on September 22, 2007, 09:17:47 AM

Why should they come to the Philippines and take a chance on losing their life, from some idiot that will kill for a cellphone?

A reporter of a major national daily in the Philippines was murdered for a cellphone.

The son of the former president of Silliman University, my alma mater, was gunned down inside his car for the sake of that cellphone.

Quote from: Franklin on September 22, 2007, 09:29:27 AM
And do they deserve it?

The politicians in the states pull this "bullsh_t" all the time, and they flaunt it in the peoples face.
Using peoples money for an all expense paid trip. For what a "meeting", Hog wash. Just an excuse, for education? in Baguio, are they going to learn how to make the weather in Bohol like the weather in Baguio City?
Meetings
Education
Will that benefit the constituents? Oh maybe in a million years.
It is theft in diguise.

Well said, Franklin. Robbery in disguise.

I have attended a lot of seminars and conferences with public officials. And my experience tells me that these officials don't really attend the seminars and conferences. They go to bars, clubs, massage, disco, name it...

Quote from: Franklin on September 22, 2007, 09:41:38 AM
I don't know why you bury this down here.
This is a most critical thing.
Is there no hope?
Is that why the doctors leave their place of birth?
The brain drain?
In one sense they are selfish, they leave or run awayto make money for their own family but turn their back on their country.
I see a lot of people throwing jingoistic speeches all around but, talk is cheap. There is no presence. Sending money back  for their own family is nice; but, it is a cop-out.

I have said it before, and I am not saying it now to flatter you Mike.
This forum is a serious thing. Not just another Friendster.
Use it.
Call out to the Ex-pats. Demand attention.
If you think about it, the expats could do a lot. My guess is that a lot of the expats are connected to some of the dynasties here.
But, there is a diversity of people in the expat group that allows for a lot of the people to be not so connected as some to be satisfied with the status quo.
Do you have an email program?
How about starting a grass roots movement, JUST to bring more people to the forum?

Mike, think about it. There never has been an opportunity like this forum, don't waste it.

Something has to be done to save this beautiful country.

Franklin,

I sent you a Personal Message in reaction to this comment.

(in memory of my childhood years in anda, bohol, philippines)

sinulat ni m. ligalig

mitiurok ang patayng dahon
paingon sa ugang yuta
ug gisilhig kini gilayon
sa huyop sa kalit nga hangin

akong gigukod ang dahon
nga naglupad palayo kanako

buot kong mosakay sa dahon

apan naunhan ko sa alindanaw

kaganina ra diay ko niya naapsan

nadungog ko ang katawa sa alindanaw
nga milanog sa kapunawpunawan

mihunong ko sa pagdagan

nanakop nalang ko ug kapan.

Quote from: Ginger on September 18, 2007, 04:40:10 AM
Gi hangos man ko nga basa oi, abi naku gi ataki naku sa asthma.

It's beautiful, Mike.

Sigbin, paimna palihug ug tubig si Ginger. 

Quote from: C2H4 on September 22, 2007, 06:49:50 AM
Sakto gyud ka Admin.

Mismo ako, I've always liked chubby guys kay lami kaayo gakson, mura'g teddy bear. Akong banana diay, mura'g polar bear. LOL

Ug sa mga babae pud, I think curvy women are better eye-candy than the starving model look.

Here's an example of what I find most attractive:

America Ferrera -- Ugly Betty star

Is this you, C2H4?

Quote from: Bambi on September 22, 2007, 06:47:42 AM
Asus Mike....inigpanguli namo ...busy na tawon pod ka ug pamu-bo sa imong mga tsikiting aron gayod sila maayo ang pagtubo, di ba?

What do you mean by tsikiting, Bambi?

Amen, C2.

Quote from: Ginger on September 22, 2007, 07:03:24 AM
Mike, you remind me of the bulgor, notreban and yellow corn nga ibutang sa linikit nga papel.

My aunt is a medwife in a barangay clinic.

We had sacks upon sacks of bulgor, powdered milk.

Mo-surrender na gud ang mga tao kay gipul-an na.

Karon daghan kaayo sa among lungsod way gikaon. Kung naa pay bulgor, makatabang unta sa kuto-kuto.

The U.S. once supplied us with food supplements, wheat, yellow corn, powdered milk, etc when the U.S. military base was still hosted in the Philippines.

But because of the ego and pride of our Manila officials, they kicked out the U.S. military base.

Germany, Japan, and South Korea hosts gigantic U.S. military bases but they don't grumble about it.

Our officials in Manila always dictate what's the best for our country.

But we in Mindanao and Visayas don't have a voice.

daghan kaayo sa PMI, sige stambay sa sugalan ug inuman.

they are our future mariners?

Quote from: C2H4 on September 22, 2007, 06:34:26 AM
Mr Admin,

I am truly sorry.

Does your father get violent kung mahubog na?

I feel like I know where you're coming from, I know somewhat of what you went through...

Any form of addiction is horrible, it rips families apart.

My father was a big gambler. Hilig kaayo sa una mag buwang, mag sugal ug manok.

despite who my father he is, what he did to us in the family, i love him so much and i honor and respect him for God said that we have to honor our parents.

we did not choose our parents: it was our Lord who chose our parents since time immemorial.

C2, my father is also sabongero. i grew up in cockpit arena, raised my own cocks, and wept over those cocks when we lost in the cockpit match.

C2, he is violent when he gets drunk, an object of fear in our town. he's a policeman.

but in all these things, i am always proud of him for he is very compassionate and merciful to the poor. he would wake up in the middle of the night or at dawn time to deliver medicine to our sickly neighbors. he always lends money to the poor and doesn't ask for debt payment.

he may have failures as a father, but i don't thank God for his failures but i praise God for giving me a father no matter who he is.

Quote from: Ginger on September 22, 2007, 06:37:18 AM
maka tusok man na oi...langaw nala'y kuwang!


Mike, +1 ka!

Lami jud mounlan sa dughan ug bukton nga may unod. 

Quote from: Bambi on September 22, 2007, 06:28:32 AM
Of course.....this is only possible in America.

Ms Binsi....anus-a ta manguli sa ato Day?  Hope we can hire a gardener for our bermudas pohon.

Can I work part-time in the gardens of Bambi and Ms Da Binsi?

One of the deceptions of companies who sell dieting goods is telling the public that being chubby is unattractive.

Classic women are voluptuous. Look at the paintings of the world's best - the women are not skinny and bony.

It is almost impossible for me to get attracted with lightweight women.

published by the Bohol Sunday Post

Day care workers (DCWs) of Loon and Duero towns became the latest study tour participants to visit Inabanga.

This after Inabanga reaped the highest number of five-star ratings in the Day Care Service implementation during the Day Care Service Assessment conducted recently.

Region 7 Director Teodulo Romo himself of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had recommended Inabanga for Day Care Centers (DCC) visitations.          

The Loon DCWs visited five DCCs here: Barangay Lutao under Renesita Dela Cruz; barangay Tambook under Fe Doblas; Poblacion under Vergie Enriquez; Luyo under Rachael Rabago and barangay Nabuad under Dominica Cenia.

Shortly thereafter, another study group from Duero town composed of DCWs and barangay captains headed by Marilou Bayron also visited five DCCs in Inabanga. In Lutao, dela Cruz conducted a day care session for them to observe. They proceeded to the Dagohoy DCC under DCW Cecillia Namocot; Cawayan DCC under Regina Mellomida, Ilaud DCC under Mirasol Celis and Cagayan under Melinda dela Torre.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Artemia Samaca shared a heretofore well-kept secret: Why Inabanga got five-star ratings in 44 barangays out of 50 barangays. The remaining six got four stars.

published by Bohol Sunday Post

Department heads of the municipal government here, together with immediate assistants attended a three-day Organizational Development (OD) seminar-workshop at the Ladaga Inn and Restaurant in Dauis, Bohol on August 24-26.

The workshop, which Mayor Exuperio Lloren and First Lady Nimfa LLoren facilitated, was mentioned in the Mayor's State of the Municipality Adress (SOMA) as outlined in his 10-point agenda that aims to further strengthen the local bureaucracy particularly the key implementors of development projects in the next three years.          

"In our vision and mission statements, good governance plays an equally important role in our aspiration for Jagna. Our particular role as LGU workforce's "cream of the crop" is to be at the forefront in the implementation process of our vision", Mayor Lloren said in his opening statement during the workshop.

The mayor further pointed out that "we need to improve our capabilities to keep in pace with the task before us in order to be effective and efficient workers…but we can not attain this if organizational problems continue to haunt us and unless we confront this head on and go to the root of the symptoms, we cannot move on".

Participants of the workshop were divided into four groups based on their work functions and link as each identified the strengths, actual problems or weaknesses and recommendations in relation to responsiveness to the existence of regular departments and functions; staffing; lines and types of authorities, coordination of inter-departments or functionaries; work processes n relation to function and most especially on inter-office, intra-office and public working relationships.

By Katherine M. Berondo
Dimiao, Bohol
published by Bohol Sunday Post

Programs on health and livelihood top the list of priority projects of the Adame administration.

On this, an awareness program and seminar workshops have been conducted to raise awareness on the significance of a disease-free environment for a more productive life.          

In line with this, punong barangays and farmers participated in a two-day seminar workshop on Aug. 21 and 22 on organic fertilizer conducted at the town's livelihood training and convention center.

Resource speakers from the provincial agriculture office made lectures during the seminar-workshop.

Simultaneous to the seminar, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources introduced local fishermen to a training on drift gill net.

It was conducted at barangay Tangohay where a local fishermen association has been has been established.

Experts from the DOH Regional Office VII also came to discuss the threat of Dengue, HIV and Avian Influenza.

press release
Bohol Sunday Post

Dimiao local officials welcome guests, visitors, "balik-bayans" and devotees of San Nicolas de Tolentino to the town's fiesta on September 10 as three major entertainment activities are in line for the celebration.

The Parish Pastoral Council will sponsor "The Singing Priests" presentation on September 7, while the local government unit will sponsor the "LGU Espesyal" on September 9, and the Liga ng mga Barangay will sponsor a disco on fiesta night.          

Leading the festivities are municipal officials led by Mayor Sylvia Adame and Vice-Mayor Danilo Guivencan and the Sangguniang Bayan members- -Lucio Saluta Jr., Russel Yecyec Sr., Anecita Ucang, Wilfredo Codilla, Edgardo Akiat,Isidro Jumamil, Justiniano Ydulzura, Nerio Hamlag, AB president Miguel Vaquez Jr., and SK Chairman Suzette Joy Tago.

The local officials invite visitors to check out some tourist destinations in the town which include the Ermita Ruins, the Agro-Forestry Park, the Old Stone Church, and Dimiao Beach.

The Children's Rondalla had also brought pride to Dimiao.

The town fiesta is celebrated in honor of the Roman Catholic saint, Nicholas de Tolentino.

By Onad Munalem
Bohol Sunday Post

Talibon is now ready for the month-long celebration of the Philippine Service Month with different activities in line based on the theme "Itaguyod ang Kasarinlan ng Career Service".

Mayor Juanario Item approved the set of sports events for ballgames like basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton and table tennis prepared by Peter Polestico, human resource management officer (HRMO IV).

The celebration kicks off on September 3 with a short program at the municipal plaza.

During the program that will follow the simultaneous flag raising ceremony to be led by Lourliney Macariola, the recitation of the civil servants oath follows as to be led by Sarah Jane Henson.

The Talibon Palaro 2007 opens at 1:00 p.m. of September 6.

There will also be a flag-raising contest of team flags.

Vice-Mayor Restituto Auxtero will lead in the recitation of the oath of sportsmanship and the cheering squad contest.

At 2:30 p.m. ballgames will follow which include events on basketball, tennis, and volleyball.

On September 13, the sports events continue until the championship rounds on September 20 and 27.

The barrio fiesta will be on September 28 which will feature promotion of sense of community-building among LGU officials and municipal employees. The family day for municipal government employees follows.

Different committees were organized to manage the activities and competitions smoothly.

The steering committee is chaired by Mayor Item with Vice Mayor Auxtero as co-chairman and all SB as the members.

The basketball and volleyball events is chaired by George Avenido, and co-chaired by Roberto Rosales. Members are Josephys Gurrea, Francisco Arriba, Jeoffrey Villamil, Felix Evangelista, Reynaldo Mendoza, Nemesio Aguhar, Charlie Complitado, Felix Turtoga, Hayde Garcia, Angelita Lugod, Felipe Borja.

The First Aid Committee is composed of the staff of the Municipal Health department.

The celebration will culminate with the recognition and awarding of model employee, complete attendance, best department, best department head and longevity award to employee having 10,15,20 and 25 years up in service.

In sports activities, awards will be given to the best team, over-all champion, champion of lawn tennis, basketball volleyball, badminton and individual winner for LGU extra-challenge and fear factor.

Quote from: Bambi on September 21, 2007, 08:55:13 AM
Hello Mike,

i think i often made this mistake repeatedly.  I'm so sorry.....i must be aware next time. Excuse ha?

No problem, Bambi. It's okay...

Reported by Fred C. Fuertes
Bohol Sunday Post

Maribojoc, Bohol - Elements of the Philippine National Police in coordination with the office of the Mayor, conducted early yesterday morning a clearing operations at barangay Pagnitoan, this town.

The raid resulted in the recovery of four potted full-grown marijuana plants in the vicinity of the residence of one Nilo Mangala who is listed by the PNP as a drug personality.          

Mangala, sensing the presence of the arresting officers and their companions, hurriedly rode on his motorcycle and headed for the direction of the Poblacion. At presstime, the police was in hot pursuit of the suspect.

The seized illegal plants are now under the custody of the Maribojoc PNP station and will be turned over to the Camp Dagohoy PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.

The raiding team which operated at 6:30 a.m., was composed by SPO3 Jose "Abrau" Arocha, acting chief of police, MLGOO Victor Lapez Jr. of the DILG, Maribojoc Tanod Chief Raymund Coloma, seven other police officers and seven selected barangay tanods.

i have suffered so much in this life because of people who drown themselves in alcohol.

my father is an alcoholic and i have been praying God would change his life.

alcoholism in the family had left me an unhappy childhood.

9 out 10 people in the U.S. own guns.

published by the Bohol Sunday Post

A teenager drowned in the shallow lagoon by the Uhan Spring in barangay Lourdes here after showing off a stunt in diving with playmates on early afternoon of August 27.

At around 1:00 p.m. on Monday last week, 17-year-old Rey de Luna frolicked at the spring with playmates when the accident happened.

Luna's playmates suspected that his head hit on a hard object beneath the lagoon when had not surfaced after diving into the water.

His companions asked for assistance from the adults who were around. Then they searched for Luna until 4:00 p.m. They gave up.

Renante Balane, a kagawad of barangay Lourdes called up a brother who works in Panglao, who eventually informed Nila Montero of Alona Tropical.

Montero referred them to ASG-Bohol where her brother, Godo Paredes, is connected.

ASG-Bohol is a group of civic-minded airsoft enthusiasts, many of them are scuba dive masters, instructors and recreational divers.

Paredes, himself a divemaster, immediately gathered a team composed of Dive Instructor Darwin Menorias, Divemasters Butch and Joever Amodia, Christopher and Victor Mandin, Jerwin Bongolto and Glenn Oceña, then proceeded to the site.

Uhan Spring is one of the many water sources in the Abatan Watershed. It has a small oval lagoon and an underground cave that drains its waters into Nahuthut Creek; a tributary of the Bacong River which joins up the Abatan River.

By Atty. Isabelo M. Sales, Jr.
Columnist
The Bohol Sunday Post

A good, many people of the neighboring town of Alburquerque say that the result of the mayoralty elections thereat was determined by the issue of trash.

While the winner, the incumbent Mayor Jun Ugdoracion resisted with all of his might and fervor the putting up of a landfill - some sort of trash catch basin - in his hometown, the then Mayor Tungolh put all his marbles and his mouth into the landfill project. The rest is history. Ugdoracion now sits, where Tungolh used to stay.

But we are not really talking of the intended garbage that would have been disposed of in that town where both reside. Being our good friends, we feel that they should now reconcile their differences and think of what's best for there tiny but progressive municipality. After all, we are sure that they have no hidden agenda in the landfill issue. Quite hopefully, we trust though that both protagonists have since then forgotten their bitter moments, and have now reasoned together to allow the putting up of the landfill in the controverted area, with all the safety precautions in place so as to protect their townspeople.

Like them, and their concerned constituents, we are talking here of protecting the environment and protecting the future of the people of Alburquerque as well. The residents of the town, including those who will live after them, should be able to drink clean water and breath clean air, and live safely in the area in the many years to come.

press release
Bohol Sunday Post

Not liabilities, but given the opportunity - assets too.

Thus Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy described the differently-abled in this town. As such, he gave full support to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that recently conducted an Organizational Management and Planning Workshop for the Inabanga Association of Differently-abled Persons (IADAP).

TDOLE personnel John Paul Nestal and Terry Salas, assisted by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Artemia Samaco and Coordinator for the Differently-abled Lourdes Dela Torre conducted the workshop held at this town's multi-purpose building.

The activities were designed to assist the disabled person develop self acceptance and positive self image, provide opportunities for socialization, membership in organizations, creative expression and active participation in family and community affairs.

press release
Bohol Sunday Post

Inabanga Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy may have traveled far and wide; he may have finished double majors at the Northwood University in Florida, USA, but now that he virtually holds the future of the Inabangnons in his hands at least for the next three years, he is humble enough to go back to the classroom to learn the ropes of governance.

Only 21 years old - one of the youngest, if not the youngest mayor countrywide, Jumamoy attended the recently concluded Basic Course on Local Governance and Administration for newly elected first-termer mayors and governors at the Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) in Diliman, Quezon City.

The course provided an overview of the local government system in the country, discussed good governance and development; explained the roles and functions of local chief executives; and discussed the critical steps that should be pursued by first-term mayors in their first three months in office, among others.

Jumamoy had 22 mayors and governors for 'classmates' in the course. They all received diplomas and certificates of attendance from the CLRG-NCPAG.

Quote from: Ginger on September 22, 2007, 05:47:50 AM
She left for Malaysia year 2004.

Got it, Zel. I'll try...

By Gregorio A. Tavera
<a href="http://boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

Finally, the people found the man for the Land Transportation Office here.
Since the LTO opens here few years ago, it has passed through many hands which all failed in the public's gross assessment.          

Its operation had been passed on from one chief to the next.

After two leaders either relieved or reassigned to other stations, the public, finally got satisfied with the service of Joel Maloloy-on who came from the regional office.

Maloloy-on has been LTO chief here for only few months.

He has established rapport with clients and the local government unit (LGU) headed by Mayor Exuperio Lloren.

This, as the municipal administration highly considers inter-agency linkage and team-work. 

Quote from: Ginger on September 22, 2007, 05:41:44 AM
Mike, her name is Liza Fernandez. Mga mid 30's na tingali siya karon.

Thanks, Mike!

Zel, possible current location?

Last known location?

Quote from: Ginger on September 22, 2007, 05:38:07 AM
Wow! gi unsa man na nimo Mike? Pwede pud ko magpa search?

Name the person, Zel.

i can feel your loneliness, Balong.

By Sol Virtudazo
FTCP

Catigbian is painting the town green, literally and figuratively! This augurs well for Catigbian Agro-Tourism and Technology for Livestock Enhancement or CATTLE Project.

Positioning itself as the livestock capital of Bohol, Catigbian LGU, with Mayor Mayor Roberto L. Salinas at the helm, has been proactively implementing initiatives to further develop and protect its livestock industry.

Cattle, currently being implemented by FCB Foundation Inc., in partnership with the LGU and selected people's organizations, is one such valuable endeavor aimed at capacitating community-based groups to engage in eco-friendly and profitable livestock breeding and fattening business.          

The formal ratification of the implementation and partnership arrangements for the CATTLE project was done through a MOA signing ceremony last September 4 at the Catigbian Conference Hall.

This was witnessed by LGU officials and representatives from the FCB Foundation, as well as, FOCAS 1 and FOCAS 4 stakeholders.

The MOA outlines specific commitments and responsibilities of the contracting parties.

Following the MOA signing was an orientation on the different FOCAS 1 and FOCAS 4 projects being implemented in Catigbian.

This gave implementers opportunity to enlighten the LGU officials on certain aspects of the projects and update them of their progress.

Targeting a total of 760 beneficiary-households in 11 barangays for 5 years, the initial two years of CATTLE Project will be partly funded by the P3.3-million grant from the Australian Agency for International Development-Philippines Australia Community Assistance Program (AusAID-PACAP) under the Focused Community Assistance Scheme 1 (FOCAS 1). Catigbian is just 1 of the 6 municipalities covered by FOCAS 1, the goal of which is poverty reduction through the development of sustainable agribusiness and enterprise in support of ecotourism in northwestern Bohol.

Bohol implements four FOCASes: FOCAS 1 (Agribusiness and Enterprise Development); FOCAS 2 (Eco-Cultural Tourism); FOCAS 3 (Sustainable Agriculture); and FOCAS 4 (Water and Sanitation).

All in all, AusAID-PACAP funds 20 FOCAS projects in Bohol with a total grant portfolio of about P74 million. 

published by Bohol Sunday Post

Making the celebration of Corella's 123rd foundation day, local officials here highlighted the turn-over ceremony for the newly-reconstructed public market building on September 3.

Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, one of the honored guests, was represented by his wife, Pureza Veloso-Chatto while his chief of staff, former board member Isabelito Tongco relayed his message to the people of Corella.          

According to Tongco, Chatto intended to tell the people of Corella that the development of a town or a locality is strongly influenced with the development of its market, being the center of commerce and trade.

"As such, if a market is active, vibrant and progressive it follows that the town likewise is experiencing economic growth," Tongco said.

He further urged the municipal officials to be united and set aside political differences to have a robust town.

For Corella, being the home of the Tarsier Sanctuary, Chatto worked for a yearly Tarsier Preservation Fund to tune of five million pesos starting this year.

Quote from: agila916 on September 22, 2007, 05:27:08 AM
Hi Administrator,

Thanks for the effort I appreciate it very much..

agila916

You're welcome, Agila.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

Call it over-protection, one Eduardo Mabuhay stabbed to death, a male drinking buddy of her 14-year-old daughter Wednesday night last week right in front of Sta. Cruz parish church here.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to the local police station.

The victim, 16-year-old Mark Angelo Briones, was strolling along the vicinity of the church with a friend named Michael Morgia, heading towards their boarding house around 7:00 p.m. when the suspect chanced upon them.

In an interview on Friday Morning, Mabuhay said he was provoked with the thought that the Briones and Morgia had invited his 14-year-old daughter to their boarding house on Sunday night last week.

It was on that night that his daughter has not gone home and showed signs that she was under the influence of liquor when she returned in the morning the next day.

From then on, Mabuhay had harbored grudge on the victim and his friend.

That's why when he chanced upon the teenagers, Mabunay chased them until he got hold of Briones and stabbed him in the different parts of his body using an impoverished hunting knife.

After the incident, the suspect went to the mayor's residence to voluntarily surrender. But since the town executive was out-of-town, Mabunay opted to be in the custody of the local police at the town's PNP station.

He also turned over the weapon to the police officers on duty.

Responding police officers, SPO1 Teodoro Arocha and PO1 Edilberto Calipes brought the victim to the Ramiro Community Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

In a spot report dated September 14, 2007 PNP Acting Chief of Police Jose Vendencia Arocha narrated the details of the bloody incident by the centuries-old church to Police Sr. Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol PNP director.

By Adam L. Saligumba
Bohol Sunday Post

Beauty, elegance, charm, and wit. These were the attributes that won for Maricel Pasilbas the crown as Miss Loon SidlaKasilak 2007.

Before the jam-packed the Loon Sports and Cultural Center on the evening of September 5, the 21-year old lass, who hails from barangay Napo, bested nine other candidates in the pageant.

Pasilbas also got the judges' nod as Miss Photogenic, Miss Cell Mart and Miss Magic Touch Full Hair.

Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, crowned Loon's and the chairman of the board of judges, Dr. Reina Jane Villaflor, crowned the new Miss Loon.

Maylne Pedroso of barangay Canmanoc romped away with the First Runner-up award.

Pedroso also took home the minor awards of Miss Beauche International, Best in Swim Wear and Best in Evening Gown.

Vice Mayor Edwin R. Ladeza and Maria Dolores Alemania-De la Cruz pinned the sash on the first runner-up titlist.

Settling with the second runner-up plum was Catherine Calunia of Sandingan, who was also adjudged as Miss Aldea Smile and Miss Magic Touch Hair Saloon.

Pinning the sash on Calunia were Loon Sanggniang Bayan Member Ricky U. Masamayor and wife, Ma. Jennifer Lopez-Masamayor.

Katherine Pechon of Mocpoc Norte received the judges' vote as Miss Congeniality and Miss Aldea Image Model; while Jibby Mangaron of barangay Ubayon was chosen as Best in Production Number.

Mayor Lloyd Lopez, with Loon SKMF President Allan Rey M. Palban, distributed plaques of recognition to the other beauty contestants who were Maria Carla Lauros of Pondol, Diana Acuram of Catagbacan Sur, Jariedyl Rojo of Cogon Norte, Abigail Ombina of Cogon Norte, and Rase Masamayor of Moto Norte.

The Board of Judges was composed of Dr. Reina Jane Villaflor, chairman; and members: Maria Dolores Alemania-De La Cruz, Thrilly Ezhel Penaso-Espinosa, Rizah Cuadra and Dr. Dewy Demandante.

Presented by the Loon Sangguniang Kabataan Municipal Federation (SKMF), the Search for Miss Loon SidlaKasilak 2007 was one of the highlights in the 254th fiesta celebration of the municipality of Loon on September 7-8 in honor of its Patron Saint, the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak).

By Roberto E. Nemenzo Jr.
Bohol Sunday Post

Ubay stock farm in Lomangog, Ubay celebrates its 86th founding anniversary this month of September.

As a national livestock center in Research and Development and Extension Network in terms of cattle and small ruminants, it has a land area of 3,600 hectares.

It also accommodates the Phil. Carabao Center, Phil. Coconut Authority, Fiber Development Authority, Soil and Water Research and Development Station, and DENR reforestation project.

To highlight the celebration, there will be week-long activities that will start on September 12 to 17 inside the Ubay stock farm.

Among its activities will be a one-day goat raising seminar on September 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the stock farm training center.

There will be a registration fee of P100 to cover the expenses for lunch, snacks, and training materials.

Among the topics to be discussed in the said seminar are goat health management, care and management, and goat nutrition. Actual demonstration for castration, goat hoof trimming, emergency handling techniques for goat diseases and injuries will be conducted.

The seminar will have a field visit to the USF goat project with purebred Boer and Anglo-Nubian goats and 100 hectares USF-NDA forage and seed production area.

Culmination of the week long celebration will be on September 17 to be attended by various livestock raisers, students, LGU's officials, officials from the office of the provincial veterinarian, and livestock technicians from the different stations of Department of Agriculture, Regional Office-7.

By Nonoy Gillamac
Bohol Sunday Post

To emphasize Clarin town's thrust on environment protection, this year's fiesta events revolve around the theme dubbed as "Pista Clarinkasan", the second term being coined from Clarin and "kalikasan"- -the Filipino term for environment.

Clarin officials headed by Mayor Hermogenes Diezon will launch "Pista Clarinkasan" on September 20.

This annual tree-planting activity dubbed as "Pista sa Kalikasan ng Clarin" or Feast for the Environment in Clarin will kick-off the town's annual fiesta celebrations, in honor of the Roman Catholic's patron saint, Saint Michael, The Archangel.

The MFARMC and MAFC lobbied for the environmental cause of reliving the virtue of planting and their simple yet noble contributions towards easing global warming and minimizing environmental degradation, calamities, and pollution.

Cooperators, participants for the project include all Clarin officials, NGAs, NGOs, GOs, POs, farmers, fisherfolks, academe, private and religious sectors with the mission: Green Clarin beginning 2007.

The activity also aims to strengthen the promotion of the town's eco-tourism program which is related to the annual tree-planting activities, and saving Mother Earth and buffering climate change, the "Pista Clarinkasan" way. 

Quote from: Delaguna on September 22, 2007, 05:13:23 AM
Yes, it's available at National Bookstore. About 3-4 months ago, they have plenty of stocks. I think naa pa tingali gihapon karon

I will look for this book when I am there sa atoa, God willing. Thanks, Torn.

By Gregorio A. Tavera
Bohol Sunday Post

The ambience of this coastal town has lured the regional and provincial offices of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) to hold here a one-day orientation seminar on Radio Land Mobile (RLM) operations and other telecommunication basics on September 6 at the town's gymnasium.

The event coincided the monthly meeting of the Liga ng mga Barangay here.
Mayor Exuperio Lloren, for his part, expressed his strong support to the activity as it came in consonance with his preference for modern telecommunications technology that would benefit the local officials, law enforcers at the grassroots and its subsidiaries.

Andrew G. Tadena, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay who sits as member of the Sangguniang Bayan, welcomed the visitors and participants.

All the 33 barangay captains in Jagna showed up at the occasion.

In his lecture, Engr. Leopoldo Yeban of the NTC Region VII explained that based on Republic Act (RA) 3846, NTC is mandated to launch a drive to enhance stakeholders of NTC radio station licenses and radio operators certificates and other concerns on telecommunications.

Engr. Yeban and Bohol NTC Chief Engr. Dennis Rocamora gave emphasis on the utilization, safety and constraints of some telecommunication implements.

Engr. Rocamora also warned the participants on the rampant sale of many telecommunication devices in the markets and department stores, some of which are highly surreptitious products and the best antidote to it is to look for the NTC logo usually at the back of the gadget.

During the open forum towards the end of the seminar, participants inquired about fees imposed on operating selected telecommunication device.

Engr. Yeban explained that it is advantageous to attend informative activities of the NTC to know that things like the single side-band is not an ordinary gadget and that if it would be stolen and reported to the NTC, their office has a system of blocking unscrupulous persons from using it.

published by Bohol Sunday Post

Talibon, Boho - Inmates at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) can now convert their idle time behind the bars into an alternative means of livelihood after attending training sessions on candle-making on September 3 to 22 right held at the BJMP compound.

At least 17 attended the skills training the local government unit and the BJMP initiated with the assistance of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)-Bohol.

The training was designed to give livelihood to the inmates while they were inside the prison cells.

The LGU allocated an amount for the activity from the fund purposely set aside for its manpower development program.

Upon the request of the inmates, Mayor Juanario Item allocated P10,000 for the activity.

With the budget, the activity's coordinators purchased training materials and set aside an amount for the honorarium of the instructor.

Roldano Munalem, designated community training and employment coordinator (CTEC) recruited and organized the interested prisoners to undergo the training.

With the approval of District Jail Warden Josephus Jelianggao, they proceeded with the training.

The CTEC arranged with Alturas Supermarket in this town to serve as ready market for the finished products of the inmates.

On the other hand, 13 municipal local employees attend the on-going training on data encoding at the San Jose National High School Computer Room starting August 4 and will end on September 29.

The training is in line with the LGU's thrust to enhance skills development among its employees. Richard Saldo was the trainer for candle-making, while Dr. Restilou Artiaga was the trainer for data encoding.

Published by Bohol Sunday Post

The municipal government of Bien Unido gears for a full-blast development route after formulating a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and the Executive Legislative Agenda or (ELA) which serve as blueprints for the town's thrust in infrastructure, health, social and legislative concerns.

The town's newly set of officials led by Mayor Niño Rey Boniel, Vice Mayor Petronilo Justiniane, municipal councilors and all department heads took time to hold brainstorming sessions in drafting the CDP and ELA at the Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City.

The executive and legislative branches thoroughly discussed the strategies for the improvement of basic infrastructure like improvement of water system, funding for basic agriculture support services, farm-to-market roads, enactment of more codes to address various concerns and relevant topics for the town's development.

The participants also revisited and adopted a new vision, mission and goals for the local government unit.

For his part, Mayor Boniel expressed optimism that with the CDP and ELA, the municipal government will be able to address various sectoral concerns as the town moves forward to development.

By Ella Gulle-Pañares
Bohol Sunday Post

As an addition to the string of activities for its 14th year anniversary celebration, the Talibon Federated Women Association Inc. (TFWAI) has scheduled the induction of its new set of officers on October 2 at the Productivity Skills Capability Building (PSCB) with Municipal Councilor Virginia Item, chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Committee on Women, as the inducting officer.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Zosima Gabisan will also grace the activity.

The oath-taking has been set in time of the group's regular monthly meeting.
Members of the TFWAI elected the new set of officers on the first Tuesday of this month.

The newly-elected officers include Vivina Dinoy of San Roque as president, Cipriana Padenof Cataban as vice president, Analiza Garcia of San Francisco as secretary, Helen Eronico of San Jose as treasurer, Mila Espiritu of Burgos as auditor. Eleuteria Pañares of Bagacay, Rosalinda Cabanes of Suba, Maria Tura of Nocnocan and Enriqueta Llena of San Carlos were elected as Press Relation Officers. Angelit Cajes of Sikatuna was appointed as bookkeeper and Jay Lee Garcia of Balintawak was appointed as business manager.

The SB granted accreditation to TFWAI to be included in the local special bodies of the local government unit of the municipality.

The women's association was organized in 1993 with Eleuteria Pañares of Bagacay as the first president. Seven years later, Trinidad Flores of San Francisco took over. Ninda Buno of San Agustin replaced Flores in 2002.

TFWAI current president, Cyd Angeli Auxtero started her stint in 2004.

The association was registered with SEC on November 23, 2004.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

Three keys of responsibility of completed projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) funded under the Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Support Programme (BIARSP) were turned-over to barangays Mantacida and Causwagan Norte in the town of Catigbian last September 13, namely: Water Sanitation Project (WATSAN) worth P2.5 million and two public latrines for each barangays worth P25,000 each.

During the turnover ceremony, Mayor Roberto Salinas of Catigbian said that the most awaited water supply in the said barangays has finally come after 58 years in waiting. He thanked the Belgian government through DAR for granting the bulk amount of almost 1.5 million pesos for an adequate potable water supply benefiting 219 households.

The said activity also covers the launching of the Farmer's Field School on Vegetable Production funded by World Bank under the Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project Phase 2 (ARCDP2) implemented through DAR.

There were 25 farmer-beneficiaries who would undergo a six months training in the production of off-season vegetables using high grade variety of seeds from the East West Seed Company as represented by Dr. Roberto Acosta, the technology transfer manager tapped by the project.

During the program, former Board Member Isabelito Tongco and Pureza Veloso Chatto were in unison in giving insights and inspirations to the local folks and assured the same support they could extend in behalf of Cong. Edgar Chatto of the 1st district. Likewise, newly elected Board Member Alfonso Damalerio II who represented Governor Erico Aumentado shared his thoughts and encouraged the farmers to do their share and to take good care of the projects afforded to them.

Others who attended the occasion include Director Tommy Cabuenos of the ARCDP2 Central Project Office in Manila, Dr. Antonio del Socorro of DAR Regional Office, Atty. Johnson Sinco, DAR provincial head, Dr. Ronald Pumatong, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer of Catigbian with his staff, the town's department heads and municipal councils, barangays officials headed by Punong Barangays Benito Cano of Mantacida and Danilo Ambaic of Causwagan Norte and some people of the said barangays. Tifilito C. Rulida, municipal planning and development coordinator hosted the occasion.

By Adam L. Saligumba

The pride of Loon, a super-bantamweight in the making- -Leon Maratas lived up to his billing as the future "King Leon" of the ring when he triumphed over Rico Genon of Butuan City during the fiesta boxing bout dubbed as "Rambol sa Loon" held on September 9, 2007 at the Loon Cultural and Sports Center.

With prowess comparable to Manny Paquiao's, the home-grown fist from barangay Cabacungan, in Cabilao beat up Genon from start to the final seconds of Round 10.

The jam-packed crowd roared but of applause as Maratas rained Genon with wicked right hooks and thundering straight lefts.

Yet, Genon could have stored enough strength during his length of reign as ring warrior to have maintained his stead against the solid punches of Maratas.

For the Butuanon's stubborn bull-like attacks, Maratas had to exhaust all the boxing tactics he learned in his arsenal as one of the boys of the famed ALA stable back in Cebu.

The presence of boxing patron Antonio Lopez Aldeguer and fellow ALA-boy World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Cesar Amonsot at the ringside gave additional inspiration to Maratas who improved his record to 9-0.

In the other bouts, the pride of Tagbilaran City- -Glen Masicampo gave a thrilling display of fistpower as he knocked out Jojo Arnado of Cagayan de Oro City.

Masicampo's stinging blows to the head and body of Arnado were so devastating that the latter crumpled in just a minute and 19 seconds in the fourth round, making a shortcut of their scheduled 10-round brawl.

Arnado could hardly get up with legs shaking.

The Ranan brothers of Jagna were not so fortunate in their respective fights.

Although a valiant fighter, bantamweight John Clifford Ranan was outpointed by Mark Gil Melligen of Bacolod City in their eight-round clash, while younger brother John Mark lost to Marjo Borres of Cebu City in their six-round battle.

In the amateur bouts, only two out of ten Loon fighters fell to their Balilihan opponents while three of Calape's ring warriors lost their matches to Balilihan counterparts.

In summary, Joseph Gastones of Loon defeated Anjomarie Jorgeo of Balilihan; Ogie Imbat-Loon defeated Anthony Biloy-Balilihan; Ryan Tocmo-Balilihan defeated Raul Reducto-Calape; Eden Mark Larido-Loon defeated Silverio Guingo-Balilihan; Levi John Legitimas-Loon defeated John Roque Jasmin-Balilihan; Ruel Tocmo-Balilihan defeated Renante Reducto-Calape; Bernie Comendador-Balilihan defeated Ruel Andoy-Calape; Louie Legitimas-Loon defeated Astrid Buyo-Balilihan; Crisanto Jasmin-Balilihan defeated Mark Dichos-Loon; Juner Romero-Loon defeated Camilo Limocon-Balilihan; Nerwin Limocon-Balilihan defeated Nathaniel Masadas-Loon, Peter Reducto-Calape defeated Joseph Ramada-Loon; John Luke Lofranco-Loon defeated Gerald Guingo-Balilihan, and the last match Joselito Ramada of Loon defeated Mike Lapinig of Calape.

Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, M.D., with Vice Mayor Edwin R. Ladeza and ABAP-Loon president- -SB Member Ignacio Castil Jr., handed plaques of recognition to ABAP Region VII president Nemesio Monton for Leon Maratas, WBO lightweight champ Cesar Amonsot and WBO super bantamweight champ Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista.

The "Rambol sa Loon" slugfest was presented by SSG Sports Promotions in cooperation with the Municipality of Loon Sports Commission and ABAP-Loon.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post
press release

People may visit islands to fulfill dreams and fantasies of grand vacations.

Inabanga Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy visits islands too - to fulfill a responsibility.

With Councilors Nolasco Salazar, Rene Vitor, Amormeo de la Torre, Nena Melecio, newly installed Chief of Police Melanio Artiaga and some of his men, some barangay captains and local government personnel in tow, Jumamoy visited the island barangays of Hambongan and Cuaming to determine the situation of his constituents.

He assigned personnel to conduct a Special Refresher Course for Food Establishment Operators and Food Handlers even as he observed fishermen doing a day's work.

He visited areas in the islands now planted to seaweeds locally known as guso - the alternative Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado has been offering fishermen who used to employ illegal methods like dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Jumamoy also snorkeled in the marine sanctuary to get first-hand information on the status of the corals and fish stock to use as comparison to benchmarks.

Using the "soft approach," he asked fishermen to demonstrate the "assembly" of a "dynamite" even as he issued a stern warning for them not to use the same.

The sea's bounty is not limitless, he stressed. Be sea watchers and protectors, not catalysts for ruin and destruction, he urged.

Jumamoy also visited the elementary school where the pupils admitted that there were from six to 11 members of their respective families.

This brought to the fore Jumamoy's advocacy of population management. He asked health workers and the barangay officials to distribute the contraceptives and medicines that his team had brought along.

He lectured the islanders on responsible parenthood. Child care should not be limited to feeding, clothing and putting a roof above the heads of their children. It extends to education too, he said.

He repeated his spiel to the islanders of Hambongan where they stayed overnight.

Capping the day's activity was a gathering around a bonfire where Jumamoy and his team immersed with the people to determine their needs to help plan the next steps in his governance.

Quote from: Delaguna on September 22, 2007, 04:57:01 AM
Mike, if you want something light on the eyes (because of your heavy schedule) but packs a punch and makes you ponder, I recommend "The Way of the Shepherd". I posted an outline in this board.
It's a small book with simple but great lessons on management and with principles you can apply when you will become a family man.

Attorney, is this book available at the National Bookstore? I cannot buy it in Thailand. English books here are quite expensive.

press release

Through representatives, first district Representative Edgar Chatto sent a message of support to Panglao Island Vermi-Growers Association (PIVGA) on their recent launching on September 7 at San Isidro Barangay Hall, Dauis.

LIFE Philippines Foundation Incorporated-Bohol Chapter launched PIVGA as part of their Solid Waste Management Program for Barangays Dao, San Isidro and Biking in the municipality of Dauis.

Mr. Daniel Moore, chief of the Office of Energy and Environment of USAID graced the event, together with LIFE Foundation BOT Chair Msgr. Cirilo Darunday and LIFE-Board of Directors.

Even amid hectic schedule at the marathon budget hearings in Congress, Chatto sent his chief of Staff, former board member Isabelito Tongco, to express gratitude to LIFE-Philippines Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Environmental Governance (ECOGOV) for uplifting the lives of the residents in the areas.

This time, the residents have a livelihood to attend to and source of finances for their daily needs and family.

He said they learned the value of proper solid waste management and, more importantly, realize that there is wealth from waste.

He further stressed that gone are the days when worms or "wati" in the dialect are considered gruesome as they can now be a source of livelihood.

The solon assured the group of his unwavering support to all their projects and programs.

In July last year, LIFE-Philippines Foundation started implementing the project on Proper Waste Composting to promote the usefulness of composting to agricultural activities from backyard garden to medium-scale and large-scale production.

Exactly a year after, vermi-composting was introduced to the community of the said barangays.

This rapid composting enhances the community because the product- -vermin or vermin cast will be used as fertilizer and there are already existing demands of it for organic farming.

At the same time, the vermin are now in demand in the market and it is not difficult to cultivate the worms since they reproduce faster and their food are already found in common household backyard composting.

By Boy Guingguing
Publisher
Bohol Sunday Post

When this Bglante bought a top-of-the-line CD player to rekindle a dying passion for music, little did we know that it touched a responsive chord among aging music lovers. Baby boomers all, we came to realize a common denominator that threw us back to the realm of nostalgia.

It was a dream come true for the core members of the Montana Younger Set Association to be back in harness through our common passion for music. Montana, a fishing community in the outskirts of Baclayon proper, is populated by culture and music vultures, one of whom is the famous Oscar Real.

Thus this Bglante, Real of the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe fame and former Baclayon kagawad Bebot Apale took it upon ourselves to revive what was once the remnants of the younger set generation that dominated the cultural and musical scene of Baclayon in the 60's and 70's.

The response was spontaneous. Amid the oldie but goldie sounds of Gary Lewis and the Playboys, the Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Chicago, among others, a meeting was assembled two Sundays in succession. Then the meetings became so frequent that it has become second nature to the three of us.

It was indeed exhilarating to reminisce the good old days let alone if it was tied with a common bond-the love for music.

It was this kind of love that brought us back to the lost horizon of long forgotten years now but a fleeting shadow looming in the dark past and waiting to be remembered for old time sake.

And what better way to remember the past characterized by a restless and carefree generation than to bring them together under one setting. All told, a reunion of sorts is forthcoming of what used to be the young ones graduating into the young once.

To give flesh to the plan of a homecoming, the trio of this Bglante, Oscar and Bebot, more members of the once active younger set club are invited to form the core group.

If plans do not miscarry, such younger set members as Mar Talictic, now the manager of the Social Security System-Tagbilaran branch , former Baclayon vice mayor Ursing Jayectin-Ongcoy, Rosario Ay-ad Brillata, a retired public school teacher, to name a few, are invited to an organization meeting today.

What is in store for the Montana young once as we meet today is the possibility of a big jam session cum reunion, exactly the same thing we did 40 years or so, ago. We set the big day on September 11, incidentally the birthday of Oscar.

Our generation had undergone several transformations. Many have died already while some others have since changed their religious beliefs. But no religion nor death can stop the spirit of our young years from living on. It may be a tall order for others to follow but since music is the universal language of the soul, it is not hard to imagine that what starts in Montana will spread throughout the land.

By John Paul S. Vistal

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is offering the Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) and the IT Microsoft Training Program to qualified dependents of OFW-member or the OFW as in the case of SUP.

The SESP consists of a six-month vocational or a one-year technical program for land-based or sea-based OFW-members or their beneficiaries/dependents in coordination with TESDA.

The program comes in the form of financial assistance amounting to P7,250 for six- month courses and P14,500 for the one-year.

Tuition fees shall be paid directly to the school, the remaining amount from the financial assistance shall be released to the scholar at the end of the program upon submission of the competency assessment and certification of course completion.

The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA members who shall enroll in any four to five years baccalaureate course.

It shall be in the form of financial assistance amounting to P30,000 per semester.

Tuition fee shall be paid directly to the school, and in case of an excess, the remaining amount from the financial assistance shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the semester.

The SUP intends to provide job-related skills training in priority maritime courses identified by the Maritime Training Council (MTC) designed to upgrade knowledge and skills, develop expertise and update skills in accordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards.

It shall be in the form of training assistance ranging from P1,200 to P7,500.

In all cases, if the tuition or training fee exceeds the amount of financial assistance, the scholar shall shoulder the balance.

To qualify for any of the programs, the applicant must be an OWWA member or his beneficiary/dependent be duly recognized.

Beneficiary refers to spouses and children of married OFWs, and brother or sister aging not more than 21 years of age of unmarried OFWs; high school graduate/graduating and a Filipino citizen.

Interested parties may inquire for more details at the DOLE Office at the second floor of Cristal Tower, Ma. Clara St., Tagbilaran City.

"I just gave in to the clamor of the majority."

It was this justification that ran him into trouble with concerned citizens who rang up public service radio programs in this city over the week after it was learned that the province's barangay officials will have to hold their provincial congress on September 13-16 in Baguio City.

Dr. Romulo Cepedoza, president of the Provincial Federation of Barangay Captains met with the Post editor Friday to clarify issues regarding the provincial congress.          

In an interview by the Post editor, one of the anchors of the prime time commentary program Cuentas Claras over Station dYTR, Cepedoza clarified that the decision to hold the congress in Baguio City was arrived at after a collective consultation with all the federation members.

The embattled ABC president said much to his desire to hold the congress elsewhere in Bohol, but he was overruled by the voice of the majority.

Overwhelmed by the majority rule, he justified the holding of the congress in Baguio City saying that in a way it will serve as an educational tour to most of the barangay captains especially first timers to the trip to the Pines City.

Citing the federation's by-laws, Cepedoza said it mandated the holding of a provincial convention every year to serve as venue to develop organizational capabilities and inform members on the updates with regards to barangay governance.

One highlight of the Baguio gab is the giving of award and recognition to third termer barangay captains who were elected to higher positions in government in the May 2007 elections.

One of the basis of Cepedoza's argument to hold the convention in Baguio was the endorsement of Regional Director Pedro Noval, Jr. of the department of interior and local government. The director said he interposed no objection to the Baguio confab of Bohol barangay officials.

The Baguio conference raised a howl of protest among concerned quarters saying that holding it outside Bohol was a waste of precious public funds.

Each barangay official who wishes to attend the Baguio shindig is appraised of P15,000 in expenses including an P8,000 registration fee.

--published by Bohol Sunday Post

Banking on the euphoria of the police success in busting the robbery group, Supt. Ingking, true to his pro-active background, warned the Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. a lending firm catering to small-time borrowers to be careful in its collection and release of company funds.

The police director noted that in a span of eight months, the lending outfit was victimized in as many times or an average loot of P12,000 per month.          

As part of the PNP's pro-active approach, Supt. Ingking called a meeting between the assistant branch manager and the chief of the PNP investigation section to discuss the series of robberies. It was last February. The meeting was also aimed to come up with measures to prevent future robbery incidents.

Supt. Ingking also appraised the lending firm of the opportunity created by its collectors in their collection efforts in the remote barangays.

Supt. Ingking said even the information regarding where and when the collectors are going to collect the weekly installments are easily accessible to anyone interested to know about it.

The local PNP recommended the following measures to eliminate opportunities for TSKI collectors to be victimized by robbers:

1. Payment of weekly installment by individual clients should be made at branch offices instead of having it done in the remote barangays; and money to be deposited to the bank from the branch offices should be delivered in an armored car.

Supt. Ingking's warning on TSKI came after the arrest of two suspects in Sagbayan last Thursday.

Since most of the TSKI robberies took place in the remote barangays of northern and central Bohol, it was earlier believed that the two suspects were responsible to the string of hold-ups involving the lending firm.

--published by the Bohol Sunday Post

By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News

Bohol plans to further develop five nature-based sites to attract more tourists in the province, a tourism official said.

According to Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) chairperson Peter Dejaresco, they already identified “five product sites” located in different towns.

These are the mangrove plantation in Candijay, an oyster farm in Buenavista, the Rajah Sikatuna Park and the Magsaysay Camp in Bilar and Loboc River.

“It's about time Bohol wakes up and realizes that there is a great tourist boom,” said Dejaresco.

Department of Tourism data show that in 2005, more than 35,000 foreign tourists visited Bohol.

Early this month, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (Smedsep), a joint project of the German Technical Coordination and the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas, identified Bohol as an ecotourism destination.

PTC's plan to develop more nature-based sites came in response to a suggestion from international tourism consultant Gottfried Hilzward.

Hilzward said Bohol has to improve, if not, develop its nature sites since these are the province's strengths.

Hilzward was in Cebu as the head tourism consultant for the Smedsep project.

“At present, all these (nature sites) are not in place. Beach resorts do not give the competitive edge,” Hilzward told Cebu Daily News.

Based on survey interviews by Hilzward, Bohol can offer more attractive ecotourism packages based on strong tourist growth.

“Bohol has all the means and resources to let tourists experience the best of nature,” he said.

Hilzward cited marketing, product quality and diversity, and distribution as crucial factors which the province needs to address to draw more tourists.

“You need to provide more information on nature sites and create business opportunities for tour operators,” he advised tourism officials.

Asianfairy, Ginger, I should join you there...

driving a car...

Quote from: C2H4 on September 21, 2007, 11:29:04 AM
Miss Melrose: na intimidate man ang mga cats dire sa imong beauty...

mauwaw mo raise sa ilang hands

Melrose is a dream girl of many.

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 21, 2007, 12:24:33 PM
"Thinking About You"
When I ate today at noon
All I could think about was you
Wishing you were here to do what you do
Wishing I could feed you with my spoon
Hoping someday I'll see your smile again

I don't know if I can take all this pain
Knowing that I am here and you are there
Thinking about the times we had and will not have

You are the best there ever was and will be
There is nothing to explain you, but lovely
Even when I was sad you made me happy

I just don't know what to do
I just hope one day, I get to see you..

May the world be informed who this special someone is......

Quote from: Melrose on September 21, 2007, 01:00:32 PM
He's in Korea, Mike.

Wala na gyuy chance ang mga Bol-anon sa Bohol ani, Melrose. 

Quote from: Melrose on September 21, 2007, 12:04:26 PM
haha! beauty is in the eye of the beholder. matud pa sa usa ka panultihon, "sa True Love, ang pimples mahimong dimples!" ahehehe!

bitaw, raise your hands na uy! we all love boholano guys, no!

pero basin maminyo ka ug taga-Luzon, melrose. 

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

Sometime ago, there was a seminar in Real Property Tax collection. Having dealt with this problem for several decades in one of the major cities in the Philippines, we know that tax collection along those lines is daunting. In the first place, extracting money from taxpayers is practically like pulling his teeth, his healthy teeth, that is. Filipinos treat taxes as an unnecessary evil. Every trick must be resorted to, to avoid or evade taxes if he can get away with it. To collect, the property owner must be strongly informed that he has tax obligations to be paid and sanctions will be imposed until he had settled them.

The problems the tax collector will face are as follows: To collect, the owner must first be identified. The declared owner on the document may have long been dead.

The one holding the property may not be a direct descendant. Take for example the case of my cousin. He was transferring the property to his name but the property was declared under the name of our great, great grandfather. In other cases, the owner of the property has left for places unknown.

A survey of Real Property Master files of some towns reveals that most properties, particularly land, are declared under previous owners with unknown address. There is no way for the tax collector to contact the owner Present property holder sometimes refuse to pay taxes on land not declared under his name.

Delinquent taxes are almost impossible to collect. In the past, it had been a practice to transfer the name of the tax declaration to another without first collecting back taxes. It is presupposed that the present owner will assume the back taxes of the acquired property but most will not. The present owner must be presented with the history of the real property tax declaration with its back taxes so he can collect from the seller if he will not assume the tax accountability.

As it is, the tax collector, the Office of the Treasurer cannot collect because the Office of the Assessor cannot present the proper documents for tax collection, particularly the evolution of the tax document and the taxes that it had incurred.

It is possible to trace the history of a tax declaration. Real Property Tax Declaration histories had been generated when the ownership of the property is contested in courts. Lawyers demand this document. However, this cannot be easily done without computers.

At the last two decades of the 1900s, the Queen City of the South embarked on a Real Property Tax Delinquency collection program. A task force was created, a software system was engineered.. Real properties whose taxes including penalties were not paid since 1980 were printed out. Demand letters were personally sent to the delinquent property owners. Many property owners balked especially those who were considered influential. Threatened with confiscation and sale of the property to cover back taxes, the owners relented. There was one, who paid around twelve million but asked if the amount could be paid on installment. The treasurer agreed.

The logic is real property taxes, especially tax delinquencies cannot be efficiently collected without a system and political will. LGUs can generate revenues without enacting new tax laws. There are thousands or millions waiting to be collected only if a system is followed and the program strictly implemented. If tax collectors will not resort to computerization, better forget the whole idea. In the age of automation, we still insist on the pen and ledger system. No wonder the rest of the world has left us behind.

By Joe Espiritu
Jagna-based Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

The policy of provincial government of Bohol of luring Communist rebels back to the folds of the law is considered to be succeeding. The news says that the Philippines are thinking of adopting the program offered by the province to all the insurgents of the land. The move may succeed but certain adjustments must be made. Bohol conditions are different from the rest of the country and the rest of the world having Communist insurgency problems. History will attest to that.

The growth and spread of Communism succeeded in places where there is downtrodden peasantry. It never made inroads to in countries with strong economy. The Communist doctrine was first propounded by Karl Marx, a German of Jewish extraction living in England at the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.

Urban migration of peasants to large factories caused a social and economic upheaval. Labor was considered a commodity along with material and machinery.

Rapacious capitalists tried to limit labor costs and factory workers were living under appalling conditions. Labor on the other hand wanted better working conditions and equitable share of the proceeds. A proposed solution to the struggle was first proposed by Karl Marx in his book Das Kapital. This proposal was adopted by Vladimir Ilyitch Ulyanov later known as Nicolai Lenin to fit Russian conditions.

At time all resources of Russia was owned by the nobility, the people were called serfs, were considered property like land and farm animals. When the Industrial Revolution reached Russia, the nobility provided labor to factories funded by foreign capitalists. The living conditions of Russian labor were even worse than that in England. Russian peasants wholeheartedly accepted the Communist Manifesto, which proposed a classless state, absence of private property and a government of committees - soviets, of the people. An ensuing violent struggle exterminated the Russian nobility and the soviets reigned supreme.

At the end of the Spanish regime, central Luzon was ripe for Communism. Large tracts of Riceland were owned by landlords living in the cities. Unequal sharing of harvests, usurious rates of interests and lack of opportunities for upwards mobility made the farmer embrace Communism. The first years of the Third Philippine Republic marked the heyday of the Philippine Communism. However, a Defense Secretary of President Elpidio Quirino named Ramon Magsaysay who later became President broke the back of the communist movement. Disciplined armed forces, socio economic reforms plus irrigation and liberal banking facilities freed Central Luzon from rebellion, rebels fled to the hinterlands.

How Communism gained a foothold in Bohol is puzzling. There are no large tracts of land owned by absentee landlords, no down trodden peasants, no agrarian troubles. Industry, frugality and intrepidity kept Boholanos debt free and for those who need loans, interests rates are reasonable. Upwards mobility can be attained for those who are willing to work for it. Our great Boholanos originally came from poor families.

In Bohol as elsewhere, aside from the army and law enforcement agents, there are three kinds of gun bearers; the bully, the bandit and the ideologue. Those who own firearms for self-defense do not show them openly. Because of bearable socio economic conditions, the ideologue of whatever variety would not flourish. Of course, there may be isolated cases but they could be easily neutralized. The Boholano amnesty offer may succeed in other places if it would be in form of a velvet glove which cover a steel gauntlet.

By Loy Palapos
The Bohol Sunday Post

Atty. Handel Tumulak Lagunay (HTL) is one exception to the pronouncement of Sycip. The value system he derived from home is a deterrent to any derogatory practice of his profession. He has been well prepared for the practice of his profession. He has been schooled in the best campuses, culminating at Silliman University. An orator-debater during his student days, he knows public speaking like the back of his right hand; just an indication that he follows the rules, and knows his role in connection with his clients. Never the braggart, which some Lawyers are sometimes observed to be, he cuts the picture of humility, compared to the loud foxes of the court, with there booming stentorian voices, and (a few times) fractured English.

A few years after passing the Bar, he had his private practice, until the City of Tagbilaran took him as its Legal Officer. Then, the Provincial Government made him the Provincial Attorney. He, thus, holds the distinction of being the only Boholano to hold both significant positions.

Atty. Handel Lagunay is never an intimidating presence. Soft-spoken and amiable in his manner, he can be anybody's friend; somebody you always wish well. This interview opens up in the interviewee some salient points in his personality in terms of his responsibility to the people of Bohol.

LMP: Was it your ambition to become a lawyer? What were your perceptions that augmented your desire to pursue such dream?
HTL: Ever since I was about 2 years old, my parents and my yaya, who was my mother's yaya before, never asked me if I wanted to become a lawyer. They just made declarations that I will become one when I grow up. My father, Baning Lagnay, is a lawyer. His law office is just right in our home. I grew up seeing him interviewing his clients, preparing for the cases, working long hours, and dressing up for the big court trials. It just came very natural for me that I would follow my father's footsteps.

LMP: What were the interventions in the pursuance of such ambition?
HTL:There were none. I guess it was just the thought of helping people solve their problems, my involvement in campus politics and the student publication, exposure with student activism and in the process getting to see the problems of our society, and my father's advocacies when he started government service in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 1988 - all these contributed in cementing my desire to be a lawyer.

LMP: What did you do after passing the bar?
HTL: I joined my father's law office and started law practice right away. In fact, I was already working at his office while waiting for the bar exam results. I also taught at the University of Bohol College of Law and College of Commerce for a few years.

LMP: Will you state the circumstances which paved your way to become Tagbilaran City's Legal Officer?
HTL: Oh, I never considered joining public service. But I guess what brought me to where I am now started when I became the counsel of the Lakas-CMD party in Tagbilaran during the 1998 elections. After Mayor Joe Torralba won his second term, he invited me to become the City Legal Management Consultant in lieu of Atty. Romualdo Lumantao. When the position of City Legal Officer was finally created, I was the first to hold the position.

LMP: How about your transfer to the Bohol Provincial Capitol, until your present appointment?
HTL: The position of city legal officer is coterminous with the appointing authority. So, when Mayor Torralba ended his term on June 30, 2004, my term also ended. In August that year, I joined the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer when Gov. Erico Aumentado was into his second term. I started out as Legal Officer IV. When Atty. Tommy Abapo became the Provincial Administrator, Gov. Aumentado appointed me as Provincial Legal Officer.

LMP: Compare your jobs at the City Hall and the Capitol.
HTL: The legal issues besetting Capitol are more varied, complicated and far reaching compare to those when I was still in City Hall. This is natural because where before I only took care of legal problems of the city and its 15 barangays, now I have to attend to the concerns of 47 towns and more than a thousand barangays. Good thing that I have 9 lawyers at the Provincial Legal Office aside from the legal assistants and the research and support staff.

LMP: What are the common problems associated with your present position?
HTL: This question is difficult to answer. Let me see… well, there are instances the provincial government has to deal hard with some issues concerning local officials in the municipalities. At times, because of my position, it's my duty to deal with people having opposite or divergent positions of the Province's development agenda. However, I don't really look at these as problems but challenges.

LMP: Name the significant cases you handled since 2006. Indicate the present status of such case.
HTL: The Provincial Government's opposition to the water rates increase filed by BWUI. An intra-corporate complaint was already filed before the Regional Trial Court which also seeks to annul the decision of the National Water Resources Board granting the increase. The case is still pending with the motions for extension of time to file answer filed by the Office of the Solicitor General representing NWRB. There is also the Provincial Government's opposition to the transfer of PPUD's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the BLCI. This is still pending before the Energy Regulatory Commission.

LMP: Which of them would you consider crucial? Why?
HTL: Both are crucial because they directly affect our electric and water consumers.

LMP: How are you affected in cases where the Legislative Department is contradicted by the Executive.
HTL: This rarely happens in the Capitol because of the good working relationship between the Executive and Legislative departments. The provincial leadership regularly consults with each other including the 3 congressmen before major policies are implemented. But in the remote possibility a conflict will arise, there is always the rule of law to guide my actions.

LMP: Do you completely disregard politics in asserting the stand of your office?
HTL: Although as a coterminous official I am occupying a political position, I don't let politics get in the way to affect how I do my job. The primary consideration is always the law, and when the law is silent, the public good. For me, there are two kinds of politics. The good and the bad. Upholding what is right and just, even if sometimes it is unpopular, is good politics. No one can honestly say he can completely disregard politics--especially if this is the good kind-but it should not be the controlling factor in discharging the responsibilities of the office.

LMP: How do you assess the Provincial Governance without a Legal Office?
HTL: We are a government of laws and not of men. With the advent of local autonomy and devolution of certain State functions to the LGUs, having a legal officer is crucial in local government operations. In fact, it is a mandatory position for provinces and cities. Ordinances from component LGUs have to be reviewed by the higher Sanggunian and, as a matter of procedure, they are referred to the legal officer for study and recommendation. Contracts need to be examined or prepared, litigations arise, investigations are undertaken, and there are legal procedures to contend with. It is difficult to imagine how any provincial government could properly function without a legal office.

That Atty. Handel T. Lagunay is trustworthy can be gleaned by his upbringing, his simple lifestyle, the company he keeps, and the family he nourishes. His level-headedness strikes a discerning individual as a gift and talent, qualifying him as Mr. Cool. Nobody has heard him raise his voice, even in the most stressful moments; a real man in complete control of himself, even if others have gone ballistic.

Even in his political milieu, where insecurity is, at times, expressed in anger, he never loses his balanced groove. Definitely, this young Lawyer does not belong to the groups Mr. Sycip believes have made the country more lawless. Ask those who have worked with him, or those benefited by his counsels, and they will tell you there are still lawyers who can distinguish between what is legal and what is moral.

By Ric V. Obedencio
The Bohol Standard

Why the police release the alleged illegal recruiter for preying on two workers of Bohol Quality for a promise of work in U.S.A. without clear explanation?

This puzzled the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Women and Children (PCWWC) during its meeting last Friday.

The alleged recruiter identified as one Jeanette Seña, said to be a business person from Manila, was released early last week from police custody after her invitation to explain about her alleged recruitment racket without license, said the DOLE.

Seña, the DOLE said, who is residing at Pamplona residence at Carnaba subdivision along Tamblot street in this city, has succeeded to hoodwink Barnabe Lanzaderas and Joan Magallanes of Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol.

In exchange of a job in a casino in Las Vegas, Seña asked for advance pay in the amount of P5,000 without any receipt issued which raised doubts as to the legitimacy of her recruitment operations, said the DOLE.

DOLE said that Lanzaderas, who hails from Samar, mortgaged his family’s rice farms for P3,000 just to pay an advance to Seña.

DOLE said that both Lanzaderas and Magallanes had already paid the advance pay. It said that Seña did not want to receive cash to pay the advance but demanded her prey to deposit the money in the bank provided with an account number.

It was learned that police failed to file appropriate charges against Seña thus her release, otherwise, her prolong “detention” could put the police in an awkward position.

Under the law, a suspect of a crime can be held under police custody or imprisoned within a prescribed number of hours until police authorities would be able to file appropriate charges against the said suspect depending on the gravity of the crime committed and penalties imposed. Failure to file formal charges for prosecution by police means freedom of the suspect.

DOLE told the Council that one of its officers disguised as an applicant to corner and entrap the suspect (Seña) in a certain place. After their conversation for quite awhile, DOLE officer John Nistal almost persuaded Seña to receive the advance pay but the latter insisted to deposit the money with the bank.

The plan (entrapment) was aborted because the suspect did not actually receive the advance money in exchange of work abroad. It ended a confrontation after the suspect (Seña) agreed to go to the police station to explain her side.

Nistal said that the alleged crime of illegal recruitment, or even plain swindling, can hardly prosper simply because the supposed complainant-victims (Lanzaderas and Magallanes) refused to file formal charges to pin down Seña. Nistal said that they are not even interested to get back the advance money they gave to the suspect.

published by the Bohol Standard

The province, now becoming a favorite tourist and business haven in this central part of the country, needs a responsive, upgraded police force.

Former Bohol Police Provincial Director SSupt Arturo Evangelista said, “it is still not late for the province to heed his earlier call for the creation of a Special Reaction Unit (SRU) composed of well-equipped and trained operatives.”

Evangelista is a full-blooded Boholano. His father hails from Talibon while his mother is a native of Ubay.

During his more than a year-tenure as police provincial director, Supt Evangelista pushed for the creation of an SRU, patterned from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units in urban cities.

He submitted a detailed operational plan to the Office of the Governor asking for a budgetary requirement of P8-million for acquisition of facilities and high-tech communication equipments.

The request was however denied. From the time of Evangelista’s transfer, the crime rate in this island-province has since then drastically risen.

Several hold-up robbery groups have surfaced and even have expanded operations to the neighboring Cebu province.

Last month, the Meloy Garcia robbery group was finally arrested after bank security personnel shot it out in a bloody heist at the Bank of Commerce, Tagbilaran branch.

The former Bohol provincial director now heads the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) based in Camp Sergio Osmena, Cebu City.

While in Bohol, Evangelista was able to neutralize the dreaded hold-up gangs and was remembered as the creator of the now famous Bohol Tourist Police.

Evangelista lamented the “so much politics” in Bohol.

“Kung aksiyon sana agad ang gagawin, wala yang mga malaking krimen na nangyayari diyan sa Bohol ngayon,” Evangelista said.

By Ric V. Obedencio
www.theboholstandard.com

The provincial government of Bohol with assistance of Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid) has put premium on public service through human resource development program.

This developed because “people are the lifeblood of public service,” said Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera during the strategic review of AusAid-sponsored human resource program held at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club in this city on September 10, 2007.

The Bohol experience in human resource development courtesy of the Philippines Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) of AusAid for better public service highlighted the review mission team led by Kaye Schofield with the presence of provincial officials, heads of offices and employee-beneficiaries of various HR programs.

Herrera, who presented in power point notable accomplishments of PAHRDF programs for the Capitol workers, stressed that there’s always a need to highly value people and to develop and manage human resources with great care.

Practically, it is because of the people that local government units exist and importantly it is their that support and taxes that keep LGUs running and pay the employees’ salaries, officials said.

Along with Schofield include Catherine Bennet, implementation and design consultant; Shayne McKenna, AusAid Canberra; Florante Igtiben of National Economic and Development Authority; and Royce Escolar, also of AusAid.

Spearheading the activity on the part of the provincial government was the Provincial Development and Planning Office led by acting provincial planning coordinator lawyer John Titus Vistal with active participation of the heads of offices and rank and file employees concerned.

PAHRDF program in equipping the workers with skills jived well with the province’s vision that says “Bohol is a prime eco-cultural tourism destination and a strong agro-industrial province in the Visayas with an empowered and self-reliant people who are God-loving, law-abiding and proud of their cultural heritage and committed to the growth and protection of the environment.”

Herrera said that this (vision) cannot be pursued nor achieved without necessary strategies being employed on poverty alleviation, delivery of public services, environmental management, economic and infrastructure development that should be based on collaboration, participation and empowerment.

The vice-governor also recognized the contributions of his predecessors, who “had good forward looking initiatives.” In fact, it was during the regime of then Gov. Rene Relampagos that Vision, Mission, Goals (VMG) statements were formulated in setting up the foundations for tourism, investment promotion, cultural heritage, environmental management participatory governance and peace initiatives. And these were pursued by the administration of Gov. Erico Aumentado.

In his budget message, the governor put emphasis on human resource development that would redound to the delivery and accessibility of basic services and needs to the Boholanos and eventually trim down poverty by providing them with livelihood opportunities.

Among the achievements reaped under the Bohol-PAHRDF partnership were 10 short-term trainings and sent 14 long-term training participants or scholars to master’s degree studies in Australia.

There were courses on HRD, Project Identification and Development, Modular Course on Preparing on Agricultural Master Plan, Training on Database Management and GIS, Enhancing Local Public Finance Revenue Generation, Management Development Program and Performance Management and Evaluation System, Market Research for Agri-business Management and Trainor’s Training onAgri-entrepreneurship.

HR development also resulted to draft manual in strengthening the performance management and evaluation system (PMES). The draft, Herrera said, will soon be presented to the Civil Service Commission for approval.

Herrera said that the effectiveness of the Capitol’s services inconsonance with the behavior of the employees is determined by “capacity, motivation and integrity of our human resources and the quality of leadership.”

The partnership of the province with PAHRDF “has been nothing short of miraculous,” to ultimately effect changes in Capitol organization, Herrera said.

Dimiaonons unite in England, set eyes to help hometown
by the www.theboholstandard.com

Being physically thousand miles away from home does not prevent native Dimiaonons to unite as one and set goals to unplift their well-being and their community back home.

In a long distance call, former Comnet-DyTR radio executive Manny Sales relayed to the Bohol Standard that natives of Dimiao, Bohol based in Nottingham, England have initially met the other Saturday to formally organize an association that will strengthen their ranks in a place far away from home.

The movement is spearheaded by Rosalina (a registered nurse) and husband Dante Tagaro, also based in Nottingham.

The city in central England is located on the River Trent, in gently rolling countryside to the south-east of the Peak District. Formerly the administrative capital of the county of Nottinghamshire, it is now a unitary authority in its own right. The unitary authority has an area of 75 sq km (29 sq mi). Population 267,000 (2001 estimate).

The association of Dimiaonons has laid out plans to conduct medical missions, livelihood programs in their hometown in coordination with the local government, now under Mayor Sylvia Adame.

It will also look after their individual welfare as they continue to adjust and work in England.

The couple Rosalina and Dante is well known in Nottingham as provider of shelter and refuge of Dimiaonons seeking their help.

With the association formally organized in England, Dimiaonons can now move as a strong body, with each member extending their own little share to help each other.

By Bruce EGT Zabala
Provincial Capitol

A fast growing city like Tagbilaran is considered a high-risk area for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

This was the impression presented by Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot, Provincial Health Officer and chairman of the Provincial HIV/AIDS Multisectoral Council (PHAMC). Karaoke TV bars and other nightly joints are mushrooming in the city and tourism has also spawned an active night life here.

This is further compounded by the fact that there is still much be known by a majority of the Filipino populace about the dreaded HIV/AIDS. Much information has yet to be disseminated and many wrong notions or misconceptions are to be corrected. Various agencies whether in the government or in the private sector have constantly been and even more, been doubling their efforts in educating all sectors of society.

As part of the efforts in this universal endeavor the government represented by the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and a conglomeration of various organization and institutions namely the Provincial HIV/AIDS Multisectoral Council (PHAMC) sponsored a Partnership forum with the members of the local Media on September 13, 2007 at the Bohol Plaza Resort to present to them the current situation of the HIV/AIDS menace that has slowly and silently infecting more Filipinos and to educate them on this disease or simply giving them the “bigger picture” regarding this infection.

The picture being that as of July this year that already there are 2,916 reported cases of the infection 2,146 (74%) are Asymptomatic, 770 (26%) are full blown AIDS Cases, already 304 (40% of total AIDS Cases) have died due to AIDS related Complications. Furthermore, that 1,692 (58% were in the 25-39 are group) and that 1,908 (66% were males) and the leading Mode of Transmission is thru Sexual Intercourse (87%).

And just for July alone this year, there were New HIV Ab Seropositive Cases reported having 31 infected people (15 from NCR), composed of 27 males and 4 females in the median age of 33 years (age range 21-55).

Modes of Transmission mostly thru sexual contact among the 28. With 10 heterosexual, 9 homosexual, 9 bisexual and 3 by still unknown modes of transmission (probably thru usage of a single infected needles, a practice among drug users).

But there maybe more out there that have not reported their infection. Afraid or ashamed to come out in the open due to the stigma brought about by the negative effect that still prevails after the mishandling of the information about the disease when news about HIV/AIVS first broke out.

But other inputs for the media practitioners were not only statistics but basic and facts about the disease and how to avoid infection. That HIV or the Human Immunodefiency Virus is the microorganism that causes the infection. That AIDS or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the terminal state or condition after contracting HIV.

That there are 4 body fluids that carry HIV, which are blood, semen, vaginal/cervical fluids and breastmilk. And can be transmitted thru unprotected penetrative sex with HIV infected partner, infected blood and blood products or infected mother to child not by other means such as mere touching, bathing in the same pool, or using the same toilet or utensils not even by kissing except of the course probably the “Australian Kiss”.

And importantly the ABCs of prevention which are A- Abstinence. Avoid behaviors that put you at risk of infection, e.g. sharing needles and having unprotected sex. B-BE FAITHFUL. Stick to only one partner. C-CAREFUL SEX ( CONDOMS ) Protect self by using latex condoms during oral, anal or vaginal sex.

Later in the forum the participants were given the shock of their lives when one of the facilitators bared to all that she was HIV positive and answered all the sensitive questions that have been irking or tickling everyone’s mind. What shocked the participants most was that she looked just like everybody and shows no signs of illness or malaise whatsoever.

By Fred Amora
www.theboholstandard.com

Malacañang always has the last say. Tagged as the most expensive project, the Bayongan Dam still gets fresh P700-M additional funds!

In a Memorandum dated August 29, 2007, Sec. Cerge M. Remonde, Director General of the Presidential Management Staff requested the Department of Budget and Management to provide his office copy of the release of P700-M for the Bohol Irrigation Project Phase 2, for payment to Korean firm Hanjin Construction’s outstanding collectible of about P650-million.

The payment is supposed to be the compliance of Pres. Arroyo’s directive to DBM made during her visit to Loboc, Bohol last Aug. 24.

Bohol Governor Erico B. Aumentado said he was shown a copy of the Memorandum during his meeting with Remonde the other Monday.

The Hanjin collectible is part of the controversial additional works for the construction of the BHIP-2 dam and the main lateral canals undertaken by Hanjin and the Korimoto Joint Venture in the amount of Ph1,485,912000.00 and Ph575,826,000.00 respectively.

During her last visit here, Pres. Arroyo assured funding for the completion of BHIP-2. The assurance came after Bohol provincial officials led by Gov. Aumentado and 16 irrigators association composed of 3,605 farmers pleaded with the President to complete the project. The Bayongan Dam is expected to irrigate an area of 5,300 hectares of rice fields in the towns of San Miguel, Trinidad and Ubay.

The fund release was also seen as a result of the Department of Justice Legal Opinion saying: “that the contracts involving the P1.246-billion BHIP-2 cost overrun/adjustment entered by the National Irrigation Administration are legal and valid.”

“The loan agreement taken in conjunction with the Exchange of Notes between the Japanese Government and the Philippine Government is an executive agreement,” pointing to the fundamental principle of international law of pacta sunt servanda,” DOJ pointed out.

Objection

Earlier, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director General and Socio-economic Planning Sec. Romulo Neri blocked the further release of the P1.246-billion BHIP-2 cost adjustment requested by NIA labeling the cost overrun “illegal” and the project as “most expensive.”

Neri pushed for a proper breakdown of the cost increase and analysis of the variance. The works allegedly went ahead without clearance from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). Neri, who also co-chaired the NEDA Investment Coordination Council (ICC) was a key figure in the elite group of Pres. Arroyo’s economic recovery planners.

Aside from the increase of about 52% from its original project budget of only P2.3-billion, NIA also requested a 2-year extension for the BHIP-2 project.

Neri’s comments were likewise joined by OIC-Director, PMS Roderick M. Planta in his Project Evaluation Report dated October 26, 2006, submitted to NEDA-ICC, pointing that a more realistic assumption of using a 25-year life span of project facilities, and 75% O & M funding support yielded a marginal EIRR of 14.76% and negative NPV of PhP53,614 million.

Any further increase in cost or decrease in benefit will make the project unviable, the report said.

Planta also recommended that pending NIA compliance and Secretariat assessment of the robustness of the catch-up/sustainability plan (yet to be submitted), the 2-year extension request cannot be endorsed yet.

Curiously, a month later, Neri was removed from NEDA and transferred to the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Thousands of the Jews are already Christians, faithful believers in Jesus Christ.

In the U.S., there is a big Christian group called "Jesus for the Jews."

Because if you do, the message will go to my inbox (being the admin).

When you receive a personal message (PM) sent from Tubag Bohol, kindly reply the PM from Tubag Bohol, NOT FROM YOUR E-mail (yahoo, gmail, hotmal, etc). In this way, your message will go straight to the right recipient. 

I will rant again.

Lately my Friendster inbox is again flooded with forwarded messages purportedly from Bill Gates, a sick child, Help Tayo, Allen (a Friendster manager), AOL and many other bull-s-h-i-t, non-sense forwards of the ignoramus.

Common sense is no longer common these days.

Why would Bill Gates want me to be the next millionaire? Common sense is no longer common these days.

Knowledge may not be that important to decipher the content of all these bull-s-h-i-t forwards in Friendster and even in my e-mail, but a drop of common sense is enough to guide us to what is factual and what is bull-s-h-i-t.

Quote from: Happy on September 21, 2007, 01:18:03 AM
I received this message from my friend, is this true? anyone please help me to verify this..

Same with Friendster's Allen, manager of Friendster, Bill Gates from Microsoft, and all the shenanigans in the Internet.

It's a SPAM. Don't reply.

Quote from: ms da binsi on September 21, 2007, 01:30:45 AM
dili kaha na ang Sto Nino mao na ang holy grail??? dili si Jesus??? I was born a catholic pero i followed jesus' teachings and admired his miracles pero si Sto Nino, I dont know, why i should nga kung si Jesus pa na sha, nanong duha man ang atong gi ampoan???... why?? why??? isnt it nga ang ampoan si Jesus? not even his image??? ngano man nga mo tuo man ta sa statue sa baby???




Dong Insoy, mao ra gyud ni nga topic di gyud dagway ta magkasinabot???



Mike tabang !!!! help!!!

Jesus did not remain a baby. Fact No. 1.
Jesus grew up and was 33 years old when he died for our sins. Fact No. 2
Jesus Christ was buried and rose from the grave on the third day. Fact No. 3
Jesus Christ is now sitting on the right hand at the throne of God the Father. Truth No. 4
Jesus Christ is coming back again to rule over earth. Truth No. 5.
In all these, Jesus is not depicted in the Bible as a baby king. Yes, he was once a baby, born in a manger, but he did not remain in that state. He grew up and lived with us and preached the gospel.
Little was known about Jesus' boyhood in the Bible. If it is not written in the Bible about this boyhood history of Jesus, it means it's not that important.

Today we worship the Lord Jesus Christ as God who is supreme over all things. None of the apostles ever mentioned of a baby Jesus who should be worshiped. No word of Sto. Nino can be found in the Bible.

Sto Nino is not worshiped by Orthodox Christians all over Europe.
Sto Nino is not worshiped by the Christian Jews.
Sto Nino is not worshiped by Christians in America, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Asia, except in the Philippines.
Even the Christians in Thailand have no idea what this Sto. Nino is. The more than 1 billion Christians in the world don't worship the Sto. Nino, but only the Filipinos who were once tricked and fooled by the bastard Spanish.

History tells us that the Sto. Nino was the ploy and trick used by the Spanish conquerors in order to convert the Cebuanos into "Christianity". On the day the Spanish first landed on Cebu shores, they found that the natives were worshiping an idol, a carved image in a form of a baby, whoever that was. That was the god of the natives in Cebu. So in order to convince the natives that their black baby idol/god was the same Jesus in the Christian religion, the smart Spanish, the creative Spanish invented the Sto. Nino.

Anything outside the confines of the Bible is fallacy.

Learn and laugh with us.

Welcome to Bohol's new town. 

Quote from: jaja on September 20, 2007, 10:51:03 PM
my day ws not good 

im tired...

im depressed...

im alone....

i dont knw....

Paging Lorenzo. Your presence is very much needed.

Sao Paulo, da binsi.

Quote from: LatagawJamo on September 20, 2007, 10:08:25 PM
Hello. I'm new here. Pero dugay na ko nagbasa sa mga posts diri kay sige man ug post sa Friendster Bulletin si mikeligalig ug links sa mga balita sa Bohol...Friendster friends man mi. hehe Lingaw mag-basa ug mga balita bahin sa Bohol. Salamat Mike.

About myself...ila-ila ta! Taga-Bohol akong mommy...pure Lobocanon jud. Naay taga-Loboc diri? Although we don't live in the Philippines, I always go to Bohol to visit my relatives. Love jud nako ang Bohol. Sa tanang mga lugar, nasod (sakto ba? countries) akong napuy-an & nasuroyan, wala jud makalupig sa Bohol. Siguro biased lang ko pero ok lang...opinion man na nako. hehe

Hello Latagaw,

I'm glad you've finally joined us.

Enjoy the friendship in Tubag Bohol. 

Esa, welcome to Bohol's hottest website...

Quote from: Hajji on September 20, 2007, 09:28:30 PM
di ba pisot man na mga jews?

the Jews pioneered circumcision.

Have you seen this one?

What can you say?

A new kind of efficient, solar-powered laser has been developed by researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, in Japan. They hope to use the laser to help them realize their goal of developing a magnesium combustion engine. The researchers described the new laser in a recent issue of Applied Physics Letters.

The idea, says Takashi Yabe, a professor of mechanical engineering and science at the Tokyo Institute, is to make a powerful laser capable of combusting the magnesium content of seawater. In the process, large amounts of heat and hydrogen are given off.

Magnesium has great potential as an energy source because it has an energy storage density about 10 times higher than that of hydrogen, says Yabe. It is also highly abundant, with about 1.3 grams found in every liter of seawater, or about 1,800 trillion metric tons in our oceans, he says.

source: technologyreview.com

A 70-year-old woman arrested in a dispute over her brown lawn pleaded not guilty Tuesday, then stood by as a Los Angeles lawyer waved handcuffs for the cameras outside court.

Betty Perry is charged with resisting arrest and failing to maintain her landscaping, both misdemeanors.

She was arrested July 6 after failing to give her name to a police officer who visited her home.

During a struggle, Perry fell and injured her nose. She spent more than an hour in a holding cell before police released her.

"I ask the citizens of Orem: How many of you would like to have your great-grandmother taken from her home with bruises and blood and placed in handcuffs for failing to water her lawn?" attorney Gloria Allred said.

"Let's bring sanity back to law enforcement," she said.



source: cnn.com

Only in the United Arab Emirates...

It's one tenth the size of the concept pictured above, only costing $5M and about 100 meters wide with a peak power generation of roughly 1 megawatt. The plant will produce energy by concentrating solar power onto pipes containing water. The water will boil, and be used to spin turbines. Once shipped off-shore, the islands could be used to convert seawater to hydrogen, allowing them to be autonomous and untethered to the shore. They hydrogen could be picked up by barges, instead of having to transport the electricity to shore via a physical connection.

source: http://www.ecogeek.org

Sa imong paglatagaw, napadpad ka dinhi sa Tubag Bohol.

Ug among mainitong pag-abi-abi kanimo, LatagawJamo.

Enjoy Bohol's fastest-growing website...