MikeLigalig.com

Quote from: galen on August 19, 2007, 02:12:25 PM
duha at least... max maybe 7 all noypi. possible nga thailand amoa target, not sure kanus-a pa.

sige, just let me know how I can be of help sa inyong pag-bakasyon diri sa Thailand.

How about a Tubag Bohol Bus?

Wala gyuy tarong nga bus sa ato sa Bohol. 

Quote from: ashton on August 19, 2007, 11:47:31 AM
Ha ha ha basin ug mabonalan ta sa bana ni buenavista.

Buenavista is pure dalaga. She had declared it in a previous post.

Quote from: galen on August 19, 2007, 02:03:27 PM
similar ra diay gihapon ngari... sige, ill try to check asa gyud me. thanks!

galen, pila mo kabuok nag-plano molaag? all Filipinos?

Quote from: ashton on August 19, 2007, 01:45:32 PM
What age diay age nga poydi kana magpa member pagka Sr. citizen.

at least 60 years old.

Quote from: galen on August 19, 2007, 01:31:37 PM
dali ra sudlon ang thailand mike for tourist especially if you're a filipino? naa man gud mi plano mosuroy diha... or sa malaysia (silingan ra diri) or sa indonesia ba kaha.

members of SEA nations don't need visa to come to Thailand. passport is all you need to have and u can stay in Thailand for up to 29 days. if u need an extension, just exit to Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, or Laos.

Fifty-five badjaos enrolled themselves to literacy program implemented by Bohol Local Development Foundation (BLDF), in partnership with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) and the University of Bohol (UB).

Two subjects will be taught in the program. “How to Start Your Own Business” will be taught to the 38 female badjao enrollees and “Coastal Resource Management” will be taught to the 17 male badajo enrollees.

The program welcomes badjaos aged 15 up to 45 years old who are living in the badjao community in Totolan, Dauis Bohol. It is a nine-month project where classes are held every Saturday starting August 11 at 9:00am to 11:00am for How to Start Your Own Business” and 11:00am to 1:00pm for “Coastal Resource Management”.

The teachers include Dodong Formentera of BLDF and Glenn Sasing of University of Bohol under the project coordinator Eulalie Albuladora. The project is brought to Bohol by ProLiteracy Worldwide through its representative Ms. Sarah Frank.

The badjao community in Totolan, Dauis has been surveyed and put into the Poverty Database and Monitoring System (PDMS), a software developed by Bohol Local Development Foundation in collaboration with the Provincial Planning and Development Office. The software can rank communities and households based on specific poverty indicators and helps monitor their progress over time or after project interventions.

press release

      Section 1- Title - This ordinance shall be known as the Tourist Welfare Fee Ordinance in the Municipality of Loay. For purposes of shortening the name, this ordinance shall be known as TFO.

      Section 2 -Statement of Purpose - The purpose of this ordinance is to raise funds to finance various activities in the town that would promote the welfare of the visiting tourists like the maintenance of peace and order, promotion of culture and entertainment among other things. The revenue that can be raised from this ordinance shall also be used for the protection of the Loay River from pollution and abuse.

      Section 3 -Scope and Limitations -This ordinance covers both visiting foreign and local tourists who will avail of the town’s tourist facilities specifically the floating restaurants and the river cruising. Floating restaurants from nearby towns are also covered in this ordinance. Tourists who will drop by at other tourists’ destinations in Loay are exempted from paying the tourist welfare fee. However, they maybe assessed by a minimal amount in every stop they take as a donation.

      Section 4 -The Tourist Welfare Fee - There shall be collected from each tourist the amount of Ten Pesos (P 10.00) as a tourist welfare fee every time the subject-tourist uses the specified tourist facility in the Municipality of Loay.

      Section 5â€" Mode of Collection â€" the owner of the tourist facility shall be the one to collect the amount provided for in section 4 and shall remit the same to the representative of the Municipal Treasure’s Office of Loay, Bohol every day.

      Section 6 -Accrual of Funds - All monies derived from the collection of the tourist fee shall accrue to the general fund of the local government unit of Loay.

      Section 7 - Effectivity - This ordinance shall take effect on October 1, 2007.

      ENACTED, August 1, 2007.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

      Certified Correct:
      FLORENCIO TEJANO

      Municipal Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer

      Attested:
      JENARO L. VALLOSO

      Sanggunian Secretary

      Approved:
       ROSEMARIE LIM-IMBOY

      Municipal Mayor

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

With Bohol trailblazing the way to peaceful resolution of insurgency, just how did the province that has been scraping the country’s poverty bedrock do it?

Governor Erico Aumentado says it is through a comprehensive poverty reduction program, the economic component of the government’s campaign which tandems with the military solution.

“Candidly, the military can not solve this problem alone,” the governor said at the National Defense College of the Philippines symposium weeks ago.

The Bohol response is by poverty reduction for peace and development, Aumentado, who formerly heads the country’s Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines shared.

But, like other poorer provinces, Bohol put up an innovative Local Peace Reduction Action Plan which tracks the areas needing immediate government intercession and which allowed the province to focus on the 41 insurgency influenced barangays in 20 towns within the Communist Party of the Philippines New Peoples Army’s four guerilla fronts, local development workers added.

Bohol leaders have understood from the start, Aumentado admits in a speech delivered last August 10 in Manila.

“Conflicts borne from poverty, deprivation of basic goods and services, lack of employment and livelihood opportunities, non participation, injustice and human rights violations have to be addressed both by the local government units and the civil society,” he shared.

Employing strategies of alliance building, convergence, community organizing, capability building and reinvigorating the bayanihan spirit, the poverty reduction program exceeded our expectations, he admitted.

Led by the church and the military authorities who had the culture for peace, the local government channeled development funds into conflict-affected areas in far-flung barangays to regain government presence.

About P100M has been taken from the development funds to leverage for foreign funding from 2002 to present, the governor said.

Wanting to re-view the military’s special operations teams (SOT), Bohol modified it by putting up its civilian community organizers and immersing them in areas to immediately facilitate the needs of the communities, a Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office community organizer said.

The goal was to regain trust and confidence in government. The new SOT was even supplemented by the monthly civic-action activities, quick response teams, fact finding missions, local peace forums, local monitoring board for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the implementation of the rebel-returnee program even in the suspension of the national amnesty program, a Team Bohol team member shared in an interview.

Team Bohol is the newly formed group pushing the local peace initiatives to the forefronts, while using the innovations.

With the program, from 305 influenced barangays, now we only have 24, and from 284 armed NPA members in 2001, it is down to 42 in 2005, while the insurgents moved their base to Leyte effectively reducing the rebels’ fighting force to just one island command.   

Now languishing in the highly improved peaceful environment, the economy also followed, he said.

From within the Club 20 of the poorest provinces, Bohol soared to number 52 among 81 provinces and merited the second most improved province in terms of poverty reduction, the governor claimed.

Moreover, he added that the innovations attracted the convergence of global funders while becoming the delight of tourists and visitors.

Most of all, we have given our constituents what they always longed for, a peaceful environment ripe for economic growth and development, the Bohol governor concluded.

Quote from: Macky Ferniz on August 19, 2007, 05:33:17 AM
Mike, Kini si Gaudioso,

Mao ni akong gi ingon nga among mga lost relatives. Lolo ni siya ni Cabao Ferniz nga taga mansasa.

Macky,

Daghan na seguro sila sa U.S. karon?

Hi Bambi,

I'm taking up MBA in Bangkok.

All over Thailand, hotels and resorts are staffed with pinoy and pinay entertainers.

The Japanese never run out of innovative ideas.

Quote from: Bos_Intong on August 18, 2007, 11:07:30 PM
Tinuod jud nah! Nag-amping unta xa na dili mudaku iya ulo kay lisud na i-boxing kung daku ang ulo! Bog-at baya!

Dili kaha pud nga nasuya lang ang mga silingan ni Boom-boom?

Two men who tried to hijack a Turkish plane have surrendered after all 136 passengers and crew escaped unharmed.

The Atlas Jet plane was flying from Northern Cyprus to Istanbul when the two men tried to divert it to Iran.

Instead, the pilot landed the plane in the southern city of Antalya, claiming it needed refuelling.

Turkey's interior ministry said one of the hijackers was a Turkish national and the other had a Syrian passport. Their motives are not yet known.

Earlier, Northern Cyprus officials said the two men were Iranian nationals protesting against actions of the United States.

The hijackers announced after the plane landed that women and children could leave.

But when the emergency exits were opened almost everyone rushed out, the BBC's Turkey correspondent Sarah Rainsford reports.

Many leapt from the wing of the plane to safety.

The two pilots also jumped from the cockpit on the tarmac, in order to avoid having to fly the plane to Tehran.

Eventually all passengers and crew members were released unharmed and the hijackers surrendered.

They are being questioned by interior ministry officials.

Passengers spoke of their panic as the hijack began, when, they said, the pilot appeared for a moment to lose control of the plane.

source: BBC News

Quote from: bisayantek on August 18, 2007, 05:31:54 PM
Pre,

Natandog ko sa imong balak. Nahinumdom ko sa amoa. Sa dagat nga maoy akong kalibotan kaniadto nga lima na ka tuig nga akong gitalikdan. Ug sa binuhat nga nagbilin og samad sa akong dughan.

Kini ang katahoman sa balak. Dili mapulog sa pulong ang kasinatian nga imong gipaambit.

Tuod diay kini ang imong balak nga napatik niadtong Septiyembre 6, 2006 sa Bisaya Magazine.

Isip mga magbabalak, Pre, usahay dili mogimaw ang mga matahom nga pulong sa atong handurawan kung walay mga gisi ang dughan sa tawhanong pagbati.

Dunay mga higayon nga kinahanglan nga matagak una ang mga luha gikan sa atong mga mata aron ang maong mga luha mamatay sa yuta sa paghikalimot - ug unya moturok ang bag-ong liso sa mga paghandum.

Quote from: bisayantek on August 18, 2007, 03:37:25 PM
Usa ka maayong balak nga akong nabasa. Giduyan-duyan ako sa kaanindot sa musika. Naghatag kini kanako og ideya nga mosulat og laing balak.

I wrote this poem seven years ago. I remember I was at the foot of a hill sitting on a rock, looking out a cornfield near our house in Anda.

Pre, adunay mga gumunhap nga dili ko matukib ang nagpaluyo ning maong balak.

Dugay ko na kining gipadala sa Bisaya Magazine. Last year diha daw koy napatik nga balak apan wala ko kapalit ug kopya kay diri nako sa Thailand niadtong higayona.

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

If we’re looking for bad examples of local governance, the decision of Gov. Erico Aumentado of Bohol province to scuttle a road project in Boom Boom Bautista’s village should stand out. (“Boom Boom's village loses road project after boxer's loss,” Inquirer, 8/13/07)

Are infrastructure projects identified and picked on the basis of the results of boxing bouts? Is this a new development paradigm? Is this a new incentive for young boxers to make good in their boxing careers so their villages could benefit from the promises of local government executives? Where is the development logic here? Aren’t we using need and development potential as criteria for identifying infrastructure projects?

Aumentado was not even shy about it: he made sure that his displeasure with Bautista’s loss and his decision to “punish” him and his village would be known by the whole world through the media.
Poor Boom Boom Bautista. Had he known his village would lose the road project this way, he might have used a spade and a hoe to batter his opponent into submission.

Will the governor please explain to the country why he’s acting like a jerk?

JALILO DE LA TORRE (via email)

Quote from: Bambi on August 18, 2007, 05:17:57 AM
Want to say hello to Everybody!

just registered newly ( this week) Ako si Bambi.....nga Bol-anon pod! Want to be actually informed whatever new around Bohol for I've been so long away from home. More power and God Bless you all members!

Ate Bambi, There are thousands of information about Bohol you can get from Tubag Bohol. Updated every hour of the day.

Quote from: Bambi on August 18, 2007, 04:52:07 AM
Ok thanks.... take care over there in Thailand, was there last Feb. 2006 for 2 weeks holidays. (Koh Samed Island, Bangkok and Pattaya)-  Interesting and very nice cultured country but i  miss our very own Bohol especially (inun-unan and mongos with coconut milk) and the rest there which sincerely belongs to Bohol.

Hi Ate Bambi, I arrived in Thailand April 2006.

You can send a personal message (PM) to El Mundo. He is based in Tagbilaran. He can help you find the perfect location.

I am based in Thailand.

Hello Bambi,

Feel free to contact the following numbers: +6338-501-7346
Mobile Phone: +639059518600

Bambi,

Feel Free to Call this number: +639173040375

Quote from: Bohol on August 18, 2007, 03:04:59 AM
forwarded


11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive
than gas.

I remember I ordered two cups of tea at Starbucks and I paid P150 or P160. I promised to myself I will never go to Starbucks again.

forwarded

1. Every street has a basketball
court.

2. Even doctors, lawyers and engineers
are unemployed.

3. Doctors study to become nurses for
employment abroad.

4. Students pay more money than they
will earn afterwards.

5. School is considered the second
home and the mall considered the
third.

6. Call-center employees earn more
money than teachers and nurses.

7. Everyone has his personal ghost
story and superstition.

8. Mountains like Makiling and Banahaw
are considered holy places.

9. Everything can be forged.

10. All kinds of animals are edible.

11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive
than gas.

12. Driving 4 kms can take as much as
four hours.

13. Flyovers bring you from the
freeway to the side streets.

14. Crossing the street involves
running for your dear life.

15. The personal computer is mainly
used for games and Friendster.

16. Where colonial mentality is
dishonestly denied!

17. Where 4 a.m. is not even
considered bedtime yet.

18. People can pay to defy the law.

19. Everything and everyone is
spoofed.

20. Where even the poverty-stricken
get to wear Ralph Lauren and Tommy
Hilfiger (peke)!

21. The honking of car horns is a way
of life.

22. Being called a bum is never
offensive.

23. Floodwaters take up more than 90
percent of the streets during the
rainy season.

24. Where everyone has a relative
abroad who keeps them alive.

25. Where wearing your national colors
make you baduy.

26. Where even the poverty-stricken
have the latest cell phones. (GSM-
galing sa magnanakaw)

27. Where insurance does not work.

28. Where water can only be classified
as tap and dirty.

29. Clean water is for sale (35 pesos
per gallon).

30. Where the government makes the
people pray for miracles. (Amen to
that!)

31. Where University of the
Philippines where all the weird people
go.

32. Ateneo is where all the nerds go.

33. La Salle is where all the Chinese
go.

34. College of Saint Benilde is where
all the stupid Chinese go and;

35. University of Asia and the Pacific
is where all the irrelevantly rich
people go.

36. Fast food is a diet meal.

37. Traffic signs are merely
suggestions, not regulations.

38. Where being mugged is normal and
It happens to everyone.

39. Rodents are normal house pets.

40. The definition of traffic is
the 'non-movement' of vehicles.

41. Where the fighter planes of the
1940s are used for military
engagements and;

42. The new fighter planes are
displayed in museums.

43. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a
necessity, and where the lottery is a
commodity.

44. Where soap operas tell the
realities of life and where the news
provides the drama.

45. Where actors make the rules and
where politicians provide the
entertainment.

46. People can get away with stealing
trillions of pesos but not a thousand.

47. Where being an hour late is still
considered punctual (Grabe
talaga 'to!)

48. Where the squatters have more to
complain (even if they do not pay
their tax) - than those employed and
have their tax automatically deducted
from their salaries.

49. And where everyone wants to leave
the country!


FILIPINO SIGNS OF WIT:


1. The sign in a flower shop in
Diliman called Petal Attraction.

2. Anita Bakery

3. A 24-hour restaurant called Doris
Day & Night

4. Barber shop called Felix The Cut;

5. A bakery named Bread Pitt

6. Fast-food place selling 'maruya'
(banana fritters) called Maruya Carey.

7. Then, there are Christopher
Plumbing

8. A boutique called The Way We Wear

9. A video rental shop called Leon
King Video Rental

10. A restaurant in Cainta district of
Rizal called Caintacky Fried Chicken

11. A local burger restaurant called
Mang Donald's

12. A doughnut shop called MacDonuts

13. A shop selling 'lumpia' (egg roll)
in Makati called Wrap and Roll

14. And two butcher shops called
Meating Place and Meatropolis.

Smart travelers can decipher what may
look like baffling signs to
unaccustomed foreigners by simply
sounding out the 'Taglish' (The
Philippine version of English words
spelled and pronounced with a heavy
Filipino such as:

15. At a restaurant menu in Cebu "We
hab sopdrink in can an in batol"
[translation: We have soft drinks in
can and in bottle].

16. Then, there is a sewing
accessories shop called Bids And
Pises - [translation: Beads and
Pieces --or-- Bits and Pieces]

There are also many signs with either
badly chosen or misspelled words but
they are usually so entertaining that
it would be a mistake to 'correct'
them like.......

17. In a restaurant in Baguio City,
the 'summer capital' of the
Philippines: " Wanted: Boy Waitress"

18. On a highway in Pampanga: "We Make
Modern Antique Furniture"

19. On the window of a photography
shop in Cabanatuan: "We Shoot You
While You Wait"

20. And on the glass front of a cafe
in Panay Avenue in Manila: "Wanted:
Waiter, Cashier, Washier".

Some of the notices can even give a
wrong impression such as:

21. A shoe store in Pangasinan which
has a sign saying: "We Sell Imported
Robber Shoes" (these could be
the 'sneakiest' sneakers);

22. A rental property sign in Jaro
reads: "House For Rent, Fully
Furnaced" (it must really be hot
inside)!

23. Occasionally, one could come
across signs that are truly unique -
if not altogether odd. City in
southern Philippines which
said: "Adults: 1 peso; Child: 50
centavos; Cadavers: fare subject to
negotiation".

24. European tourists may also be
intrigued to discover two competing
shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry)
called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia -
which are owned and operated by two
local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr. Ho
and Mr. Po respectively - (believe it
or not)!

25. Some folks also 'creatively'
redesign English to be more
efficient. "The creative confusion
between language and culture leads to
more than just simple unintentional
errors in syntax, but in the adoption
of new words, "says reader Robert
Goodfellow who came across a
sign .....House Fersallarend' (house
for sale or rent). Why use five words
when two will do?

26. According to Manila businessman,
Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit
in the Philippines because "We are a
country where a good sense of humor is
needed to survive". We have a 24-hour
comedy show here called the government
and a huge reserve of comedians made
up mostly of politicians and bad
actors.

Now I ask you where else in the world
would one want to live?

When I started sleeping at 4 or 5 a.m. I noticed that I was losing the ability to memorize anything.

Sleeping is very important in keeping our brains healthy.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

Wanting to gain insights about the successful Bohol peace initiatives, peace advocates here play host as the National Security Council (NSC) and regional leaders as they converge in Bohol for the Central Visayas launching of the Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA) August 23-24.

The LPSA is a series of consultations in different regions of the country and Bohol hosts first gathering in the country.

According to sources from Malacanang, the Bohol assembly would gather the biggest cabinet cluster on national security at 16 secretaries and chairpersons led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, other cabinet secretaries and officials, regional representatives, the regional peace and order council members, religious, business sector, representatives of the academe and the local chief executives.

In fact, the seriousness of government business in Bohol merits the presidential presence as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected in Bohol next week, reports Capitol media head Antonieto Pernia.

This as the government pursues a two-pronged approach into peace building: by giving the iron fist on hard-on criminals and terrorists while hugging local rebels to the negotiation table to talk peace.

With the escalation of hostilities in Sulu and Basilan, the NSC also found the assembly timely as the NSC reiterated its broad support for the President's affirmation of the prime importance of preserving the ceasefire and at the same time, advancing the peace process.

With the highly rated Bohol experience of drastically reducing the local insurgents through a convergence of efforts and resources, the NSC commended the province and gets the Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA) here Aug. 23-24. The same activity would rotate in areas in the country where peace advocacy gets a strong hold.

According to sources from the Department of Interior and Local Government, one precondition for the venue of the LPSA is the existence of communist insurgency, the number of rebels desiring to rejoin the mainstream and the local initiatives to resolve conflict, pursue normalcy and spur development in the area. 

A source from the provincial peace and order council (PPOC) said, Bohol has already some 185 rebel returnees wanting to rejoin the folds of the law since it opened the negotiation table after organizing the Local Peace Forum here.

Bohol has relatively subdued the four local insurgency fronts into a single fighting unit while the local chief executive along with government agencies has pursued on-going peace initiatives and local development programs relentlessly.

At the LPSA here in Bohol, the government hopes to identify the peculiar problems caused by insurgency and its socio-economic costs to the local community, determine the action agenda and craft the resolution that would resolve the problems as well as name the core leadership who will manage the intervention towards peaceful re-entry of people to normalcy.

Moreover, the LPSA would also allow a venue to present to regional participants models for conflict resolutions, livelihood and development programs, social justice efforts, challengers and the roles played by local leaders which may be replicated in their areas.

Tanang lakang ug tikang sa mga politiko sa ato, ginabayran na sa salapi sa katawhan.

Unsa ka tinuod nga bisan ang balay ni Ex-father Cong. Jala sa Tagbilaran nga office konohay niya sa Congress (home-based style), nagkobra siya ug Rent Payment from public funds?

Posible nga tinuod ni nga balita.

Hinuon, ang manga ra man nga daghan ug bunga ang ginalabay ug bato.

Kabalo kaayo ko sa kinaiya sa mga taga-baryo. Gamay lang mantsa sa imong pagkatawo, himuon na dayon nga dakong isyo. Kalimtan tanan nimong maayong binuhatan.

Naay mga panahon nga makauli ko sa amo nga dili ko makadala ug gasa sa mga silingan tungod sa kakulian nga dili kalikayan, unya libakon na dayon ka nga mao ni, mao na.

Kalimtan ang mga higayon nga nakatabang ka nila.

Bariotic mindset, you know.

Next Ideal Cinema...

Malaysia deported hundreds of Filipinos who overstayed in that country.

Can I also file a bill for Tubag Bohol holiday?

Quote from: Delaguna on August 17, 2007, 07:25:02 AM
Hello Mike,

It is that easy sa Silliman? That's great. I'll try requesting for my transcript just like the way you did... and also magpa issue ko og another copy of my diploma. I seem to have misplaced mine... Sayang kay si Dr. Calderon ra ba adto ang among Dean.

Attorney, If naa pa kay kaila na naa sa Silliman nagwork, then get in touch with this person. Dili man nila big deal nang TOR ug diploma kay on the record man na.

Kuya Jun is offering a round-Bohol tour for Tubag Bohol community members.

Macky Ferniz is offering us a climbing expedition.

This makes me emotional. 

Next year summer Kuya Jun?

Thanks for this ad.

Tubag Bohol receives 120,000 (and growing) page views a month.

Kuya Jun,

In relation to this proposal, Capitan Berong has also posted a similar vision.

Read it here: http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=3063.0

Quote from: kelojif on August 16, 2007, 09:10:25 AM
Does anyone know how to access dyRD's broadcast through their site?

You can go the station's site at www.dyrdam.com
The site also contains other contact information of dyrd radio station.

First: pictures are already online or available in the Internet.

Use these great image hosting websites: www.imagevenue.com and www.flickr.com or www.photobucket.com

Tutorial for Firefox Browser users only. This won't work in Internet Explorer.

1. Right click a photo you found in a particular website.
2. Choose "Copy Image Location".
3. Paste the image URL in the box where you post a message in Tubag Bohol.
4. Highlight the URL.
5. Click "Insert Image" icon.
6. Click "Post". There you go.

excerpt from ABS-CBN Feature...

...Dizon-Anonuevo answered that sixteen billion dollars were remitted by OFWs last year yet the Philippines remains poor because a big portion of it is used on consumption thereby failing to create capital or wealth.

Remittance studies have shown that most of the money received by families of OFWs are used for day-to-day expenses, such as food, utilities, and other household expenses.

“In fact in the communities where we are working, we interviewed 1,000 families how much they remit and if the amount they remit is enough. They said 5,000 pesos is not enough, 20,000 pesos is not enough, 60,000 pesos is not enough, 100,000 pesos that is remitted monthly is not enough. So what is enough. From what we see when what we provide increases so dies the standard of living. Their needs also increase,” she added.

full story here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=88597

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank group and a partner of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is currently seeking Project Consulting Firms for its Business Enabling Environment (BEE) â€" Regulatory Simplification Project, a technical assistance and advisory project that aims to improve business registration and licensing and regulatory services provided by local governments.  The project is seeking:

Regulatory Simplification Project Consulting Firm(s)

The consulting firm will focus on the following scope of work:
   â€¢  Phase 1 â€" diagnosis of the existing procedures for business registration and operation,
   â€¢  Phase 2 â€" custom design of a proposal to simplify procedures for business registration and

      operation, including process re-engineering,
   â€¢  Phase 3 â€" implementation of the simplification proposal, including training of the city officials, 

      elaboration of an operational manual and amendments to the city regulations, and
   â€¢  Phase 4 â€" design and implementation of sustainability mechanisms, including creating

      monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, communications strategy and strengthening the

      Local Advisory Council

For more info, please see http://www.pcco.org.ph/pcco3//pub-opportunities.asp?l=j#ifc2

Candidates are invited to send an Expression of Interest and qualifications to AManalo@ifc.org not later than the close of business hours on August 31, 2007.  All applications will be treated with strictest confidence.

Please share this information with your colleagues and network partners who might be interested and qualified to apply for this position.

ELSA BAYSIC - SUMIDO
General Manager
Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO)
The Program Support Unit of CIDA in the Philippines

Quote from: blueschist on August 15, 2007, 03:44:17 PM
hi room! newbie here! im from calape,bohol pero in quezon city right now, finishing my degree in Business Administration. dugay na jud ko nangita ug online forums exclusively for boholanos and im glad i found this awesome site!

maajong pag-abot, blueschist.

By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com

In the wake of Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista's failed world title bid, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim called on his 'paisanos' not to get discouraged, assuring the Boholanos that he will produce two world boxing champions from Bohol in the next two years.

"I'm very sorry that we failed to get the crown we aspire for. We might be disappointed, but we don't have to be discouraged," said Mayor Lim. "I can guarantee one or two Boholano boxing champions in the next two years."

The Filipinos were expecting a coronation of another world champion, but their hopes have gone down when Bautista did not even last one round against WBO super bantamweight titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon in last Sunday's World Cup at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California.

But Mayor Lim said Bautista's defeat should not be cause of disappointment for the Filipinos.

"There's nothing to worry about. We don't have to be disappointed because in any event, there's always a winner and there's a loser. What is essential is that Boom Boom should charge it to experience. It is a lesson learned for him to prepare for his success because he is up against the best of the world in his division," said Mayor Lim.

Mayor Lim also refuted claims by some quarters that it is too early for Bautista to be ranged against a tough champion of De Leon's caliber because the 21-year-old Boholano still lacks experience and ring maturity.

"There are some quarters who said Boom Boom is still young to fight for a world championship but we are obliged to fight because he is the number one contender unless we are going to back out," said Lim.

"It's already an opportunity and we feel Bautista has a good chance. The result is immaterial. What is important is that he was given a break only that it's not yet his time."

Lim said he understood Bautista is so disappointed of himself for failing to live up to the expectations of his countrymen that is why he kept on lifting up the spirits of his ward by giving him enlightening words and keeping him company for most of the time.

"I really understand his predicament at this point of time. That is why I cancelled all my appointments and other scheduled meetings here (in the US) just to be with him most of the time. Life must go on for Bautista and there is still no doubt in my mind he will be a world champion someday," said Lim.

Dagohoy Vice Mayor Antonio Puertos died of stroke in a hotel in Bohol.

Vice Mayor Cesar Fuentes of Getafe, Bohol passed away two weeks ago. He died of stroke.

press release

As part of its 87th year celebration, China Bank Corporation strengthens its branch banking network in the Visayas region with the opening of its branch in Tagbilaran City, Bohol and the relocation of its Catbalogan City branch in Samar, a company press release said.

The branch in Tagbilaran is China Bank's first in Bohol and the 23rd in Visayas.

"The first ten we opened in 2007 were in proven "strong areas" for China Bank - Davao, Cotabato, and Muntinlupa," said Samuel Chiong, China Bank senior vice president.

He added that Bohol is growing fast over the decade and it continues to have a stable, healthy developing economy. "We are reaching out to new territories, modernizing the look of our branches, and enhancing the way we do business," Chiong added.

China Bank's three year expansion plan, which calls for the opening of 60 new branches and the redesigning of existing ones, was rolled out last year, not only in Visayas but all over the Philippines, the press release said. (Visayan Daily Star)

By Joselle Badilla, Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mindanao Bureau

It was only two days past his 22nd birthday when 2nd Lt. Charlie Anthony Camelon died.

Charlie, a platoon leader in the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, was among the 16 soldiers killed in an encounter in Barangay Tambaking in Maimbung town, Sulu province, on Aug. 9.

Sulu was Charlie’s first assignment after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy on March 19. A native of Mauban, Quezon, he was a member of the PMA’s Maragtas (Marangal na Tagapagligtas) Class of 2007.

For some reason, Charlie was nicknamed “Hotdog.”

Retired M/Sgt. Miguelito Camelon said Charlie, the elder of his two children, had been looking forward to a military career.

All that ended on Thursday, when Camelon received a text message informing him of Charlie’s death and causing a pain so singular that he could barely describe it on the phone: “Masakit. Napakasakit. Walang kasingsakit.”

Charlie’s mother, Aloha, did not even know where he was.

“It wasn’t in our expectation that this will happen this soon. Of course, there’s always that risk,” the father said. “But what’s unfortunate is, I never told his mother that he was assigned to Sulu. He was already dead when she learned about it.”

Last time together

The last time the family saw Charlie was in April in Lucena City, before he left for Mindanao.

Charlie was in Lucena for just eight hours to attend a seminar, and the family traveled from nearby Mauban and rendezvoused with him at the SM Mall -- their last “bonding” time, the father recalled.

The “dutiful son” constantly sent text messages from Mindanao, said Camelon, who was also assigned to Sulu before retiring from the service in 2001.

He said Charlie had always wanted to be a Scout Ranger: “He wanted to follow in my footsteps. During our conversations, he asked me to do something so he could be a Ranger. But I always told him to follow what the higher command wanted him to do.”

Gathering of mistahs

News of Charlie’s death quickly spread among members of the 286-strong Maragtas Class, who are deployed in military units nationwide.

When his body was flown from Mindanao on Sunday, more than 50 mistahs (classmates) were waiting at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

“Just the sound of the C-130 arriving made his mother weak ... Imagine how painful it is to lose a child,” said a mistah who asked not to be named.

Eight mistahs carried Camelon’s casket out of the cargo plane.

The rest pitched in with whatever amount they could spare to get the soldier a new uniform for the last rites before he was brought back to his hometown.

“You did not have to say a word. They just gave me whatever they could give,” said 2nd Lt. Jonelle Beltran, also 22, who is detailed with the Air Force.

The class donations amounted to more than P11,000.

From such disparate points as Zamboanga City, Manila and Quezon province, Charlie’s mistahs helped arrange his final trip home on Monday afternoon.

“We helped coordinate everything. There were classmates who arrived for the welcome and there are others with the family in Quezon. I realized how strong the brotherhood was in the class,” Beltran said.

Deep in his anguish, Camelon said of the son gone too soon: “He chose that profession ... Maybe he was inspired because of me ... I do not blame anyone. That’s really how it is.”

Charlie was the Maragtas Class’ brigade adjutant.

Five other members of the class are assigned in Sulu: 2nd Lieutenants Alvin Bonayao, Mark Noel Nuestro, Francis Damian, Manuel Mallare Jr. and Ericson Salcedo.

Bonayao and Nuestro were Charlie’s bunkmates in the 33rd IB; Damian, Mallare and Salcedo are assigned to the 35th IB.

Charlie died in a three-hour firefight with the Abu Sayyaf, said Bonayao, 22, of Ifugao province.

“We served as their reinforcements. He died in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf, not in an ambush, as earlier reported,” Bonayao told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

“He was my buddy and company mate for three years,” said 2nd Lt. Mark Brandon Casaclang, who is assigned to Davao del Norte. “In land navigation exercises, night navigation, at the PMA and at Fort Magsaysay, we were always together.”

Casaclang said Hotdog was “very serious in his job, always focused on what he was doing.”

Another classmate, 2nd Lt. Angel Cinco, who is also assigned to Davao del Norte, said Charlie was “very kind to all his mistahs” and displayed “good leadership.”

Beltran said it was “really sad that we have a casualty this early, although we know that it’s part of being a soldier.”

Awestruck by duty

Indeed, Camelon knew by heart what military service entailed. Writing in www.friendster.com, he said:

“I stand a proud guardian of my country and the people. I am awestruck and dumbfounded by the magnanimous duty that the people have bestowed upon me, the duty that binds me to be the protector of the free, the duty that drives me to endure days without food, traverse the inhospitable terrain, through typhoons and searing rays of the sun.

“... The duty that dislocates my normal life, separates me from my family, [that makes me] live with humble means and simple ways and be the epitome of the ideals of katapangan, integridad at katapatan (bravery, integrity and honesty).”

Dying young

In 2003, 2nd Lt. Beethoven Landingin (PMA Class of 1999) was killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul town, Sulu. He was three days shy of his 26th birthday.

Another Class of ’99 member, 1st Lt. Ronnie Bungaos, was ambushed by communist New People’s Army rebels on March 8, 2003, in Bohol province.

In 2002, 1st Lt. Jessie James Apura (Class of ’97), died in a gun battle with the Abu Sayyaf, also in Patikul. He was 26.

He was a veteran of operations against the Abu Sayyaf, including efforts to recover hostaged victims, and received two Gold Cross awards for gallantry.

On Sept. 13, 2001, 1st Lt. Gerbert Lapada (Class of ’99) died in an ambush by Moro rebels in Barira town, Maguindanao province. He was 25.

By the Associated Press and International Herald Tribune

The Philippine government is unprepared for the phase-out of a contraceptive donation program by the United States, which could mean high population growth, maternal deaths, and abortion, family planning advocates said Tuesday.

The U.S. Agency for International Development began phasing out its 30-year program to donate condoms, birth control pills and injectibles in 2003 and will complete it next year.

The government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo promotes natural family planning in line with the stand of the dominant Catholic Church, officials said.

The Philippine Congress has allocated 180 million pesos (US$3.9 million; euro2.86 million) for family planning this year, but guidelines for the funds' release to local governments have not yet been approved, private groups said.

Benjamin de Leon, head of The Forum for Family Planning and Develpment, Inc., said the money was needed to bring down infant and maternal mortality.

About 473,000 abortions, or a third of 1.4 million unplanned pregnancies, occur in the country yearly, said Rena Dona, a U.N. Population Fund official.

Two out of five women who want to use contraceptives don't have access to them, Dona told a forum on family planning.

A U.N. study showed the country needs about US$2 million (euro1.47 million) for contraceptives yearly from 2007 to 2010 to provide them free or at subsized prices to the poor.

Alberto Romualdez, a former health secretary, doubts the budget for family planning would be available anytime soon, and fears a rise in population.

The government estimates the Philippine population has topped 88 million. Infant mortality rate was at 29 per 1000 live births as of 2003.

url source: iht.com

By Komfie Manalo - AHN News Writer

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The Philippine ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya said that a Kuwaiti firm had violated Manila's ban on the deployment of workers to war-torn Iraq and recruited 867 Filipinos for deployment to Baghdad.

Endaya said the First Kuwaiti General Trading and Contracting Co., hired the Filipinos and deployed them to work in 17 worksites across Iraq. He said the number include 247 Filipinos working in the so-called Green Zone where the U.S. embassy is under construction.

According to the Philippine envoy, 11 Filipinos working in the U.S. embassy construction in Baghdad were recruited by First Kuwaiti as well as hundreds of Filipinos now working in Iraq. Worst, the Kuwaiti firm is said to be continuously recruiting Filipinos to work in the volatile region in violation of the existing ban.

"We do not have any way of knowing whether they were under coercion or under intimidation when they gave those kinds of statements," Endaya said.

The Philippine government enforced a travel ban to Iraq following the abduction of two Filipino truck drivers by Iraqi militants. Manila also recalled its military contingent to Iraq after the Filipinos were released by their captors.

url source: allheadlinenews.com

Written By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Can the Philippines replicate India’s phenomenal growth? It’s possible, says Dutch banking giant ABN Amro.

Irene Cheung, head for Asia local markets of ABN Amro, said in a recent research presentation that the Philippines was benefiting from a current account surplus and a positive balance of payments surplus due mainly to strong remittances from overseas Filipinos.

The Philippines hit a record surplus of $5 billion in the balance of payments as of July, as more foreign exchange came in than went out in the first seven months.

She said the favorable BoP position was reminiscent of India’s surplus primarily due to software service exports.

The current account, a major component of the BOP, includes the inflow from the export of goods and services.

Cheung also noted the Philippines’ improving capital account, fueled by foreign direct investments and portfolio inflow -- which were seen as analogous to India’s capital inflow.

Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo of the central bank, who had meetings with ABN Amro, said the Dutch bank had pledged to bring in more foreign investments.

“India is a big, promising, emerging market. They see the Philippines in the same light,” Guinigundo said.

Even on the business process outsourcing market, Guinigundo said the country was not far behind India.

“In terms of volume, they are bigger, but on a person-to-person basis, we’re comparable,” he said.

But ABN Amro said the strong BoP inflows to the region were a big challenge to Asian central banks.

The bank noted that foreign exchange intervention was not being “fully sterilized” in some countries, including China, India, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Sterilization refers to a central bank’s mopping up of excess funds pumped into the economy.

US toymaker Mattel has recalled more than 18 million toys worldwide, the second such recall in two weeks.

Chinese-made Sarge die-cast toys from the Pixar film Cars have been recalled because their paint contains lead.

It has also recalled toys containing small magnets that can come loose, including Polly Pocket, Batman Magna, Doggie Daycare and One Piece playsets.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said it had no reports of any injuries from the recalled products.

The earlier recall of 1.5 million toys was by Mattel's Fisher Price unit.

Full list of recalled products

Mattel said that 49,000 of the affected vehicles were in the UK and Ireland.

The company blamed the amount of lead in the paint on a subcontracted Chinese company called Hong Li Da using paint from unauthorised suppliers.

The recall is the latest in a series of alerts about Chinese products in the US, raising fears in Beijing that the "Made in China" label is being seriously damaged.

Chinese officials have announced a series of measures to try to tackle the problems, but analysts say that China's economy has grown so rapidly over the past two decades that addressing the issue will take a long time.

Small magnets

The other toys recalled contain small, powerful magnets.

The CPSC said that there had been 400 reports of magnets coming loose since Mattel recalled 2.4 million magnetic play sets in November 2006.

It is concerned that "if more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal."

The CPSC said that before the initial recall, three children required surgery after swallowing more than one magnet.

Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys worldwide, 1.9 million of which were sold in the UK.

source: BBC News news.bbc.co.uk

Written By Salven Lagumbay
Cebu Daily News

Sacramento, California - He may have uttered the words some 7,000 miles away from this city, but there was outrage among fans here and all over the world when Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado was quoted as saying he won't make good his promised cemented road because Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista lost in his fight against Daniel Ponce De Leon here.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aumentado said: "If Boom-Boom becomes a champion, I will fulfill my commitment that I will have the road passing through his barangay (village) in Can-uling cemented. Right now, it's a no go."

Aumentado had apparently promised to cement the road in Barangay Can-uling, Bautista's home village in the town of Candijay.

The governor's comment drew strong reactions from fans, based on the posts generated by the highly popular website Philboxing.com, which carried the Inquirer story.

"As the saying goes: 'A winner finds a hundred fathers, but a loser is an orphan.' Shame on you, Governor Aumentado!" said Ron Jeremy, who posted the story, in his follow-up comment.

"This Governor should be ashamed of what he just said. Instead of sharing sympathy with Boom Boom, he simply abandoned the poor kid. Double knock out for Boom Boom. Don't vote for him on the next election!!!! Shame on you Gov. Erico Aumentado!!!!," said another poster, Harold.

Original Sigbin, another poster, blurted out: "Idiot governor. He was just not invited in Sacramento. At least these idiots are coming out in the open. When the time comes when Boom Boom becomes a champion, he can cement this governor's face."

One poster, however, even went to the extent of exhorting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend her hand, saying: "Maybe Tita Gloria may find it in the goodness of her heart to come right in and fund the project on the impetus of Boom Boom's effort alone, let alone the efforts of the winning boxers."

Reylan Lobertenos, who is from Bohol, posted: "Such statements manifest that Erico Aumentado is a big disgrace to the Boholanos."

In just a few hours after posting, the story immediately created six pages of reactions at the Pacland forum, which is a very fast rate for a topic.

Not all politicians, however, showed disgust over Bautista's defeat, as Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim showed class and even flew all the way here to lead a small contingent of Filipino fans who showed support to Bautista and the other boxers, who won for the Philippines the World Cup, 5-1, over Mexico.

Lim was later seen treating Bautista, the other boxers, and their management team to a dinner at nearby Denny's Restaurant hours after the fight.

Lim and the boxers are slated to arrive in Manila on Wednesday), while Golden Boy Oscar De la Hoya arrives next week to present the gold-and-diamond-encrusted World Cup to Arroyo.

No wonder daghang magpakamatay para lang ma-congressman ug daghang magpabaga ug nawong para lang ma-congressman.

For instance, si Eladio Jala. Tarong ba gud ang tawo nga human sa iyang termino, iyang gipapuli iyang inexperienced nga anak ug siya pa gyud ang nangampanya. I heard pa nga it was a campaign mixed with threats sa kabarangayan.

In Thailand:

"We serve breakfast with Sandwish"

"We are open around the clock"

Macky,

The death squad works well in Davao City. I remember that when Duterte was no longer mayor in Davao as he was elected congressman after he completed a three-term mayorial stint, robbery, murder, illegal drugs, etc. returned to Davao City.

But after Duterte's comeback, the city became livable again.

congrats GEC. and thank you for your acrobatic poetry!

i will now assign you as moderator.

Quote from: Onicul85 on August 13, 2007, 05:51:55 PM

Mike, we should play chess sometime man. When I go back to bohol next year--we should have coffee and chess. Sounds good, mi amigo?

Dali na ko mapildi sa chess karon, Onic. I haven't played the game for a long time. Well, since you invite me to play with you, then I'll humbly accept the challenge.

Are you fond of Sicilian defense?

Mga higala ug igsuon, we need your opinion on this matter.

Uyon ka ba ang Bohol makabaton ug Bohol Death Squad?

Join our voting. You have 5 options found at the top of this post.

Mga Bol-anon, palihug tubag.

I will post it now, Kap.

Quote from: Macky Ferniz on August 14, 2007, 05:06:53 PM
Aha! GEC, this gives me an idea to have an "Annual Homecoming for all Tubag Bohol Members" just like the TBTK.... basta walay discrimination. Mangaligo tang tanan sa world famous Cainggit Beach. Atong adtoon ang Puntod Island, Sandingan River, Payao Terrace and all the un-marked beauty spots of Bohol. Pu-ol na kaayo ang Panglao, Chocolate hills ug Loboc River... Balik-balik na lang.

Maybe a year or two from now, Macky. There was an earlier post about this dream. Naa sa Remembering Bohol section.

Dili ganahan ang mga taga Silliman sa UP ug La Salle. Hambogero kaayo pagmag-debate na. Sorry, Snowhite.

Quote from: udtohan on August 14, 2007, 04:54:04 PM
naa pud mike last year a boholana was raped by 5 men in manila.

wala ko kabasa sa news. unsay update adto leo?

By Carlos H. Conde
International Herald Tribune

"We grow our hogs in our own farms so you're sure to get meat that is grown."

"The city's voice is soft like solitudes."

"He found his friend clowning himself around."

"He seemed to be waiting for someone, not a blood relation, much less a bad blood."

Such phrases, lifted from government-approved textbooks used in Filipino public schools, are reinforcing fears that crucial language skills are degenerating in a country that has long prided itself on having some of the world's best English speakers. At a time when English is widely considered an advantage in global competitiveness for any country, many fear this former U.S. colony is slipping.

English is an official language here, along with the native Tagalog. Yet the U.S. State Department, in its "2007 Investment Climate Statement," released this month, concluded: "English-language proficiency, while still better than in other Southeast Asian nations, is declining in the Philippines."

For years now, Antonio Calipjo Go, an academic and a supervisor of the Marian School of Quezon City, a private school here, has waged a campaign against bad textbook English.

"I pity our children who are being fed these errors," Go said in an interview. "This is one of the reasons why the level of education in our country is worsening."

Go says he has notified the Philippine Department of Education of dozens of English-language errors in all seven approved social studies textbooks. In January, he testified at a Senate hearing on the subject. And he has written to the World Bank, which has granted an 800 million peso, or $17.5 million, loan to the Philippines government for textbooks.

But when the new school year opened in June, the books were unchanged.

So Go took out advertisements in newspapers detailing the errors. In July, he paid for a full page in the country's largest-circulation newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, enumerating errors in two textbooks.

He titled the ad "Learnings for make benefit glorious nation of Philippines," after the movie "Borat," whose title character has a less-than-perfect grasp of English.

"I do not wish to pick a fight with anybody," Go declared in his ad. "I only know that if I kept this to myself, the errors that have been in these books all these years will continue to harm the hearts and minds of more generations of Filipino schoolchildren. The errors must be corrected. Now."

Go estimates that more than 75 percent of all elementary textbooks in public schools contain errors.

"And I am being kind with that estimate," he said. Aside from the linguistic errors, he finds other aspects problematic, pointing out a textbook that extols the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Go has been sued for libel by two textbook authors and a publisher, though the lawsuit of the publisher, Phoenix Publishing, has been dismissed. He is undeterred. "I refuse to accept that we cannot do something to solve problems like this," he said in the interview. "I cannot accept that."

Go is far from the only person worried about textbook errors and the deterioration of English skills in the Philippines.

Business chambers, foreign and domestic, have voiced concern that the decreasing quality of English could hurt the country's competitiveness. Three years ago, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines launched a campaign called "English is cool!" to address this deterioration.

Last year, the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of the Philippines, in a workshop on how to increase foreign investment in the country, identified "improved English proficiency" as a key area that needed improvement.

The U.S. State Department, in its recent report, said the "the comparative advantages the Philippines once enjoyed vis-à-vis its neighbors in attracting foreign investment need to be restored in order to attract more investment and support higher growth."

One reason English proficiency, or its lack, has received so much attention here is because of the call-center boom and the fact that Filipino workers with a good command of the language stand a better chance of being recruited for jobs abroad.

For years, foreign governments, particularly the United States, and donor agencies like the World Bank have been providing assistance to the Philippine educational system, and some of the programs have involved the production of textbooks. This month, Australia announced that it was giving a $10 million loan to Manila to improve basic education.

Educators do not deny a problem with the quality of English in textbooks and instruction, but point out that there are other, perhaps more pressing, problems in the schools.

Among these are poor skills in science and math; the lack of teachers, many of whom are being recruited abroad for higher pay; a lack of equipment; and overcrowded classrooms, with some holding nearly 100 students.

Some critics say that the Education Department itself is part of the problem. The Senate hearings in January focused not only on the poor quality of textbooks, but on allegations that the process of bidding for textbook contracts is flawed, with a small cartel of publishers controlling 75 percent of the contracts.

Last month, in response to Go's ads, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus issued a statement saying that the department had implemented stringent measures to improve the quality of textbooks.

He said he had banned those who evaluated the error-filled textbooks from future book projects. An oversight committee has also been created to address issues concerning these textbooks.

On Monday, Franklin Sunga, an under secretary of education, predicted that the situation would improve. "There will be a new batch of English textbooks soon and we hope that these errors will not be repeated."

He said the department was improving its evaluation of these books, contracting the services, for instance, of academics and evaluators from the country's top universities and colleges.

Written By Ven Arigo

A pretty young former salesgirl of a department store here secretly went with a yet unknown recruiter to Manila for a better job in support of her poor parents but was instead made to work in San Fernando City in Pampanga as a househelp---and forced by her male employer to massage his “manhood.”

Finally, her maniac employer, whose wife just flew abroad, would have raped 18-year-old Irish (not her real name) had she not fought back and luckily freed herself one night last week.

She dashed from her master’s bedroom and out of the house to the road until she reached the SM Mall where she hoped to find someone who might be trusted for her temporary stay and safety.

An SM janitor sensed she was sobbing and so he approached her and asked if she had any problem.

After learning what had happened to Irish, the kind man just a little older offered her refuge at his home in Sto. Tomas town while the Boholana would try to contact her mother, Emerita, and elder sister, Mary Jane, back home in Taloto this city.

Irish and Mary Jane made contacts through their cellphones, and their mother on Wednesday rushed to the office of First District Rep. Edgar Chatto here for assistance to her daughter.

Assisted by Chatto’s political officer, Anthony Damalerio, Emerita managed to contact Irish’s cellphone and briefly talked to her daughter who was crying, waiting for her rescue. Proper coordination is now in place.

In an exclusive CHRONICLE interview, Emerita recalled that her daughter told them last June that someone she knows would bring her to Manila for a better job.

Irish did not tell anybody in the family, including her father, when she might leave while still regularly reporting to her work here as a Unitop salesgirl until first few days of July this year.

Without her parents consent, Irish secretly departed for Manila and her parents learned about this only lately when she contacted her family through cellphone that she was already in San Fernando, Pampanga as early as last July 7 employed as a househelp.

Emerita knew neither her daughter’s escort to Manila nor her employer in Pampanga.

The mother had prepared a letter, dated July 23, to Chatto initially revealing that Irish had told them “aduna siyay dakung problema (she had a serious problem)” and that she begged her parents to find all means for her immediate return to Bohol.

Emerita told the CHRONICLE that Irish told them her male employer made her to massage his body---and sex organ---until he finally tried to rape her.

Only Irish and her male employer stayed in the house because his wife had just gone abroad while their two children are studying in Manila.

Emerita described Irish, who has a younger sibling, as a good child that she helped raise their family while yet working at the Unitop after graduating from the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School.

Irish’s parents are both jobless as her father is ailing while her mother, a former street cleaner, needs money for her kidney operation.

Her elder sister, a teacher of a small private school outside the city, is still single and has acted as family’s lone breadwinner in the absence of Irish.

Our God can protect us, Julai.

Let's continue to pray to the Lord Jesus.

Mangutana ko sa akong contact sa Candabong, Anda kung naa ba ni nga IT equipment ug unsay nahitabo na ani.

Thanks Varga for this disclosure.

Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.

The name is Jesus Christ.

Quote from: lumine on August 13, 2007, 06:10:00 PM
dili na jud diay safe ang bohol.

Pag-amping gyud Lumine. Mouliay ra ba ka.

Quote from: Macky Ferniz on August 13, 2007, 05:41:54 PM
I am sad that our streets are'nt safe anymore. During my time, drunk people may sleep in the streets and only flies touch them in the morning.

Are there any witnesses?

Authorities may not find the perpetrator/s, but sooner I am pretty sure conscience will smoke them out of their burrows.

One analysis is that this is a planned hold-up robbery because why the suspect knew the scheduled arrival is 3:00am. Suspect must have been around Jack’s surroundings for quite some days to observe. Police must ask the neighbors for new faces who appeared recently. If this was a work of a robber, he must be an amateur who became tense and pulled the trigger.

On the other hand, I suspect that this is purely murder out of personal hate and to confuse authorities, the suspect took Jack’s personal belongings so it would appear to be a robbery. If the purpose is hold-up, why not ask the victim to open the door and get more money inside his house.

He is one creative soul.

Macky, I hope our police can read your insight here.

Quote from: boholrepublic on August 13, 2007, 05:31:58 PM
the governor is playing god. and it's not funny.

I am sorry to say this, but because of his latest pronouncement I have lost whatever respect I had for our governor.

It's not about Boom-boom. This is about character, the attitude of the heart.

It is very clear that the motive of the crime is money.

Quote from: Onicul85 on August 13, 2007, 04:56:09 PM
I've heard of that college before, Mike. So what kids of extra curricular activities where you involved in? Would you say that Silliman University was diverse? I know you mentioned before of Korean students studying in Dumaguete, where there other international students studying in Silliman U?

Salamat, Mike.

Most students in Silliman come from various provinces of our country.

In the 60s and 70s, hundreds of students were from the U.S. and other Western countries. Silliman was founded by an American philanthropist in 1901.

Today I heard that most foreign students are from Mid East, Korea, Japan, etc.

We used to have a lot of foreign students in our campus but when the Manila officials insisted that foreign students take up Tagalog subjects, the students packed up and went home.

My extra-kuri-kuri? I was writing for the Weekly Sillimanian for three school years. I was also involved in many campus organizations.

My grades started to decline when I spent too much time playing chess.

How about you, Onic?

Quote from: Onicul85 on August 13, 2007, 04:58:53 PM
I'm still shocked about this--I mean, I'd expect this to happen in Cebu, in Mindanao or up north in Luzon---but never ever in my beloved Bohol. I seriously hope that the local government increase in police activity and try to solve this problem.

Onic, last week a hospital in Tagbilaran was robbed.

By Steve Larkin
The Daily Telegraph
Australia

A South Australian farmer held hostage in Africa for 12 days in an internet bride scam has returned home, saying he's lucky to be alive.

Des Gregor, a 56-year-old from Hoyleton in SA's midnorth, arrived at Adelaide Airport tonight after being freed from his African captors who were ultimately duped by police.

Mr Gregor travelled to the landlocked west African nation of Mali last month to meet his supposed bride and collect a dowry of $100,000 in gold.

But on his July 27 arrival, he was kidnapped by an organised scam gang, beaten, stripped, had his cash and credit cards taken, and was held hostage at an apartment in Bamako, the capital of the third world country.

The wheat and sheep farmer was told he would have his limbs hacked off with a machete unless he arranged a $100,000 ransom.

AFP steps in

Mr Gregor was freed last Thursday when Australian Federal Police persuaded the
kidnappers there was money to be collected by their captive from the Canadian embassy in Bamako.

The conmen briefly released Mr Gregor, and police rescued him.

"I especially thank the Australian Federal Police for the effort that they put in and also the Mali police, they did a fantastic job in conjunction with the AFP, and if it wasn't for them, I reckon another couple of days and I wouldn't have returned,'' Mr Gregor said.

Lesson and Warning

Asked if he had learned his lesson, Mr Gregor replied: "I think so.''

Mr Gregor arrived in Adelaide with none of his possessions and issued a warning to others seeking love over the internet.

"Just be careful, make sure you check everything out 100 per cent,'' he said.

Earlier, his brother Phil Gregor said Des was "absolutely blinded by the fact it was a scam''.

"You see this in a movie, you read about it in a book - it happens to someone else, not you. But it does, I found that out,'' Phil Gregor said.

"I really hope that the message gets out to people that they look after their family and if anyone talks about internet relationships, that they can be open and share the mail with them to get an objective opinion.

"When you're in that relationship, it does seem that the reality of the scam doesn't show up to the person that is in it."

source: blogs.wsj.com/wealth Wall Street Journal blog

Rich kids, we hear, have it all. Money. Connections. Top educations. Cars and clothes. For those who are part of what Warren Buffett calls “the Lucky Sperm Club,” life is supposedly one long shopping trip with an no-limits ATM card.

A really big play houseBut what if it’s not?

What if growing up rich actually has disadvantages? And what if rich kids’ penchant for spending â€" and their lack of experience at earning â€" catches up with them, and that unlimited ATM machine winds up empty? (Not to feel sorry for these people, just to point out a reality.)

That’s the premise behind my article in the Los Angeles Times today, which profiles a wealth-education camp designed to teach today’s rich kids how to manage their money. My conclusion is that despite all their supposed advantages, today’s rich kids have grown up in such bubbles of privilege that they’re not prepared for today’s increasingly competitive job market. They don’t make good investors, they don’t compete well for the top jobs, and they’re not hungry for success like kids who grow up in middle-class homes can be.

Eventually, I argue, their money will run out. And much of the inherited wealth in America will flow back to people who actually earn it â€" as it has throughout history. This is what makes wealth in America dynamic, rather than dynastic.

Some readers disagreed. One sent me a thoughtful email arguing that “the ultrawealthy are not stupid. They know their children. Some just fork over hundreds of millions to willing yet untrained hands, but I think most set up foundations or other mechanisms that will keep their name and children in the pink for generations to come. The very smartest and most family-oriented probably even invest in training their children to take the reins.”

In other words, rich parents don’t give their money to irresponsible kids. I’m sure this is true for some families. But in my experience, rich parents can’t help themselves when it comes to spoiling their kids, no matter how irresponsible those kids are with money. And those kids usually wind up squandering their money through bad investments, bad relationships or lavish shopping sprees.

Since there are no reliable data on this, we have to go by experience. What do you think? Will today’s rich kids stay rich, or wind up leaving the bulk of their fortunes to the rest of us?

--Wall Street Journal--

Quote from: Onicul85 on August 13, 2007, 03:53:52 PM
So tell us what undergraduate college/ graduate college you attended, what was your major and any special insights about your particular alma mater. Thanks!

Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

Course: Bachelor of Mass Communication

Major in: BSBS or Bachelor in BasaBasa

Insight: Silliman has a strong community support. They call it "Silliman spirit."

Quote from: queen on August 13, 2007, 04:37:22 PM
Haaaay. I now fear going back home.

My condolences to the Arat family.

Tears.

I also have that feeling, Queen.

Thanks Fiel for this update.

A Saudi man's attempt to smuggle live reptiles out of Egypt in his hand luggage has been foiled by horrified security officers at Cairo airport.

Snakes, chameleons and baby crocodiles were found in the 22-year-old's bags as he tried to board a Saudi-bound flight.

Police had become suspicious when X-ray machines at the departure gate gave odd readings. Among the reptiles they found was a cobra, squirming to escape.

The animals were confiscated and turned over to Cairo Zoo.

Brief panic

The passenger, who said he was unaware that transporting live reptiles was illegal in Egypt, was later allowed to return to Riyadh, the Saudi capital.

He had claimed the animals were needed for scientific research.

Witnesses told Egyptian state news agency Mena how the discovery triggered a brief panic among security personnel at the airport.

Mena reported that the haul included about 250 baby crocodiles.

"This is the largest smuggling attempt of Nile crocodiles in the whole of aviation history," the agency quoted airport vet Yusef Mamduh as saying.

In May, another Saudi national was caught carrying 700 live snakes in his hand luggage at the Cairo airport.

At the time, he told authorities that snakes were often kept by shopkeepers in glass jars or used as pets.

source: news.bbc.co.uk

Recent events in Bohol will terrify tourists.

Quote from: udtohan on August 13, 2007, 01:16:54 PM
mao na ni ron... naay mga condition. hala, sila kuno ipuli sa boxing if kaya pud nila? aber?!

Leo, unsa kaha poy bation ni Gov. kon siya ang boxer ug si Boom-boom Bautista ang governor?

Leo, I know him by face. I've seen him a lot of times.

What is happening in our beloved Bohol?

Quote from: nahisalaag on August 13, 2007, 12:08:26 PM
pagkawa juy hinongdan anang atong governor kun mao ni ang nahitabo. pasalamat jud ko ani nga furom kay naka update ko sa panghitabo sa bohol. since he was still serving as congressman hangtud karon nga gov na siya. ang iyang calendar puno sa iyang nawong, og accomplished and proposed projects kunohay. but pila kaha pod ang iyang na bulsa.....baga baya na siya og nawong kay sa dihang nag strike ang nga construction operators sa bohol kay ang mga politiko kuno sa atoa kusog mangayo, nagpahimo siya og CLEARANCE nga excempted kuno sija sa maong issue.,,, obvious ba? with the latest scandal sad sa oil exploration, i hope na makita na sa atong mga sano kun unsa jud ang color sa atong mga politiko,....with our kind governor and with many other similar politicians in our province and in the country, i really feel sad. lobog pa sa baha sa ilog pasig ang atong future....

i hope nga ang mga tawo sa lugar si Boom2x maka realize pod nga dili ta dajon motoo sa mga panaad nga bakak sa atong mga politiko. and for Boom2x, may he will not take the broken promises of the gov as a total defeat but as a good experience for future use. i hope dili niya ipagamit ang iyang ngalan sa mga way hinungdam nga politiko. ug sa mga mata sa mga bol-anon, he has achieved a lot already at his age compare to our aging traditional incompetent politicians.....Boom Boom's failure in the latest fight is far higher that the success of our gov. i hope the gov knows that.

I remember the governor and the rest of Bohol's politikos were scrambling to have a picture with Boom-boom and called for press conferences with Boom-boom right after his recent victories.

Ang tanan niyang kadaugan gikalimtan. Ang gitan-aw karon ang iyang kapildihan.

Quote from: udtohan on August 13, 2007, 12:19:58 PM
ingana baya nang duwa, naay mudaog ug naay mapildi.

That is not the point of the issue.

By Loy Palapos
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

Of the four functional elements of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling), the first plays a most vital role. Thus, in the Philippine government bureaucracy a specific planning office has been created for every LGU. Gone were the days where the Chief Executive of the Municipality, City, or Province had to be a master of all responsibilities, and end up deficient on all four counts.

Decentralization is an effective management approach, with major decision-making the concern of the topmost in the bureaucratic ladder. In Tagbilaran the CPDO (City Planning and Development Office) is never nonchalant with its role in community progress. Manning the Office is Eduardo Colico Macalandag (ECM), an amicable head of office who has impressed both his superiors and subordinates with his grit in tackling seemingly insurmountable odds.

Starting in 1977 as a college instructor at Japer Memorial School in Cebu City, he was hired at the Department of Agriculture in Cebu City, from 1981 to 2002 as OIC of the Tagbilaran Breeding Center, Superintendent of Ubay Stock Farm, Regional Livestock Officer, Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Officer, and Project Manager of the Visayas Livestock Integrated Facility Complex. These exposures were augmented by other seminars, trainings, and studies, including a Master of Science Degree at Central Luzon State University.

LMP: When you started your job as City Planning and Development Coordinator, were you fully equipped for the responsibilities?
ECM: It would be too assuming to say that I was FULLY equipped. I would say I had the minimum qualifications and basic knowledge and skills, though I was fully aware of the responsibility of a City Planning and Development Coordinator of a growing city like Tagbilaran. I was ready to learn even more just to give justice to the position given to me and contribute something for the development of Tagbilaran.

LMP: What other trainings/workshops/seminars did you have to augment your capability for the job?
ECM: Aside from my supervisory experience and management exposure in the Department of Agriculture, I have attended the following techno-capability enhancement programs: Project Cycle Management; Project Monitoring and Evaluation; Project Proposal and Feasibility Study Preparation; Technology on Participation Trainors Training (GOLD, CDS and EPM); Urban Physical Framework Planning and attended course on Spatial Planning and Decision Support System (GIS-based); Private Sector Participation; Urbanization; Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Preparation Process; Public Entrepreneurship; Solid Waste; Environmental Planning and Management; Public Governance System (PGS); and City Development Strategies.

LMP: Had there been any fear. Anxiety you felt upon assumption into office? What are they, and how did you overcome them?
ECM: Fear, I don't think there was any fear. Anxiety, maybe, yes. But it could be part of the transfer and that I have to adjust to my new job, new officemates and of course the transfer from working in a National Office to a Local Government Unit. I have to make adjustments, did lots of reading and listening. Adjustment period was rather easier because I already had a good working relationship with many City Hall officials, my being one of the local counterparts of EPM projects of the City and my membership in the City School Board, having been elected President of the Federated PTA of Tagbilaran from 1992-2001.

LMP: You started with Mayor Joe Torralba, and now you are with Mayor Dan Lim, how did you adjust to the situation?
ECM: Actually, I started working with the City Government of Tagbilaran during the incumbency of then Mayor Jose Ma. Rocha in 1992 as representative of the Federated PTA of Tagbilaran and later as local counterpart of EPM project. The engagement was formalized in March 2002 when I was appointed as CPDC. I am a professional development worker, and I have maintained my professionalism in the office and served especially in giving my superiors relevant information so that whatever decision they may make, they are highly grounded.

LMP: What are the common problems at the City Planning and Development Office? How do you solve them?
ECM: The functions of the office basically include project development, development control, database maintenance, coordination (within and outside), and spatial framework planning and management, among others. The common problems arise from the implementation of development control measures as mandated in the zoning ordinance. There are lots of explaining to do in order for the clients to know the provisions of referenced laws, ordinances and other legal issuances and for them to understand the spirit of such references in as far as making the city livable, sustainable and relevant to changing times.

LMP: Do you have any problem with your staff? Are all of them doing their respective tasks well?
ECM: I have no problem with my staff. They are very professional, technically capable and knowledgeable. If there are new issuances, technologies or information that would enhance or improve their performance, I see to it that they will acquire or be familiar with all these recent knowledge. I am an output-oriented person and my co-workers have positively responded through their performance.

LMP: What is the importance of the CPDO?
ECM: CPDO is the core facilitator of development of the city through the City Development Council (CDC). This is basically right in providing information to the decision-makers, coordinating or linking to the different stakeholders, conducting research or linking to research institutions, monitoring progress, exercising control so that developments are in accordance with what is logically planned, and collaborating with other departments so that plans have both backward and forward components for successful implementation.

LMP: How do you link with other Departments in the performance of your responsibilities? Do you have any problem with any of them?
ECM: I am a team player and the performance of my present position calls for close linkage with other departments. I always see to it that they will be consulted or informed especially that I have two important functions to do per Local Government Code, RA 7160, that need their cooperation and participation, such as to formulate, integrated economic, social, physical, and other development plans and policies for consideration of the local government development council, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development programs, projects, and activities in the local government unit in accordance with the approved development plan. So far, I have no problem with any of them and I hope to enhance this good working relationship that we have right now.

LMP: What are the plans on the following? Infrastructures, Waste Management, Squatting, Water, Light?
ECM: Infrastructure. It is the strategic goal of the city to have an adequately developed infrastructure that supports socio-economic growth and environmental protection, taking into account the eco-cultural landscape and the carrying capacity of city's ecological resources. Examples are: Sports Complex, Road Network, Business and other Institutional Centers, and Drainage System, among others.

Waste Management. Complying with the requirements of RA 9003 is the main focus of the city. Presently, detailed negotiations with Pro-Environment Consortium (PEC), a private consultancy group, are on-going in establishing an integrated solid waste management facility in Taloto that basically maximizes cost-effective waste recycling as an approach to maximize area requirement and do away expensive sanitary land fill facility. One thing very necessary is for people to realize that managing solid waste is everybody's concern.

Squatting. Squatting or illegal settler problem as a result of urbanization. Usually, the illegal settlers are coming from other places temporarily making makeshift dwellings in vacant lots (public or private), shorelines and even in esteros. Though illegal, but there are those who qualify protection under the law and must be considered in the socialized housing program of the government. The city is into land-banking for socialized housing purposes and it envisions constructing tenement housing units for qualified informal settlers. Again, there has to be a deliberate cooperation from the barangays officials and local residents in order to minimize squatting.

Water. The main source of potable water in Tagbilaran is the underground source. Based on the very recent hydro-geological survey of Tagbilaran, the rate of underground extraction is more the source could sustainably provide such that many deep wells are now experiencing salt intrusion. Further, the natural underground water recharge system is much distorted due to structures and utilization of natural sinkholes (pi-ong). The plan of the city is to look for alternative source, possibly top water source, through fresh investments in order to rehabilitate the aquifer and provide adequate water supply for the growing population and industries of the city. On the city's franchise area, the priority is improving the efficiency of the system through pipeline rehabilitation, pump improvement, and developing new source or pumping stations.

Light. Fortunately, every legally built household dwelling in Tagbilaran has access to power. However, the power producer and distributor shall adhere to their social responsibility for doing business in Tagbilaran and they should value commitments and pay every conceivable revenue that the host LGU may legally receive.

LMP: How do you help on the problem of budgeting and fund-sourcing, considering that the City coffers may not be adequate to answer the needs?
ECM: As member of the Local Finance Committee, I am duty-bound to take part in fund-sourcing activities in order to raise revenue to finance planned activities. Besides, it is part of my function to do analysis of income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance committee of the city. In fact, the local finance committee came out with a policy recommendation to adopt a plan-based budget and this is now a policy of the city to connect funds and plan.

LMP. How do you envision Tagbilaran City ten years from now?
ECM: There are adequate indications and I am certain that the City of Tagbilaran will realize its vision as "A prime eco-cultural tourism hub where God-centered people enjoy comfortable lives and shared responsibilities in an environmentally sustainable city that is progressive and equitable propelled by a responsive governance."

Ed Macalandag has had his share of problems in helping set the direction of Tagbilaran City, foremost of which is on infrastructure. Urban development is presently his main obsession, and he has prepared himself for the eventualities, especially when public censure takes an upper hand.

There are times when the human factor becomes an obstacle, but being guided by time-tested tenets in the performance of his job, he knows he can successfully implement the plans and reach the City goals. This requires total dedication to his job and he is ready to make sacrifices to justify the outcomes of his endeavors.

He believes he is lucky that the administration of Mayor Dan Neri Lim gives him full support.

Written By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

Reports of dengue in Jagna are slowing down. Either the outbreak is finished or cases are brought to other places for medication. Since dengue is a disease that may blow up to epidemic proportions, epidemiologist would try to locate the source of the cases so they would not spread. The outbreak could not have started here spontaneously; it should have been brought from out of town. It would not be surprising if dengue would strike Jagna since this is a port town and transients may bring any communicable disease. Or it might be that since Jagna has a district hospital, cases from neighboring towns are brought here for treatment.

Dengue carriers are mosquitoes, specifically the aedes egypti. We have been living with them ever since. If they are not infected, the only results of their bites are itchy spots. This is because they inject non-coagulant saliva so the insect could ingest blood easier. However, if the mosquito is infected, the dengue virus, germ or whatever is the form, is injected along with the saliva. Since medical authorities have not yet recommended a dengue vaccine, the only preventive measure is to kill the carrier, the dengue mosquito.

Information states that the aedes egypti is a mosquito with white markings. As the name implies, this insect could had came from Egypt. How it came to the Philippines and eventually to Jagna is a mystery. It could had stowed away in a plane or a ship or whatever mode of transportation. It is said that only the female bite and they could not propagate until they ingest blood. They bite only on certain hours of the day and go to sleep at night. Other mosquitoes bite only at night, while still others offer day and night services. The aedes egypti operate at all times of the day; that means twenty-four hours, thus spreading the disease full time states the recent information.

Perhaps the cause of all the troubles is Noah. He was not discriminating. He took things literally. When God ordered him to take a pair of all His creatures into the ark before the deluge, he took the mosquitoes, flies, fleas, bedbugs, ticks and other pests along with the rest. When the rains stopped, they landed in Mt. Ararat in what is now Turkey It was Noah who bade them to go to the world and multiply.

They did not only multiply. They multiplied, divided and exponentiated that they grew in arithmetic or geometric proportions - whichever is bigger - until they outnumbered the humans millions to one. Had Noah refused the aforementioned pests boarding passes, there should had been no Pampangueños selling mosquito nets to the people of Jagna and eventually getting married here.

Since not everyone can afford mosquito nets to sleep inside during the night or wear one during day or burn katol around the vicinity, the only option is to destroy their breeding places. Tin cans, turned up coconut shells, banana and gabi leaves and whatever objects can contain liquid abound in backyards. To eliminate all clear and stagnant water is a problem. We could go thirsty or stink, so we cover all water containers. Sometimes fogging operations is carried out but they do not guarantee death of all mosquitoes. The most effective form of killing mosquitoes is two blocks of wood, iron, concrete or any hard objects. Induce to mosquito to sit on one block and hit it hard with the other.

The rains had barely started here. The coming may generate plenty of stagnant water. Since it is hard to isolate disease-carrying mosquitoes, the infected person has to be isolated. If it is inevitable that a patient is to be bitten by a mosquito, authorities has to be sure that the insect is not an aedes egypti.

Written By Boy Guingguing
Publisher
Bohol Sunday Post

It's too early to make a judgement call on whether Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala has the balls in their right places.

We are referring to calls made by some quarters that the ball is now in his court. The mantra is that if he is made of the right stuff in going after his political nemesis whose Dumaluan Beach Resort continues to defy a closure order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources then he is the right man at the right time.

Of course, we understand the mayor's calculated moves. He is dealing with an extraordinary character who gave no qualms to use his money and influence in getting off the hook whenever he is caught in several uncompromising positions.

Former mayor Doloreich Dumaluan's belligerence is legendary and the more he looks like cringing in the corner helpless and defenseless the more he is capable of pulling off surprises.

He can afford to cling at straws if he sees to it that his very existence is in peril.

And he is one guy who cannot be intimidated with court litigations. He ate them for breakfast and it shows.

Why is Dumaluan appeared undaunted by court cases?

For one, he has the money to finance long drawn court battles. It is as if court cases are becoming second nature to him that any legal obstacle thrown his way makes his day.

Of course, there's end to everything. Sometimes the runner stumbles and Dumaluan is no exception.

Very soon, he will find his match. It may be true that the patience of Mayor Alcala can be stretched like a rubber band but it can snap anytime.

Snap it will if Dumaluan will continue to run roughshod with the law.

For Mayor Alcala he is well aware that the people of Panglao who voted him into office have high expectations that they have found the right man in dealing with Dumaluan's recalcitrance.

For now they are giving him the benefit of the doubt.

If push comes to shove, what is there to look forward is a mayor acting like a two-fisted gunslinger. As such, he is likened to a new sheriff in town armed with six shooters and out to eliminate any lawless element sowing terror in a peaceful town like Panglao.

Written By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

Whether we admit it or not, there is a fratricidal conflict going on in the South.

While in Basilan, they call it police action; the battles in Sulu cannot be called that. In Basilan, while the Philippine marines were on a search mission for the kidnapped Italian priest, they were ambushed by a group, which styled themselves members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF. In Sulu, a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation front or MNLF ambushed a contingent of the Philippine Army. Each claimed that government soldiers violated the space controlled by those groups.

It seems as if there is no win-win solution when dealing with those groups.

Whenever the government strikes up a deal with a main body, another faction calling itself a splinter group would demand recognition from the government. This goes on ad nauseam. Even when offered local autonomy under a political unit called Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, where the provinces with predominant Muslim population would be considered a political division of the Republic and given the power to govern themselves, it is still not acceptable to them.

The root of the problem goes a long, long way; way before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. The Philippines was populated by peoples coming from Southeast Asia. Although coming from a common racial stock, and perhaps speaking the same basic language, the settled far away from each other. Each isolated group, ruled by chieftains known for sagacity or valor or both, developed their own peculiarities. Filipino historians have never taught, which missionaries came first, the Arabs propagating Islam or the frailes spreading Christianity.

Local warlords pay homage to the most powerful ruler nearby. History books mention only the sultanates of Lanao and Sulu as the ones holding power in Mindanao. The Lanao sultans enjoy the loyalty of the Maranaos while the Sultans of Sulu ruled over the Tausogs, Samals. Yakans and perhaps the Maguindanaos of Cotabato. Although their common denominator is Islam, it is not clear whether or not the sultanates have diplomatic relations with each other. The Spanish found it hard to incorporate those sultanates into the Philippine colony. It took Gen John J. Pershing to complete the conquest.

In the first years of the third Republic, - the first was under Emilio Aguinaldo, the second under Jose P Laurel and the Third under Manuel A Roxas -, Mindanao was treated as a poor relation. Development was centered in Luzon leaving the Visayas and Mindanao - especially Mindanao, to fend for themselves. Muslims fell under the influence of their strongmen while Christians settled and developed some parts of Mindanao. The island became a patchwork of various ethnic groups with Christianity and Islam as dominant religions.

While the Christians can live and work with each other and with other ethnic groups, it is not clear whether the ethnic Muslims such as the Maranaos, Maguindanaos and Tausugs could live with each other. If they were lumped under one autonomous region, would a Tausog agree to be governed even temporarily by a Maranao or Maguindanao or vice versa? Then, would the central government allow those ethnic groups to carve their own empires? Definitely not.

The conflict cannot be settled with guns alone. Political scientists would have to work hard to find a solution. It is not possible that there is a no win solution if everyone, Christian, Muslim or whatever work together. However, as a sovereign country, the Philippines do not have to bargain with rebels or insurgents. Her armed forces will have to uphold the sovereignty of Republic.

Published by the <a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

A contingent of Boholano performers who will represent the Philippines in the San Francisco Song and Dance Festival starting on August 12 was denied US visa, the Post learned last night.

The report is sketchy at best since no one seemed to confirm the details of the unfortunate event. But Loy Palapos, executive director of the Sandugo Foundation who was supposed to be part of the group confirmed to the Post last night that he is pushing through with the trip. There appeared to have no problem with his visa.

He is expected to catch up with the group of Mayor Dan Neri Lim who will be at ringside to cheer the fight of Boholano boxing sensation Rey"Boom Boom" Bautista.
At the Arco Arena in In Sacramento California.
          
It was estimated that about 10 performers who are supposed to form a dance and drama troupe assembled by renowned director/ choreographer Gardy Labad were denied US entry.

The group of performers is supposed to stage a Sandugo reenactment as its cultural presentation during the San Francisco affair.

The group is an amalgam of dance and drama talents picked from Diwanag Dance Company, Theatro Bol-anon and from the different schools in the city of Tagbilaran.

The Loboc Children Choir which is no stranger to international exposure was supposed to join the group of selected Boholano thespians but begged off at the last minute. The choir had just been to China in another invitational presentation.

It was gathered that the Loboc Children's Choir aside from its supposed performance during the San Francisco Festival was enlisted to sing the Philippine National Anthem during the Bautista-Ponce de Leon main eventer.

But all this are "water under the bridge" when the children's choir failed to honor the commitments due to conflict of schedule.

As to the dance and drama troupe, it was not divulged what was the reason they were denied US visas.

Dr. Elpedio Jala, city division superintendent who was part of the entourage was lucky not to be included to those who were denied entry to the US. But he opted to stay behind apparently in sympathy to his companions.

But Palapos pushes through with the trip hoping that he can make it to the Bautista-Ponce de Leon bout this morning. He left Manila last night.

Also billed as Bohol's ambassador of goodwill, the Bohol performers are also in a promotional tour to hype next year's convention of the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan in Tagbilaran City.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Drilling of oil deposits near Cabilao Island in Loon town is scheduled to start anytime soon within the next two years.

Meanwhile, groups opposed to the project are urging local officials to ensure that the stake of the province in the offshore oil field be secured and protected.

The presence of commercially and economically viable petroleum resources between Bohol and Cebu was finally confirmed by the DoE and Otto Energy Ltd., the Australia-based company contracted by the Philippine government to explore oil and natural gas deposits at the Visayan basin and offshore Palawan.

In an advisory given to the DoE by Otto Energy, the latter reported that it is raising $11.02 million to fund the oil drilling off Cabilao Island including the Argao, Cebu side.

The advisory likewise drew concerns and skepticism from the tourism sector that the Australian firm is just using the results of the seismic exploration to raise funds while Otto Energy secured the exploration contract with the DoE even without the much-needed financial resources.

Groups opposed to the project are now lobbying for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to adopt, by way of legislation, an ordinance or resolution declaring the oil field as part of Bohol's administrative territory.

Otto Energy owns and controls NorAsian Energy Ltd., which conducted the controversial seismic survey at the Bohol-Cebu seas last June.

Although the drilling was set to start earlier, Otto Energy revised its drilling program after completing the seismic exploration here.

The DoE has likewise approved the revised exploration work programs giving the Australian energy firm until March 2009 to drill the first wells at the Bohol-Cebu seas.

By August 2009, Otto Energy will commence drilling for the Marantao prospect in offshore Palawan.

These deadlines, Otto Energy's advisory stated, are in line with recent developments in the company's overall exploration program, particularly the completion of its seismic surveys over Service Contract (SC) 50 at Calauit oil field, SC 51 Argao-Cabilao and SC 55.

To fund the oil drilling on these three Philippine service contracts, Otto Energy will be issuing an additional 36.73 million shares of stocks.

Deposits in the Argao and Cabilao area are confirmed to contain up to 270 million barrels (MMbbls) of recoverable oil in conventional sandstone reservoirs, Otto Energy's report stated.

Written By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

Victims of the dreaded dengue fever is consistently on the rise with another 136 hospitalized during the past week.

As of last count Friday, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded a total of 715 hospitalized since January this year from the 615 the preceding week.

Tagbilaran City still registered the highest number of cases with a total of 286 victims, up by 57 from 229 recorded in the preceding week.

Although there is an increasing number of victims, most were immediately given medical treatment as the Department of Health (DOH) already established dengue express lanes in all government hospitals throughout the province.

No further casualty was reported.

Worst hit city barangays are Cogon, Booy, Dao and Dampas.

Cogon registered a total of 34 cases, most of which are concentrated in Upper Calceta Street with 15 victims.

Booy has a total of 31 dengue cases, Dao with 29, Dampas 20, Mansasa 12, while barangays Bool, Taloto and Lindaville has a total of 11 cases each since January.

Barangays Cogon and Dao were declared having a dengue epidemic by the DOH.

In the month of June, Tagbilaran had 65 cases recorded while it almost doubled to 127 last July.

With the onset of the rainy season, the rise of dengue victims is expected to rise steadily, according to PHO statistician Merlyn Nemenzo.

In the towns, Dauis still have the highest number of victims with 64 followed by Jagna with 56.

The PHO reported that massive "search and destroy" operations are being conducted in the city barangays and the towns.

Six of ten dengue casualties occurred in the month of July where five of which come from Tagbilaran City.

Other towns registering a high number of dengue victims are Albur with 19; Baclayon and Mabini 15; Panglao and Loboc with 13; Ubay 11; Balilihan, Carmen and Loon with 10.

By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) authorized a provisional 25-centavos per kilowatt-hour increase to Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) last Thursday.

On the next electric billing of Bohol Light, the new rate will already apply, according to Bohol Light manager Noel Alingig in an interview with the Chronicle.

The power rate hike was granted by the ERC despite the opposition filed by the provincial and city governments during the public hearing last Thursday at the Governor's Mansion.

The 25-centavo per kw/h hike could even go higher after the ERC has yet to rule on the 16.5-percent increase sought by Bohol Light.

Presently, residential consumers are charged P5.2037 per kw/h, commercial consumers are charged P5.5157 per kw/h while public buildings and street lights are currently charged P5.4451 per kw/h.

The additional 25-centavos will evenly be imposed on the three consumer categories including the utility's special accounts.

ERC Commissioner Jose Reyes, who presided over the public hearing, announced that the commission granted provisional authority for the 25-centavo increase as a result of its review of Bohol Light's petition for unbundling of power rates submitted last May 15, 2007.

Bohol Light applied for unbundling of rates in compliance with the requirements of the Electric Power Reform Act (EPIRA).

The ERC originally set the public hearing for two days.

However, the hearing for the power rate increase was suspended until next month by the commission.

This is to give time to the oppositors, the city and the provincial governments to present their counter-petition against the increase.

The date and venue of the second public hearing has yet to be announced by the ERC.

OBJECTIONS AIRED

Former OIC Gov. Victor dela Serna informed Commissioner Reyes that as member of the Bohol Light board of trustees, he was not informed of the application for rate increase.

He said there is a requirement under the joint venture agreement of the provincial government and the Salcon group that rate adjustments require a consensus, through a resolution, among members of the board of trustees.

Dela Serna said he will never approve of such an increase that is "disguised behind the unbundling of rates mandated by the ERC.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) adopted in mass motion a resolution opposing the rate increase.

The resolution, authored by SP committee on public utilities chair Kag. Zenaido Rama, stated that implementing the power hike is "morally wrong" in the face of the economic crisis.

The SP resolution stated that they do not oppose the unbundling of rates as it is meant to identify the costs behind the rates.

However, the increase as a result of the unbundling is unjustifiable, the resolution said.

RESULT OF UNBUNDLING

After considering the application made by Bohol Light, the ERC came up with the subsequent charges to be imposed by the power utility on consumers.

Bohol Light is allowed a flat generation charge of P3.0868 in all customer classes.

Transmission charge is pegged at 59.34 centavos for residential consumers, 80.20 centavos for commercial consumers, 68.90 centavos for public buildings and street lights and 65.30 centavos for special accounts.

The distribution charge to be included in the billings is set at 89.45 centavos for residential, 41.06 centavos for commercial, 31.25 for public buildings and street lights and 26.69 centavos for special accounts.

Supply charge is pegged at P16.82 for residential and commercial consumers and P16.81 for public buildings and special accounts.

Metering charge is pegged at P5 for residential, P62.80 for commercial, P47.21 for public buildings and street lights and P73.91 for special accounts.

Systems loss charge are set at 57.93 centavos for residential, 34.14 centavos for commercial, 45.25 for public buildings and street lights and 41.02 centavos for special accounts.

In its ruling, the commission said it was "convinced that the evidence presented were substantial and the current situation which Bohol Light is confronted with, justifies the grant of provisional relief."

It said that the provisional rates granted are "just and reasonable."

Written By BINGO P. DEJARESCO III
Editor
The Bohol Chronicle

MANILA. The controversial BHIP-2  with a huge P1.2 billion cost over-run as proposed by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA)  got large national attention when media awardee Cheche Lazaro's "Probe" of the leading ABS-CBN devoted almost its entire episode last Wednesday to dig deeper into the issue.

The BHIP-2 which houses Bayongan Dam (considered potentially the third largest dam) has been hit by high-pressure issues. The dam has broken â€" pun intended.

ABS-CBN's "Probe" decried the growing list of humongous "white elephant" projects in the country including the Bataan Nuclear Plant, the Expo Pavillion in Pampanga, the North Railway System and possibly some of the present mega irrigation dams including BHIP-2.

NEDA (National Economic Development Authority), the country's premier economic planning manager, through the collegial (ICC) Investment Coordinating Council had stopped funding the BHIP-2's P1.2 billion which it termed "excessive" and "Illegal."

NEDA Director and Project Coordinator Erick Planta (calling from Thailand) told the Chronicle that quite apart from the "foreign exchange differential" (which NIA persistently used as a justification) which is an extraneous, uncontrollable factor â€" there are items in the over-run that cannot be justified.

Former NEDA Director Romulo Neri told the "Probe" team that the cost estimate increase from P 300,000 to P 600,000 per hectare is economically unjustifiable. "It is like they were authorized to buy a Toyota car and bought a BMW car instead", the former AIM (Asian Institute of Management) professor decried.

The BHIP-2 Project initiated by Governor Rico Aumentado since 1998 when he was still Bohol's 2nd District representative, is now on its 9th year with nary a hectare of soil irrigated. Aumentado stated that the economic internal rate of return of the project is 16% - a low yield per NIA according to "Probe" â€" but they went ahead with the project anyway.

The project was named "illegal" by NEDA because NIA and the contractor continued with the project (with the dam almost 100% complete, not the canals) even without the sanction of the NEDA-ICC. Without this, the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) will not release funds for any ODA (Overseas Development) Project which has anointed ICC as its "oversight" vehicle.

With this development, the contractor Hanjin Industries has collectible from the government to the tune of P 700-Million which DBM will not honor without ICC-NEDA go-signal.

The NIA had allegedly gotten a positive note from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) allowing the over-runs based on the terms of the term loan agreement with JBIC (Japanese bank funder). However, NEDA is awaiting the opinion of the Department of Justice on the same.

Neri told "Probe" that NEDA-ICC will hold on to its original stand on the BHIP-2, regardless. This was seconded by Planta who said that ICC is a collegial body and its "economic evaluation" cannot be unbundled by legal or political considerations. He clarified that the position of NEDA will have to stay regardless of who heads the agency since NEDA is only one part of the ICC and its head a mere co-chair.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

According to "Probe", there are presently 21 projects costing P106 billion which have cost over-runs of P36 billion originated by six different government agencies. According to NEDA Director Planta, somehow the liberality accorded to cost-over-run applications especially in ODA-funded projects has been subjected to abuse through the years.

NEDA's stern position on the BHIP-2 is an "acid test" since this is the first assertive stance to rationalize the infrastructure funding in the country.

Four dams in the country reportedly need P 3.6-Billion in cost over-run funding to "save" the projects. To be affected by the BHIP-2 stand-off (due to 52% over-run) will be the Ilocos Sur (former Governor Singson's province) irrigation project with a 92% cost over-run and the Nueva Ecija Irrigation Project with a P1.6 billion over-run. The latter was to target 100,000 hectares of land for irrigation, stretching to nearby Bulacan and Pampanga (GMA's home province), according to "Probe."

The Philippines has been considered a laggard in terms of infrastructure and its quality has not been helped by allegations of graft that had imperiled the projects. Last year, the country was tagged the "Most Corrupt Nation in Asia" by an international rating group, eclipsing erstwhile "leader" Indonesia.

This has led to wastage of public funds and compromised public service, according to "Probe" who correctly concluded that even if funding is readily available from foreign sources â€" at the end of the day it will be Juan de la Cruz who will have to foot the bill.

Currently the country seems back to its fiscal woes by overshooting its deficit. That means that since the country's revenue collections are down, the treasury cannot afford any unplanned expenditures engendered by unprogrammed "over-runs."

Most ODA funders have eyeballed the BHIP-2 Project as this will test the effectiveness of its economic watchdog "ICC" in ensuring the projects that they fund are in order.

QUESTIONABLE ECONOMIC VIABILITY

Neri disclosed that the BHIP-2 contract may be considered "void" because the terms departed from the originally approved one. "Probe" disclosed that the P 1.2-Billion over-run can possibly construct another small dam. BHIP-2 Project Manager Modesto Membreve said that NEDA cannot evaluate properly "what is going on in the field" during the construction.

Proposals submitted to NEDA, however, often have the imprimatur of foreign Project Consultants often appointed by the funding bodies.

Membreve lamented that NIA had to stop the BHIP-2 Operations last June since there was no funding for the P1-million monthly salaries of the personnel. If the operations stop and the canals unfinished, it is even more than likely that even with a "completed dam" and rain waters till November, there may be no irrigation for the so-called 3,500 farmer beneficiaries in three towns and 5,300 hectares of rice land envisioned by the BHIP-2.

Former Bohol NIA Head and contractor Nilo Sarigumba told "Probe," there was already something "fishy" at the onset of the Project. He claimed that three members of the BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) in Central Office (Manila) did not sign the Hanjin contract of P1.486 billion which was 27% higher than the approved agency ceiling of P1.1 billion. This was earlier exposed by Philippine Daily Inquirer  columnist Juan Mercado in  Letter to the Editor of the Chronicle  last month.

Pressed against the wall, Membreve lamely told "Probe" that the original purpose of the dam was to serve as a means of counter insurgency â€" a reasoning that escaped local media in the series of interviews with NIA Bohol. A socio-political reason this time.

Sarigumba also noted that NIA can be charged with "technical malversation" of funds since it allotted two mid-range vehicles for the use of Governor Aumentado and 2nd District representative Roberto Cajes so they can "supervise" the project every week. NIA cannot do that because the project was already awarded to Hanjin, the contractor.

Governor Aumentado quickly informed "Probe" host Cheche Lazaro in a taped televised phone interview heard in "Probe" that he had currently ordered the "return" of his service vehicle since the BHIP-2 is now "completed."

DEBILITATING TECHNICAL HANDICAPS

It appears, however, that the greater problem of BHIP-2 could be technical. It remains to be seen that after hundreds of millions spent, will the Bayongan Dam live up to its billing?

Today at 39 meters water level, it's short of the target 42 to even start watering the first 500 hectares. BHIP-2 will have to wait for the next rainy months till November to confirm its total viability â€" but that may even be suspect.

Because by Membreve's own admission BHIP-2 is "largely" dependent on the nearby Malinao Dam which has its own problems to start with. It is only able, at its peak, irrigate only over 3,000 hectares of its 5,000 targeted coverage or a mere 65%. Experts earlier opined the Malinao Dam can store only 17 days worth of water. How then can a water excess be therefore channeled to Bayongan? Mang Artemio, a farmer who wearily waits for the merciful rains to come, queried.

Almost like an after-thought, the Bohol NIA head rationalized there are three other "creeks" to supply the water Bayongan Dam but apparently they are too small to make a dent. Will BHIP-2 ever work? Why not rehabilitate Malinao and reforestrate the area?

SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

The messy BHIP-2 Project appears to be starting to just assume a national face.

There are serious watchers curious whether the lateral "kicking" of the outspoken Neri from NEDA to be "Education Czar" (whatever that means and why Educational Secretary Jesli Lapuz scratches his head) had something to do with his reformist economic standards. Whether political considerations will use legal avenues to justify what our top economic manager had already consigned as not economically viable - while the maverick Neri is out solving the CHED problems.

Granting without admitting that the P1.2 billion is approved and released to the contractor (now that the BHIP-2 is "completed") â€" what will that do to add to the technical feasibility of the dam to serve its targeted constituents -3,000 Boholano farmers?

The farmers have often been used as a justification against the "few objectors" of the BHIP-2 Project. Actually, if the BHIP-2  turns out to be a "white elephant" â€" it is the rest of the 87 million Filipinos who will have to pay for the JBIC loan - through the years -  and even the 3,000 farmers left hanging dry - a woeful silhouette in this unfolding drama of national survival.

"Probe" had done an excellent and fair documentary on an issue the Chronicle had doggedly pursued in the interest of truth and justice.

Boholanos had not heard the first of BHIP-2 through "Probe" â€" and it certainly will not be the last. 

Quote from: udtohan on August 07, 2007, 04:45:39 PM
from a friend who sent this item thru email:

ngek. sarigumba who claimed himself "watcdog of public funds" wala gani siya kabayad sa iyang advertisement sa sunday post!!!  it was just 4,000 pesos for the advertisement. siya lang daw ang maningil s amga contractor. hangtod karun wala pa siya kabayad...2 na katuig!!!

sa controversy sa dam atat na atat siya..daghang mga anomalya nga iyang gipangsabog... but when he was given another poject nahilom siya kadiyor.....now, whistle blower na pud?

when he ran nag-email siya sa GMA 7 nga ipaimbestigar ang "dayaan" sa eleksyon. he didn't accept the fact nga napildi siya.

when his program sa radio turned another year, he had a full page add nga mingreet niya... including GMA 7's host mike enriquez, imbetsigador's producers, etc...  why iyang giapil? name dropping nga kunuhay trusted siya sa GMA 7 as a reliable source.

now, wala na nagpalalo ang GMA 7. ang iyang pagka whistle blower or pagkawatchdog is para sa iyang personal interest and investment.

pareho na siya sa mga tawo nga dili motan-aw sa iyang kaugalingon.

hakog! nasilaw sa bahandi!!! nagmamalinis ni siya... kinsay walay sala kan-a ang lapok!

To Leo's Friend:

Can you please recommend a perfect saint in Bohol who is bold enough to expose the litany of corruption in Bohol?

Written By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

Questioned cost over-runs of the Bohol Irrigation Project Stage-2 (BHIP-2) that has caught national attention recently do not bother the project's administrator.

BHIP-2 project manager Modesto Membreve said the probe made by an investigative news magazine of one of the giant television stations "has not proven that there are indeed anomalies invlolving the project."

Membreve is confident the expose has no bearing on the much-awaited resolution of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the questions raised by the National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee (NEDA-ICC).

He said the irrigation project went through a meticulous process of review and an international competitive bidding.

It may be recalled that NEDA sought the DOJ's opinion regarding the legality of continuing the Bayongan irrigation project (BHIP-2) after it found cost over-runs amounting to over P1.2 billion which former Socio-economic planning Sec. Romulo Neri called as excessive.

Membreve is optimistic that the DOJ would favor the completion of the irrigation project.

In fact, the project manager said, the DOJ's opinion would just be "ministerial and a formality" as the NEDA technical board has already given clearance for the BHIP-2 completion to proceed.

Presently, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has not paid some P700-million to BHIP-2 contractor Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Ltd. after NEDA questioned the cost over-run and blocked further fund releases to the project.

But, according to Membreve, they expect the fund to be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) soon.

He said the P1.2 billion fund will meet the financial requirements to pay for the Hanjin contract and to complete the final stages of the project.

The P1.2-billion was approved by Congress and included on the 2007 General Appropriations Act.

Last week, Membreve announced that the BHIP-2 operations may shutdown if funds are not released soon by the DBM.

In fact, BHIP-2 employees were already laid-off starting last June due to its depleted funds for salaries.

Plantilla position were likewise affected by the mass lay-offs undertaken by the BHIP-2 administrators.

Quote from: kaliwatnidihay on August 13, 2007, 10:13:28 AM
wow! what a great ordeal for boom-boom. ing-ana ra diay ka kitid ang utok sa atong gobernor nga si aumentado sa Bohol? aw sabagay. dili man jud na siya anang mapildi kay in fact... nadato gud siya sa iyang pagka governor. take a closer look sa gipang-at at nga scam sa bohol? kinsa man ang focal person nga matudlo? alangan naman ug si boom-boom? di ba si governor aumentado? that's true jud. migawas ang iyang true-color... haay!

Halos tanan sa mga world champions niagi ug kapildihan. In fact, tungod sa ilang kapildihan maoy hinungdan nga gidungan pa nila ang ilang paningkamot.

Imbis kay tabangan ug dasigon si Boom-boom ug ang mga Bol-anon tungod sa kapildihan, giduot na man hinuon.

By the way, is it the governor's personal money that will be used for the road project?

Written By Ven Arigo
The Bohol Chronicle

A ten-man United States delegation led by four congressmen and two state assemblywomen will be in Bohol tomorrow as part of a 14-day Philippine visit by virtue of the continuing exchange program between the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) and the host country's National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL), which past presidents include Cong. Edgar Chatto of the First District of Bohol.

This once-in-a-lifetime visit would add pride to Boholanos in the province and abroad while events like these can be beamed worldwide through dyRD's broadcast via Internet.

The visiting young US lawmakers include Reps. Bill Huizenga of Michigan, Roger James Roth of Wisconsin, John Lesch of Minnesota and Ted Martin Vick of South Carolina, and Assemblywomen Nicole Parra of California and Gerron Levi of Maryland.

They will be accompanied by Mayor Brad Cole of Carbondale, Illinois, Executive Director Jill Krowinski of the Vermont Democratic Party and Associate General Consul Marcia Rubensohn of the Georgia Municipal Association.

NMYL national president and Quezon City Councilor Julian M.L. Coseteng has coordinated with 1st District Rep. Edgar Chatto, the national head of the movement while yet a vice governor, for Bohol's successful hosting of the visit that will last until Wednesday.

Inabanga Councilor Jaja Jumamoy is the present Bohol president of NMYL.

In 1995, the 6,000-strong NMYL forged with the ACYPL, its US counterpart, an agreement on bilateral exchange program on which the visit of the young US political leaders has been granted and arranged.

Bohol, as a top tourist destination in the country, will be showcased to the ACYPL delegation.  Chatto is the head of the tourism committee in Congress.

Like NMYL, the ACYPL rejects partisanship to attain solidarity among its members.

Huizenga, Roth, and Rubensohn are Republicans while Parra, Krowinski, Levi, Lesch, Vick and Cole are Democrats.

In his first term, Huizenga was only one of two neophytes elected to the assistant majority floor leadership of the Michigan State House of Representatives.  In his second term, he was appointed to chair the commerce committee while serving in the banking and financial services committee and co-chairing the joint select committee on oversight of the 21st Century Job Funds.  He is a licensed realtor.

Rubensohn is the associate general counsel for legislative affairs of the Georgia Municipal Association, which represents over 500 municipalities in the state. She once served as an attorney for the Georgia Senate.

Parra chairs the agriculture committee and serves in the banking and finance, insurance, and waterparks and wildlife committees of the California State Assembly.

Krowinski, executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party, founded a non-profit organization dedicated at registering young people to vote.

Levi sits in the Maryland House of Delegates' judiciary committee and the special committee on drugs and alcohol abuse. A member of the Legislative Black Caucus, she has lobbied in the US Senate, Congress and executive branch on policies affecting fair wages and working conditions, health care, pensions and health.

In the Minnesota House of Representatives, Lesch focuses his legislations on crime public safety and economic justice issues.  Added to his being a legislator is the job of an assistant city attorney prosecuting domestic assault crimes.

In Illinois State, Cole was first elected the youngest-ever mayor of Carbondale City, a community of only over 27,000 residents but operates as a local government on an annual budget of over P1.6 billion.

By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

The town executive has the power to order the demolition of illegal structures when they are constructed in violation of the law.

This was the legal opinion issued by Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay in response to the query on what the municipality can do to the illegal construction at the Dumaluan Beach Resort in Bolod, Panglao.

Lagunay gave the opinion in a letter sent to Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala regarding the controversial construction at the resort of former Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan.

The illegal construction was earlier the subject of an inspection conducted by a Special Composite Team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headed by Nestor Canda, Environmental Management Bureau Bohol chief.

Construction of any kind is prohibited within the easement for public use as provided by Article 51 of Presidential Decree 1067 otherwise known as the Water Code of the Philippines.

"The banks of rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along their margins are subject to the easement of public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage," Article 51 explicitly provides.

The same provision also provided that "no person shall be allowed to stay in this zone longer than what is necessary for recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing or salvage or to build structures of any kind".

In addition to its failure to comply with the requirement for an environmental compliance certificate, the Dumaluan Beach Resort also violated Article 51 when it constructed several structures including a two-storey building right inside the salvage zone.

Despite the controversy that it generated and the complaints filed against it, the resort remained untouchable during Dumaluan's three-year incumbency.

By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

Bohol provincial police director SSupt. Edgardo Ingking vowed to inspect security guards detailed in business establishments here in the wake of robberies blamed on their laxity.

Buen Villa Pension House along Visarra St. was robbed by an unidentified armed man early dawn Wednesday after its security personnel was sleeping and did not have ammunition for his issued firearm.

The following day, another lone burglar walked through the Maternity Puericulture Hospital's main entrance along J.A. Clarin St., this city, taking two cellular phones and handbags of two hospital employees.

The hospital's security slept while on duty.

According to police, the suspect in the Buen Villa robbery was armed with a .38 caliber revolver.

The wallet of the hotel's janitor identified as one Jason Mendez, 36 was taken by the suspect including the cellular phone and personal cash amounting to P1,500 of the hotel's front desk officer identified as Sherlita Pacallao, 21.

Security guard Domingo Gamalo was sleeping during the incident, according to police.

Gamalo likewise admitted to the City PNP that the firearm issued by his agency is defective.

According to the hotel's janitor, the suspect fled aboard a blue Honda Wave motorcycle.

On the other hand, Hamily Beduya, 23, a midwife at the maternity hospital said she saw the armed robber taking the 2 cellular phones and bags of her colleagues around 4 a.m.

The guard, identified as one Wilhelm Rolon of Dagohoy Security Agency, was sleeping during the incident.

Similar incidents of robbery were blamed on security guards.

Reported By KIT BAGAIPO
The Bohol Chronicle

Amid a growing clamor for amendments on the new law protecting minor offenders, the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bohol Chapter and the Bohol PNP chief expressed their own views on the decriminalization of offenses committed by minors below 15 years old.

IBP-Bohol president Isabelo Sales, Jr. is among those who call for amendments to Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Sales aired his views during the launching of the joint IBP and Bohol Sandugo Jaycees radio program "Punto Legal" over dyRD that the law is being used to the disadvantage of the general public.

He said that while RA 9344 is intended to help innocent youngsters, it is largely abused by juvenile delinquents.

Under the law, minor offenders aged 15 and below have no criminal liability. Offenders aged 16 to 17, acting without discernment, also don't get arrested or charged in court.

Instead of placing offenders in detention cells, the law states that they should be referred to rehabilitation centers while the younger ones are returned to their parents.

There are minors who habitually break the law, Sales said.

Amendments should be made on the law, according to Sales, without eliminating the intent to help youthful offenders while penalizing the juvenile delinquents.

The IBP president urged that the law's main sponsor, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, be informed of possible revisions citing the crimes being committed by youngsters that would be penalized.

"There should be a way, that amendments be introduced not only for the benefit of the youth but for the benefit of the larger community," Sales stressed.

"GOOD LAW"

Meanwhile, Bohol police director SSupt. Edgardo Ingking defended RA 9344 saying that children needs the protection of the justice system.

Ingking said that although the law goes against the goal of law enforcers, it is important to consider that children are victims themselves.

"Although a crime has been committed by a minor, it looks at minor offenders as victims and not as perpetrators," he said. "In my personal opinion, it is a good law, since it focuses on the problem of children."