MikeLigalig.com

Even if it were a monster who exposed the imaginary dams in Bohol, it doesn't change the fact that there is so much corruption in Bohol dams.

Whether Nilo is an angel or a devil, it doesn't erase the truth that in Bohol we have useless dams worth billions of pesos.

source: forbes.com

Philippine mobile phone firm Smart Communications Inc, a unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT), said on Tuesday it had acquired a 30 percent stake in Dublin-based Blue Ocean Wireless (BOW) for 15.9 million US dollars.

Smart president and chief executive Napoleon Nazareno said BOW provides call and text messaging services to seafarers.

'There are about 1.2 million seafarers around the world and 40 percent of them are Filipinos,' he told reporters.

PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters in a briefing Tuesday that Smart has the option to raise its stake in Blue Ocean up to 49 percent within the next three years.

PLDT, with a market capitalization of about 11 billion dollars, reported on Tuesday a 13.2 percent year-on-year rise in first-half core net profit to 17.2 billion pesos, as gains in its cellular phone business offset a drop in dollar-linked revenue due to a strong peso.

PLDT, which is controlled by Hong Kong-listed conglomerate First Pacific Co and partly owned by Japan's NTT Group, lifted its full-year core earnings guidance to 33-34 billion pesos from 32-32 billion previously, following its strong first-half results.

I will try this someday.

Snowhite, kinsay mipahid sa imong mga luha? 

Our contact in Bohol sent us an e-mail telling us that offices in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have been cut off from telephone calls kay wa kabayad. Giputlan sa PLDT. More details later.

Our government can afford billions for waterless, useless dams, but not for telephone bills.

Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales has indicated that he will try to talk with China about their decision to block his user-updated online encyclopedia. Although Wikipedia’s content is currently blocked in China, Chinese search engine Baidu has been offering some of the website’s content…claiming it as its own copyrighted material.

Wales said he would travel to China in September to meet with high-level officials to address the issue of blockage. But he said he refuses to censor his site’s content to gain official approval the way Google and Yahoo have done.

Regarding the decision to censor its site for Chinese users, Google says it can play a more useful role in China by participating than by boycotting it, despite the compromises involved.  In an official statement Google said that “While removing search results is inconsistent with Google’s mission, providing no information (or a heavily degraded user experience that amounts to no information) is more inconsistent with our mission.”

With an estimated 110 million web surfers, China’s internet community is second only to the U.S.

The country’s Internet control system reportedly employs 30,000-50-000 people.  According to a 2002 Harvard University report, China’s  government blocked at least 19,000 sites during a six month period and may have blocked as man as 50,000 Internet sites.

It looks like Jimmy Wales may be fighting a losing battle.

source: www.ceosmack.com

Dear Friends,

I am about to complete the construction of our Miss Bohol online, courtesy of Macky Ferniz. Naa lang ko usa ka concern: I need beautiful faces of Boholana women.

Please submit pictures to webmaster@mikeligalig.com

Kung wala, send pictures of your lola. 

God bless,
Mike

CCleaner helps me a lot in improving the speed of my computer.

A once-a-month defrogging should not be neglected.

AVG Anti-spyware has also improved my XP speed. This anti-spyware removes various types of tracking cookies, which may slow down your browsing experience.

Get CCleaner, AVG, and other softwares at www.filehippo.com

I haven't tried rapidshare. I was traumatized by limewire. Two minutes after sharing files I was hijacked by a virus.

Leftmetrics, pagdala lang ug 3 SIMs: Globe, Smart, ug Sun, paniguro.

Dili ko sure sa mga islands kung moabot ba ang signal. But I have a strong feeling nga moabot ra tingali.

Written by Dolly Anne Carvajal
Columnist, Philippine Daily Inquirer

John Estrada is on cloud nine these days with Ms Earth ’04 Priscilla Meirelles.

“We’ve been together for almost two months,” John reveals. “I like her because, even if she’s Brazilian, her attitude is like that of a Pinay and she’s very understanding. That’s important to me kasi madaming intriga sa show biz so it’s good that she can handle that. She has met my kids and they get along well.”

There’s certainly life after the “kisscandal” for him. Hopefully, Ms Earth will be the last woman in John’s colorful world.

Birthday BuBoy

CESAR Montano celebrated his birthday quietly in his hometown Bohol.
“I spent it painting and talking to my canvas. I also jammed with my brother Rommel and my son Angelo. Kantahan lang kami at home. Sunshine and I were on the phone while I was painting. She greeted me a hundred times (laughs). I don’t need big parties. I get true happiness from simple things,” says Buboy.

Quote from: udtohan on August 06, 2007, 06:01:28 PM
do you know gipangharass ang mga tawo didto para ibaligya ang ilang yuta? the worst, taga Capitol ang nagthreat nila!!!!

Leo, can you give us more details about this harassment and threat? Is this being reported by Bohol media? This harassment should be exposed and should not be tolerated.

Yes, naay signal Globe and Smart in all Bohol towns.

No worry.

Cap,

This is a brilliant idea. We'll pool more suggestions from members.

We can do something innovative for Bohol.

Friends, we'd like to hear your thoughts about this proposal.

Thank you.

2. In Anda, Bohol, dihay gitukod nga gymnasium kono but hangtud karon mga bato lang ang gitapok ug anapog nga gitapak sa katunggan where the supposed gymnasium would rise.

3. Still in Anda, Bohol, in front of our public market, naay project nga silonganan kono sa mga habal-habal driver (right there in front of the public market  ), apan hangtud karon haligi lang ang makita apan ang kwarta wala na makita.

All we need is an honest, dedicated, sincere executive.

Sa ato, depende lang ni kinsay duol sa luwag. This is the reality.

Even if you have PhD's from Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge Universities and you were once the United Nations secretary but if you're not close to the heart of whoever is the governing power, there is no way that you can join the who's who of Malacanang.

Maningkamot nalang ta ug ato ani.

Quote from: udtohan on August 06, 2007, 01:54:17 PM
wala man magclose ang dumaluan beach resort.,didto ko last saturday.

if ang dumaluaan daghang violation, daghang mga beach resorts nga mas grabe pa ang violations..

Everything about this issue is political persecution, which is getting uglier day by day.

I remember that our Governor Erico Aumentado, while he was still congressman of the third district, bought a nice car using people's money.
The purpose of buying the car, according to the voucher I read, was for monitoring Dam projects in Bohol especially the P200-million Talibon dam project, which until remains an illusion.

At the height of the dam corruption expose, the governor said he didn't know anything about the Talibon dam how it was handled.

But it was Aumentado who worked out for the release of the funding and he bought an expensive car to be used for project monitoring. And he is not aware of the real status of a ghost dam?

Tell it to the Marines.

image source: technospot.net

source: technospot.net

Kung ikaw papilion, Snowhite, pila kabuok gusto nimo nga anak? 4 or 7?

Welcome back, Varga!

We haven't seen you for a long time.

Tom McKenna is a longtime Stuart businessman who speaks only English.

He says that's why he's being kicked out of the storefront on South Dixie Highway where he has run Seacoast Water Care for seven years.

"I don't know how else to put it," said McKenna, 51.

I'm not sure I do either.

On July 5 â€" the day after Independence Day â€" McKenna received a letter from landlord Ivan Munro telling him to consider another location.

Munro said in his letter he wants to have "quality tenants serving the Spanish need in the area."

"I guess I don't serve the 'Spanish need,' whatever that means," McKenna said.

"I have plenty of Spanish-speaking workers come in here to buy water for their landscaping crews," he said. "And people in the neighborhood use the vending machines out front to fill their water bottles for their homes."

The building is on the east side of Dixie Highway, south of Indian Street in Golden Gate. Directly south of McKenna's store, across Southeast Ellendale Street, is a Texaco gas station where men, most of whom speak primarily Spanish, gather to wait for someone to hire them for day labor.

The population of the Golden Gate neighborhood east of McKenna's store also has become mostly Spanish-speaking.

To McKenna, that's irrelevant, as it should be. A customer is a customer is a customer.

But all the signs for the check-cashing store and the Mexican restaurant that share the building with McKenna are in Spanish.

Apparently the signs for Seacoast Water Care don't fit in. They're in English.

source: www.tcpalm.com

It could well be the "Clash of the Titans" when seven Filipinos take the spotlight against an equally determined band of Mexicans in the run-off dubbed as the World Cup of boxing.

The fact is that the card, explosive as it is, does not include Mexico's active fabled ring gladiators like Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez along with the Philippines' ring icon Manny Pacquiao.

Stopping short of selling the Aug. 11 ring date at the Arco Arena in Sacramento (Aug. 12 am Philippine time) as the ultimate ring date for Filipinos and Mexicans, it is nevertheless a red-letter day by any reckoning.

To Filipinos, there are seven exciting reasons to watch the fight. They go by the names of Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, Gerry Peñalosa, Z "The Dream" Gorres, Bert Batawang, AJ "Bazooka" Banal, Michael Domingo and Diosdado Gabi.

The Mexicans of course are no pushovers, as if we didn't know. Two of them are world title holders namely David Ponce de Leon, who is fighting our very own Boom Boom in the main event, and Johnny Gonzales who squares off with Peñalosa.

Still, the Filipinos should not be awed by the credentials because those who wear boxing crowns should prove that they deserve the title by the only way they know how - fight till the bell tolls or the other drops, whichever comes first.

It may just be a game to some people. Not so with a people who have had reversals for as long as they can remember. In a way, boxing brings out the pent-up frustrations for the years of disappointments and raw deals.

Going for the jugular would have been a more attractive proposition but it has a negative connotation just like going for the kill. While boxing is a cruel sport in certain aspects, it is about time we adjust our sails for positive motivations.

Indeed, while the victory of the "Magnificent 7" would certainly be a cause for a national celebration, there is more to it than just the Aug. 12 ring date. Without a doubt, it involves a national awakening that transcends the four corners of the ring at the Arco Arena.

A triumph of this magnitude could trigger a national outpouring unrivaled in recent memory. It would be more than just a celebration for the victory of the Filipino boxers. It could very well be the key to the search for national dignity.

For too long we have toiled in negative emotions ranging between apathy and indifference to anger and rage. It is about time we discover the power of positive inspiration such as hope and optimism.

Come to think of it, is there something wrong about going for the prize?

--An Editorial of the Bohol Sunday Post

By Leah Tirol-Magno

James Soriano Okusa, a Grade 6 pupil of Victoriano D. Tirol-Advanced Learning Center, has recently qualified and been chosen as one of the participants to represent the country in the 2007 China Primary Math Olympiad.

The international competition will be held in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China on August 10 to 16, 2007.
          
Okusa is a consistent honor pupil since Grade 1.

For the successive two years in the past, two other pupils of VDT-ALC also qualified for the same international Mathematics competition.

They were Dianne Faith Cirunay and Grace Concepcion Cuevas.

VDT-ALC expressed pride for having pupils who had brought honor to the school.

It only shows that VDT-ALC has provided and maintained high standard and quality education that makes pupils succeed in every endeavor.

On the other hand, VDT-ALC has been accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students.

First District Representative Edgar Chatto has been re-elected chairman of the Committee on Tourism, one of the most-sought-after posts in the 14th Congress.

Chatto had served in the same committee as chairman during the stint of the 13th Congress and as the committee senior vice-chairman in the 12th.

Chatto's camp considers the congressman's re-election as a recognition of his competence and performance.

The House of Representatives continued the reorganization process on the night of July 31 wherein chairpersons of 17 committees were elected.

The tourism industry is one of the sectors that have the potential of boosting the country's economy as cited in the Philippine Medium Term Development Plan.
          
It can be a powerful economic growth engine for the country, if its sustainability is developed properly.

In an interview with the media, Chatto said tourism must benefit the people through the jobs and livelihood it entails as a vehicle for poverty alleviation.

"Sustainable tourism must be the goal even as we target higher tourist arrivals with better infrastructures in place. Investments in tourism-related industries must be promoted, including a strong balance of agricultural development and environmental heritage preservation," Chatto stressed.

Other congressmen elected to different top committee posts last Tuesday included Pampanga Rep Juan Miguel Arroyo (Energy); Negros Occidental Rep Ignacio Arroyo (Natural Resources), Misamis Occidental Rep Herminia Ramiro (Accounts), Antique Rep Exequiel Javier (Ways and Means), Palawan Rep Abraham Mitra (Agriculture and Food), Ilocos Norte Roquito Ablan (Dangerous Drugs), Nueva Ecija Rep Rodolfo Antonino (Public Order), South Cotabato Rep Arthur Pingoy (Health), Catanduanes Rep Joseph Santiago (Information and Communications Technology), Palawan Rep Antonio Alvarez (Trade and Industry), Makati Rep Teodoro Locsin (Suffrage ), Cebu Rep Antonio Cuenco (Foreign Affairs), Bulacan Rep Lorna Silverio (Inter Parliamentary Relations), Manila Rep Bienvenido Abante (Public Information), Baguio Rep Mauricio Domogan (House Electoral Tribunal), Davao Rep Prospero Nograles (Commission on Appointments ), and Iloilo Rep Arthur Defensor ( Rules Majority Floor Leader).

--Bohol Sunday Post--August 5, 2007

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

Saying that no one is above the law, Mayor Benedicto Alcala declared last week that he will use the full force of the law if former mayor Doloriech Dumaluan will remain unyielding on his position not to heed the closure order of his beach resort.

The newly-elected Panglao mayor was reacting to calls why he appeared vacillating all this time with regards to the Dumaluan's resort. Even if Dumaluan lost in the election, the more he defied with impunity the closure order of his resort.

Clearly pique that Dumaluan was practically thumbing the noses of Panglao officials given the former mayor's stubborn stance, Mayor Alcala appeared guarded in his pronouncement not to antagonize his mayoralty rival.
          
Alcala said much as he desired to carry out the full intent if the law, the Panglao mayor said he will follow the rule of law in closing the Dumaluan establishment.

He said he will resort to diplomatic means in dealing with erring resort operators in Panglao.

If need be, he will also resort to court action if the resort owners remain adamant in their position.

It turned out that not only was Dumaluan the violator of existing laws that dealt on illegal structures especially in the Alona resort row.

Dumaluan's violation is that he constructed a four storey building within the 20-meter easement zone.

Some establishments in the Alona side of Panglao are also guilty of constructing illegal structures.

Earlier, Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lgunay raised the question of what the municipality can do to the illegal construction at the Dumaluan Beach Resort as contained in the report of the Special Composite Inspection Team headed by Nestor Canda, SEMS/chief EMB-Bohol.

Citing the Water Code of the Phils. Lagunay said construction of any kind is prohibited within the easement for public use as provided under Article 51 of the same code.

Lagunay further said that since the DENR has no police power to effect removal of structures within the 20-meter easement for public use, the authority to do so lies upon the local government.

Illegal structures within the beach front or easement for public use and or salvage zone can be considered as nuisance and can be abated as such under the provisions of Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the New Civil Code.

In the case of the mayor of Panglao, Lagunay said since no valid building permit could be issued for structures within the prohibited zone, Mayor Alcala can enforce the law by virtue of his power under Section 444 of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160.

Written By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

There is some pounding in the port area. It seems that the reconstruction of the L portion of the Jagna pier is now resumed. When this will be completed, it is expected that Jagna commerce will pick up once again. There was once a time when Jagna was the hub of maritime activities but gradually this subsided. Ships plying the Cebu - Maasin - Nasipit - Butuan, Cebu - Cagayan de Oro, Cebu - Mambajao - Butuan and Manila - Gingoog routes call on Jagna. This time, only those who serve the Nasispit and Cagayan de Oro ports pass here. Except for freight ships, which discharge cargo or load copra.

The reason perhaps is that Bohol now offers several ports, which may be exit and entry points for Mindanao and other places. Mindanao could be reached via Ubay or Tagbilaran. Then travelers have other options when going to Camiguin and those are via Nasipit or Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan and eventually Benoni. And those places could be reached via Tagbilaran.

Passenger volume is vastly reduced these days. Ask any calamay vendor.

However, this could still be remedied. Perhaps we should try to observe the operations of the port of Tubigon. The port of Tubigon has many competitors.

There is a barge ferry in nearby Catagbacan. Small ships commute between Cebu and other northern Bohol ports like Talibon and Ubay aside from the port of Tagbilaran. Despite that, Tubigon, a shallow water port continues to thrive.

Of course, some say there is no basis for comparison. The Cebu - Bohol commerce enjoys a bigger volume than the Jagna - Cagayan de Oro and Jagna - Nasipit route combined. However, there are several shallow water ports in northern Bohol that will give Tubigon stiff competition and Tubigon still have the edge. Others say Tubigon has better access to interior Bohol, which is true. That could be the answer.

In the order of priorities, the improvement of the Jagna port comes first. The improvement of the port is going on so we are in the right direction. However, it is not only the physical facilities that must be addressed. Some businessmen have noticed that there are companies, which had stopped shipping via the Jagna port.

Coca Cola had transferred to Valencia, Pepsi Cola went somewhere else, San Miguel Beer depot is now in Ubay. Most of them had used Jagna port. Why is this?

It does not take a businessman to possess a Mensa intelligence to realize that commerce depends upon location and business climate. We are not a manufacturing community; our activities are geared to business. Movement of goods, whether raw materials such as copra or finished products like beer and sift drinks are essential. The faster the turn over the greater the profit.

Then comes the business climate. Some LGUs offer tax shelter to businesses opening in their locality then try to protect them rather than tax them to death.

The loss in taxes can be made up .by labor income since as a business community, we are earning through freight and handling. There was once a move to impose surveillance fees on copra traders. This was questionable since once the tax is paid, the LGU would have to be responsible for the safety of the shipment from theft and losses, a burden, which they would not assume. Luckily, this proposal was abandoned.

If lesser town in southern Bohol showed signs of improvement, perhaps we should. We do not advocate a race or a contest but to be left behind despite our advantage would be humiliating. As we had said in out company one has to innovate or stagnate.

Written By Boy Guingguing
Publisher
Bohol Sunday Post

Retire & enjoy your loot

So as a politician you have had enough of public service? What are you going to do now let alone if the Constitution bar you from running again. Unless you are aiming for another position. But that's another story.

This scenario becomes inevitable come 2010 when elections are here again. Certainly, many of our present crop of politicians are graduating and therefore out of contention. There are those who are good for another crack at different positions either higher or lower of the present office they now occupy.

Be that as it may, our main beef here is qou vadis for those who have nowhere to go but up. But aiming high, is out of the question if one don't have the so-called political pedigree. Higher office, meaning political positions above the provincial level is as always being dominated by name recall. Anybody who is somebody in the pinnacle of power should have at least the right lineage or bloodline to be easily recognizable or he may be a celebrity in sports or tinsel town.

Stripped of these choices, one option is retirement. To those who can afford to call it quits, because he has had enough, retirement is a palatable option. And why not?

If after all these years in public service you have earned a fortune, what more can you ask for? The next big thing is retire and enjoy your loot.

Just don't give this Bglante the crap that you did not make money all these years while in office. If you are one politician who preside over several public work projects during your watch and you tell me that garbage that you are not getting any SOP out of those projects? Tell me this rubbish, and this Bglante can tell you with a straight face, don't give me that dung. Just tell this Bglante who is that politician who is not on the take.

It must be that you are so discreet in accepting bribes or kickbacks. It must be that you can afford not to flaunt your wealth. It must be that you are fond of pleading poverty so people will not suspect that you are awash with cash.

Well, and good.

Whatever, for all intents and purposes, we have to admit that to win an election, any politician worth his salt will always buy his way to victory. That's another s*** if you tell this Bglante that you win elections out of the goodness of the hearts of the people.

Try running for public office and abhor vote buying and you end up biting the dust.
Whether you are Mr. Clean or what not, in every election, you are always in the safe side of the gambit by engaging in massive vote buying.

The only time maybe that you are safe of winning in a political contest is when you run unopposed.

Even if you will be sleeping the whole campaign period, all you need is one vote (your own vote, of course,) to propel you to victory if you are running alone.

So, there's nowhere to go after serving the whole gamut of public service. There's nothing more exhilarating than reminiscing the good old days, tampering with the public tills through SOP. And once you have accumulated more than enough, then enjoy retirement and have a good time.

The Bohol Standard

Three members of a family suffered burns in their body when out of the blue a lightning hit them.

The victims were identified as Dionisio Dohinoc, 55, son Mark and daughter Luzviminda of barangay Candavid, Maribojoc. They were sitting on the porch of their house when the lightning bolt hit them.

The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. after a downpour. The victims heard first a loud explosion then saw electric bolts coming towards them. The victims were brought to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial hospital in the city and were treated with minor burns.

Incidents of lightning strikes injuring humans and damaging properties have been reported occurring frequently in the past two months.

Last week, a three-year old boy was killed instantly while his father was seriously injured when a lightning bolt hit them while walking home.

The boy identified as Winston Rosales was cuddled by his father Fernando, 29, when the lightning bolt struck them in barangay Tuburan, Ubay Wednesday afternoon.

The boy was thrown meters away while the father fell to the ground.

Both were brought to the Emilio del Valle Memorial hospital in the same town but the boy was pronounced dead by doctors while the father was referred for further medical attention to the city after a first aide for serious burns were applied.

Authorities from the weather bureau warn the public to be extra careful during this rainy season where thunderstorm usually occurs. Lightning bolts are produced when heavy clouds collide or atmospheric pressure reaches extreme level.

Stay away from open spaces, trees and poles when lightning starts to appear in the skies.

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk">BBC News</a>

China has decided to tone down some of the slogans used to promote its one-child policy, in a bid to make them sound less threatening.

Some posters used in rural areas will be banned, such as one which read "One more baby means one more tomb."

A list of 190 acceptable slogans is being issued instead.

Chinese authorities believe the strong language of some slogans is harming the image of the one-child policy, in place since 1979 to limit population growth.

The official Xinhua news agency explained the decision of the National Population and Family Planning Commission as "an effort to win more understanding to the country's population control policy."

Largest population

It gave examples of "low quality" slogans posted on rural banners or the internet: "Raise fewer babies but more piggies", "Houses toppled, cows confiscated, if abortion demand rejected" and "One more baby means one more tomb."

Among the new slogans recommended are "The mother earth is too tired to sustain more children" and "Both boys and girls are parents' hearts."

China's 28-year-old family planning policy limits most urban couples to just one child and allows some families in the countryside to have a second child if their first is a girl.

Critics say it has led to forced abortions, sterilizations and a dangerously imbalanced sex ratio due to a traditional preference for male heirs, which has prompted some families to abort female foetuses in the hope of getting boys.

China has the largest population in the world - 1.3bn in 2005 - and says its policies have helped limit its growth rate.

published by the Bohol Standard

After more than four years of seeing a forsaken, abandoned public market, the town is to see again a renewed business activity when a modern public market will rise soon.

New Guindulman mayor-elect Ma. Fe Añana-Piezas said she will have the construction of the demolished public market building as her priority.

In an ambush interview at the Metro Centre Hotel in the city during the League of Municipalities (LMP-Bohol) elections, the mayor said she is now preparing with municipal engineers a new design for the market, far different from what was originally drawn in the time of her predecessor, 3-term mayor Oriculo Granada.

The new market will be high rise, estimated to cost P70-million, and will be funded by government lending agencies who have expressed willingness for a soft, low interest loan for the municipality.

The new administration of mayor Piezas had also generated pledges of funding support for the market construction from the provincial government through Gov. Erico Aumentado, third district congressman Adam Jala and from the Office of Pres. Arroyo.

Piezas won as official bet for mayor under the ruling administration party Lakas-CMD.

The local government has now acquired the go signal to initiate any development in the old public market area after the Supreme Court ruled with finality against the petition of the market vendors association that questioned the validity of an ordinance that lead to their eviction.

While the appeal was under review, a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the high court prevented the former Granada administration to build a new market on the contested site. The Bureau of Fire Prevention later recommended for the demolition of the dilapidated structures as they became fire safety hazard.

The legal battle with vendors and the municipality extended to almost four years when the suit was filed in 2003. But with all legal impediments set aside, the market construction can now be started anytime soon.

published by The Bohol Standard

After more than two months of silence, former Bohol OIC Governor Victor de la Serna went ballistics again, dishing his usual fiery comments against local and national officials.

His initial comeback salvo took aim on issues of the proposed Panglao Island International Airport. He took notice on the alleged very low price (P60/sq.m.) the government is paying to landowners affected by the airport project.

“I will advise them not to sell their lands. Let the government initiate expropriation proceedings and I will offer my free legal services for them. They deserve to be paid at least P150 per square meter for their lots; and also they should not be made to pay notarial fees since the lawyers are provincial government-paid employees,” De la Serna said.

“We will never see the realization of this airport in our lifetime. This idea was already hatched during the Nonoy Torralba administration (more than ten years ago). The government has no money. Where would the funds for this airport come; from Lucio Tan who is not even paying his taxes,” De la Serna went on with his comments aired simultaneously over local radios and on dyRD-Am that is now heard globally through the Internet.

The bar top-notcher and former Bohol OIC governor was the invited resource speaker during the monthly ALARMA forum, organized by the Bohol Tri-Media Association held at the newly-opened, elegant Prawn Farm restaurant located at the second floor of the Island City Mall in this city.

The forum tackled on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Arroyo last Monday, July 23. Other invited guests were former Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Loreto Palapos and Provincial Government Media Affairs (PGMA) chief Antonieto “Boy” Pernia.

Asked about what his impressions are on Pres. Arroyo’s SONA address, he said, “all that we heard are about fantasy trips to Disneyland.”

De la Serna made emphasis on the huge foreign debts incurred by the government now reaching trillions and the 40% taken from our national budget for never-ending loan repayments.

“Examples are the projects funded by the Japan International Bank of Cooperation (JBIC) here in Bohol. These foreign assisted projects are supposed to have counterpart funds from the national Philippine government, but since we don’t have money, all these are now wholly funded by the Japanese government.”

“Unless Arroyo is removed from office, this country will not move for the better,” he said. --<a href="http://www.theboholstandard.com">The Bohol Standard Online</a>

With Reports from Bong Dejaresco
The Bohol Chronicle

SAN FRANCISCO, California.- Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran arrived here to echo the call in uniting Boholanos through prayers.

He rallied for a more prayerful life amid the daily grind in life during his keynote address at the 2007 biennial convention of the Confederation of Boholanos in the United States and Canada (Conbusac) held at the Emerald Ballroom of Holiday Inn last July 28.

The church leader also reminded the flock that "we should remain grateful to the blessings of our parents back home or wherever they may be" He said the visit gave him time to talk on how to handle life while being far from our loved ones back home.

Ted Apalisok and Evangelina Calceta, president and chairperson of Conbusac spearheaded the preparations of the four-day event which gathered some 300 Boholanos from the US and Canada.

Apalisok took time to thank the officers and members of Conbusac for their tremendous support for the success of the gathering. He said that without their wholehearted support, the
4-day reunion of Boholanos could not be that successful. A thanksgiving gathering for the success of the event is slated to be held this week.

This year's Conbusac was hosted by the Tagbilaran Association of Northern California (Tanocal)
          
During the Family Night, the www.dyrdam.com held its USA launching which broadcast the part of the affair live from Holiday Inn here.

From Bohol, Gov. Erico Aumentado beamed his message to the Boholanos through the DYRD Worldwide broadcast. He congratulated the continued enthusiasm of the Boholanos in meeting regularly through this biennial convention as he thanked them for the various projects extended back home.

Deane Jeffrey Dejaresco did the honors to do the official "USA launching" of the www.dyrdam.com which signaled the "major link between the Boholanos abroad and home" He said the breakthrough in modern technology pioneered by the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. is a "gift to the Boholanos" as DYRD marks its 46th year in broadcast journalism.

The 4-day event included a trade show and the holding of the Search for Miss 2007 Conbusac held during the Gala Night.

Miyoshi Nanca representing TANOCAL, the host chapter was crowned as Miss 2007 Conbusac. She was crowned by Jordan Sumodobila, 2006 Miss Conbusac.

BISHOP's TRIP

Bishop Medroso from the Conbusac affair was able to lead a concelebrated mass at the St. Patrick Cathedral in midtown Manhatan, New York yesterday where he met New York Cardinal Edward. Concelebrating with the bishop were Rev Frs. Fernando Po, Fr . Ronald Amora and Nol Docabo. He also took time to visit Msgr. Crispin Varquez, the day before the announcement was made of the latter's appointment as new Boholano bishop.

The bishop met with Boholano priests like Msgr. John Pernia, Fr. Boboy Curso, Fr. Eugene Tungol and Fr. Eronico and well as Fr. Ramon Ongcog in Vermont.

Medoros also met with Dr. Ramy Cadag, Dr. Pepe Recitas and Dr. Bong Lerias of the Home Reach Foundation yesterday.

True to its commitment of service above self, the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran conducted two humanitarian activities in the first half of Rotary Year 2007-2008 which started in the month of July this year.

On July 25, 2007, members of the club braved the rains and paid a surprise visit to the club's adopted school in barangay Tanday, Corella town. The teachers of Tanday showed delighted when their visitors distributed Rotary school bags, slippers and various school supplies to all the pupils.

Alarmed by the considerable increase of dengue cases in the province, the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran conducted a Mass Blood Letting activity on July 28, 2007 with donors coming from the CVSCAFT Tagbilaran Campus. They were ably assisted by the medical technologists who are members of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Bohol Chapter and the staff of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.
          
With the Rotary International's theme of "Rotary Shares," the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran plans to pursue vigorously the Village Aide Program which is co-sponsored by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) consisting of feeding program for the children and the elderly, home care, medication and hospitalization, vocational training, low-cost dwellings, providing safe water and scouting.

The Village Aide Program is now very well felt in the municipality of Panglao particularly Barangays Doljo and Danao; Songculan, Dauis; Casate, Ubay; Tanday, Corella and Bantolinao in Antequera, Bohol.

The new sets of officers for the Rotary Year 2007-2008 which is headed by its new club president, Rtn. Louella Gulle Bantol will be, formally, inducted into office on Aug. 19, 2007 in time for the visit of the chairman of the Rotary Foundation and Past Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul and a group of Rotarians from Australia, headed by Past President Derek Pyrah. (The Bohol Chronicle)

press release

The Magsaysay Shipping Company released early this week the lists of successful examinees for deck and engine cadets from PMI Colleges-Bohol campus.

This was bared by Misoro A. Salamera, school director, who said Magsaysay Shipping which is ranked number among shipping companies in the country today, conducted examinations every end of the semester at PMI for deck and engine cadets.
          
The successful deck examinees are RAymund J. Amborgo, Noel G. Bag-ao, Roldan G. Bolongaita, Angelito A. Daquipil Jr., Rodel A. Elegio, Michael J. Fadriquela, Reche P. Gementiza, Mark Alexis O. Inot, Neil Dennis S. Jamero, Carvel L. Opena, Nathaniel G. Saramosing, Pedrito A. Virtudazo.

While the following successful engine examinees are Raymund Pamugas, Rommel C. Payot, Mark Jayson B. Paluga, Don Dave C. Gamay, Herbert D. Fuego, Ignacio Cosgafa Jr., Edmund Busalanan, Glenn Jess B. Bumotad.

Salamera said the successful examinees will undergo a rigorous training before their embarkation on their various vessels abroad.

Written By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The Bohol Irrigation Project Stage-2 (BHIP-2) may have to shutdown its operations if funds for its completion are not released soon by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

BHIP-2 project manager Engr. Modesto Membreve bared in an interview with the Chronicle that funds for the project are running low since the DBM withheld further funding this year after the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) questioned the project's P1.2 billion cost over-run.

According to Membreve, he had to layoff BHIP-2 employees since June due to budgetary constraints.
          
Many of those laid-off since June were plantilla positions, Membreve disclosed.

Before the month ends, Membreve said he fears they will have to totally close down their offices in Calanggaman, Ubay as funds for administrative expenses, such as salaries for personnel, have already been depleted.

Payroll for BHIP-2 employees alone, according to Membreve, is close to P1-million per month.

Presently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing the legal issues being raised by the NEDA against the project.

COST OVER-RUN

It may be recalled that NIA sought the opinion of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) after former Socio-economic Planning Sec. Romulo Neri blocked further fund releases for the completion of the irrigation project while questioning its cost over-runs.

Neri, who also chairs the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee, has also sought the opinion of the Department of Justice regarding the irrigation project.

According to Neri the BHIP-2 is grossly disadvantageous to the government since it incurs over P1.2 billion of additional costs beyond its approved budget for contract which is P2.4 billion.

Neri called the BHIP-2 as the "most expensive irrigation project" in the country.

'NOT LUXURY CARS'

Membreve denied allegations that NIA bought "luxury vehicles" to be provided for top provincial officials.

The BHIP-2 manager admitted NIA acquired seven vehicles last year, two of which were given to Gov. Erico Aumentado and Rep. Roberto Cajes of the 2nd District.

Aumentado got an Isuzu D-Max while Cajes was allotted an Isuzu Crosswind.

The purchase of said vehicles were made with the approval of no less than Pres. Gloria Arroyo, according to Membreve.

Both officials, he explained are involved in the supervision of the irrigation project, considered to be one of the country's biggest. The BHIP-2 aims to irrigate some 5,000 hectares of rice fields in the towns of Ubay, Trinidad and San Miguel.

The purchase of the seven vehicles incurred P15-million, Membreve said.

Marcos once delivered a brilliant speech before the joint Congress of the United States of America without reading a written speech. It was all impromptu. And Marcos received a prolonged standing ovation.

Written By Engineer Jes Tirol
The Bohol Chronicle Columnist

Proem

It was recently announced in national newspapers that NEDA Director Romulo Neri will become the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The Purpose

According to the statement of Mr. Neri, he will be transferred to CHED to solve the problem of mismatch between college graduates and the need of Industry. Too many college graduates are unemployed because they could not find suitable jobs for their acquired skills.

The situation

For sure, the Philippines has a problem with its college graduates in relation to the economy. However, research have shown that the problem is in the economy and not in the educational system. This is shown by the fact that Filipino college graduates are acceptable in foreign countries performing jobs they are trained for.

You Want a Match?

If we want a match between college graduates and jobs available in the economy, we can do two things. We can increase the economy so that it can offer more jobs or if it is not possible, then we can decrease the number of college graduates to fit the available jobs. However, the second solution is unconstitutional and therefore not possible.

Are There unfilled Jobs?

Are there really unfilled jobs in the economy? The answer is "Yes." However, these jobs are technical-type or middle and lower level type of jobs. These are the kind of jobs that TESDA is trying to address. The problem is, TESDA is not under the scope of CHED. Therefore, Mr. Neri is at the wrong place in order to put his theory into action.

President Arroyo should appoint Mr. Neri either as TESDA Director or Secretary of Education. There is no doubt about the ability and capability of Mr. Neri as technocraft.

He is doing a good job at NEDA and did a good job when he was told to trouble-shoot in the Department of Budget and Management.

Supply and Demand Economics

In economics, there is such a thing as the "Lsw of Supply and Demand." This is what the economist Mr. Neri is thinking about. If there is a great demand of banana and the supply available is fish, the ideal thing to do would be to increase the supply of banana and lessen the supply of fish in order to have a match in the economy.

The problem is that Mr. Neri is told to turn the fisherman into banana planters to supply the demand. Do you think it could be done? Where would the fishermen plant their bananas?

The thesis of this writer is that, President Arroyo is sending Mr. Neri to a wrong place to solve a problem in the economy.

An Editorial of the Bohol Chronicle

The way Bohol is besting Boracay at the finish line today rests on our famous "Bohol Countryside Tour." Bohol is known as Boracay's beaches Plus.

This cutting edge must be preserved, nay enhanced, as Bohol battles for prominence as "primus inter pares." First among equals - translated from Latin to English.

Bohol tour "repeaters" - demanding R and R tourists as they already are - are, however, now looking for new finds outside the Chocolate Hills, Panglao beaches, tarsier and the river boat rides.

Being along the Tourist Highway leading to those Hershey-like delights in Carmen, the prime candidates should be the Rajah Sikatuna National Park sweeping through 29 barangays filled with lush vegetation. It should awe and fascinate both as a tourist haven and an environmental jewel.

The seeming conflict that arose between the current manager (DENR) and the NGO of William Granert tapped by the New Zealand funders to get involved in Project (exposed by the Chronicle two weeks ago) at least led to two conclusions.

One, is that the "environment part" of the Park covering six towns is there to be preserved in its awesome biodiversity. The recurring discoveries of more "fauna and flora" in the forests are proof positive, that part of the environmental goal is well served. Two, the very small park often referred to as the Magsaysay Park was finally identified as the place where tourists should be able to enjoy a cleansing, refreshing stopover is in an apparent state of "neglect."

Lets start with monkey cages, dilapidated office, butterfly "doom" and a wasted swimming pool.

It is a pity because without adding any "bricks and mortars," the Park can become part of the Cutting Edge we are referring to. Bird watching, nature trekking and just plain meditation among vast greeneries could be ours for the asking.

It is timely that Rep. Edgar Chatto (House of Representatives Chairman of Tourism) and newcomer Rep Adam Jala (3rd District) did a marathon audit of the "scene of the crime" last Friday and has conferred with the DENR park managers. The Provincial Tourism Council chairman formed a task force among resorts, hotels and tour operators to find rhyme and reason to the neglected park. Just what activities can tourists enjoy in Magsaysay Park immediately?

The August 15 conference to "Save the National Park" among the various public and private sector stakeholders should be a big step in finally making the Magsaysay Park truly an active tourist attraction and a veritable cog of the much-envied and more-praised "Bohol Countryside Tour."

Cutting edge, remember?

Hi Ruby,

Asa ka nag-base karon?

Quote from: Ban-alam on August 05, 2007, 10:42:22 PM
mao man gyud na basic technique sa warfare, kun gusto nimo ma paralyze imong kaaway imo gyud e disable ilang communication system.

Globe and Smart are used by the people, the military, the government, and the NPAs. Globe and Smart are not enemies of the NPAs.

This is plain extortion. Period.

By Sonieta Deguit Labasan
The Bohol Chronicle

The 60th birthday dinner in honor of the German philanthropist, Hans Gunter Schoof, dubbed as "Hans at 60" generated a total of P600,000 financial assistance for the Botica Sa Katawhan Foundation. Guests were advised to make cash pledges in lieu of gifts to the celebrator.

Held at the Hacienda Sierra del Mar in Laya, Baclayon last July 31, the affair was attended by well-wishers coming from different parts of the globe, including Manila's high society as well as Bohol friends and neighbors from Baclayon, Albur and Guindulman towns.

Entertaining the guests were prominent performers including actor Sam Milby, comedians Leo Martinez & Candy Pangilinan, singers/theater performers Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez and Mitch Valdez; and rising tenor, Jonathan Bador. The event was covered by columnists Dolly Carvajal from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and society writers from the Philippine Star, Tattler, and Metro magazines.
          
Local cultural groups were also tapped to enliven the affair. Staged right at the Schoof's well-landscaped yard was the outstanding open-stage production known as the Sandugo Oracles, produced by the City Government under Mayor Dan Lim and directed by nationally-acclaimed theatre artist, Mr. Gardy Labad. A spectacular fireworks display followed the musicale. The Loboc Youth Choir and the Dimiao Children's Rondalla also had their performances in the same evening.

Games calling for audience participation were made during the affair with cash prizes amounting to P22,000.00. Some 12 lucky guests also went home carting away brand new mobile devices.

Married to Lani Jubac-Schoof of Albur town, Hans has made it a tradition to share his bounty to the Boholano community on his natal day. For ten years now, all his employees are given a sack of rice every July 31. This year, a total of 178 sacks of rice were being distributed to the workers in the Hacienda del Mar, the Shoof house in Alabang and the construction workers of The Peacock Garden Luxury Hotel Resort and Spa, which is currently being built on the sprawling mountain view property of the Shoofs also in Laya, Baclayon.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The public hearing on the proposed 16.5% increase in electric billing is set at the Governor's Mansion on Thursday.

The hearing will be conducted while a member of the board of trustees of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) is questioning the firm's proposal to increase power rates charged to its consumers.

Former OIC Gov. Victor dela Serna, a representative of the provincial government to the Bohol Light board of trustees, bared he was never informed of any meeting to discuss the rates adjustment.

The Bohol Light board, according to dela Serna, has the sole authority to propose and approve rate adjustments.
          
Although the five-man board of Bohol Light is controlled by a majority (3 of 5) of the private consortium led by Salcon Power Corporation, the due process of consultations was not followed, Dela Serna stressed.

Bohol Light seeks to implement a 16.5% increase.

A public hearing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is scheduled this Thursday and Friday at the Governor's Mansion.

The power rates adjustment is due to the mandatory unbundling of rates under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) which the power utility has to comply with the ERC.

However, according to Dela Serna, if the current rate charges are unbundled, there should be no increase since it is just, in effect, an itemization of the costs incurred by the utility company in relation to providing the service.

The new proposed rates will charge residential customers of Bohol Light an additional 86-centavos per kilowatt hour from the existing P5.2037 per kilowatt hour to P6.0652.

Commercial consumers will be charged with an additional 66-centavos per kilowatt hour from the present P5.5157 per kilowatt hour to P6.1774.

Public buildings and street lights will be charged P6.0652, up by 62-centavos per kilowatt hour from the existing P5.4451.

The unbundling of rates is the identification and separation of the individual charges of the utility firm to reflect the respective cost of providing each service.

An unbundled bill will include components such as power generation charge, transmission charge, systems losses, distribution charge and other costs relative to power distribution.

source: Bohol Sunday Post

Just a matter of few paperworks and the construction of the Metro Bohol Cluster Sanitary Landfill in Alburquerque pushes through after a temporary halt ruled by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), as with all the legal aspects in place and in proper track except for the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) that is still on process.

The pause order on the works of the P75-million landfill project followed after barely a month since the notice to proceed that PTA issued to D.I Cervantes Construction, the project contractor, came to public knowledge through the media.

The temporary stoppage order takes effect until the proponents of the landfill project get the ECC from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
          
Armando Miranda, chief of the Infrastructure Department of the PTA, issued the statement during the stakeholders consultation yesterday at JJ's Dimsum.

Miranda also said they still have to discuss with the municipal officials of Alburquerque about the barangay consultations that will be done through the funding of the provincial government.

The Bohol Environmental Management Office under the Office of Governor Erico Aumentado initiated the project tin cooperation with the Environmental Governance Program (ECOGOV).

The PTA solely funds the project with the condition that it will accommodate the garbage materials from 10 other neighboring municipalities- -Lila, Loay, Baclayon, Corella, Sikatuna, Dauis, Panglao, Cortes , Maribojoc , Balilihan and Loboc.

The condition was contained in the memorandum of agreement that the mayors of these towns entered into with the provincial government represented by Governor Aumentado.

But some residents protested the idea of accommodating waste garbage from the 10 neighboring towns.

It was during the time of former mayor Efren Tungol that the project was conceived but his participation was limited only in the choice of the town as host of the cluster facility.

Aside from increasing the revenue of the host municipality, the project also poses to generate employment residents, and give more funding support for infrastructure.

It is also expected to project a good image for the town, since more projects would be attributed to the hosting of the facility.

Two basic national laws-Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 mandated the establishment of landfill facilities.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reports that dengue cases in the towns are still on the rise despite massive "search and destroy" operations in the towns.

As of yesterday victims of the deadly dengue fever drastically increased to 615 from 512 just a week ago.

This figure is based on reports of confinements from public and private hospitals provincewide.
        
Provincial health officer Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot attributes the rapid rise in dengue admittances in the past days to the start of the rainy season.

The occurrence of dengue is still rampant in the city, with already 229 cases reported.

Tagbilaran is followed by Dauis with already 64 victims while Jagna registered 56.

As of yesterday, city hospitals are still congested with dengue patients.

Patients refused at private hospitals are being given emergency treatment at dengue "fastlanes" established at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital and eleven other district hospitals.

Six of ten dengue casualties occurred in the month of July. Five of the ten deaths 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.

Most of dengue victims are aged 5 to 14 with 297 since January this year.

Ages 15 to 49 registered 193 cases, followed by ages 1 to 4 with 109 cases.

ALL OUT WAR VS. DENGUE

Teams from the Department of Health (DOH) regional office launched "search and destroy" campaigns in the towns targeting all breeding areas of the dengue carrying aedes aegypti mosquito.

Fogging operations were also sanctioned by the DOH in addition to its "4 'S' Kontra Dengue" campaign.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

Engr. Nilo Sarigumba was at it again when he brought last week the Probe Team, an investigative TV program of ABS-CBN hosted by Cheche Lazaro.

At the receiving end of Sarigumba's expose' was Engr. Modesto Membreve, project manager of the multi-million Bayongan Dam.
          
This project in San Miguel town was in the news after proponents asked cost overruns amounting to P1.3 billion. Already consumed by the project was P3.6 billion. The National Economic Development Authority under then secretary Romulo Neri balked at the idea of requesting more funds saying that any approval for additional money was tantamount to making the project the most expensive irrigation facility in the entire country.

The coming of the Probe Team came at a time when Engr. Membreve has his hands full parrying criticisms from all directions arising from the request for more funds of the NIA project.

Compounding Membreve's woes were accusations about a vehicle purchase amounting to P7million.

Asked to confirm the allegations, he said he asked for an appropriation of P15 million in as many vehicles but Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only P7 million and good for seven units.

Membreve's critics zeroed in on allegations that two of the vehicles-an Isuzo D'Max and Isuzu Crosswind were for use by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Cong. Roberto Cajes, respectively. The rest of the fleet is now being used by NIA.

By Loy M. Palapos
<a href="http://boholsundaypost.net/2007/aug/5/oneonone.htm">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

There's no mistaking about it, Priscilla Mathism Richards (PMR) is a stand-out in any crowd. With physical features that are unmistakably Caucasian, she is neither Boholana nor Filipina-looking. Sunshine blond curls frame her oval face, and her blue eyes twinkle and mesmerize. Some poundage shed off, she could give Britney Spears a run for her money.

Meeting her was not the usual gentleman-meets-lady-at-a-party situation. Before I knew her name, she was flashing her enthusiastic smile, as if she had known me even before I was born. The nasal twang was there, and it took me a few seconds to get her name spelled right in my mind, and when I did, it did not seem alien anymore. Her exuberance was contagious, her chat spontaneous and endless as both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans put together. She was a friend to all. And still is. Our getting-to-know-you meeting at Island City Mall was just a prelude.

Seeing her sporadically has been punctuated by her reverberating laughter which, for me, has become her trade mark.

Lately, I learned that she has a column in another local paper. From her writings I discern a certain angle of her personality not always deciphered in verbal banter.

She is very observant about what goes on in her adapted City of Tagbilaran, a few of them outright unpalatable to those concerned. Thus, I thought, she is a good subject for an interview.

LMP: How did you happen to come to Bohol?
PMR: Ha! Of course, by airplane. Seriously, I came here in November 2002 to care for a seaman friend's three young kids at the time when they had just lost their young and very dear mother. One year prior to my arrival here, and until now, I have been a surrogate mother for them. It was hard to get them to adjust at first due to the father's side of the family and their negative influences to make the children go against me, because they felt that my American culture was different from the Philippine culture.

LMP: Can you give a few details.
PMR: It was hard to believe at first that these people could behave and interfere with my loving plans for these kids to grow up and do well. I strongly feel against the family's negative influences towards these kids. Today, these kids are suffering permanent scars and repercussions. The oldest child quit his studies at PMI and got his young teenage girlfriend pregnant. Even though the baby is here they both have no way to support their young family, if it was not for my help to them. The middle child is a fourth-year student at a computer college here. The owner of this college just wants to become fatter in the pocket book, but unable to assist him in getting a job once he graduates. The youngest child is now 16 years of age and fourth- year high school student. She has had it hard during her first two years of high school as she was not taken care of properly when I was back home in the States. The older brother's girlfriend demanded expensive clothes and foods from the kids' allotment. This caused the youngest to be sickly and unable to make it to school as the father's allotment was also used on the girlfriend's family in Leyte. Even back home in America I kept getting bad reports of all that was going on here in Bohol. The electric line had been shut off and the two youngest were sitting in the dark. I was able to rattle the oldest kid's head when I reached him thru cell after I had sent money. I came back to Bohol to fight off any negative happenings to these kids as their father has always been a long time partner and friend of mine who can see me as a kind hearted person that I truly am. I have stayed here to continue to do my best in helping these kids stay away from jealous persons who want to take advantage of them. I have stayed here to be a mother and a protective friend and a provider as well for them. For the kids and me on both our sides it has been a learning experience.

LMP: What was your first impression of Filipinos, or Boholanos in particular?
PMR: Other than the negative side of the kids' father's family, I really enjoy making friends here. I have found the people her to be hospitable, inquisitive, curious and, normally with me, they have shown that they can understand what I am saying to give out a burst of laughter.

LMP: What is one dominating trait you find among Boholanos? Please elaborate.
PMR: Inhibited. Examples: Afraid to show applause, or give compliments when they should be given. Afraid to call the kettle black if it is supposed to be black! Afraid of what other might think on how they express themselves in public. In a restaurant if the food does not taste as it should, would rather sit there and not say anything to correct it and have it made right.

LMP: Can you name some aspects in Boholano inter-relationships that you find worth emulating?
PMR: Off the top of my head I would have to say caring, offering, going out of their way too make their guests feel welcome in their homes at their parties or other festive occasions. Boholano hospitality has always been described at its loveliest. "Humok and as fluffy as a down pillow!"

LMP: How about bad traits? Name at least three.
PMR: A) "Crab Mentality." This I see all the time among Filipinos. There are many people here who do not want to see the successful climb of other people. Others ruin or demolish or go out of their way to steal the happiness of one who is trying to better himself. If anything is needed it is positive encouragement and motivation instead of knocking down others' efforts. B) "Infidelity." I have seen a lot of changing partners whether they be married or unmarried couples. I see this as a result of indifference brought about by financial problems. The husband often gets tired of constant nagging by pregnant wife who does not take family planning seriously. It adds more pressure to the financial crisis already at hand. This drives a lot of Boholano men, in particular, away from their families. I am in favor of the divorce law for the Philippines. C) "Public displays of interruptive bodily functions" such as belching in public and not saying excuse me, coughing in public and not covering the mouth while doing so. There are those who hurl the "slimy sputum" onto mall floors. The worst is the display of men who just whip it out in the middle of street to take a "Jingle" when there are many persons around and they do not care of the sensitivity of others.

LMP: Describe public administration in Bohol. In Tagbilaran City? What are the bad and good points? How could they be corrected?
PMR: I have, as a media person, been able to view both government and administration on both sides, here in Tagbilaran City and also province wide. I see a lot of people who need help and ask for assistance and these people swarm and pack these offices with what ever ail them, like bees do to hives. I have seen the best of help going to these people that can be offered. I always compliment all branches of government and administration and say to them that they have a lot of energy and kindness in their heart. The one thing I would like to criticize is not with just political administration but with everyone who works. He should keep personal business decisions on issues that are personal and private. Give also a right of way to free enterprise.

LMP: You must have observed how elections are done in the country and in Bohol. What are your comments?
PMR: Yes! I did observe the election first hand and it is despicable as can be. Why have COMELEC laws unable to handle the candidates doing things that are illegal? Or handle on time the cases of those candidates who are not residing or actually residing in the districts that they are running in? It's truly a crime, compared to the American voting system. Family members, running against themselves or with themselves. Several candidates are running because they are popular, or who want to be popular, such as singers and actors and media personalities. Some even run because they are the offsprings of out-going candidates. Some candidates run for office at very young and inexperienced age. In my country, to run to congress you have to be at least 35 years of age. There is vote buying. People are whining that the country is corrupt. You have people loitering outside the voting precincts building campfires and roasting hotdogs during Election Day. Your polls close early in the day. In the States they close at eight in the evening. This allows everyone on rotating shifts a chance to vote. Drunkards haggle as they vote and nationally you have a lot of election homicides.

LMP: Do you believe that private enterprises in Bohol are properly motivated by public governance? Please explain.
PR: No! It's motivated thru "greed and gain!"

LMP: How do you appraise Bohol as a tourist destination?
PMR: Bohol has plenty of natural untouched beauty that are "for your eyes only." I remember my first time going to Chocolate Hills. Once my body made it to the top, I just stood there in awe at how breathtaking it truly was and laughed at how green it was. I was expecting to see little brown hills all over literally. One thing that the tourists complain about when coming here is how some of the resorts cost more than what the services are really worth. The other noticeable complaint is that the night life is not happening here. The province is safe compared to other places to be visited in the Philippines.

LMP: Does it have a competitive advantage over other provinces in the country?
PMR: Yes, it is safe and a lot more peaceful than other tourist destinations. The beaches are clean. What bores again the tourist is the lack of night shows or discos to attend. Some other provinces have establishments with promos on food and beverages. Bohol has never had a promo as far as I can remember.

LMP: What are your suggestions to improve the existing tourist spots?
PMR: The PNP now is stronger and better than ever with a new commander who seems to be walking a tight beat within the province to be able to keep and control crime at a minimum. The local city and municipal PNP should enforce and give more fines for crimes that are violated more often to be able to generate more money into better and stronger public services. This also makes people want to come here more often if they know that law offenders who are dangerous to tourists are kept in control. Get the Badjaos off the streets, from begging in their naked form. I am already a permanent resident here. Often I am homesick. When I first came here in 2002, I was a foundation member for Camp Bernido in Dao district. I have enjoyed being a member of the media family here in Bohol. It has opened the door in many nice ways in order for me to learn about the place and its people.

Her stay in Bohol has given her new perspectives in life. Playing beautiful music with a widower Boholano seaman, whom she seldom sees, she takes care of his children from his first wife. A tall order for the ordinary woman. But Priscilla Richards is no ordinary woman. She has her own share of problems, but she does not wear her heart on her sleeves.

She may elicit contradictory reactions to her views and her ways, but she is unperturbed. What she writes, negative or positive, springs from her conviction, not just products of whimsy fancy. How she carries herself is an expression of her individuality, as a woman and a human being. For all intents and purposes, in a nutshell she has voluntarily attuned herself into thus bubbly personification of life lived to the hilt as an American as apple pie and Coca-Cola.

Why Not? source: succeedwiththis.com

1-Apple contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps greatly your immune system. A lot people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

2-Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

3-Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only ¼ of the calories.

4-Prevent Cancers. Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

5-Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.

6-Prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!

7-Protects your brain from brain disease. This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

8-Healthier Lungs. A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

9-They taste great! And not only that, they also come in many flavors and colors. Not in a mood for a green apple? Why not get a red one, or a macintosh! Their taste can vary greatly, but still give you all the apple benefits. Variety is an important element to maintaining your health.

Reported by Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Three suspects in the killing of a tricycle driver and the shooting of two others last Wednesday in barangay Mansasa, this city are already identified by police.

Charges of murder and frustrated murder will be filed against them by the City PNP.

One of the suspects, a 16-year old was arrested Friday but had to be released by police after a few hours of interrogation.

The minor, allegedly admitted to investigators of the City-PNP that he was one of two other minors, who were tagged in the shooting of one Jemuel Adanza y Liquigan, 24 years old, married and resident of Canhayupon, Dimiao town Wednesday night.

Adanza, a tricycle driver, was hit in the head with a .38 caliber round causing his immediate death.

The victim's companion, one Edilberto Pungay y Bastasa, 34, married, resident of barangay Mansasa, this city sustained a gunshot wound to his right elbow and left leg.

According to police, the two victims were sitting on a bench of a store near the National Food Authority (NFA) in barangay Mansasa past 8 p.m., when three motorcycle-riding youngsters open fired at them without any provocation.

The suspects were reportedly riding a blue Honda Wave motorcycle.

Pungay, who survived the gun attack, positively identified the youngster nabbed by police.
          
Before the shooting near the NFA, one Vincent Paumig y Balod, 16, a resident of Mansasa School Road, while on his way to a store for an errand was also shot by three motorcycle-riding youngsters at around 7 p.m.

Paumig was hit in the chest and was immediately rushed to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital where he is now recovering.

The three assailants, according to witnesses, were riding a blue Kawasaki Aura motorcycle.

A .38 caliber slug was recovered police on the scene of the incident.

City police chief Insp. Jacinto Cesar said in an interview with the Chronicle they will file murder and frustrated murder charges against the 16-year old suspect, who identified two of his cohorts who are also minors.

The two other suspects are still at large.

Police had to release the 16-year old suspect after the interrogation as mandated by RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act.

Under the law, minors aged below 15 cannot be charged with any crime.

Those above 15 but below 18 years old, however, can be interrogated but could not be detained. They can be charged but could only serve their prison term upon reaching 18.

"GANG-RELATED"

The City PNP is also looking at the shooting incidents as gang-related.

According to SPO1 Pedro Avenido, in a separate interview with the Chronicle, that a gang called "Creeps" has split in three clashing factions.

Reports received by the City PNP showed that before the shooting incidents happened, a group of students from one of the colleges in the city were having a drinking session in a store near Mansasa High School.

Another group of youngsters, some armed with guns, allegedly confronted the first group which erupted into a rumble.

Mansasa barangay captain Leopoldo Pahang confirmed that groups of youngsters have been having "gang wars" in Mansasa.

Gang members are reportedly recruiting youngsters in his barangay, Pahang said.

Written By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

An investigation against Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Celestino Adlaon has been started at the Ombudsman regarding alleged irregularities of the unfinished Agora building.

A letter complaint was formally filed by City Mayor Dan Lim Friday at the Ombudsman Visayas against Adlaon.

The mayor's complaint followed after Adlaon sought the stoppage of the ongoing demolition of the façade of the unfinished Agora building which is undertaken by contractor J.L. Apostol Enterprises.

The demolition of the building's front section is being done by the contractor to abide with the required setback from the highway.
          
Adlaon requested for the contractor and the city government to stop the demolition, saying the DPWH has yet to officially turn-over the unfinished building to the city government.

The DPWH undertook the Agora reconstruction more than ten years ago.

During his weekly "Mayor's Report", Lim disclosed that as early as March 12, 2004 , the DPWH, through Adlaon, issued a Certificate of Acceptance declaring the "completion of the Tagbilaran City Public Market (Agora)."

The certification was signed by Adlaon and accepted by then City Mayor Jose Torralba, who also signed the document.

The mayor said the city government "assumed full responsibility" of the Agora building from the DPWH since March 2004.

This is contrary to Adlaon's claim that he sought the clearance from higher DPWH officials regarding the unfinished building which is "still to be inventoried" by the DPWH, Lim said, the Agora is already a property of the city government.

The mayor said he is asking the Ombudsman to investigate on the DPWH and the former mayor.

The city government entered into a 20-year rehabilitate-operate-transfer (ROT) contract with J.L Apostol Enterprises.

Written By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Charges of abduction of minors were filed at the City Prosecutor's Office Friday against the suspect in the kidnapping of two teenage girls some five months ago.

The two missing teenagers are identified as Shiella Kristine Inguito, 14 years old, resident of Sta. Cruz, Baclayon town and Mary Jane Aton, 13 years old, resident of Habitat Village, barangay Bool, this city.

The girls' parents, Marieta Gulles, mother of Mary Jane and Nerio Inguito, father of Shiella Kristine, filed the complaint against one Ruperto Rosal Wagas alias "Eping", a resident of barangay Guiwanon, Baclayon.
          
Inguito and Aton are second-year students at the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, this city.

Based on sworn statements by two classmates of the missing girls, several times they saw the suspect in the company of the two girls and was last seen with them before their disappearance last March 3.

Parents of both girls believe the suspect abducted the two high school students and brought them to Manila.

The parents alleged that Wagas just came back from Manila where he is working.

Both minors were reported missing after they did not return to their homes last March 3.

The two attended a review at DCPNHS in preparation for the National Achievement Test (NSAT).

The Inguito's offered cash reward to anyone who could provide information on the whereabouts of the two teenagers while posters showing pictures of the two girls were posted in public places by their parents and classmates at DCPNHS.

source: abajournal.com

A Florida inmate convicted this week of masturbating while alone in his jail cell is reportedly only one of eight targetsâ€"along with state taxpayersâ€"of what a Miami Herald columnist describes as "a spectacular case of selective prosecution."

Given the likely prevalence of such commonplace behavior in state prisons (not to mention boarding schools, seminaries and military barracks), criminally charging any Broward County inmate with masturbation represents a major waste of prosecution dollars, writes Fred Grimm in the Miami Herald ("Justice went blind in this jailhouse case").

However, in addition to the 20-year-old inmate convicted this week, three other inmates charged in similar cases have accepted pleas and three still await trial (one case was dismissed). All were charged by the same female deputy, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Grimm also questions whether the cure is worse than the disease. Prospective jurors were publicly questioned about their own masturbation habits, as noted in an earlier ABAJournal.com post, before Terry Lee Alexanderâ€"who was already facing a 10-year robbery sentenceâ€"was convicted of indecent exposure Tuesday and sentenced to 60 days, as reported by the Herald.

Plus, during Alexander's trial, prosecutor Cynthia Lauriston and the female deputy who complained, after observing him on a monitor as he was alone in his cell, "managed to describe Alexander's offense in startling detail, eight times, once with Lauriston approximating the action with arm motions," Grimm notes.

''It was very vulgar. Very indecent,'' the deputy testified, describing the new crime of which Alexander has now been convicted, the column concludes. "But she could have been characterizing the prosecution, the trial, the verdict and the obscene, indecent, vulgar, lascivious, downright stupid waste of time and money."

I just don't understand why the NPAs have to attack and burn down cellphone towers.

Ang problema gyud sa mga basketball teams sa ato kay mga dagko ug ulo ug mga laog.

They've never learned the primal basketball principle: this game is not designed for individual efforts but teamwork.

Anti-piracy groups are bent on destroying P2P system, so they uploaded a lot of torrent spams to clog up the network system of torrent sites.

Cleansing a torrent site requires hundreds of hours.

Good news. You can now report and track whether or not a torrent you download is fake.

torrentspam.com is the initial solution.

By Ike Señeres 

  Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap should look into the alleged
rice trucking anomalies at the National Food Authority (NFA) National Capital
Region (NCR) right away, if only to prevent the corruption there from worsening
the already spiraling prices of this staple food. In a country that is full of
bidding rules that are supposed to promote fair and honest competition under an
atmosphere of free enterprise, it is surprising to note that some corrupt elements
there are promoting instead the monopoly of the rice trucking service by one
favored contractor, to the dismay of many smaller contractors who have been
sidelined unfairly.
  **
  Based on documents submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, it appears that
NFA-NCR officials have illegally extended the trucking contract of Menruz Trucking
Services by giving it more loads, without bidding out the additional volume. In a
white paper that was also submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA) and the
Administrator of the NFA in Quezon City, unnamed complainants accused NFA-NCR
Regional Director Jose Cordero and Regional Bids and Awards Committee (RBAC)
Chairman Basilides Taco of abuse of power, by not calling for a bidding of the
additional load, circumventing the bidding rules as stipulated in Section 65 of
the Government Procurement Act (R.A. 9184), adding that it is also in violation of
the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019).
  **
  According to the white paper, NFA-NCR conducted a bidding last January 26, 2006
for the hauling of 307, 500 metric tons of imported rice, and the bidding was won
by Menruz. To the surprise of everyone, it came out in later investigations that
Menruz had actually hauled a total of 534, 674 metric tons, way above the volume
covered by the contract. The complainants submitted a copy of the Summary of
Pierside and Shipside Operations in 2006 Rice Importations, to prove their
accusation.
  **
  Given the fact that there was an over delivery of 227, 174 metric tons, this
additional volume should have been subjected to another bidding, in fairness to
the other truckers who are also looking for some business with the NFA. Under
cases of extreme emergencies, agencies like NFA could extend certain contracts
without any bidding, but it is very clear from the reports that there was no
emergency at that time at all.
  **
  Quite frankly, I have lost track of where the NFA is now under, after it was
tossed back and forth several times from the DA to the Office of the President
(OP). Wherever it is under now however, Secretary Yap should look into this
anomaly, because it could possibly set back some of the good programs that he is
implementing to ensure the supply of rice, as well as to control its retail
prices. The connection might be circuitous, but I am sure that the illegal
extensions of rice hauling contracts would involve the movement of dirty money
that would eventually be charged to consumers.
  **
  In the first place, I find it ironic that an “Authority” like the NFA would even
exist in a democracy that is supposed to support a free market system. I think the
same way about the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), that an
“Authority” like the NEDA has no place in a free market economy. Of course I see a
place for a central planning agency as a staff service to the Executive Branch,
but without extremely powerful regulatory powers. In much the same way, I see a
place for a government owned grains trading company that would compete with
private sector trading companies in order to bring down the prices of grains, but
not to give it import monopoly on top of extreme regulatory powers.
  **
  There was a time when the Ombudsman would act even on the basis of newspaper
reports. We do not see this office doing this now, but as I see it, a white paper
that is adequately supported by proper documents should at least merit their
attention to conduct an investigation. Same goes for the COA, an agency that
always hides under the alibi that they are following the “post audit” method.
Well, this alleged anomaly is within the purview of “post audit” now, so the COA
has no reason to cop out from this heat.
  **
  Recent studies show that new homegrown technologies now enable local farmers to
produce more rice than before. The government should look into these studies, and
come up with the policy of matching real supply data with the decisions to import
rice or not, in the best interests of our local farmers.
  **
  Join SamaKabuhayan, a member of the Inter-Charity Network. We assist people in
looking for jobs, starting a small business, in financing and in marketing. Email
ike@kaiking.net or text us at 09196466323.Unit 324, Guadalupe Commercial Complex,
Guadalupe Nuevo, EDSA, Makati.

   
          In preparation for the National Census Month this month, Governor Erico B. Aumentado has issued Executive Order 12, constituting the provincial census coordinating board (PCCB) for the 2007 census of population (PopCen 2007).

         Based on the EO signed last July 17 the PCCB will provide assistance in the conduct of the 2007 census of population in the province.

         Aumentado cited in the EO that the National Statistical Coordination Board (NCSB), through its executive board, has approved two resolutions this year, calling for the creation of the census coordinating board in every province and city or municipality.

         This, after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed August as National Census Month.

         The PCCB shall assess the needs of NSO in terms of transportation, communication security and publicity and make an inventory of the transportation and communication facilities available for use in the census operation.

         It shall also specify the areas of involvement or participation of the agencies within the limits of their resources.

         The census board shall assist the city or municipal census coordinating boarc in the conduct of the publicity and information campaign and the NSO in the census operation to ensure complete coverage of the province.

         Matters that cannot be resolved by the PCCB shall be referred to the Regional Census Coordinating Board (RCCB).

         The PCCB will then take up matters as may be specified by the RCCB or as necessary for the successful conduct of the census.

         The provincial office of the NSO will act as the secretariat of the PCCB, while Governor Aumentado sits as the chairman of the PCCB, and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cerina Bolos acts as the vice-chair.

         The members of the PCCB are First District Highway Engineer Celestino Adlaon, Second District Highway Engineer Ramie Doroy, Third District Highway Engineer Aramis Torrefranca, PNP Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Edgardo Ingking, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Juanito Cambangay, Provincial Assessor Edgardo Orig, Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog, Population Officer Josefina Relampagos, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Eduardo Ingking, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Constancia Tuñacao, Provincial Government Media Affairs head Antonieto Pernia, NCIP Community Development Officer Sisinio Amplayo, LMP-Bohol Chapter president Mayor Exuperio Lloren, Bohol Tri-media Association president Peter Dejaresco, PROCESS Foundation Executive Director Emilia Roslinda, Provincial Statistics Officer Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren, and Liga ng mga Barangay president Dr. Romulo Cepedoza.

--from the Provincial Government Media Affairs Office

From the Provincial Government Media Affairs Office

      Among the sectors vulnerable to AIDS, the overseas workers pose at the nearest brink of HIV infection, based on the slant of the Joint UN program on HIV and Migration.

      The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which is a collaborator of the program, raised concern on the increased vulnerability of overseas workers, along with the cases in thriving sex industry, high STI rates, low condom use, injecting drug users sharing unclean needles, sexually active young people, and the wide gap between knowledge and practice.

         According to Joel D. Atienza of the National AIDS Program of the Department of Health that there are already 2,857 HIV/AIDS cases from 1984 to May this year.

         Based on the trend, 72 percent asymptomatic and that the ratio was 100 HIV cases per year from 1993 to 2003. It rose to 200 cases per year from 2004-2005. Then it became 306 cases in 2006. On the ratio, 64 percent were males, 67 percent are aging 20 to 39 years old.

         The DOH study also found out that 87 percent of the transmission were through sexual intercourse. Varied occupations comprise the 35 percent of the HIV registered cases from eight million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

         From the record of the NECâ€"DOH as of December 2005, the estimated total number of HIV infected persons, 73 percent of the injecting drug users had sex in the past 12 months, while 81 percent of sexually active injecting drug users had sex with permanent partners and 84 percent of their partners  were non- injecting drug users. Eighty-nine percent did not use condoms the last time they had sex.

         The NEC-DOH study also found out that 34percent of sexually active injecting drug users had sex with commercial sex workers, of whom 58 percent did not use condoms the last time they had sex, while 21 percent of sexually active injecting drug users sold sex and 58 percent did not use condoms the last time they had sex.

         On this, the Joint UN Program on HIV and Migration focuses on implementing programs and projects in line with the AIDS Prevention and Control Law or Republic Act 8504 and the AIDS Medium Term Plan.

         For this activity, the program gets support from the national government agencies and the local government units, and foreign funding agencies including the UN Agencies, USAID, WHO, JICA, WB, EC, Kfw, Global Fund.

         Atienza said that the HIV cases might be “quite small because of low prevalence rate, but if prevalence rates increase among OFWs, it will have direct impact on GNP.

         To brace, the program on HIV and migration aims for optimal availability and utilization of comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support information, services and commodities by most-at-risk and vulnerable populations, people living with HIV/AIDS and their affected families and communities, and the general public.

         The program also aims for the provision of equitable and sustainable information, services and commodities to all those who need them (most-at-risk and vulnerable populations, people living with HIV/AIDS and their affected families and communities, and the general public).

It's sad to hear that a pastor was killed in that beastly act of violence.

      The provincial government has been invited to send delegation to the First Asian International Real Estate Expo and Conference (AIREEC) which is scheduled on December 6 to 10 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila.

      The event has the support of the 1.3 million members of the National Association of Realtors in 55 countries, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and other worldwide professional and trade association.

      In his invitation letter to Governor Erico B. Aumentado, AIREEC president Leon Katz explained that the event will serve as the most affordable venue for brokers to reach the global market.

      It will also serve as an ideal opportunity to promote and network the province’s projects, local products or services, and investment opportunities to key decision-makers, investors, professionals, international real estate brokers, end users, public and private sectors from over 50 countries in the field of real estate, tourism, technology, BPO and related industries.

      The AIREEC also will serve as the most affordable venue to reach the global market, according to Katz.

      It will showcase major regions, companies and world acclaimed keynote speakers.

      The event which will revolve around the theme, “West Meets East Meets West”, is committed to deliver inbound and outbound transactions to all participants and attendees as it aims to bring the world in one place for everyone to venture, transact, forge partnership, promote, purchase and conclude deals.

      Katz suggested that the provincial government may position Bohol as a key industry leader by participating as among the sponsors which are given the highest exposure and return, having the slot before, during and after event while

      Those participating as exhibitors are entitled to the benefits during and after the event.

--from the Provincial Government Media Affairs Office

--press release--

"This is the 3rd biggest Open Heart Surgical outreach mission outside Metro Manila extended to the Province of Bohol."

Governor Erico B. Aumentado expressed appreciation to the Philippine Heart Center team led by Director, Dr. Ludgerio Torres and to the Heart Foundation of the Philippines thru President, Dr. Francisco Dizon for identifying Bohol to benefit from the continuous outreach missions in line with the nations thrust on the delivery of health services.

Thus, said Mrs. Fancy S. Baluyot, Consultant for Health & Social Services and President of the Philippine Gift of Life, wherein heart surgery beneficiaries coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao wherein 65% of patients are from Tagbilaran City and the different municipalities of Bohol availed the government-initiated surgical outreach mission.

The very expensive heart operations which was held at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital last July 23-27, 2007 was jointly sponsored by the Provincial Government of Bohol thru Governor Erico B. Aumentado and Vice Governor Julius Caesar F. Herrera; the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) thru Honorable Chairman Sergio O. Valencia and the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) thru Chairman and Chief Executive Ephraim C. Genuino supported by the Philippine Gift of Life headed by President/CEO, Mrs. Fancy S. Baluyot and Vice President, Rev. Fr. Victor G. Bompat; Department of Health (DOH) thru Honorable Secretary, Dr. Francisco Doque III and Director, Dr. Elmer Punzalan; Home Reach Foundation thru Chairman, Dr. Pepe Recitas, Co-Chairman, Dr. Ramie Cadag and Director, Mr. Richard Uy; Congressman Edgar M. Chatto; Congressman Roberto C. Cajes; Congressman Adam Relson L. Jala; Hildegardeans ’89 thru its President, Mr. Joseph S. Alagon; Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists thru President, Dr. Rene Catan and Outreach Program Chairman, Dr. Federico Malubay; Philippine Air Force thru Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, MGen. Jogy Leo Fojas, Col. Leo Cresente Ferrer and Lt. Col. Ramon Ruiz; Philippine Airlines Foundation thru Executive Director, Ms. Carmen Sarmiento.

Mrs. Baluyot said the heart surgical team contingent had brought most of the hospital equipments from the Philippine Heart Center via Philippine Air Force C-130 cargo plane as well as sufficient medicines and medical supplies, more than enough for all patients who sought medical and surgical assistance on the aforementioned dates.

Governor Aumentado himself oversaw the operation undertaken by a team of renowned surgeons and cardiologists headed by Dr. Torres, Dr. Dizon, Dr. Santos Jose Abad â€" Chief Cardiologists and Dr. Florante Lomibao â€" Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon during the said heart surgical mission.

Meanwhile, Governor Aumentado led provincial officials in conferring plaques of recognition to the members of the Open Heart Surgery Mission Team from the Philippine Heart Center â€" Heart Foundation of the Philippines and certificates of appreciation to all the medical volunteers at the Recognition Night held last July 26, 2007 at the Bohol Tropics Sandugo Grand Ballroom.

Provincial Administrator, Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr. likewise gave thanks to the local committee headed by Mrs. Baluyot and Atty. Abapo; to the volunteers and supporters headed by Dr. Nenita Po, Dr. Julia Maape and Hon. Amalia Tirol, Mrs. Emma Auza â€" President, PNA Bohol Chapter.

Special mention also to the Philippine Gift of Life and the Office of the Consultant for Health & Social Services staff; the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital doctors and nurses, devolved hospitals and Red Cross volunteers. Provincial Health Office thru Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot, Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines â€" Bohol Chapter thru its President, Dr. Arnold Cagulada; to the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists â€" Bohol Chapter headed by its President, Dr. Herbert Relampagos; to the Mass Media; to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Health Committee thru Board Member Cesar Tomas Lopez.

Profile of the Accomplishments in Governance

[Reprinted from the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence (KAME IV) 2006 Award Ceremony Souvenir Program. The awarding ceremony was held on December 6, 2006 at the Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel. For the medal, Gov. Erico Aumentado will again go to several cities in China to observe local government operations there and see the sights, among others, in the first week of September this year, together with fellow winners in the city, municipal and barangay category.]

The Province of Bohol sets the standard in governance. It is the only local government that has an ISO 14001 rating to underscore the efficiency and effective management system that has been established in the Provincial Government.

It has been recognized by the Gawad Gintong Pook with the highest award, the Award for Continuing Excellence (ACE) for Bohol's sustainable program in eco-tourism, enforcement of coastal and marine laws and the barangay livestock program. For these, Bohol has now been elevated to the Gawad Galing Pook Hall of Fame, a rae distinction conferred only to a select and honored few. The Provincial Government has also been bestowed the Trailblazing Program Award and the Special Citation on Local Peace Initiatives by the same award-giving body for its Poverty Reduction Program for Peace and Development.

The program is widely acclaimed here and abroad as a landmark initiative which is transforming the hitherto conflict ridden province into a growth area. The Provincial Government established the Program and created the Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office as the anchor and linchpin in its aggressive, all-out drive to dramatically reduce poverty in the province. It also established a broad based partnership with all the stakeholders when it established the Bohol Peace Forum, a multisectoral network to revitalize the discussion of the peace agenda with local committees and non-government organizations and explore avenues for peace talks with the local units of the New People's Army.

Under the Poverty Reduction Program for Peace and Development, the Provincial Government assigned community development workers to conflict ridden zones which were also the poorest areas. The Provincial Government channeled the 20% development fund from 2002-2005 to its various poverty reduction programs and leveraged this to secure ODA, NGO and national government funding.


Until recently, Bohol was one of the ten poorest provinces in the country. It has since moved out of this position and is now ranked as one of the more economically developed provinces. It has achieved this transformation within a very short time.

For this, the Provincial Government earned recognition and support from the international development community for its exemplary role in transforming the hitherto conflict and poverty ridden area into a rapidly developing agricultural and eco-tourism hub not only in Central Visayas but in the country as well. The major international development agencies such as the World Bank and the United Nations and bilateral agencies such as AusAID, JBIC, European Union and the Belgian Government among others are all actively involved as key partners of the Provincial Government in its development initiatives.

Recognizing the inherent resources of Bohol , the Provincial Government launched a two-pronged economic development program founded on agriculture and eco-tourism. The Provincial Government formulated the Bohol Agriculture Development Master Plan and used this as the framework to spur, expand and strengthen agricultural development in the province. The initiative transformed Bohol as the premier agricultural producer in Central Visayas and is positioning itself as a major producer in the whole of the Visayas and Mindanao as well. Bohol has also become the top tourism destination in the country for which it was accorded the Kalakbay Award by the Department of Tourism.

These laudable accomplishments and outstanding performance of the Provincial Government are due mainly to the provincial leadership who took bold and innovative action to bring the province into the development mainstream.

--Bohol Capitol document--

Quote from: Delaguna on August 03, 2007, 10:09:48 PM
Yes, Vida, I hear you....

Si Snowhite idol niya si Delaguna... loyal pud siya sa Peanut Kisses ni Delaguna

Written By Ric Obedencio

No more rescheduling of the barangay elections, please.

This was the urgent call, apparently to Congress, of the almost 70 re-elected and neophytes vice-governors, who attended the 33rd National Assembly and Election of Officers of the League of Vice-Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) called by re-elected league’s national president Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera of Bohol. It was held at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City on July 31-August 2, 2007.

This came even as the assembly provoked a heated debate over the proposed abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) due to the youth’s miserable performance that slowly embracing traditional politics.

Despite this, the Comelec continued to register the youth aged 15-17 for the SK elections set jointly with the barangay polls that led to the suspension of classes last Friday August 3, 2007.

The Assembly, during its plenary session presided over by Ilocos Sur Vice-Gov. Jeremias Singson, newly elected chairman of the board, passed a Resolution calling for holding of the election of barangay officials as scheduled on the last Monday of October this year. The measure was sponsored by North Cotabato Pinol.

But former Iloilo congressman, now Vice-Gov. Rolex Suplico, strongly proposed a separate Resolution that seeks to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan because of dismal performance of the youth leaders but was withheld pending further study.

The move (pushing for barangay polls) was a sharp reaction to the Rep. Neptali Gonzales II proposed bill resetting the barangay polls apparently to synchronize with the presidential elections in 2010.

Nueva Vizcaya Vice-Gov Jose Gambito objected to the motion for the pushing through of the barangay polls as scheduled, saying he agreed with Neptali Gonzales in proposing a bill postponing the said elections to 2010. Thus, Singson called for the vote.

For his part, Vice-Gov. Jocel Baac of Kalinga said that the passage of the Resolution “is too abrupt” considering that this is more of concern on the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). He proposed to study first the issue and “not to encroach” the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, which is directly affected by this.

Quote from: olintaha on August 05, 2007, 10:29:29 AM
He also said that there is that so-called "theoretical risk," meaning there is a high possibility that the use of nail-cleaning tools could facilitate the transfer of the virus.


With this thing called "theoretical risk", BEAUTY PARLORS and BARBER SHOPS should now come under the supervision of the Department of Health.  Wow! it would mean an additional USEC!  USEC For Parlors and Salons.  I like that position.

Attorney, maybe a legal counsel for them.

By Ric Obedencio

Some vocal vice-governors unleashed a torrent of sharp criticisms against the SK but some of their members came in rescue.

In Bohol for instance, some, if not most of, SK municipal federated presidents find a difficult situation in balancing their duties to study, families and to the SK. But most of the time the latter is sacrificed.

Antique Vice-Gov. Rhodora Cadiao bluntly told the assembly that the traditional politicians, without naming names, have corrupted the youth leaders. She said in her province, a lot of youth already learned how to sell their votes and adopting ways of traditional politics., She asked the body to consider what is happening in Antique prior to making a stand on whether to abolish SK or not.

Aklan Vice-Gov. Gabrielle admitted that the SK is “too politicized now” and proposed for what she called “re-engineering or reinforcing the SK” but it has to have a basis or somewhat evaluation on how the youth performed.

Pangasinan Vice-Gov. Marlyn Premecias-Agabas said that the real problem of the SK is the “age limit.” Agabas has studied and presented as masteral dissertation of the SK of Pangasinan at the National College of Defense. She is in favor of creating a committee for study or evaluation of the SK.

One of the league’s young turks Ramil Hernandez of Laguna, who is an SK prior to his being elected vice-governor, said that “we cannot be vice-governor if we are not SK.” He said that in his province a lot of SK became barangay and municipal officials. Being an SK, he said, “is a good opportunity for us to have an equal opportunity in our government. It is a training ground.”

Surigao del Sur Vice-Gov. Librado Navarro said that it is “premature” for the LVGP to make a stand on the abolition of SK. He reminded his colleagues what Davis Colins of the United Nations for Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said on the rights of the children to be informed and to participate. Colins was the guest speaker during the league’s first day of the Assembly.

The Assembly later approved a Resolution calling for a review and study of the SK. But it was not clear who compose the group for a study that would be the basis of the league’s stand urging Congress to whether to abolish or not the SK.

After such passage of the Resolution to study SK’s performance, Suplico moved for passage of a separate Resolution urging Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to suspend all “useless” activities of the SK, such as search for Miss Gay and others. But after he was prodded upon by his colleagues, he withdrew it until the proposed study-evaluation is completed.

Written By Ric Obedencio

For the third time, Bohol Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera was re-elected as national president of the 81-strong member League of Vice-Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) during the league’s 33rd National Assembly held at the heritage Hotel on July 31-August 2, 2007.

Herrera was uncontested since most of the 69 vice-governors who were present and participated in the assembly chose him for him to continue his programs he initiated in the past six years, said Negros Oriental Vice-Gov. Jose Baldado.

Ilocos Sur Vice-Gov. Jeremias Singson was unanimously chosen as chairman of the board; Bukidnon Vice-Gov. Alex Calingasan as executive vice-president and Baldado as secretary-general.

Other officers elected were Leyte Vice-Gov. Ma. Mimietta Bagulaya, treasurer; young Nueva Ecija Vice-Gov. Thomas Edward Joson, vice-president for Luzon; Western Samar Vice-Gov. Jesus Rejada, VP for Visayas; Surigao Sur vice-Gov. Librado Navarro; Benguet Vice-Gov. Cresencio Pacalso, auditor; and Leviste, PRO.

Other officers were appointed by the President in accordance with the league’s Constitution andBy-Laws.

There was no much-a-do during the election of officers on August 1, 2007 since almost all positions were automatically closed and duly seconded without any other nomination except for the position of the Public Relations Officer. Batangas young Vice-Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste II was pitted against Mindoro Oriental Vice-Gov. Estela Felipa Aceron for the position of PRO. The former won as PRO.

The officers-elect were sworn in immediately after the election.

Meanwhile, LVGP members agreed to undertake a training workshop on the second week of September 2007. The activity is aimed to enhance their main function as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including annual budget preparation with other national government agencies conducting it.

The assembly’s guests of honor were senator Migz Zubiri, Unicef’s deputy representative Colin Davis during the firsrt day and Senator Mar Roxas and DILG Undersec. Panadero. Team Unity spokesman Tonypet Albano and Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, wife of Sen. Manny Villar also huddled with the vice-governors.

Written By Bingo P. Dejaresco III
The Bohol Chronicle

Hardly had the ink dried on our warning on schemes fleecing Filipinos of their hard-earned bucks, when we hear of some 100 poor Leyte residents victimized by illegal recruiters.

The modern-day con-men gave a flashy address to the unsuspecting provincianos of Burauen Leyte - a class act pre-departure board and lodging hospitality at a Harvard Street in Green Valley Heights in Marikina City. They were promised teaching jobs and hotel employment in Italy, Japan and Hong Kong.

There are now a growing number of well-placed professionals in Italy; Japan has opened its doors other than for the infamous Japayukis whose talent fee lay on their abilities in between their sing and dance routine; Hong Kong had always been like an extension of Manila with Filipinos crowding the malls, flea markets and parks on Sundays. It was easy marketing sell.

In their desperation over low wages in the Philippines, most of the victims who were teachers and even principals of high schools who were sweet-talked to fork out up to P13,000 in processing fee or a total of P1.3 million victim fees for just one small town in Leyte.

How many other similar towns in other parts of the country had been victimized?

They arrived the other day at the Manila Domestic Airport supposedly to be met by their recruiters and housed before their final departure. Their destinations turned out to be common for all: Nowhere City in Neverland. And the recruiters: Phantom of the Opera.

The poor victims had to pester their relatives to temporarily house them since they had lost their shirts in terms of the processing fees and airplane fare to Manila. Now they have to borrow money to fly or sail back to Leyte.

We reiterate our plea to fellow Boholanos to stay on guard because while a million Filipinos do make the grade as new OFWs every year, there is a growing sense that a significant many are not able to do because of illegal recruiters. Be not one of them.

But you could be luckier than the hundreds of socialites, men of the world, politicians, showbiz people, military men, sports stars and businessmen who were ripped off their money worth US$250 million (translate: P11 billion) by a foreign exchange trade schemer called Performance Investment Products Corp. which has housed in the plush Citibank building in Makati.

Most of the trade was coursed through a large Dutch offshore banking institution called ABN-AMRO and legitimized by the corporate savvy and pretty good looks of the General Manager Cristina Gonzales-Tuason.

In a matter of days, the owner Singaporean Liew acquired invisible powers and left with nary a trace of his destination - and the whole caboodle of P11 billion with him.

The scheme included a handsome 12% net interest performance of the Fund whose marketability rested on the names among the roster of its "savvy, celebrity" investors.

Some people never learn - or a sucker is really born every minute.

We continue to receive devious and dubious inputs in our computer or cellular phones about having won this and that lottery or this game of chance. All of them are duds or blank bullets, if you are a soldier.

These on top of the residential and condo scams, fake pawnshops with no ground rules and networking galore with outrageous reward schemes based on your ability to con your next neighbor. We should henceforth educate them on the Ninth Commandment: Not to Covet thy Neighbor's Goods.

Meantime, a good advice to all we learned from Grade II: Look before you leap.
The swimming pool may have no water.

By Bingo P. Dejaresco III
The Bohol Chronicle

More than half of the nation of 87 million believers in the superiority of Philippine basketball folded their tents and wore ashes on their heads last night (Money) when the strong Jordanian team beat RP 84-76.

RP earlier lost to Iran 75-69 and consoled themselves by beating China (B Team) 79-74 (the first time after 22 years).

Since only two Asian teams would qualify from the Tokushima FIBA to the Beijing Olympics, all this basketball-crazed country's dreams ended in a nightmare.

All this post-game b*** that we were unnecessarily crowded into a Group of Death featuring three of Asia's four best teams is just that: b***. Because we would eventually meet them (Iran and Jordan) anyway down the line. And Iran and Jordan beat us - and there is no room for more than two. So what's the fuss about the Group of Death?

Maybe, not being there would bring RP higher than the best place of 9th for the consolation round playoffs. But going higher than 9th place would nonetheless not bring RP to the Olympics.

Let's be frank and state how we could possibly get there.

RP can never go to the Olympics if we don't develop 6'7 guys with heft who can dribble and shoot - not just rebound. You can have the best point guards in Asia but you can only use one of them usefully at any time inside the court. And the goal is vertical - the taller and heftier ones with brains will have the edge.

RP can never go to the Olympics with the attitudes of these too highly-paid, prima donna basketball stars of the PBA who have fame and fortune solely on their minds.

Except for the gutsy plays of Williams, Alapag, Caguioa, Raymundo, Taulava and Hontiveros - many of them played as if they were afraid to get hurt. Maybe they should try ballet dancing lessons.

Watching them play reminded us of the absence of players who appeared willing to engage the enemy as gladiators in the arena like Ed Ocampo, Tembong Melencio, Carlos Badion and Robert Jaworski, if you insist.

RP will never go to the Olympics if we don't have a rigid physical training program to stretch the limits of these cage millionaires who seemed fagged out in Japan after a series of games and had physical injuries during the games.

RP will never go to the Olympics if we don't develop a lethal, deadly team who can all shoot three pointers. Because of our relatively small size, that is the only way to beat a stratospheric team - three points for their two points inside the paint. We remember Korea upset mighty China for the Asian championships not too long ago by scoring more three point shots than two point shots. Korea beat China by one point.

Enough of arm chair analysis and let's get on with a program to win the ABC (Asian Basketball Conference) title two years from now.

The Olympic slot will just fall in place.

There can be two or more moderators in a section of our site.

We're still waiting for our colleagues to join the parade of heroes.

All for the love of Bohol!

Kuya Jun,

Daghan sa atong mga kaigsuonang Filipino ang nangabuta na tungod sa kinidlap sa salapi. Dili na kamao molingi kon diin sila gikan. Ug ila pa ganing lupigan ug iduot ang atua na sa ubos.

Usahay, dili ko matingala nganong daghan ang nag-rebelde ug mitungas sa bukid.

Tan-awa ra gud ning atong mga kaso sa illegal recruitment ug labor-related abuses in the Philippines and abroad. Ang mga giabusohan ug nailad: Filipino. Ang nangabuso ug nangilad: Filipino.

Any alteration of God's design has disastrous consequences.

There are 111 islets dotting around the mainland province. It would be a breakthrough in Philippine IT history if we have solar-powered Internet on these islets.

thanks barbaro. i posted this situation so i can get ideas from other boholanos out there.

I was about to send 200 dollars to my girlfriend in the U.S. today right here from Bangkok through Western Union. But after I signed up their form and saw the sending payment, I ran away from Western Union.

They would charge me 40 dollars for a 200-dollar money transfer. Western Union is too greedy!

My dilemma now is how I can send 200 dollars to the U.S. without passing through Western Union.

Reuters - Two crude bombs ripped through a bus terminal in southern Philippines on Friday, killing one and wounding an undetermined number, in the second attack in as many months on the station, police said.

Robert Kuinisala, police chief in South Cotabato province, said a man was killed instantly when the first device exploded at about 5:30 p.m. at the terminal in Koronadal City.

Minutes later, a second bomb exploded inside a parked commuter bus, Kuinisala added.

"We've sent some people to investigate the explosions," he said, adding a group engaged in extortion activities could be behind the attacks.

"The bus company got telephone calls early in the day from a group called al-Khobar demanding protection money."

On July 7, an improvised bomb exploded at the same terminal in Koronadal City, but no one was hurt because passengers had already left the bus on which the device had been planted.

Police said Friday's twin explosion was the 10th attack on bus terminals since April on the troubled southern island of Mindanao, killing nearly 20 people and wounding close to 50.

The attacks were blamed either on Islamic rebels or groups trying to extort money from bus operators.

"The bus was a total wreck," Miguel Espanol, a passenger who broke an ankle while trying to escape from the first blast, told Reuters, adding that the bus was still on fire.

The Philippines is fighting a long-running Muslim insurgency in the south of the mainly Roman Catholic country. The conflict has killed more than 120,000 people and displaced 2 million.

By Tarra Quismundo
The Philippine Daily Inquirer

They have turned tragedy into inspiration.

Just three months after US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell was killed, some 57 volunteers signed up for the mission she passionately pursued. They took their oath of service yesterday, vowing to serve in communities around the Philippines for two years.

Gathered from at least 25 states in the United States, the 266th batch of Peace Corps volunteers set out for its tour of duty in the Philippines yesterday, continuing a 40-year-old tradition of reaching out to Filipino schools, environment organizations and youth centers.

The new batch, tagged Group 266, was dispatched to various provinces from Northern Luzon to the Visayas although the memory of Campbell’s untimely demise was still fresh.

There are 138 Peace Corps volunteers serving in the Philippines. Some 8,000 volunteers have come here since the program started in 1961.

For the new batch, the call to serve was stronger than the pain of loss.

“I don’t think what happened to Julia reflects the Filipino people at all. I don’t think anybody here has any apprehension about his safety,” said 23-year-old Grant Tse, an education volunteer.

Filipino hospitality

Initially, Michelle Moravec longed for home. But weeks of staying here had taught her that a second home could be found in the company of strangers who have become her friends.

“It’s difficult getting used to being away from home, but the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people have really overcome my fears... I’m going to see some of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’m so excited,” said Moravec, in a briefing with media after her group was sworn in yesterday.

John Davidson would not have returned to the Philippines had he felt joining the Peace Corps would put him in harm’s way. The 62-year-old volunteer, who met Campbell back in 2005, looked unfazed and was determined to pursue a dream that had been put on hold since he was 18, when the Peace Corps was just starting out.

“I’ve always thought it was a good idea ... I come from a poor family and I was fortunate enough to do well in life. And now, I’ve finally reached a stage in life when I can do what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Davidson, who brought along his wife, Jean, for his two-year stay here.

Davidson’s better half was only too glad to be able to join him in the journey.

“We met, we married, finished college, had kids, and now, we are at a point in our lives when our children have grown. And so now, I can share in his dream,” said Jean.

Helping others

It was the goal to help troubled youth that prompted Nicole Woodcox to sign up with the Peace Corps.

“I want to be a future lawyer for juveniles, and being a volunteer in the Philippines will give me an opportunity to work with children from different backgrounds, from different cultures... Yes, there are fears because I’ve never been away from my family this long... but I like to volunteer, I like to help and just educate myself in different areas,” an enthusiastic Woodcox told reporters.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney administered the oath of service to Group 266 at the historic Charles Parsons Ballroom of the US Embassy in Manila before an audience that included the volunteer’s host families, government officials and nongovernmental organizations who have partnered with the Peace Corps to pursue the volunteer mission.

Spirit of giving

“You are coming here filled with talent. You have very diverse backgrounds, but you bring extraordinary strength. You also bring great dedication, you bring the spirit of giving,” Kenney told the volunteers.

“You have been willing to leave behind your homes and your families and your jobs to come to a new and strange country because you’d like to make a difference. And you will,” she added.

The new batch of volunteers will stay with host families across the Philippines, including Northern Philippines, where Campbell was slain in April. Their places of assignment include Benguet, Baguio City, Vigan, Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Cavite, Palawan, the Bicol Region, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental and Leyte among others.

Fifteen of the volunteers will serve under the Children, Youth and Families program, where they will engage in efforts to help disadvantaged children, including street kids, abused minors and children in conflict with the law.

A group of 25 will work with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to help improve English teaching programs in high schools, colleges and communities.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

Contractors investing millions in heavy equipment are now elated that they can now send personnel to a skills trainings to lessen company losses in unnecessary equipment breakdowns due to improper use.

In its attempt to supply skilled construction workers especially on heavy equipment operations and preventive maintenance, the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] brings in the Construction Training Center [CONSTRAC].

Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] Regional Director Asteria Caberte said the series of capability building trainings for construction workers and construction company personnel is hoped to respond to the need for properly skilled workers to complement the projected boom in the construction industry.

CONSTRAC can either be center based or on-site training program using a specially designed module to equip workers with the skills, technology and the knowledge on the equipment they would be dealing in their fields of endeavor, says DTI Deputy Executive Director Florencio Sison.

Trainings can be done on site or at the partner academic institutions. A team is sent to supervise the training and supervises the participants on site so it can cut costs of the schooling modules. Graduates of the training get TESDA, DPWH or DOLE accreditations, Don Bosco’s dean Fr, Eugene Maglasang pointed out.

Moreover, CONSTRAC also offers skills upgrading courses on rough carpentry, building wiring, masonry and concreting, finishing carpentry and form works or project management modules.

According to DTI TIRD Chief Ally Josh Carol Ventura, Constrac’s vision is to provide innovative construction manpower solutions in the Visayas and aims to be the frontrunner in providing construction related courses that will develop and upgrade our manpower skills in the construction industry.

With the manpower training programs, we will be able to improve productivity of the construction industry sector, Caberte said during the formal launching rites at the Bohol Tropics Resort, Tuesday, July 30.

The project has long been in the pipelines especially when it is recognized that there is a need to bring construction related courses and manpower innovations, she said during her welcome remarks at the rites.

Bohol Contractors’ Association president Engr. Ismael Malgar said now local construction firms can invest in personnel for an accredited training and save cash on the length of service of their equipment for the proper use.

Filling the government training resources lack, CONSTRAC meets by pooling local resources of stakeholders.

Partnering with DTI are Construction Manpower Development Foundation [CMDF], Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA], the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units engineering and motor pool departments as well as private organizations such as Association of Carrier Equipment Lessors Inc. [ACEL], network of professional organizations and the academe such as Don Bosco Training Center, Caberte said in her speech.

Bohol Contractors’ Association president Engr. Ismael Malagar said it is high time that trainings such as these come because the companies can save millions in equipment repairs and keeping wastage at the minimum due to improper skills.

source: webtalksforum.com

China is set to overtake the USA and dominate in Internet leadership, with there next generation Internet. This is part of China's new five year plan to move away from manufacturing to develop its own scientific and technology breakthroughs. The CGNI Chinese Academy of Engineering are the group spearheading the whole project, China will use it to create their own way into being competitive in the Global Market.

This technology is based on the communication standard called Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). IPv is the internets version of a postal envelope, containing such information as destination and return address and details about the package's content. IPv4 lacks the power to allow all would be users in the World to connect to it, Ipv6 solves this problem. China is gambling on moving to the next generation ahead of the rest of the World , allowing China's researchers, academics and entrepreneurs to be the first to develop systems to take full advantage of the new technology and allow them to commercialise the services and becoming the next wave of eBay and Goggles. China has spent hundred's of millions of Dollars so far and today the CNGI connects 100 universities, 100 research institutes and 100 companies in 20 Cities.

With the US being reluctant to pursue IPv6 it looks as if China will steal the lead in Internet Leadership, with a bigger shift of high tech, R&D and product innovation eastward. However, it is not clear whether they will be able to take advantage of it, although China's researchers are already working on it. At the IPv6 summit in April, China's main telecommunications and Internet companies proceeded to follow one another onto the stage and told the audience that they were well placed to develop these services. China intends to show the World just how advanced their Internet system has become at the 2008 Olympics. CGNI will control just about everything at the Olympics Live action over the internet, even down to the taxis in Beijing's snarled traffic.

That is only the beginning the innovation provided by the IPv6 is staggering, every device from mobile phone to street lights and household thermostats can be linked to the internet and connected all the time. They will be able to track and authenticate all emails thus eliminating spam, hacking and philshing schemes. "In the next 10 years everyone will [begin] moving to IPv6," says Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a technology policy think tank.

If the United States wishes to stay ahead in the Internet race they need to take action now, they are acutely aware of the threat and Chairman Davis has asked the President to select an IPv6 transition appointee. Davis is an outspoken congressman on technology issues, we need to begin planning now says Davis.

Gitagik ni Mike Ligalig
(for shobel)

Giinom ta ang gininhawa sa isla sa Camiguin
Samtang atong gipalong ang kainit sa atong mga lawas
Nga nasubhan sa inalisngaw sa mga balod

Ug nanglingkod ta ilawom niadtong maong cottage

Namahulay ta gikan sa atong pagpamaklay
Sa puti, hamis nga kabaybayonan sa Anda
Nagtagbo ang atong mga pagbati likod sa mga balod
Ug nakita nato ang duyanan sa atong kalibutan

Ang singot sa adlaw nga midahili sa atong liog
Nahimong busay nga mibuhagay sa atong dughan
Ug atong natilawan ang kaparat sa mga bituon

Nanglingkod usab kita sa timgas nga mga balas
Ug gihikap ang mga panganod nga nanglabay

Ug hapit ta mapaso sa kainit sa atong mga kasingkasing

Mipadayon ta sa paglakaw latas sa mga kabhang
Sa kinhason nga nadugmok sa atong mga lapa-lapa

Giinom ta ang gininhawa sa isla sa Camiguin
Ug nahanaw kadtong kauhaw sa singot sa adlaw

You've said it well, Onic.

In Silliman University, Dumaguete City, there are many Koreans studying English and they enjoy Dumaguete life and culture. When I was still in Dumaguete we don't have problems with Koreans. They are friendly, courteous, and prudent. Many of my classmates who had plenty of time during college days earned hefty amount of sideline income from teaching English to Korean students. At that time they would pay as much as P500 to P700 an hour for A,B,C... past tense, subject, predicate, etc.

Another thing, Dumaguete has a big evangelical Korean church. Most Koreans in Dumaguete are Christians, not Buddhists.

Four or five years ago, a Korean missionary was robbed and murdered in Dumaguete. I hope the crime had been solved by the police.

Quote from: Onicul85 on August 03, 2007, 11:28:58 PM
Its such a sad event here in the United States; so far 5 people have been confirmed dead and 79 or so were injured. I pray for those who perished in the event; its sad that this had to happen, but then again the bridge was over 40 years old.

God Bless the U.S.A!

If it happens in the U.S., it can happen anywhere else in the world. The Philippine Government has to check on the strength of San Juanico Bridge in Samar.

source: english.cri.cn

Hua Hua, the new mom of four dog cubs, was regarded as a hero mother by many locals in flood-struck Chongqing city, for one brave deed and for her unbeatable love for her children.

Hua Hua was a street dog who temporarily lived in a park along the Changbin Road in the southwestern city. Every day, Hua Hua jumps down to the flooded Yangtze River, swims more than two kilometers to an isolated island. Then she comes back to find herself some food. Hua Hua fulfills this procedure twice a day, and she has never stopped during the past half month.

Huang Pinghui, a swimmer and Tai Chi devotee, who does morning exercise every day, disclosed Hua Hua's secret. Last Friday, when Huang was doing his routine exercise of swimming across the Yangtze River, Huang took a rest at an island called Shanhuba (meaning Carol Dam) by the locals. Since the Yangtze River flooded last month, the island was isolated by water, thus becoming rest land for many swimmers like Huang. On this no man's land, Huang Pinghui surprisingly found four new born dog cubs, only around 10-day's old.

The next evening, when Huang arrived at the island again, he understood how the four puppies had arrived here. Hua Hua had given birth to the puppies on Shanhuba. But the flood had isolated it and the dog family were trapped on it. To hunt for food, Hua Hua had to swim to the land, but every day, she came back twice to feed the babies and accompany them during the night.

Huang was moved by the brave dog mother. He wrote down the story and asked a friend to help him post it on the online forum of a pet-themed website.

Many net surfers then called Huang Pinghui and his friend, volunteering to help the dog. Some people even wanted to go to the island to take care of Hua Hua and the baby dogs. Huang refused, fearing that too many people might disturb the dog family.

Local residents then brought food to feed Hua Hua.

Huang said that currently they couldn't find another safe place for the dog family, but that, when the cubs grow bigger, they will help them find a home.

source: redorbit.com

1. Broccoli

It's still true: few foods measure up to broccoli for cancer- fighting potential. Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant linked with a reduced risk of a number of cancers, especially lung, stomach, colon and rectal cancers. "The phytonuirients in broccoli help detoxify carcinogens found in the environment," says Pratl. "They also have anti-inflammatory properties, and we know that an important factor in reducing the risk of disease is to decrease inflammation-" How to eat more: Saute broccoli florets with shallots and pine nuts, and drizzle with lemon juice; steam broccoli rabe and toss with a honey-mustard dressing.

2. Pumpkin

It's not just for pie: pumpkin is one of the best sources of carotenoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer. Like sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and other orange-red vegetables, pumpkin is rich in disease-preventive beta-carotene. "And pumpkin is also one of the highest sources of alpha-carotene, a powerful member of the carotenoid family that's inversely related to cataract formation and boosts immunity," Pratt says. How to eat more: Serve warm pumpkin puree with maple syrup and finely chopped pecans; make a simple pumpkin soup with pumpkin puree, vegetable or chicken stock, onions, black beans, cumin and cilantro.

3. Blueberries

Fragrant and sweet, blueberries are rich in amhocyanidins, compounds that help protect the heart, and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies suggest the blueberry anthocyanidins protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and can slow and even reverse age-related memory loss and decline in cognitive function. How to eat more: loss fresh blueberries with baby spinach leaves, chopped walnuts, thinly sliced red onions and olive oil; combine chopped blueberries, diced mango, minced jalapeno peppers and cilantro with lime juice for a tangy salsa.

4. Fish

It's a great catch in terms of heart disease. Salmon and other fatty fish-like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and tuna- are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, and may cut your risk of death from coronary artery disease in half. Omega-3 fats also have immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of prostate and colon cancers, and ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and some psychiatric disorders. How to eat more: Top braised spinach with poached salmon, chopped tomatoes and black olives; combine chopped, cooked salmon with capers, minced onion, lemon juice and olive oil, and serve on crackers.

5. Spinach

Boost your vision and protect against cancer with spinach, one of iln- richest dietary sources of an anlioxidant called lutein. Lutein helps protect against heart disease and some cancers, and has been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Spinach is also rich in beta-carotene, which may protect against cancer. Other lutein-rich foods include kale, collard greens, chard and beet greens. How to eat more: Saute baby spinach, diced tomatoes, minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil; toss steamed spinach with tamari, toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.

6. Tomatoes

Another reason to eat pizza: tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of prostate, breast, lung and other cancers, and has heart-protective effects. Research shows that the absorption of lycopene is greatest when tomatoes are cooked with olive oil. In one study, a combination of tomato and broccoli was more effective at slowing tumor growth lhan tomatoes or broccoli alone. How to eat more: Simmer chopped tomatoes and broccoli in olive oil, top with black olives and grated Asiagn cheese; drizzle halved Roma tomatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with pepper and minced rosemary leaves, and roast.

Copyright Active Interest Media Aug 2007

Quote from: Sigbin II on August 03, 2007, 10:52:27 AM
You can riposte by asking "Sa'n nga ba ang Bulacan?  Sa may Batanes ba 'yan?"

Sauna sa Dumaguete pa ko nag-eskwela, gipangutana ko ug taga-Negros kung moagi pa ba ug Zamboanga kung moadto ug Bohol.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

Bohol Provincial Veterinarian (PVET) Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz admitted a supply of 124,000 doses of vaccines to get the provincial anti-rabies prevention and eradication going, but do we have the corollary vaccines for human bite victims?

The answer is not enough.

While PVET has sourced out a total of 124,000 doses of canine anti-rabies vaccines set for the pre-planned massive vaccination of dogs in Bohol, the Provincial Health Office only has about 200 vials of vaccines for immunoprophylaxis of humans.

Dogs given the vaccines reduce the chances of transmitting rabies virus, but human bit victims should also get the shots to help the body’s immune system in fighting for the rabies virus.

And by this time, there may no more stock vaccines as another 20 vials have been preset to be given to provincial anti-rabies field workers who would be exposing themselves to bite cases when the massive vaccination and elimination program starts this month.

Sounding the alarm over the gap, Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz said at the current rate of about 170-200 bite cases referred to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Hospital (GCGMH) per month, the 200 vials could not and may not go a long way. This way, the provincial rabies program may be literally be going to the dogs.

In Bohol, human rabies vaccines may be available at the pharmacies but the prices could be beyond the victim’s affordability.

Here, indigent bite case victims usually end up asking for assistance from Congressmen’s funds, who also refer them to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) or the GCGMH which keeps the human rabies vaccines.

It may be recalled that a charity group gave 500 vials of human rabies vaccines but those were yet to get to the PHO, Dr. Lapiz shared.

A bite victim should be given at least five human anti-rabies vaccines at P700 each shot within a given series of appointments at bite centers.

Council members said victims may have the money to pay for the vaccines, or that the Congressional Offices may give them cash to get the shots but what if there is practically no vaccine on stock at the government hospitals?

Bohol recently signed a memorandum of Agreement with a private company to set up a bite treatment and specialty clinic to help in its campaign. The agreement stipulates free initial and final shots to victims.

Over this, Board Member Cesar Thomas Lopez who was at the meeting held at the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office said he would ask for mayors to at least shoulder or subsidize the next two shots so that the patients only need not to worry about the remaining shots.

It was not an easy job sourcing out the P3.5M worth of canine rabies vaccines from the Department of Health, Bureau of Animal Industry and the World Health Organization, and that is a vaccine for dogs.

Perhaps we could still ask the DOH some help on the human rabies vaccines since men are more important than dogs.

The BRPEC expected that the PHO could submit funding proposals for such a need.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

Operating on the belief that disaster risk management is better addressed by communities, the disaster and civil defense teams at the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) are now mapping areas across the island that are in the path of danger of natural and possible man-made calamities, says PDCC executive officer Lt. Col. Raul Mendez at the Kapihan sa PIA.

The maps have been based on scientific projections, historical traces of disasters and global positioning system coordinated to exact pin-point accuracy on areas.

By so doing, communities within the identified areas can pre-plan their action so they can integrate emergency responses, hinted Office of the Civil Defense Provincial Coordinator Engr. Ver Neil Balaba.

Known as Hazards Mapping and Assessment for Effective Community-based Disaster Risk Management otherwise nationally known as READY project, it aims to address disaster risk management at the local levels by institutionalizing standardized DRM measures and processes and empowering the most vulnerable communities on DRM, the READY concept plan states.

READY program components include Multi-hazard identification and disaster risk assessment, community based risk disaster preparedness and maintaining risk reduction into local development planning processes.

Engr. Nolan Evangelista, research analyst of the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) said they have initiated hazard mapping which includes identifying potential areas for ground rupture caused by faults, ground shaking, liquefaction hazard, earthquake induced landslides and tsunami hazards.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) have accordingly prepared the map for potential risk communities on threats of rainfall-induced landslides, floods and flashfloods as well as storm surge hazards, PAG-ASA’s chief meteorologist Emmanuel Oronan reported.

In Bohol, identified as with risk of ground rupture are those within the Tayong fault in Loay which extends to Lila and the Sierra Bullones faults.

Named rainfall-induced landslide areas are the mountain barangays of Jagna, Sierra Bullones and Loboc.

While floods and flashfloods are identified in Loboc and Loay river basins as well as Inabanga’s Wahig river catch-ment areas. Many still believe the Abatan River could deal in disaster to residents along the riverbanks.

Storm surge areas in Bohol are the Southeastern coasts of Bohol including Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Duero and Anda.

After completing the map, planners said they would proceed to the component on community based disaster preparedness which would establish the community based early warning systems and its educational components, Balaba said.

Written By Rey Anthony Chiu
Philippine Information Agency

At this time, the government has not ironed out a way to solve the reported P1.2B cost over-runs of the Bohol Irrigation Project II in Malinao, Representative Roberto Cajes confirmed this during a radio interview.

The project, which the Department of Agriculture listed in its special projects management assistance division costs P3.62B and uses a P2.74 B loan from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation and P.8B government counterpart which is set to benefit 3549 farmers.

The dam in Pilar is set to be through by December this year but has reportedly used up its funds.

Over this, irrigation authorities and local government officials have asked from government additional funding to complete the project.

Former Socio-Economic and Planning Secretary Romulo Neri has reportedly shelved the request, but the local officials here are still looking for funding sources to complete the project.

The irrigation facilities’ cover the municipalities of Ubay, Trinidad and San Miguel, well within Cong. Cajes’ coverage.

Rep. Cajes said he is monitoring on the projects progress and wants to meet affected farmers to discuss still unresolved issues brought about by the facilities.

source: ABS-CBN

A new species of shrew and a striking orchid variety have been discovered on the western Philippines island of Palawan, scientists said Friday.

The Conservation International expedition to Mount Matalingahan in southern Palawan believes the species had never been recorded before, the group said.

The shrew is slightly larger than a mouse with soft brownish-black fur, a long tail, sharp snout and small eyes.

The apparently new species of plants include an orchid belonging to the genus Coelogyne with "a beautiful set of white flowers with golden lip petals."

The specimens are to be sent to the national museum in Manila and the Chicago Field Museum, said the group's spokeswoman Jaynee Tabangay.

Mount Matalingahan sits in a 120,000-hectare (296,400-acre) forest. Conservationists want the government to declare the site as a protected area for wildlife.

A combo picture shows Liu Jing before and after a surgery to reconstruct his deformed skull at a hospital in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, August 2, 2007. Liu Jing, 9, suffering from hydrocephalus at his birth and later the deformed skull, received a 13-hour surgery on July 15, 2007 and is in stable situation now, Xinhua said.(Xinhua Photo)

source: Xinhua News Agency (China)

    Filipino women have steadily been outnumbering men in executive positions over the last five years, a survey by the Department of Labor and Employment showed on Thursday.

    Citing data from the survey, Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo D. Brion said that there are more Filipino women supervisors and executives than men, noting the gap had steadily widened since 2002.

    Data showed that there were 1.4 million Filipino men holding supervisory and executive positions against 1.86 million women in 2002. The numbers increased with more women rising to supervisory positions than men in the next four years.

    In 2004, the number of male supervisors and executives totaled 1.613 million rising to 1.629 million in 2006 with only 16,000 additional male executives.

    In contrast, the number of women executives rose in bigger number from 2.162 million in 2004 to 2.257 million in 2006 with 95,000 women managers added to the total last year.

    Brion noted that the number of Filipino women holding top positions is globally remarkable. He cited an international survey which showed that 97 percent of businesses in the Philippines have women in senior management positions, the highest among 32 countries surveyed and also significantly higher than the global average of 59 percent.

    This survey by the Grant Thornton International Business Report released early this year also showed a 13 percent increase in the number of Philippine businesses with women managers from the 2004 figure.

Thanks Ryan for the beautiful photographs.

Long Live, Jun Ayag! Jun Ayag is a catalyst.

Hi Leo,

Salamat sa imong feedback. I learn many things from you.

Actually, ang bikil ni Francine kay she ranted beyond the bounds.
It was an arrogant and misplaced discrimination. While it's true
nga dunay mga mag-TNT but I can't imagine her accusing Nila
Montero and Dumaluan doing the same thing.

Francine should choose the right language. She was even saying
that Madame Nila is anti-people and anti-progress. What a crap!
Natakdan man siya ni Aumentado. That kind of statement is Aumentado's
trademark sa iyang mga press releases ug speeches. Gilumay siya ni Gov.
Check www.theboholstandard.com My column this week talks about her.
Wala lang nako siya i-mention. But next time I hear  a word from her
discriminating Boholanos, she will suffer from my war-loaded writings.
I just don't like Filipinos putting down other Filipinos.

Francine thinks she is a saint. Ambot lang kung siya pud ang naa sa
lugar sa ubang mga Filipino nga naa sa Pilipinas karon. Makaingon
kaha ka nga dili siya mag-TNT sa Amerika? Swerte lang siya kay
nakatungtong siya sa buko-buko sa kabaw karon. Kung wala pa,
makaingon kaha ka that she won't think of the same option?
Is she a saint? Kabalo baya gud siya nga unsa kapait nang mag-TNT.
And many of our brethren are even willing to die in Iraq or Lebanon
aron lang makasweldo ug 200 dollars a month, which is a lot better
kay sa sweldohan sa Alturas ug BQ nga magtindog tibuok adlaw
magtindera unya 90 pesos ray sweldo wa pay SSS, way benefits.

Dili nalang unta pud siya magpasanta-santa nga limpyo kintahay siya
that she won't think of the same option. Let her experience sa kalisud
sa atong mga igsuong Filipino. Mokapit ta sa patalim, sa Tagalog pa,
tungod ra pud ni sa atong kapobrehon.

The fact nga mobiya ang usa ka tawo sa iyang pamilya ug molangyaw
sa laing nasud sakit kaayo na sa dughan. Whether mag-TNT or maglegal
ug trabaho, ang pag-abroad makagisi sa kasing-kasing tungod sa kamingaw
ug mga paghandum sa mahal sa kinabuhi.

Magpasalamat lang siya sa Ginoo kay nahiluna siya sa U.S. and I hope
with all my heart that she reached that pedestal without shameful trace.

God, bless Bohol.

Quote from: junayag on August 03, 2007, 12:18:22 AM
Duna pay nindut paminawon nga trying hard magtinagalog nga bisaya.

Ang manileno mangagda ug pangaon mosulti ug " Halika na kayo, huwag kayong mahiya...."

Ang trying hard, niingon man nga, "Hoy halika na kaon na kayo, mga walang hiya." hehehehe

Mao nay giingon sa telepono nga: "Hello, Sino ni?"

Pag-naa gani koy Bisaya nga mga friends nga mo-email nako or mo-chat nako unya Tagalog-tagolon ko nga kabalo man ko nga Bisaja sijang dako ug ako sab Bisaja, I stopped communicating with them. I just don't feel comfortable with people who are so proud nga nagtinagalog na kintahay sila.

Based on my hands-on observation while I was writing for the Bohol Chronicle for more than three years, it appears to me that our Sandugo activities are exercises of tasteless monotony. There's nothing new every year.

Gitagik ni Mike Ligalig

Asa na kadtong mga aninipot
nga mangatagak sa akong mga mata
matag sud-ong ko kanila
panahon sa mamingawng kagabhion,
mga aninipot nga dili maihap,
tanan naghagwa-hagwa sa lingganay
sa mga bulak daplin sa kalsada
atbang sa kabos namong panimalay.

Kaniadto daghan ang mohunong
tungod sa balay gikan sa pagbaklay,
mahinangop sa kaanindot sa mga aninipot
bugtong nagkidlap sa naglagitum
nga kangitngit - kauban mga bituon.

Sauna maglingkod lang ko sa lantay,
magsandig sa kahoy nga mahogany,
magsud-ong sa mga aninipot -
ang uban kanila motugdon
sa akong palad nga gibukhad,
unya sa ilang paglupad balik sa bulak
binlan ko nila ug kahumot sa kahayag.

Moabot ang lawom nga kagabhion,
padayon ang pagsud-ong sa mga aninipot,
malimot ko sa katulogon
kay mga aninipot naghatod kanako
ug mga pangutana - langit lang nasayod.

Karon sa akong pagbalik sa balay,
magpalabay sa kagabhion sa lantay,
nangita ko sa mga aninipot;
gihandum ko ang ilang mga pako
diin misakay ang akong handurawan.

Asa na ang mga aninipot?
Asa na ang mga aninipot?
Nganong ilang gitalikdan
ang nangalawos nga kabulakan?