MikeLigalig.com

BY LISA GAPAC

The secretary of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees said yesterday that they will be represented by Romolo Galvan, former prosecutor of Bago City, and of the Public Attorneys’ Office, in the case they will file against the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., before the Office of the Ombudsman next week.

Renelo Lastierre said this after the Commission on Human Rights said they can only give advice to the PACE on the case but cannot represent them in court.

CHR-Negros head Romeo Baldevarona said he urged the PACE to write a formal letter to CHR regional director David Bermudo and explain to him their problems and concerns.

“They can meet our lawyers and seek advice but we cannot represent them as their legal counsel,” Baldevarona said.

PACE is filing mandamus charges against the members of the SP and Alvarez.

Mandamus, also called a "writ of mandate", orders a public agency or governmental body to perform an act required by law when it has neglected or refused to do so.

The PACE Board had recently approved unanimously Resolution 07-13 Series of 2013, authorizing the filing of the charges to protect the interest of their members with the non passage by the SP of the 2013 annual budget of the provincial government, it said.

The non-passage of the budget has prevented the provincial government employees' salary increases in accordance with the Salary Standardization Law III, and the granting of their extra bonus, it added.

“There exists a need to protect the interest of the PACE members and a need to take appropriate legal actions in the protection of the employees right to salary increase as mandated by law,” the resolution also said.

PACE president Ruben Diamante said they have already gathered more than P1,200 signatures from their members and they only need to get a few more to reach their 75 percent target. PACE is composed of 2,300 members.

by Visayan Daily Star

Bacolod City Police officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, yesterday slammed those questioning his request for the allowance of the policemen to be detailed in polling precincts and centers next month.

A press release was issued earlier this week by the group called the “Proud Bacolodnon,” that claims to be composed of concerned citizens, that questioned the request of the Commission on Election for endorsement of the budget of P1,788,200 being asked by Ordaniel for the city policemen.

Ordaniel said that, of the P1,788,200, P47,000 will go to the rent of the 47 public utility vehicles that will haul the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines going to the polling precincts and centers, while P28,000 is intended for the purchase of gasoline, oil and lubricants.

Asked why there is a need to hire public utility vehicles, Ordaniel said the BCPO only has four patrol vehicles that are in running condition, while others sometimes malfunction and can cause delay in the delivery of election paraphernalia.

He said they also set a budget of P300 a day for the 571 policemen, who will go on duty on the next 10 days before and after the elections, or at a total amount of P1,713,000.

There is nothing irregular about this, because this has always been a practice every election. The budget is necessary so the 571 policemen, who will be deployed in 1,693 precincts and in 45 polling centers, can fully function, Ordaniel said.

BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Another company-sized unit of the police elite Special Action Force arrived in Negros Occidental to augment the local police in the maintenance of peace and order, and to conduct internal security operations, its commander, Supt. Mario Baquiran, yesterday said.

The 604th SAF Company, which is composed of 72 personnel, aside from the 39 assigned at the 6th SAF Battalion headquarters in Manapla, arrived nine months after the 601st SAF Company came to Negros Occidental in July last year.

The SAF troopers are trained in domestic counter-terrorism, law enforcement and commando-type unconventional warfare.

Baquiran said they will serve as the rapid deployment force during the election in Negros Occidental. He also assured the impartiality of SAF in the election, following claims that they may be used by some politicians in northern Negros.

The 602nd and 603rd SAF companies are now assigned in Panay island.

Police records show that the 6th SAF Battalion had participated in the recent arrest of Greg Tuayon, alleged by the military to be the finance bureau chief of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, in Manapla.

Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they are forming a rapid deployment force and quick reaction teams to be deployed in strategic areas of the province during the election.

De la Paz and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday met with Comelec officials in Cadiz City, and discussed security preparations for the PCOS machines, polling precincts, and voters in the district level.

The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of two additional Special Action Force battalions.

BY ADRIAN NEMES III

Two of the thirteen inmates who escaped from the Sagay City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Wednesday were recaptured at the bus terminal in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental at about 5 p.m. yesterday.

Recaptured were Rolando Bajo, “alias Ron-Ron,” 22, of Brgy. Paraiso, and Jeck Española, “alias Jojo”, 24, of Brgy. Celestino Villacin, both in Sagay City, Chief Insp. Gilbert Peremne, BJMP Region-6 spokesperson, said.

Peremne said the two were arrested through a tip from an informant, who told Cadiz City jail officials that Española and Bajo were on board a Ceres bus going to Bacolod.

He said that investigation conducted by the BMJP Region 6 showed that the inmates escaped because they were protesting, what they alleged was the mismanagement of the jail by former warden Chief Insp. Benny Freddie Cobarde.

Senior Jail Officer 3 Leo Lacerna of the BJMP Region 6 Investigation and Prosecution Division said that, before the escape, the inmates had been complaining against Cobarde, who they said, was strict and refused to let them out of their cells.

Lacerna said Cobarde told them that he did not allow the inmates to roam around the BJMP compound because the number of jail officers on duty was inadequate.

Cobarde was relieved from his post by BJMP Region 6 Director Senior Supt. Ignacio Panti Thursday, following the escape of the inmates, while Jail Officers 1 Joever Valenzuela and Francis Ballador, who were the custodial officers on duty then, are now restricted at the Sagay City jail.

Additional jail personnel will be assigned to the Sagay City BJMP on Monday to augment its security.

BY NIDA BUENAFE

The Diocese of Bacolod will spearhead a grand rally against the Reproductive Health Law on April 27, from 1 up to 6 p.m., at the Bacolod Public Plaza.

In a circular letter he issued, Bishop Vicente Navarra called on all parish priests, parochial vicars, chaplains, and rectors of churches, superiors of seminaries, institutes of consecrated and societies of apostolic life, heads of schools and law associations, and the Christian faithful of the diocese to join the rally.

The bishop again underscored the need to repeal the RH Law, and said that the “Diocese of Bacolod has been consistent in its defense of the sanctity of human life in the face of the evil of the Reproductive Health policy that some of our government leaders have been staunchly advocating”.

“The Church has been actively involved in raising the faithful’s awareness as regard the issue, both fervently praying and passionately educating, selflessly guiding the people in the right moral path that we should take as a nation,” Navarra said in the circular letter.

Admitting that the call to repeal the RH Law is an uphill battle, Navarra said the faithful should be mindful of the fact that “we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), we shall carry on this mission, consoled with the knowledge that we are doing what Christ would have done in obedience to His Father’s will”.

The rally, he said, will openly manifest the Church’s defiance against the RH Law and make evident its maximum resistance against it.

The rally will start from four different points marching towards the Bacolod public plaza where a program will be held. Northern vicariates/parishes are to assemble at the Capitol Lagoon; northeastern vicariates/parishes are to assemble at the Sto. Niño Parish, B.B.B. Galo Street; southern vicariates/parishes are to assemble at Lupit Church; and the southeastern vicariates/parishes at Holy Family Parish, City Heights.

Parents of PAGKAON Scholars of Negros Occidental recently received a total of P35,000 in recognition for their efforts to send their children to school despite their financial difficulties, Dina Genzola, senior agriculturist of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said yesterday.

The parents, whose children graduated magna cum laude and cum laude, received P10,000 and P5,000 in cash each, Genzola said.

The parents were Pilar and Joel Dan Belarmino, Maribel and Arnilfo Baruc, Judith and Isidro Edrama, Rhona and Arim Natibo-oc, Nenita and Joelito Vizcaya, and Ronita Tagle.

Their children were Janine Ann Belarmino (magna cum laude) Shiella Baruc (cum laude), Cristine Edrama (cum laude), Rachel Anne Natibo-oc (cum laude), Jonell Vizcaya (cum laude), and Marion Joseph Tagle (cum laude).

They graduated from the Central Philippine State University, Visayas State University, and Aklan State University. - Visayan Daily Star

kung ang tanang babaye ingon pa lang unta ani mosulat ug love letter.

DepEd Secretary Jesli A. Lapus today reiterated DepEd’s thrust to implement a strategy that integrates IT with basic education in pursuing better and effective classroom instruction and learning outcomes as he inaugurated the STI’s mobile classroom.

“As we look at the assortment of opportunities for public education, opportunities brought about by the new technologies of our times and opportunities brought about by the unprecedented interest of the private sector in supporting our public schools, we remain steadfast in our conviction that there is hope for our schools and hope for all young Filipinos who will study in these schools”, Secretary Lapus remarked during the unveiling ceremony of a mobile classroom project of the STI Foundation for Leadership in Information Technology and Education, held at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.
The mobile classroom is part of STI Foundation’s “Driving Education Where IT Matters” project which gives students and youth belonging to disadvantaged sectors access to education and IT opportunities.

While extolling the merits of the STI Foundation’s thrust for ensuring equal opportunities, Lapus also lauded the partnership forged between DepEd and the Foundation in line with DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program.

“This Mobile School represents the best in corporate social responsibility. For not only does it represent the commitment of STI Foundation to the cause of public education, it too represents the innovation and creativity that we attribute to the private sector, the innovation and creativity that can really do wonders for our public school system”, Lapus said.
Lapus also underscored the benefits of technology and making education more relevant for the youth through the STI’s Mobile School.

gipaklaro gyud ang iyang tumong ug tinguha.

kung ang Pinoy mo-apply ug US visa, deny. Kung Arab mo-apply, approved. Maayo pa ang mga Filipino kay dili terorista ug dili mamomba.

How to Buy a House and Lot in Bohol, Philippines

Manila Traffic Jam

15 Ways for a Marriage to Survive

1. Make your partner a priority
Every marriage is different, but the best marriages all share love, respect and joy. Maintaining a healthy and vibrant relationship isn’t always easy, but there are several things you can do to keep yours on track. These 15 tips will help your marriage thrive. Remember when you were first married, and you were each other's whole world? That feeling isn't sustainable forever, but don't let your partner slip to the bottom of your priority list after kids, job, friends and hobbies. Remind your spouse -- often -- that he or she is important to you.

2. Keep up your appearance :-
Think back to when you and your spouse first met: would you have shown up for a date in a stained tee and stretched out sweatpants? The marriage license doesn't mean you can let yourself go. Show your spouse the kind of respect you'd show a coworker by looking your best, even if you're just lounging around the house.

3. Remember to say thank you :-
When you've been married awhile, it's easy to take for granted the nice things your spouse does: a cup of coffee made just the way you like it; a gentle neck rub when you've had a stressful day. Remember to thank each other for the little things; it will help you both feel more appreciated.

4. Keep the romance alive :-
Work, kids and other responsibilities can make you feel tired, and less inclined toward romance and sexual connection. But passion can be the glue that holds a marriage together during difficult times, so don't let it slip away. Make time for romantic dates and sexual play. It's important.

5. Give each other some space Make time for fun :-
All work and no play make Jack and Jill dull marriage partners. Make time for play time -- with the family and just the two of you -- and you'll get a lot more enjoyment out of life and your marriage.
This may sound counterintuitive when we're talking about bringing couples closer together, but it's important to remember that you are both unique individuals with different thoughts, feelings and interests. Cultivating and appreciating your individuality will make you more interesting to each other, and to yourselves.

6. Make time for fun :-
All work and no play make Jack and Jill dull marriage partners. Make time for play time -- with the family and just the two of you -- and you'll get a lot more enjoyment out of life and your marriage.

7. Love the one you’re with :-
Aside from being a great Stephen Stills song from the 70's, this is good advice. You fell in love with the personality and qualities your partner had when you met, and it's unfair to expect your spouse to change now that you're married.

8. Ask for what you want :-
Some people believe that long-term partners should be able to read each other's minds, but that's unrealistic. If you have a specific request -- a hug, a listening ear, or a particular brand of cologne for your birthday -- ask for what you want. Don't make your partner guess.

9. Live your own life :-
With all the demands that other people and responsibilities make on your time, it's easy to put your own needs on the back burner. Make an effort to cultivate personal interests and hobbies outside your marriage. You'll both feel happier, more vibrant, and more engaged in life.

10. Make time for free time :-
We all know the effects of overscheduling: a higher level of stress. And stress leads to short tempers, frustration, fatigue and eventual burnout. Put aside time when you can both relax, whether you're enjoying an activity like walking, reading or biking, or simply watching a beautiful sunset. The important thing is to relax, and to do it together.

11. Believe in your spouse, and show it :-
It's lovely to know that someone is on your side, especially when you've made a mistake. As a loving spouse, be generous with support. Offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and give advice only when it's requested. Just as you do with your children, remind your partner of his or her wonderful qualities, and why they are the person you love and have chosen to spend your life with.

12. Share your thoughts and feelings :-
If a problem crops up in your marriage (as it inevitably will) talk about it right away; letting a problem fester only makes it harder to solve down the line. Get in the habit of checking in with each other, and schedule time alone for undisturbed heart-to-heart talks.

13. Be loyal to your spouse :-
The person you chose to marry deserves your respect, and the respect of others, so don't gossip, ridicule or complain about your partner at parties or family gatherings. If there's a problem, speak first to your spouse. Then, if you need to talk to someone, choose a trusted friend or counselor.

14. Let small things go :-
Have you heard the expression, "Choose your battles?" That's often applied to parenting, when you're deciding which of 10 irritating kid behaviors you want to correct. But it's equally applicable to life with your spouse. If your partner does or says something that hurts your feelings or creates a problem, by all means say something. But if he doesn't make oatmeal the way you would, or she forgets to put the screwdriver back where it belongs, maybe it's best to let that go.

15. Share the responsibility of making a home, and a marriage :-
The wedding ceremony isn't the end result of a courtship, it's the beginning of a partnership that will be challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Marriages are living things that need to be cultivated. That takes intention and teamwork. Think of yourselves as partners in the creation of your home and your life together, and take equal responsibility for making your marriage thrive.

Copyright by : living.msn
Image Copyright by : freshphotography

okay unta ug si Mike Arroyo ang vet.

Abucejo

Cebu vs Bohol

All gender in. Bata ug tigulang nagtigi sa chess.

Walay kaba si Salientes (taga Cebu).

Rommel Gangzon (from Iloilo and Cebu) vs Glicerio Pardillo Jr (Bohol) Result: Draw

Gangzon emerged champion after 7 rounds of Swiss System.

National Master Elmer Sumngat vs Merben Roque (Cebu). Result: Draw

Tadeo ug Glen Pardillo Jr usa sa mga ngilngig modula ug chess sa Bohol.

Johnny Torralba gipildi ni Gio Bernaldez (bata).

Mark Pilongo vs Michael Joseph Pagaran

Jenesis Apog

Joselito Dabalos from Tubigon, Bohol

Salubre taga Maribojoc.

Gerry Millan (Tagbilaran) vs Ricardo Ocoy (Balilihan, Bohol)

Bata nga taga Bacolod batok sa taga Bohol nga 70 years old kapin na.

Dalaga gikan sa Sugbu batok sa dalaga nga taga-Bohol.

Aron dili mawala ang mga equipment ug dili ma-disturbo ang mga players, ang audience didto lang sa gawas magtan-aw sa dula.

Taga Malmis Construction (Jade Tadeo) batok ni Ababat taga Sugbu.

left (Boy Mitra) staff sa tournament with chief arbiter Nick Pagaran.

National Master Elmer Sumngat batok sa usa bata nga ngilngig mo-chess, Mark Bryan Villarojo.

Vallestero (batang laki) gikan sa Bacolod City batok ni Jayneil Yabo taga Dimiao, Bohol.

Bhell Ortiz gikan sa Cebu City sakay sa Lite Shipping miabot kaadlawon sa Tagbilaran aron makigtigi sa chess tournament batok sa mga Bol-anon.

Gio Bernaldez (bata) from Guindulman batok ni Virtudazo from Jagna, Bohol.

Oldest player 70 years old na si Manoy gibatokan ug dalaga gikan sa Cebu.

Kini si Tadeo, mi-leave sa trabaho sa Malmis construction para makaapil sa Balong Open Chess Tournament.

sportsmanship

old generation vs new generation

Bata vs Tigulang


Lady vs Lady

Initial Pictures taken from the first-ever Rene "Balong" Econg Open Chess Tournament in Bohol - April 11, 2013

unsa kahay ikasulti sa mga women sa TB ani?

Finished Product: T-shirt Design (front part)

for now, hanggang sa panaginip lang muna tayo.

h1. Psalms 3

*1* Oh Jehova, daw unsa ang pagkadaghan sa akong mga kaaway! Daghan sila nga mga mingtindog batok kanako.

*2* Daghan ang nagaingon mahatungod sa akong kalag: Walay tabang alang kaniya diha sa Dios. (Selah)

*3* Apan ikaw, Oh Jehova, mao ang taming nga nagalibut kanako, Ang himaya ko ug ang magbabangon sa akong ulo.

*4* Sa akong tingog nagatu-aw ako kang Jehova, Ug siya nagatubag kanako gikan sa iyang bungtod nga balaan. (Selah)

*5* Mihigda ako ug nakatulog, Nahigmata ako; kay nagasagang kanako si Jehova.

*6* Dili ako mahadlok sa napulo ka libo sa katawohan Nga misulong nga milikus batok kanako.

*7* Tumindog ka, Oh Jehova, luwasa ako, Oh Dios ko; Kay gihampak mo sa apapangig ang tanan ko nga mga kaaway: Ang mga ngipon sa mga dautan gipanugmok nimo.

*8* Iya ni Jehova ang kaluwasan: Ang imong panalangin anaa sa ibabaw sa imong katawohan. (Selah)

h1. Psalms 2

*1* Ngano nga nagalungotlungot ang mga nasud, Ug ang mga katawohan nagapalandong sa butang nga kawang?

*2* Ang mga hari sa yuta nanagpahamutang sa ilang kaugalingon, Ug ang mga punoan nanagsabutsabut sa tingub, Batok kang Jehova ug batok sa iyang dinihog, nga nagaingon :

*3* Pagabugtoon nato ang ilang mga talikala, Ug igasalibay ta gikan kanato ang ilang mga igtatakgus.

*4* Siya nga nagalingkod sa kalangitan magakatawa: Ang Ginoo magahimo kanila nga yubitonon.

*5* Unya siya magasulti kanila diha sa iyang kaligutgut, Ug diha sa iyang kapungot siya magagubot kanila.

*6* Ngani nga gibutang ko ang akong hari Ibabaw sa Sion, ang akong bungtod nga balaan.

*7* Magamantala ako sa sugo: Si Jehova nag-ingon kanako: Ikaw mao ang akong anak; gianak ko ikaw niining adlawa.

*8* Kanako mangayo ka, ug kanimo igahatag ko ang mga nasud nga imong panulondon, Ug mapanag-iya mo ang mga kinatumyang dapit sa yuta.

*9* Pagadugmokon mo sila sa sungkod nga puthaw: Pagapulpugon mo sila ingon sa banga sa magkokolon.

*10* Busa karon, Oh mga hari, magmaalamon kamo, Magpatudlo kamo, mga maghuhukom sa yuta.

*11* Sa kahadlok, umalagad kamo kang Jehova, Ug managlipay kamo uban ang pagkurog.

*12* Humalok kamo sa anak, aron siya dili masuko, ug mangawala kamo diha sa dalan, Kay ang kapungot niya mosilaub sa dili madugay. Bulahan kadtong tanan nga modangup diha kaniya.

h1. Psalms 1

*1* Bulahan ang tawo nga wala magalakaw sa tambag sa mga dautan, Ni magatindog sa dalan sa mga makasasala, Ni magalingkod sa mga lingkoranan sa mga mayubiton:

*2* Kondili anaa sa Kasugoan ni Jehova ang iyang kalipay; Ug sa Kasugoan niya nagapalandong siya sa adlaw ug sa gabii.

*3* Ug siya mahisama sa kahoy nga natanum sa daplin sa kasapaan sa tubig, Nga nagadala sa iyang bunga sa iyang panahon, Kansang dahon usab dili malaya, Ug bisan unsa nga ginabuhat niya magamauswagon.

*4* Dili ingon niini ang mga dautan, Kondili ingon sa uhot nga ginapalid sa hangin.

*5* Busa dili magatindog ang mga dautan sa paghukom, Ni ang mga makasasala diha sa katilingban sa mga matarung.

*6* Kay naila ni Jehova ang dalan sa mga matarung; Apan ang dalan sa mga dautan mawala.

Rene "Balong" Econg Open Chess Tournament

as published by the Bohol Chronicle (April 7, 2013)

Venue: Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Time: 9 A.M.
You may register at the Tournament Venue on April 11, 2013
For more info: Please text or call 0920-630-1130

Sitting Like a Prince

by Sunday Post

There’s a third man in Baclayon’s mayoralty ring. Make no mistake that, again, the perennial protagonists, in Baclayon storied rivalry is still between the Uys. This time, a new name is entering the fray and he is no pushover in terms of logistics and all the things election are made up. No stranger in his barangay of Sta. Cruz, Phil Ibao, may be unknown in some parts of the town but it did not deter him to try his luck in Baclayon politics if only to prove to every Baclayanon, that he too gets what it takes to be elected as the next mayor of the town. Just how sincere this Baclayon native of his plans to run the affairs of the town if given the nod of the electorate?

By the looks of it, there’s no quarrel that he is serious and it can be gleaned from the circumstances that he is up to en route to the May 13 polls. For starters, every nook and cranny of the town’s 17 barangays are already blanketed with his propaganda materials announcing his mayoralty bid. In due time, the newbie candidate will shower the electorate of election flyers. And if by chance any Baclayanon will see in mock wonder, why service vehicles like a Montero, a Hummer and a Chevy Suburban, ask no question because they belong to the new candidate in town. As if to prove that he is serious in his ambition to run for mayor, the candidate in tandem with his wife Dr. Pamela Loy, a dentist, is buying a seaside property in Laya to the tune of P14 million. The house, used to be owned by a German national, is up for sale, prompting the Ibaos to grab the opportunity, to deliver the message that they are staying in the town for good.

For another, the family also bought a property in San Juan Buenaventura, measuring six hectares, to serve the interests of their grandfather to build retirement homes in the highlands of Baclayon. The grandfather who refused to be named has shown particular attention to the vast areas found in upland Baclayon to build affordable homes to all kinds of retireesâ€"from OFWs to retired policemen and teachers. The grandfather who is an investment banker reportedly owns a ranch in Australia. Said to be of Chinese-Tausug descent, the grandfather was convinced that Phil Ibao is the best man for the job after being appraised of his grand plans to transform Baclayon into a progressive municipality. The Tausug blood of his wife helps explain why this self-made man from Sta. Cruz earned his pile in Sultan Kudarat in Cotabato. While in that Cotabato province, the Ibaos are into small-scale mining earning them enough wealth to live a comfortable life. Engaged in the mining business of extracting copper and manganese deposits in the towns of Esperanza and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, the family earned considerable riches that it can afford to splurge on luxuries like running for public office. It has been said that the truth of the pudding is in the eating. If so, then, Phil Ibao is subjecting himself to the full sunburn of politics in the coming mayoralty derby in historic Baclayon.

by Sunday Post

Candidates of the Liberal Party (LP) in Tagbilaran City are on an upbeat mood following poll results indicating a surge of public support to candidates opposing the slate fielded by City Mayor Dan Lim. The phenomenal shift came at a time that the election campaign period has winded down less than 40 days to the elections on May 13.  The Liberal Party city mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates are the biggest gainers of the recent poll, with lawyer Agustinus “Dodong” Gonzaga, bet for city mayor, registering a growing support across all age groups and social classes. The awareness rate for Gonzaga surge so high enjoying an edge over the early starter and closest rival John Geesnell “Baba” Yap of the Pundok Panaghiusa group. Gonzaga’s advocacy for clean and pro-active governance has gained a momentum, presenting to city residents a contrast on the present city administration of outgoing mayor Dan Lim, marred with allegations of corruption, fiscal mismanagement and neglect of city roads. Showing data from the Holy Name University Research center, LP mayoralty candidate Gonzaga managed to attain the 30-percent mark despite announcing his mayoralty bid several months behind his two opponents â€" Dr. Abraham Lim, the mayor’s brother, and City Councilor John Geesnell Yap, also a nephew of the mayor.

In a meeting with media last Thursday, LP candidate for City Councilor, Zenaido “Djingo” Rama, said results of the latest Bohol Poll released by the Holy Name University Research Center (HNU-RC) are “all indicative of a shifting public opinion on the administration of the sitting mayor towards the advocacies being conveyed by the main opposition â€" which is embodied by the LP ticket.” Former Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso, on a bid to reclaim his old post, likewise showed a commanding lead over two lady opponents, the incumbent Vice Mayor Nuevas Montes and City Councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus.  Comebacking former city councilor Zenaido “Djingo” Rama noted that Veloso already breached the 40-percent mark (41%) early into the start of the campaign for local candidates, with a solid margin of 17-percentage points against Montes who obtained 24% in the survey.  Public satisfaction with City Mayor Lim has nosedived to its lowest on record with less than 3 months left before he is scheduled to step down from his post, ending a 9-year term. The Bohol Poll, conducted last March 2 â€" 22, gave the city mayor a net satisfaction rating of -2 or down by 38 percentage points since the last survey conducted last year where Lim obtained a +36 satisfaction rating from survey respondents.  Since the second half of 2012, Mayor Lim, who is running for congressman in the First District, has increased his radio airtime which he regularly uses to openly promote the candidacies of his brother and his entire city slate with city-paid time slots in one radio station during the morning and early afternoons, daily.  “Obviously this did not help his [the mayor] cause, even with so much media exposure, city electors are now rationalizing the kind of media information they are getting,” Rama declared. 

The HNU-RC poll also found that majority of Tagbilaran voters will not support Mayor Lim’s candidacy for congressman.  The poll results have showed that over the past 8 years of the Lim administration, the mayor has continually registered a dipping satisfaction rating, in fact, in the middle of his second term, he still enjoyed a very high 75% rating.  “With the mayor’s rating falling into negative territory, it is clear that Tagbilaranons are recognizing the many negative issues against the mayor â€" from irregular fund use, inefficient delivery of services to mismanagement and political attacks against other government officials,” Rama explained.  Rama likewise attributed the unpopularity of the city mayor to the “toxic campaign” he is waging against top provincial officials, including Gov. Edgar Chatto and First District Rep. Rene Relampagos, who continue to enjoy high trust and performance ratings in the Bohol Poll surveys.  “In fact, the mayor’s unpopularity could also poison the candidacies of his allies in the city, district, provincial and even national candidates whom he is currently endorsing for the May 13 elections,” Rama concluded.

by Sunday Post

City Councilor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap remains a top favorite for city mayor as shown from the instant reaction Thursday of radio callers in relation to the release of the 2013 Bohol Poll of the Holy Name University Research Center.  DYRD’s Inyong Alagad, the most listened radio program hereabouts, swung into action Thursday, to solicit callers’ reactions’ after the presentation of the results of the Bohol Poll 2013 made the day earlier. Spontaneous to the core, the reactions made through telephones and cell phones practically burned the radio station landlines from Yap supporters and lasted without let up until the end of the two-hour radio program. Although the survey results showed otherwise because what turned out to be a Yap lead of 7 percentage points, the same was interpreted as statistical tie after his closest rival posted 30 points. In the same poll conducted March 2-22, Yap registered 37 points against lawyer Agustrinus Gonzaga’s 30 points.

In fairness to Gonzaga, there were callers obviously representing his own army of supporters, who registered their own congratulations to their favored candidate, for his surging performance in the tight mayoralty derby. On the other hand, the callers, no doubt diehard Yap supporters, pounced on the seven points advantage that before the radio anchors could muster enough strength to argue that it was a tie between two close contenders, they remained unyielding to the point of drowning out the phenomenal rise of Gonzaga. The same callers were vocal in their congratulations of Yap’s performance as a survey leader. Ever since the HNU Research Center conducted its mayoralty surveys, Yap is the consistent survey topnotcher. In the latest survey results released last Wednesday by the polling body, the three-way race in the city mayoralty fight is now fast becoming a nobody’s game with Gonzaga’s performance gaining momentum from a lackluster showing in the early going of the campaign. Dr. Abe Lim remains in third place but he is also catching up with the top placers.

Although the margin of seven points in the Yap-Gonzaga rivalry for the top slot, which if quantified into votes will amount to more than 3,000, the statistiscal tie was arrived at on the basis of a margin of error of +10, -10. Another interesting fight as a result of the latest survey is the congressional showdown in the second district between the heir of the late congressman Erico Aumentado and Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes. Aris Aumentado, though still wet between the ears as his father’s reluctant substitute, managed to stay close to Cajes in terms of approval rating by posting a statistical tie.Both Aumentado and Cajes tied at 41% and 43%, respectively. For a greenhorn like the young Aumentado, it was already a feat to tie with Cajes who is considered a congressional veteran. As a comebacking solon, Cajes was a three-termer solon in the second district before the same seat was regained by the elder Aumentado in 2010. The fight for the city vice mayor was another toss up between close rivals which resulted in a tie between incumbent V-Mayor Nuevas Tirol Montes and challenger Jose Antonio Veloso. They both garnered 24% and 41%, respectively. Except for the close contests of Yap and Gonzaga and Aumentado and Cajes, all the rest of the survey results indicated a one-sided scenario starting from the governor,vice governor,first district congressional showdown and the fight for slots of board members.

by RVO

Pushing the right buttons, paid off, at least, in the case of Bohol leaders led by Gov. Gov. Edgar Chatto. This was found out Wednesday when the Bohol Poll 2013 of the Holy Name University Research Center released its survey results which practically covered all issues of governance. The survey also highlighted the net satisfaction ratings of Bohol officials while others subjected to a random sampling of their performance suffered a dip in percentage points compared to the last survey. For example, a survey on poverty alleviation, showed that most Boholanos or 66% are still languishing in poverty or consider themselves poor, said the same poll presented Wednesday by the HNU Research Center. But most of them (62%) said there’s still hope for Bohol as against 7% disagree and 24% undecided, said the survey.

OFFICIALS SCORE BIG

It may be noted tha the survey on performance of officials showed a tremendous support from the Boholano population. President pnoy gained a great majority of &8percent while only a measly eight percent were disastified. While V-President Jejomar Binaty still enjoyed the support of the Boholanos, his latest performance was down by five points from last year’s. This year, Binay’s net satisfaction rating was 76%. Gov. Chatto made another unprecedented rating with 87% while only 4% was disastified. His vice governor Concepcion Lim also fared very well wqith a performance rating of 69%. City Mayor Dan Lim appeared to be a worst performer in the survey when he posted a -2 compared to the period last year with +36. This year, among those aware, they gave split opinions on their satisfaction ratings (43% satisfied and 45% disastified) for him as mayor which resulted to a net satisfacxtion rating of -2. For vice mayor, an overwhellming majority (94%) of the Tagbilaran voters were aware that Nuevas Montes is the Vice Mayor of the city. Among those aware, close to half (48%) was satisfied with her performance as vice-mayor while one-third (32%) was disatisfied which resulted to a net satisfaction of + 16. Montes got relatively high net satisfaction ratings from class E votes (+54) while least from class ABC (0) and 35-44 (0). Comparing this year’s net satisfaction ratings last year’s, a significant decline of 23 points can be noted.

CONGRESSIONAL

First district Rep. Rene Relampagos posted an overwhelming majority (99%) indicating that in e ditrict 1, voters were aware that he is the first district representative. Among those aware, two-thirds (62%) were satisfied with his performance as district 1 representative while very few (11%) were dissatisfied which resulted to a net satisfaction ratings of +51. In the third district,99% of the district 3 voters were aware that Arthur Yap is the third district representative. Among those aware, a great majority (86%) were satisfied with his performance as district 3 representative while very few (3%) were dissatisfied which resulted to a high net satisfaction rating of + 83. Yap’s net satisfaction ratings were consistently high in almost all variables except from the male voters (+73) and the age groups 18-24 (+78) and 35-44 (+74)

VOTER’S PREFERENCES

Relampagos and Lim enjoyed the same level of awareness in district 1. In the first district congressional race , Relampagos led at 62% as against the 24% of Lim. Refusals and don’t know responses accounted for 14%. Aris Aumentado and Roberto Cajes had the same awareness level in district 2. In the second district congressional race, there was a tie between Aumentado and Cajes at 41% and 43% respetively. Across classes, Cajes got, more votes from class ABC (67%) while across age groups. Aumentado got more votes from the 35-44 (65%). Refusals and don’t know responses accounted to 16%. In the gubernatorial race, Chatto (100%) enjoyed an overwhelming awareness in Bohol as against de los Reyes (65%). In the gubernatorial race, Chatto comfortably led at 72% as against the 16% of de los Reyes. Refusals and don’t know responses accounted to 12%. Eight out of ten (84%) Boholano voters were aware of Concepcion Lim in the vice gubernatorial race while only a quarter (26%) were aware of Sharleen Lim. In the same contest, Lim significantly led at 67% while Sharleen Lim only got 15%. Refusals and don’t know responses accounted for 18%.

The results of the race for board members are (first district): Arcamo (41%), Damalerio (53%) and Lopez (42%) tied in terms of awareness. Vying for first place in the race were Arcamo (44%) . Damalerio (52%) and Lopez (46%). In the second district, Abapo (41%), Camacho (53%), Cepedoza (41%), Garcia (49%) and Jumamoy (59%) enjoyed the same level of awareness. Vying for first place Abapo (42%), Camacho (42%)\, Cepedoza (34%) Garcia (40%) and Jumamoy (54%). In the third district, only Balite and Jala enjoyed overwhelming popularity at 93% and 90% respectively. Balite (82%) and Jala (81%) tied for first place while Imboy (40%) and Tirol (56%) tied for second place. In the city mayoralty racen,Gonzaga, Lim and Yap shared the same level of awareness of 88%, 77% and 96% respectively. However, there was a tie between Gonzaga (30%) and Yap (37%). Refusals and don’t kow responses accounted for 18%. The city mayoralty race showed the following: Montes (94%), Oppus (84%) and Veloso (91%) tied in terms of awareness. In the city vice-mayoralty race, there was a tie between Montes (24%) and Veloso (41%). Don’t know responses and refusals accouted for 16%.

POOR INDEX IN 3 DISTRICTS

Of the three districts, district 2 posted 73% or 7 out of ten people are poor and only 4% said they’re not (poor) and 30% “on the line” in self-rated poverty survey. District one (1) and three (3) had 55 and 70, respectively. Only 3% considered themselves as not poor in District 3 while 5% in district one. Self-rated poverty this year (2013) is the highest in five-year comparison, said the survey. The lowest occurred in 2010 with 57%. The poverty rate in 2009 was 60% while 62% and 65% in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The survey revealed that about 52% are employed but 42% are not with only 5% as “unpaid family worker,” the survey said. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the population are still into farming as their main sources of work or livelihood and followed by buy/sell with 13% and private employment, 11%, the rest (sources) are single digit. Construction, government employment and fishing had 9 apiece; transport, domestic help and cottage industry, 4 apiece, said the survey. Others such as education, labor and sales had 3% each; and caregiver, accountant and vendor, 1% apiece. There was no mention of other professions such as practice doctor of medicine or lawyering and other key professions.

On satisfaction level of the work, at least five (5) of every ten (10) people with work or 55% said they’re satisfied while sizeable 36% are not and only 9% undecided. This resulted to +19 in net satisfaction rating, the survey said. The +19% satisfaction rating of the (55%) working Boholanos is higher than last year’s (2012) of +17% and +7% in 2009. But it is lower than +32% and +20% in 20120 and 2011, respectively, the survey said. The dissatisfaction rating of their work is due to the following: inadequate income with 80%; no job security, 15%; no other sources (of income), 5%; and full of liabilities, 0.3%. The survey said that the degree of satisfaction of having a “primary” job is due to the following economic factors: enough salary with 59%; only having small income, 20%; able to provide for family, 18%; committed to/passion/enjoy of work, 3%; and job is permanent, 0.2%. The survey presentation tackled April 4, 2013 the economic and social issues affecting Boholano community. These include labor status, livelihood, unemployment, self-rated poverty, quality of life, role of women, illegal drugs, Insurgency, domestic violence, civil service graft and corruption. The presenters are Angelo Yuayan on socio-demographic and Mr. Christian Anuta and Ms. Maria Paz Espiritu on social and political issues, respectively. Fr. Francisco Estepa, president of the HNU welcome the visitors in the presentation along with Fr. Vicente Uy who gave the closing remarks.

gauga na diay ni si Loren karon. i won't vote for her. so plastic. i saw her one time sa Island City Mall, nanglamano lagi pero nangngigking, hadlok mavirus iyang kamot.

I avoid softdrinks like plague.

Kris Aquino Impersonated
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POqZMHohCVA#

She is ready to checkmate you. Dare?

Bohol Vacation

Thousands of people in Tagbilaran curse the road everyday.

Are we ready for another decades of pain and suffering?

puro damgo nalang si manoy.

Romantic Checkmate

by Edcom

A day after Good Friday and 44 days into the campaign period for the May 2013 elections, both the provincial and city slates of Team Pnoy for the province of Bohol found no time for dilly dallying.

Yesterday, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim led Liberal Party hopefuls in two solidarity meetings: one for the City of Tagbilaran; the other for the whole provincial slate of Bohol. Those who were also seen were First District Representative Cong. Rene Relampagos, the Provincial Board Members and the entire TEAM PNOY of Bohol. Their battle cry: an irrevocable landslide victory for the Liberals in Bohol and winning back Tagbilaran City from the “clutches” of the incumbent “slavery-ship.” “The marching order from Pres. PNoy when we were summoned to Malacañang a few days ago is to make sure that TEAM PNOY wins in Bohol,” stated Gov. Chatto matter-of-factly.

“Boholanos have always been noted for choosing public servants based on moral authority and ascendancy; and that is what we’re going to give them, again. Again, because the incumbent Provincial Leadership is known for serving the people of Bohol based on those codes â€" Pro-God, Pro-people,” the governor strongly pointed out. “And, Tagbilaranons are thunderously clamoring for an unquestionable brand of leadership; the kind of leadership they have not seen, felt nor enjoyed for the past nine years!” Gov. Chatto emotionally lamented, a statement met with a thunderous applause from the participants, most of whom are city residents, during the city slate’s meeting yesterday afternoon. It can be remembered that Gov. Chatto subjected himself to a complete drug test Friday last week where doctors from the Gallares Regional Hospital took his blood, urine and hair samples. The result: Negative. The governor was prompted to do this due to accusations from Carmen Mayor Che Torribio de los Reyes that Chatto is protecting illegal drugs in Bohol.

When asked by members of the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA) to expound on his reasons, the governor was quoted as saying that “we as public servants and the people’s leaders should and must show and prove that we are living by the words that we utter. If and when we say that we are against and fighting against something, then, we must prove to the people that we’re telling the truth. You know me. When I say something, I mean it. I do not tell tales just to get pogi points,” Chatto smilingly stressed. During the meeting, Gov. Chatto excitedly informed the people that “your provincial slate has already finished its workshop for the programs and projects for Bohol for the next three years, just so you would know,” another statement which was met with a resounding applause from Boholanos. A sunny attitude and an air of confidence were strongly felt inside the two venues and it could be seen in each political hopeful’s face that even then, each candidate was already exultant of the May 2013 results. (jlv/EDCom)

Cong. Rene L. Relampagos announced that an additional P343 million worth of road concreting work will be implemented in Panglao Island. Specifically, he said that this will be used for the widening and concreting of the Panglao Island Circumferential Road. He disclosed that a total of three road sections around Panglao Island Circumferential Road have been bid out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office to determine the best contractor who could undertake the  implementation of the project.

The total project cost of the three road section is P343 million which is part of the P700 million that Cong. Relampagos has succeeded in including under the General Appropriations Act of 2013 for road improvement projects in his district under the DPWH budget. The bidding was conducted last March 22 at the DPWH Regional Office. With the bidding of these projects, this would amount to a total of P616 million that have been provided for in the widening and concreting of the Panglao Island Circumferential Road. Earlier, an amount of P163 million was provided under the GAA 2012 and another P110 million from the Department of Tourism and DPWH Tourism Road Convergence Fund. Presently, the implementation of these two projects is on-going from Sitio Union Barangay Poblacion, to Totolan, Songculan, Tabalong, Bingag and Boundary of Tangnan, Panglao.

Relampagos added that he looks forward to getting to provide the needed funds to complete the funding requirement for the road improvement work of the Panglao Island Circumferential Road within the next two to three years which still needs another P600 million more or less.

Relampagos emphasized that the improvement of this road will definitely improve a lot the tourism potential of Panglao Island which comprises the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao. This road network is very important because this will serve as an alternate road going to the new airport site which is also being prepared for bidding within the last quarter of this year by the Department of Transportation and Communication to be funded under the JICA ODA Step loan in the total amount of P7.2 billion.

To date, Relampagos has successfully secured the amount of P1.9 billion for the improvement of various national roads and bridges and priority local roads in his district. Some are already completed; others are on-going and some are yet to be implemented having been bid out only just recently. Relampagos expressed for and in behalf of the people of the first district their sincere thanks and appreciation to President Benigno S. Aquino III and the DPWH thru Sec. Rogelio Singson for prioritizing and supporting the development initiatives in his district.

Relampagos said that as Boholanos, we should show our gratitude and appreciation to the administration by supporting always the program and initiatives of the president. (by Jill Christianae R. Robinson)

published by Sunday Post in 2006

Mayor Juanario Item called for unity, cooperation and strict observance of cooperative laws to further strengthen and sustain cooperatives. Said as goodwill message during the culmination program of the cooperative month, October 18 at the Carlos P. Garcia Multi-Purpose Center , the message aptly capped the Cooperative month celebrations, which closed in Talibon with a Holy Mass at the Talibon Cathedral. Putting the backbone of his talk, the town chief vowed P20T to all active cooperatives, the amount sourced out from the Internal Revenue Allotment Fund of 2007.

31 active cooperatives attended the closing program of the coop month. Of the 31, 16 were women cooperatives organized by Councilor Virginia Item, Sangguniang Bayan Cooperative Chair. She also welcomed the participating groups during the affair. At the closing program, Jeneth Balundo acknowledged the participating cooperatives. Edgar Bag-ao, Coop Development Officer in his message also stressed the importance of members to support their respective coops. He said that spending P100 in their coop store allows them to share the profits unlike buying it in a store where not one centavo goes back as shares. He also encouraged members to patronize their products to sustain their coop project. Meanwhile Vice Mayor Restituto Auxtero told coop members the role cooperatives do to improve the living conditions of the people. He pressed that through cooperatives, a sure way to fight poverty starts.

The culmination program was also highlighted by Curacha contests in the afternoon with eleven coops participating. Judges were Joselito Uy, Alturas Talibon branch manager as chairman, Rachelle Saavedra and Dr. Edzel Hormachuelos members. Talibon Public School Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TPSTEMPC) bagged the grand prize of P2T; Talibon Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TAGEMPCO) and Talibon Credit Cooperative (TALCRECO) landed second and third with P1.5T and P1T respectively. The culmination program was successfully conducted with the help and assistance of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) through Governor Erico Aumentado who gave P25,000 and Mayor Item.

TAKING conservation a step further, farmers of Bilar, Bohol have institutionalized its rice tradition by crafting the first ever Bilar Rice Heritage by legislative act in a move to go back to the basics and protect its heritage.

The Rice Festival is an opportunity for our farmers to show off and share their experiences, skills and materials, explains Jean Yasol of Searice, a non government organization building capacities of farmers here. Searice empower, teach and assist farmers in seed selection and in developing new varieties Yasol explained.

The step also grounds the provincial stand opposing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the proliferation of modern rice varieties that appear to be productive but bears on the farmer's pockets and the environment.

During a Farmer's Rights Forum expounding on the sustainable community based initiatives as expressions of farmers' rights, Visayas and Mindanao farmers gathered at the MetroCenter Hotel here October 18 to listen to best practices in sustainable agriculture in support of pro-environment farming and nature based tourism. A sharing of best practices from South Cotabato and Bohol along with the Bhutan experience with Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup highlighted the forum.

For Bohol , the best practice was with Bilar's going back to the basics, literally by addressing the problem of vanishing rice cultivation tradition and the traditional rice's uncultivated potential for food security. Bilar farmers, with technical help from Searice, harnessed community-based initiatives sustaining local rice culture and tradition and entered the records when it passed October 9 the ordinance protecting the Bilar rice and its tradition.

Bilar farmer, Ruperta Mangaya-ay said her family has been into preserving the traditional Bilar rice varieties and have opted for it over the much-hyped modern rice varieties. The decision came after realizing that the sturdy and resistant local varieties stand a better chance of surviving and often end up giving more savings to the farmers. In her sharing Mangaya-ay told media that she used to plant scientific rice and spends between P10T to P11T in the entire process.

Now, with a traditional rice variety she and the community along with Searice and Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology developed, coupled with organic farming technology, she only spends as much as P5T. “Although modern rice varieties produce greater yields, but organic rice is heavier, better tasting, husks better and is more filling,” Mangaya-ay said. The traditional rice that we grow fits into our organic farm set-up, and knowing that organic fertilizer from natural sources is more environment-friendly, the difference for the environment pays, she added.

- published by Sunday Post

PROTECTING marine resources has assured Ubay fish wardens not just sustainable food but recognition as well. In this year's search for the Most Outstanding Bantay Dagat in region 7, Ubay's marine law enforcement team topped other teams assessed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in their yearly search for Outstanding Fisheries Achievers Awards.

The search is one of the major activities of BFAR 7 in celebration of the National Fish Conservation Week. Receiving the awards for Ubay last Friday afternoon October 29, at the SM Food Court activity Center was Mayor Eutiquio Bernales. With him were Sangguniang Bayan Members Allan Abad, Efren Tanjay, Maximo Boyles and Diogracias Butawan. Also there was Alpios Delima, Ubay Coastal Resource Management Coordinator, Bgy. Capt Nasario Avenido of Humayhumay Fish Warden and Julius Boiser, mayor's private secretary. Reacting to the recognition especially when the town sits right in the middle of the world's most bio-diverse seas, Bernales said that the town's achievement has elated him and the local officials.

The award plays second to the premium that the town gets from an efficient coastal and marine resource protection for Danajon reef, local officials said. Meanwhile, local police here scored a corollary victory with the arrest of two women during a buy bust operation against illegal drugs. Charged in violation of Sec. 11 of Republic Act 9165 or possession of dangerous drugs were 36 year old Zenaida Mendez and 33 year old Florabelle Soriso of Barangay Tapon here.

The buy-bust team was composed of PSupt. Eduardo Saavedra, Chief of Police and PO2 Gerry Monceller along with two undercover operatives who acted as pursuer buyers. Long under surveillance, the two single women have been under police scopes for their scrupulous business. When the police surveillance operations yielded positive leads, they set up an elaborate plan to spread the bait using two operatives. With a bust operation successfully done last October 18, 2006 at 9:00 in the morning, police team under Oplan Banat apprehended Mendez, jobless as she was about to keep the marked P300 while the team also implicated Soriso.

Soriso, single resident of same place owns the store where the buy-bust happened and was identified as the one who gave the two small sachets of crystalline substances believed to be metampethamine hydrochloride or shabu and two rolled tinfoils. Police also confiscated the items as evidence, which were immediately brought to the PNP crime laboratory, Camp Dagohoy , for laboratory examination.

- published by Sunday Post in 2006

Jagna, Bohol - Coming out strong to aver that they have not fully surrendered to the debilitating abuse of old age, senior citizens, some of them obviously not mindful of their ripening age came in active during the elderly Filipino week celebration on Oct. 19.

The day was marked with a joyous activity at the Jagna gymnasium. It was sponsored by the Local Government Unit (LGU), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in observance of the Elderly Filipino Week for 2006. With Mayor Exuperio Lloren out in Tokyo for scholarship studies, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) head on the senior citizens office Councilor Vitorino Nayga Sr., took on the advised in the DSWD.

The day-long activity started with a mass at 6AM followed by the grand parade of aging men and women who literally took their ages in stride. A fitting program was held at the Jagna gymnasium later, participated in by members from the 33 barangays here. The instant quest for the oldest member present was a big hit to the morning activity. A retired light house keeper of then Jagna wharf, a pre-war employee who was born in 1914 walked with the handsome prize that day.

The 92-year Luis Apalisok, the most active member of the Pangdan Federated Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) still managed to be the beacon to all aging who could not graciously take the age toll candidly. Ex-board member lawyer Alexander Villacastin, Jagna FSCAP president welcomed the participants. Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Alberto Cafe gave the message for the mayor. Senior SB member lawyer Bonifacio Virtudes Sr., gave the statement of purpose while Kagawad Godofredo Okit Sr., also gave an inspirational talk in place of the chair on social services who was out of town.

- published by Sunday Post in 2006

With the emerging societal trends and demands, voluntary service is what the community needs the most. This is the core reason why the Bohol ‘Sandugo” Jaycees was revived in a fitting gathering of Jaycee forerunners and new members Wednesday at the JJ's Seafoods Village. The Bohol ‘Sandugo” Jaycees, an affiliate of the Junior Chamber of the Philippines, is an organization having principal objectives of developing community leaders and fostering friendly ties among individuals who share same concern.

Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II was elected president of the socio-civic organization in an election held during the same gathering. The other newly-elected officers were Reginald ‘RG” Ong, executive Vice President; Adam Relson Jala, VP-Internal Affairs; Atty. Cristifil Baluma, Vp-External Affairs; Dwight Ebojo, Secretary; Erico Aristotle Aumentado III, Treasurer; Santino Emmery Paredes, Auditor; Danny Reyes, PRO; Atty: Mitchel John Boiser, Legal Counsel; and Mayor Tom Gonzaga, Benjie Oliva, Gregorio Langcamon Jr., Basilides Cempron, Neil Reyes and Iven Lim, Board of Directors.

The election was facilitated by JCI Sen. Lito Sarmiento. JCI Sen. Atty. Libby Casilan and JCI Sen. Julius Froilan, past Jaycee Presidents, delivered their respective inspirational messages to the new members. Other Senior Jaycee members who graced the event were Dr. Nene Relampagos, Mio Galanito, Bing Mende, Bobby Garcia and Gibby Lumayag. Other new members are Atty. Hilario Ayuban, Atty. Coycoy Lim, Insp. Jeff Caballes, Insp. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., Michael Ryan Maluenda, Dr. Jefferson Ong, Dr. Raymund Lim, Dr. Zandro Plateros, Andrew Tajantajan and Manuel Alonzo.

The young and civic-oriented Damalerio wishes to re-strengthen and re-awaken the dynamism of the Bohol Sandugo Jaycees, a highly credible and active socio-civic international aggrupation's chapter in the province.Damalerio is confident that the organization can carry out its planned activities since its new members came from different sectors of society (government, education, peace and order, medical, business and youth sectors). Among the major activities outlined by the organization are outreach programs, free clinic and medical missions, seminar workshops and other projects beneficial to the community. The induction of the newly-elected officers has been set on November 4 at Metro Centre Hotel. Expected to attend during the affair are Junior Chamber of the Philippines Nat'l President Glen Santos, Nat'l Executive Vice-President Van Torrevillas and Nat'l Vice President Ray Salgado.

published by Sunday Post in 2006

WHEN it rains, it pours. For Catigbian, Bohol, recipient of more that P41 million implemented and on-going projects from national and local funds, so much is coming, assures Representative Edgar M. Chatto, during the grand launching of the P9M livestock auction market Monday, October 16. Chatto, Bohol 's First District Representative, who adopts the town as daughter of his hometown town Balilihan said it is crucial for the town to be connected to the main traffic and to the ports to boost the operation of its newly opened state of the art livestock auction market. With this, Chatto's good news centered on upgrading of crucial road links that would ferry Catigbian sold livestock to the ports and main markets. “Before the end of the year, the funds for the completion of the Balilihan-Catigbian national highway is set for release,” Chatto disclosed. The Representative's disclosure generated deafening applause of approval from no less than Mayor Roberto Salinas and the mammoth crowd gathered during the event which also opened three more crucial services to the people here.

The fund would then complete a little more than a kilometer of unpaved highway in Haguilanan, effectively upgrading transport of livestock from traders and sellers using the Balilihan access. As if the good news was not just enough, Chatto continued, “when the Senate passes the budget for 2007, in there is the program for the Catigbian-Tubigon road.” If realized, the programmed concrete paving of the almost 20 kilometer Catigbian-Tubigon National Highway also completes a highway loop that cut almost 8 kilometers distance from the circuitous Clarin-Tagbilaran via Loon, It gains about 15 minutes of crucial travel time and evades that regular traffic plying the Loon route.

In economic benefits, opening up the highway to regular traffic also opens endless possibilities for Balilihan Catigbian commuters and highway establishments. With the plan, Vice Mayor Fortunato Concon also shared that aside from enhanced trading for his town, the stakes for the town's tourism efforts get the ripples. Sold as the land of caves (tigbaw) from where Catigbian may also have originated, the paving road network brings in the push for the town's adventure tours that could eventually bring in fresh funds to its economy. As this developed, Chatto challenged the residents here to contribute to the efforts of denying poverty a home to come up to, by engaging in productive activity in line with the town's agricultural revolution. Chatto, House Tourism Committee Chair has been acknowledged godfather of newly sprouted tourism ventures here in his district, along with the support of local officials.

STUDENTS of Tagbilaran City Science high school brought home the bacon during the recently concluded 2006 City Division Schools Press Conference held at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, Oct. 18-20. The three-day press conference bared the theme “Promoting A Culture of Peace through Responsible Journalism.”

The following were the winners: Ronn Patrick Guingguing â€" Newswriting English (1st place) and Sports Writing Filipino (5th place), Easterlyn Benigay â€" Feature Writing English (5th place), Maelori Krista Nambatac â€" Editorial Writing English (3rd place), Darrel Malto â€" Editorial Cartooning Filipino (3rd place) and Kathryn Socias â€" Feature Writing Filipino (2nd place). Together with the team was their coach Marilyn Ucat. The winners will represent Tagbilaran City in the Regional Schools Press Conference here at Tagbilaran City this coming November 27-29. Meanwhile, Maria Vichelle Torrejos, a senior student of TCSHS, won second place during the 6th Regional Population Education Quiz held at EcoTech Center , Lahug, Cebu City , October 10.

Equipped with the knowledge about family planning and sex education, Torrejos went on to the battlefield and struggled against 14 other contestants from the different divisions of Central Visayas to outsmart them in the contest sponsored by the Population Commission (Pop Com). She was awarded a trophy, a certificate and Php3,000. Her coach, Angelita Barcebal and Popcom coordinator and supervisor Genoveva Arangoso accompanied her to the contest venue.

- published by Sunday Post in 2006

By JUNE S. BLANCO

Bohol has bagged another award â€" this time as the 2006 Most Business-Friendly Province in the Visayas conferred by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). Maria Fe Dominise, head of the Bohol Investment Promotion Center a satellite office under the Office of the Governor and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) accepted the award on behalf of Gov. Erico Aumentado during the Gala Night of the Philippine Business Conference (PBC).

The governor was still at the Century Park Hotel presiding over the National Executive Board meeting of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP). Dominise accepted the award from Vice President Noli de Castro, PCCI President Donald Dee, lawyer Miguel Varela who chairs the 32nd PBC Awards Committee and Undersecretary Carissa Cruz Evangelista of the Regional Operations Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Bringing the plaque home, Aumentado said it is a recognition of Bohol 's efforts to attract investors. He emphasized however that it he is steering Team Bohol not for the awards and distinction alone, but primarily to generate jobs for the Boholanos. While the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) also under the Office of the Governor has been matching Boholanos with employers here and overseas, Aumentado still express that wish that paisanos would no longer need to go outside of the province just to be gainfully employed as this would be stressful especially on growing families.

The governor looks forward to better employment opportunities here through investors locating in the province, and for the Boholanos to gain enough skills to be entrepreneurs. By then, he said, his ideal of reducing poverty in his constituents shall have been realized.

- published by Sunday Post in October 2006

The announcement of a new bishop during a mass officiated by Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, Tuesday was the subject of a news writing contest on the occasion of the three-day 2006 City Division Schools Press Conference held at the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School last week.

Picking on the subject regarding the coming of the new bishop, Ron Patrick Guingguing, bagged the top prize in English News writing. A son of barangay captain Sen and Pat Guingguing of Montana , Baclayon, he is a second year student of the Tagbilaran City Science High School . He will represent his school in the news writing contest during the Regional Schools Press Conference here in this city on Nov.27-29.

The Diocese of Tagbilaran awaits the arrival of The Most Reverend Leonardo Yuzon, Medroso, D.D., prelate of Borongan, Samar as the new bishop here. The date of his installation is yet to be announced. Bishop's Medroso's appointment as new bishop of Tagbilran is long in coming after the post was vacated by Bishop Tumulak two years ago. After being ordained on March 30, 1963 at Barugo Parish Church in Leyte , he started his ministry as parochial vicar in the same parish. For four years, he served as parochial vicar. Then he became the parish priest of Tolosa, Leyte in 1967. He also became the vice-rector and Prefect of his former school, the Sacred Heart Seminary.

Before his Episcopal Ordination on March 17,1987 at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Ormoc City , he served different positions at Palo, Leyte including the position of vicar general of the Archdiocese of Palo. This year, he will be celebrating his 43rd year in the service of his flock. He is also the current chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine Episcopal Commission on Canon Law.

- published by Sunday Post in Oct 2007

Senator Eduardo Angara, chair of the Senate committee on banks, financial institutions and currencies will arrive here this morning for a two-day visit. While in Bohol , the former agriculture secretary during the tine of former president Joseph Estrada will be met at the airport by businessman Marlito Uy of the Alturas Group of Companies. Then, they will proceed to Ubay to visit one of the most modern rice mills in the entire country owned by the Uys. After his Ubay visit, the senator is scheduled to meet Gov. Erico Aumentado in a one-on-one session. The venue was not disclosed. Early tomorrow morning, the senator will meet with a selected group of mediamen at the Cion Verge Restaurant at the city airport.

- published by Sunday Post in October 2006

THE government is not resting until it can hit an ambitious 57% target cut in the country's budget deficit for next near, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said during a press conference last week. When it was miraculous enough to stave off a P256B in 2002 to P148B in four years, the country's economic consultants now train their sights to cut the deficit down to P63B next year. How? Not by levying more taxes, not on borrowing but relying more on our resources, he said. By this, he means raising revenues by putting in 100% effort to religiously collect taxes and settle problems with tax evaders, Teves told reporters during the press conference. And with every peso that the government collects in taxes, as much as P.40 centavos go back to the local government units so they can finance priority projects, he said while hinting that the LGUs tend to benefit more from a more efficient tax collection generation.

The P.40 centavos for every peso should also signal a transformation of the economic landscape in the barangays and open up even more chances for job generation. “This should set the mood to even the budget by 2008,” Teves told reporters gathered at the air-conditioned Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall in Maribojoc, Bohol . Sec. Teves was the guest of honor during Maribojoc's 146th Foundation Anniversary October 15. Teves, who traces his roots with the Bustaliño clan in Barangay Dipatlong also cited Bohol 's key role in implementing tourism and agricultural development related infrastructure projects to rear up eco-tourism as supportive of the national government plan. Schooled in Spain , Europe 's prime eco-tourism country, Teves said tourism as set for Central Philippines super region is going to work wonders on the people here. This too, he said would equip people to earn, and in turn would translate to more revenues. “Tourism has tremendous effects for job generation,” he said.

- published by Sunday Post in 2006

published by Sunday Post (2006)

Laying the base for the Bohol 's positioning as one of the exciting destinations in the region, authorities now brace to get into two events that could boost local promotions.

In the line of Bohol sights is the 3rd International Visayas-Mindanao Travel, Tours; Leisure and Lifestyle Expo, another rare opportunity for the eco-tourism province to showcase some more her wonders at the March 16 to 18, 2007 show.

Furthermore, the Davao International Travel Show 2007, which runs from February 23 to 25, 2007 both at the SM Cebu Trade Hall Cebu City is also another equally providential chance opened for Bohol .

The province has now cast off invitations to Bohol 's top and aspiring tour industry operators to see the chance to further boost their tourism potentials.

“The organizers are inviting agencies offering accommodation facilities and amenities, travel and tour operators, transport companies, business chambers, audio visual technical suppliers to the exposition.”

It also calls for convention and exhibition venues, event organizers and management companies, malls and shopping centers, health and sports facilities and other travel and tourism related suppliers to the event”, a letter from the Capitol told the Post.

Interested parties may ask for details from the Bohol Tourism Office and get priority contract forms as booking is purely on a first come, first served basis.

published by Sunday Post in 2006

First District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto met Thursday morning with Philippine Consulate, Dept. of Labor and Overseas Welfare Administration officials at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates regarding the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Present during the breakfast meeting were Acting Consul-General Vicente-Vicencio Bandillo, Labor Attache Florencia Ardivilla and Welfare Officer Eduardo Mendoza, Jr.

The Philippine officials briefed Cong. Chatto that OFWs are contributing largely to the economy of UAE and are well-liked due to their love of work and good command of English language. However, it was also acknowledged that there are many issues confronting OFWs including cases involving breach of employment contract either by the employer or employee, violation of immigration and labor laws, and in some instances, alleged maltreatment by their employers.

After the meeting, Chatto and the officials came up with consensus recommendation urging all Filipinos aspiring to work in the UAE and the Middle East to take the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) seriously and learn the culture of the employer's country before the scheduled departure. It has been observed that many conflicts between employers and employees were traced to differences in cultural practices, thus creating gaps in the workplace. It was also discussed that aspiring OFWs must avoid resorting to Visit Visa as a scheme to gain entry in the UAE since this will not guarantee employment and will result instead to heavy penalties including possible imprisonment.

The Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office assured Chatto that assistance will be given to OFWs facing cases in the Middle East and those filing cases against their employers or recruitment agencies. It may be noted that lately, Chatto caused the release and repatriation of 23 OFWs including a Boholana who were held up in a well guarded quarter of the employer. Chatto visited Dubai enroute to Tehran , Iran , where he represented House Speaker Jose De Venecia and the Philippine Congress in the meeting of Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) with 39 member countries. Cong. Chatto is the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Special Committee on OFWs.