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ILOILO CITY -- The city Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) is confident that this highly urbanized city still has the confidence of the business community.

This after Iloilo City rated poorly in the 2017 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) released  last August 16 during the 5th Regional Competitiveness Summit in Pasay City. 

"As far as Iloilo (City) is concerned, all indicators showed that business is dynamic and investment is there. Our number of (business) registrations increase significantly," said BPLO head Norman Tabud on Wednesday. 

Iloilo City targets 2,000 new businesses in 2017. As of second quarter of this year, it has registered 1,500 new businesses, he said.

He added that Iloilo City even surpassed the standard on business registration mandated under Joint Memorandum Circular of the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Meantime, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) coordinator Jose Roni Peñalosa said that the city government is not losing hope. They just need to push further as he cited that Iloilo City targets to scale up its score in the economic dynamism indicator where the city is now ranked 17th among  the 33 highly-urbanized city (HUC) entries.  "We look at that as a goal, let us build on the momentum," he stated.

The CMCI, from the previous three indicators, has added resiliency as another parameter this year.  The others are government efficiency, infrastructure and economic dynamism.

While Iloilo City has moved three notches higher in the economic dynamism from last year's 20th rank, it dropped in other indicators.

It only placed 32nd in government efficiency from its 2016 rank, which was third among 34 HUCs.  Also it dropped to 27 from 26 in infrastructure.  In resiliency, it was at 31st spot.

Among 33 HUCs that were included in the ranking, Iloilo City was at the 32nd spot from its 8th rank in 2016.

Peñalosa hoped that there will be a separate category for medium size cities and not pit highly-urbanized cities all together, to include those from the National Capital Region (NCR).

"Iloilo City should not be pitted against Metro Manila cities. While it is good to benchmark with them yet there has to be a category for medium-size cities," he added. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY - - Iloilo City's campaign against illegal drugs received  more than 50 percent of its PHP30 million peace and order funds for 2017, according to its peace and order and public safety (POPS) plan.

The POPS plan, approved by the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), is still awaiting to be adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) although portion of the budget has already been disbursed. 

It is a three-year plan that contains program and activities that can be financed from the peace and order fund, Lawyer Ferdinand L. Panes, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Iloilo City stressed Wednesday afternoon.

"This means that all disbursements using peace and order fund shall be reflected in the plan. No money shall be released unless it is included in the approved POPS plan," he added.

As approved by the CPOC, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were appropriated approximately PHP8 million each this year.

In the next three years, the two law enforcement agencies identified programs and projects in line with the promotion of drug-free workplace in the city hall and the barangays.

These include among others conduct of drug testing, community and school-based anti-drug preventives, operations against high-value targets, procurement of surveillance vehicles and motorcycles and drug clearing operations.

There were also allocations for the city health office for the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers, after care support program of the city social welfare and development office, among others.

If there are changes in the plan, the group will again gather to have it amended.

Panes said the allocation of peace and order funds in the annual budget will depend on the situation of the locality taking in inputs from the PNP, Army and other CPOC members. The budget is prepared by the Local Finance Committee.

The SP adoption was the latest requirement as mandated by the DILG central office and cascaded recently by the regional office.  The guidelines for the POPS plan was crafted in coordination with the Commission on Audit (COA).

On the other hand, DILG is reiterating the need for villages to establish a barangay reading center, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 99-208.

The center does not necessarily mean a library but an area where reading materials can be displayed for information dissemination.

"It is just a reiteration because we will be monitoring again the compliance of our barangays," he said. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- A team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is evaluating 21 projects under the Davao City Infrastructure Development Plan and Capacity Building Project.

Jica Project Team leader Ken Kumazawa said Jica already conducted consultations with stakeholders including industry and government agencies. Jica has also developed a data base for branding including GIS, land use as well as conduct opinion survey.

"We also focus on future land use branding by 2045," he told reporters during the Habi@Kape on Wednesday at Abreeza Mall.

The Davao City Infrastructure Development Plan and Capacity Building Project aims to develop an infrastructure plan for Davao City to improve the city's competitiveness, safety from disasters and general urban conditions. It also aims to support the planning and implementation of infrastructure development effectively and efficiently through the capacity enhancement of the National Economic and Developmeny Authority (Neda) and the city government of Davao.

Within this year, Kumazawa said Jica will start disaster management and flood control project that includes Davao River.

He said there are many projects for implementation but "we try to take a more comprehensive approach". He mentioned the ongoing project Davao City Bypass Road, a 22-kilometer road funded by Jica at a cost of USD100 million.

Jica Project Team member who handles socioeconomic framework Lynn Sison said, "What we are doing is integrating all infrastructure projects because there are so many agencies doing their own projects and really not coordinating with each other."

In Davao City, she said Jica is integrating seven projects from Neda and 21 from the Davao City government.

"By integrating these projects we see gaps and we are proposing what should be there so it becomes a complete fabric for the city," she said. She added that through analysis Jica sees the gaps in the projects such as a water supply project where there are areas that are under served.

"Information has already been provided of the different projects and we are evaluating them as to the standing in terms of preparedness whether it has FS (Feasibility Study) or concept level on that manner," she said.

"We also look at the advantages and disadvantages of the projects," she said. The 21 projects in Davao City are being programmed with different timeline as to preparedness.

Some projects have already its FS, but Jica still needs to evaluate the integrity of these FS.

Sison said JICA is not only looking at one infrastructure sector but other core sectors: transportation, water supply, solid waste, and drainage.

Sison said an interim report of their findings will be presented in October while the final report will incorporate the integrated inputs from national agencies and other players will be presented in December to the Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC).

The JCC is composed of the NRO XI (chair), Neda-CO, City Government of Davao (co-chair), Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Housing Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Jica Headquarters, Phil Office and Jica Project Team.

The PIC, on the other hand,  is composed of NRO XI (chair), City Government of Davao (co-chair), regional offices of DPWH, DENR, DILG, HLURB, chair of DOTr Regional Management and DOTr Central Office, Davao City Water District, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Jica HQ/Philippine Office and Jica Project Team. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Some 100 families lost their homes as fire razed 86 houses in a relocation site in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City early Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out around 2:00 a.m. and quickly spread, prompting the Mandaue Fire Department to raise the fire alarm to Task Force Alpha. Fire trucks from neighboring cities of  Cebu and Talisay, and Liloan town  also responded.  

Reports said the fire started at the house of a certain Estella Abad,  which was allegedly intentionally burned by four unidentified men.

Fire investigators have yet to confirm the report but some of Abad's neighbors claimed to have seen the four men set fire to the house and immediately fled.

Six people were reportedly injured in the blaze that lasted for more than an hour.

The Mandaue Fire Department placed the fire damage at PHP500,000.

Affected families are temporarily sheltered at the barangay's covered gymnasium (LBG/Michelle Bugtai/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – An official of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (Smaardec) vowed to work for stronger partnership as contributor to the country's economic growth.

Dr. Lourdes Generalao, Smaardec Research Development Council chair and president of the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep), said Smaardec  has flourished into an influential development community over the years and contributed growth in agriculture, fishery and aquatic industry in Davao Region.

She was thankful that the consortium continues to collaborate and has been instrumental in successful research and development projects.

During the Smaardec's 3oth founding anniversary at the Abreza Mall Wednesday, Generalao cited successful projects like a modest Project Bitaugan in Davao Oriental, the conduct of a policy land use conversion, research and development for three big ticket projects in Davao Region, and the science and technology to fight the dreaded fusarium disease in banana farms.

Smaardec, through the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) was supported the rehabilitation of the areas hit by typhoon Pablo in 2012 and a sugar technology training spearheaded by Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (Spamast).

Smaardec is a research and development organization supporting agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors. From nine member-consortiums, it has grown to 25 multidisciplinary member-agencies.

Smaardec is primarily engaged in knowledge and technology generation, research and development results utilization/technology transfer, capability building and governance, and policy advocacy for science and technology development.

Generalao said Smaardec's Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda (Fiesta) should serve as an avenue for the farmers, agencies to exchange ideas and strengthen partnership. Fiesta make use of the festive mode usually associated with fiesta celebration to display the finest results of research and development initiatives and other priority agricultural products and related value-adding initiatives.

She reminded that research and development is the backbone of the consortium.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was represented by Councilor Marissa Abella, recognizes the role of Smaardec in bringing improvements to farm production.

Duterte-Carpio was hopeful that Smaardec would continue help address the needs of farmers in terms of increasing farm productions and their enhance competency. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Wednesday encouraged all police officers in Central Visayas to remain focus in fulfilling their duties and not be distracted by the widespread criticisms on the war on drugs. 

"Whatever problems the PNP is facing right now, we shouldn't worry for as long as we are doing our duty," said Dela Rosa during the 116th Police Service Anniversary celebration here at the Police Regional Office - 7 on Wednesday. "The war on drugs is for the betterment of the community."

He encouraged every policeman to work even harder as the anti-drugs campaign may last longer as expected. "We had already prevailed and we will continue to prevail," Dela Rosa added.

Dela Rosa also proudly announced that PRO-7 is among the highest achievers in the first year of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The  Central Visayas police  reported the surrender of almost 100,000 drug personalities.

"I am happy to know that together with your strong performance in the anti-drug war, you also continue to strengthen your human rights program and your women and children protection efforts," Dela Rosa said.

However, dela Rosa also warned the police officers not to plant evidence on suspected drug dealers. "Avoid planting evidence. That's not the right way. Remember, God is watching us. In the end, there will always be judgment from Him. So do not do such things," Dela Rosa said.

Before the anniversary program, Dela Rosa awarded  the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting"  to two hospitalized policemen - PO1 Dennis Valiente and PO2 Jemuel Villaflores. 

Valiente was wounded during an operation against a high-value target in Cordova, Mactan, while Villaflores was also injured during a buy-bust operation that led to a shootout with fellow police officer Ryan Quiamco in Talisay City.

Meanwhile, PRO-7 Director Jose Mario Espino gladly reported to the Chief PNP that the region's police is on the right track in intensifying the war on drugs and will continue to arrest all drug personalities, including police officers involved in the drug trade.

"Our internal cleansing program was indeed fruitful as several police officers of PRO-7 who are drug protectors have already been relieved and are now facing cases in the Ombudsman. We will not stop going after them. So, watch out!" Espino said.

"Although some civil rights advocates are protesting against our measures and accuse the PNP of not giving civil rights to those caught in our campaign, my response to them is that the No. 1 civil right is the right to be free from crime and illegal drugs. We go after the suspects by following standard police procedure," Espino added.

The PRO-7 respects human right, as, in fact, they have made more arrests than shooting engagements with drug personalities, he said. 

Espino added they are not killing machines nor they are robots, and they don't want children to lose their fathers in an operation. But sometimes these things happen because they must also protect themselves.

Espino also paid tribute to the two wounded officers Valiente and Villaflores.

"I consider them heroes for catching a big fish. More big fish to catch," Espino said. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is endorsing a village-initiated tourism project to invite more investors and tourists in Burgos town, one of Ilocos Norte's major tourist destinations and home to the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia.

In Poblacion, village officials are pushing for the development of an Amianan tourism village, covering an area of 5,430 square meters along the national highway.

The lot was bought earlier by the barangay government unit sourced from its collection of real estate taxes, mostly from the PHP12.3-billion Burgos wind project of the Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation.

To encourage more investors, Poblacion village chief Joegie Jimenez bared plans to construct a multi-purpose building which can be offered for lease or commercial use.

At the back of the proposed Amianan village is a small water impounding project that would support the establishment of an organic farm, tilapia pond and in raising other homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Jimenez, a former Ilocos Norte tourism officer, dreams of attracting more visitors wanting to drop by for some refreshments or experience farm life.

Jimenez inspected the site following the recent visit of DOT Undersecretary Silvino Tejada in Ilocos Norte. He lauded the concept of the proposed Amianan tourism village and community center as he assured to endorse it to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for possible funding.

Also present during the ocular inspection were Mayor Rodolfo Garcia and son, Vice Mayor Cresente Garcia, who both supported the project. (PNA) 



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The provincial government of Nueva Ecija has pledged to extend PHP10,000 financial support to each quail and chicken farmers whose animals will have to be culled due to the effect of Avian Influenza virus.

Governor Czarina Umali said the provincial government would want to make sure that small farmers can bounce back and recover after the calamity.

This, as the provincial board approved Tuesday Umali's recommendation to place the towns of San Isidro and Jaen under state of calamity due to the crisis brought by the Avian flu outbreak in one quail farm in Barangay Imbuña, Jaen and a layer farm in Barangay San Roque, San Isidro.

Umali asked the Provincial Veterinary Office to closely coordinate with counterparts in the municipality for proper inventory of culled feathered animals. The target beneficiaries are farmers with 700 or less quails or chickens.

The provincial government will also provide free anti-flu vaccine to residents within the one-kilometer radius from ground zero. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- At least two persons in Ormoc City died after the magnitude 5.1 earthquake that struck the western part of Leyte province Wednesday morning, local authorities reported.

Ormoc City police identified the fatalities as Maria Contreras Colasito, 51, resident of Naungan village; and Rosita Baloro, 70, resident of San Jose village.

Elma Delos Santos, Ormoc police deputy director for operations, said that Colasito slipped and fell while trying to run to an open space when the earthquake hit the city around 6:26 a.m. on Wednesday.

In a mobile phone interview, she said Baloro suffered the same fate and lost consciousness. Both of them were proclaimed dead when brought to the hospital.

The local police confirmed that at least 56 houses were slightly damaged in Altavista village in Ormoc City.

The city government also suspended classes in all levels in Ormoc on Wednesday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the earthquake with tectonic origin was five kilometers northeast of Albuera town.

Albuera is a neighboring town of Kananga and Ormoc City, the two areas badly hit by the July 6, 2017 destructive earthquake that killed three, including a young mother from Ormoc.
The tremor was also felt in Pastrana, Leyte with a recorded Intensity 4; Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte at Intensity 3; and Cebu City at Intensity 1.

Albuera town is located within the Central Leyte Fault line stretching from Villalon village in Calubian, Leyte and ends in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. The active fault line forms part of the 1,200-kilometer long Philippine Fault Zone, which extends throughout the country. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Big ticket irrigation projects, topped by the construction of the third and last phase of the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP) in Pangasinan, are in the pipeline in Ilocos Region next year.

A report by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) provincial office in Dagupan, quoting National Irrigation Administration Regional Director John Celeste, said construction of ARIIP's Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP) was included in the proposed 2018 national budget now being deliberated by Congress.

Celeste said LARISIP has a service area of 12,600 hectares covering six municipalities -- three in Pangasinan, two in Tarlac and one in Nueva Ecija.

Also in the pipeline is an irrigation project in Ilocos Norte that will draw water from the Palsiguan River in Abra, with an estimated cost of PHP26.7 billion. The project will benefit farmers in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Because of its high reservoir, the project can also generate power for the province of Abra.

Irrigation projects were also proposed to be built in Gregorio Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur but consultations with affected residents and municipalities are still ongoing.

Celeste also announced that smaller dams with a height of 20 to 40 meters will also be built in Bugallon and and Aguilar towns in Pangasinan.

At the same time, he revealed that construction of irrigation projects approved for 2017 is still going on in different parts of Ilocos. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas on Wednesday turned over to fisherfolks of Barangay Sebario, San Lorenzo, Guimaras a community fish landing center (CFLC) and 10 units of 20-footer fiberglass boats.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Pińol, who turned over the projects, said these are among the interventions of the government to help sustenance of fishermen in the country.

Under the DA, BFAR is responsible for the development, improvement, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources in the country.

Guimaras Gover Samuel Gumarin expressed thanks to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR for improving the livelihood of the fisherfolks through the projects. 

The establishment of the PHP3 million-CFLC is among the national programs of BFAR. It aims to spur growth in coastal areas with high poverty incidence and large population of registered fisherfolk under the BFAR's Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET) program. 

The facility will serve as hub for fisheries' harvests and economic activities like fish trade. It will also serve as venue for skills training of fisherfolks in the community.

The 10 units of 20-footer fiberglass boats, meanwhile, benefited 20 fisherfolk-families of the coastal barangay. Each fiberglass boats will be shared by two families.

The distribution of the fiberglass fishing boats was made possible through the "F/B Pagbabago" Livelihood Development Program, a livelihood intervention of BFAR in partnership with Department of Agriculture to ensure resiliency and safety of fishermen at sea.

Spearheaded under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the program aims to uplift the socio-economic status of fisherfolks through provision of disaster-resilient fishing boats.

Fiberglass is a durable material, which makes the fiberglass fishing boats dependable compared to wooden boats. Wooden boats could be used up to three years and require ample maintenance while fiberglass boats could last for 20 years with less maintenance.

(PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Veterinary  Office (PVO) has conducted an orientation for  the  presidents of 18 para-veterinarians (paravet) associations in Negros Occidental as part of the readiness plan against the avian flu virus.

Dr. Ryan Janoya, head of Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services Inspection Division, said the participants were oriented on bird flu, particularly on prevention of the virus from infecting poultry products.

During their meeting Tuesday afternoon, he said educating the paravets is part of the PVO's preparedness plan to enable them to help spread the right information to the grassroots level.

"We want to make the community become more ready in dealing with this situation to be able to implement necessary measures immediately," Janoya added.

As of Wednesday, average price of dressed chicken in Negros Occidental markets declined anew amid bird flu scare.

Janoya said the low demand of the commodity has pulled the prices down since the bird flu outbreak in Pampanga and in Nueva Ecija has sowed "fear" among consumers.

Latest weekly prevailing market price report, based on the August 15 to 21 monitoring,  showed the current average price of dressed chicken in Negros Occidental is PHP155.11 per kilogram,  lower by PHP1.46 per kilogram compared to the past week's PHP156.57 per kilogram.

Janoya, however, said the price decrease is still within the normal range for dressed chicken.

Since Negros Occidental still has surplus in chicken supply, prices are expected to dip given the low demand.

"We reassure the Negrenses that our local stocks are free from avian influenza. Quarantine and other safety measures are in place," Janoya added. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY - - The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday turned over to farmers in Barangay Cabano, San Lorenzo, Guimaras a rice processing center and one unit of rice thresher.

The PHP5.9-million rice processing center came with a 300 square meter warehouse complete with drainage and electrical system; one multi pass rice mill with one ton per hour milling capacity and 65 percent minimum milling recovery; and one unit of recirculating dryer with six tons holding capacity and 90.5 percent drying efficiency. The rice thresher meanwhile costs around PHP1 million.

These projects benefited some 30 farmers who are members of the Guimaras Seed Growers Multipurpose Cooperative.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pińol , who graced the turn over Wednesday morning, said that the projects are just the beginning of the many more projects to be provided to the farmers as the government pushes for farm mechanization and improved agriculture production.

He added that the farmers in the island province are currently facing problems in their production thus, he wanted to provide them their needs.

He said he is initially planning to provide each of the five towns of the province one unit of harvester, which could help the farmers minimize production losses.

He also vowed to help farmers acquire hybrid rice so they can increase their production. (PNA)

 



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government forces have been deployed to undertake clean-up operation of the "grimy and ruined streets" as fighting continues in the "main battle area" of the besieged city of Marawi.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said in a statement e-mailed to the Philippine News Agency that security personnel, armed with brooms, grass cutters, bolo and white wash, roamed in areas of the city already declared "cleared" of enemy presence.

The clean-up drive initiated by the Joint Task Force Tabang headed by Col. Thomas Sedano is dubbed as "Kaplimpiyo tano ko Kalilintad" in Maranao, which means in Tagalog as "Maglinis tayo para sa kapayapaan (Let us clean for peace).

The target areas of the clean-up drive are the roads in Barangays Emie Punud, Matampay, Sarimanok, Marawi poblacion and Malalat.

Utilizing all the Civil Military Operation units available, the group was successful in cleaning up what was left of the fighting after Daesh-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City.

Sedano said they "will do it little by little" since they lack manpower to undertake clean-up drive.

But Sedano said they will ensure that the streets will not look as grubby and filthy as how it appeared to be before "we started cleaning up,"

"Our primary intention is to avoid an epidemic that could plague our communities by the time residents of Marawi (City) will be allowed to come back," the Westmincom said, quoting Sedano said saying.

The clean-up drive for religious icons such as mosques was launched on Saturday, August 19, in Barangay Lilod, Tulali, Marawi City.

Around 15 policemen and a team of soldiers cleaned and undertake minor repairs of the Saad Huzam Almusairi Masjid located in the area.

Senior Supt. Rolando Anduyan, Joint Task Group PNP commander, said they deployed Maranao policemen to undertake clean-up of mosques "to specifically address cultural sensitivity issues,"

"They are the proper persons who know how to do the job without violating religious practices and beliefs," Anduyan said.

"We will continue doing this in partnership with the police so that mosques that have been preserved will be able to cater Moslem believers immediately by the time we give a green light for soldiers to go back to their homes," Brig. Gen. Joselito Rolando Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said.

He said the next in line for clearing are mosques inside the Main Battle Area.

"Your uniformed troops will be continually involved in rehabilitation activities within and outside Marawi City," Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief said. (TPGJR/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police anti-drug operatives arrested a dismissed public school teacher and his cohort in a buy-bust operation in Koronadal City on Monday night.

Chief Insp.  Jomero Sentinta, deputy chief of the Koronadal City police station, identified the suspects as former high school teacher Cyrus Calixtro of Barangay Zone II and Winston Rivera of Barangays Avancena in Koronadal City.

He said the suspects were arrested  at around 8:30 p.m. Monday at a portion of Block 4, Marville Homes in Barangay Sto.Niño after allegedly sold a sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P500 to a police officer who posed as a buyer.

The operation was led by elements of the Koronadal City police station's drug enforcement unit and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Recovered from the suspects were another large pack of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P6,000 and a P500 marked bill used in the buy-bust.    

The 31 year-old Calixtro was a former teacher of the Home Economics department of the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School in Koronadal City.

Sources at the school said the suspect, who had a history of excessive unauthorized absences and tardiness, went on absence without official leave or Awol since last year.

He was recommended by the school earlier this year to be dropped from its rolls and was officially terminated from service last month.

Sentinta said they had long been monitoring the movements of Calixtro and Rivera, who were included in the city' drug watch list.

He said they were able to confirm their involvement in the illegal drug trade following a "positive test-buy."

"They were known for their notorious illegal activities in the barangay so we targeted them for operation," he said.

The police official said they sent the recovered evidences to the South Cotabato Scene of the Crime Operatives or Soco crime laboratory in Koronadal City for proper examination and valuation.

The suspects, who are currently detained at the Koronadal City police station lock up, would be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 or selling and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) gathered more than 800 names of alleged drug dependents after "Tokhang Reboot" was launched in Iloilo province on August 18.

In an interview Tuesday, IPPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Aaron Palomo said that these names are a combination of users and pushers of hard drugs that were identified by local residents.

Palomo emphasized that the names are yet to be validated. Once the names are validated, they will be called to surrender just like what was done during the "Oplan Tokhang" and Oplan Double Barrel.

Tokhang Reboot was launched during the 116th Police Service Anniversary held at Camp Delgado here, August 14, as part of the relentless campaign against hard drugs of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Western Visayas.

According to Palomo, different individuals were urged to write down names of drug dependents they know in their area. These were put in drop boxes available in their respective barangay halls and the municipal police stations of their town.

Palomo cited the cooperation of the public in Tokhang Reboot. He further urged them to continue supporting the initiative by providing names of drug dependents they know so they could take action to them.

Previously, IPPO coordinated with some stakeholders for the rehabilitation of the drug surrenderers who will yield under the Tokhang Reboot.

They have also coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for sustainable livelihood projects they could provide to encourage drug surrenderers to stay away from hard drugs.

Also, other stakeholders were tapped for programs and projects for drug surrenderers.

Palomo assured that drug dependents who will surrender during the Tokhang Reboot will be given a chance to reform and make a living through livelihood programs and other projects.

He also assured to strengthen their campaign against hard drugs, especially now that President Rodrigo Duterte appreciated their efforts and accomplishments. Previously, the President tagged Iloilo as "shabulized" and "bedrock of illegal drugs." (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Police rescued two drug-pushing minors while their supervisor eluded arrest in Barangay Sambag 2, this city Monday night.

Operatives of the Fuente Police Station successfully rescued the two girls, aged 16 and 17 respectively, while transacting with a poseur buyer around 9 p.m. Monday.

Their supervisor, who was not a resident of the barangay but was renting a room in the neighborhood, got away and was pursued by police in a follow-up operation in a lodging house in Barangay Sto. Niño, but managed to escape.   

Fuente Police chief Ma. Theresa Macatangay and her men recovered 11 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" worth PHP129,000 from the possession of the two girls, who told police they get their supply from Barangay Duljo-Fatima -- known bailiwick of the late drug lord Jeffrey "Jaguar" Diaz.

Macatangay said this only proves that pushers are now exploiting minors in their operations.

The two girls, who are considered as street-level pushers, are now in the custody of the Fuente Police Station.

As they are still minors, Macatangay said they will wait for the Department of Social Welfare and Development to determine if cases can be filed against the teenage girls. (Michelle Bugtai/PNA)  

 



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CANDABA, Pampanga -- Duck raisers here lauded the decision of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lift the ban on the shipment of poultry and poultry products from Luzon to other parts of the country.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol made the announcement upon the recommendation of biosecurity experts.

Benedicta Baylon, president of Candaba Duck Raisers and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said that on behalf of her fellow duck raisers, they thank the government and other sectors that expressed concern to their predicament as they lost millions of pesos due to the Avian flu outbreak in San Luis town.
 
"Maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo at hindi ninyo kami pinabayaan sa gitna ng krisis lalo na kay Governor Lilia Pineda (Thank you for your help especially to Governor Lilia Pineda. You did not forsake and abandon us in the midst of the crisis)," Baylon said.
 
The DA's move came after the one-kilometer radius from the ground zero of Barangay San Carlos, San Luis town, was cleared and disinfected from avian influenza or bird flu following the culling of more than 300,000 fowls, including those inside the seven-kilometer radius controlled area.

With this, poultry owners and traders can now resume sales under certain conditions to the other parts of the country.

One of those greatly affected by the bird flu outbreak are the Candaba duck raisers wherein 80 percent of their egg production are being shipped to Visayas and Mindanao and only 20 percent are being distributed in Luzon.

In an interview, Candaba Mayor Danilo Baylon, who distributed more than 4,000 pieces of live chicken here for free, admitted that the shipment ban in Visayas and Mindanao took a toll on the poultry industry in his town with an estimated loss of roughly PHP5 million a day.

Likewise, Baylon said the bird flu outbreak affected the sales of poultry feeds that dropped up to 70 percent.

He expressed hope that with this development, poultry farm owners would be encouraged to restart their business.

He also appealed to the national government for more financial assistance to the poultry farmers and displaced farm workers in the province. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- The local government of Bacarra town in Ilocos Norte province is set to receive an award from the Office of the President on Wednesday for being one of the top 20 most resilient municipalities in the country.

Bacarra Mayor Nicomedes dela Cruz confirmed this Tuesday as local officials prepared to leave for Manila to accept the award, which recognizes the "balikbayan town" of the north's proactive role in disaster preparedness.

Dela Cruz said the local government here, along with other public organizations, has institutionalized measures before, during and after a disaster strikes to prevent loss of lives or further damage to property.

Among Bacarra's best practices is the conduct of preemptive evacuation of residents living in pre-identified highly-vulnerable coastal villages in the event of natural calamities, as well as regular disaster drills. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Philippine telecommunications companies Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom have been invited to attend the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to address the public clamor for better Internet services and signal coverage in Palawan.

In his privilege speech Tuesday, Board Member Albert Rama explained that his intention to invite Smart and Globe to the Question Hour of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the first week of September is not only to clarify what ails the operations of telcos in the province, but also because Palawan is already addressing all aspects of development.

"More or less, the province is now addressing all aspects of progress, especially in infrastructure development, to facilitate social and economic growth in Palawan. What is lacking right now is communications development. We have roads, water system, and power developments, but communications is still an issue," Rama said.

He added that although nearly all 23 municipalities are already covered by their signals, there are still service gaps that must be addressed for Palawan's development to be complete.

"There are remaining dead spot areas, and data downloading is very, very slow. There are many barangays that are not yet covered by cellphone signals, and we want to know the causal issues to be able to build compromises over possible solutions," he said.

Related to this, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan deferred a resolution filed by Board Member Roseller Pineda that requests Globe Telecom, through chief executive officer Ernest Cu, to install a cell site in Barangay Casian, Taytay in northern Palawan.

Pineda said the cell site would provide reliable communications services to the islands and coastal barangays of the town, as well as neighboring municipalities.

Board Member David Francis Ponce de Leon, who suggested the postponement of the first reading, said the resolution can be undertaken after Smart and Globe have made clarifications.

In the resolution, Pineda said the Globe cell site can help connect scattered islands in Taytay and Shark's Fin Bay through the fringes of northeastern coastal barangays of El Nido to Linapacan.

"The cell site can help boost the growth of the tourism, fishing, and aquaculture industries of Taytay and the two other towns," Pineda said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The ISIS-inspired Maute group on Tuesday attacked a military outpost, which authorities described as an attempt to disrupt the opening of classes at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City.

The attack happened around 4:45 a.m. at a temporary military outpost in Barangay Poblacion in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) reported.

A member of the Maute group was killed when government troops returned fire. The troops recovered the remains of the slain Maute attacker.

The troops also recovered two rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition link for M-60 machine gun, and M-203 ammunition.
"In their attempt to cause havoc, the terrorists even incurred casualties with the preparation of our ground troops," said Brig. Gen. Joselito Rolando Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander.

Troops further tightened checkpoints in their respective areas of operation to preempt any diversionary attacks by the Maute group to disrupt the opening of classes at the MSU.

"We are on top of the situation and our troops are prepositioned to thwart any attempts by the terrorists to hamper security. We are also denying reports that there is a lockdown within the campus of the Mindanao State University or its immediate vicinity.

Classes at the said university already resumed this morning," Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief said.

"With the heightened security, students were transported from Iligan City to Marawi earlier today," he added.

About 600 students and MSU officials aboard 12 buses left Iligan City and were escorted by the military and police to MSU campus.

"We will make sure that any attempts to thwart our plans for normalcy of Marawi City will not be successful," Galvez said.
"With the help of the MSU community and those who desire to build back a better Marawi City, we are sure that we can defeat any terror group from perpetrating their plan," he added.

A send-off ceremony was held at around 8 a.m. with Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia; Jamaloden Basar, OIC of MSU; Colonel Allan Hambala, chief of staff of the Army's 1st Infantry Division; and Supt. Ebra Moxir of the Marawi City police.

The Westmincom said the students arrived at the MSU campus in Marawi City around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. An opening program was also held at Antonio Isidro Hall inside the MSU campus.

MSU Division of the Student Affairs Director Usman Aragasi welcomed the students, officials, military and police officers present.

He also expressed gratitude to the Joint Task Group Ranao for the support extended to them.

National Youth Commission chair Aiza Seguerra also graced the opening of classes at MSU. (TPGJR/PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY –The Department of Health has allotted PHP65 million for the construction and rehabilitation of the City Health Office (CHO) here.

Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, who facilitates the project implementation, said in a press briefing Tuesday the DOH approved the budget based on the feasibility study and agreement between the CHO and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Teams from the DOH and DPWH met last week to discuss the project's implementation, he added.

The CHO compound is located along Galo-BBB Streets in Barangay 20.

Gasataya said he lobbied for the project to decongest the volume of patients seeking medical services at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH).

Majority of the patients at CLMMRH, the only DOH hospital in Negros Island, comes from Bacolod.

Gasataya said the DOH has already released PHP20 million for the CHO project which will be implemented by the DPWH.

He added that the bidding is scheduled to start in September.  

The rest of the funding would be released by 2018, the lawmaker said.

Gasataya said the once the construction and rehabilitation of the CHO facilities is completed, the city government can also use the building for an office, medical clinic, or lying-in center. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The City Council on Tuesday approved on third reading amendments to the Real Property Tax (RPT) Code, which could raise P326 million increase in real property tax collection if fully implemented.

The amendments came after 12 years that the city never made any changes to the real property tax ordinance. The amendments included the four per cent increase for residential; 9.5 per cent in agriculture; 11 per cent for commercial, and 25 per cent in mineral, industrial and timberland industry.

The approved amendments were lower than the proposed increase of the City Assessor's Office (CAO) which recommended an increase of five per cnet for residential; 10 per cent for agricultural, and 12 percent for commercial.

New investors in the city were also subjected to two years exemption of RPT as part of the city's way to attract investors.

Committee on Finance, Ways and Means chair Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said the city council considered the status of the Dabawenyo taxpayers in increasing real property taxes.

"The basic principle here is affordability. We considered the situation of the Dabawenyos if we will impose big increase in their real property tax," he said.

Dayanghirang said the increase on the real property tax will be split into three. On first payment, taxpayers will pay one third of the increase; two thirds on the second payment while a full payment on the third payment will be imposed.

"We split it into three so that the Dabawenyos can adjust on the increase," he said. The amendments of RPT were supposedly done every five years. The last amendment was made in 2005.

The RPT amendments are still subject for approval of the Department of Finance (DOF).

"We are very confident that the Department of Finance will approve our RPT increase proposal without amendments," Dayanghirang said.

The amended Real Property Tax is expected to be implemented on 2019 after the approval of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. (Funny Pearl Gajunera/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY—Amid the Avian Influenza or bird flu outbreak in Luzon, the livestock industry players here are not taking any chances against animal diseases that may affect the industry, such as food and mouth disease (FMD) by beefing up good agricultural practices.

"We should not put our guards down even if we are FMD-free," said Edward So, president of Davao Hog Raisers Association.

"The more that we should be strict in protecting our industry, considering the fact that other markets in the country like Luzon and the Visayas source their pork requirements in Mindanao," he added.

He said Mindanao has quality products and exports hogs to Luzon and Visayas where there is a shortage of pork meat.

The shortage of pork meat, So said, is felt especially in Luzon because of the present administration's policy to curb smuggling.

So stressed the shortage of pork production in the country even surprises hog raisers in Mindanao. As such this is an opportune time to consider joining the hog industry to increase production.

While Mindanao hog raisers are committed to improving their production, So said the government should also help backyard raising to go mainstream.

"What is good in Mindanao is that we still have available lands for hog raising unlike in Luzon," he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI will collect blood samples from hogs for FMD test, cholera and other hog diseases as part of its monitoring to ensure that Davao's livestock remains FMD free.

Dr. Dannie Apelo, Avian Influenza coordinator of DA, also assured that in the provinces, cities, towns and barangay levels there are personnel in-charge on IEC (information, education, communication) for awareness campaign among backyard raisers.

"These backyard raisers already know what vaccine to apply for instance against cholera," he said, adding that the industry players should not be complacent even if the region is FMD-free. That is why he said, the quarantine operatives are on guard and man quarantine checkpoints to look into all livestock and poultry products transported into Davao (Digna D. Banzon/PNA),



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Six more people were arrested in possession of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and bomb-making components in this city, the police said Tuesday.
Supt. Nonito Asdai, Police Station 6 chief, identified those arrested as: Garry Jarani, 21; Abdusali Jarani, 58; Balli Samsarani, 50; Munsol Bara, 19; Alijon Maimbong, 45; and, Tando Tanoh, 48, all residents of Maluso, Basilan.
Asdai said the suspects were arrested by his personnel backed by Maritime policemen in a buy-bust operation at around 11 p.m. Monday in Sitio Buggoc, Barangay Kasanyangan.
Asdai said the suspects were arrested after they sold bomb-making components to an undercover policeman in exchange for P150.
He said the buy-bust operation was carried out after they received information on the suspects illegal activities.
He said the arresting team confiscated from the suspects' possession the following: 21 kilos ammonium nitrate; nine improvised non-electric blasting caps; seven time fused; one measuring cap; seven bottles of 750-milliliter (ml) containing alleged ammonium nitrate; one bottle of 355-ml containing ammonium nitrate; and, P150 marked money.
He said the suspects are now detained while appropriate charges are being readied to be filed against them.
The arrest of the suspects came two days after the police also arrested one person and confiscated large amount of bomb-making components in this city.
Arrested in a law enforcement operation on Sunday was Pagal Nasang Aliapan, 35, resident of Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan province.
Aliapan, who is allegedly into the illegal sale of bomb-making components, was arrested at his temporary residence in Arena Blanco, a coastal barangay in this city.
Aliapan was arrested after he sold bomb-making component in exchange for P500 to an undercover policeman.
Confiscated from the residence of Aliapan were the following: 75 pieces of blasting caps; 17 pieces detonating cords; three plastic bags of one kilo ammonium nitrate; 10 plastic bags of half kilo; 15 sacks of 25 kilos ammonium nitrates; one electrical cutter; and P500 marked money. (TPGJR/PNA)

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LAOAG CITY -- The city government of Laoag is currently looking for a new site for the expansion of its sanitary landfill.

This came after the proposed expansion site in Barangay 54-A failed to meet the environmental requirements.

The Laoag City Assessor's Office has been tasked to look for a new landfill area.

Engr. Ruben Domingo, Laoag City Assessor, said they are still waiting for the results of the analysis conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on soil samples taken from Barangay Salet-Bulangon, one of the proposed expansion areas.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the closure of all controlled dumpsites in the country, prompting the need to convert Laoag's controlled dumpsite into a sanitary landfill.

Mayor Chevylle Fariñas recognized the need to establish a sanitary landfill as the city produces 50 tons of garbage daily. (PNA



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ILOILO CITY -- Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog on Tuesday was thankful President Rodrigo Duterte has recognized the success of the anti-drug initiatives of the city government.

He also extended the same appreciation to concerned law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

He also thanked the media for highlighting what is being done in Iloilo City to address the drug menace.

"The city government assures continued support to logistical and financial needs and other resources needed for the campaign against illegal drugs," he said.

Last year, President Duterte labeled Iloilo as "shabulized". This year, the President also described Iloilo as a "hotbed" of illegal drugs.

In a press conference on Monday, the President cited that illegal drugs have almost diminished in Iloilo.

However, Mabilog said despite Duterte's pronouncement, there remains a "continued challenge to strengthen efforts" in order to reach out to all drug users and pushers in Iloilo.

"I continue to ask everyone in Iloilo to participate, cooperate and show extra effort in addressing illegal drugs in the city. I also ask members of the media to report what is being undertaken," he said.

Iloilo City has 3,180 drug surrenderers during the conduct of Oplan Double Barrel and Double Barrel Reloaded. Of the surrenderers, 550 have graduated from the camp-based rehabilitation of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) and 408 from the city government's Crossroads rehabilitation.

They intend to reach out to more drug personalities and urge them to surrender and avail of rehab programs under the Oplan Reboot that was launched last week. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY--  A 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Albuera, Leyte Wednesday morning, damaging several houses, local authorities reported.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that at least 56 houses were slightly damaged in Altavista village in Ormoc City.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the earthquake with tectonic origin, was five kilometers northeast of Albuera town.

Albuera is a neighboring town of Kananga and Ormoc City, the two areas badly hit by a destructive earthquake last July 6.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed reports of damaged buildings, but they are still consolidating reports as of Wednesday noon.

"The earthquake was felt most in Ormoc. We are awaiting official reports on casualties if any," said OCD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Posadas.

The tremor was also felt in Pastrana, Leyte with a recorded Intensity 4; Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte at Intensity 3. Instrumental intensities were felt in Cebu City at Intensity 1 and Ormoc City at Intensity 6.

In a press statement, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said that power transmission services remain stable despite the 5.1 magnitude earthquake.

"The grid remains intact as there had been no reported cases of power interruptions," the NGCP said.

Albuera town is located within the Central Leyte Fault line stretching from Villalon village in Calubian, Leyte and ends in San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

The active fault line forms part of the 1,200-kilometer long Philippine Fault Zone, which extends throughout the country. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Health authorities in South Cotabato are pushing for the establishment before yearend of six more Department of Health (DOH)-accredited Animal Bite Centers (ABC) to address rising cases of rabies deaths in the area.

John Codilla, rabies program coordinator of the South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said Wednesday they are currently working with six municipal governments in the province for the opening of their own bite centers.

He said the new facilities will be established in the municipalities of Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu, Tboli, Tupi, Banga and Tampakan.

Codilla said they are specifically assisting the processing of requirements to facilitate the accreditation of the rural health unit-based ABCs with the DOH.

"This is part of our ongoing efforts to further strengthen our rabies prevention and control program," he said.

The official said the province currently has four existing DOH-accredited ABCs.

These are located at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and Dr. Arturo Pingoy Hospital in Koronadal City, Rural Health Unit of Tantangan town and the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah town.

Codilla said the DOH will provide for 60 percent of the anti-rabies vaccine requirements of the additional bite centers while the host local governments will shoulder the remaining 40 percent.

The number of vaccines that would be provided by the DOH to the ABCs will be based on the recorded number of animal bites in their areas.

As of the second week of August, the IPHO's epidemiology and surveillance unit already recorded 16 confirmed deaths due to rabies infection.

The municipalities of Lake Sebu and T'boli posted the most number of cases with four each, followed by Polomolok with three, Koronadal City with two, and Banga, Sto, Nino and Norala with one each.

The Pesu report said the victims were aged between five to 70 years-old and majority of them were males.

At least 12 of the cases or 75 percent involved rabid dogs that did not undergo rabies vaccination.

Owing to this. Dr. Flora Bigot, acting head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said they have stepped up their anti-rabies vaccination drives within the province's 10 towns and lone city.

In the last six months, she said they already vaccinated around 60 percent of the estimated 60,000 dog population in the province.

Vaccination activities are ongoing in Polomolok town and the next stops would be the towns of Tantangan, Tampakan and Tupi,  she added.(PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- A village chief was gunned down by two unidentified persons in front of his residence in the village of San Vicente, San Jose town in Camarines Sur province Tuesday evening.

Noel Briones, chief of Barangay San Vicente, was walking outside his house around 7:00 p.m. when assailants chased and shot him in the head, said Senior Insp., Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, information officer of the Bicol regional police.

Briones was rushed by his family and fellow villagers to the Naga City Hospital but died as he was being treated.

San Jose Police personnel are now searching for Briones' assailants, who were spotted roaming outside the village chief's house prior to the shooting incident. (Jorge Hallare/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY  - Officials here are pushing for the passage by next month of the proposed comprehensive ordinance that seeks to regulate and manage traffic and public transportation in the area.

City Councilor Dominador Lagare Jr., chair of the city council's committee on transportation, said Wednesday they have already finalized the provisions of the proposal, which mainly aims to address the glut of tricycles and city's worsening traffic problem.

He said his committee is only waiting for the final recommendation related to the ordinance from the City Legal Office.

"But the city mayor (Ronnel Rivera) already gave his go-signal regarding its provisions so we're hoping that it will be finally passed next month," he said in a radio interview.

Lagare initially introduced the proposed ordinance last year, but it has remained pending due to studies made by the committee and the delayed submission of recommendation from the City Legal Office.

Rivera vowed last year to support the enactment of a comprehensive transportation code, which he described as "bible" for the city government in terms of addressing the city's public transportation concerns.   

The proposed ordinance, which is dubbed as the "Comprehensive Land Transport and Traffic Code of the City of General Santos," took off from the results of a transport study for the area in 2014 conducted by the League of Cities of the Philippines and funded by the World Bank.

Lagare, author of the proposed transportation code, said around 42,000 tricycles are currently plying various routes within the city's 26 barangays.

He said around 30,000 of these are "trisikads" or scooters that were attached with sidecars and the remaining 12,000 are standard six-seater tricycles.

But he said the 2014 study, which was facilitated by the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, showed that the ideal number of tricycles in the city should only be 9,000 units.  

Through the proposed code, Lagare said they will regulate the number of tricycles to the recommended 9,000 units and rid the city's streets of the "oversupply" or excess 33,000 units.

He said the tricycles will be divided into three clusters and color codes -- red, green and white -- based on existing routes, and with each allotted with 3,000 units.

The official said all tricycle drivers and operators, including those of the excess units, would be organized into cooperatives through the assistance of the local government.

He said the city will help the cooperatives to go into income-generating ventures and avail of subsidies and grants for the operationalization of electric or e-jeepneys to support those who will be affected by the regulation.

He added that the other affected tricycle drivers would be trained for deployment as drivers and conductors of the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), which will be deployed in the city by October.

The HERT is a "40-meter train-like bus" launched by DOST in 2015, and was designed and made by Filipino engineers with locally available parts.

It can run at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour and is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery.(AVE/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Seven newly-hired public school teachers, formerly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), have received teaching packages from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12.

Sisinio Cano, DOLE 12 director, said Wednesday the seven teachers received P10,000 worth of teaching kits through a grant facilitated by the agency's National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

He said the beneficiaries were among the former OFWs in the region  hired in June by the Department of Education (DepEd) through flagship convergence initiative "Sa Pinas,Ikaw ang Ma'am/Sir" or Spims program.

Cano said the provision of the teaching kits is aimed to further improve the capacities of the newly-hired teachers.

The teaching kits were composed of a computer tablet, voice-aide lapel and head-worn microphone, 32 gigabyte secure digital or SD card, sets of flash cards reference materials, and writing tools.

The recipients were were Lilybeth Cabrela, Alma Mae Ugdamin and Lloyd Mark Ugdamin of this city; Genovia Relampagos and Ronnel Paga of Kidapawan City; Gerly Macalisang of Matalam, North Cotabato; and, Analyn Cape of Tacurong City.

More than 30 former OFWs from parts of Region 12 had been hired by DepEd since 2015 through the SPIMS.    

NRCO-12 earlier said it endorsed 56 applications last year, some of which were still pending, and processed 23 more this year.

Jeanette Escaño, NRCO-12 coordinator, said they expect the hiring more applicants in the region in the coming months.

SPIMS is a reintegration initiative DOLE that is being implemented in partnership with DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Normal University and the Technical Education and Skills Development Agency.

It aims to provide permanent teaching positions in public schools for OFWs who are licensed teachers.

It is open to OFWs who are passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LET, with teaching experiences of at least five years.

Those who have teaching experience beyond five years, or have no teaching experience at all will need to undergo an online refresher course though the PNU.

An applicant must be an OFW who has arrived in the country for not more than three years based on the current year.(AVE/PNA)



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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 2 and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) here are preparing for the possible effect of tropical storm "Isang" which is expected to bring rains in the Cagayan Valley region either Tuesday or Wednesday.

"Isang" has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/hr, and gustiness of up to 80 km/hr. It was last eyed some 330 km east of Basco, Batanes.

 

Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) over Batanes, while TCWS no. 1 was raised over the Babuyan Group of Islands.

 

Stormy weather and gusty winds will be experienced over these areas, PAGASA said.

 

OCD-2 Regional Director and Chairman of the PDRRMC Dante Balao on Monday requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 2 to pre-position enough relief goods in Batanes. He also advised fishermen in the province not to venture out into the sea to avoid accidents caused by big waves.

He said the RDRRMC's ultimate objective in times of calamities is zero casualty and proactive measures are necessary to prevent the loss of lives.

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that aside from identified evacuation centers, an evacuation area for animals will also be provided and pre-identified already by barangay officials in case there is need to evacuate especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas. (PNA)

 

 



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JAEN, Nueva Ecija -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will extend financial assistance to families whose animals were culled due to avian flu contamination in Barangay Imbunia, this municipality.

Director Roy Abaya, of DA Regional Field Office 3, said the government will extend a PHP20,000 loan payable in three years with no interest to owners of the 79,000 quails, 7,900 chickens and 10,000 ducks within the one-kilometer radius restriction zone here.

On top of this, Abaya said, is a PHP5,000 assistance to each of them.

The government will also pay PHP10 for every head of quail and PHP80 each for chicken and duck, it was learned.

Abaya and local government officials met with the affected farmers on Monday to explain the importance of culling the fowls to prevent possible spread of the bird flu.

Mayor Sylvia Austria said that the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) led by Paperlyn Pablo also offered assistance to the affected residents.

There were at least 35 backyard quail houses in the village but only 20 of them were within the one-kilometer radius zone.

Village head Felicisima Pablo said her constituents engaged in quail backyard farming to augment the income of their respective families that are mostly into agriculture.

"They followed suit because of their desire to earn even for their daily expenses," the barangay chairman, who was among the first to engage in quail farming, said.

A farmer will need PHP30,000 to invest on 1,000 birds from the start until they lay eggs, which spans 30 to 45 days. After 45 days, the continuous input will be on feeds but a farmer can earn PHP2,000 a week from eggs.

But despite their losses brought by the culling and initial reluctance, the farmers said they will take it as a challenge they will have to face.

"I hope the government will not indeed neglect us," a housewife said. (PNA)

 



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BURAUEN, Leyte - The provincial government of Leyte and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office turned over on Monday 26 permanent houses for residents in an interior rebel-infested village here.
Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominco Petilla is positive that the project will help address insurgency and encourage residents to become more productive.
"Economic development begins in you. The government hopes that your place will attain peace and prosperity," Petilla told the beneficiaries after handling the certificate of ownership.
For their part, the beneficiaries thanked the government for relocating them to a safer community, farther from the place where rebels were frequently sighted.
To reach Tagbaya sub-village, one must cross three rivers. Tagbaya is just a few kilometers away from Roxas village, where soldiers overran a rebel encampment and had an encounter with the insurgents last week.
The site is about 25 kilometers upland from the town center.

The Burauen local government bought the lot to build the houses while the Leyte provincial government provided PHP10,000 for each family to buy additional housing materials.
The DSWD funded the construction of houses, which started early this year.
The houses, which cost PHP70,000 each, is a mix of concrete and wood materials. The floor area for each unit is 80 square meters.
Villagers also asked the governor to establish a school building, road, and bridges in the area. (PNA)

 



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DAGUPAN CITY -- An ordinance is now being crafted by the Dagupan City council seeking to declare neglected and abandoned real properties as nuisance and hazardous and to impose penalties on their owners.

The draft ordinance was endorsed by Mayor Belen Fernandez who considers this as a boon to Dagupan considering the many abandoned and neglected real properties in the city that had become eyesores.

If approved, she said the ordinance will compel owners of these real properties to do something before their properties can be considered fire hazards if not health hazards.

 

The draft ordinance also seeks the creation of the Dagupan City Properties, Protection and Security Board (DCPPSB) to be headed by the city mayor as chairman and the city administrator as vice-chairman.

 

Proposed members of the DCPPSB are the heads of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Dagupan City Police Station, Public Order and Safety Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, One-Stop Business Center, Philippine Medical Society and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.

 

Under the draft ordinance, neglected or abandoned real properties can be declared eyesores due to their lack of maintenance and cleanliness and can become havens for illicit activities due to lack of security and illumination.

 

Such real properties can be potentially hazardous to the community because they can become breeding areas for disease-carrying vectors. Also, uncontrolled growth of tall grasses or the accumulation of trash in the said properties are considered fire hazards and therefore potentially dangerous to the community.

 

The city council said that in the past, the city had recorded many grass fires as a result of these abandoned or neglected real properties.

 

After a property is classified as potentially hazardous, real property owners will be notified within five days with a warning that failure on the part of the owner to comply within 20 days from receipt of the notice, shall constrain the city government to enter the property and curb, eliminate or demolish the hazardous elements.

 

At the same time, the expenses incurred by the city in doing this shall be charged against the owner of the abandoned or neglected real property.

 

Violators shall suffer an imprisonment of six months and shall be penalized with a fine of P5,000. They may choose to voluntarily pay the administrative fine of P3,000 within seven days and the cost of clearing and cleaning of the property shall be paid separately from the penalties or fines.  (PNA)

 



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CEBU CITY -- Around PHP118,000 worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" was seized in a buy-bust operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Barangay Lawaan 1, Talisay City, Cebu on Sunday.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office reported on Monday that the illegal drugs were recovered from 34-year-old Dendo Cabañero, who yielded three medium-sized plastic packs and eight triangular sachets of suspected "shabu" weighing more or less 10 grams with a street value of PHP118,000.

According to the reports, the Talisay Police has been receiving information from concerned citizens and barangay officials about the rampant selling of illegal drugs in Lawaan 1 and in Barangay Tangke by a certain "Jack-Jack," who was later identified as Cabañero.

Further investigation by the Talisay PNP confirmed Cabañero's illegal drug activities prompting a buy-bust after a confidential informant reported that Cabanero was openly selling "shabu" at his house in Lawaan on Sunday.

The raiding team was composed of SPO1 Oliver Ortega, PO1 Euwen Pitogo, PO1 Genesis Cabatas, and PO3 Adriano Bacatan, who posed as the buyer in the operation conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - 7.

The drugs recovered from Cabañero were submitted to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 7 for examination, while the suspect is temporarily detained at the Talisay City Police Station pending the filing of charges against him in court. (Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- Three more Moro guerillas fighting the ISIS inspired group in Maguindanao were injured, raising to 13 the number of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members wounded in clashes with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Hurt in the clashes in Barangay Andavit Datu Salibo, Maguindanao were identified as Misuari Mohammadi, 20; Mohidin Ahmad, 28; and Tarik Sabpa, 26. They are now confined in a military hospital here.

MILF fighters also recovered 11 improvised bombs left by fleeing BIFF fighters. The MILF said five BIFF members were killed in the firefight.

Since MILF-BIFF fighting erupted on August 10, a total of 20 MILF and 26 BIFF were killed. Thirteen MILF and 10 BIFF were also injured.

It started when the BIFF, led by Esmael Abdulmalik, former henchman of Malaysian bomb expert Zulkiflibin Hir, alias "Marwan," set off an improvised bomb in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao that injured 10 MILF, all members of the Task Force Ittihad (Unity).

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, director of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said on Monday that the MILF's operation against the group of Abdulmalik was coordinated with the municipal police offices in Maguindanao.

The injured MILF members were under Commander Haon, an MILF sub-leader. Commander Haon and his men were going to Barangay Andavit to check on reported sightings of 20 followers of Abdulmalik preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

As Haon's team arrived, they were fired upon by BIFF members, triggering a three-hour sporadic firefight.

The recovered IEDs, according to Sindac, were handed over by the MILF to the Maguindanao police provincial office in Shariff Aguak town.

Police and military forces in Maguindanao have put up more checkpoints along the national highway and civilian communities to prevent any attempt by the BIFF to launch diversionary attacks in Maguindanao's second district.

Sindac said among the BIFF fatalities was a certain Hamdi, son of Abdulmalik. (PNA)

 



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) vowed it can handle all the security concerns for the month-long feast of the annual "Higalaay Festival 2017."

Police Chief Insp. Mardy Hortillosa II, Cocpo spokesperson, said no terror threat is, so far, imminent in the city during the entire festivities despite the months-long siege in nearby Marawi City.

There is no need for any reinforcement from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10), Hortillosa said, in contrast to last year's festival which required security augmentation from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).

Hortillosa added that trainees from the Regional Training School (RTS) might act as security augmentation force as part of their training.

An addition to this year's security preparation, the police official said, is the engagement of various civilian organizations whose members will act as undercover agents in crowded areas.

The local police's intelligence capabilities, meanwhile, are being enhanced, he added.

"There are lots of civic groups who have volunteered. They will be deployed specifically to be vigilant about suspicious persons and objects," Hortillosa said.

On top of this, the battalion-size Task Force Oro is also mobilizing its soldiers to guard places of celebrations.

Other security measures in crowded events such as the annual civic-military float parade include the ban of backpacks, bull caps and camera drones within a considerable radius at the event site. (PNA/Mark D. Francisco)

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COTABATO CITY -- The city government is extending assistance to about 123 families affected by a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Tukananes, Cotabato City over the weekend.

The fire, which was believed to have been caused by electrical malfunction razed to the ground more than 100 homes made of light materials, situated in an area surrounded by Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Fire investigators said the fire started in the house of a certain Amil Akop after his electric fan exploded and went ablaze at past 5 p.m. Saturday.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi immediately directed the City Social Welfare Office and the City District Risk Reduction and Management Council to assist the affected families.

Some of the affected families stayed with their relatives' homes while others are encamped in the old pier just across Barangay Tukananes.

It took five fire trucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to extinguish the 4-hour conflagration, Fire Officer 1 Aldrin Jason Nara said.

Nara said probers estimated the damage to properties at around PHP600,000. No casualty was reported.

It was the second fire incident in the village since 2016. Last year, about 170 homes were also razed by a fire that hit the village of Tukananes believed to have been caused by electrical short circuit. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- Classes in public and private schools, both in pre-school and elementary levels, in Ilocos Norte are suspended due to inclement weather brought about by tropical storm "Isang" (Hato).

As of Tuesday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Isang" was spotted at the vicinity of Batanes with a maximum sustained winds of 80-kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 97 kilometer per hour.

Rains with gusty winds prevailed in Ilocos Norte since Monday (August 21), prompting residents to take precautionary measures as the province is now under typhoon signal 1.

In Laoag City, mayor Chevylle Fariñas is among the first to announce classes suspension followed by other local government units and private schools here.

Classes in affected areas are automatically suspended based on the PAGASA-declared storm signals, while local government units (LGUs) decide on and announce class suspensions during calamities.

Students in high school and college, however, have not cancelled so far.(PNA)



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JAEN, Nueva Ecija -- Governor Czarina Umali has expressed hope that the poultry industry will recover and bounce back soon following the issuance of protocols covering avian flu.

"The operations to clear the infected areas in Nueva Ecija of avian influenza virus or what we commonly refer to as the bird flu virus is now on its high gear. After we have undergone the prescribed protocols, these areas will be declared clean and safe, and the province's poultry industry will be business as usual," Umali said in a statement.

The protocols, she said, were set by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Health (DOH).

"First is to contain the poultry farms within the 1-km radius of the known affected site. Within this radius, all feathered animals will have to be depopulated. This is the culling operations. From the 1-km radius, we add a 7-km radius and this area will be quarantined. The entry and exit of all fowls and poultry products to and from within this area will be strictly prohibited. Fowls that will be culled will be treated with lime before being buried beneath a 2-meter thick of soil," she explained.

This, as the Philippine Army committed an additional 100 soldiers to beef up its contingent in San Isidro town.

The additional 100 Army troopers are the same personnel who handled the depopulation campaign in San Luis, Pampanga.

The DOH, however, did not give its go-signal after three soldiers were found to have coughs and colds. Another 103 fresh personnel from the Army's 7th ID were deployed to replace the 100 soldiers.

The Army is tasked with the depopulation of feathered animals within the 1-km radius.

"At the rate we're going, we can possibly finish depopulation operations by Wednesday," she said.

The next stage will be disinfecting the poultry houses. Soaping and spraying of disinfectants will be done from roof to foundation for days.

After which, sentinel chickens will be placed inside. If the chickens die, the same procedures will be repeated. If they survive, they will be sent for laboratory tests where blood and internal organs will be thoroughly examined.

"When it is officially declared safe, the poultry houses can be repopulated," the province's chief executive said.

Only after this that the quarantine will be lifted, said Umali. "By that time, we can confidently declare that the municipalities of San Isidro and Jaen are avian flu-free," the governor added. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – An official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Bacolod City should improve its ICT business startup climate by involving more educational institutions.

Frederick Amores, director of DICT Visayas Cluster 1, said this is important to enable Bacolod to sustain its ranking in the Tholons International outsourcing list.

A startup, according to Investopedia, is a company in the first stage of its operations often bankrolled by entrepreneurial founders attempting to capitalize on developing a product or service.

Amores said: "Tholons is looking at startup development activities and efforts as part of its criteria for ranking."

He added that Bacolod does not have much entries in startup competitions.

The DICT official said that although Bacolod has the Technology Business Incubation Center (TBIC) , which hosts successful startups, there is still a need for the city to improve its startup climate.

"Schools have to play their role as producer of potential industry workforce thus, they have to be involved more," Amores said.

Bacolod was listed from 85th place in 2016 to only 97th in the Tholons services globalization index for 2017. It includes a research report and ranking of the Top 50 "Digital Nations" and Top 100 "Super Cities."

Amores said the Tholons ranking really has an impact to the industry since it is a benchmark that provides guide for companies where to invest.

"Investors would really look for innovative locations with vibrant economy for startups," he added. (PNA)



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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -- Knee to hip-deep floodwaters and continuous heavy rains drenching the Calabarzon region have prompted local governments here to suspend classes in all level in both public and private schools on Tuesday.

State weather bureau PAGASA forecast said southwest monsoon rains or "habagat" induced by a severe tropical storm "Isang" (international codename "Hato") are flogging the Calabarzon region comprising Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Regional Director Olivia M. Luces of Calabarzon Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has directed provincial, city and municipal risk reduction and management offices (DRRMOs) to conduct continuous monitoring and coordination with RDRRMC member-agencies on the situation in their respective areas.

Classes in all levels -- public and private schools -- in Rizal province covering the towns of Binangonan, Cainta, San Mateo, Rodriquez, Taytay, Morong, Angono, Tanay and Teresa and Antipolo City were also suspended.

Also, in the towns of Cardona and Baras, classes were canceled from pre-school to senior high school.

In Laguna, Calamba City and San Pedro City have suspended classes in all levels in both public and private schools while Cavite province declared the suspension of classes in all levels.

Meanwhile, Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla also suspended classes in all levels Tuesday as many students in the coastal areas will be severely affected by the expected high tide and the continuous rains drenching the province.

"The no classes apply as well to teachers and professors, as no one is waterproof," Remulla said.

Despite the no extreme rainfall warning, Remulla decided to suspend classes as a preventive approach to ensure the safety of his constituents, especially those in the low-lying and coastal areas which experience flooding due to high tide.

Seven municipalities like Rosario, Tanza, Noveleta, Naic, Ternate, Maragondon and Kawit and the cities of Bacoor and Cavite with around 316 barangays are located along the Cavite coast.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued its rainfall warning 7 a.m. Tuesday for the Calabarzon region which advised that flooding is possible in low-lying areas and near river channels and has alerted community preparedness and response in the wake of possible flooding.

Luces also advised dissemination of advisories and announcements via social media such as Facebook and Twitter and SMART info board.

The Department of Interior and Local Government-Calabarzon has also tasked LGUs here for continuous dissemination of weather updates thru SMS and social media networks to the local DRRMOs and DILG Field officers.

According to the OCD/RDRRMC, there were no reported incidents, casualty or affected population as of posting time.

All national roads and bridges are passable and the region's ports are under normal operations with no untoward incidents monitored as of 12 noon Tuesday.

Calabarzon provinces through their DRRMOs have activated their Operations Centers 24/7 for monitoring and updates on their provincial situations which include suspension of classes and road conditions. (With Gladys Señires-Pino/PNA)

 



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LUCENA CITY -  Senator Grace Poe congratulated Governor David Suarez on his relevant project - the Q1k or Quezon first 1,000 days - officially launched on Monday at the Quezon Convention Center.


Poe said in her speech that such program will greatly benefit young children and will help lessen malnutrition in the country.

Q1K, a project designed to take care of a child's first 1,000 days (from the time he/she is conceived up to two years of age) is conceptualized by Gov. Suarez to address the high number of malnourished children in the province.

He implemented inclusive programs of Q1K including monitoring of the child in the womb by providing vitamins and regular check up of the mother and giving supplemental food to the child up to his/her two years.

Poe said this project can eradicate malnutrition if implemented in the entire country. She noted that 29,000 children die every year due to mulnutririon. She said with Q1K, the mother is assured of a healthy offspring and child death toll will dramatically drop down. 

Poe assured Suarez of her support in securing budget for Q1K in the Senate, and urged him to submit the full program dynamics of said project.

The launching of Q1K was attended by all municipal mayors of Quezon province, barangay health workers and village officials. (Belinda M. Otordoz/PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Some low-lying areas here, including the city hall grounds, have been flooded following the rise of water in two major rivers, which was apparently triggered by heavy rains and high tide.

Affected areas are Fernandez, Galvan, Rizal, and Careenan Streets, the western portion of A.B. Fernandez Avenue and the city hall.

Because of the flood, several stores along the A.B. Fernandez Avenue opted not to open Tuesday.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the heavy rains and the rise of the tide resulted in the swelling of Pantal and Calmay Rivers -- with water reaching 1.9 meters at 11:07 am Tuesday.

The tidal water back-flowed into the drainage canals that resulted in flooding.

Floodings due to the rise of water from the two rivers are a daily occurrence in Dagupan City during rainy season, causing inconvenience to local residents, students, traders and office workers.

Fernandez and City Engineer Virginia Rosario conducted an inspection throughout the city early Tuesday morning and noted flooding in low-lying areas.

The mayor vowed to set aside funds to remedy the problem. She plans to elevate some low-lying roads, she said.

She recognized that floods are severely affecting the public.

The mayor also noted that the newly-built dikes along the Pantal River have solved the flooding in the villages of Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande, Pogo Grande and Malued. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Alert construction workers prevented what could be accidental explosion of explosive device found on a roadside in Kabacan, North Cotabato after they alerted the police about their discovery Monday.

Four more explosives were discovered by Army and police bomb experts during disposal operations.

Samsudin Kasim, a construction worker, said the back-hoe operator digging the roadside noticed what looked like a mortar.  When double checked, the workers saw 81 mm mortar.

Kasim immediately alerted the police who sought assistance from bomb experts.

During follow up operation, four more mortar rounds were found and safely recovered by police bomb experts and turned over to the military's 602nd Infantry Brigade.

A police official said the ordnance could have been planted by lawless elements on the roadside due to the presence of police and military personnel on checkpoints following the declaration of martial law last May.(PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing have signed the termination of their joint venture agreement and the contract to sell the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) on Tuesday at the provincial capitol.

Under the new agreement, Mandaue City will pay PHP300 million until 2019 to the Cebu provincial government for the purchase of the CICC with a new deal requiring the city to pay a PHP75-million down payment before the year ends.

Davide is expecting a lot of criticism from this deal and is prepared to answer questions regarding the legality of the agreement.

"We have finally reached this point. I know that hours from the signing, there will be people who will criticize us. We are prepared to answer any of the questions, and I assure everyone that we stand on solid legal grounds. We assure the public that the proceeds of the sale will be for the improvement of our (infrastructure) developments," said Davide.

"We are extremely happy to be here. The CICC represents the most important development in Mandaue, and today we ensure that this will mean to reshape and open more economic developments and better services to the people," said Quisumbing.

According to Davide, the hard part comes after the agreement as there are many proposals about how to reconstruct and develop the CICC so as to bring employment and commercial activities to the area.

"To develop the CICC properly will cost around a billion and a half or even more. It will take a while for the city to recover that kind of money, not to mention the (cost in) manpower, utility, operation and salary of each personnel," said Davide.

Davide believes it is best for the Mandaue City government to partner with a private developer and be free from the financial obligations of having to build and operate the CICC in order to recover the acquisition cost for the facility.  

"It will be almost impossible for the city to recover the acquisition cost. So, we hope that the PHP300 million is the only thing that they will spend on and divert their focus on the recovery of that amount," said Davide. (USJR intern Ador Menchavez/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Members of non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (IPs), ,especially those from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), will make a last-ditch effort for inclusion of contentious issues to the proposed new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The contentious issues concerning the non-Moro IPs will be consolidated and presented during the three-day Mindanao Indigenous People Legislative Assembly (Mipla) for the BBL on August 29 to September 1 at the Mergrande Ocean Resort here. There will be an estimated 270 delegates who are expected to attend the assembly.

Lawyer Reuben Lingating, speaker for Mipla and the chair of the IP Peace Panel of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp), said the non-Moro IPs are not losing hope that they will reach their objective and their voices heard so that their rights are protected from the exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro region.

Mipla will facilitate the interface of the Tribal Legislative Assembly with the leaders of Congress and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). Lingating said Mipla invited House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.

Mipla will serve as a platform for non-Moro IPs to present their views with the hope of incorporating these to the proposed new BBL.

He explained that the IPs came to the fore because the IP peace panel was only created last April, the month when the BTC was mid-way in crafting the new BBL.

Lingating said the non-IPs will seek a viable settlement not necessarily political but through a traditional or cultural practice of negotiations.

He also emphasized on re-affirmation of brotherhood that exists among the IPs. Lingating clarified the assembly will not be confrontational or adversarial but a meeting of the minds and opportunity to ventilate IP-related issues.

Lingating stressed that Mindanao's non-Moro IPs have expressed their desire to join the proposed Bangsamoro government except that they want a Bangsamoro law that is non-regressive in the recognition of their rights.

"By non-regressive, we should not in any way, through any legislation, diminish what the non-Moro IPs have right now. Otherwise, they will be unjustly differentiated from the rest of the Mindanao IPs who are enjoying their rights under the protection of existing laws," he said.

Lingating said the expected main output of the Mipla is the formal legislative proposals.

One of the contentious issues that may be raised is the ancestral domain claims that until now have never been titled.

Lingating said there are more than 300,000 hectares not yet titled straddling 12 municipalities. There are still IPs in other regions in Mindanao. The large part of the IP population is within the Armm namely the Tedurays, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo. A 2013 IP Dev survey, showed that Armm has 117,189 IPs.

Lingating recalled that the 1987 Constitution recognizes the rights of the IPs to claim territory and ten years after, the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (Ipra) was passed reaffirming the protection of the IPs rights.

"In the Constitution, there is what we call the equal protection clause. This means that Congress cannot pass a law that treats a similarly situated group of people differently," he pointed out.

He also underscored the Free Prior and Informed Concern (FPIC) wherein all activities within the ancestral domain should pass through a process inscribed in Ipra.

"The non-Moro IPs have expressed their discomfort over certain provisions of the BBL. And so we want to ask delegates to the assembly: What is really your discomfort? What we can do to address them?" Lingating said.

Lingating pointed out the non-Moro IPs just want to assert what is rightly theirs. "That is their birthright. If they are worried about certain provisions of the BBL, we have to find ways to address them through the Mipla," he added.

The Mipla will be backed by another group of IPs, who will be holding the 7th Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Convention from August 29-31 at the Felis Resort Complex here.

Datu Joel Unad, the Tribal chieftain of the Obu Manuvu Tribe in Marilog District, Davao City, said the convention is aimed at reaffirming the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCPD) goals in advancing the rights of the IPs in Mindanao.

The IPs will also secure their position in national discussions on the issue of Federalism. Unad said the IPs will also support the non-Moro IPs during the Mipla. The MIPC convention will be attended by about 370 delegates. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY –- For fear of their life, including their families, 11 members of ISIS-inspired armed group in Maguindanao on Monday surrendered to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders following three weeks of fighting between former comrades in arms.

Commander Haon of the MILF said the 11 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) voluntarily surrendered to joint MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity), police and military forces with their firearms.

They belong to Jaamatul Mujahireen Al Wansar in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao under Esmael Abdulmalik alias "Commander Toraife."

Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the BIFF who yielded had asked to remain unidentified for the protection of their families.

After their surrender, the BIFF fighters vowed before the Holy Qur'an in front of Muslim Imam Uztadz Muhideen that they will no longer rejoin the BIFF.

The "reformed BIFF" later guided Commander Haon in an area in Barangay Andavit where the BIFF hid 11 improvised explosive devices they were to use against the MILF and the military in Maguindanao.

Commander Haon turned over the recovered IEDs, composed of 60 and 81 mm mortars, to the Maguindanao police provincial office.

The MILF is still studying whether to let the surrenderees rejoin the MILF or they will be turned over to the government forces.

Under the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement, the MILF will help government forces get rid of terrorists in territories identified with the MILF. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Some 300 informal workers in South Cotabato are set to benefit from a P3.5 million livelihood program supported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12.

Cynthia Barrientos, South Cotabato Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) manager, said Tuesday they have started the processing of applications for the livelihood initiative, which is targeted to start next month.

She said DOLE-12 formally released to the local government last week a grant of P2,847,000 under its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (Dileep).

The provincial government allotted a counterpart funding of P715,700 to facilitate the program's rollout, she said.

Barrientos said the program is anchored on the DOLE's "Handog Kabuhayan sa Mamamayan Program," which was initially implemented in 2014.

She said they have received more than 300 applications among informal workers from parts of the province's 10 towns and lone city.

The prospective beneficiaries would fill-up the slots of applicants in 2014 who cancelled their applications and did return.

Under the program, she said DOLE-12 and the Peso will assist beneficiaries in starting their own small business ventures.

Barrientos said the available projects are food businesses with Negosyo carts, welding and steel fabrication, vulcanizing and car washing, vegetable propagation, cosmetology, kakanin making, dressmaking, rug making, and bag making.

"The program mainly aims help informal workers transition into formal ones and reduce poverty in our communities," she said.

Barrientos said the provincial government signed a memorandum of agreement with DOLE-12 for the funding and implementation of the program.

As part of the agreement, she said the provincial government provided an equity or counterpart of 20 percent of the total project cost.

The counterpart funding will cover for the supervision and monitoring, and other needs related to the project's implementation, she said.

Dileep seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through emergency employment and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

It is the DOLE's contribution to the governments' agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation throughout the country.

The program's components are the Kabuhayan or livelihood program and emergency employment program, which is also dubbed Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.(FKA/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 has provided livelihood assistance to a distressed Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who recently returned home from conflict-torn Aleppo in Syria.

Sisinio Cano, DOLE 12 director, said Tuesday they released an initial livelihood grant worth P10,000 to former OFW Noraisa Dima to allow her to start a new life with her family.

He said the release of the grant was facilitated by DOLE-12's National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), through its Balik Pinay, Balik Hanap-Buhay Program.

The 25-year-old Dima, who hails from Barangay Macasandag in Parang, Maguindanao, specifically received a rice retailing package, he said.

Citing their records, he said Dima had decided to return home after working for about 10 years in Syria due to the continuing armed conflict there.

She started working as a household service worker in Damascus, Syria when she was 15-years-old through fake documents, he said.

Cano said Dima's recruiter allegedly faked her birth records so she could get a passport and other travel documents.

She worked for seven years in Damascus and eventually transferred to Aleppo, where she stayed for three years.

"She was scared because of the unstable situation brought by the conflict there so she decided to return home," Cano said.

The official said cases involving distressed OFWs like Dima's are immediately attended to by the agency to help them return to normal lives.

He said the NRCO and the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanap-Buhay Program were established by the agency for such purpose.

"The program assists returning OFWs who were displaced by the hostilities and conflicts in their host country, or those who were victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking," Cano said.

He said it mainly prioritizes distressed and displaced women household service workers deployed overseas.

A DOLE-12 briefer said an undocumented OFW refers to workers who acquired their passports through fraud or misrepresentation; one who possesses expired visa or permits to stay; and, one who has no travel documents whatsoever; one who has valid but inappropriate visa.

OFWs whose employment contracts were not processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration are also deemed undocumented.

The agency said undocumented workers are vulnerable to maltreatment and abuses based on its records.(AVE/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY - - The two power firms operating coal-fired power plants in Iloilo should have constant monitoring of the health of residents surrounding their plants.

This according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Western Visayas Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna, in an interview Friday afternoon.

Sampulna is referring to the independent power producers Global Business Power (GBP) in La Paz, Iloilo City and the Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) in Concepcion, Iloilo.

He said they are already preparing the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with both power firms on the monitoring of communities surrounding their plants.  DENR-6 is planning to sign the MOA with the firms in September.

Sampulna said there have been complaints about residents suffering from scabies and even lung disease due to the alleged pollutants emitted from the plants.

"I requested to have a constant monitoring of the health of the people surrounding the factory.I also requested them to have a clinic for those people around them," he added.

Currently, DENR has real-time monitoring of the pollution emissions of the firms.

During the PCPC's Stakeholder's Recognition Friday, President Roel Castro, in his presentation, showed that all their emissions were below the limit set by the DENR. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- First district Rep. Celso Lobregat on Saturday, Aug. 19, led the inauguration and turnover of the P11.3 million school building project in this city.

The project, which consisted of two buildings with four classrooms each, was constructed at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial Senior High School in Barangay Sta. Maria, this city.

The school buildings were constructed by a private contractor under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineering office.

The construction of the two school buildings was initiated by Lobregat and funded through the Department of Education (DepEd) School Building Program.

Lobregat advised the school officials and students to put to good used the new school buildings given them.

The completion of the project has increased the number of classrooms to 48 in Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial Senior High School.

It also reduced the classroom-student ratio to 24 from 29 per classroom. The school has 1,180 students.

City Schools Division Superintendent Felix Romy Triambulo has thanked Lobregat for initiating the project.

The construction of the two school buildings will help provide conducive place of learning for the students at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial Senior High School. (TPGJR/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY --  A suspected drug pusher was killed while five others were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in this city, police officials announced Saturday.

Slain was Mercedito Luna, 31, a resident of Barangay Putik, this city.

Supt. Mark Azur, Police Station 5 chief, said Luna was killed in a buy-bust operation at around 9 p.m. Friday in Barangay Putik.

Azur said that Luna pulled and aimed his handgun upon sensing the persons he was transacting with illegal drugs are policemen.

But Azur said Luna was killed as one of the two policemen was quick to draw and opened fire before Luna managed to pull the trigger of his handgun.

He said the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered from the scene a caliber .357 revolver with six rounds of ammunition, P200 marked money and a sachet of suspected shabu.

Supt. Diomarie Albarico, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified those arrested as follows: Alih Johny, 43; Ebbiel Jaid Falcasantos Dumarapat, 18; Mercedes Montante, 33; Nil Gadong, 30; and, Sherhan Tiblan, 29.

Albarico said they were arrested in buy-bust operations on Friday in two separate barangays.

Johny was arrested in Barangay Baliwasan; and, Dumarapat, Montante, Gadong and Tiblan in Barangay Ayala.

Albarico said the arresting team recovered from the suspects' possession packs of suspected shabu, marked money and illegal drug-paraphernalia.

He said the suspects were detained pending the filing of appropriate charges against them.

He said they have intensified the anti-illegal drug operations in line with the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte against prohibited drugs. (TPGJR/PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — This city will soon have its own localized 911 system in an effort to speed up dispatch of emergency services.

A "localized" 911 dispatch system is seen to be faster, where calls will not have to be routed to a central emergency dispatch center outside the city, said City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Allan Porcadilla.

Porcadilla explained that emergency calls under the nationwide Rescue 911 launched last year are routed in a central command in Manila before they are transferred to their respective origins.

Cagayan de Oro, a city of 675,950 people, needs a speedy rescue system to better respond to the emergency needs of its burgeoning population, Porcadilla said.

Under the locally-operated 911 rescue unit, Porcadilla said the city government will be able to directly receive calls and appropriate respond the nature of emergencies—medical, police, fire, bomb defusers, hazardous materials containment, and other emergency situations.

The city's CDRRMO has been consistently awarded for the past five years as the best local disaster management in Region 10.

However, it recently received criticisms for allegedly taking too long in the rescue of multiple victims at a vehicular accident last month.

Porcadilla said the new 911 system will be available to all PLDT, Globe and Smart subscribers.

Mayor Oscar Moreno will activate the local 911 system by taking the first ceremonial call on August 28.

"Just dial 911, stay on the line and our call center will handle the rest," he said. The CDRRMO 911 emergency dispatch center will be located at the City Hall campus and will be manned 24/7 by operators who were trained by Davao Central 911.

The previous head of Davao Central 911, retired Col. Mario Verneer Monsanto, is the Cagayan de Oro CDRRMO consultant. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY -- Davao Region's first processing plant for shrimp products set to create employment for over a hundred Dabawenyos opened Friday at the Davao Fish Port Complex in Toril, this city.

Anderlude Seafoods Corp. Chief executive officer Ludevito Batilong said the plant process packs of tempura (nobashi ebi), headless shrimps, whole shrimp which the company will supply to domestic market all over the country.Batilong has a foreign investor, Anders Haagen who is from Denmark.

The company grows shrimps in 45-hectare area in Dumoy, Toril. It has a 14-hectare area farm in Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and 68 hectares in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. The total production in these aeas is at 142 to 180 tons every month. It has leased some 600 sq. meters area in the fish port. Of the total area, 300 sq. meters is dedicated to the processing facility which process 3 tons of the products daily in a single shift.

According to Batilong, there is a big demand of the products in the country. The requirement in Davao City alone from Monday to Thursday is five tons daily and goes up to 10 tons on Friday to Sunday.

He also said that the company already had a purchase order of 2.5 million pieces of processed shrimps for delivery next month to a Manila buyer.

There is great potential in this industry, he said, especially now that seafood preference among consumers is increasing. Batilong said he will first concentrate on the distribution of their products within the country, targeting small restaurants and eateries to patronize their products like the tempura.

"We wanted to teach this small eateries how to prepare the food and for them to offer good food like the tempura to ordinary people as we deliver the ready to cook shrimp in the morning and collect payment the next day," he said.

He said he would also be helping this small businesses earn additional income by offering the product at affordable price of PHP5 per piece for a shrimp of five inches in size. The company is also eyeing malls, restaurants and other institution.

Batilong said that part of their future plans is an expansion of their production area. Exporting their products to foreign market is also part of their long term plan. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – A bill filed in the Lower House is seeking the immediate declaration of the Third Palawan District as a "mining-free zone" to protect and preserve its natural environment.

House Bill No. 5597, which was filed by Palawan Rep. Gil Acosta last May 9, seeks the proclamation of the province's third district as a mining-free zone to avert threats of forest destruction and prevent causing siltation on major water sources.

The district is composed of the capital city of Puerto Princesa and Aborlan, the narrowest municipality located in southern Palawan.

In an early Saturday morning Kapihan here, Acosta said while mining provides job opportunities for some residents, the degree of the damage it causes to the land, the livelihood of farmers and the general well-being of Palaweños, has become exceptionally alarming.

"I asked the MGB (Mining and Geosciences Bureau) and the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to spare the Third Palawan District from proposed mining operations because there is already mining in the southern part of the province. Spare Puerto Princesa and Aborlan already," he said.

He added that the proposal for his district to be a mining-free zone was also upon the encouragement of Mindanao representatives.

"No more additional mining, let's just encourage investments on tourism and agriculture," Acosta said, adding he expects its presentation to the plenary of the Lower House before the end of the year.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional director Roland de Jesus, meanwhile, confirmed that he had indeed met with Acosta in a committee on environment meeting.

"The pros and cons of the law are for the committee to discuss, what we did in in the meeting was to present the mineral potential of the areas. Before they decide the law, the economic potential in the areas should be taken into consideration also," De Jesus said Sunday in a phone call.

In Aborlan, there are at least seven mining claims, one of which is at Long Point, Barangay Aporawan by Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC).

BNC is engaged in the exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in the Philippines. It holds interest in an exploration permit, which covers an area of approximately 1,069 hectares, situated in the municipalities of Quezon and Aborlan.

Under the bill, all forms of mining activity will be prohibited in the jurisdiction of the Third Palawan District.

This includes "valuable minerals and other geological materials, excluding gravel and sand marble, inclusive of mining activities as exploration, feasibility, development, utilizations and processing."

Any person who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six years and one day but not more than 12 years, or a fine of PHP100,000 but not more than PHP500,000, or both.

The bill furthered that if the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership, association or any other juridical entity, the penalty will be imposed on the president, managing director, partner or chief operating officer.

Their license to operate shall be cancelled and revoked permanently, and the proponents will no longer be allowed to operate similar establishments in a different name or location.

"No more new mining operations, let's protect the Third Palawan District," he said, adding his proposed Act is now in the Lower House' Committee of Natural Resources for discussion.

In southern Palawan, the mining companies operating are CitiNickel Mines and Development Corporation (CMDC) in Narra and Sofroñio Española, Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC) in Quezon, the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) in Bataraza, and the beleaguered Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC) in Brooke's Point.

Aborlan is a first class municipality in of Palawan, lying in the vast plain between the Sulu Sea and the mountains. It is located 69 km south of Puerto Princesa City.

When former president Benigno Aquino III signed the law that created the Third Palawan District in 2012, Aborlan was pulled out from the second Palawan District. (PNA)



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JAEN, Nueva Ecija – Mayor Sylvia Austria asked her constituents to keep calm and remain hopeful as owners of various quail farm owners turned emotional during a meeting here Saturday.

"Malalampasan natin ito. Magtutulong-tulong tayo (We can overcome this. Let us help each other), " said Austria as a number of small-scale quail farmers in Barangay Imbunia in this town lamented the losses they will incur from culling of the birds.

Most of the farmers were housewives who borrowed capital from certain lending investors to raise quails in their backyards.

One of the housewives said she has a standing loan of over PHP100,000 which was used to buy birds and houses.

Austria who also led distribution of relief goods to residents directly  by the 'calamity' , after a multi-agency briefing to affected farmers, said the municipal government will continue work out for more government support.

Rey Abaya, regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said they are constrained to cull all 89,000 quails, 7,900 chicken and 10,000 ducks inventoried within the one-kilometer radius zone in Barangay Imbunia here.

 Also subject for culling are about 70,000 layer chickens  in Barangay San Roque, San Isidro.

Meanwhile, town councilor Sylvester Austria said a private company offers free disinfecting of affected areas or even the entire Jaen.

A state of calamity would be declared after collating all data, the mayor said. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- Joint personnel from the Baguio City Police Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera (PDEA-CAR) seized a total of 105 grams of shabu worth more that PHP500,000 in an operation Friday.

In an information provided by PDEA-CAR information officer Joseph Frederick Calulut on Saturday, the shabu was confiscated in a raid at Purok 7, Asin Road, Irisan Friday afternoon.

Brian Leonille Valdes Dris, 30, an English language teacher,  and resident of Asin Road was nabbed after selling the illegal drugs to an undercover agent inside his apartment.  

Calulut said authorities also chanced upon Aaron Paul de Guzman Vergara, 26, a resident of BGH Compound, and his 23-year-old woman companion having a pot session inside the residence of the suspect.

The law enforcers also confiscated two more heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, a plastic sachet containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, several drug paraphernalia and the buy-bust money.

Calulut said the confiscated illegal drugs is the biggest haul for this year in Baguio City. 

With the successful operation, the drug enforcers were able to remove from the streets PHP525,000 worth of shabu that could have been distributed in the city.

The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11, Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs), with Section 5 being a non-bailable offense. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The province of Iloilo is once again a nominee for the National Best Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) Award.

To recall, PESO-Iloilo bested six other nominees in the country last year for the Best PESO award under the first class province category. PESO-Iloilo has been a consistent national nominee since 2012.

PESO-Iloilo is the best in Western Visayas based on the criteria set by the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) thus, the office automatically became the entry of the region to the national search.

In an interview, PESO-Iloilo department head Francisco Heler Jr. stressed that their accomplishment as the best PESO in the region and national nominee is the result of the support of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and its partnership with various stakeholders.

He vowed to further strengthen their programs and services to uphold "our mission of excellent employment facilitation and protection."

The provincial government's PESO was institutionalized in 2015 through the enactment of provincial ordinance No. 2015-122, which goal is to help produce a globally competitive workforce by promoting equity in employment opportunities while maintaining quality in the delivery of its employment facilitation services in partnership with the national government agencies and non-government organizations.

Some core services and functions of PESO include registration, referral, placement services, labor market information, career coaching, and employment registration. Also, it includes other special programs of the department including special recruitment activities (SRA), job fairs, electronic manpower skills registry system (E-MSRS), among others.

Last year, PESO here was able to partner with 488 local and overseas companies.

A total of 5, 419 applicants were deployed to local companies and 4,254 for overseas firms, 360 of those applicants were hired on the spot while 850 were hired through 88 SRAs conducted the whole year.

Just last month, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the provincial government and DOLE-6 for the implementation of PESO-Iloilo of the JobStart Philippines program. PESO-Iloilo is piloting the program in Western Visayas.

JobStart Philippines is a youth employment facilitation program of DOLE in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and Government of Canada which aims to enhance the employability of at-risk youth to improve their integration into productive employment.

The awarding for the national best PESO is expected to be conducted in October. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The flower float parade, Pitik (drum beating) Kadayawan, and the street-dancing competitions capped the week-long Kadayawan sa Dabaw as participants from different Mindanao provinces rocked city streets in the last two days of the celebration.

It is the first Kadayawan Festival under a martial period but people from Davao City, Maguindanao, Davao provinces, Surigao, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato defied security fears as hundreds went out to the streets to show support and unity.

The big winners in the Pamulak or floral float parade Sunday were Davao Horse Club with PHP100,000 cash prize under "Lahi (different) category; the Philippines Extreme Volunteers Association under the small category with PHP300,000; and the IPI under the big category with PHP700,000.

In Pitik Kadayawan or drum beating competition, a new feature of this year's festival, the Mati Drumbeaters went home with the grand prize of PHP200,000 while second prize of PHP150,000 went to El Ritmo Drumbeaters, and the Landan National High School with the third prize of PHP100,000.

On Saturday's street dancing "Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan" competition, the Davao City National High School (DCNHS) Special Program in the Arts and the Sagayen National High School Performing Arts of Asuncion town, Davao del Norte bagged the major prize in the Davao City school-based category and the open category, respectively.

It was a big comeback for DCHNS, which bagged PHP500,000 in cash prize plus trophy. It also bagged PHP15,000 for best music. Sagayen National high School won the P700,000 cash prize.

Sagayen's performance showed the richness of the town where many banana plantations are located.

Other winners in the street dancing competition under the school-based category were the Sta. Ana National High School Performing Arts Guild (second prize -- PHP200,000); Buhisan Elementary School (third prize -- PHP100,000); F. Bustamante Central Elementary School (fourth prize -- PHP75,000); and, Jose Bastida Elementary School Tribong Dumoyans (fifth prize -- PHP15,000). 

In the open category, the second prize with PHP400,000 cash went to Polomolok, South Cotabato contingent; third prize with PHP300,000 cash went to Gabi National High School of Compostela town, Compostela Valley Province; fourth prize with PHP200,00 cash went to Matiao National High School of Mati, Davao Oriental; and, fifth prize with PHP100,000 cash went to Hamugaway Performing Arts of South Cotabato.

In the open category, the second prize with PHP400,000 cash went to Polomolok, South Cotabato contingent; third prize with PHP300,000 cash went to Gabi National High School of Compostela town, Compostela Valley Province; fourth prize with PHP200,00 cash went to Matiao National High School of Mati, Davao Oriental; and, fifth prize with PHP100,000 cash went to Hamugaway Performing Arts of South Cotabato.

However, no contingent went empty-handed as non-winners were also awarded a consolation cash prize of PHP15,000 for Davao City school-based category and PHP20,000 for the open category.

At the closing of Sunday's events, Mayor Sara-Duterte Carpio lauded the city government's private sector partner -- the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

The mayor cited the overwhelming support from the people and the private sector despite the city and Mindanao facing challenging times. To the visitors, Duterte-Carpio thanked them for not hesitating to visit Davao to celebrate Kadayawan.

She looks forward to a bigger and grander festival next year. "We will set the bar higher for the future celebration," the mayor promised.

DCCCII president and Kadayawan executive committee co-chair, Capt. Ronald Go was hopeful the festival changed the negative perception that it is unsafe in the city because of the martial law.

"I Hope people share -- start to spread more and more people realize and visit Davao said.

Go, who is not a native of Davao, said Kadayawan has brought and made him understand the history and culture of lumads. He said he only used to watch Kadayawan from the comforts of his home behind the television screen.

Go said Kadayawan is very promising although he is not sure if DCCCII will again partner with the city. He said there were already discussions to create a foundation to handle the festival every year. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Grab Philippines is mulling on expanding its GrabCar operations in Davao City which is now under study if it's feasible amid a good taxi system here.

Leo Gonzalez, head of the Public Affairs, said Grab is testing the environment in Davao City if Davaoenos are ready to pay higher fares for a more convenient ride.

Gonzalez stressed the company is looking more on the demand side under such operation. He said the company has already expressed interest with the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to operate in the city.

GrabCar is a car-booking application that dispatches private vehicles. The app has high demand in Metro Manila.

Grab has been operating in Davao City since 2014 when it partnered with taxi operators and drivers in Davao for GrabTaxi.

Jose Thor Villarreiz, Grab Davao Manager, said there are now 1,300 Grab-a-Taxi drivers still using the Grab platform averaging about 500 drivers active per day. When Grab started in Davao City there were about 2,600 because of the incentives they offered to establish the brand.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Grab Philippines revealed it has already accepted 100 drivers from Uber as of Friday, August 18, after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allowed transport network vehicle services (TNVS) units to transfer to two other accredited Transport Network Companies (TNCs).

Grab Philippines Country head Brian Cu, however, is not sure how many will be joining Grab. "It is yet to be seen," Cu said when asked how many the company would take in.

Cu, who was here for the 32nd Kadayawan sa Dabaw, said Grab will just submit a list to LTFRB daily until his company will be told it is enough. The submission of a list is required by LTFRB.

On Thursday, LTFRB released Board Resolution No. 19 stating Uber TNVS units will be allowed to transfer to two other accredited TNCs like Grab and UHOP to ease the burden of commuters. Under the said resolution, the TNVS should only show their proof of accreditation by Uber and insurance coverage. Grab and UHOP should submit to the LTFRB a list of operated TNVS on a daily basis.

Cu said, "We will accommodate the members of the TNVs community who want to join Grab's platform so long as they abide by the requirements clearly stated in the order and the company's policies."

Cu said Grab is also looking at people whose livelihood is affected by the suspension of the operations. Uber was suspended last August 14 and was ordered to cease and desist the operations of its online booking applications.

Cu stressed that Grab understands very well about the lack of supply to serve the need of the riding public. With LTFRB's resolution, Cu is optimistic Grab can meet the demand beginning on Monday.

To maintain Grab's quality of service, Cu said drivers will undergo training, cross check their background. "We're focused on serving drivers and consumers, and ensuring that the car-and-taxi-hailing transport continues to run as smoothly as possible," he said.

He added that aside from the fare cap which Grab put in place to ensure consumers continue to pay a reasonable fare, Cu said Grab also ensures that the onboarding process will be smooth so that TNVs drivers can start to make a loving again. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- A dead Bryde's whale was found Sunday morning on the shores of El Nido, northern Palawan.

Villagers found the whale at around 10 a.m. along the shores of Barangay Sibaltan, a beach area frequented by tourists. Its carcass was said to have deep cuts and wounds.

Dr. AA Yaptinchay of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) identified it to be a Bryde's whale when shown with photos by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Sunday afternoon.

Bryde's whale or the Bryde's whale complex, according to Wikipedia, largely thrive worldwide in warm temperate or tropical waters. Their blow is columnar or bushy, and sometimes they blow or exhale underwater.

Usually, they appear individually or in pairs, and occasionally in loose groups of up to 20 around feeding areas.The body mass of Bryde's whales can range 12-25 metric tons (13-28 short tons).

Bryde's whale is a baleen whale, more specifically a rorqual belonging to the same group as blue whales and humpback whales. It has twin blowholes with a low splash guard to the front. Like other rorquals, it has no teeth but has two rows of baleen plates.

The said whale is listed as Data Deficient by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. It is also listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade.

It is not yet known how the whale found its way to Sibaltan shore.

El Nido villager Alfred Arzaga, who saw the dead whale and took photos of it, said it is sad to see one washing up ashore.

"So sad to see these things happen... (sic)," Arzaga said in his social media account. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY - Government troops have overran two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) encampments, including one that serves as improvised bomb factory, in the hinterlands of Basilan province, military officials announced Monday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the troops captured the two ASG encampments on Sunday, a day after they launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Galvez said the camps located in Barangay Mangalut in the town of Akbar belong to the group of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri.

He said the troops have recovered several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and bomb-making components from the two fallen ASG camps.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said they launched the offensive starting Saturday following intelligence report on the presence of the ASG bomb-making factory in the area.

Uy said five Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in the ensuing firefight when the troops swooped down the ASG camps.

He disclosed the bandits plan to stage bombings in the cities of Isabela and Lamitan, the two growth areas in Basilan province.

He said the troops are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits who fled to the Barangays Buton and Seronggon in nearby municipality of Mohammad Ajul.

"Our Joint Task Forces are committed in intensifying the offensives to neutralize the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits, who are on the run now. This operational accomplishment is attributed to our soldiers on the ground who made this possible," Galvez said. (TPGJR/PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Government troops in southern Palawan on Sunday brought humanitarian aid to tribal communities affected by military operations against the New People's Army (NPA).

Captain Wanel Ansa, environment management and civil military officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), said Monday that the "All-in-One Outreach Program" benefited more than 400 Pala'wan indigenous peoples (IPs) in Sitio Kamantian, Barangay Samariñana, Brooke's Point, southern Palawan.

"The warm welcome of our Pala'wan IP brothers only proves that they no longer want the CPP-NPA-NDF's intrusion in their communities because they only make life hard for their peaceful way of life," Ansa told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

It can be recalled that in June this year, troops belonging to MBLT-4 under the Joint Task Group South (JTGS), overran a drill camp of the NPA in Barangay Samariñana.

MBLT-4 commanding officer, Lt. Col. Danilo Facundo, said that the overran camp was used for marksmanship training of NPA members.

The humanitarian aid provided for the Pala'wan tribes includes free medical check-up, feeding program, gift-giving from Brooke's Point Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano's office, anti-rabies vaccination, distribution of vegetable seeds, distribution of medicines and vitamins for domestic animals, and distribution of treated bed nets against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Ansa added that the outreach activity also paved the way for the conduct of a site survey for a proposed water system project in Kamantian that already has an allocated budget from the local government.

Around 16 domestic goats were also distributed to the Pala'wan IP beneficiaries as alternative livelihood, said Ansa.

"These native goats can be farmed by the beneficiaries to be source of additional income for their families," he said.

The humanitarian outreach program was conducted In partnership with the local government of Brooke's Point, Rural Health Unit (RHU), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Registrar Office (MRO), PhilHealth, Nutrition Office, Agriculture Office, and other stakeholders.

Government troops have so far overran three major encampments of the NPA -- two of these were allegedly used to train members to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 12 gauge shotguns. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – A bag left inside the compartment of a provincial bus containing several firearms and ammunition, was intercepted at the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Licanan, Lasang, Davao City Monday.

The firearms were discovered during an inspection when the bomb-sniffing dog sat on the bag prompting Task Force (TF) Davao to ask for assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which used water disruption, making sure any explosive device not to function.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Sr. Insp. Ma Theresa Gaspan said the bag was placed inside the Bachelor Bus bearing plate number WOY113 coming from Tagum City heading to Davao City.

Gaspan said the bag contained seven caliber .45 pistol with six empty magazines and one UZi sub machine gun with three magazines and silencer.

Based on initial investigation, Gaspan said the bus actually came from Tacloban. The bus driver, Marcos Aninon, said he only had two stops during the travel – in Tacloban and Lipata, Surigao, where they accepted cargoes.

Aninon said he had other stops but only to  unload cargoes. As this developed, the bus passengers were brought to the Bunawan Police Station for questioning. Of the 27 passengers based on the number of ticket issued, only 26 passengers appeared.

The police are now on the look-out for the 27th passenger. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY –The City Tourism Operations Office (CTTO) is mulling on making the Tribal Village inside the Magsaysay Park a city attraction after it drew positive feedbacks from tourists during the week-long Kadayawan Festival, which concluded on Sunday.

Tourism officer Generose Tecson said she already talked to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio regarding the plan to continue with the tribal village which showcases the rich culture, cuisine, and tradition of the city's 11 tribes.

"Maybe, we will let them (lumads) rest first after the Kadayawan and we will talk to them about the plan. Our initial talk with mayor is to continue the village and we will just set up mechanics for the village," she said.

The tribal village was one of the new highlights of this year's Kadayawan festival. Since its launching last August 14, the tribal village lured local and foreign tourists.

"We are happy because that is the purpose of the festival, to let everyone understand the culture of the 11 tribes, it is good to note that our visitors are amazed about how we live harmoniously despite differences," Tecson said.

For the construction of the Kadayawan village's tribal houses, the city government gave PHP100,000 each to all 11 tribes.

Assessing this year's Kadayawan, festival director Gatchi Gatchalian said that despite the martial law tourists still flocked here to celebrate the festival noting that all hotels here are fully booked.

He added that the week-long celebration ended peacefully. Gatchalian also said that they are preparing for a bigger and grander Kadayawan next year.

Tecson added that expectations were met for thiso year's Kadayawan. "We have met our expectations, we are very overwhelmed to the response of visitors and Dabawenyos," Tecson said.

The mayor earlier thanked all the stakeholders for the success of the event at the end of the Pamulak on August 20, Sunday.

She emphasized the contribution of the Dabawenyos, private sector, the 11 tribes and the local government offices who worked on the ground hand in hand to make the event successful.

Duterte-Carpio also assured the city will discuss more improvements for the next Kadayawan celebration during the Kadayawan Executive Committee exit conference.

"In our exit conference with the execom, all the observations including my observations will be collated and considered to improve our Kadayawan 2018," she said. (ASP/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region XI (BFAR-XI) on Monday bared it has submitted the request of the Davao City government to increase tuna allocation per day from the Davao Fish Port for non-exportable products from 3.5 metric tons to 20 metric tons.

BFAR-XI regional director Fatma Idris said, "I have already endorsed the request of the city government as facilitated by Davao City Councilors Marissa Abella and Conrado Baluran." 

Idris said the request was submitted to the Department of Agriculture central office last August 17.

Idris said the 3.5 MT allocation was contained in the certification issued by then Agriculture secretary Luis Lorenzo of the Necessity to Import Fresh/Chilled/Frozen Tuna-like Fish Species for distribution in Davao City wet markets effective November 17, 2003.

Idris said that together with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority headed by general manager Glen Pangapalad "we are supporting said request".

"Sa dami ng bisita ng (With so many visitors of) Davao City there is really a big demand for tuna products," she said.

Idris said it is only the Department of Agriculture this time under Secretary Emmanuel Pinol who can amend the order.

She cited Baluran's statement that way back in 2010, based on the study of the Davao City Agriculturist Office, the demand had gone up to 60 metric tons daily.

Idris is positive the request will be granted although there is a need to consult stakeholders because it will be presented to the Fisheries and Resources Management Council (FARMC).

Idris said the buyers in the wet markets are the "institutional buyers" namely restaurants, hospitals, jails and processing plants. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Police have placed under investigation a man they arrested in possession of bomb-making components in a coastal village of this city, a top police official said Monday.

Arrested in a law enforcement operation was Pagal Nasang Aliapan, 35, a resident of of Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan province.

Aliapan is allegedly involved in the illegal sale of bomb-making components.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said Aliapan was arrested at around 1 p.m. Sunday at his temporary residence in Arena Blanco, a coastal barangay in this city.

Beltran disclosed that Aliapan was arrested after he sold bomb-making component in exchange for PhP500 to an undercover policeman.

He said confiscated from the residence of Aliapan were the following: 75 pieces of blasting caps; 17 pieces detonating cords; three plastic bags of one kilo ammonium nitrate; 10 plastic bags of half kilo; 15 sacks of 25 kilos ammonium nitrates; one electrical cutter; and, P500 mark money.

He said Aliapan was detained at the headquarters of Police Station 6 for proper disposition.

Beltran lauded the arresting team of policemen for a job well-done and commended the efforts of community for providing information which led to the arrest of the suspect. (Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops are pursuing a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits who killed six people when they attacked early Monday a village in Basilan province.

A dozen others, including two children, were wounded in the attack.

The attack happened at around 5:30 a.m. Monday in Barangay Tubigan, Maluso while most of the residents are still asleep, the military reported.

The village of Tubigan is set to celebrate its fiesta on  August 22.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said troops stationed nearby immediately responded backing a handful of militiamen and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members who put up a fight against the Abu Sayyaf attackers.

Uy said the Abu Sayyaf bandits withdrew towards the hinterlands upon sensing the arrival of reinforcement.

Jordan Garcia, 24, said they saw a group of heavily armed gunmen clad in fatigue uniform that arrived on foot and converged at the barangay covered court before the attack.

Garcia said the gunmen, which were estimated to be over a hundred, positioned themselves and opened fire towards the cluster of houses that awakened the residents, who ran for safety.

The gunmen also set on fire some of the houses and the health center.

Garcia said he and his driver, who died from a head shot, were loading sawn lumber into a truck for transport at the time the gunmen arrived.

Garcia, who was hit in the leg, is among the 11 victims, including two children, who were transferred to a medical facility in this city after they received initial medication in Isabela City hospital.

They arrived in batches aboard commercial ferry plying the Zamboanga-Basilan route via Isabela City.

One of the six slain victim was identified as Reynaldo Esparcia, 50, one of the militiamen who put up a fight against the bandit-attackers.

Monday's incident was the second attack in Barangay Tubigan, Maluso by the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The first attack was on February 27, 2010 by 70 Abu Sayyaf bandits, setting fire to homes and killing at least 11 people. (TPGJR/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY - Government troops have safely rescued a Vietnamese sailor seized by Abu Sayyaf bandit more than nine months ago off Basilan province, a top military official announced Monday.

Rescued was Do Trung Huiqe, a crew of the Vietnamese bulk carrier, M/V Royal 16.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) command chief, said Huiqe was rescued on Sunday in Mataja Island, Lantawan, Basilan province.

Medina said the troops were on special intelligence operation when they safely rescued Huiqe.

Medina said no firefight ensued as the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled upon sensing the presence of the troops that "opened a chance for rescue operations."

The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized Huiqe and five others including the M/V Royal 16 skipper on November 11, 2016 in the vicinity of Coco Island, Basilan province.

Huiqe is the remaining hostage among the six crew the Abu Sayyaf have seized aboard the bulk carrier.

One of his companion managed to escape; two of them were killed; and, the other two were rescued by the government troops.

The M/V Royal 16, which was loaded with cement, was sailing to Davao City from Vietnam when the Abu Sayyaf bandits, aboard on speed boat, hijacked the bulk carrier.

Medina said Huiqe was taken to a military hospital for medical check-up and debriefing prior to his turnover to higher headquarters and eventually to the government of Vietnam. (TPGJR/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Health personnel in Sarangani Province are targeting to immunize some 33,575 learners this year under the government's school-based immunization program.

Ma. Razel Bustaria, maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition coordinator of the Sarangani Provincial Health Office (PHO), said Friday their preparations are underway for the implementation of the program in various schools in the province.  

She said the Department of Health (DOH) set the start of the annual school-based immunization program this month.

Citing their records, she said they are aiming to cover a total of 12,770 Grade 1 and 12,102 Grade 7 learners and 8,703 girls aged nine years-old.

"Vaccination has been proven to be the most effective public health intervention and in countering disease outbreak," she said in a statement.

Bustaria said the DOH has come up with the routine immunization plan due to the increasing cases disease outbreaks, especially measles.

She said Grades 1 and 7 learners will be vaccinated with Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td).

MR vaccine is for measles and rubella, which are highly contagious and could spread through the air from person to person, through coughing, sneezing, or simply breathing.

Td vaccine is for tetanus, which is also a serious illness caused by tetanus bacteria.

She said girls aged nine years-old will be given with Human papilloma vaccine (HPV) in coordination with the health centers.

"The HPV is one of the preventive interventions for cervical cancer in later life," she said.

Bustaria said the immunization activities will be done in coordination with DOH Region 12 and public schools in Sarangani.

In 2016, the Sarangani PHO was cited as Region 12's top performer in the implementation of the school-based immunization program.

The province posted an accomplishment rating of 94 percent for Grade 1 and 91 percent for Grade 7.(AVE/PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNEFIT) is eyeing to produce 5,000 jobs in the healthcare information management (HIM) industry  by year 2022.

Lawyer Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, executive director of BNEFIT, said it is projected that 210,000 jobs will be available in the Philippines' HIM industry  and it is expected to generate  USD5 billion in revenues.

"We hope that 5,000 of these jobs will be in Bacolod City," she said.

BNEFIT, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and MedStar Philippines HealthCare Information Management Corporation,  held the 1st Bacolod HIM Conference at SMX Convention Center Bacolod on Thursday and Friday.

The conference gathered local stakeholders to scale-up the potentials of the countryside in attracting HIM jobs, opportunities and investments.

DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim, who was the keynote speaker on the second day, said Bacolod is capable of achieving even more than the target 5,000 jobs mainly because of its huge talent pool potential.

It just have to work on changing the mindset that HIM is not a call center job, he added

Themed "Building Pathways for Digital Healthcare Careers," the conference was attended by about 300 graduating high school and college students of medical, health, and information technology-related tracks and courses from various schools in Negros Occidental.

Raymond Ang, director of HIM Association of the Philippines, presented the outlook of HIM industry in the Philippines.

The students were also oriented on topics like challenges and opportunities in growing HIM industry in the countryside, careers and job opportunities for graduates, digital careers, and creating a thriving ecosystem for HIM-related investments, jobs and opportunities, among others.

Towards the end of the two-day conference, Ibrahim led industry stakeholders in their pledge of commitment to help achieve 5,000 HIM-related jobs for Bacolod.(PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The public has been urged to support the programs of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in this city.

Gloria Ibañez, PCSO department manager for Mindanao, made the call as she led Friday the launch of the Small Town Lottery (STL) operations here.

Ibañez said the public should support the STL operations in order for the PCSO to generate more funds for the government.

Ibañez said they launched the STL in response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte "to increase the funds of the government through the PCSO."

She said the city government will receive monthly three percent revenue share from the gross sales of the local approved Authorized Agent Corporation (AAC).

The local AAC of the PCSO is the DJL1 Gaming Corp. that has established an office in Barangay Sta. Maria.

PCSO-Zamboanga branch manager Raul Regondola said that the DJL1 Gaming will be the sole AAC in this city.

Ibañez said the operation of the STL is to help the government eliminate illegal gambling and to provide decent job to the people.

Regondola said the DJL1 Gaming Corporation have employed coordinators and sale agents in the different barangays of this city.

Regondola said the establishment of the STL is to help the PCSO source out more funds for charity program of the agency.

Regondola said the opening of the STL in this city is the third here in the region.

The first was in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, which opened on June 23 and second was in Isabela City, Basilan that was launched on Thursday, August 17.

The STL draws is thrice daily; 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m.

The DJL1 will officially start operations on Monday, August 21. (TPGJR/PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Energy (DOE) reported that three more power plants damaged by the July 6, 2017 earthquake are still up for restoration for another month.

DOE Visayas field office Director Antonio Labios said that as of August 11   facilities under repair are the 186-megawatt (MW) Mahanagdong Units of Unified Leyte Geothermal Plants, 40-MW capacity from Unit 1 of Tongonan Power Plant, and the 400-MW High Voltage Direct Current cable facilities linking Luzon and Visayas grids.

"The transfer of power between Luzon to Visayas is still not possible at the moment. The NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) are still on the process  of procuring  spare parts from abroad," Labios said.

The ongoing restoration is the cause of rotational brownout in Eastern Visayas region, the official said. The target is to fully complete the repair within September.

The DOE is continuously monitoring the power situation within the Visayas grid to ensure that the remaining damaged facilities will be restored as soon as possible.

Labios presented before members of the Regional Development Council on the real power situation in Leyte and Samar provinces during a meeting here on Friday.

The official clarified that contrary to previous press releases, power supply is not yet fully back in quake-hit provinces in Eastern Visayas. (with reports by Madelene B. Perez, OJT/PNA) 



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COTABATO CITY -- Clashes between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace with the government, and ISIS inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) erupted anew in Maguindanao, leaving five MILF men dead and five others injured, including a minor hit by stray bullets, police said.

The clash erupted at around 5 a.m. Friday in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, according to Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao provincial police director.

Tello said MILF forces, all belonging to MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity), discovered BIFF members were planting improvised explosive device at sitio Digadeng, Barangay Tee in Datu Salibo.

"It triggered exchange of gunfires," Tello said.

A civilian minor, identified as Rohaimen Kamid, 13, was hit by stray bullet, Tello said, quoting a report from Datu Salibo municipal police station.

Killed MILF fighters were identified as Mahmod Laguiab, Darigs Kendag, Kuzak Ali, Anwar Maulana and Kalidin Ulama, all task force Ittihad members.

Injured were Batinti Sabidra, Kunyang Guiama, Nasir Talib and Jery Buka, also task force Ittihad members.

Fighting between MILF's 108th base command and the BIFF erupted two weeks ago when the ISIS inspired group set off improvised bomb in Barangay Tee that injured 10 MILF fighters. The MILF retaliated and sporadic fighting continued to date.

Since the clashes have started, 10 MILF and 20 BIFF were killed. A dozen other MILF were injured, three of them were brought to military hospital in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao, the home of the 6th Infantry Division.

Tello said fighting in Barangay Tee is still going on as of posting.(PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY – Officials of Benguet signed Thursday Ordinance No. 204  series of 2017, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Code to strengthen the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law passed five years ago, at Hotel Supreme here.

Provincial Board Member Jim Botiwey, who chairs the Committee on Health of the legislative body, said the only way to strengthen the national law is through the passage of local RH ordinances.

He noted that Benguet allocates 30 percent or more of its fiscal budget for health programs.

Benguet, he added, has a problem on teenage pregnancy, which is one of the reasons they pushed for the passage of the local RH Code, that is hoped to address the problem long besetting the province.

A total budget of Php 10 million or more is needed in order to implement the programs under the code, which include family planning; maternal, infant, child health and nutrition; proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications; adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and counseling at the point of care; prevention, treatment, and management of reproductive tract diseases, HIV and AIDS (human immuno virus- acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and other sexually transmitted infections.

Also included in the implementation is the elimination of violence against women and children and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence; age and development-appropriate education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health; treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynaecological conditions and disorders; male responsibility and involvement and men's reproductive health aside from the prevention, treatment and management of infertility and sexual dysfunction; age and development-appropriate RH education for adolescents in formal and non-formal educational settings and the mental health aspect of reproductive health care. 

Upon the approval of the ordinance, an initial Php3 million will be allocated for the implementation of the programs starting 2018.

The approved code also mandates the creation of a council, the function of which is to prepare the investment plan and decide the priority projects, programs or activitites that will be undertaken for the implementation of the ordinance.

Forum for Family Planning and Development president Benjamin De Leon expressed confidence that once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies contraceptives as non-abortifacient, the Supreme Court will lift the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) it issued on the RH law.

FDA will also be responsible for providing the guidelines that will serve as the "bible" for the national implementation of the five-year-old RH law which remains to be on hold.

De Leon said "there is a chance that within the next 60 days, probably September or October, we, including the Department of Health, will be able to implement the RH law".

Earlier, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged local government units to come up with their Reproductive Health ordinances which would strengthen the national law that has yet to be fully implemented due to the issuance of a TRO by the Supreme Court. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)

 



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ILOILO CITY -- The rehabilitation of the degraded forest land in Mount Apitong in Concepcion, Iloilo has earned another supporter after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) and the University of the Philippines-Los Banos Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI) on Friday. 

The MOA signed by PCPC president Roel Castro and UPLBFI president and chairman, Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. calls for the rehabilitation of the 600-hectare property.

Prior to this, PCPC has entered into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the provincial government of Iloilo and the municipal government of Concepcion for the rehabilitation of the degraded forestland within Mt. Apitong in order to improve its forest cover, restore the ecological balance, enhance biodiversity and water yield capacity of the watersheds of the mountain.

The rehabilitation project is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of the firm, whose coal-fired power plant in Concepcion has been operating for a year.

Under the agreement, the UPLBFI will provide PCPC the assistance and expertise to prepare the framework and the guidelines under which the rehabilitation of Mt. Apitong will be carried out.

"We decided to adopt and rehabilitate the 600-hectare Mt. Apitong but we are not expert when it comes to that. We have the commitment, we want to do it, but we want to do it right that is why we are collaborating with agencies and institutions that are experts with this field," Castro added.

Specifically, UPLBFI will serve as consultant/advisor for the activities that PCPC will undertake in relation to the rehabilitation. The agreement will be for a period of 25 years. 

Under the agreement, these include, the preparation and drafting of a master plan for the overall reforestation /rehabilitation program for Mt. Apitong; come up with the framework for the physical evaluation and analysis of the viability to establish tree plantations in Mr. Apitong and the possibility of combining indigenous trees and fruit-bearing trees in the mountain; assist in the establishment of tree nurseries to grow seedlings ; and assist and come up with framework for the training of the personnel and volunteers that will undertake the rehabilitation.

Further, UPLBFI will also facilitate the conduct of seminars and training for the information, education, and communication methodologies and strategies to ensure that the local community will not only participate in the rehabilitation of the mountain but also gain a stronger environmental awareness and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the rehabilitation of the mountain through the reports prepared by PCPC.

The MOA signing was held at the PCPC Power Plant Complex in Barangay Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo. It was signed in the presence of PCPC chairman Walter Brown, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., DENR-6 regional director Jim Sampulna, Concepcion Mayor Millard Villanueva and UPLBFI Assistant Vice Chancellor Roberto Visco.  (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY —Thousands of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Northern Mindanao are expected to go back to driving class as part of the nationwide launch of the Public Utility Drivers Academy Program (Pudap).

Not only will the PUV drivers be able to polish their skills behind the wheels, but they will also to learn about road courtesy and even personal grooming, said Aminoden Guro, regional director of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-10).

Pudap, enacted through Executive Order 202, mandates LTFRB to formulate and implement policies that require operators and drivers of public land transportation service to attend trainings on transport management, road safety and good driving habits, Dir. Guro said.

Guro said the special classes are held twice a week and will have five modules during the eight-hour session, among them, a discussion on the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Public Covnenience (CPC), road safety, road rage and anger management, traffic signs and pavement markings, and good grooming.

He said the agency expects at least 20,000 participants throughout the region.

PUV drivers immediately welcomed the initiative.

Sarlindo Gaid, 33, a resident of Barangay Bulua, this city, and a taxi driver, said that although he is already aware of his responsibilities, the LTFRB's program is very helpful to him while he is on the road.

"I already know about traffic rules, but I am sure that LTFRB will teach me additional knowledge that I can use as a driver," Gaid said.

George Kabayao, 52, a driver of one of the biggest bus companies in the country, said it has been a long time since he had attended a driving lesson.

"I hope that LTFRB will refresh my driving skills as I am open to learn new things. As a bus driver, I need to be updated on road and safety tips," Kabayao said.

Meanwhile, Guro warned that operators or drivers who fail to comply with the program will risk suspension of their license, on top of the penalty amounting to P5,000.

He added that the re-training program will serve as a continuing education for drivers and will be done on a yearly basis.
(PNA/Jigger Jerusalem)

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CEBU CITY-- Strict enforcement of quarantine will prevent the spread of bird flu virus, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said on Friday.

Piñol, who attended the Eastern and Central Visayas Mango Stakeholders Forum in Mandaue City, compared the installation of quarantine measures in areas where the Avian Influenza virus outbreak has been reported to building a "firewall".

He said the DA actually instituted quarantine measures in Nueva Ecija last week even before the laboratory test has confirmed the bird flu outbreak in the towns of Jaen and San Isidro of said province.

The DA secretary said they were set to depopulate the area of infected fowls to stop the spread of the virus. 

So far, the biggest "firewall" is in Luzon, where firewalls with a seven-kilometer radius have been set up in provinces where signs and symptoms of bird flu have been reported.

"The firewalls were built to prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of the country, and that is also why we issued a memorandum to ban the shipping out of chicken from Luzon," Piñol said.

Piñol also said they were very careful about this issue and constantly monitoring other places for possible outbreaks.

He advised poultry producers to carry out biosecurity measure. "If you own a poultry farm, you have to understand that the most important component of your farm is your biosecurity measure, where you should not allow anyone to enter your farm without proper disinfection. You should have a foot box with disinfectant for everyone who enters the farm. Even cars, before entering the farm, should be sprayed with disinfectant, because you are producing food, and food must be clean," Piñol said.

Piñol added that every poultry owner should keep his farm clean and not allow chicken waste to just scatter around the area.

Piñol likewise urged all local government units to execute strict quarantine measures as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest anyone violating the DA administrative order banning the transportation of poultry products from Luzon to other parts of the country. (With reports by USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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BUTUAN CITY — While there is no reported case of bird flu infection in Caraga Region yet, agriculture officials said they are not taking any chances.

A multi-agency task force will be reactivated anytime this week to coordinate the region's efforts to prevent the entry of infected poultry products in local markets, said John Gamboa, chief of the Integrated Laboratory Division at the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-Caraga).

Gamboa clarified that the region's poultry products remain fit for human consumption. He added that preventive measures are being undertaken following the "unfortunate incident" in San Luis, Pampanga, where a bird flu outbreak has been confirmed.

He said the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force (RAITF) will be tasked with monitoring possible avian flu cases and establish measures to prevent potentially compromised poultry products from entering the region.

RAITF will consist of representatives from DA, the National Meat Inspection Services, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health.

Eric Gallego, DENR-Caraga information officer, said their agency has been monitoring the migratory birds coming in and flying out of the region—such as the Agusan Marsh.

A representative from the National Meat Inspection Service also said they are tightening quarantine measures on the region's seaports, airports, as well as on all entry points in Caraga.

Despite the bird flu scare in the country, prices of poultry products have remained stable, said Lyn Parenas, chief of the DA Caraga Agribusiness and Marketing Division. (PNA/Noel B. Najarro)

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BACOLOD   CITY -- The "balut" or  embryonated eggs requirement of Negros Occidental is currently being sustained by local producers as the province cannot yet source out supply from Luzon due to the ban brought by the bird flu outbreak.

Dr. Renante Decena, chief of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Negros Occidental has a deficit in the supply of "balut" thus, it has been sourcing from various suppliers in Luzon.

Decena said that from January to June this year, about 1.6 million pieces of "balut" were shipped to the province. The shipment stopped since the issuance of the ban last August 13.

In Negros Oriental, some 6,600 pieces of "balut" shipped from Luzon to Dumaguete City were ordered to be buried by the Bureau of Animal Industry on Tuesday.

"For Negros Occidental, we have not monitored any entry of the product in our ports since the start of the bird flu outbreak in Pampanga," Decena said.

Quarantine officers in different entry points of the province are directed to intercept and dispose "balut" and other poultry products coming from Luzon within the ban period, he added.

Bulk of the local "balut" production is in the southern portion of the province,  including the towns of La Castellana and Valladolid. There is also an increasing number of duck raisers in Hinoba-an.

Decena said that although Negros Occidental is deficit in eggs and "balut," the local production can still sustain local consumption requirement. 

"We are not yet experiencing significant scarcity in the supply of the commodity. Possibly, previous and existing stocks of our local producers are not yet fully consumed since the ban started," he noted.

Decena said they will have to see result of the monitoring next week to determine the status of the supply and whether there is movement in the prices and demand of "balut" in the market. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY — As part of empowering more Filipinos to gain more skills and match what is needed in the job market, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is set to establish an accredited training center in the province.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling Mamondiong confirmed this when he paid a courtesy call on Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa "Imee" Marcos to discuss plans about the project.

With the ongoing construction developments in various parts of the province, the Ilocos Norte government is encouraging more students to take up technical and vocational courses as these are the highly in-demand jobs both locally and internationally.

In fact, an increasing number of job recruitment companies are reaching out to Ilocos Norte job seekers to fill in thousands of jobs here and abroad.

Based on their initial talk, Gov. Marcos assured Mamondiong that the provincial government can provide a good site for the establishment of the TESDA training center.

In Paayas village, San Nicolas town, the provincial government has an existing Takuat Training Center TESDA could utilize for its free training program.

Mamondiong said successful TechVoc applicants may be given free lodging, transportation and food allowance during the course of the training. There is also guaranteed employment of the TESDA beneficiaries after completion of their course. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office for Bicol had the highest number of awardees in the recent Rice Achievers Awards from three regions in South Luzon held at Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, DA spokesperson Emily Bordado said. 

Bordado, in an interview Friday, told the Philippine News Agency the annual Rice Achievers Awards started in 2011 and aims to recognize the significant contributions of the Local Government Units (LGUs), agricultural extension workers and other stakeholders in the rice industry in achieving food sufficiency in the country.

Among the 61 outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and 10 outstanding Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs), the Bicol region got the biggest number of awardees with 27 AEWs and 5 LFTs. Each awardee received P20,000 cash prize and plaque, Bordado said.

The outstanding AEWs from Bicol from the province of Camarines Sur are: Tita Bendaña (Minalabac); Jocelyn Comprado (Pamplona); Nercy Alvaro (Libmanan); Allan Salvador (San Fernando); Anicia Mancita (Magarao); Julieta Deris (Nabua); Sylvia Oaferina (Buhi); Elsa Cabrera (Buhi); Janice Orciga (Iriga City); Celedonio Elevado Jr. (Nabua); Hector Llagas (Bato); Rowena Otamias (Sipocot); Gregorio Beldad (Ocampo); Jessie Bare (Ocampo); Dolores Bongalos (Pili); Raul Conmigo (Sagñay); Grace Santelices (San Jose); Marinette Briñas (Baao); Aline Bravo (Baao) and Rosa Belgica (Canaman).

From Catanduanes: Eva Laurente (San Andres).

From Albay: Prescilla Ferrer (Manito), Mat Peñafiel (Ligao City), and Meden Castor (Ligao City); Cheryll Rebeta, the Provincial Agriculturist of Albay; and Ligao City's Dexter Mendoza, also awarded as Outstanding City Agriculturist. Ligao was adjudged as Outstanding City. From Masbate City: Ulysses Cabrera Jr.

The five LFT awardees who all came from Camarines Sur are Genaro Tamon Jr. (Magarao); Erwin Barnuevo (Minalabac); Ramon Gaudiel (Pili); William Bisenio (Baao) and Chimmie Aguilar (Sipocot).

In his speech, DA-Bicol OIC Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Rodel P. Tornilla quoted Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano as saying, "They (AEWs and LFTs) are the heroes of the DA. Without them, our projects will never be implemented with greatness".

Tornilla added that he wants to see new faces in the next Rice Achievers Awards as most of Bicol's AEWs are already hall of famers or have been awardees for three consecutive years. Tornilla also attended the awarding ceremony of the ASEAN Outstanding Rice Farmer and Scientist in Manila recently. (PNA)

 



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LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bicol together with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) turned over Php 31 million to six cooperatives as lending conduits under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program held at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, Friday, DA spokesperson Emily Bordado said.

Bordado said the program wants to help agricultural households in calamity-affected areas regain their capacity to earn a living and provide immediate relief to small farmers and fisherfolk through loan and grant assistance.

Farmers and fisherfolk affected by typhoon Nina last December 2016 would be eligible borrowers of the said amount. 

The lending conduits with the corresponding amount of checks were given to Camarines Sur Multi-Purpose Cooperative -P1,376,630.00; Magarao Multi-Purpose Cooperativen-P1,310,000.00; Sampaloc Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gainza, Cam. Sur)-P810,000.00; San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Buhi -P2,000,000.00; Pinoy Lingap-Damayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Catanduanes -20,595,000.00 and Maymatan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Goa, Cam. Sur -P5,000,000.00.

DA Agribusiness and Marketing Division (AMAD) Chief Adelina Loza clarified to the members that the check is a sure loan to be paid in a given point in time and those who can avail are carefully evaluated and validated.

Ding Pereyra, Project Development Officer IV, ACPC, presented an Overview of the SURE Assistance Loan.

He said the Recovery Assistance Loan has 0% interest and must be paid within three years with only 3 percent service charge.

Loan amount under the Survival Assistance (Grant) is 10,000 per borrower and 25,000 per borrower under the Recovery Assistance (loan), he added.

The SURE program was conceptualized by DA Secretary Piñol as a strategy to help ease difficulty of farmers in acquiring loans from banks and other financial institutions. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The number of drug-cleared barangays in Negros Island Region has increased to 25 after three villages in Bacolod City were among the latest declared free from drugs.

The newest  drug-cleared villages are Barangays 5, 24, and 41, according to the  Oversight Committee of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) here.

Raymundo Salaveria of Barangay 5, Leif Gregory Ledesma of Barangay 24, and Leonilo Colegado of Barangay 41received their Certificate of Drug-Cleared Barangay during the 3rd Quarter Meeting of CADAC on Thursday.

The Oversight Committee, chaired by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 Director Wardley Getalla,  conducted drug-clearing operations in Barangays 5, 24, and 41, and  these barangays have complied with the parameters on drug-cleared barangays provided  in Section 6 of Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3 series of 2017.

A barangay may be declared as "drug-cleared" if there is non-availability of drug supply; absence of drug transit/transshipment activity;  absence of drug den, pusher, user; absence of clandestine drug laboratory; active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information; and existence of voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

Other drug-cleared barangays Negros Island are Bago City with four; Valladolid, seven;  and Pulupandan, five in Negros Occidental; Bayawan City, three; and Dumaguete City, three, in Negros Oriental. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Construction of phase 1 of  the 11-storey building at the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City is set to start next year.

 

Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia said this was the assurance given by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial when they called on her last week. 

 

Interviewed Friday, the congressman said he was with his mother, former Rep. Gina de Venecia, when he called on Secretary Ubial to discuss health-related concerns in the fourth district of Pangasinan. 

 

Pangasinan's  fourth district covers Dagupan City, San Fabian, Mangaldan San Jacinto and Manaoag.

 

One of the concerns they brought up was the need  to fast-track the implementation of the project stipulated  in a bill authored by then Rep. Gina de Venecia in 2012, which already became a law. 

 

Known as Republic Act 10614, it calls for the doubling of the bed capacity of the regional hospital, from 300 to 600. 

 

 

De Venecia said  the  construction of the 11-storey project to be the main building of R1MC was delayed  because of  a legal battle in 2012 between the winning contractor and then-

Health Secretary Enrique Ona after the bidding of the project in Manila.

 

"Finally, we brought it to her (Secretary Ubial) attention and true enough, she would provide funds  to start phase one of the 11-storey building for the expansion of bed capacity of R1MC ," he said.

 

He added that Secretary Ubial recognized the need to develop medical facilities, similar to the Philippine General Hospital, to be built outside Manila. R1MC, which is ISO-certified,  is accessible and has world-class facilities, said the lawmaker. 

 

He praised the health secretary  "for being kind to accommodate our requests" as he also noted that funds were also made by DOH for the establishment of a geriatric and cancer centers,  and other allied facilities of R1MC.

 

He said the main project would be the 11-storey building for R1MC to house more patients.

Due to lack of rooms at R1MC,  some patients are being made to stay in hallways, alleys, parking lot and function area, he noted. 

 

 

De Venecia said he also sought the retention of Dr. Roland Joseph Mejia as R1MC director amid reports of reshuffle of directors of DOH-owned hospitals across the country. He said Mejia has done a great job at R1MC.  (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – Over 1,000 households and hotel owners in Boracay Island in Aklan will be displaced for illegally occupying the timberland, said the top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas.

 

DENR-6 Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna, in an interview Friday afternoon, said they had completed their inventory of illegal forest occupants in the whole  Boracay Island.  DENR started the inventory last July.

 

The illegal settlers are specifically established within the 400-hectare of the island's timberland. "We are done with our inventory. There is a portion there that is occupied by individuals, they have houses made of cement and there are even hotels, but they were established within a timberland," Sampulna said.

 

Sampulna said his next move would be to call a technical conference with the identified illegal forest occupants to urge them to vacate the area. But he assured that an area in Malay, Aklan had been identified where these illegal occupants could transfer.

 

"If they will not leave, I will file a case against them," Sampulna warned. As of now, Sampulna said that there was no initial commitment from these illegal settlers.

 

"This is what we are telling them to do or else they will be imprisoned. I do not need their commitment because they are in the property of the government and I intend to reforest those areas," Sampulna added. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN – Pangasinan's poultry farmers have been advised not to panic over the reported death of three ducks in a farm in Manaoag town on Friday.

Speaking over Bombo Radyo on Saturday, Dagupan provincial veterinarian Dr. Eric Perez said his office immediately investigated the death of the ducks and found that they did not show any symptom of avian flu.

However, to be sure, blood samples from the farm's live ducks were taken and sent to Manila for laboratory analysis, he said, adding that the results are expected in a week.

Perez noted that there was nothing unusual -- no mass death of ducks -- in the Manaoag duck farm.

The owner must have reported the incident because he suspected that avian flu was behind it, he said, adding that it is possible that the death of the three ducks only coincided with the bird flu outbreak in San Luis, Pampanga and in San Isidro and Jaen, Nueva Ecija.

"This means that our poultry raisers are now on alert and are immediately reporting the deaths of their fowls," he said.

Perez maintained that Pangasinan is still bird flu-free as quarantine checkpoints had been set up in the province's eight entry and exit points immediately after Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol raised the alarm over the emergence of avian flu in Pampanga.

The incident is also being investigated by the newly-formed Regional Avian Flu Task Force from La Union.

Perez called on the Pangasinenses to remain calm as authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that the avian flu virus, an H5 strain, does not enter the province. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- Some local officials and residents here expressed support for the development of a genetically-modified rice to help solve Vitamin A and mineral deficiency among children.

Spearheaded by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI), researchers have been pushing for the development and commercialization of the "golden rice" to complement solutions to the Vitamin A and mineral deficiency among children.

To produce golden rice, the genes of a corn and a bacterium are combined and inserted in ordinary rice. Study shows that eating a cup of golden rice would cover about half of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A for adults.

To date, the golden rice project has completed a single confine field trial and is already applying for field trial approval.

To solicit support, a team from IRRI is briefing various stakeholders in different parts of the country about golden rice.

In Batac City, a multi-sectoral group composed of representatives of state universities and colleges, farmers, housewives, researchers, educators, legislators and policy makers, among others, attended a public forum on Friday to familiarize themselves with this genetically modified crop.

Here in Laoag, former Department of Education superintendent Cecilia Aribuabo said she fully supports the cultivation of golden rice, which she noted contains beta-carotene that is converted into Vitamin A as needed by the body.

Golden rice project field test supervisor Ronalyn Miranda meanwhile clarified that golden rice is not a "silver bullet" that would solve Vitamin A deficiency but it offers an alternative to improve the people's health.

Dr. Reynaldo Castro of the PRRI said a field test has been conducted in Batac since 2011 and it has been proven safe to eat.

Different stakeholders here have signed a manifesto supporting the development of golden rice. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Six trucks containing 4,000 boxes of foodstuff were turned over Friday afternoon to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) under the first phase of the "Tulong Bulakenyo Para sa Marawi."

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and provincial administrator Eugenio Payongayong also handed a check worth PHP4 million to OCD-III regional director Edgardo J. Ollet as part of the PHP8 million aid of the provincial government to the people of the war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao.

"This is our own way of giving back. Every time calamities hit our province, other provinces also sent us help and aid," Alvarado said.

OCD Director Josie Timoteo, chief of operations Task Force Marawi-OCD, is in Iligan City and will supervise the distribution of the donations from Bulacan, Ollet said. 

"This is a big help in our effort to help the people of Marawi, " Ollet said.

Ollet thanked Alvarado and the people of Bulacan for their concern and kindness to the people of Marawi still suffering and bearing the brunt of the war. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Veterinary Quarantine Services in Region 6 has assigned two quarantine officers at BREDCO port  here  as part of the efforts to prevent the entry of poultry products from Luzon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the banning of fowl shipment from Luzon to other parts of the country following the bird flu outbreak in San Luis town, Pampanga last week.

Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, cluster head on markets, on Thursday said that in case shipment of chicken or eggs from Luzon would be intercepted, the items would be automatically burned or discarded. 

Earlier this week, the BAI  in Negros Oriental ordered the disposal of embryonated eggs or "balut"  shipped from Pangasinan to Dumaguete City.

For her part, Dr. Grace Tan, head of the City Health Office  Environmental Sanitation Division,  urged  Bacolod residents to report  poultry farms with death cases of chicken or ducks for investigation.

According to the DA, all birds, including  chickens, birds, ducks, pigeons, quails,  within a one-kilometer radius of the affected farms in Pampanga will have to be culled.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol had earlier said the ban on the shipment of poultry meat and poultry products from Luzon to the rest of the country was an aggressive step to contain the spread of avian influenza to other parts of the country.

The ban will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as experts conclude that the risk of spreading the virus has been eliminated, he added.

However, since there is no outbreak in the Visayas and Mindanao, Piñol said the shipment of poultry and poultry products from these areas to Luzon would be allowed.(PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  has already disbursed PHP54.9 million to 10,989 survivors of the super typhoon "Yolanda" from Western Visayas qualified to receive the PHP5,000 Presidential Assistance Fund (PAF).

In a press conference  on Thursday, DSWD 6 Social Worker Officer II Lisa B. Camacho said that as of Tuesday, the recipients were among the 75,072 beneficiaries from this region. 

The beneficiaries included 3,973 in Iloilo; 2,902 in Aklan; 2,396 in Antique; and 1,718 in Capiz. These recipients received their assistance directly through a cash card issued by the Land Bank of Philippines.

DSWD started the release of cash cards last May 29. There are ongoing releases of cash cards to other beneficiaries in the region, Camacho said. 

She added their target was to complete the distribution on or before end of this September. 

The beneficiaries are not recipients of previous government assistance, especially the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA), DSWD Core Shelter Project, National Housing Authority (NHA) Permanent Shelter project, and other housing/shelter grant from other government agencies, she said. 

During the commemoration of "Yolanda " in Tacloban City last year, President Rodrigo Duterte committed to provide the PHP5,000 financial assistance in response to the appeal of some 200,000 survivors who have not received their ESA since the super typhoon hit the country in 2013. 

The financial assistance was funded through the PHP1 billion Socio-Civic Projects Fund of the Office of the President. It was made available to eligible households affected by "Yolanda" in Regions 6, 7 and 8. (PNA



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 21 tons of frozen dressed chicken from Luzon are being put on hold to ensure that they are not contaminated with the dreaded avian flu virus, the National Meat Inspection Service in Region 10 (NMIS-10) said.


The chicken product arrived Tuesday at the Mindanao International Container Port in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental, and destined for local markets throughout Northern Mindanao, the MNIS said in a statement.


However, NMIS-10 Regional director Angelita Barcelona made it clear that the poultry product is safe for human consumption per the agency's initial verification. She said the initial finding was based on visual inspection of the meat.


Dr. Barcelona clarified that the products are being put on hold at a cold storage facility in Tagoloan town because the agency was also verifying the authenticity of the documents attached to the shipment.


She explained the NMIS-10 was not taking any chances and will reexamine the frozen broiler chicken before they are released to the local market. She pointed out that the chicken product will remain safe for consumption for at least two years if kept in a cold storage.


Barcelona disclosed that the frozen chicken was already declared "bird flu-free" by the NMIS office in Quezon City, which cleared it for transport to Mindanao on August 8.


The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), in its August 11 memorandum, disallows movement of live domestic and wild birds including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen, and even manure, from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, and from Pampanga to other parts of Luzon.


"This temporary ban will take effect until such time that no new cases are reported 21 days after the depopulation of the affected areas," said the memorandum, signed by Dr. Enrico Garzon Jr., DA assistant secretary for Livestock and BAI director.


Barcelona said they have yet to hear of reports of incidence of avian flu in the region but the NMIS-10 has remained on alert for possible cases of the illness that has already killed thousands of birds in poultry farms in some areas in Pampanga.


Meanwhile, the DA-10 has assured local consumers in Northern Mindanao that the poultry products sold in the local markets remain safe. It added that the region has sufficient stock of chicken meat.


According to the data provided by DA-10, Northern Mindanao ranked third among the chicken growers in the country, producing a total of 11 percent of 19,596,441 heads contribution to the national supply annually.


Region 10 is also the eighth top grower of ducks with a total of 4 percent or 444,064 heads produced annually. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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BUTUAN CITY – "Do not stain or destroy your name while you work for this organization."

This was the message of Chief Supt. Rolando B. Felix, chief of the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-Caraga), as he welcomed the 326 new police recruits who took their oath on August 16.

Felix reminded the new recruits to adhere to President Rodrigo Duterte's strict orders for the PNP to always uphold honor and discipline in the ranks.

"You now officially belong to the special breed of men and women in noble profession of law enforcement," Felix told the police trainees, who consist of 232 males and 94 females.

As trainees, the recruits are given the temporary rank of Police Officer 1 with a salary of P20,494 while undergoing their training at Camp Barbers Regional Training Center, Brgy. Lipata in Surigao City.

Felix said the trainees will undergo the six-month Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC), as well as the Field Training Program (FTP) in actual policing for five months.

After one-month evaluation, they will then be accepted as permanent Police Officers 1 by the police force.

Meanwhile, PRO-Caraga bared that it fell short of its regular recruitment quota of 700 trainees for this year as total applicants only numbered 529. (PNA/Noel B. Najarro)

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ILOILO CITY -- The city civil registry office is eyeing the continuation of its mobile registration project, this time to be held in Iloilo City's far-flung villages and relocation sites.

The mobile registration project is still ongoing at the gymnasium of this city's Jaro districton Friday, 

The project has already assisted around 500 clients since it started in July in Arevalo. 



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SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija -- A one-kilometer radius restriction in transportation of all fowls is now enforced in places where suspected cases of avian influenza were monitored in the towns of Jaen and San Isidro, this province.

Provincial administrator Alejandro Abesamis said the measure is being undertaken pending result of the confirmatory test by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on suspected cases, including the poultry farm with 38,000 heads.

Abesamis said they also encouraged poultry raisers within the one-km radius zone to voluntarily depopulate or cull the fowls.

Likewise, he said that no chicken and other fowls within a seven-kilometer radius can be transported outside of the province. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Prices of poultry products are stable here as Bohol remains bird flu-free.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Stella Lapiz said her office has been monitoring the prices for a week after Bohol imposed a ban on poultry products coming from outside the province. 

Lapiz told reporters in the weekly media forum at the People Mansion on Friday that her office has been particular on the movement of poultry product prices in the local markets. 

The provincial veterinarian said no adverse effects were monitored on the poultry products being sold in fastfood outlets in the province.

At the same time, the province remains to be free from Avian Influenza. 

A  task force headed by the provincial veterinarian, to monitor the possible incursion of poultry products from Luzon was created over the weekend.  

Lapiz called on the vigilance of the Boholanos people to report any possible entry of poultry products from outside the province. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has identified seven sites to establish quarantine checkpoints in Davao Region as a preventive measure against entry of Avian Influenza (AI) or bird flu contaminated products.

DA's Avian Influenza coordinator Dr. Dannie Apelo said the Avian Influenza Protection Program Task Force Probinsiya has identified sites for quarantine checkpoints on Km. 80 and Kinuskusan in Sulop town and Malalag, Davao del Sur; Buda, Davao City; Talaingod in Davao del Norte; Monkayo in Compostela Valley; Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental; and, Boston town in Davao Oriental.

The Task Force was already activated last Tuesday and held initial meetings to plan out measures against AI contamination in the region.

Apelo said the establishment of quarantine checkpoint is just one of the preventive measures to ensure no contaminated poultry and other fowls enter Davao Region. This is also where technicians take blood samples.

He said no poultry products are allowed at the checkpoint if the transporter cannot show veterinary certification and shipping permit. DA has already developed information materials about the bird flu; do's and don'ts on avoiding bird flu; and warning on the transport of poultry products.

Davao Region, which has the biggest poultry producers like Vitarich, San Miguel, Magnolia, Bounty, and some independent growers, remained AI or bird flu free.

Apelo said the entry of chicken and its by-products from Luzon are not accepted in Davao, which has an excess supply of poultry products. Davao Region has a strong poultry industry where it ranked second in Mindanao and 6th in the country. Northern Mindanao is top producer in the island.

Following the bird-flu outbreak in Pampanga, Apelo said DA central office has issued a memorandum circular temporarily banning the export of chicken, poultry meat, manure, broilers' semen from Visayas and Mindanao.

On August 24, DA and veterinarians from the local government units with technicians will take blood samples at poultry farms. This will be followed on August 29 and September 4.

Earlier, Apelo said DA is also conducting surveillance and takes blood sampling of birds and fowl in so-called hotspot areas in Davao, Carmen and Dujali towns in Davao del Norte and Malalag in Davao Occidental where migratory birds from China fly-in in September and fly-out in March.

Apelo said DA in Region 11 continuously monitors the entry of migratory birds to the Davao Region in September when the winter months set in until March when birds fly out from the Philippines. Migratory birds come to the Philippines because of the country's tropical climate. These migratory birds fly to the Philippines during the winter months usually from China. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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