MikeLigalig.com

By Dolly Anne Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer


Having grown up in show biz, I’m shock-proof. When I saw on the Net a pic of Gretchen Barretto and John Estrada kissing, I wasn’t surprised.

I texted Greta and John for the real score but as of press time they have not replied. It could have been just a friendly smack; it didn’t look like a passionate kiss.

I remember John kissing Keanna Reeves out of the blue onstage during the Bench fashion show. John is unattached and a free spirit who craves love.

Last Valentine’s Day, we exchanged senti messages about the pain that comes with love. Perhaps John is just having fun with all the wrong ones until the right one comes along.

          After the Spaniards established their center of operation in Cebu, they started their plan of converting Bohol to Christianity. On November 17, 1595 two Jesuit priests, Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, left Cebu for Bohol to start the conversion in the village of Baclayon. Through hard work, patience and perseverance the duo succeeded in winning the natives confidence. With the people's help they built a big church like a fort with a belfry that served as a watchtower for spying the coming of the Muslims (Moros) raiders who userd to come and wreck havoc on the people. One such raid took place on October 16, 1600 when 300 Maguindanao Moros in 50 war boats led by Datu Sali and Datu Sirongan attacked Baclayon. Fortunately, through the church belfry their coming was made known 3 or 4 hours ahead and the people had time to run to the mountains for safety, except 3 old women and an old man who were too old to flee. They were killed and the Moros sailed away.

          One intriguing question is, what was the motive for these raids? Why did the Moros attack their Filipino brothers? One possible reason was to convert the Boholanos to Mohammedanism. Another plausible explanation was the policy of "divide and rule" adopted by the Spanish rulers. In pursuance of this policy, the Spaniards used Christians to fight their Muslim brothers. In 1578, for instance, Captain Esteban Rodriguez de Figuera invaded Jolo, using a few Spaniards and many Christian Filipinos for the purpose. Then in 1590 he used 1,500 Christian Filipinos and 214 Spaniards to attack the Muslims in Cotabato. But the Muslims were never conquered.

          Naturally the Muslims resented these attacks by the Christian Filipinos and, in retaliation, they conducted a series of raids against Christian towns in Bohol and in the Visayas, plundering and pillaging villages, abducting native villagers to be sold as slaves to Bornean Datus and Sultans. Because of its location, Bohol became one of the convenient targets of these retaliatory expeditions of the Muslims. These nefarious activities had been going on until the end of 18th century. The course of history is often deflected by trivial incidents. Here in this fortuitous encounter had the most far-reaching effects on the history of Bohol. (compiled by JHAD Computer Services)

hi ghen, diha man gud mi nadungog nga gibawian daw ka ug computer sa imong company kay sige standby sa Tubag Bohol. 

          Bohol's recorded history began with Magellan's arrival in 1521. Events prior to that are merely a matter of conjecture. Although Antonio Morga in his book, "Sucesos" affirms that the Pintados or Visayans (the tattooed ones) were found in Bohol. The could write very well, yet they used highly perishable materials like leaves of trees and bamboo barks.

          The first document that specifically mentioned of Bohol is the account of the first voyage around the world, which was written by chronicler Pigafetta, who accompanied the expedition of Magellan in the Philippines. According to this document, after the death of Magellan at the hands of Lapulapu at Mactan and the unfortunate experience of the Spaniards in Cebu, where 27 of them were massacred in retaliation of the abuses they had committed against the Cebuanos, the Spaniards sailed to Bohol on their way to Tidore, Moluccas. For lack of sailors to man the three remaining ships, they burned the ship Concepcion off the island of Panglao. It was at this time they saw black men, while they coasted the island, whom they thought were negritos but verified later that what Pegafetta saw were dark-skinned natives, fishermen who were always exposed to the hot tropical sun.

          To replenish their dwindling food supply, the ship Victoria now under the command of Sebastian de Elcano dropped anchor at the seaboard between the Bohol mainland and the island of Panglao. Through the natives, they found potable water in a well called "BOHO", very close to the place where they anchored. Despite its proximity to the sea (about 30 meters), its water deposit is not salty. It projects an enexhaustible amount of water even during prolonged, rainless dry season. In spite of this unprecedented phenomenon, the surrounding community is devoid of accounts that puportedly explained the origin of the name "boho". The early inhabitants must have named it "boho" not "atabay" because it was not a man-made well ("atabay"). As the years went by, the name of the place has been handed down from parents to children by word of mouth and the word "boho" was later corrupted and became the lead, the cue and the clue on why Bohol was called by that name. The well called "Boho" is along the shoreline of barangay Guiwanon, Baclayon five kilometers from Tagbilaran City. History relating how the name Bohol has been attributed to the island of Datu Sikatuna and Sigala. Some historians had said that "the name Bohol is derived from Bo-ol, a barrio from the mainland, in a place where Magellan's men came upon after they toured the island of Panglao. Other chroniclers and early historians invariably write the name of this province as Bojo, Bojol, and Bohol. Compilation of sources and maps from Legaspi's chronicles on Philippine map and other accounts have shown that the name Bohol has already existed before the Spaniards came.

          In retrospection, the different versions pertaining to the matter on how Bohol got its name fall within myriads hidden tales, legends and folklore that abound in the beliefs and in the behavior of a group of people handed down from generation to generation. (compiled by JHAD Computer Services)

Day Lumine, sulay ug suroy sa other towns. You will know the truth. Daghan kaayong mga bata sa ato nga walay tsinelas mangiskwela. 

On May 10, 1565 a very occasion of an era of the unwritten treaty of friendship of international peace, between the east and the west had been observed on one of the seven thousand and one hundred seven islands in the heart of a sprawling island-nation on the Pacific rim â€" the island of Bohol. The peace pact was held in the village of Bool three kilometers from what is now Tagbilaran between Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of the Spanish expedition and Datu Sikatuna, Chief of Bohol. Legaspi’s expedition was the fifth the Spanish crown had sent to the archipelago. In the next decades after Magellan, Spain sent expeditions led by Loaisa in 1525, Saavedra in 1527, Villalobos in 1542 and Legaspi in 1565 respectively but none of them had given name to this scattered islands of our forefathers although Villalobos called, "Western Islands" which is now known as the Visayan Islands.

          Legaspi sailed from Natividad, Mexico the surrogate of the crown of Spain on November 21, 1564 with Father Andres Urdaneta and reached Cebu on February 13, 1565. Because of the hostility of the Cebuanos as a retaliation of the abuses done by Magellan’s men, he did not land Cebu. Instead, he sailed to the nearby islands in his desire to reach Mindanao but failed due to unfavorable weather. So he dropped anchor at a village southeastern part of Bohol, now called Jagna. He observed that the natives were unfriendly. He learned some facts about the adverse attitudes of the natives by a Muslim from Borneo who was with him as his interpreter who told that the Portuguese posed to be Spaniards in order to win the friendship of the natives, but when they had become friendly, the Portuguese attacked and robbed them; plundered other villages nearby that caused the outrage of the Boholanos. The natives fought back and drove the Spaniards away. Legaspi’s coming and his plea for mercy that he and his men were not the same people who had wronged them did not soften the anger of the natives. Undaunted they went to other villages where the people were friendly.

          In the village of Bool, three kilometers from Tagbilaran, Legaspi dropped anchor, went ashore and met Chief Datu Sikatuna. Legaspi together with Muslim interpreter and some of his men approached Sikatuna in a pleasing behavior that impressed him. Legaspi told the Bohol chief that he had come to make friends with him and his people. He further told Sikatuna that they came from a great civilized nation of friendly people. Impressed by his tact and diplomacy, Sikatuna was sold to Legaspi’s ideas and purpose and became friends. They sealed their friendship in a native custom of unwritten document, the making of blood compact in a colorful permissive atmosphere. The blood compact was done by drawing from each person two or three drops of blood from their arms and mix them in one cup with wine. The mixture was then divided equally between the cup of Sikatuna and Legaspi and both drank until both cups were empty. The compact was sealed on March 16, 1565 now popularly known as "Sandugo".

The Boholanos celebrate the "Sandugo" every year to commemorate the historic event. A historical marker now stands in barangay Bool of Tagbilaran City. Legaspi gained more friendship with the natives when similar compact was later made with Datu Sigala, another chief of Bohol. With his usual display of tact and friendly manner that gained not only the friendship of the two Bohol chiefs but to their followers as well, Legaspi was able to get the much-needed provisions for his men from the islands. Believing that he had already enough food to last for a certain period, he sailed back to the island of Cebu and arrived there on April 27, 1565. Since then Bohol was never visited again until the Jesuits began their mission of converting the Boholanos to Christianity in 1595. (compiled by JHAD Computer Services)

ATTACK OF THE PHISHERS
By Krysti Wood, CNET Editor

You open your in-box and find e-mail from eBay or PayPal, warning that your account has been compromised by identity thieves and that you must log on immediately to verify your information. Sounds scary, right? But here's the really terrifying part: that e-mail is a fake, and so is the Web site it's sending you to. If you follow the instructions and provide your account info, so-called phishers will steal your identity. You may soon find that these scammers have used your data to purchase all kinds of things on eBay you've never heard of, and the sellers are demanding payment. Your eBay reputation and your credit rating will be in tatters. And that's just for starters.

Fortunately, there are ways to fight the phishers:

1. Spot phony e-mail. Neither eBay nor its PayPal subsidiary will ever send you e-mail with live links inside it, says eBay's Jim Griffith, dean of eBay Education. So no matter how real they may look, be aware that any PayPal or eBay e-mail containing live links is an outright fake (also known as spoof e-mail).

2. Think before you click. Never click the live link inside such e-mail; if you want to check your account status, manually type eBay or PayPal's address into your browser and log on normally.

3. Make sure the site is secure. eBay and PayPal use SSL encryption to secure your login info. That means the Web address should start with https: (the s stands for secure), and there should be a tiny, locked icon in the lower-right corner of your browser.

4. Double-check the URL. Some phishers use foreign character sets to create URLs close enough to fool users into thinking they're on the real site. Make sure the site you're logging on to is really www.paypal.com and not www.paypäl.com.

5. Rat out the bad guys. Identity theft is a serious crime, and the FBI is actively investigating phishing scams and other activities related to ID theft. eBay is also investigating spoof e-mail. If you get phisher e-mail that claims to be from eBay or PayPal, forward it to spoof@ebay.com and file a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center.

No one actually owns the Internet, and no single person or organization controls the Internet in its entirety. More of a concept than an actual tangible entity, the Internet relies on a physical infrastructure that connects networks to other networks. There are many organizations, corporations, governments, schools, private citizens and service providers that all own pieces of the infrastructure, but there is no one body that owns it all. There are, however, organizations that oversee and standardize what happens on the Internet and assign IP addresses and domain names, such as the National Science Foundation, the Internet Engineering Task Force, ICANN, InterNIC and the Internet Architecture Board. (webopedia.com)

Author: Anonymous

“As I look back on all that's happened..growing up, growing together, changing you, changing me -- there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. As I look back on those days, I realize how much I truly miss you and how much I truly love you. The past may be gone forever..and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow. So, my lifetime friend, it is with all my heart that I send you my love, hoping that you'll always carry my smile with you, for all we have meant to each other and for whatever the future may hold.”

I like this line about friendship.

“True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island..to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” - Baltazar Gracian

Why E-Mails Bounce?

In computer jargon, a bounced e-mail is one that never arrives in the recipient's inbox and is sent back, or bounced back, to the sender with an error message that indicates to the sender that the e-mail was never successfully transmitted. But what happens when someone sends an e-mail out into cyberspace, and why do e-mails sometimes bounce back?

When a user attempts to send an e-mail, he is telling his e-mail system to look for the domain of the recipient (for example, webopedia.com) and the domain's mail server. Once the e-mail system makes contact with the recipient's mail server, the mail server looks at the message to determine if it will let the message pass through the server. If the recipient's server has predetermined that it is not accepting e-mails from the sender's address (for example, if it has blocked the address for anti-spamming purposes), the server will reject the message and it will subsequently bounce back to the sender. The message will also bounce back to the server if the mail server on the recipient's end is busy and cannot handle the request at that time. When an e-mail is returned to the sender without being accepted by the recipient's mail server, this is called a hard bounce.

Once the e-mail has been accepted by the recipient's mail server there are still ways for the message to be rejected. The mail server has to determine if the recipient (for example, webmaster@webopedia.com) actually exists within its system and if that recipient is allowed to accept e-mails. If the recipient's address does not exist on the mail server, then the message will be rejected because there is no one to deliver the message to. If the sender misspells the recipient's address (for example, qebmaster@webopedia.com) then the system will recognize this as a nonexistent address and bounce the message back. If the recipient exists but does not have enough disk space to accept the message (i.e., if his e-mail application is filled to storage capacity) then the message will bounce back to the sender. Some mail systems predetermine a maximum message size that it will accept and will automatically bounce the message if it exceeds that size and some mail systems predetermine a maximum amount of disk space the user is allowed to occupy on the server. When an e-mail is returned to the sender after it has already been accepted by the recipient's mail server, this is called a soft bounce. Some mail servers are programmed to accept incoming e-mails and store them for further analysis without initially checking to determine if the recipient exists or is even capable of receiving the message.

Occasionally, a network failure at the sender or recipient end will cause an e-mail to bounce back to the sender. Typically, a bounced e-mail returns to the sender with an explanation of why the message bounced. (webopedia.com)

We often think of great faith as something that happens spontaneously so that we can be used for a miracle or healing. However, the greatest faith of all, and the most effective, is to live day by day trusting Him. It is trusting Him so much that we look at every problem as an opportunity to see His work in our life. It is not worrying, but rather trusting and abiding in the peace of God that will crush anything that Satan tries to do to us. If the Lord created the world out of chaos, He can easily deal with any problem that we have. -Rick Joyner

Ako pud, GEC, ligo na ko. Need to be at the office at 8 a.m. 

I wish Sunday Post's staff could post their published stories in Tubag Bohol. Most of our site's visitors are based abroad.

Those were the good old days. Never had any experience with kitkit.  Akong mga friends, addict pud ana before. But I couldn't afford to buy a radio handset.

Now I know. "kitkit" addict diay si GEC. mag-reunion kaha ang mga "kitkit" addict?

GEC, did you have meaningful, lasting friends among "kitkit" addict?

Quote from: mfrandsen on June 11, 2007, 10:12:43 PM
Basta mahubog ako papa sa un magpa-init raman siya ug mais nga singag, tagsa ra nuon siya mahubog.

Sabaw kunon pud sa kamunggay tambal sa hubog 

Ako, kung mahubog na akong papa, mangita na ko ug lugar asa ko motago. 

Quote from: GEC348 on June 08, 2007, 05:58:15 PM
The raging debate right here is the oil exploration off the waters between Bohol and Cebu.

Some questions raised:

1. The extent of damage of the seismic survey, which is done by detonating explosives, in terms of  envirornmental damage and fish catch.
2. Should the owners of "payaos" be paid first before they are removed?
3. Assurance that the LGUs will get their share of the national wealth.

The oil exploration is about 'TREASURE HUNTING.' Basin daw naa pa ang sundang ug kutsilyo ni Magellan diha dapita.

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 07:13:26 AM
Yep.
I bring my work at home.
And for the very important work, I bring them wherever I go.
I'm at home pa at this time...

Hmmmmm, you're a businesswoman or businessman. You are based in Cebu City (i mean downtown)? Maayo kaayo ka mosulat, GEC.

Quote from: yadz26 on June 11, 2007, 11:13:16 AM


wala jud..forever na man na...lolz..
hangtod nga exist pa ni nga site...lolz..

na-addict ta kay wala man gud comprehensive Bohol forum site until Tubag Bohol arrives. Sakto ba ni nga opinion, Yadz?

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 07:08:05 AM
His column at the Bohol Sunday Post is called  "True". Hope you can access it online. If you want, you may apply as one of his VRS. 

GEC, Sunday Post's website is not updated. Lately, it's all scanned front page of the newspaper. If I were not connected with the Bohol Standard (www.theboholstandard.com), I would be willing to design and run Sunday Post's online edition. 

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 07:04:50 AM
Honestly, I'm not sure, Mike. I rarely tune in to music radio stations.
I didn't even know it was a song until just recently.

Usahay, adunay mga butang nga wala koy kalibutan, he he.

GEC, if you don't mind me asking, are you working in an office? Sayo lagi ka kaayo karon? 

One can have liberty so long as you live in a truly democratic society.

Among silingan diri na Burma, mga tao dili ka surf sa Internet. The government blocks sites that contain articles about freedom, democracy, liberty, etc. No outside contact. I know this because I have colleagues (lecturers) who are Burmese.

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 06:56:24 AM
Kit Oppus.. ang madanihon ug maabtik nga kapikas sa among Jefe diri. Hep, hep, hooray!

Kumusta diay ang chief of police na husband ni Kit? I haven't seen him for many years. I really salute Kit's husband. So accommodating namo sa media. Matawagan any time. Ma-interview anywhere. Whenever I needed a document, he would immediately send it to my desk.

Reply with quotes is found at the top bar.

Reply is located at the lower part of the thread.

If possible, don't use "reply with quotes" if the article or post is quite long. When you use "reply with quotes", quote only the line or phrase you want to comment on. you can delete the rest of the paragraphs, which are not related to a comment. 

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 06:44:30 AM
Thanks for the welcome!

There may be some truth about me coming from Sugbu.

Well, that's partly true .... I trace my roots from the Island of Mactan...

sa karaan nga lungsod sa Opon nga dakbayan na karon.

So, wazzup?

GEC, that is based on the IP address. We do not know where you are based now. But your IP is located in Cebu.

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 06:51:25 AM
Or she does the crossword puzzle while his partner is sweating it out and still comes out with multiple climax?

why this multiple *****^$ is such a delicious topic in Tubag Bohol?

Quote from: GEC348 on June 12, 2007, 06:47:10 AM
Honestly,
How
Hilarious
Having
Ham-one
Hamed
H
Hanging
Hout
Hith
Hus
Hin
Hubag
Hobol

GEC, uso pa diha ang Hubagang Ate oi na kanta? Ma-irritate ko makadungog adto. It was a non-sense song.

It's Chin's birthday on June 25, 2007. See Tubag Bohol Calendar. 

asa na si genelyn nga taga-buenavista? 

basin nasakpan sa iyang boss nga sige standby sa Tubag Bohol.

Delaguna, do you have pictures of Luke Mijares taken when he was still a high school student in UB?

We will post these images here in Tubag Bohol.

you're right, delaguna.

Kit Oppus = future mayor of Tagbilaran? 

GEC, I already sent her a personal message from Tubag Bohol. A week ago she said in ym that she had trouble connecting to the Internet.

Anyhow, she will visit Tubag Bohol with storm.  Bantay ka!

Quote from: GEC348 on June 08, 2007, 05:47:26 PM
I read somewhere here that Mike will soon become a lawyer. No fear, Mike!

GEC, I dropped out from HNU on my second year. I was working for the BC while I was studying law. Wala pa ko kabayad sa akong tuition fee. I will be back, perhaps, by the time I am already financially stable. 

Hi Ji,

Can you send more pictures of Boholanos in the U.S.? I have 3 more from you. I will post them as soon as I have your caption.
Musta man ka diha?

Varga, you can see her in full view at The Red Carpet a.k.a. welcome drinks from chin.

ikaw cel ha. funny kaau.

41. Tibuok baryo mopagikan nimo inig larga nimo. 
42. Tibuok baryo pud motagbo nimo kay mangajo ug sinugatan... 

Quote from: GEC348 on June 09, 2007, 08:07:11 AM
Funny...
I'm reminded of the song "people are strange"
one of the soundtrack of the movie "The Lost Boys" (mid to late 1980s)
The movies tagline: Sleep all day, party all night, never grow old, never die. It's fun to be a vampire.

hmmm, you gave me an idea how old you are.

Quote from: GEC348 on June 09, 2007, 08:18:32 AM
Aha! I have a heavy feeling I know who American Pie is!

GEC, your heavy feeling needs South Beach Diet program.   

No worry.

Four things you can do:

1. Check your inbox. Remember that after you registered we sent you a copy of your username and password. Check your bulk mail/spam folder. Your mail provider may have not recognized our Tubag Bohol e-mail address.

2. Use the search function of your e-mail. Type tubag bohol in the search box of Yahoo, Gmail, or hotmail. You may find the email which contains your login details.

3. Go to login of Tubag Bohol. You see that question "Forgot your password?" Click it and enter the email you used during registration. You will receive a new e-mail asking you to reset your password.

4. RE-register. Use a new username and new e-mail add. Don't use the e-mail add you used before here. It will be rejected by the system.

Still have problems? e-mail me at yesmike@mikeligalig.com

Popular actress and television host Kris Aquino has said she won’t meddle with the political duties of her elder brother, Senator Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, and instead help out in something she knows well: fashion.

“Ako na lang ang in-charge sa kanyang senatorial wardrobe," said Kris in GMANews webcast interview when she arrived at the Philippine International Convention Center Wednesday evening for the proclamation of the first 10 of 12 winners in the May 14 senatorial elections.

Kris, accompanied by her husband, basketball player James Yap, said she would leave to her mother the task of watching over her brother’s performance at the Senate. “Mom ko na lang ‘yun," she said.

Kris, who was hounded by controversy while her brother was campaigning, said she was “very, very proud (of Noynoy) and looking forward sa lahat ng magagandang magagawa n’ya para sa bayan."

Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, who came in her traditional yellow dress, said in a separate interview she was “sure he will do his very best, at ‘yun na nga ang gusto kong sabihin, kundi lagot siya sa nanay n’ya."

Mrs. Aquino said she personally went to the precincts and talked with officials to guard her son’s votes. Her daughters Pinky, Ballsy and Viel did their part campaigning for Noynoy in public markets.

Noynoy Aquino finished off 6th among 37 candidates in this year’s Senate race.

I’m very happy. Of course, it would not have been possible with the help of so many people…I am very grateful," Mrs. Aquino said.

Noynoy himself promised to attempt to follow the standards set by his father, martyred opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., as a respected senator.

Among his priority legislations, he said, include increasing salaries and wages, and providing for profit sharing mechanisms that would encourage productivity.

Asked if he would already be able to give her mother a daughter-in-law after having been elected to the Senate, the 47-year-old bachelor said it would be something to be prayed and work hard for. - GMANews.TV

U.S. Senator Beveridge's Imperialist Philippines Speech
January 9, 1900


... But, Senators, it would be better to abandon this combined garden and Gibraltar of the Pacific, and count our blood and treasure already spent a profitable loss, than to apply any academic arrangement of self-government to these children. They are not capable of self-government. How could they be? They are not of a self-governing race. They are Orientals, Malays, instructed by Spaniards in the latter's worst estate.

They know nothing of practical government except as they have witnessed the weak, corrupt, cruel, and capricious rule of Spain. What magic will anyone employ to dissolve in their minds and characters those impressions of governors and governed which three centuries of misrule has created? What alchemy will change the oriental quality of their blood and set the self-governing currents of the American pouring through their Malay veins? How shall they, in the twinkling of an eye, be exalted to the heights of self-governing peoples which required a thousand years for us to reach, Anglo-Saxon though we are?

Let men beware how they employ the term “self-government” It is a sacred term. It is the watchword at the door of the inner temple of liberty, for liberty does not always mean self-government. Self-government is a method of libertyâ€"the highest, simplest, bestâ€"and it is acquired only after centuries of study and struggle and experiment and instruction and all the elements of the progress of man. Self-government is no base and common thing, to be bestowed on the merely audacious. It is the degree which crowns the graduate of liberty, not the name of liberty's infant class, who have not yet mastered the alphabet of freedom. Savage blood, oriental blood, Malay blood, Spanish exampleâ€"are these the elements of self-government? ...

PEOPLE INDOLENTâ€"NO COMPETITION WITH OUR LABOR.

Example for decades will be necessary to instruct them in American ideas and methods of administration. Example, example; always exampleâ€"this alone will teach them. As a race, their general ability is not excellent. Educators, both men and women, to whom I have talked in Cebu and Luzon, were unanimous in the opinion that in all solid and useful education they are, as a people, dull and stupid. In showy things, like carving and painting or embroidery or music, they have apparent aptitude, but even this is superficial and never thorough. They have facility of speech, too.

The three best educators on the island at different times made to me the same comparison, that the common people in their stupidity are like their caribou bulls. They are not even good agriculturists. Their waste of cane is inexcusable. Their destruction of hemp fiber is childish. They are incurably indolent. They have no continuity or thoroughness of industry. They will quit work without notice and amuse themselves until the money they have earned is spent. They are like children playing at men's work.
No one need fear their competition with our labor. No reward could beguile, no force compel, these children of indolence to leave their trifling lives for the fierce and fervid industry of high-wrought America ...

... we must never forget that in dealing with the Filipinos we deal with children. And so our government must be simple and strong. Simple and strong! The meaning of those two words must be written in every line of Philippine legislation, realized in every act of Philippine administration ...

OUR ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE EXAMPLES.

I repeat that our government and our administrators must be examples. You can not teach the Filipino by precept. An object lesson is the only lesson he comprehends. He has no conception of pure, orderly, equal, impartial government, under equal laws justly administered, because he has never seen such a government. He must be shown the simplest results of good government by actual example in order that he may begin to understand its most elementary principles ...

TRUE INTERPRETATION OF DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

The Declaration of Independence does not forbid us to do our part in the regeneration of the world. If it did, the Declaration would be wrong, just as the Articles of Confederation, drafted by the very same men who signed the Declaration, was found to be wrong. The Declaration has no application to the present situation. It was written by self-governing men for self-governing men.

It was written by men who, for a century and a half, had been experimenting in self-government on this continent, and whose ancestors for hundreds of years before had been gradually developing toward that high and holy estate. The Declaration applies only to people capable of self-government. How dare any man prostitute this expression of the very elect of self-governing peoples to a race of Malay children of barbarism, schooled in Spanish methods and ideas? And you, who say the Declaration applies to all men, how dare you deny its application to the American Indian? And if you deny it to the Indian at home, how dare you grant it to the Malay abroad?

PHRASE “CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED” MISUNDERSTOOD.

The Declaration does not contemplate that all government must have the consent of the governed. It announces that man's “inalienable rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are established among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that when any form of government becomes destructive of those rights, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.””Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are the important things; “consent of the governed” is one of the means to those ends.

If “any form of government becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it,” says the Declaration. “Any forms” includes all forms. Thus the Declaration itself recognizes other forms of government than those resting on the consent of the governed. The word “consent” itself recognizes other forms, for “consent” means the understanding of the thing to which the “consent” is given; and there are people in the world who do not understand any form of government. And the sense in which “consent” is used in the Declaration is broader than mere understanding; for “consent” in the Declaration means participation in the government “consented” to. And yet these people who are not capable of “consenting” to any form of government must be governed.

And so the Declaration contemplates all forms of government which secure the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Self-government, when that will best secure these ends, as in the case of people capable of self-government; other appropriate forms when people are not capable of self-government. And so the authors of the Declaration themselves governed the Indian without his consent; the inhabitants of Louisiana without their consent; and ever since the sons of the makers of the Declaration have been governing not by theory, but by practice, after the fashion of our governing race, now by one form, now by another, but always for the purpose of securing the great eternal ends of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, not in the savage, but in the civilized meaning of those termsâ€"life according to orderly methods of civilized society; liberty regulated by law; pursuit of happiness limited by the pursuit of happiness by every other man.

If this is not the meaning of the Declaration, our Government itself denies the Declaration every time it receives the representative of any but a republican form of government, such as that of the Sultan, the Czar, or other absolute autocrats, whose governments, according to the opposition's interpretation of the Declaration, are spurious governments, because the people governed have not “consented” to them.

CONSTITUTIONAL POWER TO GOVERN AS WE PLEASE.

Senators in opposition are estopped from denying our constitutional power to govern the Philippines as circumstances may demand, for such power is admitted in the case of Florida, Louisiana, Alaska. How, then, is it denied in the Philippines? Is there a geographical interpretation to the Constitution? Do degrees of longitude fix constitutional limitations? Does a thousand miles of ocean diminish constitutional power more than a thousand miles of land?

The ocean does not separate us from the field of our duty and endeavorâ€"it joins us, an established highway needing no repair, and landing us at any point desired. The seas do not separate the Philippine Islands from us or from each other. The seas are highways through the archipelago, which would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to construct if they were land instead of water. Land may separate men from their desire, the ocean never. Russia has been centuries in crossing Siberian wastes; the Puritans crossed the Atlantic in brief and flying weeks ...

With more extended coast lines than any nation of history; with a commerce vaster than any other people ever dreamed of, and that commerce as yet only in its beginnings; with naval traditions equaling those of England or of Greece, and the work of our Navy only just begun; with the air of the ocean in our nostrils and the blood of a sailor ancestry in our veins; with the shores of all the continents calling us, the great Republic before I die will be the acknowledged lord of the world's high seas. And over them the Republic will hold dominion, by virtue of the strength God has given it, for the peace of the world and the betterment of man ...

THE WHOLE QUESTION ELEMENTAL.

Mr. President, this question is deeper than any question of party politics; deeper than any question of the isolated policy of our country even; deeper even than any question of coastitutional power. It is elemental. It is racial. God has not been preparing the English-speaking and Teutonic peoples for a thousand years for nothing but vain and idle self-contemplation and self-admiration. No! He has made us the master organizers of the world to establish system where chaos reigns. He has given us the spirit of progress to overwhelm the forces of reaction throughout the earth. He has made us adepts in government that we may administer government among savage and senile peoples. Were it not for such a force as this the world would relapse into barbarism and night. And of all our race He has marked the American people as His chosen nation to finally lead in the regeneration of the world. This is the divine mission of America, and it holds for us all the profit, all the glory, all the happiness possible to man. We are trustees of the world's progress, guardians of its righteous peace. The judgment of the Master is upon us: “Ye have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things.”

What shall history say of us? Shall it say that we renounced that holy trust, left the savage to his base condition, the wilderness to the reign of waste, deserted duty, abandoned glory, forget our sordid profit even, because we feared our strength and read the charter of our powers with the doubter's eye and the quibbler's mind? Shall it say that, called by events to captain and command the proudest, ablest, purest race of history in history's noblest work, we declined that great commission? Our fathers would not have had it so. No! They founded no paralytic government, incapable of the simplest acts of administration. They planted no sluggard people passive while the world's work calls them. They established no reactionary nation. They unfurled no retreating flag ...

Source: Library of Congress.

I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.  -Max Lucado

In reaction to this topic:

Sender's Name: Mars Digal
Province/Country: Davao Oriental, Philippines
Message:

Sano,

Salamat sa pagpadajag ug pagsulat sa imong gibati nga kasuko. Ako usab miambit sa imong gibati ug moapil sa pakiggubat batok sa atong kaigsuonan o kinsa pa man nga walay puangod mobiay-biay sa atong yutang natawhan.

Walay koy kasinatian ug makasaksi ba hinuon nga biay-biayon ang atong yutang natawhan. Apan kung moabot man ka na, akong ipatagamtam sa kanila ang kasakit sa tamparos ug kahait sa akong mga pulong.

Sano, padayon sa imong maayong tinguha ug paglaban sa atong yutang natawhan.

Padayon manunulat nga Bol-anon.

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 10:49:14 PM
Fridays make me happy. Saturdays make me excited. I've a love affair with weekends. Sundays, however, give me a coronary. I spend the rest of the week looking forward to Sunday. I spend Sunday worrying about Monday, which is the day **** starts rolling downhill.

This semester, Sunday and Monday are my rest days. Expect Tubag Bohol explosions on Sunday nights. 

Quote from: Varga on June 10, 2007, 04:09:45 PM
===========================

Ka Mike and All,

Yours truly  is the virtual reincarnate of a 1947 comics avenger created by Mars Ravelo. In here, my desire is just to live up to my former self's mission and vision for us Boholanos.

As for Kumander Vargas, he is Epitacio Ramirez in real life, now 66, was the most senior Bol-anon to rise in the hierarchy of the National Democratic Front in the Visayas during his heyday. While suffering from an ailment in 2001, he surrendered, applied for and was granted amnesty by the gov't. He now resides as a law-abiding citizen in Batuan, Bohol.

So you see, I have no undesirable record in the DND as the guys there are completely clueless about  "manga" heroes and their exploits !!

Hulat ko sa bahalina ni Ka Chin .....

Ciao ......

Hello Varga,

You are no longer a threat to national security. Therefore we will ask the DND to remove your name from its "watch-list."

Thank you for making Tubag Bohol a repository of your vast knowledge and unadulterated wit.

In the meantime, forget your longing for Bahalina. Chin is still drunk.

H stands for HUBAG.

PDAF is an invisible wealth for every congressman.

Unimaginable

Unanticipated

Phenomenal

Remarkable

Unbelievable

Breathtaking

Tremendous

Unexpected

Spectacular

Unthinkable

Unforeseen

Significant

Stunning

Startling

Splendid

Wonderful

Overwhelming

Stupefying

Staggering

Unpredicted

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 11:07:15 AM
Still, this qualifies as an answer. 

chin, are you a good girl? or a bad girl?   

Quote from: yadz26 on June 11, 2007, 11:21:30 AM
graveh na etetch...lolz...

remember the godzilla movie? what was the movie's mantra?

What if you die today, what will you do in the next 17 seconds?

Quote from: yadz26 on June 11, 2007, 11:26:15 AM
ok.,i'll ask you...
Mr. Moderator...are you a virgin??
the waiter has left and ice cream is out of stock...

yadz, let's transfer to that restaurant near mactan bridge. maybe the place is cozier.

waiter, bill, please...

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 04, 2007, 12:49:04 AM
None at all! That's why it's a highly marketable commodity.

Incidentally, you shouldn't encourage me to go on with topics like this. It's not like I need further motivation. Hahaha

The girl who sells her uterus. This was her first post, I think. And today she needs sales reps to market her much-valued commodity. Chin, do you have an IPO for your uterus?

This is a town in the eastern part of Bohol. It used to be the village of Batuanon whose existence dates back farther than 1892, the year the Dagohoy rebellion ended. This municipality got its name because of the abundance of batuan trees in the locality. It became a part of Mabini before it became a municipality.

Quote from: buenavista on June 08, 2007, 10:10:59 AM
for me?very important!call me conservative but id still believe in marriage before sex!

still many share with your principle...

POPULATION (2000): 8,715
Population Density: 2.4
No. of Households: 1,670
Average Size of Households: 5.22
Land Area (in hectares): 2,865 has.
No. of Barangays: 11
Distance from Capital: 12 kms.
Travel Time from Tagbilaran: 15 mins.

Twelve kilometers of well-paved road towards the east from the City of Tagbilaran lies the coastal town of Alburquerque. Originally a part of Baclayon this municipality was once called Segunto. When Segunto became a municipality its name was changed to Alburquerque after an ancient town in Mexico.

Today the people are engaged in pottery, weaving, fishing and farming. (provincial capitol file)

By Kamilla Hemandas
Manila Standard Today

Boholanos rule! I came to this realization after my recent foray to the shimmering white sand beaches of Panglao Island, Bohol’s much-touted tourist destination. One of the distinct pleasures of living in the Philippines, and this I often brag about to my foreign friends, is the thrill of discovering a new cove, sun-kissed coast and sometimes a world-class resort tucked away in some serene hideaway. With over 7,000 islands to choose from, summer in the Philippines can be quite an adventure.

Upon the invitation of my newfound friend, Vicky Panlilio, who shares my passion for travel and spontaneity, we ventured out to Alona Palm Beach Resort, a 25-minute bus ride off Tagbilaran City in Bohol. To hie away to a sanctuary by the sea far from the madding crowd of Manila was both our idea of an ideal holiday and were pleasantly surprised by how tourist-savvy the Boholanos were.

Nona Lobregat, Teresa Olbes, Vicky Panlilio with son Andress, myself and my son Avinash set out to explore Alona Beach. Named after the beauteous actress Alona Alegre from the ’60s, it is after her unforgettable provocative scene on the coast that the Boholanos named the kilometer stretch of pristine white sand after her. The Alona Palm Beach Resort, a rustic intimate escape comprising of 12 luxury villas overlooking the Bohol Sea was to be our home for the next five days. Set amid attractively landscaped sprawling gardens, the resort has its own private beachfront and boasts having the largest swimming pool in the area. Replete with a sunken pool bar that served a wide variety of drinks and an extensive wine list, were we really in Bohol? Most impressive was their German Chef Uli Ostermayer’s culinary expertise. Succulent grilled prawns, rib-eye steaks, complimented by delightful starters like salmon wrapped in crepes, Greek salad and carvelat Swiss sausage salad, were a few of the dishes we savored while our young sons devoured their all lean beefy burgers and cheesy pizzas.

Sybaritic adventures abound in Panglao but perhaps the most memorable was setting out to the open sea at the break of dawn to watch spinner dolphins put on a show for the twenty something bancas filled with enthusiastic tourists, eagerly awaiting to get a glimpse of their playful ways in their natural habitat. To watch genteel fishermen display a great respect for the marine environment and the delightful sea mammals as they maneuvered their boats was most heartwarming. Snorkling off Balicasag Island, a 30-minute boat ride from Panglao Island coast, was one of the highlights of the trip. Armed with day old bread, we dove off the side of the banca and discovered the most colorful friendly fish who seemed to welcome our quiet intrusion.

A road trip to see the famed Chocolate Hills, a close encounter with the docile nocturnal tarsier and cruising along the Loboc River on a floating restaurant were among the charming diversions Bohol has to offer. Country roads punctuated with ancestral homes, ancient watch-towers, and old stone churches reminiscent of colonial Hispanic days provide each visitor a glimpse of their rich cultural heritage. Most outstanding was the Baclayon church, the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. Originally built by Jesuit priests in the 16th century, it’s ornate altar, which displays various gilded images of the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Virgin and the Child Jesus still stands to this day. As we walked in, Vicky and Nona remarked, that their mother, the late renowned jeweler Fe Panlilio, often reminded them whenever they walked into a church for the first time that they were to make three wishes and the Lord would surely hear them. A quiet moment and three wishes later, we made our way to the nearby museum, which displayed numerous priceless religious artifacts.

Our trip to Bohol’s Panglao Island and Alona Beach stay delivered more than just the usual idyllic escape we had initially set out for. It was a journey that provided a peek to the heart and soul of the Boholanos. Their rich cultural past we witnessed as we watched parishioners in fervent prayer inside the famed Baclayon church, their generous spirit as we were serenaded while we cruised down Loboc River and most of all their compassion and sensitive respect for nature as we admired the lush Chocolate Hills, playful dolphins and the cuddly tarsiers. Boholanos rule!

OMBUDSMAN Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez ordered the suspension of a public school teacher for inflicting injuries on a nine-year-old student.

Gutierrez ordered the six-month suspension from service without pay of Hilarion Araysa, public school teacher of Cambuac Sur Elementary School in Sikatuna, Bohol, after he was found guilty of simple misconduct.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Joseph Oracion, Araysas student.

Oracion narrated that on Nov. 17, 2000, he asked to be excused from his religion class to attend to a call of nature. While outside the classroom, he stayed with some of his classmates who were playing at that time as they had no class. When Araysa called their attention, only he obeyed while his other classmates ran away.

When he got near Araysa, Oracion said the teacher allegedly scratched his face on the right side and struck his back with his hand causing him injuries.

Attached to the complaint is his medical certificate which shows the injuries sustained: pain at the back intrascapular area abrasion at maxillary area; abrasion and soft tissue contusion.

Araysa denies the accusation against him saying they are “baseless, fabricated, and replete with lies and misleading assertions.”

But the Ombudsman said Araysa failed to rebut the assertions of the complainant by positive and convincing evidence.

“Respondent’s attribution of ill-motive on the part of the complainant in filing the herein complaint is bereft of any factual basis, and is at best deemed self-serving,” Gutierrez said. (RP/Sunnex, Sun Star Manila, June 10, 2007)

A Boholana from Pilar received a gets a trophy and national recognition as “Achiever in Public Service”. She is one of the seven individual awardees across the country and the only one from the Visayas.

The citation, a prestigious award handed out by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in recognition of outstanding achievements in public service is the government pension fund provider’s way of commemorating 70 years of existence and continued public service.

Pilar Municipal Public Information Officer Gualberto Jaspe said Carmen C. Cubrado shared the stage with top GSIS officials and six other individual awardees and another seven government agencies in the ceremonies in Manila Friday.

Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo said he is so proud that she has put Pilar in the limelight and said it is an honor that the town and all of Pilar share to the country.

For the 49 year-old widow left with the task of sending 5 sons through college, that award is enough motivation to push on.

Born to the hard life in the farming community of Cabacnitan Bilar in 1957, Cubrado has been exposed to patience, hard work and dedication.

Now, starting her day early by setting for breakfast at dawn, then rushing to tend her family rice farm in Lumbay and getting ready for the office at 8 as Municipal Agricultural Officer is no easy task.

But her simple ways and her faith in God has made her that way, Jaspe said.

“I believed in her capacity, capability and integrity as public servant”, he added.

Being the top agri-technician in the town, Cubrado was faced with a tough problem. Pilar, a prime agricultural town had a serious soil erosion problem due to age-old faulty farming practices.

Armed with a masters degree in agriculture from a nearby farmer training school, she immediately rolled her sleeves, introduced contour faming technologies and passionately passed on the skills. The town council was by her side and a local ordinance mandating the establishment of barangay demonstration farms institutionalized the move. Thus was born the Municipal Land Care Program, Jaspe said.

Seeing the vast plains needing irrigation to maximize production, she lobbied for the construction of an irrigation facility that was realized with the multi-million Malinao Dam in the town.

Still wanting to give her best and cascade all appropriate technologies, she used the Barangay Livestock Aides as her implementing arms and helpers in upgrading local livestock in the face of understaffed office.

She also established Farmer Field Schools, and even finds time to give technology lectures to neighboring towns on Saturdays and Sundays, Jaspe said.

Stretching the capacity of the land, she also advocated for maximized land yield as she introduced the “Rice Enhancement Compact Demonstration Farms,” which promoted awareness on the use of certified hybrid rice seeds.

Her efforts gave her enough credits to be named as one of the key persons responsible in helping improve the economic conditions of her community and her town.

Pilar Municipal officials however knew that she has something coming. Cubrado, was a antional niominee after sealing the Regional Civil Service Commission Dagal ng Bayan Award last year.

Sharing her in the limelight were DILG’s Rainalda C. Rafinan, Baguio General Hospital’s Pedro M. del Rosario, Baguio Alfonso Tabora Elementary School’s Gerry B. Baucan, La Union’s Aringay District school nurse Arelie C. Jacildo, Davao DSWDs Melecio Fernandez and Davao City’s DepEd Supervisor Ninie C. del Rosario.

GSIS also cited as Achievers in Public Service Award: the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the National Statistics Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the provincial government of Bulacan, the Jose Fabella Memorial School, the local government of Davao City, and the Mahalo Elementary School in Anahawan, Southern Leyte. (rachiu/PIA)

LIFE stalled for Jagna calamay vendors when the Jagna port closed for repairs. But like the delicacy they sell, families just stuck and banded to keep both shells together until they made it through the tides.

When Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally re-opened the P60.39 M port to traffic last May 9, members of the Jagna Calamay Makers’ and Vendors’ Association, (JACAMAVEA) see the sweet future ahead.

At least for Procesa “Porsing” Ranoa, when the travelers come, then the calamay would sell, she shared during an interview.

Occupying the town’s best selling products, calamay, a favorite pasalubong item here has practically kept food coming for the vast majority of the barangay Can-upao residents.

The port closure has however also dealt the biggest blow to the calamay makers for they lost their biggest market when the boats ceased to come, Ranoa, who has been 25 years in the industry said.

We thought it was just a minor port repair and it would still continue to operate, but it was fully closed. Then, we have to find another market and the roadside stalls came to be, said another vendor Betty Gutierrez, who owns a small stall at a street corner.

Most of the time, we wait for buses and vans to stop and buy from us, but the time when sales were brisk were over. Ultimately we had to reduce production and so had the food in our tables, Gutierrez said.

We have been used to this life of patience, Ranoa said, apparently meaning the sacrifice they do to make one of the sweetest Boholano delicacies.

Calamay, a Boholano delicacy made from well-milled glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and brown muscovado sugar over low fire is an age-old industry that also typifies Boholano patience and dedication to work.

“It’s the constant stirring for about two hours, exposed to the heat and struggling to tend the fire while wrestling with the oversized ladles that remind us of hard work. Add the stifling heat and the phrase labor of love is made”, Ranoa explains.

The age-long in this coconut producing town 58 kilometers east of Tagbilaran has employed a few hundreds, while its down lines benefit countless more families involved in procurement of coconut shells and spoke shaving them to make the characteristic packaging.

We were forced to find other odd jobs just to make both ends meet. Some have to try their luck as carpenters, fishers and some went farming. All were temporarily seeking jobs until the ports could reopen, Ranoa, who sits as member of the Jacamavea board attested.

But patience and persistence triumphed for the vendors now that the port opened and the boats are coming. The unmistakable delicacy in its characteristic spoke-shaved coconut shell with a red band has again proven that calamay itself sticks.

Aside from the much-sought destinations outside the country, many Boholanos work and even stay for good in Metro Manila.

Among the paisanos that make good in the metropolis are men and women of Sikatuna, Bohol, shining in their own fields of endeavor.

Ma. Patrixia Pearl "Tixie" F. Manlangit was the first runner-up of the 2007 Search for Miss Bohol Association of Metro Manila, Inc. (Miss BAMMI 2007). She was also adjudged Miss Congeniality of the said pageant. She is the daughter of Engr. and Mrs. Paterno Manlangit of Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol and Multinational Village, Parañaque City.

Engr. Paterno "Pat" Manlangit is 2007 Awardee for Outstanding Boholano in Civic Sector; 2007 Director of BAMMI and vice president for the 1st District; 2006-2007 member of BAMMI core group and chairman of the search for Miss BAMMI; President Sikatuna Bohol Association of Metro Manila, 1995 up to present. He was born and raised in Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol.

Dr. Sonia Fernandez-Manlangit - a Doctor of Education. Member of the 2006-2007 BAMMI core group and chairperson registration and invitation committee. She is the wife of Pat Manlangit.

Beth Baugbog - 2006-2007 member of the BAMMI core group and chairperson of the food and drinks committee. She hails from Cambuac Norte, Sikatuna, Bohol.

Delia Ungab-Bawan - 2007 Awardee for Outstanding Boholana in Government Service.

She is presently a director III of the Department of Social Welfare. She hails from Poblacion I and Badiang, Sikatuna, Bohol.

Virginia Ellorimo-Gallarde - 2007 Awardee for Outstanding Boholana in Government Service. She holds the rank of vice president of the Social Service. She holds the rank of vice president of the Social Security System before her retirement. She is from Poblacion I, Sikatuna, Bohol.

To all the Sikatunanhons in Metro Manila: Keep up the good work. (The Bohol Chronicle, 6/10/2007)

The First Consolidated Bank will give 10 full college scholarship grants to students who are enrolled at the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT), starting school year 2007-2008.

The FCB scholarship grants will cover full tuition and school fees and allowance for books and other incidental expenses. The bank has earmarked about P1 million for this scholarship for the next five years.

FCB Assistant Vice President for Personnel Dionisio N. Cabrera, who is also the coordinator of the bank's scholarship program, said these scholarship grants are good for four years for those taking four-year courses and five years for those taking five-year courses.

In addition to the scholarship grants, the FCB scholarship program will provide summer job employment to recipients at the branches or units of the bank.

Priority courses are technology, education, engineering, and computer sciences.

Prospective recipients must be enrolled at CVSCAFT, must belong to a family with per capita income of P50,000 and below, and must pass the qualifying exams given for this purpose.

Recipients will be selected on the basis of their academic records, co-curricular activities, and performance in the qualifying to be given for this purpose.

Since 1989, the FCB Alfonso Uy College Scholarship Program has provided scholarship to financially hard-up but academically-deserving students.

The FCB Alfonso Uy College Scholarship Program has produced more than 100 graduates, many of them are now teachers, accountants, engineers, and lawyers.

Cabrera said FCB is giving the scholarship as part of the corporate giving program of the bank.

"This scholarship and FCB's other social development programs are one way of the bank to thank the people of Bohol for their support in consistently making FCB one of the most successful banks in the country," he said.

The bank's corporate social responsibility is focused on education, health and livelihood.

The Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. (BSFI), chaired by City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, has tapped seasoned personalities to head the major activities primed for this year's Sandugo Festival in July.

Loreto M. Palapos, who has been with the foundation since its inception, is still designated the executive director.

Comprising the Streetdancing Committee is City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elpidio M. Jala as chairman, Baclayon Councilor-elect Carmen Gatal as Co-Chairman and Cogon Elementary School Principal Joseph Barrete as Deputy Chairman.

The monthlong nightly presentation at the Tourist Port, commencing with the City Charter Day Celebration on July 1, is tasked to Albert Yap, Executive Assistant of the City Mayor, and Rocky Jimenez, City Heath Nurse.

In charge of the Sandugo Product Showcase slated at Island City Mall, which, this year is national in scope, is DTI Provincial Caretaker Ma. Elena Arbon.

Mariano Uy, Proprietor/Manager of Miravilla Resort, chairs the Trade-Food-Agri Fair at the Tourist Port.

Directing the vaunted dance-drama Reenactment of the Blood Compact is Mr. Lutgardo Labad, head of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council.

Engr. Pianicita Castolo, Engr. Nathaniel Juit, and Engr. Teodoro Estoque of the City Engineer's Office and Engr. Rosalinda Yu of the Prov'l GSO take charge of the physical arrangement and decoration.

Representing Governor Erico Aumenatado who co-chairs BSFI, is Enriqueta Butalid of the Prov'l Center for the Culture and the Arts Development (CCAD).

Any inquiry about Sandugo Festival 2007 may be channeled thru Hedz Paredes and Rose Fabio of the BSFI Secretariat at contact nos. 411-3720, 501-9350, 235-5567. (The Bohol Chronicle)

Latest update:

4 Bohol Mayors protest oil exploration
By Kit Bagaipo

Four mayors voiced their objections against the seismic survey to determine the presence of oil and gas deposits in the Bohol-Cebu Strait to be conducted by the Department Energy (DOE) and an international consortium next week.

The four chief executives opposing the oil exploration project are Loon Mayor Cesar Tomas Lopez, City Mayor Dan Lim, Maribojoc Mayor Ben Redulla and Albur Mayor Efren Tungol.

The seismic survey will be carried out by the vessel M/V Pacific Sword, reportedly set to sail for Bohol from Palawan on June 18, or eight days from today.

Meanwhile, the Bohol Alliance of Non-Government Organizations (BANGON) released a manifesto yesterday questioning the conduct of the seismic survey without consultations with fisherfolks in at least five coastal towns to be affected while questioning possible damages to the marine life in the area.

The seismic survey, which entails the shooting of loud blasts of air into the seabed will determine if offshore Bohol and Cebu have hydrocarbon or natural gas deposits.

Residents fear the sound will drive away or kill dolphins, whales and marine life in several protected areas off the coastal towns of Panglao, Dauis, Cortes, Maribojoc, Loon and Tagbilaran City.

The oil exploration will focus on the Cabilao (Loon) and Argao (Cebu) coasts.

The survey area is host to various marine protected areas (MPAs), protected seascape and landscape and marine sanctuaries declared by the national and local governments.

MAYORS' OPPOSITION

Incumbent Mayor Lopez bared over dyRD's Inyong Alagad that a municipal resolution was adopted opposing the oil exploration project following consultations with people's organizations and NGOs.

Mayor Lim, for his part, demanded full disclosure from the DOE and NorAsian on the different aspects of the project. He said environmental issues should be given equal importance along with potential economic gains from the undertaking.

According to Lim, he is also opposed on the oil exploration since it is being done by a foreign firm.

Mayors Redulla and Tungol also have separate opinions on their objection.

Although, Albur is not among the towns to be affected by the oil exploration, Tungol shared his views regarding the need for the project proponents to secure permits from the municipal governments wherein the undertaking will take place.

Tungol said, any activity that takes place within the municipal waters of a particular town must be required to secure a permit.

Maribojoc, according to Redulla, have been opposing the exploration since 2005. In fact, the Sangguniang Bayan adopted a resolution on their opposition.

NGO'S PROTEST

BANGON president lawyer Raul Barbarona bared that their group's opposition is anchored on three particular concerns which is the assurance of environmental protection; just compensation of the fisherfolks who will be affected by the conduct of the seismic survey; and equitable revenue sharing if indeed oil deposits are obtained from the exploration.

Barbarona, who also heads the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), pointed out that fish pens (locally known as payao) that are maintained by fishermen, will be damaged by the seismic survey.

As of yesterday an inventory showed that some 200 fish pens from Panglao to Loon will be affected by the exploration activity.

However, C-Watch, a newly-founded alliance of people's organizations (mainly fishermen's groups), parish priests and local government units who are also objecting to the project, bared to the Chronicle that there could be more than double the estimated figure.

The survey, costing a total of $4.4 million that will be done in between the Bohol and Cebu channel, will likewise disallow fishing vessels, passenger ferries and commercial boats within a 9-kilometer radius from the exploration activity.

The seismic survey will be carried out by M/V Pacific Sword, a vessel equipped with 2D and 3D survey equipment and airguns that releases compressed air into the numerous rock formations underneath the seabed.

An official notice released by NorAsia Energy Limited, the international consortium to undertake the oil exploration, stated that the M/V Pacific Sword's airguns, submerged in water, will emit sound energy with an intensity of 200 decibels that can harm swimmers and divers within 10 kilometers of the vessel.

In its position paper, BANGON pointed out "with the wide area which will be declared a 'no go', fisherfolks will be effectively denied access to their fishing grounds."

"The suspension of fishing activity even for a single day is already a heavy burden to a marginal fisherfolk, who is dependent on daily catch to support daily family needs," BANGON stated.

According to Barbarona, the destruction of fish pens will even aggravate the plight of marginal fishermen while "the seismic survey activity will certainly drive away fishes in the area."

Dolphins and whales, a major tourist attraction in the Pamilacan-Balicasag-Panglao area, is also feared to be endangered as these marine creatures are highly sensitive to sound. In fact, scientific studies indicate that dolphins navigate through sound waves and have a very delicate sense of hearing.

The seismic oil exploration in Tañon Strait off the Pinamungahan coast in Cebu allegedly caused the stranding of several dolphins that were discovered in the coasts of Negros Oriental.

However, Department of Energy (DOE) legal officer Atty. Mark Gamaleo in a separate interview with the Chronicle denied that the exploration method would cause massive fish kills and drive away dolphins.

JUST COMPENSATION

BANGON is urging local government units in the affected towns to conduct its own inventory of registered and non-registered fisherfolks.

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) such as "payaos" should also be inventoried to compensate its owners, according to Barbarona.

Likewise, dive shops and resorts that will have to temporarily suspend operations need to be notified and "must also be equitably compensated for damages," BANGON said.

The NGO is calling on the DOE and NorAsia to pay for the anticipated unrealized income of the fisherfolks even before the start of the seismic survey.

It said that failure to do so is "a clear violation of the bill of rights which provides for the protection of private property and the provision for just compensation."

Gamaleo assured that fish pen owners "will be paid reasonably depending on the location of the payao."

In a similar oil exploration in Tañon Strait, the DOE paid P4,000 to P5,000 for damaged fish pens.

When asked if the same rate will be used in compensating for payaos here, Gamaleo said the rate could either go higher or lower.

A fisherman who attended in one of DOE's consultation meeting in Dauis said a "payao" could cost from P10,000 to P15,000 depending on the depth of its placement.

The fisherman, who identified himself as on Caloy Abuyabor, said the consultation ended in a conflict between BFAR and DOE officials against the fisherfolks who were not satisfied of the conduct of the talks.

EQUITABLE REVENUE SHARING

According to Barbarona, documents from the DOW shows that for every $100 gross proceeds of the project, only $3.46 will go to the local government.

This share, according to Barbarona, will still be divided between the provincial and municipal governments which "puts LGUs at a losing end."

Moreover, Barbarona pointed out that the sharing is still very minimal.

He said there is a need for the national government, through the DOE, to publicly disclose the details of the service contract and other related agreements to comply with the Local Government Code provision for equitable sharing in the proceeds of the development and utilization of the national wealth.

Barbarona cited the experience in the Malampaya gas and oil exploration in the Northern Palawan coast where the province was promised a whopping P600 million annually.

However, the national government withheld the release of said amount causing a court case filed by the Palawan provincial government that has yet to be resolved.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Barbarona said until now the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has not prepared a stock assessment of the fisheries in the Bohol Strait that would serve as baseline data before the conduct of the seismic survey.

Through the data, the damages or impact of the exploration activity can be determined, he said.

Without the data, Barbarona stressed, the LGU and the fishermen will have no basis to claim for damages resulting from the seismic survey.

C-Watch likewise pointed out the achievements of the province in coastal resource management.

Bohol's coastal resource management program has been recognized nationwide but will be endangered with the oil exploration, C-Watch chair Ira Pamat said in an interview with the Chronicle.

Both BANGON and C-Watch are asking for an assurance that the DOE and NorAsia will adhere to the basic standards of environmental protection in conducting the oil exploration.

Bohol Strait, particularly the vicinities of Cabilao and the Pamilacan-Balicasag area are considered a marine mammal highway making it a popular tourist destination.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The concerned groups expressed dismay over the poor preparations of the government in conducting information dissemination and public hearings that would have engaged the stakeholders and proponents in a healthy dialogue.

The DOE's attempt to hold public consultations in five coastal towns since Thursday, however, proved futile as no agreements have been attained in the towns of Dauis, Maribojoc and Loon.

The consultations, according to BANGON, were in effect just intended as information campaigns, done only for 2 to 3 hours.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The exploration will adopt a seismic method wherein a geophysical tool will be used involving the recording of sound energy reflected by the underlying rock layers after the introduction of an artificial disturbance.

M/V Pacific Sword, is also equipped with a streamer cable filled with sensitive detectors towed by the ship. Its airgun releases highly compressed air into the numerous rock formations underneath.

The Department of Energy (DOE) had awarded NorAsian and its minor partner Alcorn with service contracts for Calauit in northwestern Palawan, Ultra Deepwater Block in southwestern Palawan and in the North and South Blocks of the East Visayan Basin.

The area encompassing 2,040 square kilometers between Bohol and Cebu comprises the South Block while some 2,400 square kilometers in northwestern Leyte is tagged as the North Block.

NorAsian officials said initial studies show that the East Visayan Basin "has moderate risks with matured prospects, with high to very high recoverable reserves."

The seismic survey will have a "soft start" of 100 decibels to the full blast 280-decibel "boom." The soft start is intended to "warn" the fish to swim away, according to DOE officials.

The larger blasts take the three-dimensional (3D) "picture" over 146 square kilometers over two prospects and a 2D scan of 261 line kilometers over the southern leads.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has determined that the specific activities do not require an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) such that OIC Region 7 Director Alan Arranguez of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB 7) issued a certificate of non-coverage (CNC) for the project last May 24. (The Bohol Chronicle)

40. Mangihi, manabi... (ang mga engkanto maoy nakakita, kita wala, nan sila mao mohawa) 

Gov. Erico Aumentado has created a project assistance team (PAT) for each of the two packages of assistance from the Local Government Development Program (LGDP), an Australian Government and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) initiative worth at least P17 million.

A composite of local technical expertise from the provincial government, civil society and the academe, the PATs will monitor the performance of the projects and undertake monitoring and evaluation.

The projects are the Bohol Integrated Water Supply System Master Plan (BHL-01) and the Bohol Agriculture Value Chain Study (BHL-2).

The PATs were formed following consultations that Rosalinda Paredes, LGDP partnership adviser conducted with the Provincial Agriculture Office and Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Juanito Cambangay.

The creation of the PATs is a spin off of the mobilization of the consultants - Woodfields Consultants, Inc. (WCI) for BHL-1 and Strategic Development-Asia, Inc. (SDC-Asia) for BHL-2.

LGDP aims to improve local economic development in selected loal area partnerships in southern Philippines. It is designed to be a phased long-term development program for up to 10 years.

Phase 1 will run from October 2006 to November 2007. It is a learning and development phase designed to determine if the program should continue into the longer phase or if new directions are needed given the prevailing situation at the end of Phase 1.

A project board meeting at the Chatto Hall of the Governor's Office at the Capitol and a stakeholders' meeting at the MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center in Tagbilaran City marked the first steps for the projects.

BHL-1 aims to protect Bohol's water resources while providing for the needs of the economy, community and environment. It intends to develop an integrated water supply system master plan to guide Bohol's water resources development for a sustainable future.

The master plan will identify sustainable activities in Bohol given the inadequate water supply systems, threatened groundwater supplies but abundant surface water, and barriers to local economic development, and limitations that disadvantage large sections of the community, among others.

It will also support the opportunity to develop the water industry based on environmentally sustainable principles - catchment management and environmental flows.

On the other hand, BHL-2 aims to develop competitive local agricultural products that meet specific market demand by improving the local value chain. It will identify selected agricultural product development strategies and supporting infrastructure requirements, processing needs, capacity building and marketing approaches.

It will boil down to the selection of top three products for the study. During the workshop following the meeting, the stakeholders agreed on the criteria to use in selecting the specific products.

In memorandum of appointment that Aumentado issued, Engr. Hermilo Arcaya, team leader of the Bohol Integrated Water Resource Management Team chairs the BHL-1 PAT, with Vicente Delector Jr. of the GTZ Water and Sanitation Project, Engr. Ronilita Bunado of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Executive Director Emilia Roslinda of PROCESS, Engrs. James Uy and Liberato Lupot Jr., deans of the Colleges of Engineering of the Holy Name University (HNU) and the University of Bohol respectively, and lawyer John Vistal also of the PPDO as members.

On the other hand, Liza Quirog, provincial agriculturist, chairs the BHL-2 PAT. In her team are Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, Provincial Director Ma. Elena Arbon of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), President Norris Oculam of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tagbilaran City Planning Officer Eduardo Macalandag, Dr. Jemma Jay, dean of the HNU College of Commerce and Accountancy and Engr. Peter Ross Retutal of the PPDO.

   

By Kit Bagaipo

Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim wants school reforms to trickle down to the grassroots as he vowed to elevate the quality of public education in the city.

Last Thursday, Lim pushed for the adoption of several key measures intended to put flesh into the reforms that he wanted to take place in the city public school system.

"We started by distributing free school uniforms including pairs of shoes, school bags, papers and pencils as our way of inspiring students to go to school with their heads held high," he added.

The mayor said that in his first term, he also saw to it that electric fans were installed in all classrooms as much as possible. In addition, he also ordered the construction of more comfort rooms.

Lim however stressed that it was only the first step in "a long and complicated" process to institute reforms in the public school system.

Last week, a resolution was approved creating a committee to conduct an assessment and evaluation of teaching and non-teaching personnel in public elementary and secondary school.

"The intention is to be serious in looking into the bottom 20% in each class, determine the causes why they are performing poorly, undertake measures to address those that can be solved from their level and recommend those that are beyond their competence," the mayor said.

Lim said that teachers should take their duties seriously because the reforms that he wanted to be implemented would be useless if they are not motivated properly.

"If it is found out that teachers are not performing their tasks seriously, I will see to it that they are transferred outside Tagbilaran," he warned.

Lim said that teachers who are not motivated to teach are not only putting to waste the efforts of the city government but worse are playing around with the lives of their students.

"In the last three years, I have proven without a doubt my sincerity in pushing for reforms and programs in the public education sector that no administration has implemented in the past," he added.

At the same time, the mayor warned teachers and even Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA) from collecting solicitations and contributions for any reason.

"Collections and contributions are expressly prohibited and anybody found to have violated this will be dealt with accordingly," he warned.

Lim said there were numerous complaints in the past about contributions and solicitations even though it is prohibited.

"This is my final warning," the mayor declared. (The Bohol Chronicle)

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Panglao Mayor-elect Benedicto Alcala said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) must implement the closure of Dumaluan Beach Resort which is still operating despite a re-execution of a cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional office last May 28.

The incoming mayor, who will assume office on June 30, reacted to comments that the municipal government is not doing its role in supporting the DENR with regards to continued violations of some resorts on environmental laws.

He said the DENR must carry out the re-execution of the cease and desist order (CDO) against Dumaluan Beach Resort since the order emanated from their office.

Alcala indicated that he wants the issue resolved once and for all before he assumes as mayor on June 30.

Otherwise, the mayor-elect said, his political arch-rival, suspended Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, will keep on using the resort closure as a case of "political harassment" being instigated by his camp.

Alcala pointed out that Dumaluan could not accuse him of political harassment since he is not in power while the latter has been serving mayor until a 6-month suspension order was meted out by the Ombudsman.

Upon his assumption as mayor, Alcala vowed to implement laws without bias.

RESORT STILL OPERATING

Reports reaching the Chronicle revealed that Dumaluan Beach Resort is still operating despite a promise made by its owner to voluntarily close down the establishment after guests are given time to check out.

It may be recalled that a team led by Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bohol head Nestor Canda, CENRO Samuel Racho together with a police team, served the CDO last May 28. However, Canda allegedly received threats. Since that time, Canda could not be reached for comments. He avoids media interviews.

The outgoing mayor allegedly threatened to do harm to the DENR officials and later agreed to close his resort within three days.

The issuance of the CDO stemmed from the resort's violation of PD 1586, or for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

By NICK GIONGCO
Manila Bulletin

NEW YORK â€" Manny Pacquiao watched his younger brother Bobby punished by Humberto Soto Saturday and vowed to exact revenge if and when he gets to meet the undefeated Mexican.

Chances are the fight will push through this year. Both Pacquiao and Soto are managed by Top Rank which, however, remains non-commital.

Both Pacquiao and Soto are looking forward to the fight that could be held Sept. 15 or Oct. 6.

"Soto will be lucky to go 12 rounds with me," said Pacquiao a few hours after witnessing Bobby’s brutal knockput loss at Madison Square Garden. "The result would have not been like that if I was on the opposite corner of Soto."

Soto, on the other hand, is raring to test the mettle of Pacquiao, regarded by many as the world’s best boxer today pound for pound.

"I am hoping that my promoter (Top Rank) will be able to arrange a fight for me against Pacquiao," said Soto, who improved to 42-5-2 with 26 knockouts. "I am ready for Pacquiao," said Soto.

Pacquiao is happy to oblige.

"I am accepting his challenge for us to fight. Now, we will know how strong and good he is and this is one reason why I will train very hard," said Pacquiao, whose last fight, an eight-round destruction of another Mexican, Jorge Solis, was held last April 14 in San Antonio, Texas.

Mean while, Bobby Pacquiao is not closing the doors on a comeback fight despite suffering a stinging seventh-round knockout.

"I would like to fight and get back into winning," said Pacquiao at his 16th floor room at the Affinia in Manhattan where a mass was celebrated by Palawan native Fr. Marlon Beof.

Pacquiao said he was never the same again when he sustained a hideous cut in the fourth round allegedly on an accidental headbutt that later revealed several stitches to close.

"I could not see well because the blood was flowing into my eyes," said Pacquiao, who was counted out at 1:48 by referee Gary Rosato after getting floored by a wicked left hook to the ribcage set up by a crippling right straight to the jaw.

Pacquiao was in a kneeling position in his own corner when the third man on the ring reached the count of 10, his face a grotesque mask owing to the blood that spilled out of the cut.

Pacquiao was never expected to go way past seven rounds by ringsiders since Soto is a solid campaigner with excellent skills as well.

But the younger brother of Manny put up a splendid showing as he even rocked Soto with a thunderous right in the fourth round shortly after the cut appeared.

With blood all over his face in the following rounds, Pacquiao tried his best to land another big shot but Soto wisely evaded trouble and softened up his Filipino foe for the kill with well-timed combinations.

"I felt his punch (in the fourth round) but I still believed that I was in complete control of the match," Soto told the Filipino media afterwards.

All three judges had Soto winning the scheduled 10-rounder when the roof caved in on Pacquiao, who received a count in the first round when Soto caught him with a left to the head. ESPN.com reported that Soto took home $ 150,000, while the vanquished Pacquiao earned $ 135,000.

The Filipino blood will never diminish.

By Kit Bagaipo

The Court of Appeals 20th Division upheld the decision of the Visayas Ombudsman suspending two top regional officials of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for three months without pay.

In a 19 page ruling penned by Associate Justice Pampio Abarintos, chairman of the CA 20th Division based in Cebu City, EMB 7 Regional Director Bienvenido L. Lipayon and William P. Cunado, OIC Chief, Environmental Impact Assessment Division (EIAD)-EMB 7 were slapped with a three month suspension without pay by the Visayas Ombudsman after being found administratively guilty of Misconduct.

The case stemmed from a criminal complaint for Violation of the Anti Graft & Corrupt Practices or RA 3019 and an administrative complaint for Misconduct and Gross Dereliction of Duty filed at the Visayas Ombudsman by Dr. Jose G. Borja against high ranking EMB officials and Frederick Ong, president of BQ Corporation.

The complaint revolved around the alleged anomalous approval of the application for ECC of BQ corporation for their controversial reclamation and warehouse project located in Lower Grupo St., Tagbilaran City.

Petitioners Lipayon and Cunado elevated the case to the CA for review and issuance of TRO and writ of preliminary injunction assailing the findings of probable cause by the Ombudsman for grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.

The Visayas Ombudsman headed by Deputy Ombudsman Primo C. Miro recommended the filing of criminal charges against Lipayon, Cunado and Ong for violation of Sec. 3(e) of RA No. 3019 even as the two top DENR officials were found administratively guilty of Misconduct and were ordered suspended for three months without pay.

The hearing on the criminal aspect of the case is ongoing at the sala of the Mandaue RTC, Branch 28. Accused Bienvenido Lipayon, William P. Cunado and Frederick Ong, President of BQ Corporation all posted bail.

In his petition, Cunado denied any wrongdoing while invoking good faith and did not act with manifest partiality nor committed inexcusable negligence when he recommended approval of BQ,s application for an ECC.

Meanwhile, Lipayon anchored his defense on the Arias Doctrine where, as head of office, he had every right to rely to a reasonable extent on the good faith and technical recommendation of his subordinates who are in the best position to evaluate BQ's ECC application. He further insisted there were no indications that BQ's reclamation and warehouse projects generated strong public opposition or irregularities being committed.

Both petitioners claimed their right to due process were violated and questioned the Ombudsman power to impose suspensions.

The Court found no merit in petitioners contention.

On the issue of lack of due process, the Court pointed out that the demands of due process were sufficiently met when petitioners were given more than enough opportunity to submit counter affidavits and move for reconsideration on the Ombudsman's decisions.

The Court added that as to whether the Office of the Ombudsman has the power to impose the penalty of suspension, the Supreme Court has answered in the affirmative in the the case of Ledesma vs CA, G.R. No. 161629, July 29, 2005, 465 SCRA 437.

The ruling sharply rebuked Cunado for completely disregarding the negative findings of Christopher Salcedo, case handler of BQ's ECC application. The court was also aghast that Cunado "without rhyme and reason or legal justification" and "without much ado"
recommended the approval of BQ's application to Lipayon.

In the case of EMB Regional Director Lipayon, the court impressed on the petitioner that the issuance of an ECC by the approving official requires discretion, prudence, caution and unbiased judgment. It made special mention that approval and issuance of an ECC is a "matter of public interest".

The ruling took a swipe at the cavalier manner in the evaluation of BQ's application by Lipayon. The court was alarmed that concerns of stakeholders were not fully considered or resolved nor BQ was able to address all the relevant and valid issues raised.

The court further reminded petitioners that social acceptability means "meaningful public participation".

The ruling further emphasized that "environmental laws are not mere suggestions. Violations will bring more environmental problems and catastrophes" It admonished public officials to act with outmost good sense when tasked and empowered to evaluate damaging environmental impacts of proposed projects.

The failure of both Cunado and Lipayon to take the necessary steps to prevent serious lapses and omissions were considered by the court as gross negligence and misconduct.

The ruling upholding the Visayas Ombudsman decision to suspend for three months without pay EMB 7 Regional Director Bienvenido Lipayon and William Cunado, OIC Chief, EIA Division, EMB 7 guilty of Misconduct were concurred by Associate Justices Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla and Stephen C. Cruz.

The decision was promulgated May 25, 2007. (The Bohol Chronicle)

Quote from: diadora on June 10, 2007, 11:12:16 PM
yadz,

Naa ka information  bahin electricity  connection  project Leyte - Bohol? unsa na status, completed na..

Hi Doria,

Leyte-Bohol interconnection was already completed, yet the power shortage is still there. 

Hi gulle_brms,

Let's hope a member or visitor of our site know Aster and relay your message to her. Feel free to repost your message under Loay category/section.

Nice to see you here again after your first posting.

God, bless you,

Mike

-Latest News

More Boholanos express distrust over the Comelec's handling of the electoral process as they agree on the decision of former Gov. Rene Relampagos to abandon his protest of dagdag-bawas (vote-padding and vote-shaving) against congressman-elect Adam Relson Jala of the 3rd district.

In a radio survey conducted over dyRD's top-rated "Inyong Alagad" last Tuesday, respondents overwhelmingly supported the decision of Relampagos to forego his electoral protest as this would only entail additional costs while it is highly improbable that the case will be resolved before the next election.

During the canvassing of votes by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC), Relampagos bared he and his lawyers protested on the tabulation of votes coming from the municipalities of Loay, Sierra Bullones, Duero and Pilar which were purportedly tampered.

However, objections made proved futile as the PBOC proceeded with the canvassing "without giving due merit and consideration to [their] protests." Relampagos said.

Many of survey-respondents view an electoral protest as an "uphill battle" since the protest will eventually be handled by the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

A respondent opined that it is probable the HRET, composed of congressmen who have worked with outgoing Rep. Eladio Jala, can be swayed to favor the young Jala.

The two-time governor who lost by a margin of 3,059 votes against Jala expressed dismay over the alleged irregularities that took place in the 3rd district.

Relampagos has decided to leave politics and vowed to advocate for electoral reforms and raise public awareness on election fraud.

RESPONDENTS' OPINION

Survey respondents gave their opinion regarding Relampagos' decision to give up the election protest and abandon politics.

They said, based on experience, an electoral complaint would take a long time to be resolved and entails much expense.

A respondent suggested that the former governor needs to temporarily distance himself from the present electoral process that is tainted with fraud and cheating.

Other respondents indicated that they would still welcome Relampagos if he decides to run in the next political exercise.

Some expressed appreciation to the legacy left by Relampagos during his tenure as vice governor and governor of the province.

On the other hand, a few of the respondents urged Relampagos to make a stand and pursue his protest as many voters want the truth to come out.

They said that if he won in the last elections he should fight for it through the legal process.

Some of those who agreed with the former governor's decision said his protest is useless since he clearly lost in the election.

If he protests, it would be tantamount to questioning the will of the people, some respondents said. (Bohol Chronicle - 6/10/2007)

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri, head of NEDA and co-chairman of the ICC (Investment Coordination Committee) has blocked further fund releases for the huge (originally approved) P2.3 billion Bohol Irrigation Project Stage II (BHIP 2) since the "cost increase is too big for the national government to bear."

The NIA (National Irrigation Authority), project sponsor, had asked the NEDA for an increase of the costs by P1.246 billion and for a two-year extension of the project.

The ICC noted that such increase would increase the development cost per hectare of the project from P499,889 to P613,383 making it "the most expensive irrigation project to be implemented by the NIA."

An ICC document noted: "The two major contracts which suffered almost two-year procurement delays incurred an average cost over-run of P725.317 million."

A visibly irked Neri and earlier said "To make matters worse, the irrigation agency proceeded to implement the higher cost without first seeking approval from the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) which is required of all official development assistance-funded projects being implemented in the country."

The Cabinet secretary Neri, (who is an important member of the Arroyo Economic Team headed by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves) made strong statements regarding the project. "We want a proper breakdown of the cost increase and proper analysis of the variance. The problem with them (irrigation officials) is that they were supposed to go back to the NEDA (to seek clearance) but they waited for two years to do that. By that time, the project was almost fully implemented, but at a very high cost."

"Some heads must roll, someone has to be made accountable", Neri tersely declared.

As a result of the stand-off, the Korean project contractor Hanjin Heavy Industries Construction Co. has not allegedly been paid a total estimated billing of P600-Million, according to Business Mirror, one of the country's only two daily business papers.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Project was meant to improve the farm areas of Ubay, San Miguel and Trinidad and included the irrigation works, water reservoir and farm to market roads. The project was scheduled to service partially 500 hectares this month of June.

The financial package signed on December 28 1999 (when Gov. Rico Aumentado was still 2nd district representative) is funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation with a loan tenor of 20 years and interest rate of 1.80 percent per annum.

The upward cost adjustment will "translate into a net deterioration of the Consolidated Public Sector Deficit amounting to P1.2 billion for 2005 to 2009," a source at the Department of Finance said.

LEGAL CONFLICTS

Neri who described the over-runs as "excessive and illegal" found legal basis to question the project through Section 5.4 of Republic Act 8182 or the ODA of 1996 which states that "donor-funded projects with cost over-runs regardless of cause must seek ICC reappraisal and clearance, which the irrigation body belatedly did."

Governor Aumentado denied the NEDA's findings stating that "such over-runs were reported to NEDA in December 2004" but there was allegedly delays in the reaction of the economic body.

The NEDA Head said the three options left are (1) continue the project (2) halt the project whichwill make it a huge "white elephant" or (3) continue the project but impose penalties on the erring parties, especially the contractors.

The NEDA Legal staff also opined that NIA's contract prices were against public policy differing as they do from those approved by the ICC and the contracts that were bid. PIATCO's case was cited as jurisprudence.

GOVERNOR AUMENTADO REPLIES

In his May 2 letter to Secretaray Neri, the Bohol Governor countered that the PIATCO case was governed by domestic law while BHIP2 is by international law on contracts and obligations as supposedly stipulated by the ODA Law and International Competitive Bidding. The Piatco Doctrine cannot apply."

He argued that the cost over-run was due to several factors:" foreign exchange, escalation of prices and impositions under NIA's charter." He said at the contract signing the exchange rate was at P40 to a dollar and P54 to a dollar when audited. The peso exchange rate recently rose to P45 to a dollar.

The former 2nd district congressman took time to explain that although Hanjin's bid was slightly higher, it still fell within the agency budget criteria and that the original estimates shot up by 27% almost immediately upon implementation.

It was gathered in Manila that the NEDA Legal Department had solicited the opinion of the Department of Justice regarding the matter.

Gov. Aumentado countered there is an existing legal precedent regarding similar case (Supreme Court ruling on the case of former Congressman Plaridel Abaya Et al. versus China State Et al) where the highest judicial body ruled that ODA projects are governed by international law and guidelines of the lending institution.

PUBLIC AWARENESS HIGH

Public awareness of the project is high since the Irrigation Project is one of the flagship projects of the Bohol administration to include the Bohol Circumferential Road, The Leyte Geothermal Interconnection and the much-publicized Panglao International Airport.

It is also recognized by the public as a controversial project initially because of the complaints (initiated by whistle-blower Nilo Sarigumba) filed against officers involved in the project discrepancies which reached the COA and the Visayas Ombudsman who earlier issued the existence of "prima facie" evidence.

But according to civic leader Bobby Cericos he was informed by sources in Ombudsman Manila that they have not been "updated or upgraded:" on the developments regarding the Irrigation case by the Ombudsman Visayas.

During the course of the investigation, Governor Aumentado distanced himself from the case to preserve "separation of the executive and judiciary". PGMA issue the same statement to the Chronicle when queried regarding this matter in one of her provincial trips to Bohol.

The public is eager to see the final resolution of the various controversies surrounding the rather laudable pro-farmer project.

At press time, Gov. Aumentado told the Chronicle he was checking the level of water in the dam if it can be partially used to irrigate some hectares and whether Hanjin, Industries (contractor) already saddled with P600-Million in receivables is continuing the project for the moment. (The Bohol Chronicle, 6/10/2007)

Note:     I had exposed more than 20 fictitious (ghost) dam projects, excluding the historical P200-million imaginary dam project in Talibon, in Bohol.  And the officials who are behind of this unprecedented rape of public funds are now so rich, enjoying a happy life.

A handful of CEOs in the AP executive pay list take home a salary of $1 a year or less. But all of them manage to make millions anyway, illustrating the point that if you're running the show, your salary doesn't mean much.

"Salary has become such a minuscule component of CEO compensation that it is now largely irrelevant," said J. Richard Finlay, founder of the Centre for Corporate & Public Governance.

Of the 386 Standard & Poor's 500 CEOs whose companies reported under the Securities and Exchange Commission's expanded disclosure requirements this year, salary accounted for only 9.5 percent of total pay. For the 11 CEOs in the group who earned more than $30 million, salary was just 2.7 percent of total pay.

In the group, the CEOs with the smallest salaries were:

_ Terry Considine, chairman, president and CEO of Apartment Investment & Management. He reported a salary of zero, although footnotes in the company's proxy statement show that he received stock options valued at $600,000 as his base salary. Considine's total pay, as calculated by the AP, was $4.8 million in 2006.

_ Richard D. Fairbank, president and CEO of Capital One Financial Corp., also had zero salary, as well as no bonus. But he was awarded $18 million worth of stock options.

Since 1997, Fairbank has been paid almost entirely in stock and options, which are pegged to Capital One's long-term performance. The company's proxy said the board's compensation committee believes this is "the mechanism that most aligns the CEO's financial rewards to the value he delivers to stockholders."

Fairbank has 5.9 million unexercised options, as well as unearned shares and options that have not vested that the company values at $27.3 million.

_ James Rogers, president and CEO of Duke Energy Corp., received no salary in 2006. But like Fairbank, he receives most of his compensation in stock and options. His total pay for 2006 was $27.5 million.

_ Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google Inc., took home exactly $1 in salary. And his overall compensation totaled $557,466, a fraction of the $71.7 million granted last year to competitor Yahoo Inc. CEO Terry Semel, the No. 1 executive on the AP pay list.

Almost all of Schmidt's package covered the cost of $532,755 for personal security. Schmidt, along with Google's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, has refused to take anything more than a token paycheck for the past three years to promote an egalitarian spirit at the company.

But all three own handsome stock stakes in the company. Schmidt, 52, owns 10.7 million shares currently worth $5.5 billion.

Another $1-a-year CEO is Apple's Steve Jobs, who's been treading water at that level for the last three years. But Jobs, 52, also owns more than 5.4 million Apple shares that are now worth more than $660 million.

Note: Have you heard of one-peso-a-year consultants and staff at the Provincial Capitol? It's a never-ending list of names.

We got an info. Gov appears to be in good shape. He's back.

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 11:13:49 PM
I'm still skeptical. I know The Rose Ranara. She's never at a loss for words, with chest pains or without. In fact, I suspect she could read news even while in the throes of multiple orgasms.

Bantay ka ni Rose pagmaka-Tubag siya nimo. Chin, maybe she just had one, two, three, four... 

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 10:55:31 PM
Er, why wouldn't we have the guts? I once asked a guy I've known only for an hour or so, "How long does it take you to peak?" He was flabbergasted, but he answered my question. Hahaha 

So yeah, ask Mike. Are you a virgin, Mike? In this instance, let's define virginity as that physical state of your, uh, largely imaginary male hymen remaining intact.

Ah, waiter, more ice cream please.

Can we proceed to the next question? 

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 10:53:14 PM
Civilization is a matter of perspective baya. I still think our neighbors are a pack of savages.

Hey, are you sure the rose that just arrived is our rose? Because our rose never runs out of anything to say, and the newbie rose is about as silent as a girl who's had multiple orgasms and is trying to stand on noodle legs.

Our Rose has chest pains. This is all because of you.

Yes, she is Thailand's Rose, your host in Thailand.

Girls who've had multiple orgasms? This is the deepest silence.

Quote from: yadz26 on June 09, 2007, 12:53:49 AM
i think this question should be address to the men out there...

coz women dont really matter if the guy were going to marry is a virgin or not..
what matters to us is how big his love for us...
his sincerity and honesty.......
and we will be the last woman he will going to make love to.......

right girls???

p.s.
as if naman we have the guts to ask the guy ' r u virgin?'
lolz.....

yadz, you have not asked me. 

Ako, kung panington akong ilong... 

Chin, your part is to make this Philippine website the most civilized place in the web universe. 

Chin, the microphone is yours.

Hsssssssssssshhhhhh... silence, please...

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to welcome Pearl from Australia.

Pearl, can you introduce yourself to us? 

To our welcome guru, Chin, have you seen a pearl?

Chin will do her part later.

Technician, lights on, please...

Here comes Roseth Ranara, now Thailand's most favorite Rose.

Chin will explain the difference between England's Rose and Thailand's. Later. 

Kombati, whoever you are, welcome to Tubag Bohol.

Kombati is based in the Philippines.

Welcome, Varga.

Sorry for this delayed acknowledgment. We were summoned by the Department of National Defense because of your abrupt membership here. So we felt that we had to review your profile first before we would finally acknowledge your presence.

Anyhow, welcome to Tubag Bohol.

Chin, will do her part later.

jeweloftheorient, where are your jewels? We have not seen you here.

jeweloftheorient is based in Thailand, by the way.

We are pleased to announce the membership of jana_gabrielle08. She is based in the Philippines.

Maayong pag-abot sa Tubag Bohol.

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 11:29:51 AM
Causing a smart little boy to miss class is a worse crime than shoplifting. Eskwela na didto. I've sinned enough as it is. I don't want to deprive Bohol of a future governor who earned his MBA without ever being late for class - EVER. 

This is too much already. I can't take it anymore.  You can write anything here, but not about any political ambitions.

You want me to be Bohol's future governor? Visit my house in Anda, wala pa nasungkipi ug nipa among atop sa kusina!

Besides, I don't want to break Gov. Erico Aumentado's record in the Guinness Book. The son of Cong. Eladio Jala already did.

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 11:39:48 AM
H is the 8th letter in the alphabet. It's one of the most versatile letters ever made.

It's the first letter in very useful words like "hymen" and "horse."
You use it to holler hi or hoy!
The word that sits closest to your heart, "home," starts with an H.
It could be used medically, too. Think HIV or Herpes.
Oh, and when you phone random people or listen to your crush's voice on the other end without saying a word, you breathe heavily, and this breathing sounds like an H, too.

Welcome to Tubag Bohol, H!

The way you welcome our new members is simply cantankerous. I don't think new members, after reading your welcome address, would visit this site ever again.

I'm thinking of posting a new job vacancy in Tubag Bohol: Censorship Guru.

I learn a lesson today: In accepting job applications, I should read one's resume first before hiring a potential shaker/mover. Our welcome guru did not even sign her application letter and her resume was xeroxed in front of Butalid Store.

Quote from: yadz26 on June 10, 2007, 11:13:31 AM


ah., black coffee lover and atong moderator!

Nope. Sinangag nga mais. Nakatilaw na ka ana, Yadz? Tambal sa panuhot.

Quote from: thisgirlvader on June 10, 2007, 11:33:38 AM
Hoy, tungluhon jud ko sa akong mga kaila nganong niabot akong mga hulagway diri! Intawn, uterus ra tong akong planong ibaligya, dili akong karne! Hahaha

Notice To The Public: Please read her previous posts. She was asking us something about joining Thailand's fresh trade.

Our initial reply was: Apply first a medical insurance in the Philippines. Or settle first your outstanding obligation with CAP Lifetime Insurance.

We have no idea who he or she is.

Anyway, we are pleased to welcome one of our pioneer members named H.

H is based in the Philippines.

Okay, okay, here's your toothbrush. Please iuli na sa Provincial Library inig human nimo ug gamit. Naa pay mosunod.

Chin, the only red thing here is your avatar.