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LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 9 -- The Albay Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) gave additional cash incentive and a felicitation letter to  each eighteen (18) centenarians of Albay, according to a PSWDO official today.

Eva Grageda, PSWDO head, in an interview today, said a felicitation letter signed by Governor Al Francis Bichara and cash incentive in the amount of P40,000.00 was given to the centenarians from Guinobatan, Ligao City, Oas, and Polangui, all in the 3rd district of Albay. 

[http://media]Centenarian Segundina Tuscano of Polangui, Albay

"We have 18 qualified centenarians for cash incentives— this is just an additional cash incentive aside from the Php 100,000 of the DSWD, and is given by the provincial government of Albay," Grageda added.

She said for the 2nd district of Albay (Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi), it will be released tomorrow (Aug. 10) while for the 1st district (Bacacay, Malilipot and Tabaco City), it is being released today.

For the 3rd district, the recipient centenarians from Guinobatan were: Abundio Marantal, 104 years old, and Abundio A. Palermo, 100. In Ligao City, recipients were: Cocatana Sadia, 100, and Encarnacion Monasterial, 100. In Oas, the awardees were: Ariston Rosetes, 100; Remedios Vargas, 103 and Magdalena Real, 102 years.

In the municipality of Polangui, Albay, the centenarians awarded were: Elpidio O. Dazo, 103; Rita Ante, 100;  and Segundina Tuscano , 101 years old.

[http://media]

 

For the 2nd district, recipients from Camalig, were: Exaltacion Soguilon, 106 and Antonio Damian, 100 years old. For Legazpi City, recipient was: Lina Azores, 102 years old, and in Daraga, Eustaquia Nuada, 103 years old.

For the 1st district, centenarian recipients were: Arcadia Borcelis, 100 and Perfecto Brusola, 105 years old of Tabaco City and Lauro Bilaos, 100 of Malilipot and Esperanza Torres 101 years old, of Bacacay, Albay.

"Filipino centenarians are set to receive additional benefits such as cash and felicitation letter as stated in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10868 or the "Centenarians Act of 2016," Grageda said. (PNA/Photos from Albay PIO)

 



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BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, Aug. 9 -- The local government unit of Malay is now looking into the possibility of imposing stricter rules against tricycle drivers who choose tourists over locals , a local government official said.

 

Executive Assistant Rowen Aguirre of the LGU-Malay said this is to address reports of passengers being denied by tricycle drivers in this tourist island. Some drivers allegedly refuse to take local passengers and prefer high-paying tourists.

 

Aguirre in a recent interview said a meeting with the Municipal Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board will be set to decide what"stricter disciplinary measures" shall be imposed against erring drivers.

 

He said "blacklisting" drivers who choose passengers is an option.

 

Aguirre meanwhile encouraged the riding public to report erring tricycle drivers.

 

"Get their number and report them," said Aguirre noting that the Boracay Land Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) and the LGU-Malay can issue citation tickets against them.

 

Both electric tricycles or e-trikes and fuel-powered tricycles are servicing within the island.

 

Meanwhile, the LGU is already eyeing to start the full implementation of its e-trike program starting next year.

 

With the program, only e-trikes will be allowed to service around the 1,032-hectare island. (PNA)

 



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KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 9 -- A barangay chair was killed while his cousin was seriously wounded in a daring ambush on Wednesday morning in an outskirt village here.

Supt. Ronald Allan Peñaverde, Koronadal City police chief, said Barangay Topland chair Baltazar Bermil and his cousin were on their way to the city proper aboard a barangay service vehicle when they were waylaid by two motorcycle-riding suspects at a portion of Purok Garcia in Barangay Rotonda at around 10 a.m.

He said the 60 year-old Bermil, who was driving the service vehicle, died on-the-spot due to three gunshot wounds on the neck and chest from a caliber .45 handgun.

His cousin, Nida Parcon, 62, sustained two gunshot wounds but is already in a stable condition in hospital here, he said.

The police official said the suspects, who were wearing bonnets, were last seen speeding towards the direction of Barangay Sto. Niño aboard a Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle without license plate.  

City Mayor Peter Miguel has condemned the attack and directed the city police to exert all necessary efforts to arrest the assailants and ensure the swift resolution of the case.

He instructed them to look into all possible motives and widen their investigation on the matter.

"As the father of this city, I am deeply saddened with what happed to barangay captain Bermil. We do not tolerate any killing here in the city," he said in an interview over radio station dxMC Bombo Radyo.

The mayor, who had engaged with the slain barangay chair in recent activities, said he was not aware of any previous threat against the latter.

He said he will leave it to police investigators to determine whether the incident was driven by personal grudges or work-related.

Bermil had figured in a controversy after one of his nephews was arrested in a major drug raid in his village last July 30 that resulted to the recovery of around PHP2.36 million worth of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

The joint operatives nabbed eight other persons and seized several firearms and a rifle grenade.

On Tuesday, Miguel disclosed that three barangay chairs in the city and several other village councilors are being monitored by authorities due to their alleged involvement in illegal drug-related activities.

He required the city's barangay chairs to submit the names of target drug personalities in their areas to prove that they were not protecting or coddling them.

Sources said Bermil was on his way to the office of City Local Government Operations Officer Juanito Agullana to clear his name when he was ambushed.

The mayor acknowledged that Bermil name was linked to the issue due to the involvement of his nephew in the illegal drug trade.

"These are based on records and the investigation of our authorities. We did not accuse him of anything," Miguel added.(PNA)         



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CEBU CITY, Aug. 9 -- As the country needs to upgrade its cacao industry to be able to compete in the global market, the Philippines will be hosting another international cacao congress in Davao City in December.

Philippine Cacao Industry Council chairperson Valente Turtur said they will be inviting more traders from other countries as the local industry needs current updates and inputs from these foreign players on how to enhance the production and move up to the international market.

Turtur made the statement on Wednesday as they wrapped up the National Cacao Congress at the Grand Convention Center here. 

"We need to be in the global competition, that's why we need more inputs from global players," Turtur said. "We need to penetrate the international market."

Turtur said they will be inviting participants from new players in the Middle East and France along with previous delegates from Europe, the United States, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Netherlands, among many other countries.

Over a thousand delegates from different countries are expected to converge in Davao for the International Cacao Congress on December 5-6.

Department of Trade and Industry National Cacao Cluster coordinator Engr. Edwin Banquerigo said in 2007 only a few were farming cacao, but now there are 30,000 farmers in the country as the price of cacao is less prone to severe fluctuation.

"While the prices of agricultural commodities normally fluctuate and go down during peak season, the price of cacao is high during peak season, which is from October to late January," Banquerigo said. "The peak season for cacao is coincidentally the inventory period for the Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, and gift-giving seasons in some non-cacao growing countries like China and Japan."

This is among the reasons why the local cacao industry needs upgrading, especially because cacao beans can be harvested every two weeks, said Banquerigo.

"If coconut is the tree of life and coffee is the tree of peace, cacao is the tree of love," Banquerigo said in parting. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 9 – The president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) on Wednesday announced that they will respect the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte in abolishing the Negros Island Region (NIR).

NOCCI president Edward Du, in an interview with reporters Wednesday afternoon, disclosed that they have come up with a common statement on the matter with the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), their counterpart in Negros Occidental.

President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 38 on August 7, 2017, revoking Executive Order No. 138 (S. 2015) which created the Negros Island Region or the merging of the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental as a one-island region.

NIR is also known as Region 18.

The President cited budgetary constraints as the main reason for the dissolution of the Negros Island Region.

With this, Negros Occidental will revert to Region 6 while Negros Oriental will once more be under Region 7.

According to Du, the news did not come as a surprise because they already knew of the possibility of the NIR being dissolved.

Despite the reversion of the two Negros provinces to their mother regions, Du stressed that the programs and projects that both NOCCI and MBCCI had laid out previously will go on as planned.

"For the private sector, we will continue with our joint projects, whether or not the RDC (regional development council) will convene for meetings, the private sector will continue with what we have started, especially on infrastructure", Du said.

Both chambers are active in the Committee on Infrastructure, headed by MBCCI Frank Arbon as chair, and the Committee on Economic Committee of the NIR-RDC with him as the chairman, Du disclosed.

President Duterte has directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to supervise the reversion of the different government agencies and offices and other instrumentalities from the defunct NIR to their mother units, and the abolition of the different regional councils and regional offices.

Du, meanwhile, expressed hope that the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will not be shut down following the abolition of the NIR despite the absence of a budget.

He noted that the DFA and PRC offices have served well not only constituents of Negros Oriental but other nearby areas as well, such as Siquijor and Dipolog. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA) 



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ILOILO CITY, Aug. 9 -- The financial inclusion advocacy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in Western Visayas is "progressing quite well," according to Department of Economics Statistics deputy director Fernando Y. Silvoza.

In an interview following the recent awarding ceremony and appreciation lunch for Western Visayas and Negros Island Region (NIR) stakeholders, Silvoza said that the program is showing potentials.

He added that while "most of the banks are well represented in Western Visayas" yet they do not look at the number of banks per se when talking of financial inclusions.  He stressed that additional information were added to strengthen their analysis.

"Financial inclusion is a matter of of how we provide access to all people in terms of banking services much in the same way, it is also link to inclusive growth because if banks were able to touch base with a broader base of the population then there's greater chances for everyone to contribute to growth particularly in the locality," he explained.

BSP is now doing a benchmarking and initial figures showed that "it is very promising with respect to the Visayas."

"We noted that there's been quite a good number in the result with due respect to deposit generation, both in terms of accounts as well as in the aggregates. So far we noted that while there is some sort of good numbers in the residential areas, particularly in Iloilo. We noted that there are other areas such as Sara, which registered quite a low number of accounts generated, but it has big contribution in terms of aggregates," he added.

In his presentation on domestic deposits, he showed that as of end of 2016, Western Visayas has a total of 1, 828, 440 accounts.

Iloilo has 1, 204, 668 accounts with PHP99,000 as average amount. There were 904, 800 accounts in Iloilo City with an average amount of PHP118,000.

Aklan has 200, 837 accounts; Antique with 159, 100; Capiz with 246, 770 and Guimaras, 17,065.

Meanwhile, he noted that the regional gross domestic product of Western Visayas slowed down to 6.1 percent in 2016 from 8.1 in the previous year. Taking a big toll was the agriculture, fishery and forestry sector which expanded from negative .7 in 2015 to negative .9 in 2016.

"My understanding, it's a personal note, is that Visayas is transitioning from agriculture to services and industry, hence the slowdown," he said. "There's been a sprouting of BPO in Iloilo and perhaps this is just what we call a transition phase, eventually you see services peaking up, eventually moving from industry and services. It's quite promising."

Meantime, the less optimistic position of the business sector during the second quarter of the year was just normal. The expectation starts to peak during the third and fourth quarter.

"It is cyclical in its sense because there quite a number of factors. One is the weather condition; normally it's on the second quarter where Visayas and the rest of the country would be experiencing quite a number of typhoons that would temper harvest in agriculture to a certain extent," he explained.

On the other hand, regional director Ro-Ann Bacal of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Wednesday admitted that the major contributor to the economic growth of Western Visayas, and in other parts of the country, is the services sector.

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The agriculture, fishery and forestry performed better when compared with 2015, which was expected due to an extended dry spell.

She said that Western Visayas will still be agriculture and tourism based but "more diversified."

However, she said that looking at the trajectory of the magnitude of the region's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, still Western Visayas is at number four among regions outside of the National Capital Region (NCR). (PNA)



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CLARK, Pampanga, Aug. 9 -- The government is set to pour in billions in investment to position Clark as the next premier investment center of Asia.

The move is part of the Build Build Build program wherein the government will invest in high-impact legacy projects that will usher in the golden age of infrastructure in the country.

Through the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), the government will implement the infrastructure projects for the development of Clark and its environs which is seen to benefit the people of Central Luzon.

The projects include the PHP12.5-billion Clark International Airport New Terminal Building (Phase 1); PHP57.2 billion Subic-Clark Cargo Railway; PHP105 billion Manila-Clark Railway (Phase 1) and the multi-billion dollar New Clark City, among others.

For 2017 alone, the government allocated 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product for infrastructure spending.

To attain this bold and ambitious infrastructure vision, the government will spend a total amount of P8.4 trillion (approximately USD 160 billion) for infrastructure in the next six years.

Some PHP12.5 billion is allocated for the construction of the first phase of the Clark International Airport New Terminal Building, which is projected to increase passenger capacity by 8 million per year from the existing 4.2 million passengers per year, for a total of 12.2 million passengers per annum.

The ultimate target is 80 million passengers per year upon completion of the fourth phase under the latest masterplan.

The New Clark City, on the other hand, will have different features such as the creation of a national government center (PHP83 billion); a food processing terminal and international food market (PHP31.3 billion); and mixed income development housing (PHP8.3 billion).

Of the 9,450-hectare New Clark City, BCDA will preserve approximately 70 percent of the total land area as open spaces for agriculture and forest land. Only 3,250 hectares will be developed for urban use. (Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 9 – Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) breezed through Negros Oriental in an unexpected visit on Wednesday.

Cimatu and his party flew in from Davao City this morning and visited the Palinpinon geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental, said Efren Rombaoa, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) chief.

Rombaoa said it was an unannounced visit by the DENR secretary.

A statement from EDC's Corporate Affairs Head Ricky Carandang said EDC had "a standing invitation for Sec. Cimatu to do a familiarization tour of our facility".

"He chose to go on an unplanned visit today", said Carandang through SMS.

Cimatu also planted a Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis)  tree at the geothermal power plant site.

The DENR official also toured the facilities and was shown how geothermal power plants work.

Cimatu also visited a huge quarry site in Barangay Looc, Sibulan town, about 20 minutes drive north of this capital.

His visit comes amid public clamor to have the quarry operations in Looc halted as aerial photos showed how vast and wide the quarry area has become.

Cimatu then met with the DENR officials in Negros Oriental, as well as with DENR-Negros Island Region Director Livino Duran.

Cimatu was still in a meeting at press time. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA) 



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 9  - - More indigent patients from Western Visayas benefited from President Rodrigo Duterte's "Libreng Gamot sa Masa (LinGap sa Masa)" program.

Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6 showed that as of July 31, money disbursed came to a total of PHP27.1 million out of its  PHP138 million fund for free medicines. 

DSWD-6 information officer May Castillo, in an interview on Wednesday, said the PHP27.1 million helped aid the purchase of medicines of 4, 436 patients from the different parts of the region.

She said that 3, 539 of these patients fall under the family head and other needy adult (FHONA) client category of the program. DSWD-6 has spent PHP19.4 million for their medicines.

Also, 788 senior citizens have availed of the free medicines with a total cost of PHP5.8 million; 22 women in especially difficult circumstances (WEDC) with total cost of medicines of PHP123,788 and 87 persons with disabilities with total cost of medicines of PHP1.7 million.

Castillo said that they have not received requests from indigents who fall within the children in need of special protection (CNSP) and youth in need of special protection (YNSP) categories.

With the PHP27.1 million expenditure as of July 31, the department has still around PHP110.9 million fund to be spent for the free medicines of patients until end of the year.

To expand the utilization of the funds,DSWD-6 recently sought the expansion of the program coverage to three more hospitals: Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan; Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City, Capiz; and Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.

Castillo said that they are still working on a partnership with these provincial hospitals.

DSWD-6 started to implement the President's LinGap sa Masa program March this year in partnership with the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurrriao, Iloilo City.

Qualified as beneficiaries are families or individuals who are indigent, vulnerable or disadvantaged; those who are in crisis situations based on the assessment of social workers; those in the formal sector and poor based on the Listahanan of DSWD; government employees and contract of service workers and soldiers and police who were wounded in the line of duty.

Patients have to submit a doctor's prescription, certificate of indigency and valid identification card.

Eligible patients will be issued a DSWD LinGap sa Masa Guarantee Letter (GL) indicating the needed amount of medicines. It will  be presented to the pharmacy of the hospital to get fre medicines. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY, August 9 – Communities hosting the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) plants in the Cordillera can expect better days as the company's chief executive commits  to support the Department of Energy's food-water-energy link.

Rhoda Santos, Corporate Communications manager, said the company is eyeing model farms in Binga in Itogon, Benguet; Alfonso Lista in Ifugao and Ramon in Isabela province.

Itogon hosts the 140-megawatt Binga Hydro Electric Power Plant while Ifugao and Isabela are hosts to the 360-megawatt Magat Hydro Electric Power Plant.

[http://media]SNAP's Binga Hydro Electric Power Plant[http://media]SNAP's Magat Hydro Electric Power Plant

 

Santos relayed that in a conference on Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) towards energy security, sustainability and resilience in Bohol this week attended by SNAP president and chief executive officer (CEO) Joseph S. Yu affirmed the company's support of the Department of Energy's push to explore more concrete measures for sustainability, chief of which is the food-water-energy nexus, which focuses on interdependence between the three.

 "It aims to enhance cross-sector collaboration and policy coherence with the goal of promoting efficient use of resources, sustainability, and win-win solutions."

In Yu's message, he highlighted the benefits of the connection of the natural resources with food and energy: synergy in resource utilization and conservation efforts; cost effectiveness through partnerships; its potential for scalability; and economic opportunities through job creation and development of alternative livelihoods.

 "Hydros like SNAP are in a good, if not the best, position to apply this approach," Yu said.

Through watershed and resource management and development partnerships, he underscored an opportunity "to create shared value that benefits communities, partners, businesses and the environment."

SNAP officials joined other leaders from the private and public sectors at the ACD conference to discuss strategies and approaches in managing energy and sustainability issues in the region.

"SNAP is dedicated to being an instrument of positive change. The food-water-energy nexus validates our purpose as we move towards greater use of sustainable energy sources and responsible development," Yu added. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug. 9 -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 received 201 new firearms from the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office.

Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, regional police director, said the new firearms were part of the PNP's efforts to improve the capabilities and operations of police units within the region's four provinces and five cites.

He said the firearms, which were composed of 200 units of NORINCO 6.56mm M16 rifles and a unit of DRAGUNOV 7.62 mm sniper rifle, arrived on Tuesday at the regional headquarters in Barangay Tambler here.

"We immediately distributed them to the recipient units based on instructions from our national headquarters," he said in a PRO-12 statement released on Tuesday afternoon.

The police official said the 200 M16 rifles were turned over to the area's Provincial and City Public Safety Companies (P/CPSCs) and the lone sniper rifle to the Regional Public Safety Battalion-12.

The Sarangani PPSC and the General Santos CPSC received 40 units each, followed by South Cotabato PPSC with 29 units, Cotabato PPSC with 26 units, and Sultan Kudarat PPSC with 25 units.

Also distributed were three reloader machines for the Kidapawan City police station, Tacurong City police station and Koronadal City police station.

Train said the released firearms have complete accessories and supplied with standard ammunition.

They specifically included 72,000 rounds of M16 ammunition, 400 pieces M16 magazines, and 440 rounds of sniper rifle ammunition three pieces of bullet magazines, he said.

Train said PNP Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa ordered his office to distribute the firearms "without any delay."

Such move is aimed to address the lack of basic police equipment that are needed to fight criminalities by some police units.

"He (Dela Rosa) instructed us to make sure that the firearms will reach the actual recipients," he said.

The official said the release of the new firearms is a major boost to their security operations in the region.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

He said that the firearms would increase the efficiency of their personnel in the performance of their duties, especially in law enforcement operations.

"This will be a big help in terms of the capability buildup of the PRO-12 and in enhancing security measures," he added.(PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug. 9 – A ruling released by the Court of Appeals (CA) has ended speculations that Mayor Lucilo Bayron will vacate his office here at the City Hall before the weekend.

In a 17-page decision, a copy of which was obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) late Tuesday evening, the 6th Division of the appeals court set aside the July 6 ruling of the Ombudsman that was supposed to sack Bayron as mayor of Puerto Princesa for the second time.

Promulgated on August 8, this year, the unanimously approved decision originally signed by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, said that on the case of grave misconduct against Bayron by complainant Aldrin Madreo in November 2016, other than bare allegations, there are no factual circumstances that the petitioner committed corruption and intentionally violated laws.

On the charge of serious dishonesty, the CA said Bayron acted in good faith when he signed his son Karl Bayron's contract of services as it was the City Government of Puerto Princesa which engaged his services.

The latest ruling added that Karl had "no intention to conceal or distort the truth" about their filial relationship "as there was nothing to be gained therefrom."

On complaints that the Puerto Princesa mayor's conduct was prejudicial to the best interest of service, the CA's ruling said, "the petitioner maintained that he did not commit any act which could be considered prejudicial to the best interest of the service."

"Engaging the services of Karl was neither illegal nor irregular," the decision furthered.

Bayron is also not guilty of gross neglect of duty because Madreo's "complaint-affidavit did not demonstrate that he refused or even failed to perform a duty."

The CA's decision, which pushed to the wall the Ombudsman's ruling, said that Bayron's triumph in the recall elections on May 8, 2015 meant that the accusation had already been disregarded.

In evaluating presented documents and submitted statements, the CA also refused to budge on Vice Mayor Luis Marcaida III's argument that he would be affected by the decision as it is "exiguously patchy to justify his intervention."

"Suffice it to say that his intervention would only inordinately delay the disposition of the case. Since he adopted respondent's stance, Marcaida's alleged interest is amply protected therein," it said. It added that Marcaida's petition for leave to intervene has no leg to stand on.

"The cold hard fact is that after the purported misrepresentation, petitioner was reelected in a recall election held on May 8, 2015 when the Aguinaldo Doctrine was still in force (sic). It must be emphasized that it is the election which operates to condone any misconduct supposedly committed by the public official during a prior term," the decision stated.

It furthered that "the reverse does not hold true if there was no recall election and the petitioner was merely elected as Mayor of Puerto Princesa City during the May 2016 local elections. By then, the Aguinaldo Doctrine had already been abandoned."

Earlier, Marcaida implied his return as mayor here for the second time after learning from "concerned friends" that the Ombudsman had already sent an order for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to serve Bayron a notice to vacate his office.

"I have not seen any copy yet. But I was told that there is already an order from the Ombudsman to the DILG. I am not taking over the position if there is no order that would tell me so. Contrary to claims, I'm not overly excited to become mayor, but I am ready to take on the responsibility anytime," Marcaida stated. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 9 -- Health authorities in Pangasinan have expressed alarm over the rising number of leptospirosis cases in the province since January this year.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ana Theresa de Guzman revealed there are already 56 cases of leptospirosis recorded by her office from January to August this year, which is almost 50 percent higher than last year's 38 cases . 

Of the 56 cases, seven died of the ailment.

De Guzman said statistics shows that most of  those afflicted with leptospirosis were from 25 to 35 years old or members of the active work force in the province.

They are either construction workers or farmers who could have been infected with leptospira bacteria after it entered their bodies through open wounds in their extremities or feet.

The PHO warned construction workers and other workers for that matter that if they cannot avoid wading in floodwaters because of the nature of their work, they should always wear rain boots for their protection.

The symptoms of leptospirosis are high fever, yellowing of the skin, muscle pains and yellowish urine.

Leptospirosis is a disease that occurs when the bacteria leptospira coming from urine of animals get into the body through open wounds.

The bacteria is often mixed in flood water or mud on the streets or farms. (PNA)

 



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SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija, Aug. 9 -- A 15-kilo "bulaklak pastillas" took the centerstage as an icon of the government's drive against malnutrition, during the celebration of this city's founding day at Pag-asa gym here Wednesday.

Prepared in bestselling flavors original, ube, pandan and mocha by the Philippine Carabao Center's (PCC's) brand Milka Krem, the biggest "bulaklak pastillas" was made of carabao milk from San Jose City.

The activity was jointly undertaken under the 11th Gatas ng Kalabaw Festival by the Philippine Carabao Center, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Small Medium Enterprise Council of Nueva Ecija and the San Jose City government.

Felomino Mamuad, PCC deputy executive director, said they are tasked to propagate carabao for farm, meat and milk.

"Many people no longer taste carabao milk. That is why we want to produce more milk for them," Mamuad said.

Brigida Pili, DTI provincial director, said the Gatas ng Kalabaw Festival is an annual event hosted by different local government units in a bid to promote both the nutritional and busines value of the dairy product. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 9 -- Local government officials in Eastern Visayas cited the benefits of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Economic Community to this region.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico said with the ASEAN integration, someone from the province can apply a job in Thailand or Singapore without securing a visa.

"With the integration, looking for a job in any ASEAN country is like seeking a job in Cebu or Manila. Our students will also have the opportunity to study abroad through exchange program," Petilla said during the ASEAN landmark lighting Tuesday night at the MacArthur Memorial Landing Park in Palo town.

The activity is part of the nationwide 50th ASEAN anniversary, with similar events simultaneously held in  50 cities and towns in the country.

The ASEAN free trade area will encourage local farmers to become more competitive to penetrate the international market, he said. 

"As we develop our agriculture sector by training and providing assistance to farmers, we can become exporter of farm products someday," Petilla said.

Government officials and residents  join the walk for peace and ASEAN landmark lighting event at the park.

Groups from different Leyte towns entertained the audience with cultural presentations.

In Tacloban City, local government officials and public school teachers joined the parade and lighting event at the city hall grounds. The city government suspended the classes on Tuesday.



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LAOAG CITY, Aug. 9 — Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Wednesday  enjoined all Ilocanos to follow the path of patriots and be inspired by the heroism of Filipinos like the late Governor Roque Ablan, Sr., who is being considered as a local hero.

Andanar, who graced today's program to celebrate Ablan's 111th birth anniversary, lauded the Ilocano community here for remembering the late former provincial chief executive.

The celebration was attended by Ilocos Norte mayors, government workers from the different local and national agencies, students and other visitors.  

Ablan's statue here is well-kept and being adorned with fresh flowers especially every 9th of August, a declared non-working holiday in the province of Ilocos Norte.

In his short speech during today's program, Andanar recalled how the old Ablan is being remembered with respect and admiration for his genuine love and great service to the province and the country.

"There can be no better inspiration than the heroism of Filipinos like Roque Ablan Sr. And as we commemorate the memorable lessons of his life, we likewise acknowledge how our people today continue to support our president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte who has discerned the inherited evils surrounding our country today and boldly resolves to eliminate them with political and personal capacity," he told Ilocanos present during a simple commemoration rite held at the Ablan Shrine, this city.

The occasion gives tribute to Ablan Sr. for his service to the country as governor and labor leader, as well, as an Ilocano hero who fought against the Japanese regime during World War II.

Ilocano war veterans remember the great Ablan as the only governor in Northern Luzon who did not surrender when the Japanese landed in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.  He refused to extend his cooperation to them as the governor of Ilocos and instead left the provincial capital of Laoag to avoid arrest and transferred the seat of government to a remote barrio near the boundary of Ilocos Norte and Apayao.

From there, he built his army force called the "Ablan-Madamba Guerilla Group of Northern Luzon" together with Lt. Feliciano Madamba of the Philippine Army . (PNA)



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique, Aug.9 -- Agriculture Secretary  Emmanuel F. Pinol on Wednesday gave his commitment to provide funding and technical staff  for the reopening of the Antique National Agricultural School (ANAS) in San Remigio, Antique.

Pinol visited Antique to hold discussions with farmers and fisherfolks and to turnover PHP47-million worth of assistance. He also said that he had discussed with Senator Loren Legarda the reopening of ANAS to offer agriculture courses.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)  will provide the funding and technical staff to the school. "This is one of the issues discussed with DA by Senator Legarda and were are fully  supportive of it," he said.

He added that agricultural training schools are needed in the country to produce young farmers.

The secretary, during discussions with farmers and fisherfolks dubbed "Tapatan: Gobyerno at Mamayan ", said DA is coming out with innovations for technology transfer to help farmers become more knowledgeable about cultivation and thus increase their production.

He showed farmers how to access the soil suitability and water availability maps as well as the national fertilization map in the website.

He said that through the use of modern technology, farmers will be able to know the climatic condition, water availability and fertilizer needed by their farms.

He also asked the local chief executives to encourage farmers to plant hybrid rice for better yield.

He said that DA is offering a financing program of PHP20,000 per hectare with a measly interest of  six percent with no collateral required so that farmers planting hybrid seeds can be further assisted.   

He added that the same program will be introduced to Overseas Filipino Workers to be  a part of  "Adopt-a-farm" program where they will be financing farm lots and get six percent interests from from the money borrowed from them. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY, Aug 9 -- The brother-in-law of suspected drug lord Rolando "Kerwin" Espinosa Jr. was shot dead in his hideout during a joint police operation in Barangay Bato, Toril District, Davao City Wednesday morning.

Killed in the operation conducted by elements of the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 8 and 11 and Toril Police was Leonardo dela Cruz also known as Jake Bolanio dela Cruz, Leonard Bolanio dela Cruz and Daot.

Dela Cruz is the husband of Marie Espinosa, who is the sister of suspected druglord Kerwin Espinosa and daughter of slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Toril Police Station commander Chief Inspector Ronald Lao said the operation was launched to serve four warrants of arrest against Dela Cruz. But Lao said Dela Cruz engaged the police in a shootout. An Ingram firegram was taken from Dela Cruz.

The joint operation was conducted by the RIU 8 and 11 teams, Regional Drug Enforcement Units of Region 8 and 11. According to Lao, Dela Cruz fled to Davao City from Leyte in September last year. Dela Cruz, who hails from Sitio Tinago, Barangay Beholho, Albuera, Leyte, have settled as transient in Barangay Bato, Upper Piedad, Toril, this city.

Lao said Dela Cruz could have settled in Davao because he reportedly has many relatives who are residing in Barangay Daliao, Toril. Dela Cruz was suspect in the murder of two police officers in Albuera and a municipal councilor of the same town.

He was considered as a high value target of RIU 8. Dela Cruz was facing a string of cases for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8294 (Illegal Possession of Firearms) with Criminal Case No. B-11-04-40 issued by Judge Clinton Nuevo of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Baybay, Leyte; RA 9165 (Dangeorous Drugs Act) with Criminal Case No. 16,785 issued by Judge Sisinio Virtudazo of RTC 4 of Tagbilaran City; RA 10591 with Crim. Case. Nos. R-ORM-16-00625-CR and R-ORM-16-00626-CR; a murder case with Criminal Case. No. R-ORM-16-00635 issued by Judge Girlie Yu of RTC 35 of Ormoc City; and, another murder case with Criminal Case no. B-17-01-03 issued by Judge Carlos Arguelles of RTC 8 of Baybay, Leyte.

Police authorities are still conducting a follow up investigation. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY, Aug. 9 -- Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday called on authorities to conduct a no-nonsense investigation on the recent killing of two journalists in Mindanao even as she expressed condemnation of the act.

She further sought for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The latest victims of attack against journalists were identified as radiomen Rudy Alicaway of Zamboanga del Sur and Leo Diaz of Sultan Kudarat.

"The incidents bring to fore the violence and culture of impunity in the attacks against Filipino journalists," Poe said in a statement. "The people are counting on the police and law enforcers to keep our streets safe -- that criminals will be immediately hunted down and prosecuted," she added.

Alicaway, 46, was on his way home on August 6 in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur when he was shot by two motorcycle-riding gunmen. Alicaway was a radio anchor of Tigmo-Tigmo program at DXPB 106.9 (Radyo ng Bayan Molave).

He was reportedly also a village councilman of Miligan in Molave. On the other hand, Diaz, 60, was driving his motorbike near his house when shot at around 8:40 p.m. Monday in Barangay Kalanawi 2 in President Quirino, this province.

Police said Diaz, his son Cris Jay and a female relative were riding with him, but they escaped unhurt. Diaz died from multiple gunshot wounds. Diaz was a reporter of Radio Mindanao Network, columnist of Sapol Newspaper and a correspondent for Manila Bulletin.

Poe, advocate and sponsor of the Freedom of Information bill at the Senate, said journalists should be able to work freely in an environment free from danger.

"They should be able to report stories and issues relevant to the Filipinos, and we know that journalists have risen to the occasion despite the odds," she said. Aside from the police, the senator also called on the Presidential Task Force on Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of the Members of the Media to act with dispatch on the cases. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug. 9 -- The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the Phillippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday afternoon asked the Iloilo Citiy Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC) to remove from the "target list"  drug personalities who could no longer be located here. 

Senior Supt. Remus Zacarias Canieso told ICADAC,  led by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, said a total of 38 drug personalities classified as "high-value" and "street level" targets could no longer be tracked down in the metro since the police staged "Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded".

Per ICPO monitoring, these personalities can't be located in their last known address for at least six months, and no known information of illegal drug activities.

The drug personalities will be put into "suspense file" status – meaning they will no longer be in the target list of police operations but will be subjected to police operations once they are sighted in Iloilo City, Canieso said. 

The process of removing the "missing" drug personalities start with the barangays, which issue certification that the targets are no longer residing in their respective areas.

Then, the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) will issue a recommendation for the removal of the drug suspects' names from the target list. The ICADAC will be asked to issue similar resolution.

The BADAC and ICADAC resolutions will be subjected to validation of the City Oversight Committee to confirm they are indeed no longer here.

"Once confirmed, the list will be submitted to the Regional Oversight Committee, who will conduct another review and validation," saidCanieso. PDEA chairs the oversight committees.

If the committee confirmed the absence of drug personalities, the list will be submitted to PNP Directorate for Intelligence, Canieso added.

Canieso said the downgrading of "cannot-be-located" targets would  also be implemented in other areas per directive of PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

The ICADAC approved the resolution recommending the downgrading of the status of the 38 drug personalities.

However, Canieso was quick to clarify that the list does not include the elusive suspected drug lord in Iloilo, Richard "bu****" Prevendido, who has been on the run since President Duterte waged his war against illegal drugs.

"bu****" is identified by PDEA as the alleged leader of Prevendido Drug Group, one of the two major drug groups operating in the metro. Other suspected drug lord, Melvin Odicta Sr. was slain August last year.  

"bu****" is now a "national" target, which means anti-illegal drugs law enforcers in all levels – city, region, and national are after him, said Canieso.

The city government, through the ICADAC, and the Province of Iloilo placed a PHP1-million bounty to Prevendido's arrest. He was reportedly last spotted in Antique province but the police could not trace his whereabouts. If "bu****" is arrested, the bounty will go to the informant.

Meanwhile,  law enforcers in this city conduct visitations in barangays to assist the barangay officials in the preparation of requirements to be declared drug-cleared or drug-free.  (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)

 



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CARIGARA, Leyte, Aug. 9 - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd district engineering office has completed rehabilitation of three rural health units in Leyte out of eight targets funded under the health department's Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

The field office  has completed the rehabilitation of Burauen District Hospital, Tunga Rural Health Unit (RHU) and the Carigara RHU. 

The rural health units of Capoocan and Jaro and the Carigara District Hospital are still ongoing, while the RHUs of Burauen and Pastrana have yet to be started. 

A total of PHP25.654 million was allotted for the rehabilitation of these RHUs and district hospitals.

District Engineer Carlos Veloso said these health facilities are being built the way public schools are constructed. The buildings are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy downpours during the typhoon season.

When super typhoon "Yolanda" devastated most of Leyte province in 2013, many RHUs in towns were damaged, which made healthcare delivery critical to all affected communities.

The rehabilitation of these RHUs will mean more healthcare facilities for children and the elderly, consultation rooms, minor surgery and treatment rooms, pharmacy, dental clinic, labor room, breastfeeding area and birthing clinic, among others.

The facilities enhancement program of the DOH builds rural health care infrastructure in the selected districts to a level such that they have the physical capacity to address the service requirements of the National Health Program. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 9 - Relief goods have continued to arrive for the families displaced by the ongoing fighting in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Wednesday.

The latest shipment of relief goods came from Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Westmincom said the relief goods donated by the SAF for the Marawi City internally displaced persons (IDPs) arrived on Monday at the airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

Donated by the SAF were the following: 30 tents; 3,120 packets of field ration; three sets of medical supplies; 200 blankets; 1,080 bottles of water; 64 dynamo lights; and, three water filtration units.

The relief goods received by the Army's 4th Infantry Division from Col. Lee, head of the delegates from Singapore.

The goods will eventually be turned over to the DSWD for distribution to the IDPs within this week.

The relief goods from the national government consisting of 600 sacks of rice and canned goods were distributed on Monday to the IDPs housed at the evacuation center in Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur.

Soldiers and police escorted the convoy of vehicles of the DSWD and local government unit that transported the relief goods to the evacuation center.

The municipality of Buadipuso-Buntong is one of the inaccessible areas due to closure of the Rorog-Agos road although it is adjacent to the towns Ditsaan-Ramain and Bubong.

The Rorog-Agos road links the three lakeside towns to Marawi City. The road was closed after the Daesh-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City almost three months ago.

"We are overjoyed to know that as rehabilitation and humanitarian efforts kick-off, more goods and aid are coming in for our Internally Displaced Persons and families," Lt. Gen. Carlito Glavez Jr., Westmincom chief said on Wednesday.

"At our end, we will make sure that we have enough deployable soldiers for the evacuation centers who will be involved in humanitarian activities," Galvez added.

"In fact, a company of female soldiers are arriving soonest for the purpose," he further said. (Teofilo P. Garcia Jr./PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite, Aug. 9 – The crowd and special guests were dazzled by the spectacular lighting of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN)'s 50th anniversary landmark on Tuesday evening as the lantern illluminated the sky just like New Year while featured artists gamefully performed at the historic Aguinaldo Shrine here.

 

But to high school student Rubman A. Santera, the ASEAN Landmark Lighting ceremony is a historic first for his participation in the celebration instead of merely watching the event on television.

 

Kawiteños rejoiced in Tuesday's lighting ceremony across key landmark venues in the country that truly sets the tone for the future of ASEAN as partners for change and a milestone for the world.

 

The millennials, or younger generation of today, beamed with pride and optimism as the country's future leaders and inheritors of the ASEAN Economic Integration.

 

Santera and his three buddies were elated that their hometown of Kawit took part in the simultaneous lighting ceremony across the country, "because we in the regions are given the opportunity to not just participate and appreciate what ASEAN is all about, but also showcase our locality." 

 

The millennial Santera is the founder of U Team Buhay, a Kawit-based non-government youth organization founded in 2013 consisting of volunteers from different areas in Cavite.

 

In an interview, he said their group actively participates in various socio-economic activities in and out of Kawit because "as future leaders, we set the example to the youth group to be responsible and disciplined citizens."

 

"Yung me alam at pakialam, lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon na karangalan di lang ng bayan ito, ngunit ng buong bansa (Youths who are aware, concerned and involved especially on occasions like this, which brings honor to our municipality and the whole country as well)," Santera said. "Makes you feel proud and honored as a Kawitenyo, Kabitenyo."

 

 Asked about ASEAN, Santera dwelled on the local officials speeches that the ASEAN "influence" has been there all along, and that neighboring member nations made our culture more vibrant and diverse, and made us friendly and caring neighbors.

"Sila ang pangunahing katulong ng ating bansa sa seguridad, komersyo, maging sa pangangailangan at sakuna (They are our partners in security, commerce, even during times of needs and disasters)," he said.

 

Hosted by local Public Employment Services Office head Dr. Norbeto Rayupa, the ASEAN landmark lighting event was graced by town Administrator Rey Santos, Administrative Consultant for Tourism Affairs Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo, Sangguniang Bayan Tourism Committee chairperson Divina Pulido and Councilor Eman Tuazon.  (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 9 -- About 30 percent of 4,390 villages in Eastern Visayas are now cleared of illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here reported on Wednesday.

PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said eliminating illegal drugs has been their priority, heeding President Rodrigo Duterte's order. 

"During my incumbency, Eastern Visayas has been peaceful. Village officials and even teachers can attest to the safety of their communities after the crackdown against illegal drugs," said Beltejar, who will retire from police service this August 31.

Beltejar, who assumed the post as regional director on July 2, recalled their efforts on dismantling the Espinosa drug group last year, resulting to the arrest of drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, the son of slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr.

"Espinosa's instrumentalities were captured; others surrendered while other unluckily died in operations. Almost every week the PNP managed to neutralize emerging drug operators in the region," Beltejar told reporters.

For several years, the region's illegal drugs trade was primarily controlled by the Espinosa group. The group used to supply 30 kilograms to 50 kilograms of shabu every month in Eastern Visayas and nearby regions.

Earlier, Beltejar confirmed that some people are trying to build their strength with the hope of supplanting the Espinosas in the illegal drugs trade in the region.

Illegal drugs still proliferates in the region from Manila or Cebu through its various seaports since the region is surrounded by waters, according to the official. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY,  Bohol, Aug. 9 -- Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto on Tuesday night said the illuminated  ASEAN lantern here is viewed by the resilient locals as symbol of unity  amid the challenges faced by the province. 

During Tuesday night's lantern-lighting ceremony to join the country in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Panglao Town Plaza fronting the iconic town watchtower, the governor said the light symbolizes the hope and aspirations of the Boholanos as it is symbolic of unity.

The lights of the lanterns represent the unity of various peoples and cultures of the regional bloc. For the Boholanos, it also symboloizes their own unity which is their key attribute, and the reason why despiote challenges, "Bohol remains a force to reckon with," he said. 

For her part, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero said the activity symbolizes the role of ASEAN as the light that guides the group of nations in the pursuit of regional peace and prosperity.

Panglao joined the over 70 areas in the Philippines that celebrated the ASEAN anniversary with a lantern-lighting ceremony. The lantern used in the event was locally-made.

A fireworks display followed the switching-on of the lantern lights.

 The Loboc Youth Band Ambassadors entertained the modest crowd gathered at the town plaza.

Panglao hosted one of the ASEAN meetings last April. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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NAGA CITY, Aug. 9 ---Acting on the complaint of an environmental group against the cutting of centuries-old trees along the route where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undertakes a road-widening project, a regional trial court (RTC) here has ordered the temporary halt of tree-cutting through a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) issued on Tuesday.

"The Court is convinced by the allegations in the Complaint as supported by the evidence adduced during the summary hearing that the matter is of extreme urgency and the plaintiff will suffer grave and irreparable injury if the cutting of trees will not be restrained," according to the disposition of Judge Leo L. Intia of RTC Branch 27 here.

In the complaint filed by Edgardo M. Castro and several others who represent the environmental group "They Grey, We Green", they asked the court to issue a TEPO to save the trees along San Felipe Road and Magsaysay Avenue in Naga City.

Also included under the TEPO are trees along Liboton-Magsaysay Road covering the Barangays of Liboton, Peñafrancia, Balatas and Concepcion within Naga City.

Another area placed under TEPO is Naga-Carolina-Panicuason Road, also in Barangay San Felipe here.

The group noted that in May-June this year, more than 23 trees had already been cut along Magsaysay Avenue here.

Reacting to the TEPO, Richard Ragrario, assistant district engineer of the second engineering district of Camarines Sur that supervises the road-widening project, said they will abide by the order.

But Ragrario said they will continue the road-widening work in San Felipe Road without cutting, which would result in trees being left in the middle of pavements.

Lucy Castañeda, spokesperson of the DPWH, confirmed that in cases where there are problems such as this, the DPWH usually avoids cutting the trees but continues with the road work.

She also said DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola will issue a formal statement regarding the TEPO on Monday.

But the city government of Naga has approved the cutting of the trees along the road as revealed by a city councilor here during the regular session of the city council on Tuesday (Aug. .

Councilor Salvador Del Castillo said that last year, they passed a resolution asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the DPWH to cut trees along the road within Naga City.

But Naga City Mayor John Bongat said they respect the TEPO issued by the court.

The court was convinced "by the allegations" of the complainants that "aside from the beauty, shade, clean and fresh air contributed by the trees, the trees absorb carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen."

The TEPO also cited the argument of the complainants that "(t)here is no evidence that widening of roads ease traffic congestion. On the contrary, when a road is widened, more cars pass just like the EDSA---a very wide road where traffic congestion is a daily occurrence." (Juan Escandor Jr./PNA)



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BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, Aug. 9 -- A six-foot tall fiberglass lantern serving as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmark was switched on Tuesday night here.

Officials of the local government unit of Malay, volunteers and liaison officers during the ASEAN meetings held here led the lighting ceremony at Balabag Plaza at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The officials wore white during the lighting ceremony. 

The landmark lighting ceremony was held simultaneously in other sites across the country in celebration of the 50th year of the ASEAN. The Philippines is the Chair of ASEAN for 2017 with the theme  "Partnering for Change, Engaging The World." 

Meanwhile, the local lighting ceremony spearheaded by the Malay Municipal Tourism Office opened with a cultural show showcasing talented Malaynons and fire dancing performance.

Rowen Aguirre, executive assistant of LGU-Malay who serves as the ASEAN focal person here , acknowledged those who volunteered  during the meetings held in this island.

Boracay hosted two ASEAN meetings including the 23rd meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) from February 13 to 15 and the Foreign Ministers Retreat from February 19 to 21.

To be chosen as one site for such serious international events, Aguirre said hosting ASEAN is an achievement for Boracay. "We are privilege to host this international event," he said.

Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, meanwhile, encouraged the audience composed of local officials, representatives from the business sector, among others to work together for Boracay and Malay in general.

The activity was likewise attended by local chief executives from other Aklan towns.

The lantern, with incandescent bulbs, featuring the ASEAN logo and colors, anahaw leaves, and sampaguita flowers will be mounted until November. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY, Aug 9 -- Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario awarded Filipino world boxing champion Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas for winning the IBF world super flyweight in Brisbane, Australia last month.

Ancajas received the DavNor Golden Sports Excellence Award from Del Rosario and two plaques of congratulations during his visit to the Tagum Development Corporation (Tadeco) where he was given a warm welcome by employees and students of the Don Antonio Floirendo Sr. High School.

Ancajas who was also joined by his father Cesario, said "I'm more inspired to train now after this recognition that has been given to me. "Lipay kaayo ko na naka anhi pud ko dire sa Tadeco (I am so happy that I am able to visit Tadeco)," said Ancajas, who is now slated to make his mandatory title defense against the winner between two Filipino boxers -- former two-time world champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (24-3-0, 15 KOs) and Jonas "Zorro" Sultan (13-3-0, 9 KOs) on September 6 in Cebu.

On Monday, Ancajas was given a heroes' welcome at his own hometown in Panabo City.Ancajas successfully defended his IBF world super flyweight title via a 7th round technical knockout against Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita last July 2 in Brisbane, Australia was toured around the city proper on a motorcade from the city hall. Mayor James Gamao thanked Ancajas for bringing honor to Panabo and for being an inspiration to the young athletes and the youth.

Ancajas, 25 was accompanied by his wife Ruth and two sons and some friends including Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (MinProba) president Engr. Jilson Basang (also a fellow alumni), treasurer Ricardo "Bong" Javier, Mindanao Ring Officials Association (MinRoa) president Brembot Dulalas, and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Davao OIC Arlene Olondrez and Supervisor Datu Fahd Sinsuat.

They also visited the Congressional Office of Rep. Antonio "Tonyboy" Floirendo and at his nearby Barangay Una Boxing Gym. "Dito po ako galing sa Panabo amateur boxing team. Malaki po ang akin utang na loob sa kanila (I came from the Panabo amateur boxing team. I owe them gratitude)," said Ancajas, who also met his former teammates and coaches.

Ancajas, who was also earlier given a heroes ' welcome in Davao City last month will next visit his mother in General Santos City before he flies back to Manila on August 21 to resume his training at the Elorde Gym in Imus, Cavite. His trainer-manager Joven Jimenez is currently in the US for the fight of his stablemate Alexis Aguelo. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY, Aug 9 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI launched its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for five associations in Manay town, Davao Oriental.

The five SLP associations with a total of 105 members have ventured into various enterprise to boost their income. Among them are the SLP associations in Capasman, Kadayawan, Guza, Manreza Peanut Growers, and Davao Fish Cage SLP Associations.

They are into chicken production, tilapia, coco vinegar, peanut, and general merchandise retailing. The Sustainable Livelihood Program is a community-based capacity building effort that seeks to improve the beneficiaries' socio-economic status through Micro-Enterprise Development and Employment Facilitation. (Carmela Duron/PNA)



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug. 8 -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has cited various local government units (LGUs) and institutions for their valuable contribution in the disaster risk reduction and management programs and initiatives in Central Luzon.

Edgardo J. Ollet, OIC regional director of the Office of Civil Defense
(OCD) and chairperson of the RDRRMC, on Tuesday said the LGUs that won in the 19th Gawad Kalasag Regional Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Humanitarian Assistance held Monday at the Podium Events Center in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija were the province of Pampanga, cities of Olongapo (Zambales) , Balanga (Bataan) and San Fernando (Pampanga) and the municipalities of Baler, Dipaculao and San Luis, all in Aurora province.

Ollet said the villages of Tortugas in Balanga City and Pagas in Cabanatuan City were also recognized for their exemplified preparedness in times of calamities and disasters.

He said the RDRRMC also acknowledged the rescue units of Bulacan, City of San Fernando and disaster response team of Tarlac in recognition of their dedication and commitment to protect and save lives of people in the communities during calamities.

Likewise, he said the partner schools and institutions which were given certificates of recognition include Camp Tinio National High School in Cabanatuan City; Dr. Felipe De Jesus National High School in Plaridel (Bulacan); Cupang Elementary School in Balanga City; Olongapo City Fire Station, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City; Bataan General Hospital, Mariveles Mental Hospital in Bataan; and James Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City.

The annual Gawad Kalasag is a government's way to motivate the
different stakeholders to come up with the best programs on disaster risk reduction and management. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 8 -- Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. on Tuesday directed provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr. to ensure peace and order and continuously fight illegal drugs in the province.

Marañon issued the directive  as he confirmed that he has chosen Castil to be the director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) after serving in an acting capacity.

Castil was assigned as officer-in-charge of NOCPPO last April 1 through the order of Director General Ronald de la Rosa, chief of Philippine National Police.

He replaced Senior Superintendent William Señoron, who was relieved from his post after he was linked to  illegal drug trade.

"Make Negros peaceful, drug-free, and (an attractive) investment and tourist destination," Marañon told Castil.

The governor said he wants to maintain peace and order in Negros Occidental since the province has been identified as the second most visited place in the country by Filipino domestic travelers.

The ranking was based on the results of the 2016 Household Survey on Domestic Visitors released by the Philippine Statistics Authority and Department of Tourism showed.

For his part, Castil said he is thankful for the trust and confidence of the governor.

"I will comply with his directive," the NOCPPO chief said, adding that the Negrenses can expect the police to do their work to make Negros Occidental peaceful towards development.(PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY, August 8 -- Vendors of different products at the city's tourist destinations will all be provided with the skill to attend to emergency situations, to allow them to assist visitors who might be in need especially in cases of a heart attack.

Councilor Elmer Datuin, chairman of the committee on tourism of the city council, on Tuesday said it will be an add-on benefit for the thousands of visitors who come to the city if there are emergency response-trained persons within reach in tourist destinations.

 

[http://media]Burnham Lake in Baguio City (PIA-CAR file photo)

 

 

He said Councilor "it will be an advantage of the city if most of our residents are aware in doing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. We are at least guaranteed that we will have automatic response in the event of a cardio problem."

City information officer Dexter See relayed that the tourist guides and hotel staff are also targeted to be trained and provided with the skill which will be done in partnership with the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) -Baguio chapter that will conduct the trainings and seminars.

Recently, the PHA conducted its Baguio leg of CPR training which was attended by about a thousand students, professionals, housewives, teachers and emergency response volunteers.

 

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About a thousand people attend the Philippine Heart Association's CPR training

in Baguio, July 28, 2017. (File photo by Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)

 

The training targets to make the city not only CPR-ready by year 2021 but also to make it the first local government unit in the Philippines to have tourist areas which are CPR-ready.

The program aims to make every tourist facility and community a CPR-ready zone by equipping anybody with life-saving skills to be able to respond to emergency situations at any time and place.

See said Datuin authored a proposed ordinance that seeks to mandate government and private establishments to supply, maintain and make available an Automated External Defibrillator (AED ) device in cases of emergencies. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a life-threatening heart condition

Dr. Justina Calibuso, PHA-Baguio president, during the training in Baguio said "It's a nationwide massive promotion of hands-only CPR for the laymen along with the installation of AED.

 "We want to train as many as we can. We will again have a training on August 25 at convention center as part of Baguio charter day anniversary on September 1," she said. (With a report from Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug. 8 -- A six-foot lantern decked with anahaw leaves and sampaguita flowers shone brightly in front of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) in Mandurriao district of this city on Tuesday night  joining 49 other selected sites in the Philippines for the simultaneous lighting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmarks.

In his message prior the switch-on of the landmark, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog underscored the significance of the event, which he said will further raise people's awareness about the regional grouping and "the huge benefits to be derived from the harmonious relationship between member countries in the ASEAN region."

[http://media]Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog delivers his message during the lighting of the ASEAN landmark at the Iloilo Convention Center, Aug 8, 201

 

"ASEAN is very important because it has paved ways for the socio-economic development of our country and the realization of our collective visions for a secure future and the betterment of our people," he said.

He added that being part of ASEAN, the Philippines market "has opened more widely to regional and international trade."

"Our country has since become an attractive place for investors to locate their factories and export to the rest of the region. Some of these investors have found their way to Iloilo City and parts of Western Visayas," he said.

[http://media]DILG 6 assistant regional director Maria Calpiza and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog prepare to switch on the ASEAN landmark

 

The landmark lighting was among the activities lined up to mark the historical milestone of the ASEAN. Fifty historic landmarks were illuminted in areas that served as venues for the regional bloc's meetings and activities or as hosts of ASEAN centers and institutions.

Iloilo City hosted the 22nd Senior Officials Meetings for the Asean-Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council and 17th ASCC Meeting on March 6-9 and the 3rd Asean Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting on March 14-15.

The regional grouping was established through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, Thailand on August 8, 1967 by founding fathers Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.  Other ASEAN members are Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar and Cambodia.

It was created to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership.

Prior the switch-on, the city government also recognized individuals who volunteered during this city's hosting of ASEAN meetings.

The activity culminated with the performance of Dinagyang Festival's Tribu Salognon. 

Also attending the activity were assistant regional director Maria Calpiza Sardua of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Western Visayas, Iloilo City DILG director Atty. Ferdinand Panes, representatives of various national government agencies and employees of the Iloilo City govenment. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug. 8 -- Vice Mayor Luis Marcaida is expecting to return as mayor of this city for the second time following information that the Ombudsman already has an order for beleaguered Mayor Lucilo Bayron to vacate his office.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday evening, Marcaida said "concerned friends" in Manila have informed him that an order to vacate signed by anti-graft body chief Conchita Carpio-Morales is on its way to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

[http://media]Mayor Lucilo Bayron of Puerto Princesa City. (Photo courtesy of CIO FB account)

"Some friends who are concerned about us have said that there is already an order, and it might be served by the DILG before the weekend," he said.

However, Marcaida clarified that he has not seen any hard or digital copy of the order from the Ombudsman.

"I have not seen any copy yet. But I was told by that there is already an order from the Ombudsman to the DILG. I am not taking over the position if there is no order that would tell me so. Contrary to claims, I'm not overly excited to become mayor, but I am ready to take on the responsibility anytime," Marcaida stated.

The quandary in the leadership of the city government came after an 11-page ruling by Assistant Ombudsman Jennifer Jardin-Manalili on July 11 granted the motion for reconsideration of complainant Aldrin Madreo.

The anti-graft body accepted Madreo's exposition that it no longer has dominion over Bayron's case after he jilted his motion for reconsideration on the original dismissal order and raised a petition for review to the Court of Appeals (CA) sometime in February this year. 

Bayron was ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman December last year after hiring his son, Karl Bayron, to be the project manager of the Bantay Puerto-VIP Security Task Force for a period of six months without stating their relationship. 

As of current, Bayron remains to be the mayor of Puerto Princesa, according to City Information Officer Richard Ligad, who is also an avid supporter.

"Bayron remains to be the mayor of Puerto Princesa until now," Ligad said in local interviews on Monday, adding that the beleaguered mayor still attended the flag ceremony. 

Meanwhile, city councilors closely associated with Bayron last week acknowledged the possibility of working with Marcaida should an order come for him to take over as mayor.

Councilor Henry Gadiano said his office is willing to support whoever will become mayor of Puerto Princesa because his loyalty is not on the person but on the one given the authority to head the city.

"This is no longer new if ever as it already happened," Gadiano said. Councilor Matthew Mendoza said too, that if there is an order, they cannot do anything but give support to whoever will hold the leadership.

"Basta naman may order, wala tayo magagawa dyan (As long as there is an order, we cannot do anything)," he stated, adding he is willing to support the new leadership especially if it comes up with good projects.

All projects, however, will have to pass the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and if they come irregularly, Mendoza said he will also be there to protect the welfare of the people of Puerto Princesa.

Councilors Roy Ventura and Modesto Rodriguez also showed willingness to support the new leadership as long as there is an order from the Ombudsman and the DILG. "Kung sakali man makabalik [Marcaida], confident ako temporary lang 'yan, gaya ng dati. It will take some time, pero makakabalik din ulit si Mayor Bayron (If he [Marcaida] comes back, I am confident it will be temporary like before. It will take some time, but Mayor Bayron will return again)," Rodriguez said. (with reports from Catherine Santos/PNA)



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ALAMINOS CITY, Aug. 8--A rent-carnap syndicate surfaced anew when a missing Toyota Innova owned by a Bulacan businesswoman was traced from two men from Bolinao, Pangasinan Monday night.

The police said the suspects were arrested  at 8:45 p.m. on board on the complaint of the owner Evangeline Umetso, 45, of San Ildefonso, Bulacan who traced her car through its installed active Global Positioning System (GPS) gadget.

At that time, the car was in the possession of one Johnny Inocelda, a businessman, 43, and his driver Renante Pascua, both of Barangay Balingasay, Bolinao.

Mrs. Umetso told the Alaminos City Police her car was rented for one month by one Roger Garvida Fuentes, 37, of North Fairview, Quezon.

However, after a month, Garvida could not be contacted in his cellular phone nor could be found in his stated home address.

It was then that Mrs. Umetso asked the Highway Patrtol Group (HPG) to help find her missing car.

Upon questioning at the Alaminos City policew station, Inocelda admitted he bought the car from one Gabriel Islocum, alias "Raymundo" of Fairview, Quezon City but could not present any document.

A complaint for carnapping is now being prepared against the suspects. 
Meanwhile, operatives of the HPG are now hunting for both Garvida and Islocom, the police here said.  (PNA)

 



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ALAMINOS, Laguna Aug. 8 – Alaminos town in Laguna bagged the "Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance" award in the regional level from the National Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) during Tuesday afternoon's presentation rite at the Cultural Center of Laguna here.

Alaminos was cited for its sustainable program for providing social services for the welfare of children.

he plaque of recognition was jointly signed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo who chairs the CWC and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary in charge Catalino S. Cuy.

Cuy has relayed the message that adequate welfare services and care result in the physical and mental development of children.

Alaminos Mayor Loreto Masa and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Marissa Aguilar received the award from DSWD-Region IV-A Director Leticia Diokno and DILG-Region IV-A OIC Director Manuel Gotis.

Laguna Provincial Administrator Dulce H. Rebanal and DILG-Laguna Provincial Director Darrell I. Dizon also witnessed the awarding ceremony. (Ruben E. Taningco/PNA)



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CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Aug. 8 – Laguna provincial officer lawyer Mia Antonette Quijano of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Region 4A has lauded members of the police force during Monday's culmination program of the "22nd Police Community Relations (PCR) Month" of the Laguna police provincial office here.

"The effectiveness of the police service is greatly dependent upon the level of trust and cooperation that the community bestows upon him to do his job," Quijano said, as she reflected this month's theme "Police and Community, Sharing Responsibility in Unity."

She said the PNP's truthfulness and quality of service serve as catalyst for the community and at the same time ignite the community's willingness to support and participate in police activities.

The Laguna official said community engagement reflects not only on the PNP's crime prevention activities but also on other undertakings extended by the cops.

Laguna Provincial Director, Senior Supt. Cecilio Ramos Ison Jr.; Supt. Meliton A. Salvadora, Laguna deputy Provincial Director for Operation; and Chief Inspector Pastor P. Castillo, chief of the PCR branch, spearheaded the culminating activities.

Quijano and the top Laguna police officials also presented the PCR awards of deserving police stations and PNP personnel in the province for their invaluable contribution to the overall efficiency of Laguna police force.

Members of the Foreign National Keepers Network (FNKN) were likewise honored for their cooperation with the PNP.

Police Senior Inspector Gerry L. Sangalang, Laguna police public information chief, said some of the police personnel and units were recipients of the PCR awards during the Calabarzon regional level awarding ceremonies.

He bared the list with San Pablo City Police Station (CPS) and Los Banos Municipal Police Station (MPS) as the Best City Police Station and Best Municipal Police Station respectively for the year 2017.

The awards were received by Supt. Ronan R. Claravall, Chief of Police of San Pablo City; and Senior Inspector Davy Hebron, Deputy Chief of Police of Los Banos.

Police Supt. Vicente S. Cabatingan, chief of Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), is this year's Outstanding Senior Police Commissioned Officer; Chief Inspector Jaime S. Pederio, PCR chief of San Pablo City as Outstanding Junior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO);

Senior Police Officer 1 Marlon T. Papco-o, PCR Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of Sta. Rosa City as Outstanding Senior PCNO; and Police Officer 1 Sherly A. Sioson, PCR PNCO of Los Banos. (Saul E. Pa-a/PNA)



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CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Aug. 8 – Laguna provincial officer lawyer Mia Antonette Quijano of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Region 4A has lauded members of the police force during Monday's culmination program of the "22nd Police Community Relations (PCR) Month" of the Laguna police provincial office here.

"The effectiveness of the police service is greatly dependent upon the level of trust and cooperation that the community bestows upon him to do his job," Quijano said, as she reflected this month's theme "Police and Community, Sharing Responsibility in Unity."

She said the PNP's truthfulness and quality of service serve as catalyst for the community and at the same time ignite the community's willingness to support and participate in police activities.

The Laguna official said community engagement reflects not only on the PNP's crime prevention activities but also on other undertakings extended by the cops.

Laguna Provincial Director, Senior Supt. Cecilio Ramos Ison Jr.; Supt. Meliton A. Salvadora, Laguna deputy Provincial Director for Operation; and Chief Inspector Pastor P. Castillo, chief of the PCR branch, spearheaded the culminating activities.

Quijano and the top Laguna police officials also presented the PCR awards of deserving police stations and PNP personnel in the province for their invaluable contribution to the overall efficiency of Laguna police force.

Members of the Foreign National Keepers Network (FNKN) were likewise honored for their cooperation with the PNP.

Police Senior Inspector Gerry L. Sangalang, Laguna police public information chief, said some of the police personnel and units were recipients of the PCR awards during the Calabarzon regional level awarding ceremonies.

He bared the list with San Pablo City Police Station (CPS) and Los Banos Municipal Police Station (MPS) as the Best City Police Station and Best Municipal Police Station respectively for the year 2017.

The awards were received by Supt. Ronan R. Claravall, Chief of Police of San Pablo City; and Senior Inspector Davy Hebron, Deputy Chief of Police of Los Banos.

Police Supt. Vicente S. Cabatingan, chief of Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), is this year's Outstanding Senior Police Commissioned Officer; Chief Inspector Jaime S. Pederio, PCR chief of San Pablo City as Outstanding Junior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO);

Senior Police Officer 1 Marlon T. Papco-o, PCR Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of Sta. Rosa City as Outstanding Senior PCNO; and Police Officer 1 Sherly A. Sioson, PCR PNCO of Los Banos. (Saul E. Pa-a/PNA)



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HAMIGUITAN, Davao Oriental, Aug 8 – More than a thousand city and municipal mayors, government officials, employees and the residents of Davao Oriental province joined the simultaneous historic lighting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmarks in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The lighting led by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang took place at Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in San Isidro town. The province is among the 50 chosen ASEAN historical sites in the country. The other site is Davao City which is led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio at the Osmena Park.

Mt Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has been inscribed as the Philippine's sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 and declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2016,

Gov. Dayanghirang said that being chosen as one of the ASEAN historical sites is an opportunity to present Mt. Hamiguitan to a larger stage as a world heritage mountain range.

He said this should also serve as a reminder to the local residents of the mountain's universal value. He said it is fitting that Mt. Hamiguitan is the site of lighting event to mark the 50th founding of ASEAN.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR XI) Assistant Regional Director for Forestry Marcia Isip said Mt. Hamiguitan has brought so much pride to the country.

The lighting event, Isip said, brings Mt. Hamiguitan into the environmental arena and signals the unending goal to sustain and preserve biodiversity.

During the program, Gov. Dayanghirang, San Isidro town Mayor Justina Yu, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Alex Roldan, and local officials led the raising of the flags of the ASEAN member nations and the ceremonial lighting of a six-foot lantern.

The event carries the ASEAN theme: "Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN". The local government units have been encouraged to take part in once-in-a-lifetime milestone as an opportunity to showcase what Filipinos can offer best, through unleashing bright spots in entertainment, tourism and economic industry, talent and culture.

The nationwide event is spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) , the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council, and participating government agencies. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 8 -- Some 5,000 students and teachers joined the Landmark Lantern Lighting at the Dagupan City Plaza at 7:00 p.m. today marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August  8, 1967.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, assisted by City Schools Superintendent Lorna Bugayong  and Assistant Schools  Superintendent Lourdes Servito, did the honor in  lighting seven lanterns, six of which bore the logo of ASEAN and the other the logo of the Dagupan City government while dancers garbed in native costumes of member ASEAN countries performed  on the stage which was followed by showers of confetti and then by fireworks illuminating in the sky.

The three officials earlier participated in an ASEAN welcome parade along the principal streets of Dagupan, participated in by the Dagupan City Police, starting at 4:00 p.m., forcing the rerouting of traffic in the city's downtown area as early as noon.

Dagupan was one of the 73 places in the country and only the second in Pangasinan where the Landmark Lantern Lighting took place. A similar activity took place at the same time in Binalonan, Pangasinan.

In her speech during a program prior to the lighting of the lanterns, Mayor Fernandez said Dagupan is heartily joining other places in the Philippines in hailing the achievement of ASEAN for fostering lasting peace, and stability in the southeast Asian region and cooperation and understanding among peoples of ASEAN member countries.

Mayor Fernandez said for the past 50 years, ASEAN became a symbol of friendly relationships among each member countries with diverse culture and history. 

Jillian Kay Madison Fernandez, the youth city mayor of Dagupan, said ASEAN is a grouping of friendly nations "formed by our forefathers that removed all barriers so that the people of the next generations can live in peace and harmony".

A food fair was also held at the Dagupan City Plaza where the delicacies of each member countries were served.

While waiting for 7:00 p.m., students from each participating school presented dance and song numbers to delight the crowd.

Aside from the Philippines, the other ASEAN member countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ASEAN 50th anniversary celebration will continue for the whole week with the conduct of symposiums in various public and private schools  focusing on the importance and relevance of ASEAN to the Filipino people.

The theme of the celebration was "Under One Light, We are One ASEAN". (Leonardo Micua/PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 8 -- Some 5,000 students and teachers joined the Landmark Lantern Lighting at the Dagupan City Plaza at 7:00 p.m. today marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August  8, 1967.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, assisted by City Schools Superintendent Lorna Bugayong  and Assistant Schools  Superintendent Lourdes Servito, did the honor in  lighting seven lanterns, six of which bore the logo of ASEAN and the other the logo of the Dagupan City government while dancers garbed in native costumes of member ASEAN countries performed  on the stage which was followed by showers of confetti and then by fireworks illuminating in the sky.

The three officials earlier participated in an ASEAN welcome parade along the principal streets of Dagupan, participated in by the Dagupan City Police, starting at 4:00 p.m., forcing the rerouting of traffic in the city's downtown area as early as noon.

Dagupan was one of the 73 places in the country and only the second in Pangasinan where the Landmark Lantern Lighting took place. A similar activity took place at the same time in Binalonan, Pangasinan.

In her speech during a program prior to the lighting of the lanterns, Mayor Fernandez said Dagupan is heartily joining other places in the Philippines in hailing the achievement of ASEAN for fostering lasting peace, and stability in the southeast Asian region and cooperation and understanding among peoples of ASEAN member countries.

Mayor Fernandez said for the past 50 years, ASEAN became a symbol of friendly relationships among each member countries with diverse culture and history. 

Jillian Kay Madison Fernandez, the youth city mayor of Dagupan, said ASEAN is a grouping of friendly nations "formed by our forefathers that removed all barriers so that the people of the next generations can live in peace and harmony".

A food fair was also held at the Dagupan City Plaza where the delicacies of each member countries were served.

While waiting for 7:00 p.m., students from each participating school presented dance and song numbers to delight the crowd.

Aside from the Philippines, the other ASEAN member countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ASEAN 50th anniversary celebration will continue for the whole week with the conduct of symposiums in various public and private schools  focusing on the importance and relevance of ASEAN to the Filipino people.

The theme of the celebration was "Under One Light, We are One ASEAN". (Leonardo Micua/PNA)



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MALITA, Davao Occidental, Aug 8 -- Davao Occidental Governor Claude Bautista and Vice Governor Franklin Bautista led employees in the flag-raising ceremony to mark the opening of the new capitol building in Malita Tuesday. 

Tagged the mini capitol of the newest province of Davao Region, the newly-constructed building is a donation of San Miguel Corporation. It is worth P22 million. 

Though small in size, the capitol houses all offices of the provincial executive government. Currently, Gov Bautista and other officials hold office at the municipal town hall in Malita, the hometown of the Bautistas.

The province of Davao Occidental was created thru Republic Act 10360 and adopted by its people on October 28, 2013. Gov. Bautista said the new capitol will only be temporary as the government will be building a government complex within the 30-hectare land.

The 30-hectare provincial complex is donated by Eduardo "Danding" Cojuancgo and the SMC which recently opened its coal-fired power plant in the town. The Bautistas are known supporters of the Cojuangcos who own substantial shares in SMC. SMC remains the biggest investor in the province. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY, August 8 -- The historic lighting of the Baguio City hall went as planned despite the rains here on Tuesday afternoon until the evening.

Lantern ights turned on at the tick of the clock marking 7:00 p.m. on the large screen placed below the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) lantern hanging between the two 25-foot high center pillars at the front entrance of the city's main hall.  After lighting the ASEAN lantern, the city hall building subsequently lit up, with the lights interchangeably shifting from yellow, blue, red and white – the regional organization's color.

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The celebration started with hundreds of people trooping around Burnham Lake for the 5 p.m. flotilla event where 10 white swan-design boats carried the ASEAN logo aside from 10 other boats with the flags of the different ASEAN-nation members atop them. Each boat carried a rower and another person wearing the national attire of the member countries – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.

 

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At the center of the lake was the ASEAN @50 logo and the country's chairmanship of the golden anniversary of the regional organization.

Police Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, who was guest speaker during the Baguio Flotilla event, said the Philippines was able to teach the world how to live after the devastation of typhoon "Yolanda".

[http://media]

Guest speaker, NCRPO Information Officer

Police Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas

 

She said, "if we teach the world how to live, we can be the best lead for the ASEAN."

She urged Cordillerans to be knowledgeable about the ASEAN and benefit from it.

"As the Philippines journey in this year's celebration to welcome the 23 leaders of the world in the country in November, we in the Cordillera should show our support to this effort. I know the young people of the Cordillera will be able to understand the vibrance and the importance of the ASEAN's efforts. Please build awareness, engage the public, engage people, engage your friends, allow them to understand what the asean effort is all about so that we can become one voice and become a representative that this country deserves to know. "

On the sidelines of the event, Molitas said that as a region, Cordillera can greatly benefit from ASEAN especially with its indigenous communities. "The ASEAN recognizes the beauty of our culture and our practices and it's one of the things we want to preserve and its one of the things that the ASEAN is also trying to promote. Not only in the Cordillera and the country, but the indigenous people in other member-states." 

Baguio hosted one of the landmark lighting events which was simultaneous in 49 other towns and cities all over the country to commemorate the golden year of the regional grouping. (PNA)



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CITYOF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug. 9 -- Six local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon on Tuesday joined the "Landmark Lighting" activity to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

With the theme: "Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN," the cities of San Fernando and Angeles in Pampanga, Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija, Baler in Aurora, Mayantoc in Tarlac and Iba in Zambales participated in the simultaneous lightning of the ASEAN lantern which symbolizes a guiding light of the 10 regional member-states in pursuit of peace and security, prosperity, and socio-cultural development.

The "Landmark Lighting" event in the region kicked off with colorful activities that demonstrated the LGUs' active participation in the promotion of the mission, vision and goals of the ASEAN.

Leaders of the participating LGUs in the region are one in saying it is a great privilege to be part of the landmark lighting of the ASEAN lantern which they said is a once in a lifetime event.

Mayor Nelianto C. Bihasa of Baler, Aurora said their town is blessed to be chosen as one of LGUs in the country to be part of the momentous celebration of the ASEAN 50th anniversary.

Mayor Nestor Alvarez of the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, also said that his municipality is fortunate to be participant of the historic event which gave an opportunity to show to his townmates the importance of strong relationship not only with other LGUs but also with other countries.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, for his part, said that "before we could engage the world, we should start in our country first."

Like the symbolic ASEAN lantern, the local officials in the region vowed to be the guiding light to their constituents for a better and bright future.

They also urged their constituents to know better the ASEAN and its significance.

Likewise, they called urged the people to become partners for change. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY, Aug. 8 – To ensure that there would be no fly-by-night medical practitioners endangering the health of the residents of Baguio and making money by using as a front outreach activities, the city council is presently consolidating the final copy of the ordinance that will regulate their conduct in the city.

Proposed Ordinance 0047-17 co-authored by Councilors Elaine Sembrano and Faustino Olowan entitled "Providing for regulations in the conduct of medical missions and similar undertakings in the City of Baguio" has been approved on second reading and is being consolidated for its final copy.

Sembrano on Tuesday said "we are finalizing the final draft to include all the inputs and coverage of the ordinance before we present it for third and final reading".

She explained that the proposal is to prevent some unscrupulous persons from taking advantage of the medical mission who get donations locally or abroad and keep the money for themselves as well as to make sure that those who conduct it are legitimate medical practitioners.

"We have just had our discussion in the council yesterday (Monday) and we are waiting for the inputs to be included in the proposal. This is basically for the health and safety of the public and to do away with enterprising and fly by night so called medical missions," Sembrano said.

She further explained "ang atin lang, we need to protect the public from the hazards of medical malpractice, at the same time give recognition to those who are doing their medical missions within the bounds of law."

Olowan also explained that "medical missions are being abused. There are those who go to a community and sell their products," in the guise of holding a medical mission. He added, such activities will be prevented when the ordinance is approved with finality.

He also said that once passed, organizers have to meet the requirements before they can conduct medical missions.

The same holds true for those who do outreach activities but change the imported goods given by donors with local or second hand items.

He said that only accredited health practitioners from charitable institutions up to the allied personnel can be recognized and conduct community outreach activities.

Likewise, guidelines and requirements must be met upon applying for medical missions one month prior to the activity.

The proposal will also require the submission of a post evaluation and post activity report to the mayor through the City Health Services Office (HSO) and the city council within a period of 15 days upon after the activity.

Moreover, the presence of a representative from the HSO or a barangay nutrition scholar, who will make sure that the activity will be for the health and welfare of the beneficiaries, will be required. (with a report from Kris Chan/PNA)




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LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 8 --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here is all set to ensure road safety and cleanliness for the Association of South East Asia Nation (ASEAN) meeting as Albay province is one of the venues of the series of conferences,  a top official of the agency said.

Danilo Versola, DPWH regional director, in an interview Tuesday said maintenance engineers both from the regional and district engineering offices were dispatched to check on the informative, directional and warning signs installed on the conspicuous places of the highway.

"We make sure that the travelling ASEAN delegates are provided with clean and safe roads from the start to the end of their stay in Bicol", he said.

Versola also ordered the prepositioning of tiptop construction equipment and maintenance crews on road sections that are prone to erosions, slide and flooding.

"Ongoing projects along busy road stretch have sufficient warning signs, with traffic lights, flagmen, and maintain good housekeeping --- as well as the thermoplastic pavement markings, he added.

Those that are faded are replaced and pavement markings are retouched.

Versola also said he directed his field engineers to give extra attention to the road from Legazpi City Airport covering some 37-kilometer stretch to Misibis Bay Resort in Bacacay, Albay, the venue of the meeting and to the prospect tourist spot destinations of the delegates -- Lignon Hill in Legazpi City; Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay; Legazpi Boulevard and Sumlang Lake in Camalig.

Bicol region has amazing tourist destinations and packaging these with reliable infrastructure facilities will definitely encourage domestic and foreign visitors in the region.

A boost in tourism industry connotes economic progress, and DPWH will do its best to provide ASEAN guests with convenient road travel, Versola said.

"We give them good impression and they will surely be carriers of good news for Bicol, he said.

Garnet Bercasio, a resident of Bacacay, Albay said, "We are very excited for the upcoming meeting, with the clean and safe roads, we are expecting it to be very productive and promote the beauty of Albay."

This road safety and cleanliness program of the DPWH will not just benefit the ASEAN delegates but also the entire Albay province including the motorists, vendors, and especially the tourists, Bercasio added.

Bercasio's husband is working in Legazpi City and needs to travel an hour daily back to Bacacay.  (PNA)

 



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DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 9 -- Pupils dressed in costumes of people in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN ) member-countries were the toast of the crowd during a parade that ushered the celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in Dagupan Tuesday afternoon.

The pupils from various schools in Dagupan also carried giant flags of each member-country to the delight of the crowd on the sidestreets of A.B. Fernandez Avenue and Perez Boulevard.

All ended up at the city plaza where different booths were put up displaying newly cooked culinary delights of each ASEAN member, prepared by students from various local colleges and universities.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said all the  people of Dagupan were delighted to host the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN, a grouping of nations in southeast Asia, of diverse culture and history, which means so much in their lives.

It was the late Ambassador Narciso Ramos, father of former President Fidel V. Ramos, who signed for the Philippines the first ASEAN declaration on August 8, 1967 in a meeting with foreign  ministers of the original ASEAN member countries. The Ramoses are from Asingan town.  

Mayor Fernandez  said  ASEAN has a crucial role to play in the lives of Filipinos because of the friendship, peace, and stability brought  to member countries and their peoples during the last 50 years.    

At exactly 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Mayor Fernandez lit  seven lanterns, six bearing the logo of ASEAN and the other bearing the seal of Dagupan City, amid cheers from the spectators that packed the plaza.

The lighting of lanterns was done simultaneously in 72 other places in the country picked to host the celebration.

After the lantern lighting, many people stayed at the city plaza to listen to local songs. (PNA)

 

CAPTION: People watch the lighted ASEAN lanterns during a program marking ASEAN's 50th anniversary at the Dagupoan Cioty Plaza  .  



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug. 9 – A Palawan solon has requested the Department of Agriculture (DA) to conduct a special mango industry roadmap forum to find a far-reaching solution to the decades-long mango pulp weevil (MPW) problem besetting the local mango industry.

The request came in the form of a proposed resolution filed Tuesday by Board Member Roseller Pineda of the 1st Palawan District at the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Pineda told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday afternoon that he was pushing for the meeting to be held in Palawan since DA Secretary Emmanuel Pinol is now conducting a series of mango industry roadmap forum in different regions in the country to address issues raised by mango farmers and growers.

"Through this forum, perhaps the DA can now help Palawan resolve its mango pulp weevil problem by presenting current available technologies to mango growers.

"The mango industry in the province has already lost millions if not billions of pesos because we are unable to market our produce," Pineda said.

He said Pinol is "fully aware" of the infestation that has been perennially pestering Palawan mango farmers, and has in fact, said in February this year, that the DA will provide them an irradiation machine that can detect and get rid of the weevils.

"It is with utmost urgency that the province of Palawan be included in the selected venues for the mango industry roadmap forum for our farmers and growers to finally have the chance to market their produce," Pineda said.

The board member stated he is saddened by the fact that until now, nothing has happened to eradicate the mango pulp weevil problem, and that local mango produce are losing against those traded in from other provinces.

According to Justin McKinley, Adam Sparks, Valerien Pede, and Bart Duff in the "An Economic Assessment of the Impact of Mango Pulp Weevil on the Agricultural Sector of Palawan, Philippines" study, since 1987, the province has been prohibited by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to export its locally-produced mangoes.

This was done to prevent the spread of the pest through the declaration of BPI Administrative Order Number 20.

The study said the administrative order was the reason the growth of the Palawan mango industry was restricted to the province.

"Evidence of the MPW was first discovered in southern Palawan when a survey of 33 mango-producing Filipino provinces was administered. Palawan is the only province in the Philippines under mango quarantine," the study claimed. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY, Aug. 8 – The Catholic congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is mourning the demise of one of its own.

On Sunday morning, an Oblate priest who had served in various parishes and OMI ministries in the Archdiocese of Cotabato passed away due to heart attack. He was 85.

Father Lauro de Guia, OMI provincial superior, said the remains of Fr. Elino Montemayor Isip, OMI will be brought to Oblate Juniorate Seminary in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on August 9. Burial is yet to be set for Fr. Isip who in 2015, celebrated his 60 years of religious life.

Fr. Isip, more known among Oblates as "Eling," was born on December 27, 1931, to Eugenio Isip and Alejandra Montemayor in Florida Blanca, Pampanga. In his youth, his family migrated to Polomolok, South Cotabato. He studied his high school at the Notre Dame of Lagao. When he was in fourth year high, the late Fr. Joe Quinn, OMI gave his class a retreat.

One talk, "Serving God as a priest," impressed him very much. He then felt his calling to priesthood. Later, Fr. Bertrand Demers, OMI encouraged and guided him in his vocation. In 1952, Eling entered the Oblate Juniorate Seminary in Manila over the objections of his father who wanted him to become a lawyer.

After his Juniorate, he went to Mission, Texas for his novitiate year. When he came back as a scholastic wearing a soutana, his father sentiments changed, and he was very happy for his son. He spent his scholastic years at Our Lady of the Assumption Scholasticate at Project 8, Quezon City. He did his philosophical and theological studies at the nearby San Jose Seminary.

At the end of his third year in theology, he was ordained a priest on June 29, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cotabato City. Fr. Isip's ministry had always been in parishes. He spent nine years in Tacurong City, first as assistant then as parish priest from 1965 to 1974. After his long stint in Tacurong City, he was assigned pastor of Midsayap, North Cotabato for two years and then to Parang, Maguindanao until 1981.

After serving in various parishes for 19 years, he went to the United States for a year of renewal. After his renewal, he was assigned to Kidapawan City and later to Upi, Maguindanao, then to Masiag, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat in 1988 and Pikit. North Cotabato in 1993 as pastor. His last pastoral assignment was in Datu Piang, Maguindanao in 2006. From Datu Piang, he moved to the Postulancy as resident in 2008 until 2010 when he moved to the Bolduc Home in Quezon City.

When asked to summarize his years as priest, he said: "Next to God's grace, it is the awareness that I am needed by the people who have kept me on as a priest these years. But, then, that itself is God's grace...!" The striking quality of Fr. Isip as a pastor was his availability and readiness to serve. In season and out season, he was truly a pastor to his parishioners. EOF/PNA



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DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 8 – Two earthquakes rocked parts of Negros Oriental on Tuesday morning, with both tremors described by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) here as locally generated.

Engr. Jose Molas, chief of the PHIVOLCS-Sibulan Seismic Station, disclosed that the two separate earthquakes in the towns of Valencia and Dauin appear to be from a "local" fault line. 

But it also appears to be a "new" fault line "without a name yet", Molas added.

PHIVOLCS reported the first earthquake occured around 6:21 a.m. Tuesday, with a magnitude of 2.4 and a depth of 10 kilometers.

It was located 09.27°N, 123.19°E - 009 km S 79° W of Valencia, Negros Oriental. 

Residents in Valencia said they felt strong shaking for a few seconds during the first tremor.

The second tremor occurred around 8:55 a.m. with a magnitude of 2.8 and a depth of 18 kilometers, the PHIVOLCS reported.

Its location was mapped at 09.24°N, 123.12°E - 017 km N 72° W of Dauin, Negros Oriental.

Some residents in the provincial capital, Dumaguete City, said they felt something like a brief jolt thrust during the second event.

According to Engr. Molas, both earthquakes were tectonic in origin.

He explained that these movements are being closely monitored and mapped out by PHIVOLCS here to determine if there is, indeed, a new fault line.

Asked if the Dauin and Valencia earthquakes were connected, Molas said there is a possibility and they will forward the information collected to their geologists to determine.

Dauin is about 15.8 kilometers south of Dumaguete while Valencia is 9.4 kilometers west of this capital, with both towns sharing territorial boundaries. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA) 

 



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 -- The Iloilo city government honored eight barangays that were recognized by national government agencies for their active blood donation and environmental protection programs on Monday.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog cited Regional Sandugo awardees, Barangays Calumpang and South Baluarte in Molo, and Concepcion in City Proper. Barangay Ma. Cristina of Jaro district was recognized for being a recipient of the Scroll of Honor after winning the Regional Sandugo Award for several times already.

The four barangays received special citation from the Philippine Red Cross - Western Visayas Regional Blood Center - Iloilo City Chapter for actively supporting the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the Department of Health-6.

According to PRC, the award aims to raise public awareness on voluntary blood donation. It recognizes voluntary non-renumerated blood donors and program partners for their exemplary support and active participation in the implementation of the Blood Program.

 The top performing barangays in the metro obtained the commitment of all stakeholders to attain and sustain adequate and safe blood supply.

 Mabilog called on other barangays to initiate blood donation in their respective villages. He also encouraged City Hall employees to donate blood.

 "I am really hoping that City Hall someday could also have a strong program on blood donation. Donating blood every quarter is healthy," he said.

The city government, he announced, is set to sign this August 15 a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) - Iloilo City Division for a blood donation program in schools.

On Tuesday morning, the city government also cited Barangays Nabitazan, Lapaz; South Baluarte, Molo; Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo; and San Rafael, Mandurriao for receiving the Gawad EMB (Environmental Management Bureau) awards.

Gawad EMB honors exemplary efforts and initiatives of local government units, environmental partners and schools for the protection and conservation of the environment in Western Visayas.

The barangays were cited for supporting EMB's "Adopt-a-Estero" Waterbody Program.

According to EMB, the Adopt Estero is a collaborative undertaking between and among the Estero Community, donor partners, LGU and EMB to achieve cleaner, safer and healthier environment and waterbody.

EMB said objectives of the program is to clean the estero of water, debris and salk starting 2010 until all have been cleaned up and to mobilize estero community in cleaning the estero and enlist their active participation in the actual cleanup.

"The barangay awardees were able to exhibit and render real change in their areas and were able to mobilize their community in their effort to conserve and clean the river," it said.

"The awardees also actively supported the program since its inception up to present," it added.

Punong Barangays Roberto Nino of Calumpang, Edwin Dumio of South Baluarte, Cherry Lebrillo of Ma. Cristina, Madonna Martin of Concepcion, Barbie Aroza of Nabitasan, Nestor Espinosa of Sto. Nino Sur, and Azucena Tabuyoc of San Rafael received their citations. (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)



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CEBU CITY, August 8 --  A two-day congress organized by the Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) opened here on Tuesday to discuss issues and concerns of the different regions in the country and come up witgh appropriate solutions to further the cacao industry. 

The National Cacao Congress opened at the Grand Convention Center with Senator Cynthia A. Villar as keynote speaker and with the aim of gathering key stakeholders, national government agencies, and local government units. 

Seeking to revive the dwindling Philippine cacao industry and to provide additional income to local farmers, Sen. Villar crafted and filed Senate Bill No. 320, an act establishing a national program for the industry.

"I already filed the bill last year and I'm looking forward to its passage next month," Villar said, adding that she is also considering amending the bill to include the coffee industry.

"After seeing the road map of the coffee industry, I might include it with cacao to justify the overhead of the bill. It will be a cacao/coffee development law," she said.

The Philippines is among the countries in Asia to have a competitive edge on cacao production given its strategic location, growing condition and taking into account the over two million hectares of coconut farms which are ideal for coconut-cacao intercropping -- cacao being a shade-loving crop.

Despite the Philippines' competitive edge, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) National Cacao Cluster coordinator Engr. Edwin Banquerigo said cacao production stands only at 10,000-12,000 metric tons (MT) from 30,000-35,000 hectares planted.

However, Philippine Statistics Authority data shows much lower figures at 13,910 hectares producing 6,020MT.

The biggest cacao plantation is in the Davao Region with 23,000 hectares, accounting for 80% of the national production, but current productivity level ranges from 0.5-1.0kg per tree per year -- way below the national industry target of 2kg/tree/year.

"This industry data gap is a major concern that the PCIC must address," Banquerigo said. "Expanding cacao beans production and improving farm productivity levels are the primary challenges that must be address to bring the industry to the next level."

With Sen. Villar and Banquerigo at the Congress opening were Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Laviña, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, and PCIC chairperson Valente Turtur, among many other government officials.

Ralph Bean of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service and Haya Ramba of the Malaysian Cocoa Board were also invited as speakers in the Congress along with several international players who will share their industry development experiences and provide global market updates to the participants.

An exhibit featuring the products of local cocoa processors and suppliers is among the highlights of the National Cacao Congress. Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol is expected to arrive Wednesday for the closing rites of the Congress. (LBG/PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 8-- The ongoing conflict in Marawi City has not stopped a young nursing student from chasing her dream.

Nor-ain Radia, 21, who temporarily moved to this city, is sad that her study has been interrupted when terrorists attacked their city.

"I want to finish my studies and graduate, but the problem is that I don't have money to support myself," said Radia, a graduating nursing student of SMD Foundation Academy in Marawi City.

Radia travelled to this city with her relatives last month due to worsening situation inside the evacuation centers near her home city.

Her parents, who are into rice milling business, have been trapped inside the war-torn city. She has no information  about her parents' conditions.  

Radia has been praying that someone will support her education, which she considers as a way to repay her parents' sacrifices.

"I'm praying that the war will end soon so we can go back to our village and see if our parents are still there," Radia said.

Although Marawi evacuees feel safe in this city, she recalled how she endured discrimination and bullying during their first few weeks here.

"When I was inside a mall, somebody called me a child of Maute. That happened to me three times. Why people can't understand the difference between ordinary Muslims from Maute groups. I hope they will learn that a big majority of Maranaos are not terrorists," Radia said.

Recently, Tacloban city Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin visited the evacuees to find out their needs and extend help.

"This kind of situation only proves that during wars there are no winners," Yaokasin said after meeting with 15 families who fled to this city. "It's heartbreaking to hear their stories of loss and separation."

The city vice-mayor calls for residents of Tacloban to respect the rights of evacuees' beliefs, avoid discrimination, and make them feel that they are welcome here.

"Regardless of our religious beliefs, let us pray for violence to end and lasting peace to prevail. We look forward to the day when all the displaced families will be able to go back to Marawi City," Yaokasin added. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 - - A total of 46 "bookies" bet collector were arrested in Iloilo province in 15 days since the start of the campaign, according to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) on Tuesday. 

To recall, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa imposed an ultimatum to police regional directors to eliminate illegal gambling in their areas within 15 days. It started July 24 and ended on Monday.  

IPPO Director Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, in an interview  on Tuesday, said that cases have been filed in the court against the arrested collectors, most of whom were from the fifth district of the province. 

Tayaba said that all police chiefs in the province took actions to meet the deadline and generated accomplishments.

The documents that were submitted to the IPPO on Monday will still be evaluated, especially the six chiefs of police with low accomplishments, said Tayaba. 

Despite the end of the 15-day ultimatum, Tayaba assured that their relentless campaign on illegal gambling will continue.

He called on the public to work together with the police in curbing illegal gambling in the province.

He also lauded Dela Rosa for his directive as they were able to achieve a good number of arrest in the province within the period of 15 days. (PNA)

 



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE, Aug. 8--  Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Pinol is set to visit Antique province on Wednesday to distribute 50 fiber glass boats to the fishermen and other agriculture farm support. 

Antique Governor Rhodora J.Cadiao said in an interview on Tuesday that she is looking forward to the agriculture secretary's visit where she will also take the time to discuss the plan of reopening the Antique National Agricultural School (ANAS) in San Remigio town.

The governor said that there are now five students who have taken interest to enroll in the College of Agriculture that will be opened by the University of Antique in the old ANAS that was closed down years ago.

Cadiao also expressed her gratitude in advance for the many support the Pinol will be bringing to the province where he also has his family roots.

Meanwhile, Antique Provincial Agriculturist Nicolasito "Nick" Calawag said that the secretary will also hold a forum Tapatan among the farmers and fisherfolks at the covered court of Hamtic town.

 Calawag said that during the previous visit of the secretary he also distributed 128 motor bancas to the fisherfolks.

There were also seeds and fertilizers that he committed to give that were already given to the farmer beneficiaries.   



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DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 8 – Anti-narcotics operatives have arrested a fire officer and another suspected drug personality during a drug buy-bust operation Monday night in Bais City, Negros Oriental.

A police report identified the suspects as Francisco Javier Garzon, 42 years old, single and resident of Barangay Looc, Bais City; and Fire Officer 1 Antonieta Abrasaldo Catacutan, 52 years old, married, and currently assigned at the Bais City Fire Station.

A third suspect who eluded arrest was identified as Jade Torres Villafuerte, 33 years old, married, also a resident of Barangay Looc, Bais City.

The suspects were arrested around 9:15 p.m. Monday in Barangay Looc by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here, the Provincial Intelligence Bureau of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, and the Bais City Police Station.

Confiscated during the operation were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Garzon has a standing warrant of arrest for violation of Sec. 5 of Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act as amended, issued by Judge Candelario Gonzalez of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 45 in Bais City.

Meanwhile, police in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental also arrested drug suspect Jose Roy Reyes, 47, married, and a resident of Pacifico Street in Barangay 2, Tanjay City, during a buy-bust operation around Monday morning in Barangay San Isidro of that city.

Confiscated were two pieces of transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu granules, a Php 1,000 marked bill used in the buy-bust operation, Php 3,500 cash believed to be proceeds from "shabu sales", a motorcycle and mobile phone.

The suspects are now behind bars for the filing of  criminal charges. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA) 



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- A multi-sectoral forum and exhibit of traditional costumes by member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday was held at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in this city as part of the 50th year founding anniversary of ASEAN.

The activity was facilitated by the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the West Visayas State University (WVSU) "for people to focus on ASEAN and what it would bring to our national life," said PIA regional director Atty. Janet Mesa.

"We are holding this exhibit to highlight the uniqueness of these traditional ASEAN costumes and for people to have a better appreciation of ASEAN and ASEAN-member states," she said.

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"Each ASEAN-member state is unique but in our differences we are also one. Today, ASEAN is partnering for change, engaging the world," Mesa added.

Mesa explained that the conduct of such activity was in support to the all-out information campaign as per Memorandum Circular Number 6 of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to "help spread awareness on ASEAN."

In addition to fora and exhibit, PIA also mounted 26 information kiosks in airports, seaports, malls and conducted two 'Kumpas Barangay."

To recall, Western Visayas was chosen to host four senior official meetings to include Inter-governmental Commission of Human Rights and on Migrant Workers and 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission and Human Rights in Boracay Island and the 22nd Socio Committees for the ASCC and 17th ASEAN SOCA Council Meeting in Iloilo City.

The region also hosted two high ministerial level meetings that were held in Boracay and Iloilo.

The regional bloc was established through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, Thailand on August 8, 1967 by founding fathers Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.  Other ASEAN members are Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar and Cambodia.

It was created to "accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership," Mesa added. (PNA)

 



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE, Aug. 8 -- The provincial hospital of Antique is looking for a dumpsite for its solid wastes as the current one is nearly full.  

Antique Provincial Administrator Neri Duremdes said that Dr. Samuel Ton-ogan of the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (Antique provincial hospital)  has informed them of the present condition of the dumpsite within the hospital compound.   

Ton-ogan said on Tuesday that he has raised the problem since then and expects there will be a solution very soon.

 For their short-term solution , they are looking into the possibility of having a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipal Government of San Jose de Buenavista so they can be allowed to temporarily dump the hospital waste materials in their dumpsite in Pantao village or that they have to dig deeper and widen the provincial hospital dumpsite, he said. 

As for the long term solution, the provincial government will be looking for an area to buy and  be converted into an open pit dumpsite.

Duremdes said there is a land being offered for sale to the provincial government. However, they found out it had no title so they again have to look for other properties to buy.     

Duremdes, however, can not give the exact number of tons per day of waste materials being generated in the hospital. (PNA)



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BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN, Aug 8 -- The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay has honored and extended financial aid to the family of a fallen Malaynon hero who died on the battlefields of Marawi City  last June.

The financial assistance of PHP25,000 from the SB was turned-over to the family of Marine Sergeant Brian Tamboon during its regular session on Tuesday.

This is in line with the resolution passed by the SB to give the highest commendation and deepest sympathy to the family of the soldier. "He exemplified loyalty, bravery, and courage in the battlefields of Marawi," the resolution stated.

The 33-year-old marine sniper, a native of Barangay Caticlan was killed in Marawi by an enemy's bullet on June 29.

Bertiny Tamboon, Brian's father and a retired member of the Philippine Coast Guard, received the financial aid from the SB.

The emotional Bertiny thanked the SB during the session for recognizing his son's heroism.

He said the financial support will be helpful for Brian's wife and two children based in Zamboanga. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 8  — Army 2Lt Lee O. Tremedal should be celebrating his 37 birthday today but a landmine blast claimed his life on Monday.

Tremedal died, along with another Army officer, when a  landmine planted by suspected New People's Army  (NPA) rebels exploded in a remote village in Gubat town in Sorsogon.

His wife Jheniefeb, 34, a practicing dentist in her hometown in Surigao del Norte, had planned to arrive today to surprise and join him in celebrating his birthday but instead, she would be mourning the tragic fate that befell her husband, according to Army Maj. Virgilio Perez, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) spokesperson.

Perez, in a phone interview Tuesday, said Tremedal, before joining the Army, was a BS Agriculture Technology graduate at the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology and an advanced ROTC officer during his college years.

He entered the military service as enlisted personnel in September 2005 as a candidate soldier.

Tremedal was first assigned at  78IB of the 8th Infantry Division in Samar, then in  Bicol, at the 31st  the Infantry Batallion operating in Sorsogon province.

Tremedal and Army Staff Sergeant Allan Bercasio died in the landmine explosion early morning Monday that also wounded seven other soldiers while on combat patrol in Barangay Casili, a remote village in Gubat, Sorsogon.

 

 

According to Perez, he (Tremedal) led a squad (17) of Army troopers regularly conducting combat patrol in outskirt villages where suspected NPA rebels were reportedly sighted and holding extortion activities victimizing villagers in far-flung communities.  

On the other hand, Bercasio was a native of Goa town in Camarines Sur, and a platoon leader under Tremedal.

Perez said the remains of 2Lt Tremedal lie in state at the St. Peter Memorial Chapel here in Legazpi, to be brought later to his hometown in Surigao del Norte.

Tremedal and Bercasio would be given recognition for their dedication and gallantry in their military duty.      

Perez said about 50 suspected NPA rebels waylaid the squad of Army troopers that included the two slain soldiers on combat patrol on Monday morning.

 

The rebel attack coincided with the interment at the Casiguran Public Cemetery of ranking rebel leader Andres "Ka Magno" Hubilla and NPA member Miguel "Ka Billy" Himor.

The military said Hubilla and Himor died in an encounter with soldiers in a remote village in Casiguran town, also in Sorsogon, on July 28 but Karapatan-Bicol's fact-finding mission claimed the two were massacred along with civilians Arnel Borres and Dick Laura.

Hundreds of supporters wearing red shirts joined the burial rites in a call for justice for the slain rebels. (PNA)



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Balot island in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat is one of the many tourist destinations Department of Tourism 12 is opening to local and international tourists. (Photo from DOT-12)

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 8  – The Department of Tourism (DOT-12) is providing skills training for the rest of 2017 for capacitate major stakeholders in the regional tourism industry, director Nelly Nita Dillera on Tuesday said.

Dillera said empowering and capacitating the stakeholders will improve the industry and make the region better and safe tourist destination.

Among the training programs DOT-12 is pushing include capacitating the workers in the front office and reception of hotels and restaurants, customer relations, restaurant services, food preparation, sanitation and preparation, events management, incentivized functions, business planning, experiential tours, community-based tourism, community culinary, managing tourism establishments, tour packaging, among others.

Dillera said workers and personnel of establishment duly accredited by DOT are given priority in training and seminars. (EOF/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 8 - Two suspected drug pushers were killed while nine others, including four policemen, were wounded in a shootout in a remote village of Sulu, the police reported Tuesday.

The Sulu Police Provincial Office reported that the shootout occurred around 12:15 p.m. Monday in Barangay Poblacion, Maimbung, Sulu.

The slain suspected drug pushers were identified as Boogie Hajirin and Nurhassan Mandangan, the police said.

Wounded were Insp. Ergie Wanawan, Maimbung police chief; Jun Jumah; Ben Arah; and, Sahibul Mohammad. The injured civilians were identified as: Walna Yusop; Remal Yusop; Ramil Yusop; Warnilyn Yusop; and, Rashida Yusop.

Investigation showed that the shootout ensued as the two slain suspected drug pushers resisted the policemen who raided their houses in an anti-drug operation.

The police said the raiding team recovered from the shootout site an M-16 Armalite rifle with ammunition, three packs of suspected shabu and prohibited drugs paraphernalia. (Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY, Aug 8 –- Police in nearby town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao have arrested Monday morning a man in possession of 30 sachets of illegal drugs.

Chief Insp. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat town police chief, identified the suspect as Datu Enok Engkong, 59, a resident of Barangay Malinawon, Pagadain City.

Madin said the police had received a tip from concerned citizen about the expected transport of illegal drugs from Sultan Kudarat town to Pagadian City.

He said Engkong was driving his motorbike on his way to Pagadian City when flagged down in a police checkpoint in Barangay Dalumangcob at past 9 a.m.

He did not resist arrest but denied he was drug pushing. Seized from him were 30 small sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a total street value of PHP15,000.

Madin believes Engkong is part of a drug ring operating in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat that supplies prohibited stuff to Pagadian City.

The town police chief said the suspect was daring as going to Pagadian City by land from Sultan Kudarat would mean several police and military checkpoints due to the Marawi City crisis.

The suspect also provided police investigators with high value intelligence information that could help authorities dismantle drug syndicates in its area of jurisdiction.

Engkong is now detained at Sultan Kudarat municipal detention cell facing charges for violation of Republic ct 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.(EOF/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- Officials and employees of the municipality of Lambunao in Iloilo joined the entire country in celebrating the ASEAN Week by wearing attires inspired by costumes of the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Jennifer Osorio, tourism officer of the municipality,  on Tuesday said  they will be wearing ASEAN-inspired dresses every first  Monday of the  starting on August 7 and will be observed until end of the year. 

Mayor Jason Gonzales on Monday  led the hoisting of the ASEAN flags, sharing of information about ASEAN, and the singing of the ASEAN theme.

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) were decked in Vietnam attire; Singapore-inspired costumes for the mayor's office, human resources and municipal disaster risk reduction and management office;  Brunei for environment and natural resources office and engineering; Malaysia's national dress for accounting, civil registrar and population offices;  Philippines for budget and health offices; and Thailand for the health office.

Moreover, Laos-inspired costume for employees of the general services and social welfare offices;  Myanmar for assessor, tourism, information, garments and planning; Indonesia for the agriculture office, and Cambodia for market, slaughterhouse, cattle, motorpool, solid waste and cemetery.

The ASEAN  marked its 50th founding anniversary on Tuesday. The regional bloc was formed following the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, Thailand on August 8, 1967. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 8 — Thousands of Bicolanos are all set to participate in the historic landmark lantern lighting, marking the golden founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tuesday.

[http://media]DILG regional office


Louisa Pastor, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, said for Region 5, there will be five sites --- Battle of Legazpi Shrine at Port District, Legazpi City; DILG Regional Office building; Albay provincial capitol grounds; Iriga City; and Naga City.

 

[http://media]Penaranda Park, Albay district


All local and national government offices are enjoined to support these activities by joining in the lighting of the lanterns, Pastor added.

Marlon Loterte, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) assistant regional director, said the lighting of lantern ceremony in Legazpi City is set to start at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.

There will be a short program in the Battle of Legazpi Shrine where Magayon dancers will participate and entertain the crowd with a dance performance, Loterte added.

[http://media]ASEAN lantern at Iriga City


Meanwhile, preparations are now ongoing to welcome the delegates and participants of the ASEAN meetings to be held in Albay province.

"The Albay will be hosting the ASEAN ministerial meeting on August 21-25 at in Misisbis Bay Resorts in Bacacay," Loterte said.

At present, ASEAN is the world's seventh largest market, the third largest labor force, and has been projected to become the fourth largest economic bloc by 2030.

Among its accomplishments is the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community last year to create a single market and production base—facilitating even closer economic, political, social, and cultural cooperation. (PNA) (photo credit: DILG RD Pastor)

 



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ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, Aug. 8  – Police here are following a lead that could identify the gunmen who ended the life of provincial radio-print journalist Leodoro Diaz Monday.

Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said investigattors  are hunting down the perpetrators based on the statement issued by the victim's son.

"We are digging deeper, we have some leads and we are following it without let up," Supiter said. He refused to provide specific details on the investigation.

Diaz, 60, was driving his motorbike when shot at  around 8:40 p.m. Monday in Barangay Kalanawi 2, President Quirino, this province.

Chief Inspector Joan Resurrecion, Pres. Quirino town police chief, said Diaz, his son Cris Jay and a female relative were riding with him but they escaped unhurt.

Diaz, provincial writer of Manila Bulletin and Balita tabloid, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Supiter said police are determining if the murder was work related or personal grudge.  Even the victim's son could not say if it was work related, saying his father has no known enemies.

However, Supiter said Diaz was a hard hitting newspaper columnist discussing illegal drugs and corruption in his daily column. He writes for Gen. Santos City-based Sapol tabloid.

Supiter also appealed to anyone who has information about the Diaz murder to help the police locate the perpetrators. (EOF/PNA)



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE, Aug. 8 -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist here has reported a total damage of PHP 8,956,556 to agricultural crops due to heavy rains experienced recently in Antique.

 Nicolasito "Nick" Calawag said in an interview on Tuesday that the damage to crops were consolidated by his office and reported to the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 6 hoping for an assistance to be given to affected farmers.

He said that the heavy rains last August 3 and 4 affected 10 Antique towns of Hamtic, Belison, Sibalom, San Remigio, San Jose, Sebaste, Tibiao, Barbaza, Libertad and Bugasong.

The agricultural crops, particularly palay, were flooded while these were on different stages of crop development and that some were supposedly to be harvested this August or September.

There were also around 696 farmers affected, with 455 of them from the town of Sibalom.      



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, Aug 8   –  Police and military forces in the province of Maguindanao have been placed on heightened alert after outlawed Moro armed group harassed Army and PNP detachments in nearby Datu Unsay town.

"We need to be proactive as the armed men continue to create noise to make they are still a force to reckon with," Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, told reporters after a police officer and two soldiers were injured when the ISIS inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters simultaneously attacked the police station and two Army detachments.

Tello said PO1 Usman Datuan of Datu Unsay municipal police office, is now recuperating in a hospital from bullet injuries he sustained during the Saturday night harassment by the BIFF.

Tello said members of the outlawed BIFF came close to the police station in Datu Unsay and opened fire, triggering a brief firefight at past 7 p.m.

Although outnumbered, the police officers returned fire on the BIFF who were forced to flee when soldiers of a nearby detachment came responding.

Another group of ISIS inspired BIFF also attacked with rifle grenades an Army base located near the town hall.

Two soldiers belonging to the 21st Mechanized Company suffered shrapnel injuries after a rifle grenade landed in the detachment. A 20-minute firefight ensued until the militants fled.

Tello could not say if the BIFF suffered casualties following the artillery fire from government forces.

Police believed the attack was meant to avenge the death of six BIFF after it clashed with joint government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in nearby Shariff Saydona town.

Tello said the Maguindanao police have augmented its forces in towns vulnerable to harassment by BIFF.  These are the towns of Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang.

The Army's 57th Infantry Battalion also beefed up its forces to thwart attacks by BIFF forces which, an Army official said, want to make its presence felt anew in Maguindanao. (EOF/PNA)



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CEBU CITY, Aug. 8 -- Hearing-impaired Cebuanos, numbering to 1,500, gathered at the  Social Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Tuesday hoping to avail of the free hearing aids offered by the US-based Starkey Hearing Foundation.

The Starkey Foundation, which provides hearing aids to people in need throughout the US and around the world, will be screening individuals with hearing impediments until Friday.

With the theme: "So The World May Hear," the program is held in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Over 50 volunteers attended to the patients for ear examinations that will determine if their ailments are not caused by just a hardened earwax in the ear canals which usually lead to hearing loss.

"An earwax usually hardens when the person is living near the sea and does any water-related activities like fishing, diving and swimming, plus the use of Q-tips can also push the earwax deep inside the ear canal," said Ellaine Dimayuga, Starkey's Philippine coordinator and Education and Training manager for the Asia Pacific.

The patients will receive customized hearing aids. A representative from Starkey demonstrated to soon-to-be recipients the step-by-step process of putting the custom-made hearing earmolds into their ears.

"We also provide lifetime free repairs and batteries for the hearing aids of our patients," said Dimayuga.

The Starkey Foundation and its volunteers will conduct ear check-ups on Wednesday at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) in Basak, at the Mandaue Sports Complex on Thursday, and at the Danao City Civic Gym on Friday.

"We aim to spread awareness of the importance of hearing to the people and remind them to never neglect any symptoms of pain or irritation on their ears and to consult a medical professional right away," said Dimayuga. (with reports by USJR intern Ador Menchavez/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY, Aug. 8—The government-run Ilocos Norte Water District (INWD) is considering entering into a joint venture with the Villar-led Prime Water Corporation (PWC).

INWD general manager John Teodoro confirmed this today, Aug. 8 as the proposed public and private partnership agreement is expected to improve water supply in the province.

With the ongoing infrastructure developments in the province, Teodoro said it is high time to consider this joint venture with a private company.

Teodoro said about 90 percent of the 132 permanent and job order employees may probably consider transfering to Prime Water once the agreement is finalized.

This is because the private firm offers better compensation and benefit packages to its employees.

As one of the government-owned and controlled corporations in the Philippines, INWD shall still regulate the activities of the private group. In 2013, PWC started dialogues with the INWD management on the proposed project.

Over the years, Ilocos Norte residents have enjoyed low water rates due to INWD's excellent water delivery service and management. With limited government resources, however, the INWD management said it is now ready to embark on latest innovations on water developments to keep up with the changing time. (PNA)



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SILAY CITY, Aug. 8 -- An organic trading post funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) opened in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City in northern Negros Occidental on Tuesday. 

DA-NIR Regional Director Joyce Wendam, who attended the unveiling rites, said the PHP1.7-million facility is seen to boost expansion of organic agricultural areas in the province. It will provide easy market access and push organic farmers here to produce more, she added.

Wendam said the availability of stable market has been one of the pressing concerns of organic farmers in Negros Occidental, including those in Silay.

"While we are pushing for the expansion of organic farms in the province, we are also doing our best to help them link their products to the market," she added.

The organic trading post will initially cater to members of Barangay Patag United Organic Farmers Association, Guimbalaon Organic Farmers Association, Sitio Sibato Tribal Community Association, and Guimbalaon Integrated Rice Farmers Association.

Jo Ann Diosa, agricultural technologist of Silay City Agriculture Office, said the facility, which opens on weekdays, will serve as a "bagsakan" where farmers can bring and sell their organic products.

"We aim to assist our organic farmers by providing them sure market for their products," she said.

Diosa said that for now, the city government will buy all the products of the farmers linked to the trading post.

She added that the City Agriculture Office will take charge of its operation for the first year, and it will eventually be turned over to the Barangay Patag United Organic Farmers Association.

The city government has tapped restaurants and other food establishments in Silay as buyers of the organic products sold at the trading post.(PNA)



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CEBU CITY, August 8 -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is lacking funds for the improvement of its training facilities and to buy new tools and equipmnent, its regional officer said on Tuesday. 

At a forum hosted by the Association of Government Information Officers and the Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday, TESDA-7 Training Center administrator Engr. Winnie Salas said TESDA was created to help our unemployed millennials land a stable job, but it also needs funds to do so.

"We train our students to be able to enhance their skills, but to capacitate their training system we need funds also," Salas said. "Hopefully, next year there will be funds for training facilities improvement."

Salas said the TESDA Training Center building is almost 40 years old and has yet to undergo any maintenance.

"The building needs to be renovated. It looks very old, most especially now that it is being surrounded by tall buildings. A training center should be at least two-three storeys high," said Madelina Salarda, chief of TESDA-7 Regional Operations Divisions.

Salas said some tools and equipment are defective and they are trying their best to buy new ones to provide good training to the trainees despite the lack of funds. 

The TESDA-7 is also trying their best to provide their trainees a high level of education program to give them a chance for promotion when they work. "Good thing was 65% of TESDA graduates landed a job after they graduated and it's a privilege for us to teach them," Salas said.

Meanwhile, Salas said the Visayan Electronic Company (VECO) has been TESDA-7's active partner. VECO has been supporting their programs, supplying them materials and providing allowances for their trainees, who can eventually work as linemen for VECO after their training. (With reports by USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug. 8 -- The city council here reiterated its calls on Tuesday to stop "illegal" operations in the entire city of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)-backed Small Town Lottery or STL.

City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr., chair of the council's committee on games and amusements, said all STL outlets in the city should be closed down immediately as these have been operating without proper authority from the local government.

He said the city police should enforce the stoppage of the STL and the closure of its outlets as it is considered an "illegal gambling operation."

The council passed a resolution last month directing acting city police director, Sr. Supt. Romeo Ruel Berango, "to order the stoppage of the operation of STL" in the city.

But Berango did not impkement  the directive due to the pending legal issues on the matter and the issuance of official opinion from the Philippine National Police's legal affairs division.

He said they were told by PCSO representatives that STL' operations are covered by national laws and its authorized local franchise, Trento Gaming Corporation, is not required to secure any permit from the city.

STL has been operating in the city for several months already through outlets managed by Trento.

But Gacal, who is a lawyer, noted that there is "no legal issue" on the matter as the city government has not even required the STL outlets in the area to secure business permits.

He said the city's charter, Republic Act (RA) 9649, explicitly requires the PCSO and other concerned entities to seek the city council's concurrence before it can operate any type of gaming in the city. 

He said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. followed the same process before it started the operations here last year of the electronic or e-bingo.

"That is provided for in a Republic Act, a national law, so they must comply with it," Gacal said in a radio interview.

The official said it is "very clear that a national law is being violated and a crime is being committed."

"Without our concurrence, they are conducting illegal gambling. So the chief of police is bound to implement the law," he said.

Gacal clarified that the council is not against the STL but the manner that it started its operations in the city.

He added that they also want to make sure that the city will properly get its 3.75 percent share from STL operations as provided for in its implementing rules and regulations.(PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite, Aug. 8 - The Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo (MEA), the most famous historical landmark of Kawit, Cavite has embarked on a creative approach to provide a more interesting feature and extensive information on the Museum collections and relics through its "Hablamos: Talking Artifacts program."

MEA curator Haidee Paulette M. Bedruz told PNA here on Monday that "Hablamos" (Spanish term for "let us talk") is an educational program which focuses on the study of artifacts from the museum collection pieces which can "talk" like a personified character in a comic strip.

Bedruz explained that the program highlights a museum collection every month and will display it as a pocket exhibit within the museum's exhibition space to provide "something that second time or returning visitors can look forward to."

Done like the comic strip, each artifact will include a narrative inside a "dialogue box" discussing its physical attributes, provenance, historical significance and current use for the museum visitor to have a better appreciation of the museum piece.

The artifact's featured narrative will be posted on all social media accounts of the museum and also comes in printed form like a flyer or leaflet for on-site museum visitors and guests.

Since the program's inception, the Aguinaldo museum has featured artifacts like the Aguirre's Sword (in January), Mela the Mesa Altar (February), Ah Tay Bed (March), Nestor and Noel, the Neveras (April), Bella the Butaca (May), Sally the Salacot (June) and Benito Bentwood (July).

NHCP volunteer artists Jay Bautista, Czarina Dacanay, Alex Aguinaldo, Kimny Verdera, Ayesha Sayseng, Christian Bernard Melendez and Jonel Rabusa crafted the illustrations.

Bedruz said that by August 15, the museum will feature the artifact christened as the Venetian Mirror, with illustrations from Juvelyn Nierves.

The Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo is located along Tirona Highway and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PNA)



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LA TRINIDAD BENGUET, Aug. 8 – This capital town in Benguet has launched a policy urging the use of recyclable bags in order to reduce residual wastes especially plastic bags in the municipality.

 

[http://media]

Mayor Romeo Salda explains the condition of the town's sanitary landfill

during the launching of the 'green market' policy on Monday. (Dionisio Dennis Jr)

 

The "Green Market" policy initiated by the group 1993 & 2002 Public Market association led by its president, Winston Felipe, said that the policy is their counterpart in aiding the effort of the local government in managing the residual wastes. He said that the policy is also in consonance with municipal Ordinance Number 11 series of 2015.

Authored by Councilor Roderick Awingan, the "La Trinidad Plastic bag, polystyrene and other synthetic packaging materials reduction" ordinance aims to regulate the use of plastic bags and other non-biodegradable materials in the municipality. The local government failed, however, to implement the ordinance as soon as it was passed, but is now taking advantage of the private sector's participation to the environment protection initiative.

During the launching on Monday, Awingan said that the annual garbage collection in the municipality had reached 90 tons. From the total garbage generation, 3/4 is biodegradable. He also said that the municipality spends at least Php2 million for the hauling of garbage to Capaz, Tarlac, which affects the town's coffer.

"We thank the association for coming up with their own policy which they have already implemented. This is exactly what we want to do in crafting the ordinance," Awingan said.

Under the green market policy, stall owners will no longer place goods in a plastic bag, thus market goers are urged to bring their own shopping bags.

 

[http://media]

Stall owners at the La Trinidad public market promise to

stop using plastic bags for their goods to minimize the

wastes generated by the town. (Dionisio Dennis Jr./PNA)

 

Awingan said the ordinance imposes a penalty of imprisonment and fine for violators.

In his message, Mayor Romeo Salda said that the cell 3 at the town's sanitary landfill which was established in February this year is almost full. The said cell was originally planned to serve the town for two years. The life span of cell 3 is conceived to be a time leeway for the town to finish cell 4.

 "But with the monthly increase of garbage collection we can only use the sanitary landfill until December this year," the mayor said.

He said that cell 3 has an extension but can only last for a few months, so the the local government unit needs to fast-track the completion of cell 4.

Salda said something has to be done with the help of the residents to regulate or stop the excessive generation of residual waste to prevent facing bigger environmental and health problems in the near future.

As an initial move to promote the green market initiative, the local government unit distributed eco bags while the stall owners promised reduction of residual wastes as part of the green market policy implementation. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday recognized 13 stakeholders from Western Visayas and Negros Island Regions (NIR) that served as its partners in carrying out its mandate. 

"The award maybe significant to you but it is equally significant for us because we now have strong partners in our advocacy. It carries the message of appreciation and gratitude from the governor, from the monetary board," said Monetary Board Member Juan D. De Zuñiga Jr.

[http://media]

BSP BM Zuñiga delivers his keynote address

 

In his keynote address, Zuñiga underscored that the "evolving partnership is a result of a relationship that flourished through the years of cooperation." 

He also pointed out that BSP is on its "new season of excellence leveraging on legacy built by former governor Amando Tetangco."

"The spirit of transition is anchored on the cleared vision of BSPs mandate of price stability, supervision of financial system that supports a conducive environment for growth for the Philippine economy," he cited.

Meanwhile, BSP Cebu regional office director Leonides B. Sumbi, in welcoming participants and awardees, also underscored the role of stakeholders in the fulfillment of their objectives and the realization of vision

"Your inputs have made it possible for us to formulate data-driven and responsive policies that would ensure that economic growth remains strong and resilient, underpinned by a low and stable inflation, a strong and stable banking system and safe and reliable payment system," she said.

Two of the 13 awardees received the 14-inch 'Soaring to Greater Heights' brass trophy for the Gold Hall of Fame Award while the rest were awarded a "Dynamic Balance Philippine Eagle" trophy. The trophies were designed by Filipino visual artist Ferdinand Cacnio.

The Gold Hall of Fame Awardees were the Calinog National Comprehensive High School and the Junior Philippine Economic Society of the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod for winning as Outstanding Partners for Currency Program (coin recirculation) for three straight years.

Cited as outstanding respondents for the Business Expectations Survey were the KJ Fairmart Inc and Navstar Gasoline Station (Total), both from Bacolod City,  for medium and large firms and small firms, respectively.

Philippine Statistics Authority- Capiz was awarded Outstanding Partner for Report on the Regional Economic Developments.

For currency programs, Iloilo Supermart Inc. won the award for clean note policy; Calinog National Comprehensive High School – Iloilo and Junior Philippine Economic Society of the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod (coin recirculation);  SM City-Iloilo, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc./ DTI Negosyo Center- Kalibo, Aklan and ABS-CBN Bacolod's "Salandigan" program (demonetization of the new design series).

Moreover, the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management, La Consolacion College (LCC) – Bacolod and the Capiz State University were awarded as Outstanding Partners for Implementing BSP Advocacy on the conduct of public information campaigns.

The Department of Education (DepEd) was awarded outstanding partner for child financial education. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- The central government is committed to provide an estimated PHP309.79 million funds to rebuild infrastructures damaged by the magnitude 6.5 earthquake that rattled Leyte province last month, said a top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday. 

DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon submitted the detailed damage reports and program of works to their central office for rebuilding of roads, bridges, and government buildings.

"The government is committed although this is less priority compared to the rebuilding of Marawi City. We have to repair these infrastructures to prevent further damages and ensure public safety,"  said Tabacon.

The official is optimistic that rehabilitation funds will be released within the year or early next year. "If the funds are available, we are going to start the rehabilitation immediately."

The DPWH reported that nearly five kilometres of national roads were destroyed by the powerful quake. Also damaged are 15 national bridges, a DPWH building, 40 school buildings, six other public buildings, two hospitals, and two local government buildings.

Of the PHP309.79 million worth of damages, PHP155.44 million was incurred by DPWH infrastructure projects and PHP154.35 million by other government-owned buildings. Most of these were reported in Ormoc City and nearby Kananga town.

The damage report is based on the assessment conducted by DPWH personnel within a week after the ground shaking.

The July 6, 2017 earthquake has killed at least three people and injured 310 others. Several aftershocks rocked the province in nearly two weeks. The strongest was magnitude 5.8 that injured 78 people, according to the Office of the Civil Defense.

Most aftershocks had its epicenter in Ormoc City and nearby Kananga town, the two most affected areas.

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



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- Two youths from this city are part of the 27-delegation of the Philippines to the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSYEAP).

Kelly Binder, an alumna of University of San Agustin, and Jasper Ruby Vijar of University of the Philippines Visayas Miag-ao Campus, met with the Iloilo City Council Tuesday morning to promote the program and solicit the legislative body's support.

Binder said that for 44 years now, "the SSEAYP has been bringing together more than 300 youth from Japan and the Southeast Asian region annually for once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange program on board MS Nippon Maru.

 "The participants experience institutional visits, homestay program, dialogues, and participate in discussions regarding the youth," Binder said.

The Philippine contingent, called "Bulawan," the Visayan term for gold, is going to participate in the program from October 23 to December 15, 2017 in Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

While on board the ship, Vijar said he and Binder will have the opportunity to present the best not only of Iloilo City but also of Western Visayas and the Philippines.

Vijar said the two of them will showcase the culture of Panay-Bukidnon, an indigenous peoples group in the mountains of central Iloilo, the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City and the Hablon weaving in southern Iloilo, among others.

 City Tourism Officer, Junel Ann Divinagracia, also the SSYEAP national leader, told the Council that Binder and Vijar underwent a rigorous screening process. (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)



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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Aug. 8 -- The provincial government of Pampanga, together with Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC), have decided to extend the suspension of quarry operations along Sacobia River for another week

The decision stemmed from the rapid assessment report on the identification of geohazards and potential quarry areas in Sacobia River, Clark Special Economic Zone discussed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) during the second joint meeting Monday of Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, BCDA president Vince Dizon and BCDA chairman Jose "Ping" De Jesus and PCDC president Noel Manankil.

The assessment team concluded that upstream portion of the Sacobia River is being dumped with "lahar" deposits.

Engineer Noel Lacadin, chief geologist of MGB, said that from Mactan gate of Sacobia River which is about three kilometers upstream of Sacobia Bridge, the portion of the river is characterized as braided as  shown by the presence of island bars containing sand and gravel deposits indicative of deposition.

Lacadin also said that they observed that downstream to Sacobia Bridge, the channel is incised or deeply cut due to desilting or quarrying.

"The depositional nature of this segment causes channel shifting which endangers farm lots and houses with channel erosion," he said.
Governor Pineda expressed an alarming concern on the deposition of lahar materials from the Sacobia Bridge up to Maskup Sabo Dam that may cause possible channel shifting.

"We will suspend the quarrying of the 21 quarry operators here," she said.

With this, the provincial executives are now keen on creating guidelines on which areas to direct quarry activities to prevent unscrupulous looting of sand, scooping much beyond permissible levels.

Likewise, Provincial Government Environment Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) chief Art Punsalan is bent to exert double efforts in monitoring quarry operations to proceed as planned.

It was also agreed that the PGENRO will put up signage for the no-quarrying zone and violation of this is tantamount to filing of criminal charges before the court of law.

At present, 118 truckers a day acquire sand and gravel which contributes to the massive decrease in the good quality sand being quarried from the Sacobia River.

As agreed, the povincial officials, together with the executives of CDC and BCDA will formulate a desilting plan, policy and guidelines on quarry operation. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug. 8 – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is sending a team of maritime law enforcement experts to Palawan for a week-long workshop that will focus on sharing best practices and enhancing interoperability.

This is according to a media release by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy Tuesday afternoon.

The workshop will be with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It will focus on sharing best practices and enhancing the interoperability among the three participating agencies in support of the National Coast Watch System 2017 Field Training Exercises scheduled to take place in Manila, Palawan, and Cebu in mid-September.

"As strong allies, the U.S. and Philippines share a wide range of interests, and we will continue to work in partnership to ensure our joint maritime security efforts and other lines of cooperation are robust and effective," the statement said.

The information came after U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski transferred custody of a brand new Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (JMLETC) valued at over Php65.4-million to the the Philippines in a ceremony at Sitio Magarwak, Barangay Santa Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, on August 4, 2017.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald M. de la Rosa was the guest of honor and keynote speaker, and Klecheski also delivered remarks during the turnover.

The JMLETC, funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (USDTRA), is part of the larger National Coast Watch System (NCWS) designed to bolster the Philippines' maritime domain awareness capabilities and to stop large-scale weapons from transiting through or near Philippine territorial waters.

The facility will also be used to conduct maritime law enforcement training for the PCG, PN, and PNP to enhance vessel boarding, use of force, evidence preservation, and case package preparation techniques.  (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- Iloilo City is set to highlight its various historical, cultural and tourism landmarks to the delegates of the national convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and Pearl Awards.

 Iloilo City Tourism and Development Officer Junel Ann P. Divinagracia on Tuesday said  over a thousand delegates composed of tourism officers and local chief executives with their respective Tourism councils and barangay officials are expected to attend the 18th ATOP Convention set here on October 4-7, 2017.

Aside from showcasing the Dinagyang Festival and the recent developments here, the city is also set to showcase tourism and historical landmarks.

The Office of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has coordinated on Tuesday with the Iloilo City Council for the convention activities, particularly the ATOP Grand Parade of Festivals set on October 4, 2017, 3:00 p.m.

The parade route will showcase to delegates the historical, cultural and tourism landmarks of the metro, including the Iloilo City Hall, Central Business District where heritage buildings such as International Hotel and Serafin Villanueva Building are located, the Arroyo Fountain and Casa Real, the Iloilo River and the historical Muelle Loney, among others.

Earlier, Department of Tourism-6 regional director Helen Catalbas said hosting the event is an opportunity to showcase the region's best tourism practices, products and services.

The ATOP Pearl Awards recognizes the best of Philippine tourism industry, particularly in the following categories: Best Tourism Event, Best Tourism-Oriented LGU, Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration, Most Outstanding Tourism Officer, and most Outstanding Tourism Council/Club/Organization/Association. (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)



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ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 8 -- The local government here has intensified the enforcement of protective helmet law covering "habal-habal" motorcycles.

Sr. Supt. Ramil Ramirez, chief of Ormoc City police office, said they are enforcing the protective helmet law for road safety including "habal-habal", a single motorcycle with extended seat, transporting passengers in steep terrain and narrow roads. "Habal-habals are not considered legal commercial transportation, but they are allowed to operate by tolerance so as not to deprive them of their livelihood. The intention of the law is to ensure safety of drivers," Ramirez added.

On Monday, the city government here distributed 420 standard helmets in 21 identified motorcycle terminals, which received 20 helmets each.

Mayor Richard Gomez, who came up with the idea of shouldering the expenses for the protective helmets to help motorcycle drivers abide to the law, made the announcement two months ago. The city government allocated PHP420,000 for the procurement of 420 units.

Earlier, the mayor authorized the local police to impose a stricter implementation of the law among motorists to keep the riders safe.

The city officials also clarified that the use of helmets both by the drivers and passengers should be observed from starting point to their point of destination, and not just limited to city streets where policemen are visible.

The city government has since adopted national laws this year like the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 using speed radar guns, and the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 through the use of breathalyzers.

It can also be noted that the city has been the first in the region to implement these laws for habal-habal drivers in their area. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 8 -- Despite another proposal for the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Pangasinan has not stopped preparing for these two political exercises.

In keeping with its mandate,  the Comelec is continuously preparing but Congress should make its decision fast on whether it will again pass a law postponing the two elections before the poll body can print the ballots, said Provincial Elections Supervisor Marino Salas.

He said the Comelec will need 70 million ballots nationwide in these two elections and will spend less than than Php1 billion for their printing alone, which will just go down the drain if these will not be used.

Salas said there are 2.4 million voters in Pangasinan, up by close to 80,000 from the number of voters in the 2016 polls.

Of the number, at least 1.7 million are voting in the barangay elections and another 691.949 in the Sangguniang Kabataan election.

He said under the law, the SK members are those from 15 to 30 years old. However, only those 18 to 25 years old can run or aspire for SK positions.

Salas admitted that to date, they have not received the guidelines on whether or not those 18 to 30 years old who are SK members can also vote in the barangay elections.

It was noted that Congress is bent on again postponing the barangay polls to May next year. However, Salas said Congress should better make its decision fast before they can print the ballots.

Salas said that personally he wants the election to be held as scheduled on October 23 so that the people will be given the chance to choose their own set of barangay and SK officials who will rule their communities for another three years.  (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 -- The Iloilo city government is moving all its resources to completely eradicate the illegal drugs problem in this city.

Lawyer Mark Piad, spokesperson of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, said Tuesday that the city government has started a scheme of reimbursing the expenses of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agencies (PDEA)-6 used in successful buy-bust operations and surveillance activities.

Piad said  the mayor initiated the reimbursement scheme "for in the past, the PDEA and PNP were handicapped by their limited funds to use as a buy-bust money because they are usually kept for safekeeping."

Meanwhile, the mayor on Monday called on barangay officials in this city to seriously make President Duterte's war against illegal drugs a "top priority".

"Nagapanawagan ta sa mga barangay ( I called on the barangays)  to put this campaign on illegal drugs top priority. We're already putting some pressures on them so I hope they could already receive the signal that we are serious in telling them that this should be top priority," Mabilog said.

Citing police data, Mabilog said more than 300 drug personalities were arrested in buy bust operations.

"We will not let our guards down," Mabilog said, and reiterated that war against drugs is a priority of the city government as well as ICPO and PDEA.

The Office of the Mayor, in coordination with Liga ng mga Barangay-Iloilo City, ICPO and PDEA, has been assisting the barangays in meeting the documentary requirements for the 180 barangays to be declared drug-cleared or drug-free.

Since July 2016, the city government dispensed various support to boost the campaign against illegal drugs, both addressing the "supply" and "demand" components of the illegal drugs trade.

Nearly  two months after the President waged the war against drugs, the city government set up a community-based rehabilitation center dubbed Crossroads.

The more or less PHP7-million program has paved the way for the rehabilitation of "mild" drug dependents who surrendered to the police on the height of "Oplan Tokhang" and "Oplan Double Barrel".

To date, two batches of drug dependents completed the program and are undergoing preparations for the free technical-vocational trainings and employment opportunities to be facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

Pabilona, in an interview over Pro JED radio program of the Iloilo City government, lauded Mabilog's positive response to the war on drugs.

"City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog responded positively to the depiction of Iloilo City as the most 'shabulized' city by mounting a sustained effort to combat illegal drugs," Pabilona said.

Pabilona said his agency has noted a sharp decline in the number of drug personalities in Iloilo City since he took over last year.

In addition, he said the "drug drug supply is much less" compared to last year. "There are still arrests, but these have become fewer and fewer," he said.

Pabilona also said it is important that PDEA reduces the drugs trade in Iloilo City because it is "the center of gravity" for narcotics.

"Once we succeed in neutralizing the illegal drugs business in the city, everything else will follow," he said. (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 8 – Officials of the military, local government of Marawi City and the academe are working to fast-track the opening of one of Mindanao's premier universities affected by the ongoing armed conflict.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, on Tuesday said they are "crafting a security plan" for the possible resumption of classes and the operation of the establishments near the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City. 

"Continuing talks and assessment will be held to weigh things and ascertain the date of opening. We might have to delay it, but we will definitely have to open the MSU for our students and for our people," Galvez said.

"The opening of the university is a challenge, but we have to test the waters and come up with the means to bring back the life of Marawi through the opening of this revered institution," he added. 

"The Mindanao State University is the symbol and life of Marawi City. This is the bastion of knowledge and we will have to open classes the soonest," he further said. 

The MSU caters mostly to students from the marginalized families all over the Philippines, especially those from Visayas, Mindanao and as far as Palawan.

It has produced a number of distinct professionals and scholars and even topnotchers, both Muslims and Christians, in its 56 years of operation. 

Disruption of the school operations has greatly affected thousands of lives brought about by the attack perpetrated by the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in Marawi City.

Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, Lanao del Sur crisis management committee spokesperson and a member of the university's Board of Regents, said they are addressing the problem in a "holistic approach."

Adiong said security measure is needed since there are people living within the school compound who are neither school staffs nor students. 

He said there is a need to consult and involve the other members of the MSU community "so that they too will have ownership over the problem and take part in the solution." 

In a meeting, it was also agreed that the school can go on accepting enrollees until such time classes opens in two weeks or on a later date. 

MSU president Habib Macaayong said the school administration will actively take part in securing the inner layer of the campus utilizing hired security personnel.

Galvez challenged the terrorists who are still occupying several structures in Marawi City to spare the university. 

"I challenge the Maute, if you still have some goodness left in your heart, spare MSU from any harm," Galvez said, adding that "I dare the Daesh-inspired Maute Group to cease and desist from this any other atrocious acts that tend to terrorize students and members of the faculty of MSU. That is the least they can do for the youth."

Galvez said it is important to bring normalcy in Marawi City by opening the MSU.

"Education is the best antidote to terrorism. If we suspend classes and disallow children from going to school, then terrorism has already won," he said.

"The freedom that comes with allowing children to have affordable and quality education should not be taken from them. Your military will do our best, so that the next generation will continue to enjoy that opportunity," he said.

"It is really a challenge in this trying times, in the thick of the battle in the eastern side of Marawi, it is a challenge to open the MSU especially that it is one of the targets of the terrorist." 

"I urge every peace-loving citizens in this part of Mindanao to join me in this call for a stop to these and similar attacks on our children and our future. They are innocent and hence must be spared from this misfortune," he added. (Darwin Wally T. Wee/PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 7 —Two people were killed when a fire struck a school building housing an art gallery at Capitol University (CU) in Barangay 23, Monday morning.

Authorities identified the victims as Bryan Solarte and Dave Marvin Ramoga, 27, both residents of Barangay Lapasan, this city.

Solarte, sources said, was a high school student who worked part-time as Ramoga's assistant. Solarte's age was not yet determined.

Both were working as construction painters at CU and were hired by the school on an on-call basis when renovations are needed, police said.

Dr. Christian Caballes, Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) medico-legal officer, said it was possible that Solarte and Ramoga died from suffocation first before being burned from the fire.

Caballes said the two, who were identified thru their identification cards found on their wallets, suffered third-degree burns.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has yet to release an official finding but initial reports point to the cans of paint thinner, a highly-flammable chemical, as the cause of fire.

Nicolas Aca, the gallery curator at CU's Museum of Three Cultures, said some paintings at the gallery were damaged due to the fire, which was neutralized after about 30 minutes.

"They (victims) were doing some renovations at the gallery when the fire happened," Aca said in an interview.

Aca said the artifact exhibits were spared from the fire, but the CU administration has temporarily closed the museum to the publice.

He said students were told to go home as classes were suspended on Monday. Classes will resume Tuesday.

The Museum of Three Cultures is located at the ground floor of a four-story building. Beside it is the school canteen with rows of stalls selling various food items. 

Love Joy Presbitero, 24, a store attendant at the canteen, said she heard a loud explosion prior to the fire.

"It (explosion) was so loud that the glass on the door shattered," she said, adding that black some was coming out from the gallery a few minutes later.

Ramoga's live-in partner Shiela Marie Decina, 23, said she could not believe that her live-in partner was dead.

Decina, who's pregnant for nine months and is due to give birth on the third week of August, said she depended Ramoga for their livelihood.

School officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)

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MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 8 – Re-channelling of seven major rivers in Southern Leyte has been tagged by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a strategy to mitigate climate change impacts. 

The project is in support to the priorities of the provincial government, said Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia. 

Major rivers that will undergo re-channelling are in Canturing in Maasin City, Salug  in Bontoc town, Lawigan  in St. Bernard, Das-ay  in Hinunangan, Amparo  in Macrohon, Habay and Marayag  in San Francisco. 

"We, at the highways department, give our full commitment on this. Governor Damian Mercado's plan for these projects is more than enough reason to support them," Junia said.

Coordination with the provincial government will ensure a faster and more effective implementation of the project once approved. Moreover, safety of communities living along riverbanks will likewise be assured, according to Junia.

River re-channelling is a method that widens or deepens rivers to increase the capacity for flow volume at specific sections of a river which can facilitate more water during floods resulting to less damage. 

"However, it is not only limited to the major riverbanks in Southern Leyte. It can also be applicable to other rivers in the province that needs re-channelling," she added.

A team will be deployed to conduct the survey prior to re-channelling project. (DPWH PR/PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 7 — Next year's national budget should include funds for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

This was the consensus of several Mindanaoan lawmakers as the Lower House has started its deliberations for next year's national budget.

President Rodrigo Duterte first divulged the proposed  P3.767 trillion national budget for 2018 during his second State of the Nation Address last July 24.

Dubbed as "The Budget that Reforms and Transforms", it seeks to allocate the lion share of the budget to educatio—at P691.1 billion.

Rep. Juliette Uy, of the Misamis Oriental's 2nd district, said she hopes a bigger chunk of that amount would be set aside to rebuild school buildings that were damaged in the ongoing fighting between the government forces and armed extremists in Marawi.

The Mindanao bloc at the House, Rep. Uy said, have agreed to give emphasis on the education sector so portions of it could be used in rebuilding school buildings and classrooms destroyed in the Marawi conflict.

"Although we did not promise, but we will try out best to help, especially in the allocation of the budget [for the construction of Marawi]. We, the Mindanaoan legislators, will fight for its approval," Uy said.

Deputy House Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, of the 2nd district of South Cotabato, disclosed that on top of the budget for education, portions of the 2018 will be allocated to fund rebuilding efforts in Marawi.

Specific budgetary requirements may be laid out later after thorough assessment of the damage, Rep. Hernandez said, pointing out that the conflict is still ongoing.

However, Hernandez added that national agencies can now make their own estimates of the needed funding requirements based on the number of evacuees and how much the government has already spent for humanitarian assistance.

President Duterte has been quoted in multiple media reports saying the administration has allocated P20 billion for Marawi's reconstruction.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in its website, said the release of the P20 rehabilitation package will be on the "multi-year scheme," with P5 billion to be downloaded this year, another P10 billion for 2018, "and an additional budget yet to be determined for 2019."

DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the initial fund of P5 billion for 2017 "will be sourced from the 2016 and 2017 NDRRM [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management] Fund with a combined remaining balance of around P7.4 billion and the 2017 Contingent Fund with a balance of almost P3.35 billion, both as of July 2017."

For his part, Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., of the city's 2nd district, said there should be a continuing study on how to rebuild Marawi, specifically on the housing of its civilians and the establishments of the business sector.

In a separate interview, Sultan Nasser Sampaco, chairman of the Marawi Sultanate League, said the government should also consider providing financial aid to business owners who had lost their investments in the conflict. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)

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COTABATO CITY, Aug. 8 – The Catholic congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is mourning the demise of one of its own.

On Sunday morning, an Oblate priest who had served in various parishes and OMI ministries in the Archdiocese of Cotabato passed away due to heart attack. He was 85.

Father Lauro de Guia, OMI provincial superior, said the remains of Fr. Elino Montemayor Isip, OMI will be brought to Oblate Juniorate Seminary in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on August 9. Burial is yet to be set for Fr. Isip who in 2015, celebrated his 60 years of religious life.

Fr. Isip, more known among Oblates as "Eling," was born on December 27, 1931, to Eugenio Isip and Alejandra Montemayor in Florida Blanca, Pampanga. In his youth, his family migrated to Polomolok, South Cotabato. He studied his high school at the Notre Dame of Lagao. When he was in fourth year high, the late Fr. Joe Quinn, OMI gave his class a retreat.

One talk, "Serving God as a priest," impressed him very much. He then felt his calling to priesthood. Later, Fr. Bertrand Demers, OMI encouraged and guided him in his vocation. In 1952, Eling entered the Oblate Juniorate Seminary in Manila over the objections of his father who wanted him to become a lawyer.

After his Juniorate, he went to Mission, Texas for his novitiate year. When he came back as a scholastic wearing a soutana, his father sentiments changed, and he was very happy for his son. He spent his scholastic years at Our Lady of the Assumption Scholasticate at Project 8, Quezon City. He did his philosophical and theological studies at the nearby San Jose Seminary.

At the end of his third year in theology, he was ordained a priest on June 29, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cotabato City. Fr. Isip's ministry had always been in parishes. He spent nine years in Tacurong City, first as assistant then as parish priest from 1965 to 1974. After his long stint in Tacurong City, he was assigned pastor of Midsayap, North Cotabato for two years and then to Parang, Maguindanao until 1981.

After serving in various parishes for 19 years, he went to the United States for a year of renewal. After his renewal, he was assigned to Kidapawan City and later to Upi, Maguindanao, then to Masiag, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat in 1988 and Pikit. North Cotabato in 1993 as pastor. His last pastoral assignment was in Datu Piang, Maguindanao in 2006. From Datu Piang, he moved to the Postulancy as resident in 2008 until 2010 when he moved to the Bolduc Home in Quezon City.

When asked to summarize his years as priest, he said: "Next to God's grace, it is the awareness that I am needed by the people who have kept me on as a priest these years. But, then, that itself is God's grace...!" The striking quality of Fr. Isip as a pastor was his availability and readiness to serve. In season and out season, he was truly a pastor to his parishioners. EOF/PNA



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DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 8 – Two earthquakes rocked parts of Negros Oriental on Tuesday morning, with both tremors described by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) here as locally generated.

Engr. Jose Molas, chief of the PHIVOLCS-Sibulan Seismic Station, disclosed that the two separate earthquakes in the towns of Valencia and Dauin appear to be from a "local" fault line. 

But it also appears to be a "new" fault line "without a name yet", Molas added.

PHIVOLCS reported the first earthquake occured around 6:21 a.m. Tuesday, with a magnitude of 2.4 and a depth of 10 kilometers.

It was located 09.27°N, 123.19°E - 009 km S 79° W of Valencia, Negros Oriental. 

Residents in Valencia said they felt strong shaking for a few seconds during the first tremor.

The second tremor occurred around 8:55 a.m. with a magnitude of 2.8 and a depth of 18 kilometers, the PHIVOLCS reported.

Its location was mapped at 09.24°N, 123.12°E - 017 km N 72° W of Dauin, Negros Oriental.

Some residents in the provincial capital, Dumaguete City, said they felt something like a brief jolt thrust during the second event.

According to Engr. Molas, both earthquakes were tectonic in origin.

He explained that these movements are being closely monitored and mapped out by PHIVOLCS here to determine if there is, indeed, a new fault line.

Asked if the Dauin and Valencia earthquakes were connected, Molas said there is a possibility and they will forward the information collected to their geologists to determine.

Dauin is about 15.8 kilometers south of Dumaguete while Valencia is 9.4 kilometers west of this capital, with both towns sharing territorial boundaries. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA) 



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ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 -- The Iloilo city government honored eight barangays that were recognized by national government agencies for their active blood donation and environmental protection programs on Monday.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog cited Regional Sandugo awardees, Barangays Calumpang and South Baluarte in Molo, and Concepcion in City Proper. Barangay Ma. Cristina of Jaro district was recognized for being a recipient of the Scroll of Honor after winning the Regional Sandugo Award for several times already.

The four barangays received special citation from the Philippine Red Cross - Western Visayas Regional Blood Center - Iloilo City Chapter for actively supporting the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the Department of Health-6.

According to PRC, the award aims to raise public awareness on voluntary blood donation. It recognizes voluntary non-renumerated blood donors and program partners for their exemplary support and active participation in the implementation of the Blood Program.

 The top performing barangays in the metro obtained the commitment of all stakeholders to attain and sustain adequate and safe blood supply.

 Mabilog called on other barangays to initiate blood donation in their respective villages. He also encouraged City Hall employees to donate blood.

 "I am really hoping that City Hall someday could also have a strong program on blood donation. Donating blood every quarter is healthy," he said.

The city government, he announced, is set to sign this August 15 a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) - Iloilo City Division for a blood donation program in schools.

On Tuesday morning, the city government also cited Barangays Nabitazan, Lapaz; South Baluarte, Molo; Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo; and San Rafael, Mandurriao for receiving the Gawad EMB (Environmental Management Bureau) awards.

Gawad EMB honors exemplary efforts and initiatives of local government units, environmental partners and schools for the protection and conservation of the environment in Western Visayas.

The barangays were cited for supporting EMB's "Adopt-a-Estero" Waterbody Program.

According to EMB, the Adopt Estero is a collaborative undertaking between and among the Estero Community, donor partners, LGU and EMB to achieve cleaner, safer and healthier environment and waterbody.

EMB said objectives of the program is to clean the estero of water, debris and salk starting 2010 until all have been cleaned up and to mobilize estero community in cleaning the estero and enlist their active participation in the actual cleanup.

"The barangay awardees were able to exhibit and render real change in their areas and were able to mobilize their community in their effort to conserve and clean the river," it said.

"The awardees also actively supported the program since its inception up to present," it added.

Punong Barangays Roberto Nino of Calumpang, Edwin Dumio of South Baluarte, Cherry Lebrillo of Ma. Cristina, Madonna Martin of Concepcion, Barbie Aroza of Nabitasan, Nestor Espinosa of Sto. Nino Sur, and Azucena Tabuyoc of San Rafael received their citations. (Maricyn A. De los Santos/PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 7 – More tourism industry workers in Pangasinan have been trained as tour guides after attending a recent seminar and training on knowledge and practical skills in community tour guiding administered by industry experts.

The community tour guiding seminar held from July 31 to August 6 organized by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office in partnership with the Department of Tourism – Region 1 (DOT-R1) accommodated 32 tour guide protégées from various parts of Pangasinan.

"The happy industry workers and Pangasinan tourism partners – newly graduated tour guides – reinforced the province's aggressive tourism promotions agenda," said Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan.

Tour guiding services have become in-demand, following the influx of more tourists in Pangasinan frequently visiting the various tourism wonders of the province.

In his 2017 state of the province delivered by Governor Amado I. Espino, III, he said Pangasinan posted 8.78 million tourist arrivals in 2016 which surpassed the 2015 data of 6.75 million.

The top three most visited tourist destinations in Pangasinan are the Provincial Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, and the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City.

Meanwhile, DOT-R1 Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Evangeline Dadat said the seminar also included the 'DOT accreditation procedure' for tour guiding.

"Anyone who will pass the written exam, practical guiding, walk tour, and mock tour on board a bus gets accredited," Dadat said.

Some resource speakers and trainers from the tourism industry included DOT – ASEAN trainer Enrique Esguerra and DOT-R1 trainer Rey Jorda.

Newly-accredited tour guides are sent mostly by private organizations, local government units, and the PTCAO.

Prior to the community tour guiding seminar, Pangasinan had only less than 20 tour guides.  (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 7 --- Two Army soldiers were killed while 7 others were wounded in a clash between military troops and New People's Army (NPA) rebels early Monday in Barangay (village) Casili, Gubat town in Sorsogon , a spokesman of the Army Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said today.
The government soldiers were on combat patrol at around 5:00 a.m. Monday when they engaged in a 30-minute firefight an undetermined number of NPA rebels in the vicinity of Barangay Casili, an outskirt village of Gubat town, said Army Maj. Virgilio Perez, Solcom spokesperson.
Reports reaching Solcom said that aside from the exchange of fire power, the NPA rebels also used and planted landmines against the government troopers.
Perez, in a text message, said the identities of the slain soldier including those wounded were withheld pending notification of their family.
A source that refuses to be named for security reasons said the NPA attack this morning was a retaliation by the rebel movement following the death of ranking rebel leader Andres "Ka Magno" Hubilla and Miguel "Ka Billy" Himor in an encounter with Army soldiers in a remote village in Casiguran town the other week.
The two slain rebels were interred today at the Casiguran Public Cemetery with hundreds of red shirt-wearing supporters joining the burial rites. (Mar Arguelles/PNA)

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ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 -- Some 5,633 trees affected by various road widening projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas will be replaced, said assistant regional director for Region 6, Engineer Al Fruto.

"In agreement with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), we have already identified planting locations regionwide," he said.

Fruto explained that as per agreement, DPWH will plant 50 trees for every one plant tree that is cut down.  However,  one naturally grown tree will be replaced with 100 trees.

The species to be planted will be recommended by the DENR but Fruto said that preferably these are trees that will not pose danger to the travelling public or those that will not be easily uprooted , especially during bad weather conditions.

He said that last Arbor Day, they undertook a tree-planting activity in locations identified by the DENR. Fruto added that they will also plant trees along the road or along project sites. 

Concerned offices of the DPWH  met on Monday to discuss the schedule of the tree replanting, as Fruto said that they can already start in areas where projects are nearing completion. He added that they need not wait for projects to be completed before they start, otherwise they will be overwhelmed with the number of trees that they need to replant.

"We can already start with projects that are nearing completion. Progressively we can comply with our commitment to plant the corresponding number of trees affected by our projects," he said.

Data from the DPWH disclosed that in 2016, some 4, 372 trees were affected by 13 road widening projects and 1,261 trees in four projects implemented this year.

In an earlier interview, DENR regional executive director Jim Sampulna said that he will be imposing a timetable for the DPWH to comply with the commitment. This as he was informed that no trees were planted yet to replace those that were cut down I line with road widening projects.

Most of the trees that were affected were located in the town of Pototan, Iloilo. (PNA)

 



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LAOAG CITY, Aug. 7 — Ilocanos in this northern part of Luzon will join the historic landmark lighting of the ASEAN lantern on August 8, marking the golden founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Ianree Raquel, head of the Provincial Tourism Office, said Monday at about 6:30 pm tomorrow, the ceremonial lighting of the traditional Filipino lantern will be lit and installed at the facade of the St. Augustine Church in Paoay town, a UNESCO World heritage site being frequented by tourists.

All over the Philippines, Ilocos Norte has been chosen among the provinces in the country to have this historic landmark lighting nationwide.

For Ilocanos like Nygineth Alegado of Sideg village, Paoay town, their participation to the symbolic ASEAN landmark lighting means "We are part of ASEAN. We share the same vision for progress and development."

On the second week of August, preparations are now underway to welcome the ASEAN delegation at the Plaza del Norte. Raquel however reported this will be postponed in the later part of this year due to bad weather.

"We are set set to host a meeting of coastguard on the second week of August but organizers moved it to Manila. There is no clear reason but they (organizers) have been consolidating the meetings in Manila to lessen the movement of participants," he added.

Organizers said the ASEAN meeting in Laoag shall be held in October or December this year.(PN



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CAMP GEN. ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan , Aug.7 -- A series of anti-drug operations in the province resulted in the deaths of six armed alleged drug dealers who engaged lawmen into a firefight while 11 other suspects were arrested in different parts of Bulacan over the weekend.

Bulacan Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. on Monday said that the six suspects were killed in armed encounters in Malolos City and in the towns of  Marilao and Bocaue.

Caramat said that those killed were Areld Lopez, 38,  a resident of Phase 2B Menzyland Subdivision, Barangay Sta Trinidad, Malolos City;  Roberto Umali Paragas, 33, a resident of Binata St., Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City;  Aldrin Macaraig Data, also a resident of  Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, a certain "Toni" and two unidentified male armed suspects in Bocaue town

He also said that 11 other suspects were arrested in different police operations conducted in Bulakan, Norzagaray, Pandi, Bustos, Pulilan and San Rafael.

The suspects were identified as  Manuel Jervie Sarmiento,  Reymark Medina, Joseph Sarmiento, Lazaro De Guzman Jr.,  Ruel Supero, Maritess Tamares,  Dino Cobreros, Rodolfo Manalili,  Dennis Santos, Mary Jane Garcia, and  Randy Dela Fuente.

Recovered from the 11 arrested suspects were a total of 23 plastic sachets of suspected shabu, assorted drug paraphernalia, a foil strip with suspected marijuana residue and buy bust money.

The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination while appropriate criminal complaints against them are now being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 7-- The Department of Education (DepEd) field office here is bracing for impacts of earthquakes by training teachers and students on what to do before and during emergencies.

Several activities related to Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) have been lined up even before the magnitude 6.5 earthquake that rocked Eastern Visayas region on July 6.

The education department has been conducting earthquake drills, orientations on natural disasters, response training, among others. Non-government organizations provide first aid kits and other trainings. "We religiously conduct the earthquake drill because no one is ready when the earthquake comes and to have assimilation of the earthquake preparedness among the students and the personnel," said DepEd Tacloban DRRM officer Ivannovich Agote.

In line with the celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month last July, DepEd also conducted simultaneous earthquake drills  which covered 15 central schools. The drills where carried out before the strong tremor hit Leyte  thus teachers and students applied their learning from the drills when disaster struck.

School committees have been leading the conduct of earthquake drills. They also mapped out evacuation plans and identify emergency exits.

Two big campuses in this city, the Leyte National High School (LNHS) and Rizal Central School (RCS), have activated their DRRM committees composed of teachers in charge of health, communication, and search and recovery.

"Our DRRM committees have been planning to hold different activities and preparations not only for earthquakes, but for other emergencies," said LNHS disaster preparedness head, Jenilyn Daya.

The two schools also conducted DRRM trainings for selected students. Participants completed the hazard mapping and assisted other students in terms of disaster preparedness and response. RCS officials asked learners   to bring whistles to make distress call during emergency situations.

The schools have their standard evaluation forms based on DepEd Memorandum No. 48 issued in 2012. The directive outlines the quarterly conduct of the National School-Based Earthquake and Fire Drills.

The DepEd Tacloban office vowed to monitor and evaluate contingency plans and the implementation of the DRRM activities in the campus level. (With reports by Angelica N. Royo,OJT/PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Aug. 7--New technology services have been started to be brought down in the communities of Bataan in an effort to  enhance the communications system between all the barangays, municipal, provincial and congressional leaders.

Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III  of the province's second district said that free celullar phones and two-way radios were provided to the 237 village chairmen to have faster communications especially in times of calamities.

Garcia said that  all 237 barangay chairmen were given a cellphone each while 111 village chairmen in the second district were handed two units each of  two-way radios or a total of 222 pieces.

The 126 barangay chairmen in the first district will also receive soon in a separate turnover from Congresswoman Geraldine Roman two units each of the two-way radios.

The cellphones came from the provincial government while the two-way radios were from the two congressmen.

"We are bringing the new technology in the barangays to have faster communications," Garcia said.

A messaging group chat will be in place for the speedy flow of information. The two-way radios will be connected to respective municipalities and the 1Bataan command center.

The program is under the Barangay Communication System and Development Center of Bataan envisioned by Governor Albert Garcia.

The congressman said the system will be two pronged with the provincial government sending vital warnings and information to the villages, especially in cases of calamities and vice-versa on the part of the barangays.

"This is great for us. The communications will be faster and this will be a big help in the barangay," Barangay Daan Pari chairman Luzviminda Ansa in Orion, Bataan said.

The cellphones under Plan 600 with Smart Communications are shouldered by the provincial government.  Bills in excess of P600 will be taken care off by the barangay.

So as not to overbill, Congressman Garcia advised village officials to refrain from using the internet but to use Viber which he said is free. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte, Aug. 7-- The Department of Education (DepEd) regional office here is stepping up efforts to sustain local banner projects highlighting the role of school leaders in carrying out basic education policy and principles in their campuses.

Jasmin Calzita, DepEd Eastern Visayas regional information officer, said that strengthening Project LEAD (Lead, Empower, and Achieve through Data- Driven Decisions) is needed after it was aunched late last year.

"The purpose of the regional banner project is to empower school leaders to achieve data driven decisions leading the schools to greater heights," Calzita said on Monday.

Earlier, the education department held a session on Legacy-Drive Leadership and a School Leaders' Congress joined by key education officials to intensify its call for school leader empowerment and to put premium on the capacity of the region's school leaders to achieve Project LEAD's goals. "Eventually this will create great schools in Eastern Visayas because they are empowered," Calzita added.

This project is a regional-initiated project in pursuance to Republic Act 9155 otherwise known as Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. The law highlights the role of school leaders in localizing basic education policy and principles into projects and services that would fit and address the needs of school community.

The DepEd launched the banner project on November 8, 2016 as part of the third commemoration of super typhoon "Yolanda".

DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico introduced the Project LEAD to inspire all the 13 school division superintendents and teams to cascade the same initiative in their respective divisions in order for the schools to come up with their own projects. (With reports by Alecxis L. Panganiban, OJT/PNA)



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PALO, Leyte, Aug. 7-- The Department of Education (DepEd) regional office here is stepping up efforts to sustain local banner projects highlighting the role of school leaders in carrying out basic education policy and principles in their campuses.

Jasmin Calzita, DepEd Eastern Visayas regional information officer, said that strengthening Project LEAD (Lead, Empower, and Achieve through Data- Driven Decisions) is needed after it was aunched late last year.

"The purpose of the regional banner project is to empower school leaders to achieve data driven decisions leading the schools to greater heights," Calzita said on Monday.

Earlier, the education department held a session on Legacy-Drive Leadership and a School Leaders' Congress joined by key education officials to intensify its call for school leader empowerment and to put premium on the capacity of the region's school leaders to achieve Project LEAD's goals. "Eventually this will create great schools in Eastern Visayas because they are empowered," Calzita added.

This project is a regional-initiated project in pursuance to Republic Act 9155 otherwise known as Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. The law highlights the role of school leaders in localizing basic education policy and principles into projects and services that would fit and address the needs of school community.

The DepEd launched the banner project on November 8, 2016 as part of the third commemoration of super typhoon "Yolanda".

DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico introduced the Project LEAD to inspire all the 13 school division superintendents and teams to cascade the same initiative in their respective divisions in order for the schools to come up with their own projects. (With reports by Alecxis L. Panganiban, OJT/PNA)



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