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By Ric V. Obedencio
The Freeman

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines â€" Three of the eight still unidentified robbers ransacked in broad daylight the Oro China Pawnshop and Jewelry and a nearby appliance center inside City Square along B. Inting Street in the city in lightning speed of about three minutes.

Police spot report, which did not name the owners of the pawnshop and the appliance center, said the heist took place at 9:10 a.m., or ten minutes after the stores’ usual opening for business.

The report however, as of presstime yesterday afternoon, did not mention how much was taken from the jewelry store although it stated that the robbers carted away pieces of jewelry that may amount to hundreds of thousands of pesos.

The robbers also took away P20,000 cash and the necklace of the appliance owner, said the report.

The police said three of the robbers barged into the jewelry store minutes after it opened at 9 a.m. and immediately started smashing with a hammer the showcase windows where the jewelries were displayed.

One of the two security guards was disarmed with his gun while the other guard who just came out from the comfort room gave a warning shot that prompted the robbers to run away together with five others who served as lookouts. They used three Honda XRM motorcycles parked nearby.

Minutes later, the city police received calls about the robbery but when they arrived at the scene, the robbers were already gone.

The report said the robbers, without any cover on their faces, operated like “professionals” because the heist was fast and accurate.

One of the three who actually did the dirty job at the jewelry shop tried to include the nearby appliance store and successfully extracted by force the P20,000 cash and necklace of the owner, said the report.

Police said the owner of the jewelry shop, who was in Cebu City at the time, was slated to come to Tagbilaran.

The progress of the hot pursuit operations hit a snag due to the refusal of the jewelry store personnel to provide the police of the password of the CCTV camera, police said. If the CCTV, mounted inside the shop, was immediately accessed, the police could have identified the robbers and ran after them.

Meanwhile, all possible exits, including seaports, are being sealed and monitored by the police. - THE FREEMAN

he who blinks first loses.

mura man ug naay plano ning tinan-awana!

Talk on heritage churches held in Bohol

   The University of Bohol played host to the talk entitled “Hidden Treasures: Spanishâ€"era Churches in the Philippines” last August 22, 2012 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The talk is organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Culture & Heritage unit and the Ortigas Foundation Inc. (OFI).

It focused on Filipino heritage churches built during the Spanish Period. These churches are featured in the traveling exhibit, dubbed, “Hidden Treasures: An Exhibit of Spanish-era Churches in the Philippines,” which is set to open in the Municipal Hall of the town of Maribojoc on August 23.

The churches are also featured in the book La Casa de Dios: The Legacy of Filipino-Hispanic Churches in the Philippines by Fr. Rene Javellana, SJ.

Beatriz Lalana, the main speaker of the talk, was one of the photographers of the heritage churches featured in the exhibit and in the book.

Dr. Jocelyn B. Gerra, executive director of RAFI Culture & Heritage, said that RAFI is glad with the partnership with OFI and the University of Bohol and hopes that the talk will be the start of more collaborative efforts between Bohol and Cebu that are working in the field of heritage.

Culture & Heritage, one of the focus areas of RAFI, aims to help communities understand, value and share their cultural identity with others. The foundation’s other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about the "Hidden Treasures" traveling exhibit and other programs of the RAFI Culture & Heritage Unit, please call 418-7234 local 703 and look for Florencio Moreño II.

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Country music star Marty Stuart was looking for a new guitar. Having found no guitar that fit just right, some too thick in the neck, some too round in the body, he commissioned Tim McKnight, a luthier from the Buckeye State, to assemble his ideal acoustic.

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It all started with a silver tube of red lipstick on my great grandmother's vanity. Ever since I can remember I have been passionate about skin care, obsessed with makeup and inspired by highlighting one's own natural beauty. Years of being asked to freelance for weddings and events led to my decision to become an Aesthetician and a Makeup Artist specializing in Bridal Makeup.

The Department of Health (DOH) Tuesday underscored the need for those who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS to get themselves tested to help curb the epidemic in the country.

Dr. Gerald Belimac, program manager of the DOH’s National AIDS/Sexuality Transmitted Infection Prevention and Control Program, said while many people are now being tested for the AIDS virus because of increased awareness, many more others resist the testing.

“Ang unang challenge ngayon why we cannot meet that, we still have lower number, small number of people undergoing HIV testing. Dapat mas mapataas pa natin yon. Kaya we are continuously encouraging the Filipinos particularly those who have risk of having unprotected sex with other men to come out in the open and undergo HIV testing,” he said.

He said at risk of contracting the virus are those who have partners that are infected; men who have unprotected sex with men and those who engage in unprotected hetero-sexual sex.

The next problem, Belimac said is when those who were diagnosed with HIV virus do not want to avail of the free anti-retroviral therapy (ARV) by the DOH.

The expert said this is unfortunate because the price of ARV is going down. The cost of ARV per patient is US$ 100 for a year.

Belimac said stigma is still the primary reason why infected individuals do not want to go to treatment hubs.

“The fear of being discovered that they are infected because people will give meaning to their infection, bading yan. Their sexuality will be discovered. Another reason is denial. They are not ready to accept they are infected already with HIV,” Belimac said.

The Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has vaccinated more than 100,000 dogs under its Accelerated Rabies Termination (ART) program.

PVO chief Dr. Silvino Teodosio said they have now vaccinated 105,402 dogs in the province which is equivalent to 40 percent of the estimated 263,505 total dog population.

He said they are nearing their target to vaccinate 184,453 or 70 percent of the dog population.

Teodosio said their accomplishment has been bolstered by the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates (BMG) Foundation that sent again vaccines to be used.

Likewise, the Iloilo provincial government and municipal governments gave their counterpart for the rabies elimination program.

On Sept. 26, during Iloilo's observance of the World Rabies Day in Leon town, the PVO has slated to hold massive vaccination as well as castration or staying of dogs as one of the activities.

China and the United States should further expand economic cooperation and boost bilateral trade and investment, resolve existing differences, and avoid interferences caused by politicizing economic issues, a Chinese official said here Tuesday.

In the face of profound changes in international economic conditions, rising global challenges and interdependence between countries, China and the United States need to maintain stable development in economic ties, said Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao.

The two countries should continue macroeconomic policy coordination and work together against trade protectionism, as well as expand common interests and create new space for future cooperation, Wang said while addressing the 2012 China-U.S. Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum.

China has been the fastest-growing market for U.S. exports for 11 straight years, according to Wang. In 2011, China's import volume from the U.S. reached 122.2 billion U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, contracted U.S. investment in China totalled 162.3 billion U.S. dollars by the end of last year, and direct investment from Chinese enterprises to the U.S. has exceeded 6 billion U.S. dollars, said Wang.

The Chinese and U.S. governments should work for a more fair and favorable commercial environment for enterprises from both sides, and China has always been upholding openness, sincerity and innovative concepts in promoting Sino-U.S. trade ties, he said.

by BBC News

Up to 6,000 jobs have been secured at Airbus's factory in Cheshire following a major order from Philippine Airlines.

The company makes wings for its aircraft at its plant at Broughton, near Chester.

It said the £4.5bn deal for 54 planes was unlikely to create any new jobs but would secure existing posts.

Philippine Airlines said the aircraft will be used on its domestic and regional routes in response to a growing demand in trade and tourism.

Airbus has recorded more than 1,200 orders for the various versions of the plane, with around 900 now flying with 90 operators throughout the world.

kadtong isa kay red label ang tirada. kini black label na gyud.

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By George Friedman | Aug. 28, 2012

Polish national strategy pivots around a single, existential issue: how to preserve its national identity and independence. Located on the oft-invaded North European Plain, Poland's existence is heavily susceptible to the moves of major Eurasian powers. Therefore, Polish history has been erratic, with Poland moving from independence -- even regional dominance -- to simply disappearing from the map, surviving only in language and memory before emerging once again.

For some countries, geopolitics is a marginal issue. Win or lose, life goes on. But for Poland, geopolitics is an existential issue; losing begets national catastrophe. Therefore, Poland's national strategy inevitably is designed with an underlying sense of fear and desperation. Nothing in Polish history would indicate that disaster is impossible.

PhilConstruct Visayas 2012 Show

Based on Article 55 of the Family Code of the Philippines:

Art. 55. A petition for legal separation may be filed on any of the following grounds:

    (1) Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner;

    (2) Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to change religious or political affiliation;

    (3) Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in prostitution, or connivance in such corruption or inducement;

    (4) Final judgment sentencing the respondent to imprisonment of more than six years, even if pardoned;

    (5) Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism of the respondent;

    (6) Lesbianism or homosexuality of the respondent;

    (7) Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or abroad;

    ( Sexual infidelity or perversion;

    (9) Attempt by the respondent against the life of the petitioner; or

    (10) Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without justifiable cause for more than one year.

For purposes of this Article, the term "child" shall include a child by nature or by adoption. (9a)

by Bohol Standard

“Australia practically has its fingertips all over developments in the province,” Gov. Edgar M. Chatto aptly described long time Australian and Bohol Government partnership as he welcomed to the province Australian Ambassador to the Philippines H. E. Bill Tweddell.

Tweddell was joined by Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Minister Counselor Octavia Borthwick.

The Aussie top officials visited the province to assess the implementation of the Australian Government’s current largest cooperation investment, the Philippines Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF).

In the stakeholders forum on the progress of road management reforms in Bohol, Tweddell commended leadership of Chatto and the strong multi-sectoral collaboration which he stated were instrumental in the positive impact and economic gains achieved from moving forward with the program, which goal is to help people overcome poverty through improved access to basic services and in Bohol’s case, also provide better network towards tourism sites.

AusAID Chief of Mission Borthwick also expressed enthusiasm of the Australian Government to continue and expand its projects in Bohol as it has been a constructive partner, sustaining and replicating technologies throughout the province.

Tweddell and Borthwick along with PRMF Provincial Coordinator Linda Paredes also turned over P2.8M worth of computing and engineering equipment as well as motorcycles to the Provincial Government during the forum which featured exhibits of Australian Government initiatives in Bohol.

The group then proceeded to Dauis for the inauguration of the Tinago-Biking/Tinago-Bingag Road. While in the province, Tweddell and Borthwick also found time to go to the San Isidro-Catigbian via Caimbang Road.

Chatto for his part said the Provincial Government’s decision to pursue and fully support the AusAID initiative has not only led to reforms in road but even more lasting institutional reforms as in real property tax collection, which eTRACS implementation has spread out in 31 LGUs and is set to expand further next year to 16 more municipalities.

Among provinces where PRMF is implemented, Bohol has been recognized as a leader in real property tax collection.

The long history of cooperation between the Australian Government and Bohol started in the 1990s under the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP), which provided small grants assistance to poor communities and groups. The Loboc Youth Ambassador Band, and the Abatan Cultural Collective are just some of the successful projects under the program.

Capacity development also included human resource interventions through the Philippines Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF), and local planning and funding economic opportunities under the Philippines-Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (PATSARRD).

Other notable AusAID assistance projects are Strengthening Implementation of Basic Education in Selected Provinces in Visayas (STRIVE), the Local Governance Development Program (LGDP) which revived the Bohol Integrated Area Development, and the Land Administration and Management Program (LAMP II), which greatly contributed to the success of LGU Maribojoc at the Galing Pook Awards with their LGU-Led Cadastral Survey / Simultaneous Systematic Adjudication Project.

Began in 2010, the PRMF is a 5 year initiative of AusAID in partnership with the Government of the Philippines through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which primary focus is on institutional reform, governance and capacity development to encourage local economic development and improve access to social services, markets and employment.

It specifically targets Provincial Government reform using gravel road rehabilitation and maintenance as the catalyst for systemic improvement in government services. It is currently implemented in the 7 provinces of Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Guimaras, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte, including Bohol and is set to expand in the provinces of Aklan, Davao del Norte and Lanao del Norte. (Leah/EDCOM)

Chicago corn, wheat and soybean futures all fell Monday, as traders worried about sluggish crop export demand and engaged in some profit taking.

The most active corn contract for December delivery fell 7.75 cents, or 0.96 percent, to close at 8.0075 dollars per bushel.

December wheat declined 7.25 cents, or 0.82 percent, to settle at 8.8125 dollars per bushel. November soybeans fell 12.75 cents, or 0.74 percent, to close at 17.1875 dollars per bushel.

Agricultural commodities all settled near the day's lows Monday, as some technical selling pulled the markets downward.

Traders took advantage of recent high grain prices due to this summer's drought conditions, and engaged in some profit taking.

Outside market forces were mixed, as the day saw weakness in crude oil and U.S. equities, but a lower dollar for most of the session.

This week's approach of tropical storm Isaac was seen by traders as largely mixed force, as the storms will bring much-needed precipitation to the current crops, but also potential damage due to the high winds.

Traders also continue to be concerned with low export demand for U.S. grains, as the high U.S. prices have recently driven buyers such as Egypt to markets like the Black Sea region and South America.

U.S. weekly crop inspections for all the grains were lower than those of the previous week.

Corn export inspections for the week ending Aug. 27 were estimated at 14.46 million bushels, down from 21.51 million bushels the previous week.

Wheat weekly export inspections were pegged at 18.88 million bushels, compared to 23.42 million bushels the previous week.

Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia announced on Tuesday that they have set up a network to push forward information sharing and training in fighting dengue.

The members of the network include Singapore's National Environment Agency, Malaysia's Health Ministry and Indonesia's Andalas University, the online edition of the Straits Times reported. The network may further expand to include other countries in the region.

The network UNITEDengue, was announced at the third Asia- Pacific Dengue Workshop held at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which gathered public health representatives from 24 countries and regions.

Andrew Tan, chief executive of the National Environment Agency, said the three countries with similar climates and ecologies share the same vulnerability to dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

Singapore is a tropical city state, and Malaysia and Indonesia also have hot and humid weather. The World Health Organization estimated that up to 70 percent of the 3.6 billion people at risk to dengue are in the Asia-Pacific region.

dili gyud pwede kay daghang sagoy mokombabit sa likod aron dili ka plete.

With a worsening public health situation in the U.S. state of Texas, cities in the northern part of the lone star state are stepping up efforts to educate people on the West Nile virus, which has so far infected 723 people with 30 deaths in the state.

According to local TV channel ABC13 on Monday, the Dallas County area has been the hardest hit, with about 300 cases of the virus and 11 deaths. Workers in the county are passing through neighborhoods to hand out educational materials, drain standing water and use larvicide in puddles.

Other communities in the suburb of the county are providing tablets to kill mosquito larvae and spread word about the mosquito-borne illness by using automated phone messages and social media.

"We absolutely must keep communicating with residents," said a Dallas city spokesman. "Even though aerial spraying has ceased, ground spraying will continue. But we have to keep the public education messages out there because there are still four to six weeks of mosquito season."

Dallas county has declared a public health emergency and carried out aerial sprayings as part of efforts to address the virus, which has infected more than 1,200 people and killed more than 40 of them across the United States so far this year.

The West Nile virus, which was first identified in Uganda in 1937, was first detected in the U.S. in 1999, and more than 30,000 people in the country have since been infected by the virus, which is a mosquito-borne illness that can lead to serious neurological disease in some cases, and its symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, nausea, dizziness and muscle weakness.

Commonly seen in temperate and tropical regions, the West Nile virus mainly infects birds, but is also known to infect human bodies mainly through mosquito biting. Scientists say about 80 percent of infections are symptomless. - pna

U.S. media giant Oprah Winfrey was named on Monday by Forbes Magazine as the highest-paid celebrity, topping the list of America's most powerful stars for four years in a row.

The talk show host-turned-media mogul has earned 165 million dollars between May 2011 and May 2012, representing a big drop of 125 million dollars from last year, but still enough to warrant a top place on the list of 20 most moneyed stars including film and television actors, musicians and creators.

Winfrey, who launched her media empire after ending her signature syndicated talk show last year, owns struggling cable network OWN, according to the magazine. She also runs three programs including Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray and The Dr. Oz Show, and a satellite radio station.

Director Michael Bay, helmsman on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" which is the third installment of the popular Transformer series, was No. 2 with 160 million dollars to his name. Bay bagged 1.1 billion dollars from the 3-D blockbuster hit in addition to profits from Transformer toys.

Ranking in third place is veteran film director and producer Steven Spielberg who has garnered 130 million dollars with a lion' s share coming from sales of his classic films. He is also helped by earnings from ticket sales at Universal Studios amusement parks, according to Forbes.

No. 4 slot is taken by Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of fantasy adventure film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," who has grossed 115 million dollars during the period. The epic, the fourth installment on the popular franchise, roped in 1.1 billion dollar from North America and foreign markets, representing the highest grossing film of the series.

Record producer Dr. Dre was fifth with 110 million dollars. This sum mainly comes from sales of his signature Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.

By Katherine Harbin

As U.S. politicians debate making cuts to health insurance programs like Medicare and the U.S. "baby boomer" generation approaches the retirement age, increasing attention is being paid to the U.S. health care for the elderly.

The United States has several safety net programs for senior citizens designed to provide them with a certain amount of financial security after retirement.

Financed by payroll taxes, which all Americans pay throughout their working years, government benefits for senior citizens have steadily increased since the implementation of the Social Security Act in 1935, which provided the states with grants for Old Age Assistance programs.

Thirty-five years later, the Social Security program was expanded with the 1965 creation of Medicare, a U.S. social insurance program designed to provide those over 65 with guaranteed government health insurance. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, 47 million Americans had Medicare health coverage in 2010.

Even with the benefits of the Social Security and Medicare programs, however, the cost of living is still high for U.S. senior citizens, and over time some retired persons may see their assets gradually decline to reach low-income levels.

It is at this point that senior citizens can also benefit from Medicaid, a program signed into law along with Medicare.

The Medicaid program provides health care to low-income Americans, and for senior citizens, it can also cover any leftover costs not covered by Medicare.

The U.S. Centers for the Medicare and Medicaid services estimated that there are approximately 9.2 million Americans who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

As U.S. senior citizens age, it is common for them to eventually move from a private home to an assisted living facility or nursing home, where they can be better cared for as their independence gradually declines.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2004 National Nursing Home Survey, 1.5 million Americans resided in one of the country's 16,100 nursing homes. The occupancy rate of U.S. nursing homes is 86 percent, with the average length of time since resident admission estimated at 835 days.

While Medicare covers hospital visits and general health coverage for the elderly, the program does not usually pay for care in nursing homes. According to the U.S. Medicare website, under limited conditions, Medicare will cover nursing home stays after a hospital stay of at least three days, and often with the nursing home residency only for short-term and rehabilitative purposes.

Instead, about half of nursing home residents pay for long-term care through their own personal savings. The cost of long-term nursing home care is substantial, with the U.S. median rate for a semi-private room pegged at 67,525 U.S. dollars per year, according to the Genworth 2010 Cost of Care survey.

The amount of money and demand for nursing homes and assisted living care has led to the creation of for-profit and non-profit facilities, with each varying in the cost and types of care offered. Both facilities can receive reimbursement from the U.S. government for any Medicare and Medicaid patients receiving care there.

At Chicago's Norwood Crossing, a non-profit assisted living center and nursing home, Marketing Director Peter Lim told Xinhua that about 70 percent of Norwood Crossing patients pay for facility care with personal funds, with the remaining 30 percent covered through Medicaid.

However, Lim said the Medicaid reimbursement often did not completely cover the true cost of care for many nursing home residents, and the Norwood Crossing has to set aside about one third of funds to cover the bills of the need-based Medicaid patients.

"No one has a crystal ball and can tell how long someone is going to live for, so as long as the individual who has applied has been approved (by Norwood Crossing), even after their assets have worn out we still take care of them," Lim said.

Lim said in the United States there were nursing homes that were funded entirely through private pay, facilities that were 100 percent need-based Medicaid, and ones like Norwood Crossing that were somewhere in between.

By Joan Santiago

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects a hike in the inflation rate for August 2012 due to the combined impact of the monsoon floods, higher utility rates and peso weakening but stressed that full-year outlook still points to manageable inflation.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., in a text message to reporters Tuesday, said rate of price increases for this month is projected to stay within 2.9-3.8 percent.

He explained that “our expectation is that, as in the past, price increases in selected vegetables and fish as a result of supply disruptions from natural calamities would be temporary.”

“Our assessment continues to be that average inflation for 2012 and 2013 would fall within the lower half of our target range over the policy horizon of three to five percent,” he said.

Inflation last July registered an uptick to 3.2 percent from month-ago’s 2.8 percent on account of higher inflation rate in all commodity groups except for clothing and footwear, health, transport, and education indices.

This brought to 3.1 percent the average inflation rate in the first seven months of the year.

Tetangco said monetary officials “will remain mindful of aggregate global demand developments, possible price pressures from volatilities in commodity prices, and the impact of shifts in capital flows on asset prices and the exchange rage.”

“We will make adjustments to policy stance and adopt prudential measures, as appropriate, to ensure that our inflation target is protected,” he added.

The central bank does not foresee inflation exceeding the three to five percent target until 2014 with the average inflation rate eyed to stay at the lower end of the target range.

This outlook enabled central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) to further cut the BSP’s policy rates to record-low level last July 26 to provide additional buffer against negative global developments.

ma-obsolete na diay ang MRT ug LRT ani.

by Associated Press

Apple Inc. on Monday gave a federal judge a list of eight Samsung Electronics Co. products it wants pulled from shelves and banned from the US market, including popular Galaxy model smartphones.

US District Judge Lucy Koh asked for the list after a jury in San Jose last week slammed Samsung with a $1.05 billion verdict , finding that the South Korean technology giant had "willfully" copied Apple's iPhone and iPad in creating and marketing the products. Samsung plans an appeal.

The products Apple wants out are all smartphones : Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S2 AT&T, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G, Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge and Galaxy Prevail.

BY MARK MERUEÃ'AS, GMA NEWS

Amid the public attention following her historic appointment as the country's first female top judge, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno declined media interviews, saying the Supreme Court (SC) must bring back its "golden days of dignified silence."

In her first official statement since ascending to the highest judicial post, Sereno acknowledged the media's "important role as a natural ally" for transparency.

However, she still declined media interviews to "minimize susceptibility to misinterpretation" of the high court's actions.

That policy is a marked difference from the relative accessibility of her predecessor. During his more than two-year stint as chief justice, Renato Corona occasionally gave interviews to the media, especially soon after his controversial appointment in 2010 by former President Gloria Arroyo and in the weeks leading up to his conviction and ouster last May by the Senate impeachment court. Corona had even attacked other justices in media interviews.

high-end humor.

Follow-up report:

Oro China, a famous jewelry chain in the Philippines, was robbed today. According to an unverified report, all the jewelry worth millions of pesos were taken away.

We just got an unverified report that a pawnshop located in City Square Tagbilaran was robbed today, August 28, 2012.

We will update you with more details later.

by PNA

Experts from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are now in Masbate City conducting an investigation on the plane crash involving a Piper Seneca private aircraft that killed Sec. Jesse Robredo and its two pilots last Aug. 18.

The group headed by aviation industry expert Capt. Amado Soliman belongs to the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board, according to a statement from the office of CAAP director William Hotchkiss.

Soliman’s panel, Hotchkiss said,is now scrutinizing every detail that could be gathered from the wreckage of the ill-fated six-seater twin-engine aircraft owned by the Aviatour Flight School based in Cebu.

The plane piloted by veteran pilot Capt. Jessup Bahinding and Nepalese student-pilot Kshitiz Chand was supposed to take Robredo home to Naga City when it reportedly developed an engine trouble minutes after take-off from the Mactan International Airport in Cebu and plunged into the sea off Masbate City.

The badly damaged body of the plane whose wreckage was retrieved by divers from the ocean floor with sea depth of 180 feet three days after the incident is now under safekeeping by the CAAP at the Moises Espinosa Memorial Domestic Airport in Masbate City.

The investigators hope to determine what triggered the plane crash by going over every detail of its flight, aircraft condition and air worthiness, Hotchkiss said.

Earlier, Sec. Mar Roxas of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has said Pres. Aquino has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident to find out if it was human error or technical problem that caused the incident which resulted to the loss of one of the most respected and admired members of his Cabinet.

Robredo’s body now lies in state at the Naga Cathedral awaiting cremation and burial set on Tuesday.

As part of the effort to boost the country’s $ 150-million leather goods export industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is now developing a tanning degreasing agent for animal skin to help manufacturers comply with world standards.

Dr. Nicomedes Eleazar, director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), said they are working closely with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for the development of improved tanning techniques for pig skin as leather material.

“The tanning process should replace the degreasing agent nonylphenol ethoxylate which is not easily degraded by the environment,” Eleazar said in a statement.

The project, dubbed as “Improvement of Processing Technology for Meat Skins from Selected Strains of Native Pigs,” will make use of paraffin and bile as potential replacement for nonylphenol ethoxylate.

“The replacements are natural materials that are more easily degraded in the environment,” he said.

Dr. Eduardo Torne, chief of BAI’s Animal Product Development Center (APDC) tannery and by-products, said the Philippines presently imports nonylphenol ethoxylates from Taiwan, China and other countries.

“This is at P220 per kilo. But the substitutes are cheaper,” Torne said.

Paraffin wax, which comes from animal fat, only costs P90 per kilo in the commercial market, and price drops to around P50 per kilo by bulk. Bile is also a cheap substitute since it is only a waste material from pork production.

“These are natural substances, so we can go organic with these degreasing agents,” Torne said.

Nonylphenol ethoxylatesâ€"surfactant mixtures used as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting and defoaming agentsâ€" presently have restrictions for commercial applications in Europe.

These substances are also banned in the United States, while Italy â€"recognized world’s shoe capitalâ€" has already stopped using nonylphenol ethoxylates.

“There’s a problem now on the acceptance of products in the European market. Even the US has also been looking for alternative degreasing agents,” Torne said.

The country’s search for a new degreasing agent is timely.

“We are always interested in innovations that displace our imports because that generates jobs. This work of APDC is also a way for us to shift to the use of raw materials that find harmony with nature,” Eleazar said.

The DA project aims to help small leather markers. There are only a fewâ€"five or sixâ€"large tannery in Valenzuela out of some 70 tanners. The rest of the tanneries are small, cottage-type enterprises.

The Tanners Association of the Philippines lists 51 members. Among the familiar member-brands are Otto, Gibi, and Bristol.

“We have many small tanneries, and they are who we want to help,” said Torne.

The APDC and BAI earlier been able to develop fish skin conversion into leather. This is now used by the industry which turns fish skins into bags, sandals, and wallets specially for designs and accents in leather.

In line with the pronouncement of Governor David “JayJay” Suarez that he is bent on making Quezon the country’s top coconut producing province anew, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) held a coconut forum at the Bulwagang Kalilayan here recently.

The event was participated in by hundreds of coco farmers from 30 municipalities and Lucena City.

Redempta dR. Querubin of the office of the provincial agriculturist, in compliance with the advocacy of the provincial government, said the forum tackled issues on coconut levy fund and plans and programs of OPA and the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC) toward further development of the coconut industry provincewide.

Querubin said that Suarez, in his state of the province address (SOPA) on Quezon Day last August 19, emphasized that, “In economic terms, the coconut industry is our comparative advantage over all the other provinces. No one is better than Quezon province in producing coconut. We were No. 1 once, and we will be No. 1 again,” Suarez told thousands of participants in the week-long celebration of “Niyogyugan Festival” (Araw ng Niyog) and 134th birthday of the late President Manuel L. Quezon), detailing achievements of his administration, including plans and programs in the days ahead.

The provincial governor said that as part of his effort to make the province first in coconut production, within two years of his administration, 200,000 coconut seedlings and 22,000 bags of salt fertilizer were given away for planting and replanting. The program focuses on the Coconut-Based Integrated Farming System, he said.

Suarez’s second SOPA kicked off the festivities featuring a host of activities highlighted by the agri-tourism trade fair at the Perez Park here.

The week-long celebration was graced by a multitude of guests coming from all over the province: city and municipal mayors, city and municipal vice mayors and councilors and representatives of various civic, religious and business organizations, government and private sector workers, senior citizens, farmers and fisherfolk, and thousands of high school and university students who are beneficiaries of the Suarez scholarship program.

“Walang imposible kung lahat tayo ay nagtutulungan at nagkakaisa. Ipinakita itong Lalawigan ng Quezon noong isagawa natin ang Quezon’s 2-in-1,” referring to the monumental planting of 2,680,620 coco seedlings and mangrove propagules in 167 coastal barangay in 34 towns in one day (based on data recorded by PG-ENRO) last June 30.

He expressed joy at the participation and support of around 35,000 Quezonians, young and old, towards the historic environmental endeavor, which is part of his administration’s environment advocacy and commitment he dubbed “Securing Quezon’s Future.”

“This is proof that there is indeed an unquestionable desire for us Quezonians to serve and to do what is right for Quezon Province,” the governor said.

According to Querubin, other topics tackled during the farmers’ forum were pests and diseases of coconut; improved coconut varieties; Coconut Preservation Act of 1995 (RA 8048) and trade and market development.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Quezon provincial office headed by Director Marcelina Alcantara on the other hand, discussed investment opportunities in the coconut industry.

Alcantara said coconut farmers in the province can earn additional income by pursuing the manufacture of different coco based products.

by PNA

Ten people have been hospitalized in Russia's Altai Territory over suspected exposure to anthrax, according to local emergency officials.

Earlier, officials reported that at least one person had died on Saturday from anthrax poisoning, while three others from the village of Druzhba were confirmed infected.

A total seven had been hospitalized for tests, officials said.

The victim became infected after handling the carcass of an infected cow. Doctors said he sought medical aid only a week after developing symptoms.

A total 32 people in the Altai Territory are belived to have come into contact with infected animals, all of which are under medical supervision, according to officials

Druzhba, population 740, was quarantined and vaccination ordered for all animals. Stray animals are also being killed to contain the outbreak.

Anthrax cannot be transmitted from one human to another, but can be transmitted from infected animals to people, usually when they handle or eat infected meat.

Davao to Kalibo and Puerto Princesa Promo Ticket

How Japan Deals With China

Officials of the Municipality of Cortes and Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) are open to a dialogue to keep alive the water deal that has been scuttled by the municipal government a year ago due to political infighting.

In separate interviews, Cortes Acting-Mayor Danilo Montero and Engr. Romeo Robles, BWUI general manager, both expressed willingness to save an agreement for the water utility company to tap the Ohan Spring in Barangay New Lourdes as new source for the growing consumers of BWUI.

It may be recalled that in July last year, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Cortes, then led by Montero, adopted a resolution revoking the authority it granted to Mayor Apolinaria Balistoy to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with BWUI for the water extraction deal.

The issue turned dormant until recently when BWUI requested New Lourdes Barangay Captain Cresenciano Cepe that they be allowed to conduct a public presentation with barangay residents as compliance to one of the requirements in their application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Cepe, in a separate interview, said he replied to BWUI’s letter-request, saying that the barangay council cannot allow the utility firm to conduct said public presentation citing the revocation of the MOA signed by Balistoy and the private company.

Balistoy, who had left the reins of the municipal government to Montero since May this year, has not yet returned from her official leave of absence and could not be reached for comment on the matter. According to Montero, his designation as officer-in-charge (OIC) is automatically extended until such time the mayor returns.

Montero said investors and developers are welcome in Cortes. Hence, he is not against BWUI’s plan to tap into one of the town’s water resources as long as it is correctly understood by the people, undergoes the processes required by law, environmentally sound and would economically benefit the town.

“The revocation of the MOA was our (SB) objection to the lack of transparency in the process. Balistoy signed the MOA without first consulting the SB and the barangay of the provisions of the agreement. There was no public consultation,” said Montero.

One of the contentious issues questioned by those who disputed the MOA is the purchase rate of 30-centavos per cubic meter to be paid by BWUI to the municipal government, which they view as “disadvantageous”. Cortes officials want the rate increased to 50-centavos per cubic meter.

“As long as BWUI will not bypass the processes, we welcome them again to negotiate with us - the SB, barangay New Lourdes officials and the public,” the acting-mayor added.

In the interview, Robles denied their company had been notified of the revocation nor was there any opposition to their request for a public presentation in New Lourdes.

“Only the courts can rescind the MOA, it has been executed and only an express agreement between the parties of the MOA can nullify the agreement,” Robles explained.

Robles refuted claims by Montero and Cepe that there was no consultation and transparency in coming up with the MOA.

“We made two presentations to the mayor (Balistoy), the municipal government’s executive committee and the SB members before we were able to formulate our proposal and eventually the terms of the MOA which was submitted to the mayor (Balistoy) for her signature. As far as BWUI is concerned, the MOA is authorized and approved. It stands,” Robles stressed.

However, when asked if they will insist on implementing their water rights in Omhon Spring, which the private utility company inherited from the former Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD), Robles said they are obliged to settle the issues with local officials first before proceeding with any construction activities at the project site.

Cepe, in the interview, said barangay folks and fellow officials were offended after hearing that BWUI has cited in their notice for presentation details of the project design after they have been, all the while, entertaining ideas to instead tap the tourism potential of Omhon Spring.

Robles added that if Balistoy and the SB had required their company to conduct a consultation with the barangay during the negotiation stage, they would have willingly complied. But no such condition was requested from them.

BWUI will not be able to meet the increasing consumption in their service areas unless a new source, aside from their existing groundwater wells in Tagbilaran and Corella, is tapped within the next two years, according to Robles.

The BWUI executive said they welcome the offer made by Montero that a joint session be called by the municipal council and the barangay officials of New Lourdes for the purpose, together with BWUI officials.

published by Bohol Standard

City Councilors John Geesnell “Baba” Yap and Anne Mariquit Oppus is set to formally announce their bid for mayor and vice mayor of Tagbilaran City, including a complete slate for the city council, a tandem people expect it difficult to beat.

A spokesman of Team Baba-Kit confirmed that both Yap and Oppus have decided to join the fray for the City Hall leadership in 2013, with or without the endorsement of major political parties.

According to the spokesman, Oppus has accepted Yap’s invitation to run as his vice mayor.

“The group will make the formal announcement very soon although we are already building our political base in all 15 barangays of the city,” the source said.

Team Baba-Kit likewise confirmed several of its bets for city councilor which includes, incumbent City Councilor Bebiano Inting, former congressman Adam Relson Jala, Joseph Bompat (son of City Councilor Edgar Bompat), Barangay Cogon Kagawad Jerry Pabe, Poblacion 2 Barangay Kagawad Dr. Allan Ricardo Real, Poblacion 3 Kagawad Salome Vitorillo, former Cogon kagawad Charles Cabalit, Tim Butalid and Eliezer Borja (brother of Councilor Edi Borja).

The team spokesman added that talks are ongoing with other aspirants for city councilor to fill the remaining slots in their ticket.

With several incumbent barangay captains and barangay kagawads already backing the candidacies of Yap and Oppus, the group aims to include a “public service oriented slate”.

published by Bohol Standard

For lawyer Agustinus Gonzaga, the pact has been made between him and former city vice mayor Jose Antonio Veloso to be running-mates in next year’s elections.

With the mayor â€" vice mayor tandem already settled, the question of clinching the official endorsement of the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) is likewise a “done deal”, so Gonzaga claims in an interview.

Gonzaga bared LP stalwarts here have given their blessings during a gathering at the residence of former city mayor Jose Torralba on Wednesday, to celebrate the birthday of City Councilor Alberta Torralba.

As Gonzaga disclosed in the interview, present were Gov. Edgar Chatto, First District Rep. Rene Relampagos and other local party officials.

He said there is an agreement in the LP hierarchy that nomination of local bets (official city and municipal candidates) is delegated to the provincial chairman (Chatto) and the district chairman (Relampagos).

“I don’t want to pre-empt them (Chatto and Relampagos) but I am confident of the likelihood that we (Gonzaga-Veloso tandem) will get the party nomination,” Gonzaga declared.

Based on Gonzaga’s statement, it is the prerogative of Gov. Chatto and Rep. Relampagos to issue certificates of nomination and acceptance (Cona) for their official candidates in Tagbilaran.

Gonzaga, who served as Tagbilaran city councilor in the early 80s, is brother-in-law of Relampagos while Veloso is also brother-in-law of Chatto.

Having worked as Senate staff of Sen. Franklin Drilon, LP national vice chairman, Gonzaga’s clout goes beyond the local scene. He is currently a staff of Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile.

Asked on what he thinks of other political groups also aspiring for the LP endorsement, Gonzaga refused to comment, but said he respects their plans.

He likewise indicated of maintaining a “friendly” and “open communication” with another mayoralty timbre, City Councilor John Geesnell Yap.

“In one of our meetings, he (Yap) expressed regret that he cannot back out from his plans of seeking the mayoralty and that nahinayak na siya,” Gonzaga further bared.

Gonzaga claims he and Veloso will present a “strong slate” in the May 2013 polls.

RENE’S FULL SUPPORT
Rep. Rene Relampagos ended speculations regarding whom he would be endorsing for city mayor and vice mayor in 2013 as he declared in an interview his “unequivocal” support to the Gonzaga-Veloso tandem.

Relampagos disclosed that in a meeting of all the key leaders of the administration’s local party coming from the 15 barangays of the city, there was unanimity among them all to give their all-out support for the victory of the Gonzaga-Veloso team up.

Relampagos said that what the city needs is a transition leader who is mature, has competent educational background, has the experience and has access to the present national leadership.

The solon said that Tagbilaran is very unfortunate to have lagged behind over the years. He added that the people of Tagbilaran need to capitalize on the fact that the governor and himself as first district representative have direct access to Malacañang and so for Tagbilaran to be propelled to more progress and development, the city needs a leader who can effectively work and relate with the governor and congressman to get funding for the city’s needed projects.

Relampagos foresees that under a Gonzaga-Veloso leadership in the city by 2013, a lot can be accomplished for the city insofar as addressing the different problems besetting it today is concerned.

COMPETENCE
Looking at his educational attainment, Dodong Gonzaga as he is fondly called by friends finished both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

After which, he attended a post graduate program at the Harvard Law School in the United States. For his professional experience, he was elected governor by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for Eastern Visayas. He also became IBP’s National Director, chairman of its National Legal Aid Management Committee and representative of its Legal Education committee. For his religious upbringing, he has membership to religious groups such as the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), since 1995; Couples for Christ, and Cursillos in Christianity (Rollista) in Bohol. He is also very active in socio-cultural activities as he is a former president of the Tagbilaran Association of Metro Manila Inc.; former vice president of the Bohol Association of Metro Manila Inc.; former president of the Bohol “Sandugo” Jaycees; former director of Philippine National Red Cross, Bohol Chapter and a member of Rotary Club of Makati Central.

Gonzaga was also an awardee of IBP’s Presidential Distinguished Service Award; Plaque of Recognition from the UP Law Alumni Association Class of 1972 and IBP’s Board of Governors Distinguished Service Award, to name a few.

With Gonzaga’s background, Relampagos said he is confident that he is the leader the city needs in its quest for good governance to maximize its potential for progress and development with the end in view of creating jobs and more economic and livelihood opportunities for Tagbilaranons.

VELOSO: SACRIFICE FOR CITY’S GOOD
In a separate interview, Veloso said his sliding down for vice mayor after expressing earlier an interest for mayorship is a “great sacrifice” to keep the strength of the group while consolidating with new forces.

Veloso’s move is also considered by their group’s allies as a wise choice to ensure victory and bring about the best transition at city hall with Gonzaga as chief executive and Veloso presiding over the legislature, which is the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Veloso admitted that it was not easy for him sliding down to vice mayor, a supreme decision perceived by many, especially his supporters, as a selfless personal and political act.

It was then even harder explaining and convincing his family, and staunch leaders to understand and support his decision.

While the tandem is formed to ensure victory, Veloso is himself convinced by the equal good motive, credibility and competence of Gonzaga to handle the city affairs in the crucial transition.

Different sectors have faith in the duo to cause positive reforms and restore city hall dignity, which have been both the crying demands of the constituents.

The probables for the Gonzaga-Veloso slate for councilors include prominent names who are perceived to be strong contenders.

In a recent meeting attended by Relampagos together with Gov. Chatto, Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, First District Board Members Cesar Tomas Lopez, Abeleon Damalerio and Benjie Arcamo, and former city mayor Jose Torralba, among others, a consensus was made on fielding the Gonzaga-Veloso tandem for the city mayoralty and vice mayoralty race.

Torralba said his wife, incumbent City Councilor Alberta Torralba, is seeking reelection in the Gonzaga-Veloso slate precisely because “this is the group of our governor, the group of our congressman, and this is our group.”

The former mayor has joined Gonzaga and Veloso in barangay rounds as the team-up is steadily gaining more grounds, wider acceptance and stronger support.

With the Gonzaga-Veloso merger, Relampagos hinted that next year’s poll for city mayor is going to look like a three-cornered fight.

Last-termer Mayor Dan Lim has openly pushed his US-based brother, Abraham “Abe” Lim, to succeed him while their nephew, Councilor “Baba” Yap, who is an incumbent first-termer councilor is also running for mayor.

Veloso is an alumnus of the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines and Development Academy of the Philippines.

Gonzaga is married to a sister of the congressman. He is also a brother-in-law of local retail giant Fred Ong of Bohol Quality, the latter’s wife being Gonzaga’s sister.

Veloso, on the other hand, is brother of the governor’s wife, Pureza Veloso-Chatto.

by Bohol Standard Weekly

Formerly known Dr. Graham Memorial Church, Inc., United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Tagbilaran City will celebrate its 103rd Church Anniversary on August 15-19 with a theme: “THE CHURCH CALLED TO DISCIPLESHIP OF SERVANTHOOD.” This year’s Guest Speaker is the UCCP General Secretary, Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza.

Activities include: Musical Recitals on Aug 15, Wed â€" 6:30 PM; Galilean Fellowship through simultaneous Zonal Bible Studies in 12 different area on Aug 16, Thurs â€" 7 pm; Inter-organizational Variety Show Contest on Aug 17, Fri â€" 7 pm; Running with Jesus, Ball Games, Novelty Games and Indoor Games on Aug 18, Sat; and Three Worship Celebration â€" 6am, 9am and 6pm, Booth Contest and Lunch Fellowship on Aug 19, Sun.

It may be recalled that UCCP-Tagbilaran is the First Protestant Church in Tagbilaran City with Rev. Dr. James A. Graham, a Scottish Citizen and Medical Doctor as its First Pastor. He was declared Adopted Son of Bohol on 1936 thru a Provincial Boad Resolution during the governorship of then President Carlos P. Garcia. He later on died on March 25, 1940 here in Tagbilaran City. Among its first elite members were Former Tagbilaran Mayor Don Lorenzo Torralba and Former Governor Don Fernando Rocha.

Other ministries and projects of the church are: Merne Graham Memorial School which offers Nursery to Elementary Education; Touch-A-Child Student Center in partnership with Compassion Philippines for the nurturing of indigent children to full Christian Maturity; Outreach Ministries in Cortes, Dauis and Panglao; and Grace Dormitory which offers accommodation for transients and students.

For the Schedule of Worship Services: On Sundays â€" 6 AM for the English Morning Service; 9 AM for the Cebuano Service and 6 PM for the English Vesper Service. Every last Sunday of the month by 2 PM is the Touch-A-Child Student Center Worship Service. Sunday School is by 8-9 AM and Midweek Service is every Wednesday at 6:30 PM. All Worship Services are conducted at the main sanctuary located at 61 C Gallares St., Tagbilaran City.

At present, the church is man by the following members of the Pastoral Team: Rev. George A. Lungay as Administrative Pastor, Rev. Ma. Concepcion T. Buscabus as Christian Education and Nurture (CEN) Pastor, Rev. Joromi Puracan as Christian Witness and Service (CWS) Pastor and Pastor Wella Hoyle as Youth Pastor.

By: Ven rebo Arigo

Dauisanons pin their hope for economic marvel on the firm effort of Gov. Edgar Chatto to materialize the long-fancied new Bohol airport project in neighbouring Panglao town.

They are bullish to capture immediate domino effect of the development that a modern airport of international standard can bring about considering alone the proximity of their place to the flight terminal in the nearby municipality.

Municipal officials led by Mayor Jaime Jimenez acknowledged Chatto’s already numerous contributions to their constituents’ welfare that they had him gracing on Wednesday, August 8, their first ever celebration of Foundation Day since Dauis became a town 292 years ago.

Grateful, they recalled that Chatto, while he was congressman, already included Dauis in the physical preparation for the now imminent fulfilment of the vision of a “world” airport in the yard of the Boholanos.

The then First District solon succeeded in totally improving and widening the road and the bridge from the junction of Tagbilaran City to Poblacion, Dauis and the causeway, along which is also a bridge, in Sitio Ubos, Poblacion 1 in the city to Totolan, Dauis.

Chatto had all these done while Jimenez was yet the vice mayor of then Mayor Luciano Bongalos.

Also in anticipation of the airport, Chatto had then authored in Congress the law nationalizing the circumferential road of Panglao island, which is comprised by the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao.

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III is determined to build and finish the new Bohol airport, an ambitious project that has been grounded in dream for over 20 years now until the latest sign of its ultimate flight to reality.

The new Bohol airport on Panglao island shall rise before the end of his term in 2016, the president clearly declared in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 this year.

His assurance was greeted with deafening applause inside the Congress where the governor himself and First District Rep. Rene Relampagos witnessed the president delivering his annual report.

Aquino’s commitment was regarded a diamond gift to the Boholanos who coincidentally celebrated the 158th birth anniversary of their province on July 22 or a day to the SONA.

The governor thanked the president as the new airport costing over P7 billion is projected to cause economic miracle in this island-province of the country.

The ambitious project has a whooping national allocation, but its main fund for full-scale implementation must be from the foreign Official Development Assistance (ODA) thru the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Its concrete implementation is pegged to start next year until its completion before the president’s term ends in 2016, according to Relampagos, who is a dependable Chatto ally helping pursue Bohol’s sustainable development agenda and in whose district the airport is situated.

After the president’s SONA, Chatto and Relampagos attended a highly important meeting arranged by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Sec. Mar Roxas.

Like their neighbour Panglaoanons, the Dauisanons expect more jobs, livelihood, income and other economic aspects that make them rise above life once the giant airport is fully done and operational.

Meanwhile, Dauisanons likewise thanked the governor for sustaining his support to the different projects, programs and concerns in the barangays even if he has to attend to the needs of the over 1,000 other barangays across the province.

By maternal blood, Chatto is himself a Dauisanon.

published by Bohol Standard

Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. ordered the municipal engineer to start the inspection of electrical wirings in all local business establishments early Monday morning.

Evasco reminded local government employees, during Monday’s flag ceremony, to be cautious of their surroundings - especially electrical connections in their own houses and in their barangays. He narrated how his own family survived the August 16, 1952 conflagration that razed down several houses and the town’s public market.

The municipal mayor shared what the fire victims went through after such a devastating incident that lost around P500,000 worth of houses and properties. Evasco recalled waking up to the fire that reached a neighboring house and how he and his family quickly ran for safety.

Engr. Raul Bernard A. Jabines was instructed to inform all business owners that an evaluation of their electrical wirings will be conducted by the Engineering Department of the local government soon after. Upon evaluation, recommendations will be made to which the business proprietor will be advised to heed.

The mayor was hopeful that with a pro-active initiative such as this, the town would continue to be safe from any untoward disasters, such as fires, that can be prevented if necessary precautions are observed.

By: Rey Anthony Chiu

Bohol police who could not make it as marksmen would be marked men.

Bohol police assistant regional director for operations PSSupt Louie Oppus and Police Provincial director Constantino Barot bared this warning to policemen during the inauguration of the new Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) firing range at the back of Camp Dagohoy Friday, August 10.

Speaking for Police Regional Director Marcelo Garbo who was in Manila, Oppus said the new firing range provides no more excuses for policemen in Bohol to fail marksmanship.

This new facility is intended to improve your skills in fire-arms handling and proficiency as the police hierarchy envisions all PNP personnel to have been trained in fire-arms proficiency by the end of the year, adds PSSupt Barot, in his message to police station commanders, gun club members and key police officers.

While he urged local police to use the new facility to better serve and protect the Boholanos and the province in general, he also said not getting as marksman has no excuses.

“There is now no reason, why you can not do it”, PSSupt Oppus said, as he added that the police organization has provided each provincial and city police offices reloading machines to assure sufficient supply of ammunitions for range practice.

He chided policemen who, upon a police test failed police marksmanship, saying that the new firing range would help police attain at least the marksman category.

He also shared that the police organizations has programmed that each police office will have been issued a Glock 9mm service pistol by the end of the year.

Police must get accustomed to his weapon, know when to shoot, where to hide and how to take care of your shots, he beamed.

He said police must strive to abide by the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), which puts up the shooters’ categories as novice, marksmen, sharpshooter, expert and masters.

At the ceremonies, Pssupt Barot led the ceremonial firing and was joined by police officers, gun club members, government officials and anti-crime supporters.

By Jelly M. Musico

MANILA, Aug. 26 (PNA) â€" The Philippines-Smart Gilas came from behind to upset taller USA five, 76-75, to win the 34th Jones Cup basketball championship on Sunday in Taipei.

Small but terrible LA Tenorio spearheaded the Filipinos’ huge rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter where he scored 11 of his 20 points.

The Americans opened the game with a 6-0 lead and went to the dugout for a halftime break with 34-23 lead despite Jeff Chan’s triple.

The Filipinos moved closer at 59-51 after the third period and relied on Tenorio-led 8-0 rally in the first two minutes in the final canto to tie the game 59-all.

Tenorio drilled in a floater to give the Philippines a 72-70 and wrapped his fourth quarter heroics with a jumper for the final count.

The USA failed to score in the remaining 16 seconds of the game with Chan teamed up with Tenorio for a finishing defensive touch to preserve the win, the Philippines’ seventh against only one defeat to bring home the championship.

Chan was fouled with 1.9 seconds to go but missed the first of his two foul shots. Coach Chot Reyes instructed Chan to intentionally missed the second to prevent the USA from setting for possible winning basket.

It was the first Jones Cup title since 1998. (PNA)

by Bohol Standard

For Board Member Abeleon Damalerio, it is accurate to say that it is a great challenge for parents to be able to sleep at night and to not worry about the health condition of their family members.

Equally daunting is that task of the father and mother of the province, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and Vice Gov. Concepcion O. Lim to sustain the well-being of the Boholano population. Admirable then are the efforts of the Provincial Government in prioritizing health in its agenda.

True to their commitment to provide access to quality health care, the Philhealth Team of the Provincial Government began distributing Membership Data Record (MDR) forms of those covered by the Special Universal Coverage Program.

Recognizing the crucial role that the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program plays in the attainment of universal health care, Bohol Province was the first in Central Visayas to lock in to another 2 years of health insurance service under the sponsored program of Philhealth.

Bohol was also one of the first few provinces in the country, and the first province in the Visayas to implement the National Health Insurance Program in 1999.

Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 mandates the provision of health insurance coverage and making certain affordable, acceptable, available and accessible health care services for all citizens of the Philippines.

In Talibon, for instance, where the first distribution took place, some 1,193 members were assembled at the town gym to enlist and be profiled by the medical personnel. According to Philhealth in charge, this process assures availment of primary care benefit package in addition to Philhealth benefits.

About a million Boholanos or 74.94% of the population in the province is currently covered by health insurance under Philhealth.

This week, MDR distributions were also held in the towns of Pilar, Albur, and Calape. In addition, Chatto along with Lim and members of the Provincial Board handed Botika sa Barangay kits, a health aid to outpatients program.

The Special Universal Coverage Program is a collaboration of the Office of the Governor, with the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, and Philhealth.

In a separate meeting with the Carmen Inter Local Health District, Chatto whose administration has put premium on health also discussed plans to bring to municipal level the national performance indices for health.

by Bohol Standard

DAUIS, Bohol â€" With one eye fixed on keeping at pace with the quick unraveling or eco-cultural tourism potential, Dauis leaders under Mayor Jaime Jimenez makes sure the town steps on the right foot to keep up and cash on the very first opportunity.

Asked for the top three programs his administration could well be credited, Mayor Jimenez said waterworks, peace and order and health and social services.

The three runs parallel to Bohol’s visions and the town smartly complements by using its resources to run in support of the provincial dream.

WATERWORKS REVAMPED

A town that truly buffers the spilling over tourists from Panglao beaches, Dauis sees that getting their water services better enhances their chances of luring investments that support the vision of maintaining the strong image of a town with its people fully relishing from the sweet fruits of tourism.

And putting its money where its mouth is, the town has spent more than P16 million to make sure that it can expand its water services not just to its remote sitios but to the bigger tourism investor who sees the beaches here comparable to the best in Panglao.

In an interview a day before the town opens its first Foundations days after 292 years, Mayor Jaime Jimenez agreed that they can not just wait for the city water utility service provider to tap the town’s houses with potable water, in their own time.

It is part of our pledge of service, adds a town legislator who confessed that making the SB do the necessary enabling support for the move came with very little snitches.

“There has been admittedly lack of water supply for the town and of the very meager that we have, we rested when a city water utility provider got into our town,” the mayor said.

When it was clear that Dauis was only an extended service for the water provider, we decided to look back at our older water pumping units and crafted a plan for its rehabilitation, said the legislator who wished to be incognito, fearing that his statements may be read as another political ploy to build up image on the incoming elections.

In its second revision of Dauis annual investment plan (AIP), the documents showed that maintenance and operational expenses for the town waterworks, in its revamp stage plus professional service fees amounted to little over P10 million.

The document, signed by Planning and Development Officer Ma. Mercedes Salinas and Budget Officer Samuel Penales, also showed that the town spent a little bit over P5 million for a lot and the eventual construction of a water reservoir, P120,00 more for the rehabilitation of the riser pipe and installation of service dropwires at pumping units 6 and 7 at Sitio Baliw, Biking.

The town also spent for the provision of a power house for pumping units 3, 6 and 7 in Catarman and installed submersible pump and power house at Sambag Gamay, Dao.

It also bankrolled for the revamp and relocation of main distribution lines from Union Poblacion to Mariveles and the secondary distribution lines from Catarman to Biking to a total of nearly P246,000, as to the revised Annual Investment Plan (AIP).

To make sure they have sustainable water supply drawn from its pumping units, Dauis also bought 3 units 5 HP 3-phase submersible pumps and electrical motor for the Catarman water sources, 1 unit 3 HP single-phase submersible and electric motor and 1 more unit 3 HP single phase booster pump for Sition Baliw, Biking.

The town bought 4 chlorinator units from April to June this year.

Another waterworks development is Dauis latest venture, this time in Bingag where a drilling and installation of a 3 HP submersible pump has cots the town P150,000.

PEACE AND ORDER

True to a town that hopes to lure more and more investors as well as tourists, Dauis local government leaders think keeping peace and order in town helps a lot.

But known to be a town largely influenced by city spill-overs, criminals come to Dauis to cool off and from this, local leaders realized they could insulate the town from criminals elements by forcing them to behave while in town.

Set in Panglao island and connected to the city by two land bridges, Dauis can easily isolate criminals by strategically putting up criminal choke points at the land bridges.

In its latest attempt to keep crimes low and criminals away from town, Dauis established two police outposts at entrance and exit points for the town, Mayor Jimenez shared.

We have also purchased some 20 units of licensed handheld radios for our anti-crime and disaster communication and mobilization support, including the installation of fixed wireless networks and closed circuit cameras with sensors to help us identify criminals and pounce on them, according to the mayor.

And to skip from the troubles caused by criminals disguised as scrap buyers, the mayor said the town has a workable ordinance that bans the conduct of the business of scrap here.

A visible street lighting project that eliminates all dark places in the towns main thoroughfares is starting and the town has made sure it contributes to the goal.

Of course, we would want the town to be a perfect place for tourists and we just have to make sure it happens so that they could come, the mayor said.

HEALTH, SANITATON AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Banking on its human capital and capitalizing on its location as its close proximity to Tagbilaran, Dauis has the utmost potential for the best workers.

And to assure that things are according to plan, the town has opened up a past vision and worked on it to make sure that our people are served with utmost care and medical attention.

The town put up some P300,000 for first aid and medical service including the provision of medicines and drugs, allocated some P5.2 million for medical service delivery, professional fees, P1.3 million for social services delivery and some P45,000 social enhancement of children, PWDs and senior citizens.

For the war veterans, Dauis spent 20,000 and paid some P194,000 in honoraria for its Barangay health Workers, records would prove.

The town also enrolled indigent constituents with its P.8 million Philhealth sa Masa.

Recently, the town also hired consultants and special technical services, including nurses to increase its health service record a notch higher.

With a ll these provided, the mayor urged his people to look back at the past in this rare opportunity and make sure this opens up the wellsprings of creativity and make a bright future for the town.

by Bohol Standard

Lawyer and former Councilor Augustinus “Dodong” Gonzaga has easily connected to the people even if he is yet at the kickstart of his bid for mayor of Tagbilaran City.

This is because he knows their genuine concerns and has no doubt in his ways of addressing them, according to analysts who see him fit for city hall’s top post.

“And there are solutions not presently applied but which can necessarily be done if one has only the foresight and will,” Gonzaga quipped.

In his sustained rounds “re-introducing” himself, Gonzaga would not miss a minute motivating the folk in the city’s 15 barangays to think of what they could contribute to Tagbilaran’s good because it would redound to no other but their welfare.

He promoted the involvement of the people because it is fundamental to transparent, consultative and accountable governance.

Gonzaga further advocated a leadership that knows administrative, social and environmental governance.

While people should have say in the administration of public affairs, their leaders must be sure of their programs for sustainability, he said.

The deaf incumbent administration accused the people of sounding like a broken record for repeating their demands for good roads.

Gonzaga said this only further legitimizes the call to fix the mess.

He heard of city investors securing permits from local government units outside Tagbilaran.

Gonzaga said this is disturbing since business and investment modify economy and, therefore, generate jobs and livelihood.

He offered a city government that is consultative with the business sector as he wants to treat the business community fairly.

The government is not intended to compete with the business sector as it is mandated to regulate and generate revenues which can be useful to improve roads, water services, garbage management, drainage system, etcetera, he said.

Also, Gonzaga recognized the need for health mapping in the city to be most effective in attending to the condition of the people, especially the lowliest who must have access to Philhealth services with city hall’s full support.

Because of his stunning familiarity with the pressing issues affecting the city and its constituency and his clear grasp how to address them, the other camps could only wrongly accuse him of being not a Tagbilaranon.

A city kagawad in the 80s and a consistent voter here, Gonzaga felt it would be so gravely unfair being misjudged.

“I should not be punished for my desire to share my experiences and learning and to serve and help my fellow Tagbilaranons,” Gonzaga appealed.

He said the city has long deserved positive transformations, which is a fact that now calls for who has the capability and vision equal to the tall order.

Candid as usual, Gonzaga foresaw a lucky city with Gov. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos supporting his development programs for Tagbilaran.

Between mere popularity and competence, Gonzaga preferred to give Tagbilaranons a good choice.

by Sunday Post

BILAR, Bohol â€" The men in uniform of the 2nd Special Forces based here are not only trained for combat operations but also in enhancing their competencies as an individual and the entire unit as a whole.

In his letter to Gov. Edgar Chatto, newly-installed SF commander Julius Tomines said that the training activity which ran from August 14-17, 2012 includes the officers and enlisted men of his force with the participation of some members of the Philippine National Police.

Among the expectations that the participants may gain from the Stakeholders Engagement Training include understanding of the risk of vulnerability of labor sector, youth and indigenous people to recruitment of the communist movement. They are also expected to acquire and put to practice the knowledge and skills in conflict management and the process on consensus-building and decision-making.

The 56 active participants are also expected to understand on the identification of different stakeholders, their roles, responsibilities and functions in the community; and acquire knowledge on creative and strategic solutions for complex problems and situations. Learning the process of community organizing as an effective tool in sustaining the community development is also a paramount for the trainee’s development.

Captain Nelson Boticario of the SF tackled the stakeholders’ engagement topic while Mr. Larry Pamugas discussed on community organizing. Engaging with the labor sector by Mr. Gerry Guidaben of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); youth sector subject matter by Stephen Bryan Bongcaras; Lecture on mediation by Ms. Carmelita Tecson, OIC of the provincial social welfare and development office; and Consensus building by Ms. Liza Quirog, head of the Social Economic environment management cluster of the governor’s office. Topics on negotiation, media sector by Mr. Rey Chiu of Philippine Information Agency and indigenous people’s concern were also undertaken.

Tomines expressed gratitude to the governor for “constant assistance and support” which he considers an “inspiring factors that cheers us to perform our duties with all our best to maintain and promote peace and development in Bohol”and the country. (RVO)

by Sunday Post and RVO

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol â€"The provinces of Albay and Bohol, no doubt, share a lot of things but the common of them all is tourism even as both have forged the economic partnership last week by signing a pact.

Both recognize that the economic partnership will “create larger and new markets, and would improve their economic efficiency and consumer welfare, enhancing the attractiveness and vibrancy of their markets, and expanding trade and investment not only between them but also in the region,” the pact pointed out.

They also stressed that tourism is an important industry for the economies of their respective provinces, and hence both would “cooperate in promoting and developing tourism in the provinces.”

Outspoken Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay and Gov. Edgar Chatto signed the said agreement that spells out various aspects of cooperation and development linkage to spur their respective economic targets during the meeting at Bohol Tropics Resort Club in this city. Their respective vice-governors ---- Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim for Bohol and Vice-Gov. Harold Imerial of Albay and their respective members of the provincial boards ----- also affixed their signatures as witnesses to the agreement.

The agreement aims to: liberalize and facilitate trade in goods and services between the Parties; increase investment opportunities and strengthen protection for investments and investment activities between the Parties; establish a framework for further cooperation and improvement of business environment; and create effective procedures for the implementation and operation of this Agreement.

Areas of concern in tourism are sharing/exchanging of tourism information and promotional materials; Tourists referral; Promote the Provinces of Albay and Bohol as tourist destinations; Promote the individual icon of each provinces which is Mayon Volcano for Albay and Chocolate Hills for Bohol; Exchange of local heritage, historical and culture; Participation in tourism festivals/activities conducted by both provinces; human resource development; and other areas of cooperation which the Parties deem important.

Under the sharing scheme of tourism information, activities such as: encouraging exchange of experts; exchange of information and promotional materials/brochures; provision of appropriate assistance for tourism promotion campaigns; provision of training to persons engaged in the tourism industry; and encouragement and facilitation of cooperation between private entities of the provinces are also being pursued.

Other areas of cooperation are also being tackled and given importance such as peace and security; information and communication technology, millennium development goals, employment, disaster risk reduction and climate change measures.

Both province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan were in full force including provincial board members Neil Montallana, Arnold Embestro, Ralph Andes, Herbert Borja, Ramon Alsua, Ma. Socorro Sambitan of Phil Councilors League, Joseph Philip Lee of Liga ng mga Barangay, Job B. Belen, Baby Glenda Bongao, and Ireneo T. Sales, all of Albay.

Their counterparts are Bohol senior board members Atty. Dionisio Balite and BMs Godofreda Tirol, Dr. Bienvenido Molina, Brigido Imboy, Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, Gerry Garcia, Romulo Cepedoza, Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, Atty. Benjie Arcamo, Crispina Vergara of Liga ng Barangay, Jethro Imboy of the Sangguniang Kabataan and Ramonito Torrefranca of the PCL-Bohol.

After his speech and prior to actual signing of the agreement, Gov. Salceda proposed for Sandugo-like arm-slit and toast and drank their wine before the audience during the occasion attended by all heads of offices of the provincial government, employees and other guests from Albay.

by Sunday Post

While big dams in Luzon are awash and still flooding some areas brought about by tropical storm landfall, irrigation dams in Bohol are drying up due to prolonged hot and dry weather and they need cloud-seeding to produce rain.

Cloud seeding is a “technique of stimulating or enhancing precipitation by distributing dry ice crystals or silver iodide particles over developing storm clouds in a specific area of the atmosphere.”

Gov. Edgar Chatto last Friday said in a weekly press conference appeared inclined to push through with the proposal of the NIA for rain-making through cloud seeding.

In a visit to Pilar town, some parts of waterbeds of Malinao Dam that is supposed to service almost 5,000 hecatres including those in nearby towns, are already exposed, creating island-like grounds.

But the scenario in Bayongan Dam in San Miguel town and Capayas Dam in Ubay town are still manageable, Engr. Olimpio Galagala, regional head of engineering division, said in interview. These two big dams (Bayongan and Capayas) serve as big catchment for rain with no major river as main source unlike Malinao Dam.

The hot and dry weather have taken toll to rice seedlings already planted in some rain-fed paddies that bore cracks in some parts of Sierra-Bullones town due to absence of rain for past few weeks.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has moved fast to save those planted rice farms from further ruin by proposing cloud seeding activity, Galagala said.

He said that NIA together with other agencies plans to launch cloud-seeding somewhere in the Malinao Dam area for the needed rain..

He said that NIA regional director Diosdado Rosales based here has urged the provincial government for help to cause the proposal apparently to rescue farmers whose rice farms might be at high risks.

He said that NIA’s target of some 3,500 has., only 3,100 has. have been planted watered by Malinao dam.

Right now NIA is monitoring the water level of Malinao Dam. It has now becoming “critical” since it is already below the normal of 152 meters. The latest of this (water level) is somewhere 146 and 148 meters. When it goes down further to the level of 146 it would be critical situation, Galagala said.

“China used cloud seeding in Beijing just before the 2008 Olympic Games in order to clear the air of pollution, but there are disputes regarding the Chinese claims.” Wikipedia said. (RVO)

published by Sunday Post

JAGNA â€" A tropical disturbance known in the dialect as buhawi devastated four coastal barangays mid-morning Friday in this municipality leaving in its wake toppled houses, rip-off coconut trees and damaged bancas and motorized boats lined up in the shoreline. Packing strong winds accompanied by a big volume of rainwater, the twister lashed at barangays Can-upao, Bunga Mar, Cantagay and Ipil when it hit landfall, leaving damage to property placed at P1.3 million. According to eyewitnesses accounts, as the whirlwind hit the seashore, coastal residents ran to different directions to seek cover.

As the howler get lost in the open sea, the sight of toppled houses, uprooted coconut trees while several others were cut in half was what greeted curious residents who returned to their homes after the weather disturbance dissipated. Bancas secured in the shoreline due to the monsoon winds were also smashed by the whirlwind as it hit the devastated area. With the devastation catching the town by surprise, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council led by the town’s Mayor Fortunato R. Abrenilla and Vice Mayor Exuperio Lloren immediately responded to the call for help of the affected families. The two officials swung into action to extend assistance to those affected by the twister. Right after the buhawi or “ipo-ipo” as it is known in the town dissipated into the sea, damage assessments came under way. Tarsier, the province’s quick response team helped the local quick response team of the JEMRU and Bureau of Fire Protection in restoring order amidst the chaos.

MDRRMC’s Engr. Gerry Araneta reported as of 7:00 PM, July 27 that a total of 43 families in barangay Can-upao, 43 families in Bunga Mar; two families in Cantagay and a family in Ipil were affected. Three houses totally damaged (uprooted) in barangay Can-upao according to punong barangay Edcel Tutor and the rest were partially damaged with roofs and walls blown away.. A house was struck by two fallen coconut trees ploughed by the “ipo-ipo”. Trees and plants were uprooted. The “ipo-ipo” ploughed the coast of barangay. Bunga Mar partially damaging a total of 18 motorized and non-motorized bancas. Total damage to property as estimated by the MDRRMC was approximately P1.3 million. No casualty was reported as well as any missing person. The MDRRMC gave relief goods to the affected residents at around 4:30PM at barangays Can-upao and Bunga Mar. Governor Edgar Chatto and Vice Governor Concepcion Lim came to Can-upao ang Bunga Mar to give the province’s initial assistance. Together with them are officers of the PSWD led by Ms. Carmelita Tecson and Ms. Papiasa Bustrillos from the DSWD. Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla personally thanked the governor and vice governor for their quick assistance as well as their visit. According to Mayor Abrenilla , the presence of Capitol officials assuaged the sadness felt by the affected families. Some of the affected families said that the experience was fearsome but it left a challenge to continue to strive and hope for the betterment of their families.

FASTEST RESPONSE

“Grabe jud kapaspas ang tubag sa probinsya sa nahitabo namong kalamidad. Belib jud mi ni Gob. Chatto ug sa iyang mga kaubanan! Wala abti’g dugay ning-abot dayon ang ayuda para sa katawhan.” (“The response from the Provincial Government was so fast. We salute Gov. Chatto and his team! It didn’t take long for the people’s aid to arrive.” Thus recounted some victims of the “buhawi” that hit four barangays in Jagna just before noon Friday. The barangays hit were Cantagay, Can-upao, Ipil and Bunga Mar where houses or part of them were uprooted and toppled by the “buhawi” in other places and debris could be seen almost everywhere. Thirteen pump boats from Bunga Mar were even “lifted up” by the tornado and then forcefully thrown which made some of them impossible to fix. Barangays Can-upao and Bunga Mar had 42 and 43 affected families respectively; while both Ipil and Cantagay had two families each. Gov. Chatto, Vice-Gov. Lim, Mayor Abrenilla and the whole Team Bohol wasted no time in getting together all the necessary mechanisms to bring the needed help to the people of Jagna.

It was already steadily raining early Friday morning but no one expected what would have happened to Jagna. “We were traveling along the highway when we noticed that some parts of Garcia-Hernandez were already flooded,” recounted the governor. “I then received a text message that a ‘buhawi’ just hit Jagna which prompted me to immediately call TaRSIER 117.” TaRSIER 117 is the province’s Quick Response Unit (QRU), equivalent to America’s 911. TaRSIER stands for Telephone and Radio Systems Integrated Emergency Response headed by Provincial Administrator Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Operations Officer. Mita Tecson, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, also told of how she came to know of the calamity. “I was having my lunch when Gov. Chatto called me up and told me of the incident. Me and my staff wasted no time in responding to the governor’s call. At one o’clock that afternoon, just an hour after the governor called, we were all set to go to Jagna to see the damage for ourselves so we could assess the situation and know what the people really needed.”

“I was really shocked when I saw the damage,” Tecson admitted. “I even saw a whole tree uprooted and dumped several meters away from the place where it was originally situated.” Gov. Chatto had fifteen appointments that day but he immediately cancelled several of them so he could attend to the people’s needs, personally distributing goods to Jagnaoanons. This is only the first part of our aid though,” Chatto said. “More would come when we have completely assessed the situation,” he assured the people. Gov. Chatto heartily thanked those who immediately responded to his plea for help: “the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), TaRSIER 117, and of course, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jagna and all those who, in one way or another contributed in easing the burden of the victims.” “We are here because of the people,” Chatto continued. “And we are here to serve, not be served. The Chatto-Lim Administration is just giving back to the people what they deserve and what they should get from us, all public servants through and through,” Chatto emotionally said, still disbelieving of what happened to Jagna just in the wink of an eye, but determined to even the odds so those affected could stand again. (jlv/EDCom)

by Sunday Post

Most part of the city will burst with sights and sounds this afternoon as the yearly ‘mardi gras’ known as Sandugo festival takes to the streets for the street dancing competition featuring six contingents.  Rhythm and rhymes of the music, colorful costumes and active participation of at least six contingents earlier announced in the three-kilometer parade from tourist city seaport will certainly dominate the city and conclude the month-long Sandugo commemoration this year.  Also invited to grace the big event is Senator Chiz Escudero as guest of honor.

TV and movie personalities are also expected to do entertainment numbers during the program at Pres. Carlos P. Garcia sports complex, including actress Agot Isidro, Miss World Philippines Miss Anna Maris Igpit, GMA’s Kapuso’s stars like PBA’s icon Benjie Paras, Raymund Bagatsing, Jean Garcia, Allen Richards, Lucho Ayala and comedians Moymoy Palaboy.  Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 Idy Caseñas Cagas and her royal court are expected to be on the float for the grand parade today.

The diminishing productivity in terms of the number of street dance contingents seemed to be the order of the day since Carmen town, the grand champion of last year’s street dance contest, won’t participate in the mardi gras race. In an interview with the media, Mayor Conchita "Che" de los Reyes, who attended the change of command of the Special Forces in Bilar, said that her group of dancers will defer this year their participation. Asked why, she said, she would give chance to other participants to show their wares. 

The move of Carmen not to take part in this year’s street dance race would give prospects to Catigbian and HNU, last year’s second and third runners-up, respectively, to make it this year.  This year’s hopefuls are the Holy Name University (HNU), Bohol Island State University (BISU-Candijay), Immaculate Mary Academy of Catigbian town, local government units of Ubay and Garcia-Hernandez.  Top-notch contingents of Dauis, Maribojoc, Dr. Cecilio Putong High School, Tagbilaran City High, Baclayon and Manga High schools, which actively joined in 2011, will not see action today.

Asked why the short list of competitors this year, the Bohol Sandugo Foundation street dance organizers said that a lot of supposed contingents which used to take part declined because of the preparation for the new K to 12 curriculum since most of the participants are school students or teachers. The foundation organizers did not name who were those who won’t participate this year, saying that a hefty amount as assistance provided by the foundation for their practice and incidental expenses were returned. 

Street dancing and reenactment of the Blood Compact were organized sometime in 1980s to pay tribute to native chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi who forged the first recorded treaty of friendship known as “Sandugo” but they had since been scrapped for reasons only known to previous organizers. This year’s champion will bring home P200,000 as the top prize while the first runner up will pocket P150,000. The second runner up will be given P100,000 while non-winning contingents receive P30,000 each. (With reports from RVO)

by Sunday Post

With his brother out of the political arena because his term is ending, will another sibling be far behind? What difference does it make if a brother will fill in the vacated seat? No problem if the choice of the political party is the same as that of the incumbent city councilor. What if it will be a different party? There goes the problem of City Councilor Leonides Borja whose sibling Eliezer is eyeing a council seat presumably to fill in his slot. An advocate of power sector workers’ welfare, this Borja used to work as an executive of the defunct National Power Corp.

The party factor in the elder Borja’s bid in the Sangguniang Panglungsod is factored in the equation after it was reported that the incumbent was suspected of already sleeping with the enemies of City Mayor Dan Neri Lim. Although said in jest, Mayor Lim is too frank in calling Edi, once his fair-haired boy, as point five. Whatever that means, jaded political observers, took it to mean that Edi’s loyalty to the Lim camp was already put in a cloud of doubt. Borja, 53, is an older brother of last-termer Councilor Borja. The councilor is in his third term or ninth year in the SP after then serving his first three terms or nine years in the same legislature. In other words, he is already actually in his 18th year in the city council.

Each term has three years and a kagawad is allowed by law to serve an uninterrupted maximum of three terms or nine years only, after which an interval of another three years or one term has to elapse before he will qualify to run again for the same seat. While he advocates a healthy legislative-executive relation, Borja (Ondoy) said he will ensure that his works in the SP address the many pressing concerns outside the walls of city hall and directly affecting the people.

The city council hopeful said these are concerns on the improvement of the roads and services of the city waterworks system, among others. Borja batted for investment-friendly policies because the government has to assist and not compete with the business sector, a source of jobs and livelihood. Honed to diplomatic ways in securing with the management the welfare of his fellow workers in his NPC days, Borja is confident to apply his experience and learning in championing the welfare of the city government employees. Borja had studied at the Holy Name University and University of Bohol, where he finished his electrical engineering. He first dreamt to be a doctor. He has never become a medical professional, but Borja is likewise driven by his vision to legislate for people’s health.(Ven rebo Arigo)

by Sunday Post

For Bohol patients, financial services courtesy of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) are soon available at their doorstep. It used to be that PCSO assistance is only available in Manila or Cebu entailing of lot of expenses adding more burden to the helpless patients. Not anymore.

Due to insistent lobbying of Gov. Edgar Chatto, a PCSO branch will soon be open here allowing Boholanos the opportunity of availing the services of the charity organization.

According to a Capitol press release, even those who have to undergo critical surgeries in hospitals already outside Bohol as in Cebu or Manila can get prior clearance from the local PCSO office for necessary assistance, the governor said. The local PCSO office occupies the former Bohol Tourism Office (BTO) beside the Philippine Gift of Life at the provincial Capitol complex.

Two widely beneficial charity works of the PCSO are its Endowment Fund Program (EFP) and Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP). During the Kita ug Ang Gobernador live broadcast on Friday, Chatto announced the granting of PCSO endowment funds to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, province-run district hospital in Jagna and an infirmary in Dimiao.

The Endowment Fund Program (EFP) of the PCSO allocates funding assistance to government and private hospitals for the indigent patients who are in need of medical care, medicines, drugs, medical and surgical supplies, and diagnostic procedures for the management and treatment of illnesses.

It specifically enables charity patients to medicines, drugs, medical supplies, inplants, blood, and diagnostic and laboratory procedures. Under PCSO’s IMAP, medical assistance is given to individual patients through the issuance of guarantee letters to hospitals where the patients are confined.

A guarantee letter is a certification issued to hospitals for a particular charity patient under the program, in which the PCSO assumes the obligation of settling the cost of hospitalization, including medicines, medical, surgical or blood supplies, and diagnostic procedures.

Specifically, this program provides assistance for hospitalization expenses, laboratory procedures, and purchase of medicines, chemo drugs, dialysis solutions, antibiotics, implants, devices and other medical needs. The governor thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim for totally supporting the move finally bringing in a PCSO service office here.

The activity on Tuesday, July 31, will initially be a soft opening of the PCSO office while the grand opening is set in September with no less than PCSO Chair Margarita Juico gracing the affair. The office will be initially manned by PCSO personnel from the Cebu while local staff are hired and trained for permanent manpower. Access to health care for all is a bedrock program of the Chatto administration. (Ven rebo Arigo)

published by Sunday Post

Was it a case of confusion or out of respect of the court of law?

This surfaced during the meeting of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan convened as Committee of a Whole last week at the Capitol purportedly to tackle the alleged illegal cutting of acacia case involving former Dauis mayor Victor Bolos following the prosecution’s order for the respondents and the complainants to appear before the office next month. 

The committee decided not to discuss anymore the case filed by the DENR through Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) headed by Eusalem Quiwag against Bolos after SP secretary Bonifacio Quirog informed the committee of a prosecution subpoena issued by the Provincial Prosecution Office.

The provincial board was informed that the prosecution office ordered the complainant and the respondent for preliminary inquiry.  When sought for comments, Provincial Legal Officer John Mitchell Boiser told the committee meeting that it would be better to “freeze” the SP’s investigation in aid-of-legislation over the acacia case with no time frame being set. Boiser’s advice was taken at face value by the hearing committee composed of presiding officer Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim, senior Board Member Dionisio Balite, and Board Members Abeleon Damalerio, Romulo Cepedoza, Brigido Imboy and Cesar Tomas Lopez. Their attendance failed to muster a quorum of the committee as a whole because it needs eight members.

In separate interview after the meeting, Boiser expressed elation that his advice to the committee was heeded because what might the Special Forces’ testimonies about its role in transporting an alleged illegal cut acacia which is an important material in the case. He said that it’s hard to delineate facts from what might be the SF’s testimonies. The probability of calling SF to testify when necessary is not remote, he added. 

Balite’s privilege speech on illegally cut acacia species prompted the committee to call for the committee hearing that invited the Special Forces (SF) of the Philippine Army. It appears there was “blatant” violations on rules/regulations of the DENR and the absence of a permit to cut trees and neither permit to transport the cut trees lumber form,” Balite said in his speech. 

The Special Forces (SF) officers could have divulged why its military truck was used in transporting the alleged illegally cut acacia species from Sikatuna town and brought to Dauis town, where Bolos presently resides. Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, outgoing commanding officer of the SF battalion Capt. Elmer Namocat, the officer who authorized the use of the military truck for civilian use.

The SF officers were invited by the committee presided over by Vice-Gov. Lim to shed light on the controversial issue of an acacia tree, an endangered specie.  He explained that his men are always there to help not knowing that they were caught in a controversy, he told the audience during the change of command in Bilar last week. But what prompted SF to extend help because they were told that the cut trees were intended for the school chairs, he said. He appealed to the public to leave them as a non-partisan group without any political leaning.

“Hold in abeyance” Also, the provincial board has held in abeyance the inquiry in aid-of-legislation into the alleged drug trade at the Bohol District Jail (BDJ), formerly Bohol Detention and Rehab Center, now run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) led by warden Richard Laure, who was invited by the committee. 

The move was prompted by an inquiry already undertaken by the PLO led by Boiser. PLO was tasked by the governor to undertake the probe into the drug trade but has yet to complete its findings. Boiser told the media that he asked for ample time until early next month to complete its task. Boiser’s investigating body was instrumental in the findings of what transpired in the escape of three BDJ inmates. Two of the inmates were killed during the hot pursuit operations.

by Sunday Post

“Working like a dog” in the past two years for the people of third district, Rep. Arthur Yap poises as the toughest candidate to challenge in 2013 after delivering a flawless stint. In desperation to topple Yap’s political stronghold in the 19 towns of third district, aspiring challengers is left with no choice but to resort to lies in a well-packaged black propaganda. After failing to spot any flaw in Yap’s stint of service to the people of third district, the challenger had to recycle issues that had already been answered years ago. In fact, Yap had no direct involvement in the issues on rice importation; while the issue hurled against the contract to procure state-of-the-art multifunctional ice- making machines intended to benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers had already been answered by then National Agribusiness Corp.  spokesperson, Lawyer Kathyrin Pioquinto even in 2010 yet.

For freelancers from Loon and a colleague in another town identified with politicians interested to dethrone Yap in the third district to delve on the issues now, the motive is obviously not to protect the people from corruption because there has never been corruption traced in the deal. For these freelancers, who never get interested on the issue when it first cropped up, to suddenly become interested, the obvious motive is to create a crack in Yap’s smooth-sailing brand of public service that benefitted all the constituents in the third district of Bohol. “Moving on to get Yap’s position, as a way to political advancement is selfish motive to linger in politics and not to serve the people, for how could a conscientious person exert efforts to create a crack on a smooth-sailing and corruption-free stint of a neophyte congressman,” this is the consolidated reaction of Yap’s supporters after reading write-ups on unfounded issues recently published in a local tabloid. Yap, for his part, called on the people to carefully discern the truth and the lies in the articles manufactured by political opponents who are interested on his position despite the clamor of the constituents of third district to retain him as their representative to the Congress.

RECYCLED ISSUE

A recycled issue, but a good topic to get attention. Some freelancers might have thought the rice importation issue works this way. Indeed, it caught attention, but only to make the public realize that the freelancer had been short of research. Yap had been blamed by freelancers, who are not even privy on the issue, in what had been indirectly concluded as over-importation of rice years ago as the reason for tons of rice rotting in the NFA warehouses. However, they overlooked that Congressman Yap had already answered that particular issue right after the 2010 SONA when the same issue was raised. Short of research, the detractors also failed to elaborate that the volume of rice to be imported is not solely decided by the secretary of agriculture. It is actually decided upon by an inter-agency committee composed of heads of the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Land Bank of the Philippines, and private sector representatives.

These officials, obviously, has no stake in the 3 rd district congressional derby. It must be the reason that the detractors never dragged them on the issue. From the point of view of lawyers reacting to the topic, Congressman Yap can no longer be made to comment on the current status of rice importation, since the former agriculture secretary has “no access on government data used for rice importation during the last two years”. It would only be highly speculative and it will just add to the confusion, if he would be asked to explain on issues that he never had any involvement. “In fact, this issue had already been dwarfed by the latest report on the biggest haul of 42-million-peso worth of smuggled rice from Vietnam and earlier the 420,000 bags of smuggled rice from India worth 500 million pesos, both at the port of Subic. These had been recently intercepted by the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Subic,” according to one of the lawyers reacting on the issue.

She said, the detractors should have researched further to prove knowledgeable and credible, especially that these freelancers only pop up at the atmosphere of rivalry among politicians. A full stock knowledge could have made the detractors believable, instead of sounding like trying hard know-it-all opinion makers, especially when they implied that Loboc is zero poverty-incidence level as the reason that there is no recipient of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the town, according to the reactor. In this case, the DSWD should show facts and figures to prove that Loboc is zero poverty; because early this year, a tragedy hitting a poor family from Loboc touched the heart of the governor. The story on the gruesome killing of a lass from Loboc is in the newspapers.

FREEZER ISSUE WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE

The desperate politicians behind the resurrection of this recycled issue forgot that the local government unit of Loon had even adopted the technology which is now benefitting the fisherfolk in storing their catch. It had been put on record also that during one of the consultative meetings of the governor with officials of coastal towns and stakeholders in the fishing industry in the effort to solve the high prices of fish in the province, Loon Mayor Lloyd Lopez and other mayors expressed interest on the state-of-the-art multifunctional ice-making machines. Moreover, then National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) spokesperson Kathyrin Pioquinto had already pointed out a few years ago that the issue against the state-of-the-art multifunctional ice-making machines had just been raised by some groups to gain publicity and national attention in a run-up to the 2010 elections in the guise of ideology. It had also been found out years ago yet that the issue had just been fabricated. In fact, Pioquinto already pointed out in 2010 yet that these schemers are “like comparing apples and oranges” in comparing conventional ice making machines now used in the country with the cutting-edge equipment to be supplied by the winning bidderâ€"Refrigeration System and Services, Inc.  (IRSSI)â€"that are multifunctional, mobile, ecology-friendly and cost-efficient freezers using the revolutionary brine immersion freezing (BIF) and liquid quick freeze (LQF) technologies.

One of the press releases of DA even quoted Pioquinto as explaining that the superb features of these IRRS equipment utilizing the revolutionary technology allows people to instantly freeze and preserve the quality and freshness of agricultural produce for as long as six months to a year. Moreover, there has been no overpricing involved and the public bidding done by the Nabcor’s Bidding and Awards Committee (BAC) then was in conformity with all rules and regulations as provided by law. “And because there is no overpricing or bid rigging, then there is no ground whatsoever for the plunder charge,” Pioquinto even pointed out that time. Unlike conventional ice-making machines, she said the technology provided by IRSSI can store agricultural produce like fish, meat, non-leafy vegetables and fruits in Styrofoam boxes for two to three days without ice, with the quality and freshness of these commodities remaining the same as during the day these were caught or harvested and then frozen through the LQF method. If these commodities are placed inside standard refrigerators or freezers after being frozen in BIF freezers, these can last from six months up to one year and still preserve the quality of these goods, she said.

Taking off from existing US and Japanese technology, a Filipino inventorâ€"Hernando Decenaâ€"is behind this new invention. This postharvest program had been intended to “not only further raise farm yields, but also increase the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk by slashing postharvest losses that eat into their profits. For instance, small fisherfolk or fishpond owners who are forced to sell their catch cheap in times of supply gluts or super typhoons can preserve their catch through these BIF machines and then sell them when supply and prices stabilize. “Consumers will also benefit because they get to buy food at premium quality and freshness even during super typhoons or large-scale power outages,” she said. “Producers using these BIF equipment can also sell their goods at cheaper prices because of their reduced transportation and handling expenses.” She said this new technology would soon prove indispensable in this era of climate change, when strong typhoons and massive flooding lead to massive power outages, food supply shortfalls and high food prices.

The Philippine National Police Bohol Command is leading a massive relief operations to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon. The local PNP has done its share in extending relief assistance to the flood victims following the meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk reduction and Management Council held Thursday in Cebu City. As part of its role in the relief efforts, all PNP stations throughout the province have been designated as drop off points for all donations whether in kind or cash.

The Cebu meeting was in line with Task Force Tabang which the PNP has initiated in order to extend assistance to the victims. As this developed,, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Jr. directed Provincial Director Senior Supt. Constantino Paul Barot, Jr. to make the necessary preparations in connection with the relief operations. The local PNP was directed to provide the manpower component to take charge in receiving, accounting and delivery of relief goods and coordinate with the local Disaster Risk Reduction Council.

by Sunday Post

A smoldering conflict between two bitter political enemies in faraway Danao town broke into an open warfare with Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga at the receiving end of an anti-graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

But Mayor Gonzaga, one of the top performing assets among local executives, appeared unfazed with his latest brush with the law adding the charges he was facing was part of a demolition job out to ruin his reputation. It was the mayor’s own municipal accountant who happens to be his own cousin who filed the case.

It was to the credit of the young mayor that Danao was placed in Bohol’s tourism map by way of the Danao Eco-Park, an adventure destination featuring the longest zipline. In addition to Danao’s Eco-Adventure Park is the Danao Air Park which features an ultra-light aircraft and paragliders.

But it was the same innovation in tourism facilities courtesy of Mayor Gonzaga that put him in trouble as his political enemiesâ€"the Cepesdoza brothers, Board Member Romulo Cepedoza and V-Mayor Jose Cepedoza were believed to be behind the criminal complaint filed before the Ombudsman by Illuminada Gonzaga, the fomer municipal accountant.

Although first degree cousins, there’s no love lost between the Gonzagas and the Cepedozas. The political conflict has something to do with the 2013 elections where Mayor Gonzaga, now on his last term, who is rumored to be frustrating the bid of the vice mayor who is eyeing the town’s top elective post. Mayor Tom is reported to be fielding his own mother to replace him leaving behind his cousin to fend off for himself as the candidate for Danao mayor. The incumbent mayor will slide down as vice mayor. Asked to comment regarding the Ombudsman case, Mayor Gonzaga said he cannot think of any other reason except that it was politically motivated. He said while he was so concerned to improve the image of Danao as a sleepy municipality, his enemies have a field day sabotaging whatever gains he has achieved out of the innovations he introduced in the town. Among the Bohol municipalities cashing in on the boom of eco-tourism parks, it was Danao which blazed the trail especially in the introduction of zipline rides. The construction of the airstrip was pegged art a price of P2,442,920.00 while the ultra light plane was bought at P1,990,000.00 by a company known as Asolo Cable & Installation Services and based in Cotabato City.

THE OMBUDSMAN CASE

What put Mayor Gonzaga on the spot was the alleged anomaly as detailed by the former municipal accountant in the construction of an airstrip and purchase of an ultra-light aircraft without bidding and contrary to existing laws and regulations. Mayor Gonzaga is given until August 18 to file his counter-affidavit. He said his answer to the allegations of his cousin will be contained in the counter-affidavit. The mayor said there’s nothing irregular in the construction and his cousin was just mislead by his political detractors who happen to be his political enemies.

FLOATING STATUS`

In an interview with Mayor Gonzaga, it was learned that the complainant was placed in a floating status after it was found out that her husband was directly involved in the supply of medicines and other items for the municipality. In the wake of the mayor’s discovery, he immediately placed the accountant in floating status by virtue of Executive Order No. 39. She was assigned to supervise the Municipal Waterworks System Office effective March 14, 2011. The office of municipal accountant was left to the care of a subordinate identified as Zenita Eroy, who is not a Certified Public Accountant. Gonzaga is a CPA. With her new assignment, Gonzaga sued the mayor for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, harassment and oppression, dishonesty, conduct prejudiucial to the best interest of the service.

COUNTER CHARGE

Although still to be formally lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman, the camp of Mayor Gonzaga is also readying charges against V-Mayor Cepedoza in connection with the illegal quarry in an area declared as a timberland in sitio Pulang Yuta in barangay Tabok, also in Danao. A resolution endorsing to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas a recommendation of Cenro-Talibon regarding the illegal quarry allegedly owned by the Cepedozas. Seven members of the Sangguniang Bayan out of 11 signed the recommendation. In a first endorsement, Elpidio Palaca, Sr. of Cenro-Talibon forwarded to the DENR Regional Executive Director Region 7 Mandaue City a Memorandum Report of forester Aniceto Suarez with the information that special Transport/Disposal permit for Limestone was issued by the Provincial Governor of Bohol within the classified timberland area and recommending issuance of Cease and Desist order and or issuance of Special Land Use Permit if circumstances warrant.

Back-to-back Award in 2010 and 2011 under Gov. Edgar Chatto's innovative leadership...

Bohol is on track to possible Hall of Fame as the best-governed province in the country. The province was highlighted anew when the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) named last week the consistent top performing local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

According to the DILG, Bohol under Gov. Edgar Chatto ranked first in two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, as the top provincial government in the entire Philippine republic. A “three-peat” hopefully this year automatically earns for Bohol the Hall of Fame as the country’s best-governed province.

The latest DILG report named the top 10 provincial governments, top 10 city governments and top 10 municipal governments in each year from 2009 to 2011. All categories summed up, only 13 LGUs emerged as the consistent top performers across the three-year period.

This means that these 13 LGUs had been included in the top 10 in their respective categories each year from 2009 to 2011. DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo identified the 13 as the provinces of La Union, Cavite, Albay, and Ilocos Norte; the cities of Valenzuela, Makati, Angeles, Taguig, Davao, Laoag, Vigan and Cabanatuan; and the municipality of Ilagan in Isabela.

Bohol is “not among” the consistent performer provinces within the given three-year span simply because it even failed to land in the 10 th spot in 2009. The province of the Boholanos made its amazing, surprising entry right to the first place in not just one but two succeeding years only when Chatto assumed governor in 2010. From 2010 to 2011, Bohol thus gained the highest---even near-perfect---scores in the DILG-administered Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), which is done annually.

The LGPMS is a management and development tool that does not only enable LGUs to determine their capabilities and limitations in the delivery of public services. It likewise provides information on the state of local government performance and the LGUs’ state of local development. While Bohol is not among the 13 consistent top provinces across the three-year period because it was not even in the top 10 in 2009, it has held the solo title as the only province to have ranked first in two consecutive years since 2010.

Only La Union could come close to Bohol after placing second in 2010 and 2011. La Union was 6 th among the top 10 provinces in 2009. Of the cities in the country, Tagbilaran City was not in the top 10 since 2009 until 2011.

The DILG secretary explained that the LGUs are assessed and ranked based on performance area index ranging from one to five, with one as lowest and five as highest, in the areas of administrative governance, social governance, economic governance, environmental governance, and fundamental of good governance, which includes transparency, participation and financial accountability.

A team of representatives from national and local governments conducts the evaluation, which results are validated by civil society organizations to maintain impartiality. Robredo said the LGPMS topnotchers do not only earn the distinction of being among the best-performing LGUs in the country.

They will also have the greater chance to be nominated to the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, which is conferred to LGUs that advance the tenets of good governance based on certain criteria, including the LGPMS. Chatto is already a Pamana ng Lahi awardee. A DILG-LGPMS Hall of Fame spot hopefully for Bohol as the best-governed province in three succeeding year is really an extra-exceptional feat for any LGU in the country, according to DILG insiders themselves. But Chatto said awards are merely aftermaths of good works because they are not the objectives to strive to do more and well.

He thanked Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and the entire capitol family as well as the different component LGUs and sectors who support Chatto’s selfless servant leadership. The DILG secretary extolled the performing LGUs which shining examples inspire others to strive in the performance of their mandate. Some fellow government officials and workers would dare say that Chatto is not among them because “he is far better.” (Ven rebo Arigo)

by Bohol Sunday Post

The wealth of the country in terms of national budget bounty is not equitable to local government units and far from being transparent either to the people in general despite the fact the country has allotted PhP1.8 trillion embodied in R.A. No. 10155 for this year, according to an official of the Center for National Budget Legislation (CNBL).  This harsh reality makes every local government units struggling every budget year on their available resources, said Joseph A. Rañola, president of the CNBL. He bared this in his power point presentation before the Bohol Tri-media Cooperative members during a two-hour conference held at Jjs Seafood Restaurant, K of C drive , this city, Friday. CNBL is budget partner of the lawmakers of the House of Representatives. It presents a comprehensive body of knowledge of the national budget as it provides working knowledge on budgeting.  CNBL shoulders gargantuan tasks in assisting the lawmakers on how is the budget is prepared and approved; how revenues are generated; how funds are appropriated and spent; and what can be done to eradicate deficit and debt.

CNBL, Rañola said, proposes for what he called “Pondo at Puhunan para sa Pinoy.” This may not be farfetched to realize if only an equitable share from the national budget goes to the LGUs. And if given a chance, he cited as an example that a fund of P300 billion may be taken from the total regular dept/agency budgets of P868,919,155 billion; another amount of P150 billion from the Special Purpose fund amounting to P376,274,115 billion; and another amount of P50 billion from the automatic appropriations to the tune of P723,628,575 billion, then a total of P500 could be obtained. This amount (P500 billion) if divided among the 41,995 barangays, then, each would have at least PhP12 million share from the national budget. If the same amount is divided by the 1,498 towns, each would have a share of PhP333 million, if not, the same (amount) if divided by 81 provinces, each (province) would have a share of PhP6 billion a year. These funds are enough to pursue development programs and projects in the localities.

He even threw a wisecrack that if the huge amount of funds (P1.8 trillion) only go to the pockets to the politicians themselves, then if would be better it would go to the pockets also of the LGs rather than only few are stealing it. But he quickly quip it is not what the CNBL is trying to encourage because it is for awareness and transparency and accountability. The regular budget for various department/agencies of the national government amounting to PhP868,919,155 billion with DepEd getting the lion’s share of PhP201,821,472 billion this year. This is followed by Dept. Of Public Works and Highways, PhP109,833,406 billion; Dept of National Defense, PhP106,905,022 B; Dept of Interior Local Govt, PhP92,879,820 B; and Dept of Agriculture, PhP52,932,023 B. Funds allotted for Congress amounting to PhP9,370,140 Billion; Judiciary, PhP15,075,891 B; Office of the President, PhP2,595,422 B; and Office of the Vice-President, PhP401,786 million only.

The independent agencies like the Civil Service Commission had PhP777,248 M; Commission on Audit, PhP6,634,662 B; Comelec, PhP10,026,478 B; Ombudsman, PhP1,308,746 B; and Commission on Human Rights, PhP273,100 M. Other agencies had their share also from the national pie: Dept of Agrarian Reform, PhP17,903,222 B; State Universities/colleges, PhP22,097,645B; DENR, PhP16,990,868 B; Dept of Finance, PhP12,039,574B; Dept of Foreign Affairs, PhP10,912,081 B; Dept of Health, PhP42,769,378B; Dept of Justice, PhP8,656,728B; Dept of Labor/Employment, PhP6,988,041B; DOTC, PhP33,242,278B; DOST, PhP9,139,452B; DSWD, PhP48,732,175B; Dept of Tourism, PhP1,631,763B; Dept of Trade and Industry, PhP2,604,563B; NEDA, PhP2,836,893B; and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, PhP11,717,707.

The House of Representatives is where the budget exclusively emanates. Under section 24 of Art. VI of the 197 Constitution, “all appropriations, revenues, or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of public debt, bills of local application and private bills, shall originate exclusively from the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose and concur amendments.” A national budget is the totality of the budgets of various departments/agencies of the gcernment and attached agencies amd government-owned-and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) including support to the LGUs. Priority Development Assistance Fund or popularly known as “pork barrel” for the Congress members amounted to PhP24,890,000 billion with PhP70 million goes to each congressman and PhP200 million each Senator. Mr. Fred Araneta, Tri-media president and Mr. Peter Dejaresco welcomed RAñola and thanked for information about the national budget. (RVO)

by Sunday Post

City Mayor Dan Neri Lim came out swinging yesterday, the clarity of his voice betrayed any hint of critical health condition, as he went on air to debunk reports that he suffered a stroke. The city mayor’s bitterest critic, Station DYRD, went to town to announce Mayor Lim’s fourth day confinement at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Makati Medical Center. At the first sign that his critics went on overdrive to hype his ailment, Mayor Lim lost no time in calling Station DYTR last Friday and turned the tables on his detractors that he was hale and healthy after all. Not contented with his first appearance on air to dismiss insinuations of his critical condition, Mayor Lim called up Station DYTR again yesterday and spoke for about 15 minutes in his weekly program “Ang Mayor sa Dakbayan”.

The DYRD report said that he was rushed to the ICU  after doctors reportedly diagnosed him to have a congestive heart failure last Wednesday. In his weekly radio program yesterday, Mayor Lim denied reports that he suffered a stroke as circulated by his critics whom he said should not take "the sole role of the Almighty to know when his life will end." The denial of the mayor likewise ended rumors that he collapsed last  Wednesday. In a brief talk with the program anchor, Mayor Lim denied as having admitted at an ICU in the Makati Med. Talking through his mobile phone, the city mayor said he was at the hospital for a regular medical check up. He said the executive check up which he planned long time ago was finally realized after his doctors found water in his lungs. He also noticed that his feet has swollen given rise to its bluish color. Summing up his health condition while in the hospital, Mayor Lim said the executive check up enables him to undergo a complete overhaul in preparations for a much ballyhooed political combat in 2013 where he is groomed to run for first district congressman.

GIVEAWAY

The dead giveaway in the mayor’s hospital stay was his admission that he was on leave effective next Monday. According to unverified reports although they have been circulating all over town since Thursday, the mayor was advised to rest for three months. There was no categorical confirmation as to the number of days he will be on leave but he said a mouthful yesterday when he addressed V-Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes as acting mayor.

NEWS EMBARGO

The Post was at a loss whether to come out with its own version of the mayor’s state of health story after the paper was subjected to a news embargo from city hall. Convinced that the paper cannot just fold its arm to a running story because the mayor’s health is a public concern, the Post decided to lift its self-imposed embargo, if only to come out with its own version of the story, no matter is the cost in political terms. The Post and city hall has since been in a sort of “lover’s quarrel” resulting in a drought of news stories coming from the city mayor’s office. What started the city hall fall out was the suspicion on the part of Mayor Lim that the paper is “sleeping with the enemies” of the city mayor.

by Bohol Standard

From the warm deserts of the middle east and the Arabian Peninsula, a plant has been carried to distant trading outposts, perhaps to be grown and constantly remind Arab travelers of home.

Date palms, sturdy and drought resistant plants have been sources of desert food by travelers who stop by oases liberally sprinkled along the desert trade routes, and its fruits carried by sea traders to far-out trading centers along with the merchandise the middle east have been known.

Endemic to the warm climates, date palms, owing to their sturdy nature have also been seen planted in trading centers where Mohammedans actively conduct business.

In Dauis, where form as early as 1272, Bornean datus established a trading outpost here at the Dapitan, Chinese, Moluccans and possibly Arabs have established trade relations, probably bringing with them the fine craft of gold and silversmithing, local historians have openly presumed.

Other than the age-old tradition of gold and silver jewelry crafts still existent in the shops of the Bunachitas, Claretes and the distant pawnshops owned by Dauis craftsmen, two centuries old date palms are the mute witnesses to the by-gone days when Dauis prominently figured out in the worlds trade routes.

The two date palms, standing like guards by the bay, welcome the sailors who may have come from afar, beckon the weary seamen traders that they are welcome here.

Planted too far out from the deserts of Arabia, these two palms, adorning the church plaza must have tickled the sensibilities of the adventurous Spaniards and frayles who never thought the palm could be surviving in a place like Dauis.

The marvelous character of the palm could have pushed the Spaniards to call the plant maravillosa.

Corrupted to mariveles, the characterizing date palms, probably the most imposing of all vegetation near the area is also used to name the place long time ago.

To commemorate the presence of these two imposing palms, a new place now slowly emerging as a must see social venue, aptly called Terraza de Mariveles is now a stone throw away from the palms within the Dauis church complex.

Established as a fitting reminder of a past so memorable, the Terraza de Mariveles is an al fresco venue, with the gigantic shades of the centuries old acacia putting everyone under her warm embrace.

Both the acacia and the “mariveles” palms connect the pueblo de Dauis to a past, which even dates back more than 292 years ago.

by PIA

CORTES, Bohol â€"Hand woven raffia has since been a product that could not reach soaring heights like most of Bohol’s traditional and marketable crafts, a fact that marketing experts account to a poor market packaging.

“It’s quite a pity that a product that incorporates the long tale of traditions, industry, artistry and ingenuity of the Boholanos, could not get the right price it should command,” lamented Vina Antopina, information officer at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here.

Raffia, a natural fiber obtained from “buri” palm, has been one of Bohol’s leading showcases of its hand woven industry, humbly emerging from a home based industry into firm-level production which has provided income and employment opportunities to the Boholanos.

Raffia fiber is stripped from dried young buri palm leaves, some dyed, others in their natural colors and woven by hand or modern looms.

Crafted with the skill and artistry of the weaver, a raffia roll is highly adaptable, durable and artistic, the Bohol raffia has breached out of its home-based loom industry to Bohol’s leading highly demanded green product, said Department of Trade and Industry trade and industry development specialist.

What is just a pity is that; with all the time, toil and creativity incorporated in the weave, a raffia roll still could command a better price, Antopina said.

It’s sad that raffia; a clearly pro-environment product when sold, is wrapped in ordinary paper or plastic, that demeans its being a highly demanded green raw material for bags, fashion accessories and home accent, she said.

With the DOST, a technical assistance for a country branding for the raffia focused on its packaging, said Engr. Marcial Tanggaan, during a chance interview.

Tanggaan, Bohol DOST head, believed that giving the raffia its right packaging and branding is just appropriate for a product that is very close to the heart of the Boholanos.

Considering the toil, artistry and skill that is interwoven in the product, the product should keep a niche as one of Bohol’s best, Antopina said.

Now, the Bohol raffia carries the Rapya brand, a neat packaging of sepia and the shades of brown, a market package that elevates the product into among those elaborately showing the excellence, hardwork and the world-class craftsmanship that gets the raffia among the lasting prides of Bohol and the Philippines. (30)

Sierra-Bullones, Bohol - In the movie “Bats,” the nocturnal bats mercilessly attacked human beings but it is the opposite in this hinterland town.

Reports received by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bohol office said that some unidentified persons from Cebu literally raided and consequently harvested bats for delicacy, said Mr. Nestor Canda, officer-in-charge provincial environment and natural resources office here.

Canda said that his office is still verifying the report. He said that the alleged harvesting of bats here has no permit per information of the DENR regional office.

The harvest of this mammal is said to be a brisk delicacy business like the bird’s nest trade for expensive soup in restaurants.

Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera from the Greek word, cheir, "hand" and pteron, "wing" whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are important in eating insect pests, reducing the need for pesticides, according to Wikipedia. They also are instrumental in pollination. In the Philippines, there are more than 70 bat species out of more than a 1,000 in the world.

Bats are locally known “kwaknit” or “kabog.” They’re also fruit-eating mammals in some parts of the province. In Northern Mindanao, their favourite is lanzones.

Some fragile caves like in Mabini and Candijay and other towns in Bohol where bats dwell are being mined and extracted of their guano deposits, also, for lucrative business in fertilizer making.

This writer tried to verify with Mayor Fredo Gamalo if he is also informed of this but to no avail since his cell phone did not answer to the text and calls sent to him.

Bat conservationist Norma Monfort, owner of the bat conservation organization in Davao, particularly in Samal island where the bat conservation is being pursued, called for a boycott of the movie “Expendables 2” produced by Hollywood actor-director Sylvester Stallone. The film star casts include “Die Hard’s” Bruce Willis, “Cyborg” Jean Claude Van Damme, “True Lies” Arnold Schwarzenegger, “The Transporter” Jason Statham and Jet Li, news report bared.

The report said that producers of the “Expendables 2” were fined by authorities in Bulgaria, a country in Europe where the movie was shot, for the destruction of bat habitat in Devetashka, which is home to 15 species of bats.

By Bohol Standard

Mayor Dan Lim is now on his 54th day of confinement at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Makati Medical Center after doctors diagnosed him to have a congestive heart failure last Wednesday.

In his weekly radio program yesterday, Mayor Lim denied reports that he suffered a stroke as circulated by his critics whom he said should not take "the sole role of the Almighty to know when his life will end." The denial of the mayor likewise ended rumors that he collapsed last Wednesday.

The radio news aired by dyRD Thursday morning broke the news to city residents that the mayor was admitted at the ICU of the Makati Medical Center. The report did not mention that he suffered a stroke. In fact the report said Lim was "under stable condition as of Wednesday night."

The paid hack of city hall immediately denied the report that Lim was admitted to the ICU and down played the report saying that the mayor was at the Makati Medical Center just for an executive checkup.

The denial that Lim was not admitted at the ICU ended yesterday morning after the mayor himself during his radio program yesterday over dyTR confirmed that indeed he was at the ICU of the Makati Med as he was talking through his mobile phone assuring city residents that he was just fine but undergoing some medical checkup in order to be physically fit as he envisions pursuing further his political carrier.

Mayor Lim said, during his radio phone-patch interview yesterday updated his supporters on his medical condition. He said that he is suffering from swollen feet which has become blueish while saying that doctors found so much water in his lungs. However, he stressed that his heart remains strong.

In his two-hour radio program yesterday, the mayor spoke for 15 minutes only through his mobile phone while Acting Mayor Jaz Montes took over the seat on board the city hall paid radio program yesterday morning.

He did not mention on possible date on when he will check out from the hospital but confirmed that he is on leave as city mayor.

Agriculture officials corrected what might have been a solon’s honest misappreciations of facts that caused his disturbing comparison of the past and present rice sufficiency levels in Bohol.

They clarified the issue so that the Boholanos, particularly the rice farmers themselves and other agriculture stakeholders, may not also be misled.

The rice production in Bohol in 2011 in fact increased by 21%-27% at 231,569 metric tons (mts) as against the harvest of 191,174 mts in 2010, they said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Asec. Dante Delima said Bohol posted a very high rice yield increase which mainly contributed to the good performance of Central Visayas.

Delima and DA Regional Director Angel Enriquez congratulated the Boholanos led by Gov. Edgar Chatto because Bohol is at the same time among the provinces in the country with excellent rise in rice harvest.

Former Senate President Ernnesto Maceda, in his Philippine Star column Search for Truth on August 16, 2012, cited Bohol for having “posted the highest increase in rice production.”

In his press releases, Rep. Erico Aumentado of the 2nd District supposedly felt sad as he reported that Bohol’s rice self-sufficiency dropped from 113% in 2008 to 76.17% in 2011.

The solon blamed the concentrated use by Bohol farmers of inbred rice seeds instead of hybrid.

But according to the agriculture officials, including OIC Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas, rice production increased here precisely because Bohol farmers used the inbred variety.

They asserted that it is, therefore, incorrect to conclude that the use of inbred seeds reduced the production in 2011 compared to that in 2008, considering that 90%-95 of Bohol farmers used inbred seeds.

The congressman claimed that rice sufficiency dropped because of the wide use of inbred seeds apparently to lay his basis for selling his hybrid program, but agriculture sources said the solon failed to impress.

The unanimous assessment of the real score likewise came up in a consultative meeting called by the governor with the different agriculture line agencies in the province and region like the Bohol Agricultural Promotions Center (APC), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), DA-7 Regional Field Unit, National Irrigation Administration (NIA-7) and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Among those in the meeting were Pamugas, DA regional rice staff Rogelio Davalan, Engr. Olimpio Galagala of NIA-7, Engr. Eugene Cahiles of APC/PATCO-Bohol, and Sergio Cuaco who heads OPA’s Crops Division.

Their common data-based evaluation and clarification were reported by Pamugas during the governor’s weekly Friday forum with the media, the Kita ug Ang Gobernador.

They further clarified that the rice sufficiency level in 2008 is not comparable with that in 2011 since different parameters were used.

In 2008, the per capita consumption was only 85.28 kilograms (kgs) of rice while the per capita consumption in 2011 rose to 134.47 kgs.

Also in 2008, Bohol posted a rice production of 218,701 metric tons (mts). In 2011, production climbed to 231,569 mts.

Using the parameter of only 85 kgs per capita consumption in determining the rice self-sufficiency levels based on the above-cited two annual productions, the rice self-sufficiency in 2008 at 113% would be clearly lower than in 2011 which could reach 122.58%.

It is a reality, however, that the agricultural statistics bureau recorded the per capita consumption in 2008 at only 85 kgs as against the far higher 134 kgs for 2011, thus resulting in a sufficiency level of only over 77%, agriculture officials explained.

But they said this must never mean that the rice production in 2011 decreased because Bohol in fact recorded the highest yield increase in the region and nationwide.

They stressed that it is wrong to say that the use of inbred seeds lowered the rice harvest in 2011 compared to the 2008 yield, reiterating further that 90%-95% of Bohol farmers used inbred seeds.

Delima said that in the national level, 95% of Filipino farmers planted inbred varieties.

The DA assistant secretary, who is also the national rice production program coordinator, timely met here with the DA directors from across the country for their mid-year assessment last week.

NO CONFLICT ON

INBRED, HYBRID

Chatto said there is no conflict between using inbred and hybrid seeds because his ultimate vision is for Bohol to attain sustainable agriculture.

The farmers are free to choose according to their capacities to sustain their food-producing industry, the governor said.

But Delima and other agriculture officials revealed that the use of inbred seeds has many advantages to most farmers because they have lesser cost, lesser inputs and are resistant and easy to manage resulting in high production

Aside from their very high cost, extensive need for fertilizers, chemicals and other inputs, and susceptibility to climate change, the hybrid varieties are location-specific.

This means that hybrid rice farming can prosper in one area but “fail” in another site, according to the DA people.

Still, the farmers are given the prerogative what varieties to use, either inbred or hybrid, as long as they are proven by results based on the techno-demo conducted in different sites in the province.

In promoting the hybrid seeds, Aumentado specifically pushed for two varieties, the SL8 and SL11.

Agriculture officials said there are many other hybrid varieties that can be used in Bohol and other parts of the country, provided that they are tested in specific areas for high-yielding results.

Agriculture insiders claimed that the supplies of Aumentado’s two hybrid varieties are “monopolized.”

Bohol Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BOFAMCO) vice chair Bernardo Jumo, manager Anacleto Granaderos and irrigators’ association president Danilo Garcia confirmed the advantages of inbred seeds based on their experiences and practices until now.

As farmers used inbred seeds, Bohol’s significant increase in rice production by 21%-27% in 2011 was even far higher than the national increase of 4%. (Ven rebo Arigo)

published by Bohol Standard

An unbeatable team-up is finally sealed for a fresh political coalition showing the tandem of 1st Councilor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap for Tagbilaran City Mayor and Councilor Anne Mariquit “Kit” Oppus as his running mate for next year’s mid-term elections.

The mayoral and vice mayoral partnership of incumbent City Councilors Yap and Oppus has stirred the city’s political landscape owing to the aspirants’ differing political roots.

Insiders revealed that the Yap-Oppus tandem was a result of a series of direct consultation in barangays, socio-civic organizations, youth clusters and other multi-sectoral groups. This was further bolstered by the results of an independent survey by Holy Name University Research Center that placed Yap at the No. 1 position against three other mayoralty bets of Tagbilaran City .

“Obviously, we have formed this alliance not out of political convenience but in response to the clamor of the people of Tagbilaran for a new breed of leaders. This is not a decision solely based on my own but this is a product of a consultative process that allows the public to freely express their sentiments and opinions. We listened and we heed their call. As transformational leaders, Oppus and I represent the change that the City seeks and the kind of public service that the City needs,” city councilor Baba Yap explains.

Yap’s clear vision for the City of Tagbilaran and his core value for public service have drawn Oppus’ support to this partnership.

Political observers also note that the strength of this tandem rests on how Yap and Oppus perfectly complements each other with the youthful idealism, managerial skill and business acumen of Yap together with the extensive government experience and motherly wisdom of Oppus.

Since assuming office, Yap has further strengthened his mass based connections in the barangays by personally delivering social, legal and medical services through his flagship project, “B.A.B.A” or “Building an Active Barangay Advocacy”. These direct interactions established Yap ’s genuine character as an approachable and good person who serves straight from the heart.

Yap and Oppus’ commitment for public service is consistent with their choice of candidates for city councilors that is composed of serving city councilor and barangay kagawads.

The new breed of politicians who call themselves “Pundok Panaghiusa”, this early has already has come up with an impressive slate for the city council that includes incumbent City Councilor Bebiano “Beben” Inting, incumbent Barangay Kagawads Jerry Pabe (Cogon), Joseph “Jojo” Bompat (Dampas), Dr. Allan Ricardo Real (Poblacion 2), Salome "Mimi" Vitorillo (Poblacion 3), Tim Butalid (Poblacion 1), former congressman Atty. Adam Relson Jala, former barangay Cogon kagawad Engr. Charles Cabalit, and Eliezer “Ondoy" Borja.

Danger of Online Chat

Grabeha Pud! Red Label May Tirada

Unsa Ba Gyuy Naa sa Sulod Nga Alilion Man!

It Doesn't Matter If It's Bahay Kubo

unsa may sala sa panty nga apilon man ug panamastamas?

Chatto Recalls Robredo’s Help to Bohol Dev’t
published by the Bohol Chronicle, August 26, 2012
   
Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto has recalled how Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo had helped Bohol in setting up development projects here and in further promoting the already-instituted transparency and accountability thrust of the Provincial Government.

“Few days before his plane crashed, Secretary Robredo himself congratulated us after the Province of Bohol, twice in a row, was adjudged as the No. 1 and Best Managed Province of the Philippines in years 2010 and 2011,” Chatto said in an interview.

Still reeling from shock over news of Robredo’s death, Chatto recalled how passionate Robredo had been in helping Bohol move forward. The DILG Secretary saw that Bohol, of all the provinces in the country, has the most promising potential to contribute to national economy, Chatto said.

“Robredo had set a very high standard for ethical leadership and honesty in governance which he started in Naga City, and we are proud to say that the Provincial Government of Bohol has consistently met Secretary Robredo’s standards,” Chatto said.

A week before Robredo’s plane crashed off the shores of Masbate, Chatto and Congressman Rene Relampagos met Robredo and DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas in Manila discussing over development programs in Bohol, including the latest update on the Panglao International Airport.

Robredo’s dead body was recovered three days later on the day the nation was commemorating the death of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino. Chatto and key provincial officials were offering a special mass for Robredo and for Sen. Ninoy Aquino at the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday when the governor got the sad news of Robredo’s fate.

“I still find myself in a state of unbelief upon hearing of the Secretary’s fate,” Chatto said. “I have so many questions why this tragedy had to happen for a man whom I deeply consider a close friend, great leader, and model public servant.”

Robredo, a graduate of Harvard University, served as Mayor of Naga City for 18 years in two three terms since 1988. As a mayor of the once-sleepy city of Naga, he instituted unprecedented reforms on government honesty and accountability that eventually revolutionized and transformed the economy of Naga which earned Asiaweek Magazine’s accolade as one of “Most Improved Cities in Asia.”

In 2000, Robredo was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (Asia’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize) for his great work in government service.

“When President Noynoy Aquino assumed office in Malacanang he only has Robredo in his mind who should lead the DILG,” Chatto said. “The President has been very impressed of Robredo’s principles and work ethics,” he added.

The Bohol governor said that Pres. Aquino and Robredo deeply share the same values of good governance, that is the hallmark of “Daang Matuwid” vision, noting that the two leaders had become close friends that “the two are even willing to go to prison together for the sake of truth and justice.”

Chatto recalled that Robredo believed that “if we can change and transform the barangay, we can also transform the nation.”

“I draw so much inspiration from the work and principles of Secretary Robredo,” Chatto said, “and in fact, the Province’s very own Purok Movement System has the patter after Robredo’s principles of governance.”

The Purok System of the Province of Bohol is a unique method of delivering projects and services to Boholanos, allowing people to have direct access to the Provincial Government, a leadership method that has attracted the attention of national leaders.

Chatto said that few days before the ill-fated plane crashed, Robredo, after congratulating Bohol as the Best Managed Province of the Philippines, also released the “List of Best Performing LGUs” nationwide.

It may also be noted that Robredo and Gov Chatto met regularly with Australian counterparts in AUSAID-DILG-PGBh PRMF Program.

Few months before the August 18 tragedy, Chatto recalled that he was with Robredo and Bohol mayors led by League of Mayors (Bohol) President Roberto Cajes in a specially arranged consultation in Cebu while the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor were in a disaster management conference.
Chatto said it is still fresh in his mind when Secretary Bohol came to Bohol with President Noynoy Aquino, who inducted the governor as Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC). Robredo was with Chatto in the same helicopter that flew them to Trinidad town in Bohol during the visit of Pres. Aquino.

In last year’s Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Celebration, Robredo was the guest speaker. The late DILG Secretary was also the guest speaker in the Province’s Disaster Management Training and during the launching of Tarsier 117 (Bohol’s version of USA’s 911) in Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City.

by PDI

Up against a talented enemy in a very hostile territory, Smart Gilas-Pilipinas got an unlikely lift from the smallest man on the floor and moved within another win of ruling the Jones Cup basketball championship here.

LA Tenorio, a 5-foot-8 guard who’s struggled in this tournament big time, hit all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter and powered the Filipinos to a 76-72 victory over Taipei-A on Saturday before a raucous hometown crowd at the Taipei Physical Education College gym here.

Tenorio, who has been bullied around in past games by taller, beefier guards, hit three triples in succession in the early part of the fourth period to give the Philippines the buffer it needed to cushion a hard Taiwanese finish.

The Filipinos, who were together as a team for less than a month, rose to 6-1 with the victory and would need to upset the United States today in order to win the championship without any complications.

basin gipakapinan pa ug virus scanner.

by bohol chronicle

A three-cornered race for City Hall is almost certain in the May 2013 elections.

Political observers see the race for the city mayorship could turn out more exciting, with each of the three contenders matching each other peso-for-peso to woe the majority of Tagbilaran’s 45,000 voters.

The slates are almost complete with two groups confident of getting the official nomination of the country’s leading political parties â€" the Aquino administration’s Liberal Party (LP) and the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay.

The early favorite in city mayoralty surveys, City Councilor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, is teaming up with City Councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus, to form the “third force” as the group appear to be the unlikely pick of the LP hierarchy based on recent pronouncements of local party stalwarts who are heavily favoring the tandem of former city councilor and lawyer Agustinus “Dodong” Gonzaga and former vice mayor Jose Antonio Veloso as official bets for mayor and vice mayor.

City Mayor Dan Lim, who is ineligible to seek another term, is endorsing his elder brother Dr. Abraham Lim, which comes with the incumbent mayor’s political organization that he has held and fortified since his ascendance to office in 2004.

Lim pairs with reelectionist City Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes whose ticket includes majority of incumbent city councilors who are seeking another term.

The Lim-Montes slate is sure to get the nomination of UNA while the LP will endorse the Gonzaga-Veloso ticket.

With or without the support of any major political party, the Yap-Oppus group seems to be making headway in the grassroots level. Baba Yap has been seen feverishly building his own political base after he was kicked out from the political party led by his own uncle (Mayor Lim).

All three groups however are reputed to be equipped with the needed logistical war chest which will most likely prove decisive in the coming mayoralty derby.

Quote from: hubag bohol on August 25, 2012, 05:35:14 PM
Hmm, di tingali HD...

bwahahaha. blueray nay uso ron, hubs.

Others express concepts peculiar to the Net:

cluebie â€" a newbie with a clue, but not close to a guru.
guru â€" an expert in some technical topic, such as as C programming or Unix system administration
FAQ â€" frequently asked question, or a list of frequently asked questions with answers. Never seems to be written in small letters.
flamer â€" one who 'flames'; To rant on about some relatively uninteresting subject or with a patently ridiculous attitude or with hostility towards a particular person or group of people. "Flame" is used as a verb ("Don't flame me for this"), a flame is a single flaming message. Also is likely to relate to the term lamer.
hijack â€" go offtopic. done commonly by newbies in forums.
troll â€" a person who deliberately stirs up trouble (see article).
lurker â€" one who reads an email list or a message board but does not participate in the discussion.
newbie â€" a new user. Not a pejorative term (but see RTFM, preceding).
noob â€" a new user. Also spelled n00b, with two zeroes rather than two O's

source: rice.edu

AFAIC â€" "as far as I'm concerned", or "as far as I care", or "as far as I can..."
AFAIK â€" "as far as I know"
AFAIR â€" "as far as I recall", or "as far as I remember"
AFK â€" "away from keyboard"
ASAP â€" "as soon as possible"
BBL â€" "be back later"
BBS â€" "be back soon"
BFD â€" "big f***** deal"
BRB â€" "be right back" (usually used in chats and on an instant messenger service).
BTW â€" "by the way"
B2B â€" "Business to Business"
C&V â€" Chapter & Verse. Used in newsgroups.
C|N>K â€" a Unix -ism meaning "coffee through nose into keyboard"
cya â€" "see you", used as a goodbye.
CU â€" "see you", used as a goodbye.
CYS â€" "Check your settings". A phrase often said by technical support staff of a certain Australian ISP.
FAQ â€" "Frequently Asked Question"
FFS â€" "for f***'s sake!"
FOAF â€" "friend of a friend", i.e. the dubious attribution given to urban legends
FYI â€" "for your information"
G2G â€" "got to go". Used in chatrooms.
GAGF â€" "go and get fucked"
GFY â€" "good for you" or "go f*** yourself". The use of this acronym is ambigious and not recommended.
GG â€" "good going" or "good game". Used sincerely in online games such as trivia, but more often used sarcastically when someone has done something foolish. Also, it is now becoming customary for all players to say "gg" when the game is over in such games as Counter-Strike , unless a player is profoundly displeased with the outcome.
GJ â€" Good Job
HAND â€" "have a nice day"
HTH â€" "hope this helps"
IANAL â€" "I am not a lawyer". Usually used before a non-lawyer gives legal advice, as a humorous disclaimer.
IANARS â€" "I am not a rocket scientist"
IC â€" "I see", also, "in character" in MUDs and role-playing games .
ICYDK / ICYDN / ICUDK -- "In case you didn't know."
IIRC â€" "if I recall correctly" c.f. ISTR
IMHO â€" "in my humble opinion" / "in my honest opinion"
IMO â€" "in my opinion"
IMNSHO â€" "in my not-so-humble opinion"
IRC â€" "Internet Relay Chat"
IRL - "in real life". Used in MUD settings.
ISTR â€" "I seem to recall" (i.e. I'm not really sure) c.f. IIRC
IYDMMA â€" "if you don't mind me asking", for ex., "IYDMMA, are you a virgin?"
JJ or JK (j/k) â€" "just joking", "just kidding"
Joo â€" synonym of you. Also spelled j00 with a lower case j and two zeroes rather than two O's.
JOOC â€" "just out of curiosity"
k â€" short for "OK"
l8 â€" a shorthand spelling of "late".
l8r â€" a shorthand spelling of "later", meaning "see you later" (see leet )
LIEK â€" synonym of like, as in "I like that website".
LMAO â€" "laughing my ass off"
LOL â€" "laughing out loud", or "lots of laughs" (a reply to something amusing)
MYOB â€" "mind your own business"
NM (n/m) â€" "never mind" or "not much"
NOYB â€" "none of your business"
NP â€" "No Problem"
NSFW â€" "Not safe for work." Material (pictures, webpages) not suitable for the office, but for the home instead. Used by Fark . See SFW.
NT â€" "No Text", used on Internet forums or Usenet to indicate that a post has no content
O â€" "oh"
OIC â€" "oh, I see"
OMG â€" Exclamation, "Oh my God!!"
OMFG â€" Exclamation, "Oh my f***** God!!"
OMFL â€" Exclamation, "Oh my f***** lag!"
OOC â€" "out-of-character". Used on MUDs and other role-playing games . Also, "out of curiosity."
OT â€" "off topic"
OTOH â€" "on the other hand"
own - to defeat someone (used commonly when playing Counter-Strike ) or to humiliate someone tactically in a debate; something that is extremely cool (ex. BMWs totally own).
PFO â€" "please f*** off"
PITA â€" "pain in the ass"
PO (PO'd) â€" "piss off" ("pissed off")
prog â€" "computer program" (progz in plural)
prolly â€" contracted form of "probably"
plz â€" shorthand spelling of "please"
Pwn â€" step up of the word own. To "Pwn something" means to have complete control over it, and to be "Pwned by something" means to be dominated by it. (see leet )
P2P â€" Person to Person
qoolz â€" something that is "cool" in the American sense.
R â€" shorthand spelling of "are"
RL â€" "real life". Used in MUD settings.
ROFL (or ROTFL) â€" "rolling on the floor laughing" (a reply to something extremely amusing).
ROFLMAO (or ROTFLMAO) â€" "rolling on the floor laughing my ass off"
r0x0rz â€" leet speaks for "rocks"
RTFA â€" "read the f***** article" applies mostly to Slashdot threads, for users who make comments on a story without having read it first.
RTFM â€" "read the f***** manual" (often sanitized to "read the fine manual"). The frequent reply to a request for basic help from newbies who have not attempted to find the answer for themselves.
RU â€" Are You?
R8 â€" right
SFW â€" "Safe for work." Material (pictures, webpages) that is safe for the office. Used by Fark . See NSFW.
STFU â€" "shut the f*** up"
sux0rs â€" leet speak for "sucks"
TBH â€" "to be honest"
thx â€" shorthand spelling of "thanks" - this can be combined into "kthx" (OK, thanks), "plzkthx" (Please, OK, thanks), and "kthxbye" (OK, thanks, goodbye)
TTFN â€" Ta Ta For Now
TIA â€" "thanks in advance"
TTYL â€" "talk to you later"
U â€" a shorthand spelling of "you"
ur â€" a shorthand spelling of "you're"
w/e â€" slang/abbreviation for whatever
w/o â€" without
WDUWTA â€"- "what do u wanna talk about?"
WTF â€" "what the f***?"
YMMV â€" " Your mileage may vary " (you may see different results)
w00t â€" exclamation of excitement or happiness; closely related to, "hell yea!" (short for woohoo) or We Owned the Other Team
w8 â€" shorthand spelling of "wait".
X > * â€" definition of something [X] is better than everything

• .
  <3 â€" "love" (made from the ASCII-art heart between the less than symbol and the three). Ex: I <3 you.
  2B - To be
  4 - for

by David C. McCasland

As the worldwide financial crisis deepened in 2010, executives of a global banking firm were investigated for deceiving their customers about the risk involved in certain investments they were selling. While promising a high rate of return, the banking firm knew that the investments were destined to fail, leaving those who purchased them with nothing.

Deception is nothing new. Jesus described Satan as one who “does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him . . . for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). The enemy of our souls tells us, “Live only for the present,” when he knows it will result in our eternal loss.

Jesus, on the other hand, did not offer His disciples a life of prosperity and ease but called them to self-sacrifice and identification with Him. After telling them that He would be killed and raised from the dead, Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

There are two voices telling us where to invest our lives. It’s risky business to follow the wrong one.

When you hear the Shepherd’s voice
As He calls you, “Come to Me,”
In your life make Him your choice
And His faithful follower be. â€"Hess

by Joe Stowell

One of the most dangerous aspects of flying is the landing. As the aircraft gets closer to land, the air traffic is more congested, the weather on the ground may be far worse than the weather at 30,000 feet, and the runways may not be clear of other planes. So pilots rely on the air-traffic controller to coordinate all the details so that every plane can arrive without incident. Without the air-traffic controller, chaos would be certain.

Imagine, then, the panic when the pilot of an airliner full of passengers radioed the tower and got no answer. It was eventually discovered that the air-traffic controller was in fact there but sound asleep, putting pilot, passengers, and plane in great jeopardy. The good news is that the plane landed safely.

Even better news is that God, the ultimate traffic controller, neither slumbers nor sleeps. From His heavenly vantage point, He knows all that is going on in and around your life. As the psalmist notes, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber” (121:2-3).

You can count on itâ€"God knows the impending dangers and will tirelessly direct the traffic of your life for your good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).

When trouble stalks the path we tread,
We need assurance, Lord, to know
That all our steps are being ledâ€"
That You, our God, are in control. â€"D. De Haan

halinon ang toothpaste ani if diri ni sa Pilipinas ipauso.

Armstrong was 82. Hubag's friend is still 80.

A Norwegian court sentenced Anders Behring Breivik to prison, denying prosecutors the insanity ruling they hoped would show that his massacre of 77 people was the work of a madman, not part of an anti-Muslim crusade.

Victims, their families and residents of Oslo breathe a sigh of relief after Anders Behring Beivik is declared sane, and given a recommended sentence of 21 years in prison. - stuff.co.nz

Patay na si Neil Armstrong Pero Ang Uban Mao Pay Ihuna-huna ug Minyo

by PNA

China's currency could be eventually used as an alternative to the U.S. dollar and Euro by Southeast Asian countries, experts said.

Phathanaphong Phusuwan, a senior official of the Bank of Thailand, said in a seminar on Thai-Chinese trade, investment and finance relations on Saturday that the yuan would likely be used more between China and ASEAN member states in the long run.

In the panel discussion co-hosted by the National Research Council of Thailand, Huaqiao University and the Thai-Chinese Culture & Economy Association here, the official of the Thai central bank commented the Chinese currency could possibly replace the U.S. dollar and Euro when it comes to trade, financial and money-exchange dealings throughout the ASEAN community, due in part to the unresolved economic and financial problems in the United States and the European Union.

"In the long run from 2015 onwards, trade with Asia will largely increase under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area agreement, which will influence the use of the yuan and the local currencies. The yuan is then a good alternative for the international trade in the future," said the official, referring to the year in which the regional bloc will become an ASEAN Economic Community.

Nevertheless, he said, the role of the Chinese currency in Thailand and other ASEAN states will remain limited in the short and medium terms.

Thai merchants have increased their use of the yuan in trade, following the easing of restrictions by the Chinese government, he said. A dozen Thai commercial banks and foreign banks' branches here currently offer yuan-based services, including foreign currency deposits, money exchange, fund transfers and purchases of Chinese banknotes.

The Chinese currency has accounted for 10.8 percent of China's trade dealings with the world during the first half of this year, according to a report of the Thai central bank.

Professor Ridong Hu of Huaqiao University's College of Economics and Finance remarked in the seminar that last year's total trade between China and Thailand amounted to 64.7 billion U.S. dollars, 22.3 percent increase over the previous year, turning Thailand into China's second largest trading partner in the regional bloc.

Thailand plays a leading role in promoting integration of the Asian economy as well as serves as a link and helps in the development of strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, the Chinese academic said.

Asst. Prof Kai Yuan of Huaqiao University's School of Law described the Sino-Thai trade and economic cooperation as a win-win option for both sides and that such bilateral relationship is the touchstone of success for trade, investment and financial sectors under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area treaty.

mao nay giingon ang karaan bun-on ra gyud sa sunoy.

no picture. disappearing act.

Feeding Fish - It's More Fun in the Philippines

Art Train

Donita Rose

Mao Niy Klaro Nga Corny

Jesus also said: "Ask and it shall be given to you." Praying has many faces. Asking is one.

Photo exhibit opens in Maribojoc, Bohol

The exhibit entitled “Hidden Treasures: An Exhibit of Spanish-era Churches in the
Philippines” was launched last August 23 at the municipal hall of Maribojoc, Bohol. It will
stay in the town until September 7.

Initiated by the Ortigas Foundation Inc. (OFI), its run in the provinces of Bohol
and Cebu is hosted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in partnership with
the Archdiocese of Cebu, the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Dauis, the local
government unit of Maribojoc, and the University of Bohol.

The traveling exhibit presents more than 50 heritage churches from different parts
of the Philippines built during the Spanish period.

Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr.; Beatriz Lalana, administrative officer of
OFI; and Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of RAFI Culture & Heritage gave remarks
during the brief opening program.

According to Gerra, like Dauis, Maribojoc was a priority destination for the exhibit
because of its beautiful coral stone church.

“RAFI is quite pleased with the warm reception that Boholono institutions gave to
the traveling exhibit. We are definitely expecting more people to come visit the exhibit
here in Maribojoc,” she said.

Florencio Moreño II, curator of RAFI Casa Gorordo Museum, who oversaw the
mounting of the exhibit, said that the exhibit will go next to  Maasin City in Southern
Leyte.

“Through the traveling exhibit, we have brought attention the cultural value of our
churches to as many people as possible,” he added.

Culture & Heritage, one of the focus areas of RAFI, aims to help communities
understand, value, and share their cultural identity with others. Other focus areas of
RAFI are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Leadership &
Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about the "Hidden Treasures" traveling exhibit and other
programs of RAFI Culture & Heritage, please call 418-7234 local 703 and look for
Florencio Moreño II.

naa gyuy mga lalaki nga swertehon.