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Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district) said he offered his district as a site for a coal-fired power plant a Korean company plans to build in Cebu.

He said Daanbantayan is a strategic location for the proposed power plant, which has capacity of 500 to 1,000 megawatts.

Officials of the Korea Southern Power Corp., (Kospo), a sister company of Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco), met with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last January 24 to discuss its plan to put up a power plant in the province.

”I suggested that they (Kospo officials) go to the district because in the northern part, we have the submarine cable going to Leyte (which is connected) to Luzon. We also have the submarine cable in the south that connects to Negros and Panay,” he said.

He said Bantayan or Daanbantayan can provide the 100 hectares that Kospo needs for the plant.

He said Kospo officials went to Daanbantayan last week and appeared to like what they saw. He added that Kospo will bring experts to study the area.

Salimbangon said the project will bring employment and economic development in his district. It will also spur support services that will help the district’s economy, he added.

Yar-Sup Sim, vice president of Kospo’s construction department, said the company also intends to bring technology for renewable energy, such as wind farms and solar plants, to Cebu.

Salimbangon said the power company is also considering Naga and Carmen as the possible site for the power plant. But both have smaller areas compared with Daanbantayan, he added.

The Department of Health (DOH) 7 advised the public to take vitamins, eat healthy foods and wear protective gear to cope with the effects of the ongoing La Niña weather phenomenon.

”People with low resistance to cough and colds should take vitamins, eat foods rich in vitamins,” said Dr. Expedito Medalla, DOH 7 health and management staff coordinator.

He urged the public to protect themselves against the cold by wearing a jacket and to use umbrellas when going out in the rain.

Medalla also warned floods can cause water-borne diseases like diarrhea, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue.

Water-borne diseasesâ€"which also include cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid feverâ€"are caused by virus or bacteria transmitted through infected food or water.

The public is advised to make sure their drinking water is safe by boiling or adding chlorine to the source.

Fruits and vegetables should be properly washed. People are also advised to eat only properly prepared food.

The DOH 7 also urged people to wash their hands often.

Those who are infected with influenza should drink plenty of liquids and take paracetamol. Symptoms associated with influenza are fever with temperature of up to 38 degrees Celsius, headache, sore throat, clogged nose and body pains.

Medalla advised people not to wade in flood waters to avoid leptospirosis, which is from the urine and feces of rats.

DOH 7 dengue program coordinator Dr. Jocelyn Abellana warned an increase in the number of dengue-cases with the rainy season.

The dengue virus is transmitted from one person to another by the day-biting Aedis egypti mosquito that breeds in clean and stagnant water in tires, dish drains and flower vases, among others.

The symptoms of dengue include high fever, body weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting and in worse cases, nose bleed.

The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public and fitness enthusiasts on Monday against the wearing of crystal bangles and beads, magnetic bracelets and pendants because they are not scientifically proven to be cure-alls.

In an advisory issued by DOH, Health Secretary Enrique Ona enjoined the people to be wary of devices and accessories claiming to be cure-alls and promoters of health.

The advisory said: “Avoid the use of devices or technologies that can allegedly promote better health, diagnose or cure human diseases without credible scientific basis.”

Late last year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its own bulletin on the claim of the company Power Balance that its bracelets and pendants “work positively with the body’s natural energy field” and improve balance, strength and flexibility.

The hugely popular silicone bracelets are worn by such American basketball superstars as Shaquille O’Neal, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant.

The DOH said it had learned that similar performance accessories and products, including crystals and magnets, were being sold in the Philippine market “with unsubstantiated claims of improving health or preventing illnesses.”

These products are in the form of wristbands, bracelets, pendants, belts, watches, shoe soles, flasks and anklets, DOH said. (PNA)

Native Philippine Furniture

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The government will not be imposing the suggested retail price (SRP) of sugar just yet as the supply is foreseen to remain tight, the chief of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

SRA Administrator Gina Martin, in a recent interview, said the SRP of sugar of P52 per kilo remained “suspended indefinitely.” She noted that the price of supermarket sugar was P68 per kilo while smaller retailers were charging P65 per kilo.

The government in December suspended the SRP of sugar at the behest of retailers, who complained that P52 was way below the market price. According to the retailers, sugar should have been selling at P63-P65 per kilo.

By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Motorists will get some relief this week as local oil companies slash prices of petroleum products effective Monday.

Oil giants Petron Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. as well as independent players Eastern Petroleum and Sea Oil Philippines Sunday announced reductions in prices of gasoline by 75 centavos per liter, and of diesel and kerosene by 25 centavos a liter.

Independent player Flying V Philippines may also cut prices of gasoline by 80 centavos a liter, and of diesel by 20 centavos a liter, based on its announcement last Friday, said Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr.

The latest price rollback followed price adjustments in the world oil market last week.

Other oil companies had yet to issue their respective advisories as of press time.

By Paolo Luis G. Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The government on Monday approved an increase in the minimum jeepney fare in Metro Manila fromP7 to P8 amid what is said are rising “commodity prices.” The fare hike, it said, will take effect Wednesday.

A P1 provisional increase for provincial fares was also approved.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it had approved the fare hike to help jeepney operators and drivers cope with rising commodity prices.

Newsletter of Cebu Pacific Air:

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific offers a seat sale to Bangkok starting now until February 2, 2011 or until seats last, for travel this May 1 to June 30, 2011.

Guests can avail of P1,999 ‘Go Lite’ seats from Manila and Clark to Bangkok. We fly to Bangkok ten times weekly from Manila, and twice weekly from Clark.

Bangkok and the rest of Thailand is a great shopping and beach destination. Get hold of this seat sale for your leisure and business travel

Kapugngan pay baha, dili ang gugma 

Six karatedo players from Davao City will be seeing action in the 4th SMA Cup set on March 3 to 8 at the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Indoor Sport Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia then proceed to Singapore to compete in the 2nd Silent Knight Karate-do Open Championships on March 10 to 14.

Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao Branch head instructor and coach Rommel Tan said the players, who are all members of AKK Davao, will be joining the Philippine delegation together with the karatekas from AAK-Honbo Dojo of SM Megamall under Anthony Lim, a former RP team member, SEA Games champion and Asian Games medalist and now a licensed WKF world referee-judge.

Tan said the players are composed of Kassandra Danielle Barnes, Oona Ysabelle Barnes and Manuel Sy of the Davao Christian High School; Arthur Lao III of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Christian Gil Tarnate of Precious Interational and Herma Panal of AAK-Honbu Dojo (kumite).

The players will all compete in the age-group category except for Panal, who will be play in the senior's division, he said.

"Priority pa rin namin ang pag-aaral ng mga bata sa kanilang academics (Our priority is still the studies of the children in their academics)," said Tan, who will also be joining the World Karatedo Federation (WKF) Technical Seminar for Judges/Referees in Malaysia.

After Malaysia, the group will proceed to Singapore to compete in the 2nd Silent Knight Karatedo Open Championships on March 10 to 14, Tan said.

Tan, however, said their team still needs sponsors for their trip.

"We are still looking for sponsors and we hope that we can get it," he said.

The AAK Davao team which is supported by the athletes' parents, the TKS Petron under Engr. Mike and Esther Te and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for their travel tax exemption, is now in rigid and regular training here, he added. (PNA)

I hope dili pud sila mahimong "every port, report." 

Women are also applying jobs as seafarers.

According to Erickson Marquez of the Filipino Association for Mariners Employment, women have started to engage in the seafaring industry.

“There are already many women. Every year, we have women graduates. They have been given the opportunity to prove and that they can succeed in the industry,” he said.

However, he cannot give the percentage of the women, who are now in the seafaring business.

‘I’m sorry, I don’t know, but very few. In our company about four seafarers,” Marquez said.

He noted that the women are employed in regular and not luxury ships.

“They are on board regular ships. And you know that seafaring is a man’s world. Right now, this trend is now being acceptable. And they are now being respected as equal of seamen,” he added.

As far as the salary is concerned, the women seafarers are accepting the same salary as the men, noting that one of them is already an officer, First Engineer.

“The same salary rate. We don’t discriminate between the men and the women. And they are officers now. They are not just ordinary crew. They are already officers. The highest, I think, is already first engineer. Not a captain yet but in the agent side, already quite higher,” Marquez added.

Although, he stressed that men are superior on strength as compared to women, but the latter are good as far as knowledge is concerned. (PNA)
DCT/FGP/utb

A total of P14.5 million in financial assistance was approved by the Cebu City Council last Friday to pay for cash prizes in the contests of the Sinulog Festival, aid to visiting contingents and a Jan. 16 Chinese-themed grand finale.
The Council's committee on laws said there was no violation of theCommission on Audit (COA) circular which prohibits local government unit (LGU) allocating aid to groups headed by local officials, employees and their relatives.
The approval of financial aid was deferred the other week over concernst that audit rules may be violated.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is the overall chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the committee on laws, said there was no conflict of interest involved since the P14.5 million won't be given to the Sinulog Foundation.
“The amount will be charged to the city government-sponsored activities account..it is intended for the cash prizes and other expenses of the Sinulog Festival,” Labella said.
Ricky Ballesteros, SFI executive director said the cash prizes were given directly to the winners.
About P6.7 million will go to winning dance contingents of the Sinulog Grand Parade, and other contests for best floats, photos, video documentaries, etc.
Also, P1.3 million was allocated for financial aid to out-of-town-contingents at P100,000 each.
Prizes for winning dance groups of the Sinulog sa Kabataan in the city and province, and aid to 40 schools that participated, amounted to P5.8 million.
Another P2.5 million will pay for the decor the Chinese pagoda-inspired stage, costumes, props, secretariat and other costs of the grand finale production. - CDN - CORRESPONDENT Fatrick Tabada

AT least three mountain barangays in Cebu City are at risk of landslides following two days of heavy rains last week.
In sitio Oprra, barangay Kalunasan, a three-meter limestone portion of the road going to Camp Marina collapsed at 7 p.m. last Friday, causing massive traffic along the area.
Some residents tried to remove the limestone to no avail.
Kalunasan barangay captain Nunilon Monares said he already called the city's Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to send heavy equipment to remove the debris.
He said families living in 600 houses along the area are now worried about a potential landslide.
If it continues to rain, Monares said he will have to evacuate the residents.
Gerry Carillo, Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council (CCDC) consultant, said they will send a team to inspect and remove the limestone.
In barangay Pulangbato, landslides were also recorded yesterday morning and last Friday night.
Barangay Captain Maria Velasquez said some land portions collapsed due to the rains. One of them fell on the main road, blocking the way. - CDN / Correspondent Fatrick Tabada

CEBU City Councilor Jose Daluz III proposed a P456,000 allotment in the annual budget of 2011 to finance the new televison show of the Cebu city government.
“The City Council Reports,” is expected to run for 30 minutes from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and again from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The lowest bidder who offered to air the show was Cebu Catholic Televison Network (CCTN).
However, City Hall still has outstanding debts adding up to P1.7 million to seven broadcast stations (P920,112 to ABS-CBN; P189,750 to ABC 21; P240,000 to dyLA; P161,000 to GMA 7/dySS; P130,000 to RPN Channel 9; and P81,000 to dyMF Bombo Radyo).
The debts were incurred during the term of former mayor Alvin Garcia for the City’s cleanliness drive and the City Hall Hotline program.

Mayor Michael Rama already said that his administration would not pay debts from past administrations.
The new television show is one of Rama’s projects to bring City Hall closer to Cebu City residents.
In the show, councilors will be report assessments and developments of government projects and address constituents’ queries and concerns. CDN /Correspondent Jemarie Jane P. Augusto

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Reserve Officers' Training Course (ROTC) will have a grand reunion and parade on the occasion of the university's 400th founding anniversary at 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2011 at the UST parade grounds in Sampaloc, Manila.

Dr. Rory Tuazon, national commander of the UST Golden Cross and Saber Alumni Association Inc. (USTGCSAAI), said President Benigno S. Aquino III has been invited to witness the parade-in-review of the UST Golden Corps of Cadets (USTGCC).

After the parade, a homecoming ball is scheduled at 8 p.m. at the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) multipurpose hall on North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Tuazon, son of the late former Press Assistant Secretary Victor M. Tuazon, said distinguished members of the alumni will don the gala uniform themselves and march as unit commanders.

He also said all USTGCC alumni, School for Cadet Officer (SCO) graduates, Honorary Corps of Lady (HCL) sponsors alumni, ROTC cadets and graduates of UST are cordially "invited to return and revisit your glorious and unforgettable past."

He also said alumni/graduates of the UST ROTC program are joining the loyalty parade in honor of the founding anniversary of UST.

Historians said on April 28, 1611, Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, together with Father Domingo de Nieva and Father Bernardo de Santa Catalina, founded the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario.

It was originally conceived as a school to prepare young men for priesthood. It was later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas in memory of the foremost Dominican Theologian, Saint Thomas Aquinas. Its original location was within the famous "Walled City" of Manila known as Intramuros.

As a college, it already enjoyed the authority to confer academic degrees as early as 1619.

The authority became permanent when Pope Innocent X raised it to the status of University of Ecclesiastical and Civil Studies on Nov. 20, 1645, and in 1680, was subsequently placed under Spanish Royal patronage.

The Institution has, from the beginning, always been under the governance and administration of the Order of Preachers.

In 1785, King Charles III of Spain bestowed upon the Institution the title Regalia and awarded the Crest of Loyalty or Muy Leal for the exceptional loyalty shown by the administration and students in volunteering to defend Manila against the British invasion.

Military training in the institution became a thing of the past until 164 years later.

On Sept. 3, 1936, the UST School Senate (nowadays known as Student Council) approved the steps to organize the ROTC, making Military Science and Tactics compulsory to every able-bodied male student of the university, thus giving birth to the UST Golden Corps of Cadets.

The university organized the UST ROTC in 1936, making it one of the first institutions to implement the National Defense Act of the Philippine Commonwealth Government.

The officer tasked to organize the first cadet corps was 1Lt. Ceferino Garcia. Prof. Juan Nakpil was comissioned to design their gala uniform for parade purposes.

Maj. Alfredo Ramirez assumed his post as the first commandant on Sept. 28, 1936. Some 700 enthusiastic male students made up the first batch of ROTC cadets.

Cadet Enrique Quema, who later became the Assistant Executive Secretary for President Carlos P. Garcia, served as the first corps commander.

Cadet Col. Mariano Alimurung later on took over Quema's post and was awarded the Sword of High Command by the Cross and Sabers Fraternity.

Alimurung is a topnotch heart specialist and one of the founders of the Makati Medical Center.

In the early part of S.Y. 1953-54, the Cadet Corps, under the leadership of Cadet Col. Luzmindo B. Fajardo as the Corps Commander, drew up plans to put up a distinctive gala uniform. Cadet Col. Paterno Villanueva fabricated the design of the new gala uniform.

As a result, the "Special Regiment" under Villanueva's command was created, composed of the MP Battalion, the Model Battalion of three full-sized companies in addition to one Infantry Regiment and one Medical Regiment.

The MP Battalion, organized a year earlier, became the nucleus of the newly Special Regiment.

The new gala uniform's design and traditions were patterned after England's Buckingham Palace Guards - which have for centuries been the embodiment of discipline and pride, also noted for their pomp and splendor.

With a dashing Commandant (Col. Albert B. Friedlander) and very supportive Rector (Fr. Rector Angel de Blas, O.P.) and Regents (Rev. Fr. Agapio Salvador, O.P., and Rev. Fr. Jesus Merino, O.P), the Corps was then riding the peak of its popularity. (PNA)
scs/JCA

A video documentary on the Sinulog made by a full time housewife won this year’s Sinulog Video Contest.
“Images of Faith” by Charmaine Maria Estella Cagang, won the first prize during the Oscar-inspired awarding ceremony at the SM City Cebu Cinema 2.

Her documentary also garnered most of the major awards like best in editing and cinematography.
Cagang was awarded best director and went home with P50,000.
Her husband Rolando and daughter accompanied her in accepting the best video award.
The audience applauded when she introduced them as her “production staff.”
Rolando did voice over work for the documentary.

Cagang, a biology graduate, placed third in last year’s documentary contest. She said that aside from being a dedicated housewife, she enjoys video editing.

“I didn’t even own a video cam when I first joined the Sinulog Video Contest,” Cagang said.
In the short film category, “Ukit” by Karl Vincent Porio won the grand prize of P50,000. The story is about a boy, his uncle and the Sto. Niño.

One night, the boy accidentally broke the image of Sto. Niño in his uncle’s room.
Worried that his uncle might reprimand him, the boy carved a new Sto. Niño image using a knife. While doing this, he accidentally wounded his hands.
At meal time, the uncle noticed the wound and scolded the kid, who ran away.

The uncle then discovered an unfinished Sto. Niño image under his pillow and realized what his nephew was trying to make. He then seeks, finds and reconciles with his nephew.
Ker Ortiz, who played the boy in the film and Chikoy Romualdez, who played the uncle, won the best child performer and best actor awards.

“Regenesis,” the story of an alien who discovered Sto. Niño in a decimated Cebu City, won second prize. It was directed by The Freeman photojournalist Aldo Nelbert Banaynal. The film also won best in sound engineering and musical scoring, best story, and best production design, and best special effects. The film “Biyahe” won third prize. /Correspondent Fatrick R. Tabada

Bohol Chronicle

Rep. Angelo Palmones will induct this year's officers of the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA) to be led by veteran broadcaster Fred Araneta of dyRD as the incoming president.

Araneta will succeed Lito Responte of dyTR.

Palmones, former station manager of ABS-CBN's top rated Manila station, DZMM, will also be the guest of honor. He won a seat in Congress as a
       
The induction program at Bohol Tropics Resort at 7 tonite will have as guests Gov. Edgar Chatto, Rep. Rene Relampagos, Rep. Erico Aumentado, Rep. Arthur Yap and Mayor Dan Lim.

Together with Araneta to be inducted tonite are Responte, executive vice president; Peter Dejaresco, VP-broadcast, Loy Palapos, VP-print. Directors are Dice Arsenal, secretary; Jerry Pabe, treasurer; Ching Maestrado, asst. treasurer; Beboth Duetes, auditor; Chito Visarra and Weng Vallecer, PRO; Atoy Cosap, Jun Guiterrez, Bob Galero, Ric Obedencio while Salvador Diputado is the legal counsel.

Rev Fr. Joseph Skelton, Jr will deliver the invocation while Chito Visarra will deliver the welcome address.

The invited local officials will be delivering their messages to the local media group.
Responte will deliver his valedictory address while Araneta will follow with his acceptance speech.

Rep. Palmones will be introduced by Dejaresco.

Loy Palapos will be the master of ceremonies of the induction program which will be covered live over dyRD.

By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed yesterday to cooperate with agencies that would investigate alleged anomalies involving military chiefs of staff, saying revelations of fund misuse within its ranks would pave the way for a stronger anti-corruption policy.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. admitted that they are facing “challenging times” due to the revelation of retired Lt. Col. George Rabusa that AFP chiefs traditionally receive hefty sums upon assuming office and retirement.

Mabanta maintained that Rabusa’s allegations would prod the AFP to intensify its drive against corruption.

Rabusa, a former AFP budget officer, told a Senate hearing last week that former AFP chief Angelo Reyes received P50 million as “pabaon” or sendoff money when he retired from the service in 2001.

Rabusa, who was the budget officer when Reyes was AFP chief, alleged that the cash gift was on top of a monthly P5 million “personal fund” that Reyes received for 15 months.

Rabusa claimed that former AFP chiefs Diomedio Villanueva and Roy Cimatu also got P10 million each in “welcome gifts” when they assumed the military leadership. He said the major services and various

military units were used as “clearing houses” to allow ranking AFP officials to get millions in allowances or bonuses.

The retired colonel also revealed that top AFP officials are drawing P40 million monthly from the budget of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Rabusa said Reyes might have accumulated about P100 million during his 20-month stint as military chief.

SOME 150 teacher aides in Talisay City will receive a P500 increase in their monthly salaries next month after the Local School Board approved the raise last week.

Councilor Dennis Basillote, chairman of the committee on education, said in a phone interview yesterday that the teacher aides were now expected to receive a P7,500 monthly salary.
Basillote said he proposed a P1,000 increase but the local school board could only give half the budget allocations for the Teacher Aide Volunteer Program.

The approved annual school board budget was only P1.1 million for the TAV program. This, however, excludes the P4,000 allocation for allowance of the uniforms of the teacher aides.
The TAV is a program of the Department of Education (DepEd) that aims to address the lack of school teachers in some schools in Region 7. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus

by Cebu Daily News

A Cebu City councilor is calling for inter-local government units cooperation and multi-sectoral participation in a pro-active program to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said the abnormal rainfall last January 25 where 35.7 millimeter of rain fell in Cebu in two hours or 10 times the average rainfall of 3.2 mm to 3.5 mm.

“In less than two hours extreme rainfall caused flooding in different parts of Cebu and Mandaue cities and some areas reported floods as high as five feet, stranded at least 200 passengers, and some roads were rendered impassable due to high floodwaters.” Dizon said.
Dizon said floods showed Cebu City's vulnerability to extreme and unpredictable weather brought about by climate change.

He urged local government officials to put in place “measures to reduce the manifestations and avert the worst impact of climate change.”
Former Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo, consultant of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, agreed with Dizon.

Carillo, however, cited some concrete suggestions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
These are: Put up more drainage systems, declog existing drainage systems and create more catchments to prevent more water from coming down to the lowlands. /Correspondent Edison de los Angeles

by Cebu Daily News

A COLLECTOR of the Talisay City Treasurer's Office was meted a six-month suspension without pay for allegedly falsifying an official receipt five years ago.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas found Rey Lumapas guilty of less serious dishonesty.
Anti-graft officer Euphemia Bacalso found sufficient evidence to hold Lumapas liable of an administrative offense.
“Respondent's defense of honest mistake is belied by documentary and testimonial evidence as well as its being contrary to ordinary human experience,” Bacalso said in her decision.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Dominga Geraldez who went to the Office of the Treasurer of Talisay City to pay for her professional tax as an underwriter licensee.
After paying P250 to Lumapas, an official receipt was issued to her.
However, she noticed that a “brown cardboard” has been placed underneath the carbonized official receipt.

Gerladez said the official receipt given to her didn’t indicate the amount she paid which was P250, spelled out in words. She also said Lumapas didn't sign it.
She later learned, through the assistance of then Talisay City councilor Alan Bucao, a duplicate of the official receipt issued to her.

The duplicate official receipt from the City Treasurer's Office showed that Geraldez wasn't the payee in the transaction but a certain Eduardo Coronado who paid P10 for a police clearance.

By Jemarie Jane P. Augusto and Fatrick Tabada, CDN Correspondents

DESPITE the inconvenience it wrought on him and his constituents, Mabolo barangay captain Reynaldo Ompoc found something to be thankful for in last week's heavy rains.
He said if last Tuesday's flooding didn't occur Cebu City officials wouldn't have cracked down on the rising number of settlers occupying the riverbanks of the Mahiga Creek.
Part of the creek located in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City narrowed down to four meters wide, down from 14 meters.

Ompoc blamed this on the growing number of settlers who chose to stay in the area because they have no place to go.

Ompoc said these settlers used gravel to build their homes, desilting the riverbanks.
What's worse, he said, is that most of them came from Mandaue City with only 300 from barangay Mabolo.
The Mandaue settlers came from the other part of the Mahiga creek after their homes were demolished by the Mandaue City government four months ago.
Ompoc said they have been asking the Cebu City government to do something about the settlers along the river to no avail.

“This serves as a warning to them (city government). They would only take action after they are affected. If the rains came in the evening, a lot of people may have perished,” said Ompoc.
Ompoc said some of the settlers could be relocated to sitios with basketball courts and in higher land.
He would also lend them tents to augment the 10 container vans given by the city government.
More importantly, Ompoc said it's high time the city government clean up and dredge the river to avoid overflowing.
Councilor Alvin Dizon earlier said residents in high-risk areas will be relocated and given adequate assistance.

A huge fire fanned by strong winds from Manila Bay has swept through a congested village in the Philippine capital, killing 12 people and displacing nearly 2,000.

Fire officer Joselito Dugan says seven children were among those killed when the fire broke out late Saturday in San Roque village in Navotas city. He says the blaze burned for five hours and destroyed some 100 homes.

Dugan says investigators were working Sunday to determine the cause of the fire, which started as many residents were celebrating on the eve of an annual religious fiesta.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman says the 1,800 residents displaced by the fire are being given meals and shelter at a nearby school. (AP)

Reporter Marian Z. Codilla and Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus
Cebu Daily News

A “dark horse” of sorts emerged as potential competition for Cebu and Cebu City in the bidding for this November's 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress.

Anna Conejero, managing director of Graphic FX Advertising and Design and a point person appointed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to head the city's bid, said they consider Baguio City as their closest competitor to host the lucrative Congress.

She said Baguio City lost its bid to host the event last Nov. 2009 due to bad weather conditions.
Conejero said the Baguio City mayor offered to host dinner for more than 4,000 delegates if they were chosen as host.

“We will never do that. Can you feed 4,000 people? We cannot just feed them with barbecue and puso (rice packed in banana leaves),” Conejero told CEBU DAILY NEWS.

She said what Cebu City can offer is a secure venue with adequate transportation and facilities.
“Transportation wise, air and land, we have. For the conference, we have the Waterfront, the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), we have the new hotels. But this is nothing new to them. What is new to them is CICC and Radisson (hotel),” she said.

Conejero said Cebu City was given until 12 midnight of February 2 to file their bid.
“What plays a major role (in the bid) is the commitment of the government side,” Conejero said.
She said the city government can provide better security and traffic management for the delegates.
It can also regulate the prices of basic commodities and souvenir items like danggit (dried fish), vegetables and fruits for the duration of the event, she added.

Conejero said the city government is also prepared to offer the South Road Properties (SRP) and the IT park for any related events like nightly dinners and shows which require an open area.
As of yesterday, Conejero said her team is finalizing the requirements for the city's bid to host the event.
She said they were getting the list of restaurants, convention halls and hotel accommodations for more than 4,000 delegates and their respective support teams.

She said she also expects three of the country's biggest TV networks to outdo each other in the coverage of the event.

By Dale G. Israel, Reporter, CDN

About P5.7 million of the “pork barrel” of Provincial Board (PB) members were spent mostly to finance fiesta celebrations last yearâ€"dwarfing in comparison the amount spent for other projects such as agriculture at only P15,000.
According to a summary report of the Priority Development Fund (PDF) expenditures in 2010, a total of P10.4 million were used by all the 15 Provincial Board Members including Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. to finance requests from the towns.

The report divided the expenses into six main categories including “infrastructure projects” which was allocated a total of P3,373,705; P335,000 for “community development outreach projects”; P441,385 for “social services development”; P485,000 for “economic development”, and P40,000 for “Peace and Order”.
Agriculture expenditures fall under the category Community Development Outreach Projects. The financial assistance granted to fiesta celebrations were categorized under “sports, arts, and culture development.”
The projects listed in the report, a copy of which was obtained by , were all contained under various approved Board resolutions from January to December 2010. The report forms part of the Accomplishment Report submitted by the Secretariat to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, a senior member of the PB being their Pro Tempore, admitted yesterday that the “sports, arts, and culture development” was mostly the title used in giving out financial assistance to various fiesta celebration activities which included sports leagues, pageants and even festival dances.

In her case in the 5th district, she said that she also used the same category to buy musical instruments such as rondalla for Danao City and the towns of Borbon and Sogod. This is also where she placed the purchase of basketballs and volleyballs for various barangays, too.

Each of the 15 PB Members is allocated at least P4 million in PDF. The same amount was given for 2011 although Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia instituted changes in the processing of the pork barrel whose amount is already incorporated under the Office of the Governor instead of placing it under each PB member's budget.
“It really becomes an issue on priorities hinuon kay gamay ang agriculture but mag-agad raman gud mi sa request sa barangays. Although I validate (requests), but they are the ones who ask. I always rely on the request of the barangays,” said Magpale, who is affiliated with the majority bloc at the PB. “I can very well account for all my PDF.”

PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, the lone opposition board member, likewise, echoed Magpale's explanation saying board members only act on the request of their constituent barangays.
“I trust that the barangay official knows what they needed. I would like to think nga mao gyud na ilahang kinahanglan...kay we are not we are not in the position to assume what they needed,” Sitoy added.

2011’s first cyclone may reach Cebu by Wednesday- Pagasa
By Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent, CDN

Expect heavy rains starting tomorrow, Monday, as a low pressure area is expected to reach the Philippine's tonight and develop into a storm.
Dubbed as the first typhoon of the year 2011, “Amang” will bring heavy rains, and if its path continues, will reach Cebu by Wednesday, said Mactan chief Oscar Tabada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

He gave a briefing in yesterday's special meeting with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council- Cebu Province.
Tabada said Cebu's sunny weather yesterday and today is part of the pattern of the monsoon or seasonal winds.

“There are two monsoons â€" the Amihan and the Habagat. There's usually a break of two to three days, followed by continuous rain for five days and then another break.
“What's happening here is that after the break, bagyo dayon.”
“Lahi ni siya karon. There's a short break. We can see that it's hot today, Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, it will start raining. By Tuesday, there will be wind and rain,”Tabada said in Cebuano.
However, he said the storm won't worsen into a typhoon like “Ondoy” or a super typhoon, which brings winds of over 200 kilomters per hour.

“This won't become a supertyphoon. It's still a low pressure area. It's category may go up. It will just be a tropical storm,” Tabada added.

He advised the public to expect winds and heavy rains as the tropical cyclone would hit Cebu on Wednesday.
With this forecast, Governor Garcia set a special meeting on Monday to get updates on what rainfall to expect.

A Provincial Action Center will coordinate all reports and serve as a command post.
The Capitol will also reactivate radio communications with all cities and towns using radio sets distributed to different police stations and localities during Garcia's first term.

The radio sets on the same frequency and will come in handy if cell phone communications bog down.
Alert level 2 was raised in Cebu province by Neil Sanchez, operations officer of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

He said this m eans they will map out strategies, monitor developments and deploy personnel in affected areas.

Units of the military, Coast Guard and police are expected to touch base with the operation center.
Sanchez said he is asking the Depatment of Health to declare a “code white” status in hospitals so that medical staff and facilities are ready for emergencies.

“With the present conditions, I should say all areas which have rivers, low lying areas, coastal areas, and mountains are already declared risk areas,” Sanchez said.
The social welfare office reported that relief stocks of rice, canned goods, blankets, plastic mats and clothing are ready.

The National Food Authority (NFA) said it has available rice loans for each locality.
Since Pagasa has predicted a wet summer with the La Nina, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office said it has advised farmers to adopt multi-cropping.
Provincial Agriculturist Necias Vekoy said many farmer sin the province are complaining of crop damage due to continuous rains in the past few days.

I heard that books were already paid by DepEd even before they were written. So it doesn't really matter who the author is so long as the "commission" is right. 

Maayo bitaw pud nang before ta mag-master sa English or other foreign languages, master ta sa atong kaugalingong pinulongan.

EQ (emotional quotient) is more important than IQ.

By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines â€"  Sen. Gregorio Honasan yesterday said the Philippines is not yet ready to be a “gunless society” because the government is still unable to ensure the safety of the citizens from lawless elements. “A gunless society can only exist if the government can protect the citizens,” he said in a news forum in Quezon City.

Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, said law and order in the country has deteriorated to a point where there is confusion on who should be in charge of the rising criminality.                       

“Who is in charge? The Department of National Defense, the Philippine National Police?” he said.  A bus was recently bombed in Makati City, killing five and wounding several others. Two car traders were also recently killed. Honasan also said law enforcement agencies merely react to terror attacks and high-profile crimes instead of preventing them.  Because of this, he said, calls for a total gun ban and the revival of the death penalty will not deter criminal and terror activities in the country.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday it will submit to Congress a bill seeking to amend the law that exempts youth offenders from criminal liability.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said he will propose for the amendment of certain provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), including Section 6 of the said law. which states that: “A child above fifteen (15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age shall likewise be exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless he/she has acted with discernment, in which case, such child shall be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in accordance with this Act.”

“We should seriously look into the implications of exempting juvenile offenders from criminal liability,” he said.

Robredo raised the issue of amending the juvenile law during consultations with local officials in Metro Manila early this week, where he noted that criminal syndicates are using minors to perpetrate their illegal activities.

During the consultations, he also asked local and police officials, including members of the local peace and order council, for their suggestions and inputs on the proposed amendments to the juvenile law.

He said that based on intelligence reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP), some juveniles are getting bolder and braver in doing criminal acts such as robbery and theft because they know that they will eventually be set free or turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We should also consider that behind these minors are adults who influence them into doing these criminal acts,” said Robredo. (PNA)

Basta Driver Sweet Lover? Fact or Fiction?

Wa ta kahibalo nga pagkahuman ug picture ani, gisagpa ug gilaparo si Iyo kay nakalitan si Inday ug wala kapanapo. 

Superferry 14 was a large ferry destroyed by a bomb on February 27, 2004, killing 116 people in the Philippines' worst terrorism|terrorist attack, the world's deadliest terrorist attack at sea.
On that day, the 10,192 ton ferry was sailing out of Manila, with about 900 passengers and crew. A television set filled with 8 lb (4 kg) of Trinitrotoluene|TNT had been placed on board. 90 minutes out of port, the bomb exploded. 63 people were killed immediately, and 53 were missing and presumed dead.
Despite claims from terrorist groups, the blast was initially thought to have been an accident, caused by a gas explosion. But after divers righted the ferry five months after it sunk, they found evidence of a bomb blast. Also, a man named Redendo Cain Dellosa admitted to planting the bomb on board for the Abu Sayyaf guerilla group.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced on October 11, 2004, that investigators had concluded the explosion was caused by a bomb. She said six suspects had been arrested in connection with the bombing and that the masterminds, Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sulaiman, were still at large. It was believed that Abu Sayyaf bombed Superferry 14 because the company that owned it, WG&A, did not comply with an Abu Sayyaf letter demanding protection racket|protection money. - source: Wikipilipinas.org

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AS police and disaster authorities are presently convening to discuss and coordinate operations, the Loboc River continues to rise, breaching an estimated two meter from its banks.

The flooding has reached about lapped from 2 inches above the landing at the Loboc Tourism Complex at 8:00 monitoring to about 42 inches noontime and the water continues to rise, local contacts report.

Early this morning, two gates at the Ewon Hydro power pant in up-river town of Sevilla was opened due to water build-up in its dams breaching critical levels.

Eyewitness accounts tell that the flood has reached the top level of the two meter flood control embankments erected along the town river sides.

Another source said a house owned by the Jimenez’ has already been flooded, it being in the lowest part and reachable by floodwaters.

A formerly critical area in the national highway near the lowlying ricefields of Barangay Gotozon has already been spared as the government raised the road levels recently.

A few inches more and the national road portion at the back of the town church and convent would be flooded, said confirmed a Loboc Tourism Complex worker on telephone interview.

On this, school children at the Loboc Central  Elementary school who comes from far-flung areas and especially those who would have to cross the bridge were already sent home.

This as local authorities map out areas now affected by the rising waters and prepare disaster relief operations.

Residents along the river have been alarmed and preparations for immediate evacuation are set, said PIsnp John Gano, Loboc  police chief. (racPIABohol)

The two gates of the dam of Ewon Sevilla Hydro power plant has been opened as of 5:50 AM today, January 27, 2011 as hydro power officials anticipate a much larger bulk of water rushing down to the catchment with stronger rains noted in mountain towns.

At this, disaster authorities are closely monitoring the eventual rise of the Loboc River as histories of flooding have heightened alerts among riverside residents with the non-stop rains that fell here since yesterday 12:00.

Loboc River is the emptying basin for three major dams in Bohol: Hanopol Balilihan Hydropowerplant, Ewon Sevilla hydro and Tontonan Loboc Hydro power plant.

The rains have so far accumulated a huge bulk of water which should be emptied to assure the dam’s operational viability.

The previous releasing of the water however disrupted river cruise operations on the lower tributaries, flooded agricultural lands and ruined an estimated P6M in property, separate sources said.

According to Engr. Alfredo Onez, the two gates of the Ewon Sevilla dam were fully opened as of 5:50 this morning as collected water has reached 31.60 meters.

He however assured that safety considerations were considered.

In a radio interview, Onez added that the rise in the water has been noted since last night.

He also shared that at 31.20 meters and the water is not released, the excess water can destroy the power turbines.

The 31.60 meters release has been according to existing protocols to make sure that the 34.00 meters water level is not breached as this could jeopardize the operation of the power plant.

River watch monitor Joselito Omana, again in an interview said water levels at the Loboc Tourism Complex landing has risen two inches above the embankments but also added the currents has so far been a little above normal.

Meanwhile, Loboc Tourism Complex worker Jeffrey Huerte shared that the river-cruise operations of the day would be depending on the permission to be issued by the Philippine Coast Guard through a PCG Alejaga who has yet to report to the LTC as of 8:00 AM.

Huerte however believed that tourists can still stop by Loboc Tourism Complex for lunch but cruises may be cancelled for safety reasons. (racPIABohol)

If You Were Noynoy Aquino, Would You Marry Shalani Soledad?

The recent data which showed that the crime volume in the city had doubled up in 2010 compared to the preceding year did not escape the attention of the city lawmakers.

During the session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran last Friday ,which was presided by Councilor Edgar Bompat, city councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus, raised a motion for the city legislators to do something in helping the provincial government in its drive and efforts at decreasing the crime volume in the entire province as the city is the number one contributor of the such crime volume data.

Data shows that the crime volume in Tagbilaran City doubled to 1,318 in 2010 from only 663 in 2009.

Oppus pointed out that the city chief of police, including the chiefs of LTO and High Way Patrol Group will be invited in the SP's session on February 4, 2011 in order to get their reports from their respective ends.

The purpose of the invitation is to let the city PNP chief present the data regarding to the crime solution of the city police as the maverick legislator believed that it's very important for them to be informed in order for them to legislate laws wherein the city can extend assistance.
       
LTO chief Joel Maloloy-on will also be invited during the session in order to hear from him the explanation behind motorcycles without plate numbers which were usually used in perpetrating crimes in the city. It would be timely for the city legislators to identify what legislation they will pass in order to support and render assistance towards the solutions to the emerging problem.

On his part, the chief of the High Way Patrol Group will also be invited in order to hear from him some proactive measures that the city can do in order to avoid bigger crimes crimes such as car napping and high jacking.

Oppus believed that it is better to do important proactive steps as Bohol is one of the tourist destinations in the country.

"We have to act before we will be hit by some national issues like car napping and high jacking", Oppus stressed.

The motion of Councilor Oppus received no opposition as it was immediately referred to the committee as a whole, thereby setting the date on February 4, 2011.

In an interview by the Chronicle, Oppus said that the city should not be silent on certain important issues like the high prices of fish and the high crime volume as the provincial government is waging an all out solution for these problems.

It may be recalled that during the height of the problems on the high prices of fish, it was also Councilor Oppus who raised the motion for the city legislators to do some investigation. The matter is now currently referred to the committee on agriculture which is chaired by Councilor Genesyl Balbin.

It may also be recalled that the common perennial excuse of the Lim Administration over the high crime volume in the city is the fact that Tagbilaran is developing and so, naturally, city crime rate will also climb up.

Oppus said that it may be true that the city is developing; however, the councilor said that the issue of high crime volume, doubling up for that matter, does not necessarily follow as a conseuqence of a developing city and it would be "illogical" to conclude such thing.

Oppus added that the city task force and the Purok Tanods are designed to somehow prevent criminalities and supplement the police force. She did not understand, however therefore, as to why the crime volume increased to double figures.

"That's the main reason why we supported the program on the creation of city task force and purok tanods, for them to act as multipliers of peace and order. We cannot jut say that our police are outnumbered because we do something to help them", Oppus stressed.

Oppus added that the role of the police in crime solution efficiency is very vital. It would help the people to speak out in order to help in solving crimes. Oppus cited that people before do not come out in the open to divulge crime to the police such as rape.

However, the situation now is different as the residents already report to the police on those crimes that they previously were afraid to report.

Oppus believed that the city PNP must enhance and develop crime solution efficiency as it would practically help solving crimes in the city.

Oppus hopes that the city hall will not continue to be numbed over the alarming issues of crimes in the city.

"I also urged those who are experts on these matters to come out and share insights as this is for the good of everybody", Oppus concluded. (Anthony Ranoa Aniscal)

By Bohol Chronicle

Visitors to the Chocolate Hills can now enjoy an unimpeded panoramic view of the world famous hills after souvenir shops located at the edge of one of the hills ordered demolished by Carmen Mayor "Cheche" Toribio Delos Reyes.

The demolition order came after Mayor "Cheche" reached the end of her patience after owners of the souvenir shops broke their own self imposed deadlines to voluntarily transfer their shops to an area at the foot of the chocolate hill.

A crew from the Municipal Engineer's Office started demolishing some six structures last Thursday.
       
Mayor Delos Reyes told DYRD "Inyong Alagad" that the owners of the souvenir shops were informed about the beautification plans of the Chocolate Hill as early as the last quarter of 2010.

The souvenir shop operators requested for time to wind down their operation up to January 15, 2011 which the Mayor granted.

But after the lapse of the deadline the souvenir operators again requested for an extension ostensibly to accommodate visitors coming over from the Sinulog in Cebu.

According to the Mayor, she put her foot down on their extension request and told them to vacate their shops and transfer at the foot of the hill.
        
Mayor Delos Reyes bared her plans to do away with structures that has been an eyesore for so many years.

Comments from visitors revealed that the location of the souvenir shops blocked what could have been an unhampered view of the scenic Carmen landscape.

The remaining structures are the restaurant and the hotel which are managed by the LGU.

The run down old hostel has also been torn down.

Plans for an pavilion where entertainment can be staged and a spacious lounging area, and a coffee shop with umbrellas outside will be constructed within February for tourists to have ample time to relax while visiting the scenic Chocolate Hills.

With an average of a thousand daily visitors, Mayor "Cheche" is bent on turning the Chocolate Hill into a destination that would lure visitors to linger longer after viewing the more than the thousand chocolate shaped hills.

She told the Chronicle that she intends to complete this face lifting of the Chocolate Hills complex before summer time this year. The lady mayor said this is her way of paying tribute to all those who were behind the construction of the complex .

It maybe recalled that the Chocolate Hills Complex was constructed during the term of the late Gov. Lino Chatto under the chairmanship of the late Chronicle editor-publisher Jun Dejaresco who was commissioned to spearhead the project assisted by then Prov'l Development Officer Archt. Venerando "Dadong" Dumadag and project chief, the late Archt. Fabian Cabagnot. The complex was completed during the term of then Department of Tourism Sec. Jose Aspiras. The group has to blast the sides of the talent hill for the road pavement in order to bring tourists to a viewdeck where they can take a panoramic view of the thousands of Chocolate hills in Central Bohol. The group completed the construction hostel, a tennis court and a swimming poll plus the more than hundred concrete step to the view deck.

Under Mayor "Cheche" plan to uplift the complex, the old 8-room hostel was demolished except for the swimming pool. A new two-storey hotel with a function room at the ground floor was constructed some few years ago during the incumbency of then DOT Sec. Dick Gordon.

Interesting read. Kan-ogong, can you please provide the URL source of the news? Thank you.

Did the Provincial Government of Bohol enter- wittingly or unwittingly- into a lopsided agreement with Oasis, a private corporation to create five islands measuring 450 hectares off the seas of Panglao?

This seems to be the initial impression gleaned from the public hearing conducted by the 16th Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP) of Bohol held last Friday afternoon at the SP conference hall.

The proponent of the controversial proposed island reclamation project in Panglao, Oasis Leisure Islands Development (OLDI) presented the project for the first time to the new SP during the public hearing convened by SP committee on environment and SP committee on tourism.

Prov'l Board Member Abeleon Damalerio, chair of the committee on environment, presided over the public hearing together with Board member Godofreda Tirol, SP tourism committee chair and Board Member Romulo Cepedoza.

Atty. Lucas Nunag, chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC), who was present during the public hearing, deemed that it is not to the best interest for the province and the assailed Joint Venture Development Agreement (JVDA) between the Provincial Government and Oasis Leisure Islands Development Incorporated (OLIDI).

Section 7.1 of the JVDA provides that Oasis shall pay the Province a "Transfer price" of One Million Pesos (Php1,000,000.00) per hectare upon transfer to Oasis of the title of the reclaimed lands.

Nunag told the committee that at Php5,000/sq.m. which is a very conservative estimate of the prevailing prices in Panglao beach front properties, the One million pesos per hectare "transfer price" would come out as a mere 2 percent if considered as a commercial land transaction.

Nunag said that at Php5,000/sq.m. the 45 has. reclamation project can fetch Php2.25B. The Php450M the province gets as transfer fee from Oasis is therefore a paltry 2 percent.
         
"A consideration of 2 percent is not a relationship of partners. The 2% is even less than what brokers get from land transactions in Panglao" Nunag claimed.

Nunag further emphasized that several years from now the value of the project would further increase. Since the province is getting a fixed amount and not a percentage of the value of the project "there is not much in it for the province in this present arrangement"

Upon clarification from BM Damalerio, the PTC chair concluded that the JVDA in its present form has placed the province in a "disadvantageous position".

On a per square meter basis, the one million peso per hectare valuation will come out a mere P100/sq.m.

But Norris Oculam, president and chairman of the board of Oasis explained that since the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is mandated to get 30 percent of the total development cost of the project and the province its 2 percent, a ratio that " no developer/investor would give more"

Oculam added that " if not for the mandated 30% share of PRA in the total project development cost Oasis could share more to the province. And aside from that, the province will not be shelling out a single centavo for the project".

Oculam further said that the amount of annual real estate and business taxes and job opportunities the reclamation project can generate for the province is unquantifiable.

When pressed by Damalerio on the manner the one million per hectare "transfer fee" was determine, Oculam could not come up with an explanation.

"It was a generous offer and they accepted it gladly", Oculam lamely answered without elaborating.

Damalerio also noted that the JVDA did not provide for an escalation clause that would have been beneficial to the province in terms of land price increases.

BM Cepedoza also questioned the apparent haste in which the application for the reclamation project was submitted to the PRA. Damalerio, Cepedoza together with Tirol, noted that the JVDA documents showed that it was notarized on June 19, 2010 although no date of the signing of the agreement appeared on the documents.

Two days later or on June 21, 2010 after the documents were notarized, the application for reclamation was received by the PRA General Manager's Office.

Atty. Raul Barbarona of the Environmental Legal Assistance Office branded this as a "midnight application" since this was done nine days before the term of the Aumentado administration ended.

BM Tirol informed the body that SP Resolution No. 2009-633 sponsored by former BM Corazon Galbreath authorized former Gov. Erico Aumentado to represent the Provincial Government to enter into a negotiation for a joint venture and development agreement with Oasis.

There was no mention of an authority to enter into an agreement with Oasis.

Ellen Gallares of Padayon denounced the manner in which Oasis portrayed Panglao Bay as "not high in biodiversity" even as she acknowledge that Oasis was using BMT data to support some of their claims on biodiversity.

Citing studies conducted by Bohol Marine Triangle, forerunner of the present Padayon Bol-anon, Gallares disclosed the validation done by her group based on the presence of sea grasses that are the spawning ground for fishes.

Gallares made known to Oasis that the Provincial Government of Bohol has an existing Memorandum of Agreement between the fisherfolks from Baclayon, Panglao and Dauis to preserve Panglao Bay.

"The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has funded a number of marine protected areas, two of which is in Panglao. This is in recognition of the richness of the biodiversity of the area" Gallares stressed.

Oculam informed the committee that they were not disputing the species found in Panglao Bay as reflected in the BMT data.

"BMT covers 1,125 hectares but the project will only occupy a fraction of one percent of the total BMT area"

Dr. Justinio Kimio, a PhD on Ecology admitted that they don't have the data since they are still awaiting the go signal from the province to start the study. "Upon the completion of the study, let the data speak for itself and let us not talk about our feelings about biodiversity" Kimio said in an apparent dig on Gallares statement on the issue.

But Gallares pressed on by questioning the academic qualifications of Dr. Kimio prompting a retort from Oculam on Gallares/ own qualifications.

At this point, BM Damalerio wondered why Oasis presented the unsolicited proposal to the Provincial Government without first conducting the necessary studies and results presented to the Provincial Government for its consideration.

Oasis Board of Director Atty. Castillo answered "We could not conduct a study by ourselves because we don't have a legal personality. We might be stopped by the LGU and other groups if we insist on conducting the study without the government as our partner".

David Bailley, president of Panglao Nature Advocates (PANA) painted a grim picture regarding the size of the planned 450 has. Oasis Island and the Waterfront reclamation projects.

"The Oasis island reclamation project is equivalent to 3 Pamilacan and one Balicasag islands combined while Waterfront is one Pamilacan and 2 Balicasag islands".

Bailley added that Panglao has an area of 5,050has. Of this, 3,000 has. are still undeveloped with no viable water supply system to support major infrastructure developments.

Bailley bemoaned the inexperienced of both the Oasis and Waterfront reclamation projects in handling complex development projects.

Bailley stressed that the "accelerated decline and the eventual loss of the marine component of the Bohol Tourism Package that includes diving, snorkeling and dolphin watching is the overall issue and not the existing Panglao investors concerns over increased competition".

The LGU-Panglao represented by Mayor Benedicto Alcala together with the Sangguniang Bayan insisted that the planned comprehensive environmental study should be pushed through even without the nod of the provincial government.

The statement of the mayor came in contrast with an earlier stand of the Panglao SB which passed a resolution stating their opposition to the planned reclamation project.

Pressed for time, Damalerio promised the group that another round of public discussion will be scheduled by the SP. (CMV)

Boholanos stood as one in denouncing the continued increase in fuel prices during the past two months, the latest of which came yesterday.

The latest fuel cost adjustment implemented starting yesterday morning pegged another .50 per liter hike on unleaded and regular gasoline while another P1 per liter for diesel and .75 per liter on kerosene.

The hike brought the price of unleaded gasoline from P55.25 per liter to P55.75; regular gasoline from P51.05 per liter to P51.55; diesel from P44.65 to P45.65 per liter; kerosene from P49.25 to P50 per liter.

These new pump prices are confirmed to be higher compared to other provinces, an issue which has been raised to top provincial officials.

During a fuel summit, Gov. Edgar Chatto said that if this problem can not be resolved, he will bring the matter to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) which will meet first week of February in Cebu City.
         
It maybe noted that Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia has filed formal complaints against some gasoline dealers for the high prices they insist to tag in Cebu.

During that summit, the Bohol governor invited other industry players from Manila for them to open their outlets in the city.

Chatto is of the belief that once other industry players will come to the province, the prices of the big three oil companies distributing fuel here will be reduced once the prices become competitive.

Observers noted that this problem on high fuel prices in the province is due to the controlled distribution by the outlets of the three top gas companies - Shell, Petron and Caltex.

With the recent increase of fuel prices, Boholano motorists noted the sudden opening of several gasoline stations in the province, indicating the lucrative profit these local gas station owners are raking with the high prices being implemented in Bohol.

Tricycle operators are clamoring for an increase in the minimum fare after the series of hike in fuel prices since December last year.

The present minimum fare for tricycle in the city is P7.

Taxi charges P30, and P2.50 for every succeeding 300 meters. The recently approved P40 is not yet implemented here pending the calibration of taxi meters by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Vans are also on status quo fares until these days despite the successive fuel price adjustments. (Anthony Ranoa Aniscal)

Graduates of the Holy Child Academy this town since its founding in 1955 will have the chance to meet anew this Saturday right after the fiesta.

Bannering the theme "Renewing the Camaraderie Towards a Lasting Solidarity" the forthcoming reunion will serve as a prelude/preparation for the Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2015 (60th year).
         
Rev. Fr. Raul F. Cuyag, the new school director called a series of meetings among batch officers/coordinators that mapped the activities and ensure a lively participation. Fr. Cuyag hinted that a yearly homecoming be held but this would be discussed in a business meeting during Saturday's affair as suggested by Snookie Dacua Paras.

It must be noted that Cong. Erico B. Aumentado is of HCHA Ubay while the first school director was then Rev. Fr. and now Msgr. Margarito Gonzaga who was also co-adjutor of the parish.

Meanwhile, this Catholic institution observed its 55 Academy Days with the parade and presentation of sponsors and escorts last Monday and the coronation night of king and queen last night at the RM gym. Rodrigo Aguhar Jr. was king and Lecel Palgan was queen.

Both activities also served as presentations for the fiesta celebration. (Wenny Reyes)

The Bohol Northern Star College (BNSC) and Bohol Northeastern Education Foundation, Inc. (BNEF) marked 4th year founding anniversary with three days of activities starting Thursday last week.

On Day One, after flag ceremony and holy mass, the colorful parade along the main streets took place followed by the opening program featuring the playground demonstration and the CAT presentation of sponsors.
         

Day Two mainly featured Arts, Literary and Musical (ALM) cContests. In the evening was the BSNC and BNEF Night with the Mr. and Ms. BNSC Personality 2011 held at the RM gym.

BNSC alumni conference was held on the third day with Dr. Clarita V. Alesna, Ph.D. and Luciano Bentulan, Jr. as moderators. The election of alumni officers and induction of the newly-elected officers then followed after which College President Dr. Amalia Reyes-Tirol who was the inducting officer delivered a message. Another words of inspiration was heard from Dr. Alesna.

A tribute to teachers in the afternoon capped the celebration.

Meanwhile, formerly Bohol Northeastern College (BNC) established in 1991 and the only progressive tertiary school in this northeastern part of the province became BNSCI following the issuance of certificate of registration by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cebu Extension Office on Feb. 23, 2007.

BOHOL dug an ace in its negotiations to bring down to the bargaining table oil companies that have been perceived to be dictating the fuel prices in the region.

At the threat of bringing the issue of high fuel costs in the Central Visayas to the Regional Development Council and get negative publicity blows, major oil companies representatives buckled and bargained with the consent to allow independent fuel players to enter Bohol and offered to make available in Bohol an affordable fuel brand for agriculture, fisheries and public transport sectors.

Bohol through Governor Edgar Chatto recently met with the big three companies upon the invitation of the Department of Energy, Trade and Industry as well as major stakeholders.

The meeting was to probe for ways to level-off the price of fuel, which has been reportedly high in the Visayas compared to other areas.

Cebu, through Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for example has reportedly questioned major oil companies on the noted high distribution price for fuel and oil in the Visayas.

Gov. Chatto also said that Negros Oriental and Siquijor have also similar problems, one that could legitimize the issue as a topic for RDC intervention.

“Region 7 agreed as the entire central visayas is affected,” Chatto said after admitting telephone conferences with Negros Oriental, Suquijor and Cebu leaders.

“In our meeting last week with the major oil players, we got that international pricing and foreign exchange rates factor in pricing oil,” Chatto told media during his weekly radio program.

But even then, with sea transportation costs and land delivery rates factored, it was found out that Visayas, which is much closer to Luzon have higher prices, the Bohol governor hinted.

According to him, “to implement urgent measures, major oil players have agreed to the opening of Bohol for distribution by independent players other that Shell, Caltex and Petron.”

He also broke the news that a program signed in Manila recently would make Petron open up Pinoy Gas, a more affordable gasoline formulation for public utility vehicles, bancas and farm equipment.

Reports said the Petron Pinoy Gasoline is cheaper by P3 a liter compared to regular gasoline, perhaps the solution to the plea of transport groups and other sectors currently burdened by the high cost of fuels.

“PinoyGas however would not be available until 4 months to a year from now,” Chatto said.

To this, independent player Total Oil, who happened to be at the meeting also said they can put up a similarly priced fuel in less the time, Chatto said.

Chatto explained that the opening up for independent players would help bring the prices down by disrupting the monopolies which the major players have apparently made here.

Chatto also wanted to know why Ubay and Talibon distributors can offer their fuel at lower costs compared to Tagbilaran, putting in the general speculation that there is an apparent price fixing syndicate among the major players and distributors. (racPIABohol)

By Ric V. Obedencio

What does it profit for a farmer/trader if he plants Tuba-tuba (Jatrophas) in big areas of land but losses his investment instead when there are no takers?

This was how provincial board member Dr. Beinvenido Molina described his experience while growing jatropha in his landholdings in Alicia. He said he was then optimistic when he started growing the plant and expected big that somebody would someday buy his produce.

But all his efforts and capital were an exercise in futility and started to think again since nobody would take the produce of his plantation of about 3 hectares of fully grown jatropha. He said in an interview that he decided to uproot them and replaced them with coconuts.

But he is not the only one who appeared being duped of promises of good investment. He said he only had three hectares but Congress Roberto Cajes, who also invested in the growing of alternative bio-fuel sources, had about 20 hectares. He said Cajes also did what he did to his jatropha farm.

It will be recalled that the previous provincial administration launched what could be a “major project which will see Bohol province putting aside 10,00 hectares for a jatropha plantation with a P25 million funding from the Philippine National Oil Company-Alternative Fuels Corporation.”

“The province is embarking into bio-fuel production projects that will not only reduce air pollution but reforest denuded and unproductive forestlands and provide jobs and livelihood opportunities for Boholanos. Targeted are the jatropha plantation for the biofuel additive to diesel and red algae plantation for aquaculture sites all over Bohol’s coastline for bio-ethanol, which is an additive to gasoline. Governor Aumentado expects Bohol to become the country’s biofuel capital once these two projects are in full swing,” said a news article published earlier.

It was seen that the fate of bio-ethanol project with seaweeds algae as raw materials for bio-fuel might also befall to jatropha as well.

Then Governor Erico Aumentado likewise launched the bio-ethanol with signing of the a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Dr. Gyungsoo Kim, inventor of the ethanol extraction process. His company, Biolsystems Co., Ltd., aims to establish a $100 million ethanol extraction facility in Talibon town. Unfortunately, due to howl of the people affected particularly seaweed farmers in Talibon town and neighboring towns, the project was stalled.

Utilizing idle lands, Bohol is one of the provinces/places being groomed as source of jatropha raw materials for bio-fuel. The other places are Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Ecija, Negros, Siquijor and Quezon.

Based on the study, “oil extracted from jatropha nuts can be refined and can be used to operate power plants, generators, as well as be used for cooking oil. “Jatropha seed cakes or the part of the nut that will be left behind after the extraction may also be used to supplement coal used to fire power plants.”

Based on the biodiesel law, planting jatropha as an alternative to diesel fuel is in order. “Jatropha biodiesel is cheaper by 30 percent to 40 percent compared to diesel,” the study said.

By June Blanco

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund the runway, lighting and navigational facilities of the New Bohol Airport (NBA) â€" the new name of the Panglao Bohol International Airport.

Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol) bared this during his radio program over radio station dyTR broadcasting from Tagbilaran City.

Aumentado said Director for Policy and Programs Francisco Lucban of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) confirmed this to him in a recent meeting in Quezon City.

He said Lucban is tasked to focus on the airport project â€" to ensure, among others, that those involved in its implementation will meet timelines this time.

The solon said the magnitude of the project apparently made JICA decide to invest funds in it. After all, the project is not just for Bohol’s 1st District or of the provincial government but of the entire Central Visayas, he explained.

Once operational, he said, the NBA will be the nearest alternate airport to the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This means if trouble brews at MCIA, zero visibility included, flights can always be diverted to the NBA.

With this development, Aumentado said he is readying a copy of the Panglao Island Master Plan prepared by Palafox and Associates for submission tomorrow as requested by JICA.

Lucban had also requested for a copy of the list of lot owners of the area identified for the latest runway orientation â€" the one oriented to Barangay Danao in Panglao instead of the Alona beach row.

Aumentado said Lucban needs the copy for counterchecking before finalizing the barter arrangement preferred by some lot owners who have balked at the idea of totally giving up their properties in the resort island of Panglao.

To note, in the combined nine years of the administrations of former Governors David Tirol and Rene Relampagos when the buying of lots began, they managed to purchase 25 hectares only for the runway,

With the re-orientation of the runway, part of the lots bought earlier will already be outside the present runway and would therefore be available for barter, he said. Under Aumentado’s unprecedented three consecutive terms as governor spanning nine years, the provincial government was able to buy and consolidate some 180 to 190 hectares for the present runway.

On top of this, the solon said plans are also afoot for DOTC to revive the Panglao airport Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) which he used to chair.

Representatives of the local government units involved will sit in the task force â€" Gov. Edgardo Chatto for the province, Mayor Benedicto Alcala of Panglao and Mayor Jaime Jimenez of Dauis.

The task force will see to it that requirements are readily complied with for the earlier implementation of the project.

The earning components of the airport will be open to public-private partnership (PPP) as envisioned by President Benigno Aquino III. These are the terminal building, the cargo area and the parking area.

Aumentado said incentives will also be thrown in for good measure into the package to make the NBA more attractive to bidders.

The winning bidder will implement these components, and operate them under terms of reference to be agreed upon which, for transparency, will be published.

Barely warming his seat in office, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman will have to relinquish the post, after the Commission on Elections disqualified him on the issue of residency.

In a 7-page ruling, the Comelec First Division, presided by Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento, with concurrence of two members, Commissioners Armando C. Velasco and Gregorio V. Larrazabal, found respondent Iam Alastraire Painagan Palgan lacking the most vital requirement before he can run for the position of Chairman, Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Carmen, Bohol.

Palgan’s disqualification came as an offshoot of a petition filed by Kristine Jeane Budiongan, daughter of former Carmen mayor Pedro Budiongan, Jr who is now the incumbent vice mayor of the town.

Petitioner was assisted by the Trabajo-Lim Law Office, based in this city.

The petition against Palgan alleged that he is not qualified to run for the position for the simple reason that he is not a resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Carmen, Bohol.

Contrary to what is indicated in the Certificate of Candidacy of the respondent, petitioner claims that the former is a resident not of Poblacion Norte but of Barangay Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol.

Respondent, denied the allegations and in his answer, he argued that despite the fact that his father is a resident of Barangay Poblacion Sur, his mother is a resident of barangay Poblacion Norte , as evidenced by her COC when she ran for public office.

Palgan claims he is choosing the mother’s residence as his.

But petitioner Budiongan insisted that Palgan being a minor, follows the residence of his parents. To substantiate her claim, Budiongan submitted several documents stating that respondent is not a resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte; most notable of which are copies of respondent’s father’s COC when he ran for public office during the 2007 and 20120 elections.

The COC of Palgan’s father indicated therein that he is a resident of Barangay Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol.

RESIDENCY

Defining first the term residency in relation to election laws, the Comelec cited several Supreme Court cases that define residency as synonymous to domicile. The high court had held the concept of “domicile” to mean an individual’s “permanent home”, a place to which, whenever absent for business or for pleasure, one intends to return.

Using this pronouncement, the Court in the famous case of Romualdez-Marcos vs. Comelec, stated that domicile includes the twin elements of the fact of residing or physical presence in a fixed place and “animus manendi” or the intention of returning there permanently.

Having made clear the definition of the term residency, the Comelec went into the issue presented before them: “whether respondent is a resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Carmen, Bohol”. - Bohol Standard

By Rey Anthony Chiu, PIA Bohol

PRICE the government subsidized rice at par with the commercial rice and make the local rice industry viable.

This fairly sumps up the solution pushed by former Agriculture Secretary and now Bohol representative Arthur Yap, who sees that government intercession in offering cheap imported rice has affected the local industry.

Yap, who is personally immersed into the industry problems as a district representative in Bohol’s rice producing regions is convinced that putting in measures to improve the industry is a thing worth working on.

Yap was also reacting partly to the reported P177B accumulated debt incurred by the National Food Authority (NFA) for alleged over-importing of rice and then selling low.

“NFA is mandated by law to provide the country with cheap rice, and that is so even if it has to lose in the process,” explains Yap.

Imported rice, if investments had to be recouped, should be sold at around P30.00 a kilo, not P18 or P24, as we have now, Yap said as he illustrates how the government loses in the deal.

The question now is what to do with the poor.

On that, Yap said the government can still help the poor by going to the conditional cash transfer beneficiaries card which may be used as discount cards to beneficiaries.

He did not say however if the discounts would be at par with the current NFA rice prices.

Yap, who informed Boholanos listening on air that he has in fact filed a bill to that effect hinted that the importation and offering cheap rice has not made the local rice industry viable.

He said the country’s rice buyers do not easily buy local rice at a high price because they can not offer it with a huge price disparity compared to the cheap rice flooding the markets.

Many people also believe that the Yap pushed solution could engage more Filipinos into rice farming knowing that the industry can become hopeful.

President Simeon Benigno Aquino also exposed allegations that the country’s importation fattened only very few pockets.

On this, the out-spoken representative said he supports the call for investigations to determine if indeed there is truth to the matter.

Recalling however that the private sector importers’ arrangement was on a first-come, first-served, he said that if only a group cornered the import volume, he did not know of it.

He called for investigation nonetheless and said the NFA should verify the allegations and determine if there was any wrongdoing involved.

To Yap, the private sector importation program by the NFA allowed private sector entities to import rice using their own funds, so they can assist government to stabilize local rice supply and prices by their own imports.

“In this way, government does not need to import the entire rice shortfall.”

This way, “no government funds are used here, these are private funds,” Yap said during a radio interview Thursday morning. (racPIABOhol)

The Office of the City Prosecutor has ordered to charge a member of the city task force who boxed a radio broadcaster of less serious physical injuries instead of attempted homicide.

In a resolution dated January 14, 2011, Assistant City Prosecutor Alberto Rara finds that the evidence presented by broadcaster Richard Bompat (the complainant) could not sustain a charge of attempted homicide.

"It is believed that the proper charge in this case would be less serious physical injuries defined under Article 265 of the Revised Penal Code considering that per medical certificate, the injuries suffered by complainant will 'heal or require attendance or incapacitate him for 10-14 days barring complications not apparent at the time of examination'," the resolution stated.

It may be recalled that in the afternoon of November 22, 2010, Bompat was having a conversation with two casual employees of the provincial capitol, in front of Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO) when city task force member Cesar Goloso, who alighted from a motorcycle together with fellow task force members Jido Lopena and Constantino "Jong-Jong" Garcia, suddenly approached the broadcaster and boxed him without provocation.

Goloso boxed the complainant's stomach and face using an improvised metal knuckle bar(pachicorno) which was inserted on the respondent's fist.

Bompat rolled on the floor as blood streamed down from his face after he was hit by Goloso, a member of the City Task Force working under the direct supervision of the City Mayor's Office.

Goloso left the bloodied Bompat on board the motorcycle together with Lopena and Garcia.

Bompat was rushed to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital where Dr. Bernard Magdoza, the attending physician stated that Bompat suffered lacerated wounds, one measuring two centimeters at the right lower periobital area and another 1cm laceration at the upper nasal area. It took five stitches to stop the blood from flowing profusely from the wounds.

Assisted by Atty. Alexander Lim, Bompat formally charged Goloso and his two companions with attempted homicide on November 26, 2010 at the City Prosecutor's Office.

When the case was called for preliminary investigation last January 7, Goloso's counsel Atty. Doni Piquero appeared and manifested that they are waiving the submission of countervailing evidence.

Hence, the city prosecutor resolved the case on the basis of evidence submitted by the complainant.

Prosecutor Rara stated in the resolution that during the preliminary investigation, Dr. Magdoza was asked whether a fistic blow using a metal knuckle bar hitting the complainant's nasal and periorbital area of the face could possibly cause the latter's death.

Dr. Magdoza said that the blow could not cause the complainant's death and the worst he could have suffered would have been blindness.

"In view of this, it is believed, that the evidence presented by the complainant could not sustain a charge of attempted homicide," Rara said.

Considering that the imposable penalty of less serious physical injuries is arresto mayor or imprisonment of one month and one day to six months, the prosecutor ordered that the case should undergo the compulsory barangay conciliation proceedings before the same could be filed in court.

Bompat is given one month from the issuance of the resolution to submit the case for mandatory conciliation proceedings before the proper barangay Lupong Tagapamayapa and submit the Certificate to File Action at the prosecutor's office.

The prosecutor added that respondents Lopena and Garcia acted as co-conspirators of principal respondent Goloso, therefore they should be included in the case.

Bompat, however, intends to file a motion for reconsideration on the assailed resolution and will have it elevated for review to the Regional State Prosecutor’s Office if the MR is denied.

The public is closely monitoring the case as there have been past incidents involving the same personalities of the city task force harassing members of the local media. - Bohol STandard

THE ILL-EFFECTS OF RELELTLESS rains that has continued to pour in most area in the province since last week have brought flooding in some 70-hectares rice fields and damage to agricultural crops.

Damage to ricefields and crops was reported in Alicia, Mabini and Carmen towns where ricelands were flooded. Several areas in barangay Villahermoso of Carmen town were also reported of impassable roads due to flooding.

A national highway in Larapan Jagna was temporarily rendered impassable by a fallen coconut tree, but disaster authorities said the Department of Public Works and Highways immediately cleared the obstruction at almost the same time.

The river in the parts of Sevilla town has risen from its banks but it does not endanger life or property since no houses or people live near the river.

Loboc town has temporarily suspended its floating restaurant and river cruises due to strong river currents brought about by indications of above normal flow of water from the river’s upper tributaries.

Indications of flooding along the Wahig Pamacsalan River in Inabanga has been noted but local authorities said there is yet no danger as the moderated rains dump only enough but not too much to concern disaster authorities.

Police station commanders have been instructed by the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction management to report any above noral situations in their areas of responsibilities.

Under close monitoring for flooding are the river towns of Sevilla, Loboc, Loay, Maribojoc, Cortes, Antequera, Loon, Calape, Tubigon, Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Trinidad, Alicia, Duero, Jagna. Valencia and Lila.

Also monitored for possible landslides are mountain barangays of Jagna and Candijay, Loboc and San Isidro towns. - bohol standard

By the Bohol Chronicle

Literally, the complaint against former Sangguniang Kabataan provincial federated president Jane Censoria Cajes has been buried and will lay in rest in the archives.

Board Member Venzencio “Benjie” Arcamo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee chair on public accountability, in his report rendered Friday, said since Cajes is no longer connected with the provincial Government of Bohol, having served and ended her term of office effective December 1, 2010, action taken or whatever outcome of any investigation on the matter has no more force or effect, therefore any probe is now moot and academic.

Accordingly, there is already a prior complaint filed in the Office of the Ombudsman against Cajes, involving the same issues, any action investigation, or inquiry that maybe conducted by the SP committee would be a duplication of the investigation that the Ombudsman may undertake.

The committee report was unanimously approved by the provincial board in session, presided by Vice Gov. Concepcion O. Lim, last Friday.

Earlier, a letter dated November 5, 2010 from the core members of the SK Reform Coalition-Bohol, was received by the SP requesting to conduct investigation and fact-finding on the alleged questionable transactions of SK President Cajes amounting to P93-million. The letter was referred to the committee of Arcamo.

A meeting presided by Arcamo, committee members Brigido Z. Imboy and Gerardo B. Garcia was held Dec. 3, 2010 treating the SK Cajes issue, earlier referred to the said committee.

In the committee meeting, it was found out that the letter-complaint was not verified or not under oath. Also, under Sec. 61, of the Local Government Code (R.A. 7160) the provision states: “A complaint against any elective official of a province, a highly urbanized city or an independent component city, shall be filed before the Office of the President.”

Such provision of the law renders the Cajes issue not under the jurisdiction of the provincial board, Board Member Arcamo, who is also a lawyer, said.

The 3-page committee report finally recommended the letter-complaint, be kept in the SP data-bank for future reference.

Twenty-two municipalities have no cockpit amusement taxes remitted to the province for years now, according to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) record that is not amusing to the new capitol administration’s drive for faithful revenue generation.

In shark contrast, only four local government units---Alicia, Pilar, Talibon and Trinidad---“regularly paid” to the provincial government.

The amusement tax is 30% of the gross receipt of cockpit admission fees. The LGU collects it in full, retains its 15% and remits the other half to the province as the latter’s share.

The LGUs having “no amusement tax paid in previous years until at present” are Anda, Antequera, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Candijay, Carmen, Dagohoy, Danao, Dimiao, Garcia-Hernandez, Getafe, Inabanga, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Pres. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Isidro, Sevilla, Sierra-Bullones and Ubay.

The amusement taxes in Tagbilaran City, although still a component city of the province unlike the big cities in Cebu, have gone to city hall.

Provincial Treasurer Eustaquio Socorin announced in a meeting with the cockpit operators, managers and repesentatives at People’s Mansion on Wednesday the strategy of the province under Gov. Edgar Chatto on efficient tax collection.

Under Chatto’s leadership, capitol recently generated P1.2 million in sand/gravel/quarry taxes, fees and fines in just one quarter as against the only over P200,000 collected for the entire year in the past.

Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II explained that the province now simply wants to be transparent and efficient in generating revenues.

Higher collections, after all, are returned to the people thru government projects, supports and services, he stressed.

Socorin echoed, saying the government has to maximize revenue collection as the people expect much from the government they trust in. “Taxes are the lifeblood of the government.”

The cities and towns have wider scopes to levy than the province, which has only seven taxing powers that include the taxes on the transfer of real property ownership, business of printing and publication, and franchise.

The four others involve imposition of amusement, professional, and sand/gravel/quarry taxes, and the annual fixed tax on delivery trucks.

The governor called the meeting but was pressed to send his provincial administrator because the Department of Interior and Local Government and Local Government Academy chose him to be one of the important presentors in the Conference of Climate Change Adaptation for Local Economic Development in Manila on the same day.

Cockpit operators and their representatives understood their obligation, but one of them from San Miguel was surprised to see the PTO record showing that the LGU had “no AT (amusement tax) paid in 2009, only in Sept. 2010 in the amount of P6,911.”

He claimed that the cockpit management there had paid the LGU P15,000 and P5,000, respectively, for two derbies, prodding him to wonder where had all the money gone.

In Bien Unido, the cockpit management had allegedly long paid amusement taxes to the LGU yet no remittance to the provincial treasury was made per record.

In the same meeting, cockpit operators chanced to revive their want for a relaxed implementation of Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974 which, according to Police Provincial Director Constantino Paul Barot, Jr. who was also in the meeting, yet needs legal consultation.

Barot gave them even his personal mobile phone number for direct contact in response to their complaint against illegal hackfights outside licensed cockpits. Town police officers have been inutile against the said unlawful activities.

There is one disturbing report, however, that many cockpits in Bohol are themselves operating without necessary franchises and permits.

REMITTANCES

The PTO record says these towns had their last payment of amusement tax in 2010---Batuan in the month of May; Calape, October; Corella, December; Tubigon, June. Clarin had last paid in November, 2009. Balilihan has yet to remit its August 2009-present collection.

The Tubigon case is unique since there was a tax remittance last year even if the cockpit there collected no admission fee. The management was forced to adopt free admission because of the competing rampant illegal hackfights called tukis.

The cockpit in San Isidro has no admission fee, too, which explains why the PTO recorded no remittances. However, the cockpit has reportedly been leased to a new management for some time now.

Guindulman remitted to the province only as of July, 2010 and not in 2009 while Valencia has no remittance since February 2010 until at present.

Dauis paid amusement tax of P100 only in March 2009 and P800 in September 2010. Loon remitted P26,645 for June 2009 and P1,800 only from September 2010. Mabini had only P250 for 2009 but paid regularly in 2010.

Maribojoc had no payment in 2009, only in 2010 but for April-July period while Panglao paid in January and October 2010.

The PTO record further shows that Pilar cockpit operators “regularly paid” in 2009 and 2010.

Although most of them have delinquent monthly accounts for 2010, only 16 towns either totally or partially remitted to the province for the same year, with Alicia leading the top five at P40,347; Calape at P17,200; Pilar, P12,382; Panglao, P9,915; and Mabini, P8576.

The PTO record has remark “No cockpit operation” for Alburquerque, Baclayon, Bilar, Catigbian, Cortes, Duero and Sikatuna.

Socorin said he will personally visit and enter the cockpits on regular cockfight days “to observe for data-banking,” which is vital to get a “realistic estimate” of amusement tax collection. (Ven rebo Arigo)

"Rain or shine, the show must go on."

Intermittent rain showers since Day One of the novena did not hamper the church and cultural activities as the town girds for the annual town fiesta on Friday.

It's all systems go as thousands of devotees and fiesta revelers are expected to flock in this progressive town to pay homage to the most venerated Patron, Sr. Sto. Niño.

Local government officials led by Mayor Eutiquio M. Bernales and Vice-Mayor Constantino H. Reyes with homegrown second district representative Erico B. Aumentado will be at their best to welcome all guests, visitors from all walks of life including the balikbayans.

The Pontifical Mass at 9 a.m. will be officiated by Bishop Christian Vincent F. Noel, of the Diocese of Talibon. Close to 30 visiting priests are expected to join the liturgical rites, said Rev. Fr. Alfredo Amora, the new parish priest.

The holy mass will be covered live on air via dyZD - AM.
         

Meanwhile, for the first time in history in the celebration of town fiesta here, the novena and mass are held at 4:00 o'clock dawn except on vesper eve when the procession will follow. This morning schedule enables businessmen, teachers, office workers to attend the same without sacrificing their hours of duty, Fr. Amora explained.

The fluvial procession of the image of Sr. Sto. Niño at the municipal waters here is scheduled on January 27 (vesper) to start at 7 a.m. This is being coordinated by the Parish Pastoral Council, Phil. Coastguard-Ubay, PPA, PNP and the different religious organizations.

On the other hand, some observers praised the variety of presentations lined up for this year's festivities. Kudos to the solid unity of local government officials that motivated the private sectors to cooperate, mayor Bernales said.

The drivers of trisikad and habal-habal have their share of joining the fare through a Safety and Obstacle Competition with prize of P5,000 each of the winning driver plus a consolation of P500 to 10 non-winners. This was originally scheduled on Day One but postponed today.

The paddle boat racing (bugsay) competition was scheduled yesterday while the motorbike circuit race competition will be held at the PPA Complex on Vesper Day.

Municipal administrator and Ubay Sports Commission executive director, Atty. Dexter A. Bernales sponsored a two-day Table Tennis Administrator's Cup which were played last Saturday and Sunday.

The Open Basketball Tournament unfolded on the eve of Day One and the championship games will be played in the afternoon on Feast Day. This is being participated by five teams to include: UV Green Lancers, Ave Maria-USJR, Medallion Shipping Lines, Sinandigan Classics and the defending champion CPG team of Provincial Board Member, Engr. Gerry Cutamora Garcia.

Now on its 3rd straight year of staging, the Mayor Bernales Cup Open Tennis Tournament (sanctioned by PHILTA) attracted 34 tennisters from the different cities/municipalities of the country including the 16 top seeded players led by No. 1 seed and defending champion of the local tourney, Johnny Arcilla. The finals will be on Thursday at the newly constructed Senator "Migz" Zubiri Centre Court.

Senator Zubiri will be the guest of honor during the inauguration of said court on the following day. He funded the new tennis court with a counterpart of the LGU.

Other presentations during the novena were the Bohol Northern Star College/Bohol Northeastern Education Foundation, Inc. (BNSC-BNEF) with their Mr. and Mrs. BNSC Personality 2011 last January 21; The Holy Child Academy King and Queen Coronation last night; the Alturas Corporation and Du Ek Sam with their variety shows.

Highlighting the festivities will be the Search for Miss Ubay 2011 sponsored by the Ubay Rotary Club. Ten bevies of young ladies will take center stage at Ramon Magsaysay gym in the evening of Feast Day while the Ubay-ubay Grand Parade and Float Festival will take place in the early afternoon.

As a bonus to the fiesta celebration, the Holy Child Academy will have its Grand Alumni Homecoming on January 29. This will be a gathering of all graduates of the institution since its foundation in 1955 wherein Cong. Aumentado is among its products. (Wenny Reyes)

From its modest mounds, kinampay Bol-anon, touted as the most aromatic of all purple yam varieties in the Philippines gets to be celebrated anew with the annual Bohol Ube Festival this January 25-27 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Popularizing the Bohol ube kinampay seemingly needs more than just getting it into the Bohol Hymn, local officials have united in putting up an annual event to promote and help the ube growing farmers sell their harvest, said Eleno Evangelista of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture.

At the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, Evangelista and Crops Division chief Sergio Cuaco were sent by OPA Larry Pamugas to drumbeat on the upcoming root-crop’s flea market of ideas.

“Kinampay,” the rootcrop that has been the main ingredient for the purple ubejam, ice-cream, masa podridas and other home cook ideas and Bohol’s pride as the queen of Philippine yams, would be the queen product of the fair.

Now sold at a more expensive price of about P50.oo a kilo, the penchant for the real kinampay among commercial food processors has not tapered or dissuaded them from getting it here, said Cuaco.

Another variety of the purple yam, a truly deep purple but less aromatic, the “baligon-hon” is also commercially available, but its sales could not topple the kinampay, he said.

Both kinampay and baligonhon belong to the purple ube varieties and are among the more expensive, added Eleno Evangelista of the marketing and promotion section of the aggie office.

Other than the kinampay and the baligonhon, white varieties are also up for sale at the festival venue, Evangelista said.

Among the most common commercial white varieties are kabus-ok, tam-isan, binanag, baliko, iniling and gimnay, all of them making their commercial debuts after the industry has been considered a little above the backyard farm production classification.

Grown in almost all of Bohol especially in areas where there is good drainage system, ube, (dioscorea alata) shows enough promise as experts said a hectare can harvest about 4 tons.

Now a priority rootcrop in Bohol, ube, has shown promise with majority of Central Visayas supplies coming from Bohol, sources at the OPA said.

Basing from the calls we get from buyers and investors, our ube is the hope of farmers, but the problem of price has consistently bugged us, admits Cuaco.

Sourcing our planting materials alone costs farmers immensely that pricing is usually determined at this factor, Cuaco, who hints that farmers could be helped with new propagation technologies. (racPIABohol)

The La Nina spawned rains swamping most areas of Bohol last week could be just a preview of what is yet to come in the next four months.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), large parts of the country, including Bohol would have a wet summer characterized by above-normal rainfall in March, April and May.

In reports, chief of PAGASA’s climatology and agrometeorology division even broke the bleaker news: weather models and advisories from observation centers across the globe forecast La Nina to stretch until May, with the peak occurring in February.

The weather bureau said that La Niña, or a weather condition characterized by above average rains arrived in the Philippines last October and has so far submerged coastal communities in parts of Australia.

Hitting the globe in cycles, the La Nina, PAG-ASA said brings in “above-normal” rainfall incident similar to what happened in the Philippines in the summer months of 1998 when the entire country had one rainy summer.

The cycle is expected to repeat in 2011.

In Bohol, the moderate rains that fell for almost two days drenched most towns causing flooding in ricefields in Alicia, loosening the soil which toppled trees and consequently obstructed traffic in Jagna, creating minor alarm over river towns of Inabanga, Sevilla and Loboc and rendering some roads impassable in Carmen.

Over this too, Governor Edgardo Chatto has advised town disaster risk reduction management councils to be on their toes in the next months.

Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council has identified in its hazard maps areas for close watch including landslide prone, tsunami or storm surge areas, towns with flooding incidents and crucial road networks that may be affected by the rains.

Since December, PAG-ASA said the eastern seaboard of the country has been getting above-normal rains. (racPIABohol)

“Anything short of death penalty,” says Governor Edgar Chatto who was staking his personal stand on the move to reimpose capital punishment.

This too as two bills are reportedly pending in the House of Representatives, all for the resurrection of death penalty.

“My stand has always been consistent even when I was still a congressman”, Chatto, now Bohol governor reiterates, “I have always been pro-life.”

“The value for life is very high on my hierarchy” [of values], he said even as he learned that one bill was filed by then Bohol governor, now Representative Erico Aumentado.

Considering the raging public debates on the death penalty as crime deterrent, Chatto said whatever measures we do, we can impose whatever it is, short of death.

Talks about the reimposition of the death penalty resurrected with senators expressing support on the move even as newspapers reported that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and several congressmen thumbed down the move.

Canon lawyer and Bohol Bishop Leonardo Medroso also have the same view with Chatto.

At a casual talk during multisectoral gathering in Bohol, Bishop Medroso shared about his conviction of the sanctity of life and the divine law of life.

According to reports, Rep. Erico Aumentado filed House Bill 03993, which will restore the death penalty for capital offenses as defined in the revised penal code.

Aumentado also wants that crimes of carjacking with homicide; kidnapping with homicide or for ransom; manufacturing, smuggling or trafficking of dangerous drugs and plunder cases among those punishable by death.

Another bi, HB 00744 filed by Rep. Jane Tan Castro, which declares illegal logging a heinous crime can incur the penalty of death.

Aumentado’s bill is now on 1st reading while Castro’s bill has remained in the justice committee.

This again as many congressmen, including Rep. Rodolfo Biazon and Rafael Mariano openly share their belief that re-imposition of death penalty will not deter crime.

Biazon said it is not a penalty, but a law enforcement issue.

Instead, Biazon as reported by Inquirer said, “we have to strengthen judicial processes and implementation of laws in this country.” (racPIABohol)

Local government units have the power to craft ordinances imposing penalties on traffic violations, based on the mandates of the local government code.

The statement came as a dousing reality over the solution to the traffic enforcement problems in Bohol where the range of issues extend to notoriously ignorant drivers to non-road worthy vehicles plying the streets.

Fiscal Macario Delusa explained that any LGU can craft an ordinance on traffic rules and enforcement within the locality. But, he warned that these “should be consistent with the national laws”.

Delusa was asserting legal information during a forum where Boholanos tackled traffic enforcement problems related to the apparent lack of traffic enforcement authorities at the Land Transportation Office.

The provincial prosecutor was also reacting to Board Member Brigido Imboy, who first complained about the on and off operations of deputized traffic agents.

Imboy was asking instead if an LGU can craft an ordinance regarding violations and that the LGU can apprehend motorists for these violations at the local levels.

With the LTO clearly undermanned, registrar Joel Maloloy-on admitted his office only has 22 personnel and its daily office operations entail a manpower of 16, leaving only six to do road operations.

With an augmentation of police as traffic deputies, LTO has managed to survive and perform, but only after it has deputized agents as force multipliers.

However, despite deputized agents, may observers still think that LTO and its deputized agents could not keep up with the tasks at hand.

Over this, Imboy has asked if a local legislation to help rid the streets of erring drivers and non-road-worthy vehicles by maximizing on local legislative powers.

Governor Edgar Chatto also stressed that “legislative powers of LGUS are not inherent but delegated by Congress, so it can be done but it should not contravene with the higher laws”.

And so as not to tall into the trap of an ultra-vires legislation, Chatto advises LGUS to consult with Capitol research unit or the Provincial Legal Office before coming up with their measures. (racPIABohol)

“Warden Torreon stays,” thus confirmed Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto when asked about the status of Bohol District Jail (BDJ) Warden J/SINSP Rynan Torreon after an inmate, Michael Guitteriez a.k.a. Garry Curay, escaped from the facility.

Chatto said he was really dismayed when Curay was able to pull his “Houdini act” inside the BDJ premises and escaped detention despite 24 jail guards and 8 security cameras guarding the Bureau of Jail and Penology (BJMP) grounds 24/7.

Curay is a theft convict and currently has an on-going case in Bohol courts for alleged rape.

It can be recalled that Curay was able to escape from the clasp of the authorities in early dawn of December 26 in which Gov. Chatto has urgently issued a pressing manhunt to the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) and 802nd Infantry Brigade for the escapee’s immediate recapture.

A bounty of P50,000.00 was then offered to whoever could give information leading to Curay’s re-imprisonment and consequently, Chatto also ordered Warden Torreon and Philippine Army 81ID Brigade Commander Col. John Bonafos to conduct a massive province-wide manhunt for the escapee. He (Chatto) also ordered PNP Provincial Chief Col. Constantino Barot, Jr. to alert all PNP stations regarding the situation.

When Chatto received reports that Curay was recaptured by the authorities in Iloilo through the concerted efforts of Iloilo and Bohol jail personnel through commendable intelligence networking and cooperation initiated by the Cabawan facility, the governor became positive that his earlier decision not to automatically relieve Insp. Torreon was right.

“I wanted to give Warden Torreon the chance to recapture the escapee and hence, save the face that he has lost,” Chatto said. “Everyone deserves a second chance to prove himself,” Chatto added.

Furthermore, Chatto said, it is Torreon’s responsibility to correct any wrong that happens within his area of responsibility, especially when his staff become remiss in their duties and responsibilities inherent in their position. Besides, automatically relieving Torreon of his post before the recapture of the escapee might only worsen the situation for the new warden might not give his all in tracking down the convict for the incident did not happen during his watch.

Thursday of last week, the governor graced the culmination activities of BDJ’s 2-day Year-End Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop and told the facility’s personnel that he is indeed very pleased about the recapture of the escapee and that he was ready to deliver his inspirational message which he did not feel like doing the day before because of the incident with Curay.

“I am very proud of your accomplishments despite your sporadic failures,” the governor said, beaming.

Chatto further inspired them by saying that the Bohol Provincial Government is planning on setting up more programs for the inmates and BDJ personnel alike which would focus on giving the inmates a new lease on life; and the latter to be more motivated in doing their jobs well.

The Bohol Governor believes that it is the responsibility of the jail system to give the inmates the life and the respect that they deserve after their term in jail.

The governor also instructed Provincial Administrator Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II to sit down with jail authorities regarding the Chatto-Lim Administration’s upcoming programs for the BDJ.

Chatto assured all BDJ personnel that the Provincial Government supports their cause 101% for “we will not be here today if we are not supporting you.”

Boholanos, especially Tagbilaran City residents, are quite annoyed by countless traffic violations being perpetrated in broad daylight and yet no one seems apprehended and nothing seems to be done to correct the wrongs.

This was one of the concerns raised during the Bohol Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting by one city resident who voiced out her exasperation pointed at the police, traffic enforcers, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and all other concerned agencies.

Another issue raised during the meeting is the rampant usage of commemorative plate numbers with “Mayor,” “Councilor” and other similar labels put on vehicles instead of the usual and correct plate number issued by the LTO.

LTO Chief Joel Maloloy-on corrected the notion that these special plate numbers issued to politicians and prominent personalities is a special privilege given by the government to these people.

Maloloy-on said that he would like to make it known that these “special” plate numbers are not allowed. Only those which are given to congressmen and other top brass people in government are allowed by our laws, he further clarified.

Gov. Chatto even pointed out that during his term in Congress, he did not make use of similar commemorative plate numbers given to him for he did not want the kind of “special treatment” bestowed on its bearers.

The issue on the request for deputation of police officers to help in the implementation of traffic laws was also raised and Maloloy-on assured the council that he would get his superiors’ approval from the LTO Regional Office in Cebu the soonest time possible for according to him, LTO Bohol has only a meager number of personnel and they would be more than grateful to get all the help they could get from other agencies to arrest violators.

Maloloy-on however further clarified that policemen can still apprehend and file cases against road and traffic violators who are caught “in flagrante” even without TOPs, which was also supported by Provincial Prosecutor Macario Delusa.

According to Col. Barot, the City of Tagbilaran has its own traffic unit which is the lead agency in the implementation of operational traffic standards within city limits and the BPPO’s role is only to support it.

However, Barot said that the BPPO is unwavering on its stand in implementing the “No Plate No Travel Policy” in the whole province for it was observed that most of the crimes committed against persons and property are being perpetrated by those who are “riding in tandem” sans plate numbers and this is one of the reasons of their request for deputation which, he hopes, would be approved immediately.

As to the issue on “fixers,” the LTO Chief said that his concerns are those transactions which are happening within the four walls of the LTO and those involving its personnel only and that he has no control of those people who are “outside” his grasp.

Chatto assured the Bohol PPOC that the Chatto-Lim Administration will give its full support to the council and that quick response teams and units which are similar to America’s 911 would be put into place to help solve and curb crimes in Bohol. (jlv/EDC0m)

UBAY. Cityhood of this municipality may take some time.

Second district representative Erico B. Aumentado said, "naa pay daghang rekisitos nga wa pa matuman sa Ubay. Pananglitan, kay Science City man kini, gikinahanglan nato ang maayong mercado nga dili manemaho, mercado nga orderly" (so many requisites the town of Ubay has yet to be complied with. For instance, as a Science City we need a good, orderly and non-stinky wet market.)

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, Aumentado admitted having not filed yet in Congress his House Bill creating Ubay as a Science City considering the deficiencies.
         

The homegrown congressman deplored the lack of a municipal development master plan. On this aspect, Aumentado said that along with mayor Eutiquio Bernales he sought the assistance from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) who likewise obliged to prepare the same.

Aumentado said in vernacular that "if we are going to be a city, we should have a good master plan and to religiously implement the requisites especially in the operation of a wet market where sanitation, orderliness, administration and cleanliness is "a must".

Another requirement for the municipality is a good sewerage system, Aumentado added.

On the other hand, Pelagia O. Reyes, a retired MLGOO here, said that she had already completed the gathering of the documentary evidence especially on the agricultural infrastructures. Reyes was tasked to collate the same to support the proposed House Bill of Aumentado.

Ubay had an income of more than P107 million in last year, said Municipal Treasurer Deosecito R. Butawan while the 2006 statistics showed a population of more than 65,000.

In a related development, Aumentado disclosed that mayor Bernales immediately created a Task Force to address the requirements. Vice Mayor Constantino H. Reyes was appointed to head said Task Force whom the latter acted with dispatch, the congressman said.

Last Thursday the construction of a new wet market started with budget of P3 million from the LGU while another P2 million as counterpart from Cong. Aumentado. (Wenny Reyes)

Peace and order with respect to human rights, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto stressed this during the strategic planning workshop of the Multi-Sectoral Quick Reaction Team on Extra-Legal Killings (ELKs) and Enforced Disappearances (EDs).

The governor moved for the establishment of the MSQRT under the Local Peace Forum on Thursday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Taloto. The voluntary body led by Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Gov. Chatto and composed of ecumenical groups, local government unit representatives, lawyers from Bohol law schools, non-government workers, security forces, government agencies, representatives of the court and the media was formally established through unanimous decision. Part of the specific plan of action in this regard is the issuance of an executive order re-organizing the Local Peace Forum to integrate the MSQRT and its subsequent launching in February.

The juridical, voluntary body is a manifestation of the sensitivity of the people, particularly of the Boholanos to current issues specific to human rights, said Bishop Medroso.

The body identified strategic directions and specific activities geared towards finding out whether or not ELKs and EDs are indeed happening in the province and setting up of preventive mechanisms.

Aside from the establishment of the the MSQRT, the group pointed out capability building, Information Education Communication on human rights, institutional development, and strengthening of the pillars of justice as important strategies towards this end.

Specific plans of action include the Barangay Human Rights Action Center to train barangay stakeholders, law enforcement agencies trainings on preservation of evidence and trainings on human rights, lectures on livelihood, as well as values fora, information drives, and sectoral orientations. The group also intends to come up with a Human Rights module and to hold a Human Rights Congress in time for International Human Rights Day in December.

The establishment of the MSQRT came about following a road show on ELKs and EDs by The Asia Foundation and the Ateneo Human Rights Center. (Leah/EDCom)

It's your lucky day! Your chance to grab 50% off the lowest fares to any of our 16 international destinations for travel starting April 1 to May 31, 2011. The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) will maintain zero fuel surcharges and putting up 120,000 seats for this 50% off seat sale from now until January 31, 2011 or until seats last.

This destinations are Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Singapore, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Brunei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Jakarta, Busan and Osaka.

CEB remains the only Philippine carrier to offer fares without fuel surcharges.

What is your understanding of the so-called "Pamilya Pastilan"?

San Sebastian College scrambled its way back from a two-set deficit to eke out a marathon 22-25, 22-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 victory over Letran to complete a two-game sweep and earn a six-peat in the 86th NCAA women's volleyball tournament Thursday at the Fil-Oil/Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Power-hitting Joy Benito unleashed a 31-hit effort, all coming on attacks, that powered the San Sebastian belles to the come-from-behind victory and their 24th championship overall.

Benito was eventually named the tournament MVP for her superb performance.

"We're happy to be back on top, its really a good feeling winning a championship again for the school," said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, who owns 22 of the 24 titles by the Mendiola-based school since he took over in 1984.

A maze of reception errors proved costly for the Lady Knights, who just blew a 2-0 lead and never recovered from there.

Actually, Letran mustered enough strength to rally its way back from an 8-14 deficit in the deciding set after the troika Mharu Burce, Sarah Espelita and Gena Andaya connived in scoring four unanswered points to close in on 12-14.

Andaya had a chance of sending the Muralla-based squad closer but she misfired on her serve, sending the San Sebastian Lady Spikers and their fans in frantic celebration at centercourt.

Elaine Cruz and rookie Karen Berbano combined for 25 hits while Bonsai Mirasol contributed 10 including three on blocks in what was her farewell match before graduating this year.

Manel Carolino paced Letran with 14 kills while Burce added 12 she laced with three service aces. - pna

Business franchising is a less risky way to start a business. If you’re considering giving up your job to work for yourself, you might like to consider business franchising options that may be available. Business franchising allows you to run a branch of someone else’s business, providing you with a blueprint business plan that’s been tried, tested and is successful in other areas. It also gives you an opportunity to benefit from the experience and industry knowledge of the franchisor, which you would otherwise have to gain from your own experiences in business or in the employment arena. = read more here

from Nokia newsletter

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Turn your phone into an even more useful tool, a mobile entertainment center, and more. Discover apps, games, themes, and more from Ovi Store and send them to your phone with ease.
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If you've already installed Nokia Ovi Suite on your computer, update to the latest version by clicking Tools > Software updates.

Critical to starting a business is having the appropriate finance in place, and money alone is the number one reason most â€" as much as 90% - of business ventures fail during the early start-up period. While management failure does also play a part, it is money that makes any business worthwhile and gets it off the ground. At the same time, business franchising is a popular way of starting a business and becoming your own boss, and for a variety of reasons business franchising start-ups tend to be viewed more favourably by banks and investors. There are numerous key business reasons for this bias. - read more here

Business franchising agreements are commonplace, and tens of thousands of these contracts are signed every single day around the world. More often that not, the agreements underpinning business franchising arrangements are written by qualified and skilled commercial lawyers experienced in this kind of arrangement. However, that’s not always the case, and many business owners choosing the franchising route consider a DIY approach to contract formation, which carries with it it’s own risks and pitfalls. Whichever route you choose, there are a number of key contract terms you should look out for in franchising agreements that are of importance to both the franchisee and franchisor. - read more here

Business franchising arrangements are usually conducted on the basis of a particular geographic area or territory. The franchisee breaks up the licensing of his business between different franchising territories, to ensure there’s no overlap of competition between franchises and to geographically grow the business nation wide or even world wide. Usually, the territory you are assigned is yours with exclusivity against any other business franchising agent that might otherwise move in to your area. This ensures your business franchising opportunity is given a chance to grow within your local area without having to compete with other franchisees. But how important are business franchising territories, and does it matter which territory you are assigned? read more here

LGSP-LED is seeking applications for Consultant on Value Chain Analysis for Eco-Tourism in Western Pangasinan- Deadline Feb 7, 2011

LGSP-LED is seeking applications for Consultant on Value Chain Analysis for Eco-Toursim in Western Pangasinan. The Terms of Reference (TORs) detailing the background, scope of work, roles and responsibilities and qualifications is attached.

LGSP-LED is a collaborative, eight-year Program of the Governments of Canada and Philippines, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its purpose is to reduce poverty by strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable local economic development (LED). The Executing Agency of the Program is a Canadian consortium made up of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC).

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1.       Letter of Intent addressed to the Field Director, Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development, with  fees expectation;

2.       One page write-up on the proposed approach to be taken by consultant in accomplishing the assignment; and

3.       Comprehensive CV, not to exceed 4 pages detailing the following:

a.       Name and citizenship
b.      Education and pertinent dates and degrees received
c.       Language(s) spoken, read and written, and degree of proficiency in each category
d.      Length of service with current employer, position and status (permanent, temporary, contract employee, associate, etc.)
e.      Pertinent experience: A summary of the skills and experience that would be valuable and applicable to this project
f.        A history of employment and assignments (in reverse chronological order)
g.       List of publications/presentations, if applicable
h.      Membership in associations

Please send applications via email to careers@lgsp-led.ph  not later than February 7, 2011. Only short-listed applicants will be called for interview.

We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and partners who might be interested and are qualified to apply for this position.

LGSP-LED is an equal opportunity employer.  Women are encouraged to apply.

Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO)
The Program Support Unit of CIDA in the Philippines
9th Floor, Salcedo Towers #169 H. V Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village Makati City
T (+63) (2) 813 8255 F (+63) (2) 892 8914
www.pcco.org.ph

LGSP-LED is seeking applications for four (4) LGU Alliance Resource/Finance Consultants. The Terms of Reference (TORs) detailing the background, scope of work, roles and responsibilities and qualifications is attached.

LGSP-LED is a collaborative, eight-year Program of the Governments of Canada and Philippines, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its purpose is to reduce poverty by strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable local economic development (LED). The Executing Agency of the Program is a Canadian consortium made up of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC).

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1.       Letter of Intent addressed to the Field Director, Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development

2.       Comprehensive CV, not to exceed 4 pages detailing the following:

a.       Name and citizenship

b.      Education and pertinent dates and degrees received

c.       Language(s) spoken, read and written, and degree of proficiency in each category

d.      Length of service with current employer, position and status (permanent, temporary, contract employee, associate, etc.)

e.      Pertinent experience: A summary of the skills and experience that would be valuable and applicable to this project

f.        A history of employment and assignments (in reverse chronological order)

g.       List of publications/presentations, if applicable

h.      Membership in associations

Please send applications via email to careers@lgsp-led.ph  not later than January 28, 2011. Only short-listed applicants will be called for interview.

We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and partners who might be interested and are qualified to apply for this position.

LGSP-LED is an equal opportunity employer.  Women are encouraged to apply.

Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO)
The Program Support Unit of CIDA in the Philippines
9th Floor, Salcedo Towers #169 H. V Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village Makati City
T (+63) (2) 813 8255 F (+63) (2) 892 8914
www.pcco.org.ph

sa ato ang prestigious, ang antique hungot lang. it should qualify in the top 10.

Is there a "chicken kinilaw"? 

There is something very perfect in that woman. 

There is only so much that a public water filtration system can do. They protect us from diseases like typhoid. Mud, dirt, raw sewage, and animal carcasses that may have fallen into the lakes and reservoirs are removed. This process filters out dangerous heavy metals, foreign objects like rocks and silt, and many minerals. Water is tested to ensure that toxic elements do not surpass a safe level. Since there are problems in the public water supply that are not corrected by the system's filtering system, additional measures must be taken at the tap. - read more here

Same as above, Katrina Raif of India Bollywood

What If This Woman Would Appear In Your Dream?

After nearly a week, the man suspected of raping and beheading a 19-year-old woman in Cavite is now in police custody.

Southern Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said his men arrested Cezar Catipon, who had been at large after the incident.

"Nakuha na natin ang involved doon ang pinugutan ng ulo, nasa kustodiya na natin ito (We got the man involved in this crime. He is now in our custody)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio on Friday.

Pagdilao did not give further details on Catipon's arrest but said the suspect faces charges of rape with murder.

Earlier reports linked Catipon to the brutal rape and beheading of Mary Jane dela Vega, 19, in Magallanes town in Cavite on Monday.

Dela Vega's companions were quoted as saying a drunk Catipon blocked their path at about 9:00 p.m. Monday, and took the victim at knifepoint before raping her. â€" VVP, GMANews.TV

Same modus operandi of AIM Global. Why not just sell the products so that people would be benefited? Why do you have to register in order to avail of a product?

Pyramiding scam. All the same.

In AIM Global, you have to pay 7,000 plus pesos before you can avail of the product. Sick and tired of all this pyramiding scam.

Changing names but never the strategy. All the same.

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The Telegraph UK Daily

Lesson: God created the world but He did not include reclamation project. If you alter the course of nature, you will pay a high price for your stupidity.

By Richard Spencer, Dubai 9:30PM GMT 20 Jan 2011

The islands were intended as the ultimate luxury possession, even for Dubai.

But the World, the ambitiously-constructed archipelago of islands shaped like the countries of the globe, is sinking back into the sea, according to evidence cited before a property tribunal.

The islands were intended to be developed with tailor-made hotel complexes and luxury villas, and sold to millionaires. They are off the coast of Dubai and accessible by yacht or motor boat.

Now their sands are eroding and the navigational channels between them are silting up, the British lawyer for a company bringing a case against the state-run developer, Nakheel, has told judges.

"The islands are gradually falling back into the sea," Richard Wilmot-Smith QC, for Penguin Marine, said. The evidence showed "erosion and deterioration of The World islands", he added.

With all but one of the islands still uninhabited â€" Greenland â€" and that one a showpiece owned by the ruler of Dubai, most of the development plans have been brought to a crashing halt by the financial crisis.

Ayala Center Cebu has opened its new public utility vehicle (PUV) terminal to provide better transport facilities to shoppers and pave the way for the construction of a P2.8-billion expansion of one of Cebu's biggest malls.

The new PUV terminal, which is facing the Archbishop Reyes Ave., is a two-storey facility with a total gross floor area of 4,000 square meters.

Joy Polloso, general manager of Ayala Center Cebu, said the company invested about P53 million for the construction of the facility, which will house amenities like restrooms and food stalls.

Polloso said the new terminal will still house the existing seven routes for jeepneys and five routes for v-hires.

"We just merely transferred the existing routes from the old terminal to this new facility," she said.

The terminal's ground area will accommodate the jeepney routes going to Colon, Guadalupe, Mandaue and Labangon, while the second floor will house the jeepney routes going to Talamban, SM, Lahug as well as the v-hire routes going to Opon Consolacion, Liloan, Balamban Asturias and Tuburan.

Polloso also said that although they set up a facility to better serve their customers, the mall is working closely with the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) for improvements in traffic management in the entire Cebu Business Park.

Ayala Center Cebu alone recorded about 800 trips a day for its accredited jeepneys and v-hire units.

Polloso also said the completion of the new passenger terminal signals the beginning of the construction of the mall's phase 2B, which is set to break ground next Monday.

Phase 2B, which will be built at the old passenger terminal, is estimated to cost P2.8 billion with a leasable area of 36,000 square meters.

This new phase, which will feature stores of luxury brands, is expected to be completed in 2013. (PNA)

Grabe ka tambok na. Coca-cola body, in can, that was before.

LGSP-LED is seeking applications for Individual Consultants for (1) IT Consultant (Part-time, 6 months) and (2) Web Developer/Coach (Part-time, 3 months). The Terms of Reference (TORs) detailing the background, scope of work, roles and responsibilities and qualifications is attached.

LGSP-LED is a collaborative, eight-year Program of the Governments of Canada and Philippines, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its purpose is to reduce poverty by strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable local economic development (LED). The Executing Agency of the Program is a Canadian consortium made up of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC).

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1.       Letter of Intent addressed to the Field Director, Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development

2.       Comprehensive CV, not to exceed 4 pages detailing the following:

a.       Name and citizenship

b.      Education and pertinent dates and degrees received

c.       Language(s) spoken, read and written, and degree of proficiency in each category

d.      Length of service with current employer, position and status (permanent, temporary, contract employee, associate, etc.)

e.      Pertinent experience: A summary of the skills and experience that would be valuable and applicable to this project

f.        A history of employment and assignments (in reverse chronological order)

g.       List of publications/presentations, if applicable

h.      Membership in associations

3.       For the Web Developer/Coach, portfolio or work samples

Note: Interested individuals with the combined required competencies may apply to both positions.

Please send applications via email to careers@lgsp-led.ph   not later than January 26, 2011. Only short-listed applicants will be called for interview.

We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and partners who might be interested and are qualified to apply for this position.

LGSP-LED is an equal opportunity employer.  Women are encouraged to apply.

Philippines-Canada Cooperation Office (PCCO)
The Program Support Unit of CIDA in the Philippines
9th Floor, Salcedo Towers #169 H. V Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village Makati City
T (+63) (2) 813 8255 F (+63) (2) 892 8914
www.pcco.org.ph

A foundation led by a sister of President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III on Thursday turned over five pre-school buildings to local officials in Cebu.

“Let’s start right when they enter Grade I,” said Pinky Aquino-Abellada, the chairperson of "Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa" (Aggap).

Gabriel Cruz, Cebu representative of Aggap, said they are building 100 classrooms in a year and another 1,000 classrooms in six years.

Two of the five school buildings in Cebu are in Mandaue City.

Abellada said they build classrooms to reduce dropout rates of pupils.

Each classroom has a built-in library to provide pupils with learning tools, as “their way of fighting poverty.”

“That’s our dream,” Abellada said.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said this is a big help to students because the classrooms also come with books. - pna

Sharon Cuneta revealed on Wednesday that she lost 20 pounds through Marie France Bodyline, which she now endorses, reports ABS-CBNNews.com. She said the Marie France advertisement showing her slimmer body was not edited or Photoshopped.

The Megastar started the slimming treatment in July but she admitted her visits to the clinic have been "on and off" because of work, reports PEP.ph. "I'm going to do this steadily. Not as slow as if I'm going to do it alone... But not too quickly because (that's not) healthy too." - abs-cbn

Actor Edu Manzano has denied rumors that he got married to his ex-girlfriend, broadcast journalist Pinky Webb, in a secret ceremony abroad, reports ABS-CBNNews.com. "Although I just arrived from my Asian trip last night, it doesn't mean I got married," he said on Tuesday.

According to ABS-CBNNews.com, earlier reports said the former couple tied the knot abroad to prevent the wedding from turning into a carnival-like ceremony.

Manzano told ABS-CBNNews.com that his friendship with Webb has grown after their separation. Earlier, he said they split up after he decided to run for vice president in the recent elections. (He lost to Jejomar Binay.) Manzano said he did not tell Webb about his bid for VP, and it was one of the reasons they broke up. They were together for five years. - ABS-CBN

Do You Always Order Extra Rice?

2012 Panasonic Scholarship Program
(Master Study in Japan)
is now accepting applicants
If you…
• wish to pursue a master’s course in Japan
• have intention to be proficient in basic Japanese language as a
prerequisite to be enrolled at graduate schools in Japan
• are interested in and have the desire to contribute to the development
of the Philippines and to promote friendship between the Philippines
and Japan
• would like to specialize in any one of the science, technology, and
engineering fields.
and you are…
• a medically fit citizen of the Philippines and strongly motivated to study
in Japan
• graduating or a university graduate with distinguished academic
records; must have completed at least 15 years of formal education
(inclusive of elementary, high school, undergraduate study, master
units) or have been accepted as eligible for enrollment at the targeted
graduate schools
(Applicants must have completed their bachelor degrees no more than
4 years prior to the date of their arrival in Japan)
• determined to achieve not lower than N4 of the Japanese Language
Proficiency Test or JLPT .
Then…
• you are qualified to apply for the 2012 Scholarship Program, a 3-year
Scholarship package from April 2012 to March 2015.
Panasonic Scholarship Contents:
• Assistance to be provided before arrival in Japan :
1. Application Fee and Entrance Fee : 100,000 yen
2. Traveling Cost to Japan : One-way economy class Air Ticket
• Assistance to be provided after arrival in Japan :
1. Research Student of Graduate School (within one year)
Monthly Allowance: 150,000 yen
Tuition Fee Assistance: Maximum 200,000 yen per semester
Panasonic Scholarship Program was
established in 1998 in commemoration
of the 80th anniversary of Panasonic
Corporation for the purpose of
providing scholarship opportunity to
the privately financed students from
Asian countries, including the
Philippines to pursue master’s course
in Japan. This program offers financial
assistance to promising students who
can contribute to the development of
their countries and to promote mutual
friendship between their home
countries and Japan.
Panasonic Corporation is one of the
largest electronic product
manufacturers in the world, comprised
of over 680 companies. It
manufactures and markets a wide
range of products under the Panasonic
brand to enhance and enrich lifestyles
all around the globe. Throughout its
corporate history, Panasonic
Corporation has believed that in
“Recognizing our responsibilities as
industrialists, we will devote ourselves
to the progress and development of
society and the well-being of people
through our business activities, thereby
enhancing the quality of life throughout
the world.” Likewise, Panasonic
Corporation has a strong belief that the
development of human resources is
the most important management issue.
2. Master’s Course of Graduate School (within two years)
Monthly Allowance: 180,000 yen
Entrance Fee Assistance: Maximum 250,000 yen
Tuition Fee Assistance: Maximum 250,000 yen per semester
How to apply…
• Download the Application Forms from our website
http://www.panasonic.com.ph/web/aboutpanasonic/corporatecitizenship or email us at
pmpc_scholarship@ph.panasonic.com
Application Form (Form No. 1)
Recommendation letter from the Dean (Form No. 2)
Indicate your Study and Research Plan in Japan (Form No. 3)
• Submit your application form together with the following:
Certified True Copy of the University Transcript of Records
Certified True Copy of the University Diploma
Certificate indicating the General Weight Average (GWA) rating
Recommendation letter from the supervisor if currently employed
Any documents that may support your application
• Place all documents inside a brown envelope and send through courier or handcarried to:
Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC)
Panasonic Scholarship Office - Philippines
Human Resource Department
PMPC-Taytay Compound, Ortigas Avenue Ext., Taytay, Rizal 1920
Tel: (02) 6352260 local 2810 â€" 2815 ;
Fax: (02) 2842293
Cellphone No. 0920-9532788
Contact Person: MS. JENNIE R. GARCIA
Email: pmpc_scholarship@ph.panasonic.com
URL: http://www.panasonic.com.ph/web/aboutpanasonic/corporatecitizenship
Documents submitted shall not be returned under any circumstances.
Selection and Notification
April 29, 2011 Deadline for Submission of Application
May 2011 (1st week) First Screening (By documents)
May 2011 (2nd week) Second Screening
June 2011 (1st week) Third Screening
June 2011 (4th week) Final Selection, Notification of the Results
Requirements for Panasonic Scholarship students ( incl. nominated students)
1. Enrollment in Graduate School and Duration of Research
Panasonic searches a student with passion for studying at graduate school for 3 (three) years. In concrete,
Panasonic searches those who;
1) obtain an informal consent from the academic adviser and finish application for enrollment as a research
student within 2011,
2) enroll in graduate school as a research student in April 2012,
3) then enroll in a master’s course in April 2013 and
4) complete a master’s degree in March 2015.
2. Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) are required to obtain N4 or above of Japanese
Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) to be conducted in The Philippines at the beginning of December 2011. In line
With this, Panasonic recommends a student who has never learned Japanese to start a preparation for
Japanese learning before attending the final interview. Panasonic may ask questions in easy Japanese at the
final interview. Besides, it is said that a student enrolling in a master’s course should reach N1 or above of JLPT
in order for them to successfully study and research at a graduate school.
(3) Notes
Please take note the following.
1. Procedures Before / After Arrival in Japan
1) Acquisition of Passport
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for getting a passport and bear expenses related.
2) Acquisition of Student Visa
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for getting a student visa and bear expenses related.
3) Acquisition of Admission Approval from Graduate School
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for enrolling as a research student such as getting an admission
approval from a graduate school.
4) Reservation of Accommodation
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for reserving an accommodation and bear expenses related.
5) Application for Alien Registration
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for applying for the alien registration and bear expenses related.
6) Subscription to Medical Insurance
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) must compile
responsibly all the necessary documents, follow the required procedures and
preparations for subscribing to the National Health Insurance and bear expenses
related.
Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) are recommended to refer to the Student Guide to
Japan issued by Japan Student Services Organization on all initial expenses incurred after arrival in Japan.
The first scholarship payment will be made in April 2012.
2. Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) are required to observe Panasonic
Scholarship’s Rules and follow instructions given by the Panasonic Scholarship Office of
Japan/Country name and to submit the necessary documents such as a monthly report, Japanese
language progress report, Notice of Informal Consent issued by your target professor and Notice
of Admission etc. without delay.
3. Panasonic reserves the right to suspend temporarily or terminate immediately the scholarship if
Panasonic finds Panasonic Scholarship students (incl. nominated students) to be in violation of the
scholarship conditions.
Panasonic also reserves the right to claim a partial or full refund of the scholarship,
entrance fee assistance and tuition fee assistance amount previously-provided when a serious
violation of the principles and objectives of the Panasonic Scholarship is found.
4. The documents submitted shall not be returned under any circumstances.
5. Should any points be unclear to you, please contact the Panasonic Scholarship Office â€" Philippines
( See below ) :
Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC)
Panasonic Scholarship Office â€" Philippines
Human Resource Department
PMPC â€" Taytay Compound, Ortigas Avenue Ext., Taytay, Rizal 1920
Tel: (02) 6352260 local 2810 â€" 2815
Fax: (02) 2842293
Contact Person: Ms. Jennie R. Garcia
Cellphone No. 0920 - 9532788
Email: pmpc_scholarship@ph.panasonic.com
URL: http://www.panasonic.com.ph/web/aboutpanasonic/corporatecitizenship

Do You Eat Paklay?

2GO, in its thrust to deliver its promise of providing flexible solutions to its customers, introduced a new variation of its LCL service.

Basic LCL Service allows 2GO clients to ship loose cargoes for a much lower price of Php670 per CBM from pier to pier. The service aims to attract price-conscious, non-lead-time-sensitive customers, which comprise the bulk of the LCL market.

It accommodates a different group of clients who prefers to conduct their own loading of cargoes into the containers. The shipment will be transported via 2GO's freighter vessels and entails no lead-time commitment.

Nonito Donaire, Jr. remains confident that he has Fernando Montiel’s numbers going into their much anticipated bantamweight showdown slated on February 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“You can’t teach old dog new tricks. He has tremendous power like he’s had for quite some time now,” said the 28-year-old Donaire, who carries a 25 win, 1-loss card that includes 17 victories via stoppage, as quoted in Mark Vester’s write-up posted at the Boxing Scene website.

“Since I’ve ever seen him, he’s always had that power and he’s always had that left hook. I expect the same fight from him,” Donaire continued. “I think I know the weakness that he brings to the ring and I’m going to exploit that and take advantage of it.”

Donaire also expressed that such knowledge will play a vital role in his preparations as he anticipates a tough challenge from Montiel (43-2-2, 33 KOs) â€" the 31-year-old WBO/WBC champion from Mexico.

“I think so [training is easier]. I get familiar with it. It’s more textbook than anything, then going in there with a guy who does the unexpected. I can fight right-handed and I can fight left-handed so there are a lot of things that they can expect,” revealed Donaire, who might be coming into the fight as the betting favorite. “With him, even though I know his movements, he still has that power.” - Erickson Beco, Manila Bulletin

Mario, dili ka matabangan ug dili sila makabasa ani nga website kung wala silay Internet didto.
Maayo pa tawagan nimo ang opisina o kaha mamalihug ka ug taga-Guindulman nga moatiman sa imong problema.

Car thieves continued to strike one after another as another incident of carnapping has been reported in Quezon City early Thursday morning.

Police identified the victim as dzMM radio anchor Carl Balita, who reported having lost a white 2010 Toyota Grandia with plate number ZSA-299 he parked at Torre Venezia in Timog Avenue, corner Mother Ignacia Street.

The incident came on the heels of the recent discovery of the charred body of businessman Emerson Lozano, son of Marcos lawyer Oliver Lozano, near the FVR Megadike in Barangay Mancatian, Porac, Pampanga, less than a week after he was reported missing following a supposed meeting with an unidentified buyer of his Kia Carnival in Quezon City. - Manila Bulletin

Maybe she wrote the book just to create intrigue and make money out of the confusion it brings.

Christine Meinecke, Ph.D., is a psychologist and author of "Everybody Marries the Wrong Person."

Meinecke is a licensed psychologist and has worked with adults, couples and adolescents. Her book explores the myths of old thinking about romantic relationships and explains why self-responsibility brings fulfillment to relationships.