MikeLigalig.com

A cover-all monitoring and testing network has been established to ensure all the cowpeas shipped to the inland from south China's island province of Hainan are safe, a senior agricultural official said Wednesday after a pesticide scandal triggered worries.

All the cowpea wholesalers are now put under the monitoring network to ensure no unchecked or tainted cowpeas are sold to the inland, said Vice Agriculture Minister Wei Chaoan.

The government's measures to improve food safety have taken effects, Wei said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Conference, the country's top legislature.

Both sales and prices of cowpeas have seen remarkable rebounds from previous lows, he said.

The average purchase price of cowpeas climbed to 2.6 yuan (38 US cents) per kilogram on Sunday, almost two weeks after it dropped to the lowest level at 0.4 yuan when the scandal caused widespread safety scare.

The government enhanced market inspections on both cowpeas and pesticide after the scandal and banned sales of cowpeas without quality certification, Wei said.

Some 280 kg of prohibited pesticide were found after the examination of 1,732 pesticide stores on the island, he said.

Last month, authorities in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, found about 3.5 tonnes of cowpeas from Hainan were treated with isocarbophos, a pesticide whose use is banned on fruits and vegetables.

Several provinces in southern and eastern China later reported more findings of the tainted cowpeas in their markets, leading to a crisis in confidence on the agricultural products grown on the tropical island.

There have been no reports that people were sickened by the contaminated cowpeas.-pna

Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA), an international health care advocate, has appealed to the presidential candidates to be supportive of mercury-free Philippines and other green health care agenda.

HCWH-SEA made their appeal during a regional conference Wednesday on mercury phase-out and proper health care waste management in Davao City. The group is enjoining candidates to help create a situation where a greener health care will thrive.

Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury in Health Care, said they are also calling on the Department of Health (DOH) to report on the status of the mercury-phase out agenda which it presented almost a month ago.

“DOH has given the public their commitment to step-up mercury phase-out and other issues related to mercury in health care. It has been a month since,” Ferrer said.

Administrative Order 21 of the DOH mandates the gradual phase-out of mercury in all Philippine health care facilities and institutions by September 11, 2010.

Earlier in February, in a meeting between HCWH-SEA and DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral, DOH presented a six-point agenda to a mercury-free Philippines.

Executive Director of the joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Michel Sidib said Wednesday in Vienna that the current global AIDS epidemic is still very severe and the international community should pay sufficient attention on AIDS prevention and control.

In his speech at a news conference at the United Nations Center, Sidib said everyday there are 7,000 people being infected with HIV in the world, of which 1,500 are in the southern African region.

Due to lack of effective treatment for pregnant women, about 400,000 babies are born with HIV each year, he said.

According to him, the global annual funding needed to fight against AIDS has exceeded 16 billion U.S. dollars.

About 4.7 million AIDS patients across the world are receiving treatment. Although this figure is already 10 times as much as five years ago, there are still 11 million HIV-infected people who are not properly treated.

Executive Director of the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa, said drug consumption contributes to the spread of AIDS.

Currently the global injection drug users reach about 3 million. In some countries, even 40 percent of injecting drug users is HIV infected, said Costa.

During the news conference, the President of the International AIDS Society (IAS), Julio Montaner, urged the international community and governments to further strengthen the research and capital investment for more effective prevention and control of AIDS. -pna

The A(H1N1) flu virus is more likely to affect children once it spreads in a household setting, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Wednesday.

But the virus spreads slower than seasonal flu, it said the study.

"We found that about 9 percent of people who lived with a household member with A(H1N1) flu also got flu," said leading researcher Oliver Morgan, an epidemic intelligence service officer at the center.

"We found that 18 percent of children under five, and 11 percent of children five to 18, got flu in the household," Morgan said, adding that children were more likely to introduce flu into the household.

The so-called attack rate of the A(H1N1) flu was four percent, which is lower than that seen with seasonal flu and lower than what would be expected for a pandemic flu, the researchers said.

Most of the flu and the highest attack rates were seen among children, reinforcing earlier findings that the A(H1N1) flu tends to target children and younger adults.

For the study, researchers at the center began looking at the A(H1N1) outbreak when it first started in the United States in April and May of 2009. The researchers examined more than 3,400 flu samples from the San Antonio, Texas, one of the first sites to experience infections.-pna

Greece has been added to the US Visa Waiver Program, allowing its citizens to travel to the United States for 90 days at a time without a visa, the US Homeland Security Department said Tuesday.

The announcement from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitanoâ€"which came as Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou visited Washingtonâ€"adds Greece to a list of 35 countries whose citizens can visit the United States visa-free.

The waiver will go into effect in a month, and comes after two years of work between US and Greek authorities to strengthen Greece's airport security standards, Napolitano said.

"Our efforts to guard against terrorism while enhancing legal travel and trade depend upon close collaboration with our international partners," she said in a statement.

"I commend our partners in Greece for committing to strong screening and security standards and enhanced information sharing for travel by Greek citizens to the United States as we work together to protect our citizens and strengthen our economies."

The number of millionaires in the United States jumped by 16 percent last year after slumping by 27 percent in 2008, a report released Tuesday shows.

Last year, some 7.8 million US households had a million dollars or more in investable assetsâ€"not counting capital invested in their primary residence, the report by the Spectrem Group shows.

That was up by 1.1 million from the year before, when the number of US millionaires fell to its lowest point since 2003, hitting 6.7 million as the US economy stumbled.

"While still well short of its all-time high of 9.2 million in 2007, this year’s growth in the millionaire population is nevertheless welcome news for an economy still working to recover," said George Walper, president of Spectrem Group.

The number of quintuple-millionaire householdsâ€"with assets worth more that $5 millionâ€"was also up last year, climbing by 17 percent to 980,000 from 840,000 in 2008.

And what the report calls "the broader affluent population," made up of households with a net worth of half a million dollars or more, grew by 12 percent last year to 12.7 million.
US millionaires were 62 years old on average while the average age of the ultra-millionairesâ€"people with assets in excess of $5 millionâ€"was 67. - AFP

China's exports jumped by 46% in February compared with a year ago, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade.

The increase was higher than analysts' expectations of a rise of between 35% and 40%.

It is likely to increase pressure on the Chinese government to raise the value of the yuan, which the US in particular complains is undervalued.

China's imports also rose strongly, increasing by 44.7% last month.

The big growth in imports was helped by the government's economic stimulus spending.

The rise in imports reduced China's trade surplus to a one-year low of $7.6bn (£5bn) for February. - BBC

By Michelle Remo

The peso rose further against the US dollar on Wednesday on the back of sustained positive investor sentiment that is benefiting Asian currencies.

The local currency ended Wednesday's trading at 45.65 against the greenback, 11 centavos stronger than the 45.76 finish registered Tuesday. Intraday high was recorded at 45.61, while intraday low stood at 45.78.

Volume of trade was up, amounting to $1 billion against the $735.24 million on Tuesday.

Traders said encouraging macroeconomic fundamentals were supporting optimism of investors on emerging markets in Asia, including the Philippines. In the country, outlook of an accelerated rise in the country's gross domestic product this year was further reinforced by latest report by the National Statistics Office on the country's exports.

The NSO reported Wednesday that merchandise exports reached $3.58 billion in January, growing by a hefty 42.5 percent from only $2.51 billion in the same month of last year. This was the fastest pace of growth in nearly 15 years.

Obama Caught Lip-Syncing Speech
Obama lip-syncing

Am Vincent Cheng of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank I have a confidential brief and I ask for your partnership. Please get back to me for more info.

bisan sa pagpangilad, sayop. "confidential brief" kono.

Murag naglisod ko paghubad sa word nga partnership? Unsay binisaya ani?

A tourism school in Mindanao is providing free skills trainings for out-of-school youths in this city to address the needs of children who cannot afford to go to college due to financial constraints.

Joji Ilagan-Bian, owner of the Joji Ilagan Bian (JIB) Career Center Foundation Inc., said her school started last month offering to over 100 out-of-school youths free trainings on hotel housekeeping, food and beverage services and hair cutting.

“I always believe that if the parents can not afford to send their children to college, there are ways to address the needs of their children through provision of free skill trainings which my school has been providing ever since,” she said.

The scholarship program of JIB Career Center Foundation has already produced quality graduates who are now working both in the local industries and abroad over its 27 years of academe service, she bared.

The recipients of these free trainings will have the chance to acquire the correct competencies and skills required by the industries for employment.

They will thus have the advantage in applying for job as they are given a certificate of completion after the trainings.

“My schools regularly offer free skill trainings because I have seen this need from among our youth who were inspired by their family’s financial status that led them of not getting a college diploma,” Bian said. (PNA)

Big business establishments in Davao Region are now providing their own generator sets to help ease the power problem especially in Mindanao.

SM City Davao, one of the largest mall operators in the region, is now running its own generator set every two hours daily in the afternoon.

The Marco Polo Davao also utilizes its generator set every day to help ease on the power demand of Southern Mindanao amid the power crisis.

San Miguel Corporation, which runs a brewery plant in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, is running its own generator set every five hours daily during the peak hours.

Davao City has been experiencing rotational brownouts since the start of February of two to three hours while other areas in Mindanao suffer brownouts for as long as 10 hours.

With this, the standby diesel-fired power plant in Bajada plant of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has also been utilized to augment the power shortage.

DLPC communications officer Ross Luga said National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has increased its load curtailment to DLPC as a result of the greatly-reduced generation capacity of Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur and Pulangi River in Bukidnon hydro power plants.-pna

Is this El Niño’s wrathâ€"with fangs?

Following multiple sightings of venomous snakes, one of which nearly attacked a child last week, villagers here killed two king cobras on Sunday and have begun to blame the drought for the serpents’ unusual behavior.

At least 10 cobras, locally known as banakon, have been spotted since the start of the month in Badas, a village that has acquired an unenviable reputation as “agianan sa banakon (pathway of the king cobras).”

Just before dawn on Sunday, resident Ariel Romano saw two banakon preying on his chickens, a horrifying sight that prompted him to call out to neighbors for help.

“I was really terrified to see my chickens running wildly so I grabbed my bolo and called for help,” said the 47-year-old farmer.

Armed with bolos and bamboo spears, Romano’s neighbors followed the predators’ trail and didn’t take long to have them cornered. Hacked and beaten to death, the dead snakes each measured at least a meter long.

Last week, a 3-year-old child standing just outside a house was snatched from within striking distance of a banakon in the same village.

A cobra had slithered very close to the child and was already in an “attack position”â€"head raised, neck expanded, fangs exposedâ€"when a passerby came to the rescue.

Snake exodus

There seemed to be an exodus of king cobras in and around town since February. Six king cobras were seen in Sitio Lower Tagawisan, two in Sitio Camansi and two others in Sitio Upper Tagawisan.

In Bansalan, Davao del Sur, the cobras, a species not endemic in that town, have suddenly appeared and even started attacking humans.

Also last month, two farmers died of snakebite while a baby was saved because his parents were quick enough to parry a cobra attack.

King cobras are known to attack people when they are threatened or provoked by approaching objects or sudden movements. Habitat destruction and a dwindling food supply also force them to venture into human settlements.

But Badas councilor Rey Catulong offered another explanation for the recurring attacks of late: The dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

Catulong said the intense heat must be driving the snakes out of their shelter. “The much hotter temperature may be the main reason,” he said.

According to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the venomous reptiles are known to inhabit wet and humid environments, like bamboo thickets or forest areas crossed by rivers and swamps, and where the temperature is at least 35 degrees Celsius.(With reports from Paulo Morales, Inquirer Mindanao; and Jocelyn Uy in Manila)

By Gerry Plaza, Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

It’s always been a given that political mudslinging reaches its peak once the election season reaches the homestretch.

Apparently this season’s mudslinging has not fully reared its ugly head on the campaign pulpit. But surprisingly, this has unexpectedly “erupted” through a venue not even the least likely the prime medium for campaign slogans and platforms: the ever-popular weekly show biz talk shows.

On Sunday, March 7, Kris Aquino, well might have wished she could have talked less. On that day’s episode of ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz,” Kris, co-hosts Boy Abunda and Ruffa Gutierrez were routinely discussing the week’s biggest “showbiz controversies” on the show’s “P.O.V.” segment. Towards the end of their always lively and somewhat hot-under-the-collar tête-à-tête, Kris made one of her always off-the-cuff, sometimes seen as careless, remarks. She uttered what seemed to be the last thing co-host Ruffa would want to hear.

Kris said: “Ruffa, aminin mo, ibang level ang saya dito (sa ABS-CBN) (Ruffa, admit it, the level of happiness is different here (in ABS-CBN).”

Let’s put that statement into context. Kris was obviously referring to Ruffa’s impending transfer to TV5, to co-host “Paparazzi,” a show biz-oriented talk show with Mo Twister (a co-host on ‘The Buzz’s’ rival ‘Showbiz Central’ on GMA 7) which will air on the same time slot as her current show.  And Kris’s statement apparently was a somewhat half-quip, half-lunge brickbat aimed at Ruffa’s transfer, seen by many ABS-CBN insiders as a blindside to a show that seen as having “resurrected” her show biz career coming out from that ugly separation from ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas.

Realizing this Ruffa answered back: "Well, I know, you don't have to rub it in, Kris. Siyempre, I'm sad din, so sana huwag mo namang, you know, dagdagan (Of course, I’m also sad so you should not have, you know, added to it)."

Minutes after, as the show was going into commercial, Ruffa was seen to have hurriedly left the set in tears. Her crying had carried over to the dressing room and the studio’s exit, where it seemed she would see the last of ABS-CBN for a long time.

Episode 1 done. Finished. Seemingly just another show biz controversy taking its course for a flurry of entertainment reporters to write about in their news pages, columns, and web sites (like this one).  But Episode 2 suddenly exploded right on the hapless Sunday afternoon viewers’ faces. Even the best political strategist could not have seen this coming.

Quite startlingly, Ruffa’s ever feisty mother Annabelle Rama suddenly appeared on “Showbiz Central.” As if it was on cue, Annabelle went on a rampage.

Asked the whereabouts of Ruffa after her “walkout,” Annabelle said: “Pinapauwi ko na siya...dahil hindi ko na ma-take na every Sunday ay binabara siya lagi ni Kris, okay? Kaya lagi kami nag aaway ni Ruffa. Sabi ko, 'Bakit hindi ka lumalaban kay Kris? Sino ba siya? (I made her come home because I could not take that Kris always rebuffs her every Sunday. That’s why I always argue with Ruffa. I say, “Why don’t you fight back? Who is she anyway?)”

Well, the statement seems ordinary for someone like Annabelle. Whoever crosses the path of any of her children, they should expect the worstâ€"whether one is a magazine editor, a production assistant, a studio network executive,  and yes, even someone like Kris Aquino. But what she said next was nothing less of bewildering and flabbergasting, as this type of suspended political logic goes beyond valid, much less rational thought.

“Hindi maganda ginagawa ni Kris kay Ruffa, e. Hindi pa nga nananalo si Noynoy [Aquino, kapatid ni Kris] as presidente, e, ang yabang-yabang na niya! What more kung nanalo pa si Noynoy? E, di kawawa lahat ng artista, lalong-lalo na 'yong mga maliliit na nag-uumpisa pa lang. Hindi magtatagal. Si Ruffa every Sunday binabara niya. Ano, naiinggit ba siya kay Ruffa? (What Kris is doing to Ruffa is not good. Noynoy (Aquino, Kris’ brother) has not even won the presidency, she’s already so arrogant. What more if Noynoy wins?  Pity our artists, especially those who are just starting in the industry. That won’t last long. She rebuffs Ruffa every Sunday. Is she envious of Ruffa?)"

What started out as a showbiz catfight was elevated to a political discussion by Anabelle. She now said that with Kris’ one-liner, all of showbiz should fear a possible Noynoy Aquino presidency. To imply that Noynoy Aquino’s credibility is wanting from a statement made by a family member’s remark in an arena completely separate from politics, is downright unfair.

“I was hurt, deeply hurt,” Santos told a news conference on Feb. 15.  In a mix of English and Filipino, Santos stressed, “I thought she got my services because she believed in me and I thought her offer was sincere.”
Santos further said that Madrigal’s comment was unfair. “I won’t take all the credit for her winning the election but I think it was unfair for her to say that. I campaigned for her and during those times, even in the provinces, I was able to convince at least four or five people to vote for her.”  She felt, she said, that all her efforts were unappreciated.

“It is not all about money. It’s not only because of money that we act or do something,” Santos said referring to Madrigal’s “P30-million” claim. “It is because I believe in what the candidate can do for the country. It’s a mutual thing.”

By Gerry Plaza, Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Many will believe that 2010 presidential candidate Sen. Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade really outtalked herself on this one.

Call it spur of the moment, a proverbial slip-up or, well, a senior  gaffe, Madrigal’s tendency towards taking down her opponents in the political contest made her appear more irrational and dumbfounding.  Madrigal criticizing celebrity endorsements, oh c’mon!

“Paying actors P30 million for endorsements is an insult to the Filipino intelligence,” Madrigal said in a presidential forum organized by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Feb. 8.

Her statement was so startling that people in the forum had to remind Madrigal that she actually used a celebrity in her successful Senate runâ€"an actress named Judy Ann Santos, who had been all over her campaign sorties, commercials, posters, and paraphernalia - an endorsement seen as unprecedented even in showbiz circles at that time.

Her answer:  “I have seen the folly of my ways and I will not repeat that because I do not believe you repeat a mistake.  I also don’t believe you should perpetuate lies (with) a thick budget.”

A “folly,” a “mistake” â€" two words the good senator used to describe a celebrity endorsement that made a struggling election candidate, into a Magic 12 shoo-in in 2004. Those words could be far more appropriate if Madrigal had lost, but her wildcard 2004 victory was nothing short of phenomenal, or to some, unattainable if it was not for her famous screen partner in those political ads.

The Best Nursing Schools in the Philippines

1. Silliman University (Dumaguete) â€" 96.57%
2. Saint Louis University (Baguio) â€" 95.42%
3. Trinity University of Asia (Quezon City) â€" 95.06%
4. University of Santo Tomas (Manila City) â€" 95.06%
5. Cebu Doctors University (Cebu City) â€" 91.89%
6. Saint Paul University (Tuguegarao City) â€" 89.79%
7. Central Philippine University (Iloilo City) â€" 86.72%
8. De La Salle University â€" Health Sciences campus (Dasmariñas, Cavite) â€" 85.26%
9. Saint Mary’s University (Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya) â€" 84.10%
10. San Pedro College (Davao City) â€" 83. 10%
11. Manila Doctors College (Pasay City) â€" 82.56%
12. Centro Escolar University-Manila (Manila City) â€" 81.50%
13. Angeles University Foundation (Angeles City) â€" 76.37%
14. Mariano Marcos University (Bacnotan, La Union) â€" 75.55%
15. University of San Agustin (Iloilo City) â€" 73.25%
16. University of Cebu (Cebu City) â€" 70.99%
17. Metropolitan Hospital College of Nursing (Manila City) â€" 70.54%
18. Ateneo De Davao University (Davao City) â€" 70.20%
19. San Juan De Dios Education Foundation (Pasay City) â€" 69. 91%
20. University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City) â€" 67.55%

source: PRC

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has sought the assistance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in holding an information campaign about counterfeit bills.

PRO 7 Director Lani-o Nerez said this will be done in the midst of the upcoming May polls, where counterfeit bills are expected to proliferate.

He said it has been the police observation that circulation of counterfeit bills is rampant during election. Some of these are reportedly used to buy votes.

Nerez said the PRO 7 will come up with a public advisory, warning people to be vigilant and reminding them to immediately report to police if they fall victim to this kind of modus.

Part of the advisory will include how to detect a genuine bill from a fake one.

Nerez said common features of fake bill include inferior color, smooth paper and lack of security fibers. Genuine bills are rough and crispy. - PNA

pause for a while...

A little boy was doing his maths homework.

He said to himself, “Two plus five, the son of a bitch is seven.

Three plus six, the son of a bitch is nine..."

His mother heard what he was saying and gasped,
"What are you doing?"

The little boy answered, "I'm doing my maths homework, Mom."

"And this is how your teacher taught you to do it?" the mother asked.

"Yes," he answered.

Infuriated, the mother asked the teacher the next day,
"What are you teaching my son in maths?"

The teacher replied, "Right now, we are learning addition."

The mother asked, "And are you teaching them to say two plus
two, the Son Of a bitch is four?"

After the teacher stopped laughing, she answered,

"What I taught Them was, two plus two, THE SUM OF WHICH,
is four."

This is why kids have to be taught properly in clear voice, and at home the language used when speaking with others is vital. So be aware in front of your kids!!

The Davao City Water District (DCWD) was unanimously chosen by 14 Cambodian delegates over the more than 600 water utilities in the Philippines as a model company.

DCWD General Manager Rodora Gamboa said the Philippine study tour for the foreign delegation last February 21-26 aimed at helping private water service providers (WSP) improve access to safe, piped water in 28 towns of Cambodia.

Gamboa said the delegates’ tour was funded by the United States Agency International Development (USAID).

Gamboa also expressed her gratitude to the USAID for acknowledging the achievements of DCWD in the water industry.

“It is our pleasure to impart to you (Cambodian delegates) the best practices that our utility had undertaken in the past so you may also learn from them,” she said.

Some of the awards and recognitions the DCWD has received in the past include: Most Outstanding Water District (very large category) given by the Local Water Utilities Administration, ranked fourth among the 12 Asia-Pacific Countries with the most successful efforts in reducing Non Revenue Water.

In 1997, the Asian Development Bank’s Second Water Utilities Data Book ranked DCWD as Number One among 50 water utilities in the Asia Pacific Region, sharing equal glory with Singapore and Johore Bahru of Malaysia

“I believe that management and administrative lessons in running a water utility, especially the most painful and costly ones need not be personally experienced in order to learn from them,” Gamboa said. -PNA

Selected winners in major categories at the 82nd annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theater here Sunday:

• Best Picture: "The Hurt Locker"

• Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"

• Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

• Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo'Nique, "Precious"

• Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal, "The Hurt Locker"

• Best Adapted Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher, "Precious"

• Best Foreign-Language Film: "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Argentina

• Best Animated Feature Film: "Up"

• Best Documentary: "The Cove"

A fire of still unknown origin destroyed the two-story KMCC Mall in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato Monday morning.

Initial reports from radio DXMY here said the fire started at around 8:35 a.m. at a neighboring hardware store and quickly spread to the mall and a local bank.

Loud explosions were heard from inside the mall amid the ongoing blaze, the reports said.

Fire trucks from various parts of the province rushed to the area to help contain the fire.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the incident. (PNA)

With its significant gains against the insurgency problem, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to transfer the internal security operations to the local government units (LGUs) of Pampanga.

Col. Jose Mabanta Jr., officer-in-charge of the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the successful anti-insurgency operations by the police and military since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo vowed to crush the communist movement by the end of her term allowed the transfer of security operations to LGUs.

Mabanta said that the move is in compliance with Executive Order no. 739.

E.O. 739 or "Reorganizing of the Peace and Order Council,” makes counterinsurgency as part of the main tasks of LGUs and not the sole responsibility of the AFP.

He said that since the insurgency problem in the province is almost curbed out, preparations for the transfer of the internal security operations to the LGUs are now underway.

He, however, clarified that the Philippine Army will not totally abandon insurgency concerns as it would still maintain a more “backseat position over the matter.”

With EO 739, local government executives have the primary responsibility of protecting our communities under the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code,” Mabanta said.

He said the Army will concentrate on the other areas in Central Luzon. (PNA)

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To start off with, here are 11 quick tips you can easily implement to improve the quality and effectiveness of your resume:

1. Never use ALL CAPS.

2. Always include your name, mailing address, email and phone numbers (include your full Country telephone code so employers do not have to do extra work to contact you).

3. Most applicants think it is important to include an Objective section within the résumé. However, unless this will be your first job in a new field of employment, the Objective section should be left out. The qualifications and experience listed on the résumé will indicate the type of employment you are seeking. Instead of an Objective, consider including a section titled Professional Profile or Highlights of Qualifications.

4. A common mistake made on résumés occurs when the applicant includes a list of duties or responsibilities with past employment. Rather than listing duties or responsibilities, opting to list ACCOMPLISHMENTS will provide an advantage in a competitive job market. For example, a teacher who has listed "Responsible for assigning grades and maintaining student records" does not have the advantage that would come by listing as an accomplishment, "Over a five year period, led 94% of students to mastery at 80% or higher on standardized tests." Also be sure to included quantitative data when possible.

5. Use bulleted lists whenever possible, and keep descriptions as brief as possible. Do NOT use complete sentences (and do NOT use periods at the end of each line). It is possible that the employers will be looking at hundreds of résumés as they seek to fill job vacancies.

6. Applicants who include the most significant information in the most concise way will have an advantage as the employers are pressed for time in seeking highly qualified candidates. For example, instead of saying "I have opened several hundred new customer accounts and maintained superior customer satisfaction ratings," split it into short bullet points that stand out more and are easier on the glancing eye of employers:
· Opened hundreds of new customer accounts
· Maintained superior customer satisfaction ratings

7. Do NOT use "I," "me" or "my" in the résumé. Your name is on it, and the employer knows that all information contained therein is relative to you.

8. Do NOT include references. Employers expect all applicants to be able to provide references as needed and upon request.

9. For jobs that were held more than 10 years ago, include only the job title, employer, location, and dates of employment. (Do NOT include accomplishments.) The accomplishments you achieved more than 10 years ago are not nearly as important as what you have done recently. However, it is still a good idea to establish the career history by including basic information about this past employment.

10. For multiple positions held at a single company, do not list the same company name each time. Rather, list only the position title, dates the position was held, and the accomplishments.

11. Finally, keep in mind that whatever is listed near the top of your résumé is what will become the employers' first impression of you. So, if your education is more impressive than your work history, list the education closer to the top. However, if your education is not as important as your experience, list the education near the bottom. In all cases, list your education and experience in chronological order with most recent activity listed first.

Presented By:
Krista Mallo
Resume Improvement and Writing Consultant.

1.The word "queue" is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed.

2.Beetles taste like apples, wasps like pine nuts, and worms like fried bacon.

3.Of all the words in the English language, the word 'set' has the most definitions!

4.What is called a "French kiss" in the English speaking world is known as an "English kiss" in France.

5."Almost" is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.

6."Rhythm" is the longest English word without a vowel.

7.In 1386, a pig in France was executed by public hanging for the murder of a child

8.A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off!

9.Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

10.You can't kill yourself by holding your breath

11.There is a city called Rome on every continent.

12.It's against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland!

13.Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day!

14.Horatio Nelson, one of England's most illustrious admirals was throughout his life, never able to find a cure for his sea-sickness.

15.The skeleton of Jeremy Bentham is present at all important meetings of the University of London

16.Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people

17.Your ribs move about 5 million times a year, everytime you breathe!

18.The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump!

19.One quarter of the bones in your body, are in your feet!

20.Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different!

21.The first known transfusion of blood was performed as early as 1667, when Jean-Baptiste, transfused two pints of blood from a sheep to a young man

22.Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails!

23.Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin!

24.The present population of 5 billion plus people of the world is predicted to become 15 billion by 2080.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

25.Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian, and had only ONE testicle.

26.Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs has been tasted by archaeologists and found edible.

27.Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th."

28.Coca-Cola would be green if colouring weren’t added to it.

29.On average a hedgehog's heart beats 300 times a minute.

30.More people are killed each year from bees than from snakes.

31.The average lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words.

32.More people are allergic to cow's milk than any other food.

33.Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.

34.The placement of a donkey's eyes in its' heads enables it to see all four feet at all times!

35.The six official languages of the United Nations are: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

36.Earth is the only planet not named after a god.

37.It's against the law to burp, or sneeze in a church in Nebraska, USA.

38.You're born with 300 bones, but by the time you become an adult, you only have 206.

39.Some worms will eat themselves if they can't find any food!

40.Dolphins sleep with one eye open!

41.It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open

42.The worlds oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old!

43.The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds

44.Queen Elizabeth I regarded herself as a paragon of cleanliness. She declared that she bathed once every three months, whether she needed it or not

45.Slugs have 4 noses.

46.Owls are the only birds who can see the colour blue.

47.A man named Charles Osborne had the hiccups for 69 years!

48.A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!

49.The average person laughs 10 times a day!

50.An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain

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The truth is out. The black propaganda has been exposed.
Here's the link: http://politicalamateur.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/and-the-black-propaganda-backfires-palpak-to-the-max/

It is easy to post pictures of a house and say this belongs to Arroyo, or Villar, or Noynoy, or Erap, or Gibo.

That is what we call black propaganda.

Sunday Post: What a timely gift for a birthday than having been informed that you are number one in the latest survey for governor?

Couple this with the presence of presidential aspirant Gilberto ‘Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. on your birthday celebration and what gives is a double treat  rolled into one golden celebration.

This  in a nutshell  best describes the euphoria that will surely engulf the persona of Cong. Edgar Chatto whose 50th birthday is marked today.

A big party is slated in Balilihan today in a show of force to dramatize his quest to become Bohol’s next governor. 

The full force of some 2,500 invitees composing the administration party here from provincial to municipal candidates is in attendance of the birthday bash to be assembled at the  Assemblyman Eladio “Kiking” Chatto Gymnasium.

Various sectors-from NGOs to youth and women groups, will join the coterie of elected officials trooping to Balilihan as well-wishers of its great son.

All Lakas slates in Bohol’s 47 towns and one city will be there to witness the unfolding of another chapter of history in the making. The slates are made up of incumbent mayors, vice mayors, candidates for councilors, both re-electionists and newcomers, and barangay captains.

Teodoro, former KB-Tarlac president at the time Chatto headed the KB in Bohol, will be accompanied by his wife Nikki, a Tarlac congresswoman, and Rep. Anton Lagdameo, husband of actress Dawn Zulueta.

Teodoro will induct the officers of the Bohol KB Alumni Association during the same occasion.

SURVEY

In the latest Bohol Special Survey 2010, Chatto amassed a voter’s preference rating of 48% for governor which is, according to the credible survey outfit Holy Name University (HNU) Research Center, a “significant lead.”

Actor Cesar Montano trailed far behind at 24% while Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera got only19%.  Eight percent of the province-wide respondents did not give an answer to the question “If elections were held today, who would you vote from among the candidates for Bohol governor?”

His accomplishments like numerous development projects and competence by experience were the top two reasons why the Boholanos want him to be the next governor, according to the HNU survey done from January 28 to February 8, this year.

The people also cited Chatto as a leader who is approachable, amiable, helpful to the needy, a good man and has principles which other do not possess.

Chatto is expected to render an accounting as the working congressman of the First District since his birthday celebration this year can likewise serve as a culmination of his accomplished three terms in the House of Representatives.

Among Chatto’s milestone legislations are the laws on the establishment of the Bohol Island State University (BISU), first and only of its kind in this province, expanded Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), and National Tourism Act of 2009, all he principally authored in the House.

He crafted, as one of principal authors, the pro-poor Cheap Medicines Law and corruption-targeted Anti-Red Tape Act.

His legislative performance has matched his efforts to execute impact projects like the concreting of major roads and nationalization of essential provincial roads, widening/concreting of the vital causeways connecting Panglao island to mainland Bohol via Tagbilaran City, airport improvement, on-going implementation of the international cruise ship port project in Catagbacan, Loon, Congressional District Library of Bohol which is one of only three in the country, school buildings and facilities, aids to farm groups and to upgrade agriculture as a whole, modern rise of the Tagbilaran Maternity Center and Children’s Hospital, and scholarship and other study assistance programs which have supported already thousands of students who are children of poor or low-income families.

As in the past, Chatto has focused his birthday celebration this year on inaugurating projects and other development â€"oriented activities.

Chatto has made the people feel the responsive presence of government thru his regular funds and subsidies as well as special aids to indigent patients, countless of whom have gained second lives for his help.

His employment and livelihood initiatives, including free technical/vocational trainings and skills education, have benefited many Boholanos.

Chatto’s interventions have also left lasting impressions on the sectors of women and the disabled, among others, as well as the lives of the overseas Filipino workers who have helped keep the economy afloat. 

He has rescued already countless migrant workers from critical conditions, even from imminent death, abroad.
                                                            HOW THEY FARED BY DISTRICTS

Chatto consistently garnered highest votes in the First District at 57%, Second District, 46%, Third District, 42%, and Tagbilaran City, 52%.

Across economic class, 56% or more than half of Class ABC picked Chatto for next governor.  He is also the commanding choice of class D at 46% and class E at 46%.  Herrera got 8%, 23% and 16% from the three classes, respectively.  Montano got 19%, 23% and 29%, respectively.

Fifty percent  of the female and 46% of the male voters preferred Chatto as against the two other contenders.

Voters in all age brackets from 18 to 45 and above gave Chatto a wide margin.

In the survey in the urban areas, Chatto got a total of 51% and in rural areas, 47%, as against Herrera’s 15% and 21% and Montano’s 26% and 24%.

The survey noted an “almost” equal distribution of Boholano voters in the three Bohol districts.

Chatto topped in the previous surveys of HNU, which has learned and mastered its public pulsing system from the Social Weather Station (SWS), and those initiated by other independent outlets. (Ven rebo Arigo)

Sunday Post

A  candidate for mayor in the interior town of Carmen was disqualified to run in the  coming May polls for being a “fugitive from justice”.

The Post obtained a copy of the resolution of the First Division of the Commission on Elections disqualifying Conchita A. Toribio a.k.a Conchita T. de los Reyes or Conchita T Ordonez which was promulgated last Feb. 17.

The disqualification case was filed by his rival to the mayoralty incumbent Carmen Mayor Manuel Molina.

The Molina petition for disqualification cited as misleading the use of Conchita of a surname de los Reyes, the surname of her second and bigamous marriage with a certain Francisco de los Reyes.

It was stressed in the petition that the first or original husband of Conchita is still alive whose marriage with her has not been declared null and void. The same said that there was no declaration of nullity of marriage of their Marriage Contract xxx  on the basis that it does not contain any material entry, remarks of annotation that it is declared null and void by a court of competent authority taking cognizance of the petition.

Moreover, the same petition  added that under the circumstances that Conchita is validly married to Zosimo Ordonez, her marriage to Francisco de los Reyes is bigamous in nature. It being a bigamous marriage, she is never allowed to use the surname of Francisco de los Reyes. Instead, Conchitashould use the surname Ordonez.

According to petitioner Molina, it was his humble opinion that Conchita was hiding her true identity as Conchita A. Toribio probably by entering into second or bigamous marriage and using her second husband’s surname as de los Reyes to avoid further criminal liabilities. Molina has gathered that Conchita in 1997 using her full maiden name Conchita A. Toribio and not Conchita T. Ordonez or Conchita de los Reyes was facing a number of criminal cases.

Among them were violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or Bouncing Check Law before the MTCC-1, Tagbilaran City, estafa before MTCC-2, Tagbilaran City with warrants of arrest still unserved.

Among the salient features of the respondent’s Answer Cum Memorandum were the following:
A perusal of Section 39 and 40 of the Local Government Code, which gives the qualifications of an elective local official, would readily show that there is no requirement at all referring to the civil status of a candidate before he or she can be allowed to run for an elective office.

2. Respondent is thus of the humble submission that whatever statements which she made in her COC as regards her civil status, whether the same be true or false, cannot be considered as material misrepresentation as it has no relevance to a candidate’s qualification for an elective office. Hence, it cannot constitute a ground for disqualification under Section 78 in relation to Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code. The instant petition should therefore be dismissed for lack of merit. 

FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE

The issue of fugitive from justice was taken cognizance by the poll body after it was gathered that  Conchita was not only  facing criminal cases in MTCC-Tagbilaran, she had also pending cases in various MTCCs in Rizal and Bacoor. Status of these cases was that either she was wanted, arrested or charged.

According to the poll body, on the strength of these cases, it found out that respondent was somehow always on the run in evading her cases she has been facing.

According to the nine-page Comelec resolution, these cases could have been the very reason respondent was always hiding and away from the scrutinizing public eye.

In handing out a disqualification ruling, the First Division cited petitioners allegations that respondent was a fugitive from justice being wanted for a certain case among piles of cases with warrants of arrest. These allegations were not controverted by respondent when she filed her Answer Cum Memorandum.

In fact, the poll body said, respondent only chose to focus on answering the issue on material misrepresentation by arguing, albeit correctly, that the civil status of a candidate and use of a particular surname has no relation to the qualifications for an elective office.

As for the definition of fugitive from justice, the Comelec cited Black’s Law Dictionary which defines the same as: A person who having committed a crime, flees from jurisdiction of court where crime was committed or departs from his usual place of abode and conceals himself within the district. A person who, having committed or been charged with crime in one place, has left its jurisdiction and is found within the territory of another when it is sought to subject him to criminal process of former state.

Sunday Post: By dragging the names of two editors of Bohol’s leading newspapers in an article which  a provincial board member claimed to have been libellous, the complainant found himself at the receiving of a lecture from a city prosecutor that a “ public official must not be too thin-skinned with reference to comments of his official acts”.

Quoting from a landmark  case in US vs Bustos, City Prosecutor I Neferteri Cristobal threw out the libel case filed by Board Member Jose Veloso against Peter Dejaresco, associate editor of the Bohol Chronicle and the Post editor-publisher.

The libel case stemmed from an article written by Fred Fuertes, municipal information officer-designate of Maribojoc describing Veloso as a non-performing mayor of the municipality. It appeared in the two papers as a press release from the MPIO.

Protesting that he was not a non-performing executive in his own stint as Maribojoc mayor, Veloso sued Fuertes and the two editors for libel.

In dismissing the case, the lady prosecutor said her office found the alleged defamatory statement did not constitute libel. She said the subject article merely expressed an opinion of the writer on a matter of public interest concerning herein private complainant who is a public official himself. She added that her office believed that the article was privileged in character.

What drove Veloso to file the libel case against the three was the  phrase “come backing board member who is a non-performing mayor”.

According to the complainant, the sentence was meant to defame him considering that he has been mayor for 10 years and a provincial board member for nine straight years without defeat.

The former mayor further averred that in his term as mayor for 10 years, he has allegedly contributed much for the development of Maribojoc.

There should be a provincewide protest and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should declare her a persona non grata in Bohol

Agence France-Presse

Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" enhanced its status as front-runner for next month's Oscars here Saturday after scooping a top prize at the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards.

The gritty war film earned the best original screenplay honor at the annual Hollywood screenwriters awards night.

Mark Boal, who wrote "The Hurt Locker" after spending several weeks embedded with a US military bomb disposal unit, was the recipient of the prize, which came roughly two weeks ahead of the Academy Awards on March 7.

"The Hurt Locker," which follows the fortunes of a US army bomb squad operating on the streets of Baghdad, was regarded as the favorite to win the Oscars best picture prize and has nine nominations in total.

Boal beat out competition Saturday from James Cameron for "Avatar," Joel and Ethan Coen for "A Serious Man," Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber for the romantic comedy "500 Days of Summer," and Jon Lucas and Scott Moore for the comic hit "The Hangover."

The best adapted screenplay award went to Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner for "Up In the Air."

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
How to go there: From Boulder Creek on Highway 9, go 9 miles west on Highway 236 to the park entrance. Store, snack bar, shop, restrooms. Camping in RV and tent sites, walk-in sites, tent cabins, hike and bike sites.

California's first state park comprises of 18,000 acres of 1000-year-old redwood groves, fern canyons, waterfalls, and 80 miles of trails, a lush, green world for hiking, camping, picknicking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Sea Trail drops 11 miles from high mountain ridges through dense woodlands, past waterfalls and zowie sea and mountain views all the way down to Waddell State Beach.

The easiest and most popular trail, the Redwood Nature Trail opposite the headquarters, is a 0.6-mile loop, a tour of redwoods and Opal Creek. You'll see the Chimney Tree, the Mother of the Forest - 329 feet tall - and the Father of the Forest, a really, really big-round redwood. - source: Insider's Guide

Sad to say, the “many” (the majority of city kagawads) who call themselves majority bloc speak their minds just to please mayor Dan Lim and for perks, favors and amenities that go along. Many of them are even turncoats, nowhere found when mayor Lim was still a sorry loser.

- quoted from Fred Amora's column in The Bohol Standard

Tutulungan Kita
Tutulongan Kita by Roel Cortez

Sa Mata Makikita by Roel Cortez
Sa Mata Makikita by Roel Cortes

iniibig kita- roel cortez
Song: Iniibig by Roel Cortes

By Bohol Chronicle

The Lakas-Kampi-CMD mayoralty candidate in Bien Unido town claims that the strafing of his house Wednesday night was politically motivated.

Rogelio Villarias, a municipal councilor and Lakas bet for mayor in Bien Unido, tagged his opponent and incumbent Mayor Niño Rey Boniel as the one responsible for the assault.

Two motorcycle-riding men fired at the house of Villarias while he was holding a meeting with his slate and some supporters at his residence in Bien Unido.

The gunmen strafed the steel gate of Villarias' residence tearing a section of the steel panel.

Mayor Boniel, when interviewed by the Chronicle, strongly denied Villarias' accusation, saying it was very impossible for him to resort to such action as a new-generation politician.

Boniel calls it a desperate by Villarias to gain sympathy and eventually win in the May polls.

Interviewed over Station dyRD last Wednesday, Villarias indicated some possible motives that may have driven his political rival to resort to violence saying this was not the first time armed men were seen outside his house.

The Lakas mayoralty bet referred to a complaint at the Ombudsman filed against Boniel and administrative charges still to be filed by a health worker against the reelectionist mayor for illegal dismissal.
         

Villarias admitted he has lent assistance to the filing of these cases against the mayor.

According to Villarias, the two motorcycle-riding suspects who fired at his house could be the same armed men seen by his neighbors during two instances aboard a black van and a sports utility vehicle.

The mayoralty candidate said that the incumbent mayor has been trying to harass him including his runningmate and candidates for councilor several times. He said, sometime last month when they were attending a barangay program, a candidate for councilor under Boniel's ticket grabbed the microphone when it was Villarias' turn to speak.

During the strafing at his house, Villarias said he called for assistance from the Bien Unido police station but nobody responded.

This prompted him to call Cebu City Police which relayed his call for assistance to Camp Dagohoy.

Policemen who responded at the scene recovered seven .9 mm caliber empty shells.

Villarias added there were two other incidents that his neighbors saw armed men aboard a vehicle parked in front of his house.

It was through calls from neighbors that Villarias was advised to stay inside his house, having suspicions that the armed men intend to kill him.

Villarias appealed to the Comelec and the Bohol Police Provincial Office to consider providing him security escort as incidents during the past months indicate he and his family are in grave danger.

Police however could not find any evidence linking the mayor to the strafing incident and the alleged presence of armed men in the town.

BONIEL DENIES

Mayor Boniel denied insinuations linking him to the strafing incident.

Boniel, who is running for re-election under the Nacionalista Party, said in a radio interview Friday that he immediately made representation and requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an investigation.

He believed that the shooting was a concoction of his opponents to gain sympathy but that is a very "desperate" move.

He even hinted that the shooting is just a "show" for the public to insinuate that the town is in "trouble," adding that it was just the beginning. But the people won't believe that. He warned that there'll be another "drama" to be staged by his opponents.

"Kahibawo ko nga eksena napod 'ni. Naa pay daghan ani nga moabot. Di pa ni mao. Sinugdanan pa 'ni.

Akong bantayan 'ni tungod kay gusto nila kohaon ang simpatiya sa mga tawo.

Kahibawo ko di gyud na makuha nila," he said. He said that why link him in the incident, which he described as "politically motivated." He said that the people won't buy that lies because that is not the character of the Boniels who have been in the political arena for so long. The people already knew the real score.

He explained that why should an incumbent leader like him make such incredible "strafing" when it would adversely affect the image of the town. And the end result, he said, is the livelihood of the people for fear.

"Dako kayo na og epekto. Kita nagpasiugda sa paghatag sa panginabuhian sa turismo sa B-Unido. Nag-develop ta sa double barrier reef dive site."

Asked if the town be placed under the election-related watch-list, Boniel said that it may not be necessary because the town is very peaceful until the incident came into the picture.

He said he is open to have more security measures because he wants his town to be peaceful as it used to be. But the idea of making the town under the Comelec control would depend on the authorities' assessment. If it's needed, why not.

Asked if he wants security personnel, he said this also depends on the need. But right now, he just being accompanied by his casual workers in his sorties. The mayor further explained that he could not do it, since he knew that any activity that may disturb the peace and order situation of the town would back fire on him.

Worst, the initial investigation by the NBI and the police stated that the gunmen spit on the gate to mock the victim- -an act, according the mayor, he could never do to anyone.

By The Bohol Chronicle

Rep. Edgar Chatto consistently leads in the gubernatorial race based on the latest Bohol-wide survey result, presenting a timely gift on his 50th birthday today.

His natal celebration in hometown Balilihan is expected to turn into a show of solid support for the celebrant---and his quest to be the next leader of the Boholanos--- with no less than Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro leading the well-wishers.

The full force of the administration party here from provincial to municipal candidates will attend the birthday bash together with the leaders of various sectors at the Assemblyman Eladio "Kiking" Chatto Gymnasium.

Teodoro, former KB-Tarlac president at the time Chatto headed the KB in Bohol, will be accompanied by his wife Nikki, a Tarlac congresswoman, and Rep. Anton Lagdameo, husband of actress Dawn Zulueta.

Teodoro will induct the officers of the Bohol KB Alumni Association on the occasion.

Napakasakit Kuya Eddie
Napakasakit Kuya Eddie by Roel Cortez

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo chooses the academe and tourism sector as audience in his first official visit to Bohol this election year on Wednesday.

Appointments Secretary Bong Joves of the Presidential Management Staff and Jimmy Mangulabnan of the Office of Regional Concerns and out-of-town affairs of the President confirmed Arroyo’s visit on Friday as the governor was on his way to Inabanga cultural center for the launching of STARS project in the town and to inaugurate school buildings in three barangays there.

The President is expected to arrive at 3 p.m.m on Feb. 24 to meet students of different universities and colleges of Bohol at the Holy Name University Quadrangle, in Tagbilaran City, to discuss tourism and allied projects on Bohol’s economic development.

Governor Erico Aumentado set a meeting with representatives of the tourism, sector, academe, Philippine Army and provincial officials at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Governor’s Mansion for the preparation of the President’s visit.

The Philippine Army, through its Engineering Support Battalion based in Tubigon, has been tapped in constructing school buildings implemented through the governor’s convergence strategy that involves contribution from the President’s Kilos Asenso and the Department of Education, and counterpart from the provincial government.

Aumentado will discuss the details of the President’s visit during the meeting with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap; Assistant Provincial Treasurer Primitiva Ontong; 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Alan Luga; Special Forces Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alfredo Sanchez; Provincial Police Director Anthony Lao-Obenza; Provincial Tourism Council president Lucas Nunag; Provincial Administrator Handel Lagunay; Peter Dejaresco of the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp.; HNU president Fr. Francisco Estepa; University of Bohol president Victoriano Tirol Jr.; Salvador Diputado of the BIT-International College;

Bohol Island State University president Elpedio Magante, NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva, Engr. Junin Caberte of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Tourism Officer Jo Cabarrus, Bohol Association of Hotel, Restaurants and Resorts (BAHRR) president Jun Caturza, and 1st Dist. Rep. Edgar Chatto. (PNA)
RMA/Angeline Valencia/rsm

By the Bohol Chronicle

A drug suspect who is a member of the City Monitoring Team under the office  of the city mayor would have finally fallen in a drug sting early morning Thursday but still managed to escape from a cordon of some 30 joint operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The daring escape of one Filbert Ingles, who is in the police "hot list" of notorious drug pushers, has led some quarters to question whether some policemen are indeed in cahoots with drug dealers.

SWAT, which is the elite group of Bohol PNP stormed the residence of Ingles in Sitio Lanao, barangay Dao, this city, around 5 a.m. Thursday to enforce a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Fernando Fuentes III for the subject's alleged involvement in the selling of the illegal substance methamphetamine hydrochloride, more commonly known as shabu.

Operatives cornered Ingles and his brother Junieveve who were later secured in separate rooms as the raiding team started searching for evidence of the illegal substance at the residence.

In a matter of minutes, Ingles was nowhere to be found when agents checked the room where he entered while the search was in progress.

C/Insp. Nicomedes Olaivar, head of the supposedly elite and well trained SWAT, said they did not know the room had another door apparently used by Ingles to escape.
         

A manhunt operation was immediately called with the help of the City PNP and other police units to arrest Ingles. But until presstime, the suspect continues to elude the police dragnet.

The raiding team recovered several empty transparent sachets with powder residues believed to be shabu, assorted paraphernalia for the use of the illegal substance, a hand grenade, a caliber .22 handgun, live ammunition for .22, .38 and .45 caliber pistols and 3 identification cards showing that the suspect is a member of the City PNP Monitoring Team, a group created and supervised by the office of Mayor Dan Lim.

Olaivar admitted the operation was their initiative having learned that Ingles was among big-time shabu peddlers not only in the city but also in nearby towns.

However, another source told the Chronicle that it was PDEA regional offices under its chief, Yogi Ruiz which initiated the extended surveillance of the suspect based in Dao district, this city. In fact, they sent operatives here to conduct the surveillance. A week before the raid, PDEA received a "helping hand" offer from SWAT Bohol to conduct the buy bust operation and eventually the actual raid, Ruiz said.

"Trusting so much, the SWAT being an elite group of the PNP," Ruiz said they agreed that the SWAT team will conduct the raid last Thursday with PDEA only supervising the raid.

It may be recalled that an exclusive PDEA Cebu team had earlier successfully raided the residence of businessman Boy Enerio last month, without the aid of the SWAT group under Olaivar.

Juniveve is detained at the Bohol Police Provincial Office in Camp Dagohoy and will be charged for violating Art. 2, Sec. 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law after the operatives recovered from him the empty sachets believed to be containing shabu residue.

Olaivar said they will also file a similar charge against Ingles but there will be three other charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of an explosive and for evading police custody.

Olaivar disclosed that through Ingles's lawyer, he asked the suspect to submit to the authorities or face stiffer penalties for the multiple charges they will file against him.

STRING OF RAIDS

While the SWAT team received public criticism due to the botched raid, the same group succeeded in a buy-bust operation Wednesday night arresting one Dennis Yu, 23, a resident of Gallares Street, this city.

A poseur-buyer confirmed that Yu was peddling shabu which led SWAT operatives to arrest the subject at the Honeybee building along J. Borja Street, this city.

Yu was found to be in possession of two sachets containing suspected shabu granules and P900 cash which was used by the poseur-buyer.

The suspect is charged for violation of Art. 2, Sec. 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law.

Philippine troops killed six Islamic militants in an assault on a rebel camp in the south, the military says.

It says marines raided the camp of the Abu Sayyaf group on Jolo island.

Officials are trying to verify reports that a senior Abu Sayyaf commander was among those killed, Gen Benjamin Dolorfino told AP news agency.

Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for bombings, beheadings and kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners. It has been accused of links with al-Qaeda.

Gen Dolorfino said Sunday's raid was carried out after intelligence reports that two Abu Sayyaf leaders were there, AP reported. - BBC

A Belgian man who stunned the world last year by apparently communicating after 23 years in a coma cannot in fact do so, researchers say.

The doctor who believed that Rom Houben was communicating through a facilitator now says the method does not work.

Dr Steven Laureys told the BBC: "The story of Rom is about the diagnosis of consciousness, not communication."

His conclusions follow a study to test the validity of so-called facilitated communication.

Claims that Mr Houben - who was seriously injured in a car crash in 1983 - could communicate, swept around the world last November.

After more than two decades in a coma, he was filmed apparently tapping out messages on a special touchpad keyboard with the help of his speech therapist. - BBC

The Israeli version of The Office has been unveiled and it features an Arab character described as "intelligent and gentle".

Israeli actor Avi Meshulam takes over the David Brent character, first portrayed by Ricky Gervais.

The show, created by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, will be named Super Office and set in Yahud, near Tel Aviv.

The Office has been remade in France, Russia and the United States, where it was a big hit, starring Steve Carell.

In the Israeli version Gareth becomes Yariv, and Tim and Dawn become Yossi and Dana. - BBC

By Victoria Gill
Science reporter, BBC News, San Diego

Teaching stroke patients to sing "rewires" their brains, helping them recover their speech, say scientists.

By singing, patients use a different area of the brain from the area involved in speech.

If a person's "speech centre" is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their "singing centre" instead.

Researchers presented these findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego.

An ongoing clinical trial, they said, has shown how the brain responds to this "melodic intonation therapy".

Gottfried Schlaug, a neurology professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, US, led the trial.

The therapy is already established as a medical technique. Researchers first used it when it was discovered that stroke patients with brain damage that left them unable to speak were still able to sing.

Professor Schlaug explained that his was the first study to combine this therapy with brain imaging - "to show what is actually going on in the brain" as patients learn to sing their words.

Anti-retroviral treatments (ARVs) and universal testing could stop the spread of Aids in South Africa within five years, a top scientist says.

Dr Brian Williams says the cost of giving the drugs to almost six million HIV-positive patients in the country would be $2-3bn per year.

Only about 30% get the life-saving drugs, he said, but early detection and treatment would prevent transmission.

This, he said, should be complementary to the search for an Aids vaccine.

An effective vaccine, he said, was still a long way away.

Dr Williams, a leading figure in the field of HIV research, is based at the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (Sacema) in Stellenbosch. -BBC

U.S. Taxation Law:

If one of you has much less income than the other, consider getting married in December rather than January. You will generally be taxed less on the same income if you are married filing jointly than you would be if each of you filed single returns. If both of you have similar levels of income, choose January. Marriage partners who earn approximately the same income may pay more tax if they file a joint return or file separate married returns than they would if they could file two single returns. This is known as "the marriage tax penalty."

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien (a green-card holder) living overseas, you are subject to U.S. tax on your worldwide income regardless of where such income is earned, paid, or received. However, you can elect to exclude up to $74,000 of your foreign earned income and certain foreign housing costs, and you may also claim a credit against U.S. tax for foreign income taxes you paid.

A bus stops and two Italian men get on. They sit down and engage in an
animated conversation. The lady sitting behind them ignores them at first,
but her attention is galvanized when she hears one of the men say the
following:

"Emma come first. Den I come. Den two asses come together. I come
once-a-more. Two asses, they come together again. I come again and pee
twice. Then I coma one lasta time."

"You foul-mouthed swine," retorts the lady indignantly. "In this country we
don't talk about our sex lives in public!"

"Hey, coola down lady," says the man. "Who talkin abouta sexa? I'm a justa
tellin my frienda how to spella Mississippi."
Reply With Quote

By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines â€" Actress Kris Aquino is currently confined at the Makati Medical Center and will stay there for three days.

A text message sent to the Inquirer by Aquino's personal assistant Alvin Gagui reads:
“Ms Kris got cerebral and labyrinthine concussion secondary to fall. She also had high blood pressure.

``She will be back to work on Wednesday. According to her doctor, she needs minimum of three days rest. She is currently confined at the Makati Medical Center.”

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

It’s Vicky Morales’ turn to make a wish: That viewers will learn from the stories she does for televisionâ€"especially on her newest assignment, the QTV magazine show “True Stories,” which airs Sundays (9:30 to 10 p.m.)

The host of GMA 7’s “Wish Ko Lang” and anchor of the late-night newscast “Saksi” is invigorated by her new show’s format. “The stories are very interesting,” she said.

One stand-out tale is of how a lotto winner finished his P80-million jackpot. “He gave half to his parents, who went door-to-door giving P500 each to total strangers,” Vicky related. “He placed P100,000 bets on cockfights. He now lives in a beautiful house, but can’t pay his electric bills, so the power was cut off.”

This underlines the universal, but widely ignored values of prudence and saving for a rainy day, she said.

Dream come true

As a student in Ateneo, Vicky recalled, she cooked up a magazine show for a final paper on radio and TV production: “The program was called ‘Mga Kuwentong Buhay (Life Stories).’ It’s a lot like my new show.”

Being a mom to 2-year-old twins Pipo and Leon has changed Vicky’s attitude as a broadcast journalist.

A story she did on child prostitutes who sold their bodies for a kilo of rice affected her profoundly. “You want to save those kids from harm,” she said. “Motherhood broadens your perspective and understanding of issues.”

The right temperature is required if you want to fully appreciate the palatable taste. You might risk of scalding your tongue if the water used to brew or mix the coffee is too hot, and you drink it immediately. click here to get all the details...

On January 17, 2001, the impeachment  trial of President Estrada moved to the investigation of an envelope containing crucial evidence  that would allegedly prove acts of political corruption by Estrada. Senators allied with Estrada moved to block the evidence. The conflict between the senators, judges, and the prosecution became deeper, but Senator Francisco Tatad requested to the Impeachment court to make a vote for opening the second envelope. The vote resulted in 10 senators in favor of examining the evidence, and 11 senators in favor of suppressing it. The list of senators who voted for the second envelope are as follows:

Voted against examining (mga pro-Erap)

  1. Robert Jaworski, Sr.
  2. Blas Ople
  3. Juan Ponce-Enrile
  4. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III
  5. Anna Dominique "Nikki" Coseteng
  6. John Henry Osmeña
  7. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan
  8. Teresa "Tessie" Aquino-Oreta
  9. Ramon Revilla, Sr.
 10. Francisco "Kit" Tatad
 11. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Voted to examine (heroes at that time)
  1. Rodolfo Biazon
  2. Renato Cayetano
  3. Franklin Drilon
  4. Juan Flavier
  5. Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
  6. Loren Legarda
  7. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.
  8. Sergio Osmeña III
  9. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
 10. Raul Roco

source: Wikipedia.org

BBC News: A tearful Tiger Woods has made a frank apology for cheating on his wife.

The world number one golfer was talking publicly for the first time since the scandal surrounding his private life erupted in late November last year.

"I was unfaithful, I had affairs and I cheated. What I did was unacceptable," said the 14-time major winner.

The 34-year-old added: "I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me."

Woods said he did not rule out returning to golf this year but indicated he did not as yet have a date, adding he would be undergoing further therapy for his problems on Saturday.

"I do plan to return to golf one day," said the American. "I just don't know when that day will be.

"I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return I need to make my behaviour more respectful to the game."

Friday's media event at PGA Tour headquarters at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Florida was tightly controlled, with only a few journalists allowed access.
   
Woods spoke for more than 13 minutes, addressing about 40 people in the room, including his mother, friends, colleagues and close associates. His wife, Elin, was not present.

Addressing his personal issues, Woods said: "I am the only person to blame. I stopped living by the core values I was taught to believe in.

"I knew my actions were wrong but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I never thought about who I was hurting, instead I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries a married couple should live by.

"I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled, and thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them.

"I was wrong and I was foolish."

Woods claimed therapy had helped him start to deal with his problems and vowed there would be no repeat of his infidelities.

"I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done," he continued.

"My failures have made me look at myself in a way I've never wanted to before. It's now up to me to make amends. And that starts by never repeating the mistakes I've made.

"It's up to me to start living a life of integrity. It's hard to admit that I need help but I do.

"For 45 days from the end of December to early February I was in in-patient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I'm facing. I have a long way to go. I have taken my first steps in the right direction."

His life has become a moral fable of our times. Of how fame, money and power can skew one's sense of reality, one's hunger for control, one's sense of importance.

Woods said he and his wife were attempting to work through their problems and made an appeal for privacy.

"I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish," he continued.

"People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife, Elin, and to my children. And, while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.

"Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behaviour. We have a lot to discuss and what we say to each other will remain between the two of us."

Woods also vehemently denied allegations his car crash was caused after Elin attempted to attack him with a golf club following revelations about his affairs.

"I have a lot to atone for but there's one issue I really want to discuss," he said. "Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night.

"It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage.

"Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise not blame."

Woods also expressed his gratitude for the messages of support he and his wife have received.

"In recent weeks I have received many thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from people expressing good wishes," he said.

"To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.

"I want to thank the PGA Tour, commissioner (Tim) Finchem and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.

"Finally, there are many people in this room and there are many people at home who believed in me. I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again."

Woods then embraced his mother as he left the stage.

Shocking revelations about his infidelity were triggered after he was injured when he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree near his Florida home on 27 November.

It was a PR disaster. It will be shown in colleges in the future as an example of how not to do it... He got angry

Rick Cerrone, former director of media relations, New York Yankees

Two days later, he released a statement in which he said the issue involved was "private ... and I want to keep it that way".

After missing his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge, he released a statement following persistent allegations over extra-marital affairs.

At the time a statement to his website read: "I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart."

Amid continued allegations of affairs, several high-profile sponsors announced they were ending their links with Woods.

A further statement in which he admitted his "infidelity" followed but this month speculation of his return to golf heightened ahead of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.

On Tuesday, it was announced Woods would make a statement on Friday but the timing - during a tournament backed by one of his former sponsors - was criticised by several leading figures in the game, among them Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia.

Woods said, however, that the timing of his apology was to allow him to return to therapy on Saturday.

The College of Allied Medical Sciences (CAMS) of the University of Bohol has produced new licensed physical therapist in the person of Ma. Fe G. Tirol, this was revealed by Dr. Jeimylo Castro, college dean.      
   
In a related development, Dean Eva Campeciño of the College of Pharmacy likewise bared the complete list of its new pharmacists who successfully hurdled the licensure examination given last January 2010. The new pharmacists include: Atuel, Nigel, Balbin, Virginia, Enad, Aleeza, Niones, Genalyn, Peligro, Joel Vincent, Penales, Floresa, Polinar, Beverly Jane, Quintal, Sharon Rose, Siarza, Felyflor, and Toston, Liezel.

It may be noted that in the island province of Bohol only UB offers BS in Pharmacy course which is in demand for employment here and abroad.

Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik, hailed as a hero after the 9/11 attacks, has been sentenced to four years in jail.

Kerik pleaded guilty in November to eight charges, including lying to the White House and tax evasion.

He lied while being vetted for the post of homeland security chief in 2004.

Federal judge Stephen Robinson said the fact that Kerik, 54, used the attacks for "personal gain and aggrandisement" was "a dark place in the soul for me".

Kerik's admissions in November were part of a plea bargain which helped him avoid a maximum potential sentence of up to 61 years in jail.

But the judge still went beyond the sentence of between 27 and 33 months recommended by prosecutors. - BBC

BBC News - Texas pilot air attack on US tax office

The pilot of a plane which crashed into an office block in Austin, Texas left a note expressing his anger at federal tax authorities, police say.

Police are linking the apparent suicide note left online to Joseph Andrew Stack, the man named as the pilot.

The note criticised the Internal Revenue Service - based inside the office block and declared: "Violence is the only answer".

Firefighters continue to search for one person who is still unaccounted for.

'Leaping flames'

The single-engined Piper Cherokee airplane hit the second floor of the seven-storey building at 0956 local time (1556GMT).

It had taken off from nearby Georgetown airport in Texas, and did not file a flight plan, Lynn Lunsford of the Federal Aviation Administration said. - BBC

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Published by the Bohol Chronicle

Tagbilaran Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso has warned the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) of releasing the second P50-million loan to the city government or it could become an accomplice to irregular transactions at city hall.

Endorsing opposition and position papers bearing signatures gathered in a drive of outraged city residents to the DBP head office in Makati City, the vice mayor appealed to the bank's president and chief executive officer Reynaldo David to "prevent an imminent and irreparable damage to the city as the release of the said loan runs counter to the provisions of the Local Government Code (LGC) and other pertinent laws."

In his letter sent to the DBP head yesterday, Veloso said taxpayers of Tagbilaran would be "adversely affected" if the loan is released.

Even after the majority bloc of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) railroaded a supplemental budget for the implementation of the loaned fund, the vice mayor informed David that the city legislature has not received, despite repeated demands, the program of works and accomplishment reports pertaining to the utilization of the first P50-million loan.

Several provisions of the LGC were not observed by the local finance committee, according to Veloso, such as the conduct of semi-annual review and general examination of cost and accomplishments against performance standards applied in undertaking development projects.          
Under the same policy, reports must be made accessible to the public by the local chief executive.

The vice mayor cautioned that releasing the P50-million in second tranche will not only violate the LGC but is also "a glaring defiance of the basic tenets of transparency and public accountability."

The loan package is supposed to cover road rehabilitation projects but the SP has not even adopted a resolution from the City Development Council (CDC) for the purpose.

Veloso said he suspects the loan was deliberately done in tranches of P50-million to evade the scrutiny of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The agency's approval is a requisite before an LGU can obtain a loan exceeding P50-million.

The vice mayor informed the DBP that the loan "appears to be disadvantageous to the city" as records show that the city government has an estimated accumulated budget surplus of more than P100-million.

"Why not use the said surplus for a project on maintenance and utilize the loan for a capital outlay project, such as concreting or asphalting?" the vice mayor noted.

Likewise, Veloso brought up the hasty ratification of the loan contract despite unclear terms and conditions and without any representative from the DBP to explain the details on how much the city will pay in interest as the contract states that the interest rate will be solely determined by the bank.

"Tyranny of the majority in our Sangguniang Panlungsod indeed catered the conjuring approval of what clearly appeared to irregular and abhorrent," the letter stated.

DBP executive vice president Jesus Guevarra and vice president Rosalier Dagondon were likewise furnished copies of the vice mayor's letter.

By Bohol Chronicle

Aggravating further the mounting outcry for the scrutiny of the city's second P50-million loan at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), councilors allied with the city mayor rammed the passage of a supplemental budget in an apparently illegal session yesterday of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso and opposition lawmakers Zenaido Rama and Anne Mariquit Oppus did not attend the "bogus" session calendared by the majority bloc Friday last week during another "unofficial proceeding" after the vice mayor himself called for an early adjournment due to uncontrollable conduct of some colleagues.       

Councilor Bebiano Inting, the only member of the minority present yesterday, questioned the legality of the special session as this was called by Majority Floor Leader Edgar Bompat, instead of the vice mayor.

According to Inting, house rules of the city council specify that only the vice mayor, as presiding officer of the SP, can issue notices for special sessions, unless he is on official leave of absence.

The members of the majority however set aside Inting's query and pressed on the session's main agenda which was the passage of Supplemental Budget No. 1, Series of 2010.          
Despite the protestations of Inting, the majority voted to pass the budget measure.

It may be recalled that dispute erupted over the insistence of majority councilors to take up the supplemental appropriation as special order of the day (SOD) in last Friday's regular session.

The opposition led by Veloso has been firm on their stand that the supplemental budget should not be passed until concerned department heads can provide program of works and detailed accomplishment reports on the first P50-million loan acquired by the city last year.

Moreover, program of works for the second P50-million loan was also demanded by the opposition but was never provided to SP members.

Councilor Oscar Glovasa, appropriations committee chair, berated SP secretary Mansueta Sale for excluding the budget measure as SOD, asserting that it was an urgent request of the city mayor.

Veloso stood his ground, coming to the defense of the SP secretary, who explained that the proposed supplemental ordinance cannot be taken up in plenary since the request from the city mayor did not bear the original copy of the purpose for the additional budget.

"The signed original document must be endorsed to the SP for the simple reason that the executive may implement changes without the knowledge of the SP which will approve the appropriation ordinance," Veloso stresed.

INVALID PROCEEDING, VOID MEASURE

Kag. Inting manifested during the start of the majority bloc initiated session that the proceeding is illegal.

He said holding a special session yesterday was not agreed upon by the SP before the vice mayor adjourned the regular session last Friday.

Although members of the majority stayed at the legislative hall and went on with the session presided by Bompat after Veloso and minority councilors walked out, SP house rules cannot take cognizance of the proceeding after the presiding officer declared adjournment. Only the majority decided to set the special session yesterday to take urgent action on the mayor's request for the supplemental fund.

Inting added that the notices for the special session was signed by Bompat, when in fact the vice mayor is not on leave.

Apart from these flaws, the distribution of the notices to SP members did not follow the minimum 24-hour rule, according to Inting, as he received notice late Monday.

Inting also said that since the session cannot be considered legitimate, measures acted upon by the council may also be void ab initio.

The opposition councilor stressed that if legal steps must be taken by concerned city residents, it must be done as early as possible to prevent the release of the second P50-million loan.

In response to Inting's objections, the majority bloc insisted that unless no lawful body rules the special session illegal, then the proceedings are officially authorized.

Herrera to Cong. Chatto: Who paid for cell phones
By Sunday Post
 
  Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera yesterday said Cong. Edgardo Chatto should tell the people who is paying for the cellular phones that he has been distributing to the barangay captains.           

“The people deserve to know the real score behind this,” he stressed.           

Herrera said there are many questions that need to be answered in this issue.           

First, he said that if this is a donation, the people deserve to know who is the donor.           

“Nobody gets a free ride in this world. We need to know who is giving this away because we also want to know what the donor wants to get in return,” he added.           

The vice-governor said this is only as far as the moral side of the issue is concerned.           

“On the other hand, it is even more important that he will explain to us the circumstances surrounding this if it comes from government funds,” he added.           

Herrera said he wants to know if it comes from Chatto’s pork barrel allocations.           

“Until this time, he has not given us the list of the projects funded from his pork barrel so we want to know if this is part of it,” he added.           

The vice-governor said if this is the case, the distribution is anomalous in the sense that the beneficiaries include barangay captains in other districts.           

“The barangay captains in the second and third districts also have their own congressmen so they should be the one to do it,” he noted.           

The distribution of cell phones to the barangay captains of Bien Unido town by Pureza Veloso-Chatto stirred controversy after Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel and the barangay captains criticized the surreptitious manner in which these were distributed.           

Boniel resented what he called was a set-up in the distribution which was orchestrated by his political opponent and Chatto’s camp.           

The mayor said he does not have any problem with the distribution if he was previously informed about it.           

Boniel said the barangay captains also denied claims that they were the ones who requested for the cell phones.           

The distribution of cell phones to different towns in the province by Chatto has come under increasing scrutiny by the Herrera camp.           

The vice-governor is asking why Chatto is giving it only now if he is really concerned about effective communication.           

“Why did he not do it during his first term if not his first year in office?” Herrera asked.           

He also questioned the propriety of distributing cell phones considering that most if not all barangay captains already have their own units.

By Sunday Post

Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim yesterday appeared fed up with the antics of Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso that  filing a case before the Ombudsman has become an option after the later refused to act on his letter request for the controversial P50-million loan package intended for the rehabilitation of various city roads.

            “I will formalize my complaint against him for prejudicing the interest of the city for his own political ends,” the mayor said yesterday in an interview.

            The P50-M loan package has become an election issue after his political opponents and critics pounced on it in the hope that it will weaken his political base.

            “The problem with my critics is that they want to hostage the interest of the people in their desperate attempt to score pogi points,” the mayor said.

            Lim pointed out that the P150-M loan package had already secured approval before the city council and the first tranche had in fact been released.

            Instead of approving the supplemental budget, however, the opposition has tried to demonize it while stalling for the approval of the second tranche.

            The mayor said that while Veloso has refused to calendar his letter, he and his group have been hurling all sorts of accusations against him.

            “This is a cheap publicity stunt,” the mayor said.

            He pointed out that he and the members of the majority bloc in the city council have already been called all sorts of names but it turned out that they have not even seen the documents.

            “They have already accused us of impropriety and now they say they want to study the documents? What kind of people are they?” he asked.

            Lim said he is filing a case not only to teach Veloso a lesson but also to prove that this is no small matter.

            “Perhaps he doesn’t understand the implications of his actions so I will ask the Ombudsman to let him know,” he added.

            The mayor said that wherever he goes, one major complaint is the state of the city roads.

            He lamented that the people are getting impatient “and they have a reason to feel that way”.

            Lim said this is precisely the reason why he has ordered that the project be fast-tracked.

            “Unfortunately, our opponents think that they can win reelection simply by making unfounded accusations,” he said.

            Lim said that he does not begrudge his critics from launching their own political gimmicks but stressed that he will not allow them to do so at the expense of the people’s welfare.

            “If they think I have committed irregularities in the conduct of this project, they can always go to court. But they should not commit the mistake of believing that I will allow any more delays to accommodate their gimmicks,” he added.

One-on-One with Loy M. Palapos

Valentine Girl

      This column’s Valentine Girl has no boyfriend yet; but she knows the pain of a broken heart. At 19 she has experienced being loved by her parents and brothers and sisters, her relatives, and friends. It used to be a beautiful world, untarnished and pristine.

      This must be truth to the assertion that one can only truly appreciate the best if he has undergone the worst; that tasting the bitterest is only possible of you have tasted the sweetest. Sensing both extremes makes a better person.

      Jane Annalie Arquillano Aro (JAA) is that girl. After what she has lived through, she could be teary-eyed in one instant, and bubbling with laughter the next. But despite the twists and turns of her life, she has no regrets. She is now a much better person with high hopes that her dreams will be fulfilled.

      Jane was born in Cebu City on February 1, 1991. She spent her childhood years in Cagayan de Oro City, her early teenage years in Albuera Leyte. Now, she is in Bohol. This is so because of the job of her father which brought the family to a number of places.

      Presently taking up Business and Information Management at AMA Computer Learning Center, she works partime at Island City Mall (ICM) as a Ticketing Clerk. An Aunt in New York spends for her and a brother’s education. He is enrolled at PMI. In order to augment her allowance for some other needs, she decided she has to work while studying.

      And that’s when she turned teary-eyed being asked about her parents. They are living separately. Her father is in Carmen; her mother and a brother are in Albuera Leyte. A sister and a brother are in Manila. One family in four different places. Not a fitting subject on Valentine’s Day?

      Not necessarily. One look at Jane and the world would smile with her. She is beautiful. Last December she was selected Miss ICM from a bunch of pretty girls; then was judged Miss Alturas Group of Companies from a bevy of feminine pulchritude representing the 18 Companies of AGC.

      Asked whether she already has a boyfriend, she answered in the negative. Has she turned into a man-hater? No, she has some suitors (pa-text-text, pa-joke-joke, pasumbingay, some sounding serious), but not one of them has earned her nod. But she knows the right man may come along at the right time. Yet, she definitely is not looking for him.

LMP: Nganong sige man ka ug balhin?

JAA: Tungod sa trabaho sa akong parents.

LMP: First nag-trabaho sa Cebu, then nag-trabaho sa Cagayan de Oro, sa Leyte, then karon Bohol. Unsa man ang trabaho sa imong papa?

JAA: First sa Cebu ahente siya sa Pepsi, then pag-abot sa Cagayan akong papa Supervisor sa Nestle, unya naay problema gamay sa balay na transfer mi sa Leyte. Nakabalay ra mi. Si mama tua sa Leyte ug si papa diri sa Bohol.

LMP: Pila mo ka managsoon?

JAA: Lima.

LMP: Ikaw ray nia?

JAA: Akong manghud pod.

LMP: Kinsa man ang kauban ninyo dire?

JAA: Akong papa nga naa sa Carmen.

LMP: So your mother is in Leyte, tua niya ang tulo nimo ka igsoon?

JAA: Ang kinamanghuran naa niya kay ang duha tua sa Manila nagtrabaho. Akong manghud akong uban diri.

LMP: Why did you enroll at AMA?

JAA: Kay gusto man sa akong Tita nga computer course akong kuhaon.

LMP: Sa imong bahin, di ka moangay ug computer?

JAA: Dili kaayo.

LMP: Nganong misugot man ka?

JAA: Kay sa una gipa-eskwela sa akong Tita ang akong manghod, pero mi balibad siya, mao to nga wala siya paeskwelaha. So, gusto ko nga sundon siya karon para maka tiwas ko sa akong pag-eskwela.

LMP: That’s good reason. Bahala’g unsa kursoha basta makaeskwela ka. Your father is in Carmen uban sa imong isgsoon?

JAA: Nag uban mi ug saka sa akong manghod sa Lamdagan.

LMP: Gaeskwela pod?

JAA: Gaeskwela sa PMI.

LMP: Unsa man ang gikuha?

JAA: Nautical.

LMP: Unya nag partime ba pod siya?

JAA: Oo, sa ICM-HRD.

LMP: Nganong nagtrabaho man ‘mo at the same time nag-eskwela?

JAA: Dugang sa allowance, Sir, kay may time nga madelay ug padala si Tita.

LMP: Asa man diay imong Tita ‘ron?

JAA: Sa New York.

LMP: You are renting a room?

JAA: Yes, Sir.

LMP: Kanang imong manghod kamao ba pod, dili ba bugoy?

JAA: Dili man pod, naanad na siya daan sa Leyte pa. Gi-train na siya ni mama.

LMP: Unsa ang imong course?

JAA: Business and Information Management, a 2-year course.

LMP: What year are you in now?

JAA: 1st year.

LMP: Determined ka nga mahuman ang imong kurso?

JAA: Yes, Sir.

LMP: After that asa ka magwork?

JAA: Sa ICM, kay dinhi man ko nagpartime, dako na ko ug utang kabubut-on sa management.

LMP: Unsa man ang imong pangandoy sa kinabuhi ‘ron?

JAA: Makahuman ko ug eswkela ug matabangan ang akong manghod.

LMP: So, you’ve never lost hope. Would you consider yourself as a fighter?

JAA: Dili siguro sa tanang higayon. Wala pa man ko kahibawo ug asa ko padulong ug unsa akong buhaton. But I am sure I will persevere no matter what obstacles are on my way.

LMP: Is it the same feeling sa imong maghod?

JAA: Dili kaayo.

LMP: Mas affected siya sa nahitabo sa inyong pamilya?

JAA: Mas affected ko. Sila, okey ra man.

LMP: I learned there was a contest, nahimo kang Miss ICM?

JAA: Yes, Sir. It was a learning experience. I was a bit nervous.

LMP: How many contestants were there?

JAA: Five girls and five boys.

LMP: You represented ICM sa Ms. AGC?

JAA: Yes, Sir.

LMP: Pila ka contestants?

JAA: 8 girls and 8 boys.

LMP: You won?

JAA: I never expected it. Maybe, the judges saw something in me.

LMP: Sa imong tan-aw, what was the reason why you won?

JAA: Kamao lang siguro ko mo dala sa akong kaugalingon. I tried to feel confident and relaxed during the entire contest.

LMP: Sa question and answer, wala ba ka kulbae?

JAA: Wala man pod ko kulbae, at least nakaanswer ko.

LMP: What was the feeling nga kaduha ka makadaog? Did you feel that you have achieved something?

JAA: Yes. It was only later I realized I did something I can be proud of.

LMP: Would this prove sa mga tawo nga sa imong tan-aw you are beautiful?

JAA: Oo, makaingon jod ko.

LMP: Do you have a boyfriend?

JAA: Wala, Sir.

LMP: Nganong wala man?

JAA: Concentrate sa’ ko sa pag eskwela.

LMP: Daghan interesado?

JAA: Naa pod. Pa-text-text, pa-joke-joke, palipad hangin, duna’y uban nga medyo serious.

LMP: Naa, pero wala pa kay gana?

JAA: Wala pa gyod, Sir. Wa pod ko mangita ug boyfriend. If he comes to my life, then I would know kon mao na. But now, no time for a relationship like that.

LMP: How do you handle them?

JAA: Sa text ra man mi magka estoryahay, Sir. Mangutana sila kong available ba ko ana nga time.

LMP: Naay mga invitation pero all of them imong gibalibaran. If it is an invitation personal gyod, aduna naba kay giubanan?

JAA: Naa na, Sir.

LMP: What happens kon ang laki, makamatikod ka nga lain ang tuyo, nga makiggirlfriend nimo. Unsa man ang imong reaction?

JAA: Malain ko kay ang akong tumong kay makigamigo ra man. Ako mismo ang mulayo.

LMP: So, wa pa gyod miabot kon kinsa man? Naghuwat ba ka nga muabot o di pa gyod ka?

JAA: Waiting pod. Lamas sa kinabuhi (laugh). Apan wa gyod, Sir.

LMP: Let’s talk about your job. Unsay imong trabaho?

JAA: Ticketing Clerk sa ICM Screenville.

LMP: Have you met problems sa imong trabaho?

JAA: Yes, Sir, sa mga customers. Mga customer nga ilang sayop pero ikaw ang gi-blame tungod kay naa sa ilang perception nga customers are always right. 

LMP: Example sa sayop?

JAA: Ang ticket booth namo, Sir, naay duha ka window, sa pikas lain nga movie sa pikas lahi pod. Lahi man na sila ug ticket. Klaro kaayo sa poster ug signage. May customer nga mobayad sa una nga window, magexpect na gyod mi nga mao na nga movie ang iyang tan-awon, pero inig sulod na kay magbagotbot kay lain nga salida. Ako ang kasab-an.

LMP: Ikaw rang usa ang Ticketing Clerk?

JAA: Ako ra, Sir. No need for another one.

LMP: Giunsa man nimo pagsulbad ana nga situwasyon? Nasuko kay laing ticket ang gihatag.

JAA: Pasabton nako siya Sir, nga mao giduha ang window kay lain-lain ang movie. Unya hatagan na mo sila ug option, kon last full show na dili na mi mohatag ug refund kay kon maprint na ang ticket sold-out na gyod na. Naay uban nga moinsist mao nga mo refund ‘mi.

LMP: Sige ba ni nga mahitabo?

JAA: Dili man pod kanunay, Sir.

LMP: Another problem gawas ana?

JAA: Madelay ang movie, maong dugay makastart kay dugay moabot ang reels.   

LMP: Ikaw ang mablame?

JAA: Dili, Sir. Kinahanglan nga makahibawo mi para mainform namo sila, pagpalit sa ticket.

LMP: Wa pa mahitabo nga giaway ka ug customer nga mihilak ka?

JAA: Wala pa pod, Sir.

LMP: Pagdeal sa ticket sa mga Senior Citizens, wala ba kay problema?

JAA: Wala kay deritso ra man na sila.

LMP: Are you happy with your life now?

JAA: Dili pa ko makaingon, Sir, kay naa pa man ko’y mga pangandoy sa kinabuhi. Happy siguro ko kong buo pa ang among pamilya.

LMP: Sa imong tan-aw moabot pa nang panahona?

JAA: Moabot, apan di pa ‘ko katag-an kon kanus-a. Pagkakaron I take things in stride. And pray for better things to come my way. I have never lost hope that success is just within my reach. Bahala na si Lord!
                                     
         Jane is just one among many young Boholanas who want a better future. Her courage to face life and all its ramifications is typical of an individual who doesn’t subscribe to sentimentality and the down-side of existence. That she knows what she wants and how to get where she wants to be, aligns her with those who don’t let themselves be overcome by the atrocities of circumstances. Rather, she wishes to carve her own niche and become a better person as the days pass.

         Wistfully, she looks forward to the day when her family will be together again. When that would be, she does not know yet. But she will do something to make it happen. With prayers, with more tenacity.

         Our Valentine Girl is very young, innocent, and a true beauty, not just physically but deep down inside her entire personality. Next time you get your ticket for any of Screenville’s four theaters, the girl you are dealing with is Jane, the young Lady trying to find her place in the sun.   

190 Bohol police officers promoted; Bohol PPO cited model police force

      A total of 190 police personnel  of the   Bohol Provincial Police Office were promoted to the next higher rank effective 31 December 2009. The newly-promoted police officers took their oath  during the flag-raising ceremony conducted on February 8, 2010 at the Bohol Provincial Police Office at Camp Dagohoy, Tagbilaran City. 

      BOHOL Police Deputy Provincial Director PSUPT Julius Cesar Gornez formally administered the pinning of ranks and oath of office. In his speech  witnessed by the families, relatives and friends of the newly promoted PNP personnel, he urged everyone to continue the good work they and the organization have started and to serve as good examples to others in the accomplishment of their sworn duties and responsibilities.

          Police officers promoted to the next higher rank are the following: from P/Chief Inspector to P/Superintendent equivalent to Lt. Colonel - PSupt Antonieto Cuyos;  from Senior Inspector to Chief Inspector (Major) - PCINSP George Vale and PCINSP George Cana;  from Inspector to Senior Inspector (Captain) - PSInsp John Gano, PSInsp Albert Abe Timpac, PSInsp Basiledes Balistoy, PSInsp Antonio Gujelde PSIinsp Miguel Jimenez and PSInsp Junnel Caadlawon From Senior Police Officer 4 to Inspector (Lieutenant) - PINSP FORTUNATO REMEDIO, PINSP CLARITO BUYO,  PINSP EXEQUIEL C. POROL, PINSP GLECERIO SALAMAÃ'A;  From Senior Police Officer 3 to  Senior Police Officer 4  - SPO4 Yolando E, Hormachuelos and SPO4 Marciano T. Sobrerio;  From SP02 to SPO3 -  SPO3 Francisco M. Alimpolos Jr, SPO3 Joselito Y Balistoy, SPO3 Victoria Y Barrios, SPO3 Zosimo A. Careras, SPO3 Necito V. Dangoy, SPO3 Corsino S. Gabutan, SPO3 Procopio L. Macua Jr., SPO3 Dominie Y. Ragusta, SPO3 Anecito E. Torreon, SPO3 Transito E. Tuyogon, SPO3 Rodrigo V. Balatero, SPO3 Bienvinido V. Barrios, SPO3 Victoria O. Calag, SPO3 Geronimo C. Conarco, SPO3 Alfonso A. Diangco, SPO3 Fairlito I. Garcia Sr., SPO3 Arcadio M.Magdoza, SPO3 Bernardo P. Templa, SPO3 Gregorio A. Tubo, SPO3 Ferdinand J. Vergara;  From SPO1 to SPO2 - SPO2 Noel M. Agurang, SPO2 Louise R. Barbarona, SPO2 Generosa M. Bolotaolo, SPO2 Michael Angelo T. Cañete, SPO2 Aldous Y. Cruje, SPO2 Delio H. Elumbaring, SPO2 Luciano A. Fuentes, SPO2 Quinciano D. Lopena, SPO2 Josue I. Lungog, SPO2 Romeo B. Martorillas, SPO2 Reynaldo V. Rejas, SPO2 Rodante P. Sanchez, SPO2 Mildred P. Taga-amo, SPO2 Tito P. Tradio, SPO2 Luis M. Rotol, SPO2  Teodoro I. Arais, SPO2 Raymundo E. Baron, SPO2 Candido O. Busalanan, SPO2 Ralph U. Celosia, SPO2 Elver A. Divinagracia, SPO2 Jefrin E. Eulogio, SPO2 Mitos M. Ipong, SPO2 Larie A. Lumbab, SPO2 Felix F. Magallano, SPO2 Romil S. Petecio, SPO2 Ramon M. Rulona, SPO2 Dunhil M. Sarmiento, SPO2 Expedita D. Tagud, SPO2 Jose Sonny J. Cabahug, SPO2 Georgie T. Sarabosing, SPO2 Yolando M. Bagotchay Jr., SPO2 Arnulfo T. Bernales, SPO2 Eulogio T. Casilac Jr, SPO2 Susano B. Corsiga Jr., SPO2 Blas M. Ejoc, SPO2 Bonifacio R. Flores, Jr., SPO2 Nicolito T. Longakit, SPO2 Dennis B. Lumor, SPO2 Teofanes P. Olaco, SPO2 Eduardo V. Rabara, SPO2  Ernesto P. Sagarino, SPO2 Leo B. Suma-oy, SPO2  William Q. Tecson, SPO2 Felix E. Quillope;  From PO3 to SPO1- SPO1 Romualdo G. Añana, SPO1 Fernando Rey S. Granada, SPO1 Anecito C. Miasco, SPO1 Herme T. Oracion, SPO1 Ernie  S. Bomediano, SPO1 Progreso S. Macua Jr. SPO1 Nilo C. Olaco, SPO1 Celso O. Petecio, SPO1 Russelito G. Idulsa, SPO1 Fabio C. Maulas, SPO1 Tito B. Olaer;  From PO1 to PO2 -  PO2 Engie L. Piloto, PO2 Elma T. Piquero, PO2 Ariel B. Polinar, PO2 Roman T. Quidlat Jr., PO2 Virgilio G. Salazar, PO2 Roberosa A. Saraspe, PO2 Klaire May O. Soreño, PO2 Reynaldo S. Tañica Jr., PO2 Janice B. Tiongco, PO2 Tomas L. Torrenueva, PO2 Dennis B. Veruasa, PO2 Nepthalie A. Wagwag, PO2 Joel Pino, PO2 John  Argie B. Plaza, PO2 Grace C. Poquita, PO2 Ronaldo D. Quilaton, P02 Felix T. Saldivar Jr. PO2 Keith Tyrone F. Siason, PO2 Juanito B. Suma-oy, PO2 Richard A. Timbal, PO2 Romel M. Tirol, PO2 Clark A. Tubera, PO2 Janew A. Villame, PO2 Larkin Ian Yuag, PO2 Josephus C. Abapo, PO2 Rowell D. Adaptar, PO2 Achilles O Alisen, PO2 Jonathan B. Ancog, PO2 Gerundio N. Aparece Jr., PO2 Ian Paul F. Arapols, PO2 Jossa Iris Atupan, PO2 Angelo N. Avenido, P02 Rio I. Bas, P02 Joan Mehlene C. Bernales, PO2 Melchie A. Boctoto, PO2 Geralyn B. Calibo, PO2 Ronald L. Capuyan, PO2 Solomon Javato Cardoza Jr., P02 Novo L. Caroz, PO2 Edilberto O. Centinales, PO2 Jonibel M. Cruz, PO2 Eddie O. Cutora, PO2 Dexter S. Dayoc, PO2 Ruel B. Duites, PO2 Jonathan M. Englatera, Jr., PO2 Bernard A. Erojo, PO2 Heracleo B. Gamboa, PO2 Jerry A. Genelaso, PO2 Antonio A. Gujelde Jr., PO2 Mark Anthony E. Jacoba, PO2 Raymond E. Kiki, PO2 Warren P. Kuhay, PO2 Sherwin Y. Laingo, PO2 Ranillo G. Lomonsod, PO2 Maximino D. Macua Jr., PO2 Arniel L. Manos, PO2 Rey S. Mora, PO2 Ronaldo L. Nuñez, PO2 Rey Olar, Po2 Silvan L. Palacio, PO2 Marlon  E. Abdulbaki, PO2 Edwin L. Alimpolos, PO2 Gines . Amba, PO2 Armando L. Anino, PO2 Jason B. Arabejo, PO2 Michael B. Armildez, PO2 Victor L. Avenido, PO2 Carolin A. Bandija, PO2 Elmar A. Batuan, PO2 Librado L. Bigcas Jr., PO2 Jonathan T. Buscato, PO2 Jason G. Caliguid, PO2 Ernesto A. Carcallas Jr., PO2 Geovanni  A. Carlom, PO2 Leonel B. Catalan, PO2 Rongy C. Cidro, PO2 Ariel J. Cuarto, PO2 Mario Ezer B. Dapitilla, PO2 Bryan B. Derequito, PO2 Venancio M. Ejoc, PO2 Ponciano M. Entroliso Jr., PO2 Jan-Ranger T. Espino, PO2 Isagani R. Garcia, PO2 Andy F. Gornez, PO2 Jezrhel V. Into, ,PO2 Judito A. Jasmin, PO2 Alberto G. Kudemos, PO2 Clyd K. Lagumbay, PO2 Jonathan C. Lao, PO2 Omar G. Macadini, PO2 Ariesteo G. Magsico, PO2 Ruben A. Mesiona, PO2 Bobby P. Naces, PO2 Jared B. Oclinaria and PO2 Paciano E. Petalcorin Jr.

      Meanwhile, the Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Anthony Lao Obenza was in Cebu on the same date to receive the award   given to Bohol Provincial Police Office for being adjudged as the “ Model Provincial Police Office” among the provincial offices during the 19th PNP Philippine National Police founding anniversary.   

      During the same occasion,  Regional Police Director Police Chief Superintendent Lani-o R Nerez awarded the Alona Beach Community Association Inc. (ABCAI) with office address in Alona, Tawala, Panglao on the non-government category thru  David M.  Baillie, president, who received the award for their unwavering efforts and immeasurable contributions to the  BPPO â€" Bohol Tourist Police Unit, in particular and for the entire Philippine National Police in general thereby earning distinct honor and prestige. (SPO3 Conarco)

DOT regional director swears in tour guides

Sunday Post: The new regional director of the Department of Tourism Region 7 Maria Rica C. Bueno flew from Manila last Wednesday to join the Bohol Island Tour Guides Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BITGAP) 11th Annual General Assembly at JJ’s Seafoods Village. Ms. Bueno attended the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) in Subic, Pampanga and the Panglao Island Tourism Project meeting in Manila before she flew to Tagbilaran to be the keynote speaker at the tour guides assembly. She presented to the tour guides the new Tourism Act of 2009 and the thrusts and programs of her administration as the new DOT regional director. She was accompanied by DOT Region 7 Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Mrs. Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo. Every year, the DOT â€" accredited tour guides in Bohol who are members of BITGAP convene to update its members on the tourism industry as part of their continuing education program for members. 

Director Bueno revealed that BITGAP was the first tourism organization in the region to be presented with the new Tourism Act after the implementing rules have been approved. The DOT regional office, however, as part of their programmed activities in the first quarter of this year, will hold a series of presentations throughout the region in order for the industry players to be aware of the provisions of the new law. She emphasized the importance of a closer collaboration and harmonious relationship between her office and the tour guides’ group considering DOT’s limitations as a government agency handling tourism affairs which is the country’s, including Bohol’s, second top priority after agriculture. BITGAP members also shared with the regional director the problems that beset the tour guiding and Bohol’s tourism industry as a whole. BITGAP lamented the presence of non-DOT accredited tour guides known as “hupo-hupo” or colorum guides, tour operators patronizing or getting the services of these colorum guides and “tourist interpreters” who are actually conducting the actual guiding for tourists. Director Bueno was positive that with the new tourism law which requires all primary tourism entities including tour guides to be DOT-accredited, these problems can be addressed. BITGAP proposed that the existing non-accredited guides should be given a chance to legalize their practice by inviting them to be trained by attending the next tour guiding seminar and consequently get accredited. Aside from the concerns regarding tour guides, BITGAP president Danny Nazareno also presented the problems of tourism front liners with regards to local government units who are indiscriminately developing their areas for tourism purposes with utter disregard for standards and sustainable development principles. Nazareno, having served as the Philippine Tarsier Foundation’s Executive Director during the Foundation’s early years also stressed the need for the DOT to find a concrete solution in collaboration with concerned agencies like the DENR on the proliferation of private “authorized” households or entities to display tarsiers for tourism purposes under very lamentable conditions outside of their natural habitats. Director Bueno stressed that all these concerns will be addressed by creating awareness and instilling the culture of tourism among industry players coupled with the proper implementation of the provisions of the new tourism act which will pave the way for the standardization of the industry. She revealed that DENR is one of the agencies which the DOT will work together to implement the provisions of the new tourism law.   

Other significant provisions of the new tourism law include the compulsory hiring of a tourism officer by a local government unit which has been identified as a tourism destination and the establishment of the Tourism Congress composed of tourism private sector stakeholders which will help in the planning and implementation of tourism standards, promotions and services. BITGAP is a member of the Tourism Congress.   

Director Bueno also inducted into office the new members of the Board of Trustees and executive officers headed by Nazareno, MA, as trustee/president; Ma. Gracia M. Tachado, trustee/vice-president; Marc Brain D. Mascariňas, trustee/secretary; Ramon Racel Loquellano, trustee/assistant secretary; Maria Caridad G. Acain, trustee/treasurer; Ronald H. Pantanosas, trustee/auditor; John Dominic C. Migrino and Fritzie Mae D. Zamora, trustees/press relations officers and Joseph Ruel Familar, trustee. Ms. Agnes Celeste Ytac was also chosen this year’s chairperson of the 11th Annual Provincial Tourism Quiz Committee.

Another continuing education activity during the assembly was an orientation on how the elections will be conducted this May using the automated system. Bohol Provincial COMELEC Supervisor lawyer Elizeo RZ Labaria explained the automated election to BITGAP members. He allayed fears brought about by changes in the conduct of the elections this year compared to the previous years. He emphasized that these changes only include the shading of the voters’ chosen candidates instead of writing their names and the automated counting of votes instead of the manual system. It will also provide a significantly faster transmission of election results as well as immediate declaration of winners in the next polls.

Celebrating its 11th year of service to Bohol’s tourism industry, the BITGAP general membership assembly approved activities for this year to celebrate the International Tourist Guides Day on February 21 and other activities including an environmental clean up drive at the man-made forest, holding of the first national tour guides convention in partnership with the Cebu Association of Tour Guides (CATG) and the Philippine Association of Accredited Tour Guides Lecturers Inc. (PAATGLI) in Manila. The national convention will be conducted after the realization of BITGAP’s initiative to establish a Philippine federation of tour guides associations with the two other organizations. 

HNU College of Engineering wins big in Smart national awards
By Jennifer L. Halasan

      The Holy Name Unuiversity College of Engineering team bagged the 6th Sweep Innovation and Excellence Awards held on February 5 and 6, 2010 in Makati City with the theme “Empowering Communities through Wireless Technologies.” SWEEP or Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program is SMART Communications’ first-of-its-kind industry-academe partnership that seeks to improve the level of technology and engineering education in the country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE). The program is designed to complement the school’s existing ECE programs by providing training and lectures on the latest developments in wireless technologies.

      HNU’s team with its project entry, “Water Supply Management through Wireless Technology” emerged as the national winner among the 10 SMART partner schools that made it to the top ten finalists after the regional short-listing in October last year. HNU bested the other leading universities in the country.

      The project is made up of two separate systems. One is located on the pipelines, which by itself is made up of several systems. These systems, called remote devices are made up of sensors and switches wirelessly connected to the control panel using GSM technology. The other system called control panel is a software that makes use of the data gathered by the remote devices to provide, among other things, water leakage detection, valve switching, and subscriber messaging.

       Ramon Isberto, head of SMART Communication’s Public Affairs said they decided to focus the contest that will cope with the possible problems of the local communities. That is research projects with community value, according to him. “When you develop an application, you don’t develop it in a vacuum. It must be needs-driven.” he said.  Taking into consideration what the community needs, the school can improve the chances for its application to be used.

      The HNU team was represented by its team leader, Eldwin Shieldon Ytac and members Gerald June Dagondon, Johnry Daquipil, Wilmer Malanog, Gina Palomares, and Joseph Tabaranza, all fifth year Electronics and Communications Engineering students with their adviser, Engr.  Justiniano Villocido, Jr.

      For the feat, the winners received P500,000 cash prize, 80% of which went to the team while 20% went to the faculty-adviser. The same amount went to Holy Name University in a form of a grant intended for use of a research study which will be conceptualized by the College of Engineering. The HNU Team also received a trophy and certificates.

      The second prize however, went to Ateneo de Davao University with project entry “Development of a Fish Density Detection System for the Fisher Folks of Lianga Bay.” The project uses a vibration meter to detect density of fish in an area and then alert a central station to inform members of the Barobo Fishers’ Association.

      On the other hand, the third went to Ateneo de Manila University with project entry “SMART Bantay Barangay,” a system that allows citizens to use Internet and mobile technology to report issues to authorities.

      The two winning entries will receive P300,000 and P150,000 cash prizes respectively. The same amounts in a form of school grants will be given to the said two partner schools.

      The other top finalists were “Channelize Election Process” by Notre Dame of Maribel University, “Development and Field-Testing of a Digital Agricultural Land Mapping System in Southern Mindanao,” also by Ateneo de Davao University, “Low Cost Microcontroller Based Mobile Home Automation with Bluetooth” by Mindanao State University, “SMART Karwats” by Batangas State University, “SMART Voting for Cleaner Election” by University of St. La Salle, “S-Mart.com” by Ateneo de Manila University, and “TimeFree” by Ateneo de Zamboanga University. They will receive a merit prize of P30,000 each.

      Accordingly, the “Water Supply Management through Wireless Technology” project prototype will be displayed to the public in a project exhibit of the HNU College of Engineering on March 4 and 5, 2010 at the Atrium of BQ Mall this city. 

On-the-spot painting, balak highlight Loon’s National Arts Month observance
By Adam L. Saligumba 

      Loon’s poets and budding elementary school-aged painters/artists will have a chance to unveil and expose their hidden talents as the municipality takes part in the observance of the National Arts Month this February. 

      Created through the initiative of Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD, chairman of the Municipal Council for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (MCharts), and the Center for Developments in Culture, Heritage and the Arts (Charts) are the two contests, namely On-the-Spot Painting and Balak Writing in coordination with the Department of Education â€" Loon North and Loon South Districts, University of Bohol â€" Loon Institute, Sacred Heart Academy and Saint Teresa Academy.

      Loon Charts Executive Director Reigh P. Monreal revealed that the On-the-Spot Painting Contest is open to all currently enrolled Grade 5 and Grade 6 pupils of any complete elementary school in Loon or elsewhere. However, pupils above 13 years old are disqualified to join the contest. School heads are required to confirm the grade level and age of their pupil-contestants. In the case of Loonanon pupils enrolled in other municipalities, it is the responsibility of the contest management to verify and confirm their grade level and age.     

      Contestants must register personally or through representatives at the Charts Center in Barangay Moto Norte or at the Office of the Mayor on or before February 17, 2010. Beyond this date, registrants will no longer be accepted.

      Contest day is on February 20, 2010 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Loon Sports and Cultural Center. All contestants must be at the said venue at 8:00 in the morning.

      The painting must be rendered in crayon on white cartolina or illustration board,  whichever is provided by the contest management. Contestants must also bring their own crayon sets, drawing board and easel. There is no limit as regards the number of crayon sets or colors to be used.

      The theme of the On-the-Spot Painting Contest is “Pagkapiskay ang Loon.”  The subject of the painting is to be announced only on the day of the contest.

      The criteria of judging are as follows: Mastery of style and vibrancy of color, 35%; Choice and treatment of subject, 35%; and Overall visual impact, 30%.

      Handsome cash prizes await the winners of the On-the-Spot Painting Contest: First â€" P1,000.00; Secondâ€"P700.00; Thirdâ€"P500.00 and Consolation Prizeâ€"P100.00. All participants will receive certificates of recognition.

      Teachers and high school students can take part in the Balak Writing as the contest has two categories: 1) Loonanon high school students who are currently studying in Loon high schools or elsewhere; and 2) currently employed Loonanon teachers from all grade/year levels (primary, elementary and secondary) whether teaching in Loon or outside the municipality. Students who are above 18 years old are disqualified from joining the contest. The school head of a student-contestant will be responsible in confirming his/her year level and age, while in the case of students who are enrolled in schools outside the municipality their status will be confirmed by the contest management.

      With the theme “Pagkapiskay sa Loon,” the balak must be printed on an 8.5” x 13” white bond paper and with the following print specifications: a) black ink; b) one-inch margin on all sides; c) font size â€" 12 points; d) typeface â€" Arial; e) line spacing â€" 1.5 lines. The balak must fit in one page only.

      A balak entry must be placed inside a brown envelope and submitted either at the Charts Center in Barangay Moto Norte or the Office of the Mayor on or before February 17, 2010. Late registrants will no longer be accepted after this date. Also, the author is not required to recite his/her piece.

      The criteria in the Balak Writing are: Pagkamabulokon sa mga pulong, 30%; Paghulagway, 30%; Tugma, 25%; and Mensahe, 15%.

      Prizes in both categories are: First â€" P1,000.00; Second â€" P700.00; Third â€" P500.00 and Consolation Prize â€" P100.00. All participants will receive certificates of recognition.

      Meanwhile, a “Painting Jam for the Arts Month” will be held at the Charts Building every Saturday with Bohol’s foremost oil paint artist, Carlito Masalta. This according to Arts and Culture  Officer Coy P. Ponte, who said that all amateur and accomplished artists are welcome to join the sessions which begun on February 6, 2010. Every artist must bring his/her own paint paraphernalia.

Launching of Loon STARS Project and Opening of Recycle Market

  Dynamic Loon  Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD (right, top photo), stressed on the livelihood opportunities and economic benefits that Loon constituents will receive from the Skills Training Advocating Reliance and Self-Employment (STARS) Project of the provincial government during its launching on February 5, 2010 at the Loon Sports and Cultural Center. The activity was attended by STARS Project Coordinator Norris Oculam and other provincial guests, municipal officials, barangay captains, Loonanon job seekers and out-of-school youths. Coordinated by TESDA-Bohol and the Bohol Employment Provincial Office (BEPO). Loon’s STARS will commence on February 15, 2010 with four initial courses: Small Engine Repair, Household Services, TV/Radio Repair and Hair Styling. Other courses to be scheduled in the future include Tour Guiding, Cellphone Repair, Reflexology, Driving, Welding and Electricity.

          In middle photo, Mayor Lopez expounds the importance of the protection and preservation of the environment through the proper disposal of garbage and wastes during the opening of the Recycle Market held in front of the Loon Public Market on February 7, 2010. A joint project of the LGU and the Sangguniang Kabataan Municipal Federation (SKMF) headed by Loon SKMF president Ivaraxel Ericsson in support of the ESWM Program of the municipality, the Recycle Market will buy recycled empty bottles, cans, plastics, papers, cardboards, and other recyclable items; as well as used batteries of motorcycles, trucks, cellphones, radios and flashlights. Romblon mat bags, or bayongs in the local dialect, were also distributed to the first 100 hundred people who bought foodstuffs inside the public market to encourage Loonanons to use environment-friendly shopping bags or containers. In bottom photo is SK National Federation President Jane Censoria Cajes who was specially invited to grace the occasion.  The national youth leader from Trinidad town, who wowed the audience with her beauty and intelligence, lauded the project of the LGU and promised to return to triplicate the distribution of the bayongs to Loon public market shoppers.  (ADAM L. SALIGUMBA)   

First Jagnaanon top notcher for physicians passes away; 88

By Gregorio Tavera

After serving for more than half a century in the lofty profession as physician surgeon, Dr. Bonifacio Lloren Salas, Jr. died at the Ramiro Hospital in Tagbilaran City on February 5 due to old age. He was 88.

It may be recalled that the  medical practitioner had stayed in the United States from 1955 and has just returned home a few years ago.

The late physician had just celebrated his 88th birthday on January 18. He is survived by his wife and by his only son Bonifacio Salas III.

Doc Bony as he was fondly called by bosom friends and relatives was a U.S. pensioner being a physician-surgeon with the rank of colonel at the Medical Corps in the U.S. Army. 

He also served at the 143rd Evaluation Hospital, California Army National Guard. He was Chief Director Grade of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Supervisor of the Veterans Administration for Prisoners of War Program and later Chief Reviewing Medical Officer of the Department of State, Foreign Service and Peace Corps until his retirement.

Among Doc Bony’s siblings included retired rural health officer of Jagna Mariano, Eufronio a civil engineer, Arturo an architect, Lourdes another physician and the youngest Marietta, a retired chief nurse of Teodoro B. Galagar District Hospital. The late appellate court justice Bernardo Salas completed Doc Bony’s family of successful professionals.

The late Kaliwat Jagnaanon Awardee graduated his medical course at the University of Sto. Tomas in 1951 and passed the medical board examinations as 2nd placer in the same year.

Dr. Salas’ was buried on February 10 at the Salas mausoleum at the Pangas Roman Catholic Cemetery. (Gregorio A. Tavera)   

By Ven Arigo

More town leaders and sectors have attested to Rep. Edgar Chatto as fittest to lead the province while he intensified his pre-campaign gubernatorial sorties.

Alicia officials vowed to ensure the victory of Chatto and his group in their town, foreseeing with deep conviction a more dynamic Bohol and happy Boholanos in his care.

Mayor Pedro Miasco explained to his constituents why they should go with him in his choice for next Bohol governor because by then “we are threading the path to success and welfare.”

Miasco, Vice Mayor Jun Balajay, their fellow officials and the ordinary people made Chatto and his provincial slate feel their support-assuring presence during the 59th birthday bash of the mayor.

Chatto was accompanied by his vice gubernatorial candidate, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Provincial Federation Pres. Concepcion Lim, reelectionist Third District Board Members Josil Trabajo and Aster Apalisok-Piollo, and another aspirant for board member, Jagna Councilor Sene Lloren, who is a brother of former League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP-Bohol) president and Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren. Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL-Bohol) Pres. Brigido Imboy, also vying for a regular board member seat, sent a representative.

Miasco admitted he was then “leaning”to another group until he was sure he would be with Chatto in the official administration ticket.

The mayor had been keeping sight at the positioning of Chatto since he would really like to join the man whose leadership, character and service he has so “adored.”

Miasco said he could attest to Chatto’s willingness to help regardless of partisan differences.

He witnessed in several instances a lot of needy Boholanos, including patients, who stayed in the house of the Chattos in Quezon City while awaiting their operations or already recuperating from surgeries.

Chatto assisted them from pre-operative diagnosis to getting back home in Bohol, all for free, including their subsistence.

The Chatto house in Quezon City seems like a hospital everyday, Miasco shared his observation to his birthday visitors and well-wishers.

Miasco had himself endorsed many Alicianhon patients for Chatto’s assistance.  He was dismayed by the little attention that the office of another candidate for governor extended to the poor Alicianhons who sought help.

The town officials also cited Chatto’s readiness to assist the municipal eco-tourism development program.

In the Second District town of Talibon, fisherfolk and other strakeholders interacted with guest Chatto during their Danajon-wide Fisherfolk Conference.

Danajon, a sensitive marine biodiversity kingdom, is the site of the country’s only double-barrier reef and one of only so few on the entire Earth.

Danajon resources have sustained human survival and balanced the natural web of life since time immemorial. Boholanos have clamored for a leadership that is capable of sustainable development. 

In Batuan, a Third District municipality like Alicia, officials commended Chatto for nationalizing the essential agricultural and eco-tourism road linking their place to the First District via Hanopol in Balilihan.

In a resolution, Sangguniang Bayan of the town praised Chatto’s effort which consequently secured the annual national fund for the important road long categorized then as a provincial road.

Chatto, meanwhile, crowned the King and Queen of Hearts at Rizal High Schoool where he was met and joined there by Mayor Gregoria Pepito and Vice Mayor Rolando Emmanuel Leyson, Jr.two days to Valentine’s.

In Tagbilaran City, the officers of the Bohol Nutrition Action Officers Association (BNAOA) led by Dr. Enriqueto Arcenas showed their high esteem for Chatto whom they chose to induct them on Friday.

New president Dr. Elpidio Magante and other officers of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Bohol Chapter did the same also here last night.

At the Mater Dei College in Tubigon, students applauded their champion of education when Chatto candidly and intelligently responded to questions in the gubernatorial forum yesterday morning. 

On separate occasion, students of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) -Tagbilaran Campus listened to Chatto on Bohol’s steady move to progress.

The pioneering tourism students of the main campus of Bohol’s first and only state university invited him to speak in their convention that took the theme “Bohol: Crossing the Line of Consistency, Setting No Limits for New Discoveries.” (Ven rebo Arigo)

Buenavista strengthens eco-tourism attractions 

BUENAVISTA â€" This northern municipality attempts to get a slice of the eco-tourism pie by continually investing on infrastructure facilities as the recently inaugurated Buenavista Eco-Tourism Business Center in barangay Dait.   

Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and Vice-Gov. Julius Herrera, together with Mayor Elsa Tirol, heads and representatives of national agencies, led the inauguration and blessing last week of the said facility, which serves as the hub for eco-tour and adventure come-on, like the Cambuhat River and Village Tour.   

Aumentado said in his speech that this kind facility of is a welcome development to boost the province’s claim as the prime eco-tourism destination in the country today. 

In addition, the governor vowed to pitch in more funding assistance to pave roads linking to the area and for easy access of farm products to the market. 

For his part, Herrera encouraged the massive food production he espouses, not only for their own consumption but also to provide food supply to the tourism related activities. The vice-governor has been calling households for backyard gardening for cushion the impact of the crisis by subsidizing vegetable food seeds to the barangays. 

Mayor Tirol told the audience that her administration is very grateful for the different assistance the governor and vice-governor had extended to improve the lot of the residents through various development programs. 

The Cambuhat River and Village Tour is recognized internationally, said the Provincial Tourism Office. It is a community-based with strategies in managing the coastal resources where the residents livelihood largely depend upon. 

Cambuhat River is where the oyster (Talaba) culture flourished in its riverbanks and it becomes viable in the growing demand for eco-tourism.   

The Cambuhat river “has been awarded as the cleanest river by Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran.”   

Among its come-ons include oyster and milkfish mariculture, handicrafts, raffia weaving, food and delicacies or sago making, buri dance/ and Agta sand and boat paddling. 

Cambuhat River and Village Tour is one of the five eco-tourism projects that were awarded. This includes the Pamilacan Island Marine Life, Pamilacan off Baclayon town; Basdio eco-tourism, Guindulman; Man-made mangrove forest in Getafe ; and the Panadtaran Mangrove Adventure, Panadtaran, Candijay, Bohol . (RVO)

Pilar OFW grateful for Herrera’s help 

Sunday Post: A family of overseas Filipino worker came down from Pilar town and paid a visit to Vice-Gov. Julius Herrera office last week purposely to expressed gratitude for the latter’s assistance extended to them. 

Ms. Anesia Mante Panganoron and her daughter Ms. Bonivee Panganoron Hinay sincerely said in an exclusive interview that her family is very grateful for the assistance of Vice-Gov. Herrera to her husband. 

Panganoron said that Herrera personally helped in facilitating the return home of her husband Olimpio Panganoron, who was sick in Saudi Arabia, where he worked as driver of a company for 19 years. 

The vice-governor has exerted efforts for contacting key agencies and arranging for the safe return home of Mr. Panganoron, who suffered heart-related illness. 

She admitted that without Herrera’s assistance it would have been a different story or maybe it would take time or delay of the return home of her husband. 

Panganoron also said that Herrera also assisted in the facilitating the release of money claims for her husband.   

She also thanked Pilar Sangguniang Bayan secretary Bert Jaspe for indorsing them to Herrera’s office for the said assistance. 

The Overseas Workers Welfare Assistance Desk of the vice-governor has been documenting hundreds of Boholano OFWs in distress abroad as a commitment to public service since Herrera took over as vice-governor in 2001. (RVO)

Seaweeds growers from all over Central Visayas trooped to Cuaming Island in Inabanga Friday to learn updates in the industry during their quarterly meeting.

  Dr. Allan Poquita Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Assistant Region 7 Director told the members of the Central VIsayas Seaweeds Growers Association (CVSGA) officers that seaweeds farming is now a blooming industry.

  “It has become more important to our economy as it gives more profitable income to the fisher folk,” he said.

  For his part, BFAR 7 chief of the Extension Services Division and concurrent CVSGA adviser Tiburcio Donaire said innovations are being made to traditional seaweed farming to improve production. 

  Cuaming Barangay Captain Rogelio Angco welcomed the resource speakers, BFAR staff, provincial fishery officers and participants to the island â€" the first time that the barangay has hosted a regional meeting of such scope.

  CVSGA president Ronald Carcellar steered the discussion to tackle issues and concerns felt in each province as well as the common interest to buy a moisture content analyzer, status of production by province and updates on their Constitution and by-laws on top of the regular agenda.

  Common problems like siltation that affects seaweeds growth, infestation of siganid that causes the “ice-ice” disease, occurrence of typhoon that wash out plantations and prices which are being controlled by middlemen, among others, were the subjects of healthy discussions. The members shared mitigating measures and best practices.

  “This is one way to promote and encourage the villagers of Cuaming to plant seaweeds as well as identify best practices here that we can replicate in our communities,” Carcellar said.

Cuaming is a recipient of a seaweeds input assisted project from BFAR.  - Sunday Post

By JUNE S. BLANCO

  Asia’s longest zip line? The bid of Danao town in Bohol may not be too far off.

  Domestic and foreign tourists enjoying the adrenaline rush of the current “sui-slide” and canyon swing â€" and the milder cable car ride, wall climbing, river kayaking and inner tube rafting can already look forward to the ultimate surge.

  Gov. Erico Aumentado and Danao Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga have agreed to put up counterpart funds to build a 1.5-kilometer line that would be Asia’s longest.

  Gonzaga said his town has earmarked some P3 million, mostly from earnings of the current pants-wetting rides, for the latest apple of his eye.

  Aumentado readily took up his challenge â€" announcing during Thursday’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) civic action in Barangay Remedios that the provincial government is ready with the initial P500,000. The P2 million balance will follow suit.

  Roads, bridge

  To make the Eco/Extreme Adventure Tour (EAT) Danao more accessible, the governor said the province has allocated P18 million for the asphalting of the Poblacion-Magtangtang Road that is part of the Danao-Buenavista-Lapacan (Inabanga) Road. He has also ready another P1 million to fix the Panghagban Bridge along the way.

  Aumentado said the adrenaline rush should come from the suicide, er, sui-slide â€" not from the bumps from avoiding potholes on the rough road.

  The interior town is also accessible through the 14-kilometer Mahayag (San Miguel) Danao Road that includes the stretch of narrow ridge likened to the back of an emaciated sow (buko-buko sa anay).

  The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) through its Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) has given a P35-million grant, with a P14-million counterpart from the provincial government, to improve this road, Work will start before the election ban.

  Under Commission on Elections (Comelec) guidelines, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will not be allowed to bid or release funds or award new projects 45 days before and after elections.

  Aumentado added that the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) also constructed a new road that leads to the Kalayaan Resettlement Center also in Remedios where he and Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales led groundbreaking ceremonies for rowhouses costing P6 million 15 Kauban sa Reporma (KR) or comrades in reform families and 10 Remedios residents.

  Irrigation, more

  Also to start shortly is the Hibale Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) costing P20 million with funds already inserted in the 2010 budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) under the Department of Agriculture.

  Meanwhile, Aumentado distributed P50,000 checks in financial assistance to all 17 barangays of Danao for a total of P850,000 â€" for their respective priority projects.

Sunday Post: The barangay council of Los Angeles, Ubay, Bohol cried for help to form a new barangay site after their site was completely submerged when the Bayongan Irrigation Dam project was constructed in 2007, according to barangay folks’ petition issued on January 25, 2010. 

The barangay council also passed Resolution No. 05, series of 2010, requesting the Sanggniang Panlalawigan through Vice-Gov. Julius Herrera for the recreation of their barangay site. The said measure was an offshoot of the barangay assembly convened for the purpose of the said request. 

“The prayed for recreation of Barangay Los Angeles is an urgent necessity in order to resolve a festering issue of social injustice,” said the Resolution signed by barangay chairman Nerio Felisilda and barangay kagawads Anabelle Curiba, Tomas Orevillo, Danilo Alaba, Elmer Almario, Emelie Saluberes, Catalino Grepo and Emelio Cruda. 

Almost the entire area of the barangay was practically reduced to nowhere wherein about 205 hectares out of a total of 273 hectares of original site are now below water, the petition said. 

It added that the situation worsens as it is “compounded by the migration of the whole barangay population effectively ended the legal existence of barangay Los Angeles , Ubay, Bohol .” 

The petition signed by hundreds of barangay residents pointed out that their aspirations cannot be ignored with the issue of social justice, “that (our) present deplorable and disadvantaged situation as a defunct barangay, was caused by a sacrifice imposed upon them when the NIA Bayongan Irrigation Dam project was constructed to irrigate 5,000 has. to the benefit of targeted farmers, but ironically excluding the petitioners.” 

The barangay officials argued for the need of the barangay to be formed because there is presence and actual discharge of public functions by barangay officials as evidenced by the continuing release of its share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). 

The recognition of the barangay as one of the 44 barangays of Ubay town aside from the Comelec’s recognition with the establishment of two electoral precincts, they said.   

The barangay council was able to take steps for descriptive areas to relocate the barangay site, which is bounded in the north by bartangay Bulilis; San Francisco on the west; barangay Villa Teresita on the south; and barangay Gov. Boyles on the east, the petition said. (RVO) 

Win-win solution for “habal-habal” drivers

by FRED. C. FUERTES

MARIBOJOC â€" Mayor Leoncio Evasco, Jr. convened Thursday some 50 tricycle and habal-habal drivers at the Parola Hall in the port area and gave them a win-win solution to their plight.

  “I congratulate you because, instead of bothering my administration for work applications, you choose to earn your living thru your own efforts, thus spoke Evasco opened his talk. Evasco also encouraged the drivers’ group to organize themselves into an association so that it can have a voice of its own.

  As a result, the Maribojoc Habal-habal League (Mahal) was born. Presided over by Municipal Councilor Gualberto “Macky” Melecio, the aggrupation elected the following officers: Mario Laborte, president; Jorge Balazuela, vice president;  Banban Balazuela,secretary; Monico Zamoras, treasurer; Vincent Tabancura, auditor and  Dodong Guirre, Rhamil Geolagon, Epil Bebero and Luis Estomata sgts.-at arms.

  With this development, the terminal for “habal-Habal” motorcycles will soon be inaugurated and turned over to the organization.

  Aside from Mayor Evasco, Sr. Municipal Councilor Fructuoso “Tusoy” Redulla, Jr. also revealed how the dynamic town executive vetoed Municipal Ordinance No. 25 which would have placed the drivers in a difficult situation.

  Meanwhile, the members of the Maribojoc ECO Heritage, Culture and Arts Council (MEHTCAC) converged at the Sangguniang Bayan  Session Hall and discussed the group’s  activities in connection with the National Arts Month which is February.

  A drawing, painting and photo-journalism contest is set come February 26, this year. A workshop on the three subject matter areas will precede the tilt.

What's your most favorite movie in 2009?

A Nigerian drugs smuggler has been arrested in Switzerland with 123 condoms stuffed with cocaine weighing 1.7 kilograms (3.7 pounds) in his stomach, border guards said Thursday.

Michel Bachar, a spokesman for federal border guards, said the 123 condoms represented the equivalent of a 5.5 meter (18 foot) long string of sausages or 3.5 liters of milk in volume.

"It's exceptional," he told AFP, underlining that the contents of just one of the condoms could have killed the carrier.

The man was among six people in a French-registered car who were stopped after they ran through a red light and sped past a border post near Geneva last Sunday.

X-rays revealed that four of them were carrying a total of nearly three kilograms of cocaine in their stomachs, in five centimeter (two inches) condom packages coated with wax or resin.

At least two other similar cases were uncovered on the Swiss side of the border in the past four months.

Nine people were arrested in France in a similar case last week on suspicion of taking part in cocaine trafficking between Spain and France.

Swiss border guards recovered all of the swallowed cocaine capsules after several days.- AFP

By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has cautioned presidential candidate Richard Gordon, a senator and chair of the local Red Cross, not to compromise the nonpartisan nature of the organization as it prepares to respond to the possible explosion of election-related violence in the run-up to national polls.

Jean Daniel Tauxe, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines, said at a recent media briefing at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Mandaluyong City that “a line must be drawn” between Gordon’s identity as chair of the Philippine National Red Cross and as a politician seeking the presidency.

Tauxe said the ICRC already had a meeting with the senator to discuss the matter. “I think it went very well. He is well aware that the Red Cross stands for impartiality, neutrality and independence,” he said.

Tauxe said the Geneva-based ICRC has no issue per se with Sen. Richard Gordon’s television ad showing him in a Red Cross jacket while helping victims of past typhoons.

He said Gordon’s “Silent Night” ad campaign was also not objectionable on its own, but that he must “take care not to cross the line.”

By Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A group of farmers has accused Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar and his wife of fraud in the acquisition of a P1.5-billion loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 1998.

In a press conference Thursday, the farmers said their land was used by Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar to secure a loan for Optimum Development Bank (formerly Capitol Bank), which was owned by the couple, from the BSP.

“We are the rightful owners of the land used by Optimum Bank to pay its debts to the BSP using dubious documents,” said Gina Jarvinia, one of the 28 landowners who attended the conference.

Jarvinia showed reporters documents to show they were the rightful owners of at least 715 hectares located in Barangay San Isidro, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, foreclosed by the BSP after Optimum Bank failed to repay the loan.

Nieves Tecson, spokesperson of the group, said the farmers decided to speak up now “because Villar is running for president.”

“This is our only chance to be heard. It must be now because we are scared nothing will happen with our fight if he becomes president,” Tecson said.

She said they started their fight against Villar in 2008 when they filed a complaint against him with the Ombudsman.

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He should be disqualified. In fact Arthur Yap of Bohol should also be disqualified. He never lives in Bohol, anyway. Richard Gomez never lives in Ormoc.

An man dubbed Israel’s Josef Fritzl was indicted yesterday on charges including enslavement, rape and incest over a cult-like harem in which he fathered dozens of children with 32 women. (Tiger Woods has 19).

The indictment against Goel Ratzon, 60, says that he positioned himself as a “godlike” figure to the women, whom he enticed into a worship of him that included following a “rulebook” that dictated their lives.

He sired at least 49 children with his “wives”, who tattooed themselves with his face and name, and is also accused of raping underage girls.

Ratzon created an “image of an omnipotent one who was blessed with supernatural powers and the ability to heal, destroy and cast curses”, police said. “Through this total control the defendant led the women to completely scrap their character and devote their existence to satisfy his needs, including his financial and sexual needs.” - timesonline.co.uk

Using the word "bu****" in this forum will result to lifetime ban and deletion of all posts. Please consider editing now.

A person is being banned not because he/she is telling a story of public interest. The ban came because the person is using rude, malicious words which are irrelevant to the topic discussed. Before we impose a ban and delete all the posts of the person, we review and evaluate the writings of that person. We do things with reasonable grounds.

Batang Botan, you never addressed the issue, you instead attacked a person. It doesn't matter whether it's an angel or devil who exposed a public issue. The most important thing is to find out whether there is truth to it.

You are barking at the wrong tree. If you want to deny the non-existence of the corruption, then explain it to us. So far, you haven't proved to us you knew the issue very well.

By Ma. Elena Catajan

Sun Star: A nursing student filed both administrative and criminal charges against two doctors of the Benguet General Hospital (BGH).

Mary, not her real name, 19, filed charges against doctors Relante Raper, a surgeon and Elmer Jimenez, a general practitioner under the sexual harassment law with immorality and acts unbecoming of a doctor.

Mary, in her affidavit, said on December 1, she was assigned to assist in a surgical operation procedure and the attending physicians were Raper and Jimenez.

While the operation was going on, Raper suddenly asked her, “Do you believe that we made a book with doc [Jimenez]? It says in the book we made that those assisting in mastectomy must undergo examination because there is a possibility that they too may have a breast mass.”

“I was shocked with the question, since it already had a sexual intonation in it, however I just kept quiet.” said Mary.

Allegedly, Raper continued to ask Mary, “So miss [Mary] do you believe? Are you willing to have yourself examined by us after the operation?”

The nursing student said she felt very uncomfortable, intimidated and harassed.

“Considering that the first statement pertained to breast examination, the next question pertained to his desire to examine my breast,” she claimed.

Raper also asked about the job of Mary’s father. When she told them, “Philippine Navy po,” Raper allegedly told Jimenez, “Patay tayo dito.”

Jimenez then said, “Ok lang doc, may eight hours pa tayo tumakas.”

“I already felt fear and anger with their comments and insinuations, but I still held my temper because they were doctors and among our training officers.” Mary said.

Mary added, “Despite all the sexual harassment they have hurled upon me that day, I just kept quiet until my duty for the next day was finished, but deep down inside me I was trembling with fear, anger and grief…”

On December 2, she was again assigned to render duty at the operating room, again to assist the same doctors.

The lead singer of The Knack, Doug Fieger, who co-wrote the hit My Sharona, has died at the age of 57.

Fieger, who died on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, had been battling cancer, and had undergone surgery to remove brain tumours in 2006.

"Our hearts are broken, we will miss you Doug," his band members posted on The Knack's official website.

My Sharona topped the US singles chart in 1979, and led to the group being hailed as the "next Beatles".

The song, co-written with Berton Averre, was inspired by an ex-girlfriend of the same name.

It was re-released in 1994 after featuring in the Ben Stiller film Reality Bites, and was later revealed to be on former US president George W Bush's iPod.

It reached number six in the UK and enjoyed a revival after appearing in a cereal advert last year.

Fieger had spoken frankly about his drug and alcohol abuse during the band's heyday, but recently revealed he had been living a healthy lifestyle for more than 25 years.

Former member Bruce Gary died of cancer in 2006, while Berton Averre and Prescott Niles still perform as The Knack. - BBC

CAVACON Corporation is a triple-AAA construction company involved in the building of roads, airports, bridges, ports and industrial estates. The company has been in operations for more than 30 years.

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Accounting Staff
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    * Assist in the bookkeeping works using Automated Accounting System.
    * Checks correctness supporting documents before passing and paying such transactions.
    * Monitors individual project cost and analyze variances.
    * Monitor and analyze sales vs production.

Requirements:

    * Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Accountancy.
    * Must be female.
    * Applicants must be willing to work in Paco,Metro Manila.
    * Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
    * Full-Time positions available.

Interested applicants who meet the qualifications are required to submit their resume to:

CAVACON CORPORATION
310 Mahogany Street Midtown Executive Homes, Paco, Metro Manila
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E-mail Address: cavacon_corporation@yahoo.com

Uni-Ship began operations in tramping, break bulk and ship broking in March 10, 1986, almost 2 weeks after the First EDSA Revolution. The company expanded its operations in the container line business in January 1995 by forging an alliance with the South Korean-based C & Line Company Ltd.. This partnership eventually enabled C & Line, under the general agency of Uni-Ship, to handle the majority of Manila â€" Korea cargo traffic.

To further strengthen its logistics capability, the Filipino-Korean joint venture strengthened its relations with tramper principals worldwide. This allowed the Uni-Ship to offer both containerized and non-containerized business that had the support of auxiliary services like customs brokerage, freight forwarding, trucking and surveying. Uni-Ship’s tramper business unit also handled numerous heavy cargoes for power plant and infrastructure projects and other heavy lift job orders. These developments also paved the way for the Uni-Ship trucking company to be chosen as the primary partner of Asian Terminals Inc.on its Inland Container Depot (ICD) deliveries at Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon (CALABARZON).

In October 2005, Uni-Ship was appointed as the general agent of the Chinese company Sinotrans Container Lines in the Philippines. This affiliation established Uni-Ship’s China-Philippines and Philippines-China routes. To date, Uni-Ship continues to provide an extensive portfolio of freight, logistics and shipping services to both Philippine and international companies. The company remains focused on expanding its destination routes and services to help address the growing shipment needs of its clients.

Accounting Staff
(National Capital Reg - Intramuros, Manila)

Requirements:

    * Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Finance/Accountancy/Banking, Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce, Logistic/Transportation, Economics or equivalent.
    * Required skill(s): MS Office.
    * Applicants must be willing to work in Intramuros,Manila.
    * Fresh graduates/Entry level applicants are encouraged to apply.
    * Full-Time positions available.