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LAOAG CITY—Ilocanos are looking forward to celebrate Teofilo Yldefonso Day on November 4 of every year as a regular holiday in the province.

Senior Board member Matthew Joseph Manotoc, chairperson of the committee on youth and sports, initiated the filing of a provincial resolution requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare November 4 as a regular holiday.

Yldefonso is known as the first Filipino Olympics medalist who brought pride to the country after winning in the 200-meter breaststroke in Amsterdam in 1928 and in Los Angeles in 1932.

Born in Piddig, Ilocos Norte in 1903, Yldefonso's remarkable achievement as the only Filipino athlete to have won back-to-back medals at the Olympics is one for the books up to this day.

Manotoc said on Wednesday it is just right and proper to recognize Yldefonso, known as the "Ilocano shark" for his distinct style in swimming.

Backing this move, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved on November 20 a resolution requesting the House of Congress and the Office of the President to declare November 4 Teofilo Yldefonso Day of every year as a regular holiday in the province to honor him.

History record shows that Yldefonso was orphaned at young age. In a statement by the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISOFH), the famous son of Piddig learned swimming by himself at the Guisit River near his home. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SUAL, Pangasinan-- The mayor of Sual in Pangasinan has slammed a group opposing the construction of a second coal-fired power plant here with the claim that it could pollute the local environment.

Sual Mayor Roberto Arcinue on Wednesday dared the Save Sual Movement to prove their allegations that the present Sual coal-fired power plant is polluting the surrounding areas.

The plant located in Barangay Pangascasan generates 1,200 megawatts of power for the Luzon Grid.

The proposed second power plant in Sual to be located in Baquioen Bay within the Lingayen Gulf will have a generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

He said the Save Sual Movement does not have any evidence or document to prove their allegation that the existing Sual coal-fired power plant is causing pollution.

"If there is really pollution, how come fish thrive in hundreds of fish cages beside the power plant," said Arcinue in a press statement.

The town of Sual is home to some 750 world-class fish cages located in Sual Bay near the power plant that produce about 60 metric tons of bangus (milkfish) daily being sold to major fish markets in Metro Manila.

He said that in Barangay Pangascasan, farmers have been enjoying good rice and vegetable harvests averaging from 80 to 120 sacks of rice per hectare.

"Where is the pollution they are saying?" Arcinue asked.

Arcinue stressed the taxes being collected from the operation of the power plant enabled the municipality to become a first class town from being fourth class before.

Because of these taxes the municipal government was able to implement various development programs and projects that have improved the lives of the people of the town, he said.
With the Sual coal-fired power plant, hundreds of residents have found well-paying jobs in this facility, he added.

The mayor is confident that with the construction of another coal-fired power plant in Barangay Baquioen, more development programs and projects would be pursued by the municipal government that would certainly benefit the Sual residents. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here on Wednesday urged the provincial government to help train village watchmen or barangay tanod in disaster response.

Board Member David Ponce de Leon said training the barangay tanod, also known as barangay safety officers, on being "first responders" would help Palawan's 433 barangays (villages) in 23 municipalities in addressing deficiencies in some aspects of disaster risk reduction management.

Ponce de Leon has filed a resolution calling for the capacity-building and training of the village watchmen to be better prepared during calamities.

"There is a need for the barangays all over the province, through their barangay tanod, to enhance and strengthen their capacities as first disaster responders as they are strategically situated for the provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after disasters or calamities within the jurisdiction of their respective barangays," Ponce de Leon said.

The board member said first responders are people trained to provide basic medical care to patients until the advance one can be provided.

"Since they also respond first when there are incidents or disasters in their barangays, they must be equipped with necessary disaster response skills, such as emergency first aid and the likes," he added.

These skills training seminars can best be done in coordination with relevant government agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard , Philippine National Red Cross, and others. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Joint police and military operatives have arrested two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a coastal village here, an official announced Wednesday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested ASG members as Jalani Abirin alias "Master", 50 and Said Omar alias "Tikboy", 40. Both are natives of Buton, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province.

Galvez said the lawmen served the two suspects their warrants of arrest around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Barangay Sangali in this city.

She said Abirin has three standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, murder, and robbery with homicide issued by a court in Isabela City, Basilan.

She added that Omar has standing warrant of arrest for murder.

The court did not recommend any bail for their temporary liberty, she added. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The provincial government on Wednesday distributed patrol boats to three local government units (LGUS) to boost their anti-illegal fishing surveillance and rescue operations.

The boats, each costing PHP345,000, were turned over to the municipal mayors and the town's "Bantay Dagat" task forces of San Joaquin, Miag-ao, and Oton.

The provincial government used its local disaster risk reduction and management fund to purchase the patrol boats.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, also the head of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (PBDTF), said the patrol boats would help the LGUs to catch illegal fishermen trespassing into their municipal waters.

"This will complement the capacity of our local government units to protect, conserve and restore their coastal resources," he said.

Banias said that the "Bantay Dagat" task forces composed of organic municipal employees and deputized fish wardens would use the patrol boats.

He also said that another batch of four patrol boats would be distributed to the towns of Carles, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy and Dumangas on December 11.

Banias said that all 16 coastal towns of the province now own patrol boats given by the provincial government and government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Maritime Group. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo's provincial government is pushing for an ordinance that regulates the planting of high-growing plants and prohibits the construction of structures below or within the right of way of all power transmission and distribution lines.

Provincial Board member Liecel Seville, author of the proposed ordinance, said 80 percent of unscheduled power interruptions in the province are caused by heavy vegetation that obstruct power lines, as affirmed by Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO) during a session with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) last June.

Its enactment is seen to address unscheduled power interruptions happening in the province, she said.

Seville hoped the proposed ordinance would be approved on third and final reading during the special session on November 24.

Once passed, barangay officials would play a big role in the implementation of the ordinance, she said.

"If they see planters and farmers planting high-growing trees and structures near our power lines, they have to inform them immediately that these activities are regulated or prohibited," she added.

Under the ordinance, violators will be penalized PHP1,000 for the first offense; PHP2,000 and imprisonment of not more than 10 days for the second offense; and PHP5,000 and imprisonment of 15 days for the third offense. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City has been named as one of 25 key cities in the country with potentials to become a digital city.

According to Joeven Tansi, executive director of the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology (IFIT), the national government, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), launched the digital cities during the National ICT Summit held in Cagayan De Oro City on Nov. 13-17.

Digital city is also known as smart city. In the Philippines, a local government unit has to meet at least five components of the digital cities framework to qualify as a digital city.
The digital cities framework calls for increased economic growth, ensured environmental protection, improved quality of life, job creation, and strong fiscal policy.

Tansi said the city is responsive to these criteria. "Can we declare our self as smart or digital city? Yes we can," he said.

Iloilo City has already met six of the 12 specific components under the digital cities framework. These are smart health care, building, digital infrastructure, education, safety and security, and governance.

"Iloilo City is a prime city right now despite the negative issues that we have," he said without mentioning the negative issues.

Tansi said Iloilo City eyes to launch the digital city title before the year ends.

To date, none of the 25 potential digital cities has been launched.
He recommended though that Iloilo City conduct an inventory of its initiatives to be declared a digital city.
Being a digital city would impact on the "quality of life of every citizen," he said.

The cities of Roxas in Capiz and Bacolod are also among those identified as potential digital cities in Western Visayas.

From 2010 until 2016 , except 2015, Iloilo City was included in the Next Wave Cities identified through the collaborative effort of the DICT- ICT Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

In 2015, this city was named as Center of Excellence, also by the DICT and the IBPAP. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAVAO CITY—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mindanao will be proactive against counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated and misbranded drugs, food, cosmetics and health products this holiday season.

Police Regional Offices and other PNP units in Mindanao are currently undergoing a five-day training on FDA law enforcement, said Chief Inspector Al Paglinawan, PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management legal officer.

Insp. Paglinawan said the training is part of the FDA-PNP Task Force D-PUNCH, which stands for Destruction of Products Unfit for the Consumption of Humans.

"This task force was created by virtue of a memorandum of agreement signed by PNP chief Director Gen. Ronald dela Rosa and FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno," he said.

He said the partnership was sealed by the two agencies since the FDA before could only enforce the administrative aspect of the violations and not the criminal aspects.

Paglinawan said there are FDA laws that carry criminal liability, but the agency so has no investigating skills. With the partnership, FDA will benefit from stronger enforcement of the agency's mandate.

However, the police official clarified FDA will still take charge in the filing of cases against violators. (PNA/Armando Fenequito Jr) NOVEMBER 2017

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MARAWI, Lanao del Sur -- Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. was here on Wednesday, November 22, to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the "Balai Filipino Housing Project" for Mindanao State University (MSU) employees.

The initiative of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), in partnership with MSU, Pag-IBIG Fund led by its CEO Acmad Rizaldy Moti, and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board led by its CEO Atty. Christopher Lloyd Lao, is intended to benefit more than a thousand executives and faculty members of the university.

A total of 20 hectares of land was earmarked by MSU for the said project, which is expected to produce a total of 1,000 single-detached houses for MSU employees, and 60 more housing units for MSU executives.

In his short message during the event, Spokesperson Roque reiterated President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's commitment to rebuild the lives of Filipinos affected by the terrorist attacks in Mindanao. Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario, as Chairman of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), stated that the groundbreaking ceremony signals the start of the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

Roque assured that the administration would never allow a repeat of the previous government's delayed construction of housing units for Yolanda victims in Visayas.

He stressed that the President's standing order is to guarantee that all government agencies would do their part in fast-tracking the rebuilding of the city.

"Ang standing order po ng Presidente...lahat ng Cabinet secretaries, makipag-ugnayan kay Secretary Del Rosario at sabay-sabay nating pababangunin muli ang Marawi," he said.

The Spokesperson also called on MSU employees to continue taking part in the recovery of the war-torn city.

"I'm happy to be back here in this beautiful campus of MSU. May you continue to be the pillar of the search for truth, peace, and prosperity in this troubled part of the Philippines," Roque said.


Rehab dialogue

Following the groundbreaking ceremony was the Stakeholder's Meeting at the city hall, on the rehabilitation plans for Marawi.

The meeting was attended by officials from the TFBM, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government officials from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, local religious leaders, and the academe, among other parties.

During the dialogue, the local stakeholders voiced out their concerns regarding the planned reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in Marawi.

Among the issues raised was the need to ensure religious and cultural compatibility of the government's rehab projects for the city. They also called on government forces to speed up the clearing operations in areas affected by the siege.

Roque, for his part, assured that Marawi would soon rise again. He said the recovery of the Islamic City is among the President's top priorities.

"Ang presensiya ko po rito ay upang iparating ang mensahe na ang pagbangon po ng Marawi ay isa sa pinakaimportanteng prayoridad ni Presidente Duterte," Roque noted.

"Ang nangyari sa Marawi ay kasaysayan ng ating bayan. Ginugulo, hinahamon, pero palagi pong bumabangon," he added. (PCO-Content) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY—The three-day National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) regional celebration, along with the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE), kicked-off Wednesday in this city.

The NSTW highlights the significant contributions of Science and Technology (S&T) to national development, and has become a platform for heralding S&T advocacy in the country.

On the other hand, RICE is a nationwide activity conducted in different regions to recognize the importance of Filipino inventors in the society and in national economic development.

DOST Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña, the events' keynote speaker, said the NSTW and RICE are two of the many DOST's platforms for informed exchanges on important S&T issues, developments, and locally developed technologies.

"They are our way of bringing science, technology, and innovation (STI) closer to the people," Dela Peña said in his message.

He said the two activities are envisioned to serve as a venue where the public is informed of the recent developments and achievements in local science communities, while demonstrating to the public what an enjoyable and interesting field STI is.

Various activities have been lined up including technical sessions, techno-clinis, and exhibits form part of the three-day NSTW and RICE, which end on Friday, November 24.

"This regional celebration of the 2017 NSTW and RICE is our way of not only promoting our services and the different DOST-developed technologies that are ripe for adoption but also our way of celebrating the brilliance of our local scientists and researchers," former DOST regional director and now Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said.

"As an agent of the government, we take it upon ourselves the obligation to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to the people - and this is exactly what we are aiming to do through this three-day event," DOST OIC-Regional Director Martin Wee said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—There's no truth to reports that wastes dumped on a sanitary landfill here has contaminated a river.

Local environment officials clarified this amid allegations that the landfill in Sitio Burakan, Barangay Pagalungan, has caused fish kill and skin illness among residents in a neighboring village.  

Solid Waste Management division chief Elvisa Mabelin said the liquid substance emanating from wastes—called leachate—from the Pagalungan landfill is under control.

Mabelin maintained the leachate did not cause the reported fish kill in Iponan river, including the reported cases of skin irritation being experienced by residents in Barangay San Simon.

She said the leachate stays in a "cell," a portion of the landfill where the garbage is dumped and proper intervention is being applied.

A cell, about five meters deep and a hectare wide, can accommodate up to 500,000 cubic meters of trash. The city generates an average of 800 cubic meters or 235 tons of garbage daily.

If the leachate pond has reached a certain level, Mabelin said it is then pumped back into the cell to ensure that it does not overflow.

She also made it clear that "the rainwater that flows to Iponan river is not contaminated by the leachate" from the landfill.

That's why, she said, it is unlikely that the leachate will contaminate the Iponan river and affect the marine life as well as the health nearby residents.

Besides, she added, the Pagalungan landfill has only been in operation for seven months, so a contamination, if any, is not that "significant."

Edgardo Naguio, a solid waste management coordinator, noted that in the reported fish kill and other reported adverse effects on the population, the San Simon village council failed to show evidence to support their complaint.

Naguio said not one killed fish was presented, and no one from San Simon had gone to the health center there to complain of skin illness.

It can be recalled that Cagayan de Oro is one of the cities facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to comply with RA 9003, prompting the city government to close the 17-hectare dumpsite in Upper Dagong, Barangay Carmen and opening the Pagalungan landfill.  

About P100 million from this year's annual budget was allocated for the sanitary landfill, including the acquisition of the lot, land development, building of facilities, road maintenance, and operational needs. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem) NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY—A corporate-backed foundation has linked up with a group of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in South Cotabato province for the expansion of its education and livelihood initiatives in the area.

Ryan Vidanes, assistant vice president of the RD Foundation Inc., said Wednesday they signed a memorandum of agreement with the PWD Federation and the municipal government of Polomolok for the implementation of its "Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko" project.

He said the project mainly enables the PWD Federation to access an initial livelihood grant of P500,000.

The grant will serve as the group's start-up capital for a partnership venture with the foundation on the production of tables and chairs that will later be distributed to local day care centers, he said.

"Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko," is a flagship project of RD Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the RD Group of Companies based in this city.

Under the agreement, some 25 selected PWDs would be contracted for the manufacture of "kiddie sets," with each comprising a kiddie table and four chairs.

Jeanice Taganahan, president of the Polomolok PWD Federation, said the contract initially requires them to produce 250 "kiddie sets" worth P187,500.

Vidanes said the PWD beneficiaries were selected based on their commitment and skill in carpentry.

He said the municipal government of Polomolok will provide a sheltered workshop and bunk houses in Barangay Magsaysay for the beneficiaries.

The provincial government of South Cotabato will provide technical and financial assistance for the conduct of preparatory seminars and trainings for the beneficiaries as well as additional material assistance for the improvement of the sheltered workshop, he added. (FKA/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY—A wife of a rookie police officer was wounded in a gun attack by motorcycle-riding suspects near their home in a village here on Tuesday night.

Police Sr. Insp. Robert Fores, deputy chief of the Makar police station, said the victim, Police Officer 1 John Mark Enoy and his wife, Teresa May were walking towards their home in Block 4, Bulaong Village in Barangay Labangal at around 6:10 p.m. when two unidentified suspects suddenly fired at them.   

Insp. Fores said the couple just came from a nearby store to buy instant coffee when the shooting happened.

PO1 Enoy, who is assigned at the city police's intelligence branch, was unhurt in the attack but his 27-year old wife sustained two gunshot wounds on her back, Fores said.

Fores said the victim was rushed to the Mindanao Medical Center here and presently undergoing treatment.  

He said the suspects, who were aboard a Honda XRM motorcycle, fled to unknown directions after the shooting.

The police official said the circumstances of the attack indicated that PO1 Enoy could have been the main target of the suspects.

It appears that the incident was planned and the gunmen had already been waiting for the police officer, he added.

Fores said they are currently looking into several angles, including work-related circumstances, as possible motive of the attack. (AC/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY—The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will amplify its rehabilitation assistance to Marawi City from the existing P450-million to P930 million in 2018 from its regional budget.

This came about as ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman remains hopeful that Marawi City would steadily rise from its current state as rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the city begin.

"After a crisis such as this, we expect that new opportunities arise," Hataman said.

The Marawi crisis, he said, is seen to hasten the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, noting more legislators now realize the importance of such the measure, which remains pending before Congress.

Over 220,000 Marawi residents have been displaced during the May 23 – Oct. 23 Marawi hostilities carried out by Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups.

Despite the five-month Marawi ordeal, the ARMM government has remained aggressive in pursuing socio-economic gains for the region.

The Regional Board of Investments reported that amid reports of security threats in some parts of the region, partner business corporations posted a total of Php 17.783 billion worth of investments between 2012 to 2017.

Also, government infrastructure funding for the same period, comprising 1,900 projects, have reached Php 26-billion. Hataman, among others, has lauded the role of local government units in the upbeat business climate in the region through good governmance over the past several years.

Only this year, the Department of Interior and Local Government has awarded 22 LGUs in the ARMM the coveted Seal of Good Local Governance. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao—The military here overran Wednesday two camps of the ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF) in North Cotabato following artillery and surgical air strikes.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the 602nd Infantry Brigade found the twin camps of the BIFF faction of Esmael Abdulmalik alias Commander Abu Toraife in the villages of Tonganon in Aleosan and Bentangan in Carmen, both in North Cotabato.

Government troopers found the two camps abandoned. He could not say if there were casualties from the terrorist group during the military operations, Capt. Encinas said.

"We have reports about it but we cannot confirm since there was no body count," he said.

The camps, Encinas said, could accommodate as many as 100 persons, has several nipa huts, running trenches and caves. Encinas could not say where the ISIS-linked group now after they abandoned their camps.

Earlier, Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, chief of the 6ID civil military operations, said intelligence information revealed that Toraife's group was coddling several foreign looking terrorists.

Toraife and his men left the adjoining towns of Datu Salibo, Shariff Saydona, Shariff Aguak and Mamasapano in Maguindanao last month due to massive military operations.

The Army had the backing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in hunting down the BIFF that has sought sanctuary in the forested section of nearby North Cotabato province.

Last week, the military also launched airstrikes after the group of Toraife moved to the border of Carmen and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato. Their presence was monitored by Army intelligence in coordination with MILF.

More than 200 families displaced by the Army offensives in North Cotabato have slowly returned home, disaster officials said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY –- Panay Island is in need of 300 additional soldiers, Capt. Eduardo Precioso Jr., spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz said on Wednesday.

Precioso said the new recruits would form part of the 20,000 additional soldiers needed by the Army across the country.

With this, the Army Recruitment Office will conduct the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz on November 23-24 as part of their ongoing recruitment activities.

Precioso said that young Filipinos particularly in Panay, who aspire to become soldiers and to serve the people, are encouraged to take the written examination as scheduled.

Interested applicants should bring birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); College Diploma and Transcript of Record or Form 137 and diploma for High School graduates; 2x2 pictures; valid identification card and pencil.

According to Precioso, the pre-entry written exam would be for three hours and would be conducted per batch.

Qualifiers for the written examination will further undergo a series of examinations like physical and neuropsychological test and training.

Currently, there are three Philippine Army battalions in Panay island. They are 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Miag-ao, Iloilo; 61st Infantry Battalion (61 IB) based in Calinog, Iloilo; and 12th Infantry Battalion based in Banga, Aklan. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAVAO CITY – The police intelligence officer who was killed by New People's Army (NPA) hitmen was laid to rest Tuesday with a 21-gun salute in his honor.

Before the burial, a mass was offered at the Sacred heart Parish in Calinan for PO3 Wilfredo Garol, who served as intelligence officer of the Baguio Police Precinct. He  was shot to death by two members of the NPA liquidation last November 13.

Garol played Samaritan to the two killers, who posed as hitchhikers at a remote area in Barangay Valencia, Tugbok District. The police officer had accompanied his wife to the school where she is teaching and, on his way back, the two asked for a free ride.

On Monday afternoon, Davao City Police Director Alexander Tagum along with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) command staff visited the wake of Garol at Angel Funeral, Calinan.

Sr. Insp. Maria Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, said Garol's spouse received an amount of P100,000 as financial assistance from DCPO's mortuary funds.

The family was also assured of financial assistance and scholarship grant through the program of President Rodrigo Duterte intended for the families of the police or military personnel killed in action.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) has confirmed that the NPA was responsible for killing Garol on November 13 in Sitio Luman, Barangay New Valencia, Tugbok District.

 "We have the description of the two (suspects), but no names yet. Of course, these members of the NPA are using aliases," PRO XI Director Manuel Gaerlan said.

Garol died from eight gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. (PNA/Rhoda Grace Saron) NOVEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- The state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is set to inaugurate on Friday a newly-refurbished park dedicated to former president Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM).

Located in front of the administration building of the MMSU main campus in Batac City, the FEM Park features a huge statue of Marcos, honoring his numerous achievements for the country.

According to MMSU president Dr. Shirley Agrupis, the FEM Park was established in recognition of Marcos as a founder of the university.

It will also serve as a techno hub in the province.

The FEM Park inauguration, set on Nov. 24, will become one of the highlights of the investiture of Agrupis as the seventh president and first graduate of MMSU to hold the university's highest post.

She will serve as MMSU president until July 31, 2021.

FEM Park could have been launched in time for the 100th birth anniversary of the late president last Sept. 11 but park improvement was delayed due to a series of activities earlier hosted by the university. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SILANG, Cavite -- A suspected thief of fighting cock died early Monday morning after he got electrocuted by a live wire installed in the perimeter fence of a farm in Barangay San Vicente 2 in this town, a police report said on Tuesday.

Initial investigation showed that around 6 a.m. Monday, an unidentified suspect was electrocuted while trying to steal three game fowls in a farm owned by former village chief Ryan Medina in Barangay San Vicente 2.

Police investigators who responded to the scene said farm worker Dennis Magcuha found the victim lying on his belly inside the farm.

According to the farm owner, there have been several incidents his game fowls were stolen by unknown suspects with the last reported theft on November 16.

Said incidents prompted him to install live wire on the perimeter fence of his farm to ward off thieves.

Police and the farm owner could not ascertain if the dead suspect was also responsible for the earlier theft incidents. Scene of the crime operatives (SOCO), led by Senior Inspector Rainer Arm from the nearby Tagaytay Police Satellite Office, was requested to process the crime scene for an autopsy examination of the victim and safekeeping until claimants could identify the victim's remains.

The Silang municipal police is still conducting their follow up operations and coordination with local officials from nearby villages who could help identify the victim. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – A total of 56 local government units (LGUs)  in Central Luzon that successfully passed this year's Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessments have received a total of PHP117 million in subsidy from the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to support their local development initiatives. 

The three provincial governments, five city governments and 48 municipal governments in Central Luzon received the PCF, an incentive provided to LGUs in the form of financial grant for their local development projects included in their Annual Investment Program (AIP).

It is given to LGUs that have shown good governance practices in the areas of transparency, accountability, participation and service delivery.

The three provinces in the region that were SGLG awardees, namely Bataan, Bulacan and Pampanga, received PHP3 million each of PCF incentives.

The cities of Balanga in Bataan; San Fernando and Mabalacat in Pampanga; Gapan and Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija, on the other hand, were awarded with PHP2.4 million PCF each.

Meanwhile, the 48 municipal governments in the region that were given PHP2-million PCF each were Baler in Aurora; Bagac, Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Mariveles, Morong, Orani, Pilar and Samal in Bataan; Angat, Baliuag, Bustos, Guinguinto and Plaridel in Bulacan;

Cabiao; Gen. Natividad; Llanera; Nampicuan; Penaranda; Quezon; San Antonio; San Leonardo; Sta. Rosa; Talavera; Talugtug and Zaragoza, in Nueva Ecija; Arayat; Bacolor; Floridablanca; Guagua; Lubao; Macabebe; Magalang; Masantol; Mexico; Porac; San Luis; Sta. Ana and Sto. Tomas in Pampanga; Gerona; Moncada; Paniqui; Pura; San Jose; San Manuel; Santa Ignacia; Victoria in Tarlac; and San Antonio in Zambales.

Central Luzon is the second region with the most number of SGLG awardees this year, next to Region 1 with 68 awardees.

The number of this year's winners is significantly higher compared to year 2016 with 37 awardees.

DILG Regional Director Julie Daquioag earlier said it is an indication that more local officials, functionaries and employees have now learned to embrace the principles of good governance.

She called on the local chief executives in the region to continue extending the best service to the people. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAGUPAN CITY -- The city council here has endorsed the construction of a six-hectare common terminal for public utility vehicles on Jose R. de Venecia Expressway Extension in Barangay Tapuac here, away from the crowded central business district. 

Councilor Luis Samson Jr. said on Tuesday this is consistent with the ordinance he sponsored in the city council seeking the establishment of a common terminal for all public utility vehicles entering the city.

In an interview, he said all buses, mini-buses and passenger vans were already given by the city council an ultimatum to vacate their terminals in the downtown area by end of December this year.

All these terminals, he said, are violating a standing city ordinance enacted way back in  1977 prohibiting terminals,  which ingress and egress are located within 100 meters of a street intersection.

That ordinance was recently amended, with the distance of 100 meters from an intersection increased to 200 meters.

Samson said given by the city council the go-signal to build a common terminal on its more than six-hectare property is Servillano  P. Dayo of SDP Corporation.

Another applicant is Dr. Abraham Coquia who proposed to build a common terminal on his family's lot in the south-end of Arellano Street but which is near a street intersection and the Dawel Bridge, Samson said.

The proposed common terminal to be built under private initiative must conform with all the regulations as to facilities for the convenience of passengers, to be prescribed by the city government, Samson said.

Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) chief Carlito Ocampo said the establishment of a common terminal became more pressing with the impending closure of the vehicle holding area on M.H. del Pilar Street not because it is located with 200 meters from a street intersection but because the land is now owned by ShoeMart Inc. which is now building a mall near the area. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The indie film "Tahi" produced by the students of the Antique National School (ANS) will represent Western Visayas in the national competition of the Commission on Population's (POPCOM) National Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Film Festival this December 28 in Metro Manila.

Arvin N. Perira, coach and teacher of the ANS students, on Tuesday said they had been chosen to compete in the national level after they won in the regional competition last November 14 in Iloilo City.

"Our 15-minute film won first place in the regional contest because of the logic of the story," he said.

He said the film depicts the life of two brothers and the effects of illegal drugs. The movie shows the contrasting life of the older and younger brother who stayed away from the illegal substance.

The indie film was directed by John Lloyd Obsina, 15-year old and a student of ANS. Despite Obsina's lack of experience in film directing, he also won the best director award in the competition's regional level held here. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- A total of 482 farmers in Western Visayas on Tuesday completed the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program of the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-6). 

These graduates are composed of farmers from Passi City, Oton, New Lucena, Cabatuan, Maasin, San Enrique, Banate, Dingle, Concepcion, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan and Mina in Iloilo and the towns of Nueva Valencia, Sibunag and San Lorenzo in Guimaras.

James Ogatis, DA-6 public relations officer, said the school-on-the-air program provided farmers with needed knowledge and skills on how to produce cassava.

Ogatis said the course on cassava production covered topics from land preparation to selection of the quality of cassava, either for commercial purposes or for personal consumption, as well as the marketing of their produce.

The SOA program is one of the Agricultural Training Institute's distance learning on the complete package of technology of a commodity and other agriculture- and fisheries-related subject matters.

It is a series of radio programs, presenting the subject matter systematically and in a progressive manner.

In Western Visayas, DA-6 partnered with the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in Iloilo for the program, which airs Tuesday to Thursday, 3:45 a.m. to 4:15 a.m.

The SOA program on cassava production was held from June until September this year.

Of the 482 graduates, 11 were recognized as outstanding graduates after garnering high scores in their examination given after the four-month program. As a reward, they received farm equipment from DA-6.

Vicente Lagradante, 63, a farmer from Banate, Iloilo stressed the importance of the school-on-the-air program in helping farmers acquire more knowledge on how to produce cassava.

"The knowledge we got are really beneficial. Although we are not yet venturing on cassava, at least we already have ideas on production. We are already ready if ever we decide to venture into it and do business out of it," he said.

According to Lagradante, this is not the first time that he joined the program. He also completed SOA courses on chicken production and organic farming, among others.

While the 482 farmers already completed their course on cassava production, Ogatis said another batch of 350 farmers in Negros Occidental is undergoing a SOA course on hybrid rice production, which began last August and is expected to be completed in January. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Seven Muslim community leaders from Negros Oriental on Tuesday attended a regional anti-terrorism meet in Cebu City.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Portento, acting Negros Oriental provincial police director, disclosed that Police Regional Office-7 regional director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario M. Espino requested to meet the Muslim community leaders to improve the relationship with them and "reinforce their respective community defense". 

This is the first time that Espino called for a meeting with the Muslim community leaders from Region 7 or Central Visayas, comprising the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor.

Those representing Negros Oriental are Dione Amores, the barangay captain of Motong, Dumaguete City; Imam Abdul Maula Muhsin-Masjidus Salam, Bagacay, Dumaguete City; Imam Sadali Paco -- Bayawan Masjid Islamic Center, Bayawan City; Sultan Tati -- Masjid Syel, Dauin town; Jappar Macaagir – Ekhwanol Muslimen, Taclobo, Dumaguete City; Marcos Macawadib – Ekhwanol Muslimen, Taclobo, Dumaguete City; and Mashdy Asis -- Tanjay Muslim Federation in Tanjay City.

Portento said Espino is hosting the meeting "to improve the relationship between the prominent Muslim leaders in an effort to gain their support towards our counter-radicalization and peace-building initiatives." (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 6 is encouraging Western Visayas residents to join a social media challenge asking participants to post not selfies but photos of plates full of healthy food.

Dubbed "#Riceponsibleplatechallenge", the activity aims to encourage consumers to become responsible in consuming the food on their plates to avoid rice wastage and to put value on the efforts of farmers to produce food.

DA is implementing the social media challenge in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Sheila Toreno, DA-6 information officer, said the public is encouraged to appreciate the value of food on their plates as currently, there are areas in the region which experience rice shortage.

To join, interested individuals should prepare a healthy food on their plate, take a photo and post it on social media, particularly on Facebook, she said.

They should also use #Riceponsibleplatechallenge in their caption, together with their age, gender and description of their food and post it on account of DA on Facebook.

The challenge is open until this November 30 while judging will be on December 18. First place will get PHP10,000; PHP7,500 for second place; and 3rd place with PHP5,000.

Last year, Toreno said that people in Western Visayas also participated in the "Brownriceforgood" social media challenge aimed at encouraging consumers to eat brown rice to avoid diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.

Western Visayas ranked third in the whole country with the most number of individuals who participated in the challenge. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The provincial government is set to acquire additional facilities and equipment for the 12 provincial government hospitals of Pangasinan to be supplied by a private company under the Public-Partnership Scheme.

This, after the provincial board passed a resolution Monday authorizing Governor Amado Espino III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BIOCHEM Scientific Diagnostic Supply, a private company supplying these facilities and equipment.

Authored by Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, the resolution said the move is part of the provincial government's programs and projects to greatly enhance the delivery of public health and medical services to the people of Pangasinan.

The hospitals to get the new facilities and equipment are: Bayambang District Hospital; Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital; Lingayen District Hospital; Mangatarem District Hospital; Urdaneta District Hospital; Western District Hospital Asingan Community Hospital; Bolinao Community Hospital; Dasol Community Hospital; Mapandan Community Hospital; Pozorrubio Community Hospital; and Umingan Community Hospital.

Not in the list is the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH)  which has the most number of facilities and equipment already, said Rosario.

Equipment/machines which were offered by the private company or entity include the following: hematology machine, immunoassay machine, cross matching machine, Hba1C machine, urine machine, coagulation machine, and electrolytes machine.

The cost of these facilities and equipment were not specified in the resolution.

The hematology instruments are machines that analyze blood. Used in medical labs, hematology instruments can do blood counts, detect proteins or enzymes, and help to diagnose illnesses or genetic defects.

The Immunoassay machine, on the other hand, is used in hospital and clinical laboratories to run automated biochemical tests to detect the presence and concentration of substances in the samples. There are many types of tests that immunoassay analyzers can perform, including testing for cancer markers, diagnosing infectious diseases, cardiac analysis, therapeutic drug monitoring, and allergy testing.

The electrolyte machine measures electrolyte levels in the human body to detect metabolic imbalances and measure renal and cardiac function. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- Volcanic quakes recorded by the seismic monitoring network of Mount Kanlaon decreased to only nine as of Tuesday almost a week after its moderate level of unrest.

The series of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) bulletins showed there were 10 volcanic quakes on November 20, 19 and 17, reflecting a significant decline from the 210 volcanic earthquakes recorded on November 16.

On November 15, the PHIVOLCS raised the alert status of Mount Kanlaon from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 after it recorded 279 volcanic earthquakes.

Despite the notable decline in the number of volcanic earthquakes in the past days, Alert Level 2 status prevails over the volcano, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest, the PHIVOLCS said.

Zeaphard Gerhart Caelian, head of Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division, said on Tuesday a pre-disaster risk assessment on the status of the active volcano would be held on Wednesday with the concerned local government units (LGUs) and government agencies.

Caelian had earlier said that LGUs seen to be affected already laid their evacuation plans, including the setting up of drop-off points and evacuation centers.

The LGUs have been instructed to submit the list of "what they need" to the Office of Civil Defense-Region 6 and the provincial government.

Localities covered by the four-kilometer permanent danger zone are the cities of San Carlos, Bago and La Carlota; and the municipalities of Murcia, La Castellana, Moises Padilla and Salvador Benedicto. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LUCENA CITY, Quezon -- More than a hundred participants from various gender and development (GAD) offices, local government units (LGUs), state universities and other higher education institution in Quezon Province gathered for a three-day convention to address challenges in mainstreaming gender in the various sectors.

Quezon Provincial Gender and Development head Ofelia M. Palayan urged participants to make GAD a way of life in pursuit of equality among men and women, not only in workplaces but also in communities.

Palayan also emphasized that the collective efforts from various sectors are instrumental to make Quezon province to be gender responsive to the needs of women, men and children and the elderly.

She said that Quezon Governor David C. Suarez has underscored gender responsive governance through policy making, programs and projects responsive to gender concerns.

The provincial government of Quezon has partnered with the Calabarzon Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Committee to the three-day event, from November 15 to 17, at the Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas to provide opportunities among sectors to discuss and pave the way to achieve greater gender equity and women empowerment among Quezon constituents.

Aimed at coming up with strategies to mainstream gender to various stakeholders, the convention featured Quezon province's best practices, initiatives and strategies on GAD efforts.

Various topics were also tackled such as the Implication of Asean Integration on Gender and Development; Gender-Fair Education; Women in Media; Making the Drugs Rehab Program Gender Responsive; Gender and Mental health; Gender responsiveness among family responsibility; and Sharing best practices and addressing gender issues through Quezon's First 1000 Days of Life (Q1K) program.

Quezon Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Grace V. Santiago, who is also program management officer of Q1K, disclosed on Tuesday that her presentation shared ingenuities, initiatives and strategies of the Q1K to constantly address gender issues by generating behavioral change among parents and community in child rearing.

Santiago also said that the Q1K Technical Working Group has formulated the set of activities and interventions for pregnant women and babies and the whole family through the three primary components of the program; the Health Care and Sanitation, Food and Nutrition and Social Care. (Gideon Belen/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) targets seeding in Lanao Lake next month with five million fingerlings.

The move aims opening up livelihood opportunities including those affected by the armed conflict in Marawi City which is among areas bordering such water body, noted DA Secretary Emmanuel Pinol.

He said the planned seeding also seeks helping provide food for people.

"It's about poverty alleviation and food production," he said Tuesday at the first State of Philippine Fisheries and Aquaculture Summit in Metro Manila.

The seeding is likewise aligned with DA's bid to tap inland waters as alternative sources of protein, he noted.

Terrorists linked to the Maute group attacked Marawi City in May this year, setting off an armed conflict that ruined this capital of Lanao del Sur province.

Government is already preparing to rehabilitate Marawi after declaring this city liberated from terrorist influence.

The target seeding activity in Lanao Lake will be under DA's Balik Sigla sa Lawa at Ilog (BASIL) project.

Launched this year, DA said BASIL is a five-year program applying science in exploring natural productivity of lakes and reservoirs.

DA noted BASIL aims to distribute, before the present administration's term ends, some 210 million fingerlings in seven major lakes and six river basins nationwide.

These are Laguna, Taal, Naujan, Sebu, Mainit, Buluan and Lanao lakes as well as Cagayan, Bicol, Abra, Pampanga, Agusan and Mindanao river basins.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the Philippine fisheries sub-sector registered – third quarter of 2017 -- a 4.27-percent decline in its output.

Stakeholders concerned mainly attributed such decline to the onslaught of the annual southwest monsoon or 'habagat'.

Pinol urged stakeholders to inform DA about their concerns and suggestions -- including those on fishery production amidst 'habagat' onslaught -- the o government can adapt appropriate measures to address these and to boost Philippine fisheries.

"We aim (to) build the foundation for a long-term fisheries industry in the country," he said.
Richness of natural resources in the country augurs well for such industry's establishment, he noted.

Philippine fisheries production volume during the third quarter of 2017 accounted for 17.40 percent of the country's total agricultural output.

Agriculture grew by 2.32 percent during 2017's third quarter. (CJT/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The regional official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) has commended the first and biggest travel and tour sale in Quezon province, staged at SM Lucena City over the weekend.

DOT Calabarzon Regional Director Rebecca Villanueva Labit commended on Monday the partnership and collaboration of the private and government sectors and various stakeholders in promoting the tourism industry of the province through their "Quezon Travel Mart, Biyahe Kita" first major undertaking.

Labit said "the active partnership of the private and government sectors will eventually lead to the recognition of more interesting places in the province especially among local government units (LGUs) which offer their vast tourism potential."

The Quezon public information office said that around 30 travel agencies and other organizations engaged in tourism promotion in the province participated in the event organized by the DOT, Provincial Tourism Office of Quezon, Tourism Organization of Quezon Province-Philippines Inc (TOQPPI) and the provincial government.

The travel mart and tour sale from Nov. 17 to 18 offered travel promos and discounts for domestic and international travel packages.

Alfonso Rafael Ranido, TOQPPI president, stressed the significance of the two-day event as eye-openers for tourists, visitors and vacationers in discovering the "wonderful places in the province" including their exposures and experience on the culture and people to promote the province as a major tourist destination. (Zen Trinidad/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has approved the implementation of 17 water system projects worth PHP49.1 million under the flagship PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA program. 

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are set to start the bidding process for the projects, which would benefit rural communities in the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Tupi and Tantangan.

She said the DILG had tapped the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) as implementing arm for the projects.

The provincial bids and awards division disclosed it is awaiting the submission of the program of works, plans and other requirements by the PEO to facilitate their publication for public bidding, she said. 

The approved projects are a Water System Level II worth PHP20 million in Lake Sebu, three potable water system projects worth PHP7 million in Tupi, and 13 Water System Level II worth PHP22.1 million in Tantangan.

The Lake Sebu water system project will be constructed in Barangay Lamlahak while the three potable water systems in Tupi will be built in Barangays Bunao, Kablon and Lunen. 

In Tantangan town, Level II water systems will be constructed in Barangays Bukay Pait, Cabuling, Dumadalig, Libas, Magon, Maibo, Mangilala, New Cuyapo, New Iloilo, New Lambunao, Poblacion, San Felipe and Tinongcop.

PAMANA is the government's program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.

The program intends to provide communities with projects funded under the government's stimulus fund to bring genuine peace and development.

It also aims to "reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities in situations of conflict". 

Meanwhile, the provincial government has completed as of the end of October the implementation of 33 more projects worth PHP76.5 million.

Nilo Sintin, provincial inspectorate unit chief, said the completed projects were road concreting and construction of bridges, lined canals, water systems, barangay halls, driers and warehouses, concrete drainage canals, drainage and embankment protection, box culverts, slope protection, multi-purpose buildings, two-classroom buildings, one-classroom buildings, senior citizen building, playground system, and grand stand and stage.

He said 16 major infrastructure projects worth PHP161,026,106 are being constructed in parts of the province. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BAGUIO CITY – Fitness instructors from various groups and clubs conducting workouts at Burnham Park threw their support behind the smoke-free Baguio campaign of the city government. 

City Information Office chief Aileen Refuerzo on Tuesday said 11 instructors of Tai-chi, Zumba and Tae Bo committed their full support to the campaign and even agreed to give their services for free to mount a fitness event dedicated to the campaign.

Set at 6:00 a.m. on November 25, the event will bring the different fitness activities for a unity workout dubbed, "One Music, One Dance for a Smoke-Free Baguio."

Refuerzo said the trainers did not hesitate when the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force chaired by Mayor Mauricio Domogan tapped them as partners in the campaign.

She said that according to the fitness instructors, they know the ill effects of smoking, which contradicts the healthy lifestyle they are advocating through proper and regular workouts.

Refuerzo further relayed Zumba instructor Arman Lapastora's statement, saying "it is also our own way of giving back to the city government for helping us sustain our fitness programs here at Burnham Park."

The other instructors who manifested their support were Suzette Galvin, Janet Francisco and Grace Lozares of the Z-Trez group, Bernardo Sapico of Double Impact, Rommel Gubangco of 4Ever Young, Raquel Elsalen and Shirley Dizo of Fitness Force, Marvin Tulliong of MM Fitness Group and May Taminaya. The Tai-Chi Action group also agreed to transfer their workout venue on that day, usually held at the Rose Garden, to Juan Luna Drive, to show their support to the anti-smoking event.  

The Baguio Health Services Office (HSO) together with the city government and Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance author, Councilor Joel Alangsab, unveiled the activities for the campaign which will focus on increasing the public's awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco use. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Negros Oriental is hoping the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be back in the lead in the war against illegal drugs, noting a remarkably low output of the provincial Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The PPOC held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday wherein many members expressed hope that the PNP would once again take over the campaign against illegal drugs, said Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, acting provincial police director.

According to Portento, the PDEA reported a total of six anti-illegal drugs operations for the entire month of October and part of November.

Of the number, four were conducted jointly with the PNP while only two were solely PDEA operations, he said.

The low output is attributed to the lack of PDEA manpower in Negros Oriental, with only six personnel to include their provincial chief, Agent Jason Cabataña.

The decline in the number of anti-illegal drugs operations in the province started sometime in early October after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he was giving the PDEA the authority to lead in the drugs war, Portento said.

During the PPOC meeting, the PDEA asked when the PNP would resume taking the lead role in the illegal drugs campaign in the province but Portento said they had  not yet received any word yet from the PNP higher headquarters.

Until such time that the President will say so, PNP will just be playing a support role to the PDEA, he said.

Duterte had announced a few days back that he would return the anti-illegal drugs leadership to the PNP if the problem got worse.

In the meantime, the PNP in Negros Oriental is also conducting its own demand-reduction activities such as community engagement and dialogues to increase public awareness on the illegal drugs problem, Portento said.

According to him, they are doing an informal survey on what the community and the PPOC members want in relation to the drugs problem.

"We're making our own evaluation at the moment," Portento said.

He went on to say that OIC Governor Mark Macias has expressed sadness over the measly output of the PDEA and was looking at how the PPOC and the province could help the agency.

However, the yearend is drawing near and so it would be difficult to release some financial assistance to the PDEA here, he added. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will open two more Negosyo Centers in Negros Occidental this year.

Lea Gonzales, provincial director of DTI-Negros Occidental, said Tuesday the agency would unveil its Negosyo Centers in La Castellana and Hinoba-an on Nov. 24 and Dec. 12, respectively.

These will be the sixth and seventh centers to be opened in the province this year. The other five are in Cauayan, EB Magalona, Himamaylan, Bago City, and Sipalay City.
Others that opened last year are those in Hinigaran town and the cities of Bacolod, San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota.
The Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod City was opened in 2015, along with those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.

Gonzales said the DTI targets to open 10 more centers in the province next year, but the host local government units (LGUs) have yet to be identified.

"We are still going to assess which towns or cities are ready to give us the space," Gonzales said, adding that the agency aims to eventually saturate all LGUs in the province.
The establishment of Negosyo Centers is provided under the Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act.
It provides micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) ease of doing business, and facilitates access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities (SSF), among others.

Negosyo Centers also provide services, such as business registration, training courses for MSMEs, and business consultancy.

The law aims to ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of enterprises, and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.

Gonzales said that with more Negosyo Centers in the province, more enterprises could avail of the services offered by the government, particularly the DTI.

"We are looking at developing more competent MSMEs in the province, especially those in the informal sector, and help small businesses create more employment in their locality," she added. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- The government of Tuguegarao City has signed into law its Gender and Development (GAD) Code upholding the universal recognition of both men and women as full equal partners in development and nation building.

City Council Ordinance No. 30-2017, also known as the GAD Code of the City, and sponsored by City Councilor Danilo L. Baccay, was signed during the regular session here Tuesday.

Baccay said passing the ordinance would help protect, promote and fulfill women's rights and equalize the gender relations of its male and female constituents.
The councilor also appreciated the efforts of the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT) for submitting resolutions recommending the establishment of women's desks at the Tuguegarao City Hall, Tuguegarao City People's General Hospital, and all the barangays in the city.

The organization's efforts to provide medical care and attention to pregnant inmates and their newborn were also lauded.
The ordinance also calls for the city government to work toward strengthening its partnership with civil society organizations to boost promotion and protection of women's and children's rights. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The city government is eyeing the construction of dormitories in selected public schools in Dumaguete, capital of Negros Oriental province, using the Special Education Fund (SEF) and other sources to prepare for forthcoming sports competitions.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo said Monday afternoon that since the city had been declared by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as the region's sports hub, it is but proper to address the concerns for accommodation, especially sleeping quarters, for the athletes.

According to Remollo, dormitories that could accommodate about 3,000 athletes are being eyed to be built in 20 public schools in the city, including an area in Talay, complete with shower and comfort rooms in anticipation of the big event in February next year.

He said this way, classes would not be disrupted, unlike the present set-up where classrooms are used as billeting quarters for athletes.

Remollo said the PSC donated about 700 sleeping mats that were used in the recent Batang Pinoy Visayas regional qualifiers.

An estimated 3,000 athletes, officials, and other delegation members were in Dumaguete for the week-long Batang Pinoy qualifiers that featured 18 events for children aged 15 and below. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BAGUIO CITY— Cordillera Administrative Region's (CAR) best products that include wood and bamboo-based items, hand woven products, housewares, jewelry, and other ideal Christmas gifts are presently on display at the Carousel Court in Festival Supermall, Alabang for the 2017 "IMPAKABSAT" regional trade fair.

IMPAKABSAT is a coined name out of the first letters of the Cordillera provinces- Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Baguio and Benguet added with the Ilocano word "kabsat," which means brotherhood. 

The trade fair will run until November 26.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cordillera Information Officer Joel Arthur Tibaldo said all products on display are Cordillera-made and with new items that were skillfully made to adapt to style and enhanced by experts.

IMPAKABSAT was started in 1991 following the 1990 killer quake that hit Baguio and the rest of Northern Luzon to boost the economic activity of the region. Since then, it has become the most awaited trade fair in the National Capital Region that showcases the region's best products.

Tibaldo said that in this year's event, they are hoping to surpass the sales recorded in 2016 in the amount of PHP55 million.

He invited buyers to take advantage of the event and see the Cordillera region's best products at good prices, as part of their holiday shopping. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY - Government security forces rescued five Filipino fishing boat crew seized more than a month ago by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Sulu, military officials announced Monday.

Rescued were Vergel Arquino, 25; Jushua Ybanez, 23; Emo Fausto, 63; Junald Minalang, 24; and, Spriano Sordido, 53, all crew of F/B Danvil 8 owned by Danvil Yanoc of Pagadian City.

All except Arquino, who is from Davao City, are residents of Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.

They were rescued off Sugbay Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi around 1:30 p.m. Friday but the rescue was only made public on November 20.

Abu Sayyaf bandits seized the five crewmen on October 14 when they sought shelter in the coast of Barangay Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu due to bad weather.

Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said they took the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning the Abu Sayyaf captors were on the run brought about by the continuous military operations against them in the province.

The rescued fishing boat crew underwent medical examination upon arrival at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters in this city. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAVAO CITY -- Filipino International Boxing Federation (IBF) World super flyweight champion Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas "has shown that the Filipino is as good as the best".

"We are so happy and proud of Jerwin as once again he has shown that the Filipino is as good as the best," said Abraham Mitra, chairman of the Games and Amusements Board.

Mitra congratulated Ancajas, a native of Panabo City, for retaining his IBF world title via a 6th round technical knockout against Irish challenger Jamie Conlan last November 18 at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

"The result of the bout shows that Jerwin even if champion already has worked hard and is a disciplined fighter. We hope he continuous to perform well and be another inspiration to Filipino boxers just like Sen. Manny (Pacquiao)," said Mitra.

It was the third successful title defense by Ancajas, who previously defended it via a7th round TKO against Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita last July 2 in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn championship in Brisbane, Australia. Ancajas (28W-1L-1D, 19 KOs) captured the IBF world crown by dethroning McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico via a unanimous decision last Sept. 3, 2016 at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corp. in Taguig City.

Ancajas retained it in his first title-defense by stopping Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in the 7th round on January 29 at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort in Macao.

In his second and previous title-defense, Ancajas stopped Japanese Teiru Kinoshita by a 7th round TKO last July 2 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jilson Basang, president of the Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (MinProBA) also congratulated his fellow Panaboan Ancajas.

"Congratulations to our very own Panaboan world champion Jerwin Ancajas for winning his third defense!" said Basang in his Facebook account.

"More power from the Lord champ. To God be the glory. God bless you more and you are family," said Basang, who spearheaded by heroes' welcome to Ancajas recently in Panabo. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao on Monday vowed to again petition for the increase of the daily wage of Antiqueno sugar migrant workers or sacadas in Negros Occidental.

"I will work it out with the Regional Development Council 6 to increase their wage," she said.

The governor, who has seen improvement in the living conditions of the sacadas during "Bisita Sacada in Negros Occidental", expressed pity on the sugar migrant workers who have to work hard harvesting sugar cane under the scorching heat of the sun and share among them a measly pay of PHP140 per ton per day.

Cadiao commiserates with the plight  of sugar migrant workers who have to work hard harvesting the sugar cane under the scorching heat of the sun and load these on a dump truck but yet receiving only a measly pay of PHP140 per ton per day.

Cadiao, who is currently the RDC-6 chairperson, said she intends to increase the wage to PHP200 per ton per day.

Likewise, she is appealing to the landowners in Negros Occidental, in case of death among the migrant workers, to also assist in bringing back the body r to the province for burial. She cited previous cases that the government of Antique had to step in to return the body.

"What is good now is that the sacadas are more aware of their rights and where to run in case they need help," Cadiao said.

She said that since the first "Bisita Sacada", about three years ago, the Antiqueno sugar migrants are being briefed by the Department of Labor and Employment of their labor rights and protection. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government on Monday demolished 31 shanties to pave the way for the construction of PhP27 million road project aimed to help decongest traffic and spur development.

Cesar Jimenez Jr., Housing and Land Management Division (HLMD) chief, said the road with 1.5 kilometer stretch will link Barangay Tetuan to Barangay Kasanyangan.

Jimenez said the occupants of the shanties will be relocated at the city government-owned resettlement site in Barangay Tulungatung in this city's west coast.

Jimenez said that 20 families have earlier relocated to Barangay Tulungatung.

He said the shanties should have been demolished in 2011 but the occupants were given enough time to voluntarily vacate the site hence, delayed the implementation of the road project.

He said the project implementation was further delayed by the Zamboanga siege that happened in September 2013.

There was no resistance from the shanty owners during the demolition on Monday since they were already given sufficient time to relocate.

Jimenez said the completion of the road project will help ease traffic along Veterans Avenue that serve as the main thoroughfare for east coast bound vehicles.

He said it will also spur development since the barangays of Tetuan and Kasanyangan are home to several business establishments. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña will keynote the 2017 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) regional celebration in this city.

The NSTW regional celebration will be held back-to-back with the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) from November 22 to 24. 

DOST OIC-Regional Director Martin Wee on Monday said the twin events is also targeted at bridging the gap between the world of scientists and research buffs to reach every "Juan" across the country while promoting DOST's programs and services.

Among the activities lined-up for the NSTW and RICE events include technology bazaars and exhibit, Science and Technology (S&T) Film Festival, technology fora and technical sessions on Intellectual Property Rights Protection, Science Journalism, Food Packaging and Labelling, Green Engineering and Health and Wellness.

Inventions and research projects of the qualified RICE entries will also be showcased.

Wee said this year's S&T Week regional celebration, which is anchored on the theme "Science for the People," will feature the department-developed technologies and inventions in line with its goal of bridging the world of the sciences to the Filipino communities.

Wee said that also to be featured are the DOST assisted food and non-food products as well as the different programs and services and interactive exhibits.

Other top DOST officials, including former DOST regional director and now Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda, are expected to join Dela Peña in gracing the event.

Wee said the event is open to all interested individuals such as S&T enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, inventors, innovators, professionals and the general public. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Local Peace Committee (DC-PEACE) is batting for a peaceful celebration of Christmas this year thru a cessation of hostilities with communist rebels.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Monday the DC-PEACE asked her to talk with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)  and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a possible declaration of suspension of military operations (SOMO).

The mayor said she will think about it, noting that a truce had been declared in previous years.

December, she added, is a season of peace, giving and forgiving.

Duterte-Carpio said if she sees that the local armed group is sincere in talking with the local government, then there will be no problem asking the AFP and PNP to declare a SOMO.

In a media interview on Saturday, President Rodrigo Duterte hinted he was amenable to a SOMO in December but said he would still refer the matter to the AFP and PNP.

"If (situation) gets worse, then I will ask the military, 'Are we good or are we not good?'" he said, adding, "And I will ask the police, 'Kaya ninyo i-control o hindi (Can you control or not)?'"

When he was the mayor of Davao City, Duterte asked AFP for a holiday truce to allow the NPA rebels to celebrate Christmas with their families in the city. 

The President was concerned about ongoing lawlessness involving the New People's Army (NPA) the past weeks especially in Mindanao provinces.

In fact, he said he would proclaim the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as a terrorist group.

He said he was no longer inclined to push the peace negotiations between the government and the communist movement. The President said he would give his soldiers a break then "we will also go to the offensive" against the NPA.

"We will study and maybe we will have a crackdown here somewhere. Nagsasawa na ako dito sa kalokohan nila. So 'yang lahat ninyong pretending to be speaking for the people 'yung mga quasi ano ninyo diyan, legitimate kunwari (I am sick with their foolishness. So everything that you are pretending to be speaking for the people and your quasi, legitimate pretenses)," he said.

But the President said he would give a chance to the rebels who have reached their senior years, to surrender and they would be provided with housing and work.

Duterte-Carpio, however, said she will still continue to reach out to the NPA since there is no official proclamation yet signed by the President regarding the terrorist declaration.

"Meantime, na wala pa ta'y papel nga gipanggunitan, wala pa ta'y legal basis (that we do not have the papers yet, we have no legal basis), we just take that as off the cuff pronouncement from our President," she said.

The mayor said she constituted the Local Peace Committee (DC-PEACE) to talk with the NPA because the people behind the committee have no biases either on the government or rebel side.

Duterte-Carpio also bared the recommendations and activities of DC-PEACE during their last meeting on November 17.

The mayor added the peace committee will go the area of the NPA in the city, which she did not divulge, between December 7 and 9 to talk with the rebels.

She, however, clarified that only the members will go there because it might disrupt the dialogue if she goes with the committee. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Joint military and police operatives have arrested two ranking leaders of the New People's Army (NPA) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, military officials said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, identified them as Leonardo Jacotin and Rosario Tabanao.

Murillo said they were arrested by virtue of serving warrants of arrest around 9:45 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Balangasan, Pagadian City.

The arrest of Jacotin and Tabanao came on the heels of the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte to include the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the list of terrorists.

Murillo said Jacotin is the logistic chief and head of the Ordnance and Explosives of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) while Tabanao is an executive commission member of the WMRPC and a finance officer.

He said Jacotin and Tabanao have standing warrants of arrest for their involvement in large-scale extortion activities and dealing of firearms and explosives as well as series of murder cases.

He said the arresting team seized from the possession of the two a caliber .45 pistol with eight ammunition; 50 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifle; a grenade; 10 identification cards; and, 17 units of cellular phones.

He said they were turned over to the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for appropriate legal procedures.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they will continue to collaborate with the police in the conduct of law enforcement operation to ensure defeat of the CPP-NFA-NDF here in Western Mindanao.

"The CPP/NPA terrorists have no place here in Western Mindanao. They extort money even from poor people and burn commercial establishments and construction equipment if their demands are not met," Galvez said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Leading foreign and local players in the information technology (IT) industry are expected to put up shops here following the city's hosting of the recently held 9th National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) Summit, a city official said.


NICP, an umbrella organization of information and communications technology (ICT) councils in the country, named Cagayan de Oro and nine other cities last year as "next wave" cities.

Eileen San Juan, the city's local economic and investment promotions officer, said Cagayan de Oro has what it takes to be the new IT hub not just in the region but in Mindanao.

Proof of this, San Juan said, is the presence of business process outsourcing (BPO) facilities in the city.

Before coming over, she said, BPOs expect all the infrastructures needed for their business to be already in place, not before.

"When you say 'next wave city,' investors will know what you have, what you're capable of," she told reporters on the sidelines of the two-day summit held in a hotel here from Nov. 16-17.

For an urban center to be categorized as next-wave city, it must have the infrastructure and a business-friendly environment.

San Juan said the city can capitalize on these assets to attract IT firms to put up investments here.

With the expected entry of IT companies to the city, San Juan said more businesses that will cater to the needs their workforce will also sprout and this will help prop up Cagayan de Oro's socio-economic growth.

At the summit, topics that were discussed focused on creating world-class digital cities in the country, inclusive digital workforce, open innovation and startup ecosystem, and the highlight of e-governance platforms for digital cities.

In his message to the summit participants, Mayor Oscar Moreno has appreciated the ICT industry for its confidence in holding NICP's biggest event in Cagayan de Oro even though Mindanao is still under martial law.

Moreno said the city "wants to take part in nation-building."

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro was declared as the champion in the 6th Awards in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Local Government Units or eGov Awards under the Best in Digital Payment category.

The city's winning entry is the Internet Online Service of the City Treasurer's Office, featuring its user-friendly online tax payment and billing system that taxpayers and business owners the convenience and comfort.

San Juan said while other cities only use the online system for its billings, Cagayan de Oro has utilized the digital method for paying bills to the city government, including the payment of traffic citation, real property tax, and even the "cedula" (community tax certificate). (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem) NOVEMBER 2017



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- In an apparent diversionary tactic, authorities believe an outlawed armed group with links to Islamic State (IS)  fired a rocket propelled grenade toward a private school in Datu Piang, Maguindanao Sunday night.

According to Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, nobody was injured in the grenade attack, that happened around 8 p.m. at Gani L. Abpi College compound in Barangay Buayan.

The blast damaged glass panes and a vehicle parked near the building. No one has claimed responsibility but police and military authorities believed the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which pledge allegiance to the IS was behind the attack as diversionary tactic.

Almost at the same time, unidentified men tossed a hand grenade toward the house of business couple Hayder and Samra Manibpal in Barangay Inug-og, Pikit, North Cotabato.

Sr. Insp. Rolly Castañares, Pikit town police chief, said no casualty was reported in the incident. Investigators could not say if the grenade attack in Pikit and Datu Piang were related.

On Saturday night, BIFF hurled a grenade toward a detachment of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Timbangan in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said a soldier was slightly wounded in the blast.

The military has claimed foreign fighters have been sighted with the BIFF Abu Toraife faction now holed up in borders of Aleosan and Carmen, both in North Cotabato.

Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, chief of 6th Civil Military Operations (CMO), said the target of a series of air strikes since last week in North Cotabato have been hiding in caves in the mountain village of Tonganon, Aleosan.

He said the operation was well coordinated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace deal with government.

Under the ceasefire accord, the MILF is to provide information and assistance to government forces in flushing terrorists and lawless elements in its area of operation.

The twin operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato was carried out after one BIFF faction harassed 57th IB in Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns in Maguindanao.

 While there are no civilian casualties, the air strikes sent some 5,000 persons in two provinces fleeing to safer grounds. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – A group of Chinese businessmen is expected to arrive here this week to check on the possibility of investing in aquaculture, particularly in the rearing of high-value export commodity fish.

The businessmen are expected to arrive on November 23 to check on the five mariculture parks in the province for the possibility of establishing hatcheries for high-value species of groupers such as leopard coral trout or red suno, green grouper or loba, and tiger grouper or lapung-baboy, said Roberto Abrera of the Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday.

The proposed sites are located in barangays Sta. Lucia and Binduyan in Puerto Princesa, the towns of Coron and San Vicente in northern Palawan, and Narra and Quezon in the south.

"This is a reciprocal visit, actually, after we went to China in January this year upon the orders and guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte to look for mutual economic support opportunities in fisheries development," Abrera told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Each site for possible multi-million investment measures 200-700 hectares. It will be shown to the Chinese businessmen, who will be accompanied by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery of China, Abrera said.

"In China, 70 percent of their fish production is already through aquaculture for high-value fish like grouper. Here in the Philippines, we rely on fish catch for this species, and to be able to revive their population, we have to impose a close fishing season," Abrera said.

Aquaculture, or fish farming, has gained momentum as a feasible method to produce seafood since "high demand for fresh fish days these days has already put a strain on natural populations", he added.

"Palaweño fishermen will benefit a lot once they've been trained to practice the raising of fish for food in controlled environments," he said.

Aquaculture also means low impact risks to the environment since the method does not damage the environment while supplementing the increasing demand for fish. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is promoting partnership with state colleges and universities (SUCs) and other research institutions in the country to boost inventions of new technologies in the country.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena mentioned the partnership with the SUCs and other research institutions during the opening of the National Inventors Week celebration held at F.L. Dy Coliseum in this city on Monday.

Dela Pena said the SUCs and research institutions are vital partners of DOST in producing important inventions or technologies that would advance the economy and make the life of every Filipino easier.

"SUCs are our important partners in various research and development activities and the DOST wants to support their innovations or inventions," Dela Pena said.

He specifically cited the Isabela State University (ISU) which has conducted research on small ruminants program and the new research on marine products specifically on eel and "ludong" production.

Dela Pena assured the support of DOST in the said research and development activities of ISU as he vowed to give the said SUC the necessary support to make the eel and ludong production a success.

Aside from ISU, the DOST also identified the Nueva Vizcaya State University for its citrus production.

"We assure that DOST will enhance partnership with the academic sector in the country in terms of research and development,"

He also cited the DOST's collaborative partnership with the business sector to promote the various inventions and researches in various fields.

In the same speech, the DOST urged all local government units in the country to support the inventors.

Dela Pena said there are inventors who crafted or created a technology that are important in many fields and contribute to the growth of agriculture, science and several others.

He also urged inventors to join the Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative in order that their inventions be promoted and showcased in various parts of the country and in the world.

The 2017 National Inventors Week will end on Friday.   (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY -- In observance of National Children's Month this November, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Ilocos Norte hosted a special day for children on Tuesday.

Day-care children and workers from the province's 21 municipalities gathered at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena to discuss the welfare of children and how they can be protected from illegal drugs.

Provincial social welfare officer Lilian Rin said that as one of the highlights of the annual celebration, 42 day-care children aged three to four years competed in singing and draw-and-tell contests. Cash awards and interesting prizes were given to the winners.

With this year's theme, "Bata Iligtas sa Droga!", the 25th National Children's Month celebration focuses on President Rodrigo Duterte's war against illegal drugs.

Republic Act No. 10661 declares the month of November of every year as National Children's Month to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989 and to instill its significance in the consciousness of Filipinos. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The city government here, through its Social Hygiene Clinic, will offer free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests to mark World AIDS Day on December 1.

Free HIV tests would start at 10 a.m. at the SM City Northpoint, but would stop to give way to the 1:30 p.m. commemoration program, also in the same venue, and would resume at about 4:30 p.m., the clinic's Medical Officer IV, Dr. Ma. Odeta B. Villareal, said Monday.

Villareal said results would be made available 40 minutes after the test.


World AIDS Day has been observed every Dec. 1 since 1988 to raise awareness and control the spread of HIV infection, as well as to mourn those who have died of the disease.

Data from the Department of Health's (DOH) Epidemiological Bureau in Manila showed that this year, two persons in Western Visayas are diagnosed as HIV positive every 24 hours.

Richard Chin Jr., HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance assistant of the DOH Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), said that from January to June this year, Western Visayas has recorded 312 HIV cases with 16 deaths.

The highest diagnosis was in June with 65 testing HIV positive. Majority of the cases were caused by unprotected sex and male having sex with male (MSM).

Of the figure, 61 cases were asymptomatic or did not show any symptom at all.

Only one female was among the newly-identified cases while the rest were male.

Most of the new cases belonged to the 15 years to 24 years, and 25 years to 34 years age brackets.

This year, three HIV cases involved mother-to-child transmission.

Since the first HIV case was discovered in 1986, the region has had a total of 1,904 cases with 194 deaths.

Chin said that free HIV/AIDS tests are also available at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), and all district health centers in Iloilo City.

He also discouraged blood donation as a means to confirm whether or not they are positive of the virus.

While positive cases can be detected during the screening being done by blood banks, not all centers notify those who test positive, he said.

Jenny Lyn A. Ruaya of the WVMC HIV and AIDS Core Team (HACT) said that prior to the test, the client is first subjected to counseling because "HIV testing is not like any routine ordinary testing".

"There has to be counseling due to negative implication. During the counseling we always emphasize that the test is confidential," she stated. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The comprehensive drainage plan will address the flooding problem in this city, particularly in Mandurriao district, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here.

Engineer Al Fruto, assistant regional director of DPWH in Region 6, on Monday asked Mayor Joe Espinosa that it would be better to asks funds for the comprehensive drainage plan from the national government, instead of  asking for funding support for the continuation of the Stage 2 of the Flood Control Project.

The second phase of the flood control project is under the comprehensive drainage plan. The other component of the plan covers creeks whose outfall will lead to Dungon Creek.

He said they are now finalizing the plan that was prepared by their consultants, integrating the suggestions of Iloilo City's task force drainage. Also being finalized is the indicative costing initially pegged at PHP3.2 billion.

Fruto said he would discuss with Espinosa the proposed comprehensive drainage plan.

Fruto said the second stage of the flood control also entails the improvement of the Jaro River even though flooding is not much of a problem in Jaro district.

Fruto said there was also an issue on resettlement of around 2,500 to 3,000 informal settlers living along the river.

Espinosa, in an earlier interview, said that he would ask President Rodrigo Duterte to finance the continuation of the flood control project, if given the chance to talk to the President on Wednesday. The project was once estimated at PHP4 to PHP5 billion.

Duterte is the invited guest of honor during the meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) in Manila Wednesday afternoon.

The mayor said that other efforts to address flooding are just "palliative" as the answer is really flood control project.

Stage 1 of the flood control project that stretches from Barangay Aganan, Pavia town to Jaro district here is now operational. Its construction was funded through a loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

"More than the bridge between Iloilo and Guimaras, I would rather be prioritizing in asking the President to fund the flood control project," he said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CEBU CITY -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is introducing barangay journalism to communities in the country to maximize the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lawyer Ana Marie Rafael-Banaag, PCOO Assistant Secretary for Operations and Special Concerns, said on Tuesday it is important for the PCOO to get direct feedback from the countryside, especially on the implementation of government programs, and one way of doing this is through barangay journalism.

"Barangay journalism is now in the works with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). We're working on engaging with DILG and barangay officials so that they can appoint or recommend somebody who can make reports either through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or through Radyo Pilipinas directly to Manila," Banaag said.

"And if there's something we want to verify from the barangays, especially from far-flung and remote areas where communication network is slow, we can easily get it from the barangay journalist," Banaag added.

Banaag and some PCOO staff were in Cebu on Tuesday on behalf of Secretary Martin Andanar to engage with all information officers from the local government units and the private sector and forge a partnership with them.

"We are here because we want to maximize the programs of the administration. As a communications office, it is the PCOO's job to make sure that the programs of the government's Executive Branch would reach their intended beneficiaries," Banaag told her audience.

Any program of any government agency would not succeed if the people don't know anything about it, according to Banaag, adding that information dissemination is vital to the success of a program.

"And that's the only way for all of these to succeed. And with that, of course, we in the PCOO recognize that we could not do it all by ourselves, despite the help of our line agencies like the Philippine Information Agency, Radyo Pilipinas, PTV 4 and the PNA. We need you (information officers) because you are the ones who meet and talk with the citizenry," Banaag said.

Meanwhile, Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) president Sofronio Pintado said he gladly welcomes the introduction of barangay journalism as this would help them gather more information from their constituents.

In fact, Pintado said he has already tapped some people as his barangay "correspondents" for his local radio program in Tuburan, Cebu. Pintado is the municipal PIO of Tuburan town.

"Barangay journalism would make it easier for us to get information from the barangays. We won't be going to the hinterlands anymore. My correspondents currently are fisherfolk," Pintado said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The most wanted person in Samar was killed in a shootout with the police in Tarlac City on Monday.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), on Tuesday said that Genesis Oquendo, a native of Calbayog City, Samar and a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Tarlac City, was killed in a firefight with joint operatives of Tarlac City Police and Intelligence Branch and Samar Police Provincial Office.

The suspect was the leader of Oquedo Group that was engaged in gun-for-hire activities.

Corpus said that Oquendo opened fire on the operating team that was about to serve him the warrant of arrest for three counts of murder issued by Judge Ernesto L. Penaflor of Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Calbayog City, Samar.

"A firefight ensued that resulted in the suspect's death while his cohorts who were caught in the house adjacent to said apartment were arrested," he said.

Those arrested were identified as William Remon, 53, of Barangay Paulog, Ligao, Albay; Gerome Vasquez, 43, and Victor Vasquez, 40, both of Barangay Banao; Henry Palmores, 48, of Barangay San Francisco, all in Guinobatan, Albay.

Seized from their possession were one caliber .45 pistol with serial number 763127 loaded with seven live ammunition; one Colt caliber .45 with serial number 120581 loaded with two live ammunition; one caliber .38 loaded with four live ammunition on its cylinder; and five ammunition for caliber .45 pistol.

Recovered from the crime scene, on the other hand, were four fired cartridge cases for caliber .45 and a caliber .45 pistol.

"This accomplishment only goes to show that the PNP-PRO3 is stern in its implementation of an obstinate and efficient campaign against lawlessness especially those who are wanted by the law. We will keep on conducting a wide range pro-active approach and strategy in our fight against criminality," Corpus said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial board has recognized the town of Alcala as the latest local government unit (LGU) in Pangasinan to be officially declared by the Philippine Drug-Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as drug-free.

Members of the board discussed and approved a resolution on the matter during its regular session on Monday.

The number of Pangasinan LGUs already declared as drug-free currently stands at 14.

Author of the resolution, Board Member Clemente Arboleda Jr., said aside from Alcala, declared as drug-free are Mabini, Agno, Anda, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Bani, Dasol, Mapandan, Malasiqui, Laoac, Natividad, San Nicolas and Sto. Tomas, the only town in the province classified by PDEA as drug-unaffected.

Arboleda said both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the PDEA reported that Alcala, his hometown, has been included among the towns/cities now listed as drug-free.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, provincial board presiding officer, cited the need to confer with the PNP and PDEA on the drug status of other towns and cities in Pangasinan.

He said the efforts of the PNP, town and barangay officials and their people must be recognized for contributing largely to the new drug-free status of their localities.

According to Calimlim, this bodes well for the campaign of the provincial government led by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to finally rid the province of illegal drugs.

The provincial government is constructing a drug rehabilitation center in Barangay San Vicente, Burgos, he noted.

The Pangasinan Police, under police provincial director Senior Supt. Ronald Lee, set Dec. 31 as its self-imposed deadline to make the entire province drug-free. (PNA)



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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - The Laguna provincial police has intensified its campaign against loose firearms in preparation for the Yuletide Season to avert crimes and indiscriminate firing during festivities.

Laguna Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Cecilio Ison, Jr., said that as Yuletide Season begins, crime volume may increase and that loose firearms could be used in committing crimes.

In their search warrant operations, Ison said they had already confiscated some 16 assorted short firearms, six assorted long firearms, a hand grenade, 13 assorted magazines, 169 assorted ammunition, empty cartridges and gun holsters from Nov. 9 to 19 this year.

"Although the law states that the use of a loose firearm, when inherent in the commission of a crime can be considered as an aggravating circumstance, these loose firearms can still be the 'instrument-of-choice' of the offenders in committing crimes due to its difficulty of being traced," Ison said.

He added that their operations led to the arrests of 14 suspects and neutralization of a member of the Paz gun-for-hire and Gun Runner Group identified as Ryan Bondad De Guzman.

The gun runner was killed in an armed encounter with law enforcers during the search warrant operation in San Pablo City where the operatives also seized 14 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected white crystalline substance known as 'shabu', a small zip-locked plastic containing suspected dried marijuana leaves and assorted drug paraphernalia.

According to Ison, their hunt for loose firearms covers owners of unregistered, obliterated or altered, lost or stolen and illegally manufactured firearms. The search also includes registered firearms in the possession of an individual other than the licensee and those with revoked licenses in accordance with rules and regulations.

Ison urged the public to report any gun owners of loose or un-renewed firearm licenses at the same time persuade owners to surrender their loose firearms to avoid arrest. (Zen Trinidad/PNA)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY - Election officials expect an increase of 6,000 new voters in this city once the registration of voters ends on November 30, this year.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) resumed the registration of voters on November 6 following the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to May 14, 2018.

The resumption of voter registration is pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10214, promulgated last October 24.

Lawyers Stephen Roy Cañete and Lerdo Matildo Jr., election officers for the first and second legislative districts, respectively, said they expect additional 3,000 new voters to register in each of their area of jurisdictions.

Cañete said his office has already served 1,264 individuals since November 6. Of the total figure, 1,007 are new regular voter registrants, 30 SK registrants while the remaining 227 have reactivated and corrected their registration data.

Matildo said they have already served 1,103 individuals since November 6. Of the total, 787 are regular voter registrants, 55 SK voters and the remaining 261 are reactivation and data correction of registration.

Reactivation refers to voters whose registration the Comelec has deactivated after they failed to vote for two consecutive elections.

Both Cañete and Matildo urged the public to register early to avoid the rush.

The local election offices are opened on Sundays and holidays to accommodate registration of voters.

District 1 covers 37 of this city's 98 barangays with current registered voters of 226,452. The district has 76,740 SK registered voters.

District 2 covers the remaining 61 barangays with current registered voters of 213,208. There are 69,893 SK registered voters in the district. (PNA/R. G. Antonet Go) NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- Two electric cooperatives in Negros Occidental have reduced their residential rates for the month of November, its officials said over the weekend.

The Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), which caters to consumers in cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, and Silay, and towns of Murcia and Salvador Benedicto, announced a decrease of PHP0.3322 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in its November residential rate.

From PHP11.0280 per kWh in October, it went down to PHP10.6958 per kWh in this month's billing.

Sulpicio Lagarde Jr., general manager of CENECO, said the downward adjustment could be attributed to the decrease in transmission charge of Php0.0053 per kWh.

Lagarde said the lower rate is also due to the deferment in the collection of Php0.2220 per kWh recovery for the Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) and Incremental Currency Exchange Rate Adjustment (ICERA) by Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM).

Despite the decrease in rate, the cooperative still urges consumers to conserve electricity to avoid paying higher bills, he added.

The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NOCECO), catering to consumers in the south, from Pulupandan to Hinoba-an, also reported a decrease in its November rate.

From Php9.9234 per kWh in October, NOCECO's overall electricity rate for residential consumers dropped to Php9.8384 per kWh, with a decrease of Php0.0850 per kWh.

Jonas Discaya, general manager of NOCECO, said the main driver of the lower electricity rate is the P0.1077 per kWh decrease in the generation charge.

From PHP5.4098 per kWh last month, the generation charge was reduced to PHP5.3021 per kWh.

It can also be attributed to the deferment of the implementation of 10th to 17th GRAM, 15th to 16th ICERA, and 1st to 5th Automatic Cost Recovery Mechanism (ACRM) True-up Adjustments filed by PSALM, Discaya said.

The deferment in the collection of these adjustments is based on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Order dated last October 19, he added.

Aside from generation charge, NOCECO also registered a decrease of PHP0.0208 per kWh in its system loss charge.

Transmission and subsidy rates, however, registered increases of PHP0.0302 per kWh and PHP0.0133 per kWh, respectively.

Distribution, supply and metering charges remain unchanged despite the increase in the overall electricity rate for this month, Discaya said.

Meanwhile, electric consumers in the remaining areas in the north, from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City, may incur higher bills this month.

Paulino Almedelia, Corporate Planning Department manager of Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), said they have yet to compute the final rate for November.

"We are expecting an increase this month mainly due to upward movement in the generation charge," Almedelia added.

In October, NONECO's rate was P10.8019 per kWh.(PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CEBU CITY -- The Commission on Population in Central Visayas (Popcom-7) recently named Cebu as the Most Outstanding Province for its initiatives in empowering families.

This was learned from the Cebu Provincial Government's Public Information Office on Monday.

Popcom-7 cited Cebu Province "for creating and maintaining a local population office with appointed/designated population officer and staff actively contributing to the implementation of the Philippine Management Program."

Governor Hilario Davide III was also recognized by Popcom-7 for his exemplary performance in legislation and development initiatives centered on population dynamics.

Davide and the Provincial Government's initiatives to integrate into the local government's projects and activities the program components on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning, Adolescent Health and Development, and Population and Development with the goal to empower families have been Popcom-7's basis for the award.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Marivic Garces received the awards from Popcom-7 and turned them over to Davide and the Capitol on Friday. (with reports from Michelle Bugtai/PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan -- The Provincial Investigation Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office has cleared the management of the Bulacan Medical Center of any responsibility over the amputated foot of a patient which was left inside a box found at a construction site in the capitol compound here by a son of a male diabetic patient last Friday night.

The discovery of the amputated left foot, which was properly sealed in a black garbage bag inside a carton box, stirred controversy on social media after some netizens made wrong comments that it was the leg of a "chop-chop" victim without checking the facts first before posting it on Facebook, police probers said.

Investigators later found out that the amputated left leg belonged to diabetic patient identified as Gregorio Evangelista, 68, married, a resident of Barangay Iba in  Meycauyan City, Bulacan. He is now recuperating at the Intensive Care Unit of BMC, according to hospital administrator Leticia Hilario.

Based on the statement of BMC nurses Raysie Garcia and Luigene Gumafelix, Evangelista underwent surgery wherein his left foot was surgically removed because of his diabetes last Friday afternoon.

The nurses said the operation was done by Dr. Benjamin Inoturan around 2:15 Friday afternoon and was finished around 6 p.m. the same day.

They told investigators that the amputated foot was properly turned over to the wife of the patient identified as Mercedez Evangelista, for burial.

The BMC administrator said that it is standard operating procedure to turn over amputated body parts to the family of patients.

Hilario also explained that nurses on duty explained to Mercedes the proper procedures and that the amputated foot should be buried. The nurses also presented copies of the receipt of turnover and certificate of confinement of the patient.

In a sworn statement, the wife of the patient told investigators that she gave the box containing the amputated leg to her 34-year-old son Ivan and instructed him to bring it to his elder brother Paul to be buried.

Mercedes also told investigators that her son Ivan, who is working as a call center agent, left BMC with the box containing the amputated foot of her husband at past 10 p.m. Friday.

She added that she did not know her son left the amputated foot at the construction site in the capitol compound. She further claimed that she could not locate Ivan.

The amputated left foot was later brought to Superior Homes in Barangay Bintog, Plaridel town.

Police investigators said that the body part was no longer the responsibility of hospital management as it had been turned over to the family of the patient. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- llonggos are encouraged to take advantage of jobs being offered by various business process outsourcing (BPO) companies based in Iloilo.

Iloilo City mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday announced that the industry is in need of 5,000 workers. "They will employ them immediately," he said as the city hall will host the one-day job fair of BPOs this November 28.

Espinosa said that despite the high turnout of graduates every year, they still unable to cope with the increasing demand of BPOs. They still recruit from as far as Negros Occidental.

To better prepare city residents for BPO jobs, Espinosa said that he wanted to prioritize the establishment of speech laboratories.

He already instructed Ma. Mathilde Octavio, administrator of the Iloilo City College, to get in touch with the technician of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, a private school here, and ask details on how to establish a speech laboratory.

"Our BPOs do not need college graduates. They are only after those with good communication skills," he said.

Iloilo City hosts 52 voice and non-voice BPO firms and more are coming in, according to Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office (LEIPO) head Ritchel Gavan.

The job fair will be held at the third floor of the Iloilo City hall. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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IMUS CITY, Cavite -- Joint police and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel found no hard drugs inside the City Jail here during an "Oplan Greyhound" Monday morning.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) newly-designated jail warden Major Marlon Ymballa said the surprise joint operations were launched by the BJMP-Imus City Jail, city police and Bureau of Fire Protection-Imus in the overcrowded city jail complex along Palico IV, this city.

Ymballa said that during the joint search operations, only personal items, such as pens and shavers were found in the overcrowded facility.

He said the inspections were conducted to check on prohibited items and on the conditions of the prison quarters of some 930 male and 157 female inmates.

The detention cells were found congested since the nine four-layered cells for male detainees exceeded the total capacity by 530 while the adjacent female detention cells exceeded by 57.

Ymballa said most of the detainees face drug-related cases such as drug pushing with the oldest inmate at 65 years old while the youngest is 18. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- Mayor Jose Espinosa on Monday underscored the need for uninterrupted supply of power in Iloilo City amid calls for the rejection of the application for franchise renewal of the Panay Electric Company (PECO).

Espinosa was invited to attend the consultation on House Bill No. 6023 that seeks to renew the franchise of PECO for another 25 years on Wednesday. The bill is now pending with the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives.

In an interview, the mayor said that he will not be bringing the stand of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), which last week passed a resolution "vehemently denying the renewal of franchise of the Panay Electric Company" and urging the national government's take over.

"I will only be acting on behalf of the executive," he said, adding that he will just respond to questions of the Congress.

Nonetheless, he stressed that what is important is the "continuity of service" regardless if it is going to be the government, cooperative, new corporation or PECO that will supply the power in Iloilo City.

"As long as I am assured of the services of power because that is what is being asked by our investors," he underscored.

The PECO franchise, which has the sole authority to distribute electricity in Iloilo City, will expire in 2019.

Amid the resolution of the SP that calls for the rejection of its franchise, PECO was able to convince majority of the council members to allow them to present their programs to improve their services.

Among the complaints are overbilling, frequent brownouts and poor customer service, among others.

PECO executives will meet with the council members before the SP regular session Tuesday morning.

Local legislators will then fly to Manila Tuesday afternoon to attend the hearing of the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday declared that samples of shellfish harvested from the Puerto Princesa bay tested free of the red tide toxins and now safe for human consumption.

"Negative results for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) were obtained from three consecutive weeks of sampling in the areas," according to the Shellfish Advisory No. 41 dated November 18 and signed by Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona.

BFAR added that shellfish harvested from the said bay "are now safe for human consumption," and can already be sold in the market.

However, in Shellfish Bulletin No. 38 also dated the same day, Gongona said the consumption of certain species of crustaceans, mussels, and the likes harvested from the Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay town, northern Palawan, remains prohibited due to the lingering presence of PSP.

Based on latest laboratory results of BFAR, collected samples from the Inner Malampaya Sound are still "positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond regulatory limit."

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area remain not fit for human consumption," the bulletin said.

Aside from the Inner Malampaya Sound, the shellfish ban remains over the coastal waters of Daram Island and Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; coastal waters of Mandaon, Masbate; and Bataan coastal waters.

Honda Bay in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, also in Puerto Princesa, remains safe from red tide toxins, the bulletin also said.

The BFAR raised the red tide alert over Puerto Princesa bay and the Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay last August. (PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite -- A Cavite social science associate professor and former museum co-curator disclosed during a lecture over the weekend that the province's funeral customs and traditions had adopted then the color-coding scheme even during burial rites.

Jeffrey Alfaro Lubang in his history lecture before senior high to college students of St. Dominic College of Asia at Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo (MEA) revealed that it was customary in those times to use brown coffins for elders while the white was meant for a single male or female dead persons.

Lubang was a guest presenter as MEA launched its annual lecture series "KABITEsaysayan" to impart Cavite's rich history, culture and the arts to the next generation and provide them a learning arena from local historians.

"Burial in Cavite has and is always been accompanied by a marching band, which used to be a symbol of wealth and social status in the past," Lubang said as the discussion turned lively and interesting despite the lecturer's subject on death.

He also said that another status symbol is reflected on who prays for the death where the "dapit-pari" was for the rich as he recited prayers in four different areas during the funeral march.

On the other hand, the "dapit senyales" was only officiated in by a "sacristan" or acolyte to lead the prayer.

Lubang's hour-long interactive discussions on Cavite's culture and sociology of death were excerpts from his book "Pantyon" which delves into the oftentimes creepy yet inevitable fact of death.

He explained that "some influences on how we perceived death are brought about by how our elder folks used death as a threat during our younger years and how it was portrayed in the media."

The university professor also presented olden beliefs and still being practiced in some areas on the position of the coffin when it is pointed towards the door to mean the family is okay to let go of their departed relatives.

Other traditions involved avoiding mirror in the funeral, "pagpag" or avoiding going straight home from the funeral or burial site to mislead the spirit; shunning from funerals or burials to avoid bad luck, and not attending a funeral or burial to avoid aggravating certain illnesses.

He also discussed the "pa-syam," a novena for nine days and the 40 days after death and the "babang-luksa" to culminate a year of mourning; olden practice of "kalembang ng dambana" or church bells' fast ringing for a dead child and slow and hollow tolling of the bell for male and slow and tingling sound for the female.

For the sociological outlook, Lubang also pointed out death has its purpose because it unites the family in mourning; people come to recognize the good deeds of the dead, and it seals the time for reconciliation and forgiveness.

Miguel Sebastian Alvarez, a Grade 10 student and the school's Supreme Student Council head, said he and the young audiences expressed appreciation to MEA's program to impart to them Cavite's customs, traditions, history and the arts during the free lecture.    

Alvarez said he and his peers would be using their social media platform to share the experience and invite all other students, including their kin to come and visit Kawit's Emilio Aguinaldo Museum.

"We will be most willing to accompany them again and again because in every visit, there's something waiting to be discovered," Alvarez added. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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BATANGAS CITY – A petrochemical plant in this city would not expand its polymer plant and naphtha cracking plant in Barangay Simlong here sans the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Batangas public information office chief Jenelyn Aguilera disclosed on Monday that the DENR-Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the  City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) have been spearheading the public hearing on the project, which started last week attended by representatives from the city government, barangay officials, non-government organizations and concerned constituents.

Aguilera said some local village leaders and residents from Barangays Simlong, Pinamucan Ibaba and Pinamucan Proper also attended the public hearing where they expressed apprehensions and concerns on the petrochemical company's project expansion.

The ECC is a document issued by DENR-EMB after their careful and positive review of any company's application for environmentally critical projects and certifies that the proposed project or undertaking will not cause significant negative environmental impact based on the representations of the proponent including the affected residents.

Once it gets the nod from DENR-EMB on the required ECC, project proponent JG Summit Petrochemicals Group will expand its polymer plant and naphtha cracking plant starting 2019 until 2021.

JG Summit assured that the expansion projects are similar to their Ground Flare System and upgrading of the  flaring facilities to address the problem and concerns by local folks here on the black smoke emission and the heat generated by the facilities.

Under the Local Government Code and as a State policy, national government agencies and offices are required to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate LGUs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and people's organization and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdiction.

Likewise, LGUs are tasked to coordinate with government agencies and NGOs in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air, and water pollution with the assistance of the DENR.

For its part, the petrochemical firm assured local officials that around 3,000 to 5,000 people would benefit from various jobs for local residents and other workers from neighboring towns.

The company also disclosed its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and support for socio-community projects for the host LGU sites such as medical missions, medical equipment, tree planting, artificial reef project, feeding program, relief operations and donations of medical equipment and ambulance.

JG Summit Petrochemicals Group is a pioneer in the country's petrochemical industry and its modern technology and innovations have built long-term business partnerships and responsible manufacturing of petrochemical products with its plant site in Barangay Simlong in this city.

The pioneering plant engineering works for its naphta cracker started in 2009 and its JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) was registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) in 2010 as a producer of ethylene, propylene, pyrolysis gasoline, mixed C4 and other by-products. The plant's commercial operations began in Nov. 2014. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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BAGUIO CITY— Through consolidated efforts from the local government, national government agencies and the private sector, the 2,380 drug surrenders in the city are continuously being assisted to fully rehabilitate them from illegal drug use.

Florecita Tul-an of the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (OCSWD), during Monday's flag raising ceremony at city hall, said that "since the start of the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte, the city through the OCSWD was able to establish a community-based rehabilitation program for the drug surrenderers."

She noted that of the 2,380 surrenderers, 46 are minors.

The city's drug rehabilitation program, according to Tul-an, started with the Baguio Emergency Response to Addiction which evolved to Integrated Participatory Community Building Program and now being implemented with the help of government organizations, non-government organizations and faith-based groups working together for the rehabilitation of the drug surrenderers.

She said that aside from rehabilitation, after-care services are also provided, to include  self-employment assistance, food aid, financial assistance through aid to individual in crisis situation, participatory leadership development training, counseling services and community volunteer resource development.

The surrenderers were also provided referrals for medical assistance, emergency shelter assistance and referral to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Alternative Learning System, aside from other practical skills trainings to allow them to move forward in preparation to living a normal life without illegal drugs.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, meanwhile, urged all sectors in the city to continue contributing to the eradication of the illegal drug problem.

He recalled that at the start of President Duterte's massive anti-drug campaign, the city government conducted a mandatory drug testing of all officials and employees to first cleanse its backyard of the drug problem. 

Domogan said "those who came out positive have undergone the community rehabilitation program and I was told that they are now part of the resource persons helping the others who are undergoing rehabilitation.

The mayor urged workers in the city to stay away from illegal drugs and help those who are being rehabilitated to finish the program and be able to return back to normal lives free of illegal substances. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BAGUIO CITY— Through consolidated efforts from the local government, national government agencies and the private sector, the 2,380 drug surrenders in the city are continuously being assisted to fully rehabilitate them from illegal drug use.

Florecita Tul-an of the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (OCSWD), during Monday's flag raising ceremony at city hall, said that "since the start of the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte, the city through the OCSWD was able to establish a community-based rehabilitation program for the drug surrenderers."

She noted that of the 2,380 surrenderers, 46 are minors.

The city's drug rehabilitation program, according to Tul-an, started with the Baguio Emergency Response to Addiction which evolved to Integrated Participatory Community Building Program and now being implemented with the help of government organizations, non-government organizations and faith-based groups working together for the rehabilitation of the drug surrenderers.

She said that aside from rehabilitation, after-care services are also provided, to include  self-employment assistance, food aid, financial assistance through aid to individual in crisis situation, participatory leadership development training, counseling services and community volunteer resource development.

The surrenderers were also provided referrals for medical assistance, emergency shelter assistance and referral to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Alternative Learning System, aside from other practical skills trainings to allow them to move forward in preparation to living a normal life without illegal drugs.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, meanwhile, urged all sectors in the city to continue contributing to the eradication of the illegal drug problem.

He recalled that at the start of President Duterte's massive anti-drug campaign, the city government conducted a mandatory drug testing of all officials and employees to first cleanse its backyard of the drug problem. 

Domogan said "those who came out positive have undergone the community rehabilitation program and I was told that they are now part of the resource persons helping the others who are undergoing rehabilitation.

The mayor urged workers in the city to stay away from illegal drugs and help those who are being rehabilitated to finish the program and be able to return back to normal lives free of illegal substances. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (61 IB) clashed with some 30 members of the New People's Army (NPA) Monday afternoon at the boundary of Barangay Canawilian, Janiuay, Iloilo and Barangay Trangka in Maasin town.

The soldiers were conducting foot patrol when they encountered the rebels.

The 40-minute encounter resulted to the recovery of four backpacks containing suspected personal belongings, according to Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commanding officer.

Magbalot said that they have yet to open the recovered backpacks.

"There are also traces of blood found in the area so possibly there were wounded NPAs," he said, adding that no one from the government troops was hurt.

Clearing operation in the area is still ongoing as of press time.

Magbalot said that his men are continuously conducting combat operations in areas where presence of NPA has been identified.

Magbalot added that the encounter also the result of their intensified operations against terrorist groups as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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NOVEMBER 2017-DUMAGUETE CITY – Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo is hoping that the city government will be able to host the Batang Pinoy 2018 national competition, possibly in April next year, after the success of the first hosting last week of the Batang Pinoy 2017 Visayas regional qualifiers here.

Remollo, on Monday, said he did not expect that the city delegation would get the No. 2 position in gold medal standing, surpassing even highly favored teams.

He said his administration will be working very hard for the sake of the athletes as part of his contribution to the national government's campaign against illegal drugs. 

Dumaguete City, it was observed, was on the verge of being the overall champion in the regional qualifiers but it was short of winning gold medals in the dance sport event, where Cebu City showed dominance.

The mayor was told the dancesport team of Dumaguete had withdrawn.  

Another event that the city would like to further develop its athletes is chess, where he believes a lot of individual medals can be won.

In January next year, Dumaguete City is expecting some 3,000 young athletes for children's games in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission.

Remollo said this is a unique sporting event because children will play traditional Filipino games like "takyan," marbles, sack race, "luksong-tinik," and "tubig-tubig," to name a few.

In February next year, the Department of Education (DepEd) is also coming up with a big event where at least 5,000 students will converge in Dumaguete for a display of talents in a cultural competition.

But before the year ends, Remollo said Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to bring in women soccer teams hopefully by December.

As for the incentives for gold medalists in the recent Batang Pinoy, Remollo said he will endorse the same to the city council. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga --The city government distributed financial assistance to the first batch of beneficiaries under the city's high school subsidy program on Sunday.

Mayor Edwin Santiago, on Monday, said that PHP2,000 cash allowance was given to each beneficiary. He noted that more than 2,500 junior high school students benefited from the initial distribution, all bonafide residents of the city.

"A school-based assessment was conducted in cooperation with the Department of Education. We looked for all Fernandino youths who are presently enrolled in Grade 10 in all public schools in the city and nearby towns," he said.

To qualify for the program, the students were only required to submit their identification cards, 2x2 pictures, birth certificates, and voter's ID of their parents.

"This is a continuing program of the local government for the youth because once they enter into college, there is an educational scholarship assistance program waiting for them or they can also study for free in our city college," the mayor said.

Meanwhile, the last awarding of subsidies will be on November 25 at the Heroes Hall Mini Convention Center here. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite - The De La Salle University (DLSU), through its Communication Journalism Department (CJD), has launched a month-long advocacy campaign, dubbed "Communication Impact 2017," this month until Dec. 1 on journalists' safety, issues on impunity, risks and hazards faced by the media sector.

DLSU campaign chair Prof. NornelynCachuela and co-chair Prof. Angie Quadra-Balibay have spearheaded the campus activities videos, documentaries, posters, exhibits and lectures as well as through online articles and social media pages.

In a statement, the university's CJD chair Prof. Artin Umali said that "the fight to end impunity will not stop with the campaign" as the campus advocacy on journalists' safety supports the global fight to end impunity.

Umali added that the university shall continue to develop and organize relevant activities that will raise more awareness among the students, faculty and staff.

DLSU-D has also collaborated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in incorporating Journalism Safety in the school's curriculum.

Campus exhibits are now open such as the "La Sallian NEWS-EUM Wall of Liberty: Freedom of the Press"and  "Emerge and See."

DLSU-D alumni who are now media practitioners Ron Gagalac and Jeff Caparas are featured in their exhibit while "must do" information are also posted on six different specialized emergency kits during an earthquake, fire, typhoon/flood, survival, food poisoning and basic emergencies.

Another exhibit on "Futuristic Safety Gears and Attire for Journalists" will be mounted on Tuesday (Nov. 21) while various documentaries and music videos about journalists' safety and crimes committed against them dubbed as "Kaligtasan at Karapatan" will be shown at the Tanghalang Julian Felipe (TJF) from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

A unique Fashion Expo "DIY Journalist Safety Gear Expo 2017" features the 'Do-It-Yourself' (DIY) on journalist gear/apparel to ensure safety during any coverage will also be exhibited at TJF from 2:30 p.m to 5:30 p.m.

Marketing Communications Office, under Prof RosanniRecreo-Sarile organized the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Seminar on Wednesday, where the DLSU-D community's pledge for safety will be presented.

On Nov. 23, DLSU-D will host a forum on Journalism Safety and Fight Against Impunity featuring journalists who will be sharing their work experience at the TJF Auditorium from 2 to 5 pm.

Thursday's (Nov. 23) highlights also include the Lighting of Candles at the JFH Grounds at 4 to 6 p.m in "Commemoration of the Maguindanao Massacre: #8YearsNoJustice" followed by a Prayer Vigil and the reading of the "Statements Against the Killing of Journalists" and tribute through video presentation to the slain journos.

On Dec. 1, the culminating activities include "ComQuest: Amazing Race" on journalism safety from 8 a.m. to 12 noon; university-wide "Bigkas 2.0" a 'Spoken Word Contest' on Lasallian creative poetic skills and the original "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi" stage play. (PNA)

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NOVEMBER 2017 BACOLOD CITY --  A total of 465 persons and 81 business establishments were fined by the Bacolod City Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF)-Action Team for violating the anti-smoking ordinance from September 4 to October 31.

This was announced on Monday by Councilor Caesar Distrito, task force co-chairman, who said that he will coordinate with the City Treasurer's Office regarding the payment of the violators.

He said individual violators were mostly caught smoking in public places while the establishments were penalized for allowing their patrons to smoke for lack of designated smoking areas (DSAs).

During the MassKara Festival last month, 188 persons and 26 business establishments were penalized.

Distrito said they have issued demand letters to violators who failed to pay the penalties.

Business establishments should settle their penalties before they can renew their business permits, he added.

Violators are fined PHP500 for first offense; PHP1,000 for second offense; and PHP2,500 or imprisonment for third offense.

Business establishment owners allowing their costumers to smoke in non-designated smoking area will be fined PHP3,000 for first offense; PHP4,000, for second offense; and PHP5,000 for third offense, or possible closure.

Distrito authored City Ordinance No. 641, Series of 2013 which regulates smoking in public places, including public conveyances, and advertisements, promotions and sponsorships of tobacco products.

President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 26, which took effect last July 22, provides for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross Western Visayas regional blood center in this city received PHP3.3 million worth of equipment from the Rotary Club of Jung Ulsan in South Korea on Monday.

Regional blood center manager Dennis Roy Pasadilla said that PRC Iloilo chapter was chosen as recipient of a grant from the Rotary International.

He said the equipment will help improve their operations such as increasing the blood storage capacity of their center. The additional two blood bank refrigerators can store 300 units of blood each.

"We will now be able to give priority to the local government units because we will be able to better segregate the blood intended for them," he said.

Blood collected from the province and city can now be segregated, thus, partners for the blood program will be prioritized.

According to Pasadilla, the Red Cross South Korea already provided them with two ambulance units two months ago.

He then expressed hope to be able to acquire more grants from the Rotary so they could further improve their services.

The donated equipment included one unit blood bank freezer, two units blood bank refrigerators, a portable tube sealer, a table top tube sealer, one unit of blood mixer, a platelet agitator with incubator, two units of semi- automated plasma freezers, and one unit of 28 placer serologic centrifuge. (PNA)



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 NOVEMBER 2017 CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Two suspected members of a notorious crime group operating in Pampanga and neighboring areas were killed by police authorities in a shootout Sunday in Candaba town, this province.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), on Monday said those killed were identified only as "Umeng" and "Sonny" and were suspected members of the Arnold Balagtas Group who are also suspects in the killing of a former councilor of Barangay Concepcion, San Simon town.

Operatives of Pampanga Provincial Public Safety Company received reports that the suspects were seen armed on board a single motorcycle in Barangay Pulong Palazan, Candaba.

The operating team immediately conducted random checkpoints in the area and chanced upon the duo.

Police authorities tried to flag down the suspects who, instead of slowing down, opened fire and tried to escape.

A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, hitting the two suspects. They were brought to the nearest hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the crime scene were a 9-mm Beretta pistol with magazine assembly loaded with five live ammunition, a caliber .38 revolver, and one black Yamaha Mio motorcycle without plate number.

Corpus said they will continue to beef-up the implementation of their anti-criminality campaign, especially on motorcycle-riding criminals.

"More operations will be conducted in the coming days to put a stop if not prevent nefarious activities of these lawless elements ," he said. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Two vital road projects in Pangasinan are now set to be funded by the Motor Vehicle User's Charge, popularly known as the road users' tax, as provided for in Republic Act 8794.

This, after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) authorized Governor Amado Espino III to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the implementation of the Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) in the province.

The resolution was approved by the SP during its regular session today (Monday) in Lingayen.

The SLRF is provided for under Republic Act 8794 or the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) Law.

The MOA is necessary to cause the implementation of two provincial road projects specifically the rehabilitation/upgrading of the Asingan-San Manuel-Agno Gorge located in the towns of Asingan and San Manuel; and the rehabilitation/improvement of Urbiztondo-Basista Road in Urbiztondo town.

The resolution authored by First District Board Member Napoleon Fontelera, Jr. partly states: "RA 8794 provides under Section 1 that it is the policy of the State to provide for and ensure the adequate maintenance of national and provincial roads through sufficient funding for the purpose."

Section 7 of the Republic Act provides that all monies collected shall be earmarked solely and used exclusively for road maintenance and improvement of road drainage, for the installation of adequate and efficient traffic lights and road drainage, for the installation of adequate traffic lights and road safety devices, and for air pollution control.

It also provides that 5 percent of all the monies collected under the Act shall be deposited under the SLRF which shall be apportioned to provincial and city governments in accordance with the vehicle population and size of road network under their respective jurisdiction, and which fund shall be under DPWH in close coordination with the DILG for the transfer of funds to local government units.

The Provincial Engineering Office said the Asingan-San Manuel project will have a share of over PHP9.9 million while the Urbiztondo project will get PHP8.7 million. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 KAWIT, Cavite -- Seven high school students and their mentor from Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National High School (ETTMNHS) are among the top winners in campus journalism awards during the Schools Division Regional Press Conference in Calaca, Batangas from Nov. 13-15.

The Calabarzon regional high school competition on campus journalism has drawn some 1,475 public and private secondary school contenders and 1,200 school paper advisers in the region comprising the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Town Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo congratulated the winners who participated annually in bringing home the bacon and pride for Kawitenos.

The school's triumph helped retain Cavite Province's top spot in campus journalism, besting all other provinces in the region for 12 straight years.

Carlos Jimwell Aquino emerged as Champion in the Best Group category for the Collaborative Publishing in Filipino, with Gerry Boy Valladares and Annie Jane Jaminal.

Aquino also took the top spot in Feature Page Category, while Valladares landed 2nd  and Jaminal 3rd in in the Newsletter Photography and News Page categories, respectively.

The three students will compete in the national level competition slated on February 20-25, 2018 in Dumaguete City.

The school team, with Ernest Reyes and Archie Villaflores, also clinched 2nd place in the collaborative publishing in English.

Reyes also topped in the Best Layout for Silang Sentry school paper and 4th place in Newsletter Photography; while Villaflores landed 4th in the Editorial Page category.

Other winners include Jhonloyd Mamaril, as champion in Best Group TV Broadcasting in Filipino, 2nd place as news presenter, 4th place in news anchoring and placed 4th anew in set design; while Lairah Nadine De Guzman landed 6th in the Editorial Cartooning-Filipino.

School adviser Earvin Sakilayan also emerged champion in the teacher category in the Best Group in collaborative publishing and also champion in layout design. He and Erlinda Perez as the school adviser in Filipino also received the commendation from the Kawit town officials.

ETTMNHS has consistently bagged the Overall Best School Paper of the Year in Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) and 3rd Place in Science Investigatory Project (SIP) from 2012 to 2013.

"Lightseekers," the school's official paper, placed 5th Place and capped the high school's feat in this year's school divisions press tilt as "Best Performing School" in Campus Journalism. (PNA)

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NOVEMBER 2017 DUMAGUETE CITY -- The president of the internationally-renowned Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (NOCCI) on Monday said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the province needs more staff to provide better service.

NOCCI president Edward Du explained that right now, the FDA only has one staff assigned here and this slows down the processes, such as the acquisition of the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).

The CPR is a requirement for bigger stores before a particular product could be displayed for sale on the shelves, Du explained.

According to him, it takes "forever" to obtain the FDA-CPR because this has to be processed elsewhere.

And this is not good for the local entrepreneurs who are edged out by the bigger businesses, Du stressed.

One example that Du cited is the Sukang Tisoy brand of businessman Danilo Cabahug. The brand has not acquired up to now an FDA-CPR, such that the grocery store of a shopping mall here ordered the bottles of spicy vinegar taken down from the shelves.

"That's why Philippine food products cannot succeed (because) all are colorum. No FDA-CPR," Du pointed out.

If the Philippines has to be at par or at least competitive with the neighboring countries in South East Asia, or even beyond, government agencies should also do their share in improving their services, the NOCCI executive pointed out.

The FDA has to cater to the needs of the MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and yet it's the other way around, Du said.

"NOCCI has been fighting FDA since 2010 but up to now, "deadma" (indifferent)," Du added.

Du is hoping that with the recent Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in the Philippines, all concerns would now be given attention.

The NOCCI has been cited as the 2nd Best Chamber in the World, among other awards it has received. (PNA)

 



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NOVEMBER 2017 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Four youths were killed and four others were hurt when the speeding Honda Civic they were riding crashed into an electric post before overturning and ramming a concrete fence along the highway in Barangay Matalava East here at past 12:00 midnight on Nov. 17 (Friday).

A report quoting P/Supt. Fidel Junio, chief of police, identified two of the fatalities as Michael Angelo Manaoat, driver of the vehicle, and Kevin De Guzman. The two others have yet to be named.

P/Chief Inspector Wilmer Pagaduan, deputy police chief, said they extricated eight persons from the crash site.

The victims, all in their 20s, were rushed by a responding Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council team to the Lingayen District Hospital where the four were declared dead on arrival.

Rushed to the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC)  in Dagupan City where they are still confined were Ariel Diaz, Darwin Balo-Balo and two still unidentified victims, all of Sitio Socony, Barangay Salasa in Bugallon, Pangasinan.

Pagaduan said the victims may be going home to Bugallon from Dagupan City, where they had a drinking spree after attending a baptismal party in Bugallon.

A receipt on their charges issued by Music Machine on Perez Boulevard in Dagupan City was found inside the ill-fated Honda Civic.

The accident happened when the victims were returning home to Bugallon, with their vehicle running at a fast clip as indicated in the speed meter, Pagaduan said.

It was learned that the Honda Civic first hit a concrete post on the right side of the road before it overturned to the left side, hitting a concrete fence. (PNA).



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NOVEMBER 2017 CEBU CITY -- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez welcomed and thanked the 50,000 officials who took their oath as new members of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Friday, saying their affiliation will surely shore up support for President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration's programs.

"I thank you all for showing your support to our beloved President by joining the PDP-Laban, most especially now that the real battle of the President is just beginning," Alvarez told the new party members in the Cebuano vernacular during the mass oath-taking at the Plaza Independencia here.

Alvarez said that although the President has accomplished so many things in his one-year-and-a-half in office, a lot of things have yet to be achieved and Duterte needs "our all-out support" to improve the lives of the marginalized and to fast-track the delivery of basic services to the people.

According to Alvarez, foremost in the change agenda of the President is poverty alleviation.

"In our system of government, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. And that is what the President wanted to change. This is also why you're joining the party is very essential as you would help the President in effecting this change the soonest time possible," Alvarez told the new PDP-Laban members.

"We need to be united in order to implement change in our country. We should not be afraid to change the system of government in the Philippines," Alvarez added.

Alvarez also assured that President Duterte would not step down until everything in his agenda is not fully accomplished.

Meanwhile, a shortage of buses was observed at the Cebu South Bus Terminal late Friday afternoon as buses were hired to transport PDP-Laban supporters from other towns attending the mass oath-taking at the Plaza Independencia. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- For about 45 minutes on Friday, Senator Joel Villanueva played teacher and taught lessons in Social Studies to Grade 4 students at the City of Malolos Integrated School in Barangay Atlag here.

Villanueva was the special guest mentor of the Teach for the Philippines, a non-government organization that aims to provide Filipino children with access to relevant and excellent quality education.

The senator taught the pupils on topics such as "Ang Mga Namumuno sa Bansa" and explained the different roles of leaders in the country.

"Our children are not only the hope of our country, they are the future of the Philippines and it is a great privilege to teach the future leaders of our Republic," Villanueva said.

"Education is now given top priority by the government," he noted.

"The emergence of artificial intelligence and robots could spell doom in the future if we will not cultivate quality teachings to our children. Papalitan tayo ng mga robot (We will be replaced by robots). We must also not let our human resources be downgraded. Look at our professionals—doctors working as nurses, nurses working as care givers. This should not be so," the senator from Bulacan province said.

"Wherever place we want to bring our country, we should improve the system of education in our country. Education is the most important aspect of governance," he stressed.

He thanked organizers of the teach-in program, saying "Teach for the Philippines, leave your mark." 

Villanueva said he decided to join the group's activity under its "Teach for the Philippines Week" not only to have an actual teaching experience but also to show his respect and support to all Filipino teachers who work hard to educate the children.

"Teaching may be a thankless job, but its impact is both immediate and far-reaching. I believe that the greatest and noblest act of self-sacrifice that anyone can take on is becoming a teacher," he said.

According to the senator, education is the hope of the nation that could lead it to progress.

Angel Ramos, PR and Communication manager of Teach for the Philippines, said the group enlists some of the country's most promising young leaders to teach for two years in public schools throughout the Philippines.

She said that to date, there are 95 "Teacher Fellows" in 39 schools in 17 local governments across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, who, together with their school communities, are working towards the goal of education equity.

The organization has been running the program for the past four years and among the guest teachers have been Senators Bam Aquino and Sonny Angara, National Book Development Board Chairperson Neri Sta. Romana-Cruz, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and TV talk show host Boy Abunda. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- For about 45 minutes on Friday, Senator Joel Villanueva played teacher and taught lessons in Social Studies to Grade 4 students at the City of Malolos Integrated School in Barangay Atlag here.

Villanueva was the special guest mentor of the Teach for the Philippines, a non-government organization that aims to provide Filipino children with access to relevant and excellent quality education.

The senator taught the pupils on topics such as "Ang Mga Namumuno sa Bansa" and explained the different roles of leaders in the country.

"Our children are not only the hope of our country, they are the future of the Philippines and it is a great privilege to teach the future leaders of our Republic," Villanueva said.

"Education is now given top priority by the government," he noted.

"The emergence of artificial intelligence and robots could spell doom in the future if we will not cultivate quality teachings to our children. Papalitan tayo ng mga robot (We will be replaced by robots). We must also not let our human resources be downgraded. Look at our professionals—doctors working as nurses, nurses working as care givers. This should not be so," the senator from Bulacan province said.

"Wherever place we want to bring our country, we should improve the system of education in our country. Education is the most important aspect of governance," he stressed.

He thanked organizers of the teach-in program, saying "Teach for the Philippines, leave your mark." 

Villanueva said he decided to join the group's activity under its "Teach for the Philippines Week" not only to have an actual teaching experience but also to show his respect and support to all Filipino teachers who work hard to educate the children.

"Teaching may be a thankless job, but its impact is both immediate and far-reaching. I believe that the greatest and noblest act of self-sacrifice that anyone can take on is becoming a teacher," he said.

According to the senator, education is the hope of the nation that could lead it to progress.

Angel Ramos, PR and Communication manager of Teach for the Philippines, said the group enlists some of the country's most promising young leaders to teach for two years in public schools throughout the Philippines.

She said that to date, there are 95 "Teacher Fellows" in 39 schools in 17 local governments across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, who, together with their school communities, are working towards the goal of education equity.

The organization has been running the program for the past four years and among the guest teachers have been Senators Bam Aquino and Sonny Angara, National Book Development Board Chairperson Neri Sta. Romana-Cruz, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and TV talk show host Boy Abunda. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 DUMAGUETE CITY – Two hundred youngsters here will converge on Saturday for the Children's Congress that will tackle issues and concerns about illegal drugs and drug abuse.

The participants, aged 13 to 17, will attend lectures and briefings and participate in some games incorporated in the one-day activity to be held at the residence of Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, said Carola Alquero, City Social Welfare Officer, on Friday.

There will be five participants each from the city's 30 barangays, plus those coming from the Youth Home and the Casa Esperanza Crisis Center, Alquero added.

Bannering the theme "Bata Iligtas sa Droga", the Children's Congress will include a talk on "Moral Values Formation" by Peter Macabinguil of the Parish Youth Council of the Diocese of Dumaguete; lectures on "Statistics on Drugs in Dumaguete City" by SPO3 Rolando Gonzaga of the Dumaguete City Police; "Laws on Drugs" by Prosecutor Lalaine Cimafranca; and "Ill-effects of Illegal Drugs" by Dr. Ma. Sarah Talla, the City Health Officer.

A "Mayor's Hour" is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12 noon prior to lunch and games.

This is the first time for the Local Council for the Protection of Children to initiate a Children's Congress in celebration of Children's Month this November.

Another Children's Congress was held earlier for Day Care children, workers and parents, sponsored by the Federation of Day Care Workers and Parents, Alquero said. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 DUMAGUETE CITY – Cebu City sprung a surprise at the last minute and beat host Dumaguete City to emerge as the overall champion in the just concluded 2017 Batang Pinoy-Visayas Qualifying Leg held here this week.

Dumaguete City was leading late Wednesday in the medal standings but was surpassed on Thursday by Cebu City with 46 gold medals, 59 silver medals, and 69 bronze medals and was eventually proclaimed the over-all champion.

Host Dumaguete came in second with 41 gold, 29 silver and 44 bronze medals, followed by Cebu province with 39 gold, 37 silver, and 44 bronze; Bacolod City, 36 gold, 26 silver, and 29 bronze; and Mandaue City with 29 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals.

The final medal tally also showed the other delegations that got gold medals were Iloilo City with 31; Lapu-lapu City, 23; Aklan and Leyte province, each with 19 gold medals; and Bohol province and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental with 10 gold medals each.

The rest of the delegations garnered less than 10 gold medals each.

The 2017 Batang Pinoy-Visayas Qualifying Leg was held Nov. 10 to 16 in this capital city of Negros Oriental province.

It was a close fight among the Dumaguete City, Cebu City and Cebu province with the three of them taking the lead at one point throughout the six-day staging.

An estimated 3,000 delegates comprising athletes aged 15 and below, coaches and tournament officials converged in Dumaguete City for the Batang Pinoy-Visayas qualifiers with the winners being given the right to represent the region in the Batang Pinoy National Games.

Among the 18 events during the Batang Pinoy-Visayas regional qualifiers were basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, badminton, arnis, chess, sepak takraw, swimming, archery, and karatedo.

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo congratulated Team Dumaguete as well as all the other delegates for their sportsmanship and best efforts in the games.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) attended the closing ceremony of the 2017 Batang Pinoy regional qualifiers on Thursday. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 NAGA CITY -- Some 200 farmers, members of cooperatives, micro and small business entrepreneurs as well as aspiring traders attended the launching of the "Kapatid Agri Mentor Me" activity program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade Industry (DTI) held recently, a DA top official said Friday.

The program aims to help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bicol region.

DA-Bicol Regional Executive Director Dr. Elena B. de los Santos said in her message during the launch, she urged farmers not to be contented with their role as producers but to aspire to be entrepreneurs.

With their diligence, creativity, and innovativeness plus the help of their "big brothers", small farmers can manage and make the most of their resources and abilities and transform them into viable enterprises through coaching and mentoring approach where big and successful enterprise and corporations teach the MSMEs on different aspects of business operations, delos Santos said.

Jose Alvaro Severino Nito and Victor Madlangbayan of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship served as resource persons during the program.

Nito said that agriculture is a game changer and the Agri Mentor Me Program would equip agri-entrepreneurs with proper production techniques, practical knowledge and strategies to help them expand their business.

He added that the program will provide consultation services, develop agri-entrepreneurs as future mentors and ultimately nurture a community of dynamic, competitive and sustainable agri-entrepreneurs.

The program adopts the "kapatid" or "big brother helping small brother "approach where a practitioner mentor with extensive knowledge of the agribusiness industry, through coaching and mentoring, provides customized, non-generic and practical recommendations to new or aspiring SMEs.

Madlangbayan, on the other hand, talked about Entrepreneurial Mind-setting, Values Formation and Value Chain Analysis and Marketing. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- A total of 753 hectares of rice lands in seven towns of eastern Pangasinan have been affected by the tiny pest called Rice Black Bug (RBB).

This was bared Friday by Dalisay Moya, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in Pangasinan.

She said the pest  already wreaked havoc on rice farms in Manaoag, Urdaneta, Villasis, Asingan, Tayug, San Manuel and Rosales.

Moya told the farmers not  to panic, adding that they have found an effective means to combat the infestation through the use of a biological pest control  agent called Metarhizium, a green fungus.

At the sideline of the ongoing Climate Change Seminar in Alaminos  City sponsored by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists (PAJ), Inc.  Moya confirmed that Metarhizium is more effective  than pesticide.

She said she already ordered plant technicians from her office to convene pest surveillance officers in all the affected towns to teach them how to prepare and apply Metarhizium in their farms.

She said the fungus is found effective in checking the growth of population of RBBs and prevent their migration to other fields.

Moya is also planning to set up night traps in strategic areas of rice fields for RBBs which come out from hiding when there is full moon.

The insect stays on the rice fields and in roots of rice plants and sip their juices till their stems and leaves turn brownish and die.

Since the female RBBs easily multiply, Moya called on farmers to immediately plow their fields after their rice harvest to destroy the eggs of the insect. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 ILOILO CITY – A total of 58 athletes and two coaches taking part in the 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet in Lambunao, Iloilo were rushed to the hospital Thursday night due to suspected food poisoning.

Lambunao Mayor Jason Gonzalez confirmed in an interview that four of these students who were taken to Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District on Thursday night were confined overnight but were already discharged from the hospital Friday morning.

The mayor said the victims, from the Janiuay town contingent, experienced stomachache after dinner at Lambunao National High School on Thursday. The athletes billeted at the school.  

He said that the fish fillet served in a buffet is suspected to be the culprit.

Representatives from the regional office of the Department of Health and the emergency response team of the Provincial Health Office visited the area Friday morning to conduct investigation.

Gonzales said they are supposed to bring samples of the frozen food which the victims ate to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). However, the department is only available to do the test from Monday to Wednesday.

He said that the team has decided to go back on Monday to get samples of frozen food and forward it to DOST.

The Regional Health Unit of the town also forwarded samples of water served to the athletes to the laboratory in Central Philippine University in this city for testing.

The 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet, which started November 15 was joined by athletes from the towns of Badiangan, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Janiuay, Lambunao, Mina, Maasin and Pototan.

The sports meet is to end this Saturday. (PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2017 SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- There are now fewer Antiquenos who go to Negros Occidental to work as sacadas or sugar migrants, said an official of the Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development in a phone interview on Thursday.

"Negros Occidental Gov. (Alfredo) Maranon even said that there was a delay in their harvest because of the lack of sacadas now," said Lazaro G. Petinglay, who went with the team of Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao for the yearly "Bisita Sacada" or visit to the Antiqueno sugar migrants in Negros Occidental.

The team who ended their three-day visit on Thursday estimated that only a little more than 400 sacadas met them out of the more than 1,000 based on Antique-labor department's records.

He said that there is really a big improvement on the situation of the sacadas because of the appeal and campaign to the sugarland owners and contractors to provide them with a more decent living quarters and safe drinking water.

"We really noticed a big improvement such as there is now electricity and potable drinking water in the quarters," he said.

The Bisita Sacada was started by the governor two years ago when she learned the miserable plight of the Antiquenos, who because of poverty and lack of employment in the province, ventured to go to Negros Occidental to work in the sugar plantations.

Petinglay said in their visits in the eight haciendas, they were able to see also fewer Antiqueno children, who they later found out were just on vacation and not really working as child laborers.

Gov. Cadiao last Tuesday before embarking to the haciendas paid a courtesy call to Negroc Occidental Gov. Maranon, Jr. who also told her to prepare the sacadas as in two to three years' time they would really be needing less human labor due to mechanization.

"Gov. Cadiao in this aspect is also now laying plans on how to provide alternative livelihood for the sacadas such as helping them start their own sari sari stores," Petinglay said.

During the visit, Cadiao's team also distributed food packs and medicines to the sacadas. 

They were also oriented on labor laws for their welfare and protection by the personnel of the Antique-labor department who went with the team.

The Antique Provincial Health Office medical personnel also conducted consultations.

"The governor urged the sacadas to help themselves break the cycle of poverty so that their later generations will no longer have to undergo similar hardships," Petinglay added. (AJP/PNA)



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NOVEMBER 2018 BAGUIO CITY -- Discounted goodies with 10 percent to 50 percent off their prices are up for grabs at the three-day "Sari-Sari Bonanza Diskwento Caravan" at the Baguio Convention Center starting November 17.

Rice, grocery items, basic commodities, Noche Buena products, household and gift items, and other dry goods, including locally produced items, can be purchased at discounted prices until Sunday in the joint Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized event supported by the 70-year-old local Tiongsan Supermarket and its suppliers.

DTI-Benguet Consumer Protection Division officer in charge Richard Limpin III, in a media briefing, said the activity, now on its seventh year, is being undertaken in partnership with the city government through the local price coordinating council committee, distributors, suppliers, and seven-time caravan partner —Tiongsan.

Limpin urged buyers to check out the bundled packs at best value which are guaranteed fresh but cheap. 

He said aside from discounted products, the seventh year of the Diskwento Caravan will be showcasing the Cordillera culture through performances that will provide entertainment to the buyers. There will also be contests, raffles and other activities to entertain the shoppers.

He said the Diskwento Caravan had been institutionalized as a relevant activity during the month of October or November.

Shoppers from as far as Sagada in Mountain Province come to the yearly event.

Meanwhile, Limpin said the DTI central office had been assured by manufacturers of Noche Buena products that there will be no price increase until the holidays are over.

For his part, Jasper Golangco, Tiongsan's vice president, said the prices and surprises will be similar to the sari-sari store bonanza done in the past six years.

"It's been a good partnership with DTI and the suppliers. Whatever has been good in the past diskwento caravans, we are not reinventing the wheel, we are giving consumers what they want – bundling items at discounted prices across the board," he said.

Based on past experiences, the items that recorded the biggest sales remain to be the basic commodities, including rice.

Golangco said the Diskwento Caravan is their pre-Christmas treat and help for Baguio residents and those who come to visit by providing quality items at low prices.

He said the success of the six previous Diskwento Caravans in the city had inspired their company and their partners to continue holding the event. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will carry out a new program to help the government identify Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) in the country through computers.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol shared this with mayors in Western Visayas during the distribution of PHP75.1 million worth of farm equipment at the Western Visayas Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) in Hamungaya, Jaro District here Friday afternoon.

"We have to come up with a computer-generated map. We really have to modernize everything. Unless we do that, we will be groping in the dark," he said.

The map will show FMRs that are completed, those that are being constructed, or those that have yet to be built.

The program for computerized map, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will be done in coordination with other government agencies.

During the meeting, Piñol assured mayors that FMRs all over the country will be completed before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term.

Piñol visited Iloilo for the sixth time to deliver his commitments to farmers' groups in this part of the country.
Aside from the farm machinery, he also distributed hybrid and certified seeds, fertilizers and loan assistance to farmers of Miagao, Iloilo, who are growing onion and garlic, and of Hamtic, Antique.

In his message, he underscored that DA extends three kinds of assistance to farmers -- technology, financing and marketing. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Western Visayas (BFAR-6) turned over some PHP2 million worth of fiberglass boats and patrol boats to selected fisher folks and local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo province Friday afternoon.

Remia Aparri, Regional Director of BFAR-6, said that the distribution was part of the "FB (Fishing Boat) Pagbabago" Fisheries Livelihood Development Program, a pet project of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

A total of 20 units of 20-footer fiberglass boats with complete accessories, committed by Piñol when he visited Iloilo last month, were released to fisher folks from the town of Dumangas.

Five units of 30-footer fiberglass boats with complete accessories were also turned over to tuna fishers from the municipality of Miagao.

Aparri said they have been extending similar assistance to Western Visayas as their way of helping marginal fisher folks.

The local government units of San Joaquin, Guimbal, Oton, Ajuy and Carles also received a 30-footer patrol/monitoring boat.

The patrol boats were funded by the office of Senator Loren Legarda but were facilitated by BFAR-6 for all coastal municipalities in Western Visayas, Aparri said.

Meanwhile, BFAR on Friday also organized the national shrimp congress in partnership with the PhilShrimp and Negros Prawn Cooperative. The gathering, held in Bacolod City, drew growers, technical personnel, exhibitors, suppliers of aqua-culture and fishery equipment, feeds and other materials related to shrimp culture.

Aparri said Western Visayas is number one in terms of shrimp contribution to the national production. Negros Occidental in Western Visayas belongs to the top three highest growers of "vannamei" shrimps in the country.

Fishery products, especially vannamei and black tiger shrimps, are in demand abroad. What is lacking is just the production, she said.

The congress would serve as a venue to address the concern and cope with the demand for shrimps, Aparri said,
adding that the event revisited the shrimp roadmap and discussed ways to identify gaps leading to increased production. (PNA)



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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao –- To prevent a repeat of a Marawi City-like siege, the military in Maguindanao and North Cotabato is hunting down foreign terrorists sighted with local armed men in the mountainous borders of the two provinces and the marshland of Maguindanao.

But Colonel Gerry Besana, chief of the 6th Infantry Division-Civil Military Operations (CMO), maintained that civilians and non-combatants are spared in surgical operations against ISIS-inspired groups in Carmen and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato and Datu Unsay and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

"They hide in caves in mountain areas in the boundary of Aleosan and Carmen towns," Besana said of the group of Esmael Abulmalik alias Abu Torayfe, who according to Army intelligence agents, have been harboring at least 10 foreign-looking men.

"They escaped from the SPMS box in Maguindanao due to massive military operations there," Besana said of Torayfe's group.

"SMPS box" is the military term for the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan) and Datu Salibo, the marshland-bailiwick of BIFF.

According to Besana every day since Tuesday, the AFP using helicopter gunships, has been pounding rockets towards the village of Tonganon in Aleosan where Torayfe's men sought shelter.

Civilians and village officials alerted the military about the presence of heavily armed men who are alien to them, Besana added.

Separate air strikes were also carried out at the borders of Datu Unsay and in Shariff Aguak, both in Maguindanao against another faction of the BIFF, the one led by Commander Bongus.

The Army said at least seven BIFF were killed in the operations in Shariff Aguak, citing civilian accounts.

Besana said the twin operations have been coordinated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which provided the military with intelligence information on the terrorists' location as provided for in the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement.

In a separate interview, Besana said the preemptive and surgical operations were meant to prevent terrorists from launching Marawi City-like siege in mainland Mindanao.

Close to 5,000 individuals have been displaced by separate military offensives in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, disaster officials said.

Immediate needs of the affected families have been attended to by government relief agencies. (PNA)



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MALABANG, Lanao del Sur -- Military authorities arrested Friday one of the inmates of Marawi City jail freed by Maute terrorists as they lay siege the city on May 23.

Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion based, identified the recaptured fugitive as Arno Bationg, 40.

He was arrested by Army troops and local police in Barangay Tubok, Malabang town.

Bationg is now undergoing investigation for his alleged involvement in the five-month hostilities.

Col. Gerry Besana, chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division Civil Military Operation, said Ationg is believed to have joined the ISIS-inspired group after he and about 100 other inmates were set free by the terrorists.

Maute and Abu Sayyaf gunmen stormed the facility on May 23, disarmed jail guards and allowed inmates to escape, some were convinced to join the terrorist group.

"Bationg could be one of them," Besana said, adding that he has bullet scars on his right leg.

Army intelligence operatives said Bationg fled from Marawi after he was injured in government operations. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Policemen swooped down on the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol compound on Velez St. here and arrested a Provincial Engineering Office employee with an arrest warrant.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Station 2 commander, Chief Insp. Harvey Abellanosa, identified the employee as one Engr. Ernie Obsioma, who is facing a malversation case before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39 under under Case No. 2017-2073.

The arrest, based on a warrant issued by the court, was implemented at 5 p.m. last Friday when provincial capitol employees were about to go to their flag retreat rite for the week.

According to court documents, Obsioma was facing a count of malversation or violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Named complainant was former provincial administrator Edmundo Pacamalan. The court set the bail bond at P30,000.

Several months back, a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) employee was also arrested for drug possession. (PNA/Mark D. Francisco)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Contractual and job order personnel of the city government will now be covered by the Social Security System (SSS).

This after the City Council passed an ordinance providing for the compulsory enrollment of all non-regular staff for SSS coverage, and granting Mayor Oscar Moreno the authority to enter into an agreement with the SSS under the agency's Expanded Self-Employed Program Coverage.

Currently, only regular workers of City Hall are covered with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension and related benefits.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the Committee on Laws and Rules that recommended the passage of the ordinance, said non-regular personnel will be entitled to benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral and salary loan.

Those who will be covered will have their monthly contributions deducted and remitted to SSS, Councilor Nacaya said. An on-site registration for all qualified City Hall personnel will be conducted after Moreno and the SSS management sign the memorandum of agreement.

The SSS coverage of non-regular government personnel has been mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as early as 2014.

Memorandum Circular 2014-83 issued by then Secretary Mar Roxas ordering all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay chairs to ensure that all their non-GSIS remitting workers be enrolled for SSS coverage. (PNA/Mark D. Fancisco)



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BUTUAN CITY — Government security forces have intensified operations against the New People's Army (NPA) following several attacks and harassments in different parts of Caraga Region.

NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), launched successive operations against civilians and government target in the region this week, beginning with Monday's kidnapping of two policemen in Placer town, Surigao del Norte.

NPA members then torched two civilian trucks and harassed two military detachments and a Philippine National Police patrol bas in separate locations in in Agusan del Norte on Tuesday morning. No one was hurt in these incidents, police said.

"These atrocities only show that the rebels are not for peace and development as they put the people's lives and livelihood at risk, contrary to their propaganda," said Chief Supt. Rolando B. Felix, PNP-Caraga director.

Backed by military units in the region, Felix said PNP units have been ordered to "maximize security and proactive measures" to respond to any hostilities.

"These NPA atrocities usually happen in November and December, with the upcoming anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26. However, we assure the people that we have intensified our operations together with the AFP to keep the region safe and secured and that everything is under control," Felix said.

"Meanwhile, we call on all Caraganons to help the government security forces help provide the necessary information on their (NPA) presence and activities to the nearest police or military units," Felix said. (PNA/Noel B. Najarro)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government has completed the construction of the PhP5.1 million barangay hall in Limpapa, this city's last village that borders the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar unveiled the project on Friday that coincided with the conduct of the "Dia del Alcalde (Mayor's Day)," a free service caravan.

The caravan included the conduct of medical and dental outreach mission.

The construction of the two-storey barangay hall with 323.26 square meter area was undertaken by a private contractor under the supervision of the City Engineer's Office.

Along with the barangay hall, also included in the project were the construction of the cistern tank and elevated water tank structure.

Salazar urged barangay officials of Limpapa, headed by Antonio Lacaser, to likewise continue supporting the local government's priority thrust on security, health and education.

Salazar said the construction of the project is in line with the city government's continuing support to the barangays. (PNA)



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LOS BAŇOS, Laguna -- Millennial inventors, innovators and future scientists were among the awardees in the regional Science and Technology (S&T) "Filipinovation" competition hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Calabarzon regional office here.

DOST-Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Alexander Madrigal has encouraged inventors, innovators, senior high schools, colleges, S & T organizations and institutions in the region to continuously innovate and to start creating own name to influence and contribute S&T development to the local scene.

The S&T regional agency bared on Friday the list of winners of the 2017 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (2017 RICE) themed "Science for the People: Fostering Invention for an Innovative Nation" they staged last month at Robinsons Place, Dasmariñas City.

The S&T event is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's 0 + 10 socio-economic agenda "to promote science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining inclusive development."

Among the regional top three winners for Outstanding Student Creative Research for College or the "Sibol" Award are the champion -- "MCU-Based Automatic Anti-Drunk Driving Device for Motorcycle" of coeds Jerome Arenas and Jeanie Matibag of Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)-Batangas;

1st Runner Up -- "Three-Pass Enhanced Solar Desalinator with Parabolic-Through Concentrator" of Romart Paulus Gerona, EdnalynPedrosa, Nimrod Kelvin Placino and Milo Placino of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU); 2nd Runner Up -- "Wheezing Inhalator" of Jan Neil Olfato, John Cyrus Pedraja and Maria Monica Angelica Garcia of First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities.

For the Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School ("Sibol" Award), the regional winners include "Development of Low Cost Subcutaneous Vein Detector for IV Fluid Insertion (Veinuino)" of Kristianne Otiong, John Michael Pacis and John Cairu Ramirez of Rizal National Science High School;
1st Runner Up -- "Sound Energy Harvesting and Converting Device" of James Loius de Luna, Butch Malicsi, Ma. Angelica Claire Florida, Melvin Boco and Salvador de Guzman of Tagaytay City Science National High School; 2nd Runner Up -- "Locate Alert Bot of Patricia dela Peña and Claude Simon Naco of Colegio de San Juan de Letran -- Calamba.

Outstanding Utility Model: 1st Runner Up: A Movement Aiding Assembly for Orthopedic Patient of Alfredo Gonzales and Marcelo Gonzales; and 2nd Runner Up: Multi-Commodity Heat Pump Dryer of Lorcelie B. Taclan.

The Outstanding Creative Research ("Likha" Award) regional winners are "Development and Utilization of Actinomycetes as Biocontrol Agents Against Panama Wilt Causing-Fusariumoxysporum TR4 in Cavendish Banana (ACTICon)" of Irene Papa and Teofila Zulaybar; 1st Runner Up -- "Classified Calcium" of Lyle Christian Herbosa;
2nd Runner Up -- "Ultra High Temperature/High Temperature Short Time Pasteurizer for Milk, Coconut Water and other Juices" of Allan De Villa, Erma Quinay, Shirley Cabrera, Donnalyn Cabaces, Maria Lourdes Balansay, Servillano Gardiano, Divina Gracia Ronquillo, Nora Magnaye, and Mary Rose Persincula.

Eleven regional winners received their certificates and cash prizes and will represent the Calabarzon region in the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) next year.

The winners emerged following meticulous criteria-based selection, deliberation, interviews, presentations and demonstrations of the contenders' inventions by the panel of jurors composed of Dr. Freddie Bulauan, Engr. Rogelio Reyes and Dr. Jose Tomas Cabagay.

RICE is a biennial celebration of the DOST as the country's premier S&T institution through its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the DOST Regional Offices.

It provides an outlet for local inventors to feature their works and to recognize the indispensability of Filipino inventors in the Philippine society and in the landscape of national economic development.

The competition also aims to encourage the country's local inventors and the corresponding government assistance provided for these S&T special sectors. (PNA)

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BALANGA City, Bataan -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday announced the presence of red tide toxins in the coastal waters of nine towns in Bataan after laboratory tests found shellfish samples positive of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

"The BFAR prohibits the eating, gathering, transporting and marketing of shellfish from the towns of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles due to high toxicity level in 'tahong' (mussel) meat per lab test," senior provincial agriculturist Danilo Abrera said.

Abrera said 'tahong' samples collected in the area showed 1,200 unit grams Saxotoxin per 100 grams of shellfish meat, which is beyond the regulatory limit of 60 ugSTXeq/100 grams.

"Our advice to our provincemates is to refrain from eating 'tahong' and not to gather for the meantime," he said.

Abrera, however, said fish, crabs and shrimps are safe to eat as these are not affected by red tide.

"But fish should be cleaned thoroughly and it is better to remove the gills and other internal organs," he said.

Abrera said that according to records, Bataan was last affected by red tide in October 2014. The warning was lifted Feb. 21, 2015. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The city government has started its 13 road concreting projects estimated to cost more than PHP75.46 million in eight urban barangays here.

City information officer Richard Ligad on Friday said the projects, which started this month, are part of Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron's efforts to ensure infrastructure development in the city.

"Concrete roads are durable and safe for the riding public, and they are less prone to wear and tear defects. This is for the people of Puerto Princesa, who want to get to their workplaces and homes safe, without the inconvenience of muddy, rough and rugged roads," he said.

Ligad said Bayron went around the road concreting projects on November 10 in barangays Sta. Monica, San Jose, Tiniguiban, Kalipay, San Pedro, Maunlad, Sta. Lourdes and Iwahig to talk to residents and barangay officials to personally tell them to monitor the road concreting projects, and to immediately report to the city government any untoward activities.

The city information officer said the road concreting projects are done by the administration and not by contractors, which means heavy equipment and manpower that will be used are facilitated by the city government.

"Each centavo will go to the road concreting project, nothing will go to contractors," Ligad stressed. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Illegal drug syndicates have reportedly started to move out from Region 12 or Soccsksargen as a result of the government's continuing intensified anti-drug campaign in the area.

Gil Cesario Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12 director, said Friday they received intelligence reports that drug groups now consider the region as a "difficult market" for illegal drugs.

He said such situation has made drug supplies scarce, especially metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, that eventually raised street prices.

"Drug groups are now starting to redirect or divert their operations to other regions because of this situation," he said in a press conference.

He said such report was affirmed during their interrogation of arrested drug personalities.

Castro refused to identify the region where the drug groups and personalities were supposedly moving pending the ongoing operations.

In the last two months, PDEA-12 arrested several personalities that were tagged as operators and protectors of major drug groups in the region.

Among them is the El Patron Drug Group, which allegedly involves several local businessmen, politicians and members of terror group Ansar Al–Khalifa Philippines (AKP) based in Sarangani Province.

Last month, anti-drug operatives seized about a kilogram of suspected shabu worth around P5 million, drug paraphernalia, suspected ecstasy, laboratory equipment, assorted firearms, explosives and ammunition in a raid at the house of Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr.

The mayor was not around during the raid but later surrendered to known political ally Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao.

Lopez was tagged by PDEA-12 as alleged protector of the AKP and the El Patron Drug Group.

Earlier this week, PDEA-12 agents arrested two members of the Simbualan Drug Group based in North Cotabato and dismantled a drug den in Labayong town in Sultan Kudarat.

Despite these accomplishments, Castro acknowledged that illegal drugs continue to proliferate in parts of the region.

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

"We really can't totally eliminate it but at least we're keeping them away from Region 12 and that what we are doing. The only sad part is that the diverted supplies have been going to other areas because this is also a business," he added.(PNA)



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