MikeLigalig.com

Men who snore loudly may have a shorter life expectancy than those who sleep quietly.

In fact, say scientists, middle-aged men who have severe sleep apnoea, a common disorder characterised by snores, gasps and snorts, are twice as likely to die during any given time period.

It is unclear whether the interruptions to sleep are causing ill-health or if they are a symptom of underlying problems.

But, with millions suffering from sleep apnoea, scientists behind a large-scale study say it is important to see whether treating the condition boosts health. In Britain alone, three million have the condition.

The U.S. researchers, from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, tracked the health of 6,000 men and women aged 40-plus for eight years.

Medicals were carried out at the start of the study and sleep patterns were assessed for evidence of sleep apnoea - in which over-relaxation of the muscles in the throat can cause breathing to stop dozens of times during the night.

The restarting of breathing interrupts deep sleep and can cause the victim to wake with a jolt. They often snore loudly and are tired during the day.

Around a third of those studied were found to have some degree of sleep apnoea, with 8 per cent of men and 3 per cent of women having a severe form in which breathing stopped more than 30 times an hour.

During the course of the eight years, 1,047 participants died. Men aged 40 to 70 with severe sleep apnoea were twice as likely to have died as those without the condition, even when other factors such as weight and smoking habits were taken into account. - Daily Mail

A teacher is pregnant with a record-breaking 12 babies, it has been claimed.

The unnamed Tunisian woman, who is in her 30s, is reportedly expecting six boys and six girls.

She is said to have turned to fertility treatment after suffering two miscarriages in two years.

But British fertility experts said that although it was possible to conceive 12 babies, such a pregnancy was fraught with risk.

There was less than a one in 100 chance of even a single baby surviving, said one.

But the woman claims to be in good health.

‘All I want to do is be able to hug my babies and show them all my love,’ she told hospital workers in the town of Gafsa, about 250 miles south of the capital Tunis.

‘This is an absolute miracle, and we all feel blessed after struggling so hard to have children.’ - Daily Mail

The Vatican has accused Britain and the U.S. of complicity in the Nazi extermination of Jews.

It claims the Allies deliberately did nothing to either rescue Jews or destroy the death camps.

An article in L'Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper, says Allied governments knew the Nazis were planning to exterminate the Jews as early as 1942.

But instead of bombing the concentration camps and the railways supplying them, they reacted by first suppressing eye-witness reports and then claiming they were exaggerated.

Britain opposed offering sanctuary to Jewish refugees, said the article, which will be seen as having the support of the highest Vatican figures.

L'Osservatore Romano draws on the diaries of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, who said his country's officials 'dodged their grim responsibility, procrastinated when concrete rescue schemes were placed before them, and even suppressed information about atrocities'.

Mr Morgenthau claimed that when the U.S. began to rescue Jews the project met resistance from British officials.

The Foreign Office warned of 'the difficulties of disposing of any considerable number of Jews should they be rescued'.

Mr Morgenthau called this 'a satanic combination of British chill and diplomatic doubletalk, cold and correct and adding up to a sentence of death'.

The article will be seen as part of the Vatican's drive to restore the reputation of the wartime Pope, Pius XII. - Daily Mail

Suman Khatun, a five year-old obese Indian girl who suffers from a suspected hormonal imbalance, is so insatiably hungry she is eating herself to death, doctors fear.

I am so blessed reading this. Thanks Buwadsanga. I only know how Peter and Paul died but had no idea how the rest of Christ's disciples died.

I will read this over and over again so that I'd be able to remember so well how the pioneers of Christian faith died for Jesus.

Pornography is an $8 billion per year industry in the United States, and new research is showing that millions of women are part of its growing audience.

Monica Cintron is one of them.

"I think women are more open with their sexuality," she says. "I watch it alone. It gives you different positions and lets you be more creative with your loved one, helps keep the relationship spiced up."

She's not alone.

According to Nielsen/Net ratings, about one-in-three visitors to adult entertainment websites are female, with nearly 13 million American women checking out porn online once a month.

Sexologist Marilyn Volker says the history of adult films dates back to the 1920s.

Those films were called "smokers" and only men could watch them.

"Part of this, in women's history, is just like the right to vote. Many women are saying 'I want to be able to watch'," she claims.

Studies also show that women are watching for the creative story line and videography.

Others use it as a tool for their own relationships.

"A lot of women who've been suppressed about getting sexual information are finding that there is an educational element to a number of adult films," Volker explains.

Still, critics say porn exploits and discriminates against women and sometimes encourages violence, while the erotic models on screen present impossible body image standards.

Dr. Volker says where it could be destructive is when someone forces the other to view the video. - Source

He was getting pretty hard into the alcohol, so his family took measures to stop him from drinking.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, it happened last night around midnight at the Confederate Point home of Robert Edward Cook.

The call to 911 was reference on the police report as a "drunken dispute."

The officer got to the house to find out what was going on.

The report indicates that, "due to the drunken state of the defendant," his family hid his liquor.

After double checking to make sure that it was a 911 call that got him there, the officer arrested Cook, 58, for making a false 911 call. Source

“Education shouldn’t be about adding more to our lists of HAVE’s, DO’s , and BE’s, but rather thinking outside the lines, intentionally about the BE’s, DO’s, and HAVE’s that matter most.

The 21st century world needs learners to BE critical, BE creative, and BE strategic. The 21st century world demands learners to DO their own thinking, rather than relying on someone else to think for them. The 21st century world expects learners to HAVE the endurance, fortitude, and courage to brave through each new challenge with confidence and competence.”

from: Habitudes in the Classroom: Teaching the Habits and Attitudes Our Students Need in the 21st Century, Angela Maiers

“Try this career choice standard on for size…

Will this choice allow me to:

       - Spend the greatest amount of time
       - Absorbed in activities and relationships that fill me up
       - While surrounding myself with people I cannot get enough of, and
       - Earning enough to live comfortably in the world?”

from: F2 â€" Firefly Manifesto: Remixed
Jonathan Fields

You better verify this from the NTC (national telecommunications and communications). I think they have a sub-office beside Alturas in front of Jollibee.

Bohol earns her third accolade in a row by grabbing the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) this year, reports Governor Erico Aumentado Friday.

Bohol took the CROWN since 2006 and this year was a near sweep for Bohol, Gov. Aumenatdo commented over his weekly radio program aired live.

If not for Lapulapu City and its P28M nutrition program funds winning in the city category, Bohol could have swept it all, the governor who is enjoying his last term said.

Also winning in this year’s regional nutri-competition is Tubigon town for the second year in a row for municipal categories.

Winning too is Boholana Barangay Nutrition Scholar Pergentina Anod of Cagawasan Inabanga and Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Juliet Manliguez of the Bohol Provincial Health Office by besting other Central Visayan coordinators.   

Elated to reveal how Bohol scored in this year’s regional fete, Aumentado, who personally received the award from the National Nutrition Council in a Cebu ceremony, said the council considered local efforts to blot out hunger to part with the award.

He said the council took the Rice Accelerated Emergency Response (Racer), the backyard gardening program advanced by the Provincial Legislative Council through Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera, the supplemnetal feeding program and the montly feeding activities for poor children at CIVAC venues as indicative of the efforts to blot out hunger and pump in nutrition for the entire province.

As this came, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also issued Executive Order No. 825 creating the Local Anti-Hunger Task Force.

Bohol local officials laos hope to create, by virtue of the Presidentail directive, its own anti-hunger task force to advance its interests in immediate hunger mitigation.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President created the order with her commitment to eradicate all forms of deprivation, including that relates to hunger, by pursuing the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The latest quarterly survey on hunger conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that hunger incidence in the country declined dramatically from 23.7 percent (4.3 million families) in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 15.5 percent (2.9 million families out of 86 million Filipino population).

He said the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) implemented by the Arroyo government addresses hunger both on the aspect of supply, or the unavailability or insufficiency of food to eat, and on the aspect of demand, or the lack of money to buy food.

The AHMP is implemented by national government agencies based on the hunger-mitigation program framework, in cooperation with local government units. (PIA)

Next on the line of coordination for the local task force on the Panglao Bohol International Airport Project (PBIAP) is for the detention pond lot acquisition, reports Atty. Handel Lagunay Friday.

The detention pond, a necessary place to collect excess water run-off from the soon to rise facility is also a basic requirement in the complex to maintain sub-base integrity, says an engineer who is privy to international requirements in building airport infrastructure.

Allowing run-off water to seep just anywhere jeopardizes the structural integrity of runways and much more, the water collection pond also allows easy treatment so the water can be reused for several purposes, he explained.

As for the Presidential pilot project in Bohol, the talks about acquiring the water collection (detention) pond for the facility surfaced when the local task force came to Barangay Danao in Panglao last week, to meet land-owners for the additional acquisition program.

From the looks of it, Atty Handel Lagunay said, majority of the landowners are amenable to the plan while he admitted some needs more thorough explanation to convince them to give their lots up for sale.

Saying he doesn’t believe it would come to the touchy expropriation proceedings, Atty Lagunay also             hinted that the unified support by the local government would facilitate the government acquisition.

Lagunay bared during the weekly Governor Reports that he was elated of the turn-out after informing land-owners of the plan, despite noting that some landowners did have reservations.

This as the PBIAP project costing has coasted through the NEDA Board as the President promised it would two weeks ago.

The NEDA board was the final validating government body to see to the project before the bidding documents could be released and the normal government implementaion procedures for infrstructure projects start, sources said.

By its timetable, the PBIAP would start its civil works with the runway construction by December this year.

It may not be thoroughly completed as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ends her term in June 2010 as promised, but it would have substantial developments already by that time, Lagunay summed. (PIA)

Sustaining Bohol water sources earn a little bit of help from the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan and the country’s environment department.

Bohol officials Friday signed a memorandum of agreement with ABS-CBN and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the conservation and rehabilitation program of at least 30,000 square hectares of watersheds.

By that, they also ascertained that the partnerships forged could be the onset of brighter things for environmental intervention in this island whose residents swear on the environment protection as a way of life.

The signing held at the Loboc Children’s Palace signals the putting up of environmental remedies to the 19,000 square hectares of catchment in the Loboc watershed and some 11,000 square hectares of watershed comprised by six towns sharing the Abatan River.

Keeping the watershed for future generations and assuring its judicious use as a resources, has been a dream of communities within the watershed areas, aired a community organizer who was well into resource rehabilitation in addition to the development.

At the MOA signing were no less than ABSCBN foundation’s Gina Lopez and DENR’s Lito Atienza, who also took his adoption as honorary son of Bohol that day. Governor Erico Aumentado signed the partnership MOA for Bohol.

Both Abatan and Loboc watersheds have been eyed as possible alternative water sources for Tagbilaran City and its nearby towns. Bohol’s partnering with Bantay Kalikasan and knowing its track record with the Luzon’s La Mesa Dam has slready elated Boholanos.

Part of the development is establishing nature parks with in the watershed area, cutting out trails for trekking, camping and picnic grounds, bird watching sites and putting up reforestation programs to rehabilitate the general area, explains Atty. Tomas Abapo earlier.

We could be creating a new tourism destination in Loboc, to complement with the usual rivercruises and tarsier inter-action, a tour operator admitted given the opportunity to project for the success of the programmed partnership.

But the biggest victory shoud be for the community within the watershed areas to be taught how to care for their owned resource and using the help of other cooperative agencies to make a pitch for the good life, the tourism stakeholder shared. (PIA) 

The countrys seemingly quixotic fight against illegal drugs gets a boost here in Bohol with Capitol lending a quarter of a million-revolving fund for buy bust operations in support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

By virtue of an executive order he signed August 12, aside from putting up the seed money for the gvernment’s anti drug operations here, Governor Erico Aumentado also reaffirmed Bohols support to the President-led anti-drug operations moving all across the country along with other concerned law enforcement agencies.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has personally taken the monicker as the anti-drug czarina in the country’s decades old war aganst the proliferation of dangerours drugs, which has wasted too many young lives and muddled to many young futures.

In Bohol, through executive Order No. 16, series of 2009, the commitment to the drive also hopes to engage component local government units to take the example and come up wth their local commitments of support, says Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay during last Friday’s The Governor’s Reports.

The quarter of a million, Governor Aumentado said was sourced out from the Capitol’s intelligence funds and would be primarilly used to set up buy-bust operations to aid the often cash-trapped government anti-narcotic agencies.

The fund however, the governor explained would be subjected to the usual government audit policies.

Earlier, PDEA’s intelligence Officer Steven Valles admitted that PDEA operates on a tight fund and the replenishment is not that fast, so set up operations are hampered.

PDEA, in a specail talk last week also admitted the lack of manpower to relentlessly pursue drug offenders so the need to deputize some members of the local police force became as imperative.

The PDEA put up a deputizaton seminar last Monday to Wednesday to formally expand their force and advance the anti-drug drive to Bohol, a logical drug spills over province.

According to the Dangerous drugs Board, Central Visayas, where Bohol is located ranks as the country’s second largest user of drugs. Observers however agree that the problem is basically concentrated in Cebu. (PIA)

A P15.3 billion Official Development Assistance fund from Japan International Cooperation Agency can now be accessed by private corporations and even local government units through state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), recent reports said.

The facility, which would be used to finance logistics and improve infrastracture systems in the country forms part of the two ODA loans signed by President Gloria Mcapagal Arroyo during her June visit to Japan.

In Bohol, the facility may help local government units wanting to invest in logistic systems for perishable products and freezer facilities to facilitate and extend product shelf life before these are shipped to main markets.

DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David said the facility opened falls under the DBP’s Logistics Infrastructure Development Project (LIDP) in continuation of the bank’s sustainable Logistics Development Program (SLDP) but on a more expanded scope.

“The LIDP particularly provides long-term funding for critical infrastructure projects such as roll-on, roll-off  (roro) vessels and related facilities such as ports and ramps; toll roads; farm-to-market roads; and related maintenance equipment,” he said.

Other projects eligible under this facility are packaging, transport, and distribution facilities, projects under the bulk grains highway which facilitates efficient transport of products from Mindanao to Luzon, and projects under the cold chain highway which re-engineers the logistics system for perishables.

“This facility will improve farm-to-market efficiency and enhance movement of products and goods to the major trading areas to help boost the domestic economy,” David added.

David said the facility can be accessed by private corporations with at least 70% Filipino ownership, government-owned-and-controlled corporations, and local government units who are willing to counterpart 39% of the project cost.

The facility, he said is disbursed in seven years. (PIA)

Officers and members of Sandugo USA Family Club, a non-profit organization based in New York and New Jersey motored to the municipalities of Catigbi-and Sikatuna last Thursday to conduct civic action intended for the indigent residents of both barangays.

Catigbi-an Mayor Capt. Roberto L. Salinas, retired Philippine navy captain, welcomed the group headed by its president Luis Antonio "Bong" Dejaresco , where a short program was held at the municipal session hall. Mayor Salinas expressed his gratitude to Sandugo USA for sharing their blessings to his barangay constituents in Catigbi-an.

A brief video presentation was made on the various on-going projects and important historical sites and events in Catigbi-an.

Some 150 Catigbi-an indigents gathered at the town's public market to receive a 5-kilo bag of rice, canned goods, laundry soap and 3-in-one coffee packs donated by the organization. The recipients were carefully selected from the 22 barangays of Catigbi-an.

Also in attendance during the distribution of the goodies were Vice Mayor Necita N. Digaum, members of the sangguniang bayan, and heads of different government-lined agencies.
         

Dejaresco and the group expressed their elation over the warm and hospitable reception tendered by the town officials led by Mayor Salinas. In the same manner, Mayor Salinas thanked the group for choosing his town as the recipient of the rice distribution.

Mayor Salinas in his brief statement said that Catigbi-an has now become a "lakbay-aral mecca in terms of good governance due its investment friendly administration. He said that Catgibi-an's pride includes the livestock auction center, a new health center, 2008 Best Pamilihan in Bohol, host of the recent provincial meet and provincial jamboree and home of the Katigbawan Festival that features Carbao Pageant, the only in the entire Visayas region.

Other Catigbi-an officials who graced the rice distribution were SB members, Reynald Lacea, Virgilio Lurot, Doris Obena, Avelino Quiwag, Teofanes Angilan, Zip Lastimosa, Mariano Maglahus, Jr., and Ariel Neciforo Lungay; ABC President Teofredo Tongco; PPSK President Nick Nino Ladroma; SB Secretary Ardissa Recimmila-Estavilla; and Chief of Police P/Insp. Mauro Sumaylo.

The other officers of Sandugo uSA are: Socorro Sarabosing Parras, 1st vice president; Magdalena Villapaz Racho, 2nd vice president; Anabelle Quibir Tinampay, secretary; Magdalena Alturas Dejaresco, asst. secretary; Josephine Josol Sarabosing, treasurer; Estrellita Sepe Dante, asst. treasurer; Justiniano Parras, PRO; Lourdes Capili, asst. PRO; Edgardo Frejoles, presidential executive adviser; Nilda Razo Galang, Auditor; Malou Galang, asst. auditor; Raymundo Sarabosing, Jr., legal adviser; Alex Dacula, business manager; Isabelo Remolador, Teofilo Maghuyop, Mernito Anasco, ways and means; Cyril Tinampay and Cesar Torrefranca, sports.

The board of directors are: Boni D. Dante, immediate past president; Dean Racho, Larry Galang, Clifford Galang qand Nena Maceren Dacula.

Meanwhile, some 55 Grade 2 pupils of Sikatuna Central Elementary School received their new school bags donated by Sandugo USA.

Sikatuna Poblacion I Jose Ellorimo, Jr., led in the distribution of school bags which was held at the poblacion I barangay hall. Ellorimo was accompanied by School Principal Mrs. Lourdes A. Vale; Grade 2 A Teacher in charge Gina Anos and Grade 2 B teacher Esther Elle.

Each school bag contained a notebook, paper, art paper, bond paper, writing pad, pencil and face towel. - the Bohol Chronicle

Editorial of the Bohol Chronicle

"In a state of denial" describes a person who, fearful to death of the consequences of an act, psychologically denies to himself and others that such an officious act existed.

This appears to be the mental state of the City Mayor these days.

In the case of the scandalous P20-million new unliquidated advances, all His Immensity can crow is that such cash advances are normal for LGUs and Confidential Expenditures are answerable only to the Chairman of the Commission on Audit. Both are legally true.

But the derogatory COA Report of 2008 precisely says that there is a regulatory period for LGU offenders to liquidate both confidential and non-confidential expenses - expiry dates for both being breached by the non-timely report of City Hall on the liquidation status.

It is like Juan borrowing from Pedro but Juan does not pay Pedro on the due date of the loan thus Juan is in violation of the agreement, a transgression of the COA rules on the allowed timing of explanation/liquidation of the cash advances, in this case.

Then the City Mayor "brilliantly" isolates one phrase in the COA Report as: "The Financial Statements present fairly, and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles." - and uses it as his defense.

But isn't it precisely because the proper accounting procedures were followed by COA that it had therefore cited violations of the law by the City? Isn't it that in that same COA Report it is so stated that the unexplained figures would therefore put to question the real income and assets of the City as a whole?

Let us stop playing childish games here - the public is simply sick and tired of falsehoods and palusot as they say.

The banner story of this paper last Sunday was lifted verbatim from the COA Report: under" SUMMARY OF UNLIQUIDATED CASH ADVANCES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008."

The paranoid Mayor calls this "poisoning the minds" of people and continues his daily dose of personal attacks on his critics - like a drug addict in need of his daily dosage of uppers. It apparently gives him the high while his loyalists chorus in cheers like puppets tied to a mayoralty string.

If the City Mayor really wants transparency, we hereby publicly offer a free space in next issue of this paper where the Mayor will state the dates of the itemized full liquidation of such advances in 2008 and 2007 and duly receipted by the COA.

Wouldn't that put the issue to rest the easier way?

Meantime, the Mayor's allies continue to mock those who filed the four cases against him: environmental rape, unliquidated 2007 advances, Agora rotten deal and tax harassment saying that they "will not get to first base." The only ones who can bravely say those words are those who believe there are no legal merits in the cases or have bought the judges.

Well, last week the Ombudsman in Cebu (signed by Acting Director Samuel S Malasarte) just directed the City Mayor that since it found basis to proceed with the criminal investigation on the tax harassment cases filed by the BCRC, he should answer within (inextendable ten days from reciept) with a Counter-Affidavit.

That Ombudsman act means there is merit in our case against the City Mayor and not all judges can be bought. Is the Mayor still in a state of denial that this new reality now exists?

In a strongly -worded paragraph, the Ombudsman also said: Motion to dismiss, motion for bills of particulars and similar dilatory tactics are prohibited pleadings and will be stricken off the records of the case".

Reality bites, Mr. Mayor? - or some things are harder to sink into your brain than others?

By Ariel Fullido

A 49-year old tricycle driver won P100,000 cash in the 5th Monthly Draw of "Instant Milyonaryo, Cash Papremyo" 2009 Raffle Promo of Alturas Supermarket, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall and Alturas-Talibon, conducted last Friday, August 7, at Alturas-Talibon.

Mr. Francisco M. Escabarte of Bayacabac, Maribojoc is just an ordinary tricycle driver plying the streets of the city. With a meager average daily income of P250, he could hardly buy the basic needs for his family, and pay the tuition of his three grown-up children who are all studying in high school and college.

After a hard day's work one day, Francisco recalled that he bought some kilos of rice at Plaza Marcela at that time, and just kept the raffle coupons given to him by the cashier. No one really knows that one of the coupons bear the winning number 748694 in the said monthly draw.         

Francisco is married to a plain housewife Asteria F. Escabarte, who looks after the children Francis Alvin, 18, now taking up Information Technology course at Informatics; Julius, 17, who is studying in Mindanao; and Ryan, 15, a student of St. Vincent Institute.

The lucky winner plans to use some of the money for the education of his three children, and buy his own tricycle, so he would no longer pay a rent to his sister who owns the unit he is driving.

The ten winners of P10,000 each are Luzviminda B. Evardo, Busali-an Jao, Talibon, Bohol (504946); Rosita Rejas Daroy, Bahi-an, Loboc, Bohol (800405); Edwin Dahab, Ubujan Dist., Tagb. City (633202); Maria Thelma Ayeng, Dao Dist., Tagb. City (332179); Naomi Trigo, Espuelas Ext., Tagb. City (176932); Lourdes Rara, Peñaflor St., Tagb. City (773416); Elvira Estomata, Songculan, Dauis, Bohol (674323); Christine Bulawan, Can-ageng, Sikatuna, Bohol (689343); Peter Fernandez, Catugasan, Dampas Dist., Tagb. City (566866); and Bernadeth Legaspo, Bogtongbod, Clarin, Bohol (567522).

The "Instant Milyonaryo, Cash Papremyo" Raffle Promo is the biggest cash bonanza promo now on its third year. In the grand draw last January 4, a 59-year old storeowner, Maria G. Castrodes, of Sawang, Guindulman, Bohol, won P1 million and became an instant millionaire. Mrs. Cecilia G. Dupalco, a public school teacher from Cayam, Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol, also became an instant millionaire in the first cash bonanza promo in 2007.

By Ariel Fullido

The world's best brands are now in Bohol with the grand opening of Islands & More today, August 9, at the Upper Ground Level of Island City Mall. The blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 3 PM, followed by a fashion show and cocktails.

Islands & More offers a complete and diverse range of merchandise that caters specially to the needs of the traveler. The best brands in flip flops, sun care, disposable cameras, goggles, beachwear, phone cards, cell phone chargers, dry bags, ipods, mobile accessories, kids stuff like floaties and toys, make up the assortment of travel and beach related products that are available.

Basic toiletries, a local delicacy section, souvenirs, guide books, and a variety of snacks and drinks are also offered.         

Tourist services such as foreign exchange and internet access complete the store concept.

The idea is to make Islands & More a one-stop shop for the convenience of travelers and tourists. Some of the premium brands at the Islands & More are Crocs, Ipanema, Envirosax, Billabong, Jansport, Sanuk, Mares, Skull Candy, Sigg, Haagen Dazs, Beach Hut, Crocs, Golla, Crumpler, Sumdex, Mobile-Wonders, Illy Coffee, Haagen Daaz, Buzz Barrier, Mama Cocos, Coppertone, Banana Boat and Islands Souvenirs.

Islands & More has now five outlets in the tourist areas of Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol.

It is located at the Microtel Hotel, Celi Hotel, ATK Complex across the Shangrila Resort in Mactan, D'Mall in Boracay, and here in Bohol at the Island City Mall.

The Bohol Wisdom School officers of the newly-formed Federated Parents-Teachers-Guardians Association(FPTGA) were inducted to office last August 1, 2009 at the school's Audio Visual Hall.

Prior to this date, a separate general meeting of Parents, Teachers, and Guardians from the different departments was called for to elect the new set of officers for the Academic Year 2009-2010. These elected Presidents will then compose the Executive Committee of Parent-Teachers-Guardians Association, from the Preschool, Grade School, High School and College Departments respectively which will then elect the final officers to compose the Federated Parents-Teachers-Guardians Association of BWS.         

Finally elected officers of the BWS FPTGA are as follows: Mrs. Felicidad Tabel- President; Mrs. Nora Jumawid- Vice President(External); Mrs. Mai Ytem Morales- Vice President(Internal); Mrs. Gladys Mula, Mrs. Jennifer Diez - Secretary (High School and Grade School respectively); Mrs. Ludy Villas - Treasurer; Mr. Marius Borja - Asst. Sec./Treasurer; Atty. Neferteri Cristobal- Auditor; Dr. Jose Perez, Mr. Joseph Allan Limbago- P.R.O.s. The officers from the Kindergarten Homeroom Parents Organization, the Grade School/ High School Parents-Teachers Association, and the College Parent Representatives were inducted by Engr. Albert Uy, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, while officers of the Grade School and High School Execom and the BWS FPTGA were inducted by Dr. Simplicio Yap Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees. All officers from the different department levels were officially recognized by Dr. Remedios Cabilin, School Directress of Bohol Wisdom School.

Meanwhile, during the induction program, the newly-elected President of the BWS FPTGA, Mrs. Felicidad Tabel gave her response.

Being a pioneering organization in school, everybody hopes BWS to be a more progressive academic institution beneficial for both the students , the Boholano community and the nation as well. - the Bohol Chronicle

It's a big sale at Alturas Supermarket on August 11, 12, and 13, where up to 50% discount will be given away on great selections at the Home & Fashion Department.

In the 3-day sale, customers can join the promo and have a chance to win fabulous appliances such as Samsung TV 25", TCL TV 25", Hyundai TV 21", Kyowa Blender, Camel Gas Stoves, 29" Nikon Tower Fan, and LA Germania Gas Range.         

A customer is entitled to one raffle coupon for every purchase worth P250 at the Home & Fashion Department of Alturas Supermarket. The customer fills-up the smaller portion of the coupon with complete name, address, and signature and drop it at the designated drop boxes located at the store entrances. Cut-off date of dropping of entries is August 16, during store hours. Raffle draw is on August 17, 3 PM at the lobby of Alturas Supermarket.

Meanwhile, Alturas-Talibon celebrated its 6th Anniversary yesterday, August 8, featuring the Alturas Dance Showdown 2009, 4 PM, at the store main lobby. More fun and surprises also await the customers on the anniversary day.

The dreaded mosquito bite driven disease, dengue fever has taken another toll as rainy days are back.

Jhan Anthony Mejea, 4, of barangay Desamparados, Calape town was the second fatality of the killer disease for this year.

Reports from the Gov Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital bared that three other dengue victims were admitted few days ago. The victims are residents of Loon, San Miguel and Talibon.

Based on the addresses of the victims, it indicates that the disease has spread provincewide in terms of its contamination in the barrios.

Reports said that there are already 160 cases of dengeu fever since January this year while the number contnues to rise.         

Prov'l health officer Reymoises Cabagnot issued an advisory to health workers to encourage every home to do regular cleaning in order to eliminate the breeding places of dengue carrying mosquito, Aedes Aygypti.

The first fatality this year was a two-year old boy of Poblacion, Tubigon town identified asJulian Amad. He died in a hospital last July 10.

Health authorities urged anew every home to conduct the "4 o'clock Habit," which is a simulanoues cleaning of houses' surroundings. The best prevention is the eliminate breeding places for mosquitoes, the health officer stressed. - the Bohol Chronicle

By the Bohol Chronicle

A statistical split exists among Boholanos on the proposal to declare the late President Cory Aquino as a national hero. Fifty-three percent were against; 47% for it- in surveys normally given a (plus-minus) 3% percentage margin for error.

This surfaced during a phone/text survey conducted yesterday over the top rated "Radyo Merkado" of dyRD.

A high percentage who did not agree on delcaring the "icon of demoracy" as a national hero said that Pres. Aquino was not the only person instrumental in the dismantling of the dictatorial Marcos regime. They cited the major role as well of the late Manila archbishop, the late Cardinal Jaime Sin as well as other EDSA stars to include former Pres. Fidel Ramos.

"How about the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. whose death was the reason behind's Cory's running for the presidency," a respondent commented while asking "does Ninoy deserves also to be a national hero?"       

Other oppositors to the move cited other reasons, like "she was not even able to solve the murder of her husband" and her "unpopular move to protect Hacienda Luisita."

Six percent of the respondents abstained saying "it is too premature to say yes or no as the issue is very crucial to decide," while saying the move to declare her a hero is a product of "emotional reaction to the outpouring of people's sympathy during her burial last Wednesday."

Meanwhile, the 41 per cent who favored "Cory" declared a national hero all cited to her role in restoring democracy.

"While there were other personalities behind the EDSA Revolution, it was only Mrs. Aquino who unselfishly accepted the calling to serve the nation as President," several callers justified in supporting the move elevating Mrs. Aquino as a national hero.

"Her bravery in fighting for democracy despite the loss of her husband" is a reason to declare her a national hero, a respondent said.

Supporters of Mrs. Aquino said that the spontanoues outpouring of people's sympathy during her burial last Wednesday is a manifestation that Filipinos "recognized her legacy and advocacy to fight for demoracy, thus, she is qualified to become a national hero."

"Mrs. Aquino perpetuates honesty, simplicity and bravery, thus I favor her declared our national hero," another respondent commented.

On a second question on who would be the right person to pursue the late Pres. Cory Aquino's advocacy for democracy, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III came as a public favorite even far more than his popular showbiz sister, Kris.

"Radyo Merkado" is a popular DYRD weekly radio program that generates the pulse of the people on burning issues of the day aired every Saturday, 7:45 to 10:00am anchored by broadcasters Chito Visarra, Bong Bullecer and Jerry Pabe.

Headline: the Bohol Chronicle

Over P20-million have been spent by city government officials and employees through cash advances which remain unliquidated by the end of 2008, according to a report of the Commission on Audit (COA).

The city mayor has the biggest unliquidated cash advances totalling to P7,100,000.00.

Due to the huge amount of cash advances, COA Regional Director Delfin Aguilar stated in the audit report that starting January 2009, city officials and employees will no longer be granted cash advances for travel.

The 2008 audit report showed that unliquidated cash advances of city officials and employees ballooned by over P13-million even as state auditors already warned of allowing releases for advances of funds due to unsettled accounts of P6.4 million during the 2007 year-end audit.

Of the 2008 unliquidated cash advances, P7.1 million was cash advanced by the city mayor labelled in the report as "Intelligence and Confidential Expenses." The city
mayor's unliquidated cash advances escalated to more than double since in the previous year (2007), COA found him to have an unliquidated cash advance of P3 million. In 2008, its P7.1 million, which the mayor has not liquidated, according to the COA Audit Report.

The mayor has a pending graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman for unliquidated cash advances, aside from three others, namely the highly questionable contract in the Agora Market, the environmental destruction and the alleged tax harassment charges.         

The P20,053,211.66 various unsettled funds from officials came from the city's General Fund amounting P15,510,937.30; another P4,138,034.48 from the Special Education Fund; and P404,239.88 from the city Trust Fund.

In issuing the ban on travel cash advances, COA guidelines state that "travels can only be made at the expense of concerned official or employee, subject for reimbursement, the audit report cited. State auditors also required the liquidation of unsettled cash advances and receivables."

"DEFICIENCIES"

Aside from unliquidated cash advances of city officials and employees, state auditors also noted "deficiencies" in the utilization of the city's 20% Development Fund for the 15 barangays.

According to the COA report, P3.6 million were found unliquidated that were advances out of the 20% Development Fund projects that were implemented by the city barangays plus another P3,632,088.66 financial assistance from the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The audit report added that the city government failed to monitor the status of these funds and its liquidation by the barangays.

ELUSIVE DOCUMENT

Unlike the 2007 COA report which identified the names of those who were unable to liquidate their cash advances, the 2008 did not contain the details.

Even Regional Director Aguilar revealed that until July 15, 2009, the "Audit Team leader of Tagbilaran City informed that the financial statements as of December 31, 2008 are still in the process of review and verification."

The copy of the summary obtained by the Chronicle last Friday was furnished to the Sangguniang Panlungsod during last Friday's session.

The COA report was released after City vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso wrote COA commisioner seeking help since local accountants and budget officers at the city hall declined to release the report.

GRAFT RAPS VS. CITY HALL

It may be recalled that two complaints were filed against the Tagbilaran city mayor and other city officials at the Visayas Ombudsman last April 3, 2009 for failure to liquidate cash advances and violations of the code of conduct and ethical standards of public officials and employees.

Charged with the mayor for failure to render accounts, a violation of Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code, are Executive Assistant Arlene Karaan, City Administrator Walter Toston, Supervising Administrator Eucofronio b***t and retired Assistant Human Resource Management Officer Mario Lloyd Gutierrez.

The complaint was filed by city residents and taxpayers Fernando Galan, Sr and Zosimo Torillo.

The other complaint, for violation of Republic Act 6713, the code of conduct and ethical standards of government officials and employees, also named the city mayor as respondent together with City Budget Officer Rosemarie Palma, City Accountant Kurt Adolf Bungabong and City Auditor Teresita Irig.

At the time of the filing of the complaint, the unliquidated confidential expenses spent by the city mayor amounted P3 million.

2008 CASH ADVANCES

In the 2008 audit findings, cash advances were granted to officers and employees in the amount of P11,919,694.50 which include travels, intelligence/confidential expenses and under-remittances of city collectors.

The breakdown follows: Intelligence/Confidential expenses, P7,100,000.00; Travel, P1,564,367.22; special purpose/time bound CAs P3,197,329.96 and collector's underremittances P57,952.32.

Some P1,078,006 are due from non-government organizations (NGOs) and people organizations (POs).

The audit report likewise listed unliquidated cash advances itemized as "other receivables" which totals P2,513,281 from the General Fund, P4,138,034.48 from the Special Education Fund, and P404,239.88 from the city Trust Fund for livelihood loans.

According to state auditors, "the failure to liquidate the cash advances and financial assistance resulted in the under-statement of expenses and consequently the overstatement of the net income and/or the assets of the city".

Also, state auditors said, "the unused or unremitted cash, if any, in the hands of concerned accountable officers may result in the possible loss or misapplication of funds".

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

During the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session last Friday, administration kagawad Oscar Glovasa referred the 2008 Audit Report was referred to the Committee on Appropriation.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Vice Mayor Veloso said these are glaring violations which the officials involved should be held liable. This is the second time, that millions of pesos are in the hands of city hall officials unliquidated "as if the funds are their personal money."

Veloso challenged Kag Glovasa to issue his committe's recommendations to the deficiencies found by the COA.

In the 2007 case, Glovasa merely told lawmakers during one of their sessions that the cash advances were already liquidated. However, he failed to show documents from COA to prove that such cash advances were already liquidated.

By Sunday Post

Congressman Edgar Chatto yesterday chose to ignore the tirades unleased by V-Gov. Julius Ceasar Herrera involving the recent congress of the Barangay Livestock Aides (BALAs).

Although he refused to name names, Herrera stop short of naming Chatto as having directed the  “surreptitious effort to distribute T-shirts for a potential gubernatorial candidate”.

Reading between the lines, it was obvious that the vice governor was referring to his potential rival for governorâ€" Chatto.

In making deadma, the Tagalog slang for  looking the other way, the Chatto camp instead highlighted the congressman’s effort in  supporting  BALA’s programs and trust in their capacity as partners in development. Put differently, Chatto’s move was interpreted as having dodge Herrera’s “bullets” during BALA’s affair.

A Chatto  press release said  four-time BALA Provincial Federation President Elpedio Rebosura said they are looking forward to a more sustained partnership with the last-termer congressman, who has led in surveys for next governor.

Rebosura likewise deeply appreciated the administration of last-termer Gov. Erico Aumentado for sustaining the thrusts of BALA, which was established and organized provincewide when Chatto was then the vice governor with Rene Relampagos as governor.

The federation can always rely on such leaders as the governor and the congressman in enhancing the quality of the lives of the Boholanos thru their support to the livestock industry, according to the BALA head.     

Rebosura said their help in capacitating them as industry frontline workers is alone a motivation for them to work harder and attain the vision for BALA, a nationally-awarded Bohol government-instituted anti-poverty approach.

On behalf of the federation, Rebosura thanked Chatto for his support, including the solon’s free uniform T-shirts to more than 1,200 BALA members, during their provincial assembly last July 29.

He also thanked the men and women under provincial veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz for guiding the livestock aides.

Rebosura received a leadership award during the BALA Provincial Congress “for his able stewardship, unselfish dedication and exemplary service motivated by the spirit of volunteerism that invaluably contributed to the successful implementation of various livestock and poultry programs” in Bohol.

But the BALA provincial head, whose base BALA-Antequera was adjudged the most outstanding municipal chapter, recognized the support of Chatto and the province from which the livestock aides have drawn strength.

Rebosura said their group has witnessed how Chatto assisted them thru the provision of BALA kits and financial assistance since his vice governorship until he became congressman.

BALA municipal federation vice president Leopoldo Lacre, Jr. of Sierra-Bullones said Chatto’s latest support to the BALA Provincial Congress simply proves how the solon values the work of the barangay livestock aides.

Chatto granted the support request of BALA even if the congressman flew together with Pres. Arroyo to the United States on the day of the BALA provincial assembly.

Meanwhile, BALA member and former barangay kagawad Andres Concon of Tugas in the island-town of Pres. Garcia thanked Chatto for assisting his hospitalized relative.

The livestock aide had to personally see and ask help from Chatto who happened to entertain a visiting senator at Bohol Tropics on Friday.  Chatto did not fail the sick. 

By Sunday Post

       Despite thorough explan-ation from the Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI), a city councilor stood pat on accusing that BLCI over-charged rates to its consumers.

       In a privileged speech, Councilor Bebiano Inting, chair of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the City Council, insisted that “BLCI is lying and is advertently misleading because their motion for clarification was for the prayer for recovery of the difference from the final judgment against their provisional authority which in their self-serving computation amounted to P0.0941/kWh collectible for a period of seven months, and if the metering system charge was inadvertently omitted in the final rate schedule”.

       Inting cited that what the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decision authorized BLCI to recover was “only P0.0547 per kWh for a period of 12 months effective on the next billing cycle upon receipt of the order” promulgated on July 7, 2008.

       On this, Inting urged the concerned committee to hasten the inquiry and initiate possible institution of any charge “before the proper judicial arm of government”.

       The councilor said he just wanted to protect the constituents and consumers against “a willful deviation from truth in order to perpetuate their enrichment at the expense of the general public”.

       â€œLet us all remember that this is a continuing offense and every time we pay BLCI its erroneous billing, we customers of BLCI are deprived of our hard-earned money which could have been put to better use,” Inting pointed out.

       The councilor explained that even “without admitting they are allowed to collect the metering charge on a P/kWh basis, it is applicable for a delivery service of single phase, 60 hertz at a standard secondary voltage, which in our system is 220 volts”.

       He also questioned why BLCI require residential users in areas where there is low voltage to install their own transformers, hinting that it’s the obligation of BLCI.

       Inting also raised an issue on BLCI’s computation on systems loss which he believed was pegged more than the 9.5-percent cap allowed by ERC to all private utility providers, citing the absence of the cost of electricity that BLCI provides for their operation in their audited financial statement.

       He said ERC Resolution 17 requires it to be charged as part of the operational cost under maintenance and operating expenses.

       Engr. Noel Alingig, BLCI general manager, had earlier clarified that BLCI is not overcharging rates to its valued consumers contrary to reports that quoted Inting’s allegations that the power distribution company is imposing extra charges which are not authorized by the regulatory body.

       Alingig already explained that BLCI operates under the close supervision and guidance of ERC that gives assurance that the company abides by its decisions, rules and regulations, that it imposed upon us.

       The issue stemmed from Inting’s allegation that BLCI has overcharged its consumers when it collected P0.2075 per kilowatt hour (kwh) for metering charge without the blessing of ERC to the extent of demanding BLCI to refund its consumers for the overcharged amount and urged the City Prosecutor to immediately file criminal charges against the electric company and its officers with corresponding number of counts in as many billings gathered from consumers.

       Alingig, however, clarified that the P0.2075 per kilowatt hour metering charge that BLCI is imposing on its consumers was duly authorized by the ERC in its order dated July 7, 2008.

       Alingig said the authority to collect the subject metering charge was inadvertently omitted in the dispositive portion of the ERC decision on the company’s rate unbundling application dated March 27, 2008.

       This omission prompted BLCI to file a Motion for Clarification on April 17, 2008 and the decision for which eventually gave the power distribution utility the approval to collect said metering charge from its residential consumers.

       Moreover, Alingig had already clarified earlier that BLCI never charged its consumers any system loss beyond the 9.5-percent cap set by ERC.

       Also, Alingig had already explained earlier that based on the guidelines set by ERC, the Total Percentage System Loss is based on the Actual System Loss or System Loss Cap of 9.5 percent, whichever is lower plus the Actual Company Use Cap of one percent, whichever is lower.

       Moreover, there is a Gross-up Factor to be applied to the Total percentage of System Loss in the computation of the System Loss Rate as defined in the same guidelines. The Guidelines for the Automatic Adjustment of Generation Rates and System Loss Rates by Distribution Utilities can be downloaded at the ERC website: www.erc.gov.ph, Alingig explained.

       But Inting insisted on his allegations.

Published by Sunday Post

A retired city hall executive who had the courage to question the tax payments of a twin media powerhouse survived verbal attacks in retaliation from her tormentor but  succumbed to a short bout with  liver cancer.

Retired City Treasurer Vicitacion Acero  was in the  headlines  a couple of months ago when she figured in  a heated skirmish with the Chronicle-DYRD combine over tax  payments.

The twin media enterprise accused City Mayor Dan Neri Lim as having orchestrated the tax investigation.

The tax bashing episode was fodder in the torrid exchange  of cannon fire involving the two protagonists

Caught in the crossfire of the two warring parties, Acero was forced to face the wrath of the powerful media firm.

Apparently piqued of what the city treasurer did to them, at least five administrative and criminal cases were filed against Acero before the Department of Finance by the media outfit.

On the surface, it was like a fight between David and Goliath  but luckily for Acero, the DOF chose to take cognizance of her long and dedicated service of the department. Four of the five cases were dismissed while the other one earned her  a reprimand for simple negligence. The reprimand came after the Chronicle presented to Acero a levy notice representing tax payments in a given period.

With her cases thrown out and settled for good, Acero thought it was time for her to go as a dedicated public servant earning her  the privilege of retirement  early this year.

But it was one retirement not meant to be enjoyed for long.

Not long after, she was diagnosed to have signs of liver cancer. 

The end came for the former city treasurer came last Tuesday morning when she lost in her battle with the deadly liver disease.   

  As soon as her death was known, City Mayor lost no time in paying tribute to the former city treasurer.

In her radio program yesterday, Acero cited the valiant effort of Acero  to  face the music of trying to collect alleged unpaid taxes of the  rich and the powerful. By this, it was apparent that Lim was referring to his nemesisâ€" the DYRD and Bohol Chronicle.

In trying to defend itself from accusations of tax deficiencies, the media firm showed receipts of tax payments.

But Mayor Lim in the same radio program yesterday said that in due time he will publish the reported tax lapses of his sworn adversary if only to clear the air of who is telling the truth.

On a weekly basis, the running word war between two powerful forces  become part of the informative  diet in intellectual discourse among city residents, although at times it  borders on  the libelous and ridiculous.

The mayor through his daily and weekly programs took potshots to the men and women of Station DYRD and the Bohol Chronicle in self defense to his foe’s blocktimers who also minced no words in their verbal attacks against the city executive.

  Almost every Sunday, the mayor was also at the receiving end of biting editorials from the print sister of the radio station.

ACERO’S DEATH   

Acero, who was appointed city treasurer by Lim, retired early this year.   

  She was among the city government officials who were honored during the 43rd Charter Day celebration last July 1.   

  The mayor said that those who knew Acero knew a lady who was simple and amiable.   

  “She was so unassuming that she was hardly even noticed by those who go to her office,” Lim added.   

  The mayor lauded Acero for being a hard worker and industrious public servant even during those times when she was not feeling physically healthy.   

  “She is a model not only to those who worked under her but to all of us who continue to be in public service.   

  The mayor said he could not ask for anything more from Acero and pointed out that those who really knew her cannot say anything negative against her.   

  Lim pointed out that under Acero’s watch, the tax collection of the city was intensified and increased significantly.   

  “Because of her efforts, the city treasury was greatly improved which resulted not only in the implementation of more projects that benefited our people but also in more benefits for our city employees,” he added.   

  The mayor however made it clear that while Acero was humble and soft-spoken, this did not mean that she would not stand up for the truth.   

  “Because she stood up even against the rich and the powerful, she received many threats, insults and jeers from those who have no regard for decency,” he added.   

  Even though she deserved to be praised and honored for her sincere efforts, Lim said she did not flinch in the face of relentless attacks on her person by those who were paid to savage her.   

  “Of course, we won’t be surprised about this because even the bishop and priests were not spared by the horde led by one pretending to be an angel,” he added.   

  Lim said he is sad because at the end of Acero’s term, she was rewarded by a complaint raised by the Bohol Chronicle who was angered by what she did.   

  “To them, it was a cardinal sin for her to have the guts to make her own computation on the real amount of taxes that would be collected from them,” he added.   

  Because they were used to throw their weight around in the way of dictators, to kowtow to the powers-that-be and to make false claims and accusations, Lim said

RETIREMENT DELAYED

Acero’s retirement was not only delayed but her processing went through a lot of hassles.   

  Lim said he is grateful that in spite of the persistent efforts of the powerful people who wanted to make Acero pay for doing her duty, the truth still prevailed.   

  “According to the findings issued by Executive Director Ma. Presentacion Montesa of the Bureau of Local Government Finance last May 27, 2009, there was no evidence to prove the charges against her,” the mayor added.   

  Lim however noted that if Acero thought the Chronicle would finally leave her alone, she was mistaken.   

  “In every opportunity, the lies and deceit against her person is revived,” he added.       

  The mayor said that last Sunday, the Bohol Chronicle editorial again subjected her to scorn, describing her as one whom he “let loose” to “harass” them with tax deficiencies.   

  “Nobody can harass the powerful like the gods of the Bohol Chronicle, and definitely not Acero,” the mayor added.   

   

”She was greatly saddened by the continuing abuse until the time of her death,” the mayor added.   

  Even until after her service has ended, Lim said she continued to be the object of abuse “by those who claim that they are sinless”.   

  “Is this the way we treat our elders? Is this the way we treat women who are helpless against us? Is this how we repay those who work hard so the city can get what is due to it so it can render more service to the city?” the mayor asked.   

  Lim said that in honor of Acero, he vowed to continue what she has started.   

  “This is the smallest way that a grateful city can do to send her off,” the mayor said.

By June Blanco

  Gov. Erico Aumentado has vowed to actively campaign against solons pushing for Charter Change through Constitutional Assembly but without the participation of the Senate.

  Speaking during his weekly program The Governor Reports aired live over Bohol’s two Tagbilaran City-based radio stations dyRD and dyTR and delayed broadcast over dyDL based in Carmen town, the governor made his stand.

  He said he favors Charter Change but clarified that only at the proper time â€" and will support such change if the proposed amendments will also pass through the Senate.

  “If ‘mere’ road conversion bills need bicameral action, the more should moves that seek to change the basic and fundamental law of the land,” he stressed.

  He said he strongly supports the effort of Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia of Cebu who wants to send the Con-Ass move post-haste to the Senate.

  Such move, he explained, should be properly made in order to avoid a Constitutional crisis waiting to happen should the Lower House insist on change through Con-Ass without the Senate.

  With the next elections just around the corner, he vowed to campaign against these Con-Ass promoters who, he said, are just brewing destabilization.

  He said they criticize President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo no end despite the many positive things she has done for the country including her economic resiliency program that earned it upgraded ratings from Standard and Poor, as well as Moody’s.

  They also predicted failure for her mission to the United States to meet President Barack Obama.

  Aumentado said he stands by the President. As a good soldier and party-man, he said he will desert her only for a compelling reason.

  After all, he explained, with President Arroyo at the helm, Bohol now has, among others, concrete roads, self-sufficiency in rice by as much as 113% making it an exporter instead of importer of the commodity, improved seaports connected to the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, tourists trooping to local destinations in droves, better Bohol Tourism Road Improvement Projects (B-Trip), as well as stable and reliable geothermal power supply from nearby Leyte province and locally generated hydroelectric and land-based power.

  If change must come, the governor said, let it be through the legal way â€" not by marching in the streets.

  And let change come at the proper time â€" not during these last days of her presidency as it will only distract her, he added.

Leading the Boholanos of Eastern USA
By Loy Palapos
Sunday Post

      Ricardo Borja of Tagbilaran City and Anita Taghap of Bilar are a formidable team, especially when they tied the nuptial knot. With six children resulting from the union, all of them successful professionals, and with the couple already retired, what more can they wish?

      The saga of Ric and Nita leaving their children in Tagbilaran while they tried their luck in America, is wrought with pain… and later... smiles of contentment. For a job well-done. For a mission accomplished. A success-story not served on a silver-platter; but an achievement after hurdling through obstacles life is heir to.

      Now, with their children living their own lives, is it a life of 24-hour leisure and bliss? Definitely not, because for the Ric and Nita, life is barren as a desert when compassion for others is lost. For this reason, after retirement they have given their time in community outreach programs.

      I met Ric and Nita twice in a row at ICM’s The Prawn Farm, where most of this interview took place. With Ric still looking strong and dashing, and Nita… forever the articulate classroom teacher of yore, the tête-à-tête was a wholesome experience spiced by the sumptuously fresh foods only the Prawn Farm can give. 

      LMP: What is your present position in the organization, Bohol Circle of Eastern USA?

ATB: The President.

LMP: For how long?

ATB: 5 years.

LMP: You mean to say that it is a presidency for life?

      ATB: That’s why I promised to the organization back in Eastern USA that as soon as I arrived home from here, we’re going to have an election. 

LMP: What happens if they will elect you again? Will you say no?

ATB: I think I have to say no.

LMP: Why?

      ATB: I’m already retired, I have to come home here in Bohol and stay, maybe for 6  months.

LMP: What year did you leave the Philippines for the first  time?

ATB: That was way back in 1981.

LMP: But you were teaching?

ATB: Yes.

LMP: Did you resign or retire?

ATB: I did not resign and I did not retire.

LMP: How did you do it?

ATB: I went to United States for my Doctor’s advice.

LMP: For medical purposes?

ATB: Yes.

LMP: And you came back?

ATB: I came back but after many years.

LMP: But you did not go back to teaching anymore?

      ATB: No more. I just sent a letter to my Head of Office that I have to stay more years in the United States; but I really did not sign any paper.

LMP: So, what happened to your record with the Department of Education?

ATB: It’s still there.

LMP: How about the benefits?

ATB: I didn’t get any benefit yet.

LMP: But you could get if you want to?

ATB: I could.

LM: You’ve been teaching for how many years?

AB: 22 years. I have my GSIS ID and I can get my pension.

LMP: You’re not retired, but you could, and then collect the benefits.

ATB: I could.

LM: When are you doing that?

      ATB: Am here until the second week of August, so I’m planning to see our Division Superintendent.

LMP: Why did you leave your teaching profession? For greener pasture?

      ATB: You know, in the beginning I just went there for my medical check-up. But when I was there, I liked to stay longer with my sisters. I have 6 children; so, I thought maybe I could let them study there.

      LM: So, there was already a plan even during that time for your children also to go there?

ATB: No. There was no plan at all.

LMP: But they are already there.

ATB: Only after many years when they finished their college studies.

LMP: So, they studied here and then they went over there.

ATB: Yes.

LMP: And all of them are there already?

ATB: Only one is here, the one who is the Barangay Kagawad in Dampas.

LMP: And she has no plans to go there?

ATB: She’s planning, maybe just to see America but not to stay for good.

LMP: But the other 5 are staying there for good?

ATB: Yes.

LMP: Where are they now?

ATB: One is in Australia, Texas, California, and 2 are in New Jersey.

      LMP: Would you be able to think now that after all the sacrifices you’ve made you have accomplished your job as a mother?   

ATB: Yes. I am very happy.

      LMP: When you became the President of the Bohol Circle of Eastern USA, what was your first project?

      ATB: My first project was with Gawad Kalinga, a housing project. I was able to convince some friends in New Jersey and in New York; and they donated about 7, 000 dollars. 

LMP: And you yourself brought the money to the Philippines?

ATB: Yes.

LMP: How many houses were built?

ATB: I think it was 7 or 8.

LMP: After that, what else?

ATB: Now, I also have 1, 300 dollars.

LMP: That is also for the Gawad Kalinga?

      ATB: Yes, but Pepe Ong was telling me that, instead of the building it will be useful if we will use it for the water system.

      LMP: But does it follow that this role will not end? What I mean is, there will be more coming up.

ATB: I promised, even if I am not the President.

LMP: But it will still be through the organization?

ATB: Yes.

LMP: Who are the people who might be able to follow your footsteps?

ATB: We are thinking of Mr. Larry Galang.

      LMP: At this point in your life, you are now in the capacity to help but this was not the situation before. Everybody who went abroad for greener pasture had to pass through a lot of sacrifices. What was your first problem when you arrived abroad? 

      ATB: I missed my children; I just wanted them to finish their college so they could  come. 

LMP: Can we go back now to your children. Who is the eldest?

      ATB: Reanne. She finished Linguistics but she is not working because they have a baby and her husband won’t let her work.

LMP: The second?

      ATB: Milreymond is a Nurse, he is now in Australia. The third is Miguel also a Nurse, then Mildred. She stays here, a Barangay Kagawad. The fifth is Millian, a Nurse; she’s in New Jersey; and the sixth is a Physical Therapist and she lives with me in New Jersey.   

      LMP: Did you recall when you and your husband missed and needed your children?

      ATB: I can’t understand my feeling. That’s why I had to call them everyday. 

      LMP: Now you are retired, what are your plans? Would you stay here or in the States, or commute back and forth?

ATB: Commute back and forth.

LMP: How long?

      ATB: Maybe, we will stay here 3 to 4 months and then we go back, like during winter time in USA.

      LMP: What other community outreach projects are you planning to do?

      ATB: Aside from that money we shared with the Gawad Kalinga, we have a Medical Mission just this TBTK.

LMP: How was it? How did you gather the medicines?

ATB: We asked donations from New York and from my brother-in-law who is a  Doctor.

LMP: Did you not have a problem procuring the medicines?

ATB: There was no problem. 
LMP: Who are the recipients of this medical mission?

ATB: Dampas and Bilar.

LMP: But you have to get Doctors?

ATB: Yes, we have two doctors.

LMP: Did you pay them?

      ATB:  No.

      LMP: Why Bilar?

      ATB: Before, we already used to have a medical mission every 2 years in Bilar. We had a 2-day medical mission in Bilar for 3 consecutive years, because we are from Bilar. But this year I asked my brother-in-law to have a medical mission in Dampas because my daughter Mildred is the Barangay Kagawad in-charge with Health.

      LMP: So, when will be the next medical mission?

      ATB: 2 years from now.

      LMP: And where will that be?

      ATB: For sure it will be in Bilar.

      LMP: Even if you are not an Officer or the President?

      ATB: Yes. Maybe I could ask my sister also if we could have another medical mission somewhere in Tagbilaran.

      LMP: What are your impressions about the TBTK? Let’s start with the good one.

      ATB: Well, I understand that there were lots of people coming from abroad who came here, for a school reunion, family reunion but very few registered.

      LMP: What could be the reason?

      ATB: I believe that if they register they cannot attend all of the activities because they have also their reunion and other family activities. So why do they have to register and pay for the whole the package? So, what they did was buy individual tickets instead of the entire package.

      LMP: I also learned that you also brought your Ms. Bohol Circle of Eastern USA.

      ATB: Yes, Jay Anne Palaca from Valencia, Bohol.

LMP: Was it a money contest over there?

      ATB: Yes.

      LMP: That’s why you are able to generate funds?

      ATB: A little.

      LMP: How many candidates did you have?

      ATB: I had 6 candidates.

      LMP: And how much did you make out of those 6?

      ATB: I was able to have like 15, 000 less the expenses and everything.

      LMP: Did you make her participate in the Ms. Bohol International?

      ATB: Yes. The one who won for the Ms. Tourism, Pia Toribio, was one of the contestants for Ms. Bohol.

      LMP: As a whole, was TBTK successful?

      ATB: It was.

      LMP: A score of 1 to 10, with 10 as the highest, what score would you give TBTK?

      ATB: Maybe 8.

      LMP: And you believe that you will still be around for the next TBTK?

      ATB: Yes.

      LMP: And it will still be successful.

      ATB: Hopefully.

      LMP: Why don’t you run as the chairman of TBTK?

      ATB: No. It has not come to my mind and never will.

      LMP: What do you consider as the most meaningful of all the activities that you participated in this last TBTK?

      ATB: Definitely, it was the Medical Mission. All members of our group want to share the blessings God has given to us. It was exhilarating seeing our fellow Boholanos happy. Also the parade, I’m very proud that it was all from Bohol.

      LMP: What would you wish to say to the next President of the Bohol Circle of Eastern USA?

      ATB: Focus more activities on the next TBTK that is 3 years from now.

      LMP: And you believe that TBTK should go on?

      ATB: Yes, I believe. Forever. As long as it is for the good of Bohol.

      Anita Taghap-Borja is a typical Boholana who loves to dream and make

her dreams come true. At a time when the teacher’s salary needed to be stretched to the breaking print to make both ends meet, going abroad was an option… the best choice. Which she took with her husband Ric. Even before they left they already knew what was in store for them, but they decided it was worth all the risks. It was a decision both has never regreted up to their day.

      With Ric Borja also an active leader among Tagbilaranons in Esatern USA, Nita, forever the workaholic, cannot be at rest even if she and her husband are already retired. Involvement has always been their way of life. Even when they were in Tagbilaran, both were active in socio-civic associations, like the Bohol Jaycess. Abroad, this zeal for community service is still very much a part of their well-being. They indeed are true Boholanos to the core. 

    Bohol Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera today called on all three Boholano congressmen to withdraw their signatures to House Bill 1109 seeking to convene Congress into a constituent assembly.
    Representatives Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Adam Relson Jala of the first, second and third districts respectively are signatories of the controversial House measure.
    “The entire Filipino nation today mourns the passing of our revered President Cory Aquino. One of the ways to pay tribute to her at this hour is to honor her wish that the Filipinos be relieved of the uncertainties brought about by the con-ass resolution,” Herrera said in an interview. 
    The vice-governor urged his three Lakas colleagues to reconsider their initial position on the con-ass which is viewed as a scheme to extend the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
     Herrera said that one of the last concerns that had bothered President Aquino before she died was the con-ass which she actively opposed.
    “For the sake of the memory of President Cory and for the greater good of our country, I call on the three Boholano congressmen to withdraw their support for this unlamented measure,” he added.
    At the same time, Herrera said he hopes more congressmen who signed HB 1109 would do the same.
    “It would be great if we bury the con-ass while the entire nation is in mourning,” he added.
    The vice-governor said he agrees with acting Executive Secretary Gabriel Claudio who said the move of Makati Rep. Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. urging administration allies to abandon their efforts to amend the Constitution as “valid”.
    HB 1109 has threatened to split the Lakas leadership in Bohol.
    While Chatto, Cajes and Jala supported HB 1109, Gov. Erico Aumentado and Herrera have publicly opposed the bill.
    The vice-governor said that a categorical and unequivocal statement that the con-ass is dead is no longer sufficient to reassure the people that it is dead.
    “The best reassurance is for the supporters of the bill to withdraw their signatures,” he added.
    Herrera warned those who refuse to abandon the con-ass of the backlash of the people’s wrath.
    “What we see now is nothing compared to what will unfold after the burial of President Cory,” he added.
    Herrera’s call came as House Speaker Prospero Nograles issued a statement that it would be up to the 180 lawmakers who signed the controversial measure because he cannot tell his colleagues what to do.
    “In the first place, neither the House leadership nor Malacañang forced them to sign the measure,” Nograles was quoted as saying.
    The Speaker said it’s not for the leadership to dictate on the authors how to treat the resolution “or if they feel that Cory’s death significantly comes into play here.”
    Another proponent of the measure, Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, said he was willing to defer making amendments to the Constitution until after the 2010 elections, but that he would still want to push the measure through just to trigger a Supreme Court case to clarify the issue.

DEPUTIZATION of police officers as anti drug agents start this week, reveals the local office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to the discomfort of people whose interests are now threatened by the additional narcotic enforcement man power.

At the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, the PDEA, through Intelligence officer Steven Valles said they welcome the move as it increases the manpower by lending its authority to the towns based local law enforcement officers.

While a deputized police officer can not go on operations without coordinating with the PDEA, Valles said the new deputized narc agents in uniform can apprehend and raid as long as they can get a raid control number from the regional office, one that the local office can facilitate.

Survey indicates that Boholanos do not consider drugs as a huge problem, nevertheless, the PDEA has already netted 11 convictions, reads Valles from his reports.

PDEA is now into aggressive demand reduction by going into information awareness campaigns and rounding schools to discuss on the ill effects, symptoms of drug use and how communities can do their share to stop the menace.

This is amidst intelligence reports that illegal drugs continue to enter Bohol through the northwesthern towns facing Cebu.

As regards deputization, Valles said the training set this august 10 to 14 would include the standard operating procedures for police as quasi-drug interdiction agents.

He said most drug cases that get dismissed in court involves technicality proceedings and are being extensively used by depends lawyers.

PDEA however said that pending the finalization of memorandum of agreement among the PNP, PDEA, PIIB and other drug enforcement agency and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Capitol, the legal assistance for effective law enforcement program may not be totally be available for officers who get entangled with the law while performing their duties.

He added that owing to the undermanned PDEA, the office accepts independent reports and information from well-meaning citizens about drug related operations.

He assured that the information passed would be treated with confidentiality. (PIA)     

Tall order, comments Police Provincial Director Edgardo Ingking on the mandate to account for about 60 loose firearms in Bohol every month.

But PSSUpt. Ingking believed that starting with the last known addresses of delinquent license holders who fail to renew their licenses in time for the final amnesty this October, the figure may not be impossible to reach.

He added that Camp Dagohoy has a list of the 2,567 gun holders with expired licenses, guns which are now technically defined as loose fire-arms.

Loose firearms, Ingking explains, are those in the keeping of threat groups, criminal elements and delinquent license holders. 

During a press conference on the National Firearms Control Program (NFACP) held at the Philippine Information Agency Tuesday, the top cop in Bohol also revealed that the local police would also go after the at least 1665 in their aggressive drive to run over the illegal possessors.

For those intending to go by the book and avail of the gun registration and licensing amnesty, they revealed that the local police authorities have started processing application since August 1 to 31 to beat the October 1-31 deadline. 

At an earlier talk, Ingking cited Philippine National Police statistics detailing that about 97.8% of gun related crimes in the country involve the use of loose firearms.

By accounting the loose firearms and keeping their records upon registration, police authorities can identify by ballistics examination any slug belonging to which firearms used in any crime. 

The government move also becomes timely with the coming elections would be approaching the problem of accounting loose firearms in two ways.

He said aside from aggressive interdiction operations through checkpoints and choke points, the police would also lobby for their legislative agenda amending RA 8294 and put up stiffer penalties for illegal gun possession especially in organized crime groups.     

He believed that the NFACP would finally solve the problem of loose firearms which often end up being used in crimes.

He said the NFACP mandate is in line with Executive order 189 which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo enacted and consequently churned local police organization into high gear to account for an estimated 4,232 loose firearms in Bohol alone. (PIA)

By June Blanco

  Bohol moves one step closer to the realization of the construction of the bridge linking it to nearby Cebu province with Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.’s commitment of endorsing the same to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as soon as the papers reach his office.

  Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado last week sought Ebdane’s assistance on the documentary requirements after Country Representative Kim of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) assured him in a prior meeting that the Republic of Korea will fund the feasibility study of the same via grant.

  Aumentado said the anchors of the bridge will be Getafe and Cordova towns in Bohol and Cebu respectively. Passing through shallow waters between the two provinces, the bridge is estimated to be 18 kilometers (km.) long â€" a “baby” compared to the bridge linking Incheon Airport and Incheon City in South Korea, spanning some 45 kms. now undergoing construction.

  To note, Korean Ambassador Joong Kyung Choi had said a partnership between South Korea â€" with its advanced technology, and the Philippines â€" with its vast natural and human resources â€" would be beneficial to both archipelagic countries.

  The Bohol-Cebu Multi-Access Friendship Bridge (BCMAFB) already has Bohol Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Central Visayas Regional Development Council endorsements.

  Next, it will need the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (ICC) and Technical Board approval, and Ebdane’s endorsement to DFA â€" and on to Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the official release of Official Development Assistance (ODA).

  Aumentado envisions the bridge to improve vehicular and passenger traffic between the two provinces, It can also carry the cable through which Bohol can get more electric power and fiber optics from Cebu even as the latter can also get water from, say, Inabanga in Bohol through pipes astride the bridge.

  The additional power can meet the requirements for the establishment of a shipyard here while the fiber optics will link Bohol to the information and communications technology highway.

  As an eco-cultural and heritage tourism destination, Aumentado has declared that heavy industries that spoil the environment are a no-no in Bohol. At the same time, fiber optics will pave the way for the establishment of call centers here. Meanwhile, water from Bohol will slake the thirst of the Cebuanos.

  Aside from the bridge, Aumentado has also negotiated with EDCF to similarly fund the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project Phase 3 (BCRIP 3) It covers the Panglao Circumferential and Spur Roads, the two causeways with bridges that link the island to the Bohol mainland, the Tagbilaran Bypass, the Baclayon Diversion Road, and the Anda Peninsula Highway that goes from Guindulman-Anda-Cogtong-Candijay-Mabini-Ubay.

Hope springs alive to the residents of Bohol’s 21 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) who have yet to taste intervention promised by the government when it offered the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. 

The 21 ARCs happened to be left out as 28 other Bohol ARCs race to get the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) help through government and foreign donors until the program expired June of last year.

But with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inking the consolidated version of the bill extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by another five years last Friday, it was a momentous day for the life of residents of the remaining ARCs here.

The most awaited CARP extension gives more hope to residents of three ARCS in Bohols First District, to 8 communities in Bohol II and to 10 communities in Bohol III.

Already pushed for inclusion into the list of ARCs awaiting intervention both from local and foreign donors especially with the recent Asian Development Bank’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP/ADB) project are ARC CAMPVILPAPPINS, Tubigon, ARC Upper Loon, Loon and Special ARC CHABMANS, Catigbian, data from the local DAR office show. 

In Bohol II district, pushed for consideration by the DAR are ARC Eastern Trinidad, Trinidad, Special ARC Mainland Bien Unido, Bien Unido, Special ARC VILLASANBOPO, President Carlos P. Garcia, ARC Buenahill, Buenavista, ARC Inabanga, Inabanga, ARC KASSU, Sagbayan, ARC SMART, San Miguel and ARC VEBACALAMPOSAN, Dagohoy.

For Bohol III, recommended for intervention are ARC Loboc, Loboc, ARC Cabacnitan-Cambigsi, Bilar, Special ARC Garcia-Batuan, Special ARC BuenaLapta, Carmen, ARC EL PROMONTEVILLA, Carmen, ARC POBSCANTAM’S N LAS VILLAS, Sierra-Bullones, Special ARC KC, Alicia, ARC Guio-ang, Guindulman, ARC Jagna, Jagna and ARC Loay, Loay.

For beneficiaries from these communities, their pleas, resounding with the millions of farmers and agricultural sector workers all over the country finally gets heard.

The CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Bill is the government’s reply breathes new life to a social justice program that has stirred economic development in the country’s farming areas.



CARP, the land redistribution scheme mandated by Republic Act No. 6657 expired in December 2008.

Congress, by joint resolution extended CARP for six more months, to allow DAR to continue its mandated tasks pending the enactment of a new law to extend the program. 

Under the CARPER Bill, P100-billion has been allocated as outlay for land acquisition and distribution, support services, agrarian justice delivery, and other funding requirements during the extension period. 

The bill likewise covers all public and private agricultural lands as provided in Proclamation 131 and Executive Order No. 229, including other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture. 

The measure stipulates that prioritization of coverage “is not necessary” and that after June 30, 2009, the modes of acquisition will be limited to voluntary offer to sell and compulsory acquisition. 

The bill further provides for the creation of a joint congressional oversight committee to be composed of three members each from the Senate and the House. (PIA)

  The Inabanga Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICOFA-MPC) is now “weaned” and has been taking its first steps as an independent cooperative.

  ICOFA-MPC now manages its own affairs after the successful phase-out planning and turnover ceremony of the project investment capital from the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP), with the Visayas Cooperative Development Center (VICTO) as its implementer.

  Mila Baisac, VICTO provincial coordinator, handed to Gavino Gemida, chair, the coop records and other relevant documents.

  To note, ICOFA MPC started as the Coconut Farmers Association (ICOFA) initiated by the local government unit (LGU) headed by then Mayor and now Provincial Board (PB) member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy.

  When her son Jono took the seat as mayor in his own right, he saw the needs of the people and gave all out support to the association as poverty alleviation project.

  ICOFA soon graduated into a full-fledged cooperative, registered with the Cooperative Development Authority last Feb. 26.

  In cooperation with LGU Inabanga headed by Mayor Jono and VICTO National Cooperative Federation and Development Center, with funding support from PACAP, ICOFA-MPC soon undertook the Integrated Coconut Processing (ICOPRO Project).

  The project aims to improve the living conditions of target beneficiaries in the barangays of Loon, Clarin and Inabanga.

  It also aims to help coco growers provide direct employment to production workers and raw materials suppliers.

  Now with 55 members, ICOFA MPC is the sole implementer of ICOPRO Projects Located in Barangay Baogo, it produces copra, mentholated liniment and organic vinegar.

  During the ceremony, the mayor pledged to help in the promotion and marketing of the coco products. He promised to continue supporting the cooperative and give assistance in providing sustainability mechanisms and comprehensive support structure to ensure the continuity of the ICOPRO Project.

  On the other hand, PB member Jumamoy, chair of the committee on cooperatives of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) also graced the occasion.

  She encouraged the members to hone their skills in cooperativism and cited the qualifications in order to become members of ICOFAMPC. 

  Mila Baisac, provincial coordinator and Marketing Officer Tomo facilitated the phase out planning. Baisac said they will still give technical assistance to the cooperative.

  Vice Mayor Wenceslao Lao, the Sangguniang Bayan members, Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Gisa Cenabre, Municipal Agriculturist Leocadio Torregosa, Information and Community Relations Officer Rodulfo Socorin  soon mingled with ICOFA MPC officers and members.

      SENATOR Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon province, recently came here for a whirlwind visit, including seven other towns, Thursday and Friday last week, to conduct an ocular inspection on the projects funded through his discretionary fund at half a million pesos each.

      Zubiri, who was accompanied by his chief of staff and Provincial Board Member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy and her daughter councilor Jaja Jumamoy, sees to it that the money released to local government units were implemented accordingly.

      So, he personally made an inspection.

      He told the audience in every town that he learned lessons in releasing the money, citing an experience with a certain mayor in other place, who he did not identified, used the fund to buy a tiger and its cage instead of spending it for development projects.

      The senator arrived here safely even as he promised to come to the pre-arranged visit despite the unfavorable weather since he came from Iloilo and Guimaras, taking a private plane on his way into the province.

      He made true his commitment after the 2007 elections to grant each town of Bohol P1 million each.

      The half million pesos for each municipality is just the initial, he said. The other half a million pesos will follow as soon as the Department of Budget and Management is ready to allotment advise, he said.

      He placed second in Bohol in the senatorial derby in 2007 presidential polls.

      He met with Mayor Wilson Pajo of Pilar, where he was welcomed by town and school officials and hundreds of students of Pilar Technolgical School .

      Zubiri was literally mobbed by the students and teachers alike as if they saw a movie celebrity and took advantage to have a photo shots with the senator.

      Mayor Pajo said in an interview that the half a million pesos is intended for the fencing of the school premises project. Pajo expressed gratitude to the senator for the fund assistance.

      Zubiri also was welcomed by Mayor Simplicio Maestrado of Sierra-Bullones, wherein he made a round of inspection of the almost complete rehabilitation of the municipal hall where Maestrado spent the money.

      In Carmen town, he also met with officials even without Mayor Boy Molina and presided over the soft launching of the training center edifice. He also promised to release the ther half a million pesos funding assistance to complete the building located in the opposite side of the Catholic Church of the town.

      He was also into the towns of Garcia-Hernandez, Valencia , Dimiao, Lila and Loay, where he was received and welcomed by the officials concerned. (RVO)

Conbusac members visit Jagna
By Gregoria A. Tavera

      Known for their altruism, a visit to development projects and discussion on municipal planning reunited members of Confederation of Boholanos in US and Canada (Conbusac) with fellow Boholanos in Jagna, during the clinching part of the Sandugo celebration and in the heat of the triennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) on July 31.

      Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren shared lunch with the visitors at the municipal hall.

      In the occasion, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Gerry Araneta had the opportunity to discuss with the visitors, the development scheme of this municipality and accomplishments.

      Araneta also told the visitors that every barangay in Jagna had counter-parted in the development thrusts at their level that helped stimulate the upliftment of the community.

      He made an elaborated discussion at the Capt. Goyo Caseñas hall through a PowerPoint presentation.

      Conbusac president Carlos Cagaanan, who hails from Lila, told Jagnaanons that taking part in the development of Bohol highlighted their homecoming.

      Cagaanan and Conbusac past president Johnny Torralba of Tagbilaran City came to Jagna with nine other Conbusac members to observe the municipality’s Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM).

      They visited the municipality’s composting facilities in Carmoli to personally experience one of the vital components of ISWM.

      They also shared to Jagnaanons the supports they have poured on provincial projects- -the animal dispersal program with artificial insemination, spruce up of CPG Park in Tagbilaran City and the medical mission.

      A group of 66 Dutch and Filipino youths experienced a three-day adventure challenge dubbed as the “Tarsier Quest” in Bohol recently.

      They had close encounter with nature and wildlife, firsthand, during their trip here on July 25-27.

      The Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, the leadership and citizenship program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, led the quest for 20 Dutch delegates and 46 Pinoy youth from the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence and the Cebu City Mayor’s Management Team.

      On day 1, the group experienced a breathtaking sky ride called ‘suislide’ and a mesmerizing river trek inside the Ka Mira Cave managed by the Danao Adventure Park, a booming tourist attraction in the province of Bohol.

      At night, they had an interaction with the local youth of Danao. The local youth and a local band serenaded and danced with the delegates at the farmers' training center operated by Naty Gonzaga, mother of Danao Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga.

      On day 2, they visited Chocolate Hills in the municipality of Carmen, the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape and Simply Butterfly Conservation Center in Bilar.

      The Dutch delegates were amazed to see a tarsier, an endangered species, protected by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. in the municipality of Corella.

      They were also challenged to discover what was peculiar in the Dauis Parish Church, the well in the altar.

      After a tiring but thrilling two days of admiring the beauty of nature and wildlife of Bohol, and in the process discovering more of their inner selves as well as others, the group bonded further with more 'integration' activities in Panglao Island.

      It was also noted through the three-day adventure, the Dutch and Pinoy youth delegates found and shared more similarities than differences, developed and nurtured bonds of friendship which serve as the continuing platform and vehicle for volunteerism, active citizenship, and development cooperation. (Harold C. de Mesa)

      Pilar, Bohol - With the assistance of the Vice-Governor’s Office, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from this town will soon be home after a mild stroke while on duty in Saudi Arabia.

      Vice-Governor Julius Caesar Herrera extended assistance to one Olimpio Bullecer Panganoron, a constituent from barangay Poblacion here, through the Overseas Worker Welfare Assistance Desk (OWWAD) of VGO.

      Panganoron’s wife, Anesia Mante, came to VGO to request for assistance, in the repatriation of his husband.

      It prompted Herrera to make a representation, through an official letter to Labor attaché II Bulyok Nilong of the Philippine Consulate General in the Kingdon of Saudi Arabia, requesting for the repatriation of Panganoron.

      The vice governor also sent a separate letter to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque for his information and action on Panganoron’s repatriation.

      Panganoron needs to be repatriated after having been incapacitated due to stroke while on duty last June 7.

      His wife told OWWAD that he had been working for Hassan Hadi Abdullah company in Gizan, Saudi Arabia but was later hospitalized due to stroke that resulted to impaired speech and mobility, incapacitating him to work.

      On the other hand, OWWAD also acted on another request for assistance. This time, from a certain Rufino Fuertes, a resident of San Vicente, municipality of Dagohoy and husband of an OFW- -Ruvelyn Neozena Fuertes.

      Based on the records of OWWAD, Ruvelyn Fuertes was promised a work at a beauty salon but ended up as domestic helper instead.

      She left for Jordan sometime last year.

      Ruvelyn had been hopping from an employer to another.

      She had just left her latest employer and gone to the Philippine embassy in Jordan for help. Her family wanted her repatriated.

      VGO assured to extend help for the plight of the families of OFWs who are in distress.

      Herrera created OWWAD since Day 1 of his public service, to attend to the plight of OFWs who are in distress in a foreign land and assure their families back home of assistance. (RVO)

      Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Vice-Governor Julius Caesar Herrera got the boost they needed in their bids to serve the Boholanos further.

      Both found strong allies among the officials here, led by Mayor Ma. Fe Piezas and barangay captain Gloria Bitancor of Tabajan, the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

      In a radio interview, Mayor Piezas expressed support to Yap as a way of appreciating the several development projects that the secretary had poured on this town, including the fish port, farm-to-market road, diversion dam in barangay Guinacot, and solar dryer.

      For governor, the mayor categorically declared support for Herrera and even called on all the barangay captains of her town to also rally behind.

      Piezas said she can see the town’s further progress once Herrera becomes governor.

      She also said she sees a good leader in the vice governor, based on his contribution to the development of the province and lauded the programs that he has pursued, like the green revolution for food security and sufficiency.

      Based on Herrera’s call, Piezas said she will urge the barangay officials to enact ordinances that would make backyard gardening, a signature pet project of Herrera, compulsory in their respective barangays.

      For her part, Bitancor also expressed support for Herrera, citing the assistance that he had given to the barangays.

      Bitancor vowed to urge other barangay captains in this town to also support Herrera, as a way of expressing gratitude to the vice-governor’s support to the barangays.

      The group of Piezas and Bitancor are the latest, among the many town and barangay leaders, who already signified their unwavering support for Yap and Herrera, but they prefer to tone it down as of this time until the right time comes.

      Herrera breezed here last August 4 to distribute the kits and equipment for peace and order to more than 200 barangay tanods of 19 barangays.

      He always emphasized that barangay tanods, who are always in the forefront of public service, are the modern heroes who are not sufficiently-compensated with meager honorarium. Yet, they sacrifice themselves just to keep their respective turfs peaceful. 

      The vice governor handed over to Mayor Piezas a check worth P200,000 to augment the town’s planned construction of a slaughterhouse, in a short program attended by town and barangay officials.

      Bitancor said that the vice governor had already provided medical kits to the barangay health workers (BHWs).

      Meanwhile, Herrera pitched in support to Loay’s more than 200 barangay tanods by providing them with the same equipment during the distribution program at the town’s gym witnessed by Mayor Rosemarie Lim-Imboy and her husband, Councilor Brigido Imboy and municipal officials in the presence of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. (RVO)

     The Regional Trial Court Branch 47 recently issued a writ of preliminary prohibitory injunction directing and enjoining the Municipality of Tubigon and its municipal officials, collectors, and agents to immediately cease and desist in implementing and collecting the municipal service fees imposed under the municipality’s Revenue Code of 1996 as  amended.

      Presiding Judge Suceso Arcamo issued the two-page omnibus writ of preliminary prohibitory injunction last July 28, that temporarily stopped the collection of the fees upon entry and exit at the municipal wharf of Tubigon as a provisional remedy, pending court decision on the cases filed by Cebu Movers Systems, Incorporated and Big Boy Trucking Corporation against the municipal government of Tubigon.

In a check with Tubigon Mayor Luna Piezas, he said, the case was not  decided  on its merits but the municipality was only ordered to refrain from implementing and collecting municipal service fees on the two trucking companies. 

The two companies, that operate several trucks regularly plying the area to transport goods from Cebu to Bohol, had been paying P100 to P350 per truck load.

      They disputed the municipal ordinance, citing memorandum circular 2006-70 issued by the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government on June 26, 2006 addressed to all provincial governors, mayors, and barangay captains on the suspension of the imposition of the fees.

      The companies also asserted that they found it more appropriate for the Philippine Ports Authority to be the one to exercise authority to operate, regulate and maintain the said municipal wharf of Tubigon, as it was the one that constructed and maintained it.

      The court directed the sheriff to personally serve the injunctive writs to the mayor of Tubigon for guidance and compliance after considering all the essential requirements, merit and necessity for its issuance, while the principal action for the declaration of the nullity of section 5 paragraph 1 of the Revenue Code of 1996 of the Municipality of Tubigon and after the plaintiff companies submitted a surety bond.

      Truckers and rolling cargoes/vehicles plying the Cebu-Tubigon-Cebu route embraced it as positive development on their part, saying the subject fees were just additional burden on their operations. - Sunday Post

     Pilar, Bohol -The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) considers Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) a good strategy to fight poverty and foster change in the countryside.

      AusAID sent here a five-man team, led by Peter Bazeley, last month to know more about Kalahi-CIDSS.

      DSWD Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre and Assistant Regional Director Nemia Antipala personally escorted the team to the project sites in Barangay Estaca to meet with the village officials and community volunteers.

      The foreign guests were impressed when the community volunteers explained how KC has been implemented in the barangay, with the construction of three-classroom school building worth more than P1.6 million and a solar dryer project which only amounted to less than P700.

      The volunteers further explained that they were consulted by the DSWD before, during  and after the project implementation, starting from the identification of needs of the community through barangay assembly.

      They also demonstrated the concept on people empowerment when they showed  how they prepared their project proposals in the dialect which they eventually submitted and presented during  the  Municipal Inter Barangay Forum (MIBF).

      A volunteer fluently explained to the visitors how they were exposed by the project to various capability building activities to be able to handle the project successfully to benefit majority of the poor constituents.

      Among the processes illustrated by the volunteers included procurement activities which they themselves did like canvass of construction materials and opening of bids by their own Bids and Awards Committee while the group’s Project Implementation Team (PIT) undertook oversight tasks on the progress of various works.

      During the actual ocular inspection, the community proudly showed off its three-classroom building and solar dryer which they themselves maintained with funding assistance from their barangay.

      So far the project has already been earning well. In fact, at least 1,025 households have already enjoyed the benefits of the KC project as of this time.

      Macapobre said Kalahi-CIDSS has been recognized internationally including World Bank as one of the best poverty reduction initiatives in the world.

      In Central Visayas alone, it has completed 363 sub-projects like farm-to-market roads, construction of school buildings, day care centers, multi-purpose and health centers, bridges, water and electrification projects.

      She said an additional 58 sub-projects are expected to be completed at the end of this year in the provinces of Bohol and Siquijor. (contributed)

     From the site of its 10-bed infirmary, San Miguel town has erected a 25-bed health facility in line with its vision of making health service even more accessible to a bigger number of constituents in this hinterland town.

      And, the local government’s decision to inaugurate the new facility during the nutrition month culmination activities on July 31 was never even more prudent, says town information officer Menandro Pesquira in an interview.

      Pesquira pointed out that the old infirmary operated initially from funds generated from the town’s Nutrition Month activities as well as Countryside Development Fund of the District Representative.

      Using help from LOGOFIND, the town tapped funds to complete the P45M facility while putting in about P18M from the local coffers, he said.

      Mayor Claudio Bonior, during the hospital inauguration admitted that the dream facility would finally unsettle his poor constituents who then had to sidle in for the ten beds they can only offer.

      Attending the inauguration were Congressman Roberto Cajes, Boardmembers Amalia Tirol, Ma Fe Lejos, DILG Provincial Director Rustica Mascarinas, Pureza Chatto, DOH 7 Dr. Sofia Mancao. Resident physician Dr. Eduardo Abellar, head nurse and administrator Peter Nuez and Vice Mayor Jonathan Reyes.

      From an infirmary that responded to a diarrhea outbreak in 1994, the San Miguel Hospital now stands on the old site and promises the same if not better health assistance program to the town.

      The local officials decided to resettle the infirmary to a private residence while the construction went on, independent sources tell.

      Since there were cases, which needed financial assistance, the Confederated Health Councilors Association, composed of Barangay Kagawads who were chairpersons of the committee on health in heir respective barangays formulated the health assistance program which provided interest-free loans fro purchase of medicines of admitted patients.

      The seed money has been increased with the membership fees of P50.00 per household.

      The Municipal Health Officer, who reports to the Local Health Board oversees the operations of the 10-bed infirmary managed by a resident physician with the help of visiting doctors, nurses and midwife in tandem with barangay health workers act as nursing aides and provide laundry and janitorial services.

      In addition to the health care services, san Miguel also put up health assistance scheme, health education seminars and trainings are conducted on disease prevention, management and control, first aid and other basic health skills.

      As a result, there is improved health care, increased knowledge on health, improvement in sanitation and reduced incidence of infectious diseases and increased family income.

      And from a decade old Gawad Galing Pook awardee for outstanding health program in 1996, it may not be long for a town hospital to duplicate a feat in keeping the infirmary and in running a health assistance program that snagged national attention back then. (PIA)

In an interview with GMA News’ Sherrie Ann Torres on Friday, MTRCB chair Consoliza Laguardia said Revillame also violated Sec. 3 of Presidential Decree 1986.

"Yung personal kong tingin objectionable ‘yung ginawa ni Willie kasi pwede niyang ginawa ung offcam. He violated the broadcast code of ethics of KBP (Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) and then sa part ng MTRCB, Sec. 3 of PD 1986 ‘yung being objectionable and contrary to good customs and tradition," Laguardia said.

(In my personal view, Willie’s action was objectionable because he could have said those things off camera. He violated the broadcast code of ethics of the KBP and for the part of MTCRB, he violated Sec. 3 of PD 1986, by being objectionable and contrary to good customs and tradition.)

On camera last Monday, during Wowowee's regular airing, Revillame testily told his network's management to remove the video of Mrs. Aquino’s cortege aired simultaneously in an inset frame on TV screens.

“Hindi siguro magandang tingnan na pinapakita niyo yan (Mrs. Aquino’s footage). Nagsasaya kami tapos pinapakita niyo yung, I don't think dapat ipakita yan."

“Eh mahihirapan akong magsalita rito. Nagpapasaya ako nakikita ko ‘yung ano (cortege) ni Tita Cory. Sana pakitanggal naman muna ‘yan sa ating traffic. Kasi kung ganyan pakita nalang natin ‘yan kasi nagsasaya kami dito tapos masakit sa akin yan. Nagsasalita ako dito yan Pls, sana maintindhan niyo, nagsasaya kami dito papakita niyo sa amin yun. Diba? Hindi tama eh okay?"

“Hay nako. Pangit. Hindi maganda ho sa atin nagsasalita pinapakita yung kabaong ni Tita Cory. Diba? Paano kami magkakapagsaya nahihirapan kami? I'm sorry ho ah pero ako totoo ako eh. ‘Wag niyo akong papagalitan...Pagkatapos ng show pakita niyo ‘yung gusto niyong ipalabas. Kasi itong Wowowee gusto ko at alam din ni Tita Cory ‘yan kasi napasaya din siya ng show na ito na laging masaya dito. Okay?"

The live video of the transfer of Cory's body to the Manila Cathedral was removed from his show moments later.

A day after his controversial remarks, Revillame apologized through Wowowee and clarified that he had no ill intentions when he sought the removal of the insets.

“Sa sitwasyon na ito, kung may nasaktan ako, I’m sorry. Sa pamilya Aquino, alam ng buong pamilya Aquino, wala akong masamang intensyon doon (I’m sorry if what I did hurt anyone. The entire Aquino family knows I have no bad intentions)," Revillame said.

He explained that as the host of a variety show (where guests play games and win money), it would have been hard for him to make his audience happy if Mrs. Aquino’s casket was simultaneously shown.

Teach him a lesson

Two media organizations, the National Press Club and the Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamahayag (Afima), also expressed dismay over Revillame’s remark.

"Siguro dapat mabigyan siya ng leksyon ngayon. Iba na to eh. Ibang case na to eh (He should be taught a lesson this time. This is a different case)," said AFIMA president Jerry Yap.

"Kung hindi niya titigilan yung ganong attitude niya I don’t think dapat pa siyang panoorin ng tao (If he will not change his attitude I don’t think people should continue watching him)," said NPC president Benny Antiporda.

The report said the MTRCB and the KBP will meet to discuss the possible actions against Revillame. - GMANews.TV

ABS CBN’s “Wowowee” game show host 48-year-old Willie Revillame full name Wilfredo Buendia Revillame has been suspended on his outburst over the live coverage of President Corazon Aquino’s funeral. Files a three-week leave form the show.

It is reported that Willie Revillame who is already known as a Controversial television host, has once again become the central attention for viewers. His comments and reaction have been taken serious notice of both by public and the Management. He wished that the inset news of President Corazon Aquino’s funeral procession may be aired after his show, not simultaneously. He took the plea that mine is an entertainment show whereas the funeral procession however is sad news. Therefore, could be aired later on or separately, he said.

Revillame has lost his jobs as game show-host, twice prior to this. He has been alleged of making unethical comments in “Wowowee” show by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) too.

As a reaction to the disrespect he showed towards the late President Aquino, nonstop protests have come into play and it is believed that he has actually submitted his leave for from the game show just because he did not realize earlier what he has done. As per ABS-CBN, his leave of absence took effect during the live airing of “Wowowee” last Saturday, the 8th August. While at Monday’s noontime show of “Wowowee” Revillame was a bit lost although he had the support from few personnel who said ‘Willie, we are with you’ through the placards they held.

There is no proper or formal announcement from the ABS-CBN yet to confirm his ‘suspension’ rather it’s said: Willie has gone on leave. He will be out for at least three weeks.” A female co-host has taken the charge in place of Willie.

It may not be out of place to say that Willie Revillame has however, provided a solid ground for ‘opposition’ as hundred of live calls for a rather punitive action against him are received at the ABS-CBN. - source

ABS-CBN noontime host Willie Revillame’s “objectionable" way of removing the live video of former President Corazon Aquino’s cortege from his popular midday program “Wowowee" last Monday violated the broadcast code of ethics, an official of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxhnMQZEAgs

How do you define a "soulmate"?

“A lie does not consist in the indirect position of words, but in the desire and intention, by false speaking, to deceive and injure your neighbour.” - Jonathan Swift

“A tiger can smile
A snake will say it loves you
Lies make us evil”

- Chuck Palahniuk

“The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.” - George Bernard Shaw

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ame_E7M4eCk

7-year-old Child Driver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DU9An376ug

Child driver

New TV ads are encouraging Brazilians to save water â€" by urinating in the shower.

Brazilian environmental group SOS Mata Atlantica says the campaign, running on several television stations, uses humor to persuade people to reduce flushes.

The group says if a household avoids one flush a day, it can save up to 4,380 liters (1,157 gallons) of water annually.

SOS spokeswoman Adriana Kfouri said Tuesday that the ad is "a way to be playful about a serious subject."

The spot features cartoon drawings of people from all walks of life - a trapeze artist, a basketball player, even an alien â€" urinating in the shower.

Narrated by children's voices, the ad ends with: "Pee in the shower! Save the Atlantic rainforest!" - source: Stuff

PETA Serves Veggie Hot Dogs to speak out against National Hot Dog Month in Washington
Playboy Playmate of the Year Jayde Nicole (L) and Playmate Joe Garcia (C) serve veggie hot dogs as part of an event put on by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to call out against National Hot Dog Month, on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 15, 2009. (UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch)

By Melnie Ragasa-Jimena
Philippine Journal

“ADIOS mi amor.”
   
Thus how a sexagenarian man started his suicide note before hanging himself to death inside his home in Quezon City Monday night.
   
The suicide note also contained the marital spat of Pio Tindugan, 66, and his wife Soledad.
   
It said: “Malaya ka na dahil patay na ’ko pero sana huwag mo siyang patitirahin sa bahay natin.”
   
Tindugan was already stiff when his son Ramon found him hanging inside his home at Block 37, Feliciano St., Bgy. Pasong Putik, around 9:30 p.m. Monday.
   
Officer-on-case PO3 Juanito Juanson surmised Tindugan took his life because his wife wanted to leave him.
   
Probers said they found an empty gin bottle which indicated Tindugan could possible be drunk when he decided to take his own life.
   
“Paalam na mahal kong asawa. Paalam na mga anak. Paalam na mahal kong mga apo. Paalam sa daigdig kong tinubuan at sinilangan,” the suicide note read.
   
Juanson said that the letter showed that Tindugan expressed despair over his wife’s demand for separation.
   
“Doon sa sinabi mong maghiwalay tayo, oo, tanggap ko na kaya ito na ako ngayon lubos na nagpapaalam sa iyo,” Tindugan stated in his suicide note.

A British survey suggests women prefer "real men" with beer bellies and hairy chests to "metrosexuals" with tight shorts and manicures.

The survey of 5,192 women, conducted by Lion Bar Ice Cream, found 80 percent of respondents now consider metrosexual traits including hair straightening and frequent sunbathing to be turn-offs, The Sun reported Tuesday.

The poll also found one in 10 women questioned in the survey like the smell of beer on a man while a fifth of those polled said they are attracted to men with "a bit of body odor."

"This is great news for real men this summer," a Lion Bar spokesman said. "They can get their roar back and ditch the moisturizer, manicures and tight shorts this summer -- leave that for the footballers. - UPI

Lee Eclov and his wife were at a coffee shop in Estes Park, Colorado. At another table sat four men, one of whom was mocking Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus.

Lee could sense the Lord telling him to respond. But his fear kept him from doing so. Finally, he knew he had to make a stand. So he walked over to the men and began giving historical evidence for the resurrection.

How do we respond when we’re in a similar situation? The apostle Peter encouraged his readers to make a commitment to stand up for Jesus, especially during extreme suffering. This commitment meant not remaining speechless when circumstances warranted them to defend their faith. He said, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Their readiness to answer required them to know God’s Word. They were to respond in godly meekness and fear, so that their persecutors would be ashamed of their own conduct.

Had Lee Eclov remained silent or responded rudely, the cause of Christ would have suffered. Lee later wrote, “God has a way of flushing us out of our quiet little places, and when He does we must be ready to speak for Him.”  â€" Marvin Williams, our Daily Bread

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. â€"1 Peter 3:15

A man has killed at least three women at a gymnasium in the US state of Pennsylvania, before shooting himself.

Another 10 people were injured by gunfire in the town of Bridgeville near Pittsburgh, after the incident at the LA Fitness Center.

An eyewitness told a local TV station that a man entered an all-female dance class, turned off the lights, took two guns out of a bag and began firing.

"People everywhere were screaming. It was horrible," said the witness.

It is not known whether the gunman had any specific reason for targeting anyone at the gym.

"He did not say anything. He walked right into the room where the shootings occurred as if he knew exactly where he was going," said Allegheny County police Superintendent Charles Moffatt.

source: BBC News

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Four men have been sentence to life imprisonment for abducting and raping two college students in Antipolo City in 2001.

In a 61-page decision dated June 16 but which was promulgated only last week, Judge Bayani Vargas of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 219 convicted Ronald Dorado, Christopher Langones, Joel Dorado and Edgar Rimando of the crime of forcible abduction with multiple rape.

The four were also ordered to pay the complainant, a college student then at the Far Eastern University, P300,000 in moral damages and civil indemnity.

Court records showed the complainant and another female college student of St. Paul College were in a jeepney plying Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, in September 2001 when four men inside the vehicle declared a holdup.

The complainant was then on her way to school to take an examination.

She said the men forced her and the other girl to give up their belongings. Then instead of allowing them to go, they prevented them from getting off the jeepney.

The four then drove the two girls all the way to a grassy portion on Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City where they were ordered to strip.

The complainant alleged that when she refused, the men removed her clothes and forced themselves on her. She told the court that the four men did the same to the other girl.

By Nancy Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Four well-dressed young men who spoke fluently in English were arrested for reportedly robbing the passengers of an FX taxi in Quezon City at noon Tuesday.

“The suspects speak to police investigators in fluent English. They denied that they were robbers but they were positively identified by the victims and the victims’ belongings were found in their possession when they were arrested,” Supt. Franklin Moises Mabanag said.

Mabanag, head of the Quezon City Police District’s Mobile Group said one of the four men posed as the driver of the Quiapo-bound FX taxi from Fairview while his companions pretended to be passengers.

The police later found out that the FX taxi used by the group, a white Toyota Tamaraw with plate number UDJ 881, had been reported stolen while it was parked on Scout Lozano Street at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

Mabanag identified the arrested robbery suspects as Luciano Torres Soriano, 35; Romulado Bueno Zamora, 22; Lyle Narvaez, 32; and Alberto Brillante. A fifth man was able to escape, he added.

Although five days short to make it a full month, the famous Sandugo festival catapulted to its climax today amidst reports of unfulfilled promises regarding prizes in its previous staging three years ago.

First the bad news. This year’s Sandugo festivities were marred by reports that a winner in the 2006 Miss Bohol international was not able to enjoy her prize of a US round trip courtesy of pageant organizers.

Ms. Loida Tiza Lagonoy from Dimiao and who represented the University of Bohol raised several eyebrows Friday evening when she delivered a farewell speech on the occasion of the coronation of Miss Bohol International 2009.

Crowned as this year’s Miss Bohol International is Ms. Carleen Angelica Pepito Yap. SEE CAPTION STORY PAGE 2

It was actually not a farewell speech according to the program but was more of an impassioned one after the poor winner lambasted the pageant organizers for reneging in their promise to hand down the grand prize â€"an all expenses round trip to the US.

In her speech, she said she still felt cheated even if she was granted a US visa as a result of winning the prize.

The problem of US entry came when the plane ticket which was sponsored by Philippine Airlines lapsed its shelf life. Apparently due to some runaround of contest organizers to have the winner took the earliest flight possible, the free air passage of PAL expired. Her lament was that the organizers did not go out of their way to replace the expired air ticket.

According to those who witnessed the Friday coronation event, the audience was shocked about the revelation of the Dimiao beauty.

The 26-day festivities include the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan which is supposed to start today but the Post chose to skip the proceedings arising from a high-handed treatment it got from some TBTK officers.

The paper’s reporter was assured by a certain Cora (the Post did not bother to get her family name) for a list of all balikbayans only to be told that a high-ranking TBTK officer did not like the idea of giving it to the Post. 

As part of the Sandugo celebration, the Post was more than willing to publish the list of balikbayans coming home for the TBTK shindig. It was the paper’s way of gauging whether a heavy turn out of TBTK delegates was in place.

Since some TBTK officers must have thought of some other strange things in mind as to why they refused to release the list of participants of the grand homecoming, the Post management just consider the same as part of the hazard of the profession.  The Post management can only heave a sigh of relief thinking that on hindsight it will be able to save precious newspaper’s space.

source: Sunday Post

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfZOvNxYEf8

Baby Wary over Mommy's Tears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DykbPa4Lc

How to Sell Pepsi in China

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2taSJ08Ho8w

A Bright Baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxseuREiuQA

Unique Things Around the World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMPGakW08r4

Only in India

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crTCgkjX9K0

Is Your Boyfriend Really Sick?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_dgiNoBWio

What Women Can't Give to Men

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U

Our perception of beauty has been distorted?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSG807d3P-U

Banned Levi's Ad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8aprCNnecU

Do you like your Mommy all the time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwbLiPNVS2U

Funny TV Ads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUBfXR019dU

Never Remove Your Underwear in front of a Stranger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJKND7Y6Xg4

Is Your Hair Smooth?

TWELVE:
You talk with him/her late at night and when you go to bed you still think of him/her.

ELEVEN:
You walk really slowly when you are with him/her.

TEN:
You don't feel Ok when he/she is far away.

NINE:
You smile when you hear his/her voice.

EIGHT:
When you look at him/her,you do not see other people around you.You see only him/her.

SIX:
He/She is everything you want to think.

FIVE:
You realise that you smile every time you look at him/her.

FOUR:
You would do anything to see him/her.

THREE:
While you have been reading this, there was a person in your mind all the time.

TWO:
You've been so busy thinking of that person that you didn't notice that number SEVEN is missing.

ONE:
You are going to check above if that's true and now you are silently laughing to yourself.

By Abigail L. Ho, Inquirer.net

The high wages being offered in the business process outsourcing industry may no longer be enough to convince mid-level executives to stay on in their jobs, as they now look for more “quality of life” incentives.

A recent study by research firm XMG Global found that, while cash was still an important consideration among BPO talents in three offshoring countriesâ€"the Philippines, India and Chinaâ€"the appeal of high wages alone had started to wane, particularly for supervisors, team leaders and mid-managers.

“Results [of the study] show that while the use of cash rewards is consistent with or slightly behind levels reported last year, some categories of awards level desired increased by an astounding 18 percentâ€"notably what we at XMG Global call ‘quality of life’ incentives. Examples of this type of incentive include flex hours, additional paid time off, telecommuting, stress management and family counseling,” XMG said in a statement yesterday.

“As health and family-related issues are on the rise, most particularly due to work-related stress and working the graveyard shifts, the respondents indicated they were willing to devote more to a company that recognizes and respects their personal needs and life circumstances,” it added.

Considering the results of the study, XMG said BPO firms should consider providing more non-cash rewards that focused on improving the quality of life of their personnel.

This would not only help companies retain their talents, but would also ease the pressure on BPO firms to give out cash or cash-oriented incentives.

“Such incentives do much to address real and important employee needs and concerns, often without cash outlays. They also serve to foster loyalty and commitment,” XMG said.

“Vendors and captives that still believe that cash is the only form of incentive in offshoring countries are missing the opportunity to derive higher performance and retain key performers. Respecting individual needs for leading a better quality of life from work and more flexible approaches to the work environment will be a leading retention practice,” it added.

Two young children have been shot by their siblings in the space of 24 hours in the United States.

In Las Vegas, a two-year-old girl was in a critical condition after being shot by her four-year-old brother at their home, police said.

In South Carolina, a four-year-old boy was shot in the stomach by his three-year-old brother after the little boy found a gun.

The injured boy was expected to make a full recovery, police said.

The incident in Las Vegas happened on Thursday night after the girl's brother found a loaded 9mm handgun inside their home.

It went off while he was holding it, hitting his sister in her torso.

According to police, the father was home at the time and the gun appears to have been improperly secured.

The shooting involving the two brothers happened in Gray Court, South Carolina, also on Thursday night. They and their father were staying at the home of a family friend.

Laurens County Sheriff Ricky Chastain said it appeared the younger boy found the gun under a bed and accidentally shot his brother.

The injured boy was flown to hospital, where he underwent surgery, he said.

No charges have been filed in relation to either case.

Gun debate

The two incidents come less than a week after a five-year-old boy died after shooting himself in the head.

He had found a handgun inside his father's vehicle outside a Las Vegas pharmacy.

The father in that case has been charged with child endangerment.

In the US, the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. There are thought to be more than 200 million firearms in private hands.

Advocates of gun control face tough opposition from gun owners.

Critics of the current gun laws link high levels of gun crime and gun-related injury with high levels of gun ownership. - source: BBC News

Saudi beauty queen Aya Ali al-Mulla trounced 274 rivals to win a crown, jewellery, cash and a trip to Malaysia, and all without showing her face, Saudi media reported on Friday.

With her face and body completely covered by the black head-to-toe abaya mandatory in the conservative Muslim kingdom, 18-year-old Mullah was named "Queen of Beautiful Morals" late on Thursday, newspapers said.

There was none of the swimsuit and evening gown competitions and heavy media coverage of beauty pageants elsewhere when the contest was decided in the eastern city of Safwa.

Instead, the winner and the two runner-up princesses had to undergo a three-month test of their dutifulness to their parents and family, and their service to society.

This included a battery of personal, cultural, social and psychological tests, Al-Watan reported.

It was unclear exactly what Mullah did to pip her rivals in the huge field, but Al-Watan reported that the high school graduate had good grades and hopes to go into medicine.

She raked in a 5,000-riyal (1,333-dollar) prize, a pearl necklace, diamond watch, diamond necklace, and a free ticket to Malaysia with her win.

The 20-year-old first runner-up, one of triplets, had already won an education ministry-sponsored "I love you, my country" competition.

The second runner-up, a high school student aged 15, was cited for taking care of her home and family during the week because her mother works far from home and can only return on weekends.

Beauty contests focused on physical beauty are non-existent in segregated Saudi Arabia, where women can not mix with unrelated men, and must appear in public completely covered -- even in photographs. - Yahoo News

If you could have a one hour interview with anyone, living or dead, who had to tell the truth, who would it be?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QujA8YYgTWU

Not your kind of wedding dance.

By Alexander Villafania

That’s about 22 digits stacked together. In comparative terms, this number is equivalent to 162 trillion high resolution photos or 30 billion fully loaded Apple iPod Touch devices.

This is the estimated amount of digital data created globally in 2008 and IT industry analyst International Data Corporation (IDC) expects this number to be double in the next 18 months.

IDC’s study, entitled “As the Economy Contracts, the Digital Universe Expands”, showed that digital information continues to grow exponentially every year even with the current economic situation.

The study, commissioned by enterprise data storage firm EMC, is the third update of the IDC’s Digital Universe report, which aims to establish the amount of content being created and how it is being used and managed.

The latest study also revealed that there will an additional 600 million Internet users worldwide in the next four years. In particular, two-thirds of these users will be able to access the Internet via mobile devices.

Another 850 million people will buy online and Internet commerce would be valued at $13 trillion by 2012.

IDC also stressed that people will increasingly use email, instant messaging, and social networks for communications.

These factors, coupled by the increased use of Internet-connected devices and more access to broadband communications, will result in an explosion of digital data creation.

But more than just consumer-level Internet growth, IDC also stressed that security will become a main priority to protect digital data. By 2012, it is expected that 45 percent of digital data would be security-sensitive.

Government regulation of digital data will also be broader, thus requiring business owners to implement compliance measurements to protect and store data.

While there is no per-country specific breakdown of the IDC study, EMC said the Philippines contributes to digital data growth as evidenced by strong sales of external storage devices.

TRUE LIFE ABORTION STORY
- Her own words: by:  Alex

My name is Alex, I'm currently 27, married with 3 children.

My story begins in January 1991 when I became very sick with what I was sure was the simple flu. My boyfriend (now my husband of more than 7 years) took me to the doctor because I just couldn't shake whatever it was I had. Approximately 2 hours later we found out I was around 2 months pregnant.

Needless to say we were more scared than we had ever been.

We were both 19 at the time, in college (we graduated high school in 1989 -- myself Valedictorian), and both expected to go very far in life. I was also having quite a bit of trouble with my parents because they really didn't care for Steve. All that said, we were faced with the most frightening choice we had ever and have since ever had to deal with, especially since I was brought up strong Catholic and had always opposed abortion with all my heart.

Later that afternoon I had my first ultrasound to determine exactly how far along I was. At this point we were beginning to think of any option we possibly had, but all that came to mind was "Why us? Why now?"

Throughout the next month we made up are minds and changed our minds at least a thousand times. We didn't want to throw our lives away after all that we had worked for, neither did we want to cause any more tensions with my family.

The month quickly drew to an end, and we made our decision and an appointment.

The previous day I was sicker than normal (which is very very sick), but I was sticking to my decision, I couldn't afford to give up my life. That night I fell asleep and woke up early the next morning after the most vivid dream I had ever had. This dream has changed my life forever. The surroundings in the dream were pitch black, I was standing center stage in what appeared to be a spotlight. There was this little boy tugging on my skirt. All he said, over and over, was "Mommy, please don't hurt me."

I fully awoke and just shook off the dream, not truly believing. I went to my appointment, went through the counseling, and was led into the room. I undressed, got up on the table, and placed my feet up into the stirrups. The doctor began to place the instruments inside me, when I heard the voice again. I closed my legs immediately and began crying. I couldn't do it.

Steve and I were married 2 weeks later (in the Church), and our son Nicholas (who with the grace of God had spoken to me just 2 months earlier) was born July 12, 1991 5 weeks early (but in better shape than I was).

Nicholas is now 7, has a 5 year old sister Alli,and a 16 month old baby brother Joshua. Steve and I have struggled throughout these years, but have always made ends meet. We have both managed to achieve our dreams even without college, Steve a computer programmer, and myself a graphic artist. We have never been happier or more fulfilled.

There are still times when I look at Nick and tears come to my eyes and the most horrible pain to my heart, and I wonder how I could have ever considered what I had almost done. I don't think I will ever get over the pain.

I hope this story of my life can be useful and help someone, because I know there is hope where there is faith and trust in God.

The Choice
Case Study: Sally Garneau

I learned that I was pregnant at the age of eighteen, shortly after moving in with my boyfriend. Feeling scared and insecure, I didn't know how a baby would fit into my future. Upon seeking counsel from friends and family, it seemed logical to consider abortion as an option. After all, I was young, pretty and intelligent. I had my whole life ahead of me.

It was a shock to learn that I was near the 6th month of my pregnancy. This fact certainly complicated matters. It would mean that I would have to have a different, more costly, kind of abortion. With the support of those I valued most, I made a decision. An appointment was set for one week later.   

My boyfriend and I arrived at the hospital early one morning in April. After the initial screening I was shown to an examining room where the lethal dose of saline was injected into my womb. Within minutes, I was led to a hospital room where they informed me that I could expect some cramping, a little worse than a normal period, and that it should be all over in about 24 to 48 hours. There was nothing left to do but wait for my body's "natural" ability to expel the unwanted fetus. In other words, give birth to my dead baby. I was instructed to remain in the bed and to call the nurse after I had the baby.

There were six girls in the hospital room all together. At first we had a great time! Talk was abundant as many family members and friends came and went. It was not until the first "birth" that the atmosphere changed. Slowly laughter was replaced with fear and pain, curiosity gave way to sorrow, and a solemn quiet crept over the room. It was in the moments that followed that my life changed forever.

I'm still surprised at how little physical pain there was. It was similar to having a bowel movement -- until I became curious and looked under the covers to see what was there -- until that instant when I saw a baby, red and bloody and small, but a baby still. I quickly covered myself back up and called the nurse.             

THE EMOTIONS OVERWHELMED ME AFTER THE ABORTION

While I waited, I became terrified that "it" wasn't dead. Lying in the same bed with me was flesh and blood! The emotions that overwhelmed me in that moment were so strong that my body reacted with violent, uncontrollable shaking. Tears streamed down my face and panic gripped my heart.

It seemed that an eternity passed before the nurse finally came. I watched her calmly close the curtain and put on a pair of plastic gloves. As she lifted up the sheet I turned my head. I couldn't watch as she placed my "waste" in a white paper bucket. As she turned to go, what was left of my childhood went with her, but somehow I managed to close my mind to the events and go on.

Two years later my boyfriend and I were married. Within three months I was pregnant again but my husband never knew about it. We were separated at the time and I didn't want him to use the baby as an excuse for us to get back together. The relationship had become physically abusive and I refused to go back.               

This time I had a suction abortion. Fortunately, there were not obvious side effects such as excess bleeding or infection. I was in and out of the clinic within a matter of hours. Yet another successful procedure to free me of the awful burden of raising a child. Or so I thought.

I was forced to face the truth of my choices while casually flipping through the channels on television one day. My interest was caught by the picture of a baby in the womb. Little did I know that I was watching the movie "The Silent Scream." Before my very eyes I saw a baby being torn to pieces by a tremendous force of suction. I saw it jerk away from the metal instrument as if he or she felt pain and fear.

In horror, I realized that this was a living being! Tears ran down my face as I flashed back to my second abortion. This is what I did to my baby!! Suddenly, the truth hit me and I knew there was no turning back. I had to face what I had done and for the next five years, that's exactly what I did. Through the pain of discovery comes growth and here is what I learned.

Why, if I felt to horrible about having an abortion the first time, would I do it again? I saw my baby dead before my very eyes, and yet I was able to convince myself that it was okay to get rid of a second child! In total denial, I was able to believe that I had made the right choice for the sole reason that the truth was intolerable. The results of my choice were devastating.

I HATED MYSELF - I HAD SELF HATRED AND DIDN'T EVEN KNOW

Without realizing it, the afternoon that they put my baby in a bucket was the beginning of self hatred. I lost the value of life. This was evidenced by my divorce and what came after. I became more deeply involved in a destructive lifestyle: sex with many men, drugs and alcohol. Even in the few serious relationships I had, I allowed physical, verbal and sexual abuse because, subconsciously, I believed that I deserved it. Over ten years of destructive habits and relationships were triggered by one very bad choice.             

The complications of abortion were not limited to emotional and mental anguish. No matter how safe I thought abortion was, I still live with the consequence that I may not be able to have any more children. My doctor has informed me that I have a tremendous amount of scar tissue in my uterus; a direct result of scraping the womb after the babies were removed. In addition to that, two surgeries and many sleepless nights have been spent over a condition called endometriosis. I suspect it is directly related.         

I've experienced abortion and I'm convinced it is murder. Yes, of innocent babies  who never get a chance at life. YET IT IS SO MUCH MORE! Abortion not only affects the life of the unborn child, but also the life of the mother! I can say from my own experience that a part of ME died each time I gave into my own self-centeredness and exerted my "right to choose."

In my ignorance, I made choices that are irreversible. As a result, I lost a very valuable part of me--self-respect. But I also lost much more. Because of my choice, I learned to neglect an important part of my responsibility as a person: TO VALUE HUMAN LIFE. Two lives were dependent upon me to protect them. Without me, they would have never known life. Because of me, we all learned about death.

I LIVE WITH REGRET - REGRET & GUILT FOR KILLING MY BABIES

To anyone who is thinking of having an abortion, I would say that as I go on living my life, the one I tried so hard to protect from the inconveniences of raising children, I have learned to live with regret and guilt. But you don't have to! Today, you have the opportunity to choose life and experience the great privilege that only a woman can know. Yes, others may think that you are too young and immature to handle this responsibility, but you are the one who may have to live with the guilt and shame if you choose to end a life instead.

Consider how your choice will affect you now and in the future. Know what the dangers are to your body and your mental health. Find out what your options are if you decide to keep your baby or give it up for adoption. Whatever you do, be sure to consider all the consequences. After all, it is your choice, but the life you destroy may be your own.

This testimony is excerpted with permission from the brochure "The Choice," by Sally Garneau. For more information, contact the author at (530) 223-6474. Published in The PostAbortion Review 6(3) Summer 1998.

Manila Zoo, the first and oldest zoo in Asia and one of the famous existing landmarks of the city, will mark its golden anniversary on Saturday, July 25.

The city’s zoo, established in 1959, is managed by the Public Recreation’s Bureau (PRB) under Director Deogracias Manimbo, an engineer.

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Manimbo announced that Manilans will enjoy free entrance to the Manila Zoo as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

Manimbo has organized a thanksgiving mass in the morning, to be attended by Mayor Lim, the department heads, PRB employees, and other invited guests.

After the mass, the new Manila Zoo comfort rooms will be inaugurated and blessed, followed by a bird show and the release of fingerlings.

During the celebration, the PRB will showcase City of Manila's vision: "Manila aims to maintain its prestige and preeminence as the premier city of the Republic of the Philippines and the country's center of trade, culture, history, and education."

As the capital of the country, Manila is committed to develop a socially just, environmentally sustainable, politically participatory and economically vibrant community, Manimbo said. (PNA)

Hundreds of students and martial arts hobbyists in Western Visayas region are coming to Tangalan town for a two-day regional competition on arnis.

Councilor Jay Tejada said the event will be staged in the Tangalan Cultural Center this July 25 to 26. Tangalan mayor Gene Fuentes will welcome the delegates.

"We were told that arnis enthusiasts from Bacolod, Iloilo and neighboring provinces will be coming for the competition. The competition is a chance for Tangalan to showcase its tourism and agricultural product," he said.

Tangalan is known for its beaches which are considered one of the favorite dive sites in the province.(PNA)

The Office of the Ombudsman-Western Visayas has vowed to become a model in the fight against graft and corruption.

Lawyer Ma.Sonnette Daquita, graft investigation and prosecution officer of the Ombudsman-WV, said that their office had already registered 469 members as watch agents who are committed to help them in their fight against corruption in the region.

Daquita said the members of graft watch agents include priests under the Social Action Center, government officials in Guimaras and Iloilo, people's organization, volunteers and others.

"We have so far the biggest number of accredited volunteers in Visayas committed to fight against erring officials," she said.

Daquita, together with Evangeline Nunal, associate graft investigator officer, discussed on Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU)among the members of the Aklan Press Club and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP).

The Aklan media when accredited will become part of the official agent volunteers of the Ombudsman to help the agency in the fight against graft and corruption.

Once the KBP-Kalibo and the APC are accredited, its officials and members will become agents against corruption through a Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) to be signed by both parties.

To strengthen its advocacy, the Ombudsman-Visayas is now hiring 13 more investigators to assist them in the expected surge of complaints against suspected corrupt officials in the region.

KBP-Kalibo chair Augusto Tolentino, for his part, said the Aklan media is serious in its quest to eliminate incidence of corruption in the Aklan province.

Based on the data of the Ombudsman-WV, at least 110 government-owned vehicles have already been apprehended for illegal/unauthorized use in Western Visayas by the Task Force: Red Plate.

Of the 110, 16 cases of which came from Aklan, seven in Antique, 19 from Capiz; 10 in Guimaras, 13 in Iloilo City, 15 in Iloilo province and 30 from Negros Occidental.

"We still welcome group volunteers as watchdogs for the Ombudsman in our joint fight against graft and corruption," Daquita said.(PNA)
/V3/ZST/JNA/vlo/

The World Bank has granted the city government US $ 200,000 in technical assistance to help draw up the city's disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management program.

“We have chosen the city because of the favorable response of Mayor Jerry Treñas by allocating resources and creating a team to coordinate the project,” said Cris Pablo of WB.

Pablo said the technical assistance of US $ 150,000 to US$ 200,000 would help draw up a disaster management action plan for the city following the experience of Typhoon Frank that left a trail of destruction in June last year.

“We will determine the city’s readiness in the face of disaster and how to cope on the long term. Our expert on disaster risk management will help the city build capacity, craft plans and review ordinances to make sure it’s protected during disasters. We hope to get more support later on to build disaster-mitigating facilities,” Pablo said.

Earl Kessler, WB’s expert on shelter, urban programs and disaster response and recovery, said there was a need to identify the impact and consequences of climate change such as surge in sea level, storm, extreme weather condition, and rising temperature to better prepare on how to deal with these concerns.

“We will find out how ready is the city in terms of disaster mitigation and adaptation to become proactive and not to wait before it’s too late. People should understand the issue as we have to bring in the citizenry along the leadership of the city government,” Kessler said.

He said the information base would be updated and consolidated for good planning.

Pablo said city’s disaster management program was expected to be completed by January 2010. (PNA)

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has urged gun holders in Ilocos provinces to avail of the government’s one-month amnesty on registration of unlicensed firearms starting October 1.

Puno aired his appeal when he was a guest of honor and speaker during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) held in Laoag City last Wednesday.

Puno said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has pegged the country’s number of loose firearms to 1.2 million which are in the hands of organized crime groups, the New Peoples' Army and the general population.

“These loose firearms are part of the problem on criminality because these firearms had largely contributed to the rising number of crimes in the country,” Puno said.

The secretary is hoping for the reduction on the number of unregistered guns by 50 percent after Executive Order 817 or the National Gun Control Program takes effect from October 1 to 31 this year.

Meanwhile, Regional Police Director, Chief Superintendent Ramon V. Gatan said the Philippines ranked 10th in the world with the highest number of homicide cases at 97.7 percent, all of which were committed with the use of loose firearms.

In Ilocos Region, the PNP accounted 26,864 unregistered firearms in the hands of threat groups, criminal elements and civilian gun holders.

Shooting incidents remained a major police concern in four Ilocos provinces due to the presence of hired guns and loose firearms.

However, the regional PNP records showed a drop in shooting incidents from 286 in a period of January to July last year to 224 during the same period this year.

Gatan cited the steady number of shooting incidents to the difficult economic condition that the communities face forcing them to commit crimes to survive.

Police units have been implementing random checkpoints in the provinces focusing on motorists riding in tandem on board motorcycles due to their frequent involvement in shooting incidents. (PNA)

A day after she delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to fly to Iloilo to check on the status of rehabilitation activities of projects that have been damaged by typhoon "Frank" in 2008.

Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias said they are still finalizing the itinerary of the President but local officials are already making the necessary preparations to have it finalized by Sunday.

“This proves the work ethics of our President knowing how difficult it is to prepare for the SONA and yet a day after she will make a trip to Iloilo,” Banias said.

Banias said the visit is one good opportunity for the President to appreciate the much needed P8-billion Paglaum Fund for rehabilitation, which was already certified as urgent but until now remains with the Senate.

“This will be a major push towards realization of the Paglaum Fund,” he said.

Banias was unsure whether or not the request of another appeal for the Senate to pass the Paglaum Bill will be included in the SONA but he said he also made efforts to get in touch with the team that prepares the President’s SONA.

“What is important that after her SONA she will go to Iloilo and it will be an opportunity for leaders of the region to bring to her attention the need for the rehab fund,” he said. (PNA)

The Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (BMG) regional office here Friday said it will look into further promoting safety of small-scale miners who are also known as "pocket miners" who rank among the workers promoting economy in the area through their excellent yearly gold production.

BMG regional director Samuel Paragas said the move would focus on measures to be adopted by the group which include their required permits and adoption of standard mining safety procedures.

The move came after the recent death of two pocket miners and serious injury of another in Kias, Tuba, Benguet when the bunker where the three were sleeping were suddenly crushed by a landslide emanating from a mountainside with an altitude of some 300 meters.

In recent years, the worst small scale mining accident happened last year with the flooding of a gold mining tunnel somewhere in barangay Luneta, Itogon, Benguet where 11 died and five survived.

During the past observance of Mine Safety Week in December 2008, pocket miners in the area who are from other Luzon provinces as far as Aurora and Quezon reached a yearly average of combined earning of more than P100 million.

The industry is very lucrative despite of the extreme danger to miners that the BMG cannot at the moment altogether stop the operations of the small scale miners.

In fact, it was found out in a recent survey that a great number of present students here and Benguet province are sent to school by parents with this kind of livelihood.

Besides, in the latest mining tragedy in Itogon town, the survivors admitted their gold mining earnings were enough for payment of placement fees, airplane ticket and other expenses who have gone abroad. (PNA)

The Regional Development Council (RDC) is set to activate a Committee on Climate to formulate strategies on how to get adopted with the unpredictable prevailing weather condition as far as the region’s food security is concerned.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Arturo Valero said the climate change committee will be activated before the end of this month and would compose of representatives from all concerned stakeholders.

Valero said the committee would tackle issues such the effect of climate change to the food security of Zamboanga Peninsula, which is an agriculture-base region.

Zamboanga Peninsula covers the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian and Zamboanga.

Valero disclosed last year’s production of palay, which is the Filipino’s staple food, in the region has dropped due to the occurrence of two flashfloods brought about as an effect of climate change.

National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data showed that the production of palay went down by four percent and corn by 18 percent last year.

Valero said the committee will tackle best practices and strategies on how to balance the food production with environmental concerns

“We need to balance (food) production with environmental concerns,” he said, noting climate and food security are related.(PNA)

An international team is now in Jolo, Sulu, for a week-long humanitarian activity dubbed as “Operation Sumbing,” a U.S. military official said.

U.S.JSOTF-P spokesman Maj. John Hutcheson said the Operation Sumbing, which started Monday and would end on Saturday, is aimed to bring life-changing medical treatment to children living with cleft palates and cleft lips.

Sumbing is the Tausug word for “cleft palate.”

Hutcheson said the Operation Sumbing, organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Knightsbridge International and the JSOTF-P, brought together doctors from Operation Smile Philippines and Johns Hopkins University to perform free corrective surgeries for 37 children in Sulu province.

The surgeries are being conducted at the AFP Trauma Center in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in the town of Jolo with post-operative care being provided by AFP and U.S. medical personnel.

Although research has yet to prove definitively what causes the birth defect of cleft lips and palates, the end result is a failure of a fetus’ head and face to finish developing in the womb leaving a gap in the upper lip and roof of the mouth, according to Dr. Jaime Flores, one of the Johns Hopkins surgeons.

“It’s a very visible deformity that can affect a child’s health, self-esteem and overall well-being,” Flores said.

For some, the difficulties associated with cleft lip or palate can be minor like the case of Nurhinda Nurmiddin, 13, one of those who availed of the Operation Sumbing service.

Nurmiddin’s mother, Majieda, said her daughter is an honor student but her daughter’s speech is somewhat affected.

Another surgeon from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, Dr. Jonathan Cohen, said that for others with more serious forms of the condition, daily life can be a struggle.

“They can have trouble eating or speaking. They’re often marginalized or shunned because of their deformities,” Cohen said.

Considering the impact on the child’s future, the surgical process itself is fairly simple, according to Lt. Jayson Bulanadi, an AFP nurse.

All in all, it’s less than 48 hours from the time a patient arrives at the clinic before he or she is released to go home with a brand new smile, Bulanadi said.

“When they arrive, we screen the patients, looking for colds or upper respiratory infections that may affect the anesthetic,” Bulanadi said.

“The patient and one guardian stay the night to allow for recovery and are discharged the next day,” he added.

Hutcheson said the operation itself can be as quick as an hour and a half, during which the surgeons piece together the “puzzle” of the patient’s lip or palate.

Hutcheson said that’s how long it took Dr. Flores and his team to repair the cleft lip of Shermina Singkay, the three-year-old daughter of Jolo native Muhila Singkay.

“She probably won’t even remember what she looked like,” Flores said.

For the doctors who donated their time to perform these surgeries, it has always been about giving kids a chance at a better life.

“This was neither a military event nor a political event, but a show of how we can come together to help,” Cohen said.

Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen, chief of the 3rd Marine Brigade, expressed gratitude to the participants of Operation Sumbing.

“Your generous concern for the poor and indigent is clearly evident in what you are selflessly doing today--restoring the faith, hope and confidence of our less fortunate citizen,” Clemen said.(PNA)

Zamboanga - Applicants for a new business name or renewing an existing business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can still enjoy of the discounted business name registration until the end of this year.

DTI Provincial Director Rolando Acuña said it is in pursuant to Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 09-05 series of 2009 which extended the temporary business name registration fees starting July 16 to December 31 this year.

“This issuance of DAO 09-05 extends the reduced fee period,” Acuña said.

Earlier, the DTI issued DAO No. 09-01 series of 2009 reducing the business name registration by half from January 16 to July 15 this year.

Instead of paying the P300 fee, applicants will only have to pay the amount of P150.

Meanwhile, Acuña said the sole proprietorship businesses now registering their business name will not only benefit from the cost-saving but also enjoy the hassle-free registration.

Acuña said personally filed original business name registrations are now processed faster; registration with other agencies are now possible at the National Economic Research and Business Registration Center (NERBAC) established by DTI; and, online business name registration can now be availed by the applicants by logging-on to www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph. (PNA)

A drill, dubbed as "Emergency Bomb Explosion Exercise", was held Friday morning at the parking lot of SM City here as the Bulacan 566, the province’s answer to America’s 911, made a dry run on the response time and simulated actions of the provincial emergency rescue and response team.

First to arrived at the virtual “explosion site” were Marilao police personnel, led by Supt. Lailene Amparo, who immediately cordoned the area and called the Bulacan 566 command center at the Provincial Capitol compound in Malolos City.

Ambulances and fire trucks began streaking to the area in a span of 10 minutes after the “explosion.” After 30 minutes, the emergency rescue units, composed of paramedics and firemen of Bulacan 566 on board two new ambulance and fire trucks arrive at the scene.

A police bomb squad from the Bulacan Police Provincial Office also arrived at the scene together with an investigation team headed by Supt. Edwin Quilates, concurrent Plaridel police chief, who supervised a “post blast investigation.”

Cecil Yacob, head of the Provincial Public Affairs Office, said that during real emergency situation Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza, together with the police provincial director and other line agencies, will supervised ground operations.

Provincial Administrator Perlie Mendoza said that Bulacan 566 aims to ensure the safety of Bulakenyos during times of emergencies, man-made or natural calamities or even terrorist attacks.

She said that during emergency situations, the public shall only dial (044) 791-0566 and from it’s central communication and response center at the Bulacan 566 headquarters in Malolos city, their call will be received and processed through an electronic computer aided dispatch, a program, she said, will directly pinpoint the exact location of the caller.

The call or information will then be connected the “Geograhic Information System Enhanced Maps” while at the same time coordination will be made to the nearest fire marshals, paramedics, police stations at groups of rescue volunteers.

Mendoza said the provincial government of Bulacan is presently training personnel that will man the Bulacan 566 command center as well as volunteer rescue teams.

The Bulacan 566 or Central Communication and Emergency Response Center is located at the new building of the Provincial Disaster Management Office at the provincial capitol compound in Malolos City.

Mendoza said Bulacan 566 will be launched on August 15 this year during the foundation day of the province. (PNA)

The shellfish ban imposed earlier due to red tide contamination was lifted in Honda Bay, Barangay Sta. Lourdes.

A spokesperson of the City Health Office (CHO) said the ban was lifted after several tests conducted on collected shellfish meat samples by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the City Agriculturist Office (CAO) turned negative of any harmful algal bloom contamination.

“Shellfish vendors can now go back to their businesses because there’s no more red tide,” the spokesperson said.

Honda Bay in Sta. Lourdes, a small community of coastal residents, is one of the biggest sources of shellfishes being sold at two public markets in Puerto Princesa.

Three weeks ago, Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn’ office released an administrative order imposing a ban on the selling of shellfish due to red tide contamination in Honda Bay. (PNA)

People residing in far-flung areas of Western Visayas will soon find it easier to travel and earn more from their harvest once farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are in place.

Department of Agriculture (DA) regional executive director for Western Visayas Larry Nacionales said their agency has released about P500â€"million from their department budget this year for the establishment of FMRs.

Nacionales said the region has received around P234-million for the construction of FMRs which will be implemented in partnership with local government units (LGUs).

On the other hand, Public Works and Highways regional director Rolando Asis confirmed that DA transferred some P300 million fund for FMRs.

He said the projects are scattered in the region and will be completed within the year.

Once these projects are completed, Asis said, farmers will find it easier to bring their goods to the market.

At the same time, they will have access of government services that are in the municipalities. (PNA)

The agriculture regional office is implementing massive projects under the FIELDS program.

FIELDS stands for fertilizers, infrastructure, education, loans, dryers and seeds which the government offers to farmers for them to achieve higher production.

Agriculture regional executive director for Western Visayas Larry Nacionales said the agency will be installing 80 community-based organic fertilizers in Iloilo as part of their massive campaign on the use of organic fertilizer.

Unlike in Negros Occidental where farmers’ awareness on the use of organic fertilizer is high, only about 20 percent of Panay farmers are into organic, Nacionales said.

For infrastructure, he said, P234 million farm-to-market roads (FMRs) have been completed in partnership with local government units (LGUs).

These projects are implemented in far-flung areas expected to hasten the bringing of farm products from the barangays down to the town proper, he said.

Moreover, he said, the agency is set to install some 57 dryers in various farmers’ cooperatives within the year.

An additional 87 dryers are also being bidded out, he said.

He also said the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program of the agency is now trying to develop modules for other commodities and not only for the Palay Check system as part of their education and extension services program.

This year, the (SOA) will focus on high value commercial crops such as coffee and mangoes, he said.

As part of the hunger mitigation program, the agency is continuously providing assistance or subsidy of certified seeds to farmers and vegetable seeds for the "Gulayan ng Masa and Gulayan sa Eskuwelahan."

He said the agency, through the "Gulayan sa Eskuwelahan" project hopes to cover all elementary schools in the region which have communal gardens.

Likewise, Nacionales said, there is a continuing capability trainings for technical persons to further disseminate agriculture-related programs of the government.

As part of the Arroyo administration’s flagship program, he expressed optimism for a more intensified implementation of the FIELDS to help the country achieve food security. (PNA)

Sugar workers in Negros Occidental will no longer have to worry about the effects of a prolonged off-milling season.

This was after the Sugar Tripartite Council (STC) and the Bureau of Rural Workers (BRW) has recently approved the allocation of P8.3-million fund aimed to assist sugar workers.

BRW director Alex E. Maraan said that the approved fund will help sugar workers to cope with the affects of the "tiempo muerto" or the off-milling season.

Of the total amount, Maraan said P7.9 million will go to Sugar Industry Foundation Inc. (SIFI) and P0.4 million to the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters to finance various projects.

The projects include food production, livelihood program such as vegetable and broiler production, temporary employment for barangay road repair, skills training on food preservation, organic fertilizer production, native chicken dispersal and growing, repair of sugar road, green charcoal production, socio-economic projects for sugar workers, and others.

Areas of coverage are upland barangays of La Carlota City, La Castellana, Pontevedra, Victorias, Manapla, Cadiz City, Silay City, EB Magalona, Bacolod City, Sagay City, Toboso, and Escalante City.

At least 20,000 sugar workers and their families will be benefited of the fund assistance. (PNA)

Western Visayas' Department of Agriculture (DA) officials said climate change, particularly its spells of rains and damp conditions, was contributing to the resurgence of tungro, a viral rice disease.

Ylemia Olanday, DA’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) regional coordinator, said tungro was a destructive rice disease, that became widespread in the region in 1983 and was attacking rice crops since then.

In 2008 alone, tungro, which utilized the green and zigzag leaf hoppers as carriers, destroyed thousands of hectares of rice crops in Western Visayas.

But, Olanday was quick to allay apprehensions about it, saying tungro did not pose a serious threat to Capiz's rice farms.

Tungro, Olanday said affected only five hectares of Capiz's 40,000 hectares of rice farms.

She reported this was based on the monitoring the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist conducted until June this year.

Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia De la Cruz said her personnel have been conducting information drive to help farmers on how to prevent tungro in their farms.

Olanday said Officer-In-Charge Judy Gaton, DA Regional Office' Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) and Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) agriculturists came here on July 22 to conduct an information caravan on tungro awareness among local media practitioners.

The DA information campaign is part of the government program to sustain adequate rice production towards food sufficiency.

De la Cruz said Capiz Governor Victor Tanco launched a vigorous rice planting program turning the province into a surplus palay producer. (PNA)