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perfect combination

I used to be a teacher in Thailand for 3 and a half years.

Balong, dili na ka tulison kay wala na silay kakargahan sa imong bahandi. Mag-overload na.

Daghang Salamat kaninyong tanan sa pagsuporta sa demokrasya ning nasora. Dili mahimo nga magpakabuta ug bungol lang ta sa mga tambaloslos nga binuhatan sa mga senador ning nasora.

ayaw kahadlok Tigs. Luag pa ang Muntinlupa.

The New Panglao International Airport. Soon to start construction.

Dear Friends,

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Mike Ortega Ligalig

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Abolish Cybercrime Law of the Philippines

mangapangag nalang ta ug pumang-it ani di pa ta kaputol sa usa ka hiwa.

Vending Machine

Couch Potato

Recent research at the Missouri University of Science and Technology suggests that constantly coating yourself with sunscreen could actually increase your risk of skin cancer! One of the reasons, say the Missouri researchers: Some of today’s common sunscreen ingredients are chemically changed when they’re blasted with UV light -- and the byproducts they produce can damage your skin if you’re exposed to them nonstop. “Plus constantly wearing sunscreen stops your skin from making vitamin D -- a nutrient that actually stops skin cells from turning cancerous,” adds Michael Holick, M.D., professor of medicine at Boston University. To protect yourself: Soak up 15 minutes of sunshine every day before slathering on your sunscreen -- and if you’ll be outdoors for less time than that, you can skip the stuff entirely, Dr. Holick says.

source: ivillage.com

Manila to Xiamen Cheap Plane Ticket

by pna.gov.ph

Vietnam - Small-scale paddy fields, non-synchronous mechanisms, poor infrastructure, and lack of drying and storing facilities were among the major reasons for the high post-rice harvest loss rate in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, experts said.

The delta, the Vietnam's rice granary, has posted a post-harvest loss rate of 13.7 percent, according to the Southern Institute for Agriculture Engineering and Post Harvesting Technology (IAEPHT).

Of the loss, harvesting and husking account for three percent, drying accounts for 4.2 percent, and preservation accounts for 2.9 percent. The average post-harvest loss rate in Southeast Asian countries is 10 percent.

With the Delta's current post-harvest rate, a farmer will lose about USD 570 per hectare annually when yielding three rice crops a year, while the entire delta region will lose about USD650 million per year, according to the IAEPHT.

Speaking at a seminar in Tien Giang Province on Wednesday, organised by the ministries of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development and Tien Giang People's Committee, Pham Van Tan, deputy director of the IAEPHT, said though the rate of mechanism in rice cultivation had increased significantly in recent years the post-harvest loss rate had increased due to poor farmers not applying the mechanism synchronously.

Most harvesting is now done by combine machines, which are able to meet the harvesting demand during peak harvest season. However, the use of certain combine harvesting machines, such as the Japanese brand Kubota, have caused the number of paddy grains falling into fields to increase two times higher than that of a manual harvest, said seminar participants.

To reduce post-harvest losses, the engineering sector should undertake research into different types of imported harvesting machines suitable for small-scale fields in the south, the particpants added.

If the reduction of post-harvest losses is done well, the Delta can increase it's number of paddy grains by about 3 million tonnes per year. The delta, which possesses 2.1 million square metres of land devoted to rice cultivation, produced 23 million tonnes of paddy grains last year.

Le Van Banh, head of the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, said the reduction of post-harvest losses can only be achieved through synchronously implemented mechanisms.

source: pna.gov.ph

The Cherating Turtle Conservation Centre in Cherating, Pahang in Malaysia is in need of funds to upgrade the center and prevent turtle landings at the Cherating beach from decreasing.

Head of the Cherating Turtle Conservation Centre, Abdul Karim Mohd Sham, said the center was temporarily divided into three sections, namely the turtle observation pool, incubation center and turtle nesting area gazetted along 3.5km of the beach.

In efforts to improve the center, he said they proposed the construction of a special pedestrian walkway and rest area for visitors who wanted to watch turtles nesting.

"With the walkway and resthouse, people won't disturb the turtles and more female turtles will land when there is less disturbance," he told Bernama when met at the center recently.

Karim said the turtle observation pool's existing fencing also needed replacement to prevent visitors from being too close to the turtles.

He said when turtles are disturbed while nesting they usually fail to return to the beach.

However, insufficient funds resulted in the inability to execute the plans and could only cater to worker salaries and the center's daily expenses.

"A yearly allocation of RM200,000, including RM100,000 from the state government, is not enough. We are the only center that not only educates the public but also ensures that turtles are preserved.

"We hope that various quarters, especially the state government, will increase allocations for the center as it is now a tourist attraction in Pahang.

"Every year, more than 50,000 tourists including 10,000 foreigners visit the center to watch turtles nest and learn their habits," he said.

source: PNA.gov.ph

Pests and diseases have attacked hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice nationwide and farmers have been advised to strengthen their vigilance and take timely measures to control them.

In the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, the country's rice granary, more than 3,590 hectares of rice have been attacked by brown plant hoppers with a density of 1,000-2,000 pests per square meter and more than 9,500 hectares of rice have been infected with the rice blast disease, according to reports from various provinces in the region.

Le Van Da, deputy head of the Kien Giang Province's Plant Protection Sub-department, said 3,785 hectares of the province's current 100,000 hectares of rice have been impacted by pests and diseases.

This area is infected with pests like brown plant hoppers and small leaf folder, and diseases like rice blast and grain discoloration, he said.

In Ca Mau Province, which neighbours Kien Giang, brown plant hoppers have caused the yield of infected paddy fields in several communes in Tran Van Thoi District fall by 30 to 50 percent, said local farmers.

Many farmers have been forced to harvest their paddy early, before the crop has ripened properly, for fear of further losses.

Inclement weather is the major reason for the increased presence of brown plant hoppers this year, according to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Brown plant hoppers attacked mostly fragrant rice varieties like OM 4900 and OM 6162 as these have low resistance against the insect, with soft stems suitable for the pests' growth, department officials said.

In the north, the small leaf folder has attacked 198,897 hectares of rice, according to the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

About 152,548 hectares of rice in the north have also been infected by the sheath blight disease.

Brown plant hoppers and white-back plant hoppers have infected more than 23,320 hectares of rice.

The Plant Protection Department has ordered local authorities to closely monitor the situation and instruct farmers on prevention and control measures.

It has also advised farmers to visit their paddy fields frequently to detect the appearance and density of brown plant hoppers.

source: PNA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will leave for New York on Sunday to attend the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly and a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Syria.

Lavrov will have a busy program on the sidelines of the 67th session.

“The Russian foreign minister will meet U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He will take part in the meetings of foreign ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the BRICS groups of countries and the G-8. Consultations will also be held within the framework of coordinating ‘trio’ of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the ‘trio’ of the Non-Aligned Movement, the partners from the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf as well as southern Pacific nations,” the Russian Foreign Ministry reports.

The Russian delegation will continue working on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly, especially on themes that are a priority for Russia.

“We will continue pushing forward our traditional initiatives on transparency and confidence-building measures in space and international information security. As before, we will continue counteracting attempts to falsify history and revise the results of WWII. We will once again submit a draft resolution to the General Assembly on inadmissibility of certain practices which contribute to escalation of modern forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance that derives from them,” the Russian Foreign Ministry went on to say.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on September 26 to discuss peace and security in the Middle East.

Experts believe that emphasis will be made on the situation in Syria.

Observers expect heated debates because of sharp differences over methods of Syrian settlement that exist between Russia and China, on the one hand, and the United States, Britain and France on the other hand.

Some Russian diplomats hope that a consensus will be found. The Syrian issue will also be discussed at a meeting with the United Nations/LAS special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

Other topics for discussion include Iranian problems and the Middle East settlement. The six nations will hold a ministerial meeting on Iran to discuss further steps needed for normalizing the situation linked to Iran’s ‘nuclear dossier’. The Middle East “quartet” will discuss prospects of resumption of direct dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Monitors don’t rule out that Sergei Lavrov may touch upon all the aforesaid issues in his speech at the general discussion of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28.

The Russian foreign minister is expected to draw attention to the supremacy of law in the context of reaction to crisis situations.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed that the Song Tranh 2 Hydro Power Plant, which was hit by an earthquake earlier this week, should not put its water reservoirs back into operation at this time despite assurances from professionals that it would be safe to do so.

Five tremors were reported to have hit the plant on Monday and Tuesday, causing panic among the local people and raising concern from experts.

Hai's decision not to re-open the reservoirs came after his meeting with scientists, experts and local authorities in Ha Noi yesterday.

He said the final decision had been based on the unpredictability of the weather and geology should earthquakes strike again in the Bac Tra My District of the central province of Quang Nam, where the plant is located.

"This is the first ever case where a plant in the construction sector is facing a risk of natural disaster, so we need to consider the issue very carefully," the Deputy PM stressed.

"Everything must be done to ensure the safety of the people and the plant," he added.

Hai also urged relevant scientific agencies, ministries and sectors to hire foreign organizations and individuals to continue checking and evaluating the impact of the earthquakes on the plant, especially now that the flood season is ongoing.

He said that a final decision on the re-operation of the water reservoirs would only be made when an official and comprehensive evaluation was completed.

Reports delivered at the meeting said that the plant had been regularly checked by the Construction Ministry's State Authority for Construction Quality Inspection since 2007.

Inspection work so far has confirmed that the plant was built correctly to the design and is safe from earthquakes that measured up to 5.5 on the Richter scale.

source: PNA

A senior Iranian lawmaker said that a Syrian parliamentary delegation will visit Tehran for diplomatic talks, Press TV reported Saturday.

Head of Iran's Majlis (parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that the Syrian delegation is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on Sept. 23, according to the report.

The 10-member Syrian diplomatic group will meet with Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani and a number of other high-ranking Iranian officials, Boroujerdi was quoted as saying.

On Aug. 26, Boroujerdi said that his country stands against any foreign intervention in Syria.

The Iranian lawmaker unleashed scathing criticism on the United States and its regional allies and accused them of not supporting a political solution to the Syrian crisis but rather pushing militarization of the crisis.

source: pna.gov.ph

Egypt will remain a civil, constitutional and democratic country, President Mohamed Morsi said in an interview with state TV aired on Saturday night.

President Morsi said the right of expressing opinions, provided that it does not harm public or private properties, is warranted for all citizens.

He said the government will carry out measures to achieve social justice, raise incomes and alleviate burdens on citizens.

Morsi said that he will implement Renaissance Project to help realize Egyptians' aspirations and improve their living standards, expressing confidence that "Egypt is capable of achieving progress and become among the industrialized countries."

The president recalled many challenges during the transition period, claiming "the situation is now moving toward political stability after the (presidential) elections."

As regards foreign policies, President Morsi said Egypt is ready to have good relations with all countries of the world, confirming that Egypt does not antagonize anyone and stands at equal distance from all parties.

Referring to the Syrian crisis, Morsi said "we are seeking to stop the bloodshed in Syria, and the Syrian regime should know that continuing bloodshed violates all laws and norms."

The Egyptian president noted that the next meeting of the quartet committee on Syria, to be held in New York on Sept. 25 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, is likely to be attended by leaders of the four countries: Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
source: pna.gov.ph

by pna.gov.ph

At least one person was killed and 20 others were injured after police and demonstrators stormed militia bases in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the Al Jazeera television reported.

The violence came after some 30,000 people marched through the city on Friday demanding an end to armed hostilities.

Libya's interim authorities have been attempting to rein in the numerous groups, which were reported to have played a key role in toppling the regime of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi last year.

The bases stormed on Friday included the headquarters of the Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia, which was suspected of staging attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi which killed U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stephens and three other embassy staff were killed.

Demonstrators chanted "No more al-Qaeda!" and "The blood we shed for freedom shall not go in vain!" as they broke into the Ansar al-Sharia compound on Friday night, evicting fighters and setting a vehicle on fire.

by pna.gov.ph

The Environment Ministry has decided to exclude a freshwater salmon species known as "kunimasu" from the red list of extinct species and designate it as a species extinct in the wild, or a species that continues living in places other than its indigenous habitat, sources close to the issue said Saturday.

The kunimasu had earlier been seen only in Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, and was thought to have gone extinct after an inflow of acidic water into the lake starting around 1940.

by pna.gov.ph

Toyota Motor Corp. is considering introducing a system next April to halve the working hours of those who are reemployed after reaching their retirement age of 60 in the factory production section, company sources said Saturday.

The automaker apparently aims to create a better working environment for its older workers to maintain domestic employment and to reduce labor costs at a time the company has been hit by poor earnings mainly because of a strong yen, the sources said.

The envisioned move may prod other companies to take similar measures following the enactment of domestic legislation that requires firms to secure employment for all those who still want to work until aged 65.

by pna.gov.ph

Top Chinese security official on Saturday made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, the first one by a Chinese leader in nearly half a century.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived at Kabul airport late in the afternoon.

The four-hour visit had not been announced by Beijing due to security concerns. It followed a two-day trip of Zhou to Singapore, where he met Singaporean leaders on bilateral ties.

Zhou, who is in charge of security and justice affairs, had planned to go to Turkmenistan.

It marked the first time in 46 years that a Chinese leader set his foot on the soil of Afghanistan, a war-torn country neighboring China.

The last visit was made by late Chinese leader Liu Shaoqi in 1966 when he was the President of China.

During the past half century, Afghanistan was afflicted with series of military coups and two major wars commenced by the former Soviet Union and the United States, respectively.

The country is still the front line in the U.S.-led war against terrorism and undergoing daily bombing and bleeding.

In Kabul, Zhou held a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"It is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples for China and Afghanistan to strengthen a strategic and cooperative partnership, which is also conducive to regional peace, stability and development," Zhou was quoted as saying in a written statement released by the Chinese delegation upon his arrival.

Zhou said the Chinese government fully respects the right of the Afghan people to choose their own path of development and will actively participate in Afghanistan's reconstruction.

China and Afghanistan established diplomatic relations in 1955.

by pna.gov.ph

In an effort to seek peaceful solutions of disputes following the recent escalating tensions in the South China Sea, scholars, experts and envoys have urged all parties to exercise self-restraint.

The scholars, including the ASEAN envoy speaking at a one-day international seminar on South China Sea problems in Jakarta on Thursday (Sept 20), expressed the hope that in the immediate future, concerned parties could commit themselves to exercise self-restraint, non-use of force or the threat to use force.

In addition, all parties should refrain from activities that may complicate the situation, avoid a possible arms race, promote cooperation and defense coordination in pursuit of regional interests.

The parties are also urged to develop a multilateral approach on the South China Sea issue, attempt to arrive at agreements on less sensitive issues such as safeguarding the marine environment, engagement in search and rescue activities, and prevention of natural disasters, including anti-piracy activities.

The South China Sea has been one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, possessing a large amount of oil and gas reserves and being endowed with natural resources, therefore, the area has apparently been of critical and strategic importance to littoral countries and major powers in the world.

In fact, four of ten ASEAN member countries are claimants in the South China issue, including the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Vietnam.

ASEAN consists of 10 member nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The seminar, which was jointly organized by the Center for Asian Strategic Studies-India (CASS-India), the Institute of Defense and Security Studies (IODAS), and the Indonesia Maritime Studies (IMS), was officially opened by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

At the opening, the minister said, "In the immediate future it is important for ASEAN to give high priority to the finalization of the formulation of a regional code of conduct on the South China Sea and to engage China as soon as possible."

One of the speakers at the seminar, Prof. DR. Hasjim Djalal M.A., among others noted, "In view of the complex issues of the South China Sea, I had suggested on a number of occasions a formula of 6+4+2 or 6+4+1+1 in the sense that the 6 ASEAN non-claimants to sovereignty over islands and features in the South China Sea (Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar) acting as facilitators, should encourage and invite the four ASEAN claimants (Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam) to sit down and negotiate the matter with the two non-ASEAN claimants (China and Chinese Taipei).

Prof Hasjim Djalal, senior adviser to the Indonesian Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and to the Indonesian Naval chief of Staff, also said that the ASEAN Chairman could take advantage of this opportunity.

"Perhaps the model from the solution of the Cambodian conflict in the 1980's could be attempted," he noted.

According to Prof Djalal, "The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, also has a mechanism for the settlement of disputes. Practically all interested parties on the South China Sea issues have ratified UNCLOS 1982, except Chinese Taipei/Taiwan and Cambodia."

The UN Charter provides in Article 33 that: "...the parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall first of all seek a solution by (1) negotiation, (2) inquiry, (3) mediation, (4) conciliation, (5) arbitration, (6) judicial settlement, (7) resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or ( other peaceful means of their own choice..."

Other speakers who took part in the seminar were Dr Ralf Emmers (from ISEAS, US) Mr Kavi Chongkittavorn (The Nation Media Group, Thailand), Retired Rear Admiral Rosihan Arsyad (Indonesia), Retired Vice Admiral Pradeep Kaushiva (National Maritime Foundation of India), Dr Lam Peng Er (National University of Singapore), Dr David Brewster (Australian National University), Dr Nong Hong (National Institute for SCS Studies, China), Ms Connie Rahakundini Bakrie (IODAS, Indonesia) and Dr Vo Xuan Vinh (Vietnam) and Jose Tavares (Indonesia).

The speakers in the seminar also pointed out, that in order to provide for a solution for the South China Sea disputes, it is important that ASEAN and China share a common viewpoint, such as that the issue would be best addressed multilaterally and based on international law, including the UNCLOS 1982, TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia), DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea) and the Guidelines for the implementation of the DOC.

In addition, ASEAN and China need to build mutual confidence and "strategic assurances", commit themselves to a full and effective implementation of the DOC, an early finalization of a COC (code of conduct), and support joint efforts to solve the South China Sea disputes made by countries within and outside the region.

According to the speakers, ASEAN should be responsible for and take the initiative to prevent escalation of disputes in the South China Sea, developing a common approach that solving the South China Sea issue should be a political responsibility, serving strategic interests of the whole Association.

Thus, the country assuming the rotating chairmanship must be held responsible for giving priority to speeding up negotiations and the solving process.

In the meantime, the presence and cooperative engagement of powers from outside the region (the US, Australia, Japan, India, Russia and the European Union) has proved to be of great importance and necessary to the region.

"These powers have rights, interests and responsibilities to ensure peace, stability and development in the region, meeting legitimate interests of countries concerned and the international community," noted speakers in the seminar.

However, ASEAN needs to play a central role in the existing regional security architecture, balance relations between China and the US and make full use of support and cooperation of all parties for the fulfillment of its set targets; building the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community, the speakers reminded the delegates.

Discussions in the seminar also mentioned that, for the first time in its 45 year history, the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial meeting (AMM-45) failed to agree on a final communiqu regarding the South China Sea disputes.

by pna.gov.ph - Violence and clashes continued Saturday in several hotspots across Syria between government troops and armed opposition militias, at a time the Syrian opposition has failed again to pull itself together and announced Saturday the indefinite postponement of the long-awaited National Conference for Rescuing Syria due to disagreements among different opposition parties.

Syria's state-run SANA news agency said government troops carried out several operations in the battered city of Aleppo in northern Syria on Saturday, adding that heavy toll had been inflicted on the armed opposition fighters, which the government- run media refers to as "terrorists."

SANA said the army undertook two qualitative operations against "terrorists" near Dar al-Shafaa and al-Bayan Hospital at al-Shaar area in the city of Aleppo, inflicting hefty losses upon them.

It said the forces also destroyed 40 cars equipped with DSHK machineguns and killed all the "terrorists" inside them on al- Atareb-Oroum al-Soughra highway in Aleppo, adding that scores of armed militias had also been killed in an army operation at Bustan al-Basha area in the same restive city.

SANA also reported army operations in the central province of Homs and elsewhere on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a Syrian military source denied news circulated earlier in the day that a warplane was downed by rebels at al- Atareb area in Aleppo, noting that the media outlets that disseminated such reports are "partners in shedding the Syrian blood," according to pro-government media reports.

In separate accounts, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the violence on Saturday killed as many as 136 Syrians, 80 of whom were unarmed civilians.

The Observatory's toll also includes 20 rebel fighters and 32 regular soldiers.

It reported clashes and government troops' shelling on a number of restive areas nationwide as part of the daily grind of violence. Still, the activists' toll was impossible of being verified independently.

As violence drags on unabatedly, the Syrian opposition has failed again to put its differences aside in order to unite in the face of President Bashar al-Assad's administration.

A total of 28 Syrian opposition groups and parties announced Saturday the indefinite postponement of the long-awaited National Conference for Rescuing Syria, which was originally slated for Sept. 23.

A statement issued on Saturday by 28 opposition groups at a press conference in the Syrian capital of Damascus said the conference has been delayed "to avoid any step that might lead to strengthening the division of the national opposition and prolonging the Syrian crisis and its high costs on our people and homeland."

The National Conference for Rescuing Syria was called for by the oppositional National Coordination Body (NCB) and more other 20 opposition parties and groups.

Barwin Ibrahim, an opposition figure, said during the press conference that one of the main reasons behind the postponement is some differences between various opposition parties and the NCB regarding the vision and basics put forward by the NCB.

She said the NCB declared that it is against the militarization of the crisis while at the same time recognizes the rebels' Free Syrian Army.

Barwin also criticized the NCB for blaming only the Syrian government army for the violence in Syria without assigning blame on the armed rebels and the parties that are committing terrorism in the country.

"If the Syrian troops went back to their barracks, will the National Coordination Body be able to stop the Free Syrian Army?" Barwin questioned.

by pna

Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the lower house of the parliament (People's Assembly) is null, state TV reported Saturday.

According to the ruling, the People's Assembly which was elected after the upheaval of the country is void in light of a decision by the Supreme Constitutional Court on June 14, which revealed the unconstitutionality of some articles upon which the lower house was formed.

Magdy al-Agaty, vice president of State Council who headed the session, said the elections of People's Assembly were based on articles proved unconstitutional. As a result, the forming of the whole house is null.

"Only the constitutional court could determine a certain clause of a law or statute to be constitutional or not," official news agency MENA quoted a court statement as saying.

Accordingly, the administrative court has no power to reconsider what the constitutional court has decided, the statement added.

The then-ruling military council ordered the dissolution of People's Assembly in line with the verdict of the Supreme Constitutional Court, a move by which the military council regained legislative powers. However, the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists rejected the dissolution of parliament and appealed on the verdict.

President Mohamed Morsi ordered the dissolved parliament to resume work on July 8, but Supreme Constitutional Court said its verdict is definitive, binding and cannot be challenged. Nobody and no institution, therefore, could appeal.

Egypt's Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit filed by the People 's Assembly Speaker Mohamed Saad al-Katatni on the legality of parliamentarians' membership on July 15, citing that such lawsuit isn't the court's specialization, and referred the whole case to Cairo's Administrative Court.

source: pna.gov.ph

China asked Japan to immediately stop all acts that harm China's territorial sovereignty, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said late Saturday, after some Japanese landed on the Diaoyu Islands.

Hong said the Japanese landed on the Diaoyu Islands Friday evening with the excuse of preventing Taiwanese activists from landing on the islets.

"It is a severe infringement upon China's territorial sovereignty, and the Chinese government has lodged solemn representations and strong protests to the Japanese side," Hong said in a statement.

by pna.gov.ph

Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour reiterated Saturday that Lebanon will continue to dissociate itself from Syrian events, the National News Agency reported.

Mansour said before heading to New York to attend UN General Assembly meetings that Lebanon still commits to its policy of dissociation. "We were right to adopt this policy because it is the right one for Lebanon as it benefits the country's national unity, security and stability."

He added that the Lebanese delegation, headed by Prime Minister Najib Miqati, will discuss the Arab and Lebanese situation with foreign and Arab officials in New York.

This year's UN General Assembly session is devoted to hot regional issues, namely those bearing on Syrian-Lebanese related agenda matters, according to Mansour.

by pna.gov.ph

Indonesia needs to take the initiative to fight for the approval of UN anti-defamation of religions resolution at the United Nations, the Sabang-Marauke Circle (SMC) organization chairman said.

"The departure of President Susilo Bambang Yudhohono to a UN General Assembly session provides a good moment (for him to speak of) the insult to religion," SMC Chairman Syahganda Nainggolan said here on Saturday.

He added that Indonesia, as the world`s largest Muslim country, needed to take the initiative to convey the message for inclusion in a UN resolution so that the world would be freed from defamation of religions and religious related conflicts.

"This is urgent for the sake of respect to freedom of religions and to a peaceful world," he said.

Thus, he noted, the conflict due to insults to religions, which often take place, such as religious defamation in the form of film, cartoon, text and other forms, would not continue to flourish in the future.

He said that Muslim countries saw that defamation of religions was an insult to human dignity.

Therefore, the president, who is to attend a UN General Assembly meeting, should fight for the passage of an anti-religious defamation resolution.

President Yudhoyono left here for New York on Saturday to attend the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.

The President will attend the opening ceremony and later speak as part of the general debate during the session.

The Indonesian leader, the Liberian president and the British prime minister will co-chair the first-day`s meeting of the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Earlier, international law expert Hikmahanto Juwana also expressed the same hope.

He said that Yudhoyono, who is on a visit to New York, must convey the message of Muslim concern regarding the excessive attitude of the West in using freedom of expression.

"President Yudhoyono must utilize his visit to convey the concern of Muslim countries. The governments of Western countries should not be excessive in using the expression of freedom that insults Islam," he said.

He added that even though security in western countries was not disturbed, in Muslim countries such expressions disturbs security. "Even, it has caused many people to fall victim."

Hikmahanto said if the expression of freedom would cause disturbances to international security, then international security should be given priority.

by pna.gov.ph

At least 15 people were killed in the two-day sectarian violence in Yemen between Shiite and Sunni groups battling for dominating northern regions, tribal dignitaries said Saturday.

"The clashes erupted on Friday in the city of Rada in Amran governorate, after the Shiite fundamentalists stormed a Sunni- control mosque to attempt to dominate it, killing three Sunni followers and injuring other dozens," tribal dignitary Yahya Taher told Xinhua by phone.

Further 12 people, most of whom are Sunni extremists belonging to the leading opposition Sunni Islamic Islah Party, were killed on Saturday, when the clashes were renewed following the collapse of tribal mediation attempts, said Taher.

Amran province, about 50 km north of the capital Sanaa, has witnessed a deadly sectarian fighting between the rival groups over the few past months, leaving hundreds of people dead.

The Shiite group, also known as Houthi rebel, who controls most parts of Saada, signed a ceasefire deal with the Yemeni government in August 2010, putting an end to an on-and-off war since 2004.

However, the Shiites have involved in sectarian clashes with local Sunni tribesmen, which rocked the northern regions and forced thousands of local residents to flee the conflict to remote areas.

The tension has escalated after the central government's control is weakened by one-year protests against former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, as the well-armed Shiite group has been trying to take advantage of the security vacuum to expand their control over the country's northern regions.

by pna.gov.ph

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Region 4-A and Quezon provincial government have stepped up efforts to upgrade coconut production in Calabarzon to meet the increasing demand of foreign countries for organic coconut water, saturated coco oil, and coco sap sugar.

Calabarzon comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Part of the joint effort involves improving marketing strategies in various foreign countries, particularly the United States, as well as those in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Efforts are in coordination with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other concerned agencies, said Joselito Alcantara, PCA Calabarzon regional manager.

PCA officials said that organic coconut water drink, coconut oil and coco sap sugar, all produced in the Philippines, are in great demand in foreign countries, and accepted worldwide for their health and medicinal values.

PCA noted that the Health Magazine has named organic coco water as “America’s Healthiest Beverage”, for providing enhanced hydration, essential nutrition and all five essential electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium. On the other hand, saturated flat coconut oil has been proved by science experts here and abroad as the “Best Antidote to Alzheimer’s disease,” it added.

Likewise, coconut sap sugar has been cited as a possible holistic approach in preventing and treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease because coco sap has a low glycemic index of 35 and is regarded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as good for people with diabetes.

The PCA said these coco products -- organic coco water drink, saturated flat coconut oil and coco sap sugar â€" have been praised as examples of how the Philippines’ coconut product exports can be packaged in attractive ways for the overseas export markets.

PCA cited “One Natural Experience (O.N.E.)”, an all natural beverage company in Los Angeles, California founded by Brazilian businessman Rodrigo Veloso, which said that organic coconut water is made with coconuts from the Philippines and packaged in shiny blue Tetra Pak cartons. The stylish but eco-friendly Tetra Pak packaging allows the coconut water to remain fresh and can be stored for months without refrigeration, the US-based firm added.

PCA said that Veloso launched the company in Los Angeles, and introduced O. N. E. organic coconut water at the Whole Food Markets in 2006, and the drink quickly became the number one alternative beverage sold in the supermarket chain’s outlets in southern California.

President Benigno Aquino III and some members of his Cabinet, while here recently to award the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” to outstanding towns and barangays, noted with interest Quezon province’s being the country’s “coconut capital” and reported the increasing demand by the overseas market for coconut water.

President Aquino told over 2,000 well wishers here that during his official visits abroad, he talked to foreign investors who informed him that exports of coconut water from the Philippines dramatically increased from over 483,000 liters in 2008 to 4.8 million liters in 2011 and continued to surge to 15 million liters this year.

According to PCA, a clinical study made by scientists of Dela Monte Hospital based in the United States said that “consuming more saturated fats like coconut oil helps reduce the inflammation in the brain that promotes the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study, published recently in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrated that coconut also increases the absorption of cholesterol in the brain, which in turn helps promote the functions of neurons, according to PCA.

Dr. Suzanne de la Monte of Rhode Island Hospital said that saturated fats like coconut oil are vital for maintaining health, noting that there is a growing consensus that Alzheimer’s disease is actually a type of diabetes marked by brain insulin resistance and corresponding inflammation.

Dr. Euclides G. Forbes, PCA administrator, said De la Monte’s study noted that the findings that Alzheimer’s disease progresses as a result of the brain developing resistance to insulin prevents proper lipid or fat metabolism, thus building up these lipids and deters absorption.

The result is increased stress and inflammation and other symptoms commonly associated with dementia, Dr. Forbes said, pointing out that this condition is now referred to by medical researchers as Typeâ€"3 diabetes.

According to Forbes, “If Alzheimer’s disease is a type of diabetes, thus, aside from offering coconut oil, the Philippines can at the same time offer coconut sap sugar as a possible holistic approach in preventing and treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease because coconut sap has a low glycenic index of 35 and is regarded by the Department of Science and Technology as good for people with diabetes.

Dr. De la Monte disclosed he also found out that the prevalent use of statin drugs for the treatment of dementia will only make the problem worse as this kind of drugs have been shown to cause, and even exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease just as they can also cause diabetes.

Forbes said he was fully convinced by the study that Alzheimer’s disease is primarily a lifestyle issue that can be controlled or even prevented by dietary choices and avoiding too many drugs.

He said the primary step in preventing Alzheimer’s disease must also include a shift to healthy saturated fats like coconut oil and low glycemic index sugar like coco sap sugar.

The PCA official welcomed the result of the study as giving another market opportunity for the coconut industry, thus, vowed to intensify PCA’s planting and replanting programs to ensure reliable and sustainable supply of coconut oil, coconut sap sugar and many other healthy byproducts to meet the rapidly growing global demand for various coconut products from the Philippines.

PCA 4-A regional manager Alcantara said that at its regional nursery in Barangay Isabang here, 52,000 seed nuts of dwarf coconuts have been sown, 32,000 of which have germinated for distribution to the provinces Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Alcantara said the improved varieties of dwarf coconuts, measuring about 15 to 20 ft., take three to four years for their initial fruit bearing and are more resistant against cadang-cadang, an infestation that usually plague coconuts.

The seed nuts of the dwarf coconut at the PCA regional nursery here include catigan green dwarf, orgullo, tacunan, magtuod, kapatagan, talisay, among others, Alcantara said.

He also said that a four-hectare seed farm in Alaminos, Laguna contains 30,000 seed nuts of the improved coconut varieties, adding that the new varieties produce about four to five tons of copra per hectare per year or about 15,000 to 20,000 nuts per hectare annually.

“The dwarf coconut is aromatic, with sweetish taste, has thick meat and has big oil recovery,” he noted.

On marketing, Alcantara and Quezon provincial agriculturist Roberto D. Gajo said that currently their offices have set up special units to coordinate with DFA departments with linkages here and abroad in the hope of helping enlarge markets abroad for our coconut products.

These special units are also mandated to formulate marketing strategies, including spelling out procedures and guidelines toward easy access to both local and foreign markets for various coco products.

By Honor Blanco Cabie

When Chris and his brother-in-law Andy Lord mark their birthday anniversaries in October, they will receive greetings by email and facebook.com -- from family and thousands of friends they have made and are connected to them through social networks.

The inroads of technology have made sending birthday cards an otherwise onerous activity, particularly by those who have made their work environments and other places their comfort zones.

In the generation of Andy Lord’s parents, cards -- birthday, Christmas and other occasions -â€" received, particularly if the card had some long hand, was always a blessing that gave them muscles of emotion for years.

With cyber technology up, including the invasion of mobiles and iPods in the fast-paced human environment, sending of birthday cards by post is slowly becoming a dying â€" but still good â€" tradition, especially among Filipinos.

The younger generations â€" even those in pre-school years â€" have become too familiar with the line of portable media players created by and marketed worldwide, the product line-up consisting of the hard drive-based iPod classic, the touch screen iPod touch, the compact iPod nano and the ultra-compact iPod shuffle.

The immediate ancestors of pre-schoolers, to the amazement of some of the pre-schoolers’ grandparents, can unleash like some machine gun outburst that iPod classic models store media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory.

Chris, a government employee for nearly two decades now, will be among the few who will be receiving by post â€" the snail-paced system of delivery by mails in the Philippines despite â€" a card on his birthday on Oct. 4, exactly 18 days before Andy Lord himself marks his milestone.

Greetings by phone calls or via email and facebook.com accounts, among others in the social network system, during birthday anniversaries fly thick from whichever direction and continent, a kind of “connecting” with each other in real time.

One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said sending greetings through the social network accounts “is fast and reliable since the greetings are read on the day of the celebration itself.”

But there are those who say that ecards, most of which are customized, sent by email can easily be blocked in spam filters and will not be read by the recipient.

Sometimes, some sources say, a person can create his own greetings which carry his sentiments, using personal images and messages straight from the heart.

Some ecards can now be customized, which means the sender can change the appearance or features of the card to suit the sender’s tastes or needs â€" much like a photographer customizing his camera’s basic settings.

There are those who argue that a card sent by post, by family or very close friends, adds a personal touch with the hand writing and the signature to chase the writ greeting in an easily readable type and font.

And the card, in various colors and sizes and sometimes with illustrations, most likely will keep the card for life and remember the thoughts that have been post scripted.

Birthday anniversaries, remembered with the personal touch of a posted effort or a gathering of family members and near relations at normally lunch or dinner at home or elsewhere are always occasions for celebration of life.

These anniversaries become even more memorable with a personal message of kinship, friendship, joy and gratitude that the person marking the milestone has helped touch their lives in more ways than one.

And often written in long hand.

Birthday cards, like other greeting cards, are usually packaged with an envelope and come in different styles.

Book store sources say there are both mass-produced as well as handmade versions that are distributed by hundreds of large and small companies. While typically inexpensive, more elaborate cards with die-cuts or glued-on decorations may be more expensive.

These sources say Hallmark Cards and American Greetings are the largest producers of greeting cards in the world.

In Britain, it is estimated that one billion pounds are spent on greeting cards every year, with the average person sending 55 cards per year.

In the Philippines, there are cards that are imported although there are cards written and mass produced for various occasions by Filipinos, including those in state prisons for the benefit of non-government organizations and other private beneficiaries.

In western countries and increasingly in other societies, many people traditionally mail seasonally themed cards to their friends and relatives in December and during birthday celebrations, according to book store sources.

Many service businesses also send cards to their customers in this season, usually with a universally acceptable non-religious message such as "happy holidays" or "season's greetings."

Industry sources say it’s been centuries since the custom of sending greeting cards â€" by the ancient Chinese and the early Egyptians began the practice before the 15th century â€" became part of the tradition in different civilizations.

By the early 15th century, handmade paper greeting cards were being exchanged in Europe while the Germans were known to have printed New Year's greetings from woodcuts as early as 1400, and handmade paper Valentines were being exchanged in various parts of Europe in the early to mid-15th century, with the oldest Valentine in existence being in the British Museum.

Fast forward that to the first quarter of the 20th century.

Technical developments like color lithography in 1930 propelled what industry sources call the manufactured greeting card industry forward. Humorous greeting cards, known as studio cards, became popular in the late 1940s and 1950s.

By Angeline Valencia

Soon, Carmen will not just be known as Chocolate Hillsâ€"the cluster of around 1,700 hills that turns brown like chocolates on summerâ€"but also for the edible chocolate from cacao.

Upon the invitation of Rep. Arthur Yap, Ducth company Kennemer Foods International, Inc. (KFII)â€" a major exporter of cacaoâ€"established a cacao nursery in Bicao, Carmen town.

KFII president Simon Bakker, Yap, Land Bank of the Philippines lending division head Cecil Clarite and LBP manager Marilou Cardenas joined partner farmers in the ceremonial planting of cacao stalks in a portion of the nursery.

Carmen Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CSNMPC) recently launched the Cacao production project at the nursery site.

Yap said he will be providing the cooperative with a P100-thousand seed money from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Yap also proposed that launching Chocolate from Chocolate Hills can be a catching slogan for the project.

Bakker said their Davao project came first and the Carmen project is the first in the Visayas.

KFII came to know Carmen after Yap invited him to explore the town for their expansion.

So Bakker came and studied the soil and rainfall pattern in the last 10 years, and found Carmen to be suitable for the nursery site and for planting.

The CSNMPC embraced the project as represented by its Board of Directors chair Rosa Dumagan, BOD vice chair Dick Torrefranca, BOD secretary Rosita Dumapias and coop manager Ajoc.

Bicao Barangay Captain Galo also expressed support to the project.

In the partnership scheme, KFII maintains the nursery which will be the source of planting materials that the farmers will grow in their lands. They will get the planting materials through a loan with LBP with KFII as their guarantor.

KFII buys all the produce from the cacao plantation of the farmers.

KFII, a cacao exporter, supplies the raw materials to large chocolate companies in Europe, United States, Netherlands, and some countries in Asia such as Marsh Delights.

The main concept is to produce a Bohol brand of cacao.

The newly-launched nursery in Bicao, Carmen is already good for 250 hectares with 250,000 mature seedlings at 1,000 seedlings per hectare for commercial planting.

“This will generate around P100,000 per hectare per year for the farmers. We provide the seedlings and we have a technology team here, and the farmers buy the seedlings with loan from Land Bank of the Philippines,” Baker said.

He explained that the farmers can start harvesting on the third year, with small harvest for the first 18 months and larger harvest every six months after.

At an average farm size of 1.5 hectares per farmer, the initial batch of 250,000 hectares can involve 200 farmers, Bakker added.

The nursery already includes an area for expansion that will house the additional 250,000 seedlings for next batch.

Bakker said the project can have up to two bathes per year or an expansion growth of 500-600 hectares per year.

“We involve around 250 farmers per batch. After six months, we can grow another batch of seedlings for the next batch of farmers. We grafted the seedlings from Davao which is our source of raw materials. Then we select the tree and use the parent stalk. We are an export-oriented agricultural trading company. We operate predominantly in Mindanao, particularly Davao City,” Bakker said.

For his part, Precioso Patindol of the ATI Regional Training Center, said the funds for the season-long training for technicians in cacao production is ready by now.

By first week of November, they can already start the training involving the high-value crops coordinators from different local government units.

Then in 16-weeks, the farmers undergo field schooling for cacao production, Patindol said.

He said they already have 13 initial farmer partners and Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio delos Reyes is expected to be the 14th as she already interest to develop nine hectares of her property for the cacao project.

The Philippines is looking at exporting some 200,000 to 400,000 metric tons of corn amid high grain prices in the world market and projected surplus by next year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said over the weekend.

Edilberto de Luna, DA assistant secretary and National Corn Program director, said there is a possibility that local corn growers will be allowed to commercially export yellow corn starting in the fourth quarter of 2012.

“We have already conducted a study on the competitiveness of local corn. The results were encouraging,” de Luna said, noting the Philippines can compete with its ASEAN neighbors in terms of cost and quality of corn.

The Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. (PhilMaize) earlier said that it is negotiating with Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea for the commercial export of yellow corn, saying that they have already sent a group to the Southeast Asian countries to discuss the shipment.

Roger Navarro, PhilMaize president, said they expect no shortage of supply as a result of the corn exportation, noting that 1.4 million MT of feedwheat, which was imported earlier by feed millers, will cover the requirement for this year.

De Luna said that corn exports may start before the end of 2012, citing strong production in sector.

He also said that the Philippine Coconut Authority has allowed the intercropping of corn in some 150,000 hectares of coconut plantations to further boost corn production.

The Philippines expects corn production to reach a record-high of 7.819 million MT in 2012, and about 8.450 million MT by 2013.

The DA official earlier said that farmers and traders may start exporting corn and corn grits as they wait for the approval from the NFA Council of the total volume to be ship to the world market.

Under an existing resolution, the NFA administrator is authorized to issue transport permits for locally produced corn for the purpose of research, market testing and experimentation.

“Based on the resolution, individual farmers, traders, and cooperatives are allowed to export as much as 100 MT of corn at any given time,” de Luna said.

source: PNA.gov.ph

by pna

Iran's Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said Saturday that a war on Iran "will eventually happen," Press TV reported.

"War will happen but it is not clear where and when," Jafari said, warning that the attack will lead to the Israeli regime's obliteration.

Iran is ready to confront any possible strike against the country, he was quoted as saying.

The Israeli officials currently consider war as the only way to confront Iran, he said, adding that if they begin a war, it will spell their destruction and will be the end of their adventure.

He noted that the Islamic revolution is moving hastily towards achieving its objectives, saying "This is not tolerable for them and they will one day create a war situation."

The Iranian commander said that the armed forces of the Islamic republic enjoy capabilities and equipment in hardware and software fields, according to the report.

Israel, threatened to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities these days, has always been highly concerned over Iran's nuclear program, which is believed by the West to head for acquiring nuclear weapons under the cover of civilian purposes.

by PNA

The summit between Sudan and South Sudan presidents, slated for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sunday is viewed as a means for the two sides to achieve a breakthrough to avoid international sanctions as the period availed by the UN Security council (UNSC) for the two countries to reach an agreement elapses Saturday.

The UNSC, in its earlier resolution 2046, threatened to impose sanctions on both countries if they failed to resolve their outstanding issues and sign an agreement in that regard.

However, observers believe that the UNSC might abandon those sanctions if the summit, to be convened in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa between Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan on Sunday, succeed.

On Friday Khartoum and Juba officially agreed on a summit between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit to push the stumbling negotiations prior to reaching a final agreement.

The two sides have failed during their recent round of negotiations to sign a comprehensive agreement on the disputed oil- rich area of Abyei, a demilitarized zone and border demarcation.

With the elapse of the UNSC period, the two sides exchanged accusation on crippling the negotiations and each party insisted that the other party was responsible for the failure of the two sides to reach a final agreement.

To this end, Badr-Eddin Mohamed Ibrahim, Spokesman of Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP), on Saturday told Xinhua that "Juba intended to cripple the negotiations with its insistence to include the area of Mile 14 in its borders which it handed to the African mediation."

"Juba also refuses to break the link between it and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) / northern sector which is fighting against the central government in Khartoum", he added.

During the recent round of negotiations, Juba presented a map that Khartoum said it included areas belonging to north Sudan, namely the border area of Mile 14.

However, Atim Garang, a leading member of the ruling SPLM in South Sudan, refuted that Juba intended to blow the negotiations.

"Khartoum does not want to be flexible in the negotiations, adheres to what it does not belong to it and rejects to approve the map prepared by the United Nations. This prevents reaching a final agreement", Garang told Xinhua.

He further said that Khartoum should be keener to make the summit of the two presidents successful after the round of the negotiations had failed.

He went on saying that "we will be more open in the dialogue and the other party should be so. The other party should not cripple the proposals of the African mediation to the two president's summit."

The two sides failed to complete an oil deal initialized during the previous round of negotiations while the negotiators have also delayed a signing of an agreement on the four freedoms to be signed during the summit.

In the meantime, the NCP spokesman excluded that the oil deal and the four freedoms agreement would be signed during the summit on Sunday, saying "we will not sign a separate deal. The agreement should be final and comprehensive, because what matters for us is not the oil deal but the agreement on the security file as it is the guarantee for all the other agreements."

Haile Menkerios, the UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, and Thabo Mbeki, head of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP) are expected to submit their final report to the UNSC regarding the negotiations between the two countries at the end of direct talks prior to the UNSC's move on imposing sanctions on the two countries according to its resolution 2046.

Although a declared summit between Presidents al-Bashir and Kiir was previously canceled after South Sudan's army occupied the oil area of Higlieg last April, but the NCP spokesman appeared more confident that the summit, slated for Sunday, would be convened and would be successful.

"If the summit failed to resolve all the differences, at least it will institute for good ties between Khartoum and Juba", said Ibrahim.

"It is true that it is not easy to resolve all the differences with a stroke of a pen, but we are optimistic that a tangible breakthrough will be achieved because both sides are keen to make the summit a success", he noted.

The disputed oil-rich area of Abyei constitutes one of the points of difference that is expected to blow the summit.

In this respect, local press reports in Khartoum said that the head of AUHIP would present to the two presidents a proposal on sharing Abyei between the two countries.

However, the NCP spokesman reiterated that the Sudanese government would not give any concessions.

"Abyei area is governed with a separate protocol embodied in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), inked between the Sudanese government and the SPLM in 2005, and this protocol should be abided by", he said.

He went on saying that "There is no proposal on sharing the area and I do not think Thabo Mbeki would propose such a vision as there is no justification for dividing the area in the first place."

In the meantime, Izz-Eddin Al-Mansour, a Sudanese political analyst and a lecturer of political sciences at Sudanese universities, downplayed possibility of the success of the summit as the two sides lack the necessary political will.

"The summit comes first to satisfy the international community and to avoid international sanctions in case the negotiations between the two sides in Addis Ababa failed", he told Xinhua.

"The outstanding issues between Khartoum and Juba are bigger than to be resolved in the summit of the two presidents as the issues are associated with other issues including the war in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas", he added, pointing out that the crisis of the two areas should be included in the summit on Sunday.

South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas have been witnessing armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the SPLM /m northern sector for over a year.

by pna

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is on a visit to New York, must convey the message of Muslim concern regarding the excessive attitude of the West in using freedom of expression, an observer said.

"President Yudhoyono must utilize his visit to convey the concern of Muslim countries. The governments of Western countries should not be excessive in using the expression of freedom that insults Islam," international law expert Hikmahanto Juwana said here on Saturday.

He added that even though security in western countries was not disturbed, in Muslim countries such expressions disturbs security. "Even, it has caused many people to fall victim."

Hikmahanto said if the expression of freedom would cause disturbances to international security, then international security should be given priority.

"The culprits of blaspheme must face legal processes in order to create legal deterrents so that the culprits or other parties would not repeat the same deeds," he said.

He further expressed hope that the closing of a foreign embassy in Jakarta should not happen again due to security concerns.

This would leave the impression in the international community that Indonesia was a failed country, such as Somalia, because security authorities could not provide and ensure adequate security.

by pna

Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan will on Sunday lead the nation's delegation to the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York, a statement by his office said Saturday.

In addition to participating in the 67th Session of the General Assembly, the Nigerian leader's itinerary, according to the statement signed by his spokesperson, Reuben Abati, will include a scheduled meeting with other world leaders including the presidents of China, France, South Korea, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland and Switzerland.

"He is also expected to deliver a statement to the high-level meeting on the rule of law at the United Nations Headquarters and join the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, with whom he currently serves as co-Chairperson of the UN Commission on Life- Saving Commodities for Women and Children in presenting its report to the Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon," said the statement.

President Jonathan will further hold a high-level meeting on the Nigerian Economy, together with top executives of the global oil firm, Exxon-Mobil.

His itinerary during the visit to New York will also include attending a reception hosted by United States President Barack Obama and the UN Secretary-General's event on the eradication of Polio.

The 67th General Assembly of the UN has as its main focus the peaceful resolution of international disputes, a theme endorsed by the Nigerian leader in his statement to the 66th General Assembly held last year.

President Jonathan had in his 2011 address to the General Assembly called on the international community to muster the political will to promote preventive diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation.

by pna

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described the women of today as effective movers of global growth with enhanced access to education and the power of purchase.

Najib, who is also the acting Women, Family and Community Development Minister, cited the 2012 Women's Economic Opportunity report published in The Economist saying women's involvement in the workforce had enhanced the economies of developing nations in the 20th century.

"In fact, women's involvement in the workforce is seen as an economic and business catalyst," he said during a speech at the 50th Women's Day Dinner organised by the National Council of Women's Organisation, here Saturday.

Najib's speech was delivered by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development secretary general, Datuk Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur.

Also present at the event was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Hamimah, Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism deputy minister, Datuk Rohani Abd Karim, Human Resource deputy minister, Datuk Maznah Mazlan, Energy, Green Technology and Water deputy minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon and NCWO president Prof Tan Sri Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan Shahabuddin.

by pna.gov.ph

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay hailed as ‘icons of women empowerment’ three principals of public elementary schools in the city named among the country’s Five Outstanding Public School Principals by Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation, Inc. (SAS).

School principals Zenaida S. Peñafuerte of Rizal Elementary School, Marilyn C. Macalma of Cembo Elementary School, and Dr. Elita T. Lopez of Comembo Elementary School were feted recently for having “effectively transformed their elementary schools through the HSBC Principals Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) Program.”

“The city government and the people of Makati salute our three outstanding public school principals for bringing pride and honor to our city. Clearly, they are icons of women empowerment, which is vital to inclusive social progress, as they have shown in their exemplary leadership and selfless commitment to providing quality education to the youth,” Binay said.

The mayor also thanked the three awardees “for being shining beacons illuminating the path to educational excellence for the present generation of young learners, and for laying a solid institutional foundation for the benefit of future generations.”

In a report to Binay, DepEd-Makati officer in charge Priscila de Sagun said that Peñafuerte, Macalma and Lopez, the first recipients of the award, were chosen from among 199 school principals from various regions in the country after excelling in key performance indicators of the HSBC LEAD Program. She said the selection process for the award was based on measurable indicators of success, both quantitative and qualitative.

De Sagun said the three school principals were unaware that they were already being monitored and evaluated during the series of LEAD conferences they attended. Monitoring teams of HSBC and SAS also visited their respective schools and conducted interviews with faculty and students without their knowledge.

Peñafuerte has served as principal of Rizal Elementary School, the largest elementary school in Makati, since 2008. Recognized as a top teacher trainer, she has been asked by DepEd to train several teachers from other schools. She has also been the recipient of numerous awards, which include the Kiwani’s Club’s ‘Ulirang Guro’ award, and various certificates and plaques of recognition for her teacher training services in schools all over the NCR. During her term as its school principal, Makati Elementary School bagged the award for Makati’s Most Effective School in Science and Mathematics.

Cembo Elementary School Principal Macalma, on the other hand, has received a number of awards from universities and private colleges on the development and training of pre-service teachers. She received a Certificate of Excellence for the International Robot Olympics and various awards as school administrator. She also developed and managed programs like Project TEACH (Think Enjoy and Accept Challenge), a comprehensive reading project for Grades 1 and 3 students.

Normally, principals are stationed in a school for a maximum of five years. But because of her exceptional performance, Dr. Lopez has been serving as principal of Comembo Elementary School since 2002. Her achievements include being named by the DepEd as recipient of the Exemplary School Head Award for the National Capital Region and as Most Outstanding Female Principal of Makati.

In 2007, the HSBC in partnership with SAS developed the HSBC Principals LEAD Program that seeks to encourage principals to create a vision and mission for their schools, help them write their School Improvement Plans (SIP) and develop their leadership skills so they can more effectively establish innovative learning communities.

HSBC president and CEO Tony Cripps and SAS president Margarita Delgado handed the awards to the five recipients in a ceremony held at Shangri-La Makati last week, which served as the culmination of the three-year educator training program.

by pna.gov.ph

Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos is expected to be sworn in on Sept. 26 for another five- year term after his ruling party MPLA'S election victory on Aug. 31, according to a press release from the constitutional court on Saturday.

The swear-in ceremony would be held at the Republic Square, adjacent to Memorial the country's first and late President Antonio Agostinho Neto in downtown Luanda, the press release said.

Also taking oath would be vice president-elect Manuel Vicente, who is second on the list of candidates submitted during the election by the MPLA or the Popular movement for the liberation of Angola.

The ruling MPLA won 4,135,503 votes or 71.84 percent against the largest opposition UNITA with 1,074,565 votes or 18.66 percent, according to the final results announced by the national election commission.

The victory automatically gave the President Jose Eduardo dos Santos another five-year term in office under the new constitution adopted in January 2010. He is also president of MPLA.

by pna.gov.ph

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific will hold its 63th session in Vietnam's capital Hanoi from Sept. 24-28 to review WHO's works of the past year and discuss future directions.

The announcement was made by Vietnamese Minister of Health (MOH) Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien at a news conference here on Sunday, which is jointly held by MOH and WHO regional office for the Western Pacific region.

This is the first time Vietnam hosts such kind of regional meeting on health issues, which will mark a milestone in cooperation between Vietnam and WHO and international health organizations, said the Vietnamese health official.

WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Shin Young-soo told media reporters that among the 20 agenda items up for discussions at the Regional Committee meeting will be the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, violence and injury prevention, the neglected tropical diseases, tobacco control, malaria and artemisinin resistance, HIV prevention and treatment, the health-related Millennium Development Goals, the International Health Regulations, health financing, measles elimination and health settings approaches.

There will be side events, notably one about universal health coverage held by MOH, which will present Vietnam's experience of national health insurance development, said Dr. Shin.

Three hundred and fifty delegates, including 22 ministers of health, from regional countries will attend the meeting, besides representatives from local and international and non-governmental health organizations.

The Western Pacific Region comprises 37 countries and areas, and a population of 1.8 billion people.

by pna.gov.ph

The Department of Education (DepEd) here on Saturday launched a campaign to encourage the private sector to support the K to 12 program of the department.

DepEd 7 director Dr. Carmelita Dulangon said the Greater Opportunities (GO) Education campaign enjoyed the support of stakeholders.

”We want to enable students to have quality education, so one day they can earn a living,” she said.

GO Education has three components: the teacher, the curriculum and resources.

As part of the program, teacher are provided with tools and training.

The teacher’s starting salary has been raised to P18,000 per month under a standardization law, with allowances from local government units.

The K to 12 program provides lessons for every grade level while providing teachers with training modules.

DepEd aims to address the problems that result in an increasing student population, DepEd V director Diosdado San Antonio said.

He said the budget for hiring more teachers had been approved on second reading in Congress.

Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Foundation executive vice president, noted that elementary students carry large bags filled with books and notebooks.

High school students carry smaller bags while college students carry just a notebook in their back pockets.

by pna.gov.ph

The seventh edition of the Cebu Journalism and Journalist (CJJ) magazine now comes with its first ever e-book version.

The e-book can be downloaded in formats suitable for the iPhone, iPad, Kindle and Android tablet, said Innopub Media co-founder Max Limpag during the launch over the weekend at Linea Restaurant and Lounge here.

To demonstrate how to download the e-book limpag, scan the QR (Quick Response) code that appeared on an advertisement on the CJJ7.

He said that as of 6 p.m. Friday, there had already been some 47 downloads of the e-book, which could also be accessed through http://bitly/ccj-ebook.

A QR is a mobile phone-readable barcode that one can scan after he has downloaded a QR code reader for free from his smartphone’s application market.

CJJ chronicles the growth of the Cebu press. It is traditionally released during the celebration of Cebu Press Freedom Week.

By Neville D'Cruz

The New South Wales (NSW) State government is challenging a decision to grant parole to Malaysian Liew Chiew Seng who killed heart surgeon Victor Chang.

Liew was given parole last week, 21 years after being jailed for shooting Chang dead in a failed extortion attempt at Mosman, north Sydney.

Liew, 69, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and dementia, was due to be released from jail after Oct. 3, and was expected to be deported to Malaysia.

But NSW Attorney General Greg Smith on Sunday announced the government would ask the Supreme Court to review the State Parole Authority's decision to free him.

"I received legal advice that a judicial review of the authority's decision is warranted," Smith said in a statement.

"This killer cannot be supervised by Australian authorities once he is deported, and there is no way to enforce his parole conditions in Malaysia," said Smith.

"I believe it is not in the public interest to release him when he has only served one year of his six-year parole period," said Smith.

He said the Supreme Court would be asked to consider the issue as a matter of urgency.

The other man convicted for the surgeon's shooting, Phillip Lim Choon Tee, was released on parole in 2010, and deported to Malaysia.

source: pna.gov.ph

A Czech woman, 57, has died from methanol poisoning after two weeks in hospital, bringing the death toll to 24, the CTK news agency reported on Saturday.

The woman was hospitalized in Havirov, north Moravia, on September 6 in critical condition, deputy hospital chief Jaroslav Lux said.

The incidence of methanol-related deaths is the highest in the Moravia-Silesia area where the death toll has reached 14.

The patient had consumed a large quantity of poisonous alcohol, Lux said.

"She immediately lost consciousness and never regained it."

There is one more patient in a serious condition in an intensive care ward, he added.

By Angeline Valencia

Dengue surge to an alarming rate of around 200 cases a month since June this year, the province's second highest annual record in the last five years, health officials here said.

Provincial health officer, Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot, said on Saturday that dengue cases already reached 900 cases with 12 deaths as of September 12, this year. The 12th death was recorded on September 7, she said.

Dr.Cabagnot said the number is second highest annual record in the past five years and 4th in the last 10 years.

The highest surge was recorded in 2010 which reached 2,647 and this year’s record is racing to rank second.

Last year, the number of cases only reached 147; 623 cases recorded in 2009 with eight deaths; and 145 cases in 2008 with five deaths.

The second highest surge in 10 years was recorded in 2007 wherein the cases reached 1,679 with 16 deaths; the cases reached 231 in 2006 with three deaths; 1,113 in 2005 with 21 deaths; 283 in 2004 with five deaths; 365 in 2003 with three deaths; 289 in 2002 with two deaths; 712 in 2001 with five deaths; and 70 cases in 2000.

With 12 deaths out of the 900, the fatality rate is now pegged at around 1.35 percent compared to the 1.66 percent in the middle of August when the number of cases reached 663 with 11 deaths.

In late June, the fatality rate reached 3.66 percent with 273 cases and 10 deaths.

The DOH standard on dengue fatality rate is one percent of the total number of cases.

The 12th patient to die from dengue was Francilli Mae Bonga, a five-year-old girl from Barangay Mariveles, Dauis town who was rushed to Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital on September 6 at 8:15 p.m. She died the next day at 9:45 a.m.

According to Cabagnot, late referral to hospital is the most common reason that a dengue case result to death.

Cabagnot raised alarm when the first death from dengue was recorded in the first few months of the year until it reached 11 by June, and finally a dozen as of the first half of September this year.

The provincial health officer renewed her calls to households to maintain the 4 o’clock habit as the basic approach to prevent dengue.

by pna.gov.ph

The Catholic Church has introduced a new way for the faithful to know more about the words of the Lord, through the audio Bible.

Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David said they came up with the audio version to encourage those who are not into reading the Bible, which is part of their “Faith comes from Hearing’ campaign.

“We know that not everyone is interested in reading that’s why we also promote this audio Bible,” said the chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate (CBCP-ECBA).

The audio Bible, he said, has mp3 version and one can upload it in his/her cellphone, play it on a regular mp3 player or CD player.

“Just call the PBS and inquire about the printed or audio version of the Bible it’s available there. Although the recording work is still ongoing for the other languages, but I think it’s already available in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano. Pretty soon we’ll make it available in all Filipino languages,” David said.

The project has been organized with the Philippine Bible Society (PBS).

He also said that the audio Bible is also available for download on the internet but it’s not for free.

“Most of the versions available in the audio form are Protestant in form. There are Catholic versions but they are not for free, you have to order it,’ David said.

On the other hand, the prelate is not worried over the result of the survey of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) showing a decline in the number of Filipinos into reading from 92 percent in 2007 to 88 percent in 2012.

“We are not alarmed. All we need to do is to adjust to the new culture because the learning process of the people is changing…I think there’s a new form of literacy. This means we have to take advantage of the new culture of learning and that is through audio visual,” David said.

Those interested to inquire about the audio Bible may call the PBS Main Office at 5267777.

by pna.gov.ph

The City Health Office (CHO) here has recorded six dengue deaths out of 1,034 cases in the month of August this year.

Elizabeth Banzon, tropical unit coordinator of CHO, said the deaths were reported in barangays Agdao, Districts B, C and D in the poblacion area while Talomo South has two deaths.

Banzon said the age of dengue patients ranged from three-months old to 79 years old.

She said the barangays with most dengue cases were Buhangin with 132, Talomo North with 68, Talomo South with 124, and 65 in Agdao.

Banzon said Bunawan, Tugbok, District B, Sasa, Toril and District A were also dengue hotspots in the city.

The CHO, she said, was doing its best to combat dengue in the city, adding that each household should also observe cleanliness, which is the very best way to fight dengue.

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, city health officer, earlier said the increase did not mean they failed to do their job in keeping the city's dengue cases decreasing.

source: pna.gov.ph

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has left for the United States to attend the UN General Assembly session where he will also raise the issue of anti-Islam movie, officials said Saturday.

The president is scheduled to arrive in New York on Sunday to lead the Pakistan delegation to the 67th session General Assembly.

The president will address the 193-member Assembly on Tuesday when the high-level debate begins. Some 120 world leaders are expected to participate.

During his four-day stay, President Zardari will hold meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the session, officials said. He will meet among others, with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and NATO Secretary-General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

The president will also speak at a high-level event on polio eradication, sponsored by the United Nations and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The topic for the session, which will be presided over by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is: Our Commitment to the Next Generation.

Earlier this year, the secretary-general set out an action agenda that identified five generational imperatives: sustainable development, prevention, a more secure world, helping countries in transition and empowering women and youth.

Officials say that the president will raise in his UN address the issue of anti-Islam movie made in the United States, which has sparked widespread protests across the Muslim world.

Governor Punjab province, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, said on Saturday that President Asif Ali Zardari would raise Pakisatn's concern over the profane film at the United Nations.

Addressing a press conference, he said Pakistan was the only Islamic state that has observed a protest day against the blasphemous film on official level.

It’s all systems go for the security of the Pacific Air Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2012 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City this week as delegates from other countries have started arriving in the country over the weekend.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina said that security of the delegates for the PATA Travel Mart 2012, which will be held on Sept. 25 to 28, are well in-place.

”Delegates security provision are well in-place…the NCRPO-TOC (Tactical Operations Command) is established,” said Espina.

Espina said that the NCRPO would deploy a command van at the parking lot of SMX as part of the security measures.

The NCRPO chief said that VIP delegates for the travel mart started arriving Saturday night while others were expected Sunday night. But the bulk of VIPs are expected to arrive Monday, including heads of delegations by participating countries.

As part of the travel fair, a tour of Metro Manila sites will be done immediately after formal opening on Tuesday.

Hundreds of foreign delegates are expected to attend the travel mart.

In his message, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez assured PATA Travel Mart 2012 delegates of their security while attending the fair. He cited the successful hosting of the Asian Development Bank Meeting, attended by 5,000 delegates last May.

The Philippines hosted the first ever PATA Travel Mart in 1978 with more than 300 delegates from various parts of the Pacific region.  - by pna.gov.ph

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso

The provincial government will host next week a Basic Tourism Statistics Training, through the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), in celebration of the World Tourism Day.

The theme of the World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.

Slated on Sept. 25-27, 2012, the provincial government under the administration of Governor Baham Mitra, aims to focus attention to the collection of important information and data regarding tourism.

The provincial government also wants statistical development and structures for tourism to keep pace with the changes in nature and significance of tourism and its capacities for future growth.

U.S. UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT ROBERT D. HORMATSHAS PLEDGED MORE AID PROGRAMS TO TUNISIA , THE TUNISIAN OFFICIAL TAP PRESS AGENCY REPORTED ON SATURDAY, QUOTING A FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMUNIQUE.

ACCORDING TO THE COMMUNIQUE THE PROGRAMS AIM AT BOOSTING THE EXPORTING CAPACITIES OF TUNISIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES AS WELL AS BILATERAL AND MULTI-LATERAL FINANCIAL COOPERATION.

THE PROGRAMS ALSO AIM AT IDENTIFYING IMPEDIMENTS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO GRANT TUNISIA DONATIONS EXCEEDING 9 MILLION US DOLLARS, TAP SAID.

DURING HIS MEETING ON FRIDAY WITH TUNISIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER RAFIK ABDESSLEM IN WASHINGTON, THE U.S. OFFICIAL SAID HIS COUNTRY WOULD REACT POSITIVELY TO ANY NEW TUNISIAN PROPOSITION TO REINFORCE BILATERAL COOPERATION.

EARLIER ON FRIDAY THE TUNISIA FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH THE U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON WHO THANKED THE TUNISIAN GOVERNMENT FOR HELPING SECURE THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AMID RECENT PROTESTS, ADDING THAT WASHINGTON IS "MONITORING EVENTS CLOSELY".

STRESSING AMERICA'S PRIORITY TO PROTECT ITS DIPLOMATS, SHE URGED ALL GOVERNMENTS TO STICK TO THEIR DUTY TO DEFEND FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS.

"THEY MUST BE SAFE AND PROTECTED PLACES SO THAT GOVERNMENTS CAN EXCHANGE VIEWS AND WORK ON MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES, AND LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD MUST STAND UP AND BE COUNTED IN REJECTING VIOLENCE AND HOLDING VIOLENT ACTORS ACCOUNTABLE," SHE SAID.

FOR HIS PART, ABDESSLEM EXPRESSED "REGRET AND FULL AND STRONG CONDEMNATION" FOR THE STORMING OF THE AMERICAN EMBASSY AND SCHOOL IN TUNISIA LAST FRIDAY.  - by pna.gov.ph

by pna.gov.ph

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande held talks in the southwestern German town of Ludwigsburg on Saturday to mark former French president Charles De Gaulle's speech, while the EADS/BAE merger and eurozone banking union weigh heavily on the agenda of the largely ceremonial meeting.

The two leaders met to mark the 50th anniversary of De Gaulle's speech to German youth in Ludwigsburg, a key gesture of post-war reconciliation between the wartime foes.

But Merkel and Hollande also touched upon issues including a possible merger between Airbus-maker EADS and the British defense group BAE.

The two companies announced last week that they are negotiating a merger, which would create the world's largest defense and commercial aviation company. BAE plans to obtain 40 percent in the united company, while EADS will get hold of 60 percent. The negotiations about the merger are scheduled to end on October 10.

Both governments in France and Germany, which hold major stakes in EADS, have been waiting for the merger project to be clarified before making judgments and taking decisions. Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said Friday that there would be no decisions to be made during the meeting.

The German chancellor would also discuss common banking supervision of the European Central Bank (ECB) with Hollande, Seibert said.

EU leaders decided in June to allow the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), EU's permanent bailout fund, to recapitalize banks directly instead of passing the loans through governments, on condition of a common banking supervisor in place by the beginning of 2013.

by pna.gov.ph

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) direct international flight Iloilo to Korea is now on the pipeline, PAL Iloilo manager Juancho Demaguila said.

Demaguila said that they admired the courage of Cebu Pacific to already have its inaugural flight for Iloilo to Hong Kong on Nov. 8 and Iloilo to Singapore on Nov. 9.

“We admire the courage or the guts of Cebu Pacific,” Demaguila said.

He said that for PAL, their higher management was seriously studying to have Iloilo to Korea direct flights and which they hoped to sustain in the long term.

“There’s a Korean school here that is very aggressive in bringing in students,” Demaguila said. He said that with their tie up with the Korean school, they would be assured of flying Korean students to Iloilo.

He said that they would not only be flying students though, but also the Korean tourists. Korean tourists yearly top the Western Visayas foreign tourist arrivals and generating sizable amount for the tourism industries in the region, especially Boracay island in Aklan.

By pna.gov.ph

Indian cocoa growers have started cutting down their trees as the crop is no more fetching good prices though cocoa output in the country has been far lower than the demand, industry sources said Sunday.

Many cocoa growers in India's southern state of Kerala have begun cutting down trees and switch over to other crops such as mangosteen and rambutan. This is due to the drop in prices this year despite decline in output due to unfavorable weather condition and black rot disease.

The total production of cocoa in India accounted for around 50 percent of the total requirement of over 30,000 tons of dried beans by about 10 processing and manufacturing units.

During 2011-12, total output stood at 12,900 tons from 63,015 hectares across south India against 14,436 tons from 56,515 hectares in 2010-11, official sources said. Cocoa is mainly grown in southern part of the country.

The balance requirement is met by imports for long, they said. Prices in the international markets were above the Indian prices last year due to demand-supply mismatch.

But the situation has changed and world market prices for dried beans are at par with the domestic prices now.

However, growers lamented that the prices they were getting stood at around 30 rupees (54 U.S. cents) per kg for wet beans and 125 rupees (2.27 U.S. dollars) per kg for dried beans and that was not remunerative. They believe that imports of the commodity were the reason for the drop in prices.

Josua Danie, a cocoa grower who cut his trees and switched to mangosteen, felt it was a lucrative crop with high return though it would take seven years to start yielding.

An executive of Quest Hotels, an Indonesian-based hotel chain, said the firm has chosen Cebu as its first location in the Philippines to help develop the province as a tourist destination in Asia.

Quest Hotels area general manager James M. Montenegro said the Cebu City hotel, which was launched last week, is a three-star hotel with at least 400 rooms.

He said it’s a perfect opportunity to help develop Cebu as a tourist destination in Asia, and that travelers should not have to pay US$ 100 per night at a hotel.

The Quest Hotel and Convention Center is part of the Quest Properties-Indonesia managed by Filinvest Corp. and situated in a Filinvest-owned property, beside its condominium tower project, on Archbishop Reyes ave., Cebu City, right across the Cebu Business District.

Montenegro said he expected that 80 percent of Quest’s market would be local corporate clients.

The hotel is positioning itself as a world-class, yet pocket-friendly establishment that bridges the gap between hotel categories in Cebu when it comes to cost.

Its amenities include a restaurant, pool, meeting rooms, and clean, comfortable rooms.

The goal is to establish brand awareness of Quest Hotel in the first year and eventually increase its value in the long run, Montenegro said. - by pna.gov.ph

by pna.gov.ph

Armed robbers strike again victimizing a money remittance shop in Bayugan City Saturday.

The LBC Branch in Bayugan City was the eight LBC outlets victimized in series of robbery incidents that occurred in the city since January.

Report from Bayugan City Police showed three motorcycle-riding armed men posed as customers robbed the LBC branch at the busy and crowded Barangay Poblacion, a commercial district in Bayugan City.

The suspects pulled their firearms and at gunpoint demanded from LBC personnel their day’s earnings.

The robbers also snatched the mobile phone of one of customers, Arnel M. Tugasan, 37 and carted also his money as they fled the shop.

Police reported that the robbers, one of them identified as Gally B. Margana, carted some P5,000 cash and fled on board a blue Honda XRM motorcycle without plate number.

by pna.gov.ph

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat challenged all teachers in this southern port city to exert all efforts to improve the quality of education by lowering the dropout rate and improving students’ performance in the national achievement test.

Lobregat issued the challenge on Saturday during the Teachers’ Summit attended by some 10,000 elementary and secondary school officials and teachers.

The Division of City Schools headed by City Schools Superintendent Pete Natividad spearheaded the event in celebration of Teachers’ Month themed “My Teacher, My Hero.” September 5 to October 5 of every year was declared as the Teachers’ Month.

“The City Government of Zamboanga has done its share, in fact, the city government has done more than what is expected and the challenge now is for you to make sure that the dropout rate will be decreased, the cohort survival rate will increase and the performance of students in the national achievement test will improve,” Lobregat said.

Lobregat has initiated, starting in 2007, massive and sustained investment in education that has reached P1.38 billion as of June 30, 2012.

The local government, since the time of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, has placed so much priority to education as it is part of the social contract with the people of Zamboanga City as embodied in the City Development Strategy (CDS).

The city’s investment in education includes the construction, repair of school buildings, fences, comfort rooms, stages, covered courts and other education-related projects in public schools; all intended to ensure a better future for the city’s youth.

In the same message, Lobregat cited the very crucial and significant role played by teachers in the lives of every individual.

“Without teachers, there would have been no professionals in our midst. Without my teachers, I would not have become mayor today neither you would become teachers today”, he said.

"Teachers are not only the sources of knowledge, but it is from them where people always find guidance, friendship, discipline and love," he stressed,

He took the opportunity to thank the teachers for the work they are doing for the young children and on a personal note, also expressed his gratitude to the teachers for the support and cooperation to his administration.

The activity, held at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum was highlighted by the induction of officers of the Federations of Zamboanga City Teachers, Parents-Teacher Association, School Supreme Government and Student Pupils Government and the awarding of the most outstanding teacher in the elementary and secondary levels.

Present during the summit were Education Assistant Secretary Elena Ruiz and Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera.

source: pna.gov.ph

Intermittent weather did not deter students and employees from government and non-government agencies to move ahead with their “Ayuda Limpiesa,” project Saturday.

The Ayuda Limpiesa, a clean-up drive launched in celebration of Tourism Week, was held at Paseo del Mar, public market, R.T. Lim Boulevard and major streets within the city proper area.

Intermittent rains hit this city on Saturday but most of this city’s activities, specifically the Ayuda Limpiesa was not affected.

Mayor Celso Lobregat thanked the participants to the clean-up activity, now on its 9th year, for sharing their efforts to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the city.

Lobregat said the activity will make the city attractive to tourists and visitors.

City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. likewise commended the participants for their enthusiasm by showing up despite the unstable weather condition.

Aside from "Ayuda Limpiesa," the city government also extended the Libre Paseo or free tour for interested participants and the culminating day of the Zamboanga Food Festival, an exhibit of Chavacano cuisines and delicacies at the Plaza del Pilar on Saturdayâ€"all forming part of the Tourism Week celebration.

Lobregat has issued an executive order declaring September 21-27 as Tourism Week in Zamboanga City with the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.”

Participants to the clean-up activity included the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City General Services Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Zamboanga City Water District, Universidad de Zamboanga, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School (Tetuan), Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc., Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Western Mindanao Foundation College, Southern City Colleges, MEIN College, Inc., STI-College Zamboanga, Western Mindanao State University and Zamboanga State Polytechnic College.

source: pna.gov.ph

In its bid to help preserve the island's watersheds and river basins, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Mindanao Area has signed a declaration of support for the Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters (MindaNOW) program.

MindaNOW was developed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) aimed at integrating, harmonizing and rationalizing all interventions towards developing and managing of various watersheds and river basins in the island-region.

In a press statement, Steve Arquiza, 2012 Area vice president for Mindanao said unknown to many, the youth in Mindanao has done so many things quietly that helped preserve Mindanao's sources of water and energy.

“We have been doing a lot of activities on the environment. And JCI’s efforts would have greater impact if it will align its projects to a framework like the MindaNOW program,” he explained.

Arquiza, who also signed the partnership agreement between JCI Philippines and MinDA during the Mindanao Economy and Environment Summit held in Davao City in June, said the organization will adopt the program as one of its major projects next year.

He said this partnership is the "first" for JCI Philippines since there’s nothing like it in other areas in Luzon and Visayas.

JCI is the leading global organization of young and active citizens providing development opportunities to empower young people in creating positive change.

According to JCI Davao City chapter president Heidi Villanueva, JCI-Davao has been participating in MindaNOW activities since last year.

“We joined the city government of Dipolog in a tree growing activity in November last year”, said Villanueva, adding the group also spearheaded coastal clean-up drive in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte and several tree and mangrove planting activities in Davao City.

Villanueva said the MindaNOW program won a merit award for best environment development project in the recent JCI Mindanao area conference here.

Mindanao is host to eight of the country’s 18 major river basins which span to 262 watersheds across the island-region.

Its extensive watershed and river systems fuel up Mindanao’s economy providing more than 50 percent of its power source - the Agus and Pulangi hydro power complexes.

Watersheds also provide vegetation to the island-region’s major agricultural commodities making them integral to Mindanao's strength as the country's food basket.

source: pna.gov.ph

This province conducted coastal and barangay clean-up drive in 236 barangays in 11 towns and one city on Saturday in line with the celebration of the International Coastal Clean-up Day.

Under the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo... Bahagi ng Solusyon sa mga Basurang, Itinapon”, various agencies of government sent representatives to assist in cleaning the coastal areas as well as the barangays.

The participants were divided into smaller groups and assigned in specific sites unlike before where big number of government and private workers converged in one area and did the cleaning in a long stretch of the Bataan coastline.

Residents actively participated too. Before, they only used to watch the clean-up campaign being undertaken.

In Barangay Capunitan for example, a fishing village in this town, villagers and police officers joined hands in the activity.

source: pna.gov.ph

An Army division commander and a brigade commander rallied on Friday local government officials and civic organizations in launching what it described as "hitting three birds with one stone."

Done in one day, the Army's 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division and the 601st Infantry "Unifier" Brigade, along with the Maguindanao provincial government conducted a joint medical mission, hybrid seeds distribution and inauguration of farm-to-market roads in the town of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

More than 3,000 less fortunate constituents coming from the conflict affected areas of Amptuan, Datu Hoffer, Sharif Aguak, Datu Unsay, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, all of Maguindanao flocked to the municipal hall of Datu Hoffer, to avail free services catered by the Philippine Army and the local government unit of Maguindanao.

The 601st brigade led by Colonel Edmundo Pangilinan and its units, 33rd, 46th, 68th, 45th and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion with the partnership of LGU of Maguindanao Province, LGU of Datu Hoffer Municipality, Rotary Club of Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat Doctor’s Hospital joined hands in the conduct of "Grand Medical and Dental Mission."

The 6th Infantry Division and the Maguindanao Provincial Medical and Dental Team provided free medical check-up, dental services and circumcision with free medicines, while the Rotary Club of Tacurong and team from Sultan Kudarat Doctors Hospital extended free eye check up.

Feeding program to the children was conducted while hybrid corn seeds, school bags and relief goods including slightly used clothes were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

Likewise, Army personnel provided free haircut to the children and elderly.

Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th ID commander has expressed his gratitude for the positive response of the constituents of the said municipalities in the conduct of the activity.

“I am happy today because for the days that we were here in this place I only saw few civilians around, but today I’m glad to see thousands of you here, this is a typical example of our campaign plan “Bayanihan,” let’s help each other to attain lasting peace, we will renew always our commitment to serve you, our mandate is to serve and protect you, we will always be here at all times for the purpose of peace and development, we are your soldiers, Kayo ang Boss namin,” Gen. Ardo said.

On the other hand, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, quoted a verse in the Holy Qur'an in expressing his gratitude to the joint efforts.

“Ayon sa Banal na Koran tayong lahat ay magkakapatid maging Muslim, Kristiyano o Teduray (indigenous) ka man, di natin kailangang magpatayan lahat ay nareresolba sa mapayapang pamamaraan. (The Koran says that all of us are brethren, Muslims, Christians, indigenous peoples. We don't need to kill each other because all misunderstanding can be solved peacefully)," Mangudadatu said.

"Isa lang po ang aming hiling na suportahan natin ang usaping pangkapayapaan para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng ating probinsya (I only have one wish and that all of us will support the peace process so we can attain peace and development in our province)," he added.

source: pna.gov.ph

The local police reported that the crime rate in this town during the first eight months of this year went down by 50 percent compared to the same period last year.

Chief Insp. Paul Gamido, local police chief, said there were only 22 crimes recorded from January to August 2012 as against 40 crimes in the same period of 2011.

As this developed, Senior Supt. Rwin Pagkalinawan, newly-installed Pampanga provincial police director officer-in-charge, asked his men not to be complacent, saying that while the population increases, there is a tendency that crimes also rise.

At present, the population of San Simon town is approximately 50,000.

Pagkalinawan also noted the illegal drugs activities wherein shabu remains the town’s number one problem.

This is usually the root cause of different crimes in the town, he said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will spearhead an earthquake drill in critical areas in this province on Monday.

The drill is part of the government’s efforts to heighten public awareness and enhance capabilities on disaster preparedness.

Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the "drill will simulate a scenario of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that causes piping failure" in Angat dam, where it sits near the West Marikina Valley Fault.

"This is a preparation for a worst case scenario. Residents near the area should know things to do in case worst thing happens," Alvarado said.

Aside from the Angat dam reservation area, the quake drill will also be conducted in Calumpit town, one of the low-lying areas that is expected to be submerged to massive flooding in case Angat dam breaks down when hit by high magnitude quake.

During the drill, disaster management authorities will demonstrate their response capacities in the quake scenario.

Local residents and Angat dam watershed settlers will also participate in the quake drill. - source: pna.gov.ph

Hundreds of Cebuanos benefited from the community outreach program initiated by the Office of the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor on Saturday at the SM City Consolacion in Consolacion, northern Cebu.

Among the public services were free prosecutor’s clearance, legal consultation and issuance of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance.

Dubbed as “Access to Justice Project,” the program was participated in by bureaus attached to the Department of Justice, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Department of Health and law students from Southwestern University and the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City.

Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Jane Petralba said the program was in line with the 115th founding anniversary of the DOJ.

Petralba also thanked the DOJ’s attached bureaus, IBP and the universities who responded to her appeal to participate in the program.

Immigration Alien Control Officer Casimiro Madarang II said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has issued a memorandum to bring the immigration services to the countryside.

The Bureau of Immigration was also among the DOJ-attached bureaus that participated in the outreach program. - source: pna.GOV.PH

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has admitted its operation is being affected by the low cost carrier Cebu Pacific because of its higher overhead cost.

But PAL Iloilo manager Juancho Demaguila was quick to say that before the expansion of the flights of Cebu Pacific Iloilo to General Santos City and Iloilo to Davao they were already there with its sister company, the Air Philippines.

Demaguila, in reaction to the new expansion of the route of Cebu Pacific, said that together with the Air Philippines, which has the same owner of PAL, they have already been flying Iloilo to General Santos and the other newly opened routes.

Cebu Pacific has been simultaneously opening new routes in Western Visayas. These are the Kalibo (Boracay)-Davao on Aug. 2; Iloilo-Tacloban, Oct. 5; Iloilo General Santos, Oct. 25; Bacolod-Cagayan de Oro, Oct. 25; Iloilo-Puerto Princesa, Oct. 26.

It will also be the airline company that will open the Iloilo airport to international flights on Nov. 8 to Hong Kong and then Iloilo to Singapore on Nov. 9.

But the Philippine Airlines not to be outdone has also on its pipeline now the Iloilo to Korea flights. - source: PNA.gov.ph

source: PNa.gov.ph

Boxing promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud’s political ambition to run for mayor of Consolacion town in Cebu has suffered a blow.

The Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Consolacion-Cordova struck down Salud’s bid to get recognized as a registered voter of Cordova town in the sixth congressional district.

Judge Jocelyn Uy-Po found no error in the decision of the Election Registration Board in disapproving Salud’s petition.

Salud must prove residency at least six months preceding an election, said Po, presiding judge of the MCTC Consolacion-Cordova, in her decision, said.

Salud, who wants to challenge incumbent Mayor Adelino Sitoy, petitioned for the inclusion of his name in the list or registered voters in Barangay Cogon, Cordova.

Salud insisted he has been staying in that village since 2011.

In his position paper, Salud said that although he was new to Cordova, his “intention to reside (there) has been manifested by renting a house and lot in Barangay Cogon.”

”In due time, however, respondent would be staying in the area on a permanent character as he is now looking for a land to establish his home,” Salud’s position paper read.

However, the town’s election board blocked Salud’s application because he failed to establish his residency.

Article 6 of the Constitution provides that an applicant must be a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and in the municipality where he proposes to vote for at least six months preceding the elections.

source: PNA.gov.ph

A Korean woman and a Japanese man died some two hours apart while snorkeling in the waters off Olango Island, Lapu Lapu City and Pandanon Island, Bohol Saturday afternoon.

Hours earlier, two fishermen from Tayud, Consolacion also found the body of an unidentified man floating in the waters off Barangay Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City.

A fourth death that may have been by drowning was reported in Carmen, Cebu last Friday afternoon, where a woman was fished out of the water where she was earlier seen struggling.

According to the Homicide Section of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, Hyo Cim Ahn, 63, was snorkeling with 19 fellow Koreans in Bartangay Talima, Olango Island past noon Saturday.

The tourists were staying at the Crown Regency Hotel on Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City.

They went snorkeling and island-hopping with three Filipino photographers and three boatmen.

When their boat arrived in Talima around 12:30 p.m., Ahn jumped into the water first, the police said.

A few minutes later, Harry Tejedor, one of the photographers, saw Ahn’s body floating.

They hoisted her into the boat and brought her to the Mactan Doctors’ Hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival.

At past 2 p.m. Saturday, Japanese national Kenji Inamasu, 39, was taken to the Mactan Doctors’ Hospital by the emergency Rescue Unit Foundation but he, too, was declared dead on arrival.

According to the police, Inamasu went to Pandanon Island with three fellow Japanese, a Filipina friend named Therese Padilla, and three boatmen.

Padilla, 28, told police that Inamasu was snorkeling but they later saw him floating, with his face down in the water.

When they turned him over, they saw him frothing at the mouth.

Inamasu, who came from Tokyo, arrived in the Philippines last Sept. 19.

The police said the man’s body will be submitted for autopsy.

Around 8:30 a.m., also on Saturday, two fishermen from Barangay Tayud, Consolacion found the body of an unidentified man floating in the waters off Barangay Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City.

source: PNA.gov.ph

Teresita Ang See, founding chair of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order expressed support to a move of Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) chair Manuel Co to review the classification of inmates.

“I am glad that the Bucor chair is taking a move for the review of the classification of inmates,” Ang See said during her visit here.

Ang See cited the case of high profile inmate Rolito Go, who she thinks should not be entitled to parole but is then frequently seen outside of the National Bilibid prison.

She said that because of the “special treatment” it seems that those who have committed crimes do not also serve their sentence.

“It takes about 9 to 10 years before the sentence could be promulgated,” Ang See said. For those years, the family seeking justice has to spend so much money for the legal process, hoping that finally it could obtain justice but to its dismay would later find out the convicted person was being given special treatment.

She said that given the situation it’s so hard to convince victims to seek justice.

source: PNA.gov.ph

Rep. Eduardo Eddie” Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) has revealed that Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) “yielded” P400 million in savings from his Priority Development Assistance Fund(PDAF) in favor of the ongoing road-widening project in the City of Naga to Sibonga.

The amount was reportedly intended for a proposed flyover in Cebu City.

Osmeña confirmed his decision in a separate interview, saying that projects he proposed for the city were blocked by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama anyway.

”I am doing this for Cebu,” the former Cebu City mayor and now first-term congressman said.

Gullas recalled that when he asked Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson for additional funds for the P1.025-billion Naga-Sibonga road-widening project, the official told him to look for a congressman who is willing to yield his savings.

Gullas said he had P250 million in savings from his 2010 and 2011 PDAF, but he needed more for the project.

During a hearing of the House committee on appropriation and budget, he was surprised when Osmeña told committee chairman Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya that he was giving up his savings in favor of Gullas.

”I didn’t expect that,” said Gullas. He said he accepted it, with gratitude.

Gullas learned from Osmeña that the fund was intended for his proposed flyover in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, which Mayor Rama opposed.

Gullas said he now has P650 million. He promised to raise P325 million more to realize the project, which he said has “regional influence.”

Once completed, he said, the road will benefit commuters from Bohol arriving at the Taloot, Argao port; commuters from Negros Oriental arriving at Samboan town port; and from Negros Occidental arriving at the Toledo City port.

Aside from converting the two-lane road to four lanes, the project involves the widening of six bridges and construction of 37 drainage and culvert systems.

source: PNA.gov.ph

A security guard of Domber Security Agency assigned at the Petron gasoline station in Barangay Binalud, Alimodian, Iloilo was fatally shot by four suspects early Saturday morning.

Victim Judel Nunez, 20, of Sta. Monica, Oton, Iloilo died upon arrival at the Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian from a lone gunshot wound on the head inflicted by a 12-gauge shotgun.

When informed by alarmed residents on the gasoline shooting incident at about 3:45 a.m. on Saturday, the Alimodian Municipal Police Station (MPS) immediately alerted their counterparts in the adjoining Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns to intercept the fleeing suspects even as the Alimodian PNP also conducted hot pursuit operation that led them to Barangay Gaub Airport in Cabatuan town, where the 29-year-old Tirso Belarga and 18-year-old Roberto Calucdan have been arrested.

The arresting lawmen also recovered the 12-gauge service shotgun of the slain security guard from the suspects following their arrest.

Tirso’s younger brother 25-year-old Johnny Belarga, on the other hand, was cornered by the police blocking force at Barangay Consolacion in adjacent San Miguel town while Roberto’s brother Ruel Calucdan made good his escape.

The suspects admitted before the Alimodian PNP to have shot the security guard and took away his service 12-gauge shotgun before they hastily left the gasoline station.

In a telephone interview, PO3 Sandy Jarder, chief investigator of Alimodian MPS, said they were able to track down the whereabouts of suspects based on information from residents of Barangay Sulong, Alimodian that they saw the fleeing suspects passed their barangay before crossing the Alimodian River in their escape.

Meanwhile, Jarder theorized that the security guard may have fallen asleep from his post when gunned down by suspects using either the victimÂ's service shotgun or the homemade 12-gauge shotgun of suspects.

Based on information they have gathered, the group was seen roaming around in town in the past and it was unfortunate when they chanced upon the helpless security guard whom they treacherously shot as part of their ‘agaw armas’ operation as the group lack the needed firearm which they could use for future atrocity.

Though subject to be confirmed yet, the Alimodian PNP has the suspicion that the group might have a hand on several unsolved robbery cases involving motorcycles, fighting cocks and other crimes against property in town in the past.

The Alimodian PNP will be coordinating with their counterparts in Cabatuan and Leon towns for background investigation on suspects if they have pending criminal cases in their respective home towns.

Police learned that the Belarga brothers were from Barangay Ito Sur, Cabatuan while the Calucdan brothers were from Barangay Banagan in Leon, Iloilo.

The Belarga brothers and Roberto Calucdan were ordered detained at the lock-up cell of Alimodian MPS to face criminal charges of murder and illegal possession of firearm.

source: PNA.gov.ph

By Honeylyn T. Balladares

The Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) here has temporarily cut off water supply in many barangays due to flooding at the Irawan River caused by heavy rains.

Katya Santos of the PPCWD Information Office said the water district was forced to shut off the infiltration gallery and main water source at their operation area at Sitio Campo Uno in Barangay Irawan before 2 p.m. Sunday because of overflowing water at the dam.

The infiltration gallery, she said, had been rendered incapable of straining impurities because of the permeation of mud.

“We are forced to shut off the infiltration gallery and main water source because the Irawan river is now flooded,” Santos said, adding some barangays in the city will have no water since pressure is weak from their pumping stations.

source: PNA.gov.ph

Acting Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao called on Muslims in the region locked in family feud to settle their differences through sports and not through guns.

As the celebrates Family Week and Month of Peace this September, Hataman said most cases of conflict in predominantly Muslim areas are rooted on "rido" (family feud) which is often likened to martial law that was signed on September 21, 1972.

Hataman recalled that former President Ferdinand Marcos made public his declaration of martial law over a nationwide telecast on September 23, that year.

During martial law years, he said the country's military prefer resolution of conflict through the use of guns.

Hataman said that in one village in Sumisip, Basilan dozens were killed in a family feud that started with a simple altercation when a man, whose cloth got soiled by a passing tricycle, shot the driver dead.

The same day, the relatives of the slain man retaliated and slaughtered three more persons -- the man who shot the tricycle driver and two of his relatives, Hataman recalled.

Hataman challenged families locked in decades-old political or land disputes to instead fight it out in sports events that the regional government has organized in celebration of the peace month and family week.

Earlier, ARMM Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc said in the countdown to the election fever in October that political clans and families should end political feuds.

"Why not consult each other through intermediaries before filing of candidacies so that violence can be ended," she urged would-be-candidates.

In Moro tradition, Gutoc said cool-headed emissaries are sent to mediate parties in conflict.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has declared September 22-30 as Family Week, while the region also joins the observance of the Month of Peace, holding various sports events participated in by employees of its agencies.

Hataman’s office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM) gathered hundreds of employees at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex here for a family week being celebrated with the theme “Ensuring Work-Family Balance.”

Gutoc warned that vendetta killings resulting from cases of rido which are still prevalent in some parts of the region can hamper reform programs in the new ARMM.

She recalled that three persons were killed during the week-long re-registration period on July 9-18, because of cases of pre-election period disputes.

"Political violence in ARMM affects children's futures and will always bring us back to ground zero," she said.

Family and clan feuds, known locally as rido, are characterized by sporadic outbursts of retaliatory violence between families and kinship groups, as well as between communities, she explained.

"Without clans supporting reform in ARMM, breakthroughs in corruption cannot be overcome. We in ARMM have strong family ties. In the hierarchy of influences, the family is second to Almighty God. Thus, I firmly believe reform within the family can reform the society, as well," Gutoc said.

She added that political leaders must help in voter's education by supporting the ulama in spreading sermons about values of unity and good governance.

source: PNA

A total of 63 new information technology (IT) parks, 12 of them in Metro Cebu, are being developed nationwide, says House Deputy Majority Leader and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo.

A press statement from his office reported that 41 of the emerging IT parks are in the provinces while 22 are in the National Capital Region.

”We strongly favor the advancement of new IT parks in highly urbanized corners outside Metro Manila. This will spur balanced economic growth all over the country,” said Romulo, who supports labor-intensive, IT-enabled business process outsourcing (BPO).

According to his statement, seven of the new IT parks are in Cebu City: FLB Corporate Center, GAGFA IT Center, GT times Square, HMDF-WTCI IT Tower, Innove IT Plaza, Maria Cristina IT building and Quimonda IT Center.

Five are in Mandaue City: GGVPI IT Zone, Hi Point IT Towers 1, 2 and 3, and Taft IT Park.

Similar parks are also being developed in Bacong, Sibulan and Dumaguete City, all in Negros Oriental.

Romulo described IT parks and BPO firms as “powerful drivers of jobs creation, consumption and overall economic growth.”

They are the dominant tenants in IT parks registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

source: PNA.gov.ph

The Asik-Asik Spring Falls, also known as "Paguranan" was formally opened to the public last Thursday in Alamada, North Cotabato.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza and Bishop Romulo dela Cruz DD, of the Diocese of Kidapawan cut the ceremonial ribbon during the event attended by more than a thousand people. The opening coincided with the 52nd founding anniversary of Barangay Dado, where Asik-Asik Spring Falls is located.

Among those present were Vice Gov. Gregorio Ipong, Alamada Mayor Bartolome Lataza Jr., Vice Mayor Leonigildo Calibara Jr., Dado Barangay Captain Ricky Natial, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 Director Jose Cabaluna and provincial tourism officer Ralph Rafael.

The majestic Asik-Asik Spring falls is 60 meters high and 140 meters wide.

“Most of the people say that the water from Asik-Asik has healing wonder,” said Gov. Mendoza during an interview.

Testimonies were tested and proven by many including differently-abled individuals who tried to reach and taste the healing wonder of the falls. They also say that its water is alkaline, said to benefit people's health by helping neutralize the chemical imbalances of the body, which some believe tend to run too acidic.

Many believe that alkaline water aids in the treatment of asthma, heartburn, indigestion, among other ailments.

“This inspires people to appreciate the gift of nature that heals and the gift of God guiding the people to discover the beauty behind a mountainous place,” said the lady governor, who led the 20-minute trek to the falls.

The provincial government closed the falls to the public last July to improve the place. It now has a 626-step stairway, comfort rooms and a dressing area is now available at the entry point. Stalls were also put up for the locals who were given by the provincial government start up capital of P3,000 each.

“There are no more stalls near the falls because we want to preserve the area and maintain cleanliness,” explained Gov. Mendoza.

Guards are also posted for the safety of tourists and protect the falls from abuse.

Asik-Asik Spring Falls was earlier discovered by the locals and has attracted some 40,000 visitors to date.

Last June 21, the municipality, bouyed by the newest discovery, held its 43rd founding anniversary themed, “Pakikilahok ng Mamamayan, Likas na Yaman ay Pangalagaan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” which called for the participation of every individual in the community to promote tourism, unity and peace.

“Today, we celebrate the grand opening of this majestic curtain falls with the hope that we will protect and preserve what God has given us,” said Gov. Mendoza.

Asik-Asik Spring Falls is now one of the top tourist spots of Alamada located in a public land with various applicants. The road going to the falls is quite muddy especially during rainy season. It takes 43.7 kilometers from the municipality of Libungan to reach Barangay Dado and another 6.7 kilometers to Sitio Dulao where Asik-Asik Spring Falls rest its eye-catching stance.

The governor said two more falls and a lake will be formally opened for tourism soon.

“Social networking sites such as Facebook and Youtube triggers the eagerness of people to explore Asik-Asik for its natural beauty and to feel the coldest and refreshing water coming out from the falls,” said Gov. Mendoza.

The barangay council of Dado has imposed an entrance fees are P10 per adult and P5 per child for residents of Barangay Dado; P20 (adult) and P10 (child) for other barangays within the municipality of Alamada; and P30 (adult) and P15 (child) for other visitors.

The parking fees at Asik-Asik area are P50 for bus and trucks, P25 for cars and other service vehicles, and P5 for motorcycles and bikes.

The cottage fees are P100 (single), P200 (double) and P300 (family) good for eight hours and additional P10 for succeeding hours. A baggage fee of P5 is also charged.

The agreed sharing of the fees collected is 55 percent for the Trust Fund of Barangay Dado, 30 percent for the provincial government and 15 percent for the local government. The Trust Fund shall be used exclusively for the maintenance of Asik-Asik Falls.

The prohibited acts at the Asik-Asik Falls include cooking, cutting of trees, gathering of firewood, and gathering of ornamental plants inside the area. Also disallowed are shampoo, toothpaste, soap, styrofor, cellophanes and other non-biodegradable materials.

Hunting of flora and fauna, littering, vandalism, smoking, illegal drugs, and persons under the influence of liquor are prohibited.

source: PNA.gov.ph

Two members of the Tacurong City Police in Sultan Kudarat province tested positive in illegal drug use after a random drug test conducted last week, a police official said.

Sr. Supt. Rolen Balquin, provincial director of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, identified the two officers as SPO2 Antonio Yap, Jr., and Police Officer 2 Arnel Pocal, both members of the Tacurong City PNP.

The random drug test, Balquin said, came as a surprise to policemen.

The campaign against illegal drugs, according to Balquin, is one of his priorities as he assumed the post two weeks ago.

“The campaign doesn’t exempt our own policemen,” he stressed.

Balquin said the chief of the Tacurong City PNP was already given copy of the results of the random drug tests.

Charges are being prepared against the two policemen.

“They would face administrative and criminal charges. Worst, it might result to their termination from government service. As policemen, they know that illegal drug use is prohibited under the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act,” said Balquin.

source: PNA

Politicians seeking elective posts in next year’s elections are encouraged to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) early.

This was the appeal of lawyer Marlon Casquejo, the acting Region 11 director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), adding that the filing period of COCs is five days shorter than the previous elections.

Casquejo said this is to remind candidates who usually file their COCs in the last minute that filing this time will end by 5 p.m. during the last day.

The filing period is from October 1 to 5, or from Monday to Friday and the acceptance of the COCs will be during office hours only.

During this period, the Comelec will suspend the registration of voters but will continue afterwards until October 31.

Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that five days is enough for the candidates to file their COCs. The early schedule for the filing of COCs will give the election agency enough time to resolve petitions seeking to disqualify certain candidates.

The poll body will also create a campaign finance unit to look into the expenses of the candidates once the campaign period would start on March 29 next year. The candidate who is member of a political party shall only allocate a budget of P3 per voter. Those who are independent bets should have a budget of P5 per voter.

source: PNA

Malacañang announced on Sunday that the Quezon City underpass located at the corner of Quezon and Gregorio Araneta Avenues will be opened to the public on Friday, September 28.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Public Works and Highways had assured her that the P430-million underpass project would be completed and formally opened to the public next week.

“Marami po kasing nagtatanong kung kalian bubuksan yung underpass sa may Araneta (corner Quezon Avenue) at ang sabi ng DPWH ay by September 28,” Valte said.

She added that President Benigno S. Aquino III may lead the opening ceremonies for the said underpass project that's part of the C-3-Quezon Avenue Interchange, subject to the confirmation by the Office of the President’s Appointments Office on his availability next week.

The C-3-Quezon Avenue Interchange Project, which covers 440 lineal meters and 330 lineal meters in both directions, aims to decongest the volume of traffic in the area and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles coming from and going to EDSA, Aurora Boulevard, and España Boulevard.

By Eddie G. Alinea

The forthcoming Fourth Act in the historic duel between Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez will feature and decide the question on not only who between the two is a better gladiator but, also who between trainers Freddie Roach and Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain is the finer guru.

Both Roach and Beristain have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame house of boxing history, attesting to their distinction as the best in their chosen craft.

The star-studded cast characters in the Dec. 8 classic includes the future Hall of Fame inductees in Pacquiao and Marquez themselves and the recent honoree Bob Arum, head of the Rank Promotions that handles the Pacman’s fights.

In all the media tour stops â€" first in Los Angeles and then New York â€" both Roach and Beristain vowed to employ new tactics to ensure victory for their respective protégé and close the unanswered questions that remained hovering over their heads despite meeting three times before in over 36 rounds.

“Three times we fought him (Marquez) and twice we won, But still the doubts remain” the 52-year-old Roach sighed during a telephone interview with People’s Journal shortly after the Mexico joust.

“The fact that Manny beat him twice, proved he’s the better fighter, But the closeness of the results in the second bout (which ended in a split decision) and the third (majority verdict) led the fans to doubt them,” the owner of the Wild Boxing Gym at the heart of Los Angeles analyzed.

To erase, once and for all, the doubts, we have to exploit new strategies to counter Marquez’s counter-punching style of fighting. And we’ll have to do it s early as in the training camp, “ Roach said, admitting that of the previous trilogy, he has yet to come up with a good strategy to justify Pacquiao’s two wins.

“Juan Manuel is a smart fighter. We're going to get Manny in the best shape possible. We know it will be a difficult task. Juan Manuel is a terrific fighter,” he said. “We have to focus on the many things we have to do in the camp. One of those, of course, is to remove all the distractions that will come our way.”

In an effort to short of belying Marquez’s claim he won all those three encounters, Roach cited his pupil’s docking the Mexican in their first showdown in 2004 and once four years later. Pacquiao also landed the most number of power punches in the third in November last year.

Beristain, for his part, in virtually accepting Pacquiao’s twin triumphs, likewise, wasted no words in praise of Pacquiao.

“Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters I have seen in recent time,” Beristain stated during the Mexico presser. “Juan Manuel Marquez is a fighter I have watched grow and fights with passion like nobody else.

This final confrontation will be a war that will leave everyone satisfied. Manny Pacquiao is like a typhoon, but will confront a technical and class fighter in Juan Manuel.”

Meanwhile, Like in every Mexico leg of the media tour to promote their previous fights, the Filipino fighting congressman from Sarangani province nearly overshadowed Juan Manuel Marquez in the third stop of their press conference Friday (Saturday in Manila) held at the posh New Mexico City Arena.

Close to 11,000 boxing aficionados made up of Mexicans and Filipinos and even Americans waited before the two fighters arrived and stayed at the site of the presscon for hours just to have a glimpse of their favorite fighters spoke to them.

Pacquiao told his audience he, at first did not agree for a fourth fight but concede just the same after some reckoning.“I’m happy to fight him for the fourth time. I have to recognize how difficult he is as a fighter, a great warrior, and I’m really happy to come to Mexico City… to Filipinos in Mexico, thank you very much for being here. I didn’t intend to fight another Mexican fighter, but that’s the way things are.”

Marquez, on the hand, was in his usual elf telling his rival, “Thank you Manny Pacquiao for accepting the fourth fight, because they stole the last one from me in November.”He then added, “It’s an honor to fight Pacquiao. I want to prove who is the best. I have done so on three occasions and here comes the fourth."

source: PNA.gov.ph

Public storm warning signal No. 1 remains hoisted over the three Samar provinces as typhoon “Lawin” (Jelawat) gained strength while moving over the Philippine Sea off Eastern Visayas, the state weather bureau said Sunday afternoon.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration weather forecaster Chris Perez said that as of 4 p.m. Sunday, the typhoon was located at 310 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.3°N, 128.7°E).

Lawin's wind speed has increased from 120 kilometers per hour to 140 kph and gustiness from 150 kph to 170 kph, but it has a small chance to make landfall, Perez said.

“Based on our models as of now, hindi na po inaasahan na mag-landfall between 2-3 days, but the weather agency continues to monitor the possible scenario,” Perez said in an interview.

Typhoon Lawin is moving north-northwest at 7 kph and with its present speed, Perez said it is expected to linger within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

He added that Lawin will bring rains over the Visayas and Mindanao while localized thunderstorms will affect Luzon, including Metro Manila.

PAGASA said that public storm warning signal No. 1 is hoisted over the three Samar provinces which are expected to experience 30-60 kph winds within the next 36 hours.

It advised residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under the storm signal to be on alert against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Fishing boats and other small seacraft were also advised not to venture into the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao due to big waves generated by Lawin.

Ben Goldacre   
The Guardian, Friday 21 September 2012 23.00

Reboxetine is a drug I have prescribed. Other drugs had done nothing for my patient, so we wanted to try something new. I'd read the trial data before I wrote the prescription, and found only well-designed, fair tests, with overwhelmingly positive results. Reboxetine was better than a placebo, and as good as any other antidepressant in head-to-head comparisons. It's approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (the MHRA), which governs all drugs in the UK. Millions of doses are prescribed every year, around the world. Reboxetine was clearly a safe and effective treatment. The patient and I discussed the evidence briefly, and agreed it was the right treatment to try next. I signed a prescription. But we had both been misled...

continue: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/sep/21/drugs-industry-scandal-ben-goldacre

Manila to Xiamen, China - Cebu Pacific Promo at P9 Only

amphibious effect diay kung maohon.

There are 13 nominees and applicants for the Supreme Court associate justice post vacated by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno.

Sereno was appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III as the 24th Chief Justice last Aug. 24.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) closed the process of nomination and application for the vacant post on Monday.

Those who applied for the position of SC associate justice were Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr., Associate Justice Ramon Bato, and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita Herbosa.

Nominated were CA Associate Justices Noel Tijam, Magdangal De Leon and Isaias Dicdican; Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GRP-MILF) Peace Panel Chair Marvic Leonen; former Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) College of Law Dean Cesar Villanueva; National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Presiding Commissioner Joseph Gerald Mabilog; former Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla; De La Salle University (DLSU) College of Law Dean Jose Manuel Diokno; Atty. Adoracion Avisado; and SC Chief Attorney Edna Dino.

Of the 10 nominees, only Tijam, De Leon, Dicdican, Villanueva, Diokno and Avisado have so far confirmed their nomination.

On the other hand, Dino has declined the nomination.

No date yet has been set for the conduct of the public interview on the aspirants. - Phil News Agency, source

Experts on health and economics from the University of the Philippines (UP) on Tuesday debunked statements allegedly being spread by the tobacco industry to undermine the sin tax reform bill on alcohol and tobacco products now pending at the Senate.

Prof. Winnie Monsod, of the UP School of Economics, has rejected claims that the government would lose money with the passage of the bill and even with the perceived death of the industry.

“All the studies â€" without question â€" show that because of the inelasticity of demand that when you raise the price, total revenue will go up because there are addicted consumers. It’s as simple as that,” Monsod said.

During a health forum Tuesday at the Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City, Monsod clarified instead that with the proposed higher excise taxes, “revenues are going to increase."

"In no country in the world with even greater excise tax has there been revenue decrease. I’m disturbed by the irresponsible statements that were made and nobody ever demanded a simulation or study on how it occurred,” Monsod said.

Monsod also debunked claims that increasing the sin taxes would only intensify smuggling in the country.

“There is no relationship between price and illicit trade. Smuggling is an enforcement issue. If we use that same argument, then we should have no elections dahil nagdadayaan naman eh,” she said.

Monson also questioned the figures presented by the tobacco industry during the second Senate hearing. The industry claimed a number of 840,146 employed in tobacco farming with a total land area of 32,235 hectares.

“If we divided the 840,000 with the 32,000 hectares, that means there are 26 farmers per hectare. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous to you?,” she said.

She also disputed the figures on the farmers’ income. “If we assume the 85,000 annual income per hectare and divide it by 26, that means the average annual income is 3,269.23 pesos. How can anybody survive with 3,200 pesos a year?”

Monsod added that claims the Philippine economy benefits some P103.8 billion from the tobacco industry, is being greatly overshadowed by its huge economic costs -- modestly estimated at around P188 billion, covering healthcare, foregone income from sickness including premature deaths due to smoking-related illnesses.

On the other hand, Dr. Tony Dans of the UP-College of Medicine, emphasized that smoking greatly increases the risk of 50 diseases, including cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

He also debunked the claim that lifestyle is a choice.

“People say that because it’s a choice, we should just educate them on the health risks,” he said.

But Dans said that we have to change the environment to lower tobacco consumption. - Phil News Agency, source

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday afternoon it is monitoring a new weather disturbance near Quezon province.

Weather forecaster Samuel Duran said that as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, a shallow low pressure area (SLPA) was spotted at 230 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon (15.0°N, 124.0°E).

Duran said the weather disturbance has a slim chance to intensify into a tropical depression and is expected to dissipate within 24-48 hours.

However, in case the SLPA develops into a tropical depression, it will be named “Lawin,” the 12th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year

Due to the combined effects of the SLPA and the weakening southwest monsoon (hangin habagat), Duran said that occasional light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected in many parts of Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as Metro Manila.

He said the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy skies with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Duran explained that rains this month are usually accompanied by thunder and lightning due to the prevailing southwest monsoon.

He added that rains associated with the southwest monsoon usually occur at night till early morning.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate winds blowing from the north to northwest will prevail and Manila Bay will be moderate.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northwest to southwest will prevail over Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. - Phil News Agency, source

By Lilybeth G. Ison

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on Tuesday the Philippine mining industry can grow much further, and contribute more to government revenues, rural development, and economic growth if amendments will be made in the economic provisions of the decades-old 1987 Constitution.

"Today, the constitutionality of the Mining Act of 1995 is still brought into question notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s decision. This is because of the 1987 Constitution’s 60-40 equity limitation clause on foreign ownership of land and natural resources," said Belmonte in his speech during the opening of this year's Mining Philippines Conference and Exhibitions held at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

"This is why I am advocating that we reconsider the economic provisions of the Constitution that restrict growth and progress," he stressed.

In fact, Belmonte said that during the opening of the 3rd regular session of the House of Representatives, he proposed that the Constitution "be amended and not by categorically reassigning equity proportions to Filipinos and foreigners, but by allowing Congress to enact the laws that would define foreign participation and nationality requirements in strategic sectors of our economy."

He said this strategy serves two ends. "First, we do not relinquish our sovereignty on the preservation of our God-given resources. Second, by making the assignment and reassignment of equity proportions a legislative measure rather than a constitutional given, we necessarily make reviewing and revising such proportions an ongoing task."

"Timely policy amendments are thus more easily undertaken, and we give our economy a responsive and robust policy environment within which to flourish," he added.

The Speaker said what the country faces today is "global and unabated environmental degradation."

"What we need today is a new paradigm shift â€" adopting a new way of thinking that is in line with notions of sustainability. We need to see ourselves not merely as users and beneficiaries of precious natural resources. We have conveniently played out that role for too long. It is high time that we see ourselves as stewards of our country’s mineral resources," he said.

Belmonte admitted that there are existing mining laws that need to be reformed and as such he urged the mining industry to bring these to Congress.

"We will certainly be very responsive," he said.

The Speaker also noted Section 8 of Executive Order (EO) 79, which provides that concerned government agencies, the mining industry and other stakeholders shall submit, within a period of six months, a national program and road map based on the Philippine Development Plan and a National Industrialization Plan.

Said plans, he said, will be crucial for the development of value-adding activities and downstream industries for strategic metallic ores.

Belmonte said the plan should involve more processing, more value addition, and more downstream activities that lead to community-based supplier industries and services.

"EO 79, I believe, is already a step in the right direction -- a first step in a series of necessary reforms. We need to resolve revenue-sharing issues as soon as possible, and if necessary, review the consultation process undertaken with indigenous peoples to ensure their protection and safety," he noted.

"Furthermore, we need to improve transparency and accountability. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative under EO 79 should help us determine not only how much mining firms should pay to the government but also, equally important, how government should use these revenues," he added.

The Speaker said there must also be continuous, appropriate, and specific capacity building within relevant institutions. 

"Government must have the capacity to implement natural resources valuation, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental, social and economic impacts at all levels. These reform actions must be set in a clear plan with a reasonable timetable and budget as well as adequate personnel support," he said. - Phil News Agency, source

Brunei Darussalam, one of the world's largest producers of liquefied natural gas is studying whether it can put up a 300 megawatt (MW) liquefied natural gas-fired power plant in Mindanao, a Cabinet official on Tuesday said.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said they offered the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental as the ideal site for an LNG power plant to Brunei, which can be its first LNG power generation facility in the Asean region.

"I’m happy to report that we have invited Brunei to have a serious look at LNG Mindanao to which they have expressed interest. They said they will come over and study it. My main problem is that we have a natgas plant for Luzon, but we have people interested already in starting certain initiatives for Luzon natural gas. I still don’t have anything serious on Visayas and Mindanao," Almendras said.

The Energy secretary said he was able to convince the Brunei Energy Minister during the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation to visit the Philippines and look at the possibility of investing in an LNG power plant.

"(They will) see if there is investments because they have also made a decision that they just don’t want to be a supplier of nat gas, they also want to integrate downstream initiatives to that," Almendras said.

"Again, this is all along in focus of trying to find solutions to the Mindanao power shortage which is to encourage more people to put up generating capacities in Mindanao," he said.

Almendras said he is "not sure which of Brunei's government owned corporations" will put up the LNG facility. Brunei National Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad also known as PetroleumBRUNEI is Brunei’s National Oil Company incorporated in 2002.

PetroleumBRUNEI is wholly-owned by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Brunei government also owns a 50 percent stake in Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd while the remaining 25 percent is owned by Shell Overseas Holdings Limited, a company in the Royal Dutch Shell and Mitsubishi Corp. Brunei LNG operates an LNG plant in Lumut, Brunei.

"They are looking at investing in natgas facilities even for Mindanao...I proposed to them power generation projects for Mindanao. I hope that we can interest them into a natgas power generation for Mindanao," Almendras said.

Almendras said Brunei can utilize the Floating, Storage and Regasification Unit to supply LNG to its natural gas power plant in Mindanao.

"What is more important is if they don’t decide to build the power plant, if they will invest into an FSRU and storage area capacity, we have identified the area na kasi before for the most ideal location for this, then maybe somebody else who is interested in building power plants using natgas will come into that," he said.

The World Bank has identified the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental as the ideal site for a floating terminal for LNG.

The 3,000-hectare Phividec is located in the Municipality of Tagoloan and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental and one of the largest industrial estates in the Philippines.

Brunei had earlier committed to prioritize the delivery of natural gas to the Philippines in 2015.Bulk of Brunei's LNG production is sold to Japan under a long-term agreement. Brunei also supplies a portion of its LNG production to Korea. - Phil News Agency, source

By Ben Cal

More than 2,500 job openings are available at a job fair to highlight “KaPEACEtahan” peace month celebration at the SM North Mall in Quezon City on Friday.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said that “KaPEACEtahan” which means festivity, brings to light the importance of achieving peace in the country.

It will be a festive celebration of the peace gains under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s “daang matuwid” (straight path) where Filipinos can come together and celebrate the message of peace,” Deles said.

Leading the job fair will be Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

Deles said over 2,500 job openings both local and abroad will be made available to the public at the job fair.

The job fair organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be participated in by 23 private companies, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Commission of Audit (COA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Deles said that jobs and investments thrive best in stable, peaceful and progressive communities.

“The time for peace is now. If we are able to pave the way for just and lasting peace in the Philippines, we also help contribute in building the good foundation of job creation and economic opportunities,” she said.

“I invite the public to take part in the whole-day event,” Deles said, adding that aside from the job fair, there would be "Serbiyong Bayan" booths participated in by agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), PhilHealth, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Red Cross, and the National Statistics Office (NSO) that would render frontline public services from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A cultural gala with live performances and presentations of peace gains under the Aquino administration follow at 6 to 8 p.m., she added.

OPAPP leads the annual celebration of Peace Month that aims to raise awareness on the peace process and urge different sectors, including government agencies, private and civil society organizations, to contribute in achieving a just and lasting peace for the country. - Phil News Agency, source

President Benigno Aquino III will honor this year’s batch of exemplary state workers in ceremonies to be held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

The President will lead in conferring the Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan and Pagasa Awards to government employees for their dedication and outstanding performance in the completion of their jobs.

Awardees include former DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo (posthumous); Governor Vilma Santos-Recto of Batangas; Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando City, Pampanga; retired Police Chief Superintendent Arturo G. Cacdac, Police Deputy Director General; B/Gen. Romeo T. Tanalgo, Chief of the AFP Command Center; Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III of Balanga Bataan; and Mayor Cesar C. Carolina Sr. of Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) administers the Honors Awards Program (HAP), an annual undertaking that rewards and recognizes public officials and employees for outstanding performance and/ or contributions and for consistent ethical behavior.

The goal of the Honors Awards Program is to motivate and inspire state workers to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

The awarding ceremony for the 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees is one of the highlights of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration. - Phil News Agency, source

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of Enterprises on Corruption showing that the fight against corruption has radically progressed from 2009 is an indication that the business sector recognizes the results of the Aquino administration’s relentless drive against corruption.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte issued the statement on Tuesday following the release of the preliminary report of the 2012 SWS Survey of Enterprises on Corruption.

"Based on interviews of 826 company executives representing large, medium and small enterprises, 71 percent see less public sector corruption now compared to the previous administration," Valte said citing the SWS survey conducted from July 16 to September 14.

"Of all the government institutions rated for sincerity in fighting corruption this year, the Office of the President shot up the most, from -37 in 2009 to +81 this year, an improvement of +118," she noted.

The 2012 SWS Survey of Enterprises is the 10th in a series since 2000, the last survey being in 2009. The 2012 round has the largest sample size (target 950 companies) and broadest area coverage (National Capital Region, Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Cagayan de Oro-Iligan, and, for the first time, Metro Angeles and Metro Iloilo) of all 10 rounds, according to the SWS in a statement.

"Indeed, the President leads by example and the Filipino people see in his leadership the embodiment of positive change and honest public service. This is indicative of the overwhelming trust, confidence, and support in the President as he undertakes anti-corruption initiatives. In the eyes of the business community, good governance is good economics," Valte said.

"The mandate of reform is one of hope, change, and the belief that corruption is at the root of our country’s social ills," she added.

Valte said the results of the survey affirm the Aquino administration’s commitment to pursuing the straight and righteous path throughout the public sector â€" from Malacañang to Barangay Halls that serve our people.

The 2012 Survey of Enterprises on Corruption was supported by the Australian Agency for International Development through The Asia Foundation.

The survey was done in partnership with the Makati Business Club’s Integrity Initiative program and the National Competitive Council. - Phil News Agency, source

usa ra akong pangutana ani: Mga bata man ni, asa man ang nagbantay sa mga bata?

our condolences to the grieving families.

LATEST CANCER INFORMATION

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY …

[Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins ]

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to STARVE the cancer cells by not feeding it with foods it needs to multiple.

What cancer cells feed on:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Note: Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells will starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes t o nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.

To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water--best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines will become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.

Anger, unforgiving and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

Obama admits he is a Muslim. Why the Americans are so blind?
Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCAffMSWSzY#

Is this a mosquito?

No. It's an insect spy drone for urban areas, already in production, funded by the US Government. It can be remotely controlled and is equipped with a camera and a microphone. It can land on you, and it may have the potential to take a DNA sample or leave RFID tracking nanotechnology on your skin. It can fly through an open window, or it can attach to your clothing until you take it in your home.

welcome back, Bedo! kumusta naman ka, Do?