Dimataling, Zambo del Sur folks ecstatic over President Arroyo's visit
DIMATALING, Zamboanga del Sur -- Residents of this tiny municipality of 7,000 located some 40 kilometers south of the provincial capital city of Pagadian will fondly remember this day when the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, took time to visit and share with them their rich history.
Never mind that the main reason for the President’s visit was to inspect a concreted portion of a road project that will greatly ease the travel of goods, people and services to and from their next-door-neighbor Pitogo and other outlying municipalities.
It did not matter either to the largely Muslim community that the President did not stay for long.
What was important to them was the assuring smile, the comfort of a handshake, the friendly wave and the usual photo-op with the President of the republic.
For Dimataling residents who came out in droves to meet the President, what was more significant were her reassuring words to them, "Do not worry. I am here now. Everything will be alright.”
As early as 8 a.m., or two hours before the scheduled arrival of the President, Muslim ladies and gentlemen converged on the venue garbed in their elegant traditional Subanon-inspired couture used only for special occasions, such as this one, to welcome very important guests.
With gusto, they played their traditional instruments -- the kulintang and brass gongs -- all the while feverishly awaiting the arrival of the President.
The ladies and gentlemen took turns in showing off to the crowd their traditional dances -- the women’s dance was very glamorous and refined while the men’s dance was masculine, and the dancers determined to be the best among the rest.
Sangguniang Bayan Board Member Cauting Dris Al Haj, who acted as the performing group's spokesperson, said residents of Dimataling were all ecstatic about the visit of the President and that they came out in their best Muslim attire ready to sing, dance and play their traditional instruments to show their happiness and appreciation to the President for her visit.
Al Haj added that what makes this visit all the more memorable is that President Arroyo is only the second President to visit their municipality.
The very first President to visit them was President Arroyo's father, President Diosdado Macapagal, who came to Dimataling in 1963.
"So all Dimataling-an's hearts are filled with joy for the visit of President Arroyo," Dris Al Haj said.
PGMA launches CSC’s “War vs. Red Tape“ and leads in the recognition of the ‘08 outstanding public officials and employees Friday
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will lead Friday the launching of the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) “War vs. Red Tape” campaign in a move to make the Philippines more globally competitive in light of the present slowing down of the global economy.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Ricardo Saludo said red tape is a curse afflicting the Philippine bureaucracy.
“It is the deadweight dragging down our country’s competitiveness in the global economy, the thorn in the side of the hapless, ordinary Filipino,” he stressed.
The Asian Institute of Management blames red tape for driving away investments and stifling business growth and job creation in the country.
Compared with its Asian neighbors, the Philippines lags far behind in terms of competitiveness because of red tape.
A World Bank survey this year showed the Philippines ranks 133rd out of 178 countries in terms of the “ease of doing business” because of its failure to institute reforms in the bureaucracy.
“The war on red tape is a war every Pinoy can easily relate to and embrace. This is especially so for those who have experienced the bureaucratic process firsthand,” Saludo said.
Saludo decided to wage a more vigorous battle against red tape because of the following data:
• It takes about 88 different signatures to get a housing development permit;
• As late as last year, tax overpayment refunds took eight years to approve (although to its credit, the BIR has begun overhauling tax refund procedures); and
• The pervasive fixing in government frontline offices has become a scourge for the millions who need to get their licenses and documents.
The Anti-Red Tape Act provides jail terms for “fixers” who profit from the slow pace of bureaucratic process.
One of many great effects of the law is that whenever a government office fails to act within a prescribed period to renew a license, permit or authorization, the document is automatically renewed.
The Act puts together a comprehensive host of mechanisms, systems and programs that give teeth to government efforts to stamp out inefficiency and corruption in public service.
The President signed into law RA 9485 on June 18 last year. The law directs government agencies to modify their systems and procedures within one year starting this August.
Also, tomorrow, the President will lead in the recognition of 26 civil servants who have shown dedication to service and exemplary performance of their duties.
Those who will be conferred the Pag-asa Award are:
o ALELI C. ALMODOVAR, General Manager D, Isabela City Water District, Isabela City, Basilan
o DR. PHILIP B. IBARRA, President, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Camiling,
o FROILAN C. ROQUE, Refinery Officer IV, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Diliman, Quezon City
o Mayor NOEL E. ROSAL, City Government of Legazpi, Legazpi City, Albay
o Mayor ROQUE S. VERZOSA JR., Municipal Government of Tagudin, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
o JOEL G. VIRAY, Subic Security Officer III, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, SB Freeport Zone
o DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - CAGAYAN VALLEY INTEGRATED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER (CVIARC) CROP IMPROVEMENT GROUP
o Department of Agriculture Regional Office No. 2, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
o ILOCOS NORTE WATER DISTRICT, Ilocos Norte Water District, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
o PAG-IBIG FUND - BUTUAN BRANCH, H D M Fund, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
o PROMOTING COMMERCIALIZATION OF SWEET POTATO - CLEAN PLANTING MATERIALS (SP-CPM) IN SUPPORT TO THE FOOD AND FEED INDUSTRY, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Camiling, Tarlac
o PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT AND TREASURY OFFICES - BUWIS BALIKATAN SA BARANGAY
o Provincial Government of Bulacan, Malolos City, Bulacan
o UPLB BEE PROGRAM, Institute of Biological Sciences, Univ. of the Phils., Los Baños, Laguna
Those who will be conferred the Dangal ng Bayan Award are:
o NELLY B. BANAAG (Posthumous), Secondary School Teacher III Pinagbayanan National High School, Taysan, Batangas
o VIRGILIO F. BASA, Director II, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
o INIEGO S. COLLANTES, JR., Forester III, Officer-in-Charge, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office
o Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
o ADELA B. CORTEZ, State Auditor II
o Commission on Audit, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office,
o Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
o NAIDA G. LASANGRE, Instructor II, Lupon School of Fisheries, Lupon, Davao Oriental
o EVELYN R. REONAL, Cashier I, Albay 1st Engineering District, Department of Public Works and Highways, Airport Site, Legazpi City
o WENIFREDA V. SOTO, Midwife III, Municipal Government of Nabua, Camarines Sur
The following will be conferred the Lingkod Bayan Award:
o Mayor ROBERTO C. AGCAOILI, Municipal Government of San Mateo, Isabela
o WARREN L. AMBAT, Teacher II, Baguio City National High School, Baguio City
o DR. CELIA FLOR C. BRILLIANTES, Medical Officer V, Health Services Office City Government of Baguio, Baguio City
o Mayor RICARDO V. REVITA, Municipal Government of Rosales, Pangasinan
o DR. CAESAR A. SALOMA Professor 12 and Dean, College of Science, UP, Diliman, Q. C.
o JOINT DEPARTMENT OF LOANS AND CREDIT (DLC) AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUB-SECTOR (ITSS) TEAMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC REDISCOUNTING SYSTEM, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Malate, Manila
o UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES University of the Philippines, Padre Faura, Manila
RP can withstand the effects of financial crisis - PGMA
DURING the government's mid-year economic briefing, President Arroyo expressed confidence that the government's fiscal reforms will allow the country to withstand the effects of the financial crisis.
Thomas Crouch, ADB's deputy director-general for Southeast Asia, likewise said that the Philippine cannot be insulated from the financial crisis but there have been macro-economic policies that have made it less vulnerable and in a better position to respond to the negative impacts of these events.
PGMA acknowledged that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth posted only a 4.6 percent increase in the second quarter compared to the 8.3 percent growth recorded in the second quarter last year.
The global economy has hit the Philippines hard and had painful impact on every Filipino through higher prices of food, fuel and rice.
The Philippines was not the only one in Asia affected by the turmoil in the US market, citing the dismal growth in the economies of Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The country has remained resilient because of the government's reform in the tax system. The funds raised by the government through the value-added tax (VAT) will help cushion the country from the global hike in food and oil prices as well as the effects of the meltdown of the US financial system. It has given the country the funds to invest in targeted reliefs to the most poor through programs aimed at relieving the high price of energy and food.
Among these programs were the removal of tariff on petroleum products, food-for-school program, power subsidy, microfinance, scholarships and college loans, fuel discounts, income tax exemption, and supplemental calamity budget.
The government is doing its best in all fronts to manage inflationary pressures, provide safety nets to those members of our society who are hit hard by these global developments, and deliver the growth that will continue to generate jobs and the tax revenues that we need to fuel our investment in the future.
President Arroyo also announced plans to reduce corporate income taxes to 30 percent in 2009 from the current rate of 35 percent. The cut in corporate income tax rate next year will give companies more headroom to reduce their prices to the public and be more competitive.
The government is doing everything in its power to focus on the fundamentals, keep the economy steady and provide relief to those most in need. But government will only be successful if every segment of society pulls together and commits to building an ever stronger Philippines.
Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Plipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco said the country's banking system remains sound despite the collapse of US investment firm Lehman Brothers.
The Philippine banking system has not been significantly affected. Furthermore, the Philippine domestic banks' exposure to structured products issued by Lehman are well-cushioned by the banks' capital base.
The government will continue to monitor developments in the global financial markets since these could effect impact not just in the banking sector but in economic growth as well. (PIA-MMIO)
Tough economic reforms yield windfall
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the economic windfall enjoyed by Filipinos including the "Pantawid Sa Kuryente," college scholarships for poor but deserving students and financial assistance for senior citizens was made possible through the implementation of the "tough decisions to reform our tax system" since 2004.
In her keynote speech at the 56th founding anniversary celebration of Zamboanga del Sur, Sept. 17, President Arroyo said the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) law, which effectively raised the VAT on goods and services from 10 percent to 12 percent, was implemented in 2004.
The tax measure increased government revenue collection way beyond expectations and, since then, has generated enough revenue for the government to complete its various programs and projects, such as lowering the budget deficit and providing more services to the people.
"This (move to reform our tax system) has benefited us by providing more funds to finance our programs to cushion the impact of the increasing prices of oil, food, and other commodities to our poor people," the President.
The other poverty alleviation programs include removing tariffs on petroleum products, and the "Pantawid Kuryente" program which provides subsidies to households who consume 100 kilowatts or less of electricity per month.
"All of these projects have contributed to improve our way of life and (more importantly) has eased the burden (on our less unfortunate brothers and sisters) during these difficult times," the President said.
The President is also seeing to it that Filipinos have access to low-priced but good quality rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) through "tindahan" and "bigasan" outlets that have been established nationwide.
A number of other government programs are being funded by so-called "windfall funds" from the positive results of tough economic reforms especially the EVAT.
Producing more of this staple is being pushed by the Department of Agriculture to boost the country's food security under a new program dubbed FIELDS, which stands for Fertilizer, Irrigation and other rural infrastructure, Research and extension work, Loans, Dryers and other postharvest facilities, and Seeds.
She expressed optimism that with all the government's economic and poverty alleviation programs in place, "the economic clouds will begin to lighten" as the Christmas season draws near.
The President, however, stressed that the government can only do so much as it also needs the support of the people. She called on everyone present and the entire Filipino nation to throw their full support for her programs so that these could benefit more people.
RP economy on solid footing, says Kenney
THE fate of gigantic New York-based Lehman Brothers will have minor effects on the Philippines, whose "economy is on solid footing."
This was the comment today of U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who added that it should use this footing to its advantage by maintaining an investor-friendly environment.
Lehman Brothers is a lending company operating globally, with the AIG among its associates. AIG has a major operation in the Philippines.
Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy this week, but the U.S. government moved quickly to rescue AIG.
According to Kenney, this move helped stabilize the situation for AIG and, by extension, the Philippine market.
Philippine banking giants Banco de Oro and Metrobank are also among those who declared having "exposure" to Lehman.
Because of the ripple effect U.S. companies have on US-dependent economies such as the Philippines, the U.S. Congress is also "looking to improve regulations on banking" in the U.S., she added. (PNA)
PGMA to grace Las Pinas Boys Choir’s victory concert Friday evening
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will grace Friday evening the victory concert of the triumphant Las Pinas Boys’ Choir (LPBC) which was proclaimed the World Champion in the Children’s Choir Category in the 5th World Choir Games 2008 which was held last July in the provincial city of Graz in Styria, Austria last July.
The victory concert of the now 38-year old LPBC, which bested more than 70 choirs from all over the world in the said category, will be held at the Philam Life Theater in Ermita, Manila at 8 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Joining the President in the one-and-a-half hour concert will be some ambassadors to the Philippines who have been invited to the show, especially the Austrian ambassador to the Philippines who helped bring the boys to the Austria choir competition.
The LPBC had paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malacanang last Aug 6.
The 5th World Choir Games – which was held on July 9-19, 2008 in Graz, one of the UNESCO’s world cultural heritage sites -- has been touted as the largest and most successful choir competition of the world, with a total of some 450 choirs composed of around 20,000 singers from 93 nations joining the choral contest.
With only 20 of its members managing to join the competition due to fund constraints, the lean and mean LPBC delegation also garnered the Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) Category, said to be the most prestigious category of the World Choir Games which gathers choirs from all over the world every two years, with the past competitions held in Xiamen in China (2006), Bremen in Germany (2004), Busan in South Korea (2002) and Linz in Austria (2000).
Adding significance to the LPBC’s Silver Medal in the latter category is the fact that most of the competing choirs were either professional or adult choirs of 40-80 members, all considered as the best choirs in the world; while the LPBC is composed of young boys aged 8-15 years old.
Founded by Belgian Fr. Leo Renier, CICM, who remains a consultant of the LPBC, the choir has as its conductor Prof. Armando Salarza who had studied in Graz, Austria and later worked there and in Vienna for 10 years as organist and church musician.
Under Prof. Salazar, who is also the titular organist of St. Joseph’s Parish in Las Piñas, the LPBC had earlier won First Place in the Vivere Choral Competition in 2005; and got nominated twice as Best Chorale Group in the 2005 and 2006 Aliw Awards.
Ermita cites before world body PGMA’s commitment to peace process on or before 2010
THE Philippines major contribution to the Geneva Declaration’s vision of a peaceful and progressive world is its commitment to noteworthy gains in the peace process on or before 2010.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who represented the President at the Review Summit on the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, and delivered the Country Report, said today the Philippines’ commitment is in response to the Geneva declaration’s target of achieving a measurable reduction of armed violence worldwide by 2015.
”The country statement focused on our current strategies and gains in the peace process, human rights promotion and protection, anti-terrorism campaign, and small arms and ammunition control, as they positively impact on efforts to prevent or reduce conflict in the country to pave the way for sustainable development in afflicted-affected and conflict-prone areas,” he said.
“I specifically mentioned the importance of armed conflict reduction and prevention in light of the Philippines’ experience in dealing with five armed groups in the last four decades – two Muslim secessionist groups in Southern Philippines, a local Communist movement operating all over the country and their two breakaway groups in the Visayas and in the Cordillera region,” the Executive Secretary said.
Ermita further said he informed the assembly of 76 participating countries, as well as 16 international organizations, four Geneva-based institutes, and 35 non-government organizations from various countries who attended the Geneva conference that adding to the complex armed conflict scenario in the country is a handful of terrorists in the fringes of Mindanao.
Ermita said the Philippines’ participation in the Review Summit – which was held under the auspices of the Foreign Ministry of Switzerland and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) -- “was made doubly significant as it served as Declaration Core Member, along with Southeast Asian neighbours Indonesia and Thailand.”
Ermita said he was in a panel of seven minister-representatives from Brazil, Qatar, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, Norway, and the Philippines-- especially chosen to issue statements affirming their respective country’s efforts in promoting development, most especially through the 15-year Millennium Development Goals, in the context of armed violence prevention and reduction with the Geneva Declaration as framework for action.
The Executive Secretary added that he also underscored the fact that funds annually spent for internal security operations to address these conflicts could and should have been used for development purposes if only we were a nation free of these conflicts.
“I, however, noted and expressed our country’s gratitude for the involvement of several foreign organizations, such as the UNDP, that are continually supportive of our peace and development programs.”
Swiss Minister Calmy-Rey, Ermita said, revealed that apart from the tremendous cost in human life, armed conflict around the world has been estimated to cost as high as US$163 billion every year, based on a based on a study of the Small Arms Survey, an international non-government organization that assists in monitoring small arms and light ammunitions that are illegally in circulation.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Soldiers capture another camp of Commander Bravo
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept 18 (PNA) – Government forces captured on Wednesday night a huge camp of Moro rebel leader Abdulrahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and his followers.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commanding general of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, said the capture of the camp is a major progress in the ongoing law enforcement operation against perpetrators of the August 18 attacks in Lanao del Norte.
He said the camp, situated along the ridges and slopes of Mt Gurain, may have been put up to replace Camp Bilal which was earlier overran by government forces.
The camp is huge enough and can accommodate 15 helicopters at one time. It is located in the tri-boundaries of the towns of Piagapo and Madalum in Lanao del Sur and Munai in Lanao del Norte.
Surrounded by several satellite camps, the new Camp Bilal has a water tank, a mosque, tents and a fishpond.
Soldiers had only few skirmishes with lawless armed groups, who scampered and were running all around in different directions eluding the raiding military operatives, Allaga said describing how soldiers captured the camp.
At least four Army battalions were involved in the capture of the camp. These are the 65th, 33rd, 3rd and 15th Infantry Battalions, which are all under the 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City, he said.
General Allaga held the identity of one soldier killed in action during the raid and 8 others wounded until the close of kin have been properly notified.
"I can say optimistically now that it will just be a matter of time before we get Bravo," Allaga said. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PGMA's visit boosts morale of soldiers and communities
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept 18 (PNA) – The ongoing visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Mindanao is a big boost to the morale of soldiers and the communities, especially those drastically affected by the recent rampaging of Moro rebels.
The President is expected to visit on Thursday soldiers at the 104th Infantry Brigade based in this city.
Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commanding general of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, on Thursday said the arrival of the Commander in Chief "certainly boosts the morale of our soldiers."
At least three brigades of soldiers, aided by artillery and attack helicopters, have been scouring the jungles of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, to get notorious rebel leader Abdulrahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.
Allaga said military commanders will be meeting with the President and bring to her certain "concerns on the ongoing operations and how it can further be improved."
He said since the arrival of the President in Mindanao on Wednesday, there have been significant achievements in the ongoing hunt for Commander Bravo.
Allaga told newsmen about the capture on Wednesday night of a newly set up camp of Bravo to replace Camp Bilal which also fall earlier into the hands of government troops.
The newly captured camp is situated in the tri-boundaries of Madalum and Piagapo towns in Lanao del Sur and Munai town in Lanao del Norte.
Also on Wednesday, a band of Moro rebels engaged soldiers of the 51st Infantry Battalion in Calanogas town, Lanao del Sur. The rebels suffered heavily in the firefight.
City mayor Lawrence Cruz said the visit of the President is a significant move, especially for residents who were affected by the August 18 attack of Commander Bravo.
Her visit will assuage fears of many residents who feel constantly threatened that lawless elements will once again sow terror in their places, Cruz said.
The local executive said he will also bring to the President matters that will ensure the security of the city and its residents. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Army says Commander Bravo has nowhere to hide now
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/18/08) - After one of the biggest Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps located in the boundaries of the villages of Madalum and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur and Munai in Lanao del Norte was taken and occupied by the military, renegade MILF leader Commander Bravo and his men have nowhere left to hide.
This was the statement made by Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, Chief of the Western Mindanao Command during today’s media forum at the Information Command Center of the Philippine Information Agency in Iligan City.
He said the intelligence-driven military operations confirmed the presence of MILF lawless leader Bravo at the new camp Bilal along Mount Gurain, Lanao Del Sur.
The AFP mobilized its soldiers and the raid late afternoon of yesterday, September 17, led to the capture of one of the biggest camp of the MILF where commander Bravo is hiding.
“We are positively progressing in our operations against the lawless MILF and they are now splintered into small groups,” the WestMinCom chief said, adding that their operation is well-planned and firepower is properly executed by their field commanders to avoid collateral damage.
He also said that the capture of new Camp Bilal will limit the hiding place of commander Bravo.
“It’s just a matter of time before we get commander Bravo,” Allaga boldly said. (Rex T. Dumarpa, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Rice supply in Lanao Norte not affected by MILF lawlessness--NFA
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (09/18/08) - The government will boost its rice-buying in preparation for the coming “lean months”, the National Food Authority (NFA) said.
NFA-Iligan City Senior Grains Operations Officer Juliet Obeso said this is because the government wants to have enough supply as the fourth quarter of the year nears.
Christmas season falls on the fourth quarter of the year so food consumption is expected to climb.
Obeso said Lanao Del Norte is a rice producing province, but the rice supply was not affected considering that the attack of lawless elements of MILF under Commander Bravo came after the harvest season.
“The country never really experienced a rice crisis,” she said in a phone interview with the Philippine Information Agency, “but it’s better to be ready so that stocks will be available whenever the demand increases,” she added.
Obeso explained there are only two harvest seasons in the country, March to May and September to December.
Obeso also said that even as the military operations continued in the hinterlands of the Lanao provinces, the lowland farmers are not much affected.
“That is why there is a need to boost our procurement of rice so that supply won’t run out,” she pointed out.
She also stressed that this is also to stabilize the prices, stating the basic law of supply and demand that if there’s enough supply of rice, it can always meet the demand and prices would not increase.
“Admittedly, rice is much cheaper at NFA. The price of Commercial rice is around 40-50 per kilo. But we sell ours at less than 38 per kilo,” she said.
The NFA operates to ensure the food security of the country and the stability of supply and price of the staple grain-rice. (Brent M. Bravo, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PGMA “breaks bread” with peace-loving Muslims
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY, 9/18--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took a short break last night to lead the peace-loving Muslim communities in Zamboanga Del Sur in the “ifthar” or the evening meal which breaks the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
After she opened the Zamboanga Del Sur Medical Center and addressed the 56th anniversary celebration of the province, the President visited the compound of the Association for Islamic Development (AID) in Barangay Banale here.
The “Bukah”--an Islamic term for a break in the fasting of the Muslims during the month-long observance of Ramadan--started when the President together with Muslim leaders feasted on fruits, bread, water and juices.
Accompanying the President here were Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Zamboanga Del Sur (ZdS) Gov. Aurora Cerilles, ZdS 1st District Reps. Victor Yu, and Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co.
Her presence at the “bukah” was intended to show to the world that the majority of Filipino Muslims are peace-loving and reject the atrocities reportedly committed by bad elements within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The President was welcomed at the Brgy. Banale community hall by AID officials led by Eshmael Calalagan, president; Ali Bantilan, vice president; Khalid Omar, treasurer; Zacaria Mama, secretary and the association’s board of directors; and Barangay Bernale chairwoman Evelyn De Claro.
Muslims break their sunrise-to-sundown fast by eating light food such as fruits and bread, and drinking juice and water. After the break, they return to the mosque to pray.
The country’s Muslim communities started observing last Sept. 1 the Ramadan which they consider as the time for spiritual purification achieved through fasting, self-sacrifice and prayers.
During the Ramadan which lasts for one lunar cycle, Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex as part of their 14-hour daily fasting, a moral mechanism essential in inculcating among the faithful the importance of self-restraint toward spiritual perfection.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PGMA honors soldiers who gallantly fought the MILF
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, 9/18--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred military honors on 24 officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in recognition of their bravery and heroism in line with the government’s efforts to flush- out all lawless elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
President Macapagal-Arroyo, in a simple awarding ceremony held at the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade in Barangay Ditucalan, Ma. Cristina here, presented the awards to the soldiers in recognition of their gallantry in neutralizing the armed group of the MILF led by Abdullah Macappar alias Commander Bravo and Alsen Solaiman Pangalian.
AFP chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano assisted the President in awarding the medals to the brave soldiers.
The Chief Executive pinned the Gold Cross medals awarded to 1st Lieutenant Marlon C. Jauod and Corporal Elwin B. Bandiala, both members of the Philippine Army.
The Gold Cross is the third highest combat honor in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after the Medal of Valor and the Distinguished Conduct Star.
Their actions resulted to the killings of fourteen MILF lawless members, wounding of eight, apprehension of two others and the seizure of Camp Bilal, which is the stronghold of the 102nd based commander under Commander Bravo and its satellite camps.
The Chief Executive also conferred the Gold Cross Medal to private first class Nurhaim S. Sarijan and Jun Blancia, both of the Philippine Army, who died in separate encounters with the lawless MILF elements.
The awards were received by Sarijan’s wife, Maria T. Sarijan, and Blancia’s brother Ricman.
Aside from the awards, the President also gave special financial assistance to the families of the slain soldiers, amounting to P250,000 each.
The Bronze Cross Medals awardees were : Lt. Col. Jose Faustino, Jr (General Staff Corps-Philippine Army).; Capt. Christopher b. Pablo (Philippine Air Force); 1st Lt. John Robert H. Lee (Field Artillery-Philippine Army); 1st Lt. Francisco Buth B. Ganzado (Cavalry-Philippine Army); Technical Sergeant Noel Andaleon (Philippine Airforce); Staff Sergent Romeo S. Galay (Field Artillery-Philippine Army) and Civilian Active Auxilliary Aldwin Molina.
Second Lt. Rommel N. Corpuz of the Philippine Army was conferred with the military merit medal with bronze spearhead device.
The President provided financial assistance of P50,000 each to four soldiers who were wounded in action and sustained minor injuries in combat operations.
They were Private First Class Philip Larese (Philippine Army), Private First Class Salvador E. Zapanta (Philippine Army); Private First Class Jhun J. Hajiri (Philippine Army) and Private First Class Rodel D. Umban (Philippine Army).
Also, the Medalya ng Kagitingan was given to seven Philippine National Police personnel for their gallantry in action during the attack of MILF forces at Barangay Kulasihan, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
They were P/Insp. Jonathan l. Astillero; SPO2 Camilo F. Matos; SPO2 Cerilo Escorial; SPO1 Roberto B. Piloton; PO3 Edgar B. Opo; PO3 Fernando A. Lobo and PO3 Arnel L. Aquino.
A posthumous award was also conferred on the late PO1 Dexter Salvacion, whihch was received by his father, Ireneo Salvacion.
The President also turned over some 5,000 sleeping bags and cellular cards each worth P300 to the soldiers, which were received by Maj, Gen. Nehemia G. Pajarito, the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division.
The President also spent time to interact with the soldiers.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
PGMA brings P93.5M 'economic benefits' of strong RP economy to people of Zamboanga del Sur
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY, 9/18 – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo unloaded a total of P93.5 million worth of medical, agricultural, technological and financial assistance to the people of Zamboanga del Sur this afternoon when she join them here in commemorating their 56th Founding Anniversary as a province.
The President said this windfall, and all other windfalls to other provinces, was made possible through the implementation of the "tough decisions to reform our tax system" since 2004.
The Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) law, which effectively raised the VAT on goods and services from 10 percent to 12 percent, was implemented in 2004. The tax measure increased government revenue collection way beyond expectations and, since then, has generated enough revenue for the government to complete its various programs and projects, such as lowering the budget deficit and providing more services to the people.
"This (move to reform our tax system) has benefited us by providing more funds to finance our programs to cushion the impact of the increasing prices of oil, food, and other commodities to our poor people," the President said in her speech keynoting the foundation anniversary celebration.
The President brought with her "goodies" from seven government agencies. From the Department of Health (DoH), the President gave a check for P10 million to the OB Gyne section of the newly-constructed Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center.
From the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), President Arroyo released Land Patents to 108 qualified farmer beneficiaries under the “Handog Titulo” Program in accordance with the Public Land Law, Commonwealth Act 141, as amended.
From the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), the President distributed two checks, one for the Workers Income Augmentation Program (WINAP) of the Members of the Springland Young Workers Association (SYWA) for them to set up of an Internet Café (P478,375); and the other for the member-beneficiaries of the Muslim-Christian Farmers-Fishermen Association for their Seaweed Trading Project (P284,800).
From the Department of Agriculture, the President turned over 22.8 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to the municipality of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur (7.65 kms.) costing P20.3 million, and to the municipality of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur (15.144 kms.) costing P45.3 million.
Also from the DA, the President awarded five flat bed dryers and six irrigators worth P3 million to the associations in the municipalities of Mahayag, Molave, Midsalip and Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur benefiting 2,826 farmers.
From the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were handed out three notices of Fund Transfer for a Health Station building costing P492,100 at Brgy. Pinoles, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur; one Day Care Center in Brgy. Baking, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur costing P427,000.00; and one Flea Market building worth P763,000 in Brgy. Bag-ong Kahayag, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur.
The President also released checks at P150,000 each as livelihood assistance to five Self Employment Assistance para sa Kaunlaran (SEA-K) beneficiaries.
From the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the "goodies" include two checks totaling P800,000, broken down as follows: P500,000 from the DOST Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) for the Nutri-Booster Philippines Incorporated for the upgrading of its Banana-Enhanced Nutri-Booster Production in Balangasan, Pagadian City; and P300,000 for the establishment of a feedmill in Barangay Tinaga, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.
In addition, the President also turned over 200,000 worth of laboratory equipment to Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co for the City’s Banana Tissue Culture Project.
From the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), President Arroyo turned over the ff.: certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) covering 2,156 hectares to 310 beneficiaries in 24 municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program; certificate of turn-over of 3.2 kilometers of rehabilitated farm-to-market road in Poblacion Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur costing P5.9 million jointly funded by the DAR-BIARSP, and by the local governments of Zamboanga del Sur, Kumalarang municipality and Brgy. Kaumahan; certificate of turn-over of one Multi-Purpose Center in Barangay Maruing, Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur costing P600,000.00; and certificate of turn-over of three kilometers of the rehabilitated Lamare farm-to-market road in Brgy. Poblacion, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur costing P22 million.
But the President did not stop there. The President also distributed two checks of P1 million each to fund the college scholarships of poor but deserving students, and as financial assistance to the senior citizens of Zamboanga del Sur.
She said these financial assistance funds form part of the government's program to help alleviate the poverty of our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
The other poverty alleviation programs include removing tariffs on petroleum products, and the “Pantawid Kuryente" program which provides subsidies to those who consume 100 kilowatts or less of electricity per month.
"All of these projects have contributed to improve our way of life and (more importantly) has eased the burden (on our less unfortunate brothers and sisters) during these difficult times," the President said.
She expressed optimism that with all the government's economic and poverty alleviation programs in place, "the economic clouds will begin to lighten" as the Christmas season draws near.
The President, however, stressed that the government can only do so much as it also needs the support of the people. She called on everyone present and the entire Filipino nation to throw their full support for her programs so that these could benefit more people.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Muslim residents belie reports soldiers desecrated mosque
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept 18 (PNA) – Local Muslim residents in Maasim town, Sarangani, have belied reports that soldiers destroyed a mosque at an encampment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which they called Camp Khalid bin Walid.
The residents saw for themselves the situation in the camp Wednesday and saw the mosque untouched, a press statement from the Sarangani Provincial Information Office said.
The SPIO report quoted village leader Abdurajes Pangolima as having said in the vernacular "No harm was done to the mosque." Pangolima led scores of other residents to the camp.
He said their belongings were not touched (by soldiers) as well as "of our brothers MILF are also okay. Their houses remain intact."
Earlier reports said the mosque was shot at and destroyed by soldiers who allegedly attacked the camp.
The mosque is located at the center of the MILF camp.
Less than 50 meters from the said mosque is another mosque, but an old and dilapidated one which was used as resting place of an armed group before a firefight took place September 12, some 500 meters away from the camp.
Speaking in the vernacular, Muslim leader Julis Maguid also said "It's not true that the military disturbed the prayers because if the rebels did pray there, surely they were captured."
He also denied that houses were burned. The civilians were not ordered by the military to evacuate, except for those who wanted to be in safer grounds," Maguid said.
Military reports said the camp served as a staging area of rogue MILF in attacking Maasim poblacion on August 18 that left two civilians dead.
Sarangani police provincial director Senior Supt. Danilo Peralta, in a press briefing Wednesday cited intelligence reports that Commander Alo Binago, under the command of Commander Ameril Umbra Kato of the 105th MILF base command, arrived in Camp Khalid earlier and led the attack in Maasim poblacion on August 18.
Peralta showed local media warrants of arrest for Commander Binago, Taha Maguid Sapal alias Commander Taha, Manawi Ibrahim alias Commander Lawin, Jayon Saligan alias Commander Aguilar, and 45 others for murder, frustrated murder, arson, and robbery.
The arrest warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 Tuesday.
Police said the MILF has transferred the camp of its 107th base command at least thrice already - from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, then to barangay Pananag in Maasim, and now in Daliao, Maasim. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Military vows to help probe vs MILF abuse
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Zamboanga City) The military has vowed to cooperate and assists the Commission on Human Rights in the investigation of blatant human rights violations of lawless groups of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The families of the victims want to know the real circumstances behind the death of their loved ones and they have every right in the world to know this, according to Major Gamal Hayudini, commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP.
Hayudini also condemned the lawless MILF groups for using young children as warriors and innocent civilians as human shields. He lamented that these acts are inhuman and should be condemned by all.
The military official disclosed that the military is quick to provide assistance to the victims and their families and that troops have been deployed in different areas to secure civilian communities and allow those who were forced to abandon their homes return safe.
He added that there are reports that children and innocent civilians were used by the lawless MILF groups as human shields. He said that this clear infringement of human rights should be investigated and that the military is ready to help in the probe if only to give justice to the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, the AFP has sent ground troops to console with the victims’ families and assure them of the AFP’s wholehearted cooperation with the CHR. Substantial financial assistance was also extended to the bereaved families of the victims. (4CRG,CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
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