TRENDS (03 February 2010)

PGMA lauds PNP for its 19th year of service and dedication

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the country’s Commander-in-Chief, lauds the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its almost two (2) decades of dedication and service to the Filipinos during the 19th founding anniversary celebration where she was the guest of honor and speaker held at Camp Crame Multipurpose Hall, Quezon City.

In her speech, Pres. Arroyo commended the men and women in PNP who have shown bravery and exemplary deeds most especially during the Maguindano crisis, the destructive earthquake in Haiti, and the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. She also praised their efforts for the campaign against loose firearms especially now when the national automated election is coming.

The President also gave plaques and medals to 26 awardees during the event.

For the PNP Bravery Medals, the awardees were P/Insp. Christopher Obien, SPO1 Cesar Tiglao and PO1 Efren Ceniza Jr.

The PNP Heroism Medal awardees were P/Supt. Nereo Torrecampo, PC/Supt. George Regis, PC/Supt. Rex Milton Dolino, PC/Supt. Cipriano Querol, PS/Supt. Charles Calima, PS/Supt. Wilben Mayor, PS/Supt. Ulysses Abellera and P/Supt. Niňo David Rabaya.

PS/Supt. William Macavinta was awarded with PNP Special Service Medal.

Cynthia Rosales was awarded with Outstanding Non-Uniform Personnel (NUP).

The 1st Lead PNP Award was given to P/Supt. Sterling Raymund Blanco.

For the Plaque of Merit and PNP Unit Streamer, the awardees were Police Regional 11, Engineering Service, Special Action Force, Quezon City Police District NCRPO, Davao City Police Office PRO11, 7th Regional Public Safety Management Battalion PRO7, Butuan City Mobile Group PRO13, Police Station 6 Cebu City Police Office PRO7 and Mati Police Station Davao Oriental Provincial Office PRO11.

National Capital Region Police Office and Barangay Sta. Rita in Olongapo City were both Special Awardees of Plaque of Merit.

The President was assisted by Police Director General Jesus Versoza and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Pres. Arroyo ended her speech by encouraging the PNP to continue serving the Filipinos with honesty and dignity. (PIA 10)


DOH underscores role of media in healthy lifestyle campaign

CAGAYAN de Oro (3 February 2010)—"Media has a big role in raising the level of awareness of the people in matters related to health," said Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, regional director of Department of Health (DOH) in region 10, during the 1st Quarterly Trimedia Updates / Advocacy Meeting held February 2, at Philtown Hotel, this city.

One of the highlights in his opening message centers on the combined efforts of the media and other government agencies in pursuing information advertisements, health campaigns and most especially in curbing the injuries related to firecrackers.

According to Dr. Bernadas, the task force on “Iwas Paputok” has really put an impact and credence on the campaign of reducing firecracker injuries in region 10, more so when the number of severe firecracker injuries was significantly reduced last year.

In addition, he reiterated that DOH is firm in advocating total firecracker ban in the region. He said it is time to consider the firecracker cottage industries in terms of its advantages and disadvantages most especially to the children.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to the members of the task force on Iwas Paputok. Among those present were P/Chief Inspector Sandy Vales, Police Regional Office (PRO) 10; P/SSupt. Antonio Montalba, Cagayan de Oro City Police (COC-PO); Dr. Enrique Saab, Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC); Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, regional director Department of Health (DOH) 10; Mr. Foster Anayron, Chief, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10; Mrs. Elvira Cajigas, Chief, Consumer Welfare - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 10; and Engr. Noli Dela Rita, Bureau of Fire protection (BFP). (Henry D. Daquipel, PIA 10)


PESO announces opening of summer job for students

MAHINOG, Camiguin—The municipal government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) has started accepting applicants for the 2010 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

This was learned from Elvira V. Capagngan, municipal PESO manager here.

She also said that due to the limited number of SPES slots in the municipality, applicants may apply at PESO provincial office at Capitol Compound.

The provincial government is accepting applicants starting February 1 and the employment will start on April 5, 2010, according to an advisory issued by the provincial government.

Capagngan said the SPES program helps poor students finish their education through wages they earned during the summer and Christmas breaks, adding that at least 60% of their salary will be paid by the local government unit in cash and the remaining 40% of the salary will be paid by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the form of education voucher to the student to pay for their tuition fees and other educational expenses for the coming school year.

She announced the SPES is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students or drop-outs, at least fifteen (15) years of age, but not more than 25 years old, enrolled during the current school term or immediately preceding the summer vacation, with parents’ combined net income after tax not exceeding Php36,000.00 per annum.

For Mahinog alone, more than 56 students were given employment in 2009 under the SPES and Government Internship Programs (GIP) where 60% and 75% of their salaries, respectively, were paid by the municipal government and the remainder from DOLE.

SPES is implemented annually by DOLE through the PESO and the Local Government Unit (LGU). (Homer R. Jajalla, Mahinog Information Office)


City to bring PPP in 5 Oro brgys this month

THOUSANDS of residents in five (5) barangays of the city are expected to avail of the city government’s basic services as the People to People Program (PPP) goes to their respective places starting this week.

In her Memorandum No. 048-10 issued to all City Hall department heads and chiefs of office, Acting City Administrator Griscelda M. Joson said the PPP will be brought to Zone 12, barangay Carmen on February 4; barangay Besigan on February 9; barangay Kauswagan on February 12; barangay Macabalan on February 16 and barangay Pagalungan on February 23.

City Mayor Constantino “Tinnex” Jaraula, Vice Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano, members of the City Council, department heads and chiefs of office will lead City Hall employees in the delivery of free services to the residents of the host barangays.

Major services to be rendered to the people of Zone 12, Carmen, Besigan, Kauswagan, Macabalan and Pagalungan include medical consultation / check-up with free medicines, dental and circumcision, agricultural and veterinary services, business and finance, social services, among others.

A simple mass wedding ceremony to be officiated by Mayor Jaraula, Vice Mayor Emano and City Councilors will also highlight the city’s one-stop shop community outreach program.

The People to People Program (PPP), now running for 12 years since then Mayor and now Vice Mayor Emano launched the activity in 1998, is one of the flagship programs of the city government that aims towards bringing the city’s basic services right on the doorsteps of the residents, especially in the hinterland barangays. (City Information Office)


Oro invites poets to join “Balak Idol: CdeO Edition”

THE City Tourism Board and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro invite all local poets to join the first-ever “Balak Idol: Cagayan de Oro Edition” which will be staged on Feb. 13, 2010, this city.

Ingrid Chaves-Agudo, City Tourism Board member and chair of the event, said the contest aims to instill pride and confidence on one’s roots / ancestry, and to preserve the art of “Balak”—a debate in poetic verse, which is slowly becoming extinct because of external influence.

“The contest also hopes to cultivate the art of public speaking, debate and poetry in the vernacular and to promote goodwill among members of the community,” Agudo added.

The contest is open to all residents of Cagayan de Oro City. The entrants’ registration form must be signed by their Barangay Captain to certify that he / she is a bonafide resident of said barangay.

The “Balak” must be at least 2 minutes long but not exceeding 5 minutes and must be as close to the vernacular as possible. The content or message of the “Balak” must not be offensive to public morals, must not use indecent language and must promote goodwill in the community suggested topic such as: love, pride for the country, praise of person/s, expressions of virtues and the like. The contest piece must be original.

The piece should have a proper rhyming and cadence must be observed, use of background music (live or canned) is allowed but must not interfere with the delivery of the contest piece, wearing of costume and use of props may enhance the over-all delivery but will not be judged. The decision of the board of judges is final.

February 13 is set for elimination round for the 15 finalist while the final contest will be on February 14. The contest piece must be submitted on or before February 10, 2010, at the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office at City Hall.

Criteria for judging will be 30% for content / message, 20% on rhyme / cadence, 20% on delivery / voice, 20% on originality and 10% on audience impact.

The grand champion will receive P15,000 plus a trophy, while the first and second runner-up will receive P10,000 and P5,000 plus trophy, respectively. The other finalists will receive P1,000 each.

For more details, you may visit the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office at the ground floor of the Tourism Hall, City Hall. (City Information Office)


To maintain CdeO’s image as peaceful and investor-friendly city… Tinnex calls on brgy police to ‘exercise full vigilance’

“BARANGAY police force plays a crucial role in the preservation of Cagayan de Oro City’s status and image as the ‘fastest growing economy’ and an ideal investment and tourism destination in this part of the country.”

Thus said City Mayor Constantino “Tinnex” Jaraula to the ronda tanods of the city’s 40 urban barangays who participated in the Barangay Police Enhancement Program held Feb. 2 at the newly-refurbished Tourism Hall.

Emphasizing that a stable peace and order condition would certainly entice investors and tourists, Mayor Jaraula urged ronda tanods to “exercise full vigilance” in deterring the commission of street crimes.

“Investors will always come to our city if we will maintain our image as the most peaceful and friendliest city in this part of the country. And to sustain this (image), I call on you to be very vigilant in the maintenance of our peace and order condition,” the City Chief Executive stressed.

“You must also have a close coordination with our local police force so that you can immediately report suspicious-looking characters roaming around in your respective areas,” Mayor Tinnex added.

The City Mayor cited that the presence of policemen and barangay police on regular foot patrol will discourage criminals and lawless elements to commit street crimes.

The conduct of the barangay police enhancement program was conceived by Mayor Jaraula when he met recently with the city’s barangay chairmen and City Police Director Benedicto B. Lopez in an effort to boost the city government’s anti-crime efforts.

To sharpen the participants’ knowledge on their duties and functions, City Councilor Adrian Barba talked about warrantless arrest while Deputy City Police Director Antonio C. Montalba, who is also the chairman of the Barangay Police Development Committee (BPDC), lectured on the implementation of city ordinances during the training program.

BPDC member Ret. SPO4 Eduardo Iran discussed the reorientation of tanods’ functions while SPO4 Eldie Gacus and his men taught the handcuffing techniques.

The training program, assisted by the City Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Director Emil Rana, was also graced by Vice Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano, city councilors Aaron Neri, Ramon Tabor, Alden Bacal, Caesar Ian Acenas and Alexander Dacer. (City Information Office)


Feature: Region I: Surging progress, uplifting lives

THE surge of progress and development in the country’s national landscape has brought unprecedented reforms in all communities nationwide and has transformed life for the better, especially for the people in Region I.

Consisting of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, Region I today progresses into one of the country’s bustling regions, with a lesser number of people living below the poverty line.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attests to the growth of the region’s economy, the empowerment of its people and its active participation in the overall effort to achieve lasting peace and progress.

Through the hard-fought reforms initiated by the Arroyo administration and its sincere commitment to channel economic gains, pro-poor social services, infrastructure programs as well as strong support for human development, Region I has made for itself significant gains in all fronts.

In 2009, Region I has achieved a 100 percent electrification by bringing power to all its 3,256 barangays. Providing electricity to every household in the country, including the Ilocos region, forms part of President Arroyo’s 10-point pro-poor agenda. This has ensured good climate for development as it increased productivity even in off-grid villages or formerly un-energized communities.

Completed in July 2008, its 33-MW Bangui Bay Wind Project Phase II in Ilocos Norte, has supplied 29.38% of the province’s energy requirement, which translated into higher energy reliability, better revenues and tourism. The establishment of the Wind Project, Southeast Asia’s pioneer commercial capacity, on-grid wind turbine farm, is a milestone accomplishment in the country’s effort to development renewable energy sources.

With better power facilities, local tourists now frequent the region more often as tourism doubled its domestic travelers from 261,229 in 2001 to 315,442 in 2008, or a 20.75% increase, helping make tourism a billion dollar industry, as what the President stressed in her last SONA.

On education, Region I has attained its target of 1:1 textbook-student ratio in 2009 and has built 1,187 new classrooms for a more conducive learning environment. About 45,057 scholarships and financial assistance have been provided to poor but deserving high school students.

In terms of health care, the government has expanded its PhilHealth coverage to 4.8 million beneficiaries as of June 2009. Cheaper medicines are made within reach by the poor through the establishment of 147 Botika ng Bayan and 932 Botika ng Barangay.

Decent housing has been made affordable in the region as it reduced housing loan interest rate from 12% to 6%. Some 1,782 Pag-Ibig members have availed of housing loans worth P1.1 billion.

With the Arroyo administration’s intensified push of infrastructure programs nationwide, about 591.54 kilometers (kms) of major roads and 12,462 linear meters (lms) of major bridges were built and rehabilitated throughout the region. Among those completed last year are the Patapat Bridge, which connects Cagayan and Ilocos Norte; the Amburayan and Quirino Bridge in La Union and Ilocos Sur. The Sarrat Bridge in Ilocos Norte has recently been completed.

The construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) will start in March. The expressway will connect to an integrated chain of expressways—Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, North Luzon Expressway, C5, Southern Luzon Expressway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Region. Once completed, the travel time and movement of goods and services from Metro Manila to the North will be faster.

Also rehabilitated and improved were five (5) port projects in the Ilocos Region, including the Currimao Port in Ilocas Norte; San Vicente, San Esteban and Santiago Ports in Ilocos Sur; and Picocoboan Port in Pangasinan. Two (2) new port projects are still for construction: the Sual Port in Pangasinan and the Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur.

Two (2) existing airports have been upgraded to international standard namely, the Laoag and Poro Point Airports. It has also completed the upgrading and improvement of three (3) existing airports in the region—Alominos, Lingayen, and Vigan Airports, enhancing air transportation safety and enhancing the region’s accessibility to the rest of the industrial centers in the country.

Region I has also constructed and rehabilitated some 367.72 kilometers of farm-to-market roads (FMRs).

These FMRs, highways and bridge links have made it easier for the farmers to bring their produce to population centers within and outside the region, and to some extent, kept the prices of food stable.

The region’s total crime volume has decreased from 3,297 in 2001 to 3,259 in 2008, while crime efficiency rate (CER) increased from 89.4% in 2001 to 90.3% in 2008.

All these reforms and development have laid a stronger foundation for a more progressive and better Ilocos Region. For sure, there will be more changes as there are more efforts done and implemented by both our people and the government.


PNP awards outstanding men and women in service

CAGAYAN de Oro (3 February 2010)—Outstanding individuals who have manifested dedication, passion and loyalty in the service were given due recognition during the 19th founding anniversary of Philippine National Police (PNP) held February 1 at Camp Alagar, this city.

P/Chief Superintendent Danilo T. Empedrad, regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 10, commended the courageous and brave men and women in the police force for their meritorious deeds, achievements, sacrifices and dedication in delivering effective police services in the community.

The Lead PNP Award was given to P/Chief Inspector Michael John Q. Deloso while Marle G. Concepcion received the Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year award.

The Model Provincial Transformation Program award was given to Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office (PPO) while Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) received the Model City Transformation Program award.

The City Public Safety Management Company (CPSMC) of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), on the other hand, was named as Model City Maneuver Unit. Then, the Provincial Public Safety Management Company (PPSMC) of Misamis Oriental (MisOr) was given the Model Provincial Maneuver Unit award.

Other awards were also given such as Modern Urban Police Station for Oroquieta City Police Station (CPS), Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (Mis Occ PPO); Model Rural Police Station for Alubijid Municipal Police Station (MPS), Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office (MisOr PPO); Model Regional Operational Support Unit for Regional Crime Laboratory Office (RCLO) 10; Model Regional Administrative Support Unit for Regional Communication and Electronics Office (RCEO) 10; and Nominator, Lead PNP Award to P/Senior Superintendent Noel P. Armilla.

The Local Government Units (LGUs) were also awarded in the event. Among the awardees were: Marina P. Clarete, Congresswoman 1st District of Misamis Occidental; Constantino G. Jaraula, City Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City; Ruth D. Guingona, City Mayor of Gingoog City; Zenaida Azcuna, Municipal Mayor of Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental; Emelita B. Almirante, City Mayor of El Salvador City; Dixon Q. Yasay, Municipal Mayor of Opol, Misamis Oriental; Armando M. Elarmo, Municipal Mayor of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental and Rose Mary Lorna V. Uy, Barangay Captain of Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

In the same ceremony, Atty. Renato A. Magbutay, regional director of Commission on Elections in region 10, the guest of honor and speaker, assisted P/Chief Superintendent Danilo T. Empedrad in the presentation of the awards and citations. (Henry D. Daquipel, PIA 10)