President Aquino cites Association of Safety and Health Training Organizations of the Philippines for its dynamic contribution to country’s development

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Association of Safety and Health Training Organizations of the Philippines (ASHTOP) for its dynamic contributions towards equitable progress.

"Occupational safety is a vital component of our collective task to further unify the public and private sectors. In this light, your specialization adds strength to the foundations we have laid in securing inclusive growth," the Chief Executive said in his message to ASHTOP on the occasion of the 3rd ASHTOP National Congress.

The ASHTOP will hold the two-day 3rd ASHTOP National Congress which has for its theme "Public & Private Partnership in Occupational Safety and Health" at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in Olongapo City on July 25 and 26.

"As you promote health and safety in behalf of the Filipino workforce, may you help generate more effective results among our public-private partnership programs. May your members remain passionate in this significant undertaking," the President said.

The President called on the association to work with the government in creating a more conducive atmosphere of cooperation among our institutions to accelerate Philippine development.

"May this occasion empower you further in your dynamic contributions towards stability and lasting, equitable progress," he said.

President Aquino lays down the principles and reforms that shaped the proposed P2.268 trillion National Budget for 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III laid down the principles and reforms that shaped the proposed P2.268-trillion National Budget for 2014.

In his 2014 Budget Message, the Chief Executive said the 2014 National Budget will support his administration's agenda for Inclusive Development.

The key reforms include the Performance-Informed Budgeting, Tighter Budget Prioritization for Inclusive Development, Better Collaboration as the New Standard in Government, Enabling the Private Sector as Engine of Economic Growth,Transparency at the Core of Effective Public Financial Management and Empowering the Citizenry Through the Budget.

"For this Proposed Budget for 2014, we embark on a bold move to change the way the Budget is presented. With the Performance-Informed Budget Structure (PIB), each peso is now presented alongside the results that we want to achieve," the President said.

Before, the annual Budget presented an incomprehensible mix of financial numbers. With the PIB, the Budget has a new face which presents each peso together with the outcomes, outputs and performance targets that government agencies commit to achieve with their respective budgets.

In preparing the 2014 Budget, the President said the government issued a Budget Priorities Framework that enjoins all agencies to design their respective proposals along program priorities with the Key Result Areas of the Aquino Social Contract.

"This Budget Priorities Framework also identifies geographic focus areas where our poorest people are and where great potential lies. We have directed these departments to not only prioritize their resources for these programs and areas but also tighten their collaboration in these areas for greater impact," the President stressed.

The President said Budget was designed not in the usual way, where agencies competed against each other for a share of scarce national resources. With the Program Budgeting Approach, government agencies moved out of their silos to converge their efforts and resources along priority programs.

"Sa pagsasakatuparan ng ating Social Contract, mahalagang siguruhin na nagbubukluran—at hindi nagkakanya-kanya—ang bawat institusyon ng ating pamahalaan," he said.

He acknowledged that government spending alone is not enough to push growth upwards. Thus, he underscored the need for the administration to create the right environment for the private sector to flourish.

"As we do our part in establishing the right environment for growth, the private sector must likewise fulfill its role as engine of economic growth," he said.

This Budget seeks to sustain macroeconomic stability, promote the streamlining of business processes and invest in the needed public goods like infrastructure.

In line with the Public Financial Management Reform Roadmap, the government will move towards a Budget-as-Release Document regime in 2014.

"Last year, we announced the move toward a Budget-as-Release-Document Regime through the 2014 Budget. This regime promotes predictability and speed in budgetary releases, as well as in implementation, as the budgets of agencies—except for those that need prior clearance, to be contained in a negative list—are considered as released as soon as the Budget is enacted," he said.

In crafting the 2014 Budget, the government expanded mechanisms for citizen's meaningful participation in the budget process.

"We introduced the process of Budget Partnership Agreements between government agencies, corporations, and civil society organizations and piloted it in crafting the 2012 Budget. In this process, government agencies and civil society organizations partners enter into a formal partnership in the review of the budgets, programs, and projects of the agencies, as well as in the crafting of their budget proposals for the following fiscal year," he said.

Government vows transparent, real public consultation for the planned MRT, LRT fare hikes

Malacanang assured Wednesday on the conduct of a transparent and real public consultation before the government adjusts the rates of the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit as mentioned by the President in his 4th State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday.

“Yes, you can be assured of a transparent, real public consultation. And they will inform the public, all the stakeholders. It is going to be a free public consultation,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda when asked by reporters in a press briefing in Malacanang.

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is currently studying the MRT and LRT rates as spelled out by the President in his SONA, Lacierda said.

The DOTC will also follow all the requirements for the conduct of public consultation before a fare hike is implemented, according to the Palace official.

The President laid down the reasons why there is a need to adjust the fares of the MRT and LRT considering its toll on the country’s financial condition and the ability of the MRT and LRT managements to provide better services to the riding public, Lacierda said.

In his SONA on Monday, the President criticized previous officials for delaying fare increases in the MRT and LRT at the expense of public good.

The LRT rate is P40 for each passenger, with the government subsidizing P25 for every LRT passenger. Every passenger only pays P15 per ride.

MRT’s original fare rate is P60 but every passenger only pays P15. This means the government shoulders P45 for every passenger.

“Nasa Mindanao ka o Visayas ka man, na ni minsan ay hindi nakatuntong sa LRT o MRT, kasama ka sa pumapasan nito,” President Aquino said.

Former officials have also given away the commercial development rights for the LRT and MRT, which could generate advertizing revenues that could augment LRT and MRT operations.

“Ang puwede sanang pagkunan ng pantustos sa maintenance at operasyon, nawala pa.

Siguro naman po, makatuwirang ilapit man lang natin sa ibinabayad sa aircon bus ang pasahe ng LRT at MRT, upang maituon ang subsidiya sa iba pang serbisyong panlipunan,” the President said.

Aquino in good health condition, says official

President Benigno S. Aquino III is in the pink of health and the public should not worry about his health condition, a Palace official said on Wednesday.

The Philippine Medical Association, expressing concern over the Presidents health condition, had advised the President to undergo a full executive check-up after his coughing episode during his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

But Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that there is no concern over the health of the President and he could very well fulfill his function as chief executive.

“The President is in good condition, good health. Sa haba ng pagsasalita niya, walang patid na talumpati, siguro naman kahit sino ay masasamid o mauubo nang kaunti,” he said.

Still health experts underscored the need for the chief executive to be always in tip-top shape as he confronts enormous tasks with limited time to rest. It was noted that speaking lengthily, as the President did last Monday, could dry up the pharynx which leads to coughing. Pharynx dryness without lubrication is what stimulates the coughing reflex.

Considering the age of the President, who is in his 50’s, a chronic smoker and with a family history of cancer, are the reasons for him to undergo a full executive checkup, they added.

The President’s mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, died of colon cancer on August 2009.

An executive checkup involves a complete physical examination and consultation by a qualified physician.

Lanao del Sur dad lauds PNoy’s commitment for lasting peace in Mindanao

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 26 (PIA) --- Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III for his commitment to immediately complete the peace process in Mindanao.

“I and the people of Lanao del Sur laud His Excellency for giving the Bangsamoro more hope and enthusiasm in his recently delivered state of the nation address (SONA),” Adiong said in a statement.

In his fourth SONA, the President called on Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014 to give ample time to prepare the new Bangsamoro government in 2016.

“Nananawagan ako sa ating Kongreso: Nabuo na po ang Transition Commission na gagawa ng panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law. Tatapusin ito alinsunod sa mga prinsipyo ng komprehensibong kasunduan para sa kapayapaan; maipasa po sana ninyo ito bago matapos ang 2014 sa gayong paraan, may sapat tayong panahon para makapaghanda sa paghalal ng bagong pamahalaang Bangsamoro sa 2016 (I call on Congress: The Transition Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already been created. Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of the peace process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014. This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a new Bangsamoro government come 2016)," the President said.

“We thank the President for his strong positive action in providing answers to the decades-old Moro questions and by making it part of his economic mantra of inclusive growth,” Adiong said.

According to him, it is by far the best present received by the Bangsamoro during this Holy Month of Ramadhan adding that there is no doubt President Aquino wants the success of the peace talks with the same eagerness and desire like the Muslims.

“We in Lanao del Sur continue to sustain our belief that, in the very near time, sustainable peace shall finally reign in our homeland,” he said. (APB/PIA-10)

File application for voter’s registration on July 27- 28

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 26 (PIA) -- File your voter’s registration on July 27-28 relative to the October 28 synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

This advice came from Atty. Cirilo E. Nala Jr., election supervisor of Misamis Occidental. He reminded applicants for voter’s registration that the Offices of the Election Officers (OEO) in the province will be opened, this weekend, to receive such applications.

Per Comelec Resolution No. 9717, the application of voter’s registration have been set daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., inclusive of Saturday and Sunday, from July 22-31.

Qualified to register as members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KnK) are Filipinos who are 15 but below 18 years old on Oct. 28, 2013, and are actual residents in the barangay for at least six months on election day.

Applicants must bring the following: certificate of live birth, baptismal certificate, school records or any other document that will establish his/her identity and other qualifications.

Meanwhile, applications for transfer of voters’ registration records will also be accepted, provided that the registered voter has transferred residence to another city/municipality, at least six months before the said elections.

Also accepted are applications for changes/corrections of entries in the registration records, reactivation and inclusion of registration records/reinstatement of name in the list of voters and the registration of new voters, the PES added. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Frat medical mission to benefit Lanao Norte residents anew

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 26 (PIA) -- The Project BOSS (Brotherhood Operation Saving Sight) of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Southern Zamboanga Alumni Association will again be extending its medical mission in Lanao del Norte.

Hospitals here will be screening patients with facial deformities and cataract as to who will receive free surgery.

Screening of patients with cleft lip will be from July 29 to August 2 in the six district hospitals of the province, while cataract patients wi be screened in the Lanao del Norte Provincial Hospital (LNPH) in the coastal town of Baroy.

“We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of this rare opportunity and get the medical attention necessary for their condition,” Provincial Health Officer Jamaica Dimaporo said.

We are targeting to accommodate 150 patients with cleft lip and 150 cataract patients, added Dr. Dimaporo.

Patients who successfully pass the screening process will undergo surgical operation on August 15 to 17 at the Kolambugan provincial hospital.

Surgical mission conducted by APO in the previous year benefited 121 children already with cleft lip and cleft palate.

This is the third partnership of APO and the provincial government of Lanao del Norte in helping indigent residents.

“We are glad that Lanao del Norte’s strong partnership with APO will again benefit the residents of this province and bring back the smile in the faces of these patients,” said Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica. (LVG/Vincent N. Labial/PIO-LDN)

Go4Health regional launch set

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- Go Sigla, Go Sustansya, Go Smoke-Free, and Go Slow sa Tagay (moderate drinking) are the newest slogan of the healthy lifestyle program dubbed “Go4Health Movement.”

Go4Health is just an extension to the Healthy Lifestyle (HL) program of the Department of Health (DOH), which now trims the sevenhealthy habits to four.

The regional launch is set on August 16, here in the city. It will kick-off with a walk from the Rodelsa Circle to the Pelaez Sports Complex, where the hataw exercise and ceremonial opening of the program will also be performed.

DOH urged the public, including companies, to support the program and make the personal commitment now to physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention or cessation to smoking and alcohol consumption.

To access help tools, applications and updates on healthy living, register now to the Pilipinas Go4Health website (www.go4health.ph) or Go4Health.PH social media accounts. (JCV/PIA-10)

Lanao Norte surpass bangus production in 2012

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) has reported an increase in its bangus production since the start of mariculture program in 2010 in Lanao del Norte.

With only P132,799.94 in its first production year, now it recorded more than P500,000 in its annual gross income, the Provincial Resource and Management Council (PRMC) reported.

In 2010, the province started with only 10,000 bangus fingerlings in one fish cage, in 2011, it increased to 30,000 bangus fingerlings in three fish cages.

Gross income from bangus production in 2012 has reached its highest-level ever of P563,830.75.

The bangus fish cages are located in Barangay Sugod, in the coastal town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND).

Mariculture Project Manager Stephen Harun said, selling price for big size bangus is P105 per kilo, and P100, P90 per kilo for medium and small sizes, respectively.

“We offer same selling price with other traders but we are the only supplier that allows wholesaler to pay within one week from date of delivery,” Harun said.

We also engage in Lapu-lapu production which started just last April, and is expected to have its first harvest in October this year, added Harun. Lapu-lapu fish variety is being sold in the market at P450 per kilo.

When bangus or milkfish (scientific name “Chanoschanos”) reaches maturity, it could measure one meter. (LVG/PIA-10 LDN/LAR-PIO/LDN)

Ozamiz CDRRMC comes up with disaster preparedness protocol

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 26 (PIA) -- The Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) had come-up with a disaster preparedness and response protocol to be observed during typhoons, floods, landslides, and storm surges.

Such protocol will serve as manual/guideline on what the CDRRMC should do before, during and after the calamity to properly respond to the prevailing situation and reduce the risk/prevent the loss of lives and property of the residents, Mark Vincent E. Israel, CDRRMC officer said.

Israel said the guideline provides a checklist of the following activities to be done during the pre-calamity phase:

Strengthening of the CDRRMC, reactivation of the Barangay DRRMC, formulation, approval of the Local DRRMC and Contingency Plan and

installation of the Early Warning System and Evaluation Alert System.

Completion of a scheme of pre-emptive and forced evacuation on the community-at-risk and establish linkage with the civil societies, non-government organizations, and other volunteer groups.

Conduct an intensified information, education and communication program, mostly consisting of public orientation/briefings and disaster drills and establish a directory with contact number of members.

Set aside P100,000, as revolving fund taken from the Local DRRM Fund and come up with a Disaster Risk Reduction- Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) Integration in the City Development Plan.

Likewise, come up with a Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Annual Investment Plan, “No Build” Zone Ordinance, Tree Planting and Growing Program and periodic de-silting, dredging, widening and deepening of riverbeds. (RCA/PIA10)

Ozamiz CPS conduct IEC campaign to celebrate the PCR month

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 26 (PIA) -- The Ozamiz City Police Station (CPS) conducted an intensified information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on several laws to high school students of the city.

The campaign was undertaken by the Ozamiz police in connection with the celebration of the 18th Police Community Relations Month of July with the theme, “Serbisyong Makatotohanan at Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pambansang Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan (Dedicated Service and Strong Community-Police Relations Towards the Righteous Path)."

Activities included lectures/briefings on Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the “Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003,” Acute Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Awareness and Prevention, Anti-Illegal Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness, and Revitalized Campaign against Illegal Gambling.

The police also talked on Street Crime Prevention and Safety Tips and the Drop-out Reduction Program (DORP), P/Supt. Jonas T. Amparo, chief of police, CPS, said.

He said aside from the lectures, the Ozamiz CPS also handed out leaflets and other IEC materials to the students.

Meanwhile, the amount of P4,000, a monthly financial assistance under the DORP, has been turned-over, recently, by the Ozamiz CPS to the Gala National High School (NHS) in Barangay Gala, this city.

The activity was witnessed by barangay officials, parents and students, and Junriel B. Sinarillos, head of Gala NHS, said, “We are overjoyed and very thankful to God for such assistance from the Ozamiz CPS personnel and we commend them for their generous hearts, love and concern to the students’ education of their school.” (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Northern Mindanao’s economy grow by 7.4%

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The Northern Mindanao economy grew by 7.4 percent in 2012, higher than its 5.8 percent growth in 2011, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said.

The improved economic performance was fueled by the acceleration of the region’s Services and Industry sectors, Brenda Lynn M. Castro, officer-in-charge of NSCB Division 10, said in a news conference Thursday.

The Services sector which accounted for the biggest share of the region’s economy at 41.8 percent share grew by 9.0 percent in 2012 with all its subsectors, except Other Services, posting accelerated growths.

The Industry sector, accounting 33.4 percent of the region’s economy, expanded by 9.2 percent in 2012 from 6.7 percent in 2011 due to the higher growth rates in all its subsectors.

Construction subsector grew by 10.6 percent from 5.8 percent growth a year ago due to accelerated expansion of both public and private construction, Castro said.

She said Mining and Quarrying subsector also grew by 9.5 percent from 4.2 percent in 2011 due to significant increase in stone quarrying and non-metallic mining.

The Manufacturing subsector also posted a growth of 10.8 percent while Electricity, Gas and Water Supply registered 3.4 percent growth.

However, the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF), which comprised 24.8 of the region’s economy, experienced a showdown in 2012 posting a growth of only 2.5 percent.

Castro said the deceleration was attributed to the slowdown of Agriculture and Forestry due to the decline in the production of banana, sugarcane, coffee, peanut, and tomato.

Although the Fishing subsector rebounded from a negative 0.6 growth in 2011 to 4.7 percent in 2012 brought about by the increased production of tiger prawns, milkfish and tilapia, Castro said the turnaround was not enough to raise the performance of the AHFF.

With regards to contribution to the national economy, Northern Mindanao ranked seventh in 2012 sharing 3.8 percent of the country’s economy. It also ranked eighth among the 17 regions in the country in terms of economic growth.

The region also maintained the sixth spot among all regions in terms of per capita gross regional domestic product (GRDP) with P53,632. (APB/PIA-10)

ARMM, UN agency collaborate in emergency response effort

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 26 -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government gets support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the establishment of the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART), an emergency rapid response team intended to help curtail impact of disasters in the region.

The two parties inked a memorandum of agreement Thursday, July 25 afternoon to formalize and outline their collaboration, with the UNHCR giving an initial funding of US$20,000 to help bankroll the launching of the program in identified pilot areas.

UNHCR has earmarked a total of US$100,000 for the program, in addition to the technical support and a vehicle it is going to provide to the response team.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they are pushing for the creation of the ARMM HEART in view of the huge humanitarian impact of man-made and natural disasters in parts of the region.

Data gathered by the UNHCR and the Regional Human Rights Commission for ARMM show that at least 54,745 persons have experienced various displacements in ARMM over the last 18 months.

A breakdown of the cumulative data reveals natural disasters as the leading cause of displacements in the ARMM, accounting for 57% of total displacements or 199,979 persons, followed by armed conflict at 20% or 70,989 persons, crime and violence at 12% or 41,587 persons and rido or clan feuds at 11% or 40,885 persons.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, the region’s executive secretary, said that apart from responding to emergencies, ARMM HEART will help ensure the protection of internally displaced persons.

The autonomous region groups the island-provinces of Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the mainland-provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. (BPI-ARMM)

Soldiers to act as Comelec deputies in Oct. 28 Barangay/SK elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 26 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been deputized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as deputy in the Oct. 28 Barangay and Sangguniang Elections.

“However, the AFP will continue to do its Internal Security Operations (ISO) functions and responsibilities, during the election period set from Sept. 28-Nov. 12, 2013,” Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almario, Commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (55IB, PA), said.

The unit represents the AFP in provinces that includes Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and part of Lanao del Norte, in its area of responsibility (AOR), during the 2013 mid-term elections, last May.

Particularly, 55IB took charge of securing the hinterland towns of Misamis Occidental located at the foot of Mt. Malindang to ensure a free, honest, orderly, peaceful and credible conduct.

Meanwhile, per Comelec Resolution No. 9732 promulgated recently, the AFP is deputized to conduct a periodic assessment of the peace and order conditions in critical areas and recommend measures which may be adopted by the Comelec in the interest of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.

It is also tasked to look into the existence of any armed group organized to commit or which is committing or attempting to commit, acts of terrorism, or threats to intimidate or coerce any person to vote for or against a candidate, and to suppress or prevent said acts of terrorism or threats.

Likewise, the AFP will assist the Comelec in implementing more effectively election laws and/or rules and regulations, particularly the laws governing prohibition against military, policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards or security guards for the candidates.

It is also expected to assist the Comelec in the use of its armored vehicles and air or watercraft, and in the prohibition on bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons in public places. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

DOLE board grants exemption to Wage Order

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 26 (PIA) -- Distressed establishments and other sectors adversely affected by the economic power/energy and other crisis, may apply for exemption from the new Wage Order No. RX-17 (WO-RX-17) implemented in Region 10.

Effective June 20, this year, WO-RX-17 grants a P20 increase in the minimum daily wage rate of workers in the region, as approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

However, the situation of the establishments will be determined by RTWPB before exemptions can be granted, said Atty. Jonathan Caňete, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and chairperson of RTWPB-10.

Meanwhile, the exemption extends to the New Business Enterprises (NBEs) as defined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations, establishments adversely affected by natural calamities, and those producing gifts, toys and housewares (GTH) items using indigenous materials.

Also included are establishments whose total assets, including those arising from loans, but exclusive of the land on which the particular business entity’s office, plant and equipment are situated, do not earn more that P3 million.

On the other hand, Caňete said an application of exemption duly filed will defer any action in any complaint for non-compliance with the WO-RX-17 until the resolution of the application is issued by the RTWPB.

In case the application for exemption is not approved, covered employees/workers of the applicant-establishment must be paid the mandated wage increase under this Wage Order, plus one percent interest per month, retroactive to the effectivity of WO-RX-17.

Moreover, nothing in WO-RX-17 must be construed to reduce any existing wage rates, allowances and benefits, in any form under existing laws, decrees, issuance, executive orders and/or under any contract or agreement between workers and employers, Caňete added. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

DTI, shipping group sign MOA to curb undelivered balikbayan boxes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. (AISL) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on July 10 as added measure to eliminate the incidence of abandoned and/or undelivered balikbayan boxes.

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya and AISL President Edgar C. Milla through the MOA committed to collaborate and exchange information to ensure that balikbayan boxes sent by overseas Filipinos to their families and relatives in the Philippines are delivered to rightful consignees.

Maglaya acknowledged, “The Department is grateful to the AISL and its member lines for assisting government in its effort to protect the rights of Filipinos, particularly those overseas.”

“We believe that through DTI’s partnership with AISL, the number of complaints on abandoned and undelivered balikbayan boxes will be significantly reduced,” she added.

DTI reports that from 2008 up to present, 550 complaints had been received, processed, acted on, and monitored.

In 2011, there were 208 complaints of undelivered balikbayan boxes. In 2012, Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB) posted a total of 150 complaints.

The DTI-AISL agreement specifies DTI regularly provides PSB advisory that includes the lists of accredited seafreight forwarders; foreign consolidators and its local counterparts, and freight forwarders with pending administrative cases and complaints. The role of the AISL is to screen incoming shipments in their ports of origin.

“The information from our office will properly guide the AISL in accepting or denying bookings of consolidated balikbayan box shipments at their areas," said Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, DTI-PBS director-in-charge.

DTI explains that with proper information from DTI, the shipping lines may refuse carriage of consolidated balikbayan box shipments if the foreign consolidator is in DTI’s Advisory of those companies and/or the Philippine agent/freight forwarder with complaints at DTI or has no DTI accreditation to engage in freight forwarding business. DTI also explains that shipments of foreign consolidators whose Philippine agents are not DTI-accredited may also be denied.

“The DTI is pleased with its partnership with AISL because we know that the international shipping lines play a vital role in bringing in and sending out packages for many Filipinos from countries around the world,” Undersecretary Maglaya asserts.

The DTI-PSB implements the accreditation scheme for sea freight forwarders categorized as non-vessel operating common carrier, international freight forwarder, and domestic freight forwarder according to Executive Order No. 514 and PSB Administrative Order 06, Series of 2005. As of July 5, 2013, the DTI-PSB has accredited 633 freight forwarders.

AISL is a non-stock, non-profit corporation which consists of 41 container shipping lines calling Philippine ports and carrying around 85 percent of the volume of Philippine containerized export and import cargoes. It is recognized as the spokesman of international container shipping in the Philippines.

For the list of accredited sea freight forwarders, visit www.dti.gov.ph or call DTI-PSB at 751.3304. (DTI/JMOR/PIA)

Mahinog tourism projects post P1.5M income

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, July 26 (PIA) -- The Mahinog Business Development Office (MBDO) disclosed a total income of P 1.5 million from January to May 2013, or 74 percent of the P2 million income posted last year.

The amount covers revenues generated from the municipality’s tourism projects like the Mantigue Island Nature Park (Minap) and Queobe Eco Park and Training Center, both manned by the MBDO.

Minap generated bigger slice of the pie from its store operations, environmental fees, and rentals of facilities and gadgets such as glass boat, snorkel, and picnic shed, among others.

The Queobe Eco Park, meanwhile, contributed P469, 273 or 22.64 percent of the total amount from the restaurant and training center operations, catering, and agricultural products.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla said this is the banner year for the MBDO, gaining favorable figures in the first five months of the year.

As to number of visitors, Mantigue Island posted around 19,700 tourist visits, composed mostly of local tourists or 87 percent, while the remaining 13 percent consisted of foreign guests.

Just this summer, the MBDO also launched its newest baby, the Taguines Lagoon Aqua Sports Facility.

It completes the town’s eco-tourism triad destination - major tourist come-on that contributed to lessening dependency on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) by way of generating additional income. (JCV / PIA 10)