Team PNoy’s good showing in next three years means 2016 success, says Aquino

The administration coalition’s success in 2016 presidential election lies on the realization of its reform and development agenda in the next three years following the May 13 midterm election, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.

“Sa madaling salita, ang bukal ng tagumpay natin sa 2016 at sa makakamit pang tagumpay ng mga susunod na salinlahi ay nakasalalay sa kung ano ang mapapatunayan natin at kung ano ang magagawa natin sa susunod na tatlong taon,” the President told party mates and coalition members during the Team Pnoy thanksgiving party at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

The President said Wednesday’s event signals Team PNoy’s concerted efforts to institute permanent reforms in the country.

The chief executive likewise called on Team PNoy’s senators elect to fulfill the mandate the people have given them during this month’s election.

“Tinitiyak nating magpapatuloy ang sipag, dedikasyon, at tunay na malasakit natin sa kapwa. Sa ating mga nahalal na senador: Tuparin natin ang ating mandato. Huwag nating sayangin ang pagkakataong ito. Nagpasya na ang mga Pilipino, 9-3 para sa Team Pnoy,” he said.

The coalition’s success during the last election stemmed from the clamor of the people for change during the 2010 presidential election, the President noted.

The 2010 election is a milestone in the country’s history because the people widely participated in that poll tired of rampant abuses and corruption in government, he said.

“Nang manaig ang tinig ng taumbayan noong halalan ng 2010, nagsimulang magbago ang kwento ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Ang mga dating nagmanhid na sa katiwalian, natutong makilahok at lumaban. Ang mga dating nananahimik na lamang, nagkaroon ng boses. Ang mga dating hindi magawang mangarap, nagsimulang bumangon at humakbang tungo sa katuparan ng kanilang mga adhikain,” the President said.

The people’s success three years ago became the key to the changes that the country now experiences, he said. Among these developments include a more robust economy, influx of more investors to the country, the public’s rejection of graft and corruption and the government’s care for the poor.

With the success of the Team PNoy particularly in the Senate, the President said he is confident that the newly elected senators will work hard towards the realization of the dreams sowed under the “tuwid na daan” reform agenda of the administration.

At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to those who helped launch a successful campaign in the last three months. These include Liberal Party’s campaign manager Sen. Franklin Drilon, former partylist representative Risa Hontiveros and former senators Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Jamby Madrigal.

The President likewise thanked lawmakers under the coalition as well as volunteers and local leaders.

Of the 12 senatorial bets who run under Team Pnoy, nine won during the May 13 midterm election. Among the winners include Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Antonio Trillanes IV and Cynthia Villar.

Aquino cites the critical role of engineering sector in infrastucture development

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the critical role of the engineering sector in the pursuit of infrastructure development that is among his administration's major priorities in this period of national revitalization.

"The engineering sector plays a critical role in this undertaking: It builds roads to progress, bridges to bring our services to even the most remote areas, and establishments to house and grow our varied industries," the Chief Executive said in his message to the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (ASEP) on the occasion of the 16th ASEP International Convention.

The ASEP opened on Thursday the 16th ASEP International Convention which has for its theme "Prolonging the Life of Structures" at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The 3-day event will end on Saturday.

President Aquino expressed hope that the event may further equip the ASEP with greater excellence, confidence, and dedication, as it fulfills its responsibilities in the collective task of nation-building.

"It was not so long ago that the Filipino people were handicapped by inefficient public works with weak foundations and slow-paced construction rooted mainly in a culture of transactionalism and self-interest," the President said.

"May you find the true meaning of quality and committed public service in this convention, and uphold integrity and accountability, as you continue to help pave the path to equitable progress and prosperity," he said.

Palace appeals to universities, colleges to go slow on tuition hikes

Malacanang appealed to private colleges and universities that filed notices for tuition fee increases for this school year to work with the stakeholders in achieving a compromise acceptable to the public.

“We appeal to them and we hope that the increases that they have applied for have been reached in proper consultation with the parents, with the students, with the teachers, and that these increases must be, if necessary, reasonable,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.

“Sana naman let us work with the stakeholders to arrive at a solution or at a compromise that is acceptable to the public.”

The Palace official said she hopes that academic institutions observe the true essence of compliance to the rules by adhering to the outcome of consultations with different stakeholders.

“Sana hindi lang surface compliance," she said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said the tuition increase notices filed by at least 451 private colleges and universities are not final and will be subjected to review by the commission en banc.

The CHED said the commission en banc will decide on the tuition increase notices when it convenes May 27.

The commission also said it aims to expand its scholarship programs to support students from poor families to finish their college education. CHED reported that there are around 45,000 students under its scholarship programs through grants and study now, pay later schemes.

A P500-million fund for the scholarship of some 4,041 students transferring to state universities and colleges across the country was allotted by the commission.

The Student’s Grants in Aid program for Poverty Alleviation will be aligned with the Aquino administration’s Conditional Cash Transfer Program being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Aquino urges employers to work with government in crafting policies for labor sector aimed at job creation

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on employers to work together with his government to craft policies for the labor sector aimed at creating more jobs for the Filipino people.

In his message to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Chief Executive underscored the importance of the collaboration between the government and the confederation to advance the interest of the Filipino public.

"Let your resounding voice enrich our discussions with insights on the market and corporate designs that reflect our commitment to inclusive development. Together, we can craft policies founded on balance, synergy, and mutual benefit, as we open the doors towards far-reaching, sustainable opportunities for the Filipino public," the President told ECOP on the occasion of its 34th National Conference of Employers.

The ECOP opened on Thursday the 34th National Conference of Employers (NCE 34) which has for its theme “Inclusive Growth: Vision, Prescriptions and Action,” at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The 2-day event will end on Friday.

"The road to prosperity is paved by our efforts to harmonize our forward march along the straight and righteous path. This underscores the collaboration required of our sectors, as we fuel our momentum in the revitalization we have now established," the President said.

The President expressed hope that the gathering may inspire the country's private stakeholders to participate more actively while government continues its efforts to widen the avenues of dialogue with the labor sector.

"Let us continue to place our fellowmen at the front and center of our endeavors. They remain our country’s greatest asset, empowering our nation as they realize their potential. May we enable them further to become dynamic contributors to nation-building, as we forge the equitably progressive society we have long aspired for," he said.

President Aquino signs consolidated bill into law that seeks to amend the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a consolidated bill that seeks to amend the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines to end the proliferation of so-called botcha or double-dead meat in markets through stiffer penalties on its sale, transport and handling.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the Chief Executive signed last May 15 Republic Act 10536 otherwise known as An Act Amending Republic Act 9296, otherwise known as The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.

Under the law, the carcass or parts of carcass or food animals which were slaughtered from unregistered/unaccredited meat establishments and have not undergone the required inspection will be classified as "hot meat." It also includes undocumented, illegally shipped, and unregistered carcass, parts of carcass and meat products coming from other countries and those that are classified as "hot meat" by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Under Section 56 of the Republic Act 10536 (Fines and Penalties), any violator of the act, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) years or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) but not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

The offender shall be obliged to pay to the concerned consumer whatever damage may have been suffered by the latter as a consequence of the unlawful act.

If the offender is a juridical person, all officers such as, but not limited to, its president, manager or head of office responsible for their unlawful act shall be criminally liable, in addition to the cancellation of certificates or accreditation and/or registration.

If the offender is a public official, the penalty shall include perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

In addition, the National Meat Inspection Service and the local government units shall impose additional fines and penalties for the offender.

Any person, firm or corporation that slaughter any food animal or prepare meat or meat product in any meat establishment except in compliance with the requirements of this Act or slaughter or handle in connection with slaughter, any food animal in a manner not considered humane shall be fined P50,000 for the first offense, P75,000 for the second offense and P100,000 plus prohibition from conducting business for two (2) years for the third and succeeding offenses.

Any person, firm or corporation that sell, transport, offer or receive for sale or transportation in commerce carcasses or parts thereof, meat or meat product required to be inspected under this Act unless they have been so inspected and passed and do any act while they are being transported in commerce or held for sale, which is intended to cause or has the effect of causing such articles to be adulterated or misbranded shall be fined with two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) for the first offense, three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000) for the second offense and five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) plus prohibition from conducting business for two (2) years for the third and succeeding offenses.

Anyone who violated sections 49 (Printing of Official Marks), Section 50 (Forging Official Marks), Section 51(Absence of Ante-Mortem Inspection), Section 52 (Interference in the Conduct of Inspection) and Section 54 (Unlawful Shipment) shall be fined with two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) for the first offense, three hundred fifty pesos (P350,000) for the second offense and P500,000 plus prohibition from conducting business for three years for the third and succeeding offenses.

Anyone who violated Section 53 (Unlawful Trading) shall be suspended for six months for the first offense and dismissal from government service for the second violation.

Under Section 58 (Confiscation), any carcasses, parts of carcasses or products of carcasses found to have been prepared, handled, packed, stored, transported or offered for sale as human food not in accordance with any provisions of this Act shall be confiscated and disposed of as provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations at the expense of the person, firm or corporation found to be in violation thereof.

Under the new act, the National Meat Inspection Service shall be headed by an Executive Director, a Deputy Executive Director and Regional Technical Directors III, all appointed by the President. The administrative, technical and support services of the NMIS shall be strengthened as may be appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively the provisions of this Act.

This Act shall take effect after 15 days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in 2 newspapers of general circulation.

President Aquino signs a consolidated bill into law setting Philippine Standard Time and institutionalizing the first week of the year as the ‘National Time Consciousness Week’

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a consolidated bill setting the Philippine Standard Time (PST) and institutionalizing the first week of the year as the "National Time Consciousness Week."

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the Chief Executive signed last May 15 Republic Act 10535 or "An Act to set the Philippine Standard Time in All Official Sources throughout the country, to provide funds for the installation, operation and maintenance of synchronized time devices to be displayed in key public places and to declare the first week of every year as National Time Consciousness Week."

The new law otherwise known as The Philippine Standard Time (PST) Act of 2013 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3284 and House Bill No. 164 that was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2013.

The Act mandates all national and local government offices to display Philippine Standard Time on their official time devices, including bundy clocks, in accordance with the official time

provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) using its network time protocol.

All of these offices shall coordinate, at least once a month, with the PAGASA to synchronize their official timepieces and devices.

The PAGASA's Time Service Unit, in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall be tasked to monitor, maintain and disseminate the PST throughout the country. The PAGASA shall operate and maintain a timekeeping system to perform these functions and shall endeavor to install and maintain sufficiently large and prominently displayed synchronized time devices in all their field stations and in key public places.

The procurement of equipment necessary for the automatic dissemination of time with global positioning system (GPS) shall be in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act). The DOST shall be the procurement overseer of the said equipment.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will also require the participation of all government and private television and radio stations to ensure synchronization of timekeeping devices even in the most remote parts of the country.

Owners of private television and radio stations who shall fail to calibrate and synchronize their time devices with the Philippine Standard Time during their broadcast shall, upon hearing and due proceedings, be penalized with a fine of not less than thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) but not more than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) in the first offense. A subsequent offense will merit a revocation and cancellation of their franchises to operate.

The fine to be collected as penalty for the violation of this Act shall be deposited in the general fund of the National Treasury.

The law also institutionalizes the first week of the year as "National Time Consciousness Week."

The PAGASA, in coordination with the DOST, the NTC, the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of National Defense, Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall promulgate the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the calibration and synchronization of the timekeeping devices and implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

This Act shall take effect after 15 days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in two 2 newspapers of general circulation.

ESTERO Project installs trash traps at Carangan Creek in Ozamiz

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 21 (PIA) -- Trash traps made of fabricated steel have been installed by the Ecological Strengthening Through Environment Rehabilitation and Orientation (ESTERO) project of the Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) in Ozamiz City.

A public-private partnership (PPP) to reduce the pollution at the Carangan Creek, this city, the ESTERO project intends to develop a comprehensive program that involves all the stakeholders in the community.

The project aims to determine the necessity of and the possible plans for dredging and de-silting of the creek and involve interventions, such as planting of bamboo and other plant species along the creek banks, rip-rapping and regular clean-up, Grace Villanueva, MUCEP Program Director, said.

She said regular clean-up of the creek has been conducted by the students taking up the National Service Training Program (NSTP) in MU, beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the MUCEP staff.

Meanwhile, the trash traps with matching fabricated forks to lift the trash from the creek for use in the weekly clean-up of the creek, have been installed between the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Metro Bank, along Burgos Sts., this city, during the launching of the ESTERO Project.

Also set up during the occasion was the mural painting of the wall near the DBP for some messages to remind the public about environment protection/preservation and how to take care of mother nature.

Villanueva said MU President Dr. Karen Belina Feliciano-De Leon has allocated P156,135.50 from the MU-NSTP Fund for the ESTERO, while DBP contributed P10,000 and MetroBank-Burgos, P7,000 for the purchase of paint and other painting materials needed for the wall murals and McDonalds-Ozamiz for snacks during the launching. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a growing public health concern - DOH

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 21 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) region 10, City Health Office and local government unit here are one in doing massive information dissemination on a growing public health concern, the MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Dr. Arlene Esling of German Doctors Hospital explained that normal (early stage) tuberculosis (TB) transforms or develops into a MultiDrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) when TB patients fail to get correct treatment or not get complete required medication. If so, the patient will develop resistance to the anti-TB medications which will result in MDR-TB.

It is very expensive and difficult to treat, she added.

Administrative Order 2008-2018, also known as the “Guidelines for the Implementation of the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT),” issued on May 26, 2008, sets the mandate to support the efforts to manage MDR-TB in the Philippines in the context of the existing TB control infrastructure.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), an international funding instrument provides the necessary support for human resource development, physical and equipment outlay in the fight against TB, specifically MDR-TB through the Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF) as the Principal Recipient and the implementing sub-recipient for PMDT in close collaboration with the DOH through its regional health offices or Centers for Health Development (CHDs).

One of the treatment centers in region 10 is the German Doctors Clinic this city.

Patients with TB or MDR-TB are more susceptible to Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV because they have weak resistance, according to Dr. Esling. The latest screening from German Doctors show four patients who were positive with HIV also became positive with TB. This is why they call these two “double-trouble.”

Primary reasons why a person has MDR-TB: 1) Patient might have caught MDR-TB from another person with such disease; 2) The germ became resistant during the previous treatment which means patients who has undergone treatment for TB before has not finished the 6-8 months treatment. 3) Also, patients who had interrupted or unfinished medication for TB and had a relapse may cause them to have multidrug-resistant TB this time.

When a patient is diagnosed of MDR-TB, the medication process takes 18-24 months. The process consists of daily injectables for the first six months probation stage equivalent to 156 injections or 468 doses of medicine.

Every patient undergoing MDR-TB medication allocates 300,000 pesos worth of imported drugs that are not available over the counter. Every two or six months there is a blood chemistry examination and X-ray for patients not more than or more than 50 years old, respectively.

Alternative drugs are given for patients who could not tolerate the drugs for MDR-TB. However, the dosage of the medicines is given according to the weight of the patient. Say, more dosage for overweight patient 11-18 tablets not including injections.

Once a patient is enrolled to MDR-TB medication, they are to sign a waiver to complete the whole process.

On the other hand, patients who withdraw from the medication because they could not take the medication anymore or they thought they are already feeling better, could result to their death later on, according to Dr. Esling.

The Philippines is 8th among 27 priority countries for MDR-TB. In 2007, 36,000 Filipinos died of TB. (Jennica Rojas/JMOR/PIA)

DOLE holds 2nd Northern Mindanao Career Advocacy Congress

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 21 (PIA) -- The Second Northern Mindanao Career Advocacy Congress will be held on May 24, 2013, at Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

This event is a venue to exchange relevant labor market information trends and updates in the conduct of career guidance activities, Atty. Johnson G. Caňete, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), region 10, said.

Among others, the event will also gather new ideas on organizational management and scheme on network sustainability of career guidance counselors and recognize the exceptional performance and good practices in career guidance.

It also strengthens the partnership and cooperation between and among the members of the Networks of Guidance Counselors and other stakeholders through mutual assistance and exchange of information and promote career guidance as a relevant tool in youth development, contributing to the prosperity and welfare of the nation.

The congress will make use of lectures, panel presentations and open forum as approaches in order to maximize the level of understanding of the participants.

Meanwhile, Jose Robles, Provincial Director of DOLE-Misamis Occidental has invited the Job Placement Officers, Career Guidance Coaches, the private sectoral partners, such as the ITC-Business Process Outsourcing, and other government agencies to attend the congress.

Robles said other queries or clarifications about the event may be available by calling telephone numbers: 09179048048, (08822) 727682/712241 and (088) 8571930, or email at dole10_tssd@yahoo.com and doleoroq@yahoo.com. (RCA/PIA10)

55IB troops help in conduct of SAFE in Misamis Occidental hinterlands

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 21 (PIA) – The presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly, the 55th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (55IB, PA) in the farthest barangays of Misamis Occidental had ensured the conduct of secure and fair elections (SAFE), last May 13.

This was the assessment of lawyer Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, who said that among these barangays were Sebucal in Oroquieta City which has 165 registered voters (RVs), Liboron, Don Victoriano town, 109 RVs, Mabas, Lopez Jaena, 73 RVs and Upper Bautista, Sapang Dalaga, 137 RVs.

Their distances from the poblacion are 37 km., 33 km., 28 km., and 26.5 km., respectively, and they can be reached only on foot in two to three (2-3) days via Osmeňa town in Zamboanga del Sur and all of them have histories of rebel infestation and election-related atrocities in the previous elections.

They are also located at the foot of the Mt. Malindang Ranges National Park (MMRNP), in the boundaries of the cities of Ozamiz and Tangub and the towns of Clarin, Sinacaban, Tudela, Aloran, Calamba, Concepcion, Jimenez and Plaridel.

“While the total number of registered voters in these barangays may have been considered few, they were assured of their safety on election day, as the 55IB was in the vicinity for the purpose of ensuring a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” Baguio said.

On the other hand, 55IB organized more than 400 members of the Civilian Armed Forces and Geographical Unit (CAFGU) that served as augmentation force to the unit’s regular members, also numbering close to 300, Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almaria, 55IB Commander, said.

Almaria said the soldiers of 55IB and the CAFGU provided security support not only to the deployment of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines but also to the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), and most especially the voters, on election day, last May 13. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

MEPC pronounces amendments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 21 (PIA)—The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization stated the amendments to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), introducing mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping.

At its 62nd session from July 11-15 2011, the amendment has entered into force on January 1, 2013. It shall apply to ships of 400 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyage.

Improvements on technical performance are expected from the amendments to Annex VI and the newly included Chapter 4 on “Regulations on Energy Efficiency on Ships," hopefully resulting to the reduction of emissions from the combustion process of fuel oil.

The new chapter 4 mandates (1) Compliance to Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships, (2) Development of a Ship Energy Efficient Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships; and (3) Ships to carry an International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEE)

The EEDI regulations require new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above to be surveyed first before any operation. This shall apply to bulk carriers, gas carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo ships, refrigerated cargo carriers, and combination dry/liquid bulk carriers. An IEE certificate will be issued to all ships covered under this Regulation.

To improve energy efficiency of ship operations, the amendment obliges each ship to develop on board a specific SEEMP according to the guidelines set by the IMO.

The requirements of the said amendments will involve all Philippine overseas shipping companies and other maritime entities. This move is in line with IMO’s goal to prevent marine pollution from ships.(Mary Nathalie Soldevilla/PIA10)

Reshuffling of EOs in Misamis Occidental ends June 12

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 21(PIA) – The reshuffling of Election Officers (EOs) in Misamis Occidental shall be effective until the end of the election period or until June 12, 2013.

However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc will have the authority to effect further reassignments, when the exigency of service so requires, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES), said.

He said the Comelec has deemed it appropriate to implement a temporary reshuffling of its EO’s in the province to further ensure the success of the May 13 elections.

The reshuffling of the EOs aims to promote efficiency, competence, integrity and absolute impartiality within the Comelec.

Thus, Baguio said, the following reassignment of the EO’s have taken effect, relative to the May 13, 2013 national and local elections:

Atty. Silvan Gerald Sabio, from Ozamiz City to Oroquieta City, Atty. Milber G. Alinas, from Tangub City to Ozamiz City and Atty. Ramil P. Acol, from Gingoog City to Tangub City.

Manolito S. Gungon, from Don Victoriano to Aloran, Emma P. Bation, from Sapang Dalaga to Baliangao, Cynthia T. Aldana, from Baliangao to Calamba, Edwin T. Balangao, from Lopez-Jaena to Concepcion and Abstinencia P. Lagulos, from Bonifacio to Jimenez.

Jesus V. Quijano, from Sinacaban to Lopez Jaena and Cora S. Amarga, from Tudela to Panaon, Anna Carmen Bueno, from Clarin to Plaridel, Amado B. Quiza, from Calamba to Sapang Dalaga and Erlinda M. Batoy, from Jimenez to Bonifacio.

Perseveranda D. Taclob, from Plaridel to Clarin, Luz B. Legaspi, from Panaon to Tudela, Mary Dolly M. Revil, from Bonifacio to Sinacaban and Ann D. Tumampos, who is retained in Don Victoriano. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

MCWD completes P2 million water project in Malaybalay City

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 22 (PIA) -- In an effort to address the perennial water shortage problem in some parts of the city, the Malaybalay City Water District (MCWD) completed its P2 million water project funded through its internally generated funds.

Juanito C. Aroa, General Manager, MCWD, said the project covered the installation of 6-inch diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) water transmission pipelines from Barangay 1 to the provincial capitol area.

It also involved the underground laying of 1,100 linear meters of 6-inch diameter PVC transmission pipelines from Gov. Rubin Street passing through the private property of Victoria Dans Reidenbach to the provincial capitol area.

“This has caused a significant increase in water supply in Barangay 9, particularly in the public market, Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center and Gawad Kalinga,” Aroa said.

He explained that the newly-installed water transmission pipelines will generate additional 40 to 42 liters per second of water supply to the target beneficiaries and other low-pressure areas in nearby barangays.

At present, around 19 liters per second is actually supplied as the interconnection works still ongoing.

The project, which started mid-April 2013, is due for completion on June 15 yet. Aroa, however, ordered the workforce to go intensely to complete it before the city fiesta celebration on May 15. Remarkably, it was completed this May 11.

Aroa pointed out that the MCWD conceptualized the project in 2010. It was presented to Malaybalay City government for funding. But due to LGU’s insufficient funds for the purpose, MCWD finally caused the project implementation after successful negotiation for the right of way with the Victoria Dans Reidenbach family.

It can be recalled that last year, the MCWD also completed a P13 million water project that solved problems on uneven water supply distribution at the NHA and Bliss areas. It involved installation of 8-inch diameter PVC pipe from the MCWD treatment plant in barangay Sumpong to Bliss village MCWD reservoir.

Aroa said that aside from keeping up with the national government’s program to increase water services, MCWD’s other concerns are on avoiding to obtain loans because it carries with it an increase in water tariff and added burden to the concessionaires.

“Thus, we are doing our best to implement water projects through the MCWD general fund in order to bring affordable and safe drinking water to where it is most needed,” he sad. (Glenrose T. Ledesma, MCWD/RubyLRB-PIA 10, Bukidnon)

PRO-10 declares elections in Northern Mindanao generally peaceful

By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 22 - In a command conference held in Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City yesterday, provincial and city police directors presented their respective post election assessment to PCSupt Catalino B Rodriguez Jr, Police Regional Office (PRO-10) Regional Director.

All declared that their areas of responsibility were generally peaceful and orderly.

There were only two (2) election-related violent incidents recorded, which represent a decrease of six (6) incidents compared to the national and local elections in 2010.

These were the shooting of a certain Fredie Cobar in Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental sometime last April 19, 2013 and the attack on Mayor Ruth Guingona and her convoy in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental last April 20, 2013.

As of May 16, 2013 report of the Philippine National Police (PNP) enforcement of Presidential Decree 1886 and COMELEC Gun Ban, PRO-10 remains fourth nationwide in terms of firearms confiscated.

Ranked No. 1 is PRO 3 with 486 confiscated firearms, followed by PRO 4A and NCRPO with 413 and 314 confiscated firearms, respectively. PRO-10 recorded a total of 295 confiscated firearms, resulting in the arrests of 176 persons and the filing of appropriate criminal cases against them.

Of the persons arrested, 22 were results of intensified checkpoint operations, 6 were based on search and seizure operations, 2 were covered with arrest warrants, 72 from active police responses, and 74 from other police operations.

PRO-10 attributes the peaceful elections to the active support and cooperation of the general public. (PSupt Ronnie Francis M Cariaga/PRO/PIA10)

Fire hits Iligan’s coco oil mill, injures 2

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 22 (PIA) -- At around 5:55 p.m., a fire broke out at the compound of Granexport Manufacturing Corporation, located along the national highway, Barangay Kiwalan, Iligan City on May 20, 2013.

SSupt. Lindy C.Lauzon, regional director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-10), said they have not determined yet the cause of fire and it is very immature to say until we fully do fuel reduction, but one thing for sure he confirmed that the fire started at the Granex’ warehouse/storage of millions of metric tons of copra, to be processed into a cooking oil.

Its firm name Granexport Corporation was derived from Grand Export. It puts up around 20 copra buying stations in the Philippines and copra bought from these stations are brought to Kiwalan, for milling. Granex produces crude oil and coco pellet. The products are also exported to USA, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.

At the height of the fire, two firefighters were injured when they stepped and accidentally slid down into a hot water. They were brought to the nearest hospital here in Iligan City, and were confined at the Sanitarium Hospital, Tibanga, this city.

The two firemen suffered second degree burn namely SInsp. Glen Chua of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ozamiz City, and FO1 Reymondo T. Magallanes.

Lauzon further said they perform fuel reduction by pulling out the copra, wet and place in a cooling area, the copra which contained an oil element that causes fire ignition. We have contained already the ignition through this process but with the structure on how this bulk of copra is confined, it could be how fast and effective we do the fuel reduction, explained Lauzon.

There are about 25 fire trucks with their fire team augmented to suppress the fire, all coming from the BFP stations in coastal municipalities of Lanao del Norte and in Misamis Oriental. As of this posting, no declaration that blaze is already fire out, dark smoke is emitted intensely in the area.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare Office (CSWD) relief team of Iligan is distributing dry ration to victims of fire who sought refuge to the evacuation centers as their temporary shelter while they were advised not to return home yet due to unpredictable burst of fire and emission of thick and dark smoke. Each family were given five kilos of rice including sardines, noodles and coffee, etc.

City Councilor Ruderic Marzo said the local government unit also provides some 2,000 masks to be used by the residents in the affected area and those groups that provide assistance to avoid suffocation due to black smoke.

La Farge, formerly Iligan Cement Corporation has provided a room for families who vacated their homes near Granex and provided them food in the evening when fire transpired.

While Barangay Chairman Antonio Alon and his barangay officials assisted those families during the evacuation, as well as the assistance provided by Barangay Chairman Milagros Luisma of Acmac, this city.

CSWD has reported around 2,525 individuals, composed of 1,150 families affected to this blaze which until now has not been declared out of danger already. (lvgabule/PIA 10-LDN)

4ID Troopers join Brigada Eskwela 2013

CAMP EVANGALISTA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , May 22 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division joins nationwide “Brigada Eskwela 2013” of the Department of Education within its area of responsibility.

Also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week, this activity is an annual school maintenance program by the Department of Education scheduled from May 20 to 25, 2013.

Brigada Eskwela aims to prepare schools for the opening of classes this June 10.

In this program, DepEd is calling upon all government and non-government agencies, as well parents and private entities to do cleaning and maintenance works on schools assigned to them. As requested by school heads, maintenance also involves minor repairs and repainting of school buildings.

The 4ID, being an associate for peace and development, send personnel to different public schools within Cagayan de Oro. Captain Invinzor O Meneses, the Executive Officer, 4th Civil-Military Operation “Kasaligan” Battalion lead the Diamond Troopers.

Meanwhile, 4ID field units also joined the same activity in their respective area of operation.

“This activity gave the Army the opportunity to showcase our mandate in the Internal Peace Security Plan Bayanihan. Being a partner of other agencies for development, we take part in this endeavour in building better education,"Brigadier General Ricardo R Visaya, General Officer-In-Charge, 4ID said.

Major Leo E Bongosia, 4ID Spokesperson said, “Joining DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela is a way providing more conducive places for learning and healthy environment for our children.” (4CMO/4ID/PIA10)

An elder’s gift for the next generation through Kalahi-CIDSS

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, May 20 (PIA) -- Ana Curita Pasa, 77, a resident of Brgy. Don Bernardino A. Neri, Calamba, Misamis Occidental is a Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (Kalahi-CIDSS) volunteer and member of the Monitoring and Inspection Team (MIT).

This is her story, her experience in volunteering for Kalahi-CIDSS.

  

“Tiguwang nako, dili nako makapakinabang niini nga proyekto. Apan akong mga anak ug akong mga apo maoy makabinipisyo, mao nga motrabaho ako alang sa ilang kaayuhan. Pasalop na akong haring adlaw, dili magdugay mawala nako ining kalibutana. Apan anaa akoy ikabilin kanila, butang nga hinaot makatabang ug dako kanila.”

(I am already old. I don’t think I will be able to benefit from this project. But my children will, and so will my grandchildren. Because of this, I will work hard for them to benefit from my hard work. My sun is setting, and I will leave this world in no time. But I will leave this world leaving behind something that I hope would be useful to them.)

Solar Dryer Sub-Project

According to Pasa, when Kalahi started, it was hard for a lot of them to give our support to the program. She said that they didn’t have enough idea on how the program works. But after they had their first Barangay Assembly, they realized that it was a good program. She loved the concept of the program because it aims to cater to the needs of the community because they were given the decision on what to have for their barangay.

After a few activities and several moments where they were able to discuss the problems of the community, the residents have decided that a Solar Dryer was what the community needed. Since a lot of them are managing lands, farmers, and are even land owners, the expenses for drying products have always been the major problem.

Pasa shared that they pay large sums so that they could dry their products in private dryers. They also dry the products on streets but as vehicles pass by, a lot of the products are gone to waste on the road.

Volunteerism

The program focuses on choosing volunteers and managing a project. With its unique system, volunteers learn to love the project because they themselves will benefit directly from it. To have their barangays in the priority list, volunteers must show that they are capable in handling the project in the area and that they must complete their sub-projects in the best condition possible.

Pasa mentioned that during the time when they had to choose volunteers for the project, no one dared to volunteer for any position or any committee. They were all hesitant because they do not possess the capabilities and knowledge of running a project.

Pasa on the other hand was very willing to be part of the implementation because according to the community facilitator, they would provide training to equip the volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

But what Pasa was hesitant about is her age saying that “77 nako ug dili na nako kaya ang hago nga trabaho. Apan nakita ko ang mga posisyon ug mga komitiya. Adunay uban nga dili kaayo hago, so nisugot nalang pud ko maapil as volunteer.”

(I am already 77 and I don’t think I am still capable of performing strenuous work. But when I saw what the positions were, and the committees available, I was confident that I could be effective on a few, so I volunteered.)

She also shared that she doesn’t think that she’ll be able to benefit from the project. But her children will, and so will her grandchildren. Because of this, Pasa said that she will work hard for them to benefit from her hard work.

“Anaa ako’y ikabilin kanila, butang nga hinaot makatabang ug dako kanila. Usa sa nindot niining proyekto man gud kay anaay plano kung kinsay mag-atiman kung mahuman na ang proyekto. Naa’y Operations and Maintenance nga mao’y magmando, so dako jud ang posibilidad nga muabot pa ang proyekto ngadto sa among mga apo,” Pasa said emotionally.

(I will leave this world leaving behind something that I hope would be useful to them. The project ensures sustainability by having a full proof Operations and Maintenance plan and there are people who would take care of the sub-project. This ensures that the sub-project would be able to serve even our grandchildren.)

Sub-Project Implementation Stage

Pasa was assigned as a member of the Monitoring and Inspection Team (MIT). They started their work right after the materials for the dryer were purchased. After the bidding and procurement processes, they checked the accuracy and condition of the materials delivered.

Pasa said that they really give their precious time for the job, especially when there are deliveries. “So even if we had chores at home, we had to leave them behind just to attend to our obligations for the project,” Pasa added.

Pasa said that she enjoyed being a volunteer of the program since she also learned a lot of things on construction such as knowing what angle bars are and getting the right gravel types for the dryer.

She also shared that since her son is a farmer, they can definitely make use of the facility that the whole community is working on.

When the construction of the dryer started, Pasa also served as a timekeeper. “We made it to a point that all volunteers would somewhat earn some money, so we took turns serving as timekeeper,” Pasa shared.

Learning from Kalahi-CIDSS

“Pinakaimportante nako nga nakuha sa Kalahi-CIDSS mao ang pagbalik sa akong salig sa atong gobyerno. Kining among barangay dugay na wala kadawat ug ayuda gikan sa atong gobyerno,” Pasa expressed.

(The most important thing I had with Kalahi-CIDSS was the restoration of my faith back to our government. It took quite a long time before we had projects for our barangays supported by the government.)

Through Kalahi, Pasa said that their dire needs were attended to. She also added that Kalahi made them realize that it was possible for citizens to work on government projects, and every penny was spent for the project. Corruption was avoided because of this.

According to Pasa, it is not only in school that people get to learn things which would serve a greater purpose in life. “Kung mawala naman gani kami, at least naa kami’y mabilin sa mga sumusunod nga henerasyon. Mao man na ang tuyo sa kinabuhi sa tao, ang paghatag sa imong kaugalingon ngadto sa uban, ngadto sa umaabot nga henerasyon,” Pasa said.

(When it is time for us to depart, at least we have something to leave behind for the next generation. That is the purpose of life, to give yourself and to serve others, especially the incoming generations)

At the end of the day, Pasa shared that she wanted to be remembered as someone who gave her life so that others may benefit. She then gave thanks to Kalahi-CIDSS since she was able to achieve these goals through a project implementation in their area.

Pasa ended her sharing saying, “Hinaot nga kini magpadayon pa ug makatabang sa uban pang komunidad, susama sa tabang nga among nakab-ot.” (I just hope that this program would continue and benefit other communities just as how it has helped us.) (Marko Davey D. Reyes/DSWD/RTP/PIA10)