Monday, January 31, 2011
Kopi Talk Chinese New Years Goodies In Singapore
News Update MGB issues warning vs drinking water near Iloilo coastal areas
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) here warned city residents that water taken from deep wells, especially those near coastal areas are no longer safe for drinking. This was the result of a study regarding ''Groundwater Resources Assessment in Iloilo City'' conducted by the MGB from August to September last year, according to MGB regional director, Leo Van Juguan. The random testing covered a total of 267 wells located mainly on the coastal areas of Arevalo, Molo, Lapaz and the city proper. The wells used for domestic consumption were tested for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, salinity and temperature. Based on the result, wells nearest to coastal areas are experiencing salt water intrusion.
The salt intrusion which can be attributed to ''over extraction of ground water'' was noted in Barangays Dulunan, Arevalo; Calumpang, West and East Habug-habug, Molo and Rizal Estansuela and Rizal Pala-pala and Ortiz in the city proper. The highest salinity reading is 17.2g/L (very saline) located at Brgy. Ortiz City Proper, while the lowest salinity reading is 0.2g/L noted in wells at Brgy. Sta. Filomena, Arevalo. During the TDS test, only 12 of 267 wells passed the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW), according to Juguan. These 12 wells are located at Brgys. Quezon, Mohon, Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, Brgys. North and South Fundidor, Compania Central, Molo, Brgy. Nabitasan, La Paz, and Brgy. Nonoy, City District.
The salt intrusion which can be attributed to ''over extraction of ground water'' was noted in Barangays Dulunan, Arevalo; Calumpang, West and East Habug-habug, Molo and Rizal Estansuela and Rizal Pala-pala and Ortiz in the city proper. The highest salinity reading is 17.2g/L (very saline) located at Brgy. Ortiz City Proper, while the lowest salinity reading is 0.2g/L noted in wells at Brgy. Sta. Filomena, Arevalo. During the TDS test, only 12 of 267 wells passed the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW), according to Juguan. These 12 wells are located at Brgys. Quezon, Mohon, Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, Brgys. North and South Fundidor, Compania Central, Molo, Brgy. Nabitasan, La Paz, and Brgy. Nonoy, City District.
News Update Davao fruit bats show unique behavior
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (PIA) - Foreign scientists figured out an unusual behavior of the over two million fruit bats that find shelter inside the Monfort Bat Cave, on the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte. Studying the behavior of bats in the said cave, Dr. Rick Sherwin of the Christopher Newport University observed a significant number of pregnant bats in the colony. ''Their behavior is so unusual in such a way that even if the females are still pregnant, they already start mating for the next pregnancy,'' the scientist said. Sherwin is among several foreign scientists who are currently conducting their research and studies at the Monfort Bat Cave.
The scientists believed that such unique behavior that surfaced just recently is important to the reproduction cycle of the said endangered mammal. This pushed them to buckle down and further immerse in the area to address the issue of extinction of fruit bats. ''First, we need to start finding new homes for these two million. We'll study on how to return the condition of nearby caves,'' he said. Sherwin cited the initiative of the United States and Canada in building an artificial habitat, a temporary man-made shelter, where these bats can settle for awhile. They hope to find indicators why these bats love to live at Monfort Cave while most bats left their previous homes. Studies showed that most bat caves have been emptied recently. The team is also looking for ways on how to harvest bats' wastes known as bat guano so it can be used as organic fertilizer. Norma Monfort, owner of the bat cave, was handpicked by the Bat Conservation International to spearhead the first big kick-off event of the global celebration of the Year of the Bats. Bat enthusiasts, scientists, and people from the academe from the various parts of the world joined the Philippines as this part of the country spent a week-long celebration filled with symposia, eco-tourism tours, and knowledge sharing. Bat Conservation International executive director Nina Fyascione commended Monfort's efforts of mainstreaming bat conservation by sharing her property and making it an eco-tourism estate where people all over the world can come and learn the life of the fruit bats. ''Years ago, we have been surrounded by myths and misconceptions about bats, that they are blind, they have rabies, and so many bad thoughts about them. Now, people get to appreciate the role of bats in our economy, in tourism,'' she said. Bats are considered fruit pollinators, they dispense seeds, and eat pests. While in tourism, bats do play a significant role as well. The Monfort Bat Cave has become a popular tourist destination in the Davao Region as it is only here that tourists witness the life of bats during daytime and their emergence during night. The emergence of these fruit bats starts at 6 p.m. where they hunt for food as far as 50 kilometers away from their base and come home before midnight. Monfort embraces the role as an ambassador of bat conservation. She clears out misconceptions about bats. ''People know little about bats because they are the animals of the night and the dark. But one thing that they symbolize is motherhood. They are the only mammal which both nurses its young while flying to hunt food,'' she said. Monfort urged more people to help her be the steward of the Monfort Eco-Tourism Estate.
The scientists believed that such unique behavior that surfaced just recently is important to the reproduction cycle of the said endangered mammal. This pushed them to buckle down and further immerse in the area to address the issue of extinction of fruit bats. ''First, we need to start finding new homes for these two million. We'll study on how to return the condition of nearby caves,'' he said. Sherwin cited the initiative of the United States and Canada in building an artificial habitat, a temporary man-made shelter, where these bats can settle for awhile. They hope to find indicators why these bats love to live at Monfort Cave while most bats left their previous homes. Studies showed that most bat caves have been emptied recently. The team is also looking for ways on how to harvest bats' wastes known as bat guano so it can be used as organic fertilizer. Norma Monfort, owner of the bat cave, was handpicked by the Bat Conservation International to spearhead the first big kick-off event of the global celebration of the Year of the Bats. Bat enthusiasts, scientists, and people from the academe from the various parts of the world joined the Philippines as this part of the country spent a week-long celebration filled with symposia, eco-tourism tours, and knowledge sharing. Bat Conservation International executive director Nina Fyascione commended Monfort's efforts of mainstreaming bat conservation by sharing her property and making it an eco-tourism estate where people all over the world can come and learn the life of the fruit bats. ''Years ago, we have been surrounded by myths and misconceptions about bats, that they are blind, they have rabies, and so many bad thoughts about them. Now, people get to appreciate the role of bats in our economy, in tourism,'' she said. Bats are considered fruit pollinators, they dispense seeds, and eat pests. While in tourism, bats do play a significant role as well. The Monfort Bat Cave has become a popular tourist destination in the Davao Region as it is only here that tourists witness the life of bats during daytime and their emergence during night. The emergence of these fruit bats starts at 6 p.m. where they hunt for food as far as 50 kilometers away from their base and come home before midnight. Monfort embraces the role as an ambassador of bat conservation. She clears out misconceptions about bats. ''People know little about bats because they are the animals of the night and the dark. But one thing that they symbolize is motherhood. They are the only mammal which both nurses its young while flying to hunt food,'' she said. Monfort urged more people to help her be the steward of the Monfort Eco-Tourism Estate.
News Update Translation firm to open first Asia hub in Central Visayas
CEBU CITY, Cebu - Cebu's attractiveness as an outsourcing destination has again captured an international company engaged in language translation to open its business facility here, its first hub in Asia. Lingo24, a translation company based in Aberdeen, Scotland with operations in various European countries and the United States over the past decade, is eyeing to locate in Cebu and is now aggressively looking for a potential site here as well as talking with industry stakeholders, according to company founder and managing director, Christian Arno. ''We have seen a lot of international companies coming to Cebu, which means that it is a very progressive place and we believe Cebu is one of the best cities to start our operations in Asia,'' Arno told reporters in an interview following a Congressional Forum recently concluded here, which he and other private businessmen attended. ''Our next major step is to move to Asia,'' Arnold said, adding that ''secondary cities like Cebu make it a fitting destination for business because the lifestyle here is a balance of work and leisure.''
According to Arno, his company's Cebu hub, targeted to open by February, will initially hire six employees to head the Asian operations. In the course of two years, it will add another 100 employees. Lingo24 translates corporate internal communications and documents into 25 languages. He said the company is on the look-out for multilingual people who are well-versed in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Korean languages. The company's top services include technical translation, financial translation, legal translation, marketing translation, document translation, translation for market research, interpreting services and website localization.
According to Arno, his company's Cebu hub, targeted to open by February, will initially hire six employees to head the Asian operations. In the course of two years, it will add another 100 employees. Lingo24 translates corporate internal communications and documents into 25 languages. He said the company is on the look-out for multilingual people who are well-versed in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Korean languages. The company's top services include technical translation, financial translation, legal translation, marketing translation, document translation, translation for market research, interpreting services and website localization.
News Update Crocs with radio signals released into Isabela wilds
SAN MARIANO, Isabela – Nineteen juvenile crocodiles embedded with radio transmitters were released in a lake in a far-flung Isabela village Thursday, in a bid to save the world’s most critically endangered species of this type of reptile. The 19 Philippine crocodiles (scientific name Crocodylus mindorensis) were released in a lake in Sitio Dunoy in Dibuluan village of this upland municipality, in an activity spearheaded by non-government Mabuwaya Foundation. Merlijn Van Weerd, the foundation’s project director, said the release of the young crocodiles, measuring on average 1.5 feet, is both historic and significant in the overall effort to spare the species from extinction. According to Van Weerd, the Philippine crocodile is the most severely threatened crocodile species in the world, and his group seeks to change its status for the better. “The crocodile is endemic to the Philippines; it occurs nowhere else. The total population surviving in the wild is estimated at only 100 mature individuals. The last wild Philippine crocodiles are restricted to northern Luzon and southwest Mindanao," Van Weerd said. “Philippine crocodiles are relatively small and pose no danger to humans unless provoked," he added. Van Weerd said the crocodiles, tagged for identification and with embedded radio transmitters so that they can be tracked more easily, are expected to survive in their natural habitat. Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Robert Brinks, who was present in the activity, said the release of the crocodile is important as it “sets an example to other parts of the world of (the) advocacy and support (for) crocodile conservation and protection." Brinks also lauded the village’s efforts in protecting crocodiles, after the San Mariano municipal council implemented laws banning the catching and killing of the said reptile. Apart from Dibuluan, five other villages in the town – Tappa, San Jose, Disulap, Cadsalan, and Guilingan – were also cited for similar efforts towards crocodile protection. “These released crocodiles, I hope, will not turn into a shoe or a belt or a leather bag," Brinks added. Other guests in the activity were some 24 students from the Netherlands and from the Isabela State University.
According to Weerd, Mabuwaya Foundation has been implementing the community-based crocodile preservation program funded by the UK-based Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation. The movements and adaptation of the 19 crocodiles will be monitored by the foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to gather more scientific data to guide future crocodile reintroductions elsewhere. In July 2009, about 50 crocodiles were likewise released in Lake Dicatian in Divilacan town, also in Isabela. Past typhoons and floods, however, damaged the crocodile sanctuary in the area and the crocodiles were believed to have migrated to rivers there.—Joel Nueva/JMA/JV
According to Weerd, Mabuwaya Foundation has been implementing the community-based crocodile preservation program funded by the UK-based Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation. The movements and adaptation of the 19 crocodiles will be monitored by the foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to gather more scientific data to guide future crocodile reintroductions elsewhere. In July 2009, about 50 crocodiles were likewise released in Lake Dicatian in Divilacan town, also in Isabela. Past typhoons and floods, however, damaged the crocodile sanctuary in the area and the crocodiles were believed to have migrated to rivers there.—Joel Nueva/JMA/JV
Kopi Talk Kannawidan festival kicks off
VIGAN CITY, Philippines - The week-long Kannawidan Ylocos Festival which celebrates the 193rd anniversary of the founding of Ilocos Sur kicks off today with a string of activities expected to draw thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano said the festival, which is now on its fourth year, will run until February 6 and succeeds the overwhelming success of this city's Longganisa Festival from January 16 to 31.
'This Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products,'' Savellano said. Provincial officials headed by Governor Luis ''Chavit'' Singson will lead the different significant highlights of this year's Kannawidan. ''This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as we are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818,'' Savellano said.
'This Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products,'' Savellano said. Provincial officials headed by Governor Luis ''Chavit'' Singson will lead the different significant highlights of this year's Kannawidan. ''This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as we are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818,'' Savellano said.
News Update Grants keep employment and literacy rates highest in Cavite
Philippines - Scholarship grants and job opportunities tied to government's technical vocation program have helped keep the literacy and employment percentage in Cavite on the highest level, provincial officials said. As reflected in the latest records and statistics, Cavite's literacy rate stands at 96.52% while employment is at 84.40%, which are the highest figures for any province in the country. Cavite is the country's most densely-populated area with over 3.3 million people now living in the province's four cities and 19 towns. It also has the biggest number of overseas Filipino working residents and industrial and commercial establishments in the country, records showed. What helps buoy the literacy rate, officials said, are scholarship grants being given every now and then to underprivileged youth.
The literacy and employment feats are attributed to the concerted efforts of municipal and city officials and the province's seven district representatives to uplift the lives of their constituents in their respective localities. In the province's 5th district, covering Carmona, Silang and General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) towns, lone Representative Roy M. Loyola has sponsored 188 scholars who were endorsed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to undergo training for restaurant and coffee shop food and beverages services, ''hilot'' (wellness massage) and call centers in the area from January to February of this year.
The literacy and employment feats are attributed to the concerted efforts of municipal and city officials and the province's seven district representatives to uplift the lives of their constituents in their respective localities. In the province's 5th district, covering Carmona, Silang and General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) towns, lone Representative Roy M. Loyola has sponsored 188 scholars who were endorsed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to undergo training for restaurant and coffee shop food and beverages services, ''hilot'' (wellness massage) and call centers in the area from January to February of this year.
News Update South Korean firm eyes another power plant in Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines - Another power firm from Korea has expressed interest in putting up a power plant in Cebu to help address the impending power supply shortage in the entire province. Officials of the Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO), a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation, made a personal call on Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to signify their interest in putting up another power plant in the province. ''We are proposing this project for business decision and to help the Philippines since the country needs it,'' said senior manager Byeong Jin Choi of the Overseas Business Team, Business Development Department of KOSPO. During the meeting, Garcia told the visiting Korean businessmen that there are already two power plants ready for completion within this year. Once done, said power plants are expected to give the province an additional capacity of 446 megawatts. The additional power supply would be provided by the Kepco-Salcon Power Corporation and Cebu Energy Development Corporation. Garcia said such additional power was initially projected to be enough for the next 10 years. However, she said that at the rate Cebu is developing, with power requirement alone rising at an average of 12 to 14 percent annually, this additional capacity of 446MW might only be good for the next three to four years. ''We must sustain this growth and we must continue to encourage investors in the power industry,'' Garcia said in a news conference. KOSPO is looking into the report of the Governor and the firm will be looking for a possible site where it can put up the power plant it is proposing to build.
KOSPO's business portfolio lists among its products bituminous coal, liquid natural gas (LNG), pumped water, wind power and solar photovoltaic power plants. Garcia says environment advocates would be glad to know about the possibility that the South Korean company would consider the putting up of a wind power plant. ''This is something very positive,'' the Cebu governor said. ''It shows that investors are looking at Cebu and recognizing the fact that the climate for investment is very ideal here especially when I assure them of my whole-hearted support as I had already demonstrated
KOSPO's business portfolio lists among its products bituminous coal, liquid natural gas (LNG), pumped water, wind power and solar photovoltaic power plants. Garcia says environment advocates would be glad to know about the possibility that the South Korean company would consider the putting up of a wind power plant. ''This is something very positive,'' the Cebu governor said. ''It shows that investors are looking at Cebu and recognizing the fact that the climate for investment is very ideal here especially when I assure them of my whole-hearted support as I had already demonstrated
News Update Negros set on being a major organic food bowl in Asia
BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines (PIA) - Landowers in Negros Occidental have began diversifying the provincial economy some years back, turning some large tracts of sugar lands into such profitable ventures as fish ponds, farms nurturing high value crops as well as organic farming. According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the late Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon and former Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz both signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in 2005 to transform Negros Island into an ''Organic Food Bowl in Asia.'' Negros Occidental is approximately 372 kilometers long from north to south. It has a total land area of 792,607 hectares and about 80% of the arable land is devoted to agricultural products such as sugar cane, rice, coconut, corn, banana and other crops. Since the signing of said MOA, an annual Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival was conducted with such themes every year as ''Organik na Negros,'' ''Save the Earth: Negros Go Organic,'' and ''Organic Agriculture: A key towards development.'' Signing of the covenant by different stakeholders in support of organic agriculture was held while the organic weekend market law was launched in 2006.
Almost 50 partners composed of various local government units, government organizations and associations, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the province are supportive of organic agriculture. The passage of a provincial ordinance banning the entry of living GMO in the province was a great help in promoting the province's promotion of turning organic. Organic vegetables demo farms were established and pushed by the late Gov. Marañon and implemented by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) whose quarters are located at the back of the Provincial Administration Building.
Almost 50 partners composed of various local government units, government organizations and associations, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the province are supportive of organic agriculture. The passage of a provincial ordinance banning the entry of living GMO in the province was a great help in promoting the province's promotion of turning organic. Organic vegetables demo farms were established and pushed by the late Gov. Marañon and implemented by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) whose quarters are located at the back of the Provincial Administration Building.
News Update German-funded Panay Mountain conservation project endorsed
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) - Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. and the Iloilo Provincial Development Council are endorsing to the Western Visayas Regional Development Council the implementation of the Forest and Climate Protection Panay (Forclim) project of the German Ministry for the Environment (BMU). The project, which costs costing 2.2 million Euros will cover the Central Panay Mountain Range extending through the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. Of the total cost, Germany will contribute 1.95 million Euros or P110 million as grant. The counterpart of the local government units (LGUs) concerned, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will come to 205,000 Euros or P12 million. Before the council's endorsement, German International Cooperation Principal Adviser Jurgenn Schade presented recently to Gov. Defensor and the members of the Provincial Development Council executive committee the details regarding the project. Towns in Iloilo towns involved in the project are Calinog, Lambunao, Janiuay, Alimodian, and Leon. The project will cover the establishment of forest land use plans (FLUP) for sustainable decentralized management and protection of forest resources by local communities; establishment of protection areas for endangered flora and fauna, development of protection plans and measures; and, reforestation, forest rehabilitation and agro-forestry measures in selected buffer zones.
Furthermore, the project entails the creation of alternative income opportunities in the buffer zone and promotion of alternative energies from biomass and fuel wood plantations to replace fossil fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. ''I hope that we can put flesh into this project,'' Defensor said, adding ''we should act fast in order to save our environment for the sake of our children.'' The Forclim project will be presented during the Regional Development Council meeting this February for approval.
Furthermore, the project entails the creation of alternative income opportunities in the buffer zone and promotion of alternative energies from biomass and fuel wood plantations to replace fossil fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. ''I hope that we can put flesh into this project,'' Defensor said, adding ''we should act fast in order to save our environment for the sake of our children.'' The Forclim project will be presented during the Regional Development Council meeting this February for approval.
News Update 2 people killed in robbery holdup
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Five unidentified armed men shot to death two people when they resisted a robbery holdup in the southern Philippines on Saturday, police said Sunday. The incident occurred in front of the Majad Madrasa Islamic School, Fort Pikit village, Pikit town in Cotabato province at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said. The suspects held up a gray van with plate number TTD-864, with a driver and seven passengers on board, said Cruz, adding the suspects divested the victims of their personal belongings and shot to death the driver. One passenger, identified as Romeo Bejumia, who resisted, was also shot to death, Cruz said. Police have launched a hot pursuit operation against the suspects.
News Update Brother saved Eton condo accident survivor
MAKATI CITY, Philippines - A day before he is set to fly to the United States to attend a World Bank meeting, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay paid a visit to the lone survivor of the Eton construction tragedy, 23-year-old construction worker Ruel Perez. It was the first time that the lone survivor of the accident was able to give an account on what transpired that day. With Binay listening, Perez recalled that he and his fellow employees under Arlo Aluminum rode the gondola on the 28th floor. He cannot recall how many they were inside the gondola at the time, but Perez said he was with his brother Rommel, one of the 10 fatalities in the crash. Perez said the gondola gave out on the 28th floor and plummeted. Before he was about to land on a pile of protruding metal rods, his brother rommel was able to push him so that he landed on the concrete floor. Rommel died. Contrary to earlier statements saying there was an operator manning the gondola, perez said there was none, explaining that any worker could operate the gondola as they pleased. He is still at the intensive care unit of the Ospital ng Makati. He sustained multiple fractures on his right arm, right leg, and pelvis, and is still in pain since doctors have yet to operate on him and are waiting for his wounds to heal.
Perez needs blood transfusion after a heavy blood loss resulting from the accident, and will need more during his operation. A metal prosthetic costing around P300,000 will also need to be attached to his body, his doctors said.
Perez needs blood transfusion after a heavy blood loss resulting from the accident, and will need more during his operation. A metal prosthetic costing around P300,000 will also need to be attached to his body, his doctors said.
News Update AFP 'pabaon' system had presidents' nod: Biazon
MANILA, Philippines - Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief and now Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said Sunday that the corruption in the military could not have happened without the go-signal of presidents in power.
He told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) that it is important to determine when the so-called "pabaon" system started and who among the chiefs of staff benefitted from it.
“There were 4 AFP chiefs of staff under Cory, 3 I think in Ramos’ time, then Erap had 2, then Arroyo had 11, so there are 21 people,” he said.
He told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) that it is important to determine when the so-called "pabaon" system started and who among the chiefs of staff benefitted from it.
“There were 4 AFP chiefs of staff under Cory, 3 I think in Ramos’ time, then Erap had 2, then Arroyo had 11, so there are 21 people,” he said.
News Update Evacuation plans for Filipinos in Egypt readied
MANILA, Philippines – Officials say the Philippines has set aside an emergency evacuation fund, identified possible escape routes for thousands of Filipinos in Egypt and advised its citizens to defer nonessential travel because of ongoing protests against President Hosni Mubarak's government.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that a number of senior envoys will fly to Egypt to help ensure the safety of more than 6,500 Filipinos there, mostly maids and students.
Foreign affairs spokesman Ed Malaya said officials held an emergency meeting in Manila and discussed plans for evacuating Filipinos by buses or ships in case the unrest worsens.
He said Filipinos have been advised not to get involved in political actions, to stay indoors and steer clear of massive protests.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that a number of senior envoys will fly to Egypt to help ensure the safety of more than 6,500 Filipinos there, mostly maids and students.
Foreign affairs spokesman Ed Malaya said officials held an emergency meeting in Manila and discussed plans for evacuating Filipinos by buses or ships in case the unrest worsens.
He said Filipinos have been advised not to get involved in political actions, to stay indoors and steer clear of massive protests.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kopi Talk Citizens must be alert
MANILA, Philippines - Recent bombings incidents are not confined to our country alone, and are generally linked to Jihadist radicals who do not follow the sacred Koran of Islam. The most infamous of the atrocities against mankind was the attack against the World Trade Center in New York, United States. Years ago, during the Reagan presidency, a lone suicide bomber in Beirut, Lebanon, rammed a truck full of explosives into a building that was the barracks of US Marines. About 254 died, including 58 French Foreign Legionnaires. This bombing was attributed to the Hezbollah. Sometime thereafter, a group tried to exact revenge on Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, Hezbollah's spiritual leader, by exploding a bomb where he was supposed to be. Unfortunately he wasn't around, so he survived until his recent death from natural causes. However 90 human beings died in that bombing incident.
In Russia some years ago suicide bombers killed about 90 people and wounded several others at a Moscow, airport terminal. This incident was similar to what happened recently at the Demodedovo, Moscow, airport. Years ago two women suicide bombers were able to ride as passengers of two commercial flights in Moscow. The crash of the airplanes caused the death of all the people aboard.
In our country a few days ago, five people died and 13 were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) consisting of an 81mm mortar shell exploded after it was triggered by cellphone. On St. Valentine's Day, 2005, four people were killed and 60 wounded when an IED exploded in a bus at EDSA. On that day, there were also bombings at a mall in General Santos City and a bus terminal in Davao, killing and wounding several people. I remember that some years ago, there was a bombing at a waiting shed in front of the Davao City airport which killed and wounded several people.
In December, 2001, there were simultaneous bombings of an LRT train at Plaza Ferguson and at the corner of EDSA and Pasay Road, where the only unfortunate casualty was a peace officer who was trying to defuse the bomb. A third explosion was in a bus in Cubao and the fourth was in the cargo bay of the NAIA, Pasay City. About 15 people died and almost a hundred were wounded.
However the worst incident was the bombing of the W.G.A. Super Ferry in Manila Bay on the 27th of February which killed more than 100, not only because of the explosion but also because of drowning.
Fortunately, the St. Valentine's Day bombers have been accounted for. The Jemaah Islamiyah founder Fathur Rohman Al Ghozi, an Indonesian, was killed together with two suspected Abu Sayyaf members after their escape from Camp Crame. As for the rest of the group, the Supreme Court affirmed the sentence meted out by the Court of Appeals of reclusion perpetua without parole for murder and attempted murder against Gamal Baharran alias ''Tapay,'' Angelo Trinidad alias ''Abu Khalil,'' and Rohmat Abdurrrohim alias ''Jackie.''
What can we the citizens do in order to help ourselves, which will in turn help the law enforcement agencies to fight terrorists? First, at the airports or seaports or bus terminals when we travel, we should encourage and welcome the people whose job is to see to it that we are safe from terrorists. Regardless of our status in life as well as our position in government, all of us must have a positive not a haughty attitude towards those who keep us safe. Second, while aboard a bus, ship, or aircraft, we must be alert to report any act that is unusual and when necessary we must be ready to disarm or capture any terrorist. Third, we should be safety conscious and for this purpose the government must train and emphasize methods, systems, and training that will minimize terrorist incidents. rene.espina@hotmail.com
In Russia some years ago suicide bombers killed about 90 people and wounded several others at a Moscow, airport terminal. This incident was similar to what happened recently at the Demodedovo, Moscow, airport. Years ago two women suicide bombers were able to ride as passengers of two commercial flights in Moscow. The crash of the airplanes caused the death of all the people aboard.
In our country a few days ago, five people died and 13 were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) consisting of an 81mm mortar shell exploded after it was triggered by cellphone. On St. Valentine's Day, 2005, four people were killed and 60 wounded when an IED exploded in a bus at EDSA. On that day, there were also bombings at a mall in General Santos City and a bus terminal in Davao, killing and wounding several people. I remember that some years ago, there was a bombing at a waiting shed in front of the Davao City airport which killed and wounded several people.
In December, 2001, there were simultaneous bombings of an LRT train at Plaza Ferguson and at the corner of EDSA and Pasay Road, where the only unfortunate casualty was a peace officer who was trying to defuse the bomb. A third explosion was in a bus in Cubao and the fourth was in the cargo bay of the NAIA, Pasay City. About 15 people died and almost a hundred were wounded.
However the worst incident was the bombing of the W.G.A. Super Ferry in Manila Bay on the 27th of February which killed more than 100, not only because of the explosion but also because of drowning.
Fortunately, the St. Valentine's Day bombers have been accounted for. The Jemaah Islamiyah founder Fathur Rohman Al Ghozi, an Indonesian, was killed together with two suspected Abu Sayyaf members after their escape from Camp Crame. As for the rest of the group, the Supreme Court affirmed the sentence meted out by the Court of Appeals of reclusion perpetua without parole for murder and attempted murder against Gamal Baharran alias ''Tapay,'' Angelo Trinidad alias ''Abu Khalil,'' and Rohmat Abdurrrohim alias ''Jackie.''
What can we the citizens do in order to help ourselves, which will in turn help the law enforcement agencies to fight terrorists? First, at the airports or seaports or bus terminals when we travel, we should encourage and welcome the people whose job is to see to it that we are safe from terrorists. Regardless of our status in life as well as our position in government, all of us must have a positive not a haughty attitude towards those who keep us safe. Second, while aboard a bus, ship, or aircraft, we must be alert to report any act that is unusual and when necessary we must be ready to disarm or capture any terrorist. Third, we should be safety conscious and for this purpose the government must train and emphasize methods, systems, and training that will minimize terrorist incidents. rene.espina@hotmail.com
News Update Provinces near Metro Manila on alert
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Top police officials in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol regions in the Philippines have doubled security measures in the wake of the Makati City bus bombing although no province in any of the regions has been tagged as a terror target.
Top officials in the Calabarzon police office said that police visibility was doubled in bus terminals and sea ports. Police marshals were sent to escort buses in Southern Luzon.
Calabarzon police said they are also coordinating with bus companies and encouraging passengers to immediately report suspicious persons and luggage by calling 2920 (police hotline) and 117 (hotline to the Department of Interior and Local Government).
Special places
Special attention was given to Tagaytay City in Cavite and to the cities of San Pablo and Sta. Rosa in Laguna, which are frequented by local and foreign tourists.
Chief Supt. Artemio Hicban, Mimaropa regional police director, said while police have no report yet of any impending terror attack in the region, "police have remained in place."
"We have increased police visibility and checkpoints to ensure the safety of the people," said Hicban.
In Naga City, Senior Supt. Jonathan Ablang, Camarines Sur provincial police director, said police have set up checkpoints in the province.
Intelligence men
Ablang said police intelligence operatives were also deployed to public places, especially to bus terminals where people converge.
"But there is still no instruction from the higher-ups regarding the red alert status. It's still normal but the conduct of intelligence gathering has been intensified," he said.
Military and police authorities in Bicol are on heightened alert for possible terror attacks after the Makati City bombing that killed five people and injured dozens of others.
Army Maj. Harold Cabunoc, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a text message that all Army brigades and battalions across the Bicol region had been placed on high alert.
All policemen and soldiers in the region are on standby to respond to any threats, said Cabunoc.
Checkpoints
The PNP in Bicol is also on full alert, according to Chief Insp. Pelagio Samson, Bicol police spokesperson.
Samson said police units were directed to place additional policemen to closely check various airports, bus terminals, seaports and malls where people converge regularly.
Checkpoints were also put up in major highways and streets to monitor and assist vehicles, trucks and buses.
The Makati City bus bombing has forced government to raise a P1-million reward for information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects who were believed to have planted the bomb in the bus on Edsa. Maricar Cinco, Madonna T. Virola, Juan Escandor Jr. and Mar Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon
Top officials in the Calabarzon police office said that police visibility was doubled in bus terminals and sea ports. Police marshals were sent to escort buses in Southern Luzon.
Calabarzon police said they are also coordinating with bus companies and encouraging passengers to immediately report suspicious persons and luggage by calling 2920 (police hotline) and 117 (hotline to the Department of Interior and Local Government).
Special places
Special attention was given to Tagaytay City in Cavite and to the cities of San Pablo and Sta. Rosa in Laguna, which are frequented by local and foreign tourists.
Chief Supt. Artemio Hicban, Mimaropa regional police director, said while police have no report yet of any impending terror attack in the region, "police have remained in place."
"We have increased police visibility and checkpoints to ensure the safety of the people," said Hicban.
In Naga City, Senior Supt. Jonathan Ablang, Camarines Sur provincial police director, said police have set up checkpoints in the province.
Intelligence men
Ablang said police intelligence operatives were also deployed to public places, especially to bus terminals where people converge.
"But there is still no instruction from the higher-ups regarding the red alert status. It's still normal but the conduct of intelligence gathering has been intensified," he said.
Military and police authorities in Bicol are on heightened alert for possible terror attacks after the Makati City bombing that killed five people and injured dozens of others.
Army Maj. Harold Cabunoc, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a text message that all Army brigades and battalions across the Bicol region had been placed on high alert.
All policemen and soldiers in the region are on standby to respond to any threats, said Cabunoc.
Checkpoints
The PNP in Bicol is also on full alert, according to Chief Insp. Pelagio Samson, Bicol police spokesperson.
Samson said police units were directed to place additional policemen to closely check various airports, bus terminals, seaports and malls where people converge regularly.
Checkpoints were also put up in major highways and streets to monitor and assist vehicles, trucks and buses.
The Makati City bus bombing has forced government to raise a P1-million reward for information that would lead to the arrest of two suspects who were believed to have planted the bomb in the bus on Edsa. Maricar Cinco, Madonna T. Virola, Juan Escandor Jr. and Mar Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon
News Update 175 erring cops axed under PNoy gov't
MANILA, Philippines – A total of 175 erring police officers have been fired under the Aquino administration for various cases, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo.
He added that most of the axed police officers were involved in illegal drugs.
Robredo warned rogue police officers that the DILG will not coddle them.
He, however, assured that those who are sued because of fulfilling their duties will receive full support from the government.
He said President Benigno Aquino III has earmarked P5 million for legal assistance to police officers.
Robredo, meanwhile, said DILG had urged local government units (LGUs) nationwide to come up with ordinances that will increase the number of tanods in the country’s 42,000 barangays.
He said there is a need to have additional tanod in every barangay to curb criminality.
“City and municipal councils should come up with ordinances that would be a concrete basis for it,” he said.
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the number of tanod in every barangay should not exceed 20.
Robredo, however, said that Section 391 (16) of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides for the “organization of community brigades, barangay tanod, or community service units as may be necessary.”
He said that under the proposal, the number of barangay tanods should be based on villages’ population and their capacity to provide for the insurance and benefits of watchmen. – with a report from radio dzMM
He added that most of the axed police officers were involved in illegal drugs.
Robredo warned rogue police officers that the DILG will not coddle them.
He, however, assured that those who are sued because of fulfilling their duties will receive full support from the government.
He said President Benigno Aquino III has earmarked P5 million for legal assistance to police officers.
Robredo, meanwhile, said DILG had urged local government units (LGUs) nationwide to come up with ordinances that will increase the number of tanods in the country’s 42,000 barangays.
He said there is a need to have additional tanod in every barangay to curb criminality.
“City and municipal councils should come up with ordinances that would be a concrete basis for it,” he said.
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the number of tanod in every barangay should not exceed 20.
Robredo, however, said that Section 391 (16) of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides for the “organization of community brigades, barangay tanod, or community service units as may be necessary.”
He said that under the proposal, the number of barangay tanods should be based on villages’ population and their capacity to provide for the insurance and benefits of watchmen. – with a report from radio dzMM
News Update 230 houses razed in Davao fire, 2 dead
DAVAO CITY -- Two persons were killed in a fire that burned down more than 200 houses in two coastal communities here early Saturday morning.
Fire investigator Alfie Zagala identified the fatalities as Ofelina Morales and Jocel Bautista.
The fire reportedly started at the house of Bautista around 3:20 a.m.
Bautista's body was charred beyond recognition with a knife still stuck in his chest. Authorities are looking into the possibility of arson.
Morales, on the other hand, was already out of the scene of the fire when she suffered a heart attack. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Zagala said a total of 238 houses were gutted down by the fire in barangays 31-D and 76-D near the coastal area of Piapi, Boulevard.
More than 1,000 families were rendered homeless in the early morning fire, he said.
Arson investigators have placed the total amount of damages caused by the fire at P1.5 million. (Ivy C. Tejano of Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
Fire investigator Alfie Zagala identified the fatalities as Ofelina Morales and Jocel Bautista.
The fire reportedly started at the house of Bautista around 3:20 a.m.
Bautista's body was charred beyond recognition with a knife still stuck in his chest. Authorities are looking into the possibility of arson.
Morales, on the other hand, was already out of the scene of the fire when she suffered a heart attack. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Zagala said a total of 238 houses were gutted down by the fire in barangays 31-D and 76-D near the coastal area of Piapi, Boulevard.
More than 1,000 families were rendered homeless in the early morning fire, he said.
Arson investigators have placed the total amount of damages caused by the fire at P1.5 million. (Ivy C. Tejano of Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
News Update More rain this week, weather bureau says
CEBU CITY -- Strong winds brewing over the Pacific Ocean are likely to develop into a tropical depression that will head for Cebu and the rest of the Visayas this week.
Even if the winds do not develop into a storm, a wind convergence will probably dump heavy rains in Cebu in the next few days, said Oscar Tabada, chief of the Mactan station of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa).
The Pag-asa official briefed Cebu's mayors Saturday in a meeting convened by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to assess preparations for floods and other effects of the rainy weather.
"Based on experience, when we talk about casualties or damage to properties, it is not the wind but the flood waters that cause these," said Tabada.
Pag-asa already has a name for the country's first tropical depression this year: Amang. Weather forecasters will prepare a more detailed advisory on Monday.
"We are immediately releasing this information to warn the people that continuous heavy rains will resume next week, beginning Monday, Jan. 31. The people must prepare more umbrellas and raincoats. Those residing in flood-prone areas must be more careful this time," Tabada said in a separate interview.
Pag-asa Mactan has recorded 353 millimeters of rainfall in Cebu from Jan. 1 to 26, or triple the amount of rainfall in the same month last year.
Councilors decided last Friday to declare calamities in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue so officials can hasten the release of emergency funds to buy equipment or to provide relief to those displaced by recent floods.
At least 13 barangays in the two cities reported floods last Tuesday, when an extreme amount of rainfall-35.7 millimeters in less than two hours-drenched Cebu.
In light of the bad weather, Governor Garcia said she wants an integrated system of reporting within the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council.
The governor said that the Provincial Action Center, which is tasked to respond to disasters and emergencies, can communicate quickly with all police stations and municipalities, all the way up to the Camotes Islands.
She renewed her call to all mayors to forge a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority so that they can immediately secure rice in case the Province can't deliver to the islands.
She also asked officials to encourage farmers to avail themselves of crop insurance coverage. Provincial Agriculturist Necias Vicoy said the weather will heavily affect farm production and that he has advised farmers to practice multi-cropping.
Engr. Rico Tuñacao, a representative of the Visayan Electric Company, said the power distributor has set up contingency plans for disasters.
He reminded residents to stay away from electricity posts, in case these are toppled by violent winds. He said they have also deployed a group of people to monitor any damage caused by the weather.
Cebu's weather forecast for Sunday is partly cloudy, but it will be more cloudy, with rain showers and thunderstorms from Monday until Thursday, Tabada said.
Weather forecaster Ella Comahig said satellite images show large cloud formations over the Philippine area of responsibility.
"There is no circulation [of air] at present. But once the strong winds in the Pacific Ocean develop into a tropical depression or wind convergence, that will push the clouds to the Visayas and Mindanao, which we expect next week, and non-stop heavy rains may occur," Comahig said. (RSA/EOB/Sun.Star Davao)
Even if the winds do not develop into a storm, a wind convergence will probably dump heavy rains in Cebu in the next few days, said Oscar Tabada, chief of the Mactan station of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa).
The Pag-asa official briefed Cebu's mayors Saturday in a meeting convened by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to assess preparations for floods and other effects of the rainy weather.
"Based on experience, when we talk about casualties or damage to properties, it is not the wind but the flood waters that cause these," said Tabada.
Pag-asa already has a name for the country's first tropical depression this year: Amang. Weather forecasters will prepare a more detailed advisory on Monday.
"We are immediately releasing this information to warn the people that continuous heavy rains will resume next week, beginning Monday, Jan. 31. The people must prepare more umbrellas and raincoats. Those residing in flood-prone areas must be more careful this time," Tabada said in a separate interview.
Pag-asa Mactan has recorded 353 millimeters of rainfall in Cebu from Jan. 1 to 26, or triple the amount of rainfall in the same month last year.
Councilors decided last Friday to declare calamities in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue so officials can hasten the release of emergency funds to buy equipment or to provide relief to those displaced by recent floods.
At least 13 barangays in the two cities reported floods last Tuesday, when an extreme amount of rainfall-35.7 millimeters in less than two hours-drenched Cebu.
In light of the bad weather, Governor Garcia said she wants an integrated system of reporting within the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council.
The governor said that the Provincial Action Center, which is tasked to respond to disasters and emergencies, can communicate quickly with all police stations and municipalities, all the way up to the Camotes Islands.
She renewed her call to all mayors to forge a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority so that they can immediately secure rice in case the Province can't deliver to the islands.
She also asked officials to encourage farmers to avail themselves of crop insurance coverage. Provincial Agriculturist Necias Vicoy said the weather will heavily affect farm production and that he has advised farmers to practice multi-cropping.
Engr. Rico Tuñacao, a representative of the Visayan Electric Company, said the power distributor has set up contingency plans for disasters.
He reminded residents to stay away from electricity posts, in case these are toppled by violent winds. He said they have also deployed a group of people to monitor any damage caused by the weather.
Cebu's weather forecast for Sunday is partly cloudy, but it will be more cloudy, with rain showers and thunderstorms from Monday until Thursday, Tabada said.
Weather forecaster Ella Comahig said satellite images show large cloud formations over the Philippine area of responsibility.
"There is no circulation [of air] at present. But once the strong winds in the Pacific Ocean develop into a tropical depression or wind convergence, that will push the clouds to the Visayas and Mindanao, which we expect next week, and non-stop heavy rains may occur," Comahig said. (RSA/EOB/Sun.Star Davao)
News Update 12 dead in Philippine fire
Residents sift through debris a few hours after a fire swept through a poor neighbourhood of Navotas, Manila. -- PHOTO: AP
MANILA - TWELVE people were killed in a huge fire that razed some 100 houses in a poor residential area in the Philippine capital on Sunday, authorities said.
Investigators said the fire at suburban Navotas city, north of Manila, began before midnight Saturday and lasted for about five hours, local social welfare official Pat Agcaoili told local radio.
City fire marshal Felis Medes said 11 people who were trapped in the burning structures were killed, while another person died in a hospital while being treated.
'Five of those killed were children,' he told reporters.
Arson investigators said they had yet to determine the cause of the blaze.
Radio reports quoted witnesses as saying that a mentally disturbed resident was seen playing with petrol in one of the burnt houses earlier in the day. -- AFP
Just Ask Is philippine transport busy during chinese new year ?
Hi Jia Chia to travel during the Chinese New Year not so bad because Chinese New Year is not so widely celebrate like in Singapore. However, the popularity is catching on, travel during the Easter and Christmas holiday seasons, it is advisable to make reservations in advance as these are the times when people are on the move.
If you want to travel by bus in Philippine, you need to learn to duck tree branches and sing goats to sleep.Taking a cross-section of transportation options is a surefire method of getting to know a new place, perhaps more intimately than you initially intended.From breakdowns to stare-downs, cramped spaces and nausea-inducing smells, all complemented by a wide array of farm animals especially in the province.Transportation around the Philippines normally starts and ends in the country's capital, Manila. Even within the country, flying is popular because it is fast, convenient and inexpensive. Furthermore, the country's domestic airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Grand Air International, Cebu Air, Aerolift and Air Philippines cover the whole country with their routes. Boat is yet another mode of transportation to travel around the archipelago. Wherever you go, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the next island. Most of the time, outrigger boats or 'pumpboats' are used for short trips. However, tourists are warned that inter-island boat traveling is only suitable for those who are prepared to rough it out.
For travelers who feel that this is not for them, they can have the option of taking the fast ferries. The introduction of the fast ferries has greatly improved the inter-island services, especially in the Visayas region. These fast ferries are actually air-conditioned ships, mostly catamarans that are fitted with aircraft seats, a small bar and video screens that come with names like Island Jet, Supercat, Bullet Xpress and Water Jet. Unlike smaller boats, this mode of transportation is a real alternative to flying as it is comfortable and less expensive.
If you want to travel by bus in Philippine, you need to learn to duck tree branches and sing goats to sleep.Taking a cross-section of transportation options is a surefire method of getting to know a new place, perhaps more intimately than you initially intended.From breakdowns to stare-downs, cramped spaces and nausea-inducing smells, all complemented by a wide array of farm animals especially in the province.Transportation around the Philippines normally starts and ends in the country's capital, Manila. Even within the country, flying is popular because it is fast, convenient and inexpensive. Furthermore, the country's domestic airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Grand Air International, Cebu Air, Aerolift and Air Philippines cover the whole country with their routes. Boat is yet another mode of transportation to travel around the archipelago. Wherever you go, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the next island. Most of the time, outrigger boats or 'pumpboats' are used for short trips. However, tourists are warned that inter-island boat traveling is only suitable for those who are prepared to rough it out.
For travelers who feel that this is not for them, they can have the option of taking the fast ferries. The introduction of the fast ferries has greatly improved the inter-island services, especially in the Visayas region. These fast ferries are actually air-conditioned ships, mostly catamarans that are fitted with aircraft seats, a small bar and video screens that come with names like Island Jet, Supercat, Bullet Xpress and Water Jet. Unlike smaller boats, this mode of transportation is a real alternative to flying as it is comfortable and less expensive.
News Update Pinoys, Chinese both look forward to prosperous Year of the Hare
The secret is out: It’s double the fun to have two New Year celebrations each year.
Apart from the more familiar January 1, another one, which the Chinese and other East Asian peoples have been observing for centuries on the second new moon of the winter solstice, is attracting more and more Filipinos whether of Chinese descent or not.
This year, the Lunar New Year falls on February 3. But even with several days yet to go, already predictions, auguries of good luck, and superstitious reminders abound as the country gets set to welcome the Year of the Metal Rabbit. A report on GMA News’ “24 Oras Weekend" showed Filipino and Chinese families scrambling to fill their tables with sticky and sweet delicacies, and round fruits (save for pears), all believed to usher in good luck. Filipinos are taking well to the Chinese festivity. After all, one Filipino trademark shared with Chinese festivities is feasting on an abundance of food — a fact that Chinese ambassador Liu Jianchao himself did not overlook.
Featured in a separate newscast also on “24 Oras", the smiling ambassador displayed his skill in cooking dumplings, a tasty treat he was not privileged to enjoy growing up during the spartan years of building socialism, when poor families like his own depended on rations. This page requires a higher version browser Rolling the dough, Ambassador Liu explained that a hundred years ago, the Chinese had pure gold money the shape of which resembled that of the dumplings. The dumplings are symbolic of prosperity valued highly by the Chinese, the ambassador said, in an interview in his residence filled with décor supposedly to attract good fortune, such as fish, round lanterns, and fortune bamboo.
"Chinese people value prosperity, of course, we also value money. We want to be rich, to be better off, and we want to have good fortune," he said.
"The year of the metal rabbit is about harmony and goodwill," he added, saying that people should focus on the good traits of the animals instead of believing in negative superstitions.
"Don't be that superstitious. Try to maximize the good side of an animal, that gives you confidence and peace of mind," the ambassador cautioned, as he made a goodwill scroll in the spirit of strengthening ties between the Philippines and China. Liu may not have to make too many goodwill scrolls, since Chinese nationals who migrated to the Philippines more than doubled in 2010 — this, even with last year’s hostage tragedy in Manila where eight Hong Kong citizens were killed. (See: Number of Chinese immigrants in PHL doubled in 2010) From just 30,809 in 2009, the number of Chinese living in the country went up 61,372 in 2010, making them the top foreign citizens to choose the Philippines — the “Kingdom of Coconuts" according to Liu — their preferred second home. "We know that the Chinese New Year is a very important event here because we have many Chinese-Filipino communities," said Arlene Alipio, head of the China Marketing Team of the Department of Tourism. On Saturday, the DOT launched the 1st Metro Manila Lion Dance Competition as a prelude to the New Year revelry, in the agency’s bid to project the celebration to a wider audience. Despite the growing popularity of the Lunar New Year even among Filipinos with no Chinese ancestry, it still falls short of getting the same official government recognition accorded to other religio-cultural traditions, such as the Ramadan and Eid’l Feitr for Muslims or Christmas Day for the majority of this predominantly Catholic nation’s citizens. President Benigno Aquino III would have wanted to declare the Chinese New Year a special non-working holiday, he said, but the proposal came late.
"We hope to include this (Chinese New Year) next year," Aquino earlier said. (See: Aquino: Chinese New Year not a holiday) Official holiday or not, the Chinese New Year offers Filipinos here and in other countries another opportunity to mark the passage of time with feasting, in the hope that the year ahead will bring more good than bad fortune. Ambassador Liu, however, reflects the tremendous optimism of his vast country, which is now being perceived globally as the newly-awaken dragon. "I know that the world is going to be a better world, year by year," Liu said.—Carmela G. Lapeña and Jerrie M. Abella/JV
Apart from the more familiar January 1, another one, which the Chinese and other East Asian peoples have been observing for centuries on the second new moon of the winter solstice, is attracting more and more Filipinos whether of Chinese descent or not.
This year, the Lunar New Year falls on February 3. But even with several days yet to go, already predictions, auguries of good luck, and superstitious reminders abound as the country gets set to welcome the Year of the Metal Rabbit. A report on GMA News’ “24 Oras Weekend" showed Filipino and Chinese families scrambling to fill their tables with sticky and sweet delicacies, and round fruits (save for pears), all believed to usher in good luck. Filipinos are taking well to the Chinese festivity. After all, one Filipino trademark shared with Chinese festivities is feasting on an abundance of food — a fact that Chinese ambassador Liu Jianchao himself did not overlook.
Featured in a separate newscast also on “24 Oras", the smiling ambassador displayed his skill in cooking dumplings, a tasty treat he was not privileged to enjoy growing up during the spartan years of building socialism, when poor families like his own depended on rations. This page requires a higher version browser Rolling the dough, Ambassador Liu explained that a hundred years ago, the Chinese had pure gold money the shape of which resembled that of the dumplings. The dumplings are symbolic of prosperity valued highly by the Chinese, the ambassador said, in an interview in his residence filled with décor supposedly to attract good fortune, such as fish, round lanterns, and fortune bamboo.
"Chinese people value prosperity, of course, we also value money. We want to be rich, to be better off, and we want to have good fortune," he said.
"The year of the metal rabbit is about harmony and goodwill," he added, saying that people should focus on the good traits of the animals instead of believing in negative superstitions.
"Don't be that superstitious. Try to maximize the good side of an animal, that gives you confidence and peace of mind," the ambassador cautioned, as he made a goodwill scroll in the spirit of strengthening ties between the Philippines and China. Liu may not have to make too many goodwill scrolls, since Chinese nationals who migrated to the Philippines more than doubled in 2010 — this, even with last year’s hostage tragedy in Manila where eight Hong Kong citizens were killed. (See: Number of Chinese immigrants in PHL doubled in 2010) From just 30,809 in 2009, the number of Chinese living in the country went up 61,372 in 2010, making them the top foreign citizens to choose the Philippines — the “Kingdom of Coconuts" according to Liu — their preferred second home. "We know that the Chinese New Year is a very important event here because we have many Chinese-Filipino communities," said Arlene Alipio, head of the China Marketing Team of the Department of Tourism. On Saturday, the DOT launched the 1st Metro Manila Lion Dance Competition as a prelude to the New Year revelry, in the agency’s bid to project the celebration to a wider audience. Despite the growing popularity of the Lunar New Year even among Filipinos with no Chinese ancestry, it still falls short of getting the same official government recognition accorded to other religio-cultural traditions, such as the Ramadan and Eid’l Feitr for Muslims or Christmas Day for the majority of this predominantly Catholic nation’s citizens. President Benigno Aquino III would have wanted to declare the Chinese New Year a special non-working holiday, he said, but the proposal came late.
"We hope to include this (Chinese New Year) next year," Aquino earlier said. (See: Aquino: Chinese New Year not a holiday) Official holiday or not, the Chinese New Year offers Filipinos here and in other countries another opportunity to mark the passage of time with feasting, in the hope that the year ahead will bring more good than bad fortune. Ambassador Liu, however, reflects the tremendous optimism of his vast country, which is now being perceived globally as the newly-awaken dragon. "I know that the world is going to be a better world, year by year," Liu said.—Carmela G. Lapeña and Jerrie M. Abella/JV
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Kopi Talk It all started as travel warnings
Hi Zhern Thanks for the article Certainly, the Philippines is not the safest place for foreigners on the planet. But we should also remember that if America is the safest place on earth, considering its breathtaking armada of high-tech gadgets and sophisticated web of intelligence geniuses, then why can’t America stop a terror attack like the 911 tragedy? Why can’t America protect its CIA operatives in Afghanistan who were slaughtered by a Muslim double ageRefnt? Or, why can’t America stop its own citizens from using their machine guns and pistols in killing their own neighbors in malls and schools? And if London has its own exceptional intelligence network, why can’t it stop the 2005 bombings that killed 56 people and wounded 700 others?
The truth is we are all hounded. Hunted by terrorists. Intelligence networks, high-tech spy gadgets, mind-blowing weaponries, GPS, satellites, name it, are not an absolute guarantee of protection. If a terrorist hates you and wants to take you down, he will do just that wherever you are even when you are picking flowers in your own garden. Reference from http://www.theboholstandard.com/editorial.php?issue=&s1=3253&s2=3255&s3=&s4=983&s5=3254&s6=&s7=984&s8=986&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=985&s13=&s14=&s15=
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III must be terribly concerned with all the incomprehensible incidents that have been happening all around these past days and weeks, but for good or ill, he has not really shown it or any hint of consternation.
Except for his personal visit to a hospital where a bombing victim was being treated, he has not shown or publicly expressed any serious reaction to the series of mayhem that are taking place.
In that visit, the woman victim related to the President about the harrowing ordeal that she went through when the passenger bus she was riding in was suddenly wrecked with a loudly violent burst.
At least 5 people were killed in that explosion while 14 others were seriously injured by what the authorities called an improvised explosive device.
That was only the latest as of this writing in what appears to be a series of violent incidents as described in the succession of travel advisories sent last month by foreign governments to their citizens intending to travel to the Philippines.
It is recalled that when the travel advisories issued by the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom came out in the papers one after the other, warning of terrorist attacks in some parts of the country, many shrugged them off as a bad joke.
It was the first time that such sort of travel advisory was ever sent out by any foreign country about the Philippine situation.
President Aquino was attending a meeting in a neighboring Asian country when the travel advisories first came, and wasted no time in assuring his colleagues of the peace that pervaded in all parts of the Philippines.
He even personally talked with US President Barack Obama and openly requested the recall of the American travel advisory.
For true enough up to that time the kinds of bombing and depredations that are suddenly taking place today were not known in most parts of the country. The kidnapping, carjacking, and bombing and burning of bodies that we hear about today are a new wave of criminality that is suddenly sweeping the country.
Who are responsible for them and why is still being scrutinized by the authorities and may come out for the answer, hopefully soon enough before they cause further harm to the people and the nation at large.
They are looking at terrorism or extortion as possible motive for their deadly acts. All these are possible, authorities said.
For all this what we see is the need for a new vision for national leadership with the support of public spirited citizenry, positively engaged in the key issues of solving problems, not fighting them.
(zhern_218@yahoo.com)
The truth is we are all hounded. Hunted by terrorists. Intelligence networks, high-tech spy gadgets, mind-blowing weaponries, GPS, satellites, name it, are not an absolute guarantee of protection. If a terrorist hates you and wants to take you down, he will do just that wherever you are even when you are picking flowers in your own garden. Reference from http://www.theboholstandard.com/editorial.php?issue=&s1=3253&s2=3255&s3=&s4=983&s5=3254&s6=&s7=984&s8=986&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=985&s13=&s14=&s15=
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III must be terribly concerned with all the incomprehensible incidents that have been happening all around these past days and weeks, but for good or ill, he has not really shown it or any hint of consternation.
Except for his personal visit to a hospital where a bombing victim was being treated, he has not shown or publicly expressed any serious reaction to the series of mayhem that are taking place.
In that visit, the woman victim related to the President about the harrowing ordeal that she went through when the passenger bus she was riding in was suddenly wrecked with a loudly violent burst.
At least 5 people were killed in that explosion while 14 others were seriously injured by what the authorities called an improvised explosive device.
That was only the latest as of this writing in what appears to be a series of violent incidents as described in the succession of travel advisories sent last month by foreign governments to their citizens intending to travel to the Philippines.
It is recalled that when the travel advisories issued by the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom came out in the papers one after the other, warning of terrorist attacks in some parts of the country, many shrugged them off as a bad joke.
It was the first time that such sort of travel advisory was ever sent out by any foreign country about the Philippine situation.
President Aquino was attending a meeting in a neighboring Asian country when the travel advisories first came, and wasted no time in assuring his colleagues of the peace that pervaded in all parts of the Philippines.
He even personally talked with US President Barack Obama and openly requested the recall of the American travel advisory.
For true enough up to that time the kinds of bombing and depredations that are suddenly taking place today were not known in most parts of the country. The kidnapping, carjacking, and bombing and burning of bodies that we hear about today are a new wave of criminality that is suddenly sweeping the country.
Who are responsible for them and why is still being scrutinized by the authorities and may come out for the answer, hopefully soon enough before they cause further harm to the people and the nation at large.
They are looking at terrorism or extortion as possible motive for their deadly acts. All these are possible, authorities said.
For all this what we see is the need for a new vision for national leadership with the support of public spirited citizenry, positively engaged in the key issues of solving problems, not fighting them.
(zhern_218@yahoo.com)
News Update Shell grants PNoy request for P1 per liter cut for public transport
Pilipinas Shell has implemented, starting Thursday, a P1 per liter discount for public transportation vehicles after President Benigno Aquino III called the oil company’s president Ed Chua to discuss ways of easing the effects of oil price increases.
The Palace appreciates “this demonstration of a shared commitment to cushioning the impact of high oil prices in the global market on the part of Shell," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing in Malacañang, adding that other oil firms will hopefully follow Shell’s announcement. Aquino earlier expressed openness to the suggestion of Senator Ralph Recto that oil firms should schedule their price hike on a monthly basis instead of weekly, but added that the oil firms will have to be consulted about this. Aquino noted that there has to be a middle ground especially now that the price of oil in the world market keeps on increasing due to the cold weather. “Perhaps that can be a formula that can meet their [oil companies’] needs and also meet our desire to keep the prices more reasonable. The winter [season] that seems to be much colder this year is still exacerbating the demand for oil," the President said. Aquino also said he wants to study the oil deregulation law. “There is need to ensure that the competition that is central to the oil deregulation law really does happen. I really was wondering, how come they [oil firms] all increase their prices to the same level and roughly at the same time and there should have been different efficiencies that would have produced the price factors," said the President.
"So that is, I guess, an aspect that I want to really study further," he added.—Amita O. Legaspi/JV,
The Palace appreciates “this demonstration of a shared commitment to cushioning the impact of high oil prices in the global market on the part of Shell," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing in Malacañang, adding that other oil firms will hopefully follow Shell’s announcement. Aquino earlier expressed openness to the suggestion of Senator Ralph Recto that oil firms should schedule their price hike on a monthly basis instead of weekly, but added that the oil firms will have to be consulted about this. Aquino noted that there has to be a middle ground especially now that the price of oil in the world market keeps on increasing due to the cold weather. “Perhaps that can be a formula that can meet their [oil companies’] needs and also meet our desire to keep the prices more reasonable. The winter [season] that seems to be much colder this year is still exacerbating the demand for oil," the President said. Aquino also said he wants to study the oil deregulation law. “There is need to ensure that the competition that is central to the oil deregulation law really does happen. I really was wondering, how come they [oil firms] all increase their prices to the same level and roughly at the same time and there should have been different efficiencies that would have produced the price factors," said the President.
"So that is, I guess, an aspect that I want to really study further," he added.—Amita O. Legaspi/JV,
News Update Escudero wants ex-DND chief Reyes charged with plunder
Former defense secretary Angelo Reyes should be charged with plunder amid accusations that he received P50 million as “send-off money" when he retired from military service as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Senator Francis Escudero said Friday.
Escudero, chairman of the Senate defense committee, said that the testimony of former AFP budget manager Col. George Rabusa against Reyes should be made into an affidavit and be used to file a plunder complaint against the former defense chief.
“It is an outright mockery of justice that while soldiers who really fight hard die in the field, their officials swim in cash while cooling their heels inside their air-conditioned offices," he said in a statement released Friday.
During Thursday's Senate hearing, Rabusa revealed that former AFP chiefs of staff received hefty sums of money during their term and "pabaon" (send-off money) upon retirement.
He specifically cited Reyes, whom he accused of supposedly receiving almost P100 million during his 20-month stint as AFP chief of staff and another P50 million upon retirement.
During the hearing, Reyes said he does not remember receiving any money from Rabusa. “The ‘I cannot remember’ answer of Secretary Reyes was not an outright denial in spite of the categorical accusation. If it were totally untrue, he’d be defending himself to his teeth," said Escudero.
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said that if Reyes really did receive almost P150 million in state funds illegally, he may face charges of plunder.
"P50 million ang plunder, ito higit pa. Pasok na pasok ang plunder [The crime of plunder means you amass at least P50 million; this case involves more than that. This clearly falls in the category of plunder)," Guingona said in an interview over DWIZ radio on Friday.
In Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law, plunder is defined as an act where “any public officer who, by himself or in connivance with members of his family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth a combination or series of overt criminal acts…in the total value of at least P50 million."
Plunder is a non-bailable capital offense punishable by reclusion perpetua.
Include other AFP chiefs of staff
Earlier in the day, the Department of National Defense formed a special committee that will look into the alleged anomalies in the military.
Guingona also said that the Senate blue ribbon committee will conduct another hearing next week to explore the issue involving Reyes and the alleged pabaon system in the AFP.
Escudero and Senator Francis Pangilinan, however, said that the committee should also include in its probe all former AFP chiefs of staff.
“I urge the blue ribbon committee to seriously look into this matter. It should include former chiefs of the AFP because if this is really an ongoing tradition, it must be nipped in the bud," said Escudero.
In a separate statement, Pangilinan said that the government should "take the cue" from Rabusa's testimony and "dig deeper."
"Rabusa has given the government the lead; it is the government’s turn to unearth what has to be unearthed — even if it means generals past and present will now have to face the music," he said.
Guingona, however, said that the government needs documentary evidence or testimonial evidence like that of Rabusa before it starts accusing the other former AFP chiefs of corruption.
But he said he was optimistic that many more witnesses will want to testify after seeing Rabusa's courage. "I'm sure [that] attitude [will] one day [inspire] some other persons," he said.
Meanwhile, Guingona said that the Senate has provided Rabusa with security while he is not yet under the protective custody of any government agency. - JV
Escudero, chairman of the Senate defense committee, said that the testimony of former AFP budget manager Col. George Rabusa against Reyes should be made into an affidavit and be used to file a plunder complaint against the former defense chief.
“It is an outright mockery of justice that while soldiers who really fight hard die in the field, their officials swim in cash while cooling their heels inside their air-conditioned offices," he said in a statement released Friday.
During Thursday's Senate hearing, Rabusa revealed that former AFP chiefs of staff received hefty sums of money during their term and "pabaon" (send-off money) upon retirement.
He specifically cited Reyes, whom he accused of supposedly receiving almost P100 million during his 20-month stint as AFP chief of staff and another P50 million upon retirement.
During the hearing, Reyes said he does not remember receiving any money from Rabusa. “The ‘I cannot remember’ answer of Secretary Reyes was not an outright denial in spite of the categorical accusation. If it were totally untrue, he’d be defending himself to his teeth," said Escudero.
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said that if Reyes really did receive almost P150 million in state funds illegally, he may face charges of plunder.
"P50 million ang plunder, ito higit pa. Pasok na pasok ang plunder [The crime of plunder means you amass at least P50 million; this case involves more than that. This clearly falls in the category of plunder)," Guingona said in an interview over DWIZ radio on Friday.
In Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law, plunder is defined as an act where “any public officer who, by himself or in connivance with members of his family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth a combination or series of overt criminal acts…in the total value of at least P50 million."
Plunder is a non-bailable capital offense punishable by reclusion perpetua.
Include other AFP chiefs of staff
Earlier in the day, the Department of National Defense formed a special committee that will look into the alleged anomalies in the military.
Guingona also said that the Senate blue ribbon committee will conduct another hearing next week to explore the issue involving Reyes and the alleged pabaon system in the AFP.
Escudero and Senator Francis Pangilinan, however, said that the committee should also include in its probe all former AFP chiefs of staff.
“I urge the blue ribbon committee to seriously look into this matter. It should include former chiefs of the AFP because if this is really an ongoing tradition, it must be nipped in the bud," said Escudero.
In a separate statement, Pangilinan said that the government should "take the cue" from Rabusa's testimony and "dig deeper."
"Rabusa has given the government the lead; it is the government’s turn to unearth what has to be unearthed — even if it means generals past and present will now have to face the music," he said.
Guingona, however, said that the government needs documentary evidence or testimonial evidence like that of Rabusa before it starts accusing the other former AFP chiefs of corruption.
But he said he was optimistic that many more witnesses will want to testify after seeing Rabusa's courage. "I'm sure [that] attitude [will] one day [inspire] some other persons," he said.
Meanwhile, Guingona said that the Senate has provided Rabusa with security while he is not yet under the protective custody of any government agency. - JV
News Update FBI offers to help in Makati bus blast probe
Special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday visited the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters and offered to help in solving the deadly Makati bus blast.
Chief Superintendent Jose Arne delos Santos, Southern Police District (SPD) director,said 3 FBI special agents went to his office and offered assistance in the bus blast probe.
Delos Santos said the offer was more of technical in nature such as the use of sophisticated crime laboratory machines and gadgets and other equipment that may be helpful in the forensic examinations on victims and evidences.
"They offered their help, technical assistance. We know for sure they have a lot of gadgets, but the PNP (Philippine National Police) also have similar equipment. Some of them were even donated by the US," he said.
The 3 FBI special agents were first spotted by reporters inspecting the bus that exploded in Makati last Tuesday, which is now at the headquarters of the SPD in Taguig City.
The SPD initially declined to disclose the identities of the 3 agents, but later confirmed that they were sent by the US government.
Senior Supt. Federico Castro, SPD operations chief, said the US is interested in investigating the case because a Filipino-American is among the victims.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said that the NBI can help the government's probe into the bombing, where terrorism is being considered as a possible motive.
Five people were killed while 13 others were injured in the explosion that ripped through a Newman Goldline bus along EDSA in Makati City last Tuesday.
The Makati City police identified the 5 fatalities as FX taxi driver Salustiano Marino, 57; culinary arts student Johansson Reyes, 24; Shirly Kristel Ausena, Jhonlie Daquiaog and Irish Teniola, call center agents.
Two injured victims were confined at the Makati Medical Center while another injured victim was treated at the Ospital ng Makati.
The 9 victims brought to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City underwent stress debriefing.
Michael Jaralve, the injured conductor of the Newman Goldline bus that was hit by the explosion has been discharged from the hospital. He sustained wounds on both of his legs. -- Reports from Ron Gagalac, Ryan Chua, and Francis Faulve
Chief Superintendent Jose Arne delos Santos, Southern Police District (SPD) director,said 3 FBI special agents went to his office and offered assistance in the bus blast probe.
Delos Santos said the offer was more of technical in nature such as the use of sophisticated crime laboratory machines and gadgets and other equipment that may be helpful in the forensic examinations on victims and evidences.
"They offered their help, technical assistance. We know for sure they have a lot of gadgets, but the PNP (Philippine National Police) also have similar equipment. Some of them were even donated by the US," he said.
The 3 FBI special agents were first spotted by reporters inspecting the bus that exploded in Makati last Tuesday, which is now at the headquarters of the SPD in Taguig City.
The SPD initially declined to disclose the identities of the 3 agents, but later confirmed that they were sent by the US government.
Senior Supt. Federico Castro, SPD operations chief, said the US is interested in investigating the case because a Filipino-American is among the victims.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said that the NBI can help the government's probe into the bombing, where terrorism is being considered as a possible motive.
Five people were killed while 13 others were injured in the explosion that ripped through a Newman Goldline bus along EDSA in Makati City last Tuesday.
The Makati City police identified the 5 fatalities as FX taxi driver Salustiano Marino, 57; culinary arts student Johansson Reyes, 24; Shirly Kristel Ausena, Jhonlie Daquiaog and Irish Teniola, call center agents.
Two injured victims were confined at the Makati Medical Center while another injured victim was treated at the Ospital ng Makati.
The 9 victims brought to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City underwent stress debriefing.
Michael Jaralve, the injured conductor of the Newman Goldline bus that was hit by the explosion has been discharged from the hospital. He sustained wounds on both of his legs. -- Reports from Ron Gagalac, Ryan Chua, and Francis Faulve
News Update Iloilo journalist wounded in attack
A radio broadcaster and publisher-editor of a local daily in Iloilo City sustained a head injury after a still-unidentified assailant attacked him in front of their office Wednesday night. In a release, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said Lemuel Fernandez, publisher-editor of the Iloilo-based Western Visayas Daily Guardian and host of the newspaper’s weekly radio program “The Guardian On Air", had just finished editing Thursday’s issue of the newspaper when the incident happened. The NUJP said Fernandez and the newspaper’s managing editor Francis Allan Angelo were about to board their vehicles when the assailant hit Fernandez on the head with an unspecified weapon, just in front of their office in Iloilo City’s Molo District, at around 9:30 pm. Angelo said he rushed to Fernandez’s side after hearing him scream for help, and saw him holding the back of his head, which was already bloodied. Fernandez was brought to the Iloilo St. Paul’s Hospital for treatment.
He sustained a deep cut on the head, the NUJP said. The assailant, wearing short pants and a white shirt, immediately fled, said Fernandez. The local NUJP chapter condemned the attack, and called on the Philippine National Police to thoroughly investigate the incident. “The failure on the part of concerned authorities to take appropriate action on the matter may cause a chilling effect to other media colleagues who are regarded as defenders of press freedom," NUJP-Iloilo said in a statement. The group also called on members of the media to be constantly on guard and to prioritize their personal safety. The attack on Fernandez came just two days after Palawan civic leader and radio broadcaster Dr. Gerardo “Gerry" Ortega was shot dead in Puerto Princesa City on Monday morning — the 142nd journalist killed since 1986, according to the NUJP. (See: Palawan broadcaster shot dead, gunman caught)—Jerrie M. Abella/JV
He sustained a deep cut on the head, the NUJP said. The assailant, wearing short pants and a white shirt, immediately fled, said Fernandez. The local NUJP chapter condemned the attack, and called on the Philippine National Police to thoroughly investigate the incident. “The failure on the part of concerned authorities to take appropriate action on the matter may cause a chilling effect to other media colleagues who are regarded as defenders of press freedom," NUJP-Iloilo said in a statement. The group also called on members of the media to be constantly on guard and to prioritize their personal safety. The attack on Fernandez came just two days after Palawan civic leader and radio broadcaster Dr. Gerardo “Gerry" Ortega was shot dead in Puerto Princesa City on Monday morning — the 142nd journalist killed since 1986, according to the NUJP. (See: Palawan broadcaster shot dead, gunman caught)—Jerrie M. Abella/JV
Friday, January 28, 2011
News Update We need to move faster
MANILA, Philippines - Honesty is not enough. The nation expects progress, and the Filipino people want action and fast which do not seem to be happening.
Thus far, when the ordinary man in the street is asked whether he is happy with the presidency of President Benigno ''Noynoy'' Aquino III, the response has been overwhelming positive.
The people continue to trust the President for his perceived personal honesty and conceptual sincerity.
When queried further for the reasons for his happiness, and the accomplishments of the administration towards enhancing his well-being, the ordinary folk is hard put to cite examples, and specific accomplishments.
Truth to tell, President Benigno Aquino appears to have gotten away with it all with minimum fuss and noisy demonstrations, such as the Luneta hostage-taking fiasco with eight Hong Kong tourists dead; the amnesty of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and the Oakwood mutineers; the surge in criminality and killings; the purchase of a luxury sports car amidst the appeal for austerity and simple living; the flashfloods in the Visayas and Mindanao; and the steady increases in prices of food and fuels.
Is President Aquino lucky, and for how long? So far, there have not been violent protests as in other countries.
The economy is sustaining its positive momentum and recovery with a big help from OFW inward remittances, despite President Aquino's apparent apathy and nonchalance.
Be that as it may, the business community, like the rest of the country, is sanguine, optimistic, and in praise of the President's honesty and outlook.
However, the growing perception is that honesty is not enough if it is not accompanied by decisive actions and quick decisions.
The Aquino administration is perceived to be slow to act and indecisive.
The accomplishments are mainly paper achievements, and resurrected old issues rather than novel breakthroughs.
When all is said and done, President Benigno Aquino cannot forever capitalize on his perceived honesty.
The business community wants action, decisiveness, presidential initiatives, and greater transparency.
Honesty is a great virtue, but it is no substitute for jobs, food security, and law and order.
As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow admonished, ''Things are never what they seem.''
You be the judge.
Thus far, when the ordinary man in the street is asked whether he is happy with the presidency of President Benigno ''Noynoy'' Aquino III, the response has been overwhelming positive.
The people continue to trust the President for his perceived personal honesty and conceptual sincerity.
When queried further for the reasons for his happiness, and the accomplishments of the administration towards enhancing his well-being, the ordinary folk is hard put to cite examples, and specific accomplishments.
Truth to tell, President Benigno Aquino appears to have gotten away with it all with minimum fuss and noisy demonstrations, such as the Luneta hostage-taking fiasco with eight Hong Kong tourists dead; the amnesty of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and the Oakwood mutineers; the surge in criminality and killings; the purchase of a luxury sports car amidst the appeal for austerity and simple living; the flashfloods in the Visayas and Mindanao; and the steady increases in prices of food and fuels.
Is President Aquino lucky, and for how long? So far, there have not been violent protests as in other countries.
The economy is sustaining its positive momentum and recovery with a big help from OFW inward remittances, despite President Aquino's apparent apathy and nonchalance.
Be that as it may, the business community, like the rest of the country, is sanguine, optimistic, and in praise of the President's honesty and outlook.
However, the growing perception is that honesty is not enough if it is not accompanied by decisive actions and quick decisions.
The Aquino administration is perceived to be slow to act and indecisive.
The accomplishments are mainly paper achievements, and resurrected old issues rather than novel breakthroughs.
When all is said and done, President Benigno Aquino cannot forever capitalize on his perceived honesty.
The business community wants action, decisiveness, presidential initiatives, and greater transparency.
Honesty is a great virtue, but it is no substitute for jobs, food security, and law and order.
As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow admonished, ''Things are never what they seem.''
You be the judge.
News Update Sulu backs halal dev't, promotion
JOLO, Sulu, Philippines (PIA) - The provincial government of Sulu is committed to provide an all out support in the promotion, sale, consumption, and development of the local business industry of halal certified food, non-food products, and services in this part of the country. The commitment was made by Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan in a message delivered by ACC executive director Fazlur Rahman Abdulla, during the Halal Orientation and Consultation Forum held at the Area Coordination Center in Patikul, Sulu, recently. The whole-day affair was highlighted with the commitment of the local business sector to provide halal goods and services, with some seven business establishments who were signifying intention to secure halal certification. Halal is an Arabic word, which means lawful or permitted in Islam. At hand to give a comprehensive orientation of halal were speakers from the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc. (MMHCBI), headed by Dr. Norodin Kuit, lead Halal auditor of MMHCBI; Ustadz Abdulsalam Alabat; and Ustadz Sharif Jul-Asiri Abirin.
The latter is currently the Sulu Provincial Mufti and chairman of MMHCBI Provincial Committee. Some 92 participants attended the forum, where majority of them were from the business sector, to include: wholesaler and retailers; vendors, traders and barter traders; and caterers and food establishments. Other participants included representatives from the business sector, consumer groups, the academe, government line agencies, local government units (LGUs), the Ulamas (religious), the military, and the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines. In a phone patch interview, Mercia Alli, halal focal person of the Department of Agriculture-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DA-ARMM) Sulu said that the forum aimed to provide a holistic orientation on halal products and services, on the existing state laws and agencies involved, on the domestic and international business potentials - with the end view of getting the commitment of all sectors in the promotion and consumption of halal certified products.
''Our advocacy for our religious leaders is for the integration and discussion on halal in their sermons during Friday congregational prayers,'' Alli said. ''On the other hand, we saw the need for some policy formulation for the protection of halal consumers and guidelines for halal entrepreneurs, which the local government can provide,'' Alli added.
The latter is currently the Sulu Provincial Mufti and chairman of MMHCBI Provincial Committee. Some 92 participants attended the forum, where majority of them were from the business sector, to include: wholesaler and retailers; vendors, traders and barter traders; and caterers and food establishments. Other participants included representatives from the business sector, consumer groups, the academe, government line agencies, local government units (LGUs), the Ulamas (religious), the military, and the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines. In a phone patch interview, Mercia Alli, halal focal person of the Department of Agriculture-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DA-ARMM) Sulu said that the forum aimed to provide a holistic orientation on halal products and services, on the existing state laws and agencies involved, on the domestic and international business potentials - with the end view of getting the commitment of all sectors in the promotion and consumption of halal certified products.
''Our advocacy for our religious leaders is for the integration and discussion on halal in their sermons during Friday congregational prayers,'' Alli said. ''On the other hand, we saw the need for some policy formulation for the protection of halal consumers and guidelines for halal entrepreneurs, which the local government can provide,'' Alli added.
News Update Land program benefits 6,696 Caraga farmers
BUTUAN CITY, Philippines - The government's land tenure program has already benefited some 6,696 beneficiaries in the various provinces of the Caraga Region, particularly those living in far-flung communities. It was gathered that these former landless farmers are now cultivating the 12,053 hectares of land since last year under the said government's land tenure program. In Sibagat town alone, in Agusan del Sur province, about 2,667 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB's) benefited from the program, said regional agrarian information officer Joey Ceballos. ''This land tenure program to landless farmers will continue in other parts of this region,'' added Ceballos.
Meanwhile, at least 472 farmers were awarded with their certificates of land ownership agreement or CLOA from the government in the various villages in Las Nieves town, Agusan del Norte. After more than two decades, these ARBs received some 760 hectares located in the villages of Katipunan, Malicato, Bonifacio, Rosario, San Roque, San Isidro, and Marcos Calo, all of that same town. Agrarian reform officials, along with Agusan del Norte Gov. Enrico R. Corvera and Las Nieves Mayor Reinerio P. Rosales personally handed the CLOAs to the ARBs at the Las Nieves gym last week. Jubilant farmers were elated by the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) now expeditiously implemented by the Aquino administration.
Meanwhile, at least 472 farmers were awarded with their certificates of land ownership agreement or CLOA from the government in the various villages in Las Nieves town, Agusan del Norte. After more than two decades, these ARBs received some 760 hectares located in the villages of Katipunan, Malicato, Bonifacio, Rosario, San Roque, San Isidro, and Marcos Calo, all of that same town. Agrarian reform officials, along with Agusan del Norte Gov. Enrico R. Corvera and Las Nieves Mayor Reinerio P. Rosales personally handed the CLOAs to the ARBs at the Las Nieves gym last week. Jubilant farmers were elated by the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) now expeditiously implemented by the Aquino administration.
News Update 22,376 families receive health benefits in MP
BONTOC, Mountain Province, Philippines - A total of 22,376 indigent families in the ten towns of this landlocked province were already enrolled under the national health insurance program for indigent individuals being administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). These families are entitled to health benefits when they fall ill and seek medical attention in various hospitals and rural health units in their places. The premium of P1,200 for each beneficiary were shared by the national government, specifically the PhilHealth and the sponsors, particularly the local government units depending on their income classifications. Records from the provincial government showed 8,983 out of the total number of beneficiaries are enrolled under the memorandum of agreement signed by the sponsoring local government and the health insurance firm.
The premium contribution of the said families is shared by the national government, the provincial government and the municipal government where the beneficiaries reside. Regular sponsored members whose premium contribution is shared by the national and local governments totaled to 6,033 families. Under the sole sponsorship program, the provincial government led by Gov. Leonardo Mayaen sponsored 2,500 families while the municipality of Bauko was able to sponsor 749 families followed by Besao with 594 families; Barlig - 280 families; Sabangan - 256 indigent families and Sagada with 198 identified poor families. (Dexter A. See)
The premium contribution of the said families is shared by the national government, the provincial government and the municipal government where the beneficiaries reside. Regular sponsored members whose premium contribution is shared by the national and local governments totaled to 6,033 families. Under the sole sponsorship program, the provincial government led by Gov. Leonardo Mayaen sponsored 2,500 families while the municipality of Bauko was able to sponsor 749 families followed by Besao with 594 families; Barlig - 280 families; Sabangan - 256 indigent families and Sagada with 198 identified poor families. (Dexter A. See)
News Update Strawberries sweetest at colder temperatures
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines - Strawberry lovers should have all the reasons to be happy over the prevalence of the cold spell in this capital town because the fruits - farmers said - are sweetest when the temperatures are colder. Contrary to the case of most vegetables grown in the province that are adversely affected by frost or the formation of ice crystals on the leaves, strawberries are fruits that tend to be juicier and tastier with the colder weather, experts said. Because of the peculiar weather condition prevailing in the region, strawberry producers claimed the fruit produced in the province is much superior in quality compared to the strawberries produced in other areas in the country.
La Trinidad is the major producer of strawberries in the country with more or less 70 hectares of land planted with the fruit and will peak during the months from January to March. With the unpredictable weather prevailing in most parts of the region, especially the highly elevated ones, strawberry producers are confident that they will continue to overshoot their projected sales this year because of the influx of more tourists interested to taste the juicy fruit, especially when the weather gets colder in the coming weeks due to the continuous prevalence of the northeast monsoon coupled with the defused tail end of the cold front. The cold spell usually prevails in the highly elevated areas in the region during the months from November to March, which is also simultaneous with the planting and eventual harvest of strawberries on the fields. At least 500 farmers rely on strawberry production as their main source of income during this time of the year before again shifting to vegetable or cutflower production during the remaining months of the year to sustain their living condition.
La Trinidad is the major producer of strawberries in the country with more or less 70 hectares of land planted with the fruit and will peak during the months from January to March. With the unpredictable weather prevailing in most parts of the region, especially the highly elevated ones, strawberry producers are confident that they will continue to overshoot their projected sales this year because of the influx of more tourists interested to taste the juicy fruit, especially when the weather gets colder in the coming weeks due to the continuous prevalence of the northeast monsoon coupled with the defused tail end of the cold front. The cold spell usually prevails in the highly elevated areas in the region during the months from November to March, which is also simultaneous with the planting and eventual harvest of strawberries on the fields. At least 500 farmers rely on strawberry production as their main source of income during this time of the year before again shifting to vegetable or cutflower production during the remaining months of the year to sustain their living condition.
News Update Cebu residents encouraged to take advantage of rainwater
CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines - Cebu residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the heavy rains to reuse the water and help cut costs on water bills, a former Cebuano councilor urged. ''Saving rainwater makes good sense. Since Cebu is experiencing substantial amounts of rain beginning early this month, this should be an opportunity for everyone to maximize the rainwater, ''said former Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Tuesday, Archival said rainwater can be reused, for instance, to water gardens, houseplants, wash cars, bathe animals, or fill water fountains.
According to him, rainwater is a renewable natural resource and rain barrels can be used to collect and save rainwater that can be used for gardening and other things. Investing in a rain barrel system, he said, is proven to be more effective since these are equipped with an easy linking system that allows one to connect barrels and catch water overflow. ''You will need accessories like diverters, clamps and a hose to build your system, but it is a simple process,'' said Archival, who was former chairman of the Committee on Environmental Management in the Cebu City Council. Archival, who is a staunch advocate of environment protection and conservation, has built an environment-friendly house, a pavillion where lectures are conducted, a composting area and a waste water treatment facility, among others, within a 400 sq. m. compound.
According to him, rainwater is a renewable natural resource and rain barrels can be used to collect and save rainwater that can be used for gardening and other things. Investing in a rain barrel system, he said, is proven to be more effective since these are equipped with an easy linking system that allows one to connect barrels and catch water overflow. ''You will need accessories like diverters, clamps and a hose to build your system, but it is a simple process,'' said Archival, who was former chairman of the Committee on Environmental Management in the Cebu City Council. Archival, who is a staunch advocate of environment protection and conservation, has built an environment-friendly house, a pavillion where lectures are conducted, a composting area and a waste water treatment facility, among others, within a 400 sq. m. compound.
News Update Iloilo news publisher survives incident; police order probe
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines - Lemuel Fernandez, editor-publisher of Iloilo City-based newspaper, The Daily Guardian, survived an attack against him last Wednesday night. Fernandez suffered a head wound after a yet-unknown assailant hit him from behind as he was able to enter his car outside the Viosils Arcade along M.H. del Pilar Street in Molo district. According to The Daily Guardian's executive editor Francis Allan Angelo, the incident happened at 9:30 p.m. when he and Fernandez were leaving the editorial office after putting to bed the newspaper's Thursday issue. Angelo was already inside his own car when he heard Fernandez yelling for help. He immediately got out of his car rushed to assist Fernandez whom he took to St. Paul's Hospital for medical treatment. Angelo cannot pinpoint the angle behind the attack, but said it could be related to an issue the newspaper may have reported in the past.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered an in-depth investigation on the attack on Fernandez and said the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will be creating a special task force to investigate the incident. ''Task Force Guardian will be formed to determine possible motives and identify and arrest the assailant of Lemuel Fernandez,'' said C/Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr. The report issued by the police said Fernandez ''was mauled by at least two persons outside his office in Barangay Taal, Molo, Iloilo City at around 10 p.m. He sustained a lacerated wound in the right portion of his head, and is still confined at St. Paul's Hospital.'' Querol said, ''The attack against Fernandez could be work-related as his newspaper tackles very sensitive issues and it is not remote that they have aggrieved some people.'' He said investigators will go through the ''big issues being reported by The Daily Guardians for these reports may provide leads in the probe.
He added that at least two uniformed personnel will be provided Fernandez to temporarily serve as his security escorts. The attack against The Daily Guardian publisher-editor happened a few days after hard-hitting radio anchor Gerry Ortega was shot dead in Palawan. The gunman was arrested after the incident, with a former provincial administrator included in the charge sheet. (With a report by Aaron B. Recuenco)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered an in-depth investigation on the attack on Fernandez and said the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will be creating a special task force to investigate the incident. ''Task Force Guardian will be formed to determine possible motives and identify and arrest the assailant of Lemuel Fernandez,'' said C/Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr. The report issued by the police said Fernandez ''was mauled by at least two persons outside his office in Barangay Taal, Molo, Iloilo City at around 10 p.m. He sustained a lacerated wound in the right portion of his head, and is still confined at St. Paul's Hospital.'' Querol said, ''The attack against Fernandez could be work-related as his newspaper tackles very sensitive issues and it is not remote that they have aggrieved some people.'' He said investigators will go through the ''big issues being reported by The Daily Guardians for these reports may provide leads in the probe.
He added that at least two uniformed personnel will be provided Fernandez to temporarily serve as his security escorts. The attack against The Daily Guardian publisher-editor happened a few days after hard-hitting radio anchor Gerry Ortega was shot dead in Palawan. The gunman was arrested after the incident, with a former provincial administrator included in the charge sheet. (With a report by Aaron B. Recuenco)
News Update 94 Philippine military 'rebels' take oath of allegiance to constitution
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The first batch of junior officials and enlisted personnel linked to various military mutinies in the Philippines during the previous administration of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo was granted amnesty Thursday.
In a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo attended by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, 95 junior officers and enlisted personnel, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, took their oath of allegiance to the constitution.
In his speech during the ceremony, Gazmin said that their pledge of allegiance to the constitution formally completes the process of prescribed under the presidential proclamation outlining the granting of amnesty.
"The amnesty is an earnest effort on the part of the administration to foster reconciliation and an attempt to secure a lasting and enduring peace for our country and hopefully put an end to what is now known as military adventurism," Gazmin said in his speech.
"Today we are confident that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be stronger and more responsive to the needs of our country and people," he added.
The 95 soldiers had been slapped with criminal and administrative charges for their participation in various failed power grabs during the Arroyo administration including the Oakwood mutiny in 2003, the Marine stand-off at Fort Bonifacio in 2006 and the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.
"The amnesty program is foreseen as beneficial to the government, to the military rebels and to our people. It is definitely a win-win situation for all concerned," Gazmin said.
Meanwhile, Gazmin said that those qualified under the law to be reinstated in their previous ranks will be reintegrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo attended by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, 95 junior officers and enlisted personnel, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, took their oath of allegiance to the constitution.
In his speech during the ceremony, Gazmin said that their pledge of allegiance to the constitution formally completes the process of prescribed under the presidential proclamation outlining the granting of amnesty.
"The amnesty is an earnest effort on the part of the administration to foster reconciliation and an attempt to secure a lasting and enduring peace for our country and hopefully put an end to what is now known as military adventurism," Gazmin said in his speech.
"Today we are confident that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be stronger and more responsive to the needs of our country and people," he added.
The 95 soldiers had been slapped with criminal and administrative charges for their participation in various failed power grabs during the Arroyo administration including the Oakwood mutiny in 2003, the Marine stand-off at Fort Bonifacio in 2006 and the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.
"The amnesty program is foreseen as beneficial to the government, to the military rebels and to our people. It is definitely a win-win situation for all concerned," Gazmin said.
Meanwhile, Gazmin said that those qualified under the law to be reinstated in their previous ranks will be reintegrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
News Update US State Dept exec to PHL: China ties ok but don’t forget America
Washington does not question Manila’s increasing links with Beijing, but considers it important that the Philippines maintain its long-standing ties with the United States.
This was how Kurt Campbell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, posed the American view of how it expects the Philippines to deal with the issue of developments in the US-China balance of power in Asia. “We expect and want the government of the Philippines to have a close and growing relationship with China. We also want very much for the government of the Philippines to want a good relationship with the US," Campbell said in a press conference, adding that maintaining good relations with both US and China benefits not only the Philippines but the entire region as well.
Campbell, as a senior official in the US State Department focused on East Asia and Pacific, is in Manila for the Philippines-U.S. bilateral strategic dialogue scheduled for Thursday and Friday. (See: PHL, US may tackle VFA in two-day meet — source) A “strong relationship" with both China and the US, Campbell said, is “the best approach to sustaining the peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region." The State Department official made the statement in the wake of a more complicated situation between the US and China in recent years, where both powers have increasingly competed for economic, political and military influence in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, Philippines-China relations have developed more vigorously particularly in the field of investments and trade, while US-Philippine relations were hobbled by glitches in the US-led counter-terror campaign and in irritants in the implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.
In reaction, Washington has been showing extra effort to pursue closer ties with Manila “built on respect, shared values and shared responsibilities." Among the issues covered by the bilateral dialogue, which started Thursday, were ongoing areas of bilateral cooperation, regional issues and transnational challenges. Both countries agreed to establish working groups to strengthen cooperation in the rule of law and law enforcement; territorial defense and maritime security; economics and trade; and regional and global diplomatic engagement.
South China Sea dispute Campbell said the issue of disputed territories in the South China Sea was also discussed in the dialogue.
It is in the strategic interest of the US that the territorial be handled in a “legal and peaceful manner," Campbell said, adding that the US wants to see a dialogue between the claimants such as China and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). “It’s best to undertake this process within the context of the 2002 agreement reached between China and the ASEAN and we think that this agreement should extend to a more formal approach that will lead to greater peace and stability and confidence associated with the South China Sea. I think there is a broad recognition that this is a critical waterway and its criticality will likely increase in the time ahead," the US State Department official said.
The South China Sea area – a vast marine territory with scattered islands, shoals, atolls, and reefs rich in mineral and oil reserves and also covers shipping lanes of world-strategic importance – is claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.– MRT/JV
This was how Kurt Campbell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, posed the American view of how it expects the Philippines to deal with the issue of developments in the US-China balance of power in Asia. “We expect and want the government of the Philippines to have a close and growing relationship with China. We also want very much for the government of the Philippines to want a good relationship with the US," Campbell said in a press conference, adding that maintaining good relations with both US and China benefits not only the Philippines but the entire region as well.
Campbell, as a senior official in the US State Department focused on East Asia and Pacific, is in Manila for the Philippines-U.S. bilateral strategic dialogue scheduled for Thursday and Friday. (See: PHL, US may tackle VFA in two-day meet — source) A “strong relationship" with both China and the US, Campbell said, is “the best approach to sustaining the peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region." The State Department official made the statement in the wake of a more complicated situation between the US and China in recent years, where both powers have increasingly competed for economic, political and military influence in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, Philippines-China relations have developed more vigorously particularly in the field of investments and trade, while US-Philippine relations were hobbled by glitches in the US-led counter-terror campaign and in irritants in the implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.
In reaction, Washington has been showing extra effort to pursue closer ties with Manila “built on respect, shared values and shared responsibilities." Among the issues covered by the bilateral dialogue, which started Thursday, were ongoing areas of bilateral cooperation, regional issues and transnational challenges. Both countries agreed to establish working groups to strengthen cooperation in the rule of law and law enforcement; territorial defense and maritime security; economics and trade; and regional and global diplomatic engagement.
South China Sea dispute Campbell said the issue of disputed territories in the South China Sea was also discussed in the dialogue.
It is in the strategic interest of the US that the territorial be handled in a “legal and peaceful manner," Campbell said, adding that the US wants to see a dialogue between the claimants such as China and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). “It’s best to undertake this process within the context of the 2002 agreement reached between China and the ASEAN and we think that this agreement should extend to a more formal approach that will lead to greater peace and stability and confidence associated with the South China Sea. I think there is a broad recognition that this is a critical waterway and its criticality will likely increase in the time ahead," the US State Department official said.
The South China Sea area – a vast marine territory with scattered islands, shoals, atolls, and reefs rich in mineral and oil reserves and also covers shipping lanes of world-strategic importance – is claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.– MRT/JV
News Update Ortega murder sparks calls to review mining policies in Palawan
Anti-mining and environment activists in Manila and Palawan are calling for a review of mining policies following the murder of prominent civic leader and radio commentator Gerardo Ortega, who had firmly opposed destructive mining in the province. "Is it appropriate to have mining in a place like Palawan?" environment lawyer Antonio Oposa said in an interview with GMANews.TV after a press conference organized by activist groups Tuesday, a day after a lone gunman killed Ortega in Puerto Princesa City.
Ortega had collaborated with Oposa, who has won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work in environmental advocacy, on various issues in Palawan. The slain Ortega, a veterinarian popularly known as Doc Gerry, served as director of the crocodile farm in Puerto Princesa for many years. In his morning program at DYAR, an affiliate of Radyo Mo Nationwide, Ortega often criticized mining operations in the province and local officials who provide permits that allow the destruction of Palawan’s natural resources. A day before the killing, he had helped facilitate the creation of Save Palawan Movement — a coalition of NGOs or non-government organizations, community groups, indigenous peoples, youth groups, the church, and local media — to oppose mining in the province. "Gerry had the same dream as all of us — a Palawan free from wanton destruction by vested interests; to hold accountable those who, instead of ensuring Palawan’s patrimony for future generations of Filipinos, facilitated the entry of destructive mining in the Philippines’ last ecological frontier," according to a statement issued by the group. The group noted that a United Nations body has declared Palawan as a Man and Biosphere Reserve. It is also the site of two World Heritage Sites — the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park — and was recently named by the National Geographic magazine as one of the world’s top 10 destinations for 2011.
"The SAVE PALAWAN MOVEMENT will carry on this dream of preserving the Philippines’ ecological treasure that is Palawan," their statement said.
Permits from PCSD
In Tuesday’s press conference, Oposa noted that Ortega had been critical of the alleged leniency of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) in endorsing the operation of mining companies in the province. The council was created in 1992 to implement Republic Act 7611, better known as the Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) law for Palawan. "Nababalitaan ko na itong PCSD ay kara-karang nagbibigay ng titles, permits," Oposa told the press conference. "Ito ‘yung nilalabanan ni Gerry." Oposa said the SEP, which is designed to protect and enhance Palawan’s natural resources, is only "good on paper" and has not been fully implemented. He compared the council’s actions as tantamount to drilling numerous holes on the face of Palawan: “I will ask them, kung gagawin ninyong sungkaan ang Palawan, ‘yan ba ay angkop sa batas?" Another environment lawyer, Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Palawan-based Environmental Legal Assistance Center, observed that the PCSD was “highly politicized" with nine seats for the Palawan governor, two congressmen, the Puerto Princesa city mayor, and other officials from the local and national government.
"The economic and political interests that these politicians carry can shape the discussions in the PCSD," she said in a separate interview with GMANews.TV. Anda said the appointments of non-government representatives in the PCSD, such as those from NGOs and indigenous groups, have to be approved by the council’s politician-members. She said the politicians in the PCSD have not spared unique ecological niches in Palawan, giving their endorsement to two large-scale mining firms, MacroAsia and Ipilan Nickel, inside the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape even though the SEP law prohibits any type of activity "that will imperil the protected area." To solve this problem, she said the PCSD needs “more non-political representatives" including academics, women, farmers, and scientists. “That would be a better way of shaping the discussions there," Anda said. Legal suit against mining ops Meanwhile, Manila-based groups have expressed their support for the environmental movement in Palawan. “We urge the people of Palawan and fellow environmentalists to continue the anti-mining advocacy of Dr. Ortega," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, in a statement issued Tuesday. Bautista said his group is “studying and will eventually file a legal case to stop mining operations in Palawan on the grounds of environmental destruction." League of Filipino Students (LFS) national chairperson Terry Ridon, meanwhile, said his group is prepared to push through with a signature campaign against mining in Palawan that the LFS had planned with Ortega. In a similar message to Ortega’s killers, Oposa said, “Your act may have snuffed his earthly life, but we assure you that it has not snuffed the flame of our collective commitment and passion." He added, "Kung akala n'yo tapos na ang laban, nag-uumpisa pa lang." — With reports from Yasmin Arquiza/RSJ
Ortega had collaborated with Oposa, who has won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work in environmental advocacy, on various issues in Palawan. The slain Ortega, a veterinarian popularly known as Doc Gerry, served as director of the crocodile farm in Puerto Princesa for many years. In his morning program at DYAR, an affiliate of Radyo Mo Nationwide, Ortega often criticized mining operations in the province and local officials who provide permits that allow the destruction of Palawan’s natural resources. A day before the killing, he had helped facilitate the creation of Save Palawan Movement — a coalition of NGOs or non-government organizations, community groups, indigenous peoples, youth groups, the church, and local media — to oppose mining in the province. "Gerry had the same dream as all of us — a Palawan free from wanton destruction by vested interests; to hold accountable those who, instead of ensuring Palawan’s patrimony for future generations of Filipinos, facilitated the entry of destructive mining in the Philippines’ last ecological frontier," according to a statement issued by the group. The group noted that a United Nations body has declared Palawan as a Man and Biosphere Reserve. It is also the site of two World Heritage Sites — the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park — and was recently named by the National Geographic magazine as one of the world’s top 10 destinations for 2011.
"The SAVE PALAWAN MOVEMENT will carry on this dream of preserving the Philippines’ ecological treasure that is Palawan," their statement said.
Permits from PCSD
In Tuesday’s press conference, Oposa noted that Ortega had been critical of the alleged leniency of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) in endorsing the operation of mining companies in the province. The council was created in 1992 to implement Republic Act 7611, better known as the Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) law for Palawan. "Nababalitaan ko na itong PCSD ay kara-karang nagbibigay ng titles, permits," Oposa told the press conference. "Ito ‘yung nilalabanan ni Gerry." Oposa said the SEP, which is designed to protect and enhance Palawan’s natural resources, is only "good on paper" and has not been fully implemented. He compared the council’s actions as tantamount to drilling numerous holes on the face of Palawan: “I will ask them, kung gagawin ninyong sungkaan ang Palawan, ‘yan ba ay angkop sa batas?" Another environment lawyer, Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Palawan-based Environmental Legal Assistance Center, observed that the PCSD was “highly politicized" with nine seats for the Palawan governor, two congressmen, the Puerto Princesa city mayor, and other officials from the local and national government.
"The economic and political interests that these politicians carry can shape the discussions in the PCSD," she said in a separate interview with GMANews.TV. Anda said the appointments of non-government representatives in the PCSD, such as those from NGOs and indigenous groups, have to be approved by the council’s politician-members. She said the politicians in the PCSD have not spared unique ecological niches in Palawan, giving their endorsement to two large-scale mining firms, MacroAsia and Ipilan Nickel, inside the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape even though the SEP law prohibits any type of activity "that will imperil the protected area." To solve this problem, she said the PCSD needs “more non-political representatives" including academics, women, farmers, and scientists. “That would be a better way of shaping the discussions there," Anda said. Legal suit against mining ops Meanwhile, Manila-based groups have expressed their support for the environmental movement in Palawan. “We urge the people of Palawan and fellow environmentalists to continue the anti-mining advocacy of Dr. Ortega," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, in a statement issued Tuesday. Bautista said his group is “studying and will eventually file a legal case to stop mining operations in Palawan on the grounds of environmental destruction." League of Filipino Students (LFS) national chairperson Terry Ridon, meanwhile, said his group is prepared to push through with a signature campaign against mining in Palawan that the LFS had planned with Ortega. In a similar message to Ortega’s killers, Oposa said, “Your act may have snuffed his earthly life, but we assure you that it has not snuffed the flame of our collective commitment and passion." He added, "Kung akala n'yo tapos na ang laban, nag-uumpisa pa lang." — With reports from Yasmin Arquiza/RSJ
News Update Group says SIM card registration won't deter criminals
Requiring owners of prepaid mobile phones to register their subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards may not necessarily be a deterrent to crime, a militant consumer group said.
TXTPower said that while registration is attractive in theory, it may not go beyond providing "false hopes" of curbing crime as criminals will find a way to defeat it.
"In theory, SIM card registration is attractive and seems to be a good option. But, upon closer study, it is not a smart thing to do. Criminals always want to be steps ahead and we predict they could easily go around the system through the use of lost, fake and stolen IDs to register SIM cards, like what they have done in many countries where authorities also gave their citizens false hopes," the group said in a statement posted on its website.
"Are the proponents expecting criminals and terrorists to use their own IDs to register SIM cards for use in nefarious activities? Now that Congress is again contemplating about it, these law breakers are already planning alternative ways to communicate and to trigger their bombs. We need our lawmakers and law enforcers to be smarter than how they have so far shown," it added.
Earlier this week, Sen. Vicente Sotto III pushed for the mandatory registration of SIM cards in the wake of the bombing of a bus in Makati City, where the bomb used a cell phone as a triggering device. Five people were killed in the incident.
Proponents of the registration also said registering SIM cards will help authorities pinpoint criminals if the cards are used in crimes.
President Benigno Aquino III, however, has expressed apprehension over the proposal, noting privacy concerns.
"[The proposal] needs a little bit of study," Aquino told reporters after attending the 400th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila last Wednesday. "There should be a middle ground where the need for security and the constitutional right of privacy can both be respected and addressed."
Identity theft
In addition, TXTPower said that in countries where SIM card registration is mandatory such as in Africa, authorities have reported a spate of cases of identity theft, and the use of stolen or lost IDs by criminal elements to cheat the system.
"Based on the bills filed in the House and the Senate, the SIM card registration could only work if all the available and operational SIM cards are registered, with absolutely no exceptions or exemptions. This seems impossible to accomplish considering the sheer number of SIM cards that are now used locally by citizens and internationally by our OFWs and expats," TXTPower said.
It said one single unregistered or falsely registered SIM card will ruin a system that would purportedly identify criminals and terrorists.
The group proposed instead that the funds for SIM card registration go instead to building a state-of-the-art criminal forensics laboratory, and the hiring and training of competent forensics experts and crime investigators.
"Authorities must improve and intensify their intelligence work, shake off and punish scalawags who are in cahoots with criminals, and solve crimes, big and small, to improve the peace and order situation and thereafter restore public confidence in the police," said the group.
TXTPower had opposed mandatory SIM card registration since it was first proposed in the House of Representatives. — RSJ
TXTPower said that while registration is attractive in theory, it may not go beyond providing "false hopes" of curbing crime as criminals will find a way to defeat it.
"In theory, SIM card registration is attractive and seems to be a good option. But, upon closer study, it is not a smart thing to do. Criminals always want to be steps ahead and we predict they could easily go around the system through the use of lost, fake and stolen IDs to register SIM cards, like what they have done in many countries where authorities also gave their citizens false hopes," the group said in a statement posted on its website.
"Are the proponents expecting criminals and terrorists to use their own IDs to register SIM cards for use in nefarious activities? Now that Congress is again contemplating about it, these law breakers are already planning alternative ways to communicate and to trigger their bombs. We need our lawmakers and law enforcers to be smarter than how they have so far shown," it added.
Earlier this week, Sen. Vicente Sotto III pushed for the mandatory registration of SIM cards in the wake of the bombing of a bus in Makati City, where the bomb used a cell phone as a triggering device. Five people were killed in the incident.
Proponents of the registration also said registering SIM cards will help authorities pinpoint criminals if the cards are used in crimes.
President Benigno Aquino III, however, has expressed apprehension over the proposal, noting privacy concerns.
"[The proposal] needs a little bit of study," Aquino told reporters after attending the 400th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila last Wednesday. "There should be a middle ground where the need for security and the constitutional right of privacy can both be respected and addressed."
Identity theft
In addition, TXTPower said that in countries where SIM card registration is mandatory such as in Africa, authorities have reported a spate of cases of identity theft, and the use of stolen or lost IDs by criminal elements to cheat the system.
"Based on the bills filed in the House and the Senate, the SIM card registration could only work if all the available and operational SIM cards are registered, with absolutely no exceptions or exemptions. This seems impossible to accomplish considering the sheer number of SIM cards that are now used locally by citizens and internationally by our OFWs and expats," TXTPower said.
It said one single unregistered or falsely registered SIM card will ruin a system that would purportedly identify criminals and terrorists.
The group proposed instead that the funds for SIM card registration go instead to building a state-of-the-art criminal forensics laboratory, and the hiring and training of competent forensics experts and crime investigators.
"Authorities must improve and intensify their intelligence work, shake off and punish scalawags who are in cahoots with criminals, and solve crimes, big and small, to improve the peace and order situation and thereafter restore public confidence in the police," said the group.
TXTPower had opposed mandatory SIM card registration since it was first proposed in the House of Representatives. — RSJ
Thursday, January 27, 2011
News Update DTI chief: Investor confidence in PHL still high amid bombing, carjack-slays
Investor confidence in the Philippines remains high amid the recent carjacking-slay incidents and the deadly passenger bus bombing, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said Thursday. Domingo said at a press briefing in Malacañang that the impact to investors of these bloody crimes remains "limited." At least five people were killed and a dozen others were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded inside a passenger bus in Makati last Tuesday.
In the past weeks, two car dealers were kidnapped together with the vehicle they were selling. Emerson Lozano and Venson Evangelista were found charred in different places in Luzon.
Still, Domingo said these incidents affect the "perception of peace and order in the country. Pero mukhang maliit lang ang mga incident na 'to."
Domingo pointed out that effects of these crimes to investors or tourists will likely subside after two months. "We had a similar [bombing] incident five years ago. But after a few months, nawala rin. 'Pag fresh pa sa minds 'yung incident, may concerns. Pero makakalimutan rin 'yan eventually," Domingo said.
Domingo said investors are satisfied with how the government resolves the carjacking-slay incidents and the bus bombing. In fact, investors have expressed desire to continue their businesses in the country, he added.
He pointed out many foreign businessmen have expressed their interests to pour their money into the Philippines. "Maraming interested investors. Ang gusto nila level ang playing field, pantay, hindi sila iniisahan. May kumpiyansa sila na sa ngayong panahong ito na patas ang labanan. Malakas ang loob nila maglagay ng pera, magtayo ng planta, at maglagay ng bagong operasyon," Domingo said. Domingo refused to name the potential investors as he still have to conduct a series of meetings with them. — Amita Legaspi/JE/RSJ,
In the past weeks, two car dealers were kidnapped together with the vehicle they were selling. Emerson Lozano and Venson Evangelista were found charred in different places in Luzon.
Still, Domingo said these incidents affect the "perception of peace and order in the country. Pero mukhang maliit lang ang mga incident na 'to."
Domingo pointed out that effects of these crimes to investors or tourists will likely subside after two months. "We had a similar [bombing] incident five years ago. But after a few months, nawala rin. 'Pag fresh pa sa minds 'yung incident, may concerns. Pero makakalimutan rin 'yan eventually," Domingo said.
Domingo said investors are satisfied with how the government resolves the carjacking-slay incidents and the bus bombing. In fact, investors have expressed desire to continue their businesses in the country, he added.
He pointed out many foreign businessmen have expressed their interests to pour their money into the Philippines. "Maraming interested investors. Ang gusto nila level ang playing field, pantay, hindi sila iniisahan. May kumpiyansa sila na sa ngayong panahong ito na patas ang labanan. Malakas ang loob nila maglagay ng pera, magtayo ng planta, at maglagay ng bagong operasyon," Domingo said. Domingo refused to name the potential investors as he still have to conduct a series of meetings with them. — Amita Legaspi/JE/RSJ,
News Update Witness: Reyes got P50-M 'pabaon' when he retired from AFP
A former budget officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday accused former Defense chief Angelo Reyes of receiving not less than P50 million as "pabaon when he retired as military chief of staff in 2001.
Army Col. George Rabusa bared this during Thursday's Senate hearing on the controversial plea bargain agreement entered into by former AFP comptroller Maj. General Carlos Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Rabusa, who was called to the Senate inquiry by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, likewise said chiefs of staffs also get around P10 million monthly while in service, half of the amount supposedly goes to their pockets. Vice chief of staffs supposedly get P1 million a month.
Calculating the amounts, Estrada said Reyes probably received around P100 million during his 20 months as AFP chief of staff.
As of posting time, the Senate hearing was ongoing and Reyes was still waiting for his turn to respond. — LBG/KBK
Army Col. George Rabusa bared this during Thursday's Senate hearing on the controversial plea bargain agreement entered into by former AFP comptroller Maj. General Carlos Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Rabusa, who was called to the Senate inquiry by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, likewise said chiefs of staffs also get around P10 million monthly while in service, half of the amount supposedly goes to their pockets. Vice chief of staffs supposedly get P1 million a month.
Calculating the amounts, Estrada said Reyes probably received around P100 million during his 20 months as AFP chief of staff.
As of posting time, the Senate hearing was ongoing and Reyes was still waiting for his turn to respond. — LBG/KBK
News Update 9 CHILDREN GET SCHOLARSHIPS TABUK, Kalinga,
Philippines - Twenty-nine children of former rebels from different parts of the province have received scholarship grants under the government's amnesty program for rebels through the joint project of the Office of Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the local government. Program Coordinator Eusebia Haddac of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office said OPAPP scholars are given a stipend of P5,000 per semester while those under the province get P2,000. (Dexter A. See)
News Update QUESTIONS RAISED ON PEACE TALKS MALOLOS CITY,
Philippines - A peace advocate questioned Wednesday the holding of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in a foreign land and not in the Philippines where the government can save expenses and at the same time bring the peace talks directly to the people. The government negotiating panel and the NDF are set to resume peace talks in the Netherlands this February. Ernesto Alcanzare, lead organizer of the Yes for Peace-Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan, asked why the peace talks should be held halfway across the globe at the expense of people's money and with a third party. (Freddie C. Velez)
News Update ROMBLON SETS POWER CUTS ODIONGAN
Romblon, Philippines - The critical supply of crude oil has prompted the Tablas Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (TIELCO) to announce a new schedule of electrical power interruptions. The decision on the new power interruptions, which took effect Wednesday, was made after the National Power Corp. (NAPOCOR) informed concerned Romblon government authorities, particularly in Tablas, the largest island in Romblon, that it might not be able to deliver additional crude oil to TIELCO because of the shortage of crude supply. TIELCO General Manager, Engr. Orville Ferranco said eight towns in the island will receive power supply from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Ferdinand F. Castro)
News Update POWER PLANT AUCTION SET LUCENA CITY
Philippines - The provincial treasurer of Quezon has issued the final notice of public auction sale of delinquent real property tax against Team Energy Corp., one of the country's biggest independent power producers (IPPs) which supplies 15 percent of power to the Luzon grid, because of their unpaid real property tax amounting to almost P6 billion. The power plant is situated in Barangay Ibabang Polo in Pagbilao, Quezon. The auction date was set for Feb. 9 at the provincial capitol building at 9 a.m. (Danny Estacio)
News Update Thailand donates rice to Ifugao folk
LAGAWE, Ifugao, Philippines - The 11 municipalities here are beneficiaries of a rice donation program from Thailand which will be used as part of the government's initiative to provide local residents with staple food to sustain their daily need for rice. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs) will give 10 kilos of rice per person a day. The 5,936 sacks of rice will be distributed as follows: Banaue-1,500, Kiangan, Hungduan and Mayoyao with 500 each; Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, and Asipulo with-350 each, Hingyon-350 and Lagawe, Lamut, and Tinoc each with 332. (Dexter A. See)
Kopi Talk Breakdown
As the Philippines was ranked eighth among countries with the highest risk of terrorist attacks, and 130th in the latest Global Peace Index, an explosion ripped apart a bus along EDSA in Makati the other afternoon. The blast was so powerful it blew down portions of a perimeter wall of a nearby house. As of yesterday afternoon, the death toll stood at five; several other bus passengers remained in critical condition.
Investigators said yesterday that the blast was most likely caused by a mortar bomb set off with a mobile phone. Security officials said the improvised explosive device is the type used by Islamic separatists, which could make the bombing a terrorist attack. But probers have not completely ruled out other possible angles, including political destabilization and a diversionary tactic of carjacking rings.
Whichever theory turns out to be correct, it is alarming that there are individuals or groups in this country with the capability and readiness to bomb a crowded bus along a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. Malacañang should expect another update in the travel advisories on the Philippines of several countries.
In the age of al-Qaeda and the globalization of terrorism, a bomb attack can occur practically anywhere in the world. In many developing countries, the threat of terrorism is aggravated by rampant criminality. What matters is how countries respond to the various types of threats to public safety.
Bombers must be caught, convicted, penalized and not allowed to escape from prison. In other countries with more efficient law enforcement, terrorist plots are uncovered and foiled, and the plotters are caught and successfully prosecuted. Preventive measures are also implemented to promote public safety. Governments invest in technology to improve law enforcement and maintain peace and order.
Most of these measures can be implemented in the Philippines. Security officials must dispel a growing perception that there is a breakdown in peace and order, and the government is helpless in protecting the people.
Investigators said yesterday that the blast was most likely caused by a mortar bomb set off with a mobile phone. Security officials said the improvised explosive device is the type used by Islamic separatists, which could make the bombing a terrorist attack. But probers have not completely ruled out other possible angles, including political destabilization and a diversionary tactic of carjacking rings.
Whichever theory turns out to be correct, it is alarming that there are individuals or groups in this country with the capability and readiness to bomb a crowded bus along a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. Malacañang should expect another update in the travel advisories on the Philippines of several countries.
In the age of al-Qaeda and the globalization of terrorism, a bomb attack can occur practically anywhere in the world. In many developing countries, the threat of terrorism is aggravated by rampant criminality. What matters is how countries respond to the various types of threats to public safety.
Bombers must be caught, convicted, penalized and not allowed to escape from prison. In other countries with more efficient law enforcement, terrorist plots are uncovered and foiled, and the plotters are caught and successfully prosecuted. Preventive measures are also implemented to promote public safety. Governments invest in technology to improve law enforcement and maintain peace and order.
Most of these measures can be implemented in the Philippines. Security officials must dispel a growing perception that there is a breakdown in peace and order, and the government is helpless in protecting the people.
News Update Philippine agriculture faces challenges of sustainability
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines (PNA) - Agricultural productivity now faces the challenge of sustainability as farmers themselves have gradually "fallen out of love" on the green fields. This is the observation of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala who is lamenting that in practically all areas he had visited in the country, he has found that not many students are interested in agriculture and that only very few farmers want their children to follow in their footsteps. "Lahat ng bayan na pinupuntahan naming (in all the towns we've visited), this is the situation," Alcala said. The agriculture secretary made these observations as he graced the opening of the three-day Bohol Organic Agriculture Summit and 11th Ubi Festival here last Tuesday. In his keynote speech during the opening program at the Bohol Cultural Center, Alcala was amazed to see many hands when he asked the crowd how many farmers were there, but later lamented that barely a quarter of the parents and farmers in the crowd actually want their children to take up agriculture. He said farmers "don't even take pride of being tillers of the land, when, in fact, they produce the food that other professionals eat." On this matter, Alcala sought support from local officials and the agriculture sector in efforts to hone the skills of farmers and fishermen and develop them into entrepreneurs so as to uplift the image of those working in the agriculture sector and making the farming profession attractive to the younger generation.
"Our President (Benigno Simeon Aquino III) gave me an instruction to inform you that his administration is willing to invest in our kababayan. The 2011 budget includes an allocation for the training of farmers," Alcala said. He also announced that he had already endorsed the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 which is set for publication soon. He hailed Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto as his co-author in drafting the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 when they passed its bill in Congress and had even cited the governor for having been very enthusiastic about the proposed legislation. The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 provides for the validation of organic products and its required allocation for the national certifier, Alcala said. He also announced that the Department of Agriculture will make ube(purple yam) part of the master development plan to coincide road maps in different areas of the country.
"Our President (Benigno Simeon Aquino III) gave me an instruction to inform you that his administration is willing to invest in our kababayan. The 2011 budget includes an allocation for the training of farmers," Alcala said. He also announced that he had already endorsed the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 which is set for publication soon. He hailed Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto as his co-author in drafting the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 when they passed its bill in Congress and had even cited the governor for having been very enthusiastic about the proposed legislation. The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 provides for the validation of organic products and its required allocation for the national certifier, Alcala said. He also announced that the Department of Agriculture will make ube(purple yam) part of the master development plan to coincide road maps in different areas of the country.
News Update Tourist policemen to ride horses in Benguet
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines - Tourist policemen assigned in various parts of the province will be riding on horses while performing their duties and responsibilities as part of the government's national Top Cop program. Senior Supt. Benjamin Lusad, newly-installed director of the Benguet provincial police office, said THE tourist police on horseback will be initially seen in La Trinidad and Kabayan where foreign and domestic tourists usually visit because of the scenic tourist spots there. Initially, there will be seven tourist policemen who will be patrolling on horseback to ensure peace and order in the tourist spots. Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) mapped out an enhanced tourist police program to provide protection and police assistance to both local and foreign tourists.
The national Top Cop program aims to increase the number of tourist protection units and beef up the operational capability of police units deployed in premier tourist destinations in the country. The tourist police on horseback will also be launched in Kibungan town, one of the tourism destinations in the province. The PNP is also planning to introduce the program in Zambales and Baguio City which is patterned after the Bohol tourist police. The establishment of tourist police is one of the flagship projects of the PNP leadership. The PNP earlier expressed the need to bolster police personnel manning the special tourist protection units in coordination with tourism authorities as a preemptive measure against crime syndicates preying on foreign and local tourists.
The national Top Cop program aims to increase the number of tourist protection units and beef up the operational capability of police units deployed in premier tourist destinations in the country. The tourist police on horseback will also be launched in Kibungan town, one of the tourism destinations in the province. The PNP is also planning to introduce the program in Zambales and Baguio City which is patterned after the Bohol tourist police. The establishment of tourist police is one of the flagship projects of the PNP leadership. The PNP earlier expressed the need to bolster police personnel manning the special tourist protection units in coordination with tourism authorities as a preemptive measure against crime syndicates preying on foreign and local tourists.
News Update Tourist policemen to ride horses in Benguet
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines - Tourist policemen assigned in various parts of the province will be riding on horses while performing their duties and responsibilities as part of the government's national Top Cop program. Senior Supt. Benjamin Lusad, newly-installed director of the Benguet provincial police office, said THE tourist police on horseback will be initially seen in La Trinidad and Kabayan where foreign and domestic tourists usually visit because of the scenic tourist spots there. Initially, there will be seven tourist policemen who will be patrolling on horseback to ensure peace and order in the tourist spots. Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) mapped out an enhanced tourist police program to provide protection and police assistance to both local and foreign tourists.
The national Top Cop program aims to increase the number of tourist protection units and beef up the operational capability of police units deployed in premier tourist destinations in the country. The tourist police on horseback will also be launched in Kibungan town, one of the tourism destinations in the province. The PNP is also planning to introduce the program in Zambales and Baguio City which is patterned after the Bohol tourist police. The establishment of tourist police is one of the flagship projects of the PNP leadership. The PNP earlier expressed the need to bolster police personnel manning the special tourist protection units in coordination with tourism authorities as a preemptive measure against crime syndicates preying on foreign and local tourists.
The national Top Cop program aims to increase the number of tourist protection units and beef up the operational capability of police units deployed in premier tourist destinations in the country. The tourist police on horseback will also be launched in Kibungan town, one of the tourism destinations in the province. The PNP is also planning to introduce the program in Zambales and Baguio City which is patterned after the Bohol tourist police. The establishment of tourist police is one of the flagship projects of the PNP leadership. The PNP earlier expressed the need to bolster police personnel manning the special tourist protection units in coordination with tourism authorities as a preemptive measure against crime syndicates preying on foreign and local tourists.
News Update 'Bike for Peace' anti-crime campaign set to go nationwide
CAVITE, Philippines - The unprecedented caravan of the Philippine National Police (PNP), dubbed as "Padyak para sa Kapayapaan" (Bike for Peace), is expected to go nationwide to drumbeat unity and cooperation among law enforcers and the civilian population in the fight against insurgency and crimes. This developed as the last leg of the "Bike for Peace" in Region 4-A is set to end Friday in Cavite. At least 300 police and civilian bikers, including government officials and peace advocates, are expected to participate in the event. The "Padyak para sa Kapayapaan" is a brainchild of Chief Supt. Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., chief of Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A or the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (Calabarzon) area. The series of biking events in Calabarzon seeks to promote unity, awareness and goodwill among law enforcers and civilians. Pagdilao launched the 25-km "Bike for Peace" last December in Laguna, the site of PRO-4 headquarters, and Cavite to call on the people to support the initiatives being conducted by the national government with the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) in a bid to bring lasting peace in the country. Senior Supt. Danilo L. Maligalig, Cavite Police Provincial Office (CPPO) director and lead host of the last biking event, said there is a move from the PNP hierarchy to extend the peace caravan in other areas in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
"The PNP chief wanted the peace caravan to push through in other areas of the country," Maligalig said in an interview Wednesday at the CPPO headquarters in Camp General Pantaleon G. Garcia in Imus. The PPO director said the last "Bike for Peace" event in Calabarzon will start at the Tagaytay Convention Center compound and end in an area in Carmona town. Pagdilao, Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla Jr. and 5th District Rep. Roy M. Loyola, the former mayor of Carmona, Maligalig and other police officers and local officials will lead the biking event, whose routes will cover about 31.6 kilometers. The Calabarzon police chief called on all concerned, particularly local government units, religious groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the actions for lasting peace and cessation of hostilities between the New People's Army and government forces in line with the initiatives being pursued by the Aquino administration. Aside from "Bike for Peace," Pagdilao is also the brainchild of the PNP's Crisis Management Training Program and the "Pulis Ko, Titser Ko" program, which gained recognition in Calabarzon and Region VI and northern district of Metro Manila where he was once assigned as police director.
"The PNP chief wanted the peace caravan to push through in other areas of the country," Maligalig said in an interview Wednesday at the CPPO headquarters in Camp General Pantaleon G. Garcia in Imus. The PPO director said the last "Bike for Peace" event in Calabarzon will start at the Tagaytay Convention Center compound and end in an area in Carmona town. Pagdilao, Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla Jr. and 5th District Rep. Roy M. Loyola, the former mayor of Carmona, Maligalig and other police officers and local officials will lead the biking event, whose routes will cover about 31.6 kilometers. The Calabarzon police chief called on all concerned, particularly local government units, religious groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the actions for lasting peace and cessation of hostilities between the New People's Army and government forces in line with the initiatives being pursued by the Aquino administration. Aside from "Bike for Peace," Pagdilao is also the brainchild of the PNP's Crisis Management Training Program and the "Pulis Ko, Titser Ko" program, which gained recognition in Calabarzon and Region VI and northern district of Metro Manila where he was once assigned as police director.
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