The Philippines’ battlecry: #GoManny GMA supports Pacquiao with Laban para sa Pilipino #GoManny campaign

The Philippines’ battlecry: #GoManny

GMA supports Pacquiao with Laban para sa Pilipino #GoManny campaign

With the whole world waiting with bated breath for the historic face-off between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on May 2 (May 3 in the Philippines), GMA Network is one at heart with Filipinos across the globe in rallying behind the Pambansang Kamao as they cry “Laban para sa Pilipino #GoManny!”

After years of speculation and clamor from boxing fans around the world, Pacquiao, the only eight division world champion, goes against his greatest rival in the most-awaited fight in recent history for the unified WBC World Welterweight, WBO World Welterweight, and WBA Super World Welterweight titles.

In salute to one of the nation’s greatest modern-day heroes, GMA launches the Laban para sa Pilipino #GoManny campaign, anchored on his new single “Lalaban Ako Para sa Pilipino” made especially for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.

A countdown to the day of the battle, as well as the latest news on Pacquiao, and updates on his fight preparation are available on www.gmanews.tv/gomanny.

With the hashtag #GoManny, Filipinos around the world have also been posting their messages of support for the boxer, who has served as an inspiration to those who are facing various challenges in life.

In its continued support for its champ, Manny Pacquiao, the Kapuso Network, in partnership with Solar Entertainment Corporation, will air the blow-by-blow exclusive live coverage of the fight dubbed “Battle for Greatness” on May 3 via Super Radyo DZBB, Barangay LS and all RGMA stations nationwide.

Meanwhile, the delayed telecast will be brought to Kapuso viewers across the country on GMA7.

Pacquiao is grateful for the support he has received from his countrymen and dedicates the fight to them. “Maraming maraming salamat po mga Kapuso, sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta at dasal. Lalaban ako para sa Pilipino. Alay ko sa inyo ang laban na ‘to,” he said. 

Fighting for Filipino pride, Pacquiao is the embodiment of a true Kapuso who has shown heart, courage and loyalty to his country and its people.

In a self-directed music video for his single “Lalaban Ako Para sa Pilipino,” Pacquiao sings of nationalism and sacrifice as clips from his training as well as his past victories to remind viewers of the road he has travelled to becoming one of the world’s greatest boxers, a journey which he shared with all Filipinos.

Performed by the boxing legend himself and composed by novelty hitmaker Lito Camo, the song will be played as Pacquiao enters the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. /MP

Buenavista Farmers To intensify Production For Guimaras Agri-tourism

Buenavista Farmers To intensify 

Production For Guimaras Agri-tourism

by James Earl E. Ogatis

Gearing for intensified Guimaras Agri-tourism, a total of 500 farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers were encouraged to produce safe, affordable and sufficient agricultural products during the 2015 farmers’ congress last April 17, 2015.

Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, DA 6 Regional Technical Director for Policy, Planning Research and Regulatory said that Western Visayas has approximately four million tourist arrivals annually and the province of Guimaras is one of the prime destinations.

“We need to increase production of prime commodities such as rice, high value crops, livestocks and fisheries to cater the food requirement of these tourists” Dr. Wendam stressed.

According to Wendam, the DA-Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) has already funded the seaweed production for Guimaras and this will generate additional employment for the women and out of school youth. It will ensure sustainability of volume and quality of production.

Guimaras Governor Samuel T. Gumarin stressed that farmers’ Congress was one of the venues for the farmers to learn national and local government livelihood programs and projects.

“Through this activity, farmers and fisherfolks will be empowered with agricultural information and knowledge given by the resource persons from different agencies” Governor added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Eugenio G. Reyes of Buenavista acknowledged the vital role of farmers and fisherfolks in feeding the Guimarasnons. He said that farmers should be resilient on environmental challenges and take advantage of national government collaborative efforts for agricultural development. 

“Continuous campaign for the protection of marine resources, adoption of new technologies and intensified farm mechanization will bolster production and profitability among the rural areas”, Mayor Reyes pointed out.

Among the topics discussed with the participants are: crop and fishery insurance, hybrid rice production, integrated rice and fish culture, organic agriculture, quarantine policies and procedures and agrarian production credit program. /MP

STRENGTHENING OF THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND VETERINARY SERVICES

STRENGTHENING OF THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND VETERINARY SERVICES

The livestock and poultry sectors in the Philippines will get adequate attention it deserves as a result of the passage of the proposed law that will restructure the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), a party list representative said on Thursday. 

Filed by AAMBIS-Owa Party list Representative Sharon Garin, House Bill 5052 or the Animal Industry and Veterinary Services Act will update the 85 year-old law that created the Bureau of Animal Industry.

“Since 1930 the BAI has gone through several organizational changes mandated by several Republic Acts, Executive Orders, and Presidential Decrees. HB 5052 seeks to serve as a comprehensive law that will capture all those measures which detail the powers, functions and the restructuring of the Animal Industry Bureau of the Philippines,” Rep. Garin said.

 BAI is an attached agency under the Department of Agriculture. Its functions include the investigation, reporting and prevention of the cause and dangers of communicable diseases among animals; research and development of animal health, welfare and food production; and regulation of imported and foreign animals.

The animal industry contributes a great deal to the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product. In the first quarter of 2014 alone, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics recorded that the livestock and poultry subsectors made up 30 percent of the country’s total agricultural output, amounting to Php 59.43 billion.

 Dr. Maria Abenes, the Officer-in-Charge of the Animal Feeds and Veterinary and Biological Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said that with the outbreaks of communicable diseases coming from other countries, the Agriculture Industry is facing the threat of economic losses with far reaching effects. In order to minimize the effects of these threats and prevent the downfall of the animal industry, the BAI should be strengthened to cover the holistic need of the animal industry.

 If enacted, the bureau will be converted to a National Livestock and Veterinary Services Authority (NLVSA) as provided in this proposed measure with the corresponding powers and functions necessary to pursue their duties.  

 The measure transfers all responsibilities of the DA’s regional staff performing veterinary services and functions to the Regional Livestock and Veterinary Services Offices.

One important provision of the law is the creation of the Disease Compensation and Eradication Trust Fund which will have an appropriation of an initial amount of 300 million pesos. 

The fund shall be utilized for the payment of expenses directly connected with controlling, eradicating or preventing, the spread of any animal disease that is notifiable or emerging or re-emerging, exotic and zoonotic including administrative expenses.

Provisions for stricter regulations come with higher fees for penalties, which will ultimately benefit the industry. It will be imposed under the proposed law. Prohibited acts such as failure to report notifiable diseases; obstruction of NLVSA duties; false statements; non-registration of transport facilities and equipment; use of fake certificate; illegal manufacture and use of feeds and veterinary drugs; and refusal to vaccinate animals shall be penalized in accordance with the proposed law. 

For example, the establishment owners found without a valid License to Operate from NLVSA or unlawfully using the registration number of another feed, veterinary biological products, veterinary drugs and products establishments shall, upon conviction, be penalized by a fine of 100 hundred thousand pesos and imprisonment of thirty (30) days.

HB 5052 is pending before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food. Hearings on the bill will be convened when Congress resumes session in May. /MP

GMA Network Inks Deal To Air Shakey’s V-League Season

GMA Network Inks Deal To 

Air Shakey’s V-League Season

Photo at right (left-right) shows Sports Vision Management Group President Ricky Palou, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and Sports Vision Management Group Chairman Moying Martelino after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. /MP

Bago City Constructs P62.5M Rice Processing Center

Bago City Constructs P62.5M 

Rice Processing Center

A unit of rice processing center (RPC) worth P62.5 million was constructed in Negros Occidental. This RPC located in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City was completed November last year and started its operation in September after the first cropping season.

The RPC is equipped with three mechanical dryers, a multi-pass rice mill, and a biomass-fed furnace. Each dryer has a capacity of 240 bags of palay per load and this RPC can input 200 bags per hour for milling.

Its 450-square meter warehouse has 10,000 bags storage capacity and a water supply system. 

The facility was put up in order to reduce postharvest losses and to increase the milling recovery rate from 58 percent to 68 percent of palay. It will cater to more than 18,000 farmers and 15, 000 ha rice production areas in Negros Occidental. To be initially operated by the provincial government, the RPC will set a milling rate lower than the prevailing commercial rate of P75.00 to P80.00 per bag.

Philippine Center for Post harvest and Mechanization (PhilMech) found out that 5.86 percent of production losses occurred during drying and 5.52 percent during milling process. This RPC aims to reduce the losses from 16 percent to 8 percent.

Aside from the reduction of postharvest losses, the RPC also aims to maintain the production of quality grains and to provide better access to local farmers in milling their produce.

As of last month, there are already 65 RPCs completed nationwide, more than 70 are ongoing and 35 others are in the pre-construction stage. In Negros Occidental, there are also other two completed projects—in Magallon Cadre, Moises Padilla and in Brgy. Bagroy, Bago City—which will operate beginning September. Other three RPCs are being constructed in the province—in San Enrique, Pontevedra, and in Hinoba-an.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental has provided P141.98 million for the production and post-production equipment and facilities benefitting 263 farmers’ associations since 2011.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Negros Occidental hopes that the number of RPCs installed in their locality would improve their palay production. Last year, Negros Occidental ranked 10th in the rice production nationwide. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Boracay – Isla Ni Burog Ag Acay

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Mabuhay eon nga naga estar sa Isla si Burog ag si Acay. May mga unga eon sanda ag nakapatindog eon sanda it baeay sa may binit it kagueangan.

Isaeang adlaw, may mga mangingisda nga nahanaeang sa Isla. Guin baton sanda kong pamilya ni Acay ag ni Burog. Napan-uhan ko mga mangingisda rong puti nga baeas, matin-aw nga tubi ag bugana nga isda sa isla. Nangutana sanda sa mga unga nanday Burog ag Acay kon ano rong pangaean kong Isla, apang owa man sanda it ika sabat. 

Ogaling rondaya ro andang napan-uhan ag nababati-an kada agahon kon mag su-eod ro mag-asawa sa kagueangan agud mag-usoy it bunga it kahoy nga prutas ag itlog sa mga pugad, naga tawag si Acay kay “Burog”. Masabat man dayon si Burog kay “Acay”. Rondaya ro guina obra kon mag-uli bangod masyadong maeapad rong kagueangan. 

Sa pagpamati ko mga mangingisda kong pangaean nga Burog ag Acay, rekara nanda guin tandaan nga rong Isla hay Isla nanday Burog ag Acay. Pag-uli nanda sa andang lugar, guin suguid nanda ro andang hakita nga Isla nanday Burog ag Acay. Sa sige nga pag ginamit ag pagtinawag, nangin sambilog eon lang rong pangaean, ag nagging Boracay eon lang ko ulihi. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

New Tambak Bridge

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Congratulations to the DPWH for the reconstruction of Tambak Bridge in New Washington, Aklan. Sea water can now have a free flow from the sea during high tide to the Lagatik river. On the other hand, water at Lagatik river is drained to the sea during low tide. This free flow of water under the new reconstructed Tambak bridge will enable fishpond operators in New Washington to follow proper water management in their fishpond. Polluted water can be drained and replaced with clean water from the sea.

Tambak Bridge used to have enough depth and width where water freely circulated and small fishing boats passed through it. However, in about 1996, that bridge was demolished and replaced with another. The engineer put six (6) small culverts suppose to allow the free flow of water through it.

But it did not. Those culverts impeded the flow of water. There was pollution in the river, and milkfish production in the area decreased. Flood water stayed longer which affected adversely farm crops and livestock.

As chair of the Aklan Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council at that time, I brought the matter to the attention of New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta and then Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez. The two officials acted fast. With the DPWH District Engineer, Mayor Peralta, Gov. Marquez and I met in the Office of the Provincial Governor. We discussed how to restore the free flow of water in Tambak Bridge. The DPWH Engineer assured Gov. Marquez, and Mayor Peralta that Tambak Bridge will be rebuilt to restore the free flow of water and minimize flood damages.

In about seven (7) years, the free circulation of water in Tambak bridge is restored. Flooding will also be minimized during heavy rains and prevent crop damages or even lost of lives and properties.

Thank you very much DPWH Aklan.

Spanish Red Cross

Among the municipalities in Aklan badly damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013 are Balete and Madalag. The Spanish Red Cross with its humanitarian desire decided to assist typhoon victims in those two towns. Their assistance is designed to effect early recovery and continuous progress by way of providing core shelters and livelihood projects to typhoon victims.

In Madalag, Spanish Red Cross (SRC) will construct 499 core shelters and 748 in Balete or a total of 1,247 units. Each unit cost an average P80,000. This will be provided for families which houses are totally damaged.

For those families whose houses were partially damaged, P12,000 each is given plus building materials needed for the reconstruction. SRC targeted 1,052 families of those partially damaged houses in Madalag, and 1,701 in Balete. The livelihood assistance are designed to put up projects in agriculture, small business and fishing.

Of these targets, some 552 core shelters are completed and 2,739 houses are reconstructed. In the livelihood assistance, 3,025 beneficiaries had already received P6,000 each or a total of P18.15 million.

In addition, 47 projects in Balete and Madalag will be constructed along health such as on potable water impounding and health center construction. Classrooms fully furnished for education are constructed. As of this writing, 33 projects are fully completed: 28 in Madalag and five (5) in Balete.

Thank you Spanish Red Cross which is represented in Aklan by Mr. Louis Carascoso. /MP

Editorial

Climate Reality Change: 

A Global Challenge

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Special Weekly Kapihan on May 1, 2015 discussed the topic, “Climate Reality Change”. It was held at Bakhawan Ecopark, New Buswang, Kalibo. Guests are led by Mr. Rodne Galicia who carried out education info awareness about climate reality change. It comprises 11 activities from the academe, NGO, and LGU who walk the talk at grassroots level drumming up support for meaningful government action against climate change.

Mr. Galicia cited the 1997 report of Inter-governmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) that our carbon concentration in the atmosphere is at critical level. The effects are global warming that induce abnormal melting of polar ice caps, sea level rise, coastal subsidence and even disappearance of islands. Vulnerability of developing nations like Vanuato, Tonga, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, Costa Rica, Cambodia and El Salvador to experience mega disaster is a chilling reality.

“We are strongly committed to get five (5) million signatures from the provinces for the Climate Reality Change Project that will provide moral support to our local and national leaders to forge a global deal on reducing carbon footprints in Paris, France this coming December. This is a daunting task since developed countries are largely the culprit of climate change contributing 90 percent of the greenhouse gasses.”

Former US Vice Pres. Al Gore and the Geneva-based IPCC shared the 2007 Nobel Prize for their comprehensive research and documentary of retreating alpine glaciers, melting polar ice caps and greenhouse measurements. In 2005, Mr. Gore produced a documentary entitled, “An Inconvenient Truth” which reinforced global warming trend and its effects on mankind’s future.

Carbon deposits in the atmosphere and oceans worsened at the start of the 1800’s or the machine age. The group of eight (8) industrialized nations since the 1997 Kyoto summit followed by two (2) important meetings in Copenhagen and Rio de Janeiro have so far failed to arrive at accepted tolerable level limiting fossil fuel carbon emission. Due to the urgency, nations must invest in new technology and energy efficiency in order to produce nore goods at competitive costs and protect the environment. Global Carbon Project reported that greenhouse gas emissions jumped 2.3 percent in 2013 because of increased oil consumption in China and India.

Practically, there is no sense in convincing people about climate reality change since it has occurred centuries ago but only strongly felt for the last 50 years when world human population reached seven (7) billion. Record disasters are Uring in 1991, Frank – 2008, Glenda – 2011, Pablo – 2012, and Yolanda – 2013. Hurricane Katrina (USA)  occurred in 2005. It left unprecedented death toll to human lives and properties.

Local project mitigations are the 8R’s namely: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Rediscover, Repair, Reforest, Reconnect and Respect. Mr. Galicia lauded the efforts of KASAMA, and Ngo headed by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo in mangrove reforestation management totaling 250 hectares and providing livelihood opportunities to its members. For the National Greening Program targeting 1.5 billion trees, native species must be planted like, Guijo, Narra, Kamagong, Red Lawaan, Tindalo, Yakal, and Molave. Our indigenous tree species number 3,600 and provide food and protection to our diverse animal wildlife.

The Worldlife Fund for Nature said that the Philippines used to have 27,000 sq. kms. of healthy coral reefs. However, after 50 years of destructive commercial and unregulated fishing, less than five (5) percent of it is left in excellent condition. Only one (1) percent is in pristine state. A significant contributory factor unknown to many is climate reality change. 

Oceans absorb about one half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) which human produce and makes the seawater acidic. Once seawater becomes acidic, coral skeletons are prone to break down.

Climate Reality Change has increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere to nearly 40 percent from the start of the industrial revolution from 280 parts per million (ppm) to about 385 ppm now. Today, scientists estimate coral and other coral reef creatures will manage until that number reaches 400 ppm. They believed that at 500 ppm level, coral will essentially become extinct said David Rhine, a researcher at University of Queensland Coral Ecosystem Laboratory. Coral reef of Australia is a Unesco World heritage Site and world’s longest system spanning 1,430 miles. 

Coral dislikes warm water about as much as acidity. Normally, a typical healthy coral thriving in cold waters can get the algae that symbiotically live in their skeleton providing food for shelter. In warmer environments however, there is ejection and the process is called bleaching.

A mass bleaching in 1998 killed 90 percent of the corals in the Indian Ocean. In 2010, one of the hottest in recorded human history, reefs bleached throughout the Caribbean and Indian Oceans and off the coast of Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. As the oceans’ coral collapse the whole food chain might collapse too. Fish corals comprise about 4 percent of the sea or large bodies of water but supports 70 percent of total fish population. Scarcity of fish could limit access to cheap animal protein essential for human health and nutrition.

Mr. Galicia comes from neighboring Sibuyan Island dubbed as Asia’s Galapagos. His team members include: Rose Jan Michael, Philline Donggay, Napoleon Parce, Myke Magalong, Nestor T. Baguinon, Shiea R. Castillo, Pealtie Pioquino Valeca, Agnes Baguera, Ellam Estares and Rebecca P. Barrios. /MP

PRDP Approves P181M Farm To Market Road Projects In Cadiz City by SMHToreno

PRDP Approves P181M Farm To 

Market Road Projects In Cadiz City 

by SMHToreno

The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement the rehabilitation of two farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Toboso and Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will lead the inauguration of the Brgy. Caduhaan-Sitio Aluyan FMR in Cadiz and the Sitio Magtuod-Vergara FMR in Toboso on April 30.

With a total project cost of P134,758, 000.00, the FMR in Cadiz City will benefit the production areas of 877 hectares (ha) planted to sugarcane, rice and corn.

Furthermore, the rehabilitation aims to increase the number of vehicles by 15 percent that traverse the road influence area for the first five areas, to reduce hauling costs of farmers by at least 30 percent, and to develop 100 ha for rice, 20 ha for corn and 50 ha for sugarcane production.

On the other hand, the rehab of Sitio Magtuod- Vergara FMR costs P47,237,000.00. This has a direct road influence area of 1,000 ha planted to sugarcane and rice.

Aside from the benefit of easy transportation, this FMR project is geared to expand the production area of at least 3 ha for muscovado sugarcane, 2ha for raw sugarcane, and one (1) ha for rice annually. Thus, increasing the average production of agri commodities by 50 percent before the end of 2019. /MP

Agri Info Officers Train On Photography, Success Story Writing

Agri Info Officers Train On 

Photography, Success Story Writing

Information and report officers of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 6 and attached agencies underwent a three-day workshop on photography and success story writing. It was held at Ilo-ilo Midtown Hotel recently in order to enhance skills in packaging salient communication materials for the benefit of the farming and fishery sectors.

Joselito Villasis, photojournalist of Panay News Iloilo, provided a hands-on training on the basic skills on photography. “You (information officers) have to be a mobile journalist. You may use your cellphone or your point and shoot cameras, not necessarily the DSLR in capturing important photos in agriculture,” said Villasis to the participants.

A field exposure was organized by the DA 6 Information Section wherein the participants were tasked to apply the knowledge they gained from the photography workshop. They took action and still agriculture-related photos at WESVIARC in Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo Research Outreach Station and Solinap Strawberry Farm in Sta. Barbara.

Bombo Radyo Ilo ilo station manager Henry A. Lumawag emphasized to the DA employees the need for a prompt response to the media in times of management crisis. “One way to get rid of further speculations is to offer the media men the right and direct information on the crisis or problems confronted by the agency, “he added.

On the other hand, Robert Ladera of the DYRI-RMN discussed the important tools needed by agricultural information officers in order to strengthen its exposure to the broadcast industry.

The regional information officer from DA-Region 11 Noel T. Provido trained the participants on how to write effective success stories and the importance of communicating agricultural development.

Through success story production, “we could invite and encourage the community that farming isn’t just a livelihood but an enterprise as response to the present administration’s call for inclusive economic growth,” said Provido. He has been producing success stories of the Mindanao Rural Development Program, the forerunner of the World Bank-assisted Philippine Rural Development Project.

Provido said the information and report officers should go down to the rural communities, listen to the testimonies and predicaments of every farmer and fisherfolk, and always adhere to the truth in packaging their stories.

Information officers have big role in the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration, thus, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council chairman Ricardo Provido Jr. prepared the said workforce on the challenges and the opportunities of the agriculture sector to this free-trade policy. /MP

NGCP Holds Forum For UST Electrical Engineering Students

NGCP Holds Forum For UST

Electrical Engineering Students

NGCP’s Deputy Assistant Chief Technical Officer for System Operations Mr. Santiago A. Dimaliwat IV was the guest of honor and speaker at a recent forumfor electrical engineering students of the University of Santo Tomas.

 In a move to reach out to a wider audience, power grid operator and transmission service provider NGCP recently extended its information dissemination campaign to graduating electrical engineering students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The university’s Electrical Engineering Department organized the forum as part of the students’ course requirements, and invited NGCP to give a talk about basic power grid operations and NGCP’s role in the electric power industry. 

Electrical engineering students of the University of Santo Tomas warmly welcome NGCP’s Deputy Assistant Chief Technical Officer for System Operations Mr. Santiago A. Dimaliwat IV.

NGCP’s Deputy Assistant Chief Technical Officer for Systems Operations, Mr. Santiago A. Dimaliwat IV, was the guest of honor and speaker.

A UST alumnus himself, Mr. Dimaliwat graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from UST. He moved on to obtain his Master of Science-Electrical Engineering, Major in Computer Engineering and Master in Industrial Engineering-Major in Operations Research, both from the University of the Philippines. He also served as college lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University and engineering instructor at UST.

Approximately 80 electrical engineering students listened to the talk which was held at the Roque Ruano Building of UST in Sampaloc, Manila on 18 April 2015.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. /MP

DA Allocates P181M For FMR Project Under PRDP

DA Allocates P181M For 

FMR Project Under PRDP

Capiz Provincial Governor Victor Tanco thanked the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala for the P181, 059, 000.00 farm-to-market road (FMR) project approved under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) during the media interaction held just recently. 

“The project will ease the transportation from Lemery, Iloilo to Maayon, Capiz,” said Gov. Tanco.

The concreting of Hipona-Canapian-Quinabonglan FMR is expected to be completed before the term of President Aquino ends. 

This FMR is five (5) meters wide, 1.5 meters both sides, 6 inches thick, and 18.117 kilometers long. 

According to Gov. Tanco, this FMR project is one of the first approved under the PRDP, a World Bank-assisted DA program that seeks to improve the farming sector through the development of agricultural infrastructures and enterprises. 

“This road will cut the travel time from the fifth district of Iloilo to Capiz. This will also pave way for development and security as agricultural products can be easily transported compared to the present situation that the area is quite critical and has no access to market,” said Gov. Tanco. 

According to Sec. Alcala, the provincial government of Capiz has shelled out P18 million for the project. The DA has provided 10 percent, the provincial government- 10 percent and the 80 percent of the total project cost is funded by the World Bank through a loan agreement. 

Gov. Tanco told the media that the provincial government has P100 million budget for PRDP counterparting. /MP

CONGRESS TO UPDATE 59-YEAR-OLD LIVESTOCKRAISERS LAW TO RAISE INCOMES

CONGRESS TO UPDATE 59-YEAR-OLD 

LIVESTOCKRAISERS LAW TO RAISE INCOMES

Livestock raisers dependent on feeds will see their incomes after updating the 59-year-old law that governs the feeds and livestock industries, a partylist representative said this week.

AAMBIS-Owa Party list Representative Sharon Garin filed House Bill 5162 or the Animal Feeds Act which seeks to organize, update, and strengthen the livestock feeds industry in the Philippines.

“When enacted, this measure will ensure that the feeds used by our farmers to nourish their livestocks are safe and of high quality. This will result to higher income of farmers and good health of the consuming public,” Rep. Garin said.

According to Dr. Maria Abenes, the Officer-in-Charge of the Animal Feeds and Veterinary and Biological Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the original law, Republic Act 1556, enacted in 1956, can no longer meet the demands of the industries’ continued growth and competition caused by liberalized trading policies.

“HB 5162 seeks to update the definitions, policies, and penalties found in the original law. For example, the scope of the regulation of the animal feeds industry would no longer be limited to the importation of feeds but would also include the feeds the country is exporting to ensure quality control. The regulation will include all feeds intended for both terrestrial and aquatic animals,” Dr. Abenes clarified.

The provisions of HB 5162, Garin said, will be synchronized with the labeling requirements of Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act authored by Garin. Under the proposed law, every package containing feed or feeding stuff must be labeled with type, brand, and kind of feed and feeding ingredient among other information for the benefit of end users. 

The proposed measure seeks to create an Animal Feed Control Advisory Committee under the Department of Agriculture (DA). This will develop and promote better licensing and registration processes to ensure the quality of all feeds for both commercial or non-commercial uses. The committee will also conduct studies and formal investigation on policy and technical matters arising from the implementation of the act.

Aside from updated administrative fees and charges, the provisions for stricter regulations come with higher fees for penalties, which will ultimately benefit the industry to be imposed under the proposed law such as tampering with packaged feeds for fraudulent purposes; removing, altering, or effacing prescribed tags or labels on packaged feeds ingredients will be dealt with imprisonment of six (6) months to one (1) year and a mandatory fine of half a million pesos.

Companies that will distribute or sell expired feeds and feed ingredients shall face suspension of license to operate and will pay a fine of one million pesos under the proposed measure.

If passed into law, a revolving fund called the Philippine Livestock Promotion Fund shall also be established. This will be the repository of all the charges and fees and other income during the implementation of the proposed law to be used for the maintenance and improvement of the services of the BAI.

HB 5162 is pending before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food. Hearings on the bill will be convened when Congress resumes session in May. /MP

COMPETENCE, EXPERIENCE KEY ISSUES IN 2016

COMPETENCE, EXPERIENCE

 KEY ISSUES IN 2016

Competence and experience will be the key issues in 2016, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said as he offered his track record as Makati mayor and as Vice President to the people.

Binay issued the statement after two surveys – Social Weather Stations and Novo Trends – showed that Filipinos consider him as their top choice for president in 2016.

“Tatakbo ako sa pagkapangulo dahil alam ko na sa darating na halalan, pipiliin ng mamamayang Pilipino iyong may karanasan at kakayahan sa pamamahala – karanasan at kakayahan na nagdulot ng magandang resulta, katulad po ng tinatamasa ng mga taga-Makati,” he said.

When Binay was appointed as Makati mayor after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, he took over a municipality that had P190-million annual revenue and about P200-million debt.

Binay then instituted reforms, implementing fiscal discipline and sound management practices that helped transform a bankrupt Makati to the country’s premier city.

Under his leadership, Makati provided free public education from elementary to high school and highly subsidized college education for residents at the University of Makati. Graduates were also assured of employment through the university’s dualized education system.

Makati also offered primary to tertiary health care under the Yellow Card health program – with free medicines and hospitalization – as well as a senior citizens care program that allowed Makati elderly to enjoy free movies, a birthday cake, medicine, and even cash allowance.

Binay’s accomplishments in Makati propelled him to be named as one of the top mayors of the world.

“Ang sabi nila wala raw akong magagawa. Pero naipakita ko na man po. Wala pong makapagsasabi ng hindi naming napaganda angbuhaysa Makati,” he said.

A few months after he assumed office as Vice President, Binay was appointed Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) Concerns and chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Binay gives priority to protecting the rights and welfare of OFWs, especially those on death row. He helped Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, who had been in prison in Saudi for 13 years and had been sentenced to die, secured his freedom and returned home.

Meanwhile, as housing czar, Binay led the key shelter agencies into providing quality and affordable homes to low income and informal settler families (ISFs).

From July 2010 to June 2014, the housing sector was able to provide direct housing assistance to nearly 582,000 low-income and ISFs.

Binay said that because the president’s term is only six years, he plans to work with past cabinet members who performed well during their tenures.

“Anim na taon lamang ang pagiging pangulo at napakaiksi po ng panahong ito. Dapat bihasa na sa pamamahala ang uupong pangulo, hindi iyong mag-aaral pa lang ng gagawin sakaling may krisis,”Binay said.

“Dahil sa paniniwalang ‘yan, gusto ko na kapag ako ay nagging pangulo, pipiliin ko na maging katuwang ang mga cabinet member na may karanasan at nagging epektibo sa kanilang trabaho,” he added.

Binay also maintained that executives from the local government are better equipped to handle national positions because of their experience in managing their localities.

“Lubos po ang aking paniniwala na pinakamagandang training ang local na pamahalaan para sa mga gusting umupo sa nasyonal na posisyon. TingnannyonalamangpoangAmerika. Marami sa kanilang mga national officials ay dating mga gobernador,” he said.

“Magkatulad ang pamamahala sa lokal at nasyonal, mas malawak nga lang pag buong bansa na ang pinagsisilbihan mo,” he added. /MP

BINAY HOPES TO PERSONALLY APPEAL MARY JANE VELOSO CASE TO PRESIDENT WIDODO

BINAY HOPES TO PERSONALLY APPEAL MARY JANE VELOSO CASE TO RESIDENT WIDODO

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay will leave for Indonesia on April 22 to attend the Asian–African Summit in Bandung but he will use the visit to make a last-ditch effort to personally appeal to President JokoWidodo to spare the life of Filipina worker Mary Jane Veloso.

“I am hoping that we will be given the opportunity to personally appeal to His Excellency’s kind heart for the commutation of the sentence of Mary Jane,” Binay said.

The Vice President said while he is saddened that the Indonesian Supreme Court has chosen not to grant Veloso’s first request for a judicial review of her case, the Philippine government reiterates its respect for Indonesia’s laws and legal system.

But Binay said he hopes Indonesia will look on Veloso with compassion, since she is not part of any organized drug syndicate. “She, too, was a victim,” he said. The Vice President said a person whom Veloso trusted and knew personally “took advantage of her trust when she asked Veloso to hand carry a luggage containing illegal drugs.”

“I intend to bring to His Excellency our people’s hope for compassion, given the circumstances surrounding the case,” Binay said.

The Vice President noted that just recently, President Widodo had appealed to the King of Saudi Arabia not to execute an Indonesian domestic worker.

“I am certain His Excellency understands why we in government are doing all we can to save the life of our kababayan. It is the responsibility of governments to come to the aid of their countrymen, especially those in difficult circumstances,” he said.

The summit will gather leaders from 29 countries “to discuss peace, security, and economic development in the midst of emerging problems in many parts of the world.”

While in Indonesia, the Vice President will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, on issues concerning Philippines and Indonesian relations.

The Vice President is also set to attend activities hosted by Indonesian President Widodo, including a 20-minute historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka.

Binay, who concurrently serves as Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concerns, is also scheduled to hold a dialog with the Filipino community in Indonesia. 

ASKS FOR PRAYERS 

VP Jejomar C. Binay asked for prayers for Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipino worker in death row in Indonesia.

“Sama-sama tayong magdasal,” Binay, the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filpino Workers Concerns, told reporters before departing for Indonesia for the Asian–African Summit in Bandung.

“Pinagpapalagay kong ‘yong chances na hindi s’ya mako-convict. Kasi sa aking palagay e if you read between the lines e ‘yong bang we have to inspect the legal system e we have to respect the findings though we are appealing in judicial process. Tingnan natin. Pagdasal natin. Hindi naman nag-rosaryo ang kababayan natin na mangibang-bansa,” he said.

“Unang-una, itong ating kababayan naman e ngayon lang lumabas ng Pilipinas ‘to. Hindi katulad no’ng iba [na] in and out, in and out. Lalong lalo na sa Indonesia, hindi naman ito nag-in and out. Pangalawa, hindi naman [sa hindi] natin nirerespeto ‘yong legal system nila. Nirerespeto natin. ‘Yon lamang, ako personally, ang appeal ko e huwag naman s’yang ma-execute.” 

“Pangatlo, nagkataon lang na napasama [ang kababayan natin] do’n sa ibang mga foreigner na talagang under questionable [circumstances]. Pang-apat, mukhang talagang biktima lamang itong kababayan natin ng mga paki-pakiusap e. May nabasa ako ro’n sa kanyang testimony na hanggang sa huling sandali tiningnan naman n’ya ‘yong bag e. Palibhasa, siguro [naive] itong ating kababayan. Hindi nakita ‘yong taguan ro’n. Pang-lima, from a Filipino point of view, hindi ko talaga maisip-isip na isang babae e mapa-firing squad,” Binay said.

He also discussed the possibility of visiting Veloso in Yogyakarta, as well as her parents who are in Jakarta during his stay.

Binay also reiterated his call for OFWs to be doubly careful in accepting packages to be brought to other countries even during instances that family members or friends themselves ask for the favor.

He also expressed hope that in the future, OFWs would choose to go abroad for professional growth and not because they were pushed by desperate circumstances. 

“Pangalawa, sana mangyari sa kinabukasan, ang mga OFW ay nagpupunta sa ibang bansa not because of need but because of professional growth,” he said. /MP

Kapuso Foundation Receives Donation For Yolanda Victims From FACCOC

Kapuso Foundation Receives Donation 

For Yolanda Victims From FACCOC

Present during the turnover are(from left to right) GMA International US consultant Jush Andowitt, FACCOC President Elena Lapid-Salonga, GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco, and Engr. Alfonso C. Salonga, Jr.

GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc., headed by GMAKF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco, recently received a donation from the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Orange County (FACCOC) in California, represented by their President Elena Lapid-Salonga, in support of the Foundation’s Yolanda rehabilitation efforts. 

The generous donation was the result of a fundraising dinner dance gala with Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Tacloban City Councilor Cristina Romualdez as guest speakers held at the Radisson Hotel Uptown Whittier on March 14, 2015 for the benefit of Yolanda victims.  The fundraising event organized by FACCOC raised US$11,100. The proceeds will be used to support the Foundation’s ongoing projects for the disaster-stricken areas in the Visayas region specifically in Tacloban City.

The campaign was borne out of a desire to help Tacloban residents after Lapid-Salonga visited Leyte to witness the situation first-hand as well as the existing efforts of the Kapuso Foundation. “I saw the housing project and it impressed me,” she says of the Kapuso Village in Tacloban, the first completed housing project in the city which the Kapuso Foundation will turn over to select beneficiaries this year. “When I went back to the United States, I told the organization, ‘We’re going to have a fundraiser. This is for GMA because I saw how they helped the city,’” she continued.

On behalf of GMAKF, Tiangco is grateful for the generosity of fellow Filipinos all across the globe. “We are truly grateful for Filipinos overseas who actively participate in the Foundation’s efforts to uplift the lives of their fellow Filipinos back home,” says Tiangco. “Your generosity is the seed with which we can plant new beginnings and bring about renewed hope in their lives.” /MP

WHAT THEY SAY ON BONDAL’S CLAIM THAT VP BINAY GOT P1 BILLION FROM MAKATI FRIENDSHIP SUITES PROJECT

WHAT THEY SAY ON BONDAL’S CLAIM THAT VP BINAY GOT P1 BILLION FROM MAKATI FRIENDSHIP SUITES PROJECT

1. Statement of Joey Salgado, Head of OVP Media Affairs. 

Another work of fiction from a ser-ial election loser in Makati and self-confessed “manghuhula.”

Mr. Bondal is the same person who claimed Makati’s birthday cakes were overpriced at P1000 (per cake). When this was discredited by official documents, he sheepishly admitted “nanghula” langsya. 

He is the same person who pegged his claim of overpricing in the case of Makati City Hall Building 2 on National Statistics Office data. But the NSO had clarified that their data is not based on actual construction cost. 

In short, Mr. Bondal has a track record of lying or using unreliable data to make wild accusations against the Vice President.

2. Statement of Atty. Rico Quicho, Vice Presidential Spokesperson On Political Affairs.

Election campaign has started in the Senate. The proceeding earlier in the Senate is like Mr. Bondal and Mercado’s “miting de avance”. They questioned the propriety of the Vice President’s program that directly uplifts the lives of the people of Makati without offering any real solutions. The accomplishments of the Vice President remain solid and effective for the people. /MP

CHIZ TELLS COMELEC TO REBID DEAL, NEVER APPEAL SC DECISION ON SMARTMATIC

CHIZ TELLS COMELEC TO REBID DEAL, NEVER APPEAL SC DECISION ON SMARTMATIC

Senator Chiz Escudero said that a no-election scenario in 2016 was impossible after serious concerns emerged following the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify a deal between the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Smartmatic for the repair and maintenance of 82,000 voting machines for next year’s national (2016) polls.

The high court nixed the Comelec-Smartmatic deal amidst allegations of indiscretion and abuse surrounding the awarding of the repair contract. But Escudero said, the SC ruling will not impede the conduct of the 2016 elections since there are other options available to the poll body.

“Postponing the elections is not possible. Under the Constitution and even under our laws, elections cannot and should not be postponed,” Escudero said. “Comelec has no power to do that. Its only mandate is to supervise elections in our country every three years. And precisely because elections happen only every three years, there is no reason for the Comelec not to do it effectively.”

Escudero, who heads the Senate Committee on Finance, said the best option for the Comelec is to bid out the contract anew as there is still enough time left to do so.

“Para sa akin, mag-bidding na sila at huwag nang umapela pa sa korte upang sa gayon ay mas magkaroon sila ng sapat na panahon para dumiskarte at gumalaw pa ng naaayon sa SC decision. Lalo na at unanimous ang desisyon ng korte, malamang hindi na ‘yan babaligtarin,” the senator explained.

According to Escudero, if Comelec would stick with the bidding process and procedures, there is still time to address the technical needs for operating the machines and even Congress has time to help the poll body if needed.

“May sapat pang panahon. Ngayon kung magkukulang sila ng pera, alam ko may savings pa ang Comelec na humigit kumulang dalawang bilyong piso; pwede nilang kunin dun. Kung may kailangan pa silang dagdag na gastusin, ipagbigay alam nila sa amin para sa lalong madaling panahon maaksyunan ng Kongreso at maibigay ang kinakailangang pondo para sa automated elections sa 2016,” Escudero said, as he dismissed the possibility of going back to manual elections next year in the face of the high tribunal’s decision. /MP

New Grads To Benefit From Philippines’ Bright Economic Prospects

New Grads To Benefit From Philippines’ Bright Economic Prospects

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday asked graduates of Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) to believe in the Philippines and take full advantage of the opportunities available in the country, one of only two Asian nations expected to grow six (6) percent or more in 2015.

Addressing graduates at the 67th Commencement Exercises of MLQU, Ochoa said that the country has “100 million reasons to be optimistic about its future,” as foreign analysts have been bullish about the Philippines’ growing economy and its young, talented workforce.

“Our country is in the midst of steady economic growth, and that growth represents more opportunities for our citizens, especially young men and women like yourselves––who are now part of the one of the world’s youngest, best educated and most dynamic workforces,” Ochoa stressed.

Executive Secretary Ochoa cited a survey of economists conducted by Bloom-berg which showed that the Philippines and China are the only two Asian economies forecasted to grow six (6) percent or more this year. In the same survey, the Philippines was one of only five countries worldwide expected to grow five (5) percent or more in the coming year, joining China, India, Indonesia and Kenya.

Quoting an article from business magazine “Forbes”, Ochoa said that foreign observers have high hopes for the country, which is “home to some of the most inspiring and promising talent in the world.”

“That talent is already demonstrated by Filipinos in companies around the globe and yet, it is only just a taste of what is possible and what is still to come,” Ochoa pointed out. 

“Believe in your country. Believe in yourselves. And believe that with the education you have received and the degrees you hold today, a bright future awaits you, your families and your country,” he added.

MLQU was established in 1947 to provide “ambitious but financially disadvantaged young people with the education and professional training needed to get ahead in life.” The university was founded by several prominent justices and lawyers who saw the need for a quality educational institution catering to the less privileged. Its founders include Leoncio B. Monzon, Sen. Lorenzo M. Tañada, Arsenio P. Dizon, Carmelino G. Alvendia, Justice Jose B. L. Reyes, Manuel O. Chan, and Anselmo S. Claudio.

There are two members of the Cabinet of President Benigno S. Aquino III who are alumni of MLQU: Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ro Puti Nga Lengganay 

It Jineno (Altavas)

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro sugilanon hanungod sa puti nga lengganay it dati anay nga Jineno nga makaron hay Altavas hay naghalin pa katong tiyempo it mga Espanyol nga ro mga Moros hay naga tambang sa kaeaeawran. 

Guina anaran nga eosubon ko mga pirata rong banwa sa baybayon. Guina bihag nanda ro mga mabakod nga kaeaeakihan agod ubrahon nga ulipon. Ro mga babaye hay guina dugang sa andang harem. 

Agud makalikaw sa mga mapintas nga mga Moros, nag adto ro mga tawo sa kagueangan sa may Norte nga parte kong bukid it Pulilan ma-eapit sa may pangpang kong suba it Giniktan.

Sa bag-o nanda nga guina estaran, nagkasugot sanda nga maghorma it lengganay agod magta-o it pangandam kon may maga-abot nga mga Muslim. Guin tipon nanda rong kutob pilak ag guintunaw agud obrahon nga lengganay. Kat nahuman eon rong lengganay, “maputi ag nagasiga” bangod nahuman sa pilak ag kon bagtingon hay abot hasta sa dagat it Sibuyan. May mata-as nga bukid nga andang guin patindugan it tore nga butong ag guin bitay nanda rong lengganay. 

Ko olihe, may namataan nga 25 ka mga ventas it Muslim nga naga padueong. Guin bagting rong lengganay ag ro mga tawo hay nagpaeayo paadto sa bukid. Guina paeos ko mga kaeaeakihan rong lengganay ag bo-ot daehon idto sa kabukiran. Tungod masyadong mabug-at, owa hadaea sa bukid.

Agod indi mahueog sa alima it mga muslim, guin tagbong nanda sa madueom nga parte it suba it Agbalili. Hasta makaron owa guid nakita rondayang lengganay. Guin tawag nanda rong lugar nga Bucayan (rong puti nga bagay) nga guina tungod hay rong puti nga lengganay. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Is Marianos Bridge 

Construction Abandoned?

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

A congressman of Hongkong has branded Filipino domestic workers in Hongkong as “Home Wrecker”. A wrecker is “a person or thing that wrecks, a person who causes ruin, a person who demolishes or dismantles.” Those are the meanings of wrecker found in the dictionary.

According to that Hongkong woman congressman, their Filipino domestic workers are home wreckers. This is very serious, and grave imputation.

She accused our women countrymen of destroying their homes, their families. Is it right to say that the people of Hongkong employs Filipino domestic workers to tidy their respective homes? To cook for them? To take good care of their children? to keep watch their houses while they are away? To wash their clothes?

If after rendering these services, they still brand the Filipino domestic workers, “WRECKERS” then they are ungrateful masters. With the meager salary they pay their domestic workers, they must be grateful to the Filipinos. These Filipino domestic workers highly deserve our sympathy. They aren’t home wreckers.

Our domestic workers in Hongkong demand that the Hongkong congresswoman apologies to them and say “SORRY”. If not, they request our government to approve a resolution declaring that Hongkong congresswoman “persona von grata”. Better still if they go home, work and earn here.

If their Filipino domestic workers are home wreckers, why do the Hongkong families keep on employing them? They have all the rights and capabilities to terminate their services with them. Anyway, our Overseas Filipino Workers are proclaimed Filipino modern heroes.

Endless Construction

The construction of Marianos Bridge in Brgy. Marianos, Numancia, Aklan is appearing to be endless. It is not only endless, it is also ugly. It is already ugly, moreover, it is dangerous.

That bridge is projected to be completed for 100 calendar days construction. Construction of it started on June 23, 2014. After 10 months or 300 days, its completion is unsighted. Is this “Todo Asenso?”

It is very much delayed. What does the project engineer do? Perhaps he/she is in deep slumber. Please wake up and comply with your duties.

The sight in Marianos, Numancia is very ugly. It is dangerous to both motorists and pedestrians. Its completion is uncertain as nobody is working on it these days. Is this abandoned?

It will be best for the DPWH to move out those obstructions on the construction site and replace it with the necessary road safety signage to prevent accidents.

Territorial Disputes

Former Navy Commander Tomas Cloma at the end of World War II claimed he discovered “Freedomland” at South Philippine Sea. Since then, the Philippines assumed ownership of it. The Philippine authorities apprehended foreigners who fished on it. This included the Chinese. But the Philippine Sea is in jeopardy. There are now several claimants which include Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei.

The Chinese has occupied several islands, constructed airports and military headquarters. They are preventing Filipino fishermen from fishing in the area they used to fish. They do not only drive them, the Chinese fire guns and water cannons to drive them away. What can our government do to enforce Philippine sovereignty over the South Philippine Sea? 

Let us retaliate. The Chinese refused to negotiate diplomatically. They want to negotiate with the use of the barrels of the guns. The Filipino cannot match the muscle of the Chinese, but we have several allies, strong allies. Can we rely on them? Maybe, yes. /MP

Editorial

PRC: Always First, Always

Ready, Always There

For nearly seven decades, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has been a pillar of hope, help, and compassion for Filipinos providing assistance to the most vulnerable in times of disasters and emergencies. As the PRC marks its 68th year of inauguration as a member of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement on April 15, the country’s premier humanitarian organization continues to provide life-saving assistance and service to the most vulnerable. 

“In a country with a buffet of disasters, we have to have all the logistics, all the volunteers and we have to make use of information technology,” said PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon. Gordon created the equation, “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = A Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready and Always There.” Without volunteers, the Red Cross is nothing, without logistics the Red Cross cannot move as fast as it does, and the same goes for information technology.

On its 68th year, the Philippine Red Cross continues to provide services anchored around its six (6) major services: disaster management, blood, safety, community health and nursing, social, and Red Cross youth and voluntary services. All of which, according to Gordon, embody the fundamental principles of the RCRC Movement – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. 

“All of the seven principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are the guiding standards by which we at the PRC operate. The same principles inspire all staff and volunteers in fulfilling their duties and providing services to the vulnerable, often selflessly and without asking for anything in return,” said Gwendolyn Pang, PRC’s secretary general. 

PRC continues to be a beacon of compassion as it responds to disasters and emergencies one after another. No emergency is too small for the PRC as it responds daily to calls for ambulance assistance, vehicular accidents, fire control, rescue, and other forms of disaster response. From January to April 10, the PRC Operations Center has already recorded 1,995 ambulance responses, 96 fire truck responses, 5 rescue vehicle (RV) response, 1 motor rescue vehicle (MRV) response, and 7,745 total patients catered. 

The PRC blood bank likewise continues to provide blood to all who needed it, including indigent patients. From January to April 10, the PRC blood services have served a total of 32,342 patients; 47,022 total units of blood served; 29,095 pay patients served; and 3,425 indigent patients served. 

Philippine Red Cross continues to provide life-saving materials for those affected by disasters and emergencies such as those displaced by fires. During last month’s Parola fire in Tondo, Manila, PRC, through its Manila Chapter, served food to those in the evacuation centers through PRC’s mobile soup kitchen. PRC and the Manila Chapter also provided relief goods to affected families of recent major fire incidents.

Not forgetting about past disasters and responses, the PRC continues with its recovery and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by major disasters. The PRC and partner societies in the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement continues its rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda (Haiyan) affected provinces almost a year and a half after it hit Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces. As of date, the Philippine Red Cross, supported by partner national societies in the RCRC Movement, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), has repaired and constructed more than 53,000 homes in Yolanda affected provinces. Other forms of assistance are also continuing like livelihood assistance, skills training and enterprise development, construction of water and sanitation facilities, promotion of hygiene and sanitation in schools and communities, and repair and construction of health facilities. 

Even before Yolanda, shelter assistance was already a major endeavor of the PRC in areas affected by disasters. Around 47,000 homes have been repaired and constructed by the PRC in several disaster-affected areas like in Iligan, Isabela, Bicol, Kalinga Apayao, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Compostela Valley, and in Bohol that was badly hit by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Central Visayas in October 2013.

To further strengthen the capabilities of the PRC in responding to disasters and emergencies, PRC recently opened its Logistics and Training Center in Subic which will provide support to the national headquarters and nearby chapters. The Logistics and Training Center serves as storage for non-food items that can be easily distributed in case of disasters and emergencies, as well as other equipment and response and rescue vehicles. 

Truly, the PRC has time and again proven that it is the country’s premier humanitarian organization and will continue to be a moving presence providing service to the most vulnerable in the years to come. /MP

CHIZ URGES AQUINO TO CONVENE NSC AMIDST CHINA AGGRESSION

CHIZ URGES AQUINO TO CONVENE NSC AMIDST CHINA AGGRESSION

It will augur well for the government to immediately convene the National Security Council (NSC) to map out plans in the face of China’s aggression over the West Philippine Sea.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the government must push through with the arbitration process of the territorial dispute, and this must be done in coherence with all key players, starting with the government.

“It might indeed be best to convene the NSC in order to bring everybody in the loop given that this is an issue facing our country and people regardless of political affiliation,” Escudero said. 

Under Executive Order No. 115, the NSC is the principal advisory body of the President on the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies affecting national security.

Escudero supports the government’s position to defend the country’s claim over parts of the potentially oil-rich South China Sea, which are also claimed in parts by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

“We are well within our rights and claims. We should not give up our rights and in fact, we should assert our sovereignty. This is why convening the NSC is fundamental to address this issue.”

“All branches of the government must work together in unison. We bring the best minds, the soundest judgment, and the best intentions for the country to stand at its best on an issue that is every Filipino’s claim,” Escudero pointed out.

China has been relentless in taking control of most parts of the disputed areas through reclamation works and construction of military facilities. Last week, Filipino fishermen were water cannoned by a Chinese vessel to drive them away from the Scarborough Shoal.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also said they have photographs taken by satellites to show that China has aggressively built infrastructures on reefs and islets, including airstrips and key military facilities.

“It is imperative that the government brings the issue to the proper forum through diplomatic means. Getting international attention and support from the United States and regional partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will definitely play an important role in keeping China at bay,” said Escudero.

“International attention and support will play a key role to pressure China to conform to international laws and practices. It could also temper them from their bullying tactics and convince them to resolve the matter peacefully,” Escudero stressed. /MP

AKLANONS PAY TRIBUTE TO VETERAN AND PIONEERING BROADCASTER by ODON S. BANDIOLA

AKLANONS PAY TRIBUTE TO VETERAN AND PIONEERING BROADCASTER 

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan is set to honor the memories of the late Ebenezer “Ben” G. Torre, Sr. who died on April 9, 2015 at the age of 80.  

The memorial mass and necrological services will be held at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Memorial Sports Cultural Center starting at 10:00 o’clock in the morning on April 23 prior to the transfer of the remains to the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in the afternoon and interment at the Kalibo Municipal Cemetery. 

Political and media personalities in the Province of Aklan will take turns in paying tribute to a man popularly known as “Nong Ben” to many like incumbent Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, a Regular Presiding Officer of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, herself a journalist; former Vice Governor Ronquillo “Kel” C. Tolentino, a veteran journalist who is the past president of the Aklan Press and Radio Club, Inc. and past president of the Aklan Government Public Information Officers Association; Mr. Juan P. Dayang, president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and past president of the Aklan Press and Radio Club and its founder; Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and former broadcaster of IBC-DYRG; Atty. Santiago Regalado, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member for several terms and former IBC-DYRG broadcaster; and, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, past president of the Aklan Press Club and publisher of Madyaas Pen.  

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Plaridel M. Morania for several terms will read the SP Resolution No. 111, Series of 2015 expressing condolences to the bereaved family of the late Ebenezer G. Torre, Sr. passed during the 13th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan on April 15, 2015.

Ben Torre was the station manager of RMN-DYKR during the decades of the 70’s and the 80’s who popularized a morning public affairs program “Palibot-libot sa Akean” and the amateur singing show every Tuesday evening in the Kalibo Public Plaza dubbed as the “Da-ean sa Kadunggadan”.

Ben Torre was popularly elected as Sangguniang Bayan Member of the capital town of Kalibo for the term from 1980 to 1987 and as Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan for the term from 1988 to 1992.   

Ben Torre was still a broadcaster when “the reign of terror” dominated Aklan early in the 1980’s and the veteran and pioneering broadcaster risked his life in defense of peace and order through the airwaves.  

The then charismatic Ben Torre developed and built a throng of supporters and sympathizers as a broadcaster particularly appealing to a mass audience which catapulted him to political achievements as elected local legislator both in Kalibo and in Aklan. /MP

AAMBIS-OWA PARTY-LIST DAY CARE PROJECT TO CARE FOR OVER 700 KIDS

AAMBIS-OWA PARTY-LIST DAY CARE PROJECT TO CARE FOR OVER 700 KIDS

Over 700 day care pupils—infants to four-year-olds—in the 4th class municipality of Guimbal, Iloilo are the intended beneficiaries of the AAMBIS-OWA Day Care Center Project, which is designed to rehabilitate and upgrade the child care facilities.

“Education is the key to both economic and social development. As a complimentary activity aimed at helping poor areas, the project creates day care centers whose clients are poor farmers and their families,” AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Representative Rep. Sharon S. Garin said.

The project dubbed as “Bayanihan Para sa Musmos na Kabataan” is the result of collaboration of Garin with parents-teachers associations (PTA), youth volunteers, barangay officials, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Local Government Unit of Guimbal.

The 4th class municipality Guimbal is the first beneficiary of the project. It has 28 day care centers spread out in 33 barangays. Its day care centers cater to 756 children.

The first and second batches of Day Care improvement activities were held last December 13 – 14, 2014 and March 13- 14, respectively, which benefited 10 day care centers with more than 200 day care children in Guimbal, Iloilo.

Rep. Garin said the project was partly inspired by the first 1000 days program of the UNICEF, which has ascertained that proper nourishment on the first 1000 days of children from conception until 2 years of age is very crucial in terms of their physical and intellectual development.

Aside from adequate nutrition, the importance of early childhood education and development was also given a nudge towards the right direction.

All local government units (LGUs) nationwide are mandated by Republic Act 6972 to establish one day care center in every barangay. As of 2013, there are 52,665 day care centers nationwide.

The AAMBIS-Owa Party-list donates toys, different appliances such as television and electric fans, and carpentry materials.

The local government unit particularly the municipality of Guimbal also pitches in additional toys, carpentry materials, and educational materials, while the DSWD provides kitchen and eating utensils. In addition, they also provide technical assistance to the daycare center personnel.

The PTAs devise instructional materials for use during day care hours.

Barangay officials and staff provide the manpower for the carpentry and painting of the day care centers. They also provide snacks for the working groups.

The next phase of the project will commence in May 2015. /MP

Capiz Celebrates 8th Farmers Day

Capiz Celebrates 8th Farmers Day

by James Earl F. Ogatis and Sheila Mae H. Toreno

DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Cong. Antonio del Rosario and Gov. Victor A. Tanco graced the 8th CapizTahan Farmers and Fisherfolk Day celebration which was attended by 2,200 agricultural stakeholders composed of farmers, livestock raisers, fisherfolk, agri-entreprenuers, agricultural extension workers and local government executives of Capiz. In Top Photo are (from left) Hon. Eduardo Magallanes, Vice Gov. Evan Contreras, Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, DA 6 Dir. Larry P. Nacionales, PhilMech Dir. Rex L. Bingabing, DA 6 RTD Manuel O. Olanday and NFA Director Bernardo Asetre (James Earl E. Ogatis photo).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala graced the annual Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day Celebration in Capiz held just recently. Alcala has attended the same celebration for the last five years. 

This year’s celebration with the theme “Agrikultura: Pasanyugon Para sa Bugana nga Pagkaon” was aimed at supporting the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Food Staple Sufficiency Program.

Sec. Alcala emphasized to the farmers to support the present administration of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III amid the various political issues that hamper national development. He cited the huge support of the President to the agriculture sector as the expansion of farm-to-market road projects and other agri-infrastructures continue nationwide which significantly help in attaining food sufficiency and inclusive economic growth. 

Around 2,200 farmers, fisherfolk, livestock and poultry raisers, members of farmers associations and cooperatives, municipal agriculturists, agricultural extension workers, and local government officials attended the event. 

Sec. Alcala commended the efforts farmers, fisherfolk and association of 17 municipalities of Capiz that took part in the Farmers’ Market Day Product Exhibit. 

Furthermore, he thanked the indigenous peoples (IPs) of Capiz for producing one of the best quality rice in the region. Thus, he committed to provide one unit of rice mill to the municipality of Tapaz and vacuum pack sealers to better the rice production and storage.

Sec. Alcala granted several agricultural subsidies and projects to farmer participants including 20 bags of assorted vegetable seeds, 50 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 30 bags of open-pollinated variety white corn seeds, 150 bags of registered rice seeds, 10 packets of goat (one packet consists of 1 male and 4 female goats), 50 units of fishing gear, 20 units of fishing engine with 5.5hp, 5 units of floating tillers, 10 units of pump and engine sets for irrigation (shallow tube well), 6 units of rice thresher, 10 units of fiber glass boat with engine, 10 carabaos with implements, and 6 units of handtractor with trailers. 

Last year, Sec. Alcala had spearheaded the inauguration of several agri-fishery projects in Capiz including the P200 million Communal Irrigation Project in Maayon, P10 million worth of “AA” slaughterhouse in President Roxas, and AHON project in Pilar. 

Aside from the production supports, the DA Regional Field Office 6 had already established market linkages for APAMI products of Capiz through promotion in the local and international trade fairs. Value chain analyses on special rice such as red, black and white aromatic rice. Benchmarking studies on selected commodities were conducted as preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration. Shellfish and the Live Grouper Production and Marketing, two enterprise development projects are already approved under the Philippine Rural Development Project. /MP