Archive for June, 2009
Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
SEGREGATION at source is still the best and most cost efficient way of garbage disposal, hints Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Nestor Canda.
Speaking during a radio interview, the environment officer said proper segregation at source should work out to lessen the bulk of garbage thrown daily.
With proper information on segregation, people can now see that some items that were previously piled for disposal can still be recycled or re-used.
The advocacy by the PENRO came in time when city government is now pressed to act on the garbage problem here just as local governments are also mandated to put up sanitary landfills in line with the national ecological solid waste management law. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
MALACANANG laughs off the allegation about that Oplan: August moon, saying that the insinuation of perpetuating the President in power beyond 2010 is just the opposition and de-stabilizers’ “figment of imagination”.
OPLAN August moon, according to leaked reports is a coup plot aimed at perpetuating President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power beyond 2010 and is inspired by a Chinese festival.
The plan allegedly includes putting generals loyal to the president in power, specifically members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1978, which includes Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, commanding general of the 70,000-strong Philippine Army.
Deputy spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo instead said the President is focused on economic issues and managing the A(H1N1) crisis than planning her stay.
In the alleged plot, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado becomes “collateral damage” with Bangit taking over his place while other PMS Class 78 members would be given key posts. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
TAKING advantage of the opportunity while on official travel, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo nailed another hopeful chance for investments in the country, this time with Hongkong based Kuok group.
Kuok Group of Companies, owners of the Shangri-la hotel chains committed to expand their business in the Philippines, during a meeting with the president in Hongkong.
According to Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde, officals of Kuok group announced their plans in expanding their hotel and resort business, a big booster helping the tourism industry in Philippines.
Remonde also said that aside from their hotels and resorts, the Kuok group will also invest on the Philippine Palm oil industry. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
AMID disheartening complaints of senior citizens being refused the mandatory discount from establishments, the Department of Finance (DOF) is now open to raising discounts from 20 to 30 %.
In a position paper, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said the DOF supports raising the mandatory discounts as embodied in a Senate bill but cautioned lawmakers against giving the national government the responsibility of giving the sector a P1,500 monthly stipend, another provision of the senate bill.
The Senate bill intends to provide additional assistance through a monthly stipend of P1500 to the more vulnerable senior citizens, but its also proposed to earmark VAT (value added tax) proceeds to fund the proposed monthly stipend.
Beltran explained that saving portion of the VAT proceeds for this endeavor means P4 billion monthly revenue loss for the NG or about P53 billion loss in a year.
“The most basic argument against earmarking of revenues is that it limits flexibility of government in budgeting its scarce revenues that misallocation of resources is not a remote possibility to take place,” he said.
Aside from increasing the discount for senior citizens stipulated under Republic Act 7432, otherwise known as the Senior Citizen Act, and granting 20 percent discount to services and goods not covered by VAT, the proposed measure also wants senior citizens to be exempted from the payment of individual income taxes if their annual taxable income is not over the latest poverty threshold in the country.
This provision, Beltran said, should be in line with the incentives included under RA 9504, otherwise known as the Minimum Wage Law. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
Despite the global recession, new and big investments keep pouring in, signaling real investor confidence in the country. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed its registered foreign portfolio investments in May 2009 rose 125 percent, from $435 million in April to nearly $1 billion in May.
The figure resulted in a net inflow of $498 million during the month as total outflows dropped 33 percent, from $711 million in April to $480 million in May.
Monetary officials noted the country has benefitted from revival of investors’ risk appetite to emerging economies which include the Philippines.
With President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s recent visit to Japan and Brazil, Japanese companies also made firm commitments to invest and/or increase their investments in the Philippines. (VMHS/PIA)
Click here for full article.
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Written by anyajulia on 30 June 2009
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s foreign trips bring benefits for the country. This was the statement disclosed by Malacanang after rumors spread that the President is just wasting money and that no concrete benefits were being derived from the trips.
On jobs generation, a total of US$2.2 billion worth of investments and job opportunities resulted from her trip to South Korea, while US$500 million worth of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) projects were secured from Japan.
Resulting from the China trip was a US$2 billion property development investment for Fort Bonifacio. Two giant oil firms in the Middle East – Al Kharafi and Qtel – pledged to invest up to US$1 billion.
On infrastructure development, China’s Shiamao Property Holdings Limited is investing US$700 million for a hotel project, while Spain committed 180 million euros for the construction of steel bridges and modular roll on-roll off ports.
The President’s trips also resulted in other benefits like the US$190 million for Filipino war veterans.
These are among the benefits derived from PGMA’s foreign travels. (PIA /DOS)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
PREVALENCE of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) among Boholanos seafarers is low, but their continued exposure to with high-risk behaviors has alarmed a survey group from the University of the Philippines College of Public Health.
Dr. Ofelia Saniel, principal investigator for the Joint Program on HIV and migration Baseline Research among Boholano Overseas Foreign Workers explained that at below 1% HIV prevalence in 250 seafarer respondents, monitoring of high risk behaviors may be enough at this point in Bohol.
She however said that their study revealed sea-based and land based OFWs practice high risk behaviors such as having multiple sex partners, unprotected sex and engaging in commercial sex.
Their research key findings also reasoned out that the OFWS vulnerability may be caused by feelings homesickness and with extra money, this allows binge drinking, night clubbing, drugs use and commercial sex activities.
The condition is even more complicated by misconceptions on their personal risk of HIV, the emerging double standards in sexual behaviors and minimal risk awareness campaigns, the study bared.
In a presentation to Bohol key authorities June 26 at the Bohjol Tropics, especially to the Provincial HIV AIDS Multi-Sectoral Council, members support the key recommendations by the study group.
The council agrees that HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) should be integrated in the curriculum of maritime schools to dispel the problem of lack of awareness on the risks.
Moreover, the council also believes that a separate program should address the need to improve the knowledge of OFWs about the risks, correct the misconceptions and putting up of support programs for OFWs and their families.
For Batuan, Vice Mayor Leo Leyson suggested institutionalizing HIV awareness for pre-departing and post arriving OFWs at the level of the towns, preferably at the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
GRATITUDE from the government for services rendered came to 19 dependents and survivors of barangay officials who died in the performance of their duties.
Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno himself, assisted by Bohol provincial director Rustica Mascarinas handed checks worth P12,000 each to dependents and survivors of barangay officials in simple ceremonies at the Legaspi Suite of the Bohol Tropics Resort last week.
During the turn-over of the financial assistance checks, Sec. Puno reiterated that the “small contribution from the government [is] in recognition for the public service rendered by [your] loved ones”.
“Take this as acknowledgment from the government”, he said.
“While this may be not enough to heal the wound left by your departed loved ones who worked in government, take it as the government’s expression of gratitude”, he said in Filipino.
A recipient who asked not be named said she would like to thank the government because the assistance goes a long way in helping the family cope with a lost husband and the hard times.
The government has set aside a fund for the payment of death benefits of barangay officials who died during the term of office, one aptly called Barangay Officials Death Benefits Fund.
The fund, managed by the Department of Budget and Management for payment of death benefits of Barangay Officials such as the Punong Barangay, Seven Barangay Kagawads, SK President as Ex-officio Barangay Kagawad, Secretary and Treasurer who died in their term of office.
The funds are released to and administered by the DILG in accordance with its rules and regulations.
Secretary Puno came to Bohol Friday to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Philippines through Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado and Canadian International Development Agency for project assistance in Local Government Support Project Local Economic Development.
While here, Puno also met the entire DILG family as well as attended the joint conferences of the key councils and leagues in Bohol. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
FESTIVE, promises Team Inabanga’s man of the hour as the town unrolls the 1.7-kilometer continuous hand-woven raffia hinabol nga saguran.
Hinabol nga saguran, or raffia are Inabanga’s hippest products from the buri palm and are traditionally hand-woven from looms here.
Not that saguran is stunning for Inabangnons who have used the woven fabric to dry palay. But with a new product elevated into hinabol, it should generate world attention during its unrolling June 29, Inabanga Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy said.
For the momentous event, he talks about costumed street dancing contingents performing to the pulsating calypso drum beats over oversized festival drums which accompany the unrolling of the gigantic hand-woven table runner announcing the town fiesta from Barangay Lutao to Poblacion.
The youthful mayor also talks about their streets lined with revelers and supporters holding the unrolled fiber. Later that night, attention shifts to the lime-lit catwalks teeming with models clad in raffia inspired garments in an exciting gala fashion show. And yes, food too.
The craftsmen and creative weavers here spread on that day its masterpiece: possibly the world’s longest continuous hand-woven raffia and to be recognized as the home of the best hand-weavers in the whole world and the raffia capital in the country.
On that day, the local government team wants no slips.
The objective is to grab enough momentum to mainstream their saguran into a world-class hinabol, now slowly dominating modern lifestyle accents, Mayor Jumamoy said.
And when they do, expect to see a product far from that drab and coarse saguran that immediately comes to mind upon the mention of the fiber mainly for drying palay here.
Inabanga, home to 1910 raffia weavers in 80% of its barangays would be presenting the green and bleached hand-woven hinabol, beating its own target of unrolling a mile-long fiber weave.
But not known to many, for Team Inabanga’s top man said the bid is to spruce up more employment opportunities for Inabanganons whose lives have been intricately woven in the industry.
“One of our biggest challenges to get our people working back in handlooms for the new hinabol, which is now getting high market demand and catch up with the purchase orders,” he shared during a recent interview.
Last years’ most promising Bohol product at the sandugo Showcase, the Inabanga handwoven raffia racked in P40M in gross sales and orders making it the fair’s top-seller.
But with majority of its weavers still learning how to transform the saguran into high-end fine-woven hinabol bearing interesting optical art designs and patterns, Jumamoy said winning the world record boosts 5370 of industry’s support workers into going mainstream.
Too cash-trapped to invite international adjudicators, Inabanga’s bid is now focused by lenses of local and regional media as documentors to validate the product and hopefully generated enough attention for world judges to come and see for the record, the youthful mayor said. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
TWO local holidays, one effective for Tagbilaran City and the other for the whole Bohol are upcoming as July rolls this year.
By virtue of Republic Act 8267, this Wednesday July 1 is a non-working special public holiday for the city of Tagbilaran.
The day, familiarly commemorated as the Tagbilaran City Charter Day would the city’s 43rd anniversary since it obtained its charter since July 1, 1966.
Formerly a town called San Jose de Tagbilaran since February 9, 1742 by virtue of a decree by Spanish Governor General Gaspar dela Torre, Tagbilaran was also formally established as separate from Baclayon.
Historically too, the old settlement of a 15th Century Bohol, the place forms part of the “Bool Kingdom”, states the city website.
Sometimes touted as a place called “tinabilan”, which means “screened”, the city is also shielded on the southwest by Panglao Island and north by Maribojoc mountain ranges.
Tradition also tells that the word “Tagbilaran” was derived from “tago-bilaan”, a contraction from two local words tago (to hide) and Bilaan (a Muslim marauder tribe). Literally, it means a place hidden from the pillaging Muslims.
On July 1, 1966 by virtue of R.A. 4660, Tagbilaran became a chartered City.
As a chartered city, Tagbilaran was established by a Congressional act and is then governed by its own charter from where its leaders exact powers rather than look up to the provincial, regional or national laws. It also enjoys a higher Internal Revenue Allotment compared to towns.
“This is the main reason why by its own charter, the city has achieved a significant level of development in view of the increase in its share of internal revenues, an analyst who asked not to be named said.
Meanwhile, another holiday for Bohol is on the offing.
July 22, Wednesday is Bohol Day, and is another special non-working holiday by virtue of Republic Act 7683. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
TBTK ’09 Bohol
Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan, Inc.
(A Gathering of Boholanos from Around the World)
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
July 14-26, 2009
July 14 , Tuesday- Malacanang Palace Visit – Audience with the President
July 16, Thursday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Registration: Metro Center
6:00 pm – Mrs. Bohol International
* Final Presentation of Candidates – Metro Center
* Canvassing /Selection: Metro Center
July 17, Friday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm: Arrival and Registration of Delegates: Metro Center
12 noon – International Cockfighting Derby: Baclayon Cockpit, Coordinator- Bobong Olario
6:00 pm – Mrs. Bohol International Coronation and Ball
* Councilor Mariquit D. Oppus – Chairperson
* Mrs. Liklik Schroeder & Eve Calceta – USA and Canada Coordinators
* Mrs. Rosemarie Marapao-Bruening- Coordinator- European Countries
July 18, Saturday
7:30 am Concelebrated Holy Mass: Most Rev. Leonardo Y. Medroso, Bishop of Tagbilaran,
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Tagbilaran City
9:00 am – Flower Offering to Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Monument,
Tour of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Museum, Tagbilaran City
Spiritual Enrichment- Diocese of Tagbilaran–c/o Ms. Betty Balatero
o Confirmations/Validation of weddings, religious seminar- Dauis, Bohol
12 noon –International Cockfighting Derby: Baclayon Cockpit
3:00pm – 25th Anniversary of Priesthood –Rev. Fr. Fernando Po @ the St Joseph’s Cathedral, Tagbilaran City ,followed by blessing and reception of new resort at Laya, Baclayon, Bohol
July 19, Sunday-
“SandugoFestival “Street Dancing, Parade, and Field Performance- Mr. Mariano Uy – Executive Director/ Deputy Mayor, City of Tagbilaran
6:00pm – TBTK staff, coordinators and committee meeting and dinner – TBTK Chairperson- Betty Veloso Garcia
July 20, Monday
8:00 am Youth Activities, John Torralba – coordinator, Medical Mission – c/o Dr. Anita C. Jackson
4:00 pm – Presentation & Press Conference of Miss Bohol International: Bohol Tropics Resort
7:00 pm – Homecoming: Holy Name University (DWC) / University of Bohol (RPC) Reunion
July 21, Tuesday
8:00 am – Youth Activities, Medical Mission – c/o Dr. Anita C. Jackson
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Talent Competition: Bohol Tropics Resort
7:00 pm – Reunions
* Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association
* Bohol Institute Technology, Bohol High School(DCPNHS), Bohol Trade (CVSCAFT)
July 22, Wednesday
BOHOL DAY CELEBRATION – Province
8:00 am – Youth Activities
12:00 pm – TBTK Meeting, Metro Center
2:00 pm – TBTK Election, Metro Center
6:00 pm – TBTK GALA – “DREAMS” Dinner show to be presented by the Boholano Community –Europe , Pres. Rosemarie Marapao-Bruening ; conceptualized and directed by Rolf Bruening @ the Verdan Pavillion ,Panglao Island Resort- Panglao , Bohol
July 23, Thursday
8:00 am – Youth Activities
Reunions –Holy Spirit School, Bohol Wisdom School, St. Therese
4:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Motorcade
6:00 pm – Cultural Show- Bohol’s Talent and Pride
July 24, Friday
8:00 am- Youth Activities
Group tour
7:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Competition: HNU Gym
* Ma. Pureza V. Chatto, Chairperson in Cooperation with Chocolate Hills Lady Jaycees
July 25, Saturday
9:00 am – “Tree Planting” with DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr.
Coordinated by Norris Oculam- President –Bohol Chamber of Commerce
7:00 pm – The Outstanding Boholano Awards, (TOBAW) Sponsored by the First Consolidated Bank- Mr. Nene Baseleres, Chairman/ Coordinators- Mr. Ted Apalisok and Mr. Narding Mag-aso
July 26, Sunday
Free Time: Family Picnic
7:00 pm – Recognition Night, Sponsored by The Provincial Government thru
Hon. Governor Erico B. Aumentado: Bohol Tropics Resort/ Induction of officers
(Douglas B. Hontanosas)
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