RDC urges ERC to lower power cost in Region 2
The decision was made after scrutinizing the result of a “study on power rates and its effect on households and commercial establishments” in the seven electric companies in the region.
The study showed that despite the existence of 2 power producing dams, Magat Dam in Isabela and Casecnan Transbasin Tunnel in Nueva Vizcaya, that produces big volume of electric power through water resources of the region, the electric companies posted an average power rate of P6.4 per kilowatt-hour which is the highest among other regions nationwide, even higher than the national average of P4.56 per kilowatt-hour.
The study also showed that despite the presence of the two dams that contribute electricity to Luzon grid, there are 96 barangays representing 4.05 percent remained un-energized in the region.
With these, to lower the Generation Charge, RDC requested ERC to study the possibility of lowering the generation charge for region 2 in consideration of its being the host region of Magat Dam and Casecnan Transbasin Tunnel.
On System Loss, RDC requested ERC to further lower existing systems loss caps of 14 percent to 9 percent. The EPIRA clearly provides that the systems loss cap can be reduced to a rate lower than 9 percent.
On Government Revenues, RDC also requested ERC to strictly enforce the specific provision of EPIRA (Sec. 4) for Local Government Units (LGUs) to impose franchise on distribution charge only, and not on all other charges as currently enforced.
The LGUs must also exempt households with a monthly power consumption of less than 100 KWh from paying the government revenue charge.
It is further specified to the endorsement that the National Grid Corporation must establish backbone of transmission to cover the entire stretch of a province to reduce connection charges.
To help resolve the issue, the RDC further encourage LGUs to develop cheaper alternative renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and bio-diesel.
The study also recommended RDC to request to the electric companies to periodically conduct massive educational campaign for energy use and efficiency, right of way clearing operation, and intensify monitoring activities of its anti-pilferage program to reduce system loss. (Oliver Baccay/PIA 2)
32 unassisted former rebels to get P.64 million livelihood aid
The said former rebels were located and informed about the livelihood grant in their respective communities in Quezon through the efforts of the Quezon Social Integration Committee (QSIC) and with the help from the different MSWDO Officers in the province.
Dubbed as kasama sa reporma (partners in reform) or KRs, the former rebels who come from different municipalities in Quezon will be awarded during the CALABARZON Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting at the Ding-Hao Restaurant, National Road, Halang, Calamba City.
Undersecretary Pedro Cesar Ramboanga Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will be represented by BGen. Sergio Belleza (Ret) of OPAPP and Quezon Gov. Rafael Nantes will lead the simple awarding ceremony along with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary V. Puno, as the Guest of Honor. CALABARZON Presidential Assistant Emiliana Jabola; CALABARZON RPOC Chairman Hon. Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr. Mayor of Calamba City; M.Gen. Roland M. Detabali, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command; and BGen. Jorge V. Segovia, Jr. Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division, will be attending the said event.
Also in attendance are:Charleston Tan, SIP-OPAPP Regional Officer for South Luzon; Col. Virgilio M. Espineli, Commanding Officer, 202nd \nfantry Brigade; Ltc. Ernest Marc Rosal, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Batallion; and Ms. Sonia Leyson, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the provision of livelihood aid to unassisted rebel returnees early this year upon recommendation of former peace process adviser Sec. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr.
The amount, which was previously at P12,500 was increased to P20,000.
At present, the government has been providing the said assistance to hundreds of un-served former rebels around the country as part of the closure of the Balik-Loob program, which is the previous rebel returnee program.
The SIP is a process whereby former rebels and their dependents are provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into the mainstream society.
To be able to achieve this objective, the program is guided by the principle of convergence and cooperation primarily between the different national and local agencies of the government, national and local government units, non-government institutions or organizations and the community as well. each stakeholder plays a unique role in the integration process.
Through the SIP, the OPAPP under the present leadership of Secretary Avelino I. Razon Jr., spearheads the implementation of the program with the support of the AFP, PNP and other government agencies, the local government units and Non-Government Organizations in the pursuit of genuine and lasting peace in the region. This event is hoped to promote peace and unity among all stakeholders towards peace and development in the area and in our country as a whole. (OPAPP/PIA4A)
P100 treatment packs offered to Philhealth-sponsored members
Orlando Iñigo Jr., PhilHealth Bicol regional vice president, said the P100 treatment package entitles members to avail of coverage of drugs and medicines even beyond the member/patient’s confinement period.
Iñigo said the new benefit package, by virtue of PhilHealth Circular No. 20, S. 2009, intends to ensure financial protection of sponsored members in times of sickness, especially members of the marginalized sector or indigents
He added the new benefit package for indigent members is guaranteed by RA 9502 or the “Universally Accessible Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008.”
He pointed out the P100 drugs shall be given/prescribed to sponsored members, as applicable, during confinement and extra pack(s) needed beyond the confinement period subject to the following limitations:
a. Full course treatment (maximum of two weeks) for infections covering antimicrobial drugs;
b. For chronic illnesses, P100 drugs shall be limited to cover two weeks for maintenance dose after discharge;
c. For other acute illnesses, P100 drugs shall be limited to one extra pack as take home medications after discharge;
d. Should be within the prescribed in-patient benefit limits for drugs and medicines.
Iñigo further said all sponsored members and their qualified dependents, with date of confinement within the validity period of their membership as indicated in the Family Health Card/Member Data Record (MDR), are eligible to avail of the P100 treatment packs.
“Members must ensure that their qualified dependents are included in the MDR to avoid any delay in availing PhilHealth benefits,” he stressed.
The P100 treatment package took effect for benefit claims of sponsored members with admission date starting June 1, 2009.
Drugs and medicines covered by the P100 treatment package are Anti-Hypertensive – Amlodipine 5 and 10 mg tablet, Atenolol 10 mg tablet, Felodipine ER 2.5, 5, and 10 mg tablet; Anti-Infectives/Antibiotics/Antibacterial – Cefalexin 500mg capsule, Clindamycin 150mg capsule, Cotrimoxazole 800/160mg tablet, Co-Amoxiclav 625mg table, Amoxicillin 500 mg tablet; Anti-gout – Allopurinol 100mg tablet; Antiprotozoal/Anti-amoeba – Metronidazole 500mg tablet; Antidiabetic – Glibenclamide 5mg table, Metformin 500mg tablet; Anti-ulcer/Gastrict acid suppressant – Omeprzole 20mg capsule, Ranitidine 150mg tablet; Anti-Asthma – Salbutamol 2mg/2.5mg nebulas; Anti-hyperlipidemia/Anti-cholesterol – Simvastatin 10, 20 and 40mg tablet; Multivitamins – Ascorbic Acid 500mg tablet. (PhilHealth/PIA)
CSC cited Bicol’s eco-friendliest school
by GS Rubio
Virac, Catanduanes (3 August) — The Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) here notched the top place in this year’s Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools in the Bicol region for carrying out various institutional initiatives on environmental protection and conservation.
Engr. Gilbert Gonzales, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol chief, announced that the regional screening committee has chosen thee CSC as the regional winner in the tertiary school category of the awards program.
Gonzales also informed Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, CSC president, for this achievement, adding that the same state college will represent the Bicol region in the national finals in time for the National Environment Awareness Month on November, this year.
He said CSC has been cited for programs promoting environment-friendly atmosphere in the campus, including recycling of scrap materials and converting them into source of revenues for the school, greening program, implementation of waste segregation and putting up of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), off-season vegetable production, urban agriculture and bio-intensive gardening, among others.
DENR-EMB V has also commended CSC for its environment-related features in its curriculum as well as presence of vibrant eco organizations, linkages in environmental programs and projects with other agencies and organizations also bannered the school’s winning in the said competition.
Over the years, the CSC has been an active front liner in various coastal clean-up drives, biodiversity and natural resources studies.
CSC is also one of the higher education institutions in the country that has tied up with Tanggol Kalikasan in establishing the Institute of Environmental Governance.
This has provided training programs, extension activities and consultancy services to local government units.
In June 2008, the CSC was also a recipient of the much coveted Saringgaya Award, a regional citation conferred by the DENR for its efforts and support for maintaining meritorious and outstanding initiatives in environment protection and conservation.
Sustainable eco-friendly schools are environment-friendly learning institutions that have initiated and integrated in their instruction, research, extension and administration programs which are environment-friendly.
Programs can be in the form of environmental policies, physical cleanliness, energy and water conservation, waste recycling and waste reduction, pollution control, reforestation and other greening projects.
Other initiatives that are considered in evaluating the school’s pro-environment program are environmental audit of school’s operations and facilities, integration of environmental themes into the school curriculum, including environment-centered curriculum and co-curricular activities, environment and natural resource-related research works, linkages with government and NGOs.
The CSC earned high points for its environment-related school policies such as its systems and procedures on waste management, energy conservation, and creation of waste management committees which were all covered under Office Circulars issued by the CSC Office of the President.
DENR-EMB V, in cooperation with Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), under its Kabalikat sa Kalikasan, Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), spearheaded the contest among elementary, secondary and tertiary public and private schools. (CSC/PIA)
PGMA skips Chicago, Guam legs of her US trip to join RP in mourning death of former President Cory
Manila (August 2) — Once more, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has shown one and all, her statesmanship and her sense of responsibility as leader of her country.
President Arroyo, through Malacanang spokesman Lorelie Fajardo, has confirmed that she has cancelled her Chicago and Guam legs of her US trip and instead fly back to the Philippines on August 2.
Upon learning of the death of former President Cory, President Arroyo immediately issued a statement on national television live from the United States where she was on official 8-day visit.
President Arroyo also issued Administrative Order No. 269 to coordinate “official acts and observances in coordination with the funeral arrangement for Mrs. Aquino.
In Administrative Order No. 269, also signed and sent to Manila via fax, the President created a four-member Committee on the Funeral of the late president composed of: Executive Secretary Ermita as chairman; Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, as members.
President Arroyo said that representatives duly designated by the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court and the family of the late President are invited as committee members.
In creating the committee, the President said “it is fitting and proper that appropriate official acts and observances be carried out in connection with the funeral arrangements for the former president, commensurate with the people’s love and respect for her.”
The committee is empowered to create such subcommittees as may be necessary to assist in the performance of its functions.
The president flew to the US to meet American President Barack Obama at the White House and discuss issues concerning Philippine-US partnership.
Mrs. Aquino passed away Saturday morning after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76. Her wake is at the La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) gymnasium in Mandaluyong City. The public viewing at LSGH began at 5 p.m. of Saturday and will continue until Monday. The daily viewing schedule will be until 4 a.m., and will resume at 7 a.m. (PIA Region 
All flags in gov’t buildings must be flown at half mast during 10-day national mourning, PGMA orders
Manila (2 August) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered for all flags in government buildings and installations to be flown at half mast for ten days starting August 1 to August 10, in a period of national mourning for the late former President Corazon Aquino.
This order is applicable to all flags in government buildings and installations in the Philippines and abroad. This will include the barangay halls, municipal halls, provincial halls, offices of government agencies and Philippine Embassies in the different parts of the world.
The order is contained in Proclamation No. 1850 which was sent via fax from New York where President Arroyo is on the second leg of an eight-day visit to the United States. The proclamation was signed for the President by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
In issuing the Proclamation, President Arroyo said that former Pres. Aquino will always be remembered and will live forever in the heart of every Filipino “as a beloved mother of the
nation who led her people back to the road of freedom and democracy.”
President Arroyo added that the death of the former president is “a great loss to our country and our people.”
Moreover, a palace spokesman disclosed that the President has also declared Wednesday, August 5, a non-working holiday in order to give Filipinos the change to pay their last respect and to take part in the burial rites of Ms. Aquino which is scheduled on Wednesday.
Even President Arroyo has cut short her 8-day state visit in order to be able to pay her last respect to the former president.
Mrs. Aquino passed away Saturday morning after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76.
Her wake is at the La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) gymnasium in Mandaluyong City. The public viewing at LSGH began at 5 p.m. of Saturday and will continue until Monday. The daily viewing schedule will be until 4 a.m., and will resume at 7 a.m. (PIA Region
Feature: Obama-Arroyo meeting successful beyond expectation; RP named US-ASEAN coordinator
Manila (2 August) — Contrary to the rumors the detractors has been sowing around prior to the historic event, the meeting between US President Obama and RP President Arroyo has described as very casual, cordial and an unprecedented success.
President Arroyo is the first Asian President who has ever been invited to the White House during the Obama Administration. This honor was further enhance when during the meeting, President Obama named the Philippines as coordinator between the US and the members of the ASEAN.
“I am looking forward to my travels to Southeast Asia, and the Philippines will be the coordinating country in the US relationship with ASEAN, the primary organization — strategic organization for Southeast Asian countries,” President Obama was reported to have said.
The importance of the Philippines was likened to boxing event when President Obama said “although the Philippines is not the largest of countries, using a phrase in boxing, a punch is above its weight in the international arena.”
Apart from naming the Philippines the US’ liaison to the Asean, President Obama assured that the US will continue to work with the Philippines in fighting terrorism, particularly through intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation.
“The US will continue to work with us in intelligence-sharing and other forms of cooperation against counter-terrorism,” President Arroyo said.
Economic matters were also discussed during the meeting of the two Presidents. President Arroyo brought up the Save-Our-Industries Act pending in the US Congress, which she said may give the Philippines a bigger market for its products like textiles.
President Arroyo also said that the Philippines will also work on specific industries that can benefit from the country’s relations with the US, bananas production, garments, and seaweeds.
Another issue discussed was that on peace and security, particularly, “on how to strengthen regional cooperation on anti-terrorism.” Also discussed was how to advance the peace process in Mindanao, how the military helped RP in “what I mentioned earlier upgrading the professionalism and effectivity of our soldiers.”
Furthermore, the two Presidents discussed how the two countries must work together especially in more economic engagements with each other that is the way to bring back the global economy to full recovery.
In short if there’s any agreement we made it’s to continue cooperation in all of these areas,” President Arroyo informed in a radio interview made after the meeting.
Indeed, the meeting between President Arroyo and President Obama surpassed all expectations and was a milestone in the relationshipship between the two countries, a very great achievement not only for President Arroyo but for the entire country.
So what reprimand the detractors have been talking about? (PIA
Lumad leaders say No to Cha-cha! SIPAin si GLORIA!
Cagayan de Oro City – Participants of the State of the Indigenous Peoples Address (SIPA) here joined their voices in the call for the immediate exit of GMA from Malacanang. Lumad participants from all over Mindanaw assessed the true state of indigenous peoples after eight years of the GMA administration, and for them another year with GMA in power only means continued discrimination, land grabbing, human rights violations, , environmental destruction, corruption and lies.
In a joint statement from the simultaneous SIPA conferences in Cagayan de Oro and Quezon City, the IP leaders declared “Eight years is enough! Eight years of her corrupt, self serving anti-poor administration has brought nothing but suffering to the country, especially the indigenous peoples who have borne the brunt of her misguided development priorities. History’s verdict is loud and clear. It is known to all Filipinos except for her most rabid sycophants and most zealous apologists.”
Reacting to GMA’s SONA speech, lumad participants claim that historical injustices against the lumad have not been corrected and even worsened as the government championed corporate interests. “Discrimination against us remains, even in the way the government identifies its priority projects. Mining, which the government prioritizes, has in fact destroyed our communities.” lamented Quintol Labuayan of La Bugal Tribal Association based in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. “Gitanyag niya ang atong kayutaan sa mga foreign investors,” (she offered our lands to foreign investors) said Marjorie Paulin of Pikhumpongan Dlibon Subanen, Inc.
Legitimized Landgrabbing
The SIPA participants rejected moves for charter change not only in opposition to political term extension but also against giving further economic rights to foreign individuals and corporations such as 100% ownership of lands. As it is, even without charter change, lumads already view state policies and projects as instruments to legitimize land grabbing that involve their ancestral lands.
Norma Capuyan of the Apo Sandawa Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa Cotabato (ASPLC) said that “Even titles like CADT could not guarantee indigenous peoples right to security and self determination in their territories, because the government allows the entry of mining companies in ancestral domains.”
Referring to the Pulangi V Hydro Electric Power Dam Project in Bukidnon, Wilmar Ampuan of Nasavakan Tarigunay’t Bukidnon du’t Kalindaan (NATABUK) added that “If the construction of the dam continues, 40 percent of ancestral lands will be lost. It’s like the government essentially legalized the grabbing of our lands”.
Human Rights Violations
IP leaders and communities have not been spared from the escalating cases of human rights violations. Military operations continue to displace the B’laan communities in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and the Manobo communities in Lianga, San Agustin and Tago in Surigao del Sur.
Capuyan further adds “The violation of our human rights continues, like killing of our leaders who stood to defend our ancestral lands. The latest lumad leader killed last July 6, 2009 was our companion”referring to Agustin Cumawas, chair of Matalam-Kabacan Lumad Organization (MAKALO). The Indigenous Peoples Rights Monitor has documented 137 cases of killings of IP community members from 2001 to 2009, 13 of which are women (4 pregnant) and 19 youth.
No to Cha-cha! SIPAin si Gloria!
Regarding the legacy of GMA, the IP leaders said in the joint statement, “for us indigenous peoples, she leaves behind continued discrimination, rising human rights violations and legitimized land grabbing in the name of illusory development. This is her real legacy”. In Cagayan de Oro the lumad leaders chanted, “Batukan ang Cha-Cha, sipain si Gloria!”
The SIPA is organized by the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-KsK/FoEI).
Tourism frontliners to be tapped to conduct the Baguio Historical Tour
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (1 August) — In line with city’s centennial celebration, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in cooperation with the Baguio Centennial Commission and the city government, will be training 40 qualified tourism frontliners to enhance their skills in handling visitors to the various event lined-up for the centennial celebration, starting with the scheduled Tourism Summit, this August.
TESDA, under its Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program, will sponsor 40 qualified participants to a three -day seminar, slated on August 6-8.
DOT Regional Director and Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE) President Purification Molintas said these frontliners will also be tapped to conduct the Baguio Historical Tour around the city’s tourist spots from August to December.
In relation to tourism, director Molintas stressed that the government is working hard, through effective planning and efforts to establish highways, airports and seaports. “Malaki kasi ang epekto nitonito sa turismo, and to boost our economy,” she said. In Cordillera, presidential projects such as the Halsema Highway and the Baguio-Banaue road are a big boost to tourism, she added.
In the State Of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she reported that in the last four years, tourism almost double, as it is now a $5 Billion industry.
To boost local tourism for Baguio and its surrounding municipalities, Molintas also confirmed that airline company Sea Air will soon be starting to service Baguio (from Poro Point) and practice flight is scheduled on August 21.
Centering at Baguio as a tourism hub, the tourism department is also working to increase international flights. According to Molintas, they are working to establish an international flight from Central Korea to San Fernando International Airport and probably to Poro Point.
“We are now just waiting for a technical requirement, for the flight from Central Korea to San Fernando International Airport to push through. For Poro Point, there are already initial talks/discussions,” Molintas said. (PIA)
State Of the Region Address highlights end of Cordillera Month Celebration
Baguio City (1 August) — The region culminated the 22nd Cordillera Month celebration Thursday at the Baguio Convention Center highlighted with the State of the Regions Address delivered by Regional Development Council (RDC) Acting Chair and National Economic and Development Authority Director Juan Ngalob.
Ngalob, in his SORA said that the region’s Economic Growth (Gross Regional Domestic Product – GRDP) slowed down to 1.8%, from 7.23% in 2007, the lowest regional growth rate nationwide. While we have the slowest growth in GRDP, we have the highest per capita GRDP next to the National Capital Region. This means, if we divide our regional output of P30.9 billion equally among us, we are better off than the rest of the country, Ngalob said.
He explained that the effect of the global economic recession on the region’s industry sector played a big part on the slow down, especially on the manufacturing sub-sector. Ngalob’s report though highlighted the increase in revenue in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), from P20.69 Million in 2007 to P37.64 Million in 2008.
Ngalob also highlighted the Cordillera Roads Improvement Project (CRIP), the flagship program of the region. The CRIP aims to improve the road network in Cordillera, so as to bring development to all parts of the region.
“Ten years ago we were the fastest growing region with our economy growing at 17 percent, having the lowest growth rate is certainly not what we want,” according to Ngalob. He also stressed that “the level of development and the state of the region is more than just economic statistics. It is also about the state of its people and the environment that they live in. The state of the region is about where we are now compared to how far we have gone and looking forward to our ultimate goal… the attainment of our regional vision”
Thus, Ngalob reiterated that, “our road to development is not easy and neither is the decision on autonomy, but we have to rise to the challenges of development and autonomy because it is our destiny!”
According to Ngalob, the balancing act of protecting the environment and yet striving for economic growth to improve the people’s welfare is a huge challenge. And the collective decision we have to make on the issue of autonomy is another aspect that will have a definite impact on our future development.
Is autonomy critical to our region’s development? Ngalob explained that, “we face to a formidable challenge in development. We have to reduce our poverty incidence by half in 2015, increase the length of our paved roads to equal at least the national average, restore the badly damaged watersheds and the silted rivers and undertake land reform through the unique CAR fashion demanding the partnership of agencies, who not only have different goals but even conflicting goals at times, are just a few of the challenges we have to conquer.”
“These demands require an equally revolutionary approach that contain with is sufficient powers and resources to effectively address the gargantuan development task. The only radical approach we see that has a legal basis is regional autonomy.” However, even as we aspire to have more freedom in charting our own development, we should not pursue autonomy in a reckless manner. If and when, we will draft the third organic act, it should be well thought-out, well coordinated, calibrated and Most of all popularly participated and supported. Everyone should be better off and no one worse off in the regional autonomous set up,” Ngalob said. Presidential Assistant for Cordillera, Thomas Killip, who served as guest speaker during the program, lauded the region’s renewed pursuit for regional autonomy and development, as provided by the constitution. Though he asserted that the only thing left to do is to decide what kind of autonomy the Cordillerans want.
Different national government line agencies, members of the Cordillera Association of Regional Executives (CARE) also held their family day during the program. Employees from different government agencies also had an afternoon of fun, which included games, raffles, and fitness dancing or “hataw.” Lito Dar(PIA)
