DBP reiterates support to coops, rural banks
Manila (28 December) — State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has widened its range of activities for cooperatives and rural banks in line with its commitment to ensure the continued growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
“DBP strives to keep up with the changing times in order to ensure its strong partnership not just with cooperative banks, but more so with the mSME sector,” he added.
David cited DBP’s commitment of more than P21 million in contributions to the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) program which seeks to enhance the creditworthiness of small entrepreneurs and mitigate the credit risk of cooperatives and rural banks extending credit to the mSME sector.
He also said that DBP is prioritizing support to cooperatives and rural banks which are participating in the CSF program established by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
He likewise said that DBP will help train or coach cooperatives and rural banks, particularly in terms capability building. “DBP’s assistance can also be expanded in terms of loan evaluation, loan processing, and loan approval, based on our credit requirements, evaluation standards, accounting, and risk management,” he said.
David also noted that DBP is open to giving cooperatives and rural banks cheaper wholesale funds as long as they are accredited under DBP’s microfinance program and qualified for rediscounting from the BSP. “Our borrowers have to charge a certain rate for the funds they have accessed from us. Definitely, these funds are way cheaper than any other money sourced from the outside.”
David also cited that DBP has set up the DBP Sustainable Enhancement and Development Program or DBP SPEED, an umbrella program specifically designed to provide mSMEs with reasonable loan terms at a shorter turnaround time.
He also expressed optimism that DBP’s partnership with the Cooperative Bank of Cavite will continue to flourish so both institutions can help more enterprising individuals in the province.
“Given the vital role that the province plays in the development of Southern Luzon, DBP is committed to strengthening our presence here in Cavite, and strengthening our partnership with the Cooperative Bank of Cavite is a good step towards achieving that goal,” he stressed. (DBP)
PGMA is on top of Albay situation
Manila (28 December) — Malacañang today said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is closely monitoring and “is on top of preparations for the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.”
“We are working full time in looking into the welfare of the people and the condition of the volcano,” he added.
Bello also urged politicians not to use the Albay situation for furthering their candidacies. “They should not interfere in Albay and use it for their political programs, in the guise of bringing food and relief items and then use it for photo ops with the residents,” he added.
“We are talking of the lives and the future of our people in Albay. Let us not mix it with politics,” Bello said.
Bello said government is taking care of the people of Albay because “we have the capability, the motivation.” He added Gov. Joey Salceda is also taking care of the welfare of his province mates “with utmost zeal and focus.”
The government, through the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are doing everything to take care of the safety and convenience of the people in Albay. (PIA)
PGMA orders probe on vessels’ collision
Manila (28 December) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered a thorough investigation on the sea accident involving a passenger ferry and a fishing vessel on Christmas Eve off Cavite near Limbones Island.
As of Saturday afternoon, there were three confirmed dead, 24 missing, and 46 survivors.
Marina and PCG will determine why the vessels collided on calm seas and why Catalyn B sank immediately.
There is need to determine if these vessels are seaworthy and the capability of the crew of both vessels, according to Bello.
Marina started this year the five-year phaseout of wooden-hulled vessels.
He said the vessels must always be equipped with life jackets in case of such emergencies. “There is no reason why some people should die in this accident,” he added. (PIA)
Comelec reiterates prohibitions in 2010 elections
Tuguegarao City (28 December) — The Commission on election (COMELEC) Region 2 reiterated the periods of prohibited acts in connection with the conduct of the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.
Dir. Ederlino U. Tabilas, Regional Dircetor, said in the Comelec Resolution No. 8446, promulgated on July 14, 2009 it states that from January 10, 2009 up to June 9, 2010 transfer of officers and employees in the civil service is strictly prohibited.
Tabilas further stated that based on the resolution, no appointment or hiring of new employees is allowed from March 26, 2010 up to May 10, 2010; and no creation or filling up of new positions and no promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege during the said dates.
He said the prohibitions are strictly observed to avoid any issue that may be connected into the conduct of election.
On the other hand, Tabilas said by January next year the counting machines for region 2 will be delivered and the training for teachers who will serve as board of election inspectors will also start on the first month of the incoming new year.
Tabilas and other election officials are now undergoing training in Manila in preparation for the training of all individuals who will serve in the actual conduct of election.
Anent to this, Tabilas explained hat the voting time will begin from 7 am and end at 6 pm. All ballot boxes to be used are new and made of fiber glass. (Oliver B./PIA 2)
DTI mom inducts new officers for federation of consumer organizations
Tuguegarao City (28 December) — Regional Director Atty. Ma. Esperanza C. Banarez inducted the newly elected officers of the Regional Federation of Consumer Organization (FedeCOr) during the 2nd Cagayan Valley Consumer Assembly held at the Cagayan State University recently.
In her speech, Banarez lauded the consumer associations for the role they play in the promotion of consumption based on a sustainable environment, economy and society.
The DTI director has urged the officers and members to be vigilant in protecting their rights as consumers and at the same time sustain their goal to protect the environment.
Inducted into office were Salvador Cagurangan, Tuguegarao City Association of Consumers president – President, Benjamin Bubod of Quirino Consumers association Vice President, Corazon Bancud-Tuguegao, Secretary; Leticia Liban-Nueva Vizcaya Consumers Association, Treasurer; Gil Francia-Quirino, Auditor.
Elected as Board of Directors were: Pastor Ian Jonathan de Guzman-Quirino, Committee on Consumer Education; Sally Tamayo-Nueva Vizcaya, Committee on Policy Formulation; Erlinda Gurat-Nueva Vizcaya, Legal research; and Asuncion Verzola- Tuguegarao, Empowerment and networking.
The board of directors have the authority to determine the consumer policies of the organization, adopt policy resolutions during annual meetings, which are held in conjunction with a consumer assembly.
The board will also oversee specific issues such as energy, food, health, product safety, communications, antitrust, the disabled, finances, low income, insurance, transportation, and the environment. (PIA 2)
29 Kalinga entrepreneurs train on food processing
Tabuk, Kalinga (19 December) — Small entrepreneurs in the food processing business here underwent a three-day seminar-training on livelihood offered by the local government unit (LGU) of Tabuk and the Department of Science and Technology – Kalinga Science and Technology Center (DOST-KSTC).
According to Dexy Catacutan of KSTC, an all-woman entrepreneur composed of 29 Kalipi members from San Julian this municipality were trained on noodles making, taro chips and cornik making.
“Participants were taught the process of making vegetable soup out of malunggay, squash, carrot, and saluyot”, she said. She added that the vegetables considered for making noodles are rich in vitamins and nutrients and are available right on household backyards or affordable in the market.
Kalinga has high malnutrition rate and the vegetables selected aside from their abundance could also help solve malnutrition incidence in the province, Catacutan pointed out.
On cornik making, she said corn is the second major product of the province and this livelihood is an alternative business of processing white corn, she said.
On the other hand, taro is found in the forest of Kalinga. Processors can save on production cost since it is extracted free”, Catacutan added.
She said this is also an employment opportunity for women in the community and a source of additional income for their families.
With the LGU’s assistance, DOST assists these entrepreneurs on the technology and the provision of equipment, Catacutan said.
Two other enterprises applied for laboratory analysis of their products to promote their quality and to further establish safety of consumers.
Laboratory testing of Norma’s buko pie and Elda ’s banana chips are on-going, Catacutan said. (PIA)
Ifugao studes plant 7,000 trees
by Vency D. Bulayungan
Lamut, Ifugao (19 December) — In support to the national government’s call on all sectors to plant trees and maintain the environment, 700 students of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) participated in a tree planting held here recently.
Frank Dulawan, coordinator of the Alalay at Gabay na Pamayanan (AAGAPAY) said a total of 7,000 assorted seedlings were planted by the students at barangays Payawan and Mabato-bato. The said seedlings were acquired from the Community environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
The activity was also participated by cadets from 205th ARESCOM based here under the leadership of Capt. Ambrosio Dulawan, a team from the 78rh Infantry Battalion and some employees of the municipal government led by Vice Mayor Kenneth Codamon and Jun Inhumang of the Provincial Government.
Johny Martin, Chairman of the Ifugao Shooters Cooperative also briefed the students on the advantages of protecting and maintaining the environment such as tree planting.
AAGAPAY is a broad alliance of organization combining efforts of individual members, national government agencies, NGOs, cooperatives, business sector, political groups and civil society bounded together by a shared vision of a common understanding to commit itself in services to the country and people.
Dulawan said that AAGAPAY is willing to assist any organization that is bound to be elevated as a cooperative and has continuous activities with government agencies. “The AAGAPAY has started to organize associations in some parts of Lamut and Kiangan and will continue to help build more organizations in the province,” Dulawan said.
Organizations that are actively participating in the activities of the AAGAPAY are the HAPROC Cooperative in Barangays Julongan and Maggok in Kiangan and Hungduan, whose members have planted 100,000 coffee seedlings and continue maintaining and protecting them, Dulawan said. (PIA-Ifugao)
San Quintin inaugurates new town hall
by Maritess B. Beñas
San Quintin, Abra (19 December) — The long-time dream-building of this front-door town in the province of Abra is finally a reality.
The new municipal building was inaugurated last week. It was blessed by Fr. Rodel Abanto, SVD, parish priest. This is so far the best Christmas gift of the town’s last-termer Mayor Amador B. Diaz to the people of San Quintin.
In a simple ceremony, Land Bank of the Philippines -Bangued Branch Manager Rodolfo de la Paz turned over the P7.8 Million building to the LGU.
The LBP-Bangued Branch provided a loan package to finance the construction of the new structure that will house the offices of the Mayor, the accountant, the engineer and a session hall for the members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
The new municipal building is annexed to the old existing building of the LGU in Poblacion. It was built by PJ Cruz Construction owned by Engr. Jeffrey Peralta.
Diaz explained that it was only now that he had the municipal building constructed because during his first term of office, he focused on providing basic needs like light and water, and on his second term on basic infrastructure like roads. (PIA-Abra)
DA establishes FITS centers in Mt Province
by Juliet Saley
Bontoc, Mt. Province (19 December) — To help the farmers improve their production, a Farmers Information Technology Service (FITS) center was established in each municipality here to provide information on the appropriate technology they needed.
According to Concepcion Wangdali of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist who is in-charge of the provincial FITS center, all the municipal FITS are equipped with ICT equipment for the upgrading of their data base.
Wangdali said the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture has provided each municipal FITS with interconnectivity with Globe and Smart Broadband, desktop for their data base, laptop, digicam and cellphone.
The cellphone is given to the magsasakang siyentista. It is connected to Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research Development(PCARRD) Technology and Promotions Division which the farmers can contact to get information to acquire new technology.
Aside from the municipal FITS, a provincial FITS center was also established at the second floor of the Legislative Building. The center acts as a coordinating center to oversee the data base and extension activities of the municipal FITS centers, Wangdali added. (PIA MP)
IMAG tackles delays in SONA road projects
by Juliet B. Saley
Bontoc, Mt. Province (19 December) — Members of the Infrastructure Management Advisory Group (IMAG) met last December 11 to follow up the commitments made by the contractors on the completion of the concreting of the ongoing SONA(State of the Nation Address) road projects in the province.
The contractors committed during the August. 4 meeting to finish the Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) of the Mt. Data-Bontoc section of the Halsema Highway by end of December this year.
Based on the reports of the different contractors, there is delay in the completion of concreting due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng which devastated the area causing suspension of work. This is compounded by problems on the Road Right of Way (RROW).
The contractors said concreting is expected to be finished by January to March next year.
For the road right of way problem, Engr. Alexander Castaneda, OIC-Assistant Regional Director of DPWH-CAR and also the SONA Project Manager, asked the contractors to write a letter addressed to Gov. Maximo B. Dalog, who is the IMAG Chairperson.
He advised contractors to list down affected stakeholders and also copy furnish municipal mayor Franklin Odsey since most of the RROW problems are within Bontoc municipality. This way, they can assist the Road Right of Way Team in solving the problem.
According to RUA representative, there were affected stakeholders on the road right of way problem who were already compensated upon completion of the requirements. Some are also amenable of the development but they are not satisfied with the government assessment cost of their affected property.
In his message, Provincial Tourism Officer Roger Sacyaten, who represented the Provincial Governor, asked those present during the IMAG meeting to take the task with urgency.
“Let us o finish the project before the end of the present administration because we are not sure if the next administration supports and continue the project,” Sacyaten said. We expect more tourists to come with the completion of the project, he added. (PIA MP)
