San Fernando City, La Union (8 July) — Police Chief Superintendent Orlando M. Mabutas assumed PRO1 top post recently in a turnover ceremony held at the PRO1 Grandstand, replacing Acting Regional Director Manuel H. Cachero who remains as PRO1 Deputy Regional Director for Administration.

Administering the turn-over of command was Police Deputy Director General Edgardo E. Acuña, PNP’s Deputy Chief for Operations.

In his speech, Mabutas expressed gratefulness to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and PNP Chief Police Director General Jesus Ame Verzosa for choosing him to lead the men and women of PRO1.

The official assured that a close tie-up with the community, government officials / authorities, government organizations shall strictly be observed in order to perform the PNP mission of “providing safe and secure environment for the people, an environment in which the rule of law is firmly established, where crimes and corruption cannot succeed, where people feel safe to live a normal life, and where the economy can grow and flourish.”

To his men in PRO1, he guarantees to provide good leadership, dedication and commitment to the bigger responsibility that goes hand-in-hand with his new position.

He made an emphasis that under his leadership, eradicating “abuse of authority” of personnel in rendering public service will be strictly enforce.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978, he is a “mistah” of PCSupt. Manuel H. Cachero.

Before he was chosen to lead PRO1, Mabutas was the Director of the PNP Highway Patrol Group. (PIA ? RO1/LU)

Lingayen, Pangasinan (8 July) — Dengue cases in the province may have waned compared to last year’s data but the campaign to eradicate the said disease remains vigorous.

Dr. Don Doria, Medical Specialist of the Provincial Health Office, said Pangasinan registered a total of 120 suspected dengue cases from January to July 5 of this year, a marked improvement from the more than 300 cases for the same period last year.

No death was recorded since January, Doria added.

Doria said their collated data came from the province’s 14 government hospitals, the Region I Medical Center in Dagupan City and from private hospitals.

Doria urged the public to always practice cleanliness inside and outside the house to avoid the bites of dreaded day-biting mosquitoes. (PIA-Pangasinan)

Cabarroguis, Quirino (6 July) — Newly-elected Quirino Congressman Dakila Carlo Enriquez Cua and Governor Junie Evangelista Cua led all elected provincial and municipal officials in mass oath taking ceremonies last June 29, 2010 at the Quirino Gymnasium here.

Outgoing governor Dax Cua has reported that for the span of three years, his administration was able to build more than 80 big gymnasiums, 80 barangay offices, construct roads and pavements, distribute more than 100 multicabs to the barangays, as well as purchase two buses and heavy equipments for the province.

“For the span of three years, we have succeeded in helping the Quirinians in improving their life,” the younger Cua stressed.

“We have started our Quirino livelihood for Everyone (Q-LIFE) project and the Watershed Reforestation and Livelihood project and so along the properties, assets, achievements and the more than 1,000 strong men and women of the provincial capitol, I am also turning over my problems and my unfinished dreams to make Quirino a better place to Governor Junie Cua,” he added.

In his response, Gov. Junie Cua vowed to continue the vision of his son, Cong. Dax Cua. “We will strengthen the I Love Quirino project and make all Quirinians feel that they have leaders who are sensitive to their needs,” he assured.

“I remember three years ago, I was a witness to the turn over of leadership from Gov. Pedro L. Bacani to Gov. Dax Cua and never in my wildest dreams did I realize that, that day was the dawning of a new era for Quirino province, the beginning of true political unity,” the older Cua narrated.

The older Cua has expressed optimism that through the political unity, Quirino province will attain more development and progress. (PIA)

Tuguegarao City (6 July) — The proclaimed winners of the recently concluded automated elections have already took their oath of office as elected public servants in this city.

Hon. Norman C. Ganac, Presiding Judge MTCC Branch IV, administered the oath of office of City Mayor Delfin T. Ting, Judge Rene Baculi of MTCC Barnch II administered the oath for Vice Mayor Danilo Baccay, and Judges Racquel Aglaua of MTCC Branch I and Maita Deray-Isarel of Branch III have administered the oath of office for the 12 city councilors who will members of the 5th city council.

Mayor Ting took the opportunity to thank all his supporters who brought him to victory last election for his second term. He promised to continue to work for the development of the city.

In his message, Ting said he will refrain from spending useless activities and projects so that the funds of the city government of Tuguegarao will be utilized for the major projects such as infrastructures and other concerns for the benefits of the people of Tuguegarao.

“We will continue our significant projects and programs. We will make Tuguegarao City recognized as a well development city in Luzon and the entire country”, Ting said.

On the other hand, Vice Mayor Danilo Baccay also expressed his gratitude to all Tuguegaraoenos who believed in his sincere service last election.

“We are here not just to witness our oath of office but to acknowledge the choice and the voice of the people”, Baccay stated.

The officials brought with them their families. Their supporters, barangay officials, employees of the city government and other stakeholders have also joined the oath taking ceremony. (PIA 2)

Dagupan City (6 July) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue padlocked Tuesday three merchandise stores at the downtown area, this city, for failure of the owner to settle her tax obligations.

Businesswoman Mary Ann Shi, who owns the stores bearing unique trade names Ayos Ka Ha! Boutique, Ayos Ka Ha! General Merchandize and SK Enterprises, has a minimum of five days to settle her tax dues, said Revenue District Officer Yolanda Ferrer. “Kung nagbayad na sya, then ili-lift yong closure order,” she added.

The BIR raiding team led by Regional Director Tomas C. Rosales swiftly enforced the order signed by Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe. By 9 a.m. members of the team, accompanied by policemen and members of the local media, were already at the targeted stores serving the order and padlocking the establishments. No untoward incident happened.

Ferrer said surveillance was conducted on the establishments for 10 days on reports that the stores were not issuing sales invoices and also under-declaring their sales by more than 40 percent. The owner, Ferrer said, had a previous violation for not issuing invoices to customers.

After the surveillance, the owner was informed of the violation thru a 48-hour notice, and later thru a five-day VAT notice. Shi however failed to settle her obligations prompting the agency to issue closure orders, Ferrer said.

Last year, the bureau padlocked six popular restaurants located in this city, nearby Binmaley town and Urdaneta City. Then Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV and his four deputy commissioners led the simultaneous raids.

A month later, six branches of a drugstore were similarly closed for violation of tax laws.

Rosales bared in subsequent media interviews that his office was closely monitoring establishments suspected of under-declaring their sales. “May mga kandidato dyan for Oplan Kandado, sana mag voluntary compliance na sila para hindi na umabot sa ganito,” he warned during a media forum.

Failure to register as value added tax (VAT) taxpayer is also a violation aside from non-issuance of receipts or invoices and under-declaring sales by at least 30 percent.

Ferrer said she hoped that the raid delivered a strong message for taxpayers to compute and declare their “true sales” and pay corresponding taxes. (PIA Pangasinan)

Dagupan City (1 July) — A group of businessmen from eastern Pangasinan is set to file in court a complaint for damages against the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and the operator of the power generation component of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Project.

Engineer Rosendo So, who heads the Eastern Pangasinan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said that businessmen from that area would take the fight against the state power firm and the San Roque Power Corporation in view of the hesitancy of other groups affected by the massive floods in October last year to file necessary complaints against the purported culprits.

“Medyo mabagal yong mga farmers natin na magsampa ng reklamo laban sa Napocor kaya ang business sector na ang mangungunang magreklamo,” So told the Enkwentro forum of the Pangasinan Press Club Wednesday at the Jurassic Ark in barangay Lucao here. The complaint, he disclosed, would be filed this July.

He said the October floods would not have been that massive and destroyed infrastructure and properties in eastern Pangasinan had Napocor and SRPC started releasing waters before the critical level. “Sana hindi na nila hinintay na umabot o lumagpas pa don sa critical level bago mag-release,” he stressed.

San Roque dam was forced to release waters up to more than 5,000 cubic meters per second (cms) at the height of typhoon Pepeng which unabatedly dumped heavy rains during that first week of October. The typhoon made unprecedented two exits and three landfalls in North Luzon.

The damage suit may run to several millions of pesos. “Yong sa rice mill P20 million na at mayroon pang iba,” he said, citing the damages which he alone suffered.

A group of Pangasinan lawyers earlier filed before the courts a similar complaint against the two firms. The provincial government was also earlier reported as contemplating to file necessary complaints against the person or persons responsible in that unprecedented release of excess waters.

Meanwhile, So said that the Abono partylist will continue to push for bills for the welfare of farmers as the two bills filed by the party under the past Congress were not acted upon. He said the party, which was entitled to two congressional seats, will push for more budget for irrigation facilities.

He said that farmers? access to the funds allotted under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act will help them acquire more harvest facilities and assistance. “Siguro makakahabol na rin ang ating mga farmers kung mabigyan sila ng karampatang tulong ng gobyerno,” he said noting the prosperity being enjoyed by farmers from other countries like Taiwan and Vietnam because of full government support to the agriculture industry.

“Dapat talaga mabigyan ng subsidy ang ating mga magsasaka at marehabilitate ang irigasyon. Makakahabol din tayo sa Vietnam,” he said. A war-torn country some four decades ago, Vietnam is now a rice exporter.

So, Abono partylist chair, again called on the government to reduce rice imports which, he pointed out, affect local farmers.

He said he will try to arrange a meeting with the new agriculture secretary for Abono to discuss issues affecting the agriculture industry. (PIA Pangasinan)

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (July 1) — Villager Valentin Descalzo, 40 of barangay Buenavista in this town was one of the upland settlers who were engaged in slash and burn system of farming or “Kaingin” to support their family in 1970s.

Descalzo, along with hundreds of upland settlers in this province have continuously brought harm and destruction on the natural-growth forests due to indiscriminate system of farming, charcoal making and tree cutting.

“But that was before. We have now transformed into responsible forest settlers,” Descalzo claimed.

Descalzo, now the president of the Federation of Vista Hills, Kalongkong and Kakilingan Upland Farmers, Inc. (FVHKKUFI) prides itself for the gradual rehabilitation of their community from their once-harsh and unfriendly way of living with the environment.

Their efforts paid off as co-managers of the forest when the y were awarded as the Best Sustainable Development Project in the province and in the whole of Cagayan Valley region in 2003.

FVHKKUFI track record came into national recognition after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officially endorsed their organization to implement a 177-hectare Research ? based Plantation Establishment Methods project under the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) in 1995 and eventually completed in 1997.

With their sterling performance, FVHKKUFI received a Community-Based Forest Management agreement strategy from the DENR which involves the sustainable development of at least 3,000 hectares of forestland.

“Because of our commitment, dedication and cooperation as a peoples organization, we have received development projects such as development of our road and construction of an elementary school,” Descalzo added.

He said the continuing information communication and education activities conducted by the DENR has reoriented their destructive attitudes into constructive practices.

Since their management, FVHKKUFI have consistently protected the remaining 1,500 residual dipterocarp forest, rehabilitated the denuded 1,500 hectares of forest land through the progressive plantation within the 100 hectares, regenerated natural forest cover for 100 hectares and produced agro-forestry farms for 1,300 hectares.

Descalzo said that aside from their forest-based protection and rehabilitation efforts, they now manage community-based enterprises such as tiger grass plantation, carabao for hire business and cattle fattening.

“Right now, we are in merging our linkages with various agencies of the government for partnership projects that can enhance our projects in our communities,” he said.

Other successful CBFM projects

In Dupax del Sur town, members of the Banila Community-Based Cooperative (BCBC) sold their precious possession of a carabao to jumpstart their business venture after the DENR awarded them a Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) covering more than 2,000 hectares in 1995.

The 94-member BCBC successfully implemented the reforestation of at least 221 hectares with GMelina trees funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from 1995 to 2000; 80 hectares with GMelina plantation funded by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP); 7 hectares of GMelina and Mahogany with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2002 to 2003 and another 31 hectares under the government?s Upland Development Program (UDP).

BCBC also made developments on agro-forestry such as the 10 hectare fruit-bearing tree plantation through the CARP in 2003; 7 hectares under convergence agreement from 2005 to 2006, 21 hectares under the UDP in 2009, 8 hectares under the CARP in 2009 and the establishment of livelihood projects such as their Anthurium Cutflower industry which was funded by the JICA in 2003, hog dispersal project funded by the CARP and lending and trading of farm inputs through their cooperative.

“In fact,I was able to send two of my six children to school and was able to finish their studies through the services of our cooperative,” said Carmelita Catasos, 62, BCBC treasurer.

Ibaloi Ricardo Pelnac, 62, chair of the BCBC said they have refrained from burning and indiscriminate cutting of trees since their CBFMA was awarded by the DENR.

“BCBC members and no-members have learned many things… that our environment can give us livelihood if protected and maintained properly,” he said.

In the upland barangay of Nantawakan in Kasibu town, the 63-member Mutia Upland Farmers Association (MUFA) significantly carried out rehabilitation and reforestation activities within the 751 hectare mountains.

Since 2005, MUFA through their CBFM has implemented the establishment of a 25-hectare GMelina plantation, 25 hectare agro-forestry funded by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation in 2007, vegetable production, 4 hectare agro-forestry, reforestation of 111 hectare with indigenous species of trees and ordinary fruit bearing trees funded by CARP.

“We are now earning from this project, with our cooperation as members, we hope to transfer this to our children so that they can also benefit from this,” said Michael Matias, MUFA chairman.

In Aritao town, in barangay Calitlitan, the Tribal Cooperative for Rural Development (TRICORD), has embarked on a tree farm lease contract to undertake agroforestry and tree planting on a 379 hectare mountain, now showing natural forest regeneration.

Produced from the agroforestry plantation are Durian and Marang fruits which are now being sold along the national highway, bringing income for TRICORD.

Julio Tacay, 75, TRICORD caretaker said the agro-forestry development has returned sufficient water in the mountains.

According to Rev. Danilo Bugtong, the area showcases the success of agroforestry projects in Nueva Vizcaya.

“There is a need to internalize the importance of tree planting among ourselves. Specially now that forest fire is the major problem that is threatening our efforts. So we need to educate the communities more,” Bugtong. (PIA NVizcaya)

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (July 1) — Provincial officials here are in the process of doing preparations for the hosting of the national caving congress slated next year.

Marichelle Costales supervising tourism officer said coordinations with concerned agencies and private organizations are on the way for the conduct of the 11th national caving congress which was agreed during the 10th National Caving Congress in Kapalong, Davao del Norte in April 16 to 20, 2010.

The congress was attended by the representatives from the provincial tourism office and members of the Sang-at Salug Outdoor Club (SSOC) and officials of the Philippine Speleological Society.

“This will be our second hosting of the national caving congress because we also hosted the first national caving congress in 2001,” Costales said.

She said the hosting of the national caving congress will also be assisted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In 2001, the national caving congress was held in this province, particularly in barangay Capissaan where the Lion-Alayan multicave system was earlier discovered and gained national attraction and recognition.

The Lion-Alayan cave system is the fifth longest cave system in the country and ranked among of the best, considered a geologist?s paradise due to its varying rare calcite formations and unique stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Within its four kilometer length is a subterranean river that doubles as a passageway to the best part of this multi-chambered cave. Part of the cave network are the Lion and Alayan Caves, measuring 4.2 kilometers.

The Lion-Alayan cave system can be reached through an all terrain vehicle from Solano town or from Bambang town in Nueva Vizcaya. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach barangay Capissaan in Kasibu town, also the place of the known Vizcaya oranges produced in Malabing Valley.

Tourism officials said the hosting of the province for the national caving congress next year will also boost tourism in Nueva Vizcaya as it will gather and attract national and international caving enthusiasts aside from the expected regular foreign and local tourists who are expected to marvel on the unique multi-cave system. (PIA NVizcaya)

The rest of the officials are a mixture of former Cabinet members in the administrations of Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, as well as new personalities from the academe and the private sector. Aquino also announced that he will serve in concurrent capacity as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The announced oficials include:

1. Executive Secretary: Paquito Ochoa
2. Secretary of Foreign Affairs: Alberto Romulo
3. Secretary of Finance: Cesar Purisima
4. Secretary of Justice: Leila L. de Lima
5. Secretary of National Defense: Voltaire Gasmin
6. Secretary of Education: Bro. Armin A. Luistro
7. Secretary of Budget and Management: Florencio “Butch” Abad
8. Secretary of National Economic and Development Authority: Cayetano L. Paderanga Jr.
9. Secretary of Agriculture: Proceso V. Alcala
10. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources: Ramon Paje
11. Secretary of Transportation and Communications: Jose ‘Ping’ de Jesus
12. Secretary of Labor and Employment: Rosalinda Baldoz
13. Secretary of Health: Dr. Enrique T. Ona
14. Secretary of Tourism: Alberto A. Lim
15. Secretary of Trade and Industry: Gregory L. Domingo
16. Secretary of Social Welfare and Development: Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman
17. Secretary of Science and Technology: Dr. Mario G. Montejo
18. Secretary of Energy: Jose Rene V. Almendras
19. Secretary of Public Works and Highways: Rogelio Singson
20. Secretary of Agrarian Reform: Virgilio delos Reyes
21. Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education: Patricia Licuanan
22. Secretary of the Presidential Management Staff: Julia Abad
23. Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: MGen. Ric David
24. Director General of the Philippine National Police: Jesus Verzosa
25. Presidential Spokesperson: Edwin Lacierda
26. Presidential Legal Counsel: Eduardo de Mesa
27. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process: Teresita ‘Ging’ Deles
28. Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue: Kim Henares

Aquino said the structure of the Government Communications Group is still being finalized.

Sub-cabinet positions will likewise be announced later. (vmg/PIA)

President Arroyo issued Executive Order 890 on June 10, setting a uniform zero tariff on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products from member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and outside ASEAN.

“The elimination of three percent rates of duty on said products imported from non-ASEAN countries will address the tariff distortion,” the EO said.

The decision to remove the tariff on the said products was reached during the May 25 meeting of the National Economic Development Authority Board.

Mrs. Arroyo also signed the executive order that will effectively reduce the price of steel products by removing the tariff on imported hot rolled coils (HRC) and cold rolled coils (CRC).

Despite the efforts of Global Steel Philippines Inc. (GSPI) to defer it, the law was signed last June 22 as Executive Order 898. (PIA-Bohol)