‘Sky Police’ to battle crimes
QUEZON CITY, March 10 (PIA) – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo formally launched Sky Police that will help boost PNP’s crime fighting capability Tuesday, March 8 in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The Sky Police is manned by PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF) under the direct operational control of the National Operational Center (NOC) and the Regional Tactical Operations and Intelligence Center (RTOIC). It also directly reports to Camps Crame and Bagong Diwa.
The PNP has commissioned three R-44 “Raven” aircraft in 2010 that will serve as the “work horses” of the Sky Police. It is also capable of flying for three hours on a standard fuel load at a cruising speed of 130 mph and range of 300 miles.
The three US-made Robinson R44 Raven II police helicopters worth P104.9 million were acquired by the PNP under its 2008 Capability Enhancement Program.
The police helicopters have night-flying capability with a 500-watt xenon search light and infrared imaging system, monitor, and a dual audio controller for police radios.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said the tactical capability of these aircraft translates to greater operational advantage in the PNP’s anti-criminality, public safety, and law enforcement missions.
Cruz added that these aircraft form part of the fleet of rotary-wing aircraft of the air unit of the PNP Special Action Force.
The PNP spokesman also explained that the new police choppers will provide operational command and control functions to coordinate ground units in police operations particularly during mobile pursuit situations.
As multi-role aircraft, these police choppers can also provide tactical support for fire suppression, aerial reconnaissance, and supply airlift for ground troops in field operations, said Cruz. (PNP/PIA-NCR/RJB/Jell E. Guzman)
Women’s rights is not a battle of the sexes, it is giving opportunity to everyone, says Legarda
MANILA, March 7 (PIA) — Women’s Rights is not a battle of the sexes, says senator Loren Legarda, this is an issue of giving equal opportunity to everyone, of respecting the rights of every person regardless of gender, of providing a chance to all citizens to excel in their chosen discipline in order that each and every individual may be able to live a fruitful life and contribute to nation building,
She sought for the strict implementation of the country’s laws on gender equality and women empowerment as the nation celebrates Women’s Month.
According to Legarda, the role of women in our society has continuously evolved through the years. As more women have gained access to education, more have also joined the workforce, even participating in work and activities previously considered ‘exclusive’ for the male populace.
However, more is not always equivalent to enough. More women participating in decision-making, whether within the family, the community, or the nation, does not mean they are already considered equal to men, she said.
Legarda explained that the Philippines already has laws such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Anti-Discrimination Against Women Act, the Women in Development and Nation Building Act, the Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act, and the Magna Carta of Women, among many others, yet statistics still indicate that the country is far from achieving equality between men and women.
Based on the records from the Philippine Commission on women, there are more girls enrolled in elementary and secondary education, but in terms of employment statistics, the male populace is still dominant.
In the October 2009 Labor Force Survey (LFS), the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for females is at 49.3 percent and for males at 78.8 percent.
Participation of women in politics and governance is still at a minimal level with only 18 percent of the elected posts in the 2010 Elections won by women candidates.
Furthermore, violence against women (VAW) continues to surge even with the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) already in place.
Legarda cited some statistics. Following a six-year downward trend from 2001 to 2006, the number of violence against women cases reported to the Philippine National Police rose again in 2007 with 5,729 cases.
There was further increase in 2008 with 6,905 cases, and more in 2009 with 9,485 cases.
Legarda said, our country has passed so many laws addressing women’s issues and it is considered as one of the best in terms of legislation with measures on various societal issues already in place.
“However, legislation is just one phases of the overall effort to achieve gender equality and women empowerment. These laws need to be strictly and faithfully implemented,” the Senator declared. (PIA-7/Minerva BC Newman with reports from the office of Senator Legarda)
Provincial Board enacts Senior Citizens Code
By Juliet B. Saley
BONTOC, Mt. Province, March 7 (PIA) -– To enhance and sustain the welfare of the senior citizens in the province, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 104 known as the Senior Citizens Code of Mt. Province.
The adoption of this senior citizens code is consistent with constitutional principles and shall recognize the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society and make it a concern of the family, community and government.
This also aims to encourage their families and the communities they live with to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens and to give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the elderly and their full participation in society considering that senior citizens are integral part of society.
The measure also establishes mechanism whereby the contributions of the senior citizens are maximized and where they are assisted and appreciated by the community as a whole. This further establishes a program beneficial to the senior citizens and their families that include the establishment community-based health and rehabilitation programs.
As stated in the code, October 1 to 7 every year is declared as Elderly Filipino Week under Proclamation No. 470 and that the first Monday within the week is declared as Senior Citzens Day.
On this day, the senior citizens shall act as senior citizens Officer-for-A-Day (SCOFAD) in all the elective and appointed posts of department heads in the province. The action of the SCOFAD shall be part of the agenda to be taken up during the regular meetings of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the following week.
The Code mandates that incentives for the SCOFAD shall come from the one-day pay of elective officials and department heads of the provincial government. The Provincial Treasury Office shall see to that said amount be deducted from the payroll of the various officials and department heads to be given to the senior citizens to support their program and activities.
A financial assistance in the amount of P150,000 will also be appropriated annually from the annual general fund budget of the provincial government for the program of the senior citizens.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) shall consolidate all programs and activities of senior citizens in the province and submit to the office of the Provincial Governor and the SP for information, guidance and for proper resolution.*(/PIA-CAR,Mt. Prov.)
DOLE Middle East task force reinforced
MANILA, March 3 (PIA)–Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz added two more members to the DOLE Task Force Middle East and assigned former Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) administrative staff so that the government’s evacuation and repatriation efforts will be faster.
Labor Attaches Bulyok Nilong and Jeffrey Cortazar are the new members of the task force. Nilong is now in Egypt to augment the government’s ground team facilitating the entry of OFWs through the Libya-Egypt border.
Sec Baldoz, in a press release from DOLE said that the task force is not only on a 24/7 monitoring and assessment mode, it is also providing round-the-clock coordination services and action follow-through with our POLOs in the Middle East, particularly Libya.
Earlier, DOLE had beefed up its Middle East teams by sending out welfare officers Ron Lionel Bartolome and James Mendiola to Tunisia; Eduardo Mendoza Jr. and Sergio Borgueta, Jr. to Cairo; Mario Antonio and Orlando Nador to Malta; Cesar Chavez Jr. and Romyl Cabillo to Yemen; Paterno Juridico Jr. to Bahrain; and William Merginio and Mamerto Mercado to Greece.
The DOLE Middle East crisis monitoring center was established by Secretary Baldoz last week after street protests erupted in Libya that led to the evacuation and repatriation of OFWs from that country. (dole/pia-ncr/rjb/sdl)
‘No return, no exchange’ policy explained
by Mari Cruz
BAGUIO CITY, Mar 2 (PIA) – There is no such thing as “No Return, No Exchange” policy, thus clarified the Department of Trade and Industry.
He said the only exclusions to the No Return, No Exchange Policy would be from patent defects.
Patent defects can be seen by our naked eye, so it would be incumbent upon the consumer to inspect the item that they are purchasing before actually bring it home, he further said.
Gallardo reiterated that customers have the right to return defective or substandard goods or demand for remedies, in case of imperfect service.
Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, only defective items can be returned or exchanged, he added.
To file a consumer complaint against stores violating the prohibition of No Return, No Exchange policy, be ready with the following information: the name and address of the complainant and the firm being complained about, the acts of commissions constituting the offense including the approximate date, place and time of its commission, the remedy sought, and other relevant information the consumer may have regarding the matter.
It is also important for consumers to ask for official receipts, warranty cards in case of appliances or gadgets, delivery receipts, or any records or documents that are given by the business establishments, the packaging of a product, the price tag, and the name of the establishment and also the specifications of the warranty. All these can also be used as bases in establishing the rights of consumer, Gallardo added.(PIA CAR)
OFW’s Kids compete in Diocesan event
By: Miriam P. Aquino
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, March 1 (PIA) – A whole day diocesan event entitled “Sons and Daughters of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or (SDO) and Family Solidarity Day” was conducted today at the Christ the King College, High School Campus, this city.
This activity, which carries the theme “Sama-sama sa Iisang Mithiin Tungo sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW”, highlights an Inter-School Interpretative Dance Competition and On-the-Spot Financial Literacy Quiz Contest that enjoins high school students from different schools in the province whose parent/s are working abroad.
The contest aims to establish a strong support and solidarity among the OFW sector and their families through cultural appreciation.
Participants in the competition interpreted the life and story of their loved ones abroad. This is also a way of making these children feel and internalize the sacrifices, loneliness and pain that their parents are experiencing away from home to seek for greener pastures to help alleviate the economic condition of their families.
The event was organized by the Diocesan Desk for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People as part of the celebration of the 25th National Migrants Sunday on March 13, 2011, which is dedicated to the heroism and sacrifices of the OFWs and their families – our “Bagong Bayani” who have contributed a huge part in uplifting the Philippine economy. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union)
Rice supply in Pangasinan good until next harvest season, says NFA
By: Danny O Sagun
DAGUPAN CITY, March 1(PIA) – The total rice stock in western Pangasinan is good for the next 123 days, according to the National Food Authority (NFA).
Assistant Manager Dionisio Rivera of the NFA western Pangasinan branch based in Lingayen said that the latest estimate of 1.6 million bags to include the 660,000 bags at NFA warehouses will be sufficient to meet the province’s daily demand of 155,000 bags a day until the next harvest season.
He said the situation is similar to the area covered by the NFA eastern Pangasinan branch based in Binalonan town. “Sa totoo lang surplus ang classification ng eastern, dito sa western ay sufficient naman ang classification,” Rivera said during the Pantongtongan Tayo radio program of the Philippine Information Agency Tuesday over Radyo ng Bayan-DZMQ.
Rivera said the agency continues to procure local palay at P17 per kilo plus incentives of up to 70 centavos for farmers’ cooperatives. The government procurement price is more attractive than that being offered by traders which is less than P17, he noted.
He said that NFA warehouses now contain more locally-procured palay than imported rice. “Paubos na yong imported rice namin siguro mga 100,000 bags lang ang naiiwan,” he said in reply to observations that NFA warehouses are bursting to the seams with imported rice.
The direction now under the new administration, he said, is to import only the actual needs of the country. “Di pa rin natin maiiwasang mag-import dahil di pa natin na-achieve yong target na self-sufficiency sa bigas,” he said. The country hopes to become self-sufficient in rice by the year 2013.
Meanwhile, information officer Chona Maramba, who used to supervise operations of the NFA warehouse located in barangay Tebeng, this city, disclosed that some 30,000 bags were damaged by floods spawned by typhoon Pepeng in 2009. The damaged stocks were eventually sold and NFA realized P6.4 million, she said.
Because of that worst flooding experienced by Pangasinenses since the great flood in 1972, the agency asked owners of the leased warehouses to raise their elevation, she said. (ANL/DOS – PIA 1 Pangasinan)
Catanduanes State Colleges has 14 new nurses
CATANDUANES, Feb.28 (PIA) – Fourteen graduates of the Catanduanes State Colleges passed the recent Nurses Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulations Commission last December 2010 in 18 testing centers nationwide.
The initial 13 passers identified by the CSC College of Health Sciences as of press time are Regina Salve Balin, Ma. Cinderella R. Ifurung, Carrol Gay F. Jacob, Ignatius Ll. Jordan, Exequiel U. Mariano V, Jayzzon B. Pereyra, Paula Bianca S. Salameña, Nelrose G. Sarmiento, Rosa Aurea A. Tabirara, Salve Tresmanio, Coolen J. Torrecampo, Gayle T. Tuboro, and Jennifer D. Uchi.
PRC announced that 29,711 out of 84,287 or 35.25 percent passed the licensure examination.
CSC had 14 passers out of 38 takers or with 36.84 percent passing rate. Its first takers, however, all passed in the said examination.
PRC also announced that the oathtaking of the new nurses as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional will be held before the Board on March 14 and 15, with morning and afternoon sessions at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
PMA, Mandaluyong lead campaign vs smoking
MANILA Feb 24 (PIA) –- In a bid to educate the metropolis on the harmful effects of smoking, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) held a motorcade and fun run from Quezon City to Mandaluyong City on Monday.
The event started at the PMA headquarters and proceeded to Mandaluyong City where an anti-smoking agreement between the former and the Mandaluyong City government was signed.
Under the agreement, PMA will conduct series of lectures and seminars in Mandaluyong about the hazards of smoking.
PMA spokesman Dr. Mike Aragon said Mandaluyong Mayor Ben-hur Abalos, who quit smoking years back, vowed his full support against smoking.
“The mayor will issue an order mandating call center agents to undergo anti-smoking seminar, if they have HIV seminars they should also have this, they have risky lifestyles,” Aragon added.
Mandaluyong City accounts for a significant number of call center employees in the metro besides Makati City, Pasig City, and Quezon City. (PIA-NCR/Jayson Leguiab)
Mango industry sees hope in Agri-Pinoy
By Larry Lopez
TABUK, Kalinga, Feb.22 (PIA) –- Mango farmers in the province sees hope in the Agri-Pinoy framework, which listed mango among the priority crops under the high value crops development program.
Program Coordinator Teresa Desay of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said Agri-Pinoy included mango, cacao and abaca to the traditional fruit crops of banana, coffee and citrus.
Although mango industry is still a developing source of income among farmers here, some tried developing mango farms and have seen potential earnings especially when further developed, Desay said.
Mango plantations were also among the other crops which suffered heavy damages from the recent typhoons.
To help mango farmers recover from their losses, the Department of Agriculture (DA) handed down in its calamity program implements to boost production this season.
For Kalinga, DA allotted 20 bags of flower inducer containing potassium nitrate ideal for this time, when there is not much rain,
according to Desay.
Mango flowers easily get dry when soaked with rain and exposed to the sun.
Desay said they want to introduce off-season application of flower inducer to have a year round cropping for farmers.
“The moment we are able to find the best timing, we expect the mango industry to boom, with the present area planted in Kalinga,” Desay claimed.
The 20 bags flower inducers were distributed to Rizal, Pinukpuk and Tabuk with five each, Tanudan, 2, and Balbalan, Lubuagan and Tinglayan with one bag each. Pasil did not submit any request.
The ratio is one bag is to 25 mango trees.
Desay said DA is eyeing to educate mango farmers in the province on improved farming technology as part of the move to further boost production. *(PIA CAR-Kalinga)
