PNoy receives representative of US President
Manila (21 July) — President Benigno C. Aquino III met with US State Department Under Secretary for Political Affairs William Burns yesterday (July 20) at the Malacanang Palace.
Talking to Palace reporters after his audience with the President, Burns said his visit underscores US President Barack Obama’s determination to renew and extend the US-Philippines partnership in the spirit of mutual respect.
“I am delighted to be here in Manila, and very pleased to have the opportunity to convey congratulations and best regards from President Obama to President Aquino,” Burns told Palace reporters.
During the visit, Burns discussed with President Aquino a range of issues including bilateral relations, ASEAN concerns and the efforts of the new Philippine government towards poverty reduction, health, education, job creation, protection of human rights, judicial reforms and improvement of accountability and transparency. They also discussed the status of US development assistance to the country, especially in Mindanao, where Burns is scheduled to visit.
“I emphasize that the US wants to do everything we can in health, in progress, and in all of those areas which we saw important to creating a better future for the people of the Philippines,” said Burns.
Asked about the significance of his scheduled trip to Mindanao, Burns said it is an indication of the continuing commitment of the US to working with the Philippine government in trying to create a greater sense of economic fruitfulness throughout the Philippines, including Mindanao.
“We contribute a considerable percentage of our development assistance in the Philippines and I look forward to the opportunity to observe some of those programs. And we do take pride in the advice and training that our security forces can contribute as well as the efforts of the Philippine government. This is an ongoing effort,” Burns said. (PIA)
DA provides Catanduanes fishers state-of-the-art freezer
By Danny O. Calleja
Bato, Catanduanes (20 July) — A fisher folk organization in this fourth class fishing town will be recipient of a high-tech multi-function freezer worth about P4.6 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) as part of the government’s efforts to provide farmers and fishermen access to modern postharvest facilities that will significantly boost their income.
To be provided by the DA’s National Agribusiness Corporation (Nabcor), the machine is a mobile type freezer that could instantly freeze fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and preserve their freshness for as long as three days without ice.
Nabcor president Alan Javellana said here over the weekend the freezer that would occupy only about six square meters of land area uses the revolutionary brine immersion freezing (BIF) technology.
It will be installed this month and awarded to the Batalay Fisherfolks Association (BaFiA), a 400-strong group recognized by the DA as a People’s Organization (PO) committed towards the protection of the local marine resources and the promotion of the welfare of marginal fishermen in the locality, Javellana said.
The use of the machine, he said, would be demonstrated to the public including members of the BaFiA to orient them on its operations and show them how it instantly freezes and preserves fish, fruits, meat and non-leafy vegetables such as okra, kalabasa and string beans without the need for ice.
Javellana said this state-of-the-art freezer is among the 98 multi-functional machines using the BIF technology acquired by the DA from the Integrated Refrigeration System and Services Inc. (IRSSI) to be distributed to selected recipients.
“This would provide access to storage at lesser cost for farmers and fishermen of their products in order to boost their income,” he said.
Storage of fish or meat using the BIF freezers in fact could be extended up to six months or a year without affecting its quality and taste when another technology called “LQF” is applied, Javellana said.
He explained that the technology is patterned from the American and Japanese BIF quick freeze system which was improved by IRSSI and endorsed by Filipino inventor Dr. Hernando Decena to make it operate at a much lower operating temperature as much as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
IRSSI also made the machine more compact, more-cost effective, user-friendly and multi-functional.
The BIF is a “revolutionary method” in preserving aquatic products, meat, fruits and vegetables using super-conductive solution as secondary refrigerant which Decena developed, Javellana said.
He explained that BIF allows instant freezing, which, as a result, eliminates crystallization, thus preserving the freshness, flavor and texture of the frozen product.
“A superb feature of this technology is that the quality of the BIF-frozen fish stays the same after two to three days, so that it tastes as fresh or as good as newly caught fish when grilled or cooked any other way,” he said.
Under the old conventional handling method, Javellana said that “we need to put ice to preserve fish and other perishable food items which leads to crystallization that alters the quality and freshness of the frozen product. Hence, the marked difference in the texture and taste of newly caught fish from those that had been stored in the freezer or in ice-packed Styrofoam boxes.”
Moreover, it takes as little as three to 30 minutes, depending on type, size and volume of product to be process, to freeze a product using BIF, compared to the conventional method, which takes three to four hours to freeze a product using the air blast system, he said.
Another advantage of this technology is its mobility and easy plug-in feature. “A BIF compartment, which has a wheeled stand, making it easy to transport and move around and plug into any available electrical outlet,” Javellana said.
The old-type blast freezer or holding freezer on the other hand needs to be permanently put in place and requires large installation works and a massive separate electrical supply, he added. (PNA Bicol)
PNP NVizcaya intensifies anti-criminality drive
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (July 19) — The Philippine National Police(PNP) here will embark on an intensified activities designed to increase their vigilance and the community participation on anti-criminality efforts.
Police Senior Superintendent Pedro Danguilan, police provincial director said they have required their Chiefs of Police(COPs) to prepare and submit their detailed Beat Patrol Plans(BPPs) inorder to operationalize police visibility program where policemen will be given specific areas to cover with emphasis on crime-prone areas, business districts, schools/university belts, financial establishments, bus terminals, water, communication and power generating facilities and other vital installations.
Also included in their BPP is the rationalization on the deployment of personnel in coordination with their respective local chief executives.
He added that cellphone numbers of COPs will be displayed on billboards which will be installed in strategic location of their respective areas.
“One of the main feature of this project is the establishment of the “Sumbungan ng Bayan” where the public can text any information on how the PNP can render immediate response to the public in case of emergencies using the PNP text-call hotline and cellphone numbers and email address,” Danguilan said.
Danguilan also vowed to conduct aggressive police operation particularly on the enforcement of special laws with emphasis on the execution of arrest warrants and neutralization of personalities or groups believed to hiding or keeping contrabands.
He said that conduct of security survey and inspection including the proper use of resources to secure vital installations, economic key points and places of convergence in coordination with concerned agencies, officials, owners and managers and the arrest of wanted persons in the province.
The conduct of seminars and training as a prelude for the organization of Bantay Bayans, Crime Drug Watch, Student Prevention Council, Nueva Vizcaya Rebel Returnees Association and other auxiliaries will be done, according to Danguilan to make these organizations effective and efficient partners in the maintenance of peace and order in the province.
The improvement of crime solution efficiency will also be enhanced by instituting the principle of people empowerment where people are encouraged and motivated to testify as witness for the immediate solution of crimes and the conduct of dialogues with bank managers and security officers including transport groups to forge strong alliance through a memorandum of understanding to ensure the safety of clients and customers, Danguilan stressed.
Media calls on police to hasten investigation on media murder attempt
by LS Macatangay
Nabua, Camarines Sur (16 July) — Suspects of the foiled attempt to kill another media man are still at large and currently the subject of police manhunt as of press time.
This, after a radio field reporter was seriously wounded when he was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen on his way home, Friday night on July 9, 2010.
In a report sent by Lt. Col. Ernersto Cruz of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, Miguel Belen, 48 years old was on board his motorcycle at around 8:30pm when unidentified gun men suddenly fired on him causing him to sustain multiple gunshot wounds from a Cal.45 pistol.
Belen was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital and is now recuperating from his wounds while police authorities are still looking into various angles as to the motive of the assault.
n the wake of this incident, Emman Llagas, Camarines Sur KBP Chairman and Station Manager of Energy-FM here in Naga City, called on his colleagues to be more vigilant and observe safety precautions, especially when dealing with sensitive issues concerning their points of discussion or commentaries.
“Our job as watchdogs of our society can cause us our very own precious lives, in the name of public service and in search for truth and justice. Yet we also have to protect ourselves and be watchful on how we deal with certain issues.”
Llagas also called on the authorities and concerned agencies to hasten the investigation and bring the perpetrators behind bars.
“KBP condemns in its strongest terms the attempt on the life of Mike Belen. We are raising the challenge to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to do their best and run after the ruthless perpetrators and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring justice to the victim. I am also appealing to my fellow media men to observe utmost responsibility in performing their duties and most of all, stay alive,” Llagas said in an interview.
PNP Camarines Sur Provincial Director P/SSupt. Jonathan Ablang said that the PNP is now on its toes working for the immediate identification of the suspects. Task Force Belen was then created, with Ablang himself as head. The official also gave an announcement that all the official statement will only come from him to avoid misconceptions that might mire the said investigation.
Belen was a former barangay captain at Barangay Francia, Iriga City. He joined the media workforce after retiring from public service one month before the election. (PIA CamSur)
LTO 2 intensifies campaign against wangwang
by Thelma C. Bicarme
Tuguegarao City (16 July) — The Land Transportation Office Region 2 (LTO 2) has intensified its campaign to regulate the use of sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that emit loud noises of unauthorized people, who want to pull over other motorists in traffic.
Under PD 96, the gadgets or devices mentioned above may be attached to and use only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.
LTO Spokesman Manuel Baricaua said that this law (PD 96) is no longer new and the LTO has been implementing it even before. “So far there were no violators on the use of wang-wang apprehended,” he added.
Baricaua said that they immediately conducted a massive confiscation of any device or gadget installed or mounted on any motor vehicle upon getting orders from their Central Office.
Baricaua explained that Presidential Decree 96, the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and other gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds including dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways will be confiscated.
For the second and subsequent offenders, they (violators) will be jailed for six months and pay a fine of P600.
In addition, the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle on which the unauthorized gadget or device herein mentioned is installed, mounted or used shall be canceled or revoked.
Meanwhile, Baricaua urged motorists and citizens to report any violations to the LTO. “We also call on the media to help us in this campaign,” he added. (PIA 2)
Pangasinan PESO elected regional federation prexy
Dagupan City (15 July) — Alex Ferrer of the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office was elected president of the federation of PESO officers in Region 1.
The board of directors are Dr. Clemente Galiza and Norma Dafun of Ilocos Norte, Doris Manzano and Jocelyn La Madrid of Ilocos Sur, Amparo Mabalot and Charito Dator of La Union , Samuel Bugarin and Roel Sabado of Pangasinan.
Labor and employment Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena, who inducted the new officers, earlier ordered the conduct of capability trainings for PESO managers.
Jalbuena said the PESOs, being the multi-employment facilities at the grassroots, should be able to localize the programs to ensure that these reach their target beneficiaries.
The PESOs were updated with the new leadership’s priority thrusts and programs, among which are Skills Registry System, Labor Market Information, Career and Employment Coaching and Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign. (DOLE/PIA/dos)
Dagupan can solve its garbage problem if it wants to, says Sual mayor
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City (15 July) — This city can solve its perennial garbage disposal problem by allotting enough funds for the full implementation of the law on waste disposal, a municipal mayor whose town has successfully implemented R. A. 9003 said Wednesday.
Sual Mayor John Rodney Arcinue said it does not matter if the area is big or small as long as the administration really puts garbage disposal a priority. “Maliit nga yong volume ng basura namin compared sa Dagupan, siguro times 20. Pero ganon din imultiply mo lang yong pundo at bilang ng tao. Sa amin 12 tao ang naka-assign sa garbage collection and disposal,” he pointed out during the Engkwentro forum of the Pangasinan Press Club at the Jurassic Ark.
Arcinue said that he has given waste disposal a priority in his programs in compliance with the law and the directive as well of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “First warning pa lang sa amin talagang inimplement na naming yong batas,” he said.
The town has achieved “zero waste” status with its materials recovery facility (MRF) used for segregation, recycling and production of organic fertilizer. He said that plastic or sando bags are grinded and used as mix for hollow blocks and paving blocks.
Visitors from five towns with one delegation from as far as Ilocos Sur, he bared, visited the MRF and were impressed with the system. The facility was set up thru the help of the DENR.
“Doable,” he said in answer to a question whether Dagupan can solve its garbage problem given the volume of garbage produced daily and the absence of disposal facilities. “Kung kaya ng Marikina City, ng barangay Bued sa Calasiao, kaya nila yon,” he said. He noted though that some mayors do not give much priority to waste disposal.
In preparation for the expected coming of investors and locators with the completion and operation of the Sual International Seaport, Arcinue said that the town’s training center is targeting 500 trained welders and another 500 sewers. “Mayroon nang 200 na welders, saka 150 na sewers na na-trained namin,” he revealed.
Helping the municipality are Japanese trainers. The training center is accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
He said that construction of the seaport will start this month. The national government thru the Department of Transportation and Communication has pledged P200 million. The province will also shoulder P200 million and Sual, P100 million.
Income-wise, Sual is qualified to become a city with its P126 million budget. It has benefitted financially from the presence of the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant which is now being run by Team Energy. But its 32,000 population is way below the required 100,000 population.
The local executive however dreamed of having his town declared as Port City with the realization of the seaport and the coming of locator-investors. (PIA Pangasinan)
Aquino appoints Villanueva to TESDA, Rosales to CHR
Manila (July 15) (PNA) — Si President Benigno Simeon Aquino III announced Wednesday the appointment of two former partylist representatives in his Cabinet.
President Aquino appointed former Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) partylist Rep. Joel Villanueva as Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and former Akbayan partylist Rep. Loretta “Etta” Rosales as chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
Rosales replaced Leila de Lima who now heads the Department of Justice.
Villanueva, son of Bangon Pilipinas presidential bet and televangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, replaced Augusto Syjuco.
Aquino instructed Villanueva to give more scholarship grants to high school students to continue TESDA’s goal to give more opportunities to the youth who cannot afford to get a formal college education. (GCC, PIA9-Pagadian City)
Indigents benefit from free medical services in Sorsogon
by BA Recebido
Sorsogon City (15 July) — Sorsoganons overwhelmingly thanked the Bicol Clinic Foundation (BCF) following their two-month medical mission conducted in Buenavista, Brgy. Rizal, Sorsogon City that started in May and ended on July 4, this year.
“We were so glad that our health were given utmost attention through the medical mission annually conducted here by these foreign doctors,” said patients who benefited from the medical activities conducted.
Bicol Clinic Foundation vice-president James Fishelson said that Sorsoganons especially the indigents, were lucky this year to have twenty-two foreign doctors with varied specializations who stayed long here to conduct check-up and treatment of some one-hundred thirty patients daily.
“US volunteer doctors have been coming to Sorsogon for six years now to offer medical services treating minor to serious cases for free,” said Fishelson.
“We actually give general outpatient care, however, as per needed, we also conduct surgery, pre-natal and other laboratory services,”he added.
“For six months now, the BCF have already catered to more than three thousand patients including a serious case of tubercolusis with parasites and referral for kidney transplantation,” he said.
Fishelson also said that in case of serious cases beyond their physical and professional capacity, they usually refer patients to a more equipped hospital and even provide them with financial assistance.
Currently, the Bicol Clinic Foundation has twenty doctor specialists, aside from midwife, registered nurse and permanent staff working on a regular basis in thier clinic from Monday to Saturday.
Fishelson said that as long as they find patients who need assistance, the BCF will continue their voluntary medical work. “This is the mission of our foundation which our founder and chairman Dr. Mich Schuster and his Filipino wife Marites Lacsa-Schuster from Bulan, Sorsogon has instilled in us” he further added.
“We also maintain our close coordination with the city and provincial-LGU and with the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office to improve further the quality of health services we offer to Sorsoganons,” he also said.
The Bicol Clinic Foundation also looks forward to providing personal hygiene activities and lectures to patients and eventually develop their clinic into a full-grown hospital in the future.
Fishelson also said that they would want to encourage young people here through their voluntary works to partake in serving the needy and also encourage them to start helping the poor while they are still young. (PIA Sorsogon)
PNoy receives new Malaysian, Korean envoys
Manila (14 July) — President Benigno C. Aquino III yesterday received the new ambassadors of Malaysia and Korea who presented their respective letters of credentials to Malacañang.
First to meet with the President at 10 a.m. was His Excellency Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia.
Amb. Saad was accompanied by his wife Mme. Datin Seri Dato’ Zainab Abdul Kader, Deputy Chief of Mission Zakaria Naair, Minister Counsellor Adnan Abbas, and Second Secretary Rosli Saad.
They were welcomed by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Chief of Protocol Assistant Secretary Eduardo Pablo Maglaya.
Amb. Saad thanked President Aquino for welcoming him to the country and vowed to work hard to further strengthen diplomatic as well as bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines.
The President, together with Romulo and Maglaya, then ushered Amb. Saad to the adjoining Music conference room for a closed-door meeting.
Next to present credentials was His Excellency Lee Hye-Min, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea.
Amb. Lee was accompanied by his Consul General Kim Yong Ho, Defense Attache Colonel Rhewy Tug Ho and Consellors Kim Kiejoo and Kim Myoung-Joon.
As with Malaysian Ambassador Saad, Foreign Secretary Romulo and Chief of Protocol Maglaya were on hand to assist the President in welcoming Amb. Lee.
Amb. Lee also thanked the President Aquino for the warm welcome and vowed to work to further strengthen relations between Korea and the Philippines.
After the ceremonial presentation of credentials, Amb. Lee had a private meeting with the President. (PIA-MMIO)
