PIA Bohol may lend climate change DVD
The video documentary in digital video disk format (DVD) is entitled Panahon na: ang Pinoy at ang Hamon ng Climate Change is a government produced documentary hosted by Filipino television hosts and available at the Philippine Information Agency in Bohol.
The documentary details the recent calamities hitting the country and the climate changes that have been noticed in the last decade.
It follows the trends and presents models to predict what would possibly happen to the country in the next few years.
Documentary topics include global warming effects, the rising tides and the calamities that have started to hit various places in the country.
The documentary also details how agricultural and low lying communities in the country have started to realize that they could do no more than take adaptations measures.
The documentary is ideal for schools and organizations, who are currently scouting for ideas on mitigating the effects of climate change, remarked somebody who has seen the documentary.
It is so simple, so easy to digest that the documentary, which is done in mixed Tagalog-English could be seen and understood by grade five pupils to college students.
Interested groups can go to the Philippine Information Agency at the LMP Building, K of C Drive in Tagbilaran City, or call 412-22-02 or 503-9148.
Or email at piabohol171@yahoo.com for inquiries.
Lending could be done on a first come-first served basis. (PIA)
Cebu media leads protest march to decry Maguindanao massacre
Majority of the media wore black shirts and some carried placards that read “Ang media atong higala, dili nato patyon,” (The media are our partners, we should not kill them) and ‘Protect the Fourth Estate: Media” as they walked several hundred meters away from JY Square in Lahug to the Marcelo Fernan Press Center in Sudlon, Cebu City for a short program.
Elias Baquero, president of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) behind the protest rally said “The media cry for justice for the murder of their colleagues. What happened in Maguindanao last Monday has put the Philippines in the limelight not just in the Philippines, but in the international scene because this is the first time that an estimated 34 journalists at the latest count were killed in a single day, and by the same perpetrators. Such a horrible crime committed by heartless people.”
“NO word can appositely express the gloom and grief the whole country is experiencing right now. We are tormented as a nation and as a people. The victims and their loved ones cry for justice,” Baquero read the statement of his group.
The statement is part of the CFBJ resolution condemning the massacre of the members of the media in Maguindanao. CFBJ is an umbrella organization of nine other media groups in Cebu namely the Regional Journalists in Cebu (RJC), City Hall Association of Reporters in Media (CHARM), Capitol Association of Reporters in Tri-Media (CART), Cebu Economic Journalists Association (CEJA), Sports Correspondents, Defense and Police Corp. Reporters, Media Association for Life, Liberty, Equality and Truth (MALLET), Media in Cebu South, Association of Reporters in Mandaue and Lapulapu City for Integrity, Truth and Equality and LENS composed of Cebu’s photographers.
Baquero said the plan to hold a protest rally was just inked yesterday and that just through text, they asked every colleague and other individuals to join them in expressing their public outrage against the “worst killing in the history of journalism in the world.”
“Despite the very short notice, we were able to gather a huge number of our colleagues today and for that, we want to thank you,” Baquero said as he added that he never doubted the support and sentiments of the Cebu media in condemning the massacre of their colleagues and innocent civilians in Mindanao.
Some of Cebu’s leading media personalities also showed up like Atty. Pachico Seares of Sun Star Daily, Bobby Nalzaro of GMA-7, Atty. Frank Malilong Jr. of The Freeman and Atty. Ruphil Bañoc of Radio Mindanao Network.
Rep. Eduardo Gullas and Cebu City Sylvan Jakosalem also showed their support. Gullas family founded Cebu’s oldest daily The Freeman while Jakosalem is the head of FM Radio Station Y101.
Nalzaro called on the government for the swift resolution of the heinous crime and all cases that involved the killings of the media.
“What happened in Mindanao is more worse than in Iraq where in a country of war, only one journalist in an incident is reported killed in the crossfire or one or two members of the media being kidnapped” unlike in Maguindanao, 34 journalists were killed in one day, according to Nalzaro.
The Philippines is now tagged as the most dangerous place for media by the International Federation of Journalists because of the brutal incident. The international media has even tagged the Philippines as worst than Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon and Serbia because these countries are at war and that the protagonists respect the media, according to the CFBJ resolution.
Malilong who read the statement of the Cebu Media Legal Aid (CEMLA) said “The Maguindanao massacre already stands out for its sadistic brutality and cruelty and utter contempt of the state’s will. What may still enhance its record of inhumanity is when the Government fails to mete out the punishment the perpetrators justly deserve.”
“We don’t call for the lynching of the suspects although many of our people may want that. We demand though that the apparatus of law and order and the wheels of justice move swiftly, unimpeded by the guiles of wealth and power,” Malilong ended.
Seares also urged members of the media to exhibit neutrality and not show any bias towards any politico especially with the upcoming national elections in 2010. Although he added that even if the victims were not media people, the incident should be abhorred to its highest degree because as ordinary individuals and citizens of this country “we are entitled to safety and protection from the government.”
Radio commentator Choy Torralba also issued a statement and said “the incident serves as an awakening for all of us especially with the upcoming polls to choose our leaders wisely.”
Pres. Arroyo earlier placed three Mindanao provinces on ‘state of emergency’ namely tMaguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)
Roxas City PNP holds security symposium
by A. Lumaque
“The activity was part of the RCPS preparations for the coming Christmas holiday season and big tourism events in December,” said RCPS Public Information Officer PO1 Ramil Aracangeles.
The city and province will host the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly in time with this year’s Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration from Dec. 3 to 8.
Arcangeles added that the symposium included lectures on the different crime groups and their modus operandi, crime prevention tips and RCPS security procedures, among others.
The half-day activity was graced by Capiz Police Director S/Supt. Josepheus Angan who delivered a message to the participants coming from the various city-based commercial establishments.
An open forum followed the discussion on crime prevention and safety information which resulted to the clarification and exchange of ideas particularly on police responses to call for assistance and duty performances.
For his part, RCPS Chief P/Supt. Leo Batiles conveyed his appreciation for the participation and support of the business sector in the police’s anti-criminality campaign.
RCPS has been adjudged as the best police station among component cities category for 2006 during the 16th Philippine National Police (PNP) anniversary celebration at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In 2007, the same citation at the regional level was also accorded to RCPS by the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 in Iloilo City. (PIA)
Dumaguete media condemn massacre of 12 journalists covering election process in Maguindanao
Thus said a group of local mediamen here who call themselves “The Working Journalists of Dumaguete.”
The rest of the group’s press staement follows:
“KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY: Specifically, the Dumaguete group of journalists and broadcasters mourn the death of their colleagues in the working media who were mercilessly killed in line of duty. They were :
“Ian Subang of Dadiangas Times; Leah Dalmacio of Forum; Gina dela Cruz and Maritess Cablitas of Today; Henry Araneta of DZRH; Andy Teodoro of Mindanao Inquirer; Nening Montano of RGMA ; Bong Reblando of Manila Bulletin; Joy Duhay, Victor Nunez, Macmac Ariola and Jimmy Cabillo all of UNTV.
“Dumaguete Press Club president Florence Baesa said :
Hardly has the election season begun, when among those killed were prospective candidates who were on their way to file their certificates of candidacies, in the legitimate exercise of their right and duty of suffrage. They were mercilessly killed while on their way to perform a civic duty.
“Dumaguete Press Club chairman Emeritus Ely Dejaresco said:
We condemn all forms of political vendetta especially in Mindanao, which act does not even have an iota of justification in violation of the Rule of Law. Those people responsible for the crime, regardless of their reasons, have no place nor moral ascendancy to hold public office. Under state of emergency in Maguindanao, \ we, the journalists and broadcasters of Dumaguete, demand in the most vocal terms possible, the immediate if not speedy arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly crime, which has no place at all in a civilized society.
“KBP Chapter president Roy Bustillo said:
The use of violence in attaining their political ends simply indicate their inability and lack of civility in enforcing the laws of the land once elected. We therefore demand that those involved should be quickly identified and charged by our law enforcers. And as such, even in the pendency of their cases, should not be allowed to run for public office until their innocence is proven otherwise.
“Bandilyo Anchorwoman Indira Riquiron said:
It is significant to note that this kind of heinous and dastardly political brand of murderous vendetta happen only in Mindanao. It has not happened anywhere in the Visasyas, nor in Luzon with 47 killed except in the plaza Miranda bombing in Manila, which prompted the late Marcos to suspend civil liberties, and which incident in Maguindanao, also prompted the declaration of the State of emergency,
“Metro Post Editor Alex Pal said:
We urge the Comelec to suspend elections in violent prone areas of the country. We urge all the branches of the police and armed forces to remain neutral and a-political before, during and even after the election period.
“Finally, Power91 News Director Bing Aguilar said:
And if the perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre are not brought to justice, charged and convicted in the courts of law, people will have every reason to fear, in that such unsolved murderous political vendetta might even trigger other deadlier forms of electoral violence as the election season has started its countdown.
“SIGNED BY DUMAGUTE WORKING JOURNALISTS: NOV. 25, 2009.” (PIA)
Students, gov’t employees, NFEFI plant 500 mangroves
NFEFI-BCC Education Officer Mimie Ledesma said about a 100 students from West Negros University took part in the activity together with some staff of the DENR-CENRO. This is part of the activities identified for this year’s 5th Provincial Wildlife Month celebration.
Before the planting, Punta Taytay Mangrove Reforestation Program Manager Alexander Gunce conducted a briefing on the importance of reforesting shorelines and the role mangroves play in achieving aquatic ecological balance.
Gunce also explained how the academe and other organizations can forge ties with the Local Government Unit of Brgy. Punta Taytay and join hands in addressing mangrove denudation taking place in the shorelines of Bacolod City.
NFEFI-BCC Curator-Veterinarian Dr. Joanne Mae Justo emphasized the need to strengthen environmental preservation efforts from the mountains down to the coastlines.
In 1987, a Swedish satellite showed that mangrove cover in the province of Negros Occ. is only about 500 hectares.
Over the years, sustained government and non-government organization efforts, however, have improved the population of mangroves that biologists say serve as nursery areas for fish and protect the shorelines from erosion.
The coastal trees and shrubs also act as water filters and clear the sea of pollutants as well as protect threatened and endangered species.
In its Website, Earthwatch Institute-Europe reports that mangroves have been proven to sequester about 1.36 tons of carbon per year making it a valuable means of mitigating the impacts of climate change (PIA-LOL)
Region 8 joins 18-day worldwide campaign to end violence against women
Tacloban City (November 24) — Eastern Visayas is set to participate in the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on November 25 to December 12 with the theme “Commit, Act, Demand: We Can End Violence Against Women.”
Said celebration in the Region will be spearheaded by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children, in partnership with the different agencies, Non Government Organizations, Government Organizations, academe and other stakeholders.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Leticia Corillo, who is the Chairperson of RIACAT-VAWC disclosed the various activities which have been lined up in connection with the 18-day campaign.
Among the suggested activities, is the hanging of streamers from November 25 to December 12, by all members of the committee.
Another activity is a Forum on Magna Carta for Women and the National Human Rights Action Plan on November 27, Friday with the DOLE and the Commission on Human Rights as the convenors.
The Sumpay-Sangkay 2009, the 6th San Juanico Bridge Walkaton will be spearheaded by the Runggiyan on November 29.
A culmination concert with the local bands re Republic Acts 9262 and 9208 will be conducted by the Visayan Forum on December 11.
The Philippine Information Agency will take care of the communication activities and media coverages for the said events.
All member agencies have been enjoined to send at least five personnel to the various activities. (PIA 
PESO gears up for job fair anew
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (24 November) — The Roxas City government thru its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is firming up preparations for a major job fair on Dec. 3 at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center (DRCC) here.
The job fair with the theme “Palangabuhian” is part of this year’s Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration which culminates on the feast day of the city’s Patroness Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception every Dec. 8.
“We already got the confirmation of at least 18 local establishments and 15 international employment agencies for the day-long activity,” said PESO – Roxas City Manager Milagros I. Barquin.
However, she added that the number may increase as some of the invited establishments and employment agencies are yet to confirm their participation to the job fair.
The upcoming activity is the fifth major job fair of PESO – Roxas City since it was established by Roxas City Mayor Vicente B. Bermejo in February 2008.
It is in collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Capiz TESDA Schools Association (CAPTESA) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Capiz PESO Federation.
The establishment of PESO has facilitated the job placement of hundreds of Capicenos in various local establishments as well as deployment of a considerable number of overseas contract workers to Hong Kong and some Middle East countries.
The office has also conducted a series of special recruitment activities, batches of call center trainings, on-going referrals and placement as well as assistance to victims of alleged illegal recruiters.
The creation of PESO in local government units is mandated in PESO Act of 1999 to carry out full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all to strengthen and expand the existing employment facilitation service machinery of the government at the local levels.
It complements President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo’s agenda on job generation and promotion of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) plights and welfare. (PIA)
PNP Region 8 keeps up hunt for wanted persons in Eastern Visayas
Tacloban City (November 23) — The police operatives under the Philippine National Police Region 8 continues its intensified operations against wanted persons in Eastern Visayas to make the region a safer place to live in.
Reports coming from the PRO 8 Office on Community Relations under the leadership of Colonel Manuel Cubillo, showed that from November 13 to 19, about 15 wanted persons were arrested in various parts of Region 8.
On November 19, element of Abuyog, Leyte Police Station arrested one Raymundo Duran, 19 years old, single, jobless and a resident of Barangay Balinsasayao, Abuyog who is being hunted for two counts of rape, by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Buenaventura Pajaron of RTC Branch 10, Palompon, Leyte.
On the same day at Ormoc City, elements of Police station 3 led by Police Inspector Harris P. Rebato, arrested one Arnel De Jon, 25 yrs old, single, farmer, for frustrated murder and Rodolfo Pulido, 33 yrs old, single, frmer, for frustrated murder and Rodolfo Pulido, 33 yrs old, single, farmer both residents of Sitio Jica, Brgy lao, Ormoc City by virtue of warrant of arrest docketed under CC Nr R-ORM-09-00314-CR for the crime of Frustrated Murder with recommended bail bond of Php 200,000.00 and CC Nr M-ORM-09-00259-CR for the crime of Attempted Homicide with recommended bail bond of Php 12,000.00 for their temporary liberty issued by Hon Josua P Palalay, Presiding Judge of MTCC, 8th Judicial Region, Ormoc City, and issued by Hon Apolinario M Buaya, Presdieng Judge of RTC Branch 35, 8th Judicial Region, Ormoc City. Suspects are now detained at Police Station 3 lock-up cell.
Also arrested on November 19 at the vicinity of Alang-alang Municipal Hall Compound, by the elements of Alang-alang Police Station, was one Francisco Pico, 27 yrs old, single and a resident of Sitio Bungasod, Brgy Astorga, Alang-alang, Leyte for the crime of qualified theft by virtue of warrant of arrest docketed under CC Number 2006-07-431 with corresponding bail bond of Php 24,000.00 issued by Hon Judge Santos Gil, Presding Judge of RTC Branch 6, Bulwgan ng Katarungan, Tacloban City. Subject person is now booked in jail for proper disposition.
A certain Ricky Guillera, 22 years old with live-in partner, MC driver and a resident of Brgy San Juan, Sta Fe, Leyte, was arrested by elements of Sta Fe Police Station for the crime of reckless imprudence resulting to less serious physical injuries, by virtue of warrant of arrest under CC Number 72-67-05-09 with corresponding bail bond of Php8,000.00 issued by Hon Judge Raymundo Lopez, MTC Judge, Palo, Leyte.
Other wanted persons arrested by virtue of warrant of arrests for various cases committed were Philip Canedo Pansito alias Borot, 21 years old, single, jobless of Sitio Nino Riverside Zone I, Baybay City for violation of Section 5 and 11 Article II of RA 9165; Roger Brazil, 24 years old, married, laborer and resident of Barugo, Leyte for the crime of theft; Gabriel Cirera of legal age, LGU employee of Barugo, Leyte who voluntarily surrendered to Barugo Police Station and who was accused for the crime of attempted homicide. These wanted persons were arrested on November 17.
Furthermore, on the period of November 13 to 17, wanted persons arrested by the various police stations in Region 8 were Roy Artizo, 35 years old, single of Tacloban City for pending warrant of arrest for illegal possession of fire arms and ammunitions; Ruel Ibanez, 33 years old, married, businessman of Baybay City for the crime of serious physical injuries; Rogelio Katay, 38 years old, married, farmer and resident of Kananga, Leyte for frustrated murder; Marciano Ligao, 43 years old, married, farmer and resident of Inopacan, Leyte for the crime of murder; Rudy Dadula, 50 years old, married, farmer and resident of Inopacan, Leyte who is charged with the crime of murder; Roberto Subito who was arrested on November 15 at San Jorge, Samar for the crime of homicide docketed at Calbayog City; and Ricardo Diola, 51 years old, married, who was arrested in San Julian, Eastern Samar, for the crime of frustrated murder in Borongan, Eastern Samar. (PIA
PGMA to launch RORO link between Cebu, Northern Mindanao
By Rachelle Nessia
Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) — Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to launch today the Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) link between Cebu province and Northern Mindanao in Samboan, Cebu.
The ports and wharfs through government and private sector partnerships are integral parts of the President’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project as it links to the Western Seaboard and the Central Nautical Highway system connecting the Visayan Islands to Northern Mindanao.
The President will arrive at the Sibulan-Dumaguete City Airport here before going to Samboan for the launching.
At the airport, the President will be received by Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde, Presidential Adviser for Central Visayas Felix Guanzon, COMCENTCOM M/Gen. Ralph Villanueva and Philippine National Police Region 7 Director C/Supt. Lani-o Nerez.
From the Dumaguete Airport, the President will fly via chopper to Sitio Bato, Brgy. San Sebastian in SAmboan, Cebu province where she will be met by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Samboan Mayor Raymond Joseph Calderon, 2nd District Rep. Pablo Garcia, Lite Shipping Corporation President Lucio Lim Jr., Cebu Port Authority General Manager Angelo Verdan and MARINA Administrator Usec. Ma. Elena Bautista.
The President is expected to observe the ongoing development projects of the ferry wharf and fastcraft ports in Samboan, Cebu after which she will board the vehicle for the Lite Shipping Corporation Wharf in Brgy. San Sebastian, Samboan.
At the wharf, Lite Shipping Corp. President Lim will brief the President on the new route after which she will witness the loading of cargoes and passengers for the maiden voyage of the Ro-Ro vessel M/V Lite Ferry One.
This new route will directly link link Cebu Island (Bato, San Sebastian, Saboan, Cebu) to the Northern Mindanao areas (Pulauan, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte).
It is a major link that merging the Central Nautical Highway to the last leg of the Western Seaboard Nautical Highway under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway System.
The Cebu-Dapitan maiden voyage is scheduled to depart Samboan, Cebu for Pulauan Port in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte at 6 p.m. on November 21.
Travel time for the new route is four and a half (4 ½) hours via the Ro-Ro ferry M/V Lite Ferry One.
Lite Shipping Corporation is a domestic shipping company operating 12 full RoRo cargo/passenger vessels servicing the nautical highway links in Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Leyte, Siquijor and Misamis Occidental and now Zamboanga del Norte. (PIA/RMN)
Security up for toursim events in Capiz
by Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (20 November) — The security forces are ready for the two tourism events in Capiz.
Capiz Police Provincial Director Josephus Angan said that they are all set for the Sinadya sa Halaran as well as Western Visayas Assembly, which will also be held here in time for the province and city’s festival on December 3 to 8.
The WV Tourism Assembly, which will be hosted by the provincial government of Capiz, will be held from December 4 to 6.
According to Angan, they have already made their security measures for the two events which will gather thousand of delegates and guests not only from the various provinces and cities in Western Visayas but also from other parts of the country.
Top ranking officials from the national government agencies in Manila are also expected to grace the affair.
During said event, the governors of Western Visayas will also gather in Capiz for the Regional Development Council conference.
In addition, the Zoning Officers in Region VI as well as the Tourism Officers of the Philippines will meet here for their respective conferences during said tourism events.
On the other hand, Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta revealed that DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has already made his confirmation as the guest of honor during the WV tourism assembly here.
Meanwhile, top ranking officials from DOT and other agencies will also be here for the tourism congress to tackle the critical issues and concerns, particularly on the Tourism Act of 2009. (PIA)
