Food-for-school program launched in Antique
San Jose, Antique (7 December) — The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) has started the implementation of Food for School Program (FSP) for pre-elementary and Grade 1-III Antiqueño students in public elementary schools in the province.
The food agency takes the responsibility and assure the beneficiaries that it only provides good quality rice to the public. NFA ensures that all issuances and deliveries of rice for FSP are free from infestations and of good quality to protect the welfare of the school children and their families.
Volume of rice for the DepEd FSP for the province of Antique totaled 2, 215,189 kilograms in 41 days rice allocation. 467 public elementary schools and 54,029 pre-elementary, Grade 1-III school children will benefit from this program.
In light of the positive results generated by FSP from its initial implementation, the government envision that education and accelerated hunger mitigation program will play a very important role in achieving the nation’s quest to eliminate poverty and improve the quality of education in the country.
DepEd and NFA will continue to work for the better future of the Filipino children and their family members as well. (NFA/PIA)
Arroyo underscores diplomatic relations, unity in successful dev’t projects
Janiuay, Iloilo (7 December) — President Arroyo said the success of various projects in the country, particularly in the town of Janiuay, Iloilo which was severely damaged by Typhoon Frank, is brought about by good foreign relations and the unity of leaders despite political differences.
The President was in the Good Samaritan Village (Gawad Kalinga), Bgy. Sta. Rita, Janiuay to lead in the urn-over of Kalayaan barangay projects, livelihood and housing units to beneficiaries, particularly affected by typhoon Frank last year.
Upon arrival in the village, Arroyo went around the Bakery facilities of Tinapay ng Bayan Project, then looked at some completed housing units, accompanied by Iloilo Governor Neil Tupas, Sr., Presidential Adviser Raul Banias, Janiuay Mayor Bienvenido Margarico and Italian Cooperation Project Manager Sergio Qattrocchi.
Arroyo led in the turnover of Kalayaang Barangay projects to Tiringan Farmers association in Barangay Abangay, Janiuay, consisting of classroom, electrification project farm-to-market-road and potable water system worth P4.5 million.
Recipient Bgy. Capt. Jomar Esteva told the President that with these projects clean water has been accessible, their products are easily brought to town through the FMRs, and electrivity, which they never had since birth, is now an affordable commodity.
Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) president Wilfredo Cardinal said with the Tinapay ng Bayan project, OSYs like him were able to find a more stable source of income for them and their families.
Three Gawad Kalinga Housing beneficiaries Benito Solis, Purita Porras and Marilou Saturnino, whose houses were destroyed by typhoon Frank were grateful for owning the houses they now own, because of the assistance of the Italian government and other donors, the LGU and the national government for pushing for the project.
On the other hand recipients of the sewing machines, materials and equipment for the Women Association of the Tuburan Abaca Handicrafts Association (TAHA) under the One-town-One Product (OTOP) program said they were thankful to the government both national and local levels for such opportunity for gainful employment.
TAHA president Flora Insolente thanked President Arroyo and told her that with this OTOP Project, they have found more sources of income through the products they make and sell, like abaca bags, folders, coin purse, table runners, lampshades baskets, folders, some of which have been brought as souvenirs abroad.
President Arroyo said that with all these projects, the unity of leaders in all levels of governance and the importance of diplomatic relations cannot be underestimated. (PIA6/ESS)
Rest in peace
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – A crew of the Forest Lake Memorial Garden assist the laying down of one of the eight local journalists who were interred Friday, December 4. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Final Blessing
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (December 4, 2009) – A priest gives his final blessing Friday, December 4, at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage church to the remains of journalists who were victims of the Maguindanao massacre two weeks ago. Mediamen Ian Subang, Marites Cablitas, Marie Fe Montano, Gina Dela Cruz, Leah Dalmacio, Ronnie Perante, Robillo Bataluna and Russell Morales, all from General Santos City, were interred at the Forest Lake Memorial Garden. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Pag-IBIG fund encourages employers to avail condonation
“All employers that fall within the category mentioned are encouraged to make use of this last chance to comply with the provisions of the Pag-IBIG Law and pay their arrearages in full or submit their plan of payment on or before December 29, 2009 in order to avail of the condonation of its penalties”, said Pag-IBIG Fund in its press report.
Pag-IBIG Fund in its operations has provided for a period upon which penalties incurred by these employers could be condoned. This period will lapse on December 31, 2009 pursuant to the provisions of HDMF Circular No. 263.
To exemplify the exigency of this opportunity, according to Pag-IBIG, an actual case in point is an employer in this jurisdiction that can be cited to have paid P3.7 Million in arrearages and in so doing availed of a P14 Million penalty condonation that was attached to the liability.
Pag-IBIG further said that in addition to the penalties, a filing of complaint against these employers in the City Prosecutor’s Office for the said violations would incur a five percent (of their total arrears plus penalties) filing fee chargeable to the respondent employer. (PIA)
DOT’s Ace to grace Western Visayas tourism congress
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (2 December) — Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano will be the keynote speaker for the Western Visayas Tourism Congress on Dec. 5 at the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) Resource Center here.
The day-long activity with the theme “The National Tourism Act of 2009: Meeting the Challenges of Domestic Tourism” is part of the activities for the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly (WVTA) from Dec. 4 to 6.
Provincial Tourism Officer Aphonsus Tesoro said that the congress will be participated in by more than 200 tourism officers and members as well as academe, business and private sector representatives in the region.
The congress will have four sessions that will tackle topics such as the National Tourism Act of 2009: Its Institutional Framework for Tourism Development and its critical issues, Destination Promotion, and Overview of the Health and Wellness Industry as a Multi-Million Dollar Business.
An open forum to resolve tourism-related issues will follow after the presentations.
Recently, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said in her keynote address during the first-ever Tourism Congress at the Marriot Hotel near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that the National Tourism Policy Act of 2009 will be the key instrument to strengthening the government-private sector partnership.
The law requires the DOT to convene the congress to allow participants to elect nominees Zone Authority for five seats in the governing board of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise (TIEZA), Tourism Promotion Board (TPB), and the Duty Free Philippines Corp.
The President noted that tourist arrivals in the first semester of the year reached almost four million. Only half of that number came to visit the country on 2001.
She also said that domestic tourism also increased, along with foreign tourism, due in part to the efforts of the government in partnership with the private sector to provide tourism infrastructure and facilities.
From 2004 to August this year, P555 billion worth of investment went to the development of transportation, tourism ecozones, accommodations and infrastructure.
The President said that through these investments, the country has increased its market share in the South East Asia tourism industry.
As a result of this tourism infrastructure, tourist arrivals from Asian countries has increased with Koreans and Chinese topping the list.
The tourism infrastructure progress falls under the President’s Super Regions Economic Development Strategy.
The programs called for the construction of road and bridges, airports and ports. (PIA)
BIR Eastern Visayas launches Instant Premyo sa Resibo
Tacloban City (December 1) — BIR Regional Director Araceli L. Francisco disclosed that the now popular and widely patronized Premyo sa Resibo has been enhanced to become Instant Premyo sa Resibo or Instant PSR.
Director Francisco informed that a PSR text entry will no longer wait for daily and weekly draws to know the results of his text entries.
Upon sending his text message to the usual numbers, 9777 and 9778, the texter will immediately receive a message informing him if he is a winner of either P30 load, P5,000 cash, a brand new car or P1 Million.
For new joiners in the text raffle promo, all they need to do is to request or demand an official receipt from any business establishment for any sale transaction.
Official Receipts amounting at least P100., or more, qualifies for a text raffle entry. The same PSR mechanics apply. With the use of the cellphone, text the details of the OR, PSRTIN of O.R.<*>O.R. Number<*>Amount O.R.
Revenue Office I Paulina Buitizon reminded that OR amounting P100 for single entry, must be sent to 9777 for all networks. OR amounting P350 and above for multiple entries, must be sent to 9778 to all networks.
Winners of P30 load must be informed that the amount will be automatically added to the load balance. For postpaid subscribers, they have to wait for notification from PSR Hotline for instructions.
Winners of P5,000 cash, car and P1Million will receive a call from authorized PSR representatives via telephone No. 8865995 for instructions on how to claim their prizes.
Director Francisco stressed that the notification of winners shall not be done through text but through CALL. (PIA 
Alay Lakad sets preparations for 37th year walk for a cause
Negros Occidental (1 December) — Alay Lakad Foundation gears up once again expecting a multi-sectoral show of support for the continuing education of Negrense out of school youth.
Now on its 37th year, Alay Lakad 2009 with the theme “LAKAD KABATAAN ITULOY ANG KAUNLARAN” hopes to generate more funds for the training of underprivileged youth for call center work.
The activity will kick off this December 13, 2009 with various take off points like Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City National High School, West Negros University and the Capitol Lagoon which all delegation converge at the Bacolod City Public Plaza.
This annual activity has participants coming from the local government units, non-government institutions and people’s organization and the academe.
Last year’s report revealed that this walk for a cause chaired by Jonathan Lobaton generated more than P400,000.
A look at last year’s accomplishment report revealed this walk for a cause chaired by Jonathan Lobaton and steered by the Jaycees Club, generated more than 400,000 pesos.
In 2007, scholars from Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas benefitted from the foundation. About 29 scholars studied cellphone repair, 34 graduates are now equipped with Gasoline Engine troubleshooting and repair while 24 more took Refrigeration Aircondition troubleshooting and repair. Some 28 scholars take one-year computer secretarial course at the Bacolod City College. (PIA/EAD)
Negros farmers, fisherfolks gather in summit
Negros Occidental (1 December) — In support of the FIELDS program of the national government and the HEARTS Plus of the provincial government, more than 2,000 farmers and fisherfolks from all over the province gathered in the First Farmers and Fisherfolks Summit 2009.
With the theme “Paghugpong sang Mangunguma kag Mangingisda Sabat sa Hangkat sang Panahon”, the summit was held at the Bacolod Pavillion Plenary Hall recently.
The first summit in Negros Occidental spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), supports the Fertilizer, Irrigation, Extension and farmers’ training and education, Loans, Dryers and other post harvest facilities and infrastructure, and Seeds (FIELDS) projects under the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the HEARTS PLUS Program of the Provincial Government.
Negros Occidental Governor Isidro P. Zayco who graced the occasion underscores the importance of food security and sustainability as one major thrust in the HEARTS PLUS program of his administration.
Zayco urged the farmers and fisherfolks to continue their outstanding performance while lauding the efforts of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Meanwhile, Sagay City Mayor and Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural DevelopRD) President Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. said that he was inspired by overwhelming support of farmers and fisher folks who attended the event.
Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales who delivered a message in behalf of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap emphasized the role of the agriculture sector in solving food security and addressing hunger issues in the country.
Nacionales also urged the farmer to adopt organic ways of farming so that we can help the agricultural sector in maintaining food sufficiency and sustainability. (Capitol News/PIA/EAD)
PGMA signs law for total log ban in Southern Leyte
By Bong Pedalino
Maasin City (29 November) — Friday the 13th usually has been associated with anything relating to superstitious beliefs or bad omen.
But for Southern Leyte, Friday, the 13th of November, was a red-letter day, essentially for environmentalists and nature-lovers: on this day and date President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had signed Republic Act No. 9772, a law calling for a total log ban for the province of Southern Leyte.
Witnessing the President affixing her signature to the document were Presidential Adviser Heherson Alvarez, Rep. Iggy Arroyo, and Undersecretary Eleazar Quinto.
This may be stating the obvious, but for posterity’s sake the landmark log ban bill was authored in the House of Representatives by Congressman Roger Mercado of the province’s lone congressional district.
The measure would be Cong. Mercado’s additional proof of his being a champion for the environment, and it would also be his legislative legacy to the future generations of Southern Leytenos.
PIA tried to invite Cong. Mercado for the maiden airing of the revived DYSL Kapihan sa PIA scheduled last Thursday November 26, so he can elaborate on the salient features of the law, but he declined citing conflict of activities to attend to.
The next best thing was to have the provincial head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DNER), who readily granted PIA’s request.
“It will usually take about three months since the signing of the bill into law before the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) can be issued, and until then we will be going around to all stakeholders to conduct information, education campaign and explain to them the law,” said Ranulfo Arbiol, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer
