Info officers attend seminar on public accountability
by Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (31 August) — Information Officers from the different national government agencies in Capiz will join the Public Accountability seminar here of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The members of the Capiz Association of Government Information Officers (CAGPIO) will join with the employees of the provincial and city government here for a 3-hour seminar on public accountability.
Other activities of the day include a forum for local chief executives and other officials from the provincial and municipal governments with the top officials from the Office of the Ombudsman.
On the other hand, the delivery of other government social services will be done tomorrow, September 1 at the Capiz Gymnasium with more than 30 government agencies from Western Visayas that would benefit thousands of Capiceños.
The Ombudsman Caravan of Government Services aims to bring different social services direct to the people of Capiz, especially to the poor and those living in the far flung areas.
As additional services, the OMB, in partnership with other agencies, like the Philippine Army, will conduct a medical and dental mission on same date here.
Meanwhile, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco expressed gratitude to the Office of the Ombudsman for giving the Capiceños the opportunity to avail of the various services of the different national government agencies, especially those that are only based in Iloilo City.
Among those agencies are the Government Services Insurance System, Professional Regulations Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development and many more. (PIA)
Army joins entire nation in honoring country’s heroes
Tacloban City (August 30) — The Philippine Army joined the entire nation as it celebrated National Heroes Day on August 30 in honor of all Filipinos, including those whose names have been lost to history.
The simple but meaningful commemorative activities lined-up for the day, was highlighted by wreath-laying rites held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Andres Boniface, Metro Manila.
A report posted at the PA website said that this signified that though the Filipinos do not know the names and history of the soldiers who died fighting in the battlefield, the citizens shall forever be grateful for their heroism and patriotism.
This was followed by a tour of the participants inside the Army camp such as the Philippine Army Museum, the Fort Andres Bonifacio Endangered Indigenous Tree Sanctuary (FABEITS) and the Memorial Statue of GAT Andres Bonifacio.
Participants also had an opportunity to witness the static and kinetic display from the Army’s Scout Ranger and Special Forces and K-9 units. They also were entertained by a Silent Drill presentation from an all female Philippine Army soldier.
The Army’s Disaster Rescue Relief and Rehabilitation Operations (DRRO) Group also demonstrated their capabilities on the call of disaster.
Following the tour was the conduct of the closing ceremony with the Secretary of the National Defense, Hon Voltaire T Gazmin, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Secretary Gazmin led the awarding of one unit house as part of the Build-a-House Project of the Center for International Education followed by a manifesto signing by all participants.
The country’s celebration of National Heroes Day was established on October 28, 1931 through Act No. 3827 by the Philippine Legislature, which the celebration of the event was done every last Sunday of August. Today, the National Government under President Benigno S Aquino III has declared August 30 as a National Holiday in observance of the National Heroes Day. (PIA 
All victims were shot by hostage taker, PNP says
Tacloban City (August 30) — Initial forensic analysis on the spent shells recovered at the scene showed that the hostage taker, dismissed police senior inspector Rolando Mendoza, shot and killed all of his eight hostages, the Philippine National Police reported.
The seven other spent shells that were recovered inside the bus are still being studied to determine their origin.
The PNP spokesman made the announcement to downplay suspicions that friendly fire from the police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team might have killed some of the hostages during the assault.
“With a degree of certainty, we can say that the victims were shot by Rolando Mendoza,” Cruz told a media briefing.
He said that as of the moment, aside from the account of the Hong Kong nationals on what really happened, Mendoza threatened to shoot the two passengers at the front (of the bus) then five of the hostages tried to fight back but he killed three of them and beat one of them with his Armalite, M-16 rifle.
The initial findings of the PNP showed two of the hostages who fought back were wounded and the three others were shot in the head.
The PNP Spokesman cited an eyewitness account that Mendoza really wanted to kill the hostages by shooting them in the head one by one to highlight his demands.
Mendoza, a decorated police officer who had been sacked over extortion charges, took a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage in Manila on Monday last week, demanding to be reinstated. This led to a siege and muddled police negotiations that ended bloodily, with Mendoza and eight of the tourists shot dead.
The bungled rescue has enraged Hong Kong and embarrassed the Philippine government, which has called for an investigation of the incident.
Mendoza earlier showed good faith during the negotiations and released some of the hostages before the crisis took a turn for the worse.
Police hostage negotiators said Mendoza had turned violent and vented his frustrations on the hostages after failing to secure his demand to be reinstated to the police force. (PIA
12 more Bohol towns to get gov’t conditional cash grants
Tagbilaran City (29 August) — Twelve more towns in Bohol get to the list of the government’s social subsidy program, reports from the regional office of the socail welfare bare.
According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 7, an estimated 8,600 beneficiaries coming from these areas are scheduled to be re-validated and registered to officially enroll them in the program on the onset of September 2010.
Some 19 more towns in Cebu also get to the same list expanding the government’s socialized Pantawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) handled by the DSWD.
As this, the DSWD has asked local chief executives from these identified municipalities to assist them in reaching out to identified households for registration as failure to do so would mean a forfiet of the opportunity since no-replacement and no add-on to the program per design aside from those identified policy has been in place, said the government social welfare agency.
A poverty reduction and social development program of the Philippine Government, the 4Ps aims to end the inter-generation cycle of poverty among poor households by investing on human capital through education and health.
It provides conditional cash grants to poor household with children 0-14 year old.
Each household would receive P500 as health and nutrition grant and P300 for the education of the children every month.
A household with three qualified children can receive up to P1,400 monthly or P15,000 annually as long as they comply with the conditions of the program.
The program’s set conditions include (1) pregnant women must get pre-and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by skilled health personnel.
It also asks parent/guardians to attend responsible parenthood sessions, mothers’ classes and parent effectiveness seminars.
Children 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines as a condition for the recipients.
Children aged 3-5 years old must also attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time, and children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school and attend at least 85% of the time, while children 6-14 years old must receive de-worming pills twice a year.
DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) produced initial gains in its first year of implementation in 2009 says the DSWD.
Such gains include increase in enrollment, school attendance, number of pre-natal check-ups, children immunized and family development sessions where dicussions on parenting, family planning.
The DSWD also points to the social changes that has slowly transformed communities. (racPIABohol)
DOH seeks fund to construct drug rehab center
by Oliver T. Baccay
Tuguegarao City (27 August) — The Department of Health (DOH) Region 2 has proposed to the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) the construction of a Regional Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Center.
In region 2, Callueng said PDEA reported a total 391 drug personalities were identified and the Philippine National Police reported that 145 barangays in the whole were already drug affected.
“With the massive campaign now of the government against illegal drugs and proliferation, it is expected that the arrest of pushers and users up to the end of 2010 will significantly increase”, Callueng stated.
She said an amount of 40 million pesos will sourced from National Center for Health Facilities Development to be implemented by the Center for Health Development (CHD) Cagayan Valley, through the help of the RPOC.
Callueng said the center aims to restore the drug dependents to a state where they are psychologically and socially capable of coping up with the problems and able to live happy, useful and productive life without abusing drugs.
Though the plan is already in place, the problem, according to the proponent is the lot to build the center. The council, on this effect, will still decide on the strategic site of the center that would conform to the standard and criteria set by DOH. (with Rosette Basconcillo/PIA 2)
Antique is 89% covered by PhilHealth
San Jose, Antique (27 August) — Antique is now 89% covered by PhilHealth, said Junie Sabusap, Chief, Social Insurance Officer of PhilHealth here.
Other members are under the Individually Paying Program with 51,800, Lifetime members 4,894, Overseas Workers Program ? 32,885 and KASAPI (Kalusugang Sigurado at Abot kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance) ? for organized groups has 3,240 beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Junie Sabusap, reminded members of their duties and responsibilities for them to enjoy their benefits to the fullest.
Members should ensure that they promptly and regularly pay their contributions particularly for Individually Paying members and under the Overseas Workers program to avoid suspension of benefits, said Sabusap.
For Employed Sector, employers should ensure that monthly PhilHealth contributions are deducted from their salaries and promptly remitted and reported to PhilHealth. For newly hired employees, check if your name is reported to PhilHealth through the Er2 Form. Employees should report to Philhealth once their employer does not remit their premium payments.
Sabusap also stated that a member should always have in possession their PhilHealth Number Card or Identification Card. Updating of Member Data Record according to the source is necessary for any change in personal information such as change in civil status or addition of new dependent.
In Antique, Sabusap said that health care service providers are facilitative of the needs of PhilHealth members to ensure that claims are filed within 60 days from the date of discharge.
With regular and prompt contributions, members can avail of health services such as hospitalization expenses, medicines, laboratories, among others.
Sabusap reiterated his call to local officials, employers, overseas contract workers, organized groups and individually paying members to continue paying the contributions so that they could avail of the benefits and services of PhilHealth. (PIA/psm)
PNP-7 advocates localization of anti-crime measures for greater effectiveness
Nation celebrates Nat’l Crime Prevention Week on Sept. 1-7
Cebu City (27 August) — With the upcoming observance of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) on September 1 to 7, measures in addressing the anti-criminality campaign should be localized to effectively improve peace and stability in the community.
Slightly over a week in his post as the new director of the PRO-7, Ontog said the establishment of the Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF) by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia was a good move to ensure cohesiveness in addressing crimes situations.
Gov. Garcia recently issued Executive Order No. 9 creating the Cebu Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Criminality which she heads as the chairperson. The task force which has 18 members including the PRO-7 and the National Bureau of Investigation-7 has five divisions namely: enforcement and investigation, prosecution and legal, rewards and incentives, public relations and special projects.
The ACTF was formed by Garcia reportedly due to the spate of killings that have been happening in the previous weeks and the proliferation of loose firearms. The Cebu Provincial Government will provide the necessary funding and the logistical support for the task force.
Ontog said more focus will be given in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms and illegal drugs, two urgent issues seen in the community.
“Our resources are limited that is why we need the help of the local government units (LGUs) to support our police so we can effectively address our anti-criminality campaign,” according to Ontog.
With the assistance of the LGUs, our police can be provided with more trainings on capability enhancement especially for preparedness in emergency situations such as the recent hostage crisis as well as the proper equipment to respond to such crisis, Ontog said.
The kick-off day for the NCPW on September 1 in Cebu will witness the conduct of a mass at the PRO-7 grounds at 8:00 a.m. followed by a short program at the Cebu City Sports Complex.
Other activities planned for the celebration are crime prevention seminars and drug abuse awareness, distribution of whistles as an effective tool in crime prevention, organization of Student Crime Prevention Council, distribution of leaflets and flyers on crime prevention tips and feeding program among others.
National Police Commission (Napolcom-7) Public Information Officer and Provincial Attorney – Cebu South Atty. Zandro Ronnie Z. Oriol on the other hand, stressed that crime prevention is everybody’s concern.
“We must do our share in making our community a peaceful place to live,” Oriol said.
This year’s theme is “Komunidad at Pulisya, Magkasama Tungo sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan!” carrying the slogan “Ako, IKaw, tayong Lahat Laban sa Krimen.” (PIA-Cebu/FCR)
PNP assures 100% tourist safety in Siquijor
by Rizalie Anding Calibo
Siquijor (26 August) — The recent hostage-taking in Manila is apparently an isolated case but admittedly gives impact to the province’s tourism as well as people’s confidence on the police force.
Admitting that the police organization is currently suffering crisis of confidence over what he claimed “successive” issues such as alleged “police brutality” and now, ” police incompetence”, Dumaguing said it pains him to hear such accusations and criticisms especially that they are promoting professionalism and transformation program. He said however, that the best to handle the situation is “not to be affected.”
“Dili na lang gyud ta magpa-apekto,” he said with a guarantee that things like such (brutality) will never happen in their office. “We continue with our daily activities as usual and give the best we can to protect our people,” he said.
Siquijor province in particular should not be affected he said noting the province’s “very good” peace and order situation with a “very manageable” crime rate. “We are an insurgency-free province and we have a “very vigilant populace”. This alone, Dumaguing said, can assure security and safety of our tourists.
The Police Inspector appealed to the tourist not to be afraid in coming to the isaland because “the PNP provincial and municipal commands can give them 100% assurance for their safety while in Siquijor province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO-7) C/Supt. Ager P. Ontog Jr., also admitting that the recent hostage-taking crisis has an indirect impact on public perception of the professionalism of the police force, appealed to the public not to swiftly put judgment on the police even though there were a lot of questions raised on the conduct of their operations.
“Let us just wait for the results of the investigation before making any hasty conclusions,” he said. (PIA-Siquijor)
NFA delivers rice to food-for-school recipients
San Jose, Antique (25 August) — The National Food authority has started to deliver Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) to NFA-DSWD Food for School program beneficiaries in the entire province of Antique.
The 70-day rice allocation for each day care center pupils under the NFA-DSWD Food for School program aims to improve attendance of the pupils as well as provide (IFR) rice for the School children and their families.
NFA Antique Provincial Manager Gil B. Ibarra has already coordinated with the local government units in the province with regards to the schedule of deliveries and area for storage of rice intended for distribution to beneficiaries.
Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) will be dispersed to program beneficiaries in compliance with RA 8976 or the Iron Fortification Act to mitigate the malnutrition problem in the country.
A total of 21,692 day care center pupils in the province of Antique will be benefited of this NFA-DSWD FSP the largest number of recipients in Western Visayas. About 30,368.80 bags of IFR are reserved by NFA for this endeavor. (PIA/NFA/GAG)
DTI sponsors “Bayong” enhancement for Aklan MSMEs
by Venus G. Villanueva
Kalibo, Aklan (23 August) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here recently sponsored an activity to enhance the Aklan “bayong” through a Product Development and Consultation for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The activity, conducted by Ms. Imelda Datul of Kosmos International at the DTI-Aklan Office for 9 bayong producers in Aklan, aimed to give them new directions in design and function for the production of shopping and fashion bayongs as well as to develop products for new markets.
In Aklan, the “bayong” is commonly called as “tampipi” made of buri used before to hold items when one is buying provisions in the market. Nowadays, the “bayong” is still around, but has evolved for certain purposes, like being used by vendors when selling crabs, food delicacies and other native and novel items.
According to the DTI, the second phase of the activity will be held on August 30-31 at the DTI Office to monitor the execution of ninety-nine (99) new product designs.
As a result of the 1st phase product development and consultation, the designer identified La Herminia Piña Weaving Industry, HAMPCO and USWAG Development Foundation to present the prototypes for abaca and bariw fashion bayong bags and packaging materials to the merchandisers of Kosmos International for product screening and selection in Manila middle of August.
Datul said Aklan MSMEs should prepare for the product presentation because this is going to be their “chance of a lifetime” for Philippine Exporters, specifically for the group to do business with Kosmos International.
The Product Development and Consultaiton on Bayong was one of the activities awaited by Aklan MSMEs involved in bag and bayong-making in order to make their products more competitive, attractive and of superior quality. (DTI/PIA) [top]
