“Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” orientation held at Camp Montelibano
Negros Occidental (18 August) — Some 65 personnel from the 31 police stations in the province attended yesterday’s orientation on “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” project of NOPPO held at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr in Bacolod City.
NOPPO public information officer Police Chief Inspector Rico Santotome Jr said that the noble project of the Philippine National Police will tap the services of policemen in conducting lectures at far-flung schools in Negros Occidental.
The “Pulis Ko, Teacher Ko” impact project of the PNP was institutionalized by former NOPPO director and now Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan when he was still the regional director of Police Regional Office 1.
Santotome added that the PNP will support the DepEd in terms of manpower and in relation to the conduct of school teachings in remote barangays by police personnel who were former teachers themselves.
Meanwhile, later in the day, a seminar on “Tuberculosis Awareness” was held at the NOPPO Grandstand and sponsored by the PNP Health Service under Police Superintendent Steve Martir.
Lorna Garde of the Provincial Health Office was the invited resource person during the seminar activity according to Santotome. (NOPPO/PIA/EAD)
Senior Citizen’s Day held at SM City Bacolod
Bacolod City (18 August) — Officers and members of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Bacolod City participated in the Senior’s Day at the mall held at SM City Bacolod recently.
NEDF and SM Foodcourt’s Kamay Kainan dis a joint cooking demo of pinakbet, one of Philippine’s popular dish of mixed vegetables.
Other activities were pampering booths which offered free haircut, free eye checkup and free blood pressure reading and tear test.
The senior citizens were treated to an afternoon oldies music where they danced and sang-a-long.
The Senior’s Day at SM City Bacolod which is regularly held every second Tuesday of the month is open to all senior citizens. (SM/PIA/cad)
PDEA recovers cocaine brick in buy-bust operation in Tacloban
Tacloban City (August 17) — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 8 Director Julius R. Navales expressed concern as he informed that one cocaine brick was recovered in a buy bust operation held on Sunday, at a well-known eatery along Justice Romualdez St., Tacloban City.
The buy bust operation resulted to the arrest of a certain Darwin Carnalan, 23 years old, a resident of Barangay 82, Marasbaras, Tacloban City, and Randy Doblon, 34 years old from Guiuan, Eastern Samar and temporarily residing at Marasbaras, Tacloban City.
Darwin Carnalan was caught while giving one brick of cocaine to a PDEA agent who posed as a buyer, Director Novales said.
“Ano ini,” Darwin said as he was accosted at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon.
“Huli ini,” Director Novales answered Darwin, who confessed that he was just requested to deliver the package to the buyer by a certain Randy Doblon.
At around 5:30 in the afternoon, a follow up operation at Villa Dolina, resulted to the apprehension of Randy Doblon, Director Novales said.
The two suspects are now detained at the Tacloban City lock up cell, Director Novales said.
Cases of violation of Section 5 in relation to Article 26 of Republic Act 9165 have been filed against them at the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office since they were arrested in Tacloban City, Director Novales added.
Meanwhile, the cocaine brick is now at the PNP Crime Laboratory for quantitative analysis and for a test to confirm its purity, and its being indeed, a cocaine brick.
Two-tons of cocaine cargo was allegedly dumped off the waters of Samar last December from a foreign vessel, the F/V King Yue 1, that was bound for Hongkong.
The foreign vessel was being tailed by international narcotics unit and fearing that it might get caught with the cocaine cargo upon learning that they were being followed, the crew of the ship was believed to have dumped the cocaine off the waters of Samar. (PIA 
PNoy intends to set up e-centers in 42,000 barangays of RP
Tacloban City (August 17) — President Benigno Aquino III plans to set up an e-center in each of the 42,000 barangays of the country to ensure that citizens even in the hinterland barangays will have access to his website and share their opinions and concerns with him.
Secretary Coloma said the President intends to reach out to all the barangays of the country through his website, www.president.gov.ph and through the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Friendster and Multiply, among others.
Secretary Coloma underscored that this is an effective means by which the President will know the sentiments of the people and really have them as partners in good governance.
He said this will be realized with “no extravagant expenditure” as Netopia, an internet cafe network operating in the country, has “formally signified making available all their sites nationwide to provide access to our people.”
According to Coloma the local government units (LGUs) will also be encouraged to set-up barangay e-centers.
Secretary Coloma added that the government will also evoke civil spiritedness so that generous citizens may donate computers and connectivity.
“Kayo ang Boss ko,” President Aquino said in his inaugural address acknowledging that his mandate emanated from the people. Thus, he intends to listen to the voices of the people, including their concerns so that he will know what issues he will tackle. (PIA
Dengue deaths aggravated by late checkup, says DOH
Negros Occ. (16 August) — Provincial Health Office OIC-Chief Dr. Ernell Tumimbang is looking at late referrals of patients to medical personnel as one of the major reasons for the increased deaths among dengue patients.
In an interview, he said Negros Occ. dengue cases has now reached 2,196 with 15 deaths as of July 31, 2010 compared to 606 cases in 2009 or a rise of more than 200 percent with 13 deaths recorded during the same period.
Tumimbang also cited the lack of finances on the part of parents or relatives of the patient that also delay treatment.
On the other hand, the rise in the number of dengue cases can also be due to the higher level of awareness among the people that led to a prompt and accurate recording of data to health stations.
He said those who are having fever should suspect dengue and should seek immediate medical attention in any health center to assess their actual condition.
Not all dengue patients need hospitalization as some physicians direct their patients to go home and rest, follow prescriptions and observe patient’s condition.
“Through this, we can decongest the hospitals,” he said.
Silay City has the highest number of cases with 275 and two deaths while Himamaylan City has the highest number of deaths at five with 184 cases.
The campaign for dengue awareness started as early as January this year and has become a whole-year-round activity.
Tumimbang told PIA hospitals and medical personnel in the province are capable of handling dengue cases as the disease is symptomatic.
“If you have fever you’ll be given paracetamol, if your platelet goes down to a certain level you may need blood transfusion. There is no treatment per se only supportive therapy,” he explained. (PIA-LOL)
State workers’ participation in 110th Civil Service anniversary enjoined
Iloilo City (16 August) — All government agencies in Western Visayas are enjoined to participate in the nationwide simultaneous flag raising ceremonies slated on September 6, 2010 as well as in the other activities in line with the celebration of the 110th year of the Philippines Civil Service next month.
Civil Service Commission 6 Director Atty. Rodolfo Encajonado, in his memorandum circular, enjoined government officials and employees from all government agencies and instrumentalities to actively participate in the activities to be undertaken at the regional and agency levels.
Encajonado said the theme of this year’s celebration “In a R.A.C.E to Serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, and Effective Public Service” was inspired by President Benigno Aquino’s call to reform “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”.
“It urges civil servants to respond to the call for change by joining CSC in providing responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public service (R.A.C.E),” said Encajonado in his regional memorandum circular.
Also on September 6, government agencies are expected to set up exhibits showcasing their accomplishments and current programs, projects and activities in their respective offices. Exhibits which best embody R.A.C.E will be cited during the closing program on September 16.
From September 13-16, there will be a Government Express at the Mall at SM City Iloilo. This will feature a one stop shop of frontline services, an action center where queries, complaints and feedbacks can be entertained and immediately acted upon and an information center where agencies can disseminate their key programs.
Other activities include Hataw Galaw, a physical fitness activity on September 17 at Jaro Covered Gym, a one-day forum on Programs for Government’s Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Services on September 28, and Brigada Ahensya Advocacy.
The recognition for the 2005-2009 Honor Awards Program Awardees in Region 6 and the Best R.A.C.E. exhibit will be held during the closing ceremonies on September 16.
Expected to grace the closing rite is CSC Chairman Francisco Duque. On the other hand, CSC Commissioner Mary Ann Fernandez will be the keynote speaker during the Programs for GRACES forum. (LAFrench/PIA)
Paranas LGU awards P20,000 to rebel returnees
By Ninfa B Quirante
Catbalogan City (August 16) — Paranas Local government unit through Mayor Felix Babalcon Jr, gave the two New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees some P P20 thousand pesos each as immediate financial assistance to the Anagasi Brothers (names withheld for security reasons).
The duo was presented to the media and the Liga ng Barangay in Paranas town during the Municipal Peace and order Council meeting held today in Paranas town.
One of them narrated that he used to bring ammos during raids.
He, however, denied having committed any violent act like killing government soldiers during an interview with the media after the meeting.
New battalion commander (batcom) Lt Col William Peñafiel of the 34th Infantry Battalion said that the brothers sent feelers to some army officials that they would surrender just a few days after he was installed as batcom.
The arms and ammos surrendered including the claymore bombs could have rendered a platoon of soldiers lifeless had the rebels used them.
On closer inspection, the gadgets hauled by the brothers included cell phones, handheld radios, M 14, M 16, carbines and some revolvers plus wires and other explosives.
There were also subversive documents and detailed listings of expenses in yellow pad.
Mayor Babalcon said that he was willing to give the brothers jobs after the army has done the processes to prepare the two as they will return to mainstream society.
Lt Col Federico Tutaan, G7 also assured the brothers that they will receive some remuneration for the arms and ammos plus another cash assistance of P20 from the Social Integration Program (SIP) of the government.
When asked how much would the monetary equivalent be of the loads of weapons and ammo, Tutaan said the haul could easily fetch some P200 thousand.
Babalcon immediately requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to draft an appropriated ordinance to effect the P20 thousand financial aid to the Anagasi brothers. (PIA-Samar)
Pre-workshop held for PNP Negros media relations seminar
Bacolod City (12 August) — In order to address concerns on media killings in the region, a pre-workshop activity was conducted by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) to media participants for the upcoming PNP Media Relations Seminar/Workshop.
The pre-workshop was aimed at coming up with measures to prevent media killings and threats to journalists in Negros Occidental.
Present during the said activity were Police Chief Inspector Jefferson Descallar, chief of NOPPO’s Operations and Plans Branch, and media personalities Annie Calderon of GMA Channel 13, Chrysee Samillano of The Visayan Daily Star and Rex Cantong of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod.
Police Chief Inspector Rico Santotome, Jr. PNP spokesman in the province and the three media representatives from the Negros Press Club will join NOPPO director Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix during the said seminar to be held in Iloilo City from August 20-21.
Police Regional Office 6 director, Police Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr has initiated the conduct of the two-day PNP Media Relations Seminar/Workshop in order to map out plans to ensure the safety and security of members of the fourth estate.
Santotome said that the seminar/workshop also aims to foster stronger police-media relations in relation to the Action Plan: Team Negros of NOPPO. (PIA/cad)
BFAR distributes fishing nets for fisherfolks
By Ninfa B Quirante
Catbalogan City (12 August) — The Samar Day celebration on August 11, 2010 proved lucky to some 140 fisherfolks as they received fishing nets and gears from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
BFAR Regional Director John Albaladejo was in town to witness the distribution from Gov Sharee Ann Tan and Provincial Fishry Officer Roland Ay-ay.
Rene Araza from Talalora town told PIA how glad he is to get the fishing gears with some other fihsermen from his coastal town.
Albaladejo told the local media that the fishing nets are varied and will be used for shrimps, crabs and fish.
The free provision of the fishing gears will somehow help the beneficiaries.
The BFAR Regional Director said he is happy with the fishery situation in E Visayas and that the bureau has received support from the central office.
Dir. Albaladejo also talked about the “Rent to Own Cage” of the former administration has graduated into “Cage for Livelihood” where the fisherfolks do not rent anymore but now own the fish cages.
He also talked about the mariculture zones that were established in E Visayas.
Meanwhile Albaladejo plead to the fisherfolks in mussel culture especially in Jiabong and Villareal to observe the agreements they had.
He was reffering to the clean up drive undertaking BFAR had with the LGUs mentioned after the mussel industry suffered heavy casulaties due to pollution.
He claimed the latter did not honor their commitment.
“Instead of using the recommended raft method, they used the old staking method, besides they placed their mussel farms outside the recommended sites.” (PIA-Samar)
Boracay’s 6-month visitor arrivals generate P8-B tourism receipts
by Venus G. Villanueva
Kalibo, Aklan (12 August) — Boracay Island’s visitor arrivals from January to June 2010 generated P8,178,425,375.40 tourism receipts, as shown by records of the Provincial Tourism Operations Office (PTOO) here.
The 6-month arrivals reached 444,881 composed of domestic and foreign tourists and Overseas Filipinos. Visitors were biggest in number in April 2010 with a total of 101,349 arrivals, composed of 20,483 foreign, 78,400 domestic and 2,466 Overseas Filipinos. For the six-month period, foreign visitors reached 134,296; domestic, 295,800 and OF, 14,785.
Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez, in his latest report aired over a radio station here, said tourism receipts for the month of June 2010 is 43% higher compared with the same period last year.
Total number of arrivals from January to December last year reached 649,559, which generated total receipts of P11,941,102,920.60.
Also noted in the report of the PTOO for this year’s six-month period is the positive growth rate in arrivals. January 2010, compared with the samd month last year, grew by 6%; February, 23% March, 30%; April, 10% May, 0.50% and June, 43%.
The increase in tourist arrivals is seen here to have been enhanced by international flights which have regular runs from various foreign destinations landing at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).
Presently, KIA receives 5 international flights daily. Governor Marquez said China Southern Airlines started its operations in June, taking off from Pudong, China 4 times a week and arriving at the KIA and vice versa.
“The Spirit of Manila also started its operations on June 8 going to Taiwan and Kalibo and vice versa,” Marquez told radio listeners.
Zest Air has regular flights too from Incheon, Korea to KIA and vice versa, while the Philippine Airlines has flight schedules every Wednesday and Sunday from Taipei, Taiwan. On the other hand, China Airlines has flight schedules every Wednesday and Saturday to Taipei, Taiwan.
KIA recently opened its new terminal building which caters to international and domestic flights passengers. (PIA)
