Additional IRA allotted to LGUs, says PGMA
by T. Villavert
This was disclosed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech before the local executives at the Mindanao Island Cluster Conference, where she urged them to help in the implementation of the government reform agenda.
The government’s reform agenda includes programs designed to uplift the economy, improve education, protect the environment, feed the poor, and generate jobs.
According to the Malacanang press report, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has established island clusters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which are mandated to hold their respective annual conferences to discuss local governance issues and concerns affecting their clusters.
The island clusters are likewise institutionalized to promote greater inter-municipality cooperation and to address island-specific governance challenges and opportunities requiring appropriate actions from the LMP, the national government, the private sector, the civil society and other stakeholders of local governance.
The LMP’s thrusts support the government’s attainment of the United Nations-initiated Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), specifically in ensuring the environmental sustainability of the country and the promotion of maternal and child health, the Malacanang press report disclosed. (PIA6)
PCSO 6 joins “100 Percent in One Day” project
PCSO director Jeannette Oberio said the activity will be done simultaneously all over the region, while in Iloilo it will be done in six districts, namely Jaro, Mandurriao, Lapaz, Molo, city Proper and Villa.
PCSO 6 Social Welfare Officer Araceli Espinosa said the activity aims to serve all target barangays and its residents, in a massive display of collective volunteerism of doctors, dentists, health workers pharmacists and social workers.
Espinosa said although medical, dental and feeding program is almost a daily routine of the PCSO, the activity on September 6 in the region, is part of the 2,000 medical mission sites targeted for that day intended to serve about two million patients.
PCSO General Manager and Vice Chair Rosario Uriarte said the 100 Percent in One day” is a “first-of-its-kind project in the Philippines that provides fast access to medical and charity care from PCSO and its partners, for poor Filipinos in a day.
The activity, Uriarte added, is both a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of PCSO and an opportunity for marginalized Filipinos all over the country to avail of medical care and organized charity assistance.
The PCSO will be providing medicines for free distribution to patients at the medical mission sites, while the barangays chosen as sites, will provide venue, food and other logistics. (PIA6/ESS)
PGMA tackles local governance issues with LMP Mindanao cluster mayors
The Conference which started on September 1, is hosted by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines and participated by about 125 Mayors of the different municipalities of the various provinces and regions in Mindanao.
Among the issues expected to be tacked is President Arroyo’s Climate Change mitigation advocacy and the LMP’s role in implementing solid waste management program in their respective municipalities.
The Mindanao local chief executives are expected to present a consolidated report of accomplishments and compliance with wage management and the Fourmula 1 during the conference.
In attending the conference, the President will be able to define the concrete mechanisms and measures that local leaders need to undertake to address the challenges in their respective municipalities.
The LMP’s thrusts supports the government’s attainment of the United Nations-initiated Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), specifically in ensuring the environmental sustainability of the country and the promotion of maternal and child health.
The LMP has established island clusters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which are mandated to hold their respective annual conferences to discuss local governance issues and concerns affecting their clusters.
The Luzon Island Cluster Conference was held in Leyte in July, while that of the Visayas Island Cluster was held in Subic in August.
The island clusters have been institutionalized to promote greater inter-municipality cooperation and to address island-specific governance challenges and opportunities requiring appropriate actions from the LMP, the national government, the private sector, the civil society and other stakeholders of local governance. (PIA 
Southern Leyte gets new PNP chief
By Bong Pedalino
Maasin City (September 3) — The provincial command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in this city has a new leader.
Effective September 1, 2009, PNP SSupt. Pepito Padaca has taken over the leadership of the provincial police force vice SSupt. Nilo Donayre, who will take over the Ormoc City Police Station in turn-over rites tomorrow, September 4, it was learned.
The turn-over ceremony for the helm of the Southern Leyte PNP was held September 1 at the provincial headquarters, also known as Camp Ruperto Kangleon PNP Command.
Monching Buyser, a roving Police reporter of dydm, reported that the outgoing top cop was emotional in his farewell speech, saying he will always treasure his 14 years of service in the province, for it is during his assignment here that he rose from the ranks.
Sources familiar with turn-over of Police officers said it has been a standard operating procedure to reshuffle key personnel after two years of service in a particular locality.
Donayre’s latest stint in the province started in May, 2007, shortly before the elections, it was learned.
As to the new provincial PNP director, before his coming into the province, SSupt. Padaca headed the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Doctrine Development (RPHRDD) at the Regional PNP Office, where he had also served as R1 for administration, it was learned.
He also had a brief tour of duty as PNP chief of Samar and Tarlac, the source added.
Among those who graced the change of command was Gov. Damian Mercado, who called on the PNP to take care of the peace and order situation in the province and nurture its reputation as the most peaceful province in Region 8. (PIA-Southern Leyte)
KNN Capiz talks in media, communication congress
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (2 September) — A presentation about the Kabataan News Network (KNN) was conducted by its Capiz Bureau reporters to the Asian Congress for Media and Communication (ACMC) Philippine conference last August 29 in Iloilo City.
The talk which culminated with a video segment showing of a KNN – Capiz story was presented by former youth television reporter and now Bombo Radyo – Roxas reporter Noel Balinang.
Bureau’s past reporters Sarah Jane Valiente and Reynand Dumalaon who now work as Bombo Radyo Roxas reporter and secondary public school teacher, respectively, also accompanied and supported Balinang during the presentation.
KNN maintains a 30-minute television show that is written, shot and produced by teens aged 14 to 19 years old in various bureaus nationwide.
Meanwhile, the three-day Philippine conference on “Media, Education and Culture: Cultivating Social Change in the Youth” gave an opportunity to the participants to discuss issues on the role of media, government, and the academic community in Asia in promoting youth empowerment.
The meeting was organized by the ACMC, a Philippine–based, Asian-wide organization of university professors and practitioners in the field of media and communication. (PIA)
PhilHealth Capiz conducts in-house orientation
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (2 September) — An in-house orientation for local government units (LGU) point-persons for the Sponsored Indigent Program was conducted by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in preparation for the renewal and enrolment of indigent members next year.
“The activity was undertaken in response to their need to efficiently provide answers such as increase in budget allocation, increase in enrollment to attain universal coverage and other relative concerns,” said PhilHealth – Capiz Public Information Officer Mary Jane Amigo in a press release.
It also aimed to provide LGUs with adequate time to prepare and validate indigent members especially those who have already died, transferred residence, duplication of membership, and improved economic status and others, she added.
Participants were re-oriented on the process of renewal and additional enrollment, 2010 LGU premium payment counterpart, early validation of current members, expanded benefits for indigent members, utilization of PhilHealth Capitation Fund and recent problems affecting the implementation of the Sponsored program in their respective municipalities.
During the orientation, all issues raised by participants were collated for proper consultation.
PhilHealth – Capiz Service Office Social Insurance Officer Chief Joe Frederick T. Diaz answered the queries but “answers to concerns that were not immediately addressed during the orientation will be provided to all LGUs as soon as these are be resolved.”
“It is noteworthy that the province of Capiz has already achieved its “Universal Coverage” target of PhilHealth insurance by covering 176% of its total poor population,” Amigo stressed.
For his part, Diaz noted that much has to be prepared and done to carry on the laudable achievement of PhilHealth in the province. (PhilHealth/PIA)
OWWA launches Search for 2009 Model OFW Family of the Year
By Marivic A. Alcober
Tacloban City (September 2) — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Regional Office No. VIII, through its Officer In-Charge Juliet Z. Tan announces the launching of the Search for 2009 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).
According to Tan, the search aims to give recognition to the outstanding achievements of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) together with their families and likewise, in order to promote best practices in managing family challenges.
Relative to this, Tan added, their office conducted a region-wide search for qualified OFW families in coordination with the local government units, non-government organizations, OFW Family Circles (OFCs) and religious organizations, among others.
The Regional Selection and Screening Committee, Tan shared, which will convene on September 3, 2009 will be chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Atty. Forter C. Puguon.
It was further learned that the regional winners and other nominees will be honored during the MOFYA Regional Awarding which will be conducted on September 10, 2009 at 10:00 in the morning at Hotel Alejandro.
The organizers of the activity invited heads of government and non-government organizations to grace the prestigious event.
Meanwhile, the nomination and selection criteria of the Model OFW Family of the Year Award are as follows: for the nomination criteria, one should be the head of the family or main provider of the family; supports the education of a child / family member/s; known as a solid and stable family in the community; and financial stability.
Under the selection criteria: wholesome OFW family, 50%; civic/community involvement of OFW, 20%; success in children’s or family member/s education, 20%; and lastly, success in managing family finances, 10%. (PIA-8)
109th Philippine Civil Service anniversary defines Republic Service “heroism”
Iloilo (2 September) — The celebration of the 109th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service focuses on the core tenets of dedicated, honest, professional and competent public service.
A CSC press release said that the theme “Honoring our heroes in Republic Service encapsulates traits of public servants which are responsive, ethical public servants with vision, impact, commitment and excellence.
CSC 6 Director Rodolfo Encajonado said that the primary duty of public servants, imbued with ethical principles of the highest order, must be to respond swiftly and adequately to the needs and challenges facing the nation.
Likewise, they must protect and advance public interest and welfare and serve the nation, despite the formidable power of the state.
Encajonado said the every day work of public servants should be guided by a vision that ultimately must make an impact on the lives of the people.
Further, public servants must have a strong commitment to face the challenges of government work and must strive constantly to achieve excellence.
In Region VI, the month-long celebration will be ushered in by a Holy Mass at 7 in the morning, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, to be followed by a Flag Ceremony at the capitol grounds, which will be simultaneous all over the region, September 7.
According to CSC 6, being the lead agency, employees of participating government agencies and instrumentalities, including local government units will take their oath to rekindle their commitment to deliver quality public service.
Among the highlights of the celebration will be the holding of “Government Express Goes to the Mall,” a one-stop shop of frontline services, cooperation with the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE) 6, from September 7-11, SM City Iloilo Ground floor. (PIA6/ESS)
Antique-PNP awards certificate to BUGSAY president
Bugante Point, San Jose dB, Antique (2 September) — The Antique Police Provincial Office, headed by Police Senior Superintendent Ren T. Darroca awarded a certificate of appreciation this Monday to Mr. Virgilio “Bong” Q. Sanchez, president of BUGSAY Association, Inc. for his invaluable services and support to the said police office.
Police Provincial Director Darroca handed the plaque of appreciation to Bong Sanchez at the Antique Police Provincial Office Parade Ground during the Flag-Raising with Distinguished Visitor’s Program, Awarding Ceremonies of the “1st Gov. Josue L. Cadiao Memorial Funshoot.”
The commemorative inscription states that the Antique Police Provincial Office presented the certificate of appreciation to Sanchez “in grateful appreciation of his invaluable services and support rendered to the Antique Police Provincial Office and as a guest speaker during the Distinguished Visitors Program” of said office.
The rites commenced at 8:00 o’clock in the morning with the Flag-Raising Ceremony: Invocation, Singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas by PO2 Giselle J. Bachitsa, Police Officer’s Pledge by Maritess C. Sabay, Police Officer’s Creed by PO2 Juvy M. Encarnacion, singing of the Provincial Theme Sosng, Welcome Remarks, Introduction of Guest-of-Honor and Speaker by PSSupt. Ren T. Darroca, Message by Mr. Virgilio Q. Sanchez, Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation by PSSupt Darroca and assisted by his Staff Officers, awarding Ceremonies of the Winners of the First Gov. Josue L. Cadiao Memorial Funshoost with the presentation of trophies and awards by Antique Vice-governor. Rhodora J. Cadiao, and culminated by the singing of PNP Hymn.
Earlier, Sanchez, president of BUGSAY Association, Inc. along with the some members of the association’s Board of Trustees: Fiscal Cesar Dan Alecando, BUGSAY ce-president; Rey S. Elio, BUGSAY secretary; PO2 Crisanto Olarte; Tobiasito Fornier and regular members PO3 Joey Castillon and PO1 Peter Opiña gave out a medical kit, consisting of one unit nebulizer and assorted medicines to the Antique Police Provincial Office for use in its medical outreach programs to indigents.
The distribution of medical kits by BUGSAY is part of its project under the “Bantay Kalusugan: Alay sa Bayan” Medical Outreach Program in cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (PIA)
Unified efforts vs crime urged
Iloilo (1 September) — Police, community, agencies and political leaders called for unified efforts and strategies during the kick off ceremonies of the 15th Crime Prevention Week celebration, September, Camp Delgado, Iloilo City.
Iloilo Governor Neil D. Tupas, Sr. said the role of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in curbing criminalities should be recognized, supported and valued so that they will perform well.
Tupas, in citing this year’s Crime Prevention observance’s theme, “Ang krimen Tapnaon, Pamilya Pabakuron,” said parents should endeavor to provide their children better education as this is a means to help them grow well.
Mr. Nani Guillergan, who spoke in behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said unified and effective strategies in stopping criminality should be employed by all sectors.
Guillergan said these strategies should be geared towards lasting development by focusing on the environment where people live and work, on schools and public institutions so that everybody will be protected from the evil intentions of crime perpetrators.
He said that crime prevention is a wide spectrum with many forma and many targets hence, all agencies and sectors should work together.
Earlier, in a cable television interview, P/C Supt. Isagani Cuevas said community support and cooperation are important factors in crime prevention.
Meanwhile, Napolcom 6 Chief Honey Paredes underscored strong family ties and modeling as key to stronger communities that abhor crime.
A highlight of the opening program was the mass oath-taking of members of the Batang Iwas Druga movement, with Gov. Tupas as inducting officer.
Napolcom Legal Officer Atty. Rutchel Hechanova said drug abuse prevention is made part of crime prevention, as use of illegal drugs is among the causes of crime. (PIA 6/ESS)
