OIC Regional Director Justerie Granali said that her agency has already conducted water monitoring the shores of the island in Guiuan town to determine whether the seawater is still within the standard range of temperature and water quality.

The officer in charge added that BFAR has also taken samples of seashells to analyze and determine the presence of heavy metals in the seawater.

The result of the water quality monitoring showed that the temperature was within the standard range of 27 to 30 degrees Centigrade.
The ph level was between 6.5 to 8 and is still within the normal range in terms of water quality.

Results of the presence of metals on shellfish will be available next week as the tests and analyses have to be conducted at the BFAR Central Office.

Several Manicani residents alleged that the fish kill was brought about by the mining company operating in the area.

Meanwhile, Guiuan Mayor Analiza Kwan said there is no mining activity in Manicani. The mining company which has mining rights on the island is only doing “care and maintenance” activities after the DENR suspended its operations in the late 90s.

The term fish kill is a localized die-off of fish populations which may also be associated with more generalized mortality of aquatic life. The most common cause is reduced oxygen in the water, which, in turn, may be due to factors such as drought, algae bloom, overpopulation, or a sustained increase in water temperature. Infectious diseases and parasites can also lead to fish kill. Toxicity is a real but far less common cause of fish kill.

Experts believe that fish kills are often the first visible signs of environmental stress and are usually investigated as a matter of urgency by environmental agencies to determine the cause of the kill. Many fish species have a relatively low tolerance of variations in environmental conditions and their death is often a potent indicator of problems in their environment that may be affecting other animals and plants and may have a direct impact on other uses of the water such as for drinking water production. Pollution events may affect fish species and fish age classes in different ways. (PIA

Data from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs revealed that as of April 19, 2012, a total amount of P185,682,643.20 have already been released for 298 OFWs in the country. These were broken down as follows: Region IV-A, P47,698,000; Region 3, P38,703,000; and Region 6, P20,183,500.

The same data showed that the livelihood undertakings funded by the loans have generated 1,107 jobs. However, there was no record of OFW borrowers from the CARAGA and ARMM regions.

In Western Visayas, Negros Occidental has the most number of OFW borrowers with 9.

Madrid said approved loans in the region vary from taxi operation, duck raising and balut making, constructions of clinic and commercial building, internet café, fishing and fish drying, rice trading, LPG gas trading, trading of textile and RTW, among others.

OFWs who still work and those who are no longer working but want to start their businesses are qualified to avail of the program that offers a loanable amount from a minimum of P300,000 to a maximum of P2 million at 7.5 percent interest per annum based on diminishing balance.

Viable projects that will generate an income of not less than P10,000 are eligible under the OFW-RP which is available only to individual borrowers. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

Aileen Lariba, DSWD 7 4Ps information officer explained that the objective of the Pantawid Program is to increase the number of schoolchildren graduating in the elementary level.

“The problem is that most of our public schoolchildren only finish up to Grade 4 and never complete elementary. So we want to address that concern,” said Lariba.

Because of poverty, over 60 percent of public pupils do not proceed to Grade 5 and 6, added Lariba.

Lariba said that by completing elementary, literacy level also increases which is one of the goals of the program.

In fact, the conditional cash transfer program assists beneficiaries to send their children to school until 14 years of age, the DSWD 7 info officer disclosed.

Lariba however, said that it does not mean that they are not encouraging the beneficiaries to let their children finish high school. “This is why we are helping graduating beneficiaries stand on their own by providing livelihood financial assistance and employment through convergence of services with other government agencies,” she said.

Pantawid household-beneficiaries can only avail of the cash grant good for five years or earlier if they no longer have children aged 14 years and below. Under the program, government provides temporary financial assistance to the identified poorest of the poor families nationwide in two basic areas of necessity which are health and education. A family-recipient gets a maximum of P1,400 monthly cash grant broken down into P500 for health and P900 for educational aid for three schoolchildren below 14 years of age divided into P300 per child.

Currently, there are 206,367 household-recipients of the program in Central Visayas of which 94,537 families are based in Cebu. (PIA-Cebu)

In the same survey that was conducted on March 31 to April 19, Boholanos also showed high awareness of him, being president.

The survey, which is officially known as the Bohol Poll used 400 respondents, picked scientifically from each of the province’s political district on 100 voters each while Tagbilaran City had another 100 respondents.

The survey results said, 71% of the respondents were satisfied of Pnoy’s performance, only 12% of the Boholanos said they were dissatisfied by Aquino’s performance, giving the president the net satisfaction rating.

Across districts, Aquino garnered the least satisfaction rating in Bohol’s District 1 comprising the towns close to Tagbilaran City.

The respondents, who could be from the towns of Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, Tubigon and Tagbilaran City gave Aquiino a +46% satisfaction rating.

This however is lower compared to +72 for the voters who could come from the towns of Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Talibon, Trinidad, San Miguel, Dagohoy, Danao, Sagbayan, Bien Unido, President Garcia and Ubay.

Highest presidential net satisfaction rating comes from respondents of Bohol’s Third District: Loay, Loboc, Bilar, Batuan, Carmen, Sierra Bullones, Pilar, Alicia, Mabini, Candijay, Guindulman, Anda, Duero, Jagna, Garcia Hernandez, Valencia, Lila and Sevilla.

On the other hand, Vice President Jejomar Binay pegged an 80% performance satisfaction rating, an overwhelming 96% of the respondents aware that he is the country’s Vice President.

Only 10% of the respondents representative of Bohol’s 1.2 million people said they were dissatisfied with Binay, which results to a +71% net satisfaction rating. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Chief Enrico Gil Ileto disclosed that Capiz mayors Ethel Jinon, Katherine Belo and Rosemarie Gardose of Jamindan, Panitan and Tapaz towns, respectively will be among the of the civilians who will be given recognition during the camp’s 38th Foundation Anniversary.

In addition, the Philippine Information Agency in Capiz will also be among the agencies that will be cited during the affair.

Ileto also revealed that other civilian awardees are Bingawan, Iloilo Mayor Matt P Palabrica, Ms Caryl Anne Diamante, Program Director, Bantay Bata 163 Negros, ABS-CBN Foundation , 2011 – 2012 Rotary International District 3850 Governor Dr. Melvin S Dela Serna, 2012- 2013 Rotary International District 3850 Governor Dr. Rafael Jocson, Dr Jennifer Santiago Oreta of Ateneo de Manila University, Land Bank of the Philippines, Passi Branch; Friends of the Sick Coordinator Rowena Alegre in Janiuay, Iloilo; and Celo-Soriano Foundation of Calinog, Iloilo.

He added that the Faith Works Ministry, Iloilo City with Ms Merlin Parsons; Kayang – Kayang Mission International led by President/Founder Isabel Villegas; Loud TV Channel 47 President Romeo G Galigao; Ltc Nelson l Gerona Crusade led by President Genalyn Gerona; Ms Florence S Baesa of the Dumaguete Press Club; Negros Defense Press Corps led by President Mr Gilbert Bayoran of Visayan Daily Star; Iloilo Defense Press Corps led by President Nony Basco of ABS-CBN TV- Iloilo; and theDefense Press Corps led by President Noberto Formento of DZRH Radio will likewise be recognized.

Ileto pointed out that this year’s anniversary theme “Bayanihan para sa Kaunlaran at Lubusang Kapayapaan” will be at the centrepiece of the event, recognizing the work that has been done by deserving soldiers, civilian employees and partner individuals and organizations in the advancement and promotion of the nation’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”.

Other 3ID’s partner individuals and organizations that will also be honored are the Field and Company Grade Officer of the Year, Best Enlisted Personnel for Combat and Administration, Best Civilian Employee, Best Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA), Best Brigade and Battalion, Provincial & Municipal Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center of the Year. Awards will also be given to the participants of the Infantry Squad competition.

On the other hand, 3ID Commander Major Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta Jr said thatcelebration will truly represent what a whole-of-nation approach which is a concerted effort among all stakeholders.

Mabanta also expressed his sincerest gratitude to all partners agencies and individuals for the continued involvement in winning the peace human security, development and progress.(JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Speaking before more than 200 business leaders of the semiconductor and electronics industry this afternoon during the 17th World Electronics Forum (WEF) in Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort in Lapulapu City, Cebu, Aquino said the employment generation of the sector even grew by six (6) percent last year compared to the previous year despite the global economic slowdown.

“I am told that direct employment in the industry grew by six percent, from 500,000 in 2010 to 530,000 in 2011. This is an encouraging sign,” Aquino quoted.

The semiconductor and electronics sector accounts for an average of 65 percent of the country’s total exports, which dropped to 50 percent last year due to the financial slump worldwide, this is said.

“This contributed to the decline in total merchandise exports, which pulled down the 2011 GDP growth rate by an estimated 2.2 percentage points. Despite this, your industry was able to hire even more Filipino workers,” Aquino bared.

The President added that targeting systems are in place to enable the workforce to supply more specialists to industries that demand them.

“In fact, we have earmarked P50 million, through TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program, to train 9,295 of your industry workers, and I am taking this opportunity to thank SEIPI for partnering with government through a memorandum of agreement for this effort,” the President said.

Educational reforms being implemented are designed to move Filipino workers higher up the value chain as Aquino cited the K-12 system, set to begin this June, as a long-term solution that can address the students’ global competitiveness.

As infrastructure is seen to improve in the coming years, Aquino said this would be easier for the industry to expand their businesses which he added goes hand-in-hand with the administration’s efforts to reform the bureaucracy.

“We are, however, building on initiatives that will allow the Philippines to compete more strongly in the global markets. As you may well know, we are already offering competitive incentives to electronic firms registered with investment promotion agencies,” disclosed the President.

Inclusive growth, job generation, empowered enterprises and solid investor confidence are pillars cited by Pres. Aquino in his administration’s economic agenda that are built through good governance and by setting a good example.

“My government is determined to meet any challenge that might arise in your industry with equal resilience and equal fervor. You can continue to count on my administration’s active support for the semiconductor and electronics industries,” Aquino ended his nine-minute speech which drew applause from the crowd. (PIA-Cebu)

The province of Iloilo, in cooperation with the local governments of Alimodian and Maasin, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Eagle Cross, Incorporated will embark on Baklay Bukid-Amlig Suba from April 19-21, in celebration of Earth Day.

Baklay Bukid-Amlig Suba (Up through the Mountains, Protect the River) is an adventure mountain trek which includes nature walk from upland Alimodian to the headwaters of Maasin Watershed.

Baklay Bukid started in 2009 initiated by a private organization, the Eagle Cross, Inc., in partnership with the DENR, and from then on, held every year to mark the celebration of Earth Day, April 22.

Dr. Rogelio Borro, director of the Eagle Cross said among others, the event is a celebration of the right of every Filipino to a healthy and balanced ecology by promoting community-based projects of protected areas.

Its objectives include promotion of local eco-tourism activities, such as camping, cultural exchange among host communities, and mountain trekking, and conduct research on water quality of Maasin watershed.

Further, Borro said, the activity aims to rally active participation of government agencies, private sectors, schools, non-government organizations, to better know the state of the watershed and its ecosystems.

The participants should be able-bodied males and females, 15 years old and above, coming from various sectors, including journalists, photojournalists or sheer adventurists, and learn much about the ecosystem in the process.

Registration fee is P150 per participant, to cover insurance, environmental fee, facilitation, guides, and certificate of participation, while each should bring personal provisions for food, utensils, sleeping mats, tents and drinking water.

This year’s theme for Earth Day is “Earth Day Every Day, Everywhere”. (JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo).

DepEd assistant secretary Jesus Lorenzo Mateo presented a special report on the K to 12 curriculum and other DepEd initiatives to the committee on social development of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) during its 1st quarter meeting in March 2012.

Mateo said that the rationale of the K to 12 was based on the low indicative results of the national achievement test over the years and as compared with other countries.

Scores in Mathematics and Science had been deteriorating because what was supposed to be taught in 12 years of basic education was compressed in 10 years, making it difficult to teach all the competencies required, Mateo explained.

“Thus, two years of basic education have to be added to the present curriculum to give public schoolchildren an even chance to succeed,” Mateo added.

According to the DepEd, before the K to 12 curricula was implemented, the agency had gone into a series of conferences, summit consultations, workshops, and orientation briefings throughout the country.

Mateo said research literature showed that the human brain develops between 0-6 years old thus the need for children ages 5 years to have a pre-school experience to be ready for the first grade.

Studies also noted that two years have to be added to the present 10-year basic education curriculum, he said.

DepEd then explained that the K to 12 curricula will thus have six years of elementary schooling, four years of junior high school, and two years senior high school.

“This would prepare students either for a university degree, or technical-vocational education, entrepreneurship, or employment,” the DepEd assistant secretary added.

The K to 12 ASEC Mateo continued is a learner-centered and focuses on topics that are developmentally-appropriate or age-appropriate, to allow mastery of important competencies and teaching is done seamlessly.

“For example, skills like reading graphs will be taught in Math before they are used in Science, Health or Economics. A K to 12 student goes to kindergarten at 5 years old then successfully transition to Grade 1 where the curriculum includes the mother tongue to facilitate student learning,” Mateo stated.

To facilitate the smooth transition from the present curriculum to the K to 12 program, DepEd has organized transition management teams or technical work group in each region as well as a program steering committee composed of the DepEd, TESDA, and CHED with public and private sector reps as members.

Mateo said consultation workshops, surveys, and advocacy efforts have been conducted since January 2011 to inform the parents of the K to 12 curricula.

He then requested local government units and members of the Regional Development Council to ensure that information reach the communities and to participate in future consultation workshops.

After DepEd’s presentation, Bohol governor Edgar Chatto suggested to ASEC Mateo that DepEd also strengthens the participation of a multi-sector groups led by the LGUs, particularly the school boards and parent-teacher-community (PTCA) associations and get them to help in disseminating information on the K to 12.

Mateo noted on governor Chatto’s suggestion and added that the DepEd is also tapping the private media to help in the government’s advocacy efforts on the K to 12 educational systems. (mbcn-PIA 7)

Rex Juplo, CVO officer-in-charge, said 1,051 dogs have been vaccinated in the first quarter of 2012, and stray dogs have been impounded to help establish a rabies-free Bacolod.

He also said responsible pet ownership plays a vital role in eradicating rabies.

Under City Ordinance 544, series of 2011, a vaccination fee of P50 is charged for every dog or cat. The CVO accommodates walk-in clients and holds mass vaccination in the barangays of Bacolod City.(JCM/CAD-PIA6)

PSSupt. Ruperto T. Floro, Jr, Provincial Director of Antique PNP said over the radio that people should be safety conscious when going to places of convergence. He was guest in a PIA radio program aired over station DYKA.

He added that the people may approach the PNP’s public assistance centers in terminals, churches and malls.

Aside from their operation plan for Semana Santa, PNP also prepared security measures in tourist destinations in anticipation of influx of tourists during summer months.

He also advised the public to refrain from bringing with them valuables like money, jewellery, electronic devices and important documents.

Floro also urged the public make sure that homes and properties are secured before going out of town.

Aside from ensuring that vehicles are in tip top shape, drivers should refrain from using cell phones while driving. (PSM/JCM/PIA6 Antique)