Pagadian is now a wifi city

                                  

                       

                          By: RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

A multi million project that would put Pagadian City in the map of information technology as the first wifi city in the country was launched in a short ceremonial program by the city government here yesterday.

Mayor Sammy Co disclosed in a press conference that Pagadian residents can now avail a free access to global information through wifi technology provided by globe network from 5 in the afternoon to 8 in the morning. The time is intended for the city government not to compete with the commercial internet café in the city.

Co however, stressed that during Saturdays, Sunday and holidays the wifi is available 24 hours with a password “mayorsammyco”.

For its first phase project one antenna was installed for the city government’s department that cost P90,000.00. Each department in the city hall is now wifi ready and that would also provide free access within 2 kilometers radius in the area.

The mayor said that another antenna will be installed at the city government building that house the commercial establishment which was rented by Robinson Department store along Rizal Avenue.  

“In two months time the project will be completed and we will be known as the   “ first wifi city” in the country.

He said city government spent more than 70 thousand pesos a month for its internet bills and with the present system the city government will be spending only P80,000.00 month.

The mayor stressed that the project would be a vehicle for the city promotions and information that would bring Pagadian City closer to the world.  

Extensive Checkpoint Operation Against Loosed Firearms

 BY: MARIZ REVALES

BRGY MARAWI (Pumping), Marawi City- The troops of 65^th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, 9^th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army under Lt Col Seigred J Espina Inf (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander had prevailed again through extensive checkpoint operation against loosed firearms.

On March 02, 2012 at about 10:00 O’clock in the evening, elements of 65^th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion led by 2Lt Dennis V Parale (Inf) PA while conducting mobile checkpoint operation at vicinity of Brgy Marawi (Pumping), Marawi City apprehended a certain Abdul Wahed B Ano, 27 years old, Mohaimen Mangondaya, 39 years old, Casan Lao Macarambon, 38 years old and Ali Alionar Aminodin, 27 years old all residents of Brgy Inudaran, Marantao, Lanao del Sur and a certain Parok Paralo Marohom, 52 years old and a resident of Brgy Barit, Ganasi, LDS on board in a black Mitsubishi Lancer vehicle  with plate number TRH-530. While conducting visual search and verification of pertinent documents of the aforesaid vehicle, the troops found Two (2) cal. 45 COLT pistols bearing serial numbers 1098855 and 2103120 each loaded with One (1) magazine containing Five (5) rounds of live ammunitions respectively from their possession without any legal documents.  Said personalities and vehicle were brought at Headquarters of 65^th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion for further investigation and safekeeping. Accordingly, the abovementioned personalities are believed to be members of the Kidnap for Ransom Group (KFRG) and Carjacking Syndicate operating in Marawi City and other parts of Lanao del Sur.

Thus, through the commitment and dedication of the Stalwart Troopers in such particular event, their duty as the real protectors of the people provide  staunch brace to sustain their work for safeguarding the community for sustainable development and lasting peace.

SSS earmarks P7-B for business and social loans

BY: RIC CLET

In a bid to help boost employment and spur national economic growth, the Social Security System (SSS) has earmarked a total of P7 billion for lending to private enterprises seeking funds for business expansion and social development projects, a top official said.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the funds are available through the newly-created Business Development Loan Facility (BDLF) and Social Development Loan Facility (SDLF), which consolidate SSS’ business and social loan programs.
"The new SSS lending facilities enable us to offer financial assistance to a wider range of projects and borrowers. Cooperatives, non-government organizations and even Barangay Micro Business Enterprises or ‘BMBEs’ can also borrow," he said.
The BDLF caters to businesses ranging from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to large industries. Social institutions offering education and training programs, health care and medical services such as schools and hospitals can borrow under the SDLF.
The P7-billion allotment, which will act as a revolving fund, will be divided as follows: P1 billion for agriculture, fishing and forestry; P2 billion for projects in construction, manufacturing, utilities, mining and quarrying; and P4 billion for the services sector.
De Quiros said SSS will disburse the funds to eligible borrowers through a conduit arrangement with participating financial institutions (PFIs). Borrowers can pay in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual amoritizations of up to 15 years.
"Our enhanced loan guidelines are more flexible and responsive to borrowers’ needs," he said. "For example, we removed various caps on the loanable amount. It will now depend on the project's actual need and the borrower's credit capacity, provided it will not exceed P500 million."
De Quiros said PFIs can advance the disbursement of loan proceeds as long as the borrower completes its application within the prescriptive period, which the SSS extended from 120 days from the date of initial release under its previous guidelines to six months.
"The interest rate will depend on prevailing market rates. Borrowers have a one-time option to switch from a variable interest rate, which is repriced every six months, to a fixed rate that applies for a period of three years," he said.
De Quiros said the agency will conduct a briefing on its new loan guidelines for PFIs and banks at the SSS corporate headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City on March 9, Friday.
Interested parties can call the SSS Housing and Business Loans Department at 920-6401 local 5129 or 5115 or send an email to desilvamt@sss.gov.ph or carandangao@sss.gov.ph.

Nine OFWs win cash prizes in SSS promo

BY:RIC CLET

The Social Security System (SSS) has announced the first batch of monthly raffle winners of its special promo for overseas Filipino workers, with three per region, namely: Asia, Middle East, and Europe with the rest of the world.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the nine winners will each receive P10,000 as cash prize under the Member-Get-Member (MGM) promo, which offers incentives to OFWs who encourage other overseas workers to become active SSS members.
"OFWs can win as 'nominators' through payment of contributions and referral of newly-active overseas workers or 'nominees’ to the SSS. Participating members help fellow OFWs prepare for the future by urging them to be covered members," he said.
The list of winners for January include Teophe Quijano Mendaros (Brunei); Cristina Cananea Quimado and Maria Riza Santander Wabinga (Hong Kong); Mocita Maron Manuel (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); and Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa and Gemma Soriano Biong (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).
London-based OFWs Edgar Serrano Grande, Ma Christina Jagonos Garcia and Ryazan Dalane Sison Duray also won. A total of 45 winning nominators, or nine per month, will be drawn in the remaining monthly raffle draws from February to June.
"Winners will be notified by SSS through registered mail and email, which they will present along with their UMID card or two valid IDs in claiming their prize. They may claim their prize as check or have it credited to their bank account on or before December 1," he said.
Nominees and nominators with posted contributions for January to June 2012 will gain a raffle entry to the MGM Grand Draw on September 7.The grand prize is a vacation package worth P160,000 inclusive of round-trip airfare to Manila plus trip to Boracay for two with four-day hotel accommodation and pocket money.
The SSS will also draw two 2^nd prize winners of P30,000 each; three 3^rd prize winners of P20,000 each; and ten winners of P10,000 each as consolation prizes. The nominator with the most number of nominees will receive P50,000 and a plaque of appreciation.
OFWs can register for the promo thru the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) and at SSS foreign offices until June 30, and at local branches, including SSS’ office at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration headquarters in Mandaluyong City, until June 29.
The Board of Judges for the MGM raffle draws includes De Quiros; Commissioner Daniel Edralin, who heads the Social Security Commission’s Committee on OFWs; and Antonette Fernandez, SSS Assistant Vice President of the Internal Audit Service Division.
Also part of the Board are Luther Calderon, President of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino (KAMPI) which is a non-government organization for OFWs, and Pete Rahon, who is the Luzon and Metro Manila Coordinator of the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA).

SSS ramps up efforts against erring employers

 BY: RIC CLET

The Social Security System (SSS), seeking to compel companies to fulfill their obligations to their workers, said the annual total of erring employers it sued last year surged 66 percent last year to 1,227 from only 740 in 2010.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said nine out of every ten employers the agency charged in 2011 were for non-remittance of contributions amounting to P460.52 million, including penalties of over P217 million.
"SSS also collected more than P360 million in overdue contributions last year from delinquent employers through legal action. We will continue to step up our filing of cases this year to send a strong message to employers that they must obey the law," De Quiros said.
Among those charged last year were 115 employers that failed to register workers for SSS coverage and refused to show company records to SSS account officers, who are tasked to check their compliance with the Social Security Act of 1997.
Employers face stiff fines and imprisonment of six to 12 years for violations of the SSS charter. The law requires employers to report new workers for SSS coverage with 30 days from start of employment and provides a three percent monthly penalty for overdue premiums.
De Quiros said SSS is poised to intensify its drive against companies with unremitted loan amortizations of employees with the upcoming Loan Penalty Condonation Program for Individual Members, which will open for availment on April 2.
Under the condonation program, members whose amortizations were deducted from their monthly salaries but were not remitted by their employers to SSS will have 100 percent of their loan penalties waived, he said.
"Members applying for condonation will execute an affidavit to certify their employers’ failure to remit the deducted loan payments. SSS will then go after these employers, who face possible criminal charges for estafa or swindling under the Revised Penal Code," he said.
Other borrowers with unpaid short-term loans can also apply for the program, which will condone fifty to 100 percent of penalties depending on the mode of payment and type of delinquent member. SSS charges a monthly penalty of one percent on overdue loans.

Stalwart Troopers rescued alleged victim of rape and Maltreated Worker

                      BY: RIC CLET and MARIZ REVALES

BRGY PANGARUNGAN VILLAGE, Marawi City- The 65^th Infantry (STALWART) Battalion 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army under the sterling leadership of Lt Col Seigred J Espina Inf (GSC) PA under the operational control of 103^rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, 1ID, PA conducted rescue operation to the alleged victim of rape and maltreated worker on March 06, 2012 at Asliah Para Paudac residence in Brgy Pangarungan Village, Marawi City .

On March 06, 2012 at about 1:00 O’clock in the afternoon, a certain Noralyn Amararo, 36 years old accompanied by her relatives all residents of Brgy Ribucon, Kolambogan, Lanao del Norte appeared to this Headquarters and personally talked with 1Lt Ranilo T Micarandayo, Operation Officer of 65IB regarding  the alleged raped and maltreatment of her daughter Mary Apple M Amaro, 16 years old presently employed as worker to a certain  Asliah Para Paudac, the employer and a resident of Brgy Pangarungan Village, Marawi City. Accordingly, prior to the conduct of the rescue operation, Mary Apple was often slapped and strangled by her employer (Asliah P Paudac) every time that she fails to do her job correctly. Accordingly, on her first day of working to the aforementioned employer who was renting house at Brgy Lilod, Marawi City on February 09, 2011 at about 11:00 O’clock in the evening, a certain Malic Dimapinggon, the husband of her employer raped Mary Apple and pointed a Cal. 45 pistol directly to her and threatened to kill her on any opportune time. The incident of raped happened again Three (3) times on June 16, 2011 at MSU Campus, Marawi City, on August 04, 2011 at Brgy Opol, Cagayan de Oro City and on January 17, 2012 at the present residence of her employer at Brgy Panagarungan Village, Marawi City.

On March 06, 2012 at about 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon, One (1) Squad led by Msg Antonio B Langam (Inf) PA, CMO Chief NCO on board KM 450 conducted rescue operation at the residence of a certain Asliah Para Paudac at Brgy Pangarungan Village, Marawi City.  The troops were able to rescue Mary Apple M Amaro and brought to Headquarters of 65IB stationed at Agus 1 Compound, Brgy Datu Saber, Marawi City. At about 7:00O O’clock in the evening Asliah Para Paudac appeared at the aforesaid Army Headquarters and personally talked with Maj. Dhoc K Equing (Inf) PA for the settlement of the standing balance of Thirteen (13) Months salary pay of working. Mary Apple received her\ salary and decided to go home and refused to file charges against the suspects despite of the advice of the unit to do so.

Thus, this humble accomplishment, of the 65IB bespeaks the sincere performance of their mandate to be the real protector of the people and to assist the community and local leaders in solving this rampant slavery and maltreatment where the support of the stakeholders in the community plays a vital role in achieving sound environment to attain long lasting peace conducive for development.

- 30 -

Army chief tells reporters excavation not landslide

                                              BY: Reportorial Team

   Zamboanga del Sur - Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, commanding general of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division told, journalists in a press conference  here yesterday that the alleged landslide in Sitio Balabag, Barangay Depore in Bayog where more than a dozen of journalist held hostage is an intentionally excavated with the use of backhoe by Toronto Venture Incorporated Resources Development (Phils) Inc.  

“As far as the military is concerned we found out that it is not a landslide but an excavation with the use of backhoe.” Cruz said.

Cruz replied when asked what the purpose of the excavation is?. TVIRD intentionally made the excavation for the purpose to clean the area from small scales miners and to prevent them from bringing their supplies for mining operations. He also warned TVI to stop using the Special Citizens Active Auxiliaries (SCAA) for any other activities except to secure the company against threats from NPA, CPP and NDF. He even has a plan to dismantle the SCAA. He also suggested that TVI should hire other group in their other activities.

He said that he ordered an investigation on the alleged involvement of the SCAA on human rights abuses and ordered to stop doing it. ”Let us observe a few days if there will be changes and if they will continue doing the same, we will do our actions”, Cruz said   

Earlier, authorities have denied news report that a group of journalists were held hostage in the area after responding to report that houses will be demolished by a paramilitary forces in Balabag, a mountainous area, where TVIRD is currently conducting mine exploration who had allegedly committed massive human rights violations.

Major Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Philippine Army said that journalists were stranded in a landslide which barred any vehicles from entering the villages in the interior.

Jong Cadion, National Union of Journalist of the Philippines   (NUJP) President, Pagadian chapter said in the same press conference that military forces in the area intentionally blocked their path to hold them hostage.” We immediately reported the incident to the media safety office in Cagayan de Oro City and I sent to other journalists our situation and desperately asked for help”, Cadion said.

He was surprised to the report that after the incident, he went to the police station in the area to report that they were not held hostage.

In a report sent by Captain Albert Caber of the Public Affairs Office said that the clearing operation by the TVIRD started even before the arrival of the journalists.

Even the TVI Public Affairs also disclosed that the incident did not happen. The police and the military claims that the incident did not occur.

TVI Public Affairs said that the press was being used in the black propaganda of a few large financiers and operators of small-scale mining to discredit TVIRD. 

Cadion said that they had conducted interviews to the nearby residents that at dawn of February 19, 2012 TVI personnel went to the area and did the excavation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DENR, PAMB, LGU and AVLADA push Lake Sebu as Ecotourism Site

 BY; RIC CLET

(Koronadal City, March 10, 2012) --The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL) together with heads of concerned local government units(LGUs), national government agencies, the academe and key officials of  the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently affirmed their unstinted support to push the conservation, protection and development efforts of Lake Sebu, being considered as a potential eco-tourism municipality in South Cotabato Province.

In a meeting conducted last March 9 by the PAMB-AVPL, South Cotabato Provincial Governor Arthur Y. Pinggoy Jr. bared  that protecting the environment by balancing economics, ecology and ecotourism are among the top priorities of his province. “We have to push through sustainable development practices particularly our AVPL which includes Lake Sebu as eco-tourism site. No to killing the Lake”, Gov. Pingoy exclaimed.

South Cotabato is a beneficiary of the Canadian International Development Agency or CIDA-funded Local Government Support Program to develop the Ecotourism Highway which includes (North) Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat  and Sarangani.

In his message during the meeting, DENR Regional Executive Director Alfredo Pascual averred that DENR has full support to promote ecotourism and to uplift sustainably people’s living condition in Lake Sebu.

Themeeting also discussed  the upgrading and concreting of Access Road going to 7 Falls Ecotourism Development Project of the Province which eventually could bolster the local ecotourism activities.

Protected area Superintendent (PASu) Leonisa Alfaro of AVPL stressed that in order for the project to be implemented, proper clearance must be secured from the PAMB. The project must have no negative impact to the environment, PASu Alfaro said.

Moreover, Environmental Mgt. Bureau (EMB) representative Engr. Wilson Trajico also stressed that no road improvement could be constructed unless allowed by PAMB and without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) under the Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System.

Other matters discussed in the forum was the occurrence lately of fish kill in the Lake. Invited resource person, Dr. Jaime A. Namocatcat revealed that the primary factor for the Lake Sebu fishkill was due to depleted oxygen levels at lower layers. Among the recommendations were proper fish cage zonation andunderstanding of environmental accountability among fish cage operators, resort owners and households.

The Municipality of Lake Sebu  derived its name from Lake Sebu which forms the three adjacent lakes together with Lahit, Seloton. Lake Sebu rests in the Southern Tiruray Highlands at an altitude of almost 300meters (984ft). The watershed of Lake Sebu is recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the Philippines anda proclaimed protected landscape. (CGValdez/Mcalungsod- Locsin/DENR XII).

SSS Announcement

                  By: Ric Clet

Information about the status of your SSS benefit claims can now be right at your fingertips with the new TEXT SSS.

The new TEXT SSS, an SMS facility, now allows SSS members to get updates on their benefit claims and know more about the requirements in claiming SSS benefits and in changing membership data through text messaging.

The messaging facility, which was launched in 2010 initially provides members with just the status of their salary loans, loan balances and number of contributions. Now with the enhanced system, SSS members can also get the location of the nearest SSS servicing branch to them through their mobile phones.

With more features, members can conveniently get in touch with SSS about their inquiries.

To avail of the new TEXT SSS service, register by sending your SS number and birthdate using the format “SSS REG ” to 2600. Service fee is P2.50 for Globe and Smart subscribers and P2 for Sun Cellular users.

For more information, call the SSS hotline at 920-6446 to 55 or see print ads for details.

DENR, LGU-Maitum team up to boost ecotourism By; MARIZ REVALES

(March 20, 2012, Koronadal City) -- In an effort to bolster the development of local ecotourism, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a meeting recently with some key officials and staff of the Municipality of Maitum, Sarangani Province.

The meeting focused on the development of ecotourism in Maitum pursuant to Executive Order No.111 entitled “Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines”. It was held on March 16, 2012 in the Municipal Hall of Maitum and coincided with the practicum of the cave assessment seminar-workshop, thus affording the DENR and LGU officials an opportune time to discuss initiatives on Maitum’s ecotourism.

Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett welcomed the move of the DENR towards the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region. ”It hurts to see the degradation of environment which is common almost everywhere. I want to spare our municipality from total destruction of forest cover and vegetation,” Mayor Perett emphasized.

DENR XII Protected Areas and Wildlife Division Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser disclosed in the meeting that all plans, programs or projects on ecotourism activities proposed by the municipality should pass through the Regional Ecotourism Council (REC) for review, assessment and sanctions.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the DENR take turns every three years in leading the REC. This year the DENR takes the helm of the REC with Regional Executive Director Alfredo S. Pascual as Chair and adviser on matters related to the administration and technical aspects of Ecotourism Areas. The DOT Regional Director acts as Co-Chair of REC, Hadjinasser announced.

Maitum Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member and Committee on Culture, Arts and Tourism Chair Jess C. Bascuña presented the Municipality’s Ecotourism Master Plan. “We are happy that the DENR is willing to extend assistance to facilitate the implementation of our ecotourism program,” SB Bascuña opined.

DENR Regional Focal Person on Ecotourism Engr.Rosalinda Cortez discussed some strategies for successful ecotourism development.There should be a balance among ecological sustainability, economic viability and social equitability. Engr. Cortez also said that community participation is vital and regarded as a capital in ecotourism. “Let us prioritize activities that preserve the nature and originality of the area,” Cortez added.

Ecotourism has been defined as a form of sustainable tourism in a natural or cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and the satisfaction of visitors.

The DENR with the leadership of Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje has been tasked to ensure ecotourism development while maintaining a healthy environment and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources for the present and future generations. (CGValdez/MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR XII )

# # #

Approved for release:

(Signed)
ALFREDO S. PASCUAL, CESO III
Regional Executive Director



Captions:

Picture 1: Hon. Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett of Maitum (inset) cites the ecotourism efforts of the DENR XII as a welcom move towards the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region, especially in her municipality during a meeting with DENR officials on March 16, 2012 at the Municipal Hall of Maitum.

Picture 2: Inset picture of Hon. Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett of Maitum.




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Bayanihan Spirit Triumphs in DENR-IX Women Sector By: MARIZ REVALES

The women sector in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-IX proves its role as powerful agent of change in relation to environmental  risk reduction as the nation celebrates the National Women's Month this March with the theme "Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone's  Responsibility".   Officers and Members of the BSFA-DENR GAD personnel pose for posterity at their newly established mangrove nursery at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS.                Women from DENR Regional Office, PENRO ZDS, and CENRO Pagadian recently have collaborated with    members of the Bulanit Seaweeds Farmer's   Association (BSFA) to produce around 5,000 mangrove potted propagules an important activity for the establishment of a mini-nursery named as BSFA-Gender and Development (GAD) Mangrove Nursery located at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur.   The BSFA is a people's organization, within the jurisdiction of CENRO Pagadian City,   responsible in the   maintenance   and protection of the existing 54- hectare   mangrove plantation in Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS.   Portion of the 54- hectare mangrove plantation established by the BSFA at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS. DENR 9   GAD focal person Milca N.  Huelar disclosed that the said collaborative effort   is the result of the mutual agreement made between the BSFA officials and the GAD focal person of CENRO Pagadian City during the census conducted last February 24, 2012 to raise quality mangrove seedlings at their own backyards and establish a joint BSFA-GAD Mangrove Nursery which started last March 8, 2012 during the celebration of the World Women's Day.  The raised propagules upon reaching their plantable age of five months this August are to be used for the replenishment of some planted propagules which did not survive due to barnacle ("sisi" in Bisayan dialect) infestation.                   According to experts, mangrove forest serves as a buffer zone from strong winds and tidal waves. It curbs the negative impact of Climate Change such as temperature increase, variability in precipitation and sea level rise.  An average tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year and an acre of trees can take in a cumulative 26 tons of carbon dioxide.     Women sector of DENR-IX and BSFA potting mangrove propagules.             Many people regard mangroves as nothing more than a source of firewood and construction materials. However, mangroves have important ecological functions as well as economic uses. These include the following:  Protection of shoreline, seagrass beds, and coral reefs; Nursery for some fishes, shrimps, and mud crabs; Food and sanctuary for other marine life; Potential ecotourism sites; and Protection of reclaimed land.      Mangroves protect our shorelines from natural elements and provide food and protection to marine animals. Moreover, mangroves offer direct economic benefits. The economic equivalent of one hectare of mangrove per year is estimated at P 22,800. This value comes in the form of wood and fish products. (White and Trinidad, 1998)               Tree growing is being undertaken by Women in the DENR since 2008 when the Green Philippine Highways (GPH) Project   was implemented through social mobilization. This activity is also in response to the objective of DENR – led National Greening Program pursuant to Executive Order No.  26 signed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III last February 24, 2011 which seeks to plant 1.5 billion trees to 1.5 million hectares of denuded lands of the public domain  from 2011-2016.               This bayanihan effort does not end in reforestation activity as the DENR-9 GAD has plans to intensify the implementation of Solid Waste Management in the area and to introduce to women populace some doable livelihood project geared towards disaster preparedness and building resilient communities. (H. A. Ascura/DENR- IX PR).

House probe on power set Tuesday

Monday, March 12, 2012 House probe on power set Tuesday House probe on power set Tuesday Mindanao Gold Star Daily Monday, 12 March 2012 THE issue of power shortage in Mindanao will be discussed during a congressional inquiry set tomorrow.   The Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), acting on behalf of the Mindanao power and business sectors, earlier called for an inquiry by the House committee on energy and special committee on Mindanao affairs into the Mindanao power situation and the curtailment scheme implemented by the National Grid Corp. ofthe Philippines (NGCP). NGCP is a private firm that operates and maintains the country's transmission network and responsible for delivering electricity to the distribution utilities and electric cooperatives.   "We understand that NGCP's action prompted distributors (mostly rural electric cooperatives) to implement two to four hours daily brownout," Minda chair Luwalhati Antonino said. She said that in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City area, brownouts would sometimes last for 10 hours.   Antonino, however, believed that both the Agus 2 and Pulangi hydropower plants have a combined 65mw or more untapped capacity that could sustain demand within a few hours during peak loads.  She said Agus, on hand hand, has an installed capacity of 180mw but only 90mw is being transmitted to the Mindanao grid. On the other hand, Pulangi has an installed capacity of 255mw but only 180-200mw is being dispatched.  Antonino said Pulangi's installed capacity can still be increased if dredging is done to optimize its operation. Likewise, Agus 2's output could be further stretched to a level that will not violate environmental policy on the operation of the plant or a level that will not cause flooding at Balo-i area. Although "it is not yet clear if the 65mw is the reserved power for Mindanao," Antonino said, this can be utilized during peak hours when demand surges. "Why isn't it being used when a lot of Mindanaoans are suffering from the daily brownout?" she asked.  Antonino said the congressional inquiry would hopefully shed light on these issues. In January, the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) reported that the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) was withholding the appropriation for the maintenance of Agus and Pulangi because the plants were due for sale as provided for by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) law. AMRECO said this contributed to the poor performance of the hydro plants. Last year, the National Power Corp. (NPC) reported that at least P3 billion was needed to rehabilitate the hydropower facilities in Mindanao which can contribute to an additional combined power ranging from 100mw to 200mw if realized. Power generation in Mindanao has been steadily increasing at an average annual growth rate of 4.7 percent from 2002-2009. In the second quarter of 2010, the average and peaking capabilities of the hydro power plants dropped to 771mw and 860mw, respectively, resulting in brownouts lasting four-six hours daily in several areas during that period. Today, Mindanao is again confronted with "red alert" status since the start of the year, with around 80-100mw deficiency as reported by NGCP.   The Department of Energy (DOE) has projected that demand for power in Mindanao would increase by an average of 4.6 percent annually over the next 10 years. "To meet and sustain this demand, at least 1,000mw new capacities must be installed over the next decade and still another 1,500mw from 2021 to 2030," said Antonino.   She said the installation of new capacities on a progressive basis is becoming highly imperative.  However, Antonino said that through the years, energy and power infrastructure plans, programs and projects were largely prepared and decided upon in the national capital. "Hence, strong collaboration of the Mindanao local government units, private sector and industry stakeholders, emerged immensely crucial in leveraging Mindanao's reasonable interests," she said.  (PNA) You might also like:

DPWH SEC. SADAIN VISITS, INSPECTS TAWI-TAWI PROJECT By:Bernie Concepcion

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi- (March 11, 2012) Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Secretary Emil K. Sadain personally inspected on-going projects being undertaken by the ARMM government in the island provinces over the weekends. Sec. Sadain made his province-hopping across the southern islands including Tawi-Tawi where he, along with local executives led by Gov. Sadikul Sahali officially inspected the continuing construction of three steel bridges worth approximately P97.0 M across the Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid rapids in Bongao town, which, if completed, will spur economic growth as well as boost social transformation in the islands. Phase I and II of the project had been substantially completed while Phase III posted accomplishment now at 98.13 percent complete while construction works still continuing and expected to be finished by September this year. Construction started last June 10, 2010. Bridge Project Engr. Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-RO-9 said that by April of this year, President Benigno Aquino III is set to inaugurate and declare it open for public use. Sec. Sadain, con-currently DPWH-President Bridge Program Director with an appointment as national Assistant Secretary, pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge projects, it is only now that we are to realize it. The bridge project, one of the priorities of the national government would connect the Bongao capital town island to the other mainland island towns making accessible trade and commerce as well as allow the movements of people to travel by land, according to Sadain. Sec. Sadain also led the ocular assessment and inspection of Tubig Malum (Rio Hondo) in Sitio Malum, Barangay Magsaggaw, Panglima Sugala town about 6 kilometers  from the capital Barangay Bato-Bato to determine the possibility for implementation of the proposed water system as a potential source of potable water. The water system will be tapped and distributed to the entire main island of the province. The river which stretches downstream from barangay Marang-Marang (Languyan town) to Barangay Magsaggaw extending further through Barangay Kulapi towards the southern tip of Panglima Sugala municipality has sufficient volume of fresh water that could cater a growing population. Meanwhile, Gov. Sahali briefed Sec. Sadain about the proposal to undertake the project because it is a priority need of the people. The Governor said it's high time that a viable and sustainable water works system harnessing the Malum River will address the perennial shortage of water supply in the island province Sahali, likewise emphasized his willingness to extend his local counterpart contribution to start with the project even as he toured the ARMM official to the site despite the difficulty in traversing the rugged road conditions and trails to reach the area. "We must do an actual assessment of the situation on the ground and know where to start," Sadain emphasized even as he assured to work for its realization under PNoy's administration. Accompanied by DPWH officials and staff, Sadain took time out to conduct consultations with the seven district officials of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, who joined him in Tawi-Tawi for the  holding of the First Joint Regional and District Conference held at the DPWH district office in Bongao town, where the DPWH-ARMM Reform Agenda 2012 was laid down as a policy guidelines of the ARMM leadership by fully implementing important milestone projects using available resources and funding. Tawi-Tawi DPWH District Engr. Bensoud Ajihil, who played host to the conference vowed to continue to support the ARMM Secretary in fulfilling the reform agenda as mandated by doing its share in developing the southern frontier of the country. Sadain said that in support of the reform programs and good governance of ARMM, milestone targets has been set in place. He declared that DPWH-ARMM has attained remarkable achievements in the pursuit of reform for good governance, defining its new policies and programs in the field of administrative, technical and financial matters, in just almost 3 months since he assumed. He said, the first 100 days accomplishments, for both physical and financial inclusive of the difficulties encountered, the impact of the programs and activities as reflected in the reports as well as recommendations has been submitted to the ARMM regional Governor. Discussions also centered on all the accomplishments of the department and the sharing of information on the problems experienced with regards to project implementation and on how to address them. Sadain is optimistic, with help from all stakeholders to include local government units, Barangays, the NGO's and the members of the community; ARMM will be able to take off from its slumber under the present administration of Regional Gov. Hataman. Sadain, who assumed last January 17, 2012 as DPWH cabinet secretary promised to institute changes not only from within the system but also develop a scheme to address on the deep-seated "culture of people" working habits in bringing the desired development for the ARMM. Earlier, Saidain said that when he was appointed as the DPWH-ARMM secretary, he noticed that it's not only the system that need to be changed but also the culture of the people working on it especially the public officials particularly those under his supervision from what he described as, "from the culture of officials down to workers in the office" and the department's programming on project implementation solely focuses on local roads which were then gradually destroyed as of this period.  On national roads with a total of 1,100 kilometers, about 70 percent of the road was done adding that with the marching orders of the President to the newly appointed ARMM governor to cover the 100 percent National paved roads by next midterm elections, due to that the 70 percent of the national roads should be given right priority under the program of DPWH-ARMM. Sadain added he is now in the midst of undertaking the needed reforms within his department to set the right example and provide the avenue for real change to take its course for the good of the ARMM constituents. Part of the reform effort focuses on reviewing falsified documents on the appointments of employees while upholding civil service rulings in cleansing his department on the old ways of culture to professionalize the bureaucracy, according to Sadain.  Sec. Sadain claimed that President Aquino's choice for OIC Regional Gov. Hataman is welcome as the latter is sincere and committed in delivering reform in the ARMM Region even as he expects everyone to support. The department also looks forward in developing some projects that would invite donor countries in the form of providing grants such as the USAID, Organization of Islamic Conference, JICA and others that extends assistance for member countries. Much earlier, Sec. Sadain has issued a memo to the two district engineering offices which compliments the first district of Maguindanao and the second district of Lanao del Sur for the maintenance of road clearing for the commuters to feel comfortable in their travel from Cotabato City up to Parang and Malabang all the way to Marawi City which stretch up to 70 kilometers long. The road signage's on the sharp curves, street markings and kilometer posts were planned to be placed along the roadsides. The department targets to cater about 80 percent of the budget focused on national roads and bridges and the balance will be considered by 2013. He further explained that he sub-divided their office programming, 80 percent of it for the national roads and 20 percent for the high-impact or strategic roads adding that these roads are those problematic roads on calamity or conflict affected areas. While in Basilan, the secretary accompanied Governor Hataman to inaugurate the multi-million pesos worth of JICA-funded Integrated port Terminal in Lamitan City and inspected other infra projects. In Sulu, Sadain, together with the regional governor and Sulu officials led the ground-breaking of Jolo-Taglibi-Tiptipun road network; inspection of the existing and on-going construction road projects; visit of the area equipment and the Sulu's two engineering district offices; assessment of the proposed water and drainage systems in Jolo; and meeting with local officials led by Gov. Sakur Tan. In the Secretary's entourage were Maguindanao District Engineers Emran Buisan (Dist. 1), and Zainal Mlok (Dist. 2), Lanao District Engineers Tetinga Langit Sumagayan (Dist. 1) and Maldamin Decampong (Dist. 2), Sulu D.E. Taballang Atluh (Dist. 1) and Barlie Nahudan (Dist. 2), Basilan D.E. Bensali Kasim and Tawi-Tawi D.E. Bensoud Ajihil.(PR/BFC)