PIA News Service - Friday, December 12, 2008

RDCC-Caraga conducts 4th quarterly meeting, cites importance of barangay officials in disaster management

BUTUAN CITY (December 12) – The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) of Caraga Region conducted recently its 4th Quarterly Meeting cum Christmas Party held in one of the local convention centers here, participated by RDCC members and stakeholders.

RDCC Chairman and PNP-Caraga Regional Director Jaime Milla presided the meeting together with RDCC Executive Officer and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) OIC-Regional Director, Dr. Blanche Gobenciong, and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga Regional Director F/Sr Supt Warlito Daus.

Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Chairman and Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga Regional Director PCSUPT Jaime Milla (extreme left) delivers his Christmas message before the RDCC members during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council’s (RDCC) 4th Quarterly Meeting cum Christmas Party held in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)... more photos in PHOTO RELEASES...

The meeting was highlighted with the presentation of the drafted Point of Instruction (POI) on the workshop concerning the roles and functions of Punong Barangays as deputized officials who are responsible in providing warning and ensuring safety to all kinds of water vessels/boats during tropical storms. Also, the assessment of RDCC projects and activities for calendar year 2008 were considered as main agenda of the said meeting.

During the presentation of the drafted POI by RDCC Action Officer Ray Gregory Jaranilla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, Dir. Milla stressed that penalties/punishments should be imposed for those who will resist to follow the advise/command of the Punong Barangays as deputized officials in times of disasters especially during tropical storms to ensure the safety of fishermen, passengers onboard all kinds of water vessels.

Meanwhile, Dir. Gobenciong also said that provinces in Surigao will be the pilot areas wherein the drafted POI to Punong Brangays will first be implemented and if found effective, it will then be implemented in other provinces of Caraga.

RDCC members agreed to meet in January 2009 to finalize the schedule of the workshop to all Punong Barangays and to identify who will be the resource speakers for the workshop.

After the meeting, RDCC Christmas Party followed as part of the members and stakeholders’ acquaintance. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By : PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
and PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo


Report on illegal logging

On December 5, 2008 (Friday) at the Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City around 5:30 in the afternoon, joint elements of Bislig City Police Station and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel led by Mr Maga conducted operations against illegal logging resulted to the confiscation of one unit Fuso forward, bearing plate number MBW 29 loaded with illegally cut lumbers which forcibly entered in the compound of Southern Technology Institute of the Philippines Incorporated located at said place.

The driver and one companion managed to escape after sensing the presence of the apprehending elements and abandoned the vehicle. Upon verification conducted by DENR personnel, they found out that said vehicle was loaded with assorted dimensions of sawn lawaan lumbers with an estimated volume of 4,000.00 Board Feet. Said lumbers and vehicle were brought to the DENR Office at Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City for proper disposition.


PNP arrests wanted persons

On December 7, 2008 (Sunday) at Barangay Buena Gracia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur at 10:00 in the evening, joint elements of Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Rodolfo Blanco Bosque and elements of 36th IB Phil Army arrested the suspect identified as Jonifer Mondejar, 31 years old, married and resident of said place.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) under CC number 2455, issued by Hon Judge Dante Luz Viacrusis of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7, Bayugan City for the crime of murder with no bailbond recommended. Arrested person now in the custody of Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

On December 9, 2008 (Tuesday) at 10:00 in the morning at Purok-4, Barangay Balungagan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, a suspect identified as Bonifacio Angkay, 56 years old, married and resident of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station led by PSINSP Wilson Maceda Dela Fuerta by virtue of alias WOA for the crime of attempted homicide under CC number 1649 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00, issued by Hon Judge Carlos Cambray, dated November 5, 2008.

Arrested person now detained at Las Nieves Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Also, on December 10, 2008 (Wednesday) at Sitio Garden, Barangay Tambis, Barobo, Surigao del Sur around 8:00 in the morning, one team from 141st RMG Company led by PInsp Junyd Marohom, Commanding Officer arrested a certain Ryan Semania, 28 years old, married and a resident of the abovementioned place.

Semania was arrested in an operation conducted by 14 RMG against wanted person by virtue of an Alias Warrant of Arrest docketed under Criminal Case number 7627 for Forcible Abduction With Rape issued by Hon Judge Louis P Acosta of 10th Judicial Region branch 32 RTC Surigao City dated 07 June 2007.

Semania is now under the custody of 141st RMG Coy for proper disposition.


A report on traffic incident

On December 10, 2008 (Wednesday) at National Highway of Purok-6 Barobo, Surigao del Sur around 12:15 in the morning, a certain Dario Macedamy Jica, 41 years old, married, a Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Dughan, Barobo Surigao del Sur met an accident at the abovementioned place.

Investigation conducted by Barobo Municipal Police Station revealed that Jica was onboard on his motorcycle Honda XR color red bearing plate number MS-4530 and running at a high speed from Barobo Municipality heading towards San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. While negotiating a blind curve at Purok-6 Barobo Surigao del Sur, his driven motorcycle overshot and bumped into the steel railing at the opposite side of the road.

Victim who sustained jaw fracture and head injuries was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor.


Report on Violation of SP Ordinance

On December 10, 2008 (Wednesday) at the Sidewalk of A.D. Curato Street inside Langihan Market, Butuan City at around 12:30 in the evening, personnel from Vice Control of Butuan City Police Office led by PSInsp Ronaldo V Plaza conducted a simultaneous operations on Violation of Butuan City SP Ordinance number 2226-99 (Selling/Display of Toy Guns and Fake Firearms) and Violation of SP Ordinance Number 1377-A (Selling of Firecrackers without Mayor's Permit and outside of the designated area).

The operations resulted to the confiscation of the items such as 58 pieces assorted toy guns from a certain Jerry Panal, 21 years old, single and a resident of Purok-3 Valencia City; 12 pieces of assorted toy guns and assorted fire crackers and pyrotechnics from Jania Mariano, of legal age, married and a resident of Burgos Extension, Butuan City.

Confiscated items were brought to Butuan City Police Office for proper disposition.

PIA News Service - Thursday, December 11, 2008

ANECO launches PGMA’s “Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT” Program

BUTUAN CITY (December 11) – Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) officially launched on Tuesday (December 9) the “Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT” program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in one of the local convention centers here.

Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) General Manager, Arch. Horacio T. Santos delivers his welcome message before the crowd of all sectors during the cooperative’s formal launching of PGMA’s “Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT” program on Tuesday (December 9) in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)... more photos in PHOTO RELEASES.

In his speech, ANECO General Manager Horacio Santos emphasized the directive of President Arroyo, as well as the role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in implementing the program in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.

GM Santos also said the program is a one-time subsidy amounting to Php500 to the poorest sector of society to help them pay their electric bills.

Further, Santos said recipients of this program are those residential consumers with consumption of 1-100 kilowatt-hour based on May 2008 billing.

Of these mechanics, 59,338 member-consumers of the cooperative are entitled to avail the program, Santos said.

Furthermore, ANECO Finance Manager Rodolfo Ranoco explained the program’s manner of implementation.

According to Ranoco, those member-consumers who are qualified to avail the program will be given credit memorandum stating that the amount of Php500 shall be applied starting December 2008 and future billings. “The amount shall be treated as advances which will be reflected in the consumers billing until the total subsidy has been fully accounted for”, he said.

Meanwhile, Dioscoro Boco, ANECO President said that for this program, ANECO will receive a subsidy amounting to 29,669,000 for the total number of qualified member-consumers. The first release which is 80 percent of the total subsidy will be released by NEA and the remaining 20 percent, amounting to Php5,933,800 shall be released upon liquidation of the first release. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)


Cebu Pacific announces new services from Cebu mounts more domestic flights from queen city

Gokongwei-owned airline Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) plans to further boost its Cebu operations by mounting additional services to key destinations within the archipelago.

Starting January 10, 2009, CEB will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato, and four times weekly between Cebu and Legaspi, with a year-round 'Go Lite' fare of Php 888 one way.

On January 12, the airline will begin thrice-weekly flights between Cebu and Dumaguete, with a year-round 'Go Lite' offering of Php 588 one way. Also commencing on the same day is a thrice-weekly service between Cebu and Siargao, with a year-round 'Go Lite' of Php 888 one way.

"Cebu is a very important market for our airline," said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and distribution. "We will continue to strengthen this hub by offering as many choices for our Cebu passengers as possible."

Iyog added, "At the same time, we'd like to maximize Cebu's accessibility to both foreign and domestic passengers, to heighten both tourism and business opportunities for the entire province."

In addition to its four new Cebu services, the airline will increase the number of flights of existing services.

By January 9, 2009, flights between Cebu and Tacloban will become daily, while starting January 11, CEB will increase its Cebu – Ozamiz flights to four times weekly. By February 2, CEB's Cebu – Iloilo service will go from thrice weekly to daily.

Iyog said that the earlier passengers book their flights, the greater the chances of availing the lowest possible fares.

"The fastest and most convenient way to book and pay for flights, is through www.cebupacificair.com," she said. "Passengers can also block their preferred seats and pre-pay excess baggage through our website, plus check out our other services including fun tours and travel insurance."

CEB is the largest domestic airline in the Philippines, which flies to 27 domestic and 15 international destinations. From Cebu, CEB offers the most number of flights, as it services 15, soon to be 19 domestic destinations and four international destinations. (Michelle de Guzman, Cebu Pacific/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Increase rice yields thru Integrated Rice-Duck Farming Systems

Consistent in its bid to go organic, the municipality of Trento launched recently their new program, the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System.

Under the program, a total of 16 hectares of ricelands will be used as demonstration farms. The farmer-recipients are those who were already engaged in organic farming. Each recipient will receive 150 ducklings per hectare as well as nets and ropes. These assistance is in form of soft loan and is payable after harvest to the LGU of Trento or a total of P8,700.00/ha.

At the launching of the program last July 10, 2008, Trento Municipal Agriculturist Rosario P. Marzo said that although the rice-duck farming system is not a new technology, but for Trento, it is only this time that it is being given much attention with the leadership of Mayor Irenea Hitgano.

She also said that this time, they will be using 2 day-old ducklings so they can be trained in chasing insects and bugs.

She added that with the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System, application of pesticides, herbicides and commercial fertilizers are no longer needed because the ducks will be the one to eat the insects, control the weeds and its manure will serve as organic fertilizer.

After harvest, the ducks can be sold or raised for breeding and when they lay eggs, it will give additional income for the households.

Furthermore, MA Marzo said that an estimated 15-30% increase in the income of the farmer is being envisioned by using this technology.

As per agreement between the LGU and the recipients, the farmers will be responsible in the care and management of the ducks. (Vanessa Pontillo-Sanchez, DA-13/ PIA-Caraga)


DA’s SELAP and LGU Butuan launched “Maisan sa Butuan”

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 13 and the Local Government Unit of Butuan jointly launched the “Maisan sa Butuan”, a project that aims to boost corn production in the locality.

DA strongly supports the project with its funding downloaded to the City LGU amounting to 3.6 million pesos. The said funding support is taken from the DA’s Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program (SELAP).

The Maisan sa Butuan was launched at the City Hall lobby last August 22, this year.

Witnessing the occasion were CA Alberto Buca, Sangguniang Panlungsod Randolf “Doy” Plaza representing Mayor Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza II, Hon. Rodrigo Dayaday, OIC RAFID Rebecca R. Atega and the farmer beneficiaries from Barangay Mandamo and Cabcabon, Butuan City.

The highlights of the program was the ceremonial turn-over of the check to the City from the Department of Agriculture which was handed over by RAFID Chief Rebecca R. Atega and received by Councilor Randolf Plaza.

Followed shortly was the turn-over of certificates to the two groups of farmer beneficiaries from aforementioned barangays.

Under the program, farmer beneficiaries will plant yellow corn and its harvest will be marketed to San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Regional Executive Director Ricardo C. Regis on his message which was delivered through Atega, praised the local government of Butuan on its very active participation on food security program of the government and at the same time uplifting the plight of the farmers. Food production is given an utmost priority of LGU Butuan, in fact agriculture is one of the seven point agenda of the administration of City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II. (Aurell P. Arais, RAFID-13/ PIA-Caraga)


Governor Pimentel spearheaded turn-over of SELAP-Funded FMR Projects

Surigao del Sur Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. was joined by Local Government Officials and representatives of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) XIII in the recent turn-over ceremonies of Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program (SELAP)-Funded farm-to-market road projects at Tandag City and Tago in Surigao del Sur in which recipients of such infrastructure projects are the barangays of Maticdum and Mabuhay in Tandag City and the barangay of Cayale in the municipality of Tago.

The SELAP program provided Php5.5 million to the said infra while the provincial government undertakes the construction of the road network as its counterpart.

According to Governor Pimentel, the total cost of constructing the road following the standard costing set by the Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) could be valued around P12 million.

Other personalities attending the said ceremonies were Surigao del Sur Provincial Administrator Johnny T. Pimentel, Tandag City Mayor Alexander T. Pimentel, Tago Municipal Mayor Hermenigildo T. Pimentel, Provincial Agriculturist Marcos M. Quico, Provincial Engineer Joselito G. Secarro, DA XIII-RAED representative Euvie de Gracia, Barangay Officials and residents of the said area.

After the formal turn-over, Barangay Officials and residents express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the agencies concerned for the completion of the project. According to them, the project provided better access in the marketing of the farm produce and great encouragement of the townfolks to increase farm productivity. (Emmylou T. Presilda, DA-RFU-13/ PIA-Caraga)


SCP: helping the Mamanwa tribesmen

Sharing the sentiments of Mamanwa tribesmen in barangays Taganito and Urbiztondo in the municipality of Claver, Surigao del Norte who are left hopeless while mining activities are going on within their ancestral land, philanthropist Engr. Sergio Pascual is helping them to avail their benefits as stipulated in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act otherwise known as the IPRA law of 1997.

The IPRA law was considered as the landmark legislation during the time of former president Fidel V. Ramos which aimed to recognize, promote and protect the rights of the IPs has instead left the Mamanwa tribesmen at the mercy of the mining companies and remained underserved for over the years. This is despite the continuing mining activities which would supposedly entitle the tribal communities for one percent royalty share from the gross output of the mining operation.

The indigenous peoples through its tribal chieftains Datu Alfredo Olorico and Datu Reynante Buklas of the Mamanwa tribe in the said barangays held a dialogue recently at the Almont Inland Hotel and Resort with mining firms for the release of the royalty share.

They claimed that the on-going mining operations within their ancestral lands has no Prior Informed and Consent (FPIC), a pre-requisite before mining firms can commence its operations. A Memorandum of Agreement between the mining companies and the tribal community is the only supporting document which is a gross disregard to the minimum shares that is due to the indigenous community as provided in the Mining Act of 1995.

The dialogue was made through the efforts of Engr. Sergio Pascual, a philanthropist who is personally helping the Mamanwa beneficiaries tribesmen out from his own pocket.

Pascual is the official representative of the Mamanwa tribal community in the said barangays to air their demands to the mining companies as their Attorney-in-Fact. He is issued with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing him to represent the tribal community in their desire to avail the royalty benefit out from the mining operation.

Pascual was first asked by Datu Gede at his residence in barangay Doongan recently to represent them to the mining companies for their demand of the one percent royalty payment.

Undoubtedly, Pascual immediately opened his arms to help the vulnerable Mamanwa tribe. He then set a meeting with the other tribal chieftains within the ancestral lands.

Recently, Pascual formally met 14 tribal chieftains with their Assistant chieftains at the Drumstick in Alegria, Surigao del Norte. It was then that the tribal leaders agreed to issue a Special Power of Attorney to Engr. Pascual to represent their tribe to the mining companies in claiming for the royalty share that they are entitled to.

The 14 tribal chieftains together with their assistant chieftains agreed to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Engr. Pascual to authorize the latter on their behalf in raising their claims to the mining companies at the Pastoral center in the municipality of Tubod authorizing him to represent the tribal community.

It was followed by a community orientation among the tribesmen in the said barangays recently. Very well informed about the desire of the whole tribal community to demand for the royalty share due to them, which is stated in the law, they agreed to authorize Datu Olorico and Datu Buklas to sign the Special Power of Attorney and MOA with Engr. Pascual by signing a resolution recently at the Mamanwa Learning Center in barangay Urbiztondo.

Buklas and Olorico finally signed the agreement between Engr. Pascual before the Tribal Council recently at the latter’s guest house in Butuan City.

Two weeks after, Pascual stated his move in representing the tribe’s claims. He initiated a dialogue with the mining companies recently at the Almont Inland Hotel and Resort. It was participated by the Platinum Group Metals Corporation and Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation with the presence of representatives from the National Commission on indigenous People Caraga Regional Office 13, the government agency created to implement the law. However, nobody from the Taganito Mining and Mining and Geo-Sciences Bureau attended the dialogue.

The dialogue is just the beginning. The demand for the release of royalty share from the mining companies is still a continuing fight that will hopefully give a brighter future among the Mamanwa tribal community, which the NCIP should push these mining companies for the outright release of the royalty share. Otherwise the IPRA law is a failure in protecting the rights of the marginalized sector, if not the most neglected group, of this country. (Babes D. Tuso, People’s Guardian/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Caraga posts low crime rate in 1st sem, PNP record shows

BUTUAN CITY (December 10) – Record of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 shows less crime rate in the region during the first semester this year compared to the same semester last year.

This was reported by Police Superintendent Cristita dela Cruz, PNP focal person of the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) in a press conference held recently at the conference room of the city hall here, in time with the 18-day campaign to end violence against women spearheaded by GADCC.

According to dela Cruz, there is a less volume of crime rate in the entire region as compared last year, especially crimes related to violence against women and children.

“Basing on the data that we have in PNP-Caraga, crimes especially those related to violence against women and children are less the early semester this year compared to last year,” she said.

Moreover, dela Cruz said, of the crimes reported and recorded in PNP, all were considered solved considering that majority of those who were involved in these crimes were filed with respective cases and are currently undergo hearing on the court.

Meanwhile, the 18-day campaign to end violence against women which kicked-off November 25, 2008 is a commemorative event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25, the International Human Rights Day on December 10, and the Signing of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime including the Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons especially women and children on Friday, December 12, 2008 – which is also the culmination of the campaign.

This year’s activity is anchored on the theme “CEDAW ng Bayan: ReMOVE VAW!” CEDAW stands for Convention on the Elimination all forms of Discrimination Against Women. MOVE on the other hand means Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere. This increases men’s comfort with seeing themselves as responsible, caring, and non-violent partners. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)


CHR-Caraga partners with Esperanza LGU in commemorating Human Rights Week

BUTUAN CITY (December 10) – In commemoration of the Human Rights Week pursuant to Republic Act 9201 declaring December 4 to 10 of every year as National Human Rights Week, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has partnered with the local government unit of the municipality of Esperanza in Agusan del Sur.

In a written statement sent to PIA, Atty. Marilyn Pintor, CHR-Caraga Regional Director emphasized the activity as part of the culmination day which coincides with the worldwide celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In Caraga region, this year’s culminating event dubbed as “Kaamulan”, is held today at the municipal gymnasium of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Dignitaries from the New Zealand Human Rights Commission (NZHRC) and the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) will be the guests of honor who will be paying tribute to the Higaoanon tribe of Esperanza in relation to the CHRP-NZHRC Human Rights Community Development Project.

On the other hand, the event is part of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women spearheaded by the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC), which kicked-off November 25, 2008.

This year’s celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights carries the theme “Dangal at Katarungan Para sa Ating Lahat” (Honor and Justice for all).

Signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 1, 2003, RA 9201 enjoins all government agencies, including government-owned and-controlled corporations to celebrate the week through simple and appropriate ceremonies and activities to make the people aware of their basic human rights in relation to the functions and services offered by these government instrumentalities.

The act also encourages all levels of education/learning institutions, both public and private to celebrate the week through simple and appropriate ceremonies and activities to propagate, particularly among the students, a human rights culture that aims at sustainable development in the country.

The national committee who will take the lead in the preparation and implementation of the guidelines on how to celebrate the week through simple and appropriate ceremonies and activities is headed by the CHR Chairperson as the Chairman, and CSC Chairperson – Vice Chairman.

Further, the committee members are composed of a representative of the following government agencies: Department of Education (DepEd), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Completing the members of the committee are one representative each from two human rights non-government organizations as members, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Commission on Human Rights. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)


RP to host 2008 Global Peace Festival

BUTUAN CITY (December 10) – The country will play host to the International Leadership Conference (ILC) as part of Global Peace Festival 2008 which will open tomorrow, December 11 and will run until December 14 at the Manila Hotel, Manila.

The Global Peace Festival, with the theme “One Family Under God”, aims to gather worldwide support for the peace building efforts and for implementing the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG).

The peace festival looks into ways in which the world can actually become one “global family” by bringing people together across the dividing lines of faith, ethnicity and national background. It is an occasion for those who have common vision for peace to share best practices, laud achievements and launch new activities together.

Last year, together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other government and non-governmental organization – local and international – the committee held the grand staging of the Global Peace Festival 2007 also in Manila attended by 250,000 peacemakers. The activity touches the hearts of the tens of thousands of Filipinos and other foreign guests. The presence of many artists, government, civic, religious and youth leaders have truly made the event meaningful and festive.

This year, the Global Peace Festival will be staged in Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro City, Roxas City, Cavite, Cabanatuan, Baguio and Pangasinan. To cap all these festivals, the Global Peace Festival main event will be held in Manila gathering 2-million like-minded individuals who support the vision of peace, harmony and solidarity.

During the four-day event, affiliates of Universal Federation (UPF) will hold the International Leadership Conference (ILC) on the theme “Toward a New Paradigm of Leadership and Good Governance” to gather top leaders from academe, the youth and religious sectors, as well as from the government and non-government organizations. Simultaneously, an enormous gathering of students will conduct clean-up drives in different parts of the country.

Festivities and competitions will abound during the festival, with lantern-making, singing, dancing and cheering competitions based on the festival’s theme. A colorful parade will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008, starting from the Philippine Cultural Center to the Quirino Grandstand.

The Global Peace Festival 2008 is aimed at promoting unity and goodwill among all people. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13 with reports from UPF)


Let's fix the fixers

The Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission have joined forces with the public in a war on fixers. Armed with the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which took effect in September, the OMB and the CSC are launching on December 9, the International Anti-Corruption Day, the Fix the Fixers Campaign to solicit information on fixers from their victims as well as upright civil servants.

In the Fix the Fixers Campaign, citizens can report fixers by text or phone to the OMB and the CSC, which shall investigate and prosecute the offenders. The key details needed are 1) the fixer's name, 2) the name and location of the government office where he operates, 3) the date and type of transactions he offers to 'fix.' The tips can be texted or called in to hotline numbers given at the end of this statement.

The Anti-Red Tape Law (R.A. 9485) imposes stiff penalties on fixers: imprisonment of as long as six years, or a fine of up to P200,000, or both. Government employees who engage in fixing or collusion with fixers are subject to dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service, on top of the criminal penalties. Let the fixers be warned: don't risk years of prison and big fines just to skim a few hundred pesos.

In this Anti-Fixer Campaign we appeal for the people's vigilance and support, as we do for other major initiatives of the nationwide anti-red tape campaign. Already, the four oversight agencies of the campaign — CSC, OMB, the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, and the Development Academy of the Philippines — have been tapping the views and expertise of clientele and stakeholders in streamlining the frontline services of national agencies. As these procedures are published, with deadlines, fees and requirements clearly set forth, the public can report violations and delays, which are also punishable under R.A. 9485.

In addition, we support efforts by the government and Congress to raise the salaries of public sector personnel under the Salaries Standardization Law Phase 3 resolution. With higher government pay especially in the tough economic environment, there will be less incentive and pressure for public servants to engage in corruption.

The Anti-Fixer Campaign is our chance to prove that when the government and the public unite to achieve a common good, we can make a big difference. We call on all sectors to support this campaign and be essential partners in reforming public service delivery.

SAMA-SAMA NATING SUGPUIN ANG KATIWALIAN!

HOTLINE NUMBERS:

Office of the Ombudsman
(02) 9274102 or 92724040926-6994703

Civil Service Commission
(02) 93201110917-8398272

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION
Public Assistance and Information Office
Civil Service Commission
IBP Road, Batasan Hills, Quezon City
Telefax No.: 931-8119; 931-4180
http://www.csc.gov.%20ph/

PIA News Service - Monday, December 8, 2008

BCWD 4th quarter water quiz show winners bared, completes circle-of-four quiz show champs

BUTUAN CITY (December 8) - Representatives of Taligaman Elementary School and the Butuan Grace Christian School captured Butuan City Water District’s (BCWD) 4th Quarter Water Quiz Show championship titles for elementary and high school level, respectively, held on November 25, 2008 at the BCWD Training Hall, this city.

Photo shows the BCWD 4th quarter water quiz show major winners for the Elementary Level with the Board of Evaluators.

In the elementary level, Danisa S. Sales of Taligaman Elementary School emerged as champion besting 19 other contenders with Thalia Erika L. Laput of Butuan Central Elementary School STEC settling for the runner-up slot. Other semi-finalists were: Ma. Theresa Q. Garcia (Sunrise Christian College), Kristine Josephine D. Busa (Butuan Faith Christian School), Serena C. Yoshizumi (Alviola Village Central Elementary School), Jan Robert Lawrence A. Yamit (Enfant Cheri Study Centre, Inc), and Role May M. Yaoyao (Pareja Elementary School).

In the high school level, senior England Dan C. Estacion of Butuan Grace Christian School outsmarted Raymundo III D. Doce of Sunrise Christian College High School Department to grab the last slot of the circle of four champions who will compete in the championship match come March 2009.

Shown in photo are the contestants of the BCWD 4th quarter water quiz show High School Level together with the Board of Evaluators.

A total of 14 high school students joined the last quarter match. Semi-finalists for the high school level are: Marriz L. Rollorata (Los Angeles National High School), Argie M. Monroy (Libertad National High School), Vitalian Christophere L. Napone (San Vicente National High School), Christine A. Ibay (NORMISIST Laboratory High School), and Jonason R. Macalalag (Taligaman National High School).

Circle-of-four champions who will be competing in the 2008 Water Quiz Show Championship Match slated on March 2009 are Regiel Christian Q. Mag-usara (Butuan City SPED Center), Francis Allan Y. Lim Jr. (FSUU Grade School), Frances El E. Bequilla (Libertad Central Elementary School), and Danisa S. Sales (Taligaman Elementary School). They will be competing in the elementary level.

Meanwhile, in the high school category, Pixy A. Grana (Butuan City Colleges HS), Louis Kym C. Pioco (Agusan National High School), Democrito B. Plaza V (Enfant Cheri Study Centre Inc.), and England Dan C. Estacion (Butuan Grace Christian School) completes the magic four.

The annual water quiz show of BCWD is in line with the thrusts and programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo particularly in instilling to the minds of the Filipino youths the importance of water conservation. (Ajelia Mora, BCWD/PIA-Caraga)