Feature: Charcoal production will reduce wastes

Garbage disposal has been a perennial problem in barangays and towns.

But with the charcoal briquetting project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there will be a reduction in the volume of waste taken from these areas.

Biodegradable waste and agro-forestry wastes such as peanut shells, rice hull and buko husks are the main components of charcoal briquettes.

DENR Regional Director Maximo Dichoso said the office gave Cabiao, in Nueva Ecija; Victoria in Tarlac and Bagac in Bataan complete sets of charcoal briquetting equipments worth P120,000 each.

The production of charcoal in these towns will provide additional livelihood to the residents and alternative source of fuel that is cheap and environment-friendly.

In Cabiao, the charcoal produced is marketed by the local cooperative. They have also producedmixture of biochar and fertilized soil which is a medium for more healthy plants.

In Bagac, they sell the charcoal at P60 per kilo.

Samples of charcoal briquettes were given to other local government units in Victoria by the proponents of the project in Tarlac.

Dichoso added that for every ton of charcoal produced form biodegradable wastes, 88 trees with 10 centimeters in diameter are preserved. (Rebecca Grace S. David)

News Feature: Magic Sugar is cancer-causing

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 30, 2013-Beware of the use of magic sugar!

The Department of Health warns the public of the proliferation of the use of magic sugar by peddlers of buko juice , gulaman at sago and other juice drinks.

DOH Adminsitrative Order No 103-A prohibits the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in any food or drug intended for general use.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Environmental Health Coordinator Susie San Juan said magic sugar is a sweetener that contains sodium cyclamate and saccharin which are cancer-causing ingredients.

Although magic sugar is banned in the country, there are instances when they are smuggled in and sold here cheaper than sugar. Magic sugar comes in powder form while sugar appear in crystals.

The Regional Inter- Agency Council on Environmental Health (RIACEH) will call all Municipal Sanitary Inspectors and Municipal Health Officers to plan measures to address the problem. (Rebecca Grace S. David)

Drilon says positive effects of historic investment upgrade should be felt by poor Filipinos too

Team PNoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon today welcomed the unprecedented investment grade status to the Philippines but said the new resources that come with new investments should be utilized to create new jobs, infrastructure projects and additional health and education services to make the upgrade relevant to poor Filipinos.

In a statement, Drilon echoed the statements of international economists that the Philippines achieved the investment grade rating for the first time after Fitch Ratings upgraded the country's creditworthiness mainly due to a resilient economy and improved fiscal management under President Aquino.

With an investment grade status, Drilon explained, the local industries could now attract more foreign investments since the cost of funds would be usually lower as the rating indicates a well-managed Philippine economy in fiscal and monetary terms that serves as an assurance to creditors that they will be promptly paid. 

However, Drilon said the positive effects of the investments upgrade would be meaningless to poor Filipinos unless the fresh investments would result in the creation of new jobs, additional infrastructure projects and improved delivery of basic social services in the field of health and education.

“While we welcome this unprecedented investment status upgrade that basically acknowledges the positive reforms under the Aquino administration, we must see to it that these fiscal advantages and benefits should lead to more jobs and better incomes for poor Filipinos,” Drilon said.

“We, in the Team PNoy senatorial team, will continue to support the fiscal reforms and good governance programs of President Aquino in the next three years so that these economic benefits will be felt by the poor in terms of better employment and education opportunities, improved health services and more infrastructure projects,” Drilon added.

For her part, Team Pnoy senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros, lauded the historic investment grade status for the Philippines, saying that the development is expected to strengthen the foundation for the government’s anti-poverty agenda.

“The historic investment grade bolsters the government’s arsenal in fulfilling its anti-poverty agenda. It shows that we now have the momentum to pursue the second half of the ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap’ promise,” Hontiveros said, adding that the economic team of the government and President Aquino deserve to be lauded for the upgrade.

Hontiveros said that now was the time for the nation to roll its sleeves to eliminate poverty.  “The government is now in a better position to use economic growth to eradicate poverty,” Hontiveros added. 

In a statement Wednesday, Fitch said it upgraded the Philippines from BB+ to BBB-, which reflects an investment grade rating. The debt watcher also noted that the outlook for the Philippines is stable.

"This rating is unprecedented in the Philippines and can trigger the kind of investment that will help carry the country into its next phase of development," said Norio Usui, Country Economist at the Asian Development Bank.

“The Philippines' sovereign external balance sheet is considered strong,” Fitch said, noting a persistent current account surplus on the back of strong remittance inflow, which proved resilient through the global financial crisis that has rocked the world since late 2007.

Fitch said the Philippine economy—which expanded by 6.6 percent last year—remained strong amid a weak global economic backdrop. “Strong domestic demand drove this outturn,” the debt watcher said, forecasting growth to hit 5.5 percent this year.

Legarda: Easter, A Chance to ‘Resurrect Mother Earth’

In celebrating Easter, Senator Legarda encouraged Filipinos to reflect and engage in a personal renewal and contemplate on what can be done to protect and “resurrect Mother Earth.“

"The Lenten season reminded us of the importance of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. It was the time when we gave up on small indulgences, as we strived for spiritual renewal. Let us find the time to reflect and let us show our love for God and for His creation: the environment," Legarda said.

The Senator said that Filipinos should reflect on their moral and spiritual obligations to keep their personal lifestyles in check as human-induced actions have led to the deplorable state of the environment.

“Easter is a reminder of the great compassion of our God and Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. In return, we should respect the gift of God, protect and conserve what has been given to us. No matter how small, slight adjustments in our lifestyle will contribute to a greener and healthier environment for this and the next generation," Legarda concluded.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Holy Week Message

As we observe the Holy Week, let us find the time to reflect and have a deeper understanding of Christ’s suffering. Let us contemplate and renew our relationship with God and find the true meaning of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and solemn Holy Week.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Holy Week Message

As we observe the Holy Week, let us find the time to reflect and have a deeper understanding of Christ’s suffering. Let us contemplate and renew our relationship with God and find the true meaning of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and solemn Holy Week.

Legarda Encourages Fasting that is Environment-Friendly

MANILA, March 27, 2013-As the Holy Week approaches, Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to "carbon fast"—a kind of fasting that is environment-friendly.

“Filipinos are encouraged to do fasting in many other ways. Aside from fasting from food, we are asked to fast from vices and activities that we can do without, as we focus and usher in a period of reflection and spiritual growth. One best way is to carbon fast,” said Legarda.

“No less than Pope Francis said that we are the stewards of God’s creation and we must protect all things He created including our environment. To carbon fast is to reduce our individual carbon emissions, which is a concrete action on climate change and will ultimately help in saving our ailing ecosystems. It would be best if we  practice a low-carbon lifestyle, even beyond the Lenten season,” said the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Legarda said that the Environmental Studies Institute of the Miriam College has given a simpler explanation of this way of life.  Low-carbon lifestyle is the conscious effort by individuals and communities to change their daily routine and practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to create carbon dioxide sinks. The aggregate of these individual and community efforts will considerably mitigate climate change. 

“Learning how to manage our local resources will eventually lead to the sustainability of our country. Ultimately, the objective is to help the world manage its ecological assets more judiciously so that humanity can live within the Earth’s limitations,” the senator stressed.

Legarda outlined several ways to "carbon fast" —(1) opt for food that is local, plant-based, and in-season because food from distant places utilizes more energy for transportation and preservation, resulting to greater carbon emission; (2) venture into modes of transportation that are energy-efficient, such as walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling whenever possible; (3) economize on energy consumption and shift to indigenous and renewable energy sources, use low-wattage appliances, unplug electronics when not in use, and other similar practices; (4) practice solid waste management by segregating at the source, composting biodegradable wastes and recycling; (5) consume water wisely like gathering and storing rainwater for daily chores; and, (6) plant trees, create forest parks, protect natural forests and undertake reforestation.

Legarda Observes Century-Old Family Tradition during Holy Week

MANILA, March 27, 2013-Senator Loren Bautista Legarda continues to observe the century-old tradition of the Bautista family during the Holy Week and encouraged Filipinos to likewise practice the Lenten traditions they grew up with.

“The Lenten Season, especially the Holy Week, is a time for contemplation. We renew our relationship with God as we reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. There is no better way to do this than by engaging in Church activities and observing Filipino Holy Week traditions,” said Legarda.

The Senator said that her great grandparents, Gregorio Bautista and Agapita Torres-Bautista, started the Bautista annual pabasa in the early 1900s in their house along Avenida, Rizal in Manila. The chanting and singing of the Pasyon did not stop even during the worst times of the Japanese occupation.

“With the impending arrival of the Japanese during World War II, my grandparents hid two sacred images over which the Pabasa was sung. The images were cared for by a couple who used to live in the place where San Lazaro Hospital presently stands,” she narrated.

“The statues survived the war. Today, the two life-sized images of Christ - the Scourging at the Pillar and the Crowning With Thorns - are located in our ancestral home in Malabon. These statues came from Spain and are believed to be already 200 years old,” she added.

Legarda said that she, her brothers and cousins continue to observe the tradition with their aunties every Holy Wednesday and they intend to pass on the tradition to their children.

“Not only does our annual pabasa bring our family closer together, but it also gives me the perfect opportunity to share with Jesus Christ’s suffering. I hope all Filipinos, no matter how busy they are, would also find time to reflect on the sufferings of Christ and prioritize the observance of our religious traditions especially this Holy Week,” Legarda said.

Legarda Supports Call for Science-Based Governance

MANILA, March 26, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed support to the call of Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan Nava for science-based governance, as vital for a country, such as the Philippines, that is composed of mostly coastal areas vulnerable to climate change.

Legarda said that in her capacity as the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, she will have a collaboration with Governor Nava, President of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Network of Local Governments (PNLG) for Sustainable Coastal Development, to work on the proposal.

“There are 832 municipalities and 25 cities in the country that are classified as coastal areas, which increasingly face the threats of climate change, particularly sea level rise and weather in extremes. Given this vulnerability, Governor Nava is right that we must use science-based approach in governing our communities,” she pointed out.

“When Guimaras was able to overcome the greatly challenging 2006 oil spill, Governor Nava proved that working with the science community is key to effective governance that builds a resilient and sustainable community,” Legarda said.

The Senator explained that local government leaders should collaborate and coordinate with the state universities and colleges and even private universities to involve them in the decision-making process of local government units.

She also encouraged coastal municipalities to be members of PNLG and join in the planning, development and management of their coastal resources. At present, only Guimaras, Bataan, Batangas and Cavite are members of PNLG.

“Science will be a major component in making our communities disaster-resilient especially in updating geo-hazard maps, integrating risk information in development planning, preserving ecosystems, establishing effective early warning systems and conducting education and information campaign like a disaster risk reduction workshop for barangays,” she said.

“The magnitude of the work ahead of us may be daunting, but together, and with political will and commitment of all leaders, we can make our communities sustainable and resilient against disasters and climate risks,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Stresses Filipino Seafarers’ Rights Under the Maritime Labor Convention

MANILA, March 26, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, reminded Filipino seafarers of their rights and privileges that are ensured under the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), 2006 when it takes effect within the year.

Legarda, who sponsored and ushered the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the Convention, said that the MLC is the seafarers’ bill of rights.

She explained that the Convention covers basic rights such as freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor; the effective abolition of child labor; and the elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.

“The right to a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards; right to fair terms of employment; right to decent working and living conditions on board ship; and right to health protection, medical care, welfare measures and other forms of social protection are clearly laid down as self-evident rights whose enforcement is demanded by the Convention, and not suggested, as a matter of course,” she added.

Legarda also said that the Convention is envisioned to spur the modernization of shipping fleets to comply with international standards.

“Sea-worthy, safe, efficient, and hopefully, environment-friendly ships will become the norm more than the exception.  Governments are called upon by the Convention to effectively enforce its regulatory role in ensuring safer and secure shipping, in preventing marine pollution, and in ensuring decent work for seafarers,” she pointed out.

The Senator also said that MLC erases ambiguity on the definition of seafarer as the Convention covers not just the crew involved in navigating or operating the ship but also, other workers including cabin and cleaning personnel, bar staff, waiters, entertainers, singers, kitchen staff, casino personnel and estheticians—positions occupied by thousands of Filipinos in foreign vessels.

“Filipinos account for an estimated 30% of the 1.2 million seafarers in the global shipping fleet today. The sea could be one of the most dangerous and harshest environments for workers, which is why we have worked hard to ensure fair working conditions and security of tenure for our seafarers through the MLC. We take pride in our seafarers’ competence, dedication, hard work and contribution to the nation and there’s no better way to give back to them than by ensuring that the protection of our Filipino seafarers’ interest is imbued with national interest,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda’s Pantawid Tuition Program Aims for One College Grad in Every Poor Family

MANILA, March 25, 2013-Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda today said that every family, especially the 3.8 million households that are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), should have at least one college graduate.

Legarda said that her vision, which she will work on in her next term, is a “Pantawid Tuition Program” that will fund one college scholar for every poor family.

“Ang aking hangarin, ang aking gagawin, at ang aking sisikapin sa aking susunod na termino ay magkaroon ng kahit isang diploma ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, lalo na yung nasa ilalim ng 4Ps, para ang bawat mahirap na pamilya ay siguradong magkakaroon ng isang college graduate,” she said.

Legarda explained that ensuring that every poor family has one college graduate will widen the opportunities for progress and freedom from poverty.

“When a family has a college graduate, who has a greater chance of getting a permanent and good-paying job as a professional, they will have a greater opportunity for a better life,” she said, stressing that giving college scholarships to 4Ps beneficiaries would have lasting impact on the lives of the country’s poorest families and will also benefit the nation’s productivity and growth.

  

She added that it would not be a big dent on the government’s education budget if college scholarships are given to the poorest of the poor since state universities and colleges (SUCs) are already in place and have their regular annual appropriations from the national government.

“Not only will the Pantawid Tuition Program help bring down poverty incidence, which is the goal of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, but it will also expand the number of people who are employable and open up opportunities for the youth in the informal sector,” Legarda concluded.

81 Kapampangans join Bayani Challenge 2013 in Cabiao, NE

CABIAO, Nueva Ecija, March 24, 2013-A total of 81 Kapampangans, mostly Gawad Kalinga (GK) beneficiaries and members of Singles for Christ (SFC), currently participate in the ongoing Bayani Challenge  (BC) 2013 in Cabiao town, Nueva Ecija.

 

“We want to give back. We want to help our fellow less fortunate individuals. We want to inspire them to use their poverty in building their community” said GK Tabon, Mabalacat City resident Mary Ann Jaro in an interview.

 

“They may not be Kapampangans but they are still Filipinos. Thus, we need to help them. We would immerse ourselves in the poorest barangays of Cabiao, identify their immediate concerns, and provide solutions to such” SFC member Erwin Macapagal disclosed.

 

“BC is an annual five-day volunteerism event where bayanihan and love for country are showcased through building homes, repairing schools, health missions, climate change mitigation activities and many more” explained Banik Alan Merenciano ofPresidential Communications Operations Office-Office for Special Concerns which organized the event in partnership with GK.

 

Slated from March 23-27, it is anchored on the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan.”

 

It is presently held in 39 sites in 34 provinces across the archipelago and taps over 80,000 volunteers.

 

“BC is not simply about doing volunteer works as we have prepared several socialization activities for the participants such as farmlympics, master kusinero, unity dance, and dating game” Merenciano added. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Legarda Encourages Fasting that is Environment-Friendly

MANILA, March 23, 2013-As the Holy Week approaches, Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to "carbon fast"—a kind of fasting that is environment-friendly.

“Filipinos are encouraged to do fasting in many other ways. Aside from fasting from food, we are asked to fast from vices and activities that we can do without, as we focus and usher in a period of reflection and spiritual growth. One best way is to carbon fast,” said Legarda.

“No less than Pope Francis said that we are the stewards of God’s creation and we must protect all things He created including our environment. To carbon fast is to reduce our individual carbon emissions, which is a concrete action on climate change and will ultimately help in saving our ailing ecosystems. It would be best if we  practice a low-carbon lifestyle, even beyond the Lenten season,” said the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Legarda said that the Environmental Studies Institute of the Miriam College has given a simpler explanation of this way of life.  Low-carbon lifestyle is the conscious effort by individuals and communities to change their daily routine and practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to create carbon dioxide sinks. The aggregate of these individual and community efforts will considerably mitigate climate change. 

“Learning how to manage our local resources will eventually lead to the sustainability of our country. Ultimately, the objective is to help the world manage its ecological assets more judiciously so that humanity can live within the Earth’s limitations,” the senator stressed.

Legarda outlined several ways to "carbon fast" —(1) opt for food that is local, plant-based, and in-season because food from distant places utilizes more energy for transportation and preservation, resulting to greater carbon emission; (2) venture into modes of transportation that are energy-efficient, such as walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling whenever possible; (3) economize on energy consumption and shift to indigenous and renewable energy sources, use low-wattage appliances, unplug electronics when not in use, and other similar practices; (4) practice solid waste management by segregating at the source, composting biodegradable wastes and recycling; (5) consume water wisely like gathering and storing rainwater for daily chores; and, (6) plant trees, create forest parks, protect natural forests and undertake reforestation.

Legarda Urges Filipinos to Participate in Earth Hour, Commit to Greater Efforts on Environmental Protection

MANILA, March 22, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to participate in the Earth Hour on March 23, Saturday, at 8:30 in the evening.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, also said that everyone should go beyond participating in the yearly Earth Hour to support actions on environmental protection and climate change by practicing an environment-friendly lifestyle.

“We join the annual Earth Hour as a declaration that we are one with other nations in promoting for a cleaner, greener, safer and resilient world. But we have to do more. As individuals, we must imbibe the message of Earth Hour,” she said.

“Let’s plant trees not just once a year but at least once a month. Let’s conserve energy not just for one day but everyday. Let’s not just express support for environmental protection and climate change adaptation efforts but lead in taking action,” she added.

Legarda also reiterated her call for industrialized nations to cut down on their carbon emissions, noting that this year’s Earth Hour campaign highlights the “I will if you will” concept.

“As a nation, let us commit that we will increase our efforts to make our communities disaster-resilient and adaptive to climate change if other countries will establish and strengthen measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide support to poor countries in coping with the impacts of climate change. In fact, we have been doing our part and we hope other nations will also do their share,” Legarda stressed.

Legarda: Extend Assistance to Detained Filipinos in Malaysia

MANILA, March 21, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that the rights of Filipinos being charged with terror crimes, as well as those detained for still undetermined offenses in Sabah, are protected by extending timely legal assistance to them. 

Legarda’s call was made in reaction to the reported filing of charges in Sabah against eight Filipinos for allegedly “waging war against Malaysia’s king and harboring people who commit terrorist acts.”  According to reports, the first offense carries a possible death penalty and the other imposes a maximum of life imprisonment on conviction.  Reports indicate that there are more than a hundred Filipinos detained under Malaysia’s Security Offenses Act and another 256 are detained for other offenses.

The Senator said the Philippine government should provide timely legal assistance to the detained Filipinos to ensure that their rights and interests are adequately protected.  “The unfolding police, military and legal offensive against Filipinos in Sabah is alarming given the apparent indiscriminate targeting of Filipinos in these operations and the absence of transparency on the part of the Malaysian government,” Legarda said.

 “Hundreds of Filipinos are now detained in Sabah for reasons that are not clear, both to the accused and the Philippine government.  It is our government’s duty to ensure that its citizens are not subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.  Nothing less is expected of us, even of Malaysia, under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” she added.

The Senator cautioned against “last minute legal action and diplomacy” in attending to the needs of the accused.  She said, “ensuring access to timely effective legal assistance by the accused Filipinos is a duty of the government, as much as Malaysia also has a duty to respect the rights of the accused.”

Legarda said DFA officials should work with their Malaysian counterparts to establish contact with and gain access to these accused Filipinos.

 “Dapat gumawa ng paraan ang DFA na makausap at mabigyan ng tulong legal ang mga kababayan natin,” she said.

Earlier, Legarda asked Malaysia to provide a corridor by which non-combatants may return to the Philippines and for the Philippine government to pursue all avenues to avoid further loss of lives.

DA assures full support to Mango industry

IBA, Zambales, March 20, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Wednesday assured Mango stakeholders of his agency’s full support to the industry.

 

In a message during the opening of the 15^th National Mango Congress in Iba town, Alcala said “Mango is one of the prime commodities in DA’s High Value Crops Development Program as it is one of the country’s export winners. The Philippines was able to export 21,000 metric tons in mango-based products that is worth $16M and around 9,400 metric tons of fresh mangoes as well that is valued at $79.5M.”

 

“Count on DA to continue providing the necessary production and logistics support such as provision of potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, seedlings, plastic drums and, power sprayers. In turn, we depend on the support of the private sector and local government to our programs specifically strengthening associations and providing counterpart funding” Alcala added.

 

“Forming strong relations will make it easier to implement programs while more funding ensures more beneficiaries” the Agriculture chief emphasized.

 

The three-day confab of mango producers, farmers, marketers, scientists, and enthusiasts from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao featured sessions which were anchored on the theme “Increasing mango farmers’ income by stabilizing domestic prices through mango tourism, synchronized mango production, and efficient handling system.”

Topics that were discussed include insect resistance management including improving pesticide use and choice, and updates on the control of Cecid Fly and Capsid Bud; minimum residue level and traceability thru good laboratory practices; biological control of leafhoppers; biological control of anthracnose and diplodia; status of National Organic Act for Mango; nursery/scion grove certification and updates on researches for mango; quantifying postharvest losses in the mango value chain; developing of appropriate packaging, handling, and transport system along the mango value chain in the Philippines; updates on postharvest technology for mango; and status of mango processing in Zambales.

 

Also tackled were implication of ASEAN economic community by 2015 on Philippine fruit industry; latest packaging and marketing trends in mango observed in other countries; importance of tree pruning and nutrition to sustainable mango production; minimizing risks to chemical exposure of spraymen through development of farm implements; proposed accident and life insurance for mango workers; increasing export recovery through improved harvesting tools; and sharing of mango production technologies and mango cultural practices observed in other countries. 

MADRIGAL DARES UNA: DO SOMETHING CONCRETE FOR PABLO VICTIMS

MANILA, March 19, 2013-Instead of “conquering Southern Mindanao” as what the opposition claims it would do in its sorties here Tuesday/Mar. 19, Team PNoy senatorial bet Jamby Madrigal challenged the United Nationalist Alliance to do something concrete for the victims of Typhoon Pablo who are in dire need of relief and rehabilitation.

“I dare UNA to do away with politics and show their compassionate hearts by helping these people even in the form of a donation. I don’t think they can get away with their song-and-dance acts in these places,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal issued the remarks on the eve of UNA’s scheduled sorties in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, two areas ravaged by floods spawned by Typhoon Pablo last year.

The campaign manager of the Liberal Party-led coalition said he expects the opposition to make promises to woo the votes of Southern Mindanao, but doubts whether it has done anything tangible to alleviate the plight of Pablo’s victims.

“In contrast,” Madrigal said, “the Aquino administration has a solid relief and rehabilitation program in place for some 1,176 barangays in 43 municipalities, six cities and four provinces involving 986,346 families and over four million individuals.”

He said that as of last month, affected families in the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur have been the beneficiaries of  food packs and over a P1 million worth of non-food items such as blankets, clothing, mats and kitchen wares.

An additional P50 million in standby funds, Madrigal said, has been released by the DSWD for the food requirements of the affected families.

Madrigal also cited, among other things, the more than P4 million worth of burial assistance provided to 431 beneficiaries and the cash-for-work (CFW) program amounting to over P47 million.

“So you see, while the opposition has yet to offer anything, the Aquino administration is already doing what it can to ease the suffering of our brethren in Southern Mindanao,” Madrigal said. 

“Hindi puwede ang pa-Gangnam-gangnam dito.”

TRAGIC SUICIDE CASE OF A UP STUDENT OVER TUITION, A WAKE UP CALL TO REVIEW EDUCATION POLICY – JINGGOY

MANILA, March 19, 2013-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is calling for a review and restructuring of the government’s college education policy, following the tragic suicide case of a University of the Philippines – Manila student after reportedly failing to pay tuition fee.

 

“I join the UP community and the entire student sector in mourning the death of a fellow Iskolar ng Bayan. This unfortunate incident where one promising student took her own life out of frustration should not have happened, especially when she belongs to a state university,” says Jinggoy, who completed his AB Economics degree in UP School of Economics.

 

Jinggoy cites that the “State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

 

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada further notes, “If this happens to the UP which is considered as the country’s premier state-funded university, I can only imagine more students undergoing the same distress and hardship in finishing their college education in private, considerably more expensive academic institutions.”

 

Sen. Estrada filed a proposed Free Public College Education System through his Senate Bill 447.

 

“By instituting a free public college education system in our country, we would be helping more of our less privileged constituents in realizing their dream of obtaining a college diploma. Also, through this legislative measure, we are able to provide these youth with the basic leverage in securing decent employment for them in the near future,” Sen. Estrada says in the bill’s explanatory note.

 

Apart from this, Sen. Estrada authored Senate Bill 496 or the Regional Subsidized College Education Program or RSCEP.

 

The measure seeks to establish a RSCEP in each region of the country which shall provide a free tuition and all school expenses in any four-year college course leading to degrees in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, education, computer science, nursing and mass communications; sustained provision for books, subsistence, clothing and transportation allowance; and contingent provision for medical and hospitalization expenses.

 

Both legislative proposals were referred to the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture and Committee on Finance.

 

Sen. Estrada intends to refile both measures in the incoming 16^th Congress and actively push for the passage of the same.

Drilon, Magsaysay appeal to NDF-NPA Participate in the elections, be sincere

Team PNoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon and former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. on Tuesday/March 19 appealed to the Communist-led NDF and New People’s Army not to disrupt the conduct of a peaceful election in May, the first under the Aquino Administration.

“I challenge our fellow Filipinos who are members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to participate in the electoral process,” said Drilon, as the LP-led administration coalition candidates barnstormed the Caraga Region, one of the remaining hotbeds of the four-decade-old Communist insurgency.

One of the country’s poorest regions, Caraga is made up of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

“The best and most effective way to change the system is by electing to power the people that we believe will carry out the reforms we all want to see,” added Drilon.

Drilon and Magsaysay also challenged the National Democratic Front, which has held on-and-off peace talks with the government since the 1990s, to “demonstrate utmost sincerity in pursuing peace negotiations.”

The government, the two said, is “resolute in finding ways to achieve lasting peace” in the country.

“Panahon na ng kapayapaan. Tapos na ang digmaan. Let us give peaceful elections a chance,” said Drilon.

During the presidencies of Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, Drilon was a consultant in the peace panels that were formed to reach out to Communist and Muslim rebels.

Magsaysay, whose father and namesake was instrumental in ending in the fifties the Huk rebellion tied to agrarian unrest, chided what he called wrongful activities attributed to NPA rebels such as imposing “campaign permits” from P50,000 to P5 million on political candidates visiting rebel-influenced areas.

“Team PNoy will not tolerate such activities as it will only worsen the problem on insurgency,” Magsaysay and Drilon said in a press statement.

Magsaysay said the government will “exhaust all means to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” amid reports of the NDF’s insincerity in the stalled peace talks with the government.

“A peaceful Philippines is not impossible under the Aquino administration,” Magsaysay said.

“This is evident in the on-going discussions on the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the Bangsamoro entity in which the first of four annexes have already been signed,” Magsaysay said.

“Team PNoy supports all efforts at ending the conflict in Mindanao. That is why the President needs a majority in the Senate, to ensure the success of the peace negotiations with the MILF, as well as with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Magsaysay said.