Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas PNoy witnesses P11.2-B deal sealed today; Drilon says project to bolster PHL’s rice self-sufficiency target

MANILA, August 9, 2012-President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed today the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and South Korea which provides for P8.95-billion official development assistance (ODA) to the country to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP), said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

The signing was held at the Malacanang Palace with Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun who led the signing.

“The country is another notch closer toward its rice self-sufficiency target by 2013 after the Philippines has finally sealed the P8.9-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to fund an agriculture infrastructure in Iloilo which is seen to improve the agricultural productivity, said Drilon.

The project dubbed as “Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas” clearly speaks of what Iloilo can contribute to the country in becoming the source of strength of Philippines in terms of agricultural productivity.

“This project will be Iloilo’s contribution to the vision of President Aquino to equip the country with food security soon. Once completed, this project will make Western Visayas the rice granary of the Philippines once again,” said Drilon.

“Aside from being one of the most significant green projects in Panay Island in the recent years because of its pro-environment features, this project will serve as a major step in improving the agricultural productivity and ultimately secure the rice self-sufficiency for the Philippines,” added Drilon.

“Indeed, sound agriculture policies and programs and big-ticket irrigation projects like the Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project Phase II, will bring about increased rice production, stabilize food prices and wages and eventually result in a stronger and vibrant national economy,” stressed Drilon, who was instrumental in the realization of JRMP.

The project which costs P11.2 billion – P2.2 billion is Philippine’s counterpart fund – will be the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon and will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farm land and benefit more than 783,000 farmers, pointed out Drilon.

This will increase the irrigated lands in the region by around 10 percent and the annual regional rice production by around five percent. It will likewise expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, noted Drilon.

As a multi-purpose project, it will provide benefits such as flood mitigation and control, and the promotion of eco-tourism in selected reservoir areas.

On top of these, the project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.

The Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II is envisioned to augment agricultural production, stimulate agri-industrial activities, spur the local economy and the eco-tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the Province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas, in general.

Drilon recalled that implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project was mandated under Republic Act No. 2651 enacted by Congress in 1960. Phase one of the project, which consisted of rehabilitating the irrigation systems with an area of 22,340 hectares, was completed in 1983. But Phase 2 of the project was never implemented since 1988 due to lack of funds and the apparent indifference on the part of the national government.

Legarda Highlights Role of Indigenous Media in Giving Voice to Cultural Communities

MANILA, August 9, 2012-As nations celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP), Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the role of indigenous media in giving voice to cultural communities.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that the country must support indigenous peoples in developing their own media in order to assert the rights of our IPs and to promote the rich Filipino culture that they strive to preserve. The theme for the 2012 IDWIP is “Indigenous media, empowering indigenous voices”.

“There are 110 IP groups in the Philippines, with each community possessing its own traditional knowledge that had been passed on from one generation to the other. But how many of these groups are known to us? How many Filipinos are aware of them? Many of us do not realize that various aspects of our modern lifestyle originated from traditional practices. They can help us dig deeper into their traditional knowledge and relate it to our modern living so that Filipinos will have greater appreciation of our culture and concern for our culture bearers' welfare,” she stressed.

The Senator also said that IP-related programs of government agencies need to be promoted to help gain support from various sectors.

Legarda cited efforts from government agencies and various stakeholders to safeguard the country’s IPs and cultural treasures—the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is undertaking capacity-building activities on various facets of preserving the Philippine heritage; the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) is working closely with other agencies to strengthen the tropical fabrics industry, which will also promote the industry of weaving that many IPs are engaged in; and the Department of Education (DepEd) has created the Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPsEO), which will be responsible for the planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of the agency’s activities and programs on IP education.

Legarda herself has a number of projects that seek to empower IPs and preserve Filipino heritage and indigenous culture. She supported the development of cultural villages of the Ata-Talaingod, the Mandayas, the B’laan, and the Bagobo Tagabawas and various activities of their Schools of Living Traditions, which teach the young generation the traditional arts, crafts, music and practices of the village.

In 2011, the Senator organized Regional and National IP Summits where leaders of IP groups were able to voice out their concerns, particularly on the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the National Museum, Legarda initiated projects such as the  Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, the first permanent textile galleries in the country; the Baybayin gallery, which will showcase the ancient and traditional scripts of the Philippines and is expected to be launched within the year; and the Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which aims to enrich the citizens’ knowledge on tropical fabrics and the culture of weaving, and explore the local technology, adaptation and innovations to perform and renew weaving customs.

“Our IPs are the epitome of the tradition, the skill and the creativity of the great Filipino mind. And as the nation moves forward and pursues a path of progress, we should always include in public discourse the unique situation and needs of our IPs. We must ensure that they are afforded social services and are empowered to be vital and productive members of our nation,” Legarda concluded.

KIKO SLAMS PROFITEERS JACKING UP PRICES OF VEGETABLES, OTHER COMMODITIES AMID GOV'T-IMPOSED PRICE CONTROL

MANILA, August 9, 2012-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who earlier had called for a "price hike holiday" in light of the massive flooding and calamity in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, now slams those involved in "jacking up" the prices of vegetables and other food products and basic commodities amid a government-imposed price control.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo on Tuesday said that "price control" on basic commodities takes effect “as soon as a State of Calamity is declared.” Domingo added, "Profiteering and valuation of the price tag are punishable under the law."

Areas now under a state of calamity at the height of monsoon rains and flooding include many cities in Metro Manila, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bulacan, Laguna, and even parts of Palawan. Information obtained from some government and private sector sources, however, point to price hikes in vegetables, sardines, instant noodles, and water, and emergency items such as batteries and candles.

"Ni hindi pa nga nakakabangon ang taumbayan mula sa grabeng pagbaha, ito na naman at may dagdag na naman tayong pasanin dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin. Para yatang walang kaluluwa itong mga sakim at ganid na negosyanteng mga ito," Pangilinan says. He laments how some parties are taking advantage of the calamity to turn a higher profit.

"Ang kita, kaya namang bawiin e, pero ang pahirapan ang kapwa-tao kapag lubog na nga ito sa hirap--ayan, walang makakabawi diyan," the lawmaker points out.

He adds, "Ang tawag sa mga ganyan: hindi maka-Pilipino. Lubog na nga ang bayan, tinatalo pa tayo sa presyo. At hindi lang ang mga mamimili ang niloloko nila, pero pati na rin ang mga magsasaka. Binabarat nila ang mga magsasaka na walang mapaglagyan ng mag pananim, tapos ibebenta nila nang mahal. Sila lang ang masaya sa sitwasyong ganito." 

Pangilinan encourages those with information against profiteering groups to bring them out into the open and expose traders and other entities out to take advantage of the public during this critical time. He also encourages consumers and retail outlets to source their fresh produce directly from farmers and farming cooperatives, whenever possible, to avoid being duped by profiteering middlemen. 

"Sa ganitong paraan, hindi nabibiktima ang mga tao ng mga negosyanteng mapanamantala. Dahil kapag ganito nang ganito ang sitwasyon, tuluyan nang malulugi ang mga magsasaka at hindi na makapagtatanim. Saan tayo kukuha ng ating pagkain pag nagkataon?" 

Lessons and Hope for Change from Senator Loren Legarda

MANILA, August 9, 2012-“Soon the heavy rains will cease and the floods will subside. The victims will have to rebuild their lives from the tragedy and devastation. This flood is worse than Ondoy. I hope serious government and private sector efforts to build back better the affected communities would start immediately. We must learn the lessons of Ondoy which this recent widespread flooding brings to fore once again. 

“One lesson is clear: We must realize that heavy and excessive rainfall is part of the ‘new norm.’ We must implement immediately our new laws that promote disaster and climate risk reduction. We must endeavor to prevent or reduce flood disaster. As the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure.

“The nation’s capital needs a comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation plan that will reduce people’s vulnerability and increase the resilience of all sectors to floods. Such plan should be developed and implemented together with key stakeholders and must not be abandoned like the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Ondoy. 

“More importantly, we must assess our respective work in reducing flood risk, if we are really making any headway amid the ‘new norm’ we experience in this era of climate change.  Are we working on preventing and mitigating the floods or merely responding to their onslaught? Pursuant to our new laws, we must put greater emphasis and invest more (70-30) on disaster prevention and mitigation and risk reduction measures (which bring cost benefit returns as much as: $1 invested in prevention yields $7-14 saved in response cost according to United Nations and World Bank studies) over disaster response (which is costly and unsustainable). This is the new paradigm shift. However, it seems the shift still has to take place. And our wish for local governments & communities to know the risk and protect lives and property way before any natural hazard strikes remains a goal.

“Are LGUs aware of communities at risk of landslide? How many families have been relocated to safer areas?

“Have Metro Manila LGUs dredged or cleaned up regularly their esteros and strictly prohibited and monitored garbage dumping in them? 

“What is MMDA doing with the missing esteros and those with structures on them? 

“What improvement in the protocol for dam water releases is required in view of the recent widespread flooding?

“Let’s aim at preventing natural hazards (typhoon, strong wind, heavy rains, storm surges, quake, etc.)  from becoming disaster situations through effective risk reduction and management. While disaster response preparedness is important, it is never enough for saving lives and reducing socio-economic losses substantially. This action is last of five priorities set by the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) for disaster risk reduction (DRR).

“The Philippines is reputed as model for implementing the first HFA priority which is policy legislation and governance for DRR. Let’s implement well our laws and deliver the benefits the Filipino people long deserve. Strong political will at national and local levels can help bring about the big change we want to see.”

Angara taps Pampanga architect

CLARK FREEPORT— A Pampanga-based architect will begin his work in Aurora province this month as part of Senator Edgardo Angara’s efforts to promote environment-friendly projects in the Central Luzon province. 

Angara tapped the expertise of Architect Adriano “Andy” Gulapa, a former Candaba town councilor, in leading green architecture projects in Aurora, including those of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in Casiguran town, which is facing the Pacific Ocean. 

Gulapa said that he “supports and welcomes” Angara’s development plans for his home province. 

He added that he is a “staunch believer” in harmonizing development with the environment and in the two-term senator’s advocacy to promote green and environment-friendly architecture.

Angara and Gulapa discussed plans to construct an Aurora-Clark Commercial Complex here that will pave the way for the promotion of the province to the rest of Central Luzon. 

As home of Asia’s largest 600-year old balete tree in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province will benefit much from green architecture that has been proven to attract tourists. (Joey Pavia)

Lyceum of the East and 48th IB to Hold Joint Strategic Action Plan in Aurora National Greening and Gender and Development (GAD) Program

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, August 8, 2012-The National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the two (2) campuses of Lyceum of the East in Aurora and the 48^th Infantry “Guardians” Battalion, Philippine Army based in Brgy. Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora will hold a workshop on the formulation of the Joint Committee Strategic Action Plan (JCSAP) for 2012 to 2015 to assess and to educate environmental situation in the province.

Lyceum of the East-Aurora (LEA) Maria Aurora NSTP President Allan T. Dela Rosa said that the workshop, which is scheduled on August 9 to 10, 2012 in Brgy. Florida, Maria Aurora, “aims to assess the National Greening Program situation in the province in terms of prevailing environmental problems and adequacy of ongoing action in the environment.” 

Mr. Cyril Philip A. Angala, NSTP President of Lyceum of the East, Inc. (LE) Baler said that the workshop also intends to identify the vision, values, mission, overall goal, immediate objectives, and key result areas of the program to address the environment in the province.

The duo said that the expected output will be a Joint Committee Strategic Action Plan (JCSAP) that specifies an assessment of the provincial environment situation, a clearly stated vision, mission and values, the overall goal of the plan, the immediate objectives and key result areas.”

Expected to participate in the activity are selected NSTP Officers and members of the Technical Working Group from the college and the 48^th Infantry “Guardians” Battalion, Philippine Army from the well-performing and low-performing municipalities and other stakeholders. 

2lt Teresita T Ingente said that the activity is also in consonance with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, the army considers the youth as a vital sector of the society that needs attention particularly to win their support and to develop their character.

Meanwhile, the newly launched program of the two (2) campuses: “Gender and Development” is given impetus for the protection of humans particularly the youth. At present the school and the army are designing a program for the said matter.

In recent decades, women's and girls' education and health levels have improved greatly. But in many parts of the world, women are still dying in childbirth, or not being born at all, at alarming rates. Women continue to lack voice and decision-making ability in the household and in society; and, their economic opportunities remain very constrained. This inequality is manifestly unfair. It is also bad economics: under-investing in girls and women puts a brake on poverty reduction and limits economic and social development.

The Gender and Development (GAD) approach is a way of determining how best to structure development projects and programs based on analysis of gender relationships. It was developed in the 1980s as an alternative to the Women in Development (WID) approach that was in common use until then. (Jason de Asis)

Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas PNoy to witness signing of P8.9-B deal with Korea in support of PHL’s rice self-sufficiency target

MANILA, August 8, 2012-The country is another notch closer toward its rice self-sufficiency target by 2013 with the signing of an P8.9-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to fund an agriculture infrastructure which is seen to improve the country’s agricultural productivity, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to witness today (August 9) the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and the South Korea which provides for P8.95-billion official development assistance (ODA) to the country to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP) in the Province of Iloilo, said Drilon, who was instrumental in the realization of JRMP.

The signing will be held at the Malacanang Palace with Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun who will lead the signing.

The project which costs P11.2 billion – P2.2 billion is Philippine’s counterpart fund – will be the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon and will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farm land and benefit more than 783,000 farmers, explained Drilon.

JRMP II is envisioned to augment agricultural production, stimulate agri-industrial activities, spur the local economy and the eco-tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the Province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas, in general.

The project dubbed as “Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas” clearly speaks of what Iloilo can contribute to the country in becoming the source of strength of Philippines in terms of agricultural productivity, added Drilon.

“This project will be Iloilo’s contribution to the vision of President Aquino to equip the country with food security soon. Once completed, this project will make Western Visayas the rice granary of the Philippines once again,” said Drilon.

This will increase the irrigated lands in the region by around 10 percent and the annual regional rice production by around five percent. It will likewise expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, noted Drilon.

As a multi-purpose project, it will provide benefits such as flood mitigation and control, and the promotion of eco-tourism in selected reservoir areas.

On top of these, the project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.

Drilon recalled that implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project was mandated under Republic Act No. 2651 enacted by Congress in 1960. Phase one of the project, which consisted of rehabilitating the irrigation systems with an area of 22,340 hectares, was completed in 1983. But Phase 2 of the project was never implemented since 1988 due to lack of funds and the apparent indifference on the part of the national government.

PRO3 CONTINUES TO CONDUCT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN FLOOD AFFECTED BRGYS

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga- Personnel from Police Regional Office 3 headed by its Regional Director, PCSUPT EDGARDO T LADAO conducted search and rescue operations along flood-stricken municipalities of Pampanga and municipalities of Bataan due to incessant monsoon rains.

            Rescue and retrieval operations started as floodwaters began to rise-up raging from waist deep to 10 feet high particularly in low lying municipalities of Bataan, Bulacan and Pampanga.

            Amid the strong water current, PNP Search and Rescue personnel equipped with rubber boats were able to rescue a total of 104,138 families stranded from their inundated homes and transferred to the 157 evacuation centers within the region. Residents staying from their rooftops who recently refused to leave their personal belongings due to fear of burglars were persuaded to evacuate to a safer place.

PRO3 personnel are still deployed regionwide to conduct SAR operations to different provinces affected by the typhoons.

As of this date,  10 persons were reportedly killed, 2 were injured and 4 are still missing.

            PCSUPT LADAO also directed the SAR Team to conduct search and rescue operations for stranded families particularly on still-inaccessible areas. He also sent additional PNP personnel to thwart criminal elements especially looters and profiteers who may take advantage of the situation.

KIKO: GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MUST OFFER PUBLIC FREE SHORT COURSES ON SAFETY TRAINING

MANILA, August 8, 2012-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan urges government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to offer the public basic safety training courses for free.

Pangilinan adds that doing so will not only equip citizens with skills needed in cases of emergency but will also beef up the government's volunteer reserves.

"We have seen that with the recent flooding that hit Metro Manila, we are severely lacking in manpower that could help in rescue operations. Even if our countrymen heed the call to volunteer during rescue operations, they are ill-equipped to deal with emergency situations. It would be very much like deploying troops to a gun battle without the necessary firearms."

Pangilinan earlier called for a nationwide rehabilitation of the country's sewerage and drainage systems.

"Alam na nga natin na bawat taon ay tinatamaan tayo ng napakaraming bagyo, ganito pa rin ang nangyayari taun-taon—at palala pa nang palala ang sitwasyon. We should invest a significant amount of resources on beefing up our infrastructure and equipping our people with life-saving skills so that more lives will be saved when disasters and emergencies strike.”

“Hindi natin puwedeng sabihin na ‘ganyan na talaga’ dahil hindi tama na taun-taon na lang ay nalalagay sa panganib ang mga tao dahil lang sa pag-ulan na ni hindi pa nga ‘supertyphoon.’ For drastic change to happen, then we must also do drastic actions and do things differently. In this case, doing things differently can be literally a matter of life and death,” the senator points out.

Legarda: Build Back Better, Resilient Communities as Country Experiences ‘New Norm’ in Weather

MANILA, August 8, 2012-As post-disaster efforts are underway for communities affected by the southwest monsoon that brought incessant rains and flooded many areas in Metro Manila and Luzon, Senator Loren Legarda today reiterated her call to build better communities that would be resilient to natural hazards.

“The kind of weather we have experienced in the past days and weeks is part of the ‘new norm.’ This is climate change. And while we experience weather disturbances that bring stronger winds and heavier rains, we have to strengthen our efforts in preparing our communities. We need to recover and rebuild our lives with this in mind. We need to build back better, by further reducing people’s vulnerability, by further building our resilience to floods,” the Senator stressed.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, explained that everyone should be involved in the effort to make the whole nation prepared against natural hazards.

The Senator explained that being prepared means undertaking activities that would prevent disasters. It includes, among others, the cleanup of drainage, waterways and riverbanks, segregating garbage, updating dam protocols, growing trees on vacant lots and roadsides, relocating urban settlers living in vulnerable areas, and setting up rainwater catchment basins so water is stored during rains and used during dry season.

“All sectors must work together. The government must seriously look into improving the flood prevention and mitigation measures in the National Capital Region. The private sector, on the other hand, must strengthen their business continuity plans, especially for hospitals and other lifelines, which are vital for post-disaster activities,” she said.

Legarda also said that the public must be more aware of the disaster risks in their midst and do something to protect lives and property way ahead of any typhoon and other natural hazards.

“Our people should heed disaster warnings and cooperate with the government when they are asked to evacuate their homes for their own safety. Meanwhile, media can help build resilience through awareness raising and public education,” she pointed out.

“While we rebuild the lives of our people in disaster-stricken areas of Metro Manila and Luzon, it may be good to reflect that a similar disaster is likely waiting to happen in hundreds of other places in our country, maybe known already to us. The best choice we have is to make our nation disaster-resilient to free us, once and for all, from the exhausting and costly cycle of rebuilding our communities every single time nature unleashes its wrath,” Legarda concluded.

ABS CBN Star Diether Ocampo reached out to the less-privileged children in Abra

DOLORES, Abra - The people of Brgy. Cardona, Dolores were so happy and grateful to meet ABS CBN Star Diether Ocampo, who recently reached their place despite being isolated by typhoon Gener on August 1, 2012.

Aboard a rubber boat, Ocampo and his team who are part of the KIDS Foundation, Inc. dared the heavy rains and raging Malanas river in order to reach the people of Brgy. Cardona where he promised to donate school building and distributed school bags, school supplies and slippers.

Ocampo’s visit to Brgy. Cardona was intended to have a look into the actual condition of the locality in order to be able to make the appropriate program and proposal for a multi-level school building as requested by the people through Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr. of Dolores, Abra.

A two-story school building is going to be donated by the KIDS Foundation, Inc. intended for the school children at the same time to serve as evacuation center during calamities, because said barangay is always flooded during the rainy season as it is lying low-level and surrounded by three rivers and creeks that cause their isolation even during ordinary typhoon and monsoon rains.

The KIDS (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation, Inc., founded by Ocampo in 2006 with three other co-founders, has for its mission to address and respond to the needs of less-privileged children.  In a brief discussion regarding the programs and projects of the Foundation, with Teejay Deovilla, Programs Coordinator of KIDS Foundation, Inc., he said that, Ocampo was inspired to put up this foundation for children because Ocampo himself is an orphan.  His father died when he was only 8 years old, that he wants to share his blessings to the children.  

Ocampo and his team were supposed to go to Brgy. Cardona on July 31, 2012 upon their arrival in Abra, but they could not cross the Malanas River in Poblacion, Dolores because the flood swelled so high and the current was so strong that the ordinary bamboo rafts could not cross.

Instead, Ocampo spent the day with the people of Dolores and had his birthday party celebration with the children at the Dolores Town Plaza which Mayor Seares sponsored as a way of thanksgiving for his outreach project in Dolores because for the first time in Abra, a showbiz personality had come to the province not to earn a talent fee for his appearance, but rather to serve and respond to the community needs especially in the most depressed barangays. 

The occasion therefore served as an opportunity for Ocampo to consult with the pupils and teachers on what support they need. The pupils requested for a computer unit for their use in school, while Ms. Judith Milagros Zapata, the teacher-adviser of the Drum and Lyre Corps of Dolores Central School requested for a bass drum and trio drums to include sports equipment. Ocampo gave them his outright approval and promised them to deliver the said items during his next trip to Dolores.

The team expressed grateful appreciation to the officers and men of the 503^rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, under Col Eliseo C Posadas, the Brigade Commander, by providing security and escort to the team and helped the LGU staff in transporting the school supplies to barangay Cardona, despite the rains and risks in crossing the Malanas River.

The LGU likewise thanked Ms. Michelle Seares-Umali for without her, the ABS-CBN TV Program “Ako ang Simula” which works in close coordination with the KIDS Foundation as sponsor of the projects being brought to Dolores would not have been realized.

Ocampo is expected to be coming to Dolores more often as he said, he had committed to come for the groundbreaking of the school building project, and also wants to see for himself the construction of the project until its inauguration and turnover to the Department of Education and LGU of Dolores, Abra.

KIKO CALLS FOR 'PRICE HIKE HOLIDAY' AMID MASSIVE FLOODING AND DAMAGE

MANILA, August 8, 2012-As Metro Manila and parts of Luzon struggle to get back on their feet after the massive flooding brought about by days of continuous rain, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan calls on oil companies and dealers of food, vegetables, and basic commodities to "go easy" on price hikes.

Pangilinan made this statement days after some oil companies announced a price hike amid the continuous onslaught of rains and flooding.

"Maawa naman ho tayo sa taumbayan sa mga panahong ito. Naiintindihan namin na kailangang mabuhay ng mga negosyo, pero sa panahon ng krisis tulad nito, sana ay ipagpaliban muna ng mga kumpanya--lalo na yung may mga 'buffer', ika nga, sa kita nila--ang pagtaas ng presyo. Lubog na nga ang mga tao dahil sa grabeng pagbaha, ilulubog pa ba natin sa pagtaas ng presyo mga bilihin?"

He adds, "Baka po pupuwede tayong magkaroon ng pansamantalang 'price hike holiday' para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang taumbayan na makabangon muna mula sa kalamidad na ito bago magpataw ng panibagong presyo ang mga kumpanya. At sana ay kapag nag-stabilize na uli ang merkado ay maibalik ang presyo sa dati nitong lebel."

"Magtulung-tulong na lang ho tayo sa mga panahong ito," says the lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. "Lahat tayo naaapektuhan--mula sa mga magsasaka't manggagawa hanggang sa mga maliliit na negosyante, hanggang sa mga malalaking kumpanya. Pero kung uunahin natin ang bayan at ang mga nasalanta bago ang pagbawi sa kita, lahat tayo siguradong mas mabilis na makakaahon."

Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas PNoy to witness signing of P8.9-B deal with Korea in support of PHL’s rice self-sufficiency target

MANILA, August 8, 2012-The country is another notch closer toward its rice self-sufficiency target by 2013 with the signing of an P8.9-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to fund an agriculture infrastructure which is seen to improve the country’s agricultural productivity, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to witness today (August 9) the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and the South Korea which provides for P8.95-billion official development assistance (ODA) to the country to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP) in the Province of Iloilo, said Drilon, who was instrumental in the realization of JRMP.

The signing will be held at the Malacanang Palace with Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun who will lead the signing.

The project which costs P11.2 billion – P2.2 billion is Philippine’s counterpart fund – will be the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon and will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farm land and benefit more than 783,000 farmers, explained Drilon.

JRMP II is envisioned to augment agricultural production, stimulate agri-industrial activities, spur the local economy and the eco-tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the Province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas, in general.

The project dubbed as “Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas” clearly speaks of what Iloilo can contribute to the country in becoming the source of strength of Philippines in terms of agricultural productivity, added Drilon.

“This project will be Iloilo’s contribution to the vision of President Aquino to equip the country with food security soon. Once completed, this project will make Western Visayas the rice granary of the Philippines once again,” said Drilon.

This will increase the irrigated lands in the region by around 10 percent and the annual regional rice production by around five percent. It will likewise expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, noted Drilon.

As a multi-purpose project, it will provide benefits such as flood mitigation and control, and the promotion of eco-tourism in selected reservoir areas.

On top of these, the project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.

Drilon recalled that implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project was mandated under Republic Act No. 2651 enacted by Congress in 1960. Phase one of the project, which consisted of rehabilitating the irrigation systems with an area of 22,340 hectares, was completed in 1983. But Phase 2 of the project was never implemented since 1988 due to lack of funds and the apparent indifference on the part of the national government.