Drilon: NGCP impending purchase of PEDC assets, a mere corporate greed, not public service

MANILA, August 11, 2012-A plan by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to purchase the transmission assets of the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) is a by-product of corporate greed and is not being proposed to advance public service, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.   

“This acquisition has nothing to do with public service, it is all corporate greed,” said Drilon.

“As I see it, I could not find any reason – other than vested interest and the desire to rake up money – for the NGCP to decide to intervene in the distribution of electricity in Iloilo, since the present setup seems to be running smoothly, and is more advantageous to household consumers,” stressed Drilon. 

“The petition of NGCP will not work for the benefit of the residents of Iloilo City; instead, it will only be additional burden to them since the buyout will result in a substantial power hike,” he added.

NGCP, the state’s lone transmission networks provider, intends to buy the point-to-point assets of the PEDC for the amount of P600 million. PEDC operates the first 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant in La Paz, Iloilo which supplies electricity to Panay Electric Company Inc. (PECO) – the sole power distributor in the city – which is only one-kilometer away from PEDC, noted Drilon.  

Drilon said electric power charges are likely to increase once the NGCP acquires assets of PEDC, for NGCP imposes transmission wheeling charges in using its system, which will eventually be passed on by power distributors to household consumers.

He estimated the planned buyout will increase the price of electric power by P1.00 per kilowatt hour in the 180 barangays being covered by PECO, which is obviously against the policies of the government.

Earlier, Drilon said the impending buyout will run counter to the true intent of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

Turn-over Ceremony, Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Tarlac City

Major General Allan Luga, Division Commander, 7^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Colonel Demosthenes Santillan, Brigade Commander, 54^th Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army as they deliver their message during the turn-over ceremony of 4 room school building at Villa Bacolor Elementary School last August 7, 2012. (L-R)

Lieutenant General Anthony Alcantara, Commander, Northern Luzon Command; Miss Terry Aquino, Public Service Officer, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group; Mr Earl Bacabac, Social Development Manager, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc; Madam Minviluz Mendoza, Maliwalo Central School Principal; Mr. Renato Cabarios, Alternative Learning System Coordinator, Tarlac Schools Division; Barangay Chairman Jose Lising, Villa Bacolor, Tarlac City and Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, Villa Bacolor Elementary School during the turn over of the symbolic key. (L-R)

Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, Villa Bacolor Elementary School deliver his message during the turn-over ceremony of the newly constructed building donated by ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Ribbon cutting in front of the newly constructed building in Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Villa Bacolor, Tarlac City.

School Building na Produkto ng Bayanihan Naipasakamay na sa Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Tarlac City

TARLAC, August 10, 2012-Pormal nang itinurn-over sa pamunuan ng Villa Baclor Elementary School , Tarlac City ang 4 room school building na produkto ng pagbabayanihan ng ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated, Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at mga mamamayan sa Barangay Villa Bacolor.

Ang turn-over ceremony ay ginanap noong ika-7 ng Agosto taong kasalukuyan sa Villa Bacolor Elementary School covered court na dinaluhan ng mga opisyal ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa pangunguna ni Lieutenant General Anthony Alcantara, Commander ng Northern Luzon Command; Major General Allan Luga, Division Commander, 7^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Colonel Demosthenes Santillan, Brigade Commander, 54^th Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army; Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Hinlo, Battalion Commander 522 Engineer Construction Battalion, Philippine Army; Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres Jr, Battalion Commander, 3^rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Light Armor Division, Philippine Army; Miss Terry Aquino, Public Service Officer, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Dagupan City; Mr. Earl Bacabac, Social Development Manager ng ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated, mga kinatawan ng Department of Education sa Tarlac, Barangay Officials sa pamumuno ni Barangay Chairman Jose Lising, mga guro sa pamumuno ni Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, mga mag-aaral, mga mamamayan sa nasabing barangay at iba pang mga bisita.

Damang dama ang galak at tuwa ng lahat ng lumahok sa nasabing seremonya at naging  kasangkapan upang maipatayo ang nasabing proyekto na akala ng mga mamamayan ay hindi maisasakatuparan.

Ayon kay Barangay Chairman Jose Lising ng Villa Bacolor, limampung taon ang kanilang hinintay bago nagkaroon ng panibagong silid aralan ang nasabing paaralan at naging sagot sa kanilang panalangin ang tulong ng ABS-CBN Foundation at mga kasundaluhan bagamat naging emosyonal ito dahil sa labis na tuwa sa nasabing proyekto.

Ihinayag naman ng mga kinatawan ng ABS-CBN Foundation na sila at ang kanilang organisasyon ay ginawang kasangkapan o tulay lamang ng kanilang mga donors upang makapagbigay ng proyekto na higit na pakikinabangan ng komunidad.

Sabi naman ng mga kinatawan ng Tarlac Schools Division na sina Mr Renato Cabarios at Miss Minviluz Mendoza mas madali nang makamtan ang dekalidad na edukasyon dahil sa mga silid aralan na ipinagkaloob at nabago rin ang pagtingin ng mga tao sa mga sundalo dahil noon ay kinakatakutan ngunit sila pala ay nakahandang maglingkod sa anumang paraan para sa mga mamamayan.

Ayon naman kay Colonel Santillan, Brigade Commander ng 54^th Engineer Brigade, ang gusali ay buhay na testamento ng pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng mga kasapi ng AFP sa mga mamamayan at sila ay kabahagi ng pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran at kapayapaan ng bayan.

Aniya, napakalaking karangalan bilang mga kawal na maging parte ng proyekto at umaasa ito na mas marami pang proyekto ang magagawa nila sa Tarlac dahil ang gusali na itinayo sa Villa Bacolor ay pangalawa pa lamang, ang una ay sa bayan ng Camiling.

Hinikayat naman ni Major General Allan Luga ng 7^th Infantry Division ang lahat ng mamamayan na pagyamanin ang diwa ng bayanihan at ang pagsasagawa ng proyekto sa lugar ay isang hudyat para sa magandang simula at mas maayos pang pakikisama ng bawat isa.

Ibinahagi rin ni Mr. Alvin Hulipas ang kalunos lunos na sitwasyon ng paaralan kung saan nasa limang lumang silid aralan lamang ang ginagamit ng halos tatlong daang mag-aaral ng mahabang panahon at nagsilbing hamon ito para sa kanya na gumawa ng paraan upang maitaas ang antas ng edukasyon sa pinamumunuan nitong paaralan at biyaya sa kanila ang pagpapatayo ng gusali.

Binasbasan ni Reverend Father Cris Lozano ang gusali habang namigay ng mga regalo ang ABS-CBN Foundation sa mga mag-aaral.

Umabot sa dalawang milyong piso ang nagamit na pondo sa pagpapatayo ng gusali.

KIKO: INVESTMENT IN FOOD TRADING HUBS WILL HELP ENSURE FOOD SUPPLY AND PRICE STABILITY

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, today urges the government to establish more trading centers in the country that would help secure food supply and keep food prices stable for consumers while increasing the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk.

"With the imminent sale of the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), the government must prioritize the establishment of trading centers with modern cold storage facilities to ensure that our food supply remains stable and readily available to our countrymen in times of crisis like this. These trading hubs must also be strategically located and easily accessible to both farmers and consumers."

"With this, we should be able to solve the problems of food shortage and price spikes when calamities strike."

Pangilinan adds that more trade centers in the country will empower farmers and fisherfolk as these will give them direct access to the market without falling prey to opportunistic middlemen.

"Kawawa naman ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila na nga ang pinakanatatamaan tuwing ganitong may mga bagyo, sila pa yung nababarat at nawawalan ng tamang kita. Layunin nating maprotektahan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa pamamagitan ng mga 'bagsakan' o trading centers na ito."

Pangilinan adds, "We must lessen the impact of calamities on our food supply. When supplies get scarce, prices will go up and the whole chain becomes disrupted. We need to establish accessible, modern facilities that shorten the supply chain and pass on the savings to consumers." 

Legarda: 3.4-Milyong Pilipinong Kasambahay sa Buong Mundo, Makikinabang sa ILO Convention 189

Inanunsyo ngayon ni Senador Loren Legarda ang pag-ratipika ng Senado ng International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189, o ang “Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers” noong Agosto 6.

Ayon kay Legarda, pinuno ng Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, may 3.4-milyon Pilipinong kasambahay sa loob at labas ng bansa ang makikinabang sa kumbensiyon na pinaboran ng 20 senador.

“Natutuwa ako para sa ating mga kasambahay dahil ang pag-apruba ng ILO Convention 189 ay magbibigay daan sa tamang pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang papel sa mga kabahayan kung saan sila nagtatrabaho at sa kanilang kontribusyon sa ekonomiya,” diin ng senador.

Batay sa talaan ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), taun-taon ay tumataas ang pag-deploy ng Filipino domestic workers sa ibang bansa. Noong 2011, nasa 136,000 na newly-hired Filipino domestic workers ang nagtrabaho  sa ibang bansa. Noon lamang lumagpas sa 100,000 ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong kasambahay na nagtrabaho sa ibang bansa sa unang pagkakataon.

Ipinaliwanag ni Legarda na sa pamamagitan ng ILO Convention 189 ay mabibigyan ng gobyerno nang higit na proteksyon ang mga kasambahay dito at sa ibang bansa. 

“Ang ating mga kasambahay ay may sariling mga pangangailangan, mga pamilyang kailangan suportahan, mga kapatid na pinag-aaral. Tulad natin, sila ay nagtatrabaho, ngunit marami sa kanila ay pinagkakaitan ng kanilang mga karapatan at hinahamak ang kanilang pagkatao. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng ILO Convention 189, tayo ay umaasa na ang ganitong uri ng kawalan ng katarungan ay mawawakasan,” diin ng senador.

“Ngayon ay kikilalanin na ang ating mga kasambahay bilang mga lehitimong manggagawa, hindi alipin, at mapagkakalooban nang maayos na kondisyon sa trabaho, sapat na suweldo at mga benepisyong ipinagkakaloob sa ibang manggagawa,” ani Legarda.

Nagbibigay ang nasabing kumbensiyon ng kalayaan sa mga kasambahay na mag-organisa tulad ng regular na manggagawa. Ipinag-uutos nito na magkaroon  ng batayan na kontrata, batayan na sahod at karagdagang benepisyo tulad ng sick leave ang mga kasambahay.

Drilon asks DepEd to consider changing school year to prevent class disruptions

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Alarmed over the numerous class suspensions recently, Senator Franklin M. Drilon today asked the Department of Education (DepEd) to seriously mull over changing the school calendar to avert class disruptions brought about by heavy typhoons and rains.

“I am suggesting to Education Secretary Armin Luistro that a decision be made because, in my view, all indications would lead to the need to revise our school year for the benefit of everyone,” said Drilon.

Classes in most part of Luzon, particularly in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, have been suspended since Tuesday because of torrential rains that submerged the regions into flood, noted Drilon.

Aside from expressing concerns about the safety of the schoolchildren and youth who choose to attend classes despite heavy typhoons and rains, Drilon was also alarmed over the downside effect on the students of the frequent suspensions of classes’, for “their being absent in school means less absorption and less time to learn.”

"We are working on the improvement of our education system to create a competent human resource for our future. We have this new K+12 system in place, so that students will have more years to study and prepare themselves to work.

“However, these suspensions of classes, if not addressed decisively, will affect the quality of graduates we intend to produce, because their time to acquire new knowledge is being affected by these suspensions which are due to typhoons and rains," said Drilon. 

Citing from news reports, he said about 168 schools in flood-affected areas in Luzon were converted into evacuation centers to accommodate more than 14,000 families affected by continuous rains.

“That scenario is alarming, and what is more disturbing is the fact that it is just two months ago since the new school year opened and yet, we are already experiencing a number of class suspensions that could affect the mandated 40 and 36 weeks of classes for elementary and secondary education and college level, respectively ,” he added.    

“If the school calendar is revised, our schoolchildren will be less exposed to the very adverse weather conditions,” stressed Drilon.

Drilon said he has already filed a bill in the Senate that moves the opening of classes from June to September to prevent class disruptions as a result of the rainy season which takes effect starting June, also the month that marks a fresh school year.

He urged the DepEd to make a study as to the viability of the month of September for the opening of classes. But, he added, the agency may opt other month aside from what he is proposing so long as it will address the problem.

However, Drilon noted that the months of June, July and August are peak months for devastating typhoons in the country. Thus, he expects that school suspensions will be more prevalent in the coming months.

Senate Bill No. 2407 seeks to amend Section 24, Chapter 9, Title VI, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code, which reads: “Section 24. School Year.—(1) The school year for public and private schools shall consist of not less than forty (40) weeks for the elementary and secondary levels, and thirty-six (36) weeks for the college level or eighteen (18) weeks a semester.

2) The opening date shall be fixed by the Secretary, but it shall not be earlier than the first day of June nor later than the last day of July of each year unless prevented by fortuitous events.

Drilon said if his proposal is passed, students and parents will be spared from the inconvenience and hazards of numerous typhoons entering the Philippines.

Legarda: Phl Urgently Needs Effective and Enduring Solution to Flood Problem

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today said that the country urgently needs an effective and enduring solution to its flood problem, stressing that the government must immediately create a plan of action for flood prevention and mitigation and implement it right away.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that while the current focus of the government is on relief, recovery and rehabilitation for those affected by the massive flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon, efforts on disaster prevention and mitigation should not take a back seat.

“Our mindset should not only focus on what is happening now but also, and even more important, on what will still happen in the future because as we engage in post-disaster activities, a new natural hazard might be brewing already and may strike anytime. If we do not address the vulnerabilities of our communities, we will end up always rebuilding and never moving forward,” she pointed out.

The Senator noted that in the Hyogo Framework of Action, a ten-year blueprint for reducing risks to disasters worldwide, policy legislation and governance is the top priority, while readiness to respond is the lowest form of disaster risk reduction (DRR) as it is unsustainable and costly.

“While we experience the ‘new norm,’ tragedy and enormous losses should not be part of this norm. This is the essence of DRR, preventing natural hazards from resulting in a disaster. The challenge therefore is to build-back-better and for this recent calamity, what we need is an effective and enduring solution to the flood problem,” Legarda said.

She emphasized the continuous implementation and strengthening of flood control projects such as the Department of Public Works and Highways’ drainage protection works along national roads and bridges, relocation of informal settlers living along riverbanks and esteros, and drainage improvement and watershed projects in selected locations; as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority’s estero clean-up drive to allow floodwater to subside easily.

“We have to always ensure that esteros, waterways, and drainages are not clogged with waste materials. Moreover, we must educate Filipinos on the importance of waste segregation and provide effective waste disposal methods because government agencies won’t be able to shoulder all the responsibility,” said Legarda, author of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

She added that the increase in budget for flood control and water resource management will be most helpful.

“It is imperative for the government to submit to the discipline of disaster and climate risk-sensitive development planning. The national government budget for 2013 must anticipate and can withstand the impacts and economic stress brought about by stronger typhoons, heavier rains, prolonged droughts and other extreme weather events. The forces that threaten our people and the development of our country must be met with resolute will and sustainable solutions,” she stressed.

In light of the recent disaster, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, will deliver a privilege speech on the State of Disaster and Climate Risks in the Philippines on August 13 and will conduct a public hearing on the lessons from the monsoon flooding on August 16.

CL farmers group launches relief drive

The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL, Farmers' Alliance of Central Luzon) launched a relief drive operation for farmers, indigenous peoples and fisher folks who were affected by continuous rain and heavy flooding in the region. AMGL have been closely monitoring the effect of the calamity on its provincial chapters and member organizations in the region since typhoon Gener hit the region. Groups said that flooding caused detrimental effect to livelihood, health and safety to thousands of farmers in the region. 

“We launched our relief drive operation dubbed as Oplan Sagip Kanayunan-Gitnang Luson to mitigate the flood-affected farmers, indigenous peoples and fisher folks in the region.  We need food, medicines, clothing, mat, water and other basic needs” stated by Joseph Canlas, AMGL chairperson.

“We’ve been receiving information through text messages from our provincial chapters that the flooding have caused damages to farmers’ houses and crops that would absolutely them put them into deep poverty, hunger and indebtedness”

“It is very hurtful that the farmers would suffer a lot as this calamity strikes in the region and still, these farmers were also victims of systematic land grabbing and displacement”, added by Canlas.

 “Thus, we call on our supporters from church people, government employees, students and other sectors in Central Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR) and our friends in other countries to help us alleviate the situation of the farmers in the region”, Canlas said.

Amgl said that based on the government data, more than 800,000 of the 1.2 M affected people in the region were affected by this calamity and mostly were farmers, indigenous peoples and fisher folks in the region. 

“According to our initial data, in Zambales alone, there were 2, 627 families belonging to farmers, indigenous peoples and fisher folks  were mostly hit by this calamity. Particularly in Sta. Cruz town, six barangays such as Brgy. Sabang, Brgy. Guisguis, Brgy. Pagatpat, Brgy. Babuyan, Brgy. Canaynayan and Brgy. Lomboy have experienced heavy flooding due to six mining companies operating in the area. At present, there are 1,150 families who are in need of help, others have vacated to the nearest evacuation centers and more than 50 families of Brgy. Babuyan were stranded and in need of small boat to leave the said area” ,Canlas added. 

“We believe that the flooding in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and  Tarlac were worsened by the releases of water from big dams in the region.  Particularly in Angat river, the Bustos dam released water that came from Angat dam.  The NDRRMC report dated August 7, 7am stated   that it released 202.4 cubic meters per second (cms), which simply means flooding 1,748 hectares 1 meter deep or 349 hectares 5 meter deep somewhere in Bulacan or Pampanga, the catch basin of Angat river,” Canlas said.

“The private operation of dams, particularly its hydro-electric power generation is the root cause of worsened fllooding as it maximizes the sudden increase in water level to generate power.  The higher the water volume, the bigger the potential energy of the water and the more power the turbines and generator.  When dams wait for higher spilling level, it causes flash when they release it, multiplying the destructive effects of continuous rainfall,” he explained.

The group said that unless dams are totally nationalized, flooding in the region would continue to worsen and destroy the livelihood and property of the people. 

“Dams should be operated harmoniously with the welfare of the people and not prioritize profit.  Everybody knows that private power firms manage dams for maximum profitability such as waiting for the highest spilling level before releasing water.  If nationalized, it would prioritize the welfare of the people, thus, releasing water cautiously by avoiding flash flood.  The people should also be consulted about the dam's destructive effects.  Irrigation would also be free from monopoly control and should served the farmers for a low fee if not free of charge,” Canlas said.

Thus, Amgl demanded the Aquino government to re-orient the operations of dams and hydroelectric plants in the region.

“Aquino should quit blaming mother nature and start using common sense.  Though there is continuous rainfall, it is worsened by the flash flood coming from the dams.  He should abandon his political considerations to the rich and influential families that monopolize the power industry and start caring about the people,” Canlas said. 

MOA Signing for the Jalaur Project

TOWARDS RICE SELF SUFFICIENCY. President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses the signing of an P8.95-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II. Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun led the signing, while Agriculture Secretary Prospero Alcala, Senator Franklin M. Drilon and two officials of EXIM Bank look on.

TOWARDS RICE SELF SUFFICIENCY. L-R)  Agriculture Secretary Prospero Alcala, Senator Franklin M. Drilon , Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, President Benigno S. Aquino III, Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun and other two officials of EXIM Bank pose for a photo opportunity after the signing of an P8.95-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II .

SENATOR ANGARA'S STATEMENT ON THE RECENT FLOODS

MANILA, August 9, 2012-We condole with the thousands of families throughout Metro Manila and Luzon who lost loved ones and homes, and who suffered immensely due to the devastating rains and flooding.

This has been the second such massive devastation in three years. Then as in now, the Filipinos' generosity, unity, and strong civic spirit shone through. We laud the heroes, everyone who risked life and limb, to rescue those in danger.

We call on the national and local governments to complement the resilience of our people with the resilience of our cities. We have been spending more on relief and rehabilitation rather than on long-term solutions that will reduce our risks and vulnerabilities--and prevent such disastrous impacts from happening again.

When we deliberate on the national budget for next year, we will scrutinize the government's disaster management plan. We expect it--and will require it--to be anchored on risk reduction, mitigation, and adaption.

If natural calamities such as this rampaging monsoon are indeed the "new normal", then the government ought to be implementing strategies it has not done so before.

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.”