Legarda Cites Germany’s Experience in Improving PHL’s Natural Resources Governance

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that the Philippines can learn a lot from Germany’s experience in natural resources management and improving relevant policies, particularly on land use planning, coastal protection, sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and on Climate Change, made the statement following a study visit to Germany with fellow Philippine legislators and policymakers from October 12-17, 2014.

The German Government, through the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), extended the invitation to Philippine legislators as part of a project under the framework of the “Land Use Policy and Spatial Planning, Sustainable Forest Management, Adaptation to Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation” program supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Legarda said that the study tour provided important insights into natural resources management, which Philippine legislators can learn from especially since the Senate and the House of Representatives are working on several proposed measures, including the National Land Use Policy, Final Forest Limits Act, Protected Areas Declaration Act, and the Integrated Coastal Management Act.

“Germany’s experience highlights the strong coordination and open lines of communication between Federal (national), local governments, business and civil society. This should also be the case in our country. A national land use policy is crucial in the government’s current disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts. The cooperation and support of all sectors of society is crucial in crafting this measure and eventually effectively implementing the same,” she said.

“The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is currently studying the outcome documents of the public hearings on the National Land Use Policy and the Final Forest Limits Act. These two measures are complementary and with the valuable support of all sectors, the committee targets the approval of the bills by the Senate before the year ends,” Legarda added.

The Senator was also impressed with how Germany has been able to meet its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) targets by pursuing both national and local policy measures that have focused on expanding wind and solar power, improving energy efficiency in the transport and construction sectors, promoting urban development measures, and preserving natural carbon sinks like forests.

Germany’s target is 14 percent reduction in 2020 compared to 1990 levels, 55 percent in 2030, 70 percent in 2040, and 85 percent by 2050. Germany is currently off by seven percent.

“I look forward to working with the German government to see how their initiatives could be adopted in the Philippines. Meanwhile, our agencies of government and local government units should boost efforts on natural resources management through the implementation of existing laws. We must link science and policy-making; finance mechanisms for climate and energy solutions—including energy efficiency, clean technology and green infrastructure investment; and enable the private business and financial community to support comprehensive climate and energy policies and to invest in climate and clean energy solutions,” said Legarda.

Ecija cops nab funeral parlor manager for masterminding embalmer’s murder

GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–Police arrested here a 33-year-old lady manager of a funeral parlor for masterminding the killing of a 42-year-old embalmer here Friday.

          PO3 Dennish Pengson, investigator of the Gapan police, identified the suspect as Cherrylyn Lazaro, branch manager of the St. Peter Chapel Funeral Homes, of Barangay Balite, San Miguel, Bulacan.

          Lazaro was tagged for the killing of embalmer Marty Dela Cruz of 10-A Cynthia St., Doña Carmen Subd., Commonwealth, Quezon City.

          Police said Dela Cruz was sitting at a table inside an eatery and sending text messages through his mobile phone along the Gapan-Olongapo Road in Barangay San Nicolas at around 8:50 am Friday when a lone gunman appeared and shot him repeatedly at point-blank range with a caliber 45 pistol.

          The gunman, wearing a bull cap and a white t-shirt, and described as fair complexioned, between 5’5” to 5’7” in height, medium built and fled on foot towards Barangay Sto. Niño.

Dela Cruz’s co-employee Rick Angelo Sarmiento rushed him to the Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment. He appeared strong despite sustaining gunshot wounds and at the hospital bed, pointed to Lazaro as the one who ordered the attack.

He died two hours later while being operated on.

A police team led by Senior Inspector Jeffrey Alivia arrested Lazaro during a follow-up operation. The gunman remained at large.

Pengson said they are looking at an old grudge as the motive behind the killing. He said the dispute between Lazaro and the victim started when the latter refused to obey Lazaro’s orders to embalm the remains of a man due to lack of certain procedural requirements.

Pengson said the rift worsened when Dela Cruz reported Lazaro’s “extracurricular activities” to the company’s top management in Manila. He said Dela Cruz has in his possession a video showing Lazaro’s having an affair with another man apart from her husband who is set to return soon from abroad.

The video footage has been turned over to the police before the victim died.  

    

Recovered from the crime scene were three live ammunitions from a  caliber .45 pistol. (Manny Galvez)

Clark Museum zooms to tablet, touchscreen and 4Ds to attract younger audience

Shortly by January next year, educational tours at the Clark Museum will never be dull again as students and other young visitors can expect a more upbeat setting and could just tap, swipe, bump or whatever else they can do with their fingers on story lines they prefer to peruse.

Visitors can also better assess historical features and images from exhibit to exhibit or experience watching the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on a 4D theatre or a 3D movie with sensor-equipped motion seats, wind, strobe, fog, rain and scents.

Architect Lala Rodriguez, a member of the taskforce APEC which handles infrastructure matters related to the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit said this is going to be the setup of the new Clark Museum that CDC President/CEO Arthur Tugade aspires for the Freeport and wants to showcase to the foreign delegates starting next year.

“The museum itself is going to transform into a modern-day gallery but will maintain its historical quality,’’ said Rodriguez. 

“From the usual dull and dim, the museum will this time turn into a more enthusiastic, colorful and comprehensive institution coupled with ‘cool’ technology to live up to the expectations of the younger audience and meet as well the demands of the new generation,’’ she added.

Rodriguez said the CDC has allocated P13-million for the improvement of the museum on top of the P5-million that has been allotted for the construction of the shell of the extended building for the theater and some P10-million earmarked to purchase the 4D technology.

The two-story museum will house many of the old photographs, artifacts and replicas among others significant to the history of Clark and of Pampanga but with added molding and framing to rouse the interest of students and tourists alike, she explained.

Among the exhibits that will occupy the first floor include countless pictures, scenic dioramas, relics, true-to-life replicas and murals during the American time, the Aetas and Clark’s metamorphosis from a former US military air base to a thriving industrial hub; while the second floor will display the scale model of Mt. Pinatubo and will feature as well Pampanga’s rich cultural heritage.

The newest feature inside the museum, the 4D theater, will allow visitors to view the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo back in 1991 with spectacular in-theater effects including wind, bubbles and mist to add a breathtaking fourth dimension.

“Students or the younger generation will finally be able to relate to the past and be educated on how the eruption of the volcano created massive damage not only to Pampanga and the region but as well the entire country,’’ said Rodriguez.

According to her, President Tugade is thinking forward and wants to engage the visitors especially the younger generation physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Moreover, Tourism and Promotions manager Noemi Garcia said the number of visits and educational tours is expected to increase when the new Clark Museum opens to the public next year.

"Clark's daily visitors may even double once it is known that we have upgraded our gallery and we are more proactive in dealing with the needs of our future audiences,'' she said. 

Data from the CDC tourism office showed that visitors' arrival from January to September this year totaled 1.17-million. On the other hand, day visitors and educational tours at the Clark Museum, Nayon Pilipino and Paradise Ranch reached 59, 124 from January to June. (Clark Development Corporation)

Senate resumes session Monday

MANILA-After a three-week break, the Senate will resume its plenary sessions on Monday, October 20, to continue working on pending important measures amid a tight schedule.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said senators intended “to make the most out of our schedule, in order to make progress on our growing list of legislative agenda” before congressional sessions adjourn for the All Saints’ Day break on October 29, two weeks from now.

“We have a lot of pertinent bills on our list, and a number of these proposed legislation requires immediate passage. We will make every second of our remaining time in session count. We will give it our best shot,” he said. 

Drilon said senators were expected to start the week by passing on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2042, which prohibits “the development, production, stockpiling, use of chemical weapons, and providing for their destruction,” in order to safeguard the country from the threats and hazards of chemical weaponry.

He also noted that the Senate’s version of the Fair Competition Act, Senate Bill No. 2282, was close to seeing passage as well, after senators finished introducing amendments to the measure.

Drilon explained that the Fair Competition Act was part of a package of priority economic measures which Congress would pass within next year, in order to improve the Philippine’s business climate, boost investment and ensure macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability in time for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Likewise, senators are ready to introduce amendments to Senate Bill No. 2400, which establishes the Sugarcane Industry Development Fund, according to Drilon.

Other Senate measures in advanced stages of legislation include pro-labor bills such as Senate Bill No. 29, or the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 2013; Senate Bill No. 161, which provides security of tenure for all casual and contractual government employees who have rendered the prescribed years of service; Senate Bill No. 12, which provides retirement benefits to barangay officials, health, and day care workers; and Senate Bill No. 1386, or the amendments to the Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999.

Also in the period of interpellation is Senate Bill No. 2269, or the amendments to the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The bill seeks to amend an existing provision in the AFP Modernization Program that will allow the country to purchase major equipment or weapons systems, so long as they are also used by the armed forces of the equipment’s country of origin, or by the armed forces of at least one country.

Additional Senate bills also in the period of interpellation are Senate Bill No. 2210, which seeks to institutionalize the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Program; along Senate Bill No. 2414, which amends the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Legarda Sees Need to Revisit VFA

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that there is a need to revisit the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States because of its onerous provisions, particularly on criminal jurisdiction.

Legarda said that the case of the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude once again highlighted the need to renegotiate certain provisions of the Agreement.

“While we acknowledge the benefits of the VFA, especially in providing the needed support for our armed forces as we have yet to complete the military modernization program, we cannot turn a blind eye to the iniquitous provisions of the Agreement,” she explained.

The Senator noted that the most controversial provision of the Phl-US VFA is the grant of custody of an accused US personnel to US military authorities if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings. On the other hand, the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Australia has substantially different provisions on criminal jurisdiction and custody.

“The SOVFA was crafted in a manner that ensures respect for and ascendance of laws of the Receiving State. It addresses the sensitive issue of criminal jurisdiction through a clear set of rules,” said Legarda, who sponsored the Resolution on the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of SOVFA.

Under the SOVFA, the authorities of the Receiving State have jurisdiction over visiting forces with respect to offenses committed within the Receiving State and punishable by the law of the Receiving State, but not by the law of the Sending State.

Article 11 of the SOVFA states that for offenses committed by a member of the Australian Visiting Force, not relating solely to the property or security of Australia or to offenses done in performance of official duty, Philippine authorities shall have primary right to exercise jurisdiction. Meaning, Philippine law enforcement agencies and courts will have jurisdiction over the case.

Moreover, pending investigation and prior to filing of charges, if the suspect is being held by Australia, he or she will remain in their custody. On the other hand, if he or she is already in the hands of Philippine authorities, custody shall remain with the Philippines.

But, upon the filing of charges with the courts, and until judgment becomes final, custody shall be in the detention facilities of the Philippines. Upon conviction by final judgment, the convict shall serve sentence also in a Philippine jail.

“The provisions of the SOVFA on criminal jurisdiction do not grant to offenders any kind of immunity from criminal prosecution for offenses committed in the Philippines. No offender from the visiting forces who commits a crime in the Philippines will be treated differently from any other accused under the SOVFA. Unfortunately, this is not case in the VFA with the US. We must renegotiate the provisions of the Phl-US VFA. If we were able to come up with such provisions in the SOVFA, there is no reason why we cannot do the same with the VFA with the US,” said Legarda.

Legarda: Vote for Vigan as New7Wonders City

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today urged Filipinos from all over the world to give their full support to Vigan City in making it one of the New7Wonders Cities.

“The search for the New7Wonders Cities is in the last phase with 14 cities remaining in the list. Let us all vote for Vigan City to be included in the final list of the New7Wonders Cities,” said Legarda.

For the final phase, voting is from 7 October to 7 December 2014.

Voting can be done online through the website: www.new7wonders.com/en/citieswhere voters will choose their 7 wonder cities.

Voting can also be done through phone wherein the caller can only choose one city. Mechanics on international phone voting can be seen on this website link:www.new7wonders.com/phonevoting.

Legarda said, “By voting for Vigan City, we express not only our national pride but also our support to integrating the preservation of our culture and heritage in development plans and policies. The preservation of Vigan as a heritage city has not only contributed to the development of the city through gains in tourism but also brought honor to our country.”

Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only UNESCO heritage city in the Philippines and was awarded the Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO in November 2012.

VP BINAY CALLS FOR PATIENCE FROM RETURNING OFWs AMID QUARANTINE VS EBOLA

MANILA-Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Wednesday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from Ebola-stricken countries to be patient as they undergo quarantine procedures to prevent the entry of the deadly virus in the country.

“I ask for the patience and understanding of our OFWs as they undergo Ebola screening procedures. This is for the protection of their own families,” Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said.

“Quarantine is a necessary measure to ensure that the Ebola virus does not reach our shores. We have to err on the side of caution,” he added.

The Philippine government recently implemented a 21-day screening for Filipinos in Ebola-hit countries in West Africa before they would be allowed to travel to back to the country.

The Vice President noted that as one of the world's leading labor-exporting countries, the Philippines is more vulnerable to a massive outbreak of the Ebola virus.

He said that tight screening and surveillance of all ports of entry is key in ensuring that the virus does not enter the country.

“The DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) is a key player here and must be on top of this,” the Vice President said.

“At the same time, we need to roll out an intensive information campaign that will educate the public on what the disease is, its symptoms, and how to prevent and contain its spread,” he added.

“We also need to identify the hospitals with capability to stabilize and treat Ebola patients they are identified as suspected of being infected. Isolation facilities, trained personnel and required equipment must be all available at these hospitals,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Binay assured OFWs returning from Ebola-hit countries of the government’s assistance as they look for employment elsewhere.

“We will also provide them with training and livelihood assistance should they decide to remain in the country,” he said.

Legarda: PHL Gov’t Must Ensure Justice for Jeffrey Laude

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that the Philippine government must ensure that justice will be served in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, allegedly by a US Marine, Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton. 

“I call upon our law enforcers to exert all efforts towards ensuring that justice is served in connection with the violent death of Laude. The case should be pursued vigorously until the perpetrator of the crime is convicted and serves the full penalty,” Legarda said. 

“We also expect the full cooperation of the US authorities in light of the reported involvement of a US serviceman in the crime,” she added. 

Legarda, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said that public fear of a whitewash is understandable, particularly because the suspect is not in Philippine custody. 

She noted that the criminal jurisdiction provision of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is a recurring issue and it is important that the matter is addressed immediately. 

“While US military personnel continue to avail of the hospitality of our country, the iniquitous provision on criminal jurisdiction in the VFA remains in force,” Legarda said. 

Under the VFA, the custody of any US personnel who committed a crime in the Philippines shall remain with US military authorities if they so request “from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.”

POLICE READIES CHARGES ON SUSPECT IN OLONGAPO SLAY

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Police Regional Office 3 under the leadership of PCSUPT RAUL D PETRASANTA, continues to prove that it is quick in solving cases as the suspect in Olongapo slay victimizing a transgender has been identified.

            After coordination has been made with the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), wherein the suspect was identified as Private First Class JOSEPH SCOTT PEMBERTON, United States Marine Corps 2^nd Battalion 9^th Marines, assigned at WESTPACEXPRESS. Pemberton was positively identified by Mark Clarence Gelviro, witness, thru photo line-up process provided by the NCIS representative.

         It has been recalled that on October 11, 2014, victim Jeffrey Laude y Serdoncillo, a.k.a.“Jennifer”, 26, male, a resident of 5^th St., Drapper West Tapinac, Olongapo was found  dead at the comfort room of Room Nr. 1, Celzone Lodge located at 87 Ramon Magsaysay Drive, East Tapinac, Olongapo City.

                 Prior to that, victim together with Mark Clarence Gelviro, a.k.a. “Barbie” met suspect PEMBERTON at Ambyanz Disco Bar located along Magsaysay Drive, East Tapinac, Olongapo City on the evening of October 11, 2014 and decided to check-in  at Celzone Lodge. Victim asked Gelviro to leave before the foreigner could discover that they were both gays and transgender.

            The cashier of the hotel, Mr Elias Gallamos and victim’s friend Gelviro identified the suspect as a male with white complexion, marine haircut, approximately 5’8” to 5’10” in height with pointed nose, which fits to the photo showed during investigation.

             A Special Investigation Task Group “LAUDE” was immediately created headed by Olongapo City Police Director together with OCPO Crime Laboratory, Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division and Provincial Legal Service for the immediate filing of appropriate charges against the suspect who is now restricted under the custody of United States Marine Corps 2^nd Battalion 9^th Marines in Olongapo City.

                 PCSUPT PETRASANTA further stated that “After the thorough investigation of the SITG “Laude” and all the findings are out, we will abide to the usual judicial proceedings as contained in the Visiting Forces Agreement to guarantee that justice will be served.”

Senate’s increase in trust rating due to hard work -- senators

MANILA-Senators today expressed their elation over the latest result of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that the Senate’s trust rating from last quarter increased from 12 percent to 28 percent this month.

 

            Senators attributed the leap in the approval rating to the fact that senators continued to work hard despite the controversies that hounded the Upper Chamber.

 

            “The improving survey rating of the Senate is a reflection of the people’s approval of how the senators have been doing their work,” Senator Cynthia Villar said.

 

“We have seen how senators worked hard to pass measures that will improve the lives of the poor. This will surely encourage us to be more productive,” Villar added.

 

            For his part, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said senators welcomed the increase in the approval rating of the Senate in the recent survey. The only way to get the trust of the people back, according to Aquino, is to continue working hard, create innovative and new solutions to age-old problems and to pass relevant laws and policies that will truly benefit the Filipinos.

 

            “It is likely that people appreciate the pro-people legislation coming out of the Senate. I personally receive a lot of support for the tax measures being pushed. So we must continue to push measures which affect people’s lives and touch real issues which our people care about. There is more to do for sure,” Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said.

 

            Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV said he was glad to learn that the Senate has regained its trust rating. He said the positive rating “can only mean that the investigations have the tacit support of the people.”

 

The SWS survey was conducted amid the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2 and allegations of graft and corruption against Vice President Jejomar Binay.

 

            Last month, Pulse Asia also released results of a similar survey which showed an increase in the Senate’s approval rating from 33 percent in June to 40 percent in September.

 

“I’m glad the Senate improved its rating in the past two surveys,” Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee, said.

 

The SWS survey also showed that House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon enjoyed public satisfaction gains.

           

Drilon received the highest gain as his net satisfaction rating rose by 16 points, from 20 percent to a 36 percent while Belmonte’s rating increased from “neutral” positive 2 to “moderate” positive 13.  (Apple Buenaventura, PRIB)

One (1) Killed and Three (3) Wounded in Army-NPA Clash

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City - One (1) soldier was killed and three (3) were wounded as a result of ongoing combat operations by elements of 54^th Infantry Battalion of 503rd Infantry Brigade, 5^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army against NPA remnants in Sitio Landing, Barangay Camandag, Asipulo, Ifugao about 7:30am, October 14, 2014.

The military forces lead by 1^st Lieutenant James M. Carinan conducted combat operations after they received  information about the presence of NPA remnants in the said area. Upon approaching  the reported area, they encountered the enemy in heavy exchange of gunfires.

Pfc James C En-Ale, Philippine Army was declared dead after the exchange of fire with more or less 25 members of NPA remnants.

Three (3) soldiers were also wounded namely: 1Lt James M. Carinan, Pfc John Ryl J. Discaya and Pfc Raphy C Anongos.

Lieutenant General Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, the NolCom Commander said, “the loss of our comrades is a proof of our desire to pursue the peace and order in this part of our country, even to the extent of sacrificing their own lives. This is part of our mandate”.

“This will not hinder us in pursuing our  mission to stop these lawless elements”.  LtGen Trinidad concluded.

The military forces are still conducting pursuit operations in the vicinity of Brgy Camandag, Asipulo, Ifugao.

Long-delayed anti-El Niño water summit set in Ecija today

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – After a three-month postponement, the  provincial government-sponsored water summit among various national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) will finally be convened today to prepare Nueva Ecija – the country’s rice granary - against the adverse effects of the dreaded El Niño phenomenon on food production and water supply.

          Gov. Aurelio Umali will preside over the summit at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center which will gather such agencies as the Department of Agriculture, the National Irrigation Administration, water districts, LGUs, farmers’ representatives and irrigators’ associations towards formulating an action plan against El Niño.

          Umali, who conceptualized the summit said the event will try to identify the areas in the province which will potentially be hit hard by the prolonged dry spell and mitigate its impact to local farmers.

          The summit was originally scheduled last July but this was postponed following the relief of Josephine Salazar as operations manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems, the operator of the Pantabangan Dam. Salazar swapped post with erstwhile NIA Region 3 director Reynaldo Puno.         

Puno said the summit will come out with projection on the extent of damage that may be caused by El Niño, adding they expect a significant decline in palay and rice production which, if not addressed, will impact on food security targets on a nationwide scale.

          “We will include the farmers in our consultations because they are the ones who will bear the brunt of El Niño,” he said, adding that they will also look into improving the operations of irrigation canals to reduce water loss from the source to distribution areas.   

          Last July, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration advised Filipinos to prepare for below normal rainfall in the last quarter of the year, as scientists are predicting the development of a “weak to moderate” El Niño during the period.

          Pagasa administrator Vicente Malano said below normal rainfall is likely in most areas of Luzon and the Visayas while near normal rainfall conditions are expected over Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Albay, Eastern and Central Visayas and most areas of Mindanao in the months of October, November and December.

          The last time El Niño hit the country was in 2009 and experts said the phenomenon happens every four to five years.

          Umali said the province will have to be prepared for El Niño particularly since water elevation in the Pantabangan Dam fluctuate.

          Yesterday, water level at the dam was at 200.83 meters above sea level (masl).

          According to the National Irrigation Administration, it would take only 22 days of zero rainfall for the water level to shrink to its critical level of 171 masl, which happened nearly two decades ago.

          If the dam’s water level continues to ebb, the dam, which services over 100,000 hectares of farmlands in Nueva Ecija and parts of Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac, will be able to irrigate only 40 percent of these areas, Umali said.

          The provincial government released P1 million to bankroll the initial stage of cloud-seeding operations, which is apart from financial support pledged by First Gen. Corp. and other private entities.

          The summit will pave the way for the creation of an inter-agency group that will look for other alternative sources of irrigation water to lessen the province’s dependence on the Pantabangan Dam.

          With the dam not fully operational, they will utilize the Peñaranda River, the Tayabo Dam and other upstream water sources to augment supply. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Calls on LGUs to be Heritage Warriors, Renews Call Against Destruction of Heritage Structures

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today called on local government leaders and their respective offices to lead the preservation of the country’s heritage and do whatever they can to prevent the destruction of structures with historical and cultural significance.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, made the call as she expressed disappointment over continued disrespect for Philippine heritage with the destruction of many heritage buildings, bridges and similar structures.

“It is heartbreaking to hear news about a historical building or bridge being demolished to also build a new building or bridge in its stead. I am aghast at the disrespect for our heritage and the apparent indifference to public opinion,” Legarda said, noting that citizens and concerned groups would always appeal against the destruction of heritage structures.

“Why don’t we preserve what we have and just retrofit and renovate? The concept of adaptive reuse should be adopted so that instead of destroying our heritage structures, we can restore them and use them for a new purpose. All the great cities of the world like Paris, London and Vienna have retained and respected heritage. Luang Prabang in Laos and Bagan in Myanmar are also good examples of how heritage can benefit people in tourism, livelihood and pride of place. I urge our LGUs to be our heritage warriors, who must lead the preservation and protection of our heritage,” she stressed.

Concerned citizens and heritage conservation groups have been voicing out their strong opposition and taking action against continuous destruction of heritage structures in different parts of the country. Among the historical structures that have been or are being demolished include the Bancal Bridge in Zambales Province, the Dampol Bridge in Nueva Vizcaya, and the Art Deco Michel Apartments, the Admiral Hotel and the Army & Navy Club in Manila.

The Senator explained that Republic Act No. 10066, the National Cultural Heritage Act, clearly states that structures not belonging to the categories of National Cultural Treasures, Important Cultural Property, World Heritage Sites, National Historical Shrine, National Historical Monument, and National Historical Landmark, but are at least 50 years old, are automatically considered heritage structures, unless declared otherwise by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) or the National Museum of the Philippines (NM).

In line with this, Legarda will introduce a special provision under the proposed General Appropriations Act 2015 that will prevent the use of state funds to demolish public and private heritage structures.

“The State should be the first to protect our heritage, thus, we will make sure that no public funds can be used for infrastructure projects that would result in the destruction of our historically and culturally significant structures,” said Legarda.

She added that all agencies should check first with the NCCA, NHCP or NM the cultural and historical value of structures that will be affected by infrastructure projects before proceeding with the new activity.

53hectometer Run held in 7ID

MAJOR GENERAL GLORIOSO V MIRANDA, COMMANDER 7ID together with the participants of the 53hm Run held last morning (Oct 7) of Tuesday.

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – As part of the physical conditioning and camaraderie between 7ID troopers, a fun run dubbed as  “53 hectometer (hm) run” was led by Maj Gen Glorioso V Miranda, Commander 7ID, Tuesday morning, here.

The fun run started with an opening prayer led by Captain Ferdinand H Abuyuan, Division Chaplain 7ID followed by the opening remarks conveyed by Colonel Dionosio C Baudin, Chief of Staff 7ID. Col Baudin expressed his warm welcome to the participants of the fun run.

“I am very glad to see that everyone participated in the 53 hectometer run and what made it special was the presence of our Commander, Maj Gen Miranda. Your (7ID Troopers) participation made this fun run a success. Let us all enjoy the activity and let us start our physical conditioning.” Col Baudin said.

The participants performed stretching exercise led by DSSO representatives. After which, Major Earl C Pardillo, Executive Officer of Division Training School, brief the participants on the route. The Fun Run started around at 6:00 o’clock in the morning.

Maj Gen Glorioso V Miranda commended the 7ID troopers for their efforts in making the 53hm (5.3kms) possible and for its success.

“I congratulate everyone who participated in our fun run this morning. Physical conditioning is really vital to our profession.  As a soldier, it is essential that we keep our bodies fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle always.” Maj Gen Miranda said.

           “We are very much fortunate that we have a camp like this.  A camp that is greatly different from what it was.  I enjoin everyone to take advantage of our camp’s natural beauty and vibrant ecosystem.  Fort Magsaysay is where your families, loved ones, friends, peers and visitors can enjoy each other’s company and experience a different kind of fun and enjoyment.  This is a perfect venue for team building activities, running, biking, hiking, swimming, bowling and fishing.  As a tourist destination here in Nueva Ecija, I would like to invite everyone to experience Fort Magsaysay,”  The commander ended.

Central Luzon PNP Continues to Crackdown Loose Firearms

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga- Police Regional Office 3 under the leadership of PCSUPT RAUL D PETRASANTA has continuously been beefing up its aggressive drive to recover and seize loose firearms through continuous police operations and implementation of Search Warrants against illegal gun owners.
Earlier this morning, joint elements of Nueva Ecija Provincial Intelligence Branch, Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Nueva Ecija Criminal Investigation and Detection Team implemented Search Warrant Nr 18-14 at Brgy Mambangnan, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija which resulted in the arrest of Josefino MILANES, a resident of said place.
Recovered were the following items: one (1) Cal. 45 pistol with Serial Nr MO1635, three (3) magazine assembly with twenty five (25) live ammunition,  one (1) 12 gauge Armscor shot gun with Serial Nr 950506, four (4) live ammunition for 12 gauge shot gun, two (2) pcs empty shell for Cal.45 and one (1) cal.22 air gun with Serial Nr 7061.
The search was done in an orderly and peaceful manner with the presence of Barangay Officials and the arrested suspect and seized pieces of evidence are now under the custody of Nueva Ecija PPO for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, PCSUPT PETRASANTA commended the participating troops and directed all Provincial/City Directors to continuously implement its campaign against loose firearms as part of its continuing effort to ensure a safer Region 3.