Support for Drilon, Singson, Jimenez over ‘baseless and malicious’ allegations on ICC, inspiring

MANILA-The Office of the Senate President is very grateful for the outpouring of support to Senate President Franklin M. Drilon amidst the malicious, absurd and baseless allegations hurled against him, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez in connection with the construction of the yet to be completed Iloilo Convention Center.
 
“The Office of the Senate President is thankful for the public’s tremendous support for Senate President Drilon. That people from all walks of life went out of their way, with some using their social networking sites, to defend him and express their disapproval and dismay at unfounded allegations regarding the much-awaited Iloilo Convention Center is very heartening and inspiring,” said Atty. Alu Dorotan, head of the legal team of the Office of the Senate President. 

“It only shows that the people know wholeheartedly that Drilon, Singson and Jimenez are good men, who only want the best for the country. The people believe in the ICC and what it can do for the development and promotion of tourism in the country,” Dorotan stressed.

Dorotan said the Senate chief is “thankful and humbled” by everyone who has expressed support amid this assault against him and the much-awaited ICC.

“You can never put a good man down,” she added.

Earlier, members of the business community as well as local leaders in Iloilo rallied behind the three officials who were made respondents to a plunder case in connection with the construction of the ICC.

Former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim, who served under the administrations of former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, and Dr. Alfonso Uy, president emeritus of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., are among the signatories to a manifesto of support for Drilon, Singson and Jimenez.

Dorotan said Lim and Uy, with several others, said “(they) condemn the people who are out to thwart progress in Iloilo by maligning these dedicated public servants who have only the best interests of the country and Iloilo at heart.”

Quoting from the manifesto, Dorotan further said that the business community in Iloilo said “(they) have never seen someone so dedicated to the cause of Iloilo than Sen. Drilon. We therefore find it preposterous that a plunder case should be filed against him for the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center.”

Dorotan emphasized that the 11,693.79 square meters ICC is primarily a tourism project under the Department of Tourism with the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highway which supervised the bidding.

She underscored that the ICC, which is equivalent to a seven-storey building, isa realization of a lifelong dream of the residents of Panay Island to have their own iconic, highly impressive and sophisticated convention center. “It aims to draw local and international guest for large-scale conventions, summits, congresses, trade fairs and exhibits, and other important events and put the country - particularly Western Visayas - on the business tourism map,” Dorotan said.

 “The ICC will also spur the creation of new jobs and other livelihood opportunities for the residents of Iloilo and neighboring areas. As proof of the ICC’s potential, new hotels near the ICC site are already being constructed,” she concluded. 

LP stalwart unmasks ICC complainant as UNA-backed fraud

MANILA-Liberal Party stalwart Representative Edgar “Egay” Erice today revealed the “deceitful ties” of the discredited political operator behind the charges against Senate President Frank Drilon and other officials involving the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), Manuel Mejorada, to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), who are using the ICC probe to shift public attention away from the investigations on Binay’s ill-wealth.

The Caloocan 2^nd District Representative today stressed that even if Mejorada attempts to deny his links with Binay’s camp, what is sure is that UNA benefits from Mejorada’s claims against the Senate President, DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson, DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez, and other co-accused officials.

Erice said that in Iloilo, Mejorada’s hometown, people “are all aware of Manuel Mejorada’s ties as media consultant to a failed mayoralty candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in Iloilo City.” That candidate also had the support of ex-First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

“The relationship between Mejorada and UNA is not a secret to Ilonggos. Mejorda became affiliated with that UNA candidate after falling out with the Liberal Party and its leaders, including his former boss Senate President Drilon. Their link is undeniable,” Erice explained.    

Erice said that Mejorada’s connection to a local UNA figure just confirms that the push for the ICC probe is UNA’s “squid tactic,” and that Mejorada’s actions against Drilon, Singson and Jimenez, “are being supported and exploited upon by the opposition.”

“Mejorada is no journalist, and no anticorruption crusader either. He is a paid hack, who can’t get any more obvious with his goal of creating the drama that UNA needs to muddle the investigations threatening Vice President Binay and his ambitions to become the next President.” Erice said.

Erice noted Mejorada’s plentiful appearances in TV, print and radio since his emergence as the ICC complainant: “You can’t go on media rounds, on the national level, if you have no ample financial backing. Someone is clearly bankrolling this man’s activities.” 

Given Mejorada’s shady motives and links, Erice said that they are confident that Mejorada’s allegations will “flounder upon scrutiny, given that they are the fabrications meant to alleviate UNA’s desperations.”

“Mejorada is nothing more than a ‘jukebox journalist’ – he will sing whatever tune, say whatever lies, as long as you feed him the right price. When the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee takes a look at the documents and the facts regarding the ICC, all they will see is that Mejorada’s lies are founded on thin air, paid for by UNA,” Erice said. 

“The DPWH and the DOT have said that they can adequately explain the Iloilo Convention City issue. Senate President Drilon himself said that he will not use his position to influence the probe, and that he will attend the hearings if he is called. These are the actions of people who are hiding nothing, who are sure in their hearts that they are innocent,” he said.

“This is a far cry from Binay, who is using all his powers to stop the Senate investigations on the charges against him, and who is now using jukebox journalists just to prevent the nation from knowing the truth about him. He will fail,” Erice added.

Legarda: Yakan Weavers To Showcase Their Craft at National Museum

MANILA-Yakan weavers from Zamboanga will demonstrate how they weave natural fibers into colorful fabrics with intricate designs during a two-day demonstration at the National Museum, said Senator Loren Legarda.

Legarda, patron of the country’s first permanent textile gallery, Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, said that the Yakans are the featured craftsmen at the gallery on November 8-9, from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

“The Yakans traditionally wear colorful, handwoven garments. They are one of the most distinctively dressed groups of people in Mindanao. A closer look at their garments will reveal the intricate patterns they employ in weaving,” she said.

To be featured is the seputangan, a famous handwoven cloth of the Yakans containing intricate designs. It is usually worn as a head cover or around the waist.

“I invite Filipinos to see how our Yakan weavers combine their skill and love for their heritage to create beautifully woven fabrics. We can better appreciate our culture when we personally see how our culture bearers value traditions and strive to preserve their heritage,” said Legarda.

The weekly weaving demonstrations at the Hibla gallery are part of the Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which Legarda initiated since 2012 to perpetuate weaving and indigenous knowledge.

Previous demonstrators from the Cordillera Region were the Ifugao weavers from Kiangan, the Kalinga weavers from Mabilong Weaving Center of Buscalan and weavers from Samoki, Mountain Province.

Weavers from Panay Island also showcased their craft. Weavers from Arevalo, Iloilo demonstrated sinamay weaving, the Panay Bukidnons showcased their panubokembroidery, and weavers from Bagtason Loom Weavers Association in Bugasong, Antique showed how they make the colorful patadyong.

The weaving demonstrations can be viewed from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, at the Hibla gallery, located at the 4th Floor of the Museum of the Filipino People, Finance Road, Manila.

One year after Leyte remembers Yolanda

MANILA-As the world marks the first year since super typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines and ripped through Central and Eastern Visayas, a series of commemorative activities kicks off in Tacloban.

Local groups and citizens of Tacloban are gearing up for a set of events on November 7 and 8. Both public and private groups came together to organize the two-day event, echoing the cooperation and togetherness the country saw in the wake of the disaster.

The Philippine Red Cross organized “Light the Darkness”, a commemorative run which starts in Tolosa and ends at the PRC-Leyte Compound.

A tree-planting activity was organized by Philhealth’s Region 8 unit, while the city government of Tacloban will hold memorial services for the victims of the disaster, which includes a candle-lighting ceremony, offering of flowers and blessing of mass graves. 

Various arts and music events, film-showing, and health and fitness activities were organized by socio-civic organizations like the Rotary Club of San Juanico, One Tacloban, and Alpha Phi Omega fraternity alongside private groups including ABS-CBN, GAPlabs, Inc and Wellside PTY. The World Health Organization also joins in with a collaborative artwork activity at the City Hall Grounds.

Awarding of livelihood projects will be led by the city government and the office of Leyte first district Representative Martin Romualdez.

“It has officially been a year after Yolanda. On behalf of the whole province of Leyte, we say thank you for the overwhelming support extended to us in our most desperate time of need,” said Rep. Martin Romualdez.

“We saw the outpouring of support not only from the international community but from private citizens as well. Aside from the innumerable food and medical supplies donated to the relief effort, we cannot quantify the countless hours people spent volunteering, rescuing, and providing relief to the affected communities.”

“We know that the work is far from over. A year after Yolanda, the effort to rebuild Leyte continues so let’s keep moving, trabaho lang,” said Congressman Romualdez.

“Reconstruction and disaster preparedness are main priorities now. These commemorative activities serve as a good reminder that the work continues a year after Yolanda, and that everyone can contribute to this massive effort to get Leyte back on its feet.” 

Legarda on Yolanda Anniversary: Let Us Bring Filipino Resilience to a Higher Level

MANILA-One year after Supertyphoon Yolanda battered Central Visayas and other nearby regions, Senator Loren Legarda today said that the well-known Filipino resilience should be manifested even before a natural hazard occurs.

“The world recognizes the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Even after experiencing the worst disaster, we find reason to smile and laugh, we help others even if we are victims too, and we immediately go about our business. Resilience has been a remarkable strength of our citizens, but at the end of the day, the greater challenge after a typhoon or earthquake is always: how do we rebuild our communities?” said Legarda.

“One year after Yolanda devastated numerous communities in Central Visayas and nearby regions, I hope we all have learned our lessons well. Let us bring our resilience to a higher level—where we need not weep for a lost loved one after a natural hazard and where there is less or no more damaged infrastructure and properties because we have already managed to make our communities safe,” she stressed.

Legarda, United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, said she hopes that the rehabilitation plan of the government will be carried out well so that the survivors would not face the same tragedy again.

“I am glad that our government has embraced the concept of ‘building back better’. In building back better, we must rebuild communities with the confidence that we are not rebuilding the risks again; we need to ensure that reconstruction of homes and infrastructure will be on safer ground following geohazard maps and sound construction standards; we need to re-start and create livelihoods; and restore normalcy to people’s lives with a stronger sense of hope and confidence for the future,” she explained.

Legarda also reiterated key lessons from Yolanda and other disasters that caused great devastation, such as typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, Sendong and Pablo.

First, we must focus on managing the risks rather than managing disasters.  Local disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) plans are indispensable. Funds should be sufficiently allocated. Cooperation among local and national governments, businesses, and the communities is imperative.

Second, governments and businesses need to let science work for our communities. The best solutions are possible only with the guidance of science.  Develop land use plans that are risk sensitive.  The dictum is not just to build, but build stronger.  Build for the future.

Third, protect our environment and pursue green urban development.  We need to go back to the basics: protect our ecosystems and natural buffers such as mangrove forests to mitigate floods, storm surges and other hazards. Design and enforce building standards to address future hazards, not past ones.

Fourth, we should all be ‘disaster-literate’. We need to understand and believe in the risks.  Everybody should be part of the solution.

Finally, prepare adequately and engage. While disaster prevention should be the greater focus of our efforts, response preparedness is likewise important to prevent further casualties and reduce losses. Contingency plans are crucial in times of disasters. LGUs must have the political will to implement forced evacuation when called for. With adequate and proper preparation, we would already have won half the battle.

“We do not hope for more natural hazards to come, but that is already part of our lives. We only hope that when the next typhoon or earthquake strikes, the world will laud us for our strength, for the greater resilience of our communities—zero casualty, minimal property damage, quick response and recovery,” said Legarda.

Comelec cancels November 8 plebiscite on Cabanatuan HUC-hood due to fund lack

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The Commission on Elections has cancelled the  holding of a November 8 plebiscite to ratify the conversion of this city into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC), the third such cancellation in as many years.

          Sitting En Banc, the Comelec issued Minute Resolution 14-0732 dated October 21 - and released November 4 - cancelling the November 8 plebiscite and resetting it to a later date.

          The resolution was signed by Commissioners Lucenito Tagle, Christian Robert Lim, Luie Tito Guia, Elias Yusoph, Al Parreno and Arthur Lim.

          Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. was on official business at the time of the signing of the resolution although his signature appeared on the document, apparently as a belated signatory.

          In issuing the resolution, the Comelec approved the recommendation of deputy executive director for operations Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. that the new date will be finalized upon the receipt of the certificate of availability of funds from the city government.

          A total of P100.9 million is needed for the conduct of the plebiscite, of which P47.5 million is to be remitted to the Comelec.

          City treasurer Florida Oca said the city government cannot provide yet the required certificate of availability of funds.  

          Sinocruz, in a memorandum directed provincial election supervisor Panfilo Doctor and Cabanatuan election officer Leonardo Navarro to implement the resolution.   

          Doctor and Navarro both declared that if not for the postponement, they are ready to hold the plebiscite which will involve all 1,360,508 registered voters in Nueva Ecija instead of just this city.

          “We are prepared insofar as our records are concerned,” Doctor said by phone.

Navarro said that as early as January, the Comelec Cabanatuan office has been 100 percent ready for the plebiscite but the Supreme Court stopped them from proceeding with it through its issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

The HUC is contained in Presidential Proclamation 418 issued on July 4,2012 by President Aquino. For the process to be complete, the proclamation needs to be ratified in a plebiscite.

The issue has led to the bitter parting of ways of former political allies, Gov. Aurelio Umali and Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara. Umali is opposed to the conversion which Vergara, a former classmate of President Aquino, is pushing to make Cabanatuan a separate political subdivision.  

The poll body originally set the date of the plebiscite on December 1, 2012 but this was postponed by the issuance of a TRO by the Palayan City Regional Trial Court. Subsequently, the Comelec issued a resolution postponing the plebiscite because of its proximity to the elections.

          On June 28 last year, shortly after the two politicians were reelected, Vergara wrote the Comelec asking it to conduct the plebiscite but the poll body said it was forced to defer all actions until after the barangay polls. 

The Supreme Court directed the Comelec to hold the plebiscite after ruling that all registered voters in the province should vote, granting a petition for certiorari filed by Umali seeking to stop two earlier Comelec resolutions setting the dates for the conduct of the plebiscite on December 1,2012 and January 25,2014 but with only registered voters of the city allowed to vote.

Last January, the SC issued the TRO stopping the Comelec from proceeding with the plebiscite scheduled on January 25. The Comelec, last September then scheduled the plebiscite for November 8.    

Umali  has argued that Novo Ecijanos will be affected once Cabanatuan becomes HUC and thus, it is imperative for them to participate in the  plebiscite. He said no less than two former SC chief justices – Claudio Teehankee and Reynaldo Puno – have held the view that the political units affected by the plebiscite – Nueva Ecija and Cabanatuan – should participate in the electoral exercise.

Vergara said that the conversion of the city into a HUC is long overdue and has been supported by legal experts, among them former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former senator Aquilino Pimentel who authored the Local Government Code of 1991. 

Umali, a lawyer, said there is already  existing jurisprudence, one of which was the October 19,1992 ruling in Padilla Jr. vs Comelec which stated that when the law states that the plebiscite shall be conducted in the political units directly affected, it means that residents of the political entity who would be economically dislocated by the separation of a portion thereof have a right to vote in the said plebiscite.

“Evidently, what is contemplated by the phrase “political units directly affected,” is the plurality of political units which would participate in the plebiscite,” he stressed, quoting from the ruling.

          He said this is not the first time the issue of who should vote in the plebiscite is raised before the Comelec, citing the first case was Antipolo City’s own HUC bid wherein Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III raised the same arguments.

          The Law Department of the Comelec, he recalled, found basis in the contention of Ynares and officially opined that the conduct of the plebiscite must include the qualified voters of Rizal.

          Vergara’s bid marks the second attempt to turn the city into HUC.  In 1995, Vergara’s predecessor, then-mayor Manolette Liwag pushed for HUC conversion which was subsequently proclaimed by then-President Fidel Ramos.

           However, Cabanatueños rejected its ratification, largely due to the objections of the Josons who were then at the height of their political reign. (Manny Galvez)

Senate to hold necrological services for former Senator Juan Flavier

MANILA-The Senate will hold necrological services for former Senator and Health Secretary Juan Flavier when it resumes its sessions on November 17. Flavier, who served as senator from 1995 to 2007, succumbed to pneumonia last Thursday at age 79.

            Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes said senators to be led by Senate President Franklin Drilon would wait for Flavier’s remains at 9:30 a.m. at the main entrance of the Senate building.

            He said the senators, together with Flavier’s wife and children, the Senate Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, Deputy Secretaries, Senate Legal Counsel, Directors-General would escort the urn containing the remains of the former senator to the Session Hall at the Second floor of the building.

            The urn will be carried by pallbearers of the Philippine National Police.

Yabes said senators will deliver eulogies for the former legislator around 9:55 a.m. He said the Senate would also present a resolution expressing the Senate’s “profound sympathy and sincere condolence on the death of the former senator” to Flavier’s family.

“The hard working legislator registered a perfect attendance during the sessions and was instrumental in the enactment of landmark legislations promoting public health care and improving the quality of life of the people,” according to the resolution.

“The passing away of the illustrious senator is a great loss not only to his bereaved family but to the nation as well,” it added.

After the public viewing of the former senator, the Senate will host lunch for the family and relatives of the late Honorable Flavier, senators and guests at the Recto-Laurel Rooms, according to Yabes.

He said the pallbearer will carry the urn to the Ground Floor after lunch for its departure with senators and senate officials in attendance.

“After the departure hymn, the designated pallbearers shall fold the national flag and hand it over to the Senate President who, in turn, will present the flag to the former senator’s family,” Yabes said.

The Senate has been flying the flag at half mast since Flavier’s death as a symbol of its mourning.

Flavier’s remains were moved to the main office of the Department of Health in Manila Tuesday morning. His colleagues requested for a public viewing at the DOH, where he served as its secretary from 1992 to 1995 before he was elected as senator under the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. He will be cremated after the DOH viewing.

            Flavier authored and sponsored several bills that became law such as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (Republic Act 8423); Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act (R.A. 8425); Philippine Clean Air Act (R.A. 8749); Indigenous People’s Rights Act (R.A.8371);  Anti-Money Laundering Act (R.A. 9160); law declaring Eidl Fitr as a National Holiday (R.A. 9177); Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (R.A. 9178); National Service Training Program for Tertiary Students (R.A. 9163); the Dangeous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165); the Plant Variety Protection Act (R.A. 9168);  the Philippine Nursing Act (R.A. 9173) and the Tobacco Regulation Act (R.A. 9211).

As UN Panel Warns, Time Running Out to Reach 2ºC Warming Target, Legarda Renews Call for Greater Climate Action

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call for greater climate change action, particularly significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as she expressed alarm over the pronouncement of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that time is running out to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius.

Legarda, the United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that the international community, all national governments, all sectors of society and all citizens of the world must unite and work double time to limit global warming to a safer two degrees Celsius because beyond that, the Earth will suffer rising seas, worsening natural hazards and extinction of many species.

“We have been repeatedly warned of what will happen if the Earth’s temperature warms to at least four degrees Celsius—worsening drought and flooding, extreme heat waves, water scarcity, stronger tropical cyclones, and loss of biodiversity. We have to do everything now to prevent such a scenario,” she stressed.

“We hope that world leaders will commit to lead their people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by climate change by setting and carrying out ambitious targets on cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, among other environmental protection measures. Here in our country, we also continue to encourage the commitment of more local governments, government agencies and other organizations in working for a climate-resilient nation,” she added.

Legarda said that as a nation that is among the most vulnerable to disasters and the effects of climate change, the Philippines should influence other nations to take the necessary actions to halt the warming of the Earth’s temperature through the Philippine government’s own initiatives.

The Senator said that the Climate Change Act, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, and the People’s Survival Fund Act, as well as other environmental laws, should all be fully operational and implemented down to the local level.

Legarda added that the People’s Survival Fund now has one billion in programmed funds under the proposed 2015 national budget intended to finance climate change adaptation activities of local governments and organizations.

“Our laws, which have been considered model legislation by the UN, must be complemented by effective implementation. This we must do as we continue to call on industrialized countries, which have a historical responsibility for climate change, to financially and technologically assist developing countries in efforts to reduce their vulnerability and adapt to its consequences, while reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

“World leaders must not allow people to continuously suffer from floods, hunger, displacement, and economic setbacks. Climate change, along with the extreme weather events it causes, knows no boundaries and the only way forward is a united global action towards mitigation, adaptation and resilience,” Legarda concluded.

NOLCOM’s Belenismo sa Tarlak Entry Unveils

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City- Northern Luzon Command’s much awaited entry for the 2014 Belenismo sa Tarlak Festival will be unveiled tomorrow, November 4, 2014 at 5:30 pm, in front of St. Michael’s Park along Mc Arthur Highway San Miguel, Tarlac City.

The ceremonial unveiling and ribbon-cutting will be headed by Commander Northern Luzon Command, Lt. Gen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr., together with the Heads of Tarlac Heritage Foundation, namely, Dra. Issa Suntay and Doña Isabela Suntay.

NOLCOM’s Belen was elaborately crafted by NOLCOM’s soldiers from its composite units, through the support of Tarlac Heritage Foundation. These will represent humbleness of military forces in pursuing the Internal Peace Security Plan “Bayanihan” in winning the peace, unity and development; as well as a manifestation of the dedication of Filipino soldiers in serving God, their country and their people.

After the ceremony, NOLCOM’s Belen will be open for public viewing and will be followed by a grand fireworks display as finale. 

Drilon to accuser: Show evidence ICC is overpriced

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today said he was not adverse to any Senate investigation into the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) but expressed confidence that the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) will be able to defend the regularity of the project.

“The DPWH, which supervised the ICC, can easily disprove the malicious allegations made against the implementation of the project." Drilon said. “I have no involvement in any way in the bidding process for the project. I was nowhere near that process to intervene, let alone nominate anyone to be the contractor of the project.”

Likewise, the Senate chief said he will never use his position as Senate President “to block or prevent the holding of a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into the matter.”

“I have nothing to hide. Any inquiry or investigation will validate the facts and figures of this project, and will just show how absurd these vile allegations really are,” he said.

But Drilon emphasized that it was only proper that those who were responsible for spreading lies regarding the ICC “must be made liable for their actions if their allegations were proven wrong and politically-motivated.”

 “The project was bid out under the supervision of Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson, who is widely known for his integrity,” he added.

Sec. Singson had earlier disputed the allegations of overpricing, saying that the project was above-board and strictly followed bidding process. In fact, Singson said the actual price of the ICC is even lower than the approved budget for the contract, after they allowed the adoption of value engineering specifically on structural aspects of the building.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez had earlier said that he "expressed full trust and confidence in the competence and sincerity of all those involved in the ICC Project."

"I firmly believe that our actions in support of this project will withstand scrutiny. Notwithstanding this unfortunate allegation of overpricing, we will not allow this distraction to derail our mission to make tourism a force for growth and inclusiveness in this country," Jimenez said in a statement.

Drilon said he believed that the public will realize that the issues being hurled against them were mere harassment. "The ICC is a major undertaking by various agencies particularly the DPWH, DOT and TIEZA. To say that Secretary Singson, Secretary Jimenez and I all connived to ruin the integrity of the ICC project is absurd, baseless and malicious," said Drilon.

The ICC’s construction is part of a major campaign to improve Iloilo's capacity to host and accommodate international events and conferences, particularly the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings.

ANGARA PUSHES ANEW FOR CREATION OF NAT'L SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM TO FIGHT CHILD HUNGER, MALNUTRITION

MANILA-Amid rising number of malnourished children in the country, Senator Sonny Angara has renewed his call for the establishment of a school feeding and child nutrition program in all public schools in the Philippines.

"The most effective means to combat child hunger and malnutrition is through the public school network where we could target children who belong to poorer families," said Angara, a known advocate of educational reforms. 

The senator lamented that current school feeding programs administered by the Department of Education (DepEd) are limited as these programs rely heavily on allocations from government officials and agencies or donations from private individuals and corporations.

According to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, 20 percent of Filipino children aged 0 to 5 are underweight while 30 percent are stunted or too short for their age.

Moreover, the Philippines ranked 9th in the world with the most number of stunted children, based on the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) 2013 study.

"Poor nutrition is among the top reasons for school dropouts. Since undernourished children are more susceptible to infection and disease, they absent themselves from school more frequently resulting to poor performance and poor learning outcomes," the senator said.

Since his days in Congress, Angara has been filing the Child Nutrition Act which seeks to mandate a budgetary allocation to institutionalize a school feeding and child nutrition program throughout the public elementary school network in the country.

Under Senate Bill No. 202, the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Health (DOH), and DepEd shall initiate, maintain and expand a system of distribution of milk, fortified snack foods and vitamin supplements to public elementary school entrants.

Beneficiary students will be required to eat and take their free snacks and vitamin supplements inside the classroom during recess time, five times a week.

The bill intends to make young students aware of the importance of good nutrition by providing relevant and user-friendly nutrition information and education materials.

SB 202 provides for social mobilization and training among DepEd personnel, parents and children in order to orient them on the program's objectives and to generate support for the program.

"There should also be a simultaneous health and dental examination and deworming of the participating children during the meeting-orientation of parents and teachers to monitor the children's health condition. Students found with defects or ailments must immediately be given proper treatment or referred to hospitals," Angara said.

An initial sum of P100 million from the national budget would be appropriated for the first year of implementation of the program while a counterpart fund of at least 20 percent of the cost incurred for feeding programs will be provided by local government units where the school districts are located.

In case of shortage of funds, the implementation of the school feeding program shall first be undertaken in provinces where malnutrition rates are most severe, as may be determined by the NNC.

Private companies that would donate food, milk, juices vitamin supplements or other similar products are entitled to incentives under the proposed measure.

Hold summit on ASEAN econ integration to cushion impact on onion farmers, DA urged

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla has urged the Department of Agriculture to call a summit on the forthcoming integration of the member-economies of  the Association of Southeast Asian Nations amid what he termed was the apparent lack of prior strategic planning of the DA with regards to the integration’s effects on the competitiveness of the country’s onion farmers, particularly in this town, the country’s onion capital.

          Gamilla said the DA should draw up a comprehensive road map to make onion farmers competitive amid the expected entry of imported onions with the economic integration in 2015.

          “As of now, the DA has no clear plan to prepare our onion farmers for the coming integration. That’s why I think we need to hold a summit and discuss how onion farmers could cope with  the coming integration,” he said. 

          Gamilla said Bongabon remains as the country’s top producer of onions yet local farmers’ fear being unable to compete with their counterparts from other member economies. “We might be placed at a disadvantage unless there are interventions in place. Maybe, the government should consider subsidizing us,” he said.

          He said onion farmers spend P150,000 per hectare as production cost for red creole and P200,000 for yellow granex.

          There are an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 onion farmers in this town which produces roughly 60 percent of the country’s onions. However, farmers suffer from low income due to the entry of imported onions believed being smuggled into the country.

          As stipulated in the ASEAN economic community blueprint, free trade paves the way for the establishment of a single market and production base among countries in the region namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

This means that there will be a free flow of goods, including rice, onions,  services, investment, capital and skilled labor to these countries. The goal is to create a highly competitive single market that would boast of an equitable economic development.

Under the ASEAN free trade regime, imported products will become cheaper which poses a real challenge to Filipino farmers.

Gamilla said the municipal government has not been remiss in undertaking steps to help local onion farmers cope with integration. He said they have been going to the barangays showing to the farmers modules for ideal planting of alternative products.

He added that the municipal government also provided P7 million worth of seeds to onion farmers under the grassroots participatory budgeting process.

Earlier, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said they have come up with their own road map to prepare the agribusiness sector for the Asean Economic Community, adding they plan to invest heavily on farm mechanization, irrigation and financing to strengthen the farmers’ capacity to compete in the Asean region.

However, Alcala was viewed to be referring only to rice farmers as there was no mention of how DA intends to prepare other sectors, such as those engaged in the onion industry. (Manny Galvez)