Ilocos Cops Gear Up to Counter Terrorism

In strategic partnership with Civil Relations Service (CRS) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), AFP Civil-Military Operations School and Media and Civil Affairs Group CRS AFP, and 1st Civil Relations Group CRS AFP, the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion 1 (RPSB 1) conducted a Community Engagement and Information Support Affairs training at the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando, La Union.

December 11, 2014, San Fernando, La Union – As 2014 closes and the military slowly shifts to external defense, the Philipine National Police (PNP) is set to take greater Internal Security Operations (ISO) responsibility and accountability.

The big question – “Is the PNP prepared to take on a bigger role in counter-insurgency?”

In strategic partnership with Civil Relations Service (CRS) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), AFP Civil-Military Operations School and Media and Civil Affairs Group CRS AFP, and 1st Civil Relations Group CRS AFP, the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion 1 (RPSB 1) conducted a Community Engagement and Information Support Affairs training at the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando, La Union.

This capacity building activity for police officers in Region 1 aims to be a model for harnessing PNP-AFP collaboration towards smooth and effective transition.

The 50 trainees comprising the officers and leaders of RPSB and Provincial Public Safety Companies (PPSC) in Region 1 were oriented on the endgame required to finally resolve the communist banditry in the country.

The participants were given instructions and skills-training on engaging stakeholders and undertaking counterpropaganda operations against the communists terrorists’ enslaving control and deception.

What’s new in this training is the emphasis on competence.

“Competencies are observable abilities, skills, knowledge, motivations or traits defined in terms of behaviors needed for successful job performance. The three elements of ISO readiness are deemed essential to assure the effectiveness of public safety forces as counter-insurgency agents.

“First is performance through service delivery and tactical skills.  The police must be able to perform the basic services of law enforcement and crime prevention. Tactical skills consists of basic combat, troop leading procedures, intelligence, investigation, and self-protection that includes the ability to escape when captured or detained by the enemy.

“Second, partnering or people skills are essentially expertise in community organizing, which consists of social investigation, communication and counter-propaganda and criticism and self-criticism.

“Third, personal effectiveness or accountability, which is all about self-management/regulation, police ethics and living up to the PNP core values- pulis na maka Diyos (regardless of religion, he believes in a Higher Being or a God), makabayan (patriotic), makatao (humane) at makakalikasan (pro-environment).

Finally, what’s innovative in this capacity building even is the cross-training. The AFP and PNP officers shared best practices and lessons learned in the field.  It was a no holds-barred cross-fertilization with an objective of learning from past mistakes and embarking on more creative and resourceful means of rescuing the people from the deception of the enemy.

In his closing address, Police Chief Superintendent Roman A. Felix, Regional Director PRO 1 challenged to the police officers, “countering communists terrorism is not just the job of the AFP.  Whether lead or support, the police has a critical role in the fight.  For the NPA bandits have accumulated a long list of criminal offense, murder, extortion, arson, Violence Against Women and Children, among others.”

“Remember, the police do not live in co-existence with criminals. The way to win over insurgency is through competent law enforcement.  This is the best communications message to convince the people that that the PNP is here to provide protection against terrorist organizations like the NPA.”

Felix further challenged the officers that as leaders of the PNP intensified counter-terrorism campaign, the endgame is really up to them.  He emphasized that the loss of life and limbs are not necessary. For the PNP, the way we can win against insurgency is by winning hearts and minds of the people, and that is through the effective community engagement of one competent and disciplined policeman, one day at a time. “Do your job and do it well. Win the people and win the war,” he concluded.

Decal-for-sale, curfew trigger protests inside Fort Magsaysay

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – Motorists passing inside the military reservation here are being required to secure decals for a fee, triggering massive protests from local officials and citizens who already have to deal with a curfew imposed by the leadership of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division.

Each decal costs P510 and issued to vehicles passing through Barangay Militar inside the military camp where strict security procedures such as a curfew also prevail.

Protesting motorists have sought the help of Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas who earlier criticized the sudden imposition of a curfew in barangays Doña Josefa and Langka covered by the reservation, which she said, restricted the movement and civil liberties of residents, particularly during nighttime.

          She accused 7^th ID officials of failing to consult the civilian leadership before setting up checkpoints in the two barangays which has caused alarm and inconvenienced the residents.

          Former councilor Analyn Boncawil, a resident of Militar, said even retired soldiers are required to have their decal or they will be barred entry inside the camp.

          A retired Army sergeant said sometimes, temporary stubs are issued the motorists in place of the decals. “When we return the next day to get our decals, we are no longer issued one,” he complained.

During a three-hour dialogue Wednesday, Cuevas confronted Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgar Batenga who was accompanied by Capt. Mark Ruelos, division spokesperson.

Batenga earned the ire of Cuevas and the other city officials after he ordered closed Gate 5 manned by the Alorma detachment at the camp and implemented a curfew from 9 pm to 4:30 am.

Doña Josefa barangay chairman Aurelio Lapagao said the policy has affected even Pinatubo victims and indigenous  peoples (IPs)living in the place.

Batenga said they imposed the security measure to prevent the indiscriminate intrusion of informal settlers inside the camp.

“We are just following orders from higher authorities and what is provided by law,” he said.

He said the reservation used to cover a vast expanse of land covering 76,000  hectares but its land area has shrunk to only 44,000 hectares due mainly to the entry of informal settlers.

Lawyer Paul Cuñano, city legal officer, said the affected barangays have been established by law and are supposed to have access to national roads but have been restricted with boundaries.

It was not the first time that this military camp, considered the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Southeast, was linked to repression and violation of human rights. It was here when President Aquino’s father, late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and fellow senator Jose Diokno were placed under solitary confinement to stifle dissent during the Martial Law years.

This camp also figured prominently in a series of coup attempts against the administration of President Aquino’s late mother, then President Corazon Aquino in 1989 staged by then-colonel and now Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. (Manny Galvez)

Pangilinan on Poe-Kiko in 2016 : ‘it’s just a joke’

CABANATUAN CITY – A Poe-Kiko tandem in the 2016 elections?

          It may sound catchy, funny and interesting but it’s nothing but a joke, according to Presidential Adviser on Food Security and Modernization (PAFSAM), Secretary Francis Pangilinan.

“Joke lang ‘yon (It’s a joke at best),” Pangilinan, nicknamed Kiko, told reporters at the sidelines of the Christmas party of the National Irrigation Administration at its central office along Edsa attended by the agency’s regional directors, project managers and employees Thursday afternoon.

He was responding to a question on whether he could be the running mate of Sen. Grace Poe, who is being mentioned as one of the prospective candidates for president in the 2016 synchronized elections.

Political analysts, the media and even ordinary citizens have been having a grand time talking about a Poe-Kiko tandem not only because it is catchy but also because of sexist tone. 

They say it sounds more like a play on words referring to a woman’s private part but in a humorous tone.

“Imagine during the campaign, you will hear people chanting “Puke ko, puke ko (my private part, my private part). It will surely get everybody’s attention,” one of them commented with a laugh.    

Poe, daughter of the late movie actor and ex-presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. , has emerged second to Vice President Jejomar Binay in a survey of possible presidential bets with a rating of 18%. She has denied any plans to seek higher office.

Poe’s name has been floated after Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, a senior member of the Liberal Party, revealed Thursday that an outsider like the lady senator could be considered as the party’s standard-bearer in the 2016 presidential race.

One of the elder Poe’s early supporters, Washington Sycip, founder of the accounting firm SGV & Co., has been egging the younger Poe to run for the presidency.

Pangilinan said he has not yet made up his mind on whether he would make a political comeback. “Everything is still up in the air at this point,” he said. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Urges Nations’ United Effort Towards Marine Conservation

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that nations should unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the statement during the Regional Seminar on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on December 12, 2014.

The event was organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in cooperation with Greenpeace Southeast Asia and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“There is no question that marine biological diversity is enormously important for the Philippines and the world. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes this importance and very early came up with a work programme on marine biological diversity. However, the CBD is fairly limited to national biodiversity,” Legarda explained.

“It is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS that governs the use of marine resources in the high seas. But when the UNCLOS was negotiated in the 1980s, we did not yet have the knowledge and insight we now have on marine biological diversity. Today, we need a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS,” she added.

The Senator noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that about 80% percent of the world’s fisheries are already fully exploited, over exploited or significantly depleted. Moreover, the World Bank states that an estimated $50 billion worth of economic benefits are lost annually due to overfishing.

She added that in the Philippines, among the poorest in are those in coastal communities, with 4 of 10 coastal residents living under poverty line, despite the fact that the country is located within the coral triangle, at the center of the highest marine diversity in the world.

“This situation, along with the fact that the Philippines is considered an epicenter of biodiversity and evolution, demands special focus on marine conservation efforts. However, conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity should not be concentrated in individual countries alone,” said Legarda.

“Our nations are interconnected, and an ecosystems approach towards a more holistic, multisectoral, integrated and sustainable coastal management and fisheries, across countries, governments and communities will be beneficial to all,” she stressed.

“As different nations living in one planet, we need to unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources. We need an UNCLOS agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. We must act now and work together to find the much-needed balance in using the resources of our oceans and protecting its biodiversity,” Legarda concluded.

Ecija Mason loses P.2-M cash, gun to burglars

CABANATUAN CITY – A 63-year-old businessman who is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons lost P200,000 worth of cash, jewelry and his pistol when unidentified burglars broke inside his house in Guimba, Nueva Ecija Wednesday evening.

Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the victim as Angelo Mendoza, 63, of Barangay Sta. Veronica, Guimba.

The break-in was discovered at around 5:40 pm Wednesday.

Police Superintendent Renato David, Guimba police chief, said Mendoza left his house at around 9 am Wednesday and went to this city.

He returned at around 4 pm.

Mendoza told police that when he was about to change his clothes in his room, he noticed that his gold bracelet with a Mason logo and necklace placed on top of his drawer were both gone.

When he checked on his money worth P200,000 kept in his closet, he learned it was also missing as well as his Glock 40 caliber pistol placed under his bed.

Mendoza said all the doors of the house were locked when he left in the morning.

But when police came, they saw no signs of any forcible entry. – Manny Galvez

2 robbery-holdup suspects killed in shoot-out with Ecija cops

SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija – Two suspected hold-uppers who were believed behind the string of robbery-holdup incidents in northern Nueva Ecija victimizing businessman and collection agents were killed following a shoot-out with Nueva Ecija lawmen in this city Wednesday afternoon, police said.

        Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified those slain as Mark Popera of Cagayan De Oro City, and presently residing at Brgy. Cabucbucan, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Jimboy Alayaay, of Siquijor province.

        They both died-on-the-spot from gunshot wounds.

        Nieves said the duo were responsible for the series of robbery-hold up incidents in San Jose City and in the municipalities of Llanera and Rizal, victimizing collection agents, delivery trucks, lending agents of Indian nationals and traders along the national highway.

        The suspects were also tagged for the robbery hold-up incident on November 26, 2014, at Purok 2, Barangay Porais here.

       The shoot-out broke out at around 4:25 pm Wednesday along the provincial road in Barangay Villa Joson here when joint operatives of the 3^rd mobile platoon of the provincial public safety company led by platoon leader Senior Inspector Alexander Reyes and the San Jose City police led by Inspector June Sugay encountered the duo who were boarded on an unlicensed blue motorcycle after they just held up a sales agent and delivery truck driver and helper.

       Police Superintendent Manuel Hidalgo, city police chief, identified the victims as Danilo Bejica, San Miguel Corp. Sales agent and driver/helper Melfer Nening of Barangay Caridad Norte, Llanera.

       The victims then sought the assistance of the patrolling lawmen who established a checkpoint along the highway where they came across the suspects. But instead of surrendering, the suspects fired at the lawmen, triggering the firefight which led to the suspects’ death.

        Recovered from the suspects were one caliber .45 Remington revolver, one  magazine, one caliber .38 pistol with three empty shells and two live ammunitions.      

        Also recovered were four fired shells from M-16 Armalite rifle, three fired shells from a caliber .9mm pistol and three empty shells from a calibre 45, one pouch containing seven pieces of caliber .38 revolvers, P2,520 in cash and paraphernalia. – Manny Galvez

Drilon urges Palace: Decide on Purisima’s fate

MANILA-In view of the two major events to be held in the country next year – namely, the Papal visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meetings – Senate President Franklin M. Drilon urged President Aquino to decide on the fate of embattled Philippine National chief Allan Purisima.

"In an organization such as the Philippine National Police where authority and leadership is strictly observed, Purisima's suspension from his post would turn it into a ‘headless’ body," said Drilon, a close ally of President Aquino.

“That situation is what we wanted to prevent, especially in light of the forthcoming hosting of the Philippines of two high-profile events next year which would require a full-time PNP chief to be on top of all security preparations,” stressed Drilon.

Drilon noted that the government will have its hands full with two main high-security events in 2015 - Pope Francis’ much-awaited visit to the country in January, and the series of APEC meetings to be attended by world leaders in the latter half of next year.  

Purisima is facing a six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman.

According to Drilon, even if there is an officer-in-charge (OIC), it is inevitable that uncertainty caused by the suspension the PNP chief would ensue, emphasizing that an OIC has a limited power to effect changes and reforms in the PNP.

He said it will be in the best interest of the country if the leadership issue in the PNP will be “acted on and resolved immediately.” 

“The about 150,000 police force need to see and feel the presence, the leadership and the authority of their leader in order to inspire them to deliver their commitments to maintain a peaceful and an orderly community and nation,” Drilon said.

Lastly, Drilon said he believes that the controversy involving the PNP chief has negatively affected the Filipino’s view of the police and could undermine the way the people look at the seriousness of this administration’s anti-corruption agenda. 

3 lady drug traffickers nabbed in Guagua

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Three lady drug traffickers believed responsible in the widespread distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in Guagua and Floridablanca towns were arrested by authorities during a buy-bust operation at Barangay San Nicolas yesterday.

Supt. Angelito Esteban, Guagua police chief, identified the suspects as Jovelyn Lictao, 39, of Brgy. San Nicolas 1st , Gina Martinez, 34, of Brgy. Sta. Monica, Sta. Rita town, and Annisa Andong Calma, 40, native of Cotabato and resident of Brgy. Calantas, Floridablanca.

Police said the suspects did not resist arrest.

In his report to Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr., director of Pampanga Provincial Police Office, Esteban said the suspects’ apprehension came in the wake of reports on their alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade in Guagua town.

He said the suspects were placed under close watch by police operatives before the buy-bust operation was launched against them.

During interrogation, Esteban said the suspects admitted their involvement in the illegal activities. “They operate in Guagua and Floridablanca,” he added.

Seized from the suspects include quantitative amount of shabu, dusted money and huge amount of cash believed to be proceeds in the sale of illegal drugs.

The suspects remained under police custody as criminal complaint is being readied against them. – Jess Malabanan

Fort Magsaysay execs hit for imposing Martial Law-style discipline inside camp

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – The leadership of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division inside the military reservation here named after democracy icon, former President Ramon Magsaysay has come under fire from city and barangay officials for imposing strict security procedures reminiscent of Martial Law that allegedly infringe on the human  rights of residents within the camp and nearby communities.

          Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas and officials of at least two barangays  decried the sudden imposition of a curfew in barangays Doña Josefa and Militar covered by the reservation, which she said, restricted the movement and civil liberties of residents, particularly during nighttime.

          She accused 7^th ID officials of failing to consult the civilian leadership before setting up checkpoints in the two barangays which has caused alarm and inconvenienced the residents.

The outspoken Cuevas minced no words and immediately confronted Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgar Batenga on the new security policy during a three-hour dialogue at the mayor’s residence Wednesday afternoon. “This (curfew) is not right and this is trampling on the rights of my constituents,” she told Batenga during a face-off.

Batenga, who represented 7^th ID commander, Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, was accompanied here by Capt. Mark Ruelos, division spokesperson.

Batenga earned the ire of Cuevas and the other city officials after he ordered closed Gate 5 manned by the socalledAlorma detachment at the camp and implemented a curfew from 9 pm to 4:30 am. The policy has affected people who use the gate in getting to their residence.

Doña Josefa barangay chairman Aurelio Lapagao told Batenga that the security measure has been affecting a lot of people, including Pinatubo victims and indigenous  peoples living in the place.

Batenga said they imposed the security measure to prevent the indiscriminate intrusion of informal settlers inside the camp. “We are just following orders from higher authorities and what is provided by law,” he said.

He said the reservation used to cover a vast expanse of land covering 76,000  hectares but its land area has shrunk to only 44,000 hectares due mainly to the entry of informal settlers.

The exchange between Batenga and Cuevas became heated when the military officer told local officials they should help protect the reservation. “Under Section 30 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act, local government units are supposed to help us protect the military reservation,” he said.

“But as the mayor here, I should be consulted. There is nothing in the law that says you restrict the movement of humans,” Cuevas barked. “I’m just protecting the welfare of my constituents.”

Batenga said the reason why informal settlers mushroomed inside the camp was because before, no one was inspecting them to which Cuevas replied : “It’s your fault.”

Lawyer Paul Cuniano, city legal officer, said the affected barangays have been established by law and are supposed to have access to national roads but have been restricted with boundaries.

“Imagine from 9 pm to 4:30 am you cannot move outside of the camp? That’s a basic constitutional right,” he said.

It was not the first time that this military camp, considered the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Southeast, was linked to represession and violation of human rights. It was here when President Aquino’s father, late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and fellow senator Jose Diokno were placed under solitary confinement to stifle dissent during the Martial Law years.

This camp also figured prominently in a series of coup attempts against the administration of President Aquino’s late mother, then President Corazon Aquino in 1989 staged by then-colonel and now Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. – Manny Galvez 

NIA strengthens partnership with Bugkalot Tribe

NIA, Quezon City – The recent meeting between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), LGU officials,  and the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 ended with a positive note as Dr. Florencio F. Padernal took on the lead in clearing the path to resolve issues regarding the tribe’s claims.

Two major issues raised by the tribe, led by Mayor of Nagtipunan, Quirino and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, include the percentage share of the tribe from the gross income derived from CalEnergy Power Plant’s power generation and at least 10% environmental release from the dam weirs from Casecnan and Taan Rivers.

According to a statement from the Bugkalot Confederation dated November 18, 2014, the 10% environmental water release from dam weirs required as per NWRB Resolution 01-0901 dated September 24, 2001 was ignored resulting to the drying up of the Casecnan and Taan rivers thus affecting the aquatic resources of the rivers and sacrificing the livelihood of many Bugkalot tribesmen.

Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla added that the the most expensive fish in the country, the ludong, started to disappear in the Casecnan River. “All the water goes to Casecnan in Nueva Ecija affecting other localities and creating ‘social problems’ that push the people to seek help from local politicians,” he added.

To address the issues, Dr. Padernal pushed that a timeline of events be prepared and submitted before the year ends to retrace the history of the issues between NIA, CalEnergy, CMIPP, and the Bugkalot tribe. He tapped the NCIP to submit and collate the documents related to the issue to establish an objective history.

Also, the NIA Administrator emphasized on the importance of a convergence meeting among the agencies concerned and stakeholders in January 2015 to create a comprehensive and doable action plan that will address the issues on the project.

Abakada Party-list Representative Jonathan dela Cruz expressed his gratitude to Dr. Padernal for the initiatives that will be undertaken by the agency in line with the concerns of the Bugkalot tribe.

Also present in the meeting were Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation; Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronilo Dubadeb of NCIP; and other NIA officials.

NIA Central Office, Quezon City – Dr. Florencio F. Padernal led NIA officials in meeting with the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 to facilitate the resolution of issues regarding the tribe’s claims pertaining to the implementation of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in Nueva Ecija. Attending the meeting were NIA Deputy Administrators Estrella E. Icasiano and Erdolfo B. Domingo, Atty. Pepito Padilla of Legal Services, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, CMIPP Manager Alexander Coloma, and Operations Manager Florentino David. Also present were Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla, Abakada Party-list Rep. Jonatahn dela Cruz, Nagtipunan, Quirino Mayor and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation, and Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronio Dubadeb from NCIP.

Legarda Commends F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda honored the contribution of National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose to literature and journalism through a Resolution adopted by the Senate during its session on December 9, 2014.

Legarda authored Senate Resolution 1045 to recognize F. Sionil Jose’s contribution to literature and journalism.

“F. Sionil Jose has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop Solidaridad and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” said Legarda.

“Cognizant of his artistic and literary genius and for his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts, it is but fitting that F. Sionil Jose, be recognized and honored,” she stressed.

F. Sionil Jose, who turned 90 years old last December 3, is considered as one of the prominent writers in the English language. His works have been translated to twenty-eight (28) languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature, among others.

Senator Loren Legarda honors National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose through Senate Resolution 1045, which recognizes his contribution to literature and journalism and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts. Also in photo is Mr. Jose’s wife, Teresita.

Senate commends Miss Earth 2014

MANILA-The Senate today adopted a resolution congratulating Jamie Herrell for winning the Miss Earth 2014 competition on November 29, 2014 at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

Senate Resolution No. 1039, authored by Senator Lito Lapid, recognized the achievement of Herrell when she won the prestigious title against 83 other candidates from all over the world.

“Nineteen-year old Miss Earth Philippines 2013 title holder Jamie Herrell made the country proud when she won the prestigious Miss Earth crown on November 29, 2014,” the resolution stated.

The Cebuana beauty is the second Filipina to bag the Miss Earth title next to Karla Henry, also a Cebuana, who won in 2008.

Aside from the Miss Earth title, Herrell also took home three special awards namely Miss Earth Hannah’s Beach Resort, Best in Swimsuit and Sun for Miss Earth.

The Miss Earth competition was organized in 2001 to promote environmental awareness and the preservation of the earth.

“By being crowned this years’ most beautiful woman in the planet, Jamie Herrell gave Filipinos unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of Filipino beauty,” the resolution said.  (Olive Caunan)

Senate commends national artist F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-The Senate today adopted Senate Resolution No. 1045, commending National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose for his distinguished contribution to literature and journalism.

Senate Resolution No. 1045, introduced by Sen. Loren Legarda, recognized Sionil Jose’s “artistic and literary genius, and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts.”

Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, on December 3, 1924, Sionil Jose is considered as one of the country’s most prominent writers in the English language, his works having been translated to twenty-two languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for literature, among others.

He was bestowed the title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 2001.

“He has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop, Solidaridad, and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” the Resolution said. (Yvonne Almirañez)

Legarda Hails Vigan Win in New7Wonders Cities

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed jubilation over the inclusion of the Historic City of Vigan in the New7Wonders Cities.

“I am happy that Vigan made it to the New7Wonders Cities. I congratulate the city government of Vigan, led by Mayor Eva Singson Medina, for its efforts and intensive campaign to make this possible,” said Legarda, who also actively campaigned for the city’s bid.

Aside from Vigan, the other winning cities are Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Durban in South Africa, Havana in Cuba, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and La Paz in Bolivia.

“Through this achievement, the hard work of Vigan’s government and citizens to preserve their history and promote culture while working towards sustainable development will be highlighted and hopefully emulated,” she added.

Legarda said that she hopes this would inspire Filipino communities to also work towards making their towns, cities and municipalities into habitable heritage communities like Vigan.

Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also awarded the 2012 Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO.

“Vigan is an example of how communities should work to be aware of their heritage, which should be appreciated, preserved and properly utilized to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress,” Legarda concluded.