Japan killer earthquake and tsunami nixes Phl recommendation from Legarda and Angara

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 14, 2011-In the recent and seventh strongest record of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and worldwide tsunami warnings, Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, urged the government for the immediate evaluation of the structural integrity of critical infrastructure in the country while Senator Edgardo J. Angara recommended to fast-track the creation of the Disaster Science and Management Center that will focus drive to achieve a level of national disaster preparedness that would make the country better equipped to face natural calamities.

Legarda said that natural hazards like earth quake and tsunami are inevitable but can be lessened if there is sound preparation and ensure that all structure are safe and not a poor built infrastructure, buildings in inappropriate places, inadequate design and materials specification, and shortcuts in construction; thus, Legarda recommended that the government must ensure that all critical infrastructure, especially bridges, schools, hospitals and other infrastructures are earthquake-proof through the conduct of a nationwide structural evaluation of all schools and hospitals and by retrofitting these structures to allow them to withstand destructive earthquakes.  

“We have to act now and consult structural engineers and asses the vulnerability of structures to strong tremors and to institute immediate measures to strengthen parts that will be found weak to avoid collapse in our homes and offices, shopping malls and public buildings are able to withstand strong earthquakes,” Legarda said, explaining that sound engineering practices is the best protection against earthquakes.

Back to Angara, he said that the creation of Disaster Science Management Center (DSMC) is a project of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, and Engineering (COMSTE) primed to become a regional training center for disaster preparedness.

“This will be an innovative center that harnesses the experiences of nations used to deal with disasters and not be the run of the mill, classroom-lecture type of learning like Japan, that will help teach their hard earned lessons to our LGU’s and those of other countries,” Angara said, adding that the DSMC announced that that Sentinel Asia, an international project of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has appointed Manila Observatory as a Data Analysis Node (DAN).    

To support disaster management in the Asia-Pacific Region by applying and promoting Remote Sensing and WEB-GIS technologies among its partners is the aim of Sentinel Asia while the Manila Observatory (MO) partnered with COMSTE in the planning and development of the DSMC.

The MO has been appointed as a Data Analysis Node, the Manila Observatory will provide analysis and interpretation of satellite data in aid of disaster management in the Philippine’s and the Asia-Pacific Region.

“The availability of satellite data will boost the capabilities of the DSMC to better understand the mechanics of managing disasters with the cooperation of neighboring countries that have experienced similar storms and natural calamities as the Philippines,” Angara said, who chairs of the COMSTE.

He said that MO maintains research programs in Geomatics, Regional Climate Systems, Solid Earth Dynamics, Space Weather and Air Quality while the Observatory promotes the advancement of science-based decision support systems in aid of climate change mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Earlier, a joint research by Columbia University and World Bank entitled ‘Natural Disaster Hotspots: A Global Risk Analysis’, which identifies countries where the Philippines was pegged as one of the riskiest countries in the world for six (6) major natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, drought, and cyclones. (Jason de Asis)


Video Courtesy from Associated Press “Hundreds Killed in Tsunami After 8.9 Japan Quake” March 11, 2011. A ferocious tsunami spawned by one of the largest earthquakes on record slammed Japan's eastern coast Friday, killing hundreds of people as it swept away ships, cars and homes (March 11). (Associated Press)

Angara urged the government for nationwide survival training

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 13, 2011-In response to the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan last Friday which resulted to floods, fires, huge explosions and worldwide tsunamis, Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged the government for a nationwide information campaign and called for survival training for the citizenry on emergency measures and protocols if there were disasters and calamities to prevent.

Angara, chair of the Senate committee on Science and Technology said that Japan has the most advanced technology to safeguard their country but casualties and terrible damages could not be avoided due to the devastated killer earthquake and tsunami strikes where he compared the Philippines is nowhere near as efficient in Japan in case of disaster response, saying that we must be better equipped to face these kinds of natural disasters which we are no strangers to.

Angara said that while the country might not be able to match other countries in terms of technology and equipment, there is a need to take measures to protect the Filipinos as our most valuable resources.

Japan have created disaster proof infrastructure and acquired advanced monitoring equipment that is massive and expensive undertaking which are not economically feasible in the future but the most important is to prepare the general public for these calamities for proper training for search and rescue efforts, educate each and every individual on what to do in case of catastrophe, where to go, what numbers to call, how to establish communication with family, and a basic knowledge of first aid.

The survival training included the preparation of a survival kit, containing basic necessities like non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, batteries and a mini-radio, flashlight, candles and waterproof matches.

The Senator believes that information campaign is needed to teach the public for the survival training and should be launched at the soonest time possible for their safety. (Jason de Asis)

Trillanes meets Samahang Magdalo Luzon chapters in Baguio City

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 13, 2011-Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV heads the Samahang Magdalo convened Samahang Magdalo Luzon Chapters in its second leg of consultation with members across the country in Baguio City Lion’s Club where at least 20 chapters from Luzon from the provinces of Ilocos, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet and Baguio.

Just like what happened in Cebu convention, Trillanes said that the convention serves as an avenue to discuss the concerns of the people and identify possible solutions, as well take the opportunity to personally express gratitude to his supporters

Trillanes said that holding public office is not a one-man show. Hence, it has been his personal policy to pursue participative and consultative leadership by maintaining open communication channels to our constituents.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, as well as other local government officials, church leaders and the local media also met Trillanes.

Last week, Trillanes was also in Cebu City for the Samahang Magdalo’s first convention, which was attended by at least 18 chapters from the Visayas.

The Samahang Magdalo is a socio-civic organization established on November 28, 2008 by Magdalo, a group of reformist officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Jason de Asis)

Legarda warned Philippines after the tsunami in Japan

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 11, 2011-Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the committee on climate change warned the Philippines after tsunami striked in Japan where she expressed her deepest sympathies with the tsunami victims and their families as the nation reflecting similar threats.

The increasing frequency and magnitude of earthquakes highlights the need for early action, saying that there is a need for tsunami alerts to be immediately communicated to a population at risk to ensure evacuation.

The 19 provinces that could be hit by at most one meter tsunami waves between 5pm and 7pm are: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay,Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur.

The Metro-Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2004 showed that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake could damage 38% of residential buildings.

Such an earthquake could cause 33,500 deaths, additional 18,000 deaths from fire, and 114000 injuries.

We must examine our construction standards, codes and practices before any major earthquake hits Metro-Manila.

“Sa mga mangingisda at mga kanayunan natin sa Eastern Seaboard: Maging alerto sa tsunami.”

“Ito ay malaking along hatid ng malakas na paglindol at pagyanig sa ilalim ng dagat.”

“Ang paglayo ng tubig dagat mula sa dalampasigan ay senyales ng tiyak na parating na tsunami.”

“Ang mga nakatira malapit sa dalampasigang nakaharap sa Pacific Ocean ay dapat lumikas patungo sa mas mataas na lugar.”

“Ano man ang liit ng tsunami, kahit 25 cms ay mapinsala.”

“Ang naganap na tsunami sa Aceh, Indonesia noong Disyembre 2004 ay humigit sa sampung metro ang taas at kumitil ng daan daang libong buhay.”

“Maging mahinahon at maagap.”

“Makinig sa radyo at sa mga may autoridad patungkol sa paglikas o evacuation kung kinakailangan sa inyong kaligtasan.”

The sign is the receding sea water as observed by an 11-year-old British girl who was vacationing with her family in Phuket when the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 struck.

Her entire family evacuated quickly and was saved. She learned the early warning sign at school. (Jason de Asis)

Senate sought repayment scheme for study now pay later programs

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 11, 2011-Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. asked Malacaňang to execute a student-friendly repayment scheme to ensure success of "study now-pay later" program of the government where the Department of Education (DepEd) should carefully study the feasibility programs.

“The government, through the Department of Education (DepEd), should know by now the pitfalls of the student loan program and be able to avoid them by crafting a better repayment scheme that is both efficient and workable whereby students would not be saddled by payment obligations long after graduation,” the Senator said.

Last week, the Senate heard various bills sought to beef up schools financial program particularly by establishing a national student loan program, reiterating that the DepEd should carefully study the feasibility of the measures as well as analyze successful models all over the world.

Marcos cited the experiences in some schools in England and in the United States, whereby students could not timely meet their loan obligations to their schools, such that their delinquencies extended even after they have graduated.

It was revealed in the hearing that the Philippines was no stranger to the phenomenon in the Western countries, since, according to the DepEd, student loan programs presently in use in the Philippines have a dismal repayment rate of 0%, although the rate has recently improved to 4%.

Study-now-pay-later program is a scheme of providing loan or credit to the poor but deserving students who are enrolled in any of the DepEd priority courses in selected education institutions in the Philippines.

Relative to this, Senator Edgardo J. Angara also urged the DepEd for the overhauling of the student loan system in the country, saying that there is a need for the restructuring on it so that we can subsidize the education of our future, professionals, scientists and leaders. (Jason de Asis)

Legarda urged local legislators enacting local ordinances for climate change

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 11, 2011-In the recent 8^th Philippine Councilors League National Congress held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Senator Loren Legarda, principal author of Republic Act 9729 otherwise known as the Climate Change Act of 2009 urged the local legislators to take the initiative in passing local ordinances in their communities disaster-resilient by translating national environmental climate change and disaster risk reduction laws that she created for the concern of their populace.

Legarda, the UNISDR Asia-Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation said that the Philippines has already established the national policies on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121) and the climate change is one of the most daunting issues that the country and the rest of the world faces today.

In her delivered speech, she said that there is a need to back it up with actions from the local level in every town, city or municipality saying that the councilors have the responsibility to translate these laws into local ordinances that would fit into the specific needs in their respective locality and constituent.

“Climate Change Act empowers and equips local government units with the necessary mandate, knowledge, skills and tools, to develop their own disaster risk reduction and climate change action plan within their jurisdiction as a way to reduce losses in life and assets due to disasters,” She said, adding that to win this battle, there is a need to intensify initiatives that have been taking roots in local communities where they are already familiar in the place the vulnerable disasters prone areas to be considered for quick action.

Legarda said that local leaders should ensure Local Government Unit’s programs that are ready for climate change where she said that there is a need to work hand-in-hand for our political will and actions for safer schools, hospitals, for disaster-resilient cities and municipalities so that everybody can be a climate heroes fighting against risk. (Jason de Asis)

Chiz challenged retired AFP David to restore the image of BI

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 10, 2011-Senator Chiz Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, challenged the new immigration head to restore the image of the graft-ridden agency of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as he welcomed the appointment of retired Armed Forces chief of staff Ricardo A. David.

Malacaňang announced the appointment of David to replace Ronaldo P. Ledesma three days after he ended his duty in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Ledesma was being blamed for the fiasco involving the deportation of 14 Taiwanese nationals.

Escudero said that David appointment was a positive move in the light of the issues confronting the bureau that need immediate attention where he welcomed the new Bureau chief as he challenged David to rid the agency of corruption and improve the level of performance in the bureau to make it more efficient and reliable.

The Senator is expecting that General David will put things in order in the bureau and address the nagging issues of corruption and he wanted to see a newly reformed immigration bureau under the tight watch of the new chief.

Last week, the Senator sought for the resignation and immediate replacement of Ledesma for mishandling the deportation of 14 Taiwanese nationals to mainland China, which has jeopardized the country's economic ties with Taiwan and put at risk current employment for almost 100,000 Filipinos in Taiwan and causing lost job opportunities for thousands more. Ledesma is still facing a contempt threat from the court of appeals over the deportation of the said Taiwanese despite a standing habeas corpus order. (Jason de Asis)

Trillanes new UP NCPAG alumni president

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 10, 2011-Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV accepted his responsibilities as the new President of the National College of Public Administration and Governance Alumni Association (NCPAG AA) of the University of the Philippines, after an election conducted from his former school.

The Senator was elected when the college was preparing to host the Public Administration International Conference, which will also coincide with the college’s 60th anniversary in June 2012. 

Trillanes said that an alumnus’ journey comes into full circle when asked to join and lead in efforts to help in the development and improvement of his or her alma mater in whatever capacity, adding that he will give his full support in maintaining excellence in public administration education and its societal relevance in pursuing good governance as having been elected as the President of NCPAG Alumni Association. 

Trillanes earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration major in Public Policy and Program Management from the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance where he received two recipient distinction of University Scholar Awards for academic excellence.

The UP NCPAG has been the pioneer and leader of the discipline in the Philippines and in Asia since its establishment as the UP Institute of Public Administration in 1952 and the premier school of public administration and governance in the Philippines. (Jason de Asis)

Oil firms to sacrifice VAT slashing or rolling back fuel prices

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 10, 2011-With soaring prices of petroleum and basic commodities, Sen. Ralph G. Recto, Senate ways and means chair yesterday said that the government may have to sacrifice its “extra-ordinary” revenues from VAT in oil products by agreeing to a reduction that could push downward fuel pump prices.

“The Filipino people would welcome a “sacrifice” by government and oil companies through a possible reduction in the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) or subsidizing a price rollback for fuel used by public utility vehicles (PUVs), he said,” adding that it was not only oil companies reaping windfall profits from the current situation but also the government from its VAT collection in oil products.

He said that the government earns additional income in the form of higher VAT collection for every rise in price of fuel and aside from VAT reduction, the government could also use its VAT windfall to subsidize a price rollback in diesel used by PUVs to ease the burden on commuters.

“Diesel should be restored to its pre-Libya level to provide relief to the commuting masses and ease pressure on fare rate and prices of basic commodities,” he said.

Recto said that to effect a rollback and restore the diesel pump price to its pre-Libya turmoil level with diesel prices rising by at least P3 per liter since last week, the government could use its VAT proceeds.

“I agree with the calls for sacrifice during these hard times. But, would the government and oil companies be also willing to sacrifice? Recto asked.

The senator urged oil companies to participate in the burden-sharing by absorbing half of the supposed price rollback, saying that the government could subsidize half of the price rollback while oil players will pick up the tab for the rest.

“The government will only shell out P1.50 from its VAT income with the other P1.50 price rollback to be absorbed as “sacrificial losses” by the oil companies and let’s do it immediately, Recto said.

“Oil prices are overpriced and that the oil industry was only cashing in on the unrest sweeping major cities of Middle East and across North Africa,” Recto furthered.

The Senator questioned the government’s shift from ensuring cheaper oil prices to sustaining adequate fuel supply, explaining that this could be misleading since the major Arab oil producers are declaring adequate global supply despite the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.

He said that motorist in Mindanao and Visayas were already toiling from higher price regime compared to the counter parts in Metropolitan Manila, saying that business sector should cooperate to lessen prices for supply concerns. (Jason de Asis)

Ombudsman raps against Lim a petty case

BALER, Aurora March 10, 2011-With the alleged misuse of some Php4.7 million in public funds that supposedly got wasted because of its slogan boo-boo last year, Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim described the graft charges filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman as a petty Case only.

Henry Giron claimed the money was allegedly spent for lunch during the launching of the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan blunder on November 15, 2010. He said he was filing a case against Lim under the principle of command responsibility since he exercises control over DOT and resigned undersecretary for planning and promotions Vicente Romano who conceptualized the controversial logo stated in the seven-page complaint.

Giron accused Lim and Romano of illegal use of public funds under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code, Violation of the Tourism Act of 2009 and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Lim said the funds were not misused as these were spent in line with the DOT’s mandate to promote the country as a tourism destination.

Lim said he could not be held responsible on the principle of command responsibility since he and Romano were only doing their jobs and said that he had advised Romano against premature launching of the promotional campaign but the latter did not heed him.

Lim said that the case complainant Giron did not present facts accurately where he believed that the graft complaint against him will be dismissed for being petty.

“I don’t know this guy (Giron). I am willing to face him in any investigation,” he said.

He expressed hope that the Office of the Ombudsman, which is presently investigating the case will, after due process, not give due course to it. “In fact, mali mali ang facts niya (his facts are inaccurate),” he said of Giron’s complaint, without specifying where Giron erred. (Jason de Asis)

Jinggoy seen mess in Aviation probe: needs refinement of RA 9497

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 9, 2011-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that this is the time for the Senate to look into the situation at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) where he has observe a probe of the messy situation prevailing in the country’s aviation sector.

He said that RA 9497 needs further refinement or whether those mandated to implement it are just bungling jobs, explaining that the Congress passed it in 2008 over the country’s repeated failure to comply with the international aviation industry’s safety standards as certified by the Federal Aviation Authority of the United States and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Jinggoy said that the CAAP continues to fail to comply with the worldwide best practices and safety regulations in the aviation sector since 2007 and the country pegged at Category 2 only, explaining that for almost two years after the passage of RA 9497 and the creation of the CAAP the situation is still the same. “Walang nagbago,” he said.

Jinggoy reacted on the report of the proliferation of fake pilot licenses allegedly done by syndicate within the CAAP and lax implementation of the law by its officials will bring the country’s negative image in abroad and also to the perception that the country is also a haven for international terrorist groups.

The Senator was bothered for the possibility that some foreign nationals, especially from the Middle East and licensed by the CAAP as pilots would later turn out to be members of terrorist groups as what happened before  where he cited Mohamed Atta, who took flying lessons in the Philippines in 1999 and Atta was among the terrorists who took part in the September 9, 2001 attack in the United States.

Jinggoy furthered that the investigators later established that two more 9/11 terrorists, Marwan Alshehhi and Hassan Banihammad as well as a host of other international terrorists were frequent visitors in the country in the past and of those who launched the 9/11 attack, majority of them were from Saudi Arabia, adding that of the foreign nationals who got their pilot licenses last year at the CAAP under questionable circumstances.

Allegedly, there were flying schools which was suspended by CAAP for the alleged issuance of fake student pilot license and fake documents, following the package deals to pay $30,000 to $50,000 in order to have their pilot licenses, five of them were Saudi nationals. Others include three Indians, two Nepalese and one Japanese national.

Jinggoy said that there is a need to sort out the mess in the CAAP and its affairs to put into order the necessary legislative inquiry and remedial measures or else the country will continue to suffer from the past stigma affecting the credibility and standing of the Philippines, the country will remain in Category 2 status and it will hamper the bringing in tourists and investments. There are some flying schools in the country which are subjects to audit by CAAP. (Jason de Asis)

Government should act in long term for Phl imminent food crisis due to Middle East conflict says Angara

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 8, 2011-Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that the imminent food crisis in the Philippines seen due to middle east conflict where he called the government to act against it in long-term following the rising price of crude oil would not just trigger but accelerate the increase of food costs worldwide.

Angara urged the Philippine government leaders to work with the private sector to achieve these goals at the soonest time possible where he explained that the increase of gasoline prices would be felt first and foremost by those living in poverty, saying that it is an immediate backlash from the trouble in the oil-producing countries but we must be warned of its lingering effect on food costs in the nation.

The Senator said that to address future problems he fears that emergency food security measures might not be enough explaining that the average Filipino family spends about half of its income on food alone. “If this expense eats up any more of the household budget, Filipinos will have to scrimp on other basic necessities,” he said.

The veteran legislator said that renewable energy sources and a bolstered agriculture industry would address these national issues as a way to avoid these problems by lessening the country’s dependence on oil as a primary source of fuel, perhaps through renewable energy alternatives which are being developed by our scientists, adding that to become more self-sufficient is by boosting our food security by strengthening the agriculture sector so we can stabilize food prices.

The senator reiterated his call to the government leaders to work hand in hand together with the private sectors and public agencies as the problem is coming, adding that the fluctuating price of gasoline is but a factor in the long-term food security in the country. (Jason de Asis)

Kiko calls for a comprehensive contingency measures in all possible scenarios in the midst of Middle East crisis

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 8, 2011-To address rising global food prices, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food in the committee hearing called in the government to be prepared in the contingency measures and also cautions the public and media to temper the issue and not to panic.

The hearing was conducted to assess the government’s preparedness amidst the prolonged political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa which at the moment is affecting the price of oil. It was attended by Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Greg Domingo, National Food Authority Director Lito Banayo, and representatives from the United Nation’s World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization, National Economic Development Authority as well as representatives from various agricultural sectors and the academe to ensure that the prices remain stable and that there is enough food supply in the country.

Pangilinan presided over an inquiry in aid of legislation on the government’s ability to address the sudden increase of the prices of foods and other agricultural products where he recommends the government agencies concerned through the Executive Department to look at stockpiling measures the same with the other countries doing to protect their buffer of food.

To prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the situation, Pangilinan urged the DTI and consumers to aggressively monitor prices of basic commodities in the market nationwide.

The committee gathered that the prices of pork and chicken remain stable, and the price of onion has gone down. NFA reported that the country’s rice supply is still sufficient, however the price of flour, milk and sugar are going up and thereby the price of bread to go up while the oil price increases and obviously affecting the prices of all the commodities.

“These are the reasons why we are conducting this inquiry,” Pangilinan said, saying that he wants to make sure that we are not caught with our pants down in the worst case scenario.

“It is better not to panic and be prepared for the possible scenario. Let us be alarmed so that we may not to be caught unaware of the price increases,” the Senator said. (Jason de Asis)

Cops denied the reported Satanic Cult’s ‘killing spree’ sparks “Reign of Terror” in Nueva Ecija

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, March 8, 2011-Senior Supt. Roberto Aliggayu, PNP provincial director quickly dispelled reports of cult’s murder binge where a reign of terror has gripped villagers in this city and several towns in Nueva Ecija where allegedly satanic cult is on the loose in the province, killing children and young students supposedly used as offerings for demonic rituals saying it was a hoax intended to put the Philippine National Police in a bad light.

The Satanic jitters began to spread here after text messages circulated that its members have been making the rounds of this city and in other municipalities and killing people, mostly youngsters.

The text massages spread like wild fire that the cult was responsible for the killing of a nursing student, whose throat was allegedly slit in Barangay Kapitan Pepe Subdivision. A certain Enad reportedly perpetrated the dastardly killing.

Aliggayu said that the cult scare originated in Guimba where seven people were reported stabbed, three of whom reportedly died, by a serial killer who reportedly belonged to the cult. The text messages reached Cuyapo, Gen. Natividad and Gapan.

Aliggayu said that the existence of the serial killer and the cult and its reported killings and abductions were disinformations. He said a certain Ben Tumbling admitted circulating the terror text.

He said that the erroneous report was spread to create a negative impression that the police are not doing anything to preserve the peace and order within the province. He did not say, however, why the PNP in the province was being discredited by certain quarters. (Jason de Asis)

Baler Multi-species fish hatchery to be completed this month

BALER, Aurora, March 8, 2011-A multi-species fish hatchery that was started last February 2010 at barangay   Zabali will  be completed this month where the species cultured in this hatchery are milkfish,   seabass,   tilapia,   pompano   and abalone. The hatchery is accessible to all types of land vehicles and by boat and is located about 100 meters away from Port   Cemento and 10 kilometers from Baler town.  

Mr. Victor San Pedro, chief of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said that the project shall focus mainly on the operation of the fish hatchery to include the management of broodstock and the delivery of the produced fry to available nurseries for growing into fingerlings.

San Pedro said that the hatchery is expected to yield 40 million fries per year    of the various species.   As for the 21 day old milkfish, harvest is expected to be 4 million fries per run or per stocking. He said that the project was through the effort of Senador Edgardo J. Angara, Congressman Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Governor Bellaflor-Angara Castillo and Mayor Arthur J. Angara. (Jason de Asis)

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J.Alcala (right) holds a blue crab (portunus trituberculatus), which is being propagated by the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) at its newly-established blue crab hatchery in Baler, Aurora. When fully operational, the hatchery can produce 500,000 to 1 million crablets monthly to be distributed to fishermen for them to culture in four to six months. Excess production of crablets will be stocked in municipal waters for the benefit marginal fisherfolk in Aurora. Sec. Alcala has instructed the DA-BFAR to put up similar hatcheries near coastal areas, where blue crabs are abundant, to provide livelihood and income to small, marginal fisherfolk and their families. Also shown (from left) are Wilfredo Cruz, BFAR Aurora station chief and blue crab project leader, BFAR national director Malcolm Sarmiento, Jr., BFAR-MCS group head Dr. Alma Dickson, and BFAR Region 3 director Remedios Ongtangco.(Jason de Asis)

Phl considered rice stockpiling policy to ensure food security-Pangilinan

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 8, 2011-Amidst an imminent food crisis arising from threats of skyrocketing crude oil price due to the Middle East conflict, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, said the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (COCAFM) said that the government is considering a rice stockpiling policy as a contingency measure to ensure food security and working with other agencies on setting contingency measures with regards to any adverse and abrupt impact of rising crude oil price where the government feared to hit to $150 per barrel as futures market already hit above the $110 per barrel level.

Pangilinan insisted that rice stockpiling is something that they raised and responded through the executive department that there should be a definite policy on stockpiling in the event a global crisis without necessarily resorting to panic and be ready no matter what happen.

The National Food Authority (NFA) new policy allowing the private sector to import as much as 75 percent for the immediate rice import volume while Pangilinan assured that the COCAFM which he heads will closely monitor effective delivery of the needed rice volume, saying that the NFA should come in as a regulatory body to ensure the approvals for these permits be granted to those truly deserving, those that have the capacity to deliver to assure rice availability.

Pangilinan said that this is worth the try considering that the government has failed last years in its rice import policy where rice importation track record has not been good, adding that we had a policy of buying rice at a high price.  But this is a new strategy, and we’re hopeful to find solutions.

The private sectors set to import 660,000 metric tons (MT) of the 880,000 T that has to be brought in before July where the NFA’s burden of financing of the import should be eased.

Angelito Banayo, NFA Administrator admitted that there had been some disturbing developments on rice in the world market explaining that six percent of the total rice production in the world is traded; thus the government has to ensure that their population will consume their production.

Banayo furthered that one of the disturbing signals on rice reserve in the world market is Vietnam which traditionally the country’s biggest rice supplier through its state-owned Vina Foods that gave notice last November that it is only exporting 5.5 million metric tons (MT) of rice this year while 6.8 million MT last year.

This resulted to the policy of creating a bigger rice storage area for their people due to rice production problems which came from the Mekong Delta, a source of its irrigation but on which it has conflicts with Laos and China. “India is now limiting its rice export to the high-priced fancy Basmati rice which used to export its rice,” he said.

NFA is scheduled to import 220,000 MT of the immediate volume to be imported or just 25 percent. The inter-agency committee (IAC) composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics on rice has estimated a rice import volume of 1.1 million MT to 1.5 million MT for 2011.

This must be less significantly less than the 2.25 million MT that the country imported in  2010 and the 2.4 million MT imported in 2009.

The government may still review the IAC volume in light of a threat of rice price that may soar due to the Middle East crisis as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization.  It is feared rice price may rise to the 2008 levels when price hit $1,000 per MT in the world market. (Jason de Asis)