Angara taps Pampanga architect

CLARK FREEPORT— A Pampanga-based architect will begin his work in Aurora province this month as part of Senator Edgardo Angara’s efforts to promote environment-friendly projects in the Central Luzon province. 

Angara tapped the expertise of Architect Adriano “Andy” Gulapa, a former Candaba town councilor, in leading green architecture projects in Aurora, including those of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in Casiguran town, which is facing the Pacific Ocean. 

Gulapa said that he “supports and welcomes” Angara’s development plans for his home province. 

He added that he is a “staunch believer” in harmonizing development with the environment and in the two-term senator’s advocacy to promote green and environment-friendly architecture.

Angara and Gulapa discussed plans to construct an Aurora-Clark Commercial Complex here that will pave the way for the promotion of the province to the rest of Central Luzon. 

As home of Asia’s largest 600-year old balete tree in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province will benefit much from green architecture that has been proven to attract tourists. (Joey Pavia)

Lyceum of the East and 48th IB to Hold Joint Strategic Action Plan in Aurora National Greening and Gender and Development (GAD) Program

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, August 8, 2012-The National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the two (2) campuses of Lyceum of the East in Aurora and the 48^th Infantry “Guardians” Battalion, Philippine Army based in Brgy. Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora will hold a workshop on the formulation of the Joint Committee Strategic Action Plan (JCSAP) for 2012 to 2015 to assess and to educate environmental situation in the province.

Lyceum of the East-Aurora (LEA) Maria Aurora NSTP President Allan T. Dela Rosa said that the workshop, which is scheduled on August 9 to 10, 2012 in Brgy. Florida, Maria Aurora, “aims to assess the National Greening Program situation in the province in terms of prevailing environmental problems and adequacy of ongoing action in the environment.” 

Mr. Cyril Philip A. Angala, NSTP President of Lyceum of the East, Inc. (LE) Baler said that the workshop also intends to identify the vision, values, mission, overall goal, immediate objectives, and key result areas of the program to address the environment in the province.

The duo said that the expected output will be a Joint Committee Strategic Action Plan (JCSAP) that specifies an assessment of the provincial environment situation, a clearly stated vision, mission and values, the overall goal of the plan, the immediate objectives and key result areas.”

Expected to participate in the activity are selected NSTP Officers and members of the Technical Working Group from the college and the 48^th Infantry “Guardians” Battalion, Philippine Army from the well-performing and low-performing municipalities and other stakeholders. 

2lt Teresita T Ingente said that the activity is also in consonance with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, the army considers the youth as a vital sector of the society that needs attention particularly to win their support and to develop their character.

Meanwhile, the newly launched program of the two (2) campuses: “Gender and Development” is given impetus for the protection of humans particularly the youth. At present the school and the army are designing a program for the said matter.

In recent decades, women's and girls' education and health levels have improved greatly. But in many parts of the world, women are still dying in childbirth, or not being born at all, at alarming rates. Women continue to lack voice and decision-making ability in the household and in society; and, their economic opportunities remain very constrained. This inequality is manifestly unfair. It is also bad economics: under-investing in girls and women puts a brake on poverty reduction and limits economic and social development.

The Gender and Development (GAD) approach is a way of determining how best to structure development projects and programs based on analysis of gender relationships. It was developed in the 1980s as an alternative to the Women in Development (WID) approach that was in common use until then. (Jason de Asis)

Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas PNoy to witness signing of P8.9-B deal with Korea in support of PHL’s rice self-sufficiency target

MANILA, August 8, 2012-The country is another notch closer toward its rice self-sufficiency target by 2013 with the signing of an P8.9-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to fund an agriculture infrastructure which is seen to improve the country’s agricultural productivity, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to witness today (August 9) the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and the South Korea which provides for P8.95-billion official development assistance (ODA) to the country to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP) in the Province of Iloilo, said Drilon, who was instrumental in the realization of JRMP.

The signing will be held at the Malacanang Palace with Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun who will lead the signing.

The project which costs P11.2 billion – P2.2 billion is Philippine’s counterpart fund – will be the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon and will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farm land and benefit more than 783,000 farmers, explained Drilon.

JRMP II is envisioned to augment agricultural production, stimulate agri-industrial activities, spur the local economy and the eco-tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the Province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas, in general.

The project dubbed as “Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas” clearly speaks of what Iloilo can contribute to the country in becoming the source of strength of Philippines in terms of agricultural productivity, added Drilon.

“This project will be Iloilo’s contribution to the vision of President Aquino to equip the country with food security soon. Once completed, this project will make Western Visayas the rice granary of the Philippines once again,” said Drilon.

This will increase the irrigated lands in the region by around 10 percent and the annual regional rice production by around five percent. It will likewise expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, noted Drilon.

As a multi-purpose project, it will provide benefits such as flood mitigation and control, and the promotion of eco-tourism in selected reservoir areas.

On top of these, the project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.

Drilon recalled that implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project was mandated under Republic Act No. 2651 enacted by Congress in 1960. Phase one of the project, which consisted of rehabilitating the irrigation systems with an area of 22,340 hectares, was completed in 1983. But Phase 2 of the project was never implemented since 1988 due to lack of funds and the apparent indifference on the part of the national government.

PRO3 CONTINUES TO CONDUCT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN FLOOD AFFECTED BRGYS

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga- Personnel from Police Regional Office 3 headed by its Regional Director, PCSUPT EDGARDO T LADAO conducted search and rescue operations along flood-stricken municipalities of Pampanga and municipalities of Bataan due to incessant monsoon rains.

            Rescue and retrieval operations started as floodwaters began to rise-up raging from waist deep to 10 feet high particularly in low lying municipalities of Bataan, Bulacan and Pampanga.

            Amid the strong water current, PNP Search and Rescue personnel equipped with rubber boats were able to rescue a total of 104,138 families stranded from their inundated homes and transferred to the 157 evacuation centers within the region. Residents staying from their rooftops who recently refused to leave their personal belongings due to fear of burglars were persuaded to evacuate to a safer place.

PRO3 personnel are still deployed regionwide to conduct SAR operations to different provinces affected by the typhoons.

As of this date,  10 persons were reportedly killed, 2 were injured and 4 are still missing.

            PCSUPT LADAO also directed the SAR Team to conduct search and rescue operations for stranded families particularly on still-inaccessible areas. He also sent additional PNP personnel to thwart criminal elements especially looters and profiteers who may take advantage of the situation.

KIKO: GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MUST OFFER PUBLIC FREE SHORT COURSES ON SAFETY TRAINING

MANILA, August 8, 2012-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan urges government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to offer the public basic safety training courses for free.

Pangilinan adds that doing so will not only equip citizens with skills needed in cases of emergency but will also beef up the government's volunteer reserves.

"We have seen that with the recent flooding that hit Metro Manila, we are severely lacking in manpower that could help in rescue operations. Even if our countrymen heed the call to volunteer during rescue operations, they are ill-equipped to deal with emergency situations. It would be very much like deploying troops to a gun battle without the necessary firearms."

Pangilinan earlier called for a nationwide rehabilitation of the country's sewerage and drainage systems.

"Alam na nga natin na bawat taon ay tinatamaan tayo ng napakaraming bagyo, ganito pa rin ang nangyayari taun-taon—at palala pa nang palala ang sitwasyon. We should invest a significant amount of resources on beefing up our infrastructure and equipping our people with life-saving skills so that more lives will be saved when disasters and emergencies strike.”

“Hindi natin puwedeng sabihin na ‘ganyan na talaga’ dahil hindi tama na taun-taon na lang ay nalalagay sa panganib ang mga tao dahil lang sa pag-ulan na ni hindi pa nga ‘supertyphoon.’ For drastic change to happen, then we must also do drastic actions and do things differently. In this case, doing things differently can be literally a matter of life and death,” the senator points out.

Legarda: Build Back Better, Resilient Communities as Country Experiences ‘New Norm’ in Weather

MANILA, August 8, 2012-As post-disaster efforts are underway for communities affected by the southwest monsoon that brought incessant rains and flooded many areas in Metro Manila and Luzon, Senator Loren Legarda today reiterated her call to build better communities that would be resilient to natural hazards.

“The kind of weather we have experienced in the past days and weeks is part of the ‘new norm.’ This is climate change. And while we experience weather disturbances that bring stronger winds and heavier rains, we have to strengthen our efforts in preparing our communities. We need to recover and rebuild our lives with this in mind. We need to build back better, by further reducing people’s vulnerability, by further building our resilience to floods,” the Senator stressed.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, explained that everyone should be involved in the effort to make the whole nation prepared against natural hazards.

The Senator explained that being prepared means undertaking activities that would prevent disasters. It includes, among others, the cleanup of drainage, waterways and riverbanks, segregating garbage, updating dam protocols, growing trees on vacant lots and roadsides, relocating urban settlers living in vulnerable areas, and setting up rainwater catchment basins so water is stored during rains and used during dry season.

“All sectors must work together. The government must seriously look into improving the flood prevention and mitigation measures in the National Capital Region. The private sector, on the other hand, must strengthen their business continuity plans, especially for hospitals and other lifelines, which are vital for post-disaster activities,” she said.

Legarda also said that the public must be more aware of the disaster risks in their midst and do something to protect lives and property way ahead of any typhoon and other natural hazards.

“Our people should heed disaster warnings and cooperate with the government when they are asked to evacuate their homes for their own safety. Meanwhile, media can help build resilience through awareness raising and public education,” she pointed out.

“While we rebuild the lives of our people in disaster-stricken areas of Metro Manila and Luzon, it may be good to reflect that a similar disaster is likely waiting to happen in hundreds of other places in our country, maybe known already to us. The best choice we have is to make our nation disaster-resilient to free us, once and for all, from the exhausting and costly cycle of rebuilding our communities every single time nature unleashes its wrath,” Legarda concluded.

ABS CBN Star Diether Ocampo reached out to the less-privileged children in Abra

DOLORES, Abra - The people of Brgy. Cardona, Dolores were so happy and grateful to meet ABS CBN Star Diether Ocampo, who recently reached their place despite being isolated by typhoon Gener on August 1, 2012.

Aboard a rubber boat, Ocampo and his team who are part of the KIDS Foundation, Inc. dared the heavy rains and raging Malanas river in order to reach the people of Brgy. Cardona where he promised to donate school building and distributed school bags, school supplies and slippers.

Ocampo’s visit to Brgy. Cardona was intended to have a look into the actual condition of the locality in order to be able to make the appropriate program and proposal for a multi-level school building as requested by the people through Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr. of Dolores, Abra.

A two-story school building is going to be donated by the KIDS Foundation, Inc. intended for the school children at the same time to serve as evacuation center during calamities, because said barangay is always flooded during the rainy season as it is lying low-level and surrounded by three rivers and creeks that cause their isolation even during ordinary typhoon and monsoon rains.

The KIDS (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation, Inc., founded by Ocampo in 2006 with three other co-founders, has for its mission to address and respond to the needs of less-privileged children.  In a brief discussion regarding the programs and projects of the Foundation, with Teejay Deovilla, Programs Coordinator of KIDS Foundation, Inc., he said that, Ocampo was inspired to put up this foundation for children because Ocampo himself is an orphan.  His father died when he was only 8 years old, that he wants to share his blessings to the children.  

Ocampo and his team were supposed to go to Brgy. Cardona on July 31, 2012 upon their arrival in Abra, but they could not cross the Malanas River in Poblacion, Dolores because the flood swelled so high and the current was so strong that the ordinary bamboo rafts could not cross.

Instead, Ocampo spent the day with the people of Dolores and had his birthday party celebration with the children at the Dolores Town Plaza which Mayor Seares sponsored as a way of thanksgiving for his outreach project in Dolores because for the first time in Abra, a showbiz personality had come to the province not to earn a talent fee for his appearance, but rather to serve and respond to the community needs especially in the most depressed barangays. 

The occasion therefore served as an opportunity for Ocampo to consult with the pupils and teachers on what support they need. The pupils requested for a computer unit for their use in school, while Ms. Judith Milagros Zapata, the teacher-adviser of the Drum and Lyre Corps of Dolores Central School requested for a bass drum and trio drums to include sports equipment. Ocampo gave them his outright approval and promised them to deliver the said items during his next trip to Dolores.

The team expressed grateful appreciation to the officers and men of the 503^rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, under Col Eliseo C Posadas, the Brigade Commander, by providing security and escort to the team and helped the LGU staff in transporting the school supplies to barangay Cardona, despite the rains and risks in crossing the Malanas River.

The LGU likewise thanked Ms. Michelle Seares-Umali for without her, the ABS-CBN TV Program “Ako ang Simula” which works in close coordination with the KIDS Foundation as sponsor of the projects being brought to Dolores would not have been realized.

Ocampo is expected to be coming to Dolores more often as he said, he had committed to come for the groundbreaking of the school building project, and also wants to see for himself the construction of the project until its inauguration and turnover to the Department of Education and LGU of Dolores, Abra.

KIKO CALLS FOR 'PRICE HIKE HOLIDAY' AMID MASSIVE FLOODING AND DAMAGE

MANILA, August 8, 2012-As Metro Manila and parts of Luzon struggle to get back on their feet after the massive flooding brought about by days of continuous rain, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan calls on oil companies and dealers of food, vegetables, and basic commodities to "go easy" on price hikes.

Pangilinan made this statement days after some oil companies announced a price hike amid the continuous onslaught of rains and flooding.

"Maawa naman ho tayo sa taumbayan sa mga panahong ito. Naiintindihan namin na kailangang mabuhay ng mga negosyo, pero sa panahon ng krisis tulad nito, sana ay ipagpaliban muna ng mga kumpanya--lalo na yung may mga 'buffer', ika nga, sa kita nila--ang pagtaas ng presyo. Lubog na nga ang mga tao dahil sa grabeng pagbaha, ilulubog pa ba natin sa pagtaas ng presyo mga bilihin?"

He adds, "Baka po pupuwede tayong magkaroon ng pansamantalang 'price hike holiday' para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang taumbayan na makabangon muna mula sa kalamidad na ito bago magpataw ng panibagong presyo ang mga kumpanya. At sana ay kapag nag-stabilize na uli ang merkado ay maibalik ang presyo sa dati nitong lebel."

"Magtulung-tulong na lang ho tayo sa mga panahong ito," says the lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. "Lahat tayo naaapektuhan--mula sa mga magsasaka't manggagawa hanggang sa mga maliliit na negosyante, hanggang sa mga malalaking kumpanya. Pero kung uunahin natin ang bayan at ang mga nasalanta bago ang pagbawi sa kita, lahat tayo siguradong mas mabilis na makakaahon."

Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas PNoy to witness signing of P8.9-B deal with Korea in support of PHL’s rice self-sufficiency target

MANILA, August 8, 2012-The country is another notch closer toward its rice self-sufficiency target by 2013 with the signing of an P8.9-billion loan agreement with the Republic of Korea to fund an agriculture infrastructure which is seen to improve the country’s agricultural productivity, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to witness today (August 9) the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and the South Korea which provides for P8.95-billion official development assistance (ODA) to the country to construct the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP) in the Province of Iloilo, said Drilon, who was instrumental in the realization of JRMP.

The signing will be held at the Malacanang Palace with Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Export-Import Bank of Korea Executive director San-Wan Byun who will lead the signing.

The project which costs P11.2 billion – P2.2 billion is Philippine’s counterpart fund – will be the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon and will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farm land and benefit more than 783,000 farmers, explained Drilon.

JRMP II is envisioned to augment agricultural production, stimulate agri-industrial activities, spur the local economy and the eco-tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and contribute to the development of the Province of Iloilo and the Western Visayas, in general.

The project dubbed as “Tubig to Bigas: From Jalaur to Pinas” clearly speaks of what Iloilo can contribute to the country in becoming the source of strength of Philippines in terms of agricultural productivity, added Drilon.

“This project will be Iloilo’s contribution to the vision of President Aquino to equip the country with food security soon. Once completed, this project will make Western Visayas the rice granary of the Philippines once again,” said Drilon.

This will increase the irrigated lands in the region by around 10 percent and the annual regional rice production by around five percent. It will likewise expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, noted Drilon.

As a multi-purpose project, it will provide benefits such as flood mitigation and control, and the promotion of eco-tourism in selected reservoir areas.

On top of these, the project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.

Drilon recalled that implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project was mandated under Republic Act No. 2651 enacted by Congress in 1960. Phase one of the project, which consisted of rehabilitating the irrigation systems with an area of 22,340 hectares, was completed in 1983. But Phase 2 of the project was never implemented since 1988 due to lack of funds and the apparent indifference on the part of the national government.

Palace emissary wooing Angara rival as running mate in 2013?

BALER, Aurora, August 7, 2012-A Malacanang official has been attempting to convince Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras - who is running for governor - to give way to the gubernatorial bid of Sen. Edgardo Angara.

A highly reliable source, who sought anonymity, said former Cagayan Rep. Manuel Mamba, now the chief of the Presidential Legislative Liason Office under the Office of the President, is trying to persuade Noveras to abandon his Capitol run and instead give way to Angara in 2013.

The source said Mamba first tried to convince Noveras to instead seek a third and last term as vice governor “in deference to” Angara right after President Aquino’s visit in the province last February 19 as guest of honor and speaker on the occasion of its 33^rd foundation anniversary and the 124^th birth anniversary of Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon.

At the sidelines of the anniversary rites, Mamba and Noveras were seen talking to each other. The two both belong to the administration party with Noveras holding the post of provincial party chairman.

Mamba and Noveras have both declined to comment on the supposed negotiations.

President Aquino and the Angaras – this province’s political kingpins - are from different parties. The clan belongs to the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino. But they became close due to the impeachment trial that led to the eventual ouster Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Senator Angara and Congressman Angara played key roles in the impeachment, with the former acting as one of the senator-judges and the latter as one of the spokesperson of the House prosecution panel.

Mr. Aquino even announced that the younger Angara is running for senator under the LP ticket.  

According to the source, Mamba told Noveras to give way to Angara since the latter is just eyeing one term as governor to continue the programs he initiated in the province in partnership with the other Angaras – Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Rep. Juan Edgardo and Baler Mayor Arthur – who are all on their third and last terms.

“Nakakahiya naman na Senador e lalabanan mo sa pagka-gobernador (It’s embarrassing he’s a Senator and you will run against him for governor),” the source quoted Mamba as telling Noveras.

The source said Mamba even offered Noveras a position as Regional Trial Court judge if he wants. Noveras reportedly told Mamba he would give the matter a “serious thought.”

The elder Angara, a veteran lawmaker and one of the senior statesman in the Senate, earlier denied he is eyeing the Capitol but reports said he reconsidered after Mayor Angara, who earlier expressed intention to seek the governorship, would lose when pitted against Noveras.

          Noveras announced his intention to run for governor in July last year, two months after reports came out that the Angaras were planning to field him as their standard-bearer in tandem with Rommel Angara, the senator’s nephew Rommel, whom he defeated in the 2007 polls.

When Noveras learned of the plan, he looked excited, saying he would gladly accept it when offered. But negotiations fell through after the Angaras’ political leaders reportedly rejected the “Dream Team” tandem.      

          The senator’s Capitol bid has been the subject of much speculation, particularly due to his “increasing visibility” in the province. Since last year, he has been going around the province, meeting ward leaders of the Angaras, particularly local chief executives.

A Capitol official said the senator can run for governor even without physically campaigning around the province.

“He is very well-known, he has extensive connections and he has the solid support of leaders who can do the campaigning for him while he is attending to the campaign of Congressman Angara,” the official said. (Manny Galvez)     

Senator Loren Legarda today expressed grave concern over the condition of various communities affected by the present weather disturbance that has caused massive flooding in many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and called on the government to make the nation’s laws work to avert disasters. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and author of several environmental laws, stressed that both the government and the citizenry should engage in heightened flood prevention measures and other disaster preparedness efforts. “Despite experiences of the past, flooding persists. Now we ask, was there declogging of esteros? Was garbage in open dumps collected? Were roads that needed repair done? Is flood control implemented? Are there updated flood warning protocols for dam water releases? With flooding comes sickness, loss of livelihood and chaos. Laws and policies are in place but when will the executive start implementing our laws and when will people follow laws enacted?” the Senator remarked. Legarda said that laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), Clean Water Act (RA 9275), Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121), if fully implemented, are enough to avert the disasters that have been plaguing many parts of the country every time a natural hazard strikes. She added that with the present condition of communities in Metro Manila, the government should urgently undertake an NCR-wide clean up of drainage, waterways, and riverbanks; engage in more tree-growing activities; craft and implement comprehensive flood prevention and mitigation program in NCR; and create a program to address the problem of ground subsidence. “No to open dumps. We must clean esteros and canals, segregate garbage, plant trees on vacant lots and roadsides, relocate urban settlers living in vulnerable areas, do rainwater catchment basins so that water is stored during rains and used during dry season,” Legarda said. The Senator also stressed that agencies of government, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and all local government units (LGUs) should coordinate closely with one another for disaster prevention, effective disaster risk communication, and disaster response. “Government must make the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan work. Adopted more than a year ago, they should serve as blueprints in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the government’s plans and programs, from the national down to the local level, not just in paper but in practice,” she explained. “We now experience the ‘new norm’ and disaster response preparedness, such as warning and alert for evacuation, rescue and relief, can never be enough in this era of weather uncertainty brought by climate change,” Legarda concluded.

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, August 7, 2012-A top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources whom police tagged along with a former municipal vice mayor as the brains behind the February 4 assassination of a sitting mayor and the wounding of his bodyguard has remained in his post, escapingg suspension by the DENR in Central Luzon.

Rafael Otic, DENR provincial environment and natural resources officer for Nueva Ecija, has not been suspended nor relieved from his post in spite of the gravity of the charges against him.

Maximo Dichoso, DENR regional executive director for Central Luzon, clarified, however, that he is not coddling Otic. He said the latter has not been relieved because he has not yet received a copy of the resolution of the Department of Justice indicting Otic for murder.

Otic and businessman Teodoro Ilagan, former vice mayor of Licab town, were both charged allegedly for killing Mayor Restituto Abad. Otic is the brother of Jose, who ran but lost to Abad in the 2010 elections. Another brother, Luvimindo, used to be a long-time mayor of the town.

          Ilagan also ran for mayor in Licab but lost to the incumbent Mayor Wilfredo Domingo.

          Dichoso said Otic can be relieved once the order from the DOJ has come out. “We have no other recourse but to relieve him. Murder, after all is a non-bailable offense,” he said.

The PACC and the Philippine National Police’s Intelligence Group filed before the Department of Justice murder and frustrated murder charges against Otic and Ilagan.

          Abad died five days later while undergoing treatment at the St. Luke’s Medical Center. Duclayan survived.

Chief Supt. Charles Calima, IG director, said Gov. Aurelio Umali put up a P1 million reward for any information leading to the arrest of Abad’s killers. This is on top of the P100,000 put up by Abad’s relatives.

          Lawmen were able to arrest one of the suspects, Jose Bernalin Pascual of Barangay Pagas, Cabanatuan, driver of the motorcycle ridden by the gunman Jonathan Carpio who shot Abad and Duclayan.

         

Judge Serafin Cruz of the Regional Trial Court Branch 86 based in this city issued a warrant for the arrest of Carpio who is also facing 12 counts of electric pilferage filed in 2007 and 2008 by the Cabanatuan Electric Corp.

          Carpio, 32, who carries the alias Atan was arrested by IG operatives led by deputy director for operations Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo and the PACC in Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City last April 28 while allegedly casing his next target. He yielded a caliber .45 Armscor pistol used in killing Abad.

          Carpio has admitted to the crime and pointed to Ilagan as the one who hired him to assassinate Abad. He said it was Otic and Ilagan who gave him P300,000 as payment for killing Abad, some six days after the incident. The money was handed to him at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

Ilagan surrendered to IG and Regional Mobile Group operatives but not after engaging them in a shootout in his house in Barangay San Cristobal, Licab last June 21 which led to the death of his security escort Lorenzo Bote, a retired police sergeant.

Ilagan yielded two caliber 45, a black 40 pistol and a handgrenade. He is now detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.  (Manny Galvez)

Legarda: Make Our Laws Work to Avert Disasters Gov’t and Citizens Must Engage in Heightened Flood Prevention, Disaster Preparedness Measures

MANILA, August 7, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed grave concern over the condition of various communities affected by the present weather disturbance that has caused massive flooding in many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and called on the government to make the nation’s laws work to avert disasters.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and author of several environmental laws, stressed that both the government and the citizenry should engage in heightened flood prevention measures and other disaster preparedness efforts.

“Despite experiences of the past, flooding persists. Now we ask, was there declogging of esteros? Was garbage in open dumps collected? Were roads that needed repair done? Is flood control implemented? Are there updated flood warning protocols for dam water releases? With flooding comes sickness, loss of livelihood and chaos. Laws and policies are in place but when will the executive start implementing our laws and when will people follow laws enacted?” the Senator remarked.

Legarda said that laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), Clean Water Act (RA 9275), Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121), if fully implemented, are enough to avert the disasters that have been plaguing many parts of the country every time a natural hazard strikes.

She added that with the present condition of communities in Metro Manila, the government should urgently undertake an NCR-wide clean up of drainage, waterways, and riverbanks; engage in more tree-growing activities; craft and implement comprehensive flood prevention and mitigation program in NCR; and create a program to address the problem of ground subsidence.

“No to open dumps. We must clean esteros and canals, segregate garbage, plant trees on vacant lots and roadsides, relocate urban settlers living in vulnerable areas, do rainwater catchment basins so that water is stored during rains and used during dry season,” Legarda said.

The Senator also stressed that agencies of government, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and all local government units (LGUs) should coordinate closely with one another for disaster prevention, effective disaster risk communication, and disaster response.

“Government must make the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan work. Adopted more than a year ago, they should serve as blueprints in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the government’s plans and programs, from the national down to the local level, not just in paper but in practice,” she explained.

“We now experience the ‘new norm’ and disaster response preparedness, such as warning and alert for evacuation, rescue and relief, can never be enough in this era of weather uncertainty brought by climate change,” Legarda concluded.

KIKO: LET's USE PEOPLE POWER, VOLUNTEERISM TO ENSURE SAFETY, RESCUE OF FLOOD VICTIMS

MANILA, August 7, 2012-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan calls on fellow Filipinos to use "people power" and "citizen-powered volunteerism" to send information and rescue efforts to those who are badly affected by this week's floods.

"Thanks to social media and the efforts of ordinary Filipinos to pass on crucial, life-saving information, we are able to respond to the onslaught of floods much better than was possible during the time of Ondoy," Pangilinan says. "We call on our countrymen to continue to be vigilant and keep their families safe, but also to hopefully extend help when and where it is needed."

"We've received reports that rubber boats are urgently needed, as are clothes, slippers, medicines and other medical supplies, food, water, and other emergency items. We urge those who can spare such items to get in touch with government agencies such as the DSWD and MMDA for such donations."

He adds, "Nakikiusap rin ho tayo sa mga nakatira sa mabababang mga lugar--sundin po sana natin ang abiso ng mga kinauukulan at lumikas na kung kailangang lumikas. Buhay natin at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay ang katapat nito. Tayo po at magsama-sama at magtulung-tulong para maiwasan ang matinding sakuna." 

Legarda: Constant Vigilance Needed Amid Torrential Rains, Increasing Weather Uncertainty

MANILA, August 7, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today called for constant vigilance among government authorities, communities and citizens as floods cover many parts of Luzon and Visayas, and water levels of some rivers and major dams exceeded the warning mark due to torrential rains.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that everyone should be on heightened alert especially that with continuous rains, floodwaters rise swiftly and landslides are more likely to occur.

“Flood warnings, especially in areas affected by overflowing rivers and overspilling dams, should give enough time for communities to evacuate and take shelter. There must be a balance between information provision, dissemination, and understanding of the communities, coupled with preparedness and accountability,” she said.

The Senator also urged citizens to be on full alert for severe floods and cooperate with national and local authorities by heeding warnings.

She also stressed that is important to reduce vulnerability over the longer term in order for communities to better cope with climate variability and uncertainty.

“During these times, early evacuation should be implemented to avoid citizens being trapped in their homes due to high floodwaters. But more than the short-term solutions, we must address the lingering problem of recurring floods every single time we experience heavy rains. We have early warning system for flood and evacuation but this is not enough. We need serious flood prevention and mitigation measures such as drainage and river clean-up, relocation of informal settlers along waterways, and effective solid waste management at local level,” Legarda pointed out.

“While heavy and excessive rainfall is part of the ‘new norm’, we need not live with recurrent flooding that put lives at risk and disrupt our social and economic activities. Prevention is always better than cure. We must learn from our past experiences, practice enhanced disaster preparedness and response, and be proactive in reducing the risk of disasters,” Legarda concluded.

Police Regional Office 3 to improve communication skills

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, August 7, 2012-The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) had launched its Toastmasters Club Division which is also known as Philippine National Police (PNP) Speech Club that will further enhance police’s skills and confidence in public speaking.

Members of the organization include the chiefs of different offices of the regional headquarters.

Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Senior Superintendent (PSSUPT) Noli Taliño said “Toastmasters Club is another opportunity for us to forge effective community relations through good communication.”

Meanwhile, Regional Intelligence Division Chief PSSUPT Oscar Albayalde said that “through this club, our communication skills will be honed, polished and developed as well as the ability to speak professionally and eloquently in public or in front of the media will be enhanced.”

PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome initiated the organization of the said club in regional level mid April.

This, according to him, will improve the communication skills among police officers as part of the objective of the PNP to forge effective community relations. (Joelyn G. Baluyut)