President Aquino assures Tarlac flood victims of help

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac, August 11, 2012-President Aquino assured monsoon flood victims in his home province of Tarlac that government will help in their recovery. 

Speaking before residents in Barangay Apulid in Paniqui town Friday, the Chief Executive said he admires the resiliency of the residents to immediately rise from the tragedy. He added that such trait is a positive sign of brighter things ahead. 

Aquino distributed relief goods in the village and in Barangay Sta. Lucia in Capas town together with secretaries of Social Welfare Dinky Soliman, Energy Jose Almendras, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Joel Villanueva, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning (PCSDO) Ramon Carandang, Aurora representative Sonny Angara, and former party-list representative Risa Hontiveros. 

In an interview, one of the evacuees in Brgy. Apulid, Elena Salcedo, 79, said, “This is even worse than typhoons Pedring and Quiel, I was scared but with the President here I am very thankful because he had seen what our current situation is and it brings me hope that soon we’ll be back to our normal lives." 

Meanwhile, Paniqui Mayor Dors Rivilla said, “evacuees will be probably be staying in the evacuation centers for three to four days until the rain stops to ensure their safety.” 

In the municipal level, we are doing our best to avert such a situation again and we are asking government to assist. Our area is a catch basin, the mayor explained. 

He also cited the construction of P16 billion Balog-Balog Irrigation Multipurpose Project (BBIMP), a megadam in the western part of Tarlac which will help in the mitigation of flooding in low-lying areas of the province. 

The Department of Agriculture explained that the project would irrigate about 39,150 hectares of farmlands in the municipalities of Concepcion, Gerona, Pura, Ramos, Paniqui, La Paz, Victoria, and Tarlac City. 

A total of 250 and 200 packs were distributed by the DSWD-3 to barangays Apulid and Sta. Lucia evacuation centers. A pack is composed of three kilos of rice, six assorted canned goods, six noodles, and coffee. 

Based on Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) figures, there are now 619 affected families or 2,291 individuals and 1,1864 families or 9,169 individuals covering Paniqui and Capas towns respectively. (Joelyn G. Baluyut)

DPWH sets P840M to rehab tail dike in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, August 11, 2012-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will allocate P840 million for the rehabilitation of a destroyed tail dike and various river channels in the province of Pampanga damaged by the two-week intense rains caused by typhoon Gener and the southwest monsoon. 

DPWH Regional Director Antonio Molano said such commitment is enclosed in a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the wake of the calamity. 

"Under the agreement, solutions that will be undertaken include the immediate re-channeling of the waterway from Gugu Creek down to San Francisco and Labuan rivers; immediate closure of the two breached portions of the tail dike; the rehabilitation and or reconstruction of spillways one and three located in the western portion and the center of the transverse dike," Molano said. 

He also said about the revival of the waterways of the Pasig Potrero river from the upper portion of the transverse dike particularly from the Maliwalu portions; and continuing yearly allocation of the necessary funds for the maintenance of the said river channels. 

The breach on two portions of the tail dike suddenly created two river channels that became the exit of strong bodies of water with remobilized lahar sediments coming from the upper portion of the transverse dike causing serious flooding and heavy siltation along the three barangays of San Fernando which are San Nicolas, San Pedro Cutud and Sta. Lucia, and the municipalities of Sto. Tomas and Minalin. 

In a statement, Governor Lilia Pineda said, "This serious flooding and heavy siltation caused by these breaches, if unabated, will also affect the McArthur Highway, including a portion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) between San Fernando and San Simon. At present, this flooding and heavy siltation has already dislocated thousands of residents, caused a few deaths, damaged properties and adversely affected businesses." 

Pineda said if construction will not be taken immediately, “baka mangyari sa Pinatubo ang mangyari ngayon (what happened during Pinatubo days will occur at present).” 

Latest figures from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reveal that 366 barangays were flooded in Pampanga during the two-week intense rains, affecting 139,359 families or 596,403 individuals. 

The council also tallied 15 casualties in the province with one missing. 

Meanwhile, the cost of damages in agriculture is at P847 million. Rice crops at P234 milion; corn, P76,000; livestocks, P228,000; high-value commercial crops, P12 million; and fisheries, P601 million. (Joelyn G. Baluyut)

PNoy, naghatid ng tulong samga biktima ng baha sa Malolos at Paombong

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan, Agosto 11, 2012-Bagamat dumanas ng matinding kalamidad sanhi ng malalakas na pag-uulan nitong nakaraang mga araw na nagdulot ng malawakang pagbabaha, lubos ang kagalakan at pag-asa ang mga mamamayan ng lungsod ng Malolos at bayan ng Paombong matapos na personal na bumisita at hatiran ng tulong ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kahapon ang mga residente ng dalawang nabanggit na lugar.

 

May 399 pamilya na may kabuuang 1,846 katao ang kasalukuyang nanunuluyan sa City of Malolos Integrated School bilang evacuation center ang tumanggap ng mga relief ng goods mula mismo kay Pangulong Aquino.

 

Sinabi ng Pangulo na tuwina niyang binabasa ang mga ulat na isinusumite sa kanya at sinabing ang lahat ng ahensya ay kumikilos araw at gabi upang malutas ang kasalukuyang problema.

 

Ayon pa kay Aquino, kinakailangan ng P2 bilyon para sa mga malalaking proyektong tutugon sa problema sa baha, partikular na sa mga lugar gaya ng Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan o ang proyektong VOM. Idinagdag din niyang paiigtingin ng pamahalaan ang national greening program upang maiwasan ang pagguho ng kabundukan na siyang pangunahing dahilan ng pagpuputik at pagbaha.

 

Gayundin, sinabi ng Pangulo sa mga Maloleño na nakikipag-ugnayan na si Public Works and  Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson na iniluklok bilang “water czar” ng bansa sa mga lugar na apektado ng baha upang asikasuhin ang pinsalang tinamo dala ng matinding pagbaha.

 

Sa pag-uusap naman nina Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado at Kalihim Singson, hiniling nitong tipunin ang komite ng imprastraktura ng Regional Development Council sa Central Luzon matapos imungkahi ng kalihim ang pagbuhay muli sa Pampanga River Control System (PRCS), isang dibisyon ng DPWH na siyang titingin sa paghuhukay sa mga kailugan at pagmimintina ng flood control systems sa Central Luzon.

 

Nabuwag ang PRCS upang magbigay daan sa pagbuo ng Mt. Pinatubo Commission upang masagip ang lungsod ng San Fernando, Pampanga at iba pang lugar na lubhang naapektuhan ng pagputok ng Mt. Pinatubo noong 1991.

 

Sinabi din ni Alvarado kay Singson na sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Cory Aquino, hindi dumanas ng matinding baha ang lalawigan ng Bulacan dahil sa PRCS. 

 

Ipinaliwanag naman ng gobernador kay Pangulong Aquino ang kasalukuyan lagay ng baha sa Bulacan partikular na ang mga back flood na bumababa ngayon sa mga bayan ng Calumpit at Hagonoy gayundin ang lagay ng tatlong malalaking dam sa lalawigan, ang Angat, Ipo at Bustos dam. Idinagdag din niyang ginagarantiya ng mga opisyal ng Angat dam na hindi sila magpapakawala ng sobrang tubig upang hindi na makadagdag pa sa dinaranas na baha ng mga nasabing bayan.

 

Samantala, ipinag-utos naman ng gobernador ang agarang pamamahagi ng tulong kasabay ng cleanup drive kahapon, ika-10 ng Agosto kung saan 18, 150 na pamilya sa Marilao, Meycauayan at Bocaue ang nabahaginan ng relief goods.

 

Gayundin, iniutos kay Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Gomez na dagliang magsagawa ng medical mission sa mga apektadong lugar sa lalawigan.

 

Matapos mamahagi ng tulong sa Malolos, tumuloy ang Pangulo at mga kasama sa bayan ng Paombong upang magsagawa ng parehong programa. Ang Paombong ay isa ring bayan na dumanas ng matinding baha mula pa noong Martes.

 

Katulong  ng Pangulo sa pamamahagi ng relief goods sina Sec. Singson, Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Sec. Joel Villanueva, mga lokal na opisyal sa lalawigan sa pangunguna ni Alvarado, Bise Gob. Daniel Fernando, Cong. Marivic Sy-Alvarado, Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian at mga kasapi ng sangguniang panlalawigan at lungsod.

Kasama rin dumalaw ni Pangulong Aquino sina CIBAC partylist Rep. Sherwin Tugna, Department of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo, Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras at Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang. (Vinson Concepcion)

Lahat ng mga pamilyang binaha sa Bulacan, nasa evacuation man o wala, padadalhan ng rasyon ng pagkain

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan, Agosto 11, 2012-Tiniyak ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan na makakatanggap ng ayudang pagkain ang bawat pamilyang binaha dahil sa hanging Habagat, sila man ay inilikas sa mga evacuation centers o naiwan sa kani-kanilang mga tirahan.

 

Ayon kay Bise Gobernador Daniel Fernando, “ito ang direktiba ng ating Gobernador Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado para matiyak na walang pamilyang Bulakenyong magugutom ngayong panahon ng kalamidad. Kaya kami sa Sangguniang Panlalawiagn, nagkaisa kami na pagtibayin ang deklarasyon ng State of Calamity upang ma-maximize ang paggamit ng Calamity Fund para marami ang matulungan agad.”

 

Sa pinakahuling tala ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), halos 100 libong pamilya na katumbas ng nasa 500 libong indibidwal ang direktang naapektuhan ng malawakang pagbabaha sa 21 bayan at tatlong lungsod sa Bulacan.

 

Kaugnay nito, may nauna nang ipinagkaloob si Pangulong Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III na mahigit 2000 na family food packs sa pamamagitan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) na ipinamahagi sa Paombong at lungsod ng Malolos. Ayon kay Rizalina Carpio, Project Development Officer ng DSWD sa rehiyon ng gitnang Luzon, bawat isang family food pack na ipinamahagi sa mga binaha ay nagkakahalaga ng P250.00. May laman itong tatlong kilong bigas, pitong pakete ng noodles, limang lata ng corned beef, anim na lata ng sardinas at anim na pakete ng 3 in 1 na kape.

 

Bahagi ito ng P6 bilyong calamity fund ng bansa na inaprubahan kamakailan ng Pangulo upang agad na matulungan ang mga biktima ng malawakang pagbabaha.

 

Iba pa rito ang mahigit 4000 na relief goods na ipinamahagi na ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Tiniyak naman ni DSWD Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman na patuloy pang magpapadala ng mga ayudang pagkain ang pamahalaang nasyonal upang maseguro na lahat ng mga binahang Bulakenyo ay makatikim ng pagtulong at tunay na pag-alalay ng pamahalaan. (Shane Frias Velasco)

National Greening Program sa Bulacan, pag-iibayuhin para maiwasan ang pagguho ng lupa at pagbabaw ng mga ilog

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan, Agosto 11, 2012-Iniutos ni Pangulong Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III na pag-ibayuhin ang implementasyon ng National Greening Program sa Bulacan upang mahinto ang pagbagsak ng lupa mula sa mga kabundukan na nagdudulot ng pagbabaw sa mga ilog.

 

Sa ginanap na pamamahagi ng Pangulo ng mga family food packs sa mga binahang residente sa Paombong dahil sa hagupit ng habagat, ipinaliwanag nito na bukod sa malakas na buhos ng ulan, pangunahing dahilan din ang pagbabaw ng maraming mga ilog sa Bulacan.

 

“Kung matataniman ang mga kabundukan dito sa Bulacan ng mga malalaking puno, may ugat na kakapit sa lupa upang hindi magka-landslides na napupunta ang mga gumuhong lupa sa mga ilog kaya mahina ang water capacity kapag nagkaroon ng bagyo o tag-ulan,” ani ng Pangulo sa libu-libong Bulakenyong nabiyaan ng ayuda mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

 

Unang kinonsepto ang malawakang pagtatanim ng puno sa buong bansa noong 2006 nang ilunsad ang Green Philippines Program ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Ginawa naman itong komprehensibo ng Pangulo nang lagdaan niya ang Executive Order no 26 na nag-uutos sa lahat ng mamamayan ng Pilipinas, saan mang sektor kabilang, na magtanim ng tig-10 punla ng puno sa ilalim ng National Greening Program. Layunin nito na matamo ng Pilipinas ang 1.6 bilyong mga bagong puno pagsapit ng 2016.

 

Ikinagalak naman ito ng sektor ng mga Bulakenyong may adhikaing pangkalikasan, ayon kay Dr. Reynaldo S. Naguit, pangulo ng Buklurang Biak na Bato Inc., na may proyektong Rainforestation sa kabundukan ng Biak na Bato sa bayan ng San Miguel at Donya Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan o ang pagtatanim ng mga katutubong puno “sa utos na iyan ng Pangulo, maliwanag na sinsero siya sa pagmamalasakit at pangangalaga sa kalikasan. Kaya mahalaga na magkaroon ng papel ang bawat mamamayan at lalong mapapabuti ito kung katutubong puno ang ating itatanim para bumalik ang balanseng ekolohikal ng ating mga kagubatan.” (Shane Frias Velasco)

P2.2 B ang inilaan ni PNOY para sa Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan (VOM) Flood Control Project

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan, Agosto 11, 2012-Tuluy na tuloy na ang pagsasakatuparan ng proyektong Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan (VOM) Flood Control Project ngayong ipinapalabas na ni Pangulong Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino ang pondong P2.2 bilyon upang agad na masimulan ito.

 

Sa kanyang pagbisita sa bayan ng Paombong upang kamustahin ang mga biktima ng malawakang pagbaha dahil sa hanging Habagat, inanunsyo ng Pangulo na agad niyang pasisimulan ang proyekto ngayong taon upang matapos sa 2016 o bago siya bumaba sa pwesto. “May kakayahan ang gobyerno ngayon na alalayan kayo sa panahon ng kalamidad at lalong may pondo na tayo para isakatuparan ang mga imprastrakturang kailangan upang tuluyang resolbahin ang problema sa malawakang pagbabaha,” ani Pangulong Noynoy.

 

Matatandaan na taong 2001 unang kinonsepto ang proyektong VOM sa tulong ng Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Layunin nito na idugtong sa katatayo pa lamang na CAMANAVA (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) Flood Control Project ang VOM upang hindi bahain ang mga bayan na nasa baybayin ng Manila Bay.

 

Ayon kay Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson, ang CAMANAVA at VOM ay kapwa proyekto kung saan magtatayo ng matitibay, malalaki at makakapal na dike. Bahagi rin ng komposisyon ng proyekto ang mga malalaki at modernong pumping station na magbobomba ng sobrang tubig patungong Manila Bay sa tuwing bubuhos ang malakas na ulan.

 

Para naman kay Gobernador Wilhelmino Sy-Alvaradp ng Bulacan, “isang welcome development ito dahil pagkaraan ng 12 taon ay tuluyan nang may tiyak na pondo upang masimulan ang VOM. Kailangang-kailangan ito ng mga Bulakenyo dahil bukod sa pagpapakawala ng tubig sa mga dams sa Bulacan, pangunahing dahilan din ng pagbabaha sa lalawigan ay ang regular na pagha-high tide. Pero dahil sa climate change, lumalawak ang sakop ng nalulubog dahil sa high tide. Pero kung may matatag na dike, tiyak na mababawasan o mawawala na siguro ang baha.”

 

Samantala, bilang tagapangulo ng Regional Infrastructure Committee sa Regional Development Council (RDC), isinumite rin ni Gob. Alvarado kay Pangulong Noynoy ang mga detalye ng panukalang Manila-Bulacan-Pampanga-Bataan Manila Bay Coastal Road na ikakabit sa kasalukuyang Manila-Cavite Coastal Expressway. Layunin ng proyekto na ‘ikulong’ ng isang dambuhalang dike ang buong baybayin ng Manila Bay mula sa Maynila hanggang Bataan, at gawing isang expressway ang ibabaw ng dike bilang ‘dual-purpose’ infrastructure project para sa modernong kalsada at epektibong pangmatagalang flood control. (Shane Frias Velasco)

PNoy namahagi ng relief goods sa mga evacuees ng Malolos

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Agosto 11, 2012–Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pamamahagi ng relief goods sa may 339 pamilya na nasa evacuation center sa City of Malolos Integrated School sa kanyang ginawang pagbisita sa nasabing lungsod ngayong araw.

Personal na tinungo ni Pangulong Aquino ang lugar upang tiyakin ang maayos na kalagayan ng mga naapektuhan ng mga pagbaha dulot ng malalakas na pag-uulan sanhi ng matinding hanging habagat.

Sinabi ng Pangulo ng maraming kailangan gawin hindi sa pagbawas ng pagbaha kung hindi paghinto ng baha.

“Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t tatapusin ang lahat ng dapat tapusin,” ani ng Pangulo sa harap ng mahigit 1,000 residenteng lumikas sanhi ng pagbabaha sa nasabing lungsod.

Kabilang sa mga residenteng lumikas sa nabanggit na evacuation center ang mga naninirahan sa barangay San Vicente, Caniogan, Sto. Rosario, Catmon at San Juan.

Tumanggap ang mga evacuees’ ng relief goods na naglalaman ng tatlong kilo ng bigas, apat na delatang corned beef, limang lata ng sardinas at limang pakete ng noodles.

Katulong ng Pangulo sa pamamahagi ng relief goods sina Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Sec. Joel Villanueva

Kasama rin dumalaw ni Pangulong Aquino sina CIBAC partylist Rep. Sherwin Tugna, Department of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo, Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras at Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang. (Vinson Concepcion)

RISK REDUCTION, AWARENESS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED IN 2013 BUDGET - ANGARA

MANILA, August 11, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures should be prioritized in the 2013 budget  deliberations.

“We must look into the government’s disaster management plan and make sure that risk mitigation and adaptation are prioritized in next year’s budget, so that we could put them into action as early as possible,” he said.  

Torrential rains brought by the Habagat or Southwest monsoon swept through the country this past week, dumping one month’s worth of rain in just two days over Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Widespread flooding, landslides, and massive damage to property put 22 different areas under a state of calamity. Schools, businesses, and government offices were in a standstill for one week.

“Although we cannot stop these natural disasters from happening, we can minimize the damage by reducing our country’s risk and vulnerabilities. We must shift our focus from relief and rehabilitation to prevention,” he said.

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, observed that this situation is reminiscent to Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, when a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time caused massive destruction. The big difference, irony even, was that there was no typhoon in the country's area of responsibility. The nonstop rains were brought about by a monsoon that was enhanced by a typhoon in the region.

“Because of the lack of a storm signal, people may have underestimated the potential impact at first. Many simply did not expect the Habagat to hit us so hard. At the same time, we are not yet familiar with PAG-ASA's rainfall bulletin,” he explained.

The veteran legislator also emphasized the importance of familiarizing the public with weather indicators and reports, such as the color-coded rainfall warning and measurement scheme being used by the national weather bureau. 

“Aside from preparing our roads, canals and buildings, it is equally important to educate the people on these matters. We could conduct disaster preparedness seminars and workshops for our barangay leaders through our LGUs. On a national level, we could use the media to teach the public how to interpret the weather bulletins and also give basic survival measures so that everyone knows what to do in cases of emergency,” he proposed.

Legarda Renews Call for Climate Justice

MANILA, August 11, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call for strengthened efforts in building a disaster-resilient nation as part of the campaign for climate justice.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, stressed that it is clear injustice that the most vulnerable to climate change belong to the poorest groups who lack the resources and means to cope with the impacts of extreme weather events.

She explained that the Philippines is one of the countries seeking for commitment from industrialized nations, which are the greatest emitters of greenhouse gas, to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and provide support for climate change adaptation work in vulnerable countries.

“Beyond our shores, more and more countries are also suffering from disasters of unprecedented magnitude—last year Cambodia, Thailand, and Bangladesh went through devastating floods, which are among the worst in their history,” Legarda added.

“Industrialized countries have a historical responsibility for climate change and are morally obliged to financially and technologically assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce their vulnerability and adapt to its consequences, while reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions,” she stressed.

“While we await more decisive outcomes of climate change negotiations, we in our country must not allow ourselves to continuously suffer from floods, hunger, displacement and economic setbacks,” Legarda said.

The Senator also pointed out that as the extreme weather events are now considered the ‘new norm’, the government should even work harder in reducing the risks of communities to disasters so as not to cause further rise to the so-called climate refugees, noting that over half a million Filipinos were displaced by the monsoon rains and 3,995 families affected by Typhoon Sendong are still residing in temporary shelters.

“Our laws, the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which have been cited as “the best laws in the world” by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, must be complemented by effective implementation from the executive.

“Climate change is clearly not only about floods. It is about food, water, settlement, jobs and livelihood. It is about human welfare and security, poverty reduction and sustainable development. As we remind world leaders of their responsibilities to lead our people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by climate change, we in our country must resolve to quickly move policy into action,” Legarda concluded.

Drilon: NGCP impending purchase of PEDC assets, a mere corporate greed, not public service

MANILA, August 11, 2012-A plan by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to purchase the transmission assets of the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) is a by-product of corporate greed and is not being proposed to advance public service, said Senator Franklin M. Drilon.   

“This acquisition has nothing to do with public service, it is all corporate greed,” said Drilon.

“As I see it, I could not find any reason – other than vested interest and the desire to rake up money – for the NGCP to decide to intervene in the distribution of electricity in Iloilo, since the present setup seems to be running smoothly, and is more advantageous to household consumers,” stressed Drilon. 

“The petition of NGCP will not work for the benefit of the residents of Iloilo City; instead, it will only be additional burden to them since the buyout will result in a substantial power hike,” he added.

NGCP, the state’s lone transmission networks provider, intends to buy the point-to-point assets of the PEDC for the amount of P600 million. PEDC operates the first 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant in La Paz, Iloilo which supplies electricity to Panay Electric Company Inc. (PECO) – the sole power distributor in the city – which is only one-kilometer away from PEDC, noted Drilon.  

Drilon said electric power charges are likely to increase once the NGCP acquires assets of PEDC, for NGCP imposes transmission wheeling charges in using its system, which will eventually be passed on by power distributors to household consumers.

He estimated the planned buyout will increase the price of electric power by P1.00 per kilowatt hour in the 180 barangays being covered by PECO, which is obviously against the policies of the government.

Earlier, Drilon said the impending buyout will run counter to the true intent of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

Turn-over Ceremony, Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Tarlac City

Major General Allan Luga, Division Commander, 7^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Colonel Demosthenes Santillan, Brigade Commander, 54^th Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army as they deliver their message during the turn-over ceremony of 4 room school building at Villa Bacolor Elementary School last August 7, 2012. (L-R)

Lieutenant General Anthony Alcantara, Commander, Northern Luzon Command; Miss Terry Aquino, Public Service Officer, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group; Mr Earl Bacabac, Social Development Manager, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc; Madam Minviluz Mendoza, Maliwalo Central School Principal; Mr. Renato Cabarios, Alternative Learning System Coordinator, Tarlac Schools Division; Barangay Chairman Jose Lising, Villa Bacolor, Tarlac City and Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, Villa Bacolor Elementary School during the turn over of the symbolic key. (L-R)

Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, Villa Bacolor Elementary School deliver his message during the turn-over ceremony of the newly constructed building donated by ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Ribbon cutting in front of the newly constructed building in Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Villa Bacolor, Tarlac City.

School Building na Produkto ng Bayanihan Naipasakamay na sa Villa Bacolor Elementary School, Tarlac City

TARLAC, August 10, 2012-Pormal nang itinurn-over sa pamunuan ng Villa Baclor Elementary School , Tarlac City ang 4 room school building na produkto ng pagbabayanihan ng ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated, Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at mga mamamayan sa Barangay Villa Bacolor.

Ang turn-over ceremony ay ginanap noong ika-7 ng Agosto taong kasalukuyan sa Villa Bacolor Elementary School covered court na dinaluhan ng mga opisyal ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa pangunguna ni Lieutenant General Anthony Alcantara, Commander ng Northern Luzon Command; Major General Allan Luga, Division Commander, 7^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Colonel Demosthenes Santillan, Brigade Commander, 54^th Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army; Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Hinlo, Battalion Commander 522 Engineer Construction Battalion, Philippine Army; Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres Jr, Battalion Commander, 3^rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Light Armor Division, Philippine Army; Miss Terry Aquino, Public Service Officer, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Dagupan City; Mr. Earl Bacabac, Social Development Manager ng ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated, mga kinatawan ng Department of Education sa Tarlac, Barangay Officials sa pamumuno ni Barangay Chairman Jose Lising, mga guro sa pamumuno ni Mr. Alvin Hulipas, Principal, mga mag-aaral, mga mamamayan sa nasabing barangay at iba pang mga bisita.

Damang dama ang galak at tuwa ng lahat ng lumahok sa nasabing seremonya at naging  kasangkapan upang maipatayo ang nasabing proyekto na akala ng mga mamamayan ay hindi maisasakatuparan.

Ayon kay Barangay Chairman Jose Lising ng Villa Bacolor, limampung taon ang kanilang hinintay bago nagkaroon ng panibagong silid aralan ang nasabing paaralan at naging sagot sa kanilang panalangin ang tulong ng ABS-CBN Foundation at mga kasundaluhan bagamat naging emosyonal ito dahil sa labis na tuwa sa nasabing proyekto.

Ihinayag naman ng mga kinatawan ng ABS-CBN Foundation na sila at ang kanilang organisasyon ay ginawang kasangkapan o tulay lamang ng kanilang mga donors upang makapagbigay ng proyekto na higit na pakikinabangan ng komunidad.

Sabi naman ng mga kinatawan ng Tarlac Schools Division na sina Mr Renato Cabarios at Miss Minviluz Mendoza mas madali nang makamtan ang dekalidad na edukasyon dahil sa mga silid aralan na ipinagkaloob at nabago rin ang pagtingin ng mga tao sa mga sundalo dahil noon ay kinakatakutan ngunit sila pala ay nakahandang maglingkod sa anumang paraan para sa mga mamamayan.

Ayon naman kay Colonel Santillan, Brigade Commander ng 54^th Engineer Brigade, ang gusali ay buhay na testamento ng pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng mga kasapi ng AFP sa mga mamamayan at sila ay kabahagi ng pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran at kapayapaan ng bayan.

Aniya, napakalaking karangalan bilang mga kawal na maging parte ng proyekto at umaasa ito na mas marami pang proyekto ang magagawa nila sa Tarlac dahil ang gusali na itinayo sa Villa Bacolor ay pangalawa pa lamang, ang una ay sa bayan ng Camiling.

Hinikayat naman ni Major General Allan Luga ng 7^th Infantry Division ang lahat ng mamamayan na pagyamanin ang diwa ng bayanihan at ang pagsasagawa ng proyekto sa lugar ay isang hudyat para sa magandang simula at mas maayos pang pakikisama ng bawat isa.

Ibinahagi rin ni Mr. Alvin Hulipas ang kalunos lunos na sitwasyon ng paaralan kung saan nasa limang lumang silid aralan lamang ang ginagamit ng halos tatlong daang mag-aaral ng mahabang panahon at nagsilbing hamon ito para sa kanya na gumawa ng paraan upang maitaas ang antas ng edukasyon sa pinamumunuan nitong paaralan at biyaya sa kanila ang pagpapatayo ng gusali.

Binasbasan ni Reverend Father Cris Lozano ang gusali habang namigay ng mga regalo ang ABS-CBN Foundation sa mga mag-aaral.

Umabot sa dalawang milyong piso ang nagamit na pondo sa pagpapatayo ng gusali.

KIKO: INVESTMENT IN FOOD TRADING HUBS WILL HELP ENSURE FOOD SUPPLY AND PRICE STABILITY

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, today urges the government to establish more trading centers in the country that would help secure food supply and keep food prices stable for consumers while increasing the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk.

"With the imminent sale of the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), the government must prioritize the establishment of trading centers with modern cold storage facilities to ensure that our food supply remains stable and readily available to our countrymen in times of crisis like this. These trading hubs must also be strategically located and easily accessible to both farmers and consumers."

"With this, we should be able to solve the problems of food shortage and price spikes when calamities strike."

Pangilinan adds that more trade centers in the country will empower farmers and fisherfolk as these will give them direct access to the market without falling prey to opportunistic middlemen.

"Kawawa naman ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila na nga ang pinakanatatamaan tuwing ganitong may mga bagyo, sila pa yung nababarat at nawawalan ng tamang kita. Layunin nating maprotektahan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa pamamagitan ng mga 'bagsakan' o trading centers na ito."

Pangilinan adds, "We must lessen the impact of calamities on our food supply. When supplies get scarce, prices will go up and the whole chain becomes disrupted. We need to establish accessible, modern facilities that shorten the supply chain and pass on the savings to consumers." 

Legarda: 3.4-Milyong Pilipinong Kasambahay sa Buong Mundo, Makikinabang sa ILO Convention 189

Inanunsyo ngayon ni Senador Loren Legarda ang pag-ratipika ng Senado ng International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189, o ang “Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers” noong Agosto 6.

Ayon kay Legarda, pinuno ng Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, may 3.4-milyon Pilipinong kasambahay sa loob at labas ng bansa ang makikinabang sa kumbensiyon na pinaboran ng 20 senador.

“Natutuwa ako para sa ating mga kasambahay dahil ang pag-apruba ng ILO Convention 189 ay magbibigay daan sa tamang pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang papel sa mga kabahayan kung saan sila nagtatrabaho at sa kanilang kontribusyon sa ekonomiya,” diin ng senador.

Batay sa talaan ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), taun-taon ay tumataas ang pag-deploy ng Filipino domestic workers sa ibang bansa. Noong 2011, nasa 136,000 na newly-hired Filipino domestic workers ang nagtrabaho  sa ibang bansa. Noon lamang lumagpas sa 100,000 ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong kasambahay na nagtrabaho sa ibang bansa sa unang pagkakataon.

Ipinaliwanag ni Legarda na sa pamamagitan ng ILO Convention 189 ay mabibigyan ng gobyerno nang higit na proteksyon ang mga kasambahay dito at sa ibang bansa. 

“Ang ating mga kasambahay ay may sariling mga pangangailangan, mga pamilyang kailangan suportahan, mga kapatid na pinag-aaral. Tulad natin, sila ay nagtatrabaho, ngunit marami sa kanila ay pinagkakaitan ng kanilang mga karapatan at hinahamak ang kanilang pagkatao. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng ILO Convention 189, tayo ay umaasa na ang ganitong uri ng kawalan ng katarungan ay mawawakasan,” diin ng senador.

“Ngayon ay kikilalanin na ang ating mga kasambahay bilang mga lehitimong manggagawa, hindi alipin, at mapagkakalooban nang maayos na kondisyon sa trabaho, sapat na suweldo at mga benepisyong ipinagkakaloob sa ibang manggagawa,” ani Legarda.

Nagbibigay ang nasabing kumbensiyon ng kalayaan sa mga kasambahay na mag-organisa tulad ng regular na manggagawa. Ipinag-uutos nito na magkaroon  ng batayan na kontrata, batayan na sahod at karagdagang benepisyo tulad ng sick leave ang mga kasambahay.

Drilon asks DepEd to consider changing school year to prevent class disruptions

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Alarmed over the numerous class suspensions recently, Senator Franklin M. Drilon today asked the Department of Education (DepEd) to seriously mull over changing the school calendar to avert class disruptions brought about by heavy typhoons and rains.

“I am suggesting to Education Secretary Armin Luistro that a decision be made because, in my view, all indications would lead to the need to revise our school year for the benefit of everyone,” said Drilon.

Classes in most part of Luzon, particularly in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, have been suspended since Tuesday because of torrential rains that submerged the regions into flood, noted Drilon.

Aside from expressing concerns about the safety of the schoolchildren and youth who choose to attend classes despite heavy typhoons and rains, Drilon was also alarmed over the downside effect on the students of the frequent suspensions of classes’, for “their being absent in school means less absorption and less time to learn.”

"We are working on the improvement of our education system to create a competent human resource for our future. We have this new K+12 system in place, so that students will have more years to study and prepare themselves to work.

“However, these suspensions of classes, if not addressed decisively, will affect the quality of graduates we intend to produce, because their time to acquire new knowledge is being affected by these suspensions which are due to typhoons and rains," said Drilon. 

Citing from news reports, he said about 168 schools in flood-affected areas in Luzon were converted into evacuation centers to accommodate more than 14,000 families affected by continuous rains.

“That scenario is alarming, and what is more disturbing is the fact that it is just two months ago since the new school year opened and yet, we are already experiencing a number of class suspensions that could affect the mandated 40 and 36 weeks of classes for elementary and secondary education and college level, respectively ,” he added.    

“If the school calendar is revised, our schoolchildren will be less exposed to the very adverse weather conditions,” stressed Drilon.

Drilon said he has already filed a bill in the Senate that moves the opening of classes from June to September to prevent class disruptions as a result of the rainy season which takes effect starting June, also the month that marks a fresh school year.

He urged the DepEd to make a study as to the viability of the month of September for the opening of classes. But, he added, the agency may opt other month aside from what he is proposing so long as it will address the problem.

However, Drilon noted that the months of June, July and August are peak months for devastating typhoons in the country. Thus, he expects that school suspensions will be more prevalent in the coming months.

Senate Bill No. 2407 seeks to amend Section 24, Chapter 9, Title VI, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code, which reads: “Section 24. School Year.—(1) The school year for public and private schools shall consist of not less than forty (40) weeks for the elementary and secondary levels, and thirty-six (36) weeks for the college level or eighteen (18) weeks a semester.

2) The opening date shall be fixed by the Secretary, but it shall not be earlier than the first day of June nor later than the last day of July of each year unless prevented by fortuitous events.

Drilon said if his proposal is passed, students and parents will be spared from the inconvenience and hazards of numerous typhoons entering the Philippines.

Legarda: Phl Urgently Needs Effective and Enduring Solution to Flood Problem

MANILA, August 10, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today said that the country urgently needs an effective and enduring solution to its flood problem, stressing that the government must immediately create a plan of action for flood prevention and mitigation and implement it right away.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that while the current focus of the government is on relief, recovery and rehabilitation for those affected by the massive flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon, efforts on disaster prevention and mitigation should not take a back seat.

“Our mindset should not only focus on what is happening now but also, and even more important, on what will still happen in the future because as we engage in post-disaster activities, a new natural hazard might be brewing already and may strike anytime. If we do not address the vulnerabilities of our communities, we will end up always rebuilding and never moving forward,” she pointed out.

The Senator noted that in the Hyogo Framework of Action, a ten-year blueprint for reducing risks to disasters worldwide, policy legislation and governance is the top priority, while readiness to respond is the lowest form of disaster risk reduction (DRR) as it is unsustainable and costly.

“While we experience the ‘new norm,’ tragedy and enormous losses should not be part of this norm. This is the essence of DRR, preventing natural hazards from resulting in a disaster. The challenge therefore is to build-back-better and for this recent calamity, what we need is an effective and enduring solution to the flood problem,” Legarda said.

She emphasized the continuous implementation and strengthening of flood control projects such as the Department of Public Works and Highways’ drainage protection works along national roads and bridges, relocation of informal settlers living along riverbanks and esteros, and drainage improvement and watershed projects in selected locations; as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority’s estero clean-up drive to allow floodwater to subside easily.

“We have to always ensure that esteros, waterways, and drainages are not clogged with waste materials. Moreover, we must educate Filipinos on the importance of waste segregation and provide effective waste disposal methods because government agencies won’t be able to shoulder all the responsibility,” said Legarda, author of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

She added that the increase in budget for flood control and water resource management will be most helpful.

“It is imperative for the government to submit to the discipline of disaster and climate risk-sensitive development planning. The national government budget for 2013 must anticipate and can withstand the impacts and economic stress brought about by stronger typhoons, heavier rains, prolonged droughts and other extreme weather events. The forces that threaten our people and the development of our country must be met with resolute will and sustainable solutions,” she stressed.

In light of the recent disaster, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, will deliver a privilege speech on the State of Disaster and Climate Risks in the Philippines on August 13 and will conduct a public hearing on the lessons from the monsoon flooding on August 16.