PNoy declares April 25 a special non-working holiday in Tarlac City

TARLAC CITY-President Benigno Aquino III has declared April 25, a Friday, a special non-working holiday in the capital of his home province of Tarlac in line with its 16^th cityhood anniversary celebration.

 

Aquino issued Proclamation No. 753 to give the people the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

 

Tarlac officially became a city on April 19, 1998 but organizers decided to move this year’s festivities to a later date after it coincided with the observance of Black Saturday.

 

Anchored on the theme "Pagkakaisa para sa Tuluy-tuloy na Sigla," among the activities include Mega Job Fair and exhibition game between Football Association of Tarlac and SMB-Sigla on April 23; Kalamay and Pansit Festival, Zumba sa Plaza, variety show, recognition of local police and inter-department sports fest on April 24; Bingo Bonanza, barangay Women’s Night and concert of Aegis Band with fireworks display on April 25; and premiere night of the movies “Mistress” and “Ibong Adarna” on April 26 and 27,respectively. 

Parts of NE to experience power interruptions on Saturday

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-Parts of Nueva Ecija will experience power interruptions on Saturday, April 26.

 

“Customers of Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. – Area 1 (NEECO II-Area 1) and San Jose Electric Cooperative, Incorporated (SAJELCO) will have outage from 8:00AM-9:00AM, and another interruption from 4:30PM-5:30PM,” National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Central Luzon Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Officer Ernest Lorenz Vidal said.

 

Affected are the towns of Aliaga, Talavera, Sto. Domingo, Quezon, Licab, Guimba, Talugtug, Lupao, Pantabangan, and Carranglan and the cities of Munoz and San Jose.

 

“Reason of brownout is to accommodate request of Central Luzon State University in facilitating annual preventive maintenance of 5MVA power transformer and associated power equipment. Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion,” Vidal added. 

Drilon calls for sober approach on pork barrel scam

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today affirmed his complete support for the full and immediate  prosecution of all individuals involved in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, regardless of political affiliation.

“I fully support the full prosecution of all individuals involved in the pork barrel scam. The quest for justice must spare no one no matter their affiliation, and even the administration lawmakers and allies of the President must be covered by the investigation and its eventual prosecution,” stressed Drilon.

He said the pursuit of delivering justice "should be blind to political colors."

However, the Senate chief cautioned against turning the process of finding out the truth into unlimited opportunities for mudslinging, witch hunts and smear campaigns, which "serve only to further the personal and political causes of some individuals."

Drilon then called for an “atmosphere of sobriety” on the process of ferreting out the whole truth and enforcing the law on the controversy.

“In the face of controversy, what is important is we remain rational and circumspect while we search for the truth, and until we have put the perpetrators in jail. A sober approach on this controversy is of paramount importance, in order for this process to be successful,” emphasized Drilon, a former justice secretary.

“I understand that this issue provides a lot of opportunities for political attacks. But we should not muddle the issue by embarking on witch hunts and black propaganda and ruin the sincere efforts to find the truth and render justice,” he added.

“When anyone becomes a target of propaganda attacks, it is their reputation - their very integrity- that is wrongly put at stake,” he pointed out.  

Drilon said he wants that all involved in the scam to face the full brunt of the law, as long as there are enough evidence to support the charges.                                                                                                                              
“All charges must be supported by compelling and undeniable evidence, and they must be laid out and presented to the court and to the public" said Drilon. 

He however said that those who will be charged should be given adequate opportunities to defend themselves, while those proven innocent should be freed of the charges.

“It is only through our courts and the country’s justice system that we can achieve the genuine truth and justice rightfully demanded by our people. I invite everyone to help us in this just cause,” he concluded.

Drilon: Gov’t needs to hire more gov’t prosecutors to boost war vs criminality

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today underscored the need to beef up the nation’s cadre of prosecutors, who are crucially involved in the country’s intensifying efforts to fight corruption and arrest criminality in the country.

The Senate leader, who was the guest speaker at the 26th National Convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines held today/April 23 in Legazpi, Albay, said that the magnitude of crime and corruption faced by the nation today “must make us all realize just how important is the country’s ability to prosecute criminals and promote the full iron rule of law.”

Drilon believes that the efficient prosecution of crimes will enforce an effective system of deterrence throughout the land.

“When we put these rogues in jail, we send the signal that no one is above the law. We make a strong statement that the law is always on the side of the victims and not on the side of the criminals regardless of their economic and social status,” stressed Drilon, a former Justice Secretary who had been known for his advocacy “Justice Agad.”

According to Drilon, prosecutors are indispensable in “gaining the trust and confidence of our people in the country’s justice system.”

“Our prosecutors play a huge role in bringing the perpetrators of every imaginable crime behind bars, where they rightfully belong,” he said.

With this, the Senate chief vowed that the Congress will continue to provide budgetary support for the hiring of prosecutors until the desired ratio of one prosecutor for every regional trial court is achieved.

In 2014, the Congress increased the budget for Prosecution Services to P2.6 billion from P2.5 billion in 2013. It also allocated funds to improve infrastructure of halls of justice, including the repair and improvement of existing courts and prosecutors’ offices.

“We expect that support to manifest unto tangible results for the country’s anti-criminal and corruption efforts,” concluded Drilon.

OPEN LEARNING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION IN PH PUSHED

MANILA-Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara has filed a bill that aims to expand access to education by institutionalizing open learning and distance education throughout the country.

"Open learning and distance education programs in post-secondary and higher education institutions help widen access. Through technology and novel institutional arrangements, such programs allow the youth to gain education without the constraints of being full-time students," Angara said.

The neophyte senator cited a report from the National Statistics Office in 2011 that one out of every eight Filipinos aged six to 24 is considered an out-of-school youth or has not finished college or any post-secondary course.

He also noted that while the Philippines jumped from 65th to 59th in the 2013 Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum, the country still ranks low in terms of education compared to our neighbors.

According to the Global Competitiveness Index, among ASEAN countries, the Philippines ranked 8th out of 10 in Health and Primary Education, and 6th out of 10 for Higher Education and Training.

"Clearly, access to education remains problematic, stifling the opportunities open to the poor and unemployed," stressed the former congressman from Aurora who previously chaired the House committee on higher and technical education.

Thus, Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2155 or the "Open Learning and Distance Education Act" that seeks to institutionalize distance education in the Philippines.

Distance education is defined as a mode of educational delivery whereby the teacher and learner are separated in time and space, and the instruction is delivered through specially designed materials and methods using appropriate technologies and learning management systems.

Under the proposed measure, course offerings and programs of distance education schools should be comparable in standards, practice and policies to other higher education institutions.

However, the place, pace and mode of study shall be at the option and convenience of the student while the content, context and conduct of examination shall be determined by the institution.

Distance education may be delivered using information and communications technology such as print, audio-visual, electronic or computer technology and virtual classroom.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) are mandated to provide support in developing and providing high quality programs and offerings in open, distance and online learning.

This support includes training of qualified teachers, curriculum and program development, cyber infrastructure planning, resource sourcing and implementation, school operations and management planning and development, and institutional linkages and networking.

The UPOU, designated as the National Open University, will also be tasked to provide leadership and promote best practices in open learning and distance education in the country.

On the other hand, the CHED and the TESDA will serve as regulators of schools involved in open learning, and will be assigned to formulate and promulgate policies and standards for the effective implementation of distance education in the country.

"No less than the Constitution enshrines an 'education for all' policy as a foremost national goal. On top of establishing a system of free education, the Constitution mandates that the state should protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all," Angara said.

Legarda Launches Phil. Marine Biodiversity Video Documentary

MANILA-In a bid to raise awareness on the current condition of the country’s marine life and underwater resources, Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, today launched a video documentary on Philippine marine biodiversity.

“There has been too much destruction and desecration of our natural resources including our seas. We see bodies of water littered with various kinds of waste, but beyond the surface of these waters we discover greater despoliation of marine life,” Legarda lamented.

The Senator cited several instances of exploitation of marine resources in recent years.

In May 2011, poachers ravaged approximately 7,000 hectares of seabed within the Moro Gulf and the Sulu Sea. More than 21,000 pieces of black coral were harvested and 161 endangered turtles and other marine life were killed.

In 2013, the USS Guardian and a Chinese vessel both ran aground the Tubbataha Reef, causing damage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recently, the reported continuing practice of dynamite fishing in the waters of Siargao caused the killing of more than 20 dwarf sperm whales and dolphins.

“These kinds of exploitation of resources and destruction of marine life must stop. This video documentary on Philippine marine biodiversity is part of my continuing advocacy to educate and enlighten Filipinos about marine life, how it affects our own life and livelihood, what is at stake if we lose these resources and what we can and must do to protect our seas. There are about 1.6 million fisherfolk in the country whose families depend on marine resources to live. These families will be greatly affected by the degradation of our seas,” Legarda explained.

The video documentary is the third collaboration between Legarda and internationally acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza following “Buhos” and “Ligtas”.

Legarda said she was inspired to do the project after watching marine videos taken by underwater videographer Robert “Bobbit” Suntay. Jan Acosta, Boogs Rosales and Wowie Wong who are members of the Network of Underwater Digital Imagers (NUDI) also shared their underwater photos for the project.

Suntay, co-founder and executive director of The Carewell Community Foundation, is also a member of NUDI. His works have been featured on various websites and news programs, including one on the CNN. His video on Bohol diving was part of the award-winning Philippine pavilion in Expo 2012 held in Yeosu, Korea.

“In Bobbit’s videos, we will see both the beauty of Philippine marine life and the unfortunate pollution underwater. These contrasting images show us what we are blessed with and what we could lose if we fail to act now,” Legarda said.

The project was done in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Copies of the video documentary will be distributed to schools, local government units, non-government organizations and other institutions to raise awareness on the current condition of the country’s marine life and encourage Filipinos to take action against marine degradation.

“We have timed the launch of this project on Earth Day to send a strong message that we need our seas to support life. We must find the much-needed balance in marine resource use while protecting our beautiful and bountiful marine ecosystems,” Legarda concluded.

RFM Foundation, CHED name Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines CL finalists

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-RFM Foundation and Commission on Higher Education has named the 20 youngsters that made the cut as finalists in the 2014 Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Central Luzon.

 

They are Jovein Alcantar from College of the Immaculate Concepcion, Melanie Ang from Wesleyan University-Philippines, Leemon Araza from Dr. Yanga’s College, Mark Cajes from Araullo University, Bryan Boy Cortez from Baliuag University, Ronel dela Peña from Holy Angel University, Fernando Dosono Jr. from Mary the Queen College of Pampanga, Mary Heliane Fabian from Angeles University Foundation, Gerald Fontanoza from Tarlac State University, Aaron Jay Frias from Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Reymond Galvez from Dr. Yanga’s College, Jo-Mari Hierras from Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Aelhyn Carol Lucero from Holy Angel University, Joan Mae Lugtu from Holy Angel University, Christopher Paulo Manlapaz from Republic Central Colleges, Mary Rose Pineda from Baliuag University, Carlo Magno Sagun from Tarlac College of Agriculture, Mary Jane Samson from Araullo University, Jasmin Lorraine Tan from Bulacan State University and Kenneth Alex Villanueva from Angeles University Foundation.

 

“TOSP aims to recognize graduating college students that have excelled academically, manifested exemplary leadership and dedicated themselves in the service of communities. These are all founded on strong moral values of integrity, patriotism and selfless service,” RFM Foundation President Marie Young said.

 

“The finalists will undergo a formation program in Baler, Aurora from April 24-27 to be facilitated by the TOSP-Region III Alumni Community of Heroes and TOSP-Alumni Community and will then be trimmed down to 10. The winners will automatically qualify in the national search,” Young explained.

 

Regional Awarding ceremony is slated on April 29 at Heroes Hall, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. 

DA usec denies irregularities at NIA Board, says graft allegations ‘collateral damage’ of reforms

MANILA-A top-ranking official of the Department of Agriculture and a known trusted ally of Secretary Proceso Alcala on Monday denied the existence of irregularities in the Board of Directors (BOD) of the  National Irrigation Administration, saying the allegations implicating him and two other NIA officials in the supposed corruption were the collateral damage of the reforms they are trying to institute in the controversial agency.

Breaking his silence on the issue, DA Undersecretary for finance Antonio Fleta said some regional directors at NIA were unhappy with the reforms being implemented by Alcala and came out with their         accusations which were later dismissed as “unfounded and without strong legal basis” by the NIA’s  internal audit services (IAS).

Fleta said the allegations against him stemmed from the reshuffling and re-assignment of some regional directors which prompted its employees’ association to claim that the Board has usurped the functions of the administrator.

“This (reassignment of regional directors) is part of the reforms we are doing now. The President mandated that there must be reforms so we recommended the reassignment of some regional directors to the Board,” Fleta said.

“Of course when you institute changes, surely there will be some resistance,” he said.

Fleta came out with his statements after the IAS issued its findings clearing him, and NIA deputy administrators Modesto Membreve and Lorna Grace Rosario of involvement in irregularities as claimed by the NIA Employes Association of the Philippines (NIAEASP), which, together with three other groups came out with an open letter calling on President Aquino to investigate him and the two officials.

In their open letter, contained in a whole-page paid advertisement in a national daily, the concerned officials said they have nothing personal against Fleta and the two other NIA officials but just wanted the irregularities investigated and pending the results, that they be relieved from their posts.           

          The open-letter followed a February 6 letter-manifesto of the NIAEASP to Mr. Aquino where it lamented the “very serious and alarming developments” in the agency.

          Fleta said he welcomes any investigation to clear his name. He said he was disappointed the issue was published in the newspapers. “Why didn’t they just bring it before the Ombudsman?,” he said. 

Fleta said prior to the reassignment of regional directors, they were asked to present their respective accomplishments. He said one regional director has been in his post for 20 years.

“He’s been there for 20 years so it’s about time he is replaced. Familiarity breeds contempt. If you are really good, you are not only good in your place but in other places as well,” he said.  

He said it was puzzling why the NIAEASP was reacting to the reshuffling when the employees were not even covered by it. “The NIAEASP has no business in the reshuffling. It is not against their interests,” he said, adding the role of the BOD like himself is policy-making.

Fleta said his accusers dug up fabricated accusations and imputed malicious allegations. He said he is studying the filing of legal action against those involved.

He said the black propaganda campaign was well-funded and those who signed the open letter to Mr. Aquino was treated to a junket in Cebu.

Fleta said some of those who signed the open letter have signified intention to apologize.  

NIA Administrator Claro Maranan earlier said NIA is bent on instituting reforms at NIA.

“Along the way, certain sectors are not compatible with some officials although the complaining groups themselves admitted that “allegations are not synonymous with proof,” he said, quoting from the open letter. – Manny Galvez 

Drilon: Lessen air pollution? Make roads friendlier for bikers, pedestrians

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today encouraged heads of local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to move towards making major roads and thoroughfares conducive to bikers and other pedestrians, saying that non-motorized forms of travel can help alleviate the country's air pollution woes.

The Senate leader expressed interest in promoting biking in the cities after he attended the 1st Iloilo Bike Festival promoted by the "Share the Road" movement in Iloilo City recently, where he was the main guest.

Drilon said that the government programs against air pollution in the country's metropolitan areas must "effectively strike against the main-contributing factor: motorized vehicles."

He cited a Department of Environment and Natural Resources report that stated 80% of pollution load is contributed by "mobile sources or vehicles," and stressed that public remedial measures must "primarily address and rectify this factor."

"The best way to promote modes of transport that do not rely on gasoline or diesel engines is to make our cities safer and more accessible and favorable to these environment-friendly forms of mobility," Drilon said.

"Our very roads must inspire and help commuters shift to biking and walking. Given the heavy traffic in the streets of our cities, there is a great potential for bicycles and walking to be the preferred mode of transportation for our countrymen on the go," he further added.

Drilon noted that such initiatives are not exactly unheard of in the country, as he pointed to several road projects in Iloilo which the senator had supported, where non-motorized travel has been integrated in the road systems.

He cited the road-widening project along the 10-km Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Iloilo, which features a six-lane highway, a pedestrian lane and a 5-m paved bike lane that will extend from the Jaro District in Iloilo City to the Iloilo International Airport.

Similarly, he shared how a 14-km circumferential road connecting Arevalo District in Iloilo City and the coastal road in Dumangas town in Iloilo, "has been designed to include a 2-meter painted bike lane throughout its entire span."

The said developments in Iloilo were completed with the initiative of Drilon.

The senator then expressed hope that similar efforts will be made throughout the entire country, and advised the DPWH and LGUs throughout the nation to study if such initiatives could be made in their localities.

"We need to explore more options and choose the best alternatives. These programs will not only help alleviate our environmental concerns, but they will also promote a healthier regimen for our people," he said.

The Senate chief lastly said that he is open to supporting legislation on such initiatives if "congressional backing would prove to be necessary to commence these ideas."

LENTEN MESSAGE OF SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON

I join the rest of the nation in solemn observance of the Holy Week.

Lent is a time of deep reflection as well as renewal. We must all remember what Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Lent is also an occasion to think more profoundly about the obligations we have to ourselves, and the obligations we have to one another as human beings.

Christ demonstrated God's unconditional love for us. He taught us the importance of helping others. We must therefore refocus our goals and values, so that they are truly consistent with the teachings of Christ.  

Let us celebrate Christ’s gift of love this Lenten season, and give thanks for His many blessings for our people and our country. 

DILG holds flooding, landslide consultation meeting in Zambales

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT-Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently hosted a consultation meeting for local government units in Zambales that were affected by the severe flooding and landslide caused by the typhoon Odette-induced southwest monsoon last year.

 

“The activity seeks to address the risk of the re-occurrence of this tragedy that claimed 33 lives.  It was also meant to seek assistance from concerned national government agencies on further studying the proposed dredging of the rivers of the province,” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said.

 

Attendees agreed to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) that would be headed by the Provincial Engineer. 

 

“The TWG was given two months to complete the ground works, from the inspection and planning aspect up to working on the palliative measures,” Dijan added. (Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan)

Vergara’s wife running for Ecija gov?

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara - whose tandem with his former ally, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali  - unseated the almost half-century reign of the Josons in 2007 and whose victory over Umali’s younger brother Anthony in their own mayoral duel in 2013 dealt the Umalis their first election loss in over a decade – has raised the possibility that his businesswoman-wife might run for governor in the 2016 elections.

          

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the closing ceremony and the symbolic awarding of firearms to 118 news soldiers who finished a three-month training course at the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation covered court here Friday where he was guest of honor and speaker, Vergara said his wife Rosanna will run if there is a popular clamor for her to do so and if this is the consensus of local leaders in the political opposition in the province.

          “If they choose Ria (Rosanna’s nickname) to be the standard-bearer for governor, then I cannot do anything about it,” he said.

          Vergara issued the statement after his wife’s name was floated as a prospective candidate for governor even as Umali is on his third and last term as governor. Rosanna, president of the First Cabanatuan Ventures Corp., is reportedly a dual citizen and a known cancer survivor. 

Several months ago, Umali declared his wife, outgoing three-term third district Rep. Czarina, is running to succeed him in the Capitol. The congresswoman has been making the rounds of the province to feel the pulse of Novo Ecijanos on her Capitol bid.

The lady lawmaker is chasing history as the province has yet to have a lady governor.

So far, three women run for the governorship but all lost by landslides : Virginia Custodio-Perez, former two-term fourth district congresswoman Julita Lorenzo-Villareal and former four-time first district Rep. Josie Manuel-Joson.

Custodio-Perez, wife of late Cabanatuan mayor Honorato Perez Sr. lost to Eduardo Nonato Joson in a battle of substitute candidates in 1995, Villareal to four-time governor Tomas Joson III in 2004 and Joson’s sister-in-law Manuel-Joson to Umali in 2013.

Political analysts have been giving Czarina a more than fair chance of winning because it will mark the first time that a lady gubernatorial aspirant has the backing of a sitting governor.

Should Rosanna decide to run for governor, it will mark the first time in history that two women will face off for the Capitol post.

The Vergaras and the Umalis used to be staunch allies but their partnership soured when the mayor started pushing for the conversion of the city  into a highly urbanized city, which the governor has opposed. This resulted in a bitter parting of ways with Vergara reuniting with the Josons.        

          Vergara said at present, there are ongoing talks within the ranks of the opposition and the consensus is to put up a common candidate. He said his wife is not yet officially in the mix as those leading in the list of gubernatorial candidates are outgoing second district Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago and former three-term fourth district Rodolfo Antonino, father of incumbent Rep. Magnolia.

          Vergara, who has criticized the Umalis for establishing a political dynasty of their own which he said, was the reason why he opposed the Josons, said his stand against dynasties remain the same.

          “My stand against political dynasties won’t change. But if the opportunity is there and if Ria is convinced to run, it’s the right of everybody,” he said.

          He said his position has been that he and the others did not unseat a political dynasty just to be replaced by another dynasty, apparently referring to the Josons and the Umalis. 

Cuevas denies eyeing Congress in 2016

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–Neophyte Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas on Friday denied reports she is eyeing Congress in 2016 which could put her in a possible collision course with her ally, outgoing Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali.

          Speaking to reporters at city hall here, Cuevas dismissed as baseless and absurd reports she will seek the third district congressional seat when she is just on her first term as mayor of this provincial capital.

          “Honestly, I have been preoccupied with solving and fixing the many problems left behind by the previous administration in Palayan. I think with the myriad problems I have to attend to, even one term, two terms or even a third term would not be enough to set the house in order,” said Cuevas who defeated former Light Rail Transit administrator Pacifico Fajardo – a former three-term congressman and three-term mayor – in the May 2013 elections.

          Cuevas stressed that her mission in running for mayor was to help alleviate poverty in the city by providing jobs and empowering the people, settle land and housing problems and make the city an emerging urban center in the future.     

          “It bears emphasizing that my main goal is to make Palayan City one of the most efficient local government units so aiming for another position would be veering away from that vision,” she said.

          She said that to be honest, she is not even sure if she would seek a second term. “That is, if my children would allow me to,” she said.

          Speculations over Cuevas’ supposed congressional bid have been spreading like wildfire in this city and in the third congressional district which also covers Cabanatuan City and the municipalities of Bongabon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Gabaldon and Sta. Rosa, the hometown of Umali and his wife, outgoing three-term Rep. Czarina.

          With Czarina eyeing the governorship in 2016, there are reports that the governor is either running for vice governor to be his running mate or return to reclaim his wife’s post, which he held in 2001 and 2004.

          Cuevas said the issue about her supposed congressional bid is clearly a black propaganda campaign that could be intended to drive a wedge between her and the governor and his camp. She said this would not detract her from doing her job as local chief executive in keeping with the overwhelming mandate given her by the electorate in last year’s polls.  

          Cuevas said that she was happy to announce that barely eight months into her term, the city government was able to save around P80 million in funds through fiscal prudence by undertaking road-concreting projects by administration instead of by contracts.

          She said barangay roads have been paved through the bayanihan program where people in the barangays provide the labor force, a participatory program of governance first popularized by the Umali administration.

          She said that by the end of this year, she is hopeful that the city government would be able to pay loans incurred in the past to Pag-Ibig.

          “So as one can see, there is a lot of work to do here in Palayan that even my successor, supposing I have served out three terms of nine years in all, will have to deal with,” she said. 

Legarda Reminds Yolanda-Affected LGUs to Build Back Better

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today reminded local government units (LGUs) affected by Typhoon Yolanda to “build back better, stronger and wiser.”

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, made the statement following the report that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has started to release the initial fund worth P1.79 billion for the rehabilitation of buildings owned and operated by LGUs in areas devastated by the typhoon.

“Build in safe areas and follow building codes. LGUs must understand and make use of the geohazard maps in order to rebuild resilient structures and communities,” she said.

“We must be cautious not to restore the risk and vulnerabilities that existed before. The structural integrity of buildings and other structures should not be compromised. For instance, coastal structures, including roads and bridges, should be built and designed considering a two-meter sea-level rise due to climate change,” she added.

Legarda said that while it may be hard to prevent floods especially in coastal communities, buildings can be built using materials and design that would reduce the impact of flooding, such that it would not affect structural integrity and the effort to dry out and clean the building afterwards will be minimized.

The Senator also reminded LGUs of the World Bank estimate that every dollar invested in disaster reduction measures saves at least seven dollars in losses from natural hazards.

“This would be challenging and may initially cost more, but it is more challenging and more costly to rehabilitate communities every time a typhoon arrives because we did not build our resilience. Natural hazards are inevitable but we can prevent them from turning into disasters if we are prepared,” Legarda concluded.

Soldiers involved in battles that led to Yamashita surrender receive recognition

CAPAS, Tarlac-Department of National Defense, through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), extoled Thursday soldiers who were involved in key allied victories in Northern Luzon during World War II that led to the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army Over-All Commander in the Pacific General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

2LT Mathew Sucdad, PVT Magno Lamsis, PFC Celino Cayad-An, 2LT Domingo Marquez, PVT David Losnong, and PVT Kiplot Sicang received honors during the 2014 Paggunita sa Capaswhich is a remembrance ceremony for the Filipino and American soldiers who were part of the 1942 Death March.

“They were part of the American and Filipino Armed Forces units that successfully liberated the Cordillera after winning in the battles at Bessang Pass, Lepanto Mine and Kiangan. The victory in the battle of Bessang Pass or more popularly known to veterans as the battle at the clouds came after six months of relentless military operations,” PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina shared.

Other awardees were SGT Rufo Yumul, PVT Valentin Taruc, PVT Jose Garay, PVT Limbao Rasuman, PFC Alfonso Betiong and soon to be centenarians CPL Camilo Surel and PVT Jose Tamina.

Posthumous recognitions were likewise given to 2LT Anacleto Badoy, FSGT Marcial Ramos and PFC Ciriaco Villena.

According to historical accounts, around 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forcibly told to march by the Japanese troops for five to six days with no food and a single sip of water.

An estimated 10,000 of these soldiers failed to reach their prison camp in Capas alive.

The camp was turned over by the Clark Air Base Military Reservation to the Philippine Government on April 9, 1982.

Former President Corazon Aquino proclaimed it as Capas National Shrine on December 7, 1991.

The shrine encompasses 54 hectares of parkland where the Bataan Death March ended.

35 hectares of land have been planted with rows of trees to represent each of the deceased at the camp and to promote environmental consciousness.

On April 9, 2003, a new memorial wall and obelisk was unveiled.

The 70-meter obelisk towers above the grounds of the former internment camp.

It is surrounded by a black marble wall engraved with the names of the Filipinos and Americans known to have died at the location.

On the three large wall segments that almost encircle the obelisk, there are statistics about the total numbers of prisoners and deaths together with poems for peace.

Paggunita sa Capas serves as one of the highlights of the annual commemoration of Philippine Veterans Week.

This year’s observance is guided by the theme “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.” (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

7th ID Chief Change of Command held at Fort Magsaysay

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay)  Division conducted a Change of Command Ceremony and was presided by Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA). The succession of Command was between Brig Gen Vic C Castro, Outgoing Commander 7ID, and Brgi Gen Glorioso V Miranda, the Incoming Commander 7ID held at the 7^th Infantry Division Grandstand last April 2, 204 (9:a.m.)

BGen Glorioso V Miranda (AFP) assumed the position as the 24^th Commander of the 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army on 02 April 2014. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “MATIKAS” Class of 1983.

His professional military training includes: Scout Ranger Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 October 1983; Basic Airborne Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 February 1985; Intel Officer Basic Course at SITS, ISAFP on July 1986; Commando Course at CDO Training Center in UK on 01 September 1986; Infantry Officer Advance Course at Singapore on 07 November 1992; Command and General Staff Course at Command General Staff College on 24 June 2003; Joint & Combined Staff Officers Course at Joint Command and Staff College on 24 October 2003 and Master in National Security Admin at DND, AFP, NDCP on 31 August 2007.

He also finished Master in Business Administration at Isabela College on 15 April 1992 and Project Management Executive Course at AIM, Makati City on 26 January 1996.

As a brilliant and tough officer, he moved on with his career carrying excellent standard of performance, fine leadership and keen vision that resulted in remarkable accomplishment in both of his garrison and field tours of duty.

Prior to his assumption of post as 7ID Commander, his significant assignments and positions were: Battalion Commander of the 25IB, 6ID, PA from 15 February 2000 to 15 December 2002; Real Estate Officer, Central Command, AFP from 20 March  2006 to 01 October 2007; Vice Chairman Doctrine Command, Training Doctrine from 01 September 2008 to 08 May 2009; Director, Doctrine Center, TRADOC, PA from 01 September 2008 to 13 May 2009; Commandant, CSS, TRADOC, PA from 08 May 2009 to 13 May 2009; Commander, Joint Tasked Force GenSan, 10ID, PA from  04 January 2010 to 01 April 2011; Commander, 1002^nd Brigade, 10ID, PA from 01 April 2011 to 16 October 2012; Assistant Commandant / Dean of Academics, AFPCGSC from 16 October 2013 to 13 February 2013 and Commander, GHQ & HSC, AFP from 18 February to 02 April 2014.

His remarkable accomplishments and achievements coupled with his strong desire for excellent service has become more evident by the awards, commendations and decorations he received. Among which are the following: four (4) Distinguished Service Stars; one (1) Distinguished Conduct Star; four (4) Gold Cross Medal,   one (1) Long Service Medals; one (1) Bronze Cross Medal; numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals; Campaign Medals and ribbons, and various other citations, badges and awards from both military organizations and civilian institutions.

Miranda was born on 08 October 1961 in San Fernando, La Union. He is married to Carolina M Miranda and blessed with four (4) children namely; Charmaine Anne, Christine Andrea, Glen Carlo and Guian Christopher.

                

“We may be bounded with different faith, we may be bounded with different professions, we may be bounded with different lifestyles, and so there is lot of differences between other agencies and individual differences. I believe there is what we call common denomination: Stability and Peace.” Brig Gen Miranda said in his assumption speech.

            “I would like to thank Brig Gen Castro, the outgoing Commander 7ID for his dedication and commitment in his service especially in 7ID. Today I hand over the key to this home to a seasoned warrior and strategist in the person of Brig Gen Glorioso V Miranda the incoming Commander 7ID. I know that his vast experiences to command, leadership and management in various key positions in AFP units in the past will serve him well as he start his mind full task as Commander of 7ID.” Lt Gen. Iriberri, CGPA said in his message.