Saturday, April 7, 2012

Stop Dynamite Fishing in Iloilo, Philippines

Dynamite fishing is still rampant in the municipal waters of Carles,
Iloilo despite the persistent campaign of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay
Dagat against illegal fishing activities in the area.

Just last week the task force intercepted a fishing boat named MBCA
Allen Mae loaded with dynamites in Carles.

The Bantay Dagat reported that the crew immediately abandoned their
fishing boat after they spotted the approaching operatives.

Meanwhile, Bantay Dagat's consistent operations intercepted eight
other illegal fishing boats from March 21 to April 1, 2012.

The apprehended fishing boats were identified as MBCA Angel Boy 1 and
2 owned by Leonardo Bandes of Carles, FB Chester Lloyd owned by Julie
Franco of Carles, MBCA Jessel owned by Jose Betita of Carles, MBCA
Queen Heart owned by Josephine Tupas of Banate, MBCA Ma. Theresa owned
by Regie Papelera of Banate, and FB Cherry Star Ronelly Tolentino of
Barotac Viejo.

An unidentified fishing boat managed to escape after it was spotted by
the Bantay Dagat operatives in the municipal waters of Carles.

Appropriate charges are being readied against the owners and crew of
the apprehended fishing vessels.

Anti-illegal fishing czar provincial administrator Raul Banias said
the Bantay Dagat operatives have not wavered in the campaign to stop
illegal fishing activities despite the efforts of some sectors to
destabilize them through fabricated allegations.

Tournament at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club

Local sugar planter Bojie Gomez dislodged defending champion
Provincial Board Member Patrick Lacson to claim the overall
championship at the Rotary "Golf for a Cause" tournament held at the
Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bata Subdivision Sunday
here.

With a handicap of 12, he netted a score of 45 points under the
Stableford system.

Other winners in Group A were Max Javelona (hcp 6) 41 points. Group B,
Paul Chang (hcp 18) 42 points. Group C, James Salva from the Rotary
Club of San Pedro, Laguna (hcp 30) 44 points.

In the ladies' division, Cynthia Capay was the champion using (hcp 23)
with 36 points.

Rico Cajili, President of Rotary Club of Bacolod Marapara and the
event organizer, lauded the successful staging of the 14th Rotary 'Go
for a Cause' tournament.

The tournament was sponsored by Coca-Cola, UCPB Insurance, Bantug
Realty, Silay City Mayor's Office and Tanduay Distillers.

Pista sa Kinaiyahan in Davao del Sur

The municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur will hold the Pista Sa
Kinaiyahan as its annual activity anchored on saving and protecting
Mt. Apo.

Sta. Cruz town Councilor Fernando Ugdoracion said this is in response
to the call of the national government to conserve, protect and
rehabilitate Mother Nature, especially the Mount Apo Natural Park.

He said they undertake activities that will not only develop
responsible mountaineering and outdoor ethics but also promote Davao
as a major tourism destination of the country.

Highlighting this year's Kinaiyahan celebration is the 2nd
International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge from April 28 to 29
with 46 teams competing.

Unlike last year where all male teams competing, this year will have
all female team, all male and a mix team of male and female.

Ugdoracion said they are ready to host the event.

Among those international teams that signified to participate in the
event are from Singapore, Australia and Vietnam. The rest will come
from the different parts of the country.

The extreme sports adventure race will combine four extreme sports
disciplines: mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing and
running.

This race involves teams to traverse the coastal areas of Sta. Cruz
and climb up to the peak of the country's highest mountain Mt. Apo at
10,000 feet above sea level.

The competing teams will have to beat the record of 22 hours, 51
minutes and 42 seconds which record was set by a team from Carmen,
Davao del Norte.

Municipal tourism officer Camila Enfuesto said the holding of the
sports adventure race allowed their town to be known internationally
especially to Asian countries given the opportunity to be covered both
by national, local and international media channels.

"I think the increase in the number of teams competing was because of
the exposure we had for this particular event and the support given us
by the Department of Tourism (DOT)," she said.

Join Mangrove Planting in Iloilo, Philippines

At least 746 individuals have confirmed to join the massive mangrove
planting activity as part of the Artificial Reef for Transformation
(ART) of the Iloilo provincial government on April 11.

Lamberto Marin Jr., OIC-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Officer (PENRO) of Iloilo, said 746 employees of the Iloilo capitol,
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and members of the Girl
Scout of the Philippines (GSP) have signified to join the treeplanting
activity.

Marin said the mangrove planting activity will be held in Brgy.
Nabitasan, Leganes in one-hectare abandoned pond and beachfront of the
barangay. Around 6,000 seedlings will be planted on the said day.

Participants to the treeplanting activity will assemble at the capitol
at 7 a.m. and will go to the site in Leganes at 7:30 a.m.

Marin said they continue to campaign for more people to participate in
the treeplanting activity.

See Foundation Anniversary of Iloilo, Philippines

Ilonggos who have excelled in their various fields of endeavor during
the year 2011-2012 will be honored by no less than Iloilo Governor
Arthur Defensor, Sr. during the forthcoming 111th week-long foundation
anniversary celebration of the province.

Defensor said that they will be honoring the Ilonggo achievers on
April 13 at the New Iloilo Capitol Building in recognition of the
pride that they have given to their home province.

Eleven Ilonggo achievers who have been identified to be honored are
Haydee Pasuelo of Calinog town who has been Commission on Audit (COA)
Most Outstanding Employee; Jelyn D. Duting, Postman II of Banate Post
Office and recipient of the Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Civil Service
Commission; MSgt. Billy Benebile of Balasan town and Metrobank
Foundation Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers; PO2 Rina Salaya of
Maasin and also Metrobank Foundation's recipient of the Country's
Outstanding Policemen in Service Award.

Philippine Military Academy's class valedictorian for 2012 2nd Lt. Tom
Puertollano will also be honored together with Denver Cuello of
Cabatuan who is currently the World Boxing Council minimum weight
champion.

The municipal governments of Alimodian, Guimbal and New Lucena will
also be recognized. Alimodian is a Galing Pook Awardee while Guimbal
is a Gawad Kalasag Awardee 2011 by the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council. Guimbal now belongs to the Hall of
Fame for having garnered the award in three consecutive years from
2009.

New Lucena town is a 2011 Apolinario Mabini Awardee because of its
full cooperation shown to the National Council on Disability Affairs
Office through the Adoption of Persons with Disabilities
(PWD)-Friendly Facilities.

The Cabasi-Sta. Rosa Elementary School in Guimbal, Iloilo has also
been included in the honoring, being the Gawad Kalasag Best
Educational Institution Advocating Disaster Risk Management and so is
the Dingle Government Workers Development Cooperative for being the
Most Outstanding Cooperative in the Non-Agri-Based Category and
recipient of the 2011 Cooperative Development Authority Gawad Parangal
Most Outstanding Cooperative-Large Category Award.

2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

Some 46 teams will participate in the 2012 Davao Summerfest which will
formally open on April 27 to start the summer festivities with no less
than the 2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge.

The opening ceremonies will be held at the People's Park grounds after
a brief introduction of teams and parade of colors with foreign
entries from Australia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia that will add
international flavor to this year's Davao Summerfest.

The Davao Summerfest is organized by the Duaw Davao Festival
Foundation on behalf of the City Government of Davao.

Other participating teams to the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge will
come from Manila, Cabanatuan, Cebu, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Butuan,
General Santos City, Digos City and host Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism-organized Mt. Apo climbfest,
which will feature several terrain challenges on the way up the
country's highest peak.

The climbfest will usher in the summer-long festival of the city which
will also include various sports, music and arts summer camps, Davao
Sports Expo, sports summit and the 1st Davao Summer Games.

Number Game in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) C/Supt. Cipriano E. Querol Jr.
reminded all unit commanders in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to
stop the illegal gambling activities or they have to face
administrative raps.

Querol said the "one strike policy" on illegal gambling is still in
effect and should not be taken lightly by unit commanders.

Querol the statement as he noted the upsurge of illegal gambling
activities in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental with the presence of
24 illegal gambling operators in the area.

Under the "one-strike policy", any successful anti-illegal gambling
operation conducted by the newly-activated PNP Anti-Illegal Gambling
Special Operations Task Force (PNP-AIGSOTF) in a town or city will
result in the relief of the chief of police or the precinct commander.

A city chief of police will be relieved when two of his subordinate
Police Community Precinct commanders have been relieved under similar
circumstances.

The relief of three chiefs of police in a province or chartered city
under the "one-strike policy" will cause the relief of the provincial
or city director.

Aside from being relieved from their positions, the chiefs of police
who will remiss in their duty will be investigated for negligence.

"We want our police to be aggressive in our campaign to put an end to
this (illegal gambling) problem," said Querol.

Try Snorkeling in Davao Oriental

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the
Davao Region recently opened the snorkeling area at Barangay Tamisan
in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

This amidst the enterprise development efforts undertaken under DENR's
Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP).

DENR Davao, with the local government of Mati City, signed a
memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Tamisan Marine Protected Area
Fisherfolk Association (TAMPAFAS) in implementing the ICRMP in the
area.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat said as part of the agreement, 17 reef
rangers were trained. They are now ready to guide tourists who want to
explore the surface of the bay.

She said the trained reef rangers were provided with brand new
snorkeling gears such as mask, fins, life vests, goggles and diving.

Estafa Filed Against Bro Eddie Villanueva

By Philippine News Agency

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the Department of Justice's findings
of probable cause on the estafa case filed against Bro. Eddie
Villanueva of the Zoe Broadcasting Network, Inc. (ZBN).

In an 18-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Mariflor Punzalan
Castillo, the CA's 17th Division said the CA does not anymore
intervene in the conduct of a preliminary investigation.

The CA's 17th Division stressed that Villanueva failed to prove that
the DOJ has committed grave abuse of discretion when it upheld the
findings of probable cause by the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office
of the estafa case filed against him on Feb. 17, 2005.

In a resolution, the Mandaluyong CPO ordered the filing of estafa
charges against Villanueva for receiving a P15-million "goodwill
money" from the Entertainment Network Limited for the joint venture
agreement in the management and operation of Channel 11.

The estafa case arose from the complaint filed by Benito Arenate of
ENL before the Mandaluyong CPO against Villanueva when the former
discovered that the ZBN entered into an agreement with VTV Corporation
for the sole management of Channel 11 even before they sign a joint
venture agreement on June 15, 2002.

Villanueva was not immediately available for comment.

Negros Occidental Medal

The provincial government of Negros Occidental on Tuesday awarded cash
incentives to athletes who claimed both the elementary and secondary
division overall championship in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic
Association (WVRAA) meet held here last March.

The provincial government, headed by Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon and Vice
Gov. Genaro Alvarez, who both were present during the awarding,
allocated P745, 000 for the medalist athletes.

Each gold medalists received P1, 150; P800 for silver and P600 for
bronze to include the special events.

There were 260 gold, 112 silver and 44 bronze medalists in the
secondary division, while 188 gold, 75 silver and 41 bronze medalists
in the elementary divisions.

Marañon congratulated each Negros Occidental athletes and told them
that the province was proud of them. He urged them "to set their mind
for that elusive title and with God's help Western Visayas will
prevail", referring to the dominance of National Capital Region (NCR)
in the Department of Education-run grassroots sports development
program.

Angel Verdeflor, executive assistant IV to the governor and Provincial
Sports Coordinator earlier said, this was the strongest contingent of
Western Visayas in the Palarong Pambansa. He said, the delegation
would leave on April 29, 2012 for the Palaro slated on May 6 to 12,
2012 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

In claiming the overall championship, Negros had 385 points as against
345 of Iloilo in the elementary division, while it got 436 points in
the secondary division, Iloilo also had 396.5 points.

Negros Occidental won the elementary basketball, elementary girls'
badminton, elementary girls' chess, elementary football, elementary
softball, elementary boys' and girls' swimming, elementary boys' and
girls' table tennis, elementary girl's taekwondo, elementary boys and
girl's tennis, and elementary girl's volleyball.

In secondary division, Negros won the boys' and girls' badminton,
boy's baseball and basketball, boxing, boys' chess, sepak takraw,
girls' softball, boys' and girls' swimming, boys' and girls' table
tennis, boys' and girls' tennis and girls' volleyball.

In elementary division, Iloilo won the boys' and girls' athletics,
boys' badminton, boys' baseball, sipa, boys' taekwondo, and boys'
volleyball.

Philippine Crime Witness

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor Bartolome
directed police investigators nationwide to exert more efforts to
encourage complainants and witnesses to help resolve cases in their
areas.

He said it is the duty of the investigators to look for and gather
evidences for the successful prosecution of the case and not the
responsibility of the victim.

Witnesses were normally sent an invitation, who frequently made
excuses not to cooperate nor give substantial information because of
fear of reprisal and to avoid inconveniences.

Reports from various investigation units usually disclosed that
witnesses usually fail to appear despite invitations or no witnesses
surfaced to shed light on the incident.

This has resulted in the increase of cold and dismissed cases for
insufficiency or lack of interest to pursue the case on the part of
the complainant.

Bartolome instructed investigation units to avoid any circumstances
that may cause any inconvenience for the witnesses during the
investigation of criminal cases.

Hospitals in Manila, Philippines

The Department of Healh (DOH) placed all government hospitals and
health facilities in "Code White" alert in Metro Manila to ensure of
immediate respond to any possible emergency situation that may arise
during the observance of Holy Week.

DOH-Center for Health Development (CHD) for Metro Manila Regional
Director Eduardo C. Janairo said he had placed all government
hospitals and health facilities in Metro Manila on Code White alert to
ensure that doctors, nurses and other health workers were on standby
for the emergency situations.

Janairo said Code White alert is in support for the "Operation Semana
Santa" spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC).

In a Code White alert, emergency medicines and supplies especially for
trauma needs are readily made available 24/7 at the emergency rooms of
hospitals and health facilities.

Medical response teams are also deployed in strategic places to
assists and provide immediate care to patients. Laboratory services
such as X-ray are also made available.

Meawhile, Dr. Janairo warned those who will be practicing religious
traditions such as self-flagellation, bearing of heavy crosses, and
walking barely without protection to always practice caution and
personal hygiene after each enactment to avoid getting infections.

"We should always safeguard ourselves from illness as much as possible
and prevent sickness," Janairo said.

Fishing Boat Capsized in Davao City

A top agriculture officer in the city has assured residents living the
shoreline of Dumoy, Toril here that the fishing vessel that stuck and
capsized at the waters in the area Tuesday is no cause for alarm.

Leonardo Avila III, officer-in-charge of the City Agriculture Office,
allayed fears that the vessel would cause oil spill and might cause
environment hazard to the area.

Avila said the vessel no longer had its engine when inspected by the
operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

He said residents along the shoreline of Dumoy, Toril were alarmed
when they woke up at the sight of a shipwreck on the horizon Tuesday
morning.

"There is no cause for alarm since the vessel no longer had its engine
that contain oil," Avila said.

He said the vessel was carried away by strong current from the wharf
at the Toril fish port and ended up near the shoreline of Dumoy,
Toril.

Avila said members of the PCG towed the vessel back to the port 4 p.m. Tuesday.

See Magayon Festival in Albay, Philippines

Magayon Festival, Albay's foremost festivity will awe and titillate
tourists and visitors to explore the magic and mystery of the
province's mythical past this April, but with a fresh outlook.

The festival program also includes a package of close to 150 events
that feature culture and the arts, trade and industry, tourism
spectacles, culinary food trips, sports and special interests.

Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda said the Magayon 2012 edition will not only
showcase the artistry and beauty of spirit of the Albayanos, and
provide fun and excitement, but will also offer opportunities to
promote and enhance trade and tourism designed to advance Albay's
drive towards the fulfillment of its socio-economic development goals.

Endowed with enticing tourism assets like the near perfect cone Mayon
Volcano and the historic Cagsawa Ruins, Albay invests much on tourism
among its revenue generating concerns. Salceda has adapted Albay
Rising as the province's slogan for his second term as governor, which
is largely anchored on the tourism industry.

Among the newest events of Magayon Festival 2012 is the staging of the
Dance of the Three Mountains, a play written by multi-awarded Albayano
writer Abdon Balde in the vernacular. The legendary sage tells the
story of the three sister mountains -- Magayon, Masaraga, and Malinao
which is actually the legend of Mayon Volcano.

Film stars Derek Ramsey, Lovi Poe and Matteo Guidicelli are among
those expected to grace the highlights of the month-long festival,
which starts April 10, immediately after the Holy Week. The festival
ends May 10.

Taking center stage is the Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2012, a pageant
which has already produced world-class beauty titlists, to be hosted
by Ramsey and Guidicelli, and the Higantes, a parade of giant effigies
which are all Albay mythological characters.

The festival highlights include the Ginoo ng Magayon Festival 2012, to
be hosted by actress Lovi Poe; Concierto sa Magayon, with Jhong
Hilario and Kiss Jane; Concierto Pasasalamat; Magayon Lyre, Drum and
Baton Competition; Gayon Bicol Festival Showdown; Daragang Magayon
Legend Showdown, the street dancing and festival queen presentation;
Hot-Taw sa Karaonan, and the Sili Viand Eating Contest; among others.

Magayon's Beer Plaza, a record holder in its own right for consuming
the most number of beer in a single setting, will present bands and
artists as nightly guests at the Penaranda Park in Legazpi City, and
is expected to keep the festival's night life awake until dawn.

Filipino Catholics in multi-lingual Philippines

Filipino Catholics in multi-lingual Philippines will join Catholics
around the world in marking Maundy Thursday April 5 – variously called
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.

This is the beginning of the three-day celebration of Easter –
considered by Christians among the most important time they have.

It marks the Last Supper Jesus Christ had with the Apostles.

The word "Maundy," derived from the Latin word for "command," refers
to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that
they should love and serve one another.

Jesus, adored by Christians as their Savior who ransomed them from
original sin, was crucified on a Friday.

Today, most Christians celebrate this with a service in church called
Holy Communion. Through receiving the bread and wine they come into
union with Jesus.

This union, according to religious scholars, links Christians with God
and their fellow Christians both now and in the past.

Since 1956, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated in Roman Catholic
churches with a morning liturgy for the consecration of the holy oils
for the coming year and an evening liturgy in commemoration of the
institution of the Eucharist, with a general communion.

Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the Thursday of Passion Week, one
day before Good Friday, when Catholics and Aglipayans throughout the
country re-enact in afternoon masses Jesus' Seven Last Words.

With the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, also called
Communion.

Some Christian churches observe a special Communion service on Maundy
Thursday in memory of Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples.

Another part of the celebration of Maundy Thursday is re-enacted when
Jesus washed the disciples' feet as an act of humility and service, in
the process setting an example that man should love and serve one
another in humility.

Some have asked whether or not to observe Maundy Thursday.

Theologians say the Bible neither commands nor forbids it. But some
say it is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and Jesus'
sacrifice on man's behalf.

Some have said it is a good thing to remember the Lord's example of humility.

Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa AFP

Armed Forces chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa formally
received his fourth star Wednesday, gaining the rank of full general,
less than four months after his assumption as AFP head.

Dellosa assumed the highest position in the AFP last Dec. 12.

He previously held the position of Commander, North Luzon Command
(NOLCOM) before being appointed as AFP chief- -of-staff by President
Benigno S. Aquino III.

Aside from Dellosa, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General,
Major Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz was promoted to Lieutenant General
as well as The Inspector General, now Lt. Gen Irineo C. Espino.

Joining the ranks of the new major generals are Major Gen. Joel P.
Ibañez, the Commander of the Training and Doctrines Command,
Philippine Army (PA);

Major Gen. Romulo M. Cabantac, The Chief Engineer, AFP; and Major Gen.
Edgardo Rene C. Samonte, Commander of 15th Strike Wing, PAF.

The new brigadier generals are Brig. Gen. Oscar P. Lopez, Brig.Gen.
Noel B. Miano, Brig.Gen. Felecito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr.,

Brig. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad, Brig. Gen Rolando G. Jungco, Brig.Gen
Carlos F. Quita, Brig. Gen Julius M. Guillermo, Brig. Gen. Salvador
Melchor B. Mison, and Brig. Gen. Paulita B. Cruz, who is the second
active female General in the AFP after Brig.Gen. Ramona P. Go.

Cruz is the current Chief Nurse, AFP.

Dellosa said: "The additional stars on my shoulders come with greater
responsibility on my part.

"I am truly honored by this promotion, and I feel indebted to the
people whom I will continue to serve faithfully.

Tourist Destination in Western Visayas, Philippines

Department of Tourism OIC-Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that
the various tourist destinations in Western Visayas are now ready to
welcome those who would be taking time to visit them this Holy Week.

Catalbas said that, aside from Boracay Island, other favorite
destinations of tourists are the island of Guimaras, Mambukal and
Sipalay beaches in Negros Occidental, and the resorts in the provinces
of Iloilo, Antique and Capiz.

The DOT official said that the tourists also would like to visit the
churches and witness the religious observance of the different places
in the region.

Catalbas, however, reminded tourists also to observe personal safety
and take care of their belongings as they take vacation so that they
would not be victims of those who take advantage of them.

Bamboo Factory in the Philippines

The first of its kind factory for engineered bamboos in the country
will soon rise here this year following a groundbreaking rite for the
project last week in Barangay Tangcarang.

Launched was the Hundred Islands E-Kawayan Factory which will
complement the E-Kawayan Processing Center earlier established by the
Alaminos City government in Barangay Boliney that is already
manufacturing bamboo desks for use in the public schools.

The factory was realized with the help of the Philippine Amusement and
Gaming Corporation that extended financial assistance of P31 million
to the Alaminos City government through Mayor Hernani Braganza, using
the E-Kawayan technology developed by the Mariano Marcos State
University (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The first full-blown factory for bamboos will, among others, process
and transform bamboos into different and advance forms of products by
shaping these into slats, glued and formed together to uniform desired
sizes to produce log-like lumber that could be used as alternative for
wood products.

The financial assistance from Pagcor also covers acquisition of the
needed modern equipment in bamboo processing, human resources
development, establishment of bamboo nurseries and plantation, as well
as the establishment of a tissue culture laboratory.

Once fully operational, the factory is expected to induce massive
bamboo planting in Pangasinan, making it as another source of living
for farmers in the rural areas of Alaminos and western Pangasinan as
well as create additional business and job opportunities for the
people.

Mayor Hernani Braganza, who led in the groundbreaking ceremony for the
upcoming factory, said the project will enhance the establishment of
bamboo plantations that would supply the needed raw materials for the
project, thus in one way help solve the problem posed by climate
change.

Aside from promoting renewable and sustainable development, the
E-Kawayan factory could make Alaminos City the regional center of
bamboo industry.

The factory will produce construction and building materials for the
homes that can be sold in commercially.

Mayor Braganza thanked PAGCOR Chairman Cristino Naguiat and Atty.
Jorge Sarmiento, president and chief operating officer, for granting
the city's request for financial assistance as they fully believe the
project to succeed.

He also extended gratitude to Dr. Stanley Malab of MMSU who introduced
to him the E-Kawayan technology in one of his visits to the university
a few years ago.

Malab joined Mayor Braganza in the groundbreaking rites for the
project, along with Undersecretary Merly Cruz of the Department of
Trade and Industry, Maria Elisa Cruz and Danilo Pascual, both of
PAGCOR.

Others present were Arnold Santos of the Department of Science and
Technology, Dr. Bartolome Teneza of Department of Education Region 1,
DENR Regional Director Samuel Penafiel, Assistant Regional Director
Julie Daquioag of the Department of Interior and Local Government,
Department of Tourism Regional Director Martin Valera and Dr. Romulo
Angan-angan of the Forest Products Research and Development,
Institute, Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC) Director
Franklin Bonuan, and Ms. Vanie Chua and Jess Paras of the First
Pinnacle Trading Corp.

Believing that the E-Kawayan technology will benefit his people,
Braganza signed a memorandum of agreement with MMSU for the needed
transfer of technology in 2008.

The mayor said in 2010, the city started the conduct of inventory of
resources and the trainings on bamboo nursery establishment, bamboo
production and bamboo management.

Braganza revealed that the Hundred Islands E-Kawayan Processing Center
was established with the help of Alaminos City's project partners
--MMSU, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and CITC.

Pitbull Scandal in Laguna, Philippines Busted

At least 25 of the pitbulls rescued last week from an online
dog-fighting racket operated by South Korean nationals here were put
down Tuesday, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on
Wednesday said.

Dr. Wilford Almoro of the PAWS, a charity that rescues and
rehabilitates abused animals, said the remaining dogs numbering 215
rescued by police from a farm in this city, about 86 kilometers south
of Manila, could end up being put down unless concerned individuals
volunteer to adopt them, and nursed them back to health.

Almoro said most of the dogs are weakened by dehydration and poor
nutrition, and many of those that were destroyed had serious injuries,
adding the condition of the remaining dogs could worsen in the coming
days if no one will extend the much needed assistance.

He said some of the dogs have unhealed wounds, and most of them have
scars inflicted by the other dogs during dog fights.

Almoro told reporters the physical rehabilitation for all the animals
would cost P3.34 million and would need immediate treatment to correct
their aggressive behavior.

Last May 31, joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and
Detection Unit and the local police here raided the four-hectare farm
here, and arrested 12 people, including eight South Koreans tagged as
operators of the illegal dog fights streamed live on the Internet to
both local and foreign spectators who placed bets.

In that raid, authorities discovered the dogs had been kept in
abominable conditions, tied up with chains, in an orchard hidden from
view by high walls of sheet metal, Almoro said.

He said the dogs were constantly exposed to pain, trauma, and deep
wounds. Due to their condition, many of them are exposed to infection
if they remain there. However, having them adopted is easier said than
done, because you might not be sure if you are handing them over to
people who could really take care of their health.

Results of PFF-Suzuki U23 Mindanao Qualifying

Defending champion Davao Football Association (DFA) made a good start
in its title-retention bid by winning its first game at the start of
the PFF-Suzuki U23 Mindanao Qualifying tournament held at the E-Park
field in Tagum City here.

Represented by the Medvil Football Club, the Big City booters routed
the host squad Davao del Norte FC via a convincing 6-1 victory to make
its presence felt in the three-team league.

DFA will next face Compostela Valley Province on April 8 at its home
turf at the Tionko grounds in Quimpo Boulevard and play host also to
DNFA on April 29. The tournament format is a home-and-away system with
the top team representing the region in the Mindanao Finals.

Michael Nehemiah Simms and Renz Rhey Napuran both converted two goals
for Medvil. Simms broke the ice in the 22nd minute before DNFA's John
Mark Ador tied it when DFA's goalkeeper Dominador Tato IV tapped the
ball from a corner kick direct to his feet in the 25th.

But Medvil never allowed the host to score again as they completely
dominated the remaining minutes of the game. Both teams were also
prevented from scoring more goals due to the water patches in the
field caused by the heavy downpour in the first 15 minutes of play.

Simms scored his second marker and the final marker of the game in the
83rd, while Napuran found the net twice in the 52nd and 72nd and the
other scorers were Jomar Acedo (43') and Marlon Demapanag (64').

DFA is also composed of Roeder Stephen Ignacio, Dean Mark Galleto,
Sean Clarke Labang, Renelle Pino, Mark Paul Dayanan, Imardino Polo,
Khadafi Biruar, Roland Manabit, Frances Jay Abrasaldo, Roelfred
Napuran, David Angelo Diamante, Patrick Asoque, Jay Francis Abalunan,
Jacinth Ibanez, Raymon Paredo, Yoshiharu Koizumi, Jestoni Felipe,
Malon Demapanag, Jerrard Bierneza, Michael Pantojan, Danilo Lacuesta
Jr. and Amani Aguinaldo.

Philippine Airlines Bought by San Miguel Corp

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and business taipan Lucio Tan on Tuesday night
signed an investment agreements that would result to a minority
ownership of the diversified conglomerate into Philippine Airlines
Inc. (PAL) and low-cost partner Air Philippines Corporation (Air
Phil).

Under the agreement, Trustmark Holdings Corporation (Trustmark) and
Zuma Holdings and Management Corporation (Zuma), the holding companies
of PAL and Air Phil, will issue new shares to San Miguel Equity
Investments Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMC.

Trustmark and Zuma are majority owned by Tan.

Tan and Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel president and chief operating
officer, said the new investment will allow the two airlines to
strengthen operations and stay competitive with the implementation of
PAL and Air Phil's fleet modernization program.

Ang said San Miguel welcomes the opportunity to participate in the
refleeting and modernization plans of the two airlines.

On April 3, Trustmark Holdings Corp., majority shareholder of PAL
Holdings Inc., entered into investment agreements with San Miguel
Equity Investments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corp.
that will result in the issuance of shares to SMEII where the latter
will take a minority stake in the company, PAL Holdings said in a
separate statement.