By the Philippine Information Agency
Poor still, but Boholanos have now found a tool to fight poverty off their backs.
All it took was converging otherwise scant resources, empowering people to grapple and improving local governance and the chances of pinning down poverty gets better.
At least residents of Hagbuyo, in San Miguel, about 88 kilometers along the interior route from Tagbilaran, have seen a glimmer of hope.
Hagbuyo is an ordinary traditional farming community. Here, residents have barely manage to reap enough to cross the lines out of poverty.
But, San Miguel is an identified Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) site, and through it, local officials saw a way.
Short of funds to implement poverty denting projects in the barangay, local officials now partner and pool with fund sources, while spurring committed participation from the community.
KALAHI-CIDSS, recognized by the World Bank as among the worlds top community driven development (CDD) approaches to project implementation has also elated government workers who can link and partner with the local community in decisions and resources, says Kathee Sanchez of the regional Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cebu.
KALAHI-CIDSS is also the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration's flagship anti-poverty project implemented by DSWD.
In Hagbuyo, residents implement a project they planned and decided, one commonly needed among all of them: small water impounding systems (SWIS) projects.
With the 10 SWIS, and an aid from the government's agriculture agency, residents double their productivity by making farm irrigation possibile while harvesting fish, added Annalyn Lumactud, Kalahi San Miguel coordinator.
The projects cost P681,532,000 but the DSWD only put up a little more than P413T, the rest is shared by the municipal, barangay governments and the residents in the communities where the project is implemented, Lumactud added in a phone interview.
According to her, after countless coordinations and consultative meetings, the residents put up impoundings systems, managed and maintained by them.
The SWIS projects, one of the many KALAHI community managed projects meritted the credits of an American intern who hailed the implementation of the government's poverty-alleviation through the CDD approach.
Liz Fleshman, who integrated herself in Hagbuyo did a comprehensive perspective of the impact of World Bank-funded projects, which also brought her to Pilar, in Bohol.
In San Miguel, she stayed with the community for three days, interviewing Area Coordinating Teams (ACT), municipal and barangay leaders as well as the Barangay Sub-Project Management Committees. She also talked to implementing agencies, non-governmental organizations, community associations and local people.
Among all projects she saw, the rain water collector which doubles as a fish pond in Hagbuyo was what she called "innovative".
"The rain water collector was the most creative project I visited in the Philippines," she said.
Built as a sprinkler system for rice which needs regular water supply, the community put up their labor equity to build 20 x 20 water impounding systems, 10 of them at slightly elevated levels and installed drains to let water out to be distributed to nearby rice fields.
Before the water collector, farmers harvested five sacks of rice per average field. Now the fields yield 26 sacks. Furthermore, they purchased 500 tilapia fingerlings for each water collector, creating a sustainable supply of fresh fish for project beneficiaries, she said.
She also noted that the community put up rules at the site, instructions against swimming, catching fish with nets, putting carabaos to dip, Fleshman narrated in her report to the World Bank.
Meanwhile Sanchez said, volunteers dared local leaders to provide more Community driven development (CDD)-oriented programs at the grassroots level during the recent simultaneous inauguration of four KALAHI-CIDSS-funded sub-projects in Mabini.
In Central Visayas, KALAHI-CIDSS is implemented in 14 municipalities, 12 of which are in Bohol, while the other two are in Siquijor.
In Bohol, the KALAHI-CIDSS areas include Danao, CPG, Talibon, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Getafe, Carmen, Pilar, San Miguel, Mabini, Trinidad and Ubay, she said.
Now, as to the question, is the bottom-up Kalahi startegy enough to unlock the grip of poverty, it may yet need a long reply.
But for residents, just as long as the government bottom-up approach is approach in its implementation strategy, community volunteers of four barangays in Mabini, Bohol clamor for more CDD programs.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Celebrating Bohol Earth Day
By the Philippine Information Agency
Marchers wearing green t-shirts bringing the more environmentally friendly kites, instead of balloons and a collage of environmental quilted patches would be the day's colorful statement highlights as a lead sustainable farming group spearheads the Bohol Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
"The group is organizing activities in the hope of ardently reminding everyone of their fitting obligation to make Mother Earth safer, healthier and cleaner place to live in," says Bohol Initiators for Sustainable Agriculture Development (BISAD) President Engr. Vicente Loquellano.
Picking the theme, "Mga Kamatuoran sa Nagka-init nga Kalibutan," environmentalists led by BISAD bared series of activities, which is underscored by two relevant fora on bio-fuels and rice crisis.
On the weighty side of things, two relevant issues are up for discussion: Food for People of Fuel For Cars, a taunt on the recent government policy and support to biofuels production which may keeping food production on the sidelines.
On the other hand, a rice crisis forum is again deemed relevant to the times, one which is set as the afternoon food for thorugh highlight, the program bare.
The day starts with groups converging at the Plaza Rizal, and then picking up a walk of cycling off to the Office of the Provincial Agriculture Conference Hall in Dao, where the day's program of activities is centered, bared Engr. Loquellano.
Creativity and honest to goodness love for the environment is also up for the day as participants bring in environmental patches, all of the depicting ways to preserve, conserve and protect nature and Mother Earth.
Marchers wearing green t-shirts bringing the more environmentally friendly kites, instead of balloons and a collage of environmental quilted patches would be the day's colorful statement highlights as a lead sustainable farming group spearheads the Bohol Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
"The group is organizing activities in the hope of ardently reminding everyone of their fitting obligation to make Mother Earth safer, healthier and cleaner place to live in," says Bohol Initiators for Sustainable Agriculture Development (BISAD) President Engr. Vicente Loquellano.
Picking the theme, "Mga Kamatuoran sa Nagka-init nga Kalibutan," environmentalists led by BISAD bared series of activities, which is underscored by two relevant fora on bio-fuels and rice crisis.
On the weighty side of things, two relevant issues are up for discussion: Food for People of Fuel For Cars, a taunt on the recent government policy and support to biofuels production which may keeping food production on the sidelines.
On the other hand, a rice crisis forum is again deemed relevant to the times, one which is set as the afternoon food for thorugh highlight, the program bare.
The day starts with groups converging at the Plaza Rizal, and then picking up a walk of cycling off to the Office of the Provincial Agriculture Conference Hall in Dao, where the day's program of activities is centered, bared Engr. Loquellano.
Creativity and honest to goodness love for the environment is also up for the day as participants bring in environmental patches, all of the depicting ways to preserve, conserve and protect nature and Mother Earth.
Preserve and Secure Philippine "Mojons"
By the Philippine Information Agency
Standardized mapping reference for the country could be jeopardized if the reference monuments continue to be excavated as treasure markers or buried by site development.
To secure these monuments or "mojons, the government takes efforts to enjoin all local government units, organizations and the general public to help in adopting these markers and secure its integrity.
By enjoining the public to support Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Adopt a Mojon program, they help inventory, preserve and secure the mojons, claimed Ernesto Quiamco, RDC Economic Development Committee Chairperson.
Also, he added, that the government's job of installing more mojon points become a lot easier, a thing environment and natural resource authorities agreed during the latest full council meeting held in Bohol.
The "mojons" are set up as the official Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS 92), Global Positioning System marked homogeneous network of geodetic control points now recognized as standard reference for all surveys and maps in the country, a recent presentation at the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) stated.
The country's network of prime physical evidence of boundaries to peg a standardized mapping reference in PRS 92 will standardize the mapping system so that a particular point of the ground will have a only one location in any official Philippine map, the RDC draft resolution of support bared.
By that, it addresses overlapping or gaps between adjoining parcels of land, added the draft resolution for approval by the RDC.
Citing on the need to secure these markers and ensure a highly accurate geodetic control network of points in all surveys in the country, the RDC sees to it that supporting the Department of Environment and natural Resources in their "Adopt a Mojon" program is in order.
The DENR and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority is accordingly conducting PRS 92 implementation activities in the region, and a memorandum of agreement between the LGUs and the lead government agencies may be needed, officials said.
Standardized mapping reference for the country could be jeopardized if the reference monuments continue to be excavated as treasure markers or buried by site development.
To secure these monuments or "mojons, the government takes efforts to enjoin all local government units, organizations and the general public to help in adopting these markers and secure its integrity.
By enjoining the public to support Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Adopt a Mojon program, they help inventory, preserve and secure the mojons, claimed Ernesto Quiamco, RDC Economic Development Committee Chairperson.
Also, he added, that the government's job of installing more mojon points become a lot easier, a thing environment and natural resource authorities agreed during the latest full council meeting held in Bohol.
The "mojons" are set up as the official Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS 92), Global Positioning System marked homogeneous network of geodetic control points now recognized as standard reference for all surveys and maps in the country, a recent presentation at the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) stated.
The country's network of prime physical evidence of boundaries to peg a standardized mapping reference in PRS 92 will standardize the mapping system so that a particular point of the ground will have a only one location in any official Philippine map, the RDC draft resolution of support bared.
By that, it addresses overlapping or gaps between adjoining parcels of land, added the draft resolution for approval by the RDC.
Citing on the need to secure these markers and ensure a highly accurate geodetic control network of points in all surveys in the country, the RDC sees to it that supporting the Department of Environment and natural Resources in their "Adopt a Mojon" program is in order.
The DENR and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority is accordingly conducting PRS 92 implementation activities in the region, and a memorandum of agreement between the LGUs and the lead government agencies may be needed, officials said.
Call for Food Stability in the Philippines
By the Philippine Information Agency
Bohol farmers belonging to the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL) claimed the streets of Trinidad, Bohol Thursday April 10, 2008 for hours to dramatize their demands for serious government steps to prop up the dream of food stability, just as rice supplies tightening is felt across the country.
HUMABOL, an organization under the auspices of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) braved the streets, to demand immediate government action to actualize the country's food security.
For these, the farmers asked the government to strengthen its agencies, particularly the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to immediately solve the rice (and corn) crisis, states a signed press statement by Ruben Sabior, HUMABOL chairperson.
The farmers want the government to dismantle the cartels and upset the big rice traders by direcly buying in volume from the farmers at a higher farmgate price than what the traders are offering.
They aslo want the government to immediately "go after and punish the rice hoarders" and "corrupt officials including those who are involved in government project" kickbacks.
For the national government, the Bohol farmers rights advocacy group pointed out its 3-points policy changes to facilitate Bohol's transition to secure and stable food supply.
HUMABOL demands the country's immediate pull out from World Trade Organization policies on agriculture particularly the rice trade liberalization, the immediate cancellation of the land use conversion programs and the re-alignment of the debt-servicing and military budget to agricultural services and food production.
"Sa pagsulod sa gobyerno sa World Trade Organization (WTO) ug pag-implementar sa liberalisasyon sa pamatigayon sa bugas, unang nabundakan sa maong kalamidad ang mga mag-uuma. Mas misandig ang pangagamhanan sa importasyon sa bugas inay palambuon ang atong lokal nga agrikultura," Sabior claimed.
Meanwhile, economists in the country said a Philippine pullout from the WTO policy on rice trade liberalization means only sourcing out our rice supplies from local sources. This would be so, even if it would cost more for the country, as production costs here is expensive.
HUMABOL farmers however hope that by this, farmers can sell their rice at a higher price compared to ones with the cheaper imported rice in the markets.
However, there is no Philippine commitment to trade liberalization, PhilRice online website declares.
On land conversion, the group claimed, "dakong bahin sa kayutaan ang gihimong commercial, residential ug sonang industrial inay tamnan og bugas."
It also slammed conversion of lands into oil palm plantations and the policy that opens up agricultural lands to industrial zones and the plantations of jathropa for bio-fuels.
Over all these, Boholano rice farmers ask the government to implement genuine land reform law (GLRL) through the immediate approval of HB 3059.
The GLRL is their corrective version of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which is slated to expire in June 2008, after a 10-year extension following its expiry in 1998.
The bill for GLRL calls for the repeal of Presidential Decree No. 27 and Republic Act No. 6657, including all laws, decrees, presidential proclamations, executive and administrative orders, ordinances and other issuances that are inconsistent with the proposed law.
The bill aims to break up land monopoly and distribute the lands within five years, and to eliminate all forms of oppression and exploitation in the countryside and thereby usher the advent of genuine social justice.
Bohol farmers belonging to the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL) claimed the streets of Trinidad, Bohol Thursday April 10, 2008 for hours to dramatize their demands for serious government steps to prop up the dream of food stability, just as rice supplies tightening is felt across the country.
HUMABOL, an organization under the auspices of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) braved the streets, to demand immediate government action to actualize the country's food security.
For these, the farmers asked the government to strengthen its agencies, particularly the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to immediately solve the rice (and corn) crisis, states a signed press statement by Ruben Sabior, HUMABOL chairperson.
The farmers want the government to dismantle the cartels and upset the big rice traders by direcly buying in volume from the farmers at a higher farmgate price than what the traders are offering.
They aslo want the government to immediately "go after and punish the rice hoarders" and "corrupt officials including those who are involved in government project" kickbacks.
For the national government, the Bohol farmers rights advocacy group pointed out its 3-points policy changes to facilitate Bohol's transition to secure and stable food supply.
HUMABOL demands the country's immediate pull out from World Trade Organization policies on agriculture particularly the rice trade liberalization, the immediate cancellation of the land use conversion programs and the re-alignment of the debt-servicing and military budget to agricultural services and food production.
"Sa pagsulod sa gobyerno sa World Trade Organization (WTO) ug pag-implementar sa liberalisasyon sa pamatigayon sa bugas, unang nabundakan sa maong kalamidad ang mga mag-uuma. Mas misandig ang pangagamhanan sa importasyon sa bugas inay palambuon ang atong lokal nga agrikultura," Sabior claimed.
Meanwhile, economists in the country said a Philippine pullout from the WTO policy on rice trade liberalization means only sourcing out our rice supplies from local sources. This would be so, even if it would cost more for the country, as production costs here is expensive.
HUMABOL farmers however hope that by this, farmers can sell their rice at a higher price compared to ones with the cheaper imported rice in the markets.
However, there is no Philippine commitment to trade liberalization, PhilRice online website declares.
On land conversion, the group claimed, "dakong bahin sa kayutaan ang gihimong commercial, residential ug sonang industrial inay tamnan og bugas."
It also slammed conversion of lands into oil palm plantations and the policy that opens up agricultural lands to industrial zones and the plantations of jathropa for bio-fuels.
Over all these, Boholano rice farmers ask the government to implement genuine land reform law (GLRL) through the immediate approval of HB 3059.
The GLRL is their corrective version of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which is slated to expire in June 2008, after a 10-year extension following its expiry in 1998.
The bill for GLRL calls for the repeal of Presidential Decree No. 27 and Republic Act No. 6657, including all laws, decrees, presidential proclamations, executive and administrative orders, ordinances and other issuances that are inconsistent with the proposed law.
The bill aims to break up land monopoly and distribute the lands within five years, and to eliminate all forms of oppression and exploitation in the countryside and thereby usher the advent of genuine social justice.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Maja Salvador Shines in Sun Cellular's TV Ad
"A dream-come-true," this was how Maja Salvador described her latest endorsement as the fresh and vibrant face behind Sun Cellular's current television commercial (TVC) for the new Sun P10 Call & Text Combo. "I'm so happy that Sun got me as their endorser!" enthused Maja, undeniably one of the today's prettiest faces and most talented young actresses in local show business.
Maja is excited to promote this unbeatable deal from Sun which offers 10 minutes of Sun-to-sun calls, 40 sun-to-Sun texts and 10 inter-network messages all for only P10.
A much sought-after celebrity, Maja stars in highly-rated TV shows and blockbuster movies. Her face can be seen in giant billboards and print ads in major newspapers and magazines. She is a regular performer in ABS-CBN's ASAP '08 and has appeared in Your Song, Pangarap na Bituin, and the Star Cinema film, One More Chance, to name a few. And she has proven her versatility through the varying roles she has portrayed in her different projects. But in Sun Cellular's latest TVC, Maja did not have to play a role other than her real life character because this 30-seconder commercial, was " Majang-Maja " as the teen celebrity herself excitedly described. "Sa Sun commercial na ito, naka-package na lahat. It showed my being a teenager, an actress and an endorser. I had fun shooting the commercial."
"Maja personifies what Sun is all about. Not only as a celebrity but also a teenager who leads a fun and active lifestyle, she values communication with her family and friends. She loves texting, talking on the phone and being in the loop as to the latest happenings with people who are important to her. And Maja has a warm and friendly personality. She exudes so much life and energy and has great promise. These qualities complement Sun Cellular's image," says Assistant Vice President for Prepaid Business Joan Dueñas.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Famous Speech of Patricia Evangelista
When I was little, I wanted what many Filipino children all over the country wanted. I wanted to be blond, blue-eyed, and white.
I thought -- if I just wished hard enough and was good enough, I'd wake upon Christmas morning with snow outside my window and freckles across my nose!
More than four centuries under western domination does that to you. I have sixteen cousins. In a couple of years, there will just be five of us left in the Philippines, the rest will have gone abroad in search of "greener pastures." It's not just an anomaly; it's a trend; the Filipino diaspora. Today, about eight million Filipinos are scattered around the world.
There are those who disapprove of Filipinos who choose to leave. I used to. Maybe this is a natural reaction of someone who was left behind, smiling for family pictures that get emptier with each succeeding year. Desertion, I called it. My country is a land that has perpetually fought for the freedom to be itself. Our heroes offered their lives in the struggle against the Spanish, the Japanese, the Americans. To pack up and deny that identity is tantamount to spitting on that sacrifice.
Or is it? I don't think so, not anymore. True, there is no denying this phenomenon, aided by the fact that what was once the other side of the world is now a twelve-hour plane ride away. But this is a borderless world, where no individual can claim to be purely from where he is now. My mother is of Chinese descent, my father is a quarter Spanish, and I call myself a pure Filipino-a hybrid of sorts resulting from a combination of cultures.
Each square mile anywhere in the world is made up of people of different ethnicities, with national identities and individual personalities. because of this, each square mile is already a microcosm of the world. In as much as this blessed spot that is England is the world, so is my neighborhood back home.
Seen this way! , the Filipino Diaspora, or any sort of dispersal of populations, is not as ominous as so many claim. It must be understood. I come from a Third World country, one that is still trying mightily to get back on its feet after many years of dictatorship. But we shall make it, given more time. Especially now, when we have thousands of eager young minds
who graduate from college every year. They have skills. They need jobs. We cannot absorb them all.
A borderless world presents a bigger opportunity, yet one that is not so much abandonment but an extension of identity . Even as we take, we give back. We are the 40,000 skilled nurses who support the UK's National Health Service. We are the quarter-of-a-million seafarers manning most of the world's commercial ships. We are your software engineers in Ireland, your construction workers in the Middle East, your doctors and caregivers in North America, and, your musical artists in London's West End.
Nationalism isn't bound by time or place. People from other nations migrate to create new nations, yet still remain essentially who they are. British society is itself an example of a multi-cultural nation, a melting pot of races, religions, arts and cultures. We are, indeed, in a borderless world!
Leaving sometimes isn't a matter of choice. It's coming back that is. The Hobbits of the shire travelled all over
Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the 'returnees' -- those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.
In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn't preclude the idea of a home. I'm a Filipino, and I'll always be one. It isn't about just geography; it isn't about boundaries. It's about giving back to the country that shaped me.
And that's going to be more important to me than seeing snow outside my windows on a bright Christmas morning.
Mabuhay and Thank you.
I thought -- if I just wished hard enough and was good enough, I'd wake upon Christmas morning with snow outside my window and freckles across my nose!
More than four centuries under western domination does that to you. I have sixteen cousins. In a couple of years, there will just be five of us left in the Philippines, the rest will have gone abroad in search of "greener pastures." It's not just an anomaly; it's a trend; the Filipino diaspora. Today, about eight million Filipinos are scattered around the world.
There are those who disapprove of Filipinos who choose to leave. I used to. Maybe this is a natural reaction of someone who was left behind, smiling for family pictures that get emptier with each succeeding year. Desertion, I called it. My country is a land that has perpetually fought for the freedom to be itself. Our heroes offered their lives in the struggle against the Spanish, the Japanese, the Americans. To pack up and deny that identity is tantamount to spitting on that sacrifice.
Or is it? I don't think so, not anymore. True, there is no denying this phenomenon, aided by the fact that what was once the other side of the world is now a twelve-hour plane ride away. But this is a borderless world, where no individual can claim to be purely from where he is now. My mother is of Chinese descent, my father is a quarter Spanish, and I call myself a pure Filipino-a hybrid of sorts resulting from a combination of cultures.
Each square mile anywhere in the world is made up of people of different ethnicities, with national identities and individual personalities. because of this, each square mile is already a microcosm of the world. In as much as this blessed spot that is England is the world, so is my neighborhood back home.
Seen this way! , the Filipino Diaspora, or any sort of dispersal of populations, is not as ominous as so many claim. It must be understood. I come from a Third World country, one that is still trying mightily to get back on its feet after many years of dictatorship. But we shall make it, given more time. Especially now, when we have thousands of eager young minds
who graduate from college every year. They have skills. They need jobs. We cannot absorb them all.
A borderless world presents a bigger opportunity, yet one that is not so much abandonment but an extension of identity . Even as we take, we give back. We are the 40,000 skilled nurses who support the UK's National Health Service. We are the quarter-of-a-million seafarers manning most of the world's commercial ships. We are your software engineers in Ireland, your construction workers in the Middle East, your doctors and caregivers in North America, and, your musical artists in London's West End.
Nationalism isn't bound by time or place. People from other nations migrate to create new nations, yet still remain essentially who they are. British society is itself an example of a multi-cultural nation, a melting pot of races, religions, arts and cultures. We are, indeed, in a borderless world!
Leaving sometimes isn't a matter of choice. It's coming back that is. The Hobbits of the shire travelled all over
Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the 'returnees' -- those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.
In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn't preclude the idea of a home. I'm a Filipino, and I'll always be one. It isn't about just geography; it isn't about boundaries. It's about giving back to the country that shaped me.
And that's going to be more important to me than seeing snow outside my windows on a bright Christmas morning.
Mabuhay and Thank you.
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Potentials of Greater Mekong in Asia
Leaders from six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) member countries will gather at the third GMS Summit, which will take place in Laos' capital city of Vientiane from March 30-31.
At the event, called "Enhancing Competitiveness through Greater Connectivity," the leaders will focus on boosting transport connectivity and cooperation between state-owned and private sectors to develop trade and investment in the region.
They are also expected to approve the Vientiane Plan of Action for the 2008-2012 period.
The 2008 summit is expected to accelerate implementation of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) agreement on cross-border transportation in the GMS.
The 1,450km EWEC is the first land route linking the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia, running through 13 provinces of four GMS countries - Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
Ratified at the 8th GMS Ministerial Meeting in Manila of the Philippines in October 1998, it aims to tap the potential of the region through road transport, assisting in developing the sub-region, accelerating poverty reduction and narrowing the development gap between EWEC and other areas in the GMS.
EWEC countries are poor in infrastructure but rich in potential. Central Vietnam is home to many deep seaports, natural resources and has diverse tourism capabilities.
Central and Lower Laos have agro-forestry, hydro-electric power and mining potential, while Thailand and Myanmar provinces are strong in agricultural, consumer and construction material production.
Announcement: Learn how Lypha can help you make your own website. Go to Lypha HERE.
At the event, called "Enhancing Competitiveness through Greater Connectivity," the leaders will focus on boosting transport connectivity and cooperation between state-owned and private sectors to develop trade and investment in the region.
They are also expected to approve the Vientiane Plan of Action for the 2008-2012 period.
The 2008 summit is expected to accelerate implementation of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) agreement on cross-border transportation in the GMS.
The 1,450km EWEC is the first land route linking the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia, running through 13 provinces of four GMS countries - Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
Ratified at the 8th GMS Ministerial Meeting in Manila of the Philippines in October 1998, it aims to tap the potential of the region through road transport, assisting in developing the sub-region, accelerating poverty reduction and narrowing the development gap between EWEC and other areas in the GMS.
EWEC countries are poor in infrastructure but rich in potential. Central Vietnam is home to many deep seaports, natural resources and has diverse tourism capabilities.
Central and Lower Laos have agro-forestry, hydro-electric power and mining potential, while Thailand and Myanmar provinces are strong in agricultural, consumer and construction material production.
Announcement: Learn how Lypha can help you make your own website. Go to Lypha HERE.
GMA in 11th Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference (AIC) in Hong Kong
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo brings with her the best of what the Filipino and the Philippines can offer when she addresses the 11th Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference (AIC) in Hong Kong from March 30 (Sunday) to April 1 (Tuesday).
The President is expected to make a strong pitch for the country as a valued investors' destination in the Asia-Pacific region to some 1,500 investors from all over the world, including representatives of the top 300 companies in the region.
In her departure statement this afternoon, the President stressed that "it is imperative that we stay focused on continuing to strengthen our economy through aggressive outreach to investors and to enhance our cooperation with governments in the region like Hong Kong at a time when the Philippine economy is at its strongest in over 30 years."
"As a result of our economic program in the Philippines, we have diversified our economy, built up our foreign reserves, stimulated a surge of foreign investment and made heavy government investments in human and physical infrastructure. We have done all this while having the strongest balance sheet in a generation, including being on the verge of a balanced budget," the President added.
In an interview before boarding the Philippine Airlines (PAL) commercial flight for Hong Kong, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the President will present to the world business leaders the Philippines as the "best value for foreign investments" in the region.
Aside from keynoting the AIC, the President will also meet with the Filipino community in the former Crown Colony, and walk them through several programs designed to protect their remittances from the harsh effects of fluctuating exchange rate and the strengthening peso.
A representative of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will discuss its Peso Hedging Program, while the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will present its "i-Net Negosyo" program and OFW Cash Card.
Announcement: Learn how Easy CGI can help you establish an online presence. Proceed to EasyCGI here.
The President is expected to make a strong pitch for the country as a valued investors' destination in the Asia-Pacific region to some 1,500 investors from all over the world, including representatives of the top 300 companies in the region.
In her departure statement this afternoon, the President stressed that "it is imperative that we stay focused on continuing to strengthen our economy through aggressive outreach to investors and to enhance our cooperation with governments in the region like Hong Kong at a time when the Philippine economy is at its strongest in over 30 years."
"As a result of our economic program in the Philippines, we have diversified our economy, built up our foreign reserves, stimulated a surge of foreign investment and made heavy government investments in human and physical infrastructure. We have done all this while having the strongest balance sheet in a generation, including being on the verge of a balanced budget," the President added.
In an interview before boarding the Philippine Airlines (PAL) commercial flight for Hong Kong, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the President will present to the world business leaders the Philippines as the "best value for foreign investments" in the region.
Aside from keynoting the AIC, the President will also meet with the Filipino community in the former Crown Colony, and walk them through several programs designed to protect their remittances from the harsh effects of fluctuating exchange rate and the strengthening peso.
A representative of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will discuss its Peso Hedging Program, while the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will present its "i-Net Negosyo" program and OFW Cash Card.
Announcement: Learn how Easy CGI can help you establish an online presence. Proceed to EasyCGI here.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Jail Destination for Unlawful Use of Military Uniforms
If plans snowball, civilians using military or police uniforms could get to jail.
Just as criminal syndicates perpetuate their criminal activities by passing off as members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), two prime Central Visayas (CV) councils jointly propose a regulation on police and military uniforms.
Both (CV) members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Peace and Order Council (RPOC) agree that an amendment of the Republic Act 493 would provide a strong deterrent to crimes associated with the illegal use of AFP and the PNP uniforms.
The move is an attempt to curb activities of criminals simply passing off as members of the police or the military, especially when they wear uniforms in their criminal activities, members said.
While Republic Act 493 regulates the wearing, use, manufacture and selling of insignias, decorations, medals, patches, badges and identification cards prescribed for the AFP and the PNP, the act does not cover the use and wearing of military and police uniforms as well as the manufacture and selling of military and police uniforms and textiles, and the penalties provided by the law is perceived to be light, the RDC members agreed.
The amendment would center on expanding the coverage on the prohibitions of the use of military and police uniforms by unauthorized persons, regulate the sale of manufacture and the sale of PNP and AFP uniforms and the similar textiles used in the uniforms as well as to impose a heavier penalty against unlawful use of such.
Even Police Regional Director Ronald Roderos admitted that that penalties provided by EO 297 appeared light as he endorsed the proposal to impose heavier penalties to the unlawful wearing of uniforms.
In the Revised Penal Code, crime of usurpation is punishable only by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods or more than a year imprisonment.
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Just as criminal syndicates perpetuate their criminal activities by passing off as members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), two prime Central Visayas (CV) councils jointly propose a regulation on police and military uniforms.
Both (CV) members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Peace and Order Council (RPOC) agree that an amendment of the Republic Act 493 would provide a strong deterrent to crimes associated with the illegal use of AFP and the PNP uniforms.
The move is an attempt to curb activities of criminals simply passing off as members of the police or the military, especially when they wear uniforms in their criminal activities, members said.
While Republic Act 493 regulates the wearing, use, manufacture and selling of insignias, decorations, medals, patches, badges and identification cards prescribed for the AFP and the PNP, the act does not cover the use and wearing of military and police uniforms as well as the manufacture and selling of military and police uniforms and textiles, and the penalties provided by the law is perceived to be light, the RDC members agreed.
The amendment would center on expanding the coverage on the prohibitions of the use of military and police uniforms by unauthorized persons, regulate the sale of manufacture and the sale of PNP and AFP uniforms and the similar textiles used in the uniforms as well as to impose a heavier penalty against unlawful use of such.
Even Police Regional Director Ronald Roderos admitted that that penalties provided by EO 297 appeared light as he endorsed the proposal to impose heavier penalties to the unlawful wearing of uniforms.
In the Revised Penal Code, crime of usurpation is punishable only by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods or more than a year imprisonment.
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Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to the Philippines
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to the Philippines is free and not a loan package from the United States, says Finance Secretary Margarito Teves. Sec Teves said this to clarify reports that the grant is another US loan to the country.
According to Teves, the grant is not in a form of cash but in form of projects or programs
Teves, who chairs the MCC grant proposal team earlier created by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said they are expecting a team from MCC based in Washington, D.C. to visit the country to check the project proposal of the Philippine government for funding under the MCC assistance program.
The MCC announced on March 11, 2008 that the MCC Board has selected the Philippines as "Compact Eligible."
Teves said the MCC grant proposal team is now consulting with different government agencies, citizens, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private sector representatives to pinpoint priority projects that would be submitted to the MCC for a grant proposal for a five-year program to reduce poverty through sustainable growth.
Teves added that once the proposed project is finalized by the different sectors of society, they will submit it to the President for approval and later on it will be forwarded to the MCC.
He also assured the public that even though the grant has been approved by the MCC, the Philippine government would continue to implement and improve its measures on anti-corruption campaign.
When asked on how the Filipinos can benefit from that particular MCC assistance, Teves said the money collected from the ongoing programs such as Run After Tax Evaders (RATES), Run After The Smugglers (RATS), and Revenue Integration Protection Service (RIPS) will be diverted into social, infrastructures and health services projects.
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