Farmer Awards in Iloilo, Philippines

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6) on Thursday. gave recognition to outstanding individuals and farmer's cooperatives in Western Visayas whose efforts have contributed much in the high agriculture production of this region.

Ten individuals and three farmer's cooperatives were honored during the regional Gawad Saka ceremony.

Two of the awardees will compete for the 2009 national Gawad Saka Award of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Tomas Hautea, an outstanding fisherman in fish culture category, was one of the two awardees who qualified to the national search.

He is an undergraduate mechanical engineer and was into jeep conversion enterprise before he ventured into fishing.

Hautea started by leasing fishponds before he decided to purchase his own in Dumangas, Iloilo.

He now owns Retcem Bangus – Fish Farm and Hatchery which provides milkfish fries to farmers in Panay and Negros Occidental.

He is also an advocate of Coastal Resource Management (CRM) campaigning for the protection of mangroves that serve as dikes support and habitat for various fish species. 

Jobs in Mindanao, Philippines

PNA - The government's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) has generated at least 20,522 jobs in Northern Mindanao, this was learned on Friday.

This figure came out during the 82nd Regional Development Council (RDC) 2nd quarter meeting at Camiguin Convention Center here.

But, Presidential Assistant for Northern Mindanao (PANM) Pacifico T. Pupos, Jr. saw the figure as "quite short of target."

Pupos said there was a need to intensify the CLEEP project in Northern Mindanao.

In response to his call, the council members enjoined all agencies of the government and local government units (LGU's) to extend their full and all-out support to the scheduled series of jobs and livelihood fair on June 11 to 14, simultaneously with the 2009 Independence Day celebration.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao will lead the big jobs and livelihood fair on the said dates.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo put up the CLEEP project to provide employment and livelihood to laid off workers, both Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and domestic workers due to global economic clampdown. 

Philsaga Mining Corporation Donates to Filipino Farmers

The Philsaga Mining Corp. here has launched a P5.5-million rubber and banana plantation to help farmers augment their income from this land-lock province.

The local government unit and tribal leaders lauded the environmental and livelihood concerns of PMC management under its president Retired Army Col. Samuel G. Afdal.

The P2.78-million rubber plantation project, which covers about 150 hectares, requires the planting of at 500 budded rubber per hectare by about 1,000 indigenous people (IP).

Initially, at least 10,000 budded rubber RRIM 600 variety are currently stored at the company's nursery area ready for planting.

Agricultural experts recommended the RRIM 600, with a cost of P1.88 million, as the suitable species for Agusan lands.

Land preparation is now on going while the firm's P420,000 technology training program has also been set anytime next month.

Land preparation, planting and maintenance cost amounted to P2.3 million. - PNA

Scholarship in Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Cagayanos intending to hone their technical skills are invited to be part of President Gloria Scholarship Program (PGSP).

According to TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Assistant Regional Director Belinda Labutong, there are still many slots available for those who may want to enroll short-term courses with institutions accredited by the agency.

She said for this program, Cagayan was granted 3,320 scholarship slots, 1,800 of which have already been filled up as of this month.

The list of scholars is expected to reach 2,140 next month, Labutong said as she urged the public to visit her office or the TESDA-accredited institutions if they wish to get trained for free.

Under the program, grantees, who must be residents of the province, jobless or not, are entitled to receive a training support fund which includes P60 pesos daily allowance and matriculation fee.

PGSP recipients, who, according to Labutong, are regularly monitored by TESDA personnel, may choose from the following pool of courses; automotive servicing, building wiring installation, consumer electronics servicing, commercial cooking, food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office service, bookkeeping, security service, computer hardware servicing, computer programming and call center technology. 

Davao City Ready to Fight Swine Flu on School Opening

The Department of Education (DepEd) here has assured that all schools are prepared and on guard against the A (H1N1) Influenza virus in time for the opening of classes on June 1.

DepEd regional director Susana Teresa Estigoy said the department released on May 6 a memorandum laying down measures against the novel virus.

The memorandum directs all public elementary and high schools to strictly follow the measures, Estigoy said.

The memorandum also directs all school officials to mobilize teachers, health and nutrition personnel, and alternative learning system coordinators to disseminate information about the A (H1N1) flu.

The information includes signs and symptoms of the virus, its mode of transmission, how it can be avoided, and national and sub-national referral centers.

Estigoy said although personal hygiene has been taught in schools for years, this will be stepped up in light of the virus scare. 

Philippine Army Helping Philippine Education

Don't look now, but soldiers from the Philippine Army's 19th Infantry Battalion based here have demonstrated that aside from fighting the rebels, they can also be utilized in worthwhile community activities like repainting and repairing school buildings in time for the opening of classes next month.

The soldiers, led by their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Roberto S. Capulong, have joined the "Brigada Eskwela," a program initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) to undertake repainting and repairing old or damaged schoolhouses.

The launching of "Brigada Eskwela" was held at the Kananga Central School here last week.

The 19th IB soldiers repaired some damaged buildings of the Kananga Elementary School which they selected under the "Adopt-a-School" project. They also undertook repainting work and cleaned the school premises in preparation for the opening of classes next week.

Capulong said that through this undertaking, soldiers are contributing their share for a conducive and peaceful community. - PNA

Price Manipulation by Oil Companies

Poring into the cash sales of oil companies is improper, rules the office of the Solicitor General (SoCGen), handling the government its first trip in the dash to prove alleged price manipulation among big oil companies.  

The victory for oil companies was also a backslide for the Manila Trial Court who tasked government agencies to examine the books of giant oil firms accused of violations of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Citing provisions in the 1987 Constitution, the Administrative code and other relevant laws, Solicitor General Agnes Devenadera explained "the examination or audit of the books of oil firms is beyond the authorities conferred to the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Moreover, she argued that to demand compliance would be deemed improper and unjust.

This would then not bind the audit results of whatever the agencies find not legally binding, making the inquiry lame.

Last April, Manila RTC Branch 26 Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. ordered COA, BIR and BOC to form a panel that will look into the books of Pilipinas Shell, Chevron and Petron, which were accused of price manipulation, cartelization and other violations in the Oil Deregulation Law.

The companies denied all allegations.

Pampilo's order covers the "opening and examination of the cash receipts, cash disbursement books, purchase orders on the petroleum products, delivery receipts, sales invoices and other related documents on the purchases of the petroleum products" from January 2003 to December 2003.

As for COA, Devenadera said its mandate is limited to the auditing of the government or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations in accordance with Section 2 (1) of Article IX (D) of the 1987 Constitution.

The examination in the court order, Devenadera said, is not in any way connected with the assessment and collection of taxes, fees and charges due to the government neither to the enforcement of all forfeitures, penalties, and fines, such examination is beyond the limits of the BIR's mandate.

 

As for the BoC, an examination of the books of the oil companies, as importers, are provided and outlined in the Tariff and Customs Code, as amended by the Republic Act 9135.

 

If the court would compel the COA, BIR, and BoC to pursue the audit, Devenadera said that such action make the results of the audit legally non-binding. - Philippine Information Agency

No Swine Flu in Bohol

By Rey Anthony Chiu

Nothing on the health radar screen that should make Boholanos apprehensive about the dreaded influenza A H1N1, assured Dr. Greg Sodusta.

But for preparedness sake, local health authorities eye disease management trainings for rural health nurses and schools to arrest any eventuality of a disease infection spin-off, bares the assistant provincial health officer for Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot.

This is despite the continued efforts of the Department of Health to trace down persons who may have been in contact with the confirmed carriers in the country.

As of now, Bohol health authorities admit they are on the preparedness level just as Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital has opened its Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) isolation room for any reported swine flu case here, Dr. Sodusta bared.

On personnel, he said the Department of Health in Region 7 has updated its doctors in its rural health units on the management of infected cases.

We are planning, at our level to cascade the training the doctors had last week, to the rural health nurses and then to the schools which would be appropriate, we just await the funds, he said. 

 

For Boholanos who may have come from affected countries and who noticed usual symptoms within the period of personal quarantine, the GCGMH can provide the necessary management, he added.  

 

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque announced that DOH confirmed four new A/H1N1 cases raising the confirmed numbers to six. 

 

The new cases are two females, aged 1 year old and 26 years old, and 2 males, aged 13 years old and 55 years old.

 

The infected children had history of traveling to Hongkong and the United States, which are known affected countries. The adults accordingly were exposed to a mother and daughter who tested positive upon their return to Taiwan.

Since there is continuous international travel and the number of affected countries continues to increase, the DOH has in place the pandemic preparedness and response plan and expanded its referral hospitals to all DOH Regional Hospitals and Medical Centers.

Over this too, Duque urged anyone who have traveled to affected countries or have been exposed to a confirmed case of Influenza A(H1N1) and have fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms, to consult a health facility immediately. 

The DOH Hotline is (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002. People in the Visayas may use the DOH Hotline (032) 418-7636 and (032) 255-1591 while those in Mindanao may use the DOH Hotline (082) 227-2731. 

21st National Council Convention of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines

The upcoming 21st National Council Convention of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, will close Triennium 2006-2009 as GSP heads for Triennium 2009-2012.

      The gab will be based on the theme "Join in, Reach out, Change lives" adopted from the World Conference of the World Association of Girl Scouts recently held in South Africa.

      GSP-Bohol expects around 350 delegates from 95 councils all over the country to participate in the

      Negros Oriental State University (NOrSU) president, Dr. Henry Sojor, will be the keynote speaker during the opening of the conference.

      The convention will highlight the election of the members of the Central Board for the triennium 2009-2012 and amendments of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Constitution and by-laws.

      The workshop topics include conscious development of peace, making planet Earth breathe better; succession planning, adolescent reproductive health, power dressing and effective communication, living life to the fullest, cyberspace, and GSP ways of work.

      Day 2 on May 26 will be the 69th anniversary of the GSP. The celebration will open with a mass and other religious services.

      Bohol Council also offers a special tour to participants to see for themselves what the country's top tourist destination has in store.

The Truth About Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili

By Boy Guingguing

Publisher, Bohol Sunday Post

Salacious is the apt description of this rare column. Because this is all about the combustible chemistry of two sex artists caught on camera in the act of making love. 

Coming from an aging gigolo, it makes sexual sense to delve sometimes into the realm of sexual fantasies if only to awaken a "paralyzed predator" which sent many women exclaiming Hesus, Mingo, dis-a man ka ana magpaliwat or loosely translated Jesus Christ Mingo, where have you inherited such well-endowed manhood. 

Anyway, the late Mingo was a neighborhood playboy who boasted of his women conquests. Another favorite one-liner after a tryst with his victim: Balik-balik go (Mingo), kay magihaw tag pis-an. Or please come back Mingo because I would be preparing chicken soup for you. 

Mingo must be a sexual athlete during his prime that many women were longing for her bedroom prowess as evidenced from the parting statement every time he made love with his lady love. That's according to him, however. 

But wait! Before we are lost in our own sexual illusion, let it be clear here that the meat of this column is all about the hurricane that Katrina Halili brought to this sex-crazed nation. 

Like the original Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans in 2005, the kind of storm that Katrina, the starlet, unleased, was as devastating not only to herself but to other women victimized by a sexual pervert named Dr.Hayden Kho.   

It was said that this "sick cosmetic surgeon" has a virtual library of sex videos  involving as many as 40 women. 

Out of curiosity, we downloaded a copy of the sex video to see for ourself if at all, it can arouse a "collapsing scaffold"  worn out not by overused but by the sheer impact of a deadly  ailment. But no, this little bulldog, just refused to wake up, apparently from its deep slumber.  

If you ask this BGlante who have seen the tape, our conclusion was that it was filmed for art's sake and for the exclusive consumption of the two people making love.  

But if a third party like Dr. Vicky Belo, who happened to be a former girlfriend of Dr. Kho, was involved in uploading the video in cyberspace, it was because she has a score to settle with her ex-boyfriend. It was confirmed that the relationship between the two cosmetic doctors was still in full swing when Hurricane Katrina came into the picture. 

So, hell hath a woman like Dr. Belo scorned by the love of her life. 

On the part of the doctor cum pervert, there's no argument that he is psychologically sick. 

How can you explain of one guy who advertises his sexual promiscuity. It even borders on the maniacal. 

Again, looking again and again of the sordid sex drama, Katrina is also equally liable for exhibitionism.  

We may be tolerant if her bedroom calisthenics was that of an innocent provincial lass. Demure, virginal, and that is excusable. But behaving like a veteran in bed? That's another story. A cursory look of the tapes not only showed that Katrina was aware that they were behaving  on cam, but she also showed signs of a sexual expert playing fire with a sexual partner equally in flames. 

To this BGlante, they are no better than a torero and a torera, a man and woman tandem paid to perform the sex act to ogling males who were out on pasture by their spouses in the guise of lakbay habal …er aral.  

Pardon this frank assessment of the sex video. In the first place , why did Katrina consented to have their love-making taped. She  also wanted to see for herself how she performed in bed? To our mind, the way she played her role in  the sexual combat left no room for doubt that she deserved the moniker sexy actress and she was one hell of a fighter when it comes to sex. 

If so, it was not farfetched to discern that she was no innocent nymphet after all, and  Dr. Kho could be just one of the men she was romantically linked. 

So, what lessons to be learned from l'afaire Katrina? Okay, to all the consenting women out there, if your sex partner ask for souvenirs in the form of a taped sequence of a "bedroom mazurka", just don't allow it to happen. It might end up in the Internet and lo! and behold, you are becoming an instant celebrity of the salacious kind.