South Korea on rehabilitating rivers and river basins nationwide

The government is looking into possibly partnering with South Korea on rehabilitating rivers and river basins nationwide.

"We and South Korea's environment ministry might sign this year a memorandum of agreement on the matter," said Dr. Vicente Tuddao Jr., the environment department's new field operations director and former River Basin Control Office chief.

He said such possibility is not remote since South Korea has technologies for the target rehabilitation work.

"South Korean officials concerned also expressed willingness to assist us in the work," he added.

Government continues its bid to rehabilitate river basins nationwide, noting those areas have the highest potential uses but are suffering from declining carrying capacity and deteriorating life support systems.

Among causes of such degradation are pollution, diminishing groundwater resources, biodiversity loss and declining local productivity, authorities noted.

"Climate change will worsen conditions in our river basins," Tuddao further said.

He said capacity-building training and support in preparing documents like feasibility studies are among South Korea's possible assistance to the Philippine river basin rehabilitation bid.

Tuddao said he came across several South Korean rehabilitation technologies while attending there last week a conference on restoring Southeast Asia's rivers and river basins.

Government classifies river basins as watersheds of over 1,000 square kilometers each and having topographic boundaries covering land within three or more provinces and two or more regions.

Marijuana plants in Kibungan, Benguet

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) based in Benguet have uprooted and destroyed P3.8-million worth of marijuana plants in Kibungan, Benguet last Friday.

CIDG head Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. said on Monday that elements of the Benguet CIDG led by Senior Insp. Maximo Sumeg-Ang Jr., the Kapangan police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Cordillera, conducted the marijuana eradication drive in separate areas in Barangay Badeo, Kibungan town last week.

Sumeg-Ang said 13 marijuana plantation sites were spotted by authorities in Sitios Ampana, Baukok, and Sagilip, all in Barangay Badeo, measuring 2,677 square meters.

He said the whole area is covered with fully grown marijuana plants and seedlings with an estimated value of P3,854,500.

Win the FIBA Asia championship

By Eddie G. Alinea
MANILA, Jan. 28 (PNA) -- "Get the best of the best and win the FIBA Asia championship."

This was the message FIBA Asia secretary general Hagop Khajirian delivered to Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas in regard to the Philippines' hosting of the regional men's basketball championship for the first time in 40 years on Aug 1-11.

"It (FIBA Asia hosting) doesn't come every year," Khaihiran said when he met the press at the MOA (Mall of Asia) Arena's corporate suites lounge.

"The Philippines playing in the semifinals … why not? Champion in FIBA Asia .. why not?

The high-ranking FIBA Asia executive cautioned his audience though, which included SBP executive director Renauld and consultant Mauricio Martelino:

"But it will come as a result of hard work and not by luck. There is no luck in winning the championship."

Khajirian predicterd the host country could only end up fifth in the coming tournament behind defending champion China, South Korea, FIBA Asia Cup reigning titlist Iran and Lebanon.

The top three teams after the Manila series will advance to the 2014 World Championship in Spain.

Khajirian based his analysis on the results of the previous staging of the biennial meet the past decade when the Chinese and the Iranians usually wind up disputing the pennant.

The Philippines, he recalled, made it to the quarterfinal round twice in 2007 in Tokoshima, Japan and 2009 in Tianjin, China.

The Filipinos made the semifinal round the last time around in 2011 in Wuhan, also in China.

FIBA-Asia men’s championship

Believing in the popular consensus that the coming FIBA-Asia men's championship is not an ordinary event for the basketball-crazy Filipinos, Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios called for the formation of the strongest possible team when the country hosts the world championship qualifying tournament on August 1-11.

"Based on my conversation with many of our friends in the private and government sectors, business and sports and even men and women in the streets, the coming FIBA-Asia championship is one fair opportunity for us to take advantage of to regain our lofty standing as the basketball capital in this part of the world," Barrios declared during Friday's SCOOP Sa Kamayan session at the Kamayan Restaurant-Padre Faura.

"I agree with those people, particularly with Sonny (Robert Jaworski) and Bogs (William Adornado), that, indeed, we have to form a team similar to that 1973 champion and aim not only a top three finish merely to qualify to the world championship, but, to win the title," Barrios stressed.

"Because we are hosting the event for the first time in 40 years, gusto ng ating mga kababayan that we form a team made up of the best of the best and prepare the best way possible," he said.

Jaworski, "Jawo," or "Big-J," to the local basketball circle, and Adornado, both members of the triumphant 1973 squad, have earlier welcomed FIBA-Asia's granting the right for the country to host the tournament's 27th edition as well as the formation of the strongest team capable of winning back the crown the Filipinos last won in 1985.

That, according to the SBP honcho, is apart from a chance for us to highlight anew the famous organizational skills and renowned hospitality of Filipinos.

"And as our president, Mr. MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) had already proclaimed we, in the SBP, will be leaving no stone unturned in achieving our goals," he vowed during the public service forum, sponsored by Powerade, AKTV and FILA.

Barrios also agreed with Jaworski, local basketball's living legend, and Adornado, MVP of the 1973 FIBA-Asia championship, that achieving the targets will require supreme sacrifice among those who will be involved in the preparations and actual staging of the biennial tournament, which since its birth in 1960, has served as the qualifying phase of the Olympic games and world championship.

"Well, of course, I don't want to pre-empt the PBA, which has been tasked the job of forming the national team, but as far as organization is concerned, the ball, so to speak, has already started going by establishing key groups for the purpose," said the former PBA commissioner who came to the SCOOP session with his deputy, Bernie Atienza.

Quietly and without fanfare, the SBP had already come up with the organizational structure that will oversee preparations and the running of the project with the naming of Pangilinan himself as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chair as mandated by the regional FIBA-Asia charter.

Barrios is chief executive officer of the local organizing committee with Moying Martelino, former secretary general of the Asian Basketball Confederation, the precursor of FIBA-Asia, as deputy and senior sports director.

Ricky Vargas, one of MVP's closes allies and president and CEO of water firm Maynilad, heads the LOC advisory group, which will include MVP Sports Foundation president Al Panlilio, North Luzon Expressway president Ramon Fernandez, PBA chair and San Miguel Corp. basketball head Robert Non, Meralco vice president and PBA vice chair Ramon Segismundo, PBA commissioner Chito Salud and Pasig Rep. Ronnie Puno.

Business establishments to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs)

Police station commanders were monitoring the compliance of the business establishments to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), city councilor Ian Mark Nacaya said Saturday.

Nacaya said more than 400 establishments in Cagayan de Oro City have not installed CCTVs in their premises.

"The management of these companies executed an affidavit of undertaking promising to install CCTVs in their premises pending approval of their mother companies in Manila," Nacaya said.

He said that compliance to the CCTV ordinance is one of the requirements for renewal of business permits for establishments with a capitalization of P600,000 and above.

Violators of the CCTV ordinance would face sanctions from suspension of business operations to fines and closure of the establishment, Nacaya said.

"Last year, grenade planted by an unknown suspect at the front door of Golden Financial in Lapasan exploded and wounded nine people when personnel reporting for work in the morning opened the door," Nacaya said.

Police investigators failed to get the identities of the suspects since there was no CCTV installed in the premises, Nacaya said.

He said the city government ordered the closure of the financial firm.

Potential areas of investments in the Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III invited European business leaders including other business executives from overseas attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting here to explore potential areas of investments in the Philippines.

The President cited some of the reforms initiated by the government to achieve inclusive growth.

President Aquino issued the invitation in his remarks before the roundtable with Global Business Executives at the sidelines of his participation to the WEF Annual Meeting here in Davos.

"These are truly exciting times for our country. We are realizing the long-untapped potential of our country, and we are here to invite you to join us, he said.

The President cited the three priority sectors for investing in the country, namely, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.

In the agriculture sector, the President said the Philippines is on its way to becoming an rice exporter.

"Since I came into office, our government has been working towards rice self-sufficiency by going back to the basics and helping our farmers through improved irrigation systems and a genuine certified seeds program," the President said.

"Rice production has been increasing, and through these methods, we are on our way towards our next goal: becoming an exporter of rice," he added.

On the country's revitalized coconut industry, President Aquino said that in 2011, the Philippines has exported more than 16.7 million liters of coco water, up from the 483,862 liters of coco water in 2009.

He noted that that the coco coir fiber, transformed into geotextile materials, has among others, been found effective in erosion control.

He added that the DPWH is already using this technology in their projects.

On tourism, President Aquino mentioned the Department of Tourism's "It's More Fun in the Philippines" slogan because Filipinos have always been "proud of the beauty of our country, and of the hospitality of our people," he said.

"To show them off, and to attract even more tourists to our shores, our Department of Tourism has embarked on a campaign to show the world that "It's More Fun in the Philippines," he added.

According to the President, publications like Conde Nast Traveller, the New York Times, and Travel + Leisure Magazine have cited the Philippines as a prime beach holiday destination.

He added that China's Oriental Morning Post named the Philippines as "Best Tourist Destination" in its annual World Travel-Special Trips awards.

The Shanghai Morning Post also identified the Philippines as the "Most Romantic Destination" in the world.

In his remarks, President Aquino likewise tagged the infrastructure as a priority sector, of his administration saying that it is a key to further growth and development in tourism and agriculture, among other sectors.

He also cited the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report showing that the Philippines is lagging behind our ASEAN neighbors in terms of quality infrastructure.

"This presents an opportunity, because we are committed to closing this gap and increasing our competitiveness. Last year, disbursements for infrastructure reached an equivalent of 4.9 billion US dollars, and we have allotted 5.7 billion US dollars for this in 2013," he said.

Ibnu Gholib Al-Jitli or Ustadz Sanusi in Marawi City

Malacanang confirmed Saturday the killing of two terrorists who are alleged members of the Asian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

"We are confirming that Philippine authorities have successfully neutralized two foreign terrorists. Pareho silang miyembro umano ng Jemaah Islamiyah," Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

In November last year, Philippine authorities tracked down Ibnu Gholib Al-Jitli or Ustadz Sanusi in Marawi City, an Indonesian who is suspected to be a senior member of JI.

Sanusi died in a firefight when security forces tried to arrest him, Valte said. During the investigation, the police recovered electronic devices and large amounts of currency from Sanusi.

Prior to Sanusi's arrival in the Philippines in 2006, he was tagged as one of those involved in the 2005 beheading of three schoolgirls in Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia, Valte said.

Also, Noor Fikrie Kahar was neutralized by Philippine security forces in December 14 last year, the Palace official said.

Valte said Kahar is a suspected Malaysian member of the JI.

Kahar attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device in a hotel in Davao City and was killed by the police in an encounter.

His Filipino wife, Anabelle Nieva Lee, remains under police custody and is currently undergoing judicial process, she said.

Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Scandal

The Palace said it would look into reports saying the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System continues to release excessive bonuses despite the non-approval of the budget department.

"We'll have to verify that report kasi ang alam ko dapat sa mga GOCCs, ang merong authority over them ay ang GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs)," Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

"That will be looked into. After it is verified, that will be looked into," Valte said when asked if the Palace will push for an inquiry on the matter.

In a report by the Commission on Audit, it said excessive bonuses were still rampant at the MWSS in 2011.

In its report for 2011, COA said the MWSS still gave allowances, bonuses and incentives to its executives and staff despite the non-approval of the Dept. of Budget and Management.

COA said the MWSS continued to release various allowances, bonuses and benefits even without DBM's nod.

COA also questioned the release of hazard pays to personnel who were not supposed to receive it.

Possible investment destination in the Visayas

Asia's rich country of Brunei eyed Iloilo City as possible investment destination in the Visayas.

Brunei Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Malai Hajah Halima Malai Yussof was impressed with the development strides of the city and expressed her interests in investing in the field of education and food security.

The lady Ambassador said that certain areas of cooperation maybe forged between Iloilo City and Brunei Darussalam. She said that Brunei students may opt to go to Iloilo City for their education.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said Iloilo City, considered as the educational center in the Visayas and Mindanao, has 10 universities and colleges that offer numerous degrees. It also hosts the John B. Lacson Maritime University, the only maritime education university in Southeast Asia.

"Besides, living and studying in Iloilo City is much cheaper by 50 percent as compared to the standards of living in Manila, Cebu and Davao cities," Mabilog said.

The lady Ambassador, together with Australian Ambassador Bill Twedell, graced the One Meal Foundation chairperson Teresita "Nene" Chan and came to witness the two-day Dinagyang Festival held on January 26 - 27.

Meanwhile, Mabilog announced the city administration's dream to regain the title "Queen City of the South" by starting to change the city's skyline.

Mabilog said they target to become a premier city by 2015 "or may be we could realized it earlier in 2014 as the city surges forward with numerous investments and business locators."

He said Iloilo City embarked on a strong business-friendly programs to attract more investments.

He announced the several ongoing projects in the city that included the P25 billion Megaworld Corp. business center at the more than 23 hectare-lot of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district, the ongoing construction of a 21-storey building of Injap Corp. and the another multi-billion peso investments of Gaisano Corp.

"These investments were spurred by the ongoing local and national government development projects that include cleaning and rehabilitating the Iloilo River, street widening, bridge construction, housing, schools, health centers, new city hall and opening up of new areas for possible investment hub," he enthused.

Junior National Basketball Association (NBA) program

The two-day Junior National Basketball Association (NBA) program reeled off in Dagupan with a seminar for some 500 basketball coaches on Saturday and school clinic for 1,200 kids on Sunday.

Participants are taught of the finer points in basketball, how America's NBA plays.

Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, Region 1 Director of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP)hosted the two-day under her program Community Service Idol (CSI).

She said the NBA style of coaching and playing will surely improve the quality of basketball in Dagupan City and northern Luzon.

The Junior NBA program was first held in Manila on January 19 before moving to Lucena and Davao cities with Dagupan as the last stop-over.

Considered as main event of the two-day event was the school clinic with some 1,200 students, boys and girls, aged between 10 - 14, from various public and private schools in Dagupan.

Sefu Bernard, NBA Asia Director of Basketball operations,is camp director. He is assisted by local coaches selected by NBA, and coaches of the Alaska Power Camp led by Philippine Basketball Association legend Jojo Lastimosa.

Alaska Powdered Milk Drink is the presenting partner of NBA in the Junior NBA program for the third consecutive year.

The Junior NBA is the league's international youth development program that promotes basketball participation, sportsmanship and teamwork, and an active lifestyle for children.

The two-day coaching seminar and school clinic in Manila, Lucena, Davao and Dagupan will be followed with the holding of a Regional Training Camps in March and April.

Fernandez said there will be a regional Junior NBA selection camp in Northern Luzon in March where players not only from Dagupan but from Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Laoag and other places, are attending.

NBA said the regional selection camps will lead to the selection of 50 participants from all over the country who will join the Junior NBA National Training Camp in Manila from April 26 to 28 and participate in a national try-out..

The national try out will lead to the selection of 10 members of the Junior NBA All-Star Team who will be brought to the United States and be given unique NBA experience of seeing NBA games live.