The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Norte recently passed twin resolutions honoring Gen. Alexander Yano.

Gen. Yano was cited as the Most Outstanding Citizen of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte and Distinguished Plaque of Recognition for his promotion as the New Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Gen. Yano’s family and friends from Sindangan witnessed the awarding rites on June 6 this year in commemoration of the Province’s 56th Founding Anniversary.

Secretary Ermita disclosed that the Commission on Appointments recently approved the appointment of General Yano.

Others honored during the occasion included Fe Zamora, a Dipolognon journalist who writes for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marie Razel Eguia, Miss Philippines Air 2008, Perri Cebedo and Dr. Salvador Aves, Regional Director, National Statistics Office, R-X.

Cited also were former officials of the province such as former board member Uldarico Mejorada, Arasam Ismael, Ferlormino Cabale and Jimmy Patrick Israel Chan. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Mechelle Stephanie Eguia who represented the Municipality of Katipunan was crowned Ms. ZaNorte 2008 after besting 15 other candidates during the 56th founding celebration of Zamboanga del Norte on June 6 this year.

She was also Ms. Terra-medic, Ms. Angel Unlimited Sportswear, Ms. Metro Shoppers, Ms. Rheko’s Choice, Ms. Natasha, Ms. Nature’s Spring, Ms. Photogenic and Ms. Telegenic.

Ms. Eguia resides at Daanglungsod, Katipunan and will be a freshman college student this schoolyear. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Although Hudyaka festival is still in its fourth year, Gov. Rolando Yebes pictured the occasion as gaining popularity considering the purpose it has served the people.

He cited that it did not only give livelihood to many people but it had also united all the people and their leaders towards one purpose.

Despite the good results the festival drew from the people, the governor cited that his critics were harsh enough not to see the better side of the occasion,.

“They have continued harping on the food crisis despite the action that my administration was giving it already,” Yebes said.

He pointed out that travels by air and sea have increased as more flights are seen for Dipolog-Cebu and five shipping lines have crossed our seas since the birth of Hudyaka.

“My critics are just jealous of the great leap that the province made when Hudyaka was born,” the governor stressed.

He also prided the interest of businessman Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco when the latter planned to put up a fruit processing plant at Irasan, Roxas, Z.N. An ethanol plant of Zambo Norte Bio-Energy Corporation was also on its way to a southern town in the province.

“Those who criticize Hudyaka are those who don’t see what will happen to the province in the long run,” Gov. Yebes declared.

On the other hand, Provincial Tourism Officer Atty. Ivan Patrick Ang pointed out that Hudyaka could very well blot out from the minds of visitors that Zamboanga del Norte is one troubled area in Mindanao.

“It could be a great pride to the province when the national government recognized its relevance to the direction that the province wanted to go,” Atty. Ang said.

The festival started on May 30 with a grand parade participated in by all the 25 municipalities and Dipolog and Dapitan Cities.

It ended with a show of street dancing yesterday, June 7, 2008. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Newly installed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Alexander Yano was conferred “Adopted Son of the City of Dipolog” during an appropriate ceremony held at the Session Hall of the City Council Friday afternoon, June 6.

Gen. Yano, being a native son of Zamboanga del Norte, particularly of Sindangan town, spent his formative years in Dipolog during his early years of study, at St. Vincent College, thus bringing honor and prestige to this city.

He, too, as among the influential military leaders of the AFP today has contributed to the development of the city especially in terms of maintaining peace and order hereabout.

Gen. Yano is made adopted son of city by virtue of SP Resolution No. 08-411 of the current series in recognition of his contribution to the city, which was read by Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Senen O. Angeles during the council’s Friday special session.

This was also attended by City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy who gave a message in support of the Council’s move to confer the honor upon the illustrious son of Zamboanga del Norte, now also a son of Dipolog.

Mayor Belen Uy on the same occasion was also conferred the honorary rank of “Major” in the reserved unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by no less than the chief of staff of the AFP. (Dipolog Chronicle, Vol.VII No.50)

Meanwhile, Malacanang and local government units (LGUs) are joining hands in ensuring that farmers all over the country will receive government assistance in the form of farm inputs to increase their production.

In his weekly press conference in Malacanang late last week, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita noted that the non-stop increase in oil prices in the world market has taken a heavy toll on the rice farmers as prices of farm imputs, particularly fertilizer and pesticides have skyrocketed.

“With the help of the local government units, we will be able to increase the fertilizer subsidy for the rice farmers,” Ermita said.

He explained that from the “FIELDS” (fertilizers, irrigation, education, loans, dryers and other post-harvest facilities and seeds) program launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last April 2 during the Food Summit in Clark Freeport Zone, some P43.5-billion has been allotted for food security.

Under the program, farmers throughout the country will receive P500 each as fertilizer subsidy.

The LGUs, on the other hand, will chip in P1,000 in fertilizer allocation for every farmer in their respective jurisdictions.

“The Department of Agriculture is making available P500 for each rice farmer’s fertilizer requirement, plus the LGU’s commitment of P1,000. That adds up to P1,500 fertilizer subsidy, or six sacks of fertilizer for a hectare,” Ermita said.

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said the LGU contribution to the fertilizer subsidy would be drawn from the P12.5-billion internal revenue allotment differentials from 2001 to 2004 which the President has ordered released.

“Majority of the LGUs have committed” to contribute their share to the subsidy plan, Andaya said.

He added that his office already released the 2008 budget of the agriculture department, and that the national government is inclined to release additional funds to the DA to bolster the government’s food security program.

“We need roughly P45-billion for now up to 2010,” Andaya said. (PIA-ZN)

Having shown his invariable commitment and support to the scouting movement, Dr. Habib Adzhar H. Sarahadil, provincial schools division superintendent of Zamboanga del Norte and council scout commissioner of the Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog-Dapitan (ZanDiDap) Council, has received citations from the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) during the 52nd Annual Council Meeting held recently in Tagaytay City.

Doctor Sarahadil brought home two plaques, one citing him as the 2008 Outstanding Local Council Scout Commissioner and the other recognizing his “invaluable support and remarkable efforts that contributed to the success of the 2007 BSP fund drive.”

Sarahadil’s unparalleled dedication to the development of scout leaders and scouts through scouting has earned him the awards.

It could be recalled that Sarahadil was one of the Philippine delegates who participated in the 21st world scout jamboree in Hylands Parks, Chelmsford in London on July 27 – August 8, 2007.

BSP espouses the development of leadership skills among the young through scouting with em-phasis on values formation, skills development and peace advocacy.

For his part, Sarahadil has been grateful for the awards as these are a living proof of the trust and confidence the well-meaning people have in him. (PIA-ZN)

The Department of Public Works and Highways First District Engineer Arturo Miñao was recently reassigned as office in charge of District Engineering Office of Surigao del Norte.

The order for his transfer was signed by DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. effective May 28, 2008.

Source disclosed that Cong. Rosendo ‘Dodoy’ Labdlabad was reportedly not pleased with some of his projects which were obviously questionable.

One project cited was the Sinaman-Cogon road concreting project which cost so much but spanned a short distance only.

It was learned that Cong. Labadlabad had authorized another engineer from his staff to look into the program of works of the said road project to find out why such enormous budget for such a small project.

However, Engr. Miñao alleged that the amount of the road project could not be determined by just looking at it but it all depended on the situation of the land that the road had to cross.

Engr. Miñao was replaced by DE Noel Oclarit of Surigao del Norte but it was learned he has not yet reported to the First Engineering District Office here.

Engr. Manolito Abapo is presently the OIC of the DPWH First Engineering District of the province while waiting for Engr. Oclarit’s assumption to office. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

The Department of Agrarian Reform recently investigated  the filling up of ricelands converting them to some purposes.

DAR disclosed that from 2000 to 2007, the office has just received eight applications for land conversion which were approved by the regional director and the secretary.

It was disclosed that applicants included religious groups, local government units and low-cost housing developers.

Reports reaching the office identified some ricelands in Barangay Sicayab, Turno and Galas which were illegally converted.

At present, only four conversions were filed in court.

DAR directed all Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers to be wary about these illegal conversions and to bring to court anyone who violated Republic Act 8435.

Under the cited law, any activities which would change the physical characteristics of all agricultural lands should be approved by law first before they could be converted.

DAR also warned all beneficiaries of Operation Land Transfer or CARP to be stripped of their privileges once they were discovered to have used the land to other purposes apart from those prescribed in the contract. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Philippine National Police authorities assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that the PNP “will never allow the procurement of any of sub-standard equipment that will endanger the lives of police personnel in the field.”

“We will always get the best equipment for our men fighting in the field,” Police Director General Avelino I Razon Jr. said in reaction to what he calls a “systematic and well-organized” disinformation effort spread thru text messages circulated among media personnel and PNP officials.

Among others, the text message claimed that there is an anomaly behind the PNP’s scheduled procurement of 1,000 units of 5.56mm M4 rifles worth P95-million, an allegation which the PNP Chief squarely confronted.

Razon appealed to media to help the PNP verify who is behind these unfounded allegations. “The allegation is unfair, malicious, and irresponsible as it casts a bad image of the PNP, as well as its leadership,” he remarked.

He also challenged the authors of this disinformation campaign to be ready to substantiate their accusations.

“The procurement process is transparent and above-board. In fact, it is still ongoing and we have not yet placed our orders to the manufacturer,” the Chief PNP explained, adding that all procurements of the PNP are closely monitored by an Oversight Committee of NAPOLCOM to ensure transparency and compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

He also stressed that the approval of procurement contracts in the PNP is not an individual decision exercised by any PNP official. “It is reached through a consensus among members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chaired by the Deputy Chief for Operations (TDCO) with members representing the Legal Service, Directo-rate for Comptrollership, Directorate for Logistics, Directorate for Research and Development, and Logistics Support Service,” Razon explained.

Meantime, Police Deputy Director Emmanuel R Carta, Deputy Chief for Operations and BAC Chairman, stated that the Committee will continue to process the procurement of 1,000 units of M4 rifles for the Special Action Force, the Regional and Provincial Mobile Groups, and selected SWAT units.

Dispelling charges of anomaly, Carta clarified that it was NAPOLCOM that issued the specifications for the 5.56mm M4 rifle sought to be procured. According to him, said specifications were based on SAF requirements to meet its demand for more effective firepower and sustained accurate firing capability for its weapons.

“Among the Napolcom-approved specifications is the independent sear-disconnector system (ISDS) in the rifle that will rapidly reduce the cyclic rate of the weapon for greater accuracy in sustained firing conditions, the BAC Chairman further explained. He pointed out that, among the proponents for the supply of the preferred M4 rifles, only Ferfrans met the NAPOLCOM specification on the reduced cyclic rate. Said proponent has an independent sear-disconnector system patented to its name.

“Under Section 50 of RA 9184 and in accordance with existing rules, the BAC will proceed with an alternative method of procurement, which is direct contracting, since only one proponent met the standard specification,” Carta said.

Since year 2000, similar M4 rifles from Ferfrans had been in the arsenal of SAF, which its troops prefer. Its satisfactory performance has been tested in field conditions. To date, SAF has not encountered any major problem with the weapon.(PIA-ZN)

As always part of the Hudyaka  festivities, the dinner for balikbayans and foreigners who have already resided in the province was hosted by the provincial government.

“It is but just fitting to thank them for their great contribution to the economy of the province,” Gov. Rolando Yebes said, adding that the balikbayans hae remitted millions to the province every month.

Engr. Max. Tolin, a balikbayan guest believed that the Hudyaka Festival has been an effective machinery to lure the citizens and even the foreigners to the province.

“It could also be a good source of livelihood among the people,” the balikbayan declared as food courts and booths were seen sprawling in the Hudyaka area.

However, it was observed that people were flocking even outside the Hudyaka area since the opening of the festival on May 30 this year. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Pulauan Port Manager Atty. Roger Asprer recently disclosed his confidence that Pulauan Port at Dapitan City will be experiencing a rapid growth after it had been converted into a Port Management Office.

He explained that its conversion gave it jurisdiction over all other ports in the province which include the ports in Dipolog, Katipunan, Roxas, Sindangan, Liloy and Siocon.

With its conversion, Pulauan Port can freely spend what they earn in its operation without asking permission from Cagayan de Oro.

The port manager disclosed further that the Pulauan Port had recently increased its traffic volume by 200%.

He cited that the port had only 474 rolling cargoes when the Strong Republic Nautical Highway had just started.

“But now we register 14,700 cargoes more,” Atty. Asprer prided.

With regard to the proposed roll-on-roll-off port at Katipunan,he was confident that it could serve as a complementary port to Pulauan, adding that it could make the province closer to Neg. Oriental via Katipunan.

On the other hand, Kati-punan Mayor Cris Eguia Jr. had sought a loan from LBP for the construction of the roro port at Tambo, Katipunan.

However, the mayor disclosed further, the PPA Central Office had recently informed him that the fund appropriated for Katipunan will soon be released as its Batangas port problem had already been resolved. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

PNP’s Traffic Management Group (TMG) has a new name. It’s called PN Highway patrol Group (HPG)

The same old dog with a new collar.

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Malacañang says that government is not meddling in Meralco’s affairs.

Is that so? Then perhaps we will change GSIS to SIS minus G which stands for Government… He.he.he

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HOLDUPPERS strike anew. (P.F. May 31).

I thought that there is a Media block out declared by Dipolog City Police? Is there a security leak at the Police Station?

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JDV claims that he knew so much of the ZTE Broadband Deal, but will not testify now.

Why don’t you take a bath JDV? Anyway you are already soaking wet.

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As part of the Government’s policy on “Holiday Economics”, Independence Day on June 12 which is a legal holiday will be celbrated on June 9 instead.

My oh my… A law acted by Congress being amended by a mere executive order? Naks! Ano ba yan.

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Many claimed that the “Hudyaka ZaNorte ‘08” was too expensive. That the money should have been given to the poor to help them in this time of economic crises.

It’s chicken shit. In the past they tried to celebrate Araw ng Z.N. with fanfare but failed miserably in enticing the municipalities to join.

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Now that the celebration is a great success, with almost all municipalities and two cities participated, they claimed that it’s anti-poor.

Ano ba yan…Weather-weather lang? Or inggit lang sila.

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they also claimed that the Mayors were just enticed to join the Hudyaka because Gov. Yebes promised to share his Intra Development Funds with them.

Me think that it’s better this way so that development can reach all municipalities. “Spreading the Sunshine” so to speak. Rather than depositing huge amounts in banks but earning interest to the pockets of some faceless manipulators.

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it’s only in the Philippines.

Oakwood Mutineers – From lawbreakers to law enforcers.

Gen Esperon – From warrior to peacemaker.

Senators/Presidentiables – From lawmakers to product endorsers. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

TUMANG pagdayeg ang gipaabot ni Senate President Manny Villar sa Hudyaka Festival karong tuiga. Kini ang iyang gipalanog atul sa gipahigayon nga programa pagbukas sa siyam ka adlaw nga Hudyaka Festival isip maoy pinasidunggang dinapit.

Wala magdahom si Senator Villar sa kadaghan sa mga tawo nga miduyog sa maong kalihukan kagabii. Iyang nakita ang kanindot sa lalawigan sa Zamboanga del Norte nga aduna nay dakong kausaban. Iyang gidugang nga pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot ni Governor Rolando Yebes, uban nila ni 3rd District Congressman Cesar Jalosjos, 1st Distric

Gov. Rolando Yebes and officials of Private oil Mills Venture Corporation (POMS Venture) were slated to sign contract as regards the establishment of tropical fruit processing plant at the Provincial Agri-Industrial Center at Irasan, Roxas, Z.N.

Provincial Attorney Jes Gal Sarmiento, Jr. disclosed that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had already given the Provincial Governor authority to enter into agreement with POMS Venture as regards the project.

Gov. Yebes disclosed that under the ZaNorte Investment Incentives Code, the company will be operating for two years without paying taxes to the provincial treasury.

But during its third year, it shall start paying P42,000 every month.  This agreement will last for five years.

Outlined in the contract is the mode of hiring workers who will be recommended by the governor except the highly confidential and highly technical positions.

The tropical processing plant has the capacity of processing 10 tons of green mango daily or 210 tons every  month.

During mango off-season, it was learned that the plant will process calamansi concentrates, dried morado papaya and pineapple. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

Gasoline price will go up to P65 per liter.

Thanks God, I will be healthier this time.  No. cholesterol, low blood pressure because I will be forced to walk.

-oo0oo-

GMA is giving P500 subsidy to poor families and P1,500 to qualified farmers.

Fast becoming a welfare state.

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Bishop will not give communion to traders who hoard rice.  They’re not attending mass anyway.

-oo0oo-

Marinduque suffers from pork shortage.  They should join the Adventist flock to solve their problem.

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Gov’t agencies ordered to save on energy and fuel.  I saw them park on beaches, night spots and public market.

-oo0oo-

In Japan, they’re celebrating the victory of Obama after he was sure of Democrats’ nomination.  They thought Obama is a Japanese.

-oo0oo-

GMA recently announced that farmers will be given a fertilizer subsidy amounting to P1,500.00 each to help them buy fertilizer.  The amount will reach P12B and will be taken from LGU’s IRA.

-oo0oo-

I told my friend Nonon, a farmer from Sinuyak about the good news and he retorted: “Sigue naman na Sir, sa una duna to’y ‘buy one take one’ basta hipuson lang ang resibo sa fertilizer ug uli-an ka sa Department of Agriculture sa katunga sa imong napalit.  Wala gyod ko mauli-i.

Nahilis na lang ang akong tsinilas ug balikbalik.  Supplier ra sab ang nakasapi.”

Nonon’s answer is typical to farmer’s skepticism about the program.

The government has yet to account for the P780M fertilizer scam before they launch another program. (Press Freedom, Vol. XX No. 34)

DMC officials recently flew to Singapore to study the Singapore Recruiting Program for OJT or Practicum and meet with hotel and restaurant operators to discuss linkages and partnership. “We wanted to see for ourselves and study the working and living conditions of Filipino students who were there for their On-the-Job Training or Practicum because we want to be sure our students will be in good hands. We also want to adequately prepare them.”  says Atty. Diana Concha, the Dean of newly opened School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management of DMC.

DMC’s HRM students enrolled in practicum subjects have the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge, skills, and desirable attitudes on actual hotel and restaurant operations in foreign hotels. This will develop the Filipino work values as they relate to a different culture and a foreign work environment. “I was quite surprised because as soon as we arrived in the hotel I met Filipino students who were working there. I interviewed them and the Hotel Manager and he told me that their guests appreciate Filipino workers because they speak very good English and they are so warm and welcoming.” adds Atty. Concha. 

Last year, Singapore’s visitor’s industry hit a record high of 10.3 million visitors. This number is roughly three times the city’s own population. The goal for 2008 is to bring in close to $11 billion in tourism receipts.  Within seven years’ time, Singapore hopes to attract 17 million visitors annually.  A joint publication by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower and the Workforce Development Agency, the Labour Market Highlights states that: “Demand for waiters, cooks, room stewards/chambermaids, bartenders, customer service executives and restaurant managers will be needed as the popularity of Singapore as a tourism destination increase tremendously”.

DMC officials were toured by DMC’s partners in Singapore to Sentosa Island, a tropical island which is being transformed into the biggest theme park in Asia, and one of the largest in the world, covering some 1,300 acres. Construction is in full swing at Sentosa, there will be at last six major hotels, as well as a casino and the largest Universal Studios outside the US. Steven Spielberg will also open the first Dreamword digital animation studios outside the US. There will also be a spa, a golf course, a cable car and the largest oceanarium in Asia. There will be full docking facilities for regional cruise liners to tie up to, as more and more cruise companies are now making Singapore their regional home port.