Edpam committed to saving environment
By Joey Pavia
ANGELES CITY – “It’s a good first move against pollution.”
Thus said Pampanga Auxilliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David after leading a mass for the inauguration of the P2 million wastewater treatment facility at the
David said the operator of the slaughterhouse, Dealco Farms Inc. (DFI), had applied “corporate social responsibility” in using the facility designed to stop the release of harmful waste at the Sapang Balen Creek. The auxillary bishop earlier cast a curse on polluters of the creek affecting the city and nearby towns.
David urged other private firms to follow suit and help the government apply the law on the protection of the environment.
“As I have said, the private plays vital role in ensuring the success of the government,” said David.
Mayor Edgardo “Ed” Pamintuan, for his part, said his administration had been
committed in the protection of the environment. He added that they “need the
support and cooperation of the public in the battle against pollution.”
Pamintuan said they had started to aggressively inform the public about the
importance of protecting the environment.
“Our administration is new and therefore we must first educate the people,”
said Pamintuan, who attended the inauguration with Vice Mayor Vicky
Vega-Cabigting and Councilors Edu Pamintuan and Alex Indiongco.
Joyce Alcoreza, DFI executive vice president, described the government of
Pamintuan “as very cooperative.” She added that they “remain committed like
Pamintuan in the protection of the environment.”
Alcoreza said Dealco had operated the facility “only this time because the
slaughterhouse had been severely dilapidated when they arrived.” Dealco had
won the rights to operate the city’s slaughterhouse in December 2007 for 25
years.
“We really intended to operate with the anti-pollution facility but we have
to do the other things before that,” said Alcoreza, whose family-owned firm
also operates the slaughterhouse in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
David expressed gratitude Dealco for the waste water facility.
“But we will not put our guards down and see to it that Dealco operates the
slaughterhouse using the facility,” said David.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Bishop: Imitate Dealco’s move vs. water pollution
Pineda serves health care for Aetas
By Joey Pavia
FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga–Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda recently visited Barangay Nabuclod, a remote village here, bringing basic social services to some 1,000 Aetas.
But the awarding of medical supplies, farming tools, educational kit and dispersal of goats at the village dominated by Aetas turned into an opportunity for Pineda to “aggressively extend” the services of the provincial government, said Third District Board Member Monina “Monz” Laus, chairman of the committee on health and social services.
Pineda announced to the Nabuclod residents that she will bring with her their barangay-mates needing specialized and immediate medical attention. Some 50 Aetas were brought to the different hospitals managed Dr. Eddie Ponio, provincial health officer II, also on the same day.
“The sick people will only be truly cured if they will be brought to our hospitals,” said Pineda in the dialect. She added that common disease in the area is tuberculosis.
Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Mayor Eddie Guerrero and Board Members Laus, Trina Dizon, Joel Simpauco and Ric Yabut joined Pineda in Nabuclod, a barangay perched on the hilly portion of this second class municipality.
Nabuclod Barangay Captain Alberto Santos thanked Arroyo for the completion of the electric system and road infrastructure projects in their village when she was still the president last year.
Arroyo and Pineda vowed to provide water pumps in Nabuclod to immediately solve the problem on lack of water.
Pineda said she will immediately provide them with the vehicles.
The first-term governor, in her speech, urged the residents to “nurture the natural great wonder of Nabuclod.”
“If you will just cooperate with each other, you will be a richer village compared to others,” said Pineda in the dialect. She added that vegetables such as Okra, Ampalaya and Sitaw “grow much healthier and bigger in the village.”
Guerrero expressed gratitude to Pineda and Arroyo for “continuously helping” his people.
Sectors back Pampanga bamboo dev’t project
CITY OF
Aptly described as a convergence and clear manifestation of public and private sector partnership, the said planting activity according to Leonila Baluyut, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is in line with the implementation of the bamboo development project in the province which seeks to promote livelihood opportunities, lessen poverty and to serve as a mitigation measure to address climate change.
DTI is one of the member-agencies of the Provincial Bamboo Development Council (PBDC) technical working group tasked to ensure the immediate planting of some 2,000 bamboo seedlings in strategic areas in the province, Baluyut said.
Aside from DTI, the TWG has for its members the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), Advocates for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Baluyut said that around 100 bamboo seedlings were planted in the said ceremonial planting activity by students from
She added that some Japanese consultants from the Mt. Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project (PHUMP) also joined in the said planting activity.
“This overwhelming support of the public and private sectors is a clear manifestation of their belief in the economic potentials of bamboo development, not to mention its contribution to the protection of our environment.”
“It’s a good project and we are certainly moving in the right direction especially in terms of addressing environmental degradation,” Baluyut stressed.
She relayed that the governor has instructed the municipal planning and development coordination (MPDC) office and the barangay captains of Lubao to “see to it that the remaining 1,900 out of the targeted 2,000 bamboo seedlings are planted immediately.”
The governor, explained Baluyut, envisions Pampanga to be the model province in the propagation and development of the bamboo industry in the country.
Last July 12, Pineda led the launching activity of the Lubao bamboo negosyo village in barangay Sta. Catalina, Lubao during which 580 bamboo seedlings were planted in the area.
Trainings on primary bamboo processing and nursery management were also subsequently conducted by the Cottage Industry and
At present, the PBDC TWG puts primary focus on the propagation of bamboo seedlings and their immediate planting in areas pre-identified by concerned local government units in the province.
In an earlier meeting of the PBDC at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall, DTI Regional Director Blesila Lantayona explained that the bamboo industry development project is now a national priority program with the issuance of Executive Order No. 879 creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBDIC) and promoting the said project.
Lantayona further explained that the said EO also directed the use of bamboo for at least 25% of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools and prioritizing the use of bamboo in furniture, fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities.
Dubbed “Kawayan para sa Kalikasan at Kayamanan”, the said program is anchored on climate change mitigation, disaster mitigation and poverty mitigation.
The bamboo has strong capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, prevents soil erosion, a good wind break and a good source of livelihood for both farmers and manufacturers, Lantayona ended. (Pampanga PIO)
NOLCOM troops lectured on Anti-Torture Act
NOLCOM spokesperson Major Rosendo Armas said the seminar was an offshoot of Major General Gaudencio Pangilinan’s declaration of his commitment to uphold human rights when he assumed command of NOLCOM on July 8, this year. He wanted to make sure that every soldier especially the commanders are aware of their responsibilities and accountabilities as public servants because the full force of the law will be meted against recalcitrant or abusive soldiers.
The brigade commanders of the two Army divisions (5th ID, PA and 7th ID, PA) under NOLCOM were present together with the heads of military intelligence battalions/groups, security units, and representatives from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon and the 1st Air Division, Philippine Air Force.
Regino vividly explained salient provisions of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. Accordingly, RA 9745 criminalizes all forms of torture — physical, mental, psychological and pharmacological (the latter is done through administering drugs). Moreover, the law disallows any justification for torture and other inhuman punishments. Torturers will be penalized as principals, as well as their superiors in the military, police or law enforcement establishments who ordered the torture.
Prior to the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, a commander is only liable administratively under the principle of command responsibility for acts committed by his/her subordinates.
Apparently, the law also requires the military and police to submit a monthly report listing all its detention centers, including safe houses, to the CHR. Those who maintain secret detention centers or fail to include a detention center in the list provided to the CHR will be penalized.
She further emphasized that the maximum penalty for violators of this act is reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment. Other penalties range from a minimum of six months to a maximum of 12 years of imprisonment depending on the gravity of the offense.
The law also includes provisions for the protection of complainants and witnesses and persons involved in the prosecution and the establishment of a rehabilitation program for victims
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9745 were discussed by Atty. Jesus C. Simbulan, Regional State Prosecutor and Atty. Oliver S. Garcia, Angeles City Prosecutor, both of DOJ Region 3.
Colonel Gerard Velez, Civil-Military Operations Chief of NOLCOM said knowledge of existing laws particularly this new Anti-Torture Act will serve as an effective reminder to all members of the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies in performing their assigned tasks in a very professional manner.
RA 9745 was signed into law by the former president on November 10, 2009.
SM City Pampanga celebrates Breastfeeding Month
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--In August 2005, the annual celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 was proclaimed by Malacañang.
This is to revive the indigenous way of nurturing children guided by deep respect for life and environment and to mobilize the parent and children advocates and other sectors of society to promote, support and protect breastfeeding.
SM Supermalls has established the first breastfeeding-friendly mall in the Philippines by putting up Breastfeeding Stations in most malls throughout the country. With this, SM City Pampanga joins the nation in celebrating Breastfeeding Month last week with the theme “Supporting Breastfeeding”.
Invited guests to give talks on the benefits to mothers, infants and even fathers are Dra. Elma Manarang, Program Manager in Maternal Health and Family Planning; Mrs. Fatima Santos, Coordinator of Breastfeeding Programs and Mrs. Clenalyn Danganan, Nicu Nursery Head Nurse at V.L. Makabali Memorial Hospital. Fitness First SM City Pampanga branch also participated on the breastfeeding advocacy by teaching instructional Yoga to expecting mothers.
This campaign also aims to strengthen healthcare and nurturing practices like cooperative or shared nursing and the use of baby sling, strengthens family and community support and the other traditional practices that sustained breastfeeding in the past. SM City Pampanga dubbed “The Longest Walking Mall in the country, in time for its renovation, will have its Breastfeeding Station in the second quarter of 2011.
Cebu Pacific launches Manila-Brunei service
The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) began its Manila-Brunei-Manila service last August 21, 2010 with the maiden flight taking off
“We experienced almost 100% passenger load factor for our maiden Manila-Brunei and Brunei-Manila flights. This shows that the market for Cebu Pacific flights to and from
Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darassalam to the
Also present in the send off program were key officials from the Department of Transportation and Communications, Civil Aeronautics Board and Manila International Airport Authority.
“CEB remains consistent in offering the lowest fare alternative to its destinations. This gives the big population of Filipinos in
In news reports, the Philippine Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat said that CEB’s operation in
For bookings and inquiries, passengers can call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888, visit www.cebupacificair.com and funtours.cebupacificair.com or travel agents near them. The latest updates on seat sales are available at cebupacificair on Twitter and Cebu Pacific Air Facebook Fan Page.
Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier, CEB flies to 33 destinations in the
BPI’s Housing Madness kicks off in Pampanga
ANGELES CITY—BPI Family Savings Bank, gathered the country’s leading real estate developers for its Grand Housing Madness, slated from August 20 to 22 at the Activity center of Marquee Mall here.
In its fourth run of Housing Madness this year, BFSB partners with high-profile developers to showcase affordable housing loan packages all under one roof. Housing loan clients were able to enjoy special rates or low monthly amortizations, fast credit decision, and waived appraisal fee of P3,500, if purchased from accredited developers, in this exclusive housing deals event.
Borrowers whose loan applications have been approved and availed also got a Free BPI Express Credit Gold MasterCard.
“Our business of housing is selling homes and building dreams. Through the BFSB Housing Madness, we are reaching out to more Filipinos to provide them easier ways to get their dream homes,” shares TG Limcaoco, BPI Family Savings Bank President.
In this event, BFSB partnered with Pampanga’s high-profile developers including Alveo Land Corp., Avida Land Corp., Ayala Land Premier, Camella Communities, Filinvest Land Corporation, Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corp., Nouveau Residences by Hausland Dev’t. Corp., St. Catherine Realty Corp., The
“We are committed to help every Filipino family get their dream homes. Through the Housing Madness, we hope to do that by bringing together the best developers, special rates and more dynamic financing schemes favourable to our clients all under one roof,” concludes Jocelyn Sta. Ana, Senior Vice President, Head of Retail Mortgage Division of BFSB.
Celebrity chef hosts SM Homeworld’s cooking demo
Featuring one of SM Homeworld's finest brands of kitchen pots and pans KINOX, Chef Niño Logarta showcased his whipping up skills with dishes such as chili garlic lime papaya and spicy bangus.
Sharing cooking tips and techniques, Chef Niño made preparing food a breeze which delightfully entertained the Kapampangan audience. He is a graduate of the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA)
The SM Homeworld Clark's event was made possible in partnership with KINOX, a brand offering extensive range of cookware for the modern home. The activity was a treat for busy moms and dads who want to have great recipes done in the most convenient way.
Angeleno commended for honesty
ANGELES CITY –Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan awarded a certificate of commendation to a city government employee who proved to the world that there are greater things other than money.
Apolonio Dizon Nacpil, 49, from the Angeles City Establishments Concerns, Compliance and Regulatory Office (ACESCCORE), found a bank check amounting to P20,000.00 last August 4 of this year.
Without thinking twice, he delivered the check to the City Information Office (CIO) in the city hall to find the rightful owner of the check.
The check has an account name of Taericen Maintenance Contractor. As soon as they notified the owner, they immediately set a meeting for the proper turnover.
With grin on his face showing an obvious sign of relief, Sebastian Magistrado, the General Manager of Taericen Maintenance Contractor and owner of the check, thanked Mr. Nacpil for his honesty and concern by returning the check.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan immediately commended the heroic effort of Nacpil.
"This is an example of what a true Angeleno does for his community," said Pamintuan pertaining to the deed of the government employee.
Pamintuan hopes that the incident will inspire others to do the same and encourages the city employees to practice honesty and good deeds to the community.
“It’s because we follow the leader”, Nacpil said when the mayor commended him for his deed during the awarding proper at the city hall.
Pineda okays Pampanga ‘Kabyayan Center’
CITY OF
This developed during a recent meeting of the members of the provincial branding project technical working group (TWG) with the governor and second district Representative Gloria Arroyo.
According to Mary Michelle Quiambao, head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the province and member of the TWG, the governor, upon learning of the salient points of the proposed project, instructed Mamerto Gatus of the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) and Engr. Fernando Henson of the Planning and Development Office (PPDO), heads of the TWG, to visit the target site of the Kabyayan center and to provide her with feedbacks immediately.
“The governor would like to have the Kabyayan center operational by October in time for the Christmas season,” Quiambao reported.
Quiambao explained that the governor suggested that the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) in the City of
“She immediately contacted Terry Carlos of the Bank of Florida to negotiate for possible temporary rental of a property right at the entry of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in
“The suggested location would be more accessible to potential customers especially to local and foreign tourists,” she added.
A major component of the provincial branding project “Vida Pampanga”, the Kabyayan center aims to showcase and highlight the best of the province’s food, furniture and ceramics home furnishings, gifts and holiday decor products.
Quiambao explained that the “Vida Pampanga” branding project seeks to further enhance the good image of the province and to make Pampanga products more distinctive and competitive in the market.
The “Vida Pampanga” seal of quality and excellence highlights the vitality and grandeur of the province and symbolizes the vision of the province to share the best of its products to the world.
During the meeting, Pineda “showed her positive acceptance of the branding program by elaborating the best qualities of the different micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province that are already accredited in the program, as well as those with potentials for being accredited,” Quiambao narrated.
The first batch of accredited food product processors in the province and qualified to carry the “Vida Pampanga” official brand totaled 11. These food product processors include Lailen’s Pastries, Sasmuan Delicacies, Aiza’s Sweets, Navarro Foods International, Inc., Aling Conching Native Products, Carreon Sweets and Pastries, Kuliat Cakes and Pastries, Emy’s Sweets & Pastries, Neri-Mar’s Hi-Sweets, R.P. Ocampo Fine Foods and Pine’s Brownies.
During the group’s meeting, DTI Representative and TWG Member Myra Gomez showed a sample of the “Vida” carry-all bag, one of the promo collaterals for the brand name, to the governor and Representative Arroyo who mentioned that she herself is looking for products which she plans to include in the Christmas packages that she will be distributing during the season.
The group is set to meet at a later date to formally present to Pineda the initial accomplishments on the project including the Kabyayan center building designed by architects of the Don Honorio Ventura Technical State University (DHVTSU) and other details of the project, Quiambao said. (Pampanga PIO)
CSC-3 conducts Local Government Executive forum
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The forum was attended by 803 Local Officials coming from the 107 participating Local Government Units in the Region.
It was a proactive approach of the CSCRO3 in line with the Commission’s Strategic Priority of Exemplifying Integrity and Excellence in Public Service. It is designed to provide local executives with adequate and accurate knowledge of civil service law, rules and regulations, to help them analyze problems and issues affecting local government administration to enable them to serve the public better.The Resource Speakers were Director IV Karin Litz P. Zerna, Director III Carlos P Rabang, Director II Amelia P. Bondoc and Director II Marilou Y. Valerio.
The program was clustered into two batches Cluster A scheduled on July 29, 2010 was for delegates from the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija. Fifty (50) Local Government Units were represented in the cluster where a total number of 446 participated in the forum.
On the other hand, Cluster B was set on July 30, 2010 for delegates from the provinces of
The 2010 Local Government Executive Forum was indeed a successful event with the support of the Department of Interior and Local Government through its Regional Director, Dir. Renato L. Brion.
NAPOLCOM 3 brings PNP exams closer to clients
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced recently the simultaneous conduct of Philippine National Police (PNP) Entrance and Promotional Examinations in Angeles City, Olongapo City and Balanga City in Bataan, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija and Malolos City in Bulacan on October 24, 2010.
This, according to Napolcom Region 3 Director Raquel Q. Ramos, is part of the agency’s goal of bringing its services closer to its clients.
To be held in cooperation with the local government units in Central Luzon, this innovative project is an answer to the perennial problems of the PNP personnel and civilians aspiring to become eligible and be part of the PNP organization coming from far-flung municipalities of
With the establishment of additional examination centers in the region, the Napolcom-3 re-engineers its systems and procedures to make its services more accessible to stakeholders.
According to Ramos, Napolcom-3 will still maintain its examination center in Angeles City, this time at the Republic Central Colleges, and accommodate a total of 1,500 examinees, 750 of which shall be for PNP Entrance (PNPE) examinees and the remaining 750 will be for PNP personnel who will take the various promotional examinations such as Police Officer (PO), Senior Police Officer (SPO), Inspector and Superintendent.
Respective examination centers in
As for the testing centers in the provinces of
Applicants for the PNP Entrance and Promotional Exams may file their applications on the following dates and places:
- Aug. 16 – Sept. 30: PNP Entrance and PROMEX at Napolcom Regional Office 3, Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
- Aug. 23 – Aug. 27: PNP Entrance and PROMEX at the Convention Center, Brgy. Barretto,
- Aug. 30 – Sept. 3: PNP Entrance and PNP PROMEX at the Bulwagan, Capitol Compound,
- Sept. 6 – Sept. 10: PNP Entrance and PNP PROMEX at the Bulacan PPO,
- Sept. 13 – Sept. 17: PNP Entrance and PNP PROMEX at the Nueva Ecija PPO,
Applicants for PNP Entrance exam must bring: (a) one legal-sized window envelop with nine pesos (P9.00) worth of mailing stamps, (b) transcript of scholastic records or diploma indicating the Special Order Number issued by the CHED, (c) birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar or NSO, and (d) 2 pcs. recent and identical 1x1 colored ID picture with white background and complete nametag. PO1 with temporary status of appointment may submit any of the following: certified true copy of attested appointment, plantilla appointment or special order. His/her name tag must indicate the rank and complete name.
For promotional exams, PNP applicants should submit the following: (a) certified true copy of Attested Appointment, Plantilla Appointment or Special Order, (b) Report of Rating/Certification issued by the NAPOLCOM Central Office, CSC Certified Copy of Eligibility and /or PRC Board of Certificate, (c) 2 pcs recent and identical 1x1 colored ID pictures in uniform with white background and complete nametag, and (d) one legal-sized window envelop with nine-pesos (P9.00) worth of mailing stamps.
Examinees who applied in the last examination (May 2010) need not resubmit the requirements should he/she applies again for the same exam. The applicant will only have to submit the admission of the last exam applied for.
Examination fee is P400.00 for the PNP Entrance and PO Exams; P450.00 for the SPO Exam; P500.00 for the Insp. Exam and P 600.00 for the Supt. Exams.
NAPOLCOM Region 3 Director expressed that the application shall be on a “first-come, first-served basis” and may stop even before the scheduled deadline if the quota for the each examination type has been reached. Further, the Office shall strictly implement its rule of “No Notice of Admission, No Entry” during the examination date. Director Ramos further emphasized that applicants will not be allowed to change the examination center assigned to him/her when he/she opts to apply either in the Regional Office or in the province/s set as additional testing centers.
(NAPOLCOM thru PIA 3)
Scrap the SK
IN RETROSPECT
By Ashley Manabat
=== I believe a 16 year-old have no other place to be but inside the classroom learning the 3Rs—
FINALLY a whiff of fresh air from the Palace. President Aquino is standing pat on his proposal to abolish the old and inefficient system of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the country as part of the government’s reform agenda, bannered the Manila Bulletin.
This came after a series of gaffes from Malacanang starting with a botched EO enjoining all appointed officials in the government bureaucracy to vacate their posts on June 30, 2010. The EO was promptly amended after realizing its absurdity.
Apparently sensing their blunders, Sen. Joker Arroyo on Sunday criticized the legal team of President Aquino for racking up four cases before the Supreme Court in just 46 days in power.
“This is not a good beginning,” Arroyo said as quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. That's right Sen. Joker.
*****
Back on the SK, I have long argued that it is unnecessary. The SK only corrupts the young minds of the youth who should be more concern in finishing their studies rather than sorting out the problems of their village or town. There is enough politics in school campuses for the youth to sharpen their political understanding and practice leadership.
*****
Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chairperson Henrietta De Villa echoed President Aquino's view. She said: “It is not good that at a very young age, the young people are developing a mindset about politics on the basis of wrong values.”
De Villa added, "based on the PPCRV’s observation from the ground, it is becoming an entry point for political dynasties to extend their political role in the area.”
SK representatives are mostly the sons or daughters of incumbent politicians. Ordinary youths do not stand a chance to win in an election where the mayor of the town or the chief of the village is the father of a youth candidate. How can the opponent of the politician's son or daughter muster enough logistical resources to defeat a well-oiled political machinery of the politician's son or daughter? Almost always, the youth is exposed to corruption like bribery at the onset of his candidacy
that will definitely be instilled in his young mind. A youth council is redundant and unnecessary anyway so why expose the youth to politics at a young age?
*****
Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento is also supporting the abolition of the SK. "The poll official said the SK should be abolished, stressing that it is not a good training ground for young people. The young learn early about the bad side of
politics like commissions in contracts and projects,” said Sarmiento as quoted by the Manila Bulletin.
*****
"The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) submitted on Thursday a draft measure to Malacañang, calling for the abolition of the SK and the election of a youth representative in the October 25 elections, citing the group’s failure to be functional and effective in the delivery of public services under the Local Government Code."
DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo said "the draft measure will seek to repeal Section 423 to 439 of the Local Government Code that will, in effect, totally abolish the Katipunan ng Kabataan or the SK, and the amendment of Section 387 (a) and 390 of the same Code to include a youth representative in the barangay who will be elected at large by the youth aged 15 years old but less than 18 years old during the barangay elections." He added that "the draft measure is expected to be certified as urgent or a priority bill by the President."
*****
On the other hand, the youth arm of the Akbayan party-list group criticized President Aquino's plan to scrap the SK saying it is both "unreasonable and unacceptable." This precisely is what I mean. The youth have become unreasonable themselves by taking
an adamant position in opposing for the SK abolition. I am not saying that the youth should be ignored and their concerns placed in the back burner. But the youth should be better off in school rather than dabbling in politics.
How can it be "unacceptable" when we had our bad experiences with the SK even if some have shown extraordinary skills in governance? I believe a 16 year-old have no other place to be but inside the classroom learning the 3Rs -
and aRithmetic. At the end of the day, that makes a lot more sense.
Of waters and wastes
BIG BROTHER
By Alex F. Patio
===Modern developed societies use water as lavishly and wastefully as they have been using fossil fuels, and have seen themselves as possessing even more cogent economic reasons for doing so===
There is an analogy between the citizen’s reaction to water and its uses for human benefit and the recent careless “slosh-on” approach to energy. At its core is the virtual impossibility, in most developed lands, of believing that there is any reason for conserving water. Most developed nations are in temperate zone which quite simply have all the water they need. True, the fresh water available for all human uses, evaporated and desalinated by the sun from the land and the oceans (which contain 97 percent of the world’s water) and then returned to the earth’s rivers, lakes, and ground water through rain and snow and hail and dew, is only a tiny portion of the earth’s fresh-water reserves, since most of the planet’s fresh water is either frozen at the poles and in permanent glaciers or lies too deep in the ground for human use. But the minute percentage nonetheless adds up to over 25 quadrillion gallons every year. It also falls most reliably in the temperate zones, and even the most confirmed pessimist would find it hard to worry about the availability of millions of billions of gallons on such a scale.
The results of this abundance are predictable. Modern developed societies use water as lavishly and wastefully as they have been using fossil fuels, and have seen themselves as possessing even more cogent economic reasons for doing so. Water costs virtually nothing. On the average, water makes up no more than 0.5 percent of industrial costs. Industry uses almost unbelievable amounts – up to 125,000 gallons for a ton of printing paper, 200,000 gallons for a ton of aluminum. A ton of synthetic rubber can require 500,000 gallons. Another symptom of disregard lies in the remarkably different amount of waters used in industry for identical processes. In making soap, for instance, precisely the same unit of output and the same type of product can use anything from 1,000 to 37,000 gallons.
Yet all these millions of gallons inevitably pick up poisons and chemical impurities along the way, and as they reach rivers, lakes, and estuaries, add to the filth of inadequately treated sewage and fertilizer runoff – a load of contaminants already threatening most major rivers and inland seas. The billions of gallons used everyday for cooling thermal power stations are not so prone to direct pollution, but they can increase the temperature of lakes and rivers and thus drastically distort and aquatic ecosystem.
Domestic use of water presents an equal number of inconsistencies and stupidities. The water needed in a house for cooking, drinking, and bathing, the uses where total cleanliness is essential, amounts to only about a quarter of all that is in fact used. The rest goes to watering lawns and washing cars, to the laundry and the toilets (in any one year a typical user contaminates 13,000 gallons of clean water to flush away only 165 gallons of the body’s wastes).
In temperate zones, agriculture relies overwhelmingly on rainfall, not on specially diverted irrigation water. But even in temperate farming, a particular form of wastage cannot be ignored. Overuse of fertilizers or biocides leaves behind in the fields more nutrients and toxins than plants need or the soil can absorb. So the surplus is washed off into the watercourses. Fertilizers stimulate the growth of aquatic plants, upsetting the ecological balance, and can so over stimulate the growth of algae that the decaying plant life consumes virtually all the water’s dissolved oxygen, leaving a virtually dead, foul-smelling swamp behind. Biocide runoff can, as we have seen, cause massive fish kills – and all agricultural chemicals can poison water downstream or underground and thus contaminate other people’s potential supplies of drinking water. Although in theory (and usually in practice) ground water is renewed by the cycle of raining days and months, there are cases of pumping levels which so far exceed any replacing flow that the result can be severe subsidence of the ground itself.
Then there remains the lack of any real reserves or fallback positions in the case of drought. Few meteorologists will hazard any very exact predictions about future weather. Yet in the last or so a consensus has developed that weather systems appear to be on the way to becoming more “unstable.” Within the range of instabilities must be included the possibility of further and perhaps longer droughts. To be without reserves or alternatives could threaten every sector of society – industrial, agricultural, or domestic.
The conclusion is obvious. As with so many other human uses and abuses – of the earth’s materials, a conserving strategy both provides more of what is required and does so at a much diminished cost, occasionally even at the a profit. If we take our three divisions – domestic, industrial, and agricultural – each offers its own particular opportunities for less wasteful use.
Corporate social responsibility
UPPERCUT
By Albert B. Lacanlale
=== With the slaughterhouse,
Kudos to the City Government of Angeles City, led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for the successful inauguration of the Dealco Farms-operated slaughterhouse of the city. Not only are the Angelenos now assured for high-quality meat, they have somehow lessen the possible pollutants to the Sapang Balen creek.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David is all smiles when he officiated the Mass for the blessing and inauguration of the slaughterhouse. While Apung Ambo reminded the slaughterhouse management to be consistent in their environmentally-safe technology, he was obviously elated knowing the abattoir, with a “Triple A” rating, would not be contributory to the degradation of the Sapang Balen creek.
The slaughterhouse has constructed a P2-million waste water treatment facility to ensure that its effluent towards the creek contains no undesirable substance that would pollute the waterways. A bio-digester included in the system collects methane from the sludge then channels it to a stove where they boil water used for cleaning butchered animals.
This is in addition to at least P7 million invested to upgrade the slaughterhouse facilities.
That is the essence of corporate social responsibility, Apung Ambo explained. When one does not abuse the resources entrusted on him, then he could be entrusted with bigger responsibilities and, along with it, great success in the future.
With the slaughterhouse,
Even the conventional mataderos are starting to get the all important revolution on how they treat their occupations. Gone are the days when butchers would take the process of slaughtering animals for granted sacrificing hygiene, thereby jeopardizing the health of meat consumers.
Joyce Alcoreza, executive vice president of Dealco Farms, who also happens to operate the Sta, Rosa Slaughterhouse in Laguna, said their firm conducts regular trainings to butchers and closely monitors hygiene of their staff, particularly those handling the meat.
“We are promoting culture change in the way we are dealing with meat,” said Alcoreza, whose comes from the fifth generation of slaughterhouse operators.
To date, the Angeles City Slaughterhouse processes 350 to 500 heads of hogs and about 25 heads of cattle/carabao everyday. Even large supermarkets, groceries and meat-processors in Pampanga are lining up for their stocks of meat to meet growing demands for clean and fresh pork or beef.
Mayor Edpam thinks Dealco’s example should all be followed by other firms in the city, while at the same time lauded the advocacies of Bishop David who he called “Vanguard of Sapang Balen Creek.”
Right was Pamintuan pointing out that disposal of waste comes with urban sprawl and that everybody should participate in ensuring that the environment, especially bodies of water, are saved from pollutants.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Graft raps filed vs CIAC prexy
Mayor Pelayo, with Atty. Batacan, shows a copy of his complaint filed against Luciano.
Photo by Albert B. Lacanlale
Story by Joey Pavia
QUEZON CITY—Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano and 10 others were charged on Thursday before the Ombudsman office here in connection with the alleged illegal demolition of at least 17 warehouses at the CIAC property in Clark whose amount was pegged at some P100 million by the complainants.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, through his lead counsel, Atty. Edna Hererra-Batacan, filed violation of anti-graft and corrupt practices, dishonesty and malversation of public funds and property against Luciano, CIAC officers Silverio Clemente and Engr. Ruel Angeles, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) official Tarcicius Tiotuyco, Arnel Pineda of CDC, Pampanga-based Aeta tribal chieftains Oscar Dizon and Oscar
Rivera, scrap agent Josie Gomez of Mabalacat, Pampanga and private individuals Antonio Castro, Rene Soliman and Noli de Guia.
Luciano, in a statement, described as “publicity stunt” the cases filed against him by Pelayo, president of the Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML).
“It is the same issue on demolition where a fact-finding team is currently doing, checking all our documentations. The one of Pelayo is purely a publicity stunt by an attention seeking town politician intended to harass me and a desperate attempt to put me in a bad light before the public,” said Luciano in a text message to this reporter.
“It is also an act of vindictiveness for him not getting a permit to operate his farm business due to gross violations of his usufruct contract with CIAC,” he added.
Pelayo said he had filed the complaint against Luciano because “the CIAC president caused the demolition of 17 economically repairable and serviceable buildings owned by the government amounting to P100 million.”
“Mr. Luciano is bragging that he is enjoying the support of President Aquino. I think the president should make Luciano a sample of his desire to rid graft and corruption in government,” said Pelayo to reporters just before filing his complaint.
Pelayo was joined by two other complaints – Angelo Manalo of the Mawaque, Mabalacat farmers association and Jose Paguinto, a farmer official in Candaba.
“Public official is a public trust. It was scandalous for us to find out that Luciano treated the facilities of Clark as if it were his private property. Was his very high salary not enough?” said Pelayo who submitted a 12-page complaint before Atty. Marlyn Galvez, director at the Ombudsman main office.
Pelayo earlier exposed the alleged illegal demolition of 17 warehouses at the CIAC property, asking CIAC Chairman of the Board Nestor Mangio to investigate the alleged anomaly.
“I already learned of the demolition of two warehouses last December. I told Luciano that it was enough but he had continued the illegal act,” said Pelayo, adding that the 15 others were demolished this year just before the May 2010 elections.
Pelayo said those who benefited by selling the scrap materials taken from the warehouses should be held accountable.