MGA PINOY, NAG IMPROBAR ANG PANGABUHI SA IDALUM SA ADMINISTRASYON NI PGMA

    Nag-improbar ang pangabuhi sang mga Pilipino sa idalum sang 9 ka tuig nga administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

    Suno kay Pangulong Arroyo, nagatrabaho siya sang maid-id adlaw adlaw agud mapatin-ad ang pangabuhi sang mga pumuluyo. Ginpabutyag niya ini sa ginhiwat nga vin d'honneur para sa mga diplomatic corps nga ginhiwat sini lang sa Rizal Hall sa Malacanang.

    Suno pa gid sa iya, ang sentro sang iya pagpungko sang 2001 amo ang pag improbar sang ekonomiya, magtuga sang mga trabaho, kag mag-invest sa mga tawo kag pisikal nga imprastratura.

    Ang pagdaku sang ekonomiya, suno sa iya, sa pagsukat sang GDP ukon suma total sang tanan nga produkto kag serbisyo sa nasyon kag numero sang trabaho sa idalum sang iya pagpamuno, ang pinakamataas sa nagtaliwan nga 30 ka tuig.

    Paagi sa pagduso sang mga reporma sa ekonomiya sa mga nauna nga tuig sang iya administrasyon, ginbuligan sang Presidente ang pungsod nga pakigbatuan ang global financial crisis nga nagsugod sang Setyembre sang mas maayo sang sa iban nga mga pungsod.

    Isa ang Pilipinas sa pila lamang ka mga pungsod sa Asya, pati na ang China, nga nakaluwas sa recession. Nagrehistro ini sang 0.7% nga pagdaku sang ekonomiya sa nahauna nga tatlo ka quarters sang 2009.

    Sa iya man pagpamuno, naghimo siya sang mga mabudlay kag ginakontra nga mga desisyon. Gin implementar niya ang expanded value added tax law ukon EVAT, kag nagresulta ini sa P80 billion sa annual revenues para sa gobyerno. (PIA/vgv)

4Ps, other major government programs spell better, healthier lives for Aklanons

    Kalibo, Aklan – Aklan's poor families now have a chance to have better – and healthier lives because of 4Ps.

    4Ps means Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a poverty reduction strategy that provides grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.

This is a developmental program that invests in human capital. It enhances the role of parents and helps them accomplish their duties and responsibilities to their children,

In Aklan, residents of two far-flung, hinterland municipalities are currently benefiting from this program.

    These two municipalities are Libacao and Madalag.

    Libacao is a 4^th class interior municipality located 29 kilometers southwest of the capital town of Kalibo with 24 barangays now accessible by transportation except for the remaining 2 which could only be reached by foot. Madalag is also a 4^th class municipality, approximately 29 kilometers from Kalibo, with 25 barangays.

    As an identified 4Ps beneficiary, a household can receive as much as P1,400 for a maximum of three children that includes P500.00 per month for nutrition and health expenses and P300 per month per child with a maximum of three children per household for educational expenses.

    A total of 4,150 households in Aklan coming from the two municipalities are now benefiting from this program.

    Based on records provided by the Department of Socail Welfare and Development Field Office 6, a total of P13,375,200.00 had been released to beneficiaries as of November 2009.

    The cash grants are released to the beneficiaries in batches. The second batch release was even witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who had her first-even Presidential Visit to Libacao for the event on August 7, 2009.

    Libacaonons and Madalagnons have five years to enjoy the program. Meanwhile, surveys for inclusion in the program are still being conducted by the government in other municipalities, so other poor and needy constituents in Aklan could also live better and healthier, especially the children.

    As one beneficiary - a mother, puts it during President Arroyo's visit to Libacao - "the 4Ps is a big help to my family. I have 5 children at 29 with the youngest just 3 – weeks old, and a husband with no permanent job."

    Juvy Agustin, the mother, has to make sure however that her school-age children regularly go to school, or the cash benefits for them will be stopped. If she gets pregnant, she must receive pre and post natal care and be attended during childbirth by a skilled professional, and must also attend responsible parenthood seminars and mother's classes.

    The 4Ps is just one of the programs of the government that has made the lives of Aklanons and the Filipinos in general better, this program being implemented in all parts of the country.

    Besides the 4Ps, the government has also provided Day Care and Grade 1 pupils a kilo of rice daily under the Food For School Program, with some 11.5 million beneficiaries from 2004 to 2009. The program serves as an incentive for children to stay in school.

    Meanwhile as of December 31, 2009, 99.39% of barangays nationwide had been electrified, resulting to better quality of life and progress.

    Waterless municipalities had been provided with water, covering some 319 municipalities. On the other hand, beneficiaries under the Kalahi-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services reached 5, 555 as of June 2009, benefiting 1.14 households. This program brought social development through community projects, empowering poor communities.

    In education, there is already a 1:1 ratio in textbooks for Elementary pupils for English and Sibika subjects while high school books like English, Math and Science have a ratio of 1:1. Teachers, on the other hand, now enjoy a monthly salary of P14,198.00 upon entering the service, compared with P9,939.00 monthly salary nine years ago.

    For school year 2008-2009, Educational Contract grantees numbered 508,808 while beneficiaries under GASTPE educational voucher system as of December 2009 reached 513,971, providing a better access to secondary education.

    Nationwide, there are 323,684 classrooms, with 100,000 new classrooms built under President Arroyo's term. Adequate classrooms provide a better learning environment.

    There are now a total of 81.64 million Philhealth members compared with 29.6 million in 2000, ensuring a bigger number of Filipinos to avail quality healthcare. To make affordable medicines accessible to Filipinos, there are now 15,000 outlets of Botika ng Barangay (BnB) scattered in all parts of the country.

    In Aklan, most barangays have BnBs. Too, most municipalities are recipients of the CIDSS program and the Food-For-School. Most Aklanons are Philhealth members and beneficiaries, with the provincial government under Governor Carlito Marquez aiming for universal coverage under the program. Private schools in Aklan are also offering Education Service Contracting for high school students; teachers are enjoying better salaries today. All these are seen as a means to ensure better quality of life for every Filipino and every Aklanon. (PIA/ Venus G. Villanueva)

Pagbangon sang electrononics firms, magapadamo sang trabaho

    Nagabangon na ang sektor sang electronics kag magakahulugan ini sang kadugangan nga trabaho.

    Sa iya mensahe sa Muntinlupa City Job Fair sang sini lang, ginsiling ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo nga ginpapagsik sang gobyerno ang sektor sang electronics kag ang bug-os nga manufacturing industry paagi sa pag adoptar sang nagakaangay nga 'economic kag financial' nga stratehiya.

    Nanotaran sang Pangulo nga ang job fair makatuga sang 1,500 nga trabaho sa electronics kag sa iban pa nga sektor.

    Suno kay Pangulong Arroyo, ang mga establismento nga nagahimo ukon naganegosyo sa electronics ang pinaka apektado sang global financial crisis. Ginpaathag niya nga bangud sa pagbuhin sang mga order sang United States kag iban pa nga mga inudustriyalisado nga mga nasyon sang mg parte nga ginagamit sa paghimo sang mga computer kag monitor, TV sets kag DVD players kag iban pa gid nga mga produkto, wala sang mahimo ang sektor sang electronics kundi magbuhin sang mga empleyado.

    Ginpabutyag man sang Pangulo nga ang pagkinahanglan sang mga electronic products nga una nga nanotaran sang Nobyembre sang nagligad nga tuig ang magapadayon sa pagbangon halin sa krisis sang kalibutan.

    Suno pa gid sa Pangulo, sa posisyon ang Pilipinas sa pakigsumpong sa krisis bangud sa mga palisiya nga ginhimo sang iya administrasyon kag gin-implementar nga nauna sang tinuig kag binulan.

    Ang palisiya, suno sa iya, ginkumpunihan sang pag adoptar sang Value Added Tax (E-VAT) law kag ang pagdugang sa pag gastos para sa infrastructure development.

    Paagi sa pag –implementar sang infrastructure projects, nakatuga ang gobyerno sang trabaho nga nagbulig sa mga nagapangalisod nga mga Pilipino kag iban pa nga mahuyang nga sektor batok sa grabe nga epekto sang global economic crisis.

    Gin updan ang Pangulo sa Job Fair nanday Labor Secretary Marianito Roque kag Muntinlupa City Mayor Alvin Dela Cruz. (PIA/VGV)

ICBAN, GINHINGALANAN NGA ACTING PRESS SECRETARY NI PGMA

    Pagabuslan ni Crispulo Icban Jr., editor in chief sang Manila Bulletin ang nagtaliwan nga si Press Secretary Cerge Remonde sa acting capacity.

    Ginhimo ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang pag anunsyo sa panyaga nga iya gintanyag para sa Malacanang Press Corps sa Palasyo.

    Ikasiyam nga press secretary si Icban sa idalum ni Presidente Arroyo. Ang mga nauna sa iya amo kanday nagtaliwan na nga si Noel Cabrera, Rigoberto Tiglao, Silvestre Afable, Ignacio Bunye (nagserbe sang duha ka beses), Hernani Braganza, Milton alingod, Jesus Dureza, kag Remonde.

    Natawo siya sa Tondo, Manila sang Agusto 3, 1935. Nag graduate siya sa Tarlac Central Elementary School sang 1946 kag sa Pampanga High School sang 1950.

    Nag graduate siya sa University of the Philippines (UP-Diliman) sa Bachelor of Arts in English, mag cum laude sang l954.

    Pagka graduate, nagsulod siya sa Manila Times bilang general assistant sa editorial department, sang ulihi bilang reporter kag editorial writer.

    Nakabaton si Icban sang madamo nga award sa pagserbisyo bilang journalist. Ginpadunggan man siya bilang Outstanding Kapampangan sang Pampanga Provincial Government; 1988; kag Distinguished Tarlaquenos sang Tarlac Provincial Government sang 2003. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Wheelchairs from PGMA made Malaynons happy

    Caticlan, Malay, Aklan -- Three people, including a five-year-old boy, went home happy today when they went home in wheelchairs courtesy of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

    The wheelchairs were distributed to the 2 elderly ana d a young boy unable to walk since birth during the "Common Tao Day" held at the Caticlan Elementary School, which was graced by PGMA.

    "The "Common Tao Day" was one of the major activities held in Caticlan, Malay, the jump-off barangay to Boracay Island when PGMA visited Aklan this year.

    She first led in the launching and capsule-laying ceremonies of the Caticlan Airport Development Project in Malay, Aklan.

    The airport development in Caticlan involves the phased development and expansion of the existing airport, more particularly the improvement of existing terminal building, construction of runway extension and the widening, development of new land side facilities including the construction of new passenger terminal building, vehicular parking area and other ancillary facilities.

    At the "Common Tao Day" some 1,500 indigents received gift packs after availing of the medical dental and optical mission offered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

    Recipients of the wheelchairs, including their relatives, expressed happiness over the wheelchairs given them.

    The grandmother of Claine Magat, the 5-year old boy said it would be now easier for her to bring her grandson when they go visiting different places.

    "Nakakamusta pa ako kay Presidente" (Iwas even able to shake the hand of the President), Claine's grandmother said. She also added that if not for PGMA, her grandson will never own a wheelchair.

    The children and grandchildren of Cruz Prado, 58 years old and blind, were also happy that Mr. Prado will have an easier time of moving around.

    Prado was born blind and just recently, he suffered a stroke and he was no longer able to walk.

    Another recipient, Faustino Constantino, 79, also expressed his happiness over the wheelchair. Although unable to talk well because of a stroke he suffered, he said in his small voice how thankful he is for PGMA's gift to him. Because of the stroke, he is also unable to walk, so the wheelchair will be a big help to him, according to his son Zaldy.

    Medicines were also provided to the indigent patients who availed of the medical mission in the "Common Tao Day".

    Medical kits were also distributed to barangays. After the activity at the Caticlan Elementary School, PGMA motored to the Caticlan Airport to take a chopper to the Kalibo International airport to Manila. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Tour guide, construction worker thank PGMA for Caticlan Airport development

    Caticlan, Malay, Aklan -- Two residents of Malay who would benefit much in the development of the Caticlan Airport thanked President Arroyo for initiating and supporting the project.

    Maricar Tesorero, who was interviewed on stage by PGMA herself, said being a tour guide at the Caticlan Airport is her source of livelihood.

    She said it is also the source of livelihood of her co-members of the Boracay Mabuhay House Association.

    "Noong walang flights sa Caticlan, wala rin kaming trabaho. Pumupunta na lang kami sa Kalibo to watch for walk-in guests. Salamat sa opportunity na ito at sana ay hindi na mawala ang Caticlan Airport," Tesorero said to PGMA.

    With the construction of the Caticlan airport in various phases which will reach 7 years, PGMA also said this will provide jobs to carpenters and construction workers.

    Paul, one of the construction workers in Caticlan who would be benefiting from this, was also interviewed by PGMA. According to Paul, the development of the Caticlan Airport is a good opportunity for him and his fellow workers, and he thanked the President for the project.

    In her message, PGMA said that as Aklanons have recovered from Typhoon Frank, "we look forward to another source of making this golden island more golden", apparently referring to Boracay Island, which will be the biggest beneficiary once the airport is fully developed.

    The Caticlan Aiurport Development Project will be implemented by its proponent, the Caticlan International Airport Development Corporation (CIADC0 through the BOT Scheme, Contract-Add-Operate-and –Transfer. Its financing source will be 100% CIADC with an estimated cost of P2.507 billion. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Kalibo fire victims get P1 M assistance from Provincial Government

Kalibo, Aklan –A total of P1,002,500.00 financial assistance from the Provincial Government of Aklan was recently turned over to the municipality of Kalibo for 401 fire victims whose houses in C. Laserna Street were razed by fire October 31 of last year.

The check, which was turned over by Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez to the municipality of Kalibo, was received by Sangguniang Bayan member Lillian Q. Tirol.

The simple turnover was witnessed by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elma S. Malbas, Provincial Treasurer Suzette F. Pioquid, Kalibo Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lolly Espina and Municipal Treasurer Elsa Tabuena.

Members of the local media also witnessed the turnover.

According to Espina, each of the 401 fire victims/house owners will receive P2,500.00 from the Provincial Government's financial assistance. The amount will be used to buy housing materials of the fire victims.

The fire victims identified are from Puroks 2, 3, 4 and 5 of C. Laserna, a street along the Aklan River.

Governor Marquez said the amount is the province's counterpart assistance to the municipality of Kalibo under Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.

The municipality of Kalibo, on the other hand, provided relief and other assistance to the fire victims. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PGMA to hold “Common Tao Day” in Aklan

    Kalibo, Aklan -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be holding a "Common Tao Day" in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan as she visits Aklan today, January 15, her first in 2010.

    PGMA will also lead the launching and capsule-laying ceremonies of the Caticlan Airport Development Project.

    For the "Common Tao Day", some 1,500 beneificiaries will be receiving gift packs from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCS0) to be personally handed by PGMA to the recipients.

    The recipients, who will be coming from barangay Caticlan and adjacent barangays of nearby municipalities will be identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

    The PCSO will also hold a medical/dental and optical mission in the area. The activity will be held at the Caticlan Elementary School.

    According to Ruben Manahan, PCSO consultant, senior citizens in the area will be prioritized in the optical mission, who will also be provided reading eye glasses after consultation.

    Identified barangays will also be given medical kits by the PCSO. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

BIR, NAGAHIMO SANG REPORMA SA PAGPATAAS SANG KOLEKSYON

    Maga implementar ang Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) sang pila ka mga tikang agud ma abot ang iya sini nga P830-billion nga collection target sa tuig nga ini.

    Ginasaligan ang BIR nga makakita sang 60% nga galastuhon sang gobyerno nga may P1.54 trillion sa tuig nga ini.

    Sa isa ka briefing upod sa mga palace reporters,, ginsiling ni Acting Economic Planning Secretary Augusto Santos nga ang mga administratibo nga tikang magapataas sang revenue kag magatabon sa budget deficit nga nagahangkat subong sa international credit ratings sang pungsod. Himuon sini ang nasyon nga mangin "attractive" sa mga manug negosyo diri kag magapataas sang pagsulod sang foreign direct investments (FDIs).

    Sang mas temprano sini, ginpanan-aw sang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ang FDIs nga maabot sa $1.8 billion kag $2 billion sa tuig nga ini.

    Pila sa mga tikang nga ini amo ang 1) compulsory business registration; 2) reshuffling sang BIR personnel; 3) paglagas sang mga nagalikaw sa buhis nga lokal nga negosyante kag government owned and controlled corporation executives; 4)business inventory checking; kag 5) mas istrikto nga pag-implementar sang tax imcentives.

    Sa pihak nga bahin, ginsiling ni Santos nga ang negosyo sa palibot sang Mayon Volcano nagtaas 30% sa year-on-year basis, sa pagsulod sang P75,000 nga mga turista sang Disyembre. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan officials pledge full support to MSMEs products, producers

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Local officials here pledged their full support to Aklan's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The officials, led by Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, Governor Carlito S. Marquez (represented by Provincial Administrator Diego M. Luces) and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo aired their assurance during the opening of the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase here January 12 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park.

Rep. Miraflores said the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase, with its new showroom displaying piña products, abaca bags and slippers and other novel items, has always his full support.

For her part, Vice Governor Calizo-Quimpo said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which she presides, is very supportive of the MSMEs' efforts as well as their products which have also made a mark in the national and regional markets.

Atty. Luces, representing Governor Marquez, on the other hand, told the MSMEs that the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase is a wonderful time for them to show the beautiful products of Aklan.

Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, who was to deliver the welcome message, was represented by Sangguniang Bayan member Emmanuel Soviet Russia dela Cruz.

De La Cruz said the event is a chance for MSMEs to earn while celebrating the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival and at the same time providing guests and visitors the opportunity to bring home products and other souvenir items they could treasure.

One exhibitor, Randy Culdora, said he had been joining the Ati-atihan Product Showcase since 2002. According to him, the product showcase is a good opportunity to market his piña loom woven cloth, barongs and gowns made of piña and other fiber-based items. Through the showcase, he could get booked items and instant buyers. To maximize marketing of his products, his establishment, the Culdora Piña Cloth, is now maintaining a website which was established through the One Town, One Product Product (OTOP) program under the Department of Trade and Industry.

The product showcase, which targets to generate P1.44 M sales, is now on its 21^st year of existence, having been started in 1989.

Some 34 exhibitors are joining this year's showcase, according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Diorector Diosado P. Cadena.

Aside from Aklan's local officials, the opening was also graced by DTI 6 Regional Director Dominic P. Abad. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Climatic conditions affecting fish prices in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan -- Climatic conditions in Aklan has affected fish prices and supply here, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

In its latest monitoring (December 2009), the OPA reported that the low supply of fish in the market, caused by erratic fishing activities brought by unfavorable weather conditions, has rendered prices of the commodity to increase.

Of the 18 fish types monitored by OPA, the lowest priced fish, tamban, was priced at P30/kilo in its November report. In the December monitoring however, its price reached P50.00 per kilo, which registered a P20.00 increase.

Two fish types – the danggit and mamsa, registered the highest price at P180.00 per kilo, up by P20.00 from their previous price of P160.00. On the other hand, batwanon, another fish type, had a P40.00 increase, from P100.00 in November to P140 in December 2009.

On the other hand, prices of vegetables and root crops were reported stable by OPA.

"If there are changes, they are very minimal and can be considered as acceptable price levels," said William Castillo, Sr. Agriculturist and Officer-in-Charge of OPA-Aklan.

Castillo said some commodities have increased in prices while others have gone down depending on the supply in the market. He emphasized that the price changes are at manageable levels.

Other agricultural commodities monitored by OPA include cash crops, root and tuber crops, sugar, rice, corn, fruits, dried fish, fertilizer, insecticides and herbicides. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Ati-atihan Product showcase opens January 12 in Kalibo

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Kalibo Ati-atihan Product showcase will formally open January 12 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park here.

The activity has become one of the main attractions of the world-famous Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. for the Kalibo Ati-atihan Management Board of the Municipality of Kalibo.

The showcase will highlight the newly-developed indigenous abaca, piña, and raffia cloths and souvenir items, gifts, housewares and furnishings; and processed foods.

DTI-Aklan Provincial Director diosdado Cadena, Jr. said some 37 Aklan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be joining the showcase.

At the opening 2 p.m. January 12, the short program at the Pastra Park will have Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo to welcome the guests, buyers and MSMEs, while Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, Governor Carlito s. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo will be giving inspirational messages.

The product showcase targets this year to generate some P1.44M sales, a 10% increase from last year's sales of P1.040M.

This 2010, the capital town of Kalibo is marking the 798^th year of the Kalibo Sto Niño Ati-atihan Festival. The celebration starts from January 11-17, which will be capped Sunday, January 17 with holy masses, paeapak, continuous streetdancing, procession, and finally, in the evening, the announcement of Ati-atihan winners at the Magsaysay Park amidst snakedancing accompanied by live bands. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PGMA, pagapirmahan ang laye sa pagpaiway penalidad sa kontribusyon sa SSS

Ginasaligan nga pirmahan ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa Enero 7 ang laye nga magapaiway sang penalidad sa bulanan nga premiums nga ginabayad sang mga empleyado kag mga ulobrahan sa Social Security System (SSS) bilang resulta sang pagdugang sang SSS premiums sang Hulyo.

Ang SSS Premium Contribution Penalties Condonation Bill ginsulat ni Deputy Speaker kag Mindoro Rep. Amelita Villarosa kag gin-co-sponsor nanda Reps. Roman Romulo kag Felix Alfelor, Jr.

Pagasaksihan ang pagpirma sang presidente sang SSS.

Liwat man nga pagatan-awon ni Presidente Arroyo ang relocation sites sang sobra sa 3,000 nga mga biktima sang Bagyong Ondoy sa Southville Phase 7 housing projects sang National Housing Authority (NHA). Ginasakupan ang proyekto sang tatlo ka sites nga may kabilugan nga land area nga 107,233 sa Barangay Dayap kag Sto. Tomas.

Sa 3,000 nga inug relocate, 54 ka pamilya ang naghalin sa Marikina, 1,775 sa Pasig; 125 halin sa Estero de San Miguel malapit sa Malacanang, 72 halin sa Calauan, 17 halin sa Kasaka, Binan, 643 halin sa bibi sang Pasig River, isa halin sa Sta. Mesa, Manila; 136 halin sa Tripa de Gallina; 21 halin sa Dasmarinas, Bagong Bayan; 34 sa Dagupan Extension sa Manila; 83 halin sa Makati; 55 sa Estero de Balete, San Marcelino; 72 sa Paco, Manila kag 35 halin sa Pandacan, Manila.

Maga-award man ang Presidente sang Pag-Ibig Fund calamity loan checks sa mga benefisyaryo.Sang Disyembre 23, nakaabot sa P10 billion ang kabilugan nga calamity loans para sa 731,974 nga manughulam.

Pormal man nga iga turn-over sang NHA ang deeds of donation kag acceptance sang 37 ka units sang Southville, Northville kag Kasiglahan Ville School Building projects kay Education Secretary Jesli Lapus. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Mga beterano sang WWII, dapat mag-apply para sa One-Time Benefit

Anum na lang ka semana ang nabilin para sa mga beterano sang World War II nga luyag mag-apply para sa bag-o kag One-Time Benefit. Tanan nga mga claims ang dapat mabaton sang U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office (USDVA) pag-abot sang Pebrero 16, 2010.

Ang benefisyo nga ginahatag sa mga World War II nga mga beterano gintuga sang 2009 Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation provision sang American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) sang 2009. Ini nga one-time payment ang bag-o nga benefisyo bangud sa ARRA nga ginpasar sang U.S. Congress kag ginpirmahan ni Presidente Obama sang Pebrero 2009 sa pagrekognisar sang serbisyo sang kwalipikado nga beterano.

Ang bag-o kag one-time benefits mabaton sang mga beterano ukon ila mga balo nga nag-apply antes sila napatay. Anuman nga pagbag-o sa laye sa paghatag sang kadugangan nga benefisyo sa iban nga survivor ang magakinahanglan sang bag-o nga lehislasyon sa Kongreso sang U.S. Pagatratahun dayon ang kada aplikasyon agud mabaton sang mga kwalipikado nga mga beterano ang ila bayad sa mas madali nga tiyempo.

Sang Disyembre 29, 2009, naka-aprobar ang USDVA sang aplikasyon sang kapin sa 11,300 nga mga beterano sang Pilipinas ukon ang ila mga balo. Ini nga mga beterano ukon ang ila nga mga balo nabayaran sang kabilugan nga P6.4 billion. Halos katunga naman sang P6.4 billion sa one-time benefitis nga nabayad ang nagkadto sa mga Filipino World War veterans nga may American citizen ang katunga nagkadto sa non-U.S. citizen Filipino WWII veterans.

Wala sang "master list" sang eligible veterans para sa bag-o kag one-time benefit. Lain ang kada claim kag pagadisisyunan sa iya dugalingon nga merito. Tanan nga mga beterano nga sa ila kwalipikado, ang dapat mag-apply sa mas madali nga tiyempo. Libre ang proseso sa aplikasyon kag simple, indi na kinahanglan nga magbayad sa iban agud mag-asistir sa pagkumpleto sang pormas, nga mahimo ikapadala sa U.S. Embassy. Kon magapadala sang aplikasyon paagi sa koreo, dapat ipadala sang mga beterano ini sang mas temprano agud mabaton ini sang USDVA sa Pebrero 16, 2010 nga deadline.

Mahimo man magsumite ang mga aplikante sang personal sa USDVA nga mga upisina sa U.S. Embassy. Makatawag man ang mga beterano sa USDVA sa (632)528-2500 ukon toll free sa guwa sang Metro Manila sa 1-800-1888-5252 para sa kadugangan nga informasyon. Indi kinahanglan ang appointment sa pag file sang una nga aplikasyon para sa bag-o nga benefisyo.

Ang mga beterano nga naka apply na para sa benefisyo nga ini makabaton sang acknowledgment receipt halin sa USDVA. Indi na kinahanglan nga magpadala sang madamo nga aplikasyon kon wala ginapangayo sang USDVA.

Ang application instructions para sa one-time benefits ara sa U.S. Embassy website:http//manila usembassy.gov. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva

Veteran Aklanon broadcaster warns against tetanus caused by firecrackers

    Kalibo, Aklan -- A veteran and multi-awarded broadcaster here warned Aklanons against tetanus caused by firecracker injuries.

    Although he caught tetanus without lighting any firecracker, Augusto C. Tolentino, currently IBC-DYRG –Kalibo's Station Manager, warned Aklanons to wash their firecracker injuries well with soap and water and seek treatment in hospitals immediately to avoid tetanus infection.

    Tolentino said he suffered tetanus infection years ago by stepping on a rusted nail, and said the infection almost cost his life. He said he suffered stomach hardness, spasms and lockjaw.

    "Firecrackers are dangerous because its components include animal dung," Tolentino said. "If people have foot injuries, they should also avoid stepping on animal dung because they might catch tetanus," he added.

    Tetanus, according to DOH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC) director Eric Tayag, can lead to death.

    According to the DOH, tetanus is an acute bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani. Although a deep wound is needed to support the growth of the bacteria, a minor would is usually the point of entry in children and adults. The incubation period of tetanus could be as short as one day to usually 3 to 21 days.

    Tayag said injuries sustained from fireworks should be washed immediately with soap and water and referred to medical personnel for proper wound care and tetanus immunization.

    Symptoms of tetanus include severe headache, irritable behavior, weakness and lockjaw. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan hospitals report 18 firecracker victims

    Kalibo, Aklan- Four hospitals in Aklan reported a total of 18 firecracker victims from the period Dec. 25, 2009 to January 1, 2010.

    Records obtained from the Department of Health (DOH) here show that Altavas District Hospital in Altavas, Aklan treated 2 firecracker victims, Ibajay District Hospital in Ibajay, Aklan, 3; St. Gabriel Hospital (private), 2, and Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH), 11.

    Fourteen (14) of the firecracker victims are males while 4 are females.

    The youngest victim is 4 years old while the oldest is 46. Three of the victims, all males with ages ranging from 17 to 30 were liquor lintoxidated when injured.

    The firecracker victims suffered blast injuries in their fingers, palms, face, scalp, forearms and eyes. There was no report of amputations.

    Blast injuries were caused by piccolo, kwitis, whistle bomb, birso, camara, 5 star and triangle, with one victim hit by an unknown firecracker.

    Most victims were discharged after they were administered with Anti-Tetanus Serum Toxoid.

    Other hospitals in Aklan, mostly private, reported no cases of firecracker injuries. The national scenario hjowever tells a different story.

    According to the Department of Health (DOH), the 2009 New Year revelry was bloodier than 2008, causing it to retract its earlier declaration that firecracker-related injuries were lower this year as scores of injuries continued in hospitals ever after the New Year celebration.

    DOH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC) director Eric Tayag clarified that 2009's New Year revelry is more bloody compared to the previous year as the number of injuries as of January 3 rose to 920, which is 26 percent higher than those injured in 2008 with only 683 cases.

    Tayag said out of the total number of cases this year, 877 were fireworkds related; 42 stray bullet cases; and one watusi ingestion.

    Statistics from the NEC surveillance report also showed that 704 of the victims were males; 268 were children less than 10 years of age; 671 with injuries with no amputation; 81 with amputation; 71 with influence of alcohol; and 125 with eye injuries.

    The leading cause of firecracker injuries was piccolo with 267 cases followed by kwitis, 123; Luces, 57; Five Star, 53; stray bullet, 42; and Pla-Pla, 41.

    Tayag cited three reasons for the increase of injuries this year. First, there were a lot of merry-making because the decade has ended; second, a lot of Filipinos seemed to be happier this year according to surveys; and third, the low price of piccolo which, despite being banned, still managed to reach the hands of children.

    On January 1, 2010, the DOH reported that there were only 597 cases of firecracker-related cases of injuries, which was supposedly lower than the 702 cases recorded in the 2008 revelries. However, more cases were recorded in hospitals during the weekend which increased the number of victims. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

SC, NAGDUGANG SANG 3 KA BUS PARA SA ENHANCED JUSTICE ON WHEELS PROGRAM

    Nagbakal ang Supreme Court sang kadugangan nga tatlo ka bus nga pagahimuon nga korte kag mediation centers para sa iya sini nga Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) Program.

    Ginpamunuan ni Chief Justice Reynato Puno ang inagurasyon sang bag-o nga mga bus sang Lunes sa SC New Building Courtyard sa Padre Faura Street sa Ermita, Manila. Nag-atender man ang iban nga SC justices pati na ang incoming EJOW Committee chair, Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo.

    Ang mga mobile courts nagdala sang mga korte sa mga banwa nga wala sang regular nga korte, prisohan kag youth reception centers, kag mga probinsya nga ang mga may kaso malayo ang puluy-an sa korte.

    Ang pinakaulihi nga ginbakal sa bulig sang World Bank, nagdala sa walo nga kabilugan nga numero sang mobile courts sa idalum sang EJOW Program.

    Nagasalig si Puno nga ang pagbakal sang tatlo ka bag-o nga bus magapaaktibo pa gid sa EJOW Program sa paghatag sa mas madamo nga mga tawo sang mas madasig kag libre nga pagresolbar sang mga konflikto sa lugar mismo paagi sa 'conciliation, mediation, ukon adjudication'. Sa iya naman bahin, si WB country manager Bert Hofman nag siling nga nadunggan sila nga mangin kabahin sang pagtinguha sang Supreme Court nga dal-on ang hustisya sa kada Pilipino, ilabi na gid ang mga nabudlayan magkadto sa korte bangud sa kapigaduhon kag kalayuon.

    "The Justice on Wheels project rates high in the World Bank's list of initiatives that we are proud to be part of," suno kay Hofman.

    Ginpasalig ni Hofman ang SC nga ang WB padayon nga magabulig halin sa project savings ukon re alokasyon sang mga loan proceeds nga nagakaangay, para sa pagpadaku sang programa.

    Ginalakipan ang EJOW Program sang medical kag dental missions kag libre nga legal aid clinics sa mga detenado; dayalogo sa mga justice stakeholders kag legal information dissemination sa mga opisyales sang barangay luwas sa pagbista sang mga kaso kag paghatag sang mediation services nga ginahatag na sang orihinal nga Justice on Wheels Program.

    Ang mga mobile nga korte sini nagbiyahe sa bug-os nga pungsod kag nagtinir sa mga probinsya sang Rizal kag Bulacan, Kalibo, Aklan, siyudad sang Caloocan kag Quezon; Cebu Province; Digos, Davao del Sur, Tagum, Davao del Norte; Davao City; Bacoor, Cavite; Tacloban, Leyte; Olongapo, Zambales; Pasay City; Baler, Aurora; Sarangani Province; kag mga siyudad sang Las Piñas kag Tagaytay.

    Sang Disyembre 17, 2009, nakapasilitar ang EJOW sang pagbuhi o pag dismiss sang mga kaso kontra sa 2,513 nga mga detenado, naka husay sang 5,361 nga mga kaso paagi sa court-annexed mediation, kag nakahatag sang libre nga bulig legal sa 1,103 nga mga detenado.

    Sa nahauna nga quarter sang 2010, nakatalana nga igabutang ang mga mobile courts sa Kalibo kag Roxas City sa Visayas; Sta. Cruz ukon Biñan, Laguna, Malolos City, Bulacan; La Union kag Baguio City; Cagayan de Oro kag Iligan ukon South Cotabato kag Maguindanao; Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur kag Abra; Tarlac kag Pangasinan; Iloilo kag Bacolod; Bohol kag ang mga siyudad sang Marikina, Mandaluyong, Taguig kag Muntinlupa. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

DOH, MAGAREKOMENDA SANG TOTAL BAN SANG PALUPOK

Ginrekomenda sang Department of Health ang kumpleto nga pagbawal sang palupok kag fireworks sa mga residential areas pagkatapos nga madulaan sang kabuhi ang duha ka nagsilinadya sang bag-ong tuig.

Suno kay Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, ginarekomenda ang pagbawal sang firecracker bangud subong ang pinaka una nga tiyempo nga may napatay bangud sa palupok. Suno pa gid sa iya, ang mga napatay sang nagligad nga tuig bangud sa pagkatulon sang watusi kag nagtalang nga bala.

Sa 18 anyos nga pag exister sang DOH Philippine Fireworks Injury surveillance (DOH-PFIS), subong lamang nakareport nga may napatay bangud sa pyrotechnic devices, suno pa gid sa hepe sang DOH.

Ang duha ka kaswalidad ginlakipan sang isa ka pito ka tuig nga lalaki halin sa Cabanatuan City kag isa ka 29 anyos nga lalaki sa Baguio City. Ang duha napatay bangud sa cerebral concussion secondary sa blasting sang Enero 1, suno kay Duque.

Suno sa DOH-PFIS, ang pito ka tuig nga bata nga lalaki naigo sang kwitis, isa ka legal nga palupok sa naibabaw nga bahin sang mata sand Disyembre 31. Gindala siya sa ospital kag napatay sang Enero 1. Nagtan-aw lamang siya sa mga nagapalupok.

Ang isa pa nga napatay ginreport nga nakainom sang nagsindi siya sang jumbo kwiton bomb sang Enero 1. Sang maglupok ini, naigo siya sa natuo nga bahin sang ulo. Dead on arrival siya sang gindala sa ospital. Napatay siya bangud sa brain hemorrhage secondary sa blasting. Ang palupok nga nakapatay sa iya wala sa listahan sang legal nga fireworks.

Ginreport sang DOH-PFIS nga kumpara sa five-year average (2004-2009) halin sang Dec. 21-January 4), may nagdugan nga 13 ka kaso ukon 1%.

May 50 ka sentinel hospital sa bug-os nga nasyon nga nagreport sa DOH-PFIS sa tuig nga ini. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

RP, may pikamalawig nga economic growth sa termino ni PGMA

Ang siyam ka tuig nga pagpungko ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang gina konsiderar nga isa sa pinakamalawig nga economic expansion periods sa post-war history sang nasyon.

Nagpungko bilang Presidente si Pangulong Arroyo sang 2001 sang ang nasyon nagpakita sang senyales sang pagbangon pagkatapos sang 1997 Asian financial crisis. Magapanaog siya sa tunga-tunga sang 2010, sa tiyempo kon diin ang mga mauswag nga nasyon pareho sang United States nagaguwa sa recession nga ginatawag nga tatlo ka quarter sang negative growth.

Base sa Bangko Sentral, naka-atenar ang Pilipinas sang pagtubo sang ekonomiya sa 36 ka pasunod nga quarters nga nagkontra sa panan-awan sa tunga-tunga sang 2009 sang International Monetary Fund sang zero growth kag sang World Bank sang mas malala nga 0.5 % nga pagtubo para sa nasyon sa pagtubo sang bulan.

Ang pagtubo sang nasyon sa 2009 ginbutang sa konserbatibo nga 1%, nga ara sa sulod sang target range sa tunga sang 0.8% kag 1.8%. Ang pagtubo nga ini, bisan manubo, ang nagpa-upod sa Pilipinas sa pila ka nasyon sa Asia, dala ang China, nga naka-eskapar sa recession sang 2009. Indi nangin masyado nga mapalaron ang Singapore kag Hong Kong, sa ila mabaskog nga integrasyon pinansyal sa United States kag European Union,, kag Thailand kag Malaysia sa ila ekonomiya nga nagasalig sa export.

Sa iya mensahe sang Bag-ong Tuig, gin notar ni Presidente Arroyo nga wala magmadinalag-on ang global recession sa paggubasang Pilipinas sang iya sini indi matupungan nga pagtubo kada quarter sa tion sang iya pagpungko, nga dapat halungan sang magabulos sa iya.

Sa ginapana-aw nga pagbangon sang global economy sa tuig nga ini, ginasaligan man nga mangin mabaskog kag mapagsik ang ekonomiya sang Pilipinas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Katawhayan lamang ang magadala sang progreso, suno kay Bello

Ginpabutyag sang Malacanang sini lang nga samtang ang suspension sang offensive military operations (SOMO) ang gindeklarar sang gobyerno kag ginbaton sang pihak nga grupo, "wala sang katumbas ang katawhayan sa pagdala sang progreso sa aton nga nasyon."

Sa isa ka pakig-angot sa Radyo ng Bayan sa anibersaryo sang Communist Party of the Philippines – National Democratic Front-New People's Army, si Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III, anay chairman sang negotiating panel sang gobyerno ang nagsiling nga "ang katawhayan dapat nga hingagawon sang duha ka grupo."

Ang SOMO ginpatuman halin sang ala una sang aga sang Disyembre 24 tubtub udto sang Disyembre 26 kag humalin ala una sang aga sang Disyembre 31 tubtub udto sang Enero 1.

Suno kay Bello, maagum lamang ang isa ka makahulugan kag madinugayon nga pagprogreso sang nasyon paagi sa isa ka madinugayon nga katawhayan. Suno pa gid sa iya, indi kinahanglan ang isa ka temporaryo nga ceasefire sang 15 tubtub 30 ka adlaw kundi isa ka madinugayon nga katawhayan sa pungsod. Kinahanglan, suno sa iya, ang isa ka pinal nga solusyon sa armado nga konflikto sa tunga sang gobyerno kag CPP-NDF-NPA.

Importante suno kay Bello ang pagduso sang proseso sa katawhayan paagi sa pasensya kag 'political will.'

Ginsaad ni Belo nga nakahibalo siya kon ano kabudlay ang pagnegosyar sang katawhayan "tungod gina-istoryahan ang apat ka dekada nga intransigency halin sa wala gani indi mahapos ang pagpabalik sa ila sa sabak sang gobyerno."

Iya nga ginpaathag nga ang gindeklarar nga SOMO sang gobyerno wala nagaabang sa iya sini nga depensiba nga posisyon kag operasyon. "Samtang wala kita nagahimo sang mga agresibo nga aksyon kontra sa ila, preparado man kita nga atubangon ang anuman nga opensiba kon indi nila masunod ang kasugtanan sa ceasefire", suno kay Belo. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)