Sorsogon United

Sex ed modules to be uploaded on DepEd website

2010-06-25T01:13:00.001-07:00

Sex ed modules to be uploaded on DepEd website
June 25, 2010 at 12:22 AM

The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified on Thursday, June 24, 2010, that it is not distributing illustrated comics on sex education in public high schools contrary to what the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) claims. DepEd also plans to upload the modules which will be used for the pilot-testing of sex education program in 159 elementary and high schools to give ...

No room for jueteng in Aquino administration

2010-06-23T03:07:00.000-07:00

'No room for jueteng in Aquino administration'
Philippine Star
But the illegal numbers game remains unabated in most part of the Bicol region, including Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte.
See all stories on this topic

Filipino domestic workers: the struggle for justice and survival

2010-06-22T00:40:00.001-07:00

By Niña Corpuz, ABS-CBN News

Increase in trafficking and abuse demands stronger labor protection'
______________________________________________________________

Maria (not her real name) was limping when she arrived at the airport of Manila from Saudi Arabia. She is one of the 80 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who was repatriated in August 2009 by the
Philippine government from the Middle East. All of them were women who worked as domestic helpers and fell victim to various kinds of abuses from their employer or the agency that recruited them.

Maria's leg was fractured after her employer's son pushed her from the stairs for not following his order. She also said she was made to sleep under the stairs and fed only once a day. But the worst part was when her male employer raped her. "He was touching me, kissing me and forced me to have sex with him. I couldn't fight back" she said.

Her troubles started when she was illegally recruited by an agency in Riyadh last year. She was promised a salary of 400 dollars a month, but ended up getting paid only half of this. She was also forced to work long hours for multiple tasks. "We were treated like animals, we barely got enough sleep" Maria said.

The Visayan Forum Foundation (VFFI) is a non-government organization that promotes the welfare of OFWs. According to VFFI President Cecilia Flores Oebanda, there has been a 20% increase in the incidence of persons trafficked for domestic work: from 539 in 2008 to 697 in 2009. "If we talk about human trafficking, we have to think that it comes in many forms, like forced labour, organ donor trafficking, child trafficking but what alarms us most now is that this year there is an increase in forced labour among domestic workers" she said.

"Many of our domestic workers were promised good salaries but when they arrive at their destination, they only receive half, which means there is contract substitution. Many of them are fooled, the employer confiscates their documents, passports, and they are not allowed to go out. Most of the time they are locked up in the house and they really experience different kinds of abuse" Oebanda added.

In 2003 the Philippines enacted the Republic Act (RA) 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. The law foresees measures aimed at preventing the trafficking of persons including the rehabilitation and integration of the trafficked individuals. Trafficking means recruiting, transporting, transfering and receiving people across national borders by means of threat, coercion, abduction and deception for exploitative aims such as prostitution, forced labour and the removal or sale of organs.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, has called the attention of the Philippines on forced labor. The ILO's Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has made a direct request to the Philippine government to provide information on the application of RA 9208 in practice, such as the information on the prevention and protection measures, including copies of reports, studies and inquiries, as well as available statistics.

To coordinate and monitor the anti-trafficking law, the government created an Inter-Agency Council which has already submitted its report to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). "The report will be submitted to the ILO", said DOLE Director Jay Julian.

Senior State Prosecutor Deana Perez said there have been 16 convictions since 2005. From 577 anti-trafficking cases that were filed in court since the law was created in 2003, only 242 cases are now pending trial while the rest are dismissed, archived or acquitted. "Many of the cases were dismissed after the victim had decided to settle, because they had been offered money or because they had gone back to work abroad instead of waiting on their cases. It 's really sad but it's a matter of economic necessity. Between justice and survival, they choose survival," said Perez.

In the Philippines there is also an Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) that holds orientation seminars in partnership with local government units as an effective preventive measure against illegal recruitment. "Human trafficking starts with illegal recruitment, people don't get trafficked if they are not recruited illegally," said POEA deputy administrator Hans Cacdac.

During the seminar, trained personnel educate the public on the good and bad aspects of overseas employment, the risks involved and the types of vulnerable jobs and cases encountered by OFWs in these jobs. "We advise them to be careful especially if the job being offered is dirty, dangerous and demeaning like domestic work abroad. They have to check if the recruiter is legal and licensed with the POEA. Likewise the employer abroad should also be registered" said Cacdac.

Domestic work has been a long-standing concern of the ILO. In 1948, it adopted a resolution concerning the conditions of employment of domestic workers. In 1965, it adopted a resolution calling for normative action in the area, and in 1970, the first survey ever published on the status of domestic workers worldwide. In March 2008, the ILO Governing Body agreed to place an item on decent work for domestic workers on the agenda of the 99th session of the International Labour Conference in 2010 with a view to a double discussion procedure to the setting of labour standards.

The ILO supports the Philippine Campaign on Decent Work for Domestic Helpers, which aims to craft a unified position to the Conference, and to continuously lobby for the passage of the domestic workers national law.

Part of the 10-point agenda on decent work for Filipino domestic workers is the immediate passage of the Batas Kasambahay bill, a law with the aim of uplifting and giving decency to the standards that will protect domestic workers' labour rights. "Kasambahay" means "part of the household" in Filipino and this is how domestic workers are called. The job is not professionalized and workers are often, if not always, underpaid. With a minimum wage of 8,000 pesos a month, maids get only from 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, about 42 to 63 USD. The employers claim that they already provide for workers ' food and lodging. Also, maids do not have government insurance cards nor health cards, as required in regular jobs. Most of them also have to multitask. They cook, do the laundry, clean the house and take care of the kids. They also do not have a regular 8-hour working schedule but are on-call any time of the day. There is no minimum age requirement and many of the maids are minors who usually come from rural areas. Instead of going to school, they work as maids and send a bulk of their wages to their families. Maids come cheap and even members of the lower middle class can employ them. If they are lucky enough to work for a good employer, they are treated as part of the family. Some maids or their children are even sent to school by the employer. Sometimes the employer also shoulders their medical expenses or other emergency needs. But the master-servant relationship still exists. Some choose to stay because at least they have food and shelter there.

And yet, overseas domestic workers contribute much to the country 's economy. Official statistics show that the total remittances of unskilled labourers in 2008 amounted to 19.8 billion pesos (about 430 million USD) and nearly 80% came from working women.

According to Oebanda, while domestic workers are the Philippines biggest export, the local market is still their biggest employer. Based on the VFFI's data, there are more than 1 million Filipino domestic workers deployed all over the world and 1.7 million working inside the Philippines. She says the Philippines needs to clean up it's own backyard if it wants other countries to address the situation of Filipino domestic workers. The VFFI, however, is hopeful once international standards are set, countries like the Philippines will be pressured to comply.

In the meantime, people like Maria, continue to suffer the consequences of human trafficking and forced labor. She said she would never go back to working overseas, "I left with hopes of giving my children a better future, but I came back with nothing. Worse, I have lost my dignity and self-respect. I will carry this for the rest of my life." Maria hopes that the millions of other OFWs won't have to go through what she went through.

California Is One Step Closer to Banning Plastic Bags

2010-06-19T06:49:00.001-07:00

Have you put your foot down when it comes to plastic shopping bags? Well, if you live in California and haven't stopped using plastic instead of a reusable bag, the time might come where you have no other choice.

California has been the trailblazer with regard to strict environmental rules and regulations, and this state is going for yet another rule: a ban against those plastic grocery bags. Although this bill passed through the Assembly this week, it still needs to be approved through the Senate. Even in light of this, California is moving toward its goal. In the case that this bill would pass, the ban would begin in Jan. 2012 for grocery stores at first and then would extend to other stores such as drugstores by July 2013.

So what would shopper's options be if this plastic bag ban were to pass?

Well, customers would be held accountable. They would have to be responsible for bringing along reusable bags that stores could use to bag their groceries in. If consumers didn't carry reusable bags, these individuals would have to pay at least 5 cents for a bag that was partly manufactured with recycled content. In light of the environmental issues and risks to wildlife that plastic bags pose, this added responsibility isn't such a big deal.

You might already be turning down plastic bags and requesting grocers to bag your belongings in a reusable bag. However, if you haven't taken this step, it's easy to start. You don't necessarily have to purchase a reusable bag—just use a large bag that you own. It can be a backpack, messenger bag, etc.

The next step is ensuring that you have these reusable bags with you when you shop. To make sure you don't forget them, make a habit of storing them in your car or in your bike basket.

It's still uncertain whether California will get this plastic bag ban passed, but you can vow a personal ban against them. This simple action will decrease the amount of waste going to landfills and will also prevent wildlife from eating or becoming trapped in them.

By:

Marina Hanes

Green News

8 million Filipinos now using mobile banking -- BSP

2010-06-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

Over eight million Filipinos are now using mobile banking services in the country, which the central bank says would boost more efficient financial services in rural and other hard-to-reach areas at relatively lower costs.

BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said there are now 49 rural banks offering mobile banking from none before 2005.

These eight million users use the electronic money (e-money) services of major telecommunications companies Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, which offer Smart Money and G-Cash, respectively, BSP said.

These allow mobile subscribers, particularly those without bank accounts, to deposit, transfer, and withdraw money from one e-money account to another in the telecom company's business centers nationwide.

Espenilla noted that the Philippines has been recognized by international organizations for its microfinance initiatives and is considered as the leading pioneer in mobile banking solutions for the poor.

Some banks even lowered interest rates on microfinance loans for clients who use text-a-payment platform by 50 basis points on monthly rates, Espenilla added.

"Technology extends outreach of microfinance and banking services to a large number of bankable but un-banked especially those in rural and hard to reach areas at lower costs and higher efficiency," he said.

He explained that the mobile phone industry in the Philippines serves all income groups especially low income groups and more than 75 percent of the population have mobile phones.

Electronic transactions, which involve the payment of purchased goods and services, could also be used for remittances from Filipinos abroad, Espenilla noted.

"The amount of e-money transactions is already huge, and we expect it to grow further," the BSP official added.

The BSP said it has ordered firms offering e-money services to register with the central bank as an electronic money issuer (EMI).

These could include banks, non-bank financial institutions, and money transfer agents. Those qualified as EMI include stock corporations with a minimum paid-up capital of P100 million.

E-money is also not considered a bank deposit and is not covered by the deposit insurance provided by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).

The guidelines also limit the maximum amount that can be loaded to any e-money instrument to P100,000 a month. -- OMG, GMANews.TV__,_._,___

By GMANews.TV

Via: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/193856/8-million-filipinos-now-using-mobile-banking-bsp

Resigned Pinoy workers in Jeddah seek repatriation

2010-06-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

Over 20 overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are now awaiting repatriation after they quit their jobs due to their company's alleged contract violations.

However, just four days before their resignation's effectivity, the 26 machine operators from Jeddah have yet to receive the final details of their repatriation and more importantly, a notice on who will shoulder the cost of their tickets.

As a result, the workers fear they may either be kicked out of the accommodation provided by their company, or forced to just finish their two-year contracts despite their complaints.

In an interview with GMANews.TV, a worker who requested anonymity said their company, Arabian Gulf Manufacturers Ltd. for Plastic, has failed to pay them for overtime work. Moreover, the company has reportedly been making illegal salary deductions.

The machine operator added they were given a contract different from the one they signed with their recruitment agency in Manila.

"In our original contract, we're supposed to receive 1,200 Saudi riyals (about P14,760) but we're only getting 900 (P11,070)," the worker explained.

The original contract dated March last year, obtained from migrants' rights group Migrante-Middle East, also indicates the workers were supposed to be paid for overtime work, but the worker said they did not receive any extra compensation.

On May 20, the 26 workers filed their resignation effective a month later as required by Saudi's labor law.

However, the workers remain uncertain if their agency, Armstrong Resources Corp. (ARC), would shoulder their repatriation.

In a separate interview, Labor Attache Vicente Cabe clarified the agency has agreed to pay for the workers' plane tickets.

"(The agency) called me last week and said they will provide the tickets. We're just waiting if indeed the 26 workers will push through with being repatriated," Cabe told GMANews.TV.

But he was unable to give the exact date as to when the workers will be repatriated.

ARC refused to comment when reached by phone, saying it is attending to "more important issues," a staff member who refused to be identified said.

Nine-month ordeal

According to the worker, they wrote the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to seek assistance regarding their plight as early as September 2009.

The POEA forwarded the letter to the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah for action, which Cabe said he did not receive.

Around April, Cabe said he initiated talks with the company for a possible resolution.

"We were unable to convince the company. The company was offering free transportation and accommodation, but the original contract includes provision for food and laundry. The workers found the offer unacceptable," Cabe explained.

Cabe added the complaining workers originally numbered 36, but ten decided to just continue with their employment contract despite its departure from the original agreement.

If conciliatory talks now ongoing would not prosper, appropriate charges will be filed before the Primary Commission of Saudi's Ministry of Labor, he said.

No tickets yet

With their resignation's effectivity just a few days away, the workers remain unsure regarding the date of their repatriation.

"I am really worried so I did not go to work today. However, I did not receive any categorical response from the POEA, which is coordinating with the agency, if we already have tickets," the worker said.

He added their company is also asking them to present their tickets two days before their resignation's date of effectivity, so that their exit papers can be processed.

"If we can't present the tickets, the company said they will ignore our resignation and force us to finish our contracts. We may also be kicked out of our accommodation, and we have nowhere to go," the worker explained.

He likewise scored the POEA and the labor office in Jeddah for their slow response, and for seemingly ignoring their plight by allowing more OFWs to be deployed by their agency.

"Just yesterday (Tuesday), eight more OFWs arrived at the company deployed by our agency," the worker said.

The POEA cannot be reached for comment as of posting time.

By RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV

Visit Link: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/193654/resigned-pinoy-workers-in-jeddah-seek-repatriation

Airborne Wind Turbines?

2010-06-16T03:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, the day is not far off when reaching for sky is the new motto for generating cost-effective renewable energy. Initially it was considered to be technically non-viable to tap high-altitude winds. But today, technically-advanced materials and innovative computer know-how are giving new life to this scheme with innovative autonomous aerial structures using wind energy to generate power.

Joby Energy, Inc. model:
Joby Energy Inc., exploring wind turbine technology, has developed a computer-controlled multi-winged kite-like structure which floats around 2000ft height for generating power. Mr Bevirt is the inventor of this aerial kite. The DC power generated is transferred to ground through tether to a ground station to be converted to AC power ready for consumption via a power grid.

Advantages of high altitude wind turbines:
Extolling the virtues of these autonomous aerial power generators, Mr. Bevirt said, "Operating at five times the height of a conventional turbine increases both wind speed and consistency resulting in more power, more often." Professor William Moomaw, Director,Centre for International Environment and Resource Policy at Tufts University, Massachusetts, agreed, "The higher speeds at the greater altitudes should produce significantly more electricity."

Mega source up above:
Actually statistics is strongly in favor of these air-borne wind turbines because globally tropospheric winds carry nearly carry potential to produce 870 terawatts of energy whereas our total demand put together is only 17 terawatts. Along with Joby Energy Inc., other companies like Kitegen focusing on power kites, Magenn Power's Air Rotor System called (MARS) with a helium filled blimp design and Sky WindPower with flying electric generators are trying to tap this mega source to produce clean and cost effective power.

Tread with care:
US Federal Aviation Administration has asked the flying altitudes restricted to 2000 ft or less in spite of the potential to reach heights up to 35,000. Also Professor Mick Womersely, Director of Sustainability, Unity College, Maine, expressed the obvious concerns about possible hazards and reliability of these prototypes.

Reassurance about safety:
Mr. Bevrit confirmed about the safety measures like ability to ground the turbines in gale-force-type winds, multiple motor designs to circumvent motor failure and on-board stand-by batteries to land the system in case of tether malfunction. He assured that road-testing in sparsely-populated areas with good strong wind is being planned and all safety measures will be paid attention to.

Joby Energy's aim:
Joby Energy aims to create enough systems to power 150 homes (about 300kW) and move on to larger systems producing 3MW or more. In Mr. Bevirt's words, "Our goal is to deploy airborne wind turbines globally to produce cheap, consistent, and abundant electricity for a prosperous planet."

Source: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/airborne-wind-turbines/

Corruption in DepEd is a major challenge for Aquino

2010-06-16T01:29:00.001-07:00

When the agency that has the main responsibility for educating the youth is notorious for setting a bad example, what's an incoming president to do?

President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has promised to end the systemic corruption that has corroded many Philippine institutions, one of them the Department of Education (DepEd). For some quarters, improving the state of the basic education system would be a good start.

"The problem with the Arroyo administration is that it is rooted in perceptions of corruption and bad governance. Even the programs that are meant to help the poor were in fact utilized in the context of patronage," says former Education Secretary Butch Abad.

There was the so-called noodle scam involving a contract awarded by DepEd in 2007 to a supplier that sold noodles at a staggering P18 per pack when the market price was only P4.50.

Before that, there was the textbook scam, with whistleblower Antonio Go alleging that the numerous errors in textbooks used in public schools resulted from an allegedly "secretive" evaluation process that "breeds graft and corruption."

E-Net Philippines, a consortium of education advocates, had also opposed Arroyo projects like the Food-for-School program which "has become a strategy for patronage" as local government units, along with the DepEd, are the ones who select beneficiaries.

Abad, who served as the Liberal Party campaign manager in the May 10 elections, says Mrs. Arroyo was "driven by the fight for political survival" so she pandered to the corruption of some politicians instead of ensuring that they implement education programs honestly.

But Abad believes that once Noynoy—who had a clean slate in his nine years as congressman and three as senator—takes over, Filipinos can expect him to ensure that the education department will not be a breeding ground for corruption.

"In the case of Noynoy Aquino, it would be in the context of good governance and empowerment. I think that's a dramatic departure from the Arroyo administration's framework," he says.

Abad was one of the Cabinet secretaries who resigned from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government in 2005 at the height of the Hello Garci scandal that put in doubt the legitimacy of her victory in the 2004 elections.

The legacy of his iconic parents, the martyred Benigno Aquino Jr. and former president Corazon Aquino, and a vigorous anti-corruption platform swept Noynoy to victory in the May 10 polls. Now that he's president-elect, many are expecting Aquino to fulfill his campaign promises and ensure that none of the corruption scandals during the Arroyo administration will happen during his term.

12-year basic education

Noynoy and his education reform team won't have it easy. Data from DepEd show that out of 100 children who enter Grade 1, only 43 finish high school, only 23 pursue college or vocational courses, and only 14 are able to finish tertiary education.

With nearly half of high school graduates choosing to work rather than pursue higher education, Aquino is looking at re-introducing technical-vocational education in public high schools "to better link schooling to local industry needs and employment."

But his foremost plan for basic education is ambitious: to expand the duration of formal schooling from the current 10 years (six for elementary and four for high school) to the global standard of 12 years starting school year 2011-2012.

"We need to add two years to our basic education cycle to catch up with the rest of the world," Aquino says.

The plan is still "subject to fine-tuning," says former Education Undersecretary Juan Miguel Luz, who currently sits as the vice president for policy and research of the Liberal Party think-tank National Institute for Policy Studies.

A possible division is Grades 1 to 7 for elementary, Grades 8 to 10 for high school, and Grades 11 to 12 for senior high school in preparation for college.

"What's most important is that Grade 1-12 be seamless and that the curriculum have no gaps between the elementary school and high school levels," Luz tells GMANews.TV in an email. "The rest of the world has added more years of formal basic education and this has helped them build stronger economies."

The proposal to add more years to education is nothing new, says Raymond Palatino, the representative of youth party-list Kabataan in Congress.

Former president Joseph Estrada had the pre-baccalaureate program, which proposed an additional year for high school, while President Arroyo introduced the optional one-year Bridge program for incoming high school students who scored low in the High School Readiness Test (HSRT) for English, Math, and Science.

In 2005, the DepEd conceptualized the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda (BESRA) in response to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of universal primary schooling by 2015. The BESRA also proposes two additional years to basic education.

Additional school years, however, were never made mandatory due to opposition from some groups and budgetary constraints.

Palatino says, "All presidents, at the beginning of their terms, want to add one or two years in elementary or high school. The problem: funds. Lack of funds. Where will the new president source the funds?"

ACT Teachers party-list president Antonio Tinio, who taught the P.I. 100 (Rizal's life and works) course at the University of the Philippines for 18 years before he resigned last semester to prepare for his work as incoming congressman representing his group, says Aquino should prioritize lifting the quality of education over quantity.

"Yung kasalukuyang sampung taon nga natin ng basic education hindi nai-deliver nang maayos ng gobyerno," laments Tinio in a phone interview. "Sa ganyang kalagayan pano naman natin pag-uusapan pa yung pagdagdag ng dalawa pang taon?"

Ritchie, mother of five, can barely afford to send four of her kids to school even though she doesn't have to pay tuition.

A mother of five, 33-year-old Ritchie Escubido, says she can barely make ends meet as she is sending four of her kids—aged 13, 11, 8 and 5—to school even though she's jobless and her husband works as a finishing carpenter on an irregular basis.

"Mahirap," she says. "Kung dadagdagan pa, lalo pang mahirap."

Big Spender

Expanding the basic education system to 12 years will definitely cost a lot. Aquino's education team admits that an investment of close to P100 billion, or P20 billion a year from 2011 to 2017, will be needed to build additional schools and classrooms, hire more teachers, buy more textbooks and equipment, and pay for operating expenses.

These figures do not even include the necessary funding for the additional one year of universal pre-schooling that Aquino also wants to implement during his term. According to his team's own estimate, this could cost P9.6 to P11.1 billion a year.

"Families will have to bear additional costs whether in public or private schools. The real argument though should be that the additional two years of basic education/schooling should translate into better chances at a good university education or work," says Luz.

Aquino has more proposals to improve education: strengthening the science and math curricula, expanding assistance to private schools, and building more schools in coordination with LGUs.

But Palatino points out that Aquino's basic education agenda somewhat "mirrors" the education program of the Arroyo administration.

"Under an Aquino presidency, expect no fundamental change in the education programs of the country," says the young lawmaker.

Palatino, however, concedes that Aquino's education agenda has "specific proposals on the amount needed to revive Philippine education."

Luz, who once served as DepEd undersecretary for finance and administration, says Aquino will work on allocating six percent of GDP to education, as recommended by the UNESCO: 4.5 percent for the DepEd, and 1.5 percent for tertiary education and private elementary and high schools.

Aquino will also work on making the budget allocation for education closer to 18 percent of the total national budget, Luz says. He added that under the Arroyo administration, only around 2.4 percent of the GDP or 11 to 12 percent of the total national budget was spent for education.

Where will they get the funds? Aquino has promised throughout the campaign to increase the government's budget by plugging loopholes in tax collection and getting rid of corruption. Because of Aquino's clean record and strong anti-corruption stance, investors are also expected to gain confidence in the Philippines and boost economic growth.

President Arroyo's erstwhile economic adviser, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda who defected to the LP in the middle of the election period, estimates that P642 billion in investments would likely enter the Philippines in the first 18 months alone of the Aquino presidency.

Problem areas

To start over, Aquino plans to get rid of Arroyo programs such as the education voucher system, which gives financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries but is largely seen as a vehicle for political patronage.

He also promises tougher screening for textbooks to ensure that sub-standard and erroneous books would not make its way into schools, and into the minds of the youth.

Madaris education with Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education as additional subjects will also be offered in public schools for Muslim Filipinos.

Some of the things Aquino intends to do for the rest of the country, such as his goal to end the conflict in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, will also ultimately benefit school children, says Abad.

"In those areas, to be able to go to school without interruption, you also have to make sure that the peace process is pursued and that development is introduced. Instead of going to war, you introduce livelihood," Abad says.

Aquino's dedication to the peace process was obvious early on: even before his proclamation as president, Aquino had already instructed former presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles (later announced to be his own peace adviser) to get a briefing from Malacañang on the status of the peace negotiations.

Aquino has yet to name his education secretary, although rumors are rife that Abad might make a comeback or De La Salle University president Bro. Armin Luistro might take the reins of the DepEd starting June 30.

Whoever he appoints will have to bear a heavy load, as the UN's goal of primary schooling for all by 2015 falls under Aquino's watch. –

By YA, GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/193413/corruption-in-deped-is-a-major-challenge-for-aquino

DepEd: Kakulangan sa mga silid-aralan, aabot sa 50,000

2010-06-16T01:15:00.001-07:00

Aabot sa mahigit 50,000 pang silid-aralan ang kailangan ng bansa para makasunod sa pamantayan kaugnay sa classroom-student ratio.

Sinabi ni Education Secretary Mona Valisno na sa ilalim ng international classroom ratio, kinakailangang mayroong isang classroom para sa 35 estudyante o ratio na 1:35.

Inamin ni Valisno na sa ngayon ay may average ratio ang mga silid-aralan sa bawat pampublikong paaralan sa bansa na 1:60 o isang classroom sa bawat 60 estudyante at kung minsan ay umaabot pa ng 1:72 o isang classroom sa bawat 72 estudyante.

Inihayag ni Valisno na ito ang dahilan kaya kinakailangan nilang humingi ng dagdag na pondo para sa sektor ng edukasyon sa susunod na administrasyon.

Sa ngayon, may isinasagawa nang konstruksyon para sa 3,613 classrooms sa iba't ibang bahagi ng bansa upang ipandagdag sa kasalukuyang mga silid-aralan.

Report from Jon Ibañez, DZMM/Radyo Patrol 35

DepEd urged to lead zero waste drive

2010-06-16T01:11:00.001-07:00

Green advocates urged the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday to take the lead in turning the school system into a dynamic hub where Filipino students can learn and put into practice Zero Waste in everyday living.

"Next to our homes, the schools provide the best training grounds for instilling ecological awareness, responsibility and action among our kids, especially in preventing and reducing waste," EcoWaste president Roy Alvarez said in a statement released in time for the reopening of classes.

"If DepEd will be able to pass on the Zero Waste value to the country's over 23 million students, we'll have a formidable army of earth-loving Filipinos who will shun wastefulness, including the irksome habit of mixing, littering and burning trash," he added.

Alvarez also noted the familiarization of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Sold Waste Management Act of 2001 among the youth.

"By starting them young on how we can avoid waste and manage our discards in a way that will not degrade and damage the environment, we can have better chances of implementing Republic Act 9003," Alvarez said.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001 primarily requires comprehensive waste segregation at source, waste avoidance, waste volume reduction and the ecological management of discards such as reuse, recycling and composting activities, excluding waste incineration.

Eileen Sison, NGO-representative to the National Solid Waste Management Commission, drew attention to the need for a Department Administrative Order (DAO) on Zero Waste.

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA

Visit link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/262174/deped-urged-lead-zero-waste-drive

MORE PINOY NURSES CHOOSE U.K. OVER U.S. / BRITISH QUEEN, OBAMA GREET RP

2010-06-14T05:04:00.001-07:00

MANILA, JUNE 14, 2010 (STAR) By Mayen Jaymalin - More and more Filipino nurses are now opting to work in the United Kingdom than in the United States, according to local recruiters.

Citing data from the UK Borders and Immigration Agency, recruitment leaders yesterday said that the number of Filipino nurses deployed to UK in the past three years has already surpassed those deployed to the US in the same period.

From 2007 to 2009, an annual average of 7,000 Filipino nurses flew to UK under a study and work program that allowed them to study and work there at the same time.

Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), on the other hand, showed that less than 300 registered Filipino nurses went to the US to work during the three-year period.

Recruiters noted that Filipino nurses aspiring to work in the United States have to wait five to seven years for H 1-B working visas and between two to three years for EB 3 (immigrant visas) before they can enter the US.

Those hoping to study and work in UK can leave the country within six months.

Recruitment leaders further noted that the recent expansion of the UK study programs may give wider opportunities to thousands more Filipinos, including non-healthcare workers.

The imposition of new rules for Tier 4 student visa applications early this year may also favor Filipino nurses who want to be registered nurses and become permanent residents there.

Just a 'temporary slack'

But the prevailing low demand for nurses abroad, especially in the US, is just temporary, according to Arellano University chairman Francisco P.V. Cayco.

Cayco said after the "temporary slack" in global demand for nurses, there could be a sudden surge especially once the effects of the enactment of the Health Care Reform Bill under the administration of US President Barrack Obama, takes root.

In an interview with The STAR earlier this week, Cayco said that with the potential rise in demand for nurses, those struggling with their nursing education would be in the best position to take advantage.

Cayco emphasized that the health care reforms being implemented by the Obama administration made health and medical care more affordable among Americans, which would subsequently result to a higher demand in nurses and doctors in US hospitals.

He said this turnaround was the reason why Arellano University is still giving their nursing school its deserved importance in their overall effort to further improve the quality of education in all their college programs.

"The temporary slack is not a reason to give our nursing education programs less importance," Cayco said, pointing out that the weak demand for nurses in the US was not necessarily the case in other countries such as in the UK and Australia.

He boasted that just last month, the Edith Cowan University in Western Australia had forged agreement with Arellano University where their Filipino nursing students who have completed two years of studies can enroll directly with their Australian counterpart, which would put them in a position to become registered nurses in Australia immediately after finishing the nursing program.

Cayco said that despite its open enrolment policy, the quality of education in the College of Nursing of Arellano University Manila has remained high.

The school landed in the ranks of Metro Manila's top nursing schools with a high student population whose graduates performed impressively in the 2009 nursing licensure examinations of the Professional Regulation Commission for 2009.

Cayco expressed overwhelming pride over the impressive performance of their graduates in last year's round of PRC examinations, saying it will serve to inspire them in their bid to provide an affordable, but high quality nursing education to poor but deserving Filipinos wanting to become nurses whether here or abroad.

He noted that the high passing percentage rate of their nursing school's graduates was a difficult feat considering that they have an "open" admission policy that does not bar high school students from public high schools who tend to have low academic competencies.

Cayco added that Arellano University-Manila's College of Nursing has the lowest tuition rate among the big Metro Manila nursing schools that topped the 2009 PRC examinations.

"A lot of the big schools they have entrance exams. So they only admit those who already have high academic competencies," he said.

Cayco said that these "raw material" from the public schools in Metro Manila and even from the provinces, have notable deficiencies in English, Science, and Math.

Apart from giving them a nursing education, Cayco said Arellano tries to address the academic deficiencies caused by the sub-standard basic education they were given.

"We give them a chance. We do not discriminate of you graduated from a public school and you have low academic proficiencies. But in spite of that, with our low tuition, we still produce hundreds of board passers every year," he said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) earlier released the lists of top nursing schools in the country, based on their graduates passing percentage in the 2009 PRC licensure examinations in June and November of last year. - Rainier Allan Ronda

British queen, Obama greet RP By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) Updated June 13, 2010 12:00 AM

Photo is loading... Queen Elizabeth of England and President obama of the USA.]

MANILA, Philippines - Queen Elizabeth II and US President Barack Obama sent their greetings yesterday on the country's 112th Independence Day.

"As you celebrate your National Day, I have much pleasure in sending my warmest greetings to Your Excellency and the people of the Philippines, together with my best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future," Queen Elizabeth said in her message delivered through Ambassador Stephen Lillie.

"On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to all those who celebrate the 112th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day - here in America, in the Philippines, and around the world," Obama said.

"Our two countries share a common history and values, and we continue to partner to promote peace and development," he said.

"Here in America, many Americans can trace their roots to the Philippines, and they are all an important part of the American identity. I am confident that our nations, sharing in our democratic principles, will continue our strong friendship and cooperation," he said.

Obama congratulated president-elect Beningo "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday following his proclamation by Congress.

In a phone call to Aquino, Obama said the conduct of the May 10 elections showed the importance of transparency as well as the strength and vitality of democracy in the Philippines.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who won in his country's recent elections, also congratulated Aquino and assured him that relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines would remain strong, together with their shared commitment to democracy and sustainable development.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2010 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved

----------------------------------------------------------

PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

===============================
lee quesada
Personal page:
http://www.newsflash.org/staff/LeeQuesada/index.htm
Working news service website:
http://www.newsflash.org
"Never give up your dream"!
==============================

Sun Shines on Solar Energy Future

2010-06-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sun Shines on Solar Energy Future

Posted: 07 Jun 2010 12:00 AM PDT

The chances of producing solar power as a more commercially viable source of alternative energy seem brighter now with the positive research results pioneered by University of Illinois professors. The Department of Energy and National Science Foundation-funded team led by Professors John Rogers, and Xiuling Li, has been exploring ways to find more optimal [...]
Posted in: Future Energy, PhotoVoltaics, Solar Power

Groundwork for OFWs computer and financial literacy kicks off

2010-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Did you know that among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), there are so-called 45-day millionaires?

From what I understand, these are those guys who earn really big money and truly once their US dollar, for example, paychecks are converted to Philippine peso, the bills amount to millions.

Why 45-days?

I have not found the answer to this yet, but if we go by the stories of some folks "throwing parties for two weeks", plus the additional days of shopping, and gift giving, and what have you, one month and a half month could be it.

Another explanation could be that after 45-days, the OFW has to return overseas and resume earning dollars again.

Had it not been due to their basic computer literacy training, many of them might still be trapped in this 45-day millionaire syndrome.

Alas, there is a way out.

Against this backdrop, graduates of the "Tulay", the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Program Community Technology Skills Program for Overseas Filipino Workers, have began to organize themselves into either alumni groups or cooperatives with business and livelihood projects for members.

An example is the OWWA Microsoft Tulay Alumni Organization of graduates from the Cordilleras and Baguio. Headed by Ediltrudis Irma Person of Tulay Batch 1, her members engage in livelihood activities such a detergent products, Internet café operations, transient homes management, restaurants and meat processing.

In the process of being formalized is the Tulay OFW Cooperative based in Butuan City and spearheaded by former OFW Elisa Capon-Moran. A start up venture being contemplated is smoked fish production.

"OFWs who are trained with basic IT skills have the advantage to explore other business opportunities. With their new found skills, the window of possibilities is endless," said Susan Ople, president, Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute.

This month, the BOPC received from Microsoft Philippines more than $200,000 in cash and software grants for the expansion of the "Tulay" for OFWs program.

In the Philippines, "Tulay" was launched by Microsoft in 2004 in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, specifically its attached agency Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Its objective is to provide technology tools and skills training to OFWs and their families.

In 2008, Microsoft started working with the Ople Center, a private non-profit organization that has partnered with OWWA, to put up more learning centers.

"Over the years, "Tulay" has been successful in boosting opportunities for Filipino migrant workers and their beneficiaries. We are happy with the development of "Tulay". Through the expansion of new training centers, more and more OFWs and their families can take advantage of these opportunities," said Carmelita Dimzon, Administrator, OWWA, in a press release.

In her progress report and new directions announcement, Ople underscored, "Once empowered…now that they are computer literate, their horizon suddenly expands."

Thus the challenge of bringing them up to the next level from computer literacy to financial literacy. Combining computer literacy with financial literacy, as she put it.

"We are looking also into possible tie-ups with local government units to pilot test a more OFW-friendly business environment," she said. "We would like to increase the number of OFWs and their dependents who are able to obtain new sources of income, better jobs, and or put up small businesses after graduating from the Tulay program."

She underscored, "Given options and when pointed to the right direction, a "Tulay" graduate is empowered enough to consider pursuing other computer courses or opening a small business."

Since 2004, over 20,000 people have been trained under the "Tulay" program. With the expansion of the program and opening of new centers, "Tulay" is expecting 258,000 individuals to benefit from the program in the next three years.

By EDISON ONG

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/245500/groundwork-ofws-computer-and-financial-literacy-kicks

10 things Juan dela Cruz needs to know about economy in ’10

2010-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

But the most practiced soothsayer will struggle to make any detailed predictions for 2010, especially about the markets.

Thus, what I'm offering here are not jaw-dropping revelations, but a list of some facets of the economy that Filipinos may want to think about this year.

1. Why should I be personally concerned about the widening budget gap? How will that affect me and my family if I were a salaried employee, a businessman or an OFW?

A widening budget gap means less government spending on social services, infrastructure and other services.

The government may opt to borrow more to fund its shortfall to maintain the delivery of its services. However, this could push interest rates or cost of doing business higher. Higher costs of doing business would mean less income for companies.

For Juan dela Cruz, this could mean some adjustments in costs of living and a salary increase may be hard to get.

2. Will the peso-dollar rate go up or down this year?

The general trend will still be favorable for the peso.

The Balance of Payments (BOP) is expected to post a higher surplus, fundamentally supported by OFW remittances, increased capital inflows, and revived exports.

Our Gross International Reserves (GIR) should remain at record levels, adequately covering import requirements.

Other factors that would contribute to the strong peso is the weak dollar in the medium term. We are looking at 46 by the end of the year.

3. Will food prices go up or down apart from seasonal fluctuations?
The calamities during the last quarter of 2009 resulted in an increase in food prices and this may last until the end of the first half if the El Niño phenomenon strikes.

However, food prices are expected to normalize toward the end of the year.

We are looking at a 3.5-percent inflation for 2010.

4. Will the rest of the world recover economically, so much so that they will need more OFWs? Which countries will recover faster?
Yes. The global economic recovery has begun. Strong indicators of rising economic activity have supported the rise in the global financial markets.

However, the United States and the rest of the world are still far away from full recovery, as unemployment remains high and demand has not returned to pre-crisis levels.

Indeed the economies in the region are still quite fragile, but financial stability is slowly being regained.

Asia is leading the economic recovery. Despite the slow recovery, demand for OFW remains resilient.

5. For those wanting to relocate from Manila, where in the Philippines is it good to go to in terms of job opportunities, lower food prices, housing, etc., and still have Internet access, movies etc?

The key cities in the south, mainly Cebu, Davao and Cagayan De Oro, as these are now being eyed as hubs for business process outsourcing offices.

These cities have infrastructure comparative to Manila.

6. By how much can this year's elections lift the GDP? Which industries in particular will benefit from the polls?

Roughly by 0.5 percent, 2 percent for full year 2010. The services sector, transport and communications, trade and manufacturing are the main beneficiaries of this election exercise.

7. Will the next president be forced to raise taxes to increase revenues?

Without giving much thought, No! There is no need to immediately raise taxes. He only has to plug the tax leakages on the e-vat and enhance revenue collection activities.

These actions could offset the equivalent amount of revenues raised from an increase in the e-vat. However, this would take time and would not get immediate results.

So, personally, I think the next president should raise taxes. This could come in the form of increasing the E-VAT from 12 to 15 percent.
This should allow the new administration to implement its program for the country. How can one implement when there are no funds in the government coffers? I view the country as a patient that is recovering from an illness but still needs medication. Otherwise, the patient could have a relapse. Although, enhancing the revenue collecting measures could do the trick, but increasing the e-vat is the fastest route to progress.

8. Will President Arroyo leave the country better off in June, when she steps down from office, compared to January 2001 when she replaced Estrada?

One may conclude that she will leave the office in a better position than when she started.

But wait a minute. Under her administration, the national debt grew by 107 percent. This is the price for an average economic growth of 4.7 percent under her term compared to Estrada's 2.3 percent.
Definitely, the growth rate is far better.

However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Friends, ask yourselves, do you feel richer today than in 2001?

9. What economic problems will the next president of the Philippines have to face by July this year?

The new administration will be faced by a fiscal crisis as government revenues wane. The need to cure it is almost immediate. He needs the necessary funding to be able to provide the social services, infrastructure and job creation to help alleviate poverty.

Thus, the next president should have bold measures to enhance government coffers, determination to get the job done and the oratory skills to be able to communicate to every Filipino that to be able to alleviate poverty, it involves a lot of pain and suffering, which includes raising the taxes.

10. If I had a little money to invest, where should I place it? In T-bills, bonds or UITFs?

Treasury Bills or T-bills will be on the top of the list, since they are deemed safe and secure. For those who have excess cash and can risk more, there are other investments that one can go for such as longer-dated government issued bonds, stocks and Unit Investment Trust Funds or simply UITFs.

(The author is a financial analyst of Banco de Oro. Opinions expressed in this article are of the author's and do not reflect the views of his affiliated institution.)

A new year always gives us that feeling that better days are up ahead.

By Jonathan L. Ravelas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:22:00 02/07/2010

Mandatory Pag-IBIG coverage for OFWs dropped

2010-02-03T12:28:00.001-08:00

The government's savings and shelter financing agency has withdrawn its original plan to impose mandatory membership for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) as a requirement to process their employment papers, a Hong Kong-based group said Wednesday.

In a statement, the Hong Kong chapter of a women's rights group said Pag-IBIG chief executive officer Jaime Fabiaña declared that they would not force OFWs to become members of Pag-IBIG, nor will it be made a requirement to process their documents.

Gabriela-HK chairperson Cynthia Abdon-Tellez said Fabiaña announced this in a forum with leaders of OFW organizations on February 1 at the Philippine Consulate General in the Chinese territory.

"It is a victory for the vigilant OFWs resisting schemes of government exaction. While the Arroyo government is bent on squeezing more income from our labor, we shall always be there to fight its schemes every step of the way," Tellez said.

Republic Act (RA) 9679 or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law, which took effect in January, mandates a monthly P100-contribution from members for such benefits as savings, short-term loans and housing loans. The law's coverage was expanded to include, among others, Filipino workers employed abroad or here in the country by foreign employers.

Protests from OFWs, however, prompted Fabiaña to say that they would not be forced to become members, Tellez said.

According to Tellez, the plan to make Pag-IBIG a mandatory requirement for OFWs came on the heels of their successful campaign to oppose the forced membership of OFWs to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to enable them to get an overseas employment certificate.

Since November last year, a moratorium has been imposed on the mandatory OWWA collection as a requirement for the certificate, she added.

Tellez also hit the government for being a "consistent extortionist" of OFWs, noting that government exaction intensifies especially at the onset of every national elections.

"Just before the 2007 elections, the POEA Guidelines on hiring Filipino household workers was implemented that carried provisions for training and accreditation requirements which translated to more fees for migrant Filipinos. Now, a few months before the 2010 polls, here comes the mandatory Pag-IBIG membership," Tellez added.

The group also recalled that in 2004, the government forced the transfer of the OWWA Medicare Fund to Philippine Health Insurance Corp. at the request of then PhilHealth head Francisco Duque.

On February 7, Tellez said her group will stage a rally to call for the scrapping of the provision in RA 9679 on mandatory Pag-IBIG membership. -

JERRIE ABELLA, GMANews.TV

KBK, GMANews.TV

Interview of caregivers, nurses bound for Japan ongoing

2010-02-03T06:09:00.001-08:00

Interview of caregivers, nurses bound for Japan ongoing
ABS CBN News
According to POEA, the interview will run until February 6, 2010 at the POEA's ... POEA said its counterpart in the recruitment of nurses and caregivers, ...

Violators of Philippine Law Barred From Taking Korean Test

2010-01-29T05:57:00.001-08:00

Violators of Philippine Law Barred From Taking Korean Test
Korea Times
The POEA and the Korean Embassy in the Philippines are working together to ... According to the POEA, Filipino applicants who have active registrations for ...

Migrante fights on

2010-01-26T02:57:00.001-08:00

Migrante fights on
Inquirer.net
MSP has the overwhelming support of different OFW organizations worldwide, mostly Migrante International members and allied OFW organizations. ...
See all stories on this topic

DAR, NIA turn over irrigation project to Casiguran farmers

2010-01-24T19:07:00.001-08:00

Casiguran, Sorsogon (25 January) — The of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have finally completed and turned over the Communal Irrigation System (CIS) project to the Tigbao-Banawang Irrigators Association (TBIA) of this municipality.

Leto P. Bernal, NIA Sorsogon Irrigators Development Section chief, said during the turn-over rites that the project has been carried out based on the needs identified by the beneficiaries themselves and "it is the now for the beneficiaries to take responsibility of its management, operation and maintenance."

"Of course, we will continue to assist the association, which forms part of the Casiguran Agrarian Reform Cluster (ARC) Cluster B, in their continuous endeavors to pursue agricultural development and food security," he stressed.

Rodrigo Estremera, Casiguran agrarian reform officer, said that the project, implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) II, intends to increase rice production to ensure higher income for farmers to finance their children's education.

Salvador Hife, TBIA president, thanked and expressed his appreciation to DAR and NIA, noting that "the association had agreed to allot 75 kilos of palay per hectare every harvest to fund the CIS maintenance.

Hife also clarified that the palay allotment will not serve as payment but for maintenance of the facility, since the responsibility of taking care of the project now lies in their hands.

CIS will be benefiting a total of 89 hectares of rice land tilled by 112 farmers covering Barangays Tigbao and Banawang.

Through ARISP II, a dam in Talinga River in Tigbao was also constructed in 2004 to provide the water source for the irrigation system. (DAR Sorsogon/PIA

by LA Arbolente

6000 healthcare workers needed in Saudi Arabia

2010-01-22T10:09:00.001-08:00

6000 healthcare workers needed in Saudi Arabia
Manila Bulletin
In a post on its website (www.poea.gov.ph), POEA said the KSA-Ministry of Health needs 2000 female specialized nurses; 3000 female general nurses; ...
See all stories on this topic

MAYON VOLCANO UPDATES - 23 December 2009

2009-12-23T05:03:00.001-08:00

Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected 1,051 volcanic earthquakes and continuously recorded harmonic tremors. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection. Sixty six (66) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced grayish to light brown ash columns that reached height from 100 to 1000 meters above the summit before drifting towards southwest..

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high and was measured at an average of 6,737 tons per day (t/d) yesterday. Two hundred eighty (280) audible booming and rumbling sounds were intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.

Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano's activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

Source: PHILVOLCS - Mayon Volcano Bulletin 10

23 December 2009 - 0700hrs.

MAYON VOLCANO UPDATES - 22December09

2009-12-21T20:51:00.001-08:00

Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and have continuously occurred since 12:21 PM, 20 December 2009. Harmonic tremors were still continuously being recorded.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high and was measured at an average of 6,529 tons per day (t/d) yesterday.. Visual observation was hampered by thick clouds covering the upper and middle slopes of the volcano since 6:00 AM yesterday.

However, an intensified crater glow was observed during a short cloud break last night. Audible booming and rumbling sounds were still intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has reached about 5 kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.

Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity.

Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano's activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

Source: PHILVOLCS - 22 Dec 2009

Government may resume deployment of OFWs to Lebanon next year

2009-12-21T20:44:00.001-08:00

Government may resume deployment of OFWs to Lebanon next year
Philippine Star
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief Jennifer Manalili said no schedule has been set for talks on the lifting of the ban. ...

32000 evacuated due to agitated Mayon

2009-12-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

32000 evacuated due to agitated Mayon
Inquirer.net - Philippines
At least 1525 families or 6353 people have evacuated from the villages of Banadero, Alcala and Matnog in Daraga town, while in Malilipot town, 713 families ...

Albay to evacuate 47,000 around Mayon

2009-12-14T23:03:00.001-08:00

Read Full Story
Inquirer.net - Philippines
In the municipality of Daraga, at least 810 families or 4100 people have been evacuated from the villages of Banadero and Matnog. The PDCC is still awaiting ...

By Rey M. Nasol
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 00:57:00 12/15/2009

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines— (UPDATE 3) Albay Governor Salceda has recommended the immediate evacuation of 47,285 residents (9,946 families) from 45 villages around Mayon Volcano on Tuesday morning after Mayon's alert level was raised from 2 to 3 Monday night.

The preemptive evacuation will cover Tabaco City, and the towns of Malilipot, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan and Ligao, Office of Civil Defense-5 director Raffy Alejandro said in a phone interview.

The figure comes from a total of 20 villages composed of 2,728 families or 12,803 people within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, said Cristina Ador, statistician of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office.

She added that there are also 25 villages with 7,218 families or 34,482 persons at the 6- to 8-km extended danger zones at the southeast quadrant of Mayon affected by the evacuation orders.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, at least 1,801 families or 7,881 persons have evacuated from the villages of Quirangay, Sua, Cabangan, Tumpa, Salugan and Anoling in Camalig town, Ador said.

In the municipality of Daraga, at least 810 families or 4100 people have been evacuated from the villages of Banadero and Matnog.

The PDCC is still awaiting the statistics of evacuees from the towns of Guinobatan, Ligao and Camalig where ashfalls were also reported, Ador said.

Glowing lava fragments were seen continuously detaching from the crater of the volcano, which came to rest on the upper and middle slopes, about 3 km from the summit, said a bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology during the past 24-hour observation period.

Seismographs recorded 83 volcanic earthquakes compared to 43 on Monday while the sulfur dioxide emission rate increased to 757 tons per day from the previous 535, the bulletin added.

During the emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council on Tuesday morning, all municipal or city and barangay (village) disaster coordinating councils around Mayon have been ordered to immediately convene and activate emergency operation and execute evacuation procedures.

Officials asked affected households to prepare emergency provisions like clothing, basic utensils, and beddings.

The joint AFP-PNP Task Force Mayon was tasked to assist in the evacuation of the population involved and strictly enforce checkpoints at strategic areas to ensure that nobody enters the danger zone at any time.

"A major eruption of Mayon might occur within the period of two weeks if ever the abnormalities would continue and further intensify," said Alex Baloloy, science research analyst.

He said a team of geologists, volcanologists and other scientists from the central office in Diliman, Quezon City just arrived this morning to help the observatory center closely monitor Mayon.

Mayon Carlos Baldo of Camalig, one of the Albay towns affected, told the joint PDCC-RDCC meeting that residents in affected barangays are now at the holding areas and awaiting transportation support for the massive evacuation efforts.

In Guinobatan town, Mayor Juan Garcia appealed for dust masks and evacuation vehicles as the volume of ashes that fell on the town last night seemed like "we were having a white Christmas."

In a telephone interview, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the towns of Bonga, Mabingit, and Buyuan are the ones in immediate danger due to the direction of the lava flow.

Solidum added that there is a possibility that the alert level would be raised even higher if Mayon Volcano will show hazardous explosions.

"We cannot estimate if there will be a bigger explosion but as long as there is lava coming out of the volcano, then there is a possibility that the alert level will be raised higher," he said.

He noted that in Mayon Volcano's history, most eruptions are explosive in nature.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs has recommended the evacuation of residents living within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano and local authorities and the provincial disaster coordinating council have implemented the preemptive measure.

"What we recommend, they (local officials) follow," Solidum said.

The Phivolcs chief said that most of the earthquakes recorded between 8 a.m. Monday until 8 a.m. Tuesday were due to "falling lava fragments."

"From time to time you will see incandescent lava fragments rolling on the south east side of the volcano," Solidum told INQUIRER.net.

Scientists are now collating the ash explosion intervals, aside from sulfur dioxide emissions, volcanic quakes, crater glows, "bulging" of the slopes and steaming activities.

Prior to this Monday's episode, the seismic network around Mayon Volcano recorded an explosion-type earthquake at 7:59 p.m. on Friday, which lasted for three minutes.

Phivolcs' Monday bulletin said its seismographs recorded 43 volcanic quakes, the highest number of such quakes since alert level 2 was raised last July 10 this year.

"But sulfur dioxide emission registered only 535 tons per day, a bit higher than the minimum of 500 tons per day and is causing us a special concern to reconsider all the available parameters pertaining to Mayon's abnormalities," science research analyst Alex Baloloy said.

He added that the intervals between minor ash explosions that Mayon manifested in the past weeks were considered a new parameter that might warrant raising alert status from level 2 to level 3.

Baloloy said residents along the volcano's slopes such as in Camalig town at the western side, part of Daraga at the southwestern side, and this city claimed they heard rumbling sounds during the explosion.

Katherine Evangelista, INQUIRER.net

DoLE eyes psycho-social counseling for seamen

2009-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

DoLE eyes psycho-social counseling for seamen
Manila Bulletin - Manila,Philippines
We hope for strict monitoring of compliance to the rules set by the POEA ... According to a POEA Board resolution, ship owners, managers and manning ...

POEA-Advice for vacationing OFWs

2009-12-13T21:07:00.001-08:00

Advice for vacationing OFWs
Inquirer.net - Philippines
Or, you may apply for your OEC at the POEA main or regional offices early ... The POEA noted that the number of OEC applicants double during this season. ...

Watchdogs Warn Central Bankers Against Guam Remittance Scheme

2009-12-13T21:06:00.001-08:00

PhilippineNotes

Watchdogs Warn Central Bankers Against Guam Remittance Scheme
Guam News Factor - Guam,USA
... issuances by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), but noted that the POEA had yet to approve any new job orders for Guam. ...

Suspects in Sorsogon Ambush Charged

2009-12-13T15:55:00.001-08:00

Suspects in Sorsogon Ambush Charged
Vox Bikol - Naga City,Camarines Sur,Philippines
CAMP OLA, LEGAZPI CITY (11 December) - SEVEN SUSPECTED MEMBERS of the communist New People's Army's "Celso Minguez Command" operating in Sorsogon province ...

FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS HACKED

2009-12-13T08:42:00.001-08:00

Facebook accounts hacked

By: Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, December 12

Facebook accounts hacked

SINGAPORE: Right before her eyes, Julie Chiang watched the computer screen as someone used her Facebook account — pretending to be her, asking her friend for money and claiming she had been mugged in London.

"It was surreal to watch the conversation happen right in front of me," said Ms Chiang, who had been woken up in Singapore by her friend's phone call on Friday morning.

"He told me he was on Facebook now, talking to 'me', and I was saying I needed money to go home."

The hacker even used Ms Chiang's husband's name, which could be found on her Facebook profile, in the conversation.

Even as the unfolding scam began to dawn on her, a second friend living in New Zealand messaged her to say she was having the same conversation.

Reports of such incidents — known as a 419 scam — though few, are on the rise among Facebook users.

Fraudulent individuals collect log—in information through phishing sites and access Facebook accounts to send inbox or chat messages or to update the person's profile. And they claim to be stranded in a foreign country and ask friends to send money, usually through a money transfer service.

"While the total number of people who have been impacted is small, we take any threat to security seriously and are redoubling our efforts to combat the scam," said Facebook in a blog post in September.

The scam had previously been perpetrated through emails.

But more cyber criminals are leveraging on social engineering as a means of deceiving users, said systems engineering manager Ronnie Ng from Symantec Singapore.

"Social engineering takes advantage of our natural tendency to trust one another, rather than relying solely on technological means to steal information," he said..

Indeed, Ms Leong Su—Lin, who was chatting with "Julie" yesterday morning, said the scam seemed believable because it was a "live" conversation.

"Someone was actually responding to the questions I was asking; it wasn't an automated thing, which is why I went along with it," Ms Leong, 32, told MediaCorp from New Zealand..

"They were also hitting on a 'soft spot' by saying she was hurt. I was very concerned, so although she sounded a bit strange, I thought maybe it's because she was still traumatised."

But something felt amiss. "I thought it was strange she was on Facebook and not at the police station or at an embassy," she said.

Mr Ng said people need to be more aware of where they post personal information and who they allow on their social networks. In addition, online users should be careful of clicking on links from unknown senders and use up—to—date security software, he advised.

"They should also be on their guard if they receive suspicious messages from friends, such as requests for money," he said. "Users should always double—check with their friend. When in doubt, do a search on the Internet to see if it's a known scam."

Thankfully for Ms Chiang's friends, they did just that, and she has since reported the incident to Facebook. "I've not heard of this happening, so it'll be good for more people to know about it," she said.

The online conversation

(5:17:46 PM) Julie Chiang: Terence and I are stuck in London at the moment

(5:17:55 PM) Derrick Lim: are u there for a holiday?

(5:18:16 PM) Julie Chiang: Vacation

(5:18:27 PM) Julie Chiang: Got mugged at gun point last night ...

(5:19:00 PM) Julie Chiang: All cash,credit card and cell were stolen off me

(5:19:11 PM) Julie Chiang: I also got injured

(5:19:19 PM) Derrick Lim: oh no .....

(5:19:45 PM) Derrick Lim: what injury?

(5:20:01 PM) Julie Chiang: Little bruises all over my neck

(5:21:45 PM) Julie Chiang: I need your help to get back home?

(5:21:57 PM) Derrick Lim: my help? ....

(5:22:38 PM) Julie Chiang: Our flight leaves in less than 3hrs from now and we're having problem settling hotel bills

(5:23:02 PM) Julie Chiang: I need you to loan me few bucks to settle the bills and get a cab to he Airport

(5:23:59 PM) Derrick Lim: ok

(5:24:42 PM) Julie Chiang: You can have it wired to my name and Location through western union ....

(5:27:27 PM) Derrick Lim: can u email me the details?

(5:27:45 PM) Julie Chiang: sure

(5:27:52 PM) Julie Chiang: Name Julie Chiang

(5:28:19 PM) Julie Chiang: Location — London, United Kingdom

(5:28:28 PM) Julie Chiang: You can try it online right now

(5:30:18 PM) Julie Chiang: Visit www.westernunion.com

(5:30:58 PM) Derrick Lim: ok

(5:31:18 PM) Julie Chiang: You will have to do it with your credit card

(5:31:22 PM) Derrick Lim: yes

— TODAY/so

BSP projections aiding illegal recruiters — FAME

2009-12-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

BSP projections aiding illegal recruiters — FAME
Inquirer.net - Philippines
Soriano noted that the POEA had not approved any new job orders up to now for ... In East Asia, Soriano said the POEA deployed only 30 caregivers and nurses ...

Update families of OFWs on death row, government urged

2009-12-13T02:57:00.001-08:00

Update families of OFWs on death row, government urged
Philippine Star
John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said the public and the relatives of the OFWs now in death row need to know their status ...

Model OFW family named

2009-12-12T16:21:00.001-08:00

The Lubis family receives the trophy from Vice President Noli de Castro (center) while (from left) Globe president Ernest Cu, Globe and BPI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, OWWA administrator Carmelita Dimzon, and Labor Secretary Marianito Roque look on.

MANILA, Philippines - Engineer Rodolfo Lubis, who worked in Saudi Arabia for 31 years, together with his wife Sonia and children Annabelle, Charisma, and Rudyson won the 2009 Model OFW Family of the Year National Awards (Land-Based Category) for their contribution in providing education and sustainable income to underprivileged members of society in Lipa City, Batangas.

The Lubis family developed the first Gawad Kalinga reunion village which gives employment or livelihood capital to the residents as well as scholarship grants to the children. The Lubises have also planted more than 45,000 narra and mahogany trees as their contribution to the greening of the environment advocacy of the government.

Now on its fifth year, MOFYA is an annual recognition program organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Adminsitration in partnership with Globe Telecom and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to honor outstanding OFW families. Globe and BPI gave cash prizes of P400,000 and P200,000, respectively.

"It is inspiring to know that despite the many sacrifices that our OFW families have to make, they remain concerned about and involved with the welfare of their respective communities. The material improvement in their lives as a result of the sacrifice of their OFW loved ones have not taken away from them their sense of generosity and love for country. That is definitely very Filipino," said Vice President Noli de Castro.

by: (philstar.com)

NBI to transfer clearance office to Caloocan

2009-12-12T16:17:00.001-08:00

MANILA, Philippines – National Bureau of Investigation Director Nestor Mantaring said over the weekend that starting Monday, the NBI clearance application and processing office will be transferred from Carriedo in Manila to Caloocan City.

In an advisory released yesterday, Mantaring said the office's new location will be at the fifth floor of the Victory Central mall on Rizal Avenue.

The NBI said its satellite clearance offices and renewal kiosks will still continue to serve the public.

The satellite offices are located at the city halls of Caloocan, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, and Valenzuela; the municipal halls of Rodriguez and Taytay in Rizal and Los Baños in Laguna; Marikina Riverbanks; and at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) office on Ortigas Avenue.

The NBI renewal kiosks are located at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Park Square 1 in Makati City; and the Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria, Manila.

Mantaring said the Feb. 11, 2004 contract of lease between the NBI and the Carriedo plaza building chairman and President Wilfredo Keng has not been renewed.

Mantaring said the clearance office's new location will be posted at the Carriedo Plaza building. – Sandy Araneta

(The Philippine Star) Updated December 13, 2009 12:00 AM

ofws remain vulnerable to discrimination, rights violation

2009-12-11T17:04:00.001-08:00

ofws remain vulnerable to discrimination, rights violation
GMA news.tv
Another migrant rights group, Migrante International, also said the government's labor export policy resulted in overseas Filipino workers (OFW) being ...
See all stories on this topic

Department of Foreign Affairs-11Dec2009-updates

2009-12-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

Philippines On Track to Signing MCC Compact Agreement

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 11:03 PM PST

11 December 2009 – Based on the procedures and timelines of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Philippines is expected to conclude a Compact Agreement with MCC in March 2010.

"The Philippines is definitely on track," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said.

On 9 December, Secretary of State and MCC Board Chair Hillary Clinton and the 7 Board members unanimously reselected the Philippines as Compact eligible for FY 2010, a prerequisite to signing a Compact agreement.

Having been reselected as Compact eligible, the next step is to negotiate for the compact grant of up to $500 million.

Following these negotiations, we expect to sign the Compact Agreement in March.

An MCC mission will be in the country from 12 to 18 December to finalize RP's three (3) compact project proposals on poverty alleviation.

Last October, the Philippines signed an MOU with the MCC which provided $5.57 million for the technical assessment of the projects. Another $5 million will be granted to the Philippines this month for Compact implementation preparation.

On the Philippines' upgrade from low income country category to lower-middle income country status which affects MCC funding for RP's Compact proposal under the 2003 Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Act, Secretary Clinton, in a visit to Manila last 12 November 2009, said that the "the Philippines should not be penalized for its own success."

The MCC has consistently affirmed the Philippines' "high capacity as MCC Compact partner." According to MCC Acting Vice President for Compact Development Darius Teter, "in every way the Philippines has been a model partner."

According to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), member of RP-US Congressional Friendship Caucus, "throughout the MCA application process, the Philippines met or exceeded the performance standards required for Compact status." – END

ShareThis

Ambassador Gaa Conveys Appreciation to New MCC CEO for RP's Reselection as Compact Eligible for FY 2010

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:56 PM PST

11 December 2009 - Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa conveyed the Philippine Government's appreciation to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)'s Board of Directors for reselecting the Philippines as Compact Eligible for the fiscal year 2010.

Ambassador Gaa gave this message to its Chief Executive Officer Daniel W. Yohannes at the MCC Public Outreach Meeting last December 10.

As Compact Eligible, the Philippines can now continue with negotiations for a Compact Agreement, which include on-going technical assessments on the government's compact proposal on road infrastructure, fiscal governance and community-led development projects; pre-implementation phase of the Compact proposal; and development of a plan of action under the Policy Improvement Process to address performance issues such as control of corruption.

The MCC announced that during its Board Meeting last December 9, the Board of Directors took the opportunity to review the status of MCC's Compacts, review the policy performance of MCC's partner countries, and reaffirm the United State government's commitment to finding lasting and innovative solutions to global poverty. END

ShareThis

RP's MCA Bid On Track with Reselection as Compact Eligible for 2010 – Gaa

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:49 PM PST

11 December 2009 - Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa said the Philippines' bid for Compact status is "on track" with its unanimous reselection as Compact eligible by the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) for FY 2010.

The MCC Board of Directors gave a favorable decision on the Philippines' Compact for 2010 in a meeting last December 9.

"Being Compact eligible means that the Philippines has an opportunity to qualify for a large-scale grant in 2010 under the MCC's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) program. This grant will greatly enhance the Philippine Government's ability to carry out vital projects aimed at spurring economic growth and reducing poverty. This is very positive news for the Philippines and the Filipino people," Ambassador Gaa explained.

Ambassador Gaa stressed that the Philippines' reselection as compact eligible is a necessary step towards concluding a Compact Agreement.

"The signing of a Compact Agreement hinges primarily on the selection of a potential partner Country as Compact eligible each year, followed by the submission of a Compact proposal, based on MCC's analysis of a country's 'key constraints' to growth," he clarified.

As compact eligible for 2010, the Philippines can now continue with negotiations for a Compact Agreement, which include on-going technical assessments on the Philippine Government's Compact proposal on road infrastructure, fiscal governance and community-led development projects; pre-implementation phase of the Compact proposal; and development of a plan of action under the Policy Improvement Process (PIP) to address performance issues such as control of corruption (COC).

The rigorous Compact process takes about three to five years to conclude. A Compact partner must be reselected each year as eligible to continue implementation of the Compact program.

At MCC's Public Outreach Meeting which discussed the decisions taken by the Board, MCC Senior Management confirmed that "in making its decision to reselect the Philippines and Indonesia, the Board took into consideration each country's current indicator performance as an LMIC, as well as the information that the Philippines and Indonesia would have met the criteria as a low income country."

Under the low-income country (LIC) category, the Philippines' ranking on the Control of Corruption (COC) indicator has improved by six notches, from 39th to 33rd, above the 37th rank of the median country out of the 73 countries in the LIC list of the MCC.

The continuing improvements in the Philippines' COC scores have been reported by independent and credible third party sources of information such as the World Bank Institute for the 2009 World Governance Indicators scorecards, the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy's (PERC) 2009 Asian Corruption Survey and the Global Integrity's 2008 Global Integrity Report.

This is the third time that the Philippines was endorsed as Compact eligible. The country's Compact proposal for 2010-2014, which is in the final stages of development, focuses on three (3) high-impact projects - Secondary National Roads Development (SNRD); Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS)..

Asked to comment on what would be the following steps following reselection as Compact eligible, Ambassador Gaa noted that, "We have hurdled a major step in the process. We now can begin to finalize details of the Compact proposal with the MCC. There is still some work to be done and the Government will be doing its best to secure this grant that would bring significant benefits towards our country's development and in the lives of the Filipino people."

The MCC Philippine Transaction Team is currently in Manila finalizing the Philippine Compact proposal which will be submitted soon to the MCC Board for review. END

ShareThis

DFA to Host ASEAN-US Directors-General Meeting to Draft Plan of Action

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:43 PM PST

11 December 2009 - The Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) Office of ASEAN Affairs will convene the ASEAN-US Directors-General Meeting on December 14-15 in Manila.

The meeting is in accordance with the directive of the 10 ASEAN Leaders contained in the Joint Statement of the 1st ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting held in Singapore last November 15. It was the first-ever meeting of all 10 ASEAN Leaders and the President of the United States in the 32 years of ASEAN-US relations.

At their meeting in Singapore, the Leaders requested the Philippines, as the current ASEAN Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US dialogue relations, to lead in drafting the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership which will cover the next five-year period (2011-2016) of partnership.

The current 2006-2010 Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership was signed by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member Countries in July 2006, and is set to expire in 2010. It will be replaced by the new five-year Plan of Action (2011-2016), to be initially drafted at the ASEAN-US Directors-General Meeting in Manila next week.

The new Plan of Action (2011-2016) to Implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership will endeavor to address new and future challenges in the regional and global arena that may affect the course of partnership over the next five years.

New challenges such as the continuing global economic crisis, the effects of climate change, emerging pandemics, evolving regional and global security architecture, trade and investment liberalization and economic integration, among others, are all expected to affect ASEAN-US relations, and should therefore be taken into consideration in the new Plan of Action (2011-2016).

DFA ASEAN Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Pablo Maglaya will lead the ASEAN delegation in the talks. Scott Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and and Pacific Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN, will represent the U.S.

At the 42nd ASEAN-US Post Ministerial Conference in Phuket, Thaland last July 22, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the US Secretary of State adopted the Eight Revised Priorities for Cooperation under the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership categorized under the three pillars of ASEAN community building (Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-cultural).

In the next five years, ASEAN and the United States will focus cooperation on the following priority areas:

Political and Security

1. Transnational Crime, including Counter Terrorism
2. Capacity Building for Good Governance, the Rule of Law and judiciary systems, and Human Rights Promotion

Economic

3. Economic Cooperation, including:
a. Initiatives to promote intellectual property rights protection, and to promote the use of internationally adopted standards, increased transparency, and simplification of rules and procedures
b. Collaboration to support ASEAN Small and Medium Enterprises
c.. Information and Communication Technology

4. Finance cooperation

Socio-Cultural

5. Science & Technology

6. Disaster Management, including

• Capacity-building programs to improve ASEAN's capability to prevent, respond to, and recover from the impact of natural disasters
• Health Cooperation, including the threat of emerging infectious diseases

7. Environment, Climate Change, Food and Energy Security

8. Education including Scholarship and Training Programs. END

ShareThis

First RP Resident Ambassador to Finland Presents Credentials to Finnish President

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:38 PM PST

10 December 2009 – Ambassador Ma. Angelina Miciano Sta. Catalina presented her Letters of Credence to the President of Finland Tarja Kaarina Halonen last November 12, according to the Philippine Embassy in Helsinki.

The event was held at the Presidentinlinna (Presidential Palace) in Helsinki.

Ambassador Sta. Catalina is the first resident Philippine Ambassador to Finland.

The Ambassador was accompanied in her presentation of credentials by Ms. Imelda Z. Benito, Finance Officer and Attache; and Ms Theresa Bantolo - Heikkila, Acting Administrative Officer and Attache of the Philippine Embassy in Helsinki.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Sta. Catalina proceeded to her call on the President where they discussed Philippine-Finnish relations as well as global issues concerning both the Philippines and Finland.

She also conveyed to President Halonen the greetings of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who visited Finland in 2006.

While noting the excellent state of current bilateral relations between the two countries, the Ambassador signified her commitment to further broaden political, economic and cultural ties by capitalizing on the common values shared by the two countries and exploring new opportunities for cooperation and partnerships.

President Halonen expressed appreciation for the opening of a resident Philippine Embassy in Helsinki, saying it underscored the importance held by both sides in strengthening their bilateral political relations.

The President stated that Finland is also looking forward to further deepen trade and economic ties, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) as well as cooperation on the environment including the mitigation of the effects of climate change.

She also noted the possibility for greater cooperation between the two countries on the issue of migration.

Ambassador Sta. Catalina thanked President Halonen for the favourable treatment of Filipino migrants in Finland, most of whom are women, and expressed pride at their positive contribution to Finnish society. END

ShareThis

Gulf Air Dispatches Relief Goods to Manila

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:30 PM PST

11 December 2009 – The Philippine Embassy in Manama reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier, recently transported cargo containing relief goods to help Filipino victims of typhoon Ondoy.

The Embassy mobilized the Filipino community in collecting donations such as cash, relief goods and medicines for the victims of the typhoon. The Embassy also served as a drop-off center for non-cash donations and shipped 2,000 kilos of relief goods, free of charge, to the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the assistance of Gulf Air.

"We are very thankful to Gulf Air for agreeing immediately to our request and flying the relief cargo free of charge," Consul General Sahid S. Glang said during his meeting with Gulf Air Cargo Senior Manager Khalid Hassan.

According to Mr. Hassan, Gulf Air has been flying to the Philippines for several years and is more than willing to support this humanitarian cause as part of the airline's corporate social responsibility. END

ShareThis

Filipino-Korean Student Proclaimed Global Future Leader

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 10:26 PM PST

11 December 2009 - Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz awarded Gyoung Psalm Cail Seong the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Medal for Academic Excellence in recognition of his outstanding performance in the search for "Korea's Future Global Leaders."

Cail Seong, a 12-year-old Filipino-Korean student, emerged as the top winner in the search for the best students in the fields of Science and Mathematics, conducted by LG Corporation, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Korea.

Cail Seong was chosen among 800 primary school students endorsed by various regional education bureaus all over Korea. He was awarded a mentoring program scholarship at the Korea Advance Institute of Science and Technology.

The "Future Global Leaders" is one of the biggest programs conducted by the government of Korea, in cooperation with the private sector, recognizing the contribution and importance of the multicultural families in the Korean society.

The President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Medal of Excellence was awarded at the Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul last December 9 in simple ceremonies. The Embassy is at the forefront of promoting multi-culturalism to ease integration of Filipino spouses and their children into mainstream Korean society while at the same time strengthening their ties with the Philippines. END

ShareThis

"Paeng" a big hit in Diplomats' Bowling Tourney in Ankara

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 07:43 PM PST

11 December 2009 – The greatest international bowler in the history of the sport and Guinness Book of World Records-holder in bowling Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno wowed diplomats and a large number of Filipinos at the "Diplomats' Bowling Tournament" held in Ankara, Turkey last December 5.

Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, an estimated 50 foreign diplomats as well as some Filipino and Turkish bowling enthusiasts participated in the "Paeng Nepomuceno Cup" where Nepomuceno played exhibition matches with the tournament participants and competed with the top five bowlers who emerged after the elimination rounds.

Nepomuceno was hailed by the International Bowling Federation (FIQ) as the "International Bowler of the Millennium", an inductee in the American Bowling Hall of Fame, and designated by the U.N. as a Goodwill Ambassador.

On December 6, he flew to Istanbul for another tournament participated in mainly by Filipino migrant workers based in that ancient and fabled capital city which has been dubbed as the "Culture Capital of Europe for 2010".

Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Pedro Chan, described the double bowling events in Ankara and in Istanbul as big successes.

"While the two special bowling tournaments form part of our joint commemoration with the Republic of Turkey of our 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the sports events were also able to raise a modest sum for the victims of Ondoy and of the extensive floods that claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and also displaced two million Filipinos," Ambassador Chan said.

For his part, Mr. Henri Blin, General Manager of the 7-Star Cirahan Palace Kempinski hotel, which hosted Nepomuceno and his wife Pinky in Istanbul, was glad to have been a part of the fund-raising drive.

"It gives us the opportunity to contribute in a small way to support the unfortunate victims of recent calamities that devastated the archipelago," Mr. Blin said, who used to be a top executive in another international hotel in Makati City and is married to a Filipina.

Nepomuceno had eagerly looked forward to participating in the bowling tournament in Ankara and in Istanbul and was very happy with the result of the tournaments. He related to the Turkish media how he and his recently-deceased father, the expert bowling coach Angel Nepomuceno, had been adversely affected by the recent floods that inundated his father's house in Metro Manila.

"Almost everybody has been directly or indirectly affected by the typhoons. I thank the Philippine Embassy for organizing this bowling event and allowing me to make a direct contribution," he said.

Aside from the Cirahan Palace, other tournament sponsors included ETIHAD Airlines, RIXOS Grand Ankara Hotel, ESEN Moving Company, IZELTAS Handtools owned and managed by Philippine Honorary Consul Ender Yorgancilar in Izmir City, Philippine Honorary Consul General Rasim Zaimuglo in Istanbul, Turkish businessman and Philippine Honorary Consul General Sukru Diyab in Mersin City, Istanbul-based Filipino-Turkish painter and art teacher Rowena Ulayan-Tuscioglu who gifted Paeng and wife Pinky with one of her art works, "Play Planet" Bowling Center in Ankara and Cosmic Bowling Center in Istanbul, Istanbul Seker Bank VP Ege Esbeoglu, and other Turkish individuals and business companies.

Filipino coordinators Nilo Nicdao and Cathy Mirano of the 4,000-strong Filipino community in Istanbul were invaluable to the Philippine Embassy in making the bowling tournament in Istanbul a big success. END

ShareThis

OFW spouses accuse each other of murdering maid

2009-12-11T02:49:00.001-08:00

OFW spouses accuse each other of murdering maid
Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines--A Filipino couple in Saudi Arabia have accused each other of killing their Filipino maid after a family squabble, and they are now in ...
See all stories on this topic

Rehired OFWs boost deployment in five years

2009-12-11T02:36:00.001-08:00

MANILA-Contracts for overseas work over a five-year period benefited more rehired land-based overseas Filipino workers, government data reveal.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) five-year data also revealed that last year, the number of re-hired land-based OFWs reached a five-year high of more than half-a-million (597,426) from less than that in 2004 (419,505).

The data further shows that on average, rehired land-based migrant workers make up nearly 46 percent of the Philippine total of deployed land- and sea-based OFWs.

POEA's 2008 Statistical Compendium, uploaded on its website only last month, said the country deployed last year a record 1.2 million OFWs.

Rehired land-based OFWs are those who returned to the country and were deployed overseas on new contracts.

Four years ago, their share in the total 933,566 deployed overseas was only at nearly 45 percent (419,505).

Meanwhile, newhire land-based OFWs consistently make up 30 percent of annual OFW deployment.

Newhire workers deployed means the POEA has provided new jobs for would-be overseas workers, as securing jobs for overseas employment is part of the Macapagal-Arroyo government's strategy to generate one million new jobs for Filipinos every year since 2004.

The POEA deployed 284,912 newhire land-based OFWs in 2004. It grew by 32 percent to 376,973 last year.

The number of seafarers was decreasing in the last two years, even as the figure reached a high of 274,497 in 2006.

On a five-year average, deployed seafarers make up 24.27 percent of total OFW deployment.

Rehired land-based OFWs also make up the most number of overseas work contracts processed by the POEA in 2006 to 2008, the agency's publicized data revealed.

Compared to the overseas work contracts processed by the POEA for newhire land-based OFWs and seafarers, rehires got almost all of the processed work contracts.

All processed work contracts for rehires were secured nearly a hundred percent (96.09%) or 470,390 of the total 489,528 contracts three years ago. It dipped by three percent by 2007 but swung back up to nearly 98 percent last year (or 597,426 of 610,561 work contracts).

The rehires seem to have elbowed out the newhires from the job market in 2006 as only 81.97 percent of the latter got contracts from the 387,533 new overseas work contracts made available for them that year. However, contracts for newhires last year reached a higher processing approval, having nearly 95 percent of the total 394,977 new work contracts secured by newhires.

Many work contracts for seafarers, however, remain vacant. Some 80,832 seafarers' work contracts were unfilled in 2006, and the figures reached 123,054 the year after and to 197,143 last year.

Still, the country supplies the most number of merchant marine fleet in the world with a quarter of the global total.

The POEA said it has processed more than 1.2 million work contracts for land- and sea-based jobs in 2006. The number rose by just above a hundred thousand in 2007 but nearly 1.5 million work contracts last year.

Still, there were contracts that were not supplied with workers: 162,823 in 2006, 228,254 in 2007; and, 228,282 in 2008.

Year-on-year growth rates for deployment reached their highest in 2008 for both newhire and rehired land-based OFWs (20.34 and 20.01, respectively), as a negative growth rate for seafarers' deployment is now on its second straight year.

Prior to POEA's release of its annual statistical compendium last month, some recruitment agency leaders were reported by the media as displeased at the long time of the compendium's release: nine months coming into the new year.

Last January, when POEA administrator Jennifer Manalili gave an unofficial 2008 deployment total of 1,376,823, recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani was quoted as saying that the rise of the total number of deployed OFWs "was unheard of in the history of OFW deployment".

In a meeting last June at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, POEA middle-level officials said the agency revalidated all work contracts processed and workers deployed to come up with the final count of 1,236,013 deployed land- and sea-based OFWs for 2008.

By JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO
OFW Journalism Consortium

KAHILINGAN NG SUNDALO

2009-12-10T19:44:00.001-08:00

Kahilingan ng Sundalo
(sa gitna ng digmaan)

Ang kinalalagyan ko'y isang impyerno
Disyertong mainit, dinilig ng dugo
Walang sinisino itong mga punglo
Halos maubos kabaro kong sundalo.

Saan man magtungo'y aking naririnig
Malakas na putukan, mga paghibik
Hindi sumusuko magkabilang panig
At isang digmaan ang kanilang ibig.

Kailan magwawakas gulo sa ating bayan?
Kailan makakamtan ang kapayapaan?
Kailan mamumulat, mga mamamayan?
Kailan matutupad aking kahilingan?

Isang sundalo sa gitna ng digmaan
Sugatan at pagal ang aking katawan
Alam kong ako'y di na magtatagal
Pangarap maiiwan dun sa kawalan.

Saksi ang langit sa mga nagaganap
Dinig ang panaghoy ng mga mahihirap
Tila ba itong sigaw hindi magwawakas
Sakit ng lipunana, wala na ngang lunas.

Bakit kailangang lupa'y madilig ng dugo?
Bakit kailangang mag-away pa tayo?
Isang bansa, isang diwa, isang tribo
Hindi ba't tayo ay mga Pilipino?

Hiling ko lang naman, sana'y magwakas na
Ang kahirapan, kaguluhan sa bansa
Kailangan lamang ay pagkakaisa
Nang ating makamit ang bansang payapa.

Sana naman, Bayan, ako'y dinggin ninyo
Sana'y pagbigyan ang tanging hiling ko
Alang alang sa lupang dinilig na ng dugo
At pinagtaniman nitong mga punglo.

By: Annabel "Bing" Divina

POEA issues advisory to returning OFWs

2009-12-10T14:24:00.001-08:00

POEA issues advisory to returning OFWs

With the coming peak holiday season the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has issued an advisory to returning Overseas Filipino Workers regarding the facilitation of POEA travel exit clearances.

With the number of applicants for OECs expecting to double the usual 1,000 applications per day, the OFWs are advised to:

OFWs who have just arrived are encouraged to apply for their OEC early either at the POEA main office or the nearest POEA Regional Offices and Extension units or avail of the OEC delivery service so that they can avoid last minute problems prior to their return.

Departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season are encouraged to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to coming home. Or they may apply for OECs at the POEA main or regional offices prior to their return flights to host countries.

Regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the NAIA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) except for weekend or emergency exit within 5 days from entry. OFWs must apply for their OECs with the POEA main or regional offices prior to their return flights.

OFWs who have not yet registered with the POEA are advised to bring their contract and/or certificate of employment and other proofs of employment in order to be documented and be issued an OEC.

OFWs to regularly check the POEA website (www.poea.gov.ph) for advisories particularly before they book their flights. (POEA-PIA XI)

Sorsogon media group conducts indignation rally

2009-12-10T14:22:00.001-08:00

Sorsogon media group conducts indignation rally
Philippine Information Agency - Philippines
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Sorsogon Chapter president Robert ... Meanwhile, local media practitioners in Bulan town, on the other day, ...

RP seafarers to undergo mandatory anti-piracy training Jan. 2010

2009-12-10T03:18:00.001-08:00

RP seafarers to undergo mandatory anti-piracy training Jan. 2010
GMA news.tv - Quezon City,Metro Manila,Philippines
15, POEA chief Jennifer Manalili said. According to Manalili, the module would be conducted outside the existing pre-departure orientation seminar so that ...

OFWs benefit from Qatar licensure examinations

2009-12-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

The Philippine government conducted its first licensure examinations in Qatar, benefiting more than three hundred Filipinos there who need not go home to secure professional certification to become architects and engineers.

Held last December 2 and 3, the first licensure examinations in the Middle Eastern country were conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Examiners at the Philippine International School Qatar.

Examinations in architecture, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering were taken by 321 Filipinos, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, citing a report from the Philippine embassy.

Ninety took exams in civil engineering, 100 in architecture, 27 in mechanical engineering, 56 in registered mechanical engineering, 31 in registered electrical engineering, and 17 in professional electrical engineering.

Exam results are expected to be announced by early 2010, though other professional engineering bodies may announce it even before the year ends, PRC Board of Civil Engineers Chairman Apollo Enriquez said.

Conducting examinations in Qatar is a big help, especially to employed Filipino engineers who may not have time to take their board exams.

They either have to go back to the Philippines or nearby Saudi Arabia to take the exams.

"Even if someone is working as an engineer without license, he feels incomplete as a professional. A license, by passing the board exams, will surely benefit them," Enriquez said.

The PRC has scheduled the exams long before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced the regular conduct of licensure examinations in the Middle East, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Crescente Relacion said.

Arroyo recently issued Executive Order 835, directing the Philippine Labor department through the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) to conduct Special Professional Licensure Board Examinations for qualified overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and other Middle East countries that have diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

The venue for the SPLBE will be identified by the Department of Foreign Affairs through its Consular Offices and Department of Labor and Employment through the PRC.

The designated government agencies will work on the required permits from the host countries, the provision of the venue of examinations, and the travel documents for those who will give the board exams, according to the presidential edict.

She said the expenses for the conduct of the special exams would be charged against the budget of the PRC.

There are more than a million OFWs working in the Middle East, majority of them in oil-rich Saudi Arabia. - with Joseph Holandes Ubalde, RJAB Jr./GMANews.TV

Sorsogon town hailed for being child-friendly

2009-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sorsogon town hailed for being child-friendly
Business Mirror - Philippines
CASIGURAN, Sorsogon—Transformed within the last 10 years from an almost neglected poor town into a booming municipality, this town is eyeing on this year's ...

Sorsogon town hailed for being child-friendly

2009-12-09T03:55:00.001-08:00

PASKO NG ISANG YAGIT...MABUTI PA ANG POSPORO

2009-12-09T03:22:00.001-08:00

Pagod at hapo sa maghapong paglalakad. Pagal at hapo ang aking katawan. Nagkasya na lamang muna sa upuang kahoy na ito, sa tabi ng dagat.. Masarap ang simoy ng hangin. Malamig. Palatandaan na malapit na ang pasko..

Kaygandang pagmasdan ng paglubog ng araw sa Manila Bay. Kaygandang panoorin ng mga ilaw na animo'y nagsasayawan sa saliw ng mga tugtuging pamasko. Iba't ibang kulay. Nakakatuwa. Ito'y isang tanawing umakit sa mga pintor, at umakit na rin marahil sa mga magsing-irog na ginawa nang pugad ng kanilang pag-iibigan ang lugar na ito, o dili kaya'y ng kanilang kasalanan.

Gabi na naman. Saan na naman kaya ako maaring magpalipas ng gabi? Nakakatakot na sa Luneta. At higit din naman ang takot kong matulog sa Roxas Boulevard. Maraming adik. Baka mapagkatuwaan pa ako.

Bawal nang matulog sa mga terminal ng bus. Hindi rin naman puwedeng magpalipas ng gabi sa mga tindahang bukas 24-oras. Dahil sa ayos ko, baka mapagkamalan pa akong shoplifter, makalaboso pa ako.

Naalala ko pa, Sabado ng hapon nun. Halos ganitong panahon din, magpapasko, mga tatlong taon na ang nakakalipas.

"Tapos na ang palugit na ibinigay ko sainyo," ani Mr. Sun. "Ngayon, sa ayaw at sa gusto ninyo, kailangan na ninyong lisanain ang lupang pag-aari ko."

Si Mr. Sun ang may-ari ng lupang kinatitirikan ng mahigit dalawang daang barung-barong na kung tawagin naming ay bahay. Siya ang may-ari ng lupang kinagisnan kong amin.

Ang mga barung-barong ay yari sa pinagtagpi-tagping yero at pinagtibay ng mga sirang goma sa bubong. Subalit, isa itong paraiso sa isang yagit na katulad ko. Maraming pangarap ang nabuo sa lugar na iyon. Isa iyong pugad kung saan nahasa ang mga batang katulad ko na makibaka sa buhay, mangarap, magsikap upang makaahon sa kahirapang aming kinasadlakan.

Ngunit ang lahat ng pangarap ay gumuho noong araw na ipina demolish ang aming munting paraiso.

Nagkagulo. Maraming tumutol. Ngunit, ang nais ng Intsik ay mapasakanya na ang lupa nung araw mismong yun. May nagsabog ng tear gas. Mahapdi sa mata. Halos wala akong Makita. May nanghataw ng dos por dos, ng bakal. Ngunit ang mas masakit; binaril ng mga tauhan ng Intsik ang sinumang tumutol. Umiral ang dahas. Hindi ko nasikmura.

Wala akong nagawa kundi ang umiyak. Tumakbo ako. Mabilis. Tuimakas sa kaguluhang kailan ko lang naintindihan. Subalit nang bumalik ako, wala na ang mga bahay. Marami ang nakita kong bangkay. Sa di kalayuan, nakita kong nakahandusay ang malamig na katawan ng nanay at tatay ko.

Naawa ako sa sarili ko. Nagiisa. Walang masumpungan. Naging palaboy, namumulot nag basura. Namamalimos.

Minsan may kumupkop sa akin. Akala ko, mabait. Sabi pa, tutulungan niya akong makapag-aral, makapagtapos. 'Yun pala, tuturuan niya akong magnakaw, mandukot, maging kawatan. Ayoko.

Naging paraiso na sa akin ang mga tambak ng basurang kapiling ko araw-araw. Sawa na akong umasang may maaawang kukupkop sa akin at bigyan ako ng tahanan. Sawa na rin akong umasang maambunan ng biyaya ng gobyerno. Ayoko na ring isiping may magmamahal sa akin maliban sa mga basurang kasama ko araw-araw. Nakakasawa na ang mangarap na sana, balang araw… aaahhhhhh… sadyang malupit nga sa akin ang tadhana.

Mas mabuti pa ang posporo. Ang mga palito ay nagkakasya sa isang parihabang kanlungan na matatawag na kanila. Iyon ang kanilang bahay, ang kanilang tahanan. Walang maaaring umangkin. Di tulad ko, walang masilungan. Walang mapuntahan. Palaboy.

Pasko na naman. Ilang pasko na ba ang nakalipas? Ilang bagong taon? Ilang pasko at bagong taon pa kaya ang aking gugunitain sa kalsada, nag-iisa?

By: Annabel H. Divina

Japan accepts nurse applications

2009-12-09T02:43:00.001-08:00

Japan accepts nurse applications
Manila Bulletin - Manila,Philippines
POEA and the Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) said ... The POEA said qualified applicants must personally submit the following ...

Saudi Red Crescent places job order for 300 nurses

2009-12-08T23:57:00.001-08:00

Saudi Red Crescent places job order for 300 nurses
Manila Bulletin - Manila,Philippines

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has placed a job order for 300 Filipino male medical workers with the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) disclosed Wednesday.

The DoLE said that the health professionals will be working for a state-owned medical institution that pioneers in emergency response and first aid support in Saudi Arabia. "The SRCA needs 200 nurses and paramedics and 100 physicians,'' said Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque.

"This is a government to government arrangement. Application and inquiries should only be made through the POEA,'' he added.

Roque said that the SRCA has expressed preference for Filipino nurses and physicians "because they are dedicated and competitive in their craft."

As mandated in the job order, the applicants for all positions must be males not more than 50 years old.

For nurses and paramedics position, applicants must have a diploma in BS Nursing and/or certification for paramedic training, license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and high school diploma.

They also must have worked as a member of an emergency support or ambulance team and has mastery of resuscitation techniques and medications.

For physicians, applicants must have specialization in emergency medicine,general surgery, traumatology, anesthesia and intensive care, and should have a license authorized by the PRC, and with at least two-year experience/ training in emergency medicine and intensive care.

Among the documents required are comprehensive and latest resume with job description, photocopy of school credentials, employment certificates (old and latest), photocopy of the first page of passport, and six copies of 2X2 photos taken within 10 days before filing of the application.

The DoLE chief urged applicants to submit the required documents at the POEA office in Ortigas Avenue in Mandaluyong City or register online at www.poea.gov.ph.

Since 2008, the DoLE-POEA was able to deploy a total of 275,933 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom, it was learned

Dubai-based OFWs to lose bonus, not jobs

2009-12-08T04:01:00.001-08:00

First the good news: Filipinos in Dubai are not likely to lose their jobs just yet. Then the bad news: Filipinos in Dubai are not likely to receive a Christmas bonus.

While massive layoffs in Dubai are not imminent, delayed payments and reduced work hours have already been felt by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the debt-hit emirate, the Labor department said.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said most OFWs' wages in Dubai are delayed by one to two months but quelled fears of a repeat of the massive layoffs similar to the onset of the US-led economic crisis last year.

"Some might not get their Christmas bonus," Roque told GMANews.TV during the 76th anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Tuesday. "They won't lose jobs yet, their income would just be lessened."

The so-called Dubai debt crisis took place after a United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment company deferred debt payments for six months. This stalled the ongoing development of Dubai's artificial islands and other construction projects.

Worries arose that Filipinos working in construction would be laid off due to the crisis.

But Roque said that except for architects and engineers, only a small percentage of the 250,000 documented and undocumented Filipinos working in the glittering Arab city are engaged in construction. Most Filipinos in the emirate are in hotels, restaurants, and IT companies.

In case OFWs do lose their jobs in Dubai, Roque assured the government would be able to secure other employment for them in neighboring Gulf countries. [See: DOLE, OWWA to provide aid to Dubai-based OFWs]

"We still have between 60,000 and 70,000 unfilled job vacancies in Qatar alone," Roque said.

But Julius Cainglet of the Federation of Free Workers said the layoffs in Dubai had already begun even in sectors deemed by the DOLE chief as safe for Pinoys.

"My friend who went to Dubai six months ago is already back in the country. He is from the IT sector. Layoffs are already happening," Cainglet told GMANews.TV.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) feared that the job losses may cut OFW remittances by as much as $300 million. Next to Saudi Arabia, where some two million Filipinos work, the UAE is the Philippines' biggest source of remittances in the Middle East.

But the TUCP admitted that remittances are expected to grow by $500 million to $1 billion to an unprecedented $17 billion this year after OFWs are seen to send more cash home to assist their families whose houses have been damaged by typhoons. - RSJ, GMANews.TV

Thousands of OFWs expected to return home for Christmas

2009-12-07T22:14:00.001-08:00

Thousands of OFWs expected to return home for Christmas
Philippine Star - Manila,Philippines
"At the start of the Christmas peak season, the number of OEC applicants doubles the usual of 1000 per day," POEA chief Jennifer Manalili said. ...

PP says ready for impact of Dubai crisis on overseas Filipino workers

2009-12-07T22:13:00.001-08:00

PP says ready for impact of Dubai crisis on overseas Filipino workers
Philippine Star
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque earlier said that the Dubai crisis is not likely to make a "huge dent" on OFW remittances since most of the Filipinos have ...
See all stories on this topic

A Christmas gift for OFWs

2009-12-06T06:35:00.001-08:00

There are no words to describe the heroism and sacrifice of our overseas Filipino workers. Feeling homesick and lonely, they still make sure to send extra money back home, so their families could experience an extra special Christmas celebration even without them.

This selfless practice has resulted in a notable surge in remittances during the last months of the year, particularly in December. Even with the global financial crisis, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said remittances hit $1.4 billion in December alone last year, an increase of 0.8 percent over the same period in 2007.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said that remittances continue to account for around 10 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product and equivalent to 10 times the country's foreign direct investments.

According to Guinigundo, the realization of the Philippine economy's long-term growth potential also depends on how remittances can be harnessed as an important tool for sustainable development.

In an effort to enhance the remittance environment for migrant Filipino workers, BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. last week signed an agreement with the Association of Bank Remittance Officers, Inc.. (ABROI), represented by Carmelita Araneta, Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), represented by Aurelio Montinola III, the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB), represented by Pascual Garcia III, and the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, represented by Joseph Omar Andaya.

The agreement will enable the groups' members to use the Bangko Sentral's Philippine Payments and Settlements System (PhilPass) — a system that enables banks and other non-banks with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs) to settle their payments in real time — for interbank remittance transfers.

According to Deputy Governor Armando L. Suratos Jr., who manages the PhilPass, the use of the PhilPass' technology will not only allow faster and safer transmission of remittances from an OFW to his beneficiaries; it will also significantly reduce the fees they have to pay for the transaction.

Under the present setup, OFWs have to pay anywhere from P100 to P500 when the bank where they deposited their remittance is different from the bank of their beneficiaries back home. This bank would have to hire the services of a courier to deliver the funds to the other bank.

Banks could also use the Electronic Peso Clearing System (EPCS) of the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC), which provides a check clearing system for member banks. However, OFWs have to pay additional back-end processing fees and risk delays in transactions with this method.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said that given these delays and the disturbing incidents of theft and robbery involving a number of couriers tasked to deposit remittances, PhilPass is seen as a safer, faster, and more efficient option for migrant Filipino workers.

With PhilPass, participating banks can charge a significantly lower standard back-end processing fee of only P50 per remittance transaction.

The use of BSP's payment and settlement system will also allow for a feedback interbank mechanism that will ensure the real time transmission of the remittance.

Tetangco said the systems integration of ABROI member banks with the BSP's PhilPass will be completed before the end of the year, and is expected to be operational by late February or March next year.

BSP estimates that remittance transactions average 66 million per year, of which transmissions through "credit to other banks" account for eight percent or an average of 5,000 transactions daily.

Tetangco said this will result in savings of at least P75 million in annual remittance fees for migrant Filipinos — a very significant "consuelo" and Christmas gift for our modern-day heroes.

* * *

Last Thursday, BSPers witnessed the annual traditional lighting ceremony at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Against the backdrop of the recent global financial turmoil, the BSP's yearly tradition means a lot.

I look at the BSP's Christmas lights as a symbol of hope to the Filipino people, especially during this special time of the year when optimism should abound. That despite the darkness brought about by the global crisis, the Philippine economy stays strong and resilient, and that there is indeed reason to hope amid the many challenges we face as a people.

Congratulations to BSP Managing Director Manuel Torres and his staff who put together the impressive displays that adorn the facades of the BSP fronting Roxas Boulevard and Mabini Street, as well as the BSP lobby. Ninety percent of the materials used were recycled from glass diffusers!

Note: You may e-mail us at totingbunye2000@gmail.com.

A Christmas gift for ofws
By : Manila Bulletin

DoLE reinforces safety measures for seamen

2009-12-06T03:51:00.001-08:00

DoLE reinforces safety measures for seamen

By SHIANEE MAMANGLU

- December 6, 2009, 3:05pm

With piracy looming anew off the coast of Somalia, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has reinforced safety precautions governing Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) board resolution No. 5 providing for protection to Filipino seafarers on board vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque said that labor officials have recently met with the International Maritime Employers' Committee Ltd. (IMEC) based in London to step up efforts to protect ship owners and seaman manning vessels plying the pirate-infested waters.

"Ang challenge sa amin dito is that yung concentration is no longer in the Gulf of Aden. Nandon na rin sila sa ibang areas in the ocean in African mainland,'' Roque said.

"We are bracing for more attacks because according to them pirates are operating when the seas are calmer,'' he added. The Gulf of Aden is an area known for acts of piracy, making its waters dangerous for water transport.

In 2007, the International Maritime Bureau reported over two dozen actual and attempted attacks in the gulf off the coast of Somalia.

Last November 30, Somali pirates held 16 Filipino hostages and more than 200 other nationals. The seafarers were reportedly aboard the Greek-owned Maran Centaurus, a tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States.

In 2006, at least 20 Filipinos were seized in one incident and 10 in two attacks in 2007, news reports said.

Recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the release by the pirates of a Filipino crew member who was on board the New Zealand-flagged MV Charelle.

Saudi hospital needs 300 male OFWs—labor chief

2009-12-05T17:27:00.001-08:00

Saudi hospital needs 300 male OFWs—labor chief
Inquirer.net - Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—A government-owned hospital in Saudi Arabia is now recruiting 300 Filipino male medical workers, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said Sunday.

In a statement, he said the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) had placed a job order for 300 medical workers with the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA).

He said that the SRCA needs 200 nurses and paramedics and 100 physicians.

Reminding applicants that this is a government-to-government arrangement, Roque reminded applicants that applications and inquiries should only be made through the POEA.

"The SRCA prefers Filipino nurses and physicians because they are dedicated and competitive in their craft," said Roque noting that the hospital, as a pioneer institution, gives emergency response and first-aid support in Saudi Arabia.

Roque also reported that the POEA deployed 275,933 OFWs in Saudi Arabia in 2008.

Qualified to apply for nurses and paramedics positions are male applicants not more than 50 years old. They must have diploma in BS Nursing and/or certification for paramedic training, license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and high school diploma. Applicants must have worked as a member of an emergency support or ambulance team and has mastery of resuscitation techniques and medications.

For physicians, applicants must have specialization in emergency medicine, general surgery, traumatology, anesthesia, and intensive care. They must be males not more than 50 years old, must have license authorized by the PRC, and must have at least two-year experience/ training in emergency medicine and intensive care.

Among the documents required are comprehensive and latest resume with job description, photocopy of school credentials, employment certificates (old and latest), photocopy of the first page of passport, and six copies of 2X2 photos taken within 10 days before filing of the application.

Complete requirements must be submitted at the Window 1, Manpower Registry Division, ground floor, Blas F. Ople Building (formerly POEA Building), in Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Applicants may also register online at the the POEA website.

DOLE braces for effect of Dubai crisis

2009-12-05T17:25:00.001-08:00

DOLE braces for effect of Dubai crisis
Philippine Star
Cayanong said that they are now preparing for OFW returnees or those that would be coming back to the country after losing their jobs in another country. ...
See all stories on this topic

Dubai adds to the Philippines' woes

2009-12-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Dubai adds to the Philippines' woes
Asia Times Online
Migrante, a non-government organization, reports that OFW salary payments in the UAE now face delays, while some OFWs have agreed to take pay cuts rather ...
See all stories on this topic

OFWs propose reprimand

2009-12-05T05:12:00.001-08:00

OFWs propose reprimand
Manila Bulletin - Manila,Philippines

An alliance of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Saturday proposed a reprimand for unscrupulous recruitment agencies compelling OFWs for new passports even if they are still not expired.

Migrante said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should look into the increasing number of complaints on devious agencies to stop harassment of OFWs in the Middle East and in the Philippines.

"We are calling on POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili to reprimand or even suspend agencies requiring OFWs and would-be OFWs to renew their un-expired passport, which is in gross violation of the green-passport-validity policy of the DFA,'' said John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante Middle East. (Shianee Mamanglu)

Life Story of A Champion Manny Pacquiao

2009-12-04T08:35:00.001-08:00

The Life Story of a Champion....
(A funny tribute to Manny Pacquiao)
.
.
.

Manny Pacquiao was born
in General Santos City.

.
.
At an early age,
Manny is already showing
signs of athleticism.

.
.
Manny came from a poor family.
So most of the time, he's on the street begging.

.
.
Because of his determination,
Manny was able to finish Elementary.

.
.
Unfortunately because of poverty,
he's not lucky enough to finish High School.

.
.
At the age of 15,
he already showed his inclination
on different sports like....

Sumo Wrestling

and Basketball

.
..
However, sad to say Manny
failed on those sports...

That's why Manny became very depressed.

So depressed...

.
.
Until Freddie Roach came to the rescue

.
.
and the rest is history....

.
At present, Manny holds the distinction of being
a seven time world champion in 7 different weight division.

Because of his popularity in the boxing world....
Manny became an International Celebrity.

He already made international
and local films like....

"Super Pac-Man"

.
"Dragon Ball Z"

.
"Saving Sergeant Pacquiao"

.
"Star Wars"

.
"Lord of the Rings"

.
and "Twilight"

.
Because of the success of Twilight
a local sequel was produced and
it was entitled....

"Toilet"

.
Other Local Films made by Manny are....

"Machete"

.
"Tora-Tora Bang-Bang"

.
and the top grossing "Tao ba Ako Inay?"

.
He also made top rating Teleserye like....

"Marimar"

.
"Dyesebel"

.
and "Meteor Rain"

.
Because of Manny's popularity,
his mother Aling Dionisia also
became an instant celebrity.

Just like Manny, Aling Dionisia
also made top rating Teleserye like...

"Rusaleynda"

.
and "Katursi"

.
Manny was not really happy about the
idea of his mother joining showbiz,
because in short span of time
Aling Dionisia got involved
in various sex scandals like....

Careless Whisper Scandal

.
and Web Cam Scandal

.
Despite the intrigues,
Manny is continuously receiving
medals and awards because of the
honor he has given to our country.

.
For all of us.....he's a Hero!!!

.
Actually, there's a proposal in Congress
to print Manny Pacquiao's face
in the Five Peso Bill.

.
We can never tell....in the near future
because of Fame and Fortune,
Manny Pacquiao could become
the next Philippine President.

.
WOW! what a Cinderella story......
hahahaha.... it was so touching!

Definitely we are not laughing at Manny Pacquiao,
neither we are laughing at Mommy Dionisia.
We are laughing at the pictures depicting both of them.

Who will laugh at Manny Pacquiao....

Our world stops every time he's on the ring,
the crime rate goes down and you can feel the
unity among Filipinos.

He's an inspiration to all of us.

He's the best pound for pound boxer in world
right now and nobody can dispute that.

Just recently he gave another honor to our country
by becoming the cover of Time Magazine.

.
In November 14, Manny Pacquiao set
a new world record as the 1st boxer
to become a "Seven time Champion of the World"
in as many different weight divisions.

What a Feat!!!........

GO! GO! GO! IDOL....

Please Share...

Stay Happy Friends.....

Sorsogon town eyes 2009 Most Friendly Municipality title | balita.ph

2009-12-04T02:33:00.001-08:00

Sorsogon town eyes 2009 Most Friendly Municipality title | balita.ph
December 4, 2009 12:23 pm
By Danny O. Calleja

CASIGURAN, Sorsogon, Dec. 4 — Transformed within the last 10 years from an almost neglected poor town into a booming municipality that surpassed the others for its impressive showing in local development is eyeing this year's Presidential Award for Most Child Friendly Municipality.

"Our development strategy focused mainly on the welfare of children and the communities they live provided for a package of services that earned us the distinction of being among the fastest growing municipality in Bicol," town mayor Ester Hamor here told the PNA over the week.

Started in 1998 and vigorously pursued by her civil engineer-husband Edwin "Boboy" Hamor during his nine year of stint as the local chief executive, the lady mayor who replaced him as he "graduated" in 2007 said the package contained the efficient delivery of all basic services that a local government unit (LGU) is mandated to perform.

It included health, potable water supply, basic education, infrastructure, agricultural productivity, livelihood, peace and order and good governance, among others, she said.

"All these fall under the umbrella program called 'Oo Para sa Kaakian (Yes to Children)' that is geared toward the promotion of children's welfare and the protection of their rights which has always been on top priorities of the municipal government," she said.

On health, Mrs. Hamor said, the town's programs are primarily attended to through the LGU's health unit, the first Rural Health Unit (RHU) facility in the entire region declared as "Sentrong Sigla" Phase 2 facility which provides a complete benefit package from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

It was provided with a maximum health services especially for children and is now being sustained and maintained.

"We also make keeping our environment healthy for children a commitment and Casiguran's being cited as cleanest and greenest town in Bicol for nine consecutive years starting 1998 would attest to that," she said.

Furthermore, the municipality also operates a birthing home at the RHU that runs on a 24-hour basis. To ensure the sustainability of this program, it had the facility accredited to the Maternal Care Package program of PhilHealth. "Through this accreditation, we are subsidizing the expenses of childbirth," the mayor said.

This initiative gave the municipality a 93 percent facility-based childbirth in 2007–birthing home and hospital referred cases combined. "To top it all, we had a zero maternal mortality rate, a unique feat for a municipality belonging to a province which is known for having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the entire Philippines," she said.

The Birthing Home is also an accredited Newborn Screening Facility, the only public health facility in the entire province offering this service as of 2007.

"Thus, we do not only ensure that these babies will be born but we also ensure that they survive their first few months of existence by promptly detecting diseases that may be fatal to them through the newborn screening procedure," she added.

On education, Dr. Eduardo Ambrosio, the Department of Education's (DepEd) schools district supervisor, said the municipal administration starting from former mayor Hamor and pursued by his wife, the incumbent mayor leaves Casiguran parents no reason not to send their children to school.

"Everything– from school supplies, uniforms, slippers, matriculation and other school fees and even transportation to and from schools are provided. Snacks are also served during periodical examination days," Ambrosio said.

This undertaking benefits all the about 8,000 pupils in the municipality, and the DepEd municipal head said, the only thing the town's administration is asking from the children is study harder and for the parents to make it sure that the kids are in school during school days.

On potable water system, the former mayor ended the problem that lingered since time immemorial by tapping a huge natural spring at the upland section of the municipality four years ago and let the water flowing into every barangay down to most households at the urban center.

On agricultural productivity, the municipal government under Engr. Hamor was able to complete an irrigation program that covered the entire 8,000-hectare rice land in the municipality during his term.

Most of the irrigation system put in place was done through "bayanihan" initiatives that involved the farmers in the construction of required structures. The town government provided the materials and food-for-work while the then mayor personally supervised the works.

On infrastructure, the municipal government linked all its 25 barangays with concrete roads during the former mayor's nine-year term, built a modern public market that is well-kept to maintain cleanliness, a presentable municipal building, typhoon-proof school buildings and day care, health and recreational centers, among others.

Most of these undertakings were completed through the initiative of this fourth class municipality notwithstanding the meager internal revenue allotment (IRA) it receives from the national government, the lady mayor stressed.

"We make use of our resourcefulness and the cooperation of the barangay folks in achieving all these that are aimed at making our communities ideal for our children and the family they belong," she said in the town's entry to the 2009 Presidential search for most children friendly municipality in the country sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently.

"And most of all, we owe these achievements to a corruption-free municipal administration," she added. (PNA)

Globe Telecom cuts SMS, call rates for OFW families

2009-12-04T02:24:00.001-08:00

Globe Telecom cuts SMS, call rates for OFW families
ABS CBN News

MANILA - Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has slashed its call and text messaging rates to major foreign destinations in an effort to keep Filipinos connected to their loved ones overseas.

Overseas call rates have been reduced to as low as P2.50 per minute in selected countries, the Philippines' second-largest telecommunications firm said in a statement released Friday. International calls usually cost $0.40 or roughly P20 per minute.

Both prepaid and postpaid subscribers of Globe and Touch Mobile can avail of this promo by using the tipIDD card, which offers the following rates:

P2.50 per minute: United States, Hong Kong, and Canada
P5 per minute: Singapore, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan
P8 per minute: Australia, Thailand, Italy, United Kingdom, and Japan
P10 per minute: Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates

Globe Telecom said its subscribers can also buy prepaid credit for international direct dialling (IDD) services in sari-sari stores, groceries, and other load outlets through its IDD Suki promo. The company offers 2 packages, depending on the country where one wishes to call:

P20 for a 5-minute call: United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan
P30 for a 3-minute call: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait

"Versus other IDD products in the market, IDD Suki is the simplest way to make international calls since it allows customers to make direct calls without the need to dial prefixes, prepaid call card numbers or personal identification numbers," said Alan Supnet, Globe Telecom Head for Overseas Filipino Communities.

For those who do not need to stay long on the phone, Globe Telecom said users can avail of the IDD Sakto Calls promo, which charges voice calls on a per-second basis, by using the 12800 prefix:

P0.15 per second: Australia, Canada, China, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Equatorial Guinea
P0.30 per second: all other international destinations

Aside from lower call rates, Globe Telecom said it has brought down its international short message service (ISMS) rates to P5 per text message. The company said there is no need to register, use access codes, or use special cards to avail of the discounted rate.

ISMS rates for Globe postpaid users are usually at P10 per text message, while Globe and TM prepaid users are usually charged P15 for every text message sent to other countries.

A Leap of Faith for the ReVOTElution

2009-12-03T19:24:00.001-08:00

OFW Files Consulate-notarized Certificate of Candidacy for Sorsogon Governor by Mail

URL:http://www.mabuhayradio.com/sections/politics/4872-ofw-files-consulate-notarized-certificate-of-candidacy-for-sorsogon-governor-by-mail-.html

Dear Fellow Rizalists, Knights and Ladies of Rizal and Friends:

My supporters and I decided to do something concrete about the sad state in our homeland. Almost all Overseas Filipinos decry the massive corruption and other social cancers in the Philippines but actually very few of us do nothing, aside from helping our own kin and some close friends. We decided to concentrate on changing just one poor small province and offer the Sorsoganon voters an opportunity to take a leap of faith on the capability, energy and resources of the Overseas-Filipino communities as their partners for progress.

I wrote an essay in 2003, which has been reprinted in the www.mabuhayradio.com and I said: "Obviously, the first step is to regain the dignity of the Filipino because one cannot reinvent one's psyche if he feels ashamed of the home country and has no faith in her people and its leaders. Remember the adage that says, 'He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses much more; but he who loses faith, loses all'." ***

Yes, the Overseas Filipinos, especially my fellow Overseas-Filipino workers, must start to rekindle that faith on the God-given capability of our people to overcome adversity, combat the social cancers and protect the environment.

We will also begin in Sorsogon Province the "Dapitanization" of Philippine towns, as will be emulated from the examples done by Dr. Jose P. Rizal during his exile in Dapitan.

Please join us in doing a peaceful revolution through the exercise of suffrage in Sorsogon. We call this the "ReVOTElution." To know more about it, please go to the www.revotelution.com where you can send also financial assistance to our social experiment via the Paypal.

Per the opinion of our legal advisers, all contributions shall be considered as loans to the undersigned candidate, Lolo Bobby M. Reyes. After we get a definite ruling from the Philippine Commission on Elections, then we will advise further the contributors their options on repayment methods and/or conversion of their assistance to valid contributions for worthy causes.

Please stay tuned, as we will run descriptions of the particular projects that we will implement in the Province of Sorsogon as part of the ReVOTElution's socioeconomic platform and program of provincial government. All of these postings will be part of a book series called "ReVOTElution of Hope," which will document for the next 11 years the results of this great social experiment for the Philippines, beginning in the Province of Sorsogon. The ReVOTElution can end up being the greatest story ever told in the history of Philippine suffrage and socioeconomic development.

Salamatonon, as we say "Thank you very much" in Sorsogonon dialect, for your cooperation, moral and financial support and for your prayers for the ReVOTElution,

Mabuhay,

Lolo Bobby M. Reyes
Prime Mover of the ReVOTElution in Sorsogon

Showcase ng kulturang Pinoy sa Bahrain

2009-12-03T11:19:00.001-08:00

Ibibida ang kulturang Pinoy bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng ika-30 anibersaryo ng Filipino Club sa Bahrain ngayon (Disyembre 4).

Magsisimula ang pagdiriwang dakong alas-tres ng hapon hanggang alas-otso ng gabi sa Andalus Garden, Manama.

Itatampok sa okasyon ang iba't ibang regional festivals ng Pilipinas at ibibida rin ang sining, pagkain at mga musikang pagtatanghal ng mga Pinoy.

Mamimigay din sa raffle ng bagong Mazda 3 at iba't ibang electronic items bilang papremyo.

Ayon sa Filipino Club president na si Willy Carpio, ang okasyon ay may temang 'Building Community, Celebrating Diversity, Forging Solidarity.'

"The project is a seven-year undertaking that envisions building a clubhouse for the Filipino community. It will provide facilities for sports, social, educational and recreational activities for Filipinos, Bahrainis and other expat communities," pahayag ni Carpio.

By: Aries Cano

OFW remittances seen to hit single-digit expansion in 2010–Neda

2009-12-03T09:24:00.001-08:00

OFW remittances seen to hit single-digit expansion in 2010–Neda
Business Mirror
Neda Acting Director General Augusto Santos said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai will not be significantly affected and, even if they are affected ...
See all stories on this topic

1,205 OFWs in Mideast take special licensure exam

2009-12-03T09:19:00.001-08:00

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A total of 1,205 Filipino workers in the Middle East have taken part in the first special licensure examinations given by the Philippine government on a bigger scale for engineers, architects, accountants and master electricians.

Two teams of examiners from the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administered the exams simultaneously in Jeddah and Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia last Nov. 27 to 29, said Romulo Bani, chairman of the Western Region chapter of the Philippine Professional
Organization (PPO).

Of 135 examinees in Jeddah, 22 took the test for mechanical engineers, 33 for civil engineers, 20 for electrical engineers, 32 for architects, 15 for accountants, and 13 for master electricians, Bani said.

He said 270 OFWs participated in the Alkhobar exams, but no details were available.

From Saudi Arabia, the examiners proceeded to Doha in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where a total of 800 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) took the test scheduled on Dec. 2 to 4.

Bani said around 350 OFWs in Qatar and 450 more in the UAE took the test.

Exams have been held intermittenly for overseas Filipinos, starting in 1995 when then President Fidel V. Ramos directed the PRC to gave licensure exams for hundreds of teachers working as maids in Hong Kong.

This year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the PRC to make it a regular program in countries with big OFW populations.

Of an estimated 6.5 million Filipinos contractual workers abroad, thousands are degree holders who have not had the chance to take the licensure examinations in the Philippines in their rush to seek employment overseas.

During the registration period at the Sofitel Hotel on Palestine Road in Jeddah last week, PRC officials explained that the special examinations would be given yearly provided that the minimum number of examinees would be met.

The examiners were headed by PRC lawyer Diosdado Anselmo Q. Lalusis. Its members include Apollo S. Enriquez from the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers; Angeline Chua Chiaco from the Board of Examiners for Architects; and PRC special collecting and disbursing officer Mirriam S. Dela Cruz.

Anselmo said the PPO chapter in the Western Region is planning to include teachers and unlicensed nursing in future exams.

Bani's group comprises the Western Region chapters of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) headed by Julius Caringal, the Institute of Overseas Filipino Architects (IOFA) headed by Jose Genonangan Jr., the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) headed by Elizer Repollo, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) headed by Joey Villanueva, and the Association of Filipino Civil Engineers (AFCE -KSA).

Genongan said President Arroyo's order was crucial because the PRC's expenses for the exams are now included in its yearly budget. In the past, the professional organizations have to solicit financial assistance from the Philippine Congress to cover the expenses.

The exams are conducted in cooperation with the Philippine embassies and consulates. - KBK, GMANews.TV

| | More

BULAN COMELEC BARES LIST OF LOCAL CANDIDATES FOR MAY 2010

2009-12-03T02:29:00.001-08:00

BULAN COMELEC BARES LIST OF LOCAL CANDIDATES FOR MAY 2010 ...
By bulanblog
Board Member Rosario Diaz (of Sorsogon City), Kampi Party. 3. Former Vice Gov. Antonio Escudero (of Casiguran), Nationalist People's Coalition. 4. Former Mayor Nida Gamos (of Sta. Magdalena) ...
Bulan Forum - http://bulanblog.wordpress.com/

POEA issues advisory on travel exit clearances

2009-12-02T19:58:00.001-08:00

Expecting the surge of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) this Christmas, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued an advisory to prevent congestion in its Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division for those applying for travel exit clearances or OECs.

From the usual 1,000 applicants per day, the number usually doubles during the Christmas peak season, the POEA said, resulting to problems of congestion and security at the POEA headquarters in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

"Complicating this situation is the number of OFW applicants who have immediate flights," POEA said.

Thus, the agency advised returning OFWs to observe the following procedures in order to pace, declog, or deload the processing of OECs:

1. OFWs who have just arrived are encouraged to apply for their OECs early either at the POEA Main Office or at the nearest POEA Regional Offices and Extension Units, or avail themselves of the OEC delivery service to avoid last minute problems prior to their return flights.

2. Departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season are encouraged to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to returning to the Philippines. Or, apply for OECs at the POEA Main or Regional Offices early prior to their return flights to their host countries.

3. Regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Labor Assistance Center (LAC) except for weekends or emergency exit within five days from entry. OFWs must apply for their OECs with the POEA Main or Regional Offices prior to their return flights.

4. OFWs who have not yet registered with the POEA are advised to bring their contract and or certificate of employment, and other proofs of employment in order to be documented and be issued an OEC.

By: JC Bello Ruiz-Tempo

OFWs to save up to P922 million from lower fees

2009-12-02T18:50:00.001-08:00

OFWs to save up to P922 million from lower fees
Philippine Star
BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. told participants of the signing ceremonies yesterday that families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be able to ...
See all stories on this topic

SSC sets 4-year policy directions

2009-12-02T18:23:00.001-08:00

Sorsogon City (2 December) -- Looking forward for the next four years as Sorsogon State College (SSC) president, Dr. Antonio E. Fuentes has laid down the directional policies he will pursue in his term commencing Tuesday (November 24) this year.

Fuentes averred that his proposed policies will feature among others the strengthening of faculty development guidelines for fellowship and faculty exchange program, search for outstanding faculty and employee of the year award system, acquisition of at least 10 hectares additional site for the Sorsogon campus, design of incentive package for faculty extensionists, and simplification of procurement process.

"My administration also looks forward to seeing the revision of Omnibus Rules in Rentals and of the SSC Code," he said.

Still according to Fuentes, he will also further stress quality and specialization as he takes into account the recent years' exponential growth in the number of scholars and research incentives in school.

"The growing number of board passers realized during his term is seen as an indication of the high morale by both students and teachers," he added.

These new policy directions were proposed side by side with the directives by the SSC president to the school officials as per Memorandum No. 49, series of 2009 to submit monthly accomplishment updates and all fund balances in order to keep track of and get a holistic view of the school's trajectory.

The President has also expressed his vision of further incentivizing student winners in contests through a package. This is in recognition of the significant students' contribution to the institution as shown during accreditation and in the past years. (SSC/PIA Sorsogon)

Govermnment pours P2.3T for Bicol’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino

2009-12-02T06:17:00.001-08:00

LEGAZPI CITY—The government will be pouring in P2.3 trillion in fresh funds to finance the administration's antipoverty flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Bicol, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here said over the weekend.

The fund will intensify the implementation of the 4Ps that would cover 331,000 households in 52 municipalities and four cities in the region within a span of five years ending 2015, said Mean Villagomez, the DSWD regional program specialist.

The program is a poverty-reduction and social-development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-14.

The cash grants are assistance to alleviate poverty by providing the immediate need of the poor and to break the intergenerational poverty cycle through investments in human capital, Villagomez said.

The program is also an attempt to fulfill the country's commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, which include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, and improving maternal health, she said.

Villagomez said a household-beneficiary with three children, 0-14 years of age can receive a maximum of P1,400 a month or P15,000 annually as long as they comply with the conditions on health and education.

The conditions require pregnant women to avail themselves of pre- and postnatal care and childbirth attended by skilled attendant, attendance in responsible-parenthood sessions and submission of 0-5 year-old children to regular preventive checkups and vaccines.

The other conditions are the attendance of 3-5 years old children to day care or preschool classes at least 85 percent of the time, enrollment in elementary or secondary school of 6-16 years old children devoting 85 percent of the time to classes, and submission of 0-5 years old children to de-worming twice a year.

In Bicol, the 4Ps will be implemented in Albay with 180,000 household-beneficiaries covering the towns of Polangui, Daraga, Libon, Jovellar, Pioduran, Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay, Malinao, including the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao.

In Masbate, it will cover 50,000 beneficiaries in the towns of Esperanza, San Pascual, Kawayan, Placer, Claveria, Balud, Monreal, Uson, Mandaon, Aroroy, Milagros, Cataingan, Dimasalang, Mobo and Palanas.

Camarines Sur will have 13 towns and one city under the program, namely, Pasacao, Siruma, Tinambak, Caramoan, Ragay, Del Gallego, Sangay, Presentacion, Minalabac, Libmanan, Lupi, Bula, Pamplona, San Jose and Naga City with some 20,000 household-beneficiaries.

In Camarines Norte, five towns such as Capalongga, Paracale, Sta. Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz and Mercedez, with 15,000 families are included.

For Sorsogon, the towns of Donsol, Castilla, Matnog and Pilar with 10,000 families benefitting are covered, while the island-province of Catanduanes would have the municipalities of Caramoran, Pandan and Bagamanoc under the program, Villagomez said.

Written by Danny O. Calleja / Correspondent
Wednesday, 02 December 2009 20:41

POEA issues Christmas season advisory to prevent congestion

2009-12-02T01:09:00.001-08:00

POEA issues Christmas season advisory to prevent congestion
Manila Bulletin - Manila,Philippines
From the usual 1000 applicants per day, the number usually doubles during the Christmas peak season, the POEA said, resulting to problems of congestion and ...

Dubai debt no effect on OFW remittances—labor chief

2009-12-02T01:08:00.001-08:00

Dubai debt no effect on OFW remittances—labor chief
Inquirer.net
... Qatar at the start of the financial crisis late last year," he said. An estimated 320000 and 500000 OFWs live and work in UAE, half of which are in Dubai.
See all stories on this topic

Short Supply of Nuts Threatens Pili Exports

2009-12-02T00:19:00.000-08:00

NAGA CITY – A scarcity of pili nuts threatens a rapidly growing export industry.

"The scant supply is due to the decreasing number of pili trees," said Lydia Lomibao who, together with her husband Joseph, turned a backyard business with an initial capital of P500 in 1997 into a P10 million business today.

The Lomibaos own and manage J. Emmanuel Pastries and source their nuts from the 105-hectare Hacienda de Naga. But they are worried enough to plant seven hectares of their own land to pili trees.

"Raw material supply is dwindling because farmers have little knowledge of the value and potential of pili-based products," she told Malaya Business Insight. "I am confident, however, that we can still manage the volume of raw materials for our present needs, which is about 120 kilos of raw nuts a day."

Lomibao said there are only two companies, one being J. Emmanuel Pastries, currently exporting pili products. J. Emmanuel Pastries sells its products to the United States, Japan, China, Canada and Guam.

Its product line includes roasted pili nut and pili coated with honey or garlic. Aggressive marketing in malls has expanded its three outlets to 30 in Southern Luzon, Cebu and Metro Manila, boosting sales by 30 percent and accounting for half of gross sales. Sales in airport and hotel outlets account for 10 percent.

"It took us one year before getting our first order in 2008 from the US, only to suffer during the recession there. Orders stopped last September and were renewed only this March," she said.

"Pili has been there all the time, but it's only now that we are seeing substantial exports," said Lomibao. "When we started we had zero technology, until we turned to the SET-UP program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to upgrade our equipment and bring our processes up to standard."

SET-UP stands for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program that encourages and assists small and medium enterprises to adopt technology innovations and improve their operations and boost productivity and competitiveness.

The program enables small firms to address technical problems through technology transfer and interventions and improve productivity through better product quality, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management.

Six priority areas are covered by SET-UP: food processing; furniture; gifts, decors and handicrafts; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture (cut flowers, fruits and high-value crops); and metals and engineering.

"They availed of P310,000 in SET-UP loans for processing and packaging equipment, with free training on good manufacturing practices, including cleaner production technology," said engineer Ernesto Reyes Jr., a senior science specialist at the DOST Camarines Sur office.

The "clean" technology was the gasifier combuster designed by the DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute. The combuster, instead of using rice hull it was designed for, burns and converts pili shells and stela (skin) into an LPG-like gas which heats the oven used to cook pili pastries.

"Because of the combuster, they have zero waste in processing," Reyes said, adding that the loan availed in 2004 was fully paid by 2007.

The pili tree is abundant and wild in southern Luzon, particularly in Bicol, and in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. A 300 hectare farm in Negros Occidental, for example, is planted to 60,000 pili trees.

The trees, which are difficult to propagate, are collected from natural stands. They are harvested in Albay (3,750 hectares), Camarines Norte (150 hectares), Camarines Sur (600 hectares), Catanduanes (150 hectares) and Sorsogon (350 hectares).

While pili is indigenous to Southeast Asia, the Philippines has a monopoly in the world market because it is the only one which processes the nut commercially. In other countries, the tree is an ornamental.

This year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) budgeted P150 million for marketing, research and development and the replanting of seven pili varieties in Bicol, which accounts for 80 percent of national production. A Pili Research and Training Center is based in Guinobatan, Albay.

The DA expects the number pili trees to increase three-fold when over 600,000 seedlings distributed since 2000 for the establishment of pili orchards bear fruit. Areas planted for pili rose 29.3 percent to 7,046.5 hectares in July 2006 from 5,449 hectares in July 2000.

Pili provides income to some 13,435 farmers who own at least 10 trees as well as laborers hired as harvesters. The nut does not require costly storage treatment and, when properly dried, can be stored for one year under ordinary room conditions.

By Paul M. Icamina
Source: Business Insight, Malaya - 01 December 2009

89 OFWs in Saudi awaiting repatriation

2009-12-02T00:12:00.001-08:00

89 OFWs in Saudi awaiting repatriation
Inquirer.net - Philippines
... Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employees Administration (POEA) to suspend Annasban Co. from recruiting Filipinos.

Dubai OFWs fear job losses, pay cut

2009-12-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

Dubai OFWs fear job losses, pay cut
Inquirer.net
OFWs have no option but to agree to lower salaries rather than be sent home with no job at all," according to the OFW group Migrante-UAE. ...
See all stories on this topic

GIVING MIGRANT WORKERS A VOICE

2009-12-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

Giving migrant workers a voice
Inquirer.net
Some were also quite concerned about the plight of some 35 other ofws still in the embassy who were also in need of financial assistance so they could come ...
See all stories on this topic

Bicol CSOs hold participatory planning workshop

2009-12-01T16:03:00.001-08:00

Bicol CSOs hold participatory planning workshop
Philippine Information Agency
by BA Recebido Sorsogon City (1 December) -- 40 leaders and representatives from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) here took part in the Participatory ...
See all stories on this topic

Media relations seminar held for BFP Sorsogon City

2009-12-01T04:54:00.001-08:00

Media relations seminar held for BFP Sorsogon City
Philippine Information Agency - Philippines
by L Funtanares Sorsogon City (1 December) -- Some 35 uniformed personnel of ... the central station and sub-stations in Bacon District and barangay Abuyog, ...

Dubai debt crisis worries ofws

2009-11-30T23:35:00.001-08:00

Dubai debt crisis worries ofws
ABS CBN News
MANILA – The financial crisis in Dubai is a cause for alarm for hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers (ofws) based there, an alliance of ...
See all stories on this topic

Dubai debt crisis: Should Filipinos worry?

2009-11-30T16:59:00.001-08:00

Dubai debt crisis: Should Filipinos worry?
ABS CBN News
Dubai is host to between 200000 and 250000 Filipinos, a fraction of almost 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Dubai has been highly dependent on ...
See all stories on this topic

Dubai crisis threatens OFW market

2009-11-30T08:31:00.001-08:00

Dubai crisis threatens OFW market
Inquirer.net
By Doris Dumlao MANILA, Philippines - A brewing debt crisis in Dubai has raised a specter of gloom on the Philippines, where many households have been ...
See all stories on this topic

CAFGUs Get Stern Warning to not Involve with Politicians

2009-11-29T17:25:00.001-08:00

CAFGUs Get Stern Warning to not Involve with Politicians
Vox Bikol
In past election history in Masbate and even Sorsogon and Catanduanes provinces, CAFGUs were reportedly used by politicians as "body guards. ...
See all stories on this topic

BSP RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO HELP MIGRANT FILIPINO WORKERS

2009-11-29T03:26:00.001-08:00

They have been called everything from the country's "contemporary heroes" to the "new middle class"—a clear testimony of how Filipino migrant workers have become a modern Philippine phenomenon.

Filipinos working offshore have proven time and again that they are indeed an economic force to reckon with. Only last year, amid the global financial turmoil, remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers amounted to $16.4 billion, an impressive figure which helped buoy the country's economy.

However, ask any OFW about his long-term plans and chances are these always include returning to the Philippines to retire and be reunited with his family. Coupled with the uncertainty of living in a foreign land, especially with such unsettling events like the global financial crisis, more and more OFWs are seriously pondering their future.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has recognized the need to help migrant Filipino workers plan prudently for their future and that of their families back home.

The BSP's Financial Learning Campaign (FLC) was created in 2005 to cultivate financial education and promote savings and investments among OFWs and their beneficiaries.

Its establishment has been spurred by a 2004 Asian Development Bank Study which concluded that Filipinos working in other countries have huge potential for savings mobilization.

Furthermore, BSP Consumer Expectations Surveys from 2004 to 2008 showed that apart from expenditures on food, clothing, and housing, remittances were also used for education, medical care, purchase of real estate, and savings.

The Financial Learning Campaign was first launched in Cebu City on February 28, 2006. Since then, a total of 37 FLCs have been conducted in 25 cities and provinces in the Philippines.

Local FLCs target OFWs who are either waiting to be rehired or are on vacation in the Philippines. Beneficiaries of migrant Filipino workers, mostly parents and spouses, also benefit from the campaign.

Last year, the BSP began conducting international roadshows in various countries. More than a thousand Filipino workers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the United Kingdom have since participated in the BSP's financial education program.

One of the most basic lessons stressed during the FLCs is a financial paradigm shift: Instead of saving whatever is left of his income after all the expenditures have been made, an OFW is encouraged to spend what is left of his income after allocating a portion of his earnings to savings and investments.

The FLC team briefs the OFWs and their families on various investment outlets and savings instruments available in the market. Such outlets and instruments include savings deposits, time deposits, life and non-life insurance, government securities such as treasury bills, corporate bonds, and real estate.

OFWs are likewise given ideas on possible businesses they could venture into, such as franchises and agri-business.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and CEO of the Ayala Corporation, was right in saying that at the end of the day, the option to stay or leave the country is a personal choice.

Equipping migrant Filipino workers with the proper knowledge empowers them to make the right choice about their future. By having control over their finances, Filipinos can leave the country because they choose to, and not because they need to.

By ATTY. IGNACIO BUNYE

November 29, 2009, 5:25pm

RP eyes OFW protection in Israel with honorary consul

2009-11-26T21:09:00.001-08:00

The Philippine government expects to ensure more protection for overseas Filipino workers in Israel following the appointment of a prominent lawyer as new honorary consul general there.

Boaz Waksman was sworn in to office as the Philippine Honorary Consul in Ashdod with consular jurisdiction over Southern Israel last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

"Mr. Waksman, a prominent and practicing lawyer, is engaged in the tourism industry for the past 30 years. He owns and operates Ophir Tours Limited, one of Israel's leading tourism companies with at least 24 branches in all of Israel," the DFA said.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, the DFA said Waksman's assumption of office took place after the Israeli Foreign Ministry gave its consent to his appointment.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Petronila Garcia presented the Consular Commission signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and issued to Waksman.

Yitzhak Eldan, Chief of Protoocl of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, handed the execuatur signed by President Shimon Peres.

Garcia welcomed the appointment of Waksman and expressed hope that his appointment will usher more tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"The Ambassador also pointed out that the protection of the overseas Filipino workers is one of the priorities of the Embassy and an Honorary Consul covering the southern part of Israel will definitely aid the Embassy in performing this task," the DFA said.

Israeli Chief of Protocol Eldan congratulated the Philippine Embassy for choosing Waksman, emphasizing that he is the most appropriate person for the job.

Eldan also praised Filipino workers in Israel, who he said are indeed one of the best in the world.

For his part, Waksman vowed to promote the interest of the Philippines and the Filipino workers in Israel, adding he will work hard to further advance not only tourism but also trade and cultural relations between the two countries.

He added that his appointment as Honorary Consul of the Philippines is a great honor and his service to the Philippines a small token of his appreciation to the Philippine Government and the Filipino people for saving Jewish refugees during the Holocaust of 1939.

Waksman's appointment came several months after Yair Ephrati, one of the leading businessmen in Israel, was appointed as Honorary Consul in Jerusalem. - GMANews.TV

House commends honest Saudi OFW

2009-11-26T05:45:00.001-08:00

House commends honest Saudi OFW
GMA news.tv
The House of Representatives had commended Filipino overseas worker Lark Micheal Colegado for his honesty when he returned some 1.2 million Saudi Riyals ...
See all stories on this topic

RP Embassy Conducts Livelihood Training on Pizza Making for OFWs in Brunei Darussalam

2009-11-25T08:31:00.001-08:00

RP Embassy Conducts Livelihood Training on Pizza Making for OFWs in Brunei Darussalam

Posted: 25 Nov 2009 12:38 AM PST

25 November 2009 - The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), conducted a free training session on pizza -making for Filipino expatriates in Brunei last November 22. The event was sponsored by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The training programme aimed at equipping the participants with new knowledge, skills and techniques in pizza-making; teaching them alternative means in cooking pizza; and enhancing employability options for livelihood/income generating project in preparation for their reintegration in the Philippines.

Ms. Rhodora Sta. Maria Quiambao acted as the resource speaker during the training. A total of 25 participants attended the program. Some even brought along their children, who actively participated in the hands-on preparation of pizza-making, Welfare Officer Zenaida S. Ramos reported.

Tourism execs list CamSur Mayon Donsol as top sites

2009-11-24T16:45:00.001-08:00

Tourism execs list CamSur Mayon Donsol as top sites INQUIRERnet ...
Ravanilla quoted a text message from Carina Escudero of Sorsogon City as confirming theoffseason presence of whale sharks the world's biggest fish in Donsol ...