11 October 2005
PHOTO: Domalandan bridge
New fishkill pulls bangus price down
THE price of bangus (milkfish) nosedived to as low as P30 to P40 per kilo from a high of P90 per kilo as rivers in Dagupan and parts of Binmaley were hit by a new fishkill Wednesday.
It was one of the biggest fishkill yet that occurred in Dagupan City this year, spawning fears that there may not be enough milkfish available for local consumption for the rest of the year, especially on Christmas.
Evangeline dela Cruz, barangay chairman of Calmay in Dagupan, blamed the fishkill to the sudden change in water temperature from hot to cold that disturbed the milkfish and sent them gasping for breath in the surface of the water.
She said this was the result of the slight rain that occurred in the city Tuesday night which abruptly changed the water temperature and disturbed the equilibrium of the fish being raised in captivity in pens.
Milkfish that are being raised in fishponds however still appeared safe although fish-farmers are closely monitoring because the water flowing into fishponds is coming from rivers where fishkills had just occurred.
Affected by the water phenomenon are milkfish being kept in pens belonging to different owners in barangays Pugaro, Salapingao, Lomboy, part of Calmay and Dupo near Binmaley.
The city agriculture office has not yet given any estimate on the losses from the new fishkill as fish in bulk are still arriving by motorboats in the fish market after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Up to 300,000 pieces of bangus were estimated to have already been harvested at the same time, all of these ferried to the fish market by motorboats, for sale to traders buying the commodity wholesale.
Dela Cruz said fishpen owners had to prematurely harvest their milkfish even if they anticipated losses after seeing the fishes jumping out of the water, an indication there was not enough oxygen in the water anymore.
She believes that there could not have been any fishkill had there been prolonged rains.
It was one of the biggest fishkill yet that occurred in Dagupan City this year, spawning fears that there may not be enough milkfish available for local consumption for the rest of the year, especially on Christmas.
Evangeline dela Cruz, barangay chairman of Calmay in Dagupan, blamed the fishkill to the sudden change in water temperature from hot to cold that disturbed the milkfish and sent them gasping for breath in the surface of the water.
She said this was the result of the slight rain that occurred in the city Tuesday night which abruptly changed the water temperature and disturbed the equilibrium of the fish being raised in captivity in pens.
Milkfish that are being raised in fishponds however still appeared safe although fish-farmers are closely monitoring because the water flowing into fishponds is coming from rivers where fishkills had just occurred.
Affected by the water phenomenon are milkfish being kept in pens belonging to different owners in barangays Pugaro, Salapingao, Lomboy, part of Calmay and Dupo near Binmaley.
The city agriculture office has not yet given any estimate on the losses from the new fishkill as fish in bulk are still arriving by motorboats in the fish market after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Up to 300,000 pieces of bangus were estimated to have already been harvested at the same time, all of these ferried to the fish market by motorboats, for sale to traders buying the commodity wholesale.
Dela Cruz said fishpen owners had to prematurely harvest their milkfish even if they anticipated losses after seeing the fishes jumping out of the water, an indication there was not enough oxygen in the water anymore.
She believes that there could not have been any fishkill had there been prolonged rains.
JDV, Duque inaugurate new dialysis center here
HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led officials in the inauguration of the dialysis center named De Venecia-Tulagan Dialysis Center at the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City Sunday, opening a new public health service dimension in the Ilocos.
The building was funded from P2.5 million shared by both de Venecia and Rep. Generoso Tulagan of the third district of Pangasinan, while the brand new dialysis machine costing P20 million was donated by a group of benefactors who preferred to remain anonymous.
Also at the center’s opening were Rep. Amado Espino, Jr. of the second district of Pangasinan who has a hospital ward named in his honor, specifically for patients from his district; Pangasinan Gov. Victor Agbayani and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim.
Dr. Jesus Canto, chief of R1MC, said the new dialysis center if the first of its kind among government hospitals in Region 1, designed for poor patients who cannot afford to pay the staggering cost of dialysis being charged in private hospitals.
The R1MC, at more than 300-bed capacity, had already been classified by the Department of Health DOH as a tertiary hospital.
He said that patients availing of the service of the center will only spend P2,500 per session for the dialyzing solution compared to P12,000 per session in private hospitals. The amount already included the dialysis solution and professional fee.
Dialysis is not a treatment but it can prolong life of a patient who has acute and chronic renal failure, Canto clarified, adding that a more permanent solution is kidney transplant when there is a donor, but which he added will not last long too.
He said persons with kidney malfunctioning, or those who suffered chemical poisoning as well as congestive heart problem are also advised to have dialysis.
“We are not trying to compete with private hospitals because we are catering only to the masses in response to the 10-pint agenda up to 2010 of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Canto stressed.
The building was funded from P2.5 million shared by both de Venecia and Rep. Generoso Tulagan of the third district of Pangasinan, while the brand new dialysis machine costing P20 million was donated by a group of benefactors who preferred to remain anonymous.
Also at the center’s opening were Rep. Amado Espino, Jr. of the second district of Pangasinan who has a hospital ward named in his honor, specifically for patients from his district; Pangasinan Gov. Victor Agbayani and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim.
Dr. Jesus Canto, chief of R1MC, said the new dialysis center if the first of its kind among government hospitals in Region 1, designed for poor patients who cannot afford to pay the staggering cost of dialysis being charged in private hospitals.
The R1MC, at more than 300-bed capacity, had already been classified by the Department of Health DOH as a tertiary hospital.
He said that patients availing of the service of the center will only spend P2,500 per session for the dialyzing solution compared to P12,000 per session in private hospitals. The amount already included the dialysis solution and professional fee.
Dialysis is not a treatment but it can prolong life of a patient who has acute and chronic renal failure, Canto clarified, adding that a more permanent solution is kidney transplant when there is a donor, but which he added will not last long too.
He said persons with kidney malfunctioning, or those who suffered chemical poisoning as well as congestive heart problem are also advised to have dialysis.
“We are not trying to compete with private hospitals because we are catering only to the masses in response to the 10-pint agenda up to 2010 of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Canto stressed.
Murdered judge buried; no lead on killers yet
NATIVIDAD – Murdered Pasay City Regional Trial Court Judge Estrellita Mariano Paas was laid to rest last Sunday morning at the municipal cemetery here with the police failing to come up with any concrete lead on her killers as requested by her kins from PNP chief Arturo Lomibao.
There is still no headway in the investigation of the case being undertaken jointly by the National Bureau of Investigation and the police even after the burial of the lady judge of Pasay City’s Branch 44, 10 days after she was brutally killed inside their home.
Police Chief Sr. Inspector Bernardo Aromin told newsmen they are still in the dark as to who the killers are although they are following up certain leads that may result in the identification of the killers.
The police investigators did not meet the deadline set by Lomibao to solve the case at least before the burial of the lady judge, at the request of her grieving family.
Lomibao flew into Natividad to personally look into the progress of the investigation of the case and personally talked with the late judge’s family.
The NBI has joined the investigation of the case at the request of the Paas family and appears to be now the lead agency conducting the probe.
Robbery was tagged as initial motive for the brutal slaying as a cal. 22 rifle, cellphone and digital camera were reported missing and believed carted away by the killers.
What puzzles police however is that the P14,000 cash and jewelry of the judge were intact.
Judge Paas was found by her husband Reinerio bathing in a pool of her own blood inside their comfort room, both hands tied at the back with a wire and bloody from stab wounds in the nape and head.
There is still no headway in the investigation of the case being undertaken jointly by the National Bureau of Investigation and the police even after the burial of the lady judge of Pasay City’s Branch 44, 10 days after she was brutally killed inside their home.
Police Chief Sr. Inspector Bernardo Aromin told newsmen they are still in the dark as to who the killers are although they are following up certain leads that may result in the identification of the killers.
The police investigators did not meet the deadline set by Lomibao to solve the case at least before the burial of the lady judge, at the request of her grieving family.
Lomibao flew into Natividad to personally look into the progress of the investigation of the case and personally talked with the late judge’s family.
The NBI has joined the investigation of the case at the request of the Paas family and appears to be now the lead agency conducting the probe.
Robbery was tagged as initial motive for the brutal slaying as a cal. 22 rifle, cellphone and digital camera were reported missing and believed carted away by the killers.
What puzzles police however is that the P14,000 cash and jewelry of the judge were intact.
Judge Paas was found by her husband Reinerio bathing in a pool of her own blood inside their comfort room, both hands tied at the back with a wire and bloody from stab wounds in the nape and head.
Free general surgeries for poor set Oct 24-27
INDIGENT Dagupeños and Pangasinenses will have the chance to avail of free general medical consultation and surgical operations during the Medical Missions Foundation Surgical Mission from October 24 to 27 at the Region I Medical Center (RIMC).
This is the second time that the medical foundation, whose members have trained in the United States, will conduct a medical mission in Dagupan City in coordination with R1MC and the City Health Office (CHO).
The mission group will conduct tumor surgery on breast, head/neck, and skin; general surgery on gallbladder and hernias; gynecologic surgery on uterine and ovarian tumors; cataracts; strabismus; cleft lips; cleft palates; and thyroid surgery.
Indigents will have to undergo screening at R1MC, according to Dr. Leonard Carbonell, city health officer. The CHO will handle the post-surgery follow-up of the patients after their operations. Screening of patients will be from October 11 to 22 at the RIMC Surgery Outpatient Department.
The foundation will be bringing in its own facilities, supplies and medicines which will come from the US to be approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).
Dr. Roberto Valenzuela, R1MC Surgery Department head, said the medical mission team will include a plastic surgeon, OB-GYN with laparoscopic expertise, general practitioner, anesthesiologist, anesthetist, several nurses and lay people.
“The team will provide everything for the patients. From blood examination, chest X-ray, ECG, antibiotics to take home medicines,” Valenzuela said even as he stressed that the team will prioritize indigent patients.
Local medical practitioners from the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association, Inc. and surgeons of the RIMC will take part in the medical mission. As a show of gratitude to the medical mission team, the city government of Dagupan led by Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, will provide a thank you dinner for the group. (Sunshine D. Robles/CIO)
This is the second time that the medical foundation, whose members have trained in the United States, will conduct a medical mission in Dagupan City in coordination with R1MC and the City Health Office (CHO).
The mission group will conduct tumor surgery on breast, head/neck, and skin; general surgery on gallbladder and hernias; gynecologic surgery on uterine and ovarian tumors; cataracts; strabismus; cleft lips; cleft palates; and thyroid surgery.
Indigents will have to undergo screening at R1MC, according to Dr. Leonard Carbonell, city health officer. The CHO will handle the post-surgery follow-up of the patients after their operations. Screening of patients will be from October 11 to 22 at the RIMC Surgery Outpatient Department.
The foundation will be bringing in its own facilities, supplies and medicines which will come from the US to be approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).
Dr. Roberto Valenzuela, R1MC Surgery Department head, said the medical mission team will include a plastic surgeon, OB-GYN with laparoscopic expertise, general practitioner, anesthesiologist, anesthetist, several nurses and lay people.
“The team will provide everything for the patients. From blood examination, chest X-ray, ECG, antibiotics to take home medicines,” Valenzuela said even as he stressed that the team will prioritize indigent patients.
Local medical practitioners from the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association, Inc. and surgeons of the RIMC will take part in the medical mission. As a show of gratitude to the medical mission team, the city government of Dagupan led by Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, will provide a thank you dinner for the group. (Sunshine D. Robles/CIO)
More funds to complete Domalandan bridge —RDC
LINGAYEN – The Regional Development Council (RDC) has been asked to support the call of the provincial government of Pangasinan for additional funding for the flood-damaged Domalandan bridge here so that it can be finally completed at least by next year.
Gov. Victor Agbayani, who is also RDC chairman of the Ilocos region, said at the rate funds for Domalandan bridge arrive at P80 million yearly, it may yet take time before the bridge is completed.
The RDC discussed the Domalandan bridge and other infrastructure projects being built by the DPWH in Region 1 during its third quarterly meeting today at the Presidential Hotel here.
Agbayani said based on the report of DPWH Regional Director Fidel Ginez, only P197 million more is needed before the project is finally completed, at the latest by 2007.
Agbayani, however, urged Ginez to appeal to his agency to complete the financial requirement for the bridge next year in order to finally complete the work, otherwise prices of materials might go up again and take its toll on the project itself.
Agbayani cited a situation in which the contractor, Ciriaco Construction, was idle all the time because it stops work and pulls out its equipment as soon as the funds allocated for each year is exhausted.
A report of Ginez said at least P548 million has been spent by the DPWH for the project which is roughly from 59 to 60 percent complete to date.
The new bridge, being constructed alongside the old structure that was destroyed by the big flood of August 1999, consists of 18 spans, at least 13 spans of which are already up.
The governor said this year the contractor again almost quit the project because the allocation came too late, at a time when prices of materials, such as cement and steel, have skyrocketed.
The Domalandan bridge links the town proper of Lingayen and the whole of central and eastern Pangasinan to western pangasinan. (PNA)
Gov. Victor Agbayani, who is also RDC chairman of the Ilocos region, said at the rate funds for Domalandan bridge arrive at P80 million yearly, it may yet take time before the bridge is completed.
The RDC discussed the Domalandan bridge and other infrastructure projects being built by the DPWH in Region 1 during its third quarterly meeting today at the Presidential Hotel here.
Agbayani said based on the report of DPWH Regional Director Fidel Ginez, only P197 million more is needed before the project is finally completed, at the latest by 2007.
Agbayani, however, urged Ginez to appeal to his agency to complete the financial requirement for the bridge next year in order to finally complete the work, otherwise prices of materials might go up again and take its toll on the project itself.
Agbayani cited a situation in which the contractor, Ciriaco Construction, was idle all the time because it stops work and pulls out its equipment as soon as the funds allocated for each year is exhausted.
A report of Ginez said at least P548 million has been spent by the DPWH for the project which is roughly from 59 to 60 percent complete to date.
The new bridge, being constructed alongside the old structure that was destroyed by the big flood of August 1999, consists of 18 spans, at least 13 spans of which are already up.
The governor said this year the contractor again almost quit the project because the allocation came too late, at a time when prices of materials, such as cement and steel, have skyrocketed.
The Domalandan bridge links the town proper of Lingayen and the whole of central and eastern Pangasinan to western pangasinan. (PNA)
Prepare better future for our children – BSL
IT is not enough to just rear or raise the child; it is also as important that parents prepare a better future for him.
City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim and Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez along with other city officials expressed full support to the anti-child abuse program of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 during Thursday’s multi-sectoral convention on the detection of child abuse held at the conference room of Region I Medical Center.
“Ang tamang pangangalaga at pagpapalaki sa ating mga anak ay responsibilidad ng magulang, gobyerno at komunidad. Responsibilidad ng gobyerno na ipaabot sa mga magulang ang tamang pangangalaga at pagpapalaki sa mga anak. Hindi sapat na pangalagaan lang ang mga anak kundi dapat din silang ihanda sa magandang kinabukasan”, Lim said.
Councilor Dada Reyna, chairman on the committee on social welfare and development, who initiated the project, said the activity “aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for children that will give them a chance to excel and become responsible members of the community.”
Participants included barangay health workers, social workers, sangguniang barangay officials, Division schools head and personnel, heads of various public and private schools and representatives from various hospitals and other institutions. (CIO/Leziel Cayabyab)
City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim and Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez along with other city officials expressed full support to the anti-child abuse program of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 during Thursday’s multi-sectoral convention on the detection of child abuse held at the conference room of Region I Medical Center.
“Ang tamang pangangalaga at pagpapalaki sa ating mga anak ay responsibilidad ng magulang, gobyerno at komunidad. Responsibilidad ng gobyerno na ipaabot sa mga magulang ang tamang pangangalaga at pagpapalaki sa mga anak. Hindi sapat na pangalagaan lang ang mga anak kundi dapat din silang ihanda sa magandang kinabukasan”, Lim said.
Councilor Dada Reyna, chairman on the committee on social welfare and development, who initiated the project, said the activity “aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for children that will give them a chance to excel and become responsible members of the community.”
Participants included barangay health workers, social workers, sangguniang barangay officials, Division schools head and personnel, heads of various public and private schools and representatives from various hospitals and other institutions. (CIO/Leziel Cayabyab)
Notice of Public Hearing
Republic of the Philippines
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
IN THE MATTER OF UNDERTAKING A
REVENUE RESET FOR THE NATIONAL
TRANSMISSION AND ANY FUTURE
CONCESSIONAIRE THEREOF FOR THE
PERIOD 2006 TO 2010 IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF
RATE SETTING METHODOLOGY UNDER
TRANSMISSION WHEELING RATE
GUIDELINES (TWRG)
ERC CASE NO. 2005-041RC
NATIONAL TRANSMISSION
CORPORATION (TRANSCO) AND
POWER SECTOR ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION (PSALM),
DOCKETED
Date: SEP 29, 2005
Applicants.
x-------------------------x
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given of the filing by applicants National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) on September 22, 2005 of an application for approval of a revenue reset for TRANSCO and any future concessionaire thereof for the period 2006 to 2010 under the Transmission Wheeling Rate Guidelines (TWRG). In the said application, TRANSCO and PSALM prayed for the approval of, among others, its proposed: a) Regulatory Asset Base (RAB); b) Capital Expenditure (CAPEX); c) Operating Expenditure (OPEX); and d) Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). A determination by the Commission of the said proposals leading to a revenue reset would pave the way for revised/adjusted rates to be authorized TRANSCO to charge its customers. The Commission has set the said application for hearing, particularly for expository purposes, on the following dates and venues:
October 17, 2005 (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Waterfront Insular Hotel located at Lanang, Davao City; 2. October 18,2005 (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City; and 3. October 20,2005 (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Holiday Plaza Hotel located at F. Ramos St., Cebu City.
Thereafter, another set of public hearings for presentation of evidence by both applicants and oppositors/intervenors is hereby scheduled as follows:
November 8, 2005 (9:00 AM. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.) at
Waterfront Insular Hotel located at Lanang, Davao City;
November 10, 2005 (9:00 AM. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Holiday Plaza Hotel located at F. Ramos St., Cebu City.
November 11, 2005 (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M and 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Such parties who may wish to have details of the application and who shall have manifested to the Commission their desire and intention to participate actively in the proceedings, may request that they be furnished with copies of the application by the applicant, which is hereby directed to furnish the parties making such request with copies of the application and its attachments taking into consideration the abovementioned deadlines. Likewise, any such interested party may examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the usual office hours or download the same from the Commission’s website at www.erc.gov.ph.
Considering the complexity of the issues to be subjected to public consultation, the following procedure shall be enforced by the ERC:
I.)All interested parties may submit their written comments/oppositions (soft copies may be sent to info@erc.gov.ph) on the application not later than November 18, 2005;
II.) Parties who have filed their written comments on or at least manifested their intent in writing to participate in the proceedings before the date of the scheduled expository public consultation would be given priority in participating in the said public consultations; and
III.) Parties of record are not required to be represented by a lawyer but are strongly advised to have technical experts with knowledge of accounting, finance, economics, engineering and pricing issues present with them during the public consultation.
WITNESS, the Honorable RODOLFO B. ALBANO, JR., Chairman, and the Honorables JESUS N. ALCORDO, RAUF A. TAN and ALEJANDRO Z. BARIN, Commissioners, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 28th day of September, 2005 at Pasig City.
MARIA TERESA A. R. CASTAÑEDA
Executive Director III
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
IN THE MATTER OF UNDERTAKING A
REVENUE RESET FOR THE NATIONAL
TRANSMISSION AND ANY FUTURE
CONCESSIONAIRE THEREOF FOR THE
PERIOD 2006 TO 2010 IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF
RATE SETTING METHODOLOGY UNDER
TRANSMISSION WHEELING RATE
GUIDELINES (TWRG)
ERC CASE NO. 2005-041RC
NATIONAL TRANSMISSION
CORPORATION (TRANSCO) AND
POWER SECTOR ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION (PSALM),
DOCKETED
Date: SEP 29, 2005
Applicants.
x-------------------------x
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given of the filing by applicants National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) on September 22, 2005 of an application for approval of a revenue reset for TRANSCO and any future concessionaire thereof for the period 2006 to 2010 under the Transmission Wheeling Rate Guidelines (TWRG). In the said application, TRANSCO and PSALM prayed for the approval of, among others, its proposed: a) Regulatory Asset Base (RAB); b) Capital Expenditure (CAPEX); c) Operating Expenditure (OPEX); and d) Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). A determination by the Commission of the said proposals leading to a revenue reset would pave the way for revised/adjusted rates to be authorized TRANSCO to charge its customers. The Commission has set the said application for hearing, particularly for expository purposes, on the following dates and venues:
October 17, 2005 (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Waterfront Insular Hotel located at Lanang, Davao City; 2. October 18,2005 (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City; and 3. October 20,2005 (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Holiday Plaza Hotel located at F. Ramos St., Cebu City.
Thereafter, another set of public hearings for presentation of evidence by both applicants and oppositors/intervenors is hereby scheduled as follows:
November 8, 2005 (9:00 AM. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.) at
Waterfront Insular Hotel located at Lanang, Davao City;
November 10, 2005 (9:00 AM. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) at Holiday Plaza Hotel located at F. Ramos St., Cebu City.
November 11, 2005 (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M and 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Such parties who may wish to have details of the application and who shall have manifested to the Commission their desire and intention to participate actively in the proceedings, may request that they be furnished with copies of the application by the applicant, which is hereby directed to furnish the parties making such request with copies of the application and its attachments taking into consideration the abovementioned deadlines. Likewise, any such interested party may examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the usual office hours or download the same from the Commission’s website at www.erc.gov.ph.
Considering the complexity of the issues to be subjected to public consultation, the following procedure shall be enforced by the ERC:
I.)All interested parties may submit their written comments/oppositions (soft copies may be sent to info@erc.gov.ph) on the application not later than November 18, 2005;
II.) Parties who have filed their written comments on or at least manifested their intent in writing to participate in the proceedings before the date of the scheduled expository public consultation would be given priority in participating in the said public consultations; and
III.) Parties of record are not required to be represented by a lawyer but are strongly advised to have technical experts with knowledge of accounting, finance, economics, engineering and pricing issues present with them during the public consultation.
WITNESS, the Honorable RODOLFO B. ALBANO, JR., Chairman, and the Honorables JESUS N. ALCORDO, RAUF A. TAN and ALEJANDRO Z. BARIN, Commissioners, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 28th day of September, 2005 at Pasig City.
MARIA TERESA A. R. CASTAÑEDA
Executive Director III
Taxmapping group discovers 70% unregistered real properties
By SHEILA H. AQUINO
ANOTHER revenue source for the city uncovered.
Seventy percent of the real property improvements in Dagupan City remain unregistered with the city government based on the preliminary inventory of real property structures that started this year 2005, according to taxmapping chief Pio R. Coquia.
Coquia bared that the inventory of improvements on real properties began only this year as compared to business taxmapping which had started in 2003.
“It is the first time that we are conducting taxmapping of real property improvements and all revenue sources in the city like machineries and equipment,” Coquia said.
Coquia said the city government cannot impose taxes on owners of these improvements as yet because of the absence of their tax declaration.
The 70 percent figure was derived by dividing the total of the undeclared improvements with the total of both declared/undeclared structures, Coquia explained.
He said owners of the undeclared improvements will be informed through a deficiency sheet and assessment notice based on the inventory. The owners must apply for declaration of their property and pay the arrears of their delinquency, according to Coquia.
He added that names of those who do not heed the assessment notice will be published in newspapers. The city can also resort to initiating levy on lien.
Coquia said inventory in the island barangays of Pugaro, Salapingao, Lomboy, Calmay and Carael is ongoing.
ANOTHER revenue source for the city uncovered.
Seventy percent of the real property improvements in Dagupan City remain unregistered with the city government based on the preliminary inventory of real property structures that started this year 2005, according to taxmapping chief Pio R. Coquia.
Coquia bared that the inventory of improvements on real properties began only this year as compared to business taxmapping which had started in 2003.
“It is the first time that we are conducting taxmapping of real property improvements and all revenue sources in the city like machineries and equipment,” Coquia said.
Coquia said the city government cannot impose taxes on owners of these improvements as yet because of the absence of their tax declaration.
The 70 percent figure was derived by dividing the total of the undeclared improvements with the total of both declared/undeclared structures, Coquia explained.
He said owners of the undeclared improvements will be informed through a deficiency sheet and assessment notice based on the inventory. The owners must apply for declaration of their property and pay the arrears of their delinquency, according to Coquia.
He added that names of those who do not heed the assessment notice will be published in newspapers. The city can also resort to initiating levy on lien.
Coquia said inventory in the island barangays of Pugaro, Salapingao, Lomboy, Calmay and Carael is ongoing.
Ilocos Sur’s 3rd most wanted shot dead in Binalonan
LINGAYEN – The third most wanted man in the province of Ilocos Sur was killed Friday morning in a shootout with lawmen who went to arrest him in his hideout in barangay Cili, in Binalonan.
Dead after he shot it out with the lawmen was Reynante Javier, alias “Atong”, who was tagged for robbery-holdups of passengers of air-conditioned buses and a suspected gun-for-hire and cattle rustler.
He had standing warrants of arrest for murder and for violation of Republic Act No. 8294 before Branch 21 of the Regional Trial Court in Vigan City, and before the sala of Municipal Trial Court Judge Iluminada Ines of the Municipal Trial Court in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, respectively.
A case for murder against Javier was also filed for the double-slaying of SPO1 Russel Pescador, a member of the Ilocos Sur police, and his wife Rosemarie, last August. He was also the principal suspect in the slaying of the barangay captain of Baleleng in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
To escape arrest in Ilocos Sur, Javier fled to Binalonan.
Pangasinan PNP Special Operations Group (SOG), Ilocos Sur PNP and Binalonan police went to serve the warrants of arrest on him but Javier pulled out a cal. 41 magnum revolver and fired at them. This prompted lawmen to retaliate, a police report said.
Wounded, Javier tried to escape but was caught by operatives in a nearby creek. He was immediately brought to the municipal health center where he was declared dead on arrival.
Before the fatal encounter, Javier was the subject of a month-long surveillance with the help of residents in the area who noticed his presence. (PNA)
Dead after he shot it out with the lawmen was Reynante Javier, alias “Atong”, who was tagged for robbery-holdups of passengers of air-conditioned buses and a suspected gun-for-hire and cattle rustler.
He had standing warrants of arrest for murder and for violation of Republic Act No. 8294 before Branch 21 of the Regional Trial Court in Vigan City, and before the sala of Municipal Trial Court Judge Iluminada Ines of the Municipal Trial Court in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, respectively.
A case for murder against Javier was also filed for the double-slaying of SPO1 Russel Pescador, a member of the Ilocos Sur police, and his wife Rosemarie, last August. He was also the principal suspect in the slaying of the barangay captain of Baleleng in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
To escape arrest in Ilocos Sur, Javier fled to Binalonan.
Pangasinan PNP Special Operations Group (SOG), Ilocos Sur PNP and Binalonan police went to serve the warrants of arrest on him but Javier pulled out a cal. 41 magnum revolver and fired at them. This prompted lawmen to retaliate, a police report said.
Wounded, Javier tried to escape but was caught by operatives in a nearby creek. He was immediately brought to the municipal health center where he was declared dead on arrival.
Before the fatal encounter, Javier was the subject of a month-long surveillance with the help of residents in the area who noticed his presence. (PNA)
Dagupan desperate for dumpsite
UNCOLLECTED garbage is now piling up in the city one week after Dagupan’s overflowing open dumpsite in barangay Bonuan Boquig was finally closed.
Closure of the dumpsite was in accordance with the provision of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act, said City Waste Management Officer Reginaldo Ubando as he appeared before the city council.
The act banned open dumpsites in all cities and municipalities in the country since the early part of this year.
Before the closure of the dumpsite, the city had already passed on the duty of collecting solid wastes to village officials who were allowed to charge P30 monthly from every household and to put up their own compost pits.
Ubando acknowledged that not all barangays however can provide themselves with compost pits where they will safely dispose solid wastes collected by them from the households.
For lack of compost pits in their area, some barangays are now actually burning their solid wastes – an act that is also prohibited by the Clean Air Act.
Ubando said without a dumpsite to put residual wastes in, the city is really in a very difficult situation, so everybody has to minimize waste generation and accumulation.
He said they can do this by segregating bio-degradable wastes and to be pushed to the compost pit.
To date, no alternative dumpsite appears in sight yet as the city’s plan to build a sanitary landfill on a 30-hectare lot it bought barangay Awai, San Jacinto is meeting tough opposition from residents there
Closure of the dumpsite was in accordance with the provision of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act, said City Waste Management Officer Reginaldo Ubando as he appeared before the city council.
The act banned open dumpsites in all cities and municipalities in the country since the early part of this year.
Before the closure of the dumpsite, the city had already passed on the duty of collecting solid wastes to village officials who were allowed to charge P30 monthly from every household and to put up their own compost pits.
Ubando acknowledged that not all barangays however can provide themselves with compost pits where they will safely dispose solid wastes collected by them from the households.
For lack of compost pits in their area, some barangays are now actually burning their solid wastes – an act that is also prohibited by the Clean Air Act.
Ubando said without a dumpsite to put residual wastes in, the city is really in a very difficult situation, so everybody has to minimize waste generation and accumulation.
He said they can do this by segregating bio-degradable wastes and to be pushed to the compost pit.
To date, no alternative dumpsite appears in sight yet as the city’s plan to build a sanitary landfill on a 30-hectare lot it bought barangay Awai, San Jacinto is meeting tough opposition from residents there
LTO: Erring drug test centers not our responsibility
SUPERVISION and monitoring of drug testing centers is no longer in the hands of the Land Transportation Office but with the Department of Health, the LTO chief of Dagupan City said Friday.
Patricio Urmaza was reacting to allegations that his office has been in connivance with unscrupulous drug testing centers for the issuance of test results that did not pass proper screening and actual testing.
Reports said that even drug users could obtain passing test results for a fee. It was also alleged that testing centers do not actually conduct screening of urine samples but still issue results so they can save on the materials they use to gain more profit.
Urmaza strongly denied the allegations saying he could not see any reason why LTO should connive with the testing centers.
“We are only interested in the result of the drug test for the issuance or non-issuance of driver’s license,” he said, adding that it was the health department which supervises and monitors the operations of the drug testing centers.
Ray Jacinto of the Bureau of Food and Drugs regional office was quoted in a radio interview as blaming the LTO for the presence of unscrupulous testing centers or tolerating their operations.
Patricio Urmaza was reacting to allegations that his office has been in connivance with unscrupulous drug testing centers for the issuance of test results that did not pass proper screening and actual testing.
Reports said that even drug users could obtain passing test results for a fee. It was also alleged that testing centers do not actually conduct screening of urine samples but still issue results so they can save on the materials they use to gain more profit.
Urmaza strongly denied the allegations saying he could not see any reason why LTO should connive with the testing centers.
“We are only interested in the result of the drug test for the issuance or non-issuance of driver’s license,” he said, adding that it was the health department which supervises and monitors the operations of the drug testing centers.
Ray Jacinto of the Bureau of Food and Drugs regional office was quoted in a radio interview as blaming the LTO for the presence of unscrupulous testing centers or tolerating their operations.
NFA West Pangasinan grains standardization program earns plum
LINGAYEN – The Philippine Grains Standardization Program (PGSP) Task Force of NFA Western Pangasinan headed by Manager Arturo V. Figueroa was awarded as the Outstanding PGSP Task Force during the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the NFA last Sept. 26, at the regional office in La Union.
The Grecon Dagupan in Malimgas Market Dagupan City also won the PGSP Model Market.
The criteria set by the Regional PGSP Committee put points for the display of rice boxes, weighing scale, price tags, signboard, license certificate, packaging and labeling, merchandizing techniques and innovations, among others.
A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to Pangasinan for achieving the third lowest registered weight variances from the dispersal of imported rice, which generated a savings of P516,720.00 for the Agency. Likewise, four warehouse supervisors of the branch received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts in observing the Ten Fundamental Standards of Stock Quality Management and Good Warehousekeeping.
Figueroa thanked the NFA employees and the concerned retailers for their cooperation and continuous support in the implementation of the different programs.
The Grecon Dagupan in Malimgas Market Dagupan City also won the PGSP Model Market.
The criteria set by the Regional PGSP Committee put points for the display of rice boxes, weighing scale, price tags, signboard, license certificate, packaging and labeling, merchandizing techniques and innovations, among others.
A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to Pangasinan for achieving the third lowest registered weight variances from the dispersal of imported rice, which generated a savings of P516,720.00 for the Agency. Likewise, four warehouse supervisors of the branch received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts in observing the Ten Fundamental Standards of Stock Quality Management and Good Warehousekeeping.
Figueroa thanked the NFA employees and the concerned retailers for their cooperation and continuous support in the implementation of the different programs.
Alaminos moves to revive dying corals
ALAMINOS CITY – After taking over the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) last Thursday, the city governments here faces a big challenge in reviving the dying coral reefs in the waters surrounding the resort.
City Mayor Hernani Braganza revealed that since two months ago, the corals were found looking pale and sickly, especially those located in the water around the Marcos Island in the Hundred Islands group.
This was confirmed by various groups of scuba divers who described the corals as whitish or suspected to have been affected by a marine phenomenon called “bleaching.”
“We still don’t know what ails the corals but the different groups that we talked to are due to submit their reports,” said Braganza.
Restoring the corals to their old natural state is one of the projects mulled by the city government for the HINP.
Concerned about the fate of the corals in which schools of fish take shelter and breed, Braganza talked with three different groups that may extend help in restoring the lost vitality of the coral reefs in the Islands.
First to be invited to help in this venture is a non-government organization based in Batangas called Eco-Rescue, which is into scuba diving and is also involved in environmental protection.
Also tapped is the Tanggol Kalikasan which is also concerned with the preservation and protection of the underwater corals.
The city government is now planning to commission a group that offered to conduct a rapid evaluation and assessment of wildlife above water and below water.
The wildlife include a big bird called “duroko,” whose wing span measures from four to five feet, migratory birds, bats, monkeys and the local wild ducks that grow and breed in forested areas of the Hundred Islands.
City Mayor Hernani Braganza revealed that since two months ago, the corals were found looking pale and sickly, especially those located in the water around the Marcos Island in the Hundred Islands group.
This was confirmed by various groups of scuba divers who described the corals as whitish or suspected to have been affected by a marine phenomenon called “bleaching.”
“We still don’t know what ails the corals but the different groups that we talked to are due to submit their reports,” said Braganza.
Restoring the corals to their old natural state is one of the projects mulled by the city government for the HINP.
Concerned about the fate of the corals in which schools of fish take shelter and breed, Braganza talked with three different groups that may extend help in restoring the lost vitality of the coral reefs in the Islands.
First to be invited to help in this venture is a non-government organization based in Batangas called Eco-Rescue, which is into scuba diving and is also involved in environmental protection.
Also tapped is the Tanggol Kalikasan which is also concerned with the preservation and protection of the underwater corals.
The city government is now planning to commission a group that offered to conduct a rapid evaluation and assessment of wildlife above water and below water.
The wildlife include a big bird called “duroko,” whose wing span measures from four to five feet, migratory birds, bats, monkeys and the local wild ducks that grow and breed in forested areas of the Hundred Islands.
Feature: Brain drain hurting Pangasinan’s biggest government hospital
THE biggest government hospital in Pangasinan is badly affected by brain drain as at least four of its nurses are resigning and leaving for greener pastures abroad monthly.
This was learned from Dr. Jesus Canto, chief of the Region 1 Medical Center, who said had he not adopted a continuing recruiting program for new nurses, the hospital would not have enough medical personnel to attend to a growing number of patients now.
The new nurses are coming by different universities and colleges in Pangasinan, namely the University of Pangasinan, Lyceum-Northwestern University, University of Luzon, Colegio de Dagupan, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation and other nursing schools.
Canto said the brain drain hurts the hospital a lot but said he can not do anything as the nurses are leaving for career advancement and for bigger pay.
Canto cited one doctor and his dentist wife, both of R1MC, who took up nursing. When they passed the board, they both applied and were admitted as nurses in the United States where they are now earning at least 40 U.S. dollars per hour.
Admitting that the nurses they are recruiting to fill the vacant positions created by brain drain will only stay for a while, just enough time for them to gain some experience, Canto sought a bigger take-home pay for the country’s medical workers, to slow down brain drain.
“We can not put a stop to brain drain if medical workers are only earning little sustenance pay from our hospitals to keep their body and soul together,” said Canto who sought better wages for doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists.
He admitted that he adopted a lenient attitude toward fellow doctors who may want to practice their profession “after office hours” because he understands their economic plight.
This situation is also true in various other hospitals, public and private, throughout the country, which are now badly suffering because of the continuing migration of nurses to the United States, United Kingdom and even in the Middle East.
There is a fear that health care in the Philippines will deteriorate badly in a few years because of the departure of the country’s medical professionals for higher paying jobs abroad.
This was learned from Dr. Jesus Canto, chief of the Region 1 Medical Center, who said had he not adopted a continuing recruiting program for new nurses, the hospital would not have enough medical personnel to attend to a growing number of patients now.
The new nurses are coming by different universities and colleges in Pangasinan, namely the University of Pangasinan, Lyceum-Northwestern University, University of Luzon, Colegio de Dagupan, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation and other nursing schools.
Canto said the brain drain hurts the hospital a lot but said he can not do anything as the nurses are leaving for career advancement and for bigger pay.
Canto cited one doctor and his dentist wife, both of R1MC, who took up nursing. When they passed the board, they both applied and were admitted as nurses in the United States where they are now earning at least 40 U.S. dollars per hour.
Admitting that the nurses they are recruiting to fill the vacant positions created by brain drain will only stay for a while, just enough time for them to gain some experience, Canto sought a bigger take-home pay for the country’s medical workers, to slow down brain drain.
“We can not put a stop to brain drain if medical workers are only earning little sustenance pay from our hospitals to keep their body and soul together,” said Canto who sought better wages for doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists.
He admitted that he adopted a lenient attitude toward fellow doctors who may want to practice their profession “after office hours” because he understands their economic plight.
This situation is also true in various other hospitals, public and private, throughout the country, which are now badly suffering because of the continuing migration of nurses to the United States, United Kingdom and even in the Middle East.
There is a fear that health care in the Philippines will deteriorate badly in a few years because of the departure of the country’s medical professionals for higher paying jobs abroad.
OPINYON: ‘Martial Law’:tua o taktakot?
SAYAN INDIO
Mario F. Karateka
ANGGAMAN dakel so mangibabaga tan dakel so mapaga ya ompan ipaakseb kono nen Presidente GMA so “martial law” o ley militar ed bansa diad arap na ag ontondan pamabalaw ed oley to, singa agakni manisian gaween na anak nen Cong Dadong so ontan, tan ipawil to itayon amin a Pilipinos ed andeket tan andiay wayang ya punto na istoryay Pilipinas a singa nen kaksilay rehimen nen Perdinan Markos.
No gaween nen Nana Gloria itan, ya iter toy poder ed saray militar pian manoley ed bilay tan kiwas-sibil tayo, amtaton as italikepkep odino akmonen na Pilipino itan. Anengneng lay agaw nen ipaakseb nen Markos so Proklamasyon 1081; anggaman diad gapo dakel so inmoonor ed takot dan nakulong o naerel, ag abayag pinmapaway laray boses na onsusunggay ed ley-militar.
Agtila nepeg istoryaen diay apalabas ta sikatayoran henerasyon amta tayon maong anggad natan so dinalan tayo nen nan “martial law” diad bansa.
Lalon pepepetan o kakapotan mo, lalon marlang so panpilalek ya makaokbar ed impantaker mod kawayangan na totoo.
Diad sakey dapag met, kaukulan na Gobyerno lanti ya pareenen so bansa pian naipasompal so saray proyekto tan programa parad pankaabigay amin. Panon met lantin makakurang so gobyerno o administrasyon no puro sangga, sapo, dukot, iwas so gagaween tola ed arap na mantotombokan a tirada na kalaban ed say saya? No paolianan to met tan ag mandepensa, ompan bigla labatlan nabat-tog. Say “self-preservation” et natural itan ya reaksiyon ed antokaman a pinalsa, ayep man o too.
Saksakey labat so nepeg ya ipurek ed saray mano-oley no manbilang walan tuay plano mangipaakseb na “emergency rule” a tatawagen: Ikday pankanawnawa nin siansia ya maka-ebat iray akusado ed suston kurang na hustisya, walay abogado ra, walay piyansa, walay kapenegan da ni ya arapen tan ebatan so manga-akusa (indibidwal man o Estado mismo) ed sikara. No nakal itan ya “basic” odino sankaimportantean ya parte na demokrasya, anggapoy dudan ley na diktadorya la so mana-ari tan mambilang labat na panaon so ontan a oley antis ya satan et labanan tan ipolisay na ombaley.
Ta anggan say militar ya nayarin agamilen na sakey ya administrasyon ed pangontrol tod kiwas na totoo et nasabisabin sikato mismo so nakonsensiya ed nagagawa tan sikatola mismo so onikban tan onlaban.
No agawad impansampot na panaon nen Marcos, nagawa itan anggan anton panaon.
Mario F. Karateka
ANGGAMAN dakel so mangibabaga tan dakel so mapaga ya ompan ipaakseb kono nen Presidente GMA so “martial law” o ley militar ed bansa diad arap na ag ontondan pamabalaw ed oley to, singa agakni manisian gaween na anak nen Cong Dadong so ontan, tan ipawil to itayon amin a Pilipinos ed andeket tan andiay wayang ya punto na istoryay Pilipinas a singa nen kaksilay rehimen nen Perdinan Markos.
No gaween nen Nana Gloria itan, ya iter toy poder ed saray militar pian manoley ed bilay tan kiwas-sibil tayo, amtaton as italikepkep odino akmonen na Pilipino itan. Anengneng lay agaw nen ipaakseb nen Markos so Proklamasyon 1081; anggaman diad gapo dakel so inmoonor ed takot dan nakulong o naerel, ag abayag pinmapaway laray boses na onsusunggay ed ley-militar.
Agtila nepeg istoryaen diay apalabas ta sikatayoran henerasyon amta tayon maong anggad natan so dinalan tayo nen nan “martial law” diad bansa.
Lalon pepepetan o kakapotan mo, lalon marlang so panpilalek ya makaokbar ed impantaker mod kawayangan na totoo.
Diad sakey dapag met, kaukulan na Gobyerno lanti ya pareenen so bansa pian naipasompal so saray proyekto tan programa parad pankaabigay amin. Panon met lantin makakurang so gobyerno o administrasyon no puro sangga, sapo, dukot, iwas so gagaween tola ed arap na mantotombokan a tirada na kalaban ed say saya? No paolianan to met tan ag mandepensa, ompan bigla labatlan nabat-tog. Say “self-preservation” et natural itan ya reaksiyon ed antokaman a pinalsa, ayep man o too.
Saksakey labat so nepeg ya ipurek ed saray mano-oley no manbilang walan tuay plano mangipaakseb na “emergency rule” a tatawagen: Ikday pankanawnawa nin siansia ya maka-ebat iray akusado ed suston kurang na hustisya, walay abogado ra, walay piyansa, walay kapenegan da ni ya arapen tan ebatan so manga-akusa (indibidwal man o Estado mismo) ed sikara. No nakal itan ya “basic” odino sankaimportantean ya parte na demokrasya, anggapoy dudan ley na diktadorya la so mana-ari tan mambilang labat na panaon so ontan a oley antis ya satan et labanan tan ipolisay na ombaley.
Ta anggan say militar ya nayarin agamilen na sakey ya administrasyon ed pangontrol tod kiwas na totoo et nasabisabin sikato mismo so nakonsensiya ed nagagawa tan sikatola mismo so onikban tan onlaban.
No agawad impansampot na panaon nen Marcos, nagawa itan anggan anton panaon.
EDITORIAL: Long live the doers of good!
TODAY’S inauguration of the Dialysis Center at the Region 1 Medical Center brings a message of hope for renal disease sufferers in Pangaasinan and throughout the Ilocos region.
It is a credit to all those who made this health care facility possible, among them no less than our top politicians themselves and philantrophists refusing to be identified, that money, effort and time has been put to good use for the benefit of humanity. In today’s Philippine setting where political wranglings, economic malfeasance and misplaced social priorities seem to be the order of the day, such an event as the extension of vital services for the poor and the needy tugs at the heart of even the most jaded observer.
For kidney ailment or renal impairments practically drain a victim’s or his family’s financial resources, given the prohibitive cost of transplants, or even just the regular cleansing of the victim’s blood thru dialysis, to prolong the life of a sufferer. As the street lingo goes, it is a crime to get sick today – bawal magkasakit. The upward cost of medicines and medical services today makes death a sweet surcease for the destitute who ever contracts a serious ailment like kidney disorder. Tragic, but true.
Into this dreadful picture comes the news of the Dialysis Center being installed in a public hospital here, a first ever event in Pangasinan history. The marginalized sector will certainly find the announced rate of P2,500 per treatment with the dialysis machine at Region 1 Medical Center a most welcome news. Where a similar treatment in private hospitals would easily cost from P10,000 to P12,000 per session, the affordable price in the public dialysis center should bring a great sense of relief, figuratively and literally, for kidney disease victims in these parts. It means they can stretch their budget or resources that much further than they would if availing of the same dialysis in private health institutions.
Enlightened and resourceful hospital management are what the country’s public health sector needs today. Combined with an equally compassionate and capable political leadership, such may be considered one of the greatest gifts ever to a generally disillusioned population – and a credit to the One Above’s blessed creations on earth.
It is a credit to all those who made this health care facility possible, among them no less than our top politicians themselves and philantrophists refusing to be identified, that money, effort and time has been put to good use for the benefit of humanity. In today’s Philippine setting where political wranglings, economic malfeasance and misplaced social priorities seem to be the order of the day, such an event as the extension of vital services for the poor and the needy tugs at the heart of even the most jaded observer.
For kidney ailment or renal impairments practically drain a victim’s or his family’s financial resources, given the prohibitive cost of transplants, or even just the regular cleansing of the victim’s blood thru dialysis, to prolong the life of a sufferer. As the street lingo goes, it is a crime to get sick today – bawal magkasakit. The upward cost of medicines and medical services today makes death a sweet surcease for the destitute who ever contracts a serious ailment like kidney disorder. Tragic, but true.
Into this dreadful picture comes the news of the Dialysis Center being installed in a public hospital here, a first ever event in Pangasinan history. The marginalized sector will certainly find the announced rate of P2,500 per treatment with the dialysis machine at Region 1 Medical Center a most welcome news. Where a similar treatment in private hospitals would easily cost from P10,000 to P12,000 per session, the affordable price in the public dialysis center should bring a great sense of relief, figuratively and literally, for kidney disease victims in these parts. It means they can stretch their budget or resources that much further than they would if availing of the same dialysis in private health institutions.
Enlightened and resourceful hospital management are what the country’s public health sector needs today. Combined with an equally compassionate and capable political leadership, such may be considered one of the greatest gifts ever to a generally disillusioned population – and a credit to the One Above’s blessed creations on earth.
OPINION: Sharing info, touching lives
AFTER ALL
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
SOMETHING struck us while we were with representatives of member-agencies of Consumernet-Pangasinan last week in Sual town for the Consumer Month Information Caravan. There are just too many things, we realized, that government people can – and must – share with ordinary folk by way of helpful insights and information in order for the latter to improve their lives and livelihood.
And if that sounds like people empowerment, it is.
The problem is, the information does not really “cascade” to its proper, rightful users because there is no regular interaction or face-to-face meetings between the two, except when there are scheduled assemblies or “infocaravans” as the one we conducted last October 5. Incidentally, the Consumernet infocaravan was held simultaneously in six places in Pangasinan that day for maximum effect.
Of course, each local executive or, for that matter, any town or city official, may be calling for meetings with barangays every now and then which is well and good, although from personal observation, we find such exercises as being done primordially, more often than not, for political exposure. It is still in the various government offices and units where hard data and step-by-step procedures can be fully obtained by anyone interested. Nothing, we dare say, beats an “expert” or one who’s duly trained on a subject matter – say, agriculture, food and drugs, taxes, employment – imparting the message convincingly to a mass audience, enough to empower them on what to do about a particular concern or problem.
Using media channels such as print, broadcast and television may have its own built-in pluses, true, particularly on immediacy and audience reach. But these and similar media including the internet, are basically impersonal and given to misinterpretation by a reader, listener or browser who, in the first place, might not even have the means to avail of such channels of information, however widespread and affordable these may now be.
It is still the interpersonal approach that works best, where “faceless people” who may have started out curiously in attending a fora or had simply been dragged by a friend to a village assembly “for the fun of it”, actually end up unconsciously absorbing all sorts of useful information to guide them in dealing with complexities in some government-related transactions or situations.
Take soil analysis, for instance.
For many years, farmers out there may still be automatically relying on bags and bags of fertilizers to maximize their crop yield, spending so much sometimes for the commodity and yet getting less-than-satisfactory harvest. A caring government agricultural technician could well save him much expenses and trouble by advising him to have his farm soil analyzed first at the provincial agriculturist office soil laboratory. That way, he will know exactly the kind of nutrients that his soil lacks and thus would only need to be buying a specific and appropriate type of fertilizer to fill the lacking nutrient. No hit-and-miss type of fertilizer application.
In China, which we had the chance to visit officially more than a decade back, village assemblies are regularly conducted with modestly-dressed government technicians spearheading the gatherings and disseminating a mix agenda of political orientation with timely production tips. And the villagers drop what they are doing to attend and listen.
For all its authoritarian atmosphere, China’s success today in the political and economic front is really not hard to duplicate.
All it takes is the discipline to attend, share, listen and learn with and from others.
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
SOMETHING struck us while we were with representatives of member-agencies of Consumernet-Pangasinan last week in Sual town for the Consumer Month Information Caravan. There are just too many things, we realized, that government people can – and must – share with ordinary folk by way of helpful insights and information in order for the latter to improve their lives and livelihood.
And if that sounds like people empowerment, it is.
The problem is, the information does not really “cascade” to its proper, rightful users because there is no regular interaction or face-to-face meetings between the two, except when there are scheduled assemblies or “infocaravans” as the one we conducted last October 5. Incidentally, the Consumernet infocaravan was held simultaneously in six places in Pangasinan that day for maximum effect.
Of course, each local executive or, for that matter, any town or city official, may be calling for meetings with barangays every now and then which is well and good, although from personal observation, we find such exercises as being done primordially, more often than not, for political exposure. It is still in the various government offices and units where hard data and step-by-step procedures can be fully obtained by anyone interested. Nothing, we dare say, beats an “expert” or one who’s duly trained on a subject matter – say, agriculture, food and drugs, taxes, employment – imparting the message convincingly to a mass audience, enough to empower them on what to do about a particular concern or problem.
Using media channels such as print, broadcast and television may have its own built-in pluses, true, particularly on immediacy and audience reach. But these and similar media including the internet, are basically impersonal and given to misinterpretation by a reader, listener or browser who, in the first place, might not even have the means to avail of such channels of information, however widespread and affordable these may now be.
It is still the interpersonal approach that works best, where “faceless people” who may have started out curiously in attending a fora or had simply been dragged by a friend to a village assembly “for the fun of it”, actually end up unconsciously absorbing all sorts of useful information to guide them in dealing with complexities in some government-related transactions or situations.
Take soil analysis, for instance.
For many years, farmers out there may still be automatically relying on bags and bags of fertilizers to maximize their crop yield, spending so much sometimes for the commodity and yet getting less-than-satisfactory harvest. A caring government agricultural technician could well save him much expenses and trouble by advising him to have his farm soil analyzed first at the provincial agriculturist office soil laboratory. That way, he will know exactly the kind of nutrients that his soil lacks and thus would only need to be buying a specific and appropriate type of fertilizer to fill the lacking nutrient. No hit-and-miss type of fertilizer application.
In China, which we had the chance to visit officially more than a decade back, village assemblies are regularly conducted with modestly-dressed government technicians spearheading the gatherings and disseminating a mix agenda of political orientation with timely production tips. And the villagers drop what they are doing to attend and listen.
For all its authoritarian atmosphere, China’s success today in the political and economic front is really not hard to duplicate.
All it takes is the discipline to attend, share, listen and learn with and from others.
OPINION: SJNHS administration sadly now on reverse
The Pen Speaks
By Danny O. Sagun
FOR quite a time now this corner has not written anything about our small town of San Jacinto except for bits of news we wrote from time to time about that controversial garbage disposal project of Dagupan City in barangay Awai. The two top officials appear to work harmoniously yet so that nothing controversial comes out during sanggunian sessions in sharp contrast to the time of the previous set of officials. In neighboring Mangaldan, the vice-mayor has already begun taking a dig at his mayor for an alleged anomaly.
We were told that our national high school there which used to get acclamations and awards for the good performance of the situation itself and its students in various competitions and contests in the past, despite its being new and relatively small compared to its neighbors, has degenerated into an institution that is practically nothing and unheard of.
The faculty is as divided as it was when Principal Bautista was still around. The group of teachers who sided with her during her reign and thus reaped benefits for it are on the “opposition” side during the present term of Principal Calugay.
Detractors of Bautista succeeded in their bid to kick her out before the previous school year ended. They claimed she was running the school like her fiefdom (she was the boss alright and she enjoyed being so) and her administration was linked to several alleged irregularities. When patron and backer Superintendent Laoag retired, she could not do anything but pack her things.
Enter Calugay. It was the opposite situation obtaining in the school nowadays, our informers told us. Gone were the strict implementation of campus rules and policies. Officemate Briny wonders why her sons who used to rise early and rush to school before 7:30 am are still in bed by 7 am and no not worry about being late. On our part, observed the same thing with our youngest.
Teachers were said to now loosely comply with the dress code. The school grounds are being littered not only with trash but also young smoker-students. Vendors have also invaded the school premises turning the place into an instant market.
The former principal left with ghosts of alleged irregularities haunting her. Her successor is not that clean too, our sources swore to us. While he had extra ceiling fans and lights disconnected [classrooms originally have two fans and two light bulbs) apparently to save on bills, a ref full of frozen foods inside his office is said to be on for 24 hours. Many in fact wonder what the school official is doing with such frozen foods. Are the goods for sale?
Bautista’s critics opposed her dictatorial and macho-like tendencies. Now the exact opposite is in place.
What a pity! How long that school and its students would bear such kind of administrators lording over that small school is anybody’s guess.
One may not have the best of both worlds, true, but is a better world (school administration) too much to ask for?
By Danny O. Sagun
FOR quite a time now this corner has not written anything about our small town of San Jacinto except for bits of news we wrote from time to time about that controversial garbage disposal project of Dagupan City in barangay Awai. The two top officials appear to work harmoniously yet so that nothing controversial comes out during sanggunian sessions in sharp contrast to the time of the previous set of officials. In neighboring Mangaldan, the vice-mayor has already begun taking a dig at his mayor for an alleged anomaly.
We were told that our national high school there which used to get acclamations and awards for the good performance of the situation itself and its students in various competitions and contests in the past, despite its being new and relatively small compared to its neighbors, has degenerated into an institution that is practically nothing and unheard of.
The faculty is as divided as it was when Principal Bautista was still around. The group of teachers who sided with her during her reign and thus reaped benefits for it are on the “opposition” side during the present term of Principal Calugay.
Detractors of Bautista succeeded in their bid to kick her out before the previous school year ended. They claimed she was running the school like her fiefdom (she was the boss alright and she enjoyed being so) and her administration was linked to several alleged irregularities. When patron and backer Superintendent Laoag retired, she could not do anything but pack her things.
Enter Calugay. It was the opposite situation obtaining in the school nowadays, our informers told us. Gone were the strict implementation of campus rules and policies. Officemate Briny wonders why her sons who used to rise early and rush to school before 7:30 am are still in bed by 7 am and no not worry about being late. On our part, observed the same thing with our youngest.
Teachers were said to now loosely comply with the dress code. The school grounds are being littered not only with trash but also young smoker-students. Vendors have also invaded the school premises turning the place into an instant market.
The former principal left with ghosts of alleged irregularities haunting her. Her successor is not that clean too, our sources swore to us. While he had extra ceiling fans and lights disconnected [classrooms originally have two fans and two light bulbs) apparently to save on bills, a ref full of frozen foods inside his office is said to be on for 24 hours. Many in fact wonder what the school official is doing with such frozen foods. Are the goods for sale?
Bautista’s critics opposed her dictatorial and macho-like tendencies. Now the exact opposite is in place.
What a pity! How long that school and its students would bear such kind of administrators lording over that small school is anybody’s guess.
One may not have the best of both worlds, true, but is a better world (school administration) too much to ask for?
OPINION: Kaaron Gener’s farm
Windows
By Gabriel L. Cardinoza
THE last time I visited Congressman Gener Tulagan’s farm in Rosales town was in 2003. From where we parked our ride, we had to walk then on a muddy earth dike surrounding a freshwater fishpond to reach Kaaron Gener’s bahay kubo, strategically built in the middle of the farm.
Last week, I had a chance to visit the farm again when I covered President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s low-key visit to the town to hear mass at the grotto. To my surprise, the surroundings have changed a lot that I thought I was in a resort.
From the highway, there is now an access road wide enough for light vehicles to travel on. Inside the farm, there is now a wide parking space where visitors can safely leave their vehicles. On the way to the bahay kubo are one-room bamboo cottages that may be used by guests staying overnight. Then, there is a covered function hall, where indoor games and small seminars may be held. Beside it is a screened structure that looks like a restaurant. To top it all, there is now a swimming pool.
I never had a chance to go to the bahay kubo again. But from a distance, I could see that it has more amenities than before. After all, it is where Kaaron Gener and wife spend the night whenever they are in town.
What makes the place attractive is its very rustic setting. It has tall acacia trees and vegetable gardens, aside from the hito, tilapia and dalag ponds that dominate the scenery. It must be truly refreshing and relaxing to spend a weekend there, away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. No wonder, the congressman worked very hard for its development. It is here where he must have been recharging the past many days after his tension-filled sessions in Congress.
From what I gathered during a short conversation with Kaaron Gener, he built the farm with the technical support primarily of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. These agencies helped develop his farm into a model farm to serve as the province’s show window on how technology and proper farming methods can enhance agricultural and fisheries productivity.
As everybody knows by know, Gener is a farmer’s son and he himself grew up helping his parents in the rice fields of Talang in San Carlos City. Thru this model farm, he wanted to show Pangasinenses a sample that farming not only helps in the food sufficiency program of the government but it can be a good source of income, too.
We will not be surprised if in the coming days, farmers, government officials and even politicians, will frequent Kaaron Gener’s farm to see for themselves what can be replicated in their own places. During her visit, President Arroyo herself expressed admiration of the place. She was especially attracted to the papaya plants bearing several fruits and even had her photo taken beside one those plants.
And who else would be a better endorser of the resort than the President?
ENDNOTES: A fake anti-biotic was discovered in a hospital run by the provincial government. This isn’t the first time. We just hope no one at the Urduja made a lot of money out of it. . . A friend, Mary Ann Tamayo, who is now working in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrated her birthday last week. Happy birthday, Mary Ann. She used to work with the defunct Helping Foundation in the city until she was “pirated” by Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez to work in his office to jumpstart the computerization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Because she was so good with computers, she was noticed and eventually hired by the One Stop Business Center of the city government. How did she found her way to the land of milk and honey? Talent, determination and luck. I’m so proud of you, Mary Ann.
QUICK QUOTE: He who knows enough is enough will always have enough. -- Lao-tzu
(You can reach Gabriel L. Cardinoza at windows@digitelone.com)
By Gabriel L. Cardinoza
THE last time I visited Congressman Gener Tulagan’s farm in Rosales town was in 2003. From where we parked our ride, we had to walk then on a muddy earth dike surrounding a freshwater fishpond to reach Kaaron Gener’s bahay kubo, strategically built in the middle of the farm.
Last week, I had a chance to visit the farm again when I covered President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s low-key visit to the town to hear mass at the grotto. To my surprise, the surroundings have changed a lot that I thought I was in a resort.
From the highway, there is now an access road wide enough for light vehicles to travel on. Inside the farm, there is now a wide parking space where visitors can safely leave their vehicles. On the way to the bahay kubo are one-room bamboo cottages that may be used by guests staying overnight. Then, there is a covered function hall, where indoor games and small seminars may be held. Beside it is a screened structure that looks like a restaurant. To top it all, there is now a swimming pool.
I never had a chance to go to the bahay kubo again. But from a distance, I could see that it has more amenities than before. After all, it is where Kaaron Gener and wife spend the night whenever they are in town.
What makes the place attractive is its very rustic setting. It has tall acacia trees and vegetable gardens, aside from the hito, tilapia and dalag ponds that dominate the scenery. It must be truly refreshing and relaxing to spend a weekend there, away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. No wonder, the congressman worked very hard for its development. It is here where he must have been recharging the past many days after his tension-filled sessions in Congress.
From what I gathered during a short conversation with Kaaron Gener, he built the farm with the technical support primarily of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. These agencies helped develop his farm into a model farm to serve as the province’s show window on how technology and proper farming methods can enhance agricultural and fisheries productivity.
As everybody knows by know, Gener is a farmer’s son and he himself grew up helping his parents in the rice fields of Talang in San Carlos City. Thru this model farm, he wanted to show Pangasinenses a sample that farming not only helps in the food sufficiency program of the government but it can be a good source of income, too.
We will not be surprised if in the coming days, farmers, government officials and even politicians, will frequent Kaaron Gener’s farm to see for themselves what can be replicated in their own places. During her visit, President Arroyo herself expressed admiration of the place. She was especially attracted to the papaya plants bearing several fruits and even had her photo taken beside one those plants.
And who else would be a better endorser of the resort than the President?
ENDNOTES: A fake anti-biotic was discovered in a hospital run by the provincial government. This isn’t the first time. We just hope no one at the Urduja made a lot of money out of it. . . A friend, Mary Ann Tamayo, who is now working in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrated her birthday last week. Happy birthday, Mary Ann. She used to work with the defunct Helping Foundation in the city until she was “pirated” by Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez to work in his office to jumpstart the computerization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Because she was so good with computers, she was noticed and eventually hired by the One Stop Business Center of the city government. How did she found her way to the land of milk and honey? Talent, determination and luck. I’m so proud of you, Mary Ann.
QUICK QUOTE: He who knows enough is enough will always have enough. -- Lao-tzu
(You can reach Gabriel L. Cardinoza at windows@digitelone.com)
