21 November 2005
PHOTO: Shoplifters
SIX LESS SHOPLIFTERS. A gang of shoplifters operating in western Pangasinan, including Alaminos City, who were arrested by the police show varied body languages at the presentation held in Alaminos City hall last week. Clothes and other materials spread in foreground are the items confiscated from the six members of the salisi gang.
SP passes parking fee ordinance; City gets 20%, parking operator 80% in sharing scheme
WITHOUT much fanfare and to the surprise of many Dagupenos, the sangguniang panlungsod last Monday passed an ordinance regulating parking and imposing fees and penalties at the two major thoroughfares and busy streets in Dagupan city.
With only seven members present including Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez, the measure was approved unanimously. Curiously, six sanggunian members were absent to include Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo whose public order committee was supposed to take a pivotal role in the discussion of the measure.
Reports said that the legislative body thru Tamayo’s committee and other concerned committees did not hold any committee or public hearing for the purpose, thus eliciting negative reactions from the public particularly the media.
City Ordinance No. 1853-2005 as approved seeks to define parking areas and impose fees and penalties.
Light vehicles that include mini trucks and pick-ups are to be charged P20 for the first two hours and P5 for every hour thereafter, and for medium vehicles like delivery vans and trucks below 10-wheelers, the fee is P30 for the first hour and P10 for every hour beyond.
Vehicle owners may opt to apply for a monthly prepaid season parking ticket or pass which is good for 30 days. Light vehicles are to be charged P1,000 and for medium vehicles, P1,500.
A draft ordinance amendment, authored by Councilor Luis Samson, Jr. who also authored the parking measure, a copy of which was obtained by the Pangasinan Star sought to raise the parking ticket/pass to P1,500 for light vehicles, and P3,500 for medium vehicles.
The city government will get 20 percent of the gross collections or a flat rate of P30,000 per month, whichever is higher. The draft ordinance raised the amount to P50,000 per month. It was not clear if the amendment was likewise passed as sanggunian staff appeared not aware of subsequent legislative action on the matter.
Violators for illegal parking or non-payment of parking fees will be slapped a fine of P500.
The present parking system was practically adopted by the ordinance: south side of A.B. Fernandez Avenue; Perez Boulevard, north side, Arellano street, west side; Rizal street, east side; M.H. del Pilar, west side; and Mayombo, west side. Parking was also regulated in other city roads and streets.
Sections 17, 18 and 458 of the local government code were cited as basis of authority in enacting the ordinance, which repealed city Ordinance No. 1424 passed in 1992.
Exempted from the regulation fees are ambulances, firetrucks, police and military vehicles and service vehicles of utilities doing public works, electrical and water services.
It was not immediately known if the Department of Public Works and Highways which maintains the national roads was consulted. Except for the side streets, all major roads running thru the city are categorized national highways.
Critics maintained that the 80-20 sharing scheme was very disadvantageous to the city.
Under the ordinance, Mayor Benjamin S. Lim was authorized to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a private parking operator. (DOS)
With only seven members present including Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez, the measure was approved unanimously. Curiously, six sanggunian members were absent to include Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo whose public order committee was supposed to take a pivotal role in the discussion of the measure.
Reports said that the legislative body thru Tamayo’s committee and other concerned committees did not hold any committee or public hearing for the purpose, thus eliciting negative reactions from the public particularly the media.
City Ordinance No. 1853-2005 as approved seeks to define parking areas and impose fees and penalties.
Light vehicles that include mini trucks and pick-ups are to be charged P20 for the first two hours and P5 for every hour thereafter, and for medium vehicles like delivery vans and trucks below 10-wheelers, the fee is P30 for the first hour and P10 for every hour beyond.
Vehicle owners may opt to apply for a monthly prepaid season parking ticket or pass which is good for 30 days. Light vehicles are to be charged P1,000 and for medium vehicles, P1,500.
A draft ordinance amendment, authored by Councilor Luis Samson, Jr. who also authored the parking measure, a copy of which was obtained by the Pangasinan Star sought to raise the parking ticket/pass to P1,500 for light vehicles, and P3,500 for medium vehicles.
The city government will get 20 percent of the gross collections or a flat rate of P30,000 per month, whichever is higher. The draft ordinance raised the amount to P50,000 per month. It was not clear if the amendment was likewise passed as sanggunian staff appeared not aware of subsequent legislative action on the matter.
Violators for illegal parking or non-payment of parking fees will be slapped a fine of P500.
The present parking system was practically adopted by the ordinance: south side of A.B. Fernandez Avenue; Perez Boulevard, north side, Arellano street, west side; Rizal street, east side; M.H. del Pilar, west side; and Mayombo, west side. Parking was also regulated in other city roads and streets.
Sections 17, 18 and 458 of the local government code were cited as basis of authority in enacting the ordinance, which repealed city Ordinance No. 1424 passed in 1992.
Exempted from the regulation fees are ambulances, firetrucks, police and military vehicles and service vehicles of utilities doing public works, electrical and water services.
It was not immediately known if the Department of Public Works and Highways which maintains the national roads was consulted. Except for the side streets, all major roads running thru the city are categorized national highways.
Critics maintained that the 80-20 sharing scheme was very disadvantageous to the city.
Under the ordinance, Mayor Benjamin S. Lim was authorized to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a private parking operator. (DOS)
More tourists to 100 Isles since turnover
ALAMINOS – The number of foreigners visiting the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here has increased only a month since the tourist spot was formally turned over by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to the Alaminos City government where it really belongs.
City Mayor Hernani Braganza said the latest figure in the month of October showed that there were 4,707 tourists who visited the Hundred Islands, at least 10 percent of these, or 387, being foreigners.
“Despite the rainy season in October, we enjoyed the regularity of arrivals of tourists coming from different places,” Braganza told newsmen.
Topping the list of foreigners who visited the HINP last October were the Koreans numbering 116, followed by Americans, 111; British, 30; Japanese, 25; Australians, 17; Swiss, 12; Danish, 10; East Timorese, 9; Chinese and Dutch, seven each; Canadians, Sri Lankans and Vietnamese, five each; Bangledeshi and French, three each; Indonesians, Italians and Irish, two each; and Croatian, Lebanese, New Zealander and Swedish, one each.
The list of foreign tourists was based on the registry list being kept by the city government at its office in Lucap wharf, the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands.
Braganza said the month of October brought in ticket sales of P170,000 which accrued to the city government and which will be used to further improve the Hundred Islands.
He said since the city took over Pangasinan’s number one tourist destination, it has energized three main islands in the Hundred Islands group, namely the Quezon, Children’s and Governor Islands.
This enabled tourists to hang around these three islands even at night to do night swimming, which was never done under the administration of the PTA that lasted for three decades.
Lack of funds however hamper the city government’s plan to build floating houses which it seeks to offer to tourists who may want to stay overnight in the Hundred Islands for them to commune longer with nature.
City Mayor Hernani Braganza said the latest figure in the month of October showed that there were 4,707 tourists who visited the Hundred Islands, at least 10 percent of these, or 387, being foreigners.
“Despite the rainy season in October, we enjoyed the regularity of arrivals of tourists coming from different places,” Braganza told newsmen.
Topping the list of foreigners who visited the HINP last October were the Koreans numbering 116, followed by Americans, 111; British, 30; Japanese, 25; Australians, 17; Swiss, 12; Danish, 10; East Timorese, 9; Chinese and Dutch, seven each; Canadians, Sri Lankans and Vietnamese, five each; Bangledeshi and French, three each; Indonesians, Italians and Irish, two each; and Croatian, Lebanese, New Zealander and Swedish, one each.
The list of foreign tourists was based on the registry list being kept by the city government at its office in Lucap wharf, the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands.
Braganza said the month of October brought in ticket sales of P170,000 which accrued to the city government and which will be used to further improve the Hundred Islands.
He said since the city took over Pangasinan’s number one tourist destination, it has energized three main islands in the Hundred Islands group, namely the Quezon, Children’s and Governor Islands.
This enabled tourists to hang around these three islands even at night to do night swimming, which was never done under the administration of the PTA that lasted for three decades.
Lack of funds however hamper the city government’s plan to build floating houses which it seeks to offer to tourists who may want to stay overnight in the Hundred Islands for them to commune longer with nature.
Panda marks 25th year
Bernabe Dy, Jr. is group’s new prexyPANDA Fire Brigade, a volunteer Filipino-Chinese firefighting group based in Dagupan City marked a well-deserved milestone yesterday with a celebration at the Grand Ballroom of the Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan City attended by city officials and a grateful community.
Leading the Dagupan Chinese-Filipino Community Association-Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade’s 25th anniversary celebration was the newly-inducted president Bernabe A. Dy, Jr. whose family has been part of the Panda history since inception.
Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade started with a one-truck fire crew to and grew into a formidable four-truck fire group today, equipped with modern firefighting apparati and well-trained firefighters whose skills have been tested and earned praise in big fires in the city and environs the past two decades.
It also inaugurated last Nov. 12 its new fire station along A.B. Fernandez Avenue East at the groundfloor of the new, imposing J.F Bernabe Dy building. The original fire station located along Arellano St.., will be retained as a sub-station, Dy. said.
Sworn in as new officers of the association, aside from Dy, were: Ronie Albarillo, vice president; Allan Bernabe, executive secretary, Danny Cuna, sub-secretary; Rolly B. Chua, treasurer; Kerwin Bruce Lee, sub-treasurer ; William Chan, auditor; Johnson Lim, press relations office; John Tan, fire marshal with deputies William Tan, Jojo Lim, Danny Caras and Ferdinand Tinquico; and Peter Fernandez, Jesus Uy, Joseph Hufano and Aurelio Lee as directors.
Outgoing president Guanson Lo is ex-officio director.
The new officers and fire marshal and deputies took their oath of office before President Gerie T. Chua, president of the Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The dinner induction ceremonies held at the Panda’ fire brigade’s new station had Gen. Rogelio F. Asignado, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief as guest of honor and speaker.
Asignado, in his speech, congratulated the new officers and the volunteer spirit behind their organization. He described the new Panda headquarters as “the most beautiful volunteer firefighter station in the whole country.”
The Dagupan Filipino-Chinese Community Association (DFCCA) Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade today has 186 active members. Its trained fire crews work by shifts and are almost always arriving ahead of regular firemen in local fire scenes.
EVAT forum set Nov. 29 in city
A PUBLIC forum on the expanded value added tax (EVAT) will be held on Tuesday, November 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City.
Assistant Regional Director Romeo Y. Buan of the Bureau of Internal Revenue said top officials of the bureau and partner agencies – departments of finance, trade and industry, agriculture, and energy – will conduct the tax forum for the benefit of the general taxpaying public and the small and medium enterprises in Region 1.
Registration for the forum is free.
Discussions will revolve on salient features of the VAT reform law (Republic Act 9337), its impact on the government’s macroeconomic and fiscal objectives, and its specific effects on basic needs like food, energy and other commodities.
A VAT clinic will also be conducted by the BIR to answer queries on compliance requirements, he said.
EVAT aims to expand the tax base, generate substantial incremental revenues, help reduce the fiscal deficit and ensure debt sustainability in the medium term, Buan explained.
The VAT reform law mandates that a portion of the incremental VAT revenues be earmarked for education, health, environment, and agricultural modernization. It also seeks to minimize the impact of the law on the poor by exempting basic commodities and socially sensitive products from VAT, and by mandating the implementation of mitigating measures, he added. – (DOS/PIA)
Assistant Regional Director Romeo Y. Buan of the Bureau of Internal Revenue said top officials of the bureau and partner agencies – departments of finance, trade and industry, agriculture, and energy – will conduct the tax forum for the benefit of the general taxpaying public and the small and medium enterprises in Region 1.
Registration for the forum is free.
Discussions will revolve on salient features of the VAT reform law (Republic Act 9337), its impact on the government’s macroeconomic and fiscal objectives, and its specific effects on basic needs like food, energy and other commodities.
A VAT clinic will also be conducted by the BIR to answer queries on compliance requirements, he said.
EVAT aims to expand the tax base, generate substantial incremental revenues, help reduce the fiscal deficit and ensure debt sustainability in the medium term, Buan explained.
The VAT reform law mandates that a portion of the incremental VAT revenues be earmarked for education, health, environment, and agricultural modernization. It also seeks to minimize the impact of the law on the poor by exempting basic commodities and socially sensitive products from VAT, and by mandating the implementation of mitigating measures, he added. – (DOS/PIA)
Nab big-time drug pushers, shoplift gang in Alaminos
Alaminos City--A family of notorious drug pushers and members of a “salisi” gang were caught by the local police recently and now detained at the provincial jail.
Twenty-nine heat-sealed sachets of shabu weighing some 20.8 grams and other paraphernalia, 24 pairs of assorted pants, six pairs of short pants and seven pieces assorted bread were confiscated from the gang of shoplifters.
The three suspected drug pushers – one of them a “big timer” in the trade identified as Rolando “Iking” Bautista, from Pandayan St, Poblacion this city -- and six members of a gang of shoplifters from barangay Bulosan, San Carlos City were presented to the media during a press conference called by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza at the city hall last Tuesday.
Rolando is the husband of Nena Bautista, once tagged as “shabu queen” of Alaminos and the region’s number 10 most wanted person, who is now confined at the provincial jail.
The two other drug pushing suspects caught were Noli Bautista, a brother of Rolando, and Lorna Bautista.
The alleged shoplifters were identified in the police report as Belinda Sampaga, 26; Edna Toledo, 21; Doris Ballesteros, 37; Rowena de Vera, 40, married; Agnes Bacani, 35, widow, all residents of Brgy. Bulosan, San Carlos City and Samuel Gonzales, 31, married, a resident of Brgy. Caingal, San Carlos City.
The two sets of suspects were charged for violation of R.A.9165 at the Prosecutor’s Office in criminal complaints number 4926-A and 4927-A respectively.
Braganza said police estimate the number of users and pushers here at more than 90. Fifty percent of shabu supplies in this town come from the Bautista group, long considered a “big time” group of pushers operating in western Pangasinan..
Braganza said drug users caught in the city government’s intensified anti-drugs campaign will be put under rehabilitation.
The late Alan de Guzman who was killed in barangay Seselangen, Sual town “was a victim of his own fame” the mayor said, in response to a question about the sensational highway shooting incident sometime ago. De Guzman is believed to have a romantic link with Nena Bautista
Confirming reports of an on-going “drugs war” in Pangasinan, Braganza said a deadly rivalry among drug dealers in their areas of operation -- of which the Bautistas were very much a part – and double cross among financiers and couriers, may have something to do with de Guzman’s death.
The mayor reiterated his call that regional trial courts should set up “special courts” to handle drug-related cases in order to speed up justice for the guilty and exoneration of the innocent.
He called the successful anti-crime operations a victory of the city, administration, PNP, 106th mobile group and POSO and barangay officials. (PIA/EMB)
Twenty-nine heat-sealed sachets of shabu weighing some 20.8 grams and other paraphernalia, 24 pairs of assorted pants, six pairs of short pants and seven pieces assorted bread were confiscated from the gang of shoplifters.
The three suspected drug pushers – one of them a “big timer” in the trade identified as Rolando “Iking” Bautista, from Pandayan St, Poblacion this city -- and six members of a gang of shoplifters from barangay Bulosan, San Carlos City were presented to the media during a press conference called by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza at the city hall last Tuesday.
Rolando is the husband of Nena Bautista, once tagged as “shabu queen” of Alaminos and the region’s number 10 most wanted person, who is now confined at the provincial jail.
The two other drug pushing suspects caught were Noli Bautista, a brother of Rolando, and Lorna Bautista.
The alleged shoplifters were identified in the police report as Belinda Sampaga, 26; Edna Toledo, 21; Doris Ballesteros, 37; Rowena de Vera, 40, married; Agnes Bacani, 35, widow, all residents of Brgy. Bulosan, San Carlos City and Samuel Gonzales, 31, married, a resident of Brgy. Caingal, San Carlos City.
The two sets of suspects were charged for violation of R.A.9165 at the Prosecutor’s Office in criminal complaints number 4926-A and 4927-A respectively.
Braganza said police estimate the number of users and pushers here at more than 90. Fifty percent of shabu supplies in this town come from the Bautista group, long considered a “big time” group of pushers operating in western Pangasinan..
Braganza said drug users caught in the city government’s intensified anti-drugs campaign will be put under rehabilitation.
The late Alan de Guzman who was killed in barangay Seselangen, Sual town “was a victim of his own fame” the mayor said, in response to a question about the sensational highway shooting incident sometime ago. De Guzman is believed to have a romantic link with Nena Bautista
Confirming reports of an on-going “drugs war” in Pangasinan, Braganza said a deadly rivalry among drug dealers in their areas of operation -- of which the Bautistas were very much a part – and double cross among financiers and couriers, may have something to do with de Guzman’s death.
The mayor reiterated his call that regional trial courts should set up “special courts” to handle drug-related cases in order to speed up justice for the guilty and exoneration of the innocent.
He called the successful anti-crime operations a victory of the city, administration, PNP, 106th mobile group and POSO and barangay officials. (PIA/EMB)
VMUF graduate tops midwifery licensure test
By NORMAN C. CAGUIOASAN CARLOS CITY – The entire community of the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF) here is now rejoicing after one of its graduates topped the list of passers in the 2005 Midwife Licensure Examination given in Manila last November 8 and 9.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identified the No. 1 topnotcher as Catherine B. De Guzman-Torio of Calasiao town in Pangasinan with an average rating of 89.10 percent.
“I took the board exam simply aiming to pass it without this glorious expectation,” the 33-year-old board topnotcher said.
“I dedicate this ‘gift’ to my dear father who is now with His Creator,” Torio said.
The new record holder in the 2005 midwife licensure examination graduated from the VMUF with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1993 and consequently passed the nurse licensure examination.
In spite of her hectic schedule, she manages to divide her time raising her three children -- Pauline Laurice, 10; Patricia Mae, 8; and Lester Paul, 2 years old, and pursuing her graduate studies program including her professional career as medical health specialist.
Torio rose from the ranks, initially as faculty member in the college of nursing in 1994. She was promoted as Program Coordinator of the college of midwifery and nursing aide in 2000. She was also designated as program coordinator to pioneer and spearhead the caregiver course and later the medical transcription training program.
Torio is the eldest of four children of the late Saturnino De Guzman and the former Conchita Baguno. She is a full-fledged Master in Public Health (MPH) holder and currently pursuing her next higher level studies in Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) degree. She said that she once dreamed to become a successful lawyer but time has changed her destiny.
Torio will join her fellow professionals during the oath-taking ceremonies before the board on December 9 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. She will be joined by her fellow Virginians and VMUF’s new midwives identified as Arlyn A. Dela Cruz; Jacqueline M. De Guzman; Janice B. De Guzman; Lysa DG. Delos Santos; Catherine R. Gonzales and Jobelle M. Salazar.
The VMUF passing average is 78 percent higher than the national passing average of only 51 percent in this year’s midwife licensure examination. The VMUF pioneered the midwifery school north of Manila in the early 1960’s.
Meantime, in the latest Veterinarian Licensure Examination, VMUF graduate Ronald Ruel M. Joves of Urdaneta City landed 18th among the 207 successful examinees, out of the 550 takers, with an average rating of 80.25 percent.
Dr. Leo B. Solis, dean of the college of veterinary medicine said that the school bagged a grand slam record for three consecutive years starting in 2001 with 6th placer Dr. Gerardo Q. Ibuan, a San Carleñan who scored a rating of 80.38 percent; Dr. Jhonabeth R. Bogaoan-Pajarillaga, 20th placer of Basista, Pangasinan obtaining 76.88 percent; Dr. Jefferson C. Canilang, 9th in the 2002 board exam and Dr. Percival Vinluan Hidalgo of San Quintin, Pangasinan who was 10th in the 2003 board exam with an average rating of 76.88 percent.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) listed the school’s college of veterinary medicine as one of the top 10 performing veterinary schools in the country with excellent programs obtaining 80.89 percent compliance rating. It has produced a top caliber veterinarian, Dr. Jonathan S. Luna of Balungao, Pangasinan who placed 9th in the 1995 licensure examinations.
The VMUF’s new veterinarians are Drs. Jayson B. Baradi; Shirley D. Fabian; Alfredo Mark U. Guarin; Antonio C. Perez, Jr.; and Lawrence C. Petilla.
The VMUF administration headed by president and board of trustees chairman, Dr. Ma. Lilia P. Juan, congratulated all the new board passers in midwifery and veterinary medicine. She commended them for giving another feather to the VMUF cap and for keeping the university globally competitive.
Bilingualism behind poor English skills of Pinoys
BILINGUALISM has had a grave adverse effect on the Filipino mastery and usage of the English language, thus endangering the Philippines once premier standing among English-speaking countries of the world.
This was disclosed by Sr. Remy Angela Junio, president of the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, who tagged the adoption of “Tag-lish” as the main reason Filipino students now have a lot of things to catch up on with their counterparts in other countries.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the first-ever call center in the Ilocos region owned by FarmOut Central, Sr. Junio noted that the call centers are the ones bringing so much money to the Philippines recently.
Also chancellor of the St. Paul University System, Sr. Junio said that the British Council itself found out that the Filipinos were the last among students of various nationalities based on the result of English proficiency examination it had given.
She admitted that in some high schools, students are being allowed to speak both English and Tagalog or the vernaculars in their classrooms or inside campuses, possibly spawning a language called “Tag-lish”.
The call center needs agents who can meet the rigid standard set by a company, especially in the command of the English language since they (agents) talk and deal with overseas callers.
Statistics from the Pangasinan Employment Service Office (PESO) however showed only three or five of 100 applicants for call center agents are being hired because of the high standard imposed by companies, among them their mastery of the English language.
Junio stressed that while there should be more call centers in the country, the problem is that only few graduates can qualify to become call center agents because they fare poorly in spoken and written English.
She lauded a policy given two years ago by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to make English as a medium of instruction in schools in order to make the country’s workers competitive with their counterparts abroad.
This was disclosed by Sr. Remy Angela Junio, president of the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, who tagged the adoption of “Tag-lish” as the main reason Filipino students now have a lot of things to catch up on with their counterparts in other countries.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the first-ever call center in the Ilocos region owned by FarmOut Central, Sr. Junio noted that the call centers are the ones bringing so much money to the Philippines recently.
Also chancellor of the St. Paul University System, Sr. Junio said that the British Council itself found out that the Filipinos were the last among students of various nationalities based on the result of English proficiency examination it had given.
She admitted that in some high schools, students are being allowed to speak both English and Tagalog or the vernaculars in their classrooms or inside campuses, possibly spawning a language called “Tag-lish”.
The call center needs agents who can meet the rigid standard set by a company, especially in the command of the English language since they (agents) talk and deal with overseas callers.
Statistics from the Pangasinan Employment Service Office (PESO) however showed only three or five of 100 applicants for call center agents are being hired because of the high standard imposed by companies, among them their mastery of the English language.
Junio stressed that while there should be more call centers in the country, the problem is that only few graduates can qualify to become call center agents because they fare poorly in spoken and written English.
She lauded a policy given two years ago by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to make English as a medium of instruction in schools in order to make the country’s workers competitive with their counterparts abroad.
OK, ban plastics, styrofoam but what’s alternative?
A CITY councilor of Dagupan has proposed an ordinance banning the use of plastics and styrofoam as packaging materials by food establishments but failed to present an alternative material to be used by such establishments.
The city council thus deferred discussion on the proposed ordinance until Councilor Nicanor Aquino, the proponent, has presented an alternative to the materials he sought to be banned.
Aquino, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, contended that plastics and styrofoams are considered non-biodegradable and their composition compounds make these difficult for disposal in dumpsites.
The proposed edict sought that, within six months after its passage, all food establishments, hotels and other similar establishments in the city reduce the use of plastics and other styrofoam packaging materials by at least 75 percent.
If this cannot be avoided, said Aquino, food caterers should exert efforts to impart to their customers the need to recycle the plastic utensils that go with the styrofoam food containers.
Compliance of establishments to the proposed ordinance will be strictly monitored by the city’s waste management division and violators will be fined.
In convincing his colleagues to support the proposed ordinance, Aquino presented video footages taken at the city’s dumpsite which showed that most of the wastes being collected there are plastics and styrofoam.
He said the garbage crisis in Dagupan is being compounded by heaps of plastics and styrofoam being discharged daily into the dumpsite.
Councilor Marie Farah Decano however moved to defer the passage of the proposed ordinance till after Aquino is able to propose an alternative to plastics and styrofoam as food packaging.
She said this is necessary so that existing food establishments and similar establishments will have alternative materials to use in their daily operations. (PNA)
The city council thus deferred discussion on the proposed ordinance until Councilor Nicanor Aquino, the proponent, has presented an alternative to the materials he sought to be banned.
Aquino, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, contended that plastics and styrofoams are considered non-biodegradable and their composition compounds make these difficult for disposal in dumpsites.
The proposed edict sought that, within six months after its passage, all food establishments, hotels and other similar establishments in the city reduce the use of plastics and other styrofoam packaging materials by at least 75 percent.
If this cannot be avoided, said Aquino, food caterers should exert efforts to impart to their customers the need to recycle the plastic utensils that go with the styrofoam food containers.
Compliance of establishments to the proposed ordinance will be strictly monitored by the city’s waste management division and violators will be fined.
In convincing his colleagues to support the proposed ordinance, Aquino presented video footages taken at the city’s dumpsite which showed that most of the wastes being collected there are plastics and styrofoam.
He said the garbage crisis in Dagupan is being compounded by heaps of plastics and styrofoam being discharged daily into the dumpsite.
Councilor Marie Farah Decano however moved to defer the passage of the proposed ordinance till after Aquino is able to propose an alternative to plastics and styrofoam as food packaging.
She said this is necessary so that existing food establishments and similar establishments will have alternative materials to use in their daily operations. (PNA)
First call center in Ilocos opens in Dagupan City
WITHOUT fanfare, the first call center in Pangasinan and the entire Ilocos region opened here last Sunday to add to the growing number of call centers now in business throughout the country.
Owned by the new company FarmOut Central formed by local investors led by Wilson L. Chua, president of the Dagupan-based Bitstops, Inc., which is into Internet and computers, the call center was put up with an initial 20 seats in its first module and 60 seats in its second module.
The investors are confident the call center will bring in new money to the province, enhance the local economy, open up new jobs and ancillary businesses, and boost money in circulation.
Board of Investment Governor Consuelo S. Perez, aided by Sister Remy Angela Junio of the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao City, one of the many clients of Bitstops, and Dr. and Mrs. Vivencio Villaflor did the honor in inaugurating the call center.
They were aided by Chua and Mark August Viegelmann, the men behind FarmOut, a new company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) whose vision is to open new jobs and bring in additional investments into Pangasinan.
Perez said this is only among many investments approved by BOI from January 2000 to June 2005, thus confirming the growing confidence of local as well as foreign investors in the economy.
Now processing from 1,200 to 1,500 calls nightly, the call center is initially manned by 20 agents who successfully passed the rigid standard set by the company, especially in the delivery of the English language.
Chua, president of FarmOut, admitted this is the first call center in the region comprising the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte although there was already one that opened ahead in Baguio.
He said the future of the local call center here however looks brighter because it is using the advanced fiber optics technology made available by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone that guarantees clearer, better signal than the ordinary copper wire.
Besides, he said, Pangasinan is the largest and most populous province in the Ilocos region. Its population of 2.2 million is more than the combined population of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte combined.
Saying they have eight fiber optic courses, only one of which is being utilized yet, Chua said the technology will allow them to expand up to 1,000 seats and to also expand to other locations.
Chua, a certified public accountant, said at 1,000 seats per call center, the estimated money to be in circulation is P30 million, granting that each call center agent is paid from P10,000 to P15,000 a month.
The call center started its initial operations in February with only three agents right after the company’s incorporation by providing free service to a Catholic church in a small community in the United States.
Ilocos Sur marks Quirino’ 115 birth anniversary
By FREDDIE G. LAZARO
VIGAN CITY – The people of Ilocos Sur commemorated last Wednesday the 115th birth anniversary of the late President Elpidio Quirino in a short program at the provincial capitol here.
Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano and Cory Quirino, granddaughter of the late President, led city and local officials, heads of different agencies and students from different schools in floral offerings at the late President’s bust.
The late President Quirino was born on Nov. 16, 1890 at the provincial jail in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to his parents Mariano Quirino of Ilocos Sur and Gregoria Rivera of Agoo, La Union.
Provincial Board Member Jeremias Singson, who represented Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, extolled the late President Quirino as an illustrious son of Ilocos Sur, a teacher, a lawyer, legislator, economist, diplomat, statesman and an exemplary public official.
He said Quirino was a legendary leader in the 20th century, a man of patriotism, and a man who alleviated the plight of the “common tao.”
For her part, Mrs. Cory Quirino thanked local officials for their initiative in the yearly commemoration of the birth anniversary of her grandfather.
The celebration also saw the awarding by descendants of the Quirino family of the President Elpidio Quirino medals to 22 Ilocos Sur residents who excelled in their respective fields. Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Carmeling Crisologo led the medalists this year.
In her message, Ms. Quirino cited humility as the stepping stones of his grandfather, Elpidio, in reaching his greatness as the second president of the Philippine Republic and the first Ilocano president.
There is a need to practice the spirit of humility for the sake of the country and people in the light of the present political crisis being experienced by the country today, she said.
In 1934, Qurino was a member of the Philippine Independent mission to Washington D.C. headed by Manuel Quezon that secured the passage in the United States Congress of the Tydings-Mac Duffie Act that set the date for Philippine independence in 1945.
After the war, he served as secretary of state and vice president to Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independence Republic of the Philippines. When Roxas died on April 15, 1948, Quirino assumed the presidency and subsequently won his election as president for four years. He died on Feb. 20 1956.
VIGAN CITY – The people of Ilocos Sur commemorated last Wednesday the 115th birth anniversary of the late President Elpidio Quirino in a short program at the provincial capitol here.
Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano and Cory Quirino, granddaughter of the late President, led city and local officials, heads of different agencies and students from different schools in floral offerings at the late President’s bust.
The late President Quirino was born on Nov. 16, 1890 at the provincial jail in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to his parents Mariano Quirino of Ilocos Sur and Gregoria Rivera of Agoo, La Union.
Provincial Board Member Jeremias Singson, who represented Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, extolled the late President Quirino as an illustrious son of Ilocos Sur, a teacher, a lawyer, legislator, economist, diplomat, statesman and an exemplary public official.
He said Quirino was a legendary leader in the 20th century, a man of patriotism, and a man who alleviated the plight of the “common tao.”
For her part, Mrs. Cory Quirino thanked local officials for their initiative in the yearly commemoration of the birth anniversary of her grandfather.
The celebration also saw the awarding by descendants of the Quirino family of the President Elpidio Quirino medals to 22 Ilocos Sur residents who excelled in their respective fields. Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Carmeling Crisologo led the medalists this year.
In her message, Ms. Quirino cited humility as the stepping stones of his grandfather, Elpidio, in reaching his greatness as the second president of the Philippine Republic and the first Ilocano president.
There is a need to practice the spirit of humility for the sake of the country and people in the light of the present political crisis being experienced by the country today, she said.
In 1934, Qurino was a member of the Philippine Independent mission to Washington D.C. headed by Manuel Quezon that secured the passage in the United States Congress of the Tydings-Mac Duffie Act that set the date for Philippine independence in 1945.
After the war, he served as secretary of state and vice president to Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independence Republic of the Philippines. When Roxas died on April 15, 1948, Quirino assumed the presidency and subsequently won his election as president for four years. He died on Feb. 20 1956.
Newsman finally buried after long stay at morgue
AFTER lying at a hospital morgue unclaimed by any relative after his death, a non-Pangasinense former newspaper editor was finally buried by media colleagues here who tapped resources to give him a decent final farewell.
Dominic “Dong” Villafuerte, 60, former editor of the tabloid newspaper “Headline Balita” published by Victor Corpuz, a namesake of retired Army General Victor Corpuz, was already clinically dead when he was brought to the R1MC at 11 p.m. Wednesday after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Villafuerte, a native of Camarines Sur but migrated to the province of Pangasinan since the 80s, was the third journalist from Pangasinan who died due to natural causes in a span of only seven days.
The others were Professor Napoleon “Nap” Donato, 58, of Dagupan City; and Maximo “Max” Mendiguarin, 82, of Binmaley town, both columnists of the local newsweekly “Sunday Punch”.
Drs. Mayeen Fernandez and Rochelle Taaca, attending physicians, said Villafuerte was already clinically dead when brought to the hospital by a male person who did not introduce his relations with the deceased.
They said although Villafuerte was already cyanotic or ashen-colored when he was brought in, they still did everything to revive him but to no avail.
Villafuerte, who once worked with the government-owned Philippine Broadcasting System from the 70s up to the 80s, has no relatives in Pangasinan. Hospital records showed his address was Guilig street in barangay Pogo Chico in Dagupan City where he rented a space alone.
Months after leaving “Headline Balita”, he was arrested and jailed in Dagupan aftr he failed to post the bailbond of P9,000 for a case of libel filed against him.
Hearing about Villafuerte’s predicament Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera posted the bailbond for the latter.
Dominic “Dong” Villafuerte, 60, former editor of the tabloid newspaper “Headline Balita” published by Victor Corpuz, a namesake of retired Army General Victor Corpuz, was already clinically dead when he was brought to the R1MC at 11 p.m. Wednesday after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Villafuerte, a native of Camarines Sur but migrated to the province of Pangasinan since the 80s, was the third journalist from Pangasinan who died due to natural causes in a span of only seven days.
The others were Professor Napoleon “Nap” Donato, 58, of Dagupan City; and Maximo “Max” Mendiguarin, 82, of Binmaley town, both columnists of the local newsweekly “Sunday Punch”.
Drs. Mayeen Fernandez and Rochelle Taaca, attending physicians, said Villafuerte was already clinically dead when brought to the hospital by a male person who did not introduce his relations with the deceased.
They said although Villafuerte was already cyanotic or ashen-colored when he was brought in, they still did everything to revive him but to no avail.
Villafuerte, who once worked with the government-owned Philippine Broadcasting System from the 70s up to the 80s, has no relatives in Pangasinan. Hospital records showed his address was Guilig street in barangay Pogo Chico in Dagupan City where he rented a space alone.
Months after leaving “Headline Balita”, he was arrested and jailed in Dagupan aftr he failed to post the bailbond of P9,000 for a case of libel filed against him.
Hearing about Villafuerte’s predicament Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera posted the bailbond for the latter.
EDITORIAL: Our bloodbrothers
THERE’S something the Chinese-Filipinos – “Tsinoys” -- in Dagupan City have done here that the natural-born Dagupeno would never have the conscience to dispute or deny – that they have helped protect the city from fires.
This the Dagupan Filipino-Chinese Community Association (DFCCA) has successfully achieved thru its organization of the Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade that has seen action in many a big fire in the city. If verbal efforts to promote amity between the native Dagupenos and the Tsinoys have somehow been spotty, the deeds of the Panda firemen has bridge any gap there is or may have been in the area of brotherhood.
All on their own, pooling their own resources and manpower together, the Dagupan Tsinoys have formed what is now a formidable, dependable and most of all, volunteer fire unit comparable to the best volunteer fire brigades in the region and nationwide – if there are any such brigades around to date.
DFCCA-Panda Fire Brigade observed its 25th year yesterday, the torch of responsibility for managing the association and the fire brigade’s day to-day- operations passing from Guanson Lo to Bernabe F. Dy, Jr. As always, Panda has kept pretty much to itself, keeping its feats and achievements in stock without letting the rest of the city know about it. Only when the fire alarms are sounded and its apple-green firetrucks zoom to the fire scene, its young crew of firefighters responding to their self-imposed duty with grit and skill, will we native Dagupenos remember and again feel that their fairer complexions notwithstanding, these Tsinoys really our bloodbrothers.
They have cast their lot with us, in fair times or foul, and the least we Dagupenos can do is to give them a pat on the back for a job well done – and a goodwill extended beyond words.
This the Dagupan Filipino-Chinese Community Association (DFCCA) has successfully achieved thru its organization of the Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade that has seen action in many a big fire in the city. If verbal efforts to promote amity between the native Dagupenos and the Tsinoys have somehow been spotty, the deeds of the Panda firemen has bridge any gap there is or may have been in the area of brotherhood.
All on their own, pooling their own resources and manpower together, the Dagupan Tsinoys have formed what is now a formidable, dependable and most of all, volunteer fire unit comparable to the best volunteer fire brigades in the region and nationwide – if there are any such brigades around to date.
DFCCA-Panda Fire Brigade observed its 25th year yesterday, the torch of responsibility for managing the association and the fire brigade’s day to-day- operations passing from Guanson Lo to Bernabe F. Dy, Jr. As always, Panda has kept pretty much to itself, keeping its feats and achievements in stock without letting the rest of the city know about it. Only when the fire alarms are sounded and its apple-green firetrucks zoom to the fire scene, its young crew of firefighters responding to their self-imposed duty with grit and skill, will we native Dagupenos remember and again feel that their fairer complexions notwithstanding, these Tsinoys really our bloodbrothers.
They have cast their lot with us, in fair times or foul, and the least we Dagupenos can do is to give them a pat on the back for a job well done – and a goodwill extended beyond words.
OPINION: E-procurement: So who’s posting & who’s shopping?
AFTER ALL
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
A QUICK browse of the website of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would easily reveal that despite the much-ballyhooed government e-procurement system already being in effect, local government units still appear hesitant to use it to post their supply and services requirements in.
Hesitant -- or defiant, that is.
Only about four or five local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan, we noticed in our scan, were posting their invitations to bid or supply needs at bid prices of from P50,000 to P250,000 on the DBM e-procurement site to include Sual and Santo Tomas and three others we could not now recall.
If this implies anything, it is that all or most of the rest would be still using the old system of sending out notices for bidding or worse, not sending notices out at all. A few others probably still take out paid newspaper advertising space that quite often, is manipulated with some corrupt publishers so that these don’t get circulated at all in the newsstands (quite obviously, to prevent open bidding) and copies are just given to the advertiser-LGU for paper compliance to auditing and accounting requirements. Do we see our friend, the unyielding Lydia Colobong Arilla of Agno nodding in full agreement?
We got into a little chat with Santo Tomas’ super-efficient lady treasurer Julieta Alvarado some weeks back and, according to her, LGUs who have used the e-procurement swear they were able to buy their supplies or services from the DBM at almost half the usual commercial price!
That alone, if not the sheer convenience of shopping right in the comfort of one’s office with just the click of a mouse, should be enough reason for cash-strapped towns or cities to go the e-procurement way. But many of them still don’t; neither do they post their bidding notices on the Net.
We recall some district engineers of the DPWH too citing the government e-procurement policy as the reason for the absence now of their once familiar invitation to bid notices in local newspapers. They are now supposedly posting their big-budgeted projects for bidding in the DBM website. Which, as far as that agency is concerned, should somehow minimize collusion and hanky-panky in the awarding of winning bidders – or, has it?
It is time, government, i.e. local government units, show they indeed are into belt-tightening as a way of safeguarding the people’s money given in their care. And they can do this by doing away with frivolous spending and really implementing the enshrined policy of accepting only those bids that “are most advantageous to government”-- not to the approving or signing officers.
* * * * *
You should hear Dagupan’s young Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez mouthing his piece on the current debates at the Consultative Commission to which he is now a member. He was appointed by President Arroyo last October 25. He admits to being a bit awed – at first – by the likes of the, Espinas, Abuevas, Garcias dissecting issues on the Constitution on the discussion floor but eventually getting the hang of it and once I n a while now putting in a word edgewise among the debate giants.
The Con-Com commissioners (to include Alvin, of course) – or at least five or six of them -- are coming to town on December 2 for the Pangasinan leg of their mandated consultations with the people. The consultation-workshop will be at the Regency Hotel grand ballroom in Calasiao, simultaneous with one to be held in Vigan, where another set of commissioners will “commune” with the people. The following day, Dec. 3, the two groups will converge in La Union for a public dialogue.
But back to VM Alvin, the young executive is now so full of ideas on just what an ideal structure and form of government should be that, chances are you’d go away from a conversation with him infected by all the political thoughts he spews. Trust us, we did.
At least now we know that a federal system of government, for a change, would be good overall … if not for one thing: the national (federal) guys would still be the ones doing the revenue collection with the provinces (states) still awaiting the release of their share from them.
But don’t take it from us, ask Commissioner Alvin. He has a mouthful to say on that.
Behn Fer. Hortaleza, Jr.
A QUICK browse of the website of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would easily reveal that despite the much-ballyhooed government e-procurement system already being in effect, local government units still appear hesitant to use it to post their supply and services requirements in.
Hesitant -- or defiant, that is.
Only about four or five local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan, we noticed in our scan, were posting their invitations to bid or supply needs at bid prices of from P50,000 to P250,000 on the DBM e-procurement site to include Sual and Santo Tomas and three others we could not now recall.
If this implies anything, it is that all or most of the rest would be still using the old system of sending out notices for bidding or worse, not sending notices out at all. A few others probably still take out paid newspaper advertising space that quite often, is manipulated with some corrupt publishers so that these don’t get circulated at all in the newsstands (quite obviously, to prevent open bidding) and copies are just given to the advertiser-LGU for paper compliance to auditing and accounting requirements. Do we see our friend, the unyielding Lydia Colobong Arilla of Agno nodding in full agreement?
We got into a little chat with Santo Tomas’ super-efficient lady treasurer Julieta Alvarado some weeks back and, according to her, LGUs who have used the e-procurement swear they were able to buy their supplies or services from the DBM at almost half the usual commercial price!
That alone, if not the sheer convenience of shopping right in the comfort of one’s office with just the click of a mouse, should be enough reason for cash-strapped towns or cities to go the e-procurement way. But many of them still don’t; neither do they post their bidding notices on the Net.
We recall some district engineers of the DPWH too citing the government e-procurement policy as the reason for the absence now of their once familiar invitation to bid notices in local newspapers. They are now supposedly posting their big-budgeted projects for bidding in the DBM website. Which, as far as that agency is concerned, should somehow minimize collusion and hanky-panky in the awarding of winning bidders – or, has it?
It is time, government, i.e. local government units, show they indeed are into belt-tightening as a way of safeguarding the people’s money given in their care. And they can do this by doing away with frivolous spending and really implementing the enshrined policy of accepting only those bids that “are most advantageous to government”-- not to the approving or signing officers.
* * * * *
You should hear Dagupan’s young Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez mouthing his piece on the current debates at the Consultative Commission to which he is now a member. He was appointed by President Arroyo last October 25. He admits to being a bit awed – at first – by the likes of the, Espinas, Abuevas, Garcias dissecting issues on the Constitution on the discussion floor but eventually getting the hang of it and once I n a while now putting in a word edgewise among the debate giants.
The Con-Com commissioners (to include Alvin, of course) – or at least five or six of them -- are coming to town on December 2 for the Pangasinan leg of their mandated consultations with the people. The consultation-workshop will be at the Regency Hotel grand ballroom in Calasiao, simultaneous with one to be held in Vigan, where another set of commissioners will “commune” with the people. The following day, Dec. 3, the two groups will converge in La Union for a public dialogue.
But back to VM Alvin, the young executive is now so full of ideas on just what an ideal structure and form of government should be that, chances are you’d go away from a conversation with him infected by all the political thoughts he spews. Trust us, we did.
At least now we know that a federal system of government, for a change, would be good overall … if not for one thing: the national (federal) guys would still be the ones doing the revenue collection with the provinces (states) still awaiting the release of their share from them.
But don’t take it from us, ask Commissioner Alvin. He has a mouthful to say on that.
OPINION: About time we have an economic rebound
The Pen Speaks
Danny O. Sagun
BUSINESS is supposed to perk up this November after several months of stagnation but small businessmen we have talked to swear they still can hardly make both ends meet up to now.
A trader – friend disclosed he had been making good money up to April this year but everything went downward since then, starting May when the political turmoil brought about by the controversial ‘Hello Garci’ tapes unfolded. I sensed he was talking from the heart because I observed that no customer walked in during the one hour or so that we chatted while waiting for my car to get a fresh look.
Yes, my friend was operating a car wash and accessories business. He said that during the past months of December up to March, he was really making good so that he decided to expand his business, not anticipating the bad times about to befall this country.
Now he is only earning enough for the pay of his men (he used to have eight to 10 people, now he has only three) and monthly shop maintenance. If he nets P500 a day he already feels lucky, he confided. He used to get eight to 10 times more before. Last October he was about to say quits. He made up his mind though to stay for a few months more and see what will happen. He is hoping that the release of bonuses and Christmas gifts for employees this coming December will bring a better business climate.
We ourself feel the economic pinch of the times. Our little store is barely surviving. Our neighbors say the same thing. People seem to be delaying their spending sprees -- if they have money at all to spend.
Lately, our peso seems to be rebounding and the prices of gasoline are going down. This is a positive indication that we may see a better situation than what had been in the last six months at the height of the ‘oust-Arroyo’ attempt.
A trader – friend disclosed he had been making good money up to April this year but everything went downward since then, starting May when the political turmoil brought about by the controversial ‘Hello Garci’ tapes unfolded. I sensed he was talking from the heart because I observed that no customer walked in during the one hour or so that we chatted while waiting for my car to get a fresh look.
Yes, my friend was operating a car wash and accessories business. He said that during the past months of December up to March, he was really making good so that he decided to expand his business, not anticipating the bad times about to befall this country.
Now he is only earning enough for the pay of his men (he used to have eight to 10 people, now he has only three) and monthly shop maintenance. If he nets P500 a day he already feels lucky, he confided. He used to get eight to 10 times more before. Last October he was about to say quits. He made up his mind though to stay for a few months more and see what will happen. He is hoping that the release of bonuses and Christmas gifts for employees this coming December will bring a better business climate.
We ourself feel the economic pinch of the times. Our little store is barely surviving. Our neighbors say the same thing. People seem to be delaying their spending sprees -- if they have money at all to spend.
Lately, our peso seems to be rebounding and the prices of gasoline are going down. This is a positive indication that we may see a better situation than what had been in the last six months at the height of the ‘oust-Arroyo’ attempt.
* * * * *
The Charter Change (Cha-cha) info drive has begun in the local level.
Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez of Dagupan City, who was appointed by Malacañang as member of consultative commission to represent the vice-mayors league, called the first meeting with concerned key agencies last Friday at the sangguniang panlungsod in preparation for the Consultative Commission’s coming to Pangasinan next month. Issues for and against the proposed Constitutional change were brought out for deliberation and enlightenment so that the public would know what to do when the changes are brought to them for approval or rejection in a plebiscite.
Another information campaign on an equally-controversial issue – the EVAT – has been scheduled on November 29, a Tuesday.
The expanded value added tax (EVAT) will be thoroughly tacked by the BIR and partner-agencies in a public forum at the Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan Binloc, this city, from 1 to 5 p.m. No registration fees will be collected for the fora. The public is thus invited to take full advantage of these fora for their own benefit.
Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez of Dagupan City, who was appointed by Malacañang as member of consultative commission to represent the vice-mayors league, called the first meeting with concerned key agencies last Friday at the sangguniang panlungsod in preparation for the Consultative Commission’s coming to Pangasinan next month. Issues for and against the proposed Constitutional change were brought out for deliberation and enlightenment so that the public would know what to do when the changes are brought to them for approval or rejection in a plebiscite.
Another information campaign on an equally-controversial issue – the EVAT – has been scheduled on November 29, a Tuesday.
The expanded value added tax (EVAT) will be thoroughly tacked by the BIR and partner-agencies in a public forum at the Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan Binloc, this city, from 1 to 5 p.m. No registration fees will be collected for the fora. The public is thus invited to take full advantage of these fora for their own benefit.
OPINION: Ilocos Region’s first call center
WINDOWS
Gabriel L. Cardinoza
Until last Sunday, I did not know what a call center looks like and I had no idea what it does.
Thanks to Bitstop Computers’ Wilson Chua. Along with other media colleagues, Wilson invited us to the inauguration of the FarmOut Central Intouch (Foci) Inc., a business process outsourcing company (read: call center), located in Bonuan.
More than the hi-tech equipment in a speech laboratory-like set up, what amazed us was that Foci is the first and the only call center in the Ilocos Region. It is also a local company, with its few investors consisting mostly of prominent Dagupeños and Pangasinenses, who, like Wilson, risked to “tread on the path few dared take.”
“A lot of the experts have said that we can't do it in Pangasinan. We don't have enough talents. We don't have a US office. We don't have the technology. We don't have millions needed to set up a call center. We are here to prove the experts wrong,” Wilson said during the press briefing.
And prove them wrong they did. From an original four agents when Foci conducted its “dry run” early this year, the company now has 26 agents and the number will soon double with Foci’s winning of more accounts from companies based mostly in the US and UK.
In fact during that inauguration, Wilson was quite frantic in inviting us, having been told earlier that morning that no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be there to formally open Foci. PGMA, of course, never came. But her non-appearance did not dampen our interest to cover the call center inauguration because to us, it was a story.
Foci’s success may also be attributed to its belief that “no job is too small.” Wilson says that while other call centers require a minimum of 50 to 100 seats, FOCI makes no such demand.
“This is to enable smaller companies to compete head on with larger companies and become more focused in relationships with their valued clients. We can start with a single seat. We grow when their business grows,” Wilson added.
Board of Investments Governor Connie Perez, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, was ecstatic about the fast growth that Foci has achieved. She was telling us that the first time she visited the call center, it was just a one-room affair “and now, it has an additional room.”
But what Mark August Viegelman, Foci director, is proud of is the fact that their call center agents are all from Pangasinan and they receive salaries comparable to those received by their counterparts in Makati. And as such, they are in a better position because they will be able to save more by no longer paying for apartment rentals. They are also with their families.
Wilson swore that if we close our eyes as we listen to Foci agents handle their clients we would think that we are hearing an American or a British national. This proves, he said, that we have a local pool of talents.
But what impressed me most was Wilson’s vision and enterprising spirit, as articulated in Bitstop Computers’ profile. It said: “So where will Bitstop be five years hence? Bitstop aspires to be globally competitive and hopes to provide new product and service offerings on a global scale. These products will of course still be branded with the unique Bitstop trademarks of high level of expertise, commitment, dedication and drive.”
I’m sure this also applies to Foci.
QUICKQUOTE: Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve. -- Martin Luther King
Gabriel L. Cardinoza
Until last Sunday, I did not know what a call center looks like and I had no idea what it does.
Thanks to Bitstop Computers’ Wilson Chua. Along with other media colleagues, Wilson invited us to the inauguration of the FarmOut Central Intouch (Foci) Inc., a business process outsourcing company (read: call center), located in Bonuan.
More than the hi-tech equipment in a speech laboratory-like set up, what amazed us was that Foci is the first and the only call center in the Ilocos Region. It is also a local company, with its few investors consisting mostly of prominent Dagupeños and Pangasinenses, who, like Wilson, risked to “tread on the path few dared take.”
“A lot of the experts have said that we can't do it in Pangasinan. We don't have enough talents. We don't have a US office. We don't have the technology. We don't have millions needed to set up a call center. We are here to prove the experts wrong,” Wilson said during the press briefing.
And prove them wrong they did. From an original four agents when Foci conducted its “dry run” early this year, the company now has 26 agents and the number will soon double with Foci’s winning of more accounts from companies based mostly in the US and UK.
In fact during that inauguration, Wilson was quite frantic in inviting us, having been told earlier that morning that no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be there to formally open Foci. PGMA, of course, never came. But her non-appearance did not dampen our interest to cover the call center inauguration because to us, it was a story.
Foci’s success may also be attributed to its belief that “no job is too small.” Wilson says that while other call centers require a minimum of 50 to 100 seats, FOCI makes no such demand.
“This is to enable smaller companies to compete head on with larger companies and become more focused in relationships with their valued clients. We can start with a single seat. We grow when their business grows,” Wilson added.
Board of Investments Governor Connie Perez, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, was ecstatic about the fast growth that Foci has achieved. She was telling us that the first time she visited the call center, it was just a one-room affair “and now, it has an additional room.”
But what Mark August Viegelman, Foci director, is proud of is the fact that their call center agents are all from Pangasinan and they receive salaries comparable to those received by their counterparts in Makati. And as such, they are in a better position because they will be able to save more by no longer paying for apartment rentals. They are also with their families.
Wilson swore that if we close our eyes as we listen to Foci agents handle their clients we would think that we are hearing an American or a British national. This proves, he said, that we have a local pool of talents.
But what impressed me most was Wilson’s vision and enterprising spirit, as articulated in Bitstop Computers’ profile. It said: “So where will Bitstop be five years hence? Bitstop aspires to be globally competitive and hopes to provide new product and service offerings on a global scale. These products will of course still be branded with the unique Bitstop trademarks of high level of expertise, commitment, dedication and drive.”
I’m sure this also applies to Foci.
QUICKQUOTE: Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve. -- Martin Luther King
