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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Moriones: A Festival of Faith

by Jun Pasaylo


MARINDUQUE, Philippines – As the annual Moriones Festival entered fifth day today, the event continues to draw people from inside and outside this province to join the weeklong celebration.

Since the opening day, the intensity of the celebration and volumes of revelers from all walks of life continue to soar plugging the streets of this laid-back-but-culturally-rich province.

Moriones festival gathered people from all ages and different walks of life bringing them into a single platform that completes the element of this most anticipated event here. And that is, the peoples’ faith in God.

While other festivities sourced their beginnings from good harvests or commendable economic activities, among others, the dynamic of Moriones festival came from one common part of the diverse people here – their faith in God.

At the age of 12, Jake Sembrano has been doing the vow of a Morion for over half a decade now. He joined the flock of Roman-inspired soldiers since he was four.

"At first, it’s my parents who inspire me to do this. Now, I am doing this because I want to express my true faith to God." he said in an interview with www.philstar.com.

While Morion soldiers can amaze people with their intricate costumes, he said they have struggles to overcome too during the eight-day event.

At full costume gear, he noted that the hardest part was making visuals when a Morion walked across the streets of Marinduque.

"The eye holes in our mask are very small so it’s very hard to walk, you have to make sure that you will walk in the middle of the streets, or else you can fall into an open drainage," he said.

“It’s very, very hot when we will have to walk across the streets at noon time," he added.

For his part, 70-year-old Alfredo Maglakas said being a Morion is not only to display the glamour of Roman-inspired costumes but one's utmost faith in God.

“You can have the best costumes, and yet lose the essence of being a Morion. It’s really on faith,” he added.

For over 40 years, he has been doing the vow of a Morion, doing rounds on the streets of Marinduque with his costumes, and he has no plans of retiring from it.

"I, my wife and my children are wearing our costumes during this season because of our vow to God. It has been a practice that my family never fails to do every year," he added.

When asked of his inspiration in enduring the eight-day grueling of a Morion’s life during the Lenten season, he said "Life has been harder if God has forsaken us."

"Such is the essence of Moriones festival. It is not a feast for good harvests or any other else. Moriones is a festival of faith," he said.






New Road To Economic Prosperity In Far-Flung Village Communities

by MIKE U. CRISMUNDO


TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Carabao-pulled cart, the only means of transportation of residents and big number of farmers will be a thing of the past when the road construction currently implemented by the Department of Public Works (DPWH) Agusan del Sur 1st District Engineering Office (ADS 1 DEO) will be completed soon.

The big number of residents and farmers in areas of Campo, San Miguel, Batucan and Del Mote in the river town of Talacogon are very much grateful and lucky when this road construction project of President Benigno S. Aquino lll will be completed on July28, this year, ahead of its completion target.

It is seen that this new road will improve the lives of the big number of village community folks, some of them highland people which will give them access to basic services like education, health and economy.

Town and community village officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DPWH-ADS 1 DEO for the construction of this new road.

The construction of NRJ-Batucan-Campo Farm to Market Road (FMR), funded under the Department of Agriculture CY 2011 program in the amount of Php 7 Million was started January 31, 2012.

It is being implemented by the DPWH-ADS I DEO) under the leadership of District Engineer (DE) Jaime T. Bernat, Sr, and under contract with Roim Builders and Construction Supply.

As of this posting, the project is still on-going. “We are ahead of schedule and our technical personnel, project engineer and resident engineer are on the ground 24/7 to hit our objective – good quality of works and good quality materials being implemented by the contractor under its program of work,” stressed DE Bernat.

The area is producing rubber, rice and corn, falcata and varied rootcrops. These produce were transported before only by carabao-pulled cart that will take the farmers long hours before they reached the nearest market. With the construction of this road, exchange of goods and services will be fast, easier and accessible, added DE Bernat.

In another development, in compliance with the directive of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to engage local civil society organizations (CSOs) to enter into budget partnerships with DPWH regional offices, the DPWH Regional office 13 has recently signed a budget partnership agreement (BPA) with its CSO partner Butuan-Agusan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BACCIFI).

During the signing of the BPA, Region Xlll DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola reiterated Secretary Singson’s statement that DPWH wants to enhance the quality of its budget process by involving CSO partners in the annual budget preparation.

“This agreement with BACCIFI will help enhance efficiency and effectiveness of our office. With BACCIFI monitoring our programs, projects and activities for this year and beyond, transparency and accountability will be achieved and quality of public service will be improved particularly here in Caraga region,” said Director Versola.

The signing of the BPA is part of the DPWH program to establish stronger ties with people’s organizations in the preparation and execution of the agency’s budget for FY 2013 and beyond. This is in support to the national government’s commitment to institutionalize citizen participation in the budget process as means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the preparation, allocation and utilization of public funds.

The BPA was signed at the DPWH Regional Office 13 by Director Versola, BACCIFI President Joseph Omar O. Andaya and witnessed by DPWH 13 Planning Chief Samson L. Hebra, BACCIFI Executive Director Virginia L. Rosales, Agusan del Norte District Engineer Alipio Grana and Butuan City District Engineer Nicolas Alameda.

The BPA is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Budget and Management National Budget Circular No. 536 dated January 31, 2013 to standardize partnership program with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other concerned stakeholders.

To date, DPWH has signed budget partnership agreements with 5 CSO partners Bantay Lansangan; Research Education and institutional Development (REID) Foundation, Inc.; Southern Philippines Muslim Unity and Development Association, Inc. (SPMUDA); Marinduque First Saturday Movers, Inc. (MFSMI); and Butuan-Agusan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (BACCIFI) who agreed to adhere at all times to the principles of constructive engagement such as transparency, accountability, integrity, partnership, consultation and mutual empowerment, respect for internal processes, sustainability, and national interest.

Moriones: A way of life in Marinduque

by Jun Pasaylo


MARINDUQUE, Philippines – Moriones Festival is not only an event to display the fine intricacies and details of Roman-inspired costumes here; it is a part of the culture and tradition of the people of the land.

For over a century, the people of Marinduque – men, women and children – have aspired to become a Morion, a person who vows to become a vehicle for the unique practice to continue amid changing times and cultural facelifts.

Tracing its roots as one of the country's oldest festivities, Moriones festival has drawn thousands of the people here to commit their lives to the over a century-old tradition.

The first Moriones event happened late in the 1800s.

Among the hundreds that committed his life in the vow of a Morion is 68-year-old Jose Manay. He has been a Morion for 53 years.

From an ordinary Morion soldier in 1959, he has climbed his way up to the rank-and-file of Roman-inspired soldier, and founded Kapatiran, one of the three existing Morion groups in Marinduque. The other two are the Mistah and Legions.

"I started as a Morion when I was 15 years old, and it has been my commitment to fulfill my vow as long as I live," he said in an interview with www.philstar.com.

With a commitment to roam around the province every Holy Week, he said the hardest part of being in “the vow" is to carry the load of the Morion's costumes.

"Sometimes we have to walk for miles with no food, but it’s very fulfilling to be part of the history of the Morion tradition," he added.

"You have to sustain days of walk under the heat of the sun, but its more fulfilling when you know that you are doing it for God," he noted, adding that his wife and four children have also committed their lives to the vow of a Morion.

For the people of Marinduque, being a Morion is not only display of glamorous costumes during the Lenten season, it is a way of life and a display of utmost faith to God.

The family of Manay was among the countless families here that sustain the tradition with his children and grandchildren also committing their lives to "the vow".

"We might be poor compare to others. But with the Morion vow in our hearts, we know that we are rich in faith to God, and that the greatest treasure that I and my family have," he said.

“As long as I have a life to live, I will continue fulfilling my vow as a Morion.”

Things to see and do for Holy Week 2012

by : CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA NEWS


The longest weekend for 2012 begins this Holy Week, with holidays from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday. The following Monday, Araw ng Kagitingan, is also a holiday, giving Filipinos five days off from work.

Many people see this period as a time to bond with family, or go on a much-needed getaway. Of course, this is primarily a time for reflection for many devoted Catholics. In the Philippines, reflection need not be boring. Here is a list of activities this Holy Week, from art exhibits to festivals.

1. Siete Palabras

Produced by the Dominican Province of the Philippines, the annual Siete Palabras includes the communal recitation of the "Pasyon," a well-known Lenten practice among Catholics. As the name suggests, the main feature is the reflections of the Dominican fathers on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34); “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43); “Woman, behold your Son: Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27); “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34); “I thirst” (John 19:28); “It is finished” (John 19:30); and “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).

With the theme “Ang Pasyong Mahal sa Buhay ni Juan,” the event's aim, among others, is to emphasize the significance of Christian religion in Filipino culture.

“Siete Palabras also reminds us of what we should appreciate and continue, like how we express our beliefs," DPP Media Board chairman Fr. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP said in a report on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines website.

Preachers are Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, OP; Fr. Nilo Lardizabal, OP; Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP; Fr. Winston Cabading OP; Fr. Eugenio Cabillon, OP; Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz, Jr., OP; and Fr. Florentino Bolo, Jr., OP, the CBCP report said. There will also be liturgical song and dance presentations from various groups, including the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Tiples de Santo Domingo.

The report said there will be testimonials from former ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa, Letty Syquia (mother of Fr. Jocis Syquia, the director of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Office of Exorcism), comedienne-singer Elizabeth Ramcey, TV producer Tak Barrios, and director Laurice Guillen.

This year's Siete Palabras will be held on Good Friday, April 6 at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City. The annual tradition will also be broadcast live on GMA 7 starting 12 noon. Radio Veritas 846 will also air the broadcast simultaneously.

2. Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross (2012)

Now on its fourth year, Church Simplified's interactive art exhibit runs at Bonifacio High Street from Palm Sunday, April 1, to Easter Sunday, April 8.

Set up in the middle of an outdoor commercial complex, the Walkway invites people to take a step back from the usual window-shopping.

For each station, there is an explanation as well as a task that visitors are supposed to do, such as discover what their greatest treasure is, or make a difference by donating to a children's fund.

The Walkway is an interesting option for those who wish to observe Lent in a way that doesn't involve the usual church activities.

3. Vultus Christi art exhibit at Galerie Joaquin Podium

Coinciding with Holy Week is an exhibit featuring artists' interpretations of the last days of Christ.

Jovan Benito and Randy Roa paint scenes from the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Stations of the Cross for "Vultus Christi: The Face of Christ." Held at Galerie Joaquin Podium, the exhibit is in the spirit of highlighting the human character of Christ through iconography, which reminds us of the sacrifices required to save mankind.

"Befitting the reflective period before Holy Week, 'Vultus Christi: The Face of Christ' is a momentous exhibition that serves to encapsulate the meaning of sacrifice," Galerie Joaquin says on its website.

According to Galerie Joaquin, Benito's colorful style contrasts the subject matter's seriousness. "That childlike whimsy is evident in her choice of palette. The bright colors and figurative-abstract renderings of Christ and his followers [are] a dramatic counterpoint to what we're used to. The idea is to promote the concept of celebration as opposed to pain. The life of Christ is, after all, the conquering of the sinful nature of man," the exhibit notes say.

Meanwhile, Rando Roa's abstract figurations force the viewer to see Christ's last days as moments and reflections. "By refusing to conform to the limitations of authenticity, Roa gives us a glimpse of the spiritual aspect of the moment," the gallery said.

4. Visita Iglesia

The Visita Iglesia (church pilgrimage) has been practiced for years all over the country, since the Spanish colonizers introduced the practice to Filipino Catholics. Originally, early pilgrims would visit the seven great basilicas in Rome, for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Maundy Thursday.

According to a news bulletin on the Manila Cathedral website, there are no set prayers for the “Visita Iglesia." "However, it is good to note that it is a spiritual pilgrimage in which we are invited to reflect and pray as we accompany Jesus journeying through his Paschal Mystery," it notes.

As a result, there are many different ways of doing the Visita Iglesia. Some continue to visit seven churches, while others visit 14 churches, thus completing "Via Crucis," where pilgrims follow the stations of the cross.

The tradition has evolved with the times, and Filipino Catholics who are unable to take part in traditional Lenten practices may do so online with the CBCP's online Visita Iglesia.

Because the country has an abundance of old churches, the Visita Iglesia can also be a cultural activity where pilgrims experience colonial era architecture, and the rich history that comes with it.

Since 2010, artist and biking enthusiast Rock Drilon has been organizing Bisikleta Iglesia, which combines the religious church pilgrimage with biking.

5. Passion plays and religious festivals

Towns all over the country stage plays commemorating the passion and death of Christ. The Department of Tourism lists over 30 religious events all over the country.

In Pampanga, the flagellants whip their bare backs while parading the streets of San Fernando. In certain places, like San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando and Lourdes Northwest in Angeles City, some penitents are even crucified.

In Binangonan, Rizal, the cenaculo is referred to as Giwang-Giwang, because so many people try to touch the Sepulkro that it sways.

At the Subok Festival, also in Rizal, different objects are inserted in the robe of Santo Entierro, the wooden image of the dead Christ. After the procession, the objects are retrieved and kept as talismans.

In Marinduque, masked soldiers perform in the Moriones festival. The towns of Boac, Gasan and Mogpog become the stage where they tell the story of Longinus, the centurion who pierced the side of the crucified Jesus.

In San Jose, Antique, Hudas-Hudas is celebrated on Black Saturday. People gather in the town plaza, where an effigy of Judas is hanged and burned.

In Quiapo, the image of the Black Nazarene is brought out from the Basilica Minore Shrine on Good Friday every year. The only other occasion that the image is taken out is on its feast day on January 9. Devotees believe that touching the life-sized statue of Christ will bring miracles.

Whether you just want to just stay at home, go out and enjoy the relatively quiet city, or even visit some of the beautiful provinces this long weekend, there are plenty of things to see and do this Holy Week. –KG, GMA News

Bishop: Palm Sunday no April Fool’s joke'

by : Jerome Aning

Philipine Daily Inquirer


Roman Catholic Filipinos should mark Palm Sunday, with piety and contemplation on the Passion of Jesus Christ and not with superstitious beliefs, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Saturday. Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, CBCP media office director, said Palm Sunday, which coincides with the observance of April Fool’s Day, should not be marked with pranks and jokes. “We should not deviate [from the message of Palm Sunday] and not focus on superstitious and pagan practices,” Quitorio said. April Fool’s Day is said to have its origins in the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria and in the Festival of Fools in the Middle Ages, where people played pranks on others and indulged in foolishness. Pranksters are also active on Holy Innocents’ Day in December. For Quitorio, the belief that the palm fronds (palaspas) blessed on Palm Sunday can ward off evil spirits and lightning strikes are examples of Fool’s Day foolishness that should be discarded. “A person becomes a fool if his being a Christian is reduced to becoming superstitious,” Quitorio said. “Our concentration should be on [the Palm Sunday] Mass, on the gospel about the Passion of Christ. We should not veer away from it.” Quitorio said the palaspas has only one symbolic meaning: “To welcome Christ as He enters Jerusalem and into the will of God.” The Church, Quitorio said, is partly to blame for the persistent superstitious beliefs about the palaspas. “Maybe [the people] think that way because of the Church’s failure to catechize [them],” Quitorio said. “So I think there is really a need for parish priests to teach the people … to understand its real meaning.” Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, called on Catholics on Saturday to commemorate “the important mysteries of our faith” with the start of the Holy Week. “Let us have time to participate, especially in the many important and significant activities of the Church like Palm Sunday, the Paschal Triduum, Chrism Mass, Last Supper Mass, the Seven Last Words and Easter,” Palma said in an interview over church-run Radio Veritas. “If others are thinking about going on vacation—and it’s true that we need to have rest from work—I [hope] they can still participate in the celebrations of the Church [this Holy Week],” Palma said. “We should pray to have renewal in our country. Let us pray that we can improve.”

Too much partying Marinduque Bishop Rey Evangelista called on the youth not to forget the meaning of Holy Week as he discouraged them from too much partying. “Our Holy Week gatherings should not be for fun but for prayer and contemplation,” Evangelista said. Also on Saturday, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action, called on the faithful to donate to Alay Kapwa Sunday, which also coincides with Palm Sunday. The Alay Kapwa (offering to one’s neighbor) Sunday is the culmination of the Lenten evangelization program of the Church that aims to raise social consciousness about the plight of the poor. This year’s proceeds will be used as emergency fund for the poor who have been affected by natural and man-made calamities. “They may donate their time or talent. There are a lot of people in need of help. That has been the call of Alay Kapwa, for [the faithful] to share their time, talent and treasure,” Pabillo also said. No to crucifixions Palma reiterated the Church’s opposition to crucifixions on Good Friday, which some Catholic devotees, particularly in Pampanga province, continue to practice. “While we are trying to discourage these practices, we could also not judge the intention of some devotees,” Palma said. “They have different vows, which, if they cannot fulfill them, [make them] feel very guilty. But the challenge really is, you do not have to [be], if your participation [in Holy Week rites] is really solemn and wholehearted.” Palma added: “It’s not so much the external manifestation of and identification with the Christ. It’s internal—the change of heart, the change of life. This, I wish, is the beautiful thing that we should do, not on the physical but more in the spirit. We do not judge and condemn, but we discourage it.” Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of Pampanga and retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani have similar observations. Aniceto said the body is a gift from God and should be taken care of, not tortured by crucifixion. He observed that the Good Friday crucifixions had become commercialized and turned into tourist attractions. “The self-flagellations and crucifixions must be stopped,” Bacani said. “Caring for each other, doing good deeds is the best restitution [for sins],” Bacani said.

Holy Week celebrations around the world

by : Atty. Dodo Dula


Tomorrow, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Lasting until Easter Sunday, the Holy Week will see millions of Filipinos trooping to churches and observing the rituals associated with this important religious event.

There is the Palm Sunday Mass, where devotees bring palaspas (palm leaves) to be blessed by the priest. After the service, the palm leaves are taken home and placed above doorways and windows to ward off evil spirits.

There is also the pabasa – a non-stop chant of Jesus’ life, passion and death over blaring speakers. In my hometown in Malabon City, the pabasa begins right after Ash Wednesday, initially in a low tone and gradually rising in volume as the Holy Week approaches until it reaches a deafening crescendo – and ends – on Maundy Thursday.

On Maundy Thursday, Filipino families will be doing the visita iglesia, the pilgrimage to seven – and for some, fourteen – churches to recite the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday sees street processions of bleeding flagellants and cross-carrying penitents, and in some places like Bulacan and Pampanga, a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus where people are nailed to the cross for real.

But if you think it’s only Filipinos who have strange Holy Week rituals and customs, think again.

Also on Maundy Thursday but in another part of the world, residents of the town of Verges in Gerona, Spain celebrate the “La Dansa de la Muerte” or the Dance of Death – a night time macabre dance performed by men dressed as skeletons to symbolize the equality of all men before the Final Judgment.

In Spain, many other towns and cities commemorate the Holy Week with processions of large elaborate floats or “tronos” paraded through the streets at night, each with different themes portraying the last days before Christ’s crucifixion or Bible scenes. These floats, some weighing over 3,000 kilograms, are carried on the shoulders by some forty to fifty men called “costaleros” in a march lasting up to eight hours while being followed by members of religious brotherhoods wearing – for anonymity – pointed hats with a cloth mask, a robe and a cloak, an attire many people say is eerily similar to those worn by the Ku Klux Clan.

In the town of Murcia, a “tronos” telling the story of the Last Supper has real food on the table. On Easter Sunday, the twenty-six men who carried the “tronos” around town get to sit down at the table and eat the food!

Across neighboring Italy, mystery plays are performed throughout towns and cities. Similar to the Moriones Festival in Marinduque, a mystery play is a kind of opera – a sacred opera – performed during Holy Week outside of churches or in the village square, with actors, dancers and props, just like a real opera. After the mystery plays and a solemn mass, a long parade of women dressed in black mourning clothes carry the statue of the Virgin Mary from the church through old-town streets lit only by candles and lamps.

In the South American continent, a different slant to the religious rituals occur on Good Friday when residents of Tarma, Peru, throw abstinence out the window. Instead, participants feast on twelve traditional dishes, from soups, fish, potato dishes to desserts. Again on Easter Sunday, celebrating with food ends the Semana Santa celebrations.

Following the gloomy rites of Good Friday, Saturday takes on an entirely different tone in the town of Ayacucho, Peru. An open air market with crafts, food and music draws a huge crowd who enjoy chicha or chacta with a chew of coca leaves. There is a traditional belief in Ayacucho that since Christ is dead and has not yet risen, there is no such thing as a sin.

Consequently, participants in Ayacucho’s Holy Week celebrations use this time to party and behave as they please until Easter Sunday’s resurrection ceremonies.

Worshipping the popular symbols of Easter is a popular custom in Brazil. The “macela” flower, which blooms only during Lent, is worshipped by the devotees. On Palm Sunday, people would bring the flower to the church service to receive the blessings of the priest. The flower is later on used as a herb which is believed to cure many diseases.

In Popayan, Colombia, the drama of Christ’s crucifixion is re-enacted on Good Friday – but without anyone really being crucified. Instead, a group of men use hammers, chisels, and other tools to symbolically remove the image of Christ from the crucifix and then lay in the Holy Tomb made of ivory and tortoise shell.

However Christians around the world observe Holy Week, what is clear is that we are all united by our devotion to commemorate and reflect upon the suffering, death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. A safe and blessed Holy Week to everyone.

CIDG collars suspect in Ortega slay

by : Raffy S. Ayeng, Correspondent


ONE of the suspects in the killing of radio broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega was captured by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Palawan province, police reported on Wednesday.

CIDG chief and police director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said that lawyer Romeo Seratubias, the former provincial administrator of Palawan, was arrested on Tuesday night.

Seratubias was implicated in the sensational killing after investigators found out that he owned the gun allegedly used by Rolando Edrad, alias Bumar, in killing Ortega on January 24, 2011 in Puerto Princesa City.

The Palawan Regional Trial Court’s Branch 52 also on Tuesday ordered the arrest of Seratubias, along with former Gov. Joel Reyes of Palawan, his brother Mario—the mayor of the province’s Coron town—and three others in connection with the case.

CIDG-Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) chief Col. Nazario Fernandez said that Seratubias is now in their custody.

Solon wants stiffer penalty against crime of resistance and disobedience

by (PNA)

RMA/PR/utb


MANILA — The crime of resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person of Article 151 under Revised Penal Code has only the jail term of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding P500. Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco (Lone District, Marinduque), author of House Bill 5816, said the bill seeks to address outdated fines and penalties of the 8-decade Revised Penal Code. Velasco said that under the Code, when the disobedience to an agent of a person in authority is not of serious nature, the penalty of arresto menor or a fine ranging from 10 to P100 pesos shall be imposed upon the offender. Under Velasco's bill, any person who resists or seriously disobeys any person in authority or the agent of such person while engaged in the performance of official duties shall be penalized with arresto mayor and slapped a fine not exceeding P40,000. The bill shall penalize an offender with a fine ranging from P800 to P8,000 when the disobedience to a person in authority is not of a serious nature. "The fine components of the law are still based on 1930 prices, the year the law was enacted. The massive inflation and devaluation our currency has gone through renders the punitive fine component of the RPC negligible," Velasco said. "To uphold the full force and teeth of the penal laws, punishment for offenses and crimes including fines, imprisonment and civil disqualification components must be up to date," Velasco said.






Inside: Mining finale on 'Born to be Wild

by gmanetwork.com


Doc Nielsen Donato and Kiko Rustia have travelled the country to see how gold, nickel and coal – three of the most consumed minerals – are mined. They also discovered how these minerals are used in everyday life. Gold is used for luxury items like jewellery and nickel is found in almost every modern convenience. Even coal, a power source for our gadgets, electronics and homes, also comes from mining.

Indeed, a life without metals and minerals may be hard to imagine. Yet while we are so dependent on minerals for our everyday needs, Doc Nielsen also discovers mining products that eventually end up as waste. In Tondo, Manila he visits a community that lives off of other people’s e-waste – discarded computers and electronics, which are some of the most common end products of mining. Doc Nielsen also discovers a community in Nueva Ecija, where people attempt to reduce their “mining footprint.”

While in Marinduque, Kiko Rustia witnesses a site that local residents describe as having one of the most devastating aftermaths of mining, where mine tailings and waste can still be seen decades after the operations ceased.

Don’t miss the finale of Inside: Mining this Wednesday on BORN TO BE WILD, after Saksi.

NSO commends performance of Boac civil registry

by (LBR/MNL-PIA4B Marinduque)


BOAC, Marinduque, Mar. 23 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) Region 4B has awarded the Local Civil Registry Office of Boac as one of the Top Performing Local Civil Registry Offices, Medium Category.


The award was announced during the second Regional Seminar of Solemnizing Officers, which was held on March 13 to 14 at the Sikatuna Beach Hotel and Restaurant, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The Regional Director of the National Statistics Office Region 4B, Flordeliza Monteclaro, awarded the Certificate of Recognition.


The awarding coincided with the celebration of the Women’s Month and the Kasalang Bayan sa Boac which has been a regular project of the Local Civil Registry Office for almost six years now and headed by Dhalia Jandusay.


Jandusay has been serving the LCRO since 1996, doing projects that encourage people to properly register public documents, particularly on marriage, birth and death of a family member. Jandusay said she continues to support projects like this because she notices the number of registry specifically for marriage goes down every year.

Mass wedding binds 39 couples in Boac

by Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Mar. 22 (PIA) -- The Local Civil Registry Office in Boac, held a mass wedding for 39 couples held at the Boac Covered Court yesterday, March 21.

Mayor Roberto Madla acted as the solemnizing officer in the mass wedding, dubbed “Officially Yours, Now and Forever.”

Madla congratulated the newlyweds and explained how fortunate they are to submit to a mass wedding, since most of them have been living together for so many years without the benefit of marriage.

The municipality of Boac shouldered all expenses for the event including registration, flowers, give away mugs with the newlyweds’ pictures, cakes, wines and photography services. Even the processing of the marriage legal documents and legitimization of their children were processed for free.

As a symbolic gift, the newlyweds were given Gemelina and Mahogany Trees that they can plant like a treasure to Mother Earth.

The couples were also given a business starter package by the municipal government of Boac through a cash loan and native piglets for their livelihood.

However, they were asked to pay for it by donating back to the municipal government two piglets from the brood, which in turn will be given to other couples to be married in the future.

National Statistics Office Regional Director Flordeliza Monteclaro graced the event with Provincial Statistics Officer Leny Rioflorido.

Monteclaro said the decline in the number of registered marriages annually is very noticeable not only in Marinduque but throughout the country. This is why efforts like Kasalan Ng Bayan by the Local Civil Registrar’s Office are needed to encourage more couples to get married and avoid having illegitimate children. (BOAC/LBR/MNL-PIA4B)

Church org aids gov’t efforts on housing and education

by Mayda N. Lagran and Lanie Bolina-Ronquillo


BOAC, Marinduque, March 19 (PIA) -- Couples for Christ (CFC) Marinduque, a Catholic lay organization, has been sustaining a mission program called Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP), which supports government programs on poverty alleviation.

Bro. Momay Mayo, representing CFC-ANCOP in Marinduque, said that housing may not mean just constructing a house but more “building a home” for the poor members of society.

“Our focus or priority is building a home and not just a house by giving training on value formation to parents and scholars and giving education to members who cannot afford to send their children to school”, Mayo said. That is why ANCOP has integrated two priority programs such as housing and educaiton for the less fortunate communities in Marinduque.

Duplex houses are now being constructed in Baranggays Biga and Sta.Cruz where CFC members who either do not own a house and lot or need help for the repair and improvement of existing houses.

There were actually seven housing sites identified for the project, but only three sites were sustained. These are found in Barangays Isok, Pawa and Biga, Sta.Cruz. The project is being monitored by the provincial government.

ANCOP’s education assistance, the “Child Sponsorship Program” will start before the next school year. Allotted to the province are 30 slots for elementary, high school and college levels. Beneficiaries of the program will receive full scholarship on tuition fees, with a budget of P30,000 for a two-year course. High school scholars will get P15,000 and elementary scholars will receive P6,000, all inclusive of school uniforms and supplies.

An international fund-raising event of the CFC dubbed “2nd Global Walk” intends to solicit more funds to accommodate more beneficiaries for education and housing projects. (LBR/MNL-PIA4B)

Marinduque targets P183M tax collection for 2012

by Juancho Mahusay


MARINDUQUE, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office here aimed at collecting a total of P183 million from local taxes for 2012.

Announcing their tax campaign this year, BIR Assistant Regional Director Marina De Guzman said tax payers should pay the correct amount of taxes, using the tagline “I Love the Philippines so I pay taxes.”

Aside from this, De Guzman said BIR planned to implement related various programs to able to meet their goal in the entire MIMAROPA Region, such as ‘Oplan Kandado,’ Late Case Program and Third Party Information Campaign.

According to the BIR official, the programs are not made to scare people, especially businessmen and taxpayers. It only aims to remind everyone that if they pay the correct amount of taxes.

She said a total of P146.86 million worth of taxes were collected in 2010, and P167.37 million in 2011.

The 2011 figure was about P2.5 million short or 1.47 percent deficit from the 2011 goal collection of P169.88 million target.

The BIR official also emphasized the benefit of paying the correct taxes returns as additional funding to local government programs and projects in the form of an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Ortegas eye hold-departure order vs Reyes, et al

by Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News


MANILA, Philippines - The family of slain environmentalist and radio broadcaster Dr. Gerardo "Doc Gerry" Ortega welcomed the finding of probable cause by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against ex-Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes for the killing of Ortega last January 2011.

Speaking to journalists at a news conference, Mika and Erika Ortega, daughters of Doc Gerry, said they felt relieved that the preliminary investigation is already concluded, and the case will now go to trial.

"My family would like to thank the DOJ for first, allowing the re-investigation; and second, for evaluating my father's case based on its merits. Now, we can move on to the next phase, which, strictly speaking, is the longer and harder battle. This gives us the prospect of a trial wherefore my father's case will hopefully be judged fairly," Mika Ortega said.

"This is a step forward; a critical step, not only for my family but for the campaign against impunity," she added.

The Ortegas will also ask the trial court to issue a hold departure order against Reyes and his co-accused Mario Reyes, Jr., Romeo Seratubias, Arturo Regalado, Valentin Lecias, Armando Noel, Jr., Dennis Aranas, Arwin Arandia, and Rodolfo Edrad once warrants for their arrest are issued.

The Ortegas' lawyer, Alex Avisado, said their legal team intends to request the trial court to subpoena the exchange of text messages between Reyes and co-accused Edrad between Dec. 2010 and Jan. 2011, including the very day Ortega was gunned down in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The listing of text messages, including the dates and time of exchange, was submitted by Globe Telecom to the DOJ preliminary investigation panel, but the actual messages may not be divulged unless there is a formal order from the trial court.

"Kapag mababasa ninyo yung text, palitan ng text, mapapatunayan na ang mastermind, ang nagbigay ng pera... ay si ex-Gov. Reyes," Avisado said.

Edrad had admitted that he was ordered by Reyes to craft a plan to liquidate Ortega, who was repeatedly criticizing him on radio for alleged corruption activities. Edrad's lawyers will ask the trial court to discharge him as an accused so he may turn state witness.

The family is also contemplating on filing a petition for review with the office of Justice Sec. Leila De Lima to urge the inclusion of former Marinduque Gov. Antonio Carrion as an accused. The DOJ junked the complaint against Carrion for "lack of evidence."

DOJ orders murder raps filed vs. Palawan former gov., 4 others in Ortega killing

by MARK MERUEÑAS, GMA NEWS


(Updated 3:27 p.m.) The Department of Justice on Tuesday reversed its previous decision and ordered that murder charges be filed against Palawan former Governor Joel Reyes and four others for the killing of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

Also ordered charged were former Palawan administrator Romeo Serratubias, Reyes’ son and incumbent Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, Arturo Regalado and Percival Lecias.

"After the reinvestigation and evaluation of the evidence adduced by both parties, the new panel arrived at the conclusion that the additional evidence offered by the complainant are relevant in appreciating other pieces of evidence previously submitted by the parties during the first preliminary investigation and that such additional evidence are sufficient to modify the initial findings of the previous panel,” the DOJ said.

The murder case was ordered to be filed in the Regional Trial Court of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

The 28-page resolution was approved by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano. The panel is made up of Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano, Assistant State Prosecutor Vimar Barcellano at Associate Prosecution Attorney Gerard Gaerlan.

Ortega, 47, was gunned down in Puerto Princesa in January 2011after his radio program was aired. He was the main news anchor and commentator of Radyo Mo Nationwide's (RMN)'s Palawan station dwAR.

Reyes may have ordered the killing because of Ortega’s vocal anti-mining advocacy, Ortega's wife claimed.

In a June 8, 2011 ruling, the Justice department dropped the murder charges against Reyes and the four others noting that evidence and testimonies available at that time were not enough to indict them.

Extra-judicial confession of Rodolfo Edrad Jr. earlier tagged Reyes as the mastermind in the Ortega killing.

But the panel said that without independent pieces of evidence to support it, an extra-judicial confession was not admissible in court.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, however, ordered a reinvestigation of the case after the victim's widow, Dr. Patria Ortega, submitted additional evidence.

In Tuesday's resolution, only Marinduque Gov. Jose Antonio Carreon was spared from the charges due to insufficiency of evidence. — VS, GMA News

Mining, "Tickets Out Of Poverty"

by DR. JAIME C. LAYA


MANILA, Philippines — The recent confrontation between pro- and anti-mining groups led to the promise of a mining policy that is “fair to all.”

The arguments are simple. Mining, says the pros, will create jobs and raise income, generate foreign exchange, reward investors, increase tax revenue. The antis maintain that people will be displaced, environment will suffer and considering human suffering and long-run risks, cost far outweighs benefit.

Our experience is not encouraging.

Decades ago when we had jungles to spare, concessions were issued with the idea that trees will be replanted to replace whatever was cut. The reality was super-wealthy loggers; barren mountains, dry springs and rivers; landslides, flash floods and deaths; cries of “tuuuubig!”

Kennon Road to Baguio used to be a delight. Bued River was rushing blue water, hillsides were forested. After Black Mountain began mining, the river silted up, greenery disappeared and public works crews stood by to clear landslides, free trapped vehicles, fix roads and bridges.

It was worse in Marinduque where my children used to spend summers at my mother-in-law’s beach house. Distributing “tickets out of poverty,” Marcopper Mining dumped poisonous mine waste first into the sea and then into an open pit.

A dam and tunnel cracked, releasing some 1.6 million cu.m. of mine waste into the Boac River via a six-foot high flood, covering settlements, farms, fishponds, and effectively sterilizing an estimated 27 kilometers of river and coastline. Zinc, copper, hydrogen sulfide, nitrous oxide and I-don’t-know-what-else poisoned humans and animals. Highways and bridges were regularly washed away.

And guess who paid for all these. Sure, government got tax and rehabilitation money, but check the result if you add up: (a) cost to taxpayers of relief, rehabilitation, repair, hospitalization and (b) cost to the affected small farmers and fishermen and their families, of property damage, lost income and suffering. All the while, Marcopper officers presumably enjoyed their salaries, fringes, bonuses and profit shares; and stockholders their dividends and capital gains.

The law of supply and demand rules. Third World countries fall all over themselves selling their natural resources to the First World. With high supply, world price sometimes falls so low that in effect countries sell their non-renewable resources practically at extraction cost. On the other hand, they import mining equipment and manufactures using their resource exports. OPEC was wise in managing the price of crude oil—they will have something left after the oil is exhausted.

Mining policy can be fair to today’s taxpayers and future Filipinos with: (a) a well-paid, honest bureaucracy to ensure that mining companies prevent landslides; promptly reforest; keep roads and bridges repaired; ensure purity of streams and aquifers; (b) fees and taxes enough to pay for potential loss or damage to infrastructure and private property and to lives and health; and to provide alternative ways of life to the unskilled aeta/agta, lumad and other cultural communities who populate the places to be dug up; and (c) income-producing assets to replace what the mining companies of this generation plan to sell.

Marinduque aims for P183M tax collection for 2012

by Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, March 11 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue District Office in Boac, Marinduque has launched its tax campaign to collect a total revenue of P183 million from local taxes in 2012.

The campaign urges tax payers to pay the correct amount of taxes, using the tagline “I Love the Philippines so I pay taxes.”

BIR plans to implement various programs to able to meet their goal, such as ‘Oplan Kandado,’ Late Case Program and Third Party Information Campaign.

BIR Region 4B Assistant Regional Director Marina C. de Guzman said that these programs are not made to scare people, especially businessmen and taxpayers. It only aims to remind everyone that if they pay the correct amount of taxes, it will bring more rewards to the community and the nation as a whole.

De Guzman said a total of P146.86 million worth of taxes were collected in 2010 and P167.37 million in 2011. The 2011 figure was about P2.5 million short or 1.47 percent deficit from the 2011 goal collection of P169.88 million target set for the province’s tax revenue.

The BIR official also emphasized the benefit of paying the correct taxes returns as additional funding to local government programs and projects in the form of an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). Despite the deficit in revenue goals, de Guzman said the government still released an IRA of about P318 million to Marinduque, which is double the amount of tax collected in 2011. (LBR/MNL-PIA4B Marinduque)






Confab promotes online journalism to schools

by Cebu Daily News


ASPIRING young journalists from Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan recently attended a three-day Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in Tagaytay City and learned to use an online platform for publishing campus papers online. The conference aimed to promote digital literacy through campus journalism. It was spearheaded by the Department of Education, in partnership with Smart Communications Inc., which developed the online platform as part of its online campus journalism program. During the training, Prof. Allen V. del Carmen, editor of Visayan Daily Star-StarLife, compared and contrasted print and online media, underscoring the advantages of the latter, especially in this digital age. This was followed by a lecture and workshop on journ.ph, the online platform developed by Smart that enables schools to publish their campus news and features for free. Each publication was given a demo account to be able to access the site and upload their campus stories on the platform. After the workshop, the teacher-advisers and student writers were able to view their articles online via journ.ph. The conference aimed to identify the student writers who will participate in the annual National Schools Press Conference (NSPC)—the highest journalism competition in elementary and high schools in the Philippines.

Torrijos, Marinduque distinguished as a KC gender-pilot municipality

by Angelica de las Alas


Alongside the conduct of MIBF, the municipality of Torrijos was given recognition for being a gender-pilot municipality of KALAHI-CIDSS. Gender Specialist from the KALAHI-CIDSS National Project Management Office Ms. Lourdes Touriano gave the plaque of recognition to Mayor Gil Briones.

“Torrijos did a good job in integrating gender sensitivity in all activities of the Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC). This was made ossible with the help of both Area Coordinating Team and Municipal Coordinating Team of Torrijos. The great synergy of the two groups facilitated the successful conduct of KALAHI-CIDSS activities,” said Ms. Touriano.

Region IV-B is proud to be one of the two gender-pilot municipalities of KALAHI-CIDSS, which started implementation last year. ###






Napocor considering PPP deals for off-grid areas

by Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo


The National Power Corp. (Napocor) plans to tap public-private partnership (PPP) to pursue the development of power facilities in off-grid areas in the country. Froilan Tampinco, Napocor president, said that the company’s unit, the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), needs P15.6 billion in investments for the next 10 years.

“We are focusing in public-private partnership opportunities as much as generation is concerned. But if there are PPPs for transmission, of course we are open to discuss that,” he added. Of the amount, he said that P9.5 billion would go to the establishment of an additional 145-megawatt (MW) power generating capacity; and P6.1 billion would be needed for necessary transmission facilities to distribute this load.

SPUG operates 288 power plants in far-flung areas, islands and other isolated locations not connected to the country’s transmission grid where the output of major generating facilities passes. At present, the total generating capacity of SPUG is placed at 150 MW.

These so-called SPUG areas are subsidized by consumers through the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification component of electricity bills, which is around P0.11 per kilowatt-hour, because of high fuel cost and limited markets compared with locations within the main grid’s reach.

The Napocor official earlier said that they have identified 14 SPUG areas for privatization. These areas include Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, Catanduanes, Bantayan, Masbate, Tablas, Romblon, Camotes, Siquijor, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu.

3 Marinduque nursing students pass board exams

by Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Mar. 4 (PIA) -- Thirteen out of 21 examinees from School of Allied Medicine (SAM) at the Marinduque State College (MSC) have passed the December 2011 Nursing Licensure Exam (NLE).

MSC is the only state college in the province offering midwifery and nursing courses.

The good news came after the exam results were released, showing the college performance rating in the NLE of 61.90 percent for all-time result and 68.42 percent for the recent result, computed against the 33.92 percent National Passing Percentage.

This is also the first time SAM obtained a high passing rate in the battery tests given to second year students, as pre-requisite to third year or third level admission of the Nursing Course and for Capping. SAM College Dean Rosemarie S. Lagran said the highest score was 93.90 and the lowest was 81.10. MSC President, Dr. Romulo H. Malvar and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Leodegario Jalos, Jr. jointly congratulate the new nurses and the Faculty and Staff of the School of Allied Medicine. The new nurses are Aguillar, Jennelyn O.; Balaoro, Donnalyn M; Baroman, Rolan O.; Fillizar, Rizza S.; Malvar, Jazzmine Jaena B.; Mazon, Ruth R.; Monroyo, Noel Jr. L.; Olavidez, Wendy Rose M.; Perlas Nema S.; Porley, Racquel P.; Rafael, Jhoana Jazzele M.; Sadiwa, Sorpresa G. and Sapungan, Erickson S.

”We can proudly say this is an affirmation that SAM has a good potential and should continue educating aspiring nurses of our province,” Lagran said. (LBR/MNL-PIA4B Marinduque)

Montenegro Shipping Acquires Ro-Ro Vessel

by breakbulk.com


Manila's Montenegro Shipping Lines has acquired a second-hand roll-on/roll-off vessel from South Korea for US$2 million under a lease agreement with the DBP Leasing. The leasing company turned over the Maria Lolita to MSLI after completing a five-year lease contract, according to a company statement. Maria Lolita is one of four ro-ro vessels acquired by MSLI from DBP Leasing, a subsidiary of the Development Bank of the Philippines. The three other ro-ro vessels are the Maria Natasha, which sails between Batangas City and Calapan City; the Maria Oliva, serving the Roxas, Mindoro-Catiklan, Aklan route; and the Reina Divina Gracia. operating between Lucena City-Balanacan and Marinduque.





Montenegro Shipping Acquires Ro-Ro Vessel

by www.mb.com.ph


MANILA, Philippines — Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MSLI) has recently acquired a second-hand roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel from South Korea for P86 million under a lease agreement with the DBP Leasing Corp. (DLC).

DLC vice president for leasing and corporate services Ricardo Romero and DLC vice president for shipping operations Ronilo Bacolod turned over the MV Maria Lolita to MSLI after completing the five-year lease contract.

MV Maria Lolita is one of the four Ro-Ro vessels acquired by MSLI under the DLC lease financing scheme.

The three other second-hand Ro-Ro vessels are MV Maria Natasha which sails between Batangas City and Calapan City; MV Maria Oliva, plying the Roxas, Mindoro-Catiklan, Aklan route and the MV Reina Divina Gracia plying the Lucena City-Balanacan, Marinduque route.

Montenegro Lines, which operates 31 ships, have been serving the Filipinos for almost three decades with four vessels transporting goods from one island to another.

Meanwhile, with the expansion of scope of its leasing activities, DLC has recently approved the lease application for a second-hand container by Meridian Cargo Forwarders, Inc. (MCFI).

The three-year lease contract has a total project cost of P151 million.

MV Rachel has a maximum capacity of 256 units of 20-foot containers and would be deployed in the developmental route between Manila and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. (EHL)





Marinduque celebrates its 92nd Founding Anniversary

by Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, February 23 (PIA) – Marinduque was filled with music and colors as the province celebrated its 92nd Founding Anniversary last February 21.

People went to the streets waving small flags of different colors during the motorcade of officials and guests in the morning, led by Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes. There was also a grand parade of floats in the afternoon, which depicted the history of Marinduque and its festivals, under the accompaniment of the kalutang (native musical instruments) and magnificent brass bands.

The island enjoyed its independence when it was separated from Tayabas, Quezon and finally became a province in February 21, 1920. During previous years, the province’s founding anniversary celebrations were not as grand. So it was not surprising to see excited faces of the locals and guests who witnessed the big celebration.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe De Leon served as the guest of honor, who also judged the best floats.

The event was also highlighted by the unveiling of the new logo of Marinduque, which was designed by Antonio Monteagudo. The new Marinduque tourism song entitled “Sige Marinduque”, composed by Dindo Asuncion was also launched.

This year, the province also commemorates two other historical events – the Battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos and the Battle of Paye in Boac when Marinduquenos and fellow Filipinos fearlessly fought the Americans and won two battles out of the 5 World Wars Americans have fought. (LBR/MNL/PIA4-B/MARINDUQUE)






Mimaropa gets P35.5M from Escudero ‘pork’

by mpost


QUEZON CITY, Philippines—All municipalities in the Mimaropa region each received P500,000 from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for 2011 of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Some P35.5 million was allotted to the 71 towns from the provinces of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon for the improvement of their public markets, the senator said in a press release.

Escudero likewise shared part of his PDAF, also known as “pork barrel”, to Regions III (Central Luzon), XI (Davao Region) and IX (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Central Luzon got the biggest share among the regions, receiving a total of P43.5 million for various projects in 87 municipalities from the provinces of Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

Nearly P136 million, or about 68 percent, of the senator’s P200 million PDAF, was distributed equally to over 200 towns across the country for the improvement of their public markets.

This was the first time Escudero was able to provide funds under PDAF to help various municipalities. He promised to farm out his allocation to other local government units to finance their projects this year.

“Under the administration of former President Arroyo, I was an opposition and the PDAF allotted to me was never released. So as a senator, I cannot give anything to any of the towns, provinces or districts then. Now that my budget has been released, what I do is I give funds to every municipality for the improvement of their public markets,” he said.

In the spirit of transparency, Escudero detailed the distribution of his PDAF to the different regions to finance construction and repair of school buildings, improvement and rehabilitation of state universities, concreting and road repair, completion of multi-purpose center, rehabilitation of a municipal hall, improvement of peripheral canals, and construction of river control projects, among others.

“My PDAF is transparent, equally distributed and downloaded to local government units. We are trying to avoid issues of favoring the region or province where I belong or allegations of pocketing funds that are supposed to be for the people,” he also said.

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NMAP holds annual forum with partners

by Lanie Bolina-Ronquillo


BUENAVISTA, Marinduque, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- More than a hundred government officials and employees and representatives from local organizations gathered for the Annual Marinduque Development Partnership Forum recently organized by the Norwegian Mission Alliance Philippines (NMAP).

The forum created the venue for communication and interaction between NMAP with all their partners composed of government line agencies and community based organizations (CBO) in Marinduque.

The forum’s theme for this year is “Bridging the gap towards sustainable development.”

The activity was highlighted by the presentation of last year’s joint achievements with the NMAP partners. CBOs were also asked to showcase their products, which resulted from the capacity-building and livelihood projects conducted by NMAP over the past years of their program implementation. The activity culminated withworkshops where participants proposed their programs and projects for the succeeding years.

NMAP is a religious organization who serves the disadvantaged and marginalized Filipinos, with special focus on poor children and youth. NMAP works in 358 different barangays in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro and Marinduque. NMAP aims to improve the lives of children and youth by providing them with direct educational and health support. Consequently, this results to empowering them to develop their own communities. (LBR-PIA4B)






Mountaineers protect Marinduque peak

by Juancho Mahusay


CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Some 50 climbers from different mountaineering groups recently scaled Marinduque island’s highest peak, Mt. Malindig, with the objective of protecting the environment through eco-tourism.

The Noble Blue Falcons International (NBFI), together with 10 other mountaineering groups from the government and private sectors, reached the summit of Mt. Malindig and conducted tree planting and other environment-friendly activities there.

According to Ronald Go, NBFI spokesman, aside from their group, the 50 climbers came from MEOW Outdoor Group Specials, Green Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units, Philippine Red Cross, Yappak, United Trekkers, Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council, Dumagat Mountaineering Society and San Diego-Quezon City Mountaineers.

About 100 trees were planted by the climbers at Mt. Malindig.

A group of community-based first aiders who recently graduated from a Red Cross first aid training course was on hand to give assistance.

The group was formed through the initiative of the Provincial Tourism Office of Marinduque in preparation for the Community-Based Rural Tourism Projects.

After the climb, the group went to the Center for Agricultural Resource and Management Enterprise Networking at Brgy. Tamayo, Sta. Cruz town for bird- and firefly-watching.

The mountaineers spent the second day island hopping at Palad sandbar, which is located between the islets of Maniwaya and Brgy. Mompog, and enjoyed the natural rock formations and land bridge in Sitio Ungab, Brgy. Mompong.

Go said the mountaineers are set to go back in June with another set of mountain climbers, divers and cavers.





DOST-TAPI funds seaweed project for students

by Mayda N. Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) -- Marinduque, through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), has awarded the funding for the proposed “Dried Seaweeds Production and Seaweeds Noodles Making Project” to student-beneficiaries of Marinduque State College (MSC).

TAPI, one of DOST's service agencies, administers the Invention Development Assistance Fund for the initial experiments and prototype development and other invention-development related activities.

The four student-beneficiaries from the Schools of Industrial Technology, Marinduque State College received P38,600 for the project, which will start this month. The funding for the project was endorsed by the college president, Dr. Romulo H. Malvar to DOST.

MSC’s coordinator for the project, Vangie Mandia, said the project was conceived in order to put to full potential the rich supply of seaweeds in different parts of Marinduque. The primary source of seaweeds in the province is Guisian, Mogpog, but other resource areas are Poctoy, Torrijos and Sta. Cruz.

Seaweed production is being considered by the local government of Marinduque as another source of income for the community, especially as alternative resources for fishermen, to discourage them to use dynamites that damage the natural aquatic resources. (LBR/MNL/PIA4B)





Mimaropa has highest number of single males

by JENNIFER A. NG / REPORTER


SINGLE females aged 30 to 39 have a good chance of finding their “Romeos” in Region 4-B (Mimaropa), according to figures released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Data from the NSCB—an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)—showed that Mimaropa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) has the most number of 30- to 39-year-old single males per hundred 30- to 39-year-old single females.

The NSCB said 30 to 39 single females can also look for mates in the same age bracket in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and Region 5 (Bicol region).

“For single males aged 30 to 39 who are looking for a younger partner aged 20 to 29, do not bother to go to Region 4-B as you are least likely to find her there. There are only 12 single females for every 100 single males aged 10 and above [in the region],” said the NSCB.

For single females up to 29 years of age, the NSCB said they have better chances of finding males from their age bracket in the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Males who are in the 40- to 49-year-old bracket can start looking for females of their same age bracket at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Males aged 50 to 59 who are looking for single females of the same age may begin their search at the National Capital Region, the NSCB said.

NSCB said it prepared its figures using statistics from the 2007 Census of Population released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).





NCCA approves teaching of 'Kalutang' in Marinduque

by Mayda Lagran


MARINDUQUE, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe de Leon signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Carmencita O. Reyes last February 6 for the teaching of a musical instrument called ‘Kalutang.’

The project, initiated by Provincial Travel and Tourism Officer (PTT) Dindo Asuncion and coordinated by Erwin Penafiel, is designed to ensure the continuity of Kalutang’s intangible heritage and to perpetuate the skills of playing Kalutang for the next generation.

De Leon said that the preservation of Kalutang in the province must be given highest priority because if failed to do so, the province will be ‘culturally poor.’ The original and only “Kalutang” band under the tutelage of Maestro Tirso Serdena from Gasan is now on its senior years.

Reyes and Asuncion made necessary arrangements with Officer-In-Charge- Schools Division Superintendent Terresita Bacudo for the teaching of Kalutang to their teachers.

Kalutang, an early type of musical instrument in Marinduque, is composed of graduated sets of softwood bars made from Kwatingan tree which is carefully cut to their desired sizes and specifications. The Kwatingan softwood bar when strike together, produce notes of definite pitches and of tonal quality that remotely resembles a cross between an unsustained marimba and castanets. (ML/Marinduque Coffee Table Book)

DA commissions study for agri programs in Marinduque

by Daniel O. Sagun and Mayda Lagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has engaged the services of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to prepare a full blown feasibility study and other documents required by the National and Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for agricultural programs in the province.

The DAP team of consultants conducted assessment of existing agri-fishery situations and consultation with farmers and fishermen, concerned local government units and other stakeholders.

Regional Executive Director Cipriano G. Santiago, in a letter to Governor Carmencita Reyes, said that the Central Philippines Rural Development Project (CPRDC) aimed to contribute to DA’s goal of increased production and productivity of the Agri-Fisheries Sector through a proposed World Bank loan of $200 million.

In a related development, the provincial veterinarian and other provincial agricultural officers attended a two-day focus group discussion (FGD) in Baguio City on agricultural-related programs for rice, corn, livestock and fisheries. (DOS/ML/PIA MARINDUQUE)





Marinduque celebrates founding anniversary

by Danny O. Sagun and May Danlagran


BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The island province of Marinduque will celebrate its Foundation Day on Feb. 21 with spectacle for the first time.

The province had been celebrating Marinduque Day with no big celebrations. The provincial government had always been focused on the celebration of the two battles such as Pulang Lupa and Battle of Paye where all employees of different municipalities and students are enjoined. 2012 marks the 92nd Anniversary of Marinduque.

Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes said it will be celebrated in fitting ceremonies with activities showcasing its tradition, arts and culture and history.

“These will show everyone that we were able to stand on our own and proud to be Marinduquenos and what we have become,” she said.

Provincial Tourism Officer Dindo Asuncion assured a complete day of attraction and great experience for the people of Marinduque. Together with the provincial government, heads of different schools, agencies concerned and officials from different municipalities met to prepare for this big event.

The celebration will start with a Pass and Review by Philippine National Police-Marinduque, Philippine Army with MSC Fancy Drill and with Mogpog Brass Band at the capitol ground. There will be unveiling of new Provincial Logo, motorcade from Provincial Capitol to Boac Poblacion, a press conference and an oratorical contest.

A glimpse on the history of Marinduque and floats parade around the town will be witnessed. A play entitled, “Kasaysayan ng Lahing Marinduqueno” will also be presented at the Moriones Arena to encapsulate the island’s heritage and remind the people of our rich tradition, culture and natural resources.

Marinduque became an independent province on Feb. 21, 1920 by virtue of Act No. 2880. In various times, the island was under the political administration of three provinces such as Balayan (now Batangas) in 1581, Mindoro (as a sub-corregimiento) early in the 17th century until 1898 and Tayabas (now Quezon) in 1902.

On May 1, 1901, Act No. 125 of the Philippine Commission created the province of Marinduque with Boac as capital and on June 23, 1902, Act No. 423 annexed the islands of Mindoro and Lubang (from Cavite) to the new province. Four months later, on Nov. 10, Marinduque was made a part of Tayabas by virtue of Act No. 499.

Marinduque was made sub-province effective Aug. 10, 1907 and finally became independent in 1920. History accounts that Marinduque’s independence did not come that easy after all. (PIA IVB/DOS/ May Danlagran/Marinduque)




Mass Promotion

by (Ferdinand Castro


CAMP EFIGENIO NAVARRO, Oriental Mindoro — More than 1,000 police officers of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Region were promoted after they successfully passed the qualification standards for promotion.

Senior Superintendent Lorenzo Detran Jr., chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division, disclosed that the newly promoted “Mamang Pulis” and “Aleng Pulis” were part of 2nd semester of 2011 Regular Promotion Program.

Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, Police Regional Office 4-B director, led the pinning of ranks for the newly promoted police personnel in a simple ceremony held here on Tuesday.


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