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Quirino - Archived News

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: 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. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

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Maddela Tungcab bridge nears completion

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=451336717126
• Friday, May 11, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, May 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways, Quirino Engineering District (DPWH-QED) reported the near completion of the reconstruction of abutment and span approaches of Tungcab bridge along Cordon-Aurora boundary in Maddela, Quirino.

Engr. Jeremias A. Pascual, chief, planning and design section of the QED, said that they have accomplished 74 percent of the programmed works and is expected to be completed by June 13, 2012.

Pascual said upon its completion the agricultural communities in the municipalities of Maddela, Nagtipunan and some parts of Aurora province can already deliver their products to the market areas easily.

“It will also prevent isolation of the inner municipalities to the other municipalities of the province,” Pascual added.

The project includes the reconstruction of abutment “B” and Span 3 and approaches “B” with the following scope of work: removal of structure and obstruction, embankment, reinforcing steel bars, grouted riprap, stone masonry, gravel craneway and rechanneling.

The bridge reconstruction was started last February 15, 2011 by the MAR-DEB Construction and Development, the contractor that won the bidding in December.

The project cost is P15,306,517.22 and it was sourced out from the calamity fund of the province.

Tungcab Bridge was damaged by Typhoon “Pedring” in September, isolating Quirino from the coastal towns of Isabela and Aurora, as well as Maddela and Nagtipunan towns from rest of the province. (TCB/PIA 2)

Nutrition coordinators re-oriented on WHO-Child Growth Standards

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451336541605
• Wednesday, May 9, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

DIFFUN, Quirino, May 9 (PIA) -- To effectively address the malnutrition problems in the province, the Department of Education (DepEd) is currently reorienting nutrition coordinators in schools to refresh them on the World Health Organization-Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS) of assessing the nutrition status of 5 to 12 year olds.

Dr. Raquel Dicsa Gundayao-Layacan, DepEd physician, said the WHO-CGS is no longer new, as it was already implemented in SY 2010-2011 but there is a need to refresh the coordinators to ensure an accurate and reliable nutrition assessment come SY 2012-2013.

The teacher-coordinators are fully responsible in the conduct of such assessments while the school heads are tasked to provide height and weight balance scale.

CGS is an international growth standard developed by WHO for screening, surveillance, and monitoring of school children and adolescents.

”It shows how every child in the world should grow. It sets the benchmark for growth and development of all children from birth to age 5, as opposed to describing growth of just a sample of children at a particular time and place,” Layacan said.

She also said that the international growth standard shows that every child in any part of the world regardless of ethnicity has the potential to grow and develop as described in this standard as long as the child’s basic needs are met.

Layacan said they were already through with the re-orientation in the other municipalities and intend to cover all the six municipalities before the school year begins.

During the re-orientation, lectures on age computation for 72-84 months and 60-71 pupils as well as post test on age computation are conducted.

We have to ensure the effective implementation of the international growth standard as it serves as a powerful tool in informing parents, doctors, and policymakers on what constitutes good nutrition, health, and development, the DepEd doctor concluded. (TCB/MCB-PIA 2)

Angara biased judge, says Corona

• Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/corona-trial/4936-angara-biased-judge,-says-corona
• Monday, May 7, 2012

by CARMELA FONBUENA

MANILA, Philippines - On the 4th month of the Corona trial, the defense panel on Monday, May 7, asked Sen Edgardo Angara to inhibit from it, citing as reasons his son's role as prosecution spokesman and the recently-funded government projects in the Angaras' home province of Quirino.

The defense motion, which was addressed to Sen Angara, cited a provision of the Code of Judicial Conduct which reads: "A judge should take no part in a proceeding where the judge's impartiality might reasonable be questioned..."

Among the possible cases cited in the code is when "the judge is related by consanguinity or affinity to a party litigant within the sixth degree or to counsel within the fourth degree."

"Undoubtedly, the mere participation of Rep Sonny Angara in any aspect of these proceedings places Senator-judge Angara in position of potential confict. What seems to be missed in all this is that Rep. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara is the son and direct descendant of Senator-judge Angara," the motion reads.

The motion suggests that Senator Angara has been benefiting from his son's position. "Within the last couple of months, Senator-judge Angara successfully worked for and obtain approval for infrastructure development projects to benefit his home province of Aurora."

The defense team cited the P1.81-B Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, P1.66-B Baler-Casiguran Road Improvement, and the P798.58-M Umiray Bridge Construction Project.

"Surely, it cannot be denied that Rep. Sonny Angara is eyeing a slot in the senatorial ticket of the Liberal Party. The approval of these projects will provide employment and other opportunities that will surely be claimed as accomplishments of the Angara political leadership in Aurora province."

It added: "The only acceptable vote that Senator-judge Angara may render to dispel and undue influence on either part of his son, Rep Sonny Angara or the grant of these large-scale development projects, is a vote of acquittal. Surely, this belies any possibility and objectivity in the performance of his duties as a Senator-Judge."

Prosecution spokesman Erin Tañada said the accusations are unfair. Marikina Rep Miro Quimbo, another prosecution spokesman, asked why the motion came at such a late stage in the trial.

The younger Angara is reportedly part of the 2013 senatorial slate of the ruling Liberal Party. President Benigno Aquino III has already mentioned his name twice as a prospective LP bet, bringing him along in his provincial trips.

Angara, like his father, still belongs to the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino. But sources said it's just a matter of time before he takes his oath as an LP member - Rappler.com

Ilongot Tribes Join Army, DENR In Protecting North Luzon Forests

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/358744/ilongot-tribes-join-army-denr-in-protecting-north-luzon-forests
• Friday, May 4, 2012

by ARIEL P. AVENDAÑO and JONAS REYES

BALER, Aurora — The Ilongot tribes, with a population of around 20,000 spread across the tri-boundary of Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces, have volunteered to help the government in protecting the remaining forest cover in Northern Luzon.

Ronaldo Daquioag, regional director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Central Luzon (Region 3), said this was raised at a recent conference on protecting their ancestral domain against the destruction of forests which used to be their hunting grounds.

The “Federation of Engongot Tribe in Aurora (FETA) conference was held at the Baler Sports Complex, drawing tribal leaders who were informed of their constitutional rights, privileges and responsibilities as mandated under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).

Their efforts to protect the environment in their areas will complement the joint operation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Army in guarding the forests of Zambales against exploita¬tion.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje ordered recently the deployment of a combined team of forest protection officers and soldiers to guard the forest cover of Zambales near its border with Pangasinan.

DENR Region 3 Executive Director Ricardo Calderon said the joint operation involving the DENR and the Philippine Army combed the 13,800-hectare forest in the Sta. Cruz-Mangatarem border.

More than 100 forest protection personnel and enlisted men from the 24th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army based in Palauig took part in the week-long operation, in coordination with local officials and the local police.

The operation resulted in the discovery and confiscation of over 9,000 board feet of assorted lumber worth about half a million pesos.

The ground surveillance team that seven additional spur roads and switches were constructed by a contractor of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – a clear deviation from the approved nine-kilometer road plan – to give loggers access to the timber-rich area.

The DENR said charges will be filed and the areas abused by loggers on the Sta. Cruz-Mangatarem road will be designated as a National Greening Program (NGP) site and as a rehabilitation site for mining companies.

Ordinance on mechanisms for Kalusugang Pangkalahatan program passed

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451335929004
• Wednesday, May 2, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino, May 2 (PIA) -- In support to the Universal Health Care or the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan program of the Aquino administration, the Sangguniang Bayan here has enacted an ordinance establishing systems and mechanisms for implementing Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) program and sustained Community Health Teams (CHT) operations.

Under the ordinance, the municipality shall organized a KP team, to be composed of the Municipal Health Office, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and religious sects, as a coordinating body to oversee the direction and progress of implementation of KP and to address operational challenges.

Likewise, the municipal government shall direct, guide, and support all barangays in organizing their community health teams, which will be chaired by the barangay captains, and co-chaired by the rural health midwife. The members include the sangguniang barangay on health, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Progrram (4Ps) parent leaders and trained birth attendants.

The CHTs will be tasked to provide information on available health services in the locality, track families and their members for utilization of public health services, conduct regular follow up of 4Ps beneficiaries and facilitate the organization of emergency transportation and communication systems, outreach services, and linkage with other provinces.

A municipal task force to be chaired by Mayor Nieverose Camma Meneses will also be created as over-all coordinating and implementing body for the implementation of the KP and CHT operations.

The Universal Health Care or the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan aims to ensure that all Filipinos, especially the poor, have equitable access to quality health care. (TCB-PIA Quirino)

Price increases tackled in synchronized barangay assemblies

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451335835231
• Tuesday May 1, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, May 1 (PIA) -- Majority of barangay leaders in the province have asked the government to act on the continuing increase in prices of prime and basic commodities, services and unabated oil price hikes and low buying price of farm products during the conduct of the synchronized barangay assembly recently.

In the barangay reports consolidated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government here, barangay leaders have raised the plight of their constituents stressing that they are receiving complaints and feedback everyday that their barangay mates could no longer cope with the high prices of commodities in the market due to the low buying prices of their farm products.

Other concerns include sustaining the solid waste management, national greening program and strengthening of barangay disaster management programs.

Some barangays of Diffun also proposed for the amendment of the Internal Revenue Allotment sharing, increasing the share of the barangays, being the frontline institution of the government, so that they can cope with the increasing needs of their constituents.

Further, the barangays also asked the government to relax the provision of the DILG-Department of Budget Management Circular on the use of the 20 percent development fund so that they could accommodate other projects.

Meanwhile, based on the monitoring of the DILG, majority of the 132 barangays of the province have conducted the barangay assembly for the first semester as scheduled, only five barangays of Aglipay conducted ahead because they had to consider the availability of the barangay people. (TCB/PIA Quirino)

DepEd Quirino ready to implement K to12 this school year

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451335767602
• Monday, April 30, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 30 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) here has assured that the division is now ready to implement the K-to-12, which requires students to undergo kindergarten plus 12 years of basic education in the coming school year 2012-2013 in June.

Under the new curriculum, the incoming Grade 1 students will be required to undertake the new curriculum, which means finishing basic education in 2023 after completing Grade 11.

Cynthia Indunan, administrative officer said there is no problem in classrooms because those that were destroyed during the previous typhoons were already repaired.

“Classroom shortage is not a problem in our division because of our supportive provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Junie E. Cua,” Indunan said.

In its 2011 report, DepEd Quirino has maintained a ratio of one classroom for every 24.26 students in the elementary and 35.10 students in the secondary level.

Likewise, the report stated that the division of Quirino has 1,405 teachers, and the ratio is at 25.84 pupils per teacher in the elementary, and 27.67 students per one teacher in the secondary level.

“Those schools in need of teachers were addressed immediately through the deployment of locally funded teachers of the so-called Local School Board,” Indunan said.

As to the teachers’ preparedness for the K-to-12 program, Indunan assured that they will be given sufficient in-service training to implement the program. Pre-service training for aspiring teachers will also be modified to conform to the requirements of the program.

Further, some teachers were also sent to the national trainers’ training, who in turn will be conducting the regional and division trainings for the whole month of May.

Indunan also said they have already started conducting advocacy to the stakeholders such as local officials, Parents-Teachers associations and the Quirino Chamber of Commerce and Industries. “So far, we have not received any negative reactions from them,” she said. (TCB-PIA Quirino)

NSO-Quirino to train tribal chieftains

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451335682911
• Sunday, April 29, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 29 (PIA) -- Tribal rites, legal rights. The National Statistics Office here has scheduled training for tribal leaders who are solemnizing wedding ceremonies at the Nagtipunan town hall on May 15.

Cherry Grace Agustin, provincial statistics officer said the training is a pre-requisite in issuing the tribal leaders certificate of registration as official and accredited solemnizing officers.

“This is to ensure the validity of the marriage among Indigenous People couples so that they could avail services and benefits due to them,” Agustin said adding that most IPs have too often been denied benefits and services only because they lack basic documents such as certificates of birth or marriage.

She likewise said they can also enjoy benefits due them as members of the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (or PhilHealth) and Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig.

Agustin added that marriage of IPs officiated by their tribal leaders are considered acceptable, they still need documents such as marriage contract, birth certificates of children as documents for all legal transactions.

She explained that any marriage that is solemnized by officiating officials, who is not registered, is considered null and void and can be declared illegal.

“NSO is the only office that is authorized to process and approve the certificate of registration to the solemnizing officers,” Agustin said. (TCB-PIA2, Quirino)

Wage boards of 6 regions approve pay hikes

• Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/256438/news/nation/wage-boards-of-6-regions-approve-pay-hikes
• Friday, April 27, 2012

by Rouchelle Dinglasan/ELR, GMA News

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz noted that the wage board in the Cagayan Valley region issued a wage order for agricultural plantation and non-plantation workers ‘motu proprio’, or even without petition.

“Upon the effectivitiy of the order, minimum wage earners in Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes will get an increase of P10.00 in their daily basic pay, while the P15.00 COLA will be integrated into their basic pay,” the statement said.

Earlier, four other wage boards approved pay hikes:

Region V (Bicol): Wage Order No. 15 granting a P3 to P23 basic wage increase, bringing the new minimum wage rates in the Bicol region to a range of P228 to P252 effective 7 April 2012. Region XII: Wage Order No. 17 on 26 March, granting a P10 to P14 COLA. The increases shall be given in two tranches, with the first tranche taking effect on 18 April, and the second tranche becoming effective on 1 December 2012. Region VI: Wage Order No. 20 on 26 March granting a basic wage increase of P12, thus bringing the new minimum wage to a range of P235 to P277. These adjustments will become effective 15 days after publication of the wage order in a newspaper of general circulation. Region IV-A: On 28 March, RTWPB IV-A decided to grant a P2 to P90 adjustment to workers in the CALABARZON region receiving minimum wages below P255 and a productivity allowance of P12.50 for workers receiving minimum wages above P255 up to P337. The adjustment will be done in tranches over a five-year period.

Secretary Baldoz said the wage board for Metro Manila is still conducting a series of consultations and assessing the economic conditions.

The Labor chief said the wage order will be issued after May 26, the anniversary date of its last wage order. A second round of public consultations was held Friday at the Universidad de Manila in Escolta, Manila.

"The rest of the Boards are closely monitoring the socio-economic conditions in their respective regions as current wage orders approach their anniversary dates this year," Baldoz said.

BIR Quirino’s March collection up by 19.53%

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=451335408047
• Thursday, April 26, 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 26 (PIA) -- Internal revenue collection in this province for the month of March reached P13,843,789.04, higher by 19.53% in its P11,581,592.23 collection during the same quarter last 2011.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 16 assistant revenue district officer Vivian Tarectecan has attributed the increase to their continuous tax campaigns to the continued cooperation of the taxpayers, tax agents and the collaborative efforts of the revenue officials to pursue its thrusts for a strong republic.

But Tarectecan stressed that they still need to work overtime as they are still short of P671,210.96 to be able to meet their goal of P14,515,000.00.

In their collection performance report, it stated that there was a decrease in the collection of percentage tax because the Quirino Provincial Irrigation Office (QPIO) was already merged to the Addalam River Irrigation Project, and there were no more contracts allocated to QPIO.

For the month of April, the BIR-RDO collection has reached to P11.8 million, still short of P1.2 million to meet their P14 million goal. Tarectecan, however, expressed optimism that they will be able to meet their goal as they are still receiving tax payments from late filers. (TCB-PIA Quirino)

SP Quirino supports act for the welfare of barangay tanods

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451335235052
• Tuesday 24th of April 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

TCABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 24 (PIA) -- The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here approved a resolution strongly supporting the Act Providing for the Welfare of Barangay Tanods, amending for the purpose, section 393 of the Republic Act No. 9160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

The resolution states that the Barangay Tanod Welfare Act aims to encourage and recognize the barangay tanods in the country for their selfless effort to maintain the peace and tranquility in their communities by granting them benefits in the form of Christmas bonus, insurance coverage, free medical care, and other benefits due them.

Under the Act, Section 393 has been amended as follows: all duly appointed members of the lupong tagapamayapa, which shall number not more than 20 in each barangay, shall be granted insurance or other benefits during their incumbency, chargeable to the barangay, city, or municipal government which the barangay belongs.

A barangay tanod who has rendered continuous service for at least one year in the barangay shall, during his incumbency be entitled Christmas bonus equivalent to at least one half of what the punong barangay receiving, as mandated by law or ordinance.

Other benefits include insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the punong barangay in accordance with RA 6942, free legal services from government lawyers for criminal and civil cases filed against him, arising from acts committed in the performance of his duties, even after the term of the barangay tanod and until the final disposition of the case.

Each barangay tanod is also entitled to 50 percent discount in tuition and matriculation fees for his legitimate and legally adopted children not exceeding four in any state colleges and universities.

Preference in the availment of and/or membership in barangay livelihood development projects shall also be given to them whether these projects are initiated by the national or the local government units.

As of press time, the Act is still pending with the Committee on local government unit. (TCB-PIA 2)

Wage board consults public on minimum wage increase

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=461334823092
• Friday 20th of April 2012

by Oliver T. Baccay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity - Region 2 consulted employers and employees in the region on possible increase of the minimum wage.

Board Secretary Loreta Aquino said members of the board have been considering a review of the present minimum wage for possible increase, in consideration of the price increases in fuel, and in basic and prime commodities that affect the livelihood of the people.

Heidelwina Tarrosa, supervising labor employment officer, said the present minimum wage for non-agriculture sectors is P242 for Cagayan, P245 for Isabela, P238 in Nueva Vizcaya, and P237 for Batanes and Quirino provinces.

For the agriculture sector, the minimum wage is at P230 in Cagayan, P233 in Isabela, P226 and Nueva Vizcaya, and P225 for both Batanes and Quirino.

In retail and service that employ more than 10 workers, the wage at minimum is set at P234, P237, P230, and P229, respectively. Conversely, those with less than 10 employees puts the minimum wage at P207 for Cagayan, P210 for Isabela, P203 for Nueva Vizcaya, and P202 for Batanes and Quirino.

Tarrosa added that since the implementation of the present wage order last year, there are still employers who do not implement the said minimum wage, reasoning that their small businesses cannot meet the needed wage increases.

During the consultation held here, majority of the participants from the employees' sector wants a P15 wage hike, however, some employers appealed to lower it down due to strong competition in major industries in the region and the effects of disasters and oil price hikes that directly affect their businesses.

Aquino said that the wage board of the region has accepted proposals, justifications, and the the appeal of the employers sector for review and consideration of the board members to whether approve or disapprove the regional wage hike for 2012. (TCB/OTB-PIA 2)

Saguday farmers show off skills in 1st Farmers Olympics

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=451334729588
• Wednesday 18th of April 2012

by (TCB-PIA 2)

SAGUDAY, Quirino, April 18 (PIA) -- Farmers of the nine barangays of this rice-producing town took a rest from their daily work in their rice fields to join the contested activities during first ever Farmers Olympics yesterday, which highlighted the 2012 Pagay-Pagay festival here.

Each barangay was represented by an eight-member team composed of at least eight bonafide farmers, a team manager and the Sangguniang Bayan in-charge of the barangay.

Of the nine teams (La Paz, Magsaysay (Pob.), Rizal (Pob.), Salvacion, Santo Tomas, Tres Reyes, Cardenas and Gamis), Barangay Gamis emerged the overall champion in the contested activities, such as Sangal y Botones (knot-tying), Irik-Irik (threshing), Banbanen (rice straw out of bamboo tree), sprayer assembling and disassembling, Pusi (manual corn shelling), Ginnuyudan (tug of war), and Kariada (carrying of cavans of rice).

They brought home a cash prize of P8,000, trophy and giveaways.

Barangay Salvacion came as 1st runner up with P6,000 cash prize and various giveaways while Baragay Magsaysay emerged as 2nd runner up with P4,000 cash prize and giveaways.

Barangay Rizal on the other hand won in the Search for Nuang of the Year.

Sangguniang Bayan Ric Cadiente, farmers congress committee chair, said the occasion is one way of thanking the farmers for tirelessly providing foods in every Sagudayeno family’s table and for their contribution to the rice self sufficiency program of the national government.

“You deserve a break from your work for you have done too much for the development of not only our municipality but in the entire country,” Cadiente told the farmers.

Meanwhile, Gamis farmers who were interviewed said they came not only to compete but also to mingle with the other farmers, agriculture officials as well as local officials and share their different experiences in farming.

In this way, they said, they can learn new technologies which they can apply in their farms. Among the contested activities for the Olympics are Search for Nuang (carabao) of the Yearrelay for the group events.

Saguday is basically an agricultural municipality, the ice granary of the province, wherein 87.89% of the total population are engaged in farming as a means of livelihood of the total land area of 6,826.0000 hectares, and 78% representing 5,415.6226 hectares are devoted to agriculture.

At present, a total of the total 1,688 hectares of irrigable area in Saguday is planted to palay and 680 hectares corn with a total yield of 5,440 metric tons per cropping.

Ordinance urges pregnant mothers to use facility-based deliveries

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=451334562262
• Tuesday 17th of April 2012

by (TCB-PIA2 Quirino)

MADDELA, Quirino, April 17 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Bayan here has passed an ordinance which requires all pregnant mothers to utilize the facility-based deliveries in the municipality to protect the right to health of the pregnant mothers and instill health consciousness for safe motherhood.

The ordinance, known as Basic Emergency Obstetric and newborn Care (BEmONC), aims to ensure that all mothers particularly the poor and the disadvantaged have access to health facilities during deliveries.

According to Councilor Nellie S. Cardenas who introduced the said ordinance, it is in support to the present administration’s compliance to millennium development goals to reduce infant mortality and maternal deaths.

“Problems can be prevented and can be addressed through adequate medical care such as the presence of skilled birth attendants and when necessary access to family planning services,” Cardenas explained.

Under the ordinance, the Municipal Health Office will be the lead agency of its implementation and the MHO shall ensure that systems, programs and services are available at all times.

Pregnant mothers were likewise advised to avail the services of the BEmONC such as prenatal, postpartum and family planning check-ups.

Patients are allowed to stay at the BemONC for 24 hours from the time of delivery and shall be charged P2,500 for utility and laundry and medicines for the mother and her baby.

The ordinance further stated that once the BEmONC will be accredited by Philhealth, all cardholders can avail of the facility’s services for free.

“There shall bee no deliveries conducted at home by skilled health workers or trained hilots (birth attendants except in cases of emergency such as precipitate labor,” SB Cardenas further explained.

Violators of the ordinance will be penalized as follows: First offense- reprimand; Second Offense- P500 and third offense- P1,000.

Mine gives P22M to communities

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/04/15/mine-gives-p22m-communities-216425
• Sunday, April 15, 2012

by Ma. Elena Catajan

MINING giant Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) has paid it forward to Mankayan, Benguet, and Cervantes and Quirino in Ilocos Sur, both host communities of the firm.

The Annual Social Development and Management Program report revealed LCMC has given P22,005,519.15 worth of projects, programs and activities to host communities.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Mankayan received the biggest share with all its barangays enjoying the fruits of the Social Development and Management Program.

Carol Rosito, head of the Social Development Department, said since the company started implementing the SDMP in 2002 “P54 million were spent for the communities of Mankayan, Cervantes and Quirino.”

Rosito said, “This is exclusive of the benefits given to the dependents of the company like housing repairs, free water and electricity services and donations made to other places.”

LCMC implements the SDMP in compliance with the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 where a minimum of one and a half percent from one percent of the operating costs will be allotted annually in the development of the host and neighboring communities to promote the general welfare of residents.

Projects were divided into many needs of both areas with 66.53 percent or P14,641,166.75 spent on support infrastructures; 29.62 percent or P6517,678.75 on education; 1.65 percent or P363,455.49 spent on health; 1.07 percent or P234,401 were spent on environmental development; 0.72 percent or P158,817.16 were spent on peace and order; while 0.41 percent or P90,000 were allotted to sports and cultural development.

Military action not an option in the Scarborough standoff, says NOLCOM

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561334217422
• Friday 13th of April 2012

by Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City, April 13 (PIA) -- The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) stressed yesterday, April 12, that both the Philippines and China are seeking for a diplomatic solution to the current standoff in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is 135 nautical miles away from Palauig and Masinloc towns of Zambales.

In a statement, NOLCOM said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario had a meeting with China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing to iron out misunderstandings between the Asian neighbors.

“We are looking into mitigating the problem in the future. A joint effort between our Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Police shall be done during monitoring and surveillance patrols to safeguard our territorial waters. Lately, our men were caught in a situation wherein the matter is non-military in nature. These Chinese fishermen were unarmed, they are civilians and are supposed to be dealt with civilian law enforcer also, but, since we are part of the security sector, and these people came into our territorial waters, and were caught violating our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Department of Environment and Natural Resources laws, despite the absence of such orders, we will implement the law, but we cannot afford that the tie between the two countries will be broken because of our action. We still go for a peaceful settlement,” NOLCOM Chief Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said.

Alcantara added that they urge review on the international waters, territorial, and sovereignty laws in neutral court so that the world would know if it’s really a shoal or atoll, Panatag or Huangyan Island once and for all.

Yesterday, the Philippine Navy personnel onboard the BRP Gregorio del Pilar-PF 15 sent a team via a patrol boat to check these Chinese fishing vessels and discovered two of the vessels were already filled with large amount of illegally harvested and collected marine products like giant clams, corals and live sharks and that the vessels were about to navigate back to Hainan, China as revealed by the crew.

These marine products were collected and harvested right within Scarborough. Contrary to the fishermen’s allegations, they were not harassed nor their human rights were violated, and utmost adherence and strict compliance to the rules of engagement was observed. However, the language barrier played the major problem on the initial inquiries made by the navy men.

The Philippine government maintain its claim that Scarborough is inside the Exclusive Economic Zone, a provision stipulated in the United Nations Continental Shelf in favor to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, China insisted that the disputed island is within its territory and that it has an indisputable sovereignty over it. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

National Nutrition Council urges conduct of case studies of malnourished children

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451334210051
• Thursday 12th of April 2012

by (TCB-PIA Quirino)

DIFFUN, Quirino, April 12 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) advised the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) here to conduct a case study of each malnourished children in the municipality to be able to identify what intervention is suited to each of them.

In the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local level Plan Implementation for nutrition regional assessment here yesterday, Rhodora Maestre, NNC 2 head, said there is a need to study each malnourished child’s condition, history of present illnesses (if any), past medical and immunization histories, among other information, to be able to address the real cause of malnutrition.

Maestre likewise urged the MNC to consider the "adopt a malnourished child" program, wherein each member of the MNC shall provide the foods needed by a malnourished child to ensure his or her recovery from malnutrition problems.

“This is very effective in Batanes so I think it will work in this place also,” Maestre added.

Based on the MNC report presented by Tina Ramillosa, municipal nutrition officer, they were able to rehabilitate the five identified severely underweight children last 2011, but there were again newly identified underweight children at Barangays Ifugao Village, Isidro Paredes, Ricarte Norte, Bannawag, Liwayway, and Ricarte Sur.

The MNC members, headed by Mayor Marlo S. Guillermo, assured that they will consider the NNC’s recommendations, saying that they have already started conducting a case study and different interventions will be provided based on the needs of the identified malnourished children.

First Farmers Olympics to highlight Saguday’s “Pagay-Pagay” festival

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451333815384
• Sunday 8th of April 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

SAGUDAY, Quirino, April 8 (PIA) -- The 2012 Pagay-Pagay festival of this town on April 16-17 will be highlighted with the first ever Farmers Olympics.

According to Joey N. Gamboa, secretary general of the festival’s executive committee, the Farmers Olympics will be participated by each barangay. The barangay is eligible to have a team composed of a team manager, a coach and eight players who should be farmers directly engaged in tilling a land for vegetables, palay, corn or any other crops.

Among the contested activities for the Olympics are Search for Nuang (carabao) of the Year, Sangal Y Botones (knot-tying), Irik-Irik (threshing), Banbanen (rice straw out of bamboo tree), Sprayer Assembling & Disassembling and Pusi (manual corn shelling) challenge for the individual events and Tantiyahin mo Babe, Ginnuyudan (tug of war), Kariada (carrying of cavans of rice) relay for the group events.

For the Search for Nuang of the Year, each barangay or team shall have one carabao as its entry and it shall be adorned for uniqueness and audience impact. The entries could either be native, mestizo, pure breed or water buffalo.

Each entry shall be judged according to the following criteria: Body Balance and Proportion - 40 percent; Appearance and Poise - 30 percent; Cart, /Attire or Costume - 20 percent and Audience Impact - 10 percent.

Aside from the said events, other highlights of the Olympics are Canao (fest for harvest), Abtapuy (wine making), Pinaka display, Apit champion, triplet goat, twin carabao, among others.

The team which will accumulate the greatest aggregate points will be declared the “First Farmer Olympics Champion.”

The champion will receive P8,000; second place, P6,000 and third place, P4,000. Each participating team will also receive consolation prizes of P1,000 and one sprayer each.

Saguday is known to be the rice granary of the province of Quirino, having 87.89 percent of the total population engaged in farming as a means of livelihood. In 1983, the vast barren lands of the five barangays traversed by the National Irrigation Administration Canal were all converted into fertile rice fields, which triggered the fast transformation of socio-economic upliftment of the farmers. (TCB/PIA 2)

1st Cagayan Valley fun run for education successful

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=451333578382
• Thursday 5th of April 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

STA. ANA, Cagayan, April 5 (PIA) -- Despite continuous rains, the first fun run organized by Cagayan Valley Bloggers Society (CVBS) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Cagayan Chapter last March 31 was successfully held with hundreds of runners from Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batanes, and Quirino.

With the theme “Cagayan Valley Run 2012: Race for Education,” the event which was held at Centro, Santa Ana was designed to raise money for the education of the deserving graduating Grade 6 students from Cagayan Valley in cooperation with the Department of Education, Department of Tourism, Cooperative Development Authority, and Municipality of Santa Ana.

The overall 2K winner was Kevin Narag from Tuguegarao, with a winning time of 9:08 minutes; 4K winner was Jeremiah Cariño from Santa Ana, with 20:07 minutes. The first three finishers of 2K and 4K run were awarded with medals and cash prizes while 4th to 10th placer received medals. Unique collectible finisher medals were given as a good token for the top 10 finishers.

The CVBS ,through its president Karen Mae Sapla Farro commended mayor Darwin Tobias of Sta. Ana, mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr. of Gonzaga and mayor Ismael Tumaru of Aparri for providing assistance during the event. (TCB and TSM/PIA 2)

OWWA 2 announces EDSP qualifiers

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451333408341
• Tuesday 3rd of April 2012

by (TCB/PIA 2)

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 3 (PIA)-- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration region 2 recently announced that two incoming first year college students in the region have passed the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) - Scholarships examination for qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Regional Director Robert Bassig revealed, Kathryne Joy G. Grospe, a graduate of Quirino General High School in Zamora, Cabarroguis, Quirino and Mitzi Love C. Syjongtian of the Regional Science High School in Tumauini, Isabela can now enjoy the financial assistance consisting of a maximum of P 60,000.00 per school year, leading to a four-to-five year baccalaureate course in any college or university accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

Coming from families with humble beginnings, Kathryne Joy & Mitzi Love said they attributed their success to their diligence and hardwork. When asked to comment about their outstanding achievement, with humility, they gave credit to God, further sharing with would-be examinees their success formula which hinges basically on hard-work and a deep sense of purpose.

“Our two successful examinees are really exceptional achievers. Indeed for both of them are graduating on top of their respective classes and not only that, they have likewise passed the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT),” Director Bassig said.

Both of the qualifiers intend to take up Business Administration major in Accountancy at the State University.

Quirino police beefs up security for Oplan Sumvac, Holy week

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=451333343226
• Monday 2nd of April 2012

by Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, April 2 (PIA) -- The Quirino Police Provincial Office Police Regional Office under the leadership of PSSupt. Domingo R. Lucas is all set to implement Oplan SumVac which took effect just after the end of the school year up to the opening of classes in June.

The security preparations also cover the Holy Week celebration starting Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

According to Police Chief Inspector Andree Camhol, chief of operation section of the QPPO, all the 267 police personnel are in full alert, 24/7 on duty to ensure public security. “All of us are not allowed to take a leave of absence during the duration of the summer vacation to ensure police visibility in all places being frequented by vacationers,” Camhol added.

The operations chief likewise assured that Municipal Action Centers are already in place and routine security marshals are already deployed in their areas of responsibility such as churches, streets, and tourists destinations.

Tourist-oriented police or TOP cops are also deployed in each municipal police stations to attend to tourists who are needing assistance. Tourists assistance desks in the police stations and in tourists destinations are also installed.

“For those who need police assistance, they may text or call our PNP hotlines: QPPO- 09277327171; Aglipay Police Station-09063622545; Cabarroguis PS-09153347529; Diffun PS-09063622496; Maddela PS- 09159325139; Nagtipunan PS- 09066981038 and Saguday PS- 09359449507,” Camhol further said.(TCB-PIA 2)

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