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==City Council plans for Green Calapan Program==
==PAGASA expects rain showers over parts of PHL==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851329385212
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257919/news/nation/pagasa-expects-rain-showers-over-parts-of-phl
*Thursday 16th of February 2012
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:by Louie T. Cueto
:by   LBG, GMA News
 
 
Rain showers may fall over parts of the country as a potential cyclone, a low-pressure area, heads for the West Philippine Sea Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
 
PAGASA forecaster Fernando Cada said their models show the LPA is not likely to intensify into a cyclone while still inside Philippine territory.
 
“Ito ay papalabas papunta sa West Philippine Sea.... Hindi na ito makakaapekto sa ating bansa," Cada said in an interview on dzBB radio.
 
But he also said the rain to be expected on Saturday does not yet mean the rainy season is already here.
 
He said the rainy season is due to set in during the second half of May, when the southwest monsoon begins to become dominant.
 
PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin indicated the LPA was estimated at 270 km west of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, embedded along the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Palawan and Mindanao.
 
It also noted the diffused tail-end of a cold front is affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon.
 
“The whole archipelago will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms,” PAGASA said.
 
Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the west to southwest over the rest of the country, it said.
 
The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, it added.
 
 
 
 




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Calapan recently held a meeting to discuss the full execution and implementation of the guidelines on the Green Calapan program of the city.
The Green Calapan Council committed to do a series of advocacy activities for the green Calapan Program which includes prohibition of smoking and use of plastic, participation in the ‘Earth hour,’ tree planting, ‘Linis Lungsod’ and establishment of a materials recovery facility.
The council also identified the places for the activities, such as the city plaza, J.P. Rizal and Leuterio Streets, cockfighting arena, and Del Pilar Street in the city proper, where strict implementation of the ordinance will be imposed.
The meeting was presided by Vice Mayor Jojo Perez together with Green Calapan Council at the Sanggunian Panglungsod. (LBR/LTC/PIA4B)








==4 charged with tax evasion==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/4-charged-with-tax-evasion/#.T6zkWOgzCsE
*Friday, May 11, 2012
:by  Jun Ramirez




Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed yesterday two separate tax evasion cases against four individuals for “doctoring“ transaction papers to save on tax payments totaling more P53 million.
BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares submitted the complaints to the Department of Justice (DoJ) for preliminary investigation and the filing of the cases in courts if probable cause is established.


The first case concerned a Manila City Hall contractor identified as Oscar Badillo of Wack-Wack Twin Towers who was commissioned by the city government to construct the three-storey Balagtas Elementary School in Tondo in 2009.
Badillo was paid P49.2 million for the schoolbuilding project but the amount was not reported in his Income Tax Return (ITR) for the year.
The second case involved a land seller in Oriental Mindoro and buyers who allegedly conspired to undervalue the transaction to save on tax payments.
They were identified as Lerma Lasala and Flemming Remmer and Annbrit Remmer, president and corporate secretary, respectively, of First Flemming Properties.


==Philippine Consular Corps plants 30k mangroves in Baco, OrMin==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=741336352411
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
:by  Luis T. Cueto


==Umali stands by 'small lady' story==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=777654&publicationSubCategoryId=63
*February 15, 2012 12:00 AM
:by  Helen Flores and Jess Diaz


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, May 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Consular Corps recently planted 30,000 mangrove propagules in barangay Pulantubig (formerly known as Mayagao) in Baco, Oriental Mindoro.


MANILA, Philippines - A member of the House prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona is standing by his story that a “small lady” handed him documents on the alleged dollar accounts of the chief magistrate.
This is part of the rehabilitation project of the national government against climate change in partnership with Conservation International (CI).  


Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali issued the pronouncement after a branch manager of Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) told the impeachment court on Monday that Corona’s purported bank documents in the possession of the prosecution team were fake.
Like many coastal areas in the Philippines, Baco’s mangrove areas have suffered over the years, making the area more vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise and stronger, more frequent storms.  


The prosecution had used the documents as attachments to its request for subpoena on witnesses.
“We are happy to support this endeavor as a continuing partnership with Conservation International,” said Armenia Honorary Consul Jose Periquet, Jr., Dean of the Consular Corps.  


“In the interest of fairness, I should be shown the footages so I can assess. I stand by my story that there was a small lady. That is what I am only asking the impeachment court,” Umali said in an interview with ANC News Channel, referring to a request that he be shown the Feb. 2 recording of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Senate premises.
Country executive director of Conservation International Romeo Trono said, “Rehabilitating and expanding mangrove greenbelts are among the most cost-effective ways of enhancing a community’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts. Mangrove belts protect communities from storm damages and help stabilize coastlines.”


On Monday, Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III said the CCTV recording showed no image of any “small lady” handing documents to Umali.
“In fact,” he added, “the mangrove rehabilitation project was launched simultaneously with SICAD (Strategic Intervention and Community-focused Action towards Development) in Pulantubig, Baco to pursue a holistic and integrated approach to alleviating poverty in the coastal communities with the end in view of capacitating them to become development partners in sustaining local environmental management efforts.  


The Oriental Mindoro congressman said there might be some areas at the Senate complex not covered by the CCTV. “I don’t recall where in particular it happened,” he said, adding politicians normally receive documents and don’t check them right away.
“We are bent on implementing an honest-to-goodness coastal resource management development program, dispensing with the idea that this is only for publicity,” said Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. who led the launching of a mangrove rehabilitation project, part of the provincial government’s climate change adaptation efforts.  


“As a prosecutor I have to do my job. I was confronted with the document…what is contemptuous with my act? It is my duty as a prosecutor. The issue here is the impeachment of Corona; these are side issues,” he insisted.
The participants planted Rhizophora propagules, one of the mangrove varieties chosen as most appropriate to the area and most likely to thrive given the site’s conditions. The rehabilitation site is a sand bar and river delta formation, which serves as the community's barrier against strong waves.  


Taking the witness stand last Monday, PSBank Katipunan branch manager Annabelle Tiongson said the bank documents were fake, following intense questioning from Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile.
It can be recalled that when a tsunami hit in 1994 which killed at least 41 people in the affected communities, the area helped shield the residents from devastation that caused flooding and beach erosion.  


There was, however, some confusion about her testimony, since she was testifying about Corona’s peso accounts, not dollar accounts. She did not bring with her any documents on Corona’s dollar accounts, saying these were not covered by the Senate subpoena.
According to Conservation International, the combination of true mangrove and associated species that will be planted under this initiative will enhance the stability of coastal ecosystems in the area. It will provide the community with a more efficient means of protection from climatic factors and other natural events and likewise improve habitats that will serve as homes for fishes, crabs, clams and other provisioning functions of a healthy mangrove forest.  


The prosecution had claimed the foreign currency deposit account of Corona had an initial deposit of “$700K,” which it interpreted to be $700,000 based on the purported bank records.
“Aside from enhanced coastal protection, this project is expected to provide additional benefits to fisherfolks engaged in aquasilvi projects or crab culture,” said Marilyn Alcañices, head of the Fishery and Coastal Resources Management Division of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO).  


In peso terms, the amount was P38 million in October 2008, the time the account was opened.  
“Rehabilitating mangrove areas will increase aquasilvi project sites and increase the population of crablets and other marine finfish like milkfish, grouper that need mangrove areas as their nursery and feeding grounds,” she explained.  


“We stand by our documents. They cannot be fake because they were very, very and super accurate,” lead prosecutor Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. of Iloilo told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Consular Corps of the Philippines Environmental Concerns Committee, chaired by Sweden Honorary Consul General Carla Limcaoco, held a charity bike run in Makati City to raise funds to support mangrove reforestation efforts. She was assisted by her Co-Chair, El Salvador Honorary Consul Ma. Josefina Ortigas-Duarte, and project coordinators: Jordan Honorary Consul Michael Alexander Ang, Italy Consul Dr. Adriano Stefanutti, Guatemala Vice Consul/Corps Secretary Marc Thomas Ablaza, and other committee members. They plan to hold a second charity bike run for environmental protection sometime this year.  


“We identified 10 bank accounts of the Chief Justice containing peso and dollar deposits based on the photo copies of bank records we received from an anonymous source. All 10 accounts were confirmed by the president of Philippine Savings Bank,” he said.
The Bantay Dagat group of Baco will take on the task of monitoring and taking care of the planting site to ensure a high survival rate. As part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts, the municipality is also in the process of establishing new marine protected areas. (LBR/PIO/LTC/PIACALAPAN)


He said five of the 10 were peso accounts, while the other five are dollar accounts.
==Driver bashes live-in partner to death over friend’s unpaid P200 debt==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/189199/driver-bases-live-in-partner-to-death-over-friend%E2%80%99s-unpaid-p200-debt
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by  Jeannette I. Andrade


He said based on the testimony of PSBank president Pascual Garcia III before the Senate impeachment court last week, two of the peso accounts held P19.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2010, while the other three had been closed.


Tupas said Tiongson was just forced to claim before the impeachment tribunal on Monday that the documents in the prosecution’s possession were “fake.”
MANILA, Philippines–A truck driver spent his birthday behind bars after he allegedly turned his own party into a bloody scene when he beat to his live-in partner to death in Tondo, Manila Sunday over a friend’s unpaid P200 debt.
Suspect Erick Jun Paglinawan, in an interview with the INQUIRER, claimed he could not remember how he killed 54-year-old Mercedes Dela Rosa, of 5-C Venus Street, Herbosa Extension in Tondo, who had thrown him the party.
“I was drunk,” said 41-year-old Paglinawan, an employee of the Mazen Transport Service and a native of Oriental Mindoro.
Senior Police Office 1 Mario Asilo, of the Manila Police District (MPD) Homicide Section, said that based on witness accounts Paglinawan had broken a bottle of beer over Dela Rosa’s head before grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly bashing her face against a concrete wall. The woman died instantly from massive head wounds.
Asilo pointed out that after the attack, Paglinawan was accosted by his birthday guests at Dela Rosa’s house and turned over to police custody. He remains detained at the MPD Homicide Section holding cell pending the filing of a homicide charge against him before the city prosecutor’s office.
Asilo said the incident supposedly stemmed from a P200 debt that Paglinawan’s co-worker owed to Dela Rosa. The truck driver, apparently embarrassed by his live-in partner’s act of taking his helper’s mobile phone in payment for the debt, attacked her.
Judith Belves, 43, a guest during Sunday’s celebration at Dela Rosa’s house told the INQUIRER that the co-worker, whose name was not given, borrowed the P200 from the victim several years ago.
“She (Dela Rosa) took his cell phone as payment for that debt which angered Erick who said that it was shameful for her to do something like that on his birthday. He said that she had embarrassed his best friend,” Belves narrated.
She claimed that she was surprised when Paglinawan suddenly grabbed a bottle of beer, broke it over Dela Rosa’s head and ordered everyone to get out. He then allegedly grabbed his live-in partner’s hair with both hands and started slamming her face against the concrete wall near the door.
“We tried to tell him to stop and take pity on her. But he was so angry and he would not listen. I tried to return for Mercy (Dela Rosa) but he threatened to do the same to me and I had to get out,” Belves told the INQUIRER.
As Dela Rosa lay lifeless, the other guests grabbed hold of Paglinawan, beat him up before turning him over to the police.
Paglinawan simply maintained that he could not remember anything that happened the previous day and claimed he knew nothing of the P200 debt that apparently triggered the killing. With a report from Julliane De Jesus, Inquirer trainee


“She could not admit that our documents were copies of originals that the Katipunan branch is keeping because that would be admitting that there was a leakage, and the law attaches penalties for leaking bank records,” he stressed.
==Seares: Kingmakers Erap, PNoy==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2012/05/03/seares-kingmakers-erap-pnoy-219433
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:by Atty. Pachico A. Seares


He added that the prosecution attached the photocopies of what appeared to be documents relating to Corona’s deposits “because we wanted to be truthful and not lie about them.”
PRESIDENT Noynoy Aquino must be a reluctant kingmaker. Until last weekend, when in Oriental Mindoro he fired his first campaign salvo, he hadn't been active in mending Liberal Party fences.
The 2013 election must hold scant interest to PNoy: he won't face reelection in 2016 and no coup, impeachment, or post-term lawsuit threatens him.
PNoy is no Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. From year one, GMA beat back threats of uprising by wooing police and armed forces and won local politicians to her side, which required year-round campaigning.
PNoy being on the campaign trail means he has realized he has a debt to pay his party, it would help LP if the next president is a Liberal, and he could return the favor Mar Roxas gave him in 2010.
The payback argument is pretty strong but more persuasive is that another LP president could continue PNoy's fight against corruption and poverty.
Redemption
Joseph Estrada very much wants to be a kingmaker.
If Vice President Jojo Binay would win in 2016, it would prove Erap's clout and offer some redemption after his ouster from office and conviction of plunder.
Erap would've preferred the vote of confidence in 2010, which would've wiped out the slate that a pardon couldn't. Binay's becoming president would be the next best thing.
A rematch for PNoy and Erap though not as principal fighters but as handlers. And the clash begins next year.
They are the kingmakers although a lot would depend on the would-be kings: who between Binay and Roxas could get the nation's mandate and fate's blessing?


The photocopies the prosecution received included two specimen signatures and customer identification cards, a page of Corona’s passport showing his photograph, and an Application and Agreement for Deposit Account (AADA).
==PNoy pledges support for electrification, tourism for OrMin==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=423001
*Tuesday, May 1, 2012
:by  Lanie B. Ronquillo


One signature card dated Oct. 31, 2008 covered at least two dollar time deposits and five peso accounts. It indicated that Corona is both the account holder and authorized signatory.


Another specimen signature card names Corona’s son-in-law Constantino Castillo III and his wife Ma. Carla Beatrice Eugenia Corona as account holders but with the Chief Justice as the authorized signatory. It covers a single dollar account. The signature card is dated April 16, 2007.
BONGABONG, Oriental, Mindoro, May 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III pledged to support the province's electrification and tourism promotion programs during his visit here where he led the ceremonial harvesting of “king crabs” and bangus at the farm at Barangay Anilao, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, April 29.  


The AADA covers five dollar accounts with the Chief Justice as the account holder. The document indicates that it was “updated as of July 20, 2007.”
The Chief Executive pledged to provide necessary support for the development of Oriental Mindoro, particularly in harnessing renewable energy resource projects such as the hydro-power resources in Linaw Kawayan and research on possible utilization of wind panels, which will be managed by the cooperatives, increasing the power generated for the province from 2.1 Megawatts to 4.5 Megawatts.  


The prosecution counted a total of 14 peso and dollar accounts based on the photocopies of bank documents, but the impeachment court agreed to subpoena the records of only five peso and five dollar deposits.
He also added that it is important to promote the scenic spots that may be ordinary to the locals but extra-ordinary to tourists, as this will help the local economy and provide livelihood to the communities. He cites aqua-culture in Mindoro as one of its unique features which has the potential to attract tourists, having seen the king crabs that each weighs one kilo per piece.  


The SC, through a temporary restraining order, has stopped the impeachment tribunal from examining Corona’s dollar accounts.
He shared that the tourism department reported that in January alone, there were 411,000 tourists who came to the country, and is projected to reach 4.8 million by the end of the year. Also, it is expected that by July, more tourists will be coming here. The government targets to boost tourism by 10 million in 2016, which is more than thrice last year’s three million tourism data. He emphasized the need to be ready for the influx of tourists by fast-tracking the government’s infrastructure development efforts.  


Prosecution panel spokesman Rep. Miro Quimbo of Marikina also insisted it was a small lady who gave Umali the documents at the Senate premises. But he said Umali was not sure whether the documents were given inside or outside the Senate building.
Incidentally, the affair coincided with the 57th birthday of Gov. Alfonso V. Umali. Some of the governor’s other guests who came to greet him were Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Sec. Neric Acosta of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Rep. Sonny Angara, Sec. Joel Villanueva of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Calapan City Mayor Doy Leachon, and the other mayors in the different municipalities of Oriental Mindoro.  


Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada, another prosecution spokesman, said Garcia had confirmed the existence of the 10 accounts of the Chief Justice with PSBank. Tañada said that in contrast to Tiongson’s testimony, Garcia did not claim that the prosecution’s documents were fake.
The event was witnessed by the Farmers Organization for the Urban Upliftment of Mindoro (FORUM), barangay officials from various municipalities in the province, and people in the community who warmly greeted the President when he arrived.(LBR/PIA4-B)


“He claimed that there were some differences between the originals in the bank’s possession and the photocopies, though he did not say what those differences were. If indeed there were differences, that means that there were similarities,” he said.
==Aquino maintains that the PHL wants to de-escalate tension with China on Scarborough Shoal territorial claims==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=423001
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:by    (PNA)
DCT/LAM/TPG/ssc


He added that the issue on the authenticity of the prosecution’s documents would be settled when the impeachment court obtains the original documents from PSBank. Tañada also said Tiongson was erratic in her testimony on Monday.


He said the bank manager, answering questions from Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, initially told the impeachment tribunal that the photocopies and the original documents matched.
BARANGAY ANILAO, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, April 30 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday that the Philippines will continue to support its stand to resolve territorial claims over contested Scarborough Shoal diplomatically and to de-escalate any tensions between the country and China.


“She later backtracked and claimed they were fake. She was a confused witness,” he said.
This after a Chinese general recently called for decisive action against the Philippines.


Tañada said senator-judges should not forget that based on the prosecution’s documents, 10 PSBank accounts of Corona were confirmed, that at least two peso accounts held nearly P20 million as of the end of 2010 that the Chief Justice did not declare this in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. “Add to the P20 million the more than P12 million that the Chief Justice had with Bank of Philippine Islands as of the end of 2010,” he said.
The President expressed confidence China would not take any action against the Philippines as both countries believed no one would benefit if military force was used to end the dispute.


==Local ordinance enacts public schools to synchronized deworming==
“We don’t think that at this point in time they will engage in any military activities. Purposely, our actions have been geared towards de-escalating the situation,” the President said.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851329210659
*Tuesday 14th of February 2012
:by  Lanie Bolina-Ronquillo


“It's clear that it is to nobody’s benefit and there are a lot of repercussions if any military force happens to be employed here,” he added.


BULACAO, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The local municipal government of Bulacao, Oriental Mindoro has enacted a special ordinance dubbed as Synchronized Deworming which required all elementary public schools to conduct regular deworming twice a year.
He said the continued presence of Chinese vessels and crew at the disputed island is being documented “so that when we make our case in the appropriate body, we have the necessary evidence.”
The ordinance was initiated by the Municipality Advisory Committee (MAC). During the implementation period, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries will also be monitored, as it signifies the implementer's compliance on deworming. Under the 4Ps of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government implementers are required to conduct a deworming activity twice a year for children aged six to 14 years old, as set by the program’s condition on health programs.
Bulacao, Oriental Mindoro happens to have the highest rate on malnutrition among children in Mimaropa, so the ordinance was conceived to help eradicate malnutrition cases in the municipality. This ordinance was declared to promote sanitation, hygiene and principally the general health of children who need special care and support from the government. A special composite committee known as Committee on Synchronized Deworming was also created to administer, supervise and monitor all deworming activities in the municipality.
The Municipal Health Office serves as the chairman of the committee, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Links.
The municipal local government has committed to sustain the deworming program even beyond the 5-year program implementation of the 4Ps. (LBR/PIA4B)


==Feature: ‘New Calapan’ addresses recurring problems==
He also said the government will continue reviewing all relevant local and international laws to determine the rules that will operate in the area.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851328770466
*Thursday 9th of February 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto and Camille N. Serrano


==PNoy believes China won’t take military action vs PH==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/29/12/pnoy-believes-china-won%E2%80%99t-take-military-action-vs-ph
*Sunday, April 29, 2012
:by  Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News




For the betterment of the city of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, the administration of Mayor Paulino C. Leachon is promoting the ‘Ang Bagong Calapan’ project to deliver various programs in the city.
BONGABONG, Oriental Mindoro - Despite reports that a Chinese general had his government to take "decisive action" against the Philippines over a territorial dispute, President Benigno Aquino III believes that China will not launch a military action against the country.  
   
   
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Leachon said he has discovered that problems on education, health, job generation, housing and humanity remain after the term of administration.
Aquino is convinced that the Chinese general's statement may be more metaphorical than substantial, adding that the general being quoted may not have a direct command of the Chinese military.
   
   
The ‘Ang Bagong Calapan’ project has different components that include “Kapag Disiplinado Aasenso Program (KDAP),” “Nagkakaisang Calapeno,” “Maligayang Pamumuhay ang Ipagmalaki mo,” “Calapeno Ako.” Programs under each component are already being implemented by the city government.
Aquino added that the Philippines' actions over Scarborough shoal are aimed at "de-escalating" the tension.  
   
   
One example is the ‘Mapagkalingang Pamahalaan’ which addresses the needs of the populace.
"I think basahin mo siguro 'yung iba-ibang headline nung People's Daily na mas matindi pa. Meron 'yung isa na 'prepare to hear the sound of canons,' etcetera. But it's a question of style. Mahilig silang mag-ganun e, 'yung parang…metaphoric siguro magsalita,” he said.
   
   
For informal settlers about 300 families have been relocated in Lumangbayan and barangay Bulalo. Under the ‘Nego Kart’ program, the poor are being taught business skills.
“We don't think that at this point in time that they will engage in any military activities… Purposely, our actions have been geared towards de-escalating the situation. So 'yung clear it is to nobody's benefit and there are a lot of repercussions if any military force happens to be employed here. So we think that is more a statement… that lacks substance. Hindi indicative of the real intentions," Aquino told reporters.
   
   
The city government is now installing CCTV cameras in strategic areas like the public market to monitor daily activities.  
Asked if Philippine authorities would arrest Chinese poachers, Aquino said the priority is not to escalate the situation but said activities there are being documented so that there would be evidence if cases are filed.
   
   
A total plastic ban is being implemented everyday in accordance to the “Green Calapan” program.
He said the government is also reviewing all relevant local and international laws to determine the rules that will operate in the area.
 
==30,000 mangrove propagules to be planted in Oriental Mindoro town==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/183561/30000-mangrove-propagules-planted-in-oriental-mindoro-town
*Friday, April 27, 2012
:by  Karen Boncocan
INQUIRER.net
 
 
MANILA, Philippines—Some 30,000 mangrove propagules will be planted in Oriental Mindoro as part of a rehabilitation project in Baco town, a conservation group said Friday.
Implementing agency Conservation International (CI)-Philippines said that the project, launched on Thursday in coordination with 37-year-old Consular Corps of the Philippines (CCP), was part of the province’s climate change adaptation efforts and was the initial salvo to take mangrove rehabilitation efforts further.
It was launched alongside Strategic Intervention and Community-focused Action towards Development (SICAD) for a holistic and integrated approach to getting rid of poverty in the coastal communities by making them development partners.
According to CI-Philippines, the Bantay Dagat group of Baco will monitor and take care of the site to ensure high survival rate while the municipality will be establishing new marine protected areas as part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts.
Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, who was present during the launch, said the province was determined to conduct this “honest-to-goodness coastal resource management development program, dispensing with the idea that this is only for publicity.”
The initial batch of Rhizophora mangrove propagules were planted in Pulantubig village (previously known as Mayagao) in Baco town—a part of the Verde Island Passage, a globally-important marine biodiversity area and one of CI-Philippines’s priority project sites.
The said variety was chosen as it was the most appropriate to the conditions in the project site, a sand bar and river delta formation, and will most likely thrive in the area. The project site acts as a natural barrier to the community against strong waves.
But the area has become more vulnerable after suffering losses in mangroves and Romeo Trono, CI-Philippines country executive director, saw the rehabilitation project as one of the “most cost-effective ways of enhancing a community’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts.”
“Mangrove belts protect communities from storm damages and help stabilize coastlines.”
CI-Philippines said that propagating a mix of true mangrove and associated species that will improve the stability of coastal ecosystems in the area and give the community with protection from climatic factors and other natural events.
While it improves coastal protection in the area, the project is also expected to “provide additional benefits to fisherfok engaged in aquasilvi projects or crab culture,” said Marilyn Alcañices, head of the Fishery and Coastal Resources Management Division of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO).
According to her, the project will help “increase aquasilvi project sites and increase the population of crablets and  other marine finfish like milkfish, grouper that need mangrove areas as their nursery and feeding  grounds.”
The Bantay Dagat group of Baco will take on the task of monitoring and taking care of the planting site to ensure a high survival rate. As part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts, the town is also in the process of establishing new marine protected areas.
   
   
The Calapan Recreational and Zoological Park located in barangay Bulusan will have complete facilities before it opens in April.
The ‘Wish ko kay Mayor Doy Balik Tanaw’ is a program where city constituents make a wish to the mayor. Leachon said that he immediately answers small problems while bigger issues are put together and addressed.
Leachon wants his constituents to see the gifts from the government as an inspiration for them to work harder to improve their lives and not just depend on the government.
To achieve the Seal of Good Housekeeping, Leachon said that all the best practices in good governance like participation, rule of law, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, consensus oriented, accountability and transparency have to be done.
The city is three-time ISO certified. To maintain it, the city needs to have constant monitoring and internal audit, he said. (LBR/LTC/CNS/PIA MIMAROPA)


==Romblon solon asks PNP to give best service==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851328683824
*Wednesday 8th of February 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto






CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mimaropa celebrated its 21st founding anniversary on Tuesday with Romblon Congressman Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona as guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Madrona in his speech said that he recognized the PNP as a partner in the common goal of ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. He also stressed that the PNP’s main goal is to give the best service to people and work with honor and serve justice with impartiality.
“May you continue to be our comrades in the delivery of services and further your community relations in your respective areas of assignment for the good of our people,” Madrona added.
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of a tree planting project dubbed as “Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno Pamana sa Kinabukasan (Police for Nature: 10 milion trees, heritage for the future),” where each of the 4,207 police personnel of Mimaropa will plant six trees a month for a span of one year starting from February 1 this year to February 28, 2013.
A memorandum of agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, represented by Director Concordio D. Zuñiga and PNP Mimaropa, represented by Regional Director Artemio Hicban, was signed during the event.
The “Padyak para sa Kapapayapaan (Pedal for Peace),” which aims to showcase the partnership of the PNP and civilians in addressing crime and maintenance of peace and order, was also held. The 16-kilometer bike route within Calapan City led by Hicban, drew provincial and local chief executives, representative of government agencies, civilian bikers and other guests.
PNP commendation medals were given to PNP personnel from the different Mimaropa provincial police stations in recognition of their achievements in various anti-crime programs of the PNP. (GBO/LTC/PIA4B)


==Or.Mindoro provides insurance to barangay officials==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851328599512
*Tuesday 7th of February 2012
:by Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The provincial government under Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. has provided free life health insurance coverage of P20,000 to barangay officials of Pag-asa in Naujan town.
The insurance coverage complements the provincial government’s health program for barangay officials of the province. The insurance has duration of 20 years.
In an earlier visit of the governor to the Mangyans of barangay Benli, Bulalacao, the indigents in the area were provided free medical mission, Philhealth insurance and free registration of birth certificates at the local civil registrar. (LTC/PIA-4B)


==Agri training center holds training on organic farming==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851328257571
*Friday 3rd of February 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto




==Ex Mindoro town councilor gunned down==
*Source: http://new.philstar.com/nation/luzon/799273/ex-mindoro-town-councilor-gunned-down
*Thursday, April 26, 2012
:by Juancho Mahusay
CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – A former municipal councilor in Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro was gunned down by an unidentified hitman in an ambush Tuesday (April 24) morning at a crowded public market in the town.
Police Supt. Jonathan P. Paguio, chief of police of Pinamalayan, identified the victim as Nilo L. Panaligan, 63, a resident of Morente St., Brgy. Zone 2, Pinamalayan.
According to the initial police reports by Paguio to Oriental Mindoro Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Sr. Supt. Anthony Alcañeces, Panaligan was about to leave the public market with his daughter,Melissa, 30, and was boarding their private vehicle when a man wearing denim jacket casually approached and fired three successive shots at the victim.
A gunshot wound in Panaligan’s temple and two other similar wounds in his lower bodies killed the former councilor.
After the shooting, the suspect climbed to a waiting motorbike driven by another unidentified man and sped off in the direction of the town proper.
Panaligan died on the spot in the driver's seat of his vehicle, a Toyota Innova.
Police recovered three empty shells of a .45 caliber revolver at the scene of the crime, as well as the .45 caliber handgun of the victim, who was said to have taken his service firearm but failed to fire a shot.
Police are still investigating the incident. Panaligan served as a municipal councilor in the 1980’s.
==Puerto Galera highlights Mangyan culture on Earth Day==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=741335230883
*Tuesday 24th of April 2012
:by Luis T. Cueto
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 24 (PIA) -- Puerto Galera, a booming tourism town in Oriental Mindoro celebrated Earth Day on Sunday highlighting the rich cultures of the Mangyan natives in Mindoro Island.
French expatriate Hubert d’Aboville, the lead organizer of the event which had as its theme, “Belongingness to Nature,” said they highlighted the rich cultures of the Mangyans on Earth Day because they wanted the world to emulate the lifestyles of the Mindoro aborigines who protect and conserve the environment in their own way, as they feel that they belong to nature.
In cooperation with the municipal government of Puerto Galera, D’Aboville, a French businessman who declared Puerto Galera Bay as “one of the most beautiful bays in the world,” led the participants during the whole day program in his demonstration farm at Mount Malasimbo, the town’s highest peak.
The celebration featured rituals, songs, and dances of the Mangyans; a community mass; an environment-inspired on-the-spot drawing contest; and a bike contest.
The Earth Day celebration will now become an annual occasion in Puerto Galera to create environmental awareness among the people in the community, the French environmentalist said. (LBR/DOS/JRMahusay/LTC-PIA4B, Calapan City)
==CHED grants P1M aid to college scholars==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=741335143857
*Monday 23rd of April 2012
:by  Luis T. Cueto
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has awarded almost P1 million worth of educational aids to scholars in Oriental Mindoro.
Under the Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan (K4) program and Priority Development Assistance Program (PDAF), educational aids were awarded to 178 scholars in the first district of the province.
Amounts ranging from P2,500 to P10,000 were given for the coming school year, depending on each student's college program; this amounted to P1,008,000 given to the scholars.
In a turnover ceremony held at the Filipiniana Resort Hotel in Calapan City, council president Nico Valencia said that they are also supporting students taking up technical-vocational courses on Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and those under the Technical Education Extension Program (TEEP) of K4, guided by the Mindoro Kabuhayan Foundation, Inc. (MKFI).
Barangay chairman Robert Baez of Mangangan, Baco and one of the youth scholars, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity given to the youth (LBR/JRMahusay/LTC-PIA4B, Calapan City)
==President Aquino urges LGUs to play major role in reducing maternal deaths by 2015==
*Source: http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/04/president-aquino-urges-lgus-to-play-major-role-in-reducing-maternal-deaths-by-2015/
* Apr 21, 2012
:by  Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, April 21 (PNA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the local government units (LGUs) on Friday to play major role along with the private sector in achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 or reduction of maternal mortality ratio from 162 to 52 per 100,000 live births by 2015.
”Allow me to use this opportunity to appeal to our partners in the LGUs. Your support means a lot in saving the lives of your constituents,” the President said in his message read by Health Secretary Enrique Ona during the 162 to 52 Summit: Accelerating Collective Impact on Maternal and Child Health at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
President Aquino also recognized the continued support and commitment of the private sector to achieve a daunting task of reducing the maternal deaths before the term of the President ends in 2016.
”With just three years left, the Philippines is behind the target maternal mortality ratio. All sectors both in the private and public fields, from government partners and in the civil society, can unite and make strong push to attain MDG 5,” the President emphasized.
Aside from improving maternal health, President Aquino said his administration is also determined and committed to reduce child mortality and fight other diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and human immune deficiency or HIV through strengthened vaccination campaign nationwide.
”To achieve these goals, we have formulated a health reform plan that centers on promoting universal health care and we called this Kalusugan Pangkahalatan (health for all) or KP,” the President said.
The President revealed that for the last two years, the government has spent P15 billion for the improvement and construction of health facilities, including health centers with operating rooms nationwide to prevent maternal deaths.
President Aquino also said the Department of Health (DOH) hired more than 20,000 nurses and 7,000 midwives to serve in the barrios, including in the far-flung areas where the poorest of the poor hardly get properly medical care.
”We need more equipment, we need more medicines, we need more trained and compassionate, committed people to man our hospitals. The more people manning our health facilities means more lives will be saved,” President Aquino said.
Due to the health reform program implemented by the Aquino administration, more than 15 million infants and children have been given proper care all over the country.
The President commended the DOH, the LGUS, private sector as well as the national government organizations (NGOs) for coming out with the multisectoral organization called the “162 to 52 coalition” which is envisioned as the catalyst for strategic, targeted, and innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the attainment of better maternal indicators.
”This coalition needs to prosper for us to achieve MDG 5 and reduce maternal mortality. The bottom line, this is not just about saving the lives of people, we are also saving the lives of our future generation,” the President said.
In a press conference, Ona stressed the importance of coming out with updated and accurate data on the real number of mothers who died due to inadequate pre- and post- natal to achieve the MDG 5.
Governor Alfonso Umali Jr. of Oriental Mindoro, president of the League of Governors of the Philippines, agreed with the DOH chief that all the stakeholders should come up with uniform data on the number of the maternal mortality rate.
Based on the data provided by the United Nations Fund for Population Agency, 11 mothers die everyday in the Philippines due to maternity-related causes, leaving more than 30 children motherless.
”As of 2008, the Philippines has an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 162 per 100,000 live births. This is far from MDG target of 52 deaths per 100,000 live births,” Ona said.
”The shortfalls are brought about by inadequate investments in health and not enough political will of our leaders do to what needs to be done to achieve our goals,” the DOH head added.
UNPFA country representative Ogochi Daniels said the Philippines is one of 68 countries accounting for 95 percent of all maternal and newborn deaths in the world and “there has been no notable decrease during the last several years.”
”The good thing is we know the cures. The solutions aren’t complicated. If women have access to Family Planning so she can get pregnant only if she wanted to, we could prevent almost a third of maternal deaths,” Daniels said.
Umali vowed to convince his colleagues to support the coalition’s goal “to make a it a successful one.”
Rafael Cofa, executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also made commitment to continuously support to uplift the lives of every Filipino through responsible business practices in the country.
”PBSP engages companies to promote health in the workplace by integrating health projects and promoting access to health services for employees and communities,” Cofa said.
The 162 to 52 Summit has been organized to provide the non-profit sector and the governors a venue to forge partnerships and commit to improve maternal and child health through PPP at the local government level.
”Solving the maternal mortality problem requires the expertise and skills of both the public and private sectors,” Ona said. (PNA)
scs/jfm
==LGUs, national gov’t to conduct dialogue on flood mitigation measures==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=741334719320
*Friday 20th of April 2012
:by The Philippine Star
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 20 (PIA) -- The local government units (LGUs) of Oriental Mindoro and other concerned national government agencies (NGA) will have a dialogue on flood mitigation measures on April 28, to be held at the Provincial Capitol Square, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
It can be recalled that a month ago, several barangays in the province particularly in the areas of Naujan, Baco, Mansalay, Victoria, and some parts of Calapan City experienced massive flooding caused by a low pressure area.
The dialogue was initiated by Gov. Alfonso Umali who said that it is time to prepare mitigating measures for the safety of individuals especially those who are in flood-prone areas of the province. Umali said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is ready for the distribution of relief goods in case of shortage of relief goods in the municipal level when disaster strikes.
The dialogue will also tackle how government agencies can use their available funds to integrate programs on flood mitigation measures and other solutions.
Meanwhile, a flood summit will also be held in the province on May 8 with the provincial government as lead LGU. (LBR/LTC/PIA-Calapan City)
==Public school tanker shines in Umali meet==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/04/15/12/public-school-tanker-shines-umali-meet
* 04/15/2012 5:50 PM | Updated as of 04/15/2012 5:50 PM
:by The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Ten-year-old public school swimmer Khiel Libat won all five events in his age group and emerged the most outstanding swimmer in the Philippine Swimming League 22nd leg, dubbed Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup, yesterday at Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
Libat, from the Lipa Mediatrix Swimming Club, outclassed the opposition in the 50m butterfly (35.01), surpassing the American AAAA age group motivational time of 35.09.
Libat also reached the AAA mark in the 50m backstroke (39.61), 50m breaststroke (44.05) and 50m freestyle (34.69) and AA in the 100m breaststroke (1:38.8).
Fifteen-year-old Michael Sangalang of the host Raging Paddlers topped the 200m breaststroke while Andrei Manzo (17), a candidate for 2013 Summer Universiade, topped the 200m, 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.
PSL president Susan Papa said the monthly PSL competition drew the full support of the Calapan City and provincial government headed by Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr.
Other most outstanding girl swimmers were Isis Arnaldo (6), Iris Arnaldo (7), Bernice Anne Magtibay (8), Charize Esmero (9), Bela Louise Magtibay (10), Veevien Vance Herrera (11), Angelica Eunice Mascarinas (12), Trisha Anne Oliveros (13), Mia Mantaring (14), Jemcy De la Cruz (15), Jackilyn Orig (16), and Denise Angela Tiquia (17 and over).
Most outstanding boy swimmers were Eddrian Galeno (6), Lanz Alonzo Ventabal (7), Carl Jude Tence (8), Marione Patrick Barcelon (9), Khiel Libat (10), Christopher Catelo (11), Lyndon Baines Herrera (12), Emmanuel Adornado (13), Joey Lavina (14), Ron Angel Serrano (15), Mhikcoloe Abina (16) and Andrei Lorenzo Manzo (17 and over).
The Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders Swim Club (IMASC) took the overall team championship with five swimmers won most outstanding awards.
==Tubbataha Reef, The Canyons among world’s best dive sites==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/21003-tubbataha-reef-the-canyons-among-worlds-best-dive-sites
*Saturday, April 14, 2012
:by Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz, Reporter
DIVING is definitely more fun in the Philippines.
Palawan’s renowned Tubbataha Reef and Oriental Mindoro’s The Canyons were recently named among the best dive sites in the world.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture MIMAROPA conducted training on organic farming in Barangay Pinagsabangan I, Naujan today.
Travel website www.cnngo.com named Tubbataha Reef as the eighth best dive site in the world in an article, titled Into the deep: World’s 50 best dive sites.
The training aims to orient farmers on using organic fertilizers in planting rice and vegetables and organic feeding in swine production.
It is a joint project of ATI and the local government units of Calapan City, Naujan, and Baco, with the support of two non-government organizations, the Mindoro Organic Farmers Association (MOFA) and Farmers Organization for the Rural Upliftment of Mindoro (FORUM).
The training started last Nov. 4, 2011 and expects to finish by April this year. The activity is held every Friday for the whole duration of the training, with the participation of 35 farmer participants from the said municipalities.
The pool of trainers were composed of Municipal Agricultural Officer Ely Vargas, two agriculturists from the City Agricultural Services Department of Calapan City, three agricultural technologists of Baco, three representatives from MOFA, two representatives from FORUM, and Dewey Albofera as cooperator or farm owner. (LBR/LTC/PIA4-B/CALAPAN)


Written by Jade Bremner, the article noted that the water in the reef “is exceptionally clean,” among others.


“Super-size your dive experience at Tubbataha where everything comes in giant form. The main advantage to diving at Tubbataha is that the water is exceptionally clean, so the marine life lives much longer, making it grow to silly proportions,” it said.


“These two small atoll like reefs in the middle of the ocean offer an inner lagoon with overhangs, slopes, crevices and caves with more than 300 different types of coral and 379 species of fish,” it added.


The dive site has a depth of five meters to 60 meters and has very clear visibility for a few meters. It is located 182 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the province’s capital.


“Expect kaleidoscopic colors combined with guitar sharks, black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, gliding blue-spotted lagoon rays, unicorns, boxfish, scorpion fish and more,” the website said further.


Likewise, The Canyons in Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province is included in the list of the best dive sites.


“Schools of spotted and ribbon sweetlips, shiny trevallies and weird-looking batfish make up the scene at this first-rate drift dive site… There’s also an explosion of coral and plant life including beautiful delicate gorgonian sea fans and hollow barrel sponges; look inside for critters lurking within,” Bremner said in his report.


The Canyons has a depth of up to 30 meters and visibility of 10 to 30 meters. It can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Galera.


The top 10 best dive sites in the world are composed of Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia (1st); Yongala, Queensland, Australia (2nd); SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt (3rd); Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia (4th); Richelieu Rock, near the Surin Islands, Thailand (5th); Gordon Rocks, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (6th); Great Blue Hole, Belize (7th); Tubbataha, Palawan, Philippines (8th); Big Brother, Red Sea, Egypt (9th); and Maaya Thila, Maldives (10th).


==OrMin Scholarship program still open==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=741334203552
*Friday 13th of April 2012
:by Luis T. Cueto




==Or. Mindoro prov’l gov’t gives 2k textbooks to DepEd==
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Apr. 13 (PIA) -- The provincial government’s Oriental Mindoro Integrated Scholarship Program is still open for qualified applicants until today.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=1851328080537
*Wednesday 1st of February 2012
:by pia.gov.ph


Under the program, the provincial government will shoulder the expenses for tuition fees of qualified scholars. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must have the following qualifications: a) High School graduate with general average of 85% and above; b) A full-fledged Filipino citizen residing in the province; c) Applicants must not be more than 21 years old; and d) The income of parents must not exceed P150,000 yearly as reflected on their Income Tax Return (ITR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).


The examination will be held at Jose J. Leido, Jr. Memorial National High School (JJLJMNHS), Calapan City on April 18 at 9 a.m.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro through Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. provided 2,000 textbooks to the Department of Education (DepEd) Oriental Mindoro Division.
For details regarding the program, please contact the Secretariat, Provincial Scholarship Committee, Governor’s Office-Integrated Scholarship Program Section, Provincial Capitol Compound, Calapan City at Telephone No. 043-2882184. (LBR/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-Calapan City)
The provision of textbooks aims to help public school students enhance their skills in their fields of study.
Schools Division Superintendent Estrellita A. Dolor and representatives from different districts of DepEd Oriental Mindoro received the textbooks during the formal turnover ceremony held at Sta. Isabel, Calapan City.
In his speech, Umali said that education and health are the primary concerns of his administration wherein 75 percent of the provincial budget is allotted to health and education. (LBR/LTC/PIAIV-B/CALAPAN)


==Protecting Mindoro==
==Motor banca encountered engine trouble at Oriental Mindoro==
*Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/columnist1/15964-protecting-mindoro
*Source:http://www.ufs.com.ph/?page=2059
* Saturday, January 28, 2012  
*Wednesday 11th of April 2012
:by ANABELLE E. PLANTILLA
:by ufs.com




A passenger motor banca encountered engine trouble while navigating at Oriental Mindoro, a report reaching the headquarters of Philippine Coast Guard today. Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) received information from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Romblon that M/bca Alad Expressed 1 encountered engine clutch malfunction at vicinity waters between Tablas and Sibale Island.


Last Monday, the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA), AlyansaTigil Mina (ATM) and Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN), a local anti-mining coalition, launched its publication entitled “Mindoro Campaign: Protecting Island Ecology, Defending Peoples Rights.”
Immediately, Coast Guard Station (CGS) Calapan and Coast Guard Detachment (CGDet) Conception conducted search and rescue (SAR) operation at vicinity of Maestro De Ocampo Island where the team rescued ten passengers onboard the said motor banca and safely towed it to Port of Conception.


Mindoro is the 7th biggest island in the Philippines and is one of the seven endemic bird areas (EBA). It is home to endangered endemic species like the Tamaraw and the Mindoro crocodile. In terms of birds, 10 restricted-range species occur in this EBA, of which five (Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Mindoro Imperial Pigeon, Black-hooded Coucal, Mindoro Scops Owl and Mindoro Hornbill) are confined to it and seven are globally threatened. An additional four threatened species also occur here.  
Upon arrival at Conception Port, all passengers onboard were safely disembarked in good physical condition. Initial investigation stated that the said motor banca departed Port of Romblon enroute to Conception Island, Romblon without submitting Master Oath of Safety Departure (MOSD) through which CGD Conception issued Maritime Violation Receipt (MVR).


Mindoro is considered to be the food basket for the nearby mainland and Metro Manila. In 2004, the Department of Agriculture ranked the Mindoro provinces as the second and third largest food-producing provinces in the country. Also found on the island are the Mangyan indigenous peoples who have lived there for centuries.
CGDet Conception also conducted Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Inspection and advised the Boat Captain to file marine protest regarding the incident. M/bca Alad Express 1 of 8.25 gross tonnages is skippered and owned by Naptali M Molina with business address at Brgy Alad, Romblon.


The proposed mining area overlaps both Mindoro Oriental and Occidental with two thirds of the proposed mine in Occidental but many of those who will be affected live in Mindoro Oriental. The nickel ores are within the ancestral domain of the Mangyans and overlaps with the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims of both the Alangan and the Tadyawan Mangyans. The proposed mining area is also at the heart of a once-proposed Mangyan Heritage Park and encroaches on the Mag-asawang Tubig watershed, the largest source of irrigation water for the 40,000 hectares of collective riceland downstream. Further downstream, siltation and sedimentation would threaten mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. The mine would produce some four million tons of waste that would need to be disposed of somehow.


Five case studies are highlighted in the publication. The first part presents the overall context and situationer about the mining project while the second section is a reproduction of an earlier case study on mining in Mindoro by Dr. Robert Goodland and Clive Wicks of the Working Group on Mining in the Philippines. The third section focuses on the community organizing approach of ALAMIN in defending the island paradise. The creative and effective strategies solidified the coalition and ultimately stopped the entry the company through a series of protest actions culminating in a hunger strike before the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources in November 2009. As of this writing the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of MNP is temporarily revoked.


The fourth section is the actual verbatim report of the National Contact Point of Norway on the complaint lodged against Intex Resources for violating the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprise. The report indicated that Intex obtained a Free Prior Informed Consent from the affected indigenous peoples through questionable procedures. It also pointed out that there was a glaring defect regarding undue influence and lack of transparency in issues regarding fund donations.


==PNP MIMAROPA deploys 100 soldiers to Basilan==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73951
*Thursday, January 26, 2012
:by Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) - Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA has deployed 100 soldiers of Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) to Basilan. On the morning of Jan. 19, Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Artemio G. Hicaban led the deployment in a simple send-off ceremony held in front of PRO MIMAROPA Administrative Building at Camp Efigenio Navarro, Barangay Suqui in this city. According to Hicban, the deployment of soldiers is in line with the “Tour of Duty of PNP Personnel Deployed in Armed-Conflict Areas, Counter- Insurgency Operations and other Similar Serious Threats to National Security” and is a continuing PNP program stated in PNP Circular Number 2009-015 dated August 10, 2009. He said the PRO MIMAROPA contingent is the manoeuver unit of the region under the leadership of Police Senior Superintendent Ronaldo F. De Jesus as the Battalion Commander. The contingent led by Police Chief Insp. Noli Q. Asuncion, Deputy Battalion Commander of RPSB, will augment the local police units in Mindanao particularly in the Basilan province where spate of kidnappings and other lawlessness activities are rampant. “Courage is being afraid, but going on anyhow. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty is but natural. But remember that it is in the most adverse situations that great opportunities come. Be proud that you were chosen for this mission so that when you return, you may tell great stories about your assignment in Mindanao,” Hicban, quoting Dan Rather’s saying during his inspirational message. (LBR/PNP/LTC/PIA-4B)


==NSO conducts consumer expectation survey==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=73809
*Wednesday, January 25, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the National Statistics Office (NSO) is currently conducting the January 2012 Consumer Expectations Survey (CES).
CES aims to provide quick and regular assessment of consumer perceptions and expenditures plans as a tool for evaluating the consumer’s own financial situation, key economic indicators and the economy’s condition over a reference period.
NSO Provincial Officer Efren C. Armonia said that this survey which started Jan. 23 and will end on Feb. 3 is the 30th in a series of surveys since July 2004. This is a joint undertaking of NSO and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as the funding agency.
The CES is a household-based survey on the consumers’ assessment of their financial situation, the economic condition of the country and the overall performance of the government.
It is being administered on a sample basis at the household level drawn through a stratified multi-stage random sampling with a total sample of about 5,000 households.
“We are requesting for the full cooperation and support of our respondents in this survey,” Armonia said. (CNS/LTC/PIA-4B)


==CTID organizes ambulant vendors==
==2 dive sites in MIMAROPA listed as among world’s best==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73648
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=741334107907
*Tuesday, January 24, 2012
*Wednesday 11th of April 2012
:by Louie T. Cueto
:by Luis T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The City Trade and Industry Department (CTID) recently organized the city’s ambulant vendors to form the Calapan Vendors Association (CVA).
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 11 (PIA) -- Two tourist destinations in Region 4B or MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) have been listed as among the best diving sites in the world, according to last week’s posting of the travel news website of the Cable News Network (CNN).  
CTID has aligned this project to the city government’s ‘Disiplinadong Calapeño’ program. According to Mayor Doy C. Leachon, the program aims to give the vendors a chance to sell their goods legally. CTID distributed t-shirts, uniforms, hats and identification documents (IDs) to ambulant vendors so they can be easily identified while selling their goods.
The City Health and Sanitation Department (CHSD) headed by Dr. Basilisa M. Llanto also provided them with sanitation permits that will certify that the food they sell are safe and clean for public consumption. (LBR/LTC/PIA-4B)


The CNN’s list of best dive sites in the world ranked eighth the Tubbataha reef, located southeast of Palawan, and 45th place “The Canyons” in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.


According to the said website, one can feel a “super-size dive experience at Tubbataha, where everything comes in giant form.” It also said the main advantage to diving at Tubbataha is that the water is “exceptionally clean, so the marine life lives much longer, making it grow to silly proportions.”


“Expect kaleidoscopic colors combined with guitar sharks, black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, gliding blue-spotted lagoon rays, unicorns, boxfish, scorpion fish, and more,” it added.


Tubbataha is located 181 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan Province. The reef is made up of two coral atolls divided by an eight-kilometer wide channel. Its diving area has a depth of five to 60 meters.


It is also part of Tubbataha National Marine Park, which was established on August 11, 1988 and was declared a “World Heritage Site” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in December 1993. It is under the protective management of the Department of National Defense (DND), and under the technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR).


Another dive site in the Philippines that made it to CNN’s list is “The Canyons" in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.


“Schools of spotted and ribbon sweetlips, shiny trevallies and weird-looking batfish make up the scene at this first-rate dive site. There’s also an explosion of coral and plant life including beautiful delicate gorgonian sea fans and hollow barrel sponges; look inside for critters lurking within,” the website said about The Canyons, which was rated as a five-star diving site and located at the northeast of Escarceo Point, some five minutes away by boat from Brgy. Sabang.


With a depth of up to 30 meters or about 95 feet to a maximum of 200 feet, The Canyons’ area was designated as a “Man and Biosphere Reserve” of United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1973. (Source: J. R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto-PIA 4B))


==Or. Mindoro LGU awards checks for livelihood programs==
==Philippines chosen as recipient of solar-powered lights==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73614
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R04B&article=741334037700
*Monday, January 23, 2012
*Tuesday 10th of April 2012
:by PIA Press Release
:by (TBO/Louie T. Cueto-PIA4B)




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 23 (PIA) –- The program on Literasi at Kasanayan sa Hanapbuhay sa Kalibliban (LIKHA KA) of the
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 10 (PIA) -- Energizer and the One Million Lights organization has chosen the Philippines as one of the 4 country-recipients of the energizer solar-powered lights, together with Argentina, Kenya and Ethiopia.  
provincial government is now supporting livelihood programs for the poor.
LIKHA KA is a special program of the governor’s office under the supervision of its Project Management officer Lorelein Sevilla.
In a simple program held recently at the Baco municipal gymnasium, Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. gave checks worth P60,000 each for the
micro-lending projects of Pabakas Kabuhayan sa Sinandigan ng Puerto Galera and Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Tacligan, San Teodoro.
The same amount was awarded for the micro-lending project of the Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Layunin.
The provincial government aimed to provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries whose income is insufficient to support their
extraordinary needs. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)


==Calapan readies relocation sites==
According to Alvin A. Marayan, Media Relation Officer of Publicity Relationship-building and Communication, Inc. (PRC, Inc.), their office will distribute on April 16-18 some 400 solar-powered lights to the people of Oriental Mindoro as part of their advocacy to “light up the lives” of Filipino communities.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73313
*Friday, January 20, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto


Beneficiaries of the said solar-powered lights will come from the towns of Victoria and Naujan, specifically sitios of Pamuwisan, Loyal; Alyanay, Sibayay, Puting Bato, Centro, Catinginan, Malayas, and Paray, all of barangay Villa Cerveza, Victoria together with barangays Leido and Bagong Silang; and Malta Village in the municipality of Naujan.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- The growing number of informal settlers in Calapan City will soon be addressed now that the city government has identified places that will serve as their relocation sites.
“More than 1.6 billion people worldwide lack access to electricity and Energizer is helping to raise awareness for this important issue. It’s the first global activity of Energizer’s new platform called ‘That’s Positivenergy™’, which combines performance plus responsibility and demonstrates Energizer’s long-standing commitment to responsible power and serving the community,” Marayan said.  
In an interview with Mayor Doy C. Leachon, he said that barangays Bulalo and Lumangbayan are now being prepared to become the permanent residences of the informal settlers.
The city is now a booming metropolis and there are families who are still occupying and living along the river banks of San Vicente. The lives of these individuals are at stake especially during the occurrence of high tides and floods in the area.
According to Leachon, the city government is really true to its mission of supporting Calapeños under the flagship program of his administration, “Ang Bagong Calapan.” The program has four components. The resettlement project falls under the component “Mapagkalingang Pamamahala.” Once ready, the sites will be able to accommodate 300 families from the informal settlers. (LBR/ LTC/Calapan/PIA4B)


==Calapan intensifies its No-Plastic Day campaign==
Moreover, Energizer raises awareness for the need for clean and healthy lighting in communities without access to electricity. Working with the global nonprofit organization 'One Million Lights,' Energizer donated 11 million hours of solar light in 2011 and has pledged to donate an additional 12 million hours of light in 2012 to help rural families work, study and play a little longer each day.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73256
*Thursday, January 19, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto


“Lights for the barangays Leido and Bagong Silang will not be distributed during the April 16-18 activity due to logistical constraints. The Rotary Club of Victoria will handle the distributions and provide documentation,” Marayan added.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The city government strengthened its non-plastic day project by strictly implementing the ordinance which penalizes violators, said City Mayor Doy C. Leachon yesterday.
It will be recalled that last year, Calapeños were prohibited to use non-biodegradable plastic from Fridays to Sundays. Leachon said that instead of three days, the No-Plastic Day will now be implemented everyday throughout the year.
Leachon said most plastic bags eventually find their way into the waterways, parks, beaches and streets. On the other hand, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes that are harmful to humans.
Thus, the city government prohibited the use of non-biodegradable plastics. (PIO/Louie T. Cueto/PIA/ MimaropaIVB)


==Oriental Mindoro mentors undergo training in community organizing==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=73094
*Wednesday, January 18, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan.18 (PIA) -- A total of 150 teachers from different public schools of Oriental province attended a three-day training workshop on basic skills in community organizing.
The Department of Education (DepEd) funded the workshop entitled “Programang Pang-edukasyon sa Kalibliban (PPSKA).”
The teachers were oriented to various aspects of community organizing to become change agents under the PPSKa program of the provincial government.
Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. encouraged the teachers to continue their partnership with the provincial government in the implementation of projects in the different municipalities of the province.
It will be recalled that under the program, which started in 2002, there are 371 former PPSKa teachers given permanent positions by DepEd. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B/Or.Mindoro)


==Calapan workers get additional health insurance==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=72508
*Saturday, January 14, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 14 (PIA) – The city government under Mayor Doy Leachon has implemented the program called Local Investment Fund for Employees (LIFE)that provides additional health care benefits for the city employees.
The program, which is almost similar to the insurance program under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, aims to give additional hospitalization benefits to regular employees who continuously serve the public. They were issued LIFE cards in addition to the PhilHealth and Orange cards (health card for Calapeños) provided by the city government.
LIFE card is exclusive only to regular city employees who are deducted P50 monthly from their salary.
“It’s just a small amount when compared to the big benefit given in time of need,” said Dr. Rene M. Color, city human resource officer. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)


==Philhealth beneficiaries rise as year opens==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=72256
*Thursday, January 12, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto




CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 12 (PIA) -– January is not even halfway yet, but as early as now, Philhealth beneficiaries have already increased by 10,000 in the province.
According to Ernanie C. Decena, health insurance manager of Oriental Mindoro, the figure was added to last year’s record of about 78,000 PhilHealth beneficiaries.
The provincial government has allotted a total of P58 million to support the universal health coverage program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Decena also said that the provincial government initiated last year a computerized data base system to record the names of their constituent-members to avoid duplication of health cards issued by both national and local governments.
The program assures access by Mindoreños to government health programs, especially those from the rural barangays. The health cards issued by the provincial government are now valid starting this month until December this year. (LBR/LTC/PIA4-B Or. Mindoro)


==Vessel runs aground in Mindoro==
==NDRRMC: 17 killed, 62 hurt in Holy Week incidents==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347691/vessel-runs-aground-mindoro
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/254287/news/nation/ndrrmc-17-killed-62-hurt-in-holy-week-incidents
*January 11, 2012, 2:22pm
*April 9, 2012 10:20am
:by JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
:by VVP, GMA News




MANILA, Philippines — A passenger-cargo shipping vessel accidentally ran aground along the vicinity off Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said as of Monday, 17 people have died and 62 people were hurt during the Holy Week.
   
   
Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Public Affairs chief said that while maneuvering along the area of the said port terminal, M/V Baleno 5 operated by Besta Shipping Lines encountered strong current causing the said vessel to drift to shallow part of the water.
On its 8:00 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said the 17 fatalities from April 1 to 9 included:
10 people who died from drowning,
three who perished in a fire incident, and
one who died in a maritime incident.
The NDRRMC said the most recent fatalities included:
   
   
Fortunately, no damage has been reported after the incident on the vessel along with its eight rolling cargo onboard.
Carlo Waggay Garcia, 9, who drowned in San Gabriel, La Union on Holy Saturday at 11:15 a.m.;
Mark Anthony Talban, 19, who drowned at Anilao Beach Resort in Batangas on Good Friday;
Abraham dela Cruz, 33, a barangay captain of San Manuel in Tarlac who died 2:55 a.m. Sunday after his vehicle hit a tree in San Manuel town
Andy Gramo, 40, whose body was found floating at the Barangay Suqui coastal area in Calapan City in Mindoro Oriental at 2:20 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
The NDRRMC said the 62 people who were reported injured included:
61 who were injured from vehicular accidents, and
one from a maritime incident.
Two people are still missing because of a maritime incident, it said.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said a grenade explosion occurred 7:45 p.m. last Good Friday along Moreno Street at Rosary Heights II in Cotabato City.
While the explosion caused tension among residents gathering near the local cathedral for Lenten prayers, no casualty was reported.
The NDRRMC said the local police and Army are investigating the incident.
 
 
 




Line 399: Line 543:




==Boat operators in Puerto Galera hike fares==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=794283
*April 04, 2012 10:36 AM
:by Juancho Mahusay






CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Fares for all motorized boats bound for Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro will increase starting Maundy Thursday because of the rising prices of fuel, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) reported here.


==Calapan City supports the Anti-human trafficking campaign==
The one-way passenger fare will rise from P230 to P250 while the round-trip ticket will jump to from P450 to P500.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=71945
*Tuesday, January 10, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto


The Marina said that promotional fares of all boats arriving and departing in Oriental Mindoro and Batangas City ports will also be suspended because of the anticipated volume of influx of passengers and tourists.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The campaign against human trafficking requires the full participation and cooperation of the public, stressed the legal counsel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development during a recent forum at the Capitol Square in this city.
An estimated 10,000 tourists usually flock to Puerto Galera’s White Beach, about 130 kilometers south of Manila, during Holy Week.
Atty. Eric Henry Joseph Mallonga came here to explain the provisions of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Human Trafficking Act. The primary target of human traffickers are mostly women and minors, he noted.
He explained that human trafficking starts from illegal recruitment to transporting the victims even without reasons or payment. The victims are then sold as slaves, entertainers or organ donors.
RA 208 aims to protect people especially women and children who could be possible victims of prostitution, forced labor or even slavery in order to pay their debts.
In Calapan City, Anti-Human Trafficking act will be strengthened this year thru continuing advocacies and formation of special bodies like the City Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (CIACAT), and Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
During the forum, the participants pledged to support the newly formed committee and its advocacy to fight human trafficking. (CGC-CIO/Louie T. Cueto)


Shipping lines, meanwhile, added more trips to the town of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro as it also increased the seating capacity to 700 passengers.


The Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have beefed up security measures at the Batangas Port and at the ports of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.


The security alert will remain until after the Holy Week for the anticipated return of thousands of passengers to Manila.


The PCG’s rubber boats and K-9 units of the PNP have been deployed at the ports.


“Oplan Ligtas Kwaresma” passenger assistance desks have also been set up near the ports’ ticketing booths.


==9 drown in Visayas due to rains==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/02/12/9-drown-visayas-due-rains
*04/02/2012 9:50 AM | Updated as of 04/02/2012 1:49 PM
:by ABS-CBNnews.com






==US needs 110 agri workers==
MANILA, Philippines – Nine people drowned at the height of rains in the Visayas region, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=71013
*Wednesday, January 04, 2012
:by  PIA Press Release


Seven of the fatalities were from Capiz. They were identified as Diomer Albay, 14; Kathlene Padilla, 3; Jolly Dioso, 14; Karen Denunbo, 10; Rey Reyes, 9; Rey Ricaforte, 17; and Henrey Hulyete, 47.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan.4 (PIA) --Agricultural workers may now have a chance to work in the United States as that country needs 110 agricultural workers.
The other fatalities were Negros Oriental resident Jean Academia, 50; and Northern Samar resident Angelo Lobos Sergio, 8.
Interested applicants should be at least 25-50 years old and should submit requirements such as medical certificate, NBI clearance, passport and employment certificate from the previous employer.
Application forms can be obtained through email address, chanceteamtrio2005@yahoo.com or may call at 02-5102-5164328, 02-4756164. Filled up forms can be sent to Chanceteam International Services, Inc., No. 1655, Malate, Manila. (LBR/PIO-PIA/Louie T. Cueto)


==Superbridge investors lay down plans to local gov't==
The NDRRMC said Oriental Mindoro, which suffered from intermittent rains last week due the low pressure area, sustained a damage in agriculture and infrastructure worth P89.55 million.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=mim&id=70650
*Monday, January 02, 2012
:by  Louie T. Cueto


Meanwhile, a total of 24,843 individuals were displaced in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Jan. 2 (PIA) – The principal investors composed of engineers from China arrived here last Dec. 22 to negotiate with the provincial government on their plans and to finance arrangements on the construction of the Batangas-Mindoro Superb ridge project.
The Superbridge will connect Batangas to Isla Verde and connect the latter to Puerto Galera.
The investors met with Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. to discuss the details of the proposal and conducted a survey on the site.
This multi-billion project aims to facilitate better access to transport goods and services to Manila as well as other market destinations, which will eventually provide better business and livelihood opportunities to Mindoreños.
The project is a realization of the governor’s vision for Oriental Mindoro. According to Umali, in the past, he dreamt of concreting the national roads in the 2nd district which has later on materialized. Now he dreams of Mindoro-Batangas Superbridge which will soon be constructed. (LBR/ LTC /PIA-4B)


==[[Mindoro Oriental Archived News]]==
==[[Mindoro Oriental Archived News]]==
The older news reports are kept [[Mindoro Oriental Archived News|here]]
The older news reports are kept [[Mindoro Oriental Archived News|here]]

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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.

PAGASA expects rain showers over parts of PHL

by LBG, GMA News


Rain showers may fall over parts of the country as a potential cyclone, a low-pressure area, heads for the West Philippine Sea Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

PAGASA forecaster Fernando Cada said their models show the LPA is not likely to intensify into a cyclone while still inside Philippine territory.

“Ito ay papalabas papunta sa West Philippine Sea.... Hindi na ito makakaapekto sa ating bansa," Cada said in an interview on dzBB radio.

But he also said the rain to be expected on Saturday does not yet mean the rainy season is already here.

He said the rainy season is due to set in during the second half of May, when the southwest monsoon begins to become dominant.

PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin indicated the LPA was estimated at 270 km west of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, embedded along the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Palawan and Mindanao.

It also noted the diffused tail-end of a cold front is affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon.

“The whole archipelago will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms,” PAGASA said.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the west to southwest over the rest of the country, it said.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, it added.






4 charged with tax evasion

by Jun Ramirez


Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed yesterday two separate tax evasion cases against four individuals for “doctoring“ transaction papers to save on tax payments totaling more P53 million. BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares submitted the complaints to the Department of Justice (DoJ) for preliminary investigation and the filing of the cases in courts if probable cause is established.

The first case concerned a Manila City Hall contractor identified as Oscar Badillo of Wack-Wack Twin Towers who was commissioned by the city government to construct the three-storey Balagtas Elementary School in Tondo in 2009. Badillo was paid P49.2 million for the schoolbuilding project but the amount was not reported in his Income Tax Return (ITR) for the year. The second case involved a land seller in Oriental Mindoro and buyers who allegedly conspired to undervalue the transaction to save on tax payments. They were identified as Lerma Lasala and Flemming Remmer and Annbrit Remmer, president and corporate secretary, respectively, of First Flemming Properties.

Philippine Consular Corps plants 30k mangroves in Baco, OrMin

by Luis T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, May 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Consular Corps recently planted 30,000 mangrove propagules in barangay Pulantubig (formerly known as Mayagao) in Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

This is part of the rehabilitation project of the national government against climate change in partnership with Conservation International (CI).

Like many coastal areas in the Philippines, Baco’s mangrove areas have suffered over the years, making the area more vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise and stronger, more frequent storms.

“We are happy to support this endeavor as a continuing partnership with Conservation International,” said Armenia Honorary Consul Jose Periquet, Jr., Dean of the Consular Corps.

Country executive director of Conservation International Romeo Trono said, “Rehabilitating and expanding mangrove greenbelts are among the most cost-effective ways of enhancing a community’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts. Mangrove belts protect communities from storm damages and help stabilize coastlines.”

“In fact,” he added, “the mangrove rehabilitation project was launched simultaneously with SICAD (Strategic Intervention and Community-focused Action towards Development) in Pulantubig, Baco to pursue a holistic and integrated approach to alleviating poverty in the coastal communities with the end in view of capacitating them to become development partners in sustaining local environmental management efforts.

“We are bent on implementing an honest-to-goodness coastal resource management development program, dispensing with the idea that this is only for publicity,” said Gov. Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. who led the launching of a mangrove rehabilitation project, part of the provincial government’s climate change adaptation efforts.

The participants planted Rhizophora propagules, one of the mangrove varieties chosen as most appropriate to the area and most likely to thrive given the site’s conditions. The rehabilitation site is a sand bar and river delta formation, which serves as the community's barrier against strong waves.

It can be recalled that when a tsunami hit in 1994 which killed at least 41 people in the affected communities, the area helped shield the residents from devastation that caused flooding and beach erosion.

According to Conservation International, the combination of true mangrove and associated species that will be planted under this initiative will enhance the stability of coastal ecosystems in the area. It will provide the community with a more efficient means of protection from climatic factors and other natural events and likewise improve habitats that will serve as homes for fishes, crabs, clams and other provisioning functions of a healthy mangrove forest.

“Aside from enhanced coastal protection, this project is expected to provide additional benefits to fisherfolks engaged in aquasilvi projects or crab culture,” said Marilyn Alcañices, head of the Fishery and Coastal Resources Management Division of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO).

“Rehabilitating mangrove areas will increase aquasilvi project sites and increase the population of crablets and other marine finfish like milkfish, grouper that need mangrove areas as their nursery and feeding grounds,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the Consular Corps of the Philippines Environmental Concerns Committee, chaired by Sweden Honorary Consul General Carla Limcaoco, held a charity bike run in Makati City to raise funds to support mangrove reforestation efforts. She was assisted by her Co-Chair, El Salvador Honorary Consul Ma. Josefina Ortigas-Duarte, and project coordinators: Jordan Honorary Consul Michael Alexander Ang, Italy Consul Dr. Adriano Stefanutti, Guatemala Vice Consul/Corps Secretary Marc Thomas Ablaza, and other committee members. They plan to hold a second charity bike run for environmental protection sometime this year.

The Bantay Dagat group of Baco will take on the task of monitoring and taking care of the planting site to ensure a high survival rate. As part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts, the municipality is also in the process of establishing new marine protected areas. (LBR/PIO/LTC/PIACALAPAN)

Driver bashes live-in partner to death over friend’s unpaid P200 debt

by Jeannette I. Andrade


MANILA, Philippines–A truck driver spent his birthday behind bars after he allegedly turned his own party into a bloody scene when he beat to his live-in partner to death in Tondo, Manila Sunday over a friend’s unpaid P200 debt. Suspect Erick Jun Paglinawan, in an interview with the INQUIRER, claimed he could not remember how he killed 54-year-old Mercedes Dela Rosa, of 5-C Venus Street, Herbosa Extension in Tondo, who had thrown him the party. “I was drunk,” said 41-year-old Paglinawan, an employee of the Mazen Transport Service and a native of Oriental Mindoro. Senior Police Office 1 Mario Asilo, of the Manila Police District (MPD) Homicide Section, said that based on witness accounts Paglinawan had broken a bottle of beer over Dela Rosa’s head before grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly bashing her face against a concrete wall. The woman died instantly from massive head wounds. Asilo pointed out that after the attack, Paglinawan was accosted by his birthday guests at Dela Rosa’s house and turned over to police custody. He remains detained at the MPD Homicide Section holding cell pending the filing of a homicide charge against him before the city prosecutor’s office. Asilo said the incident supposedly stemmed from a P200 debt that Paglinawan’s co-worker owed to Dela Rosa. The truck driver, apparently embarrassed by his live-in partner’s act of taking his helper’s mobile phone in payment for the debt, attacked her. Judith Belves, 43, a guest during Sunday’s celebration at Dela Rosa’s house told the INQUIRER that the co-worker, whose name was not given, borrowed the P200 from the victim several years ago. “She (Dela Rosa) took his cell phone as payment for that debt which angered Erick who said that it was shameful for her to do something like that on his birthday. He said that she had embarrassed his best friend,” Belves narrated. She claimed that she was surprised when Paglinawan suddenly grabbed a bottle of beer, broke it over Dela Rosa’s head and ordered everyone to get out. He then allegedly grabbed his live-in partner’s hair with both hands and started slamming her face against the concrete wall near the door. “We tried to tell him to stop and take pity on her. But he was so angry and he would not listen. I tried to return for Mercy (Dela Rosa) but he threatened to do the same to me and I had to get out,” Belves told the INQUIRER. As Dela Rosa lay lifeless, the other guests grabbed hold of Paglinawan, beat him up before turning him over to the police. Paglinawan simply maintained that he could not remember anything that happened the previous day and claimed he knew nothing of the P200 debt that apparently triggered the killing. With a report from Julliane De Jesus, Inquirer trainee

Seares: Kingmakers Erap, PNoy

by Atty. Pachico A. Seares

PRESIDENT Noynoy Aquino must be a reluctant kingmaker. Until last weekend, when in Oriental Mindoro he fired his first campaign salvo, he hadn't been active in mending Liberal Party fences. The 2013 election must hold scant interest to PNoy: he won't face reelection in 2016 and no coup, impeachment, or post-term lawsuit threatens him. PNoy is no Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. From year one, GMA beat back threats of uprising by wooing police and armed forces and won local politicians to her side, which required year-round campaigning. PNoy being on the campaign trail means he has realized he has a debt to pay his party, it would help LP if the next president is a Liberal, and he could return the favor Mar Roxas gave him in 2010. The payback argument is pretty strong but more persuasive is that another LP president could continue PNoy's fight against corruption and poverty. Redemption Joseph Estrada very much wants to be a kingmaker. If Vice President Jojo Binay would win in 2016, it would prove Erap's clout and offer some redemption after his ouster from office and conviction of plunder. Erap would've preferred the vote of confidence in 2010, which would've wiped out the slate that a pardon couldn't. Binay's becoming president would be the next best thing. A rematch for PNoy and Erap though not as principal fighters but as handlers. And the clash begins next year. They are the kingmakers although a lot would depend on the would-be kings: who between Binay and Roxas could get the nation's mandate and fate's blessing?

PNoy pledges support for electrification, tourism for OrMin

by Lanie B. Ronquillo


BONGABONG, Oriental, Mindoro, May 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III pledged to support the province's electrification and tourism promotion programs during his visit here where he led the ceremonial harvesting of “king crabs” and bangus at the farm at Barangay Anilao, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, April 29.

The Chief Executive pledged to provide necessary support for the development of Oriental Mindoro, particularly in harnessing renewable energy resource projects such as the hydro-power resources in Linaw Kawayan and research on possible utilization of wind panels, which will be managed by the cooperatives, increasing the power generated for the province from 2.1 Megawatts to 4.5 Megawatts.

He also added that it is important to promote the scenic spots that may be ordinary to the locals but extra-ordinary to tourists, as this will help the local economy and provide livelihood to the communities. He cites aqua-culture in Mindoro as one of its unique features which has the potential to attract tourists, having seen the king crabs that each weighs one kilo per piece.

He shared that the tourism department reported that in January alone, there were 411,000 tourists who came to the country, and is projected to reach 4.8 million by the end of the year. Also, it is expected that by July, more tourists will be coming here. The government targets to boost tourism by 10 million in 2016, which is more than thrice last year’s three million tourism data. He emphasized the need to be ready for the influx of tourists by fast-tracking the government’s infrastructure development efforts.

Incidentally, the affair coincided with the 57th birthday of Gov. Alfonso V. Umali. Some of the governor’s other guests who came to greet him were Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Sec. Neric Acosta of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Rep. Sonny Angara, Sec. Joel Villanueva of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Calapan City Mayor Doy Leachon, and the other mayors in the different municipalities of Oriental Mindoro.

The event was witnessed by the Farmers Organization for the Urban Upliftment of Mindoro (FORUM), barangay officials from various municipalities in the province, and people in the community who warmly greeted the President when he arrived.(LBR/PIA4-B)

Aquino maintains that the PHL wants to de-escalate tension with China on Scarborough Shoal territorial claims

by (PNA)

DCT/LAM/TPG/ssc


BARANGAY ANILAO, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, April 30 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday that the Philippines will continue to support its stand to resolve territorial claims over contested Scarborough Shoal diplomatically and to de-escalate any tensions between the country and China.

This after a Chinese general recently called for decisive action against the Philippines.

The President expressed confidence China would not take any action against the Philippines as both countries believed no one would benefit if military force was used to end the dispute.

“We don’t think that at this point in time they will engage in any military activities. Purposely, our actions have been geared towards de-escalating the situation,” the President said.

“It's clear that it is to nobody’s benefit and there are a lot of repercussions if any military force happens to be employed here,” he added.

He said the continued presence of Chinese vessels and crew at the disputed island is being documented “so that when we make our case in the appropriate body, we have the necessary evidence.”

He also said the government will continue reviewing all relevant local and international laws to determine the rules that will operate in the area.

PNoy believes China won’t take military action vs PH

by Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News


BONGABONG, Oriental Mindoro - Despite reports that a Chinese general had his government to take "decisive action" against the Philippines over a territorial dispute, President Benigno Aquino III believes that China will not launch a military action against the country.

Aquino is convinced that the Chinese general's statement may be more metaphorical than substantial, adding that the general being quoted may not have a direct command of the Chinese military.

Aquino added that the Philippines' actions over Scarborough shoal are aimed at "de-escalating" the tension.

"I think basahin mo siguro 'yung iba-ibang headline nung People's Daily na mas matindi pa. Meron 'yung isa na 'prepare to hear the sound of canons,' etcetera. But it's a question of style. Mahilig silang mag-ganun e, 'yung parang…metaphoric siguro magsalita,” he said.

“We don't think that at this point in time that they will engage in any military activities… Purposely, our actions have been geared towards de-escalating the situation. So 'yung clear it is to nobody's benefit and there are a lot of repercussions if any military force happens to be employed here. So we think that is more a statement… that lacks substance. Hindi indicative of the real intentions," Aquino told reporters.

Asked if Philippine authorities would arrest Chinese poachers, Aquino said the priority is not to escalate the situation but said activities there are being documented so that there would be evidence if cases are filed.

He said the government is also reviewing all relevant local and international laws to determine the rules that will operate in the area.

30,000 mangrove propagules to be planted in Oriental Mindoro town

by Karen Boncocan

INQUIRER.net


MANILA, Philippines—Some 30,000 mangrove propagules will be planted in Oriental Mindoro as part of a rehabilitation project in Baco town, a conservation group said Friday. Implementing agency Conservation International (CI)-Philippines said that the project, launched on Thursday in coordination with 37-year-old Consular Corps of the Philippines (CCP), was part of the province’s climate change adaptation efforts and was the initial salvo to take mangrove rehabilitation efforts further. It was launched alongside Strategic Intervention and Community-focused Action towards Development (SICAD) for a holistic and integrated approach to getting rid of poverty in the coastal communities by making them development partners. According to CI-Philippines, the Bantay Dagat group of Baco will monitor and take care of the site to ensure high survival rate while the municipality will be establishing new marine protected areas as part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts. Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, who was present during the launch, said the province was determined to conduct this “honest-to-goodness coastal resource management development program, dispensing with the idea that this is only for publicity.” The initial batch of Rhizophora mangrove propagules were planted in Pulantubig village (previously known as Mayagao) in Baco town—a part of the Verde Island Passage, a globally-important marine biodiversity area and one of CI-Philippines’s priority project sites. The said variety was chosen as it was the most appropriate to the conditions in the project site, a sand bar and river delta formation, and will most likely thrive in the area. The project site acts as a natural barrier to the community against strong waves. But the area has become more vulnerable after suffering losses in mangroves and Romeo Trono, CI-Philippines country executive director, saw the rehabilitation project as one of the “most cost-effective ways of enhancing a community’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts.” “Mangrove belts protect communities from storm damages and help stabilize coastlines.” CI-Philippines said that propagating a mix of true mangrove and associated species that will improve the stability of coastal ecosystems in the area and give the community with protection from climatic factors and other natural events. While it improves coastal protection in the area, the project is also expected to “provide additional benefits to fisherfok engaged in aquasilvi projects or crab culture,” said Marilyn Alcañices, head of the Fishery and Coastal Resources Management Division of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO). According to her, the project will help “increase aquasilvi project sites and increase the population of crablets and other marine finfish like milkfish, grouper that need mangrove areas as their nursery and feeding grounds.” The Bantay Dagat group of Baco will take on the task of monitoring and taking care of the planting site to ensure a high survival rate. As part of its climate change adaptation and coastal resources management efforts, the town is also in the process of establishing new marine protected areas.






Ex Mindoro town councilor gunned down

by Juancho Mahusay


CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – A former municipal councilor in Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro was gunned down by an unidentified hitman in an ambush Tuesday (April 24) morning at a crowded public market in the town.

Police Supt. Jonathan P. Paguio, chief of police of Pinamalayan, identified the victim as Nilo L. Panaligan, 63, a resident of Morente St., Brgy. Zone 2, Pinamalayan.

According to the initial police reports by Paguio to Oriental Mindoro Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Sr. Supt. Anthony Alcañeces, Panaligan was about to leave the public market with his daughter,Melissa, 30, and was boarding their private vehicle when a man wearing denim jacket casually approached and fired three successive shots at the victim.

A gunshot wound in Panaligan’s temple and two other similar wounds in his lower bodies killed the former councilor.

After the shooting, the suspect climbed to a waiting motorbike driven by another unidentified man and sped off in the direction of the town proper.

Panaligan died on the spot in the driver's seat of his vehicle, a Toyota Innova.

Police recovered three empty shells of a .45 caliber revolver at the scene of the crime, as well as the .45 caliber handgun of the victim, who was said to have taken his service firearm but failed to fire a shot.

Police are still investigating the incident. Panaligan served as a municipal councilor in the 1980’s.

Puerto Galera highlights Mangyan culture on Earth Day

by Luis T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 24 (PIA) -- Puerto Galera, a booming tourism town in Oriental Mindoro celebrated Earth Day on Sunday highlighting the rich cultures of the Mangyan natives in Mindoro Island.

French expatriate Hubert d’Aboville, the lead organizer of the event which had as its theme, “Belongingness to Nature,” said they highlighted the rich cultures of the Mangyans on Earth Day because they wanted the world to emulate the lifestyles of the Mindoro aborigines who protect and conserve the environment in their own way, as they feel that they belong to nature.

In cooperation with the municipal government of Puerto Galera, D’Aboville, a French businessman who declared Puerto Galera Bay as “one of the most beautiful bays in the world,” led the participants during the whole day program in his demonstration farm at Mount Malasimbo, the town’s highest peak.

The celebration featured rituals, songs, and dances of the Mangyans; a community mass; an environment-inspired on-the-spot drawing contest; and a bike contest.

The Earth Day celebration will now become an annual occasion in Puerto Galera to create environmental awareness among the people in the community, the French environmentalist said. (LBR/DOS/JRMahusay/LTC-PIA4B, Calapan City)

CHED grants P1M aid to college scholars

by Luis T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 23 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has awarded almost P1 million worth of educational aids to scholars in Oriental Mindoro.

Under the Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan (K4) program and Priority Development Assistance Program (PDAF), educational aids were awarded to 178 scholars in the first district of the province.

Amounts ranging from P2,500 to P10,000 were given for the coming school year, depending on each student's college program; this amounted to P1,008,000 given to the scholars.

In a turnover ceremony held at the Filipiniana Resort Hotel in Calapan City, council president Nico Valencia said that they are also supporting students taking up technical-vocational courses on Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and those under the Technical Education Extension Program (TEEP) of K4, guided by the Mindoro Kabuhayan Foundation, Inc. (MKFI).

Barangay chairman Robert Baez of Mangangan, Baco and one of the youth scholars, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity given to the youth (LBR/JRMahusay/LTC-PIA4B, Calapan City)






President Aquino urges LGUs to play major role in reducing maternal deaths by 2015

by Jelly F. Musico


MANILA, April 21 (PNA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the local government units (LGUs) on Friday to play major role along with the private sector in achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 or reduction of maternal mortality ratio from 162 to 52 per 100,000 live births by 2015. ”Allow me to use this opportunity to appeal to our partners in the LGUs. Your support means a lot in saving the lives of your constituents,” the President said in his message read by Health Secretary Enrique Ona during the 162 to 52 Summit: Accelerating Collective Impact on Maternal and Child Health at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). President Aquino also recognized the continued support and commitment of the private sector to achieve a daunting task of reducing the maternal deaths before the term of the President ends in 2016. ”With just three years left, the Philippines is behind the target maternal mortality ratio. All sectors both in the private and public fields, from government partners and in the civil society, can unite and make strong push to attain MDG 5,” the President emphasized. Aside from improving maternal health, President Aquino said his administration is also determined and committed to reduce child mortality and fight other diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and human immune deficiency or HIV through strengthened vaccination campaign nationwide. ”To achieve these goals, we have formulated a health reform plan that centers on promoting universal health care and we called this Kalusugan Pangkahalatan (health for all) or KP,” the President said. The President revealed that for the last two years, the government has spent P15 billion for the improvement and construction of health facilities, including health centers with operating rooms nationwide to prevent maternal deaths. President Aquino also said the Department of Health (DOH) hired more than 20,000 nurses and 7,000 midwives to serve in the barrios, including in the far-flung areas where the poorest of the poor hardly get properly medical care. ”We need more equipment, we need more medicines, we need more trained and compassionate, committed people to man our hospitals. The more people manning our health facilities means more lives will be saved,” President Aquino said. Due to the health reform program implemented by the Aquino administration, more than 15 million infants and children have been given proper care all over the country. The President commended the DOH, the LGUS, private sector as well as the national government organizations (NGOs) for coming out with the multisectoral organization called the “162 to 52 coalition” which is envisioned as the catalyst for strategic, targeted, and innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the attainment of better maternal indicators. ”This coalition needs to prosper for us to achieve MDG 5 and reduce maternal mortality. The bottom line, this is not just about saving the lives of people, we are also saving the lives of our future generation,” the President said. In a press conference, Ona stressed the importance of coming out with updated and accurate data on the real number of mothers who died due to inadequate pre- and post- natal to achieve the MDG 5. Governor Alfonso Umali Jr. of Oriental Mindoro, president of the League of Governors of the Philippines, agreed with the DOH chief that all the stakeholders should come up with uniform data on the number of the maternal mortality rate. Based on the data provided by the United Nations Fund for Population Agency, 11 mothers die everyday in the Philippines due to maternity-related causes, leaving more than 30 children motherless. ”As of 2008, the Philippines has an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 162 per 100,000 live births. This is far from MDG target of 52 deaths per 100,000 live births,” Ona said. ”The shortfalls are brought about by inadequate investments in health and not enough political will of our leaders do to what needs to be done to achieve our goals,” the DOH head added. UNPFA country representative Ogochi Daniels said the Philippines is one of 68 countries accounting for 95 percent of all maternal and newborn deaths in the world and “there has been no notable decrease during the last several years.” ”The good thing is we know the cures. The solutions aren’t complicated. If women have access to Family Planning so she can get pregnant only if she wanted to, we could prevent almost a third of maternal deaths,” Daniels said. Umali vowed to convince his colleagues to support the coalition’s goal “to make a it a successful one.” Rafael Cofa, executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also made commitment to continuously support to uplift the lives of every Filipino through responsible business practices in the country. ”PBSP engages companies to promote health in the workplace by integrating health projects and promoting access to health services for employees and communities,” Cofa said. The 162 to 52 Summit has been organized to provide the non-profit sector and the governors a venue to forge partnerships and commit to improve maternal and child health through PPP at the local government level. ”Solving the maternal mortality problem requires the expertise and skills of both the public and private sectors,” Ona said. (PNA) scs/jfm

LGUs, national gov’t to conduct dialogue on flood mitigation measures

by The Philippine Star


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 20 (PIA) -- The local government units (LGUs) of Oriental Mindoro and other concerned national government agencies (NGA) will have a dialogue on flood mitigation measures on April 28, to be held at the Provincial Capitol Square, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.

It can be recalled that a month ago, several barangays in the province particularly in the areas of Naujan, Baco, Mansalay, Victoria, and some parts of Calapan City experienced massive flooding caused by a low pressure area.

The dialogue was initiated by Gov. Alfonso Umali who said that it is time to prepare mitigating measures for the safety of individuals especially those who are in flood-prone areas of the province. Umali said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is ready for the distribution of relief goods in case of shortage of relief goods in the municipal level when disaster strikes.

The dialogue will also tackle how government agencies can use their available funds to integrate programs on flood mitigation measures and other solutions.

Meanwhile, a flood summit will also be held in the province on May 8 with the provincial government as lead LGU. (LBR/LTC/PIA-Calapan City)

Public school tanker shines in Umali meet

by The Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Ten-year-old public school swimmer Khiel Libat won all five events in his age group and emerged the most outstanding swimmer in the Philippine Swimming League 22nd leg, dubbed Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup, yesterday at Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

Libat, from the Lipa Mediatrix Swimming Club, outclassed the opposition in the 50m butterfly (35.01), surpassing the American AAAA age group motivational time of 35.09.

Libat also reached the AAA mark in the 50m backstroke (39.61), 50m breaststroke (44.05) and 50m freestyle (34.69) and AA in the 100m breaststroke (1:38.8).

Fifteen-year-old Michael Sangalang of the host Raging Paddlers topped the 200m breaststroke while Andrei Manzo (17), a candidate for 2013 Summer Universiade, topped the 200m, 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.

PSL president Susan Papa said the monthly PSL competition drew the full support of the Calapan City and provincial government headed by Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr.

Other most outstanding girl swimmers were Isis Arnaldo (6), Iris Arnaldo (7), Bernice Anne Magtibay (8), Charize Esmero (9), Bela Louise Magtibay (10), Veevien Vance Herrera (11), Angelica Eunice Mascarinas (12), Trisha Anne Oliveros (13), Mia Mantaring (14), Jemcy De la Cruz (15), Jackilyn Orig (16), and Denise Angela Tiquia (17 and over).

Most outstanding boy swimmers were Eddrian Galeno (6), Lanz Alonzo Ventabal (7), Carl Jude Tence (8), Marione Patrick Barcelon (9), Khiel Libat (10), Christopher Catelo (11), Lyndon Baines Herrera (12), Emmanuel Adornado (13), Joey Lavina (14), Ron Angel Serrano (15), Mhikcoloe Abina (16) and Andrei Lorenzo Manzo (17 and over).

The Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders Swim Club (IMASC) took the overall team championship with five swimmers won most outstanding awards.

Tubbataha Reef, The Canyons among world’s best dive sites

by Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz, Reporter


DIVING is definitely more fun in the Philippines.

Palawan’s renowned Tubbataha Reef and Oriental Mindoro’s The Canyons were recently named among the best dive sites in the world.

Travel website www.cnngo.com named Tubbataha Reef as the eighth best dive site in the world in an article, titled Into the deep: World’s 50 best dive sites.

Written by Jade Bremner, the article noted that the water in the reef “is exceptionally clean,” among others.

“Super-size your dive experience at Tubbataha where everything comes in giant form. The main advantage to diving at Tubbataha is that the water is exceptionally clean, so the marine life lives much longer, making it grow to silly proportions,” it said.

“These two small atoll like reefs in the middle of the ocean offer an inner lagoon with overhangs, slopes, crevices and caves with more than 300 different types of coral and 379 species of fish,” it added.

The dive site has a depth of five meters to 60 meters and has very clear visibility for a few meters. It is located 182 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the province’s capital.

“Expect kaleidoscopic colors combined with guitar sharks, black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, gliding blue-spotted lagoon rays, unicorns, boxfish, scorpion fish and more,” the website said further.

Likewise, The Canyons in Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province is included in the list of the best dive sites.

“Schools of spotted and ribbon sweetlips, shiny trevallies and weird-looking batfish make up the scene at this first-rate drift dive site… There’s also an explosion of coral and plant life including beautiful delicate gorgonian sea fans and hollow barrel sponges; look inside for critters lurking within,” Bremner said in his report.

The Canyons has a depth of up to 30 meters and visibility of 10 to 30 meters. It can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Galera.

The top 10 best dive sites in the world are composed of Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia (1st); Yongala, Queensland, Australia (2nd); SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt (3rd); Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia (4th); Richelieu Rock, near the Surin Islands, Thailand (5th); Gordon Rocks, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (6th); Great Blue Hole, Belize (7th); Tubbataha, Palawan, Philippines (8th); Big Brother, Red Sea, Egypt (9th); and Maaya Thila, Maldives (10th).

OrMin Scholarship program still open

by Luis T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Apr. 13 (PIA) -- The provincial government’s Oriental Mindoro Integrated Scholarship Program is still open for qualified applicants until today.

Under the program, the provincial government will shoulder the expenses for tuition fees of qualified scholars. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must have the following qualifications: a) High School graduate with general average of 85% and above; b) A full-fledged Filipino citizen residing in the province; c) Applicants must not be more than 21 years old; and d) The income of parents must not exceed P150,000 yearly as reflected on their Income Tax Return (ITR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The examination will be held at Jose J. Leido, Jr. Memorial National High School (JJLJMNHS), Calapan City on April 18 at 9 a.m.

For details regarding the program, please contact the Secretariat, Provincial Scholarship Committee, Governor’s Office-Integrated Scholarship Program Section, Provincial Capitol Compound, Calapan City at Telephone No. 043-2882184. (LBR/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-Calapan City)

Motor banca encountered engine trouble at Oriental Mindoro

by ufs.com


A passenger motor banca encountered engine trouble while navigating at Oriental Mindoro, a report reaching the headquarters of Philippine Coast Guard today. Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) received information from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Romblon that M/bca Alad Expressed 1 encountered engine clutch malfunction at vicinity waters between Tablas and Sibale Island.

Immediately, Coast Guard Station (CGS) Calapan and Coast Guard Detachment (CGDet) Conception conducted search and rescue (SAR) operation at vicinity of Maestro De Ocampo Island where the team rescued ten passengers onboard the said motor banca and safely towed it to Port of Conception.

Upon arrival at Conception Port, all passengers onboard were safely disembarked in good physical condition. Initial investigation stated that the said motor banca departed Port of Romblon enroute to Conception Island, Romblon without submitting Master Oath of Safety Departure (MOSD) through which CGD Conception issued Maritime Violation Receipt (MVR).

CGDet Conception also conducted Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Inspection and advised the Boat Captain to file marine protest regarding the incident. M/bca Alad Express 1 of 8.25 gross tonnages is skippered and owned by Naptali M Molina with business address at Brgy Alad, Romblon.






2 dive sites in MIMAROPA listed as among world’s best

by Luis T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 11 (PIA) -- Two tourist destinations in Region 4B or MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) have been listed as among the best diving sites in the world, according to last week’s posting of the travel news website of the Cable News Network (CNN).

The CNN’s list of best dive sites in the world ranked eighth the Tubbataha reef, located southeast of Palawan, and 45th place “The Canyons” in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

According to the said website, one can feel a “super-size dive experience at Tubbataha, where everything comes in giant form.” It also said the main advantage to diving at Tubbataha is that the water is “exceptionally clean, so the marine life lives much longer, making it grow to silly proportions.”

“Expect kaleidoscopic colors combined with guitar sharks, black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, gliding blue-spotted lagoon rays, unicorns, boxfish, scorpion fish, and more,” it added.

Tubbataha is located 181 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan Province. The reef is made up of two coral atolls divided by an eight-kilometer wide channel. Its diving area has a depth of five to 60 meters.

It is also part of Tubbataha National Marine Park, which was established on August 11, 1988 and was declared a “World Heritage Site” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in December 1993. It is under the protective management of the Department of National Defense (DND), and under the technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR).

Another dive site in the Philippines that made it to CNN’s list is “The Canyons" in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

“Schools of spotted and ribbon sweetlips, shiny trevallies and weird-looking batfish make up the scene at this first-rate dive site. There’s also an explosion of coral and plant life including beautiful delicate gorgonian sea fans and hollow barrel sponges; look inside for critters lurking within,” the website said about The Canyons, which was rated as a five-star diving site and located at the northeast of Escarceo Point, some five minutes away by boat from Brgy. Sabang.

With a depth of up to 30 meters or about 95 feet to a maximum of 200 feet, The Canyons’ area was designated as a “Man and Biosphere Reserve” of United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1973. (Source: J. R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto-PIA 4B))

Philippines chosen as recipient of solar-powered lights

by (TBO/Louie T. Cueto-PIA4B)


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, April 10 (PIA) -- Energizer and the One Million Lights organization has chosen the Philippines as one of the 4 country-recipients of the energizer solar-powered lights, together with Argentina, Kenya and Ethiopia.

According to Alvin A. Marayan, Media Relation Officer of Publicity Relationship-building and Communication, Inc. (PRC, Inc.), their office will distribute on April 16-18 some 400 solar-powered lights to the people of Oriental Mindoro as part of their advocacy to “light up the lives” of Filipino communities.

Beneficiaries of the said solar-powered lights will come from the towns of Victoria and Naujan, specifically sitios of Pamuwisan, Loyal; Alyanay, Sibayay, Puting Bato, Centro, Catinginan, Malayas, and Paray, all of barangay Villa Cerveza, Victoria together with barangays Leido and Bagong Silang; and Malta Village in the municipality of Naujan.

“More than 1.6 billion people worldwide lack access to electricity and Energizer is helping to raise awareness for this important issue. It’s the first global activity of Energizer’s new platform called ‘That’s Positivenergy™’, which combines performance plus responsibility and demonstrates Energizer’s long-standing commitment to responsible power and serving the community,” Marayan said.

Moreover, Energizer raises awareness for the need for clean and healthy lighting in communities without access to electricity. Working with the global nonprofit organization 'One Million Lights,' Energizer donated 11 million hours of solar light in 2011 and has pledged to donate an additional 12 million hours of light in 2012 to help rural families work, study and play a little longer each day.

“Lights for the barangays Leido and Bagong Silang will not be distributed during the April 16-18 activity due to logistical constraints. The Rotary Club of Victoria will handle the distributions and provide documentation,” Marayan added.






NDRRMC: 17 killed, 62 hurt in Holy Week incidents

by VVP, GMA News


The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said as of Monday, 17 people have died and 62 people were hurt during the Holy Week.

On its 8:00 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said the 17 fatalities from April 1 to 9 included: 10 people who died from drowning, three who perished in a fire incident, and one who died in a maritime incident. The NDRRMC said the most recent fatalities included:

Carlo Waggay Garcia, 9, who drowned in San Gabriel, La Union on Holy Saturday at 11:15 a.m.; Mark Anthony Talban, 19, who drowned at Anilao Beach Resort in Batangas on Good Friday; Abraham dela Cruz, 33, a barangay captain of San Manuel in Tarlac who died 2:55 a.m. Sunday after his vehicle hit a tree in San Manuel town Andy Gramo, 40, whose body was found floating at the Barangay Suqui coastal area in Calapan City in Mindoro Oriental at 2:20 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

The NDRRMC said the 62 people who were reported injured included: 61 who were injured from vehicular accidents, and one from a maritime incident.

Two people are still missing because of a maritime incident, it said.

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said a grenade explosion occurred 7:45 p.m. last Good Friday along Moreno Street at Rosary Heights II in Cotabato City.

While the explosion caused tension among residents gathering near the local cathedral for Lenten prayers, no casualty was reported.

The NDRRMC said the local police and Army are investigating the incident.





Boat operators in Puerto Galera hike fares

by Juancho Mahusay


CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Fares for all motorized boats bound for Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro will increase starting Maundy Thursday because of the rising prices of fuel, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) reported here.

The one-way passenger fare will rise from P230 to P250 while the round-trip ticket will jump to from P450 to P500.

The Marina said that promotional fares of all boats arriving and departing in Oriental Mindoro and Batangas City ports will also be suspended because of the anticipated volume of influx of passengers and tourists.

An estimated 10,000 tourists usually flock to Puerto Galera’s White Beach, about 130 kilometers south of Manila, during Holy Week.

Shipping lines, meanwhile, added more trips to the town of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro as it also increased the seating capacity to 700 passengers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have beefed up security measures at the Batangas Port and at the ports of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

The security alert will remain until after the Holy Week for the anticipated return of thousands of passengers to Manila.

The PCG’s rubber boats and K-9 units of the PNP have been deployed at the ports.

“Oplan Ligtas Kwaresma” passenger assistance desks have also been set up near the ports’ ticketing booths.

9 drown in Visayas due to rains

by ABS-CBNnews.com


MANILA, Philippines – Nine people drowned at the height of rains in the Visayas region, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Seven of the fatalities were from Capiz. They were identified as Diomer Albay, 14; Kathlene Padilla, 3; Jolly Dioso, 14; Karen Denunbo, 10; Rey Reyes, 9; Rey Ricaforte, 17; and Henrey Hulyete, 47.

The other fatalities were Negros Oriental resident Jean Academia, 50; and Northern Samar resident Angelo Lobos Sergio, 8.

The NDRRMC said Oriental Mindoro, which suffered from intermittent rains last week due the low pressure area, sustained a damage in agriculture and infrastructure worth P89.55 million.

Meanwhile, a total of 24,843 individuals were displaced in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.


Mindoro Oriental Archived News

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