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==Bataan Group Promotes Good Governance==
==Balanga being transformed into high tech-city==
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/351719/bataan-group-promotes-good-governance
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336534568
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*By: PIA
*''February 17, 2012''
*''Thursday, May 10, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines — A group of highly-respected professionals in the province is set to launch what they call the Bagong Simula Pilipinas Movement (BSPM) that will promote good governance in the province.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- This relatively undeveloped city is being transformed into the vision of being a world-class university town by 2020. In this light, the city government of Balanga has lined up various technological projects in remodeling the Bataan capital into a “high tech-city.”


Dr. Junn Teopengco, president of the APO-Samat Alumni Association, said the BSPM is going to be a private non-government organization composed of professionals and businessmen.
Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III announced the construction of a city library and a city information technology lab parallel to improving the education sector with the university town project.


“BSPM is geared towards one goal: The success of the Filipino people and the nation,” Teopengco said.
The said project allots 18.51 hectares or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 hectares for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.


He said their group’s aim is also to create social awareness particularly the barangay leaders for them to get involved in observing incumbent and potential national leaders who have the impeccable credibility and honesty in leading the nation not only today but also in the coming years.
Garcia said that studies were made designing Balanga after internationally renowned technological institutions like the Silicon Valley in California that has gained prominence worldwide with its investments on computer innovations.


Teopengco’s partners who are pushing for the movement are businessman Gerry Calimbas and Edgardo Lulu, former barangay captain of Alauli, Pilar town who is involved in various civic activities.
“Silicon Valley (adopted) the fine mixture of ingenuity, innovation, and resourcefulness, (thus) people there were able to transform this once barren, secluded area into a high-tech investment and economic hub,” he said.


Part of their mission, Teopengco said, is to foster a Filipino nation that is truly democratic, independent, self-reliant and globally competitive, with a society living in prosperity, amity and a renewed sense of dignity.
In Balanga, free wireless frequency internet connections are available in barangay halls, public elementary schools, and business establishments.


They will also strongly advocate good governance founded on the rule of law; promote social justice to every Filipino family; and protect the human rights of all the citizens.
The city government is also establishing information technology corners and e-Centers in Balanga’s 25 barangays under the Barangay Online program, which will serve as venue for technical assistance and online library.


==RDC Endorses P220-M Drainage Project==
According to Roneth Santos of the city government, about 42 units of closed-circuit television cameras were installed around the city monitored by the Philippine National Police and the Public Safety Office for public security.
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/351586/rdc-endorses-p220m-drainage-project
*By: MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL
*''February 16, 2012''


The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon here has passed a resolution endorsing the proposed P220-million integrated drainage system in Dinalupihan, Bataan to address the perennial flooding in several villages in the province.
Santos said that a subsidized computer loan program for city public school teachers was also launched which gave a P5,000 subsidy to teachers who want to own a laptop computer and the remaining balance was loaned to them with zero interest.


RDC said the proposed plan will also address flooding woes along the Layac area which is the entry and exit points to three provinces namely Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales.
Garcia also pioneered the use of a 3 x 4-meter giant LED TV monitor in center of the Plaza Mayor De Balanga used in celebrations.


“It is meant to eliminate flooding caused by heavy siltation in four river systems,” RDC said.
“We therefore urge each and every Balangueño to continue believing and commit themselves as our partners in pursuit of vision to make Balanga one of the finest cities in the world,” added Garcia.


The resolution is one of the 27 resolutions approved in three omnibus motions recently passed by the RDC.
==Free CCP workshop to dig ‘gold minds’==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336464310
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''


The meeting was presided by City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, RDC chairman, and participated in by Governors Bellaflor Angara-Castillo of Aurora, Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. of Zambales and Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado of Bulacan, 10 regional directors of national government agencies and 34 council members.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- About 200 kids from various public and private schools in this city gathered for a four-day arts workshop facilitated by trainers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to discover “gold minds” among gifted students.


RDC 3 is the highest policy-making body in Central Luzon and serves as the counterpart of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board at the sub-national level.
The fourth string of the free, annual workshop dubbed “Batang Sining” was held in Balanga Elementary School from April 30 to May 3 and hailed esteemed art aficionados like Palanca hall of famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan; Herminio Beltran, chief of the inter-textual division of CCP; Rey Escasenas, storyteller from Alitaptap group; and Jasmine Tresvalles, CCP culture and arts officer.


It is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region and serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.
Balanga City mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that the use of arts as a catalyst for social change and a force for values transformation among students will mobilize cultural awakening and discover gold minds in line with the city’s vision of a world-class university town status by 2020.


Council members include all governors, city mayors, municipal mayors of capital towns, presidents of municipal mayors’ league, regional directors of national government agencies and representatives from the private sector.
“The Batang Sining Creative Expression Workshop for elementary students is part of the city government’s quest to help bring the arts to the masses, particularly to students, and to bring out their imagination, innovative spirit and artistic abilities,” said Garcia.


In a related development, the Central Luzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has set its programs and projects for 2012 which will enable the local government units to cope with emergencies, particularly during typhoons.
The participants from grades three to five took part in the activities for day one of the workshop that included group plays like the boat is sinking, connect the body parts and group cheer; creative introductions; storytelling; and writing about what is their idea of a perfect world.


Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Josefina Timoteo said a review of the disaster records of the past five years will be made to learn from the best practices in the management of disasters.
Day two presented sharing of folk stories, art of mime, storytelling hour, appreciating poetry, drawing images in poems and choral reading. Puppet-making and puppetry were staged on day three of the workshop, while dramatization, group presentations and graduation were held on day four.


RDRRMC-3 said that it would pursue the organization of city, municipal and barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees who are in the frontline in disaster response.
“In our time today, the children have their different arts. Their music, for the old-school people, is deafening. This program aims to produce caliber artists like Lea Salonga and Jessica Sanchez,” said City Schools Division of Balanga Supt. Dr. Ronaldo Pozon.


These committees will undergo training on the use of software such as the Regional Disaster Assessment System (REDAS) to equip them with skills necessary in the performance of their functions.
He added that the Batang Sining workshop was in line with the new Child Protection Program of the Department of Education that eyes to steer the students away from abuses like vices at home and in school.  


Drills for earthquake, tsunami, fire, flood evacuation, and exercises on water search and rescue (WASAR), swift water/ flood water rescue will be implemented in the second quarter.
==Ordering back the tides==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/189605/ordering-back-the-tides
*By: Juan Mercado
*''Tuesday, May 08, 2012''


The Office of Civil Defense, with the members of the RDRRMC-3 and local government units, will also conduct the early recovery and post disaster needs assessment and update themselves in the communication protocol in disaster reporting.
Trees fail to flower,” Aetas huddled at the Bataan mountaintop meeting told Fr. Shay Cullen. “Bees are disappearing. Storms  blow away our nipa huts as never before.”


==2 killed, 4 critical in Bataan crash==
With Preda Foundation coworkers, the priest toiled up the two-hour steep trail on horseback. Preda buys Aeta wild mangoes at double what lowland hawkers offer and markets them abroad.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/15/12/2-killed-4-critical-bataan-crash
 
*By: Rod Izon
Half a world away, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research scientists documented what Aetas learned from seat-of-their-pants.
*''February 15, 2012''
 
   
University of Bern experiments span two decades, four continents and 1,634 plant species. “Spring flowering and leafing advances 5 to 6 days per year for every degree Celsius of warming,” they report in the journal Nature.
Two individuals were killed after their vehicle crashed into a concrete post in Balanga City, Bataan, police said Wednesday. Four others remain in critical condition.
 
Bern tests “underestimated how much plants change,” reports British Broadcasting Corp. science reporter Matt McGrath. He adds that research leader Elizabeth Wolkovich and This Rutishauser fret over additional water needed by a plant community that  sprouts a week  earlier.
 
Contrary to myth, Filipinos have modest freshwater endowment: 6,332 cubic meters yearly. In contrast, Malaysians tap into 26,105 cm. Saudi Arabians have only  118 cm. They bartered more oil for water last year when Riyadh ’s last aquifers ran dry.
 
Here, “we  have a water aristocracy set on its head.” A squatter’s shack in Cebu City pays 13 times for water than a gated Maria Luisa enclave home, notes the United Nations World Water Development Report.
 
In the Philippines, 54 out of every 100 lived in cities by 2007. By 2020, the number of urban Filipinos will be double rural counterparts. Many cities are saddled with below-par water facilities even as births and migration interlock.
 
A “youth bulge” characterizes this migrant torrent, San Carlos University’s Soccoro Gultiano and Peter Xenos of East-West Center point out. Hormones of these young migrants are on overdrive. They will tarry in the reproductive age bracket longer.
 
A sharper slowdown in birthrates won’t materialize anytime soon, not even if the Reproductive Health bill gets into law books. But demand for just about everything else will spiral. And there is no substitute for water.
 
Politically charged issues, like a chief justice’s blacked out dollar accounts, smudge concerns including shifting rain bands. A bachelor President’s date will send commentators into  a tizzy. But glossing over emerging threats can be lethal.
 
“We’re seeing changes happening… in ways  we didn’t expect to see for hundreds of years,” 27 scientists led by Oxford University’s  Alex Rodgers caution in their recent  “State of the Oceans” report to UN.
 
As polluted seas warm, we enter  “a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history,” they wrote. Over-fishing, pollution and climate change interlock “in ways not previously recognized.”
 
“Accelerated” changes include melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Sea levels are rising and methane trapped in the sea bed, is seeping out.
 
Here “expect sea waters to rise by at least 20 cm in the next 40 years,” writes Dr. Wendy Clavano in  a current  series for Environmental Science for Social Change, a Jesuit research organization.
 
The severest threat stretches “along the Paci?c seaboard: from Samar all the way down to eastern Mindanao.” Include the Zamboangas and island provinces of Romblon and Marinduque in the Sibuyan, says Clavano, a PhD  from Cornell University .
 
She suggests the creation of a “vulnerability index.” This could undergird mitigation programs for what initial data pinpoint as “high risk areas. That sweeps in the Lingayen Gulf (La Union and Pangasinan), Lamon Bay (Quezon and Camarines Norte), Camotes Sea (western Leyte, northern Bohol, and northeastern Cebu).
 
Add to that list Guimaras Strait (along northwestern Negros Occidental and Guimaras), central Sulu Sea (Cuyo Archipelago), Iligan Bay (in particular Misamis Occidental), Zamboanga del Norte and Bislig Bay (Surigao del Sur).
 
`Only 4 percent of coral reefs here in remain in pristine condition. Other countries with equally threatened reefs are Haiti, Grenada, Comoros, Vanuatu, Tanzania, Kiribati, Fiji and Indonesia.
 
Edges of the “Tropical Belt —outer boundaries of the subtropical dry zones—have drifted towards the poles, notes Nature Geoscience. Temperature and rainfall changes alter yields, including politically-volatile crops like corn and rice.
 
“In the Philippines, rice yields drop by 10 percent for every one degree centigrade increase in night-time temperature,” BBC’s environment correspondent Richard Black writes. As droughts dry reservoirs, yields have fallen by 10 percent to 20 percent over the last 25 years. More declines are ahead.


Senior Superintendent Ricardo Zapata, Bataan Police Provincial Director, said a maroon Honda Civic slammed into concrete post in Barangay Munting Batangas in Balanga City.
Three billion people live in the tropics and subtropics. They’ll nearly double by the end of the century. The National Statistical Board asserts there are 93 million plus of us today. No sir, it’s 99.9 million, counter some United States and international bodies.


Tristan Jay Cruz and Armando Cama were instantly killed in the accident.
The “most extreme summers of the last century could become routine towards the end of this century,” predicts the University of Seattle. What would be summer 2100 in the Philippines be like?


Three of the four injured, meanwhile, were identified as Juan Dejungco, Joey Cruz and Sheena Cruz. They were rushed to Bataan General Hospital for treatment.
Filipino policy makers must move beyond politics-as-usual. Overdrawing on aquifers in Metro Cebu and Manila is causing severe  land subsidence. Clavano urges that priority be given to adaptation and mitigation approaches for sea rising levels. Like King Canute, politicians cannot order back the tides.


Zapata said the victims were residents of Barangay Kitang in Limay town.  
“Nor can we move crops north or south since many are photosensitive,” notes Dr. Geoff Hawtin at International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. “Tipping points could come quickly.”


==Red tide alert still up in Bataan and Zambales – BFAR==
==Red tide notice remains in effect in Bataan==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561329184152
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=561336288823
*By: Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
*By: PIA
*''February 14, 2012''
*''Monday, May 07, 2012''
   
   
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) renewed its appeal to the public to refrain from gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters and Masinloc Bay in Zambales as red tide toxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in these areas.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reiterates its caution to the public to avoid gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters as red tide toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in these areas.


Affected by the ban in Bataan are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.
Affected by the ban are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.


BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said, “Based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued on February 9, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan and Masinloc Bay are still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”
BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said “based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last May 3, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan and Masinloc Bay are still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”


Lamyong reiterated that fishes, squids, shrimps and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Lamyong reiterated that fishes, squids, shrimps and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.


==Adamson Cites BM 'Teri Onor'==
==Palace wishes Jessica Sanchez good luck in final AI stages==
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/351030/leyble-moves-to-ease-traffic
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257316/news/nation/palace-wishes-jessica-sanchez-good-luck-in-final-ai-stages
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*By: LBG, GMA News
*''February 11, 2012''
*''Sunday, May 06, 2012''
As it congratulated her for advancing the top four of “American Idol,” Malacañang on Sunday wished Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez good luck in the next stages of the competition.
 
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos will continue to support Sanchez in her quest to top the reality television search for the next singing superstar.
 
“Congratulations, and we continue to wish her good luck for the final stages of the competition,” Valte said in a text message read on government-run dzRB radio.
 
Last week, Sanchez survived another elimination round on American Idol, while 18-year-old country singer Skylar Laine was booted out.
 
In the Philippines, Filipinos continued to show support, especially those from her mom's hometown in Bataan province.


ABUCAY, Bataan — In recognition of his accomplishments and contribution to public welfare, Bataan Board Member Dexter Dominguez, more popularly known as comedian “Teri Onor,” was conferred the “Adamsonian Award” by his alma mater. Dominguez received the award on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of Adamson University at its campus theater on Taft Avenue, Manila. Adamson University, run by the Congregation of the Mission led by Vincentian priests and brothers, also hosted a dinner for Dominguez and other awardees at the “1st Distinguished Adamson Reunion” held at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.  
Sanchez's Filipina mother Editha is a daughter of Eddie Bugay, a retired US Navy man who hails from Samal but is based in Orani town in Bataan.


==New Bataan PD Assumes Post==
==Balanga City uses passbook to save enviroment==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350827/china-cargo-ship-runs-aground
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951336115976
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''February 09, 2012''
*''Saturday, May 05, 2012''


CAMP TOLENTINO, Bataan — Newly-designated Provincial Police Director (PD) Sr. Supt. Ricardo Zapata, Jr., who took over Wednesday as the new PD  of Bataan, vowed to continuethe atmosphere of peace that was initiated by his predecessor.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- In this city, passbooks are not only used to save money, but also to help save the environment.


A graduate of the elite Philippine Military Academy class 1985, Zapata replaced Sr. Supt. Arnold D. Gunnacao who completed his two-year tour of duty. Zapata said that he will continue the programs of his predecessor and work with local officials to maintain the prevailing peace and order of the province. Zapata also thanked Gov. Enrique “Tet” Garcia for his trust with him.  
Under the Junk Shop ng Bayan Project of the city government, public schools in Balanga use customized passbooks to keep track of plastic garbage they each one has collected.


==DPWH Cleaning Up Bataan Rivers==
The accumulated trash of schools will be picked by a truck and the points saved in their passbook may be used to claim rice rewards, said Annie Tuazon, consultant on solid waste management of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
*Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/350604/dpwh-cleaning-up-bataan-rivers
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''February 07, 2012''


ABUCAY, Bataan, Philippines — A top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed Tuesday that the department is bent on demolishing illegally constructed structures in what it called “obstructions” to the smooth flow of water along the rivers in this town and neighboring areas.
“If you have collected three kilos of dry and clean plastic, you will be rewarded with a kilo of rice. You could then accumulate the points to get more rice,” Tuazon said.


DPWH district engineer Wilfredo S. Mallari of the 1st engineering district here, said that the department has no recourse than to rid the illegal squatters along the rivers as they obstruct the rivers and causes flash floods during rainy season.
According to CENRO, Balanga City, the capital and economic center of Bataan, is producing 20 to 25 tons of varied garbage everyday, which is equivalent to 9,100 tons yearly.


Engr. Mallari said that he is just implementing order from higher ups following reports that these illegally constructed houses and other structures along the rivers blocked the smooth flow of water and causes stagnation of the fresh water in the area.
With the city’s population of about 90,000 which is projected to balloon in years, proper and sustainable solid waste management is critical as to not fill up the dumpsite in Brgy. Munting Batangas, said CENRO head Nelia Castor.


Earlier, Melandro Ramos, President of the Central Luzon Small Scale Aqua Culture (class A) Association, complained that the fish pond industry has been severely affected by the swallow water ways since their boats can no longer almost go out due to the swallow water particularly along the rivers where their boats usually pass through. “Nahihirapang dumaan ang aming bangka dahil masyado nang mababaw ang mga ilog na dinadaanan naming palabas,” lamented Ramos.
Therefore, CENRO has been piloting environmental projects including the Junk Shop ng Bayan, Gamit Pang-eskwela Mula sa Basura, Operation Linis Ilog and Linis Barangay, and the production of doy bags from tetra packs.


Worse, Ramos pointed out, their agony was further aggravated by the lack of dissemination of information coming from the government, particularly the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources every time the waters are polluted due to the sudden emergence of bacteria that gradually causes fish kills along their fish ponds.
Castor said the garbage truck circulates the city every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The schools also may call their office whenever they have amassed plastics.


“Yes, this is true since the flow of water can no longer pass through smoothly and causing it (fresh water) to become stagnant and pollutes the river,” said Mallari.
Meanwhile, small plastics like those from snack food will be brought to the Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Munting Batangas where they will be macerated.


The district engineer said that his office has already sent several notices to the affected areas (illegal squatters) for them to vacate voluntarily rather than to have their houses and structures demolished by the department.
Tuazon said that since small plastics are strenuous to be sewn as doy bags, they will be put through a pulverizer funded by the Department of Science and Technology to be grinded and mixed into the production of paper tiles.  


For his part, Second district DPWH engineer Medel Chua has also forged agreement with Balanga City officials to plant more mangrove trees along the coastal areas to support Mayor Joet Garcia's program of protection the river bed from erosion, particularly along Tortugas, Porto Rivas; now the bird sanctuary in Bataan.
==Balanga City bats for zero illiteracy rate==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951335927897
*By: Jose Mari Garcia
*''Friday, May 04, 2012''


Newsmen learned that the sprouting of illegally constructed structures were also partly blamed to other political leaders who, they said, appear to be tolerating the existence of it just to “promote their own political advancement.”
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The education sector here is eyeing the gradual reduction of illiteracy rate among children and youth by allotting more land space and projects in Balanga for students.


“Siyempre, ayaw kumibo tong mga politico na ito sa mga illegal squatters dahil baka magtampo itong mga taong ito at hindi sila iboto sa susunod na halalan, at lalong hindi sila (political leaders) kikilos para mapaalis ang mga illegal na bahay sa mga ilog,” said a DPWH employee.
Under the University Town project, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III has allocated 18.51 hectares (ha) or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 ha for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.


The sprouting of illegal structures along Almacen rivers in Hermosa town has been also the subject of criticism by others; but other leaders cannot and do not want to lift their fingers to rid the problem; to protect their own political interests at the expense of the majority of the people.
“The planning started in 2007 and based on a study we did, there are three components of a university town: provide access to quality education, complete facilities for the students, and provide conducive learning environment,” Garcia said.


But Engr. Mallari said that he has to implement the orders (in demolishing the illegal squatters) as this severely affects the majority of the public. “Wala tayong magagawa kundi alisin itong mga sagabal na naitayong illegal sa mga ilog dahil bawal at nagiging dahilan ng pagbaha at pollution,” added Mallari.
In a statement made by the city government, education projects that include programs starting from day care centers to tertiary schooling are prioritized in light of achieving the vision of a “world-class university town by 2020.”


==Garcia Tells Pascual: No Vacancy==
“Among Mayor Joet Garcia’s plans for the city is to lower the number of non-readers to the point of eliminating them totally,” said the city government.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350521/garcia-tells-pascual-no-vacancy
*By: MAR T. SUPNAD
*''February 06, 2012''


CAPITOL, Bataan, Philippines — In an apparent clear message to the vice governor of the province, incumbent Gov. Enrique “Tet” Garcia said there is no vacancy so far for the top position of Bataan.
“The city government prioritizes education in the project, thus, several programs relative to literacy were implemented. More studies and trainings were held to ensure that proper education will produce well-rounded citizens," it added.


In a bid to clear the cloud of doubt regarding the governorship in the province, Garcia said he has never been remiss in his job as chief executive of Bataan even as he asked Vice Governor Efren Pascual, Jr. to reconsider his stance from “assuming as officer in charge governor.”
Among the projects are Responsible Parents Training through Education for the Upbringing of Children (Educhild), Reactivation of the Council for the Protection of Children, Iskolar Balangueño Scholarship Program, TEACHNOLOGY Computerization Program, Provision of Assistance to Public Schools, and Centers for Excellence.


Garcia’s action came in the wake of official two letters signed and distributed by Pascual last Jan. 31, declaring that he will assume the post of OIC governor and at the same time vice governor of Bataan.
These undertakings of the Garcia administration had led to the award from the National Literacy Coordinating Council as 2nd Most Outstanding Local Government Unit last September 2011.


Pascual’s move raised eyebrows among provincial capitol employees and local newsmen based here since the governor is still governing actively in his capacity as governor of Bataan as proven by the number of documents being signed by him almost daily.
Balanga has one state university, 10 colleges, seven secondary schools, 30 elementary schools, 27 day care centers, and 10 pre-schools.  


“You will have to be informed that there is no occasion at all for you to make that assumption (of taking over as OIC governor). I have been in the continuous exercise and performance of my duties and functions as elected Governor of Bataan since the end of my authorized leave of absence on Jan. 12, 2012,” Garcia told Pascual in his letter, dated Jan. 31.
==Freeport Area of Bataan’s new brand gets nod of investors==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R03&article=1951335770588
*By: PIA
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''


This was not the first time that Pascual tried but failed to take over as OIC governor in the province, the first of which was last year after Garcia underwent successfully a heart-by-pass operation.
CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the province’s top dollar economic hub, launched recently its new official brand which gained the approval of international investors.


Pascual has been rumored to be gunning for the governorship come 2013 election.
FAB administrator Deogracias Custodio said the new symbol of the multimillion economic zone in booming Mariveles town signifies different values essential to establishing businesses.


==RDC3 endorses proposed P220-M integrated drainage system==
“The new FAB brand is almost full circle to connote unity, expansion and growth,” said Custodio.
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/23195-rdc3-endorses-proposed-p220-m-integrated-drainage-system
*By: Mamer Bañez
*''February 04, 2012''


DINALUPIHAN, Bataan- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon recently endorsed the full-blown feasibility study for the proposed P220-million integrated drainage system in this town.  
He explained the color red in the logo denotes passion and determination needed to cultivate a business while the blue stands for stability of growth.


The RDC 3 said the project will address perennial flooding in at least 18 of the 46 barangays in this town.
Executives of foreign companies expressed satisfaction over the new brand which, according to Custodio, represents the Filipinos as globally competitive with world-class service.


“The drainage system shall likewise address flooding woes along the Layac area which is the entry and exit point of three provinces, namely Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales,” it said.
“It is sort of fresh and the design looks good to us,” said Dong-In Group general manager Park Ki Jung.


RDC 3 is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region and serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.
The corporate chiefs also pointed out that building business in the country has its share of advantages compared to other Asian countries.


Council members include all governors, city mayors, municipal mayors of capital towns, presidents of municipal mayors league, regional directors of national government agencies and representatives from the private sector.          
According to John Cartwright, general manager of C&L Philippines Footwear Manufacturing Corporation, FAB is very promising and full of potentials as it is very accessible from Manila and other neighboring cities via the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.


==PPP Projects Eyed in Blanga==
“One thing more, the wages are up in China,” said Cartwright.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350208/cleanest-town-san-rafael
*By: Mar T. Supnad
*''February 03, 2012''


BALANGA CITY, Bataan — After successfully opening the four-story Galeria Victoria as the city’s landmark public-private partnership (PPP) project under the Aquino administration, Mayor Joet S. Garcia is now looking forward to inviting more investors to engage in PPP projects in the city. With Robinsons Group as its biggest tenant, Garcia said there are more than 100 business establishments that have registered to put up shop inside the Galeria, a PPP project, built by the New San Jose Builders owned by Gerry Acuzar, a Balanga native. Garcia said construction of the building cost P250 million but the City of Balanga spent nothing under the PPP scheme.
Park added that the availability of qualified manpower and English-speaking workers are plus points for FAB.

Latest revision as of 15:43, 10 May 2012

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Province of Bataan - Archived News

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.
Bataan st joseph.jpg
St. Joseph Church

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.

Balanga being transformed into high tech-city

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- This relatively undeveloped city is being transformed into the vision of being a world-class university town by 2020. In this light, the city government of Balanga has lined up various technological projects in remodeling the Bataan capital into a “high tech-city.”

Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III announced the construction of a city library and a city information technology lab parallel to improving the education sector with the university town project.

The said project allots 18.51 hectares or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 hectares for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.

Garcia said that studies were made designing Balanga after internationally renowned technological institutions like the Silicon Valley in California that has gained prominence worldwide with its investments on computer innovations.

“Silicon Valley (adopted) the fine mixture of ingenuity, innovation, and resourcefulness, (thus) people there were able to transform this once barren, secluded area into a high-tech investment and economic hub,” he said.

In Balanga, free wireless frequency internet connections are available in barangay halls, public elementary schools, and business establishments.

The city government is also establishing information technology corners and e-Centers in Balanga’s 25 barangays under the Barangay Online program, which will serve as venue for technical assistance and online library.

According to Roneth Santos of the city government, about 42 units of closed-circuit television cameras were installed around the city monitored by the Philippine National Police and the Public Safety Office for public security.

Santos said that a subsidized computer loan program for city public school teachers was also launched which gave a P5,000 subsidy to teachers who want to own a laptop computer and the remaining balance was loaned to them with zero interest.

Garcia also pioneered the use of a 3 x 4-meter giant LED TV monitor in center of the Plaza Mayor De Balanga used in celebrations.

“We therefore urge each and every Balangueño to continue believing and commit themselves as our partners in pursuit of vision to make Balanga one of the finest cities in the world,” added Garcia.

Free CCP workshop to dig ‘gold minds’

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- About 200 kids from various public and private schools in this city gathered for a four-day arts workshop facilitated by trainers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to discover “gold minds” among gifted students.

The fourth string of the free, annual workshop dubbed “Batang Sining” was held in Balanga Elementary School from April 30 to May 3 and hailed esteemed art aficionados like Palanca hall of famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan; Herminio Beltran, chief of the inter-textual division of CCP; Rey Escasenas, storyteller from Alitaptap group; and Jasmine Tresvalles, CCP culture and arts officer.

Balanga City mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that the use of arts as a catalyst for social change and a force for values transformation among students will mobilize cultural awakening and discover gold minds in line with the city’s vision of a world-class university town status by 2020.

“The Batang Sining Creative Expression Workshop for elementary students is part of the city government’s quest to help bring the arts to the masses, particularly to students, and to bring out their imagination, innovative spirit and artistic abilities,” said Garcia.

The participants from grades three to five took part in the activities for day one of the workshop that included group plays like the boat is sinking, connect the body parts and group cheer; creative introductions; storytelling; and writing about what is their idea of a perfect world.

Day two presented sharing of folk stories, art of mime, storytelling hour, appreciating poetry, drawing images in poems and choral reading. Puppet-making and puppetry were staged on day three of the workshop, while dramatization, group presentations and graduation were held on day four.

“In our time today, the children have their different arts. Their music, for the old-school people, is deafening. This program aims to produce caliber artists like Lea Salonga and Jessica Sanchez,” said City Schools Division of Balanga Supt. Dr. Ronaldo Pozon.

He added that the Batang Sining workshop was in line with the new Child Protection Program of the Department of Education that eyes to steer the students away from abuses like vices at home and in school.

Ordering back the tides

Trees fail to flower,” Aetas huddled at the Bataan mountaintop meeting told Fr. Shay Cullen. “Bees are disappearing. Storms blow away our nipa huts as never before.”

With Preda Foundation coworkers, the priest toiled up the two-hour steep trail on horseback. Preda buys Aeta wild mangoes at double what lowland hawkers offer and markets them abroad.

Half a world away, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research scientists documented what Aetas learned from seat-of-their-pants.

University of Bern experiments span two decades, four continents and 1,634 plant species. “Spring flowering and leafing advances 5 to 6 days per year for every degree Celsius of warming,” they report in the journal Nature.

Bern tests “underestimated how much plants change,” reports British Broadcasting Corp. science reporter Matt McGrath. He adds that research leader Elizabeth Wolkovich and This Rutishauser fret over additional water needed by a plant community that sprouts a week earlier.

Contrary to myth, Filipinos have modest freshwater endowment: 6,332 cubic meters yearly. In contrast, Malaysians tap into 26,105 cm. Saudi Arabians have only 118 cm. They bartered more oil for water last year when Riyadh ’s last aquifers ran dry.

Here, “we have a water aristocracy set on its head.” A squatter’s shack in Cebu City pays 13 times for water than a gated Maria Luisa enclave home, notes the United Nations World Water Development Report.

In the Philippines, 54 out of every 100 lived in cities by 2007. By 2020, the number of urban Filipinos will be double rural counterparts. Many cities are saddled with below-par water facilities even as births and migration interlock.

A “youth bulge” characterizes this migrant torrent, San Carlos University’s Soccoro Gultiano and Peter Xenos of East-West Center point out. Hormones of these young migrants are on overdrive. They will tarry in the reproductive age bracket longer.

A sharper slowdown in birthrates won’t materialize anytime soon, not even if the Reproductive Health bill gets into law books. But demand for just about everything else will spiral. And there is no substitute for water.

Politically charged issues, like a chief justice’s blacked out dollar accounts, smudge concerns including shifting rain bands. A bachelor President’s date will send commentators into a tizzy. But glossing over emerging threats can be lethal.

“We’re seeing changes happening… in ways we didn’t expect to see for hundreds of years,” 27 scientists led by Oxford University’s Alex Rodgers caution in their recent “State of the Oceans” report to UN.

As polluted seas warm, we enter “a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history,” they wrote. Over-fishing, pollution and climate change interlock “in ways not previously recognized.”

“Accelerated” changes include melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Sea levels are rising and methane trapped in the sea bed, is seeping out.

Here “expect sea waters to rise by at least 20 cm in the next 40 years,” writes Dr. Wendy Clavano in a current series for Environmental Science for Social Change, a Jesuit research organization.

The severest threat stretches “along the Paci?c seaboard: from Samar all the way down to eastern Mindanao.” Include the Zamboangas and island provinces of Romblon and Marinduque in the Sibuyan, says Clavano, a PhD from Cornell University .

She suggests the creation of a “vulnerability index.” This could undergird mitigation programs for what initial data pinpoint as “high risk areas. That sweeps in the Lingayen Gulf (La Union and Pangasinan), Lamon Bay (Quezon and Camarines Norte), Camotes Sea (western Leyte, northern Bohol, and northeastern Cebu).

Add to that list Guimaras Strait (along northwestern Negros Occidental and Guimaras), central Sulu Sea (Cuyo Archipelago), Iligan Bay (in particular Misamis Occidental), Zamboanga del Norte and Bislig Bay (Surigao del Sur).

`Only 4 percent of coral reefs here in remain in pristine condition. Other countries with equally threatened reefs are Haiti, Grenada, Comoros, Vanuatu, Tanzania, Kiribati, Fiji and Indonesia.

Edges of the “Tropical Belt —outer boundaries of the subtropical dry zones—have drifted towards the poles, notes Nature Geoscience. Temperature and rainfall changes alter yields, including politically-volatile crops like corn and rice.

“In the Philippines, rice yields drop by 10 percent for every one degree centigrade increase in night-time temperature,” BBC’s environment correspondent Richard Black writes. As droughts dry reservoirs, yields have fallen by 10 percent to 20 percent over the last 25 years. More declines are ahead.

Three billion people live in the tropics and subtropics. They’ll nearly double by the end of the century. The National Statistical Board asserts there are 93 million plus of us today. No sir, it’s 99.9 million, counter some United States and international bodies.

The “most extreme summers of the last century could become routine towards the end of this century,” predicts the University of Seattle. What would be summer 2100 in the Philippines be like?

Filipino policy makers must move beyond politics-as-usual. Overdrawing on aquifers in Metro Cebu and Manila is causing severe land subsidence. Clavano urges that priority be given to adaptation and mitigation approaches for sea rising levels. Like King Canute, politicians cannot order back the tides.

“Nor can we move crops north or south since many are photosensitive,” notes Dr. Geoff Hawtin at International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. “Tipping points could come quickly.”

Red tide notice remains in effect in Bataan

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reiterates its caution to the public to avoid gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters as red tide toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning remains present in these areas.

Affected by the ban are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.

BFAR Central Luzon information officer Lanie Lamyong said “based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last May 3, the current red tide toxin level in shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bataan and Masinloc Bay are still significantly higher to the 60g STXg/100g tolerable limit.”

Lamyong reiterated that fishes, squids, shrimps and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Palace wishes Jessica Sanchez good luck in final AI stages

As it congratulated her for advancing the top four of “American Idol,” Malacañang on Sunday wished Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez good luck in the next stages of the competition.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos will continue to support Sanchez in her quest to top the reality television search for the next singing superstar.

“Congratulations, and we continue to wish her good luck for the final stages of the competition,” Valte said in a text message read on government-run dzRB radio.

Last week, Sanchez survived another elimination round on American Idol, while 18-year-old country singer Skylar Laine was booted out.

In the Philippines, Filipinos continued to show support, especially those from her mom's hometown in Bataan province.

Sanchez's Filipina mother Editha is a daughter of Eddie Bugay, a retired US Navy man who hails from Samal but is based in Orani town in Bataan.

Balanga City uses passbook to save enviroment

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- In this city, passbooks are not only used to save money, but also to help save the environment.

Under the Junk Shop ng Bayan Project of the city government, public schools in Balanga use customized passbooks to keep track of plastic garbage they each one has collected.

The accumulated trash of schools will be picked by a truck and the points saved in their passbook may be used to claim rice rewards, said Annie Tuazon, consultant on solid waste management of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

“If you have collected three kilos of dry and clean plastic, you will be rewarded with a kilo of rice. You could then accumulate the points to get more rice,” Tuazon said.

According to CENRO, Balanga City, the capital and economic center of Bataan, is producing 20 to 25 tons of varied garbage everyday, which is equivalent to 9,100 tons yearly.

With the city’s population of about 90,000 which is projected to balloon in years, proper and sustainable solid waste management is critical as to not fill up the dumpsite in Brgy. Munting Batangas, said CENRO head Nelia Castor.

Therefore, CENRO has been piloting environmental projects including the Junk Shop ng Bayan, Gamit Pang-eskwela Mula sa Basura, Operation Linis Ilog and Linis Barangay, and the production of doy bags from tetra packs.

Castor said the garbage truck circulates the city every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The schools also may call their office whenever they have amassed plastics.

Meanwhile, small plastics like those from snack food will be brought to the Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Munting Batangas where they will be macerated.

Tuazon said that since small plastics are strenuous to be sewn as doy bags, they will be put through a pulverizer funded by the Department of Science and Technology to be grinded and mixed into the production of paper tiles.

Balanga City bats for zero illiteracy rate

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The education sector here is eyeing the gradual reduction of illiteracy rate among children and youth by allotting more land space and projects in Balanga for students.

Under the University Town project, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III has allocated 18.51 hectares (ha) or 23 percent of the central district’s 80.42 ha for the establishment of schools, churches, city hall, and other public buildings.

“The planning started in 2007 and based on a study we did, there are three components of a university town: provide access to quality education, complete facilities for the students, and provide conducive learning environment,” Garcia said.

In a statement made by the city government, education projects that include programs starting from day care centers to tertiary schooling are prioritized in light of achieving the vision of a “world-class university town by 2020.”

“Among Mayor Joet Garcia’s plans for the city is to lower the number of non-readers to the point of eliminating them totally,” said the city government.

“The city government prioritizes education in the project, thus, several programs relative to literacy were implemented. More studies and trainings were held to ensure that proper education will produce well-rounded citizens," it added.

Among the projects are Responsible Parents Training through Education for the Upbringing of Children (Educhild), Reactivation of the Council for the Protection of Children, Iskolar Balangueño Scholarship Program, TEACHNOLOGY Computerization Program, Provision of Assistance to Public Schools, and Centers for Excellence.

These undertakings of the Garcia administration had led to the award from the National Literacy Coordinating Council as 2nd Most Outstanding Local Government Unit last September 2011.

Balanga has one state university, 10 colleges, seven secondary schools, 30 elementary schools, 27 day care centers, and 10 pre-schools.

Freeport Area of Bataan’s new brand gets nod of investors

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan- The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the province’s top dollar economic hub, launched recently its new official brand which gained the approval of international investors.

FAB administrator Deogracias Custodio said the new symbol of the multimillion economic zone in booming Mariveles town signifies different values essential to establishing businesses.

“The new FAB brand is almost full circle to connote unity, expansion and growth,” said Custodio.

He explained the color red in the logo denotes passion and determination needed to cultivate a business while the blue stands for stability of growth.

Executives of foreign companies expressed satisfaction over the new brand which, according to Custodio, represents the Filipinos as globally competitive with world-class service.

“It is sort of fresh and the design looks good to us,” said Dong-In Group general manager Park Ki Jung.

The corporate chiefs also pointed out that building business in the country has its share of advantages compared to other Asian countries.

According to John Cartwright, general manager of C&L Philippines Footwear Manufacturing Corporation, FAB is very promising and full of potentials as it is very accessible from Manila and other neighboring cities via the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

“One thing more, the wages are up in China,” said Cartwright.

Park added that the availability of qualified manpower and English-speaking workers are plus points for FAB.

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