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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.

Calapan Mayor among this year’s TOYM awardees

by Lanie Bolina Ronquillo


CALAPAN CITY, Dec.10 (PIA) -- This year, seven distinguished young Filipinos made it to the prestigious list of this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) search including City Mayor Paulino Salvador Leachon. The TOYM award is widely recognized as the country’s most prestigious recognition for young men and women whose selfless dedication to their field resulted in significant contributions to the country and the people. Leachon had juggled odd jobs as taxi driver and fastfood chain crew member before he became a lawyer and eventually a public servant. Leachon is also the national vice chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines. President Benigno Aquino III awarded the trophies at a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang on Wednesday. Other winners this year included Ma. Antonia Arroyo, for biotechnology adocacy; Raul Destura,medical science; Sherwin Gatchalian,public service; Edgar Sia II, business entrepreneurship; Gerard Salonga,arts and music; and Antonio Tiu, agribusiness. (DOS/LBR/piaregion4b)





DTI warns users of moped helmets and visors without PS and ICC markings

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office here has strictly warned riders from buying and using motorcycle helmets and visors without Product Standards (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings. In an interview, Sammy M. Linatoc, DTI Chief of Consumer Welfare Division, said that prohibiting such use of helmets and visors without markings is in observance of Department Administrative Order (AO) No. 10 issued by their office recently. Linatoc clarified that said AO aims to protect the welfare of motorcycle riders and passengers against the use of low quality helmets and visors that do not protect the riders whenever accidents occur. “The public must be alert enough in buying helmets and visors and they must see to it that there is ICC sticker stuck on the material which proves that it is DTI certified,” Linatoc added. The DTI provincial office headed by Oscar M. Agbay is now strictly monitoring stores that are continuously selling uncertified helmets and visors in the province. The department is encouraging people’s participation in its advocacy not to sell and use products without the required DTI markings. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA MIM) )

DTI to consumers: Buy ‘noche buena’ products early

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, December 7 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office has advised consumers to pruchase their ‘Noche buena’ products earlier to avoid hassles and price hike this season. “Mag-umpisa nang mamili ng ‘noche buena’ products habang malayo pa ang pasko at bagong taon (Start buying ‘noche buena’ products while it is still weeks before Christmas and New Year),” said DTI Provincial Director Oscar M. Agbay in an interview. He said that it would be better for consumers to buy products earlier to avoid possible price increases due to unstable pricing nowadays. The DTI also recommended consumers to buy “unpopular brands” but are of high quality for practical reasons. Agbay gave some reminders for the consumers this holiday season. First, consumers must watch for the purchased goods while paying for them. Consumers must also see to it that the expiry dates and the price tags are accurate. Agbay added that consumers should check if the price tag of the purchased product is the same as the price reflected on the receipt. Also, he said that consumers must be alert on how the vendors use their weighing scales as well as the weight of each products they buy. He said that the DTI-Oriental Mindoro provincial office is open during weekdays to entertain complaints or inquiries and may be reached through its hotline number 2867093 or e-mail address dtiorminro4@yahoo.com. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Or. Mindoro holds jobs, livelihood fair

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Dec. 6 (PIA) –- A total of157 applicants have qualified for jobs offered by 25 employment agencies including those looking for workers abroad during the recent Provincial Job and Livelihood Fair at the Jose J. Leido, Jr. Memorial National High School gymnasium in this city. Some 100 applicants, who underwent follow-up interviews, were asked to submit additional requirements for the jobs they had earlier applied for. During the program, the provincial government awarded 15 ‘Nego Karts’ to qualified beneficiaries who also received P2,500 each as initial capital for their business. The ‘Nego Kart’ program is a joint project of the Department of Labor and Employment regional office and the provincial government. It aims to uplift the welfare of the people especially those who wish to start small businesses. Other government agencies also offered their services during the jobs fair like the Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Development and Mutual Fund, Social Security System, National Statistics Office, Government Service Insurance System, and Bureau of Internal Revenue. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Social protection support initiative urged

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, December 5 (PIA) -- Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. recently urged members of the Provincial Convergence Coordinating Committee to speed up the processes on Social Protection Support Initiative (SPSI) to fully implement the program in the province. SPSI is a health-related program that aims to ensure that all public hospitals here will have functional referral system. There are three important programs under SPSI, namely: Sustaining Interventions in Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG), where the Pantawid Pamilyang Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is included; Watching Over Mothers and Babies or WOMB of the Department of Health (DOH); and the Securing and Guaranteeing Insurance of the Poor (SAGIP) program of PhilHealth. According to Umali, the programs will be implemented for the next three years which will start on May next year. On its first year, the system management & development and hardware procurement will be done, while the succeeding years will be intended for its full-blast implementation. Based on the report of DSWD MIMAROPA, under the SIPAG program, they have already conducted trainings on Social Welfare Indicator (SWI) Toolkit and Enhanced Social Case Management Manual to the beneficiaries of six municipalities like Pola, Naujan, Bansud, Bongabong, Mansalay and Bulalacao. Just this September, more than 70 percent target households underwent SWI administration in the province of Oriental Mindoro. It covered some 25,904 household beneficiaries. Likewise, DSWD has approved the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Electronic Case Management System (e-SCMS) of SIPAG. Meanwhile, the SAGIP program of PhilHealth is expected to expedite its transactions by making database update, sponsored program, referral, alert & communication, monitoring & tracking modules and also provision of Identity Authentication & Kiosk Transaction Subsystem in the province. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Provincial Government supports DENR’s ‘Legacy Tree Growing’ program

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, December 2 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government here now supports the ‘Legacy Tree Growing’ program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Through this program, people in the community were able to plant trees again at Heritage Museum located at Sitio Ariguy of San Teodoro town. The Earth Day Network Philippines joined in this endeavor to continuously promote the ways of caring for the Earth. According to Ryan Vita, Trees for life Supervisor, they promote proper ways of caring trees especially the Philippine native trees for bio-diversity conservation. He said that this activity is also a move to enlighten the community on the importance of planting trees to one’s life. More than 80,000 seedlings are to be planted in a 2,000-hectare land in the area. This project has been implemented through the joint efforts of DENR, Provincial Capitol’s Environment & Natural Resources Office, local government of San Teodoro and other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Search on for Outstanding Calapeños

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 24 (PIA) -- Nomination for the ‘Outstanding Calapeño Awards 2012’ or ‘Gawad Rotary’ of the Rotary Club of Calapan is now open. Working on the theme, “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity,” the Rotary Club of Calapan is set to identify outstanding men and women of different fields of expertise for them to become an inspiration to others. Gawad Rotary is the highest award bestowed on an individual from this city. The search is open to all bonafide city residents aged 15 and above and with extraordinary performance in their services and dedication to the development of the city. The awardees will be chosen according to the criteria, HOPE, for holistic, ownership-based, participative, and empowering. The categories or fields for nominating individuals are as follows: 1) Agriculture, 2) Arts/Culture/History, 3)Community/Humanitarian Service/Heroic Acts, 4) Ecclesiastical /Religious Work, 5) Ecological/Environmental Conservation, 6) Education, 7) Government/Public Service Recognition, 8)Literature/Journalism/Media, 9) Military/Police work, 10) Sports, 11) Youth Development, 12) Health, 13) Engineering, 14) Science/Invention, and 15) Special Recognition. Documents to be submitted are executive summary of the candidates which includes nomination of not more than 40 pages, impact on public welfare and citywide development, participation in government (professional, socio-civic, religious organizations and non-governmental organizations), awards and recognition and impact on their fields of endeavor. Also to be submitted are important documents like the original copy and five photocopies of nomination form and nomination book, six pieces of 2 x 2 ID pictures, original copy of birth certificate from the National Statistics Office, and original copy of NBI clearance. A candidate is to be nominated in one category only. Nominations may be submitted anytime now until February 1 next year to the office of the Rotary Club of Calapan at the Mindoro Rescue and Training Center in barangay Camilmil. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Calapan day care centers get rice, kitchen utensils

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 23 (PIA) -- The 69 Day Care centers here received a total of 345 sacks of rice and kitchen utensils from the city social welfare office last November 11 as requirement for the city’s feeding program. City Social Welfare Officer Juvy L. Bahia said that her office also provided 68 pieces of casseroles, 68 frying pans, and 2,199 pieces of plates, spoons, forks, bowls, and tumblers. An additional P10 budget for each Day Care pupil was likewise provided. This project is a big help to the beneficiaries especially now that prices of commodities are continuously going up, she said. While the feeding program is not enough to avert poverty and malnutrition in the country, City Mayor Doy Leachon noted that the program could help even in a little way ease the living condition of the parents and their children. He said he was proud about the proficiency and capability of the Day Care teachers in taking care of the pupils in their respective areas of jurisdiction. (DOS/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

FMO provides motor engines to fisherfolks of Barangay Ibaba

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Nov. 21 (PIA) -– To correct the ways on illegal fishing activities being practiced by fisherfolks and improve their living conditions, the Fishery Management Office (FMO) provided recently 18 motor engines to fishermen of Barangay Ibaba West in this city. FMO, through its Fishery Management Officer Virgil Cantos, aims to orient fishermen on the right way of fishing and encourage them to stop using compressor in their fishing activities. A compressor is a breathing apparatus or device that supplies oxygen under the water. Although fishermen can use oxygen under water, Cantos said it is still illegal because it is hazardous or unsafe to their health. It destroys the lungs of a person and the pressure coming from it would damage their hearing. The use of compressor also affects the habitat of fish in the water. The bubbles from the air compressor which drive the fish into the fish nets would cause to wreck the corals under the sea. Lack of equipment in fishing is one of the reasons why fishermen continuously engage in this practice. And now, the City Government of Calapan provided the fishermen of said barangay engines for their boats and fishing nets in order for them to stay away from illegal practice of fishing in the area. City Mayor Doy C. Leachon said, ‘it’s not necessary to sacrifice one’s health for living without sure success.’ He believes that by means of FMO’s efforts to help them, fishermen of said barangay will gradually uplift their living conditions and they help the City Government of Calapan. This undertaking of the City Government is in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the national government wherein development efforts need to focus on transforming the sector into one that is not only highly productive but also environment-friendly and sustainable. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

City agricultural services projects a success

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 18 (PIA) -- The Farmer’s Field School (FFS)and Palay Check System projects of the City Agricultural Services Department (CASD) turned into a success during the graduation rite activities of the 27 farmers who underwent the so-called field school in Barangay Managpi last month. The primary aim of the projects is to educate farmers with conventional and modern techniques of planting and caring of palay. It includes the right preparation of the planting site, variety of palay, proper ways of applying fertilizers, application of pesticides and identification of insects that help the plants grow. City Agriculturist Carlos Domingo shared his knowledge on post harvesting to farmers to prevent wastage of palay every time a calamity occurs and also ensure its production. Barangay Captain Roberto Sanchez of said barangay gave his welcome remarks and recognized all participants during the event. It is followed by giving overview of Palay Check System rendered by Domingo while Nonilon Velazquez, a participant, presented the data on the assessment analysis of key checks result. On the other hand, a barangay councilor gave an impression about the activity while Nilda Cabatay, Agriculturist II of CASD challenged the participants about the knowledge they learned from the trainings and how they would apply them in the field. Likewise, Provincial Agriculturist Petronilo Dimailig encouraged all participants to apply their skills in this endeavor. Moreover, City Mayor Doy Leachon in his message said that it is a must for the farmers to be updated on the latest trends of farming in their respective area for them to be successful and uplift their living. He also mentioned that palay production of Calapan City does not only contribute to the needs of MIMAROPA but also in the country. Is is true that agriculture provides primarily food and vital raw materials for the rest of the economy. This program of the City Government of Calapan is anchored to the competitive and sustainable agriculture program of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of 2011-2016. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Mayor Leachon to represent PhL young leaders summit in India

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 17 (PIA) -- Calapan City Mayor Paulino Salvador C. Leachon has been named recently among the 150 next generation leaders from 30 countries in the Asia Pacific region to participate in the Asia Society’s sixth annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in New Delhi, India from November 18 to 20, 2011. Leachon joins a multi-sectoral network of his peers, all under age 40, who will engage in discussions about “Worlds Apart Together: Shared Values for an Asia-Pacific Community.” The diversity of representation – from business, government, academia, media, civil society, and the arts - brings a wide range of perspectives to the discussions, which will explore issues such as developing a sustainable energy policy for Asia, whether corruption is hampering the region’s development, and whether food security should take precedence over civil rights, amongst others. The Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit is part of a larger initiative designed to help emerging leaders from across the region to develop common approaches to meet its shared challenges. “The Asia 21 young leaders represent the future of the Asia-Pacific region. The work that this incredible community of leaders is doing today and will do in the future is laying a strong foundation for regional collaboration for decades to come,” said Asia Society Executive Vice President Jamie Metzl. The Asia 21 Summit is supported by founding international sponsor Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “Bank of America is committed to making a positive impact on the social and cultural fabric of the society that we live and work in. As such, we are particularly pleased that the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit is being hosted in India this year,” said Kaku Nakhate, President and Country Head for India. “By partnering with global initiatives such as Asia 21, Bank of America can leverage its resources to encourage and support young leaders from across sectors, including social enterprise, non-profit, media, economic and arts, to enable a better and brighter future for business, politics, and civil society in Asia,” Nakhate added. Mayor Doy Leachon is the National Vice Chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines where he also serves as the focal person for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management. He is the man behind the cultural transformation of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, which, under his leadership as Mayor, was recognized by the Asian Institute of Management in 2008 as one of the Most Competitive Cities of the Philippines. In a breath-taking sweep, Calapan City was promoted from a 4th Class City in 2007 to a 2nd Class City in 2010, on account of its innovations in public service, modernization programs, increased revenue collection, and overall economic improvement. It can be recalled that last September 2011, Calapan City was adjudged as one of the 12 Most Business-Friendly Cities in the Philippines. The historic Oplan Sandbag in 2005 was his brainchild as City Administrator and Operations Head of the City Disaster Coordinating Council. During the tragedy in December 2005 that struck Calapan City thrice in the form of floods, he was able to summon a people power of 35,000 volunteers to make sandbags and construct a sand dike along the river banks. More than .5 million bags were produced and almost a kilometer of sand dike was constructed. Not only did it save the city from flood waters, but it also saved P62-M worth of reconstruction, which only took 10 days of rebuilding instead of 2 years. Mayor Doy juggled odd jobs as taxi driver and fastfood chain crew before he became a full- fledged lawyer and eventually a public servant in a position of immense national influence. Established by the Asia Society with support from Founding International Sponsor, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the Asia 21 Summit is the pre- eminent gathering of Asia’s most dynamic young leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, from banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America and is among the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. In the Asia Pacific, Bank of America Merrill Lynch has a long history and has had an on-the-ground presence for over 60 years. Today, it is one of the region’s leading financial services firms with a full service platform encompassing Global Markets, Corporate and Investment Banking, Global Treasury Solutions, Research and Global Wealth Management across 12 countries, five time zones and more than a dozen languages. (Abigael Pacquing/CGC-CIO/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Dutch ex-missioner gets tribal award

by Madonna Virola, Oriental Mindoro


A Dutch anthropologist who lived with the Mangyan tribal people in the northern province of Oriental Mindoro for 53 years has received an award for outstanding contribution to the promotion of indigenous culture.

Anton Postma, 82, a former missioner of the Divine World (SVD), was given the Alay Katutubo Award on Monday by local officials in Baco, Oriental Mindoro. The award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter Anya.

The award coincided with the launch of a heritage museum and the 61st anniversary of the founding of the province.

“My mama (father in Hanunuo language) extends his gratitude for this recognition. He could not come because he is not as fit as before,” Anya said.

Postma is best known for being the first to decipher the inscription in a controversial copper plate found in Laguna province. Dated at 900 AD, it is the earliest written document found in the Philippines. He is also known for his comprehensive documentation of the Hanunuo Mangyan tribe.

He first came to Mindoro as a priest in 1958, became interested in the uniqueness and wealth of the Mangyan heritage, and devoted his life to it, including publishing books and articles on the Mangyan culture.

In 1989, he left the priesthood and married Yam-ay Insik, a Mangyan teacher. They have four children.

He made the Surat Mangyan, one of the remaining three asyllabic writing systems in the country, appreciated by both Mangyans and non-Mangyans.

Postma is fondly called Bapa, which means “uncle” in Hanunuo.

DWCC to conduct reproductive health forum

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 15 (PIA) -- The Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) in cooperation with Calapan Cable Center,Inc. and Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan’s (AVC) Commission on Family and Life will conduct a reproductive health forum on Friday, Nov. 18, 1:00 p.m. at DWCC gymnasium. The forum titled ‘Ang Dalawang Mukha ng RH Bill’ will focus on medico-legal aspects of the bill with guest experts like Ms. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, spokesperson of AKBAYAN Partylist; Fr. Vicente R. Uy, AVC’s Judicial Vicar; and medical advocates from Pro-life Manila and Center for Women’s Health, Inc. This will be participated in by the students and teachers of DWCC, heads of the national and local government offices, private schools, NGO’s and other religious groups in the province of Oriental Mindoro. Prior to the forum, there will be a press conference at 10:30 a.m.with the local media, campus writers and editorial staff of DWCC Gazette at DWCC Basic Education Centennial Hall. The coverage of the program will be aired live over Calapan Cable Community Channel 8 through the television program dubbed ‘No Holds Barred’ produced by Mr. Don Stepherson V. Calda, External and Alumni Affairs Officer of DWCC and Executive Producer of the program. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Mindoro power plant starts operations

by MYRNA M. VELASCO


MANILA, Philippines — The island-grid of Mindoro will have its power supply shored up with the kick-off of commercial operations of the 6.4-megawatt power facility of Ormin Power Inc. a subsidiary of publicly-listed Jolliville Holdings Corporation.

The project sponsor’s parent firm also announced via the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that the facility had the first day of its commercial operations on Friday (November 11).

“OPI will supply generated power to Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative,” the company has noted. The facility is sited in the capital city of Calapan.

The company emphasized that it was able to secure its license to operate the plant last November 8, via the certificate of compliance (CoC) issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The facility has been designed to run on bunker fuel. It has four modular units – with the three to be utilized as main generating units and the other one taking on the function of heavy fuel oil (HFO) treatment system.

The project was propelled into construction phase immediately after the approval of the P275.889- million loan for the project by the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Considerably, Mindoro is one of the island-grids with vast potential for economic growth – with it already hosting various tourism facilities as well as some mining projects.

In fact, given the area’s growth potential, proposals have already been advanced by system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to have the island get connected eventually to the main grid so it can draw more competitive power from other Luzon providers.

The longer term prospect for the grid operator would also be to link the other islands to the main grid, including those sprawling close to Mindoro.

Meanwhile, after the completion of the oil-fired facility, Ormin Power is exploring investments next in the renewable energy sector.

The firm already made previous announcement that it has been working on a project design for a proposed 10-megawatt hydropower project in the municipality of San Teodoro, also in Mindoro province.

Gov. Umali calls on the people to help cops on arresting violence

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, November 12 (PIA) -- Sounding alarmed on the recent spate of “riding-in-tandem” gun-killings in the southern parts of Oriental Mindoro, Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. has called on the people here recently to help preserve the province’s peaceful image by working or closely coordinating with the local law enforcers. Umali, who is also a member of President Aquino’s official cabinet representing local government units (LGUs) in the country, made the appeal following the series of murders involving motorcycle riding-in-tandem suspects which happened mostly last October. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) here, headed by Provincial Police Director, Sr. Supt. Anthony S. Alcañeses, is proposing all LGUs in the province of Oriental Mindoro to pass a local law or ordinance mandating all motorcycle owners and drivers to wear helmets with printed or inscribed figures corresponding to their vehicles’ plate numbers when driving. According to Alcañeses, his office has recorded in October alone a total of nine cases of shooting incidents, six of them were committed by motorcycle riding-in-tandems. Umali stated in a hastily-called press conference he called at the provincial capitol recently that while the provincial government, together with the local PNP command, maintains that Oriental Mindoro is generally peaceful despite the latest shooting incidents, he still calls on Mindoreños to work and coordinate with all law enforcers here in averting similar occurrences. Umali wants the people here to help preserve peace and order as the province welcomes its 61st founding anniversary on November 15. The governor called on all police chiefs here, led by Col. Alcañeses, and some mayors to face the media here to tell what they are doing in their respective areas in this province in responding to these latest criminalities. Oriental Mindoro Bishop Warlito Cajandig, of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, also attended the press briefing and issue a statement calling on the PNP here to “get its acts together” and plan prevention not only solution against crimes. It can be noted that from October 27 to October 30, three gun-slaying incidents involving high-profile individuals and riding-in-tandem suspects happened all in the southern parts of the province. Riding-in-tandem suspects shot dead the husband of the provincial social welfare officer in Pinamalayan town last October 30, while on October 29 and 27, a local politician and a husband of local broadcaster, respectively, were shot dead in similar fashion. (J. R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Vintage bomb found in Mindoro coastal village

by Madonna Virola

Inquirer Southern Luzon


CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro —A 105 mm bomb, described to be vintage but live, was recovered by police Friday morning near an oil depot in the coastal village of Lazareto in this city. Superintendent Christopher Abecia, Calapan police chief, said explosive ordnance experts retrieved the bomb after villagers reported their find to their local officials. Abecia said the bomb was brought to the Mimaropa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) headquarters, in Barangay (village) Suqui here, for disposal by the EOD. RPSB deputy group director Chief Inspector Nolie Asuncion said the bomb has been emitting smoke believed to have been caused by a leakage of phosphorous materials. Superintendent Ronaldo de Jesus, head of the RPSB in Mimaropa, said Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, the police regional director, has been informed that the bomb was temporarily deposited at the ammunition dump behind the firing range of the regional police headquarter before its disposal.

786 indigents get free health services

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 31 (PIA) -- A total of seven hundred eighty six (786) indigent patients from the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were accorded free health services during the two-day long medical and dental mission at Roxas Gymnasium in Brgy. Bagumbayan last October 20-21, 2011. The Medical and Dental mission dubbed as “Hospital on Wheels” is considered one of the biggest medical and dental missions conducted in the said municipality. It was participated in by four medical and dental Doctors, thirteen medical students, five registered nurses, five volunteer health workers and soldiers from the Philippine Army (PA). Of the total number of patients, 530 were medical cases, and 256 were dental patients. The indigent patients who received free health services were one in expressing their gratitude to the health workers and organizers of the said medical and dental missions. Mayor Dy of Roxas expressed gratitude and fulfillment over the successful conduct of the medical and dental missions. “Health services are one of the priority concerns in my administration. I am very thankful to the concerned citizens of Roxas, doctors and other health workers and the military for the untiring support to the local government of Roxas in the conduct of medical and dental mission,” remarked the Mayor. The medical and dental mission was spearheaded by the local government unit of Roxas led by Mayor Jackson C. Dy, Department of Health- Philippine Center for Specialized Health Care, National Kidney and Transplant Institute from Fort Ave, Diliman Quezon City headed by Marian Bernadette M. Din, M.D., Municipal Health Office led by Dr Leonor M Nuñez, 203rdBde Dental personnel led by Maj. Joselito S. Garcia and the 4th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Wilbur C. Mamawag. Meanwhile, Mamawag said that the delivery of free health services to indigent patients through the collaborative efforts of all sectors of society is part of the Internal Peace and Security Plan of the AFP dubbed as “BAYANIHAN” and the “CONVERGENCE OF EFFORTS” program of the municipality of Roxas. The 4th Infantry Battalion also implemented the 203rd Brigade’s “ABOT-KAMAY” program as part of the AFP’s Campaign Plan “BAYANIHAN” aimed at assisting the indigenous people to improve their socio-economic life through community works and convincing the communist insurgents and their families to join the mainstream of society. (WC Mamawag/G.V. Molina/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Search for 9 crewmen launched

by Efren Montano


THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a search for the nine crewmen of a cargo ship which sank off Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, after encountering difficulties at sea Friday night, People’s Tonight gathered yesterday.

Initial reports revealed that the crew of “M/V Arayat” hurriedly abandoned the ship after the vessel began taking in water.

There was no immediate report of casualties.

PCG units in the area are now combing the vicinity where the ship sank, it was learned.

“M/V Arayat” was carrying a cargo of salt when the incident occurred.

The PCG said that a full investigation will be conducted to determine what caused the vessel’s sinking.

In another development, Coast Guard in a belated report said that 105 passengers and crew of a motor vessel which conked out of the vicinity waters off Bgy. Pula, Aroroy, Masbate, are all safe.

Coast Guard spokesperson LCdr. Algier Ricafrente said the incident was reported to PO2 Labaja, PCG of CGS Masbate, by Rainier Villanueva, OIC for Operations of Montenegro Shipping Lines, at around 12:55 p.m. Tuesday.

MV City of Masbate, skippered by Captain Jonel Ferry, encountered engine trouble at the vicinity 1 nautical mile off Bgy. Pula, Aroroy, it was learned from reports reaching the main headquarters of Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag.

Coast Guard searches for crew of distressed ship off Mindoro Oriental

by ELR, GMA News


The Philippine Coast Guard is now searching for at least nine crewmembers of a cargo vessel that reportedly encountered trouble off Oriental Mindoro Friday night.

A report on radio dzBB early Saturday cited initial reports reaching the Philippine Coast Guard showing the crew of the “MV Arayat" abandoned the vessel after water started entering it.

The report said there was no initial report of casualties as of early Saturday.

It added the Coast Guard learned of the incident at about 6 p.m. Friday, with initial information showing the vessel encountered trouble off Calapan in Oriental Mindoro.

On the other hand, the Coast Guard is still looking into what caused the ship to take in water.

The ship was reportedly carrying a cargo of salt when it encountered trouble.

Solon questions projects cost overruns

by BEN R. ROSARIO


MANILA, Philippines -- A senior administration lawmaker Sunday urged the Aquino administration to go after project engineers blamed for changing original plans for the construction of bridges and other infrastructure projects that cost government hundreds of millions of pesos in additional expenses.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rodolfo G. Valencia said the P112.5-million Abaton-Maidlang II Bridge in Calapan City is one classic example of how failure to follow the design and engineering plans bloated the cost of the project by over 100 percent of the original budget.

Valencia revealed that the Abaton-Maidlang II Bridge collapsed barely five years after it was completed.

Reconstruction or repairs have been rejected because of irreversible faulty engineering works. Instead the Department of Public Works and Highways opted to build a new bridge to guarantee safety of users of the infrastructure.

Valencia lauded Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson for the decision that would cost government at least P163 million.

An investigation conducted on the collapsed bridge showed that the original design plan was prepared by the consultant EH Sison Engineers Co. and CODES Consultant.

A Pile Integrity Test conducted by the Bureau of Research and Standards indicated a “discrepancy on the length of abutment bored piles constructed at 16.50 linear meters.”

The BRS said the length of the abutment bored piles was shorter than the required length of 24 meters in order to reach the hard strata which would have guaranteed the structural firmness and strength of the bridge.

NSO conducts Labor Force and two rider surveys

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 18 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) is currently conducting nationwide the October 2011 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) with the 2011 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF) and the Survey on Children (SOC). According to Efren C. Armonia, provincial statistics officer of NSO-Oriental Mindoro, the three surveys started last October 8 and enumeration will be until the end of this month. “The LFS is conducted quarterly and aims to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the country, as a whole, and in each of the administrative regions,” Armonia said. The LFS also provides a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market. The SOF, on the other hand, aims to provide data on overseas Filipinos, particularly the Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) and their contribution to the economy. It aims to obtain estimates on the number of overseas Filipinos, their socio-economic characteristics and the amount and mode of remittances to their families. Meanwhile, the SOC is designed to collect demographic and socio-economic characteristics of working children 5 to 17 years old. Its objectives include estimation of the proportion of children in employment to the total children 5 to 17 years old, indicators of child labor and hazardous child labor. ‘Like all other surveys, the data that will be provided shall be confidential and shall only be used for statistical purposes and will be published in summary forms. The data will not, in any way, be used for investigation and law enforcement purposes,” Armonia said. In this undertaking, NSO would like to request for the full cooperation and support of the pubic so that accurate and relevant data will be obtained. (NSO-ECA/Louie T. Cueto)

NSO MIMAROPA to set 2011 PSQ regional championships

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 13 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) MIMAROPA Region will conduct the 2011 Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) on November 17 at the Capitol Square, this city. In a meeting called by NSO MIMAROPA Regional Director Flordeliza J. Monteclaro last Monday (Oct. 10), she said that PSQ is open to all Filipino first-time college freshmen who are currently enrolled in the second semester for the school year 2011-2012 in any recognized tertiary academic institution in the country. During the meeting, Monteclaro asked participating member agencies to prepare questions which will be used in the provincial elimination in the MIMAROPA region. PSQ provincial level elimination will be held within the month of October 2011 in different dates. The PSQ is an annual contest designed to test freshman college students’ knowledge of statistics. This competition has been conducted jointly by NSO and Philippine Statistical Association (PSA) since 1992. Among the objectives set of the PSQ are as follows: 1) to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics as required from the secondary education curriculum; 2) to promote, enhance, and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of science, statistics in particular; and 3) to generate public awareness on the importance of statistics in all development-planning activities and win overall support for all government statistical activities. For the successful conduct of this year’s competition, the 2011 PSQ in the regional level is looking for partners who may provide financial assistance and incidental expenses to cover the PSQ activities in the province. Interested individuals who want to be PSQ partners may visit the NSO Regional Office at Camilmil, Calapan City and get in touch with Dir. Monteclaro or call 043-2867491. (Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

VP Binay leads land use preparation program launching

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 11 (PIA) –- Vice-president Jejomar C. Binay led national and local government officials here in the launching of the “Cluster Approach to Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) Preparation and Updating” for Region 4B (MIMAROPA) during the Pabahay Caravan in this city last October 7. The “cluster approach” is a program of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) of which Binay is chairman of the board. Particularly in MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) Region, Binay stated the lack of land use plan as of this time makes hard for the concerned LGUs in the area to fully develop and utilize their natural resources. That is why the national government, through the different housing and related agencies under the Office of the Vice-President continuously implementing the cluster approach program, the vice-president added. Binay explained the cluster approach aims to fast-track the preparation of updating of CLUP and zoning ordinances (ZO) by the different LGUs, including the identification of land for socialized housing, as prescribed in Republic Act 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act. Accordingly, the CLUP provides a rational approach of allocating equitably available resources among competing uses. “We cannot undermine the importance of CLUPs and ZOs in the implementation of the housing program as well as the economic development of local government units. The cluster approach is our way of fast-tracking the provision of technical assistance to LGUs in the formulation or updating of their respective CLUPs and ZOs. We are glad to finally launch the program in the MIMAROPA Region,” Binay said. Under the eight-month program, a cluster of LGUs will undergo four planning modules administered by the HLRUB. The Pabahay (Housing) Caravan was organized by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to build a stronger partnership with LGUs in addressing the country’s housing gap. Meanwhile, Binay congratulated Oriental Mindoro First District Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia for developing Neo-Calapan, a middle class to high-end type of subdivision in this capital city of Oriental Mindoro, noting the said subdivision as a “model development housing program in the whole country.” The vice-president also awarded checks representing the housing loan proceeds and transfer certificates of title (TCT) to Pag-IBIG housing loan borrowers under the Housing Loan Program for End-Users. Four other titles were awarded to beneficiaries of the ‘Nagkakaisang Mamamayang Naninirahan sa Dulong Ilaya’ in this city who have completed payment of their loan obligations under the Community Mortgage Program of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), another agency chaired by Binay. (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

30,000 sacks of rice damaged in Occidental Mindoro

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 10 (PIA) -– The National Food Authority (NFA) reported that some 30,000 sacks of rice were damaged when a vessel carrying it ran aground in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro amid rough seas at the height of Typhoon “Pedring.” The NFA provincial manager in Batangas, Edward Damian, reported over the weekend that the said sacks of rice have been damaged after sea water entered the cargo barge, identified as M/T Martham, which were carrying it in the last week of September. As a result, Damian said the affected rice can no longer be used for human consumption. The rice supply was supposed to be shipped to the NFA office in Coron, Palawan. NFA officials stated the damaged rice cost an estimated P30 million. For their part, the owner of the cargo barge, Martham Shipping Company, said insurance will cover or pay the costs of the damaged rice. Meanwhile, the NFA regional office reported that it has enough rice supply to assist nearby regions if necessary. It also said that rice fields in MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) areas, particularly in Mindoro Island, comprising Oriental and Occidental Mindoro provinces, were not affected by the recent typhoons. (J. R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Regional committee evaluates ‘Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards’

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, October 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Committee of the MIMAROPA region conducted yesterday an evaluation for ‘Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards’ in the province of Oriental Mindoro and the provincial winner during the recent evaluation of the committee is Ms. Cecilia Manahan. Manahan is a retired school teacher and the principal of Catiningan Elementary School. She is now the president of the Association of Senior Citizens in the municipality of Socorro. During an interview with the team composed of personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Manahan related her life story. Manahan said her sold delicacies to have money for school. Now, she was able to send her children to college despite the early death of her husband. Based on the papers presented to the evaluators, Manahan's exemplary performance and leadership are worthy to be emulated by her fellow senior citizen. Her background in terms of education, family and leadership in the community makes her worthy to receive the award. (Louie T. Cueto)

Calderon clings to LBC Ronda lead

by Joey Villar


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines – Nueva Ecija’s Joel Calderon withstood the charge of his pursuers and remained in control even as 7-Eleven’s Irish Valenzuela snatched stage honors from Bicol’s Alvin Benosa in the out-and-back Stage Four of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas here yesterday.

Valenzuela, who blew his bid for a win in Stage Three, pounced on Benosa’s misfortune in the final 800 meters to rule the 86.7km race that passed through the popular tourist destination of Puerto Galera and ended on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city.

The stage was originally set at 93.7kms but race officials decided to extend the neutral zone to seven kms to avoid one sharp turn near the city proper.

Valenzuela, the 24-year-old Tabaco, Albay native, clocked two hours, four minutes, 35.2 seconds to beat Benosa, who suffered a flat tire in the closing stretch, and Pangasinan’s Renato Sambrano, who checked in at second and third in 2:04:36.0 and 2:04:36.7, respectively. He took the stage purse worth P50,000.

Valenzuela, who topped the Tour of Camsur early this year and pocketed P1 million, thus upped his earnings to P75,000 after a runner-up finish to 7-Eleven skipper Lloyd Lucien Reynante in last Wednesday’s Iloilo-Caticlan Stage Three where he led majority of the way only to fade out in the end.

This time, however, Valenzuela hung tough.

“In Stage Three I led most of the way but finished only second,” said the 2008 Manila-Baguio race winner who also finished second overall to 2006 Tour champion Santy Barnachea in his rookie season, in Filipino.

“I tried to stay close to the lead pack and waited for an opportunity to come. When it came, I took advantage it,” he added.

It came in the final 800m when the 31-year-old Benosa, from Iriga, Camarines Sur, suffered a flat rear tire that slowed him down in the mad dash to the finish, enabling Valenzuela to scoot home to victory.

“I was leading all the way before that flat tire,” rued Benosa. “Maybe I’ll try again in the next stages, I hope I get a little bit lucky next time.”

Valenzuela’s effort propelled him to fourth overall from seventh in the individual standings with a total time of 16:26:04, a little over two minutes behind Calderon, who held on to the lead with a four-stage clocking of 16:23:57.

Youthful George Oconer of the Phl Under-23 team gained 16 seconds on Calderon with an aggregate time of 16:24:31 heading into Stage Five of the event sponsored by LBC Express Inc., the leading courier firm, and backed by Rudy Project.


“I was just trying to be with the leader and hoping for an opening but they’re really strong,” said the 19-year-old Oconer, a student at Kalayaan National High School in Caloocan.

Calderon, however, found the route’s super-sharp bends too risky for even the highly skilled cyclists.

“The route has many razor-sharp curves, very critical and dangerous to the cyclists,” said Calderon.

It actually claimed a victim in Southern Tagalog’s Alexie Camerino, who crashed and suffered minor contusions and abrasions on his left shoulder and right thigh while tackling one of the curves. He, however, fought back and finished the race.

American Vinyl’s Rudy Roque remained in third overall with a 16:25:08 while Barnachea, the 2002 and 2006 champion, fell from No. 4 to No. 5 in 16:26:31.

Rounding up the top 10 are former two-time winner Arnel Quirimit of Pangasinan (16:28:12), Benosa (16:28:50), Cris Joven of American Vinyl (16:28:50), Jay Bop Pagnanawon of Cebu (16:29:21) and another two-time titlist Warren Davadilla of the National Capital Region (16:30:27).

American Vinyl stayed atop of the heap in the team race with an aggregate time of 49:19:28.28 followed by 7-Eleven (49:28:28.38) and the Calderon-skippered Nueva Ecija squad (49:34:00).

Stage Five is set today with the riders disputing top honors in the shortest lap, from Batangas to Tagaytay City (59.7 kms), in the 12-leg, 20-day race event which stakes a total prize fund of P7 million with the individual and team champions getting P1 million each.

The lead pack lost its way in the traffic city proper or the final stretch of the race as directional signs earlier installed were removed from the site.

“We got lost in the final stretch, some of us took a wrong turn because we didn’t see any sign or marshall in that part of the route,” said Reynante, currently way behind at 11th overall with 16:30:39 clocking.

Oriental Mindoro LGUs strategize flood relief program

by PIA Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, September 29 (PIA) -- Amidst the battering of typhoon Pedring last Tuesday, the local government units (LGUs) in Oriental Mindoro led by the provincial government conducted yesterday a strategy meeting and agreed to formulate long and short term solutions on the province’s perennial flood problem. During the meeting, they agreed to rehabilitate its stream and riverbanks that cause floods on many areas here, especially in this city and Naujan town, through the joint tree planting undertaking to be implemented this second week of October. Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. emphasized during the meeting he presided at the provincial capitol square here September 27 that while the LGUs in this province are drawing up so many flood mitigation plans, such as the dike proposal as studied by the Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD) and the creation of a big Sabo dam which was proposed by researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP), LGU leaders and the concerned or affected sectors should rush the implementation of short and medium term plans to avoid another negative or disastrous effects by this rainy season. Umali noted the massive floodings that were experienced by Oriental Mindoro in 1998 and successively in 2005-2007 should serve as stern reminders to everyone here and to institute a united effort to avert it nowadays and in the near future. It can be recalled that during the last part of 2005 to 2007, thousands of Mindoreños were severely affected and millions of pesos worth of public and private properties such as rice fields and other properties had been destroyed by floods spawned by continuous heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the former mayor of Naujan town here, Nelson Melgar, reported that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here is prioritizing the study and immediate implementation of flood control project on another big and critical river here, the Mag-Asawang Tubig River. He said that no less than DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson told them in a letter to Umali that the department is tasking its flood control and Sabo engineering to oversee it. (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

BJMP, DepEd sign MOA on the provision of educational materials

by Louie T. Cueto


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, September 15 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) headed by Insp. Denver S. Tirao signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the provision of reading materials for the inmates with the Department of Education (DepEd), Calapan City Division Supt. Araceli R. Salmorin last September 12. In an interview with Tirao at PIA Office yesterday, he said that he (Tirao) and his staff JO1 Carie Mae Q. Aficionado went to DepEd Office at Adriatico Memorial School where said signing of agreement was made. The said agreement between BJMP and DepEd Calapan City Library Hub primarily aims to help inmates reduce recidivism through the delivery of educational materials like books and other reading materials for the inmates’ personal growth and development. Likewise, the books will be used as reading materials in support for DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) and these will be placed at the mini library of BJMP located at the second floor of its building in Osmeña St., Calapan City. (LTC/PIA-4B)

Road trip to Mindoro

By THELMA DUMPIT-MURILLO


ANY public relations practitioner worth his salt necessarily must know his “product” before he can start selling it. And so off we went to Oriental Mindoro as part of a fam tour of Region 4B or MIMAROPA for a look-see and to talk to a couple of SMEs. With my photographer and staff writer in tow, our road trip started at the BOI building in Makati at 6:30 in the morning with the first stop at a gas station on SLEX for breakfast. After a brief repast, we were on our way to Batangas Pier where we would take a Supercat ferry to Calapan City. The roads were good all the way and wished it was like this to all our tourist destinations.

Oriental Mindoro opens its doors to everyone, from the regular travelers and tourists to the businessmen and investors, so says their official website. A visit to Oriental Mindoro accords visitors a peaceful retreat from the complexities of city life. The serene and rejuvenating atmosphere of its white sand beaches and clear blue waters, and the fascinating view of its majestic mountains embellished with lush green forests are wondrous sights to behold. As attested by local and multi-national investors, the island–province is regarded as the new gateway to the south — the Visayas and Mindanao — which paves the way to better business opportunities and exciting tourist destinations. It has now the capacity to be one of our country’s economic centers presently attributed to Subic, Cebu and Davao. Soon, it will be known as a tourism Mecca comparative to Boracay, Palawan and the likes.

You will find a number of hotel resorts to accommodate your travel and tour requirements in the province, as well as links to several lists of ideal tourism sites to complement one’s stay in the island. Through the nautical mile, you can take a ro-ro up to Boracay or Iloilo. Mindoro is the 7th largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It was on November 15, 1950 thru Republic Act 505 that this island was divided into two separate provinces, the province of Oriental Mindoro on the eastern half and Occidental Mindoro on the western part of the province.

Oriental Mindoro measures 4,364.72 square kilometers. It has 14 municipalities and one component city, namely: Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Baco, Calapan City (the provincial capital), Naujan, Victoria, Pola, Socorro, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay,and Bulalacao. Oriental Mindoro is also known as the “Rice Granary” and “Fruit Basket” of Southern Tagalog. It still is the Banana King and Calamansi King of the region. Its total agricultural area is 169, 603.34 hectares. Based on agricultural statistics, 85, 244 hectares are devoted to palay production while 21, 671 hectares to coconut plantation. The province, for the past years, registered an average of 1 to 2 million cavans as surplus in rice production. Oriental Mindoro, with all these potentials, has become a premium destination for tourists and a fine ground for both local and foreign investors.

We were met by DTI Region 4B Director Joel Valera at Calapan City. After freshening up, we then proceeded to our first SME – Merl’s Suman sa Lihiya factory. Merl’s has been in business for ten years now but like any success story, hers was a product of many years of kitchen testing. Today, she supplies not just local distribution outlets like SM supermarkets and Tiendesitas but her product has already gone across the globe. Merl’s is a perfect example of a social enterprise that is profitable at the same time sustainable. Who would have thought that her business will be able to earn as high as 25 thousand pesos a day on holidays and a low of 10,000 pesos on regular days. You can taste Merl’s Suman sa Lihiya at the OTOP National Trade Fair at the SM Megatrade hall from Sept 22-25, 2011.

Oriental Mindoro is touted as the country’s “emerging eco-tourism destination”. It evokes images of a genuine tropical paradise — white sands, crystal clear water, lush green forests covering majestic mountains and splendid waterfalls. Tamaraw, an indigenous specie of the water buffalo, various flora and fauna found on slopes of Mount Halcon and the native Mangyans, all together add to the richness of nature and culture of the province.

In an article, Minina Servano writes: “When the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, they discovered islanders who had their own script and even women who could read and write.

“Eventually the conquerors identified about a dozen different scripts in the archipelago, all originating from India and related to the writing modes of their Southeast Asian neighbors. By the 19th century most Filipinos had replaced their indigenous syllabic writing system or baybayin script with the Roman alphabet of the colonizers. Due to their relative mountain isolation the Hanunuo-Mangyan of Mindoro have managed to retain this indigenous way of writing until the present day, engraving it on bamboo joints or slats with a small knife.

“Out of all the regions in the Philippines and around 110 indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the country, only the Hanunuo and Buhid Mangyan, together with the Palawan and Tagbanwa of Palawan, have retained their original syllabary. The syllabic writing systems of these four IP groups were declared as National Cultural Treasures in 1997, and inscribed in the Memory of the World Registers of UNESCO in 1998.”

Mt. Halcon hike moratorium: Who really benefited?

Jommell Estillore Romero


CALAPAN CITY, Philippines—One rainy morning on the 27th of August this year, a group of outdoor enthusiasts from Calapan City went to Paitan, a barangay in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. They biked their way to the village before embarking on a trek in the hills of Sitio Bugnay.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, they could not wait to see the pristine sceneries this side of Mount Halcon is famous for. It was supposed to be a relaxing journey despite the ruggedness and steepness of the terrain. A brief rest—a pause perhaps.. “taking nothing but pictures, leaving nothing but footprints” while regaining lost energy amid a refreshing beauty of the surroundings. But something caught their attention—felled trees, big and small. A few meters away, a group of indigenous Mangyans could be seen approaching. They were carrying huge sacks of charcoal on their back, crossing a makeshift bridge. The scene looked surreal. A brief chat with the natives revealed that the charcoal were to be sold to lowland markets. One of the hikers asked how much money they make from a sack of charcoal. The Mangyan smiled and answered, “One hundred 10 pesos.” The natives also warned them not to go further, saying they were not allowed to explore the area.

They just ignored the warning. It was a disquieting realization about the threats to Mount Halcon. Amidst global environmental changes, and the many laws, programs, protocols, moratoriums, etc. made to protect the environment, activities like this still occur. In 2005, a five-year ban on climbing Mt. Halcon was imposed. The moratorium was supposedly meant to allow this already ecologically fragile mountain a time to regenerate. But was it able to do so? Or the years that the mountaineers were barred from exploring Mt. Halcon could have been the time that destructive activities went unchecked? Mt. Halcon is a precious wealth of Oriental Mindoro. It is an important natural resource and watershed for the province. It needs special protection.

AFP conducts free medical, dental services for Mangyans

Pia Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, August 31 (PIA) – After the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Calapan created a “Mangyan desk” or a special unit tasked of handling criminal and other cases involving Mindoro’s indigenous people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Army’s 203rd Brigade, gave free medical services to some 239 Mangyans. According to a report by Capt. Simplicio R. Guyong, Jr., civil military operations officer, a total of 239 Mangyan residents of Brgy. Dulangan III,Baco, Oriental Mindoro, had been given free medical and dental services, circumcision, and foods under the AFP’s Food Feeding Program last weekend. The said activity was also supported by Mangyan Kalakbay Mission Director Danilo F. Besoro, and MCKS Caring Heart Foundation Inc, Manila headed by Ma. Donna Bagsic. Provincial Health Dentist Dr. Juanita A. Lalia, local police officers of Baco town, and local officials of Brgy. Dulangan III also took part in the said event. Of the 239 Mangyan beneficiaries, 10 boys had undergone circumcision, 80 people were given free dental services, and 149 have availed of medical treatment. Free medicine and vitamins were also given to the undernourished indigenous children. Last week, the Oriental Mindoro PNP Command, under Police Sr. Supt. Anthony Alcañeses, formally created the Mangyan Desk in their camp to monitor and handle crimes against and involving the said ethnic groups in the province. (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

Oriental Mindoro continues bloodletting activities

Pia Press Release


CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, August 30 (PIA) -- In an effort to augment the supply and stock of bloods needed by sick people especially those suffering from dengue nowadays, Oriental Mindoro, through its Oriental Mindoro Blood Council (OMBC), is continuously conducting mobile blood donation activities in different parts of the province. From January to July 2011, there were already 1,652 people who voluntarily donated their own blood through the said mobile blood donation activities by the OMBC that were conducted in different places through the support and help from the local government units and private organizations and institutions in Oriental Mindoro. In the most recent bloodletting activity conducted this month in Bongabong town in Oriental Mindoro, a total of 106 people voluntarily donated blood, while in Bulalacao municipality, some 57 gave blood donations. Last week, the Municipal Blood Council (MBC) of Victoria town, led by Mayor Alfredo Ortega, Jr., undertook their own bloodletting act in the municipal compound there with the support of men and women from the Philippine Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade, under Col. Carlos F. Quita and 1st Lt. Michael T. Geniston, and members of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI). Some 100 people donated blood there, which aggregated to a total of 14,750 cc. OMBC was ably supported in the bloodletting activities in Bongabong and Bulalacao by local officials there, led by Mayors Hercules Umali and Ernilo C. Villas, respectively. In Bongabong, among those who joined and donated bloods there are reservists from Philippine Air Force (PAF), members of 1 Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines (1 GANAP-Guardians) led by Sgt. Arnold Vargas, and local folks from 36 barangays of the said municipality. They were assisted by personnel from the municipal government, Bongabong Community Hospital, Philippine Medical Association-Oriental Mindoro Medical Society, and staff from the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT)- Bongabong campus. OMBC is headed by Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. as its honorary chairman, Vice-Governor Humerlito A. Dolor as chairman, Provincial Board Member Romeo G. Infantado as vice-chairman and Dr. Jojo Leviste, a pathologist of Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH). (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B)

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