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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.

Chinese fishing boats leave; PH fails to seize catch

by ABS-CBNnews.com


MANILA, Philippines - All Chinese fishing boats have left the disputed Scarborough Shoal near Zambales province with the Philippines failing to "confiscate" fish harvested "illegally," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.

In a statement following talks on Friday night between Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing, the DFA said "all Chinese fishing vessels had left the lagoon," without the Philippines getting "their illegal harvest."

Philippine officials earlier said that giant clams, coral and live sharks were illegally harvested from waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal, which both countries are claiming.

Del Rosario described the development as "regrettable."

He said the number of "white Chinese civilian ships," which had intervened to prevent the Philippines from arresting Chinese fishermen it had caught illegally fishing, "had been reduced to one." Two Chinese civilian ships had initially blocked the Philippines from making the arrests.

"I had stated that we would be willing to allow the Chinese boats to return to China following the confiscation of their harvest of endangered species by our authorities. There was no clear agreement as Ambassador Ma had asserted that Chinese fishing vessels would be subject to inspection by their own authorities," he said.

"We had later learned that the Chinese fishing vessels had left the lagoon, a development which we had been working towards except for our not being able to confiscate their illegal harvest pursuant to the Fisheries Code, which was regrettable."

He said Friday night's talks had ended in a "stalemate as we had demanded of one another that the other nation’s ship be first to leave the area."

Del Rosario said he and the Chinese ambassador "had been trying to reach an understanding on the Chinese fishing vessels along the path of our providing a gesture of goodwill in the spirit of the Years of Friendly Exchanges launched in Beijing last April 11 and previously in Manila on March 20."

He said the Philippines will "continue to monitor the situation in coordination with concerned agencies."

Problems began last Sunday when Manila dispatched its largest warship, a U.S. Hamilton-class cutter, to Scarborough Shoal, a group of rocky outcrops off the main Philippine island of Luzon, after it spotted eight Chinese fishing boats anchored in the area.

The shoal, which is crossed by major shipping lanes, is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves as well as fish stocks and other commercially-attractive marine life.

Beijing is asserting its sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan continue to claim that portions belong to them.

Appeal for calm

The overseas edition of Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily called for calm, accusing unnamed Western countries and media of exaggerating the seriousness of the situation to sow discord between China and its neighbors.

"China does not want to see the stand-off which has developed between Chinese and Philippine ships over Huangyan Island," it wrote in a front page commentary.

In March last year, Chinese navy ships threatened to ram a Philippine survey vessel in another disputed area, the Reed Bank. In response, the Philippines scrambled aircraft and ships.

Ill-equipped to patrol waters across the archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has sought closer cooperation with its chief ally, the United States, which has refocused its military attention on Asia.

Manila has offered Washington greater access to airfields and its military facilities in exchange for more equipment and frequent training to enhance its military capability.

Philippine and U.S. forces are due to hold a military exercise near the Reed Bank this month. - With Reuters






Coast Guard moves in

by Jaime Laude


MANILA, Philippines - A Coast Guard vessel steamed into Scarborough Shoal off Zambales yesterday to relieve a naval warship, which pulled out of the area after facing off with two Chinese vessels that had prevented the arrest of Chinese poachers.

A third Chinese vessel arrived yesterday in Scarborough, which the Philippines calls Panatag Shoal, 120 nautical miles off Zambales. The Philippine military said the third vessel is from the Chinese ministry of agriculture.

Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, chief of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) whose jurisdiction covers Scarborough, clarified that Coast Guard ship BRP Pampanga merely “relieved” the Navy warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which had been in a standoff with the Chinese “surveillance” ships since Tuesday.

“Our Coast Guard is supposed to enforce maritime law,” Alcantara explained.

He said the Navy ship was ordered to sail to Poro Point in La Union.

“We are seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the area,” Alcantara said.

The withdrawal of the Gregorio del Pilar came only hours after Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama declared that the flagship would remain in the area. Later, Pama said the flagship had to be withdrawn so it could load more supplies and provisions.

“It’s definitely not a retreat. There’s another ship from the Philippine Coast Guard to continue to enforce what we have started,” Pama said referring to the Pampanga.

“Their fuel is already on a critical level and their food supply is only good until tomorrow,” Pama explained.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the warship’s pullout was “due to operational reasons.”

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said the mission of the 56-meter Pampanga “is to show our presence and flag in the area.” Also on board the vessel were three representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Panatag Shoal, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is an integral part of the Philippines since it falls within the 200 nautical miles of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“The PCG is looking for a diplomatic way to settle this issue,” Ricafrente said, stressing that PCG’s function is civilian in nature.

The Pampanga, skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vincent Fiesta, is expected to remain at the shoal for five days.

Philippine and Chinese diplomats scrambled yesterday to find a possible compromise to end the standoff and save face for both sides and ease tensions. Philippine officials proposed an arrangement to break the impasse, but details have yet to be released as of press time.

Officials said the proposal was a pragmatic way to solve the standoff. The Chinese fishermen were not expected to be able to stay at the uninhabited shoal for a long time because they may run out of food and other provisions.

“We have an issue here that we’re trying to address in a civilized and friendly way. I’m hopeful that our long-standing friendship will make us arrive at a diplomatic solution faster,” Del Rosario said.

He also said Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing did not inform him of the arrival of the third Chinese vessel in the shoal.

“We’re moving forward but it’s (negotiation) still a work in progress. We’re trying to see if we can arrive at a consensus in terms of some of these issues that remain outstanding,” he said.

The Chinese embassy said the fishing boats had taken shelter from a storm in the lagoon and accused Philippine troops of harassment.

“Two Chinese marine surveillance ships are in this area fulfilling the duties of safeguarding Chinese maritime rights and interests,” it said in a statement. It said the shoal “is an integral part of the Chinese territory and the waters around it the traditional fishing area for Chinese fishermen.”

In the Communist Party’s mouthpiece the People’s Daily, Major General Luo Yuan said it’s the Philippines “last chance” to resolve its territorial disputes with China.

“The biggest miscalculation of the Philippines is that it has misestimated the strength and willpower of China to defend its territorial integrity,” Luo said in a commentary also published in the Global Times newspaper.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative US think tank, said on the other hand that it is “vital for the US to continue supporting the Philippines as a strong Philippine position in the South China Sea is the best way to ensure peace and prevent Chinese adventurism.”

“After all, the cutter we provided them last year is in the thick of this standoff—without it, the Philippines would never have known of illegal Chinese fishing. Bolstering the Philippines’ flagging ability to defend its territorial sovereignty, at least to a position of self-sustainability, is essential,” Robert Warshaw of the Heritage Foundation said. “If shots are fired, the US is treaty-obligated to begin formal consultations with the Philippines on how best to support it.”


Environmental issue

Malacañang said the Chinese incursion is also an environmental issue and not just territorial.

“That’s the reason why it’s more than a discussion of territory, it’s also a discussion of our environmental concern,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a chance interview.

“That (exploitation of the seas) is our concern as well. Part of what they (Chinese fishermen) collected were big clams and corals. And these corals as you know, we value our environment,” he stressed. “That’s one matter which we are also concerned with, the corals being part of (our territory). We are one of the countries with the richest flora and fauna, and it’s a concern for us also that the corals were taken and collected,” Lacierda added.

He also said the Navy observed the rules of engagement when its personnel informed the foreign vessels of the intrusion. He also said the deployment of the BRP Pampanga was not a provocation because the vessel performs only civilian functions.

“There are rules of engagement in boarding a vessel and those rules of engagement I believe were observed by our Navy. That’s the reason why there is no truth that they were harassed, rules of engagement were followed by our Navy personnel,” he said.

“As far as the Philippines is concerned, we observed the rules of engagement, that’s the reason why we are very confident there was no harassment on the part of the Chinese fishermen,” Lacierda maintained.

But as the Chinese poachers remain free, 20 Vietnamese fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing yesterday in Balabac, Palawan after a long night chase by a Philippine Navy gunboat.

Maj. Niel Estrella, spokesman and intelligence chief of the Western Command (Wescom) said that the Vietnamese vessel was found to be carrying 20 live sea turtles.

“The apprehended 20 Vietnamese fishermen along with their fishing vessel are now being escorted by a Naval gunboat PG-383 to Puerto Princesa City for the filing of appropriate charges,” he said.

UN help sought

For administration lawmakers, it might take an intervention from the UN to end the standoff.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said the government must exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the standoff “without giving up our legal claim over Scarborough Shoal.”

“If necessary, the UN should step in because what is being violated by the Chinese fishermen is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Evardone said.

“The UN should assert that its international laws should be observed and respected by its member-nations,” he said.

Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna said running to the UN and invoking the UNCLOS “is an available remedy that we have under international law.”

“We can still continue with the amicable diplomatic negotiations with China. That way, we will not heighten the belligerency between our country and China on this issue,” Tugna said. “But our government must have a deadline on how long it will resort to bilateral/multi-lateral negotiations with China and other countries that are also interested in this territory.”

He said that if the impasse drags on, the Philippines “can file a case in the UN against China for violation of international laws.”

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said the government may also invoke the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“From all indications, the Chinese are hell-bent in intruding on our territory to get to our resources especially natural gas, fisheries and others, we must ensure that we will continue to defend what is ours,” Colmenares said.

“We must also be wary of US entry into the picture as it will only worsen the situation and even escalate it. Furthermore it would just put us in a situation of one invader substituting for another,” he said.

The Kabataan party-list group blamed the previous administration for the situation in Scarborough Shoal.

Terry Ridon, spokesman for the party-list group, said the Arroyo administration declared Scarborough Shoal as a “regime of islands” under the UNCLOS, rather than part of the country’s territorial waters

“By declaring the Scarborough Shoal as a mere regime of islands, the country had effectively lost full sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Group of Islands, thus subjecting our claim over these islands to mere diplomatic resolution,” Ridon said.

“We are thus constrained to merely explore and exploit the resources found therein, instead of being able to exercise full political, economic and military sovereignty over these waters,” he said.

He said the Arroyo administration fully knew that it had passed the Baselines Law from a “position of weakness and fear of China, instead of valiantly staking our historical claim over these islands.”

ASEAN card

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, for his part, said the Philippines can count on its allies, particularly from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in dealing with China on the Scarborough issue.

Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said that China was apparently posturing to assert its claim on what clearly does not belong to it.

“There’ll be a lot of posturing and this is one of those, ordering the Philippine authorities to leave the contested islands,” Lacson said. “We can’t go up against them but we always have the ASEAN. We will always lean on the stronger countries.

“What is happening in the West Philippine Sea is not just an interest of the Republic of the Philippines, it is an international issue,” Lacson said. “We can just hope that this does not escalate into something more serious that would have dire consequences.”

Lacson maintained that the issue stemmed merely from an enforcement of local laws. He said the Chinese fishermen were found poaching in Philippine territorial waters and thus should be held accountable, he said.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan said the Philippines did the right thing when it filed a diplomatic protest against China. He also stressed that diplomacy is still the best approach to the impasse.

“I agree with actions taken by DFA’s (Secretary) Del Rosario. We mount a diplomatic protest, communicate the incident to the government of China, and hope there will be a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to this,” Honasan said.

He also called on officials to talk with the country’s allies such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN and let them know “that there is that situation in Scarborough Shoal... how they intend to help us, this is not only a regional issue but a global issue.”

“Let’s ask them if there is substance to all these agreements, security economic that we have signed with them, otherwise, what’s the use,” he added.

In Butuan City, a new group called Filipinos for Real Change (FRC) said militant groups like Bayan and Gabriela should explain their silence on the issue.

“Militant groups are always in the forefront in every protest rally in front of the US embassy in Manila protesting against what they claimed US imperialism, What about China’s continuing bullying against us when it is very clear Scarborough Shoal is within Philippine territory? Where is their nationalist spirit? Why the continued silence over this direct intervention of China to our sovereignty?” FRC said in its statement. With Pia Lee-Brago, Christina Mendez, Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan, Ben Serrano, AP

P60 million irrigation project to benefit the Aetas in Zambales

by pnoynews.com


With a new irrigation system, members of the Aeta community in Barangay Villar in Botolan, Zambales now have more reason to return to their ancestral land after being displaced for years after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. The irrigation system—featuring a novel ram pump and water reservoir—is part of several agricultural projects involving equipment and input totaling P60 million that the Department of Agriculture has initiated for the benefit of the Aetas or indigenous peoples (IPs), farmers, rural folk, and local government units in Zambales. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala announced this during his visit to Zambales on March 23 and 24, 2012. The ram pump will irrigate some 200 hectares, benefiting more than 890 Aeta families, who plant mostly root crops such as taro (Luko variety) and sweet potato; and vegetables like squash, tomato and eggplant; and fruits such as banana. Secretary Alcala will also provide the Aeta community with two carabaos, complete with farm implements. The DA chief said the bulk of the P60-million allotment will be used to construct and repair eight communal or pump irrigation projects (CIPs/PIPs, respectively), which include the Naglabusan PIP in San Marcelino; East Danita CIP in San Antonio; Lipay-Cabatuan and Marangla PIPs in Iba; Libertador PIP in Candelaria; Grullo and Paete-Balincaguing CIPs, in San Narciso; and Salaza-San Lorenzo CIP, serving Masinloc and Palauig. Secretary Alcala also attended three separate forums with farmers, fisherfolk, and local government officials in the towns of Botolan and San Felipe, where he distributed various farm and fishing implements and inputs to farmers’ and fisherfolk’s groups. He said the DA will also establish a community seed bank where farmers can source their seed requirements if their crops would be damaged by typhoons. In addition, the DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), will put up a crab hatchery. He instructed BFAR Region 3 Director Remedios Ongtangco to finish the hatchery before the end of April. During a series of dialogues with the IPs, farmers and local government officials, led by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., Secretary Alcala said “we would like to sit down with you to fine tune a master development roadmap for Zambales that will complement the DA’s road map for the entire country. This way, our joint programs will be effectively implemented and reach the right beneficiaries.”





Red Tide remains up in Bataan and Zambales –BFAR

by (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)


CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 11 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has identified that the provinces of Bataan and Zambales are positive to paralytic shellfish poison or most commonly known as Red Tide.

Affected municipalities in Bataan are the coastal waters in Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay, and Samal, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales.

According to BFAR, “all types of shellfish and Acetes ap or alamang from the areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last April 3.”

“Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” BFAR added.

Also affected provinces are Dumanquilias Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, and Misamis Occidental.






Olongapo journalists denounced harrasment by local police head, calls for suspension

by subictimes


OLONGAPO City: The National Union of Journalist of the Philippines Olongapo City-Subic Bay Chapter denounced the recent harassment of one of their members by the head of the Olongapo City Police Office.

In a statement signed by its members headed by Ansbert Joaquin of Interaksyon.com they said that one of their members identified as Randy Datu, a correspondent of Pilipino Star Ngayon (PSN) was harassed by Olongapo City Police Director Sr. Supt. Christopher Tambungan while covering a hostage taking incident in Arthur St. in Olongapo last week.

Based on Datu’s account of the incident, he arrived in the area as other media practitioners were already covering the hostage taking. After which, a policeman asked for media personnel to initiate communications with the hostage taker, upon the latter’s request.

Obliging the policeman who requested for assistance, Datu and other journalist entered the compound where the hostage taking was going on.

Tambungan deliberately singled out Datu among all the reporters who responded to the police’s request for assistance and accosted him by saying. “Hoy, ikaw! Anong pangalan mo?,” the statement added.

Datu said he was surprised by Tambungan’s question as they are no stranger to each other. Nevertheless, he introduced himself again politely. But then, Tambungan angrily demanded, “Anong papel mo rito?” When Datu responded that he was there to cover the hostage taking, Tambungan dismissed him and said, “Hindi ka kailangan dito. Lumabas ka dito!”

Tambungan raised his fist as if to punch Datu in the face, but grabbed his shoulder instead and pushed him towards the exit of the premises in full view of other journalists in the area.

Not contented with this, the statement of Datu said Tambungan pushed and shoved him all the way out of the compound. When nearing the exit, Tambungan then struck Datu with a blow to the back, which almost caused the latter to lose his balance and hit the pavement.

The group of journalist representing both local and national dailies called on PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome to investigate the incident and suspend Tambungan to insure fair investigation.

The statement added that “In light of Tambungan’s abuse of authority and lack of respect for press freedoms, NUJP-Subic asks PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome to immediately mete out sanctions against Colonel Tambungan for his misconduct.”

“At the very least, Tambungan should be suspended from discharging his duties as Olongapo City’s PNP Director immediately, to guarantee a fair and impartial investigation of his actions by the PNP hierarchy, while charges are being prepared against him by Datu and various media organizations.

“His suspension will go a long way to salve the wounds inflicted by Tambungan’s violent behavior, irresponsible actions and blatant violation of press freedoms,” the group said.

“Tambungan’s abusive behavior cannot go unpunished, or else it will set a negative example for all prospective violators in the PNP to follow,” they added.

Other media organization in Pampanga and Manila has also called on for an investigation of the harassment made by Tambungan against Datu.

Zambales gets more health equipment

by Anthony Bayarong


ZAMBALES, Philippines – The provincial government of Zambales further beefed up its medical and health programs with the donations of three brand new ambulances and three new incubators recently.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the new medical equipments will boost the provincial government’s health and medical services to the barangay.

This as the province is finalizing the mobile clinic program in order to reach out to as many residents as they can, he said.

“A bus to be outfitted as a mobile clinic and equipped with a portable X-ray machine and maybe an ultrasound machine, is our next project in our agenda to establish better health and medical services in our province,” he added.

The new ambulance, donated by RP Energy during its medical caravan project last week, has brought the total number of medical emergency vehicles here to seven.

The governor was able to source out donations of four brand-new ambulances in November last year, while two other brand-new units were donated by friends in January.

“After introducing these necessary improvements to our health care system, we should now proceed to the next logical step of carrying out a mobile clinic program to pursue our goal of providing efficient and effective health services to every Zambaleño,” Ebdane added.

On top of its donation, RP Energy, which is the proponent of the 600MW coal power plant in Subic Bay Freeport, also gave 50 wheelchairs and 80 nebulizers.

The health caravan, according to RP Energy representative Grant Smith, was initiated as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility program.

“We are launching this program in line with the provincial government’s thrust to establish a broader and more effective health service system in the province,” Smith said. 

“We hope that as we take a more holistic approach to conducting our business operations, we can make use of empowering technologies, our leadership, and our access to resources, to create innovative solutions to address bigger challenges,” he added.

SBMA leads relief operations for 235 displaced families

by (PNA)

DCT/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, April 8 (PNA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has spearheaded the distribution of relief goods to some 235 families who were recently displaced in Cawag, Subic when the land they were occupying was claimed by a private corporation.

With the SBMA Public Relations Department in the forefront, the relief operation provided foodstuffs for the former settlers of Sitio Agusuhin, who have now temporarily camped out along the road going to the Hanjin shipbuilding facility.

The relief goods include rice, sugar, coffee, milk, canned goods, and instant noodles.

Representatives from Hanjin also joined the relief operation and handed out some construction materials to help the displaced residents in building their shelter.

Armie Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department, said the families used to be residents of Sitio Agusuhin before they were relocated to give way for the construction of the Hanjin shipyard.

Korean shipbuilder Hanjin is now the biggest business locator in the Subic Bay Freeport and the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world. It started full operations here in 2007.

Llamas added that in 2006, the original Agusuhin settlers were brought to a 14-hectare lot in the nearby village of Cawag, where Hanjin initially spent P2.7 million for the construction of a public school, church and other public facilities for the relocated families.

Two weeks ago, these residents were again displaced from their homes when Pamana Inc. claimed the land, which is apparently being eyed to develop into a resort.

The residents lamented that after they have been relocated to make way for Hanjin, their supposed relocation site now turned out to be owned by another entity.

At present, the displaced families have built makeshift houses by the roadside at Barangay Balaybay, a village in Castillejos, Zambales.

Reports indicated that the municipal government of Subic have already identified another site for the relocation of the 235 displaced families, and that ground works have already started in preparation for their transfer.

Aquino allies should take lead in tackling power crisis—lawmakers

by Gil Cabacungan

Philippine Daily Inquirer


A lawmaker has urged the House committee on energy to hold public hearings during the congressional break to tackle the power crisis in Mindanao and the looming one in Luzon. Bayan Muna party-list Representative Teodoro Casiño said Batanes Representative Henedina Abad, energy committee chair and a member of the administration Liberal Party, should take the initiative and hold public hearings before Congress resumes sessions on May 7. Zambales Representative Milagros Magsaysay said the President’s congressional allies should take the lead in crafting solutions to the country’s energy problems. “I find it very offensive that deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte would ask the public to choose between a high price for electricity or no electricity at all. That is the reply of a lazy person,” Magsaysay said. The lawmaker noted that in the previous Congress, the allies of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took the initiative to pass the Renewable Energy Act to encourage private corporations to invest in alternative fuel sources. “We knew then the timeline for the shortage in the power supply and we prepared for it. It’s up to this administration to pursue these plans now that the power shortage is a reality,” she said. Casiño said the hearing should come up not only with near-term solutions to the power problem but long-term solutions like establishing cheap and clean energy supplies such as from solar power. Casiño has filed a bill pushing for solar-powered homes. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed a similar bill in the Senate. Casiño said he was hopeful President Aquino’s allies would prioritize the bills. For her part, Abad said she was amenable to holding hearings during the break. “If there is a real need for it and we can muster a quorum, why not? In the meantime, there is a scheduled meeting of the joint congressional power committee on April 19 with the Mindanao power crisis as the principal agenda,” she said. There is the proposed Mindanao Summit on April 13 in Davao, so there are a number of venues for those proposing solutions to present their proposals,” she added. On Sunday, Magsaysay criticized the Aquino administration for “flip-flopping” on the power and oil crisis, noting that the President had no quick solution to the electricity shortage in Mindanao and other parts of the country. At a press conference in Legazpi City, Magsaysay, a member of the House minority, said she could not see any solutions to the crisis from the economic managers of Mr. Aquino. With a report from Mar S. Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon

NLEX, SCTEX sets special lane for Subic-bound motorists

by (CLJD/AMV-PIA3)


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, April 3 (PIA) -- To ease the traffic going to the Subic Bay Freeport this Holy Week, a special lane for motorists bound to the free port will be provided this Holy Week.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) shall open the lane on Holy Wednesday, April 4, up to Holy Thursday, April 5.

The dedicated Subic lane will begin at the Balintawak toll plaza and the Mindanao Avenue link of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza in Dau, Tipo Exit and the Tipo Expressway toll plaza.

Under this scheme, motorists would only make a one-time payment of P408 at the Balintawak toll plaza, which would cover the toll fees for the rest of the trip. They will be given stubs which will be collected at each successive tollway exit.

However, the dedicated Subic lane will only be good for a one-way trip to the Subic Bay Freeport. Normal toll rates will apply for trips going back to Manila.

According to Raul Marcelo, deputy administrator for business and tourism of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), this scheme initiated by the MNTC will save motorists’ time in travelling.

“When you pay P408 at the dedicated Subic lane in Balintawak, you get your stubs, and when you exit at Dau, you simply hand back the stub. So there’s no need for you to pay, there’s no need for you to wait for change, and there’s no need for you to get your receipt. You just hand over the stub. This would save you a lot of time,” Marcelo elaborated.

Marcelo also said that the unified toll fee will help ease traffic congestion at Subic, which has long been recognized as a tourist destination.

“The MNTC is now focused on the problem regarding motor vehicle traffic to Subic, meaning they know that Subic is a major destination especially during holidays and long weekends. The dedicated lane in Balintawak is ample proof that Subic, as a summer getaway, is really a certified hit,” he added.

Marcelo also said that although the unified toll fee plan for Subic is a new development, he is hoping that this would be made a permanent arrangement.

“I’ll definitely be pushing for this, especially when we have major events in Subic,” he stressed.

He pointed out that last year, close to 30,000 motor vehicles came to Subic via the SCTEX, bringing in some 120,000 tourists during the Holy Week.

Anti-illegal logging team set to inspect Pangasinan and Zambales forests

by (JCR/VHS-PIA1 Pangasinan)


DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan, April 2 (PIA) -- The National Anti-Illegal Task Force is set to inspect the extent of illegal logging activities in the forest areas of Mangatarem, Pangasinan and some parts of Zambales province, on April 3.

The task force, led by Ret. MGen. Renato Miranda and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office will join the task force to personally view the national concern on illegal logging.

Two weeks ago, the DENR and residents of Mangatarem discovered fallen trees and an unpaved road that traverses the mountain boundary of Pangasinan and Zambales.

Provincial Environment Chief Leduina Co quoted reports as saying a resident of Mangatarem funded the construction of the road’s 19-kilometer section in Pangasinan and allegedly built deep into the forest for easier hauling of logs.

DENR Regional Executive Director Samuel Peñafiel said a press conference where the task force will issue a statement on the matter, will also take place on the same day at 2 p.m. at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in Bugallon town.

Subic Bay hosts 2012 Commodore’s Cup Regatta on April 10-14

by (PNA)

LDV/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, April 1 (PNA) -- Thirty international yachts will set sail in Subic Bay on April 10-14 to vie for glory in the Fifth Commodore’s Cup Regatta 2012, one of the most prestigious sailing events in the Philippines.

The event, which is under the auspices of the Philippine Sailing Commission, will involve international yachting teams from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and host country Philippines.

The Commodore’s Cup this year was officially commissioned recently with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for sponsorship between the organizer Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC), represented by general manager Jose Maria Vargas, and sponsors PLDT, represented by vice president Renato Castañeda; Subictel and Clarktel, represented by president Dennis Magbatoc; Lighthouse Marina, represented by president Jesus Avecilla, who is also chairman of the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing Club; Watercraft Ventures, represented by president Federico Sandoval II; and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), represented by deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo.

Prior to the Commodore’s Cup Regatta, the prestigious Rolex China Sea Race 2012, which is Asia’s top blue-water racing offshore sailing event, will finish at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on April 8. The race is a 565-nautical mile race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay.

Sandoval said the two events will showcase the Philippines with its clear waters and fine sand beaches, as among the world’s top sailing destinations.

Meanwhile, Marcelo said the regatta will not just be about sailing, as organizers have also lined up more on-shore activities in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“Of course, we will start with the required registration, and skippers’ briefing. But after that, participants and crew will be treated to a welcome party,” he said.

After the race on April 11, evening socials will be held at the SBYC, while the daily race awards and socials nights will take place at the Lighthouse Marina Resort here.

The perpetual trophy will be awarded to the over-all winners and to the champion in each racing class, including the IRC Racing Class, IRC Cruise/Racing Class, IRC Premier Cruising Class, and Cruising Class.

DA Allots P60M For Zambales

by mb.com.ph


SAN FELIPE, Zambales — Around R60 million was allotted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the enhancement of Zambales’ agricultural equipment as well as the construction of agricultural facilities in the province.

Both Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Congressman Jun Omar Ebdane welcomed the approval made by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as most of these equipment and facilities will be deployed throughout the towns of Zambales.

Alcala, who met with farmers and fishermen in separate forums here and in Botolan town on March 22-23, approved projects like the Salaza-San Lorenzo Communal Irrigation Project (CIP), which will irrigate 136 hectares of farmlands in the adjacent towns of Masinloc and Palauig, and the Paete-Balincaguing CIP which will irrigate 100 hectares in San Narciso.

Gov. Ebdane said that Alcala’s commitment to improve the lot of local farmers "dovetails with our efforts to introduce modern farming techniques, provide more farm inputs for sustainable yield, and attract more residents to farming and fishing industries."

Alcala’s visit to Zambales is part of his tour of different agriculture-based provinces in the country to personally see to the needs and requirements of farmers and study how the industry could get a much-needed boost.

DA gives nod to P60-M Zambales water projects

by Anthony Bayarong


SAN FELIPE, Zambales: The provincial government of Zambales announced that some P60 million worth of agricultural projects had been approved by the Department of Agriculture (DA).


Zambales governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. broke the announcement to fishermen in a forum here in in Botolan town, he added that the projects approved were the Salaza-San Lorenzo Communal Irrigation Project (CIP), which will irrigate 136 hectares of farmlands in the adjacent towns of Masinloc and Palauig, and the Paete-Balincaguing CIP which will irrigate 100 hectares in San Narciso. 2nd district representative Omar Ebdane said that the projects were approved by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

The younger Ebdane said that Alcala’s commitment to improve the lot of local farmers “dovetails with our efforts to introduce modern farming techniques, provide more farm inputs for sustainable yield, and attract more residents to farming and fishing industries.”

Alcala’s visit to Zambales is part of his tour of different agriculture-based provinces in the country to personally see to the needs and requirements of farmers and study how the industry could get a much-needed boost.

The secretary also sat down with Ebdane and other local officials and set a timetable for a larger agriculture forum in the province that would “integrate and fine-tune the master development roadmap” that his department has drafted.

Gov. Ebdane encouraged local farmers and fishermen to present their detailed proposals to Sec. Alcala, but reminded them to prioritize projects that are really important and those that can be immediately granted by Department of Agriculture.

“We can pitch in for the rest of your needs, as agriculture is a priority program of the provincial government, and we can also source funds from the office of Congressman Ebdane,” the governor added.

He also noted that the increase in the national agriculture budget from P21 billion last year to P61 billion this year “indicates the Aquino administration’s commitment to develop the countryside and uplift marginalized sectors in the society.”

Rep. Ebdane, meanwhile, urged farmers to take advantage of existing government programs that are geared towards modernizing farming and increasing farmers’ skills and use of technology, including organic farming.

P60-M agriculture projects in Zambales approved

by Anthony Bayarong


SAN FELIPE, Zambales -- The Provincial Government of Zambales announced that some P60-million worth of agricultural projects had been approved by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This was announced by Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to fishermen in a forum held in Botoal town.

He said the projects include the Salaza-San Lorenzo Communal Irrigation Project (CIP), which will irrigate 136 hectares of farmlands in the adjacent towns of Masinloc and Palauig, and the Paete-Balincaguing CIP, which will irrigate 100 hectares of farmlands in San Narciso.

Representative Omar Ebdane (2nd district, Zambales) said the projects were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala’s commitment to improve the lots of local farmers.

He said this “dovetails with our efforts to introduce modern farming techniques, provide more farm inputs for sustainable yield, and attract more residents to farming and fishing industries.”

Alcala visited Zambales recently to personally see the needs of farmers and study how industry could get a much-needed boost.

The secretary also sat down with Ebdane and other local officials to set a timetable for a larger agriculture forum in the province that would “integrate and fine-tune the master development roadmap” that his department has drafted.

Governor Ebdane encouraged local farmers and fishermen to present their detailed proposals to Alcala but reminded them to prioritize projects that are really important and those that can be immediately granted by the DA.

“We can pitch in for the rest of your needs, as agriculture is a priority program of the Provincial Government, and we can also source funds from the office of Congressman Ebdane,” the governor added.

He also noted that the increase in the national agriculture budget from P21 billion last year to P61 billion this year “indicates the Aquino administration’s commitment to develop the countryside and uplift marginalized sectors in the society.”

Representative Ebdane, meanwhile, urged farmers to take advantage of existing government programs that are geared towards modernizing farming and increasing farmers’ skills and use of technology, including organic farming.






P72-M infra projects to boost agrarian reform communities in Zambales

by WEDNESDAY, 28 MARCH 2012 16:53 PTV.PH


SAN MARCELINO, Zambales – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned-over some P72-million infrastructure projects to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Barangay La Paz here. The project, which composed of P40 million worth of farm-to-market road and P32 million communal irrigation projects, is seen to boost the farm productivity of agrarian reform beneficiaries here. DAR assistant regional director Felipe Simon said the 3.7-kilometer Palopyas-Nagkabitianan-Batuag farm-to-market road would give benefits to palay farmers in the 428-hectare agricultural area in barangays Linusungan, San Isidro and La Paz as it would help reduce to half the hauling and transportation cost. Aside from farmers, Simon said some 3,545 households would also get benefits from the farm-to-market road because it does not just provide a direct access to the market but also to other institutions, like schools and hospitals. He said the farmers used to hire tricycle for P100 to transport their farm goods to market. But tricycles were not always available so that they had to carry their farm goods on their shoulders and walk for 20 minutes just to reach the highway. "Hence, many farmers were forced to sell their farm goods at a lower cost to visiting traders or affluent neighbors because it had been burdensome, both financially and physically. Today, they can hire tricycle fare at P30 and sell their produce at a fair price,” he added. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Arthur Florida said the communal irrigation project would irrigate 189 hectares in barangays San Isidro, Linusungan, La Paz, Linasin and Burgos. Florida said 67 shallow wells tube and 61 pumps and engines are strategically located to service the covered areas. She said a shallow groundwater is the source of water, which will be extracted using centrifugal pumps with diesel engine. San Marcelino Zambales Irrigators Association president Ramil Paje said the irrigation facility would enable them to have multiple cropping seasons, unlike before when they worked on their farm only during rainy season. “From now on, there will be no more idle farms in our community,” he said, adding that his group is very thankful to the DAR and the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) for these infrastructures. Ma. Celerina Afable, national project manager of Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP), has advised farmer-beneficiaries to take care of those infrastructures. This, as she promised them that more projects would come their way if those infrastructures would be found to be economically beneficial to them. “We are considering more projects for you, like post-harvest facility that is now on detailed design preparation,” she said. ARISP is a foreign-assisted project that is jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the DAR. (PNA)







Shellfish Ban Still In Effect

by FRANCO G. REGALA and FREDDIE LAZARO


MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 3 Tuesday renewed its warning to the public to avoid gathering and eating shellfish from the Bataan coastal waters and Masinloc Bay in Zambales due to red tide toxin.

BFAR Central Luzon Information Officer Lanie Lamyong disclosed that the coastal areas contaminated by red tide toxin in Bataan are the municipalities of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani and the city of Balanga.

Lamyong said, “based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued last March 14, 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.”

She reiterated that fish, 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.

Senator Loren Legarda asked local government units to conduct massive clean–up on rivers, lakes, seas, and other waterways due to red tide.

Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that while its definite cause is still unknown, marine scientists have included massive discharges of human and industrial wastes into the country’s waterways and sudden changes in seawater temperature, as possible factors for red tide outbreaks in the country.

“Since 1983, there have been 103 occurrences of red tide in the country affecting 35 coastal communities. Until our marine scientists have pointed out the exact cause of the explosive growth in harmful algae, it is important that we undertake measures minimizing likely contributory factors such as untreated human and industrial wastes dumped directly into the sea.

2 provinces join hands vs logging

by Yolanda Sotelo


DAGUPAN CITY—Environment officials in Pangasinan and Zambales have joined hands with the military and police to stop logging in the provinces, following the discovery of logging operations that destroyed at least 50 hectares of an old-growth forest in Mangatarem town. Last week, Pangasinan environment officials expressed alarm over the destruction of a section of the province’s largest remaining forest in Mangatarem after a road was built there. The unpaved road zigzags through heavy timber areas and connects Zambales and Pangasinan. Samuel Peñafiel, Ilocos director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the best way to stop illegal logging was to block the forest’s entry and exit points and stop loggers from transporting illegally cut logs. “We should also look at the possibility of destroying portions of the road,” he said. Peñafiel said logs coming from Zambales’ forests were also transported through roads in Pangasinan. He said illegal logging operations in Mangatarem’s forest were well-financed and organized after their inspection revealed a network of roads built inside the forest and the presence of tents, utensils and canned goods in many areas. Loggers also put up a tower at the highest peak in the forest, where a watchman could see all approaching vehicles. Nelson Castro, provincial environment and natural resources officer (Penro) of Zambales, suggested blasting a section of the road so equipment and vehicles used by illegal loggers could not pass through. “[Loggers in Zambales] used to haul logs through old roads, but with the new highway, it became easier for them [to transport forest products],” Castro said. A document from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that the 19.5-kilometer road cutting through Mangatarem’s forest was built in 2008 by a resident in the town despite the lack of permits and proper awarding of contract from the DPWH, said Leduina Co, Pangasinan Penro. Co said an earlier plan showed that the highway should have been built on grasslands in the area and not through the forest. “It looked like it was intended to pass through the forest for easy hauling of timber by illegal loggers,” she said. Colonel Jesus Sarsagat, commander of the Philippine Army unit based in Binmaley town, said establishing checkpoints in Aguilar and Mangatarem towns, the main routes to and from the forest, could stop illegal activities there. “We will post soldiers there to arrest illegal loggers and seize forest products. We will assign 100 soldiers, so whatever they cut, they cannot bring out,” he said. Sarsagat said a massive information campaign against illegal logging and its impact should also be done.

DAR Launches Zambales Farm Projects

by ELLALYN B. DE VERA


MANILA, Philippines — To help boost the income of farmers, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over a R40-million farm-to-market road and a R32-million communal irrigation facility to some 3,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Barangay La Paz, San Marcelino, Zambales.

Ma. Celerina Afable, national project manager of Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP), advised the farmer-beneficiaries to take care of the infrastructures and promised them that more projects would come their way if these infrastructures would be found to be economically beneficial to them.

ARISP is a foreign-assisted project that is jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and DAR.

“We are considering more projects for you, like post-harvest facility that is now on detailed design preparation,” she said.

DAR Assistant Regional Director Felipe Simon said palay farmers in the 428-hectare agricultural area in Barangay Linusungan, San Isidro and La Paz would benefit from this project as the 3.7-kilometer Palopyas-Nagkabitianan-Batuag road would help reduce to half the hauling and transportation cost.

“Besides, the farm-to-market road will benefit 3,545 households because it does not just provide a direct access to the market but also to other institutions, like schools and hospitals,” Simon said.

“Our farmers used to hire tricycle for R100. But tricycles were not always available so that they had to carry their farm goods on their shoulders and walk for 20 minutes just to reach the highway. Hence, many farmers were forced to sell their farm goods at a lower cost to visiting traders or affluent neighbors because it had been burdensome, both financially and physically. Today, they can hire tricycle fare at R30 and sell their produce at a fair price,” he added.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Arthur Florida said the communal irrigation project would irrigate 189 hectares in Barangay San Isidro, Linusungan, La Paz, Linasin and Burgos.

Florida said 67 shallow wells tube and 61 pumps and engines are strategically located to service the covered areas.

She said a shallow groundwater is the source of water, which will be extracted using centrifugal pumps with diesel engine.

San Marcelino Zambales Irrigators Association President Ramil Paje said the irrigation facility would enable them to have multiple cropping seasons, much unlike before when they worked on their farm only during rainy season.

“From now on, there will be no more idle farms in our community,” he said, adding that his group is very thankful to the DAR and the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) for these infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zambales, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Governor, recently trained around 50 new businessmen in a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) in San Marcelino town.

Skills Training

by Jonas Reyes


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A skills training program was recently launched by the Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) which aims to uplift the economic status of the relocated residents of Sitio Naglatore in Subic, Zambales. Dubbed as the “Galing Pinoy” program, the endeavor is in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Zambales.

This will provide families relocated from Sitio Naglatore training sessions that will focus on Shielded Metal Arc Wielding, Carpentry, Masonry, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance.

RP Energy, TESDA launch skills training program in Zambales to boost employment

by (PNA)

FFC/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE, March 23 (PNA) -- In its effort to provide livelihood opportunities to its host communities, Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) officially launched on Friday its "Galing Pinoy" skills training program in Zambales.

The program aims to uplift the economic status of the relocated residents of Sitio Naglatore, Barangay Cawag in Subic, Zambales.

The Galing Pinoy program, in partnership with the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Zambales, will provide families relocated from Sitio Naglatore training sessions that will focus on shielded metal arc wielding, carpentry, masonry, and electrical installation and maintenance.

“With this program, we are able to show the communities how that RP Energy is committed in giving their families economic opportunities through skills development aside from the compensation that they received from the relocation,” Grant Smith, RP Energy project director/manager, said.

RP Energy Inc., is a coal-power generated firm that will put up an energy-power generated investment in Redondo Peninsula which is a major investor of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“By equipping the head of the family with proper skills, they are ensured that their employability will increase,” he said.

Apart from shouldering the cost of the training, RP Energy will also provide the participants an allowance throughout the duration of the program, which is 139 days.

“We believe that we will be able to empower communities by providing them the opportunity to harness their skills in order to have better job opportunities,” Smith said.

RP Energy plans to expand the Galing Pinoy program in the future to be not just for the relocated residents of Sitio Naglatore, but also to qualified and deserving residents of Olongapo, Subic, and Zambales.

Subic Enerzone renews ‘adoption’ of SBMA ambulances

by (PNA)

LAP/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 22 (PNA) - Power provider Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, has renewed its commitment to sponsor the maintenance of all eight ambulance trucks of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to ensure their availability at all times.

The “adoption” of SBMA’s ambulance fleet was made through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia and EnerZone senior vice president and chief operating officer Dante Pollescas in a simple ceremony held recently at the SBMA board room.

SEZ started its Adopt-an-Ambulance program with the SBMA in 2007. It allocates P100,000 each year for the maintenance of the eight emergency vehicles.

In the recent signing of a new MOA, Garcia described the “adoption” as a clear manifestation of how effective the public-private partnership (PPP) works, and where a private corporation assists a government agency in the implementation of a program that benefits the general public.

“Our ambulances are an integral part of the SBMA’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program that deploys emergency response teams to any area within the Freeport zone and to any neighboring province whenever there is any given emergency situation,” Garcia said.

“As such, they are vital to public safety, which is a priority mission of the agency,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pollescas expressed hope that Subic Enerzone’s Adopt-an-Ambulance program would be much appreciated by the entire Freeport community.

“We believe in the primary responsibility of the SBMA EMS and how important it is for the agency to ensure that these ambulances would be available anytime they are needed,” Pollescas said.

He added that while the P100,000-assistance will never be enough to fully maintain the ambulance fleet, it will help fast track the purchase of much needed vehicle spare parts.

“Through our corporate social responsibility, we are offering assistance to ensure the steady and reliable availability of serviceable ambulances at all times,” he added.

Entrepreneurship training breeds new business leaders in Zambales

by (PNA)

DCT/LAM/zst/MD/ps


SAN MARCELINO, Zambales, March 21 (PNA) -- “We are no longer an ordinary and simple mother, but rather a businesswoman now."

This was what Malou Romero, 39, of Subic, proudly said after receiving her training certificate, together with 50 others, during a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) held recently here.

The entrepreneurship training was sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zambales through Senior Labor and Employment Officer Mylene Evangelista and Vice Governor Ramon G. Lacbain II.

It is a continuing program of the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.

According to Vice Governor Lacbain, who is also the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager, the training instills the newly-developed program “Kabuhayan Natin” (an upgrade of the Botika Natin Project) which now offers cheaper and effective medicines, vitamins, iron-fortified rice, and other basic needs.

The first batch of trainees, who are Botika Natin outlet operators from various barangays, received skills on basic business processes such as creating financial statements, income and cash flow system, where they were able to create founded plan for their small businesses.

"This is a big help to our business. Before it was only a small time, but now it is a big time," Anne May Calderon of Barangay Cabangan said, as they were oriented with the EDT and how it can be applied to Kabuhayan Natin.

The vice governor shared that the development of the project means sustainable programs for the poor because aside from reaching all barangays especially the remote areas for cheaper-effective medicines and healthy iron-fortified rice, the Kabuhayan Natin operators now will also be partners of PESO in informing their constituents on the latest job opportunities and vacancies.

Leaders from Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Alice and James So also shared their expertise and managerial skills during the workshop.

DOLE skills training breeds new entrepreneurs in Zambales

by Allen M. Villa


IBA, Zambales, March 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zambales, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Governor, has trained around 50 new businessmen in a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) in San Marcelino town last week.

The trainees, who are Botika Natin outlet operators from different barangays in the province, received skills training on basic business processes such as creating a financial statement, income and cash flow system where they were able to create business plans for “Kabuhayan Natin” program.

Vice governor Ramon Lacbain II, who is also the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager, said that the “Kabuhayan Natin” program is an upgrade of the Botika Natin project which now offers not only cheap but effective medicines, but also serves as training ground for entrepreneurial development. It also serves as a Bigasang Bayan.

Lacbain also said that the development of the project means sustainable programs for the poor because aside from reaching all barangays offering cheaper yet effective medicines and iron fortified rice, the Kabuhayan Natin operators now will also be partners of PESO in informing their constituents on latest job opportunities and vacancies in the country or abroad.

Malou Romero, 39 years old, of Subic exclaimed, “Hindi na kami simpleng nanay ngayon, kami ay business woman na (We’re not just mothers or housewives. We are businesswomen),” after receiving her training certificate.

The EDT, spearheaded by DOLE Zambales Senior Labor and Employment Officer Mylene Evangelista, was also graced by leaders from Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by James and Alice So.(CLJD/AMV-PIA3)

Red Tide In Bataan And Zambales Reaches Record-High Toxicity

by Mark Anthony N. Manuel


SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – The red tide toxin phenomenon in Bataan and Zambales is at its worst, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) revealed Saturday.

The BFAR renewed its warning against gathering and eating shellfish off the coasts of Balanga City and the towns of Samal, Orion, Orani, Abucay, Hermosa and Mariveles in Bataan, as well as in waters of Masinloc, Zambales.

It said the red tide toxicity level in these areas has reached a record-high of 469 micrograms of red tide microorganisms per 100 grams of shellfish meat or more than 500 percent higher than the tolerable limit of 60 micrograms.

As such, all types of shellfish and “alamang” gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption.

Since the red tide toxicity level is at a severe stage, anyone who eats shellfish harvested from affected areas could feel numbness and dizziness within 20 minutes, the BFAR said.

It added that symptoms of red tide poisoning include numbness in the lip area, dizziness and vomiting, which may lead serious illness and even death.

Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.

BFAR said that Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia has informed his constituents through public address system that the ban is still on until said otherwise by BFAR.

Meanwhile, BFAR shared that Samal Mayor Gene dela Fuente said the residents of the town were also informed of the ban.

BFAR laboratory technicians here and in Bataan, with the assistance of fishermen, have been collecting water and shellfish samples since Nov. 20, 2011 after an old woman died and four others were hospitalized for paralytic shellfish poisoning after eating “sulib” in Samal town.

One half of the shellfish meat and water samples were tested at the Bataan Red Tide Testing Center while the other half were brought to the BFAR main office in Manila for mouse bioassay, a laboratory technique to test for palytoxins.






Subic bares trade, tourism plans

by Allen M. Villa


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 15 (PIA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has laid out its five-year strategic plan to pump up employment and investment opportunities in this free port.

“Until the end of our term in SBMA, in the next five years, we will be working on this very exciting plan, a very ambitious plan that we believe will turn Subic into a place that we will be proud of,” SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia said in his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA).

Among the strategies the SBMA will be implementing under this plan is the development of tourism niche markets, envision to turn Subic Freeport into a major tourism destination in the Philippines.

Garcia said the SBMA will also exert all efforts to make Subic the “theme park capital” of the Philippines, a top sports tourism destination, an eco-tourism attraction and a cruise ship playground.

Garcia also cited the arrival in Subic last week of the London-based MV Spirit of Adventure, the first cruise ship to arrive here this year with 378 passengers on board, as a step towards realizing that goal.

“Tourism Sec. Robert Jimenez specifically told me that Subic will become a cruise ship destination. And that is true because all of the passengers expressed their happiness in coming here, especially after seeing our rich eco-tourism facilities,” Garcia said.

The SBMA official also said the SBMA will enhance the promotion of maritime businesses here by getting the support of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to attract maritime logistics players to come to Subic, maximizing the Vale ore transshipment project, and developing Subic as a base for super yachts.

Garcia’s five-year plan also calls for the development of various residential types for specific markets, such as high-end residences, middle-class housing and workers’ dormitories.

The SBMA will also shift from merely being a landlord to being a developer, Garcia said, saying the agency will develop unutilized and idle properties, and will improve the ease and competitive cost of doing businesses in Subic.

Garcia said the most challenging strategy is the conversion of the Subic Bay International Airport into an integrated family-oriented tourist destination like the Sentosa, a family-oriented resort in Singapore.

“Basically, the idea is to turn the airport into world-class tourism destination with international theme parks, new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino entertainment complex among others,” Garcia explained.

The SOFA, an annual activity here sponsored by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), was attended by Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and city councilors, Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain III, SBFCC officials and members, members of the SBMA Board of Directors, SBMA employees, and officials and workers from various Freeport companies. (CLJD/AMV-PIA3)

SBMA converts airport to tourism center

by Allen M. Villa


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 13 (PIA) -- A redevelopment program for the conversion of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a world-class tourism destination is in the works through the Aquino administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said that the operation and maintenance of the Subic airport is eating up a big chunk of the Freeport’s budget, prompting SBMA to think of sustainable alternatives like converting it into an integrated family-oriented tourism facility.

“The Subic airport is superfluous because of Clark, and it is losing. And lastly, it is one of the last remaining prime real estate assets of SBMA,” he reasoned out.

“Huge problems require huge actions for huge solutions. The plan is very bold and very ambitious, but with the support of everyone, this plan will come through,” Garcia added.

The SBMA official said that the agency will not spend a single peso on the project because it will be implemented through a joint venture, taking a cue from the PPP program.

SBIA’s land value will serve as capital and will be bidded out to foreign investors to attain international standards for the plan and design, he added.

Garcia explained that the basic idea is to turn the airport into something like Sentosa, a popular family-oriented resort in Singapore. The redeveloped SBIA will still be accessible because Subic is now just 45 minutes away from the international airport at the Clark Freeport because of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The planned leisure complex will house at least two or three international theme parks, a new golf course, duty free shops, hotels and casino, an entertainment complex, a promenade, and a new marina and yacht club, among others.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me,” Garcia said. “And with the help of every hand, our ambition of turning our airport into a major international tourism destination will come true.”(CLJD/AMV-PIA3)

‘Pork barrel’ can go direct to constituents

by RUBEN D. MANAHAN 4TH REPORTER


AFTER her “pork barrel” funds were withheld because of her criticism of the Aquino administration, House Deputy Minority Leader Ma. Milagros Magsaysay of Zambales said she would not mind if the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) go directly to her constituents and not even pass through her.

Anyway, the primary task of senators and congressmen is to legislate, not to fund projects in their congressional districts, Magsaysay said during a roundtable at The Manila Times office in Intramuros, Manila.

“It’s fine with me if senators and congressmen do not receive their share of pork barrel so that money would not be a factor,” she added. “They could focus on being legislators rather than being mini-executives.”

Magsaysay said that some members of Congress are more concerned with heeding the “wants of the administration” so that they would be rewarded with funds for their projects.

“Some (congressmen) go for projects, when our main assignment is to come up with good pieces of legislation. [But what] they are doing us not based on what is right but on what is right for the administration,” she added.

Last month, Magsaysay expressed willingness to have the pork barrel funds for her district released directly to local officials, including Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

She said she had already accumulated debts totaling at least P7.8 million last year because the Department of Budget and Management continues to withhold the release of the PDAF for her district.

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez of Quezon said that the practice of withholding the release of the pork barrel funds of the opposition was “unethical.”

“It may not be illegal since the authority of releasing funds is under the President. But, the right of the congressman to assist their constituents should be respected. It may be unethical to interfere on how a lawmaker disburses the fund. You’re violating their right,” Suarez said.

The pork barrel of most lawmakers allied with former President Gloria Arroyo were delayed until December last year when the DBM released the PDAF allotments for Suarez, Davao del Sur Rep. Marc Douglas Cagas 4th, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Mindoro Occidental Rep. Maria Amelita Villarosa, Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the former minority leader.

Aside from Mrs. Arroyo, the congressmen who have not received their PDAF are her sons, Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo, Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco and Magsaysay.

SBMA seeds more ‘taklobo’ in Subic Bay

by (PNA)

FFC/zst/MD/ps


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, March 9 (PNA) -- More giant clams or “taklobo” have found their way into Subic Bay through a marine resources conservation program of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the active participation of various stakeholders in this free port.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency recently seeded the Ilanin Bay here with 200 taklobo seedlings for this year’s clam-seeding project, a part of the agency’s vision to make the Freeport an eco-urban center which merges industrial development with eco-tourism.

The SBMA purchased the giant clams from the University of the Philippines (UP) Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan with proceeds from this year’s “Takbo para sa Taklobo,” a fund-raising project initiated by the SBMA Ecology Center.

“This is already some sort of a social responsibility project supported by the whole Subic Bay Freeport community,” Garcia said.

“Everybody pitches in here — from students to workers at locator-companies, to SBMA employees and Freeport Zone residents. We’re very much happy to be involved because we know we’re helping make a better world,” he added.

Giant clams (tridacna gigas), which can live up to a hundred years, are considered an endangered species and serve an integral part of the coral reef system.

SBMA marine biologist Dorothy Joyce Ardiente said their decline could have an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem, which is why the SBMA has decided on clam seeding as its cornerstone marine conservation program.

The clams, which measure an average of 15 centimeters in diameter when they are seeded, can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258 kilos.

The “Takbo para Taklobo” conservation run has caught on the Subic Bay Freeport community ever since SBMA environment specialist Rhea Jane Pescador conceptualized it in 2010 as a environmental awareness project of the SBMA Ecology Center

The event has been attended by some 1,500 runners in the inaugural run, and by more than 2,000 participants last year.

The project raised P54,000 in 2010 and P84,340 last year.

Subic’s top man bares all in first state address

by Anthony Bayarong


SUBIC Bay Freeport: Dubbed as the energizer, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia bared in his first State of the Freeport Address his 5-year plan which will aims to revive the agencies thrust to make Subic generate more employment and investments.

Garcia presented several plans of the agency such as making it the top tourism capital of the Philippines by way of increasing sports tourism, bidding as a cruise ship destination and enhancing eco-tourism activities inside the Freeport.

He also plans to increase maritime activity, which he said has a good backing by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“I have already talked to several shippers and they all agreed that Subic is the best place and had positive feedback,” he said.

Garcia also cited as a good start the arrival in Subic of the London-based MV Spirit of Adventure, the first cruise ship to arrive here this year with 378 passengers on board, mostly Europeans.

“Tourism Secretary Robert Jimenez specifically told me that Subic will become a cruise ship destination. And that is true because all of the passengers expressed their happiness in coming here, especially after seeing our rich eco-tourism facilities,” Garcia said.

Plans of building residential housing are also in the works, Garcia said.

Grand plan

One of Garcia’s grand plans is to convert the unutilized airport into a Sentosa-like resort, the one in Singapore, which hosts a resort and different tourism facilities in one place.

During his presentation, Garcia presented a map of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) which he intended to divide into a water front villas, water-themed park, family hotel, golf course, BPO city, convention center, international theme park, hotel/casino science and technology park, duty free stores, office and residential, a super yacht club and luxury villas.

Challenges facing Subic

Garcia is the only top official since Subic was created in 1992 to formally say that the Freeport has lost a total P7billion cumulative loss.

To date, Garcia said, the Subic Freeport has only 300 hectares of leasable land out of the total 2,959 hectares leasable area.

Subic Freeport has a total land area of 67,452 hectares, 53,852 hectares of these are protected, while 10,341 are undeveloped and the rest are leasable.

The growth of the Freeport was at a standstill last year after Malacañang failed to appoint members of the board of directors to form quorum to tackle issue and new investments.

Job generation only grew by 0.50 percent from 88,450 in 2010 to 88,957 in 2011.

Committed investment grew by only 2 percent from $1.20 billion in 2010 to $1.210 billion in 2011.

Up for the challenge

Garcia is respected as a seasoned business executive and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing, food and leisure industries.

He has been the man behind the success of Oriental and Motolite Corp. He served the company for more than 34 years before being appointed as the top man in Subic last year.

“The opportunities that exist today are very tremendous, believe me. And our plan is very bold and very ambitious but with the support of everyone, this plan will come true,” he said.

Just like any other top man who was appointed for the post, Garcia banked on the vision of former-chair-turned-Senator Richard Gordon to make Subic a thriving business and leisure destination in the region.

“Let the lessons of the past and the opportunity of today help us realize the vision of the new Subic that we dream of.” Garcia said.

Misereor coalition issues new mining plan

by Hernan Melencio, Manila


The Philippine Misereor Partnership (PMP) has announced a six-point proposal for the new mining policy President Benigno Aquino is expected to issue within the month.

The group, which consists of NGOs and Church groups in partnership with Misereor of Germany, called on Aquino to rethink the current mining policy he inherited from the previous administration “aggressively promoting mining as a key economic driver.”

Top on the list of what they want the government to do is “mine only what we need for our national development,” the group said in a statement.

“We should identify strategic metals for our national development anchored on our agricultural development. The minerals that have been mined and still being mined today are simply extracted by companies mostly foreign-owned and shipped to home countries of such companies.”

PMP also wants the new mining policy to respect and protect “no-go-zones” or restricted areas, ensure punishment for corporate abuses, allow people’s participation in management and decision making, promote “urban mining” or metal recycling, and recognize and respect local autonomy.

The no-go-zones include conflict areas, key biodiversity areas, small-island ecosystem and prime agricultural lands.

The group’s position was firmed up at the end of a three-day summit last week attended by 300 participants including PMP partners and members of communities affected by mining operations.

“We, the Aetas of Zambales, and other indigenous tribes would like to appeal to the president to value and truly consider our well-being and development. It is in agriculture and not in mining,” said Carlito Dumulot, leader of a tribal group allied with PMP in Central Luzon.

Fr Edwin Gariguez, co-convenor of PMP and executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s National Secretariat for Social Action, said: “As pointed out in these policy considerations, there is a need for greater accountability of mining corporations and access to justice of victims of corporate abuses. The respect, protect and remedy framework of the UN principle on business and human rights, to which the Philippine government was one of the signatories, is very clear on this.”

Myrna Llanes of PMP Bicol said victims of the Rapu-Rapu mine tailing disaster in 2005 that damaged 13 villages in Albay province have yet to get justice from the corporations responsible for what she calls “environmental crimes.”

Meanwhile, the cabinet clusters on economy and climate change are meeting Friday to discuss the issue. Their main concern is for the government to get a “fair share” of mining revenues, which they admit is relatively small compared to the revenues generated by the industry.

Their input will be considered in the executive order on comprehensive policy guidelines on mining that has been delayed to give way to more consultations with stakeholders.

Olongapo City mulls freeport status

by Allen M. Villa


OLONGAPO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The local government and the Department of Finance has met about their plans of converting Olongapo into a Freeport city and keep up with the developments unveiling inside what was once a United States naval base and territory of Olongapo.

In a recent meeting with Department of Finance (DOF) secretary Cesar Purisima, mayor James Gordon, Jr. laid out plans to make Olongapo a Freeport, citing Executive Order No. 675 that provides for the development of additional areas contiguous to Subic Bay Freeport but outside its secured area.

If Olongapo will be converted into a free port area, according to EO 675, it will be given tax and duty free privileges and may be operated as special economic zones under the supervision of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

“Olongapo City is willing to tie-up with other municipalities wanting to avail of tax privileges enjoyed by businesses under a Freeport regime,” Mayor Gordon said, adding that “we all want to keep up with the development in Subic Bay Freeport and we want to level the playing field.”

Mayor Gordon said Olongapo can also adopt the Gumi City, South Korea model.

Gumi is an industrial city with three large industrial parks of over 100 factories specializing in electronics and semiconductors. A bustling city populated with more than 200,000 people, Gumi is growing more quickly than other parts of Korea.

EO 675 was issued in November 2007 to allow the extension of the secured area of the Subic Bay Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFPZ) to areas within the SSEFPZ but outside the fenced-in former US Naval Base as defined by Proclamation no. 532.

Proclamation no. 532 defines the boundaries of the SSEFPZ as provided in RA 7227 - the law which created the Freeport. The areas covered are the entire City of Olongapo, entire Municipality of Subic, Zambales, former US Naval Base and its contiguous extensions; some portions of Olongapo, some portions of Hermosa and Morong Bataan and some portions of San Antonio, Zambales.

To be a part of the SSEFPZ, EO 675 and RA 7227 prescribe that areas within the territories of these towns and city may be developed through local government or private sector initiatives subject to the concurrence of the legislative bodies of the said areas.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, said that the additional Freeport areas, as provided in EO 675, can maintain their autonomy and independence as a local government unit.

Gordon noted that under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the local government units comprising the Subic Special Economic Zone shall retain their identity and shall be governed by their respective charters.

Secretary Purisima directed Atty. Ephyro Luis B. Amatong of the DOF Privatization Office to work closely with the Olongapo city government to complete the necessary documentation so that the Olongapo Freeport proposal can be submitted to President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Gordon also directed City Planning Officer Engr. Marivic Nierras to identify all possible areas in Olongapo City, especially the current areas whose development potential have not yet been maximized, that can be prioritized for development as extension of the Subic Special Economic Zone.

“Once the special economic zone status is given to these areas, they have a greater chance of developing into a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial and investment center that could generate more employment opportunities and even more businesses and industries,” Gordon said.

Also present during the meeting between Gordon and Purisima were SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia, SBMA Directors Anne Gordon and Joeben Reyes, and Nierras.(CLJD/AMV-PIA3)

Driver illegally selling diesel fuel arrested

by Mamer Bañez


OLONGAPO City -- The Zambales Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (ZCIDT) arrested a jeepney driver during a raid on his residence for illegally selling diesel fuel on Friday.

ZCIDT provincial officer Chief Insp. Virgilio Villena Rubio said the suspect, Edgar Labsan, 39, of Purok 3, Bgy. Magsaysay, Castillejos, Zambales, was arrested based on “Oplan Ligas” (campaign against illegal refinery/manufacturing/importation and retail of liquefied petroleum gas).

A team led by SPO3 Maximo Ramos and PO2 Anthony Daligdig raided the suspect’s house and recovered four drums and seven gallons of diesel fuel.

“Dini-deliver lang ’yan sa akin ng mga truck driver, sobra daw ang kanilang gamit kung kaya naipon ’yan at ibenebenta ko din sa mga kapwa ko drivers,” the suspect said.

The suspect will be charged with violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 33.

Quake hits Zambales

by LBG, GMA News


Meanwhile, Phivolcs said a magnitude-2.8 quake was recorded at 12:59 p.m. in the Zambales area in Luzon.

It said the epicenter was 95 km southwest of Iba town.

Phivolcs did not immediately cite specific areas where the quake was felt.

No damage or aftershock was expected, it added.






Welcome Summer On The Road

by JOHANNES L. CHUA


MANILA, Philippines — As summer marches in with the month of March, the temperature is not only the one soaring as the anticipation of a lot of people to vacation reaches feverish levels as well. There is a collective vibe in most of us to relax – whether that is attained by discovering the outdoors, relaxing by the beach, or flying to an unexplored destination. Our destinations and goals for summer may vary but there’s one thing common in all of us – a road trip must be in one of our past summer memories.

Observe closely and you will see Filipino families having road trips during summer, whether it is going south to visit the hot springs of Laguna, the diving spots of Batangas, or the old houses of Quezon; or going North to visit Bulacan’s churches, La Union’s surfing spots, or farther to Banawe, Vigan or Laoag, and everyone’s ‘summer capital’ – Baguio. Surf your memory bank, there’s a road trip tucked somewhere there.

My earliest recollection of a road trip is the long ride to Baguio. My family will be ‘packed’ in our gray Lite-Ace and ever since I remember, it was really one arduous ride.

Through the years, we have embarked on various road trips and have emerged with more memorable summer stories. So how do we prepare for a summer road trip? Different families obviously have different needs. But let me impart these eight time-tested tips to make your road trip a fun and unforgettable one.

1. Plan early. Yes, right now. Whether it is for a hotel room, a resort cottage, a special restaurant, etc. it is wise to be early when it comes to making a reservation since sometimes, there are promos that can be availed.

2. Decide on a destination. As roads are now more ‘tourist-friendly’, don’t be afraid to explore new destinations. You don’t have to make a ‘pilgrimage’ to Baguio every summer. This summer, try Sagada or Banawe. If you’re always in Vigan during the hot season, why not push your wheels further to Laoag, or even Pagudpud? Why not try Boracay on four-wheels? The efficient RORO system from Batangas to Calapan, and Roxas to Caticlan will give you a new perspective on our country. Add to that, it is also budget-friendly especially if you have a big group.

3. Be car-ready. On a road trip, make sure to keep the most important member of your family fit and healthy – not the dog – it is your car. Nothing spoils a great road trip than a vehicle stalling somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Tempers would surely shoot to the roof especially when dark descends. Don’t procrastinate on the maintenance of your vehicle; it might be too late to give it a simple remedy. Check the tires most of all.

4. Save. Save. Save. Unless your pocket is as deep as the Mariana Trench, forget this one. Save now to experience some luxuries on the road as the tourism highway is lined with pasalubong shops such as antiques along Lucena, wood carvings in Paete, cut flowers in Tagaytay. You don’t even have to go down your car to make the purchase.

5. Prepare your itinerary. Once you already know your destination, plan out (or just discuss) who the designated driver will be. From there, you will know what activities you will plan so that the driver can enjoy his/ her summer too. Jot down a list of activities which will not put a physical strain on the driver too much (e.g. letting him/ her hike a mountain in the morning and driving back home for eight hours is not a good idea). Allow ‘rest-stops’ in your itinerary.

6. Choose your entourage. Well, if you are joining your family or relatives, you pretty much have no choice. But if you are inviting or joining friends, make sure that they are really your friends.

A few summers ago, I joined a new group of friends on a road trip to Zambales during Lenten break. It was fun at first but as the hours went by, it turned out that I have nothing ‘common’ with them. The air was thick with tension and I had to endure that again during the trip back home (which was around six hours!). So before you sit comfortably in the car, make sure that you know first the group you will be with.

7. Good food, great music. During my earlier road trips, when high-tech gadgets were not yet around, what made us kids comfortable during road trips were ‘food-on-wheels’. I remember my mom preparing a variety of sandwiches, finger food, and even fried chicken that we can eat inside the car.

On the other hand, don’t forget to put the right mood. Now, you can have thousands of songs in a single USB stick.

So whatever the vibe is inside the car, there’s a soundtrack that can complement it.

8. Just have fun. Well, it will be more fun if you are having ‘fun’ inside the vehicle. Don’t fuss too much on small details. Don’t outline a military-like itinerary that requires everyone to have a restroom pitstop for only five minutes.

Don’t set a strict budget allocation for expenses especially on food. Don’t put a scowl on your face every time a glitch happens on the road. If you are stuck in a massive traffic, start a game or divulge a fun gossip. Sing/ laugh out loud. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

If you will just spoil the fun of a summer road trip, you might as well stay at home, tuck in your pajamas, and endure telenovela marathons.

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