Palawan News January 2019

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Palawan - Archived News
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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.

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Undergroud River in Palawan
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Underground river in Pureto Princesa, Palawan
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Baracuda Lake, Coron, Palawan

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.
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U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney and USAID/Philippines Environment Office Chief Daniel Moore witness the safe and sustainable collection of ornamental fish by certified Marine Aquarium Council collectors in Palawan

How Tagbanua tribesmen protect the ‘mermaids’ of Palawan

By Gregg Yan

Wearing fins from recycled plastic containers, tough Tagbanua tribesmen have become the protectors of the dugong, those gentle marine mammals that have become prey to poachers in Northern Palawan.

The dugong (scientific name: Dugong dugon) is legally protected by Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, because aside from being occasionally hunted, the mammals often drown after becoming entangled in fishing nets.

“We’re here to safeguard about 30 dugong,” said Deave, a Tagbanua tribesman enlisted as both spotter and guard against poachers and illegal fishers in the Calamianes Islands in Northern Palawan.

“Our livelihood depends on wildlife so it makes sense to protect them. Protecting [the] dugong safeguards our own future,” he added.

The dugong, or sea cow, which is related to elephants, can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 400 kilograms. It is the fourth member of the order Sirenia, alongside three manatee species. The dugong has a forked tail while a manatee has a round, paddle-like tail.

Wiped out

A fifth species, the gigantic 8-meter-long Steller’s sea cow, was completely wiped out by 1768, just 30 years after being discovered by scientists.

Dugong comes from the Malay word duyung, meaning “lady of the sea,” which might explain so-called mermaid sightings by sailors in olden times.

Sizable herds of dugong once plied the Philippine archipelago until hunting and habitat loss reduced their number.

Today, the dugong is globally classified as vulnerable, though it is considered critically endangered in the Philippines because of its rarity. Small populations still hold out in Isabela, Mindanao, Guimaras and Palawan, but encounters are extremely rare.

The Calamianes Islands in Northern Palawan remain one of the last areas in the country where the giant marine herbivores can be seen regularly.

Guided by expert divers and Tagbanua tribesmen, Best Alternatives Campaign, a movement to promote good environmental and sustainability practices, recently got a chance to interact with the dugong.

To successfully conserve the dugong, local government units and communities must stamp out poaching, minimize the threat of accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and most importantly, preserve the integrity of seagrass meadows.

Often overshadowed by more colorful and popular marine habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, seagrass meadows are highly productive and provide food for many marine creatures—from rabbitfish (samaral) to sea turtles and the dugong. Unfortunately, many seagrass habitats are being destroyed by reclamation and pollution.

Best caretakers

“We can learn a lot about sustainable use and responsible stewardship from the dugong. The mammal consumes a lot of seagrass yet it leaves the seagrass bed even healthier than before,” said dugong conservationist Dr. Teri Aquino.

“When feeding, [the] dugong helps release micronutrients from the seabed, making nutrients more accessible for small fish. And this is why we always see fish swimming with [the] dugong. This marine mammal living the simplest of lives is one of the best caretakers of our seagrass habitats and the animals that live in them,” Aquino explained.

Through the dedicated efforts of local wardens like Palawan’s Tagbanua tribesmen and by protecting the country’s remaining seagrass meadows, tomorrow’s Pinoys might yet get a chance to swim with real mermaids.

Puerto Princesa City Government to bid for Palarong Pambansa

By Melissa Hikilan

The City Sports Office together with the city government are preparing to submit a bid for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2020.

City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Q. Austria said that they were in Manila last week to bid for Palarong Pambansa. He also said that there are 2 other provinces that also bid for the said which are Marikina and Mindoro.

‘’Ang isang region, ang delegation nila inaabot ng mga 550 pataas at minsan sobra pa… So more or less ang gina-guarantee ng Dep Ed hindi bababa sa 1, 500 athletes, officials at mga bisita ang pupunta dito sa Puerto Princesa kung makukuha natin itong Palarong Pambansa,” Austria said.

He also explained that in bidding for this event, there are presentations on the expectation of the athletes and teachers, convenience of the place, good ventilation of the venue, sufficiency and uninterrupted power supply in water and electricity and how far the playing venue is.

‘’Yung ating Mayor ay talagang ina-upgrade nya yung mga facilities natin, makikita nyo na meron nang na-upgrade yung oval natin bago yan… Ngayon naka-appropriate na naman ang city na P140 million for upgrading, construction of other sports facilities and the renovations, so e-expect natin this year na maraming mangyayari pa,” he added.

Aside from Palarong Pambansa, the city government wants to host Batang Pinoy and an international event, IRONMAN triathlon.

‘’Hindi ito kasing dami ng Palarong Pambansa ito siguro mga 1,500 lang yung mga atleta bukod dun sa mga dinadala nilang mekaniko at pamilya na gustong magbakasyon, so yung dalawang ito bagamat sports ito kino-consider ito ng Sports Tourism… ni-line up natin mga activities na ito kung saan makikinabang yung palengke, tricycle transpo sector, restaurants and hotels. Yun ang gusto mangyari ni Mayor…. So as of the moment yun ang ginagawa ng City Sports,” he said.

According to Austria, as of now he saw the advantages that the City has—-a compact venue in Sports Complex and accessibility of transportation from other regions in Mindanao (Davao), Cebu and in Clark going to Puerto Princesa which Mindoro doesn’t have.

Since the bidding is still in inspection phase, the City government is aiming to get the said event as Austria said, “We are in the right direction.‘’

Puerto Princesa City Business Permit Renewal, deadline on January 21

By Melissa Hikilan

The City government’s Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) is reminding all business owners in the City of the deadline for renewal of business permits will last until January 21, 2019.

Licensing Officer IV, Aurea G. Pallaya said that the processing time for the renewal of business permits will strictly follow the schedules. She urged all business owners to renew their permits on time to avoid penalties.

According to Pallaya the transactions are no longer overdue because she observed that some are ending up with the fast processing of business permits.

“Sa ngayon, oras lang yung nakikita at napapansin ko dito. Yung iba kung talagang masipag at tuloy tuloy yung paglakad nila more than one hour lang is tapos na kaagad,’’ she said.

She explained that there are only 3 steps these steps are: First is, file and assess. Second is pay. And lastly, Claim approved business permit.

She reminded those who have already begun the steps in the process that they should finish it on the right day to avoid complaints in releasing their permits.

“Yung nagpapatagal lang naman ay yung mismong lack of requirements at mismong may ari dahil minsan ang dahilan nila pupunta, magpa-encode, and then magpa-assess hindi pa sila magbabayad dahil mag iipon pa sila ng pambayad so makalipas pa ang ilang araw saka babalik hindi na namin fault yun sa kanila nayun.’’ Said pallaya.

On the other hand, the City government are expecting that there will be less complaint and aiming for all renewal business permit will comply their requirements on the said deadline as they serve the people of Puerto Princesa with all the service they can provide.

PALECO acting manager aims for efficient power supply in Palawan

By Kaisha Faye Sanchez

Providing efficient power supply to avert more blackouts in Palawan is the main priority of the newly-installed acting general manager of Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO).

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) appointed Engr. Nelson A. Lalas to the position on January 7, 2019, after PALECO submitted a position paper to NEA that expressed its respect to the right of the government agency to designate one under the Republic Act 10531 or “National Electrification Administration Reform Act of 2013.”

The acting general manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of PALECO to guarantee the effective delivery of electric service to the member-consumer-owners. He can also approve or disapprove board resolutions and make major decisions not included in the routine operations such as hiring employees, signing of checks, withdrawal slips and other banking transactions. The designation is also implemented to help resolve the issue of continuous blackouts experienced in Palawan.

According to Napoleon Cortes, PALECO HRDM Manager and outgoing Officer-in-Charge (OIC), the AGM can help in the technical operation of PALECO. “May mga major decisions na pending dahil OIC lang ako. Ang Acting General Manager makakapag-decide siya. Marami siyang pwedeng gawin na hindi pwedeng gawin ng OIC. Makakatulong siya sa technical operation ng PALECO,” he said.

Engineer Lalas, meanwhile, said that there are different causes of the blackouts in Palawan. “Yung sanhi ng brownout minsan ay sinisisi natin sa PALECO pero minsan din nanggagaling din yan sa ating power supplier, sa ating transmission line, and of course, yung vegetation din, yung mga kahoy na umaabot sa ating mga linya. Pero ang PALECO naman sa ngayon ay ongoing na nagkakaroon ng massive clearing ng vegetation,” he said.

Engineer Lalas also added, “Kailangan nating ayusin ang ating distribution line; may ginagawa tayong mga system improvement.”

During the duration of his service, Engineer Lalas is aiming for an efficient or reliable power supply in Palawan. “My duty as the acting general manager is to manage in order to have an efficient or reliable power supply sa ating mga members and consumers. Yung brownout ay dapat ma-improve natin para sa ganun ay magkaroon ng effective electric service sa ating mga consumers ng kuryente.”

His designation will be terminated upon the appointment of a permanent general manager, which will be done by NEA. There are currently three applicants for the position of PALECO General Manager.

Midterm election gun ban starts January 13

By Ma. Snyrah Niña Pascua

To keep the midterm elections peaceful and orderly, the Philippine National Police and Commission on Elections implemented the election gun ban officially started last Sunday, January 13, 2019.

Senior Insp. Pearl Manyll Lamban – Marzo, Public Information Officer of Puerto Princesa City Police Office, said that they are ready for this year’s gun ban operation, and prior to the day of implementation they already have an implementing plan and they are already organizing all the things needed for the operation such as mobile patrols.

During this gun ban period the Philippine National Police (PNP), together with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will be conducting checkpoints in random parts of the country, including parts of Palawan. Last, Sunday, January 13, 12:01 am, the team started its kick off checkpoint operation.

The checkpoints seek to check all the vehicles, particularly if there are guns or explosives. Aside from firearms, deadly weapons such as knife, grenade, and all illegal weapons are prohibited to be carried during this period of time, to prevent any unlawful act during the election period.

There are no vehicles exempted in any checkpoints that the team will be conducting. Checkpoints will be held in well lighted area, has a standard signage, and only uniformed personnel are allowed to conduct a visual checking of the vehicles, Marzo said.

There are people who are exempted to the gun ban period provided that they have a proof and documents of exemption and they are included to Commission of Election’s (COMELEC) list of exempted people during the gun ban period.

“Sa ngayon ang alam natin na ang PNP at the same time ang AFP ay Gun Ban exempted na, provided dun na masusunod lahat ng rules na nakalagay mismo duon sa exemption na nakalagay sa ating COMELEC,” Marzo added.

She also tackled the sanctions, penalties and charges for those persons who will be caught violating any of the rules and regulations specified in the Republic Act 10591 also known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.”

Marzo also mentioned that since the gun ban period started last January 13, the Province of Palawan, specifically the City of Puerto Princesa is in the manageable state of control in terms of the peace and order. The police team is thankful to the people of Palawan for the cooperation.

“Remind ko lang po ulit ang ating mga kababayan na nagsimula na po yung COMELEC gun ban, so para po hindi tayo magkaproblema at hindi po tayo mahuli sundin na lang po natin ang lahat ng inuutos ng direktiba pagdating po sa COMELEC gun ban for 2019 election.”

Marzo’s message and reminder for the people of Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan.

The 2019 national and local elections will be held on the second Monday of May, which is May 13, 2019, and a month after the election is the end of the gun ban period

Leo class cruise ship Superstar Virgo docks at Puerto Princesa Port

By Leila B. Dagot (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA-Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan (PIA) --- The Superstar Virgo, a Leo class cruise ship owned by Star Cruises landed at the port of Puerto Princesa on January 5.

On board the cruise were 1, 200 tourist passengers, mostly Filipinos and Chinese.

Michie Meneses, senior tourism operations of the City Tourism said that most of the passengers enjoyed visiting tourist destinations in the city particularly the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR).

“We have a great advantage in our tourism (pertaining to PPUR) and just prove that we are a cruise ship capital,” Meneses said.

It had also its maiden voyage or initial trip in the city on December 31 which carries almost 800 passengers, majority are Filipinos.

Based on the City Tourism's list, 12 cruise ships are expected to arrive in the city this year.

Palawan power utility submits revised distribution plan

By Victor V. Saulon

THE Department of Energy (DoE) has ordered Palawan Electric Cooperative (Paleco) to submit an updated power distribution development plan (DDP) to determine whether the government should continue looking after the provision of electricity in the area.

“We required them to submit a revised DDP,” Mario C. Marasigan, director of the DoE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, told reporters last week.

“Depending on the DDP, then we may have to decide whether to continue the arrangement with the NPC (National Power Corp.) to provide services for the El Nido area in terms of the generation and wires,” he added.

DoE Undersecretary William Felix B. Fuentebella confirmed that Paleco has submitted a revised DDP, which was forwarded to Mr. Marasigan’s bureau. Mr. Marasigan said that for the rest of Palawan, the DoE is looking at enhancing the power transmission substations. He said his bureau will also review the power supply agreements.

“We have already initiated discussions with them to include in their DDP the power supply procurement program and the review,” he said.

DoE’s intervention in Palawan comes after President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued a warning to local officials to solve the energy issues in the province. He gave Paleco until the end of the year to address the frequent brownouts or he will seek a new electricity provider for Palawan.

Last month, state-run National Electrification Administration (NEA) said it intervened in the management and operation of Paleco in its bid to help resolve the power supply issues in the province.

NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong issued an office order on Dec. 10 designating engineer Nelson Lalas as project supervisor and acting general manager of Paleco “effective immediately,” the agency said in a statement.

Mr. Lalas’ designation will cease upon the appointment of a regular general manager, which is subject to NEA confirmation.

Mr. Marasigan said the problem in Palawan is related to transmission.

“The common causes of the problem in Palawan apparently are the lines and substations. It’s not insufficient power supply. In fact, it has oversupply in terms of PSAs,” he said.

He also said that some areas in Palawan were also not connected to the electric cooperative such as El Nido, Taytay and San Vicente, which are among the province’s key tourist destinations.

“But the interconnection should be completed by 2019 as programmed by NPC-SPUG (small power utilities group),” he said.

For this year, DoE expects power demand in Palawan to fall in line with expectations that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism are looking “some of sort of restrictions as far as the entry to El Nido,” Mr. Marasigan said.

“There won’t be any closures but the DENR has been finding some issues. For example there is a lot of encroachment on beach areas so that means we will see a reduction in such facilities. So that’s reduction in consumption,” he said.

Palawan farm turns into habitat for endemic species unintentionally

By RODOLFO ABALOS, JR. (Registered Forester, PhD in Forestry, /LBG, GMA News)

The Yamang Bukid farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan was intended to be a turmeric plantation, but due to the evolving needs of the local farmers and the community of Barangay Bacungan, it has evolved into a place for relaxation and a habitat to wild, endemic species of animals and insects in the area.

Driven by a strong motivation of "doing business with a heart" for community development and for the environment, Baguio City-based Yamang Bukid Healthy Products, Inc. had sought to reach out to all major cities in the country to allow the firm to grow and to help more and more people to make a living.

This desire carried Yamang Bukid (YB) to Palawan, with its first outlets in Puerto Princesa City malls. And as it branched out to other super markets, it needed raw materials for its main product Turmeric 10-in-1 Tea and thought of setting up a farm solely dedicated to turmeric.

After it acquired a 1.2-hectare tract of unproductive land in Barangay Bacungan in late 2017, YB started planting turmeric to compensate for the scarce supply coming from Baguio.

The turmeric farm was doing very well and employed dozens of idle farmers who used to be illegal loggers. But no single fully-grown tree was cut down during the land preparation of the farm.

With the strong drive to do business with a heart, demonstrated in efforts at letting others live while taking care of the locality’s ecosystem, YB hired several residents and enlisted the help experts in agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry.

Seeing the success of the turmeric farm, owners of adjacent tracts of unproductive land began offering their properties, which YB welcomed as it saw the opportunity to develop the several hectares of idle estates for the YB, the community, and for enhancing biodiversity in the area and preserving the environment.

With the generous financial support of its main initiator, Mr. Rene Maduro, and with the help of experts including Eleerico Tabal, Registered Agriculturist, PhD candidate Agronomy Science, Organic Agriculture and Urban Gardening resource person; Glenn Lasaca Calipus, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, PhD candidate Animal Physiology and Molecular Biology; and some 150 hired local farmers, the YB Farm has evolved into a what it is now.

A total of 135 of the 150 YB Farm’s farmers used to be illegal loggers, and each one of them cuts three fully-grown trees daily. This translates to 146,552 trees being saved yearly due to the employment opportunity the farm has given them.

But soon, the farm was troubled by questions about sustainability amid inadequate income. With over a hundred hired hands, how could the farm continue to help the community, the families of the farmers who have already found a home in the YB Farm?

Holding on to its business philosophy of living a life for others in a healthy environment, the YB farm leaders refused to entertain the thought of firing people.

Instead, they moved on finding ways to augment the financial gains of the farm by planting organically-grown medicinal, ornamental, fruit-bearing plants, even as they embarked on a tree-planting endeavor with now over 200 viable saplings of endemic plant species.

Then, the farm's initiators conceived of putting up the House of Kakanin in the hopes of getting additional income for the farmers’ wives by producing popular delicacies flavored with the farm’s home-grown crops, and packaging the food products in indigenous materials.

The House of Kakanin was a step for augmenting the farm’s income, which led to another, and more income-generating projects.

Without a pause, the farm’s landscape has continued to evolve, and as it bursts into a cool idyllic sight, it caught the attention of passers by, visitors, and tourists who happened to stray on paths leading to the YB farm.

At the start, they came in trickles, fascinated by the things that the farm has to offer and the happy faces of the farmers and the workers --all from Barangay Bacungan --who are comparably well-paid and cared for.

Then, the visitors came in hordes and now in streams, as the farm transformed into an agro-forestry showcase, an ideal place for people, families, and friends to be in commune with nature —free of any charge.

To cater to the needs of the visitors, the YB farm put up a restaurant under the cozy ambiance of canopies of giant mango trees, and other amenities for people to relax as they escape from the toxic city life.

Aware of a the possible impact of influx of visitors that could stretch the carrying capacity of the locality as the farm turned into a local attraction, the YB farm management has laid out a plan to build a water-treatment facility which is expected to operate in January 2019.

To properly dispose of the organic and household refuse from the restaurant and other farm activities, YB has put up a vermiculture to produce organic fertilizer.

But there is more to Yamang Bukid farm, perhaps, being taken for granted by the human visitors, but is more loudly being heralded by the frequent visits of birds of prey, tree-dwelling animals, bees, butterflies, and crawling insects.

As it evolved across a short period of time, the YB farm has accidentally created a habitat for endemic wild species in Palawan.

Hawks, hornbills, falcons, squirrels, bees, dragonflies, and butterflies that were not seen before the farm's coming have now become added attractions to the place.

DoE assures power stability in Palawan and Iloilo

By Alena Mae S. Flores

The Department of Energy said it will ensure uninterrupted power supply in Iloilo City and Palawan province as it deals with electric cooperatives that supply electricity to these areas.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said Palawan Electric Cooperative, which supplies electricity to Palawan, already submitted plans to the department which are under review.

“Paleco submitted their plans which I signed and referred to the Power Bureau for review,” Fuentebella said.

Mario Marasigan, director of the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, said the National Electrification Administration, assigned a new general manager for Paleco.

“We required them [to submit a Transmission Development Plan] to see the actual situation in Palawan. Depending on the submission of the TDP, we will decide whether to push through with our instruction for NPC [National Power Corp.] to provide services for the El Nido area in terms of the generation and wires,” Marasigan said.

Marasigan said that for the rest of Palawan, the department was looking at enhancements of substations.

“We will also review their power supply agreements [PSAs]. We have already initiated discussions with them to include in their TDP their power supply procurement program and the review,” he said.

Marasigan said Paleco’s power situation was due to “line problems” and not lack of generation capacity. Paleco is the lone power distributor in Puerto Princesa City and 18 municipalities, serving 137,277 consumers as of June 2018.

“The common causes of problems in Palawan is apparently the lines and substations, not insufficient supply. In fact, they have oversupply in terms of PSAs. For transmission, there is constraint in the substations,” he said.

Marasigan said El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente had problems with transmission interconnection, which would be fixed by 2019 as programmed by Napocor-Small Power Utilities Group.

Marasigan said that in the case of Iloilo City, More Electric Power Corp.’s franchise passed third reading in both houses of Congress.

“It has not been signed by the president…Supposedly it was endorsed before the closure of the session. But we do not have a copy and we cannot confirm if it was transmitted,” he said.

He said the Senate version set a two-year transmission period “that will ensure continuous distribution services within Iloilo City.”

Marasigan said that during the transition period, Panay Electric Cooperative would continue to serve Iloilo City. Peco’s franchise is due to expire this month.

“During the transition, there will be negotiation as far as the use of facilities…It would be hard without the transition. It’s going to be an abrupt change,” he said.

Red tide alert remains hoisted over 5 provinces

By EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday said paralytic shellfish poison was again detected in waters off Eastern Samar, Bohol, Palawan, Pampanga and Bataan.

In its latest Shellfish Bulletin, BFAR said the red tide toxin has remained in the coastal waters of Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Likewise, municipalities in Bataan, including Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal, are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit, the bureau added.

According to the BFAR advisory, “all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or ‘alamang’ gathered from the areas [mentioned] are not safe for human consumption.”

“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,” it added.

Red tide is a phenomenon caused by an explosive growth and accumulation of certain microscopic algae, predominantly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters.

The toxin, which can kill fish, birds and marine mammals, and cause illness in humans, can last days, weeks or months, and can also change daily due to wind conditions.

Red tide alert remains hoisted over 5 provinces

By EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

January 05, 2019 

   home / News / Regions / Red tide alert remains hoisted over 5 provinces

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday said paralytic shellfish poison was again detected in waters off Eastern Samar, Bohol, Palawan, Pampanga and Bataan.

In its latest Shellfish Bulletin, BFAR said the red tide toxin has remained in the coastal waters of Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Likewise, municipalities in Bataan, including Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal, are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit, the bureau added.

According to the BFAR advisory, “all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or ‘alamang’ gathered from the areas [mentioned] are not safe for human consumption.”

“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,” it added.

Red tide is a phenomenon caused by an explosive growth and accumulation of certain microscopic algae, predominantly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters.

The toxin, which can kill fish, birds and marine mammals, and cause illness in humans, can last days, weeks or months, and can also change daily due to wind conditions. Advertisements

Eating shellfish from areas with red tide may lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). According to US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PSP could lead to “muscle paralysis and respiratory failure…and in these cases death may occur in two to 25 hours.”

Vulcan donates Palawan properties to former workers

By Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

LISTED Vulcan Industrial and Mining Corp. on Wednesday said it has donated two properties in Roxas, Palawan to its former employees, as well as current workers of Alakor Corporation and Anglo Philippine Holdings Corporation.

In a disclosure, Vulcan said the donated properties were part of its mine site that has been shuttered and non-operational for decades.

“The donations were made in favor of groups of individuals who are either former employees of the Corporation who live or used to live in the area or current employees of related parties, Alakor Corporation or Anglo Philippine Holdings Corporation, who signified their interest to acquire said properties,” it said.

According to Vulcan, it donated the properties after considering their book value of P87,144, as well as the cost of maintenance and presence of informal settlers.

At the same time, Vulcan said it transferred its mineral production sharing agreements (MPSA) in Negros Occidental to United Paragon Mining Corporation (UPMC), in exchange for the latter assuming the listed company’s liabilities, obligations and future claims.

MPSA 092-97-VI and MPSA 113-98-VI have an aggregate historical value of P12.89 million.

Under the deal, UPMC will assume Vulcan’s liabilities amounting to P13.33 million, as well as any liabilities and obligations arising from the oil and mineral assets, including deferred exploration costs.

The transfer also involves Vulcan’s condonation of its advances to UPMC amounting to P539,173.42.

Shares in Vulcan closed 3.7% or 6 centavos lower at P1.54 each on Wednesday.

Palawan’s ‘Hidden Beach’ emerges No. 1 among top 50 beaches in Asia, says travel firm

By NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS (The Manila Times)

THE “Hidden Beach” at El Nido in Palawan was ranked first in the list of the Top 50 beaches in Asia in 2018, according to a Canadian travel agency.

Flight Network said the famed beach emerged No. 1 for its “sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.”

“The wild, vegetation-covered rock formations and crystal clear waters of Hidden Beach will make you feel as if you’ve been dropped into a movie,” the company said, quoting Sachin Aggarwal of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

The Maya Bay and Railay Beach of Thailand was ranked second and third respectively.

Eight other Philippine beaches were also listed among Asia’s best. They are the Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao (13th); Palaui Beach in Cagayan Valley (22nd); Caramoan Island Beach in Camarines Sur (29th); Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental (41st); Gumasa Beach in Sarangani (45th); Kalanggaman Island in Cebu (49th); and Paliton Beach in Siquijor (50th).

The Hidden Beach previously placed third in the world ranking of best beaches in 2018 by the same company, after Greece’s Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, which was ranked No. 1, and Australia’s Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, No. 2.

Flight Network consulted 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies experienced in traveling “to rank the best beaches in the world, based on their personal and professional experience.”

“We received unparalleled insight into the most spectacular beaches on earth,” the company said.

Catholics urged to be bearers of 'faith news,' not fake news

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona has a reminder for Catholics on the first day of the new year.

According to a report from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Mesiona on Tuesday reminded the faithful to be bearers of good news and not fake news.

During the mass held at the Puerto Princesa Cathedral for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Mesiona proposed three possible New Year's resolutions, one of which is for Catholics to be bearers of good news.

“Like the shepherds in the Gospel, let us all be carrier of good news, not gossip. Faith news and not false news,” he said.

“These days, there’s so much negativity in this world, we need more good news to uplift the spirit of our brothers and sisters,” Mesiona added.

NEA asks Palawan electric co-op to cooperate

By Alena Mae S. Flores

The National Electrification Administration asked the Palawan Electric Cooperative to allow the state-run agency to resolve the power situation in Palawan province.

NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong made the statement after Paleco expressed concern over the agency’s move to appoint an acting general manager to oversee the power utility’s operations.

“Despite its status as an electric cooperative registered with the Cooperative Development Authority, the NEA will not stand idly by. We will exercise the agency’s inherent jurisdiction over Paleco as it has the technical capability to turn things around in Palawan and for Palawan member-consumer-owners,” Masongsong said.

Masongsong designated Engr. Nelson Lalas as project supervisor and acting general manager of Paleco on Dec, 10. Lalas was tasked to manage the day-to-day operations of Paleco and to ensure the efficient delivery of electric service to its member-consumer-owners.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed his disappointment over the worsening power supply problem in Palawan, and warned Paleco of government takeover if frequent service interruptions in the province were not solved by the end of the year.

Paleco, for its part, outlined a range of issues in providing reliable electricity service to its MCOs, which included the delay in the approval of its capital expenditure plan by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Paleco put on hold its planned upgrading of distribution lines pending approval of its capex application.

Paleco also proposed to install substations in strategic places in Puerto Princesa City and in the southern part of Palawan and put up a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system to improve the power supply reliability in the province.

The electric cooperative said it filed its application for capex program in March 2017 but has yet to receive its approval from the ERC.

“We all know that electric industry is a regulated business controlled by the government, particularly the ERC. We cannot implement the said major projects without the approval of the ERC,” Paleco said in its position paper.

Pending ERC approval, the Paleco board passed a resolution requesting the ERC to allow the EC to implement some of the projects as emergency capex included in the application, such as the purchase of the SCADA system and the installation of two substations in Puerto Princesa.

Another concern of Paleco was the construction of transmission lines of the National Power Corp. and upgrading of its substations to augment its existing capacities.

Paleco also said different government laws, rules and regulations were hindering the implementation of the electrification projects in the province.

It noted the delays in the processing and issuance of necessary permits like the environmental compliance certificates and electrical permits from the local government.

Paleco said the road widening projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways were also contributing to the causes of interruptions in electrical service in the province.

“The road widening is an excellent project because this will boost the progress of the City of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan. However, Paleco’s operations were greatly affected due to the need for the relocation of affected poles which in turn result to a series of power interruptions,” Paleco said.

The local power utility also sought the national government’s assistance to get Palawan’s rightful share in the Malampaya project to accelerate the electrification projects in the province.

Paleco is the lone power distributor of Puerto Princesa City and 18 municipalities, serving 137,277 consumers as of June 2018.

Guhit Palaw’an promotes culture and arts of indigenous people

By Harthwell Capistrano

Painting, weaving, and exhibitions were the major activities during the recently concluded event that promotes the culture and arts of indigenous people in the island province of Palawan.

Dubbed as the Guhit Palaw’an, the on-spot-painting competition, was in line with the JCI Puerto Princesa Oil project entitled, Resurgence of Palawa’an Culture and Arts.

“As part of our advocacy on helping the Resurgence of Palawan Culture and Arts, JCI Puerto Princesa Oil conducted the Guhit Palaw’an on the spot painting contest to showcase the beauty of Palaw’an Culture and Arts and at same time to recognize the talents of our own local artist in Palawan,” said Rexlin Azarcon, 2019 Chapter President of JCI.

One of the members of JCI Puerto Princesa Oil also known for his upcycling artistry, Jc Enon initiated the project for Guhit Palaw’an and invited some local artists in Palawan to join the whole day event held at Marina de bay last December 21, 2018.

It was a spontaneous whole day event with Tingkop (harvest basket) weaving and exhibit held at the restaurant of Marina de bay with trainer and weaver Rosalinda Gacayan from Bataraza Tourism Office. The weaving activity was participated by members of JCI Puerto Princesa Oil, Puerto Princesa Kiao and some tourists.

Palawan local artists signed up and participated in painting contest “Guhit Palaw’an”. Some were members of Guhit Pinas-Palawan and Arts on the move artists, namely: Leonard Ansiong, Ramfil Dagumboy, Brian Kenneth Yatco, Ron Edrada and Stephanie Joyce Lopera.

Artists were given time the whole day to create their masterpieces on a 4ft x 3ft canvass in the art material they preferred such as water color, acrylic paint, latex, and oil with a theme of creating awareness, promotion, and preserving Palaw ‘an culture and arts.

The 21-year-old local artist, Leonard Ansiong from Brgy Tabon Quezon Palawan bagged the first prize of Guhit Palaw’an On-the-spot Painting Contest, and received the Php5,000.00 cash.

“Pinapakita ng aking obra na talagang kahanga hanga ang sining at kultura ng isa sa ating Ethnolinguistic group dto sa Palawan na ang Palaw’an. Mula sa kanilang Traditonal Basket, na ginagawa ng kababaihan nasa edad 50-60 yrs old, pero ngayon tinuturo at ibinabahagi na nila sa kabataan, ang susing pag hahabi, yung paterns, anito na nagsisimbulo ng Good Harvest at ang sulat Ibalnan. Patuloy nawa nating palaguin ang sining at kultura na meron ang Tribung Palaw’an, lets protect and preserve the culture and arts,” said Leonard Ansiong.

Other local artists Stephanie Joyce Lopera and Ron Edrada placed second and third respectively, and received Php3,000.00 and Php2,000.00 cash prizes. Consolation prizes were awarded to two remaining local artists, Ramfil Dagumboy and Brian Kenneth Yatco worth Php500.00 cash each plus gift certificate from Marina De Bay.

Local artist masterpieces are available for viewing and are for sale at the exhibit area of Marina de bay’s restaurant, including Tingkop and other handicraft souvenir items.

“Enough of colonization. We’ve been colonized already more than a hundred years ago and let’s spare our indigenous people culture, values, and arts of so called civilization. Instead let’s protect and preserve our indigenous people culture and rights and their identity through their expression in arts to increase in creating awareness and promotion such as Guhit Palaw ‘an and exhibits showcasing Palaw’an music, dances, arts, handicraft, and many others,” said Gilbert Ramoya, Project Chair.

In partnership with Marina de bay, JCI Puerto Princesa Kiao, Iconic Travel and Events, and Bataraza Tourism Office, the event a success, which is also aligned to JCI Philippines national project that protects and preserve cultural heritage.

JCI Puerto Princesa Oil aims to build a resilient community by motivating new breed of leaders that are willing to dedicate its time and effort to act from global impact.

The organization received numerous recognition and awards from different stakeholders with its wide-array of community development and self-empowering programs. It was recently recognized at “Dangal Awards” during JCI Philippines Southern Luzon Area Conference at held at General Trias, Cavite dated September 1, 2018.

• Most Outstanding Local Organization Category 1
• Most Outstanding Local Organization President Category 1, Francisco Baluyut III
• Wow si Mom: Best in Public Relations Program
• Merit Award: Kita-Kita (Eye Health Program for Senior Citizens) as Best Public Health Program
• Merit Award: SIKAD Palawan
• Merit Award: JCI Puerto Princesa Oil Website as Best in Website

Now on its incoming 44th year, under the leadership of its 2019 Chapter President Rexlin D. Azarcon, the chapter will continue to grow as the leading network of young active citizens in Puerto Princesa City.

“JCI Puerto Princesa OIL bannered the theme HEAT UP for 2018-2019 which means Highly Empowered Active Team, because we believe on creating a strong effective team to bring positive change to the community. We want to create and nurture an environment where our members learn, can create a deep sense of mission that made each and every one of us a better persons, and to use our and talents and skills effectively to the local organization and community. Because becoming a Highly Empowered Active Team means an effective way to provide positive change to the community,” said JCI Chapter President Azarcon.

With its 2019 theme-banner HEAT UP (Highly. Empowered. Active.Team.), JCI Puerto Princesa Oil will continue to produce quality leader through its development trainings and opportunities.

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