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Palawan News March 2016

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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

City gov’t pushes Waste-to-Energy project

By Catherine Santos

It seems the proposed waste-to-energy project was able to secure the approval of various sectors in Puerto Princesa City as no strong objection to the project was raised during the public hearing held today, March 29 at the City Coliseum.

According to Mayor Bayron, the project has to push through because the current landfill is expected to be filled up in 3-5 years.

Bayron said that as the population grows there is an apparent increase in the volume of garbage in the city that should be addressed proactively. When the landfill is already used up, billions of money shall be needed to create or expand the existing area thus the city government sees the project as the best option according to Bayron.

The proponent Greg Burton of Austwork Corporation, capsulized the project concept as simply conversion of garbage from the landfill to green renewable energy or electricity which can produce up to 5 megawatts.

According to Burton, through the help of technology, methane gas will be extracted from the garbage, it will be burned to generate heat and electricity.

Burton added that the project will provide additional renewable energy to city residents, efficiency in the waste collection management, employment, and the promotion of recycling of gas and metals.

Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda of Environmental Legal Assistance Center raised concern on the viability and sustainability of the project to which Burton assured so.

DOH turns over 372 TSeKaP packages for Palawan LGUs

(OCJ/LBR/PIA4B-Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Mar 30 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH)–Mimaropa recently turned-over 372 TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) Equipment Packages to Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province.

The turn-over ceremony was held at the Victoriano J. Rodriguez Hall Capitol complex.

Every TSeKaP Equipment Package contains two non-contact thermometers, one stethoscope, one digital blood pressure apparatus, glucometer (for measuring blood sugar level), one dressing set (for sterile wound care) and two nebulizers (for asthma relief).

TSeKaP is part of the department’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan by strengthening health systems; increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of basic health services and enable a more equitable distribution of national health programs through the government’s Daang Matuwid Program.

According to DOH-Mimaropa, the TSeKaP Equipment Packages will be given to rural health units, urban health centers and barangay health stations in order for them to be able to function properly and reduce delays and failure in the delivery of treatment and care to patients in the community.

Puerto Princesa City commemorates declaration of Underground River as national park

By Grace Belostrino

It was in March 26, 1971 when Puerto Princesa City first celebrated the “Araw ng Taraw” which marked the declaration of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as a national park and named as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The “taraw” is the mountain wherein the underground river situated.

The PPSRNP covers four barangays: Cabayugan, Tagabinet, Marufinas and New Panggangan.

This year’s celebration of Araw ng Taraw commenced with a community parade and a program at the wharf attended by various sectors. Among other activities are tree planting, quiz bee and medical mission.

According to PPSRNP Manager Elizabeth Maclang, wdspite the influx of tourists, they continue to strive to develop the surrounding community without endangering the interest of the environment.

“Patuloy ang paglakas ng PPSRNP para mapaunlad ang mga community, at the same time hindi nakukumpromiso ang ating karagatan, kalikasan at kabundukan kahit na dinaragsa tayo ng mga turista,” Maclang said.

The celebration will conclude tomorrow, March 30, with the awarding of recognition to the cleanest resort, restaurant, barangay and other business establishments.

Palawan gov’t inaugurates Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/SGP]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 28 (PNA) –- The provincial government of Palawan recently inaugurated the first-ever Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center (BPYC) in the MIMAROPA Region that would provide shelter to minors involved in court cases.

The Provincial Information Office (PIO) in a release issued Monday said the introduction to the public of the BPYC happened on March 21 at its site at the Provincial Agricultural Center Compound, Barangay Irawan, in this city.

Among the guests in the events were Department of Social Welfare and Development Region IV-B MIMAROPA Director Wilma Naviamos and Regional Trial Court Branch 50 Presiding Judge Jose Bayani Usman.

The PIO said Vice Governor Dennis Socrates led the inauguration for the provincial government with Deparment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Palawan representative Evelyn Parangue; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Palawan representative Cruzalde Ablaña; Judge Jocelyn Dilig, Provincial Administrator Atty. Joshua Bolusa, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, and PIO Atty. Gil A. Acosta, Jr., and Provincial Jail Warden Col. Ramon Espina.

In his message, Usman said the opening of the youth center for minor offenders is “a giant step” in pushing forward their welfare, as well as obeying the law that says they should be separated from adult detainees.

The judge thanked Governor Jose Alvarez for his positive response on their call to provide funds for the construction of a perimeter fence of the shelter, provision of personnel services, furniture sets, and other fixtures.

It can be recalled that the Bahay Pag-asa was completed in 2012 under funds provided by the office of Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. However, it was not used due to the absence of a perimeter fence and the funds to pay the salaries of employees.

Due to this, the PIO said the provincial government allocated PHP957,93.59 for the construction of the said fence, and PHP500,000 for furnishing, such as beddings, bed, and others.

Naviamos, on the other hand, lauded Alvarez’s administration for taking the initiative to set up the first youth center in the region in Puerto Princesa, which would ensure the welfare of the youth while their cases are being heard in court.

The youth center has seven rooms, a wide yard, and has the capacity to accommodate around 20 suspected minor offenders, said the PIO.

With the opening, Ablaña said they expect 17 youth suspected offenders to be transferred before end of the month to the facility.

The number, she said, is from a total of 50 that are under the Children in Conflict with the Law. They were chosen because of their ages, which are 15-17.

Puerto Princesa seeking ‘City of the Living God’ title, holiday

By Charissa Luci

Palawan Rep. Douglas Hagedorn has filed a bill officially naming as “City of the Living God” and declaring March 30 of every year as a non-working holiday in observance of such declaration.

He said the declaration was supported and approved by the city government through Sangguniang Panglungsod Resolutions 770-2010 and 579-2012 dated June 4, 2012, and preceded by Executive Order No. 13 declaring Puerto Princesa as City of the Living God.

“Of all the places in the country, only Puerto Princesa is away from the ring of fire and the fault line,” he said in filing House Bill 6479.

Hagedorn cited that Puerto Princesa is a home to one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature of the World, the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, more popularly known as the Underground River. It is also the haven of various species endemic to Palawan, he added.

He noted that Mayor Edward Hagedorn envisioned Puerto Princesa as a “home of God-fearing, disciplined, progressive, and environment-conscious people.”

No water supply crisis yet – Water District

By Catherine Santos

The Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) sees no need to declare a “state of emergency” in terms of water supply in the City of Puerto Princesa as the situation is still “controllable” according to General Manager Antonio Jesus R. Romasanta.

“Tolerable pa. Hindi pa tayo mauuhaw, said Romasanata during the Multi-sectoral Consultative Assembly, Thursday, March 17.

The water district is supposed to implement a 12-12 rationing scheme on Monday, March 21, but since the situation is still controllable despite the 5,000 cubic meters deficit in the water volume every day, the PPCWD management decided to put it on hold. Romasanta however forewarned the water consumers to prepare for the possible water rationing that will take effect any time once the situation worsens.

Based on the data presented by Finance Services Department Manager Walter J. Laurel, the average water demand during rainy season there is a surplus of 9,038 cubic meter per day. But during the dry season, assuming that there is no increase in the demand, the supply deficit is usually 13,869 cubic meter per day. .

This situation could possibly get worse once the water district could not find additional source of water supply. Based on PPCWD’s projection, in 2020 the water supply deficit will go up to 20, 677 cubic meters and 28,719 cubic meters in 2025.

According to Romasanta, the water district is exhausting all efforts to push the Montible River water project also tagged as “Water Supply Improvement Project II” to proactively address the problem.

“Kahit naman kasi anong kompanya ang pumasok, ‘yun pa rin – Montible River ang target nila,” he said.

The PPCWD has been seeking for three years the Department of Justice clearance to utilize the Montible River as additional source of water supply yet their request is not granted. Considering the urgency of the need to have additional water source, the water district is eyeing three options just to be able to address the problem: (1) Enter into a bulk water agreement; (2) enter into a joint-venture agreement; (3) Enter into a concession agreement like in the case of Maynilad and Manila Water in Metro Manila.

Romasanta however, is still hopeful that among the three options, the water district could still get clearance from the DOJ and be able to utilize the Montible River.

“Obvious naman ‘pag may pumasok na private, talagang mas magmamahal ang tubig,” he added.

The bidders for possible partnership with water district are these companies: Rio Verde Consortium, Manila Water Company, Prime Water Corporation, Maynilad Water, PhilHydro Corporation, Solerex Water, and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

One of the suggestions of the participants of the Consultative Meeting is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis should the water district is left with no option but to engage the services of a private company.

Zero collection for graduation says City DepEd

By Chris Dela Cruz

The Department of Education in Puerto Princesa City is warning the teachers not to be involved in collecting money from their students for graduation ceremonies.

City DepEd Division Information Officer Imelda Flores said that the warning is being given not only to teachers but to School Principal and officers and members of the Parent Teacher’s Association.

According DepEd Order No. 7 issued this year, extravagant expenses for graduation is strictly prohibited. The school will shoulder expenses for graduation rites under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). The parents can contribute but it is not mandatory according to the Order.

Flores said that whoever violates this policy might be suspended or terminated from the job. The City DepEd has informed there will be no graduation for high school students this year following the implementation of K to 12 Program. Completion Certificate for Junior High School will be issued but graduation will only follow after the completion of another two years in Senior High School.

DILG Mimaropa asks communities to join bgy assemblies on March 26

By Lyndon Plantilla (LP/PIA4B/QC)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on communities living in Mimaropa to participate in the upcoming Barangay Assembly.

The assembly is held twice a year (semestral) by barangay leaders, across the country including Mimaropa, to report their accomplishments to their constituents.

Likewise, the assembly provides the venue for kababayans to ask or inquire how barangay funds were alloted and spent

Among the topics to be tackled in the assembly is the establishment of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils otherwise known as BADAC.

DILG-Mimaropa Regional Director (RD) James Fadrilan said drug trade incidents occur in barangays and putting up a BADAC will intensify the campaign against illegal drug trade in the neighborhood.

RD Fadrilan underscored the important role of civilians in the campaign against illegal drugs: by providing critical information on suspected pushers and users. The Barangay Assembly is scheduled this Saturday, March 26.

400 sacks of abandoned mangrove tanbark recovered in Palawan town

(PNA), FFC/CARF/KASF/EBP

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- About 400 sacks of abandoned mangrove tanbark were recovered by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Enforcement Team in a temporary stock area at Sitio Sayab, Brgy. Tagnato, Bataraza, Palawan at around 9:30 a.m. last week Tuesday.

Surveillance revealed these tanbark sacks are regularly shipped out to Malaysia by different groups in Southern Palawan, according to Niño Estoya, chief of the PCSD Enforcement Team.

An investigation will be made as to responsible person/s for possible filing of criminal complaint for violation of P.D. 705, otherwise known as the Philippine Forestry Code, said Estoya.

The recovered tanbarks will be brought to Puerto Princesa for proper disposition.

Environment experts said the rampant debarking of mangroves is irremediable, and has ill-effects to nature.

In 2008, local officials in Palawan called for more teeth to prevent the illicit gathering and trading of tanbarks which was found to be one of the major causes of crocodile attacks in Bataraza.

The activity had reportedly disturbed the natural habitats of the saltwater crocodiles causing them to stray near the shore or river banks where there are residents.

The tanbarks are traded for used for dyeing and tanning, source of soga browns used of Javanese batiks, bark extracts are used to preserve nets and sails from decay, and other uses.

Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative to receive Php5M Dump Truck

(FDG/OCJ/PIA4B/Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Mar. 22 (PIA) --- The Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bgy. Pulot Center in the municipality of Sofronio Española received a multi-million peso worth of 10-wheeler dump truck last March 20.

According to Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Information Fideleo De Guzman, the Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative is one of the DAR assisted-cooperatives in the province of Palawan.

After the turnover ceremony on March 10, the said cooperative will officially become the owner and operator of the Php5.7-Million worth JAC Gallop 10-wheeler dumptruck which is temporarily kept at the parking space of the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum where the DAR is having its provincial office.

The 18-tonner heavy duty truck was purchased by the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (DBM-PS) following the request of the DAR to provide the Malalong MPC with common service facilities (CSFs) to be used in its Oil Palm Production and Hauling Services Project.

The hauling services project is expected not only to generate additional income but also to ensure timely delivery of Oil palm produce of the cooperative farmer-members. The cooperative is having a total of 253 members of which 249 are agrarian reform beneficiaries engaged in Oil palm industry.

Cooperatives having a good track record like the Malalong MPC was earlier identified by DAR as the lead Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) in a municipality where it operates is entitled to receive the package of grant assistance under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic support Services (ARCCESS).

New HIV testing clinic and community center to open in Puerto Princesa City

(PalawanNews)

In an effort to widen its reach in providing free and confidential HIV testing, counseling, and promotion of safer sex practices, the HIV/AIDS awareness advocacy group plans to open a clinic and community center in Puerto Princesa City.

The group composed of Palawan H4-Palawan, Inc., LoveYourself, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., in partnership with DOH Region 4B have seen the need to have a bigger facility to accommodate the growing number of clients availing HIV testing services.

The new community center, dubbed as MarvBella Community Center will be located along Abad Santos Street in Puerto Princesa City. It will be open on May 20, 2016

“We really wanted our new Center to be accessible to everyone. It’s just walking distance which will let many more people to get tested, know their status and, very soon, seek treatment right away,” said Project H4-Palawan, Inc. Founder and Executive Director Calvin June Sintoy. He added that it is the Puerto Princesa City upscale version of the LoveYourself community centers in Manila

In order to magnify the impact of the HIV campaign in Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan, as well as ensure its sustainability, the group signed up a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last March 14, 2016 at the DOH R4B office in Quezon City to assist in the prevention and awareness campaign on HIV to public transport vehicles, schools, colleges/ universities, and establishments.

The center will implement advocacy programs such as PBSR (Philippine Business Sector Response on HIV), HIV Caravan, and establish a community center for the MSMs (men having sex with men), TGs (transgenders), and Youth which will serve as a safe space for them where they can use for recreational activities, developmental and livelihood training, and HIV testing.

It will be funded by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and Department of Health Region 4B, and will be operated by Project H4-Palawan, Inc. in partnership with LoveYourself, Inc.

Delta P inks power contract with PALECO

(PNA), LDV/JLD

MANILA (PNA) -- Delta P Inc. will source its 26.65-megawatt capacity from Palawan Electric Cooperative Inc. for 15 years under a power supply agreement signed Friday.

The agreement was signed after Delta P won the bidding in a competitive selection process, it told the local bourse.

The PSA will take effect a year after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issues its approval.

Delta P currently owns and operates the capacity of a 16-MW diesel-fired power plant in Palawan.

It is owned by Vivant Energy Corp. at 50 percent.

Vivant Corp. is engaged in power generation, power distribution and retail electricity supply business.

Nutrition action officers in Palawan undergo consultative meeting, workshop

(PNA), LAP/CARF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 18 (PNA) -- Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs) in Palawan concluded Thursday their two-day meeting and consultative workshop that discussed nutrition programs being implemented by the provincial government.

Palawan Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rachel Paladan said the two-day meeting and consultative workshop also included nutrition aides and members of the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) of the Provincial Nutrition Council (ONC).

Convened by the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO), Paladan said the event was done for MNAOs and other participants to discuss the nutrition programs of 23 municipalities in Palawan last year and the challenges that they are continuously facing to provide them solutions.

It was also an opportunity to present and discuss their 2016 nutrition plans and programs, according to her.

Meanwhile, in her speech, Dr. Mary Ann Navarro, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), lauded the MNAOs because of the decline in the malnutrition prevalence rate (MPR) of the province.

She said that although the indicated percentage of decline was still small, what is important is that the number of malnourished children is continuously decreasing.

Navarro added that the roles of the MNAOs are very important in ensuring that nutrition programs are enforced in each community in Palawan.

Provincial Interior and Local Government Director Mario Daquer, on the other hand, said the decrease in the MPR only proves that the MNAOs are now more inspired to continue with their nutrition programs, since they are getting much needed support from the provincial government.

The two-day activity also discussed with the participants other programs of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) like Saktong Iodine sa Asin Seal, Operation Timbang Plus, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) 2015 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and other Population Group.

Health Seminar for Mimaropa Media Practitioners held in Puerto Princesa

(DOH4B/OCJ-PIA4B Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Mar. 17 (PIA) --- To equip the media practitioners on the importance of reporting health issues accurately to the public, the Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA is conducted a two-day seminar entitled “Public Health 101” starting today.

The said health seminar will focus on communicable and non-communicable diseases, prevention and control and basic knowledge on epidemiology.

Participants will also be provided with updates and presentation of accomplishments of the various health programs of the region in every province.

According to DOH-Mimaropa Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo, health promotion is everybody’s responsibility and the role of media in influencing people's attitudes and behaviour is very significant, especially in promoting positive health seeking behaviours and responses in the community on certain health issues that may affect everyone’s health and safety that’s why, it is a must that media have the proper knowledge to be able to report accurately on any health issues that may arise in the province as well as in the community.

The seminar was held at the A&A Plaza Hotel in Puerto Princesa and attended by media practitioners of the region including national and local media reporters, correspondents, station managers, publishers and editors of various publications and radio stations.

AFP begins pre-'Balikatan' activities in Panay, Palawan

(PNA), BNB/PFN

MANILA, March 16 (PNA) --- Units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) started its pre-"Exercise Balikatan 2016" activities by conducting preliminary work on five different school buildings and community medical engagements in Panay and Palawan Wednesday.

This will lead to information exchanges and live training events over a 12-day period.

Construction activities in Panay and Palawan are expected to be completed by the end of March.

“Balikatan” in Filipino means "shoulder-to-shoulder" and characterizes the spirit of the exercise and the Philippines-US alliance.

Opening ceremonies are slated for April 4, followed by several training events throughout the 12-day exercise while closing ceremony is scheduled to be held April 15, said "Balikatan 2016" spokesperson Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson.

"Balikatan' is an annual Philippine-US military bilateral training exercise that is a signature element of the Filipino-American alliance focused on a variety of missions to include humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection.

Work on Panay and Palawan demonstrates cooperation and interoperability between the Philippines and the US consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

Both sides are committted to train, share information and provide support to each other through a range of military operations.

Through the joint exercises, Filipino and American forces will work together to enhance maritime law enforcement throughout the Philippines in order to meet annual training requirements, and enhance techniques, tactics, and procedures as a critical part of interoperability of the two military forces.

Military service members from both countries will also conduct combined simulation supported events and operational events in three main commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Western Command, Northern Luzon Command, and Sothern Luzon Command), and other major Philippine military camps such as Crow Valley, Fort Magsaysay, Clark Air Field, Subic Bay, Palawan and Panay to improve their ability to work together, partnering in capabilities and plan follow-on operations.

One of the main operations for this year’s exercise will be the implementation of a joint rapid reaction force as part of the distributed operations in the vicinity of Panay, demonstrating the partnered capability in rapid response.

"Exercise Balikatan 2016" is the 32nd iteration of the annual exercise. This year, the Philippines and the United States have invited a number of personnel from other regional partner nations to attend a portion of the exercise.

Mutual forces from the Philippines, United States and Australia will participate in all major exercise events including the simulation supported event (SSE), operational event (OE) and humanitarian civic assistance (HCA).

The AFP has invited the following nations to observe BK 16 activities: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Japan, South Korea, and Timor-Leste.

DOH turns over TSeKaP packages to MIMAROPA LGUs

(PNA), SCS/PR/DOH-MIMAROPA/LSJ/EDS

MANILA, March 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA has started the turnover of TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) Equipment Packages for local government units (LGUs) in the region composed of the island provinces of Mindoro Occidental/Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

“These essential medical equipment are given to LGUs to allow them to provide basic health services to PhilHealth beneficiaries in their municipalities, being the primary service providers in primary health care,” DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said.

“We will ensure that these packages will be distributed to every health facility in order for them to be able to function properly and reduce delays and failure in the delivery of treatment and care to patients in the community,” he emphasized.

The turnover of TSeKap Equipment Packages started on March 14 with 64 packages provided in Romblon. Palawan will receive 372 packages, Marinduque will be given 37 and Occidental Mindoro with 135 packages on March 16. Oriental Mindoro will get 409 packages on March 16-18.

Each TSeKaP Equipment Package contains two non-contact thermometers, one stethoscope, one digital blood pressure apparatus, one glucometer (for measuring blood sugar level), one dressing set for sterile wound care) and two nebulizers (for asthma relief).

According to Director Janairo, the TSeKaP Equipment Packages will be given to rural health units, urban health centers and barangay health stations.

“This package will assist our health workers in regulating blood and sugar levels of patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and asthma by providing regular check-up to patients and direct counselling in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

TsekAp or Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya is part of the DOH’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan or Universal Health Care (UHC) agenda by strengthening health systems; increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of basic health services; and enabling a more equitable distribution of national health programs through the government’s Daang Matuwid Program.

DOH completes 4th Batch of Municipal Leadership Governance Program in MIMAROPA

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 14 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) in the MIMAROPA Region recently completed the fourth batch of graduates of the Municipal Leadership Governance Program (MLGP) that included local chief executives and municipal health officers (MHOs).

“We are witness to the successful implementation of health programs in the communities by mayors and municipal health officers who have undergone the program and understood their role in improving the health of their municipalities as manifested by their health scorecards,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo was quoted as saying during the opening of the colloquium on March 11 in Manila.

Glen Ramos of the Community Affairs and Media Relations Office of the DOH-MIMAROPA, said Monday that the fourth batch is expected to champion health, and ensure that municipal health systems in the region will be improved, and health needs of the poor will be addressed.

In Palawan, among the participants who graduated were mayors and their MHOs: Mayors Sue S. Cudilla and Dr. Rosalinda L. Losaria of Aracelli; Edna G. Lim and Dr. Cesar G. Rivera of El Nido; and Maria Angela V. Sabando and Dr. Leo C. Salvino of Roxas.

Ramos said the MLGP is an endeavor in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation and conducted under the Health Leadership and Governance Program through the Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School of Public and Development Management as academic partner.

It is a one-year leadership program for Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) supplemented by coaching and mentoring sessions on local health system development which focuses on Good Governance in the health sector, Health Service Delivery, Health Workforce, Health Information, Access to Essential Medicines and Healthcare Financing.

The program requires the participants to complete the 4-day Module 1 sessions, 6-month practicum, 4-day Module 2 sessions and another 6-month practicum before they can graduate.

The Colloquium is the final component of MLGP in which LCEs and MHOs will reflect on their leadership journey, highlight their achievements, health indicators and present their lessons learned during the one-year period.

The benefits of the program include personal development in health leadership and governance, improvement of municipal health outcomes, translate health outcomes into political gains, academic units leading to a Master’s Degree, networking and partnerships (building social capital), opportunity for health program grants and infrastructure development and the chance to gain the Seal of Health Governance recognition.

Something’s cooking at Puerto Princesa

(Manila Times)

Puerto Princesa is visited by countless of Filipinos every year because of its famous Underground River. This 2016, however, local visitors can add an experience to their Palawan city itinerary through a new food destination.

At Painted Table Restaurant, delectable home-cooked meals and colorful visual arts come alive. Located at the ground floor of Canvas Boutique Hotel in Palawan North Road in Puerto Princesa, it serves local and Western comfort food. It also celebrates the works of today’s most talented artists, like AG Saño who painted the restaurant’s communal table.

The food at Painted Table is an inspiring experience in itself. Under the leadership of Chef Gian Mienard Victorino Lamar, the dishes will highlight fresh ingredients from Palawan. He said, “The food will not only taste good. More importantly, we will support the farmers and producers.”

Start your meal with Painted Table’s Signature Salad, made from cashew, local mango and lamayo.

“I visited the markets and local stores to know what is abundant here in Puerto Princesa. I discovered cashews, Palawan honey, locally grown mangoes and of course the famous lamayo. So one day, I got all the ingredients I need from the market and started crafting our signature salad,” Lamar explained. For the dressing, I used Honey-Calamansi Citronette using local Palawan honey. Instead of croutons, I used crispy fried lamayo to provide texture. I candied the roasted cashews, added slices of ripe mangoes and served it over a bed of crisp lettuce. It’s like experiencing Puerto Princesa on a plate.”

Also on the menu is Coconut Cream Panna Cotta with Mixed Fruits, made from freshly grated coconuts. Soy Fried Chicken with Palawan Honey Glaze and many more.

While waiting for the food to be served, guests can chat and admire the five- meter communal painted table by muralist AG Saño. A major conversation piece that tells a myriad of colorful stories, the entire tabletop is brought to life by vibrant color splashes and dramatic hues depicting nature and well-loved Palawan folklore.

Indeed, Painted Table is a treat for the senses, a unique restaurant where guests can experience culinary and visual artistry at the same time. And amid all the flavors, colors & textures, lies a warm and friendly heart that welcomes guests to the beautiful island.

Palawan prepared to welcome tourist influx during summer months

By Jesus M. Ustares [(PNA), LAP/CARF/JMU/RSM]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- It is expected that starting this month, tourist arrivals in Palawan will increase until May, the height of the summer season, and the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) said it is ready to welcome everyone.

According to Maribel Buñi, chief of the PTO, since January, domestic and foreign tourists have already started arriving en masse in the province, but the number went down a little in March.

However, the PTO expects that in April, arrivals will increase again as it has always been the month when most tourists come to the province through Puerto Princesa City.

In 2014, tourist arrivals in January was recorded to be 68,647; February - 67,750; March - 62,574; April - 82,333; and May - 78,606.

In 2015, tourist arrivals in January reached 68,898; February - 69,989; March - 67,946; April - 86,322; and May – 78,606.

The PTO explained April has always been the month when the most number of tourist visits is recorded since it is summertime in the Philippines.

Buñi said domestic tourists remain to be the largest contributor in tourist arrivals at 561,613 in 2015. Foreign tourists, on the other hand, numbered 238,895.

DOH-MIMAROPA, DAP and ZFF conduct forum for Municipal Leadership and Governance Program graduates

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ/RSM]

MANILA, March 11 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA Region, in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), conducted on Friday a forum for the third and fourth batches of graduates of their Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP).

The graduates, consisting of Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in MIMAROPA and their Municipal Health Officers (MHOs), were conferred with certificates during ceremonies held at Hive Hotel and Convention Place, Scout Tuazon St., Diliman, Quezon City.

MIMAROPA Region consists of the island provinces of Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

According to DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director Eduardo Janairo, through the MLGP, the said officials were convinced to participate in the Health Leadership and Management for the Poor (HLGP).

Director Janairo said that with the roll-out of HLGP through the MLGP, the LCEs and MHOs can help together in bringing radical changes in terms of structures and outcomes in the efforts toward achieving the goals set under the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in the new targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“I hope that after the May 9, 2016 elections, all of you will pursue full blasting of what you have learned in theprogram,” Dr. Janairo told the graduates as he reminded them about the importance of pursuing to be “champions” even beyond their terms, referring to those who are in their last term of office.

“There is no reason to stop,” he said, adding with the message that "leaders will always remain to be leaders" and “champions do not give up.”

Also during the event, Ms. Arlene Gella, vice president of ZFF, said she was highly amazed with the public narratives among the LCEs who shared interesting stories on their “journeys in implementing the health programs" as well as their efforts in dealing with the challenges in eradicating social inequities.

“We encourage you to spread and keep on pushing for the implementation of health programs in MIMAROPA,” Gella added as she cited that the LCEs can act as “ambassadors” in spreading and in connecting national health programs.

MLGP is being conducted by the DAP-Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM) since 2013 in partnership with ZFF and DOH Regional Offices III (Central Luzon), IV-B (MIMAROPA) and V (Bicol).

To date, there are 171 LCEs and MHOs who have graduated from the program.

The partnership was made to encourage participation in addressing the growing number of health challenges and health inequities in the country with the intention of achieving the health targets.

HLGP is a strategic initiative targeting different stakeholders in the health sector. It aims to equip DOH Regional Offices, DOH representatives, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Offices, Provincial Chief of Hospitals, Governors, PHOs, LCEs and MHOs, with the right skills and know-hows in attaining the health targets.

HLGP is the umbrella program of the following programs: the Health Leadership and Management for the Poor (HLMP); the Provincial Leadership and Governance for the Poor (PLGP); and the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP).

HLMP is a one-year, two-module leadership program for CHDs, PhilHealth Regional Offices, DSWD Regional Offices, Regional and Provincial Chiefs of Hospital and academic partners.

PLGP, on the other hand, is a three-year, three-module program for Governors and PHOs while MLGP is a one-year, two-module program for LCEs and MHOs that is supplemented by coaching and mentoring sessions from DOH-CHD during practicum.

The participants are expected to improve their municipal health indicators as course deliverables, which include engaging other local stakeholders such as the municipal health boards.

At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:

• Develop leadership and governance capabilities of Local Chief Executives.
• Develop the leadership, managerial and clinical competencies of local health officers and community health workers.
• Support the institutionalization of responsive policies and programs that improve local health systems.
• Increase awareness and encourage active participation and health seeking behavior in the community.
• Mobilize public-private collaboration to facilitate sharing of resources and replication of best practices of sustainability.

Among the graduates present in the ceremonies were:

Hon. Sue S. Cudilla and Dr. Rosalindo L. Losaria (Municipality of Araceli, Palawan); Hon. Edna G. Lim and Dr. Cesar G. Rivera (Municipality of El Nido, Palawan); Hon. Romy L. Salvame and Dr. Dan A. Del Rosario (Municipality of Taytay, Palawan); Hon. Eric A. Constantino and Dr. Ma. Corazon Bernabe (Municipality of Abra De Ilog); Hon. Salvador R. Py and Dr. Edelina M. Bae (Municipality of San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro); Hon. Alfredo G. Ortega Jr. and Dr. Ma. Virginia R. Valdez (Municipality of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro; Hon. Russel S. Madrigal and Dr. Eleanor May D. Grate (Municipality of Buenavista, Marinduque); Hon. Roberto M. Madla and Dr. Joselito G. Awat (Municipality of Boac, Marinduque.


DAR-assisted coop to receive P5.7M worth of dump truck

By Catherine Santos

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Palawan is set to award the P5.7M worth of JAC Gallop 10-wheeler dump truck to Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bgy. Pulot Center, Sofronio Española for oil palm production and hauling services.

The 18-tonner heavy duty monster truck was purchased by the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (DBM-PS) following the request of DAR Palawan as common service facilities (CSFs) of the cooperative.

According to Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Conrado S. Guevarra, the DAR provincial office is just waiting for the transfer documents to finally facilitate the turn-over of dump truck.

The cooperative has 253 members of which 249 are agrarian reform beneficiaries engaged in oil palm industry.

Through the guidance of DAR, the cooperative has set its eyes on a business aimed at servicing the hauling needs of the farmers engaged and working in the 3,000-hectares of land planted with oil palm trees covering the barangays of Pulot Interior, Punang, Iraray and Labog, all in the municipality of Sofronio Española.

The hauling services project is expected not only to generate additional income but also to ensure timely delivery of oil palm produced by the farmer-members of the cooperative.

Cooperatives with good track record like the Malalong MPC was earlier identified by DAR as the lead Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO).

SP to check compliance of van drivers, transport operators on road safety

By Jumong Ustares

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and van transport associations in Palawan were requested to appear before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to shed lights on the matters concerning accident in Barangay Tanabag last weekend that cause the death one tourist.

According to Board Member David Francis Ponce de Leon, Jr., he is worried to the fact that not all van drivers catering to tourists are compliant to the requirements set by the government.

The recent vehicular accidents in Brgy. Tanabag, Puerto Princesa City wherein a shuttle van hit the concrete middle portion of bridge and caused the death of Caren Grace Lumicap of Cainta, Rizal prompted the Provincial Board to make an inquiry and eventually draft a policy to protect the travelling public from colorum transport operators.

The driver of the van, according to reports has no driver’s license.

A committee meeting was set by the Provincial Board together with the LTO and officials of transport association to discuss and come up with possible action to ensure that this kind of accident will be avoided

Two women’s groups in Puerto Princesa separately celebrate Women’s Day

By Grace Belostrino

Two women’s group in Puerto Princesa City has its own way of celebrating International Women’s Day, today, March 8 but both have one purpose: protect the interest women who play vital roles in the community.

The current leadership of the city has focused its celebration in various activities together with Women Impowering Family and Environment (WIFE).

Among the activities today were Nanay and Lola Juana Talent Competition, parade, seminar on focused on the topics of empowering families of children with special needs, women empowerment and status of women in the Philippines which were held at the City Coliseum.

City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron in his speech said that one of the flagship programs of the city government is on Gender and Development and that they are trying their best to tie up with different agencies and organizations to push this cause.

“Meron din tayong mga programa sa hanapbuhay sa mga barangay na nagtuturo sa mga kasanayan na puwedeng pagkakakitaan at may potensyal na umunlad kung tatangkilikin ng komunidad,” Bayron said.

WIFE is an organization being led by Ma. Editha M. Bayron which started in 2013. It caters to the concern and interests of women with emphasis on family and environment.

On other hand, another group of women, the Charity Women’s Foundation (CWF) has converged at BM Beach, Bgy. San Pedro to also show their support in the celebration of International Women’s Day.

CWF was organized many years back by the Hagedorn administration and has been supportive and pushing to the cause of women in the city.

The celebration of CWF was joined by former Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn and his wife Ellen who is one of the founders of CWF. Also with them were the Liberal Party candidates Senator Franklin M. Drilon, former Teschnical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Joel Villanueva, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas representative of Vice-Presidential bet Leni Robredo.

Center for Girls in the City opens

By Catherine Santos

The Center for Girls is now ready to give shelter to children who are victims of abuses and are undergoing “rehabilitation” by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Center for Girls building is located at Purok Paglaum, Bgy. Mangingisda. It can accommodate 25 persons and will be operated by house parents during the rehabilitation process.

Aside from the main building as shelter, the center has water supply through a deepwell donated by a non-government organization. It has a budget of P4.7 million from the DSWD Bottom-up Budget Fund.

Bgy. Captain Romeo Elijan extended his gratitude to the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the DSWD for the realization of the project which will cater not only the interest of his barangay but to the whole city.

As of press time, there are already eight in-house children in the center ages 4-16 years old. They are studying under the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Their talent on music is being developed and they also have regular bible lessons, according to Lydia del Rosario, acting City Social Welfare Officer.

DTI monitors establishments selling hover boards

By Jumong Ustares

The Department of Trade and Industry – Palawan strictly implements monitoring of different establishments in the city of Puerto Princesa and in the whole province that sells hover boards, says Provincial Director Rosenda Fortunado.

DTI conforms to the campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) that there must be restrictions in the selling and usage of hover boards especially for children 14 years old as it pose danger to children.

Dir. Fortunado explains that electronic toys normally requires 24-volt batteries but there are hover boards that have 36 volts which is too dangerous delicate for kids. It is also difficult to balance and control that is why accidents are likely to happen.

Based on the reports of DTI and DOH, in other parts of the world, there is an increasing number in hover board-injuries related accident like fractures, sprains, laceration and even head injuries. “We don’t want this to happen in the Philippines,” Fortunado said.

She assured that hover boards available in the market underwent quality control check based on specified standards. Nevertheless, the DTI advises parents that as much as possible, do not tolerate the children to buy hover boards to ensure safety.

Concrete wharf to be constructed in Cuyo, Palawan

(PNA), JBP/CARF/ATB/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 5 (PNA) -- The long wait for residents for sea access to wherever they want to go will soon be over as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to construct a small concrete wharf in Barangay Funda, Cuyo, Palawan.

Mary Rose Desalon, area coordinator of DSWD, said the construction of the wharf will be through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a poverty alleviation program of the national government.

Specifically, the funding will be from the KALAHI-CIDSS’ National Community-Driven Development Project (NCDPP) supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that is helping the Philippines “restore basic social services and rebuild communities devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.

NCDPP helps “build the capacity of communities to identify, prioritize, budget, and implement needed projects.”

Desalon said that for the Funda concrete wharf, PHP900,000 has been set aside. Construction will end in April 2016.

“The barangay cannot afford to construct even just a small wharf, and our problem is that the ones we can build are always easily destroyed by typhoons,” said Funda Barangay Chairman Benjamin Hermoso.

Funda is one of the island barangays of the oldest town in Palawan, the municipality of Cuyo.

Cuyo is a fourth class municipality in the province of Palawan. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 21,847 people. Its territory includes the western half of Cuyo Island, as well as Bisucay, Caponayan, Cauayan, Imalaguan, Lubid, Manamoc, Pamalican, Pandan, Round, and Quiminatin islands, all part of the Cuyo Archipelago.

Cuyo is the oldest town in Palawan which has a culture of its own and was preserved for more than 350 years. During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Cuyo became the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903.

From the sea, Cuyo Island's first visible landmark is a lighthouse by the pier. Many of the streets leading to the town have already been cemented but the town has preserved the Hispanic plaza-Iglesia structures.

Dominating the town center is Cuyo's 1860 church, convent, and fort built by the Spanish and finished in 1680.

Palawan holds first-ever Wildlife Kiddie Summit

By Grace Ann N. Belostrino [(PNA)/CARF/GANB/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 4 (PNA) -- The young female professional organization JCI Puerto Princesa Peacock, Inc. (JCIPPPI) in cooperation with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) held here Thursday the first-ever “Wildlife Kiddie Summit” in commemoration of the World Wildlife Day.

Around 90 students of the Tagburos Elementary School (TES) participated in the kiddie summit held at the Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute (PSDTI) in Barangay Irawan. The summit's theme was “May Forever sa Pawikan Kung Ating Pangangalagaan.”

PCSDS Executive Director Nelson Devanadera said the summit’s purpose is to spread and disseminate information regarding marine turtle conservation.

“Pawikan” is the local name for critically endangered marine turtles, or reptiles of the order Testudines, which has seven extant species: the green loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, Olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback, and leatherback.

Devanadera said educating the youth about marine turtle conservation would make an impact to the future of the wildlife and its habitat.

Alongside the holding of the kiddie summit, the PCSDS Environment Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Education Division also started the registration of elementary students in the city to its district management offices (DMOs) for the creation of a Kiddie Wildlife Savers Club (KWSC).

KWSC was organized for elementary graders and high school students, who wish to learn about Palawan environment and wildlife.

Jovic Fabello, spokesperson of the PCSDS said aside from the JCIPPPI as new partner, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also a partner in the holding of the activity.

“This is with the DENR, and our new partner, the JCIPPPI. Actually, we started this last year but we had to discontinue because of lack of funds. We are re-launching this to continue our goal of increasing the knowledge of our young people regarding marine turtle conservation, and we planned to do it along the celebration of World Wildlife Day,” Fabello said.

The PCSDS also signed agreements for cooperative efforts on conservation of Arena Island Marine Turtle Sanctuary in Narra in the south of the province, Kaliksi Island in Roxas in northern Palawan, and Candis 3 Marketing Cooperative in Barangay Bacungan.

DOH-MIMAROPA assures PhilHealth coverage for indigent patients in Puerto Princesa

By Grace Ann N. Belostrino [(PNA), FFC/CARF/GANB/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- The DOH-MIMAROPA, the Ospital ng Palawan (ONP), and the city government of Puerto Princesa signed recently a memorandum of agreement for the speedy implementation of the Point of Care Enrollment Program (PCEP) in an effort to provide “true financial risk protection” to indigent patients.

Mayor Lucilo Bayron said Wednesday that the signing of the agreement was done on February 29 with DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director Eduardo Janairo, and ONP Chief Melecio Dy.

The PCEP targets “non-members belonging to Class C-3 or D confined in government hospitals."

It will also benefit existing members not currently eligible to financial protection due to lack of qualifying contributions and also classified as Class C3 or D.

Explained, qualified patients and their qualified dependents shall be provided with PhilHealth coverage under the sponsored program. Their premium contributions shall be borne by the government facility, provided that they are certified poor by the medical social worker at the time of admission.

Janairo, on the other hand, explained that “under the PCEP, an indigent patient must first pass the medical social worker’s assessment to become a sponsored member and avail of the PhilHealth benefits.”

“This is also to ensure that an indigent person or his/her dependent, who needs immediate medical assistance shall be admitted even without money,” he added.

Under the agreement, the Puerto Princesa government through the Support Fund to the Ospital ng Palawan, will allow PHP2-million for the premium payment of eligible patients, who are constituents of the city under Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 1445-2016.

According Dy, they have already enrolled a total of 1,921 indigent patients in Palawan; and 1,212 or 63 percent of these were from PPC with premium payment amounting to PHP2,908,800.

The PCEP was implemented on November 14, 2013 through PhilHealth Circular 32, Series of 2013, with the objective of giving non-PhilHealth members full health package benefits at the time of admission to government-owned hospitals.

Under it, the ONP can immediately enroll a non-PhilHealth member classified as indigent and will shoulder the PHP2,400 premium contribution for 1 year.

The enrollee will automatically enjoy the health care benefits from day 1 of confinement to the last day of the same year.

Beneficiaries shall be entitled to in-patient, out-patient (except primary care benefit) and to the “No Balance Billing Policy,” where patients shall no longer pay the balance of hospital charges, if any.

“We are very grateful for the support of hospitals and LGUs in MIMAROPA for the successful implementation of the PCEP sponsorship program. We are encouraging those with illness to voluntary seek medical care in government hospitals as PhilHealth is ready to provide them immediate assistance,” Janairo said.

COMELEC, DPWH to kick off “Oplan Baklas”

By Raymond Almodal

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Highways are anytime ready to start “Oplan Baklas” that seeks to remove poster or any campaign materials that are not installed in common poster area prescribed by law, says Engineer Mario Manuel Tupas of DPWH.

Base on Section 26, Resolution No. 10049 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9006 or Fair Election Act, PNP and DPWH will implement the removal of illegally posted campaign materials.

Engr. Tupas said that the DPWH Oplan Baklas Team is all set and it will be led by Engr. Richard Soria.

“As of now ay pinag aaralan na namin ang mga rules and regulations na ibinigay sa amin,” he added.

Meanwhile, City Comelec Officer Ferdinand Bermejo said that violators will be penalized based on the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code.

”Base sa ating Omnibus Election Code kung meron silang election offense, it will be punishable from 1 to 6 years imprisonment tapos perpetual disqualification to all public office, at deprivation of the right to vote,” Bermejo said.

On the other hand, the Comelec allows political parties and independent candidates to put up their own common poster areas aside from those designated by the local election officers (EOs).

There will be one common poster area per 5,000 registered voters or less, and an additional one for every additional of 5,000 voters or a fraction of it. The size of the common poster areas for political parties and party-list groups shall be no bigger than 12 feet by 16 feet; while independent candidates may put up 4 feet by 6 feet.

Designated as common poster areas include plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like where posters may be readily seen or read, with the heaviest pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic in the city or municipality.

Comelec said that anytime this week, “Oplan Baklas” will start its operation and will continue until the end of the election period.

Palawan energy sector creates Barangay Electrification Action Plan

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), JMC/CARF/EBP]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Mar. 1 (PNA) -- In a bid to respond to electrification problem in small barangays in distantly-located areas in Palawan, the energy sector here created a “Barangay Electrification Action Plan” (BEAP) following the conduct of a workshop on Formulation of a Village Electrification Convergence Action Plan.

The event was led by the provincial government and attended by representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA) through Rodolfo Evangelista, National Power Corporation (NPC) through Edmund Veloso, Jr, vice-president of the NPC-SPUG, Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) through Jeffrey Tan and Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative (BISELCO) through Ruth Galang.

In the said workshop, agencies in the said sector presented their proposed energy plans after tackling issues and problems that concern the prevention of delays in the implementation of power projects in the barangays.

First step in the BEAP is its submission to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval, according to Ceasar Ventura, the energy program director of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, the PALECO and BISELCO in cooperation with the provincial government were tasked to conduct a survey about the new Village Electrification Program sites to be ready once it rolls, said Ventura.

A signing of commitment to the action plan followed the creation of the BEAP during the event by representatives of various agencies in the energy sector.

Ventura said the BEAP is part of Gov. Jose Alvarez project to provide power to households in far-flung barangays, paving the way for the formation of the Joint Energy Development Advisory Group (JEDAG).

JEDAG will help implement the established Energy Master Plan envisioned as a solution to the power crisis in the province.

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