Palawan News September 2017

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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

Philippines, China set up joint exploration in Palawan field

By Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Exploration in an oil and gas prospect offshore northwest Palawan between the Philippines and China is now awaiting the signature of President Duterte, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said yesterday.

Service contract (SC) 57 in offshore Calamian northwest of Palawan is a joint venture among state-run PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC), Mitra Energy Ltd. (MEL) – now Jadestone Energy Inc. – and China National Offshore Oil Co. (CNOOC), China’s state-owned oil producer.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed SC 57 to President Duterte for signing to start pursuing exploration in the area, Cusi said after the opening ceremony of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) yesterday.

“We have already finished the documentation, the contract and we presented it already to the Office of the President. SC 57 is within the Philippine territory,” he said.

Cusi said the project has been pending since 2008 because of tax inclusion and other issues.

SC 57 has been awarded to PNOC-EC by the DOE on Sept. 15, 2005 to conduct petroleum exploration and development over a 720,000-hectare area in the Calamian area. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

The exploration area lies north of the country’s oil fields such as the Malampaya, Nido, Cadlao and Matinloc, and is located within the northwest Palawan block where most of the country’s oil production comes from.

In 2006, PNOC-EC entered into a farm-in agreement with CNOOC and Jadestone. CNOOC holds the biggest share at 51 percent, Jadestone with 21 percent and PNOC-EC with the remaining 28 percent.

This was already submitted for approval to Malacañang but was hampered due to the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 556 later that year. This has also virtually halted efforts to reinvigorate the country’s upstream oil industry.

Sec. 1 of the EO states that there shall be no “farm in” or “farm out” contracts awarded by any government agency, including the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), including the contract for the exploration, development and production of crude oil from the Camago-Malampaya reservoir.

At the same time, Sec. 7 states “any and all negotiations or arrangements entered into by any government agency, including the PNOC which violate this Executive Order, shall be immediately discontinued or cancelled.”

With the EO, the Petroleum Association of the Philippines (PAP) said there is no stability of contracts with the government and agreements can be canceled just by the issuance of EOs.

More recently, PNOC-EC president and CEO Pedro Aquino Jr. said the EO has been a “major stumbling block” of the state-owned firm in the upstream industry.

Other concerns in the upstream industry is the Commission on Audit (COA) ruling in 2015, which upheld its 2009 findings that P53.14 billion in taxes were uncollected from the Malampaya project operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., Chevron Malampaya LLC and the PNOC-EC.

COA said the shortfall should be on top of the 60 percent revenue that should be remitted to government as required.

In the same year, the Supreme Court declared SC 46 between the government and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. (JAPEX) as unconstitutional.

In its ruling, the high court said the oil exploration in Tañon Strait as covered by SC 46 has violated the 1987 Constitution as it should be signed by the President, authorized by a general law or reported to Congress; Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992; and Presidential Decree 1586, which established an environmental impact statement system.

Palawan approves benefits for centenarians

By Celeste Anna Formoso (PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Centenarians in Palawan have something to look forward to with the recent approval of an ordinance providing them cash gifts and other incentives.

Authored by Board Member Cherry Pie Acosta, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved the “Palawan Centenarian Ordinance of 2017” on Tuesday, according to a statement from the office of Provincial Information Officer Gil Acosta Jr.

The ordinance provides a one-time grant of PHP10,000 to elderly people, who are 100 years old and above, and PHP2,000 each year as birthday cash gift.

The fund will be taken from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

A plaque of recognition will also be awarded to the living centenarian to honor their long-standing contributions to their families and communities.

The statement said the ordinance shows that Palawan gives importance to senior citizens and the sustainable development of the Filipino culture and values.

In an earlier interview, Acosta said the ordinance is based on the provisions of Republic Act 10868, that honors and grants additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians.

The implementation of the ordinance will be led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in coordination with the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the 23 towns in Palawan.

Acosta cited that under Section 1, Paragraph D of Republic Act 9994, the provision of additional cash incentives “will encourage the centenarians’ families and their communities to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens.”

Palawan to spearhead formation of tourism cooperatives

By Celeste Anna Formoso

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The provincial government of Palawan is looking into the possibility of spearheading the formation of cooperatives to maximize expertise, skills and information in the development and marketing of the local tourism industry.

Victoria Ladica, cooperative development officer of the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), said Tuesday there is currently no cooperative in Palawan that is directly related to tourism despite being one of two leading industries in the province.

“Our flourishing tourism industry is a good indication to start forming tourism cooperatives to help small related businesses increase their profits and get services better,” Ladica said.

Cooperatives, she added, could be formed out of the pasalubong (souvenirs or take home) centers and transport services. On transport services, cooperatives may be created to meet specialized transport requirements of the tourism industry, especially in areas with limited mobility.

On pasalubong centers, she said cooperatives could help create community-owned enterprises that could bring together consumers with owners, and buyers with sellers in a democratic governance structure.

It could help resolve the common economic difficulty of under or over production, business doubts, and excessive costs. Cooperatives could also fill market gaps that other private businesses ignore like affordable souvenirs and favorite take home food products, and could also help access credit services.

To further help them understand the purpose, Regional Director Danilo Intong of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in MIMAROPA will be in Palawan from October 18 to 19 to discuss the topic “Opportunities and Prospects of Tourism Industry for Cooperatives ” in the Northern Palawan Cooperative Congress that will be held in Port Barton, San Vicente town. (PNA)

El Nido to utilize tourism income for major projects

By Keith Anthony Fabro

The municipal government of El Nido is revisiting its ordinance on eco-tourism development fund (ETDF) to specifically appropriate a funds for high-impact projects and programs.

According to Municipal Tourism Officer Arvin Acosta, the local government is proposing for the revision of El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee Ordinance of 2008, particularly on fund utilization which will appropriate a major portion to priority projects.

“In the proposed amendment, 45% would be allotted to big high impact projects, so that the community would really feel they are benefiting from it and that it would have a significant impact to environmental protection,” he said.

These include infrastructure projects, such as tourism facilities, museums, information centers, ranger stations, guard houses, and other tangible projects like patrol boats, and mooring and marker buoys.

Acosta said they also removed the 10% allocation for barangays.

“All of the barangays will just propose their projects. They will be ranked according to their performance in the fields of environment and tourism. Those which are active will be prioritized,” he said.

Under the revised ordinance, the sharing will be set as follows:15%-General Fund; 15% ETDF Administration Fund; 45%-Priority Projects Fund; 5%-Tourism Program Accounts; 5%-Coastal Resources Management Account; 10%-Environmental Law Enforcement Fund; and 10%-Protected Area Management Fund.

This would change the existing ordinance, with sharing set as follows: 15%-General Fund; 20%-ETDF Administration Fund; 10%-Barangay; 10%-Protected Area Office; and 45%-tourism, municipal environment and natural resources, and coastal resources management offices.

“In the existing ordinance, we can’t produce big high impact projects since the funds are chopped into many portions,” he added.

Last year, the tourism officer said the municipal government was able to collect P46 million in ETDF through tourist tickets.

Acosta said the draft ordinance is still under review by the technical working group, and will be sent to municipal board for deliberation in October.

One of the goal of the said ordinance is to establish sources of funding to finance conservation, protection and management of the coastal and aquatic resources, seascape, terrestrial and urban environment of El Nido.

239 Palawan farmers complete ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ program

By Celeste Anna Formoso (PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- After six months of training at the Palawan Agricultural Experiment Station (PAES), 239 program beneficiaries graduated as part of the 139th Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Rural Farmers’ Training Program held at SM City Puerto Princesa Event Center recently.

Russell Fernandez, public relations officer of the newly-opened SM City Puerto Princesa, on Saturday said the farmers graduated on September 22.

They are composed of traditional farmers, members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program(4Ps), and college students from 29 barangays in Puerto Princesa, as well as from the municipalities of Aborlan and Roxas.

He said KSK is a nationwide livelihood project of the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), which aims to empower local community members through proper training and guidance on handling and growing crops and other agricultural techniques applied to high-value fruits and vegetables.

On the other hand, Cristie Angeles, SMFI Assistant Vice President for Outreach Program, said it is an effort to enable farmers and other participants to be equipped with knowledge and skills on the latest technologies in farming and network their products to the SM Supermarket.

“This is a ‘win-win’ situation for the Foundation and the farmers as well as it creates a new breed of suppliers straight from their farms,” Angeles said.

Angeles further said that farmer empowerment is key to uplifting communities and the lives of the people through this income opportunity and “to keep the farming industry in Palawan lucrative.”

The said program further provides assistance in turning the knowledge and skills of the participants into a profitable and sustainable livelihood activity with the participation of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, Department of Social Welfare Development, Department of Agriculture, and the city government of Puerto Princesa through the City Agriculturist Office.

“Huminto na ako dati sa pagtatanim. Pero dahil sa KSK, gusto ko na muling magsimula at gamitin ‘yong mga natutunan ko (I already stopped farming. But because of the KSK Program, I would like to start again and use what I learned there),” shared farmer Godofredo Morales during the KSK graduation ceremony.

Morales is hoping that with SMFI’s intervention, farmers in the city would have better livelihood opportunities, and agricultural development would be further developed.

The training program culminated with a two-day closing ceremony. The first was held in the Demo Farm in PAES, where participants and partner agencies celebrated the Harvest Festival with a farm yield mini-market, a showcase of talents in singing and dancing, a cook-off among participants, and some fun games.

The next day was the graduation rites for the participants who completed the program.

Immediately after the graduation ceremonies, KSK graduates organized themselves to form their farmers’ association that will represent and lead their batch in creating a cooperative for farmers.

The initiative to form an association gained support from SM Foundation and other partner agencies. In turn, the DSWD offered starting capital fund for them with no interest. The Department of Agriculture further offered sustaining support on needs in facilities, equipment, and other input materials.

Coast Guard undertakes boat marking drive

(Palawan News)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Palawan is seeking the support of municipal government units in the implementation of the boat numbering and marking method called the Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) system for all registered vessels and watercrafts in the province.

Commodore Joselito dela Cruz, commander of the PCG District Palawan, said Wednesday that the marking system’s implementation in the province is under Department of Transportation (DOTr) Memorandum Circular 2017-001 signed by Secretary Arthur Tugade.

“This numbering system is like giving IDs to all registered vessels and watercrafts, but will start first with the motorized boats or bancas. Its implementation was triggered by the martial law in Mindanao, where watercrafts had been used to perpetrate illegal activities and criminalities,” Dela Cruz said.

It’s objective, he explained, is “to assign a unique identification number for each watercraft in order to enhance marine environmental protection, maritime security, and safety within the Philippine maritime domain.

“This SSEN will prevent the use of these vessels and watercrafts in various maritime violations, particularly piracy and terrorism. We are hopeful that like in Mindanao, where the LGUs helped in the implementation, those in Palawan would also help us to realize this,” he said.

Dela Cruz said he had already related the call for the carrying out of the marking system to the Palawan Peace and Order Council (PPOC) through Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, and the reply was optimistic since it likewise targets maritime security.

“The experience in its implementation in Mindanao that was shared to us tells that the support of the LGUs are important because they have records of these watercrafts per barangay. We will first start with motorized bancas,” he added.

Under the circular, all owners, operators, and/or charter parties need to register under the SSEN to PCG where they are home ported.

Body and plate numbers will be issued to them, he explained, for their placement in the SSEN System. Those listed with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) or International Maritime Organization (IMO) registration numbers would adopt such as the SSEN body and plate numbers.

For vessels 35 gross tonnage (GT) and below, body number shall be painted on the port and starboard side of freeboards or any place deemed appropriate, while the SSEN plate number will be attached and displayed to a permanent structure inside the vessel.

Vessels of more than 35 GT but below the customary size shall display the SSEN body number on the port and starboard sides of their freeboards, and their plate number on the pilot house.

Mining firms support anti-TB awareness campaign in Palawan

By Celeste Anna Formoso (PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) and the Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) recently a community-based tuberculosis (TB) awareness advocacy activity in the southern town of Bataraza.

Hilaria Venus, Tuberculosis Program Coordinator, said Thursday that the awareness advocacy campaign was done in Barangay Igang-Igang, Bataraza in partnership with the Bataraza Municipal Health Office–Rural Health Unit (MHO-RHU) on September 19 to detect possible cases.

“Itong TB awareness advocacy ay isang prevention-curative approach, upang sa maagang panahon ay malaman at maberipika na natin kung sino-sino ang merong kaso ng TB, upang mabigyan ng agarang aksyon at lunas (This TB awareness advocacy was done as a prevention-curative approach for early detection and verification of who has TB so, we can help in the treatment),” Venus said.

A total of 164 residents of Igang-Igang, 95 of whom were adults and 69 were children, took part in the activity.

She noted that based on statistics, the Philippines ranks sixth in the world with the highest number of tuberculosis cases, and a prevalence incidence rate of 470 a year.

“Ngayong 2017, pang-anim na ang Pilipinas sa kaso ng TB at tumaas hanggang 470 ang incidence rate ngayong taon. Ibig sabihin yun ang dapat nating i-target ang mga pasyenteng dapat nating hanapin (This 2017, the Philippines is now number 6 where TB cases are on the rise with 470 incidence rate. This means we should look for those who have TB to help them),” Venus stated.

To enforce the prevention-curative approach, the program was divided into two parts: lecture proper and consultations.

The prevention part was the information, education and communication approach, and educating the community on the concepts, causes and effects of tuberculosis.

The curative part was the conduct of tests, such as Direct Sputum Smear Microscopy (DSSM) exam for adults in which samples of phlegm were gathered, and Purified Protein Derivatives (PPD) test, a skin examination for children 9 years old below, in which certain medicines were being tested to observe the patient’s reaction.

The RTNMC and CBNC funded the program in Igang-Igang to help preserve the lives of residents, who might be victimized by the ailment if they are not equipped with knowledge and information about TB, she said.

Top Chinese tour operator mulls charter flights to Palawan, Bohol

By Azer Parrocha (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday announced that one of the biggest Chinese tour operators, Hanglu Group, mulls mounting charter flights to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Bohol by next year.

DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Benito Bengzon Jr. said Hanglu informed the DOT about their plan during the agency’s visit to Chengdu, China to attend the recent United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly.

“The good news is that Hanglu informed us a week and a half ago that they’re also looking at mounting charter flights to Puerto Princesa and also to Bohol,” Bengzon said in a press conference at the DOT office, Makati City.

“We are very happy with all these developments,” he added pointing out that charter flights are a strong driver of Chinese tourist traffic to the Philippines. DOT is eyeing one million Chinese tourists by yearend.

Bengzon explained that it was significant to consider that chartered flights opened up secondary destinations of the Philippines which is in line with the Duterte administration’s 10-point agenda that calls for higher level of tourism development in rural areas.

According to Bengzon, Hanglu Group has so far mounted flights from Muhan to Cebu, which resulted in additional 25,000 seats per year; Chengdu to Cebu, which resulted in 24,000 additional seats, and Chongqing to Cebu, which resulted in 40,000 additional seats.

He said the DOT will continue to provide support in terms of advertising and also in terms of a wide range of consumer activation initiatives in the different parts of China.

Aside from chartered flights, Hanglu Group is also interested in investing in hotels and resorts, particularly in Palawan.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, for her part, said that Hanglu has already visited Palawan to do an ocular inspection. She has also asked the group to consider mounting chartered flights to Davao and Clark.

Bengzon, meanwhile, said that the Philippines was also recognized during the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu for hosting the UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics in Manila last June.

“The Philippines participated in a very high-profile manner at the UNWTO General Assembly...We were recognized for our hosting of UNWTO Conference on Statistics last June which also resulted in Manila Call for Action,” Bengzon said.

The Manila Call for Action, Bengzon said, is an agreement that defines the strategic directions with respect to sustainable development.

Fire olympics held

By Hanna Camella Talabucon

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Palawan Region conducted its 4th Provincial Fire Olympics designed at reinforcing barangay fire brigade and volunteers as force multipliers and to prepare representatives in the upcoming Regional Fire Olympics on October 11.

“Ang mga magcha-champion sa provincial fire olympics ng bawat probinsya ng MIMAROPA ay maglalaban-laban para sa Regional Fire Olympics, at dito ang venue. Ang mananalo naman dun, magko-compete sa national fire Olympics representing MIMAROPA region, “Senior Inspector Herald Castillo, acting Palawan fire marshal said.

Castillo said the fire Olympics started in the municipality of Narra in 1999. The municipality has been holding its own fire Olympics annually to conduct yearly fire training and exercises for their barangay volunteers and student brigades and capacitate them with first-aid knowledge and skills.

“Sinuportahan kasi ito ng pamahalaang lokal ng Narra kaya nagtuloy-tuloy yan. So nakita ito ng dating regional director natin na si Supt. Normante Piñon na maganda ang outcome. Hanggang sa nagtuloy-tuloy ito sa MIMAROPA kung kaya nung maging chief of plans and program officer siya ng buong BFP Pilipinas, ini-schedule niya ito,” Castillo said.

“Sinadya niya na ito ay magsimula sa mga barangay, munisipyo, provincial hanggang sa matupad into regional and then makarating ng national level,” he added.

The event was held earlier at Puerto Princesa Baywalk and was attended by over 100 participants coming from different industrial and barangay sectors from six municipalities in Southern Palawan divided by two categories – industrial which is joined by various mining sectors including Rio Tuba Nickel Corporation, Coral Bay Nickel Corporation, Citinickel Mining Corporation and Berong Nickel Mining Corporaton all located in the South, and barangay category, mostly represented by barangay representatives coming from municipalities such as Narra, Brookes Pt., Quezon, Rizal and Bataraza.

The teams competed and went through multiple events such as rescue and transfer relay operation, combination of busted hose and up-the ladder, flammable liquid fire extinguisher, bucket relay and hose laying and replacement of busted hose.

The team who applied the best strategy in the least amount of time was declared winner.

Castillo said they are hoping that barangay fire brigades and volunteers will annually cooperate with their mission to add more people to join this kind of activities to test their capabilities and train them with the skills of a real fire-fighter which they may need in the future. He also added that BFP Palawan is in need of more aspiring fire-fighters who they might hire in the future.

“Layunin naming maka-hikayat ng maraming fire brigades na sumali sa mga ganitong kompetisyon. Na mahasa sila sa skills ng totoong fire-fighter,” Castillo said.

Castillo also encouraged Palaweños especially new graduates to apply as fire fighters in the BFP Palawan region.

“Hihingian lang namin kayo ng application letter kung gusto niyo mag-volunteer pero mas maganda kung papasok na lang kayo sa serbisyo. Basta graduate kayo ng any 4-year degree at meron kayong professional elegibility such as civil service or board passer, madali kayong makakapasok,” Castillo said.

Scholarship program goes digital

By Joy Tabuada

The provincial government said Wednesday it is set to roll out a computer–based system to help them supervise their scholarship program for students at the Palawan State University.

Mark Philip dela Cruz, manager of the education unit under the provincial government’s IHELP (Infrastructure, Health, Education, Livelihood, Protection of the Environment) program, said the new system features the database of scholars including the subjects where they are enrolled and the grades.

He stressed however that the information encoded in the system will be treated as confidential and strictly for monitoring of the provincial government.

In a meeting with the officers of PSU and directors of different College of Community Resources and Development (CCRD) recently, Dela Cruz laid down the new policy on scholarship, one of which is the continuity of the scholarship privilege of students who received failing grades, provided that the scholar should pay the tuition fee for the subject that he failed.

Dela Cruz explained that this new policy was developed to encourage their scholars take their privileges seriously and study.

The scholarship program of the provincial government has more than 5,000 applicants and once approved the applicant will receive a confirmation through text messaging indicating their acceptance to the program.

SM to open first Palawan premier mall

By James A. Loyola

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property companies in Southeast Asia, is opening its first premier mall in the largest province in the country, SM City Puerto Princesa in Palawan, tomorrow.

The firm said this new mall will add 54,000 square meters (sqm) in gross floor area (GFA), bringing the company’s total retail space in the Philippines to 7.9 million sqm.

Built in one of the fastest growing cities in the country, SM City Puerto Princesa is strategically located at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

Its unique identity topped with lush landscaping is positioned to conform to its resort-style complex.

“We take pride in opening the 64th mall of SM Prime in one of the most sought-after island destinations in the world,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said.

He added that, “we expect SM City Puerto Princesa to add new dynamics and opportunities to the thriving province of Palawan highlighted by SM’s pursuit of new and unique malling experience.”

Set to open with 80 percent of its space lease-awarded, SM City Puerto Princesa will have three levels of retail and dining floors that will house around 180 favored food and retail shops.

These will include The SM Store, SM Supermarket, BDO, Sports Central, Surplus Shop, Cyberzone, Watsons, SM Appliance, Ace Hardware, a traveler’s lounge and other homegrown brands.

Aside from that, Palaweño moviegoers will now have a more satisfying and exciting cinema experience with SM City Puerto Princesa’s three 158-seater SM Digital Cinema, and two 48-seater Director’s Club Cinema.

Designed to complement the tropical vibe of the island, SM City Puerto Princesa is set to be a cost-efficient and energy saving building, in line with SM Prime’s commitment on sustainable future and disaster risk reduction.

This year, SM Prime has already launched SM CDO Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro, S Maison at Conrad Manila in Pasay City and SM Cherry Antipolo in Rizal; and still scheduled to open is SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown in Cagayan Valley.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people.

DTI supports Palawan products for tourists

By Beth Mason

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has vowed to help promote products developed in the province that are specially aimed for tourists, by making sure they are up to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) standards.

“Ginagawa ng DTI ngayon ay makipagtulungan sa Department of Tourism para mag-match yung mga pino-propose na produkto doon sa mga turistang dumarating dito. Dapat isustain ‘yung mga pagkain. Dapat din ‘yung mga pagkain ay in compliance sa Food and Drug Administration,” says Regional Director Joel Valera during the DTI Logistic Forum held at Best Western Plus-The Ivywall Hotel on September 12, 2017.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory agency under the Department of Health that is mandated to ensure the safety, efficacy or quality of health products, food, drugs or consumer products that may have an effect on health which require regulations as determined by the FDA.

Valera said that alongside with upholding the FDA standard, they are also focused on extending the shelf life of processed foods to reach other provinces and if possible other countries.

Another emphasis of the DTI is to help Small Medium Enterpreneurs (SMEs) to be recognized by the Intellectual Property Office, also under the DTI, by registering the name of their products.

Valera emphasized that they are shouldering all the expenses of the SMEs in the laboratory analysis of their commodities. This will give them the chance to explore and expose their products in other places.

“Kailangang irehistro mo ‘yung pangalan ng produkto mo. Marami kasing nagiging kaso, sumikat ang produkto mo, hindi ka nagparehistro, may sinusuplayan ka, ginamit pangalan mo, nirehistro ‘yung pangalan mo, wala ka nang karapatan kasi siya ‘yung unang nagparehistro.”

The registration of a product helps the SMEs to display and sell their merchandise at malls or recognized establishment. The registration of the name is the only thing that the SMEs owner pay. This registration is valid for 5 years.

There are now 7 Negosyo Centers all over Palawan where the SMEs can register their business name and products. They can pay at the nearest Palawan Express.

There are also 105 video titles available at the Negosyo Center where they could watch whatever business they want to start with.

They then can request for an actual skills training for free. The DTI will assist them until they are able to put up a small business.

Providing a barcode for each product is also one of the things that the DTI encourages the SMEs to ensure. The barcode is unique for every product. This will help the product to be tracked easily from pricing to inventory.

“Hindi ka pwedeng basta maglagay lang ng number dun sa iyong packaging o label dahil mayroon lang isang opisina na recognized internationally ng paglalagay ng bar code, ito yung GS1, international standard siya na kahit sa ibang bansa mo dalhin ‘yun, marerecognize ng computer.

Unique ‘yun sa bawat company, bawat produkto ‘yun. Di ba uso na sa’tin ngayon na kapag bumibili ka itatapat na lang ng teller sa machine nya ‘yung produkto at nandun na lahat ng information.”

Valera encouraged businessmen all over Palawan to seek the assistance and to avail of the free service of the DTI.

“Kung gusto natin na mapalawak at mapaganda ang produkto, sumunod tayo sa batas,” Valera emphasized.

Streetlights prioritized in city infra plans

By Kia Johanna Lamo

The city government has vowed to prioritize the installation of street lights in selected barangays around Puerto Princesa City as a measure to minimize road accidents and criminality.

City administrator Arnel Pedrosa said the priority areas that will be funded from the city’s 2018 infrastructure budget include the barangays of Bancao-Bancao, Sicsican, Santa Lourdes and Irawan.

“Kasama sa priority project ni Mayor (Lucilo) Bayron ‘yung pagpapalagay at pagpapailaw ng mga street lights,” Pedrosa said.

Pedrosa particularly cited the plan to put up additional street lights in areas around Jacana in Barangay Bancao-Bancao where several crimes have been recorded in the past.

“Balak ng city government na ilagay ang mga street lights sa mga barangay na madilim, pati sa Jacana, Bancao bancao kasi madilim d’yan sa area na ‘yan,” said Pedrosa.

He said their plan includes repairing of some street lights and electrification of street lights that are not working.

Pedrosa added however that the ongoing road projects along the city highway and in several areas are delaying the implementation of their plans.

“Hindi lang natin muna mailagay ang mga street lights dahil maraming road projects for widening. Tatanggalin lang nila ‘yung street lights at dagdag expenses lang ‘yun sa amin,” said Pedrosa.

City budget officer Regina Cantillo said that the overall budget for 2018 is P2.5B, the bulk of which, amounting to around P500 million, is set aside for infrastructure development.

Bamboo Zip Bike: The Newest Attraction at Ugong Rock

(DOST)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – A bike with a frame made from bamboo is now the newest attraction at Ugong Rock in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Called the Bamboo Zip Bike, the adventure is a fun combination of a bike and a zipline that will surely give the tourists, both local and foreign, the thrill and the possibility to enjoy nature.

The Bamboo Zip Bike Adventure allows thrill-seeking visitors to explore the breathtaking scenery in Ugong Rock using a bike made from bamboo, on a 250- meter long high-wire suspended at about 90 feet from the ground. Along with two more traditional ziplines, the bamboo zip bike adventure is now one of the most popular activities in the city. It is usually included in tour packages offered by various travel agencies and has made headlines as the first tourist spot offering an environment-friendly cycling adventure.

Ugong Rock, found in Brgy. Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City is one of the go-to places of tourists and is known for its spelunking and zipline adventures. It has taken its name from the reverberating sounds or “ugong” produced by stalactites found within the caves of the limestone formation that stands 75-feet high. Ugong Rock prides itself as an ecotourism spot and a front runner in sustainable tourism in the province.

The place is run by the Ugong Rock Multipurpose Cooperative (Ugong Rock MPC), an organized group of indigenous people (IPs) in Palawan along with the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation. Ugong Rock MPC is formed through the Community-based Sustainable Tourism Program of the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office. Currently, they have 45 members, all working for the improvement and sustainability of the eco-tourism site.

The bamboo zip bike adventure was introduced to the public in October 2016. It was inspired by the first-ever zip bike launched in Bohol, Philippines but comes with a twist. Ugong Rock MPC provided a new kind of adventure and experience to its clientele while staying true to their commitment of being an environment steward by using a bike made from an abundant local raw material, the bamboo plant, in its newest attraction.

Through the Department of Science and Technology’s flagship program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the Ugong Rock MPC was able to start the pioneering project delivering sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to the people in their community. They were able to acquire zip bike facilities such as bike lanes, cable wires, harness, and handmade bamboo bikes. With the assistance from KawayanTech in San Jose, Tarlac, the bamboo bike frames with two support cords, for safety, were hand made for the bamboo zip bike adventure setup. KawayanTech is a company whose vision is to “promote a lifestyle of health and sustainability using bamboo as an alternative and appropriate community-based technology with practical applications”

“Nakatulong po ng malaki ang DOST lalo na ang programang SETUP na nagbigay sa amin ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pinapangarap naming bamboo zip bike. Dahil dito nadagdagan ang kabuhayan namin at nagkatrabaho ang aming mga kasamahan. Nadagdagan ang kita ng community. Yung mga taga-community, ito na ang trabaho nila araw-araw. Kung ma-destino sila sa bamboo zip bike sa buong maghapon para mag-assist ng guest, parte ng kita nila doon ‘yun na ang sweldo nila. Maliban sa pag-assist ng guest, may photo din kasi na kasama ang package ng bamboo zip bike. So kung mayroong mag zip bike kukuhaan din ng staff ng photo ang nag zi-zip bike at dagdag iyon sa kita niya” said Mr. Romel Ortega, President of Ugong MPC.

The SETUP assistance has allowed them to expand their tourism activities from famous spelunking and zip line adventures and now to include a unique bamboo bicycle experience. An estimate of 100 to 200 tourists come to Ugong Rock daily which means more and more customers are enjoying the activities they offer. To accommodate to more guests, Ugong Rock is planning to add more bamboo bikes soon.

“Ang plano po talaga sa bamboo zip bike na ito, dadagdagan po talaga ito. Sa ngayon dalawa pa lang ang unit dito. Nasa plano po na dagdagan pa ito ng dalawa pang unit para maging apat” Mr. Ortega said.

In addition to providing the tourists an unforgettable experience, Ugong Rock focuses on developing activities that raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

You can ride the bamboo zip bike for only Php 500.00. This includes a souvenir photo of you on the bike to remind you of the experience. Ugong Rock’s Bamboo Zip bike supports sustainable tourism in Palawan and is the beginning of growing a green economy for the province. Every visit will not only satisfy your adventure gene but will also be able to help the local community.

“Ang kita ng zip bike pumapasok sa reserve fund namin na ipon po namin para maka-bili ng bagong units ng bamboo zip bike. Ang kita naman namin para sa spelunking at zip line pumapasok sa general fund namin na pinagkukunan namin ng pangbayad sa repayment sa SETUP, maintenance, gastos sa operations, salary at benefits ng mga empleyado, at rentals namin”.

For more information about the Bamboo Zip bike and Ugong Rock, you may contact DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center- Palawan (DOST PSTC- Palawan) at ‎(048) 433-0489 or through their email add dostpalawan@gmail.com.

Palawan artists launch fest

By Joy Tabuada

Art on the Move, a community of Palawan artists, celebrates its second year anniversary with a 5-day art festival entitled Rooted, Elevate, Evolve taking place at Robinsons Place Palawan from Sept 12 to 16.

Rooted, Elevate, Evolve is a celebration of the many achievements of local artists not only of Art on the Move but of all art groups in the province. These milestones, whether big or small, continually uplift and shape the local artistic landscape while keeping artistic expressions deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of Palawan.

The celebration opens with an exhibit by the junior artists of Art on the Move, a photo exhibit, art jam activities with the public, and live music performances by up and coming local bands.

Its flagship event happens on Sept 14 at 7 p.m. with a live concert, dance performances, sketching activities, and opening of Art on the Move’s senior art exhibit.

Art on the Move started in 2015 when a few local artists with a shared vision of livening up the local art scene got together for a simple art fair. Since then, it has held several art workshops, art exhibit, sketching activities, and other art related events in different places around Puerto Princesa, hence their name.

This event is made possible by Chez Rose Beach Bar and Restaurant, Asiano, and Princesa Garden Island Resort.

Coron resort earns 2017 TripAdvisor certificate of excellence

(PR/PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Club Paradise, a luxury private island resort in Coron, is proud to have earned a TripAdvisor’ 2017 Certificate of Excellence anew.

In a statement on Friday, Club Paradise Palawan hotel manager Joegil Escobar said the breathtaking resort, now on its seventh year, was awarded in celebration of its hospitality business that has earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.

Recipients of the certificate of excellence include accommodations, restaurants and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered quality customer experience.

“It is a great pleasure to receive such prestigious recognition from TripAdvisor. Certainly, this award gives the seal of approval for the kind of service we render to guests. Our heartfelt gratitude to all our guests, who acknowledged our unique brand of service which we call 'Service That’s All Heart',” Escobar said.

“TripAdvisor is excited to announce the recipients of the 2017 Certificate of Excellence, which celebrate hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor.

She said the recognition allows to publicly honor businesses actively engaging with customers and using feedbacks to help travelers identify and confidently book the right property at the right price.

The certificate of excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and decency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period.

To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Club Paradise Palawan is a 19-hectare island resort on Dimakya Island in Coron in northern Palawan, along UNESCO’s marine sanctuary.

The exclusive property features 54 rooms and cottages with scenic views of nature, as well as a spa, restaurant, and two bars.

Coron is a haven for the gentle dugong, colorful flora and fauna, and world-class reef and wreck dive sites. Exciting day trip options include Coron Island Tour, Calauit Safari, Bottom Fishing and Island Hopping.

Club Paradise Palawan is one of five properties of The Discovery Leisure Company’s portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts.

TripAdvisor, world’s largest travel site, enables tourists to unleash the full potential of every trip.

With more than 500 million reviews and opinions covering the world’s largest selection of travel listings worldwide - over seven million accommodations, airlines, attractions, and restaurants - TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat.

Palawan village wins regional nutrition award in MIMAROPA

By Celeste Anna Formoso (PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – For its outstanding nutrition programs on children, a southern Palawan village won the 2016 Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Committee award in the recently held Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony in the Mimaropa region.

The award was given to Barangay Panacan in the municipality of Narra.

A media bulletin quoted Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Rachel Paladan as saying that Barangay Panacan was recognized for its "outstanding leadership in the implementation of nutrition programs on children."

Data from the Provincial Nutrition Office show that the town of Narra is second to San Vicente that has the lowest malnutrition prevalence rate (MPR) at 4.59 percent.

The award was received by Barangay Chairman Ferdinand Zaballa with Mayor Lucena Demaala and Paladan at Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa on August 22.

The northern Palawan town of San Vicente also received an award for qualifying as a finalist in the 2016 Outstanding Municipalities Green Banner Award along with the selection of Rosie Asuela as one of the finalists in the Outstanding Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS).

The regional award on nutrition is a program under the National Nutrition Council and the Department of Health (DOH), where health employees, institutions, and local leadership are recognized for efforts against malnutrition in their areas.

Palawan underground river in CNN’s '50 Natural Wonders'

By Azer Parrocha (PNA)

MANILA -- A US-based travel site has included the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan in its "Natural Wonders" list.

The Subterranean River was ranked 30th on the updated list of 50 natural wonders of CNN Travel, the travel vertical site of US news channel, CNN.

“Nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River runs for 8.2 kilometers underground and boasts limestone karst formations, stalactites, and stalagmites,” CNN Travel writer Bija Knowles in an article dated August 17.

Knowles cited the subterranean river as an ideal place to “cruise down the river in a canoe” and “watch out for the Palawan stink badger” which she described as “an adorable little skunk that lives in the area.”

The Department of Tourism on Thursday welcomed this international recognition noting that Palawan is blessed with “many natural wonders.”

"We welcome these citations for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which is just one of Palawan's stunning natural sceneries. We invite the world to see the other sights in the paradise that is Palawan," Teo said in a statement.

In addition to the subterranean River, Teo noted Palawan has been cited as the “World’s Best Island” consecutively for two years and by the Travel+Leisure magazine owing to its breath-taking attractions, such as Coron and El Nido island resorts.

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